Explosions in Engels, success of 'grain deal': last night's highlights

Explosions in Engels

In the Russian city of Engels, Saratov Oblast, an air raid alarm system sounded. Local residents heard the sounds of explosions near the airfield of the Russian strategic aviation.

Two explosions were heard in the city near the airfield: the first one was weaker, the second one was much stronger. The area of the fire after the explosion was 120 square meters. According to preliminary data, three people died. Four more people were hospitalized.

Grain deal

Since the launch of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, more than 15 million tons of food has been exported from Ukraine to countries in need, reports Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar.

He says that his country has made a great contribution to signing and extending the agreement on grain exports to overcome the food crisis that threatens the whole world.

Exclusion of Russia from the UN Security Council

On December 26, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to officially raise the issue of expelling Russia from the UN Security Council and the United Nations in general, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said.

In addition, Kuleba stated that Western partners got into thinking more about the denuclearization of Russia after its defeat.

"These issues are not yet discussed at press conferences and in public statements by leaders of states and governments, but at the lower level, people are already asking what Russia should become so that it does not pose a threat to peace and security," he explained.

Training centers for propagandists

The Russian occupiers want to open pedagogical universities in the temporarily occupied territories, where "new teachers" will be trained at a rapid pace. The first such facility should open in Berdiansk, the National Resistance Center writes.

"According to the Russians' plan, the current teachers of history and Russian language will be retrained there by September 1. The priority of the selected specialists demonstrates what the 'Russian school' emphasizes, namely: learning the language and 'correct history'," the Center notes.

Putin's new statement on war

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the war with Ukraine is based on "the policy of 'opponents of Moscow' aimed at stretching the historical Russia".

Putin also noted that Moscow is ready to negotiate "with all participants" on "acceptable solutions" to the war with Ukraine. He specified: "But it's their business – it's not us who refuse to negotiate, it's them."

In response, adviser to the Office of the President of Ukraine Mykhailo Podolyak wrote on Twitter that Russia does not want negotiations and is trying to avoid responsibility. He added: "This is obvious, so we are going to the Tribunal."