What's happened
Amid ongoing conflict, Russia claims territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, while Ukraine accuses Russia of genocide. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy lowers mobilisation age, and Russian missile attacks in Dnipro and Ukrainian drone strikes in Tatarstan result in casualties. Russia appoints a new commander for the Black Sea Fleet, and a Moscow-appointed official in Luhansk is killed in a car bomb attack. France urges China to send clear messages to Russia over the war in Ukraine.
Why it matters
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, with significant territorial gains claimed by Russia and allegations of genocide by Ukraine. The lowering of the mobilisation age and international diplomatic efforts highlight the gravity of the situation. The casualties from recent missile and drone attacks underscore the human cost of the conflict, while the appointment of a new fleet commander and the car bomb attack demonstrate the volatile nature of the region.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports on the conflicting claims between Russia and Ukraine regarding territorial gains and alleged genocide, as well as the casualties from recent attacks. The article also covers the appointment of a new fleet commander and the car bomb attack in Luhansk. Business Insider UK focuses on Ukraine's preparedness for a potential Russian assault on Kharkiv, highlighting the strategic importance of the city and Russia's historical interest in the region. France's call for China to play a role in addressing the conflict is emphasized, underscoring the international implications of the war.
How we got here
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia dates back to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the subsequent support for separatist movements in eastern Ukraine. The war has resulted in thousands of deaths and displacement of civilians, with both sides engaging in military offensives and facing international condemnation. The recent escalation follows Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with ongoing clashes and humanitarian concerns exacerbating the situation.
More on these topics
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in