Updates on Russia’s War in Ukraine: Key Developments and Pressures
As Russia’s war in Ukraine enters a new week, pressure is growing on the West over the use of long-range missiles by Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been urging Western allies to allow Ukraine to use these missiles to strike deep inside Russia. However, no decision has been made after talks between UK Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and US President Joe Biden in Washington last week.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated that there is a debate about further missiles, and discussions are ongoing among allies. Meanwhile, a prisoner exchange took place on Saturday, with both Russia and Ukraine handing over 103 prisoners of war each. Moscow’s defense ministry reported that Russian soldiers had been captured in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces had recently made significant incursions.
In response to the possibility of Ukraine using Western-made long-range missiles, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a warning on Friday, stating that it would put NATO at war with Russia and significantly change the nature of the conflict. Additionally, Russia expelled six British diplomats from Moscow on Friday, accusing them of spying and sabotage.
The US has raised concerns about Russia receiving shipments of Iranian Fath-360 missiles, fearing that Moscow may use these short-range missiles within weeks. The UK has also announced new sanctions against 10 ships in Russia’s “shadow fleet” to impact Moscow’s oil revenues, which are considered critical for funding the war in Ukraine.
Furthermore, Moscow’s forces have reportedly begun a significant counteroffensive against Ukrainian troops who had pushed into western Russia last month. Ukrainian troops claim to control a significant area in the Kursk region, but Russian forces have reportedly reclaimed territory in the region.
As the conflict continues to escalate, the situation remains tense, with both sides engaging in military maneuvers and diplomatic exchanges. The world watches closely as the war in Ukraine unfolds, with the hope for a peaceful resolution becoming increasingly uncertain.
