Ukraine’s troops are building fortifications ahead of an expected Russian offensive in the spring, the Wall Street Journal reported. Russia’s formidable “Surovikin Line” defences named after Russian general Sergey Surovikin stifled Kyiv’s summer offensive of 2023. But observers have noted slow progress in fortification efforts as momentum turns in favour of Russia, particularly after its capture of Avdiivka. An upcoming NATO war with Russia is currently “being rehearsed” by the Western military alliance, Russian Security Council Secretary said. Ukraine’s former military chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi has been appointed the country’s new ambassador to the UK, a month after getting sacked. Zelensky said Zaluzhnyi “told me this is the direction he would like to take — diplomacy”, adding “Our alliance with Britain should only strengthen”. French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu has said that the deployment of troops in Ukraine is not being discussed. Macron in recent days has doubled down on the remarks, urging Western allies not to be “cowards”. Watch this video to know what’s latest in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war.