Here’s the latest from Ukraine:
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday in his nightly address that Russia’s strategic defeat is “already clear,” though he acknowledged it could still launch offensive operations.
- The same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin described his invasion of Ukraine as akin to the Soviet Union’s struggle against Nazi Germany in World War II. He made the comment during a speech in Volgograd, formerly known as Stalingrad, the site of a Soviet victory over invading German forces that marked a turning point in that war.
- Russian forces have intensified ground attacks on Ukrainian positions near Kreminna, an eastern Ukrainian town about 60 miles from the Russian border, according to the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, citing reports from the Ukrainian military.
- The E.U. will “deepen further our support and cooperation” with Kyiv, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
More live updates here.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday in his nightly address that Russia’s strategic defeat is “already clear,” though he acknowledged it could still launch offensive operations.
- The same day, Russian President Vladimir Putin described his invasion of Ukraine as akin to the Soviet Union’s struggle against Nazi Germany in World War II. He made the comment during a speech in Volgograd, formerly known as Stalingrad, the site of a Soviet victory over invading German forces that marked a turning point in that war.
- Russian forces have intensified ground attacks on Ukrainian positions near Kreminna, an eastern Ukrainian town about 60 miles from the Russian border, according to the Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, citing reports from the Ukrainian military.
- The E.U. will “deepen further our support and cooperation” with Kyiv, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.
More live updates here.
Celebrating Stalingrad, Putin tries to justify his Ukraine war
Celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Stalingrad, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday evoked Red Army glory in World War II in an attempt to justify his war in Ukraine. In a fiery speech, Putin drew false parallels, claiming that Russia was once again in a military conflict with Germany and would again triumph over its enemies.
“Unfortunately, we see that the ideology of Nazism in its modern form and manifestation again directly threatens the security of our country,” Putin told a group of soldiers and members of local patriotic groups.
The Battle of Stalingrad is regarded as the most crucial standoff between the Soviet army and Nazi Germany, one that is credited with turning the tide of the war.
Putin insisted that Russia would win its current war. “Russia is confident in itself, in its rightness and victory,” he said.
Read the full story here.
Celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Stalingrad, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday evoked Red Army glory in World War II in an attempt to justify his war in Ukraine. In a fiery speech, Putin drew false parallels, claiming that Russia was once again in a military conflict with Germany and would again triumph over its enemies.
“Unfortunately, we see that the ideology of Nazism in its modern form and manifestation again directly threatens the security of our country,” Putin told a group of soldiers and members of local patriotic groups.
The Battle of Stalingrad is regarded as the most crucial standoff between the Soviet army and Nazi Germany, one that is credited with turning the tide of the war.
Putin insisted that Russia would win its current war. “Russia is confident in itself, in its rightness and victory,” he said.
Read the full story here.
Biden’s ‘no’ on F-16s for Ukraine met with skepticism in Pentagon
President Biden’s brusque refusal to fulfill Ukraine’s request for F-16 jets has been greeted with skepticism at the Pentagon, where some officials, citing the administration’s pattern of reversal after first rejecting other pleas from Kyiv, foresee eventual approval or a scenario where American allies provide the aircraft with administration approval.
The conjecture among U.S. defense officials follows the commander in chief’s one-word response on Monday when a reporter asked if he would send F-16s to Ukraine.
One senior defense official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said that while the Pentagon’s calculus was unlikely to shift soon, there remains a possibility that the discussion could be “M1-ed,” a reference to Biden’s recent commitment of M1 Abrams tanks after administration officials suggested for months that the arms would be too complex for Ukraine to maintain.
Read the full story here.
President Biden’s brusque refusal to fulfill Ukraine’s request for F-16 jets has been greeted with skepticism at the Pentagon, where some officials, citing the administration’s pattern of reversal after first rejecting other pleas from Kyiv, foresee eventual approval or a scenario where American allies provide the aircraft with administration approval.
The conjecture among U.S. defense officials follows the commander in chief’s one-word response on Monday when a reporter asked if he would send F-16s to Ukraine.
One senior defense official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said that while the Pentagon’s calculus was unlikely to shift soon, there remains a possibility that the discussion could be “M1-ed,” a reference to Biden’s recent commitment of M1 Abrams tanks after administration officials suggested for months that the arms would be too complex for Ukraine to maintain.
Read the full story here.
Who’s sending what to Ukraine: A new wave of Western weapons explained
A new surge of increasingly elaborate weapons from Western countries could change the balance on the battlefield in Ukraine as Kyiv’s major backers agree to successive requests that once made them balk.
Control of terrain and fighting conditions have shifted in recent months, with Ukraine’s allies recalibrating their concerns of broader escalation with Russia. Ukraine has ramped up its calls for aid, building on the trust it gained in fighting with the Western weapons that dominated its requests earlier in the war. Those weapons include Javelin antitank missiles, drones and High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers.
U.S.- and European-made weapons including tanks and air defense systems are expected to complement or replace largely Soviet-era technology in use by Ukrainian forces and allow them to use ammunition manufactured in the West.
Read the full list of what allies sent to Ukraine here.
A new surge of increasingly elaborate weapons from Western countries could change the balance on the battlefield in Ukraine as Kyiv’s major backers agree to successive requests that once made them balk.
Control of terrain and fighting conditions have shifted in recent months, with Ukraine’s allies recalibrating their concerns of broader escalation with Russia. Ukraine has ramped up its calls for aid, building on the trust it gained in fighting with the Western weapons that dominated its requests earlier in the war. Those weapons include Javelin antitank missiles, drones and High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers.
U.S.- and European-made weapons including tanks and air defense systems are expected to complement or replace largely Soviet-era technology in use by Ukrainian forces and allow them to use ammunition manufactured in the West.
Read the full list of what allies sent to Ukraine here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- European Union leaders are in the Ukrainian capital for a summit meant to express solidarity with Ukraine and send a message to Moscow.
- A center for the prosecution of the crime of aggression in Ukraine will be established in The Hague, von der Leyen also said.
- Germany has issued an export license for Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine, German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said Friday, without providing further details.
- Ukraine’s prosecutor general is pressing criminal charges against the head of the Wagner Group, Yevgeniy Prigozhin, whose private military forces are fighting alongside the Russian army.
More live updates here.
- European Union leaders are in the Ukrainian capital for a summit meant to express solidarity with Ukraine and send a message to Moscow.
- A center for the prosecution of the crime of aggression in Ukraine will be established in The Hague, von der Leyen also said.
- Germany has issued an export license for Leopard 1 tanks to Ukraine, German government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit said Friday, without providing further details.
- Ukraine’s prosecutor general is pressing criminal charges against the head of the Wagner Group, Yevgeniy Prigozhin, whose private military forces are fighting alongside the Russian army.
More live updates here.
Here's the latest from Ukraine:
—The Pentagon said Friday that it would give Ukraine longer-range rocket artillery, doubling the reach of its current munitions, amid expectations that fighting will intensify in the next few months. Ukraine will receive the ground-launched, small diameter bombs (GLSDB) as part of a new aid package worth more than $2 billion.
— Pete Reed, 33, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and medical volunteer, was killed in a front-line explosion in Bakhmut, according to his wife and Global Outreach Doctors, where he served as the country director for Ukraine.
—Hopes that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s summit with European Union leaders in Kyiv would deliver fast-track E.U. accession were dashed Friday. In a joint statement, the leaders in attendance offered a “commitment to further deepening our relationship” but no further action.
Read more updates here.
—The Pentagon said Friday that it would give Ukraine longer-range rocket artillery, doubling the reach of its current munitions, amid expectations that fighting will intensify in the next few months. Ukraine will receive the ground-launched, small diameter bombs (GLSDB) as part of a new aid package worth more than $2 billion.
— Pete Reed, 33, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and medical volunteer, was killed in a front-line explosion in Bakhmut, according to his wife and Global Outreach Doctors, where he served as the country director for Ukraine.
—Hopes that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s summit with European Union leaders in Kyiv would deliver fast-track E.U. accession were dashed Friday. In a joint statement, the leaders in attendance offered a “commitment to further deepening our relationship” but no further action.
Read more updates here.
Opinion | Boris Johnson: Putin has paved the way for Ukrainian membership in NATO
Well, we tried creative ambiguity, and see where it got us. For decades, we have used diplomatic doublespeak on the subject of NATO and Ukraine — and it has ended in total disaster.
We spent years telling Ukrainians that we have an “open door” policy in NATO, and that they have the right to “choose their own destiny,” and that Russia should not be able to exercise a veto.
And all that time we have overtly signaled to Moscow that Ukraine is never going to join the alliance — because so many NATO members will simply exercise their veto themselves.
In principle, yes; in practice, no. That has been the message.
Read the full opinion here.
Well, we tried creative ambiguity, and see where it got us. For decades, we have used diplomatic doublespeak on the subject of NATO and Ukraine — and it has ended in total disaster.
We spent years telling Ukrainians that we have an “open door” policy in NATO, and that they have the right to “choose their own destiny,” and that Russia should not be able to exercise a veto.
And all that time we have overtly signaled to Moscow that Ukraine is never going to join the alliance — because so many NATO members will simply exercise their veto themselves.
In principle, yes; in practice, no. That has been the message.
Read the full opinion here.
Ukraine accused of using banned mines in Izyum
KYIV, Ukraine — Human Rights Watch said Tuesday that it had uncovered evidence that Ukrainian forces fired “thousands” of antipersonnel land mines into Russian-occupied territory in eastern Ukraine, in an apparent violation of Kyiv’s commitments not to use the weapons, injuring and maiming dozens of civilians.
The land mines were scattered “in and around” the eastern Ukrainian city of Izyum, the New York-based organization said in a news release. Russian forces seized and held the region from April until Ukrainian forces dislodged them in September.
Human Rights Watch called on Ukrainian authorities to investigate the allegations immediately.
“[There was] a whole range of evidence that we believe, when you look at it in its totality, strongly suggest that Ukraine was responsible,” Mary Wareham, advocacy director for the group’s arms division, told The Washington Post.
Read the full story here.
KYIV, Ukraine — Human Rights Watch said Tuesday that it had uncovered evidence that Ukrainian forces fired “thousands” of antipersonnel land mines into Russian-occupied territory in eastern Ukraine, in an apparent violation of Kyiv’s commitments not to use the weapons, injuring and maiming dozens of civilians.
The land mines were scattered “in and around” the eastern Ukrainian city of Izyum, the New York-based organization said in a news release. Russian forces seized and held the region from April until Ukrainian forces dislodged them in September.
Human Rights Watch called on Ukrainian authorities to investigate the allegations immediately.
“[There was] a whole range of evidence that we believe, when you look at it in its totality, strongly suggest that Ukraine was responsible,” Mary Wareham, advocacy director for the group’s arms division, told The Washington Post.
Read the full story here.
Here is the latest from Ukraine:
- Russia’s Defense Ministry announced the return of 63 prisoners of war from Ukraine on Saturday, describing the negotiation process for their release as complex.
- Ukraine secured the release of 116 of its forces in the swap, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly address Saturday.
- “We will continue to work. We will bring everyone back,” Zelensky adviser Andriy Yermak wrote on Telegram, adding that Ukraine had also returned the bodies of two foreign volunteers — Christopher Matthew Perry and Andrew Tobias Matthew Bagshaw.
- The small diameter bombs promised by the U.S. have an approximate range of 95 miles, nearly twice the capability previously provided by the United States.
- Pete Reed, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and medical volunteer, was killed in an explosion in Bakhmut, according to his wife, Alex Potter, and Global Outreach Doctors, where he served as country director for Ukraine.
More live updates here.
- Russia’s Defense Ministry announced the return of 63 prisoners of war from Ukraine on Saturday, describing the negotiation process for their release as complex.
- Ukraine secured the release of 116 of its forces in the swap, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly address Saturday.
- “We will continue to work. We will bring everyone back,” Zelensky adviser Andriy Yermak wrote on Telegram, adding that Ukraine had also returned the bodies of two foreign volunteers — Christopher Matthew Perry and Andrew Tobias Matthew Bagshaw.
- The small diameter bombs promised by the U.S. have an approximate range of 95 miles, nearly twice the capability previously provided by the United States.
- Pete Reed, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and medical volunteer, was killed in an explosion in Bakhmut, according to his wife, Alex Potter, and Global Outreach Doctors, where he served as country director for Ukraine.
More live updates here.
Here's the latest from Ukraine:
— Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the situation on the war front is “getting tougher,” especially in Bakhmut and Vuhledar.
— Ukraine and Russia swapped prisoners of war, freeing 116 Ukrainian troops from Russian captivity and 63 Russians from Ukrainian custody, the countries announced separately.
— A significant accident at a substation in Odessa left a half-million people in the southern city out of power, Ukrainian officials said Saturday.
More live updates here.
— Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the situation on the war front is “getting tougher,” especially in Bakhmut and Vuhledar.
— Ukraine and Russia swapped prisoners of war, freeing 116 Ukrainian troops from Russian captivity and 63 Russians from Ukrainian custody, the countries announced separately.
— A significant accident at a substation in Odessa left a half-million people in the southern city out of power, Ukrainian officials said Saturday.
More live updates here.
Attacking Vuhledar, Russia previews new push to seize southeast Ukraine
BOHOYAVLENKA, Ukraine — Russian forces have launched a midwinter surge of attacks in Ukraine’s hotly contested Donetsk region, probing Kyiv’s defenses along a fresh stretch of the sprawling eastern front as President Vladimir Putin’s commanders ready a new push to conquer all of southeast Ukraine.
The attacks in recent days have centered on Vuhledar, a mostly deserted coal-mining city 70 miles southwest of Bakhmut, where Russian fighters have made some of their first territorial gains in months. Plumes of smoke rise almost constantly from Vuhledar, and the dark woods and rolling fields surrounding the city ring with mortar and artillery volleys from each side.
“They have been pushing hard for last four days, but we have stopped them,” said Dykanka, a Ukrainian fighter whom The Post agreed to identify only by his call sign because of security risks.
Read the full story here.
BOHOYAVLENKA, Ukraine — Russian forces have launched a midwinter surge of attacks in Ukraine’s hotly contested Donetsk region, probing Kyiv’s defenses along a fresh stretch of the sprawling eastern front as President Vladimir Putin’s commanders ready a new push to conquer all of southeast Ukraine.
The attacks in recent days have centered on Vuhledar, a mostly deserted coal-mining city 70 miles southwest of Bakhmut, where Russian fighters have made some of their first territorial gains in months. Plumes of smoke rise almost constantly from Vuhledar, and the dark woods and rolling fields surrounding the city ring with mortar and artillery volleys from each side.
“They have been pushing hard for last four days, but we have stopped them,” said Dykanka, a Ukrainian fighter whom The Post agreed to identify only by his call sign because of security risks.
Read the full story here.
Analysis: The argument for why the West should change course on Ukraine
The war in Ukraine, at least for some policymakers in Western capitals, can be measured in deliveries of weapons. Their response to the brutal onslaught unleashed by Russia last February has been a parade of armor and steel: Javelins, howitzers, drones, strike vehicles, antiaircraft systems, HIMARS and, most recently, battle tanks. At every stage, Kyiv has clamored for more to throw out the invading Russians, and at almost every stage, the West has acceded to Ukrainian demands, though perhaps not at the speed Ukraine would like.
The next round of wrangling may center on Ukraine’s desire for scores of multipurpose fighter jets, which Kyiv wants as it prepares to repulse a rumored forthcoming Russian offensive and reclaim Russian-held territory in the country’s southeast, as well as the Crimean peninsula that Russia annexed in 2014.
Read the full analysis here.
The war in Ukraine, at least for some policymakers in Western capitals, can be measured in deliveries of weapons. Their response to the brutal onslaught unleashed by Russia last February has been a parade of armor and steel: Javelins, howitzers, drones, strike vehicles, antiaircraft systems, HIMARS and, most recently, battle tanks. At every stage, Kyiv has clamored for more to throw out the invading Russians, and at almost every stage, the West has acceded to Ukrainian demands, though perhaps not at the speed Ukraine would like.
The next round of wrangling may center on Ukraine’s desire for scores of multipurpose fighter jets, which Kyiv wants as it prepares to repulse a rumored forthcoming Russian offensive and reclaim Russian-held territory in the country’s southeast, as well as the Crimean peninsula that Russia annexed in 2014.
Read the full analysis here.
Here's the latest from Ukraine:
- In a news conference Sunday, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said that “only aircraft” are left on his wish list, and that it’s just a matter of time until he gets them from the West.
- Reznikov also hinted at his potential resignation, but said that would be Zelensky’s decision. “No authority sits in the same chair for their entire life, so you have to be prepared for this fate,” Reznikov said.
- Crews expect to finish their work by Friday on Odessa’s electrical substation, where an accident this weekend caused a severe fire, said Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, the Ukrenergo utility’s chairman. About 300,000 people had limited electricity Sunday, down from almost 500,000 who lost power initially.
More live updates here.
- In a news conference Sunday, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov said that “only aircraft” are left on his wish list, and that it’s just a matter of time until he gets them from the West.
- Reznikov also hinted at his potential resignation, but said that would be Zelensky’s decision. “No authority sits in the same chair for their entire life, so you have to be prepared for this fate,” Reznikov said.
- Crews expect to finish their work by Friday on Odessa’s electrical substation, where an accident this weekend caused a severe fire, said Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, the Ukrenergo utility’s chairman. About 300,000 people had limited electricity Sunday, down from almost 500,000 who lost power initially.
More live updates here.
Ukraine’s defense minister to be replaced, top parliamentarian says
A shake-up of Ukraine’s top ministerial positions that will replace the country’s defense minister is coming, a close adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky signaled Sunday, as a midwinter surge in fighting and a possible Russian offensive loom.
Ukraine’s current military intelligence chief, Maj. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, is slated to replace Oleksii Reznikov as defense minister, David Arakhamia, leader of Zelensky’s party in parliament and a close ally to the president, said on his Telegram channel.
Budanov is known for having correctly predicted Russia’s full-scale attack on Ukraine when most officials thought any Russian incursions would be much smaller in scope. He carries influence with Zelensky and other officials.
Read the full story here.
A shake-up of Ukraine’s top ministerial positions that will replace the country’s defense minister is coming, a close adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky signaled Sunday, as a midwinter surge in fighting and a possible Russian offensive loom.
Ukraine’s current military intelligence chief, Maj. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, is slated to replace Oleksii Reznikov as defense minister, David Arakhamia, leader of Zelensky’s party in parliament and a close ally to the president, said on his Telegram channel.
Budanov is known for having correctly predicted Russia’s full-scale attack on Ukraine when most officials thought any Russian incursions would be much smaller in scope. He carries influence with Zelensky and other officials.
Read the full story here.