First, links to reports from Reuters, Agence France-Presse, Tass, the Associated Press, and National Public Radio;; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. — MCM

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Russia increases shelling in regions outside Ukraine’s Donbas, by Maria Starkova | Reuters LVIV, Ukraine — Russia’s defence ministry says a recent offensive has put its army’s units in more advantageous positions along the Zaporizhzhia front line, a claim Ukrainian military officials called an exaggeration. Since . . . READ MORE . . .

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Russia says held air defense training in Moscow region. From AFP. The Russian Defense Ministry said Saturday it held a training exercise on repelling air attacks in the Moscow region. READ MORE . . .

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U.S. presents information about DPRK’s alleged arms export – White House. From Tass. WASHINGTON — The U.S. handed over information allegedly proving arms shipments from North Korea to Russia, U.S. National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said Friday. “The arms transfers from the DPRK are in direct violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions. So today . . . READ MORE . . .

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There’s no safe place in war, by Samya Kullab and Hanna Arhirova | AP  Since February 2022, Ukrainians have lost lives from missile strikes and battlefield combat, and civilians dying in schools, theaters, hospitals and apartment buildings. But this past week seemed to have a special cruelty . . . READ MORE . . .

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What it’s like to spend a winter in the trenches, according to Ukrainian soldiers. Reported by Tim Mak | NPR  Ukrainian soldiers in the country’s northeast describe winter living conditions in their trenches, in advance of a possible springtime Russian offensive. Click HERE to listen later and, still later, read.

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MAY BE CONTINUED