Thirtysecond day of war in Ukraine, where clashes between Russian forces and Kyiv army set the pace in a scenario of devastation. “Russian forces will now focus on the complete liberation of Donbass,” the Russian General Staff announced on Friday, confirming a radical shift in strategy for the brutal “military special operation” launched by Moscow. Intended to discuss the list of four cases that could prompt Russia to use nuclear weapons announced by Deputy Secretary of the Security Council and former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.
According to Medvedev, Russia could use nuclear weapons not only if its territory were directly hit by similar weapons, but also if they were used against its allies. The third scenario in which Moscow might resort to nuclear power is when it invades critical infrastructure, crippling Russia’s nuclear deterrent. Finally, the fourth case would be that of an act of aggression against Russia or its allies, as a result of which the country’s existence is threatened. The “cases” of resorting to nuclear power are listed today in Pravda Ucriana, quoted by the Russian propaganda agency RBC.
Biden in Warsaw, speech on “free world united in defense of Kiev
In his speech tonight in Warsaw, at the conclusion of his mission in Europe, Joe Biden will “underline the united efforts of the free world in support of the Ukrainian people, to confront and support Russia in its responsibility for this brutal war, and to a Defend a future based on democratic principles,” the White House said. In his conversation today with Polish President Andrzej Duda, he will focus on how “the United States, together with allies and partners, is confronting the humanitarian and human rights crisis caused by Russia’s unjust and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine”. According to the Pentagon is trying to bring reinforcements into the invaded country by using its troops in Georgia.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy returns to address the nation with a new video in which he claims Russia has so far lost over 16,000 troops in Ukraine. “Among the dead are the commander of one of the occupation armies and the deputy of the Black Sea Fleet,” he says. To then push for “meaningful” negotiations and recall the need to guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty and ensure territorial integrity. Another heartfelt appeal, like the one the Presidentactor might bring back even from one of the glitziest stages around: Oscars night. According to the New York Post, Zelensky could indeed appear live or on video at the Oscars on Sunday and says there is currently debate over whether or not the ceremony should remain nonpolitical. The American ABC network, which airs the show, would be in favor of giving space to the Ukrainian leader
Air and missile attacks on many cities
Meanwhile, the series of air and missile attacks on many urban centers continues unabated: This morning, antiaircraft sirens sounded in various cities, including the capital Kyiv. Ukrainian Armed Forces continued to defend the city from attacks by Russian military, who are struggling to “maintain the necessary pace of combat and achieve the ultimate goal of the war.” The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, quoted by the Guardian, is photographing the situation on the war fronts in the country. According to the same source, the Russian armed forces are facing challenges in replacing personnel and supplies, partly due to international sanctions. Russian equipment is in bad shape. In the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the same source said, Ukrainian forces destroyed eight Russian tanks and shot down three planes and three UAVs.