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 8th (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)
Former commander-in-chief of the Ukrainian military to be appointed ambassador to the UK
Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 7th that President Zelenskiy has decided to appoint Mr. Zarzhny, a former commander-in-chief of the military, as ambassador to the UK and has requested approval from the UK side.
In a video speech, President Zelenskiy said, ``Our alliance with the UK will be further strengthened,'' and he met with the British defense minister, who visited Ukraine on the 7th, to discuss air defense systems, long-range weapons, etc. The two companies also announced that they had discussed the supply and joint production of
Mr. Zarzhny, who led the Ukrainian army from the beginning of the Russian invasion and was popular among the people, was dismissed as commander-in-chief of the army last month, and it was reported that he had a disagreement with President Zelenskiy, and the centripetal force of the government was weakened. There were also concerns about the decline.
It appears that President Zelenskyy is aiming to treat Mr. Zarzhny as ambassador to the United Kingdom, and also to use Mr. Zarzhny's military experience and skills to extract military support from the United Kingdom.
Russia warns US ambassador to Moscow to attend Navalny's funeral
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 7th that it had summoned the American Ambassador to Moscow, Tracy, and warned him not to interfere in Russia's internal affairs.
Ambassador Tracy attended the funeral of Russian opposition leader Navalny on the 1st of this month.
Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is tightening its grip on the military invasion of Ukraine and next week's Russian presidential election, saying, ``If there is an attempt to interfere in internal affairs, such as by spreading disinformation, we will respond firmly, up to and including deportation.''
Zaporizhzhia Oblast, which Ukraine recaptured last year, may be partially controlled by Russian troops
On the 7th, Russia's state-run TASS news agency announced that the Russian military has intensified its attacks and taken control of part of the southern region of Robotine in the southern Zaporizhzhya region, which the Ukrainian army announced in August last year in a reverse offensive. I told you.
The American think tank ``Institute of War'' also pointed out on the 6th that the Russian military had advanced troops to the east of Robotine, indicating that Russia is once again trying to expand its control area and the offensive and defensive battle between the two sides is intensifying. You can see it there.
[Click here for war map] Ukraine special site
Russian missile attack kills woman in Kharkiv region
According to the Ukrainian military and other sources, on the 7th there were missile attacks by Russia in various parts of Ukraine, including a
direct hit on a house in the eastern Kharkiv Oblast and the death of a female resident, and damage to
hospitals and schools in the northeastern Sumy Oblast. There are people injured as a result of the damage.
President Biden: ``Our national security is stronger than ever''
U.S. President Biden issued a statement welcoming Sweden, saying, ``With Sweden's membership in NATO, our transatlantic security is stronger than ever.''
"When President Putin launched his brutal invasion of Ukraine, he thought he could weaken Europe and divide NATO. But NATO is more united, determined and active than ever. It will last for generations for the sake of democracy."
Finland's Prime Minister: ``Sweden is our closest partner''
Prime Minister Olupo of Finland, which joined NATO in April last year, posted a video on social media saying, ``I am happy to welcome Sweden to NATO as a new ally. Sweden is Finland's closest partner in security and defense policy.'' NATO membership of both countries will strengthen the security of the Baltic Sea, Northern Europe, and NATO as a whole."
Sweden officially joins NATO
On the 7th, Scandinavian Swedish Prime Minister Kristässon visited Washington and handed over documents related to the country's accession to NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) to U.S. Secretary of State Blinken.
With this, all of Sweden's accession procedures have been completed, and Sweden officially becomes NATO's 32nd member state.