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 11th (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)
Voting begins in eastern Ukraine for Russian presidential election
Russian state media reported that early voting for the presidential election began on the 10th in the region of Donetsk Oblast in eastern Ukraine, which Russia unilaterally declared annexed in September.
Russia's presidential election will be held from the 15th to the 17th of this month, and President Putin's re-election is certain, but the Putin administration is also holding elections in four Ukrainian oblasts that it unilaterally declared annexed, including Donetsk Oblast. It is showing signs of strengthening its control by forcing its activities to become a fait accompli.
Ukraine accelerates construction of defensive positions such as "Dragon's Teeth"
In a war analysis released on the 10th, the British Ministry of Defense revealed that Ukraine is building defensive positions in several frontline areas, including the installation of minefields, minefields, and structures known as "Dragon's Teeth" to block the advance of tanks. I think it's accelerating.
He also expressed the view that the war situation would become even more stalemate, saying, ``The Russian military's ability to advance or gain tactical gains is very likely to be diminished.''
President Zelenskiy of Ukraine is on high alert, claiming that the Russian military is preparing to launch a large-scale attack this May, and the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has also set up "dragon's teeth" in the southern Zaporizhzhya region. They post photos of themselves doing this on social media, showing that they are putting an emphasis on protection.
Pope says “white flag” in interview, spokesperson provides explanation
Regarding Ukraine, which is undergoing military invasion by Russia, Pope Francis of the Roman Catholic Church said in an interview with Swiss media published on the 9th, ``The strongest people are those who think about the people and have the courage to negotiate and raise a white flag.'' "You need the courage to negotiate when you know you've lost or things aren't going well."
Regarding the use of the term ``white flag,'' which generally means ``surrender,'' a spokesperson for the Holy See said, ``I was referring to an interviewer's question, and it was a cease-fire achieved through the cessation of hostilities and the courage to negotiate.'' He was forced to explain that he was not trying to urge the Ukrainian side to surrender.
In response, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Kuleba posted on social media, saying, ``In the battle between good and evil, the strongest people are those who stand on the side of good, rather than putting both sides on the same footing under the guise of ``negotiation.'' I urge you to support Ukraine and its people in their fight,'' he wrote, expressing his displeasure.
In the interview, the Pope reiterated his desire to act as a mediator, but there is growing skepticism about his stance in Ukraine after he gave a speech in August last year that seemed to praise imperial Russia.