Russia released a video of the seizure of German and American vehicles in Ukraine. Will Washington supply depleted uranium ammunition to Kiev?

Central city in Ukraine hit by Russian missiles, Kiev 'watches' Canberra's F-18 fighter jets... are some notable international news in the past 24 hours.

Ukraine asks Australia to provide information on Canberra's retired F-18 fighter jets. (Source: Military.com)

The World & Vietnam Newspaper highlights some of the day's international news highlights.

Russia-Ukraine

* Russia releases video of German and US equipment seized in Ukraine : On June 13, the Russian Defense Ministry released video of what Moscow said were two German-made Leopard tanks and two US-made Bradley fighting vehicles captured by Russian forces after clashes with Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia.

In a brief statement accompanying the video posted on Telegram , the Russian Defense Ministry called the captured military equipment “war trophies.” Moscow also noted that, although the equipment was partially damaged, its engines were still working, indicating that the Ukrainian soldiers driving the vehicles had quickly retreated. (Reuters)

* Russia arrests defense workers suspected of spying for Ukraine : On June 13, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) said it had arrested a group of former defense industry workers suspected of spying for Ukraine, as well as transferring technical documents and models used to produce weapons systems and aircraft for the Russian air force.

According to the FSB, this group was involved in plans to blow up transport infrastructure such as railway lines used to supply goods to Russian forces in Ukraine. The specific identities of these people have not yet been revealed. (Reuters)

* Russia will cancel the treaty with Ukraine on the Sea of ​​Azov and the Kerch Strait : On June 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed that Moscow will cancel the cooperation treaty with Ukraine on the use of the Sea of ​​Azov and the Kerch Strait.

The above-mentioned treaty was signed by representatives of the two countries in the city of Kerch, Crimean peninsula on December 24, 2003. This document emphasizes the important role of the Sea of ​​Azov and the Kerch Strait in the economic development of the two countries, as well as the need to protect the Azov-Kerch region as an inseparable economic and natural entity. (RIA)

* Wall Street Journal : The US will provide depleted uranium ammunition to Ukraine : On June 13, the Wall Street Journal (USA) reported that US officials said on June 12 that the administration of President Joe Biden will provide Ukraine with depleted uranium ammunition. This decision may come after weeks of internal debate on how to arm the Abrams tanks that Washington will transfer to Kiev.

Earlier, in April, Britain said it had shipped thousands of rounds to Ukraine to equip Challenger 2 tanks, including depleted uranium armor-piercing shells. The Russian government immediately criticized this move. (Wall Street Journal)

* Ukraine: Russia launches missile attack on Kryvyi Rih city : On June 13, writing on Telegram , Mr. Oleksandr Vilkul, Mayor of the central Ukrainian city, said that as of 13:00 (17:00 Vietnam time), 10 people had died after Russia's missile attack on the same day. This official also stated that another person is currently trapped under the rubble and 28 people were injured. (Reuters)

* The Ukrainian army lost half of the Leopard tanks provided by Finland : On June 12, the Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat quoted verification expert John Helin as saying that the photo published in Zaporizhzhia province and on the Telegram channel “Military Messenger” was real. Thus, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (VSU) may have lost 3/6 of the German Leopard tanks provided by Finland.

On June 11, the Russian Defense Ministry said that 11 Ukrainian tanks, including 3 Leopards, were destroyed in South Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk on the same day. A day earlier, the Russian army said that the VSU had lost 9 tanks, including 4 Leopards. ( Helsingin Sanomat )

* Ukraine “ keeps an eye ” on Australia’s F-18 : On June 13, in an interview with AFP (France), Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko said that Ukraine has asked Australia to provide information on the status of 41 “retired” F-18 fighter jets at the air base in North Sydney.

Previously, some Western countries had mentioned the possibility of providing F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, but this is the first time Kiev has publicly expressed its interest in Canberra's F-18 jets.

For his part, former Australian Major General Mick Ryan said the F-18 could help create a “level playing field” against Russia’s more powerful and better equipped air force. He said it would help prevent attacks on Ukraine’s towns, cities and critical infrastructure. (AFP)

* Serbia warns of climaxing conflict in Ukraine : On June 13, speaking on Happy TV (Serbia), President Aleksandar Vucic said: “I fear that the conflict will escalate further. Ukraine has only begun to counterattack and that counterattack will be even stronger. Russia’s response, if they have enough forces, will not be weak.”

He said developments in Ukraine were contributing to increasing pressure on Serbia amid Western sanctions. The destruction of Western weapons in particular was also causing tension in the international arena.

The leader pointed out that Ukraine is a friendly country towards Serbia because Kiev does not recognize the independence of Kosovo. President Vucic reiterated that Belgrade has not imposed sanctions on Russia and continues to maintain this position. (TASS)

Northeast Asia

* Chinese and Palestinian foreign ministers hold talks in Beijing : On June 13, Chinese state media reported that Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang met with his Palestinian counterpart Riyad al-Maliki on the same day in Beijing.

Earlier, Palestinian media reported that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas arrived in China for a three-day state visit. Mr. Abbas is expected to meet with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and other senior officials.

Beijing expressed its willingness to facilitate peace talks between Israel and Palestine. (Reuters)

* Security advisors of South Korea, the US, and Japan plan to hold talks in Tokyo : On June 13, the South Korean Presidential Office said that National Security Advisor Cho Tae Yong will visit Japan from June 14-15 to meet with his US counterpart Jake Sullivan and Secretary General of the Japanese National Security Council Akiba Takeo.

The sides are expected to have “in-depth discussions” on North Korea, important regional and international issues, as well as the progress ahead for trilateral cooperation.

According to the source, Mr. Cho will also hold separate bilateral meetings with Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Akiba to discuss issues of mutual concern. (Yonhap)

Europe

* German exports to Russia drop sharply : On June 13, the German Federal Statistical Office said that German exports to the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) excluding Russia from January to April 2023 reached 2.9 billion euros, 1.5 billion euros more (equivalent to an increase of 106.4%) compared to the same period in 2021 - the time before the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out.

Many experts believe that the sanctions imposed on Moscow are partially circumvented as exports are sent to Russia's neighbors, from where they are re-shipped to the country.

Meanwhile, compared to the period before the conflict in Ukraine, Germany's exports to Russia have decreased sharply since the beginning of this year. Statistics show that in the first four months of 2023, Germany exported goods worth 3.5 billion euros to Russia, down over 58% compared to the same period in 2021 (8.4 billion euros). (TTXVN)

* Belarus gives reasons for Russia to deploy tactical nuclear weapons : On June 13, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said that the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus will act as a deterrent against the risk of attack from attackers and there should be no hesitation in using this type of weapon if necessary.

Previously, on June 9 in Sochi, Russian President Vladimir Putin informed his Belarusian counterpart that Moscow would begin deploying tactical nuclear weapons to Belarus from July 7-8, after the facilities there are ready. (Belta)

Middle East-Africa

* US calls on Tunisia to accept IMF reform package: On June 12, in a discussion with his Italian counterpart Antonio Tajani in Washington DC (USA), host country's Foreign Minister Antony Blinken mentioned the difficult economic situation in Tunisia. Accordingly, he supported the European Union (EU) to provide emergency aid to Tunisia, in return, the country must accept the plan of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

“We welcome Tunisia’s presentation of a revised reform plan to the IMF and the Fund’s ability to act on it,” the US diplomat said at a joint press conference. “Clearly, Tunisia needs additional support if it is to avoid falling into the economic abyss.”

Earlier, European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU is ready to provide 900 million Euros to support Tunisia’s long-term development. In addition, this North African country will also receive an additional 150 million Euros in immediate budget support, after “reaching the necessary agreement” to “strengthen the relationship between the two sides”.

According to a statement posted on the EC's website, the aid will depend on the decision to approve a nearly $2 billion loan that Tunisia is negotiating with the IMF. (AFP)

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tin-the-gioi-136-nga-tung-video-bat-xe-duc-va-my-tai-ukraine-washington-se-cap-dan-uranium-ngheo-cho-kiev-230851.html