Current situation in Ukraine 2022 today

CAIRO (AP) — Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi on Sunday urged Israel's new hard-line government to refrain from “any measures” that could inflame regional tensions, in a phone call congratulating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his return to office.

Ukraine faces grim start to 2023 after fresh Russian attacks

By RENATA BRITOJanuary 1, 2023 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainians faced a grim start to 2023 as Sunday brought more Russian missile and drone attacks following a blistering New Year's Eve assault that killed at least three civilians across the country, authorities reported.

Russian strikes intensify as Ukrainians return for holiday

By RENATA BRITO and HANNA ARHIROVADecember 31, 2022 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Multiple blasts rocked Kyiv and other areas of Ukraine on Saturday, killing at least one person and wounding 14 others, in a sign that the pace of Russia attacks had picked up before New Year's.

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The AP Interview: Ukraine FM aims for February peace summit

By E. EDUARDO CASTILLO and HANNA ARHIROVADecember 27, 2022 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine’s foreign minister said Monday that his nation wants a summit to end the war but he doesn’t anticipate Russia taking part, a statement making it hard to foresee the devastating invasion ending soon.

Iran tests military drones in wargame near Strait of Hormuz

December 31, 2022 GMT

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s military tested new attack drones in the coastal area of the Gulf of Oman and near the strategic Strait of Hormuz Saturday as part of its ongoing annual drill, state TV reported.

Putin oversees commissioning of new Russian navy warships

December 29, 2022 GMT

MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin oversaw the commissioning of new warships and vowed Thursday to further strengthen his country's navy.

“We will speed up and increase the volumes of construction of ships of various projects, equip them with the most modern weapons, and conduct the operational and combat training using the experience received during the special military operation,” Putin said, referring to Russia's 10-month-old campaign in Ukraine.

Chechens in Bosnia seek to dodge Russian draft, reach EU

December 28, 2022 GMT

SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) — A group of ethnic Chechens fleeing Russia arrived in Bosnia this week, hoping to use the Balkan country as a launchpad to reach the European Union and avoid getting sent to fight in Ukraine.

Ukraine conflict casts shadow on Russia as it enters 2023

By JIM HEINTZDecember 31, 2022 GMT

MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin’s New Year’s address to the nation usually is rather anodyne and backed with a soothing view of a snowy Kremlin. This year, with soldiers in the background, he lashed out at the West and Ukraine.

Despite rhetoric, Greek-Turkish armed conflict seen remote

By ELENA BECATOROS and SUZAN FRASERDecember 31, 2022 GMT

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Even by the standards of Turkey’s and Greece’s frequently strained relations, it was a remarkable escalation. Speaking to youths in a Black Sea town, Turkey’s president directly threatened his country’s western neighbor: Unless the Greeks “stay calm,” he said, Turkey’s new ballistic missiles would hit their capital city.

Pain, few gains for investors as markets slumped in 2022

The Associated PressDecember 30, 2022 GMT

Investors found few, if any, places to safely put their money in 2022, as central banks in the U.S. and around the globe raised interest rates for the first time in years to fight surging inflation, stoking fear of a global recession.

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Sarajevo’s agony echoes as Ukraine braces for a dark winter

By BEATRICE DUPUY, RICHARD LARDNER and SABINA NIKSICDecember 29, 2022 GMT

SARAJEVO, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) — Vildana Mutevelić huddled in her apartment with her two young children and elderly cousins. They had no heat, electricity or running water as artillery shells tore the roof off their building and almost took their lives.

Fallen colossus: USSR’s terror, triumphs began 100 years ago

By JIM HEINTZDecember 29, 2022 GMT

MOSCOW (AP) — With its brutality, technological accomplishments and rigid ideology, the Soviet Union loomed over the world like an immortal colossus.

It led humankind into outer space, exploded the most powerful nuclear weapon ever, and inflicted bloody purges and cruel labor camps on its own citizens while portraying itself as the vanguard of enlightened revolution.

Russia says it shot down Ukrainian drone near air base

By E. EDUARDO CASTILLO and HANNA ARHIROVADecember 26, 2022 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The Russian military reported Monday that it shot down a Ukrainian drone approaching an air base deep inside Russia, the second time the facility has been targeted this month — again revealing weaknesses in Russia's air defenses.

Putin claims Moscow ready for Ukraine talks as attacks go on

December 25, 2022 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — President Vladimir Putin claimed that Russia is ready for talks to end the war in Ukraine even as the country faced more attacks from Moscow — a clear sign that peace wasn't imminent.

Some Ukrainians move up Christmas to part ways with Russia

By RENATA BRITO and HANNA ARHIROVADecember 25, 2022 GMT

BOBRYTSIA, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainians usually celebrate Christmas on Jan. 7, as do the Russians. But not this year, or at least not all of them.

Some Orthodox Ukrainians have decided to observe Christmas on Dec.

China’s foreign minister signals deeper ties with Russia

December 25, 2022 GMT

BEIJING (AP) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi defended what he said was his country’s position of impartiality on the war in Ukraine on Sunday and signaled that China would deepen ties with Russia in the coming year.

Shells pummel Ukraine’s Kherson; 10 dead, 55 wounded

December 24, 2022 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian shells pummeled the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson on Saturday, killing at least 10 people and injuring 55 in the city that Moscow’s troops were forced to abandon last month.

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A Christmas season without its traditional glow in Ukraine

By HANNA ARHIROVADecember 24, 2022 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Just a year ago, Sophia Square in Kyiv was all about the big Christmas tree and thousands of lights spreading over the plaza. These final days of 2022, in the middle of a war that has ravaged the country for 10 months, a more modest tree stands there, its blue and yellow lights barely breaking the gloom of the square that is otherwise dark apart from the headlights of cars.

Ukraine president back in Kyiv, Russia keeps up attacks

By E. EDUARDO CASTILLODecember 23, 2022 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sounded another defiant note on his return to his nation’s capital Friday following his wartime visit to the United States, saying his forces are “working toward victory” even as Russia warned that there would be no end to the war until it achieved its military aims.

Germany formally suspends guarantees for business with Iran

December 23, 2022 GMT

BERLIN (AP) — The German government said Friday it is formally suspending export credit and investment guarantees for business in Iran in the wake of authorities' crackdown on protests.

The Economy Ministry said it also has suspended other “economic formats,” including a dialogue on energy issues, in view of “the very serious situation in Iran.”

VIDEO: Watch Zelenskyy’s address to Congress

December 23, 2022 GMT

The peculiar Russian missile ‘cemetery’ in eastern Ukraine

By VASILISA STEPANENKODecember 23, 2022 GMT

KHARKIV, Ukraine (AP) — The eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv has a peculiar “cemetery,” one that recalls some of the worst damage done since the Russian invasion: the debris of rockets used against this town and its people.

White House: Russia’s Wagner received arms from North Korea

By AAMER MADHANI and EDITH M. LEDERERDecember 23, 2022 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House said Thursday that the Wagner Group, a private Russian military company, has taken delivery of an arms shipment from North Korea to help bolster its forces as it fights side-by-side with Russian troops in Ukraine.

Russia scrubs Mariupol’s Ukraine identity, builds on death

By LORI HINNANT, VASILISA STEPANENKO, SARAH EL DEEB and ELIZAVETA TILNADecember 23, 2022 GMT

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Ukrainians hail Zelenskyy after US visit dismissed by Putin

By INNA VARENYTSIA and E. EDUARDO CASTILLODecember 22, 2022 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainians hailed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's wartime visit to the United States as a success, while Russian officials said Thursday that it only fueled the conflict.

Germany nationalizes gas supplier Uniper after EU approval

December 22, 2022 GMT

BERLIN (AP) — The German government said Thursday that it has nationalized energy company Uniper after the European Union gave its blessing for it to rescue the gas supplier.

The government announced its plan to nationalize Uniper in September, expanding state intervention in the energy sector to prevent a shortage resulting from Russia’s war in Ukraine.

How the AP estimated 10,300 new graves in occupied Mariupol

By MICHAEL BIESECKERDecember 22, 2022 GMT

The Associated Press estimated at least 10,300 new graves in and around Mariupol — most in the Staryi Krym cemetery — by analyzing satellite imagery from early March through December, noting sections where the earth had been disturbed.

Zelenskyy thanks ‘every American,’ sees ‘turning point’

By ZEKE MILLER, LISA MASCARO and E. EDUARDO CASTILLODecember 22, 2022 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy told cheering U.S. legislators during a defiant wartime visit to the nation’s capital on Wednesday that against all odds his country still stands, thanking Americans for helping to fund the war effort with money that is “not charity,” but an “investment” in global security and democracy.

Kremlin warning: More US arms to Ukraine will aggravate war

By E. EDUARDO CASTILLODecember 22, 2022 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — The Kremlin warned Wednesday that increasing the supply of U.S. arms to Ukraine would aggravate the devastating 10-month war ignited by Russia's invasion, and Russia's defense minister called for expanding Moscow's military by at least 500,000 troops.

Senate confirms new U.S. ambassador to Russia

December 21, 2022 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to confirm the new U.S. ambassador to Russia.

Hours before Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was expected to arrive in Washington for a historic visit, senators voted to 93-2 to confirm veteran diplomat Lynne M.

US sending Patriots to Ukraine under $1.85B aid package

By LOLITA C. BALDOR and MATTHEW LEEDecember 21, 2022 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration announced Wednesday that it will provide $1.85 billion in military aid to Ukraine, rolling out funding for a Patriot missile battery as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Washington for his first known trip out of his country since Russia invaded in February.

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On the holidays, efforts to distract Ukrainian kids from war

By HANNA ARHIROVADecember 21, 2022 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — In a carpeted meeting room of what used to be a posh hotel, Ukrainian children are screaming with happiness at a performance put on for them and the joy of opening presents.

In a country where children have experienced nearly 10 months of war, there are people trying to bring some peace and happiness to them, at least for a moment during this holiday season in Ukraine.

Hungary’s Orban wants to ‘drain the swamp’ in European Union

By JUSTIN SPIKEDecember 21, 2022 GMT

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Hungary's prime minister thinks it's time to “drain the swamp” in the European Union, he said on Wednesday, something he imagines could lead all the way to dissolving the bloc's legislature.

‘We will find you:’ Russians hunt down Ukrainians on lists

By ERIKA KINETZDecember 21, 2022 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Three days after the first Russian bombs struck Ukraine, Andrii Kuprash, the head of a village north of Kyiv, walked into a forest near his home and began to dig. He didn’t stop until he had carved out a shallow pit, big enough for a man like him.

The Hunted: These are the Ukrainians Russia wanted to find

By ERIKA KINETZ and SOLOMIIA HERADecember 21, 2022 GMT

Surging prices imperil Polish govt ahead of vote next year

By VANESSA GERADecember 21, 2022 GMT

WARSAW, Poland (AP) — With a backpack slung over his shoulder, Jacek Kryg walks down one row and then another of outdoor vegetable stands at Warsaw's historic Hala Mirowska market. The 72-year-old Kryg already knows which one has the best prices on carrots, broccoli, mushrooms and his other staples.

US to send $1.8 billion in aid, Patriot battery, to Ukraine

By LOLITA C. BALDOR and TARA COPPDecember 21, 2022 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. will send $1.8 billion in military aid to Ukraine in a massive package that will for the first time include a Patriot missile battery and precision guided bombs for their fighter jets, U.S.

Zelenskyy preparing to visit DC, after tour of war’s front

By LISA MASCARO, NOMAAN MERCHANT, E. EDUARDO CASTILLO and ZEKE MILLERDecember 21, 2022 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is preparing to visit Washington on Wednesday, according to three AP sources, in his first known trip outside the country since Russia’s invasion began in February.

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy preparing to visit DC on Wednesday

By LISA MASCARO, NOMAAN MERCHANT and ZEKE MILLERDecember 20, 2022 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is preparing to visit Washington on Wednesday, according to three AP sources, in his first known trip outside the country since Russia's invasion began in February.

Wartime Ukraine erasing Russian past from public spaces

By JAMEY KEATENDecember 20, 2022 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — On the streets of Kyiv, Fyodor Dostoevsky is on the way out. Andy Warhol is on the way in.

Ukraine is accelerating efforts to erase the vestiges of Soviet and Russian influence from its public spaces by pulling down monuments and renaming hundreds of streets to honor its own artists, poets, soldiers, independence leaders and others — including heroes of this year’s war.

Biden: US looking to strengthen relationship with Ecuador

By AAMER MADHANI and JOSHUA GOODMANDecember 19, 2022 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — With Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso by his side, President Joe Biden said Monday the U.S. is looking to expand and strengthen the U.S.

Official: Russia, Iran turmoil limited meddling in US vote

By NOMAAN MERCHANTDecember 19, 2022 GMT

FORT MEADE, Md. (AP) — Russia’s war in Ukraine and anti-regime protests in Iran limited both Moscow and Tehran’s ability to try to influence or interfere in the recent U.S. midterm elections, a senior American military official said Monday.

Cyprus: Plant to process Israeli gas for export an option

By MENELAOS HADJICOSTISDecember 19, 2022 GMT

NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) — The government of Cyprus is weighing a proposal for a pipeline that would carry natural gas from Israel to the island nation, where it would be processed and exported by ship to Europe and elsewhere as Russia's war in Ukraine compounds an energy crisis, the Cypriot energy minister said Monday.

Putin in Belarus, eyeing next steps in Ukraine war

By HANNA ARHIROVA and VASILISA STEPANENKODecember 19, 2022 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin made a rare trip Monday to Moscow's ally Belarus as his forces pursued their campaign to bombard Ukraine from the air amid a broad battlefield stalemate almost 10 months into the war.

Moldova intel chief: Russia could aim for breakaway region

By CRISTIAN JARDAN and STEPHEN McGRATHDecember 19, 2022 GMT

CHISINAU, Moldova (AP) — Moldova’s national intelligence agency said Monday that Russia could launch a new offensive next year with an aim to “create a land corridor” through southern Ukraine to the Moscow-backed breakaway region of Transnistria.

Shareholders of Uniper clear way for German nationalization

December 19, 2022 GMT

BERLIN (AP) — Shareholders of German energy company Uniper on Monday approved a rescue package for the gas supplier, clearing the way for its nationalization.

The government announced its plan to nationalize Uniper in September, expanding state intervention in the power sector to prevent an energy shortage resulting from Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Finnish defense chief to take advantage of paternity leave

By JARI TANNERDecember 19, 2022 GMT

HELSINKI (AP) — Finland’s defense minister made a stirring argument for his country’s new gender-neutral parental leave system when he announced he would be stepping aside in few weeks to take care of his 6-month-old son, reassuring the nation that it would be in good hands amid a regional security crisis.

British PM wants to degrade Russian ‘capacity to regroup’

December 19, 2022 GMT

RIGA, Latvia (AP) — British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said Monday that the West should work to degrade "Russia’s capability to regroup" as it continues its war of aggression in Ukraine, citing the drones that Iran has been providing to Moscow.

Jewish festival of lights begins in Ukraine as battles rage

December 18, 2022 GMT

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Jews in Ukraine waging a "war between darkness and light” lit a giant menorah on Sunday night to start the eight-day Hanukkah holiday as tens of thousands remained without electricity and Russia's nearly 10-month war produced new victims.

Key Ukrainian city’s rapid fall leaves unanswered questions

By SAM MEDNICKDecember 18, 2022 GMT

KHERSON, Ukraine (AP) — When about 100 Russian troops rolled into Kherson's Lilac Park on the morning of March 1, Oleh Shornik was one of about 20 lightly armed Ukrainian volunteers who didn't stand a chance against them.

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