In the midst of escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine, Russia launched attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities using missiles and drones. The UK and Ukraine signed an agreement to collaborate on weapons production, while the US agreed to sell military equipment worth $138 million to Ukraine, and Germany unveiled a new package of weapons. However, Switzerland announced plans to host an international peace conference on Ukraine, which Russia promptly announced it would boycott, citing it as a project of “American Democrats.”
Russian forces targeted two energy facilities in southern Ukraine, causing power outages in several regions. The Ukrainian Air Force successfully intercepted and shot down multiple drones and missiles launched by Russia during the attacks. Meanwhile, the UK and Ukraine signed a defense cooperation agreement at a military industry conference in Kiev. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron advocated for American Republicans to approve an aid package for Ukraine to support its war efforts.
The US authorized the sale of military equipment to Ukraine to enhance its missile systems, while China rejected criticism and pressure regarding its relationship with Russia after the US warned Beijing of accountability for Moscow’s territorial gains in Ukraine. The Swiss government announced an international conference on peace in Ukraine to be held in June, which Russia dismissed as an American Democratic project and declined to attend.
