MEZIESBLOG

Vladimir Putin has signed into law stricter penalties for crimes related to security and the armed forces, according to Ukrainian and Russian media.

Armed rebellion and terrorism now carry 20 years to life in prison, with no eligibility for parole, Suspilne and Ukrainska Pravda report.

Foreign citizens found to have been “aiding the enemy” face up to 15 years behind bars.

Members of supposedly “voluntary” military formations are now liable for punishment if they disobey orders or resist a superior, as well as for desertion and voluntary surrender.

“Uncoordinated” protests and “falsifying history” have also been designated extremist threats to Russia.

If you’re just checking in, here is a recap of the key events that occurred today.

• Two US military officials said Washington has intelligence indicating Russia may have misidentified the Azerbaijan Airlines plane and shot it down on Christmas Day;
• Vladimir Putin apologised for the plane crash taking place in Russian airspace, but stopped short of admitting Russia was responsible;
• The UK rejected his response and called for an independent investigation;
• Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia “must provide clear explanations” for the crash and “stop spreading disinformation”, in a call with Azerbaijan’s president;
• Meanwhile, the UK defence ministry said Russia has changed its strike patterns against Ukraine, choosing larger, less frequent waves of attacks over more frequent, smaller strikes it conducted earlier in the year.

Ukraine making ‘worrying’ progress in Kursk after new offensive, Russian bloggers say

A bit more on the new Kursk offensive launched by Ukraine yesterday. 

The attack was reportedly launched from Sudzha towards a district centre on the way to Kursk City.

Russian military bloggers this morning have reported “worrying” Ukrainian progress and fierce fighting.

“The morning in the Kursk region is starting off worryingly again,” Yuri Podolyaka assessed.

Russian military bloggers are supportive of Moscow’s war in Ukraine, but have been critical of the ministry of defence’s handling of certain fronts. 

“It is obvious that yesterday’s failure will not stop the enemy and he will try to impose his will on us again today,”  Podolyaka added.

However, others suggested Ukraine’s renewed efforts in the area may be a diversionary effort and claimed that it is too early to determine whether the operations could be part of a future main effort.