Ukrainian servicemen sit atop a tank in eastern Ukraine on Tuesday as the battle for the Donbas got under way. Photo: Press service of the Ukrainian Ground Forces/Handout via Reuters
Ukrainian servicemen sit atop a tank in eastern Ukraine on Tuesday as the battle for the Donbas got under way. Photo: Press service of the Ukrainian Ground Forces/Handout via Reuters
Ukrainian servicemen sit atop a tank in eastern Ukraine on Tuesday as the battle for the Donbas got under way. Photo: Press service of the Ukrainian Ground Forces/Handout via Reuters
Ukrainian servicemen sit atop a tank in eastern Ukraine on Tuesday as the battle for the Donbas got under way. Photo: Press service of the Ukrainian Ground Forces/Handout via Reuters

World

Europe

City falls in 'battle for the Donbas' as Ukraine war reaches new stage

Hours after President Zelenskyy announced the start of the offensive, Russian troops attacked Kreminna 'from all sides'

Laura O'Callaghan
Laura O'Callaghan

April 19, 2022

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Live updates: follow the latest news on Russia-Ukraine

Russia scored an early point in the “battle for the Donbas” by capturing the city of Kreminna hours after the major offensive was launched, amid a warning from the Kremlin to western nations that arming Ukraine risked prolonging the war.

Sergei Shoigu, the Russian defence minister, said forces were “methodically carrying out” orders to “liberate” the two breakaway regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.

Hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the beginning of the offensive in an overnight video address, the regional governor of Luhansk said Kreminna had fallen. The city, 660 kilometres east of Kyiv had a pre-war population of more than 18,000.

“Kreminna is under the control of the 'Orcs' [Russians]. They have entered the city,” Sergiy Gaiday, the governor of the Luhansk region, told a briefing. “Our defenders had to withdraw. They have entrenched themselves in new positions and continue to fight the Russian army.”

A Ukrainian serviceman on board an armoured vehicle in eastern Ukraine. Reuters
A Ukrainian serviceman on board an armoured vehicle in eastern Ukraine. Reuters

He did not specify exactly when the Russians wrested control of the city from Ukrainian forces but said they had attacked “from all sides".

“It is impossible to calculate the number of dead among the civilian population. We have official statistics — about 200 dead — but in reality there are many more,” he said, without saying what period the estimated death toll covered.

The Donbas region has been a focal point of Russia’s campaign to destabilise Ukraine since 2014, when the Kremlin began using proxies to set up separatist “people's republics” in Luhansk and Donetsk.

Mr Shoigu warned Ukraine’s allies against sending further weapons supplies to the former Soviet nation before a virtual meeting between the leaders of the G7, Nato and the EU. The videoconference called by US President Joe Biden scheduled for Tuesday afternoon is expected to focus on sending heavy weapons to try to boost Kyiv’s chances of defeating the Russians.

“The plan to liberate the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics is being methodically carried out,” Mr Shoigu was quoted by the RIA news agency as saying, at a meeting of defence officials.

Western countries have given Ukraine military equipment worth billions of dollars, with the US alone offering aid worth more than $2.5 billion (£1.9 billion).

“The United States and western countries it controls are doing everything to drag out the special military operation as much as possible,” Mr Shoigu said. “The increasing volume of foreign arms supplies clearly demonstrates their intentions to provoke the Kyiv regime to fight to the last Ukrainian standing.”

Moscow refers to the war in Ukraine as a “special military operation” designed to demilitarise the neighbouring country and remove what it calls dangerous nationalists.

Kyiv and its western allies reject that as a false pretext for an unprovoked attack that has forced almost 5 million people to flee abroad and internally displaced about 7 million.

On Tuesday, day 55 of the invasion, French finance minister Bruno Le Maire said a ban on Russian oil imports was needed “more than ever”. There has been heated debate within the energy-dependent bloc about the merits of restricting flows.

Mr Le Maire told Europe 1 radio that France hoped to convince EU partners “in coming weeks” to stop oil imports from Russia and said such a move should be prioritised over a ban on gas.

However, a full and immediate ban on Russian oil could push the price of crude to $185 a barrel, JP Morgan said in a report.

Mr Le Maire acknowledged that not all of the EU’s 27 member states seemed to be in favour of an oil ban.

“We are trying to convince our European partners to stop importing oil from Russia. What has been the primary source of currency for Vladimir Putin for several years? It is not gas. It is oil,” he said.

European leaders in March distanced themselves from US efforts to ban Russian oil imports. Days later President Biden issued an executive order banning the import of oil, gas and other energy products from Russia.

The UK on Tuesday moved to further hamper the Russian economy, following several rounds of sanctions against individuals, banks and businesses.

Its tax authority, HM Revenue and Customs, announced plans to revoke the Moscow Stock Exchange’s status as a recognised stock exchange in response to the invasion.

The move would remove some tax relief for investors.

“Revoking Moscow Stock Exchange’s recognised status sends a clear message — there is no case for new investments in Russia,” said Lucy Frazer, the UK's Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

A senior national security official gave UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his cabinet an update on the situation in Ukraine, a spokesman for Mr Johnson said on Tuesday.

The offensive in the Donbas was likely to be prolonged and bloody, the spokesman said.

“The next phase of the war was likely to be an attritional conflict that could last several months,” he said.

“Russia would aim to exploit its troop number advantage, but Ukraine had already shown that this was unlikely to be decisive on its own.

“There were some signs that Russia had not learnt lessons from previous setbacks in northern Ukraine, and there was evidence of troops being committed to the fight in a piecemeal fashion.”

A sign that reads 'Children' is fixed on to a car windscreen riddled with bulletholes in Irpin, Ukraine. AFP
A sign that reads 'Children' is fixed on to a car windscreen riddled with bulletholes in Irpin, Ukraine. AFP
A woman weeps next to her husband's coffin at a cemetery in Irpin. AFP
A woman weeps next to her husband's coffin at a cemetery in Irpin. AFP
Residents walk amid debris of a charred Russian tank next to destroyed houses in the village of Zalissya. AFP
Residents walk amid debris of a charred Russian tank next to destroyed houses in the village of Zalissya. AFP
Volunteers distribute food to residents in Zalissya. AFP
Volunteers distribute food to residents in Zalissya. AFP
A man walks past a damaged apartment building in the southern port city of Mariupol. Reuters
A man walks past a damaged apartment building in the southern port city of Mariupol. Reuters
Tamara, 71, cries in front of a destroyed apartment building in Mariupol. Reuters
Tamara, 71, cries in front of a destroyed apartment building in Mariupol. Reuters
Local residents push a cart with a child past destroyed buildings in Mariupol. Reuters
Local residents push a cart with a child past destroyed buildings in Mariupol. Reuters
A record player sits among debris inside an apartment in Mariupol. Reuters
A record player sits among debris inside an apartment in Mariupol. Reuters
Residents carry belongings past a destroyed building in Mariupol. Reuters
Residents carry belongings past a destroyed building in Mariupol. Reuters
Security guards help an injured man following a Russian bombing of a factory in Kramatorsk. AP
Security guards help an injured man following a Russian bombing of a factory in Kramatorsk. AP
A man receives first aid treatment. AP
A man receives first aid treatment. AP
Soldiers collect explosives after recent battles in the village of Moshchun, close to Kyiv. AP
Soldiers collect explosives after recent battles in the village of Moshchun, close to Kyiv. AP
The Komodor logistics park lies in ruins after being bombed and burnt during the Russian invasion near Makarov. Getty Images
The Komodor logistics park lies in ruins after being bombed and burnt during the Russian invasion near Makarov. Getty Images
A room in a kindergarten stands windowless in Makarov. Getty Images
A room in a kindergarten stands windowless in Makarov. Getty Images
A vehicle draped with a Ukrainian flag passes over a war-damaged bridge in Makarov. Getty Images
A vehicle draped with a Ukrainian flag passes over a war-damaged bridge in Makarov. Getty Images
A man sits in a basement that was used as a bomb shelter in the village of Kukhari. EPA
A man sits in a basement that was used as a bomb shelter in the village of Kukhari. EPA
Local residents clean the area around a destroyed farm in Kukhari. EPA
Local residents clean the area around a destroyed farm in Kukhari. EPA
Nadia looks at her husband's coffin at a cemetery in Bucha. He was killed during the war. AFP
Nadia looks at her husband's coffin at a cemetery in Bucha. He was killed during the war. AFP
Mangled buildings in Irpin point to the ravages of the ongoing war. Getty Images
Mangled buildings in Irpin point to the ravages of the ongoing war. Getty Images
A burnt apartment tower in Irpin. Getty Images
A burnt apartment tower in Irpin. Getty Images
Family members grieve during the funeral of Ruslan Nechyporenko, 47, in Bucha. Getty Images
Family members grieve during the funeral of Ruslan Nechyporenko, 47, in Bucha. Getty Images
An abandoned Russian military position in Borodyanka town near Kyiv. EPA
An abandoned Russian military position in Borodyanka town near Kyiv. EPA
Heavily pregnant Dr Marta Kopan, who fled Kyiv with her husband Dr Maxim Motsya and their three-year-old son Makar, narrates their ordeal at a relative's place in Lviv. AP
Heavily pregnant Dr Marta Kopan, who fled Kyiv with her husband Dr Maxim Motsya and their three-year-old son Makar, narrates their ordeal at a relative's place in Lviv. AP
A Ukrainian officer searches for unexploded explosives as he passes by an Antonov An-225, the world's biggest cargo aircraft, destroyed during the war on the outskirts of Kyiv. AP
A Ukrainian officer searches for unexploded explosives as he passes by an Antonov An-225, the world's biggest cargo aircraft, destroyed during the war on the outskirts of Kyiv. AP
A woman stands amid the destruction caused when a civilian building was hit by a Russian missile in Lviv, western Ukraine. Getty Images
A woman stands amid the destruction caused when a civilian building was hit by a Russian missile in Lviv, western Ukraine. Getty Images
Ukrainian soldiers on an armoured personnel carrier, near the front line with Russian troops, in Izyum district, Kharkiv region, north-eastern Ukraine. AFP
Ukrainian soldiers on an armoured personnel carrier, near the front line with Russian troops, in Izyum district, Kharkiv region, north-eastern Ukraine. AFP
Ukrainian refugees arrive at the Siret border crossing between Romania and Ukraine. AFP
Ukrainian refugees arrive at the Siret border crossing between Romania and Ukraine. AFP
Ukranian soldiers in a trench look out across the front line near Kharkiv. AFP
Ukranian soldiers in a trench look out across the front line near Kharkiv. AFP
Cars destroyed in Russian attacks, in Irpin, near Kyiv. The scene of fierce fighting, the town was occupied by Russian forces. Reuters
Cars destroyed in Russian attacks, in Irpin, near Kyiv. The scene of fierce fighting, the town was occupied by Russian forces. Reuters
Damaged and destroyed vehicles at Illich Iron and Steel Works Metallurgical Plant, in an area controlled by Russian-backed separatists in besieged south-eastern city Mariupol. AP
Damaged and destroyed vehicles at Illich Iron and Steel Works Metallurgical Plant, in an area controlled by Russian-backed separatists in besieged south-eastern city Mariupol. AP
Russian military vehicles in an area controlled by Moscow-backed separatists near Mariupol. AP
Russian military vehicles in an area controlled by Moscow-backed separatists near Mariupol. AP
An elderly woman waits do be evacuated from a hospice in Chasiv Yar city, in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine. At least 35 residents have been helped to flee from the region that has been under attack for weeks. AP
An elderly woman waits do be evacuated from a hospice in Chasiv Yar city, in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine. At least 35 residents have been helped to flee from the region that has been under attack for weeks. AP
A Ukrainian Interior Ministry serviceman collects unexploded shells, grenades and mines, following fierce fighting in Hostomel. AP
A Ukrainian Interior Ministry serviceman collects unexploded shells, grenades and mines, following fierce fighting in Hostomel. AP

Russia announced a string of retaliatory measures against European nations on Tuesday, banning 15 diplomats from its territory. The announcement came after several European nations expelled Russia’s representatives.

The Russian foreign ministry declared 15 diplomats from the Netherlands “persona non grata”, giving them two weeks to leave, and gave the same deadline to Belgium's embassy staff.

Brussels in March expelled 21 Russian envoys and Moscow said at the time it would retaliate by following the “principle of reciprocity”. However, it did not make clear how many Belgian staff it was expelling.

The Russian government also gave four Austrian diplomats until Sunday to leave Russia. Moscow's announcement came a week after Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer became the first European leader to visit Mr Putin since he ordered his troops into Ukraine.

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The specs

Common to all models unless otherwise stated

Engine: 4-cylinder 2-litre T-GDi

0-100kph: 5.3 seconds (Elantra); 5.5 seconds (Kona); 6.1 seconds (Veloster)

Power: 276hp

Torque: 392Nm

Transmission: 6-Speed Manual/ 8-Speed Dual Clutch FWD

Price: TBC

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What is a robo-adviser?

Robo-advisers use an online sign-up process to gauge an investor’s risk tolerance by feeding information such as their age, income, saving goals and investment history into an algorithm, which then assigns them an investment portfolio, ranging from more conservative to higher risk ones.

These portfolios are made up of exchange traded funds (ETFs) with exposure to indices such as US and global equities, fixed-income products like bonds, though exposure to real estate, commodity ETFs or gold is also possible.

Investing in ETFs allows robo-advisers to offer fees far lower than traditional investments, such as actively managed mutual funds bought through a bank or broker. Investors can buy ETFs directly via a brokerage, but with robo-advisers they benefit from investment portfolios matched to their risk tolerance as well as being user friendly.

Many robo-advisers charge what are called wrap fees, meaning there are no additional fees such as subscription or withdrawal fees, success fees or fees for rebalancing.

Silent Hill f

Publisher: Konami

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Rating: 4.5/5

10 tips for entry-level job seekers
  • Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
  • Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
  • Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
  • For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
  • Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
  • Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
  • Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
  • Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
  • Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
  • Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.

Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz

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On Women's Day
New UK refugee system

 

  • A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
  • Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
  • A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
  • To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
  • Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
  • Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
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Dust and sand storms compared

Sand storm

  • Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
  • Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
  • Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
  • Travel distance: Limited 
  • Source: Open desert areas with strong winds

Dust storm

  • Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
  • Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
  • Duration: Can linger for days
  • Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
  • Source: Can be carried from distant regions
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo

Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic

Power: 242bhp

Torque: 370Nm

Price: Dh136,814

While you're here
On Women's Day
Allardyce's management career

Clubs (10) - Limerick (1991-1992), Perston North End (1992), Blackpool (1994-1996), Notts County (1997-1999), Bolton Wanderers (1999-2007), Newcastle United (2007-2008), Blackburn Rovers (2008-2010), West Ham United (2011-2015), Sunderland (2016), Crystal Palace (2016-2017)

Countries (1) - England (2016)

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

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The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km

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Other workplace saving schemes
  • The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
  • Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
  • National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
  • In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
  • Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
if you go

The flights

Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.

The hotel

Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.

The tour

Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg

Simran

Director Hansal Mehta

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Soham Shah, Esha Tiwari Pandey

Three stars

Wicked: For Good

Director: Jon M Chu

Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater

Rating: 4/5

Updated: April 20, 2022, 10:34 AM
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