Latest in Ukraine: As Russia's war starts its second year, eyes are on China (Feb. 27)

By NPR Staff

Published February 27, 2023 at 8:46 AM EST

Ukrainian journalist-turned-soldier Viktor Dudar's mother (center) grieves at his grave as he's laid to rest in Lviv, Ukraine, last March. Last week the world marked the first anniversary of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Updated February 27, 2023 at 10:04 AM ET

Here's a look ahead and a roundup of key developments from the past week.

What to watch

The United States and its allies are trying to press China not to provide weapons to Russia, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said.

Belarus' leader Alexander Lukashenko, a close Kremlin ally, will head to Beijing to meet with China's leader Xi Jinping.

Finland's parliament will vote on Tuesday whether to ratify the country's accession to NATO.

Also Tuesday, U.S. lawmakers will attend hearings about the Ukraine war in both the Senate Armed Services Committee and the House subcommittee on defense appropriations.

On Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is due to attend a meeting with his counterparts of the Group of 20 nations in New Delhi.

Friday, President Biden hosts German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at the White House.

What happened last week

The world marked one year since Russia invaded Ukraine. In the lead-up, President Biden made an unannounced visit to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and later to Poland.

Some Russians defied the Kremlin's rule by protesting against the war in several cities, with one independent Russian outlet reporting more than 50 people were detained at different demonstrations where they picketed, laid flowers and wrote messages.

China called for a cease-fire and peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, in a position paper released on the anniversary of the invasion. Earlier in the week, Russian President Vladimir Putin and China's top diplomat met in Moscow and pledged to strengthen ties.

Putin suspended Russia's participation in New START, the last remaining arms control treaty with the United States.

Russian forces conducted ground attacks in eastern Ukraine, near Svatove and Kreminna, Western security analysts said.

A meeting of G-20 finance chiefs in India failed to reach consensus on the war in Ukraine, with China refusing to condemn Russia's invasion.

In-depth

Kherson's underground resistance: How ordinary people fought Russia from the shadows.

For Ukrainians in Dubai, a new restaurant offers a taste of home.

The key trends to watch in the Russia-Ukraine war.

The economic war against Russia, a year later.

They were born into war. Now, they're celebrating their first birthday in the U.S.

China calls for a cease-fire and peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

One year later, a photographer reflects on his time in Mariupol as Russia invaded.

Photographing a year of war and resilience in Ukraine.

Putinology: the art of analyzing the man in the Kremlin.

She's Ukrainian American. Her relatives are in Russia. Family group texts are awkward.

After the Ukraine war, what comes next? NATO allies don't agree.

Putin and China's top diplomat pledge to strengthen ties.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks to NPR's All Things Considered.

Ukraine's birth rate was already dangerously low. Then war broke out.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy went from comedian to icon of democracy. This is how he did it.

Special report

Russia's war in Ukraine is changing the world: See our updated report on its ripple effects in all corners of the globe.

Earlier developments

You can read past recaps here. For context and more in-depth stories, you can find more of NPR's coverage here. Also, listen and subscribe to NPR's State of Ukraine podcast for updates throughout the day.

Corrected: February 27, 2023 at 12:00 AM EST

An earlier version of this story misstated the first name of Alexander Lukashenko as Viktor.