President Biden denies providing F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine as it faces a Russian invasion. After receiving main battle tanks from Germany and the U.S., Ukraine requested fighter jets as further military aid. Ex-British PM Boris Johnson states he was threatened by Russian President Putin during a phone call in February prior to Ukraine's invasion. He summarizes the current status of the situation in Ukraine as of 31st US time.
Ex-British PM says Putin threatened him
The British BBC reported that in February of last year, prior to Ukraine's invasion, Russian President Putin threatened then-British PM Boris Johnson during a phone conversation on the 30th. Putin allegedly said, "Boris, I don't want to hurt you, but I can launch a missile attack in minutes," as recounted in an interview by Mr. Johnson during a BBC program recording.
The new START successor treaty may not be concluded
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov stated in a 30th published interview that the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), the sole nuclear disarmament framework between Russia and the U.S., may expire in 2026 without a successor treaty being reached. The invasion of Ukraine raises the possibility of the collapse of the framework for managing strategic weapons.
Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov stated in a 30th published interview that the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START), the sole nuclear disarmament framework between Russia and the U.S., may expire in 2026 without a successor treaty being reached. The invasion of Ukraine raises the possibility of the collapse of the framework for managing strategic weapons.
Poland cuts defense spending to 4% of GDP
Polish Prime Minister Morawiecki announced on Wednesday that he plans to allocate 4% of the country's GDP towards defense in 2023 due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The German DPA news agency reported this. Morawiecki stated that among NATO members, this would be the largest allocation of funds to the military.
Russian barracks attack by Ukrain with "more than 300 casualties"
The Ukrainian military's attack on a Russian barracks in Makiivka, Donetsk region resulted in over 300 casualties, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense analysis released on Monday. Russia's Ministry of Defense announced on the 4th that 89 people were killed.
