Russia's military aggression against Ukraine continues.
Fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces continues across Ukraine, forcing thousands of civilians to flee the country.
We will keep you updated on the developments regarding the situation in Ukraine on the 16th (Japan time), including the battle situation and the diplomacy of the countries concerned.
(There is a 7-hour time difference between Japan and Ukraine, and a 6-hour time difference with Moscow, Russia.)
Missile attack kills 30, more casualties to come
In a video released on the morning of the 16th Japan time, President Zelensky said in a video released on the morning of the 16th Japan time that at least 30 residents, including a 15-year-old girl, were killed in the missile attack by the Russian military that destroyed an apartment in eastern Ukraine on the 14th. , more than 30 people are still missing, and the number of casualties is expected to rise.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with state television on Thursday that the Russian Defense Ministry's announcement that it had taken control of Soledar, a town near Ukrainian strongholds in eastern Ukraine, was a "positive move." Everything is according to the military plan," he said, "I hope the soldiers will please us again and again," and asked the military to carry out further operations.
Russia, Belarus joint drills alert in northern Ukraine provinces
Regarding the fact that Russia and Belarus are planning to conduct joint exercises from the 16th, there is a growing sense of caution that the exercise may develop into a new attack in the Chernihiv Oblast, which borders Ukraine.
The Belarusian Ministry of Defense has announced that the Russian and Belarusian Air Forces will conduct joint exercises from January 16 to February 1.
At the beginning of the invasion in February last year, the Russian army was also advancing ground troops from Belarus, and at that time in Chernigiv province, where the Russian army was approaching the outskirts of major cities, the Russian army would march again after training. I heard voices of concern among citizens.
A 40-year-old woman said: "It's scary. I heard that joint exercises will continue, but I want the Ukrainian military to protect me from coming to my side. I don't want anything like what happened in February to happen again." I was talking.
"I hope Belarusian President Lukashenko is not stupid enough to allow an attack on Ukraine," said the 74-year-old man.
At the gas station in the town, some citizens were seen refueling just in case they were forced to evacuate.
A visiting man said, ``If Belarus and Russia attacked, there was a possibility that they would leave town and go to a safe place, so I filled it up just in case.''
Some even prepare at home.
Lyudmila Adamenko said that her family had evacuated to a town in the central part of Japan during the invasion in February last year. was proceeding.
In addition to preparing an emergency bag filled with documents such as a passport, cold weather gear, and a smartphone charger, she has also increased her stockpile of emergency food.
Her husband, who holds a medical license, was called up by the military last week, so if he were to evacuate, he is planning to drive to a central town with his two sons.
Mr. Adamenko said, "I believe that the Ukrainian army will protect the border and no enemy will come, but I am afraid to hear that they are training at the border."