Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to fight in various parts of Ukraine, and many civilians have fled the country. Russian President Vladimir Putin said, ``Victory in the election is only the beginning of the victory that Russia will surely achieve,'' and emphasized his stance to proceed with a military invasion of Ukraine.
The European Union has proposed to its member states a policy to utilize interest earned from the assets of the Russian Central Bank, which had been frozen following the invasion. The EU would provide 90% for military aid and the remaining 10% for the reconstruction of Ukraine and the strengthening of its defense industry.