The last few days of the war in Ukraine have been at a standstill, where much of the action has been behind closed doors. Blackouts continue in Ukraine, as energy grids are repaired and then damaged the following day. Ukrainians are used to air raid sirens as the Russians have a new supply of drones to use, and the world waits to see what part Belarus will play in this war with Putin making a visit to Minsk to meet with Lukashenko.
The war will not end this year, but we should think of the brave Ukrainians who are enduring harsh conditions under threat from the Russians on a daily basis, in the name of retaining their freedom and liberty.
There is some war fatigue in the news, and for security reasons some stories must be held back, especially those concerning war crimes and the actions of NATO. What the public want to see is some leadership from the UN and other international alliances other than holding summits and making statements.
Day 298 (18 December
Ukrainians in Mykolaiv have erected a Christmas tree of invincibility, made of camouflage nets. After Christmas, they will be donated to Ukrainian soldiers on the front line.
The Battle for Bakhmut continues where there seems to be little left of the city, and reports state the Russians have increased their attacks on the city
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The US is beginning to act a little more swiftly these days. It has been reported that the US is now looking at ways to defend the skies (which is what Ukrainians asked for back in March), and also to send equipment to repair the damaged energy infrastructure due to the constant Russian missile bombardment.
Ukraine has launched attacks on the border city of Belgorod, killing one and injuring around seven people as Ukraine targets Russian military infrastructure.
Azerbaijan has sent a shipment of generators and energy equipment to Ukraine. Even countries with limited resources are supporting Ukraine, especially former Soviet states.
Reports claim that North Korea may have supplied Russia with arms which breaches a UN embargo. It’s time the UN stepped up because Russia isn’t afraid of the UN and seem to ignore all the rules because they know the UN is weak.
Day 299 (19 December)
Putin travelled to Minsk to meet with Lukashenko, and it is the first time in 3 years since Putin visited Belarus. Lukashenko typically travels to Moscow to meet with Putin, so it is significant for Putin to choose to come to Belarus to discuss military cooperation. Apparently the meeting lasted over 2 hours, with both parties posing for photos afterwards.
Putin claimed he was not looking to absorb anyone, but was there to assist Belarus again common unspecified enemies. He failed to mention that he was seeking to ‘absorb’ Ukraine after occupying Crimea, and parts of the Donbas region. Lukashenko thanked Russia for providing them with the S-400 air defence system and Iskandr ballistic missile system
Belarus has been taking part in military drills with Russia since April, but could this be seen as a threat to the West? Are the Russians and Belarusians weighing their options and looking for the most opportune time to launch another attack?
The US says it is monitoring the situation, and Ukraine has increased border controls in the area. This could be a military tactic to deploy troops to the border rather then to send troops to the Donbas or Crimea, However, after the failed attempt earlier in the year to seize Kyiv, it was only a matter of time before Russia would make another attempt.
Canada is the first country that is seeking legal action to claim $28 million from Roman Abramovich’s company, and to transfer the funds to help the restoration of Ukraine. If successful, then other countries could seek similar action to seize funds from sanctioned entities
Germany has frozen $5.36 billion of Russian assets.
Reports claim that Russian factories are working around the clock to produce munitions and equipment for the war.
Reports claim that Russia has received 250 kamikaze drones from Iran, hence the fresh wave of missile attacks.
Moldova admits that the chances of a Russian invasion are high, and it is dependent on what happens in Ukraine.
Day 300 (20 December)
Zelenskyy makes an unannounced visit to Bakhmut, which is the hotspot for intense fighting due to the presence of the Wagner mercenaries. The visit was more of a morale boost where Zelenskyy handed out some awards, and the soldiers presented him with a signed flag and asked him to present it to the US Congress. The Russians have been in Bakhmut since May and has been targeted as a gateway to key cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk in the Donbas region.
There has been a fire in a gas pipeline in Russia (Vurnarskiy Rayon), which supplies gas to Europe via Ukraine. A gas leak apparently occurred at the Urengoy-Pomary-Uzhhord pipeline.
The US is to send Patriot missiles and precision bomb kits in the next military aid package. Russia had warned that they would consider this act of provocation, so all sides should anticipate some kind of retaliation from Russia.
Russian troops have moved equipment closer towards the south, and the border with northern Ukraine. Reports claim that the numbers are small and would not be considered to be an offensive move. The official line is that the two countries are carrying out military drills, and that’s how the 24 February 2022 invasion began.
I've read that President Zelensky is planning on visiting the U.S. on Wednesday. I believe it was around Christmas time in the early day of World War 2 that Prime Minister Churchill visited Washington (just remembering, if my memory serves me right).