Zelenskyy in Norway, Kyivstar subscribers getting connected, Maryinka defense: highlights for December 13
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Norway on an unannounced visit to attend the Ukraine—Northern Europe Summit. At this meeting, Norway and Denmark announced new defense packages for Ukraine. A number of Kyivstar subscribers received mobile service. Russia spreads provocations about the capture of Maryinka, but in reality, the city's defense continues. We collected the main news.
Zelenskyy's visit to Norway
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Norway on an unannounced visit. He took part in the Ukraine-Northern Europe summit. The head of state met with the leaders of Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, and Sweden.
In addition, King Harald V of Norway held an audience with Zelenskyy on December 13.
During a press conference as part of his foreign visit, the Ukrainian president said that without the help of international partners, Ukraine would not be able to win the war unleashed by Russia.
Help from Norway and Denmark
Norway will provide Ukraine with additional NASAMS air defense equipment worth $30 million, and will also provide $273 million to the Ukrainian government to support critical public services.
At the same time, Denmark announced a new aid package for Ukraine worth about 1 billion euros. In particular, it will include ammunition, tanks, and drones.
Video of the occupiers hiding behind prisoners of war on the battlefield
A video has been posted online showing Russian troops leading captured Ukrainian soldiers forward at the front and firing at Ukrainian positions under their cover. In addition, a Russian soldier fired at one of the prisoners. Subsequently, the body of the soldier in the Ukrainian Armed Forces uniform was already lying on the ground. The Ukrainian military handed over this recording to Radio Liberty.
The outlet managed to verify the video - the events took place near Robotyne, Zaporizhzhya Oblast. The fate of these Ukrainian prisoners is currently unknown.
Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets emphasized that if these actions of the Russians are confirmed, it is a violation of the Geneva Convention.
Kyivstar's restoration of Internet service
A number of Kyivstar subscribers reported the restoration of mobile communication around 5 p.m., more than a day after the hacker attack on the company. However, it is still intermittent. The company's specialists are currently working to restore data and SMS services.
Russian hackers from the so-called Solntsepek group, which may be linked to hackers working for the Kremlin, claimed responsibility for the attack on Kyivstar. It is currently known that a compromised account of one of the employees was used to attack the mobile operator's cyber defense.
Defense of Maryinka
Russia continues to spread information and provocations about the alleged complete capture of Maryinka in Donetsk Oblast. In reality, the Ukrainian Defense Forces continue to defend the city.
In the area of Maryinka, the Russian military is amassing forces for further assault operations.
Fans will return to the stadiums
The Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine has developed a procedure for security measures that will allow spectators to attend sporting events. Among the solutions:
- the venue where the competition will be held must be checked in advance. In particular, the shelters should be inspected;
- protective facilities must be able to accommodate all participants of the competition and be located no further than 500 meters from the venue;
- the conditions of movement of people with disabilities should be taken into account;
- the management of the sports facility must develop an action plan in case of an air raid alert.
Other news
- This year, the second Patriot air defense system provided by Germany will start operating in Ukraine, Chancellor Scholz announced.
- The search for those responsible for depressurization of the subway: law enforcement officers conducted a series of searches in Kyiv.
- The Yahodyn-Dorohusk checkpoint may be blocked again. The strikers have already filed a protest notice.
- MP Oleksandr Dubinsky's defense is delaying the study of the case file. The court has set clear deadlines for the State Bureau of Investigation.
- Iran claims that Hamas, Hezbollah, and Islamic Jihad allegedly received weapons from Ukraine. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied this.
- In 2024, the state may finance the creation of 10,000 jobs for people with disabilities, says the Ministry of Economy.