UKRAINE
Russian invasion: Situation report day 288
December 8, 2022 - Russian troops are taking part in tactical drills in Belarus as pressure from Moscow to take an active role in war causes friction in the Belarus military.
Vladimir Putin’s claim – that the threat of nuclear war is increasing, though Russia “would not strike first” – has been denounced as “loose talk” by the U.S., amid ongoing fears that if the war turns decisively against Russia it could use false flag operations to justify their use. Speaking to the Russian Presidential Human Rights Council, Putin set conditions for a protracted war in Ukraine, while claiming the acquisition of territory around the Sea of Azov, which Peter the Great also fought for, is a significant result.