Russian Forces continue pushing to encircle strategically important Ukrainian town of Avdiivka
By Alexander Ermochenko | Reuters
Ukraine continues to face intense pressure from Russian forces looking to capture the strategically important town of Avdiivka. Vitaliy Barabash, the head of Avdiivka’s military administration, recently expressed his concerns over the rising intensity of clashes and reported that the Russians have opened up two more sectors from which they are launching assaults.
Russian forces are attempting to storm the city from all directions, increasing the difficulty for Ukraine’s General Staff to defend the town. Despite their continued attempts to surround Avdiivka, the Ukrainian military remains resilient and steadfast in defending the city.
U.S. reporter detained by Russian court on espionage charges
By Evgenia Novozhenina | Reuters
The detained U.S. journalist and Wall Street Journal reporter, Evan Gershkovich, has had his detention extended by a Russian court until January 30, 2024. Gershkovich has been accused of espionage and is facing up to 20 years in prison but continues to deny the charges. The Wall Street Journal, his employer, released a statement in response, demanding his immediate release and emphasizing the falsity of the charges against him.
Weather conditions do not halt military activities in Ukraine
Heavy fighting in Ukraine is occurring amidst severe weather conditions, including snowstorms and high winds. According to analysts at the Institute for the Study of War, the recent storm has caused widespread damage to infrastructure and has impacted military operations along the front line.
Though the storm damaged coastal areas in Russia and occupied Ukraine, military activity hasn’t completely stopped. The Ukrainian navy has noted that severe weather in the Black Sea forced Russia to return its naval vessels to their bases, while rail line damage in Ukraine may present logistical ramifications for Russian forces.
Deadly snowstorms impact Ukraine and cause widespread power cuts
Ten people have died, while 23 others sustained injuries due to snowstorms in Ukraine, with the south of the country particularly hard-hit. This extreme weather has resulted in power cuts in 411 settlements and the need to rescue over 1,500 vehicles, with many regions impacted by the damage.
Death toll rises and residents struggle following ongoing extreme weather in Ukraine and Russia
By Mikhail Mordasov and STRINGER | Afp | Getty Images
Ukrainian President Volodymy Zelenskyy addressed the destruction caused by the ongoing storms across 17 regions in the country, noting the extensive power outages and the five people who have died. Russian-occupied Crimea and southern Russia have also experienced significant damage due to the storms, with Russian media reporting the ‘hurricane’ like conditions affecting these areas.
