Summary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine: reported deaths so far, reactions, the Dominican Republic's position, and projections of economic consequences for the country and the world; also, the country will expand the Duarte Highway section at kilometer 9 to 14 lanes, approve regulations for the Organic Law of the National Police, and arrest Mary Louise Ventura for alleged attempted murder of dancer Patricia Ascusiati.

RUSSIA/UKRAINE CONFLICT

Zelensky says 137 Ukrainians died on the first day of the war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported today that 137 Ukrainians have died on the first day of the Russian attack on the country. "According to preliminary data, we have sadly lost 137 of our heroes, our citizens, ten of them officers. 316 were wounded," the president said in a new address to the nation.

Russia's attack on Ukraine will impact the country's economy

The president of the board of directors of the Dominican Petroleum Refinery PDV (Refidomsa), Leonardo Aguilera, said that if the conflict between Russia and Ukraine intensifies, the Dominican Republic and other non-oil-producing countries would see their pricing systems affected. Speaking to the press during a mass at the institution, Aguilera indicated that the Dominican Republic's oil reserves will not last more than 30 to 45 days and that very few countries have reserves that last that long. 

Abinader accuses Vladimir Putin of being interventionist

President Luis Abinader spoke out against Vladimir Putin's military invasion of Ukraine on Thursday, stating that the Russian president's actions demonstrate a lack of respect for the Ukrainian people's identity in all its aspects. "This action shows that President Putin does not respect the political, cultural, and territorial identity of the Ukrainian people, violating their internationally recognized borders and interfering in the internal affairs of that country, in blatant violation of international law," the president said in a statement.

Faced with the effects of the war in Ukraine, industrialists are focusing on jobs and prioritizing investments

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine is impacting virtually the entire spectrum of raw materials due to its effects on oil. "Oil affects raw materials such as plastics, chemicals, and petrochemicals; but not only that, it also affects transportation," stated Celso Juan Marranzini, president of the Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic (AIRD). He added that it also has a direct impact on food prices.

Biden promises to release oil reserves to protect against the impact of rising prices

US President Joe Biden pledged yesterday to release oil from the strategic reserve if necessary to protect consumers from the impact of rising prices. Prices are soaring due to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and the prospect of disruptions to Russian supply. Washington will "release additional barrels of oil when conditions warrant it," Biden said, noting that "Americans are already feeling the pinch.".

Experts foresee strong inflationary effects; IMF and World Bank warn of the global impact of the war in Ukraine

Geopolitical and international trade experts Luis González and Iván Gatón agree that the war in Ukraine will have a very negative impact on economies like the Dominican Republic's, due to their high dependence on crude oil, refined products, and other inputs. The new conflict, involving Russia and the United States, which, along with Ukraine, are three countries that send tourists to the Dominican Republic and supply grains and other agricultural raw materials, both metallic and non-metallic, will have a direct negative impact.

While World Bank and IMF leaders indicated yesterday that they are ready to assist Ukraine and warned that Russia's invasion will have repercussions for the global economic recovery, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said she was "deeply concerned" about the consequences of the fighting in Ukraine and warned in a tweet that the conflict "adds a significant economic risk to the region and the world.". 

Ukrainians in Las Terrenas are calling for an end to Russian attacks on their country

In response to Russia's attacks on Ukraine since early Thursday morning, Ukrainian citizens in the Dominican Republic took to the streets of Las Terrenas, Samaná province, demanding a ceasefire in their country.

The section of the Duarte highway at kilometer 9 will be widened to 14 lanes.

President Luis Abinader yesterday inaugurated the expansion works on the Duarte Highway, in the section at kilometer 9, where the road will be widened from 8 to 14 lanes, an action that is part of the Executive Project for Road Solutions in this important land communication route of the country and its connection with the city of Santo Domingo.

Approves regulations Organic Law of the PN

President Luis Abinader yesterday led a meeting with the Superior Police Council, where several regulations concerning the application of the Organic Law of the National Police were approved, such as the proportional use of force, among other regulations.

Mary and Louise Ventura arrested for alleged attempted murder of dancer Patricia Ascusiati

The Public Ministry arrested María Luisa (Mary Louise) Ventura Garrido yesterday, accusing her of attempted murder against dancer and actress Patricia Antonia Ascusiati Domínguez, who is receiving medical attention at a health center in this capital, after being run over by the accused on the Duarte Highway.

Sources: Listín Diario,Diario Libre, Hoy, El Día.