Ukraine pushesback Russian troops in counter-offensive in Kharkiv
UKRAINE,RUSSIA,US: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine was gradually pushing Russian forces out of Kharkiv in the country’s northeast – which has been under perpetual bombardment since the war began.
Thousands of people have been killed in the war so far – with no specific number yet. Several buildings, roads have been destroyed due to Russia’s constant shelling and bombing in the war-torn country. The war has also led to millions of Ukrainians fleeing the country.
Meanwhile, With Russia, thus far, failing to achieve its objectives in Ukraine, and with no end in sight to the ongoing invasion, President Vladimir Putin could become ‘more unpredictable’ and order a martial law in his home nation to support his ambitions in Ukraine, a top American official warned on Tuesday.
“The current trend indicates the likelihood that President Putin will turn to more drastic measures, including imposing martial law. Also, his aims are greater than what Russia is capable of militarily. This likely means that the next few months could see use moving along a more unpredictable and potentially escalatory trajectory,” said Avril Haines, the Director of National Intelligence.
Meanwhile, Russia announced on Tuesday it will not participate in Thursday’s special UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session on the Ukraine crisis, describing the upcoming meeting as a ‘new political show.’
Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman at Russia’s Ministry of foreign affairs, said, “The Russian delegation will not legitimise with its presence this new political show organised under the guise of an extraordinary session.”
Meanwhile, Leonid Kravchuk, a former Communist who helped sign the Soviet Union’s death warrant and then served as the first President of independent Ukraine, died yesterday at the age of 88. Volodymyr Zelensky, now leading Ukraine as it confronts invading Russian forces, described Kravchuk as a wise leader who guided the country in the chaotic first years of independence from Soviet rule.
– THE HINDUSTAN TIMES, THE MALAY MAIL