December 13, 2022 Russia-Ukraine news

By Kathleen Magramo, Jack Guy, Adrienne Vogt and Leinz Vales, CNN

Updated 12:01 a.m. ET, December 14, 2022
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8:18 a.m. ET, December 13, 2022

Belarus announces snap military drills

From CNN's Olga Voitovych

The Belarusian Defense Ministry has announced some snap military drills across the country.

"A sudden inspection of combat readiness has begun under the leadership of the State Secretariat of the Security Council," said the ministry in a short statement.

Very few details were given about the nature of the drills, but they were described as "comprehensive in nature."

Troops will have to move to "designated areas" as soon as possible, added the statement. 

Military equipment will also be moved around the country, the ministry said.

There was mention of the building of two river crossings on Nemen and Berezina rivers. Neither of the rivers are close to Ukrainian territory.

5:39 a.m. ET, December 13, 2022

Putin won't hold annual end-of-year press conference, Kremlin says

From CNN's Anna Chernova and Radina Gigova

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers his annual news conference in Moscow, Russia, on December 23, 2021.
Russian President Vladimir Putin delivers his annual news conference in Moscow, Russia, on December 23, 2021. (Andrey Rudakov/Bloomberg/Getty Images)

Russian President Vladimir Putin won't hold his usual annual press conference this year, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday, although he said he hoped Putin "will find an opportunity to communicate" with the media.

Putin has been holding large end-of-year press conferences almost every year since 2001 after becoming president, according to state news agency TASS. The only years when he didn't hold an annual press conference were 2005, when he served as president, and also between 2008-2012 when he served as prime minister, according to TASS.

Former US ambassador to Russia John Sullivan believes that Putin is avoiding scrutiny.

"I think it's a sign of concern about his domestic support," Sullivan told CNN on Monday.

"Putin doesn't want to go out and spend hours before journalists, even state media, and risk getting asked difficult and embarrassing questions."

As Moscow's war in Ukraine approaches the 10-month mark, some economists believe Russia will face growing economic hardship and a population that will grow increasingly critical of the "special military operation." It comes amid mounting defeats such as seen in Ukraine’s southern city of Kherson, where a determined Ukrainian offensive forced a Russian withdrawal.

"We were supposed to win. Officials promised to capture Kyiv in three days but, as we see, it turned out to be foolish," Sergey Javoronkov, a senior researcher at the Gaidar Institute for Economic Policy, told CNN last month.

At last year's press conference, Putin was asked about the build-up of Russian forces on the Ukrainian border and the country's emerging alliance with China, as well as common criticisms of his regime such as the treatment of imprisoned opposition leader Alexey Navalny.

In addition to a large conference with the media, in previous years Putin has also addressed the Federal Assembly and held a marathon question-and-answer session with Russian citizens, called Direct Line. 

During Monday's call with journalists, Peskov didn't mention a date for Putin's address to the Federal Assembly, nor a Direct Line session.

However, on November 14, Peskov told Russian state news outlet TASS that Putin would address the Federal Assembly before the end of 2022. 

Peskov had said earlier that the dates of Putin’s annual address to the assembly and the Direct Line session depend on his schedule, which is very dynamic in light of current events, according to TASS.

4:48 a.m. ET, December 13, 2022

Ukrainian aid conference underway in Paris 

From CNN’s Allegra Goodwin in London and Saskya Vandoorne in Paris

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the conference in solidarity with the Ukrainian people in Paris, France, on December 13.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the conference in solidarity with the Ukrainian people in Paris, France, on December 13. (Teresa Suarez/Reuters)

A Ukrainian aid conference is underway in Paris and will focus on supporting Ukraine’s critical infrastructure through the winter, a spokesman for the Elysee Palace said on Tuesday. 

Temperatures have plummeted to sub-zero in many areas of Ukraine in recent weeks, while relentless Russian strikes have left millions without electricity, water and central heating.

The conference, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, is designed to "mobilize the international community," to help maintain Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and will "provide immediate support" focused on the period between December and mid-March, the spokesman said.

Speeches are expected from Macron and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, as well as a virtual appearance from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Representatives of 47 states and around 23 international institutions are due to attend with some 500 French companies.

Delegates will concentrate on five specific areas where Ukraine needs support — water, food, energy, health and transport, the Elysee spokesman said. 

Rather than general pledges to Ukraine, countries will be asked to commit support that will be provided to Ukraine by mid-March, the spokesperson added. Several agreements on critical infrastructure are also expected to be signed.

France will also propose the implementation of an online portal designed to allow countries to see Ukraine’s needs and respond with humanitarian aid in real time. 

Millions of Ukrainians have been left without power amid a wave of Russian strikes on critical energy infrastructure just as winter begins in the country.

3:57 a.m. ET, December 13, 2022

Situation on front lines is "difficult," says head of Russia-backed separatists in Donetsk

From CNN's Josh Pennington

Denis Pushilin attends a meeting with servicemen from Russian-controlled parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions in Donetsk, Ukraine, on November 6.
Denis Pushilin attends a meeting with servicemen from Russian-controlled parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions in Donetsk, Ukraine, on November 6. (Alexander Ermochenko/Reuters)

Denis Pushilin, head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic in eastern Ukraine, has described the situation on the front lines in the region as “difficult,” according to Russian state media.

In remarks carried by state-run news agency RIA Novosti, Moscow-backed Pushilin said that even though Russian units continue to push forward they were not moving “as fast as we would like them to.”

He also suggested that gains between 50 and 200 meters were playing “a significant role in the liberation of populated areas."

Wagner in Bakhmut: Pushilin also spoke directly about the situation in and around Bakhmut and the use of Wagner mercenaries, a Russian private military group, along that part of the front line. 

He said that Wagner fighters were clearing Yakovlivka, 16 kilometers (10 miles) northeast of Bakhmut, in the Soledar direction.

"They continue to work in the vicinity of Bakhmut to create the necessary conditions for a more full-scale sweep of Bakhmut itself,” he said. 

Pushilin also commented on the ongoing attacks against Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. He described the strikes as successful and “complicating the military logistics and communications between units."

"All together, this is creating the conditions for the absolute, precise defeat of the rest of Ukraine to draw even nearer," he said.

Some context: The city of Donetsk has been occupied by pro-Russian separatists since 2014, however Ukrainian forces remain within a few miles of its limits and maintain a majority of control over the region.

In October, Russia’s legislature approved President Vladimir Putin’s decision to annex four parts of Ukraine, namely Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson and Luhansk, despite not having full control of those regions. The move is illegal under international law.

3:14 a.m. ET, December 13, 2022

Brittney Griner reunites with family, eats barbecue ... and makes her first dunk since release

From CNN's Abby Phillip and Nouran Salahieh

American basketball star Brittney Griner gets out of a plane after landing at the JBSA-Kelly Field Annex runway on December 9, in San Antonio, Texas.
American basketball star Brittney Griner gets out of a plane after landing at the JBSA-Kelly Field Annex runway on December 9, in San Antonio, Texas. (Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP/Getty Images)

Freed from a Russian penal colony and back on American soil, WNBA star Brittney Griner got her first taste of a return to normal life at a Texas military facility over the weekend.

The Olympic gold medalist and basketball superstar arrived at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio Friday and is now staying with her wife, Cherelle Griner, in a residential environment on the base — one that her agent, Lindsay Kagawa Colas, decorated with a Christmas tree.

Colas told CNN Griner is “upbeat, thankful and hopeful” after returning to the US.

For Griner — who spent nearly 10 months in detention in Russia — “normal” has meant indulging in her favorites: a Dr Pepper soda, the first drink she had in the airplane hangar after landing.

Members of Griner’s family have visited her off and on for hours, bringing some San Antonio barbecue for her to enjoy.

The athlete has been eating far more nutritious food and supplements compared with her time in detention, Colas said. “Her energy level was really high,” she added.

Griner also got a haircut to clean up her “Russian fade,” as her friends and family jokingly call it, Colas said.

Griner’s long, signature deadlocks had been cut while in captivity. Griner continuously battled the flu while detained because her hair kept freezing and she was unable to dry it, Colas said.

At the Texas military base, Griner hit the basketball court for the first time since she was imprisoned. Her first move was a dunk.

Read more here.

3:10 a.m. ET, December 13, 2022

Shelling in Dnipropetrovsk damages homes and power lines, Ukrainian official says

From CNN's Olga Voitovych

Local residents walk past a damaged building following Russian attacks in the city of Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk region, on December 12.
Local residents walk past a damaged building following Russian attacks in the city of Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk region, on December 12. (Genya Savilov/AFP/Getty Images)

Heavy shelling and artillery fire were reported in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region overnight, a Ukrainian military official said on Telegram Tuesday.

Valentyn Reznichenko, head of the Dnipropetrovsk regional military administration, said grad missiles and heavy artillery were fired at the communities of Nikopol, Chervonohryhorivka and Marhanets. No casualties were reported.

"Seven attacks and more than 50 enemy shells on peaceful towns and villages. Russians terrorized Nikopol district all night long," he said.

Power lines and buildings including homes were damaged in Nikopol, which sits across the river from the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. 

In Chervonohryhorivka, power lines were damaged along with more than 10 houses.

12:52 a.m. ET, December 13, 2022

Russia has not given up on causing power blackouts in Ukraine, Zelensky says

From CNN's Mitchell McCluskey

Russia will continue targeting Ukraine’s power supply, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly address Monday, following a wave of strikes on the country's energy infrastructure that have left millions without power heading into winter.

"We should all be aware that Russia has not given up its terror tactics," Zelensky said.

"The absence of massive missile strikes only means that the enemy is preparing for them and can strike at any time. Although it is obvious that even without light we know well where to shoot and what to liberate, Russia still hopes for blackouts. This is the last hope of terrorists.”

Engineers have repeatedly scrambled to restore power after the Russian attacks, and Zelensky added Kyiv was "doing everything to bring to Ukraine as much equipment as possible, which can compensate for the damage caused by missile hits."

Gas supplies: Earlier Monday, Zelensky asked G7 leaders to commit to increasing gas assistance to Ukraine. “The terror against our power plants forced us to use more gas than expected. This is why we need additional support over this particular winter,” he said.

3:07 a.m. ET, December 13, 2022

Zelensky asks G7 to maintain support for Ukraine next year, outlines 3 steps for peace

From CNN's Zahid Mahmood and Josh Pennington

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky talks to the Group of Seven leaders on December 12.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky talks to the Group of Seven leaders on December 12. (President of Ukraine)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asked the Group of Seven leaders Monday to maintain its support for Ukraine next year while outlining three steps for securing peace.

More military equipment: In a video statement, Zelensky said the first step is a “new force,” and he requested more military equipment from the G7.

“Russia still has the advantage in artillery and missiles, this is a fact,” Zelensky said in his statement. “Ukraine needs modern tanks — and I ask you to provide this defensive capability to us. It can be done right now.”

He also said Ukraine needed more “rocket artillery and more long-range missiles,” adding that Ukraine needs “constant artillery support with guns and shells.”

“The more effective we are with such weapons, the shorter the Russian aggression will be,” he said. 

Support for financial and energy stability: The second step, according to Zelensky, was for the leaders to maintain financial, energy and social stability next year.

He also asked the G7 to commit to increasing gas assistance for Ukraine.

“The terror against our power plants forced us to use more gas than expected. This is why we need additional support over this particular winter,” Zelensky said. “We are talking about the volume of about 2 billion cubic meters of gas that has to be procured additionally.”

New diplomacy: In the third and final step, Zelensky said Ukraine would like to offer a peace solution, beginning with asking Russia to start withdrawing troops this Christmas. 

“I propose Russia to take a concrete and meaningful step toward a diplomatic settlement, which is being mentioned by Moscow so regularly,” he said. "Very soon we’ll have holidays celebrated by billions of people. Christmas — according to the Gregorian calendar or the New Year and Christmas — according to the Julian calendar," Zelensky said. 

“This is the time for normal people to think about peace, not aggression. I suggest Russia to at least try to prove that it is capable of abandoning the aggression.”
“If Russia withdraws its troops from Ukraine, it will ensure a lasting cessation of hostilities.”
8:24 p.m. ET, December 12, 2022

G7 leaders pledge "unwavering support" to Ukraine, including boosting air defense systems

From CNN’s Inke Kappeler in Berlin

The Group of Seven leaders (G7) pledged on Monday to give "unwavering support" and solidarity to Ukraine by promising to boost the country with military and air defense systems, condemning Russia’s ongoing “war of aggression.”

“We condemn Russia’s continuous inhumane and brutal attacks targeting critical infrastructure, in particular energy and water facilities, and cities across Ukraine, and recall that indiscriminate attacks and attacks on the civilian population or civilian objects, constitute a war crime,” a statement from the G7 leaders said. “We are determined to help Ukraine repair, restore and defend its critical energy and water infrastructure.” 

The statement also said the leaders are determined that Russia will ultimately need to pay for the restoration of critical infrastructure “damaged or destroyed” through the invasion.  

“We will hold President Putin and those responsible to account in accordance with international law,” the statement said. “We reiterate that Russia’s irresponsible nuclear rhetoric is unacceptable and that any use of chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons would be met with severe consequences.”

The G7 leaders also condemned Russia’s “continued seizure” of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, adding they support the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) efforts to establish a safety and security zone. 

“Russia can end this war immediately by ceasing its attacks against Ukraine and completely and unconditionally withdrawing its forces from the territory of Ukraine,” the statement said.

CNN's Betsy Klein and Phil Mattingly contributed reporting to this post.