**Russian Duma Chairman Sentenced to 15 Years**
Vyacheslav Volodin, the head of Russia‘s State Duma, has been sentenced to 15 years in absentia by a Ukrainian court. This decision was made by Ukraine’s State Security Service (SBU) on December 12.
Volodin is accused of being close to Russian President Vladimir Putin and playing a key role in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In February 2022, he led the Duma session that approved a resolution urging Putin to recognize the “independence” of occupied Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts. Volodin also organized the ratification of a treaty between Moscow and the occupied territories.
**Ukraine Holds Russian Officials Accountable**
The sentencing of Volodin underscores Ukraine’s efforts to hold Russian officials accountable for their roles in the war. Since the invasion, 730 individuals have been charged, and 137 convicted of committing war crimes in Ukraine.
**NATO Warns of Russia Threats**
In a separate development, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that the alliance is not ready for the threats it will face from Russia in the coming years. He urged a shift to a wartime mindset with significantly higher defense spending.
**Other News**
* French Ambassador to Ukraine Gael Veyssiere expressed confidence that France’s policy of assistance to Ukraine would remain unchanged.
* The EBRD has launched a new facility to help small and medium businesses in Ukraine recover from the war.
* Russian state-owned oil company Rosneft has finalized an agreement with Indian refining giant Reliance Industries to supply 500,000 barrels of oil daily for the next 10 years.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com