Russian attacks continue as Ukraine stands alone : Putin ignores sanctions
NATO has not been drawn into the conflict in Ukraine, that could change
Joe Biden and Boris Johnson announced stiffer sanctions against Vladimir Putin yesterday, but they excluded the SWIFT payment schemes. Sanctions hit Russia's largest banks, and Johnson announced a ban on Russian carrier, Aeroflot. Deutsche Bank stock fell to a record low after Johnson announced he would introduce the ban on Aeroflot.
The German bank's stocks fell 4.6 percent (Reuters) It is the worst performing stock in Germany this since the outbreak of COVID, Bloomberg reported. The sanctions freeze assets of Russian oil majors and also make it illegal for European companies to do business with them.
Russia captures Chernobyl nuclear power plant after fierce battle, Ukrainian officials say
Ukraine officials say that Russia has captured the Chernobyl nuclear power plant after a fierce battle. The plant, which was the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster, has been under the control of the Ukrainian government since the fall of the Soviet Union.
The capture of Chernobyl by Russia sends a clear signal to the world that Mr Putin is not concerned by sanctions or the concerns of world leaders.
Ukrainian President calls on men aged 18-60 to take up arms
Ukrainian President Zelensky has called on all men aged 18-60 to take up arms against Russia. He stated that this is a "war for the future of our country" and that all men must do their part to protect Ukraine.
According to data published by the World Bank, Russia’s military stands at 1.5 million armed force personnel five times that number of Ukraine which can call upon 311,000 regular forces.
As the war escalates, Ukraine's army reserves swell. Civilians are joining territorial defence groups designed to support the regular armed forces at key establishments. The UK reports Russia will continue to attack command and control and Ukrainian national infrastructure.
NATO secretary-general calls Russian attack on Ukraine ‘deliberate,’ ‘cold-blooded’
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg called the Russian attack on Ukraine "deliberate" and "cold-blooded" in a statement to the press. NATO has not deployed troops to the Ukraine, but in an address to his nation, Joe Biden announced he was sending additional troops to Germany.
NATO can call on a Smorgasbord of military options.
Britain structures its Armed Forces allowing for short notice deployments. The Permanent Joint Headquarters overseas Britain's overseas operations. British Defense Secretary called Russia’s attack naked aggression against a democratic country.
As a second day of conflict in Eastern Europe continues there are no signs of Putin's anger towards Ukraine abating. Sanctions may not be enough to save Ukraine. The odds against Ukraine’s troops are overwhelming, and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy pleaded with the international community to do more.