Security assurances from Denmark and new aid package from Britain to Ukraine - Thursday brief

Russia's war against Ukraine

• Kremlin prepares Russians for long war with Ukraine and West - UK intelligence;
• Ukrainian Air Force names number of drones eliminated during latest Russian attack;
• Russian troops strike civilian sector in Kherson region, one casualty reported;
• Ukrainian Armed Forces destroy 515 Russian invaders and 46 equipment units on Tavria front.

Denmark signs security agreement with Ukraine

Denmark signed an agreement with Ukraine to provide security assurances for 10 years, according to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.

"This is the most serious situation in security policy since the end of the Cold War. The Danish government cannot stress enough how important it is for Ukraine to obtain the military potential it needs. If we do not stand together, Ukraine will not stand, and then potentially neither will Europe," she said.

The agreement defines that Denmark will support Ukraine in military aeund other sectors for 10 years.

The security agreement is intended to support Ukraine's ability to defend itself against Russia and deter possible future attacks by the Russian Federation.

Brimstone missiles and more: UK announces new aid package for Ukraine

Britain, on February 22, announced a new package of military aid to Ukraine. The Ukrainian Armed Forces, in particular, will receive anti-tank weapons, according to the Defense Minister of Great Britain, Grant Shapps.

"Today I can announce a new package of 200 Brimstone anti-tank missiles in a further boost to defend Ukraine," the statement reads.

According to him, these missiles had a significant impact on the battlefield before, in one case, forcing Russian forces to abandon and retreat during an attempt to cross a river.

He also adds that Britain will train more Ukrainian troops and other allies, stating that together, they will train another 10,000 individuals in the first half of 2024.

Ukraine will have right to strike with F-16s on legitimate targets in Russia - NATO chief

Ukrainian pilots of F-16 fighter jets will have the right to strike legitimate military targets in Russia, according to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.

When asked when Ukraine would be able to deploy the F-16s, Stoltenberg said it was impossible to say.

He confirmed that all of Ukraine's allies want the fighter jets to be in Ukraine as soon as possible, but noted that the effect of the F-16s will be stronger if the pilots are well trained and the crews and other support personnel are well prepared.

"So, I think we have to listen to the military experts exactly when we will be ready to or when allies will be ready to start sending and delivering the F-16s. The sooner the better," he said.

According to Stoltenberg, each ally will decide for itself whether to supply F-16s to Ukraine, and the allies have different policies.

But at the same time, the Secretary-General noted, the war in Ukraine is a war of aggression, and Kyiv has the right to self-defense, including strikes on legitimate Russian military targets outside Ukraine.

Ukrainian Defense Forces confirm strike on Russian invaders in Kherson region

The Ukrainian Defense Forces confirmed a strike on Russian troops at the training ground on the left bank of the Kherson region. About 60 occupants were killed, according to Natalia Humeniuk, a spokesperson for the Southern Defense Forces of Ukraine.

"All this profanation with raising the flag and running away from there was enchantingly completed by the fact that yesterday we practiced at one of the training grounds where the relevant assault groups are trained," she says.

According to her, dozens of Russian occupants were killed as a result of the strike.

"The work was quite effective, at least 60 invaders will definitely not return to their combat positions, and we are still investigating the rest of the data," the spokesperson adds.

Humeniuk does not disclose the weapons used in the attack, but emphasizes that the Ukrainian Defense Forces "use all available weapons and power."

Denmark announces new aid package for Ukraine and F-16 delivery time

The Danish government has announced a fresh military aid package to Ukraine worth nearly $250 million, according to Ekstra Bladet.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized Denmark's staunch support for Ukraine, labeling it as one of the foremost backers of the nation.

"We stand by Ukraine," Frederiksen said, noting that Copenhagen has already allocated 33 billion Danish kroner to aid Ukraine.

"Denmark has greenlit yet another assistance package for Ukraine, sending a resolute message of unwavering support," she said.

Frederiksen underscored that the new aid package for Ukraine would come at a considerable cost.

"Ukraine can count on Denmark's support for the next decade, as can several other nations. Freedom comes at a price," the Prime Minister remarked.

European Parliament committees approve 50 billion euros for Ukraine

European Parliament committees have backed the Ukraine Facility financial support program for Ukraine, allocating a whopping 50 billion euros, according to the European Parliament and MEP Viola von Cramon.

"Key budgetary support for Ukraine has been approved by three parliamentary committees," tweeted the European Parliament.

The Ukraine Facility will provide a total of 50 billion euros in grants, loans, and guarantees, demonstrating the EU's commitment to supporting Ukraine with whatever it needs.

MEP Viola von Cramon confirmed the decision, emphasizing the unanimous support from the foreign affairs committee of the European Parliament.

"We just approved Ukraine Facility, a €50 Billion financial aid for the years to come. On the next week's plenary in Strasbourg, the whole Parliament will once again stand together in solidarity with," she added on X.