Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission President, on Wednesday (April 27) vowed that the bloc will give Russia a ''coordinated response'' after it blocked gas supply to its members Poland and Bulgaria.

Calling Russian gas giant Gazprom's announcement "unjustified and unacceptable", Leyen said it was ''yet another attempt by Russia to use gas as an instrument of blackmail.''

However, Gazprom said it made the decision after Poland and Bulgaria failed to make their payments for gas in roubles.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-cuts-gas-supplies-to-poland-and-bulgaria-amid-escalating-crisis-474260/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to Von der Leyen, “Member States have put in place contingency plans for just such a scenario and we worked with them in coordination and solidarity.”

“We are mapping out our coordinated EU response. We will also continue working with international partners to secure alternative flows,” she told the news agency Reuters.

Officials of the EU are holding emergency talks after Russia's abrupt decision to turn off supplies to the nations of the bloc.

Defence experts have called the move Russia's toughest response yet to the sanctions imposed on Moscow due its invasion of Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-accuses-russia-of-trying-to-destabilise-separatist-region-in-moldova-474159" hreflang="en">Ukraine accuses Russia of trying to destabilise separatist region in Moldova</a>

“Alternative supplies are available, and Bulgaria hopes that alternative routes and supplies will also be secured at EU level,” said Energy Minister Alexander Nikolov.

“As long as I am Minister, Bulgaria will not negotiate under pressure, Bulgaria is not for sale and does not succumb to any trade counterpart,” Nikolov added.

Meanwhile, the executive director of the Paris-based International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol tweeted that Russia's decision is a “weaponisation of energy supplies”.

Watch WION's live TV here:

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Russia is Europe's largest supplier of natural gas and petroleum oils but the bloc has been trying to boycott it after Moscow's ''special military operation'' in Ukraine.

The bloc is trying to find an alternative for it as currently it gas storage is only 32 per cent but it wants to fill it 80 per cent by November.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission President, on Wednesday (April 27) vowed that the bloc will give Russia a ''coordinated response'' after it blocked gas supply to its members Poland and Bulgaria.

Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission President, on Wednesday (April 27) vowed that the bloc will give Russia a ''coordinated response'' after it blocked gas supply to its members Poland and Bulgaria. Calling Russian gas giant Gazprom's announcement "unjustified and unacceptable", Leyen said it was ''yet another attempt by Russia to use gas as an instrument of blackmail.'' However, Gazprom said it made the decision after Poland and Bulgaria failed to make their payments for gas in roubles. According to Von der Leyen, “Member States have put in place contingency plans for just such a scenario and we worked with them in coordination and solidarity.” “We are mapping out our coordinated EU response. We will also continue working with international partners to secure alternative flows,” she told the news agency Reuters. Officials of the EU are holding emergency talks after Russia's abrupt decision to turn off supplies to the nations of the bloc. Defence experts have called the move Russia's toughest response yet to the sanctions imposed on Moscow due its invasion of Ukraine. Also read | Ukraine accuses Russia of trying to destabilise separatist region in Moldova “Alternative supplies are available, and Bulgaria hopes that alternative routes and supplies will also be secured at EU level,” said Energy Minister Alexander Nikolov. “As long as I am Minister, Bulgaria will not negotiate under pressure, Bulgaria is not for sale and does not succumb to any trade counterpart,” Nikolov added. Meanwhile, the executive director of the Paris-based International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol tweeted that Russia's decision is a “weaponisation of energy supplies”. Watch WION's live TV here: Russia is Europe's largest supplier of natural gas and petroleum oils but the bloc has been trying to boycott it after Moscow's ''special military operation'' in Ukraine. The bloc is trying to find an alternative for it as currently it gas storage is only 32 per cent but it wants to fill it 80 per cent by November. (With inputs from agencies)

European Union vows 'coordinated response' against Russia's gas stoppage

A new study conducted by the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium has said that the European Union needs to recycle more to fulfil its aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

According to the report, the bloc, which comprises of 27 nations, must act fast to secure the supplies of crucial metals required for the green energy transition.

Amid the boycott of Russian fuel due to its invasion of Ukraine, "There is growing concern about the security of supply" as per the authors of the study.

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Lead author Liesbet Gregoir said, "Europe needs to decide urgently how it will bridge its looming supply gap for primary metals. Without a decisive strategy, it risks new dependencies on unsustainable suppliers."

EU is looking for alternative sources of fuel other than generating domestically renewable resources and using less energy.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had previously announced that the bloc will reduce its greenhouse gases to a level where the amount produced is balanced out by the amount removed from the atmosphere in the next two decades.

It is partnering with pioneers to introduce more wind, solar, and hydrogen technologies that are eco-friendly.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-gas-flows-to-europe-despite-putins-deadline-of-payment-in-roubles-467537">Also read |&nbsp;Russian gas flows to Europe despite Putin's deadline of payment in roubles</a>

To create, distribute and expand this clean power, the EU will require substantial inputs of raw materials as per the report.

The study, titled the "Metals for Clean Energy", states that the bloc will need "35 times more lithium" than it uses today to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to "net zero."

The report has been commissioned by Eurometaux, the European association of metal producers and recyclers.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

If Europe cuts red tape and invests heavily now in recycling infrastructure, it will be self-sufficient for almost 40 to 70 per cent of its clean energy.

To reduce its reliance on other countries, Europe needs to open new refineries and ore mines that have a "theoretical potential" to provide as high as 55 per cent of its raw metal needs. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A new study conducted by the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium has said that the European Union needs to recycle more to fulfil its aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

A new study conducted by the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium has said that the European Union needs to recycle more to fulfil its aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. According to the report, the bloc, which comprises of 27 nations, must act fast to secure the supplies of crucial metals required for the green energy transition. Amid the boycott of Russian fuel due to its invasion of Ukraine, "There is growing concern about the security of supply" as per the authors of the study. Lead author Liesbet Gregoir said, "Europe needs to decide urgently how it will bridge its looming supply gap for primary metals. Without a decisive strategy, it risks new dependencies on unsustainable suppliers." EU is looking for alternative sources of fuel other than generating domestically renewable resources and using less energy. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had previously announced that the bloc will reduce its greenhouse gases to a level where the amount produced is balanced out by the amount removed from the atmosphere in the next two decades. It is partnering with pioneers to introduce more wind, solar, and hydrogen technologies that are eco-friendly. Also read | Russian gas flows to Europe despite Putin's deadline of payment in roubles To create, distribute and expand this clean power, the EU will require substantial inputs of raw materials as per the report. The study, titled the "Metals for Clean Energy", states that the bloc will need "35 times more lithium" than it uses today to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to "net zero." The report has been commissioned by Eurometaux, the European association of metal producers and recyclers. If Europe cuts red tape and invests heavily now in recycling infrastructure, it will be self-sufficient for almost 40 to 70 per cent of its clean energy. To reduce its reliance on other countries, Europe needs to open new refineries and ore mines that have a "theoretical potential" to provide as high as 55 per cent of its raw metal needs. (With inputs from agencies)

European Union needs to recycle more to fulfil its aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2050: Study

A report on EU's green energy goals suggest that the Union should recycle more. EU aims to be carbon neutral by 2050 at present.

Report on EU's green energy goals suggest it to recycle more

Alphabet unit Google, Meta and other large online platforms will have to do more to tackle illegal content or risk hefty fines under new internet rules agreed between&nbsp;European Union countries and&nbsp;EU&nbsp;lawmakers on Saturday.

The agreement came after more than 16 hours of negotiations. The Digital Services Act (DSA) is the second prong of&nbsp;EU&nbsp;antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager's strategy to rein in Alphabet unit Google, Meta and other U.S. tech giants.

Last month, she won backing from the 27-country bloc and lawmakers for landmark rules called the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that could force Google, Amazon, Apple, Meta and Microsoft to change their core business practices in&nbsp;Europe.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europes-average-temperature-increased-by-over-two-degrees-last-year-472978">Europe's average temperature increased by over two degrees last year</a>

"We have a deal on the DSA: The Digital Services Act will make sure that what is illegal offline is also seen and dealt with as illegal online - not as a slogan, as reality," Vestager said in a tweet.

EU&nbsp;lawmaker Dita Charanzova, who had called for such rules eight years ago, welcomed the agreement.

"Google, Meta and other large online platforms will have to act to better protect their users.&nbsp;Europe has made clear that they cannot act as independent digital islands," she said in a statement.

In a statement, Google said: "As the law is finalised and implemented, the details will matter. We look forward to working with policymakers to get the remaining technical details right to ensure the law works for everyone."

Watch |&nbsp;EU's climate monitor raises alarm: dangerous, extreme events to become worse

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eus-climate-monitor-raises-alarm-dangerous-extreme-events-to-become-worse-473087/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Under the DSA, the companies face fines up to 6 per cent&nbsp;of their global turnover for violating the rules while repeated breaches could see them banned from doing business in the&nbsp;EU.

The new rules ban targeted advertising aimed at children or based on sensitive data such as religion, gender, race and political opinions. Dark patterns, which are tactics that mislead people into giving personal data to companies online, will also be prohibited.

Very large online platforms and online search engines will be required to take specific measures during a crisis. The move was triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the related disinformation.

The companies could be forced to hand over data related to their algorithms to regulators and researchers.

The companies also face a yearly fee up to 0.05 per cent&nbsp;of worldwide annual revenue to cover the costs of monitoring their compliance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/eu-may-agree-on-stringent-tech-services-regulation-very-soon-472811">EU may agree on stringent tech services regulation very soon</a>

EU&nbsp;lawmaker Martin Schirdewan criticised the exemption granted to medium-sized companies.

"Under pressure from the conservatives, an exception rule for medium-sized companies was integrated, this is a mistake. Due to the large number of companies that fall under this definition in the digital sector, the exception is like a loophole," he said.

The DSA will be enforced in 2024.

Alphabet unit Google, Meta and other large online platforms will have to do more to tackle illegal content or risk hefty fines under new internet rules agreed between European Union countries and EU lawmakers on Saturday.

Alphabet unit Google, Meta and other large online platforms will have to do more to tackle illegal content or risk hefty fines under new internet rules agreed between European Union countries and EU lawmakers on Saturday. The agreement came after more than 16 hours of negotiations. The Digital Services Act (DSA) is the second prong of EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager's strategy to rein in Alphabet unit Google, Meta and other U.S. tech giants. Last month, she won backing from the 27-country bloc and lawmakers for landmark rules called the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that could force Google, Amazon, Apple, Meta and Microsoft to change their core business practices in Europe. Also read | Europe's average temperature increased by over two degrees last year "We have a deal on the DSA: The Digital Services Act will make sure that what is illegal offline is also seen and dealt with as illegal online - not as a slogan, as reality," Vestager said in a tweet. EU lawmaker Dita Charanzova, who had called for such rules eight years ago, welcomed the agreement. "Google, Meta and other large online platforms will have to act to better protect their users. Europe has made clear that they cannot act as independent digital islands," she said in a statement. In a statement, Google said: "As the law is finalised and implemented, the details will matter. We look forward to working with policymakers to get the remaining technical details right to ensure the law works for everyone." Watch | EU's climate monitor raises alarm: dangerous, extreme events to become worse Under the DSA, the companies face fines up to 6 per cent of their global turnover for violating the rules while repeated breaches could see them banned from doing business in the EU. The new rules ban targeted advertising aimed at children or based on sensitive data such as religion, gender, race and political opinions. Dark patterns, which are tactics that mislead people into giving personal data to companies online, will also be prohibited. Very large online platforms and online search engines will be required to take specific measures during a crisis. The move was triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the related disinformation. The companies could be forced to hand over data related to their algorithms to regulators and researchers. The companies also face a yearly fee up to 0.05 per cent of worldwide annual revenue to cover the costs of monitoring their compliance. Also read | EU may agree on stringent tech services regulation very soon EU lawmaker Martin Schirdewan criticised the exemption granted to medium-sized companies. "Under pressure from the conservatives, an exception rule for medium-sized companies was integrated, this is a mistake. Due to the large number of companies that fall under this definition in the digital sector, the exception is like a loophole," he said. The DSA will be enforced in 2024.

European Union sets new online rules for Google, Meta to curb illegal content

According to a report released by European Union's climate monitoring service, Europe endured record extreme weather in the year 2021 from the hottest day and the warmest summer to deadly wildfires and flooding . Last year earth's surface was 1.2 degree Celsius warmer than pre-industrial levels.

EU's climate monitor raises alarm: dangerous, extreme events to become worse

The European Union has released a new set of rules with some hefty fines, it bans target advertising that is aimed at children. Data such as religion, gender, race and political opinions will have to be tackled with sensitivity. The act also stop people from giving their personal data to companies online

EU slams tech giants for not doing enough, releases new rules to tackle illegal content

The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) on Friday (April 22) said that Europe's average temperature increased by over two degrees last year.

In the fifth edition of its annual report, it revealed that the hottest day ever registered in Europe was in Sicily with a blistering temperature of 48.8C (120 degrees Fahrenheit).

Extreme weather, fuelled by climate change, caused the "greatest ecological disaster in decades" in Greece in the form of wildfires that burned down forests spread across 8,000 square kilometres.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/climate-change-is-causing-glacial-melt-in-bolivia-472759/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The flood in Germany, nourished by a rise in surface water temperature in the Baltic Sea, broke the record for mid-July downpour. More than 200 people were killed in the unprecedented weather extreme.

According to the director of the European Union's climate monitoring service, Carlo Buontempo, "2021 was a year of extremes including the hottest summer in Europe, heatwaves in the Mediterranean, flooding, and wind droughts in western Europe."&nbsp;

"This shows that the understanding of weather and climate extremes is becoming increasingly relevant for key sectors of society." &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Mauro Facchini, head of Earth observation at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space, said "Scientific experts like the IPCC have warned us we are running out of time to limit global warming to 1.5C."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-climate-change-will-impact-the-worlds-regions-differently-457772">Also see |&nbsp;How climate change will impact the world's regions differently</a>

"This report stresses the urgent necessity to act as climate-related extreme events are already occurring."

“There are many parts of the Baltic which are more than 5 degrees (Celsius) above average, which is a lot for seaside temperatures,” said Freja Vamborg, a senior climate scientist at C3S.

Under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, members have set a target to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Although the coronavirus pandemic had caused a dip in carbon dioxide emissions, they have rebounded strongly. An increase in their concentration in the atmosphere traps heat causing heat waves.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) on Friday (April 22) said that Europe's average temperature increased by over two degrees last year. In the fifth edition of its annual report, it revealed that the hottest day ever registered in Europe was in Sicily with a blistering temperature of 48.

The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) on Friday (April 22) said that Europe's average temperature increased by over two degrees last year. In the fifth edition of its annual report, it revealed that the hottest day ever registered in Europe was in Sicily with a blistering temperature of 48.8C (120 degrees Fahrenheit). Extreme weather, fuelled by climate change, caused the "greatest ecological disaster in decades" in Greece in the form of wildfires that burned down forests spread across 8,000 square kilometres. The flood in Germany, nourished by a rise in surface water temperature in the Baltic Sea, broke the record for mid-July downpour. More than 200 people were killed in the unprecedented weather extreme. According to the director of the European Union's climate monitoring service, Carlo Buontempo, "2021 was a year of extremes including the hottest summer in Europe, heatwaves in the Mediterranean, flooding, and wind droughts in western Europe." "This shows that the understanding of weather and climate extremes is becoming increasingly relevant for key sectors of society." Meanwhile, Mauro Facchini, head of Earth observation at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space, said "Scientific experts like the IPCC have warned us we are running out of time to limit global warming to 1.5C." Also see | How climate change will impact the world's regions differently "This report stresses the urgent necessity to act as climate-related extreme events are already occurring." “There are many parts of the Baltic which are more than 5 degrees (Celsius) above average, which is a lot for seaside temperatures,” said Freja Vamborg, a senior climate scientist at C3S. Under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, members have set a target to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Although the coronavirus pandemic had caused a dip in carbon dioxide emissions, they have rebounded strongly. An increase in their concentration in the atmosphere traps heat causing heat waves. (With inputs from agencies)

Europe's average temperature increased by over two degrees last year

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be on a visit to three&nbsp;European countries, including Germany, Denmark, and France in the first week of May.

The visit, which is the first foreign visit of PM Modi this year, will see two&nbsp;key bilateral engagements in Germany and France. But a substantial portion of visit will be in Denmark's capital Copenhagen where PM will take part in the second India Nordic summit.

Leaders of all five&nbsp;Nordic countries, including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland will participate in the summit that will focus on clean technology, climate change, renewables etc. The first India-Nordic summit took place in Sweden's capital Stockholm in April of 2018, a format that brings together India along with all the countries in the Nordic or Northern European countries.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/finland-will-be-a-member-of-nato-this-summer-says-finnish-cabinet-minister-mika-linktila-471936/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the last two&nbsp;years, Indian PM Modi has had virtual summits with three&nbsp;Nordic countries,&nbsp;Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, which is highest in any specific region of the world. A similar format meeting has taken with the US as well in May 2016 when the then US President Obama held meeting with the five&nbsp;Nordic countries.&nbsp;

An upswing in India-Denmark ties has been seen as well. Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen was on a state visit to India in October 2021. That was the first visit by a Head of Government to India following the COVID-19 pandemic. Interestingly, India and Denmark have a unique Green Strategic Partnership which was established during the Virtual Summit held in September 2020. The partnership focuses on green technologies and sustainable solutions in sectors like renewable energy.

His visit to Berlin will be for the Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) during which he will hold first ever in-person talks with new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The Indo German IGC meets every two&nbsp;years alternatively between the two&nbsp;countries. The last IGC was in 2019 in Delhi for which the then German chancellor Angela Merkel had visited the country. The sixth IGC happens with a day of over two&nbsp;years because of the covid pandemic.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/international-monetary-fund-projects-growth-rate-of-8-for-india-in-2022-472198" hreflang="en">International Monetary Fund projects growth rate of 8% for India in 2022</a>

PM's visit to France comes immediately after the result of key Presidential elections. France has emerged as key partner of India in several sectors, from Defense to education to counter terror. PM last visited France in August 2019 at the special invitation of President Macron for the 2019 G-7 Summit, where India was one of the ‘Goodwill’ partners. Amid the deadly second wave of covid pandemic, France provided 18 oxygen plants to hospitals across India which will fulfill oxygen requirements for 10 years.

The visit to Europe comes as the bloc is facing the Russian invasion of Ukraine which has had huge geopolitical consequences and an influx of Ukrainian refugees. This is something that has dominated the global conversation and will naturally be one of the key focus areas of talks, especially from European side.

Ahead of PM's visit, two&nbsp;top European leaders, UK PM Boris Johnson and President of the European Commission Ursula Von Der Leyen will be on India visit. While UK PM will be on India visit April 21 and 22, the President of EC will be in the country on April 24 and 25.&nbsp;President von der Leyen will be the chief guest at the Raisina Dialogue 2022. A statement by the European Union Mission in Delhi said, "Russia's war against Ukraine will also feature in discussions."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be on a visit to three European countries, including Germany, Denmark, and France in the first week of May. The visit, which is the first foreign visit of PM Modi this year, will see two key bilateral engagements in Germany and France.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to be on a visit to three European countries, including Germany, Denmark, and France in the first week of May. The visit, which is the first foreign visit of PM Modi this year, will see two key bilateral engagements in Germany and France. But a substantial portion of visit will be in Denmark's capital Copenhagen where PM will take part in the second India Nordic summit. Leaders of all five Nordic countries, including Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland will participate in the summit that will focus on clean technology, climate change, renewables etc. The first India-Nordic summit took place in Sweden's capital Stockholm in April of 2018, a format that brings together India along with all the countries in the Nordic or Northern European countries. In the last two years, Indian PM Modi has had virtual summits with three Nordic countries, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, which is highest in any specific region of the world. A similar format meeting has taken with the US as well in May 2016 when the then US President Obama held meeting with the five Nordic countries. An upswing in India-Denmark ties has been seen as well. Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen was on a state visit to India in October 2021. That was the first visit by a Head of Government to India following the COVID-19 pandemic. Interestingly, India and Denmark have a unique Green Strategic Partnership which was established during the Virtual Summit held in September 2020. The partnership focuses on green technologies and sustainable solutions in sectors like renewable energy. His visit to Berlin will be for the Inter-Governmental Consultations (IGC) during which he will hold first ever in-person talks with new German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The Indo German IGC meets every two years alternatively between the two countries. The last IGC was in 2019 in Delhi for which the then German chancellor Angela Merkel had visited the country. The sixth IGC happens with a day of over two years because of the covid pandemic. Also read | International Monetary Fund projects growth rate of 8% for India in 2022 PM's visit to France comes immediately after the result of key Presidential elections. France has emerged as key partner of India in several sectors, from Defense to education to counter terror. PM last visited France in August 2019 at the special invitation of President Macron for the 2019 G-7 Summit, where India was one of the ‘Goodwill’ partners. Amid the deadly second wave of covid pandemic, France provided 18 oxygen plants to hospitals across India which will fulfill oxygen requirements for 10 years. The visit to Europe comes as the bloc is facing the Russian invasion of Ukraine which has had huge geopolitical consequences and an influx of Ukrainian refugees. This is something that has dominated the global conversation and will naturally be one of the key focus areas of talks, especially from European side. Ahead of PM's visit, two top European leaders, UK PM Boris Johnson and President of the European Commission Ursula Von Der Leyen will be on India visit. While UK PM will be on India visit April 21 and 22, the President of EC will be in the country on April 24 and 25. President von der Leyen will be the chief guest at the Raisina Dialogue 2022. A statement by the European Union Mission in Delhi said, "Russia's war against Ukraine will also feature in discussions."

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit three European countries in first week of May

As a result of the West's punishing sanctions, pharmacies in Russia are running out of crucial medicines.

Prices have risen by up to 20% as consumers hurry to stock up on supplies that are running out.

After sanctions and logistical bottlenecks curtailed imports from Europe and China, Russia is now looking to India for more medical equipment.&nbsp;

The fundamental cause of the current drug shortage is that Russian banks have been cut off from the international banking system as a result of the sanctions, leaving pharmacies in the country unable to pay for deliveries.

There are also logistical issues, since certain shipping companies, including the market leader Maersk, have halted all cargo transports into and out of Russia.

According to a survey of 3,317 doctors conducted by members of the Vrachi.rf professional community, Russian doctors are facing a shortage of more than 80 medicines.

According to Bloomberg, India is expecting to increase exports to Russia as the two countries work out a payment scheme in local currencies similar to one used during the Cold War to keep bilateral trade going while Moscow is subjected to harsh international sanctions.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-doing-everything-to-drag-out-ukraine-conflict-russias-defence-minister-472136">West 'doing everything to drag out' Ukraine conflict: Russia's defence minister</a>

The US and its allies have chastised New Delhi for buying more Russian oil after attempting to isolate Russia over its conflict in Ukraine.

India is now a minor player in the Russian market, but it intends to nearly double its exports this year to Rs 2 billion &nbsp;($26.2 million).

Watch | West sanction has not stopped Russia from halting invasion

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/west-sanction-has-not-stopped-russia-from-halting-invasion-456692/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As a result of the West's punishing sanctions, pharmacies in Russia are running out of crucial medicines. Prices have risen by up to 20% as consumers hurry to stock up on supplies that are running out.

As a result of the West's punishing sanctions, pharmacies in Russia are running out of crucial medicines. Prices have risen by up to 20% as consumers hurry to stock up on supplies that are running out. After sanctions and logistical bottlenecks curtailed imports from Europe and China, Russia is now looking to India for more medical equipment. The fundamental cause of the current drug shortage is that Russian banks have been cut off from the international banking system as a result of the sanctions, leaving pharmacies in the country unable to pay for deliveries. There are also logistical issues, since certain shipping companies, including the market leader Maersk, have halted all cargo transports into and out of Russia. According to a survey of 3,317 doctors conducted by members of the Vrachi.rf professional community, Russian doctors are facing a shortage of more than 80 medicines. According to Bloomberg, India is expecting to increase exports to Russia as the two countries work out a payment scheme in local currencies similar to one used during the Cold War to keep bilateral trade going while Moscow is subjected to harsh international sanctions. Also Read | West 'doing everything to drag out' Ukraine conflict: Russia's defence minister The US and its allies have chastised New Delhi for buying more Russian oil after attempting to isolate Russia over its conflict in Ukraine. India is now a minor player in the Russian market, but it intends to nearly double its exports this year to Rs 2 billion ($26.2 million). Watch | West sanction has not stopped Russia from halting invasion

Russia seeks India drug imports as pharmacies run short of medicines amid Ukraine war, sanctions

In retaliation for similar steps taken against Moscow's foreign envoys over the Kremlin's military campaign in Ukraine, Russia expelled 36 diplomats from two European nations on Tuesday.

The Russian foreign ministry has declared 21 Belgian and 15 Dutch diplomats "persona non grata," giving them two weeks to leave the country.

Moscow also summoned Luxembourg's envoy, warning him that Russia may decide to take reciprocal measures for the tiny European state's expulsion of Moscow's ambassador.

This month, Russia and a number of EU countries exchanged diplomatic expulsions in the wake of widespread condemnation of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, which has been strongly denounced in the United States, Europe, and elsewhere. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-doing-everything-to-drag-out-ukraine-conflict-russias-defence-minister-472136">West 'doing everything to drag out' Ukraine conflict: Russia's defence minister</a>

The ongoing expulsions indicate that diplomatic relations between Russia and the rest of the world are deteriorating.

As a result of the growing concern over the Ukraine war, the EU has suspended almost 200 Russian envoys and personnel.

The expulsion of Russian diplomats by a number of European countries has been described by the Kremlin as a "short-sighted move" that will only hinder dialogue.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Russia expels several American diplomats in tit-for-tat move

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-expels-several-american-diplomats-in-tit-for-tat-move-465102/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

In retaliation for similar steps taken against Moscow's foreign envoys over the Kremlin's military campaign in Ukraine, Russia expelled 36 diplomats from two European nations on Tuesday.

In retaliation for similar steps taken against Moscow's foreign envoys over the Kremlin's military campaign in Ukraine, Russia expelled 36 diplomats from two European nations on Tuesday. The Russian foreign ministry has declared 21 Belgian and 15 Dutch diplomats "persona non grata," giving them two weeks to leave the country. Moscow also summoned Luxembourg's envoy, warning him that Russia may decide to take reciprocal measures for the tiny European state's expulsion of Moscow's ambassador. This month, Russia and a number of EU countries exchanged diplomatic expulsions in the wake of widespread condemnation of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, which has been strongly denounced in the United States, Europe, and elsewhere. Also Read | West 'doing everything to drag out' Ukraine conflict: Russia's defence minister The ongoing expulsions indicate that diplomatic relations between Russia and the rest of the world are deteriorating. As a result of the growing concern over the Ukraine war, the EU has suspended almost 200 Russian envoys and personnel. The expulsion of Russian diplomats by a number of European countries has been described by the Kremlin as a "short-sighted move" that will only hinder dialogue. Watch | Russia expels several American diplomats in tit-for-tat move (With inputs from agencies)

Russia announces expulsion of 36 European Union diplomats

The European Parliament said Sunday it will try to recover money owed by Marine Le Pen over fraud allegations as the far-right leader prepares to face President Emmanuel Macron in France's unpredictably close election run-off.

French news platform Mediapart revealed that a report by the EU's&nbsp;anti-fraud&nbsp;body OLAF accused Le Pen and three other former MEPs -- including her father Jean-Marie -- of misusing European Parliament funds.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/neither-macron-nor-le-pen-france-erupts-in-protests-against-top-presidential-candidates-ahead-of-elections-471600">Neither Macron, nor Le Pen: France erupts in protests against top presidential candidates ahead of elections</a>

The report also alleged that Le Pen personally misappropriated around 137,000 euros ($148,000) of public money from the Strasbourg-based parliament during her time as an MEP between 2004 and 2017.

A source said the European Parliament had referred the case to OLAF after uncovering some of the alleged irregularities.

Watch |&nbsp;Report: Marine Le Pen and others embezzled over $640,000 | French Presidential Elections

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/report-marine-le-pen-and-others-embezzled-over-640000-french-presidential-elections-471836/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"In total, we're talking about 617,000 euros wrongfully paid. We will now proceed with recovery (of the money) from the interested parties in the coming weeks," the source added.

OLAF's investigation has been open since 2016 and Le Pen was questioned by post in March 2021, her lawyer Rodolphe Bosselut told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-can-win-this-election-says-frances-le-pen-471338">I can win this election, says France's Le Pen</a>

Le Pen has faced another investigation since 2017 over suspicions of employing fictional party assistants in the European Parliament.

The impending action against the National Rally leader comes as polls give her a strong chance of beating Macron in the second round of France's presidential election on April 24.

The European Parliament said Sunday it will try to recover money owed by Marine Le Pen over fraud allegations as the far-right leader prepares to face President Emmanuel Macron in France's unpredictably close election run-off.

The European Parliament said Sunday it will try to recover money owed by Marine Le Pen over fraud allegations as the far-right leader prepares to face President Emmanuel Macron in France's unpredictably close election run-off. French news platform Mediapart revealed that a report by the EU's anti-fraud body OLAF accused Le Pen and three other former MEPs -- including her father Jean-Marie -- of misusing European Parliament funds. Also read | Neither Macron, nor Le Pen: France erupts in protests against top presidential candidates ahead of elections The report also alleged that Le Pen personally misappropriated around 137,000 euros ($148,000) of public money from the Strasbourg-based parliament during her time as an MEP between 2004 and 2017. A source said the European Parliament had referred the case to OLAF after uncovering some of the alleged irregularities. Watch | Report: Marine Le Pen and others embezzled over $640,000 | French Presidential Elections "In total, we're talking about 617,000 euros wrongfully paid. We will now proceed with recovery (of the money) from the interested parties in the coming weeks," the source added. OLAF's investigation has been open since 2016 and Le Pen was questioned by post in March 2021, her lawyer Rodolphe Bosselut told AFP. Also read | I can win this election, says France's Le Pen Le Pen has faced another investigation since 2017 over suspicions of employing fictional party assistants in the European Parliament. The impending action against the National Rally leader comes as polls give her a strong chance of beating Macron in the second round of France's presidential election on April 24.

European Union to recover funds from French election candidate Marine Le Pen

The&nbsp;European Union on Friday formally adopted its fifth package of&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;against&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;since the country's February&nbsp;24 invasion of Ukraine,&nbsp;including&nbsp;bans on the&nbsp;import&nbsp;of&nbsp;coal, wood, chemicals and other products.

The measures also prevent many&nbsp;Russian vessels and trucks from accessing the&nbsp;EU, further crippling trade, and will&nbsp;ban&nbsp;all transactions with four&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;banks,&nbsp;including&nbsp;VTB.

The&nbsp;ban&nbsp;on&nbsp;coal&nbsp;imports will be fully effective from the second week of August. No&nbsp;new&nbsp;contracts can be signed from Friday, when&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;are to be published in the&nbsp;EU's official journal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rocket-strike-by-russians-on-station-in-ukraine-kills-30-injures-100-says-report-469355">Rocket strike by Russians on station in Ukraine kills 30, injures 100, says report</a>

Existing contracts will have to be terminated by the second week of August, meaning that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;can continue to receive payments from the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;on&nbsp;coal&nbsp;exports until then.

"These latest&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;were adopted following the atrocities committed by&nbsp;Russian armed forces in Bucha and other places under&nbsp;Russian occupation,"&nbsp;EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said in a statement.

The Kremlin has said that Western allegations&nbsp;Russian forces committed war crimes by executing civilians in the Ukrainian town of Bucha were a "monstrous forgery" aimed at denigrating the&nbsp;Russian army.

The&nbsp;coal&nbsp;ban&nbsp;alone is estimated by the Commission to be worth 8 billion&nbsp;euros a year in lost revenues for&nbsp;Russia. That is twice as big as the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;Commission's head Ursula von der Leyen had said on Tuesday.

In addition to&nbsp;coal, the&nbsp;new&nbsp;EU&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;ban&nbsp;imports from&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;of many other commodities and products,&nbsp;including&nbsp;wood, rubber, cement, fertilisers, high-end seafood, such as caviar, and spirits, such as vodka, for a total additional value estimated in 5.5 billion&nbsp;euros ($5.9 billion) a year.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine conflict: 'Russia faces a long descent into isolation,' says EU Prez

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-russia-faces-a-long-descent-into-isolation-says-eu-prez-469356/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;also restricted export to&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;of a number of products,&nbsp;including&nbsp;jet fuel, quantum computers, advanced semiconductors, high-end electronics, software, sensitive machinery and transportation equipment, for a total value of 10 billion&nbsp;euros a year.

The&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;also forbid&nbsp;Russian companies from participating in public procurement in the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;and extend prohibitions in the use of crypto-currencies that are considered a potential means to circumvent&nbsp;sanctions.

The Commission said that another 217 people were added to the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;blacklist as part of the&nbsp;new&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;package, meaning their assets in the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;will be frozen and they will be subject to travel&nbsp;bans in the&nbsp;EU.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-conflict-borodyanka-destruction-more-horrific-than-bucha-says-zelensky-469254">Ukraine-Russia conflict: Borodyanka destruction 'more horrific' than Bucha, says Zelensky</a>

Most of them are political leaders of the separatist regions of Luhansk and Donetsk, but the&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;also hit top businessmen, politicians and military staff close to the Kremlin.

This brings close to 900 the number of people sanctioned by the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;since the start of&nbsp;Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow calls a "special operation" to demilitarise and "denazify" the country.

The European Union on Friday formally adopted its fifth package of sanctions against Russia since the country's February 24 invasion of Ukraine, including bans on the import of coal, wood, chemicals and other products.

The European Union on Friday formally adopted its fifth package of sanctions against Russia since the country's February 24 invasion of Ukraine, including bans on the import of coal, wood, chemicals and other products. The measures also prevent many Russian vessels and trucks from accessing the EU, further crippling trade, and will ban all transactions with four Russian banks, including VTB. The ban on coal imports will be fully effective from the second week of August. No new contracts can be signed from Friday, when sanctions are to be published in the EU's official journal. Also read | Rocket strike by Russians on station in Ukraine kills 30, injures 100, says report Existing contracts will have to be terminated by the second week of August, meaning that Russia can continue to receive payments from the EU on coal exports until then. "These latest sanctions were adopted following the atrocities committed by Russian armed forces in Bucha and other places under Russian occupation," EU's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, said in a statement. The Kremlin has said that Western allegations Russian forces committed war crimes by executing civilians in the Ukrainian town of Bucha were a "monstrous forgery" aimed at denigrating the Russian army. The coal ban alone is estimated by the Commission to be worth 8 billion euros a year in lost revenues for Russia. That is twice as big as the EU Commission's head Ursula von der Leyen had said on Tuesday. In addition to coal, the new EU sanctions ban imports from Russia of many other commodities and products, including wood, rubber, cement, fertilisers, high-end seafood, such as caviar, and spirits, such as vodka, for a total additional value estimated in 5.5 billion euros ($5.9 billion) a year. Watch | Russia-Ukraine conflict: 'Russia faces a long descent into isolation,' says EU Prez The EU also restricted export to Russia of a number of products, including jet fuel, quantum computers, advanced semiconductors, high-end electronics, software, sensitive machinery and transportation equipment, for a total value of 10 billion euros a year. The sanctions also forbid Russian companies from participating in public procurement in the EU and extend prohibitions in the use of crypto-currencies that are considered a potential means to circumvent sanctions. The Commission said that another 217 people were added to the EU blacklist as part of the new sanctions package, meaning their assets in the EU will be frozen and they will be subject to travel bans in the EU. Also read | Ukraine-Russia conflict: Borodyanka destruction 'more horrific' than Bucha, says Zelensky Most of them are political leaders of the separatist regions of Luhansk and Donetsk, but the sanctions also hit top businessmen, politicians and military staff close to the Kremlin. This brings close to 900 the number of people sanctioned by the EU since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow calls a "special operation" to demilitarise and "denazify" the country.

European Union adopts new sanctions against Russia including coal import ban

The Western duplicity on Russian imports gets exposed as Europe did not shut off Russian gas pipelines. European Union's Foreign Affairs Chief confirmed that 27 countries in the block are paying Russia over 1 billion dollar per day on fuel imports

Western duplicity on Russian imports exposed, EU says won't ban energy imports

The European Union&nbsp;on&nbsp;Monday extended for another 10 years its&nbsp;ban&nbsp;on&nbsp;mobile&nbsp;phone&nbsp;roaming&nbsp;surcharges for people using their European handsets while travelling in the 27-nation bloc.

The "roam like at home" scheme is one of the more popular pieces of legislation for&nbsp;EU&nbsp;citizens and residents, allowing them to make calls and texts and use data in other&nbsp;EU&nbsp;countries at the same price as that charged in their domestic plans.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-regulators-look-to-streamline-antitrust-rules-467113">EU regulators look to streamline antitrust rules</a>

The European Council representing the&nbsp;EU's member states said it gave final approval to extend the scheme beyond when the current regulation expires at the end of June.

It will now continue until 2032.

The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) noted in a statement that the renewed policy requires telecom operators to strive to give&nbsp;roaming&nbsp;at the same quality, meaning&nbsp;EU&nbsp;visitors not being shunted to lower speed 3G or 4G networks when higher speed ones are available.

Watch |&nbsp;European Commission seeks to end golden visa rules

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/european-commission-seeks-to-end-golden-visa-rules-466538/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

BEUC's deputy director-general Ursula Pachl called the extended policy "one of the&nbsp;EU's greatest success stories for consumers" and one of the "tangible benefits" of its single market.

Many consumers in Britain, which left the European Union two years ago, are seeing&nbsp;roaming&nbsp;charges return.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/europe-situation-raised-question-mark-over-stability-of-international-order-pm-modi-at-bimstec-466820">Europe situation raised question mark over stability of international order: PM Modi at BIMSTEC</a>

At least three big British telecom operators decided to bring back added&nbsp;roaming&nbsp;fees, which average an extra two pounds (2.40 euros, $2.60) per day for those visiting the&nbsp;EU.&nbsp;

The European Union on Monday extended for another 10 years its ban on mobile phone roaming surcharges for people using their European handsets while travelling in the 27-nation bloc.

The European Union on Monday extended for another 10 years its ban on mobile phone roaming surcharges for people using their European handsets while travelling in the 27-nation bloc. The "roam like at home" scheme is one of the more popular pieces of legislation for EU citizens and residents, allowing them to make calls and texts and use data in other EU countries at the same price as that charged in their domestic plans. Also read | EU regulators look to streamline antitrust rules The European Council representing the EU's member states said it gave final approval to extend the scheme beyond when the current regulation expires at the end of June. It will now continue until 2032. The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) noted in a statement that the renewed policy requires telecom operators to strive to give roaming at the same quality, meaning EU visitors not being shunted to lower speed 3G or 4G networks when higher speed ones are available. Watch | European Commission seeks to end golden visa rules BEUC's deputy director-general Ursula Pachl called the extended policy "one of the EU's greatest success stories for consumers" and one of the "tangible benefits" of its single market. Many consumers in Britain, which left the European Union two years ago, are seeing roaming charges return. Also read | Europe situation raised question mark over stability of international order: PM Modi at BIMSTEC At least three big British telecom operators decided to bring back added roaming fees, which average an extra two pounds (2.40 euros, $2.60) per day for those visiting the EU.

European Union extends ban on mobile roaming fees by 10 years

From control over media to curbs on academic freedom: Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's policies

US President Joe Biden met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov on Saturday in Warsaw, in his first face-to-face meeting with top Ukrainian officials since the start of the war.

Kuleba and Reznikov have made a rare trip out of Ukraine as a possible sign of growing confidence in the fightback against Russian forces.

The meeting took place at the Marriott Hotel in the city centre,&nbsp;opposite a Warsaw train station where there has been a constant flow of Ukrainian refugees since the conflict started.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-holds-special-summit-on-energy-crisis-in-a-bid-to-reduce-dependence-on-russian-oil-465673/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-main-goal-is-the-liberation-of-donbass-says-russian-general-465577" hreflang="en">Ukraine war: Main goal is the liberation of Donbass, says Russian general</a>

More&nbsp;security assurances

''We did receive additional promises from the United States on how our defence co-operation will evolve,"&nbsp;Kuleba&nbsp;told reporters.

Kuleba&nbsp;said they were working with international organisations to get information on Ukrainians that have been evacuated to Russia “by force”, and also to prevent companies providing elements use in weapons to Russia.

"(When) our defenders capture enemy soldiers and their equipment, we discover especially vulnerable instruments they use in fighting against us... And we see which companies produce this or that detail or element, we inform our partners and prepare the next wave of sanctions against those foreign companies that deliver to Russia."

Biden last met Kuleba in Washington on February 22,&nbsp;two days before Russia began its assault. Since then, Kuleba has also met with Blinken in Poland next to the border with Ukraine on March 5.

Warsaw, the backdrop for the remarks, was until the collapse of communist rule in 1989 behind the Iron Curtain for four decades, under Soviet influence and a member of the Moscow-led Warsaw Pact security alliance.

Now, Poland is the biggest formerly communist member of the European Union and NATO, the security alliance founded to counter the Soviet Union.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/increase-energy-output-so-that-nobody-can-use-it-as-a-weapon-to-blackmail-zelensky-to-doha-forum-465665" hreflang="en">Increase energy output so that nobody can use it as a weapon to blackmail: Zelensky to Doha Forum</a>

The rise of rightwing populism in Poland in recent years has put it in conflict with the European Union and Washington, but the threat of Russia pressing beyond its borders has drawn Poland closer to its Western neighbours.

Labels Putin a 'butcher'&nbsp;

Biden&nbsp;branded Russian President Vladimir Putin a "butcher" during a meeting with refugees who have fled the war in Ukraine to the Polish capital.

He added that Putin could not remain in power, and his war against Ukraine has been a strategic failure for Moscow.

"For God's sake, this man cannot remain in power," Biden told a crowd in Warsaw. Biden also said the Russia-Ukraine war, now in its second month, had united the West, adding that NATO was a defensive alliance that never sought Russia's demise.

"The West is now stronger, more united than it has ever been," Biden told hundreds of Polish elected officials, students and U.S. embassy staff, many holding U.S., Polish and Ukrainian flags.

"We need to steel ourselves for the long fight ahead."

Biden, who took office last year after a violently contested election, vowed to restore democracy at home and unite democracies abroad to confront autocrats including the Russian president and China's leader Xi Jinping.

Putin's February 24 invasion of Ukraine, which Russia calls a "special operation", has tested that promise and threatened to inaugurate a new Cold War three decades after the Soviet Union unravelled.

Biden is on the second and final day of a visit to Poland after he met with EU and NATO leaders in Brussels earlier in the week.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/one-month-since-russia-invaded-ukraine-hundreds-dead-millions-displaced-when-will-it-end-465149">One month since Russia invaded Ukraine: Hundreds dead, millions displaced - When will it end?</a>

Washington, seeking to avoid a direct conflict with Russia, rejected a surprise offer by Poland to transfer Russian-made MiG-29 fighter jets to a US base in Germany to be used to replenish Ukraine's air force.

Now, Poland wants to accelerate the purchase of US.-made Patriot missiles, F35 fighter jets and tanks for its own security, and seek reassurance on NATO commitments to defend its members.

"Above all, we want the unshakable guarantee that the United States provides within the framework of the alliance," the head of the National Security Bureau, Pawel Soloch, said on Friday.&nbsp;

"Especially here, to Poland and the countries of the region. If there was an attack on Poland, the USA would defend Poland."

The US&nbsp;and many of its allies have imposed multiple rounds of economic and other sanctions on Russian individuals, banks, and other entities in hopes that the cumulative effect over time will force Putin to withdraw his troops.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov on Saturday in Warsaw, in his first face-to-face meeting with top Ukrainian officials since the start of the war.

US President Joe Biden met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba and Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov on Saturday in Warsaw, in his first face-to-face meeting with top Ukrainian officials since the start of the war. Kuleba and Reznikov have made a rare trip out of Ukraine as a possible sign of growing confidence in the fightback against Russian forces. The meeting took place at the Marriott Hotel in the city centre, opposite a Warsaw train station where there has been a constant flow of Ukrainian refugees since the conflict started. Also read | Ukraine war: Main goal is the liberation of Donbass, says Russian general More security assurances ''We did receive additional promises from the United States on how our defence co-operation will evolve," Kuleba told reporters. Kuleba said they were working with international organisations to get information on Ukrainians that have been evacuated to Russia “by force”, and also to prevent companies providing elements use in weapons to Russia. "(When) our defenders capture enemy soldiers and their equipment, we discover especially vulnerable instruments they use in fighting against us... And we see which companies produce this or that detail or element, we inform our partners and prepare the next wave of sanctions against those foreign companies that deliver to Russia." Biden last met Kuleba in Washington on February 22, two days before Russia began its assault. Since then, Kuleba has also met with Blinken in Poland next to the border with Ukraine on March 5. Warsaw, the backdrop for the remarks, was until the collapse of communist rule in 1989 behind the Iron Curtain for four decades, under Soviet influence and a member of the Moscow-led Warsaw Pact security alliance. Now, Poland is the biggest formerly communist member of the European Union and NATO, the security alliance founded to counter the Soviet Union. Also read | Increase energy output so that nobody can use it as a weapon to blackmail: Zelensky to Doha Forum The rise of rightwing populism in Poland in recent years has put it in conflict with the European Union and Washington, but the threat of Russia pressing beyond its borders has drawn Poland closer to its Western neighbours. Labels Putin a 'butcher' Biden branded Russian President Vladimir Putin a "butcher" during a meeting with refugees who have fled the war in Ukraine to the Polish capital. He added that Putin could not remain in power, and his war against Ukraine has been a strategic failure for Moscow. "For God's sake, this man cannot remain in power," Biden told a crowd in Warsaw. Biden also said the Russia-Ukraine war, now in its second month, had united the West, adding that NATO was a defensive alliance that never sought Russia's demise. "The West is now stronger, more united than it has ever been," Biden told hundreds of Polish elected officials, students and U.S. embassy staff, many holding U.S., Polish and Ukrainian flags. "We need to steel ourselves for the long fight ahead." Biden, who took office last year after a violently contested election, vowed to restore democracy at home and unite democracies abroad to confront autocrats including the Russian president and China's leader Xi Jinping. Putin's February 24 invasion of Ukraine, which Russia calls a "special operation", has tested that promise and threatened to inaugurate a new Cold War three decades after the Soviet Union unravelled. Biden is on the second and final day of a visit to Poland after he met with EU and NATO leaders in Brussels earlier in the week. Also see | One month since Russia invaded Ukraine: Hundreds dead, millions displaced - When will it end? Washington, seeking to avoid a direct conflict with Russia, rejected a surprise offer by Poland to transfer Russian-made MiG-29 fighter jets to a US base in Germany to be used to replenish Ukraine's air force. Now, Poland wants to accelerate the purchase of US.-made Patriot missiles, F35 fighter jets and tanks for its own security, and seek reassurance on NATO commitments to defend its members. "Above all, we want the unshakable guarantee that the United States provides within the framework of the alliance," the head of the National Security Bureau, Pawel Soloch, said on Friday. "Especially here, to Poland and the countries of the region. If there was an attack on Poland, the USA would defend Poland." The US and many of its allies have imposed multiple rounds of economic and other sanctions on Russian individuals, banks, and other entities in hopes that the cumulative effect over time will force Putin to withdraw his troops. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden meets Ukrainian ministers in first face-to-face meeting since Russia's invasion

The European Union (EU) on Monday approved a fresh defence strategy that will involve a 5000-strong rapid reaction force. The new strategy is intended to increase the bloc's capacity to act. The plan has been in the pipeline for two years.

This plan underwent a last-minute rewrite to increase the focus on the threat from Russia after Moscow invaded Ukraine.&nbsp;

"It's not the answer to the Ukrainian war, but it is part of the answer," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said at a meeting of the bloc's foreign and defence ministers.&nbsp;

"When we started working, we couldn't imagine that at the last moment of approval the situation would be so bad and Europe would be facing such a big challenge."

EU leaders have described Russia's assault on Ukraine as a wake-up call that their 27 nations have to take a more muscular approach to their security.

US-led military alliance NATO has for decades provided the bedrock for European defence and the war in Ukraine has reinforced the instinct among many EU members to keep Washington close.&nbsp;

But there has also been a push led by France for the bloc to bolster its own capacity to act.&nbsp;

The new strategy is designed to strike that balancing act while boosting defence cooperation between EU states.&nbsp;

"The more hostile security environment requires us to make a quantum leap forward and increase our capacity and willingness to act, strengthen our resilience, and invest more and better in our defence capabilities," the EU said in a statement.&nbsp;

"The objective of the Strategic Compass is to make the EU a stronger and more capable security provider." &nbsp;

Central to the plan is the establishment, by 2025, of an "EU Rapid Deployment Capacity" of up to 5,000 troops that could be sent into hostile environments.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union (EU) on Monday approved a fresh defence strategy that will involve a 5000-strong rapid reaction force. The new strategy is intended to increase the bloc's capacity to act.

The European Union (EU) on Monday approved a fresh defence strategy that will involve a 5000-strong rapid reaction force. The new strategy is intended to increase the bloc's capacity to act. The plan has been in the pipeline for two years. This plan underwent a last-minute rewrite to increase the focus on the threat from Russia after Moscow invaded Ukraine. "It's not the answer to the Ukrainian war, but it is part of the answer," EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said at a meeting of the bloc's foreign and defence ministers. "When we started working, we couldn't imagine that at the last moment of approval the situation would be so bad and Europe would be facing such a big challenge." EU leaders have described Russia's assault on Ukraine as a wake-up call that their 27 nations have to take a more muscular approach to their security. US-led military alliance NATO has for decades provided the bedrock for European defence and the war in Ukraine has reinforced the instinct among many EU members to keep Washington close. But there has also been a push led by France for the bloc to bolster its own capacity to act. The new strategy is designed to strike that balancing act while boosting defence cooperation between EU states. "The more hostile security environment requires us to make a quantum leap forward and increase our capacity and willingness to act, strengthen our resilience, and invest more and better in our defence capabilities," the EU said in a statement. "The objective of the Strategic Compass is to make the EU a stronger and more capable security provider." Central to the plan is the establishment, by 2025, of an "EU Rapid Deployment Capacity" of up to 5,000 troops that could be sent into hostile environments. (With inputs from agencies)

EU aims to form a rapid reaction force

Lawmakers in the European Union are giving final touches to a new law that would impact big tech companies like Google, Meta, Apple and Amazon.

AFP quoted sources to say that talks between negotiators from the European Parliament and EU member states on Thuesday may result in an agreement on the legislation.

"We really expect that we can reach an agreement on Thursday, that we can endorse the Digital Markets Act," said French MEP Stephanie Yon-Courtin, a key backer of the law.

This is a "a historic text that will clearly change the rules of the game," she added.

Once adopted, it would give regulators in Brussels unparallelled power to take a close and up-to-the-minute look at business decisions by the giants, especially when they acquire promising startups.

The rules would also set a list of do’s and don’ts including forcing Apple to open up its app store to competing payment systems -- a demand the iPhone maker has resisted arduously in courts for years.

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) could also force Google and Meta-owned Facebook to reveal precious information from their world-dominating ad platforms, potentially leaving them vulnerable to new rivals.

In their final push, lawmakers from the European Parliament would also like to impose interoperability between messaging systems such as WhatsApp, Signal or Apple’s iMessage.

Violation of the rules could lead to fines as high as 10 percent of annual global sales with some MEPs calling for even tougher penalties for repeat offenders.

The big tech companies have lobbied hard against the new rules.

(With inputs from agencies)

Lawmakers in the European Union are giving final touches to a new law that would impact big tech companies like Google, Meta, Apple and Amazon. AFP quoted sources to say that talks between negotiators from the European Parliament and EU member states on Thuesday may result in an agreement on the legislation.

Lawmakers in the European Union are giving final touches to a new law that would impact big tech companies like Google, Meta, Apple and Amazon. AFP quoted sources to say that talks between negotiators from the European Parliament and EU member states on Thuesday may result in an agreement on the legislation. "We really expect that we can reach an agreement on Thursday, that we can endorse the Digital Markets Act," said French MEP Stephanie Yon-Courtin, a key backer of the law. This is a "a historic text that will clearly change the rules of the game," she added. Once adopted, it would give regulators in Brussels unparallelled power to take a close and up-to-the-minute look at business decisions by the giants, especially when they acquire promising startups. The rules would also set a list of do’s and don’ts including forcing Apple to open up its app store to competing payment systems -- a demand the iPhone maker has resisted arduously in courts for years. The Digital Markets Act (DMA) could also force Google and Meta-owned Facebook to reveal precious information from their world-dominating ad platforms, potentially leaving them vulnerable to new rivals. In their final push, lawmakers from the European Parliament would also like to impose interoperability between messaging systems such as WhatsApp, Signal or Apple’s iMessage. Violation of the rules could lead to fines as high as 10 percent of annual global sales with some MEPs calling for even tougher penalties for repeat offenders. The big tech companies have lobbied hard against the new rules. (With inputs from agencies)

EU gives final touches to law on Big Tech 

The European Union has stalled the ongoing talks on the revival of the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal just days after confirming that the final draft of an agreement is almost ready.

Iran nuclear talks stalled: European Union foreign policy chief announces pause

The European Union agreed Wednesday to add 146 members of Russia's upper house of parliament and 14 Kremlin-linked oligarchs and relatives to its sanctions list over Moscow's war in Ukraine, officials said.&nbsp;

"We are further tightening the net of sanctions responding to Russia's military aggression against Ukraine," European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen wrote in a tweet.&nbsp;

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•Listing 160 individuals: oligarchs, Russian Federation Council members 
•Belarus banking sector 
•Export of maritime navigation technology to Russia 
•Adding crypto-assets
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1501521959821225984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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So far EU sanctions had hit hundreds of members of the lower house, the Duma, who voted in favour of Russia's recognition of the self-proclaimed people's republics of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine.

The bloc has assigned 500 million euros ($547 million) for humanitarian aid to Ukraine, saying it had taken in two million refugees fleeing the Russian invasion so far and expected millions more.

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The euro and other European currencies edged up on Wednesday ahead of this week's central bank meeting and supported by reports that the European Union was discussing joint bond issuance to finance energy and defence spending.

After touching a 22-month low on Monday sliding to as much as $1.0806, the euro rose 0.5 per cent&nbsp;on the day to $1.0946 helped by a report citing unnamed officials that said the European Union was discussing joint bond issuance.

Sterling rose 0.3 per cent against the dollar to $1.3134.

Russian forces have subjected some Ukrainian cities and towns to devastating bombardment and left places like the port of Mariupol without power or water for days.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-rocket-launchers-target-ukraines-cities-460535" hreflang="en">Russia's rocket launchers target Ukraine's cities</a>

The Ukrainian military is building up defences in cities in the north, south and east, and forces around Kyiv are “holding the line” against the Russian offensive.

Thousands of people are thought to have been killed, both civilians and soldiers, in two weeks of fighting since President Vladimir Putin’s forces invaded.&nbsp;

Kyiv regional administration head Oleksiy Kuleba said the crisis for civilians was growing in the capital, with the situation particularly critical in the city’s suburbs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-intermittent-alerts-to-blaring-air-raid-sirens-russian-pressure-keeps-kyiv-on-edge-460544" hreflang="en">From intermittent alerts to blaring air raid sirens: Russian pressure keeps Kyiv on edge</a>

“Russia is artificially creating a humanitarian crisis in the Kyiv region, frustrating the evacuation of people and continuing shelling and bombing small communities,” he said.

In addition to material support for Ukraine, Western countries have sought to pressure Russia through a series of punishing sanctions.&nbsp;

Ukraine’s president has pleaded repeatedly for warplanes to counter Russia’s significant air power, but Western countries have disagreed over how best to do that amid concerns it could raise the risk of the war expanding beyond Ukraine.

Moscow calls its action a "special military operation" to disarm its neighbour and dislodge leaders it calls "neo-Nazis."

Kyiv and its Western allies dismiss that as a baseless pretext for an unprovoked war against a democratic country of 44 million people.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union agreed Wednesday to add 146 members of Russia's upper house of parliament and 14 Kremlin-linked oligarchs and relatives to its sanctions list over Moscow's war in Ukraine, officials said.

The European Union agreed Wednesday to add 146 members of Russia's upper house of parliament and 14 Kremlin-linked oligarchs and relatives to its sanctions list over Moscow's war in Ukraine, officials said. "We are further tightening the net of sanctions responding to Russia's military aggression against Ukraine," European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen wrote in a tweet. We are further tightening the net of sanctions responding to Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine •Listing 160 individuals: oligarchs, Russian Federation Council members •Belarus banking sector •Export of maritime navigation technology to Russia •Adding crypto-assets — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) March 9, 2022 × So far EU sanctions had hit hundreds of members of the lower house, the Duma, who voted in favour of Russia's recognition of the self-proclaimed people's republics of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine. The bloc has assigned 500 million euros ($547 million) for humanitarian aid to Ukraine, saying it had taken in two million refugees fleeing the Russian invasion so far and expected millions more. The euro and other European currencies edged up on Wednesday ahead of this week's central bank meeting and supported by reports that the European Union was discussing joint bond issuance to finance energy and defence spending. After touching a 22-month low on Monday sliding to as much as $1.0806, the euro rose 0.5 per cent on the day to $1.0946 helped by a report citing unnamed officials that said the European Union was discussing joint bond issuance. Sterling rose 0.3 per cent against the dollar to $1.3134. Russian forces have subjected some Ukrainian cities and towns to devastating bombardment and left places like the port of Mariupol without power or water for days. Also see | Russia's rocket launchers target Ukraine's cities The Ukrainian military is building up defences in cities in the north, south and east, and forces around Kyiv are “holding the line” against the Russian offensive. Thousands of people are thought to have been killed, both civilians and soldiers, in two weeks of fighting since President Vladimir Putin’s forces invaded. Kyiv regional administration head Oleksiy Kuleba said the crisis for civilians was growing in the capital, with the situation particularly critical in the city’s suburbs. Also read | From intermittent alerts to blaring air raid sirens: Russian pressure keeps Kyiv on edge “Russia is artificially creating a humanitarian crisis in the Kyiv region, frustrating the evacuation of people and continuing shelling and bombing small communities,” he said. In addition to material support for Ukraine, Western countries have sought to pressure Russia through a series of punishing sanctions. Ukraine’s president has pleaded repeatedly for warplanes to counter Russia’s significant air power, but Western countries have disagreed over how best to do that amid concerns it could raise the risk of the war expanding beyond Ukraine. Moscow calls its action a "special military operation" to disarm its neighbour and dislodge leaders it calls "neo-Nazis." Kyiv and its Western allies dismiss that as a baseless pretext for an unprovoked war against a democratic country of 44 million people. (With inputs from agencies)

European Union adds 160 Russian oligarchs, senators to sanctions blacklist

Italy's prime minister called on Monday for&nbsp;European Union&nbsp;countries&nbsp;to act swiftly with&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;against&nbsp;Russian individuals and companies following Moscow's attack on Ukraine.

"And now we have to act, all of us, with speed on this point," Mario Draghi said in Brussels in brief comments to reporters ahead of a meeting with&nbsp;European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/more-than-4000-people-detained-at-anti-war-protests-in-russia-459908">More than 4,000 people detained at anti-war protests in Russia</a>

On Saturday, the Italian government said police seized villas and yachts worth 143 million&nbsp;euros ($154.94 million) from five high-profile&nbsp;Russians who were placed on&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;lists.

In separate remarks after meeting von der Leyen, Draghi said&nbsp;Italy, France and Germany were swiftly implementing&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;against&nbsp;Russian oligarchs, while "others less so". He didn't give further details.

"We don't rule out more&nbsp;sanctions, but we didn't discuss this (with von der Leyen)," Draghi said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-poutine-not-putin-classic-delicacy-falls-victim-to-russia-ukraine-conflict-goes-off-menu-459877">It’s Poutine, not Putin: Classic delicacy falls victim to Russia-Ukraine conflict, goes off menu</a>

Russia's invasion, which has been condemned around the world, has sent more than 1.5 million Ukrainians fleeing abroad and triggered sweeping&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;that have abruptly isolated&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;to a degree never before experienced by such a large economy.

The former&nbsp;European Central Bank chief said he believed&nbsp;Russia's aim was "to carry on until the country (Ukraine) has surrendered, probably set up a friendly government and defeat the resistance, that is what the facts show".

Watch |&nbsp;Over 1.5 million people have fled Ukraine since Russian invasion

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He said&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;has no objections to Ukraine becoming a member of the&nbsp;European Union, but added that this is a long procedure which usually&nbsp;needs deep reforms.

"We support Ukrainian membership of the&nbsp;European family," he said.

Italy's prime minister called on Monday for European Union countries to act swiftly with sanctions against Russian individuals and companies following Moscow's attack on Ukraine.

Italy's prime minister called on Monday for European Union countries to act swiftly with sanctions against Russian individuals and companies following Moscow's attack on Ukraine. "And now we have to act, all of us, with speed on this point," Mario Draghi said in Brussels in brief comments to reporters ahead of a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Also read | More than 4,000 people detained at anti-war protests in Russia On Saturday, the Italian government said police seized villas and yachts worth 143 million euros ($154.94 million) from five high-profile Russians who were placed on sanctions lists. In separate remarks after meeting von der Leyen, Draghi said Italy, France and Germany were swiftly implementing sanctions against Russian oligarchs, while "others less so". He didn't give further details. "We don't rule out more sanctions, but we didn't discuss this (with von der Leyen)," Draghi said. Also read | It’s Poutine, not Putin: Classic delicacy falls victim to Russia-Ukraine conflict, goes off menu Russia's invasion, which has been condemned around the world, has sent more than 1.5 million Ukrainians fleeing abroad and triggered sweeping sanctions that have abruptly isolated Russia to a degree never before experienced by such a large economy. The former European Central Bank chief said he believed Russia's aim was "to carry on until the country (Ukraine) has surrendered, probably set up a friendly government and defeat the resistance, that is what the facts show". Watch | Over 1.5 million people have fled Ukraine since Russian invasion He said Italy has no objections to Ukraine becoming a member of the European Union, but added that this is a long procedure which usually needs deep reforms. "We support Ukrainian membership of the European family," he said.

Italy says EU countries need to move quickly on sanctions against Russia

Ratings agencies&nbsp;Fitch&nbsp;and Moody's slashed Russia's sovereign debt on Thursday to "junk" status, or the category of countries at risk of not being able to repay their debt, a week after Moscow began its assault on Ukraine.

Moody's downgraded the rating on Russian long-term debt from Baa3 to B3 subject to a further review over the West's sanctions against Russia, while&nbsp;Fitch&nbsp;lowered its rating from BBB to B, also with a negative outlook.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-civilians-block-russian-troops-attempt-to-take-over-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-458475">Ukrainian civilians block Russian troops’ attempt to take over Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant</a>

"The multi-notch downgrade of Russia's ratings and maintaining the review for further downgrade were triggered by the severe sanctions that Western countries have imposed on Russia", including on its central bank and some large financial institutions, Moody's said in a statement.

The agency also noted a "heightened risk of disruption" to sovereign debt repayment in the face of "severe and coordinated sanctions".

It said there were "significant concerns" over Russia's willingness to service its debt.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-last-independent-news-networks-scribes-flee-russia-to-get-to-safety-458433">Ukraine crisis: Last independent news network’s scribes flee Russia to get to safety</a>

On Wednesday, the European Union cut seven Russian banks from the global SWIFT interbank messaging network, which allows for quick and secure transactions.

The World Bank also announced it was halting all of its ongoing projects in Russia and Belarus in response to the invasion of Ukraine.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: The human cost of Ukraine conflict

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Fitch, for its part, said in a statement that it expected a "further ratcheting up of sanctions on Russian banks".

It added that, in the event of a protracted conflict and weaker economic growth, it saw the potential for "greater domestic political uncertainty and instability".

Ratings agencies Fitch and Moody's slashed Russia's sovereign debt on Thursday to "junk" status, or the category of countries at risk of not being able to repay their debt, a week after Moscow began its assault on Ukraine.

Ratings agencies Fitch and Moody's slashed Russia's sovereign debt on Thursday to "junk" status, or the category of countries at risk of not being able to repay their debt, a week after Moscow began its assault on Ukraine. Moody's downgraded the rating on Russian long-term debt from Baa3 to B3 subject to a further review over the West's sanctions against Russia, while Fitch lowered its rating from BBB to B, also with a negative outlook. Also read | Ukrainian civilians block Russian troops’ attempt to take over Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant "The multi-notch downgrade of Russia's ratings and maintaining the review for further downgrade were triggered by the severe sanctions that Western countries have imposed on Russia", including on its central bank and some large financial institutions, Moody's said in a statement. The agency also noted a "heightened risk of disruption" to sovereign debt repayment in the face of "severe and coordinated sanctions". It said there were "significant concerns" over Russia's willingness to service its debt. Also read | Ukraine crisis: Last independent news network’s scribes flee Russia to get to safety On Wednesday, the European Union cut seven Russian banks from the global SWIFT interbank messaging network, which allows for quick and secure transactions. The World Bank also announced it was halting all of its ongoing projects in Russia and Belarus in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Watch | Gravitas: The human cost of Ukraine conflict Fitch, for its part, said in a statement that it expected a "further ratcheting up of sanctions on Russian banks". It added that, in the event of a protracted conflict and weaker economic growth, it saw the potential for "greater domestic political uncertainty and instability".

Fitch, Moody's slash Russia's sovereign debt to junk

Russia's 'unprovoked' invasion of Ukraine left the entire world in shock. The Western countries imposed economic sanctions on Russia, leaving the country in diplomatic isolation.&nbsp;

The invasion has impacted land, water and air with disruptions in airspace, sea and land routes in easter Europe, but now the crisis has affected a space programme.&nbsp;

A Russian-European joint mission to land a rover on Mars has been impacted as it is "very unlikely" to launch the ExoMars mission this year due to sanctions over Moscow.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intelligence-operative-us-expels-russian-spy-working-for-united-nations-457984">'Intelligence operative': US expels Russian spy working for United Nations</a>

The European Space Agency said that the launch of the Rosalind Franklin rover, whose mission is to drill into the Martian soil to seek out signs of life, was originally planned for 2020 but postponed due to coronavirus (COVID-19) and technical delays.&nbsp;

But in January, the ESA declared the ExoMars mission was ready to launch this September as Russia was ready to provide the launcher, descent module and landing platform.&nbsp;

Now, in a response to the Russian invasion, the European Union imposed massive sanctions on Moscow, the ESA said "the sanctions and the wider context make a launch in 2022 very unlikely".&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-ukraine-russia-conflict-man-miraculously-saved-after-military-combat-vehicle-runs-over-his-car-457805">Ukraine-Russia conflict: Man miraculously saved after military combat vehicle runs over his car</a>

"We are fully implementing sanctions imposed on Russia by our member states," the ESA said in a statement on Monday (February 28).&nbsp;

"We deplore the human casualties and tragic consequences of the war in Ukraine. We are giving absolute priority to taking proper decisions, not only for the sake of our workforce involved in the programmes, but in full respect of our European values," it added.&nbsp;

The ESA also said it took note of the Russian space agency Roscosmos' decision over the weekend to suspend launches and withdraw its workers from Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, over the EU sanctions.&nbsp;

"Regarding the Soyuz launch campaign from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, we take note of the Roscosmos decision to withdraw its workforce from Kourou," the statement added.&nbsp;

The space agency added that they will "consequently assess for each European institutional payload under our responsibility the appropriate launch service based notably on launch systems currently in operation and the upcoming Vega-C and Ariane 6 launchers."&nbsp;

WATCH&nbsp;|&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Will Russia impose counter-sanctions amid economic crisis?

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Russia's 'unprovoked' invasion of Ukraine left the entire world in shock. The Western countries imposed economic sanctions on Russia, leaving the country in diplomatic isolation.

Russia's 'unprovoked' invasion of Ukraine left the entire world in shock. The Western countries imposed economic sanctions on Russia, leaving the country in diplomatic isolation. The invasion has impacted land, water and air with disruptions in airspace, sea and land routes in easter Europe, but now the crisis has affected a space programme. A Russian-European joint mission to land a rover on Mars has been impacted as it is "very unlikely" to launch the ExoMars mission this year due to sanctions over Moscow. ALSO READ | 'Intelligence operative': US expels Russian spy working for United Nations The European Space Agency said that the launch of the Rosalind Franklin rover, whose mission is to drill into the Martian soil to seek out signs of life, was originally planned for 2020 but postponed due to coronavirus (COVID-19) and technical delays. But in January, the ESA declared the ExoMars mission was ready to launch this September as Russia was ready to provide the launcher, descent module and landing platform. Now, in a response to the Russian invasion, the European Union imposed massive sanctions on Moscow, the ESA said "the sanctions and the wider context make a launch in 2022 very unlikely". WATCH | Ukraine-Russia conflict: Man miraculously saved after military combat vehicle runs over his car "We are fully implementing sanctions imposed on Russia by our member states," the ESA said in a statement on Monday (February 28). "We deplore the human casualties and tragic consequences of the war in Ukraine. We are giving absolute priority to taking proper decisions, not only for the sake of our workforce involved in the programmes, but in full respect of our European values," it added. The ESA also said it took note of the Russian space agency Roscosmos' decision over the weekend to suspend launches and withdraw its workers from Europe's spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, over the EU sanctions. "Regarding the Soyuz launch campaign from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, we take note of the Roscosmos decision to withdraw its workforce from Kourou," the statement added. The space agency added that they will "consequently assess for each European institutional payload under our responsibility the appropriate launch service based notably on launch systems currently in operation and the upcoming Vega-C and Ariane 6 launchers." WATCH | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Will Russia impose counter-sanctions amid economic crisis? ×

Russia's invasion of Ukraine likely to delay Europe's Mars mission

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky signed an application to join the European Union on Monday.

Prior to the Russian invasion, Zelensky had pushed the EU to allow Ukraine to join the bloc under a special route.&nbsp;

"Our goal is to be with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be equal...I am sure we deserve it," he said.

Zelensky uploaded images of himself signing the EU application, a mostly symbolic move that might take years to materialise and is unlikely to please Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has long accused the West of attempting to entice Ukraine into its circle.

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President <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a> has signed application for the membership of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> in the European Union. 
 
This is a historic moment! <a href="https://t.co/rmzdgIwArc">pic.twitter.com/rmzdgIwArc</a>
— Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (@ua_parliament) <a href="https://twitter.com/ua_parliament/status/1498326340591919110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Under the shadow of Putin's nuclear threats, and with Moscow's invasion of Ukraine encountering unexpectedly stiff resistance, Russian and Ukrainian officials met on Day Five of the war.&nbsp;

Early Monday night, a top adviser to Ukraine’s president said that the first round of talks with Russia had ended and that both delegations had returned home for consultations in their capitals.

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Mykhailo Podolyak gave few details except to say that the talks, held near the Ukraine-Belarus border, were focused on a possible cease-fire and that a second round could take place "in the near future." 
 
Watch | Gravitas: 5 videos that tell the story Russia's Ukraine invasion

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Ukraine is still a long way from meeting the requirements for EU membership, and the EU's 27-nation union is overcrowded and unlikely to take on new members anytime soon.

Furthermore, any addition to the EU must be unanimously authorised, and several member states have lengthy approval processes.

Overall, there is a consensus that Ukraine's deep-seated corruption will make it difficult for it to gain EU recognition.

"We want them in the European Union," EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said in an interview with Euronews on Sunday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky signed an application to join the European Union on Monday. Prior to the Russian invasion, Zelensky had pushed the EU to allow Ukraine to join the bloc under a special route.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky signed an application to join the European Union on Monday. Prior to the Russian invasion, Zelensky had pushed the EU to allow Ukraine to join the bloc under a special route. "Our goal is to be with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be equal...I am sure we deserve it," he said. Zelensky uploaded images of himself signing the EU application, a mostly symbolic move that might take years to materialise and is unlikely to please Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has long accused the West of attempting to entice Ukraine into its circle. President @ZelenskyyUa has signed application for the membership of #Ukraine in the European Union. This is a historic moment! pic.twitter.com/rmzdgIwArc — Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (@ua_parliament) February 28, 2022 × Under the shadow of Putin's nuclear threats, and with Moscow's invasion of Ukraine encountering unexpectedly stiff resistance, Russian and Ukrainian officials met on Day Five of the war. Early Monday night, a top adviser to Ukraine’s president said that the first round of talks with Russia had ended and that both delegations had returned home for consultations in their capitals. Ukraine is still a long way from meeting the requirements for EU membership, and the EU's 27-nation union is overcrowded and unlikely to take on new members anytime soon. × Mykhailo Podolyak gave few details except to say that the talks, held near the Ukraine-Belarus border, were focused on a possible cease-fire and that a second round could take place "in the near future." Watch | Gravitas: 5 videos that tell the story Russia's Ukraine invasion Ukraine is still a long way from meeting the requirements for EU membership, and the EU's 27-nation union is overcrowded and unlikely to take on new members anytime soon. Furthermore, any addition to the EU must be unanimously authorised, and several member states have lengthy approval processes. Overall, there is a consensus that Ukraine's deep-seated corruption will make it difficult for it to gain EU recognition. "We want them in the European Union," EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said in an interview with Euronews on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine's President Zelensky signs application to join European Union

Russia's bombardment of civilian targets in Ukraine's second city of Kharkiv broke international rules of conflict, the EU's foreign policy chief said Tuesday.&nbsp;

"The shelling against civilian infrastructure yesterday in Kharkiv violates the laws of war. The EU stands unwavering at the side of Ukraine in these dramatic moments," Josep Borrell said after a call with Ukraine's foreign minister.

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Russian troops fired artillery at Kyiv, Kharkiv and the southern port city of Mariupol overnight while the Ukrainian side shot down Russian military planes around the capital.

In strategic Kharkiv, an eastern city with a population of about 1.5 million, videos posted online showed explosions hitting the region’s Soviet-era administrative building and residential areas.

At least 10 people were killed and 35 wounded&nbsp;in rockets strikes by Russian forces on the centre of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, Interior Ministry adviser Anton Herashchenko said in a post on social media.

"The rubble is being cleared and there will be even more victims and wounded," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-lifts-visa-requirements-for-foreigners-who-want-to-fight-against-russia-457756">Ukraine lifts visa requirements for foreigners willing to fight against Russia</a>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said&nbsp;that Russian artillery attacks on Ukraine's second-largest city of Kharkiv amounted to state terrorism and called on the international community to recognise it as such.

"The terror aims to break us, to break our resistance," he said in a video address shared on social media describing Kyiv and Kharkiv as Russia's main targets.

Amid ever-growing international condemnation, Russia found itself increasingly isolated five days into its invasion, while also facing unexpectedly fierce resistance on the ground in Ukraine and economic havoc at home.

For the second day in a row, the Kremlin raised the specter of nuclear war, announcing that its nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarines and long-range bombers had all been put on high alert, following President Vladimir Putin’s orders over the weekend.

An embattled Ukraine moved to solidify its ties to the West by applying to join the European Union,&nbsp;a largely symbolic move for now, but one that is unlikely to sit well with Putin, who has long accused the US of trying to pull Ukraine out of Moscow’s orbit.

On Sunday, the EU announced it would tighten sanctions on Russia, ban Russian state-owned television network Russia Today and news agency Sputnik and fund weapons for Ukraine to help it defend itself against Russia's invasion.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia's bombardment of civilian targets in Ukraine's second city of Kharkiv broke international rules of conflict, the EU's foreign policy chief said Tuesday. "The shelling against civilian infrastructure yesterday in Kharkiv violates the laws of war.

Russia's bombardment of civilian targets in Ukraine's second city of Kharkiv broke international rules of conflict, the EU's foreign policy chief said Tuesday. "The shelling against civilian infrastructure yesterday in Kharkiv violates the laws of war. The EU stands unwavering at the side of Ukraine in these dramatic moments," Josep Borrell said after a call with Ukraine's foreign minister. Russian troops fired artillery at Kyiv, Kharkiv and the southern port city of Mariupol overnight while the Ukrainian side shot down Russian military planes around the capital. In strategic Kharkiv, an eastern city with a population of about 1.5 million, videos posted online showed explosions hitting the region’s Soviet-era administrative building and residential areas. At least 10 people were killed and 35 wounded in rockets strikes by Russian forces on the centre of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, Interior Ministry adviser Anton Herashchenko said in a post on social media. "The rubble is being cleared and there will be even more victims and wounded," he said. Also read | Ukraine lifts visa requirements for foreigners willing to fight against Russia Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that Russian artillery attacks on Ukraine's second-largest city of Kharkiv amounted to state terrorism and called on the international community to recognise it as such. "The terror aims to break us, to break our resistance," he said in a video address shared on social media describing Kyiv and Kharkiv as Russia's main targets. Amid ever-growing international condemnation, Russia found itself increasingly isolated five days into its invasion, while also facing unexpectedly fierce resistance on the ground in Ukraine and economic havoc at home. For the second day in a row, the Kremlin raised the specter of nuclear war, announcing that its nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarines and long-range bombers had all been put on high alert, following President Vladimir Putin’s orders over the weekend. An embattled Ukraine moved to solidify its ties to the West by applying to join the European Union, a largely symbolic move for now, but one that is unlikely to sit well with Putin, who has long accused the US of trying to pull Ukraine out of Moscow’s orbit. On Sunday, the EU announced it would tighten sanctions on Russia, ban Russian state-owned television network Russia Today and news agency Sputnik and fund weapons for Ukraine to help it defend itself against Russia's invasion. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian shelling in Ukraine's Kharkiv 'violates laws of war': European Union

The European Union is preparing to grant Ukrainians who flee the war the right to stay and work in the 27-nation bloc for up to three years, senior EU and French officials said.

At least 300,000 Ukrainian refugees have entered the EU so far, and the bloc needs to prepare for millions more, they said. EU members Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary have land borders with Ukraine.

"It is our duty to take in those who flee war," French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told France 2 TV on Monday, saying EU interior minister had on Sunday tasked the European Commission with preparing draft proposals to grant them protection.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-sceptical-but-say-will-try-dialogue-with-russia-457239">&nbsp;Zelensky sceptical, but says will 'try' dialogue with Russia</a>

Ministers will meet again on Thursday to agree on the details.

The EU temporary protection directive, drawn up after the 1990s war in the Balkans, but never used so far, provides for the same level of protection, for one to three years, in all EU states, including a residence permit, access to employment, social welfare and medical treatment.

EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said most ministers had brought their support to the move on Sunday, with just some questioning if now was the time to do it or if it was best to wait a bit.

The issue, she said, concerns all of the EU.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyiv-mayor-proud-of-citizens-spirit-anxious-about-future-457348">Kyiv mayor proud of citizens' spirit, anxious about future</a>

"We already see a lot of Ukrainians leaving the countries of first entry and go to other member states, especially those that have a big Ukrainian population already," she told a news conference on Sunday. "Poland is one of them but also Italy, Portugal, Spain, Germany, the Czech Republic."

"All EU member states are prepared to accept refugees from Ukraine," German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said.

"This is a strong response by Europe to the terrible suffering that Putin inflicts with his criminal war of aggression: Together, we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine."

Watch |&nbsp;EU will finance purchase of weapons for Ukraine amid Russian invasion

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-will-finance-purchase-of-weapons-for-ukraine-amid-russian-invasion-457236/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Citing U.N. estimates, Janez Lenarcic, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, said four million Ukrainians are expected to flee the country as refugees.

With men of conscription age prevented from leaving Ukraine, mostly women and children are arriving at the border in eastern Poland, Slovakia and Hungary and in northern and northeastern Romania.

The European Union is preparing to grant Ukrainians who flee the war the right to stay and work in the 27-nation bloc for up to three years, senior EU and French officials said.

The European Union is preparing to grant Ukrainians who flee the war the right to stay and work in the 27-nation bloc for up to three years, senior EU and French officials said. At least 300,000 Ukrainian refugees have entered the EU so far, and the bloc needs to prepare for millions more, they said. EU members Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary have land borders with Ukraine. "It is our duty to take in those who flee war," French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told France 2 TV on Monday, saying EU interior minister had on Sunday tasked the European Commission with preparing draft proposals to grant them protection. Also read | Zelensky sceptical, but says will 'try' dialogue with Russia Ministers will meet again on Thursday to agree on the details. The EU temporary protection directive, drawn up after the 1990s war in the Balkans, but never used so far, provides for the same level of protection, for one to three years, in all EU states, including a residence permit, access to employment, social welfare and medical treatment. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said most ministers had brought their support to the move on Sunday, with just some questioning if now was the time to do it or if it was best to wait a bit. The issue, she said, concerns all of the EU. Also read | Kyiv mayor proud of citizens' spirit, anxious about future "We already see a lot of Ukrainians leaving the countries of first entry and go to other member states, especially those that have a big Ukrainian population already," she told a news conference on Sunday. "Poland is one of them but also Italy, Portugal, Spain, Germany, the Czech Republic." "All EU member states are prepared to accept refugees from Ukraine," German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said. "This is a strong response by Europe to the terrible suffering that Putin inflicts with his criminal war of aggression: Together, we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine." Watch | EU will finance purchase of weapons for Ukraine amid Russian invasion Citing U.N. estimates, Janez Lenarcic, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, said four million Ukrainians are expected to flee the country as refugees. With men of conscription age prevented from leaving Ukraine, mostly women and children are arriving at the border in eastern Poland, Slovakia and Hungary and in northern and northeastern Romania.

EU plans to grant Ukrainians right to stay for up to 3 years

From curiosity to cataclysm: Russian President Vladimir Putin's relationship with the West

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly told European Union leaders in a video call Friday night that it could be the last time they see him alive.

'Two people briefed on the call told me,' claims Walla News Diplomatic Correspondent Barak Ravid.&nbsp;

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BREAKING: In a video conference call last night Ukraine President Zelensky told EU leaders: "This might be the last time you see me alive", two sources briefed on the call told me
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While his country is under siege by Vladimir Putin's Russia, Ukraine's President was recently photographed in a military uniform.

While it is still unknown what role Zelensky has played among the Ukrainian military, the President has stated that he is doing everything he can to support the people of his nation and that he has no plans to leave Kyiv. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-invasion-what-sanctions-have-been-imposed-on-russia-heres-a-list-456507">Ukraine invasion: What sanctions have been imposed on Russia? Here’s a list</a>

'You are all we have,' the President warned his country's military today (February 25), accusing other international powers of failing to respond sufficiently to Russia's invasion.&nbsp;

Zelensky urged European citizens to protest and demand more aggressive action from their governments.

He also compared Russia's incursion to the Second World War.

The United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union have imposed penalties against Vladimir Putin's Russia for its incursion into Ukrainian sovereign territory, but many say the sanctions, which target banks, airlines, and even private citizens, are insufficient. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-says-his-country-left-alone-to-fight-russia-claims-enemy-marked-him-as-target-no-1-456242">Also read |&nbsp;Ukrainian President says his country 'left alone' to fight Russia; claims enemy marked him as 'target no. 1'</a>

According to the reports, Zelensky said that the invasion of Russia into Ukraine was not just an invasion; it was the beginning of the war against Europe.

"Against the unity of Europe. Against basic human rights in Europe. Against all rules of coexistence on the continent. Against the fact that European states refuse to divide borders by force."

Zelensky cut diplomatic ties with Moscow and declared martial law yesterday (February 24) as Vladimir Putin declared a Russian military operation in Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly told European Union leaders in a video call Friday night that it could be the last time they see him alive. 'Two people briefed on the call told me,' claims Walla News Diplomatic Correspondent Barak Ravid.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly told European Union leaders in a video call Friday night that it could be the last time they see him alive. 'Two people briefed on the call told me,' claims Walla News Diplomatic Correspondent Barak Ravid. BREAKING: In a video conference call last night Ukraine President Zelensky told EU leaders: "This might be the last time you see me alive", two sources briefed on the call told me — Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) February 25, 2022 × While his country is under siege by Vladimir Putin's Russia, Ukraine's President was recently photographed in a military uniform. While it is still unknown what role Zelensky has played among the Ukrainian military, the President has stated that he is doing everything he can to support the people of his nation and that he has no plans to leave Kyiv. Ukraine invasion: What sanctions have been imposed on Russia? Here’s a list 'You are all we have,' the President warned his country's military today (February 25), accusing other international powers of failing to respond sufficiently to Russia's invasion. Zelensky urged European citizens to protest and demand more aggressive action from their governments. He also compared Russia's incursion to the Second World War. The United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union have imposed penalties against Vladimir Putin's Russia for its incursion into Ukrainian sovereign territory, but many say the sanctions, which target banks, airlines, and even private citizens, are insufficient. Also read | Ukrainian President says his country 'left alone' to fight Russia; claims enemy marked him as 'target no. 1' According to the reports, Zelensky said that the invasion of Russia into Ukraine was not just an invasion; it was the beginning of the war against Europe. "Against the unity of Europe. Against basic human rights in Europe. Against all rules of coexistence on the continent. Against the fact that European states refuse to divide borders by force." Zelensky cut diplomatic ties with Moscow and declared martial law yesterday (February 24) as Vladimir Putin declared a Russian military operation in Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

'This might be the last time you see me alive': Ukraine President Zelensky to European Union leaders

The European Union on Monday imposed sanctions on several top officials in Myanmar and on a lucrative state-owned oil and gas company that has helped fund the military that overthrew the country's elected government a year ago.

The bloc imposed asset freezes and travel bans on 22 people and slapped restrictive measures on four entities, including state-owned and private companies.

Among those sanctioned was the state-owned Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE), which is a joint venture partner in all offshore gas projects in Myanmar, including the Yadana gas field with Total Energies and Chevron.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-to-contest-icj-rohingya-case-without-aung-san-suu-kyi-454941">Myanmar to contest ICJ Rohingya case, without Aung San Suu Kyi</a>

Last month, Total and Chevron said they were exiting Myanmar amid rampant human rights abuses committed by the military.

The sanctions on MOGE come after a long campaign by human rights groups within Myanmar and around the world, who argued that sanctioning MOGE would cut off a significant source of the military's funds.

About 50% of Myanmar's foreign currency comes from natural gas revenues, with MOGE expected to earn $1.5 billion from offshore and pipeline projects in 2021-2022, according to a Myanmar government forecast.

Prior rounds of U.S. And European sanctions against the Myanmar military have excluded oil and gas. The Yadana field supplies gas to Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand.

EU headquarters said in a statement that the bloc is deeply concerned by the continuing escalation of violence in Myanmar and the evolution towards a protracted conflict with regional implications. Since the military coup, the situation has continuously and gravely deteriorated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/eu-expands-sanctions-on-myanmar-military-junta-regime-455174">EU expands sanctions on Myanmar military junta regime</a>

John Sifton, Asia advocacy director of Human Rights Watch, applauded the EU's decision, noting that the sanctions against MOGE were particularly important given how crucial the company's revenues are to the military.

It is vital, however, that the European Union enforce these measures effectively, and that energy companies now withdrawing from Myanmar do so in a way that doesn't further benefit the junta, Sifton said in a statement.

The European Union must implement these measures in ways that ensure that energy companies' shares in oil and gas operations are not simply transferred or relinquished to junta-controlled entities&nbsp;an outcome that would only enrich the junta further.

Widespread nonviolent protests in Myanmar followed a Feb. 1, 2021, military takeover that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/arson-attacks-and-raids-myanmar-military-has-destroyed-over-4500-homes-since-coup-454365">Arson attacks and raids: Myanmar military has destroyed over 4,500 homes since coup</a>

An armed resistance grew after peaceful protests were put down. The country now faces an insurgency that some experts characterize as a civil war.

More than 1,500 civilians have been tortured to death or killed in the violence, many of them in attacks in rural areas by security forces, including airstrikes.

The 27-country bloc has now imposed sanctions on a total of 65 people and 10 entities, which are usually organizations, agencies, companies or banks.

The European Union on Monday imposed sanctions on several top officials in Myanmar and on a lucrative state-owned oil and gas company that has helped fund the military that overthrew the country's elected government a year ago.

The European Union on Monday imposed sanctions on several top officials in Myanmar and on a lucrative state-owned oil and gas company that has helped fund the military that overthrew the country's elected government a year ago. The bloc imposed asset freezes and travel bans on 22 people and slapped restrictive measures on four entities, including state-owned and private companies. Among those sanctioned was the state-owned Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise (MOGE), which is a joint venture partner in all offshore gas projects in Myanmar, including the Yadana gas field with Total Energies and Chevron. Also read | Myanmar to contest ICJ Rohingya case, without Aung San Suu Kyi Last month, Total and Chevron said they were exiting Myanmar amid rampant human rights abuses committed by the military. The sanctions on MOGE come after a long campaign by human rights groups within Myanmar and around the world, who argued that sanctioning MOGE would cut off a significant source of the military's funds. About 50% of Myanmar's foreign currency comes from natural gas revenues, with MOGE expected to earn $1.5 billion from offshore and pipeline projects in 2021-2022, according to a Myanmar government forecast. Prior rounds of U.S. And European sanctions against the Myanmar military have excluded oil and gas. The Yadana field supplies gas to Myanmar and neighbouring Thailand. EU headquarters said in a statement that the bloc is deeply concerned by the continuing escalation of violence in Myanmar and the evolution towards a protracted conflict with regional implications. Since the military coup, the situation has continuously and gravely deteriorated. Also read | EU expands sanctions on Myanmar military junta regime John Sifton, Asia advocacy director of Human Rights Watch, applauded the EU's decision, noting that the sanctions against MOGE were particularly important given how crucial the company's revenues are to the military. It is vital, however, that the European Union enforce these measures effectively, and that energy companies now withdrawing from Myanmar do so in a way that doesn't further benefit the junta, Sifton said in a statement. The European Union must implement these measures in ways that ensure that energy companies' shares in oil and gas operations are not simply transferred or relinquished to junta-controlled entities an outcome that would only enrich the junta further. Widespread nonviolent protests in Myanmar followed a Feb. 1, 2021, military takeover that ousted the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Also read | Arson attacks and raids: Myanmar military has destroyed over 4,500 homes since coup An armed resistance grew after peaceful protests were put down. The country now faces an insurgency that some experts characterize as a civil war. More than 1,500 civilians have been tortured to death or killed in the violence, many of them in attacks in rural areas by security forces, including airstrikes. The 27-country bloc has now imposed sanctions on a total of 65 people and 10 entities, which are usually organizations, agencies, companies or banks.

EU sanctions 22 Myanmar officials, gas company over abuses

The European Union on Monday added 22 officials of Myanmar's military junta to the bloc's sanctions list. Sanctions have also been imposed on four companies tied to the military regime.

The latest move means that 65 Myanmar officials have till now been hit by EU asset freezes and visa bans. Number of firms under sanctions has come to 10.

Among those targeted by the latest round of sanctions were the ministers for investment, industry and information, officials at the election commission and senior members of military.&nbsp;

Two state mining and energy firms were also added to the list, along with two private firms linked to the junta. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"The European Union is deeply concerned by the continuing escalation of violence in Myanmar and the evolution towards a protracted conflict with regional implications," the bloc said in a statement. &nbsp;

"Since the military coup, the situation has continuously and gravely deteriorated."

It repeated calls for "an immediate cessation of all hostilities, and an end to the disproportionate use of force and the state of emergency".

Myanmar has been in chaos, its economy paralysed, and more than 1,500 civilians have been killed in a military crackdown since the putsch in February 2021, according to a local monitoring group.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The European Union on Monday added 22 officials of Myanmar's military junta to the bloc's sanctions list. Sanctions have also been imposed on four companies tied to the military regime.

The European Union on Monday added 22 officials of Myanmar's military junta to the bloc's sanctions list. Sanctions have also been imposed on four companies tied to the military regime. The latest move means that 65 Myanmar officials have till now been hit by EU asset freezes and visa bans. Number of firms under sanctions has come to 10. Among those targeted by the latest round of sanctions were the ministers for investment, industry and information, officials at the election commission and senior members of military. Two state mining and energy firms were also added to the list, along with two private firms linked to the junta. "The European Union is deeply concerned by the continuing escalation of violence in Myanmar and the evolution towards a protracted conflict with regional implications," the bloc said in a statement. "Since the military coup, the situation has continuously and gravely deteriorated." It repeated calls for "an immediate cessation of all hostilities, and an end to the disproportionate use of force and the state of emergency". Myanmar has been in chaos, its economy paralysed, and more than 1,500 civilians have been killed in a military crackdown since the putsch in February 2021, according to a local monitoring group. (With inputs from agencies)

EU expands sanctions on Myanmar military junta regime

A German retiree facing sky-high energy bills is turning to a wood-burning stove. The owner of a dry cleaning business in Spain adjusted her employees’ work shifts to cut electric bills and installed solar panels. A mayor in France said he ordered a hiring freeze because rising electrical bills threaten a financial “catastrophe.”

Europeans have long paid some of the world’s highest prices for energy, but no one can remember a winter like this one. Lives and livelihoods across the continent are being upended by a series of factors, including pandemic-induced supply shortages and now geopolitical tensions that are driving some energy prices up fivefold.

Matters could get worse if tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalate further, potentially interrupting the flow of gas. Russia provides more than one-third of Europe’s natural gas, which heats homes, generates electricity and powers factories. Even as politicians and leaders in capitals across Europe are freezing prices, slashing taxes on energy and issuing checks to households hardest hit by the price increases, concerns are growing about what the persistently high prices could mean for peoples’ jobs and their ability to pay their bills.

“People are very upset and very distressed,” said Stefanie Siegert, who counsels consumers in the eastern German state of Saxony who find themselves struggling to pay their gas and power bills.

Germany has so far not seen protests over exorbitant energy bills like those that filled streets in Spain last year, or an explosive outcry over inequality on the level of the yellow vest movement that rocked France in 2018. But Siegert, whose agency counseled more than 300 customers in January — three times its monthly average — said she wouldn’t be surprised if the anger directed at the prospect of a vaccine mandate shifted its sights to energy prices.

“When you talk with people, you feel their anger,” she said. “It is very depressing.”

Charged in one month what he used to pay in a year

Henry Backhaus, 65, is among tens of thousands of Germans who were dropped by private energy companies that could not afford to buy wholesale electricity and gas at soaring rates. Under German law, the local utility was then required to step in, but it sent him a bill for 747 euros (nearly $850) a month — more than he had been paying for an entire year.

“I am a retiree,” he said, looking over the stack of paperwork spread out on his dining room table. “That is more than what I can afford.”

But Backhaus, who lives in a three-story house in Saxony, has an alternative that might make him the envy of the millions of other Germans stuck with high energy bills: He has a large wood stove in his living room and, in his basement next to his gas-fired furnace, a furnace that burns coal or wood.

The stove and furnace, installed before the house was connected to a gas main, allow him to turn down the dial on his radiators to just 18 degrees Celsius, or 64 Fahrenheit, essentially cutting his gas bill in half.

“I still have a reserve of coal briquettes and stacks of dried wood,” he said, poking another log into the stove. “But this is only temporary. It is not a long-term solution.”

Most people don’t have the option of burning wood or coal, relying instead on piling on layers of clothing. In Britain, the government’s price cap on energy bills was recently raised 54%, increasing annual charges to 1,971 pounds. That increase will affect 22 million households beginning in April, contributing to broadening worries in Britain about the rising cost of living.

Similar concerns can be found throughout the continent.

Athina Sirogianni, 46, a freelance translator in Athens, Greece, said she remembered fondly the day about a decade ago when her building switched from oil to natural gas. The move cut her utility bill in half.

Now, her heating bill is nearly triple last year’s.

“I keep trying to think of where I can cut spending so I can afford the bills,” she said, adding that she hasn’t visited the hairdresser in nearly a year, and has pared back her food shopping to the essentials.

‘The more we produce, the more we lose’

The price of energy is also forcing shutdowns or slowing production at manufacturers across Europe, even as they are eager to fill a backlog of orders and resume levels of business from before the pandemic.

The smelting industry has been especially hit hard. Nyrstar, the world’s second-largest zinc processor, produces nearly 500 tons of the metal each day at a sprawling factory in Auby, in northern France, a complex that consumes as much energy as the French city of Lyon.

When its electrical rates surged from 35 euros to 50 euros per megawatt-hour to 400 euros in December, it made no sense to keep the factory running, said Xavier Constant, Nyrstar France’s general manager. At that rate, he said, “the more we produce, the more we lose,” and so the plant shut down last month for three weeks.

Nyrstar temporarily halved production at its other European plants in October when the energy crisis set in, prompting a brief spike in the global price of zinc.

Last fall, fertilizer plants in Britain were forced to close because of gas prices. And several German companies that produce glass, steel and fertilizer have also scaled back production in recent months.

To ease the burden of the high prices, the government in Berlin reduced by half an energy surcharge on bills aimed at funding the country’s transition to renewable sources of power, and plans to phase it out by the end of next year.

But industry leaders say that is not soon enough. Almost two-thirds of the 28,000 companies surveyed by the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry this month rated energy prices as one of their biggest business risks. For those in the industrial sector, the figure was as high as 85%.

Small businesses, too, are scrambling for ways to cut costs.

Pilar Ballesteros Parra, who co-owns Ronsel, a dry cleaning business in Madrid that employs 10 people, said that her company’s electricity rates had risen about 20% from the previous year. In reaction, she has reorganized her employees’ work schedule, starting the early shift earlier and pushing the late shift further into the evening so the dry-cleaning equipment can run when rates are lowest.

She is also installing solar panels on the company’s building, outside of the Spanish capital, so that Ronsel can generate at least 60% of its own energy. The government is helping her with a 35% subsidy of the $45,000 investment.

“Our building faces southwest and gets a lot of sun, so that means that we should be almost self-sustainable during the coming months of spring and summer, which will be a big relief,” she said.

Still, she said, the energy crunch and overall price inflation meant that she saw little chance of sparing her customers some of the burden.

“There’s clearly this electricity headache, but there’s also now wage inflation and much higher gas bills for our vans,” she said. “In a few months, it’s clear that some of these costs will have to be passed on to our clients if we want to keep going.”

For public budgets, ‘like riding a roller coaster’

A broad range of public institutions are facing strains from higher power bills. In Poland, hospitals that have already been financially stretched by the coronavirus pandemic now question if they can keep their doors open.

“Managing a hospital in Poland is more and more like riding a roller coaster,” Robert Suroweic, who manages the Provincial Hospital in Gorzow, said on Twitter. He said the facility’s electricity prices had increased 100%.

He and other hospital directors have appealed to the government in Warsaw to intervene, saying the recent cuts to taxes on energy and gasoline were not enough.

In Germany, there is rising tension in municipally owned utilities that must accept customers, like Backhaus in Saxony, whose relatively low-cost contracts have been dropped by private energy companies because the companies can’t pay ballooning energy rates.

The municipal utilities are forced to increase the rates for these new customers, often almost astronomically high, to cover the cost of buying extra energy on the spot market at record prices. That leads to tensions in communities, and can threaten municipal finances.

“Anyone who wants to will be supplied with energy by the municipal utilities,” said Markus Lewe, president of the German Association of Cities and Towns. “But it must not lead to the municipal utilities and their loyal customers being asked to pay for questionable business models of other providers and having to answer for their shortsighted financing.”

He called on the federal government to intervene, to protect cities from the price instability.

In France, local leaders are also looking to the federal government to help ease the sting of skyrocketing energy bills.

Boris Ravignon, the mayor of Charleville-Mézières, said his city is facing “a catastrophe” after its January energy bill more than tripled, wiping out the region’s budget surplus for infrastructure and public services in a single month. The city is trying to cut costs by switching streetlights to LED bulbs, which use less electricity, and has proposed a new hydroelectric project.

The mayor has already frozen planned hirings and said the city may have no choice but to raise the cost of public services like water, transportation, fees to use sports halls like the city’s public pool, and cultural events.

“We really want to protect citizens from these increases,” Ravignon said. “But when prices reach such crazy heights, it’s impossible.” 
&nbsp;

A German retiree facing sky-high energy bills is turning to a wood-burning stove. The owner of a dry cleaning business in Spain adjusted her employees’ work shifts to cut electric bills and installed solar panels.

A German retiree facing sky-high energy bills is turning to a wood-burning stove. The owner of a dry cleaning business in Spain adjusted her employees’ work shifts to cut electric bills and installed solar panels. A mayor in France said he ordered a hiring freeze because rising electrical bills threaten a financial “catastrophe.” Europeans have long paid some of the world’s highest prices for energy, but no one can remember a winter like this one. Lives and livelihoods across the continent are being upended by a series of factors, including pandemic-induced supply shortages and now geopolitical tensions that are driving some energy prices up fivefold. Matters could get worse if tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalate further, potentially interrupting the flow of gas. Russia provides more than one-third of Europe’s natural gas, which heats homes, generates electricity and powers factories. Even as politicians and leaders in capitals across Europe are freezing prices, slashing taxes on energy and issuing checks to households hardest hit by the price increases, concerns are growing about what the persistently high prices could mean for peoples’ jobs and their ability to pay their bills. “People are very upset and very distressed,” said Stefanie Siegert, who counsels consumers in the eastern German state of Saxony who find themselves struggling to pay their gas and power bills. Germany has so far not seen protests over exorbitant energy bills like those that filled streets in Spain last year, or an explosive outcry over inequality on the level of the yellow vest movement that rocked France in 2018. But Siegert, whose agency counseled more than 300 customers in January — three times its monthly average — said she wouldn’t be surprised if the anger directed at the prospect of a vaccine mandate shifted its sights to energy prices. “When you talk with people, you feel their anger,” she said. “It is very depressing.” Charged in one month what he used to pay in a year Henry Backhaus, 65, is among tens of thousands of Germans who were dropped by private energy companies that could not afford to buy wholesale electricity and gas at soaring rates. Under German law, the local utility was then required to step in, but it sent him a bill for 747 euros (nearly $850) a month — more than he had been paying for an entire year. “I am a retiree,” he said, looking over the stack of paperwork spread out on his dining room table. “That is more than what I can afford.” But Backhaus, who lives in a three-story house in Saxony, has an alternative that might make him the envy of the millions of other Germans stuck with high energy bills: He has a large wood stove in his living room and, in his basement next to his gas-fired furnace, a furnace that burns coal or wood. The stove and furnace, installed before the house was connected to a gas main, allow him to turn down the dial on his radiators to just 18 degrees Celsius, or 64 Fahrenheit, essentially cutting his gas bill in half. “I still have a reserve of coal briquettes and stacks of dried wood,” he said, poking another log into the stove. “But this is only temporary. It is not a long-term solution.” Most people don’t have the option of burning wood or coal, relying instead on piling on layers of clothing. In Britain, the government’s price cap on energy bills was recently raised 54%, increasing annual charges to 1,971 pounds. That increase will affect 22 million households beginning in April, contributing to broadening worries in Britain about the rising cost of living. Similar concerns can be found throughout the continent. Athina Sirogianni, 46, a freelance translator in Athens, Greece, said she remembered fondly the day about a decade ago when her building switched from oil to natural gas. The move cut her utility bill in half. Now, her heating bill is nearly triple last year’s. “I keep trying to think of where I can cut spending so I can afford the bills,” she said, adding that she hasn’t visited the hairdresser in nearly a year, and has pared back her food shopping to the essentials. ‘The more we produce, the more we lose’ The price of energy is also forcing shutdowns or slowing production at manufacturers across Europe, even as they are eager to fill a backlog of orders and resume levels of business from before the pandemic. The smelting industry has been especially hit hard. Nyrstar, the world’s second-largest zinc processor, produces nearly 500 tons of the metal each day at a sprawling factory in Auby, in northern France, a complex that consumes as much energy as the French city of Lyon. When its electrical rates surged from 35 euros to 50 euros per megawatt-hour to 400 euros in December, it made no sense to keep the factory running, said Xavier Constant, Nyrstar France’s general manager. At that rate, he said, “the more we produce, the more we lose,” and so the plant shut down last month for three weeks. Nyrstar temporarily halved production at its other European plants in October when the energy crisis set in, prompting a brief spike in the global price of zinc. Last fall, fertilizer plants in Britain were forced to close because of gas prices. And several German companies that produce glass, steel and fertilizer have also scaled back production in recent months. To ease the burden of the high prices, the government in Berlin reduced by half an energy surcharge on bills aimed at funding the country’s transition to renewable sources of power, and plans to phase it out by the end of next year. But industry leaders say that is not soon enough. Almost two-thirds of the 28,000 companies surveyed by the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry this month rated energy prices as one of their biggest business risks. For those in the industrial sector, the figure was as high as 85%. Small businesses, too, are scrambling for ways to cut costs. Pilar Ballesteros Parra, who co-owns Ronsel, a dry cleaning business in Madrid that employs 10 people, said that her company’s electricity rates had risen about 20% from the previous year. In reaction, she has reorganized her employees’ work schedule, starting the early shift earlier and pushing the late shift further into the evening so the dry-cleaning equipment can run when rates are lowest. She is also installing solar panels on the company’s building, outside of the Spanish capital, so that Ronsel can generate at least 60% of its own energy. The government is helping her with a 35% subsidy of the $45,000 investment. “Our building faces southwest and gets a lot of sun, so that means that we should be almost self-sustainable during the coming months of spring and summer, which will be a big relief,” she said. Still, she said, the energy crunch and overall price inflation meant that she saw little chance of sparing her customers some of the burden. “There’s clearly this electricity headache, but there’s also now wage inflation and much higher gas bills for our vans,” she said. “In a few months, it’s clear that some of these costs will have to be passed on to our clients if we want to keep going.” For public budgets, ‘like riding a roller coaster’ A broad range of public institutions are facing strains from higher power bills. In Poland, hospitals that have already been financially stretched by the coronavirus pandemic now question if they can keep their doors open. “Managing a hospital in Poland is more and more like riding a roller coaster,” Robert Suroweic, who manages the Provincial Hospital in Gorzow, said on Twitter. He said the facility’s electricity prices had increased 100%. He and other hospital directors have appealed to the government in Warsaw to intervene, saying the recent cuts to taxes on energy and gasoline were not enough. In Germany, there is rising tension in municipally owned utilities that must accept customers, like Backhaus in Saxony, whose relatively low-cost contracts have been dropped by private energy companies because the companies can’t pay ballooning energy rates. The municipal utilities are forced to increase the rates for these new customers, often almost astronomically high, to cover the cost of buying extra energy on the spot market at record prices. That leads to tensions in communities, and can threaten municipal finances. “Anyone who wants to will be supplied with energy by the municipal utilities,” said Markus Lewe, president of the German Association of Cities and Towns. “But it must not lead to the municipal utilities and their loyal customers being asked to pay for questionable business models of other providers and having to answer for their shortsighted financing.” He called on the federal government to intervene, to protect cities from the price instability. In France, local leaders are also looking to the federal government to help ease the sting of skyrocketing energy bills. Boris Ravignon, the mayor of Charleville-Mézières, said his city is facing “a catastrophe” after its January energy bill more than tripled, wiping out the region’s budget surplus for infrastructure and public services in a single month. The city is trying to cut costs by switching streetlights to LED bulbs, which use less electricity, and has proposed a new hydroelectric project. The mayor has already frozen planned hirings and said the city may have no choice but to raise the cost of public services like water, transportation, fees to use sports halls like the city’s public pool, and cultural events. “We really want to protect citizens from these increases,” Ravignon said. “But when prices reach such crazy heights, it’s impossible.”

How Europeans are responding to exorbitant gas and power bills

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