(28-12-2023, 08:10 PM)Tee tiong huat Wrote: Skies over Ukraine will see a formidable new airforce as pilots complete training, a significant bolstering to Ukraine’s airpower, Pilots have successfully undergone basic training on F-16 fighter jets, UK Ministry of Defense said.Ukraine had high hopes for 2023 / 2024
Spring 2024 is timeframe operational debut for F-16, groundwork for their seamless integration is nearly complete, with necessary infrastructure & dedicated engineering teams on readiness. A signifies monumental leap forward in solidifying for Ukraine’s aerial defense capabilities.
https://en.defence-ua.com/news/the_acqui...-9001.html
Many dreamed war would end with Ukraine’s victory but that would finally be able to visit liberated Crimea 9-yrs of Russian occupation.
But Russia’s brutal attacks against civilian infrastructure continued with them, death toll has continued to rise, bringing more tragedy to Ukrainian families. Ukraine’s much-anticipated summer counteroffensive, aimed@liberating the south, ultimately failed amid brutal fighting across front line, multiple villages and towns were razed to the ground, and countless Ukrainian defenders were killed.
But even in one of Ukraine’s most difficult years, there have been events and accomplishments that brought glimpses of joy.
Here are the Kyiv Independent's top picks of moments that gave Ukrainians hope in 2023.
Biden's surprise visit to Kyiv Days before the first anniversary of Russia’s all-out war. President Joe Biden made history paying a surprise visit to Kyiv. Biden’s first-ever trip to Ukraine as president aimed at demonstrating his "unwavering" support for Ukraine as it continued to fight against Russian aggression. During his five-hour visit on Feb. 20, Biden met President Volodymyr Zelensky at his official residence, Mariinskyi Palace, visited St. Michael's Monastery & honored the Ukrainian soldiers that have fallen since Russia’s war began in 2014.
Seeing Biden walk alongside Zelensky through the streets of wartime Kyiv was a reassurance for many, affirming that Ukraine is not alone in its fight against Russia. "One year later, Kyiv stands," Biden said. "And Ukraine stands. Democracy stands. The Americans stand with you, and the world stands with you."
‘The time is right for change’: More Ukrainians celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25 this year.
https://kyivindependent.com/warrant-for-...l-in-2023/