Angela Merkel has urged Ukraine and its allies to explore diplomatic solutions amid escalating airstrikes from Russia, emphasizing the importance of dialogue despite the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden condemned the recent attacks as “outrageous,” reaffirming American support for Ukraine. The latest Russian assaults have targeted multiple locations, causing widespread power outages and civilian injuries, while dissent in Russia is increasingly suppressed through legal actions against critics.
Merkel Advocates for Diplomatic Engagement Amidst Ongoing Conflict
In light of the recent escalation of airstrikes in Ukraine, former Chancellor Angela Merkel has called upon Ukraine and its allies to consider diplomatic avenues alongside their current efforts. During a discussion on the ZDF talk show with Maybrit Illner, Merkel emphasized the critical nature of the situation, stating, “Russia must not win this war.” She characterized the invasion as a blatant violation of international law by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Merkel highlighted the importance of maintaining a dialogue about potential diplomatic solutions, noting that while they may not be immediately actionable, it is essential for all involved parties, including Ukraine and its supporters, to engage in discussions when the timing is appropriate.
Biden Reiterates U.S. Commitment to Support Ukraine
In response to the recent wave of Russian airstrikes targeting Ukraine, U.S. President Joe Biden has reaffirmed the necessity of continued support for the Ukrainian people. He described the attacks as “outrageous” and reiterated the urgency of aiding Ukraine in its defense against Russian aggression. “My message to the Ukrainian people is clear: The United States stands by your side,” Biden declared.
This latest assault saw the Russian military striking 117 locations in Ukraine with a combination of 90 missiles and 100 drones, prompting nationwide air alerts. The western regions of Ukraine experienced significant disruptions, with over a million residents losing electricity. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russian forces of utilizing cluster munitions to target energy infrastructure.
Additionally, a former lawyer critical of the Russian military’s actions was sentenced to seven years in prison for disseminating what the Russian courts deemed “false” information. This ruling ties into a broader trend of silencing dissent in Russia since the war’s onset.
In another troubling incident, a Russian drone attack led to a fire in a medical facility in Kyiv, resulting in one injury. Authorities are urging residents to take shelter as air raid alerts continue to sound across the region.
As the situation evolves, further developments can be tracked through various news outlets and live updates.