VLADIMIR Putin is recruiting lags from Russian jails to join his army after suffering “incredibly high” fatalities and casualties.
Last month, it was reported how Russia has lost nearly a third of its army’s strength since invading Ukraine, according to the UK’s Chief of the Defence Staff.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said detailed assessments show President Vladimir Putin’s plan has spectacularly failed.
But western officials believe the madman president is using convicts as cannon fodder and paying for private military companies because of a fear of political opposition in Russia if he attempts to draw on the wider population.
The assembly of what appears to be a third Russian army corps of 10-15,000 personnel has been detected by the West, but there is not yet definitive proof of whether it is destined for Ukraine.
Russia’s offensive has slowed as a result of casualties thought to run to as many 75,000 Russian troops, of whom up to 20,000 are thought to have been killed and the rest taken out of the fight by injury.
“Russia has changed the way it’s fighting to adapt to the reduction of personnel – and skilled personnel,” said one official.
“We do think that they have recruited from prisons and they are obviously also working with private military companies to increase their resourcing levels,” said one Western official.
“Particular elements of the Russian forces have suffered significant losses, and the fatalities and the wounded are obviously incredibly high and I don’t think something the Russians anticipated at all.”
Putin’s military is now so weakened, Ukrainian nationals are increasingly confident they will soon reclaim all their old borders.
Finland and Norway have also wrecked Putin’s bid to divide and weaken the western alliance by applying to join Nato.
Read our Ukraine war live blog below for the latest up-to-date news…
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NATO boss sends Putin a warning: ‘The whole alliance will react’
Secretary General Jen Stoltenberg made NATO’s stance against Russia clear, “this is the most dangerous situation in Europe since World War Two.”
Russia is at risk of sparking an international war if it attempts to invade any NATO nations.
Jen Stoltenberg gave a speech from Norway, saying: “What happens in Ukraine is terrible but it would be much worse if there was a war between Russia and NATO.”
“If President Putin even thinks of doing something to a NATO country as he has done to Georgia, Moldova or Ukraine, then all of NATO will be involved immediately.”
Credit: Reuters -
Ukraine calls Amnesty International’s criticism ‘unfair’
The human rights group accused Ukraine in a recent report of “endangering” human life.
This comes after Amnesty International accused Ukraine of putting it’s civilians at risk, but allowing military forces to set up bases and store weapons near residential areas.
Subsequently, this makes residential areas targets for Russian fighters.
Amnesty said the Ukrainian military had used hospitals as military bases.
Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said: “This behaviour of Amnesty International is not about finding and reporting the truth to the world.
“It is about creating a false equivalence, between the offender and the victim, between the country that destroys hundreds and thousands of civilians, cities, territories and a country that is desperately defending itself.”
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Largest nuclear plant in Ukraine is ‘ completely out of control’
The United Nations has given a stark warning of the safety of Zaporizhzhia.
Currently, the UN has said the nuclear situation is “really volatile.”
Reportedly the situation is worsening daily, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The nuclear power plant is currently under Russia occupation, but the UN have requested the need for a visit to stabilise the situation.
Rafael Grossi said:” What is at stake is extremely serious and extremely grave and dangerous.”
Credit: AP
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China has the influence to halt Ukraine’s invasion, says Zelensky
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, holds the belief that China could positively influence Russia to stop it’s invasion.
Reportedly, Zelensky interviewed with The South China Morning post, informing the publication the power China holds over Russia.
According to Ukrinform, Zelensky said: “China a very powerful state, it’s a powerful economy, so it can politically, economically influence Russia.
And China is [a] permanent member of the UN Security Council.”
The Ukrainian President went on to say that despite reaching out to China’s President Xi Jinping since the invasion commenced on 24 February, he has not heard a response.
He said it would be very helpful to have a conversation with China’s President.
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In pictures: Taking a cat nap amid the debris of a former battlefield
A cat takes a kip underneath a Russian tank in the city of Kyiv.
The tank has been in Kyiv since the Russians were pushed out of the city by the Ukrainians.
It is situated in the village of Velyka Dymerka, where the abandoned tank is surrounded by garden flowers.
Back in March 2022, the north of the city, where the village of Velyka Dymerka is situated, was a place of death and destruction as it was turned into a battlefield.
Since reclaiming their homes, Ukrainians planted flowers around the tank, where the nonchalant cat peacefully snoozes.
Credit: EPA -
Amnesty International has ACCUSED Ukraine of endangering civilians
Reportedly, the human rights group has condemned Ukraine for putting “civilians in harm’s way.”
The group reported that Ukrainian forces had put military bases and weapons systems in populated residential areas.
“Such tactics violate international humanitarian law and endanger civilians,” stating that it has made “civilians military targets.”
Amnesty International went on to say: “Being in a defensive position does not exempt the Ukrainian military from respecting international humanitarian law.”
However, it did state that Ukrainian forces had no involvement in the deaths of civilians in Kharkiv.
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The United Nations to investigate the bombing of Olenivka prison
Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, said the UN will facilitate a fact-finding team.
The team will study the attack that was carried out at the Olenivka prison, that killed 50 Ukrainian prisoners of war.
Both Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for the attack, requesting an official investigation, however the UN are prepared for Russia to skew or “falsify” evidence to shift the blame.
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Norway Consul: ‘I hate Russians!’
Elisabeth Ellingsen has been shown the door by Moscow after being recorded slamming Russians in a video tape.
The video was reportedly taken in a hotel reception, where she had an outburst, shouting: “I hate Russians!”
It is thought she had the outburst after the cleaning procedure in her hotel room took too long.
The Russian foreign ministry condemned her actions, and released a statement that read: “After what happened, Elisabeth Ellingsen’s presence in Russia is impossible.”
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Why does Russia so desperately want Viktor Bout? (2/2)
Reportedly, Russian prosecutors would like to swap Viktor with Brittney Griner.
Viktor Bout, infamously, is being held in the American Penitentiary Marion.
He has been serving time since 2012, where he was caught by US agents selling missiles to an undercover representative of Colombia’s FARC guerrillas, according to Reuters.
Before his arrest, he was one of the most successful arms dealers, using his air transport companies to import and export weapons for sale.
CIA’s Director William J. Burns told the Aspen Security Forum earlier this month, Russia want him back, because “he’s a creep.”
According to the Washington Post, Russia want Viktor Bout back so badly because he is thought to have valuable links to Russian intelligence and with international governments.
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Who is Viktor Bout? Russian arms dealer prisoned in the US (1/2)
Reportedly, Russian prosecutors would like to swap Viktor with Brittney Griner.
Viktor Bout, infamously, is being held in the American Penitentiary Marion.
He has been serving time since 2012, where he was caught by US agents selling missiles to an undercover representative of Colombia’s FARC guerrillas, according to Reuters.
Before his arrest, he was one of the most successful arms dealers, using his air transport companies to import and export weapons for sale.
Also known as The Merchant of Death, he originally worked for the Russian intelligence services before dabbling in arms. A book was written about his life in 2007 before his arrest.
The 2005 Nicholas Cage movie, Lord of War, is very thinly based on Bout.
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Ukraine calls Amnesty International’s criticism ‘unfair’
The human rights group accused Ukraine in a recent report of “endangering” human life.
This comes after Amnesty International accused Ukraine of putting it’s civilians at risk, but allowing military forces to set up bases and store weapons near residential areas.
Subsequently, this makes residential areas targets for Russian fighters.
Amnesty said the Ukrainian military had used hospitals as military bases.
Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said: “This behaviour of Amnesty International is not about finding and reporting the truth to the world.
“It is about creating a false equivalence, between the offender and the victim, between the country that destroys hundreds and thousands of civilians, cities, territories and a country that is desperately defending itself.”
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NATO boss sends Putin a warning: ‘The whole alliance will react’
Secretary General Jen Stoltenberg made NATO’s stance against Russia clear, “this is the most dangerous situation in Europe since World War Two.”
Russia is at risk of sparking an international war if it attempts to invade any NATO nations.
Jen Stoltenberg gave a speech from Norway, saying: “What happens in Ukraine is terrible but it would be much worse if there was a war between Russia and NATO.”
“If President Putin even thinks of doing something to a NATO country as he has done to Georgia, Moldova or Ukraine, then all of NATO will be involved immediately.”
NATO Secretary-General Jens StoltenbergCredit: Reuters -
Uri Geller sends a surprising warning to Putin
He told Putin he would use “every last molecule” of his mind powers to prevent nuclear attacks.
Mr Geller is a self-professed psychic, and he recently penned a public letter to the Russian dictator.
“I am issuing this statement as a serious warning to you,” he threatened Putin, “if you resort to the use of Nuclear Weapons your plans and your missiles will backfire on you!”
He continued: “I will use every last molecule of my Mind Power to prevent you from launching a nuclear attack!”
Uri told the “peace loving people of the world” to imagine a “radiant, energetic force field,” in the sky that will deflect any nuclear weapons.
Lets hope (worst and last case scenario) that it will work…
Uri Geller performs on stage during a televison show of Jiangsu TV on December 11, 2011 in Beijing, ChinaCredit: Getty -
Ukraine to convince Europe to import its nuclear power
The nation has plenty of nuclear power capabilities, and will propose to sell electricity to Europe.
However, Ukraine must prove that the nuclear power it can provide is completely safe, which is problematic considering the current invasion.
Many nuclear power plants in Ukraine are being occupied by Russia.
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In pictures: Taking a cat nap amid the debris of a former battlefield
A cat takes a kip underneath a Russian tank in the city of Kyiv.
The tank has been in Kyiv since the Russians were pushed out of the city by the Ukrainians.
It is situated in the village of Velyka Dymerka, where the abandoned tank is surrounded by garden flowers.
Back in March 2022, the north of the city, where the village of Velyka Dymerka is situated, was a place of death and destruction as it was turned into a battlefield.
Since reclaiming their homes, Ukrainians planted flowers around the tank, where the nonchalant cat peacefully snoozes.
A cat rests in a shadow of the debris of a Russian tank surrounded by vegetables and flowers at a garden in the village of Velyka DymerkaCredit: EPA
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Largest nuclear plant in Ukraine is ‘ completely out of control’
The United Nations has given a stark warning of the safety of Zaporizhzhia.
Currently, the UN has said the nuclear situation is “really volatile.”
Reportedly the situation is worsening daily, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The nuclear power plant is currently under Russia occupation, but the UN have requested the need for a visit to stabilise the situation.
Rafael Grossi said:” What is at stake is extremely serious and extremely grave and dangerous.”
A Russian serviceman guards in an area of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station in territory under Russian military controlCredit: AP -
In pictures: Brittney Griner stands listening to the verdict in a courtroom
WNBA star and two-time American Olympic gold medallist Brittney Griner stood in anticipation in the courtroom today.
Brittney waited in the courtroom in Khimki just outside of Moscow.
The basketball star apologised to her family and fellow team mates.
Her legal team gave their closing arguments.
Verdicts will be given later today, it is thought.
WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner, stands listening to a verdict in a courtroom in Khimki just outside MoscowCredit: AP -
Amnesty International has ACCUSED Ukraine of endangering civilians
Reportedly, the human rights group has condemned Ukraine for putting “civilians in harm’s way.”
The group reported that Ukrainian forces had put military bases and weapons systems in populated residential areas.
“Such tactics violate international humanitarian law and endanger civilians,” stating that it has made “civilians military targets.”
Amnesty International went on to say: “Being in a defensive position does not exempt the Ukrainian military from respecting international humanitarian law.”
However, it did state that Ukrainian forces had no involvement in the deaths of civilians in Kharkiv.
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The United Nations to investigate the bombing of Olenivka prison
Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, said the UN will facilitate a fact-finding team.
The team will study the attack that was carried out at the Olenivka prison, that killed 50 Ukrainian prisoners of war.
Both Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for the attack, requesting an official investigation, however the UN are prepared for Russia to skew or “falsify” evidence to shift the blame.
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Countries Russia has engaged in conflict with since 1990
Here is your list of some of the nations Russia has waged war against in the last two decades.
- Georgia 1991-1993
- Moldova 1992
- Tajikistani civil war 1992-1997
- Azerbaijan 1993
- Georgia 2008
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Eight people have been killed after shelling hit Toretsk
Reportedly, bombs hit a public transport stop, killing people waiting there.
News of the shelling began to emerge at around 11am this morning.
It is thought eight people were killed, and three children have been wounded.
Russia repeatedly denies targeting civilians.
Local residents search for their belongings amid the rubble of a building damaged in an attack by Russian forces on the city of ToretskCredit: Getty
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Russia demands documents, before the return of gas turbine
Reportedly, Gazprom is waiting for official documents, so that it can facilitate the replacement of the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline turbine.
Germany is currently holding on to the turbine, which has been serviced.
Gas has been cut to a fifth of its capacity by Gazprom, which has said it needs the official documents from the turbine’s servicing in Canada, before it is put back into place.
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Could Russia produce false evidence to swerve blame of prison deaths?
The shelling of Olenivka prison killed around 50 prisoners of war.
Russian has denied responsibility for the deaths, blaming Ukrainians, alleging Ukraine’s fighters launched a HIMARS missile at the prison.
CNN reported that a White House official said Russia is “preparing to falsify evidence to blame Ukrainian forces for the deadly blast.”
The killing of prisoners of war contravenes the Geneva Convention.
An administration official told CNN: “Russia would go so far as to make it appear that Ukrainian HIMARS were to blame before journalists arrive.”
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China has the influence to halt Ukraine’s invasion, says Zelensky
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, holds the belief that China could positively influence Russia to stop it’s invasion.
Reportedly, Zelensky interviewed with The South China Morning post, informing the publication the power China holds over Russia.
According to Ukrinform, Zelensky said: “China a very powerful state, it’s a powerful economy, so it can politically, economically influence Russia.
And China is [a] permanent member of the UN Security Council.”
The Ukrainian President went on to say that despite reaching out to China’s President Xi Jinping since the invasion commenced on 24 February, he has not heard a response.
He said it would be very helpful to have a conversation with China’s President.
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President Zelensky slams former German chancellor as ‘disgusting’
The former chancellor, Gerhard Schroder, recently met with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.
Gerhard made a video address on Wednesday night, which has sparked controversy.
He reportedly renewed calls for negotiations with Putin, in order to make an agreement regarding the renewal of gas through Nord Stream 2 pipeline.
According to Politico, Zelensky condemned Gerhard, saying: “It is simply disgusting when former leaders of powerful states with European values work for Russia.”