The NATO chief warned on Tuesday that the war was entering a “critical phase” as Russia focused on Donbass. See what happened overnight – and you can follow the latest updates on our liveblog.
1. Leave Donbass as long as you can
Authorities in the eastern Ukrainian region of Luhansk hoped to evacuate civilians via five “humanitarian corridors” on Wednesday, urging residents to leave “as long as possible”. Ukraine has said that Russian troops who invaded on February 24 are regrouping and preparing for a new offensive in the Donbas region, which includes Luhansk. “We will evacuate everyone if the Russians allow us to reach the meeting places (for evacuation). Because, as you can see, they do not always observe the truce,” Luhansk regional governor Serhiy Gaidai wrote in the Telegram. messaging application. “I urge every resident of the Luhansk region – to evacuate as long as it is safe … While there are buses and trains – seize this opportunity.”
2. The war in Ukraine “may last for years”
A top US general has warned that the possibility of a “significant international conflict” is growing and said the war in Ukraine could last for years. General Mark Milley told Congress: “The Russian invasion of Ukraine threatens to undermine not only European peace and stability, but also the world peace and stability that my parents and a generation of Americans have fought so hard to defend. “I think this is a very protracted conflict, and I think it is measured in years. I do not know for a decade, but at least years, for sure.” General Milley, who is chief of staff, added: “We are entering a world that is becoming more unstable and the likelihood of a major international conflict is increasing, not decreasing.”
