Kyiv shoots down Russian bomber over Snake Island because it battles Putin’s forces

Ukraine says it downed a Russian Su-24 fighter airplane over the Black Sea close to Snake Island because the plane was on its solution to attack Odesa area.

Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Ukraine’s “sky guards” following the incident in a single day on Tuesday, as he tweeted: “We are strengthening our air defense, particularly in the Odesa region. Gradually, but noticeably. I thank every country that helps us achieve this task.”

Snake Island, which lies round 22 miles off the Ukrainian coast, achieved worldwide fame when Ukrainian border guards stationed there at first resisted a Russian warship’s demand for his or her give up.

It comes as Zelensky instructed Ukrainians on Wednesday that Kyiv would defeat Russia and win a good peace “against all odds” after he unexpectedly cancelled his US Senate tackle.

The president delivered his defiant message in an uncommon early-morning video that confirmed him walking by way of Kyiv on his solution to pay his respects to fallen troopers on what Ukraine marks as Armed Forces Day.

“It is not easy now, but we are moving. No matter how difficult it is, we will get there. To our borders, to our people. To our peace. Fair peace. Free peace. Against all odds.”

Key Points

• Kyiv shoots down Russian bomber over Snake Island because it battles Putin’s forces

• Ukraine’s president says Kyiv will win ‘against all odds’ as he pays respect to fallen troopers

• Zelensky abruptly cancels US Senate tackle as assist for Ukraine conflict hits lifeless finish

• Putin arrives in Abu Dhabi on uncommon go to to UAE

• Ukraine air power says Russia launches 48 attack drones

Biden says ‘history will judge’ the US if it doesn’t cross extra assist to Ukraine

15:49 , Tom Watling

US President Joe Biden has stated “history will judge” the US if they don’t cross additional assist to Ukraine.

Mr Biden issued a plea on X to Republicans who voted down a proposed package deal of additional assist on Wednesday evening.

You can view his plea beneath.

Cameron constructive that US will come by way of with funding for Ukraine

22:20 , Maira Butt

Story continues

UK international secretary David Cameron stated in a joint press convention with US secretary of state Anthony Blinken that he’s positive that the US will present extra funding for Ukraine.

He stated: “I believe the US will come through with supplemental funding for Ukraine.

“I’m sure that goodwill will prevail and the money will be voted through.”

Lord Cameron: ‘No more important relationship for Britain than with US’

22:07 , Maira Butt

Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron stated there’s “no more important” relationship for Britain than its partnership with the US.

He stated he was glad to see the so-called particular relationship was “stronger than ever” and that it was all of the extra vital within the “dangerous and insecure and unstable world in which we currently live”.

At a press convention alongside US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, he stated: “There is no more important relationship for Britain than this partnership with the United States.”

Lord Cameron stated Europe and the US had been “rightly” sharing the monetary burden of supporting Ukraine.

Mr Blinken earlier stated: “Our countries are in lockstep when it comes to continuing to do everything possible to ensure that Putin’s aggression remains a strategic defeat and failure for Russia.”

Foreign Secretary Lord David Cameron stated there’s “no more important” relationship for Britain than its partnership with the US.

Blinken: UK’s management has been ‘absolutely essential’ in support of Ukraine

22:03 , Maira Butt

Secretary Blinken praised the UK’s dedication to supporting Ukraine in opposition to Russia’s invasion.

He stated: “The UK’s leadership has been absolutely essential. The UK has committed the second most after the United States in terms of military assistance and across the board.

“This is a global coalition in support of Ukraine. “

Video: Fox News host clashes with US presidential candidate Vikek Ramaswamy over Ukraine policy

22:01 , Maira Butt

Presidential candidate Ramaswamy clashed with a Fox News host as he defended his position on Ukraine on Thursday.

“I think we have to play hardball there and make a hard deal that requires any reneging on that deal to have major consequences. The clear principles are this war doesn’t advance US interests,” he stated whereas suggesting that US precedence must be on border management.

The Fox News host steered a “world war could enfold” if japanese Europe had been “given up”.

Secretary of State Blinken: US and UK ‘in lockstep’ to make sure Putin’s aggression stays a failure

21:56 , Maira Butt

US secretary of state Anthony Blinken addressed a White House press convention together with international secretary Lord David Cameron.

He opened his tackle with a nod to the UK and US’s “special relationship” which he stated “has never been more important than it is now.”

He added: “Our countries are in lockstep when it comes to continuing to do everything possible to ensure that Putin’s aggression remains a strategic defeat and failure for Russia and we are determined to ensure that Ukraine stands strongly on its own feet as a sovereign independent country.”

Secretary Blinken added that there remained “unwavering support” for Ukraine throughout the Nato alliance.

‘Blocking Ukraine aid would be Christmas present for Putin and Xi’ says Cameron

21:00 , Maira Butt

Blocking a package deal of assist for Ukraine could be a “Christmas present” for Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, Lord David Cameron has warned after Senate Republicans opposed a multi-billion-dollar assist invoice.

The Foreign Secretary urged allies to rally round Kyiv, describing the response to the battle as “the great test for our generation” as he delivered a speech on the Aspen safety convention in Washington DC on Thursday.

The US Congress didn’t cross a 110 billion greenback (£88 billion) package deal of wartime funding for Ukraine and Israel in addition to different nationwide safety priorities.

The White House has sounded the alarm about what would possibly occur if additional funding is just not accredited quickly, suggesting Ukraine‘s military would be stalled or overrun.

Activists post billboards asking citizens to vote against Putin

20:01 , Maira Butt

Opposition activists in Russia have dodged censorship laws while urging citizens to vote against President Putin using billboards disguised as holiday greetings.

The Anti-Corruption Foundation founded by imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny paid for billboards in Moscow, St Petersburg and other Russian cities which said “Russia” and “Happy New Year.” But a website address and QR code printed on the signs led to a site titled “Russia without Putin.”

There, voters were encouraged to oppose the longtime Russian leader on March 17, the day that Russian lawmakers have set for the presidential election. The website says the election is important for Putin as a referendum on whether Russians approve of his war in Ukraine, rather than a real contest for the presidency.

Ivan Zhdanov, the Anti-Corruption Foundation’s director, instructed The Associated Press the billboards had been up for 2 days and it appears unlikely the company that put them up checked the contents of the web site forward of time. Journalists for the Associated Press noticed a number of of them had been swiftly eliminated Thursday.

Zhdanov acknowledged the marketing campaign was unlikely to kick Putin out of workplace — “Nothing will change on election day,” he stated.

“Ninety-nine percent of opposition figures who opposed Putin are now either in prison or abroad,” Zhdanov stated.

Navalny, 47, who’s Putin’s largest political opponent, is presently serving a time period of greater than 30 years for convictions on extremism and different fees that his supporters characterize as politically motivated.

Putin hosts Iranian President in spherical of Middle East diplomacy

19:02 , Maira Butt

Vladimir Putin has hosted Iran’s president as a part of a spherical of Middle East diplomacy that additionally included visits to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia in efforts to boost Moscow’s profile as an influence dealer within the area.

The Russian president has solid the Israel-Hamas conflict as a failure of US diplomacy and steered Moscow may very well be a mediator, because of its pleasant ties with each Israel and the Palestinians.

“It’s very important for us to exchange views of the situation in the region, particularly regarding the Palestinian situation,” Mr Putin stated as he welcomed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi firstly of their talks in Moscow.

Mr Raisi emphasised the necessity to rapidly cease the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip, declaring that “a child is killed there every 10 minutes”.

Cameron urges US to approve Ukraine assist package deal

18:00 , Maira Butt

Foreign Secretary David Cameron used a go to to Washington on Thursday to induce politicians within the United States to approve a contemporary package deal of navy assist for Ukraine.

Senate Republicans blocked laws on Wednesday that might have offered billions of {dollars} in safety help for Ukraine over disputes round border coverage.

“I’m not worried about the strength and unity and consensus and bravery of the Ukrainian people. I’m worried that we’re not going to do what we need to do,” Cameron stated.

“We’ve got to make sure we give them the weapons, the economic support, the moral support the diplomatic support, but crucially, that military support that can make a difference.”

Addressing considerations amongst some within the US that Europe was not doing sufficient, Cameron stated Europe was now doing twice as a lot because the United States when it comes to financial and navy assist.

Ukraine and US corporations to collectively produce 155-caliber ammunition

17:05 , Maira Butt

Ukraine has agreed on joint manufacturing of important 155mm artillery shells with two American corporations, a Ukrainian official stated on Thursday.

Demand for 155mm artillery rounds skyrocketed following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The US and allies have despatched Kyiv greater than 2 million rounds of it and had been aiming to extend manufacturing to refill depleting shares.

“We have agreements with two leading American companies to jointly produce in Ukraine 155-caliber ammunition,” Oleksandr Kamyshin, Ukrainian minister for strategic industries, stated in televised feedback.

However, he stated that implementation of the deal would take years.

“To produce 155-caliber, the process takes a minimum of two years, a maximum of three. And to start this production, we need technologies that our partners own. Ukraine has never produced this caliber,” he stated.

British MoD launch video detailing destruction to japanese Ukraine city

15:30 , Tom Watling

The British Ministry of Defence has revealed a video detailing the destruction wrought by Russian forces within the japanese Ukrainian city of Avdiivka.

You can view the video beneath.

Ukraine to make use of trains to maneuver blocked lorries throughout Polish border

15:00 , Tom Watling

Ukraine goals to bypass a border blockade by Polish truck drivers by bringing in lorries on prepare platforms, Interfax Ukraine information company quoted an official from the nationwide railways firm as saying on Thursday.

Protests by Polish truckers began final month in opposition to the phrases of EU access for Ukrainian lorries. They blocked the principle land corridors into Ukraine, resulting in larger costs for gasoline and a few meals gadgets in addition to delays to drone deliveries to the Ukrainian military.

“Now we have a loaded train standing at the crossing with Hrubeshuv (on the Ukrainian-Polish border). We already have 23 loaded container wagons with lorries,” Valeriy Tkachov, deputy director of the business division on the railway, was quoted as saying.

He stated that the Ukrainian and Polish sides had been presently harmonising technical points.

“As soon as this test train passes and all is well, we will launch this on a mass scale,” Tkachov stated.

Ukrainian authorities say about 3,000 lorries are blocked on the Polish facet of the Polish-Ukrainian border and to date the authorities haven’t been capable of agree with the protesters on phrases to cease the motion.

Polish hauliers’ fundamental demand is to cease Ukrainian truckers having permit-free access to the European Union, one thing that Kyiv and Brussels say is unimaginable.

Teenage woman kills classmate and herself in Russia faculty taking pictures

14:35 , Tom Watling

A Russian schoolgirl has shot lifeless a classmate – and injured 5 others – earlier than killing herself, native authorities have stated.

The 14-year-old woman walked into her faculty in Bryansk, in western Russia, near the Ukrainian border, with a shotgun registered within the title of her father, in keeping with native authorities.

Russia’s Investigative Committee, which probes main crimes, stated {the teenager} killed one among her classmates and that it trying right into a motive.

Teenage woman kills classmate and herself in Russia faculty taking pictures

Russian nationalist who wished to run in opposition to Putin to remain in detention

14:00 , Tom Watling

Russian nationalist Igor Girkin, who had stated he wished to problem Vladimir Putin in a presidential election in March, had his detention prolonged for six months on Thursday as he awaits trial on fees of inciting extremism.

The ruling, introduced by a Moscow courtroom, extinguishes the already faint prospect that Girkin is perhaps allowed to run.

The 52-year-old is thought within the West for his function within the shooting-down of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 over Ukraine in 2014 with the lack of 298 passengers and crew. A Dutch courtroom final 12 months convicted him in absentia of homicide. Girkin has denied involvement.

The former Federal Security Service (FSB) officer had organised pro-Russian militias in japanese Ukraine since early 2014. Also generally known as Igor Strelkov, he has repeatedly stated Russia faces upheaval except the navy management fights extra successfully in Ukraine.

He may very well be jailed for 5 years if convicted of “public calls to commit extremist activity”.

Why so a lot of Nepal’s Gurkhas find yourself preventing for Russia in Ukraine

13:35 , Tom Watling

Nearly 200 Nepalese nationals are serving as mercenaries within the Russian military – however it’s not solely a phenomenon benefitting the Kremlin’s navy recruitment, as Namita Singh explains.

Why so a lot of Nepal’s Gurkhas find yourself preventing for Russia in Ukraine

Russia detains man it accuses of blowing up trains on Ukraine’s orders

13:05 , Tom Watling

Russia’s FSB safety service stated on Thursday it had detained a Belarusian man who had blown up two trains in Siberia on the orders of the Ukrainian intelligence providers as a part of a sabotage marketing campaign in opposition to Russia’s important infrastructure.

The two assaults in Russia’s Buryatia area, which borders Mongolia and is hundreds of kilometres from Ukraine, occurred on Nov. 29 and Nov. 30.

A Ukrainian supply instructed Reuters on the time that the operations had been performed by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) which wished to disrupt railway strains in Siberia that Russia makes use of for navy provides.

Reuters couldn’t independently confirm whether or not the rail routes had been used for navy provides.

In the primary attack, explosives had been detonated on a cargo prepare that was shifting by way of the Severomuysky Tunnel. At 9.5 miles (15.3 km) lengthy, the tunnel on the Baikal-Amur Mainline railway is Russia’s longest, excluding city underground railway tunnels.

The second attack hit a freight prepare because it crossed the Chertov Bridge in the identical area on a railway line used as a backup when trains are diverted from the Severomuysky Tunnel.

Russian spies hack high-profile politicians and former spy chief in ‘grey warfare’ marketing campaign

12:35 , Tom Watling

British politicians and civil servants have been hacked by a bunch “almost certainly” linked to Russia’s safety service, a UK international minister has stated.

Leo Docherty issued an announcement within the Commons reporting that they’d found a cyber affect marketing campaign perpetrated by a bunch generally known as Star Blizzard, suspected of being a subordinate of an FSB cyber unit.

The group had “selectively leaked and amplified information” since 2015, conducting an train generally known as spear-phishing to steal data from a “significant” variety of parliamentarians from a number of political events.

Mr Docherty stated the Russian ambassador was summoned to the international workplace (FCDO) to be instructed “these actions have consequences”.

Russian spies hack high-profile politicians and former spy chief

Putin’s airplane escorted by 4 Su-35 fighter jets on uncommon journey out of Russia to Middle East

12:04 , Tom Watling

Four Sukhoi fighter jets escorted Vladimir Putin‘s presidential plane on Wednesday as he arrived in the UAE for a rare trip outside of Russia.

The Su-35 fighter jets of the Russian Air Force formed a tight safety net around Mr Putin’s airplane as they escorted him all the best way from Russia to Abu Dhabi, touchdown on the business airport there. Less than 30km away is the Al-Dhafra Air Base, is a serious US navy hub within the area.

The Russian president has change into more and more remoted on the world stage since launching his invasion of Ukraine and his solo journey to the Middle East, flanked by an unusually heavy air power escort, couldn’t have contrasted extra strongly with the present of worldwide unity on show on the Cop28 local weather talks close by.

Russia says White House is ‘demonising’ it to win over Congress

11:39 , Tom Watling

The Kremlin has accused the White House of playing the Russian threat card in order to secure money from Congress, after President Joe Biden said Russia would eventually attack a NATO member country unless it was defeated in Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Biden wanted to “continue burning taxpayers’ money within the furnace of conflict”.

He accused the White House of demonising Russia and stated that, if Washington had been to cease backing Kyiv, all different Western international locations would additionally flip away from it.

Ukraine claims assassination of ‘traitor’ ex-MP who fled to Russia

11:05 , Tom Watling

A professional-Russian Ukrainian politician who fled to Moscow after Vladimir Putin’s invasion has been shot lifeless, with Ukraine’s safety service stated to be behind the assassination.

Illia Kyva, 46, a former member of Ukraine’s parliament, was shot shot in a park in Odintsovo area, southwest of Moscow, in keeping with Russian investigators.

A Ukrainian supply, talking on the situation of anonymity, stated the SBU safety service was accountable.

Andriy Yusov, spokesperson for Ukraine’s GUR, one other intelligence company, stated on Ukrainian tv Kyva was “finished” however didn’t say who was behind his loss of life.

Ukraine claims assassination of ‘traitor’ ex-MP who fled to Russia

Ukraine struggling energy deficit resulting from chilly climate – grid operator

10:30 , Tom Watling

Ukraine‘s power grid operator Ukrenergo said on Thursday that cold weather had pushed power usage 2.7% above forecast levels, causing a deficit in the power system which was being filled by imports from Poland, Slovakia and Romania.

Ukrenergo said in a statement on the Telegram app that 700 MW of power would flow into Ukraine from neighbouring countries from 11:00 to 19:00 local time (0900 to 1700 GMT) on Thursday.

Russian schoolgirl shoots classmates, killing one

09:58 , Tom Watling

A Russian schoolgirl shot several of her classmates, killing one person and injuring five others, before killing herself, state news agencies and authorities have said.

The shooting happened at a school in Bryansk, in a region that borders Ukraine, Russia’s Investigative Committee stated.

Children had been reportedly among the many wounded.

One of the individuals injured was in a critical situation, Russian state information company RIA Novosti stated.

Video shared by RIA Novosti confirmed youngsters cowered in a classroom behind a door barricaded with upended desks and chairs in the course of the attack.

Occupied Ukraine may participate in Russian presidential elections, says Kremlin

09:00 , Tom Watling

The Russian central election fee has stated that it’ll decide by 12 December on whether or not the 4 areas of occupied Ukraine, which Vladimir Putin claimed as Russian territory final September, will participate in presidential elections subsequent 12 months.

Interfax quotes the top of the fee, Ella Pamfilova, saying:”Having weighed all the professionals and cons, we’ll make such a call.

“If we accept it, then the next step will be to adopt the procedure for holding elections there; of course, it will be somewhat different, as the law provides for this, from voting in other constituent entities of the Russian Federation.”

The Russian Federation claimed to annex Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson from Ukraine in late 2022, regardless of not totally controlling the territory of any of the areas.

In September 2023, the 4 occupied areas held elections as a part of Russia’s 2023 regional elections.

Zelensky thanks Japan for billion-dollar package deal

08:30 , Tom Watling

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed gratitude to his Japanese counterpart for a billion-dollar pledge.

In a message on X, Mr Zelensky wrote: “I am grateful to Japan and Prime Minister

Fumio Kishida for the decision to provide an additional $1 billion in assistance to Ukraine as well as their readiness to further increase the total to $4.5 billion.

“This is significant support for the recovery of Ukraine and our economy.”

The Japanese pledge comes because the assist of different international locations, such because the US, has been solid unsure.

Russia confirms subsequent presidential election

08:00 , Tom Watling

Russia’s higher home of parliament has voted to set the date for Russia’s presidential election for 17 March , 2024.

The choice was handed unanimously by 162 votes within the Federation Council.

“With this decision, we are effectively launching the start of the election campaign,” Valentina Matviyenko, head of the Federation Council, stated.

While few anticipated anybody however Vladimir Putin to win the election – he has held efficient cost of Russia for practically 1 / 4 of a century – the autocrat will nonetheless should marketing campaign within the run-up to subsequent March.

What’s taking place this morning in Ukraine? Day 652

07:46 , Tom Watling

Ukrainian troopers had been dealt a critical blow in a single day – not from the Russian forces throughout the sector, fairly from Republican Senators throughout the Atlantic.

Senate Republicans blocked the advance of tens of billions of {dollars} in assist for Ukraine and Israel on Wednesday, remaining involved about shoring up the border with Mexico, with President Joe Biden calling the transfer “stunning” and harmful.

US navy assist will run out by the tip of the 12 months if this isn’t unblocked. Max Bergmann, a Ukraine and Russia skilled, instructed The Independent “many Ukrainians will die” if this isn’t remedied.

You can learn extra on this right here.

On the frontline

Russian forces made confirmed, although marginal, beneficial properties southeast of Avdiivka, a city in japanese Ukraine that has change into a flashpoint on the frontline. Ukrainian forces made confirmed counterattack beneficial properties northwest of Avdiivka.

In Ukraine

A driver has been killed and grain infrastructure broken after a Russian drone attack on Ukrainian grain infrastructure close to the Danube River slipped by way of air defences, the governor of Odessa area has stated.

The governor stated the drones attacked over two hours in a single day, and that whereas most had been shot down, some received by way of, damaging a storage building, an elevator and vehicles.

In Russia

A former Ukrainian lawmaker regarded by Kyiv as a traitor has been shot lifeless close to Moscow and a Ukrainian supply stated he was killed by the nation’s safety service.

Illia Kyva was a pro-Russian member of Ukraine’s parliament earlier than Moscow invaded in February 2022, however had been in Russia all through the conflict and regularly criticised Ukrainian authorities on-line.

In Europe

A prime Ukrainian official, Andriy Yermak, has stated he needs to rearrange a gathering between the Ukrainian and Hungarian leaders amid Budapest’s opposition to a proposal to begin talks on European Union membership for Kyiv.

Unanimous approval at an EU summit subsequent week is required to proceed with membership talks for Ukraine and ex-Soviet Moldova as really helpful by the European Commission. Kyiv sees EU membership as a key step, 21 months into Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, of shifting nearer to the West.

Here are a number of the latest pictures from Ukraine

07:24 , Tom Watling

Below are a number of the latest pictures from Ukraine.

Putin visits UAE and Saudi Arabia in bid to spice up Moscow’s clout

07:12 , Maira Butt

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday in a lightning tour supposed to boost Moscow’s profile as a Middle East energy dealer, at the same time as his conflict in Ukraine grinds on.Putin landed in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the Emirates, that’s internet hosting the United Nations’ COP28 local weather talks. It was his first journey to the area since earlier than the coronavirus pandemic and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.Speaking firstly of his talks with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Putin supplied to debate vitality cooperation, the battle within the Middle East and the “Ukrainian crisis.”

He praised the present state of Russia‘s relations with the UAE and congratulated the country for hosting the COP28 climate talks.

G7 bans Russian diamonds from January in show of solidarity to Zelensky

06:22 , Arpan Rai

The Group of Seven (G7) nations will ban direct imports of Russian diamonds starting next year as a punitive measure against Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

There will probably be phased-in restrictions on oblique imports of Russian gems from March, a joint assertion yesterday after the G7 nations’ assembly stated. The measures had been introduced as Joe Biden and leaders of the G7 international locations met Volodymyr Zelensky just about in a present of solidarity.

The new measures will guarantee a ban on non-industrial diamonds from Russia by 1 January and on third-party nations which promote Russian diamonds from March.

The transfer was being mulled as part of contemporary sanctions by the European Union final month. The G7 will section in restrictions on oblique imports from a focused date of March and introduce a “robust traceability-based verification and certification” mechanism for tough diamonds inside the G7 by 1 September 2024. The ban excludes diamonds for industrial use.

Read extra right here:

G7 bans Russian diamonds from January in present of solidarity to Zelensky

In photos: US sends navy assist however warns it may very well be ‘last’ except congress approves further funding

06:15 , Maira Butt

Senate Republicans and Bernie Sanders block vote on Ukraine and Israel aid

06:03 , Arpan Rai

Senate Republicans and Sen Bernie Sanders (I-VT) blocked a vote on a supplemental bill that would have provided aid to Ukraine and Israel as Republicans continue negotiations to tie restrictions on immigration with aid to Ukraine.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer had put the supplemental legislation – which included $110.5bn in aid to Ukraine and Israel as well as humanitarian assistance for Gaza–to a floor vote in an attempt to pressure Republicans.

“To show our Republican colleagues that we care about this issue deeply and are serious about moving forward in a bipartisan way, we are willing to give them an amendment here on the floor on any border proposal of their choice, at sixty votes,” Mr Schumer said in a speech before the vote.

Senate Republicans and Bernie Sanders block vote Ukraine and Israel aid

Russia amps up attacks on Ukraine’s vitality amenities, says UN

05:40 , Arpan Rai

Intensifying Russian assaults on Ukraine’s vitality amenities are worsening humanitarian situations throughout the war-torn nation, the place heavy snow and freezing temperatures have already arrived, UN officers stated yesterday.

Russia’s persevering with each day assaults on Ukraine’s important civilian infrastructure have resulted in civilian casualties, and Moscow just lately escalated its barrages in populated areas together with the capital, Kyiv, assistant secretary-general Miroslav Jenca instructed the UN Security Council.

“All attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure must stop immediately,” he stated. “They are prohibited under international humanitarian law and are simply unacceptable.”

UN: Russia intensifies assaults on Ukraine’s vitality amenities, worsening humanitarian situations

Zelensky ‘grateful’ for brand new US assist package deal

05:16 , Maira Butt

The US despatched a $175 million assist package deal to Ukraine on Wednesday in what Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, referred to as “the last” of such packages except Congress accredited supplemental funding for Ukraine’s conflict in opposition to the Russian invasion.

Following the assist, President Zelensky took to X, previously generally known as Twitter, to thank the American authorities and categorical his gratitude.

He stated: “I am grateful to @POTUS Joe Biden, Congress, and the American people for the new military aid package announced today.

“Additional ammunition for air defense, HIMARS, and artillery is much needed on the frontlines.

“Continued support allows for a robust defense of freedom.”

Ukrainian MP who supported Russia discovered shot lifeless in Moscow suburb

04:15 , Maira Butt

A former Ukrainian lawmaker regarded by Kyiv as a traitor was shot lifeless close to Moscow on Wednesday and a Ukrainian supply stated he was killed by the nation’s safety service.

Illia Kyva was a pro-Russian member of Ukraine’s parliament earlier than Moscow invaded in February 2022, however had been in Russia all through the conflict and regularly criticised Ukrainian authorities on-line.

Russian investigators stated Kyva died on the spot after being shot in a park in Odintsovo area, southwest of Moscow, and so they had opened a homicide hunt.

The Ukrainian supply, talking on situation of anonymity, stated the SBU safety service was accountable.

Andriy Yusov, spokesperson for Ukraine’s GUR, one other intelligence company, stated on Ukrainian tv Kyva was “finished” however didn’t say who was behind his loss of life.

Kyva had been sentenced in absentia by a Ukrainian courtroom to 14 years in jail for fees together with treason and incitement to violence.

Several pro-war Russian figures have been assassinated for the reason that begin of the conflict in operations blamed by Moscow on Ukraine, together with journalist Darya Dugina and conflict blogger Vladlen Tatarsky.

In case you missed it: Nepal police arrest 10 for ‘smuggling’ youths to battle for Russian military in Ukraine

03:15 , Maira Butt

Shweta Sharma experiences:

Nepal police arrested 10 individuals for allegedly sending unemployed youths to Russia for unlawful recruitment into the military amid Moscow’s ongoing conflict in opposition to Ukraine.

Kathmandu police stated these individuals had been charging as much as $9,000 ( £7,143) per person to ship them to Russia on a vacationer visa and have them embedded within the Russian military preventing in Ukraine.

The detention is a part of the police’s marketing campaign to discourage vulnerable males from preventing on the frontlines.

Nepal has been compelled to consolidate its diplomatic efforts following the deaths of no less than six of its troopers serving within the Russian navy in Vladimir Putin’s conflict in Ukraine since February 2022. One Nepali soldier was captured by the Ukrainian military.

It prompted Nepal to name on Russia to cease sending its Gurkha troopers to battle on the frontlines in Ukraine after a sequence of losses sparked anger among the many households as they waited for the return of the final stays of slain combatants.

Nepal police arrest 10 for smuggling Gurkhas to battle for Russia in Ukraine

Zelensky thanks G7 for ‘strong statement’ in opposition to Russia

02:15 , Maira Butt

Following a digital assembly with the G7 summit leaders, President Zelensky thanked the group for essential new steps taken in assist of Ukraine.

He stated: “I thank the Japanese Presidency and all G7 leaders for their strong statement following our meeting today. Crucial new steps have been taken.

“Import restrictions on Russian diamonds starting January 1st; call for decisive progress in using frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine; recognition of Ukraine’s success in the Black Sea and maritime exports; commitment to preventing Russia’s access to dual-use technologies; and readiness to formalize long-term security guarantees.

“These are tangible new steps that support Ukraine while also limiting Russia’s ability to continue its aggression against our country and people. The G7 declaration today demonstrates that all talk of waning international support for Ukraine is wrong.

“Today and every day, our partners are foursquare behind Ukraine. And we are sending a signal to Russian terrorists that they cannot and will not outlast our collective determination to defend freedom.”

China warns of ‘firm response’ after UK sanctions businesses ‘propping up Russia’

01:16 , Maira Butt

Beijing has accused the UK of violating international law and warned of a “firm response” after Chinese entities accused of supplying Russia were hit with sanctions.

The British Foreign Office on Wednesday imposed 46 new sanctions targeting military suppliers it said were “propping up Putin’s conflict machine” with exports of apparatus to Russia amid its battle with Ukraine.

This included businesses in Belarus, China, Serbia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan.

Three Chinese entities – Asia Pacific Links Limited, Sinno Electronics Co, Limited, and Xinghua Co, Limited – had been focused for allegedly supplying sanctioned items.

China’s embassy within the UK stated in an announcement: “The UK side’s action constitutes violation of international law, abuse of unilateral sanctions, and damages the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies. We firmly oppose such action and have lodged stern representations with the UK side.

“On the Ukraine issue, China has all along upheld an objective and fair stance, and has been actively working for peace talks and political settlement. However, the UK government, ignoring the public opinion at home and in the world, has continued to add fuel to the fire.

“We urge the UK government to immediately rectify its wrongdoing and revoke sanctions against Chinese companies. The Chinese government will take firm and strong measures to defend the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.

“The UK side must know that any action that harms China’s interests will be met with our firm response.”

US publicizes new weapons assist for Ukraine as Congress is stalled on extra funding

00:15 , Maira Butt

The US is sending a $175 million package deal of navy assist to Ukraine, together with guided missiles for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), anti-armor methods and high-speed anti-radiation missiles, the Pentagon and State Department introduced on Wednesday.

The latest assist comes as Congress stays stalled on laws that would offer new funding for Ukraine because it battles to push again Russian forces in addition to present help to Israel. The Biden administration has stated funding to assist Ukraine is operating out, and the Pentagon packages of weapons and different tools for the conflict have change into a lot smaller in recent months.

In an announcement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that except Congress approves the supplemental funding, “this will be one of the last security assistance packages we can provide to Ukraine.”

G7 bans direct import of Russian diamonds

Wednesday 6 December 2023 23:15 , Maira Butt

The G7 have introduced a direct ban on Russian diamonds ranging from 1 January 2024 adopted by phased-in restrictions on oblique imports of Russian gems from round 1 March, an announcement stated on Wednesday.

The group has been weighing varied proposals for limit the import of Russian diamonds with the European Union proposing a package deal that features a diamond ban. However, the EU had been ready for coordination from the G7 to maneuver ahead.

The ban excludes diamonds for industrial use. The announcement doesn’t embody the tracing of polished stones, a component included within the proposals, together with one by Belgium designed on the EU’s behalf, nor does it point out the carat measurement.

Diamonds characterize an vital sector of Belgium. Antwerp has the world’s fundamental diamond hub and a lot of the world’s tough stones transit by way of the town regardless that they’re now principally lower in India.

“I am pleased that the G7 applied the central principles of the Belgian proposal,” Belgium Prime Minister Alexander de Croo stated.

“The traceability system launched today is another step in the pioneering work Belgium started 25 years ago in the fight against blood diamonds. The G7 declaration offers the Antwerp diamond sector a unique opportunity to further develop into the trading centre of ‘clean’ diamonds.”

In photos: Putin in UAE

Wednesday 6 December 2023 22:16 , Maira Butt

Vladimir Putin visited Abu Dhabi on Wednesday on a uncommon journey to the UAE. He touched down in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday night.

Under Putin, the uber-wealthy Russians generally known as ‘oligarchs’ are nonetheless wealthy however far much less highly effective

Wednesday 6 December 2023 21:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

When Vladimir Putin got here to energy in 2000, the skin world considered these Russians generally known as “oligarchs” as males who whose huge wealth, ruthlessly amassed, made them almost shadow rulers. A “government of the few,” within the phrase’s etymology.

The time period has persevered properly into Putin’s rule, broadening in common utilization to confer with almost any Russian with a considerable fortune.

How a lot political energy any of Russia’s uber-rich now wield, nonetheless, is uncertain.

Under Putin, the uber-wealthy Russians generally known as ‘oligarchs’ are nonetheless wealthy however far much less highly effective

Zelensky addresses G7 leaders

Wednesday 6 December 2023 20:44 , Maira Butt

In an tackle to members of the G7, Ukraine’s President Zelensky stated he hoped the approaching 12 months could be productive for “free nations. Not for Putin.” He thanked members for his or her continued assist.

He stated: “In my address to G7 leaders, I stressed the importance of the free world maintaining consolidation and interaction, as well as supporting those whose freedom is under attack.

“Together, we can make the coming year productive for free nations. Not for Putin. Ukraine has strength. And I ask you to be as strong as you can, as strong as freedom can be.

“I thank you on behalf of all Ukrainian warriors, every Ukrainian family, and our entire country for your tremendous support.”

Biden: ‘We will defend every inch of Nato territory’

Wednesday 6 December 2023 20:05 , Maira Butt

In a White House address ahead of a congressional vote for funding for Ukraine, President Biden reiterated the importance of Ukraine’s battle in opposition to Russia for the safety of Nato members.

“If Putin attacks a Nato ally, if he keeps going and attacks a Nato ally, we’ve committed as a Nato member to defend every inch of Nato territory,” he stated.

“Then we’ll have something that we don’t seek and that we don’t have today: American troops fighting Russian troops, if he moves into other parts of Nato.

“Make no mistake, today’s vote is going to be long-remembered. And history’s going to judge harshly those who turned their backs on freedom’s cause.”

Zelensky: ‘Ukraine does not wish to depend solely on partners’

Wednesday 6 December 2023 19:13 , Maira Butt

In an address to the nation, Ukraine’s President Zelensky stated he didn’t “wish to rely solely on partners”.

The broadcast, aired on X, previously generally known as Twitter comes amid uncertainties in funding for navy assist. President Zelensky cancelled an tackle to the US Senate on Wednesday amid the tensions.

He stated he envisioned the nation supporting others in flip as soon as it has ensured its personal security.

He stated: “We are holding the Defense Industrial Base Conference ‘DFNC1: US Edition’ today in Washington, D.C., to increase cooperation and joint defense projects between Ukrainian and American defense companies.

“Ukraine does not wish to rely solely on partners; Ukraine aspires to and is capable of becoming a security donor to all of our neighbors once it has ensured its own safety. This is absolutely feasible and realistic.

“I invite all American defense companies to work with Ukraine. Together, we can create a new and powerful arsenal of freedom that will provide dependable support to all of the world’s free nations.

“Together, we can accomplish much more than any of us could alone. So let us keep working together. For the greater power of freedom. Our team is in Washington right now and will present specific perspectives and opportunities.”

Biden: ‘If Putin takes Ukraine he won’t cease there’

Wednesday 6 December 2023 18:30 , Maira Butt

President Biden urged Congress to cross a invoice for supplemental funding for Ukraine as a matter of urgency in a White House tackle on Wednesday.

“This cannot wait,” he stated. “Congress needs to pass supplemental funding for Ukraine, before they break for the holiday. It’s as simple as that. Frankly, I think it’s stunning that we’ve gotten to this point in the first place.”

Biden additionally talked about the opportunity of American troops preventing Russian troops if Russia had been to attack any of its Nato allies. He underscored the significance of navy assist to Ukraine as a transfer essential to the nationwide safety of the US.

“If Putin takes Ukraine, he won’t stop there,” he stated within the tackle. “Its important to see the long-run here. He’s going to keep going. He’s made that pretty clear.”

US charges four Russians with war crimes against American in Ukraine

Wednesday 6 December 2023 18:08 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The Department of Justice has made its’ first-ever use of a decades-old conflict crimes statute to cost 4 Russia-aligned troopers with atrocities in opposition to an American dwelling in Ukraine in April 2022 throughout Russia’s conflict on Ukraine, Attorney General Merrick Garland stated on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press convention in Washington at Justice Department headquarters, Mr Garland stated the fees are being introduced underneath the War Crimes Act, a statute enacted in 1996 which provides federal prosecutors jurisdiction over alleged conflict crimes dedicated in opposition to US nationals overseas.

US fees 4 Russians with conflict crimes in opposition to American in Ukraine

Biden slams Congress for ‘gift’ to Putin as he urges passage of Ukraine funding

Wednesday 6 December 2023 18:00 , Maira Butt

President Biden on Wednesday slammed Republicans for his or her refusal to permit Congress to approve renewed funding for Ukraine’s defence and warned that their recalcitrance could be a “gift” to Russian President Vladimir Putin as a result of it will damage Ukraine’s efforts to repel Mr Putin’s invading troops.

“Frankly I think it’s stunning that we’ve gotten to this point in the first place,” Mr Biden stated, including that the GOP is “willing to give Putin the greatest gift he could hope for and abandon our global leadership” by holding up the laws to fund Ukraine’s defence.

Speaking from the Roosevelt Room of the White House forward of a Senate vote on a supplemental funding invoice to assist Ukraine, Israel and different US nationwide safety priorities, Mr Biden stated he was calling on Congress to “do something and do the right thing to stand with the people in Ukraine”.

Biden slams Congress for ‘gift’ to Putin as he urges passage of Ukraine funding

Ukraine’s SBU killed fugitive Ukrainian lawmaker in Russia- supply

Wednesday 6 December 2023 17:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Ukraine‘s SBU agency was responsible for the killing of former Ukrainian lawmaker Illia Kyva in Russia, a Ukrainian source told Reuters on Wednesday on condition of anonymity.

Kyva was a member of Ukraine‘s parliament before Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022, but had been in Russia throughout the war.

Putin lands in Saudi Arabia

Wednesday 6 December 2023 17:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Russian President Vladimir Putin landed in Riyadh on Wednesday evening, Russian news agencies reported, where he was due to discuss oil, Gaza and Ukraine with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Putin arrived from Abu Dhabi, where he had earlier held talks with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Kyiv shoots down Russian bomber over Snake Island as it battles Putin’s forces

Wednesday 6 December 2023 16:04 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Ukraine stated it had downed a Russian Su-24 fighter airplane over the Black Sea close to Snake Island because the plane was on its solution to attack Odesa area in a single day.

Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Ukraine’s “sky guards” as he tweeted: “We are strengthening our air defense, particularly in the Odesa region. Gradually, but noticeably. I thank every country that helps us achieve this task.”

Snake Island, which lies round 22 miles off the Ukrainian coast, achieved worldwide fame when Ukrainian border guards stationed there at first resisted a Russian warship’s demand for his or her give up.

In photos: Zelensky in Kyiv for the Day of Armed Forces of Ukraine

Wednesday 6 December 2023 15:32 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

US fees 4 Russian troopers with conflict crimes

Wednesday 6 December 2023 15:05 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

The United States has charged 4 Russian troopers with conflict crimes carried out in opposition to an American citizen throughout Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine, CNN reported on Wednesday.

NBC News, citing a person familiar with the matter, reported earlier on Wednesday that Attorney General Merrick Garland was expected to announce war crimes charges related to Ukraine at a news conference in Washington at 10 a.m. (1500 GMT).

Putin begins trip to UAE and Saudi Arabia

Wednesday 6 December 2023 14:32 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Russian President Vladimir Putin has begun a trip to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, hoping to shore up support in the Middle East from two major oil producers allied to the US as his invasion of Ukraine grinds on.

Mr Putin landed in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the Emirates, a federation of seven sheikhdoms now hosting the United Nations’ Cop28 local weather talks.

It marked his first journey to the area since earlier than the coronavirus pandemic and the conflict – and as he faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court over the conflict in Ukraine.

Neither Saudi Arabia nor the UAE has signed the ICC founding treaty, which means they don’t face any obligation to detain Mr Putin over the warrant accusing him of being personally chargeable for the abductions of kids from Ukraine throughout his conflict on the nation.

Mr Putin skipped a summit in South Africa over considerations he may very well be arrested on arrival there.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s international minister, met a smiling Mr Putin after he descended the steps of his presidential airplane.

As he arrived at Abu Dhabi’s Qasr al-Watan palace to fulfill Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the nation’s ruler, the UAE’s navy acrobatics group flew in formation with pink, white and blue smoke trailing them within the colors of the Russian flag.

“I’m happy to meet you again,” Sheikh Mohammed stated as he sat with Mr Putin within the palace.

Nepal police arrest 10 for ‘smuggling’ youths to battle for Russian military in Ukraine

Wednesday 6 December 2023 14:00 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Nepal police arrested 10 individuals for allegedly sending unemployed youths to Russia for unlawful recruitment into the military amid Moscow’s ongoing conflict in opposition to Ukraine.

Kathmandu police stated these individuals had been charging as much as $9,000 ( £7,143) per person to ship them to Russia on a vacationer visa and have them embedded within the Russian military preventing in Ukraine.

The detention is a part of the police’s marketing campaign to discourage vulnerable males from preventing on the frontlines.

Nepal has been compelled to consolidate its diplomatic efforts following the deaths of no less than six of its troopers serving within the Russian navy in Vladimir Putin’s conflict in Ukraine since February 2022. One Nepali soldier was captured by the Ukrainian military.

Nepal police arrest 10 for smuggling Gurkhas to battle for Russia in Ukraine

UK police warn Russia attempting to circumventsanction measures

Wednesday 6 December 2023 13:32 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Britain’s National Crime Agency stated it had issued a warning to banks and different monetary establishments and members of the UK regulated sector about Russia searching for to acquire sanctioned items by way of middleman international locations.

“Sanctions imposed on Russia as a result of its invasion of Ukraine have had a significant impact on its ability to purchase products, including military supplies, on international markets,” the NCA stated.

“However, in an effort to circumvent these controls, Russia is using complex supply chains and alternative supply routes to acquire sanctioned products.”

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Britain has sanctioned greater than 1,600 people and about 250 entities.

Zelensky says Kyiv will win ‘against all odds’ as he pays respect to fallen troopers

Wednesday 6 December 2023 12:55 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

President Volodymyr Zelensky instructed Ukrainians on Wednesday that Kyiv would defeat Russia and win a good peace “against all odds” as the way forward for important U.S. navy and monetary assist hung within the steadiness.

Zelensky delivered his defiant message in an uncommon early-morning video that confirmed him walking by way of Kyiv on his solution to pay his respects to fallen troopers on what Ukraine marks as Armed Forces Day.

“It has been difficult, but we have persevered,” stated Zelensky, who filmed himself on a cell phone as he walked from his workplace down the central Hrushevskoho road in direction of central Kyiv’s “wall of remembrance”.

“It is not easy now, but we are moving. No matter how difficult it is, we will get there. To our borders, to our people. To our peace. Fair peace. Free peace. Against all odds.”

His remarks appeared to reply to uncertainty over the way forward for a $60-billion assist package deal being debated in U.S. Congress that has been caught for weeks.

On Tuesday, Zelensky cancelled plans to deal with U.S. lawmakers to attraction straight for the help as Congress wrangles over Republican calls for to tie the help to a revamp of U.S. immigration and border insurance policies.

Polish trucker blockade holds up Ukraine’s volunteer navy assist

Wednesday 6 December 2023 12:29 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Charities and NGOs supplying navy assist to Ukraine‘s armed forces are facing delays of several weeks to critical supplies of drones, electronics and pickup trucks due to border protests by Polish truckers, three industry sources told Reuters.

Thousands of trucks carrying commercial goods have been backed up for weeks at Poland’s border crossings with Ukraine due to the protests, which started on Nov. 6. Hauliers in Slovakia started the same blockade on Dec. 1.

The protesters need to finish Ukrainian truckers’ permit-free access to the EU, saying Ukrainian drivers are undercutting their costs. Kyiv says the quantity of wartime visitors makes a truck allow system impracticable.

While the protesters say they permit humanitarian and navy assist by way of, many assets required by Ukraine‘s armed forces are bought by civilian organisations and transported on commercial trucks, which are not allowed to pass the blockade.

Taras Chmut, head of Come Back Alive, Ukraine‘s largest military aid charity, said dozens of night-vision systems and pickup trucks as well as hundreds of drones procured by his group had been stuck at the border for several weeks.

“This is not good, because they are tied to projects, timings and deadlines … Things are getting through, but it is slower than it was before,” he told Reuters.

The West has sanctioned Russia’s rich. But is that really punishing Putin and helping Ukraine?

Wednesday 6 December 2023 12:09 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Sitting on a terrace in Verona as the bells toll at a nearby medieval church, Igor Makarov sips coffee as he describes his life as a billionaire under Western sanctions.

Most of his fortune earned doing business in Russia and the former Soviet Union is frozen, and his plans to develop his energy businesses are currently shelved. His yacht is seized and his two private jets are grounded, so he flew commercial from Cyprus to Italy on budget carrier EasyJet.

“I ask the question, what is the meaning of these sanctions against me? What do they achieve? They don’t assist Ukraine,” Makarov stated in a uncommon interview, blinking within the Italian sunshine.

The West has sanctioned Russia’s wealthy. But is that actually punishing Putin and serving to Ukraine?

Russia-UAE relations at unprecedented degree, Putin says at begin of Abu Dhabi talks

Wednesday 6 December 2023 11:47 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Relations between Russia and the United Arab Emirates are at an unprecedented excessive, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated at a gathering with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Wednesday.

Russia and the UAE cooperate in OPEC+ and are concerned in main oil and fuel initiatives.

Putin stated in televised feedback that the scenario in Ukraine and the Israeli-Palestinian battle could be among the many subjects of debate.

Putin is visiting the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia on a uncommon journey overseas. He can even maintain talks with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to debate oil, OPEC+ and the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

Britain publicizes 46 new sanctions in opposition to Russia

Wednesday 6 December 2023 11:21 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Britain on Wednesday introduced 46 new sanctions in opposition to people and teams from totally different international locations it stated had been concerned in Russia‘s military supply chains and helping sustain its invasion of Ukraine.

Those sanctioned included entities operating in China, Serbia and Uzbekistan, Britain’s international ministry stated.

G7 leaders to fulfill just about on Wednesday with Ukraine’s Zelensky

Wednesday 6 December 2023 10:59 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) international locations will maintain a digital assembly on Wednesday with Ukraine‘s president, Volodomyr Zelensky, in a show of support for the country’s conflict in opposition to Russia, Japan stated on Wednesday.

“We’d like to make clear that we stand with Ukraine as the G7” a Japanese authorities official stated, including the message could be strengthened amid concern that the worldwide neighborhood’s focus may shift away from Ukraine to the Israeli-Hamas battle.

The official, who declined to be named, stated the G7 will reiterate its dedication to imposing robust sanctions on Russia for its attack on Ukraine, however particulars had been being negotiated. The official didn’t elaborate.

An announcement issued on the time stated the restrictions would cowl exports of business equipment, instruments and know-how and it will additionally attempt to restrict Russian revenues from commerce in metals and diamonds.

Japan’s chief cupboard secretary, Hirokazu Matsuno, stated at a press convention on Wednesday that the G7 can even talk about the Middle East and synthetic intelligence.

The White House introduced earlier that the assembly will probably be held at 1430 GMT and will probably be closed to the media.

Putin arrives in Abu Dhabi

Wednesday 6 December 2023 10:24 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Russian President Vladimir Putin has arrived in Abu Dhabi, Russian state information companies reported on Wednesday.

Putin is visiting the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday in a uncommon journey overseas and can maintain talks with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to debate oil, OPEC+ and the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

Zelensky abruptly cancels US Senate tackle as assist for Ukraine conflict hits lifeless finish

Wednesday 6 December 2023 09:51 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Volodymyr Zelensky unexpectedly cancelled his tackle to the US Senate the place he would have appealed for contemporary assist for the conflict in Ukraine, majority chief Chuck Schumer stated on Tuesday.

Kyiv’s requires multi-billion greenback navy funding have been rejected by the Congress, leaving Ukraine out within the chilly.

The war-time president has been pleading together with his allies within the West for monetary and navy assist in opposition to Russian forces as Moscow’s invasion clocked 650 days. The US is now exhibiting indicators of fatigue and disapproval for funding the conflict.

Zelensky abruptly cancels US Senate tackle as assist for Ukraine conflict hits lifeless finish

Putin’s forces and Kyiv’s troops conflict practically 100 instances in 24 hours throughout entrance

Wednesday 6 December 2023 09:45 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Ukraine’s navy has stated it has clashed with Russian forces 97 instances throughout the frontline over the past 24 hours, amid fierce preventing as Kyiv appears to defend its strains.

The normal workers of the Ukrainian military stated that it had repelled Russian assaults round Bakhmut and different areas of the east, and had pushed Vladimir Putin’s forces again round Zaporizhzhia within the south.

Nepal police arrest 10 for ‘smuggling’ youths to battle for Russian military in Ukraine

Wednesday 6 December 2023 09:11 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Nepal police arrested 10 individuals for allegedly sending unemployed youths to Russia for unlawful recruitment into the military amid Moscow’s ongoing conflict in opposition to Ukraine.

Kathmandu police stated these individuals had been charging as much as $9,000 ( £7,143) per person to ship them to Russia on a vacationer visa and have them embedded within the Russian military preventing in Ukraine.

The detention is a part of the police’s marketing campaign to discourage vulnerable males from preventing on the frontlines.

Nepal has been compelled to consolidate its diplomatic efforts following the deaths of no less than six of its troopers serving within the Russian navy in Vladimir Putin’s conflict in Ukraine since February 2022. One Nepali soldier was captured by the Ukrainian military.

Nepal police arrest 10 for smuggling youths to battle for Russian military in Ukraine

Ukraine claims Russia killing personal troops with drones

Wednesday 6 December 2023 08:25 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Ukraine claims Russia kiling personal troops with drones

Andriy Yusov, from Ukrainian intelligence (HUR), instructed Kyiv Post that Russia had been killing their very own troops fairly than permit them to be captured by Ukraine.

He stated the apply had been recorded “repeatedly, including by Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance using [drones].”

He added there have been additionally instances of Russian items firing on their comrades attempting to flee the entrance strains, he stated: “Barrier units and killing their own soldiers is what the Russian army is really using against its own.

“Those who refuse to go into battle and carry out criminal orders or go on meat assaults. This is all a tactic of terror and intimidation of our own people in order to reduce the number of refuseniks, deserters, and those who voluntarily surrender.

“This is actually a reaction to the fact that there are quite a few people willing to surrender to Ukrainian captivity.”

Russian distributor to launch gross sales of Adidas, Reebok goods- Kommersant

Wednesday 6 December 2023 08:15 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

A Russian distributor of Western sports activities manufacturers will begin promoting Adidas and Reebok merchandise as quickly as this week, regardless of the businesses’ departure from the market over the conflict in Ukraine, the Kommersant each day reported on Wednesday.

Adidas and Reebok had been amongst a whole bunch of Western corporations that determined to droop business operations in Russia quickly after Moscow launched its conflict in Ukraine in February 2022.

Adidas and rival Nike subsequently opted to go away the market utterly. Authentic Brands Group-owned Reebok’s Russian business was taken over by Turkey’s FLO retailing, Kommersant each day reported in May 2022.

Russians have developed options to the model exodus with small-scale imports and on-line sellers serving to to maintain international manufacturers alive, notably shopper items that aren’t topic to sanctions.

Citing the top of the advertising and marketing division at Lestate, the distributor, Kommersant reported that the corporate will develop a community of mono-brand shops with items from Adidas and Reebok.

Lestate already sells clothes and sneakers from Nike in Russia, Kommersant reported. There was no suggestion that Adidas, Reebok or Nike had been facilitating Lestate’s sale of their items.

Ukraine air power says Russia launches 48 attack drones

Wednesday 6 December 2023 07:30 , Maryam Zakir-Hussain

Russia launched a complete of 48 attack drones in a single day on Ukraine, Ukraine‘s air force said on Wednesday, adding that its air defence systems destroyed 41 of the drones before they reached their target.

The air force said all of the attack drones were Iranian-made Shahed kamikaze drones.

It did not say what happened to the drones that were not downed or whether there was any damage from the attack.

US House Speaker Johnson insists on border security changes in exchange for aid to Ukraine

Wednesday 6 December 2023 07:06 , Maira Butt

House Speaker Mike Johnson told fellow Republicans on Tuesday that sweeping changes to US border policy would be their “hill to die on” in negotiations over President Joe Biden’s practically $106 billion package deal for the wars in Ukraine and Israel and different safety wants.

Johnson delivered the hard-line message Tuesday morning earlier than Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s video tackle to senators, a labeled briefing that the Biden administration organized to underscore how desperately the help is required.

Biden is pushing a reluctant Congress to approve the navy, financial and humanitarian assist package deal, however the injection of border safety into the negotiations has made progress troublesome.

“The battle is for the border,” Johnson stated at a information convention. “We do that first as a top priority, and we’ll take care of these other obligations.”

Zelensky thanks volunteers: ‘They are one other department of our military’

Wednesday 6 December 2023 06:07 , Maira Butt

On International Volunteer Day, Ukraine’s President Zelensky took to X, previously generally known as Twitter to thank civilian volunteers.

He stated: “On International Volunteer Day, we honor Ukrainian civilian volunteers. Symbolically, this day falls on the eve of Ukraine’s Armed Forces Day.

“Because our civilian volunteers are essentially another branch of our army and another source of strength for us.

“Our guard of the indifferent, our army of active Ukrainians.”

Ukraine to prime agenda in Cameron go to to Washington

Wednesday 6 December 2023 05:07 , Maira Butt

Support for Ukraine will prime the agenda when Lord Cameron makes his first go to to the US as Foreign Secretary.

He will arrive in Washington later for a two-day go to, as world leaders grapple with the continuing battle in Ukraine in addition to the escalating disaster in Gaza.

The go to comes at a crunch time for Kyiv, with considerations in regards to the provision of US navy assist amid deep divisions in Congress about new funding and assist.

The Foreign Secretary is anticipated to fulfill US secretary of state Antony Blinken and Republican and Democratic congressional leaders as a part of the journey.

Ahead of the Washington go to, Lord Cameron introduced a £37 million package deal of winter humanitarian assist for the nation because it continues to battle Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces.

Lord Cameron stated: “The UK and the US are deeply bound by a shared mission to defend the values that provide security and prosperity for us all.

“That is why we remain unwavering in our support of Ukraine. If we allow Putin’s aggression to succeed, it will embolden those who challenge democracy and threaten our way of life. We cannot let them prevail.”

In case you missed it: What the Republican candidates have stated on the conflict in Ukraine

Wednesday 6 December 2023 04:09 , Maira Butt

Gustaf Kilander and Ariana Baio report:

As President Joe Biden likes to remind anybody who will pay attention, “This is not your grandfather’s Republican Party”.

That has by no means been extra evident than when inspecting the best way the 2024 Republican presidential candidates method the subject of Ukraine.

Support for Ukraine is dividing the GOP area. Several candidates imagine the US ought to proceed to assist the conflict effort – a stance that adheres to extra conventional Republican international coverage beliefs.

For years, leaders within the GOP like George W Bush sounded alarms about Russia and supported Nato membership for Ukraine.

But in additional recent years, notably underneath former president Donald Trump, fashionable conservatives have embraced isolationism.

Read the total piece right here.

US imposes new spherical of sanctions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Wednesday 6 December 2023 03:05 , Maira Butt

The US on Tuesday imposed sanctions on a Belgian concerned in procuring electronics for the Russian navy, his corporations and a bunch of Belarusian corporations and other people tied to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control focused a community led by Belgium-based Hans De Geetere, which included 9 entities and 5 individuals throughout Russia, Belgium, Cyprus, Sweden, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands. They are accused of being concerned with procuring military-grade tools for Russia.

Also on Tuesday, the US Justice Department unsealed two indictments in opposition to Hans De Geetere and the Commerce Department added him and 5 corporations to its entity checklist.

US sanctions block access to US property and financial institution accounts and stop the focused individuals and firms from doing business with Americans.

De Geetere didn’t reply to an Associated Press request for remark by way of electronic mail.

Read the total piece right here.