New military equipment continues to arrive in Ukraine, including Patriot anti-aircraft systems and British Challenger 2 tanks
Ammunition stocks for Ukraine's air defence are running low, military experts say. To find a solution, the allies will hold an emergency meeting on Friday in Ramstein, Germany. Meanwhile, new military equipment continues to arrive in Ukraine, including Patriot anti-aircraft systems and British Challenger 2 tanks. President Volodimir Zelenski inspected Ukraine's border with Poland and Belarus and thanked Ukrainian border guards for the way they defend the country's borders.
Patriot air defence systems, requested by Kiev to defend against air attacks, have arrived in Ukraine, according to Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov. Germany has delivered Ukraine's first Patriot air defence system and missiles, as well as a second Iris-T air defence system. The UK has also transferred 14 Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine. However, Kiev is hopeful that the allies' next step will be a decision to deliver F-16 fighter jets. A position reiterated by the Ukrainian president in talks with the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy.
"Immediately after a trip to the frontline, I informed Mr. McCarthy about what is happening now on the front, about our defence needs and capabilities. We raised the issue of F-16 aircraft, the issue of long-range weapons, additional artillery, as well as the tribunal - the tribunal on Russia's aggression against our country," the Kiev leader said.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian air ammunition stocks are running low, reports the Financial Times. The allies will meet urgently on Friday 21 April at the Ramstein military base to find a solution on replenishing Ukraine's weapons stocks. Meanwhile, Russian forces have launched drones into the Odessa region, causing a fire at an enterprise. Kamikaze drones were also shot down over the Zaporozhye region, and two people lost their lives and two others were wounded in attacks in Vovceansk, Donetsk region.
Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski inspected the border with Belarus and Poland. In a video, Zelenski talks to border guards in the Volyni region.
"We are all proud that we have such strong border guards. Keep your strength, devotion and anger to defend our country. Victory to all!" said Volodimir Zelensky.
"- Glory to Ukraine! - Glory to the heroes!"
The President presented the guardsmen with orders and medals.
"- Soldier Androshchuk! Constantine, thank you for your service! - I serve the Ukrainian people!"
On the other hand, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu also inspected the new "Yars" strategic missile systems in Kaluga region and a military plant to check how the order on providing the army with electronic equipment is being implemented. Meanwhile, in Moscow, one of Vladimir Putin's last remaining opponents in Russia was sentenced to eight years in prison for discrediting the army. An appeals court upheld the sentence against opposition figure Ilia Yashin for criticising Russia's aggression in Ukraine.
