Ukraine Arrests Girl on Treason Charges for Supporting Russia

Ukraine : Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukraine has initiated thousands of investigations against individuals suspected of collaborating with Russian forces, though instances of minors being arrested are uncommon.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) stated that the girl was allegedly tasked by Russia to relay the locations of air defense systems in the region, which shares a border with Belarus, a Russian ally.

The SBU alleged that the girl conducted reconnaissance during taxi rides and transmitted sensitive information through encrypted online messenger services.

“The SBU seized a mobile phone containing evidence of intelligence and subversive activities supporting Russia,” it noted, adding that the girl has been charged with high treason and is currently in custody.

In a separate incident, the SBU announced the detention of six individuals in Kyiv and the southern Mykolaiv region for conducting sabotage and arson attacks intended for Russian interests on railways and energy facilities.

NATO chief Mark Rutte claims Russia is aiding North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs

Meanwhile, NATO chief Mark Rutte indicated that Russia is providing support to North Korea’s missile and nuclear initiatives in exchange for North Korea sending troops to participate in the conflict in Ukraine.

He encouraged NATO member states to supply sufficient arms to Ukraine to alter the course of the conflict as Russian forces make progress along the frontline.

“In return for troops and weapons, Russia is offering North Korea support for its missile and nuclear programs,” Mr. Rutte stated following a meeting of NATO foreign ministers.

“These developments could destabilize the Korean Peninsula and pose a threat to the United States.”

Ukraine and its allies assert that North Korea has dispatched soldiers to Russia to fight alongside Russian troops in the Kursk region.

NATO chief Mark Rutte has urged members to bolster arms supply to Ukraine

Mr. Rutte emphasized the potential threat that the alliance between Russia and North Korea poses to the US, especially with the upcoming return of president-elect Donald Trump to office.

US allies are exploring ways to persuade Mr. Trump that maintaining US support for Ukraine is in his best interest.

The unpredictable Republican has expressed skepticism regarding the continuation of extensive US military aid to Ukraine and has promised to swiftly negotiate a resolution to the conflict.

“The growing alignment of Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran underscores the global nature of the threats we face, along with the escalating risks of the ongoing war in Ukraine,” Mr. Rutte remarked.

The situation on the battlefield appears increasingly dire for Ukraine as Mr. Trump’s inauguration approaches.

Russian forces are making advances along the frontline while Ukraine’s exhausted troops grapple with shortages in weaponry and personnel.

“We must provide enough support to decisively change the trajectory of this conflict,” Mr. Rutte emphasized.

“We discussed what further actions allies can take to supply critical ammunition and air defenses.”

Ukraine reports that a mayor imprisoned by Russia died after enduring torture

Earlier, Ukraine announced that the body of a mayor captured by Russian forces in the Zaporizhzhia region at the onset of their 2022 invasion, who allegedly perished in captivity, had been returned by Russia.

Russia seized significant portions of the Zaporizhzhia region shortly after launching its attack, including the town of Dniprorudne, and detained its mayor, Yevgen Matveiev, according to Ukraine.

“He was held captive by the occupiers for two years and eight months and was tortured to death. His body was returned to Ukraine during the latest exchange,” stated Zaporizhzhia Regional Governor Ivan Fedorov.

Russia did not provide an immediate response to these claims.

Russian forces swept through the country’s industrial region in the south and claimed to have annexed the territory in September 2022.

The town of Dniprorudne, situated on the Dnipro River, had an estimated pre-war population of 17,736.

Mr. Fedorov referred to Matveiev as a “true patriot.”

“During the occupation, he did not abandon the city or its people and took every measure to ensure the community’s survival,” he expressed on social media.

Mr. Fedorov himself was briefly detained by Russian forces in March 2022 while serving as mayor of the southern city of Melitopol, which fell under Russian control.

Then-Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called for an international response in March 2022 regarding Mr. Matveiev’s disappearance.

European Council President Charles Michel likewise advocated for the mayor’s release.

In late March 2022, Kyiv raised alarm over the disappearance of 14 local officials from territories under Russian control.

Ukraine and Russia continue to regularly exchange prisoners of war, as well as the remains of deceased soldiers and civilians. The last reported exchange of remains occurred late last month.