Moscow: Russia is ready to fight a long war with Ukraine. In the midst of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, has ordered the army of his country to recruit 1.37 lakh soldiers in the armed forces. Putin has signed the relevant order which will take effect from January 1, 2023. However, it is not clear whether the military will compulsorily recruit large numbers of soldiers to strengthen the armed forces, or increase the number of volunteers, or a combination of the two. With this order by Putin, the number of military personnel in the Russian army will increase to 20,39,758. According to a news agency report, the Kremlin has said that only voluntary contract troops are taking part in “special military operations” in Ukraine. He dismissed claims that he was considering sending more troops to Ukraine. US President Joe Biden announced a $3 billion military aid package for Ukraine on Wednesday
EU $9.5 billion in aid to Ukraine
European Union foreign policy chief Joseph Borrell said the European Union has provided $9.5 billion in aid to Ukraine since the Russian attack. Another $7.9 billion package is due to be released. The Pentagon said the assistance would include six additional surface-to-air missile systems. On the other hand, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov has demanded the supply of Jeppard tanks from Berlin. Meanwhile, during a joint press conference in Kiev with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has expressed his opposition to any dialogue or resumption of relations with Russia as the war continues.
25 killed in Russian attack on railway station in Ukraine
The death toll in the Russian attack on the railway station in the Ukrainian city of Chaplin has risen to 25. Russia said it fired an Iskander missile on a military train headed for eastern Ukraine.
Russia cuts, then restores power to nuclear plant
According to the Age News Agency, Russia cut off the power to Ukraine’s Zaporizhia nuclear plant on Wednesday. However, power supply was later restored. Since then the nuclear plant has started working again. Ukraine says the fire started in ash pits at a coal power station near a nuclear plant. Due to which the power supply of the nuclear plant was disrupted.