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Tank traps in Belgorod in December: Russia strengthens its defenses in the border region with Ukraine
Photo: Belgorod Region Governor Press Office / ITAR-TASS / IMAGO
According to London, Russia is expanding defenses on the border with Ukraine
9.08 a.m .:
According to British secret services, Russia is increasingly building defensive positions on the border with Ukraine.
Sophisticated systems to defend against attacks have been set up in the border region of Belgorod, according to the daily report by the Ministry of Defense in London.
Trenches had also been dug in Belgorod and the local governor had announced that he wanted to create "self-defence units".
London assumes that this is intended to strengthen patriotism in the country.
On the other hand, some Russian politicians could actually be worried about a Ukrainian invasion - but that is a false assumption.
The British Ministry of Defense has been publishing daily information on the course of the war since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine at the end of February, citing intelligence information.
In doing so, the British government wants to both counter the Russian portrayal and keep allies in line.
Moscow accuses London of a disinformation campaign.
According to the study, Europe has overtaken the USA in aid commitments for the first time – but there is a catch
8:30 a.m.:
For the first time since the Russian war of aggression began, Europe has promised Ukraine more money than the US.
The countries and institutions of the EU come to almost 52 billion euros in military, financial and humanitarian aid, according to a study by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW).
The commitments made by the USA add up to the equivalent of almost 48 billion euros.
This is mainly due to an 18 billion euro support package decided by the EU Commission.
However, Hungary is currently blocking the payment, which observers see as an attempt at blackmail.
The United States has not expanded its overall large aid commitments again.
Some funds released by Congress have since expired unused as the 2022 fiscal year has ended.
At the same time, Germany has overtaken Great Britain and, in absolute terms, has become the largest donor in Europe with aid totaling 12.6 billion euros.
These include both bilateral promises and proportionate EU commitments.
The IfW demands that the aid should now reach Ukraine faster than before.
So far only one of the five promised IRIS-T air defense systems has been delivered.
The USA do not want to have encouraged Ukraine to attack, Russia is apparently running out of drones
7.05 a.m .:
Washington comments on the alleged Ukrainian attacks in Russia.
Tehran could soon deliver more drones to the Kremlin.
And: trouble about the Soviet monument in Lithuania.
Read the most important developments from the night here.
kko/dpa/AFP/Reuters
