Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from some of their positions in the Donetsk region as Russian troops have advanced. Military production has increased significantly in Russia as one of the anchors of its wartime economy, which is projected to grow over the next year, despite heavy international sanctions.
Across Europe, the NATO military alliance is conducting its largest exercise since the Cold War, with tens of thousands of troops from 32 countries taking part. NATO officials and European leaders warn that a direct conflict with Russia is becoming an increasing threat.
Artem Fedorenko, 10, has faced many challenges in the past two years since Russia invaded his home country of Ukraine. The fourth grader is missing his left arm, an injury from a bomb. He came to Minnesota with his mother to receive a prosthetic in late 2022. Rice Lake Elementary School in Maple Lake has welcomed over two dozen Ukrainian students like Artem, who are now learning to adjust to life in the US.
Russia is holding presidential elections on March 15, and results are nearly a given. Vladimir Putin has been in power in Russia since 1999 — as president or prime minister — and he’s looking to secure his fifth term in office. Yet, some Russians are still trying to monitor the elections to point out various irregularities and falsifications.
It’s been nearly two years since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. With military aid held up in the US Congress, there are widespread reports that Ukraine is beginning to ration its ammunition. Drone manufacturing is one way Ukrainians are trying to become more self-reliant as the war continues. The World’s Daniel Ofman reports from Kyiv.