A Russian Army grouping charged with defending Moscow has been partially destroyed and could take years to rebuild after withdrawing from action during a recent Ukrainian counter-offensive in the Kharkiv region, British intelligence has claimed.
The 1st Guards Tank Army suffered “heavy casualties” in the initial phase of the invasion, the UK's Ministry of Defence said.
The unit — one of the most elite in Russia's armed forces — has been charged with leading counter-attacks in the case of a war with Nato.
Now that it has been “severely degraded”, Russia’s conventional force designed to counter the western alliance is badly weakened, the British defence ministry said.
The revelation comes after Ukraine recaptured a large part of north-eastern territory from Russia in recent days, which the ministry estimates to be at least twice the size of Greater London.
Ukraine has sustained its lightning advance because its forces are highly motivated and its operation is well planned, Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar said on Tuesday.
“The aim is to liberate the Kharkiv region and beyond — all the territories occupied by the Russian Federation. Fighting is continuing [in Kharkiv region]. It is still early to say full [Ukrainian] control has been established over Kharkiv region,” Ms Malyar said.
A senior US military official said Russia had pulled many of its troops back over the border. That means potentially abandoning the sole railway line that had sustained its operations in Ukraine's north-east.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on the West to speed up deliveries of weapons systems as his country's troops move to consolidate control over the north-east.
Washington and its allies have provided Ukraine with billions of dollars in weapons that Kyiv says have helped to limit Russian gains.
In a video address late on Monday, Mr Zelenskyy said Ukraine and the West should “strengthen co-operation to defeat Russian terror”.
“Above all, speed up supplies of anti-aircraft systems,” he said.
Washington announced its latest weapons programme for Ukraine last week, including Himars anti-rocket systems, having previously sent Nasmas surface-to-air missile systems capable of shooting down aircraft.
Mr Zelenskyy said Ukraine had recaptured about 6,000 square kilometres of territory, a sliver of Ukraine's overall land mass of about 600,000 square km. The recaptured land is about the same size as the combined area of the West Bank and Gaza.
Russia took control of about a fifth of Ukraine since February 24, when its troops invaded.
The retreat did not stop Russia from pounding Ukrainian positions, however. Early on Tuesday, it shelled the city of Lozova in the Kharkiv region, killing three people and wounding nine, said regional governor Oleh Syniehubov.
The Nikopol area, which is across the Dnieper River from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, was shelled six times during the night but no casualties were immediately reported, said regional governor Valentyn Reznichenko.
Continued shelling has left Europe’s largest nuclear station in a precarious position.
Mr Zelenskyy specifically criticised Russia for taking aim at energy infrastructure in its attacks over the past days, saying that hundreds of Ukrainians had been left without power.
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Company profile
Company name: Suraasa
Started: 2018
Founders: Rishabh Khanna, Ankit Khanna and Sahil Makker
Based: India, UAE and the UK
Industry: EdTech
Initial investment: More than $200,000 in seed funding
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
The years Ramadan fell in May
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Why are you, you?
Why are you, you?
From this question, a new beginning.
From this question, a new destiny.
For you are a world, and a meeting of worlds.
Our dream is to unite that which has been
separated by history.
To return the many to the one.
A great story unites us all,
beyond colour and creed and gender.
The lightning flash of art
And the music of the heart.
We reflect all cultures, all ways.
We are a twenty first century wonder.
Universal ideals, visions of art and truth.
Now is the turning point of cultures and hopes.
Come with questions, leave with visions.
We are the link between the past and the future.
Here, through art, new possibilities are born. And
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Why are you, you?
Because we are mirrors of each other.
Because together we create new worlds.
Together we are more powerful than we know.
We connect, we inspire, we multiply illuminations
with the unique light of art.
Ben Okri,
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
More coverage from the Future Forum
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Stars: Zakaria Inan, Sabrina Ouazani
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
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Electric scooters: some rules to remember
- Riders must be 14-years-old or over
- Wear a protective helmet
- Park the electric scooter in designated parking lots (if any)
- Do not leave electric scooter in locations that obstruct traffic or pedestrians
- Solo riders only, no passengers allowed
- Do not drive outside designated lanes
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis