Ukrainian law enforcement exposes officials, EU increases aid to Ukraine: highlights of the day

Visit of EU officials

The head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has visited Kyiv for the fourth time since the beginning of Russia's full-scale attack on Ukraine. She was accompanied by High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.

"We are here together to show that the EU stands by Ukraine as never before. And to further deepen our support and cooperation," the official said.

Borrell noted that he arrived in Kyiv to "convey the strongest signal of EU support to all Ukrainians who are defending their country."

Ukraine and EU

Ukraine and the EU signed two more documents: an agreement on Kyiv's accession to the Single Market program and a memorandum on strategic partnership in a number of sectors. This €4.2 billion program is designed to last for seven years and should promote business competitiveness, facilitate market access, and create a favorable business environment.

The EU has also approved a new €500 million aid package for the Defense Forces and doubled the size of a training mission for the Armed Forces to train 30,000 Ukrainian soldiers instead of 15,000. The bloc decided to allocate an additional €45 million for this mission. In addition, the EU will provide Ukraine with 45 million LED lamps instead of the 30 million previously announced, and 2,400 additional generators.

MEPs also approved a resolution reiterating their support for Ukraine's membership in the EU. However, they emphasized that the accession process should be based on merit.

New sanctions against Russia

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the EU plans to adopt the 10th package of sanctions against Russia by February 24. She said that the current sanctions are already "setting Russia back a generation," but the EU will continue to apply pressure.

She also said that together with the G7 partners, they are preparing a new price limit for oil from Russia. Currently, the price cap is $60 per barrel.

Exposing officials

During the day, law enforcement officers exposed corrupt officials in several regions. The Security Service of Ukraine exposed the leadership of the Sumy Oblast Military Administration on embezzlement of funds intended for infrastructure reconstruction.

At the same time, the management and employees of the Odesa Oblast Military Administration were charged with embezzling more than UAH 7 million ($190,500) from the state budget for the purchase of food for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Law enforcement officers also detained five people suspected of selling food, including eggs, at inflated prices to the Defense Ministry.

Fate of Deputy Defense Minister

The court sent the dismissed Deputy Minister of Defense, who was responsible for logistics of the Armed Forces, to custody for two months. He will be released if he posts bail of UAH 402.6 million ($11 million).

Law enforcement officials have not named the suspect, but Vyacheslav Shapovalov recently resigned from the post of Deputy Defense Minister. He was responsible for the logistics of the Armed Forces, and the day before he was served a notice of suspicion.

Strike on Kramatorsk

A search and rescue operation is underway at the site of a nighttime missile attack in Kramatorsk. At least 18 people have been reported injured, including eight hospitalized, and three killed.

On the afternoon of February 2, Russians launched two more missile strikes on Kramatorsk. Russian troops hit a residential area in the city center. Six wounded were reported: four men and two women. They were taken to the city hospital. Also, eight cars and eight garages were damaged.

Situation at frontline

According to the General Staff, the Russian occupiers continue active reconnaissance and preparations for an offensive in certain areas, reinforcing their troops.

Offensives are currently underway on the Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiyivka and Novopavlivka axes. The General Staff notes that Russian troops suffer heavy losses, especially in personnel. In other sectors, the occupiers are defending themselves.

The General Staff added that the Ukrainian military has already destroyed 129,030 Russian occupiers during the full-scale war. On February 1 alone, Russia lost 610 of its soldiers, two tanks, five artillery systems and other equipment.