STAR TV

On Saturday night, Vladimir Putin faced increased international isolation and the possibility of pariah status as long-time allies abruptly turned against him in the aftermath of the invasion of Ukraine, and western nations plotted more significant military and financial measures against Moscow. Russia's president was left by his important ally, China, as his prospects of a fast victory faded in the face of stiff opposition from Ukrainian army and citizen volunteer armies, and his ultimatum demanding Kyiv's capitulation was fiercely brushed aside by Ukraine's president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The most remarkable development was Germany's announcement on Saturday night that it would provide 1,000 anti-tank weaponry and 500 Stinger missiles from its own military stocks to Ukrainian soldiers. "The Russian assault on Ukraine is a watershed moment," Germany's chancellor, Olaf Scholz, said, signaling a significant shift in his country's postwar military postur

Even if further measures are implemented, the government is likely to exempt weddings and funerals from any new Covid limitations. Ministers feel that "important life events" should not be disrupted. This exception will hold even if Boris Johnson decides to limit the number of individuals who can meet indoors for socializing as a result of the latest Omicron numbers, according to The Times. The Prime Minister will receive his first data briefing on the coronavirus figures since before Christmas on Monday, as he considers whether to impose New Year's Eve restrictions to help limit the spread of the new Omicron variety. On the 26th and 27th of December, additional measures came into effect in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, although governments have so far refrained from enforcing new laws. Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, and Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance will brief Boris Johnson. If the numbers aren't as bad as expected