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Russia has expanded its attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine and is likely to expand further, Britain’s Ministry of Defense has said.
Five civilians were killed in Russian attacks in the Donetsk region over the past day, while in Nikopol several dozen skyscrapers and private buildings, gas pipelines and power lines were damaged by Russian strikes, the governors of these regions said on Sunday regions
In an intelligence update, the Ministry of Defense said Russia had launched several thousand long-range missiles against Ukraine since the start of the invasion. “However, in the last seven days Russia has increased its focus on civilian infrastructure, even where it probably does not perceive any immediate effect,” the ministry said.
“As it faces setbacks on the front lines, Russia has likely expanded the locations it is willing to attack in an attempt to directly undermine the morale of the Ukrainian people and government.”
It comes after Vladimir Putin warned on Friday that Ukraine risks provoking “more serious” action from Moscow with its sweeping counter-offensive, saying “so far we have responded with restraint”.
He vowed to continue his “special military operation” during his speech to reporters after attending a meeting of Asian world leaders, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, in Uzbekistan.
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Vladimir Putin is ‘failing at all his military goals’, UK army chief says
Vladimir Putin is “failing in all of his strategic military objectives,” the UK’s chief of defense has said.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said pressure on the Russian president is mounting as his country’s defenses weaken in the face of counter-attacks by Ukraine.
It comes after British intelligence said it was unclear whether Russia’s frontline forces have adequate reserves or morale to withstand attacks by Ukrainian forces.
Vladimir Putin is ‘failing at all his military goals’, UK army chief says
Russian president lacks manpower, resources as Ukrainian forces strengthen, army chief says
Emily Atkinson September 18, 2022 9:00 p.m
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The UK ambassador to Ukraine welcomes the first lady’s visit
Responding to Ukraine’s first lady Olena Zelenska’s visit to visit the late queen, Britain’s ambassador to the war-torn eastern European nation said she was “deeply honoured” by the gesture of the president
“Thank you to the president for taking the time to do this given everything that’s going on in (Ukraine) right now,” Melinda Simmons said.
Emily Atkinson September 18, 2022 8:00 p.m
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Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska meets the Princess of Wales ahead of the Queen’s funeral
The Princess of Wales has welcomed the First Lady of Ukraine to Buckingham Palace ahead of Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral on Monday.
Kate held an audience with Olena Zelenska at the royal residence on Sunday afternoon, where they were photographed talking.
The images capture the couple sitting side by side in front of a fireplace on gingham armchairs with purple orchids in the background.
Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska meets the Princess of Wales ahead of the Queen’s funeral
Mrs Zelenska earlier visited Westminster Hall to see the Queen lying in state
Emily Atkinson September 18, 2022 7:00 p.m
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Russia Increases Civilian Infrastructure Target, Defense Ministry Says
The British Ministry of Defense has warned that over the past week Russia has “increased its targeting of civilian infrastructure”.
The government department warned in a tweet that this was happening “even where it is unlikely to see any immediate effect”.
“As it faces setbacks on the front lines, Russia has likely expanded the locations it is willing to attack in an attempt to directly undermine the morale of the Ukrainian people and government.”
Emily Atkinson September 18, 2022 6:00 p.m
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Trudeau says mass graves are evidence of Russian war crimes
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Sunday that mass graves found in Ukraine were evidence of Russia’s war crimes and that its actions must be held accountable.
Trudeau, in London for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, told reporters he had met with Prime Minister Liz Truss and that the Russian invasion of Ukraine was at the top of his agenda.
“Obviously, the United Kingdom and Canada have been two of the strongest countries in supporting Ukraine and pushing back against Russia’s illegal actions,” Trudeau said.
These actions “more and more clearly include war crimes, they include absolutely unacceptable crimes, whether we think about what we found in Bucha or the discovery of mass graves in the territories reclaimed by Ukraine,” he said.
“There needs to be a proper investigation and transparency and Vladimir Putin, his supporters and the Russian military must be held accountable for the atrocities they have and continue to commit in Ukraine,” Trudeau said.
Trudeau, who was due to meet with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on Sunday evening, said Canada was very supportive of Ukraine and would continue to offer assistance.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau signs the book of condolence at Lancaster House (David Parry Media Assignments/PA)
(son PA)
Sam Rkaina September 18, 2022 5:06 p.m
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Russian forces committed more than 34,000 war crimes, according to Ukraine
Russian forces have committed more than 34,000 war crimes, according to Ukraine.
On Saturday, Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office said it had registered 34,441 war crimes committed by the Russian military since the start of the war in February.
The European Union has since called for a war crimes tribunal and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksy has called Russia a “terrorist country”.
Furvah Shah September 18, 2022 4:00 p.m
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Four doctors were killed in a Russian bombing of Kharkiv
Four doctors have been killed in a Russian bombing of Kharkiv Oblast.
The city’s governor, Oleh Syniehubov, said doctors were trying to evacuate patients from a psychiatric hospital in the village of Strilecha when Russian forces began “a massive shelling” of the area.
Two patients were also injured in the attack, he said.
Furvah Shah September 18, 2022 3:15 pm
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Biden urges Putin against use of nuclear weapons in Ukraine
US President Joe Biden has urged Vladimir Putin not to use nuclear or chemical weapons in Ukraine.
When asked about the Russian president’s potential use of such methods in an interview that aired Sunday, Biden said: “Don’t do it. Don’t do it. Don’t do it. It would change the face of war like nothing since World War II.”
He added that Russia would “become more of a pariah in the world than ever.”
“Depending on the extent of what they do will determine what response would occur.”
Furvah Shah September 18, 2022 2:45 pm
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The exhumation of graves in Izyum will continue for weeks
The exhumation of graves in Izyum, Ukraine, will continue for at least two more weeks.
The city’s mayor, Valerii Marchenko, said exhumation work would continue “because there are many burials” in the recently liberated city of Kharkiv Oblast.
Around 450 bodies were found in the mass grave, some showing signs of torture according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksy.
Furvah Shah September 18, 2022 2:00 p.m
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The death toll of Russian troops exceeds 50,000
More than 50,000 Russian soldiers have died in the ongoing war with Ukraine.
Around 54,480 soldiers have died, according to the Ukrainian armed forces.
More than 3,000 vehicles, 2,000 tanks and 200 aircraft have also been destroyed as of September 18.
Furvah Shah September 18, 2022 1:30 pm