Ukraine: Zelensky hits jackpot with new fighter jets to crush Putin after US steps in
VOLODYMYR ZELENSKY has been given 12 fighter jets in the latest blow to Vladimir Putin.
Russia: Ammunition depot destroyed by Ukraine
Slovakia presented the Ukrainian Air Force with a dozen MiG-29 Jets to help in the fight against Russian forces. Reports suggest the planes will be delivered after Poland and Czechia agreed to protect Slovak air space until the country receives its F-16s from the US. It comes as Luhansk Governor Serhit Haidai said around 500 civilians are sheltering in the Azot chemical plant in Severodonetsk. He said the situation is a "sheer catastrophe" as Russian turns the area "into ruins".
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KEY EVENTS
Ukraine and Russia to commemorate joint WW2 anniversary despite fierce fighting
Ukraine and Russia are set to commemorate the anniversary of Hitler’s invasion of the Soviet Union in the Second World War while fighting each other in eastern Ukraine.
Wednesday June 22 is a day of commemoration and remembrance in both countries of the invasion in 1941.
The anniversary comes as fighting has intensified in the East with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky admitting that Russia is a strong force to fight in the region.
In Russia the date is known as the ‘Day of Remembrance and Sorrow” and it is marked in Ukraine and Belarus, which were part of the Soviet Union at the time.
The invasion which occurred on June 22 1941, lasted for 1,418 days during which an estimated 27 million Soviet soldiers and civilians died.
To mark the day, Russian President Vladimir Putin is to lay flowers to honour those who died during the war there.
The Russian defence ministry also released documents from the Second World War allegedly showing Germany’s intention to claim the Soviet forces were bombing churches and cemeteries in a move to justify its invasion.
The defence ministry said: “Just as nowadays, in 1941, the Nazis prepared provocations in advance to discredit our state.”
The comment comes after the Kremlin has pedalled the idea that its invasion of Ukraine was to ‘de-nazify’ the country and liberate it.
Ukraine war could become ‘waiting game’ between Russia and Europe, Biden admits
President Joe Biden described the war in Ukraine as a “waiting game” that was in part a test of wills between US allies in Europe and the Russians.
The US President admitted that the conflict over Ukraine could become an endurance contest between Russia and Europe.
He said: “I do think that at some point there will be a bit of a waiting game - what the Russians can handle and what Europe will be willing to handle.”
On Tuesday the US slammed the Kremlin as “appalling” for suggesting that two US citizens captured while fighting for Ukraine against the Russian invasion could face execution.
John Kirby, a White House spokesman, spoke to reporters after the Kremlin spokesman said the two men are not protected by the Geneva Conventions on prisoners of war.
He said: “It's appalling that a public official in Russia would even suggest the death penalty for two American citizens that were in Ukraine.”
Mr Kirby, spokesman for foreign policy at the White House, said the Kremlin was being at minimum reckless with the comments.
He said: “Whether they actually mean what they're saying here, and that this could be an outcome, that they could levy a death penalty against two Americans that were fighting in Ukraine, or that they just feel that it's a responsible thing for a major power to do, to talk about doing this..., either one of them is equally alarming.”
Russian naval tug 'destroyed' as Ukraine launches 'massive' mission to retake Snake Island
A Russian naval tug has been “destroyed” as Ukrainian forces launch a “massive” mission to reclaim Snake Island, according to intelligence updates from London and Moscow.
Volodymyr Zelensky's troops mounted an attack on Russian forces who took control of Snake Island at the beginning of the invasion.
Snake Island, which is known as Zmiinyi Island in Ukrainian, is considered a key outpost in the Black Sea and has long been a disputed territory.
It has been considered a significant and symbolic island after footage circulated on social media showing Ukrainian border guards tell an approaching Russian vessel to “go f**k yourself”.
Ukraine previously attempted to take back Snake Island, which is situated near the Ukrainian and Romanian coasts along the Black Sea, last month.
A briefing issued from Russia's defence ministry confirmed a mission was launched at 5am on June 20.
The briefing claimed: “The Kyiv regime undertook another mad attempt to take possession of Snake Island.”
According to the Telegraph, 15 Ukrainian attack and reconnaissance drones took part in the airstrike.
Missile launchers and howitzers were also fired at the island.
Russia tank blows up into fireball after accidentally driving onto mine field - VIDEO
Moscow's military suffers another devastating blow as Ukrainian footage of a Russian tank exploding after contact with a ground mine has been revealed.
Shocking video footage from Ukraine has shown a Kremlin tank destroyed in a huge explosion after accidentally driving through a minefield.
The Russian tank can be seen moving through what appears to be a rural field when the armoured vehicle explodes in a huge plume of fire and smoke.
The tank destroyed has been identified as a T-72B3, a more modernised version of the Soviet-era main battle tank, the Russian T-72.
The destruction of advanced military equipment is likely to further slow the progress of President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine as the Kremlin struggles to replace the units being lost on the frontline, creating serious military shortages.
'Finally something worthy' Ukraine receives German howitzers to repel Russian troops
German self-propelled howitzers arrived in Ukraine in the first delivery of heavy weapons by Berlin since the start of the war four months ago.
The Panzerhaubitze 2000, one of the most powerful artillery weapons in German Army inventories, made it to war-torn Ukraine on Tuesday after repeated calls across the political spectrum and among the public for Olaf Scholz's government to ramp up the country's aid for Kyiv.
One prominent national reporter called the shipment "finally something worth complimenting Germany for".
The weapon can hit targets at a distance of 40 kilometres (25 miles).
Berlin pledged to supply Kyiv with seven self-propelled howitzers back in May, adding to five such artillery systems the Netherlands had already promised.
Although the shipment falls short of fulfilling Ukraine's needs — Kyiv has previously said it needs 1,000 howitzers, 500 tanks and 1,000 drones to repel Russian troops — Germany's contribution was received with praise.
Good Evening
Good evening I’m Emma Crabtree, I’ll be bringing you all the latest developments on Ukraine for the next few hours. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.
Email: emma.crabtree@reachplc.com
Twitter: @emmacrabtree98
One person killed in Donetsk
One person has been killed in Donetsk Oblast on Tuesday.
A further 19 people have been injured, according to governor Pavlo Kyrylenko.
The person was killed in Chasiv Yar settlement.
\u26a1\ufe0f One civilian killed, 19 injured in Donetsk Oblast after Russian attacks on June 21.
\u2014 The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) June 21, 2022
According to Donetsk Oblast Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko, one person was killed in Chasiv Yar settlement.
Nineteen people were injured all over the region.
Russian oligarch exposes ‘criminal organisation’ running country
A Russian oligarch exposed the "criminal organisation" running the country in a chilling insight during an unearthed documentary.
Although some of Russia’s business elites are allies to Putin, many others have experienced his wrath, such as Kremlin critic Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who was jailed for 10 years in October 2003, just eight months after he confronted Putin at a top-level meeting about corruption.
Speaking in the BBC’s 2018 documentary ‘Putin: The New Tsar’, he said: “By 2002, the lines had already been crossed.
“Probably, if I’d had a better understanding of the essence of this regime as a criminal organisation, I would have been able to oppose it more effectively.”
Situation is very difficult in Luhansk, says Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday said the military situation in the eastern region of Luhansk was very difficult as Russia stepped up an effort to evict Ukrainian troops from key areas.
"That is really the toughest spot. The occupiers are pressing strongly," Zelensky said in an evening video address.
EU grants Ukraine and Moldova candidate status
The EU has granted Ukraine and Moldova candidate status in a fresh blow to Vladimir Putin.
Draft conclusions by the European Council (EUCO) read: "The European Council recognises the European perspective of Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia. The future of these countries and their citizens lies within the European Union."
Estonia summons Russian ambassador
Estonia summoned the Russian ambassador on Tuesday to protest the violation of its national airspace by a Russian helicopter on June 18, the Baltic nation's foreign ministry said in a statement.
"Estonia considers this an extremely serious and regrettable incident that undoubtedly causes additional tensions and is completely unacceptable," the ministry said, repeating calls for Russian troops to leave Ukraine.
'Embrace Ukraine' rally takes place
An 'Embrace Ukraine' Charity rally is taking place in Amsterdam tonight.
President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola attended the rally.
She tweeted: "Ukraine's place is as part of the European Union family. We #StandWithUkraine today and we will stand with a free #Ukraine tomorrow. #StrivingTogether #SlavaUkraini."
Tonight in #Amsterdam \ud83c\uddf3\ud83c\uddf1 for the #EmbraceUkraine Charity rally.
\u2014 Roberta Metsola (@EP_President) June 21, 2022
Ukraine's place is as part of the European Union family.
We #StandWithUkraine today and we will stand with a free #Ukraine tomorrow.#StrivingTogether #SlavaUkraini \ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6 pic.twitter.com/Lnk1VzjQho
Russia has not provided U.S. additional details on whereabouts of Americans captured in Ukraine
Russian authorities have not provided the United States any additional details on the whereabouts of two Americans captured in Ukraine, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said.
Price told reporters the U.S. is pursuing every channel and every opportunity to learn more and support the families of Americans missing in Ukraine.
Americans Alexander Drueke, 39, and Andy Huynh, 27, went missing this month while fighting near Kharkiv. Russian state media later showed video interviews with the pair, saying they had been captured by Russian-backed forces.
Zelensky invites Micheál Martin to Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelensky has invited Taoiseach Micheál Martin on his first visit to Ukraine.
The Ukrainian President spoke to Mr Martin over the phone where he thanked Ireland for it's "active support" in Ukraine's bid for EU membership.
Mr Martin said he was "delighted" to speak to Zelensky adding: "We are, and will be, with Ukraine every step of the way".
Talked to @MichealMartinTD on the eve of the historic #EUCO meeting. Thanked for \ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddea active support of Ukraine's European aspirations and the status of a candidate for EU membership. Invited to make the first visit to \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6 in the history of bilateral relations. #EmbraceUkraine
\u2014 \u0412\u043e\u043b\u043e\u0434\u0438\u043c\u0438\u0440 \u0417\u0435\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0441\u044c\u043a\u0438\u0439 (@ZelenskyyUa) June 21, 2022
NATO warned 'prepare to defend weakest point'
NATO has been warned that it must pay closer attention to the Suwalki Gap, a 40-mile-long strip of border between Lithuania and Poland but flanked by Russia and Belarus, a potential invasion corridor for Vladimir Putin.
Around 40 miles (65 kilometres) long, the stretch of land is considered high risk if Russia decided to move into Belarus, or even station troops in the country as it did in Belarus' south at the beginning of the Ukraine war.
John R Deni, a research professor at the US Army War College’s Strategic Studies Institute and a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, recently wrote an analysis piece for Foreign Policy in which he warned that "NATO Must Prepare to Defend Its Weakest Point — the Suwalki Corridor."
Russia captures several more settlements
Russian forces have captured several settlements near the cities of Lysychansk and Sieverodonetsk, the regional governor said.
"Unfortunately, the enemy threw at it huge amounts of armaments and soldiers and captured Toshkivka," Serhiy Gaidai said.
Russian-backed separatist forces in Ukraine claimed on Monday to have taken Toshkivka.
Russian and Ukraine forces have been fighting for weeks for control of Sievierodonetsk.
Ukraine's general staff said in its daily report that Russian forces had also captured the settlements of Pidlisne and Myrna Dolyna, located to the south of Lysychansk.
Putin 'weaponsising food', say White House
Russian President Vladimir Putin is weaponizing food by blocking s grain exports and President Joe Biden is examining options on how to get the grain out, the White House said.
"President Putin is, no kidding, weaponising food. Let's just call it what it is, he's weaponizing food," John Kirby, a White House national security spokesperson, told reporters.
Boris holds urgent talks with Erdogan on Black Sea crisis
Boris Johnson has held urgent talks with Turkey's President over the Black Sea crisis.
The Prime Minister spoke with Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Tuesday about Russia’s blockade of Ukraine exports from the Black Sea.
However, Mr Johnson also told Mr Erdoğan the UK stands behind Finland and Sweden’s plans to join NATO, despite Turkey’s opposition to the countries joining the military bloc.
A statement from the Government said the two leaders "agreed on the importance of ending Russia's war of aggression and restoring Ukrainian sovereignty."
Four-way meeting to be held to discuss Black Sea grain corridor in Russia
Turkey's military delegation will travel to Russia this week to discuss details of a possible safe sea corridor in the Black Sea to export Ukrainian grain, according to Turkish presidency sources.
Russia's TASS agency confirmed plans for the talks citing Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.
Ankara has so far held talks with Moscow and the U.N. on the planned corridor, but has said any final agreement would require all parties to meet in Istanbul, where Turkey says the plan's implementation would be monitored.
Sources said a four-way meeting would be held between Turkey, Ukraine, Russia and the UN.
Russia captures settlement
Russian forces captured the settlement of Toshkivka southeast of the embattled city of Lysychansk in the Luhansk region, its governor said on Tuesday.
"Unfortunately, the enemy threw at it huge amounts of armament and soldiers, and captured Thskivka," governor Serhiy Gaidai told Ukraine's national broadcaster.
Russian heavy artillery is shelling Lysychansk intensively, but Ukrainian forces are holding the ground there, he added.
Ukraine given 12 fighter jets
Ukraine has been given 12 MiG-29 fighter jets from Slovakia to help fight Russian forces.
Reports suggest the planes will be delivered after Poland and Czechia agree to protect Slovak air space until the country receives its F-16s from the US.
BREAKING:
\u2014 Visegr\u00e1d 24 (@visegrad24) June 21, 2022
Slovakia has presented its plan of transferring its 12 MiG-29 fighter jets to the Ukrainian Air Force.
Business Insider reports that the planes will be delivered after Poland and Czechia agree to protect Slovak air space until the country receives its F-16s from USA. pic.twitter.com/HVMfo74VRr
IN PICTURES: The latest from Donetsk
Heavy fighting is now focused in eastern Ukraine with heavy Russian shelling and missile attacks destroying towns and cities.
Zelensky discusses speaks to European leaders ahead of summit
Volodymyr Zelensky has been speaking to European leaders ahead of the EU summit later this week.
EU leaders will consider whether to grant Ukraine candidate status at the summit.
On Tuesday Ukrainian president confirmed he has spoken to Denmark Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Portugals Prime Minister Antonio Costa, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Prime Minister of Slovakia Eduard Heger, and President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda.
Had a fruitful conversation with \ud83c\udded\ud83c\uddfa PM Viktor #Orban. Thanked for the support of \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6 sovereignty & the shelter for Ukrainians during the war. Agreed to develop cooperation in the energy sector. Grateful for supporting the candidate status for \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6. Invited him to visit Ukraine.
\u2014 \u0412\u043e\u043b\u043e\u0434\u0438\u043c\u0438\u0440 \u0417\u0435\u043b\u0435\u043d\u0441\u044c\u043a\u0438\u0439 (@ZelenskyyUa) June 21, 2022
'More chatter' about Putin's health, say officials
There is "more chatter" about Vladimir Putin's health and "more speculation" about who will replace him in Russia, Western officials have said.
The 2024 presidential election "is certainly looking more interesting than it perhaps was six months ago," the officials said.
However, there does not appear to be an "immediate threat" to the Russian president's position from the elite or the general population, they said, even as an estimated 20,000 Russian troops have been killed in the Ukraine war.
While there will be political consequences for the way Mr Putin is damaging Russia's standing in the world and its economy, they are not likely to happen this year or "in a way that helps Ukraine", they said.
Russia suffers 'significant losses' on Snake Island
Russian forces have suffered "significant losses" on Snake Island, according to Ukraine's Operations Command South.
It comes after a Ukrainian strike on the island in the Black Sea.
Russia has occupied the island since the invasion began at the end of February.
\u26a1\ufe0fUkraine\u2019s military: Russian forces suffer \u201csignificant losses\u201d after Ukrainian strike on Snake Island.
\u2014 The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) June 21, 2022
According to Ukraine\u2019s Operational Command South, the Ukrainian military operation on the island continues, and the details cannot be disclosed until its completion.
US Attorney General visits Ukraine
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland will visit Ukraine on Tuesday to discuss efforts to identify, arrest and prosecute those involved in war crimes and other atrocities committed during Russia's invasion, a Justice Department official said.
Garland will meet with Ukrainian Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova, the official said.
Garland said: "I'm here to express the unwavering support of the United States for the people of Ukraine in the midst of the unprovoked and unjust Russian invasion."
"The United States is sending an unmistakable message. There is no place to hide. We will, we and our partners will pursue every avenue available to make sure that those who are responsible for these atrocities are held accountable," he added.
Good afternoon
Good afternoon I'm Francesca Edwards, I’ll be bringing you all the latest developments on the war in Ukraine for the next eight hours. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.
Email: francesca.edwards@reachplc.com
Twitter: @FrankieLEdwards
Putin ‘stealing Ukrainian farmer's grain’ to 'starve world’s poorest'
Russian soldiers have been accused of stealing Ukrainian framers' crops and selling them to Crimean buyers at 90 percent discounted prices.
A report from Ukraine's ministry of defence found that Russian soldiers had forced farmers into giving “70 percent of the harvest to buyers from Crimea at a price of about 10 percent retail”.
In April, Ukraine’s agriculture minister Mykola Solskyi said he had heard of this happening across the country.
He said: "I personally hear this from many silo owners in the occupied territory.
“This is outright robbery. And this is happening everywhere in occupied territory.”
What is the Donbas?
The Donbas region of Ukraine refers to the old coal and steel-producing areas in the east.
The regions, Luhansk and Donetsk, run from outside Mariupol in the south all the way to the northern border.
Russia formally recognises these breakaway areas as independent from Ukraine.
Russian forces seized more than a third of the area after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. Donbas is predominantly Russian-speaking and Putin has repeatedly spoken about "liberating" it completely.
Despite sharing a language, these areas are no longer pro-Russian.
Defence specialist Konrad Muzyka, head of Rochan Consulting, said: "Mariupol was one of the most pro-Russian cities in Ukraine and to level it is beyond my comprehension."
Panic as NATO on brink of entering war - ex-general urges Putin send nukes
Putin's ex-general has urged the Russian leader to send nuclear weapons to Kaliningrad and to start a war with NATO after a member state blocked goods from entering the Russian enclave.
Retired Russian General Evgeny Buzhinsky's remarks came after Lithuania blocked deliveries of coal, metals, construction materials and advanced technology from mainland Russia to Kaliningrad.
Mr Buzhinsky told Russian state TV: "We need to demonstratively move nuclear weapons to Kaliningrad... We've got to do something. We've got to strengthen our military presence at the border with Lithuania as we did in December last year, and January this year at the border with Ukraine.
"Tell the Americans, first via confidential channels, that they are playing with fire.
"You guys will actually play to the point that Russia won't stop, because this is a threat to our national security, an attempt on our sovereign territory. The world will feel it. Ukrainian grain will feel like a joke compared to our decisive steps."
Pro-Putin TV anchor Yevgeny Popov then asked: "In other words, this is a war with NATO?"
Mr Buzhinsky responded: "Yes - what else do we do? Otherwise, they'll simply strangle us. We can't stop, otherwise, they'll deprive us of Kaliningrad."
UK to impose more sanctions on Russia, says Truss
The UK will impose more sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has said.
Addressing Parliament, she said: "We are determined to provide more weapons, impose more sanctions and back Ukraine in pushing Russia out of their territory."
Ukrainian snipers wipe out 300 Russian troops as Putin's forces left quaking
Ukrainian snipers in the Azov battalion claim they have killed 300 Russian troops since the start of the war.
One member of the group, who works as part of a sniper team piloting a reconnaissance drone said: “I joined Azov because it’s the best unit now in Ukraine, they are the most highly motivated.
“We don’t have any ideology, as the Russian propaganda says.
“We’re just typical soldiers protecting our homeland.”
However, the battalion say they need more weapons with one member saying: “Our soldiers are growing in motivation and proficiency, but we need more long-range weapons to support their efforts.”
How have Vladimir Putin’s aims changed since the start of the invasion?
Vladimir Putin’s aims have shifted since the invasion began February 24, 2022.
His initial aim was to overrun Ukraine and depose its government.
The Russian leader claimed this was a preventative measure to prevent Ukraine from joining the Western defensive alliance NATO.
After a month of failures, he abandoned his bid to capture the capital Kyiv and turned his ambitions to “liberating the Donbas region” in Ukraine's east and south.
Footage shows Russian tank hitting mine
Ukrainian Operational Command East has released the following footage of what appears to be a Russian T-72B3 hitting a mine.
Ukraine: Footage appears to show Russian T-72B3 hitting a mine
Americans captured in Ukraine reportedly in Donestk
The two Americans captured in Ukraine are currently in the Russian-controlled region of Donestk, the Interfax news agency has reported.
On Monday, the Kremlin said the two Americans were mercenaries not covered by the Geneva convention who should face responsibility for their actions.
Following the capture of the two US citizens, Joe Biden has urged Americans not to go to Ukraine.
Russia has lost more than 34,000 troops, says Ukraine
Russia has lost 34, 100 troops since the beginning of the war, Ukraine's Armed Forces has said.
The Armed Forces also estimate that Russia has lost 1496 tanks and 216 planes.
These are the indicative estimates of Russia\u2019s combat losses as of June 21, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/gbL5dkIpRG
\u2014 The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) June 21, 2022
Russian regulator blocks Telegraph website
The website for the Telegraph has been blocked in Russia following a request from the Prosecutor General, data from state communications regulator Roskomnadzor has shown.
Last week Russia sanctioned 29 British journalists including employees of The Times, The BBC and The Guardian.
Russian authorities apparently blocked @Telegraph in Russia.
\u2014 Nataliya Vasilyeva (@Nat_Vasilyeva) June 21, 2022
Apparently prosecutors back in April banned a story about mobile crematoriums to be deployed in Ukraine that Dominic Nicholls and I wrote the day before the invasion.https://t.co/KICt0QoWEB
Why did Vladimir Putin invade Ukraine?
Vladimir Putin started the invasion of his southwestern neighbour on February 24, 2022.
He told the Russian people his goal was to "demilitarise and de-Nazify Ukraine".
Putin’s declared aim was to protect people subjected to what he called eight years of bullying and genocide by Ukraine's government.
But this escalation came after years of rhetoric claiming that Ukraine rightfully belonged to Russia.
Putin also claimed the invasion was necessary to protect Russia from the possibility of Ukraine joining the Western defensive alliance NATO.
Russian TV now broadcasting in Kherson
Russian TV channels are now broadcasting in the Kherson region of Ukraine, Russia's army has said.
Russia has already introduced Russian rubles to the region and has begun distributing Russian passports.
The Russian armed forces has “reconfigured the last of the seven television towers in the Kherson region to broadcast Russian television channels” for free, it said.
Ukraine claims first successful use of of Western-donated Harpoon anti-ship missiles, says MoD
Ukraine has claimed its first successful use of Western-donated Harpoon anti-ship missiles, the Ministry of Defence has said in its latest intelligence update.
The MoD said the target of the attack was "almost certainly" the Russian naval tug Spasatel Vasily Bekh, which it said "was delivering weapons and personnel to Snake Island in the north-western Black Sea."
It added that Ukrainian coastal defence capability has largely neutralised Moscow's ability to establish sea control and project maritime force in the north-west of the Black Sea.
Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 21 June 2022
\u2014 Ministry of Defence \ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7 (@DefenceHQ) June 21, 2022
Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/caMOn7mcGv
\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6 #StandWithUkraine \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6 pic.twitter.com/0HsqaxnVVy
Luxembourg PM visits Ukraine
Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel landed in Ukraine this morning to show solidarity with the country.
In a tweet, Mr Bettel said: "As long as Russia’s war lasts, Luxembourg will #standwithUkraine."
Arrived in Kiev \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6. Showing Luxembourg\u2019s solidarity with the people of Ukraine. Because as long as Russia\u2019s war lasts, Luxembourg will #standwithUkraine. pic.twitter.com/rGplbG557K
\u2014 Xavier Bettel (@Xavier_Bettel) June 21, 2022
'We will use them' Putin mask slips over nuclear weapons in extraordinary threat
Vladimir Putin has said that Russia "will use" nuclear weapons to protect the country's sovereignty if it needs to, moments after claiming that Russia is "not a threat."
The Russian leader was speaking at an International Economic Forum in St Petersburg when the topic turned to nuclear war.
He said that high-ranking politicians "cling to" rhetoric that "Russia is a threat."
He then claimed: "We are not a threat," before immediately adding: "Yet, everyone should know that we have them and that we will use them if we need to protect our sovereignty."
Good morning
Good morning, I'm Olivia Stringer and I’ll be bringing you all the latest developments on the war in Ukraine for the next eight hours. Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.
Email: olivia.stringer@reachplc.com
Twitter: @Livstringer_