Ukraine received fighter planes from Poland and Slovakia

Poland's President Duda in the capital Warsaw February 21, 2023 KPRP/Reuters

As Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine, Poland has announced that it will provide four MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine in the upcoming days. Additionally, Slovakia has also pledged to deliver 13 MiG-29s to Ukraine. These developments have been summarized up until March 17th, Japan time, regarding the ongoing situation in Ukraine.

First NATO member country to provide fighter planes

 On March 16th, Poland's President Duda announced at a press conference that Ukraine will receive four former Soviet-made MiG-29 fighters in the coming days, marking the first time that a NATO member country has provided fighters since the invasion began. The AFP news agency reported on this development. Furthermore, on March 17th, Slovakia also confirmed that it will hand over 13 MiG-29s to Ukraine, as reported by The Associated Press.

UN Commission of Inquiry, Russian War Crimes Report

The United Nations Human Rights Council's independent Commission of Inquiry has conducted a field investigation, which has revealed that Russian forces have committed extensive war crimes. The investigation reports indicate that civilians were subjected to indiscriminate attacks and abuses, including rape and forced displacement of children. Furthermore, Russian detention facilities for civilians were found to have inadequate conditions, with some detainees reportedly left with untreated injuries

China's President Xi to visit Russia from 20-22

Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and Russian President Vladimir Putin

On March 17th, China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared that President Xi Jinping will be visiting Russia from March 20th to 22nd, following an invitation by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Among the anticipated topics of discussion are the situation in Ukraine and the strengthening of the collaborative relationship between the two nations. This will be the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, which took place in Uzbekistan in September of the previous year.