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Paramount Group Expands into Ukraine's Armoured Vehicle Market

Paramount Group Expands into Ukraine's Armoured Vehicle Market

Paramount Group, Africa's largest private defence company, is expanding its presence in Ukraine's armoured vehicle market. The South African-based company, founded by Ivor Ichikowitz, is leveraging its European subsidiary, Paramount Greece, to enter the market amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The company showcased a locally adapted Mbombe 4 vehicle to Ukrainian defence stakeholders, marking a significant engagement with a conflict-zone customer. This move comes as South Africa navigates complex diplomatic ties with Russia while maintaining a policy of non-alignment.

Ukraine Tourism Before and After the 2014 Crimea Annexation

Ukraine Tourism Before and After the 2014 Crimea Annexation

The 2014 Russian annexation of Crimea marked a significant turning point for Ukraine's tourism industry. Prior to this event, Ukraine attracted mor...

Ukraine Seeks Polish Assistance Following Russian Attacks on Power Grid

Ukraine Seeks Polish Assistance Following Russian Attacks on Power Grid

Ukraine has requested emergency aid from Poland after a massive Russian attack on its energy infrastructure. The strikes targeted key power plants, causing widespread outages and leaving many without heat or electricity in freezing temperatures. Ukrainian Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed the request for assistance, as the damage has led to emergency outages in most regions. The attacks coincide with ongoing negotiations between Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S., which have yet to resolve territorial disputes and security concerns.

Ukraine Seeks Polish Aid Following Russian Attacks on Power Grid

Ukraine Seeks Polish Aid Following Russian Attacks on Power Grid

Ukraine has requested emergency assistance from Poland after a massive Russian attack on its energy infrastructure. The strikes have caused widespread power outages, leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity or heating in freezing temperatures. The Ukrainian government has accused Russia of deliberately targeting energy facilities, including the Burshtynska and Dobrotvirska power plants. In response, Poland has temporarily suspended operations at two airports near the Ukrainian border to ensure military aviation can operate freely. This development highlights the ongoing challenges Ukraine faces in maintaining its energy supply amid the conflict.

Ryazhenka Explained: Why This Fermented Milk Is a Protein-Rich Eastern European Staple

Ryazhenka Explained: Why This Fermented Milk Is a Protein-Rich Eastern European Staple

Ryazhenka, a traditional fermented milk product from Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine, is not only cherished for its unique taste but also for its nutr...

Zelenskyy Criticizes Ukrainian Air Force Amid Russian Drone Attacks Impacting Civilians

Zelenskyy Criticizes Ukrainian Air Force Amid Russian Drone Attacks Impacting Civilians

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the Ukrainian air force in response to ongoing Russian drone attacks. These attacks have targeted civilian areas, particularly focusing on Ukraine's power grid, leading to widespread blackouts and disruptions in heating and water supplies during the harsh winter. Zelenskyy has discussed with defense officials the need for improved air defense measures, although specific strategies were not disclosed. Recent Russian assaults involved 328 drones and seven missiles, with Ukrainian defenses reportedly downing 297 drones. The attacks have resulted in casualties and significant damage, including in the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. The situation remains dire as Ukraine's electricity network faces its most severe crisis of the winter.

EU Commission Proposes New Sanctions on Russian Oil Trade Amid Ukraine Conflict

EU Commission Proposes New Sanctions on Russian Oil Trade Amid Ukraine Conflict

The European Union's executive arm has proposed additional sanctions against Russia, targeting the country's oil trade and financial services. This move is part of ongoing efforts to pressure Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for pressure to bring Russia to the negotiating table. The proposed sanctions include a ban on shipping services that support Russia's oil industry, which would require approval from EU member states. The aim is to reduce Russia's energy revenues and complicate its oil sales. The EU has already imposed 19 sanction packages on Russia, and discussions on the new proposals are set to begin soon.

Ukraine businesses struggle to cope as Russian attacks bring power cuts and uncertainty

Ukraine businesses struggle to cope as Russian attacks bring power cuts and uncertainty

While businesses were prepared for electricity cuts due to Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, no one expected such a brutal winter

Ukrainian Forces Claim Successful Strike on Russian Missile Test Site

Ukrainian Forces Claim Successful Strike on Russian Missile Test Site

The Ukrainian Armed Forces have reported a successful strike on the Kapustin Yar missile test site in Russia, using their domestically-made FP-5 missile, known as the 'Flamingo'. The attack reportedly damaged several buildings used for the preparation of medium-range intercontinental ballistic missiles. The General Staff of Ukraine stated that the strike caused significant damage to one of the hangars and led to the evacuation of personnel from the area. This development is part of ongoing military tensions between Ukraine and Russia.

Ukraine Eyes Meteor Missiles for Enhanced Air Defense Amid Russian Threats

Ukraine Eyes Meteor Missiles for Enhanced Air Defense Amid Russian Threats

Ukraine is considering acquiring European-made Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles to bolster its defense capabilities against Russian fighter jets. The Meteor, known for its long range and advanced propulsion system, would be part of a security aid package from Sweden, contingent on Ukraine acquiring Saab Gripen fighters. The missile's transfer is under discussion, with potential inclusion in a Gripen package. The Meteor's advanced features, such as its ramjet propulsion and active radar seeker, make it a formidable addition to Ukraine's air defense arsenal, potentially altering the balance of power in the region.

U.S. Envoy Announces Russia-Ukraine Prisoner Exchange Amid Ongoing Peace Talks

U.S. Envoy Announces Russia-Ukraine Prisoner Exchange Amid Ongoing Peace Talks

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to their first prisoner exchange in five months, as part of ongoing trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi. The agreement involves the exchange of 314 prisoners and is seen as a significant step in the diplomatic efforts to end the conflict between the two nations. The talks, brokered by the U.S. under the direction of President Trump, aim to address the ongoing war initiated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Despite this progress, a major sticking point remains the control of Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, which continues to hinder a comprehensive peace agreement. The negotiations have been described as detailed and productive, with all parties expressing optimism about the progress made.

Starlink Terminals Used by Russia in Ukraine Disrupted, Affecting Military Communications

Starlink Terminals Used by Russia in Ukraine Disrupted, Affecting Military Communications

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry announced that Starlink satellite internet terminals used by Russian forces in Ukraine have been 'cut off,' disrupting their military communications. SpaceX, the owner of Starlink, is collaborating with Ukraine to maintain a 'whitelist' of approved terminals, blocking unauthorized Russian systems. This move is part of efforts to prevent Russia from leveraging Starlink for military advantages, such as guiding drones. The disruption has reportedly caused significant communication issues for Russian forces on the front lines, impacting their command and control capabilities.