Putin says he doesn’t want to invade other countries, Scholz in Washington

► The new commander-in-chief wants to reform the army

The new commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian forces, Oleksandr Sirsky, called in his first public message on Friday 9 February, “correction” of the military so that Ukraine can win the war.

War in Ukraine, Day 715: What to remember from Thursday 8 February

“Only constant change and improvement in the means and methods of warfare will allow us to succeed”he wrote on a telegram before making the announcement “Together to Victory!” ».

► For Moscow, General Zalozny will not change the course of the conflict

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the replacement of Ukrainian General Valery Zaluzny as commander-in-chief of Ukrainian forces by Oleksandr Sirsky would not change the conflict with Russia.

War in Ukraine: How Zelensky and Zaluzny fell apart

“We do not believe that these are factors that can change the course of special military operations. This will continue till the objectives are achieved”Dmitry Peskov told the press during his daily briefing.

► Ukraine claims that two refineries in Russia have been attacked by drones

Ukraine has claimed responsibility for overnight drone attacks on two oil refineries in Russia’s Krasnodar region (south), saying it caused at least “Big Fire” On one of these sites.

“Service drones (Ukrainian Security, Editor’s Note) Two refineries hit at the same time in the Krasnodar region: not only Ilsky, but also Afipsky »Source welcomed in Ukrainian special services.

Additionally, Russia indicated on Friday that it had neutralized 19 Ukrainian drones overnight in four different regions and the Black Sea. “An attempted terrorist attack by 19 aerial drones against sites on Russian territory was foiled by the Kyiv regime”., the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement. According to local authorities, the attack specifically targeted energy infrastructure.

► Putin rules out invasion of Poland or Latvia

President Vladimir Putin has ruled out invading Poland or Latvia, two countries in which Russia “No Interest”During an interview with American presenter Tucker Carlson that aired on Thursday. “We have no interest in Poland, Latvia or anywhere else. Why would we do this? We are simply not interested (…). no question”The Russian president answered the question: “Can you imagine a scenario in which you send Russian troops to Poland? »

Who is this American journalist Tucker Carlson who interviewed Vladimir Putin?

Russia is defeated in Ukraine “Impossible by definition”Vladimir Putin said in his interview. “Crying Russia’s Strategic Defeat on the Battlefield”Russian President said. “In my opinion, by definition it is impossible. It will never happen. »

► Scholz pleads for Ukraine in Washington amid impasse in Congress

Olaf Scholz is in Washington to meet Joe Biden and confirm the urgency of increasing military aid to Ukraine, amid a conflict over a vote on a new package in the American Congress, where Donald Trump’s shadow looms.

War in Ukraine: How Zelensky and Zaluzny fell apart

The German chancellor met with members of Congress – including Republican representatives – over dinner in Washington. “It was good to speak once again with members of the United States Senate from both sides. Ukraine needs all our support so it can defend itself against Russian aggression.He wrote on X.

Before his departure, Olaf Scholz set the tone by calling out the EU and the United States “do more”justice “inadequate” Commitments made so far.