The Russian army continues to attack in eastern Ukraine aiming for seizure, while analysis shows that it has lost momentum due to heavy damage from the Ukrainian army's counterattack, and the war situation is believed to be in a stalemate.
On the other hand, regarding NATO = North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Sweden is expected to start full-scale procedures for accession following Northern Europe Finland, and the composition of the conflict between NATO and Russia is becoming clearer.
Burnt or white phosphorus shells used in Mariupol's
In Ukraine, fierce offense and defense continued in the eastern part where Russian troops are aiming for seizure, and the Russian Ministry of Defense announced on the 15th that it attacked various places with missiles and destroyed the command post and anti-aircraft missile system.
An advisor to the mayor of eastern Mariupol posted a video on SNS about the Russian army's attack with the comment that "occupants used burnt or white phosphorus shells," and Ukrainian media reported that many injured soldiers remained. It is said to have captured an attack on the Azovstal ironworks.
In response, the Ukrainian side has announced that it has regained the settlement around Kharkiv Oblast, which has been one of the bases for the Russian army, and is blocking the advance on another front.
“The war situation is stalemate” UK Ministry of Defense
Regarding the war situation, the British Ministry of Defense said on the 15th that the Russian army seems to have lost one-third of the ground troops deployed in February. "I am" and showed the analysis that it is in a stalemate.
Full-scale accession to Sweden NATO
On the other hand, following the official announcement of the application for accession by Northern Europe Finland over NATO = North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which is strengthening the movement against Russia, Sweden also started full-scale movement toward accession, and Prime Minister Andesson said. "I believe it's best to join NATO," he said at the press conference.
Sweden remains military-neutral during the Cold War, and this move marks a major turning point in policy.
In response, Russia plans to hold a summit meeting of the CSTO = Collective Security Treaty Organization, which is a military alliance, in the capital Moscow on the 16th, and the composition of the conflict between NATO and Russia is becoming clearer.
Chief Cabinet Secretary "Keeping an eye on trends"
Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno said at a press conference in the morning, "I am aware that the accession of NATO = North Atlantic Treaty Organization in Finland and Sweden will continue to be discussed in the parliaments of each country. The Japanese government is based on Russia. We understand that the two countries are reviewing their traditional diplomatic relations with Russia following the invasion of Ukraine and are proceeding with discussions toward joining NATO, and we will continue to monitor the trends. "