Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declares Ukraine's determination to triumph on the second anniversary of Russia's invasion. Despite recent setbacks, Zelensky vows to continue the fight on Ukraine's terms. Western leaders join him in Kyiv, laying wreaths to honor the war's victims. Notably absent were senior US representatives, while Italy and Canada pledge security pacts. G7 members promise support and new sanctions on Russia. Across Europe, marches demand an end to the war. In Moscow, rare protests against the conflict result in detentions. As fighting persists, Ukraine confronts challenges in its quest for victory.

Former President Donald Trump secures a decisive victory in South Carolina's GOP presidential primary, defeating former Governor Nikki Haley in her home state. Trump's win solidifies his frontrunner status and positions him to potentially clinch the party's nomination soon. Despite Haley's efforts, Trump's wide support among Republican voters, particularly those without college degrees, underscores his dominance in the race. Haley vows to continue her presidential bid, emphasizing her commitment to providing an alternative within the party. The outcome signals challenges ahead for Haley as Trump maintains a strong lead and loyal base of supporters.

Amid escalating attacks by Iran-backed Houthi militants on ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the US and UK conducted their fourth joint strike on Houthi targets in Yemen. American and British fighter jets targeted around 18 sites, including missiles, launchers, and drones, following a surge in Houthi attacks, including a recent missile strike on a cargo ship. Despite previous strikes, the Houthi campaign against shipping persists, with recent attacks linked to conflicts in Gaza. Both nations assert their commitment to protecting maritime freedom while acknowledging ongoing Houthi threats and their reliance on Iranian support.

Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny's body has been returned to his family, his spokeswoman confirmed. Despite efforts by authorities to enforce a "secret" burial, Navalny's mother refused to comply, demanding transparency. Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, accused President Putin of holding her husband's body "hostage" and demanded its unconditional release. Questions surrounding Navalny's death persist, with his team offering a reward for information. Navalny, a prominent critic of Putin, was poisoned in 2020 and imprisoned upon his return to Russia in 2021. Russian authorities have faced criticism for their handling of Navalny's case and crackdown on commemorations.

The Shahpur Kandi barrage on the Ravi River has stopped water flow to Pakistan. Jammu and Kashmir will now use 1150 cusecs of water for irrigation, benefiting 32,000 hectares. The project faced delays due to disputes between Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab. India's water rights from the Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas rivers are exclusive. Completion of the barrage enables India to use Ravi River water, aiding agricultural and economic growth in the region.

Despite mounting humanitarian crises in Gaza, aid agencies are overwhelmed by the region's dire needs. With the population facing severe shortages of food, shelter, and safety, assistance efforts are hampered by security threats and logistical challenges. Attacks on aid convoys and looting exacerbate the situation, leaving vulnerable populations without essential supplies. Efforts to increase aid delivery face obstacles, including bureaucratic delays and security risks. As the situation worsens, urgent action is needed to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and provide essential support to its suffering population.

Russian human rights activist Vladimir Osechkin alleges Alexei Navalny may have been killed with a KGB method—a single punch to the heart—amid delayed release of his body by officials. Navalny died suddenly in an Arctic penal colony, with his body yet to be released. Allegations suggest he was kept in harsh conditions to weaken him before the fatal blow. Paramedics note "signs of bruises" on his body, raising suspicions. Navalny's family demands his body for a public funeral, accusing Putin of torture. Russian authorities claim Navalny "fell unwell" and died despite resuscitation attempts, as investigations into his death continue.

A fire engulfed an apartment building in Nanjing, China, leaving 15 people dead and over 40 injured. The blaze, which started on the first floor where electric bikes were stored, quickly spread through several floors of the skyscraper. Emergency crews responded swiftly, deploying 25 fire engines and 130 firefighters to extinguish the flames. Despite their efforts, one person remains in critical condition, with another seriously injured. President Xi Jinping has called for increased safety measures following a series of recent deadly fires across the country. Investigations into the cause of the Nanjing fire are ongoing as authorities express condolences to the victims' families.        

A Ukrainian military source reported that a Russian plane, possibly an A-50 long-range radar detection aircraft, was shot down between Rostov-on-Don and Krasnodar, about 200km from the front line. The incident occurred on the eve of Russia's Defender of the Fatherland Day. Video footage showed the plane being hit and crashing, with emergency services later extinguishing a fire. The exact cause of the crash is unknown, with speculation suggesting friendly fire. This marks the second time Ukraine has claimed to have shot down an A-50. Russia has not commented on the incident.

Ukraine marks two years of conflict with Russia, with little hope for peace. Satellite images show widespread destruction from Russia's bombing. Putin's forces capture Avdiivka, despite Ukrainian resistance. Both sides dig in for prolonged conflict, with Putin demanding Kyiv's surrender. Ukraine's military faces exhaustion and delays in US aid. Bakhmut, a key city in the conflict, suffers extensive damage. In a setback for Russia, Ukraine destroys a warship in Crimea. Putin signals willingness to negotiate, but terms favor Moscow. Western support for Ukraine wanes, while Russia strengthens its position.