The firefighters are currently fighting a fire in Odessa, Ukraine caused by a Russian airstrike on a residential building.
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There is a cautionary message regarding Vladimir Putin’s use of nuclear weapons while his forces continue to make progress towards Avdiivka.
A prominent Western research institute stated that the conflict in Ukraine has weakened Russia’s belief in its traditional military capabilities and elevated the significance of non-strategic nuclear weapons (NSNWs) for Moscow as a deterrent and tool for defeating NATO in a possible future confrontation.
The IISS report on Monday brought up the possibility of Russia considering using a NSNW, as they may believe that the West is not willing to retaliate with nuclear weapons.
NSNWs, or nuclear weapons with a maximum range of 5,500 km, differ from longer-range weapons that could potentially be utilized by Russia or the US to target one another’s home territories.
According to a report from the US-based think tank, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets stated that Russian soldiers have moved towards the southern and southwestern areas of the eastern town of Avdiivka, which is currently under Ukrainian control.
During his initial trip to Ukraine as prime minister, Donald Tusk of Poland conveyed a message of amity to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
A study reveals that the ongoing war in Ukraine has caused a change in the way Russia approaches nuclear strategy.
According to a prominent Western think-tank, the conflict in Ukraine has diminished Russia’s trust in its traditional military capabilities and highlighted the significance of non-strategic nuclear weapons (NSNWs) for Moscow as a way to prevent and overcome a potential conflict with NATO. The statement was made on Monday.
NSNWs include all nuclear weapons with a range of up to 5,500 km (3,400 miles), starting with tactical arms designed for use on the battlefield – as opposed to longer-range strategic nuclear weapons that Russia or the U.S. could use to strike each other’s homeland.
The recent report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) has prompted speculation about Russia’s potential willingness to launch a non-strategic nuclear weapon (NSNW) due to doubts about the West’s determination to retaliate with a nuclear strike.
According to the statement, Russia’s belief that Western countries lack the determination to use nuclear weapons or to tolerate casualties in conflicts only serves to strengthen Russia’s aggressive thinking and doctrine regarding non-strategic nuclear weapons (NSNW).
The text stated that using a NSNW would strategically escalate a conflict, either to prevent the US and NATO from getting involved, or to force them to end the war on terms set by Russia.
The government of Moscow has denied making any nuclear threats, but some of President Vladimir Putin’s comments made during the war in Ukraine have been perceived as such by Western countries. This began with his warning on the first day of the Russian invasion, where he stated that anyone who obstructed or posed a threat to Russia would face unprecedented consequences.
View: Russia participates in UN meeting on Ukraine following allegations of Western-provided weaponry being utilized in Donetsk.
According to officials appointed by Moscow, shelling in the city has resulted in the deaths of at least 27 people and injuries to 25 others.
Denis Pushilin, a leader in the local community, reported that there were two children among the individuals who were harmed.
Holly Patrick reports:
According to a report, Biden warned leading Republicans that if they do not provide aid, Russia has the potential to conquer Ukraine within a matter of weeks.
According to NBC News, during a meeting at the White House, Congressional leaders were given a dire outlook on the potential collapse of Ukraine’s military if they do not receive ongoing support from the US in the form of ammunition, vehicles, and other supplies.
Sources familiar with the gathering that took place at the White House on January 17th, which included President Joe Biden and congressional leaders Chuck Schumer, Mitch McConnell, Mike Johnson, and Hakeem Jeffries, informed the news organization that high-ranking American officials are forecasting significant progress by Russia and a complete breakdown of Ukraine’s ability to defend itself if US assistance were to cease.
President Biden has asked for an additional $60 billion to aid Ukraine. This proposal has caused disagreements among members of Congress, as Republicans are trying to use it as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the administration and Democrats over funding.
John Bowden reports:
At a United Nations meeting, Russia strongly condemns the provision of military support from Western countries to Ukraine.
During a UN meeting on Monday, Russia strongly denounced the provision of military assistance from Western countries to Ukraine.
Prior to the beginning, envoys from over 40 nations encircled Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Sergiy Kyslytsya, as he delivered a collective declaration emphasizing Russia’s “double standards” in condemning legitimate weapon transfers aimed at aiding Ukraine’s self-defense.
Ukraine’s allies referred to the gathering on Monday as another Russian strategy “to divert attention from their act of aggression,” and they denounced military backing from Moscow – including drones from Iran and ballistic missiles from North Korea – which goes against UN sanctions, along with military supplies from Belarus.
China, the ally of Russia, expresses worries about the potential impact on global security caused by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
At a UN meeting on Monday, China, a close ally of Russia, cautioned that continued global turmoil could negatively affect the already sluggish global economy.
The council received numerous requests for heightened efforts towards promoting peace. China expressed growing unease about the escalating danger to global security caused by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This is happening simultaneously with Israel and Hamas engaging in war in Gaza, after the militant group launched unexpected attacks in southern Israel on October 7th.
China’s Ambassador to the UN, Zhang Jun, emphasized the need to prevent the Ukraine crisis from causing more problems, especially as the Palestinian-Israeli conflict continues and other potential issues could escalate. He stated that the world cannot handle more geopolitical conflicts while the global economy is already facing a slowdown.
Zhang emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations during the council meeting. Ukraine has consistently advocated for this principle and has condemned Russia’s annexation of four Ukrainian regions. However, the Chinese ambassador also expressed criticism towards Ukraine’s pursuit of joining NATO and cautioned Kyiv about potentially exacerbating Moscow’s security apprehensions, without directly mentioning Russia.
Zhang emphasized the need for immediate resumption of direct talks between Russia and Ukraine. He did not reference China’s peace proposal from February 2023 which advocated for a ceasefire, negotiations, and lifting sanctions against Russia. However, he did highlight the negative impact of the conflict on the global economy.
Zhang stated that the ongoing Ukraine crisis and Palestinian-Israeli conflict have worsened the already struggling global economy. He urged powerful nations to avoid using the world economy for political gain or as a tool for their own agendas. Instead, they should collaborate to ensure global stability in areas such as food, energy, finance, and supply chain operations.
Moscow has rejected any peace proposal supported by the Ukrainian government and Western countries.
The Russian foreign minister disagreed with the United States and those in support of Ukraine during a UN meeting on Monday, where Moscow rejected any peace plan supported by Kyiv and the Western nations.
Sergey Lavrov, the leading diplomat of Russia, stated that Ukrainian military has proven to be “utterly unsuccessful” in combat and lacks the ability to defeat or diminish Russia.
The speaker addressed the UN Security Council, stating that Moscow is always willing to engage in peace talks. However, they also accused Ukraine and its Western allies of using peace proposals as a guise to prolong the war and receive funding from taxpayers in the West.
He stated that these equations lead to nowhere and it would be beneficial for both Ukraine and the West if Washington, London, Paris, and Brussels recognize this. He cautioned that their mission against Russia has already resulted in potential consequences for their reputation and existence.
US deputy ambassador Robert Wood dismissed Lavrov’s claims as “just blatant disinformation” and countered that it was Russia’s 24 February 2022 invasion of Ukraine that started the war, and it is President Vladimir Putin ‘s “single-minded pursuit of the obliteration of Ukraine and subjugation of its people that is prolonging it.”
According to Wood, it is clear that Russia has imperialistic intentions. He also believes that the only solution for Russia is for Ukraine to fully surrender, which is not acceptable to the international community. Wood emphasized that the war could be resolved immediately if Russia were to remove its large number of troops from the internationally recognized territory of Ukraine.
On Monday, representatives gather at the United Nations in New York City for a Security Council session on International Security and Ukraine.
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It is important for the world to make every effort to prevent a global conflict, as Grant Shapps has stated.
In a remarkably candid speech the other day, defence secretary Grant Shapps, reflecting on the conflicts that have built up around the world since the end of the Cold War, said that “we find ourselves at the dawn of a new era” and that we are “moving from a post-war to a pre-war world”.
The statement was meant as a cautionary message, possibly even a prediction of doom – but it ended up being an understatement and now seems outdated. The conflict in Ukraine has been ongoing for nearly two years with no indication of a resolution, causing Europe to feel at risk. It has also been over three months since Hamas initiated their war against Israel, and in response, Israel used extreme and sometimes excessive measures.
Once more, there is currently no foreseeable resolution in sight. Benjamin Netanyahu’s declaration to prolong the dispute and refuse the concept of a Palestinian state has intensified hostilities once more. This disagreement has also extended to Yemen, as Houthi forces, who hold significant control in the country, have intermittently engaged in conflicts with international vessels in the Red Sea in support of Hamas.
Read more here:
Summary: Witness firefighters fighting a fire at a chemical terminal in Russia.
Firefighters are engaged in a fight against fire at a chemical terminal in Russia following reported drone attacks.
The prime minister of Poland makes a visit to Ukraine as a demonstration of continued international backing.
The Prime Minister of Poland, Donald Tusk, visited Ukraine’s capital on Monday to discuss with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ways in which Poland can continue to assist the country in its ongoing conflict with Russia and find a solution to a disagreement between the two countries regarding grain shipments and trucking.
The recently reinstated leader of Poland, Tusk, is determined to demonstrate that the new government will not alter their policy towards Ukraine. As part of this effort, he was scheduled to meet with Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal.
“I am aware that there are some conflicts of interest, and we will address them. However, our approach will not just be based on friendship, which is a given, but on actively resolving these issues as quickly as possible instead of prolonging or exacerbating them,” said Tusk, according to comments shared by his office on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Illia Novikov reports:
Zelenskiy states that Ukraine must and will be a top priority on the global stage.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has emphasized the importance of Ukraine being recognized on the global stage, as the country strives to fortify its standing.
In his video posted on social media on Monday evening, he stated that Ukraine will continue collaborating with its partners in the upcoming months.
Source: independent.co.uk
