Russia Advances in Ukraine and in Gaza U.S. Proposes Cease-Fire

Ukraine

 

Ukraine's army is under pressure as Russian forces are making advances ahead of the second anniversary of the invasion this week. This comes as Moscow is facing global criticism over the death of opposition figure Alexey Navalny, with thousands inside Russia taking to the streets to protest and honor his memory. Meanwhile, international pressure is growing on the US to act on more funding as Kyiv's supplies are running low. President Joe Biden said House Republicans are "making a big mistake" by not responding to Russian aggression with more funding for Ukraine. Sweden, meanwhile, announced a record $683 million in aid for Ukraine today and pledged "continuing support" to the war-torn country.

Gaza   The US has proposed a "temporary ceasefire" in Gaza in a draft UN resolution and has warned against an Israeli ground incursion into Rafah, where many displaced Palestinians have fled during the conflict. The US draft comes after it had vowed to veto an Algerian draft proposal calling for an immediate ceasefire. The UN Security Council will vote on the Algerian draft today. The US, which has traditionally protected its ally Israel from UN actions, has repeatedly resisted calls for a "ceasefire," emphasizing what it claims is Israel's right to defend itself following Hamas' attack on October 7. It has also voted against at least two Council resolutions on the war. The US draft, which also calls for the release of Israeli hostages, will be privately discussed today.