US President Biden said it is unlikely a missile that landed in eastern Poland was fired from within Russia after consulting with allies at the G20 Summit in Indonesia. NATO announced it will hold an emergency meeting Wednesday.
Poland said a “Russian-made missile” fell on a village near the Ukraine border on Tuesday, killing two people. It did not say who fired it or where it was fired from.
Russia’s Defense Ministry said reports of Russian missiles landing in Poland were a “deliberate provocation,” as the incident raised fears of a further escalation in the months-long war.
A deadly explosion in Poland is raising fears of an escalation in the war. Here's what we know
US President Joe Biden held an emergency meeting with G7 and NATO allies on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, on Tuesday after Poland said a “Russian-made missile” landed on a village near the Ukraine border on Tuesday, killing two people.
The deadly explosion in eastern Poland — a NATO member country — has raised fears of a further escalation in the months-long Russia-Ukraine war.
Here’s what we know:
What Poland says: Poland’s Foreign Ministry said late Tuesday thata “Russian-made missile” landed on the Polish village of Przewodów, near the border with Ukraine, killing two people. The ministry did not specify the type of missile or where it was fired from, but the country’s President said it was “most likely produced in Russia.” The incident was a “single act” and there is no evidence of further missiles, Poland’s prime minister said.
Unanswered questions: The circumstances surrounding the incident, which marks the first time a NATO country has been directly struck during the almost nine-month conflict, remain unclear — including who fired the missile and where it was fired from. Both Russian and Ukrainian forces have used Russian-made munitions during the conflict, with Ukraine deploying Russian-made missiles as part of their air defense system.
Why it’s raising tensions: Poland, a NATO member, said Warsaw is considering invoking the defense alliance’s Article 4 to discuss its concerns and will also increase the combat readiness of some Polish troops. Article 4 is a consultation method that allows members of the 30-country alliance to bring an issue — usually about security — affecting them for discussion at the North Atlantic Council, its decision-making body.
Reports from the ground: A local resident told CNN they heard a terrifying “whoosh” as a projectile flew over the town. CNN’s Matthew Chance spoke to a caretaker of a local school who said the force of the blast shook classroom windows, though students were not inside the school when the explosion occurred. Polish media reported that a projectile had landed on a farm in the country — roughly the same time as Russia launched its biggest wave of missile attacks on Ukrainian cities in more than a month.
World leaders’ reaction: Speaking after an emergency meeting with G7 and NATO allies at the G20 summit in Bali, President Biden said preliminary information suggests it is unlikely the missile was fired from within Russia. Biden said the allies would support Poland’s investigation, which would “collectively determine our next step as we investigate and proceed,” adding there was “total unanimity” among the leaders.
What Russia says: In a statement late Tuesday, Russia’s Defense Ministry said reports of the explosion were “a deliberate provocation in order to escalate the situation.” “There were no strikes made on targets near the Ukrainian-Polish state border,” it said, adding photos of wreckage published by Polish media “from the scene in the village of Przewodow have nothing to do with Russian weapons.”
What happens next: In a joint statement following their G20 summit meeting, NATO and G7 leaderssaid they offered “full support” for Poland and would “remain in close touch” to determine the appropriate next steps. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will chair an emergency meeting of alliance ambassadors Wednesday morning in Brussels to discuss the incident.
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G7 and NATO condemn "barbaric" attacks in Ukraine and offer support following Poland blast
From CNN's Allie Malloy
NATO and G7 leaders released a joint statement following their emergency meeting on the margins of the G20, condemning the “barbaric missile attacks that Russia perpetrated on Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure on Tuesday.”
Russia fired “around 100 missiles” at cities across Ukraine on Tuesday, Yurii Ihnat, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force command, said previously.
At least a dozen cities and districts were targeted, according to a CNN analysis of the missile strikes. The wave of strikes appears to be the largest since Oct. 10, when Russia stepped up its campaign to destroy electricity, water and gas infrastructure across Ukraine.
The leaders also offered “full support” for Poland following an explosion in the country’s east and said they would “remain in close touch” to determine the appropriate next steps.
“We all express our condolences to the families of the victims in Poland and Ukraine,” the joint statement said.
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Top US general spoke with Ukrainian and Polish counterparts
From CNN's Jamie Crawford
Gen. Mark Milley, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, leaves after a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels, on October 12.
(Olivier Matthys/AP)
Gen. Mark Milley, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spoke with his Ukrainian counterpart earlier Tuesday, according to a readout provided by the Pentagon.
Milley discussed the Russian invasion and “exchanged perspectives and assessments” with Ukrainian Armed Forces Gen. Valery Zaluzhny, it said.
The chairman also reaffirmed US support for Ukraine, the readout added.
It comes after a missile exploded in Poland, near the Ukrainian border, killing two people Tuesday.
Milley also spoke with his Polish counterpart, Chief of the General Staff Gen. Rajmund Andrzejczak, according to a readout:
Some background: US President Joe Biden, speaking in Indonesia where he’s attending the G20 Summit, said world leaders supported the Polish investigation into the incident. He also said it was “unlikely” that the missing was fired from inside Russia.
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NATO tracked missile that landed in Poland, military official says
From CNN's Vasco Cotovio
A NATO aircraft flying above Polish airspace on Tuesday tracked the missile that landed in the country, an alliance military official told CNN on Tuesday.
NATO aircraft have been conducting regular surveillance around Ukraine since the Russian invasion began. The aircraft flying above Poland on Tuesday was monitoring events in Ukraine.
The NATO official did not say who launched the missile that was tracked landing in Poland, nor where it was fired from.
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Biden says it's "unlikely" missile that fell in Poland was fired from Russia
From CNN's Maegan Vazquez and Kevin Liptak
President Joe Biden talks talks to reporters after a meeting of G7 and NATO leaders in Bali, Indonesia, on Wednesday.
(Doug Mills/Pool/The New York Times/AP)
US President Joe Biden said that preliminary information suggests it is unlikely the missile that caused an explosion in Poland on Tuesday and killed two civilians was fired from within Russia.
Speaking to reporters after meeting with other world leaders in Bali, Indonesia, the president was asked if it was too early to say whether the projectile was fired from Russia.
“There is preliminary information that contests that. I don’t want to say that until we completely investigate it,” Biden responded.
He added that “it’s unlikely in the minds of the trajectory that it was fired from Russia. But we’ll see.”
Earlier, Russia’s Defense Ministry said reports of Russian missiles landing in Poland were a “deliberate provocation.”
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Biden: We agreed to support Poland's investigation into the explosion
US President Joe Biden attends an emergency meeting of global leaders in Bali, Indonesia, after a missile explosion in Poland, on Wednesday.
(Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
US President Joe Biden Biden said that he met with G7 and NATO leaders in Bali Wednesday and they agreed to support Poland’s investigation into the explosion that happened at a village near the Ukraine border.
The leaders held an emergency meeting following the incident. Biden said he briefed the leaders on his earlier discussion with Polish President Andrzej Duda and with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
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President Biden is holding an emergency roundtable with world leaders in Bali
From CNN's Kevin Liptak and Maegan Vazquez
President Joe Biden and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak attend an emergency meeting of global leaders, in Bali, Indonesia, to discuss the explosion in Poland that killed two people, on Wednesday.
(Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
US President Joe Biden and leaders from the G7 and NATO are holding a previously unscheduled meeting in Bali to discuss the explosion in Poland that killed two people.
The meeting attendees include Biden, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel.
When the group was briefly captured on camera Wednesday morning local time, Biden was asked whether he could tell reporters more about what he knows about the explosion in Poland.
“No,” Biden replied before cameras were escorted out of the room.
Biden spoke earlier with Polish President Andrzej Duda and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
Biden and other world leaders are gathered on the Indonesian island of Bali for the G20 summit.
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Polish prime minister: Evidence suggests missile that landed in Przewodów was a "single act"
From CNN's Antonia Mortensen
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said that evidence suggests the missile that landed in Przewodów in eastern Poland was a “single act” and there is no evidence of further missiles.
However, Poland is increasing their military readiness, Morawiecki said Tuesday during his address in Warsaw following the Council of Ministers meeting.
Morawiecki added that Poland is conducting thorough analysis and consultations with its allies regarding the potential use of Article 4 of the NATO Treaty — with his address echoing the caution and calm urged by other Polish officials.
Earlier, the Polish foreign ministry said a “Russian-made missile” had landed in the town near the Ukrainian border and killed two people.
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Polish president: "We don't know who fired" the missile
From CNN's Antonia Mortensen
Polish President Andrzej Duda said in a Tuesday address that Poland does not know who fired the missile that caused an explosion in Przewodów, a small town close to the border of Ukraine.
The president noted that the missile was “most likely produced in Russia.”
Duda said that the US is sending experts to investigate the site as part of a joint operation.
He reiterated that Poland has raised the alert status for its military.
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"A terrifying whoosh before the explosion took place." CNN's Matthew Chance reports from eastern Poland
The village of Przewodów in eastern Poland was sealed off early Wednesday after a “Russian-made missile” fell and killed two people, according to the government.
CNN’s Matthew Chance reports that two farmers were killed in the blast that shook the windows of the schoolhouse. One neighbor heard a “terrifying whoosh before the explosion took place,” he said.
Poland's foreign ministry: "Russian-made missile" fell on the village of Przewodów
From CNN's Antonia Mortensen
A “Russian-made missile” on the Polish village of Przewodów, which is near the border with Ukraine, Poland’s foreign ministry said late Tuesday.
The ministry’s statement did not specify the type of missile or where it was fired from.
Poland’s foreign ministry has summoned the Russian ambassador to explain why a Russian-made missile fell on Polish territory killing two people, a ministry spokesperson said.
“In connection with this event, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Zbigniew Rau summoned the ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and demanded immediate detailed explanations,” ministry spokeperson Lukasz Jasina said in a statement.
Germany completes first floating LNG terminal with the goal to reduce dependency on Russian gas
From CNN’s Inke Kappeler and Allegra Goodwin
Germany on Tuesday completed the construction of its first floating terminal of LNG, a chilled, liquid form of natural gas that can be transported on sea tankers, as part of the country’s plan to reduce its dependency on Russian gas.
The terminal, which was completed at the North Sea port of Wilhelmshaven, Lower Saxony, is expecting the first ship to dock in mid-December, a spokesperson for Lower Saxony’s economy minister Olaf Lies told CNN on Tuesday.
“The new LNG jetty is a major step toward a secure energy supply,” Lies said, according to his spokesperson.
A Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) is due to moor in Wilhelmshaven before the end of the year and will be able to re-gasify imported LNG arriving on gas tankers, according to a statement from the region’s economic ministry.
Some context: Germany was heavily reliant on Russian gas before the war in Ukraine, with 55% of all gas consumed in Germany coming from Russia.
The country is no longer receiving Russian gas through the Nord Stream 1 pipeline after Russia halted supplies, leaving Germany scrambling for alternatives.
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Kremlin spokesperson says he has no information on an explosion in Poland
From CNN's Fred Pleitgen
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said he has no information on an explosion in Poland.
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, Russia’s defense ministry said no strikes were “made on targets near the Ukrainian-Polish state border.”
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NATO secretary general will chair emergency alliance meeting on Wednesday
From CNN's Jennifer Hansler
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks at a press conference on November 10, in Rome, Italy.
(Vincenzo Pinto/AFP/Getty Images)
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will chair an emergency meeting of alliance ambassadors Wednesday morning in Brussels to discuss “this tragic incident,” NATO spokesperson Oana Lungescu told CNN Tuesday.
More background: World leaders are in the process of arranging meetings to discuss a fatal explosion that happened in eastern Poland, near the border of Ukraine. Polish media said projectiles struck a farm in the NATO member’s territory near the border with Ukraine roughly the same time as Russia launched its biggest wave of missile attacks on Ukrainian cities in more than a month.
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US Secretary of State Blinken spoke with Poland's foreign minister following border incident
From CNN's Jennifer Hansler
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with his Polish counterpart Zbigniew Rau Tuesday in the wake of a reported explosion in Poland, Łukasz Jasina, the spokesperson for the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and US State Department officials confirmed.
What we know so far: Poland convened an emergency meeting of national security officials on Tuesday, after Polish media reported projectiles killed two people near the border with Ukraine on Tuesday.
Large smoke cloud and crater seen in video and photos from Polish town near Ukrainian border
From CNN's Paul P. Murphy and Gianluca Mezzofiore
A crater is seen near the small village of Przewodów, Poland where Polish officials confirmed that two people were killed after an explosion.
(From Facebook)
New videos and photos show a large smoke plume and a crater in the small village of Przewodów, Poland, where Polish officials confirmed that two people were killed after an explosion.
Przewodów is a small village just 4 miles (more than 6 kilometers) from the Ukrainian border. The cause of the explosion has yet to be verified, but it came at around the same time Russian conducted a number of missile strikes in Ukraine.
Video taken by a resident shows a large smoke plume in the center of the village. CNN geolocated and confirmed the authenticity of the video.
Two additional photos show a large crater and an overturned tractor and flatbed trailer. The images are being broadcast on Polish media outlets, and in one of the images, a Polish state firefighter is seen. CNN cannot independently confirm the photos.
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Ukrainian president: 10 million people without electricity after wave of Russian missile attacks
From CNN's Tim Lister
People go by the dark street during a blackout after a massive Russian missile attack on Ukrainian power infrastructure in Lviv, Ukraine, on November 15.
(Maxym Marusenko/NurPhoto/Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said about 10 million Ukrainians are without electricity Tuesday night after waves of Russian missile attacks earlier in the day.
In his daily video address, Zelensky said,
Zelensky added that Lviv and some other cities suspended the supply of heating and that there also were issues with the internet and other modes of communication.
Across much of Ukraine, temperatures are marginally above freezing.
“As a result of the strikes, the automation today shut down several nuclear units at two stations — these are calculated consequences, and the enemy knew exactly what he was doing,” Zelensky said.
Some background: Russia fired “around 100 missiles” at cities across Ukraine on Tuesday, according to Yurii Ihnat, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force command.
At least a dozen cities and districts were targeted, according to a CNN analysis of the missile strikes. The wave of strikes appears to be the largest since Oct. 10, when Russia stepped up its campaign to destroy electricity, water and gas infrastructure across Ukraine.
Herman Halushchenko, Ukrainian Energy Minister, confirmed that most of the targets Tuesday were energy facilities.
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Poland considers invoking Article 4 of NATO Treaty to consult member states after explosion
From CNN's Tim Lister
Poland is considering asking its NATO partners for discussions under Article 4 of the NATO Treaty after a missile was reported to have landed on its territory Tuesday, killing two people.
The government has so far only confirmed that there was an explosion.
“It will be verified whether there are grounds to launch the procedures under Article 4 of the North Atlantic Pact,” a government spokesperson said.
Article 4 allows for any member to seek consultations with the rest of the alliance and states.
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Poland says 2 people killed in explosion near border with Ukraine. Here's what we know
“There was an explosion in eastern Poland,” said government spokesman Piotr Muller said in Warsaw. He said experts were gathering details on what he called a “serious” situation.
Article 4 allows for any member to seek consultations with the rest of the Alliance, and states: “The Parties will consult together whenever, in the opinion of any of them, the territorial integrity, political independence or security of any of the Parties is threatened.”
Kyiv’s response: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said it was Russian missiles that hit Poland. However, Russia’s defense ministry said no strikes were made “on targets near the Ukrainian-Polish state border.”
CNN at the scene: CNN’s Matthew Chance is in the small town of Przewodów, close to where a fatal explosion occurred near the Polish-Ukraine border. Chance said police have sealed off the road and journalists are not being permitted to go to the site. A local resident told CNN they heard a terrifying “whoosh” as a projectile flew over the town. Chance spoke to a caretaker of a local school who said the force of the explosion shook classroom windows approximately 200 meters from the school gates. Students were not inside the school when the explosion occurred.
Large smoke plume visible: New videos and photos show a large smoke plume and a crater in Przewodów, which is just 4 miles from the Ukrainian border. Video taken by a resident shows a large smoke plume in the center of the village. CNN geolocated and confirmed the authenticity of the video.
Here’s how world leaders are reacting: US President Joe Biden spoke by phone with President Andrzej Duda of Poland from Bali, Indonesia, where he was attending the Group of 20 Summit, the White House said. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said that it is “important that all facts are established,” after speaking with Duda about the explosion. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron and EU Council President Charles Michel proposed a meeting with fellow EU leaders attending the G20 summit.
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Biden holds call with Poland's president
From CNN's Betsy Klein
US President Joe Biden, right, spoke with Polish President Andrzej Duda on the phone from his hotel in Bali. He was joined by Secretary of State Blinken, left, and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, center.
(The White House/Handout)
US President Joe Biden spoke by phone with President Andrzej Duda of Poland from Bali, Indonesia, the White House said.
Biden is in Bali attending the Group of 20 Summit.
The US president “expressed deep condolences for the loss of life in Eastern Poland earlier this evening,” according to a readout from the White House.
Biden “reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to NATO” and the leaders agreed to have their teams “remain in close touch to determine appropriate next steps as the investigation proceeds,” the readout said.
Vice President Kamala Harris has been briefed on reports out of Poland and is following closely, according to a senior administration official.
Polish officials Tuesday said that two people died following an explosion in the Hrubieszów district in eastern Poland.
A government spokesperson said experts were investigating what happened and would work to gather details of what he called a “serious” situation.
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French president calls for talks at G20 summit amid reports of rockets or missiles landing in Poland
From CNN’s Saskya Vandoorne, Pierre Bairin and Valentina Di Donato
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for talks at the G20 summit following reports of rockets or missiles landing in Poland, according to an Elysee Palace spokesperson on Tuesday.
A French defense source told CNN that France was being “extremely cautious” and that officials would not comment until they were able to “analyse all the available information”.
“We are in close contact with the Polish authorities,” the defense source said.
Meanwhile, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said in a Tuesday tweet that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, also called the Farnesina, is closely following the developments in Poland and is in close contact with NATO allies.
“The Farnesina is following the developments in Poland with the utmost attention, in constant contact with Defense, European countries, and NATO allies,” Tajani said. “My condolences to the families of the victims. I am close to the Polish people.”
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US national security adviser has spoken with Polish counterpart, NSC says
From CNN's Betsy Klein
United States National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan spoke with his Polish counterpart amid news that rockets or missiles have hit NATO member Poland, National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said in a statement.
President Joe Biden and members of his national security team are in Bali for the G20 summit.
“We cannot confirm the reports or any of the details at this time. We will determine what happened and what the appropriate next steps would be,” the statement added.
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It's "important that all facts are established," NATO head says following explosion in Poland
From CNN's James Frater
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg speaks to media on November 15, in Brussels, Belgium.
(Thierry Monasse/Getty Images)
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said that it is “important that all facts are established,” after speaking with Polish President Andrzej Duda about the explosion in Poland Tuesday.
” I offered my condolences for the loss of life. NATO is monitoring the situation and Allies are closely consulting. Important that all facts are established,” Stoltenberg said in a post on Twitter.
Polish officials said that two people died following an explosion in the Hrubieszów district in eastern Poland. But while Polish authorities have confirmed an explosion, they have not said that Russian missiles landed in their territory.
Russia has denied involvement, with its defense ministry saying there were “no strikes made on targets near the Ukrainian-Polish state border.”
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CNN at scene of explosion near Poland's border with Ukraine
From Matthew Chance and Luis- Graham-Yooll in Przewodow, Poland.
Polish police cordons around the attack area.
(CNN)
CNN’s Matthew Chance is in the small town of Przewodow, Poland, which is near the scene where a fatal explosion occurred near the Polish-Ukraine border.
Chance said police have sealed off the road and journalists are not being permitted to go to the site.
A local resident told CNN they heard a terrifying “whoosh” as the projectile flew over the town.
Chance spoke to a caretaker of a local school who said the force of the explosion shook classroom windows approximately 200 meters from the school gates.
Students were not inside the school when the explosion occurred.
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Polish officials say 2 people died in eastern Poland following an explosion
From CNN's Antonia Mortensen and Chris Liakos
Polish officials on Tuesday said that two people died following an explosion in the Hrubieszów district in eastern Poland.
“There was an explosion in eastern Poland,” said government spokesman Piotr Muller said in Warsaw. He said there are teams of experts who are clarifying the situation and will continue to work to gather details of what he called a “serious” situation.
Speaking alongside Muller, Jacek Siewiera, Head of Office of National Security, added that Polish authorities are in touch with NATO partners and US counterparts.
He added that Poland is increasing the combat readiness of some units in the country.
Remember: While Polish authorities have confirmed an explosion, they have not said that Russian missiles landed in their territory.
Russia has denied involvement, with its defense ministry saying there were “no strikes made on targets near the Ukrainian-Polish state border.”
The US State Department also said it is “not at a point where we can confirm some of these reports that we’re seeing.”
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Top US defense officials will host Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting virtually on Wednesday
From CNN's Ellie Kaufman
US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley will host the seventh meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group virtually on Wednesday from the Pentagon, Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon press secretary, told reporters during a briefing Tuesday.
More background: The Ukraine Defense Contact Group brings together defense leaders from countries around the world to coordinate support to Ukraine as they continue to counter Russia’s invasion of their country.
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EU Council president "shocked" following reports that rockets or missiles landed in Poland
From CNN's James Frater
EU Council President Charles Michel gives a press conference during G20 Leaders' Summit in Bali, Indonesia on November 15.
(Emin Sansar/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
EU Council President Charles Michel said he was “shocked,” following reports that rockets or missiles landed in Poland, killing two people.
“Shocked by the news of a missile or other ammunition having killed people on Polish territory,” Michel tweeted Tuesday.
“My condolences to the families. We stand with Poland,” he added.
“I am in contact with Polish authorities, members of the European Council and other allies,” he also said.
Michel said he will propose a meeting with fellow EU leaders attending the G20 summit in Bali Wednesday, following the incident.
“I will propose a coordination meeting on Wednesday with EU leaders attending #G20 here in #Bali,” Michel tweeted.
Michel said he spoke with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and assured him of “full EU unity and solidarity in support of Poland.”
See the tweet below:
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Biden administration asks Congress for additional funding for Ukraine
From CNN's Betsy Klein
The Biden administration is calling on the US Congress to include additional funding in the must-pass government package for what it said are three “critical funding needs,” which includes support for Ukraine.
Congress returned for a lame-duck session on Monday and has a short work period in which to pass a critical bill to fund the government by Dec. 16.
Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young sent a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi detailing a $37.7 billion request for Ukraine aid, $10 billion for Covid-19 and an unspecified amount for disaster relief.
The $37.7 billion Ukraine request is spread across four US government departments, according to a fact sheet shared with CNN.
Young wrote to Pelosi that the request would “ensure Ukraine has the funding, weapons, and support it needs to defend itself, and that vulnerable people continue to receive lifesaving aid. The request also addresses the critical global food and energy shortages caused by Russia’s invasion.”
It includes $21.7 for the Department of Defense that will be spent on “equipment for Ukraine, replenishment of Department of Defense stocks, and for continued military, intelligence and other defense support,” $14.5 billion for the State Department for “direct budget support to Ukraine, critical war time investments, security assistance, to strengthen global food security, and for humanitarian assistance,” $626 million for the Department of Energy “for nuclear security support to Ukraine and for modernizing the Strategic Petroleum Reserve,” and $900 million for the Department of Health and Human Services “to provide standard assistance health care and support services to Ukrainian parolees,” per the fact sheet.
A senior administration official told reporters that previous aid for Ukraine “was always intended to last only through the end of this calendar year,” with Young writing to Pelosi that “roughly three-quarters of the funds previously provided by the Congress have been disbursed or committed, with even more expected by the end of the year.”
Zelensky says Russian missiles hit Poland, which Polish authorities have not confirmed
From CNN's Karen Smith
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian missiles hit Poland on Tuesday in his daily address, saying that “the terror is not limited to our national borders.”
Polish authorities have not confirmed that Russian missiles landed in their territory.
Russia has denied involvement, with its defense ministry saying there were “no strikes made on targets near the Ukrainian-Polish state border.”
The US State Department also said it is “not at a point where we can confirm some of these reports that we’re seeing.”
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NATO says it is "closely coordinating" with Poland following reports that rockets or missiles landed
From CNN's Ben Kirby
NATO says it is looking into reports that rockets or missiles landed in its member nation Poland and that it is closely coordinating with Polish authorities.
“We are looking into these reports and closely coordinating with our ally Poland,” a NATO official told CNN.
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US defense secretary expected to talk with his Polish counterpart later today
From CNN's Alex Marquardt and Oren Liebermann
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to speak with his Polish counterpart later this afternoon, according to a European military official and US official.
The call comes after reports that a missile or rocket reportedly killed two people after hitting a farm in Poland near the border with Ukraine Tuesday, according to Polish media.
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UK says it is "liaising closely" with allies following reports that rockets or missiles land in Poland
From CNN's James Frater
The UK said it is “liaising closely” with allies following reports that rockets or missiles landed in Poland, according to a UK foreign office spokesperson.
“We are investigating these reports and liaising closely with Allies,” a UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office spokesperson told CNN.
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White House official says US is working to figure out what happened in Poland
From CNN's Phil Mattingly, Betsy Klein and Jennifer Hansler
A senior White House official said they do not have confirmation of any rocket or missile strike in Poland, but that US officials are currently working to try and figure out exactly what has happened.
US officials have also been monitoring reports of dozens of missile strikes in Ukraine over the course of the last day.
National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson tweeted they have seen reports from Poland but also says they are still determining what happened.
Watson tweeted Tuesday, “We’ve seen these reports out of Poland and are working with the Polish government to gather more information. We cannot confirm the reports or any of the details at this time. We will determine what happened and what the appropriate next steps would be.”
State Department principal deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel echoed that the United States cannot confirm the reports of missiles hitting Polish territory and killing two.
“We have seen these reports out of Poland and are working with the Polish government and our NATO partners to gather more information,” Patel said at a press briefing. “We can’t confirm the reports or any of the details at this time”
Patel said he didn’t have any calls from Secretary of State Antony Blinken to read out.
Patel also responded to a statement from Russia’s Defense Ministry, in which Russia said reports of the strike in Poland were a “deliberate provocation in order to escalate the situation.”
“The United States is certainly not trying to escalate or incite the situation at all,” Patel said when asked by CNN’s Kylie Atwood about the Russian Defense Ministry comments.
“We have seen the same reports that you all have and we are working with the Polish government to gather more information,” Patel said at a State Department briefing Tuesday. “We’re not at a point where we can confirm some of these reports that we’re seeing.”
It’s currently just after 3:30 a.m. in Bali, Indonesia, where US President Joe Biden is attending the Group of 20 summit.
Biden has two events on his schedule during the day ahead, which is the last of his foreign trip – a tree planting with G20 leaders, followed by a meeting with the new UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
He is then scheduled to depart the summit shortly after midnight ET.
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Baltic states express solidarity with Poland after rockets or missiles reported to land on Polish soil
From Antonia Mortensen and James Frater
The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern about reports of two missiles or rockets landing in a farm in Poland near the Ukrainian border.
“We’re in full solidarity with our close ally Poland,” it added.
Latvian Defense Minister Artis Pabriks said that “Latvia fully stands with Polish friends.”
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said that the country is “keeping a close contact” with Poland.
“Lithuania stands in strong solidarity with Poland,” he tweeted,” adding that “every inch of NATO territory must be defended!”
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Polish government official says national security meeting was called due to "emergency situation"
From CNN's Tim Lister, Emmet Lyons and Antonia Mortensen
A government spokesperson in Poland says a meeting of national security officials Tuesday night was called “due to the emergency situation.”
He added that details would be released after the meeting.
The meeting follows reports that two missiles landed on a farm in eastern Poland, near the Ukrainian border.
A Polish official told CNN that nothing was confirmed yet and the investigation into the incident was continuing.
There’s been no confirmation from Polish authorities that Russian missiles landed on Polish territory.
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Pentagon says the US is aware of reports of Russian missiles striking Poland
From CNN's Michael Conte
US Defense Department Press Sec. Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder holds a press briefing at the Pentagon on October 18, 2022 in Arlington, Virginia.
(Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
US Defense Department Press Sec. Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder said the US is “aware of the press reports alleging that two Russian missiles have struck a location inside Poland near the Ukraine border” but does not currently have information to corroborate those reports.
The Defense Department repeated that the US “will defend every inch of NATO territory” as the US waits for more information.
Ryder said the US is “very confident” in its force protection in Europe.
“When it comes to force protection, we always take the safety and security of our troops no matter where they’re serving very seriously,” said Ryder.
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Rockets or missiles reported to have landed in Poland near Ukrainian border, killing 2
From CNN's Tim Lister and Antonia Mortensen
Two missiles or rockets are reported to have hit a farm in Poland, near the town of Przewodow, near the border with Ukraine.
(MapBox)
Two missiles or rockets are reported to have hit a farm in Poland, near the border with Ukraine. Two people are reported killed.
Polish media showed an image of a deep impact and upturned farm vehicle at the site, near the town of Przewodow.
It’s unclear where the projectiles came from.
However, the missiles or rockets landed at roughly the same time as a Russian missile attack on western Ukraine.
A government spokesperson said that Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has convened the Committee of the Council of Ministers for National Security and Defense Affairs.
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Ukraine sustains Russian missile attacks across the country. Catch up here.
Russia unleashed a torrent of missiles on Ukraine Tuesday, the same day that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelesnky delivered a video speech to the G20 and a week after Russian forces retreated from the southern city of Kherson.
Here’s what we know so far.
Multiple cities and regions targeted: Multiple cities and districts — Kyiv, Kharkiv, Lviv, Mykolaiv, Kryvyi Rih, the Poltava region, Chernihiv, Sumy, Rivne, the Khmelnytskyi region and the Vinnytsia region — were targeted by Russian missiles, according to a CNN analysis of the strikes.
Zelensky said Russia launched about 85 missiles, mainly on energy infrastructure.
The wave of strikes appears to be the largest since Oct. 10, when Russia stepped up its campaign to destroy electricity, water and gas infrastructure across Ukraine.
Residential buildings struck in Kyiv: Three strikes hit apartment buildings in the capital, according to officials. The Kyiv city military administration reported that one person was killed in a strike that had a residential building in the Pecherskyi district.
Millions without power: At least seven million Ukrainians are without electricity as a result of the barrage of missile attacks Tuesday, according to an official, who said that 15 facilities of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure had been damaged during the Russian missile strikes. Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko said that power engineers were beginning emergency power outages in the capital. At least half of consumers have no electricity, he said.
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US sanctions firms involved in production and transfer of Iranian drones to Russia
From CNN's Michael Callahan
The US unveiled additional sanctions on entities involved in the production and transfer of Iranian unmanned aerial vehicles (aka drones) to Russia that have been “used in devastating attacks against civilian infrastructure in Ukraine,” the US Treasury announced Tuesday.
The sanctions include several aviation related companies and two people who facilitated the Russian mercenary Wagner Group’s “acquisition of UAVs from Iran.” The two are Abbas Djuma and Tigran Khristoforovich Srabionov.
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Moldova suffers power cuts following Russian missile strikes across Ukraine
From CNN's Yulia Kesaieva and Chris Liakos
Moldova has suffered “massive power cuts” following a series of Russian missile strikes across Ukraine that targeted energy facilities, Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Andrei Spinu said Tuesday.
Spinu said in a post on his Telegram account that “following Russia’s bombardment of the Ukrainian power system,” one of the power lines carrying electricity to Moldova has been disconnected.
The minister added that the line was not damaged but automatically disconnected as a safety measure and that authorities are working to restore the connection.
Spinu said that the Russian aggression against Ukraine “directly affects” Moldova, warning that the risks of power cuts remain high.
“Any Russian bombing of Ukrainian power plants could lead to a repeat of today’s situation,” he said, urging residents to continue to save electricity.
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7 million people in Ukraine are without electricity, president's office says
From CNN's Denis Lapin in Kyiv
The deputy head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, says that more than seven million Ukrainians are without electricity as a result of the barrage of missile attacks Tuesday.
Tymoshenko said that 15 facilities of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure had been damaged during the Russian missile strikes, but Ukrainian air defenses had shot down 70 of more than 90 missiles fired at Ukraine.
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UK foreign secretary says missile attacks on Ukraine shows "Putin's weakness"
From CNN's Chris Liakos in Paris
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly speaks to the media during a doorstep before a meeting of the G7 Foreign Ministers on November 4, in Muenster, Germany.
(Janine Schmitz/Photothek/Getty Images)
The missile attacks targeting Ukrainian cities “shows only Putin’s weakness,” British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said on Tuesday during the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.
“The callous targeting of Ukrainian cities with more sickening missile attacks today shows only Putin’s weakness,” Cleverly said in a tweet. “Putin is losing on the battlefield and – as we saw today at the G20 – diplomatically too.
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US secretary of state: "These attacks will not break Ukraine’s will"
From CNN's Jennifer Hansler
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned Russia’s missile attacks across Ukraine Tuesday.
In a tweet, Blinken said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky “again today by making clear he is prepared for diplomacy toward a just end to the war Russia started.”
Zelesnky earlier Tuesday outlined a 10-point peace plan to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in a video speech to G20 leaders in Bali, Indonesia.
“Russia’s response was another wave of missiles,” Blinken said. “These attacks will not break Ukraine’s will—we will be with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
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US national security adviser condemns missile strikes against Ukraine
From CNN's DJ Judd
Jake Sullivan, White House national security adviser, speaks during a news conference at the White House in Washington, D.C., on July 11.
(Shawn Thew/EPA/Bloomberg/Getty Images)
US national security adviser Jake Sullivan condemned a series of missile strikes against Ukraine in a statement on Tuesday, writing that the attacks will “only deepen the concerns among the G20 about the destabilizing impact of Putin’s war.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said about 85 strikes have been launched on Ukraine so far. According to a CNN analysis of the strikes, at least a dozen cities and districts were targeted. The wave of strikes appears to be the largest since Oct. 10, when Russia stepped up its campaign to destroy electricity, water and gas infrastructure across Ukraine.
Looking forward, Sullivan pledged the United States allies “will continue to provide Ukraine with what it needs to defend itself, including air defense systems. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.”
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85 missiles have been fired at Ukraine so far Tuesday, Zelensky says
From CNN's Tim Lister
Smoke following a missile attack rises over Lviv, Ukraine, on November 15.
(Pavlo Palamarchuk/Reuters)
In a brief video message Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said “85 missiles strikes have been launched on Ukrainian cities, mostly on energy infrastructure.”
“We can see what the enemy wants, they will not succeed. We may yet have 20 more strikes, please look after yourselves, stay in shelter for some time,” he said. “I know that the strikes have caused power outages in many cities of our country. We are working to restore them. We will withstand.”
On Oct. 10, the Ukrainian military reported 84 missile strikes — the highest number in a single day until Tuesday. Those strikes disrupted electricity supply to about one-third of consumers across Ukraine.
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Ukrainian internet connectivity down by 1/3 amid Russian missile strikes, cybersecurity firm says
From CNN's Tim Lister
Netblocks, which tracks cybersecurity and connectivity around the world, says that Ukraine “is currently experiencing a major internet disruption.”
Netblocks tweeted that “live metrics show national connectivity at 67% of previous levels; the incident comes amid reports of one of the most intense Russian missile attacks to date.”
Power supplies have been disrupted in several Ukrainian regions by Tuesday’s missile strikes.
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About 100 missiles fired at cities across Ukraine, air force says
From CNN's Tim Lister, Julia Kesaieva and Denis Lapin
Russia fired “around 100 missiles” at cities across Ukraine on Tuesday, according to Yurii Ihnat, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force command.
At least a dozen cities and districts were targeted, according to a CNN analysis of the missile strikes. The wave of strikes appears to be the largest since Oct. 10, when Russia stepped up its campaign to destroy electricity, water and gas infrastructure across Ukraine.
Herman Halushchenko, Ukrainian Energy Minister, confirmed that most of the targets Tuesday were energy facilities.
“This attack may have an impact not only on the energy system of Ukraine, but also on the energy systems of some of our neighbors,” he said on Facebook.
State power supplier Ukrenergo said the Russians were “trying to turn off the lights in the country again. The attack is still ongoing, we cannot yet estimate the full extent of the damage, there are strikes on our infrastructure in all regions of the country, but the most difficult situation is in the northern and central regions.”
Rescue workers at the scene of a missile strike in the Pecherskyi district on November 15, in Kyiv, Ukraine.
(Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Ukrenergo confirmed that in the city of Kyiv, special emergency shutdown schedules had been introduced.
The Kyiv city military administration reports that one person was killed in a missile strike that had “hit a residential building in Pecherskyi residential district.”
Kyiv’s mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that “in one of the hit buildings, rescuers found one body.”
Rescue and search operations continue, he said.
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At least half of customers have no electricity in Kyiv after Russian strikes force emergency outages
From Julia Kesaieva, Tim Lister and Denis Lapin
Local residents gather near their residential building hit by a Russian missile strike in Kyiv, Ukraine, on November 15.
(Gleb Garanich/Reuters)
Multiple Russian cruise missiles targeted power infrastructure in several Ukrainian regions Tuesday, leaving the supply of electricity in a critical condition, according to senior Ukrainian officials.
Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said on Telegram that “Russian terrorists have conducted another planned attack on energy infrastructure facilities. The situation is critical.”
DTEK — a power supplier in the Kyiv region — said that “due to the missile attacks from the Russian Federation, by the order of NPC Ukrenergo [the state power company], we are forced to start emergency power outages. This is a necessary step to balance the power system and avoid equipment failures.”
“Please continue to consume electricity moderately!” DTEK said.
Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko also said that power engineers are beginning emergency power outages in the capital.
He said that at least half of consumers have no electricity.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said on Twitter that “Russian terrorists have once again shown their so-called willingness to negotiate today. Another massive missile attack during #G20Summit. Residential buildings were hit. They are trying to destroy energy infrastructure.”
Two missile hits have been reported by the Khmelnytskyi regional military administration in western Ukraine, where local authorities said there was no electricity supply in part of the region.
Earlier power interruptions were also reported in the northeastern city of Kharkiv.
In central Ukraine, Serhiy Borzov, governor of the Vinnytsia region, said there had been “a hit to the critical infrastructure facility.”
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Ukraine's foreign minister says missile attacks are Russia's answer on peace talks
From CNN's Tim Lister
Firefighters work to put out a fire in a residential building hit by a Russian missile strike in Kyiv, Ukraine, on November 15.
(Gleb Garanich/Reuters)
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that Tuesday’s Russian attacks across shows what Russia thinks about any possible peace negotiations.
“Russian missiles are killing people and ruining infrastructure across Ukraine right now,” Kuleba said on Twitter.
Amid reports of Russian missile strikes in multiple locations across Ukraine, Kuleba added: “This is what Russia has to say on the issue of peace talks. Stop proposing Ukraine to accept Russian ultimatums! This terror can only be stopped with the strength of our weapons & principles.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelesnky earlier Tuesday outlined a 10-point peace plan to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in a video speech to G20 leaders in Bali, Indonesia.
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Russian missiles strike at least seven Ukrainian cities
From CNN's Julia Kesaieva and Denis Lapin
Amid a barrage of Russian missile attacks against Ukraine Tuesday, at least seven cities have been struck. This wave of missile attacks on areas across Ukraine is the first this month, after several devastating rounds in October.
Kryvyi Rih
“Few missile strikes. Stay in shelters,” Oleksandr Vilkul, head of Kryvyi Rih city military administration in south-central Ukraine, said briefly on Telegram.
Rivne
At the other end of the country, in the north-west, the city of Rivne was also hit.
“All relevant services are on site. we are working. For now no casualties,” said Vitalii Koval, head of the Rivne region military administration.
Sumy
In the northern region of Sumy, which borders Russia, Dmytro Zhyvytskyi, the head of the regional military administration, said that “due to enemy attacks in Sumy city and the region, emergency power outages have been imposed.”
Poltava
In the central region of Poltava, Dmytro Lenin, head of the military administration, said there had been a strike in the Kremenchuk district but gave no further details.
Kharkiv
In the northeast of Ukraine, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said that infrastructure has been hit by Russian missiles.
“Critical infrastructure facility was hit. There is no information about casualties at this time. Because of the damage to the facility there are problems with power supply,” he said on Telegram. “Ground electric transport and subway have been suspended. Power engineers and utility workers are doing everything to normalize life in Kharkiv as soon as possible.”
Kyiv
Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the Ukrainian president’s office, said that in Kyiv, “two hits of Russian missiles were detected. Enemy weapons hit residential buildings. Rescuers and doctors are already working on the spot.”
He said several missiles were destroyed by air defense forces.
Other explosions
Air defense was also said to be working in the city of Lviv after officials warned of missile attacks and asked residents to stay in shelters. It’s unclear whether explosions in Lviv were missile impacts or the work of air defenses.
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Dutch foreign minister, in Kyiv bomb shelter, says to look at "what Russia does, not what it says"
From CNN's Mick Krever in Kyiv
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, left, and his Dutch counterpart Wopke Hoekstra visit the Holodomor Monument at the National Museum of the Holodomor-Genocide, in Kyiv, Ukraine, on November 15.
(Sergey Dolzhenko/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)
The Dutch foreign minister, sheltering from a Russian missile attack on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, told CNN that it was important to pay attention to “what Russia does, not what it says.”
Wopke Hoekstra arrived Tuesday morning for a meeting with Ukrainian officials. The Tuesday missile attack, he said, shows again Russian President Vladimir “Putin’s willingness to resort to criminal methods.”
He said of the missile attack: “If anything, this is only an enormous motivator to stay standing shoulder to shoulder.”
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"More missiles coming," Kryvyi Rih official says as air raid sirens ring throughout Ukraine
From CNN's Tim Lister, Vasco Cotovio and Julia Kesaieva
A Ukrainian official in the southern city of Kryvyi Rih has warned residents that more missiles are expected.
A CNN team in the city reported hearing outgoing launches.
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"Critical infrastructure" hit in Kharkiv, mayor says
From CNN's Tim Lister, Vasco Cotovio and Julia Kesaieva
In the northeast of Ukraine, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said that infrastructure has been hit by Russian missiles.
“Critical infrastructure facility was hit. There is no information about casualties at this time. Because of the damage to the facility there are problems with power supply.”
Over the past few weeks, Russian missiles have targeted Ukraine’s electricity and water infrastructure.
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Lviv mayor warns residents to stay in shelters amid reports of explosions
From Petro Zadorozhnyy in Lviv
There have been several explosions in the city of Lviv in western Ukraine, according to reports from the city.
It’s unclear whether they were missile impacts or the work of air defenses.
Maksym Kozatsky, head of Lviv region military administration, said on Telegram: “Everyone please stay in shelters. Air defense is working.”
The mayor’s office also confirmed explosions.\
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3 residential buildings hit in Kyiv as air raid sirens sound throughout Ukraine, mayor says
From Julia Kesaieva in Kyiv
Firefighters work to put out a fire in a residential building hit by a Russian strike in Kyiv, Ukraine, on November 15.
(Gleb Garanich/Reuters)
Air raid warnings have sounded across Ukraine amid an expected barrage of Russian missiles.
In the capital, Kyiv, the city military administration said two explosions had been heard and instructed residents to remain in shelters.
It said four missiles had been shot down.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said on Telegram, “Attack on the capital. According to preliminary information, two residential buildings were hit in Pecherskyi [residential] district. Several missiles were shot down by air defense over Kyiv city. Medics and rescuers at the site of the hits. More detailed information later.”
Klitschko said there had been a third strike. “Another hit in Pechersk district of Kyiv city. A high-rise building,” he said.
Firefighters work to put out a fire in a residential building hit by a Russian strike in Kyiv, Ukraine, on November 15.
(Gleb Garanich/Reuters)
Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the Ukrainian president’s office, said that in Kyiv, “two hits of Russian missiles were detected. Enemy weapons hit residential buildings. Rescuers and doctors are already working on the spot.”
He said several missiles were destroyed by air defense forces.
Vitalii Kim, head of the regional military administration in Mykolaiv in southern Ukraine, warned of a third wave of missiles.
In central Ukraine, Dmytro Lunin, head of the Poltava region military administration, said that air defenses were working in Myrhorod community.
Air defenses are operating in several regions throughout Ukraine.
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US Embassy in Kyiv warns of "continued heightened threat of missile attacks across Ukraine"
From CNN's Jennifer Hansler
The US Embassy in Kyiv issued a security alert Tuesday warning “of a continued heightened threat of missile attacks across Ukraine, including Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast.”
“The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to observe air alarms, shelter appropriately, follow guidance from local authorities, and refer to additional safety information” about how to shelter from a missile attack, the alert advised.
The State Department still urges citizens not to travel to Ukraine and to depart as soon as possible.
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Explosion heard in Ukrainian capital of Kyiv
From CNN's Mick Krever
An explosion has been heard by the CNN team in Kyiv, about 45 minutes after an air raid siren was sounded.
The cause of the explosion is unclear – whether an interception, impact, or something else.
A top Ukrainian official said Tuesday that Russia was responding to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s speech at the G20 summit with a missile attack on Ukraine.
“Russia responds to Zelensky’s powerful speech at #G20 with a new missile attack,” Andriy Yermak, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said on Twitter.
In a speech via video earlier, Zelensky outlined a 10-point peace plan to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Viacheslav Chaus, the head of Chernihiv regional military administration, which is northeast of Kyiv, said that “air defense forces are working” in the region.
Chaus warned on his Telegram channel: “In no case must you post photos and videos of hits, the work of air defense forces, the deployment and movement of troops!!!”
“The missile attack continues. Stay in shelters or in a safe place,” he added.
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Kherson official says it's "too early" to talk about the eastern bank of Dnipro River
Amid rumors of Ukrainian ambitions to continue its counteroffensive across the Dnipro River, an official in Ukraine’s Kherson region said that it was “too early” to talk about the liberation of more Russian-controlled villages.
“There has been no official information yet,” Serhii Khlan, a member of the Kherson regional council, said during a press conference.
CNN cannot confirm Khlan’s claims. Ukrainian officials on Monday said that the military was conducting an intense bombardment of Russian positions on the Dnipro River’s eastern bank.
Khlan also said that Ukraine aimed to control the waterway that supplies Russian-controlled Crimea with fresh water. That waterway, the North Crimean Canal, is fed by the Dnipro River, near the town of Russian-controlled town of Tavriisk, on the river’s eastern bank.
The canal was dammed by Ukraine in 2014 after Russia illegally annexed Crimea. Russia resumed the flow of water after captured southern Ukraine after the February 2022 invasion.
“We need to wait for the official message that we control Tavriisk – this is where the main sluices are for the water to flow freely along the North-Crimean canal,” Khlan said. “Once we take control of Tavriisk, then we can talk about closing the sluices and cutting off the water supply to North-Crimean canal.”
‘Humanitarian catastrophe’
The resident of the Kherson region’s liberated areas “are suffering humanitarian catastrophe right now, which was artificially created by the occupiers,” Khlan said.
He said that the power company hoped to restore the city’s electricity supply within a week, but that it could take up to a month. Officials have warned that infrastructure must be de-mined before technicians can repair it.
Police are also busy opening criminal proceedings into the conduct of the former Russian occupiers, Khlan said.
“The police investigators are working and opening the criminal proceedings,” he said. “I think with some time we will see all these proceedings and all these cases with the Russian war crimes recorded.”
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It's mid-afternoon in Kyiv. Here's what you need to know
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has cast doubt on the future of the Black Sea grain deal and attempted to blame the West and its allies for Moscow’s war on Ukraine.
Meanwhile, officials attempt to restore power and pension payments in formerly-occupied Kherson.
Here are the latest headlines:
Black Sea grain deal in doubt: The future of the vital Black Sea grain deal depends on existing terms being met, Lavrov said Tuesday. The first term is the export of Ukrainian grain, but the second term is to “remove barriers to the export of Russian grain,” according to Lavrov. The deal is due to expire at the end of this month.
Lavrov attempts to justify invasion: The West and its allies have provoked Russia’s actions in Ukraine — not vice versa — said Lavrov, using a familiar justification for Moscow’s invasion. Lavrov also accused NATO and the European Union of interfering in the war in Ukraine.
Russia must be “punished,” says Ukrainian official: Russia must “undergo political transformation” and “cannot continue existence in its current form,” said Mykhailo Podolyak, a Ukrainian presidential adviser, on Tuesday. “Russia cannot continue existence in its current form and ruling elites. Russia must lose, be punished for neglecting international law and undergo political transformation. The sooner everyone understands this, the fewer victims there will be.”
Zelensky presents peace plan: UkrainianPresident Volodymyr Zelensky presented a 10-point peace plan to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in a video speech to G20 leaders in Bali on Tuesday. The steps include a path to nuclear safety, food security, a special tribunal for alleged Russian war crimes, and a final peace treaty with Moscow, according to a transcript of the speech.
Moscow questions peace plan: Russia has seen Zelensky’s peace proposal but believes Kyiv doesn’t want to negotiate, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday. “We state the main thing here — that the position both de facto and de jure of the Ukrainian side indicates that Ukraine cannot and does not want to negotiate,” he said.
Xi calls for peace talks: Chinese leader Xi Jinping reiterated Beijing’s stance that peace talks should be held to end the war in Ukraine during the G20 summit in Bali on Tuesday, according to state media, though he once again stopped short of condemning Russia’s actions.
Power plant in southern Ukraine “practically destroyed”: A power station in a formerly-occupied area of the Kherson region was “practically destroyed” prior to the withdrawal of Russian troops, the head of Ukraine’s national power company said on Tuesday. “It no longer exists,” said Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, CEO of Ukrenergo.
Pension payments restart in Kherson city: Ukraine’s post office will resume facilitating the payment of state pensions in the formerly Russian-occupied city of Kherson. In the last week of October CNN spoke to a man still living in the city who said Russia was withdrawing facilities for services like pensions and passports as Moscow prepared to leave Kherson.
Large explosion in Melitopol: Russian-occupied Melitopol was rocked by a large explosion on Tuesday morning, according to the exiled mayor of the southern Ukrainian city. “Loud explosion in a residential area in the north of Melitopol, near the 24th lyceum, where another occupiers’ nest is concentrated,” Ivan Fedorov said on Telegram. “According to preliminary information, the blast wave in a neighboring house broke the windows up to the 4th floor.”
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Kremlin calls UNGA resolution on Ukraine reparations a "formalization of this robbery"
From CNN’s Anna Chernova
Members of the General Assembly vote on a draft resolution during a special session in the General Assembly Hall at United Nations Headquarters on November 14, in New York City.
(Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
The United Nations resolution on reparations for Ukraine has been labeled a “formalization” of “robbery” by the Kremlin.
On Monday, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) voted in support of a resolution that states Russia should be held accountable for violating international law through its invasion of Ukraine.
The meeting of the UNGA in New York saw 94 countries vote in favor of the resolution, while 14 voted against, 73 abstained and 12 were not present.
UNGA resolutions are nonbinding but carry symbolic weight.
The UN decision is not legally binding and Moscow “will treat it accordingly,” Peskov added.
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Moscow has seen Zelensky's peace proposal but believes Ukraine doesn't want to negotiate, Kremlin says
From CNN’s Anna Chernova and Radina Gigova
Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelensky addresses the G20 from his office in Kyiv, Ukraine, on November 15.
(President of Ukraine)
Moscow has seen the peace proposal by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky but believes Kyiv doesn’t want to negotiate, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.
“[We] have seen [it],” Peskov said when asked by journalists during a regular conference call.
“We state the main thing here — that the position both de facto and de jure of the Ukrainian side indicates that Ukraine cannot and does not want to negotiate,” he added.
Peskov reiterated that Russia will continue reaching its goals by carrying out what it calls its “special military operation.”
Zelensky’s peace plan, which he presented at the G20 summit on Tuesday, has 10 steps, including a path to nuclear safety, food security, a special tribunal for Russian war crimes and a final peace treaty with Russia, according to the speech transcript.
Zelensky urged G20 leaders to use all their power to “make Russia abandon nuclear threats” and implement a price cap on energy imported from Moscow.
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City of Kherson remains administrative center of Kherson region, the Kremlin implies
From CNN’s Anna Chernova
The city of Kherson is still the administrative center of the Kherson region, despite being recaptured by the Ukrainian army, the Kremlin implied on Tuesday.
“No other decisions have been made,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters when asked if the city still remains the regional center after the Russian army’s retreat.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise visit to Kherson on Monday to offer support to residents of the newly recaptured city.
Despite Kyiv gaining back control of Kherson city last week, Moscow still views the region as part of Russia.
When asked about Zelensky’s visit Monday, Peskov said: “No comment. This is Russian territory.”
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CNN exclusive: US intelligence suggests Russia put off announcing Kherson retreat until after midterm elections
From CNN's Katie Bo Lillis, Zachary Cohen and Natasha Bertrand
A man removes a banner from the Russian occupation period "Russians and Ukrainians are one people, one whole" in the newly liberated Kherson, Ukraine, on November 14.
(Bulent Kilic/AFP/Getty Images)
The US has intelligence that Russia may have delayed announcing its withdrawal from the Ukrainian city of Kherson in part to avoid giving the Biden administration a political win ahead of the midterm elections, according to four people familiar with the intelligence.
Senior Russian officials discussed the US midterms as a factor during deliberations about the withdrawal announcement, one person familiar with the intelligence said. Waiting until after the US election was always a “pre-planned condition” of Russia’s withdrawal from Kherson, a second person familiar with the intelligence told CNN.
Still, the election was far from the only consideration in Russia’s retreat, officials said. Military analysts say Russia had few other operational options and had been preparing to pull back for weeks, leading US officials to wonder when the Russians would officially acknowledge the withdrawal.
While the intelligence is not a formal assessment of Russia’s intentions, it is a sign that Russia has a continued interest in influencing the US political landscape — although the sources said Russia probably miscalculated the impact such an announcement would actually have on the elections.
Kherson power station "practically destroyed," says Ukraine's national power company
From CNN's Yulia Kesaieva in Kyiv
A power station in a formerly-occupied area of the Kherson region was “practically destroyed” prior to the withdrawal of Russian troops, the head of Ukraine’s national power company said on Tuesday.
“The energy facility, which provided power supply to the entire right [west] bank of the Kherson region and a significant part of the Mykolaiv region, is practically destroyed,” Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, CEO of NPC Ukrenergo, said on Facebook. “It no longer exists.”
“Two autotransformers, each weighing 250 tons, were blown up. The relay protection room, compressor room, battery room – which, according to the terrorists, did not cause explosions – were additionally shot and smashed,” added Kudrytskyi.
“Several hectares of the consequences of the powerless anger of the occupiers before fleeing from the right (west) bank of Kherson region. A vile horde that knows only how to destroy.”
He said that the company was working to supply the region with electricity from other parts of the country.
“The level of mines there is very high. We work cautiously, but do not lose a single minute. Most of the liberated Kherson region has been without electricity since November 6,” he said.
“We are doing our best to supply people with electricity as soon as possible using the selected backup schemes.”
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Future of Black Sea grain deal depends on existing conditions being met, says Lavrov
From CNN's Eve Brennan and Stephanie Halasz
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, right, and Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres attend a meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, on November 15.
(Russian Foreign Ministry/Reuters)
The future of the vital Black Sea grain deal depends on existing terms being met, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Tuesday.
The agreement guarantees safe passage for ships carrying grain exports from Ukraine, which are key to global food supplies, but is due to expire at the end of this month.
The first term, Lavrov said, is “the export of Ukrainian grain and it is taking place after the Ukrainian Armed Forces used the humanitarian corridor for grain exports for military means.”
Russia withdrew from the deal at the end of October, citing drone attacks on the city of Sevastopol in occupied Crimea as the reason for its withdrawal from the deal.
Russia blamed Ukraine for the Sevastopol attacks. Ukraine has not confirmed that its forces attacked the city.
“We suspended this operation, but then Ukrainians confirmed that they won’t do this again. So, our Turkish colleagues and Western colleagues understand that they need to stop Ukraine from doing these things,” Lavrov said.
The second term, according to Lavrov, is to “remove barriers to the export of Russian grain.”
Lavrov praised United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who he said was doing “all he can.”
“But, it has been five months now and no real results have been achieved,” said Lavrov. “This isn’t about promises. We need to see some action.”
“The Secretary General of the UN assures us citing his Western colleagues that all the economic operators that are securing the logistical chains of fertilizer and grain supplies from Russia are assuring him that no sanctions will be imposed on the implementation of trade agreements for our grain, including the entry of Russian ships into European ports, and the entry of foreign ships into our ports,” said Lavrov.
Lavrov said that he hopes that the UN will keep its promises, especially since Guterres himself “said it is a matter of principle,” according to Lavrov.
Some background: The agreement put in place a procedure that guaranteed the safety of ships carrying Ukrainian grain, fertilizer and other food stuff through a humanitarian corridor in the Black Sea.
Under the deal, all vessels coming to and from Ukraine’s ports were inspected and monitored by international teams made up of officials from Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the UN.
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Lavrov again blames the West and its allies for provoking Russia's invasion of Ukraine
From CNN's Radina Gigova in London
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attends a working session on energy and food security during the G20 Summit in Nusa Dua on the Indonesian resort island of Bali on November 15.
(Bay Ismoyo/AFP/Getty Images)
The West and its allies have provoked Russia’s actions in Ukraine, and not vice versa, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, using a familiar justification for Moscow’s invasion.
“And it is not aggression, it is [an] operation to defend the legitimate interests of Russian security because of threats on Russia’s borders and to defend the Russian population in Donbas,” he added, using one of the Kremlin’s common propaganda lines.
Lavrov also accused NATO and the European Union of interfering in the war in Ukraine.
“I believe NATO and the European Union have long been participants in a hybrid war in Ukraine, hybrid conflict with their arms supplies and training servicemen, and helping with a large amount of intelligence, helping with targeting,” he said.
Despite speaking out against the West, Lavrov also told reporters that he had spoken to France’s President Emmanuel Macron, claiming that the French leader told Lavrov he wanted to keep talking to the Russian president.
“I spoke to President Macron and he confirmed his intention to continue contacts with President (Vladimir) Putin, to look for agreements that will allow a settlement to the situation,” said Lavrov.
“I reminded him, as I said, that all the problems are on the Ukrainian side, because of their categorical refusal of any negotiations,” he added. “They are putting forward conditions that are clearly unrealistic and inconsistent with the situation.”
In October, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree formally ruling out the possibility of negotiations with Putin. It was dated the day that Putin announced he would annex Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics — in violation of international law.
“I haven’t closed the door. I said we would be ready to talk to Russia — but with a different Russia. One that is truly ready for peace. One that is ready to recognize that they are occupiers … They need to return everything. Land, rights, freedom, money. And most importantly, justice.
“And so far, I haven’t heard statements like that from the Russian Federation — either from Putin or from anyone else.”
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Russia "cannot continue existence in its current form," Ukrainian official says
Russia must “undergo political transformation” and “cannot continue existence in its current form,” a Ukrainian presidential adviser has said.
“No need to be afraid of the truth,” Mykhailo Podolyak said on Twitter Tuesday.
In October, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree formally ruling out the possibility of negotiations with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.
Speaking with CNN’s Christiane Amanpour last week, Zelensky said that “other than ultimatums, I’ve not heard anything from the current president of the Russian Federation.”
“But I haven’t closed the door. I said we would be ready to talk to Russia – but with a different Russia. One that is truly ready for peace. One that is ready to recognize that they are occupiers … They need to return everything. Land, rights, freedom, money. And most importantly, justice.”
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Ukraine post office to resume pension services in Kherson
From CNN's Victoria Butenko in Kyiv
Ukrainians gather at Independence Square in Kherson as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visits the city after the withdrawal of the Russian army, November 14.
(Andre Luis Alves/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)
Ukraine’s post office will resume facilitating the payment of state pensions in the formerly Russian-occupied city of Kherson, the head of the organization said on Tuesday.
The announcement was made by post office director Igor Smelyanskiy on Facebook.
In the last week of October CNN spoke to a man still living in the city who said Russia was withdrawing facilities for services like pensions and passports as Moscow prepared to leave Kherson.
Then Ukrainian forces swept into Kherson on Friday as Russian troops retreated to the east, delivering a major victory to Kyiv and marking one of the biggest setbacks for Russian President Vladimir Putin since his invasion began.
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Explosion rocks Russian-occupied Melitopol, Ukrainian mayor says
From CNN's Yulia Kesaieva in Kyiv, Ukraine
Russian-occupied Melitopol was rocked by a large explosion Tuesday morning, according to the exiled mayor of the southern Ukrainian city.
Fedorov is not in Melitopol but has been a regular conduit for information from the city, which has come under increasing Ukrainian attack in recent weeks.
Some context: In a Telegram post on Sunday, Fedorov said Russian forces had turned Melitopol into a “huge military base” while under their occupation, which began in the early days of the war.
Columns of Russian forces have been arriving in Melitopol from the neighboring Kherson region to the west, and from other parts of Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia region to the north, he said. “The Russian military is settling in local houses they seized, schools and kindergartens. Military equipment is stationed in residential areas,” he said.
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Zelensky proposes total prisoner swap with Russia in G20 address
From CNN's Hannah Ritchie
World leaders attend a working session on food and energy security during the G20 Summit on November 15, in Nusa Dua, Indonesia.
(Leon Neal/Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed an “all for all” prisoner swap with Russia during his virtual address to the G20 leaders in Bali on Tuesday, according to a transcript of his remarks shared by the Embassy of Ukraine in Indonesia.
Ukraine’s peace plan: The prisoner swap proposal is one of 10 areas outlined by Zelensky during his speech Tuesday on a path to end the war. They are:
Radiation and nuclear safety
Food security
Energy security
Release of prisoners and deportees
Implementation of the UN Charter
Withdrawal of Russian troops and cessation of hostilities
Justice
Ecocide and the protection of the environment
Prevention of escalation
Confirmation of the end of the war
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President Zelensky outlines Ukraine's peace plan in G20 speech
From CNN’s Masrur Jamaluddin in Bali, Indonesia and Xiaofei Xu
President Volodymyr Zelensky during his video speech to G20 leaders in Bali on Tuesday.
(Ukrainian President's Office)
President Volodymyr Zelensky presented a 10-point peace plan to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in a video speech to G20 leaders in Bali on Tuesday, according to a transcript shared by the Embassy of Ukraine in Indonesia.
The steps includes a path to nuclear safety, food security, a special tribunal for alleged Russian war crimes, and a final peace treaty with Moscow, according to a transcript of the speech.
He also urged G20 leaders to use all their power to “make Russia abandon nuclear threats” and implement a price cap on energy imported from Moscow.
Foundation for victory: In the address, Zelensky compared the recent liberation of the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson to the battles leading to the Allied defeat of Germany in World War II.
Zelensky also called on Russia to stop bombing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure as winter approaches. “Let Russia prove by its rejection of terror that it is really interested in the restoration of peace,” he said.
Moscow has been isolated at this year’s G20 summit as multiple Western leaders vowed not to have any contact with its Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who is in attendance on behalf of the Kremlin.
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Chinese leader Xi reiterates call for Ukraine peace talks, avoids condemning Russia
From CNN's Mengchen Zhang, Hannah Ritchie and Nectar Gan
Chinese leader Xi Jinping reiterated Beijing’s stance that peace talks should be held to end the war in Ukraine during the G20 summit in Bali on Tuesday, according to state media, though he once again stopped short of condemning Russia’s actions.
Some context: Although China has consistently called for an end to hostilities in Ukraine, it has refused to condemn Russia’s invasion. Instead, Beijing has called for the “legitimate security concerns of all parties” to be recognized, while blaming the US and NATO for the conflict.
Beijing and Moscow have become close partners in recent years as both face tensions with the West, with Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin declaring the two countries had a “no-limits” partnership weeks before Russia’s invasion began
So far, Beijing has not provided direct military or financial aid to Moscow that could spark sanctions from Washington. Meanwhile, Chinese state media has previously reported on Xi’s support for international peace talks as a mechanism for ending the war.
In September, Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Wang Wenbin called on the “relevant parties” in Ukraine to “achieve a ceasefire through dialogue and negotiation.”
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Biden steps into G20 aiming to unite leaders in opposition to Russia’s war on Ukraine
From CNN's Maegan Vazquez, Kevin Liptak and Betsy Klein in Bali, Indonesia
President Joe Biden arrives at the formal welcome ceremony to mark the beginning of the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia, on Tuesday.
(Leon Neal/Getty Images)
President Joe Biden is confronting competing issues at home and abroad while he’s at the Group of 20 Summit in Bali this week, using the moment on the world’s stage to lean into international support for condemning Russia’s aggression while also facing the prospect of hearing Donald Trump announce his next run for the presidency.
Administration officials previewing Biden’s G20 summit activities have their sights set on the coalition’s efforts to voice its opposition against the war in Ukraine, which could send a powerful signal amongst a group that’s so far had fragmented approaches to the Kremlin’s aggression.
Although the G20 is comprised of world powers who have long backed Ukraine during the war, it also includes other nations that have been tepid in their response to Russia’s aggression — including India, China, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia, the host of this year’s summit. The coalition, which is broadly focused on the global economy, also includes Russia itself. But Russian President Vladimir Putin is not making an appearance at the summit this year.
Since the spring, US officials have anticipated a showdown at this year’s G20 over the war. Biden has stated Russia should no longer be a member of the bloc, though expelling Moscow would require support from all of the G20’s members.
As of now, no official “family photo” is listed on a schedule, a sign of the deep acrimony within the G20 spurred by the war in Ukraine.
Zelensky: All critical infrastructure in Kherson was destroyed under Russian occupation
From CNN's Dennis Lapin
All critical infrastructure in Kherson was destroyed while under Russian occupation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly address on Monday after visiting the southern city.
The Ukrainian president added that efforts are being made to return life to normal in Kherson.
Earlier on Monday, officials said they were working to repair damaged bridges and restore Kherson’s electricity supply.
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US studying how to modify powerful armed drone as Ukrainian demand grows
From CNN's Alex Marquardt
The US Army's Gray Eagle is exhibited on September 21, in South Korea.
(Chris Jung/NurPhoto/Getty Images)
As Russian forces have retreated in Ukraine’s south, the Biden administration has announced a slew of new military aid packages for Ukraine, but all were missing a piece of weaponry that Ukraine’s military has long sought: the multi-use Gray Eagle drone, armed with Hellfire missiles.
According to two officials, the US has been looking into modifications that can be made to the deadly drone. Changes that would make the potential of losing any — with their sensitive onboard technology — less of a danger and possibly increase the likelihood of Ukraine receiving them.
A US official confirmed that the Army is leading the efforts to study what changes are possible to the drone, which is made by General Atomics and referred to in the Army as the MQ-1C.
“When you’re talking drones, this is about as good as you can get,” says Seth Jones, the director of the International Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “These are really sophisticated drones.”
Without any changes however, the Gray Eagle, which can carry four Hellfire missiles and fly at 25,000 feet for almost 30 hours, would likely not be on upcoming lists of military aid allocated to Ukraine.
Ukrainian commander tells US counterpart Russia must leave all occupied areas as condition for negotiations
From CNN's Denis Lapin in Kyiv, Ukraine
The Commander of Ukrainian forces, Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, says he has reiterated to his US counterpart, Gen. Mark Milley, that Ukraine’s “goal is to liberate the entire Ukrainian land from Russian occupation.”
Zaluzhnyi said he had told Milley the situation at the front is stable and controlled.
“We closely monitor the actions of the enemy on the border with the Republic of Belarus and build a reliable shield to protect Ukraine from the north,” he said on his Telegram channel.
“Defense forces, despite the fierce resistance of the occupation troops, continue offensive actions in the Kharkiv sector.”
Zaluzhnyi said Russian forces were actively attacking along several fronts in the Donetsk region, but were unsuccessful.
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Banksy confirms 7 new murals in Ukraine
From CNN's Sophie Tanno and Jacqui Palumbo
Graffiti at the wall of a destroyed residential building in Hostomel on Sunday.
(Maxym Marusenko/NurPhoto/Getty Images)
Three days after Banksy debuted his latest mural on Instagram, spray painted on the wall of a bombed building in the city of Borodianka, Ukraine, the anonymous street artist confirmed that he completed seven new works in Ukraine in total.
Banksy confirmed the news to The Art Newspaper after a series of murals suspected to be his appeared in the liberated Ukrainian city, which is located about 35 miles northwest of Kyiv. Other works are located in the capital and other cities in the region.
The first artwork to be identified, which went viral over the weekend, shows a female gymnast balancing on a pile of rubble on the side of a building damaged by Russian strikes.
The graffiti artist posted three images of the piece Friday on social media, with a simple caption reading “Borodyanka, Ukraine” — an alternative spelling for the town’s name.
Wagner Group boss and Russian oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin applauds murder of former fighter
From CNN's Katharina Krebs, Tim Lister and Josh Pennington
Russian oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin, whose Wagner Group is heavily involved in the fighting in Ukraine, has applauded a video in which a former member of the group is brutally murdered.
The video surfaced over the weekend on the Grey Zone Telegram channel, which frequently showcases the activities of mercenary fighters of the Wagner Group, which is accused of war crimes in Africa, Syria and Ukraine.
It showed a member of the group who had deserted and gone over to the Ukrainian side being murdered with a sledgehammer. The man is named (and names himself in the video) as Yevgeny Nuzhin.
Prigozhin was asked on his Telegram channel about the killing. Without directly acknowledging that Wagner fighters had carried out the murder, he said: “Nuzhin betrayed his people, betrayed his comrades, betrayed them consciously. He was not taken prisoner, nor did he surrender. Rather, he planned his escape. Nuzhin is a traitor.”
In a separate Telegram post Prigozhin called the video “an excellent director’s work.”
