Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskiy hails ‘historic step’ as EU set to open Ukraine accession talks

The countries of the European Union have officially given the green light to begin talks with Ukraine and Moldova about joining the EU next week. This is a big milestone in their efforts to become part of the 27-nation bloc. Belgium, who is currently leading the EU, announced that member countries have agreed on how the negotiations will proceed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described the start of talks as a significant moment in history. He shared on social media that many Ukrainians have been waiting for this opportunity to fulfill their European aspirations.

According to Donetsk regional prosecutors, a bomb guided by Russians caused the death of two individuals and injured three others in a residential area of an eastern Ukrainian town. The explosion, which occurred on Friday in Selydove, approximately 14km (nine miles) from the frontline, caused damage to five five-storey buildings and six homes.

The Ukrainian military used drones to attack several oil refineries, radar stations, and other military targets in Russia early on Friday. The attacks targeted the Afipsky, Ilsky, Krasnodar, and Astrakhan oil refineries, according to a statement on Telegram. Russian officials confirmed on Telegram that three cities in the Krasnodar region experienced a "massive attack." Reports from the Astra social media channel run by journalists in Russia stated that the city of Yeysk, which is home to a military airfield, was hit by drones causing fires. Nasa satellite images show fires or hotspots at the airbase. The Krasnodar region is located across the Kerch strait from Crimea.

Ukrainian drone strikes caused damage to two electricity substations in Enerhodar, the town that provides services to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, according to officials appointed by Russia. The attacks resulted in a loss of power for the majority of residents in the area. However, an official from the Russian-controlled power plant reported that the facility itself was not impacted by the incidents.

Ukraine announced that they are sending more troops to Chasiv Yar, a key town on a hilltop in the Donetsk region. This town is important because if it falls to Russia, it could allow them to advance further into the industrial area.

The United States will send the most recent Patriot missiles to Ukraine instead of fulfilling orders from other countries, according to the White House. John Kirby, the spokesperson for the national security council, stated, "We will be rearranging the schedule for exporting these missiles." This change also includes Nasams, another type of air defense missile. Kirby explained that deliveries to other countries currently awaiting their orders will be postponed, but shipments to Taiwan and Israel will remain unaffected.

The Pentagon has allowed Ukraine to use American-made missiles to attack Russia beyond just the front lines near Kharkiv, Ukraine, if they are defending themselves. Pat Ryder, the Pentagon spokesperson, believes it is logical for Ukraine to have this capability.

Volodymyr Zelenskiy revealed plans to defend Ukraine's energy infrastructure, such as safeguarding power plants from Russian attacks and promoting the use of sustainable energy sources. Drone and missile attacks have caused significant damage to the country's energy capacity over the past few months, with around half of it now out of commission. In the latest series of attacks across four regions overnight, over 218,000 consumers were left without power, according to the energy ministry.

Nigel Farage claims that the European Union and Nato are to blame for Russia's invasion of Ukraine because they have been expanding eastwards. This statement was made during a BBC TV interview where the Reform UK leader was questioned about his political views and beliefs.

Three individuals from different countries were taken into custody in Frankfurt, Germany, for alleged espionage activities. The suspects were named as Robert A from Ukraine, Vardges I from Armenia, and Arman S from Russia. The federal prosecutors stated that they were suspected of gathering information on a Ukrainian individual for a foreign intelligence agency.

A top official from Ukraine mentioned that they are considering holding a second summit in a country from the southern part of the world to discuss their peace proposals with Russia. Over 90 countries, not including Russia, attended the first summit in Switzerland recently. Ukraine is hoping to have the next summit before the year ends, according to presidential aide Ihor Zhovkva as reported by Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

A member of Russia's parliament, Nina Ostanina, is urging law enforcement to step up and protect citizens from ex-convicts who have come back from fighting in Ukraine. She warned that if action is not taken, crimes committed by these former soldiers will only increase. Nina Ostanina, who is a member of the Communist party, has been sanctioned by western countries due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.