A Russian ballistic missile strike on Kryvyi Rih killed at least 19 people, including nine children, prompting outrage and condemnation internationally. President Zelenskyy criticized the US embassy’s response as weak for its failure to explicitly attribute the missile to Russia. He highlighted the need for a stronger international response to such attacks and reiterated Ukraine’s request for additional air defense systems, including Patriots, previously agreed upon with President Biden. Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of unequivocally naming Russia as the aggressor to effectively pressure them into ending the war.
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Following Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s characterization of China as a hostile force and Beijing’s rejection of dialogue, the Chinese military launched large-scale drills around Taiwan. These exercises, involving air, sea, and ground forces, were framed by China as a “stern warning” against Taiwanese independence, accompanied by significant propaganda portraying Lai as a “parasite.” Taiwan condemned the drills, deploying its own forces in response, while the PLA stated the actions were necessary to protect Chinese sovereignty. The increased intensity of these drills, exceeding previous exercises, is seen as a test of the U.S. response and a demonstration of China’s growing assertiveness in the region.
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On March 27th, a Russian attack on Kherson’s energy infrastructure resulted in two deaths and at least five injuries, directly violating a recently agreed-upon partial ceasefire on such strikes. This ceasefire, facilitated by the U.S., followed prior discussions in Riyadh and was intended to limit attacks on energy facilities by both sides. Despite Russia claiming adherence since March 18th, the Kherson attack prompted Ukrainian President Zelensky to call for a U.S. response and to provide evidence of the violation to the U.S. Defense Minister. The attack underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining any truce amidst the broader conflict.
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John Q. Hosedrinker