To Preserve Ukraine, War Refugees Shouldn't Come Home: Government

Refugees who fled Ukraine amid Russia's invasion shouldn't return until spring, the government warned. Ukraine's energy infrastructure has been under relentless attack from Russia, and it "will not cope" if everyone comes home, Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk warned, per the BBC. "If it is possible, stay abroad for the time being," she said. "We need to survive the winter," and "the situation will only get worse" if the energy system is overtaxed. "To return now is to risk yourself and your children, your vulnerable relatives," she said. As much as 40% of the power system has been damaged in attacks, and more than a million households are without power, Al Jazeera reports.

Russia is pushing to up its weapons production as well as produce other supplies needed by its troops, Al Jazeera reports. Vladimir Putin chaired a new committee Tuesday aimed at speeding up production and delivery of supplies including weapons, and he said Russia must "gain higher tempo in all areas." Reports suggest the military is short on supplies, with troops sometimes needing to use old equipment that isn't always in good working order. Ammunition is also said to be running low. Meanwhile, the WHO warned Tuesday that at least 10 million Ukrainians will require psychosocial support due to the war, NBC News reports: "This includes women and girls suffering sexual violence and other forms of gender-based violence, children hearing warning sirens daily, families who have been separated, or people just trying to survive every day." (More Russia-Ukraine war stories.)