By Le Figaro with AFP
Posted 2 hours ago, updated 5 minutes ago
Former Interior Minister Arsen Avakov is the target of a search. Yuriy Dyachyshyn / AFP
UPDATE ON THE SITUATION – In the midst of the war against Russia, the corruption gnawing at the country primarily affected the supply of the army.
Searches of Ukrainian figures and governments, EU-Ukraine summit, delivery of long-range missiles, prison for a Russian journalist… This Wednesday, February 1, Le Figaro takes stock of the conflict in Ukraine.
Searches of personalities and administrations in Ukraine
Ukraine conducted a series of raids and police operations against an oligarch, administrations and officials over corruption cases, a scourge that is ravaging the country and particularly affecting army supplies in the midst of war.
David Arakhamia, the leader of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s party, announced on Telegram that the police operations were particularly aimed at billionaire Igor Kolomoiski, ex-Interior Minister Arsen Avakov and the Ukrainian tax authorities, while the Customs Directorate dismissed them. Investigators also visited high-ranking Defense Ministry officials.
Deliveries of long-range missiles to Ukraine will not stem the Russian offensive
“It won’t change the course of things.” The Kremlin was well aware that the possible delivery of long-range missiles to Ukraine would in no way affect the continuation of the Russian offensive in the country.
Deliveries of missiles with a range of 150 km would “lead to an increase in tension, to an increase in the level of escalation. We understand that it would mean additional efforts for us, but it will not change the course of events, the special military operation will continue,” Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
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Imprisonment in absentia for a Russian journalist who criticizes the Russian army
A Russian journalist and former MP, Alexander Nevzorov, has been sentenced in absentia to eight years in prison for allegedly spreading “false information” about the actions of the Russian army in Ukraine.
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From the first weeks of its attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Russia imposed heavy penalties to quell any criticism of its offensive and the army. “Mr. Nevzorov is sentenced to eight years in a penal colony,” said judge Evguénia Nikolaeva of Moscow’s Basmanny Court, according to Russian authorities.
EU-Ukraine summit on Friday in Kyiv sent a “strong signal” to Moscow
Ukraine and the European Union will hold a summit in Kyiv on Friday, February 3, with the Ukrainian government welcoming this “strong signal” sent to Moscow almost a year after the Russian invasion began.
Ukrainian soldiers drive a car in Bachmout, Donetsk region, Ukraine January 27, 2023. STRINGER/ Portal
This summit comes as the Russian army has been on the offensive in recent days to claim the capture of a village near Bakhmout, a focal point of fighting in eastern Ukraine. Such a meeting with the 27 is an important step a few months after Kyiv received official EU candidate status.
Netanyahu says he is considering military aid to Ukraine
For his part, Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu said his country was considering military aid to Ukraine, while offering to mediate in the conflict between Kyiv and Moscow.
“Well, I’m definitely looking at it,” Netanyahu said in an interview with US broadcaster CNN when asked if Israel plans to offer Ukraine assistance, such as with the Iron Dome air defense system.
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