Ukraine updates: Russian strikes hit Kharkiv hotel
Published January 11, 2024last updated January 11, 2024What you need to know
A hotel in Ukraine's second largest city of Kharkiv has been struck by missiles, local Ukrainian authorities said.
Eleven people were reported injured by the attack late Wednesday. Kharkiv's governor said a 35-year-old man is in serious condition.
Meanwhile Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is continuing his visit to Baltic states as he tries to garner more support for the fight against invading Russian forces.
Here's a look at the latest regarding Russia's war in Ukraine on Thursday, January 11
Ministers to prepare possible Zelenskyy-Orban meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy could soon meet with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban as Hungary continues to block EU aid earmarked for Kyiv.
To pave the way for a potential meeting between the two leaders, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and his Hungarian counterpart, Peter Szijjarto, are set to meet in the western Ukrainian city of Uzhhorod on January 29, both sides said.
The head of the Ukrainian presidential office, Andrii Yermak, is also expected to attend, according to Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesman Oleh Nikolenko.
Ukraine has been fighting off a Russian invasion since February 2022, and a new EU aid program worth €50 billion ($55 billion) for the next four years was supposed to have been agreed by EU leaders last December.
But Orban, who maintains good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, vetoed the plan, calling into question the usefulness of the funds and stating that the EU had wrongly frozen funds earmarked for his country due to concerns about the rule of law in Hungary.
Pentagon inspector points to shortfall in Ukraine weapons tracking
The US Defense Department has not fully complied with monitoring requirements for about $1 billion (€910 million) in military aid provided to Ukraine, the Pentagon inspector general's office said.
"As of June 2, 2023, serial number inventories for more than $1.005 billion (59 percent) of the total $1.699 billion of EEUM-designated defense articles were delinquent," the inspector general's office said in a statement, referring to enhanced end-use monitoring.
The shortfall can be explained by factors including the "limited number of US personnel at logistics hubs in a partner nation and in Ukraine," and restrictions on the movement of monitoring personnel in the country, the statement said.
Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder told journalists on Thursday that there have been no signs of misuse of the aid Washington has provided.
"There remains no credible evidence of illicit diversion of US-provided advanced conventional weapons from Ukraine," he said.
Meanwhile, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Thursday that no funding was left for additional military aid packages to Ukraine.
Ukraine's GDP grew by 5% in 2023
Ukraine's economy grew by 5% in 2023 and will expand by 4.6% this year as a result of higher domestic consumption and expected growth in its defense industry, the country's Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said.
Svyrydenko reiterated the forecast for continued growth this year, saying that officials would focus on reforms to make the Ukrainian economy more independent and self-reliant.
Ukraine's gross domestic product (GDP) growth last year was achieved following a sharp 28.8% fall in 2022, she added.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 had a disastrous impact on the economy as millions of people fled the country, cities and infrastructure were bombed, and supply chains, logistics and exports severely disrupted.
Ukraine to submit revised mobilization bill after criticism
Ukraine's hotly debated draft law on expanding mobilization rules has been withdrawn from parliament and a new version is ready for the government to review, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said.
The bill would enable Kyiv to call up more people to the military as the war with Russia approaches the two-year mark. The initial draft included electronic call-ups and a series of tight sanctions for those who flout the mobilization law.
Thousands of Ukrainians rushed to enlist immediately after Russia invaded on February 24, 2022. However, nearly two years into the war, many men are trying to avoid the fight.
Submitted by the government in late December after consultations with the military, the draft law immediately drew criticism from the public and politicians. Lawmakers and analysts said that some of its provisions violated the constitution and carried corruption risks.
Latvian parliament votes to confiscate 'Moscow House' in Riga
Latvian lawmakers have voted to nationalize the Moscow House building in the capital, Riga. The building previously served as a Russian cultural center and was considered an instrument of Moscow's soft power.
Moscow House, sponsored by the Moscow city administration to promote "cultural and economic cooperation" between the two capitals, was closed in March 2022.
Following the parliament's vote, it will revert to the ownership of the Latvian Transport Ministry, which previously owned the property.
Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said he had informed his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy of the decision. "The plan most likely will be to auction off the building and forward the income to the Ukrainian war effort," he told journalists.
The move drew an angry response from the Russian embassy in Latvia, which denounced it as "an act of state theft."
Kyiv has been lobbying other governments to consider similar actions with other Russian assets currently frozen amid sanctions and other measures stemming from its invasion of Ukraine.
Latvia vows further military aid to Ukraine
Latvia's President Edgars Rinkevics has vowed Latvia will provide Ukraine with further military aid for its defense against Russia.
After meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the Latvian president said that the next aid package would include howitzers, 155mm artillery ammunition, anti-tank and anti-aircraft defense systems, rocket launchers, all-terrain vehicles, hand grenades, helicopters and other equipment.
Latvia also wants to train 3,000 Ukrainian soldiers this year and support Ukraine with drone production.
"The government, our country and our people will continue to provide Ukraine with all the support it needs," Rinkevics said.
Latvia has provided aid worth €600 million ($656 million), which is the equivalent to 1% of the country's GDP, he said.
Zelenskyy thanked Latvia for its "unwavering support" and the renewed military aid. "This year, Ukraine will make every effort to create a new European arsenal to prevent Russian aggression against Europe," Zelenskyy said.
Latvia was the last stop as part of Zelenskyy's three-nation tour of the Baltics, which are seen as Ukraine's most determined advocates internationally.
Zelenskyy warns against 'pauses' in fight against Russia
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday warned that "pauses" in the fight to defend itself from Russia would allow Moscow's forces to re-arm.
"Give the Russian Federation 2-3 years, then they will simply run us over. We wouldn't take that risk... There will be no pauses in favor of Russia," Zelenskyy said during a visit to Estonia.
Zelenskyy is on a visit to Baltic EU and NATO member states and has been expressing his gratitude for the support given in the face of Russia's invasion.
"Estonia's unwavering support for Ukraine, our people, and our defense is evident today, during my visit, and throughout the war," Zelenskyy posted on social media platform X.
Zelenskyy said that both he and Estonian President Alar Karis had discussed cooperation at the European institutions' level, Ukraine's potential in Europe, developments on the frontline and prospects of justice.
"For us it is critical that Russia be held fully accountable for all manifestations of terror, crimes committed, and the destruction caused by its aggression," Zelenskyy said.
Karis — who has frequently called for continued support of Ukraine — posted pictures of him meeting Zelenskyy along with a message which said: "Our strong friendship is based on shared values, ideals we drive are always democracy and freedom."
Zelenskyy will conclude his tour of the three Baltic nations in Latvia.
Weather conditions in Ukraine to make operating difficult — UK intelligence
The UK's Ministry of Defence (MOD) on Thursday highlighted the impact current freezing temperatures are likely to have on operational conditions in Ukraine in the weeks and months to come.
The country is currently in the grip of a cold snap with sub-zero temperatures.
The MOD said that while freezing ground will improve the ability to move for now, a thaw in March will "lead to a corresponding deterioration in conditions for cross-country movement."
"Coupled with the freezing temperatures is an increase in snow cover throughout Ukraine. Snow depth is likely to be a limiting factor for maneuverability," the MOD said.
The deteriorating conditions coupled with shorter daylight hours would make operational conditions "difficult for both sides," the MOD said, adding that troops would be reliant on cold weather and night-vision kits in order to operate.
Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria sign Black Sea demining deal
NATO member states, Turkey, Romania and Bulgaria on Thursday signed an agreement to clear mines in the Black Sea as a result of the war in Ukraine.
The Russian Navy deployed mines along Ukraine's Black Sea coastline during the initial stages of the invasion almost two years ago.
The memorandum of understanding signed in Istanbul establishes the Mine Countermeasures Naval Group in the Black Sea (MCM Black Sea) that will deal with demining operations.
"It is of vital importance to be protected from security risks that war could cause," Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said at the signing ceremony.
"With the start of the war, mines drifting in the Black Sea posed a threat. To overcome this, we have come this far with joint efforts of our Bulgarian and Romanian allies," Guler added.
Late in December a Panama-flagged bulk carrier arriving to collect grain struck a Russian naval mine in the Black Sea, injuring two sailors.
Ukraine managed to create a maritime corridor for commercial ships which first pass near the shores of Bulgaria and Romania.
Zelenskyy to visit Estonia, Latvia as Baltic tour continues
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is continuing his trip to Baltic EU and NATO member states, and will visit Estonia and Latvia on Thursday.
On Wednesday Zelenskyy was in Lithuania on an unannounced visit which he says is aimed at thanking Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania for their "uncompromising support for Ukraine" in its fight against the Russian invasion.
Speaking in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, Zelenskyy said Ukraine must bolster its air defenses against Russia's missile and drone attacks. Zelenskyy also said it is necessary to replenish ammunition supplies as long-range strikes become the main feature of this winter's fighting.
"We have proven that Russia can be stopped, that deterrence is possible," Zelenskyy said after talks with Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda.
The three countries have been leading supporters of Ukraine since Moscow's assault began, supplying military, financial and humanitarian support to Kyiv.
Zelenskyy's visit, his first official trip abroad in 2024, aims to shore up Western assistance to his country at a time when it is appearing more and more uncertain.
According to a December survey by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, aid promised to Ukraine between August and October 2023 fell almost 90% from the same period in 2022, reaching its lowest point since the start of the war in February of that year.
Among other things, an EU aid package worth €50 billion euros ($55 billion) has yet to be released following a veto by Hungary, while Republicans in the US have blocked sending additional aid to Ukraine.
Russian strike on Kharkiv hotel leaves many injured, officials say
Kharkiv's regional governor said that two Russian missiles struck a hotel late on Wednesday, injuring 11 people.
Governor Oleh Synehubov wrote on the Telegram messaging service that the strike took place around 10:30 p.m. local time and involved two S-300 missiles.
"Nine of those injured have been taken to medical facilities," Synehubov wrote. "One of them, a 35-year-old man, is in serious condition."
"One missile hit next to the hotel, right by a fence. The other one hit a nearby annex," Kharkiv Police Chief Volodymyr Tymoshko told public broadcaster Suspilne.
"Servicemen never stayed in this hotel and just about everyone in Kharkiv knows this. It was used by journalists," Tymoshko added.
Kharkiv is Ukraine's second largest city and is located around 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the border with Russia.
The city and surroundings have been regularly targeted by deadly Russian aerial attacks.
kb/wd (Reuters, AFP, AP)