This is the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service.

I'm Valerie Sanderson and at 1400Is GMT on Friday the 16th of December, these are our main

stories.

Russia attacks Ukraine's infrastructure again as key warns that Moscow is planning a large

ground offensive in the New Year.

A special customer caught in the hake has handed down its first long-awaited war crimes

verdict.

Also, this podcast Twitter closes the accounts of several journalists.

Many had been critical of Elon Musk's takeover of this social media platform.

Plus, while restricting the sale of alcohol at the World Cup has been welcomed by some female

spectators.

As a woman alone here, I think that's for sure without alcohol is safer.

And how being too polite can be bad for your health.

These are the darkest of days in Ukraine.

Short daylight hours, freezing temperatures, and today another heavy barrage of Russian

airstrikes on the critical infrastructure that helps keep life just about bearable.

Well, that was the sign in Kiev this morning as sirens warned residents of a massive Russian

missile attack on the Ukrainian capital.

Alexey Honcharenko is an MP in the southern city of Odessa, and he says the only way to stop

the Russian attacks is for Western countries to supply Ukraine with more weapons.

We clearly understand that Putin is not going to stop.

And yes, he is not winning the war how he wanted.

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