They escaped Russian occupation. Now they want to go back.
ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine — When Russian tanks rolled into the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson last spring, the young couple decided it was time to leave.
They fled to Kyiv, where Anton got a job driving a taxi and soon Nastya became pregnant. But she missed her mother, who had been left behind. So, last month, newly married Nastya did the unthinkable: She went back.
Back into Russian-occupied territory. Back into a city teetering on the edge of chaos, where both sides are preparing for what could be one of the fiercest battles in the now eight-month-old war. Back into the maw of a Russian military accused of committing atrocities.
Anton could not follow. And it was the Ukrainian side that blocked him.
Read the full story here.
ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine — When Russian tanks rolled into the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson last spring, the young couple decided it was time to leave.
They fled to Kyiv, where Anton got a job driving a taxi and soon Nastya became pregnant. But she missed her mother, who had been left behind. So, last month, newly married Nastya did the unthinkable: She went back.
Back into Russian-occupied territory. Back into a city teetering on the edge of chaos, where both sides are preparing for what could be one of the fiercest battles in the now eight-month-old war. Back into the maw of a Russian military accused of committing atrocities.
Anton could not follow. And it was the Ukrainian side that blocked him.
Read the full story here.
Media is too big
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- Blackouts are planned for the Kyiv region and at least six other parts of Ukraine between 6 a.m. local time and the end of the day, Ukrenergo said.
- World leaders and top officials gathered in Egypt for COP27, the annual U.N. climate conference, made a theme in their remarks the shadow cast by the war in Ukraine on the world’s energy systems — underscoring the crisis wrought by dependence on fossil fuels.
- Zelensky warned that Russia is preparing for further strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
- Ukraine said it struck a Russian base in the occupied Kherson region where 200 soldiers were located.
- Ukraine has received air defense systems from the United States and other allies, according to Oleksii Reznikov, Ukraine’s defense minister.
- Russia is probably losing more military aircraft in Ukraine than it has the capacity to replace, the British Defense Ministry said.
More live updates here.
- Blackouts are planned for the Kyiv region and at least six other parts of Ukraine between 6 a.m. local time and the end of the day, Ukrenergo said.
- World leaders and top officials gathered in Egypt for COP27, the annual U.N. climate conference, made a theme in their remarks the shadow cast by the war in Ukraine on the world’s energy systems — underscoring the crisis wrought by dependence on fossil fuels.
- Zelensky warned that Russia is preparing for further strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
- Ukraine said it struck a Russian base in the occupied Kherson region where 200 soldiers were located.
- Ukraine has received air defense systems from the United States and other allies, according to Oleksii Reznikov, Ukraine’s defense minister.
- Russia is probably losing more military aircraft in Ukraine than it has the capacity to replace, the British Defense Ministry said.
More live updates here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- Zelensky said Monday that “anyone who is serious about the climate agenda” should also be serious about stopping Russian aggression.
- World leaders must “force Russia into genuine peace negotiations,” Zelensky said. Kyiv has “repeatedly proposed” talks, but Russia has responded with “terrorist attacks, shelling or blackmail,” he said.
- The “entire world is suffering because of the war between Russia and Ukraine,” Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sissi said at the COP27 climate summit. “And so I would like to appeal to you, please allow me to say this in all respect: This war must stop.”
- “Russian forces have greatly depleted their arsenal of high-precision weapons systems and have suffered significant aviation losses,” analysts at the Institute for the Study of War think tank said Monday.
- Russian troops are looting and robbing Ukrainian civilians in the southern region of Kherson, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry said late Monday.
More live updates here.
- Zelensky said Monday that “anyone who is serious about the climate agenda” should also be serious about stopping Russian aggression.
- World leaders must “force Russia into genuine peace negotiations,” Zelensky said. Kyiv has “repeatedly proposed” talks, but Russia has responded with “terrorist attacks, shelling or blackmail,” he said.
- The “entire world is suffering because of the war between Russia and Ukraine,” Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sissi said at the COP27 climate summit. “And so I would like to appeal to you, please allow me to say this in all respect: This war must stop.”
- “Russian forces have greatly depleted their arsenal of high-precision weapons systems and have suffered significant aviation losses,” analysts at the Institute for the Study of War think tank said Monday.
- Russian troops are looting and robbing Ukrainian civilians in the southern region of Kherson, Ukraine’s Defense Ministry said late Monday.
More live updates here.
Putin ally boasts he ‘interfered’ in U.S. midterm elections
Russian oligarch Yevgeniy Prigozhin, an ally of President Vladimir Putin and head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, which is fighting in Ukraine, boasted Monday that he was interfering in the U.S. midterm congressional elections and planned to continue doing so.
Prigozhin gained infamy as an operator of internet “troll farms” and was placed under sanction by the U.S. Treasury Department for his role in meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, using a company he owned, then called the Internet Research Agency, to spread misinformation and sow discord, especially on social media platforms.
Asked by Russian media about interference in the midterm elections, Prigozhin replied: “Gentlemen, we interfered. We are interfering and we will interfere. Carefully, precisely, surgically and in our own way, as we know how to do.”
His comments were published by his press service on the Russian social media platform VKontakte.
Read the full story here.
Russian oligarch Yevgeniy Prigozhin, an ally of President Vladimir Putin and head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, which is fighting in Ukraine, boasted Monday that he was interfering in the U.S. midterm congressional elections and planned to continue doing so.
Prigozhin gained infamy as an operator of internet “troll farms” and was placed under sanction by the U.S. Treasury Department for his role in meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, using a company he owned, then called the Internet Research Agency, to spread misinformation and sow discord, especially on social media platforms.
Asked by Russian media about interference in the midterm elections, Prigozhin replied: “Gentlemen, we interfered. We are interfering and we will interfere. Carefully, precisely, surgically and in our own way, as we know how to do.”
His comments were published by his press service on the Russian social media platform VKontakte.
Read the full story here.
Russia’s heavy casualties in Ukraine spark outcry and rare official response
RIGA, Latvia — Steep Russian casualties in key battles in eastern Ukraine have prompted an unusual public outcry — and sharp criticism of military commanders — by surviving soldiers and family members of recently conscripted fighters, who say their units were led to slaughter in poorly planned operations.
The uproar over battlefield losses near Vuhledar in the Donetsk region prompted an official statement from the Russian Defense Ministry, which sought to play down the reportedly high death toll among soldiers in the 155th Separate Guards Marine Brigade, which led Moscow’s offensive in the area.
It was the first time since the start of Russia’s invasion that the ministry has officially responded to reports of mass casualties and criticism of commanders on Telegram, the main platform used by officials as well as by reporters and bloggers covering the Russian war.
Read the full story here.
RIGA, Latvia — Steep Russian casualties in key battles in eastern Ukraine have prompted an unusual public outcry — and sharp criticism of military commanders — by surviving soldiers and family members of recently conscripted fighters, who say their units were led to slaughter in poorly planned operations.
The uproar over battlefield losses near Vuhledar in the Donetsk region prompted an official statement from the Russian Defense Ministry, which sought to play down the reportedly high death toll among soldiers in the 155th Separate Guards Marine Brigade, which led Moscow’s offensive in the area.
It was the first time since the start of Russia’s invasion that the ministry has officially responded to reports of mass casualties and criticism of commanders on Telegram, the main platform used by officials as well as by reporters and bloggers covering the Russian war.
Read the full story here.
White House says ‘lines of communication’ with Russia are still open
The United States has had high-level conversations with Russian officials, the White House confirmed Monday — stressing the need to ensure that “lines of communications are not cut off.”
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at a news briefing that U.S. leaders “reserve the right to speak directly at senior levels about issues of concern to the United States,” and that “that has happened over the course of the past few months.”
Talks “have focused only … on risk reduction in the U.S.-Russia relationship,” Jean-Pierre said without elaborating.
Jean-Pierre was asked about reports that national security adviser Jake Sullivan had recently held confidential talks about the war with top Kremlin aides, but she would not comment on specifics or timing.
At an event on Monday, Sullivan noted the U.S. has channels to communicate with Russia at senior levels.
Read the full story here.
The United States has had high-level conversations with Russian officials, the White House confirmed Monday — stressing the need to ensure that “lines of communications are not cut off.”
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said at a news briefing that U.S. leaders “reserve the right to speak directly at senior levels about issues of concern to the United States,” and that “that has happened over the course of the past few months.”
Talks “have focused only … on risk reduction in the U.S.-Russia relationship,” Jean-Pierre said without elaborating.
Jean-Pierre was asked about reports that national security adviser Jake Sullivan had recently held confidential talks about the war with top Kremlin aides, but she would not comment on specifics or timing.
At an event on Monday, Sullivan noted the U.S. has channels to communicate with Russia at senior levels.
Read the full story here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said world leaders should “force Russia into genuine peace negotiations” and that Kyiv has “repeatedly proposed” talks.
- Ukraine will negotiate once Russian troops leave its territory, presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said Tuesday, answering questions about the Post report.
- “Anyone who is serious about the climate agenda” should also be serious about stopping Russian aggression, Zelensky also said Monday in his nightly address.
- The head of Russia’s central bank warned Tuesday that the impact of Western sanctions on the economy should not be underestimated.
- A U.S. citizen was killed fighting in eastern Ukraine, a spokesman from his unit, the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine, said Tuesday.
- Ukrainian forces “are gradually pushing back” Russian troops in parts of the country’s east and south, according to Zelensky, who said fighting raged in the eastern Donetsk region.
More live updates here.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said world leaders should “force Russia into genuine peace negotiations” and that Kyiv has “repeatedly proposed” talks.
- Ukraine will negotiate once Russian troops leave its territory, presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said Tuesday, answering questions about the Post report.
- “Anyone who is serious about the climate agenda” should also be serious about stopping Russian aggression, Zelensky also said Monday in his nightly address.
- The head of Russia’s central bank warned Tuesday that the impact of Western sanctions on the economy should not be underestimated.
- A U.S. citizen was killed fighting in eastern Ukraine, a spokesman from his unit, the International Legion of Defense of Ukraine, said Tuesday.
- Ukrainian forces “are gradually pushing back” Russian troops in parts of the country’s east and south, according to Zelensky, who said fighting raged in the eastern Donetsk region.
More live updates here.
WNBA star Brittney Griner being transferred to Russian penal colony
Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who has been detained in Russia since February, is being moved to a Russian penal colony — a type of prison facility known for its brutal living conditions — her legal team said Wednesday.
The 32-year-old was arrested at the Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow on Feb. 17 and accused of entering Russia with vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, which is illegal in Russia. She pleaded guilty to carrying the cartridges, saying it was an “honest mistake.” She was sentenced to 9½ years in prison in August, and a judge rejected her appeal late last month.
“We do not have any information on her exact current location or her final destination,” her attorneys Maria Blagovolina and Alexander Boykov said in a statement.
Read the full story here.
Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who has been detained in Russia since February, is being moved to a Russian penal colony — a type of prison facility known for its brutal living conditions — her legal team said Wednesday.
The 32-year-old was arrested at the Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow on Feb. 17 and accused of entering Russia with vape cartridges containing cannabis oil, which is illegal in Russia. She pleaded guilty to carrying the cartridges, saying it was an “honest mistake.” She was sentenced to 9½ years in prison in August, and a judge rejected her appeal late last month.
“We do not have any information on her exact current location or her final destination,” her attorneys Maria Blagovolina and Alexander Boykov said in a statement.
Read the full story here.
Russia announces retreat from Kherson, a mammoth setback in the face of a grinding Ukranian counteroffensive
Russia’s defense minister on Wednesday said that Russian troops were retreating east of the Dnipro river, in what appeared to be a full withdrawal from the city of Kherson, the one regional capital Russia had captured since its February invasion. The move is a major setback for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who had declared the annexation of Kherson region.
More live updates here.
Russia’s defense minister on Wednesday said that Russian troops were retreating east of the Dnipro river, in what appeared to be a full withdrawal from the city of Kherson, the one regional capital Russia had captured since its February invasion. The move is a major setback for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who had declared the annexation of Kherson region.
More live updates here.
In one Ukrainian village, occupation ended — and the feud began
A month after Ukrainian troops liberated this picturesque village in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region, the once close-knit community of Shevchenkivka remains cleaved in two over allegations that some residents collaborated with the Russians.
Neighbors have pointed fingers against neighbors, severing relationships spanning generations. Amid a toxic swirl of accusations and denials, some villagers have fled and may never return. Intelligence agents have asked questions about who did what, but so far have provided no justice to those who feel betrayed.
Read the full story here.
A month after Ukrainian troops liberated this picturesque village in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region, the once close-knit community of Shevchenkivka remains cleaved in two over allegations that some residents collaborated with the Russians.
Neighbors have pointed fingers against neighbors, severing relationships spanning generations. Amid a toxic swirl of accusations and denials, some villagers have fled and may never return. Intelligence agents have asked questions about who did what, but so far have provided no justice to those who feel betrayed.
Read the full story here.
Russia orders withdrawal from Kherson city, abandoning key regional capital
KYIV, Ukraine — Russia on Wednesday ordered the withdrawal of its troops from the southern city of Kherson and its immediate surroundings, redeploying its forces to the east bank of the Dnieper River, in what appeared to amount to another major setback for President Vladmir Putin’s war in Ukraine.
It was unclear whether the order to pull back had been fully implemented and Ukrainian officials have said they are suspicious that any Russian retreat could be a trap.
But the announcement came at the end of another day of fresh Ukrainian advances that put Kyiv’s troops within striking distance of Kherson city. In recent days, the position of Russian troops on the west bank of the river had become increasingly untenable because of repeated Ukrainian attacks on their supply lines.
Read the full story here.
KYIV, Ukraine — Russia on Wednesday ordered the withdrawal of its troops from the southern city of Kherson and its immediate surroundings, redeploying its forces to the east bank of the Dnieper River, in what appeared to amount to another major setback for President Vladmir Putin’s war in Ukraine.
It was unclear whether the order to pull back had been fully implemented and Ukrainian officials have said they are suspicious that any Russian retreat could be a trap.
But the announcement came at the end of another day of fresh Ukrainian advances that put Kyiv’s troops within striking distance of Kherson city. In recent days, the position of Russian troops on the west bank of the river had become increasingly untenable because of repeated Ukrainian attacks on their supply lines.
Read the full story here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- Russia’s defense minister said Wednesday that Russian troops were retreating east of the Dnieper River in what appeared to be a full withdrawal from the city of Kherson, the one regional capital Russia had captured since its February invasion.
- Shortly before announcing the retreat, Russian authorities confirmed the death of the Russia-appointed deputy governor of the Kherson region, Kirill Stremousov, who they said died in a car crash.
- Serhiy Khlan, a member of Ukraine’s Kherson regional council, said Wednesday on Telegram that Russian forces had blown up bridges west of the Dnieper River to slow Ukraine’s advance.
- Some Russian hardliners cheered the decision to withdraw from Kherson. Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov said on Telegram that Surovikin, the commander, made a “difficult but right choice between senseless sacrifices for the sake of loud statements and saving the priceless lives of soldiers.”
More live updates here.
- Russia’s defense minister said Wednesday that Russian troops were retreating east of the Dnieper River in what appeared to be a full withdrawal from the city of Kherson, the one regional capital Russia had captured since its February invasion.
- Shortly before announcing the retreat, Russian authorities confirmed the death of the Russia-appointed deputy governor of the Kherson region, Kirill Stremousov, who they said died in a car crash.
- Serhiy Khlan, a member of Ukraine’s Kherson regional council, said Wednesday on Telegram that Russian forces had blown up bridges west of the Dnieper River to slow Ukraine’s advance.
- Some Russian hardliners cheered the decision to withdraw from Kherson. Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov said on Telegram that Surovikin, the commander, made a “difficult but right choice between senseless sacrifices for the sake of loud statements and saving the priceless lives of soldiers.”
More live updates here.
Here’s the latest from Ukraine.
- There have been well over 100,000 Russian soldiers killed and wounded in Ukraine, and Kyiv’s forces have probably suffered a similar number of casualties, said Gen. Mark A. Milley, the top U.S. military official.
- Milley also said that the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Kherson could take weeks, and that the winter months could bring an opportunity for negotiation between Kyiv and Moscow.
- Russia on Wednesday announced it would evacuate its forces from the west bank of the Dnieper River, a major setback that the Russian commander in charge of the war said would “save the lives of our military and the combat capability of our troops.”
- Britain said Wednesday that it has sent about 1,000 additional surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine. The delivery “comes in response to Ukrainian requests for more air defence capabilities,” according to the British Defense Ministry.
More live updates here.
- There have been well over 100,000 Russian soldiers killed and wounded in Ukraine, and Kyiv’s forces have probably suffered a similar number of casualties, said Gen. Mark A. Milley, the top U.S. military official.
- Milley also said that the full withdrawal of Russian troops from Kherson could take weeks, and that the winter months could bring an opportunity for negotiation between Kyiv and Moscow.
- Russia on Wednesday announced it would evacuate its forces from the west bank of the Dnieper River, a major setback that the Russian commander in charge of the war said would “save the lives of our military and the combat capability of our troops.”
- Britain said Wednesday that it has sent about 1,000 additional surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine. The delivery “comes in response to Ukrainian requests for more air defence capabilities,” according to the British Defense Ministry.
More live updates here.
What to know about Russia’s withdrawal from Kherson city
Russia on Wednesday ordered its troops to withdraw from the city of Kherson — a place of strategic and political significance that Moscow seized in the war’s early days.
The withdrawal from the only regional capital Russia has conquered, a gateway to the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula, has been interpreted as an indicator of the effectiveness of Ukraine’s grinding counteroffensive, just as the fall of the city served as a benchmark for the progress of Russia’s invasion.
The retreat is a military setback, and a symbolic one, but it remains unclear how it will affect Moscow’s aims.
Read more here.
Russia on Wednesday ordered its troops to withdraw from the city of Kherson — a place of strategic and political significance that Moscow seized in the war’s early days.
The withdrawal from the only regional capital Russia has conquered, a gateway to the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula, has been interpreted as an indicator of the effectiveness of Ukraine’s grinding counteroffensive, just as the fall of the city served as a benchmark for the progress of Russia’s invasion.
The retreat is a military setback, and a symbolic one, but it remains unclear how it will affect Moscow’s aims.
Read more here.