Former commander in Russia’s Wagner Group seeking asylum, Norway says
A former commander in the Russian mercenary Wagner Group has requested asylum in Norway after fleeing Russia, a move that rights groups say could aid international investigations into alleged crimes by Russian soldiers in Ukraine.
The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration told the Associated Press on Monday that the man, whom it identified as Andrey Medvedev, had arrived in Norway. The directorate declined to comment further, citing security and privacy reasons.
Medvedev’s Norwegian lawyer also told the AP that his client is seeking asylum in the country. The lawyer did not respond to a Washington Post request for comment Monday night.
Read the full story here.
A former commander in the Russian mercenary Wagner Group has requested asylum in Norway after fleeing Russia, a move that rights groups say could aid international investigations into alleged crimes by Russian soldiers in Ukraine.
The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration told the Associated Press on Monday that the man, whom it identified as Andrey Medvedev, had arrived in Norway. The directorate declined to comment further, citing security and privacy reasons.
Medvedev’s Norwegian lawyer also told the AP that his client is seeking asylum in the country. The lawyer did not respond to a Washington Post request for comment Monday night.
Read the full story here.
Democracy defenders and Rambo wannabes: Ukraine’s voluntary foreign fighters
KHARKIV — A 30-year-old former British military captain faced a personal crossroads several months before Russia invaded Ukraine, as he contemplated a desk job at a security firm and a future spent discussing trifles with his sisters and mother in their hometown in southeast England.
The ex-captain was still struggling with the routines of civilian life when the chance to volunteer to defend Ukraine offered an alternate path. Now, after nearly getting killed in an artillery barrage in Bakhmut, the ex-captain, who is not being identified for safety reasons, said he is “happier than I have ever been.”
The complex motivations that pulled the ex-captain to the blood-soaked trenches of Ukraine reflect the experiences of thousands who answered President Volodymyr Zelensky’s appeal for volunteer fighters after Russia invaded last February. Some went to defend democracy, others to escape their own demons.
Read the full story here.
KHARKIV — A 30-year-old former British military captain faced a personal crossroads several months before Russia invaded Ukraine, as he contemplated a desk job at a security firm and a future spent discussing trifles with his sisters and mother in their hometown in southeast England.
The ex-captain was still struggling with the routines of civilian life when the chance to volunteer to defend Ukraine offered an alternate path. Now, after nearly getting killed in an artillery barrage in Bakhmut, the ex-captain, who is not being identified for safety reasons, said he is “happier than I have ever been.”
The complex motivations that pulled the ex-captain to the blood-soaked trenches of Ukraine reflect the experiences of thousands who answered President Volodymyr Zelensky’s appeal for volunteer fighters after Russia invaded last February. Some went to defend democracy, others to escape their own demons.
Read the full story here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- Investigators from the SBU, Ukraine’s internal security service, have begun a probe into the cause of a helicopter crash that killed at least 14 people, including Interior Minister Denis Monastyrsky, near a kindergarten Wednesday morning.
- Monastyrsky was traveling to a “hot spot” on the front line when the helicopter crashed, said Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Ukraine’s presidential office.
- Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said senior ministry officials Yevhen Yenin and Yuri Lubkovych were among those killed alongside Monastyrsky.
- Zelensky urged the world to act with “resolve and speed” to help Ukraine “outpace” Russia’s next push to claim territory.
- NATO defense chiefs are gathering in Brussels for a two-day meeting focused on the war in Ukraine and Euro-Atlantic security.
More live updates here.
- Investigators from the SBU, Ukraine’s internal security service, have begun a probe into the cause of a helicopter crash that killed at least 14 people, including Interior Minister Denis Monastyrsky, near a kindergarten Wednesday morning.
- Monastyrsky was traveling to a “hot spot” on the front line when the helicopter crashed, said Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of Ukraine’s presidential office.
- Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said senior ministry officials Yevhen Yenin and Yuri Lubkovych were among those killed alongside Monastyrsky.
- Zelensky urged the world to act with “resolve and speed” to help Ukraine “outpace” Russia’s next push to claim territory.
- NATO defense chiefs are gathering in Brussels for a two-day meeting focused on the war in Ukraine and Euro-Atlantic security.
More live updates here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- The Security Service of Ukraine said in a statement that it was probing a number of possible causes for the helicopter crash that killed 14 people, including a violation of flight rules, a technical malfunction and sabotage.
- The Biden administration is expected to announce a new military package for Ukraine worth about $2.5 billon that is likely to include dozens of Bradley and Stryker armored vehicles, two people familiar with the decision told The Washington Post.
- Russian forces are continuing shelling near Soledar, Pavlo Kyrylenko, governor of the Donetsk region, said on Telegram.
- Germany no longer depends on Russian imports for its energy supply, Finance Minister Christian Lindner said in an interview with the BBC.
More live updates here.
- The Security Service of Ukraine said in a statement that it was probing a number of possible causes for the helicopter crash that killed 14 people, including a violation of flight rules, a technical malfunction and sabotage.
- The Biden administration is expected to announce a new military package for Ukraine worth about $2.5 billon that is likely to include dozens of Bradley and Stryker armored vehicles, two people familiar with the decision told The Washington Post.
- Russian forces are continuing shelling near Soledar, Pavlo Kyrylenko, governor of the Donetsk region, said on Telegram.
- Germany no longer depends on Russian imports for its energy supply, Finance Minister Christian Lindner said in an interview with the BBC.
More live updates here.
U.S. readies another massive military package for Ukraine
The Biden administration is preparing to announce a roughly $2.5 billion military aid package for Ukraine that is expected to include dozens of Bradley and Stryker armored vehicles, according to two people familiar with the decision, as the Pentagon intensifies its support ahead of an expected counteroffensive against entrenched Russian forces.
The war has entered a phase, U.S. officials have said, that will require Ukrainian units to attack enemy forces in a concerted way, using tanks, armored vehicles, artillery and aviation in what is known as combined arms warfare. Bradleys and Strykers would significantly bolster their firepower and allow soldiers to move quickly around the battlefield.
The coming transfer could contain nearly 100 Strykers, one of these people said. It would mark the first time the Pentagon has supplied Ukraine with such vehicles.
Read the full story here.
The Biden administration is preparing to announce a roughly $2.5 billion military aid package for Ukraine that is expected to include dozens of Bradley and Stryker armored vehicles, according to two people familiar with the decision, as the Pentagon intensifies its support ahead of an expected counteroffensive against entrenched Russian forces.
The war has entered a phase, U.S. officials have said, that will require Ukrainian units to attack enemy forces in a concerted way, using tanks, armored vehicles, artillery and aviation in what is known as combined arms warfare. Bradleys and Strykers would significantly bolster their firepower and allow soldiers to move quickly around the battlefield.
The coming transfer could contain nearly 100 Strykers, one of these people said. It would mark the first time the Pentagon has supplied Ukraine with such vehicles.
Read the full story here.
U.S. defense chief in Berlin for talks as Germany stalls on tank deliveries for Ukraine
BERLIN — Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met his newly appointed German counterpart on Thursday for talks that have taken on more urgency since Berlin put conditions on tank deliveries to Ukraine.
In a call this week with President Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed that in order for Germany to unlock a package of Leopard 2 tanks for Ukraine, Washington should send tanks, too, according to a German and a U.S. official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private conversation.
It’s a move Washington doesn’t want to make, citing the high fuel consumption and maintenance burden of the U.S. military’s M1 Abrams battle tanks. Austin is hoping to break the deadlock in Berlin and persuade Germany to send tanks, according to a senior U.S. defense official.
Read the full story here.
BERLIN — Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin met his newly appointed German counterpart on Thursday for talks that have taken on more urgency since Berlin put conditions on tank deliveries to Ukraine.
In a call this week with President Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stressed that in order for Germany to unlock a package of Leopard 2 tanks for Ukraine, Washington should send tanks, too, according to a German and a U.S. official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the private conversation.
It’s a move Washington doesn’t want to make, citing the high fuel consumption and maintenance burden of the U.S. military’s M1 Abrams battle tanks. Austin is hoping to break the deadlock in Berlin and persuade Germany to send tanks, according to a senior U.S. defense official.
Read the full story here.
Analysis: Putin says Russia’s economy beat expectations. Did sanctions fail?
As the global glitterati schmoozes in Davos, Switzerland, there is one country whose absence is notable, if not a surprise. Russian officials are effectively persona non grata at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss mountain town, while Ukrainian figures like first lady Olena Zelenska speak to packed houses.
The symbolism is clear. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine almost 11 months ago made President Vladimir Putin and his allies toxic to this global elite. Russia has been showered with sanctions and export controls that seek to cut them off from the global economy, using a kind of systematic might to hinder the Kremlin’s war efforts and punish Putin’s allies.
But in the real world, has it actually worked? Far away from the parties in Davos, Putin on Tuesday used new government data to paint a surprisingly rosy picture of Russia’s economy.
Read the full analysis here.
As the global glitterati schmoozes in Davos, Switzerland, there is one country whose absence is notable, if not a surprise. Russian officials are effectively persona non grata at the World Economic Forum in the Swiss mountain town, while Ukrainian figures like first lady Olena Zelenska speak to packed houses.
The symbolism is clear. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine almost 11 months ago made President Vladimir Putin and his allies toxic to this global elite. Russia has been showered with sanctions and export controls that seek to cut them off from the global economy, using a kind of systematic might to hinder the Kremlin’s war efforts and punish Putin’s allies.
But in the real world, has it actually worked? Far away from the parties in Davos, Putin on Tuesday used new government data to paint a surprisingly rosy picture of Russia’s economy.
Read the full analysis here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where he is to be joined by Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contract Group, which is set to include defense ministers and chiefs “from nearly 50 nations,” the Pentagon said in a statement.
- The latest U.S. military aid package for Ukraine could include nearly 100 Strykers, people familiar with the plan told The Post, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
- Russian officials have opened a criminal case against a U.S. national suspected of espionage.
- Ukraine’s security services opened a criminal investigation into the helicopter crash near a kindergarten that killed at least 14 people, including Interior Minister Denis Monastyrsky, Zelensky said in his nightly address.
- European Council President Charles Michel visited Kyiv on Thursday in a show of ongoing support for Ukraine.
More live updates here.
- U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrived at Ramstein Air Base in Germany, where he is to be joined by Gen. Mark A. Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, for a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contract Group, which is set to include defense ministers and chiefs “from nearly 50 nations,” the Pentagon said in a statement.
- The latest U.S. military aid package for Ukraine could include nearly 100 Strykers, people familiar with the plan told The Post, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
- Russian officials have opened a criminal case against a U.S. national suspected of espionage.
- Ukraine’s security services opened a criminal investigation into the helicopter crash near a kindergarten that killed at least 14 people, including Interior Minister Denis Monastyrsky, Zelensky said in his nightly address.
- European Council President Charles Michel visited Kyiv on Thursday in a show of ongoing support for Ukraine.
More live updates here.
Exclusive: CIA director holds secret meeting with Zelensky on Russia’s next steps
CIA Director William J. Burns traveled in secret to Ukraine’s capital at the end of last week to brief President Volodymyr Zelensky on his expectations for what Russia is planning militarily in the coming weeks and months, said a U.S. official and other people familiar with the visit.
Burns’s travel comes at a critical juncture in the 11-month war. Russian forces are mounting a massive assault near the eastern city of Bakhmut that is causing many casualties on both sides and forcing Ukraine to weigh its resources there as it prepares a major counteroffensive elsewhere in the country.
Top of mind for Zelensky and his senior intelligence officials during the meeting was how long Ukraine could expect U.S. and Western assistance to continue following Republicans’ takeover of the House and a drop-off in support of Ukraine aid among parts of the U.S. electorate, said people familiar with the meeting.
Read the full story here.
CIA Director William J. Burns traveled in secret to Ukraine’s capital at the end of last week to brief President Volodymyr Zelensky on his expectations for what Russia is planning militarily in the coming weeks and months, said a U.S. official and other people familiar with the visit.
Burns’s travel comes at a critical juncture in the 11-month war. Russian forces are mounting a massive assault near the eastern city of Bakhmut that is causing many casualties on both sides and forcing Ukraine to weigh its resources there as it prepares a major counteroffensive elsewhere in the country.
Top of mind for Zelensky and his senior intelligence officials during the meeting was how long Ukraine could expect U.S. and Western assistance to continue following Republicans’ takeover of the House and a drop-off in support of Ukraine aid among parts of the U.S. electorate, said people familiar with the meeting.
Read the full story here.
Here's the latest from Ukraine.
- The U.S. on Thursday announced a new $2.5 billion military aid package for Ukraine that includes hundreds of armored vehicles, including Stryker personnel carriers as well as ammunition.
- The West appears to be shifting its stance on sending tanks to Ukraine, as Kyiv continues its appeals for them. On Thursday, officials from 11 European nations announced a separate aid package for Ukraine, including a squadron of Challenger 2 tanks from Britain.
- Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is in Germany to convene a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Airbase, which will include defense leaders from roughly 50 nations in a group “dedicated to Ukraine’s self-defense,” the Pentagon said.
- High-ranking Kremlin officials have been holding meetings with Belarusian national leadership, potentially “setting conditions” for a Russian attack on Ukraine from Belarus, the Institute for the Study of War reported.
More live updates here.
- The U.S. on Thursday announced a new $2.5 billion military aid package for Ukraine that includes hundreds of armored vehicles, including Stryker personnel carriers as well as ammunition.
- The West appears to be shifting its stance on sending tanks to Ukraine, as Kyiv continues its appeals for them. On Thursday, officials from 11 European nations announced a separate aid package for Ukraine, including a squadron of Challenger 2 tanks from Britain.
- Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is in Germany to convene a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Airbase, which will include defense leaders from roughly 50 nations in a group “dedicated to Ukraine’s self-defense,” the Pentagon said.
- High-ranking Kremlin officials have been holding meetings with Belarusian national leadership, potentially “setting conditions” for a Russian attack on Ukraine from Belarus, the Institute for the Study of War reported.
More live updates here.
‘We need to dig even deeper,’ Pentagon chief says amid Ukraine tank dispute
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urged dozens of defense ministers on Friday to look for new ways to help Ukraine fend off the nearly year-old Russian invasion threatening its existence, amid a seemingly unresolved rift over who will supply the government in Kyiv with battle tanks ahead of an expected Ukrainian counteroffensive.
“We need to keep our momentum and resolve,” Austin said in opening remarks at the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group of countries supporting Kyiv. “We need to dig even deeper.”
The remarks came as Germany has declined to provide its powerful Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and indicated it would stop other nations owning the German-made weapons from doing so as well.
Read the full story here.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urged dozens of defense ministers on Friday to look for new ways to help Ukraine fend off the nearly year-old Russian invasion threatening its existence, amid a seemingly unresolved rift over who will supply the government in Kyiv with battle tanks ahead of an expected Ukrainian counteroffensive.
“We need to keep our momentum and resolve,” Austin said in opening remarks at the meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group of countries supporting Kyiv. “We need to dig even deeper.”
The remarks came as Germany has declined to provide its powerful Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine and indicated it would stop other nations owning the German-made weapons from doing so as well.
Read the full story here.
Exclusive: Russia’s nuclear entity aids war effort, leading to calls for sanctions
Russia’s state nuclear power conglomerate has been working to supply the Russian arms industry with components, technology and raw materials for missile fuel, documents show, aiding Moscow’s deadly onslaught on Ukraine and leading to calls for the company, Rosatom, to be put under sanctions.
A letter from a Rosatom department chief, dated October 2022 and obtained by Ukrainian intelligence, refers to a recent meeting with the Defense Ministry and representatives of Russia’s military-industrial complex. It shows the state nuclear company offering to provide goods to Russian military units and to Russian weapons manufacturers that are under sanctions.
Detailed descriptions of the products available for use by the Russian military and the arms industry are attached to the letter, which was provided to The Washington Post.
Read the full story here.
Russia’s state nuclear power conglomerate has been working to supply the Russian arms industry with components, technology and raw materials for missile fuel, documents show, aiding Moscow’s deadly onslaught on Ukraine and leading to calls for the company, Rosatom, to be put under sanctions.
A letter from a Rosatom department chief, dated October 2022 and obtained by Ukrainian intelligence, refers to a recent meeting with the Defense Ministry and representatives of Russia’s military-industrial complex. It shows the state nuclear company offering to provide goods to Russian military units and to Russian weapons manufacturers that are under sanctions.
Detailed descriptions of the products available for use by the Russian military and the arms industry are attached to the letter, which was provided to The Washington Post.
Read the full story here.
Analysis | ‘Give them the tanks!’: Davos elites rally behind Ukraine
DAVOS, Switzerland — At this annual meeting where global elites are urged to collaborate, cooperate and get along, one message rang loudest: Send the weapons. As in the previous World Economic Forum session in May, the war in Ukraine loomed large in discussions. And while political leaders voiced their steadfast support for Kyiv, so too did a host of major corporate bigwigs.
Zelensky, who spoke at multiple events held in Davos this week, reiterated his nation’s determination to push Russian forces out of its lands. But the Ukrainian cause, as Kyiv has long insisted, has to be fortified by foreign steel. “Our goal is to deoccupy all our territories,” Zelensky said, explicitly including Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. “Crimea is our land, it’s our territory, it’s our sea and mountains. Give us your weapons, and we will get back what’s ours.”
Read the full analysis here.
DAVOS, Switzerland — At this annual meeting where global elites are urged to collaborate, cooperate and get along, one message rang loudest: Send the weapons. As in the previous World Economic Forum session in May, the war in Ukraine loomed large in discussions. And while political leaders voiced their steadfast support for Kyiv, so too did a host of major corporate bigwigs.
Zelensky, who spoke at multiple events held in Davos this week, reiterated his nation’s determination to push Russian forces out of its lands. But the Ukrainian cause, as Kyiv has long insisted, has to be fortified by foreign steel. “Our goal is to deoccupy all our territories,” Zelensky said, explicitly including Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. “Crimea is our land, it’s our territory, it’s our sea and mountains. Give us your weapons, and we will get back what’s ours.”
Read the full analysis here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday appealed to Western allies to provide tanks to Kyiv without delay, warning a meeting of dozens of defense ministers that “terror does not allow for discussion” and that “time remains a Russian weapon.”
- The U.S. Treasury Department will designate Russia’s Wagner Group as a “significant transnational criminal organization,” John Kirby, communications coordinator for the National Security Council, said Friday.
- The United States on Thursday announced a $2.5 billion military aid package for Ukraine, including hundreds of armored vehicles, as well as ammunition and Avenger air defense systems.
- CIA Director William J. Burns secretly traveled to Kyiv at the end of last week, The Post reported.
More live updates here.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday appealed to Western allies to provide tanks to Kyiv without delay, warning a meeting of dozens of defense ministers that “terror does not allow for discussion” and that “time remains a Russian weapon.”
- The U.S. Treasury Department will designate Russia’s Wagner Group as a “significant transnational criminal organization,” John Kirby, communications coordinator for the National Security Council, said Friday.
- The United States on Thursday announced a $2.5 billion military aid package for Ukraine, including hundreds of armored vehicles, as well as ammunition and Avenger air defense systems.
- CIA Director William J. Burns secretly traveled to Kyiv at the end of last week, The Post reported.
More live updates here.
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What to know about the suspected Russian spy ship seen near Hawaii
A Russian vessel, suspected to be a spy ship, has been operating near Hawaii in recent weeks, the Coast Guard said this week. The agency is monitoring the ship using “surface and air assets,” it added.
The presence of foreign-flagged military ships in the U.S. exclusive economic zone is neither illegal nor unusual, the Coast Guard said Wednesday. The zone extends 200 nautical miles, or 230 miles, from U.S. territorial waters, which are the maritime areas extending 12 nautical miles from a country’s beaches.
But the presence of the suspected intelligence-gathering vessel attracted the attention of U.S. defense officials due to the Kremlin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, as well as Moscow’s previous naval encroachments near U.S. coastlines. Sabrina Singh, the deputy Pentagon press secretary, said it was “precarious timing” for the vessel to be there.
Read the full story here.
A Russian vessel, suspected to be a spy ship, has been operating near Hawaii in recent weeks, the Coast Guard said this week. The agency is monitoring the ship using “surface and air assets,” it added.
The presence of foreign-flagged military ships in the U.S. exclusive economic zone is neither illegal nor unusual, the Coast Guard said Wednesday. The zone extends 200 nautical miles, or 230 miles, from U.S. territorial waters, which are the maritime areas extending 12 nautical miles from a country’s beaches.
But the presence of the suspected intelligence-gathering vessel attracted the attention of U.S. defense officials due to the Kremlin’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, as well as Moscow’s previous naval encroachments near U.S. coastlines. Sabrina Singh, the deputy Pentagon press secretary, said it was “precarious timing” for the vessel to be there.
Read the full story here.
Here's the latest from Ukraine:
—Ukrainian officials aired their frustration after a key meeting of Western allies failed to come up with a deal to supply Kyiv with the battle tanks it says are a crucial part of its bid to take on entrenched Russian forces.
Germany, which has been under increasing pressure to provide its Leopard 2 tanks, has said it will consider the request if the United States agrees to send its tanks as well.
—The United States will designate Russia’s Wagner Group a “transnational criminal organization,” the White House said.
—Air defense systems have been deployed in multiple locations in and around Moscow, with Russia apparently fearful that Ukraine could launch an attack on the Russian capital.
More coverage here.
—Ukrainian officials aired their frustration after a key meeting of Western allies failed to come up with a deal to supply Kyiv with the battle tanks it says are a crucial part of its bid to take on entrenched Russian forces.
Germany, which has been under increasing pressure to provide its Leopard 2 tanks, has said it will consider the request if the United States agrees to send its tanks as well.
—The United States will designate Russia’s Wagner Group a “transnational criminal organization,” the White House said.
—Air defense systems have been deployed in multiple locations in and around Moscow, with Russia apparently fearful that Ukraine could launch an attack on the Russian capital.
More coverage here.
Air defenses deployed in Moscow, signaling fear of strikes on capital
The Kremlin on Friday declined to comment on the recent installation of air defense systems in multiple locations in and around Moscow, as Russia seeks to close gaps in its defenses, apparently fearful that Ukraine could launch an audacious and humiliating attack on the Russian capital.
Russia has deployed Pantsir-S1 air defense systems atop two government buildings in Moscow, including the Ministry of Defense on Frunzenskaya Embankment, and a district education ministry building on Teterinsky Lane, according to independent Russian-language media.
Photographs of the air defense system were published on social media.
More air defense systems were installed at several other sites in or near Moscow, including Odintsovo district, about six miles from President Vladimir Putin’s residence at Novo-Ogaryovo outside the capital, according to the Russian media outlet Sirena, which posted video and still images.
Read the full story here.
The Kremlin on Friday declined to comment on the recent installation of air defense systems in multiple locations in and around Moscow, as Russia seeks to close gaps in its defenses, apparently fearful that Ukraine could launch an audacious and humiliating attack on the Russian capital.
Russia has deployed Pantsir-S1 air defense systems atop two government buildings in Moscow, including the Ministry of Defense on Frunzenskaya Embankment, and a district education ministry building on Teterinsky Lane, according to independent Russian-language media.
Photographs of the air defense system were published on social media.
More air defense systems were installed at several other sites in or near Moscow, including Odintsovo district, about six miles from President Vladimir Putin’s residence at Novo-Ogaryovo outside the capital, according to the Russian media outlet Sirena, which posted video and still images.
Read the full story here.
Inside the urgent push to arm Ukraine for a spring offensive
Late last fall, as Pentagon officials were patting themselves on the back over a series of U.S.-supported Ukrainian battlefield victories, two abrupt changes took place in the war with Russia. Moscow began launching waves of missile and drone attacks on civilians and infrastructure across the country. And on the front lines, Russian forces radically stepped up their assault on the small eastern city of Bakhmut, while reinforcing their defensive lines in the south.
Those actions forced Ukraine’s Western partners into a dramatic reassessment of the progress of the war and the direction it is likely to take this coming spring. As a result, the United States and its partners decided in just the last few weeks to embark on a far more aggressive phase of support, agreeing to supply a level of assistance they had long denied Kyiv.
Read the full story here.
Late last fall, as Pentagon officials were patting themselves on the back over a series of U.S.-supported Ukrainian battlefield victories, two abrupt changes took place in the war with Russia. Moscow began launching waves of missile and drone attacks on civilians and infrastructure across the country. And on the front lines, Russian forces radically stepped up their assault on the small eastern city of Bakhmut, while reinforcing their defensive lines in the south.
Those actions forced Ukraine’s Western partners into a dramatic reassessment of the progress of the war and the direction it is likely to take this coming spring. As a result, the United States and its partners decided in just the last few weeks to embark on a far more aggressive phase of support, agreeing to supply a level of assistance they had long denied Kyiv.
Read the full story here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- Germany faced continued pressure after a key meeting of Western allies did not come up with a deal to supply Ukraine with battle tanks.
- Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau criticized the pace of discussions, tweeting on Friday that “Ukrainian blood” was the “price of hesitation” over the delivery of tanks. Poland has said it is ready to send its German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, but under deals with purchasers, Germany has a say over any transfer.
- The U.S. will designate Russia’s Wagner Group a “transnational criminal organization,” the White House said Friday.
- Satellite images shared by the White House appear to show Russian rail cars entering North Korea to collect weapons to supply to the Wagner Group.
- Zelensky joined mourners in Kyiv at a memorial for Ukraine’s Interior Minister Denis Monastyrsky and other top ministry officials who were killed in a helicopter crash just outside Kyiv this week.
More live updates here.
- Germany faced continued pressure after a key meeting of Western allies did not come up with a deal to supply Ukraine with battle tanks.
- Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau criticized the pace of discussions, tweeting on Friday that “Ukrainian blood” was the “price of hesitation” over the delivery of tanks. Poland has said it is ready to send its German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, but under deals with purchasers, Germany has a say over any transfer.
- The U.S. will designate Russia’s Wagner Group a “transnational criminal organization,” the White House said Friday.
- Satellite images shared by the White House appear to show Russian rail cars entering North Korea to collect weapons to supply to the Wagner Group.
- Zelensky joined mourners in Kyiv at a memorial for Ukraine’s Interior Minister Denis Monastyrsky and other top ministry officials who were killed in a helicopter crash just outside Kyiv this week.
More live updates here.
Here's the latest from Ukraine:
— The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have made advances in Ukraine’s southeastern Zaporizhzhia region and continued offensive operations around the city of Bakhmut in Donbas.
— Berlin needs to provide Leopard tanks to Ukraine immediately, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania said in a joint appeal on Saturday.
— German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius will travel to Ukraine soon, he said in an interview with the German newspaper Bild, probably within the next month.
Read more updates here.
— The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have made advances in Ukraine’s southeastern Zaporizhzhia region and continued offensive operations around the city of Bakhmut in Donbas.
— Berlin needs to provide Leopard tanks to Ukraine immediately, Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania said in a joint appeal on Saturday.
— German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius will travel to Ukraine soon, he said in an interview with the German newspaper Bild, probably within the next month.
Read more updates here.