Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to increase the number of soldiers in the Russian army by 15% due to the “growing threats” related to “the special military operation and the “continuous expansion of NATO”. A measure that will affect 170,000 Russians.
As the war on the ground continues to claim casualties without any major progress on one side or the other (the Russians announced that the Ukrainians have lost over 125,000 troops since the counteroffensive began last June), Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed there was an agreement to end the conflict, but nothing was done due to opposition from then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
12:46 p.m
Kiev: “There was a risk of a nuclear accident in Zaporizhzhia during the night”
According to the president of the Ukrainian nuclear agency Energoatom Petro Kotin, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was “on the brink of a nuclear and radioactive accident” this evening as there was a total failure at the power plant, which was repaired this morning. “The (Russian) occupiers have no interest in the safety of the power plant” and “will continue to create dangerous situations and blackmail the whole world with nuclear and radioactive accidents,” Kotin said.
10:30 a.m
Finland accuses Chinese ship of damaging Baltic Sea gas pipeline
Finnish investigators believe the anchor of a Chinese container ship came loose earlier this month, causing damage to the BalticConnector undersea gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia in the Baltic Sea. The National Bureau of Investigation, a branch of the Finnish police, said it has evidence and data suggesting that the Hong Kong-flagged cargo ship NewNew Polar Bear was the culprit in damaging the Gulf of Finland oil pipeline. Detective Superintendent Risto Lohi, head of the NBI investigation, said at a press conference on Tuesday that a 1.5- to 4-meter-wide wake on the seabed led to the damage in the pipeline.
10:23 a.m
Zelensky: “Stronger mobilization will be necessary”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said greater mobilization was needed for a defense-focused strategic shift after a lackluster counteroffensive in Ukraine’s southern regions. “Everything necessary for our state and our brigades must be done, including changes in mobilization,” Zelensky said. Last month, the BBC revealed, using official EU data, that 650,000 Ukrainian men of fighting age have fled Ukraine and settled in Europe. The actual number is believed to be much higher as many refugees are not officially registered in the EU or may have fled to other destinations such as the USA or Canada.
09:31
Ukraine: “Kiev Airport is about to reopen”
Ukraine “will soon be able to reopen Kyiv International Airport,” presidential chief of staff Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday. Andriy Yermak made the promise while addressing diplomats at Borispol International Airport outside the capital. “This return to the elements of peace is possible because Ukraine has become stronger,” Yermak told diplomats in comments posted on Zelensky’s website. “We are now in a position to ensure the security of this site. Thanks to our defense forces and our friends, your countries. I am sure that the symbolic boarding passes they gave you upon your arrival today will soon come true.” Yermak’s deputy, Andriy Sybiga, told those gathered that the airport was the first major location in Ukraine to be closed , as Russian troops poured across the border on February 24, 2022, and that it would be the first to reopen as soon as conditions permitted. Yermak urged diplomats to discuss elements of Zelensky’s 10-point peace plan, which includes withdrawing Russian troops, recognizing Ukraine’s 1991 borders and establishing a tribunal to investigate war crimes.
08:46
Putin wants to increase troops by 170,000 units
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the country’s armed forces to increase troop strength by nearly 170,000 to a total of 1.32 million, as Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine enters its 22nd month. Putin’s decree was issued by the Kremlin on Friday and took effect immediately. This brings the total number of Russian military personnel to around 2.2 million, including 1.32 million soldiers. This is the second such increase in the army since 2018. The previous increase of 137,000 soldiers ordered by Putin in August 2022 increased the number of the armed forces to around 2 million men and around 1.15 million soldiers. Vesa Arffman in an olive green uniform and uniform wool hat at a snow-covered border crossing with a barrier illuminated by red lights “This could be just the beginning”: guards at the closed Russian border with Finland. Further information The Ministry of Defense said the order does not mean a “significant expansion of conscription” and said in a statement that the increase would be gradual through the recruitment of more volunteers. The ministry cited the so-called “special military operation” in Ukraine and the expansion of NATO as reasons for the increase.
08:44
The US is pressuring Liberia, the Marshall Islands and Panama over oil sanctions against Russia
The US, EU and UK are urging Liberia, the Marshall Islands and Panama to increase the visibility of ships flying their flags to ensure they are not carrying Russian oil sold above the price limit, a source told the News to countries saw on Friday. The move represents a further escalation in the West’s efforts to impose a $60 cap on sea shipments of Russian oil to punish Moscow for its war in Ukraine. The cap, aimed at reducing Russian export revenue while maintaining global oil flows, was introduced at the end of 2022 but was only recently enforced.
08:39
Zelensky: “Too many are fleeing the war, mobilization is changing”
President Volodymyr Zelensky said changes to mobilization were needed as he ordered a defense-focused strategic shift after a lackluster counteroffensive in Ukraine’s southern regions, the Kyiv Independent reported. “Everything necessary for our state, our brigades.”
These specific results must be accurately calculated. This includes mobilization issues,” said Zelensky.
In November, the BBC published official EU figures showing that 650,000 Ukrainian men of fighting age had fled Ukraine and settled in Europe. The actual number is believed to be much higher as many refugees are not officially registered in the EU or may have fled to other popular destinations such as the US or Canada. “Everyone in Ukraine understands that changes are needed in this area,” Zelensky emphasized.
Under martial law, male citizens between the ages of 18 and 60 are generally prohibited from leaving the country.
There are exceptions for medical, educational and business reasons. “These are global things that the military leadership and the Ministry of Defense have to work out and submit to the staff for approval.” Mobilization is a very controversial topic in Ukraine, as it is well known that you can pay bribes to avoid being drafted. Fake medical certificates can be purchased for as little as $3,000.
(bend) 08:38
Kiev, 10 Russian drones and one missile shot down
Ukrainian forces shot down 10 of 11 Russian-launched Shahed attack drones and one Russian-launched Kh-59 cruise missile overnight. This was reported by the Kiev Air Force.
The drones, launched from Russian-occupied Crimea, were shot down over the Odessa region. A single drone struck infrastructure, causing a fire that was quickly extinguished. No casualties were recorded.
The cruise missiles were launched near the city of Dnipro, said Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Serhii Lysak.