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 developments regarding the situation in Ukraine on the 19th (Japan time), including the situation of the fighting 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.)
President Zelensky speaks at ``Davos conference'' and asks for more help
Ukrainian President Zelensky made an online speech at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, eastern Switzerland.
At the beginning of his speech, President Zelensky noted that a helicopter crashed near Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, killing 14 people. Lost," calling for a moment of silence for the victims, and political and business leaders at the venue also stood up and offered a minute's silence.
In his speech, President Zelensky said regarding military support from Europe and the United States, "The supply of air defense systems and tanks must exceed the attacks of the Russian army," and said that the tanks and armored vehicles that Western countries have announced to provide. asked for further assistance.
After that, he said, "When I first participated in the Davos meeting three years ago, the world was united in fighting the new coronavirus. History will repeat itself, and the world will win." called to fight against
U.S. think tank increases Russian military personnel ``to become even more of a threat in the next few years''
Last August, the Putin government decided to increase the total number of Russian soldiers to about 1.15 million following the military invasion of Ukraine. President Putin made the decision.
Regarding this, the American think tank "War Research Institute" analyzed on the 17th that "the aim is to prepare for a prolonged war in Ukraine and strengthen the military in a short period of time."
"This reform and expansion of the Russian military is unlikely to have a major impact on Ukraine's war in the coming months. For countries, the Russian military may pose an even greater threat."
Putin: Fighting must be justified
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited St. Petersburg, the site of a fierce battle with Nazi Germany in World War II, to mourn the victims and comment on the invasion of Ukraine, saying, "I am convinced that victory is ours." ' and reiterated his stance of continuing military aggression.
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited St. Petersburg, the second largest city in Russia, which was the site of a fierce battle with Nazi Germany in World War II, on the 18th, and paid tribute to the victims by laying flowers at monuments and cemeteries. .
Afterwards, President Putin visited a local munitions factory and told the employees, "The solidarity of the Russian people, the courage and heroism of those on the front lines of military operations, and the strength of the defense industry." Work supports victory, and I am convinced that victory is ours."
He also argued that "fighting against neo-Nazis should be absolutely justified. There are good reasons to call the Ukrainian regime neo-Nazis," and looked back on the past fierce battle against Nazi Germany. justified the military invasion of Ukraine.