Six months after Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine, Russia is in a “very fragile position”, British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said. After failing to capture Kyiv earlier in the war, Russian forces have concentrated in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbass, where their campaign has slowed. “Russia’s progress can be measured in meters per week, not miles,” Mr Wallace said on Wednesday. The British minister added his belief that Ukraine could soon regain territory, citing the morale of Ukrainian soldiers, which he said was “leagues ahead” of their Russian peers. As Ukraine celebrated Independence Day on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country had been “reborn” through its struggle for freedom. “A new nation appeared in the world on February 24th at 4 am. He was not born, but reborn. A nation that did not cry, scream or fear. One that didn’t run away. He did not quit. And I didn’t forget,” he said. Kyiv has warned that Moscow will likely carry out airstrikes over the Independence Day holiday.
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“Bonds” are worse than “missiles”, says Zelensky
Russian “ties” are worse than Russian “missiles” to Ukrainians, said Volodymyr Zelensky. On his country’s Independence Day, the Ukrainian president reiterated that his government will not hold peace talks with the Kremlin. “We will not sit at the negotiating table out of fear, with a gun pointed at our heads. For us, the most terrible iron is not missiles, aircraft and tanks, but shackles. Not trenches, but shackles,” he said. A Ukrainian soldier named Yeven had a similar view. “All the people are cheering for us. The whole country is, and other countries helping us as well. Our fighting spirit is greater than theirs,” he told Reuters. Rory Sullivan24 August 2022 11:38 1661336338
“Calm” mood in Kyiv despite fears of Russian attacks
Ukrainians have been warned to expect Russian airstrikes today as the country celebrates its independence from the Soviet Union 31 years ago. For now, everything seems calm in Kyiv: Ukraine Independence Day: ‘Calm’ mood in Kyiv despite fears of Russian attacks Rory Sullivan24 August 2022 11:18 1661335485
Macron: France must make sacrifices
French President Emmanuel Macron has said his country must make sacrifices as inflation rises in the wake of the war in Ukraine. “Freedom comes at a cost,” he said. “The battles we must fight…will be won only by our efforts.” Referring to crises such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the current drought in Europe, the president said the world was going through “a big change, a big change.” He added that the world faced the end of “some carelessness”. His warning to the French public came as two sources close to the Kremlin told Reuters that Russia hoped Europe would be hit by gas shortages this winter. “It will be a difficult winter for the Europeans. We saw protests, riots. “Some European leaders may think twice about continuing to support Ukraine and think it’s time for a deal,” one of them said. Rory Sullivan24 August 2022 11:04 1661334335
Map of the war of Ukraine
The British Ministry of Defense (MoD) has just released a map showing Russia’s current positions in Ukraine: Rory Sullivan August 24, 2022 10:45 am 1661333426
Video: Zelensky says Ukraine ‘reborn’ from freedom struggle
Ukraine’s Independence Day: Country Reborn After Russia’s Invasion, Says Zelensky Rory Sullivan August 24, 2022 10:30 am 1661332748
UK imports from Russia collapsed by 97% after Ukraine invasion, official figures show
UK imports from Russia collapsed by 96.7% in the wake of Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, official figures show. Imports of goods from Russia totaled 33 million pounds in June 2022, the lowest level since records began in January 1997, the Office for National Statistics said. “Economic sanctions imposed by the UK government are likely to have led to a reduction in imports and exports to Russia. However, self-sanctions, whereby traders voluntarily seek alternatives to Russian goods, are also likely to be a factor,” the ONS added.
UK imports from Russia collapsed by 97% after the invasion of Ukraine
UK imports from Russia collapsed by 96.7% in the wake of Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, according to official figures. Rory Sullivan24 August 2022 10:19 1661331732
How to help and support the people of Ukraine
As the war in Ukraine enters its seventh month, my colleagues Kate Ng and Joanna Whitehead take a look at how you can support the people of Ukraine. They list charities you can donate to and suggest ways to help Ukrainian refugees in the UK.
How to help and support the people of Ukraine as the war reaches six months
How to help people in Ukraine Rory Sullivan24 August 2022 10:02 1661331399
The Pope calls for “concrete steps” to end the war in Ukraine
Pope Francis said any war is “madness” while calling for “concrete steps” to end the conflict in Ukraine. During his weekly general audience, the head of the Catholic Church also said the risk of a “nuclear catastrophe” at the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia plant in Ukraine must be avoided. It comes as Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said experts could be allowed to visit the site soon. “I continue to consult very actively and intensively with all parties,” Mr Grossi said in a statement on Tuesday. “The mission is expected to take place within the next few days if ongoing negotiations are successful.” Rory Sullivan24 August 2022 09:56 1661331026
Video: Boris Johnson celebrates Ukraine’s Independence Day
Boris Johnson celebrates Ukraine’s Independence Day Rory Sullivan24 August 2022 09:50 1661330430
Pro-Kremlin official killed in car bomb in Ukraine
The leader of a small Ukrainian town settled by Russia was killed in a car bomb attack on Tuesday, the region’s Moscow-backed administration said. Ivan Sushko, the head of Mykhailivka, a town of 11,000, died in hospital after the attack. His death is the latest in a series of assassinations of officials installed by Russia in occupied Ukraine. Rory Sullivan24 August 2022 09:40
