What's happened
Ukraine faces escalating tensions with Russia as President Zelenskyy authorises the demobilisation of conscripts, while Russian rocket attacks kill at least three in Ukraine. Dmitry Medvedev, a Russian official, claims Ukraine is part of Russia, ruling out peace talks with the current Ukrainian leadership.
Why it matters
The escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with deadly rocket attacks and claims of Ukraine being part of Russia, pose a significant threat to regional stability. The demobilisation of Ukrainian conscripts indicates the ongoing conflict's toll on the country. The refusal of peace talks by Russia further complicates diplomatic efforts, raising concerns about the potential for further violence and the need for international intervention to prevent a larger conflict.
What the papers say
A Russian official, Dmitry Medvedev, asserts that Ukraine is part of Russia, rejecting peace talks with the current Ukrainian leadership. This stance underscores Russia's aggressive posture towards Ukraine. In contrast, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's decision to demobilise conscripts reflects the country's efforts to manage the conflict's impact on its military forces and society. The deadly rocket attacks in Ukraine highlight the human cost of the ongoing conflict and the urgent need for de-escalation to prevent further casualties.
How we got here
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has been ongoing since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Tensions have escalated with recent deadly attacks and provocative statements from Russian officials claiming Ukraine as part of Russia. The demobilisation of Ukrainian conscripts indicates the strain on the country's military resources and the toll of prolonged conflict. International efforts to mediate the crisis have so far been unsuccessful, with the situation remaining volatile and the risk of further escalation looming.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.