Ukraine war live updates: Russian military chief visits Ukraine after gains; Belarus signals armed patrols could take to streets

Russia’s military chief recently visited troops in eastern Ukraine in the midst of Moscow’s celebration and promotion of its recent capture of Avdiivka ahead of the presidential election. The Chief of the General Staff presented awards to soldiers involved in offensive operations around Avdiivka in Donetsk. Russian President Vladimir Putin described the capture as a resounding success and emphasized the need to build on it. With the capture of Avdiivka, the front line has moved further away from Donetsk, allowing Russian forces to focus on advancing westward. Ukrainian forces withdrew to prepared defensive positions near Avdiivka to avoid being surrounded.

In another development, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has called for law enforcement agencies to organize patrols with small arms on the streets of Belarusian cities to ensure public safety, signaling a potential step towards deeper authoritarianism.