Senior US officials are laying the groundwork for a different world order of security and a possible protracted conflict in Ukraine. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told US lawmakers that the world had changed dramatically since the February 24 invasion, and that Washington supported Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO. On the same day, President Biden asked Congress for another $ 33 billion to help Ukraine. US officials have said they want not only to help Ukraine survive but also to weaken Russia. Russian forces in eastern Ukraine are advancing at a rate of just several kilometers a day and remain hampered by logistical challenges, the Pentagon said. Russian bombardment continued in other parts of Donbas, including the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, where fighting was “particularly fierce” around the cities of Lysychansk and Severodonetsk, according to Britain. Moscow has also transferred a significant number of troops from Mariupol to other battle zones, according to the Pentagon, although some Ukrainian forces are still holding on to the Black Sea port despite weeks of bombing. Here’s what else you need to know
The United States has said Russian intelligence services were behind an attack this month on a Nobel laureate and prominent Russian publisher who criticized the invasion. Congress passed legislation renewing a World War II-era military leasing program. The bill, which President Biden must sign to become law, would facilitate the shipment of military equipment to Ukraine. Ukraine is stepping up its defenses along the border with Transnistria, a pro-Russian breakaway region of Moldova, following recent unexplained explosions there. The Washington Post lifts the paywall for readers in Russia and Ukraine. Telegram users can subscribe to our channel for updates.
