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 the developments surrounding the situation in Ukraine on the 18th (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)
Patriotic rally in Russia's Far East
To mark two years since Russia began its military invasion of Ukraine, a rally was held on the 17th in Sakhalin Oblast in Russia's far east to show patriotism and support for the military.
The rally was organized by local volunteers in Korsakov in the southern part of Sakhalin Oblast, and several hundred cars with Russian flags and other decorations marched in convoy for about 3 kilometers.
The cars were carrying flags and banners with phrases such as ``Complete the Operation'' and ``Never Forget Our Soldiers,'' appealing to the Russian military's continued invasion of Ukraine.
When the convoy gathered at a nearby airfield, about 1,000 people, including families, posed for photos and ate meals served by Russian soldiers.
Russian military vehicles also participated in the rally, and as the military invasion continues to prolong, the government appears to be trying to appeal to the patriotism of the people and gain support for the invasion.
Some of the participants had family members deployed to Ukraine, and a woman who held up a portrait of her husband who died in combat said, ``I am proud that my husband went to Ukraine to fulfill his duty without fear.'' "In his honor, I brought a photo of my husband with me."
President Zelensky emphasizes that he values human life
At the Munich Security Conference on the 17th, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that the withdrawal of Ukrainian military troops from Audiiivka, a stronghold in the eastern Donetsk region, was ``a professional decision that will save the lives of many Ukrainians.'' He emphasized that this was the result of focusing on
On the other hand, he said, ``The Russian army has mobilized all military forces to attack Audi Ivka since October last year. Many soldiers died and the army was exhausted.'' He also downplayed the situation and claimed that they were continuing to invade.