Patriot from Netherlands and start date of negotiations on Ukraine's accession to EU - Friday brief

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Netherlands with another country to transfer Patriot system to Ukraine

Ukraine will receive another Patriot anti-aircraft missile system. It will be provided by the Netherlands together with another country, according to Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren.

She clarified that the Netherlands and another country have assembled parts that can form a complete system. The minister has been working on this issue for some time.

Ollongren said that air defense is crucial for Ukraine, which has been able to resist many Russian attacks by doing so. The secretary also added that the United States is working to further assist Ukraine's military efforts.

EU sets date for launching Ukraine's accession talks

The ambassadors of the European Union countries have given in-principle consent to the opening of EU accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova, which will begin on June 25.

"The ambassadors have agreed in principle to the framework of EU accession talks with Ukraine and Moldova. The Belgian presidency will convene the first intergovernmental conferences on June 25," the source says.

The decision is to be officially approved at a ministerial meeting on June 21.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has approved the composition of Ukraine's delegation to participate in negotiations with the European Union on the conclusion of the EU-Ukraine Accession Agreement.

The delegation includes 35 representatives. The delegation will be headed by Olha Stefanishyna, Vice Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, who will be the chief negotiator.

The delegation also includes the head of the Presidential Office, Andrii Yermak, and the first deputy chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Oleksandr Korniienko.

Ukraine to receive €1.9 billion from EU under Ukraine Facility next week

The European Union will provide 1.9 billion euros to Ukraine next week. The aid is being provided under the €50 billion Ukraine Facility program, says Valdis Dombrovskis, Vice President of the European Commission.

"On the Ukraine Facility: Ukraine should receive €1.9 billion in pre-financing next week," Dombrovskis said.

According to him, the next two tranches may take place in the fall.

Ukraine to receive first tranche of frozen Russian assets by end of summer

Ukraine is likely to receive the first tranche of proceeds from frozen Russian assets by the end of the summer. It will amount to €1.5 billion ($1.6 billion), states Valdis Dombrovskis, Vice President of the European Commission.

As Dombrovskis reminded, in May, it was agreed to use the proceeds of frozen Russian assets in favor of Ukraine.

"We estimate that our measures would make up to €3 billion ($3.21 billion) available this year – and we expect to make a first payment of €1.5 billion before the summer break," he added.

The European Commissioner added that the first focus of the use of these revenues will be on military support for Ukraine.

South Korea may provide Ukraine with air defense systems and 155mm shells

South Korea considers providing Ukraine with air defense systems and 155-mm artillery shells. The amount of weapon deliveries will depend on Russia's position on its relations with the DPRK, according to Yonhap.

Government sources told the agency that South Korea is considering supplying 155-mm artillery shells and air defense systems that Ukraine needs.

"There are various options for providing weapons, and our position on the recent developments between Russia and North Korea depends on how Russia approaches the situation going forward," the official said.