Ukraine news – live: Russian shells kill 10 as Putin’s forces seek gains before tanks arrive

Russian shells have killed ten people in Ukraine as Putin seeks to make gains before Western tanks arrive in the warzone.

The attacks on Friday came as the Kremlin accused the West of being directly involved in Russia’s war in Ukraine by choosing to arm Kyiv.

Berlin caved to pressure from Nato allies this week as it announced that German-made Leopard 2 tanks could arrive in Ukraine before the end of March, while US president Joe Biden simultaneously pledged to send its Abrams battle tanks.

Moscow’s ambassador to Germany warned the move would take the war to a “new level of confrontation”, as Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said of Western arms supplies: “In Moscow, this is perceived as direct involvement in the conflict and we see that this is growing.”

Mr Peskov also dismissed Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s jibe that Vladimir Putin is a “nobody” living in an “information bubble” who he has no interest in meeting for peace talks.

Key points

• US sends fleet of Abrams tanks and tow vehicles to Kyiv

• Germany confirms it will send tanks to Ukraine

• Russia condemns US tank deliveries as 'blatant provocation’

Forces hit Kostiantynivka

13:26 , Rich Booth

The latest war updates from Reuters:

* Three people were killed and at least two others wounded after Russian forces struck a residential neighbourhood in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kostiantynivka, the regional governor said on Saturday.

* On Friday, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described the situation at the front as “extremely acute”, particularly in the eastern Donetsk region where Russia is stepping up an offensive.

* Zelenskiy reported major battles for Vuhledar, to the southwest of Donetsk’s regional capital, and Bakhmut, to the northeast. Bakhmut has largely been pulverised by repeated Russian attacks.

Watch: Zelensky thanks allies following tank announcements

07:00 , Emily Atkinson

Who is sending tanks to Ukraine?

06:00 , Emily Atkinson

Germany has announced it is sending its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine – and will allow other nations to do so too. Berlin will send 14 to begin with, with Poland also saying it will send 14 and Canada saying it will send four.

Norway has also said it will send Leopards, while Spain has said it is open to providing them.

Ukraine‘s President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the tanks are crucial to replenish his nation’s military hardaware ahead of what he believes will be increased Russian offences in the spring – with intense fighting having already been taking place in eastern Ukraine for weeks. Kyiv also wants them to try and recapture territory taken by Moscow’s forces.

Chris Stevenson reports:

Countries are sending more tanks to Ukraine to fight Putin’s forces – here’s why

Pyongyang attacks US for tanks pledge to Ukraine

05:00 , Emily Atkinson

North Korea has condemned the decision by the US to supply Ukraine with advanced battle tanks to help fight off Russia’s invasion, saying Washington is escalating a sinister “proxy war” aimed at destroying Moscow.

The comments by the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un underscored the country’s deepening alignment with Russia over the war in Ukraine as it confronts the US and its Asian allies over its own growing nuclear weapons and missiles programme.

North Korea has blamed the US for the crisis in Ukraine, insisting the West’s “hegemonic policy” forced Moscow to take military action to protect its security interests.

It has also used the distraction created by the war to accelerate its own weapons development, test-firing more than 70 missiles in 2022 alone, including potentially nuclear-capable weapons believed able to target South Korea and the US mainland.

ICYMI: US joins Germany to become latest country to send additional tanks to Ukraine

04:00 , Emily Atkinson

What are Abrams tanks and why is the US sending them to Ukraine?

03:00 , Emily Atkinson

The US has pledged to send 31 of its M1 Abram battle tanks, worth an estimated $400m, to Ukraine to help the resistance fight back against the Russian onslaught as the one-year anniversary of Vladimir Putin’s invasion approaches.

Anatoly Antonov, Russia’s ambassador to the US, said the decision by Joe Biden’s administration amounted to “another blatant provocation” against Moscow, pledged that the tanks would be destroyed and warned the West it would come to regret the “delusion” that Ukraine could ever win the day.

Russian state TV has since made a point of mocking the Abrams as “battered” and prone to getting stuck in a segment downplaying the threat the new additions to Kyiv’s arsenal pose.

Joe Sommerlad has more:

What are Abrams tanks and why is the US sending them to Ukraine?

Ukraine to set up drone assault companies to be equipped with Elon Musk's satellite communications

02:00 , Emily Atkinson

Ukraine said on Friday it was setting up drone assault companies within its armed forces that will be equipped with Starlink satellite communications, as it presses ahead with an idea to build up an “army of drones”.

Commander-in-chief Valeriy Zaluzhnyi signed off on the creation of the units in a project that will involve several ministries and agencies, the General Staff said.

“The most professional servicemen” have already been chosen to lead the companies, each of which will receive drones and ammunition, Starlink terminals and other equipment, it said on Facebook.

“We are doing everything to provide soldiers with modern technologies,” it said.

Starlink is a satellite internet system operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX company, and widely used both by civilians and the military in Ukraine.

Watch: Russian state TV describes vulnerabilities of Nato tanks promised to Ukraine

01:00 , Emily Atkinson

Russian shells kill 10 in Ukraine as Putin’s forces seek gains before Western tanks arrive

00:00 , Emily Atkinson

Russian shelling killed at least 10 Ukrainian civilians on Friday – the second day of bombardments by Putin’s forces after Western nations pledged to send military aid including modern tanks.

Moscow is trying to breach Ukrainian lines in the east and northeast ahead of the arrival of new weaponry from the United States, Britain, Germany and others.

Poland gave Ukraine a further boost on Friday by promising an additional 60 tanks on top of 14 German-made Leopard 2 tanks it had already pledged.

Alastair Jamieson reports:

Russian shelling kills 10 as Putin seeks gains before Ukraine receives Western tanks

‘No single quiet minute in Bohoiavlenka and Vuhledar’

Friday 27 January 2023 23:00 , Emily Atkinson

Fighting around Bohoiavlenka village and the nearby town of Vuhledar has intensified, with Russian troops constantly trying to advance and capture it, according to Ukrainian soldiers.

Vuhledar had come under intense shelling in the past 24 hours, with seven buildings and two schools damaged, Yevhen Nazarenko, spokesman for the Ukraine army’s 68th brigade, told Reuters.

“They constantly use artillery fire, aviation. There is no single quiet minute here,” he said.

Zelensky accuses Russia of destroying towns and villages around Ukrainian positions

Friday 27 January 2023 22:00 , Emily Atkinson

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has said the situation at the front remained extremely acute, particularly in the eastern Donetsk region.

In a Friday evening address, Mr Zelensky said Russian forces were not just storming Ukrainian positions but also destroying the towns and villages around them.

Main developments from Friday

Friday 27 January 2023 20:42 , Sam Rkaina

• President Volodymyr Zelensky described the situation at the front as “extremely acute”, particularly in the eastern Donetsk region where Russia is stepping up an offensive.

• Zelensky reported major battles for Vuhledar, to the southwest of Donetsk’s regional capital, and Bakhmut, to the northeast. Bakhmut has largely been pulverised by repeated Russian attacks.

• Local Ukrainian officials reported heavy shelling in the north, northeast and east.

• A 74-year-old Spanish man arrested earlier this week over a spate of letter bombs sent to institutions including the Spanish Prime Minister and the Ukrainian embassy in Madrid in late 2022 sought to pressure his country’s authorities to drop support for Ukraine, an investigating magistrate said.

• A Russian graveyard revealed Wagner’s prisoner army. There were around 200 graves at the site on the outskirts of Bakinskaya village in Krasnodar region when Reuters visited in late January.

Hundreds of tanks promised for Ukraine

Friday 27 January 2023 19:44 , Sam Rkaina

A total of 321 heavy tanks have been promised to Kyiv by several countries, Ukraine’s ambassador to France has said.

“As of today, numerous countries have officially confirmed their agreement to deliver 321 heavy tanks to Ukraine,” Vadym Omelchenko, Ukraine’s ambassador to France, said in an interview with French TV station BFM.

“Delivery terms vary for each case and we need this help as soon as possible,” he added.

Omelchenko did not provide a breakdown of the number of tanks per country.

On Thursday, several Western nations led by Germany and the United States said they would send tanks to Ukraine.

Russia ‘can only be stopped by force'

Friday 27 January 2023 19:00 , Sam Rkaina

Zelensky reported major battles for Vuhledar, to the southwest of Donetsk, and Bakhmut, to the northeast. Bakhmut has largely been pulverised by repeated Russian attacks.

“The occupiers are not just storming our positions, they are deliberately and methodically destroying the towns and villages around them, with artillery, air strikes, missiles,” he said in an evening video address. “The Russian army has no shortage of lethal means and can only be stopped by force.”

The area around Bakhmut, with a pre-war population of 70,000, has seen some of the most brutal fighting of the 11-month-old war.

The town has symbolic importance for both Russia and Ukraine, though Western military analysts say it has little strategic significance. (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Mark Porter and Leslie Adler)

Zelensky says front line situation ‘remains extremely acute’

Friday 27 January 2023 18:29 , Sam Rkaina

Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday said the situation at the front remained extremely acute, particularly in the eastern Donetsk region where Russia is stepping up an offensive.

The Ukrainian President said in his evening address Russian forces were not just storming Ukrainian positions but also destroying the towns and villages around them.

It comes after a week in which the US and Germany agreed to send tanks to the country to bolster Ukraine’s forces.

Spanish court charges letter bomb suspect with terrorism

Friday 27 January 2023 16:45 , Eleanor Noyce

Spain’s National Court said Friday it had charged a 74-year-old retired man with terrorism for allegedly sending six letters containing explosive material to Spain’s prime minister and the U.S. and Ukrainian embassies in the country.

The as-yet-unidentified man appeared before a judge in Madrid on Friday and was detained without bail, the court said. The suspect, referred to only by the initials PGP, was charged with six separate terrorism offenses, it added, after being arrested in the northern city of Miranda de Ebro on Wednesday.

The man was charged with the manufacture and use of explosive devices for terrorist purposes, according to court documents. Two of the alleged offenses were classified as aggravated as they involved members of the government.

Spanish media reported that the suspect had links to Russia, was strongly active on social media and was purportedly a flight risk.

The six letter bombs were sent in November and December last year and required bomb squad disposal. An employee at the Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid was slightly injured while handling one of the letters, and another was destroyed after being dispatched by regular post to Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

Read more:

Spanish court charges letter bomb suspect with terrorism

Ukrainian presidency: 10 killed in latest Russian shelling

Friday 27 January 2023 16:15 , Eleanor Noyce

Russian shelling killed at least 10 Ukrainian civilians and wounded 20 others in a day, the office of Ukraine’s president reported Friday as the country worked to recover from an earlier wave of Russian missile strikes and drone attacks.

The new casualties included the deaths of at least two civilians in the southern city of Kherson, which Ukrainian troops recaptured in November, and two more in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk province. The missiles and self-propelled drones Russian forces fired Thursday hit deeper into Ukrainian territory, killing at least 11 people.

The bombardment followed announcements by the United States and Germany of plans to ship powerful tanks to help Ukraine defend itself. Other Western countries said they also would share modern tanks from their stockpiles.

Moscow has bristled at the move, and accused Western nations of entering a new level of confrontation with Russia.

Gov. Pavlo Kyrylenko of the eastern Donetsk region said the Russian military used phosphorus munitions in shelling the village of Zvanivka. The village is located about 20 kilometers north of Bakhmut, a city that has become the focus of a grueling battle in recent months. The shelling also damaged apartment buildings and two schools in the nearby town of Vuhledar, Kyrylenko said.

More here:

Ukrainian presidency: 10 killed in latest Russian shelling

Who is sending tanks to Ukraine?

Friday 27 January 2023 15:45 , Eleanor Noyce

Germany has announced it is sending its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine – and will allow other nations to do so too. Berlin will send 14 to begin with, with Poland also saying it will send 14 and Canada saying it will send four.

Norway has also said it will send Leopards, while Spain has said it is open to providing them.

Ukraine‘s President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the tanks are crucial to replenish his nation’s military hardaware ahead of what he believes will be increased Russian offences in the spring – with intense fighting having already been taking place in eastern Ukraine for weeks. Kyiv also wants them to try and recapture territory taken by Moscow’s forces.

Chris Stevenson has more:

Countries are sending more tanks to Ukraine to fight Putin’s forces – here’s why

Poland confirms it will send more tanks to Ukraine

Friday 27 January 2023 15:35 , Eleanor Noyce

Poland has confirmed it will send an additional 60 tanks to Ukraine in addition to the 14 German-made Leopard 2 tanks it has already pledged.

Poland has positioned itself as one of Kyiv’s staunchest allies, heavily pushing Germany to approve the provision of its Leopard 2 tanks ahead of Wednesday’s decision.

“Poland sent 250 tanks as the first country half a year ago or even more than that,” Polish prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki told CTV News.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Mr Morawiecki via Twitter.

“Right now, we are ready to send 60 of our modernised tanks, 30 of them PT-91. And on top of those tanks, 14 tanks, Leopard 2 tanks, from in our possession,” he added.

The PT-91 is a Polish-made battle tank that has been used since the 1990s. It was developed from the Soviet-era T-72 range.

Russia blocks CIA and FBI websites after accusations of ‘spreading false information’

Friday 27 January 2023 15:30 , Eleanor Noyce

Russia has blocked the websites of both the CIA and FBI for “spreading false information.”

The country’s communications regulator Roskomnadzor confirmed that it has “restricted access to a number of resources belonging to state structures of hostile countries”.

According to Russian news agencies, it has justified this as a way to stop “disseminating material aimed at destabilising the social and political situation in Russia.”

Roskomnadzor claimed that the two US government websites had published inaccurate material that discredited the Russian armed forces.

In Russia, it is now a criminal offence to discredit the armed forces. Doing so can trigger a five-year jail sentence, whilst knowingly distributing “false information” about the military can carry a maximum sentence of 15 years.

British journalist who lost both feet and an eye in Ukraine blast returns to TV

Friday 27 January 2023 15:15 , Eleanor Noyce

Fox News correspondent Benjamin Hall said he feels “more confident than I ever have” in his first live television appearance since being seriously injured in Ukraine.

The British journalist urged others in similar situations to “never give up” and said adversity could be overcome “no matter how painful something is”.

Hall was caught up in a shelling attack while reporting for Fox News on the ongoing Ukrainian war in March 2022.

His team was on the outskirts of Kyiv when his vehicle was hit by Russian shelling on March 14.

Mike Bedigan reports:

UK journalist who lost feet and eye in Ukraine blast returns to TV

Four areas of Ukraine ordered to use Moscow time

Friday 27 January 2023 15:00 , Eleanor Noyce

According to the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade, the occupied areas of four Ukrainian regions which Russia declared it had annexed in September will be ordered to use Moscow time.

The Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions will become part of Russia’s second time zone, a post on the ministry’s Telegram page declared.

“A draft law… has already been submitted to the government,” the post read.

The annexation process is currently illegal under international law. However, Russia has said that it will recognise these four regions as Russian territory.

Germany apologizes for leopard jibe that upset some Africans

Friday 27 January 2023 14:45 , Eleanor Noyce

Germany apologised on Thursday for using a leopard emoji in a jibe at Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Twitter that ended up offending some Africans.

The German foreign ministry poked fun at Russia’s top diplomat during his tour of Africa when it tweeted that he wasn’t there looking for leopards, but using the trip to try and justify Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The tweet, and the leopard emoji the foreign ministry used on its official account, played off Germany’s decision to send some of its advanced Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine to help its military fight off Russian forces.

But an African Union official took offence at what she said was the continent being portrayed as only about wild animals. Ebba Kalondo, the spokeswoman for AU Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat, tweeted back to the German government account questioning if Africa, its people and its wildlife was “just a joke to you?”

Read more:

Germany apologizes for leopard jibe that upset some Africans

Zelensky takes part in commemoration ceremony for Holocaust victims in Babyn Yar

Friday 27 January 2023 14:26 , Eleanor Noyce

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has paid his respects to the victims of the Holocaust, laying a wreath on Holocaust Memorial Day.

Mr Zelensky took part in the commemoration ceremony for the Holocaust victims in Babyn Yar (Babiy Yar), one of the biggest single massacres of Jews during the Nazi Holocaust, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine.

He has also released a message urging people to “show determination when it comes to saving those whom hatred seeks to destroy”.

The message he issued read:

Today, as always, Ukraine honours the memory of millions of Holocaust victims.

We know and remember that indifference kills along with hatred. Indifference and hatred are always capable of creating evil together only.

That is why it is so important that everyone who values life should show determination when it comes to saving those whom hatred seeks to destroy.

Today we remember the Righteous Among the Nations. Different people in different countries who were equally determined to save lives. Today we remember the determination of the global coalition that stopped Nazism.

And today we repeat it even more strongly than before: never again to hatred; never again to indifference.

The more nations of the world overcome indifference, the less space there will be in the world for hatred.

EU extends economic sanctions against Russia

Friday 27 January 2023 14:15 , Eleanor Noyce

The EU has extended its economic sanctions against Russia until July 31, the council of the EU has confirmed.

At present, the EU implements restrictions on Russia’s trade, finance, technology and dual-use goods, industry, transport and luxury goods.

Brussels specified that the measures “also cover: a ban on the import or transfer of seaborne crude oil and certain petroleum products from Russia to the EU, a de-SWIFTing of several Russian banks, and the suspension of the broadcasting activities and licenses of several Kremlin-backed disinformation outlets.”

Putin discusses Russia’s Arctic borders with Security Council

Friday 27 January 2023 13:45 , Eleanor Noyce

Russia’s president Vladimir Putin has held a meeting with his Security Council to discuss Russia’s borders with the Arctic Ocean.

The Kremlin reported that the meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Foreign Intelligence chief Sergei Naryshkin.

On Friday, Norway announced that it had detected a “substantial” amount of metal and minerals on the seabed of its extended continental shelf.

As a major exporter of oil and gas, the country is now considering whether to open its offshore areas to deep-sea mining.

Who benefits the most from Boris Johnson’s support of Ukraine?

Friday 27 January 2023 13:15 , Eleanor Noyce

Having the former prime minister in full flight on the other side makes life that bit more difficult for those of us trying to argue against escalation, writes Mary Dejevsky.

Read more:

Who benefits the most from Boris Johnson’s support of Ukraine? | Mary Dejevsky

Germany and America’s tank pledge to Ukraine fulfils their obligation to peace

Friday 27 January 2023 12:50 , Eleanor Noyce

Editorial: Chancellor Scholz and his colleagues deserve the thanks of the whole world for their contribution to the security of independent nations everywhere.

Read more:

Editorial: Germany and America’s tank pledge fulfils their obligation to peace

Zelenksy releases message to mark Holocaust Memorial Day

Friday 27 January 2023 12:48 , Eleanor Noyce

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has released a message to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, urging people to “show determination when it comes to saving those whom hatred seeks to destroy”.

Mr Zelensky paid his respects to the victims of the Holocaust as he laid a wreath at a memorial site.

The message he issued read:

Today, as always, Ukraine honours the memory of millions of Holocaust victims.

We know and remember that indifference kills along with hatred. Indifference and hatred are always capable of creating evil together only.

That is why it is so important that everyone who values life should show determination when it comes to saving those whom hatred seeks to destroy.

Today we remember the Righteous Among the Nations. Different people in different countries who were equally determined to save lives. Today we remember the determination of the global coalition that stopped Nazism.

And today we repeat it even more strongly than before: never again to hatred; never again to indifference.

The more nations of the world overcome indifference, the less space there will be in the world for hatred.

Wagner chief reacts to US decision to impose fresh sanctions on private military group

Friday 27 January 2023 12:30 , Eleanor Noyce

Russian businessman and Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has reacted to news that the US will impose fresh sanctions on the private military group.

The Biden administration on Thursday expanded U.S. sanctions against Russia’s Wagner Group and related companies and individuals for their role in the war in Ukraine and mercenary activities, including human rights abuses, in Africa.

The Treasury and State departments announced the moves in coordinated statements that target dozens of Wagner Group affiliates, including some in the Central African Republic and the United Arab Emirates, as well as the president of Russia‘s Kalashnikov Concern, the original manufacturer of the AK-47 assault rifle.

In a statement via his press service, Mr Prigozhin said: “We conducted an internal check on the subject of the Wagner group’s crimes, but found nothing damaging.

“If anybody has any information about Wagner’s crimes, please send it to our press service or publish it in the media, so we can help our American colleagues formulate their position.”

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that this was not the first time Washington had “demonised” Wagner.

“This has been going on for many years. As a rule, such statements from Washington are unfounded.”

Kremlin accuses US of ‘demonising’ Wagner Group

Friday 27 January 2023 12:00 , Eleanor Noyce

The Kremlin has accused Washington of “demonising” the Wagner Group without basis following the US’s decision to label it a transnational criminal organisation.

Last week, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby labelled the move the result of Wagner’s ongoing operations in Ukraine, which he described as “committing atrocities and human rights abuses”.

Mr Kirby also said American intelligence has assessed that Vladimir Putin’s war effort is increasingly relying on Wagner, leading to tensions between Russian defence officials and the owner of Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin.

“Wagner personnel have engaged in an ongoing pattern of serious criminal activity, including mass executions, rape, child abductions, and physical abuse in the Central African Republic [CAR] and Mali,” the US Treasury Department said in a statement on Thursday.

Ukraine’s power network suffers ‘significant damage’ following Russian missile attack

Friday 27 January 2023 11:40 , Eleanor Noyce

Ukraine’s power network has suffered “significant damage” following a “mass” Russian missile attack, the country’s state-run energy operator has confirmed.

“The recovery of the power grid becomes harder, and lasts longer, after every Russian attack,” energy company Ukrenergo said in a statement released on Facebook.

Ukraine has now suffered 13 missile attacks and 15 drone attacks on its energy facilities. Yesterday, Russia launched 70 missiles at Ukraine. 47 of these were intercepted by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said that energy facilities are the main targets.

Russian state TV mocks US and German tanks promised to Ukraine

Friday 27 January 2023 11:15 , Eleanor Noyce

Russian state TV mocked the news that the US and Germany had finally agreed to send tanks to Ukraine in a broadcast on Wednesday.

The Rossiya-24 channel labelled German-made Leopard tanks “toothless” and claimed in a graphic of a fictional battle that half of the platoon would be destroyed before even coming into firing range of Moscow’s T-90 tanks.

US-made vehicles were also described as ‘battered Abrams’ and footage of them being struck in a number of past battles was aired.

Oliver Browning has more:

Russian state TV mocks US and German tanks promised to Ukraine

Djokovic’s father claims he had ‘no intention’ of posing for photos with Putin supporters

Friday 27 January 2023 10:51 , Eleanor Noyce

Novak Djokovic’s father has stated that he was unintentionally caught up in a pro-Russian demonstration held at the Australian Open.

A video emerged on Thursday that depicted Srdjan Djokovic standing with a man holding a Russian flat emblazoned with Vladimir Putin’s face. The man was also wearing a t-shirt bearing the Z symbol that demonstrates support for Russia in the war against Ukraine.

In a statement released by the tennis player’s representatives, Mr Djokovic senior said: “I am here to support my son only. I had no intention of causing such headlines or disruption.

“I was outside with Novak’s fans, as I have done after all of my son’s matches to celebrate his wins and take pictures with them. I had no intention of being caught up in this.

“My family has lived through the horror of war, and we wish only for peace. So there is no disruption to tonight’s semi-final for my son or for the other player, I have chosen to watch from home,” the statement continued.

The Australian Open banned Russian flags from the Melbourne Park grounds last week but crowds gathered on the steps of the Rod Laver Arena following nine-time champion Djokovic’s victory over the Russian player Andrey Rublev in Wednesday’s quarter-final.

They could be seen chanting in support of Russia, while the face of Putin was also visible alongside flags of Russia and Djokovic’s native Serbia.

Read more:

Novak Djokovic’s father poses with Vladimir Putin supporters at Australian Open

Ukraine could boycott Olympics if Russia allowed to compete, says sports minister

Friday 27 January 2023 10:27 , Eleanor Noyce

Ukraine has warned that it could boycott the Olympics Games if Russia and Belarusian athletes are allowed to compete in 2024.

Sports minister Vadim Guttsait said that plans by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to look at ways for those athletes to compete would be opposed.

“Our position is unchanged: as long as there is a war in Ukraine, Russian and Belarusian athletes should not be in international competitions,” Mr Guttsait wrote in a Facebook post.

“If we are not heard, I do not rule out the possibility that we will boycott and refuse participation in the Olympics.”

Following Russia’s invasion in February 2022, many sports organisations have moved events and suspended Russian teams. Sponsors have also ended contracts by means of protest against the war.

Read more:

Ukraine will ‘consider Olympics boycott’ if Russians involved

US has key to ending war in Ukraine, says Kremlin

Friday 27 January 2023 10:00 , Eleanor Noyce

US President Joe Biden has the means to end the war in Ukraine but is not willing to use it, according to the Kremlin.

Vladimir Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters this morning that the US could end the conflict quickly if it wanted to by “directing Kyiv.”

He said that instead, it’s “pumping weapons into Ukraine.”

Meanwhile, the US has argued that Moscow has unleashed the war and that it can only end if Russian troops retreat.

Elsewhere, a senior EU official has said that Russia has taken its war to a “different stage” in making indiscriminate attacks on civilians and non-military targets.

Stefano Sannino, secretary general of the European Union’s European External Action Service, supported German and US provisions of military equipment to Ukraine. He also criticised Russia for waging “a war against NATO and the West.”

Moment Zelensky finds out German tanks will be delivered to Ukraine during TV interview

Friday 27 January 2023 09:40 , Eleanor Noyce

Volodymyr Zelensky was first told of Germany’s decision to send tanks to Ukraine during an interview with Sky News.

After weeks of intense pressure, chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed the nation would send 14 of its state-of-the-art vehicles to help Ukraine in its battle against Russia.

“My spokesperson just told me that Scholz has agreed to give us Leopard tanks,” Mr Zelensky told Kay Burley from Sky News.

Moment Zelensky finds out German tanks will be delivered to Ukraine

Eight explosions recorded near Europe’s largest nuclear power plant

Friday 27 January 2023 09:20 , Eleanor Noyce

Eight explosions have been recorded near Ukraine’s Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia power station, according to the UN’s nuclear watchdog.

“Yesterday, eight strong detonations were heard at around 10am local time, causing office windows at the plant to vibrate, and more were audible today,” IAEA head Rafeal Grossi said in a statement overnight.

A Russian official has dismissed these claims. “I can only describe this as a provocation. Before you provide such information, you need to check it and establish that it is not based on rumour,” said Renat Karchaa, an adviser to the head of Rosenergoatom, the organisation that operates Russia’s nuclear plants.

Russian forces seized the plant in March. The blasts have renewed calls by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the implementation of a security zone around the plant.

Japan bans export of key strategic goods to Russia

Friday 27 January 2023 09:00 , Eleanor Noyce

In a fresh wave of sanctions, Japan has banned exports of key strategic goods to Russia.

The Japanese trade ministry has said that it will prohibit Russia-bound shipments of goods that can be used to further military capability.

This includes semiconductor equipment and components, robots, power generators, explosives and vaccines. The ban will be in place from February 3.

Earlier this month, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said he had told Ukraine’s President Volodomyr Zelenskiy that he would weigh an invitation to visit Kyiv depending on “various circumstances” but nothing had yet been decided.

Russian-born mathematician who condemned Putin’s war in Ukraine revealed as UK’s biggest taxpayer in 2022

Friday 27 January 2023 08:40 , Eleanor Noyce

A mathematician who was born in Russia and has spoken out against Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine was the UK’s biggest taxpayer last year.

The Sunday Times tax list revealed on Friday that 100 wealthy people or families contributed nearly £5.2 billion in tax in the UK last year.

Nearly £1 in every £10 of this came from just one man – Moscow-born Alex Gerko, who set up XTX Markets in 2015 and is co-chief executive of the trading business.

Last year he paid £487.4 million in tax, making him the biggest single taxpayer in the country.

August Graham reports:

Top 20 taxpayers in UK revealed

Russia now waging ‘war against NATO and the West’, says EU official

Friday 27 January 2023 08:22 , Eleanor Noyce

A senior EU official has said that Russia has taken its war to a “different stage” in making indiscriminate attacks on civilians and non-military targets.

Stefano Sannino, secretary general of the European Union’s European External Action Service, supported German and US provisions of military equipment to Ukraine. He also criticised Russia for waging “a war against NATO and the West.”

“I think that this latest development in terms of armed supply is just an evolution of the situation and of the way Russia started moving the war into a different stage,” Mr Sannino said, speaking at a news conference in Tokyo.

In providing military equipment, the EU is “just giving the possibility of saving lives and allowing the Ukrainians to defend (themselves) from these barbaric attacks”, he added.

Hungary to block any EU attempts to sanction nuclear energy from Russia

Friday 27 January 2023 07:53 , Eleanor Noyce

Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Urban, has stated that he will veto any potential EU sanctions impacting Russian nuclear energy.

It is thought that this is partly because a Russian-built nuclear plant in Hungary is due to be expanded with Rosatom, the country’s state nuclear energy company.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has requested that the EU sanction Rosatom. Thus far, it has largely favoured this request despite Hungary’s attempt to block it at every corner.

MoD accuses Russian military of spreading misinformation on ‘significant’ advances

Friday 27 January 2023 07:23 , Eleanor Noyce

In an intelligence update issued on Friday morning, the Ministry of Defence has accused Russian military of spreading “misinformation” on the new, “significant advances” it has made in Ukraine.

Over the past six days, Russian online commentators have reported that Russian forces have made significant advances in Zapoorizhzhia Oblast near Orikiv, and 100km to the east in Donetsk Oblast, near Vuhledar.

The MoD also estimates that Russian units have conducted local probing attacks near Orikiv and Vuhledar, but notes it is “highly unlikely” that forces have achieved any significant advances.

“There is a realistic possibility that Russian military sources are deliberately spreading misinformation in an effort to imply that the Russian operation is sustaining momentum”, the statement read.

Putin’s Ukraine invasion has pushed Sweden and Finland to join Nato – but Turkey is blocking it

Friday 27 January 2023 07:00 , Sam Rkaina

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has created a moment of existential crisis for Europe, with Finland and Sweden seeking the security of Nato membership.

However, Turkey’s opposition to that expansion – as its leader faces a tight spring presidential election – threatens that plan.

Borzou Daragahi has more:

Why Turkey is blocking Sweden and Finland attempts to join Nato

Zelensky blow to Boris comeback bid: I wouldn’t back him for PM

Friday 27 January 2023 06:45 , Namita Singh

Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky has delivered a blow to Boris Johnson’s comeback bid, saying he could not support him returning as prime minister.

Days after the former Mr Johnson’s trip to Kyiv, Mr Zelensky was quizzed about his relationship with the former PM, who he described as a “true friend” during his final days in office.

Mr Johnson was one of the most vocal backers of Ukraine on the world stage after the Russian invasion began last year, and since leaving No 10 he has continued to offer support to Mr Zelensky.

But, in an interview with Sky News, Mr Zelensky insisted it is “not correct” for him to support any comeback bid, saying he has “good relations” with Rishi Sunak.

My colleague Katy Clifton reports:

Zelensky blow to Boris comeback bid: I wouldn’t back him for PM

Japan bans exports of robots, semiconductor parts to Russia in new sanctions

Friday 27 January 2023 06:30 , Namita Singh

Japan today announced additional sanctions in response to Moscow’s latest actions in Ukraine, banning exports to Russia of key strategic goods and freezing assets of dozen individuals.

Japan will prohibit Russia-bound shipments of goods that can be used to enhance military capability, including semiconductor equipment and components, robots, power generators, explosives and vaccines, according to the trade ministry.

The new export ban will take effect on 3 February, it said.

Japan also froze assets of an additional three entities and 22 individuals in Russia and 14 pro-Moscow individuals related to the “annexation” of the southeastern Ukraine region.

Why did Russia invade Ukraine?

Friday 27 January 2023 06:15 , Namita Singh

Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine has now been raging for more than 11 months, the conflict continuing to record devastating casualties and force the mass displacement of millions of blameless Ukrainians.

Vladimir Putin began the war by claiming Russia’s western neighbour needed to be “demilitarised and de-Nazified”, an entirely baseless pretext on which to launch a landgrab against an independent state that happens to have a Jewish president.

Ukraine has fought back courageously ever since and continued to defy the odds by defending itself against Russian onslaughts with the help of Western military aid, report my colleagues Thomas Kingsley and Joe Sommerlad:

Why did Russia invade Ukraine?

Zelensky reiterates new travel rules for Kyiv officials

Friday 27 January 2023 06:00 , Sam Rkaina

An irritated Volodymyr Zelensky - who earlier in the week said government officials and parliamentary deputies would only be allowed to leave the country on government business - on Thursday reiterated the message.

“Unfortunately, I have to repeat it for those who are hard of hearing,” he said in a video address.

Apart from people whose travel had been permitted, “there will be no other trips abroad by officials or deputies during wartime,” he said. “I think that’s fair.”

Australia reiterates Ukraine support after Djokovic's father poses with Russia fans

Friday 27 January 2023 05:45 , Namita Singh

Prime minister Anthony Albanese today reiterated Australian support for Ukraine and criticised supporters of Russia’s invasion after a video emerged showing Novak Djokovic’s father posing at the Australian Open with fans holding Russian flags.

Police questioned four fans seen with “inappropriate flags and symbols” after a quarter-final match on Wednesday between Russia’s Andrey Rublev and favourite Djokovic, organisers Tennis Australia said.

“I will make this point, that Australia stands with the people of Ukraine. That is Australia’s position and Australia is unequivocal in our support for the rule of international law,” Mr Albanese told a news conference after a reporter asked if Djokovic’s father, Srdjan, should be deported after he was seen posing for pictures with fans holding Russian flags.

“We do not want to see any support given to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, that is having a devastating impact on the people of Ukraine.”

Mr Albanese did not respond directly to the question about whether Djokovic’s father should be deported.Srdjan Djokovic could not be reached for comment.

The Serbian player, who was at the centre of a storm of controversy over his Covid-19 vaccination status at last year’s Australian Open, has not commented on the incident and his spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

ICYMI: Novak Djokovic’s father poses with Vladimir Putin supporters at Australian Open

Friday 27 January 2023 05:30 , Namita Singh

Novak Djokovic’s father has been filmed posing for pictures with a group of Vladimir Putin supporters at the Australian Open.

Srdjan Djokovic can be seen alongside a man holding a Russian flag with Putin’s face on it, in footage that emerged on YouTube.

The man was also wearing a t-shirt with the letter ‘Z’ on it, which has become known as the makeshift logo of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. While Srdjan Djokovic poses for pictures, the man also appears to shout: “Long live Russia”.

My colleague Jamie Braidwood reports:

Novak Djokovic’s father poses with Vladimir Putin supporters at Australian Open

Ukraine will ‘consider Olympics boycott’ if Russians involved in 2024

Friday 27 January 2023 05:15 , Namita Singh

Ukraine sports minister Vadym Guttsait has warned the country would consider a boycott of the 2024 Paris Olympics if Russia and Belarus athletes were allowed to take part.

The International Olympic Committee said on Wednesday it was continuing to work on a pathway which would enable Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals, a move which was criticised by the British Government.

The IOC had advised international sports federations last February – in the days following the start of the invasion of Ukraine – to exclude athletes from their competitions, something IOC president Thomas Bach has since described as a measure to protect those athletes.

Read the details here:

Ukraine will ‘consider Olympics boycott’ if Russians involved

ICYMI: Russia launches deadly barrage of missiles at Kyiv

Friday 27 January 2023 05:05 , Sam Rkaina

On Thursday morning Russia launched a rush-hour barrage of missiles across Ukraine, killing at least 11 people in nearly a dozen regions across the country.

Air raid sirens wailed nationwide, while booms were heard by The Independent around Kyiv, where the head of the city administration said that 15 cruise missiles were shot down.

People rushed into metro stations, underground car parks and basements as the warning of incoming missiles sounded. It is something that the residents of the city have grown used to, with families huddling together or workers still trying to use their laptops as they wait out the onslaught.

Air force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said as many as six Tu-95 warplanes had taken off from the Arctic region of Murmansk in northern Russia and launched a number of long-range missiles.

Across the country, the volley included 55 missiles, of which 47 were intercepted, according to the commander of Ukraine’s armed forces, Valerii Zaluzhnyi. That is in addition to 24 self-exploding drones sent overnight before the morning assault, all shot down.

Our international correspondent Bel Trew reported:

Russia launches deadly barrage of missiles at Kyiv

UK journalist Benjamin Hall makes first TV appearance after Ukraine attack

Friday 27 January 2023 04:45 , Namita Singh

Fox News correspondent Benjamin Hall said he feels “more confident than I ever have” in his first live television appearance since being seriously injured in Ukraine.

The British journalist urged others in similar situations to “never give up” and said adversity could be overcome “no matter how painful something is”.

Hall was caught up in a shelling attack while reporting for Fox News on the ongoing Ukrainian war in March 2022.

His team was on the outskirts of Kyiv when his vehicle was hit by Russian shelling on 14 March.

Read more here:

UK journalist Benjamin Hall makes first TV appearance after Ukraine attack

‘Russia targets energy plants in Ukraine’

Friday 27 January 2023 04:30 , Namita Singh

Ukrainian prime minister Denys Shmyhal said Russian attacks yesterday targeted energy plants. The attack comes soon after Western allies committed 150 tanks to Kyiv.

“I held an urgent meeting today about the energy situation - about the shortages that are occurring and repair work after the terrorists’ strikes,” said president Volodymyr Zelensky, referring to the power shortage from the attacks. “Repair teams are working in those sites where hits occurred.”

DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy producer, conducted pre-emptive emergency power shutdowns in Kyiv yesterday, the surrounding region and the regions of Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk.

The Kremlin said it saw the promised delivery of Western tanks as evidence of growing “direct involvement” of the United States and Europe in the 11-month-old war, something both deny.

Ukraine has said it needs hundreds to break Russian defensive lines and recapture occupied territory in the south and east. Both Moscow and Kyiv, which have so far relied on Soviet-era T-72 tanks, are expected to mount new ground offensives in springtime.

Japan tightens sanctions on Russia after deadly missile strikes in Ukraine

Friday 27 January 2023 04:15 , Namita Singh

Japan tightened sanctions against Russia today following its latest wave of missile attacks in Ukraine, adding goods to an export ban list and freezing the assets of Russian officials and entities.

The decision comes after Russia launched missile attacks in Ukraine killing at least 11 people yesterday following a pledge by Germany and the United States to supply tanks that could help Ukraine counter any new Russian offensive.

Japan’s Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry

Among the new sanctions, Japan will prohibit shipments of items to 49 organisations in Russia from 3 February that could be used to enhance its military capability.

Those will include products ranging from water cannons, gas exploration equipment and semiconductor equipment to vaccines, X-ray inspection equipment, explosives and robots, the ministry said.

Watch: Train carries dozens of tanks in Kansas day before Biden agrees to send M1 Abrams to Ukraine

Friday 27 January 2023 04:00 , Emily Atkinson

Russian forces attack more 60 towns as Kyiv secures tanks from Western allies

Friday 27 January 2023 03:45 , Namita Singh

Russian forces trained tank, mortar and artillery fire on more than 60 towns and villages in an arc of territory extending from Chernihiv and Sumy regions in the north through Kharkiv region in the northeast and in the focal points of Russian attempts to advance in Donetsk region in the east - Bakhmut and Avdiivka.

Ukraine’s military said it shot down 47 of 59 Russian missiles - some fired from Tu-95 strategic bombers in the Russian Arctic. Russia also launched 37 air strikes, 17 of them using Iranian-made Shahed-136 drones. All drones were downed, the military general staff said.

Eleven people were killed and 11 wounded in the drone and missile strikes, which spanned 11 regions and also damaged 35 buildings, a State Emergency Service spokesperson said.

Russia responded with fury to news on Wednesday that Germany and the United States would send dozens of modern tanks to Ukraine. More tanks will come from Canada, Poland, Britain, Finland and Norway while several more allies, including France, Spain and the Netherlands were considering sending tanks too.

‘Not a single room left intact’: Ukraine faces deadly Russian missile onslaught

Friday 27 January 2023 03:33 , Namita Singh

Russia pounded Ukraine with missiles and drones, killing at least 11 people, according to officials, after Western allies pledged tanks to Kyiv in its fight against Moscow’s invasion.

Air raid alarms sounded across Ukraine yesterday as people headed to work. In the capital Kyiv, crowds took cover for a time in underground metro stations.

“Not a single room is left intact, everything got hit,” said Halyna Panosyan, 67, surveying twisted sheets of corrugated metal, crumpled masonry and a large missile crater outside her ruined house in Hlevakha near Kyiv.

“There was an extremely loud strike that made me jump up. I was in the bedroom ... I was saved by the fact that the bedroom is to the other side of the house.”

Wagner runaway tells of ‘chaotic and dangerous’ on Ukraine frontline

Friday 27 January 2023 03:00 , Emily Atkinson

A former commander of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group who fled to Norway has spoken about how he witnessed some of his comrades being shot as they were trying to flee from the frontline in Ukraine, his Norwegian lawyer told Reuters.

Andrei Medvedev, who fled from Russia by crossing the Russian-Norwegian border on Jan. 13, has said he fears for his life after witnessing what he said was the killing and mistreatment of Russian prisoners taken to Ukraine to fight for Wagner.

Medvedev is living in a secret location in the Oslo area after he was released from detention on Wednesday following a “disagreement” with the police about measures taken to ensure his safety.

His lawyer Brynjulf Risnes told Reuters that Medvedev had seen some “incredibly horrible” situations while he was fighting with Wagner last autumn.

He had witnessed “the shooting of his comrades while he was watching because they tried to flee,” Risnes said in an interview, citing Medvedev.

The Russian was “slowly coming to terms with what’s happening”, his lawyer said.

“His life has been chaotic and dangerous and very stressful for a very long time,” Risnes said, “particularly, of course, during the autumn when he was in Ukraine with the Wagner group.”

“But of course, his life hasn’t been easy before that either.”

Zelensky’s government crackdown continues

Friday 27 January 2023 02:00 , Emily Atkinson

Ukrainian government officials who shirk their duties during wartime will be quickly removed, a top aide to president Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday amid a crack down on corruption.

More than a dozen officials have been removed this week following a series of scandals and graft allegations. Political analysts said Zelensky needs to show Western partners and war-weary Ukrainians that he is serious about punishing misrule.

“Everyone should understand their level of responsibility to the country and nation during the war. Whoever forgets about it receives a quick reaction,” said Andriy Yermak, head of Zelensky’s office.

“This will happen to everyone who allows themselves to forget (their duties), regardless of names and offices,” Yermak wrote on Twitter.

Any Russian nuclear attacks on Nato land would pose ‘existential risk to Russian motherland'

Friday 27 January 2023 01:00 , Emily Atkinson

Vladimir Putin has been warned by a former Nato chief an attack on a single member of the nuclear-armed alliance would pose “an existential risk to the Russian motherland”.

Directly addressing the Kremlin leader in a hard-hitting speech at Westminster, Lord Robertson of Port Ellen said the collective defence guarantee, known as Article 5, “goes well beyond normal red lines”.

The Labour peer, who served as Nato secretary general from 1999 to 2004, is the only person ever to have announced the triggering of the clause in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US.

The former defence secretary told parliament “the greatest nuclear threat” faced was a Russian victory in Ukraine, and stressed the urgent need to stop this happened, including providing more military assistance.

Lord Robertson made his stark comments during a debate on the resilience of the UK armed forces against the backdrop of cutbacks and the continuing conflict caused by the invasion of Russian forces.

Referring to the current war in Ukraine, which is approaching its first anniversary, he said: “What is increasingly clear is that Vladimir Putin has declared war on the West.

“What is also clear is we are not responding adequately to that overt challenge to our countries and what we stand for. There is no visible urgency in our national behaviour.”

Slap ‘wretched’ Wagner group with terror ban, UK ministers urged

Friday 27 January 2023 00:00 , Emily Atkinson

A Russian mercenary group which has “terror, torture, murder, rape and all other forms of brutality at the heart of its activities” should be banned, UK ministers have been told.

The government has faced fresh demands from the former chief of the defence staff and independent crossbencher Lord Stirrup to proscribe the “wretched” Wagner Group, which would make it a criminal offence to belong to, support or assist the organisation.

The calls came as the Treasury found itself at the centre of controversy over reports it helped the organisation’s boss Yevgeny Prigozhin circumvent UK sanctions to take a British journalist to court.

Canada to send Ukraine four battle tanks

Thursday 26 January 2023 23:00 , Emily Atkinson

Canada has announced that it will send four Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine, after Germany said it would allow its allies to re-export the German-built tanks.

“This donation, combined with the contributions of allies and partners, will significantly help the armed forces of Ukraine” in the their defense against the Russian invasion, defence minister Anita Anand told reporters.

US expands travel blacklist for Russian military figures

Thursday 26 January 2023 22:00 , Emily Atkinson

The US State Department has placed 531 members of the Russian military on a travel blacklist for actions that threaten or violate the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence of Ukraine.

“This action supports our goal to degrade Moscow’s capacity to wage war against Ukraine, to promote accountability for those responsible for Russia’s war of aggression and associated abuses, and to place further pressure on Russia’s defence sector,” US secretary of state Antony Blinken said.

It came as Joe Biden’s administration also expanded sanctions against Russia’s Wagner Group (see post below).

US expands sanctions against Wagner Group

Thursday 26 January 2023 21:16 , Andy Gregory

The United States has increased its sanctions against Russia’s mercenary Wagner Group and dozens of its affiliates, some in Africa and the Middle East.

The sanctions also hit the president of Russia’s Kalashnikov Concern, the original manufacturer of the AK-47 assault rifle, and a company known as Spacety China, which has supplied Wagner Group affiliates with satellite imagery of Ukraine that supports Wagner’s military operations there.

“Today’s expanded sanctions on Wagner, as well as new sanctions on their associates and other companies enabling the Russian military complex, will further impede Putin’s ability to arm and equip his war machine,” said US Treasury secretary Janet Yellen.

News site Meduza added to Russian list of ‘undesirable organisations'

Thursday 26 January 2023 20:44 , Andy Gregory

Meduza, one of Russia’s most widely-read independent news sites, has been branded an “undesirable organisation” by Moscow – effectively outlawing it from operating in Russia.

Russia’s general prosecutor said the Latvia-based news outlet “poses a threat to the foundations of the constitutional system and the security of the Russian Federation”, as the site joined more than 50 other organisations on the “undesirable” list.

The news site said it would continue to work, despite the designation, publishing an article which said: “Undesirable organisations are banned from operating on Russian territory under threat of felony prosecution.

“Anyone who ‘participates or cooperates’ with such groups can face felony prosecution – an especially serious limitation for journalists who must speak to sources to report the news.”

Shortly after invading Ukraine, Russia’s parliament passed legislation outlining jail terms of up to five years for “discrediting” the armed forces and up to 15 years for spreading “deliberately false information” about them.

Upon passing the laws last March, Russian authorities moved swiftly to block access to dozens of websites, including Meduza’s, spurring dozens of Russian and international news outlets to leave the country.

Another independent news site, Mediazona, said on Thursday its publisher Pyotr Verzilov had been accused of spreading “fakes” about the army, motivated by political hatred.

Ukrainian officials will be swiftly fired for shirking duties, Zelensky aide warns

Thursday 26 January 2023 20:13 , Andy Gregory

Ukrainian officials who shirk their duties during wartime will be quickly removed, an aide to Volodymyr Zelensky has said, after a week in which more than a dozen people have been removed from their post, including a deputy defence minister and presidential aide.

“Everyone should understand their level of responsibility to the country and nation during the war. Whoever forgets about it receives a quick reaction,” said Andriy Yermak, the head of Mr Zelensky’s office.

“This will happen to everyone who allows themselves to forget [their duties], regardless of names and offices,” Yermak wrote on Twitter.

France and Italy close to finalising deal on supply of advanced air defence systems

Thursday 26 January 2023 19:42 , Andy Gregory

France and Italy are close to finalising the technical details to supply an SAMP/T air defence system to Ukraine, two diplomatic sources have told Reuters.

Kyiv specifically requested the system – the only one in Europe capable of intercepting ballistic missiles – in November, and both nations’ defence ministers are set to meet in Italy on Friday.

“We are finalising it with the Italians. It’s not very far off,” said a French diplomatic source.

“A political decision was made. It’s now just finalising the technical details because it’s a complicated system,” said a second diplomat, adding that the expectation was that France’s Emmanuel Macron and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni would make the decision official.

The system, known as Mamba, is capable of intercepting 10 targets at once.

Watch: Train carries dozens of tanks in Kansas day before Biden agrees to send M1 Abrams to Ukraine

Thursday 26 January 2023 19:01 , Andy Gregory

Ukraine security official arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia

Thursday 26 January 2023 18:03 , Andy Gregory

A lieutenant colonel in Ukraine’s security service, the SBU, has been arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia, Kyiv has said.

The official allegedy sent data to his Russian handlers revealing the location of military checkpoints and other “secret information”, the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) said.

A search found mobile phones, Russian SIM cards, cash and other evidence proving “longstanding ties” to Russian state and law enforcement structures, the bureau said.

“Today the service works as a single team and is doing the maximum for Ukraine’s victory,” said SBU chief Vasyl Malyuk. “And the self-cleansing of our ranks from traitors is an important part of this process.”

Volodymyr Zelensky fired the previous SBU director, a childhood friend of his, last July, citing collaboration with Russia by officials in the powerful agency.

Famous Russian comic referred to prosecutors over song satirising Ukraine war

Thursday 26 January 2023 17:31 , Andy Gregory

A famous Russian comic has been referred to prosecutors over a new song satirising Moscow’s war in Ukraine – by a patriotic organisation which believes it discredits the army, which now a criminal offence.

The song, by Semyon Slepakov, is called “Lullaby” and likens Russia, with dark irony, to a mother who glorifies the idea of dying on the battlefields of Ukraine and believes it is her sons’ duty to lay down their lives for her own greatness.

Slepakov has more than 1.4 million followers on YouTube, where a video of him singing his song with a guitar has been viewed over 700,000 times since it was released on Tuesday and tens of thousands of times on other platforms.

Putin’s Ukraine invasion has pushed Sweden and Finland to join Nato – but Turkey is blocking it

Thursday 26 January 2023 17:02 , Andy Gregory

Our international correspondent Borzou Daragahi reports:

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has has created a moment of existential crisis for Europe, with Finland and Sweden seeking the security of Nato membership. However Turkey’s opposition to that expansion – as its leader faces a tight spring presidential election – threatens that plan.

Turkey’s long-troubled relationship with Sweden has taken on a whole new dimension since the burning of a copy of the Quran by a far-right politician at a protest outside the Turkish embassy in Stockholm at the weekend, and demonstrators last week also hung an effigy of president Recep Tayyip Erdogan from a lamppost in the Swedish capital.

“At this point I fail to see how the situation could get even worse,” says Paul Levin, an international affairs expert focused on Turkey and Europe at Stockholm University.

“It’s a volatile mix of a Turkish president facing an election and needing a fight, and Swedish groups on the far right and left who may use free speech to provoke Erdogan in order to sabotage the Nato process.”

You can read the full report here:

Why Turkey is blocking Sweden and Finland attempts to join Nato

Who benefits the most from Boris Johnson’s support of Ukraine?

Thursday 26 January 2023 16:30 , Eleanor Noyce

Having the former prime minister in full flight on the other side makes life that bit more difficult for those of us trying to argue against escalation, writes Mary Dejevsky:

Who benefits the most from Boris Johnson’s support of Ukraine? | Mary Dejevsky

Biden-Harris administration welcomes Ukraine Steering Committee, discussing economic support and recovery

Thursday 26 January 2023 16:10 , Eleanor Noyce

Today, Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics Mike Pyle co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the Ukraine Multi-agency Donor Coordination Platform’s Steering Committee.

Representatives from G7 countries, the Government of Ukraine, and the international financial institutions discussed how to better coordinate economic support for Ukraine’s immediate financing needs and future economic recovery and reconstruction efforts.

The steering committee delivered on G7 Leaders’ December 2022 commitment, further exemplifying the Biden-Harris Administration’s support for Ukraine.

The committee committed to working closely with Ukrainian authorities on economic needs, furthering Ukraine’s reform ambitions and delivering economic assistance to stabilise Ukraine’s economy and facilitate recovery.

Mr Pyle welcomed opening remarks from Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, working with his co-chairs, Finance Minister of Ukraine, Sergii Marchenko, and the European Commission Director General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Gert Jan Koopman, and in close consultation with Japan in its G7 Presidency role.

Russia ‘used hypersonic missiles’ in today’s attacks, Ukraine confirms

Thursday 26 January 2023 15:50 , Eleanor Noyce

The commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, Valery Zaluzhnyi, has confirmed that Russia “used hypersonic missiles” in today’s attacks.

Mr Zaluzhnyi confirmed that Russian forces used “Kinzhal” hypersonic missiles to strike targets across the country.

47 winged missiles were destroyed by the Ukrainian military, of which 20 were in Kyiv.

Three of out of four X-59 controlled air missiles “failed to achieve their goals”, Mr Zaluzhnyi added.

“The goal of the Russians remains unchanged - psychological pressure on Ukrainians and destruction of critical infrastructure.

“But we can not be broken!”

Moscow describes German provision of tanks to Ukraine as ‘extremely dangerous decision’

Thursday 26 January 2023 15:20 , Eleanor Noyce

Moscow’s ambassador to Germany has described the plan to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine as an “extremely dangerous decision.”

Sergei Nechaev said that this would take the war to a “new level of confrontation.”

“Germany and its closest allies are not interested in a diplomatic solution, being determined to permanently escalate and pump the Kyiv regime with more lethal weapons”, Mr Nechaev furthered.

UK to begin training Ukrainian soldiers on tanks next week

Thursday 26 January 2023 15:00 , Eleanor Noyce

The UK will begin training Ukrainian soldiers next week on how to use and fix the contingent of tanks being sent to the war-torn country.

Defence minister Alex Chalk told the Commons: “On the issue of training, I am pleased to say that is expected to start next week on Monday.”

On when Challenger 2 tanks would arrive in Ukraine, he added: “The intention is that it will be at the end of March, and between now and then a really significant programme of training, not just for the tank crews who are to operate this vehicle, but also for those who will be charged with maintaining it.”

Mr Chalk earlier told MPs: “Equipping Ukraine to push Russia out of its territory is as important as equipping them to defend what they already have. Together we will continue supporting Ukraine to move from resisting Russian forces to expelling them from Ukrainian soil.”

The minister also welcomed announcements by the German and US governments that they would send tanks to Ukraine, adding: “Our united resolve can and will prove decisive. In 2023 we are more determined than ever. We will support Ukraine for as long as it takes.”

Russia’s latest attacks killed 11 people and wounded 11 more, Ukraine officials say

Thursday 26 January 2023 14:38 , Eleanor Noyce

Emergency officials in Ukraine say Russia’s latest drone and missile attacks killed 11 people and wounded 11 more.

Russia launched a rush-hour barrage of missiles across Ukraine – killing one person in Kyiv – the day after President Volodymyr Zelensky secured Western pledges of dozens of tanks to help in the country’s war effort.

Air raid sirens wailed nationwide, while booms were heard by The Independent around Kyiv, where the head of the city administration said that 15 cruise missiles were shot down.

Air force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat said as many as six Tu-95 warplanes had taken off from the Arctic region of Murmansk in northern Russia and launched long-range missiles. He said there was a volley of more than 30 missiles.

Restocking of UK military supplies a “sensitive” topic, says UK defence minister

Thursday 26 January 2023 14:20 , Eleanor Noyce

Addressing the issue of restocking the UK’s military supplies, defence minister Alex Chalk suggested these discussions were too sensitive to be had on the floor of the Commons.

Mr Chalk was responding to shadow defence minister Rachel Hopkins’ question about how many contracts have been signed to replenish UK stockpiles of weapons sent to Ukraine.

“What steps is the minister taking to ramp up production of ammunition and equipment to restock our own armed forces and to support Ukraine? It took 287 days in to the start of the invasion for the defence secretary to get his act together and sign a new contract to replenish N-Laws (anti-tank weapons) for our armed forces and for Ukraine”, she remarked.

Mr Chalk replied: “On the issue of restocking, she is right. She will understand that there are operational sensitivities which mean that I can’t go into the detail of exactly what is going to be restocked and when.

“But she will know, and the privy councillors including from the Opposition have been given a briefing on that, that is exactly what we should be doing to ensure that those who need to know these sensitive details are told what they properly can be.”

Labour welcomes UK & Nato ally move to send tanks to Ukraine

Thursday 26 January 2023 13:57 , Eleanor Noyce

Labour has welcomed moves by the UK and Nato allies to send tanks to Ukraine.

Shadow defence minister Rachel Hopkins told the Commons: “The UK remains united in its support of Ukraine. The first package of UK military assistance for 2023 with tanks, artillery, infantry vehicles, ammunition and missiles has Labour’s fullest support.

“We warmly welcome announcements from Germany, the US, France and Poland that they will be sending tanks and that Germany will grant export licences to allow others to follow suit. This will provide more of the equipment Ukraine needs to win at a pivotal moment.

“This is an historic move from Germany in particular and Nato allies continue to move in lockstep to provide vital support.”

She also urged ministers to replenish the UK’s supply of arms after its donations to Ukraine, telling them: “What steps is the minister taking to ramp up production of ammunition and equipment to restock our own armed forces and to support Ukraine?

“It took 287 days in to the start of the invasion for the Defence Secretary to get his act together and sign a new contract to replenish N-Laws (anti-tank weapons) for our armed forces and for Ukraine.

“So how many more contracts have been signed to replenish UK stockpiles of other weapons sent to Ukraine?”

Zelensky reveals whether he would back Boris Johnson to return as PM

Thursday 26 January 2023 13:30 , Eleanor Noyce

Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky has praised his “special bond” with Boris Johnson - but said it is “not correct” for him to support any comeback bid by the former prime minister.

Mr Zelensky was quizzed in an interview with Sky News on his relationship with the former British PM, who he previously called a “true friend” during Mr Johnson’s final days in office.

Mr Johnson was one of the most vocal backers of Ukraine on the world stage after the Russian invasion began last year, and since leaving No 10 he has continued to offer support to Mr Zelensky.

But Mr Zelensky insisted it is “not correct” for him to support any comeback bid, saying he has “good relations” with Rishi Sunak.

Katy Clifton reports:

Zelensky reveals whether he would back Boris Johnson to return as PM

Thursday 26 January 2023 13:00 , Eleanor Noyce

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked allies following the provision of German tanks.

“Today is a day of extremely good news for Ukraine. There is a tank coalition”, Mr Zelensky stated in his nightly address.

“There is a decision to launch the supply of tanks for our defence. Modern tanks.

“I started this day with a conversation with Chancellor Scholz, primarily about Leopards for Ukraine. And this is exactly the kind of conversation we expected.

“I thank Mr. Chancellor, all German politicians and public figures for their willingness to strengthen the defense of Europe.

“There is a very powerful step by the United States…Ukraine will receive Abrams. Thank you for this decision.”

KEY POST: Moscow accuses West of ‘direct involvement’ over tank provision conflict

Thursday 26 January 2023 12:50 , Eleanor Noyce

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has accused the West of “direct involvement” in the conflict over the provision of tanks to Ukraine.

“European capitals and Washington constantly give statements that sending various types of weapons, including tanks, in no way means their involvement in hostilities,” Mr Peskov told Sky News.

“We strongly disagree with this. In Moscow, this is perceived as direct involvement in the conflict and we see that this is growing.”

Japanese prime minister considering a visit to Ukraine depending on "various circumstances”

Thursday 26 January 2023 12:30 , Eleanor Noyce

Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida said during a parliamentary session that he would consider visiting the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv depending on “various circumstances.”

“Nothing has been decided at this point, but we will consider,” Mr Kishida said, as reported by Kyodo News.

A ruling party lawmaker had previously urged Mr Kishida to follow the leaders of allied countries in the Group of Seven. Japan is preparing to host an upcoming G7 summit in Hiroshima in May.