01/13/2023
Ukraine war in the live ticker
+++ 00:32 American Taylor Dudley released from Russian custody +++
The American Taylor Dudley has been released from Russian custody after around nine months. This is reported by former diplomat Bill Richardson, who claims to have negotiated the release. The 35-year-old former marine was said to have been in Russian captivity since April. According to CNN, he was arrested by Russian border officials when he traveled from Poland to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad in April.
+++ 23:18 Selenskyj: Defenders hold the position in Soledar +++
Ukrainian soldiers in the hard-fought town of Soledar are holding their positions, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In doing so, they inflicted significant losses on the Russian troops, says Zelenskyj in his evening video address. The information cannot be independently verified. A Russian statement is not available.
+++ 21:57 heavy weapons: Selenskyj sees Poland and Lithuania as role models +++
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Poland could set an example by offering “Leopard” battle tanks. Poland and Lithuania could take the appropriate steps, Zelenskyj tells the state broadcaster TVP. “Somebody always has to be the role model,” he explained. “This move could help us by having other states follow in the footsteps of Poland and Lithuania.” Lithuania has pledged anti-aircraft guns and ammunition. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry is explaining to Western countries what Kyiv means by a “tank.”
+++ 21:20 Finland shows readiness for “Leo” delivery +++
In the debate over the supply of main battle tanks to Ukraine, Finland has signaled its cautious willingness to hand over Leopard 2 tanks to the country attacked by Russia. If there is a common European approach to support Ukraine in this regard, a contribution from Finland is also needed, Finnish President Sauli Niinistö told the STT news agency. However, Finland is in a special position as it is not yet a NATO member and shares a direct border with Russia. If tanks are handed over to Ukraine, the Finnish contribution cannot be particularly large. According to STT, Finland has more than 200 German-made Leopard 2 tanks. As a rule, the Federal Republic of Germany has to approve the transfer of German-made armaments to third parties.
+++ 20:45 Baerbock: “Rape is a war crime” +++
Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has condemned rape as a war crime in conflicts and wars such as in Ethiopia and Ukraine. International humanitarian law is clear: “The protection of civilians is also the top priority in armed conflicts. And rape is a war crime,” said the Green politician at a joint appearance with her French colleague Catherine Colonna and the Ethiopian ministers for foreign affairs and justice. Demeke Mekonnen and Gedion Timotheos.
+++ 20:15 Russia releases imprisoned US marines +++
Russia has released a former US Marine after nine months in captivity. US negotiator and former diplomat Bill Richardson said Taylor Dudley was freed at a border crossing between Poland and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad. The 35-year-old is “on his way home”. According to the US broadcaster CNN, after attending a music festival in Poland, Dudley traveled to Kaliningrad, where he was arrested in April. Moscow and Washington had not made his arrest public. Richardson makes no mention of a prisoner exchange in connection with Dudley’s release. The negotiations in the case were “discreet”.
You can read earlier developments in the Ukraine war here.