Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that deploying NATO peacekeepers to Ukraine could provoke a direct clash between NATO and Russian forces. Poland’s proposal for such a mission hinges on U.S. approval, as tensions rise ahead of an extraordinary NATO summit.
Russia’s initial invasion plan aimed to dominate Ukrainian airspace, but this objective remains unfulfilled. The UK Ministry of Defence reports that Ukraine’s air forces effectively defend their skies, forcing Russia to rely on long-range attacks, thus stalling their progress.
The White House warns of Russia’s potential use of chemical weapons in Ukraine or a ‘false flag’ operation. Press Secretary Jen Psaki refutes Russian claims of U.S. chemical weapon development in Ukraine, highlighting Russia’s history of chemical weapon use and false accusations.
Mariupol has endured six days of continuous shelling, with the city under siege by Russian forces. Mayor Vadym Boychenko highlights the urgent need for a humanitarian corridor to evacuate around 400,000 residents, as Russian forces continue to target residential areas.
Vladimir Putin has ordered his defence minister and chief of the General Staff to put Russia’s strategic deterrence forces, which include nuclear weapons, on a special regime of combat duty, citing aggressive statements by NATO officials and raising fears of escalation.
Ukrainian defenders have successfully repelled an enemy column near Sievierodonetsk, causing a significant retreat. The conflict in Ukraine has entered its third day following Russian President Putin’s invasion announcement. Martial law is in effect, and general mobilization is underway.
