War in Ukraine: three things to remember from Monday December 18

Ukraine is experiencing its 663rd day of conflict, Monday December 18. Ukrainian soldiers using kamikaze drones in Avdiivka, Vladimir Putin’s statements during his first campaign meeting for the 2024 Russian presidential election, and the lucrative gold mining business led by Wagner in Africa… Here’s what we had to remember from this day.

Image of the day: Ukrainian soldiers use kamikaze drones in Avdiivka

In the city ofAvdiivka, the fighting rages. In images filmed by German television, Ukrainian soldiers defend the city and use kamikaze drones, less costly than artillery shells. This allows them to harass enemy positions, despite the lack of ammunition. On their control screens, they spot their targets before sending the drone equipped with an explosive charge.

Phrase of the day: “Russia cannot (…) become someone’s satellite”, says Vladimir Putin

During his first campaign meeting for the 2024 Russian presidential election, Vladimir Putin promised to make Russia a sovereign power. “Russia cannot, like some countries, renounce its sovereignty in exchange for a few sausages and become someone’s satellite“, declared the Russian president. Referring to Ukraine, he accused the West of seeking to collapse the country’s economy. Last week, Vladimir Putin announced his intention to run for the Russian presidency of March 2024, and thus seek a fifth term.

Today’s figure: $2.5 billion brought in by Wagner’s gold mining activities in Africa

The gold mining activities of the Wagner paramilitary group carried out on the African continent since the start of the war in Sudan or even in Central African Republic brought in $2.5 billion, according to a report by the independent expert group “The Blood Gold“. While Russia is under international sanctions, the Wagner Group mines gold and launders it on the international market, allowing the Kremlin to finance the war in Ukraine.