RUSSIA’S bloodthirsty invasion of Ukraine has killed ‘considerably more’ than 6,884 civilians, a new report claims.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights shared these shocking numbers, also revealing that at least 429 children were killed from February 24, 2022, to 26 December 2022.
However, these numbers could only represent a fraction of Ukraine’s civilian losses which could be “considerably higher, as the receipt of information from some locations where intense hostilities have been going on has been delayed and many reports are still pending corroboration.”
This comes as Putin’s forces launched fresh attacks yesterday.
According to the Kyiv Independent, one missile struck a maternity ward in the liberated city of Kherson.
Read our Ukraine-Russia live blog below for the latest news…
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Zelensky issues powerful message as Russian attacks continue
President Zelensky called for “courage” and “endurance” in the fight for freedom on Telegram this week.
He wrote: “In this battle, we have one powerful and effective weapon.
“The hammer and sword of our spirit and consciousness. Courage and bravery.
“Virtues that incline us to do good deeds and overcome evil.
“The main act of courage is endurance and bringing one’s work to the end in spite of everything.
“The truth illuminates our path.
“We know it. We protect it. Our truth is a struggle for freedom. Freedom comes at a high price. But slavery costs even more.”
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Putin claims his aim in Ukraine is to ‘unite the Russian people’
Putin has claimed his brutal war in Ukraine is aiming to “unite the Russian people”.
The dictator referenced the idea of “historical Russia” which claims all Ukrainians are actually Russian, as he attempted to justify his brutal invasion.
Al Jazeera reports he said he was acting “in the right direction … protecting our national interests, the interests of our citizens, of our people.”
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Over 6,800 civilians killed in Russian invasion
According to the United Nations human rights agency, 6826 civilians have been killed by Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine.
On top of this, a further 10,769 have been injured since the invasion began.
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Ukrainian official claims Russia must ‘face reality’ as Putin makes new threats
A top Ukrainian official has demanded Russia “face reality” and claimed nothing will stop his country winning back their freedom.
Taking to Twitter, presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak wrote: “Neither total mobilization, nor panicky search for ammo, nor secret contracts with Iran, nor Lavrov’s threats will help.
“Russia needs to face the reality.
“Ukraine will demilitarize the RF to the end, oust the invaders from all occupied territories.
“Wait for the finale silently…”
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Putin claims Russia is ‘ready for negotiations’
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has claimed the Kremlin is ready to negotiate with Ukraine.
“We are ready to negotiate with everyone involved about acceptable solutions, but that is up to them – we are not the ones refusing to negotiate, they are,” Putin told Rossiya 1 state television.
This claim has been dismissed by both Ukrainian and western officials.
With adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymy, Mykhailo Podolyak, tweeting: “Russia single-handedly attacked Ukraine and is killing citizens. Russia doesn’t want negotiations, but tries to avoid responsibility.”
Others have also dismissed Putin’s claims as a bluff.
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Fighting rages on in Bakhmut
The Ministry of Defence has released its latest intel update.
The statement said: “Over the last 48 hours, fighting has remained focused around the Bakhmut sector of Donetsk Oblast, and near Svatove in Luhansk.
“Russia continues to initiate frequent small-scale assaults in these areas, although little territory has changed hands.
“To the north, elements of Russia’s 1st Guards Tank Army were probably amongst the Russian forces recently deployed to Belarus.
“This formation was likely conducting training before its deployment and is unlikely to have the support units needed to make it combat-ready.”
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Inside life in Bakhmut as Russia continues assault
Bakhmut has been described as the epicentre of fighting in Ukraine, with its pre-war population decreased from 70,000 to a reported 10,000.
“Our building is destroyed. There was a shop in our building, now it’s not there anymore,” Oleksandr, 85, told Reuters.
A 73-year-old resident named Pilaheia told reporters she is used to the “constant explosions”.
“Now you just scratch yourself, and don’t even look or listen carefully to what is happening and where. That’s how we are now. But still, I want to live a normal life,” she added.
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NATO will support Ukraine for ‘as long as it takes’
Taking to Twitter, NATO pledge to throw all its support behind Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
The military alliance wrote: “#NATO stands with Ukraine in its brave fight against Russian aggression.
“We will continue to provide support for as long as it takes.”
NATO is yet to give Ukraine full military support amid fears of Russia’s nuclear capabilities.
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Air raid alert issued across Ukraine
According to local reports, air raid alerts sounded for the entirety of Ukraine yesterday.
This singles a new Russian bombardment.
The Kremlin did not pause its attacks over Christmas, launching approximately 100 attacks on Christmas Day and Boxing Day alone.
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Zelensky issues powerful message as Russian attacks continue
President Zelensky called for “courage” and “endurance” in the fight for freedom on Telegram today.
He wrote: “In this battle, we have one powerful and effective weapon.
“The hammer and sword of our spirit and consciousness. Courage and bravery.
“Virtues that incline us to do good deeds and overcome evil.
“The main act of courage is endurance and bringing one’s work to the end in spite of everything.
“The truth illuminates our path.
“We know it. We protect it. Our truth is a struggle for freedom. Freedom comes at a high price. But slavery costs even more.”
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Putin attends summit with leaders of former USSR nations
Yesterday, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin met with leaders from former USSR states.
Now part of the Commonwealth of Independent States, these leaders gathered in St Petersburg.
Among the countries in attendance were Azerbaijan, Balarus and Turkmenistan.
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In pictures: Maternity hospital hit during today’s Russian shelling
The President’s Office has released pictures showing the aftermath of today’s attacks, which hit a maternity hospital in Kherson.
There were no casualties.
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Ukraine’s GDP plunged by a third
Ukraine’s gross domestic product (GDP) plunged by a third in 2022, the country’s National Bank has revealed.
The deputy head of Ukraine’s National Bank also warned that the continued attacks by Russia on Ukraine’s critical infrastructure were destroying the country’s economy.
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Ukraine’s 20 richest people lost over $20 billion due to Russia’s full-scale invasion
According to Forbes Ukraine, Ukraine’s 20 richest people have had their net worth’s slashed by over $20 billion since February 2022.
Forbes Ukraine reported that the owner of DTEK energy company and Metinvest steel and mining conglomerate, lost $9.3 billion due to Russia’s all-out war in his native Donbas.
Also on the list is Ukraine’s richest man Rinat Akhmetov – many of his possessions were turned into warzones and eventually destroyed by Russia.
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Over 6,800 civilians killed in Russian invasion
According to the United Nations human rights agency, 6826 civilians have been killed by Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine.
On top of this, a further 10,769 have been injured since the invasion began.
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Inside life in Bakhmut as Russia continues assault
Bakhmut has been described as the epicentre of fighting in Ukraine, with its pre-war population decreased from 70,000 to a reported 10,000.
“Our building is destroyed. There was a shop in our building, now it’s not there anymore,” Oleksandr, 85, told Reuters.
A 73-year-old resident named Pilaheia told reporters she is used to the “constant explosions”.
“Now you just scratch yourself, and don’t even look or listen carefully to what is happening and where. That’s how we are now. But still, I want to live a normal life,” she added.
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Russian losses continue to mount
As fighting continues in Ukraine, Russian losses have continued to mount.
According to Ukrainian military sources, the Kremlin has lost 103,220 since its brutal invasion began.
This reflects an increase in casualties of 620.
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Russia bans supply of oil to nations implementing western price cap
Vladimir Putin has signed a decree banning the supply of oil and oil products to nations participating in the G7 price cap, from February 1, for five months to nations that abide by the cap.
The cap prohibits countries from paying more than $60 (€56; £50) per barrel of Russian oil.
Reuters reports that the decree, published on a government portal and the Kremlin website, was presented as a direct response to “actions that are unfriendly and contradictory to international law by the United States and foreign states and international organisations joining them”.
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Italy’s Prime Minister says she intends to visit Kyiv
Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, has today said she has spoken with Ukrainian President Zelensky and intends to visit Kyiv.
She has also invited Zelensky to Rome.
Her statement came after the two spoke over the phone, with Meloni confirming an additional €10 million in aid to support Ukraine.
Taking to Twitter, she wrote: ”Cordial telephone conversation with @ZelenskyyUa . I renewed the support of the Italian Government in Kyiv and reaffirmed Italy’s maximum commitment to every useful action to arrive at a just peace.
”I confirmed my intention to go to Kyiv and invited Zelensky to Rome.”
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In pictures: Today’s Russian attacks in Bakhmut
Bakhmut has been described as the epicentre of fighting in Ukraine, with its pre-war population decreased from 70,000 to a reported 10,000.
Credit: AP 
Credit: AP -
Work on bringing back the bodies of fighters ‘does not stop for a day’, says Oleh Kotenko
The commissioner for missing persons, Oleh Kotenko, has said the government are continually working to bring back the bodies of Ukrainian servicemen.
He said: ”Despite the fact that the negotiation process is complicated and long, we are trying to pace it up.
”We understand every family that is waiting for the return of defenders to honour them. We will bring everyone back.”
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The bodies of 42 Ukrainian servicemen who died while fighting have returned home
According to the Ukrainian government, the bodies of 42 servicemen who died as a result of the war have been returned to Ukraine.
In a statement, Ukraine’s ministry for the reintegration of the temporarily occupied territories said: ”The Office of the Commissioner for Missing Persons, together with law enforcement agencies, continues to bring home Heroes who sacrificed their lives for Ukraine.
”Another transfer of bodies took place today as 42 KIAs were delivered.”
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Zelensky thanks the Prime Minister of Italy for her support
President Zelensky has today thanked Giorgia Meloni, the Prime Minister of Italy for their solidarity and support for Ukraine.
Taking to Twitter, Zelensky wrote: ”Thanked @GiorgiaMeloni for solidarity and comprehensive support for Ukraine.
”Commended Italy’s government’s allocation of additional €10 million in aid. Mrs. Meloni informed that the issue of providing air defense systems to protect Ukraine skies is being considered. We discussed #PeaceFormula.”
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Putin claims his aim in Ukraine is to ‘unite the Russian people’
Putin has claimed his brutal war in Ukraine is aiming to “unite the Russian people”.
The dictator referenced the idea of “historical Russia” which claims all Ukrainians are actually Russian, as he attempted to justify his brutal invasion.
Al Jazeera reports he said he was acting “in the right direction … protecting our national interests, the interests of our citizens, of our people.”
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Over 6,800 civilians killed in Russian invasion
According to the United Nations human rights agency, 6826 civilians have been killed by Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine.
On top of this, a further 10,769 have been injured since the invasion began.
