Russian missile strikes kill civilians and Ukrainian soldiers await Patriot missiles

Ukraine is set to receive the Patriot air defense system from the US after Russian missile strikes on Sloviansk killed 11 people. The delivery of the system was expected after Easter, according to Ukrainian air force spokesperson Yuriy Ihnat. The country is preparing for an expected spring counter-offensive to retake Russian-occupied areas of the country. Germany and the Netherlands have also pledged to provide a Patriot system each to Ukraine, while France and Italy have pledged a SAMP/T anti-missile system. A new law signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday allows military offices to send draft notices electronically instead of delivering them in person, which the UK Defense Ministry said is part of Russia’s preparation for a protracted war in Ukraine.