PUTIN could be preparing a “large offensive” in the new year, as Russia looks “to conquer all of Ukraine.”
Speaking from Kyiv on Tuesday, Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, warned Russian dictator Vladimir Putin could launch a massive offensive come January, as the bloodthirsty leader looks to “leave millions without power.”
Mr Kuleba said: “I think the Russian capability to conduct an offensive, maybe a large offensive, may be restored somewhere by the end of January, February. That’s what they’re trying to do. And we, of course, do everything possible to prevent it from happening.
He added: “No one should be fooled. Russia has not changed its ultimatums and still wants to conquer all of Ukraine. What they want right now is not peace, but a pause in aggression to continue it later. We will not play this game.
“Putin hopes that without power, water and heating, Ukrainians will stop resisting and accept Russian ultimatums, but this is a grave miscalculation. Russian missile terror will not break Ukraine down.”
Read our Ukraine-Russia live blog below for the latest news…
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UK could consider sending long-range missiles to Ukraine
Britain’s defence secretary, Ben Wallace, said on Monday the UK is “open-minded” about sending long-range missiles to Ukraine.
Asked by former PM Boris Johnson in parliament, about the UK’s position on sending missiles, Mr Wallace said: “I constantly review the weapons systems we could provide.
“We too have in our armour potential weapons systems that are longer and should the Russians continue to target civilian areas and try and break those Geneva conventions, then I will be open-minded to see what we do next.”
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In pictures: Polish volunteers bring food to under-siege Kherson
Dozens of Polish volunteers arrived in Kherson this week to deliver food as part of the “Poland Helps” programme.
Despite the city being liberated from Russian control, it continues to face shelling from the Kremlin’s forces and has often been left without power or water.
The volunteers reportedly travelled over 1,100km to bring food, medicine and other crucial supplies.
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Russia dismisses Ukrainian calls for peace
A KREMLIN spokesperson has dismissed President Zelensky’s call for a Russian withdrawal from Ukraine before Christmas.
Putin lackey Dmitry Peskov told reporters today that Ukraine must accept the “reality” of Russia’s control over parts of its country following President Zelensky’s call for a Kremlin withdrawal before Christmas.
“The Ukrainian side needs to take into account the realities that have developed on the ground,” he told reporters. “These realities show that the Russian Federation has new territories,” he added.
“Without taking into account these realities, any progress is impossible.”
This comes as the UK announced sanctions targeting 12 Russian military officers who are in command of troops where atrocities have taken place in Ukraine.
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Over half of Ukrainians to donate to army in the new year
According to a new study, 60% of Ukrainians will donate part of their new year’s budget to the army.
The Deloitte survey showed many Ukrainians will give up their Christmas budget to help fund their army’s fight against Russia.
Ukrainians are facing freezing conditions this Christmas, as Putin’s forces continue to attack the country’s energy infrastructure.
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Ukraine one step closer to EU membership after new bill is approved
The Ukrainian parliament took a leap toward EU membership today, as it passed a law designed “improve the protection of the rights of national minorities,” a key requirement of EU membership.
Ukrainian MP Oleksandr Korinyenko took to Twitter to say: “Today, the @ua_parliament voted for all the necessary laws that pave the way for us to join the EU.
“We are looking forward to positive decisions for Ukraine. Ukraine is Europe!”
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Britain announces new round of air defence support for Ukraine
Today, the British government announced a new wave of air defence support for Ukraine.
Taking to Twitter, the British government revealed 6,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed by Putin’s bloodthirsty invasion.
In response, Rishi Sunak has announced a £50m package of air defence support, comprising 125 anti-aircraft guns and technology to counter deadly Iranian-supplied drones.
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World must ‘rethink nuclear safety’ says Ukraine energy minister
The world must “rethink nuclear safety” after Russia’s seizure of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, Europe’s largest, Ukrainian energy minister German Galushchenko told AFP ahead of a Tuesday conference in Paris.
The international gathering hosted by France aims to raise funds to repair Ukraine’s damaged infrastructure as well as highlight the country’s support for Kyiv in its fight against Russia.
With at least 40 percent of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure demolished in the past two months, Galushchenko will join the conference to ask for materials and funds to get Ukrainians through the winter.
Speaking to AFP on Monday, he said Russia’s war in Ukraine “completely changes our understanding of nuclear security”, pointing to the capture of the Zaporizhzhia plant as a turning point.
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Ukraine’s economy could shrink ‘by 50%’ if Russia continues energy attacks
Ukraine’s prime minister has warned the country’s economy could shrink by more than half if Russia continues its brutal attacks on the country’s energy infrastructure.
According to Interfax Ukraine news agency, Denys Shmyhal said: “If Russia’s terrorist activities against our infrastructure continue, we may lose another 10% to these figures – that is, up to 50% of our GDP.”
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Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence outlines 146 cases of sexual violence by Russian soldiers
Today, Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence revealed 146 cases of Sexual violence by Russian soldiers have been recorded since the Kremlin’s brutal invasion began.
The ministry took to Twitter and said: “6 servicemen of the russian federation were notified of the suspicion. Indictments against 2 persons were sent to court, one person has been convicted.”
This comes just weeks after Olena Zelenska, Ukraine’s first lady, travelled to London to warn of the danger of sexual violence facing women in her home country.
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UK sends over 195,000 pieces of kit to Ukraine
The British Ministry of Defence today revealed it has sent over 195,000 pieces of military kit to Ukraine since Russia began its invasion in February.
These kits include items for surviving Ukraine’s harsh winter, first aid equipment and standard military gear.
This comes as part of Britain’s Ukraine training scheme, which has seen the UK and its allies train thousands of troops from the under-siege nation.
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UK could consider sending long-range missiles to Ukraine
Britain’s defence secretary, Ben Wallace, said on Monday the UK is “open-minded” about sending long-range missiles to Ukraine.
Asked by former PM Boris Johnson in parliament, about the UK’s position on sending missiles, Mr Wallace said: “I constantly review the weapons systems we could provide.
“We too have in our armour potential weapons systems that are longer and should the Russians continue to target civilian areas and try and break those Geneva conventions, then I will be open-minded to see what we do next.”
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Ukraine’s PM hails announcement of $1billion support for Ukraine
Following today’s announcement that some 70 countries have pledged to provide $1billion in aid to Ukraine this winter, the country’s Prime Minister took to Twitter to hail the decision.
In a tweet, Denys Shymhal said: “About 1 billion euros to support in the winter period was announced at the conference in Paris on the initiative of @EmmanuelMacron.
“The aggressor will not succeed in plunging us into cold and darkness. With the support of our friends, we will persevere.”
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UK pledges to ‘hold Russia and Iran to account’
The British government today pledged to hold both Russia and Iran to account as the two states form ever-closer ties.
Taking to Twitter, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development office said Russia has plans to provide Iran with “advanced military components.”
This comes as Iran is accused of providing Russia with missile drones used to strike civilian areas in Ukraine.
“We will expose this sordid deal and hold both countries to account,” the UK gov said.
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70 countries pledge over $1billion to Ukraine in ‘powerful signal of support’
Approximately 70 countries from across the globe have pledged over $1billion in aid to Ukraine today, said French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna.
This comes as France hosted a meeting of world leaders to discuss providing Ukraine with food, medicine and other support.
“This is a powerful signal to show the civilised world is supporting Ukraine,” Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal told reporters.
“We are grateful to the countries that remain by our side when we are suffering the aggression by Russia on our territory and our civilian infrastructure”.
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Who controls what in Ukraine?
The British Ministry of Defence has provided an updated map of the situation in Ukraine.
Over the past month, Russia has been driven from Kherson but continues to occupy several Ukrainian regions.
On Monday, President Zelensky called for a total Russian withdrawal from Ukraine, a request the Kremlin promptly rejected.
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Civilians urged to evacuate as Russia shells Donetsk
Eight people were reportedly killed by Russian shelling in Donetsk on Monday.
“All the wounded were taken to the hospital; we are determining the extent of the damage”, Donetsk Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko wrote on Telegram.
“This is another attack by the Russian army on the civilian population. This time the enemy used the Uragan MLRS. The terrorist state is continuously terrorizing peaceful Ukrainians — it is shooting and will continue to shoot at civilians until we drive it out.
“I am asking everyone: evacuate! Do not expose yourself to danger!” he wrote.
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New poll shows 85% of Ukrainians believe Russia must return Crimea
A new poll conducted by Rating Group shows 85% of Ukrainians believe peace can only be achieved if Russia returns control of Crimea and the Dombas to Kyiv.
In contrast, only 9% of Ukrainian citizens believe winning back all territories controlled before February 24, 20222 would mean victory.
Since its invasion began earlier this year, the Kremlin has annexed four Ukrainian regions.
However, Russian authorities have held Crimea since 2014.
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Kremlin denies Russian missiles have been placed at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant
Speaking on Tuesday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied claims Russia has placed weaponry near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
The Kremlin mouthpiece said Russia is in regular contact International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Ukrainian authorities have accused Russia of shelling the plant throughout its invasion, while Putin’s government has thrown similar accusations back at Kyiv.
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Russian losses surpass 95,000 as brutal invasion continues
Russian losses continued to soar over the past 24 hours, as the Kremlin continued its brutal invasion of Ukraine.
According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence, Putin’s army lost 500 troops in the last day, bringing the total casualties to 95,260.
This comes as Russia continues to strike Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, often leaving millions without power.
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Air raid alerts issued across Ukraine says Kyiv
Air raid sirens wailed across Ukraine on Tuesday, local officials said, after warnings by the country’s leaders that Russia could launch a new wave of missile and drone strikes.
Russia has carried out several waves of attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure since October, causing power outages across the country.
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One billion euros pledged for Ukraine at Paris aid conference
Countries gathered at an aid conference for Ukraine in Paris have pledged aid worth around one billion euros to help the war-hit country this winter, France’s foreign minister said on Tuesday.
Catherine Colonna said these were “new commitments, thanks to the holding of this conference. It is aid, or gifts in kind. It is not loans.”
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Kremlin says Ukraine must accept ‘new realities’ to resolve conflict
The Kremlin said Tuesday there could be no progress in resolving the Ukraine conflict unless Kyiv recognises occupied territories as Russian.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s spokesman also brushed off Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s proposal that Russia begin pulling out troops this Christmas.
“The Ukrainian side needs to take into account the realities that have developed on the ground,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
“These realities show that the Russian Federation has new territories,” he added.
“Without taking into account these realities, any progress is impossible.”
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UK’s new sanctions unveiled to Parliament
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has told Parliament about the move to sanction 12 Russian military officers who are in command of troops where atrocities have taken place in Ukraine.
Labour’s Chris Elmore (Ogmore) asked: “In her recent visit to Parliament the first lady of Ukraine (Olena Zelenska) highlighted that Russia soldiers had carried out sexual violence including rape on Ukrainian women with the consent of their commanders. Under the UN international law, as he will be aware, the use of rape in combat is a war crime.
“Could the Foreign Secretary specifically set out what he’ll be doing on the diplomatic stage to ensure that when the war is over or indeed before, that those soldiers who’ve committed those crimes and those officers who authorised that disgusting and heinous rapes towards women are dealt with in the International Criminal Court?”
James Cleverly replied: “I had the opportunity, the privilege to speak with the first lady at the preventing sexual violence conference that we hosted in London recently. I can inform him and the House that this morning we designated 12 more Russian military officers who are in command of Russian troops where atrocities have taken place.
“We work closely with the Ukrainian chief prosecutor, the International Criminal Court and our international allies on ensuring there is an accountability framework that is effective from the people on the ground who are perpetrating these crimes directly, through those officers who are ordering them to do so, right up to and including Vladimir Putin himself, ultimately who is responsible for this – vile acts that are taking place because of his invasion of Ukraine.”
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Grain ships leave Odesa ports after pause following Russian attacks
Eight ships loaded with grain left ports in Ukraine’s Odesa region on Tuesday after a pause caused by power cuts following Russian missile strikes, the Ukrainian infrastructure ministry said.
The Black Sea port of Odesa did not operate on Sunday and the ports of Chornomorsk and Pivdennyi, which are also authorised to export grain under a deal reached by Moscow and Kyiv despite Russia’s invasion, had operated only partially.
“‘Grain Initiative’: 8 vessels with 238,600 tonnes of agricultural products for Asia and Europe left the ports of Greater Odesa,” the infrastructure ministry said on the Telegram messaging app.
It said 690,000 tonnes of agricultural products would be loaded onto 23 other vessels that are in the ports in the Odesa region.
The ministry said 550 vessels with food had left Ukrainian ports so far under the initiative, exporting 13.8 million tonnes of Ukrainian agricultural products to Asia, Europe and Africa.
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Bridge into Ukraine’s Russia-held Melitopol ‘damaged’ say installed leaders
Russia-installed authorities on Tuesday accused pro-Kyiv forces of using explosives to damage a bridge into Melitopol, a strategic city in the Moscow-occupied part of Ukraine’s southern region of Zaporizhzhia.
The attack comes after Ukrainian troops struck Melitopol at the weekend, opening a new front in Kyiv’s fight to win back land in the south of the Western-backed country.
Melitopol, an important transport centre, is key to liberating the south of Ukraine.
“The bridge in the village of Konstantinovka in the eastern suburbs of Melitopol was damaged by terrorists,” Vladimir Rogov, a Moscow-installed regional official, said on messaging app Telegram.
He said the attack was carried out with the help of “explosives”.
Rogov did not specify the extent of the damage, but images posted on his social media showed that a middle section of the bridge had collapsed.
Rogov said the bridge was used to supply the Moscow-controlled parts of the region of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia, territories which form a land corridor linking Russia and Crimea, a peninsula Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014.
Shanine Bruder
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