Russia launched an overnight air assault on Ukraine on Sunday, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. One civilian has been reported dead in the attack.
Ukraine’s air defence systems are reported to have destroyed the Iskander ballistic missile and 20 attack drones, with the air force reporting the Iskander missile “did not reach its intended target”.
Russia has fired dozens of drones across Ukraine as its winter campaign of hitting civilian infrastructure looks to be underway.
One civilian is reported killed as debris from a downed drone hit a residential building in Odesa, according to the governor of the southern Ukrainian region.
Russia said it had destroyed 33 Ukraine-launched drones intended for targets over Lipetsk, Rostov and Volgograd regions.
It comes as President Putin called US President Biden’s claims that he would attack Nato if allowed to continue in Ukraine “complete nonsense”.
“It is complete nonsense – and I think President Biden understands that,” Putin said in an interview published on Sunday by Rossiya state television, saying it was an attempt by Biden to justify his “erroneous policy” on Russia.
“Russia has no reason, no interest – no geopolitical interest, neither economic, political nor military – to fight with Nato countries.”
Key Points
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Hungary blocks £43bn EU funding for Ukraine hours after Kyiv membership talks agreement
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Putin holds first major news conference since full-scale invasion of Ukraine
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Watch Vladimir Putin’s news conference live here with translation
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Putin admits Russian frontline gains are ‘modest’
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Putin says Ukraine counteroffensive was a failure
Third Ukrainian truck driver dies waiting at Poland border
12:05 , Maira Butt
A Ukrainian lorry driver has died at the border with Poland, the third such incident in a month since Polish truckers started blocking entry to their country in protests triggered by the Russian war against Ukraine.
The driver fell ill at the Krakivets-Korczowa crossing, one of the four border points between Ukraine and Poland, and died while being rushed to the hospital, said Suspilne, a Ukrainian public broadcaster, on Saturday.
Pickup trucks and lorries bound for Ukraine have been stuck in a miles-long queue at the border with Poland for weeks. The Polish protesters have said their livelihoods are at stake after the European Union relaxed some transport rules.
At least two truckers died in the last month amid the blockade, which is also hampering the delivery of components needed to build drones for the Ukrainian military.
Ukrainian charities and companies supplying the war-torn country’s military warn that problems are growing as Polish truck drivers show no sign of ending a border blockade that has stretched past a month.
Putin: Russia has ‘no interest’ in attacking Nato
11:05 , Maira Butt
Russian president Vladimir Putin has responded to Joe Biden’s claims that support for Russia could mean an attack on Nato.
Earlier this month, Biden warned that if Putin won a victory over Ukraine then Russia would attack a Nato country. Biden offered no clear evidence for his remarks.
“It is complete nonsense – and I think President Biden understands that,” Putin said in an interview published on Sunday by Rossiya state television, saying it was an attempt by Biden to justify his “erroneous policy” on Russia.
“Russia has no reason, no interest – no geopolitical interest, neither economic, political nor military – to fight with Nato countries.”
Putin to run as ‘independent candidate’ in Russia’s presidential election – here’s what it means
10:30 , Maira Butt
Vladimir Putin has decided he will run as an independent candidate in next year’s heavily stage-managed presidential election, a faux-democratic process that will see him maintain his grip as Russia’s leader.
Mr Putin has been at the centre of power in the Kremlin – either as president or prime minister – for more than two decades, and throughout that time has stood for his ruling United Russia (UR) party.
The 71-year-old politician has twice had the constitution amended so he could theoretically stay in power until he’s in his mid-80s.
Mr Putin’s decision to run as an “independent” is likely to be an effort to present himself as a unifying force at a time when his full-scale invasion of Ukraine has isolated Russia from the world and put unprecedented strain on the country’s economy.
Putin to run as ‘independent candidate’ in presidential polls – here’s what it means
Russia says it downs 33 Ukraine-launched drones over Russian regions
10:00 , Maira Butt
Russia’s air defence systems destroyed 33 Ukraine-launched drones over several Russian regions, the Russian defence ministry said on Sunday.
The drones were intercepted or destroyed before they reached their targets over the Lipetsk, Rostov and Volgograd regions, the ministry said on the Telegram messaging app, but further details were not provided.
One civilian killed in Russian air attack on Ukraine, reports Odesa governor
09:26 , Maira Butt
Debris from a downed drone killed a civilian in the Odesa region, the governor of the southern Ukrainian region said on Sunday, after Ukraine‘s air force said it had destroyed 20 drones that Russia launched overnight.
Air defence systems destroyed nine Iran-made attack drones over Odesa, Governor Oleh Kiper said on the Telegram messaging app, calling it the third Russian air assault on the region in the past week.
“However, one of the downed drones fell into a residential area in Odesa district and exploded,” Kiper said, adding that several houses were damaged and one person was found dead in one of them afterwards.
The air force said its defence systems destroyed a cruise missile in addition to the drones. It said, without providing details, that Russia also launched an Iskander ballistic missile that “did not reach” its target.
The Russian air weapons were destroyed over Odesa, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and Khmelnitskyi regions, the air force said.
Reuters could not independently verify the report. It was not clear how many drones Russia launched in total.
Russia attacks Ukraine with Iskander missile and drones report Ukraine’s Air Force
09:05 , Maira Butt
Russia launched an overnight air assault on Ukraine using an Iskander ballistic missile, a cruise missile and attack drones, Ukraine‘s Air Force said on Sunday.
Ukraine‘s air defence systems destroyed the cruise missile and 20 attack drones, the air force said on the Telegram messaging app.
The Iskander missile “did not reach its target,” it said but did not provide additional details.
It was not clear how many drones Russia launched in total or whether the attack caused any damage or casualties.
Reuters could not independently verify the report.
Putin: Biden’s comment about Russian plan to attack NATO is ‘complete rubbish’
08:12 , Maira Butt
Russian president Vladimir Putin said on Sunday that President Joe Biden’s remark that Russia would attack a Nato country if he won in Ukraine is “complete rubbish”.
He added that Russia had no interest in fighting with the Nato military alliance.
Kyiv protesters demand more spending on the Ukraine’s war effort and less on local projects
06:00 , Matt Mathers
Hundreds of protesters angered by what they view as wasteful spending by municipal officials gathered outside Kyiv City Hall on Thursday and demanded that the money should go to Ukraine’s war against Russia instead of local projects.
The Money for the AFU (Armed Forces of Ukraine) civic group, which organized the protest, was formed in September by people concerned by what they term “unnecessary” and “poorly timed” spending by the Kyiv City Council.
Full report:
Kyiv protesters demand more spending on the Ukraine’s war effort and less on local projects
In Putin’s bizarre, four-hour TV address, the devil was in all the detail that he let slip
05:00 , Matt Mathers
The appearance of an AI-generated Vladimir Putin in conversation with the real one wasn’t even the most surprising moment in the Russian leader’s state-of-the-nation address, writes Chris Stevenson.
In Putin’s bizarre TV address, the devil was in all the detail that he let slip
Ramaswamy says eastern Ukrainians don’t mind Russian occupation
04:00 , Matt Mathers
Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy has claimed that Ukrainians in the eastern part of the country do not mind Russian occupation.
The biotech CEO told a CNN town hall in Iowa that he would give Russia some concessions to end its unprovoked attack on Ukraine.
Full report:
Ramaswamy says eastern Ukrainians don’t mind Russian occupation
Ukraine’s a step closer to joining the EU. Here’s what it means, and why it matters
03:00 , Matt Mathers
Ukraine got a green light Thursday to start sped-up talks on joining the European Union. That’s a big boost for war-ravaged Ukraine and a loud message to Vladimir Putin — but it could be years before the country actually becomes a member of the EU.
Here’s a look at what Thursday’s decision means, and why joining the EU is especially important, and especially hard, for Ukraine.
Ukraine’s a step closer to joining the EU. Here’s what it means, and why it matters
ICYMI: How the US keeps funding Ukraine’s military — even as it says it’s out of money
02:00 , Matt Mathers
The White House has been increasingly pressuring Congress to pass stalled legislation to support Ukraine‘s war against Russia, saying that funding has run out.
On Tuesday, however, President Joe Biden touted a new military aid package worth $200 million for Ukraine.
Full story:
How the US keeps funding Ukraine’s military — even as it says it’s out of money
Former FBI agent gets over four years in prison for aiding Russian oligarch
01:00 , Matt Mathers
A former top officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been sentenced to over four years in prison for working for a Russian oligarch, violating US-imposed sanctions.
Charles McGonigal, 55, was sentenced by the Manhattan Federal Court to four years and two months in prison after he pleaded guilty in August to one count of conspiring to launder money.
Full report:
Former FBI agent gets over four years in prison for aiding Russian oligarch
ICYMI: EU releasing 5 billion euros to Poland by year’s end as new government works to restore rule of law
00:01 , Matt Mathers
The European Union will by year’s end transfer to Poland the first 5 billion euros in funding that was frozen over democratic backsliding under the previous government, the new Polish prime minister and the European Commission president said Friday.
The money is part of a larger tranche that was held up due to laws passed by the previous national conservative government that eroded the independence of judges — something that the EU deemed to be a violation of the democratic separation of powers.
Full report:
EU releasing 5 billion euros to Poland by year’s end as new government works to restore rule of law
ICYMI: The EU’s drip-feed of aid frustrates Ukraine, despite the promise of membership talks
Saturday 16 December 2023 23:00 , Matt Mathers
Drop by drop, Ukraine is being supplied with aid and arms from its European allies, at a time when it becomes ever clearer it would take a deluge to turn its war against Russia around.
On Friday, EU leaders sought to paper over their inability to boost Ukraine’s coffers with a promised 50 billion euros ($54.5 billion) over the next four years, saying the check will likely arrive next month after some more haggling between 26 leaders and the longtime holdout, Viktor Orban of Hungary.
The EU’s drip-feed of aid frustrates Ukraine, despite the promise of membership talks
ICYMI: Russia and Ukraine exchange drone attacks after EU funding stalled
Saturday 16 December 2023 22:00 , Matt Mathers
Russia and Ukraine each reported dozens of attempted drone attacks in the past day, just hours after Hungary vetoed 50 billion euros ($54.5 billion) of EU funding to Ukraine.
Ukraine’s air force said Saturday that Ukrainian air defense had shot down 30 out of 31 drones launched overnight against 11 regions of the country.
Full report:
A symbolic victory for Kyiv on EU membership – but the real headache over Western aid remains
Saturday 16 December 2023 21:00 , Matt Mathers
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s one-man mission to block critical European funds, mixed with a similar impasse in the US Congress leaves Ukraine with a big problem, writes Askold Krushelnycky
Read the full story here:
A victory for Kyiv on EU membership – but the headache over Western aid remains
ICYMI: Village council member in Ukraine sets off hand grenades during a meeting and injures 26
Saturday 16 December 2023 20:00 , Matt Mathers
A village council member in western Ukraine detonated three hand grenades during a meeting Friday, critically injuring himself and at least two dozen other people, authorities said.
A video posted on social media showed a man entering a room where the village council of Keretsky was meeting to discuss and approve the community’s budget.
Full report:
Village council member in Ukraine sets off hand grenades during a meeting and injures 26
Sadiq Khan rejects call to send scrapped Ulez cars to Ukraine
Saturday 16 December 2023 19:00 , Tom Watling
Sadiq Khan has rejected a call to send cars that will be scrapped under his controversial Ulez scheme to Ukraine, according to reports.
The mayor of Kyiv had urged the vehicles be transported to his war-torn country, where he said they could be used for a “variety of life-saving and transport roles”.
But Mr Khan has said the proposal would not meet a “legal threshold” that requires that Londoners benefit, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Sadiq Khan rejects call to send scrapped Ulez cars to Ukraine
A symbolic victory for Kyiv on EU membership – but the real headache over Western aid remains
Saturday 16 December 2023 18:00 , Tom Watling
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s one-man mission to block critical European funds, mixed with a similar impasse in the US Congress leaves Ukraine with a big problem, writes Askold Krushelnycky
A victory for Kyiv on EU membership – but the headache over Western aid remains
Village council member in Ukraine sets off hand grenades during a meeting and injures 26
Saturday 16 December 2023 17:00 , Tom Watling
A village council member in western Ukraine detonated three hand grenades during a meeting Friday, critically injuring himself and at least two dozen other people, authorities said.
A video posted on social media showed a man entering a room where the village council of Keretsky was meeting to discuss and approve the community’s budget.
The man, who was preliminary identified as Serhii Batryn, a council member who belongs to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Servant of the People party, took three grenades from his pockets, removed the pins and threw the weapons on the floor in front of him.
Village council member in Ukraine sets off hand grenades during a meeting and injures 26
Ukraine puts head of Russia’s Orthodox church on ‘wanted’ list
Saturday 16 December 2023 16:30 , Tom Watling
Officials in Ukraine have put the head of Russia’s Orthodox church, a pro-Kremlin figure who has supported Vladimir Putin’s invasion of the country, on its “wanted” list.
Patriarch Kirill is now “an individual in hiding from the bodies of pre-trial investigation”, according to a post of Ukraine’s interior ministry’s wanted list. Kyiv’s security services accused him of stoking the war.
Kirill, who is seen in his clerical robes in the photo, is listed as “missing” since 11 November on the ministry’s page.
Ukraine puts head of Russia’s Orthodox church on ‘wanted’ list
How the US keeps funding Ukraine’s military — even as it says it’s out of money
Saturday 16 December 2023 16:00 , Tom Watling
The White House has been increasingly pressuring Congress to pass stalled legislation to support Ukraine‘s war against Russia, saying that funding has run out.
On Tuesday, however, President Joe Biden touted a new military aid package worth $200 million for Ukraine.
Money is dwindling. But the announcement of more weapons being sent to Kyiv just underscores the complexity of the funding. So has the money run out? Or are there still a few billion dollars floating around?
It’s complicated.
How the US keeps funding Ukraine’s military — even as it says it’s out of money
Turkey, Romania, Bulgaria to ink deal on floating Black Sea mines in January
Saturday 16 December 2023 15:20 , Tom Watling
Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria plan to sign a deal in January on a joint plan to clear mines floating in the Black Sea as a result of the war in Ukraine, Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler said on Saturday, after months of talks between the NATO allies.
Black Sea states Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria met officials from Georgia, Poland and Ukraine in April 2022 to discuss clearing the mines after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Defence ministers from the three countries also held talks on the plan at a NATO meeting in Brussels in October, and in Ankara last month as they worked to finalise the initiative.
Speaking to reporters at a meeting in Ankara, Guler said the “Trilateral Initiative” would only include Turkey, Romania, and Bulgaria for now, and their defence ministers planned to hold a signing ceremony in Istanbul on Jan. 11.
“Due to the Ukraine-Russia war, there are mines placed in both Ukrainian and Russian ports. These untangle sometimes and reach our straits due to the current,” Guler told journalists.
“Our mine-clearing vessels will carry out constant patrols to the point where Romania’s (sea) borders end,” he added.
Footage shows live Russian air defences in occupied Crimea during overnight Ukrainian drone attack
Saturday 16 December 2023 14:45 , Tom Watling
Footage has shown Russian air defences attempting to intercept half a dozen Ukrainian drones fired at occupied Crimea overnight.
The Russian ministry of defence (MoD) confirmed the attack this morning on Telegram.
Ukraine launches drone attack on multiple sites in occupied Crimea
Sites in Sevastopol, western, northern & central Crimea, including a miltiary airfield near Sevastopol, were attacked overnighthttps://t.co/9XBLNXgoEU
🎥 Air defense near Chornomorske, WCrimea/Krymskyi Veter pic.twitter.com/REmgjHG5BY— Euromaidan Press (@EuromaidanPress) December 16, 2023
Hungary to veto Bulgaria’s Schengen entry unless it scraps gas transit tax
Saturday 16 December 2023 14:15 , Tom Watling
Hungary will veto Bulgaria’s entry into Europe’s passport-free Schengen Zone unless it scraps a transit tax on Russian gas, the Hungarian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday.
The veto threat follows Thursday’s agreement among all 27 European Union members except Hungary to start accession talks with Ukraine despite its invasion by Russia, bypassing Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s grievances by getting him to leave the room.
Orban’s resistance in Brussels gained him some bonus points in Moscow, with whom his nationalist government has maintained regular contacts even during the war in Ukraine, and which still supplies landlocked Hungary with most of its gas.
Citing Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, the ministry said Hungary had made it clear to Bulgaria that it would veto its entry if the tax on Hungary’s main gas import route remained in place.
“We have made it clear to the Bulgarians that if they keep this in place for long, if they jeopardise the safety of Hungary’s energy supply for long, then we will veto their Schengen entry,” Szijjarto said.
He said Hungary would lift its veto as soon as the transit tax is repealed.
While Western European countries have made big efforts to wean themselves off Russian gas, Hungary has been receiving 4.5 billion cubic metres of gas per year from Russia under a deal signed in 2021, mainly via Bulgaria and Serbia.
Szijjarto said Bulgaria’s move, which he said went against European regulations, threatened the safety of supply not just in Hungary, but also Serbia and North Macedonia.
Former FBI agent gets over four years in prison for aiding Russian oligarch
Saturday 16 December 2023 13:45 , Tom Watling
A former top officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has been sentenced to over four years in prison for working for a Russian oligarch, violating US-imposed sanctions.
Charles McGonigal, 55, was sentenced by the Manhattan Federal Court to four years and two months in prison after he pleaded guilty in August to one count of conspiring to launder money.
Judge Jennifer H Rearden said McGonigal harmed national security by repeatedly flouting sanctions that were placed on Russia to put economic pressure on Moscow amid its war against Ukraine.
Former FBI agent gets over four years in prison for aiding Russian oligarch
The battle to get £43bn in EU aid to Ukraine after Hungary’s Orban blocks it – and why it’s so important
Saturday 16 December 2023 13:15 , Tom Watling
Hungary’s prime minister Viktor Orban has blocked a critical €50bn (£43bn) EU financial aid package for Ukraine, throwing into doubt Europe’s continuing support for Kyiv as it faces a tough winter battling Russia‘s forces.
A few hours previously, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky had celebrated the EU finally agreeing to open up membership talks, a deal which was achieved after Mr Orban agreed to leave the room when the rest of the 26 nations voted.
However, Mr Orban told Hungarian state TV on Friday that he could still block the years-long process of Kyiv’s admittance to the bloc further along the line if he believes it undermines Budapest’s interests.
The battle to send £43bn in EU aid to Ukraine after Hungary’s Orban blocked it
A symbolic victory for Kyiv on EU membership – but the real headache over Western aid remains
Saturday 16 December 2023 12:45 , Tom Watling
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s one-man mission to block critical European funds, mixed with a similar impasse in the US Congress leaves Ukraine with a big problem, writes Askold Krushelnycky.
A victory for Kyiv on EU membership – but the headache over Western aid remains
Ukraine puts head of Russia’s Orthodox church on ‘wanted’ list
Saturday 16 December 2023 12:15 , Tom Watling
Officials in Ukraine have put the head of Russia’s Orthodox church, a pro-Kremlin figure who has supported Vladimir Putin’s invasion of the country, on its “wanted” list.
Patriarch Kirill is now “an individual in hiding from the bodies of pre-trial investigation”, according to a post of Ukraine’s interior ministry’s wanted list. Kyiv’s security services accused him of stoking the war.
Kirill, who is seen in his clerical robes in the photo, is listed as “missing” since 11 November on the ministry’s page.
Ukraine puts head of Russia’s Orthodox church on ‘wanted’ list
Russia and Ukraine exchange drone attacks after EU funding stalled
Saturday 16 December 2023 11:45 , Tom Watling
Russia and Ukraine each reported dozens of attempted drone attacks in the past day, just hours after Hungary vetoed 50 billion euros ($54.5 billion) of EU funding to Ukraine.
Ukraine’s air force said Saturday that Ukrainian air defense had shot down 30 out of 31 drones launched overnight against 11 regions of the country.
Russia also said Friday evening that it had thwarted a series of Ukrainian drone attacks.
Russia and Ukraine exchange drone attacks after EU funding stalled
Ukraine puts head of Russia’s Orthodox church on ‘wanted’ list
Saturday 16 December 2023 18:49 , Matt Mathers
Officials in Ukraine have put the head of Russia’s Orthodox church, a pro-Kremlin figure who has supported Vladimir Putin’s invasion of the country, on its “wanted” list.
Patriarch Kirill is now “an individual in hiding from the bodies of pre-trial investigation”, according to a post of Ukraine’s interior ministry’s wanted list. Kyiv’s security services accused him of stoking the war.
Full report:
Ukraine puts head of Russia’s Orthodox church on ‘wanted’ list
Sadiq Khan rejects call to send scrapped Ulez cars to Ukraine
Saturday 16 December 2023 10:58 , Tom Watling
Sadiq Khan has rejected a call to send cars that will be scrapped under his controversial Ulez scheme to Ukraine, according to reports.
The mayor of Kyiv had urged the vehicles be transported to his war-torn country, where he said they could be used for a “variety of life-saving and transport roles”.
But Mr Khan has said the proposal would not meet a “legal threshold” that requires that Londoners benefit, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Putin to run for president as an independent candidate
Saturday 16 December 2023 10:30 , Tom Watling
Vladimir Putin will run for president again as an independent candidate with a wide support base but not on a party ticket, the state-backed RIA news agency cited two senior pro-Kremlin lawmakers as saying on Saturday.
Putin, who has been in power as either president or prime minister for more than two decades, has announced he will seek another six-year term in March next year in an election he is comfortably expected to win.
He will not run as a candidate for the ruling United Russia (UR) party even though he has its complete support but as an independent candidate, Andrei Turchak, a senior UR party official, was cited as saying by RIA.
Sergei Mironov, a senior politician from the Just Russia party who supports Putin, was also quoted by RIA as saying Putin would run as an independent and that signatures would be gathered in his support.
For Putin, 71, the election is a formality: with the support of the state, the state-run media and almost no mainstream public dissent, he is certain to win.
Ukraine fire multiple drones at Crimea, claims Russia
Saturday 16 December 2023 10:00 , Tom Watling
Ukraine fired six drones at Russian positions in occupied Crimea overnight, the Kremlin has claimed.
A statement from the Russian Ministry of Defence claimed they had destroyed all the drones fired by Ukraine.
“An attempt by the Kyiv regime to carry out a terrorist attack using an aircraft-type UAV on objects in the Crimea was stopped,” the statement read.
“Another 6 Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles were destroyed by air defense systems on duty.”
These claims could not be verified.
Europe must rearm as new threats loom, German minister says
Saturday 16 December 2023 09:30 , Tom Watling
Europe must race to ensure it can better defend itself as new military threats could emerge by the end of the decade even as the focus of security ally the United States shifts towards the Indo-Pacfic, Germany’s defense minister said.
Russia was hiking its weapons production considerably to sustain its invasion of Ukraine, while also threatening the Baltic states, Georgia and Moldova, Boris Pistorius was quoted as saying in an interview with Welt am Sonntag.
Meanwhile the United States will likely reduce its military engagement in Europe as it turns more towards the Indo-Pacfic.
“We Europeans must engage more to ensure security on our own continent,” said Pistorius, noting however it would take time for the region to increase its own weapons production.
“We have about 5-8 years to catch up, in terms of armed forces, industry and society,” he said.
Europe is clear it may also need to compensate for U.S. aid for Ukraine if Washington fails to agree new funding, he added.
The Siberian Battalion: Meet the Russian nationals fighting against Putin in Ukraine’s army
Saturday 16 December 2023 09:00 , Tom Watling
When Russia’s invasion of Ukraine ignited into war, back in Moscow, a young Russian who now goes by the name of Karabas was plunged into despair. Shocked by images of what was happening to Ukrainians in Russian-occupied areas, he decided to act — against Russia, his home and country.
Karabas said he knew that what he was doing was drastic. He packed his bags and decided to find a way to get to Ukraine to join the ranks of Kyiv’s troops fighting Russian forces.
It took him almost a year to make it happen.
The Siberian Battalion: Meet the Russian nationals fighting against Putin
Ukraine shoots downs 30 Russian drones over 11 regions -air force
Saturday 16 December 2023 08:35 , Tom Watling
Ukraine’s air defence and mobile groups of drone hunters shot down 30 out of 31 Russian drones over 11 regions across the country on Saturday, the air force have said.
A series of explosions resounded throughout the Ukrainian capital Kyiv as air defence units engaged Russian drones just after midnight, local time.
“This is the sixth air attack on Kyiv since the start of the month,” said Serhiy Popko, head of the city’s military administration.
“Tonight, after three days of ballistic threats, the enemy again launched Shaheds on the capital. The drones attacked in groups, in waves, and from different directions,” Mr Popko said.
Ukraine puts head of Russia’s Orthodox church on ‘wanted’ list
Saturday 16 December 2023 08:12 , Tom Watling
Officials in Ukraine have put the head of Russia’s Orthodox church, a pro-Kremlin figure who has supported Vladimir Putin’s invasion of the country, on its “wanted” list.
Patriarch Kirill is now “an individual in hiding from the bodies of pre-trial investigation”, according to a post of Ukraine’s interior ministry’s wanted list. Kyiv’s security services accused him of stoking the war.
Ukraine puts head of Russia’s Orthodox church on ‘wanted’ list
Court voids fine given to Russian activist for criticizing war and sends case back to prosecutors
Saturday 16 December 2023 19:08 , Matt Mathers
A court in Russia on Thursday overturned a fine handed to a veteran human rights advocate for speaking out against the war in Ukraine and sent Oleg Orlov’s case back to prosecutors, who have sought to imprison him for three years instead.
Orlov, co-chairman of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning human rights group Memorial, was convicted of publicly “discrediting” the Russian military after he posted on Facebook an article he wrote that denounced the invasion of Ukraine. He has rejected the charge as politically motivated.
Court voids fine given to Russian activist for criticizing war and sends case back to prosecutors
Ukrainians sift through wreckage after another round of shelling
Saturday 16 December 2023 07:00 , Sam Rkaina
Battle to get £43bn in EU aid to Ukraine after Hungary’s Orban blocks it – and why it’s so important
Saturday 16 December 2023 06:00 , Chris Stevenson
Hungary’s prime minister Viktor Orban has blocked a critical €50bn (£43bn) EU financial aid package for Ukraine, throwing into doubt Europe’s continuing support for Kyiv as it faces a tough winter battling Russia‘s forces.
A few hours previously, Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky had celebrated the EU finally agreeing to open up membership talks, a deal which was achieved after Mr Orban agreed to leave the room when the rest of the 26 nations voted. However, Mr Orban told Hungarian state TV on Friday that he could still block the years-long process of Kyiv’s admittance to the bloc further along the line if he believes it undermines Budapest’s interests.
“If we don’t want Ukraine to be a member of the European Union, then the Hungarian parliament votes it down. And until the issue gets to the parliaments, it’s a very, very long process, and as they counted and I did, there are about 75 occasions when the Hungarian government can stop this process,” Mr Orban said.
Click below for the full story.
The battle to send £43bn in EU aid to Ukraine after Hungary’s Orban blocked it
Ukraine soldiers hold service as Christmas approaches
Saturday 16 December 2023 05:00 , Sam Rkaina
Symbolic victory for Kyiv on EU membership – but the real headache over western aid remains
Saturday 16 December 2023 04:00 , Sam Rkaina
Ukraine’s fate in the war against Russia was in the hands of its allies on both sides of the Atlantic this week – and the result was one symbolic victory and one monumental headache.
Ukraine received a terrific morale boost when the European Union voted to begin membership talks with Kyiv at a summit in Brussels. That was a smack in the face for Russian president, Vladimir Putin, who on the same day had tried to gloat that all-important military and financial support for Ukraine was fading in the West.
The decision in Brussels came after Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban left the room, taking his objections with him, while the agreement was sealed, seemingly having agreed to do so. In that way, he could say he had no part in it. Moldova was given a green light at the same time.
Click below for the full analysis.
A victory for Kyiv on EU membership – but the headache over Western aid remains
Russian military affiliated group carried out hack, Ukraine says
Saturday 16 December 2023 03:00 , Sam Rkaina
Kyivstar CEO Oleksandr Komarov said on Thursday that the company might need several weeks to reinstate all its services after the attack.
Tuesday’s attack on Kyivstar, which counts more than half of Ukraine‘s population as mobile subscribers, knocked out services and damaged IT infrastructure and air raid alert systems in several regions. Komarov said customer data was not compromised.
On Wednesday, a group called Solntsepyok, believed by Ukraine‘s security service SBU to be affiliated with Russian military intelligence, said in a post on the Telegram messenger app that it carried out the attack.
Kyivstar’s CEO said the hackers used an employee’s compromised account for the attack but how exactly they got access to it is being investigated.
Mobile service restored in Ukraine after cyberattack
Saturday 16 December 2023 02:00 , Sam Rkaina
Ukraine‘s biggest mobile operator, hit by a mass cyberattack this week, said on Friday that it had restored mobile internet throughout Ukraine and restored international roaming.
In a statement on Facebook, Kyivstar said it was working on restoring SMS text messaging. The network, it said, was operating on all standards, including 4G.
“This means that the quality of all communications will soon improve, even if it is now working at reduced speed,” the statement said.
“In some localities, there could still be short-term difficulties with communications. But our specialists are eliminating them quickly.”
Kyivstar’s Dutch-based parent company Veon Ltd. had in an earlier statement announced the resumption of services.
Explosions resound in Kyiv, air defence units engage Russian drones
Saturday 16 December 2023 01:00 , Sam Rkaina
Explosions resounded through the Ukrainian capital early on Saturday as air defence units engaged Russian drones, witnesses HAVE said.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said the anti-aircraft units had gone into action as groups of drones flew near the city. There were no immediate reports of casualties or serious damage.
The witnesses reported a series of loud blasts just after midnight. They said air raid sirens went off on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River, but on the opposite bank police warned residents of the air raid alert through loudspeakers.
After an initial set of explosions, air defence units again went into operation on the Dnipro’s eastern bank. Klitschko said anti-aircraft activity was focused on the Darnytskyi district east of the river.
Macron ‘still open to dialogue’ with Putin
Saturday 16 December 2023 00:01 , Sam Rkaina
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday he would still consider talking to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin if it helps create a sustainable peace between Ukraine and Russia.
Mr Macron and Mr Putin enjoyed a good working relationship before Russia invaded its neighbour in February 2022. In the weeks preceding the start of hostilities, Mr Macron’s diplomatic efforts failed to stop the war but he then kept open a line of communication with the Russian president for months.
Their diplomatic and personal links deteriorated badly as the war dragged on. Earlier this year, Mr Macron weighed the possibility of stripping Mr Putin of France’s highest medal of honour.
Mr Putin was asked on Thursday during his year-end news conference by a journalist from the French channel TF1 about his views on France and Mr Macron.
Mr Putin said: “At some point the French president stopped the relationship with us. We didn’t do it, I didn’t. He did. If there’s interest, we’re ready. If not, we’ll cope.”
Speaking in Brussels at the end of a summit where EU leaders decided to open membership negotiations with war-torn Ukraine, Mr Macron said he remained open to dialogue with Mr Putin on finding a peaceful solution if the Russian leader reaches out to him.
“I didn’t start the war unilaterally, breaking the treaties I’d agreed to. And it wasn’t France that decided to commit war crimes in the north of Ukraine, making discussions virtually impossible,” Mr Macron said. “Well, we have to be serious, so I have a very simple position. I haven’t changed my number.”
Ukraine signs ‘dozens’ of joint production deals with Western defence firms
Friday 15 December 2023 23:05 , Sam Rkaina
Ukraine has agreed dozens of contracts for joint production or technology exchanges with Western partners, Kyiv said on Friday, as it strives to reduce its dependence on military supplies from the West and to boost domestic output.
The effort to ramp up production at home has become critically important as the future of large-scale military aid from the United States and European Union appears more uncertain and Western stockpiles have become more depleted.
“We have dozens of new contracts between companies on joint production or technology exchange,” Ukraine‘s Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said in a Facebook post.
He pointed to an international defence industry forum hosted by Kyiv in September with more than 250 Western weapons producers, followed by a joint Ukraine-U.S. defence conference in Washington in December.
“We signed a memorandum with the United States on joint production and technical data sharing,” Umerov said.
Recap: Dozens injured as council member in Ukraine sets of grenades in meeting
Friday 15 December 2023 22:10 , Sam Rkaina
A village council member in western Ukraine detonated three hand grenades during a meeting Friday, critically injuring himself and at least two dozen other people, authorities said.
A video posted on social media showed a man entering a room where the village council of Keretsky was meeting to discuss and approve the community’s budget.
The man, who was preliminary identified as Serhii Batryn, a council member who belongs to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Servant of the People party, took three grenades from his pockets, removed the pins and threw the weapons on the floor in front of him.
Thranscarpathian region police said in an official statement that 26 people were injured, six of them critically. The man who set off the grenades suffered grave injuries and medics worked to save his life, police said.
There was no immediate word on a possible motive or if the attack was somehow connected to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
EU vows Ukraine to get aid despite veto by Hungary’s Orban
Friday 15 December 2023 21:30 , Sam Rkaina
European Union leaders expressed confidence on Friday that they would clear a large package of aid for Ukraine early in 2024, despite a veto by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
All 27 EU states except Hungary agreed on Thursday to start accession talks with Ukraine despite its invasion by Russia, bypassing Orban’s grievances by getting him to leave the room.
But they could not overcome his resistance to revamping the EU budget to channel 50 billion euros ($55 billion) to Kyiv and provide more cash for other tasks such as managing migration.
Kyiv is reliant on foreign assistance as Russia’s war in Ukraine rages on, and U.S. President Joe Biden has so far been unable to get a $60 billion package for Kyiv through Congress.
EU leaders, who would prefer a deal backed by all members but also have a plan B, are expected to revisit the issue at an emergency summit at the end of January or early in February.
“We are working very hard to have an agreement by 27 member states,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, adding: “But I think it is now also necessary to work on potential alternatives to have an operational solution in case that an agreement by 27, so unanimity, is not possible.”
Russian forces ‘destroy 26 Ukrainian drones’ over Crimea
Friday 15 December 2023 20:26 , Sam Rkaina
Russian anti-aircraft units destroyed 26 Ukrainian drones over the Crimean peninsula on Friday, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Telegram.
A ministry statement said the interceptions took place between 8.30 and 10.30pm.
More on this as we get it.
Orban threatens to put the brakes on Ukraine’s EU bid
Friday 15 December 2023 19:34 , Sam Rkaina
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said Friday his country will have plenty of opportunities in the future to interrupt Ukraine‘s process of joining the European Union, a day after the right-wing leader’s stunning turnaround allowed an EU summit to move forward on bringing the war-torn country into the bloc.
In an interview Friday with Hungarian state radio, Orban said that EU leaders told him he would “lose nothing” by dropping his veto since he’d have chances in the future to block Ukraine‘s accession if he chose to — something he vowed to do if it appeared Hungary’s interests were at risk.
“Their decisive argument was that Hungary loses nothing, given that the final word on Ukraine‘s membership has to be given by the national parliaments, 27 parliaments, including the Hungarian one,” Orban said.
“I made it clear that we will not hesitate for a moment if the financial and economic consequences of this bad decision will be paid by the Hungarians. Those who made this decision should be the ones who pay,” he said. “If necessary, we will slam the brakes.”
Heavy fighting continues around Marinka, MoD says
Friday 15 December 2023 18:15 , Alexander Butler
The ministry of defence has released its latest update on the situation in Ukraine and said it was highly unlikely Russian forces would make a breakthrough.
Posting on X the MoD said that heavy fighting was continuing around Marinka, with Russian forces “likely further reduced the small pockets of Ukrainian controlled territory”.
It added that despite “incremental advances” it was “highly unlikely” Moscow’s forces would make a significant breakthrough in the sector.
Pope condemns ‘whirlwind of violence’ against children in Ukraine, Gaza and Yemen
Friday 15 December 2023 17:15 , Alexander Butler
Pope Francis has denounced the deaths of thousands of children caused by spates of violence in the Gaza Strip, Ukraine and Yemen.
The head of the Catholic Church condemned a “whirlwind of violence” that has led to “more than 500” children’s deaths in Ukraine.
Francis said: “Their memory leads us to be ourselves lights for the world, to touch the hearts of many people, especially those who can stop the whirlwind of violence.”
Watch: Moment Ukrainian politician detonates grenade during council meeting
Friday 15 December 2023 16:15 , Alexander Butler
Russia congratulates Hungary for blocking EU financial aid
Friday 15 December 2023 15:15 , Alexander Butler
The Kremlin has welcomed Hungarian prime minister Victor Orban’s decision to veto £43 billion in EU funding for Ukraine.
“Hungary, in contrast to many European countries, firmly defends its interests, which impresses us,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
It comes after Hungary blocked a the massive EU aid package for Ukraine just hours after an agreement was reached to start Kyiv’s membership talks with the bloc.
Leaders of 26 EU countries endorsed the plan, which would support Kyiv’s budget between 2024 and 2027, but Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban was against the decision, which requires unanimous approval of all 27 EU member states.
Biden urges Erdogan to approve Sweden joining NATO
Friday 15 December 2023 14:15 , Alexander Butler
Joe Biden and Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed Sweden’s application to join the NATO alliance in a phone call on Thursday.
The White House said President Biden and President Erdogan discussed “the importance of welcoming Sweden as an ally as soon as possible and further enhancing” Turkey’s “interoperability” with NATO.
Mr Erdogan’s senior foreign policy adviser, said that there were still some issues that need to be “ironed out” for Sweden’s bid to be ratified by the Turkish parliament.
He said the ideal situation would be for Washington to move forward with the sale of F-16 jets Turkey has requested to buy, simultaneously.
Ukrainian councillor injures 26 people with two grenades, police say
Friday 15 December 2023 13:20 , Alexander Butler
A Ukrainian councillor detonated two grenades at a village meeting and injured up to 26 people, according to police.
A man was filmed standing near a door and taking grenades out of his jacket, before tossing them onto the floor in Transcarpathia, Ukraine.
A number of explosions followed, leaving the room filled with smoke and bodies on the ground. It is not clear why he carried out the attack.
Russia claims membership talks with Ukraine could ‘destabilise’ EU
Friday 15 December 2023 13:15 , Alexander Butler
Russia has said the EU’s decision to open membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova was politicised and could destabilise the bloc.
“Negotiations to join the EU can last for years or decades,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
“The EU has always had strict criteria for accession and it is obvious that at the moment neither Ukraine nor Moldova meets these criteria.
“It is clear that this is an absolutely politicised decision, the EU’s desire to demonstrate support for these countries.
“But such new members could destabilise the EU, and since we live on the same continent as the EU, we, of course, are closely watching this.”
Putin’s forces use ‘Ukrainian soldiers as human shields’
Friday 15 December 2023 12:16 , Alexander Butler
Vladimir Putin’s forces are using Ukrainian prisoners of war as human shields to advance on enemy positions, according to a US think tank.
The Institute for the Study of War said footage showed Russian soldiers covering themselves behind Ukrainian POWs as they advance on Ukrainian positions near Robotyne.
The prisoners in the video appear unarmed, while the Russian soldiers force them forward at gunpoint, according to the ISW.
US welcomes decision to begin negotiations on Ukraine joining EU
Friday 15 December 2023 12:00 , Alexander Butler
The EU’s decision to begin negotiations on the accession of Ukraine and Moldova is a “powerful affirmation” of their respective “European future” and a “historic moment” for Europe, State Department spokesperson
“We welcome the European Council vote on EU enlargement and congratulate Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina on a historic step toward their EU aspirations. T
“The United States strongly supports enlargement and prospective candidates on their EU paths,” Matthew Miller said on X.
We welcome the European Council vote on EU enlargement and congratulate Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina on a historic step toward their EU aspirations. The United States strongly supports enlargement and prospective candidates on their EU paths.
— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) December 15, 2023
US warned of confrontation between Russia and NATO if it lets Putin win in Ukraine
Friday 15 December 2023 11:49 , Alexander Butler
The United States could pay a “much higher cost” than most people imagine if they allow Russia to win in Ukraine, a US think tank warned.
The Institute for the Study of War said the US would have to deploy “a sizable portion of its ground forces” and “a large number of stealth aircraft” to Eastern Europe to guarantee security if Russian won in Ukraine.
“The entire undertaking will cost a fortune, and the cost will last as long as the Russian threat continues—potentially indefinitely,” the ISW said
“Helping Ukraine keep the lines where they are through continuous Western military support is far more advantageous and cheaper for the United States than allowing Ukraine to lose.”
Ramaswamy says eastern Ukrainians don’t mind Russian occupation
Friday 15 December 2023 11:00 , Alexander Butler
Republican presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy has claimed that Ukrainians in the eastern part of the country do not mind Russian occupation.
The biotech CEO told a CNN town hall in Iowa that he would give Russia some concessions to end its unprovoked attack on Ukraine.
Mr Ramaswamy told the audience of GOP voters he was confident he could get Vladimir Putin to accept his peace plan, which would involve Russia cutting itself off from China militarily.
Ramaswamy says eastern Ukrainians don’t mind Russian occupation
Progressives warn Biden about using immigrants as a ‘bargaining chip’ for Ukraine
Friday 15 December 2023 10:00 , Alexander Butler
And just like that, the first year of the 118th Congress came to a close. With no aid to Ukraine on the horizon, no aid to Israel, no potential breakthrough negotiations on spending bills and no aid to Gaza, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives rewarded itself by leaving for the holidays, The Independent’s Washington correspondent Eric Garcia writes.
Progressives warn Biden about using immigrants as a ‘bargaining chip’ for Ukraine
Hungary blocks £43bn EU funding for Ukraine hours after Kyiv membership talks agreement
Friday 15 December 2023 09:35 , Alexander Butler
Hungary has blocked a massive £43bn EU aid package for Ukraine just hours after an agreement was reached to start membership talks with Kyiv.
The country’s prime minister Viktor Orban said he had vetoed the extra money for Ukraine and would come back to the issue next year after “proper preparation”.
Leaders of 26 EU countries endorsed the plan, which would support Kyiv’s budget between 2024 and 2027, but Mr Orban was against the decision, which requires unanimous approval of all 27 EU member states.
Mr Orban announced the veto on social media. He wrote on X: “Summary of the nightshift: veto for the extra money to Ukraine. We will come back to the issue next year in the #EUCO after proper preparation.”
Hungarian PM Orban blocks £43bn of EU funding for Ukraine
Alexei Navalny’s whereabouts still unknown, ally says
Friday 15 December 2023 09:00 , Alexander Butler
Officials from Russia’s prison authority told a court on Friday that jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny was no longer in the penal colony where he had been serving his sentence but they did not explain where he had gone, an ally said.
Lawyer Vyacheslav Gimadi wrote on the X social network that it has been 10 days since those close to the politician lost track of his whereabouts.
Another Navalny ally, Kira Yarmysh, cited the authorities as saying Navalny had left the penal colony on 11 December. Mr Navalny is a high-profile critic of Putin, and has been imprisoned since 2022.
Ukraine’s air force shoots down 14 Russian drones overnight
Friday 15 December 2023 07:48 , Alexander Butler
Ukraine’s air force says it has shot down 14 drones fired by Russia overnight.
“All 14 enemy drones were shot down by mobile fire groups of the Air Force and Defence Forces of Ukraine within Mykolaiv, Kherson, Khmelnytskyi and Poltava regions,” the air force wrote on the Telegram app.
Spanish prime minister says EU green light to Ukraine membership is ‘historic’ day
Friday 15 December 2023 07:00 , Sam Rkaina
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Thursday the EU decision to give the green light to Ukraine membership was a ‘historic day’.
“Today is a historic day for Europe,” Sanchez posted on the social media X.
“I would like to congratulate Ukraine and Moldova on the decision of the European Council to start negotiations for their accession to the EU.”
“We also welcome the recognition of Georgia’s candidate status and the progress of Bosnia and Herzegovina.”
‘Three Kinzhals launched from three fighter jets’
Friday 15 December 2023 05:00 , Sam Rkaina
The Air Force said on the Telegram messaging app that Russian forces used three Kinzhals launched from three fighter jets in Russia’s central Tula region, and that its anti-aircraft missile unit shot down one of the missiles in the Kyiv region.
“Of course, we do not comment on the consequences of hits/non-hits by enemy missiles in the Khmelnytskyi region,” it added.
Local authorities said earlier that emergency services were working at the two crash sites, but no injuries or damage were recorded.
Overnight, Russia launched 42 drones and 6 missiles at Ukraine, with 11 people injured and buildings and warehouses damaged by falling debris. The Ukrainian military said it destroyed 41 drones.
Russian missile strikes continue
Friday 15 December 2023 04:00 , Sam Rkaina
Ukraine‘s Air Force said Russian MiG-31K fighter jets carrying Kinzhal hypersonic missiles struck targets in central Ukraine just 10 minutes after their takeoff from Savasleyka airbase sparked a national alert on Thursday.
The Air Force said it shot down one Kinzhal missile over Kyiv region, while another two hit Starokostiantyniv district, location of an air base in Khmelnytskyi region west of Kyiv that has been repeatedly attacked during the 21-month-old war.
Kyiv regional governor Ruslan Kravchenko said no casualties were reported, nor damage to critical and civilian infrastructure, after explosions were heard by a Reuters correspondent near the capital.
Other EU candidates and their success rates
Friday 15 December 2023 03:00 , Sam Rkaina
Turkey applied for membership in 1987, received candidate status in 1999, and had to wait until 2005 to start talks for actual entry.
Only one of more than 30 negotiating “chapters” has been completed in the years since, and the whole process is at a standstill as a result of various disputes.
Several countries in the Balkans meanwhile have become discouraged by the bloc’s failure to live up to its lofty membership promises.
North Macedonia submitted its entry bid in 2004. Even after subsequently changing its name to settle a longstanding dispute with EU member Greece, the country is still waiting for membership talks to begin because Bulgaria, another member, threw up a hurdle related to ethnicity and language.
Bosnia remains plagued by ethnic divisions that make reform an almost impossible challenge. The commission said last month that it should only start membership talks after more progress is made. It expressed concern about the justice system and other rights failures in the Bosnian Serb part of the country.
Serbia and Kosovo refuse to normalize their relations, and stand last in the EU’s line.
Why Ukraine’s membership journey is rocky
Friday 15 December 2023 02:00 , Sam Rkaina
EU officials had said talks couldn’t officially begin until Ukraine addresses multiple issues including corruption, lobbying concerns, and restrictions that might prevent national minorities from studying and reading in their own language.
While EU officials say Ukraine has made progress on these issues in recent months, it still has a long way to go.
Every EU country has gradually agreed to support Ukraine‘s bid — except Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Putin’s greatest ally within the EU. Orban maintains that Ukraine isn’t ready to even start talking about EU membership.
In a surprise move, Orban stepped aside Thursday and abstained from the vote to allow Ukraine‘s membership talks to begin. It is just a beginning, and many steps remain.
Debt crises, waves of migration and Brexit had all contributed to the bloc’s skittishness toward expanding its ranks in recent years. So, too, did the growth of Euro-skeptic political forces in many member countries.
But the urgency created by Russia’s invasion and Ukraine‘s request for expedited consideration upended the EU’s go-slow approach to adding new members, and reversed years of ‘’enlargement fatigue.”
Thursday’s decision also has an impact on other would-be members, who feel the EU is showing favoritism.
Why joining EU matters to Ukraine
Friday 15 December 2023 01:00 , Sam Rkaina
Ukraine is one of several countries that have long wanted to join the EU, seeing it as a path to wealth and stability. While the EU is not a military alliance like NATO, membership in the bloc is seen by some as a rampart against Russian influence.
Ukraine officially applied for EU accession less than a week after Russia invaded in February 2022. The capital Kyiv faced the threat of capture, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s government faced the threat of collapse.
The start of membership talks less than two years later is only one step in a long journey. But it sends a strong signal of solidarity with Ukraine just as U.S. support for Ukraine‘s military is faltering and a Ukrainian counteroffensive is stalled — and as Putin appears increasingly emboldened.
How do you join the EU?
Thursday 14 December 2023 23:59 , Sam Rkaina
Ukraine got a green light Thursday to start sped-up talks on joining the European Union.
That’s a big boost for war-ravaged Ukraine and a loud message to Vladimir Putin – but it could be years or even decades before the country actually becomes a member of the EU.
Here’s a look at what Thursday’s decision means, and why joining the EU is especially important, and especially hard, for Ukraine.
EU HISTORY AND HOW DO YOU JOIN?The European Union was born after World War II as a trading bloc with a bold ambition: to prevent another war between Germany and France. The six founding members were Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
Since then, the EU has steadily expanded to contain 27 democratic nations, many from the former communist bloc in Eastern Europe, inspired by the idea that economic and political integration among nations is the best way to promote prosperity and peace.
This notably led to the creation of the shared euro currency in 1999, the continent’s open borders, and trailblazing rules to reduce carbon emissions and regulate tech giants.
To join the EU, candidate countries must go through a lengthy process to align their laws and standards with those of the EU, and show that their institutions and economies meet democratic norms. Launching accession talks requires approval by consensus from the 27 EU nations.
US Senate to vote on Ukraine funding, border security next week
Thursday 14 December 2023 23:00 , Sam Rkaina
The U.S. Senate will vote on military aid for Ukraine and Israel next week as negotiations continue over changes to U.S. border security policy that would be tied to the funding, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Thursday.
The Senate will delay its holiday break, which had been due to start Friday, and convene Monday to give negotiators time to reach an agreement, Schumer said.
“So much hangs on our success,” Schumer said. “We know the world is watching.”
Democratic President Joe Biden has been urging lawmakers to pass a supplemental aid package to provide $50 billion in new security to Ukraine as it fights Russia, as well as $14 billion for Israel as it wages war against Hamas in Gaza.
Republican House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, as well as Republicans in the Democratic-majority Senate, have repeatedly said they will only vote for that aid if it is paired with new controls for the U.S.-Mexico border.
Ukraine shoots down hypersonic Kinzhal missile over Kyiv
Thursday 14 December 2023 22:00 , Sam Rkaina
Ukraine‘s air force shot down a hypersonic Kinzhal missile over Kyiv on Thursday, a spokesman said.
Responding to a question about an explosion heard in Kyiv, Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat said: “Anti-aircraft missile defense systems were at work.
“One missile was shot down.”
Putin confronted by critical text messages beamed on screen at year-end news conference
Thursday 14 December 2023 21:19 , Sam Rkaina
Across the four hours of a marathon end-of-year press conference, Vladimir Putin offered a familiar mix of threats and jibes against Western nations as he tried to paint a rosy picture of Russian life.
However, he was confronted by criticism from ordinary Russians when text messages were beamed in front of him in an apparent gaffe.
Having cancelled the usual annual event last year, this was the first held since the Russian president launched his war almost two years ago.
Mr Putin said “there will only be peace in Ukraine when we achieve our aims” – essentially forcing Kyiv into submission. It is a threat that Russia has repeated while Ukraine’s forces have put up a stout defence of their territory.
With Mr Putin having recently announced he is running for the presidency again in March 2024, he had to be seen to be backing his war machine, although even he let slip that any Russian gains in Ukraine were “modest”; Kremlin-speak for the fact that there has been little movement on the frontlines in recent months.
The heavily stage-managed news conference was watched by millions across Russia. Ordinary citizens submitted questions alongside those from journalists, and Russian media said at least 2 million were sent in advance, with some being shown on a screen at the venue, even if they weren’t answered by Mr Putin. That led to some awkward messages for the president.
Critical text messages beamed on screen in front of Putin at year-end news conference
Hungary says Ukraine is not prepared
Thursday 14 December 2023 20:15 , Sam Rkaina
Ukraine badly needs support from its Western allies in its nearly two-year fight against Russia’s invasion. Its counter-offensive has failed to make major gains and the Biden administration has so far been unable to get a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine through the U.S. Congress.
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said it was “a strategic decision and a day that will remain engraved in the history of our Union.”
Orban had very different words to describe the decision.
“Hungary’s stance is clear, Ukraine is not prepared for us to start talks on EU membership,” he said, calling the decision to start talks “irrational” and “inappropriate.”
“But 26 member states were adamant that this decision must be made so Hungary decided that if 26 decide so, they should go on their own path and Hungary does not wish to participate in this bad decision,” he said.
Talks likely to take years
Thursday 14 December 2023 19:30 , Sam Rkaina
Ukraine, which has a population of 44 million and is geographically bigger than any EU member, presents some unique challenges for admission to the 27-member bloc.
In intense diplomacy on the matter, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz met with Orban before the summit, alongside von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel.
The European Commission on Wednesday restored Hungary’s access to up to 10.2 billion euros in refunds for economic projects after finding it had fulfilled conditions on the independence of its judiciary.
Talks will continue at the summit on the bloc’s multi-annual budget framework.
Michel said the European Council had also decided on Thursday to open accession negotiations with Moldova.
He went on to say the summit granted EU candidate status to Georgia and would also advance an EU bid by another hopeful – Bosnia – once it reaches “the necessary degree of compliance” with criteria.
Hungarian PM Orban decided no to use his veto power on Ukraine accession talks
Thursday 14 December 2023 19:00 , Sam Rkaina
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban decided not to use his veto power on Ukraine accession talks during a European Union leaders summit on Thursday, Ireland’s Prime Minister Leo Varadkar told reporters after the meeting.
“Prime Minister Orban made his case very strongly. He disagrees with this decision and he is not changing his opinion, but essentially decided not to use the veto power,” Varadkar said.
Asked about Orban’s role in the vote, Varadkar added: “He was not in the room”.
Zelensky calls EU decision to open accession talks ‘a victory’
Thursday 14 December 2023 18:32 , Sam Rkaina
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky hailed an agreement by European Union leaders on Thursday to open membership talks with Kyiv as “a victory” for his country and Europe.
“This is a victory for Ukraine,” he wrote on X. “A victory for all of Europe. A victory that motivates, inspires, and strengthens.
European Council president Charles Michel called it “a clear signal of hope for their people and our continent”.
The decision was announced at a summit gathering leaders of the 27 EU countries.
Thursday 14 December 2023 18:18 , Sam Rkaina
European Union leaders agreed on Thursday to open membership talks with Ukraine, something Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban for weeks had vowed to block.
There was no immediate comment from Hungary after the chairman of the summit, European Council President Charles Michel, said: “The European Council has decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine & Moldova.”
He went on to say the summit granted EU candidate status to Georgia and would also advance an EU bid by another hopeful – Bosnia – once it reaches “the necessary degree of compliance” with criteria.
“This is a victory for Ukraine. A victory for all of Europe. A victory that motivates, inspires, and strengthens,” said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Earlier in the day as the 27 EU leaders gathered for their last summit of the year, Orban insisted that the EU should not start membership talks with Ukraine.
Orban was a lone hold-out at the summit, taking place at a critical time for Kyiv in its war against Russia’s invasion.
Russia-linked hackers claim cyberattack on Ukraine’s mobile networks: ‘Be prepared’
Thursday 14 December 2023 16:30 , Tom Watling
A hacking group allegedly connected to Russian military intelligence carried out a cyberattack on Ukraine’s biggest mobile network operator offline, officials in Kyiv’s cyber defence agency said.
Ukraine’s Kyivstar, which provides cellular and internet services to 24.3 million mobile subscribers and over 1.1 million home internet users, came under a deadly cyberattack on Tuesday. It silenced air raid alerts in some parts of Ukraine at a time Russia started firing ballistic missiles on civilian regions, wiped out services, and damaged IT infrastructure.
Russia-linked hackers claim cyberattack on Ukraine’s mobile networks: ‘Be prepared’
Top Ukraine advisor calls on Western allies to ‘stop living illusions’
Thursday 14 December 2023 16:04 , Tom Watling
A top Ukrainian advisor has called on Kyiv’s western allies to “stop living illusions” as further support looks in doubt.
So, “subject #Putin” has once again directly and quite officially said that he will wage war, murder, and conquer. He hates #Ukraine fiercely and that is the only reason for a large-scale war. He also hates many more countries and democracies that also need to be “dealt with”.…
— Михайло Подоляк (@Podolyak_M) December 14, 2023
Ukraine touts ambitions for chip manufacturing, AI growth
Thursday 14 December 2023 15:31 , Tom Watling
Ukraine set out ambitions on Thursday to develop high-tech industries, proposing future state support for the creation of a chipmaking industry and to build up artificial intelligence.
The plan, dubbed Win 2030, comes more than 21 months into an all-out war with Russia that the Ukrainian army’s commander-in-chief has said requires Kyiv to make a technological breakthrough.
The ideas were laid out by Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and his deputy, Valeria Ionan, at a presentation in a closely-guarded basement in central Kyiv.
The event was also attended by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, who stressed the importance of technological innovation to achieving victory.
“Without innovation, I am deeply convinced our victory is possible, but will take much longer,” Mr Shmyhal said.
Putin questions Olympic rules for neutral Russian athletes at Paris Games
Thursday 14 December 2023 15:00 , Tom Watling
Russian President Vladimir Putin questioned the International Olympic Committee rules mandating Russian athletes compete at the Paris Olympics as neutrals.
Putin also indicated on Thursday that Russia has yet to take a final decision on whether its competitors will take part next year.
The IOC rejected a blanket ban last week when it confirmed Russians will be allowed to compete under the name of Individual Neutral Athletes.
Putin questions Olympic rules for neutral Russian athletes at Paris Games
Explosions near Kyiv after air force warns of Russian missile attack
Thursday 14 December 2023 14:13 , Tom Watling
The sound of explosions was heard by a Reuters correspondent near Ukraine‘s capital, Kyiv, after the air force warned of an incoming Russian missile threat.
Putin takes body-double question from an AI-generated ‘resident’ of St Petersburg
Thursday 14 December 2023 13:45 , Tom Watling
This is the moment Vladimir Putin takes a question from an AI-generated “resident of St Petersburg” who asks the Russian leader if it is true he has lots of body doubles.
Putin responds and states: “I have decided the only one who looks like me and speaks with my voice should be me.”
The exchange happened as Putin held his first major news conference in two years, since the start of the Ukraine war.
During the news conference, Putin inadvertently suggested that more than 300,000 Russian soldiers have died or been heavily wounded in Ukraine.
Putin takes body-double question from an AI-generated ‘resident’ of St Petersburg
Estonia announces new military package for Ukraine
Thursday 14 December 2023 13:15 , Tom Watling
The Estonian ministry of defence has announced a new military package for Ukraine.
The package is worth €80 million and will include anti-tank Javelin missiles.
Estonia has given the largest percentage of its GDP to Ukraine in terms of military support out of any of Kyiv’s western allies, according to the Kiel Institute.
Putin says he hopes for prisoner swap for western journalist Gershkovich but talks are ‘not simple’
Thursday 14 December 2023 12:45 , Tom Watling
Vladimir Putin, asked on Thursday about a possible prisoner swap for the Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and US Marine veteran Paul Whelan, said that he hoped an agreement would be reached, but that the US had to listen to Russia’s conditions.
Asked about the two men’s cases by a New York Times reporter (cited below) at his annual press conference, Putin said: “We want to reach an agreement, and these agreements must be mutually acceptable and must suit both parties.”
He said Russia had ongoing contacts with the United States over the issue.
“It is not simple, I will not go into details now, but in general, it seems to me that we speak a language that is understandable to each other. I hope we will find a solution. But, I repeat, the American side must hear us and make an appropriate decision, one that suits the Russian side.”
It comes as a Moscow court, during Putin’s conference, upheld a ruling to hold Mr Gershkovich in detention until 30 January.
Russia arrested Moscow correspondent Mr Gershkovich on charges of spying in March. Mr Gershkovich, the Wall Street Journal, and the White House have all denied that he is a spy, or works for the US government.
Marine veteran Paul Whelan was arrested in 2018, convicted of spying for the US in 2020 and sentenced to 16 years in prison. Whelan and the US government both deny the charges.
The US government considers both men to be wrongfully detained. The State Department said on 5 December that Russia had in recent weeks rejected a substantial new proposal for their release.
Hard to watch this from inside Putin’s press conference. Evan should be in the hall with us. not in this cage. I asked what it would take to bring Evan & Paul Whelan home.
He said: Russia is “in contact w the American side” but any agreement must be “mutually acceptable.” https://t.co/kcLEXXUdo2— Valerie Hopkins (@VALERIEinNYT) December 14, 2023
Japan scrambles jets as Russia and China conduct air force patrol
Thursday 14 December 2023 12:12 , Tom Watling
Japan has scrambled fighter jets as Russia and China announced it was conducting a joint patrol over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea.
A statement from the Russian ministry of defence (MoD) said strategic missile carriers from the Kremlin flew alongside Chinese Hun-6k strategic bombers earlier today.
The Japanese MoD said they had deployed fighter jets to monitor the situation.
A statement from Russia read: “Fighter air cover was provided along the entire route of joint patrol by Su-35s of the Russian Aerospace Forces and Su-30/Jian 11b of the Chinese Air Force.
“During the execution of their missions , the aircraft of both countries acted strictly in accordance with the provisions of international law. There were no violations of the airspace of foreign states.”
You can see footage of an idential patrol from November 2022 below.
European Union is sorely tested to keep its promises to Ukraine intact
Thursday 14 December 2023 11:44 , Tom Watling
European Union leaders struggled at the start of a two-day summit Thursday to keep their two most elementary promises to Ukraine at war intact — to give it the money and wherewithal to stave off the Russian invasion and maintain its hope that one day it will be able to join the wealthy bloc.
European Union is sorely tested to keep its promises to Ukraine intact
Putin blames his invasion of Ukraine on ‘creeping’ NATO
Thursday 14 December 2023 11:06 , Tom Watling
Vladimir Putin has issued updated comments on his oft-made claim that NATO and the allied West forced him to invade Ukraine.
He said: “The unbridled desire to creep towards our borders, taking Ukraine into NATO, all this led to this tragedy. Plus the bloody events in Donbass for eight years – all this led to the tragedy that we are now experiencing. They forced us into these actions…
“What the United States conceived and organized, Europe stands and silently watches, or plays and sings along with them there. Well how can we build relations with them?”
“When internal changes happen (in the United States), when they start respecting other people, other countries, when they start looking for compromise instead of trying to resolve their issues with sanctions and military intervention, then the fundamental conditions will be in place to restore fully-fledged relations. So far, such conditions are not in place, but we are ready for that.”
Here are Putin’s full comments on peace negotiations with Ukraine
Thursday 14 December 2023 10:54 , Tom Watling
At his annual news conference, the Russian autocrat said: “There will be peace when we achieve our goals. Let’s return to these goals: they have not changed. I’ll remind you of what we talked about then: the denazification of Ukraine, its demilitarisation, its neutral status.
“As for demilitarisation, if they don’t want to come to an agreement, then we are forced to take other measures, including military ones.
“Or we will agree on certain terms. By the way we agreed on these in talks in Istanbul. But then these agreements were scrapped. But we agreed on this. There are other possibilities – either reach an agreement or resolve it by force. This is what we will strive for.”
Putin: 617,000 Russian troops are currently fighting in Ukraine
Thursday 14 December 2023 10:36 , Tom Watling
Vladimir Putin has claimed that more than 600,000 Russian troops are currently fighting in Ukraine.
He did not provide any evidence. Such figures seem likely to be an overstimate.
Live: Putin holds first annual news conference since start of Ukraine war
Thursday 14 December 2023 10:26 , Tom Watling
Watch Vladimir Putin’s news conference live here with translation.
Putin admits Russian frontline gains are ‘modest’
Thursday 14 December 2023 10:19 , Tom Watling
Vladimir Putin has claimed that Russia forces are “improving their position” all along the 600–mile frontline – but added that the gains are “modest”.
In Kremlin doublespeak, such an admission is stark.
“Almost along the entire line of contact, our armed forces, let’s say modestly, are improving their position,” Putin said.
“Almost everyone is in an active stage of action, and the situation of our troops is improving throughout.”
Russian forces have gained about 0.08 percent of Ukrainian territory in 2023. They have lost tens of thousands of soldiers in the process, according to US estimates.
Putin asked why his ‘reality differs from ours’
Thursday 14 December 2023 10:12 , Tom Watling
Vladimir Putin has been asked “why does your reality differ from ours” during his news conference, though it appears he has decided not to answer that question.
A large blue screen is currently displaying questions from a pool of more than 2 million from journalists and the Russian public.
One question that has just appeared on the screen asked: “Why does your reality differ from ours?”
Another asked: “Mr President, when will the real Russia look like the one on TV?”
Putin does not appear to have answered either.
The questions are a reference to the difference between Russian state media, which is heavily censored by the Kremlin, and online sources of information, which are less regulated.
According to Russian state media, the war in Ukraine has been an outstanding success; less censored outlets online, on Telegram and other platforms, are more honest, though they still undergo some degree of censorship.
Putin says Ukraine counteroffensive was a failure
Thursday 14 December 2023 09:52 , Tom Watling
Vladimir Putin has alleged that Ukraine is “just sending their men out to be destroyed” in a swipe at their summer counteroffensive.
He said: “The enemy announced a big counteroffensive. none of it worked anywhere. I don’t even know why they do this. They are just sending their men out to be destroyed. It’s a one-way ticket.”
His comments come as thousands of Russians have been wounded or killed after being thrown into a fruitless attack on the eastern Ukrainian city of Avdiivka over the past two months.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent’s website
