The Uncertain Phase of Russia-Ukraine War: A Narrative and Territory Battle.

Ukraine has been targeting Russian infrastructure near the border and in Russian-controlled Crimea, which could help set the stage for a counteroffensive. The strikes put Russia's logistics under pressure, forcing Moscow to expend additional resources rebuilding damaged infrastructure and complicating planning for Russia's defenses against the counteroffensive. Meanwhile, Pope Francis' secret mission to bring peace between Russia and Ukraine has been met with confusion and skepticism from both sides. The top US intelligence official says Putin is focused on consolidating control of occupied territories in Ukraine, and the recent explosions over the Kremlin have left both Russia and Ukraine blaming each other. The need to combat Russia has forced European leaders to make excruciating budgetary decisions that will affect peoples' everyday lives.