The next round of talks between Ukraine and Russia will be held on Monday, as the two sides try to negotiate a ceasefire as well as a safe passage corridor for civilians.

Russia, Ukraine to hold third round of talks on Monday

Estonia allocates over $1.4 million for Ukrainian refugees arriving from the war-torn country, amid the Estonian prime minister calling on NATO to bolster defences of the Baltic members.

Estonia allocates over $1.4 million for Ukrainian refugees

Ukraine has said that Russian troops had seized the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant where a fire had broken out after it had been targeted by shelling.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russia captures Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

Displaced people line up for food outside Lviv stations as thousands of refugee descend on the western Ukrainian city for rescue. WION's Anas Mallick brings you this ground report from Ukraine.

Ground Report: WION reports from the western Ukrainian city of Lviv

141 countries vote against Russia at UNGA. In a first, Moscow reveals death toll. Massive explosions rock Kyiv. Palki Sharma brings you a round-up of the latest developments.

Gravitas: Ukraine war enters Day 8. Here are all the developments

<p>Venezuela's tourism minister on Thursday said the country will&nbsp;increase&nbsp;state airline&nbsp;flights&nbsp;to its ally&nbsp;Moscow, as many countries around the world, led by the United States and Europe, block Russian planes from their airspace.</p>

<p>President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine last week provoked a battery of sanctions from the United States and its allies, including airspace being closed to Russian-flagged&nbsp;flights.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finally-us-navy-recovers-crashed-f-35c-lightning-ii-aircraft-from-south-china-sea-458883">&nbsp;Finally, US Navy recovers crashed F-35C Lightning II aircraft from South China Sea</a></strong></p>

<p>"Venezuela&nbsp;is ready to continue receiving Russian tourists," Minister Ali Padron tweeted on Thursday, after a phone call with the head of the Russian Federal Tourism Agency.</p>

<p>They agreed "to guarantee the continuity of regular&nbsp;flights&nbsp;through the Venezuelan airline Conviasa and&nbsp;increase&nbsp;connectivity," he wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russian tourism to&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;soared in May 2021 when the two countries opened a direct route between&nbsp;Moscow&nbsp;and Caracas.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/melinda-gates-calls-meeting-epstein-abhorrent-slams-ex-husband-bills-friendship-with-him-458921">Melinda Gates calls meeting Epstein 'abhorrent', slams ex-husband Bill's friendship with him</a></strong></p>

<p>Moscow&nbsp;has been a key ally of&nbsp;Venezuela&nbsp;since the government of the late president Hugo Chavez.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chavez's successor Nicolas Maduro has expressed support for Putin in the past week, calling actions taken against&nbsp;Moscow&nbsp;"crimes" and "madness", although he advocated for peace negotiations with Ukraine to continue.</p>


Venezuela's tourism minister on Thursday said the country will increase state airline flights to its ally Moscow, as many countries around the world, led by the United States and Europe, block Russian planes from their airspace.

Venezuela's tourism minister on Thursday said the country will increase state airline flights to its ally Moscow, as many countries around the world, led by the United States and Europe, block Russian planes from their airspace. President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine last week provoked a battery of sanctions from the United States and its allies, including airspace being closed to Russian-flagged flights. Also read | Finally, US Navy recovers crashed F-35C Lightning II aircraft from South China Sea "Venezuela is ready to continue receiving Russian tourists," Minister Ali Padron tweeted on Thursday, after a phone call with the head of the Russian Federal Tourism Agency. They agreed "to guarantee the continuity of regular flights through the Venezuelan airline Conviasa and increase connectivity," he wrote. Russian tourism to Venezuela soared in May 2021 when the two countries opened a direct route between Moscow and Caracas. Also read | Melinda Gates calls meeting Epstein 'abhorrent', slams ex-husband Bill's friendship with him Moscow has been a key ally of Venezuela since the government of the late president Hugo Chavez. Chavez's successor Nicolas Maduro has expressed support for Putin in the past week, calling actions taken against Moscow "crimes" and "madness", although he advocated for peace negotiations with Ukraine to continue.

Venezuela announces increase in flights to Moscow

NATO foreign ministers are set to hold an emergency meeting in Brussels over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The allies have been bolstering their Eastern flank since Russia began deploying its troops near Ukraine weeks before the invasion.

NATO FMs to meet in Brussels on March 4

"Russian forces brutally fired on Kharkiv from jet artillery. It was clearly a war crime”, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his address to the nation on Monday.

Ukrainian President Zelensky accuses Russia of war crimes in bombardment of Kharkiv

Banks around the world were winding down relationships with a host of Russian banks as they put Western sanctions against Russia into practice, while funds and exchanges also pulled back and Citigroup disclosed billions of dollars of exposure.

International banks, funds and exchanges put Russia's financial sanctions into action

Global oil and gas giant Shell announced that it will exit all its Russian operations, becoming the latest major Western energy company to quit the oil-rich country following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. The decision comes a day after rival British Petroleum (BP) abandoned its stake in Russian oil giant Rosneft in a move that could cost the British company over $25 billion. Norway's Equinor also plans to exit Russia.

Shell joins Equinor and BP to exit Russia over Ukraine invasion

Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv on Monday suffered a major onslaught by Russian missile strikes. At least 11 people were killed. The city located in Ukraine's Northeast has become the major battleground in the past few days.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Kharkiv in Ukraine’s northeast has become a major battleground

FIFA has booted Russia out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in response to last week's Russian invasion of Ukraine. FIFA and UEFA said in a joint statement that Russia would have no involvement in any upcoming World Cup playoffs and all Russian clubs were suspended from European football until further notice.

FIFA suspends Russia from 2022 Qatar World Cup until further notice over Ukraine invasion

Russia bans airlines from 36 countries including all 27 members of the European Union after EU ministers agreed to refuse entry to Russian airplanes.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russia bans flight from 36 airlines

The United Nations General Assembly held a rare emergency meeting as the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues. In his opening speech, General Assembly President Abdulla Shahid of Maldives renewed his call for immediate ceasefire.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: UN General Assembly calls for ceasefire at rare emergency session

Talks between Russia and Ukraine were held on the border with strong Russian ally Belarus. Ukraine had said it wanted to secure an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian forces but the Kremlin declined to comment on its goals.

Talks to resolve conflict between Russia and Ukraine fails to make breakthrough

Ukrainian authorities have claimed that the world's largest aircraft, the Antonov AN-225, has been destroyed by Russian strikes outside Kyiv on the fourth day of Moscow's invasion.

World's largest aircraft feared destroyed by Russian strikes in Ukraine

<p><strong>Here's what you need to know about the Ukraine crisis right now:</strong></p>

<ol>
	<li>Moscow faced increasing isolation on Tuesday as President Vladimir Putin showed no sign of stopping an invasion of Ukraine, where fierce fighting and Russian bombardment have killed dozens and sparked a refugee crisis.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The 193-member U.N. General Assembly began meeting on the crisis ahead of a vote this week to isolate Russia.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Talks on a ceasefire ended without a breakthrough.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Russian President Putin told France's President Emmanuel Macron a Ukraine settlement was only possible if Kyiv was neutral, "denazified" and "demilitarised" and Russian control over annexed Crimea was formally recognised, the Kremlin said.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Ukraine`s Western allies increased weapons transfers in support, and Britain called for such transfers to be expanded. Finland agreed to ship 2,500 assault rifles and 1,500 anti-tank weapons. Canada will supply anti-tank weapons and upgraded ammunition, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Russia`s foreign ministry said those supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine will bear responsibility should they be used during Russia`s military campaign.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The United Nations said more than 500,000 people had fled Ukraine to neighbouring countries since the start of Russia`s invasion.<br />
	&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The United States expelled 12 Russian diplomats at the United Nations over national security concerns, U.S. and Russian diplomats said.</li>
</ol>

<p><br />
<strong>Watch | Gravitas: 5 videos that tell the story Russia's Ukraine invasion</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-5-videos-that-tell-the-story-russias-ukraine-invasion-457619/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><br />
<strong>MARKETS, SANCTIONS AND OTHER REACTIONS</strong><br />
<br />
* The United States imposed sanctions on Russia`s central bank and other sources of wealth, dealing a crushing blow to the country`s economy and further punishing Moscow.<br />
<br />
* Europe's financial market began severing Russia`s ties to its critical plumbing for trading, clearing and settling securities as sanctions on Moscow started to bite.<br />
<br />
* Markets paused for breath following days of volatility with Asian shares edging up and gold slipping slightly a day after the Russian rouble fell to a record low.<br />
<br />
* Russia`s central bank more than doubled its key policy rate.<br />
<br />
* Airlines braced for potentially lengthy blockages of key east-west flight corridors after the European Union and Moscow issued tit-for-tat airspace bans.<br />
<br />
* Energy giant BP, global bank HSBC and aircraft leasing firm AerCap joined a growing list of companies looking to exit Russia, as Western sanctions tightened the screws on Moscow.<br />
<br />
<strong>QUOTES</strong></p>

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<h5>"I took a train from Kyiv to Lviv to a point where the taxi put us. I walked the last 50 kilometres," a Ukrainian woman said on arrival at a border crossing with Poland in snowy, freezing weather.</h5>
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<h5>"There are bombings, sirens, we have to go (downstairs). We also receive treatment here, medications we have, but we need more food ... basic stuff," said a tearful Maryna, a mother at a Kyiv children`s hospital where her nine-year-old son was suffering from blood cancer.</h5>
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<p><strong>COMING UP</strong><br />
<br />
Ukraine among the issues U.S. President Joe Biden will address in his State of the Union speech to Congress.</p>


Here's what you need to know about the Ukraine crisis right now: Moscow faced increasing isolation on Tuesday as President Vladimir Putin showed no sign of stopping an invasion of Ukraine, where fierce fighting and Russian bombardment have killed dozens and sparked a refugee crisis.

Here's what you need to know about the Ukraine crisis right now: Moscow faced increasing isolation on Tuesday as President Vladimir Putin showed no sign of stopping an invasion of Ukraine, where fierce fighting and Russian bombardment have killed dozens and sparked a refugee crisis. The 193-member U.N. General Assembly began meeting on the crisis ahead of a vote this week to isolate Russia. Talks on a ceasefire ended without a breakthrough. Russian President Putin told France's President Emmanuel Macron a Ukraine settlement was only possible if Kyiv was neutral, "denazified" and "demilitarised" and Russian control over annexed Crimea was formally recognised, the Kremlin said. Ukraine`s Western allies increased weapons transfers in support, and Britain called for such transfers to be expanded. Finland agreed to ship 2,500 assault rifles and 1,500 anti-tank weapons. Canada will supply anti-tank weapons and upgraded ammunition, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said. Russia`s foreign ministry said those supplying lethal weapons to Ukraine will bear responsibility should they be used during Russia`s military campaign. The United Nations said more than 500,000 people had fled Ukraine to neighbouring countries since the start of Russia`s invasion. The United States expelled 12 Russian diplomats at the United Nations over national security concerns, U.S. and Russian diplomats said. Watch | Gravitas: 5 videos that tell the story Russia's Ukraine invasion MARKETS, SANCTIONS AND OTHER REACTIONS * The United States imposed sanctions on Russia`s central bank and other sources of wealth, dealing a crushing blow to the country`s economy and further punishing Moscow. * Europe's financial market began severing Russia`s ties to its critical plumbing for trading, clearing and settling securities as sanctions on Moscow started to bite. * Markets paused for breath following days of volatility with Asian shares edging up and gold slipping slightly a day after the Russian rouble fell to a record low. * Russia`s central bank more than doubled its key policy rate. * Airlines braced for potentially lengthy blockages of key east-west flight corridors after the European Union and Moscow issued tit-for-tat airspace bans. * Energy giant BP, global bank HSBC and aircraft leasing firm AerCap joined a growing list of companies looking to exit Russia, as Western sanctions tightened the screws on Moscow. QUOTES "I took a train from Kyiv to Lviv to a point where the taxi put us. I walked the last 50 kilometres," a Ukrainian woman said on arrival at a border crossing with Poland in snowy, freezing weather. × "There are bombings, sirens, we have to go (downstairs). We also receive treatment here, medications we have, but we need more food ... basic stuff," said a tearful Maryna, a mother at a Kyiv children`s hospital where her nine-year-old son was suffering from blood cancer. × COMING UP Ukraine among the issues U.S. President Joe Biden will address in his State of the Union speech to Congress.

Ukraine and Russia: What you need to know right now

Airlines are bracing for potentially lengthy blockages of key east-west flight corridors after the European Union and Moscow issued tit-for-tat airspace bans, the White House said while barring Russian flights was not off the table, it had yet to make a decision.

Russia sanctions snarl flights, compound airline industry woes

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has triggered political-strategic as well as the economic response from the West. In the strongest economic sanctions yet, the United States and Europe have banished big Russian banks from the main global payments system SWIFT. The move appears to be dealing a severe economic blow. Worried Muscovites fear that new western sanctions will trigger shortage of cash and disrupt payment systems.

Russia braces for economic hardship over Ukraine, banks try to assuage clients

Russia and Belarus have been suspended from all international rugby until further notice on Tuesday, the world governing body said, as it announced full and immediate sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine.

Russia, Belarus suspended by World Rugby until further notice

Ukrainians have said that they will never surrender to the Russian onslaught. So, civilians who have never had a day of military training in their life are now signing up to fight against the Russian troops. WION tells you more in this report.

Ukrainians sign up to fight till finish

As Vladimir Putin’s war machine destroys lives in Ukraine and sanctions plunge the Russian economy into a tailspin. Over 116 billionaires have lost more than $126 billion since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Oligarchs feel the pinch of sanctions, lose over $126 billion

The Russians forces have made headway in the south, with Kyiv admitting the Black Sea city of Berdyansk had fallen, with Kherson on the other side of Crimea also besieged.

Moscow makes gains in the South, battle for Kyiv rages on

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asks the West to impose a no-fly zone for Russian aircraft over Ukraine. His call follows Moscow's bombing of the city of Kharkov.

Zelensky calls for no-fly zone for Russian aircrafts

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