WAR IN UKRAINE: December 8, 2022
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS: Day 288
Vladimir Putin has vowed to continue attacking Ukraine's energy infrastructure despite millions being left without electricity or water, reports BBC. "Yes, we do that. But who started it?" the Russian president said at an awards ceremony in the Kremlin. He said that criticism of Russian strikes would "not interfere with our combat missions.” Some Western leaders have called the strategy a war crime, because of the huge amount of damage caused to civilian infrastructure. Meanwhile, Putin is not planning on ending the war any time soon as Russia continues to seek the conquest of additional Ukrainian territory, the Institute for the Study of War said in its latest update.
Ukraine has liberated 1,888 settlements since Feb. 24. President Volodymyr Zelensky said that almost as many towns and villages remain under Russian occupation. Meanwhile, Ukraine reports downing 14 Iranian-made drones overnight. Russia has been using Iranian-made kamikaze drones to attack Ukraine since September, launching attacks against civilians and destroying energy facilities across the country - Kyiv Independent
More prisoners of war held by Russia and Ukraine have been visited by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in recent weeks, allowing delegates to check on their condition and treatment and share much-awaited news with their families. Our teams were also able to provide items such as books, personal hygiene items, blankets, and warm clothes. “These visits are an important step forward in preserving humanity amidst the brutality of the international armed conflict,” said ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric. “We are able to check how prisoners of war are being treated and to make sure families receive updates. My expectation is that these visits lead to more regular access to all prisoners of war.” The ICRC last week carried out one two-day visit to Ukrainian prisoners of war, with another happening this week. During the same period, visits were also carried out to Russian prisoners of war, with more visits planned by the end of the month.
They Called Him The Specialist': Ukrainian Man Tells Of Kherson Torturer: Serhiy Mak says he spent 25 days locked in the cellar of an office building in Kherson, southern Ukraine, where he was tortured by a Russian man nicknamed "The Specialist." Mak spoke to RFE/RL after Ukrainian forces liberated the city from Russian occupation. View the report here