Chemical weapons warning: US President Joe Biden has warned that Russian President President Putin’s “back is against the wall” and he may be preparing to use chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine. “Putin’s back is against the wall. He wasn’t anticipating the extent or the strength of our unity. And the more his back is against the wall, the greater the severity of the tactics he may employ,” Mr Biden told American business leaders in Washington DC on Monday evening. Mr Biden also said Russia’s claims about the US having biological and chemical weapons in Europe – a claim which he dismissed – is a “clear sign” of his intensions. “That’s a clear sign he is considering using both of those,” the Democrat president said.
A Ukrainian soldier stands guard with his gun next to barricades at the beachfront near Lusanivka in the southern city of Odesa.
Putin's distraction tactics: Moscow is likely using nuclear-based hypersonic missiles against Ukrainian targets to detract from its sluggish progress in the war, Britain’s Ministry of Defence said on Monday evening. On Tuesday the MoD said Russian troops had "largely stalled" in their bid to capture strategic locations. Nearly a month after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine was launched, Russian troops are continuing their battle to capture Kyiv and other major cities. Russia said it used Kinzhal nuclear-capable weapons to destroy an underground arms depot in western Ukraine. The MoD said the use of such missiles “is highly likely intended to detract from a lack of progress in Russia’s ground campaign.” The intelligence report added: “Deployment of Kinzhal is highly unlikely to materially affect the outcome of Russia’s campaign in Ukraine.”
Bodies litter Mariupol streets: The fight for Mariupol continues to rage as Russia tries to capture the strategic southern port city to establish a land border which would link Crimea to the Donbas and Russian territory. Tens of thousands of residents have escaped from the besieged city after electricity, water and food supplies were cut off. Communication with the outside world is intermittent. One woman of gave her name as Yulia said she fled after a bombing destroyed six houses near her home and described the harrowing scenes she left behind. “That’s why we got in the car, at our own risk, and left in 15 minutes because everything is destroyed there, dead bodies are lying around,” she said. “They don’t let us pass through everywhere — there are shootings.” Maria Fiodorova, 77, described how there are "there are no buildings there anymore" after she escaped Mariupol and spent five days travelling to Poland.
Zelenskyy discusses possible compromise: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed his fellow countrymen and women for putting up staunch resistance against Russia's invading forces, as he touched on a possible compromise in peace talks with Moscow. “There is no need to organise resistance,” he said in a video address on Monday evening. "Resistance for Ukrainians is part of their soul.” He said he was prepared to discuss a commitment from Ukraine not to pursue Nato membership in exchange for a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Russian troops and a guarantee from Moscow of Ukraine's security. Mr Zelenskyy also said he will be ready to discuss the status of Crimea and the Donbas region held by Russian-backed separatists after a ceasefire is agreed and steps have been taken towards providing security guarantees.
Battle for Kyiv: Russia's bid to gain control of the Ukrainian capital continues on day 27 of the war as troops come up against heavy resistance from Ukrainians. Makariv, a strategically important town outside of Kyiv was retaken by Ukrainian fighters following gun battles on Tuesday morning, Ukraine's Ministry of Defence said. The town is within the Kyiv region and approximately 70 kilometres (43 miles) west of the centre of the capital. The recapture allows Ukrainian forces to regain control of a key highway and prevents Russian troops from surrounding Kyiv from the northwest. However, Russian forces advanced in Kyiv's northwestern suburbs Bucha, Hostomel and Irpin, Ukraine's defence ministry said.
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