German Foreign Minister visited Ukraine, EU decided on Russian assets - Tuesday brief

RBC-Ukraine collage

Yesterday, May 21, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arrived in Kyiv, while the European Union approved sending proceeds from Russia's frozen assets to Ukraine.

RBC-Ukraine has compiled the main news for May 21.

Russia's war against Ukraine: Latest

・Ukrainian forces stabilize situation in Vovchansk, military says

・Zelenskyy believes Putin won't use nuclear weapons in Ukraine

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arrives in Kyiv

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock arrived in Kyiv for an unannounced visit.

The purpose of Baerbock's visit is to try to assure Ukraine that despite the deteriorating situation on the battlefield, Germany and Europe will continue to stand firmly by its side and will not stop assisting.

EU greenlights sending profits from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine

The European Union approved sending profits from Russia's frozen assets to Ukraine.

"We have approved in the EU using revenues from Russia's central bank's frozen assets to help Ukraine. Up to €3B only this year," said Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský on X.

The minister added that 90% of the funds would go for military support.

"Russia must pay for its war damages," Lipavský said.

Zelenskyy suggests when West might send seven Patriot systems to Ukraine

A decision to transfer seven Patriot systems to Ukraine could be made at the NATO summit in Washington.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy once again called on NATO to provide more F-16 fighter jets and Patriot air defense systems.

According to him, Ukraine needs a lot of Patriot systems, but it will agree to get at least seven to protect regions critical to the national economy and energy sector.

The New York Times writes that Zelenskyy suggested that the decision on the transfer of Patriot could be made when NATO leaders gather for a summit in Washington in July.

“Do you think it is too much for the NATO anniversary summit in Washington? For a country that is fighting for freedom and democracy around the world today?” he asked.

Ukraine hits Russian missile ship Tsiklon in Sevastopol, Crimea

Ukrainian forces struck the Russian missile ship Tsiklon (Cyclone) in occupied Sevastopol on the night of May 19, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The military specified it was hit on the night of May 19.

The General Staff added that the ship was in temporarily occupied Sevastopol.

"Ukrainian Defense Forces struck the Russian missile ship Tsiklon of project 22800," the military reported.