The Ukraine conflict is progressing rapidly. what to see here

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And diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions have so far not yielded any results.

As tensions continue to mount, here are some key moments to watch for Ukraine in crisis.

Over the past week, Russian President Vladimir Putin has focused international attention on a series of military exercises that have tested Russia’s traditional military prowess. Russia’s Defense Ministry has released fascinating footage of live-fire exercises involving tanks, artillery and fighter jets in neighboring Belarus, and war games showcasing Russia’s air defense and its navy.
On Saturday, Russia is set to test its strategic deterrent: its nuclear forces. The Kremlin announced on Friday that Putin is “likely to be in the center of the situation” during military exercises on Saturday, where ballistic and cruise missiles will be launched. Three decades after the end of the Cold War, both Russia and the United States have nuclear arsenals on “hair trigger” alert – that is, nuclear weapons attached to their delivery systems and ready for launch at a moment’s notice.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said such training exercises are “quite routine” and would include appropriate international information. It’s true, up to a point: these preparatory exercises are taking place against a backdrop of international tensions over Ukraine that could turn into a major war.

Tension rises in Donbass

Tensions in Ukraine rose to an all-time high on Friday after pro-Russian separatist leaders in separate republics of Ukraine’s Donbass region called for the evacuation of civilians – and a vehicle – in the separatist-controlled city of Donetsk after an explosion. wasted, more wars created panic

A kindergarten in Stanitsia Luhanska in Ukraine's eastern Donbass region was hit by a shell on Thursday.

Ukrainian officials have denied any plans to take the Donbass back by force, saying they see this week’s events as an attempt by Russia to make excuses to launch an offensive. But Russian state media has already sounded the alarm, showing images of citizens departing from Donbass in buses headed to Russia’s Rostov region across the border.

It is not clear how many civilians will be evacuated or other incidents in the east of Ukraine that Russia may seize as a possible pretext for war.

a diplomatic balancing act

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated that his country intends to join NATO this week.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is due to attend the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, while US President Joe Biden’s administration appealed to reconsider plans to leave Ukraine amid concerns about a possible Russian invasion. It is possible that unexpected surprises may shorten their journey.

US and NATO step

The US has already increased its military presence in Eastern Europe; The US military announced a training mission in Hungary. How will the US and its allies react to Russia’s latest moves? Will we see further evacuation of the remaining diplomats in Kiev?

Olympic end

Russia has said that its military exercises are set to end on Sunday, which coincides with the end of the Beijing Winter Olympics. Will the Olympics be remembered as a unifying international moment, or as a sad prelude to war? It’s anybody’s guess.
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