A Ukrainian soldier holds a Next Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW) that was used to destroy a Russian armoured personal carrier (APC) in Irpin, north of Kyiv, on March 12. AFP
A Ukrainian soldier holds a Next Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW) that was used to destroy a Russian armoured personal carrier (APC) in Irpin, north of Kyiv, on March 12. AFP
A Ukrainian soldier holds a Next Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW) that was used to destroy a Russian armoured personal carrier (APC) in Irpin, north of Kyiv, on March 12. AFP
A Ukrainian soldier holds a Next Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW) that was used to destroy a Russian armoured personal carrier (APC) in Irpin, north of Kyiv, on March 12. AFP

World

US

Russia weighing sending more troops to Ukraine, Pentagon says

'They’re designed to deliver a punch', US official said of new 'tactical' drone delivery to Ukraine

Joyce Karam
Willy Lowry
Washington

March 16, 2022

  • English
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Live updates: follow the latest news on Russia-Ukraine

Russia is “deliberating” sending additional troops to fight in Ukraine amid mounting battlefield losses of personnel and equipment, the Pentagon said on Wednesday.

“We have seen indications that the Russians are considering, discussing and deliberating the degree to which they need to bring in resupply from outside the theatre,” a senior US defence official told Pentagon reporters.

The idea remains under discussion and Washington has yet to see indications that any reinforcements have been sent, the official said.

Read More

UN orders Russia to end Ukraine invasion

Russia faces ticking clock as it struggles to take Kyiv

“We know they said that [the Russians] are suffering losses every day, losses of people lots of equipment, losses of aircraft, and so it certainly stands to reason that they would want to be exploring options to to replenish those losses,” the official said.

Russia has said its troop losses are in the hundreds, but western assessments including from the US and Britain put the number at more than 5,000 Russian servicemen killed since the war began on February 24.

Asked about the $800 million in new military aid the US is providing to Ukraine, the US official hinted that the 100 tactical drones in the package will be armed.

“It's safe to assume that these systems that will be there, they’re designed to deliver a punch,” the official said.

The official did not elaborate on a timeline or routes the US is using to deliver its weaponry to Ukraine, but stressed deliveries “are still flowing".

“As far as we're concerned, there's not going to be like a pause here.”

The White House reported that the $800m US assistance package includes:

  • 800 Stinger anti-aircraft systems
  • 2,000 Javelin, 1,000 light anti-armour weapons and 6,000 AT-4 anti-armour systems
  • 100 tactical drones
  • 100 grenade launchers, 5,000 rifles, 1,000 pistols, 400 machine guns and 400 shotguns
  • More than 20 million rounds of small arms ammunition as well as grenade launcher and mortar rounds
  • 25,000 sets of body armour and helmets

The Pentagon said Russia is frustrated by a lack of progress in Ukraine but said that Moscow still has significant combat power.

Its military has fired about 980 missiles over the course of the conflict, the US official said, but its offensive remains stalled around Kyiv, Kharkiv and Mariupol.

The Pentagon said Russia has started shelling some cities outside the strategic port city of Odesa.

This satellite image shows Epicentr K shopping centre before it was damaged in Chernihiv, Ukraine. AP Photo
This satellite image shows Epicentr K shopping centre before it was damaged in Chernihiv, Ukraine. AP Photo
Epicentr K shopping centre after it was destroyed. AP Photo
Epicentr K shopping centre after it was destroyed. AP Photo
Apartment buildings before the conflict began, in western Mariupol, Ukraine. AFP
Apartment buildings before the conflict began, in western Mariupol, Ukraine. AFP
The apartment buildings after they were hit. AFP
The apartment buildings after they were hit. AFP
A hospital in Mariupol before an attack. Reuters
A hospital in Mariupol before an attack. Reuters
The Mariupol hospital with airstrike damage after the Russian attack. AP Photo
The Mariupol hospital with airstrike damage after the Russian attack. AP Photo
Portcity shopping mall and other stores in Mariupol in February. AP Photo
Portcity shopping mall and other stores in Mariupol in February. AP Photo
The heavily damaged Portcity shopping mall and surrounding stores on March 9. AP Photo
The heavily damaged Portcity shopping mall and surrounding stores on March 9. AP Photo
Homes and buildings in Mariupol before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Reuters
Homes and buildings in Mariupol before Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Reuters
The destroyed homes and buildings in Mariupol. Reuters
The destroyed homes and buildings in Mariupol. Reuters

“We believe these are Russian warships in the Black Sea … whether this is the precursor of, you know, a looming amphibious assault, we just don't see that yet,” the official said.

As Russian forces continue to advance towards Kyiv, military experts expect a fierce urban battle to eventually ensue.

The package of weapons President Joe Biden pledged to Ukraine on Wednesday could prove vital in helping Ukrainians defend their capital.

“In this type of high-intensity attack of a defence, the defenders need anti-tank weapons because you can't get inside that city without tanks and armour,” said John Spencer, a retired US army major and the chairman of Urban Warfare studies at the Madison Policy Forum.

But it is the small arms ammunition, 20 million rounds of it, that Mr Spencer said will be especially important in the urban environment.

“We say it takes four times the ammo to do an operation in an urban terrain than it does in others that works for both attacking and defending,” he told The National.

“They need more ammo than we think they do.”

Alexander Downes, associate professor of Political Science at George Washington University, said Russian President Vladimir Putin may try to stop US and Nato weapons reaching Ukrainian forces.

“My sense is [Mr Putin] will try to stop the shipments, either once they get into Ukraine or very close to the border, rather than attack or retaliate against the Nato country directly,” Mr Downes told The National.

Moscow “will try to interdict the weapons shipments as they transit Ukraine to get to Ukrainian military”, he added.

Smoke rising in Kyiv, which mayor Vitali Klitschko says faces a 'difficult and dangerous moment' as Russian forces step up strikes. AFP
Smoke rising in Kyiv, which mayor Vitali Klitschko says faces a 'difficult and dangerous moment' as Russian forces step up strikes. AFP
Pope Francis meets visitors holding the Ukrainian flag during his weekly general audience in the Vatican. AFP
Pope Francis meets visitors holding the Ukrainian flag during his weekly general audience in the Vatican. AFP
An anti-war protester demonstrates against Russia's invasion of Ukraine in front of the Nato headquarters in Brussels. AFP
An anti-war protester demonstrates against Russia's invasion of Ukraine in front of the Nato headquarters in Brussels. AFP
A poster in Saint Petersburg carries the letter Z, a symbol of support for the invasion, and reads: "We are proud of Russia! We are not ashamed!" AFP
A poster in Saint Petersburg carries the letter Z, a symbol of support for the invasion, and reads: "We are proud of Russia! We are not ashamed!" AFP
Amid the Ukraine war, there's time for a seaside stroll in Odesa. Reuters
Amid the Ukraine war, there's time for a seaside stroll in Odesa. Reuters
A child who fled from Ukraine to Belgium waits outside an immigration office in Brussels. EPA
A child who fled from Ukraine to Belgium waits outside an immigration office in Brussels. EPA
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy receives a standing ovation as he appears via videoconference to make an address to Canada's Parliament. AP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy receives a standing ovation as he appears via videoconference to make an address to Canada's Parliament. AP
A woman walks with a bicycle next to a building damaged during the conflict in the separatist-controlled town of Volnovakha, Donetsk region. Reuters
A woman walks with a bicycle next to a building damaged during the conflict in the separatist-controlled town of Volnovakha, Donetsk region. Reuters
A firefighter outside a destroyed apartment building in a residential area of Kyiv. AP
A firefighter outside a destroyed apartment building in a residential area of Kyiv. AP
Ukrainian soldiers pay tribute to Col Valeriy Gudz, who was killed in battle against Russian troops, at a cemetery in the town of Boryspil. AP
Ukrainian soldiers pay tribute to Col Valeriy Gudz, who was killed in battle against Russian troops, at a cemetery in the town of Boryspil. AP
Firefighters work to extinguish a fire in a housing block hit by shelling in the Sviatoshynsky district, in western Kyiv. AFP
Firefighters work to extinguish a fire in a housing block hit by shelling in the Sviatoshynsky district, in western Kyiv. AFP
Two people were killed as a series of powerful explosions rocked residential districts in Kyiv just hours before talks between Ukraine and Russia were set to resume. AFP
Two people were killed as a series of powerful explosions rocked residential districts in Kyiv just hours before talks between Ukraine and Russia were set to resume. AFP
The Met Opera and Chorus performs during 'A Concert For Ukraine' in New York City. AFP
The Met Opera and Chorus performs during 'A Concert For Ukraine' in New York City. AFP
A worker welds metal at the Interpipe Steel plant in Dnipro, Ukraine. Hundreds of Interpipe’s 10,000 employees have joined the fight against Russia. AP
A worker welds metal at the Interpipe Steel plant in Dnipro, Ukraine. Hundreds of Interpipe’s 10,000 employees have joined the fight against Russia. AP
A woman is rescued by firefighters from her apartment in a burning building that was hit by artillery shells in Kyiv. AP
A woman is rescued by firefighters from her apartment in a burning building that was hit by artillery shells in Kyiv. AP
Rescuers work at a building damaged by an air strike, in central Kharkiv, Ukraine. Reuters
Rescuers work at a building damaged by an air strike, in central Kharkiv, Ukraine. Reuters
A woman who fled Ukraine to Belgium waits outside an immigration office, in Brussels. EPA
A woman who fled Ukraine to Belgium waits outside an immigration office, in Brussels. EPA
Cars stuck at the Irpin River bridge, as Russia unleashes a barrage of air strikes on cities across Ukraine. AFP
Cars stuck at the Irpin River bridge, as Russia unleashes a barrage of air strikes on cities across Ukraine. AFP
A firefighter looks at a section of a Ukrainian Tochka-U missile on a street in the separatist Donetsk region. The Russian military said 20 civilians were killed by a ballistic missile launched by the Ukrainian forces. AP
A firefighter looks at a section of a Ukrainian Tochka-U missile on a street in the separatist Donetsk region. The Russian military said 20 civilians were killed by a ballistic missile launched by the Ukrainian forces. AP
Musician Davide Martello plays a piano near the Ukrainian border in Medyka, Poland. More than 1.76 million people have crossed the Polish-Ukrainian border into Poland, the Polish Border Guard reported on March 14. EPA
Musician Davide Martello plays a piano near the Ukrainian border in Medyka, Poland. More than 1.76 million people have crossed the Polish-Ukrainian border into Poland, the Polish Border Guard reported on March 14. EPA
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, snaps a selfie with a wounded man during a visit at a military hospital after fighting in the Kyiv region.AFP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, snaps a selfie with a wounded man during a visit at a military hospital after fighting in the Kyiv region.AFP
Ukrainian soldiers carry rocket-propelled grenades and sniper rifles as they walk towards the city of Irpin, north-west of Kyiv. AFP
Ukrainian soldiers carry rocket-propelled grenades and sniper rifles as they walk towards the city of Irpin, north-west of Kyiv. AFP
Troops carry an elderly woman on a stretcher across a makeshift bridge as Ukrainians flee Irpin. AFP
Troops carry an elderly woman on a stretcher across a makeshift bridge as Ukrainians flee Irpin. AFP
Irina Moprezova, 54, stands in front of a house that was damaged by an air strike in Irpin. AFP
Irina Moprezova, 54, stands in front of a house that was damaged by an air strike in Irpin. AFP
The flags of Russia and Ukraine are projected on the walls of Jerusalem's Old City, which a representative from the Jerusalem Municipality said is a show of support for diplomatic dialogue between the countries. Reuters
The flags of Russia and Ukraine are projected on the walls of Jerusalem's Old City, which a representative from the Jerusalem Municipality said is a show of support for diplomatic dialogue between the countries. Reuters
A person holds a Ukrainian flag during an anti-war demonstration at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany. Reuters
A person holds a Ukrainian flag during an anti-war demonstration at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany. Reuters
A Ukrainian soldier takes cover as people flee Irpin. AFP
A Ukrainian soldier takes cover as people flee Irpin. AFP
Ukrainians shelter in an underground train station during the day in Kyiv. EPA
Ukrainians shelter in an underground train station during the day in Kyiv. EPA
A Ukrainian serviceman walks carefully with his weapon in the city of Irpin, near Kyiv. AFP
A Ukrainian serviceman walks carefully with his weapon in the city of Irpin, near Kyiv. AFP
Ukrainian people flee the city of Irpin, north-west of Kyiv. AFP
Ukrainian people flee the city of Irpin, north-west of Kyiv. AFP
Ukrainian servicemen carry an elderly woman on a stretcher from the city of Irpin. AFP
Ukrainian servicemen carry an elderly woman on a stretcher from the city of Irpin. AFP
A girl plays games on her tablet inside a subway carriage being used as a bomb shelter in Kyiv. AFP
A girl plays games on her tablet inside a subway carriage being used as a bomb shelter in Kyiv. AFP
A Ukrainian firefighter drags a hose inside a large food products storage facility which was destroyed by an air strike on the outskirts of Kyiv. AP
A Ukrainian firefighter drags a hose inside a large food products storage facility which was destroyed by an air strike on the outskirts of Kyiv. AP
Ukrainian troops with a Javelin anti-tank missile on the front line in the northern Kyiv region. Reuters
Ukrainian troops with a Javelin anti-tank missile on the front line in the northern Kyiv region. Reuters
A woman carries her dog during an evacuation in Irpin. Reuters
A woman carries her dog during an evacuation in Irpin. Reuters
A Ukrainian woman takes shelter in a metro station during the day in Kyiv. EPA
A Ukrainian woman takes shelter in a metro station during the day in Kyiv. EPA
A member of the Ukrainian armed forces on patrol in Irpin. Reuters
A member of the Ukrainian armed forces on patrol in Irpin. Reuters
A Ukrainian fighter takes cover behind a car in the city of Irpin. AFP
A Ukrainian fighter takes cover behind a car in the city of Irpin. AFP
Firefighters at work after air strikes hit residential buildings in Chernihiv, northern Ukraine. AFP
Firefighters at work after air strikes hit residential buildings in Chernihiv, northern Ukraine. AFP
A man wounded in an air strike is helped by medical staff in Novoiavorivsk, western Ukraine. Getty
A man wounded in an air strike is helped by medical staff in Novoiavorivsk, western Ukraine. Getty
The ruins of the Ukraine Hotel after recent shelling in Chernihiv. EPA
The ruins of the Ukraine Hotel after recent shelling in Chernihiv. EPA
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
On Women's Day
F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Whiile you're here
While you're here
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
While you're here
WHAT%20IS%20'JUICE%20JACKING'%3F
%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Juice%20jacking%2C%20in%20the%20simplest%20terms%2C%20is%20using%20a%20rogue%20USB%20cable%20to%20access%20a%20device%20and%20compromise%20its%20contents%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20The%20exploit%20is%20taken%20advantage%20of%20by%20the%20fact%20that%20the%20data%20stream%20and%20power%20supply%20pass%20through%20the%20same%20cable.%20The%20most%20common%20example%20is%20connecting%20a%20smartphone%20to%20a%20PC%20to%20both%20transfer%20data%20and%20charge%20the%20former%20at%20the%20same%20time%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20The%20term%20was%20first%20coined%20in%202011%20after%20researchers%20created%20a%20compromised%20charging%20kiosk%20to%20bring%20awareness%20to%20the%20exploit%3B%20when%20users%20plugged%20in%20their%20devices%2C%20they%20received%20a%20security%20warning%20and%20discovered%20that%20their%20phones%20had%20paired%20to%20the%20kiosk%2C%20according%20to%20US%20cybersecurity%20company%20Norton%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20While%20juice%20jacking%20is%20a%20real%20threat%2C%20there%20have%20been%20no%20known%20widespread%20instances.%20Apple%20and%20Google%20have%20also%20added%20security%20layers%20to%20prevent%20this%20on%20the%20iOS%20and%20Android%20devices%2C%20respectively%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE%20SPECS
%3Cp%3EBattery%3A%2060kW%20lithium-ion%20phosphate%3Cbr%3EPower%3A%20Up%20to%20201bhp%3Cbr%3E0%20to%20100kph%3A%207.3%20seconds%3Cbr%3ERange%3A%20418km%3Cbr%3EPrice%3A%20From%20Dh149%2C900%3Cbr%3EAvailable%3A%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
DMZ facts
  • The DMZ was created as a buffer after the 1950-53 Korean War.
  • It runs 248 kilometers across the Korean Peninsula and is 4km wide.
  • The zone is jointly overseen by the US-led United Nations Command and North Korea.
  • It is littered with an estimated 2 million mines, tank traps, razor wire fences and guard posts.
  • Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un met at a building in Panmunjom, where an armistice was signed to stop the Korean War.
  • Panmunjom is 52km north of the Korean capital Seoul and 147km south of Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital.
  • Former US president Bill Clinton visited Panmunjom in 1993, while Ronald Reagan visited the DMZ in 1983, George W. Bush in 2002 and Barack Obama visited a nearby military camp in 2012. 
  • Mr Trump planned to visit in November 2017, but heavy fog that prevented his helicopter from landing.
School uniforms report
Skewed figures

In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458. 

if you go

The flights 

Etihad and Emirates fly direct to Kolkata from Dh1,504 and Dh1,450 return including taxes, respectively. The flight takes four hours 30 minutes outbound and 5 hours 30 minute returning. 

The trains

Numerous trains link Kolkata and Murshidabad but the daily early morning Hazarduari Express (3’ 52”) is the fastest and most convenient; this service also stops in Plassey. The return train departs Murshidabad late afternoon. Though just about feasible as a day trip, staying overnight is recommended.

The hotels

Mursidabad’s hotels are less than modest but Berhampore, 11km south, offers more accommodation and facilities (and the Hazarduari Express also pauses here). Try Hotel The Fame, with an array of rooms from doubles at Rs1,596/Dh90 to a ‘grand presidential suite’ at Rs7,854/Dh443.

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E77kWh%202%20motors%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E178bhp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E410Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERange%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E402km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDh%2C150%2C000%20(estimate)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETBC%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Killing of Qassem Suleimani

A Cat, A Man, and Two Women
Junichiro Tamizaki
Translated by Paul McCarthy
Daunt Books 

Long read

Mageed Yahia, director of WFP in UAE: Coronavirus knows no borders, and neither should the response

How to report a beggar

Abu Dhabi – Call 999 or 8002626 (Aman Service)

Dubai – Call 800243

Sharjah – Call 065632222

Ras Al Khaimah - Call 072053372

Ajman – Call 067401616

Umm Al Quwain – Call 999

Fujairah - Call 092051100 or 092224411

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EKinetic%207%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202018%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Rick%20Parish%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Abu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Clean%20cooking%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2410%20million%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Self-funded%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
STAR%20WARS%20JEDI%3A%20SURVIVOR
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Respawn%20Entertainment%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Electronic%20Arts%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsoles%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PC%2C%20Playstation%205%2C%20Xbox%20Series%20X%20and%20S%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Updated: March 16, 2022, 8:52 PM`
UkraineUSRussia