Russia's military invasion of Ukraine continues.
Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to fight in various parts of Ukraine, and many civilians have fled the country.
We will keep you updated on developments regarding the situation in Ukraine on the 21st (Japan time), including the situation of the battle and the diplomacy of the countries involved.
(There is a 7 hour time difference between Japan and Ukraine, and a 6 hour time difference with Moscow, Russia)
“President Putin announces early visit to North Korea” North Korea announces
On the 21st, North Korea's Labor Party's official newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported on the details of Foreign Minister Choi Son-i's official visit to Russia for three days starting on the 15th of this month, and the talks she had with President Putin.
In this meeting, President Putin expressed his gratitude for the invitation from General Secretary Kim Jong Un to visit North Korea, and announced that he was prepared to visit North Korea at the earliest.
If President Putin actually visits North Korea, it will be the first time in 24 years since he became the first Russian head of state to do so in 2000.
The Rodong Sinmun newspaper emphasized, ``Our country is ready to welcome our closest friend wholeheartedly.''
Baltic states to build defense facilities along borders with Russia and Belarus
The defense ministers of the three Baltic states, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, announced on the 19th that they will jointly build defense facilities along their borders with Russia and Belarus over the next few years.
According to local Estonian media, Estonia is planning to construct concrete camps that can withstand artillery fire at approximately 600 locations along the country's border with Russia.
The Baltic states have promised continued military support to Ukrainian President Zelenskiy, who visited him this month, and are increasingly wary of threats from Russia, which invaded Ukraine, and ally Belarus.
Russia to submit bill to confiscate assets for spreading false information about military activities
In Russia, Speaker Borodin, who is also known as a close ally of President Putin, announced on the 20th a bill that would confiscate assets of people who spread false information about Russian military activities or call for activities that endanger Russia's security. It has been announced that it will be drafted and submitted to the House of Representatives on the 22nd.
Chairman Borodin insists, ``Those who try to destroy Russia or betray it must be punished, and the damage they have caused to the country must be paid for with their own assets.''
As we approach the presidential election this March, the Putin administration is further tightening its control over domestic information.