live blog
The UAE supports Russia’s actions in the Wagner uprising. Russian parliamentarian Slutski calls for a treaty army of at least seven million soldiers. The developments on the live blog.
5:51 am
Russia: Exercises of fighter planes over the Baltic Sea
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Russian fighter jets are conducting tactical exercises over the Baltic Sea. “The crews of the Su-27 of the Baltic Fleet fired from the air at cruise missiles and simulated enemy aircraft,” the ministry said on the Telegram news app.
“The main purpose of the exercise is to test the flight crew’s readiness to perform combat and special tasks as intended.” However, fighter crews are not only improving their skills, but are also “on combat duty around the clock” to protect the airspace of the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad.
4:36 am
Russian MP calls for 7 million professional soldiers
In the context of the Wagner mercenary group revolt, Russian negotiator Leonid Slutski pressed for a contract army of at least seven million military and civilian personnel. “The country does not need PMCs (private security and military companies) and the like,” said Slutski, leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, on the Telegram news app. “There are problems in the regular army, but the PMCs cannot solve them.”
By the end of 2022, Russian President Vladimir Putin has endorsed an increase in the army from 1.15 million to 1.5 million troops, including 695,000 contract soldiers. The increase to seven million would require huge budgetary expenditures.
3:25 am
UAE Supports Russia’s Actions in Wagner Uprising
The leaders of Russia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) discussed the Wagner uprising on Saturday in a phone call, according to the Kremlin and the UAE’s state news agency. “After he (the UAE president) received comprehensive information, the Emirati leader declared his full support for the actions of the Russian leadership,” WAM news agency said.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahayan and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed bilateral relations and reiterated the need to safeguard Russia’s stability and the security of its people.
12:39
Zelenskyy: Progress is being made on all fronts
According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Ukrainian counteroffensive is proceeding successfully. “Today our soldiers are advancing in all directions, it’s a happy day,” he said in his daily video on Monday night. He wishes the soldiers more days like this one.
Before his speech, which he delivered on a train, Zelenskyy visited several sections from the front. It was a busy and exciting day, said the president. He toured the Bakhmut area and the south of the country in Zaporizhia and handed out several awards, including two gold stars for Heroes of Ukraine – the highest award in the country.
In view of recent successes, Zelenskyy was convinced of victory against the Russian occupiers. The leadership in Kiev reported on Monday that another town in the Zaporizhia region had been recaptured.
12:18 pm
Monday live blog to read
US President Biden is reluctant to make public assessments of events in Russia. Bulgaria’s new government approves more military aid to Ukraine.