Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ordered the evacuation of the Donetsk region, where the fight against Russian forces continues at full force.
Driving the news: It was reported earlier this week that the Biden administration was exchanging Russian national Viktor Bout — currently serving a 25-year prison sentence for supplying weapons to a terrorist organization and conspiring to kill Americans — for Griner and Whelan's release.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) did not include Taiwan in her official itinerary for the congressional delegation she is leading to Asia.
The big picture: President Joe Biden and military officials have warned against traveling to the island nation, as the Chinese government has threatened to take "strong and resolute measures" in response to such a trip.
Driving the news: The International Committee of the Red Cross said in a statement that it had formally requested access to the prison in Olenivka, a settlement in the separatist-controlled Donetsk province.
China announced Saturday it would conduct military exercises off the coast opposite Taiwan amid rising concern that Beijing may invade the self-governing island sooner than expected, per the Associated Press.
Driving the news: The announcement comes as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi is poised to visit Taiwan. Chinese President Xi Jinping earlier this week warned President Biden not to "play with fire" over the democratic island.
