LONDON — European stocks are expected to open higher Thursday as investors keep an eye on developments in the war between Russia and Ukraine.

United Kingdom’s FTSEIndex is 16 points higher in the opening at 7.636, Germany. DAX 45 points higher at 14,392, France’s CAC 40 up 14 points at 6,638 and Italy’s FTSE MIBData from IG shows that 24,545 is 12 points higher

While the war in Ukraine is still a major concern for European market participants, the second phase of conflict, which will focus on the Donbas in eastern Ukraine now, has begun.

Russia issued a new order for Mariupol’s destruction, where hundreds of civilians and Ukrainian troops are sheltered in the Azovstal Steel Plant. Despite Russia’s intensifying bombardment in the Donbas, Ukrainian officials continue to demand more weapons support and quicker delivery.

Antonio Guterres (United Nations Secretary-General) asked Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, and Volodymyr Zeleskyy, the Ukrainian President, if they wanted to have meetings in their respective capitals.

U.S. stock futuresIn overnight trading, the stock rose after investors absorbed more quarterly reports by United Airlines and Tesla. The weekly unemployment claims for Thursday are scheduled to be published on Thursday.

Overnight, Asia-Pacific shares were mixed because investors continued to monitor China’s Covid-19 situation and moves in Japanese yen.

As the Chinese mainland struggles to cope with the worst Covid outbreak since 2020, investors are keeping an eye out for any signs of support. It is strict zero-Covid policy has raised questions about China’s economic outlook.

— CNBC.com staff contributed to this market report.