Latest updates: A Ukrainian warplane is shot down while Putin’s forces seize control of the Avdiivka coke plant.

Latest updates: A Ukrainian warplane is shot down while Putin's forces seize control of the Avdiivka coke plant.

A fuel depot in Kharkiv was struck by a drone, resulting in a massive fire and the death of seven individuals.

Kyiv has asserted that Ukrainian forces successfully shot down a Russian fighter plane and twelve attack drones while defending against numerous assaults near Avdiivka and in southern regions.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the Air Force units for their exceptional performance in combat,” stated Mykola Oleshchuk on the Telegram messaging platform.

Ukraine asserted that they had shot down their fourth fighter jet within a span of two days. According to war tracker Oryx, more than 80 Russian combat aircraft have been verified as either destroyed or damaged since the large-scale invasion.

Russia has announced that their forces have gained complete control of the Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant. This comes two days after Ukraine confirmed their retreat from the town.

Yesterday, the Russian defense ministry reported that Ukrainian troops were still occupying the Avdiivka plant located on the northwestern border.

Avdiivka, a city on the front lines, has been facing heavy attacks from Russian forces on three sides since October of last year. These attacks came as a result of a new offensive launched by Vladimir Putin’s troops, who had acquired new ammunition supplies.

The lack of action from Congress on providing $60 billion in military aid for Ukraine has been connected by the Biden administration to the downfall of Avdiivka.

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Zelensky is calling on allies to provide weapons and cautions against creating a false scarcity of arms, which would only benefit Putin.

Speaking to attendees at the Munich Security Conference, including global leaders, diplomats, and military personnel, President Zelensky issued a warning about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. He emphasized that this action posed a threat not only to Europe, but to all nations, as it was a violation of all established rules of war.

Full report:

Matt Mathers19 February 2024 07:00

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In case you missed it: Key takeaways from the past two years of conflict in Ukraine.

At the start of 24 February two years ago, when Russia attacked Ukraine, the outcome was uncertain. In this piece, writer and specialist in Russia, Mark Galeotti, examines the aftermath of the violent war in search of hints about the future.

Three important takeaways from two years of conflict in Ukraine.

Two years ago, Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine on February 24th. At the time, the outcome was uncertain. Mark Galeotti, a Russia specialist, examines the aftermath of the violent conflict for insights on future developments.

Matt Mathers19 February 2024 06:00

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Ukrainian military leaders are reporting a lack of artillery supplies prior to the withdrawal from Avdiivka.

Twelve commanders in the most heavily fought areas of the Ukraine conflict have voiced concerns about the lack of artillery, a problem that has persisted since Russia’s invasion two years ago and is significantly hindering Kyiv’s ability to fight.

According to reports, there was a significant increase in the shortage of artillery ammunition last fall, especially in the weeks leading up to the Ukrainian troops’ withdrawal from the vital coke plant in Avdiivka.

For weeks, Ukrainian troops on the front lines have been expressing concerns over severe shortages of ammunition. Some artillery units are operating with only 10% of their required supply.

In an effort to save shells, military commanders instructed units to only target specific objectives. However, leaders in the field claim that this strategy is barely sufficient in holding back their well-equipped adversaries.

There is a growing concern that other regions on the frontline may experience a similar situation to the fall of Avdiivka if military assistance is not provided.

The diminishing amount of Western-provided long-range artillery hinders Ukrainian forces from targeting valuable assets located deep within Russian territory, where there is a concentration of heavy weaponry and personnel.

Arpan Rai19 February 2024 05:40

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Ukraine was faced with a difficult decision regarding the deployment of troops in Avdiivka. It is imperative that the West does not continue to encounter this issue.

Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that the main focus was on preserving lives, stating that any delays in receiving military aid from the US would only add to the already existing pressure on the battlefield. This was reported by Askold Krushelnycky in Kyiv.

Please click on the link to access the complete article:

Matt Mathers19 February 2024 05:00

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Russian troops have gained complete authority over the Avdiivka coke plant.

Russia has announced that its military has gained complete authority over the Avdiivka Coke and Chemical Plant, following Ukraine’s confirmation of their retreat from the town two days ago.

Yesterday, the Russian defense ministry stated that Ukrainian forces remained stationed at the facility, located on the northwestern outskirts of Avdiivka.

The large factory was a crucial industrial resource prior to the outbreak of the war and has been a major battleground as both nations fought for dominance over the strategically-located town.

On Saturday, Ukrainian troops pulled out of the town in order to safeguard their remaining soldiers from being surrounded. This decision was made after facing consistent attacks from Russian forces from three different directions over the past four months.

Avdiivka has been a frontline city ever since Russia first invaded Ukraine in 2014, and the fortified settlement with a maze of trenches and tunnels served to protect important – and less easily defended – logistical hubs further west.

Arpan Rai19 February 2024 04:31

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In case you missed it, recent polling indicates there is a generational gap in opinions about the risks facing Britain.

A new poll suggests that there is a significant generation gap in the way the public views and handles different threats. However, most people do agree that the world has become less secure in the past five years.

Individuals of a younger age group hold the belief that the government’s primary focus in foreign policy should be on the war in Gaza, whereas the remaining population prioritizes addressing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as the most crucial matter.

Full report:

Matt Mathers19 February 2024 04:00

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In case you missed it: The Munich security conference sees world leaders come together with a focus on Russia, Ukraine, and Gaza.

Bel Trew reports that the annual gathering is overshadowed by two significant wars and the passing of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

Full report:

Matt Mathers19 February 2024 03:00

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In case you missed it, President Biden stated that the death of Navalny serves as evidence of Putin’s cruel actions.

Before leaving for an event in Ohio, President Biden spoke from the White House and expressed his lack of surprise and outrage over reports of Navalny’s death.

Full report:

Matt Mathers19 February 2024 02:00

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In case you missed it: The prime minister of Poland stated that both Poland and Finland are seeking modifications to EU border policies regarding migration.

On Friday, the prime minister of Poland announced plans to enhance the barrier on its border with Belarus in order to prevent illegal immigration.

Donald Tusk stated that both Poland and Finland recognize the necessity for revisions in the European Union’s asylum laws, which he described as insufficient in addressing the current issues and dangers posed by the migration policies of Russia and Belarus, resulting in unauthorized migration into the EU.

Full report:

Matt Mathers19 February 2024 01:00

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Join us for our exclusive expert panel event featuring Bel Trew, discussing the two-year conflict in Ukraine.

In commemoration of the second year since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, The Independent is hosting a group of knowledgeable individuals who have been actively reporting on the events to analyze its progress and potential future outcomes.

Sign up here:

Matt Mathers19 February 2024 00:01

The source is the Independent, which is a UK-based news website.