Russia's military invasion of Ukraine continues.
Russian and Ukrainian troops continue to fight in various parts of Ukraine, and many civilians are evacuating abroad.
We will keep you updated on the movements on the 21st (Japan time) regarding the situation in Ukraine, such as the situation of the battle and the diplomacy of the countries concerned.
(There is a time difference of 6 hours between Japan and Ukraine and Moscow in Russia)
Full resumption of natural gas supply to Russia and Germany is uncertain
Gazprom, a Russian government-affiliated gas company that operates the "Nord Stream" submarine gas pipeline that connects Russia and Germany, has stopped supplying gas due to regular inspections since the middle of this month, and after the 21st when the inspection ends. The response from the Russian side is drawing attention.
Under these circumstances, a company that operates a pipeline in Germany announced on the 20th that supply will be resumed, but said that supply will be only 40%.
The Russian side reduced the supply to 40% last month, saying that the turbines sent out for repairs would not return due to sanctions, and President Putin said on the 20th that the turbines have not returned yet. "If the equipment does not return, the supply will decrease significantly," he restrained the German side.
He also claimed that another turbine would be sent for repair at the end of this month.
In response, German government deputy spokesman Hoffmann said at a press conference on the 20th that "Gazprom has an obligation as a supplier" and urged a full resumption of supply, but Russia is sufficient as contracted. It is unclear whether to supply a large amount of gas.
Four U.S. high-mobility rocket artillery systems to be additionally provided to Ukraine
An international meeting was held to discuss military assistance to Ukraine, and the United States added a high-mobility rocket launcher system capable of long-range, precise attacks so that the Ukrainian army could counter the Russian army that continued to fire hard. Clarified the policy to provide.
The meeting was hosted by the United States to discuss military assistance to Ukraine, and the fourth meeting, held online on the 20th, was attended by defense ministers from about 50 countries. ..
Ukrainian Defense Minister Reznikov also attended the meeting, explaining that Russian troops continued to bombard to expand the territory of eastern Ukraine.
In response, US Defense Secretary Austin emphasized that "war is in an important phase, and united support for Ukraine is indispensable and urgent," and introduced the high-mobility rocket artillery system = Hymers to Ukraine. We have announced that we will provide four additional units.
The HIMARS is a weapon that has a long range and is capable of precise attacks. I am using.
At a press conference after the meeting, Austin said, "Russia continues to bombard and is a cruel tactic reminiscent of the horrors of World War I. Ukraine needs firepower to withstand the bombardment and fight back. So, we will strongly support to maintain and strengthen the momentum of support. "
Mrs. Zelensky's speech at the US Congress "Providing an air defense system"
Ukraine's President Zelensky's wife, Olena, spoke at the U.S. Congress on the 20th, saying "Russia is killing people and the United States is saving lives" and thanked them for their support so far. ..
She then she said, "I don't really want it, but I have to ask for weapons. I want you to provide an air defense system so that people don't die from air strikes and artillery." ..
She said she was "asking as parents of the children, not as the president and his wife," she said, noting that children were sacrificed or injured in Ukraine. Asked for military assistance.
Regarding military assistance to Ukraine, the issue is how quickly the donated weapons can be delivered to the front line of combat, as the Under Secretary of Defense of Ukraine stated last month that "only 10% of the weapons requested were received." I am.