Russia-Ukraine war live updates: Putin plans to annex parts of east, U.S. says
NBCJUL 2022
Day 69 Roundup: Russian Forces Reportedly Storm Azovstal Steelworks Plant, Civilians Arrive in Zaporizhzhia
Image copyright: Reuters [via Jerusalem Post]
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
This invasion is an egregious violation of international law. Putin's ultimate aim is to restore the Soviet empire, even if it takes massive bloodshed and false pretexts such as calling the 2014 Ukrainian revolution after a fraudulent election a "coup". This unprovoked attack is the latest chapter in Putin's Orwellian attempt to rewrite history.
Pro-Russia narrative
NATO and the US have ignored Russia's security concerns by breaking their promise not to expand eastward in return for German reunification. These concerns are legitimate and taking them seriously would have avoided the Ukraine tragedy.
Metaculus Prediction
There is a 14% chance that Ukraine will officially recognize a former Ukrainian territory as independent before 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
