Zelensky refuses request for 500,000 troops as Shoigu says Russia's army is 'most combat effective in world

Day 663.

Today, we bring you the news from across the front lines, talk about Zelensky's press conference, and hear how Russia's Defence Minister thinks his army is the most "combat effective in the world".

Contributors:

Dom Nicholls (Associate Editor, Defence). @DomNicholls on Twitter.

Joe Barnes (Brussels Correspondent). @Barnes_Joe on Twitter.

Tim Sigsworth (Foreign Reporter). @tjsigsworth on Twitter.

Charities: We have spoken to many charities this year - from Vans Without Borders, to GP Now, to KHARPP - and we receive many messages from listeners asking for recommendations of charities they can support. We include a link to the Ukrainian Institute of London's list of charities and organisations they recommend:

https://ukrainianinstitute.org.uk/russias-war-against-ukraine-what-can-you-do-to-support-ukraine-ukrainians/

Many of our listeners have raised concerns over the potential sale of Telegraph Media Group to the Abu Dhabi-linked Redbird IMI. We are inviting the submission of comments on the process. Email salecomments@telegraph.co.uk or dtletters@telegraph.co.uk to have your say.

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