Ukraine-Russia war latest: Putin rejects talks with ‘illegitimate' Zelensky as North Korean cannon deployed
Vladimir Putin has refused to directly engage with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him 'illegitimate'.
The Russian president said Ukraine will have to find a legal way to hold the peace talks as Kyiv has not held any elections since Russia started the war on its smaller neighbour.
In response, Mr Zelensky said the Russian leader's statements showed he was afraid of talks and sought to keep the conflict going indefinitely.
'Today, Putin once again confirmed that he is afraid of negotiations, afraid of strong leaders and is doing everything to prolong the war,' Mr Zelensky wrote on Telegram. Mr Putin's actions, he said, were 'aimed at making the war endless'.
This comes as North Korea is set to send more than 100 artillery systems to be used against Ukraine's forces in the war, officials in Kyiv said.
A close ally of Russia, North Korea is about to double the number of artillery systems it has deployed to Russia's Kursk region, said Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine's military intelligence chief.
North Korea sends cannons and artillery – designed to attack Seoul – to Ukraine war
North Korea is set to send more than 100 artillery systems to be used against Ukraine's forces in the war, officials in Kyiv said.
A close ally of Russia, North Korea is about to double the number of artillery systems it has deployed to Russia's Kursk region, said Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine's military intelligence chief.
North Korea has already given at least 120 North Korean-made M1989 Koksans, as well as another 120 of its M1991 multiple-launch rocket systems, the Ukrainian military intelligence official said.
Pyongyang was preparing to send another tranche of at least the same amount, Lt Gen Budanov said, adding that open source analysts have spotted some already on their way to the war.
The 170mm M1989 Koksan howitzers were manufactured by North Korea to attack the South Korean capital in the event of a war. It is among the longest-range artillery systems in the world.
Arpan Rai29 January 2025 04:39
The extremes North Korean soldiers will go to avoid capture in Ukraine
The extraordinary lengths North Korean soldiers will go to avoid capture in Ukraine
The North Korean troops fighting for Russia are highly trained and will stop at nothing to avoid surrender, Ukrainian sources tell Sam Kiley, The Independent's World Affairs Editor, in Sumy
Tom Watling
How US shutdown on foreign aid is hitting Ukraine
The US-funded aid programs around the world have begun firing staff and shutting down or preparing to stop their operations, as the Trump administration's unprecedented freeze on almost all foreign assistance brings their work to a sudden halt.
Most US funding for Ukraine's military isn't affected. Volodymyr Zelensky says the US freeze doesn't affect vital American support to his military as it fights invading Russian forces. That's mostly true.
The only military aid the State Department is responsible for and thus is covered by the pause is foreign military financing and international military education and training. There are other baskets for UN peacekeeping operations and demining programs.
Most of Ukraine's military aid, however, has come from the Pentagon. That includes a program drawing from existing arms stocks and another called the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which is used to pay for weapons contracts that would not be delivered for a year or more.
But civilian programs vital to Ukraine's war effort do come from the State Department. There's no word of exemptions for them. That includes salary support that the US provides to keep Ukraine's government running despite the war's damage to the economy.
Money for Ukraine's veterans and other programs wasn't spared The US has sent stop-work orders to wartime civilian programs it supports in Ukraine. That includes Veteran Hub, a nonprofit that runs a crisis hotline getting up to 1,300 calls a month from Ukrainian veterans who need social and psychological support.
Arpan Rai29 January 2025 03:36
Ukraine-Russia war map: Where Putin's forces are making gains in eastern Ukraine
After months of heavy fighting, Russian forces claimed control of the town of Velyka Novosilka in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk on Monday. The town is small, with a prewar population of only 5,000, but it has served as a key assembly area for offensive and defensive Ukrainian operations in the wider area, says Frontelligence Insight, a Ukrainian war tracker. It is also a key route linking towns further east to the rest of unoccupied Ukraine.
Tom Watling maps the war frontline in Ukraine's Donetsk:
Where Russian forces are making gains in eastern Ukraine: Mapped
Ukrainian forces fighting around Velyka Novosilka claim its Russian takeover will amount to nothing more than a flag-raising exercise
Arpan Rai29 January 2025 03:22
Putin fears talks and acting to make the war endless, says Zelensky
Volodymyr Zelensky said Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin's statements on holding peace talks to end the war in Ukraine showed he was afraid of talks and sought to make the conflict endless.
'Today, Putin once again confirmed that he is afraid of negotiations, afraid of strong leaders and is doing everything to prolong the war,' Mr Zelensky wrote on Telegram. Mr Putin's actions, he said, were 'aimed at making the war endless.'
Mr Putin earlier said Ukraine could find the legal means to hold talks with Russia despite what he described as Mr Zelensky's 'illegitimacy,' meaning he had remained in power beyond his legal mandate.
Arpan Rai29 January 2025 03:14
Putin refuses direct talks with Zelensky
Vladimir Putin has refused to directly engage with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him 'illegitimate'.
The Russian president said Ukraine will have to find a legal way to hold the peace talks as Kyiv has not held any elections since Russia started the war on its smaller neighbour.
Mr Putin told Russian state television that negotiations with Ukraine were complicated by president Volodymyr Zelensky's 'illegitimacy' in remaining in power beyond his mandate with no authority to sign documents. 'But essentially, if they want to proceed, there is a legal way to do it. Let the chairman of the Rada (Ukraine's parliament) handle it in accordance with the constitution,' Mr Putin told top Kremlin reporter Pavel Zarubin.
Russia has long alleged that Mr Zelensky no longer has legal authority as his term in office ran out in May 2024 and no presidential election has since been held.
'If there is a desire, we can resolve any legal issues. However, so far, we simply do not see such a desire,' he said.
If Ukraine showed a desire to negotiate and seek compromises, Mr Putin said, 'let anyone suitable lead those talks. We will naturally secure what meets our interests.
Arpan Rai29 January 2025 03:08
The Russian glide bombs changing the face of the war in Ukraine
The Russian glide bombs changing the face of the war in Ukraine
Winged explosives weighing up to 1,500 kilograms – and nicknamed the 'building destroyer' – have had a devastating impact wherever they have been used, writes Tom Watling. Kyiv is battling them as best it can but needs Western allies to step up and provide more weapons, air defences and ammunition
Tom Watling29 January 2025 03:00
Trump claims he secured peace in Gaza – can he do the same in Ukraine?
Trump can claim peace in Gaza – doing the same Ukraine will be much harder
Trump heads into the White House thoroughly puffed up by his role in securing the Gaza ceasefire, writes Sam Kiley. His allies and enemies around the world will now be plotting to exploit his vanity further
Tom Watling29 January 2025 02:00
Trump urges Putin to make deal to end Ukraine war — or face sanctions
Trump urges Putin to 'make a deal' to end Ukraine war — or face tariffs and sanctions
Trump is threatening unspecified sanctions on Moscow if Russian president Vladimir Putin doesn't come to the negotiating table 'soon'
Tom Watling29 January 2025 01:00
Tom Watling29 January 2025 00:00
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Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Putin could attack Nato by 2030, alliance boss warns as ‘Europe needs to build its own Golden Dome defence system'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) VLADIMIR Putin could launch an assault on NATO by 2030, an alliance chief has warned. Mark Rutte, NATO's secretary general, has urged Europe to build "its own Golden Dome defence system" to protect countries from Russia's looming threat. 6 The NATO chief warned the end of the war in Ukraine won't stop the Russian threat Credit: AP 6 The alliance boss warned of Russia's threat to the UK and other European countries Credit: Getty 6 Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte spoke about Russia's looming threat at Chatham House Credit: PA The NATO head said that the alliance would need to take a "quantum leap" in building up its defence systems as Putin's war machine is "speeding up, not slowing down." Speaking at the world-leading policy institute, Chatham House, he urged European leaders to increase their air and missile defence capabilities by a staggering 400 per cent. Europe should also be prepared to protect its skies, as Russia's war on Ukraine has shown the despot leader "delivers terror from above". He said: "The fact is, we need a quantum leap in our collective defence. "The fact is, we must have more forces and capabilities to implement our defence plans in full. "The fact is, danger will not disappear even when the war in Ukraine ends." In an urgent plea to leaders, he called for militaries to be armed with thousands more vehicles and tanks, and millions more artillery shells. He also insisted allies double their resources supporting military power including logistics, transport and medical aid. Terrifyingly, Rutte also hinted at a potential triple threat - with Mad Vlad teaming up with despot leaders in China, North Korea and Iran. Russia currently produces in three months what the whole of NATO produces in a year, he said. Russia's ambassador to the UK 'blames Britain' for Ukraine's daring drone attack & warns of 'WWIII risk' China is also modernising and expanding its military, with its battle force expected to increase to 435 ships by 2030. He warned: "Wishful thinking will not keep us safe. We cannot dream away the danger. "Hope is not a strategy. So NATO has to become a stronger, fairer and more lethal alliance." The alliance chief's comments came as he pushed for NATO members to commit to ramping up defence spending at a key summit of the western military alliance later this month. Rutte is urging NATO members to commit to 3.5 percent of GDP on direct military spending by 2032, and an additional 1.5 percent on broader security-related expenditure. The proposal is a compromise deal designed to satisfy US President Donald Trump, who has demanded that allies each spend 5 percent of economic output on defence, up from a current commitment of two percent. Rutte said he "expects" leaders to agree to the proposal at the summit of the 32-country alliance on June 24-25 in The Hague. 6 The Israeli Iron Dome air defence system has protected the state from missile attacks Credit: AP 6 Donald Trump recently unveiled plans to build a Golden Dome over America "It will be a NATO-wide commitment and a defining moment for the alliance," he said in his speech. Russia condemned Rutte's comments before he took to the stage, denouncing NATO as "an instrument of aggression". NATO "is demonstrating itself as an instrument of aggression and confrontation", Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow. This follows Rutte's meeting with the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer - their second Downing Street talk since the Labour leader came into power last year. Starmer's government this year pledged to increase defence spending to 2.5 percent of GDP by 2027, but has not yet set a firm timeline for further hikes. Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada would hit two percent this year. US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth said last week the allies were close to an agreement on the split five-percent target. "That combination constitutes a real commitment, and we think every country can step up," he said on Thursday. Space rockets & hypersonic interceptors…Trump unveils half-a-trillion dollar Golden Dome air defence to be ready by 2029 DONALD Trump has unveiled plans for a high-tech "Golden Dome" missile defence system, which the president claims should be operational by the end of his term in office. The futuristic concept announced by Trump would see American weapons put in space for the first time ever. Trump had already signalled his intent to set up a Golden Dome following his return to the White House, calling missile attacks the "most catastrophic threat facing the United States". The idea is modelled on Israel's Iron Dome defence system, which uses radar to detect incoming missiles and calculates which ones pose a threat to populated areas. But the Golden Dome would be an infinitely bigger project, not least because the United States is more than 400 times larger than Israel. During his announcement in the Oval Office yesterday, Trump said his new Golden Dome would be "capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from the other side of the world". NATO members have been scrambling to bolster their defence capabilities since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Trump's return to the White House in January, and question marks over his commitment to European security, has added urgency. Rutte warned: "Danger will not disappear even when the war in Ukraine ends. "We must have more forces and capabilities to implement our defence plans in full." He added that if countries cannot commit to 5 percent for defence spending "you could still have the National Health Service, or in other countries, their health systems, the pension system, etc, but you better learn to speak Russian. I mean, that's the consequence". Britain announced plans last week to build up to 12 nuclear-powered attack submarines and six munitions factories to rearm the country in response to what it said were threats from Russia.
South Wales Argus
2 hours ago
- South Wales Argus
Nato chief says UK's defence spending plans not at odds with 5% goal
The Nato chief would not reveal the deadline for when he hopes Nato allies will reach the target as he spoke at London's Chatham House. He said he had a 'clear view' on when he thinks countries should get there but said he would keep it to himself. Countries that do not ramp up defence spending should 'learn to speak Russian', he said. Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte giving a speech at Chatham House during his visit to the UK (Yui Mok/PA) He had earlier commended the UK for plans unveiled in the strategic defence review last week as he met Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street on Monday. Mr Rutte said the UK's goals to spend 2.5% on defence from April 2027 and then aim to get to 3% over the next parliament were not at odds with his own proposed target for the bloc. He has proposed members of the bloc spend 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) on defence as part of a strengthened investment plan for the alliance. The target would require nations to raise core defence spending to 3.5% of GDP, while the remaining 1.5% is to be made up of 'defence-related expenditure'. He said every country is 'working in cycles' and that he was 'really impressed' with the UK's plans under the strategic defence review unveiled last week. 'I've seen sometimes in the British press that there is the defence review and now there is this proposal I made about the 5%, the 3.5% core and 1.5% defence and security-related spending. 'So then people are saying 'hey there is discrepancy', I don't think there is. Why not? Because every country is working in cycles to constantly update its own defence strategy.' Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (left) welcomed Nato secretary-general Mark Rutte to Downing Street (Jordan Pettitt/PA) He said it was not up to him to decide how countries get there, when asked if he believed Chancellor Rachel Reeves should raise taxes to meet defence spending commitments. 'I mean, what I know is that if we want to keep our societies safe… look, if you do not do this, if you would not go to the 5%, including the 3.5% core defence spending, you could still have the National Health Service, or in other countries their health systems, the pension system, etcetera, but you had better learn to speak Russian.' The upcoming Nato summit would focus on a 'credible path' to get to the 'longer-term goal' of reaching 5%, he said. The 5% goal is not 'some figure plucked from the air', he said. 'The fact is we need a quantum leap in our defence. The fact is we must have more forces and capability to implement our defence plans in full.' While he said the 'exact details are classified', Mr Rutte said there needed to be a 400% increase in air and missile defence. He said Russia could be ready to use force against Nato within five years. 'The new generation of Russian missiles travel at many times the speed of sound. The distance between European capitals is only a matter of minutes. There is no longer east or west. There is just Nato.' As he met with Sir Keir in the White Room of No 10, he commended the Prime Minister on the 'very good stuff' in the defence review. 'It is not only about the traditional things, of course we need them, like ammunition… there is also drones, innovation, building the defence industrial base. It is really broad, it is really making a big impression in Brussels I can tell you,' he said. Sir Keir described Nato as 'the most effective military alliance the world has ever seen' (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Sir Keir called Nato the 'cornerstone of our defence' and the 'most effective military alliance the world has ever seen', adding that the task of the upcoming summit was to make sure it serves that purpose for decades to come. Sir Keir also spoke to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday and the two leaders welcomed efforts by Nato allies to step up defence spending as well as Mr Rutte's suggestions to further boost it, a Downing Street spokeswoman said. The boost to the defence budget announced last week will be confirmed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in her spending review on Wednesday, when she will set out the Government's priorities for the next three years.
North Wales Chronicle
2 hours ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Nato chief says UK's defence spending plans not at odds with 5% goal
The Nato chief would not reveal the deadline for when he hopes Nato allies will reach the target as he spoke at London's Chatham House. He said he had a 'clear view' on when he thinks countries should get there but said he would keep it to himself. Countries that do not ramp up defence spending should 'learn to speak Russian', he said. He had earlier commended the UK for plans unveiled in the strategic defence review last week as he met Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street on Monday. Mr Rutte said the UK's goals to spend 2.5% on defence from April 2027 and then aim to get to 3% over the next parliament were not at odds with his own proposed target for the bloc. He has proposed members of the bloc spend 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) on defence as part of a strengthened investment plan for the alliance. The target would require nations to raise core defence spending to 3.5% of GDP, while the remaining 1.5% is to be made up of 'defence-related expenditure'. He said every country is 'working in cycles' and that he was 'really impressed' with the UK's plans under the strategic defence review unveiled last week. 'I've seen sometimes in the British press that there is the defence review and now there is this proposal I made about the 5%, the 3.5% core and 1.5% defence and security-related spending. 'So then people are saying 'hey there is discrepancy', I don't think there is. Why not? Because every country is working in cycles to constantly update its own defence strategy.' He said it was not up to him to decide how countries get there, when asked if he believed Chancellor Rachel Reeves should raise taxes to meet defence spending commitments. 'I mean, what I know is that if we want to keep our societies safe… look, if you do not do this, if you would not go to the 5%, including the 3.5% core defence spending, you could still have the National Health Service, or in other countries their health systems, the pension system, etcetera, but you had better learn to speak Russian.' The upcoming Nato summit would focus on a 'credible path' to get to the 'longer-term goal' of reaching 5%, he said. The 5% goal is not 'some figure plucked from the air', he said. 'The fact is we need a quantum leap in our defence. The fact is we must have more forces and capability to implement our defence plans in full.' While he said the 'exact details are classified', Mr Rutte said there needed to be a 400% increase in air and missile defence. He said Russia could be ready to use force against Nato within five years. 'The new generation of Russian missiles travel at many times the speed of sound. The distance between European capitals is only a matter of minutes. There is no longer east or west. There is just Nato.' As he met with Sir Keir in the White Room of No 10, he commended the Prime Minister on the 'very good stuff' in the defence review. 'It is not only about the traditional things, of course we need them, like ammunition… there is also drones, innovation, building the defence industrial base. It is really broad, it is really making a big impression in Brussels I can tell you,' he said. Sir Keir called Nato the 'cornerstone of our defence' and the 'most effective military alliance the world has ever seen', adding that the task of the upcoming summit was to make sure it serves that purpose for decades to come. Sir Keir also spoke to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday and the two leaders welcomed efforts by Nato allies to step up defence spending as well as Mr Rutte's suggestions to further boost it, a Downing Street spokeswoman said. The boost to the defence budget announced last week will be confirmed by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in her spending review on Wednesday, when she will set out the Government's priorities for the next three years.
