Ukraine news latest — Putin lackey dismisses chance of ‘Christmas ceasefire’ as Russia leaves thousands without power
A KREMLIN spokesperson has dismissed the chance of a so-called "Christmas ceasefire" in Ukraine, as Putin continues to bombard the country.
When asked if a ceasefire could occur this Christmas, Putin lackey Dmitry Peskov said: “No, no such offers have been received from anybody. This topic is not on the agenda.”
This comes as residents in the Ukrainian city of Kherson have been left without electricity once again, according to the head of the regional military administration for the region.
Yaroslav Yanushevich stated on Thursday that the region does not have working electricity due to Russian shelling that killed two people this morning.
Posting on the Telegram messaging app, he said: "At the first opportunity, the power industry will begin to restore power grids.";
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Lithuania calls for modern tanks to be provided to Ukraine
A top Lithuanian official has said NATO should provide Ukraine with modern tanks before the end of the year.
Lithuania’s foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said: “I’ve talked to a number of military experts and the answer I’m hearing is that if we provided tanks by this winter, let’s say January, it could make a difference.”
This comes as NATO foreign secretaries met in Bucharest yesterday.
The ‘door is open’ for Ukrainian NATO membership
According to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Ukraine will one day be a member of the military alliance.
“NATO’s door is open,” Stoltenberg said.
Russia has been vocal in its opposition to Ukrainian NATO membership.
Could Russia be planning to leave Europe’s largest nuclear power plant?
Ukrainian officials have suggested the Kremlin could be planning to pull its forces from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
“In recent weeks we are effectively receiving information that signs have appeared that they are possibly preparing to leave the [plant],” Petro Kotin, head of energy operator Energoatom, said this week.
“One gets the impression they’re packing their bags and stealing everything they can.”
However, Russian officials have rejected these claims.
“The media are actively spreading fakes that Russia is allegedly planning to withdraw from Enerhodar and leave the [nuclear plant]. This information is not true,” the region’s Russian-backed administration said.
More on Olena Zelenska’s Commons speech
While speaking in the House of Commons yesterday afternoon, Ukraine’s first lady said Britain could be a “world leader…for justice” if it provides further for Ukraine.
“I am asking you a small favour to become the world leader in the effort for justice.” Ms Zelenska says.
“We need it so that the world can survive. We can see terror online. We can see it live. I believe that London can give the decisive impetus to make the world better.”
Russia slams US ‘hostility’ as Kremlin cancels nuclear-peace talks
Following the Kremlin’s decision to indefinitely postpone nuclear-peace talks with the United States planned to take place in Egypt this week, Russian officials have slammed the US’ “hostility.”
“In all areas, we note the highest level of toxicity and hostility from Washington,” said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova via Telegram.
“As part of the all-out hybrid war unleashed against us, almost every US step towards Russia is subject to a pathological desire to harm our country wherever possible.”