All the latest development from the war in Ukraine.
Western weapons 'not helping' Ukraine, claims Putin
ADVERTISEMENTWestern arms are ineffective in Ukraine's counteroffensive along the frontline, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday.
"The colossal resources that have been 'injected' into the Kyiv regime are not helping, and neither are the deliveries of Western weapons, tanks, artillery and missiles," he said during a Security Council meeting broadcast live on television.
Putin also assured Russia's protection for one of its key allies Belarus, which played a pivotal role in ending Wagner's mutiny in June.
Aggression against Belarus will be treated as a direct attack on Russia, Putin implied.
“Unleashing aggression against Belarus will amount to aggression against the Russian Federation. We will respond to it with all the means at our disposal,” Putin warned during the address.
Latest US sanctions target Russia's war supplies
The US announced a new round of sanctions on Thursday, targeting Moscow's access to significant electronics and logistics used on the front lines.
The sanctions will also limit the Kremlin's income from the metals and mining sector to halt its capacity to fund the war, according to the Treasury and State Department.
"Latest measures are taken to further hold Russia accountable for its illegal invasion of Ukraine and degrade its capability to support its war efforts," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.
A member of the Russian security service, a regional governor, and six deputy ministers are among the individuals sanctioned, it added.
Russia's private military companies, including Gazprom-owned Okhrana, were also sanctioned. The US said entities and people with involvement in Ukraine were specifically targeted.
The Russian embassy in Washington condemned the latest sanctions and called it the latest in the series of "destructive actions" aimed at the Kremlin.
The European Union has previously introduced several sanctions, including a ban on imports of refined oil products from Russia to step up its economic fight against the Kremlin.
Ukraine's use of cluster bombs against Russia effective, says US
US-supplied cluster munitions are being "effectively" used by the Ukrainian forces in the war front, a senior US defence official said on Thursday.
"We have gotten some initial feedback from the Ukrainians and they're using them appropriately," White House national security spokesman John Kirby briefed reporters on Thursday.
The bombs were having an impact on Russian forces and some disruption on their defensive formations have been seen, he added.
The Biden administration decided to provide thousands of cluster munitions, in addition to €735 million package of military aid to Ukraine earlier this month, upon Kyiv's promise to use the controversial munitions carefully.
Following the US's decision, Vladimir Putin said his forces will also use cluster munitions, although Ukraine accused the Kremlin of using them beforehand.
Russia, Ukraine and the US have not signed an international convention banning the use of cluster bombs.
ADVERTISEMENTShips travelling to Russia also military targets, says Ukraine
Ships travelling to Russia and occupied territories of Ukraine will also be deemed as military targets, Ukraine's defence ministry said on Thursday.
The statement comes after Kremlin issued the same warning, calling the international waters in northwestern and southeastern parts of the Black Sea “temporarily dangerous” for shipping.
Ukraine will consider vessels in the direction of Russian seaports "as carrying military cargo with all the corresponding risks," the statement said.
Kyiv's decision comes in retaliation to Moscow's decision that turned the Back Sea into a "danger zone" with "military threats," according to the statement.
The decision comes into effect from today, and will put the responsibility for all risks upon the Russian leadership, Kyiv said, adding the action is a testament to Ukraine's might to "repel Russian aggression at sea".
ADVERTISEMENTIn response to the Russian decision on Wednesday, the White House accused the Russian military of preparing for possible attacks on civilian shipping vessels in the Black Sea.
Crucial supplies of Ukrainian wheat and other cereals were blockaded by Russia during the early stages of the war, sending food prices skyrocketing and triggering warnings of famine in certain parts of the world.
However, an UN-Turkey brokered deal last summer lifted the blockade, though Russia pulled out of it earlier this week.
Chinese consulate hit by Russian attacks in Odesa
A Chinese consulate building at Odesa was damaged in the latest series of Russian attacks, Ukrainian officials said on Thursday.
"Administrative and residential buildings nearby were damaged, also the consulate of the People’s Republic of China," local governor, Oleh Kiper said via Telegram.
ADVERTISEMENTRussia has continued to shower drones and missiles in the port city of Odesa in an effort to damage grain facilities and oil terminals in southern Ukraine.
Repeated bombardments have crippled significant parts of export facilities in Odesa and nearby Chornomorsk, destroying 60,000 tons of grain, according to Ukraine’s Agriculture Ministry.
Kiper added the attacks prove Russia has "no consideration" for anyone, including its close allies.
Despite China's claims of remaining neutral in the conflict, Beijing has refused to condemn the Russian aggression.
Russia's Defence Ministry released images on Thursday allegedly showing Moscow and China conducting joint war drills in the Sea of Japan, hinting at continuing support for the war.
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