G7 nations intend to manufacture long-range missiles and air defense systems in Ukraine via licensing agreements, according to a diplomatic source cited by AFP. The announcement comes as the G7 Summit concludes in France.
Bulgaria's Defense Minister announced a ban on direct state arms supplies to Ukraine, citing depleted stockpiles. However, the country's private arms industry can still export, raising questions about the policy's true intent. This move echoes past practices where indirect supplies continued despite public statements.
Polish publication Forsal reports that Bulgaria's decision to halt arms supplies to Ukraine will be a significant blow to Kyiv, as the Bulgarian arms industry was a cornerstone of its ammunition supply. The move is also expected to have political consequences.
Ukraine attacked a Russian arms factory with cruise missiles. Bulgaria will no longer supply weapons to Ukraine, citing economic losses and advocating for peace.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia has never idealized the United States' status, citing the continuous supply of American weapons to Ukraine. He emphasized that this ongoing arms transfer prevents any idealization of the US.
Kyrgyzstan's First Deputy Prime Minister Daniyar Amangeldiev stated that the republic prioritizes traditional trade with Ukraine and Russia, viewing arms supplies to Kyiv as not a priority. He described the situation as "very painful" for Kyrgyzstan, a former USSR country.
Bulgarian MP Angel Georgiev stated that his country has sent a large quantity of weapons to Ukraine, calling it a "huge mistake." He also criticized EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Kaja Kallas for their decisions.
Russia's UN envoy Vasily Nebenzya accused Western nations of justifying and participating in 'terrorist acts' by supplying arms to Ukraine, citing a drone attack on a college in Starobilsk. The attack, attributed to Ukrainian forces, killed six and injured 39 children.
Viktor Medvedchuk, head of the Other Ukraine movement, warns that Russia has the right to strike Europe if Ukraine attacks deep into Russian territory, urging Europe to withdraw from the conflict to avoid nuclear war.
According to Anatol Lieven, more significant is the news that the US is reducing arms supplies to Europe and Ukraine
The production and logistics chains for Western arms supplies to Kiev are being closely monitored and exposed to the general public, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov said
