Author: Martin Fornusek
Martin Fornusek is a Czech journalist working as a senior news editor for the Kyiv Independent. He covers news stories from Ukraine, including updates on the ongoing conflict with Russia, as well as international stories.
Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted at his preference for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris over Donald Trump in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. This statement follows the U.S. government’s crackdown on Russian interference in past elections. Putin expressed his initial support for President Biden and later shifted to backing Harris after Biden withdrew from the race. The prospect of Trump’s reelection raises concerns in Ukraine due to his past actions and statements regarding the country’s territorial integrity. Trump has praised Putin and suggested he could quickly resolve the conflict in Ukraine, while Biden has taken a more assertive stance through military…
Russia has moved 90% of its aircraft used in attacks on Ukraine outside a 300-kilometer zone from the Ukrainian border, confirmed by U.S. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby. The U.S. provided Ukraine with long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) this year, but restrictions prevent their use on Russian soil. President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed frustration with Western delays in military support decisions, pushing Ukraine to bolster its domestic defense production. Ukraine recently tested its first domestically-made ballistic missile, advancing its long-range capabilities. Washington has allowed Ukrainian strikes with certain U.S.-supplied weapons just across the shared border. Despite calls to lift…
During Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris’s visit to Kyiv, he and President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a bilateral cooperation agreement, marking the 26th agreement Kyiv has signed with foreign partners based on a G7 declaration. The agreement between Ukraine and Ireland focuses on humanitarian aid, support for Ukraine’s recovery, EU integration efforts, and holding Russia accountable for war damages. Ireland pledged 128 million euros in non-lethal military support and 40 million euros in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine for the year. Additionally, a new package worth 36 million euros was announced to provide humanitarian assistance and support Ukraine’s longer-term goals. Ireland’s total…
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris visited Kyiv to meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky and sign a cooperation agreement. This visit coincided with Russia’s deadly attack on the city of Lviv. Harris and Zelensky discussed EU support, Ukraine’s path towards EU membership, and Ireland’s assistance. Harris toured areas damaged by Russia’s invasion in Kyiv Oblast, including Hostomel, where he saw the impact of Irish reconstruction efforts. Ireland announced a new $40 million support package for Ukraine, bringing total funding to $420 million since the war began. Dublin’s aid includes humanitarian, economic, and non-lethal defense support due to Ireland’s military neutrality policy.…
**Ukraine’s Fight for Liberation: An Interview with Retired General Philip M. Breedlove** As Ukraine battles for its territory against Russian aggression, The Kyiv Independent spoke with retired U.S. Air Force General Philip M. Breedlove to gain insights into the current battlefield situation. General Breedlove commended Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk as a bold tactical success, highlighting the innovative use of electronic warfare and drone capabilities. While acknowledging Russia’s continued occupation of Ukrainian territory, he emphasized the importance of Ukraine dictating the terms of the fight through modern maneuver warfare tactics. He also touched upon the delayed supply of Western fighter jets…
Sitting on NATO’s eastern frontier, Lithuania has been a strong supporter of Ukraine, providing military aid, humanitarian support, and advocating for increased Western support. Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis emphasizes the need to overcome fear in supporting Ukraine to victory, highlighting the importance of a clear strategy. Landsbergis defines Ukraine’s victory as a safe and secure country within its borders, aligned with the EU and NATO. Addressing concerns of Western partners potentially compromising with Russia, Landsbergis warns against territorial concessions, stressing the need for Ukraine to negotiate from a position of strength. As tensions rise on the Belarusian-Ukrainian border, Lithuania sees…
Denmark’s donation of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine has proven to be essential in the country’s defense against Russian attacks. Danish PM Mette Frederiksen expressed her pride in seeing the aircraft in action during the Globsec conference in Prague. The jets, piloted by Ukrainian pilots, have been actively involved in combat operations, with one pilot, Oleksii Mes, tragically losing his life in a recent crash while defending Ukraine against a Russian drone and missile attack. The first batch of F-16s was delivered to Ukraine in August, a year after its allies pledged support at a NATO summit. The specific role…
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen criticized certain EU politicians for shifting blame for Russia’s war on Ukraine, drawing historical comparisons to Soviet aggression. She highlighted the importance of supporting Ukraine’s freedom against Putin’s aggression and emphasized the need for European defense investment. Von der Leyen announced plans for the first-ever EU Defense Commissioner to enhance security measures. At the Globsec conference in Prague, Czech President Petr Pavel underscored the long conflict ahead for Ukraine and its allies, emphasizing the need for sustained support, stronger sanctions enforcement, and outreach to prevent assistance to Moscow. The conference gathered government officials,…
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba urges foreign partners to expedite the delivery of promised Patriot air defense systems. Despite some systems being received, delays persist. Kuleba emphasizes the critical role of these advanced systems in safeguarding Ukrainian airspace. Besides Patriots, Ukraine has acquired other Western defense systems. Italy, Germany, and other allies have committed to providing additional systems to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities. The urgent need for air defense becomes apparent as Russia escalates attacks. NATO allies pledged to deliver more systems following the recent summit in Washington. ‘The goal should be the strategic defeat of Russia’ – Latvian Defense…
In a daring move, a Belarusian fighter jet reportedly attempted to down a Russian Shahed-type drone that intruded into Belarus’ airspace during an overnight attack on Ukraine. The Belarusian Hajun monitoring group detailed this unprecedented incident, indicating a pursuit lasting around 20 minutes before at least two explosions were heard in the Yelsk district. This marks the first known engagement of a Belarusian Air Force plane against a Russian attack drone. While the Belarusian Defense Ministry has remained silent on the matter, reports suggest multiple instances of Russian drones straying off course into Belarus in recent weeks. These developments come…