NATO allies will step in to help restore power & heat knocked out by Moscow's relentless missile strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure.
Vladimir Putin has ordered weekly attacks on Ukraine's electricity and heating infrastructure – with around six million still cut off following attacks designed to freeze the population over winter.
Announcing the much-needed help for those trapped by the Ukraine war, Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg vowed: "Nato will continue to stand for Ukraine as long as it takes. We will not back down. The main focus is supporting Ukraine and ensuring President (Vladimir Putin) doesn't win."
The forthcoming aid packages are said to include cash, electricity transmission equipment and weapons to stave off drones and replenish diminished ammunition stores, according to diplomats.
Meanwhile, Ukraine defence minister Oleksii Reznikov revealed that a sickening "97%" of Russian attacks have been aimed at civilians and civilian infrastructure.
Read our Ukraine-Russia live blog below for the latest updates…
- Shanine Bruder
Ukraine faces continued electricity shortages
As of this morning, Ukraine faces a 30% electricity shortage, the Kyiv Independent reports.
Ukraine’s grid operator Ukrenergo said that the country’s energy system is working at a reduced capacity, due to the emergency shutdown of units at several power plants yesterday morning.
The energy operator also said that worsening weather conditions and sub-zero temperatures are leading to an increase in energy consumption – also contributing to the shortage.
- Shanine Bruder
Russia's Battalion Tactical Groups have often proved insufficient
According to the Ministry of Defence, Russia’s semi-permanent Battalion Tactical Groups (BTG) are now likely not being deployed after several intrinsic weaknesses of the BTG concept have been exposed.
The MoD said: “Over the last three months, Russian forces in Ukraine have likely largely stopped deploying as Battalion Tactical Groups (BTGs).
“The BTG concept has played a major part in Russian military doctrine for the last ten years, and saw battalions integrated with a full range of supporting sub-units, including armour, reconnaissance and (in a departure from usual Western practice) artillery.
“Several intrinsic weaknesses of the BTG concept have been exposed in the high intensity, large-scale combat of the Ukraine war so far. BTGs’ relatively small allocation of combat infantry has often proved insufficient.
“Decentralised distribution of artillery has not allowed Russia to fully leverage its advantage in numbers of guns; and few BTG commanders have been empowered to flexibly exploit opportunities in the way the BTG model was designed to promote.''
- Shanine Bruder
Russian losses continue to mount as fighting rages on
According to Ukrainian military sources, Russian losses have reached 88,380 as of November 29.
This makes a further 480 losses for Putin’s forces in the last 24 hours.
- Joseph Gamp
Ukraine's masterful artworks go on display at Madrid museum
Dozens of modern artworks removed from Kyiv to protect them from Russian strikes that have already done huge damage to Ukraine's cultural heritage will go on display at a Madrid museum on Tuesday.
The works on show at the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum of Art as part of the "In the Eye of the Storm: Modernism in Ukraine 1900-1930" exhibition include oil paintings, sketches and collages.
Francesca Thyssen-Bornemisza founded "Museums for Ukraine" which is seeking to showcase Ukrainian art, using the museum which houses her late father's collection for the exhibition.
The Madrid exhibition is one of a number of showings of Ukraine's cultural heritage across Europe, as well as an effort to raise awareness of the threat posed to the war-torn country's artistic legacy as fighting grinds on.
Curators say it is one of the most comprehensive surveys of Ukrainian modern art in the period between 1900 to 1930.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video shown at a preview Monday that "this is a vision of what Russia is trying to destroy".
- Joseph Gamp
Russia discussing 'gas union' with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
Russia is discussing a possible "gas union" with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to support shipments between the three countries and to other energy buyers, including China, the Interfax news agency quoted Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak as saying.
Novak provided no further details of what the gas union would entail or what stage the discussions were at.
- Joseph Gamp
Don't forget about Ukraine this Xmas, says country's first lady
People should not forget the war in Ukraine this Christmas, the country's First Lady has said ahead of a speech to MPs on Tuesday.
Olena Zelenska is expected to address MPs and peers on Tuesday as she visits London, days after Rishi Sunak made his first visit as Prime Minister to Kyiv to meet Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Ms Zelenska will urge the British public not to forget the "tragedy" of the Russian invasion amid the festive season.
She also praised the UK's vocal support for the Ukrainian resistance efforts against Vladimir Putin's forces, as the country braces for winter.
She told the programme: "We feel that [strong support] by the aid for our forcefully displaced people, by the political and financial assistance and by humanitarian aid we are receiving from the British.
"Ukrainians are very tired of this war, but we have no choice in the matter. We are fighting for our very lives. The British public do have a choice. They can get used to our tragedy, concentrate on their own important things in life.
"My message for the British is as follows: It's not just a war for our freedom and our lives.
"This is the war of opposing world views, the war for the values. It's important that these are preserved. This is a fight for the truth and human values. We do hope that the approaching season of Christmas doesn't make you forget about our tragedy and get used to our suffering."
Credit: PA - Henry Moore
Ukraine reports 329 children have gone missing since Russia’s invasion began
According to new data from the prosecutor general’s office of Ukraine, 329 children are currently missing in the country.
Meanwhile, 12,034 young Ukrainians have been forced to leave the nation and a further 7,819 have been found.
“Data on affected children as of November 28, 2022: 329 are missing, 12,034 – deported, and 7,819 – found,” a statement on Telegram said.
- Henry Moore
Situation in Mykolaiv and Kherson ‘dire’, claims UN
United Nations’ spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric has warned the humanitarian situations in the cities of Mykolaiv and Kherson are “dire.”
Both cities have been subject to massive Russian bombing campaigns in recent weeks, often being left without power and water.
“The situation with water, heating and electricity, however, remains dire, although the electricity supply is gradually being restored,” the spokesman said.
- Henry Moore
Jersey charity sends Christmas aid to Ukraine
A Jersey charity which has raised £5,000 in extra funding for those living in poverty in Romania, will also send aid to Ukraine, the BBC reports.
Mustard Seed received more than £24,000 in donations for its Christmas Appeal, as well over 3,000 shoeboxes full of aid.
The charity helping the people of Romania, will now also send monetary donations and shoeboxes filled with essentials to the people of Ukraine.
Shoeboxes include food, clothing and other items.
- Henry Moore
Bakhmut the ‘epicentre’ of Russia’s offensive, Ukrainian military reports
Russia said on Monday that its forces have surrounded the city of Bakhmut, a claim denied by the Ukrainian military.
However, Ukraine did reveal that the city is being subjected to a massive Russian offensive, with the Kremlin launching up to “200 artillery strikes per day.”
Serhii Cherevatyi, spokesperson for the military in the east, said: “Bakhmut remains the epicentre of the main battle for Ukraine.
“The enemy acts most aggressively in this direction. He conducts attacks and fire strikes. On average, the enemy inflicts about 180-200 artillery strikes per day.”
- Henry Moore
Russian soldiers steal human remains from sacred crypt in Ukraine
Exclusive from Jerome Starkey on the ground in Ukraine
Putin’s soldiers stole human remains from a sacred crypt in southern Ukraine, The Sun has exclusively revealed.
Russian soldiers took the bones of legendary Prince Grigory Potemkin just days before fleeing the city of Kherson.
Armed agents burst into St Catherine’s Cathedral and ordered priests to give them the coffin.
Russian Potemkin helped conquer Crimea and a swathe of Ukraine in the late 1700s.
Priest Father Illia, 39, told The Sun: “There was nothing we could do.”
He also accused the grave robbers of “stealing history”, adding: “These people want to resurrect the past”.
- Henry Moore
Ukrainian city left without water after Russian strike
The Mayor of Mykolaiv, Oleksandr Sienkievych, revealed on Monday the city will be without drinking water for an “indefinite” period of time.
“During a missile attack, Russian terrorists damaged a pumping station of MKP Mykolaivvodokanal, located in the Kherson region,” he announced on Telegram.
“Therefore, for an indefinite period of time, we are forced to supply technical water to the city from the Bug estuary.”
- Henry Moore
Olena Zelenska slams Russia’s use of ‘sexual violence’ in Ukraine
Speaking in London on Monday, the Ukrainian First Lady spoke out against Russia’s use of sexual violence in Ukraine.
“Sexual violence is the most cruel, most animalistic way to prove mastership over someone,” she said.
“And for victims of this kind of violence, it is difficult to testify in war times because nobody feels safe.
“This is another instrument that they’re using as their weaponry. This is another weapon in their arsenal in this war and conflict.
“That’s why it’s extremely important to recognise this as a war crime and to hold all of the perpetrators accountable.”
- Henry Moore
In pictures: Olena Zelenska visits Downing Street
The First Lady of Ukraine visited Downing Street on Monday, as she continued her tour of London.
She was greeted by Rishi Sunak’s wife, Akshata Murty, and together they decorated the Downing Street Christmas tree.
Ms Zelenska is set to address MPs later today.
- Henry Moore
Russia has launched ‘16,000 missiles’ at Ukraine since invasion began
According to Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Oleksii Reznikov, the Kremlin has launched over 16,000 missiles at the country since its invasion began.
The official declared that a staggering 97% of Russia’s targets are civilian, with 12,300 of these shells hitting “suburban areas and villages.”
“We are fighting against a terrorist state. Ukraine will prevail and will bring the war criminals to justice,” Mr Reznikov said.
- Henry Moore
Russia using ‘winter as weapon’, NATO chief claims
According to reports from Al Jazeera, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has accused Putin of using “winter as a weapon ” in Ukraine.
“Doing that when we enter winter demonstrates that President [Vladimir] Putin is now trying to use … the winter as a weapon of war against Ukraine,” he reportedly said.
This comes as Russia continues to bombard Ukrainian infrastructure in a bid to destroy the country’s ability to produce energy.
- Henry Moore
Ukraine reports 329 children have gone missing since Russia’s invasion began
According to new data from the prosecutor general’s office of Ukraine, 329 children are currently missing in the country.
Meanwhile, 12,034 young Ukrainians have been forced to leave the nation and a further 7,819 have been found.
“Data on affected children as of November 28, 2022: 329 are missing, 12,034 – deported, and 7,819 – found,” a statement on Telegram said.
- Henry Moore
Situation in Mykolaiv and Kherson 'dire', claims UN
United Nations' spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric has warned the humanitarian situations in the cities of Mykolaiv and Kherson are "dire."
Both cities have been subject to massive Russian bombing campaigns in recent weeks, often being left without power and water.
"The situation with water, heating and electricity, however, remains dire, although the electricity supply is gradually being restored," the spokesman said.
- Henry Moore
Jersey charity sends Christmas aid to Ukraine
A Jersey charity which has raised £5,000 in extra funding for those living in poverty in Romania, will also send aid to Ukraine, the BBC reports.
Mustard Seed received more than £24,000 in donations for its Christmas Appeal, as well over 3,000 shoeboxes full of aid.
The charity helping the people of Romania, will now also send monetary donations and shoeboxes filled with essentials to the people of Ukraine.
Shoeboxes include food, clothing and other items.
- Henry Moore
Bakhmut the 'epicentre' of Russia's offensive, Ukrainian military reports
Russia said on Monday that its forces have surrounded the city of Bakhmut, a claim denied by the Ukrainian military.
However, Ukraine did reveal that the city is being subjected to a massive Russian offensive, with the Kremlin launching up to "200 artillery strikes per day."
Serhii Cherevatyi, spokesperson for the military in the east, said: "Bakhmut remains the epicentre of the main battle for Ukraine.
"The enemy acts most aggressively in this direction. He conducts attacks and fire strikes. On average, the enemy inflicts about 180-200 artillery strikes per day."
- Henry Moore
Russian soldiers steal human remains from sacred crypt in Ukraine
Exclusive from Jerome Starkey on the ground in Ukraine
Putin’s soldiers stole human remains from a sacred crypt in southern Ukraine, The Sun has exclusively revealed.
Russian soldiers took the bones of legendary Prince Grigory Potemkin just days before fleeing the city of Kherson.
Armed agents burst into St Catherine’s Cathedral and ordered priests to give them the coffin.
Russian Potemkin helped conquer Crimea and a swathe of Ukraine in the late 1700s.
Priest Father Illia, 39, told The Sun: “There was nothing we could do.”
He also accused the grave robbers of “stealing history”, adding: “These people want to resurrect the past”.
- Henry Moore
Ukrainian city left without water after Russian strike
The Mayor of Mykolaiv, Oleksandr Sienkievych, revealed today the city will be without drinking water for an "indefinite" period of time.
"During a missile attack, Russian terrorists damaged a pumping station of MKP Mykolaivvodokanal, located in the Kherson region," he announced on Telegram.
"Therefore, for an indefinite period of time, we are forced to supply technical water to the city from the Bug estuary."
- Henry Moore
Olena Zelenska slams Russia's use of 'sexual violence' in Ukraine
Speaking in London today, the Ukrainian First Lady spoke out against Russia's use of sexual violence in Ukraine.
"Sexual violence is the most cruel, most animalistic way to prove mastership over someone," she said.
"And for victims of this kind of violence, it is difficult to testify in war times because nobody feels safe.
"This is another instrument that they’re using as their weaponry. This is another weapon in their arsenal in this war and conflict.
"That’s why it’s extremely important to recognise this as a war crime and to hold all of the perpetrators accountable."
- Henry Moore
In pictures: Olena Zelenska visits Downing Street
The First Lady of Ukraine visited Downing Street today, as continued her tour of London.
She was greeted by Rishi Sunak's wife, Akshata Murty, and together they decorated the Downing Street Christmas tree.
Ms Zelenska is set to address MPs tomorrow.
- Henry Moore
Russia has launched '16,000 missiles' at Ukraine since invasion began
According to Ukraine's Minister of Defence, Oleksii Reznikov, the Kremlin has launched over 16,000 missiles at the country since its invasion began.
The official declared that a staggering 97% of Russia's targets are civilian, with 12,300 of these shells hitting "suburban areas and villages."
"We are fighting against a terrorist state. Ukraine will prevail and will bring the war criminals to justice," Mr Reznikov said.
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