**Ukraine’s President Proposes NATO Membership to End War**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has suggested that his country could end the current “hot phase” of the war with Russia by joining NATO for its controlled territories. This proposal comes as Russian forces are pushing towards the city of Sloviansk, which is a key eastern Ukrainian city.
**Russian Forces Advance**
The situation in Sloviansk is becoming increasingly dire, with Russian forces now within 25 kilometers of the city. In response to this threat, local authorities have ordered all educational and cultural activities to be halted. This decision was made to ensure public safety while military operations continue.
**Other Areas Affected by Conflict**
In other parts of Ukraine, there have been reports of civilian casualties and damage from Russian attacks. A missile strike on a retail store, multi-apartment building, and private residence in Dnipro Oblast killed 4 people and injured 21, including an 11-year-old boy. Additionally, a drone attack in Kherson killed two civilians and injured three.
**Ukrainian Forces Push Back**
Despite these challenges, Ukrainian forces have been able to push back against Russian advances in some areas. For example, their air defense system was successful in downing eight Russian drones overnight, protecting five oblasts from potential attacks.
**Russian Losses Mount**
As the conflict continues, Ukraine has documented significant losses for the Russian Armed Forces. According to official reports, Russia has lost over 740,000 personnel, thousands of tanks and military vehicles, as well as numerous artillery systems and anti-aircraft systems. These numbers are likely to continue growing as the war rages on.
Read More @ euromaidanpress.com