Ukraine-Russia war latest: Zelenskyy gives update on peace plan with Russia; half of Western arms de

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25 Feb 2024
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As the conflict enters its third year, the Institute for the Study of War has called the situation in Ukraine "grave but not hopeless" - saying Ukraine could still win the war, but is reliant on US aid. Ukraine said it shot down 16 of 18 Russian drones overnight.


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to speak at an event that will include a discussion and news conference following yesterday's two-year anniversary of the conflict.






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1m ago
22:43

2024 will be 'breakthrough year' for Ukraine

Volodymyr Zelenskyy reflects on the war so far and says 2024 will be a "breakthrough year" for Ukraine. 
He says 2022 was the "year of survival" and 2023 was a "year of resilience". 
"This year we need all of those things, courage and resilience in order to survive," he adds. 
"It will decide how the war ends." 




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16m ago
22:28

'Putin doesn't have a mobile - how will he call me?'

Earlier in the news conference, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he will not negotiate with Vladimir Putin. 
Now, the Ukrainian president is asked if he would reply if Mr Putin calls. 
Reuters
Sparking laughter from the audience, he answers: "He doesn't have a mobile. How will he call me?
"I don't use a telegraph from 1917. He will not call me, he doesn't want to end this war. That is a fact today." 




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26m ago
22:17

Analysis: Zelenskyy has shifted from anger to pragmatism - but faith in US aid may be misplaced

Compared to a year ago, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is more statesmanlike and less defiant, military analyst Sean Bell says. 
There was an "air of pragmatism" in today's press conference, he said, as the Ukrainian president talked about "not losing" rather than winning. 
Mr Zelenskyy outlined what not losing would look like, focusing on domestic security and talking about how Ukraine no longer existing would be a failure. 
While Mr Zelenskyy voiced confidence US aid would be delivered, Bell said "the narrative coming from the US is less positive about that". 
"The vast majority of weapons support that comes to support Ukraine is coming from America.
"And if you don't get that, you might still get a lot of money from the EU, but you're not getting the weapons."
The first anniversary of the war was marked with optimism - but that has faded, Bell said. 
"I think most military analysts are looking at it with a more pessimistic view of the future unless Western aid, particularly in the form of weapons, can be unlocked - and soon."

Ukraine has used 'a lot' of UK Storm Shadow missiles

Turning to the help provided to Ukraine by the UK, Volodymyr Zelenskyy is asked if he has received Storm Shadow missiles. 
The Ukrainian president says he has "no doubt" that the UK has provided Kyiv with the weapons and they have been used in the conflict. 
Reuters
In fact, he says his troops have used "a lot of them" and are "very grateful" to Rishi Sunak for his assistance. 
He was also asked if he has met Keir Starmer, and replies to the question by saying: "I didn't quite understand who I was meant to be meeting."
After a reporter explains he is the leader of the Labour Party, Mr Zelenskyy says he met him during a visit to parliament and he has "good relations" with him. 

31,000 Ukrainians killed in war so far, says Zelenskyy

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is now asked about the number of Ukrainian casualties. 
He says every casualty is a huge loss, and 31,000 Ukrainians have been killed in the war so far. 
This is the first time that Kyiv has confirmed the number of its losses since Moscow started the full-scale invasion. 
He refuses to provide details on the number of wounded, saying if he does, "Russia will know how many people have left the battlefield". 
He also claims 180,000 Russians have died in the conflict. 

Pressure from Russia is 'fairly strong', says Zelenskyy

Sky News' international correspondent John Sparks has just got back from visiting the frontline and asks the Ukrainian president if he is willing to give up more territory while he waits for additional weapons to be delivered. 
Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the pressure from Russia is "fairly strong" in some areas - but Ukraine has reduced its artillery advantage somewhat. 
He explains that Ukraine may continue to lose around 100 to 150 metres but it is "strategically more important not to lose people". 
"The answer is simple - we need to put pressure on the partners regarding the packages that had already been agreed and if we do this, Russia's chances will be smaller," he adds. 


'Can you talk to a deaf man?': Zelenskyy says he won't negotiate with Putin

Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine has "no alternative" to winning the war. 
Asked whether it was time to negotiate with Vladimir Putin given Ukraine's ammunition shortage and the upcoming US election - which could see military aid slashed - Mr Zelenskyy replies: "Can you talk to a deaf man? Can you talk to a man who kills his opponents?
"We will propose a platform where [Putin] can accept he has lost this war and it was a huge mistake and tragedy for us and for the democratic world." 
Ukraine cannot accept losing the war, he says. 
"What does it mean if Ukraine loses? Ukraine won’t exist." 

Zelenskyy 'positive' about West's recent response to long-range weapons request

The Ukrainian president is now asked about the immediate need for long range weapons and discussions with the West about providing them. 
Voldoymyr Zelenskyy says it is something he doesn't want to talk about in detail, but Russia understands what Ukraine will do once it has them. 
Reuters
"I am positive about the recent response from our partners in regard to these weapons," he adds. 
Answering a separate question about US support, he says America knows how quickly Ukraine requires assistance and he is certain Congress will approve further aid. 
"We are counting on the United States to remain the leader of democracy in the world," he adds. 

Peace plan to be handed to Russia in spring | Volodymyr Zelenskyy holding news conference

Volodymyr Zelenskyy's news conference has begun after it was delayed earlier today. 
It is being held following an event in Ukraine to mark yesterday's two-year anniversary of the conflict.
He thanks the Ukrainian military and civilians for their hard work and then starts taking questions from audience members. 
Reuters
Answering a question about support, he says Ukraine cannot lose the "diplomatic initiative" and he hopes a peace summit will be held in Switzerland in the spring.
As a result of the summit, he says there will be a peace plan prepared with Ukraine's partners and then handed over to Russia. 
He says he would like a second summit to be held but not in Europe and he hopes more information will be available in the "next few weeks or months". 

160 tons of Ukrainian grain destroyed in Poland, Ukraine deputy PM says

While we wait for Volodymyr Zelenskyy to speak... Some 160 tons of Ukrainian grain was destroyed at a Polish train station in an act of "impunity and irresponsibility", a senior Ukrainian official said today.
"These pictures show 160 tons of destroyed Ukrainian grain. The grain was in transit to the port of Gdansk and then to other countries," deputy prime minister Oleksandr Kubrakov posted on X, along with photos of piles of grain spilled from train cars.  
"The fourth case of vandalism at Polish railway stations. The fourth case of impunity and irresponsibility." 
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Volodymyr Zelenskyy giving news conference shortly

The Ukrainian president will give a news conference this afternoon, a day after Ukraine marked the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion.
We're expecting to hear him speak from 2.30pm UK time - so stay tuned here for updates. 
His speech was originally timed for 12.35pm. 

Man killed after Russian drone hits truck - regional governor

A Russian drone dropped explosives directly on a truck in Nikopol in the Dnipropetrovsk region, according to regional governor Serhii Lysak.
A 57-year-old man was killed in the attack, Mr Lysak said on Facebook.
One person was also reportedly injured in Russian strikes on the city of Kostyantynivka overnight. 
Ukraine said it destroyed 16 of 18 attack drones launched by Russia during the night.

Early voting in Russia's presidential election begins

Early voting has begun in the Russian-occupied southern region of Ukraine, state news agency TASS reports. 
Election officials will go door-to-door with ballot papers and boxes in "hard-to-reach areas".
This category includes the occupied regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.
People who live close to the frontline and service members will be the first to vote, TASS reported. 
The presidential election will be held over three days from 15 to 17 March. 
Pic: Reuters

Half of Western arms deliveries delayed - Ukraine defence minister

"Commitment does not constitute delivery" when it comes to Western nations sending arms to Ukraine, the country's defence minister says. 
Speaking at a televised conference, Rustem Umerov said 50% of arms are not delivered on time. 
"Basically whenever a commitment doesn’t come on time, we lose people, we lose territory,” he said.  
Ukraine has stressed the impact of its ammunition shortage on the progress of the war, with President Zelenskyy warning an "artificial deficit" of weapons is giving Russia an advantage. 

Ukraine expects $11.8bn in US economic aid in 2024, country's PM says

Kyiv expects to receive $11.8bn (£9.3bn) in economic support this year from the US, Ukrainian prime minister Denys Shmyhal said today. 
The US has already provided more than $111bn (£88bn) to Ukraine but a new aid package of is stalled in Congress after passing the Senate.
Mr Shmyhal said he was hopeful US lawmakers would approve the long-awaited economic and military assistance.
After two years of grinding conflict, Kyiv faces a $37bn (£29bn) budget gap in 2024 and is relying on Western partners for critical aid.
Ukraine also expects to receive €18bn (£15bn) from the EU's Ukraine Facility, approved earlier this year. 

Pope calls for a diplomatic solution to the war

Pope Francis has called for a diplomatic solution to the war in Ukraine that would lead to a "just and lasting peace".
"So many victims, wounded, destruction, anguish, and tears in a period that is becoming terribly long and whose end is not in sight. 
"It is a war that not only devastates that region but also unleashes global waves of hate and fear," he said during his weekly Angelus message.
"I plead for that little bit of humanity to be found to create the conditions for a diplomatic solution in search of a just and lasting peace."

Volodymyr Zelenskyy news conference delayed

The Ukrainian president's press conference has been pushed back until later this afternoon. 
We're expecting to hear from him around 2.30pm UK time (provided there are no further delays) - stay tuned for more updates. 

In pictures: Aftermath of Russian missile strike in Kostyantynivka

One person was reportedly injured in Russian strikes on the city of Kostyantynivka in the eastern region of Donetsk overnight. 
The attack destroyed a train station and hit shops, apartment buildings and educational facilities, according to Donetsk regional police. 
Reuters

Volodymyr Zelenskyy to give news conference

The Ukrainian president will give a news conference this afternoon, a day after Ukraine marked the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. 
We're expecting to hear him speak from 12.35pm UK time - so stay tuned here for updates. 


Global landmarks lit in yellow and blue for anniversary

From the UK to Australia to Hungary, landmarks were illuminated last night in the colours of the Ukrainian flag to mark the second anniversary of the war.
The Chain Bridge over the Danube river in Budapest
Reuters
A rally at the Senate Square in Helsinki, Finland
Reuters
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Japan naked festival: Women join Hadaka Matsuri for first time


IMAGE SOURCE,
REUTERS
Image caption,

Women joined the festival for the first time in its 1,250 year history
By Shaimaa Khalil
Tokyo correspondent
The sea of chanting, nearly-naked men tussle, push and shove towards the shrine. "Washoi! Washoi!" they yell - let's go, let's go.
It is scene that has barely changed in the 1,250 years the Hadaka Matsuri, or the Naked Festival, has been taking place at the Konomiya Shrine, in central Japan.
But this year there is a change - a big one.
Away from the men's huddle, a group are about to become the first women to ever take part.
The women gathered here know they are making history. Finding room in traditionally male-dominated spaces is difficult anywhere, but in Japan - which last year ranked 125 out of 146 on the World Economic Forum's gender gap index - it is particularly hard.
Not that they weren't always there.
"In the background, women have always worked very hard to support the men in the festival," explains Atsuko Tamakoshi, whose family has been working at the Konomiya festival for generations.
IMAGE SOURCE,
REUTERS
Image caption,

Some in the community have suggested that it remain a men-only event
But the idea of actually taking part in the festival - which sees the men attempt to drive away evil spirits, before praying for happiness at the shrine - seems to have never come up before.
According to Naruhito Tsunoda, there has never been an actual ban. It's just that no one had ever asked.
And when they did, the answer was easy.
"I believe the most important thing is for there to be a fun festival for everyone. I think God would be happiest about that too," he told news agency Reuters.
Not everyone in the community was as accommodating though.
"There were many voices that were concerned (about us taking part) - saying, 'What are women doing in a men's festival?', 'This is a men's festival, it's serious'," Tamakoshi, a 56-year-old grandmother, explains.
"But we were all united in what we wanted to do. We believed that God would watch over us if we were sincere."
The women waiting for their turn are indeed sincere. What they are not is naked.
Instead many are wearing "happi coats" - long, purple robes - and white shorts, as opposed to the men's loincloths, while carrying their own bamboo offerings.
They won't be part of the big scramble which accompanied the men's rush to the shrine, or the clambering over one another to touch the Shin Otoko, or the 'male deity' - a man chosen by the shrine. Touching him, as the tradition goes, is meant to drive evil spirits away.
It doesn't take away the significance of this moment.
"I feel that times have finally changed," Yumiko Fujie tells the BBC. "But I also feel a sense of responsibility."
IMAGE SOURCE,
REUTERS
Image caption,

A lot of the women at the festival saw the change in policy as a significant moment
These women, however, are not just breaking gender barriers with their participation. They are also keeping the tradition alive.
This week, another naked festival - held at Kokuseki Temple in Japan's north - said this would be the last one they would hold. There simply were not enough young people to keep the festival going.
Japan has one of the fastest ageing populations on earth. Last year, for the first time, more than one in 10 people were aged 80 or older. Meanwhile, its birth rate stands at just 1.3 per woman, with only 800,000 babies born last year.
The moment has come for the women to make their way to the shrine.
They stand in two parallel lines and carry the long bamboo sticks wrapped in intertwined red and white ribbons.
Atsuko Tamakoshi is leading the way - blowing her whistle to prompt the rhythmic chant they've heard the men say for decades.
'Washoi Washoi," the women shout.
Image caption,

Atsuko Tamakoshi is one of the women who joined the naked festival for the first time
The women focus on the movements and speed which they've practiced for weeks. They know they have to get this right.
Aware that the eyes of the media and the spectators are on them they're also smiling a mix of nerves and excitement.
There are supportive cries from the watching crowd, some shouting "Gambatte" or 'keep going!', as they push through the freezing temperatures.
They enter the Konomiya Shinto shrine's courtyard and, like the men, they're sprayed with cold water. It seems to energise them even more.
After their offering is accepted, the women end the ceremony with the traditional salutation of two bows, two claps and one final bow.
And then, the enormity of the moment sets in. The women erupt into cheers, they jump around and hug each other crying. "Arigatogozaimasu! Arigato!" Thank you! Thank you! They say to each other and the crowd now applauding them.
"I got so teary," Michiko Ikai says. "I wasn't sure I could join, but now I feel a sense of achievement."
As they make their way out of the shrine, the women are stopped by members of the public who want to take pictures with them and media outlets who want to interview them. They happily oblige.
Image caption,

Those who took part say they felt an immense sense of pride in doing so
"I've done it. I'm so happy," Mineko Akahori tells the BBC. "I'm really grateful that as a woman, I could participate for the first time."
Her friend and teammate Minako Ando adds that simply "becoming the first to do something like this is just great".
"Times are changing," says Hiromo Maeda. Her family has been running a local inn which has hosted some of the male festival-goers for the last 30 years.
"I think our prayers and wishes are the same. It doesn't matter if it's a man or a woman. Our passion is the same."
For Atsuko Tamakoshi, who has played such a key role in the day, there is a moment to reflect on what they have all achieved together. She's both emotional and relieved.
"My husband has always taken part in this festival," she tells the BBC. "And I was always the spectator. I'm now filled with gratitude and happiness."

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