Explaining complex things in simple words: Bill on support for Ukraine, Ukraine increases defence production, deficit in energy system of Ukraine

BILL ON SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

On April 20, the U.S. House of Representatives will consider bills to support Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.

    ▪  Ukraine has been waiting for the resumption of assistance from the United States for several months to be able to repel Russian aggression. We hope for an effective vote on Saturday.

    ▪  The bill by Mike Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives, provides for the allocation of USD 60.8 bln in terms of assistance to Ukraine.

    ▪  A separate provision of the bill stipulates that the U.S. presidential administration shall transfer ATACMS long-range missiles to Ukraine as soon as possible.

    ▪  Part of the assistance is to be provided in the form of loans, while the president and the U.S. Congress will be empowered to write off arrears on these loans.

    ▪  One of the innovations of the document is the multi-year strategy to support Ukraine in countering aggression, which must be submitted by the U.S. Secretary of State and Secretary of Defense no later than 45 days after the law enters into force.

UKRAINE INCREASES DEFENCE PRODUCTION

According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, this year, Ukraine will reach the maximum defence production over the years of independence.

    ▪  In April, Ukraine managed to increase the production of Bohdana self- propelled howitzer to 10 per month, and in May, this figure will only grow.

    ▪  According to Mykhailo Fedorov, the Minister of Digital Transformation, Ukraine already produces 90% of its needs for UAVs, including long- range and marine drones.

    ▪  According to Oleksandr Kamyshin, the head of the Ministry for Strategic Industries of Ukraine, the capacity of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex is currently about USD 20 billion. Unfortunately, Ukraine has only USD 6 billion for the purchase of weapons. In response to this situation, Denmark adopted an unprecedented decision: the new aid package for Ukraine includes USD 28.5 million for the purchase of weapons and military equipment for the Armed Forces of Ukraine from Ukrainian manufacturers.

    ▪  The development of the Ukrainian defence industry is crucial regardless of the amount of assistance provided by partner states, especially when this assistance comes late or is insufficient.

DEFICIT IN THE ENERGY SYSTEM OF UKRAINE

As a result of Russian attacks on the energy system, as well as the deterioration of climatic conditions, there was a shortage of electricity in the energy system of Ukraine almost all day on April 18. NPC Ukrenergo resorted to attracting emergency assistance from the energy systems of European countries, as well as limitations for industrial consumers.

    ▪  The reason for the electricity shortage is Russia's massive attacks on critical infrastructure, as well as the seizure of Ukraine's largest Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

    ▪  Electricity suppliers, as well as the Ministry of Energy, are doing everything possible to overcome the consequences of Russian strikes and avoid introducing restrictions for household consumers.

    ▪  Ukraine is in dire need of enhanced air defence to protect civilians and infrastructure from Russian missile terror. The leadership of Ukraine clearly articulates this request in the international arena. First of all, we are talking about Patriot and SAMP/T systems, which are capable of shooting down Russian ballistic missiles.

    ▪  During the EU summit in Brussels on April 17-18, the European Council strongly condemned the Russian attacks, in particular on Ukraine's infrastructure, and stressed the need to urgently ensure Ukraine's air defence.

    ▪  On April 13, Germany decided to transfer an additional Patriot system to Ukraine. On April 18, Chancellor Olaf Scholz called on NATO countries to find six more systems, emphasizing the paramount importance of air defence systems.

Center for Strategic Communication and Information Security