Daniel Ofman is a reporter with The World, based in Riga, Latvia.
Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from some of their positions in the Donetsk region as Russian troops have advanced.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.
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.
Life for children across Ukraine has changed significantly since Russia’s full-scale invasion, almost two years ago. When air raid sirens go off, students are forced to run to bomb shelters. In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, air raid sirens are more frequent because of the city’s proximity to the Russian border. The World’s Daniel Ofman reports from a local underground school in Kharkiv.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine almost exactly two years ago, the city of Lviv has become a rehabilitation hub for soldiers injured in the war, including many who have lost a limb. As some complete their recovery, they are eager to get back into sports. The World’s Daniel Ofman reports from a soccer practice in Lviv.