WAR IN UKRAINE: February 20, 2023
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS: Day 362
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki on February 19 said he and U.S. President Joe Biden will discuss possibly increasing the U.S. troop presence in Poland and making it more permanent during Biden's February 20-22 visit.
Russia-installed officials told TASS that Ukrainian forces had launched a rocket attack on separatist-controlled Donetsk city, but the report could not be independently verified. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that Ukrainian troops near the eastern town of Siversk said they were preparing to defend the area, one of the potential targets of an anticipated Russian offensive - RFE/RL
NBC: U.S. believes China may be providing Russia nonlethal military aid and is considering lethal assistance. Without disclosing details, four U.S. officials familiar with the matter told NBC News the non-lethal aid might include gear for Russia's renewed offensive, such as uniforms or body armor. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States was very concerned China is considering providing lethal support to Russia, warning top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi that doing so "would have serious consequences in our relationship.”
Required reading…
Faint cracks emerge in the facade of Putin’s rule, one year after Ukraine invasion
Is Russian President Vladimir Putin’s grip on power unchallenged? Rumors are now flying inside the country about another wave of mobilization. And in Moscow, signs of elite competition are beginning to emerge, even as some Russians are seeing through the cracks in the wall of state propaganda.
Read the full CNN analysis here