Russian troops intensified their siege of the devastated and strategic port city of Mariupol, which it has failed to seize control of nearly a month into the Ukrainian war. President Biden will head to Europe this week to coordinate with allies on military assistance for Ukraine and new sanctions on Russia, Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security adviser said.
incoming update…
Russian President Vladimir Putin spokesman Dmitri Peskov refused Tuesday to say his nation would not use nuclear weapons if it thought Russia could be destroyed.
Peskov said the conditions were consistent with the nations national security concept. “If there’s a threat to the very existence of our country, it can be used in accordance with this concept,” he stated in response to the question of whether Russia’s use of nuclear weapons could be completely ruled out, according to the Russian government-controlled news site TASS.
“Russian military doctrine envisions use of nuclear weapons in a first use scenario if it is losing a conventional conflict. Ukraine is exactly the scenario for which this was developed,” said Rebekah Koffler, who is a former DIA intelligence officer who specialized in Russia.
“They fear U.S. intervention in Ukraine because they fear we are conventionally superior,” she said. “And if they interpret our action as offensive rather than defensive, that is when the viability of Russian statehood would be threatened, in accordance with the Russian national security concept and military doctrine.”
Posted by Brie Stimson
Translation: “This is the consequences of the shelling at Nyvky in Kyiv.”
Posted by Lawrence Richard
This following post contains information that some may find disturbing.
Posted by Lawrence Richard
Translation: “The Command of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports that during the day, March 22, 6 enemy planes, 5 cruise missiles, 5 UAVs and 1 enemy helicopter were destroyed.”
Posted by Lawrence Richard
Russian forces have shelled the Ukrainian capital overnight and onto Wednesday morning, injuring four people, according to the Associated Press.
A shopping mall, some private sector buildings and high-rises and other buildings across the districts of Sviatoshynskyi and Shevchenkivskyi were also destroyed.
Posted by Lawrence Richard
Posted by Lawrence Richard
Translation: “Russian occupiers bombed a road bridge across the Desna, which connected Chernihiv with Kyiv.”
“This bridge was used by evacuation flights from Chernihiv and humanitarian aid was delivered to the city.”
Posted by Lawrence Richard
Translation: “In Latvia, almost 5,000 refugees from Ukraine have received a residence permit with the right to work.”
Posted by Lawrence Richard
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg discussed continued international support for Ukraine amid their war with Russia.
“The Secretary of State reaffirmed the need for a strong and unified transatlantic response to the Russian government’s war against Ukraine and welcomed the ongoing steps to strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defense capabilities,” the US State Department said, Ukrinform reported.
Blinken showed “unwavering commitment of the United States to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
The US State Department said the leaders “also discussed the large-scale humanitarian and defense assistance provided by NATO allies to Ukraine in bilateral formats.”
Posted by Lawrence Richard
Translation: “Military medic Kateryna Stupnytska died on March 10, 2022.”
“Since 2014, the sergeant on the front line has repeatedly saved the lives of defenders of Ukraine.”
“On March 19, 2022, the woman was awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine (posthumously). Eternal memory and eternal glory to the Heroes!”
Posted by Lawrence Richard
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a statement ahead of this week’s NATO and G7 summits.
“As of today, there are about a hundred thousand people in the city [Mariupol]. In inhumane conditions. In a complete blockade. No food, no water, no medicine. Under constant shelling, under constant bombing,” he said.
“For more than a week now we have been trying to organize stable humanitarian corridors for Mariupol residents. And almost all our attempts, unfortunately, are disrupted by the Russian occupiers. By shelling or deliberate terror,” Zelenskyy added.
He continued: “We continue to work at various levels to force Russia to peace. To the end of this brutal war. Ukrainian representatives are working on the negotiations, which continue virtually every day. It’s very difficult. Sometimes scandalous. But step by step we are moving forward.”
“We will work, we will fight in any way we can. Till the end. Bravely and openly. At all these sites. With full energy.”
Posted by Lawrence Richard
Russian troops destroyed a laboratory that helped improve management of radioactive waste at Chernobyl’s nuclear power plant, the Ukrainian government said Tuesday.
The laboratory contained “highly active samples and samples of radionuclides that are now in the hands of the enemy, which we hope will harm itself and not the civilized world,” the Ukrainian state agency responsible for the Chernobyl exclusion zone said in its statement.
The laboratory was built in 2016 with the support of the European Commission at a cost of 6 million euros.
Forest fires also broke out near the plant on Monday, causing concerns that it could help spread radiation.
Russia took control of plant soon after invading a month ago.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Posted by Brie Stimson
Fox News correspondent Gillian Turner discusses warning of cyber attacks and how some lawmakers are pushing for more U.S. support in Ukraine on ‘Special Report.’
Posted by Brie Stimson
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s office has launched a humanitarian website aimed at providing assistance to Ukrainians.
The website, help.gov.ua, has a number that people can dial as well as step-by-step instructions for delivering humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
The website comes as many Ukrainian cities have faced a constant barrage by Russian forces, with many residents struggling for food and medical supplies.
Posted by Brie Stimson
Click here for Tuesday’s live coverage.
Posted by Brie Stimson
Live Coverage begins here