Listen to this article here

After Russian forces fail again to advance into Ukraine’s two largest cities of Kyiv and Kharkiv, Sunday brings significant developments. At around 7:30 am CT Sunday, Putin announced in a televised address he was putting nuclear deterrence forces on high alert. The Russian president cited sanctions from the West and “aggressive statements” from NATO.

According to the Associated Press, the announcement means Putin wants Russia’s “nuclear weapons prepared for increased readiness to launch”.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the UN, called the order “unacceptable”.

“President Putin is continuing to escalate this war in a manner that is totally unacceptable,” said Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. “We have to continue to condemn his actions in the most strong, strongest possible way.”

Ukraine agrees to negotiations as Putin’s forces stall out

While Putin continues escalating his rhetoric, his army continues facing stiff resistance from Ukrainians.

Ukrainian officials announced on social media Sunday that they have agreed to negotiations with the Russians. A delegation of Ukraine’s officials will travel to the border with Belarus for peace talks in the coming hours.

The Kyiv Independent reports that Alexander Lukashenko, the President of Belarus, has agreed to remove troops and weapons from the border during the Ukrainian delegation’s visit.

While welcome news, the agreement comes amid word that Belarus is actively preparing to send troops into Ukraine to support Russia.

Despite superior resources, Russia’s forces have been languishing, struggling to advance amid an inspiring and relentless defense from Ukrainians. Military troops and civilians alike have been rebuffing Russia’s attempts to advance toward key countries.

Ukrainian president submits application for to hold Russia and Putin accountable at The Hague

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took to Twitter Sunday morning to announce that Ukraine had “submitted its application against Russia to the ICJ (International Court of Justice)”.

The ICJ, also known as The Hague, prosecutes global war crimes.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s application seeks to hold Putin and his government to account for his baseless invasion of the sovereign country.

“Russia must be held accountable for manipulating the notion of genocide to justify aggression,” Zelenskyy tweeted.

“We request an urgent decision ordering Russia to cease military activity now and expect trials to start next week.”

Nate Morris moved to the Tulsa area in 2012 and has committed himself to helping build a more equitable and just future for everyone who calls the city home. As a teacher, advocate, community organizer...