Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky named Ukraine’s security and defense agencies as the next targets of his promised zero-tolerance approach to corruption, following high-profile dismissals in recent weeks related to his probe. The comments in Zelensky’s nightly address follow his visit with European Union leaders; stamping out corruption is a key requirement of Kyiv’s aspiration to join the bloc.
On the war front, Russia is reinforcing its troops around Lyman and Bakhmut, the center of some of the bloodiest battles in recent months, according to Ukraine’s armed forces. In a Sunday update, they said Russia is continuing to focus its offensive efforts in the area, including with airstrikes on troop positions. The commander of Ukraine’s military, Gen. Valery Zaluzhny, said Ukrainian troops are holding their ground in Bakhmut “despite constant enemy pressure.”
Here’s the latest on the war and its ripple effects across the globe.
4. From our correspondents
Biden will “make it very clear that the United States will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes,” John Kirby, the National Security Council spokesman, told reporters ahead of the Feb. 20-22 visit.
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