Yesterday Moscow announced its intention to deploy its tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus (those with short range ed). Work on the buildings that will house the weapons will end next July.
The US administration, through one of its officials, interviewed by Reuters, let it be known that there are no indications that Russia is preparing to use nuclear weapons: “We have seen no reason to change our strategic nuclear position, nor any indication that Russia is preparing to use a nuclear weapon. We remain committed to the collective defense of the NATO alliance". He added that Russia and Belarus have been talking about transferring nuclear weapons for some time, he added.
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According to the Blomberg agency the Kremlin reportedly scaled back its plans for a massive offensive in Ukraine this spring, while it will focus on the defense of the conquered territories in anticipation of a counter-offensive by the Kiev forces which should start soon, thanks to Western supplies.
Moscow is also looking to recruit up to 400 'contract soldiers' this year to replace the losses it has suffered so far.
According to sources, in fact, the Russian authorities want to avoid another large-scale mobilization in view of the campaign for the presidential elections next March.
Authorities have already launched a campaign to recruit the mercenaries, while officials on the ground have sent invitations to potential volunteers, targeting veterans and rural residents in particular.
At the same time, some experts and officials believe that the goal of 400 "contract soldiers" is unrealistic.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, in an interview with the Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, argues that China has not offered itself to Kiev as a mediator in the conflict in Ukraine: “Beijing did not send me a proposal to mediate. I have not received the offer to meet"Zelensky says, adding: “Also, I sent direct messages (to Beijing), through diplomatic channels, saying that I want to talk to the leader of China".