UKRAINE’S FLAG (Shutterstock).

As the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine nears on Feb. 24, the invaders appear to be failing in their efforts to seize the stronghold of Vuhledar.

According to The New York Times, Russian forces have suffered heavy casualties including not just killed and wounded but in terms of soldiers captured by the defenders.

British and American sources say that Russia is employing between 80 and 97 percent of its army in Ukraine, but is still sustaining high numbers of losses of personnel and equipment.

Russian forces are doing somewhat better in their siege of the city of Bakhmut, and a Ukrainian withdrawal from there is considered possible.

One dead in El Paso mall shooting

A SUSPECT has been arrested in connection a shooting at an El Paso mall.

One person is dead and three wounded in a shooting at a shopping mall in El Paso, Texas on Wednesday. According to United Press International, a suspect has been taken into custody.

The shootings took place around 5:10 p.m. local time. The condition of the three wounded persons was not immediately known.

Also in the news … Raquel Welch, a leading sex symbol of the 60s and 70s, has died at 82 after what was called a short illness.

Sports: Vikings advance to CIF semis

Marina High’s girls’ soccer team advanced to the CIF-SS Division 3 semifinals on Wednesday with a 7-6 shootout win over the Ayala Bulldogs of Chino Hills.

The game was scoreless in regulation time.

The Vikings, now 10-5-6, will visit Bishop Amat (23-3-3) on Friday at 3:30 p.m.

Tonight, the Los Angeles Lakers are playing the New Orleans Pelicans and the Anaheim Ducks are taking on the Buffalo Sabres. Check back for final results.

Weather: Clouds and then sun

It’s clouds for the West Orange County area until the weekend, according to the forecast. Thursday should partly cloudy with a daytime high of 68 and an overnight low of 46. Friday is cloudy with a high of 68 with a low of 47. Mostly sunny skies are seen for Saturday though Monday, with highs in the 67-68 range and lows from 44 to 47.