Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 353

Because the Russia-Ukraine battle enters its 353rd day, we check out the principle developments.

This picture shared by the Armed Forces of Ukraine exhibits broken Russian tanks in a area close to Vuhledar [Armed Forces of Ukraine via AP]

Right here is the state of affairs because it stands on Saturday, February 11, 2023:

Preventing

• Ukrainian officers stated Moscow had began a brand new offensive forward of the February 24 anniversary of its invasion. Britain stated Russian forces had been making beneficial properties north of town of Bakhmut which they're attempting to encompass, however are having a tougher time attacking Vuhledar additional south, the place they deserted greater than 30 armoured autos in a failed assault.
• Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, stated Russian forces should seize Bakhmut to proceed with their marketing campaign however confronted fierce resistance from Ukrainian defenders.
• Reuters couldn't confirm the battlefield accounts.

Diplomacy

• Moody’s downgraded Ukraine’s sovereign debt to “Ca” from “Caa3”, that means it's “extremely speculative and … possible in, or very close to, default, with some prospect of restoration of principal and curiosity”. The agency stated the battle will possible create long-lasting challenges for the nation.
• US President Joe Biden will journey to Poland from February 20 to 22 to fulfill allies and talk about Ukraine, the White Home stated.
• French President Emmanuel Macron didn't rule out sending fighter jets to Ukraine in some unspecified time in the future however stated Kyiv wanted extra quick navy firepower.
• Thirty-five nations backed calls by Ukraine for Russian and Belarusian athletes to be barred from taking part in the summertime Olympics subsequent yr. The Worldwide Olympic Committee needs to permit them to compete beneath a impartial flag.

Different

• Russia put in style singer Zemfira on an inventory of international brokers on grounds that she supported Ukraine and criticised Russia’s “particular navy operation” there.
• Russia stated it will minimize oil manufacturing by about 5 p.c in March, a call that the White Home stated confirmed Russian President Vladimir Putin was keen to weaponise power.
• Putin stated Russia’s economic system had overcome the worst results of sanctions and was anticipated to point out modest development this yr.