Prelude to the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Reports from AFP and Reuters have revealed that Russia is set to conduct military exercises in the near future, involving the use of tactical nuclear weapons. The maneuvers, ordered by President Vladimir Putin, aim to test the readiness of non-strategic nuclear forces and will include preparation and deployment drills.

French President Emmanuel Macron has initiated confidential talks with US President Joe Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, advocating for a change in the West's approach to Russia's ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The Kremlin said Friday it is in a "state of war" in Ukraine, escalating the official language it uses to describe the conflict, now in its third year.

Russia has presented its offensive on Ukraine as a "special military operation," banned media outlets from using the word "war" and prosecuted anti-offensive campaigners for using the word to describe Russia's military actions.

The Czech Parliament has officially designated Russia as the foremost threat to the country's national security. The resolution, adopted late last night, underscores growing concerns about Russia's aggressive actions in the region, particularly its attempts to expand influence and commit war crimes in Ukraine and other European countries.

Spanish newspaper El Pais has reported that NATO servicemen are already stationed in Ukraine, overseeing weapon deliveries, conducting intelligence operations, and providing training to the Ukrainian military.

The European Union on Monday said the Russian election has taken place in a highly restricted environment "exacerbated by Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine".

The EU said it regretted the decision of Russian authorities not to invite international observers to its elections.

Russia began voting on Friday in an election set to prolong President Vladimir Putin's rule by six more years, as Kiev branded the vote a "farce" and launched a barrage of deadly attacks on border regions.

Kiev has launched some of its largest air attacks on Russia this week ahead of the vote.

The US embassy in Russia has warned that "extremists" have immediate plans to attack Moscow, hours after Russian security services said they had thwarted a planned shooting at a synagogue by a cell of the Afghan branch of the Islamic State.

She was warned at the meeting that any attempt by America to interfere in Russia's internal affairs will be prevented, and that their diplomats may be expelled because of it.

Rallying enough troops is a challenge that Ukraine alone must tackle