"Offensive Guard" replenishment and thousands of deaths after earthquake in Turkey: last night's highlights
More than 8,000 volunteers have already applied to join the Offensive Guard, the European Parliament is preparing for a possible visit by Zelenskyy, and the death toll from the earthquake in Turkey and Syria has already exceeded 4,000 and may rise. Here is what you may have missed from the previous night.
Earthquake victims
As of this morning, at least 4214 people are believed to have died as a result of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. More than 19.2 thousand people were injured.
The World Health Organization has warned that the death toll from the earthquake in Turkey and Syria could increase eightfold. Rescuers are now combing through the rubble to find survivors, and countries from around the world are sending aid, including teams of specialists, search dogs, and equipment.
Recruits to the Offensive Guard
More than 8,000 volunteers have applied to the Offensive Guard, most of them to the National Guard. All of them will be interviewed and tested. Recruitment will last 60 days. The assault brigades are expected to start operating on April 1.
European Parliament prepares for Zelenskyy's possible visit
The European Parliament is preparing to receive Volodymyr Zelenskyy if the Ukrainian president can come to Brussels to participate in the EU summit on Thursday, February 9. Due to security concerns, the decision may be made only at the last minute.
EU leaders from the 27 member states will gather for a summit in Brussels on February 9, allowing Zelenskyy to meet with all EU leaders in one day.
Ukraine's priorities at the Munich conference
Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Ukraine will raise the issue of long-range missiles and combat aircraft, NATO membership, and the future of Russia at the Munich Security Conference, scheduled for February 17-19.
Appointment of heads of frontline regions
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that leaders with military experience will be appointed in several regions. According to him, this will strengthen management positions in border and frontline regions. The President promised to inform about each appointment.
Other news:
- All parishes of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church are to switch to the new calendar by 2025, the head of the UGCC said.
- Moldova wants to start EU accession talks this year.
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he fears a further escalation of war and bloodshed in the world due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- The Russian budget deficit due to falling energy revenues and the cost of the war against Ukraine in January 2023 reached about $25 billion (1.76 trillion rubles). This is the biggest drop since 1998.
- The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine is revising the security system after the plane crash in Brovary, Kyiv Oblast, which killed the department's leadership. In particular, experts are checking helicopters.
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