**Russian Authorities Crack Down on 16-Year-Old Girl**
A 16-year-old girl in St. Petersburg has been put in pre-trial detention for putting up posters of anti-establishment fighters at her school.
The girl allegedly put up posters with photos of Denis Kapustin and Aleksiy Levkin, who are fighters in the Russian Volunteer Corps, on December 26. The Russian authorities charged her with “public calls for committing terrorist activities or public justification of terrorism” on December 27.
If convicted, she could face heavy fines or several years in prison. She has requested house arrest while awaiting trial.
**Russia’s War Efforts**
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues to draw criticism from around the world. Since February 2022, nearly 20,000 people have been detained for alleged anti-war activities, including children.
Freedom House reports that many Russian citizens are being punished for voicing discontent with Russia’s war efforts or criticizing the government.
**International Developments**
In other news, Latvia has announced plans to transfer over 1,000 drones to Ukraine through an international drone coalition.
Poland is also preparing to increase electricity production if Slovakia stops delivering backup power supplies to Ukraine.
The United States is considering a plan to delay Ukraine’s NATO membership by at least 20 years in exchange for continued Western arms supplies and the deployment of European peacekeepers.
**Ukraine Conflict**
Russia has escalated its aerial assault on Ukraine, launching hundreds of guided bombs, attack drones, and missiles in the past week.
Child casualties in Ukraine have exceeded the total for last year, highlighting the devastating impact of the war on children.
The United Nations Humanitarian Aid Organization for Children (UNICEF) expressed concern over the rising child casualties.
**World Leaders Speak Out**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed condolences to the families of victims and the people of South Korea following a tragic plane crash.
US President Joe Biden said that Russian President Vladimir Putin‘s apology over an Azerbaijan Airline crash appears to acknowledge Moscow’s responsibility for the disaster.
Andriy Yermak, Ukraine’s head of presidential office, warned that North Korean troops could appear on NATO borders if Russia is not stopped now.
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