Ukraine war - live: Putin’s spokesman says Russia not planning ‘Christmas ceasefire’

Moscow is not planning on a holiday ceasefire

Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine war would not continue if Vladimir Putin died

The Kremlin said that is not planning a “Christmas ceasefire” in Ukraine and has not received any proposals about it, top spokesperson Dmitry Peskov revealed on Wedneday.

“No, no such offers have been received from anybody. This topic is not on the agenda,” the Kremlin spokesperson said when asked if Russia has seen any proposals for a Christmas ceasefire.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on Russia, earlier in the week, to start withdrawing its troops from his country by Christmas as the first step towards a peace deal in the conflict.

Meanwhile, explosions rocked Kyiv early morning today, sending many inside shelters as officials rang air raid alert for more than half an hour.

Ukraine’s air defence forces shot down a total of 11 Shahed drones, Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said shortly after.

Kyiv oblast governor Oleksiy Kuleba said that air defence systems have been activated and are hitting targets.

This comes as Washington is expected to deliver its most advanced air defence system to help Ukraine protect its skies from Russian attacks, risking a response from Vladimir Putin who may view the move as an escalation.

Key Points

• US to send its most advanced air defence system to Ukraine, say reports
• Top Russian military brass seeing ‘factional tensions’ - MoD
• Ukraine takes down 11 Iranian drones over Kyiv

[14 December 2022 20:20 · Eleanor Noyce]

No prospect of ‘Christmas ceasefire’ in Ukraine, says Putin’s spokesperson

Moscow is not planning a “Christmas ceasefire” in Ukraine and has not received any proposals about it, top spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday, outlining the war’s trajectory through the harsh winter.

“No, no such offers have been received from anybody. This topic is not on the agenda,” the Kremlin spokesperson said on being asked if Russia has seen any proposals for a Christmas ceasefire to stop the military offensive during the holiday.

The war in Ukraine will enter its 11th month on Christmas eve for millions in the European country under Russian siege.

Russia’s remarks come after Volodymyr Zelensky said that the Vladimir Putin administration should start withdrawing its forces from the Ukrainian land by Christmas as the first step towards peace talks to end the relentless shelling and missile attacks on the country.

[14 December 2022 20:50 · Eleanor Noyce]

Europe hosts southeast Asian leaders as own crises mount

European Union and southeast Asian countries commemorated 45 years of diplomatic ties on Wednesday at a summit overshadowed by political distractions in Europe, ranging from the war in Ukraine to a bribery scandal.

EU leaders hosted counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, in a nod to Asia’s economic rise. But the meeting comes at a time of increasing difficulties in the 27-nation European bloc.

“We have to make sure that we have a strong position in our relationship with ASEAN,” Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told reporters in Brussels. “We are talking about worldwide supply chains. We are talking about growth potential.”

The EU is looking for trade and investment possibilities across much of the world, especially in emerging economies, after its economy was battered by the COVID-19 pandemic before the war in Ukraine compounded the problems and put the bloc at risk of a recession.

More here:

[14 December 2022 21:20 · Eleanor Noyce]

US set to send its most advanced air defence system to Ukraine, say reports

The US is reportedly set to send its most advanced air defence system to help Ukraine, finally agreeing to a request made months ago by that nation’s leader.

Reports said that as early as this week, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin could approve a directive to transfer at least one Patriot battery unit to Ukraine.

Almost ever since Russia invaded Ukraine in February, its president, Volodymyr Zelensky, has been calling on the US to provide it with the most advanced weapons possible in order to stave off Mosow’s attacks.

The invasion initially garnered much international attenton and triggered the dispatch of billions of dollars of aid and military assistance. Yet, as the conflict has ploughed on, Ukraine fears the international community is not treating it with the same sense of urgency it once did.

Andrew Buncombe has more:

[14 December 2022 21:50 · Eleanor Noyce]

‘Major Mick’ collects nearly £12,000 for Children On The Edge, supporting children in Ukraine

Retired Army major Michael Stanley - known as “Major Mick” - has braved the winter cold to complete a charity challenge in his handmade Tintanic boat.

He has rowed more than 125 miles, collecting nearly £12,000 during his eight-month fundraiser to charity Children On The Edge supporting children in Ukraine.

The 82-year-old served 35 years in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, completing the challenge wearing a Union Jack suit whilst towing a Father Christmas in a ‘Mini Tintanic’ tender.

“It’s been wonderful fun, it’s been much more than just about raising money, it’s been about meeting people and talking to people”, Stanley told PA.

“It’s the kind of thing that only mad old Englishmen would do.