APRIL 2024
April 30
Germany Delivers Skynex Air Defense System, Marder Vehicles, and Ammunition to Ukraine
Germany has delivered a substantial military aid package to Ukraine, including Skynex air defense systems, Marder infantry fighting vehicles, ammunition for Leopard 2 tanks, and various other equipment to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression. This aid aims to enhance Ukraine’s battlefield capabilities and support its defense efforts.
Stoltenberg: Ukraine’s Trust in NATO ‘Dented’ by Aid Delays
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg acknowledged that delays in delivering promised aid have damaged Ukraine’s trust in the alliance. He emphasized the need for a more robust and institutionalized framework to ensure timely and predictable military support for Ukraine, highlighting the consequences of aid delays on the battlefield.
Ukraine Allocates Funds for 300,000 Drones
Ukraine has allocated $391 million to purchase 300,000 drones, significantly boosting its defense capabilities. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized the importance of drones in Ukraine’s defense strategy, with the new funds supplementing the $1.1 billion already allocated in 2024 for drone acquisition and development.
April 29
Poles Unblock All Checkpoints on the Border with Ukraine
On April 29, 2024, Polish farmers ceased their blockade of the Rava-Ruska-Hrebenne checkpoint, allowing the resumption of lorry traffic. The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine confirmed that all checkpoints on the Poland-Ukraine border are now unblocked. However, lorries carrying grain crops can only transit through Poland and are not allowed entry. This follows a prior blockade lift at the Yahodyn-Dorohusk checkpoint and a call from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk for farmers to stop the blockades.
Strike on Odesa Kills 5; Zelensky Urges Faster Weapon Deliveries
A Russian missile attack on Odesa killed five people and injured 32, intensifying Ukraine’s call for faster weapon deliveries. President Zelensky stressed the urgency of timely military support to stabilize the front lines. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, during his visit to Kyiv, acknowledged the delays in aid and their battlefield consequences. Meanwhile, Russia claimed to have captured a village in Donetsk, amid ongoing heavy fighting in eastern Ukraine.
April 28
Ukraine Expands Martial Law and Requests Suspension of Certain Human Rights Provisions
Ukraine expanded its martial law to enhance defenses, including creating military districts and allowing property seizures. The new decree limits consular services abroad for conscription-age men without updated documents and lowers the conscription age from 27 to 25. Additionally, Ukraine has applied to the Council of Europe to suspend parts of the Human Rights Convention, allowing measures like curfews and property seizures, aligning with international obligations amid ongoing conflict.
April 27
Australia Pledges $100 Million Military Aid Package for Ukraine
During his visit to Ukraine, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles announced a new $100 million military assistance package. This package includes $50 million for military equipment such as uncrewed aerial systems and high-priority gear, and $50 million for air-to-ground precision munitions and short-range air defense systems. The support is part of Australia’s ongoing commitment to aid Ukraine in its defense against Russian advances.
April 26
Canada Announces New Military Aid Initiatives for Ukraine
On April 26, 2024, Minister of National Defense Bill Blair announced at the 21st Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting several new military aid initiatives for Ukraine. Canada will donate $3 million for Ukraine’s drone production, marking its first direct contribution to this effort. Additionally, Canada is contributing $13 million to Czechia’s ammunition procurement initiative for Ukraine and increasing its donation of SkyRanger drones by 100 units. Other updates include the delivery of armored combat vehicles, multirole boats, and training support for Ukraine’s F-16 fleet.
Biden Administration Announces Historic $6 Billion Security Assistance Package for Ukraine
The Biden Administration has unveiled a $6 billion security assistance package for Ukraine, commemorating the two-year anniversary of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group. This package, provided through the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, includes additional munitions for Patriot and NASAMS systems, counter-UAS equipment, HIMARS ammunition, artillery rounds, precision aerial munitions, and unmanned aerial systems.
April 25
Ukraine Submits First Reform Report to EU Commission Under 2023 Enlargement Package
Ukraine submitted its first report to the European Commission on the implementation of reform recommendations from the 2023 EU Enlargement Package. The 1600-page document details Ukraine’s progress on 33 negotiating chapters, political and economic criteria, and incorporates a new anti-corruption methodology. This report, prepared by around 140 government agencies, covers decisions and laws adopted from June 15, 2023, to March 31, 2024. Another update covering March-August 2024 will be submitted in early September.
Poland and Lithuania Pledge to Help Kyiv Repatriate Ukrainians Subject to Military Draft
Poland’s Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Lithuania’s Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas have expressed their willingness to assist Ukraine in repatriating military-aged men as part of Kyiv’s new mobilization efforts and restrictions on consular support for military-aged men abroad. Both countries are exploring measures to encourage the return of Ukrainian men, such as limiting social benefits and work permits for those who remain abroad.
April 24
European Commission Disburses €1.5 Billion to Ukraine, Total Support Reaches €98.5 Billion
The European Commission disbursed a second instalment of €1.5 billion to Ukraine under the Ukraine Facility, following reforms in judiciary, anti-money laundering, public finance, business environment, and agriculture. This brings total support under the Facility to €6 billion, with €4.5 billion released in March. Since February 2022, total EU support to Ukraine amounts to €98.5 billion. The European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the funds will help maintain state functions and basic services while Ukraine continues its defense efforts.
April 23
NATO Secretary General Welcomes UK and Polish Support for Ukraine
On April 23, 2024, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg met with the Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk and the UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in Poland. Stoltenberg welcomed Sunak’s announcement of a major military support package for Ukraine, which includes more ammunition, air defense, and precision strike capabilities. He also praised Poland’s defense investments and its role in supporting Ukraine and hosting refugees. The discussions emphasized strengthening NATO’s support for Ukraine with a robust and predictable multi-year financial commitment.
April 22
UK Announces Largest Military Aid Package for Ukraine
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced the largest military support package for Ukraine, including 400 vehicles, 1,600 weapons, and 4 million rounds of ammunition, along with £500 million in additional funding. This new commitment aims to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression and brings the UK’s total support to £3 billion for this financial year. Sunak emphasized the importance of defending Ukraine for European security and pledged continued UK support.
April 20
US House of Representatives Approves Funding After Months of Deadlock
On April 20th, the US Congress approved $61 billion worth of funding for Ukraine. The bill has been deadlocked for months and faced resistance from Republican house representatives. The passage of the bill comes amidst ammunition and supply shortages in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. It is hoped that the funding will give Ukraine adequate funds to replenish its depleted stocks.
April 19
NATO Pledges Air Defense Systems to Ukraine
On April 19th, several NATO countries confirmed that they would send available air defense systems to Ukraine. Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg informed the media that further announcements about this shipment will be made in the near future. The announcement comes amidst intensifying Russian missile attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and civilians.
April 17
Czech Republic and Other Countries Pledge to Purchase Ukraine Shells
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced that 20 countries had pledged funding to buy 500,000 shells for the Ukrainian army. Germany and Canada are among the 20 countries that have provided funds for the purchase of the shells. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are facing severe ammunition shortages. It is hoped that the shells will help replenish depleted stocks.
April 16
Zelenskyy Signs New Draft Law
On April 16, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a new draft law. The law requires able-body men to update their draft data, boosts volunteer payment, and adds harsher punishments for draft dodging. Zelenskyy also signed a separate law which cuts the draft law from 27 to 25. The signing of law comes amidst fears as Ukrainian forces find themselves outnumbered. It is hoped these amendments will increase troop numbers.
April 14
US Announces Sanctions of Belarusian Entities
The US imposed sanctions on 12 Belarusian companies and 10 individuals on April 14. The companies sanctioned sell equipment and supplies to the Belarusian armed forces. A spokesperson for the US Department of State said the sanctions were in response to the 2020 elections in Belarus and President Lukashenko’s support for Russia in the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War.
April 13
Germany Sends Patriot Air Defense Systems to Ukraine
Germany announced that it will supply US-made air defense systems to Ukraine on April 13. The delivery of these systems comes during a crucial period in the ongoing conflict, as Russian airstrikes continue to target vulnerable Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
April 12
On April 12, British and American governments announced sanctions on metal trade exchanges. These sanctions are aimed at disrupting Russia’s export economy as Russia is a major exporter of various metals such as aluminum, copper, and nickel.
April 11
Zelenskyy Arrives in Lithuania for Three Seas Summit
On April 11th, Zelenskyy arrived in Lithuania for the Three Seas Summit. Prior to the summit, Zelenskyy met with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda to discuss military and financial assistance. At the Three Seas Summit, delegations from 25 countries gathered in Vilnius to discuss security and cooperation. Zelenskyy stated that he would make his case for continued support for Ukraine.
Ukraine and Latvia Sign Security Agreement
On April 11, Ukraine and Latvia signed a 10-year security deal. The deal stipulates that Latvia will provide Ukraine with yearly military assistance. The deal also focuses on support for cyber defense and security in Ukraine.
April 10
UK and Ukraine Sign Defence Agreement
On April 10th, the UK and Ukraine signed a defense agreement. The signing took place in Kyiv and was attended by a delegation of 29 British businesses. The agreement outlines increased cooperation between British defense companies and Ukrainian armed forces.
April 8
Fighting Intensifies on Ukrainian Frontline Amidst Ammunition Shortages
The Ukrainian Armed Forces stated that fighting around the city of Chasiv Yar had intensified. Amidst this, Zelenskyy warned that not receiving US funding would hamper the Ukrainian Army’s abilities.
April 6
Lithuania Promises Drones for Ukraine
On April 6th, Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte announced that Lithuania would purchase 3,000 quadcopter drones for Ukraine. Simonyte also noted that the country would aid in the construction of recovery centers for Ukrainian soldiers.
April 5
Japan Announces Additional Sanctions Against Goods Exported to Russia
On April 5th, the Japanese trade ministry released a list of goods banned from being exported to Russia. The goods include items used for oil and gas pipeline construction, motor oils, and lithium-ion batteries.
April 4
Czech Government to Donate Millions of Euros for Ukrainian Ammunition
Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced that the Czech Republic would donate tens of millions of euros to Ukraine to facilitate the purchase of ammunition. Ukrainian forces have spoken of ammunition and shell shortages at the front.
German Press Investigates Companies Aiding Russian Government in Rebuilding Mariupol
Investigations by the German press have discovered that German industrial companies have been delivering supplies at occupied Ukrainian ports. The investigation also noted that the companies have been promoting a housing initiative in Mariupol which is being undertaken by the Russian defense ministry.
April 3
Ukraine Signs Security Agreement with Finland
On April 3rd, Ukraine signed a long-term security agreement with Finland. Finland expressed its interest in continuing to support Ukraine and stated that its supply of defensive assets, such as ammunition, will remain consistent. On Telegram, Zelenskyy noted that the agreement has 89 clauses.
April 2
Zelenskyy Signs Law Lowering Draft Age
On April 2nd, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a bill that lowers the draft age from 27 to 25. The bill also expands the number of civilians the army can mobilize into its ranks. As Ukraine faces ammunition and troop shortages, it is hoped that this law will compensate part of this pressing issue.