For today, links to reports from Agence France-Presse, National Public Radio, and Tass, followed by commentary from the Kyiv Independent; other articles are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. (GAZA entry for this date is HERE.) — MCM

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NEWER  Ukrainians voice cautious hopes over EU accession talks. From AFP. Ukrainians today welcomed the European Union’s decision to open formal membership negotiations, while questioning how they would progress as the country continues to fight a war with Russia. The EU’s announcement on Thursday came after the bloc overcame . . . READ MORE . . .

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In his annual press conference, Putin said the war in Ukraine will continue. Reported by Charles Maynes | NPR  Russian President Vladimir Putin held his annual four-hour press conference, a tradition that was canceled last year as Russia was suffering defeat on the battlefield in Ukraine. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.

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NEWER  Russian forces carry out 40 group strikes on Ukrainian military facilities over week. From Tass. MOSCOW — The Russian forces have carried out 40 group strikes on Ukrainian military airfields and ammunition depots, intercepted a Tochka-U missile and two S-200 missiles, as well as shot down a Ukrainian Mi-8 helicopter and 119 drones over the past week, the Russian Defense Ministry said today. Here is a compilation of . . . READ MORE . . .

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NEWER  Putin flaunts alleged military successes, claims Russia is doing great, by Oleg Sukhov | The Kyiv Independent  Russian President Vladimir Putin took four hours on Thursday to boast about Russia’s alleged economic and military achievements. Among his key messages was that the war would end when Russia achieved its goals, Western assistance to Ukraine would soon end, and Russia would be doing fine on the battlefield. Putin added . . . READ MORE . . .