Did you miss the latest events on the war in Ukraine? Every evening at 7:30 p.m. 20 Minutes takes stock for you. Between the strong statements, the progress on the front and the results of the fighting, here are the most important points of the day.
The fact of the day
A party for participants invited “almost naked” and organized by Russian celebrities in a Moscow club. This sparked outrage in Russia this Thursday. In a country where conservative tightening has increased since the offensive began in Ukraine, the scandal was sparked by Russian entertainment figures appearing on social networks in lingerie or in racy costumes, leading to the arrest of a rapper, calls demanded for a boycott and the initiation of a criminal investigation.
In light of these reactions, organizer Anastasia Ivleyeva released a tearful apology video: “I would like to ask you for a second chance… If the answer is no, I am ready for my public execution.” » More than 20 people have filed a class action lawsuit against her and by demanded that she pay one billion rubles (around 10 million euros) to an organization that supports the offensive in Ukraine. According to the TASS news agency, rapper Vasio, who appeared that evening wearing only a sock to cover his nudity, was sentenced to fifteen days in prison for “homosexual propaganda” and “hooliganism.”
Sentence of the day
Ukraine and its people are a bargaining chip, cannon fodder for the Kiev regime, which is willing to sacrifice its citizens to survive and satisfy the interests of the West. »
These are the words of Maria Zakharova on Wednesday during her press conference. The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman also assured that the West continues to “cynically close its eyes to the crimes of the Kiev regime.”
The number of the day
10. While the conflict in Ukraine continues, Vladimir Putin wants to boost the birth rate in Russia at any cost. To promote vocations, the Kremlin strongman rehabilitated the mother heroine status invented by Stalin for mothers of ten children.
Today's trend
The United States has (finally) released $250 million in military aid to Ukraine, the last tranche available without another vote in the US Congress. According to the State Department press release, it includes, in particular, ammunition for air defense systems and anti-tank weapons. The fact is that negotiations between Republican and Democratic parliamentarians on the validation of the 61 billion envelope insisted on by American President Joe Biden and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky are still stalled.
However, Senate leaders have already indicated that the American Congress will end the year without approving new funding – another disappointment for the Ukrainian president in a year marked by dashed hopes for a major counteroffensive and increasing pressure from the presence Russia's stamped at the congress is front side.
Since the start of the conflict, the Kremlin has been betting on a decline in Western aid, and any hesitation by Kiev's allies reinforces Russia's belief that its bet will work. However, Congress's failure to vote for this envelope does not mean the end of US support for Kiev. American lawmakers return to school on January 8, and Senate Republican and Democratic leaders have simply stated their intention to validate this framework, which includes a military, humanitarian and macroeconomic component.