Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, has indicated that he plans to increase military presence along Finland’s border. Putin voiced his disapproval of Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO – a move he considers unbeneficial to their national interests. According to Putin, Russia will now have troops and weapon systems along the Finnish border where none previously existed.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, a recent series of missile, drone and air strikes executed by Russia resulted in at least six fatalities and over 50 injuries in the cities of Myrnohrad, Sumy and Kryvyi Rih, according to Ukrainian officials.
On Tuesday, the U.S administration led by President Biden revealed they’ll be providing Ukraine with up to $300 million (€274 million) in armaments. This represents the first tranche of aid since the previous funding expired in December. The financial aid, gathered from savings from under-bid contracts, will be utilized to supply air defence interceptors, artillery shells and armoured systems, according to senior defence officials.
While this is seen as a short-term solution, it is urgently needed, especially for air defence systems, as Russia persists with its bombardment, majorly targeted at eastern towns. Jake Sullivan, the national security advisor, announced this aid package at the White House, imploring Congress to sanction additional aid for Ukraine urgently.
Meanwhile, Pope Francis spoke against wars on Wednesday, just days after causing upset in Kyiv and western capitals by suggesting that Ukraine should negotiate peace with Russia. While the Pope had previously suggested Ukraine should “show the courage of the white flag” in talks with Russia, his deputy Cardinal Pietro Parolin stated that Russia must first halt its aggression. Pope Francis in Pope Francis’ weekly audience in St Peter’s Square reiterated his plea for an end to the madness of war.
Without explicitly referencing Ukraine or any other conflict areas, he revealed that he was previously given a rosary and a version of the gospels that once belonged to a casualty from an undisclosed battlefield. Francis, aged 87, curtailed his public speaking for the third consecutive week at the week’s audience due to ongoing mobility and respiratory difficulties, delegating much of his planned speechwork to an assistant. – Reported by various agencies