Ukraine War Updates: Russia Faces Problems With T-14 Armata Deploy, Report

Russia Faces Problems With T-14 Armata Deploy, Report

Russia plans to deploy some of its T-14 Armata tanks in Ukraine, but that proposed deployment has encountered problems in recent months, according to the United Kingdom's (U.K.) Ministry of Defense.

Russia aspires to move "a small number" of the T-14 Armatas to Ukraine, but Russian troops "were reluctant to accept the first tranche of T-14 allocated to them" due to the tanks being in "poor condition," U.K. defense officials said in a Wednesday intelligence update.

Issues with the T-14 Armatas arose before Russia's invasion of Ukraine began. Some of those issues reportedly involved the tanks' thermal imaging systems and engines. U.K. defense officials said it was "unclear" why specifically Russian troops fighting in Ukraine were hesitant to receive the tanks.

U.K. defense officials described the reported tank deployment attempts as countries supporting Ukraine announced they will begin providing tanks to help Ukraine defend its territory.

German- and American-made tanks were two of the largest holdouts in the tanks discussion, but both nations' leaders announced plans on Wednesday to provide Ukraine with Abrams tanks from the U.S. and Leopard 2 tanks from Germany. It will likely take a few months for Ukraine to receive the tanks and have troops properly trained on how to use them, U.S. officials said.

Ukraine's Ministry of Defense provides estimations on a daily basis of the numbers of Russian soldiers and military equipment that have been lost over the course of the war. As of Wednesday, Ukrainian defense officials say more than 123,000 Russian troops and more than 3,100 tanks have been lost since the war began 11 months ago. Thousands of other Russian armored vehicles and artillery were also allegedly lost, Ukraine said, and hundreds of rocket launch and air defense systems, jets, helicopters and drones were also reported as being lost by Russia in the war effort.

Ukraine Says Russia Intensifying Pressure in Bakhmut

The intensity of Ukraine's battle with Russian troops in the Bakhmut and Ugledar territories is increasing, according to Anna Painter, the deputy minister of Ukraine's Ministry of Defense.

In a Wednesday Telegram post, Painter described "heavy fighting" involving "a significant number" of Russian troops, weapons and other military equipment. While those elements help Russia, Painter said Ukraine benefits from "the professionalism of the military command and the courage of the soldiers."

"The path to our victory is difficult. But we will pass it," Painter said. "And we will win."

The United Kingdom's (U.K.) Ministry of Defense has shared frequent intelligence updates on the status of the war throughout its 11 months. The latest update included a map showing contested areas in Ukraine.

Areas near Lyman, Bakhmut, Pisky and Zaporizhzhia were all identified as being part of the contested territory in Ukraine. Russian troops control many spots east of those contested areas, according to the map.

In addition to the uptick in fighting reported near Bakhmut and Ugledar by Painter, local journalists on Wednesday night reported that air alerts had been activated in 10 regions in response to explosions heard in the Kherson, Dnipro and Zaporozhye areas.

IOC to Allow Russian Athletes to Compete in Olympics

Russian and Belarusian athletes who qualify for the next Olympics will likely be permitted to participate if they agree to do so as "neutral athletes," the International Olympic Committee (IOC) said Wednesday.

The IOC said its Executive Board has in recent weeks discussed its stance on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, as well as its ongoing sanctions against Russia and Russian ally Belarus. Committee members urged against allowing Russia or Belarus to host international sporting events and said neither country's flag nor any official representatives of the countries should be permitted to be displayed or attend. These sanctions are "already in place," the organization said.

The IOC reiterated its commitment to "full and unwavering" solidary with Ukrainian Olympians and aspiring Ukrainian athletes. The IOC also urged its partners to assist in helping those athletes participate in international sporting events moving forward.

In regards to specific athletes, the IOC said "the vast majority" of committee members who participated in the deliberations support the idea that governments "must not decide which athletes can participate in which competition and which athletes cannot."

"No athlete should be prevented from competing just because of their passport," the IOC said. At future IOC events, the committee said Russian and Belarusian athletes may be required to compete as "neutral athletes" and thus "in no way represent their state or any other organisation in their country" in order to receive permission to participate.

Two Reportedly Killed in Shelling at Beryslav Market

Ukrainian military officials said two people were killed during Russian shelling on Wednesday in Beryslav, a city in the Kherson region of southern Ukraine.

The Kherson Regional Military Administration alleged Russian troops "purposefully attacked" a grocery store in Beryslav where people had gathered, according to an English translation of a Wednesday Telegram post. Two people were killed and three people who lived in the area were injured "in varying degrees of severity" in the attack, regional officials said.

The injured individuals were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. The ages and other identifying factors of the people killed and injured in the attack were not immediately available.

Ukrainian media outlets reported Wednesday evening that Russian attacks appeared to be continuing into the night. Officials in Kherson later issued an air alert for the region and said additional updates would be forthcoming.

This week marks 11 months since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began. In those first 11 months of the war, United Nations officials have recorded more than 18,400 civilian casualties in Ukraine, though officials say the real casualty numbers are likely "considerably higher" due to delays in reporting.

Pope Francis Meets With Ukraine Religious Leaders

Pope Francis met with Ukrainian religious leaders at the Vatican Wednesday.

The leader of the Catholic Church met with a delegation of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO).

Religious leaders came together out of respect for international laws and human rights and the hope for just peace, according to statement from Metropolitan Epiphanius, the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

Pope Francis expressed him support and solidarity with the Ukrainian religious leaders.

"I want to tell you that I am with you in supporting families, children, the elderly, the sick, the most vulnerable people," he said in a statement. "I stand with you in protecting the rights of believers in every religious community, especially those who are abused and persecuted. I am with you in an effort for the benefit of prisoners and enslaved for political reasons. I support your efforts to restore respect for the principles and norms of international law and fundamental human rights on the part of all."

He added that he prays every day for peace between Ukraine and Russia and for the Ukrainian people.

One bishop said it was important to share the pain and suffering of the Ukrainian people during a time of "sacrificial solidarity and desperate heroism" of its citizens.

"And we sincerely believe that your and our voice against this unjust Russian aggression, in defense of the offended and wounded Ukrainian people will be heard. And we sincerely hope to receive you hospitably soon in Kyiv under the peaceful sky of a free and independent democratic Ukraine," Bishop Marcos Oganesyan of the Ukrainian Eparchy of the Armenian Apostolic Church said.

Metropolitan Epiphanius thanked Pope Francis for his visit and encouraged Christians around the world to observe a day of fasting and prayer on Feb. 24, to mark the one year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"We are sincerely grateful to Your Holiness for the calls to show mercy to refugees, to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need. We thank all the communities and institutions of the Catholic Church, all the faithful who have done and continue to do good deeds for our afflicted people."

Odesa Site Now Protected by World Heritage List

UNESCO is continuing calls to protect the Historic Center of Odesa, which was added to the United Nations agency's World Heritage List this week.

Adding Odesa to the list "embodies our collective determination to ensure that this city, which has always surmounted global upheavals, is preserved from further destruction," The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General Audrey Azoulay said in a Wednesday news release.

The site was also added to UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger, the agency said. That addition enables Odesa to receive financial assistance as the city strives to protect its historical center.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked for Odesa to be considered for inclusion on the World Heritage List last fall. UNESCO said officials "used an emergency procedure" to consider the request and made their decision official during a meeting of the World Heritage Committee this week in Paris.

Andriy Yermak, the head of Zelensky's office, celebrated the decision on Twitter and thanked UNESCO for hastening its review process.

There has been widespread concern about damages to historical sites in Ukraine and other critical elements of civilian infrastructure over the course of the war as many came under attack. As of late December, more than 1,600 cultural heritage sites in Ukraine were believed to have been damaged in the war, according to the Conflict Observatory research group.

Kremlin Says Putin, Zelensky Have Not Spoken in Years

Russian President Vladimir Putin has not spoken to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in "several years," according to the Kremlin.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was asked about Putin's direct contact with his Ukrainian counterpart during a recent press conference. Peskov answered Putin has not spoken to Zelensky in a number of years, RT reports.

The reporter from RIA Novosti who asked the question cited Putin's public itinerary that suggested he last met Zelensky in person during the Normandy format summit mediated by France and Germany in 2019.

Putin and Zelensky reportedly spoke on the phone twice the following year, in February and in June, RT writes.

During a press briefing Wednesday, Peskov said there are no current paths to peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, as western allies agree to send Kyiv tanks.

"Right now we can only state that the prospects for stepping on a diplomatic path are not visible at present," he said.

'Conditions on the Ground' Prompted U.S. Tanks Move

The conditions on the ground in Ukraine along with the "kinds of fighting" necessary against Russia were among the factors that prompted the U.S. to decide it will send Abrams tanks to Ukraine, U.S. National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said.

The U.S. "never ruled tanks out," Kirby said during a Wednesday briefing, adding the U.S. has been "evolving the capabilities" provided to Ukraine based on troops' needs over the course of the war.

The changes that led to Wednesday's decision "are the conditions on the ground and the kinds of fighting that the Russians are doing right now, and the kinds of fighting, more importantly, that we believe the Ukrainians are going to need to be capable of in weeks and months ahead, well into 2023," Kirby said.

Tanks and other armored vehicles have been "high on the list" of Ukraine's requested military items, Kirby said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly called for more military support. Last week, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urged allies to "deliver more weapons to Ukraine now."

Stoltenberg praised the U.S. and Germany for today's announcements of sending Abrams tanks and German-made Leopard 2 tanks, respectively, to Ukraine.

Though Ukraine is now awaiting tanks from several countries, Kirby said it could be "many months" before Ukraine receives the Abrams tanks, and Germany has also estimated it could take about three months for Ukraine to receive its Leopard 2 tanks.

Part of the delay on the U.S. end is because the Pentagon doesn't have "excess" Abrams tanks in its inventory, Kirby said. Another variable is the amount of time it will take to train Ukrainian troops to ensure the tanks—which Kirby described as "the most capable, powerful tank in the world"—can be properly sustained on the battlefield, he said.

"When they get there, we want to make sure that they fall on ready hands," Kirby said.

Ukraine to Receive Dozens of Tanks From Western Allies

Ukraine is set to receive several tanks from western allies for its ongoing defense efforts against Russia.

Nearly a dozen nations have agreed to send tanks to Ukraine following Germany's decision today to transfer 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks.

Poland: Germany has approved Poland's request to deliver Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said Poland is prepared to send up to 14 Leopard 2 tanks.

The Netherlands: Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the Netherlands are considering delivering 18 Leopard tanks to Ukraine.

United States: President Joe Biden just announced the U.S. will send 31 M1 Abrams tanks.

United Kingdom: The U.K. has already announced it will transfer 14 Challenger 2 tanks to Ukraine.

Other nations have indicated that they will send tanks, but have not specified plans yet.

Portugal: National media reports that Portugal is preparing to hand over four Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. Portuguese Foreign Minister João Gomes Cravinho said it would take two to three months before western tanks reach Ukraine. Cravinho did not confirm how many tanks Portugal would send, but said it would also offer training to Ukrainian military personnel.

Spain: Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles said Madrid is open to providing Ukraine with Leopard tanks she added that Spain can also help train Ukrainian military personnel.

Norway: National newspaper Dagens Naeringsliv reported that Norway may contribute between four and eight of the country's 36 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine, according to Defense Minister Bjorn Arild Gram.

Sweden: Swedish Defense Minister Paul Johnson said he does not rule out sending its Stridsvagn 122 tanks to Ukraine.

Both Finland and Denmark said they plan to send tanks but have not revealed further details about planned security packages.

Finnish Defense Minister Mikko Savola said Finland's contributions would be small, due to the tense security situation in Europe.

"We are not yet a member of NATO, and under no circumstances can we compromise on our own defense," told reporters.

Court to Hear Downed MH17 Flight Case Against Russia

Europe's top human rights court decided it can rule on cases against Russia brought by the Netherlands and Ukraine.

The two cases were filed in the European Court of Human Rights before Russia launched its invasion in Ukraine 11 months ago.

The first brought by Ukraine concerns complaints related to the conflict in eastern Ukraine involving pro-Russian separatists beginning in 2014.

Ukraine claims there are ongoing violations of the European Convention on Human Rights by separatists of the Donetsk People's Republic, the Lugansk People's Republic and members of the Russian military.

The Netherlands' case concerns the shooting down of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in eastern Ukraine in July 2014, which killed nearly 300 people, including 196 Dutch nationals. The Netherlands argues that Russia played a key role in the incident and said Moscow's failure to investigation and its lack of cooperation with Dutch prosecutors have caused more suffering for the victims' families.

Based on evidence presented at a hearing last year, the court said areas in eastern Ukraine controlled by separatist rebels starting from May 11, 2014 were "under the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation" and that Moscow "had a significant influence on the separatists' military strategy" including providing weapons, carrying out artillery attacks requested by the rebels and giving them political and economic support.

The court also said there was enough evidence to make Ukraine's claims of right violations admissible and to link the case to the dowoing of flight MH17.

Dutch Justice Minister Dilan Yesilgöz-Zegerius said this decision is "very good news."

"The judgment of the European Court of Human Rights is another important step in finding the truth and justice for the victims and their relatives of flight MH17," she wrote in a tweet.

Power Outages Disrupt Student Learning

Nearly every child in Ukraine does not have dependable access to virtual education due to ongoing attacks against country's power grid, UNICEF said.

Internet access has become a crucial component for education in Ukraine as explosions threaten, and in many cases damage, school buildings. More than 1.9 million Ukrainian children were continuing their education remotely and another 1.3 million children were taking advantage of both in-person and remote schooling, UNICEF said.

But "recent attacks against electricity and other energy infrastructure have caused widespread blackouts and left almost every child in Ukraine without sustained access to electricity, meaning that even attending virtual classes is an ongoing challenge," the United Nations' agency said.

Overall, UNICEF reported that more than 5 million students have experienced disruptions their education over the course of the 11-month war. These disruptions are adding to earlier education disruptions experienced during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to the students who are still in Ukraine, UNICEF said Ukrainian children whose families are seeking refuge in other countries are also encountering hurdles to their continued education, with only about one in every three children enrolling in local schools.

UNICEF's latest report on war-related education impacts was released Tuesday, which was the International Day of Education. To mark the day, UNICEF reiterated the need for children to have access to education in Ukraine and in countries that are hosting Ukrainian refugees.

School provides children with both "structure and safety," UNICEF's regional director for Europe and Central Asia said, and "missing out on learning could have lifelong consequences."

NATO Applauds U.S., Germany Tank Transfers

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said he "strongly" welcomes U.S. President Joe Biden's announcement that the U.S. will soon send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine.

Stoltenberg's praise of U.S. "leadership" came Wednesday shortly after Biden made the announcement. Stoltenberg also applauded Germany's decision earlier Wednesday to send some of its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine.

The Abrams and Leopard 2 tanks "can make a significant difference" in Ukraine's fight with Russia, Stoltenberg said. He added that NATO allies "are united in our support" for Ukraine.

Stoltenberg has urged NATO allies to boost their military support for Ukraine as the war approaches its one-year anniversary in February. Russia is widely expected to launch a new offensive in the coming months, and Stoltenberg has said Ukraine must be supported on the battlefield as Ukrainian troops defend their territory.

During a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base in Germany last week, Stoltenberg predicted Russia is preparing for a "long" fight with Ukraine. He urged NATO allies to "deliver more weapons to Ukraine now."

Woman Trapped Under Rubble Dies in Zaporizhizhia Strike

At least one person has died in a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia, according to a Ukrainian official.

A home was destroyed and a woman who was trapped under the rubble later died, Zaporizhzhia City Council Secretary Anatoliy Kurtiev said.

"The damned Russian creatures have viciously attacked Zaporizhzhia today in broad daylight," he wrote. "Russia is a terrorist country that has no right to exist."

A dozen other homes were destroyed in the strike, Kurtiev said, adding that all relevant services are working on the ground.

Biden Says Germany Did Not Force Tank Decision

President Joe Biden said the U.S. decision to send Abrams tanks to Ukraine was not forced by Germany.

After announcing the transfer of U.S. tanks to Ukraine, Biden was asked if Germany forced him to reverse course and send tanks.

"Germany didn't force me to change my mind," he responded. "We wanted to make sure we were all together. That's what we were going to do all along, and that's what we're doing now."

The president credited Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin for pushing him to send tanks following last week's Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting in Berlin.

Biden tanked Germany for deciding to release Leopard 2 tanks. He said Germany has "really stepped up," noting that Chancellor Olaf Scholz has been a "strong voice" and "close friend" during this conflict.

The coordinated effort of western allies to support Ukraine's defense and sovereignty will continue, Biden said.

He said this is "not an offensive threat to Russia," noting that the war would end today if Russian troops went home.

U.S. Will Send 31 Abrams Tanks to Ukraine

The United States will soon send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, President Joe Biden announced Wednesday.

That number of tanks is "the equivalent of one Ukrainian battalion," Biden said.

This move has been recommended by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Biden added, because "it will enhance the Ukraine's capacity to defend its territory and achieve its strategic objectives."

Biden described the Abrams tanks as "the most capable tanks in the world" but said they are "also extremely complex to operate and maintain." The U.S. will also provide Ukraine with the tools, equipment and training needed in order to sustain the tanks, Biden said.

Biden's announcement came shortly after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Germany will be sending some of its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. Both countries have been urged to boost their military support for Ukraine in this way over the last few weeks in anticipation of a possible new Russian offensive.

Watch: Biden Expected to Announce Abrams Tanks for Ukraine

President Joe Biden will provide an update on the latest round of support for Ukraine momentarily.

He is expected to announce that the U.S. will send upwards of 30 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, according to the Associated Press.

Biden spoke with President Macron of France, Chancellor Scholz of Germany, Prime Minister Meloni of Italy and Prime Minister Sunak of the United Kingdom this morning, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, calling it part of "our close coordination on support for Ukraine."

Biden is set to deliver remarks from the Roosevelt Room at 12 p.m. ET.

Belarus Reportedly Hosting 5,800 Russian Troops

Ukrainian defense officials say Russia has about 5,800 troops currently based in Belarus.

The estimation came from Vadym Skibitskyi with the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine's intelligence arm, who explained Russia's military presence in Belarus during a Wednesday appearance on national television.

Skibitskyi shared Ukraine's latest intelligence on Russian military presence in Belarus just days after The Kyiv Independent reported that Russia and Belarus began joint aviation military exercises. Those exercises were still happening on Wednesday and are expected to continue through the end of January, Belarus' Ministry of Defense said on Telegram.

Belarus has allowed Russian military officials onto Belarusian territory over the course of the 11-month invasion of Ukraine. As the war nears its one-year anniversary next month, there is widespread speculation that Russia is planning a large new offensive for the coming months.

Ukrainian defense officials have thus far indicated they are not worried about Belarus becoming directly involved in the fighting in the coming months, according to The Kyiv Independent.

Ukrainian Forces Retreat from Soledar

Ukrainian forces have officially withdrawn from the contested town of Soledar, tthe country's military leaders said Wednesday.

Serhii Cherevatyi, a spokesman for Ukraine's Eastern Military Command, said Ukraine retreated from the salt mining town in the eastern Donbas to "save lives of personnel."

"After months of fierce fighting, including over the past weeks, the AFU left Soledar and retreated along the outskirts to previously prepared positions," Cherevatyi told AFP news agency.

Soledar has been one of the few active frontlines amid largely stalled fighting in Ukraine. International humanitarian organizations have been working to bring aid to the city.

Russia claimed nearly two weeks ago that it had taken the town, but Ukrainian forces denied this.

The withdrawal comes as western allies announce they will send tanks to Ukraine ahead of Russia's renewed offensive in the east.

U.S. Also Expected to Announce Tank Transfer

The Biden administration is reportedly preparing to send M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine.

In a reversal of position, President Joe Biden is expected to announce the tank transfer Wednesday at noon.

The U.S. will reportedly send around 30 M1 Abrams tanks, officials told the Associated Press. The tanks would not likely reach Ukraine for several months.

This comes hours after Germany officially announced it would send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. Poland has already announced that it will also send tanks to Ukraine, following Germany's lead.

Pentagon and State Department officials would not say Tuesday whether the U.S. had made a decision to send tanks or not.

Biden is set to speak at 12 pm ET. His remarks will stream live on the White House website and YouTube channel.

Tanks Could be in Ukraine in Three Months

German's Leopard 2 tanks could be operational in Ukraine in about three months, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said Wednesday.

Crews will begin training Ukrainian crews in Germany "quickly." After training, the tanks will be sent to Kyiv, Pistorius told reporters earlier today.

"I think this is the right decision," Pistorius said, according to the German Delegation to NATO. "It is an historic decision in many ways, and it is a necessary one."

Russia Calls Germany's Decision 'Extremely Dangerous'

Russia said western tanks in Ukraine will cause more destruction and suffering.

In a statement, the Russian embassy to Berlin said Germany's decision to send Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine is "extremely dangerous" and takes the conflict to a "new level of confrontation."

"Once again, we are convinced that Germany, like its closest allies, is not interested in a diplomatic solution to the Ukrainian crisis, it is set up for its permanent escalation and unlimited pumping of the Kyiv regime with more and more deadly weapons," the statement said.

Russia said this decision has eroded all remnants of mutual trust and has caused "irreparable damage to the already deplorable state of Russian-German relations, casts doubt on the possibility of their normalization in the foreseeable future."

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told CNN that more weapons from NATO will "bring more suffering for people in Ukraine."

"It also brings more tension to the continent, but it cannot prevent Russia from reaching our goals," he said.

Peskov told reporters Wednesday that German Leopard tanks, as well as the Abrams tanks the U.S. may send, will be destroyed.

"We have repeatedly said that these tanks go up in flames like all the other armor," he said, according to Russian state media TASS.

Russia's Ambassador to the U.S. Anatoly Antonov reiterated this point.

He told Newsweek that if the U.S. decides to send M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, they will "without any doubt will be destroyed as all other samples of NATO military equipment."

Peskov added that the hefty cost of the tanks will fall on the shoulder of European taxpayers and said the tanks will not make much of a difference for Ukraine on the battlefield.

"I am certain that many specialists understand the absurdity of this idea as well. This plan is quite a losing scheme simply for technological reasons and, importantly, this is a clear overestimation of the potential that will this will add to the Ukrainian armed forces," the Kremlin spokesman said, according to TASS.

Germany to Send 14 Leopard 2 Tanks to Ukraine

Germany will send its Leopard 2 main battle tanks to Ukraine, Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced Wednesday, following "intensive consultations" with allies.

"This decision follows our well-known line of supporting Ukraine to the best of our ability," Scholz said in Berlin. "We are acting in a closely coordinated manner internationally."

"The goal" is to quickly assemble two tank battalions with Leopard 2 tanks for Ukraine, the German government said.

Germany will initially provide 14 Leopard 2 A6 tanks from Bundeswehr stocks. This will accompany additional tanks provided by other European partners, the government said. Ukrainian crews will then be trained on the tanks in Germany "quickly." The aid will also include logistics, ammunition and system maintenance.

"Germany will issue the appropriate transfer permits to partner countries that want to quickly deliver Leopard 2 tanks from their stocks to Ukraine," the government's statement concludes.