The city of Kyiv experiences the biggest drone assault from Russia, resulting in five people being injured.
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Russia is launching a “massive assault action” on a key town in eastern Ukraine in what appears to be a renewed offensive, with 610 artillery shellings reported over the past day.
According to Ukrainian TV, Oleksandr Stupun, a spokesperson for the military, stated that intense fighting is ongoing in Avdiivka, a town in Donetsk Oblast that is recognized for its coking plant.
“The opposing forces initiated large-scale attacks, backed by armored vehicles, in the directions of Avdiivka and Mariinka,” he stated.
The British Ministry of Defence recently stated that approximately 40% of all combat encounters along the 600-mile front were taking place in or near Avdiivka.
Serhiy Zhuykov, a Ukrainian section leader who recently left the town, informed The Independent over the weekend that he had observed numerous Russian assaults.
The UK, in conjunction with the Norwegian ministry of defence, has announced a new Maritime Capability Coalition. This coalition will provide Kyiv with approximately forty-four amphibious vehicles and vessels.
The package includes two ships for clearing mines, 23 small attack boats, and 20 vehicles that can operate on land and water.
A soldier from Ukraine reports that the situation in Avdiivka is extremely challenging.
A soldier from Ukraine shared with The Independent the challenging circumstances encountered by those engaged in combat in Avdiivka, a small town in eastern Ukraine that has emerged as the center of the conflict.
Serhiy Zhuykov, a Ukrainian section chief and sniper currently stationed nearby to the town, said: “We try to stay but there are many, many Russian attacks on our army. It is difficult, very difficult.”
A recent report from the British Ministry of Defence indicates that approximately 40% of current combat operations are taking place near Avdiivka on the front line.
On December 7, 2023, in Avdiivka, Ukrainian military personnel utilized the MT-12 or 2A29 gun, also known as the ‘Rapira,’ which is a Soviet-made 100-mm anti-tank gun with a smoothbore, to fire shots.
Listen as Defense Secretary Grant Shapps officially announces the transfer of two naval minehunters to Ukraine.
Grant Shapps, the Defence Secretary, has officially announced the transfer of two naval minehunters to Ukraine.
Russian President Putin inspects a shipyard to supervise the launch of newly built nuclear submarines.
On Monday, Russian leader Vladimir Putin visited a shipyard to participate in the unveiling of new nuclear submarines. This visit highlighted the nation’s nuclear power, which is particularly relevant given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Three days after announcing his plans for a six-year term, Putin visited the Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk, located in the Archangelsk region of northwestern Russia.
During a ceremony at the Kremlin, Putin declared his candidacy for the upcoming March 17 presidential election. He is expected to secure a victory, as he addressed soldiers who had been involved in the conflict in Ukraine, highlighting his emphasis on military operations in the region.
The schoolboy had a comical response to Zelensky’s unexpected entrance into the classroom.
A video of a student’s amusing response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s surprise visit to his classroom has become popular online. The president, along with the mayor of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekhov, can be seen interacting with students in different classrooms in footage from the presidential office. Upon entering the boy’s classroom, the astonished student stares in disbelief at the president and quickly raises his hands to his head in awe. These underground classrooms were established in September at the University metro station to safeguard students from ongoing Russian aggression.
Zelensky had an open conversation with Hungary’s Orban before the Nato summit about Kyiv’s potential membership.
In his evening speech, Mr. Zelensky mentioned his conversation with the Hungarian leader, stating that it was direct and centered on European matters.
The two heads of state were observed chatting in a secluded area of the Argentine parliament after Mr Orban made a statement about halting additional financial aid from the European Union to Kyiv. A video lasting approximately 20 seconds captured Mr Zelensky and Mr Orban having an animated discussion in the midst of a gathering of hundreds of leaders.
Who is Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the Russian army? He has become the scapegoat for Putin.
On October 19, 2023, the Russian chief of the general staff, who was considered Mr. Putin’s top soldier, was appointed as the operational commander for the invasion of Ukraine in January. His hands were clenched and hanging by his sides, resembling a schoolboy awaiting punishment from the headmaster.
This action was similar to a football club owner choosing the manager as the team captain. Ever since taking on the role of chief of the Russian military in 2012, his responsibilities focused on overall strategy. However, starting in January 2023, he also had to be involved in daily tactics.
Hungary depends on Russia for a portion of its energy resources, and Orban is considered to be President Vladimir Putin’s top supporter in Europe. The Budapest administration has consistently impeded efforts to impose sanctions on Moscow for its involvement in the conflict.
Orban expressed his concerns to European Council President Charles Michel in a letter, as Michel prepares to lead the two-day summit beginning on Thursday. Orban cautioned against making a decision regarding Ukraine that could potentially harm the unity of the EU. Many other leaders, ministers, and officials within the EU are unsure of Orban’s intentions and are puzzled by his stance.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis stated that he believes the Hungarian stance, not only on Ukraine but also on various other matters, is opposed to Europe and its principles.
Hungary is facing increasing pressure to lift its block on EU membership discussions and financial aid for Ukraine.
On Monday, there was increased pressure for Hungary to not veto the start of negotiations for European Union membership and the provision of economic assistance to Ukraine, which has been impacted by war. This was in anticipation of a significant EU summit this week. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had requested for the issue to be removed from the agenda.
Due to Senate Republicans in the United States withholding billions of dollars in military and economic aid, Ukraine is in dire need of securing long-term financial and military support as their conflict with Russia continues for almost two years.
President Zelensky’s initial visit to South America takes place in Argentina.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Argentina on Monday to witness the inauguration of the country’s new president, Javier Milei.
This was the first official visit by the Ukrainian leader to South America, as Kyiv seeks support from developing nations in its ongoing 21-month-long battle against the invading forces of Russia.
Mr Zelensky held meetings with Mr Milei, as well as the presidents of Uruguay, Paraguay, and Ecuador. At the inauguration ceremony, Mr Zelensky was observed conversing with Hungarian leader Viktor Orban, who is often recognized as one of Russian president Vladimir Putin’s top allies in Europe and one of the few European leaders who has not shown support for Ukraine in the conflict.
During his regular video update, Mr. Zelensky discussed his direct and open discussion with Mr. Orban regarding our European matters.
He mentioned speaking on the phone with French President Emmanuel Macron and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen about collaborating at the EU level and protecting Europe together.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, is hosting a press conference with local media in Buenos Aires.
The country of Ukraine cautions that Russia plans to attack energy infrastructure.
Officials from Ukraine have issued a warning that Russia may aim to disrupt energy infrastructure in order to cause power outages and blackouts, as it did during the previous winter.
According to a recent intelligence report, the UK Ministry of Defence observed that Russia deployed its large bomber aircraft last week for the first time since September.
It foresaw the beginning of a more focused effort to weaken Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as the winter season approaches.
Russian drones and missiles frequently attack Kyiv.
About 14 days ago, Ukrainian officials reported that Kyiv was targeted by a drone attack, which they considered to be the most severe since Russia’s complete invasion in 2022.
The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia deployed 75 Shahed drones, made in Iran, towards the capital city. However, only one was able to avoid destruction by the air defenses.
Source: independent.co.uk
