The Indiana Department of Education is advancing new high school graduation requirements despite ongoing concerns from educators across the state. State officials were urged to exercise caution and patience as educators voiced their apprehensions about the new mandates.

Ukrainian President Zelensky called on Vladimir Putin to publicly deny invasion plans, citing dangerous signals from Russia and alleging a coup attempt involving Russian citizens and Ukraine's richest man. Amid Western concerns over a Russian troop build-up near Ukraine, Moscow dismissed invasion claims as provocations. Zelensky highlighted the potential for escalation, urging caution.

Ilya Ponomarev, a former Russian parliamentarian, runs an online TV channel called February Morning from Kyiv, aimed at countering Russian propaganda and fomenting an uprising against Vladimir Putin's regime. The channel, which also operates numerous Telegram channels, targets ordinary Russians and has a significant viewership in Russia. Ponomarev and his team, including chief editor Larysa Rybalchenko, work tirelessly to debunk Kremlin narratives and provide alternative perspectives on the war in Ukraine. Despite challenges and threats, Ponomarev remains committed to his vision of a democratic Russia without Putin, believing that the war will ultimately end in Moscow.

Mansur, a Chechen who fled to Turkey and Europe during the Chechen wars, is now the deputy commander of the Sheikh Mansur Battalion, one of the Chechen battalions fighting against Russia in Ukraine. The battalion, driven by a deep-seated hatred of Russia, is part of the 20,000 foreign fighters aiding Ukraine. The Chechens, shaped by their traumatic past, are determined to fight Russian forces and pro-Russian Chechens. The article highlights the historical conflicts between Chechens and Russians, dating back to the 18th century, and the ongoing struggle against Russian oppression. Despite the lack of heavy weaponry, the Chechens offer their combat experience to the Ukrainian army. The battalion's members are committed to their cause, viewing their fight as part of a long-standing blood feud against Russian aggression.

Mansur, a Chechen fighter, leads the Sheikh Mansur Battalion in Ukraine against Russian forces and pro-Russian Chechens. The battalion, formed by Chechens who fled during the Chechen wars, is driven by a deep-seated hatred of Russia due to historical and personal traumas. They aim to support Ukraine with their combat experience, despite lacking heavy weaponry. The article highlights the long-standing conflict between Chechens and Russians, dating back to the 18th century, and the division among Chechens regarding the current war. Mansur and his battalion are committed to fighting Russia wherever it wages war.

The Sheikh Mansur Battalion, an all-Chechen unit, is fighting alongside Ukrainian forces against Russia. The battalion, which includes Chechens who have fled to Turkey and Europe, is driven by a deep-seated animosity towards Russia stemming from historical conflicts and personal trauma. They are prepared to combat both Russian forces and Chechen soldiers fighting for Russia. The Chechens' experience with Russian aggression dates back to the 18th century and includes brutal repression during and after the Soviet era. Despite lacking heavy weaponry, they offer their combat experience and determination to the Ukrainian army. The Chechen fighters are divided, with some supporting the pro-Russian Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, but the Sheikh Mansur Battalion is resolute in their long-standing opposition to Russian rule.

The ongoing war in Ukraine has led to a situation where Ukrainian soldiers are increasingly outgunned, and the number of injuries among them is rising. The conflict continues to take a heavy toll on morale and physical well-being.

Ukrainian villagers are fleeing the Russian-occupied Kherson region, traveling by foot, bike, and wheelchair to escape the dire conditions. The village of Zelenodolsk has become a transit point for thousands of displaced people. Ukrainian authorities are urging evacuations as they prepare a counteroffensive to retake southern territories. The article details the hardships faced by residents, including destruction, lack of resources, and terror from Russian soldiers. Despite the challenges, there is hope among the displaced that they will return and rebuild their communities.

Over 15 million Ukrainians have been displaced since the Russian invasion, with many fleeing to Zelenodolsk, a transit point in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Ukrainian authorities are urging evacuations from the Kherson region as they prepare a counteroffensive. Residents describe dire conditions under Russian control, with looting and a lack of governance in rural areas. Ukrainian forces are making incremental gains, and displaced residents hope to return and rebuild. Zelenodolsk's mayor is managing the town and the influx of displaced people while dealing with the challenges posed by the conflict, including damage to infrastructure and escaped wild boars from a nearby preserve.