Russia has gained more ground in Ukraine. It took control of the first major Ukrainian city since the invasion began, as it took over Kherson, in the southern part of the city. Also, they are closing on in Kyiv, the capital city. Many feel that the sanctions imposed on Russia by nations all around the world are indeed beginning to have an impact. But many of these same people feel that this is the reason for the heightened level of attacks on Ukrainian cities and, along with them, mounting casualties.
In his State of the Union Address last night, President Joe Biden said that he was closing American airspace to Russia. Not a surprise, but likely far less impactful for Russia than the closing of airspace over nearby European nations was.
Ukrainian President Voldymyr Zelensky reiterated the determination of his government, and of the Ukranian people, not to give in to the Russians, even if Russia's invading forces continue attacks on Ukrainian cities. Zelensky said that nearly 6,000 members of Russia's invading force have been killed since the invasion began last week. But he also estimated that there were nearly 2,000 civilian casualties so far.
Russian officials did claim to have taken "full control" of Kherson, a city on the southern coast of Ukraine. However, Ukrainian and American officials have contradicted this report, with Zelensky saying "the city has not fallen, our side continues to defend." Kherson would be the first major city taken by Russians if it indeed was taken over, although Russia is getting closer to encircling other major Ukrainian cities, including the capital city of Kyiv.
Meanwhile, American officials estimated that the enormous Russian military convoy that is, by some estimates, supposed to be 60 kilometers (40 miles) long is about 32 kilometers, or 20 miles, away from Kyiv. They warned that the Russians will try to encircle the city within a week, which could allow them to militarily capture the city within a month.
Not surprisingly, the humanitarian crisis as a result of the Ukrainian invasion is growing. An estimated 700,000 Ukrainians have already fled the country, with more still expected to try and flee. It is estimated that nearly 450,000 have fled to Poland in the southwest. There are reports that local Poles have been very accommodating, often providing shelter and food to the fleeing Ukrainians. However, there were also reports that Polish nationalists have singled out non-white refugees and making it clear that they are not welcome in Poland, making an already ugly situation even uglier still.
Below are the sources for the information and quotes used in the above blog entry regarding the latest news on the Ukrainian invasion by Russia:
Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelensky vows to hold fast as 2,000 civilian deaths blamed on Russia's invasion by March 2, 2022:
https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/ukraine-russia-news-war-zelensky-putin-airstrikes-kyiv-kharkiv-mariupol/
Non-Ukrainian refugees recount their long journey to Poland by Agnieszka Pikulicka-Wilczewska Published On 2 Mar 2022:
More than 450,000 fled to Poland after it opened its borders to anyone regardless of nationality and documents held.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/2/non-ukrainian-refugees-arrive-at-polands-przemysl-station
People of colour fleeing Ukraine attacked by Polish nationalists by Lorenzo Tondo in Przemyśl and Emmanuel Akinwotu, 2 Mar 2022.
Non-white refugees face violence and racist abuse in Przemyśl, as police warn of fake reports of ‘migrants committing crimes’
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/mar/02/people-of-colour-fleeing-ukraine-attacked-by-polish-nationalists
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