Ukraine updates: Kyiv thanks Germany for air defense systems

Welcoming Germany's new ambassador, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the IRIS-T SLM air defense system was "much needed." Meanwhile, Russia has said it thwarted an attack on its Black Sea fleet. DW has the latest.

Kyiv thanks Germany for air defense systems

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has thanked Germany for the delivery of air defense equipment.

The delivery of the IRIS-T SLM air defense system comes as Martin Jäger officially took up his position as Germany's new ambassador to Ukraine.

"We support Ukraine in its struggle for freedom and independence," Jäger wrote on the online platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Jäger handed over his credentials to Zelenskyy on Thursday, but had already begun his work in July.

In his evening address, Zelenskyy thanked Berlin for the recent delivery of launchers for the IRIS-T air defense system.

"This is a powerful and much-needed air defense system. Thank you, Germany, for your help in protecting us from Russian terror,"

Zelenskyy said.

US approves F-16 deliveries to Ukraine from Denmark, the Netherlands

The US on Thursday approved the sending of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands once the pilot training is completed.

A US official said they have assured Denmark and the Netherlands that Washington will expedite approval of transfer requests for the jets as soon as the pilots are trained.

"We welcome Washington's decision to pave the way for sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine," Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra said on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Denmark also confirmed the discussion would be taking place soon.

Ukraine has been eager to receive state-of-the-art jets as it fends off repeated drone and air strikes from Russia's invading forces.

source: DW