Russia has escalated its offensive in Ukraine, striking cities in the country’s west and center.
Under intense Russian bombardment, authorities reported dire humanitarian situations in the besieged southern port city of Mariupol and the eastern city of Kharkiv. A Russian convoy has spread out near the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, possibly as a warning of an impending attack.
Meanwhile, Ukraine warned that Belarus was preparing to invade, and the UN said there was no evidence to back up Russia’s claims that Ukraine had a biological weapons program.
Foreign fighters are permitted in Russia.
According to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, 16,000 volunteers in the Middle East are ready to fight alongside Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine.
The news comes as the Russian defense ministry released video of Syrian fighters from government-controlled areas of Syria who are reportedly preparing to flee to Ukraine.
Warned of a Belarussian invasion
Ukraine’s military accused Russian aircraft of firing on Belarusian border villages from Ukrainian airspace to provide a pretext for an offensive, prompting Kyiv to speculate that Belarus was planning an invasion to support Russian forces.
“It’s a provocation!” The goal is to enlist the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus in the conflict with Ukraine!” According to an online statement from Ukraine’s Air Force Command. Russia has not responded to the allegations. On Friday, the 16th day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the following were the major military development.
Source: Reuters
