France's foreign ministry said on Thursday that the opportunity to reach a deal on reviving the 2015 nuclear accord between Iran and world powers was closing and called on all sides to take a responsible approach to reach an agreement.

"We are very close to an agreement, but the window of opportunity is closing," Foreign ministry spokeswoman Anne-Claire Legendre told reporters in a daily briefing.

"We are concerned about the risks that additional delays pose to the possibility of concluding. Together with our E3 partners, we call on all parties to take a responsible approach and make the decisions necessary to conclude this agreement."

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A historic nuclear deal was reached between Iran and world powers in 2015 but former US President Donald Trump took US out of the deal in 2018, putting the entire agreement in jeopardy.

Meanwhile, Iran on Thursday accused the United States of working to "complicate" efforts to restore a 2015 nuclear deal, after new Russian demands linked to its invasion of Ukraine raised concerns of further delays.

It came on the day Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say in major state policies, stressed that his country will not give up on elements of "national strength", such as nuclear progress and regional influence

"Vienna negotiations are becoming more complicated every hour without a political decision by the United States," Iran's top security official Ali Shamkhani tweeted on Thursday.

(With inputs from agencies)

France's foreign ministry said on Thursday that the opportunity to reach a deal on reviving the 2015 nuclear accord between Iran and world powers was closing and called on all sides to take a responsible approach to reach an agreement.

France's foreign ministry said on Thursday that the opportunity to reach a deal on reviving the 2015 nuclear accord between Iran and world powers was closing and called on all sides to take a responsible approach to reach an agreement. "We are very close to an agreement, but the window of opportunity is closing," Foreign ministry spokeswoman Anne-Claire Legendre told reporters in a daily briefing. "We are concerned about the risks that additional delays pose to the possibility of concluding. Together with our E3 partners, we call on all parties to take a responsible approach and make the decisions necessary to conclude this agreement." × A historic nuclear deal was reached between Iran and world powers in 2015 but former US President Donald Trump took US out of the deal in 2018, putting the entire agreement in jeopardy. Meanwhile, Iran on Thursday accused the United States of working to "complicate" efforts to restore a 2015 nuclear deal, after new Russian demands linked to its invasion of Ukraine raised concerns of further delays. It came on the day Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say in major state policies, stressed that his country will not give up on elements of "national strength", such as nuclear progress and regional influence "Vienna negotiations are becoming more complicated every hour without a political decision by the United States," Iran's top security official Ali Shamkhani tweeted on Thursday. (With inputs from agencies)

Window to revive Iran nuclear deal closing, says France

Everybody is a brave warrior till a cockroach starts flying. Or even a spider jumps at&nbsp;you. Almighty has been merciful enough on us mortals by not bestowing the ability to fly upon spiders.

But instead, spiders have a scary ability to unexpectedly jump. You may have experienced this when you were trying to be a knight armed with rolled newspaper trying to crush a spider. Just when you think the spider is within your range, a sudden jump, and you forget you were the aggressor.

If a new study is to be believed, spiders do that by riding waves of electricity.&nbsp;

A study was conducted by researchers at the University of Bristol in 2018. The study said that electric field generated due to weather activity was capable of drag a single electrostatically-charged strand of web (and the spider) off the ground (yikes!)

In new research, scientists used a modeling to see how a single strand of web might interact with electric field in the atmosphere.

The researchers were from Notre Dame University-Louaize in Lebanon and from the University of California.

The simulation showed that repulsion between the negative charge of the threads of webbing slowed the ascent of the threads and help in ballooning of the web. Ballooning refers to ability of the spider to remain in air by secreting threads of webbing.

Everybody is a brave warrior till a cockroach starts flying. Or even a spider jumps at you. Almighty has been merciful enough on us mortals by not bestowing the ability to fly upon spiders.

Everybody is a brave warrior till a cockroach starts flying. Or even a spider jumps at you. Almighty has been merciful enough on us mortals by not bestowing the ability to fly upon spiders. But instead, spiders have a scary ability to unexpectedly jump. You may have experienced this when you were trying to be a knight armed with rolled newspaper trying to crush a spider. Just when you think the spider is within your range, a sudden jump, and you forget you were the aggressor. If a new study is to be believed, spiders do that by riding waves of electricity. A study was conducted by researchers at the University of Bristol in 2018. The study said that electric field generated due to weather activity was capable of drag a single electrostatically-charged strand of web (and the spider) off the ground (yikes!) In new research, scientists used a modeling to see how a single strand of web might interact with electric field in the atmosphere. The researchers were from Notre Dame University-Louaize in Lebanon and from the University of California. The simulation showed that repulsion between the negative charge of the threads of webbing slowed the ascent of the threads and help in ballooning of the web. Ballooning refers to ability of the spider to remain in air by secreting threads of webbing.

Spiders 'fly' using electric field, you are allowed to be scared and ask 'WHY'?

We normally associate bubbles with water (or with soap, we know you do!). But bubbles in space? That's a bit of a bouncer for most of us. How can a bubble form in space when there is no air? It seems illogical.

But scientists are trying to explain bubbles originating from our Milky Way Galaxy. These bubbles are bigger than your bathroom. Bigger than Earth for that matter and are originating due to jets of energy emanating from the centre of the galaxy

These bubbles are being formed due to powerful jets originating from a supermassive black hole that is at the centre of our galaxy.

To put things in perspective, the supermassive black hole at the centre of our galaxy is 4 million times more massive than the Sun. It literally holds the entire galaxy together with its gravity.

There are two bubbles of very hot gas emanating form the centre of our galaxy. Black holes gobble up material to the extent that even light cannot escape from it. At the same time, black holes spew out powerful jets of material nearly at the speed of light.

The study about the bubbles says that jets that caused them to formed started spewing out material 2.6 million years ago.

The bubbles are really huge in size. They are 36,000 light-years tall. Study about these bubbles has been carried out by scientists including those from University of Michigan.

Astronomer Mateusz Ruszkowski, a co-author of the study, said, “There are two competing models that explain these bubbles, called Fermi and eRosita bubbles after the telescopes that named them. The first suggests that the outflow is driven by a nuclear starburst, in which a star explodes in a supernova and expels material. The second model, which the team’s findings support, suggests that these outflows are driven by energy thrown out from a supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy.”

Hw was quoted by Tech Explorist. The study has been published in journal Nature Astronomy.

We normally associate bubbles with water (or with soap, we know you do!). But bubbles in space? That's a bit of a bouncer for most of us. How can a bubble form in space when there is no air?

We normally associate bubbles with water (or with soap, we know you do!). But bubbles in space? That's a bit of a bouncer for most of us. How can a bubble form in space when there is no air? It seems illogical. But scientists are trying to explain bubbles originating from our Milky Way Galaxy. These bubbles are bigger than your bathroom. Bigger than Earth for that matter and are originating due to jets of energy emanating from the centre of the galaxy These bubbles are being formed due to powerful jets originating from a supermassive black hole that is at the centre of our galaxy. To put things in perspective, the supermassive black hole at the centre of our galaxy is 4 million times more massive than the Sun. It literally holds the entire galaxy together with its gravity. There are two bubbles of very hot gas emanating form the centre of our galaxy. Black holes gobble up material to the extent that even light cannot escape from it. At the same time, black holes spew out powerful jets of material nearly at the speed of light. The study about the bubbles says that jets that caused them to formed started spewing out material 2.6 million years ago. The bubbles are really huge in size. They are 36,000 light-years tall. Study about these bubbles has been carried out by scientists including those from University of Michigan. Astronomer Mateusz Ruszkowski, a co-author of the study, said, “There are two competing models that explain these bubbles, called Fermi and eRosita bubbles after the telescopes that named them. The first suggests that the outflow is driven by a nuclear starburst, in which a star explodes in a supernova and expels material. The second model, which the team’s findings support, suggests that these outflows are driven by energy thrown out from a supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy.” Hw was quoted by Tech Explorist. The study has been published in journal Nature Astronomy.

Powerful jets from black hole have formed bubbles at centre of Milky Way Galaxy

Elon Musk's space venture SpaceX on Wednesday launched 48 Starlink satellites. The satellites were launched into the orbit by a two-stage Falcon 9. The launch took place from Cape Canaveral Space Force station in Florida at 8:45 am local time.

"Another 48 Starlinks just reached orbit," Musk said in a tweet.

During a live stream of the launch, SpaceX`s launch director said: "Time to let the American broomstick fly and hear the sounds of freedom."

The jibe was directed at Russian space agency chief Dmitry Rogozin, who had last week said "let them fly on something else, their broomsticks", after Russia halted sales of its rocket engines to US launch providers amid economic sanctions following that country`s invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

According to SpaceX, Wednesday`s launch marked the fourth flight and landing for its particular Falcon 9 first stage, Space.com reported.

Starlink is the giant constellation of broadband satellites that SpaceX is assembling in low Earth orbit.

The company has already launched more than 2,000 Starlink craft since 2019, and many more will go up in the relatively near future.

SpaceX has permission to launch 12,000 Starlink satellites and has applied for approval for up to 30,000 more, the report said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk's space venture SpaceX on Wednesday launched 48 Starlink satellites. The satellites were launched into the orbit by a two-stage Falcon 9. The launch took place from Cape Canaveral Space Force station in Florida at 8:45 am local time.

Elon Musk's space venture SpaceX on Wednesday launched 48 Starlink satellites. The satellites were launched into the orbit by a two-stage Falcon 9. The launch took place from Cape Canaveral Space Force station in Florida at 8:45 am local time. "Another 48 Starlinks just reached orbit," Musk said in a tweet. During a live stream of the launch, SpaceX`s launch director said: "Time to let the American broomstick fly and hear the sounds of freedom." The jibe was directed at Russian space agency chief Dmitry Rogozin, who had last week said "let them fly on something else, their broomsticks", after Russia halted sales of its rocket engines to US launch providers amid economic sanctions following that country`s invasion of Ukraine on February 24. According to SpaceX, Wednesday`s launch marked the fourth flight and landing for its particular Falcon 9 first stage, Space.com reported. Starlink is the giant constellation of broadband satellites that SpaceX is assembling in low Earth orbit. The company has already launched more than 2,000 Starlink craft since 2019, and many more will go up in the relatively near future. SpaceX has permission to launch 12,000 Starlink satellites and has applied for approval for up to 30,000 more, the report said. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk's SpaceX launches 48 Starlink satellites

UK said on Tuesday that it had taken decision to phase out oil imports from Russia by the end of 2022. The decision has been taken in line with new sanctions announced by the US on Russia. The US has put a ban on import of Russian oil.

"This transition will give the market, businesses and supply chains more than enough time to replace Russian imports -– which make up 8.0 percent of UK demand," Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng tweeted.&nbsp;

The oil sanction does not apply to Russian natural gas, which accounts for some four percent of UK supply. But Kwarteng said he was "exploring options to end this altogether".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-bans-us-import-of-russian-oil-global-economy-to-face-heat-460356">Joe Biden bans US import of Russian oil, global economy to face heat?</a>

The announcement came in coordination with an embargo on Russian oil announced by US President Joe Biden.

It risks exacerbating a cost-of-living crisis in Britain, with prices of petrol and diesel already surging amid market turmoil following energy-rich Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

But Kwarteng said most of Britain's crude oil imports come from "reliable partners" such as the United States, the Netherlands and Gulf states.&nbsp;

"We'll work with them this year to secure further supplies," he said.

"The market has already begun to ostracise Russian oil, with nearly 70 percent of it currently unable to find a buyer," the business minister added.

Kwarteng announced a new government taskforce on oil to help companies transition away from Russian oil.

British dockers at a facility in northwest England on Saturday refused to unload Russian oil from a tanker, calling for the government to close a "loophole" in sanctions allowing deliveries from foreign-flagged ships.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

UK said on Tuesday that it had taken decision to phase out oil imports from Russia by the end of 2022. The decision has been taken in line with new sanctions announced by the US on Russia.

UK said on Tuesday that it had taken decision to phase out oil imports from Russia by the end of 2022. The decision has been taken in line with new sanctions announced by the US on Russia. The US has put a ban on import of Russian oil. "This transition will give the market, businesses and supply chains more than enough time to replace Russian imports -– which make up 8.0 percent of UK demand," Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng tweeted. The oil sanction does not apply to Russian natural gas, which accounts for some four percent of UK supply. But Kwarteng said he was "exploring options to end this altogether". Also Read | Joe Biden bans US import of Russian oil, global economy to face heat? The announcement came in coordination with an embargo on Russian oil announced by US President Joe Biden. It risks exacerbating a cost-of-living crisis in Britain, with prices of petrol and diesel already surging amid market turmoil following energy-rich Russia's aggression against Ukraine. But Kwarteng said most of Britain's crude oil imports come from "reliable partners" such as the United States, the Netherlands and Gulf states. "We'll work with them this year to secure further supplies," he said. "The market has already begun to ostracise Russian oil, with nearly 70 percent of it currently unable to find a buyer," the business minister added. Kwarteng announced a new government taskforce on oil to help companies transition away from Russian oil. British dockers at a facility in northwest England on Saturday refused to unload Russian oil from a tanker, calling for the government to close a "loophole" in sanctions allowing deliveries from foreign-flagged ships. (With inputs from agencies)

UK to phase out Russian oil by year-end

Pokemon has a cult status. Fans all overworld swear by the cartoon series and games and merchandise it has spawned. But how crazy a person can get to fulfill the need to revel in the fandom? Well it seems there's no limit.

An American man used USD 57,000&nbsp;from the coronavirus relief loan on a collectible Pokemon card. Moreover, he had obtained the loan illegally. The man by the name Vinath Oudomsine, who bought the expensive card is resident of Georgia in the USA. David Estes, the acting US attorney of the southern district of Georgia said in a news release that Oudomsine agreed to forfeit the extremely costly card as a plea agreement.&nbsp;

The card had the Pokemon Charizard on it.

31-year-old Oudomsine pleaded guilty in October. The charges against him were of wire fraud. Prosecutors reportedly said that he submitted false information to US Small Business Administration. Vinath Oudomsine had applied for a Covid-19 relief loan. He sought the loan for what he called "entertainment service". He claimed that he owned such a business.

Prosecutors also said that Vinath Oudomsine lied about how many people he employed as he did for his business' annual revenue.

He received USD 85,000 from the loan program. Prosecutors say that he used USD 57,789 to buy a Charizard Pokemon card. 
Oudomsine has been handed a jail sentence of three years.

Pokemon has a cult status. Fans all overworld swear by the cartoon series and games and merchandise it has spawned. But how crazy a person can get to fulfill the need to revel in the fandom?

Pokemon has a cult status. Fans all overworld swear by the cartoon series and games and merchandise it has spawned. But how crazy a person can get to fulfill the need to revel in the fandom? Well it seems there's no limit. An American man used USD 57,000 from the coronavirus relief loan on a collectible Pokemon card. Moreover, he had obtained the loan illegally. The man by the name Vinath Oudomsine, who bought the expensive card is resident of Georgia in the USA. David Estes, the acting US attorney of the southern district of Georgia said in a news release that Oudomsine agreed to forfeit the extremely costly card as a plea agreement. The card had the Pokemon Charizard on it. 31-year-old Oudomsine pleaded guilty in October. The charges against him were of wire fraud. Prosecutors reportedly said that he submitted false information to US Small Business Administration. Vinath Oudomsine had applied for a Covid-19 relief loan. He sought the loan for what he called "entertainment service". He claimed that he owned such a business. Prosecutors also said that Vinath Oudomsine lied about how many people he employed as he did for his business' annual revenue. He received USD 85,000 from the loan program. Prosecutors say that he used USD 57,789 to buy a Charizard Pokemon card. Oudomsine has been handed a jail sentence of three years.

American man uses Covid relief loan to buy $57k Pokemon card, jailed

A few years ago, after I gave a talk in a small Polish town, an old man sidled up to the table where I sat. “In what language do you dream?” he asked. “In all the languages I speak,” I answered honestly (I’m basically trilingual). “You are a person,” he replied with a slight note of condemnation, “without identity.”

I smiled. His comment was not unusual: I’d heard a version of it many times in the years since I settled in Poland. There was, apparently, only one proper way of being Polish and only one way of pronouncing Polish words. But there was something he, like other Poles reared with a narrow sense of national identity, didn’t understand. I am from Ukraine — and Ukrainian identity is porous, inclusive, multilayered and, crucially, a work in progress.

If Poles didn’t know that then, they’ll get a chance to find out now. More than a million Ukrainians, under brutal attack from Russia, have crossed the border into Poland. Waiting with their children and old relatives in long, slow lines, they said tearful farewells to their husbands and sons and stepped into a new life. It is a tragic upheaval.

My own experience when I left Ukraine almost 20 years ago, by contrast, was not painful at all. There was no war and I was not a refugee. I realize how lucky I am. But I know what it’s like to leave your home and country behind, and to start anew. And I can say that the departure, however final it seems, is never forever. You carry both within you, always. They are a constant presence, sometimes near, sometimes far, lighting up the path to the future.

I was born in Lviv in 1978. Then in the Soviet Union, the city had belonged to Poland for about 400 years and been a place where Poles, Ukrainians, Jews and Armenians lived side by side. In my youth, I was suffused with this borderland identity and thought of myself as existing at the intersection of cultures, never fully beholden to one. So when the Soviet Union fell, I wasn’t very interested in the new Ukrainian state. Instead, I longed to see Paris, Rome and Madrid, with their churches and museums, even if it meant half-starving, sleeping in parks and hitchhiking.

After my travels, I wanted to settle somewhere — and chose Poland, fulfilling my grandmother’s dream of living in the country. I didn’t even call it emigration: My hometown, after all, was only about 185 miles away. But after Poland joined the European Union in 2004, the border between the two countries, previously so easily passed, was garlanded with barbed wire. To get into the country, Ukrainians had to wait in a special line, much longer than E.U. citizens.

I began to dream about the abolition of the border. If Ukraine joined the European Union, say, I would be able to cherish once more my borderland identity — and things could look a bit like the Second Polish Republic, the interwar state where Poles, Ukrainians and other nationalities lived side by side. It was not, of course, an idyll: The Polish state dealt harshly with minorities, and Ukrainians who wanted to study in their own language or practice their religion faced oppression. Between Ukraine and Poland, there are still many “no-go areas.”

At the time, I didn’t really think of myself as Ukrainian. I was from Lviv, spoke Russian, Polish and Ukrainian, and lived in Poland: That seemed like enough. But as I was dreaming about the border falling between us, the Orange Revolution — a series of protests that expressed not only Ukrainians’ opposition to corruption but also, more profoundly perhaps, their European longings — broke out in Ukraine in 2004. At a solidarity demonstration in Krakow, I found myself, for the first time in my life, holding the blue-and-yellow flag. It was, my friend said, the conception of my Ukrainian identity.

For the next decade or so, it went no further. I have relatives and friends on both sides of the border, and I was regularly here and there. I followed events in Ukraine at a distance, as if wary of what could come from full immersion. I knew some educated, talented young Ukrainians who tried to build the new country. After a couple of years they were broken, burned out and bitterly disappointed by corruption that seemed to be unconquerable. In Poland, meanwhile, I continued to build a life for myself. I married, had children and worked away at my first novel, inspired in part by the colorful Ukrainian revolution.

Then another revolution spilled out onto Kyiv’s streets. Based at the Maidan, the city’s central square, protesters bravely demanded the government reverse its decision to abandon an association agreement with Europe and commit to a pro-Western path. Across five fateful days in February 2014 things turned violent, and peaceful demonstrators — about 100 of them — were killed. This, which became known as the Revolution of Dignity, gave birth to my Ukrainian identity. During those days I started to call myself Ukrainian for the first time.

I was joined by hundreds of thousands of my compatriots, who moved to Poland in the aftermath of the protests and Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Taxi drivers, hairdressers, doctors and teachers started to make the harsh rustling sound of the Polish language lingering and melodious. The historical taboos were still there, but so were love affairs, business deals and newborn Ukrainian Polish children. The strict E.U. border was still there, but the spirit of a renewed Second Polish Republic was hovering in the air, too.

Now the mingling and melding of the two countries has reached new levels. From the first day of Russia’s invasion, my mobile phone has been ringing almost without interruption. There was hardly one Polish friend or acquaintance who didn’t express solidarity or wasn’t ready to invite refugees to their home, not one who didn’t want to drive, to feed, to heal, to give, to support. It has been an astounding outpouring of fellow feeling. It was like the fever of a new love: Ukrainians flags were suddenly everywhere.

The border has changed, too. These days Ukrainians can cross it without documents, without Covid tests. They can bring their pets with them. They can make free calls and have free train tickets. When they cross the border, all the doors in Poland are open for them. Poles have even started to translate their cartoons into Ukrainian — to help refugee kids to laugh and relax after nights spent listening to air-raid sirens.

The very meaning of the word “Ukrainian” is changing in Poland. It used to contain such nuances as, for example, “the Easterner” or “the village man” or even “wild man.” Now it sounds different. When the word is uttered, I hear “the brave warrior” and “our brother.” For those leaving their lives behind, under the pressure of bombardment and attack, the fraternal salute seems exactly right. 
&nbsp;

A few years ago, after I gave a talk in a small Polish town, an old man sidled up to the table where I sat. “In what language do you dream?” he asked. “In all the languages I speak,” I answered honestly (I’m basically trilingual).

A few years ago, after I gave a talk in a small Polish town, an old man sidled up to the table where I sat. “In what language do you dream?” he asked. “In all the languages I speak,” I answered honestly (I’m basically trilingual). “You are a person,” he replied with a slight note of condemnation, “without identity.” I smiled. His comment was not unusual: I’d heard a version of it many times in the years since I settled in Poland. There was, apparently, only one proper way of being Polish and only one way of pronouncing Polish words. But there was something he, like other Poles reared with a narrow sense of national identity, didn’t understand. I am from Ukraine — and Ukrainian identity is porous, inclusive, multilayered and, crucially, a work in progress. If Poles didn’t know that then, they’ll get a chance to find out now. More than a million Ukrainians, under brutal attack from Russia, have crossed the border into Poland. Waiting with their children and old relatives in long, slow lines, they said tearful farewells to their husbands and sons and stepped into a new life. It is a tragic upheaval. My own experience when I left Ukraine almost 20 years ago, by contrast, was not painful at all. There was no war and I was not a refugee. I realize how lucky I am. But I know what it’s like to leave your home and country behind, and to start anew. And I can say that the departure, however final it seems, is never forever. You carry both within you, always. They are a constant presence, sometimes near, sometimes far, lighting up the path to the future. I was born in Lviv in 1978. Then in the Soviet Union, the city had belonged to Poland for about 400 years and been a place where Poles, Ukrainians, Jews and Armenians lived side by side. In my youth, I was suffused with this borderland identity and thought of myself as existing at the intersection of cultures, never fully beholden to one. So when the Soviet Union fell, I wasn’t very interested in the new Ukrainian state. Instead, I longed to see Paris, Rome and Madrid, with their churches and museums, even if it meant half-starving, sleeping in parks and hitchhiking. After my travels, I wanted to settle somewhere — and chose Poland, fulfilling my grandmother’s dream of living in the country. I didn’t even call it emigration: My hometown, after all, was only about 185 miles away. But after Poland joined the European Union in 2004, the border between the two countries, previously so easily passed, was garlanded with barbed wire. To get into the country, Ukrainians had to wait in a special line, much longer than E.U. citizens. I began to dream about the abolition of the border. If Ukraine joined the European Union, say, I would be able to cherish once more my borderland identity — and things could look a bit like the Second Polish Republic, the interwar state where Poles, Ukrainians and other nationalities lived side by side. It was not, of course, an idyll: The Polish state dealt harshly with minorities, and Ukrainians who wanted to study in their own language or practice their religion faced oppression. Between Ukraine and Poland, there are still many “no-go areas.” At the time, I didn’t really think of myself as Ukrainian. I was from Lviv, spoke Russian, Polish and Ukrainian, and lived in Poland: That seemed like enough. But as I was dreaming about the border falling between us, the Orange Revolution — a series of protests that expressed not only Ukrainians’ opposition to corruption but also, more profoundly perhaps, their European longings — broke out in Ukraine in 2004. At a solidarity demonstration in Krakow, I found myself, for the first time in my life, holding the blue-and-yellow flag. It was, my friend said, the conception of my Ukrainian identity. For the next decade or so, it went no further. I have relatives and friends on both sides of the border, and I was regularly here and there. I followed events in Ukraine at a distance, as if wary of what could come from full immersion. I knew some educated, talented young Ukrainians who tried to build the new country. After a couple of years they were broken, burned out and bitterly disappointed by corruption that seemed to be unconquerable. In Poland, meanwhile, I continued to build a life for myself. I married, had children and worked away at my first novel, inspired in part by the colorful Ukrainian revolution. Then another revolution spilled out onto Kyiv’s streets. Based at the Maidan, the city’s central square, protesters bravely demanded the government reverse its decision to abandon an association agreement with Europe and commit to a pro-Western path. Across five fateful days in February 2014 things turned violent, and peaceful demonstrators — about 100 of them — were killed. This, which became known as the Revolution of Dignity, gave birth to my Ukrainian identity. During those days I started to call myself Ukrainian for the first time. I was joined by hundreds of thousands of my compatriots, who moved to Poland in the aftermath of the protests and Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Taxi drivers, hairdressers, doctors and teachers started to make the harsh rustling sound of the Polish language lingering and melodious. The historical taboos were still there, but so were love affairs, business deals and newborn Ukrainian Polish children. The strict E.U. border was still there, but the spirit of a renewed Second Polish Republic was hovering in the air, too. Now the mingling and melding of the two countries has reached new levels. From the first day of Russia’s invasion, my mobile phone has been ringing almost without interruption. There was hardly one Polish friend or acquaintance who didn’t express solidarity or wasn’t ready to invite refugees to their home, not one who didn’t want to drive, to feed, to heal, to give, to support. It has been an astounding outpouring of fellow feeling. It was like the fever of a new love: Ukrainians flags were suddenly everywhere. The border has changed, too. These days Ukrainians can cross it without documents, without Covid tests. They can bring their pets with them. They can make free calls and have free train tickets. When they cross the border, all the doors in Poland are open for them. Poles have even started to translate their cartoons into Ukrainian — to help refugee kids to laugh and relax after nights spent listening to air-raid sirens. The very meaning of the word “Ukrainian” is changing in Poland. It used to contain such nuances as, for example, “the Easterner” or “the village man” or even “wild man.” Now it sounds different. When the word is uttered, I hear “the brave warrior” and “our brother.” For those leaving their lives behind, under the pressure of bombardment and attack, the fraternal salute seems exactly right.

I left Ukraine 20 years ago. But it never left me

Ukraine alleged on Wednesday that Russia bombed a children's hospital in port city of Mariupol. As per Ukraine, the bombing in the besieged city took place during a supposed ceasefire that was meant to facilitate escape of hundreds thousands of civilions in the city.

Russia had said it would hold fire to let civilians flee Mariupol and other besieged cities on Wednesday. But the city council said the hospital had been hit several times.

"The destruction is colossal," it said in an online post.

President Volodymr Zelenskiy called it an "atrocity".

"Direct strike of Russian troops at the maternity hospital. People, children are under the wreckage," he said on Twitter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Mariupol. Direct strike of Russian troops at the maternity hospital. People, children are under the wreckage. Atrocity! How much longer will the world be an accomplice ignoring terror? Close the sky right now! Stop the killings! You have power but you seem to be losing humanity. <a href="https://t.co/FoaNdbKH5k">pic.twitter.com/FoaNdbKH5k</a>
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1501579520633102349?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, asked by Reuters for comment on the reported bombing, said: "Russian forces do not fire on civilian targets."

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry posted video footage of what appeared to be the badly damaged building of what it said was the children's and maternity hospital.

The footage showed holes where windows should have been in a three-storey building at the hospital, and huge piles of rubble, some of it smouldering. Officials said they did not yet know any casualty figures. The reports could not immediately be verified.

Earlier Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Russia had broken the ceasefire around the southern port, which lies between Russian-backed separatist areas of eastern Ukraine and Crimea, annexed by Moscow from Ukraine in 2014.

"Russia continues holding hostage over 400,000 people in Mariupol, blocks humanitarian aid and evacuation. Indiscriminate shelling continues," he wrote on Twitter. "Almost 3,000 newborn babies lack medicine and food."

Local officials in other cities said some civilians had left on Wednesday through safe corridors, including out of Sumy in eastern Ukraine and Enerhodar in the south.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine alleged on Wednesday that Russia bombed a children's hospital in port city of Mariupol. As per Ukraine, the bombing in the besieged city took place during a supposed ceasefire that was meant to facilitate escape of hundreds thousands of civilions in the city.

Ukraine alleged on Wednesday that Russia bombed a children's hospital in port city of Mariupol. As per Ukraine, the bombing in the besieged city took place during a supposed ceasefire that was meant to facilitate escape of hundreds thousands of civilions in the city. Russia had said it would hold fire to let civilians flee Mariupol and other besieged cities on Wednesday. But the city council said the hospital had been hit several times. "The destruction is colossal," it said in an online post. President Volodymr Zelenskiy called it an "atrocity". "Direct strike of Russian troops at the maternity hospital. People, children are under the wreckage," he said on Twitter. Mariupol. Direct strike of Russian troops at the maternity hospital. People, children are under the wreckage. Atrocity! How much longer will the world be an accomplice ignoring terror? Close the sky right now! Stop the killings! You have power but you seem to be losing humanity. pic.twitter.com/FoaNdbKH5k — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 9, 2022 × Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, asked by Reuters for comment on the reported bombing, said: "Russian forces do not fire on civilian targets." The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry posted video footage of what appeared to be the badly damaged building of what it said was the children's and maternity hospital. The footage showed holes where windows should have been in a three-storey building at the hospital, and huge piles of rubble, some of it smouldering. Officials said they did not yet know any casualty figures. The reports could not immediately be verified. Earlier Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Russia had broken the ceasefire around the southern port, which lies between Russian-backed separatist areas of eastern Ukraine and Crimea, annexed by Moscow from Ukraine in 2014. "Russia continues holding hostage over 400,000 people in Mariupol, blocks humanitarian aid and evacuation. Indiscriminate shelling continues," he wrote on Twitter. "Almost 3,000 newborn babies lack medicine and food." Local officials in other cities said some civilians had left on Wednesday through safe corridors, including out of Sumy in eastern Ukraine and Enerhodar in the south. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia bombed children's hospital in Mariupol, alleges Ukraine

Several Caribbean countries are cancelling programs by making use of which peple from Russia and Belarus could buy citizenships for large sums, said AFP. These measures are being taken as a step to punish Moscow for invading Ukraine.

The Caribbean countries that are taking these steps are Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda.

Under these Citizenship by investment programs (CBI) people can obtain passports by paying the government at least $100,000 or by investing around $200,000 in government-run real estate development projects.

On the tiny island of Dominica in the eastern Caribbean, for instance, in an email to officials tasked with recruiting rich investors from the coordinator of the program, Emmanuel Nanthan, said scheme is suspended effective immediately "in light of the current conflict in Ukraine" but also to preserve "the credibility" of the program.

In Saint Lucia, "our banking system no longer allows transfers of funds from Russia," the CBI service there said.

"However we will deal with fund transfer requests from bank accounts outside Russia," it added.

Charmaine Donovan, who runs the CBI service in Antigua and Barbuda, said it has been suspended there, too, for people from Russia and its ally Belarus. 
"It is a matter of remaining consistent with the foreign policy position of Antigua and Barbuda," said Donovan.

Caribbean island states were among 141 UN member countries that have condemned the Russian invasion of its pro-Western neighbor Ukraine starting on February 24.

The regional grouping called the Caribbean Community (Caricom) met this month in Belize and also condemned the attack unanimously, but it did not approve any joint sanctions, leaving this up to individual members.

In 2020 the prime minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, said the CBI program there had brought in the equivalent of $440 million in revenue. 
He said the money was used to pay off debt but also to build housing that is more resistant to extreme weather stemming from climate change.

(With inputs from agencies)

Several Caribbean countries are cancelling programs by making use of which peple from Russia and Belarus could buy citizenships for large sums, said AFP. These measures are being taken as a step to punish Moscow for invading Ukraine.

Several Caribbean countries are cancelling programs by making use of which peple from Russia and Belarus could buy citizenships for large sums, said AFP. These measures are being taken as a step to punish Moscow for invading Ukraine. The Caribbean countries that are taking these steps are Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda. Under these Citizenship by investment programs (CBI) people can obtain passports by paying the government at least $100,000 or by investing around $200,000 in government-run real estate development projects. On the tiny island of Dominica in the eastern Caribbean, for instance, in an email to officials tasked with recruiting rich investors from the coordinator of the program, Emmanuel Nanthan, said scheme is suspended effective immediately "in light of the current conflict in Ukraine" but also to preserve "the credibility" of the program. In Saint Lucia, "our banking system no longer allows transfers of funds from Russia," the CBI service there said. "However we will deal with fund transfer requests from bank accounts outside Russia," it added. Charmaine Donovan, who runs the CBI service in Antigua and Barbuda, said it has been suspended there, too, for people from Russia and its ally Belarus. "It is a matter of remaining consistent with the foreign policy position of Antigua and Barbuda," said Donovan. Caribbean island states were among 141 UN member countries that have condemned the Russian invasion of its pro-Western neighbor Ukraine starting on February 24. The regional grouping called the Caribbean Community (Caricom) met this month in Belize and also condemned the attack unanimously, but it did not approve any joint sanctions, leaving this up to individual members. In 2020 the prime minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit, said the CBI program there had brought in the equivalent of $440 million in revenue. He said the money was used to pay off debt but also to build housing that is more resistant to extreme weather stemming from climate change. (With inputs from agencies)

Caribbean countries junk program allowing Russians to buy citizenship

Supreme Court of India on Wednesday (March 9) granted bail to convict for the assassination of country's former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. The court granted AG Perarivalan, the convict, a bail noting that he had spent more than 30 years behind bars.

A bench of Justices L. Nageswara Rao and BR Gavai said: "Taking into account, the appellant has spent more than 30 years of incarceration, he is entitled to be released on bail despite vehement opposition of the Additional Solicitor General (representing the Centre), the appellant is directed to be released on bail."

The bench noted during the hearing that decision on Perarivalan's mercy petition had been delated.&nbsp;

It queried Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, representing the Centre, what is the role of the Governor in sending the remission plea to the President, and does the Governor have any independent discretion in a decision taken by the state cabinet.

The bench also noted that there is sufficient material on record in connection with his conduct during imprisonment, along with his educational qualifications.

Perarivalan was represented by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayan in the apex court. He informed the court that his client was released on parole thrice and there was no complaint regarding his conduct.

The bench also noted the Central government`s submissions that the state government does not have power to take a stand on mercy petition, especially when the death was commuted to life.

Nataraj, opposing bail to Perarivalan, submitted that he has already availed the benefit of a mercy petition once, and his death penalty was commuted to life sentence by the top court in 2014, against the backdrop of delay in considering the mercy petition. He added that his remission application has been submitted before the Governor who, in turn, said the competent authority to decide is the President.

Granting bail to Perarivalan, the bench said it will be subject to the satisfaction of the trial court`s conditions and directed him to report to the local police, during the first week of every month.

In February last year, the Union Home Ministry had informed the Supreme Court that the Tamil Nadu Governor has recorded that the President is the competent authority to deal with the pardon plea of Perarivalan.

Parole to Perarivalan, who has been in jail since his arrest in 1991, was granted and extended by the Tamil Nadu government periodically.

In 2014, the top court had commuted his death penalty, for aiding in making the bomb, which killed Rajiv Gandhi, to life imprisonment on the ground of delay in deciding their mercy petitions.

On various occasions, the Supreme Court had expressed its dissatisfaction over the pendency of the pardon plea of Perarivalan for over two years with the Tamil Nadu Governor. Perarivalan had moved the top court seeking premature release and remit of his sentence. He had also cited the recommendation made by the state government in 2018 for his release.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Supreme Court of India on Wednesday (March 9) granted bail to convict for the assassination of country's former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. The court granted AG Perarivalan, the convict, a bail noting that he had spent more than 30 years behind bars.

Supreme Court of India on Wednesday (March 9) granted bail to convict for the assassination of country's former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. The court granted AG Perarivalan, the convict, a bail noting that he had spent more than 30 years behind bars. A bench of Justices L. Nageswara Rao and BR Gavai said: "Taking into account, the appellant has spent more than 30 years of incarceration, he is entitled to be released on bail despite vehement opposition of the Additional Solicitor General (representing the Centre), the appellant is directed to be released on bail." The bench noted during the hearing that decision on Perarivalan's mercy petition had been delated. It queried Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, representing the Centre, what is the role of the Governor in sending the remission plea to the President, and does the Governor have any independent discretion in a decision taken by the state cabinet. The bench also noted that there is sufficient material on record in connection with his conduct during imprisonment, along with his educational qualifications. Perarivalan was represented by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayan in the apex court. He informed the court that his client was released on parole thrice and there was no complaint regarding his conduct. The bench also noted the Central government`s submissions that the state government does not have power to take a stand on mercy petition, especially when the death was commuted to life. Nataraj, opposing bail to Perarivalan, submitted that he has already availed the benefit of a mercy petition once, and his death penalty was commuted to life sentence by the top court in 2014, against the backdrop of delay in considering the mercy petition. He added that his remission application has been submitted before the Governor who, in turn, said the competent authority to decide is the President. Granting bail to Perarivalan, the bench said it will be subject to the satisfaction of the trial court`s conditions and directed him to report to the local police, during the first week of every month. In February last year, the Union Home Ministry had informed the Supreme Court that the Tamil Nadu Governor has recorded that the President is the competent authority to deal with the pardon plea of Perarivalan. Parole to Perarivalan, who has been in jail since his arrest in 1991, was granted and extended by the Tamil Nadu government periodically. In 2014, the top court had commuted his death penalty, for aiding in making the bomb, which killed Rajiv Gandhi, to life imprisonment on the ground of delay in deciding their mercy petitions. On various occasions, the Supreme Court had expressed its dissatisfaction over the pendency of the pardon plea of Perarivalan for over two years with the Tamil Nadu Governor. Perarivalan had moved the top court seeking premature release and remit of his sentence. He had also cited the recommendation made by the state government in 2018 for his release. (With inputs from agencies)

Rajiv Gandhi assassination: Indian Supreme Court grants bail to convict

Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs sounded a grave warning about possible radiation leak from the infamous Chernobyl nuclear power plant. He said that power supply at the nuclear plant is lost and "entire Europe" may be in danger in a matter of couple days due to radiation leak.

Chernobyl nuclear plant was the site of worst nuclear disaster ever in the year 1986. Though within Ukraine's borders after fall of the Soviets, the plant has come into Russian hands amid ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-china-accuses-nato-of-pushing-russia-to-breaking-point-460521">Ukraine crisis: China accuses NATO of pushing Russia to 'breaking point'</a>

"The only electrical grid supplying the Chornobyl NPP and all its nuclear facilities occupied by Russian army is damaged. CNPP lost all electric supply. I call on the international community to urgently demand Russia to cease fire and allow repair units to restore power supply," tweeted Kuleba, the Ukrainian foreign minister.

He further warned that reserve diesel generators only had capacity to power the nuclear plant for 48 hours more. Generators designed only to last two days will then stop working making "radiation leaks imminent". He decried Russian invasion as "Putin's barbaric war" which was putting "entire Europe in danger".

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The only electrical grid supplying the Chornobyl NPP and all its nuclear facilities occupied by Russian army is damaged. CNPP lost all electric supply. I call on the international community to urgently demand Russia to cease fire and allow repair units to restore power supply 1/2
— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) <a href="https://twitter.com/DmytroKuleba/status/1501531157510426625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The issue of power outage at the Chernobyl nuclear plant has also been addressed by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) who said that the development "violates key safety pillar on ensuring uninterrupted power supply". However, the same tweet further read that "...in this case IAEA sees no critical impact on safety."

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> has informed IAEA of power loss at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chornobyl?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chornobyl</a> Nuclear Power Plant, <a href="https://twitter.com/rafaelmgrossi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rafaelmgrossi</a> says development violates key safety pillar on ensuring uninterrupted power supply; in this case IAEA sees no critical impact on safety.
— IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency (@iaeaorg) <a href="https://twitter.com/iaeaorg/status/1501545852715905029?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In next tweet, the IAEA said that effective hear removal at the plant was possible without need for electrical supply.

"IAEA says heat load of spent fuel storage pool and volume of cooling water at #Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant sufficient for effective heat removal without need for electrical supply," IAEA tweeted.

There was no immediate comment from the Russian side.

Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs sounded a grave warning about possible radiation leak from the infamous Chernobyl nuclear power plant. He said that power supply at the nuclear plant is lost and "entire Europe" may be in danger in a matter of couple days due to radiation leak.

Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs sounded a grave warning about possible radiation leak from the infamous Chernobyl nuclear power plant. He said that power supply at the nuclear plant is lost and "entire Europe" may be in danger in a matter of couple days due to radiation leak. Chernobyl nuclear plant was the site of worst nuclear disaster ever in the year 1986. Though within Ukraine's borders after fall of the Soviets, the plant has come into Russian hands amid ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Also Read | Ukraine crisis: China accuses NATO of pushing Russia to 'breaking point' "The only electrical grid supplying the Chornobyl NPP and all its nuclear facilities occupied by Russian army is damaged. CNPP lost all electric supply. I call on the international community to urgently demand Russia to cease fire and allow repair units to restore power supply," tweeted Kuleba, the Ukrainian foreign minister. He further warned that reserve diesel generators only had capacity to power the nuclear plant for 48 hours more. Generators designed only to last two days will then stop working making "radiation leaks imminent". He decried Russian invasion as "Putin's barbaric war" which was putting "entire Europe in danger". The only electrical grid supplying the Chornobyl NPP and all its nuclear facilities occupied by Russian army is damaged. CNPP lost all electric supply. I call on the international community to urgently demand Russia to cease fire and allow repair units to restore power supply 1/2 — Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) March 9, 2022 × The issue of power outage at the Chernobyl nuclear plant has also been addressed by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) who said that the development "violates key safety pillar on ensuring uninterrupted power supply". However, the same tweet further read that "...in this case IAEA sees no critical impact on safety." #Ukraine has informed IAEA of power loss at #Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant, @rafaelmgrossi says development violates key safety pillar on ensuring uninterrupted power supply; in this case IAEA sees no critical impact on safety. — IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency (@iaeaorg) March 9, 2022 × In next tweet, the IAEA said that effective hear removal at the plant was possible without need for electrical supply. "IAEA says heat load of spent fuel storage pool and volume of cooling water at #Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant sufficient for effective heat removal without need for electrical supply," IAEA tweeted. There was no immediate comment from the Russian side.

Ukraine appeals for ceasefire mentioning possible radiation leak from Chernobyl

Oil prices fell to around $125 a barrel on Wednesday as a result of a view taken by some investors that US ban on Russian oil import may not greatly affect supply.&nbsp;

USA on Wednesday banned import of Russian oil. US President Joe Biden himself made the announcement. Talk that Ukraine was no longer seeking NATO membership after some news reports this week on the issue also weighed on prices, traders said.

"Maybe this is playing its part," said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM of the Ukraine NATO membership issue.

"The realization that the U.S. import ban might not materially make the current supply shock worse than it has been might have also triggered this bout of profit-taking," he added.

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&nbsp;

Brent crude was down $3.56, or 2.8%, to $124.42 a barrel at 1250 GMT, after earlier rising above $131. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell $3.99, or 3.2%, to $119.71.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-adds-160-russian-oligarchs-senators-to-sanctions-blacklist-460584">European Union adds 160 Russian oligarchs, senators to sanctions blacklist</a>

The United States imported more than 20.4 million barrels of crude and refined products a month on average from Russia in 2021, about 8% of U.S. liquid fuel imports, according to the Energy Information Administration.

"Theoretically, the U.S. could even offset the outages from Russia with its own production," Carsten Fritsch of Commerzbank wrote in a report.

Oil also fell as the head of the IEA described the agency's decision last week to release 60 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves as "an initial response" and said that more could be released if needed.

Crude has surged since Russia, the world's second-largest crude exporter, launched what it called a "special operation" in Ukraine. Brent hit $139 on Monday, its highest since 2008.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-china-accuses-nato-of-pushing-russia-to-breaking-point-460521">Ukraine crisis: China accuses NATO of pushing Russia to 'breaking point'</a>

On Wednesday, Russia announced a new ceasefire in Ukraine to let civilians flee besieged cities, after days of mostly failed promises that have left hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians trapped without access to medicine or fresh water.

In addition to the U.S. Russian oil ban, Britain said on Tuesday it would phase Russian imports out and Shell said it would stop buying Russian crude. JP Morgan estimated around 70% of Russian seaborne oil was struggling to find buyers.

One potential source of extra oil supply is Iran, which has been in talks with Western powers for months on resuming its nuclear deal. Iran's chief negotiator in the Vienna talks returned to the Austrian capital on Wednesday.

Amid concern over supply shortages, there are some signs the market is not short of crude yet.

U.S. crude inventories rose by 2.8 million barrels, according to market sources, citing figures from the American Petroleum Institute, an industry group, on Tuesday. Official U.S. inventory figures are due at 1530 GMT.

(With inputs from agencies)

Oil prices fell to around $125 a barrel on Wednesday as a result of a view taken by some investors that US ban on Russian oil import may not greatly affect supply.

Oil prices fell to around $125 a barrel on Wednesday as a result of a view taken by some investors that US ban on Russian oil import may not greatly affect supply. USA on Wednesday banned import of Russian oil. US President Joe Biden himself made the announcement. Talk that Ukraine was no longer seeking NATO membership after some news reports this week on the issue also weighed on prices, traders said. "Maybe this is playing its part," said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM of the Ukraine NATO membership issue. "The realization that the U.S. import ban might not materially make the current supply shock worse than it has been might have also triggered this bout of profit-taking," he added. × Brent crude was down $3.56, or 2.8%, to $124.42 a barrel at 1250 GMT, after earlier rising above $131. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell $3.99, or 3.2%, to $119.71. Also Read | European Union adds 160 Russian oligarchs, senators to sanctions blacklist The United States imported more than 20.4 million barrels of crude and refined products a month on average from Russia in 2021, about 8% of U.S. liquid fuel imports, according to the Energy Information Administration. "Theoretically, the U.S. could even offset the outages from Russia with its own production," Carsten Fritsch of Commerzbank wrote in a report. Oil also fell as the head of the IEA described the agency's decision last week to release 60 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves as "an initial response" and said that more could be released if needed. Crude has surged since Russia, the world's second-largest crude exporter, launched what it called a "special operation" in Ukraine. Brent hit $139 on Monday, its highest since 2008. Also Read | Ukraine crisis: China accuses NATO of pushing Russia to 'breaking point' On Wednesday, Russia announced a new ceasefire in Ukraine to let civilians flee besieged cities, after days of mostly failed promises that have left hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians trapped without access to medicine or fresh water. In addition to the U.S. Russian oil ban, Britain said on Tuesday it would phase Russian imports out and Shell said it would stop buying Russian crude. JP Morgan estimated around 70% of Russian seaborne oil was struggling to find buyers. One potential source of extra oil supply is Iran, which has been in talks with Western powers for months on resuming its nuclear deal. Iran's chief negotiator in the Vienna talks returned to the Austrian capital on Wednesday. Amid concern over supply shortages, there are some signs the market is not short of crude yet. U.S. crude inventories rose by 2.8 million barrels, according to market sources, citing figures from the American Petroleum Institute, an industry group, on Tuesday. Official U.S. inventory figures are due at 1530 GMT. (With inputs from agencies)

Oil prices ease over speculation US ban on Russia oil won't cause problem

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