Ukraine War on Day 77: Russia leaves open the possibility of annexing Kherson

Russia leaves open the possibility of annexing Kherson

Kherson is the only major Ukrainian city controlled by Russia since the outbreak of hostilities screenshot caspian news

Russia is ready to annex Kherson, a strategically important region in southern Ukraine, just hours after Russian officials who control the city of Kherson said they wanted to annex it, a Kremlin spokesman said on Wednesday (May 11). Russia from now until the end of the year.

Dmitri Peskov told reporters that “the people of Kherson should decide for themselves” their fate, according to the RIA Novosti news agency. “Such fateful decisions must have a completely clear legal basis – absolutely legal just like in the case of Crimea,” he added, referring to the region Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. .

See more: New administration in Kherson proposed to be annexed to Russia?

The US does not believe that Russia wants to fight NATO

Washington does not believe that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to attack military NATO alliance, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said on May 11. His comments came after a US intelligence chief predicted that Russia was preparing for a protracted war in Ukraine.

“When you look at Putin’s calculations… my view is that Russia doesn’t want to mess with the NATO alliance,” Austin said during a congressional hearing.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow hopes the West will end its development efforts “world unipolar” and in violation of the principles of the United Nations Charter, after Russia achieved its goals in Ukraine.

UK pledges support if Sweden, Finland are attacked

Britain has signed new agreements with Sweden and Finland in a move to increase security in Europe, with a pledge to support the armed forces of both countries should they come under attack. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited two Nordic countries on May 11.

Finnish President Sauli Niinisto (right) and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Helsinki on May 11, reuters

Both Finland and Sweden are considering NATO membership after Russia launched a military campaign in Ukraine. However, they are concerned about national security risks in the process of NATO processing applications for accession.

Before Britain, the United States and Germany pledged to defend Sweden and Finland.

See more: Britain pledges to support Sweden and Finland if the two countries are attacked

UN Secretary-General: No armistice in the near future

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres does not see the possibility of peace or a comprehensive ceasefire in Ukraine at this time.

“At the moment, there is no chance of reaching a peace agreement or an immediate ceasefire,” he told a news conference after meeting with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen.

However, he also said: “This war will not last forever. There will come a time when peace talks will take place. I don’t see that in sight. But I can say one thing, we will never. give up”.

In addition, he expressed deep concern about the risk of widespread famine as the war in Ukraine threatens food security in different parts of the world.

US House of Representatives approves $40 billion in aid to Ukraine, Russia reacts

The US House of Representatives approved an additional aid package of nearly $40 billion for Ukraine, with 368 votes in favor and 57 against, according to Reuters. The bill will now await consideration by the Senate, but the chamber is expected to act quickly.

After the vote, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev accused the US of waging a “proxy war” against Russia. According to the former Russian president and prime minister, the bill passed in Washington is an attempt “to defeat our country, contain economic development and our political influence in the world”.

See more: US House of Representatives approves additional aid package of more than 40 billion USD for Ukraine