Russia Invades Ukraine: Updates

By Yehudit Garmaise

Russia Inches Closer to Kyiv

Satellite images show Russian tanks and armored vehicles inching closer to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, and Ukraine is in desperate need of assistance, as approximately 900 Ukrainians, including children, have been killed by Russian forces.

Putin’s Threats

President Putin, who feels threatened by both economic sanctions and Ukraine, which is a country much smaller and less powerful than Russia, has issued a military strategy that includes the threat of violent retaliation, including nuclear war, to prevent Ukraine or other countries from attacking.

The Pentagon has responded by calling Putin's announcement, “Unnecessary, as it is escalatory.”

Talks between Russia and Ukraine

Ukrainian and Russian delegates sat down Monday for the first direct negotiations between the two countries since Russia launched its invasion on Feb. 24. The talks went for hours, however, President Zelensky and Kyiv residents did not expect peace to come out of the discussions. Even as the meeting took place, Russian shelling intensified in eastern Ukrainian cities.  

President Zelensky Pleads for European Acceptance

On Sunday, to further strengthen his anti-war coalition and discuss entry into the EU, Zelensky spoke with the presidents of Portugal, Lithuania, France, and Poland as well as the prime ministers of Belgium, Spain, and the United Kingdom. 

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that Ukraine belonged in the EU. “They are one of us and we want them in,” she told the Euronews TV channel.

On Monday, Zelensky asked the European Union (EU) in a video message, "We appeal to the European Union to urgently admit Ukraine.

"We are grateful to partners for standing with us. I am sure we deserve [to be admitted into the EU]. I am sure it is possible."