Russia-Ukraine War: Kyiv Forces Prepare For Possible Russian Attacks as Invasion Turns One Year

Ukrainian authorities imposed precautions all around the country on Friday's first anniversary of the commencement of the Russia-Ukraine war on Friday.

Classes have been relocated online, telecommuting is being promoted, and security patrols have been increased in anticipation of Russian airstrikes.

US-Russia Tensions Intensify

In a statement on Tuesday, Serhiy Shkarlet, the Education Minister of Ukraine, said that virtual lessons had been ordered "as a precaution" for the schools in the country, CNN reported.

Ukraine's regional military administration noted that students in Kyiv and the surrounding area would participate in online lessons from February 22 to 24. The heightened possibility of enemy bombardment and probable provocative acts on the eve of the first anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war prompted the measure.

According to Ukrainian authorities, Mariupol, a significant supply center and rear headquarters for Moscow's soldiers has reportedly been hit by several explosives. Deputy Mayor of Mariupol Petro Andriushchenko reported three blasts on Thursday.

In the recent days leading up to the war's first anniversary, US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin have each delivered high-profile addresses this week in which they condemn each other's nations and exchange insults over the Russia-Ukraine war.

Vladimir Putin blasted the West for the Ukrainian war in his State of the Union address on Tuesday, and at a pro-war rally on Wednesday, per CNBC.

While in Europe this week, Joe Biden reiterated the United States' support for Ukraine and promised that Russia would "never" win the conflict. He also blasted Russia's suspension of the New START nuclear weapons restriction accord with the US as a "big mistake."

NATO Warns China Against Weapons Support For Russia

On Wednesday, Vladimir Putin met with one of Beijing's senior diplomats in the Kremlin to strengthen ties with China. Moscow has been actively wooing China in anticipation of a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to Moscow this spring.

As reported by Al Jazeera, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has cautioned China against providing military aid to Moscow after the coalition detected indicators that Beijing was contemplating delivering weaponry to Russia.

The statements on Thursday followed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's warning that China would face repercussions if it supported Moscow's aggression in the Russia-Ukraine war.