Ukraine has received Western weapons with permission to hit Russia

Latvia's newly appointed Foreign Minister, Baiba Braže, has stated that Ukraine has received Western weapons from certain partners with permission to strike Russian territory. This was revealed during an interview with European Pravda.

According to Braže, Ukraine generally receives weapons from Western partners with explicit conditions to avoid using them outside Ukraine's borders. However, she believes this approach could evolve and, in fact, has already begun to change. She mentioned that there are countries that have provided weapons to Ukraine without any conditions.

When asked for clarification, Braže confirmed that these countries exist. She noted that the lifting of restrictions wasn't publicly announced, suggesting that some operations are kept under wraps for tactical reasons. "Not everything is said aloud, and better that it's not said aloud at certain times, but that there is effect on the battlefield," she explained. Braže added that these decisions, whether communicated openly or not, aim to achieve the desired impact in conflict.

Braže also emphasized her belief that if Russia is using facilities to attack Ukraine, Ukraine has the right to retaliate, even if these facilities are located on Russian territory. She pointed out that such actions are permitted by international law.

Additionally, Braže discussed Latvia's drone coalition, designed to meet the needs of Ukrainian forces, and expressed her belief that time is not in Russia's favor as the war continues. These insights underscore Latvia's supportive stance towards Ukraine in its efforts to defend against Russian aggression.

Zelensky: Ukraine preparing 7 more bilateral security agreements

Ukraine is actively pursuing bilateral security agreements with seven additional countries, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced in his evening address on May 1. This development comes as over 30 nations have already joined the Group of Seven (G7) Joint Declaration of Support for Ukraine. Countries such as the U.K., Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, Finland, and Latvia have already signed bilateral agreements with Kyiv.

Currently, Ukraine is in negotiations with Estonia, Spain, the Czech Republic, and the United States to establish similar agreements. The Presidential Office indicated that the third round of talks with the U.S. took place on April 29.

Zelensky noted that some drafts of security agreements have already been prepared. "We are filling the draft agreements with stronger opportunities for Ukraine and for common security with our partners," he said, emphasizing that the priority is anything that will offer enhanced protection against Russian aggression.

The G7 members presented their plan for long-term security commitments for Ukraine during the NATO summit in Vilnius in July last year. This plan involves bilateral support from individual countries to aid Ukraine in repelling the ongoing Russian invasion and deterring future threats. The security guarantees include concrete and lasting commitments, aiming to strengthen Ukraine's resilience against Russian aggression. These guarantees also encompass sanctions, financial assistance, and post-war reconstruction, providing a comprehensive framework to support Ukraine's security and recovery.

Russian attacks on Kharkiv Oblast kill woman and leave 9 people injured

The number of people injured in a Russian airstrike on the settlement of Zolochiv in Kharkiv Oblast has increased to nine. Additionally, a Russian strike on the village of Lyptsi killed a woman, according to the Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutor’s Office.

The updated number of injured in Zolochiv includes six civilian men, two women, and an 11-year-old boy. The Russian strike targeted this settlement, causing significant harm to civilians.

In the village of Lyptsi, which was struck around 16:10, a 78-year-old woman received shrapnel wounds and subsequently died. Initial reports indicate that the Russian troops used mortars to strike the house where the woman was located.

These incidents illustrate the continuing threat that Russian airstrikes pose to civilians in Ukraine's Kharkiv Oblast, with both children and the elderly among the casualties. The attacks further highlight the challenges Ukraine faces in protecting its population amid ongoing Russian aggression.