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 in the situation in Ukraine on the 9th (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.)

UN Secretary-General “Coordination for Extension of Agreement on Exports of Ukrainian Agricultural Products”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres held a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, on the 8th.



In it, Secretary-General Guterres said: "The position of the United Nations is clear: Russia's military aggression against Ukraine violates the United Nations Charter and international law. We will torture the Ukrainian people until a just peace is ensured." We will continue to work to mitigate the effects of the conflict," he said.



Meanwhile, the talks also discussed the agreement between Ukraine and Russia, brokered by the United Nations and Turkey, regarding the export of Ukrainian agricultural products.



The deadline for this agreement is approaching on the 18th of this month, but Russia claims that the implementation of the agreement is insufficient due to delays in exports of Russian agricultural products and fertilizers, suggesting that it may not agree to the extension. doing.



Regarding this, President Zelensky said, ``We agreed that it is very important from a humanitarian point of view to continue the agreement beyond the 18th of this month.''



In addition, Secretary-General Guterres stressed that 23 million tons of grain were exported under the agreement, helping to keep global food prices down, and added, We will work on creating conditions," he said, indicating that he would continue to coordinate with other countries to extend the agreement.

President Zelensky expresses condolences to women who lost their lives

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky released a video message on the occasion of "International Women's Day" on the 8th, saying, "It is important to remember and appreciate all the women who worked and gave their lives for Ukraine." He paid tribute to the women who lost their lives fighting the army.



In Ukraine, as in Russia, there is a custom of thanking women for giving flowers and presents on International Women's Day since the Soviet era.



However, after Russia's military invasion, there is a debate among the people whether this custom should be continued, saying, "We should not celebrate with enemy countries."

Putin honors women on International Women's Day

Russian President Vladimir Putin commended women who are active in various fields at the Kremlin in Moscow on March 8, "International Women's Day," and war correspondents and medical workers who are active in the occupied areas of eastern and southern Ukraine. I was invited.



Putin said, "Russia is once again facing threats to its security and sovereignty," and praised the women for their dedicated efforts to support the military invasion, and addressed the nation. It is a form that calls for unity.

Ukrainian army commander visits Bakhmut stronghold

On the 8th, Ukrainian Army Commander Oleksandr Shirsky, who directs operations in eastern Ukraine, released a video on his SNS that he visited a base in Bakhmut, where fierce fighting continues.



The footage shows Commander Shirski shaking hands with his soldiers, encouraging them and handing each of them a medal.



Commander Sirski was inspiring his soldiers, saying, "All enemies will be destroyed and victory will come. Now you are in the most important place. I commend you for your bravery." .

NATO secretary-general: Possibility of fall of Bakhmut cannot be ruled out

Regarding Bakhmut, one of the Ukrainian bases where Russian forces are intensifying attacks, NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg told reporters in Sweden on the 8th, "The Russian side has suffered a great loss. However, we cannot rule out the possibility that Bakhmut will soon fall."



“This is not a tipping point, but we must not underestimate Russia,” he said, emphasizing the need to continue to support Ukraine.