Live Coverage of the Ukraine War: Updates and Analysis
Welcome back to our live coverage of the Ukraine war. As we head into a new week, there are several key developments that have taken place in the ongoing conflict.
Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a historic visit to North Korea, marking the first visit in over 24 years. During the visit, Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed an agreement pledging to support each other in case of invasion, signaling a strengthening of ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. The two leaders even exchanged rides in a Russian-built Aurus limousine, with Putin hinting at the possibility of sending weapons to North Korea.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg expressed concerns about the Russia-North Korea defense pact, while the US criticized Putin’s remarks about potential weapons supplies to North Korea. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Russia to abide by UN sanctions on North Korea.
In other developments, Russian officials accused Ukraine of launching an attack on the major Crimean port city of Sevastopol using US-supplied missiles. The attack resulted in casualties, including children, and sparked panic among residents. Meanwhile, Russia continued its aerial bombardment of Ukraine’s second-largest city of Kharkiv, causing further casualties and destruction.
Amid the escalating conflict, the US announced plans to redirect missile deliveries intended for other countries to Ukraine to bolster its air defense capabilities. The decision comes as Ukrainian forces face increased attacks from Russian forces.
Additionally, Russia announced that the espionage trial of detained US journalist Evan Gershkovich would be held behind closed doors later this month. Gershkovich is accused of gathering secret information for the CIA about a Russian military facility. The Wall Street Journal has denied the charges, and US President Joe Biden has called for his release.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, the international community remains on edge, with tensions rising between Russia and Western powers. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
