First, links to reports from the Associated Press, Tass, National Public Radio, and Agence France-Presse; others are accessible by clicking on AP, Tass, NPR, or AFP below. — MCM
– – –
Cornered in Ukraine, Putin ditches annual news conference. From the Associated Press. President Vladimir Putin has ditched his annual marathon news conference following a series of battlefield setbacks in Ukraine — a tacit acknowledgment that the Russian leader’s war has gone badly wrong. Putin typically uses the year-end ritual to polish his image, answering a wide range of questions on domestic and foreign policy to demonstrate . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
Russian troops wipe out seven military command posts in Ukraine operation – top brass. From Tass. MOSCOW — Russian forces destroyed seven Ukrainian army command posts in the past day during the special military operation in Ukraine, Defense Ministry Spokesman Lieutenant-General Igor Konashenkov reported today. “Operational-tactical aircraft, missile and artillery troops struck seven command posts in the areas of the settlements of . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
A month after Ukraine liberated it, Kherson is still getting bombarded daily. First heard on Weekend Edition Sunday two days ago. Reported by Joanna Kakissis | NPR A month after being liberated, the Ukrainian city of Kherson is getting bombarded daily from Russian troops less than a mile way. Meanwhile, authorities are searching for Kremlin collaborators. Click HERE to listen and read.
– – –
A Russian recruit, mobilized for the war in Ukraine, is fighting to avoid the fight. Reported by Charles Maynes | NPR A Russian recruit, mobilized for the war in Ukraine, is fighting to serve his country in a different way: alternative service as a conscientious objector. Click HERE to listen and read.
– – –
1 bn euros pledged for Ukraine at Paris aid conference. From AFP. Countries gathered at an aid conference for Ukraine in Paris have pledged aid worth around one billion euros to help the war-hit country this winter, France’s foreign minister said today. Catherine Colonna said these were “new commitments, thanks to the holding of this conference. It is aid, or gifts in kind. It is not loans.” She said the aid . . . READ MORE . . .
– – –
MAY BE CONTINUED