Russian President Vladimir Putin set the stage for a protracted war in Ukraine, telling officials it "may be a lengthy process," while downplaying speculation that a new round of mobilization could take place in Russia.
He also reiterated Moscow's claim that the war is Ukraine's fault and that it started in 2014 as a result of what he described as a "coup," when then Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and his pro-Russian government were ousted.
Kyiv's Mayor Vitali Klitschko warned a nightmare scenario could befall the capital if Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure continue.
"Kyiv might lose power, water, and heat supply. The apocalypse might happen, like in Hollywood films, when it's not possible to live in homes considering the low temperature," he told Reuters.
Meanwhile, the United States and Russia agreed to a prisoner exchange of detained U.S. WNBA star Brittney Griner for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout. Griner, who was being held in Russia after her conviction on drug charges, was on a flight back to the U.S.