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Belarusian maneuvers in March
Photo: IMAGO/Belarusian Defense Ministry / IMAGO/UPI Photo
This article will be continuously updated.
British intelligence reports additional Russian reservists in Belarus
8.59 a.m .:
Moscow is apparently strengthening its troops in neighboring Belarus.
This is reported by the British secret service in its daily situation report on the situation in Ukraine, which is also distributed via Twitter.
Russia has sent units of mobilized reservists to Belarus, it says there.
In addition, the military of Belarus has been holding a military exercise since Tuesday to check the combat readiness of the armed forces.
However, it is unlikely that the Belarusian and Russian units participating in the maneuver will be able to successfully attack Ukraine from the north.
Russian occupiers report Ukrainian shelling of Donetsk
8.49 a.m .:
According to the occupation administration deployed by Russia, Ukrainian forces have attacked targets in the city of Donetsk.
At seven in the morning there was one of the heaviest attacks on the city center since 2014, the mayor Alexei Kulemsin, appointed by Russia, announced on Telegram.
40 rockets landed, fired from BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers, and aimed at civilians.
Kulemsin speaks of a war crime.
At least six people were injured, including a child.
Reports by the warring parties about the fighting cannot be independently confirmed.
Selenskyj speaks with IOC chief Bach: completely isolate Russia
8.35 a.m .:
After a conversation with IOC boss Thomas Bach, Selenskyj called for Russia to be permanently excluded from international sporting events.
"A fair answer for a terrorist state can only be its complete isolation in the international arena," said Zelenskyj on Wednesday after the phone call with Bach.
The principles of the Olympic movement are not compatible with those of a "terror state".
Russia should not be allowed to use sporting events for its propaganda purposes.
Since the beginning of the war, 184 athletes have been killed by Russian actions, Zelenskyy said.
There should therefore be no way back into world sport for Russian representatives.
The silence of the athletes, coaches and sports officials in Russia encourages aggression, Zelenskyj justified his demand.
The Russian leadership, on the other hand, repeatedly emphasizes that sport and politics should be kept separate.
The giant empire relies on allies in Asia, India and Latin America not loudly condemning the war and not supporting the western sanctions.
How Ukrainian railway workers are defying the war: »We will find a way«
8.19 a.m .:
The Ukrainian railway is a symbol of the will to resist – also thanks to a social media-savvy boss at the top.
Their importance increases in winter: every kilometer of the route could become a strategic advantage.
Follow the link to the video.
Kremlin threatens to attack US patriot systems, Ukraine reports of child torture chamber
8:15 a.m.:
If the United States sends its Patriot air defense system to Ukraine, Moscow “definitely” wants to consider it a target for attacks.
And according to Kyiv, Russian occupiers in Cherson also abused children.
Here's the update as of tomorrow.
mgo/AFP/dpa/Reuters