Category: War in Ukraine

DONETSKOBLGAZ suspends natural gas distribution in Pokrovsk due to significant damage to gas pipelines and constant shelling. Customers are asked to turn off gas taps on appliances and gas pipelines.

Starting December 12, gas supply to houses in Pokrovsk, Donetsk region, will be cut off due to constant shelling by the Russian Federation . This was reported by Donetskoblgaz, according to UNN.

Due to the aggravation of the situation related to the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation, the distribution of natural gas in Pokrovsk is suspended from 12.12.2024

– the regional gas company said in a statement.

It is noted that due to significant damage to gas pipelines and constant enemy attacks, it is impossible to eliminate the consequences of military operations on the gas distribution system and restore gas supply to subscribers.

Residents of Pokrovsk were asked to turn off the gas taps on gas appliances and on the gas pipeline to the appliances. Subscribers of the private sector need to close the shut-off device on the gas pipeline-the entrance to the House.

Shocking drone footage: military shows what Toretsk looks like nowDec 10 2024, 12:08 PM • 8055 views

Some 70.3% of Ukrainians are in favor of their country's gradual accession into NATO in a model resembling the entry of West Germany, according to a survey by the Kyiv-based New Europe Center published on Dec. 10.

A key difference is that the invitation would encompass the entire Ukraine, but the alliance's defensive "umbrella" would extend to the occupied territories only after their future liberation.

Talks about a possible post-war security structure grew increasingly relevant as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump showed reluctance to maintain long-term support for Ukraine and pledged to push both sides to the negotiating table.

As Russia holds the upper hand on the battlefield and the prospects of liberating occupied territories militarily appear slim in the near future, NATO accession pathways resembling that of West Germany begin to gain traction both in the West and Kyiv.

West Germany entered the alliance in 1955, with the territories of East Germany joining only after the country's reunification in 1990.

The growing difficulties are also reflected in the New Europe Center's survey. While the majority of Ukrainians remain distrustful of Russia and are averse to making concessions, the latter indicator has decreased in comparison to last year.

At the same time, the Ukrainians are reluctant to enter talks with Russia without security guarantees, believing that a ceasefire would simply give Moscow a chance to recover and launch another war.

According to the poll, 64.1% of Ukrainians do not believe that talks with Russia are worthwhile without appropriate security guarantees by the West. In comparison, 30% favor negotiations without preconditions, believing Ukraine does not have the resources to sustain a war of attrition.

Some 31.3% of respondents consider the development of nuclear weapons — a step rejected by Kyiv — to be the most effective security guarantee. Only a slightly smaller number — 29.3% —see the accession to NATO as the most optimal course. Only 6.4% of Ukrainians have trust in the possible deployment of European peacekeepers in Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Dec. 1 that if Ukraine were to join NATO, the alliance's Article 5 collective defense principle may not apply to Ukrainian territories facing active combat. This marked a notable shift in Ukraine's rhetoric, which previously insisted on fully restoring territorial integrity as a precondition for a successful peace settlement.

More recent statements show a willingness to temporarily forego military liberation in the occupied territories for security guarantees, namely NATO membership. Zelensky said certain regions, like Crimea, might have to be liberated through diplomacy.

As signs of talks about West Germany model for Ukraine peace emerge, experts weigh in on feasibilityUkraine is seeking membership in the NATO military alliance as a part of its plan to end Russia’s war, and recent reports suggest a West Germany model is seriously being discussed among Kyiv and its allies. During a September visit to the U.S., Head of the Presidential OfficeThe Kyiv IndependentAsami Terajima

China is introducing new restrictions on the export of key components for the production of UAVs to the United States and Europe. This could significantly affect the production of drones in Ukraine, as China controls 80% of the component market.

China has begun to reduce the supply of important components for the production of drones to Europe and the United States, which could negatively affect Ukraine's defense capabilities.

Reports UNN with reference to Bloomberg.

Details

China has begun cutting supplies of key components for drones (including civilian ones) – for both American and European companies.

According to Bloomberg, there is speculation that the relevant steps are a prelude to broader export restrictions on drone parts. Beijing will put them into effect in the new year, sources say.

According to one of the interlocutors, these rules can take the form of licensing permits based on the intended use of components or more lenient requirements for Chinese companies to notify the government of their supply plans.

In July 2024, China announced a ban on the export of drones for military use, while Beijing claims that it does not supply weapons to any of the parties to the conflict. But European officials say Chinese companies are developing attack drones for Russia's aggressive actions, particularly Russia's war in Ukraine.

How Russia, China and nuclear weapons are involved in unknown drones in the UK – expertDec 1 2024, 03:26 AM • 61151 view

Bloomberg recalls that the trade conflict between the West and China escalated this month when Washington restricted sales of high-bandwidth memory chips and additional semiconductor equipment to China.

In response, Beijing banned the sale of dual-use goods to the US military,as well as several high-tech and military-grade materials to American companies.

Measures taken weeks before Donald Trump returns to the presidency with a tough agenda for China have led to a sharp rise in prices.

China's embargo on drone components will affect UAV production in Ukraine

Western countries are trying to build and assemble drones outside of China to secure their supply chains. But the PRC remains the center of production of cheap equipment for these devices. According to a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, China controls almost 80% of the commercial drone market.

Many UAV manufacturers in Ukraine rely on Chinese components to produce cheap and effective weapons, which have become crucial in countering Russian aggression.

About 50 manufacturers from China supply components for UAVs used by the enemy to attack Ukraine – Oleksandr RuvinOct 8 2024, 07:30 AM • 101322 views

Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least three civilians and injured at least 14 over the past day, regional authorities reported on the morning of Dec. 10.

Russian strikes against Donetsk Oblast killed two people and injured seven, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported.

One death and two injuries were reported after attacks against the town of Mykolaivka, and the same casualty figures were recorded in the village of Stara Mykolaivka. Two people were injured in the town of Kostiantynivka and one in Novoekonomichne, the governor said.

In Kherson Oblast, one person was killed and seven injured in Russian attacks, Governor Oleksandr Prokudin said.

Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Mykolaiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts were also attacked, but no casualties were reported.

Ukraine won’t trade young soldiers’ lives for better weapons, Zelensky says“The priority should be providing missiles and lowering Russia’s military potential, not Ukraine’s draft age. The goal should be to preserve as many lives as possible, not to preserve weapons in storage.”The Kyiv IndependentAbbey Fenbert

As part of the HOME project, more than 1,800 families whose homes were destroyed received compensation through housing certificates. Ukraine received a second tranche of €30 million from the Council of Europe Development Bank to pay for more than 800 certificates.

As part of the project “HOME: Compensation for Destroyed Housing” project, more than 1,800 people whose housing was destroyed have exercised their right to compensation using a housing certificate and purchased new housing.

This is reported by The Ministry of community and territory development of Ukraine, writes UNN.

Details

This was made possible thanks to the financial support of the Development Bank of the Council of Europe in the framework of the Project "HOME: compensation for destroyed housing".

This year, in June, during the Ukraine Recovery Conference, Ukraine and the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB) signed a loan agreement worth 100 million euros

Ukraine has received the second tranche of 30 million euros, which is used to pay for more than 800 housing certificates. The Development Bank of the Council of Europe, based on the results of the distribution of the first tranche in the amount of 70 million euros, allocated the following financing in accordance with the terms of the agreement

-said Deputy Prime Minister for restoration Alexey Kuleba.

The Project" HOME: compensation for destroyed housing " provides that owners of housing certificates received under the state program of compensation for damaged and destroyed housing will be able to purchase new homes instead of those destroyed due to Russian aggression.

First of all, the program is valid for participants of military operations, defenders and defenders who are returning and in need of recovery, people with disabilities and large families.

The funds have already been credited to the current account of Ukrposhta. Currently, owners of housing certificates receive notifications in the Diya app or in their personal account on the Diya portal about booking funds. Then they choose housing and apply to a notary to formalize the purchase and sale agreement within 30 days. Cooperation with the Council of Europe Development Bank to support affected individuals continues in 2025

,” said Deputy Minister Natalia Kozlovska.

Currently, the state register of damaged and destroyed property (RPSM) has recorded more than 240 thousand real estate objects. The state continues to work to support people affected by Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine.

recall

The Cabinet of ministers allowed to buy housing no older than 10 years in Chernihiv, Kharkiv, Zaporizhia, Sumy and Kherson regions under the yoselya program. This will facilitate the return of people to unoccupied territories and support internally displaced persons.

Russia has lost 755,940 troops in Ukraine since the beginning of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on Dec. 10.

This number includes 1,350 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.

According to the report, Russia has also lost 9,524 tanks, 19,596 armored fighting vehicles, 31,037 vehicles and fuel tanks, 21,064 artillery systems, 1,253 multiple launch rocket systems, 1,023 air defense systems, 369 airplanes, 329 helicopters, 20,107 drones, 28 ships and boats, and one submarine.

Ukraine won’t trade young soldiers’ lives for better weapons, Zelensky says“The priority should be providing missiles and lowering Russia’s military potential, not Ukraine’s draft age. The goal should be to preserve as many lives as possible, not to preserve weapons in storage.”The Kyiv IndependentAbbey Fenbert

Over the last day, 175 combat engagements took place, with the largest number of attacks in the Pokrovsk sector – 51. The enemy carried out 37 air strikes and fired over 4,000 times, using 1,617 kamikaze drones.

Over the last day, 175 combat engagements took place in the frontline, 51 of them in the Pokrovsk sector. Active combat also took place in the Kurakhove sector. This is stated in the report of the General Staff as of 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, UNN reports .

According to updated information, the enemy launched 37 air strikes on the positions of Ukrainian units and settlements, dropping 57 guided aerial bombs. In addition, he carried out more than four thousand attacks, including 115 from multiple launch rocket systems, and used 1,617 kamikaze drones to hit.

Over the past day, missile forces of the Defense Forces hit the control point of the Russian invaders.

In the Kharkiv direction , the enemy conducted offensive operations six times in the areas of Glubokoe and Volchansk.

The number of military clashes per day in the Kupyansky direction reached seven. The defense forces repelled the attacks of the invaders in the areas of Lozovaya and Zagrizovo.

In the Limansky direction, our troops stopped 14 enemy attacks. The main efforts of the invaders were concentrated in the areas of Grekovka, Zeleny Gai, Nadezhda, Makeyevka, Torsky and Yampolovka.

Two attempts of the invaders to move forward near Chasovy Yar and Orekhovo-Vasilyevka were stopped by Ukrainian soldiers in the Kramatorsk direction.

In The Turkish direction the enemy tried to advance eight times in the areas of Toretsk, Shcherbinovka and Nelipovka.

Fifty-one attacks over the past day were repelled by our defenders in the Pokrovsky direction. Enemy troops are most active near Mirolyubovka, Lisovka, Luch, Dachensky, Chumatsky and Shevchenko.

The Defense Forces continue to hold the enemy in the Kurakhovsky direction. in the areas of Solntsevka, Starye Terny, Zarya, Dalny, Dachny and Kurakhovo, the invaders tried to sell Ukrainian defensive lines 40 times.

Twenty-seven enemy attacks were stopped by our defenders in the direction of Konstantinopol, Novoselka and near Sukhoi Yalov, Storozhevoye, Neskuchny and Blagodatny in the Vremovsky direction.

Seven unsuccessful attempts to seize the positions of our defenders over the past day were made by the enemy in the Dnieper direction.

Plus 1,350 occupants, 5 tanks and 14 drones: General Staff updates data on enemy lossesDec 10 2024, 06:08 AM • 4544 views

The operational situation in Volyn and Polessky directions without significant changes. No signs of forming enemy offensive groups were found.

On the border with the Chernihiv region, the enemy maintains a military presence, conducts reconnaissance activities and artillery attacks.

The Defense Forces of Ukraine continue to conduct operations in Kursk Region, where the enemy conducted 11 assaults on the positions of Ukrainian units over the past day.

Russia’s spending on “national defense” reached an unprecedented $43 billion in the third quarter of 2024, The Moscow Times reported on Dec. 9.

From July to September, the Russian government spent an average of $3.29 billion per week, or $19.6 million per hour, on military maintenance and arms purchases, based on an exchange rate of 100 rubles per dollar.

Both open and classified defense expenditures soared. Publicly disclosed spending totaled $13.81 billion, up 71% from the previous quarter, while classified spending surged 131% to $29.47 billion.

This marks an 80% increase compared to the second quarter and a 53% year-on-year rise.

This single-quarter defense expenditure is nearly triple Russia’s annual higher education budget of $15.46 billion and about 15 times the yearly budgets of regions such as Irkutsk ($2.7 billion) or Novosibirsk ($3.33 billion).

Spending on military salaries, including substantial bonuses for contract workers, rose by 26% year-over-year to $6.14 billion.

Additionally, expenditures on “military cooperation with foreign countries,” potentially including Iranian drones and North Korean munitions, reached a record $1.73 billion in Q3.

Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a federal budget on Dec. 1 with record defense spending over the next three years.

In 2025, military expenditures will reach 13.5 trillion rubles ($126 billion), or over 6% of GDP, exceeding combined spending on education, healthcare, social policy, and the economy.

While military spending is projected to decline slightly in 2026 and 2027, it will remain substantial at 12.8 trillion rubles ($114.9 billion) and 13.1 trillion rubles ($122.4 billion).

Russia has spent $200 billion on full-scale war in Ukraine, suffered 700,000 casualties, Austin saysRussia has spent at least $200 billion on its war with Ukraine since the start of its full-scale invasion in 2022, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin said at a conference on Dec. 7 in California.The Kyiv IndependentBoldizsar Gyori

There is one Russian carrier ship without Kalibr cruise missiles in the Black Sea. There are 6 enemy ships in the Mediterranean, 4 of which have 41 missiles on board.

One enemy Kalibr carrier without cruise missiles is on combat duty in the Black Sea, the Ukrainian Navy reports, UNN reports.

In the Black Sea, there is 1 enemy ship, which is the carrier of Kalibr cruise missiles, with a total salvo of 0 missiles, in the Sea of Azov there are no enemy ships,

– the statement said.

Details

It is also reported that there are 6 enemy ships in the Mediterranean Sea, 4 of them are carriers of Kalibr cruise missiles, with a total salvo of up to 41 missiles.

Over the past day, due to weather conditions, no passes through the Kerch Strait were recorded.

Pletenchuk on the russian military-industrial complex and missile buildup: "Although lame, it works"Nov 15 2024, 10:16 AM • 15613 views

Ukraine successfully returned five children from Russia and Russian-occupied territories as part of the "Bring Kids Back UA" initiative, Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak announced early on Dec. 10.

Among those rescued were three young Ukrainians who had just turned 18. Yermak added that two of them suffered from psychological pressure while living in Russia, and the third, a young man without family support, finally managed to leave the occupied territory.

The initiative also helped a family of four, including children aged 11 and 14, who faced persecution for their pro-Ukrainian position. They also assisted a 77-year-old woman who could not evacuate on her own. "Their stories reveal the terror and fear people endure under occupation," Yermak said.

Since February 2022, at least 20,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted from Russian-occupied territories and sent to other Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine or to Russia itself, according to a Ukrainian national database "Children of War."

The Ukrainian Parliament’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets, estimates that Russia has unlawfully deported up to 150,000 Ukrainian children, while the Children’s Ombudswoman, Daria Herasymchuk, puts the figure at 200,000–300,000.

A Yale School of Public Health study published on Dec. 3 detailsed Russia's systematic program of deporting and forcibly assimilating Ukrainian children.

Under orders from Russian President Vladimir Putin, children were transported via military aircraft in 2022, reclassified in Russian databases as native-born, and subjected to pro-Russian re-education before being adopted into Russian families. Ukrainian children had been transported to at least 21 regions throughout Russia.

Ukraine names pro-Russian collaborators suspected of forcibly deporting Ukrainian childrenOne suspect was identified by the Kyiv Independent’s War Crimes Investigations Unit in the documentary “Uprooted.”The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent news desk