Ukraine war: '20 Russian strikes' thwarted; Rishi Sunak to advise leaders to 'double down' in Munich; soldiers cry for weaponry

(Sky News) ⸻ Ukraine has repelled attacks on more than 20 settlements on the frontline, and Russia has launched 10 missiles, 29 airstrikes and 69 rockets. The attack is concentrated on the city of Bakhmut, where Vladimir Putin hopes to break months of attrition and declare a victory by the anniversary of the conflict. Ukrainian soldiers are pleading for more weapons from abroad, but the Institute for the Study of War believes it is unlikely to succeed. Russia has also continued to destroy civilian infrastructure and homes, and has fired two missiles deep into Ukraine, striking the city of Khmelnytskyi. Putin may have to address social support for soldiers and their families in a speech on Tuesday, as a December 2022 poll found 52% of Russians had a friend or relative who had fought in the war.