Russia's military invasion of Ukraine continues.
Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to fight in various parts of Ukraine, and many civilians have fled the country. We will keep you updated on the developments surrounding the situation in Ukraine on the 17th (Japan time), including the situation of the battle and the diplomacy of the countries involved.
(There is a 7 hour time difference between Japan and Ukraine, and a 6 hour time difference with Moscow, Russia)
France and Ukraine sign security agreement, providing up to 3 billion euros in military aid
French President Macron and Ukrainian President Zelenskiy held a summit meeting in Paris on the 16th and signed a bilateral security agreement to ensure the long-term security of Ukraine.
Under the agreement, up to 3 billion yen will be spent this year for the purpose of strengthening air defense and artillery capabilities, training Ukrainian military units, and strengthening interoperability with NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) member states. The government plans to provide additional military support of approximately 483.8 billion yen in euros and Japanese yen.
This agreement was concluded individually with Ukraine by each country based on the joint declaration of the G7 = seven major countries last July, and France became the third country to sign the agreement, following the United Kingdom and Germany. .
Ukrainian army to withdraw troops from eastern Audiiivka
On the 17th, Mr. Silsky, who was appointed as the new commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian military, announced on social media that he would withdraw his troops from eastern Audiivka, which has been increasingly attacked by Russian forces.
It is said that this was to avoid a siege by the Russian army and the loss of soldiers.
Commander-in-Chief Schirsky revealed on the 14th that he had inspected the front lines, including Audi Iuka, and indicated that the situation was ``extremely difficult,'' and that he was prepared to fight back thoroughly.
Audiiivka is an important defensive base for the Ukrainian side, and the Russian military has been intensifying its offensive by deploying large numbers of troops since October last year, aiming to take control of the entire eastern Donetsk region.