It is simply gone 3 p.m. in Kyiv, and fierce battles are being fought between Ukrainian and Russian forces all through Ukraine.
This is what it’s essential to know:
Talks to proceed: A second spherical of Russia-Ukraine talks is about to happen as we speak, in keeping with a Ukrainian presidential aide.
The primary spherical of talks on Monday lasted for 5 hours and ended with no breakthrough.
‘The true check’: US President Joe Biden used his annual State of the Union handle to place ahead a present of resolve that Western democracies stand firmly behind Ukraine, which Russia invaded final week.
“All through our historical past, we have realized this lesson: When dictators don’t pay a value for his or her aggression, they trigger extra chaos. They preserve transferring,” Biden stated.
But Biden made it clear that no US troops can be deployed to struggle alongside Ukrainians, however the West would as an alternative use sanctions and financial measures to, as he stated, proceed “inflicting ache on Russia and supporting the folks of Ukraine.”
Biden additionally affirmed that US would staunchly defend its NATO allies, together with these in Japanese Europe who’re involved that they, like Ukraine, may in the future be the goal of Russian aggression.
The struggle for key cities: Russia’s army seems to be steadily advancing on key southern cities. Russia’s Ministry of Protection stated its forces now absolutely held Kherson, although Ukrainian authorities denied it, saying “some components are beneath our management.”
Preventing additionally continues in close by Mariupol, the place heavy shelling left dozens injured, its mayor stated. Russian troops and Russian-backed separatist have surrounded town on three sides. The Kremlin hopes to take Mariupol to finish a land hall that may hyperlink the Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed Crimea in 2014 from Ukraine, with southern Russia.
Kharkiv pummeled: Russian artillery and missile strikes have additionally pounded Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-most populous metropolis. Movies posted to social media and confirmed by CNN have proven vital destruction within the northeastern Ukrainian metropolis. One strike hit an residence advanced close to a hospital on Tuesday, whereas Kharkiv’s regional police division and Kharkiv Nationwide College had been struck Wednesday morning.
Ukrainian authorities stated the “large” shelling continued on Wednesday.
Targets in Kyiv: On Tuesday, Russian forces fired rockets close to a TV tower within the Ukrainian capital, hours after warning of “high-precision” strikes on different amenities linked to Ukrainian safety companies. The rocket assault took out broadcasting {hardware}, elevating fears that Russia is trying to knock out town’s communications infrastructure.
The UN stated a minimum of 136 folks, together with 13 youngsters, have been killed in Ukraine since Thursday, February 24, although these figures are more likely to underestimate the true toll.
Zelensky stated in six days, nearly 6,000 Russian troopers have been killed. The Kremlin has not publicly shared any loss of life toll.
