First Thing: Russia’s Black Sea flagship sinks
Kremlin says it will reinforce borders including nuclear weapons if Sweden and Finland join Nato. Plus, Islamic State Beatles' member convicted
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Russia's Black Sea flagship missile cruiser, the Moskva, has sunk while being towed to a port after an explosion, according to the Russian defense ministry.
Is Russia's claim about a storm" true? The claim of bad weather being a factor was questioned by observers. Looking at the weather report outside of Sevastopol today the winds were about 4 mph with 40-degree [4C] temperatures and a little bit of rain," the former commanding general of the US army in Europe told CNN.
What's the significance? The sinking of the Moskva - the pride of its fleet and the most prestigious vessel involved in the war against Ukraine - represents a symbolic blow to the Kremlin.
What could this mean for Russian strategy? The CIA director, William Burns, warned of desperation" from the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, who could resort to using a tactical or low-yield nuclear weapon as a result of his country's military setbacks.
What should we expect next as the war enters its seventh week? Ukraine is braced for a powerful attack in the east.
What sanctions is Volodymyr Zelenskiy calling for? The Ukrainian president this week has been urging the west for greater sanctions such as to stop buying all Russian oil. He also wants diplomats to return to Kyiv.
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