Ukraine celebrates return of prisoners of war
In a short ceremony, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj celebrated the return of some of his soldiers from Russian captivity. “It was a special day in a special week,” he said in his daily video address on Friday evening. At the same time, he announced that he would bring more soldiers from Russian prison camps. «We will not leave a single Ukrainian in Russian prisons, camps and “isolations” (detention centers). We’re thinking of everyone.”
Zelenskyj had presented medals to a number of former prisoners of war in Kiev in the afternoon. Russia and Ukraine have exchanged prisoners of war several times in recent days. According to Zelenskyy, a total of 1,331 Ukrainian soldiers have been released from Russian captivity in this way since the start of the war in February.
“As long as the fighting continues, as long as our heroes die in the trenches and as long as one prisoner remains in enemy hands – this war is not over for me and certainly not for you,” he said. according to the Presidential Chancellery during the ceremony.
The special tribunal’s efforts continue
Efforts by Ukrainian leaders to establish a special tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes with Western support continue, Zelensky said. Work continues to gain a “critical mass” of supporters to form this tribunal. According to Kiev’s ideas, it should be based on the model of the Nuremberg Tribunal. While the Nazis were held accountable in Nuremberg, Kiev says Russia’s political and military leaders must be held accountable for the war of aggression against Ukraine before this special tribunal.
“London, Paris, Berlin, Warsaw and other capitals – we are strengthening our position everywhere and getting the support of our partners,” Zelenskyy said Friday night. “I’m sure there will be a tribunal, there will be justice.”
EU, G7 and Australia want price cap for Russian oil
The seven leading democratic economic powers (G7) and Australia want to introduce a price cap for oil from Russia in consultation with the European Union. The G7 and Australia announced this on Saturday evening. The states want to force Russia to sell oil below market price to buyers in other states. The agreement reached on Friday provides for an initial price cap of USD 60 per barrel. If possible, the price applies from Monday. In addition to Germany, the G7 also includes the US, Canada, France, Great Britain, Italy and Japan. Germany currently chairs the group. EU government representatives had reached a similar agreement earlier Friday.
The EU is currently training 1,100 Ukrainian soldiers
Two and a half weeks after the start of an EU training mission for the Ukrainian army, 1100 soldiers are being trained so far. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell announced this on Friday when he visited a training camp in Brzeg, Poland. This mission demonstrates Europe’s will to support Ukraine in the war against Russia that has been going on for more than nine months. EU foreign ministers took a decision on the mission on 14 November. The next day was the official start. In total, up to 15,000 soldiers will be trained in 20 member states, including Germany.
Ukraine receives first Hawk anti-aircraft missiles from Spain
Ukraine has received its first shipment of Hawk anti-aircraft systems from Spain. This was announced by Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov on Friday after a meeting with his Spanish counterpart Margarita Robles in Odessa. More Hawk anti-aircraft missiles from Spanish stocks to follow. Ukrainian soldiers are already being trained in Spain. The medium-range anti-aircraft system, which originated in the US, was put into service in the early 1960s and was continuously modernized. Hawk has already been phased out in most NATO countries.
Vortex around Russian opposition channels
In Latvia, the independent Russian television channel Dozhd has been targeted by authorities for reporting on the war in Ukraine. The National Council for Electronic Mass Media (NEPLP) has fined the TV channel 10,000 euros for displaying a map showing the annexed Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea as part of Russia. The Russian armed forces were referred to as “our army,” the NEPLP said on Twitter.
The media regulator also initiated proceedings against Dozhd for broadcasting appeals in support of the Russian military. Editor-in-chief Tikhon Dzyadko insisted that the opposition channel was not providing any assistance to the Russian army. He apologized on Twitter for the “misinterpreted” call from the moderator, who has since been fired, according to the broadcaster. Latvia granted Dozhd a broadcast license in June after the TV channel stopped broadcasting in Russia in early March due to a crackdown by Russian authorities.
Latvia demands “more responsibility in Europe” from Germany
According to Latvia, Germany should show more leadership and responsibility in Europe. So said the State Secretary of the Ministry of Defense in Riga, Janis Garisons, in an interview with the editorial network Germany (Saturday). “Looking to the future, we think Germany should take more responsibility within Europe,” said Garisons. “Someone has to take the lead in Europe and pool the defense capabilities of the individual countries.” After all, Germany is a major economic, military and political power and is located in the center of Europe. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
