Russian troops meet with stiff resistance, Ukrainian forces retake Kharkiv | DW News

Scholz pledges €100 billion for German military, end to Russian energy exports
A turning point in the history of our continent. That's how Chancellor Olaf Scholz described Russia's war against Ukraine. Speaking to a special session of parliament, the German leader announced a raft of policy changes that would have been unthinkable just days ago. Germany will drastically strengthen its military, and move quickly to eliminate its reliance on Russian energy exports. He put the blame squarely on Russian President Vladimir Putin - who he said had brought decades of peaceful coexistence to an end. Here's some of what he said.
Holding out in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Russia's military assault verges on genocide - and he's called for Russia to be stripped of its seat on the UN Security Council. Moscow's forces targeted civilian infrastructure overnight, including gas pipelines - as they stepped up efforts to push further into Ukraine.
Moscow's forces have met stiff resistance as they attempt to push further into Ukraine. The mayor of Kyiv says the capital is holding its defense lines and there are no Russian troops in the city. And after reports of heavy fighting in eastern Kharkiv, the regional governor says Ukrainian forces have retaken full control of the city. Russia's latest attacks have targeted civilian infrastructure and the military.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has sent tens of thousands of people fleeing their homes since Thursday. Huge crowds have been waiting at train stations to travel to the border and cross into neighboring countries. Scenes from Lviv in western Ukraine show the fear and frustration: There's not enough space on the trains to carry everyone to safety. Men are forced to say goodbye to their families, as they are not allowed to leave because they've been called up to fight. Many of the refugees are headed to Poland.
Ukraine is doing its best to repel the Russian attack by training civilians to fight. Support from the US and other NATO members has also bolstered national defenses. But few believe Ukraine is a match for its much larger neighbor.
Taking active and reserve troops together, Kyiv can draw on more than 1 million men and women. Russia has more than three million. Ukraine has less than 2,500 tanks, compared to Russia's 13,000.
And in the air, Ukraine has just 67 attack aircraft in contrast to Russia's 1,500.
In Berlin a demonstration calling for restoring peace in Ukraine is underway, with estimates of 20,000 or more people taking part in the protest.
The demonstration is organized by a variety of groups including workers' unions, religious groups and environmental organizations. Protesters are calling on Russia to immediately withdraw from Ukraine and to respect democracy and human rights. In the past days there have been numerous demonstrations across the world in support of Ukraine and demanding an immediate end to all violence.

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[imperatorglaber]

A modern day president wearing body armor and staying in his capital under siege, unheard of ! A true leader, proof Ukrainians are brave and courageous people. God speed Ukraine

[jaikee]

The retired general made an interesting point here. The longer the war in Ukraine takes,
the more opposition Putin will get from his own people. Stay strong, Ukrainians!

[theolamp]

I was afraid that Germany would fold because of their reliance on Russian energy supplies. This is truly heartening.

[jlee]

I cannot express adequately in words my admiration, affection, and gratitude for the patriotic, courageous, and resilient people of Ukraine. May God bless and protect the Ukrainians and their heroic leader President Zelensky. Slava Ukraini!!

[jh-bplz]

We South Koreans are deeply touched by the bravery of Ukrainians. We also have the sad history of being invaded by North Korean troops with Stalin's tanks. Salute to Ukrainians! Stay well heroes

[dave_mate]

PLEASE PRAY FOR MY COUNTRY. WE NEVER ASKED FOR WAR, BUT WE WILL FIGHT FOR OUR COUNTRY FOR OUR FREEDOM AND FOR OUR DEMOCRACY.

[joshieepophide-hide]

The only way to stop Putin and the Russian forces from continuing this war is to make this war very costly for them to the point that their military and economy cannot easily recover. The Ukrainian people has the heart of steel and the mind of a true warrior. We the Filipino people are with you, long live Ukraine!🇺🇦💪🙏

[fighterck]

Peace and love to the people of Ukraine from a Nigerian American. The world stands with you against tyranny. 🇳🇬🇺🇸♥️🇺🇦

[delobr]

Incredible patriotism of Ukrainians to fight and liberate their homeland.

[kensho]

I am half german half japanese, grew up pacifist in germany, never
been nationalistic, viewed NATO critically, but now i see the necesity
of beeing militarily strong enough to defend freedom and democracy. The
Ukrainians are truly inspiring. Slava Ukraini! They are also kinda
fighting for Taiwan and peace in the pacific. China is watching. Democracy must prevail. Hope India will join the democratic alliances too.

[TheGQBrotha]

The Ukrainian people are very brave, Putin thought he would walk in and just take over, he is being taught a lesson and is reduced to talking about using nukes, which shows he's lost the plot, because his blitzkrieg plan failed, shock and awe did not work on the brave Ukrainians fighting for their homes, land and freedom. Slava Ukraini.

[flipster]

A man is not defined by the actions of his ancestors, but by his decisions and actions during his lifetime.

I am glad that germany seems to be realising this, putting off their apologetic attitude and standing up for what is right.

[sanaolsanaol]

I am amazed that despite of their crisis Ukrainians can still smile..very lovely and warm people.. they even bring their pets with them.. ❤ !!! Stay strong Ukraine!!! 💙💛🕊

[MrOldzimm]

People leaving the Ukraine is not a sign of weakness because a soldier will fight better knowing his family is safe. When a soldier's family is safe he or she can concentrate on the enemy in front of them and not worry about the loved ones behind them.

[rickai]

The Russian forces don’t believe in this fight and just following orders. They are being used like dispensable objects by a sad emotionally unstable little man who cannot handle a breakup that happened 30 years ago. Russian people rise up and save your country from this overly sentimental sociopath; the world will be behind you as well. Support Ukraine 🇺🇦

[MIMI-yewl]

Ukraine is fighting for all of us. Stay strong, Ukraine, Slava Ukrainii!

[BloodblayeGaming]

Can we just take a moment and appreciate what Poland is doing for the people of Ukraine. Incredible..

[kingfisher]

Love to see that we're recognizing that the citizens are not the ones causing war. No nasty, degrading nicknames for Russian people. No comparing them to animals. This is a significant maturation of the world.

[gurhanweyrah]

Scholz has chosen to be on the right side of history. This will shock Putin. I don’t think he counted on this happening. It is one of the many miscalculations that he made. Slava Ukraine 🇺🇦

[isaacmejias]

I’m American and I wish I could be with the Ukrainians fighting along side with them. They are brave people fighting for their freedom and land. 🇺🇸🇺🇦