Ukraine Update…284 days into the Russian move on the Ukraine

Could the Russian attempt to take over the Ukraine capital city of Kyiv again?

Ukraine military leaders think the Spring will bring a second offensive effort….

Outside experts do NOT see preparation for such a move and believe the Ukraine is trying to sell this to obtain more arms and to counter Western pressure against the Ukraine to start talking to Russia about a settlement…

The Russian’s lauch a heavy rocket wave against several Ukraine cities….

Here’s what we know:

Ukraine’s top commander said in a published interview that Russia appeared to be massing troops, though the White House said it had seen no signs of an imminent assault.

• Ukraine fears Russia will try again to take Kyiv.

• Missiles knock out heating systems in towns and cities amid freezing temperatures.

• In her first statement since her release, Griner pledges to help Biden seek freedom for Paul Whelan.

• ‘We are fed up’: Anger boils over in Kyiv after another wave of missiles.

• The E.U. agrees on new sanctions against Russia.

• Russia keeps its key interest rate steady amid worries of inflation.

• Russian official in Africa is wounded by a package bomb, Moscow says…..

More…

Here’s what to know

• Friday’s strikes come after the United States and the European Union announced additional measures to support Ukraine. The Pentagon announced Thursday that it will begin training large formations of Ukrainian soldiers beginning in January, while the E.U. approved 18 billion euros ($19.1 billion) in financing for Ukraine next year.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in a video posted to Telegram on Friday, issued a message of assurance that the missile strikes “won’t change the balance of power in this war.” Workers in Kyiv have been rushing to restore water and heat to two-thirds of the capital city’s residents.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning a visit next week to Belarus. There is rising concern among Ukrainian officials that Russia may attempt another incursion into Ukraine from the north — not necessarily to retry its failed attempt to seize Kyiv but perhaps to hit from behind at Ukrainian forces pushing east. The Pentagon has acknowledged Ukraine’s concerns but says it sees no signs that such an attack is imminent.
• The vast majority of Russians would not support the use of tactical nuclear weapons in Ukraine, although three-quarters continue to support the Kremlin’s war, according to a survey conducted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and the Moscow-based Levada Center….

More….