Related video: Russian fighter jet downed over eastern Ukraine as oil depot set ablaze
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A major government reshuffle is underway in Ukraine, with at least six ministers resigning and a presidential aide fired.
Among those stepping down is the minister for Strategic Industries Oleksandr Kamyshin, in charge of weapons production. The government reshuffle, hinted at by president Volodymyr Zelensky last week, has left about a third of cabinet positions vacant.
The changes come after Ukraine suffered one of the most devastating Russian aerial attacks of the war so far, with cruise missiles hitting the central city of Poltava killing at least 51 people and injuring over 200.
Two missiles hit a military training facility and nearby hospital, leaving people buried under rubble.
Earlier, the UN nuclear watchdog chief warned of a “very fragile” situation at the Zaporizhzhia power plant, occupied by Russian forces, ahead of his visit on Wednesday.
He warned that a lack of “stability” at the plant could lead to a blackout, and that this in turn could spell “disaster” at Europe’s largest nuclear power facility.
Key Points
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Zelensky shakes up Ukraine government as six ministers resign and presidential aide fired
Ukraine’s government is undergoing a significant shake-up, with at least six ministers resigning and a presidential aide fired.
The changes come as president Volodymyr Zelensky prepares for a critical period in the war against Russian forces. The ministers who resigned include deputy prime minister Olha Stefanishyna, the justice, environment, and reintegration ministers, and the head of Ukraine’s State Property Fund.
About a third of the cabinet positions are now vacant.
Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky gestures as he speaks during a joint press conference in Kyiv, on 27 August 2024 (AFP via Getty Images)
Mr Zelensky signalled the reshuffle last week, citing the need for change, and is expected to outline his “victory plan” to Joe Biden during an upcoming visit to the US.
Namita Singh4 September 2024 05:00
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UN nuclear watchdog head is in Ukraine out of renewed concern over Zaporizhzhia power plant safety
Tom Watling4 September 2024 05:00
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Simon Harris announces £36m aid to Ukraine
The Taoiseach, Simon Harris, will announce £36m in aid to Ukraine, made up of a new allocation of £30m to partner organisations through its development body Irish Aid, and £6m to European Investment Bank projects which had been previously flagged.
The Irish government said the £30m package will provide essential humanitarian assistance, support rehabilitation and eventual reconstruction, and contribute to Ukraine’s longer-term goals, including peace, stability and political aspirations.
Mr Harris said: “Two and a half years on from Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine continues to face immense challenges.
“We have seen the remarkable resilience shown by the people of Ukraine in the face of these challenges.
“That same determination and resolve will be needed to rebuild their country, with support from international partners including Ireland.
“We have been unequivocal and steadfast in our support for the people of Ukraine and this additional funding continues to demonstrate that commitment.”
Namita Singh4 September 2024 04:25
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Irish premier to meet Zelensky as Dublin announces fresh funds for Ukraine
Irish premier Simon Harris is to meet Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv as Ireland prepares to announce millions in new funding for Ukraine.
The visit on Wednesday comes the day after at least 50 people were killed and 200 injured when two Russian ballistic missiles struck a military training facility and hospital in Poltava, 200 miles south east of Kyiv.
Simon Harris speaking to the media in the courtyard of Government Buildings in Dublin, ahead of Cabinet meeting (PA Wire)
Mr Harris and Mr Zelensky will sign a joint Agreement on Support and Co-operation during a bilateral meeting in the Ukrainian capital.
The Irish leader will visit areas bombed by Russia and also meet Ukrainian prime minister Denys Shmyhal.
Mr Harris said: “I want to see first hand and with my own eyes the impact of war on the continent of Europe.”
Namita Singh4 September 2024 04:09
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Poland ‘has duty’ to shoot down Russian missiles over Ukraine
Tom Watling4 September 2024 04:00
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Russia launches air attacks on Kyiv, western city of Lviv, Ukraine’s military says
Russia launched a missile attack on the capital Kyiv and a drone attack on the western city of Lviv, not far from the border with Nato-member Poland, Ukraine military officials said on Wednesday, with air defence units engaged in repelling the attacks.
Reuters witnesses heard several blasts on the outskirts of Kyiv in what sounded like air defence systems in operation.
File: Ukrainian rescuers work at the site of a rocket hit in Kyiv, Ukraine, 02 September 2024, amid the ongoing Russian invasion (EPA)
The whole of Ukraine was under air raid alerts, Ukraine’s air force said on the Telegram messaging app.
Namita Singh4 September 2024 03:54
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Poland activates aircraft after Russia’s strikes on Ukraine
Polish aircraft were activated early on Wednesday for the third time in eight days to ensure the safety of Polish airspace after Russia launched strikes on Ukraine, the Operational Command of the Polish armed forces said.
“This is another very busy night for the entire air defence system in Poland due to the observed activity of the long-range aviation of the Russian Federation carrying out strikes,” the Command said on X.
Namita Singh4 September 2024 03:48
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How it felt to cross the Russian border on a Ukrainian tank
Tom Watling4 September 2024 03:00
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What is Ukraine really up to with its audacious Kursk land grab?
Tom Watling4 September 2024 02:00
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UK and Ukraine make AI deal to help post-war rebuild
Tom Watling4 September 2024 00:00
