Christmas appeal from Ukraine and why UK spooks are flocking to the West End

As the world focuses its attention on the brutal and catastrophic conflict in Gaza, the fighting between Russia and Ukraine has slipped from the headlines. But the Ukrainians have a simple message

Ukrainian soldier Petro

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Temperatures are plummeting on the Ukraine front and as a long winter sets in it is impossible for troops to stay warm, whilst remaining on alert for an attack.

Biting winds and frozen rivers mean Ukrainian troops fighting Russian forces are suffering appalling conditions in their trenches and bunkers.

And in the background there are frontline fears that the West is also cooling its enthusiasm for supporting Kyiv in its battle to defend against Russia’s invasion.

Having spent some time in the Ukrainian trenches in winter I know only too well just how energy-sapping the freezing conditions are. Though, as one Ukrainian soldier tells me, the only time it warms up is with the dreadful explosions and the fires they spark. 

It is often well below freezing, sometimes minus 20C. But lighting a fire could cost troops their lives as the smoke reveals their exact location to Russia’s deadly mortar teams. 

As fighting rages in Gaza, Ukrainians are desperately appealing for the West not to allow the Middle East to divert support away from their war.