Ukrainian troops expand footholds on the left bank of the Dnipro in Kherson region. The EU extends sanctions on Russia for another six months. Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijj\u00e1rt\u00f3 meets with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kuleba.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ukrainian troops are expanding footholds on the eastern (left) bank of the Dnipro river in Kherson region, spokesperson for Ukraine\u2019s southern military command, Colonel Natalia Humenyuk told a press briefing on Monday, January 29.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur work has yielded results. [We\u2019ve] expanded the footholds,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The front line is very fluid and under enemy pressure, she added. Russian forces vastly outnumber Ukrainian troops on the eastern bank of the river. They have better fortified positions and there\u2019s land in the rear, while Ukrainian forces have the Dnipro behind their backs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have to report news very carefully, and [the general public] has to be satisfied with what can be made public now,\u201d Humenyuk said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yevhen Dykyi, a former company commander of the Aidar battalion earlier told Radio NV that Ukrainian troops had expanded a foothold on the left bank of the Dnipro in Kherson region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The EU Council extended sanctions on Russia by six months on Monday, maintaining all restrictions imposed on Russia over its aggression against Ukraine until July 31, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sanctions were initially imposed by the EU in July 2014 in response to Russia\u2019s annexation of Crimea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs long as the illegal actions by the Russian Federation continue to violate the prohibition on the use of force, which is a serious breach of obligations under international law, it is appropriate to maintain in force all the measures imposed by the EU and to take additional measures, if necessary,\u201d the EU Council said in a statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
EU\u2019s latest, 12th<\/sup> package of sanctions against Russia imposed an import ban on Russian diamonds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The European Union is considering sanctions on Russian aluminum ahead of the second anniversary of Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hungarian Foreign Minister P\u00e9ter Szijj\u00e1rt\u00f3 met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak in the western city of Uzhhorod on Monday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAn important visit of the Hungarian delegation has started. Together with Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba we are meeting with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, P\u00e9ter Szijj\u00e1rt\u00f3 and his team. We are working to improve our relations. A frank and constructive dialogue is what\u2019s needed. We are ready,\u201d Yermak said on Telegram. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In December, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orb\u00e1n vetoed EUR 50 billion in EU aid to Ukraine at a European Union summit. EU leaders are struggling to force a change in his position before a summit in Brussels on Thursday when they will try again to approve the funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All eyes are on Szijj\u00e1rt\u00f3\u2019s visit to Ukraine as EU leaders are hopeful that it will help unlock the Ukraine aid.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHungarian Foreign Minister Szijj\u00e1rt\u00f3 meets with Ukraine\u2019s Kuleba\u00a0<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
European security issues among Russian aggression and US challenges. Ukraine in Flames #565<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n