Ukrainian army deploys additional troops to eastern Audiivka area. Focus is on whether the Ukrainian military will be able to continue its defense as Russia appears to be willing to sacrifice large numbers of troops.
Meanwhile, Russian President Putin stated at a meeting with economic ministers on the 12th, ``According to the latest data, the growth rate of GDP = gross domestic product last year was 3.6%, which exceeded the world average pace.'' He emphasized that Japan is recording high growth rates in various fields.