MOSCOW WAR UKRAINE
Despite war and sanctions, Russia becomes a high-income economy
Despite Western sanctions over the Ukraine war, Russia has transitioned from an upper-middle to a high-income economy, according to the World Bank's latest rankings. Factors such as increased military activity, a rebound in trade and construction, and growth in the financial sector contributed to this shift. Consequently, Russia's Atlas GNI per capita rose by 11.2%.
Ukraine navy chief says Russia is losing Crimean hub in Black Sea
The Ukrainian navy chief reported significant setbacks for the Russian navy's Black Sea Fleet, as combat-ready warships have been relocated from Crimea due to extensive damage inflicted by Ukrainian missile strikes and naval drone attacks. The Sevastopol base, crucial for logistics, repairs, and ammunition storage, has been particularly affected. Despite ongoing military challenges elsewhere, Ukraine has successfully targeted Russian vessels and facilities, including using unmanned boats packed with explosives.
Putin says takes Trump's comments on ending Ukraine conflict 'seriously'
Russian President Putin acknowledges Trump's interest in resolving Ukraine conflict but is unaware of specific proposals. Ukraine insists on complete Russian withdrawal and compensation for damages. Recent Russian military advances follow unsuccessful Ukrainian counter-offensive in 2023.
Russia-Ukraine war: US to provide $2.3 bn in new security aid for Ukraine
The United States will provide Ukraine with a new $2.3 billion security assistance package, including air defense and anti-tank weapons, as Ukraine faces Russian invasion. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the support during a meeting with Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, aiming to bolster Ukraine's defense capabilities and counter Russian aggression. This assistance builds on the US commitment of over $51 billion since the Russian invasion began in 2022.
Modi-Putin phone calls shaped Indian PM’s decision to visit Moscow for annual summit
Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Moscow for the annual summit stems from two phone calls between him and President Vladimir Putin. They first spoke after Putin's election victory in March and again following Modi's re-election in June. The visit aims to boost the strategic partnership amid global scrutiny and discussions on the Ukraine conflict. India's strategic autonomy and historical ties with Russia play a crucial role, emphasizing cooperation in defense, energy, and geopolitical support, including Soviet backing during the 1971 war and the Kashmir issue.
Russia-Ukraine war: 7 killed and dozens wounded after missiles slam into town in southern Ukraine
Russian missiles struck a town in southern Ukraine, killing seven civilians, including children, and injuring dozens. Local authorities in Vilniansk reported bodies under picnic blankets and damaged buildings. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy urged Western support to enhance air defenses against ongoing Russian attacks. Elsewhere, civilians died and were wounded in Donetsk, Kherson, and Kharkiv regions. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed shooting down Ukrainian drones in southwest Russia.
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Russia Ukraine war: Russia says it downed 36 Ukraine-launched drones over several Russian regions
Russia Ukraine war: Russia's air defence systems successfully intercepted and destroyed 36 drones launched by Ukraine overnight, targeting various regions in Russia's southwest, as announced by the Russian defense ministry on Sunday via the Telegram messaging app. Drones were destroyed over Kursk, Lipetsk, Voronezh, Bryansk, Oryol, and Belgorod regions. The incident caused no injuries or significant damage according to local governors. Ukrainian attacks continue in response to Russia's invasion.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy drafting 'comprehensive plan' to end war with Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the creation of a comprehensive plan, aiming for global support to end the conflict with Russia. During a news conference in Kyiv with Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar, Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of diplomatic efforts, despite the absence of current negotiations. He reiterated Ukraine's stance that Russia must withdraw from all occupied territories, including Crimea, for peace talks to commence. Recently, Zelenskyy gathered international backing at a summit in Switzerland, highlighting Ukraine's territorial integrity.
Russia sent 10,000 naturalised citizens to fight in Ukraine: Official
Russia has reportedly sent about 10,000 naturalized citizens to fight in Ukraine, with some opting to leave the country to avoid conscription. Moscow faces accusations of pressuring Central Asian migrants to join its military as part of a recruitment drive to bolster troop numbers. Alexander Bastrykin, head of Russia's Investigative Committee, stated that over 30,000 naturalized citizens have been identified for not registering with military authorities. Approximately 10,000 of these have already been deployed to Ukraine.
Russia Ukraine war: North Korea criticises US for providing military aid to Ukraine
Russia Ukraine war: A top North Korean military official criticised the US over military aid to Ukraine in support of Russia, deepening concerns over Moscow and Pyongyang's military cooperation. A recent pact between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-Un commits immediate military assistance in case of aggression, potentially facilitating arms trade and anti-US coalition. North Korea plans to send construction forces to Russia-occupied Ukrainian territories for rebuilding work, raising tensions with China.
With its new pact with North Korea, Russia raises the stakes with the West over Ukraine
In a significant move, President Putin's visit to North Korea showcased Russia's willingness to challenge Western interests, particularly in the context of the Ukraine crisis. The pact signed with Kim Jong Un includes mutual military assistance and the possibility of weapons shipments to North Korea. This agreement marks the strongest tie between the two countries since the Cold War. Putin's actions have raised concerns in Washington and Seoul, with South Korea considering supplying arms to Ukraine in response. However, Putin warned against this, indicating potential repercussions.
Moscow warns of retaliation if income from its assets is seized
Leaders of the G7 agreed at a summit in Italy last week to use interest from Russian assets frozen in the West to provide a $50 billion loan to Ukraine. Russia says the action is illegal and will rebound against the West by undermining confidence in the global financial system.
Shunned by West, Russian army deserters live in fear
Russian authorities have opened a criminal case against Ziganshin for abandoning his unit. He does not feel safe in Kazakhstan and fears he might be deported to Russia. But it is hard for men like him to seek refuge in the West because many Russian servicemen do not have the Russian passport that allows travel to Europe and only have documents that permit them to reach neighbours such as Kazakhstan or Armenia.
World leaders to meet at Swiss resort on possible Ukraine peace roadmap, Russia is notably absent
Leaders from Ecuador, Ivory Coast, Kenya, and Somalia, alongside numerous Western heads of state and government, are set to convene at a conference this weekend to discuss the initial steps toward peace in Ukraine, with Russia notably absent. Hosted by Swiss officials, the conference will see over 50 heads of state and government, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as well as 100 delegations from European bodies and the United Nations.
US unveils sweeping sanctions targeting Russia over Ukraine war
The United States has imposed new sanctions on more than 300 targets, including entities in Russia and other countries, in an effort to constrain Moscow's war in Ukraine. The sanctions target entities involved in Russia's military-industrial complex and several liquefied natural gas projects. The move also broadens the reach of sanctions to include all Russian individuals and entities impacted by US sanctions, expanding the list from over 1,000 to about 4,500. The US is also restricting the supply of certain IT services and software support to individuals in Russia.
Ukraine says it struck one of Russia's most advanced warplanes
Ukraine hit a modern Russian warplane at an air base far from the front lines, using Western-supplied weapons. Satellite photos confirm the strike on a Su-57 fighter plane at the Akhtubinsk base.
Attacks in Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions leave 27 dead, Moscow-backed officials say
In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, attacks and drone strikes continue to escalate in the partially occupied regions of Kherson and Luhansk. Ukrainian assaults have resulted in at least 27 deaths, with casualties caused by guided bombs and missiles. Both sides have engaged in drone attacks, with multiple drones being shot down over various regions. The situation remains tense and volatile as the violence persists.
US test-launches hypersonic missile that can hit Moscow in 30 minutes. Are we inching toward World War 3?
The nuclear hypersonic missile Minuteman III can hit a target in Russia from the US in 30 minutes. It has been test-launched at a time when the Russia-Ukraine War is escalating.
Russia says exchanged 75 captured servicemen with Ukraine
Russia said that it had conducted a prisoner exchange with Ukraine. The two countries exchanging 75 captured servicemen in one of the only areas of dialogue between the warring countries. As a result of negotiations, 75 Russian servicemen who were in mortal danger in captivity have been returned from territory controlled by the Kyiv regime.
Kremlin says NATO 'provoking' Ukraine to prolong conflict
The Kremlin accused NATO of provoking Ukraine to extend the conflict by encouraging the use of Western-supplied weapons against Russia. As NATO foreign ministers met in Prague, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov claimed the US and European allies were deliberately escalating tensions. Ukraine has been urging its supporters, particularly the US, to permit strikes inside Russia, but the US and Germany have resisted, fearing direct conflict with Moscow.
Volodymyr Zelenskiy, from ravaged Kharkiv, urges Biden and Xi to join peace summit
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy appealed to U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Sunday to attend his peace summit as Ukraine struggles to stave off unrelenting attacks by Russia in its 27-month-old invasion.
Massive Ukrainian drone attack on Crimea leaves Sevastopol without power
In a retaliatory move, Ukraine launched a massive drone attack on Crimea, causing a power outage in Sevastopol and setting a refinery ablaze in southern Russia. Russian authorities reported downing 101 drones and repelling Ukrainian advances in northeastern Ukraine. The conflict continues with both sides strategizing and testing defenses along the front line.
Despite Western pressure, China in no hurry to reduce Russia support
China supports Moscow in the Ukraine war despite Western pressure. Beijing backs President Vladimir Putin, exporting essential dual-use products monthly. Western sanctions target Russia's struggle to sustain the assault without Beijing's support.
Ukraine says it has checked Russia's offensive in a key town, but Moscow says it will keep pushing
Ukrainian forces have halted a Russian advance in Vovchansk, a key northeastern town near the Russian border, according to Kyiv. However, Moscow insists it has sufficient resources to continue its offensive. Ukraine's President Zelenskyy acknowledged the difficult situation and is bolstering defenses in Kharkiv. Russia aims to create a buffer zone to prevent Ukrainian strikes on Russia. Amid ongoing battles, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a $2 billion arms deal for Ukraine, while NATO urged increased military support for Kyiv.
Ahead of China trip, Putin says willing to negotiate on Ukraine
The Russian leader's two-day trip from Thursday comes as his country's forces have pressed an offensive in northeastern Ukraine's Kharkiv region that began last week in the most vital border incursion since the full-scale invasion began, forcing almost 8,000 people to flee their homes.
US to impose sanctions on Chinese banks for assisting Russia in Ukraine war
US State Secretary Antony Blinken, during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping last month, urged Beijing to end military support for Moscow. Earlier in December, US President Joe Biden gave the Treasury Department authority to impose secondary sanctions against financial institutions in third countries that assisted Moscow in evading sanctions, as reported by Nikkei Asia.
Ukraine examines North Korean missile debris amid fears of Moscow-Pyongyang axis
In previously unreported details of an investigation under way into the missiles, the office of Ukraine's top prosecutor, Andriy Kostin, also told Reuters that the failure rate of the North Korean weaponry appeared to be high.
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