Top UN officials called for a probe of Russia's aggression against women during its invasion of Ukraine, as well as the protection of children caught up in the conflict, on Monday.

"We are increasingly hearing of rape and sexual violence. These allegations must be independently investigated to ensure justice and accountability,"&nbsp;Sima Bahous, the UN's women's agency's director, said at a Security Council meeting in New York.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-forces-are-setting-the-stage-for-a-new-offensive-in-ukraines-east-470344" hreflang="en">Russian forces are setting the stage for a new offensive in Ukraine’s east</a>

It was unclear whether any probe would be approved by the Security Council, where Russia has&nbsp;veto-wielding powers.

"This war must stop. Now," said Bahous.

The combination of huge displacement with the large presence of conscripts and mercenaries, and the cruelty demonstrated towards the Ukrainian people, has triggered all red lights,&nbsp;according to Bahous.

On Monday, Russia, however, once again disputed claims made by Security Council members.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia threatens legal action if forced into sovereign debt default

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-threatens-legal-action-if-forced-into-sovereign-debt-default-470118/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Dmitry Polyansky, Russia's deputy UN ambassador, urged the group to respect the "presumption of innocence" and stressed that his country's "special military operation" was meant to "save Ukraine's future."

"We know and see - and we want you to hear our voices - that violence and rape is used now as a weapon of war by Russian invaders in Ukraine."&nbsp;Kateryna Cherepakha, president of the rights group La Strada-Ukraine, told the Council via video.

The charges were refuted by Russia's deputy UN ambassador, who accused Ukraine and its allies of having a clear intention to portray Russian servicemen as "sadists and rapists."

According to a report by BBC, they have independently sought out and discovered mounting evidence of rape being used as a punishing tactic by the invading soldiers. Their report includes graphic descriptions of sexual violence against women and girls of all ages.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-un-to-vote-on-expelling-russia-from-human-rights-council-469160" hreflang="en">Explained: UN to vote on expelling Russia from Human Rights Council</a>

One incident reported involves a 50-year-old woman who was raped and her husband killed, another had a 16-year-old raped in the street right in front of her 25-year-old sister with the invading soldiers yelling 'this will happen to every Nazi prostitute'.

The same BBC report also mentions, that Lyudmyla Denisova, Ukraine's human rights ombudsman, said that other such examples are being documented.

"About 25 girls and women aged 14 to 24 were systematically raped during the occupation in the basement of one house in Bucha. Nine of them are pregnant," she said. "Russian soldiers told them they would rape them to the point where they wouldn't want sexual contact with any man, to prevent them from having Ukrainian children."

(With inputs from agencies)

Top UN officials called for a probe of Russia's aggression against women during its invasion of Ukraine, as well as the protection of children caught up in the conflict, on Monday.

Top UN officials called for a probe of Russia's aggression against women during its invasion of Ukraine, as well as the protection of children caught up in the conflict, on Monday. "We are increasingly hearing of rape and sexual violence. These allegations must be independently investigated to ensure justice and accountability," Sima Bahous, the UN's women's agency's director, said at a Security Council meeting in New York. Also read | Russian forces are setting the stage for a new offensive in Ukraine’s east It was unclear whether any probe would be approved by the Security Council, where Russia has veto-wielding powers. "This war must stop. Now," said Bahous. The combination of huge displacement with the large presence of conscripts and mercenaries, and the cruelty demonstrated towards the Ukrainian people, has triggered all red lights, according to Bahous. On Monday, Russia, however, once again disputed claims made by Security Council members. Watch | Russia threatens legal action if forced into sovereign debt default Dmitry Polyansky, Russia's deputy UN ambassador, urged the group to respect the "presumption of innocence" and stressed that his country's "special military operation" was meant to "save Ukraine's future." "We know and see - and we want you to hear our voices - that violence and rape is used now as a weapon of war by Russian invaders in Ukraine." Kateryna Cherepakha, president of the rights group La Strada-Ukraine, told the Council via video. The charges were refuted by Russia's deputy UN ambassador, who accused Ukraine and its allies of having a clear intention to portray Russian servicemen as "sadists and rapists." According to a report by BBC, they have independently sought out and discovered mounting evidence of rape being used as a punishing tactic by the invading soldiers. Their report includes graphic descriptions of sexual violence against women and girls of all ages. Also read | Explained: UN to vote on expelling Russia from Human Rights Council One incident reported involves a 50-year-old woman who was raped and her husband killed, another had a 16-year-old raped in the street right in front of her 25-year-old sister with the invading soldiers yelling 'this will happen to every Nazi prostitute'. The same BBC report also mentions, that Lyudmyla Denisova, Ukraine's human rights ombudsman, said that other such examples are being documented. "About 25 girls and women aged 14 to 24 were systematically raped during the occupation in the basement of one house in Bucha. Nine of them are pregnant," she said. "Russian soldiers told them they would rape them to the point where they wouldn't want sexual contact with any man, to prevent them from having Ukrainian children." (With inputs from agencies)

'Sadists, rapists': Russian forces using rape as punishing tactic in Ukraine, UN women's body voices concern

It is hard to believe, but now impossible to deny, that the broad framework that kept much of the world stable and prospering since the end of the Cold War has been seriously fractured by Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. In ways we hadn’t fully appreciated, a lot of that framework rested on the West’s ability to coexist with Putin as he played “bad boy,” testing the limits of the world order but never breaching them at scale.

But with Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, his indiscriminate crushing of its cities and mass killings of Ukrainian civilians, he went from “bad boy” to “war criminal.” And when the leader of Russia — a country that spans 11 time zones, with vast oil, gas and mineral resources and more nuclear warheads than anyone else — is a war criminal and must be henceforth treated as a pariah, the world as we’ve known it is profoundly changed. Nothing can work the same.

How does the world have an effective United Nations with a country led by a war criminal on the Security Council, who can veto every resolution? How does the world have any effective global initiative to combat climate change and not be able to collaborate with the biggest landmass country on the planet? How does the US&nbsp;work closely with Russia on the Iran nuclear deal when we have no trust with, and barely communicate with, Moscow? How do we isolate and try to weaken a country so big and so powerful, knowing that it could be more dangerous if it disintegrates than if it’s strong? How do we feed and fuel the world at reasonable prices when a sanctioned Russia is one of the world’s biggest exporters of oil, wheat and fertilizer?

The answer is that we don’t know. Which is another way of saying that we are entering a period of geopolitical and geoeconomic uncertainty the likes of which we have not known since 1989 — and possibly 1939.

And it promises only to get worse before it gets better, because Putin is now like a cornered animal. He not only got so much wrong in his Ukraine invasion; he produced the opposite of so much he was aiming to achieve, making him desperate for any war achievement, at any price, that can obscure this fact.

Putin said he had to go into Ukraine to push NATO away from Russia, and his war has not only reinvigorated what was a stagnating Western military alliance, it has also guaranteed NATO’s solidarity and weapons modernisation for as long as Putin is in power — and probably another generation after that.

Putin said he had to go into Ukraine to remove the Nazi clique ruling in Kyiv and bring both the Ukrainian people and their territory back into the arms of Mother Russia, where they naturally belonged and, in his imagination, longed to be. Instead, his invasion has made Ukrainians — even some formerly pro-Russia Ukrainians — bitter enemies of Russia for at least a generation and supercharged Ukraine’s desire to be independent of Russia and embedded in the European Union.

Putin thought that with a blitzkrieg takeover of Ukraine he would earn the proper respect from the West for Russia’s military prowess — ending the insults that Russia, with an economy smaller than the state of Texas’, was just “a gas station with nukes.” Instead, his army has been exposed as incompetent and barbaric and needing to enlist mercenaries from Syria and Chechnya just to hold its ground.

Having gotten so much wrong and having launched this war on his own initiative, Putin has to be desperate to show that he produced something — at least uncontested control of eastern Ukraine, from the Donbas region, south to Odesa on Ukraine’s Black Sea coast and connecting with Crimea. And he surely wants it by May 9, for Moscow’s giant annual Victory Day parade, marking Russia’s victory over the Nazis in World War II — the day when the Russian military recalls its greatest glory.

So, it appears that Putin is gearing up for a two-pronged strategy. First, he’s regrouping his ravaged forces and concentrating them on fully seizing and holding this smaller military prize. Second, he’s doubling down on systematic cruelty — the continued pummeling of Ukrainian towns with rockets and artillery to keep creating as many casualties and refugees and as much economic ruin as he can. He clearly hopes that the former will fracture the Ukrainian army, at least in the east, and the latter will fracture NATO, as its member states get overwhelmed by so many refugees and pressure Kyiv to give Putin whatever he wants to get him to stop.

Ukraine and NATO, therefore, need an effective counterstrategy.

It should have three pillars. The first is to support the Ukrainians with diplomacy if they want to negotiate with Putin — it’s their call — but also to support them with the best weaponry and training if they want to drive the Russian army off every inch of their territory. The second is to broadcast daily and loudly — in every way we can — that the world is at war “with Putin” and “not with the Russian people” — just the opposite of what Putin is telling them. And the third is for us to double down on ending our addiction to oil, Putin’s main source of income.

The hope is that the three together would set in motion forces inside Russia that topple Putin from power.

Yes, that is a high-risk-high-reward proposition. Putin’s downfall could lead to someone worse at the helm in the Kremlin. It could also lead to prolonged chaos and disintegration.

But if it leads to someone better, someone with just minimal decency and an ambition to rebuild Russia’s dignity and spheres of influence based on a new generation of Tchaikovskys, Rachmaninoffs, Sakharovs, Dostoyevskys and Sergey Brins — not yacht-owning oligarchs, cyberhackers and polonium-armed assassins — the whole world gets better. So many possibilities for healthy collaborations would be resurrected or forged.

Only the Russian people have the right and ability to change their leader. But it will not be easy because Putin, an ex-KGB officer — surrounded by many other former intelligence officers who are beholden to him — is nearly impossible to dislodge.

But here is one possible scenario: The Russian army is a prideful institution, and if it continues to suffer catastrophic defeats in Ukraine, I can imagine a situation in which either Putin wants to decapitate his army’s leadership — to make them the scapegoats for his failure in Ukraine — or the army, knowing this is coming, tries to oust Putin first. There never has been any love lost between the Russian military and the KGB/SVR/FSB security types surrounding Putin.

In sum, having the Russian people produce a better leader is a necessary condition for the world to produce a new, more resilient global order to replace the post-Cold War order, which Putin has now shattered. What is also necessary, though, is that America be a model of democracy and sustainability that others want to emulate.

When Ukrainians are making the ultimate sacrifice to hold onto every inch and ounce of their newly won freedom, is it too much to ask that Americans make the smallest sacrifices and compromises to hold on to our precious democratic inheritance?

It is hard to believe, but now impossible to deny, that the broad framework that kept much of the world stable and prospering since the end of the Cold War has been seriously fractured by Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

It is hard to believe, but now impossible to deny, that the broad framework that kept much of the world stable and prospering since the end of the Cold War has been seriously fractured by Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. In ways we hadn’t fully appreciated, a lot of that framework rested on the West’s ability to coexist with Putin as he played “bad boy,” testing the limits of the world order but never breaching them at scale. But with Putin’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, his indiscriminate crushing of its cities and mass killings of Ukrainian civilians, he went from “bad boy” to “war criminal.” And when the leader of Russia — a country that spans 11 time zones, with vast oil, gas and mineral resources and more nuclear warheads than anyone else — is a war criminal and must be henceforth treated as a pariah, the world as we’ve known it is profoundly changed. Nothing can work the same. How does the world have an effective United Nations with a country led by a war criminal on the Security Council, who can veto every resolution? How does the world have any effective global initiative to combat climate change and not be able to collaborate with the biggest landmass country on the planet? How does the US work closely with Russia on the Iran nuclear deal when we have no trust with, and barely communicate with, Moscow? How do we isolate and try to weaken a country so big and so powerful, knowing that it could be more dangerous if it disintegrates than if it’s strong? How do we feed and fuel the world at reasonable prices when a sanctioned Russia is one of the world’s biggest exporters of oil, wheat and fertilizer? The answer is that we don’t know. Which is another way of saying that we are entering a period of geopolitical and geoeconomic uncertainty the likes of which we have not known since 1989 — and possibly 1939. And it promises only to get worse before it gets better, because Putin is now like a cornered animal. He not only got so much wrong in his Ukraine invasion; he produced the opposite of so much he was aiming to achieve, making him desperate for any war achievement, at any price, that can obscure this fact. Putin said he had to go into Ukraine to push NATO away from Russia, and his war has not only reinvigorated what was a stagnating Western military alliance, it has also guaranteed NATO’s solidarity and weapons modernisation for as long as Putin is in power — and probably another generation after that. Putin said he had to go into Ukraine to remove the Nazi clique ruling in Kyiv and bring both the Ukrainian people and their territory back into the arms of Mother Russia, where they naturally belonged and, in his imagination, longed to be. Instead, his invasion has made Ukrainians — even some formerly pro-Russia Ukrainians — bitter enemies of Russia for at least a generation and supercharged Ukraine’s desire to be independent of Russia and embedded in the European Union. Putin thought that with a blitzkrieg takeover of Ukraine he would earn the proper respect from the West for Russia’s military prowess — ending the insults that Russia, with an economy smaller than the state of Texas’, was just “a gas station with nukes.” Instead, his army has been exposed as incompetent and barbaric and needing to enlist mercenaries from Syria and Chechnya just to hold its ground. Having gotten so much wrong and having launched this war on his own initiative, Putin has to be desperate to show that he produced something — at least uncontested control of eastern Ukraine, from the Donbas region, south to Odesa on Ukraine’s Black Sea coast and connecting with Crimea. And he surely wants it by May 9, for Moscow’s giant annual Victory Day parade, marking Russia’s victory over the Nazis in World War II — the day when the Russian military recalls its greatest glory. So, it appears that Putin is gearing up for a two-pronged strategy. First, he’s regrouping his ravaged forces and concentrating them on fully seizing and holding this smaller military prize. Second, he’s doubling down on systematic cruelty — the continued pummeling of Ukrainian towns with rockets and artillery to keep creating as many casualties and refugees and as much economic ruin as he can. He clearly hopes that the former will fracture the Ukrainian army, at least in the east, and the latter will fracture NATO, as its member states get overwhelmed by so many refugees and pressure Kyiv to give Putin whatever he wants to get him to stop. Ukraine and NATO, therefore, need an effective counterstrategy. It should have three pillars. The first is to support the Ukrainians with diplomacy if they want to negotiate with Putin — it’s their call — but also to support them with the best weaponry and training if they want to drive the Russian army off every inch of their territory. The second is to broadcast daily and loudly — in every way we can — that the world is at war “with Putin” and “not with the Russian people” — just the opposite of what Putin is telling them. And the third is for us to double down on ending our addiction to oil, Putin’s main source of income. The hope is that the three together would set in motion forces inside Russia that topple Putin from power. Yes, that is a high-risk-high-reward proposition. Putin’s downfall could lead to someone worse at the helm in the Kremlin. It could also lead to prolonged chaos and disintegration. But if it leads to someone better, someone with just minimal decency and an ambition to rebuild Russia’s dignity and spheres of influence based on a new generation of Tchaikovskys, Rachmaninoffs, Sakharovs, Dostoyevskys and Sergey Brins — not yacht-owning oligarchs, cyberhackers and polonium-armed assassins — the whole world gets better. So many possibilities for healthy collaborations would be resurrected or forged. Only the Russian people have the right and ability to change their leader. But it will not be easy because Putin, an ex-KGB officer — surrounded by many other former intelligence officers who are beholden to him — is nearly impossible to dislodge. But here is one possible scenario: The Russian army is a prideful institution, and if it continues to suffer catastrophic defeats in Ukraine, I can imagine a situation in which either Putin wants to decapitate his army’s leadership — to make them the scapegoats for his failure in Ukraine — or the army, knowing this is coming, tries to oust Putin first. There never has been any love lost between the Russian military and the KGB/SVR/FSB security types surrounding Putin. In sum, having the Russian people produce a better leader is a necessary condition for the world to produce a new, more resilient global order to replace the post-Cold War order, which Putin has now shattered. What is also necessary, though, is that America be a model of democracy and sustainability that others want to emulate. When Ukrainians are making the ultimate sacrifice to hold onto every inch and ounce of their newly won freedom, is it too much to ask that Americans make the smallest sacrifices and compromises to hold on to our precious democratic inheritance?

How do we deal with a superpower led by a war criminal?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that conditions in Borodyanka were worse than in Bucha, where Russia has been accused of killing civilians.

Referring to the situation as&nbsp;"significantly more dreadful", he added that the city has a considerably higher number of victims targetted by&nbsp;"Russian occupiers"&nbsp;than Bucha.

"The work to clear the rubble in Borodyanka has begun ... It's significantly more dreadful there. Even more victims from the Russian occupiers," said&nbsp;Zelensky in a video that was&nbsp;posted&nbsp;on Telegram.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bucha-killings-are-fake-propaganda-says-putins-ally-dmitry-medvedev-468582" hreflang="en">Bucha killings are fake propaganda says Putin's ally Dmitry Medvedev</a>

Borodyanka is located about 25 km from Bucha.

He offered no further details or evidence that Russia was responsible for the deaths of civilians in the city.

The alleged killing of civilians in the city of Bucha has been largely condemned by the West as war crimes with countries lobbying for tougher sanctions against Russia.

Multiple countries have also come together and expelled Moscow's diplomats, accusing them of spying.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russia-ukraine-conflict-these-eu-allies-have-expelled-around-150-russian-diplomats-468612">Russia-Ukraine conflict: These EU allies have expelled around 150 Russian diplomats</a>

According to local authorities, more than 300 people were killed by Russian forces in Bucha, 35 kilometres northwest of the capital Kyiv, and at least&nbsp;50 of them&nbsp;were executed.
<gwofw>
However,&nbsp;Moscow has denied that its forces have committed any atrocities against civilians. The country says that the gruesome&nbsp;images of bodies in Bucha were staged by the Ukraine government so as to derail peace negotiations and justify additional sanctions against Moscow.

Zelensky has also alleged similar "war crimes" in the city of Mariupol.

Reuters quotes him as asking&nbsp;"and what will happen when the world learns the whole truth about what the Russian military did in Mariupol?"&nbsp;

&nbsp;

"There, on almost every street, is what the world saw in Bucha and other towns in the Kyiv region after the withdrawal of Russian troops."

Watch |&nbsp;The US commits more weapons to Ukraine &amp; ends normal trade with Russia

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-us-commits-more-weapons-to-ukraine-ends-normal-trade-with-russia-469250/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Since the beginning of this attack,&nbsp;Moscow has claimed that one of its aims is to "liberate" the largely Russian-speaking places like Mariupol from a threat of genocide by Ukrainian nationalists, who it accuses of using civilians as human shields.

The Ukrainian President&nbsp;Zelensky has rejected these&nbsp;claims, labelling them as a baseless pretext for Russia's invasion.

(With inputs from agencies)
</gwofw>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that conditions in Borodyanka were worse than in Bucha, where Russia has been accused of killing civilians.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that conditions in Borodyanka were worse than in Bucha, where Russia has been accused of killing civilians. Referring to the situation as "significantly more dreadful", he added that the city has a considerably higher number of victims targetted by "Russian occupiers" than Bucha. "The work to clear the rubble in Borodyanka has begun ... It's significantly more dreadful there. Even more victims from the Russian occupiers," said Zelensky in a video that was posted on Telegram. Also read | Bucha killings are fake propaganda says Putin's ally Dmitry Medvedev Borodyanka is located about 25 km from Bucha. He offered no further details or evidence that Russia was responsible for the deaths of civilians in the city. The alleged killing of civilians in the city of Bucha has been largely condemned by the West as war crimes with countries lobbying for tougher sanctions against Russia. Multiple countries have also come together and expelled Moscow's diplomats, accusing them of spying. Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict: These EU allies have expelled around 150 Russian diplomats According to local authorities, more than 300 people were killed by Russian forces in Bucha, 35 kilometres northwest of the capital Kyiv, and at least 50 of them were executed. However, Moscow has denied that its forces have committed any atrocities against civilians. The country says that the gruesome images of bodies in Bucha were staged by the Ukraine government so as to derail peace negotiations and justify additional sanctions against Moscow. Zelensky has also alleged similar "war crimes" in the city of Mariupol. Reuters quotes him as asking "and what will happen when the world learns the whole truth about what the Russian military did in Mariupol?" "There, on almost every street, is what the world saw in Bucha and other towns in the Kyiv region after the withdrawal of Russian troops." Watch | The US commits more weapons to Ukraine & ends normal trade with Russia Since the beginning of this attack, Moscow has claimed that one of its aims is to "liberate" the largely Russian-speaking places like Mariupol from a threat of genocide by Ukrainian nationalists, who it accuses of using civilians as human shields. The Ukrainian President Zelensky has rejected these claims, labelling them as a baseless pretext for Russia's invasion. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Borodyanka destruction 'more horrific' than Bucha, says Zelensky

Russia-Ukraine conflict: These EU allies have expelled around 150 Russian diplomats

It has been one month since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the full-scale attack on Ukraine on 24 February 2022.

Since that many key events have taken place. Here's a wrap up of the most significant developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

1. The confirmed civilian death toll in Ukraine now exceeds 1,000, according to the UN

At least 1,035 people have been killed and 1,650 have been wounded in one month of fighting in Ukraine, according to the United Nations human rights office.

The statement states that ninety children were among the dead, adding that the true numbers were believed to be much higher because of delays in reporting from the heavily fought areas like Mariupol, a besieged city in southern Ukraine.

<img alt="Civilian casualities" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9b4c3dd5-82d0-4321-8f3a-6021bdf89283" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%284%29_1.jpg" />

2. Troop casualties

Regarding troop casualties, Ukraine reports that 15,800 Russian soldiers have perished.

Western estimates put the number of dead, wounded, missing, or otherwise out of action Russian soldiers at up to 40,000.

President Zelensky announced last week that 1,300 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed. Kyiv has not provided an update since.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-warns-nato-retaliation-if-russia-uses-chemical-weapons-in-ukraine-465405" hreflang="en">Biden warns NATO retaliation if Russia uses chemical weapons in Ukraine</a>

3. Europe's worst refugee crisis since World War 2

Nearly 3.7 million people have fled Ukraine since Russia's invasion a month ago, according to the UN.

There are now estimates that over 10 million people -- over a quarter of the population in the areas under government control before the invasion on February 24 -- have fled their homes. Nearly 6.5 million of them are internally displaced.

Children make up almost half of all those who have been displaced. UNICEF stated that 4.3 million children -- more than half the country's estimated 7.5 million children -- have been forced to abandon their homes.

Over 1.8 million of these children are refugees, while another 2.5 million are displaced within their war-torn country, it said.

<img alt="Refugee" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dcc57861-2171-428d-beb5-1a6a9b679dc1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%285%29_1.jpg" />

4. Brussels triple summit

An unprecedented triple summit in Brussels brought together the leaders of NATO, the G7, and European nations to address the continent's worst conflict since the Balkan wars of the 1990s.

The summit saw Western leaders pile on military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine and denounce Moscow's invasion of its neighbour as "barbaric".

In addition to the new NATO combat units, the United States and the United Kingdom increased aid and expanded sanctions against new targets, including the stepdaughter of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainians-need-to-achieve-peace-halt-russian-bombardment-says-president-volodymyr-zelensky-465301" hreflang="en">Ukrainians 'need to achieve peace', halt Russian bombardment, says President Volodymyr Zelensky</a>

"The single most important thing is for us to stay unified and the world continue to focus on what a brute this guy is and all the innocent people's lives that are being lost and ruined," Biden told reporters in Brussels, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"Putin has already crossed the red line into barbarism," added British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

<img alt="Brussels summit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ae37d30c-f3ed-4695-ab5c-54d5e7fe0230" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%283%29_0.jpg" />

5. NATO strengthens its defenses&nbsp;

In response to Russia's war on Ukraine, NATO is beefing up chemical and nuclear defenses for its forces in eastern Europe, said alliance head Jens Stoltenberg.

"Our top military commander General Wolters has activated NATO's chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence elements, and allies are deploying additional chemical and biological and nuclear defences to reinforce our existing and new battle groups."

<img alt="Jens " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7b312e12-5c32-4082-8411-0a6b18a432c5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%287%29_2.jpg" />

6. Ukraine pleads for unlimited aid&nbsp;

As its war entered its second month, Ukraine pressed for unlimited military aid from NATO in order for its troops to turn from defending territory to pushing Russian forces out, warning that Moscow could use chemical weapons.

According to Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia has been launching phosphorus bombs on Ukraine and shelling civilian areas at will, thus "the threat of full-scale use by Russia of chemical weapons on the territory of Ukraine is real."

"A month of heroic resistance. A month of the darkest suffering," he told the leaders.

"To save people and our cities, Ukraine needs military assistance without restrictions," Zelensky said. "In the same way that Russia is using its full arsenal without restrictions against us." &nbsp;

<img alt="Zelensky" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="fd491894-40c3-4f32-8374-076dfe140f89" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%286%29_0.jpg" />

7. UN General Assembly approves Ukraine aid resolution, criticises Russia

As many as three-quarters of the UN General Assembly has&nbsp;called for aid access and civilian protection in Ukraine, criticising Russia for creating a "dire" humanitarian crisis.

This is the second time the 193-member General Assembly has isolated Russia over what Moscow calls a "special military operation" intended to destroy Ukraine's military infrastructure.

Ukraine and its allies drafted the resolution, which received 140 votes in support and five votes against - Russia, Syria, North Korea, Eritrea and Belarus - while 38 countries, including China, abstained.

8. China rejects Russian claims of "prior knowledge" of attacks against Ukraine

China's ministry of defence has stated that it is false to state that China knew in advance about Russia's invasion of Ukraine and that such claims are false.

It was made in response to allegations in foreign media that China ignored warnings from the US that Russia would attack Ukraine.

China strongly disagrees with and rejects these accusations, which it says were made to "shirk responsibility and smear China", the Chinese defence ministry said in a statement.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: 1 month of Ukraine invasion: More bluster from NATO 
&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-1-month-of-ukraine-invasion-more-bluster-from-nato-465277/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

9. US sets red lines for China helping Russia dodge sanctions

Attempting to deter China from assisting sanctions-hit Russia, the Biden administration has issued warnings to Beijing not to take advantage of business opportunities created by sanctions, assist Moscow in evading export controls, or process its banned financial transactions.

Although China has expressed deep concern about the war in Ukraine, it is yet to condemn Russian action.

<img alt="US" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0de7a5e2-6776-425f-bc40-4d70f2677316" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%288%29_4.jpg" />

10. ICC prosecutor calls for international support in Ukraine war-crimes probe

In an appeal to a coalition of countries to support the investigation of war crimes in Ukraine, the International Criminal Court chief prosecutor said "things can get worse" unless the international community takes action.

ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan spoke at a meeting of a British-led coalition in The Hague, where 38 countries have offered the court financial, military and legal assistance.

A formal inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine was opened by Khan on Feb. 28, just days after Russia invaded its smaller neighbour.

Ukraine and Russia aren't members of the ICC, but Kyiv has authorised the court to investigate on its territory and a team of investigators is gathering evidence there.

(With inputs from agencies)

It has been one month since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the full-scale attack on Ukraine on 24 February 2022. Since that many key events have taken place.

It has been one month since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the full-scale attack on Ukraine on 24 February 2022. Since that many key events have taken place. Here's a wrap up of the most significant developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. 1. The confirmed civilian death toll in Ukraine now exceeds 1,000, according to the UN At least 1,035 people have been killed and 1,650 have been wounded in one month of fighting in Ukraine, according to the United Nations human rights office. The statement states that ninety children were among the dead, adding that the true numbers were believed to be much higher because of delays in reporting from the heavily fought areas like Mariupol, a besieged city in southern Ukraine. 2. Troop casualties Regarding troop casualties, Ukraine reports that 15,800 Russian soldiers have perished. Western estimates put the number of dead, wounded, missing, or otherwise out of action Russian soldiers at up to 40,000. President Zelensky announced last week that 1,300 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed. Kyiv has not provided an update since. Also read | Biden warns NATO retaliation if Russia uses chemical weapons in Ukraine 3. Europe's worst refugee crisis since World War 2 Nearly 3.7 million people have fled Ukraine since Russia's invasion a month ago, according to the UN. There are now estimates that over 10 million people -- over a quarter of the population in the areas under government control before the invasion on February 24 -- have fled their homes. Nearly 6.5 million of them are internally displaced. Children make up almost half of all those who have been displaced. UNICEF stated that 4.3 million children -- more than half the country's estimated 7.5 million children -- have been forced to abandon their homes. Over 1.8 million of these children are refugees, while another 2.5 million are displaced within their war-torn country, it said. 4. Brussels triple summit An unprecedented triple summit in Brussels brought together the leaders of NATO, the G7, and European nations to address the continent's worst conflict since the Balkan wars of the 1990s. The summit saw Western leaders pile on military and humanitarian aid for Ukraine and denounce Moscow's invasion of its neighbour as "barbaric". In addition to the new NATO combat units, the United States and the United Kingdom increased aid and expanded sanctions against new targets, including the stepdaughter of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Also read | Ukrainians 'need to achieve peace', halt Russian bombardment, says President Volodymyr Zelensky "The single most important thing is for us to stay unified and the world continue to focus on what a brute this guy is and all the innocent people's lives that are being lost and ruined," Biden told reporters in Brussels, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin. "Putin has already crossed the red line into barbarism," added British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. 5. NATO strengthens its defenses In response to Russia's war on Ukraine, NATO is beefing up chemical and nuclear defenses for its forces in eastern Europe, said alliance head Jens Stoltenberg. "Our top military commander General Wolters has activated NATO's chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defence elements, and allies are deploying additional chemical and biological and nuclear defences to reinforce our existing and new battle groups." 6. Ukraine pleads for unlimited aid As its war entered its second month, Ukraine pressed for unlimited military aid from NATO in order for its troops to turn from defending territory to pushing Russian forces out, warning that Moscow could use chemical weapons. According to Volodymyr Zelensky, Russia has been launching phosphorus bombs on Ukraine and shelling civilian areas at will, thus "the threat of full-scale use by Russia of chemical weapons on the territory of Ukraine is real." "A month of heroic resistance. A month of the darkest suffering," he told the leaders. "To save people and our cities, Ukraine needs military assistance without restrictions," Zelensky said. "In the same way that Russia is using its full arsenal without restrictions against us." 7. UN General Assembly approves Ukraine aid resolution, criticises Russia As many as three-quarters of the UN General Assembly has called for aid access and civilian protection in Ukraine, criticising Russia for creating a "dire" humanitarian crisis. This is the second time the 193-member General Assembly has isolated Russia over what Moscow calls a "special military operation" intended to destroy Ukraine's military infrastructure. Ukraine and its allies drafted the resolution, which received 140 votes in support and five votes against - Russia, Syria, North Korea, Eritrea and Belarus - while 38 countries, including China, abstained. 8. China rejects Russian claims of "prior knowledge" of attacks against Ukraine China's ministry of defence has stated that it is false to state that China knew in advance about Russia's invasion of Ukraine and that such claims are false. It was made in response to allegations in foreign media that China ignored warnings from the US that Russia would attack Ukraine. China strongly disagrees with and rejects these accusations, which it says were made to "shirk responsibility and smear China", the Chinese defence ministry said in a statement. Watch | Gravitas: 1 month of Ukraine invasion: More bluster from NATO 9. US sets red lines for China helping Russia dodge sanctions Attempting to deter China from assisting sanctions-hit Russia, the Biden administration has issued warnings to Beijing not to take advantage of business opportunities created by sanctions, assist Moscow in evading export controls, or process its banned financial transactions. Although China has expressed deep concern about the war in Ukraine, it is yet to condemn Russian action. 10. ICC prosecutor calls for international support in Ukraine war-crimes probe In an appeal to a coalition of countries to support the investigation of war crimes in Ukraine, the International Criminal Court chief prosecutor said "things can get worse" unless the international community takes action. ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan spoke at a meeting of a British-led coalition in The Hague, where 38 countries have offered the court financial, military and legal assistance. A formal inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine was opened by Khan on Feb. 28, just days after Russia invaded its smaller neighbour. Ukraine and Russia aren't members of the ICC, but Kyiv has authorised the court to investigate on its territory and a team of investigators is gathering evidence there. (With inputs from agencies)

One month of Russia-Ukraine conflict: Here are the top 10 developments

Ukraine refugee crisis raises other concerns; fleeing women & minors may be targetted for trafficking

The Russian government announced Tuesday it would leave the Council of Europe amid mounting calls for Moscow to be expelled over its invasion of Ukraine.

Having essentially jumped before being expelled from the Strasbourg-based body, the Russian foreign ministry informed Secretary-General Marija Pejcinovic Buric of its departure.

As a result of the decision, Russia ends its quarter-century membership in the Council of Europe (COE) and opens the door to the reimposition of the death penalty if the authorities so choose.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/courage-of-true-friends-of-ukraine-european-leaders-defiant-visit-to-kyiv-amid-growing-tension-with-russia-462717">'Courage of true friends of Ukraine': European leaders' defiant visit to Kyiv amid growing tension with Russia</a>

By leaving the Council of Europe, Russia will no longer be a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and its citizens will lose access to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

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Responsibility for destruction of the common humanitarian space on the continent &amp; the consequences for Council of Europe – which, without Russia, will lose its pan-European character – will be borne solely by those who are forcing us to take this step. 
 
🔗<a href="https://t.co/79kDQi3E0N">https://t.co/79kDQi3E0N</a> <a href="https://t.co/j0maChWWUT">pic.twitter.com/j0maChWWUT</a>
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) <a href="https://twitter.com/mfa_russia/status/1503834772719738883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Russia's exit will represent a major change to the ECHR, which serves as the court of last resort when all domestic options have been exhausted.

In the history of the Council of Europe, this is only the second time a member state has announced it is leaving the organisation, the first being Greece which temporarily left in the late 1960s.

A day after tens of thousands of troops entered Ukraine on February 24, Russia was stripped of all representation rights.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imitation-the-sincerest-form-of-flattery-french-president-discards-suits-dons-sweatshirt-copying-zelensky-462399" hreflang="en">Imitation, the sincerest form of flattery: French President discards suits, dons sweatshirt. Copying Zelensky?</a>

"As leaders of the Council of Europe we expressed on several occasions our firm condemnation of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine," the Italian Foreign Minister, Luigi Di Maio, the president of the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly, Tiny Kox, and the secretary-general of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejcinovic Buric, said in a joint statement.

"The Committee of Ministers will hold an extraordinary meeting tomorrow morning also in the light of today’s notification by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation of the Russian leadership’s decision to withdraw from the Council of Europe," they said.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal of Ukraine demanded Monday that Russia be expelled from the organisation, saying it had no right to continue being a member after sending troops into the pro-Western nation.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine | Refugees of war: What do the numbers say

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-refugees-of-war-what-do-the-numbers-say-462711/embed" width="560"></iframe>

A statement was posted by the Russian foreign ministry on its Telegram account regarding "launching the procedure to exit the Council of Europe," adding that it had "no regrets" about leaving.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials said the exit would not affect the rights and freedoms of Russian citizens and that existing European Court resolutions will continue to be implemented if they do not contradict Russian law.

They alleged that EU and NATO member states had turned the Council of Europe into an "instrument for anti-Russian policies".

(With inputs from agencies)

The Russian government announced Tuesday it would leave the Council of Europe amid mounting calls for Moscow to be expelled over its invasion of Ukraine. Having essentially jumped before being expelled from the Strasbourg-based body, the Russian foreign ministry informed Secretary-General Marija Pejcinovic Buric of its departure.

The Russian government announced Tuesday it would leave the Council of Europe amid mounting calls for Moscow to be expelled over its invasion of Ukraine. Having essentially jumped before being expelled from the Strasbourg-based body, the Russian foreign ministry informed Secretary-General Marija Pejcinovic Buric of its departure. As a result of the decision, Russia ends its quarter-century membership in the Council of Europe (COE) and opens the door to the reimposition of the death penalty if the authorities so choose. Also read | 'Courage of true friends of Ukraine': European leaders' defiant visit to Kyiv amid growing tension with Russia By leaving the Council of Europe, Russia will no longer be a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and its citizens will lose access to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Responsibility for destruction of the common humanitarian space on the continent & the consequences for Council of Europe – which, without Russia, will lose its pan-European character – will be borne solely by those who are forcing us to take this step. 🔗https://t.co/79kDQi3E0N pic.twitter.com/j0maChWWUT — MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) March 15, 2022 × Russia's exit will represent a major change to the ECHR, which serves as the court of last resort when all domestic options have been exhausted. In the history of the Council of Europe, this is only the second time a member state has announced it is leaving the organisation, the first being Greece which temporarily left in the late 1960s. A day after tens of thousands of troops entered Ukraine on February 24, Russia was stripped of all representation rights. Also read | Imitation, the sincerest form of flattery: French President discards suits, dons sweatshirt. Copying Zelensky? "As leaders of the Council of Europe we expressed on several occasions our firm condemnation of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine," the Italian Foreign Minister, Luigi Di Maio, the president of the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly, Tiny Kox, and the secretary-general of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejcinovic Buric, said in a joint statement. "The Committee of Ministers will hold an extraordinary meeting tomorrow morning also in the light of today’s notification by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation of the Russian leadership’s decision to withdraw from the Council of Europe," they said. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal of Ukraine demanded Monday that Russia be expelled from the organisation, saying it had no right to continue being a member after sending troops into the pro-Western nation. Watch | Ukraine | Refugees of war: What do the numbers say A statement was posted by the Russian foreign ministry on its Telegram account regarding "launching the procedure to exit the Council of Europe," adding that it had "no regrets" about leaving. Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials said the exit would not affect the rights and freedoms of Russian citizens and that existing European Court resolutions will continue to be implemented if they do not contradict Russian law. They alleged that EU and NATO member states had turned the Council of Europe into an "instrument for anti-Russian policies". (With inputs from agencies)

Jumping the gun: As calls for its expulsion grow, Russia announces 'Ruxit' from Council of Europe

In the first foreign leaders' visit to Ukraine's besieged capital since Russia's invasion, the prime ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday.

Upon arrival by train, the prime ministers sat around a table with their Ukrainian counterpart Denis Shmyhal and the Ukrainian president, who provided an overview of the situation.

"They are shelling everywhere. Not only Kyiv but also the western areas," Zelensky told them in comments translated into English, a video posted on his Telegram account showed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imitation-the-sincerest-form-of-flattery-french-president-discards-suits-dons-sweatshirt-copying-zelensky-462399" hreflang="en">Imitation, the sincerest form of flattery: French President discards suits, dons sweatshirt. Copying Zelensky?</a>

"We have to halt this tragedy unfolding in the East as quickly as possible," Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said in a post on Facebook announcing their arrival.

Ukraine had the "unequivocal support" of the European Union, he added.

Shmyhal announced their arrival earlier that day on Twitter, saluting "the courage of true friends of Ukraine."

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The Prime Ministers of 🇵🇱 <a href="https://twitter.com/MorawieckiM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MorawieckiM</a>, 🇸🇮 <a href="https://twitter.com/JJansaSDS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JJansaSDS</a> and 🇨🇿 <a href="https://twitter.com/P_Fiala?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@P_Fiala</a> arrived on the behalf of <a href="https://twitter.com/EUCouncil?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EUCouncil</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kyiv?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kyiv</a> today. The courage of true friends of 🇺🇦! Discussing support of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> and strengthening sanctions against the Russian aggression.
— Denys Shmyhal (@Denys_Shmyhal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Denys_Shmyhal/status/1503793161562427393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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He said their talks would focus on support for Ukraine and "strengthening sanctions against the Russian aggression".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/we-dont-know-how-to-kill-residents-of-odessa-who-cannot-fight-help-with-war-efforts-in-other-ways-462454" hreflang="en">'We don't know how to kill': Residents of Odessa who cannot fight help with war efforts in other ways</a>

Prime Minister Morawiecki, Czech Premier Petr Fiala and Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa are on a visit to the besieged country as "representatives" of the European Union, according to an early statement from the Polish government.

The visit comes as Russian forces attack targets across Ukraine, including Kyiv, which has nearly been encircled by Moscow's forces, and as negotiations to end the nearly three-week war are scheduled to resume.

"In such crucial times for the world, it is our duty to be in the place where history is being made," Morawiecki said in a Facebook post earlier Tuesday.

"Because this is not about us, it is about the future of our children who deserve to live in a world free from tyranny," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine | Refugees of war: What do the numbers say

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-refugees-of-war-what-do-the-numbers-say-462711/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the government statement, the visit was organised "in agreement" with European Council chief Charles Michel and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.

"The purpose of the visit is to confirm the unequivocal support of the entire European Union for the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine and to present a broad package of support for the Ukrainian state and society," the statement said.

Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the leader of Poland's right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party, accompanied&nbsp;the trio.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the first foreign leaders' visit to Ukraine's besieged capital since Russia's invasion, the prime ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday.

In the first foreign leaders' visit to Ukraine's besieged capital since Russia's invasion, the prime ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday. Upon arrival by train, the prime ministers sat around a table with their Ukrainian counterpart Denis Shmyhal and the Ukrainian president, who provided an overview of the situation. "They are shelling everywhere. Not only Kyiv but also the western areas," Zelensky told them in comments translated into English, a video posted on his Telegram account showed. Also read | Imitation, the sincerest form of flattery: French President discards suits, dons sweatshirt. Copying Zelensky? "We have to halt this tragedy unfolding in the East as quickly as possible," Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said in a post on Facebook announcing their arrival. Ukraine had the "unequivocal support" of the European Union, he added. Shmyhal announced their arrival earlier that day on Twitter, saluting "the courage of true friends of Ukraine." The Prime Ministers of 🇵🇱 @MorawieckiM, 🇸🇮 @JJansaSDS and 🇨🇿 @P_Fiala arrived on the behalf of @EUCouncil to #Kyiv today. The courage of true friends of 🇺🇦! Discussing support of #Ukraine and strengthening sanctions against the Russian aggression. — Denys Shmyhal (@Denys_Shmyhal) March 15, 2022 × He said their talks would focus on support for Ukraine and "strengthening sanctions against the Russian aggression". Also read | 'We don't know how to kill': Residents of Odessa who cannot fight help with war efforts in other ways Prime Minister Morawiecki, Czech Premier Petr Fiala and Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa are on a visit to the besieged country as "representatives" of the European Union, according to an early statement from the Polish government. The visit comes as Russian forces attack targets across Ukraine, including Kyiv, which has nearly been encircled by Moscow's forces, and as negotiations to end the nearly three-week war are scheduled to resume. "In such crucial times for the world, it is our duty to be in the place where history is being made," Morawiecki said in a Facebook post earlier Tuesday. "Because this is not about us, it is about the future of our children who deserve to live in a world free from tyranny," he said. Watch | Ukraine | Refugees of war: What do the numbers say According to the government statement, the visit was organised "in agreement" with European Council chief Charles Michel and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. "The purpose of the visit is to confirm the unequivocal support of the entire European Union for the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine and to present a broad package of support for the Ukrainian state and society," the statement said. Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the leader of Poland's right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party, accompanied the trio. (With inputs from agencies)

'Courage of true friends of Ukraine': European leaders' defiant visit to Kyiv amid growing tension with Russia

Two Chinese nationals have been arrested for trying to smuggle undocumented children out of Ukraine and into Romania.

Ukraine's State Border Guard Service reported on Monday that border guards held off foreigners from taking babies out of the country at the Porubne Border Crossing Point in Chernivtsi Oblast.&nbsp;

The people who have been identified as Chinese nationals were carrying two infants as they attempted to cross the border and into Romania when they attracted suspicion from the border guards who suspected that something was off.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-refugee-crisis-raises-other-concerns-feeling-women-minors-may-be-targetted-for-trafficking-462747">Ukraine refugee crisis raises other concerns; fleeing women &amp; minors may be targetted for trafficking</a>

Upon inspection, border officials discovered that the foreigners did not have any identification documents for the infants.&nbsp;

In an investigation conducted by the State Border Guard Service, it was found that both Chinese had arrived in the country without children a few weeks before this incident.

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🚫Прикордонники припинили спробу вивезення з України громадянами Китаю немовлят без документів 
▪️У пункті пропуску «Порубне», що у Чернівецькій області, прикордонники припинили спробу іноземців вивезти немовлят. 
▪️Двоє громадян Китаю намагалися пішки перейти з України в Румунію <a href="https://t.co/44Kmp2TsAl">pic.twitter.com/44Kmp2TsAl</a>
— Держприкордонслужба (@DPSU_ua) <a href="https://twitter.com/DPSU_ua/status/1503432061213986821?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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When border guards questioned the two men, they were unable to explain where the children came from.&nbsp;

Now the Ukrainian National Police is looking into the matter.&nbsp;The Ukrainian government's website features pictures of the babies being looked after by its border force.

<img alt="Ukraine border force cares for rescued babies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a575c714-83fa-4726-ab95-67c5ec689d9b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%2820%29_0.jpg" />

<img alt="Ukraine border force cares for rescued babies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9702a948-5ce2-4b6c-b973-0540ab554497" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%2819%29_2.jpg" />

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jumping-the-gun-as-calls-for-its-expulsion-grow-russia-announces-ruxit-from-council-of-europe-462722" hreflang="en">Jumping the gun: As calls for its expulsion grow, Russia announces 'Ruxit'&nbsp;from Council of Europe</a>

However, it remains unclear what will become of the babies as the identities of their parents remain a mystery.

According to a US Department of State report, many of the trafficked children in China are forced into labour.

The report said: “China is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children who are subjected to trafficking in persons, specifically forced labour and forced prostitution.

“Well-organised international criminal syndicates and local gangs play key roles in both internal and cross-border trafficking."

Watch |&nbsp;Surrogacy industry in Ukraine hit by war, citizenship of newborn babies unclear

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/surrogacy-industry-in-ukraine-hit-by-war-citizenship-of-newborn-babies-unclear-462804/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Women and girls from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and several countries in Africa experience forced labour in domestic service, forced concubinism leading to forced childbearing, and sex trafficking via forced and fraudulent marriage to Chinese men."&nbsp;

"Traffickers target adults and children with developmental disabilities and children whose parents have left them with relatives to migrate to the cities—estimated at 6.4 million—and subject them to forced labour and forced begging."

(With inputs from agencies)

Two Chinese nationals have been arrested for trying to smuggle undocumented children out of Ukraine and into Romania. Ukraine's State Border Guard Service reported on Monday that border guards held off foreigners from taking babies out of the country at the Porubne Border Crossing Point in Chernivtsi Oblast.

Two Chinese nationals have been arrested for trying to smuggle undocumented children out of Ukraine and into Romania. Ukraine's State Border Guard Service reported on Monday that border guards held off foreigners from taking babies out of the country at the Porubne Border Crossing Point in Chernivtsi Oblast. The people who have been identified as Chinese nationals were carrying two infants as they attempted to cross the border and into Romania when they attracted suspicion from the border guards who suspected that something was off. Also read | Ukraine refugee crisis raises other concerns; fleeing women & minors may be targetted for trafficking Upon inspection, border officials discovered that the foreigners did not have any identification documents for the infants. In an investigation conducted by the State Border Guard Service, it was found that both Chinese had arrived in the country without children a few weeks before this incident. 🚫Прикордонники припинили спробу вивезення з України громадянами Китаю немовлят без документів ▪️У пункті пропуску «Порубне», що у Чернівецькій області, прикордонники припинили спробу іноземців вивезти немовлят. ▪️Двоє громадян Китаю намагалися пішки перейти з України в Румунію pic.twitter.com/44Kmp2TsAl — Держприкордонслужба (@DPSU_ua) March 14, 2022 × When border guards questioned the two men, they were unable to explain where the children came from. Now the Ukrainian National Police is looking into the matter. The Ukrainian government's website features pictures of the babies being looked after by its border force. Also read | Jumping the gun: As calls for its expulsion grow, Russia announces 'Ruxit' from Council of Europe However, it remains unclear what will become of the babies as the identities of their parents remain a mystery. According to a US Department of State report, many of the trafficked children in China are forced into labour. The report said: “China is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children who are subjected to trafficking in persons, specifically forced labour and forced prostitution. “Well-organised international criminal syndicates and local gangs play key roles in both internal and cross-border trafficking." Watch | Surrogacy industry in Ukraine hit by war, citizenship of newborn babies unclear "Women and girls from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and several countries in Africa experience forced labour in domestic service, forced concubinism leading to forced childbearing, and sex trafficking via forced and fraudulent marriage to Chinese men." "Traffickers target adults and children with developmental disabilities and children whose parents have left them with relatives to migrate to the cities—estimated at 6.4 million—and subject them to forced labour and forced begging." (With inputs from agencies)

Two Chinese nationals arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle infants from Ukraine

A CCTV video that is going viral on social media shows a missile blast in front of a Ukrainian civilian as he walks through a park.&nbsp;

In Ukraine's capital, now surrounded by two sides and emptied of more than half its three million residents, the latest Russian attacks have killed at least two people.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-warns-russia-might-be-planning-a-chemical-attack-on-ukraine-us-nato-un-echo-the-concern-462340" hreflang="en">UK warns Russia might be planning a chemical attack on Ukraine; US, NATO echo the concern</a>

The video posted online shows the moment a missile exploded in a street in Kyiv, right in front of a civilian walking through a park on Kyrylivska Street. In the video, the civilian can be seen recoiling from the shock of the blast and running away from the explosion.

Here's the shocking&nbsp;video:

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A residential building was severely damaged in a blast that rocked Kyiv today, with a local resident saying at least two had died in the incident. 
 
CCTV footage showed the moment the building exploded, shocking a passer-by.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kyiv?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kyiv</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/russianinvasion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#russianinvasion</a> <a href="https://t.co/oBrQKIj7dK">pic.twitter.com/oBrQKIj7dK</a>
— talkRADIO (@talkRADIO) <a href="https://twitter.com/talkRADIO/status/1503392187781943297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The Russian offensive targeting Kyiv -- launched on February 24 and initially repelled by an enthusiastic army, including many volunteers -- has gained strength once again.

As part of the violent clashes along Kyiv's northwestern edge, long-range missiles caused at least two deaths and 12 injuries on Monday alone.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-kyiv-mayor-records-himself-as-he-shows-the-scale-of-destruction-caused-by-russian-forces-462297" hreflang="en">Watch: Kyiv mayor records himself as he shows the scale of destruction caused by Russian forces</a>

Tensions are also rising in Kyiv's more remote northeast industrial districts where a second front seems to be opening up.

As a result of the growing sense of peril, armed volunteers at Kyiv's sandbagged checkpoints have started asking passing cars to use code words that change constantly.

In order to more easily ascertain who is on the Ukrainian side and who is a Russian saboteur, the ribbon colours are being alternated onto soldiers' elbows and calves.

Watch |&nbsp;Russian troops inch closer to Ukrainian capital, Kyiv braces for more Russian strikes

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-troops-inch-closer-to-ukrainian-capital-kyiv-braces-for-more-russian-strikes-462262/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The almost tangible paranoia on the city's deserted streets, however, is accompanied by strident defiance on the part of many of the distraught victims of Russian President Vladimir Putin's forces.

Moscow-backed separatists claim a fragment of a shot-down Ukrainian Tochka-U missile sliced through Donetsk's centre, killing 23 people. In response, Moscow called it a "war crime," and rebels published images of bloody corpses in the street.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A CCTV video that is going viral on social media shows a missile blast in front of a Ukrainian civilian as he walks through a park. In Ukraine's capital, now surrounded by two sides and emptied of more than half its three million residents, the latest Russian attacks have killed at least two people.

A CCTV video that is going viral on social media shows a missile blast in front of a Ukrainian civilian as he walks through a park. In Ukraine's capital, now surrounded by two sides and emptied of more than half its three million residents, the latest Russian attacks have killed at least two people. Also read | UK warns Russia might be planning a chemical attack on Ukraine; US, NATO echo the concern The video posted online shows the moment a missile exploded in a street in Kyiv, right in front of a civilian walking through a park on Kyrylivska Street. In the video, the civilian can be seen recoiling from the shock of the blast and running away from the explosion. Here's the shocking video: A residential building was severely damaged in a blast that rocked Kyiv today, with a local resident saying at least two had died in the incident. CCTV footage showed the moment the building exploded, shocking a passer-by.#Ukraine | #Kyiv | #russianinvasion pic.twitter.com/oBrQKIj7dK — talkRADIO (@talkRADIO) March 14, 2022 × The Russian offensive targeting Kyiv -- launched on February 24 and initially repelled by an enthusiastic army, including many volunteers -- has gained strength once again. As part of the violent clashes along Kyiv's northwestern edge, long-range missiles caused at least two deaths and 12 injuries on Monday alone. Also read | Watch: Kyiv mayor records himself as he shows the scale of destruction caused by Russian forces Tensions are also rising in Kyiv's more remote northeast industrial districts where a second front seems to be opening up. As a result of the growing sense of peril, armed volunteers at Kyiv's sandbagged checkpoints have started asking passing cars to use code words that change constantly. In order to more easily ascertain who is on the Ukrainian side and who is a Russian saboteur, the ribbon colours are being alternated onto soldiers' elbows and calves. Watch | Russian troops inch closer to Ukrainian capital, Kyiv braces for more Russian strikes The almost tangible paranoia on the city's deserted streets, however, is accompanied by strident defiance on the part of many of the distraught victims of Russian President Vladimir Putin's forces. Moscow-backed separatists claim a fragment of a shot-down Ukrainian Tochka-U missile sliced through Donetsk's centre, killing 23 people. In response, Moscow called it a "war crime," and rebels published images of bloody corpses in the street. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian man shocked as a missile explodes mere steps away from him: Watch

In Pics: Ukrainian colours paint Britain's streets, street art shows support for Kyiv

'We don't know how to kill': Residents of Odessa who cannot fight help with war efforts in other ways

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On Monday, the British Defence Ministry tweeted that Russia might use chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine in response to a staged attack on Russian troops.

In what it called an intelligence update, it cited no evidence in support of the assertion. United States officials and NATO chief have earlier also made similar assertions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sees-at-least-one-winner-emerging-from-ukraine-war-china-462310" hreflang="en">China sees at least one winner emerging from Ukraine war: China</a>

The Twitter post said: "Such an operation could take the form of a faked attack, a staged 'discovery' of agents or munitions or fabricated evidence of alleged Ukrainian planning to use such weapons."

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Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 14 March 2022 
 
Find out more about the UK government's response: <a href="https://t.co/wg3FhtrkiY">https://t.co/wg3FhtrkiY</a> 
 
🇺🇦 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithUkraine</a> 🇺🇦 <a href="https://t.co/cJikRzwVpQ">pic.twitter.com/cJikRzwVpQ</a>
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ/status/1503489559509798912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In its statement, the Defence Ministry said it had not seen any evidence supporting Russia's accusations that Ukraine planned to use chemical and biological weapons.

Earlier, US President Joe Biden had also said that if Russia used chemical weapons against Ukraine, they would pay a "severe price."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-kyiv-mayor-records-himself-as-he-shows-the-scale-of-destruction-caused-by-russian-forces-462297" hreflang="en">Watch: Kyiv mayor records himself as he shows the scale of destruction caused by Russian forces</a>

In a statement published on Friday, the United Nations claimed it had no evidence that Ukraine possessed biological weapons. At the same time, Washington and its allies accused Russia of spreading the unproven claim in advance of launching its own chemical or biological attack.

An interview in the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag quotes NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg as warning that Russia may use chemical weapons following its invasion of Ukraine and that such an act would constitute a war crime.

Watch | Gravitas: Ukraine, Russia optimistic about round 4 of talks

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-russia-optimistic-about-round-4-of-talks-462334/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"In recent days, we have heard absurd claims about chemical and biological weapons laboratories," Stoltenberg said, adding that the Kremlin was inventing false excuses to justify events that could not be justified.

"Now that these false claims have been made, we must remain vigilant because it is possible that Russia itself could plan chemical weapons operations under this fabrication of lies. That would be a war crime."&nbsp;

He added that although the Ukrainian people were courageously resisting the Russian invasion, the coming days are likely to bring even greater hardship.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On Monday, the British Defence Ministry tweeted that Russia might use chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine in response to a staged attack on Russian troops. In what it called an intelligence update, it cited no evidence in support of the assertion. United States officials and NATO chief have earlier also made similar assertions. Also read | China sees at least one winner emerging from Ukraine war: China The Twitter post said: "Such an operation could take the form of a faked attack, a staged 'discovery' of agents or munitions or fabricated evidence of alleged Ukrainian planning to use such weapons." Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 14 March 2022 Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/wg3FhtrkiY 🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/cJikRzwVpQ — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) March 14, 2022 × In its statement, the Defence Ministry said it had not seen any evidence supporting Russia's accusations that Ukraine planned to use chemical and biological weapons. Earlier, US President Joe Biden had also said that if Russia used chemical weapons against Ukraine, they would pay a "severe price." Also read | Watch: Kyiv mayor records himself as he shows the scale of destruction caused by Russian forces In a statement published on Friday, the United Nations claimed it had no evidence that Ukraine possessed biological weapons. At the same time, Washington and its allies accused Russia of spreading the unproven claim in advance of launching its own chemical or biological attack. An interview in the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag quotes NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg as warning that Russia may use chemical weapons following its invasion of Ukraine and that such an act would constitute a war crime. Watch | Gravitas: Ukraine, Russia optimistic about round 4 of talks "In recent days, we have heard absurd claims about chemical and biological weapons laboratories," Stoltenberg said, adding that the Kremlin was inventing false excuses to justify events that could not be justified. "Now that these false claims have been made, we must remain vigilant because it is possible that Russia itself could plan chemical weapons operations under this fabrication of lies. That would be a war crime." He added that although the Ukrainian people were courageously resisting the Russian invasion, the coming days are likely to bring even greater hardship. (With inputs from agencies)

UK warns Russia might be planning a chemical attack on Ukraine; US, NATO echo the concern

In a statement on Thursday, the US State Department rejected proposals to send MiG fighter jets to Ukraine via an American base, saying that ground-based weapons would be more effective against Russian invasion.

The Ukrainian president has repeatedly called on NATO and the United States to send aircraft or create a "no-fly zone" over the war-torn Western ally in order to protect his country from Russian airstrikes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-russias-barbaric-attack-on-ukraine-childrens-hospital-460804">In Pics- Russia's 'barbaric' attack on Ukraine children's hospital</a>

Nevertheless, State Department spokesperson Ned Price has told reporters in Washington that Ukraine had found ground-based defence systems are more effective in fending off Russia's "formidable" air force.

"We will continue to provide our Ukrainian partners with the surface-to-air systems that they need to take on the threat that they face from Russian missiles, from Russian rockets, from artillery," he said.

Moreover, Price noted that Ukraine already has "several squadrons" of its own "fully mission-capable" aircraft and that the United States sending more to Ukraine could aggravate the conflict.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/4-falsehoods-russians-are-told-about-the-war-461088" hreflang="en">4 falsehoods Russians are told about the war</a>

"The intelligence community produced an assessment that the provision of planes in this manner... could be viewed by Moscow as escalatory," he told the news conference.

"It is incumbent upon us to do everything we can to bring this conflict to a close to save as many lives as we can, and to do everything we can to see to it that this conflict does not expand."

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Will Russia launch a chemical attack on Ukraine?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-russia-launch-a-chemical-attack-on-ukraine-461097/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Polish government had expressed support for sending its Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets to Kyiv via Ramstein, Germany, with the suggestion that the United States provide F-16s to supplement the Polish air force.

However, on Wednesday, Lloyd Austin told Poland's defence minister Mariusz Blaszczak that Washington had no intention of getting involved in the plan.

While the US&nbsp;has strongly supported Ukraine, pushing for tough international sanctions and sending weapons and other aid, it has already denied enforcing a no-fly zone out of fear of being drawn into the conflict directly.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a statement on Thursday, the US State Department rejected proposals to send MiG fighter jets to Ukraine via an American base, saying that ground-based weapons would be more effective against Russian invasion.

In a statement on Thursday, the US State Department rejected proposals to send MiG fighter jets to Ukraine via an American base, saying that ground-based weapons would be more effective against Russian invasion. The Ukrainian president has repeatedly called on NATO and the United States to send aircraft or create a "no-fly zone" over the war-torn Western ally in order to protect his country from Russian airstrikes. Also read | In Pics- Russia's 'barbaric' attack on Ukraine children's hospital Nevertheless, State Department spokesperson Ned Price has told reporters in Washington that Ukraine had found ground-based defence systems are more effective in fending off Russia's "formidable" air force. "We will continue to provide our Ukrainian partners with the surface-to-air systems that they need to take on the threat that they face from Russian missiles, from Russian rockets, from artillery," he said. Moreover, Price noted that Ukraine already has "several squadrons" of its own "fully mission-capable" aircraft and that the United States sending more to Ukraine could aggravate the conflict. Also read | 4 falsehoods Russians are told about the war "The intelligence community produced an assessment that the provision of planes in this manner... could be viewed by Moscow as escalatory," he told the news conference. "It is incumbent upon us to do everything we can to bring this conflict to a close to save as many lives as we can, and to do everything we can to see to it that this conflict does not expand." Watch | Gravitas: Will Russia launch a chemical attack on Ukraine? The Polish government had expressed support for sending its Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets to Kyiv via Ramstein, Germany, with the suggestion that the United States provide F-16s to supplement the Polish air force. However, on Wednesday, Lloyd Austin told Poland's defence minister Mariusz Blaszczak that Washington had no intention of getting involved in the plan. While the US has strongly supported Ukraine, pushing for tough international sanctions and sending weapons and other aid, it has already denied enforcing a no-fly zone out of fear of being drawn into the conflict directly. (With inputs from agencies)

US says Ukraine needs surface-to-air missiles, not fighter jets, to fight 'formidable' Russian air force

Ukrainians try to protect their 'past' from the 'present'; rush to save cultural heritage from Russian attacks

In Pics- Russia's 'barbaric' attack on Ukraine children's hospital

Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine, said Wednesday that at least 35,000 civilians had been evacuated from besieged cities.

According to a video address, the Ukrainian leader made late Wednesday, three humanitarian corridors had enabled residents of Sumy, Enerhodar, and the area around Kyiv to flee.

He said he hoped that the evacuations would continue on Thursday, noting that three more routes were set to open out of Mariupol, Volnovakha in the southeast, and Izium in eastern Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/caribbean-countries-junk-program-allowing-russians-to-buy-citizenship-460690" hreflang="en">Caribbean countries junk program allowing Russians to buy citizenship</a>

As a result of Moscow and Kyiv's agreement on Wednesday, more corridors were opened, offering a sliver of hope to civilians trapped in bombarded cities.

More than 5,000 people were evacuated from Sumy, a&nbsp;day earlier, a city of 250,000 near the Russian border that has been the scene of heavy fighting.&nbsp;

As per an Interfax Ukraine news agency report,&nbsp;around 48,000 Ukrainians have been evacuated through humanitarian corridors. The report&nbsp;cites a senior aide to President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the president`s office, said 43,000 people had left the city of Sumy, 3,500 from the Kyiv region and 1,000 from Energodar.

However, the evacuation of Mariupol, which has been under Russian siege for days, has failed on several occasions, with both Kyiv and Moscow blaming each other.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Russia becomes the world's most sanctioned country

Phone signals are down, effectively cutting off the industrial city from the world. Hundreds of thousands of residents of Mariupol under bombardment have been sheltering without water or power for more than a week.

Russia struck a children's hospital in the city on Wednesday, provoking renewed global outrage two weeks after Moscow invaded its former Soviet neighbour.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-bombed-childrens-hospital-in-mariupol-alleges-ukraine-460698" hreflang="en">Russia bombed children's hospital in Mariupol, alleges Ukraine</a>

In the siege, which has lasted more than a week, more than 1,200 civilians have been killed, according to Mariupol's mayor.

According to the UN refugee agency UNHCR, the number of refugees resulting from this conflict lies somewhere between 2.1 million and 2.2 million.&nbsp;

Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine, said Wednesday that at least 35,000 civilians had been evacuated from besieged cities. According to a video address, the Ukrainian leader made late Wednesday, three humanitarian corridors had enabled residents of Sumy, Enerhodar, and the area around Kyiv to flee.

Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine, said Wednesday that at least 35,000 civilians had been evacuated from besieged cities. According to a video address, the Ukrainian leader made late Wednesday, three humanitarian corridors had enabled residents of Sumy, Enerhodar, and the area around Kyiv to flee. He said he hoped that the evacuations would continue on Thursday, noting that three more routes were set to open out of Mariupol, Volnovakha in the southeast, and Izium in eastern Ukraine. Also read | Caribbean countries junk program allowing Russians to buy citizenship As a result of Moscow and Kyiv's agreement on Wednesday, more corridors were opened, offering a sliver of hope to civilians trapped in bombarded cities. More than 5,000 people were evacuated from Sumy, a day earlier, a city of 250,000 near the Russian border that has been the scene of heavy fighting. As per an Interfax Ukraine news agency report, around 48,000 Ukrainians have been evacuated through humanitarian corridors. The report cites a senior aide to President Volodymyr Zelensky. Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the president`s office, said 43,000 people had left the city of Sumy, 3,500 from the Kyiv region and 1,000 from Energodar. However, the evacuation of Mariupol, which has been under Russian siege for days, has failed on several occasions, with both Kyiv and Moscow blaming each other. Watch | Gravitas: Russia becomes the world's most sanctioned country Phone signals are down, effectively cutting off the industrial city from the world. Hundreds of thousands of residents of Mariupol under bombardment have been sheltering without water or power for more than a week. Russia struck a children's hospital in the city on Wednesday, provoking renewed global outrage two weeks after Moscow invaded its former Soviet neighbour. Also read | Russia bombed children's hospital in Mariupol, alleges Ukraine In the siege, which has lasted more than a week, more than 1,200 civilians have been killed, according to Mariupol's mayor. According to the UN refugee agency UNHCR, the number of refugees resulting from this conflict lies somewhere between 2.1 million and 2.2 million.

From Ukraine's besieged cities, 35,000 escaped via humanitarian corridors: Zelensky

It started with one bid, then two, then twenty: a small Stockholm company has recently been swamped with inquiries for the rights to air the comedy series featuring Ukraine's former actor-turned-war hero Volodymyr Zelensky.

"It's been very, very busy. All around the world, people have asked for the rights because they want to broadcast it," says Eccho Rights co-founder Nicola Soderlund.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-ukraines-besieged-cities-35000-escaped-via-humanitarian-corridors-zelensky-460729" hreflang="en">From Ukraine's besieged cities, 35,000 escaped via humanitarian corridors: Zelensky</a>

Since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, broadcasters including Channel 4 in the UK, ANT1 in Greece, and PRO TV in Romania, have rushed to acquire the rights to "Servant of the People", which first aired in Ukraine in 2015.

"I think last week we made maybe 15 deals and we are in negotiations with another 20 countries," says Soderlund, a poster advertising the series hanging above his desk.&nbsp;

"The latest we heard of is Latin America, we're discussing with the US, Netflix, we're discussing with many."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-from-ex-comedian-to-war-president-456070">Volodymyr Zelensky: From ex-comedian to ‘war president’</a>

There are currently three or four broadcasters in Italy vying for the rights, while in Greece, the show airs nightly during primetime.

"In a way, it's an act of solidarity with the Ukrainians, and at the same time, of curiosity -- you want to see who he is," Soderlund says of Zelensky.

President Zelensky has risen to prominence on the international stage since the start of the invasion, impressing the world with his fearless determination against the Russian invasion.

In retrospect, it was unimaginable that this "very funny comedian, very popular and loved by audiences" would eventually become Vladimir Putin's main target and "this world leader who embodies and speaks for the whole nation".

"We needed a hero like him, after Trump and all that," Eccho Rights managing director Fredrik af Malmborg interjects.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Zelensky's three big miscalculations

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-zelenskys-three-big-miscalculations-460693/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

With "Servant of the People", life imitated art.&nbsp;The series, which lasted three seasons, featured Zelensky as a high school teacher who was elected president after a viral video of him ranting about corruption in Ukraine went viral.

Zelensky became president in real life after the success of the show.

While Eccho has not had direct contact with Zelensky, it has been in touch with some of his representatives.

The details of the rights contracts are confidential, but the rights will cost "around a million euros". &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

It started with one bid, then two, then twenty: a small Stockholm company has recently been swamped with inquiries for the rights to air the comedy series featuring Ukraine's former actor-turned-war hero Volodymyr Zelensky.

It started with one bid, then two, then twenty: a small Stockholm company has recently been swamped with inquiries for the rights to air the comedy series featuring Ukraine's former actor-turned-war hero Volodymyr Zelensky. "It's been very, very busy. All around the world, people have asked for the rights because they want to broadcast it," says Eccho Rights co-founder Nicola Soderlund. Also read | From Ukraine's besieged cities, 35,000 escaped via humanitarian corridors: Zelensky Since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, broadcasters including Channel 4 in the UK, ANT1 in Greece, and PRO TV in Romania, have rushed to acquire the rights to "Servant of the People", which first aired in Ukraine in 2015. "I think last week we made maybe 15 deals and we are in negotiations with another 20 countries," says Soderlund, a poster advertising the series hanging above his desk. "The latest we heard of is Latin America, we're discussing with the US, Netflix, we're discussing with many." Also read | Volodymyr Zelensky: From ex-comedian to ‘war president’ There are currently three or four broadcasters in Italy vying for the rights, while in Greece, the show airs nightly during primetime. "In a way, it's an act of solidarity with the Ukrainians, and at the same time, of curiosity -- you want to see who he is," Soderlund says of Zelensky. President Zelensky has risen to prominence on the international stage since the start of the invasion, impressing the world with his fearless determination against the Russian invasion. In retrospect, it was unimaginable that this "very funny comedian, very popular and loved by audiences" would eventually become Vladimir Putin's main target and "this world leader who embodies and speaks for the whole nation". "We needed a hero like him, after Trump and all that," Eccho Rights managing director Fredrik af Malmborg interjects. Watch | Gravitas: Zelensky's three big miscalculations With "Servant of the People", life imitated art. The series, which lasted three seasons, featured Zelensky as a high school teacher who was elected president after a viral video of him ranting about corruption in Ukraine went viral. Zelensky became president in real life after the success of the show. While Eccho has not had direct contact with Zelensky, it has been in touch with some of his representatives. The details of the rights contracts are confidential, but the rights will cost "around a million euros". (With inputs from agencies)

Life imitates art: Broadcasters clamour to air Ukrainian comedian-turned-war-hero President's TV show

President Joe Biden banned Russian oil and other energy imports to the United States, piling pressure on Vladimir Putin to halt the assault on Ukraine, but an effort to evacuate civilians from the besieged port city of Mariupol failed. 
 
Ukraine's government accused Russia of shelling a humanitarian corridor it had promised in Mariupol. 
 
SANCTIONS 
 
* Biden acknowledged the ban on Russian energy imports, which has bipartisan support, would drive up U.S. energy prices. 
 
* Britain said it aimed to phase out imports of Russian oil by the end of 2022. The EU plans to cut dependency on Russian gas this year by two-thirds. 
 
FIGHTING 
 
* Ukrainian troops repulsed efforts by Russian forces to enter the eastern city of Kharkiv, regional governor Oleh Synehubov said. 
 
* Russian forces have repeatedly tried to seize the southern regional capital of Mykolayiv in attacks that have been repulsed by Ukrainian troops, a Ukrainian presidential adviser said 
 
CORRIDORS 
 
* Russian forces will stop firing from 10 a.m. Moscow time (0700 GMT) on Wednesday to provide humanitarian corridors for people to leave Kyiv and four other cities, Tass news agency cited a senior Russian official as saying. 
 
DEATH TOLL 
 
* The United Nations human rights office said it had verified 1,335 civilian casualties so far in Ukraine, including 474 killed and 861 injured, but the true toll was likely to be higher. 
 
* Ukraine says its forces have killed more than 11,000 Russian troops. Russia has confirmed about 500 losses. Neither side has disclosed Ukrainian casualties. 
 
NATO AIRCRAFT 
 
The United States rejected a surprise offer by NATO ally Poland on Tuesday to transfer its Russian-made MiG-29 fighter jets to a U.S. base in Germany as a way to replenish Ukraine`s air force in its defence against invading Russian forces. 
 
The United States has sought to speed weapons deliveries to Ukraine. But the prospect of flying combat aircraft from NATO territory into the war zone "raises serious concerns for the entire NATO alliance," the Pentagon said. 
 
ECONOMIC IMPACT 
 
* McDonald`s Corp, Starbucks and L`Oreal are temporarily closing all outlets in Russia. Coca-Cola and Pepsi suspended soda sales in the country. 
 
* Unilever became the first major European food company to stop imports and exports out of Russia. 
 
* The London Metal Exchange halted trade in nickel after prices of the metal, a key component in electric vehicle batteries, doubled to more than $100,000 a tonne. 
 
QUOTES 
 
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told Britain`s House of Commons via videolink: "The question for us now is to be or not to be. I can give you a definitive answer: it`s definitely to be." 
 
"Russia may continue to grind out its advance at a horrible price, but this much is already clear: Ukraine will never be a victory for Putin," Biden told reporters. "Putin may be able to take a city, but he`ll never be able to hold the country."

President Joe Biden banned Russian oil and other energy imports to the United States, piling pressure on Vladimir Putin to halt the assault on Ukraine, but an effort to evacuate civilians from the besieged port city of Mariupol failed.

President Joe Biden banned Russian oil and other energy imports to the United States, piling pressure on Vladimir Putin to halt the assault on Ukraine, but an effort to evacuate civilians from the besieged port city of Mariupol failed. Ukraine's government accused Russia of shelling a humanitarian corridor it had promised in Mariupol. SANCTIONS * Biden acknowledged the ban on Russian energy imports, which has bipartisan support, would drive up U.S. energy prices. * Britain said it aimed to phase out imports of Russian oil by the end of 2022. The EU plans to cut dependency on Russian gas this year by two-thirds. FIGHTING * Ukrainian troops repulsed efforts by Russian forces to enter the eastern city of Kharkiv, regional governor Oleh Synehubov said. * Russian forces have repeatedly tried to seize the southern regional capital of Mykolayiv in attacks that have been repulsed by Ukrainian troops, a Ukrainian presidential adviser said CORRIDORS * Russian forces will stop firing from 10 a.m. Moscow time (0700 GMT) on Wednesday to provide humanitarian corridors for people to leave Kyiv and four other cities, Tass news agency cited a senior Russian official as saying. DEATH TOLL * The United Nations human rights office said it had verified 1,335 civilian casualties so far in Ukraine, including 474 killed and 861 injured, but the true toll was likely to be higher. * Ukraine says its forces have killed more than 11,000 Russian troops. Russia has confirmed about 500 losses. Neither side has disclosed Ukrainian casualties. NATO AIRCRAFT The United States rejected a surprise offer by NATO ally Poland on Tuesday to transfer its Russian-made MiG-29 fighter jets to a U.S. base in Germany as a way to replenish Ukraine`s air force in its defence against invading Russian forces. The United States has sought to speed weapons deliveries to Ukraine. But the prospect of flying combat aircraft from NATO territory into the war zone "raises serious concerns for the entire NATO alliance," the Pentagon said. ECONOMIC IMPACT * McDonald`s Corp, Starbucks and L`Oreal are temporarily closing all outlets in Russia. Coca-Cola and Pepsi suspended soda sales in the country. * Unilever became the first major European food company to stop imports and exports out of Russia. * The London Metal Exchange halted trade in nickel after prices of the metal, a key component in electric vehicle batteries, doubled to more than $100,000 a tonne. QUOTES Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told Britain`s House of Commons via videolink: "The question for us now is to be or not to be. I can give you a definitive answer: it`s definitely to be." "Russia may continue to grind out its advance at a horrible price, but this much is already clear: Ukraine will never be a victory for Putin," Biden told reporters. "Putin may be able to take a city, but he`ll never be able to hold the country."

Russian invasion of Ukraine: What you need to know right now

Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukraine will no longer be seeking NATO membership, a delicate issue cited by Russia as a reason for invading its pro-Western neighbor.

Zelensky also said he is open to "compromise" over the status of two breakaway pro-Russian territories that Putin recognized as independent just before the invasion, on February 24.

"I have cooled down regarding this question a long time ago after we understood that ... NATO is not prepared to accept Ukraine," Zelensky said in an interview aired Monday night on ABC News.

"The alliance is afraid of controversial things, and confrontation with Russia," the president added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-not-give-up-will-fight-till-the-end-says-ukraine-president-zelensky-tells-uk-parliament-460376" hreflang="en">We will not give up, will fight till the end, Ukraine President Zelensky tells UK Parliament</a>

Regarding NATO membership, Zelensky said that he did not want to be president of a "country which is begging something on its knees."&nbsp;

Russia is opposed to neighbouring Ukraine joining NATO, the transatlantic alliance formed at the start of the Cold War to defend Europe from the Soviet Union.&nbsp;

The Kremlin has been infuriated by the alliance's expansion to former Soviet bloc countries in recent years.

NATO enlargement, as well as the military posture of these new Western allies on their doorstep, is viewed by Russia as a threat.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-bans-us-import-of-russian-oil-global-economy-to-face-heat-460356" hreflang="en">Joe Biden bans US import of Russian oil, global economy to face heat?</a>

Putin recognized Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine, which have been at war with Kyiv since 2014, as independent "republics" shortly before he shocked the world by launching Ukraine's invasion.&nbsp;

Now, Putin wants Ukraine to recognize them as sovereign and independent, too.

When asked about Russian demands, Zelensky said he was open to dialogue.

"I'm talking about security guarantees," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;Amid Russian offensive, Ukraine backs away from NATO bid?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/amid-russian-offensive-ukraine-backs-away-from-nato-bid-460396/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He said these two regions "have not been recognized by anyone but Russia, these pseudo republics. But we can discuss and find the compromise on how these territories will live on."

"What is important to me is how the people in those territories are going to live who want to be part of Ukraine, who in Ukraine will say that they want to have them in," Zelensky said.

"So the question is more difficult than simply acknowledging them," the president said.

"This is another ultimatum and we are not prepared for ultimatums. What needs to be done is for President Putin to start talking, start the dialogue instead of living in the informational bubble without oxygen."

(With inputs from agencies)

Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukraine will no longer be seeking NATO membership, a delicate issue cited by Russia as a reason for invading its pro-Western neighbor.

Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukraine will no longer be seeking NATO membership, a delicate issue cited by Russia as a reason for invading its pro-Western neighbor. Zelensky also said he is open to "compromise" over the status of two breakaway pro-Russian territories that Putin recognized as independent just before the invasion, on February 24. "I have cooled down regarding this question a long time ago after we understood that ... NATO is not prepared to accept Ukraine," Zelensky said in an interview aired Monday night on ABC News. "The alliance is afraid of controversial things, and confrontation with Russia," the president added. Also read | We will not give up, will fight till the end, Ukraine President Zelensky tells UK Parliament Regarding NATO membership, Zelensky said that he did not want to be president of a "country which is begging something on its knees." Russia is opposed to neighbouring Ukraine joining NATO, the transatlantic alliance formed at the start of the Cold War to defend Europe from the Soviet Union. The Kremlin has been infuriated by the alliance's expansion to former Soviet bloc countries in recent years. NATO enlargement, as well as the military posture of these new Western allies on their doorstep, is viewed by Russia as a threat. Also read | Joe Biden bans US import of Russian oil, global economy to face heat? Putin recognized Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine, which have been at war with Kyiv since 2014, as independent "republics" shortly before he shocked the world by launching Ukraine's invasion. Now, Putin wants Ukraine to recognize them as sovereign and independent, too. When asked about Russian demands, Zelensky said he was open to dialogue. "I'm talking about security guarantees," he said. Watch | Amid Russian offensive, Ukraine backs away from NATO bid? He said these two regions "have not been recognized by anyone but Russia, these pseudo republics. But we can discuss and find the compromise on how these territories will live on." "What is important to me is how the people in those territories are going to live who want to be part of Ukraine, who in Ukraine will say that they want to have them in," Zelensky said. "So the question is more difficult than simply acknowledging them," the president said. "This is another ultimatum and we are not prepared for ultimatums. What needs to be done is for President Putin to start talking, start the dialogue instead of living in the informational bubble without oxygen." (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky gives up on joining NATO, says he does not want to lead a nation 'begging something on its knees'

In a statement Tuesday, the UN watchdog said that the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is no longer sending data to them. The agency also expressed concern for staff operating under Russian guard at the Ukrainian facility.

Rafael Grossi, the chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), "indicated that remote data transmission from safeguards monitoring systems installed at the Chornobyl NPP had been lost", the agency said in its statement.

"The Agency is looking into the status of safeguards monitoring systems in other locations in Ukraine and will provide further information soon," it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-gives-up-on-joining-nato-says-he-does-not-want-to-lead-a-nation-begging-something-on-its-knees-460394" hreflang="en">Zelensky gives up on joining NATO, says he does not want to lead a nation “begging something on its knees"</a>

By "safeguards," the IAEA refers to the technical measures it uses to regulate nuclear material and activities with the goal of suppressing the spread of nuclear weapons through the early detection of their misuse.

On February 24, Russia invaded Ukraine and seized Chernobyl, the site of a 1986 disaster that killed hundreds of people and spread radioactive contamination west across Europe.

Staff conditions were "worsening" at the site, the IAEA said, citing Ukraine's nuclear regulator.&nbsp;Over 200 technical staff and guards are trapped on the site, working 13 days straight since the Russians took over.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-not-give-up-will-fight-till-the-end-says-ukraine-president-zelensky-tells-uk-parliament-460376" hreflang="en">We will not give up, will fight till the end, Ukraine President Zelensky tells UK Parliament</a>

The defunct plant lies inside an exclusion zone that also contains decommissioned reactors and a radioactive waste facility.&nbsp;

A staff of more than 2,000 is still employed at the plant as it must be constantly managed to prevent another nuclear accident.

Russian authorities were urged to allow workers to rotate because regular shifts and rest were crucial to the site's safety.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Meet the mediators of the Russia-Ukraine war

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-meet-the-mediators-of-the-russia-ukraine-war-460387/embed" width="560"></iframe>

"I'm deeply concerned about the difficult and stressful situation facing staff at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant and the potential risks this entails for nuclear safety," said Grossi.

"I call on the forces in effective control of the site to urgently facilitate the safe rotation of personnel there."

Since the Ukrainian regulator could only reach the plant via email, Grossi reiterated his offer to travel to the plant or elsewhere to secure from all parties "the commitment to safety and security" of Ukraine's power plants.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a statement Tuesday, the UN watchdog said that the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is no longer sending data to them. The agency also expressed concern for staff operating under Russian guard at the Ukrainian facility.

In a statement Tuesday, the UN watchdog said that the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is no longer sending data to them. The agency also expressed concern for staff operating under Russian guard at the Ukrainian facility. Rafael Grossi, the chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), "indicated that remote data transmission from safeguards monitoring systems installed at the Chornobyl NPP had been lost", the agency said in its statement. "The Agency is looking into the status of safeguards monitoring systems in other locations in Ukraine and will provide further information soon," it said. Also read | Zelensky gives up on joining NATO, says he does not want to lead a nation “begging something on its knees" By "safeguards," the IAEA refers to the technical measures it uses to regulate nuclear material and activities with the goal of suppressing the spread of nuclear weapons through the early detection of their misuse. On February 24, Russia invaded Ukraine and seized Chernobyl, the site of a 1986 disaster that killed hundreds of people and spread radioactive contamination west across Europe. Staff conditions were "worsening" at the site, the IAEA said, citing Ukraine's nuclear regulator. Over 200 technical staff and guards are trapped on the site, working 13 days straight since the Russians took over. Also read | We will not give up, will fight till the end, Ukraine President Zelensky tells UK Parliament The defunct plant lies inside an exclusion zone that also contains decommissioned reactors and a radioactive waste facility. A staff of more than 2,000 is still employed at the plant as it must be constantly managed to prevent another nuclear accident. Russian authorities were urged to allow workers to rotate because regular shifts and rest were crucial to the site's safety. Watch | Gravitas: Meet the mediators of the Russia-Ukraine war "I'm deeply concerned about the difficult and stressful situation facing staff at the Chornobyl nuclear power plant and the potential risks this entails for nuclear safety," said Grossi. "I call on the forces in effective control of the site to urgently facilitate the safe rotation of personnel there." Since the Ukrainian regulator could only reach the plant via email, Grossi reiterated his offer to travel to the plant or elsewhere to secure from all parties "the commitment to safety and security" of Ukraine's power plants. (With inputs from agencies)

UN nuclear watchdog no longer receiving data from Chernobyl, expresses worry about the 130 trapped workers

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

In the midst of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, a surge in 'Deepfake' videos are being used to spread misinformation against Ukraine.&nbsp;

The sudden surge in such videos has put US authorities on alert.

Apparently, a Russian propaganda campaign called 'Ukraine Today' is using fake accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to promote fake news about the war, according to a report in The Guardian.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/please-use-with-caution-elon-musk-warns-that-starlink-can-be-targeted-by-russia-advises-caution-458726" hreflang="en">'Please use with caution': Elon Musk warns that starlink can be 'targeted' by Russia, advises caution</a>

Officials from US intelligence agencies are monitoring video and audio for manipulation that might result in misinformation.

Reports from Fox News state that the FBI is continuing its fight against illegal deepfakes as the technology improves.

"Audio, video, text and images that are created to show something that didn't necessarily happen, or never occurred," FBI Cyber Division Unit Chief Pranav Shah was quoted as stating in the report.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-shelling-sets-largest-nuclear-power-plant-in-europe-on-fire-says-ukraines-minister-458728" hreflang="en">Russian shelling sets largest nuclear power plant in Europe on fire, says Ukraine's minister</a>

Several fake profiles, posing as pro-Russian Ukrainians have been removed from Facebook and Twitter, according to the report.

Deepfakes are being used by influence operations with ties to Russia and Belarus to spread disinformation against Ukraine.

Video forgeries known as deep fakes make people seem to say things they never said, such as the viral forged video of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and the forged video of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Over the weekend, Facebook and Twitter removed two anti-Ukraine "covert influence operations." One of them had ties with Russia and the other with Belarus.

Watch |&nbsp;Nuclear war: Putin's threat or rhetoric? Who has how many nuclear warheads?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nuclear-war-putins-threat-or-rhetoric-who-has-how-many-nuclear-warheads-458729/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In recent years, deepfakes have become so convincing that it is difficult to differentiate between them and the real thing.

In a study cited last week by AI News, researchers concluded that humans can no longer distinguish between real and AI-generated "deepfake" faces.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. In the midst of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, a surge in 'Deepfake' videos are being used to spread misinformation against Ukraine. The sudden surge in such videos has put US authorities on alert. Apparently, a Russian propaganda campaign called 'Ukraine Today' is using fake accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to promote fake news about the war, according to a report in The Guardian. Also read | 'Please use with caution': Elon Musk warns that starlink can be 'targeted' by Russia, advises caution Officials from US intelligence agencies are monitoring video and audio for manipulation that might result in misinformation. Reports from Fox News state that the FBI is continuing its fight against illegal deepfakes as the technology improves. "Audio, video, text and images that are created to show something that didn't necessarily happen, or never occurred," FBI Cyber Division Unit Chief Pranav Shah was quoted as stating in the report. Also read | Russian shelling sets largest nuclear power plant in Europe on fire, says Ukraine's minister Several fake profiles, posing as pro-Russian Ukrainians have been removed from Facebook and Twitter, according to the report. Deepfakes are being used by influence operations with ties to Russia and Belarus to spread disinformation against Ukraine. Video forgeries known as deep fakes make people seem to say things they never said, such as the viral forged video of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and the forged video of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Over the weekend, Facebook and Twitter removed two anti-Ukraine "covert influence operations." One of them had ties with Russia and the other with Belarus. Watch | Nuclear war: Putin's threat or rhetoric? Who has how many nuclear warheads? In recent years, deepfakes have become so convincing that it is difficult to differentiate between them and the real thing. In a study cited last week by AI News, researchers concluded that humans can no longer distinguish between real and AI-generated "deepfake" faces. (With inputs from agencies)

Digital weaponry: Russia using deepfakes to spread misinformation against Ukraine, claims report

Even as Russia lies in financial meltdown due to crippling Western sanctions imposed after Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, wealthy Russians are 'panic buying' luxury jewellery and watches that will likely have a high resale value.

As the rouble value continues to fall, many of Russia's wealthy have sought to invest in luxury jewellery and watches; goods that are likely to have a high resale value.

Similar to gold, the prices of designer jewels and watches can hold and even increase in some cases following economic turmoil caused by war and conflict.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-day-9-zelensky-accuses-russia-of-nuclear-terror-trying-to-repeat-the-chernobyl-disaster-458768" hreflang="en">Ukraine crisis day 9: Zelensky accuses Russia of "nuclear terror", trying to "repeat" the Chernobyl disaster</a>

Following the imposition of western sanctions, many&nbsp;of the world's largest companies such as Apple, Nike, Shell, and BP pulled out of Russia. However, luxury European brands remained and have reported an increase in sales.

During the last few days, Bulgari's jewellery sales increased at its Russian stores following the issuance of international sanctions against Putin to restrict the movement of cash.

Selected Russian banks were disconnected from SWIFT financial messaging services after Putin invaded Ukraine, restricting the movement of cash even more.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/please-use-with-caution-elon-musk-warns-that-starlink-can-be-targeted-by-russia-advises-caution-458726" hreflang="en">'Please use with caution': Elon Musk warns that starlink can be 'targeted' by Russia, advises caution</a>

In an interview with Bloomberg, Jean-Christophe Babin, Bulgari's chief executive, said the move probably boosted business and characterized Bulgari's jewellery as a 'safe investment.

Along with Bulgari, other luxury brands such as Cartier, Rolex and Swatch's Omega watches are available in the country.

During early trading, the currency plunged 30 per cent before easing back to 20 per cent down. Its collapse could wipe out the savings of ordinary Russians, many of whom have been seen flocking to ATMs throughout the country to empty their accounts.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia trade restrictions: Nike, Ikea close stores in Russia

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-trade-restrictions-nike-ikea-close-stores-in-russia-458783/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US cut off the Russian central bank this week in a fresh round of sanctions that effectively bans Americans from doing business with it and significantly limits Russia's ability to defend its currency. &nbsp;

Additionally, the US imposed sanctions on the state investment fund, with an official claiming Joe Biden's intent was to ensure that the Russian economy &nbsp;'goes backward as long as Putin goes forward with his invasion of Ukraine'.

(With inputs from agencies)

Even as Russia lies in financial meltdown due to crippling Western sanctions imposed after Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, wealthy Russians are 'panic buying' luxury jewellery and watches that will likely have a high resale value.

Even as Russia lies in financial meltdown due to crippling Western sanctions imposed after Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, wealthy Russians are 'panic buying' luxury jewellery and watches that will likely have a high resale value. As the rouble value continues to fall, many of Russia's wealthy have sought to invest in luxury jewellery and watches; goods that are likely to have a high resale value. Similar to gold, the prices of designer jewels and watches can hold and even increase in some cases following economic turmoil caused by war and conflict. Also read | Ukraine crisis day 9: Zelensky accuses Russia of "nuclear terror", trying to "repeat" the Chernobyl disaster Following the imposition of western sanctions, many of the world's largest companies such as Apple, Nike, Shell, and BP pulled out of Russia. However, luxury European brands remained and have reported an increase in sales. During the last few days, Bulgari's jewellery sales increased at its Russian stores following the issuance of international sanctions against Putin to restrict the movement of cash. Selected Russian banks were disconnected from SWIFT financial messaging services after Putin invaded Ukraine, restricting the movement of cash even more. Also read | 'Please use with caution': Elon Musk warns that starlink can be 'targeted' by Russia, advises caution In an interview with Bloomberg, Jean-Christophe Babin, Bulgari's chief executive, said the move probably boosted business and characterized Bulgari's jewellery as a 'safe investment. Along with Bulgari, other luxury brands such as Cartier, Rolex and Swatch's Omega watches are available in the country. During early trading, the currency plunged 30 per cent before easing back to 20 per cent down. Its collapse could wipe out the savings of ordinary Russians, many of whom have been seen flocking to ATMs throughout the country to empty their accounts. Watch | Russia trade restrictions: Nike, Ikea close stores in Russia The US cut off the Russian central bank this week in a fresh round of sanctions that effectively bans Americans from doing business with it and significantly limits Russia's ability to defend its currency. Additionally, the US imposed sanctions on the state investment fund, with an official claiming Joe Biden's intent was to ensure that the Russian economy 'goes backward as long as Putin goes forward with his invasion of Ukraine'. (With inputs from agencies)

Even as Ukraine suffers, luxury brands in Russia see sales rise as country’s rich panic-buy jewellery, watches

From a huge Russian military convoy snaking its way to Kyiv to missile strikes and refugee&nbsp;crossings,&nbsp;commercial&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;imagery of the&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;conflict&nbsp;is helping lift the fog of war, illuminating for the public what was previously the domain of spy agencies.

Technologies that can pierce cloud cover and work at night are also coming to the fore, as a growing army of open-source intelligence analysts offer near real-time assessments of battleground developments.

"Governments are no longer the only place to go for high precision&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;data," Craig Nazareth, a former US intelligence officer turned scholar at the University of Arizona, told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-sniper-killed-russias-top-general-say-reports-458776">Ukrainian sniper killed Russia's top general, say reports</a>

Thanks to the explosive growth of the private&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;industry, the volume of imagery is greater and turnaround time faster compared to prior conflicts, such as Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea.

While most Western governments have their own sophisticated&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;assets, their classified nature means the images can't be shared.

And with public trust in the US and British governments shaken after the 2003 Iraq war, third-party imagery has helped plug credibility gaps.

"They're saying 'Look, it's not us, this is actually happening, we're not making this up," Nazareth said.

Beyond helping shape narratives, the images are directly aiding Ukrainian forces in their war efforts.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-day-9-zelensky-accuses-russia-of-nuclear-terror-trying-to-repeat-the-chernobyl-disaster-458768">Ukraine crisis day 9: Zelensky accuses Russia of "nuclear terror", trying to "repeat" the Chernobyl disaster</a>

"Capella Space is working directly with the US and Ukrainian governments as well as other&nbsp;commercial&nbsp;entities to provide timely data and assistance around the ongoing&nbsp;conflict," Payam Banazadeh, the company's CEO confirmed in a statement to AFP.

Radar imagery

It was images taken by the San Francisco startup that led a group of independent researchers to realize the invasion was underway, before Vladimir Putin announced his "special military operations" in the early morning of February 24.

Hours before that speech, Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute in California tweeted that Google Maps showed a "traffic jam" on the road from Belgorod, Russia to the Ukrainian border.

It was the precise spot Capella Space previously saw a convoy of military vehicles, and the congestion likely reflected Russian civilians getting stuck at roadblocks while military vehicles passed.

"Someone's on the move," he correctly hypothesised.

While most&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;imaging requires daylight and clear skies to capture images, Capella Space works with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) -- in which sensors shoot down energy, then record the amount that reflects back to them.

SAR "penetrates clouds and smoke, even in very large storm events or fires, so we can reliably capture clear and precise images of the Earth under almost any conditions," said Dan Getman, the company's vice president of product.

Another company whose pictures have been used heavily by news media is BlackSky, which released what it believes was among the first engagements of the war -- an attack on the Luhansk Thermal Power Station a little after 4:00 pm local time on February 23.

"We have a constellation of small&nbsp;satellites&nbsp;that can see dawn to dusk, not just at certain times of the day" the company's CEO Brian O'Toole told AFP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/digital-weaponry-russia-using-deepfakes-to-spread-misinformation-against-ukraine-claims-report-458746">Digital weaponry: Russia using deepfakes to spread misinformation against Ukraine, claims report</a>

In traditional polar orbits, which fly north-south, a&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;could take only two snaps of a particular spot per day -- but BlackSky flies its hardware counter-clockwise to the planet's rotation, allowing them to revisit areas more often.

Clients receive the images within 90 minutes and are helped in interpreting them by AI-enabled software.

Future ethical concerns?

Perhaps the most grabbing image of the&nbsp;conflict&nbsp;so far has been a picture of the 40 miles (64 km) long Russian convoy, captured by Maxar, "the granddaddy of the industry," according to Chris Quilty, of Quilty Analytics.

He explained that, unlike traditional&nbsp;satellites&nbsp;that only point downwards, Maxar's&nbsp;satellites&nbsp;have gyroscopes that allow them to swivel and target with more precision.

The US government, through the National Reconnaissance Office, is one of Maxar's main clients, dictating "shutter time," which helps explain why the company and others are spending so much time over&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;right now.

But the selective release of what the&nbsp;satellites&nbsp;are seeing could eventually lead to ethical concerns.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine Conflict: Decoding Thursday's biggest developments

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-conflict-decoding-thursdays-biggest-developments-458717/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Maxar and others "are inevitably capturing imagery of Ukrainian troop movements and defensive positions and that information is not being released to the public," said Quilty.

Looking ahead to future conflicts, "There is absolutely an ability to color the narrative depending upon what imagery is made available," he said.

From a huge Russian military convoy snaking its way to Kyiv to missile strikes and refugee crossings, commercial satellite imagery of the Ukraine conflict is helping lift the fog of war, illuminating for the public what was previously the domain of spy agencies.

From a huge Russian military convoy snaking its way to Kyiv to missile strikes and refugee crossings, commercial satellite imagery of the Ukraine conflict is helping lift the fog of war, illuminating for the public what was previously the domain of spy agencies. Technologies that can pierce cloud cover and work at night are also coming to the fore, as a growing army of open-source intelligence analysts offer near real-time assessments of battleground developments. "Governments are no longer the only place to go for high precision satellite data," Craig Nazareth, a former US intelligence officer turned scholar at the University of Arizona, told AFP. Also read | Ukrainian sniper killed Russia's top general, say reports Thanks to the explosive growth of the private satellite industry, the volume of imagery is greater and turnaround time faster compared to prior conflicts, such as Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea. While most Western governments have their own sophisticated satellite assets, their classified nature means the images can't be shared. And with public trust in the US and British governments shaken after the 2003 Iraq war, third-party imagery has helped plug credibility gaps. "They're saying 'Look, it's not us, this is actually happening, we're not making this up," Nazareth said. Beyond helping shape narratives, the images are directly aiding Ukrainian forces in their war efforts. Also read | Ukraine crisis day 9: Zelensky accuses Russia of "nuclear terror", trying to "repeat" the Chernobyl disaster "Capella Space is working directly with the US and Ukrainian governments as well as other commercial entities to provide timely data and assistance around the ongoing conflict," Payam Banazadeh, the company's CEO confirmed in a statement to AFP. Radar imagery It was images taken by the San Francisco startup that led a group of independent researchers to realize the invasion was underway, before Vladimir Putin announced his "special military operations" in the early morning of February 24. Hours before that speech, Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute in California tweeted that Google Maps showed a "traffic jam" on the road from Belgorod, Russia to the Ukrainian border. It was the precise spot Capella Space previously saw a convoy of military vehicles, and the congestion likely reflected Russian civilians getting stuck at roadblocks while military vehicles passed. "Someone's on the move," he correctly hypothesised. While most satellite imaging requires daylight and clear skies to capture images, Capella Space works with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) -- in which sensors shoot down energy, then record the amount that reflects back to them. SAR "penetrates clouds and smoke, even in very large storm events or fires, so we can reliably capture clear and precise images of the Earth under almost any conditions," said Dan Getman, the company's vice president of product. Another company whose pictures have been used heavily by news media is BlackSky, which released what it believes was among the first engagements of the war -- an attack on the Luhansk Thermal Power Station a little after 4:00 pm local time on February 23. "We have a constellation of small satellites that can see dawn to dusk, not just at certain times of the day" the company's CEO Brian O'Toole told AFP. Also read | Digital weaponry: Russia using deepfakes to spread misinformation against Ukraine, claims report In traditional polar orbits, which fly north-south, a satellite could take only two snaps of a particular spot per day -- but BlackSky flies its hardware counter-clockwise to the planet's rotation, allowing them to revisit areas more often. Clients receive the images within 90 minutes and are helped in interpreting them by AI-enabled software. Future ethical concerns? Perhaps the most grabbing image of the conflict so far has been a picture of the 40 miles (64 km) long Russian convoy, captured by Maxar, "the granddaddy of the industry," according to Chris Quilty, of Quilty Analytics. He explained that, unlike traditional satellites that only point downwards, Maxar's satellites have gyroscopes that allow them to swivel and target with more precision. The US government, through the National Reconnaissance Office, is one of Maxar's main clients, dictating "shutter time," which helps explain why the company and others are spending so much time over Ukraine right now. But the selective release of what the satellites are seeing could eventually lead to ethical concerns. Watch | Gravitas: Ukraine Conflict: Decoding Thursday's biggest developments Maxar and others "are inevitably capturing imagery of Ukrainian troop movements and defensive positions and that information is not being released to the public," said Quilty. Looking ahead to future conflicts, "There is absolutely an ability to color the narrative depending upon what imagery is made available," he said.

This is how commercial satellites are shaping the Ukraine conflict

Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday accused Russian forces of resorting to "nuclear terror" and attempting to "repeat" the Chernobyl disaster after invading Russian forces attacked a nuclear power plant.

As Europe's largest nuclear plant caught fire after it was shelled, he urged world leaders to wake up and act before Europe dies "from a nuclear disaster".

"No country other than Russia has ever fired on nuclear power units," he said in a video message released by his office. "This is the first time in our history. In the history of mankind. The terrorist state now resorted to nuclear terror."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-shelling-sets-largest-nuclear-power-plant-in-europe-on-fire-says-ukraines-minister-458728">Russian shelling sets largest nuclear power plant in Europe on fire, says Ukraine's minister</a>

The nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia supplies 40 per cent of Ukraine's nuclear energy and houses six of the country's 15 reactors.

Kyiv says the fire started after Russian troops fired on the facility.&nbsp;

"These are tanks equipped with thermal imagers, so they know where they are shooting," said Zelensky.&nbsp;

However, the station's "essential" equipment was not affected and radiation levels were normal, local officials told the UN's atomic watchdog.

Earlier Ukrainian emergency services in a Facebook post had said that "the invaders are not authorising Ukrainian public rescue units to begin extinguishing the fire."

They were eventually able to gain access.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/please-use-with-caution-elon-musk-warns-that-starlink-can-be-targeted-by-russia-advises-caution-458726">'Please use with caution': Elon Musk warns that starlink can be 'targeted' by Russia, advises caution</a>

"As of 05:20 at the Zaporizhzhia NPP in Energodar, State Emergency Service units went to put out the fire in the training building," the state emergency services wrote on Facebook, noting that 40 people and 10 vehicles were involved in the operation.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine last week and began bombarding cities with shells and missiles, Ukraine's nuclear facilities have become a major concern.

"If there is an explosion, it is the end of everything. The end of Europe," Zelensky said. "Only immediate European action can stop Russian troops."

Watch |&nbsp;What is the road ahead for Ukraine? The Russian invasion of Ukraine enters day 9

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-is-the-road-ahead-for-ukraine-the-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-enters-day-9-458748/embed" width="560"></iframe>

Following the attack on a Ukrainian nuclear power plant by invading Russian forces, Boris Johnson also accused Vladimir Putin of putting all of Europe at risk.&nbsp;

"The Prime Minister said the reckless actions of President Putin could now directly threaten the safety of all of Europe," according to a Downing Street statement, adding that Johnson will seek an emergency UN Security Council meeting in the coming hours.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday accused Russian forces of resorting to "nuclear terror" and attempting to "repeat" the Chernobyl disaster after invading Russian forces attacked a nuclear power plant.

Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday accused Russian forces of resorting to "nuclear terror" and attempting to "repeat" the Chernobyl disaster after invading Russian forces attacked a nuclear power plant. As Europe's largest nuclear plant caught fire after it was shelled, he urged world leaders to wake up and act before Europe dies "from a nuclear disaster". "No country other than Russia has ever fired on nuclear power units," he said in a video message released by his office. "This is the first time in our history. In the history of mankind. The terrorist state now resorted to nuclear terror." Also read | Russian shelling sets largest nuclear power plant in Europe on fire, says Ukraine's minister The nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia supplies 40 per cent of Ukraine's nuclear energy and houses six of the country's 15 reactors. Kyiv says the fire started after Russian troops fired on the facility. "These are tanks equipped with thermal imagers, so they know where they are shooting," said Zelensky. However, the station's "essential" equipment was not affected and radiation levels were normal, local officials told the UN's atomic watchdog. Earlier Ukrainian emergency services in a Facebook post had said that "the invaders are not authorising Ukrainian public rescue units to begin extinguishing the fire." They were eventually able to gain access. Also read | 'Please use with caution': Elon Musk warns that starlink can be 'targeted' by Russia, advises caution "As of 05:20 at the Zaporizhzhia NPP in Energodar, State Emergency Service units went to put out the fire in the training building," the state emergency services wrote on Facebook, noting that 40 people and 10 vehicles were involved in the operation. Since Russia invaded Ukraine last week and began bombarding cities with shells and missiles, Ukraine's nuclear facilities have become a major concern. "If there is an explosion, it is the end of everything. The end of Europe," Zelensky said. "Only immediate European action can stop Russian troops." Watch | What is the road ahead for Ukraine? The Russian invasion of Ukraine enters day 9 Following the attack on a Ukrainian nuclear power plant by invading Russian forces, Boris Johnson also accused Vladimir Putin of putting all of Europe at risk. "The Prime Minister said the reckless actions of President Putin could now directly threaten the safety of all of Europe," according to a Downing Street statement, adding that Johnson will seek an emergency UN Security Council meeting in the coming hours. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine crisis day 9: Zelensky accuses Russia of "nuclear terror", trying to "repeat" the Chernobyl disaster

Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, warned that his company's Starlink satellite broadband service could be the next "target" of Russian aggression in Ukraine.

The warning follows one by an internet security researcher who warned that&nbsp;satellite communication devices could serve as "beacons" that Russia could target for airstrikes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-invasion-elon-musk-activates-starlink-internet-service-after-request-from-an-official-457100">Ukraine invasion: Elon Musk activates Starlink internet service after request from an official</a>

"Important warning: Starlink is the only non-Russian communications system still working in some parts of Ukraine, so probability of being targeted is high. Please use with caution," Musk tweeted.

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Important warning: Starlink is the only non-Russian communications system still working in some parts of Ukraine, so probability of being targeted is high. Please use with caution.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1499472139333746691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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He asked users to "turn on Starlink only when needed and place antenna away as far away from people as possible" and "place light camouflage over antenna to avoid visual detection."

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Turn on Starlink only when needed and place antenna away as far away from people as possible
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Musk said Saturday that Starlink was now active in Ukraine and that SpaceX was sending more stations after a Ukrainian government official tweeted asking Musk to provide the embattled country with Starlink stations.

It was reported Monday that Ukraine had received donated satellite internet, terminals from Starlink, but an internet security researcher warned these could be targeted by the Russians.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russia-ukraine-crisis-where-the-refugees-are-escaping-to-458490" hreflang="en">Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Where the refugees are escaping to?</a>

"...if #Putin controls the air above #Ukraine, users' uplink transmissions become beacons ... for airstrikes," John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at the University of Toronto's Citizen Lab project, tweeted.

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Re: <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a>'s starlink donation. 
 
Good to see. 
 
But remember: if <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Putin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Putin</a> controls the air above <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a>, users' uplink transmissions become beacons... for airstrikes. 
 
Some background 1/ <a href="https://t.co/0p6J87TtUF">pic.twitter.com/0p6J87TtUF</a>
— John Scott-Railton (@jsrailton) <a href="https://twitter.com/jsrailton/status/1497745011932286979?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"#Russia has decades of experience hitting people by targeting their satellite communications," he added in a series of 15 tweets detailing the risks.

Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov thanks Starlink for&nbsp;"keeping our cities connected and emergency services saving lives!". However, he added, that due to Russian attacks on infrastructure, the country needs generators to maintain Starlink's service.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Risk of a nuclear disaster in Ukraine

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-risk-of-a-nuclear-disaster-in-ukraine-458711/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In response, Musk said SpaceX would update its software to reduce peak power consumption so that Starlink could be charged from a car's cigarette lighter.

"Mobile roaming enabled, so phased array antenna can maintain signal while on moving vehicle," he said.

In their first sign of progress since the invasion, which Moscow calls a "special operation," Russia and Ukraine have agreed that humanitarian corridors and possibly a ceasefire around them are needed for fleeing civilians.

(With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, warned that his company's Starlink satellite broadband service could be the next "target" of Russian aggression in Ukraine. The warning follows one by an internet security researcher who warned that satellite communication devices could serve as "beacons" that Russia could target for airstrikes.

Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, warned that his company's Starlink satellite broadband service could be the next "target" of Russian aggression in Ukraine. The warning follows one by an internet security researcher who warned that satellite communication devices could serve as "beacons" that Russia could target for airstrikes. Also read | Ukraine invasion: Elon Musk activates Starlink internet service after request from an official "Important warning: Starlink is the only non-Russian communications system still working in some parts of Ukraine, so probability of being targeted is high. Please use with caution," Musk tweeted. Important warning: Starlink is the only non-Russian communications system still working in some parts of Ukraine, so probability of being targeted is high. Please use with caution. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 3, 2022 × He asked users to "turn on Starlink only when needed and place antenna away as far away from people as possible" and "place light camouflage over antenna to avoid visual detection." Turn on Starlink only when needed and place antenna away as far away from people as possible — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 3, 2022 × Musk said Saturday that Starlink was now active in Ukraine and that SpaceX was sending more stations after a Ukrainian government official tweeted asking Musk to provide the embattled country with Starlink stations. It was reported Monday that Ukraine had received donated satellite internet, terminals from Starlink, but an internet security researcher warned these could be targeted by the Russians. Also read | Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Where the refugees are escaping to? "...if #Putin controls the air above #Ukraine, users' uplink transmissions become beacons ... for airstrikes," John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at the University of Toronto's Citizen Lab project, tweeted. Re: @elonmusk's starlink donation. Good to see. But remember: if #Putin controls the air above #Ukraine, users' uplink transmissions become beacons... for airstrikes. Some background 1/ pic.twitter.com/0p6J87TtUF — John Scott-Railton (@jsrailton) February 27, 2022 × "#Russia has decades of experience hitting people by targeting their satellite communications," he added in a series of 15 tweets detailing the risks. Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov thanks Starlink for "keeping our cities connected and emergency services saving lives!". However, he added, that due to Russian attacks on infrastructure, the country needs generators to maintain Starlink's service. Watch | Gravitas: Risk of a nuclear disaster in Ukraine In response, Musk said SpaceX would update its software to reduce peak power consumption so that Starlink could be charged from a car's cigarette lighter. "Mobile roaming enabled, so phased array antenna can maintain signal while on moving vehicle," he said. In their first sign of progress since the invasion, which Moscow calls a "special operation," Russia and Ukraine have agreed that humanitarian corridors and possibly a ceasefire around them are needed for fleeing civilians. (With inputs from agencies)

'Please use with caution': Elon Musk warns that starlink can be 'targeted' by Russia, advises caution

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Here are the top Russian oligarchs hit with EU sanctions

Russian police have detained two women and five children who wanted to lay flowers at the Ukrainian embassy in Moscow.

The children who are between the ages of 7 and 11 were held in a van with their mothers until they were taken to a police station.&nbsp;Alexandra Arkhipova, an anthropologist, says they were released hours later.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/silence-the-gunsnow-world-is-rejecting-russias-lies-heres-how-world-leaders-reacted-to-unga-vote-458355" hreflang="en">'Silence the guns...now', 'world is rejecting Russia’s lies': Here's how world leaders reacted to UNGA vote</a>

She identified the two women detained as Ekaterina Zavizion and Olga Alter. The kids accompanying the two women are Sofya Gladkova, 7 years old, Lisa Gladkova 11 years old, Gosha Petrov 11 years old, Matvey Petrov 9 years old and David Petrov 7 years old.

The anthropologist, who works at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, wrote on Facebook: “Everything that has happened is not stuck in my head.” (Translated from Russian)

Arkhipova has also shared video footage on social media that shows one of the children crying and a woman comforting her.&nbsp;Watch the video here:

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&nbsp;

The police, according to Arkhipova, threatened to take away the children's custody from the two women. A trial and a fine await them on unspecified charges, she added.

&nbsp;“The parents are in fear.”

<img alt="child in police custody" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ff461154-2586-4672-9d0a-5010eb1711c2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%2812%29_1.jpg" />

A Russian website that tracks protests and arrests, OVD-Info, says children up to 14 years of age cannot be legally held for more than three hours.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-staggering-humanitarian-cost-of-russias-cruellest-day-of-attack-on-ukraine-458341" hreflang="en">The 'staggering' humanitarian cost of Russia's 'cruellest' day of attack on Ukraine</a>

Dmytro Kuleba, Ukrainian foreign minister, shared images of the children and said it was another sign of the toll that the war between Russia and Ukraine is taking on children.

He wrote on Twitter: “Putin is at war with children. In Ukraine, where his missiles hit kindergartens and orphanages, and also in Russia. 7 y.o. David and Sofia, 9 y.o. Matvey, 11 y.o. Gosha and Liza spent this night behind bars in Moscow for their ‘NO TO WAR’ posters.

“This is how scared the man is.”

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Putin is at war with children. In Ukraine, where his missiles hit kindergartens and orphanages, and also in Russia. 7 y.o. David and Sofia, 9 y.o. Matvey, 11 y.o. Gosha and Liza spent this night behind bars in Moscow for their ‘NO TO WAR’ posters. This is how scared the man is. <a href="https://t.co/eSenU1D5Ut">pic.twitter.com/eSenU1D5Ut</a>
— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) <a href="https://twitter.com/DmytroKuleba/status/1498912341060165635?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In cities across Russia, thousands of people have defied police threats and protested against the invasion of Ukraine. The authorities have a low tolerance for protests and marches, and those who attend them can suffer serious consequences such as fines, arrests and even incarceration.

More than 320 anti-war protesters have been arrested across 33 Russian cities, according to OVD-Info. Since Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine last Thursday, a total of 6,840 people have been detained.

&nbsp;

Russian police have detained two women and five children who wanted to lay flowers at the Ukrainian embassy in Moscow. The children who are between the ages of 7 and 11 were held in a van with their mothers until they were taken to a police station.

Russian police have detained two women and five children who wanted to lay flowers at the Ukrainian embassy in Moscow. The children who are between the ages of 7 and 11 were held in a van with their mothers until they were taken to a police station. Alexandra Arkhipova, an anthropologist, says they were released hours later. Also read | 'Silence the guns...now', 'world is rejecting Russia’s lies': Here's how world leaders reacted to UNGA vote She identified the two women detained as Ekaterina Zavizion and Olga Alter. The kids accompanying the two women are Sofya Gladkova, 7 years old, Lisa Gladkova 11 years old, Gosha Petrov 11 years old, Matvey Petrov 9 years old and David Petrov 7 years old. The anthropologist, who works at the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, wrote on Facebook: “Everything that has happened is not stuck in my head.” (Translated from Russian) Arkhipova has also shared video footage on social media that shows one of the children crying and a woman comforting her. Watch the video here: × The police, according to Arkhipova, threatened to take away the children's custody from the two women. A trial and a fine await them on unspecified charges, she added. “The parents are in fear.” A Russian website that tracks protests and arrests, OVD-Info, says children up to 14 years of age cannot be legally held for more than three hours. Also read | The 'staggering' humanitarian cost of Russia's 'cruellest' day of attack on Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba, Ukrainian foreign minister, shared images of the children and said it was another sign of the toll that the war between Russia and Ukraine is taking on children. He wrote on Twitter: “Putin is at war with children. In Ukraine, where his missiles hit kindergartens and orphanages, and also in Russia. 7 y.o. David and Sofia, 9 y.o. Matvey, 11 y.o. Gosha and Liza spent this night behind bars in Moscow for their ‘NO TO WAR’ posters. “This is how scared the man is.” Putin is at war with children. In Ukraine, where his missiles hit kindergartens and orphanages, and also in Russia. 7 y.o. David and Sofia, 9 y.o. Matvey, 11 y.o. Gosha and Liza spent this night behind bars in Moscow for their ‘NO TO WAR’ posters. This is how scared the man is. pic.twitter.com/eSenU1D5Ut — Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) March 2, 2022 × In cities across Russia, thousands of people have defied police threats and protested against the invasion of Ukraine. The authorities have a low tolerance for protests and marches, and those who attend them can suffer serious consequences such as fines, arrests and even incarceration. More than 320 anti-war protesters have been arrested across 33 Russian cities, according to OVD-Info. Since Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine last Thursday, a total of 6,840 people have been detained.

'Putin is at war with children': Russian police detain 5 children for laying flowers at Ukrainian embassy

The EU's official journal said on Wednesday that seven Russian banks will no longer be part of the SWIFT network. The move is the result of sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

SWIFT has also notified that they will be complying with the EU's instructions.

"To this end, in compliance with the legal instruction in &nbsp;EU Council Regulation (EU) 2022/345 of 1 March 2022, we will disconnect seven designated Russian entities (and their designated Russia based subsidiaries) from the SWIFT network. This Regulation requires us to disconnect the identified entities on 12 March 2022, and we will do so accordingly."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-invasion-united-states-treasury-bans-transactions-with-russias-central-bank-457505">Ukraine invasion: United States Treasury bans transactions with Russia’s Central Bank</a>

The banks, which have been given 10 days to discontinue SWIFT services, include Russia's second-largest bank, VTB, as well as Bank Otkritie, Novikombank, Promsvyazbank, Bank Rossiya, Sovcombank and VEB.

As a senior EU official explained, the banks on the list were selected based on their connections to the Russian state, with public banks already subject to sanctions following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.

"All these banks that we have listed under SWIFT... they are all based on their connection to the state and the implicit connection to the war effort. We have not gone for a blanket ban across the whole banking system," the official said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swift-has-the-power-to-put-russia-on-back-foot-but-what-is-it-actually-456396">‘SWIFT’ has the power to put Russia on back foot. But what is it actually?</a>

The list does not include Sberbank, Russia's largest lender, and Gazprombank. This is because these companies handle most of the payments for Russian oil and gas, which EU countries are still buying despite the conflict.

The EU official said it was not possible simply to allow energy-related transactions and exclude others as SWIFT was unable to differentiate between types of payments. The official added that these two banks were nevertheless subject to other measures.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Moscow trying to install puppet regime in Ukraine?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-moscow-trying-to-install-puppet-regime-in-ukraine-458384/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Saturday, the European Union, the United States, Britain, and Canada blocked certain Russian banks from SWIFT, although they did not say which banks would be affected.

There is no clear global rival to SWIFT, a global payments network with over 11,000 members. EU officials said China has established a system, but it remains small, whereas SWIFT is still used for 70 per cent of transfers within Russia despite the existence of a Russian system.

If such systems existed, banks could still transfer funds via workarounds such as faxes and bilateral messaging systems.

(With inputs from agencies)

The EU's official journal said on Wednesday that seven Russian banks will no longer be part of the SWIFT network. The move is the result of sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The EU's official journal said on Wednesday that seven Russian banks will no longer be part of the SWIFT network. The move is the result of sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. SWIFT has also notified that they will be complying with the EU's instructions. "To this end, in compliance with the legal instruction in EU Council Regulation (EU) 2022/345 of 1 March 2022, we will disconnect seven designated Russian entities (and their designated Russia based subsidiaries) from the SWIFT network. This Regulation requires us to disconnect the identified entities on 12 March 2022, and we will do so accordingly." Also read | Ukraine invasion: United States Treasury bans transactions with Russia’s Central Bank The banks, which have been given 10 days to discontinue SWIFT services, include Russia's second-largest bank, VTB, as well as Bank Otkritie, Novikombank, Promsvyazbank, Bank Rossiya, Sovcombank and VEB. As a senior EU official explained, the banks on the list were selected based on their connections to the Russian state, with public banks already subject to sanctions following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. "All these banks that we have listed under SWIFT... they are all based on their connection to the state and the implicit connection to the war effort. We have not gone for a blanket ban across the whole banking system," the official said. Also read | ‘SWIFT’ has the power to put Russia on back foot. But what is it actually? The list does not include Sberbank, Russia's largest lender, and Gazprombank. This is because these companies handle most of the payments for Russian oil and gas, which EU countries are still buying despite the conflict. The EU official said it was not possible simply to allow energy-related transactions and exclude others as SWIFT was unable to differentiate between types of payments. The official added that these two banks were nevertheless subject to other measures. Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Moscow trying to install puppet regime in Ukraine? On Saturday, the European Union, the United States, Britain, and Canada blocked certain Russian banks from SWIFT, although they did not say which banks would be affected. There is no clear global rival to SWIFT, a global payments network with over 11,000 members. EU officials said China has established a system, but it remains small, whereas SWIFT is still used for 70 per cent of transfers within Russia despite the existence of a Russian system. If such systems existed, banks could still transfer funds via workarounds such as faxes and bilateral messaging systems. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine Crisis Day 8: SWIFT says will comply with EU instructions, disconnect 7 Russian banks

An overwhelming majority of nations at the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;General Assembly&nbsp;voted on Wednesday to condemn Moscow's invasion of Ukraine by "demanding" Russia "immediately" withdraw from it.

The move is seen as a powerful rebuke to Moscow's invasion.

US President Joe Biden in a statement later Wednesday said that "the world is rejecting Russia’s lies,". "Russia is responsible for the devastating abuses of human rights and the international humanitarian crisis that we are watching unfold in Ukraine in real time."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-general-assembly-votes-to-demand-russian-withdrawal-from-ukraine-india-china-abstain-458333">UN General Assembly votes to demand Russian withdrawal from Ukraine; India, China abstain</a>

The resolution "deplores"&nbsp;the invasion of Ukraine&nbsp;and President Vladimir Putin's decision to place nuclear weapons on alert&nbsp;"in the strongest terms".

"They have come to deprive Ukraine of the very right to exist," Ukraine's ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya told the Assembly ahead of the vote.

"It's already clear that the goal of Russia is not an occupation only. It is genocide."

The text of the resolution has undergone numerous changes over the past couple of days.&nbsp;It no longer&nbsp;"condemns"&nbsp;the invasion as anticipated, but instead&nbsp;"deplores in the strongest terms the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-staggering-humanitarian-cost-of-russias-cruellest-day-of-attack-on-ukraine-458341" hreflang="en">The 'staggering' humanitarian cost of Russia's 'cruellest' day of attack on Ukraine</a>

The vote, which came as Putin's forces bore down on Kyiv while terrified Ukrainians fled, was touted by diplomats as a bellwether of democracy in an autocratic world.

Olof Skoog, the EU's ambassador to the UN, said the vote was "not just about Ukraine."

"It is about defending an international order based on rules we all have signed up to," he said in a statement.

Watch |&nbsp;UNGA votes on resolution on Russia's invasion of Ukraine &amp; demands Russia to withdraw troops

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/unga-votes-on-resolution-on-russias-invasion-of-ukraine-demands-russia-to-withdraw-troops-458339/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres remarked that the General Assembly's message was "loud and clear."

"End hostilities in Ukraine -- now.&nbsp;Silence the guns -- now," he said in a statement.&nbsp;

"As bad as the situation is for the people in Ukraine right now, it threatens to get much, much worse.&nbsp;The ticking clock is a time bomb."

During the session, some delegations chose to place stuffed animals on their tables - a stark reminder of the conflict's devastating impact on children.

141 out of 193 member states voted for the non-binding resolution after more than two days of extraordinary debate during which the Ukrainian ambassador accused Russia of genocide.&nbsp;

A total of 35 countries, including&nbsp;China, India and Pakistan&nbsp;abstained from voting, and only five opposed it -- Eritrea, North Korea, Syria, Belarus and of course Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

An overwhelming majority of nations at the UN General Assembly voted on Wednesday to condemn Moscow's invasion of Ukraine by "demanding" Russia "immediately" withdraw from it.

An overwhelming majority of nations at the UN General Assembly voted on Wednesday to condemn Moscow's invasion of Ukraine by "demanding" Russia "immediately" withdraw from it. The move is seen as a powerful rebuke to Moscow's invasion. US President Joe Biden in a statement later Wednesday said that "the world is rejecting Russia’s lies,". "Russia is responsible for the devastating abuses of human rights and the international humanitarian crisis that we are watching unfold in Ukraine in real time." Also read | UN General Assembly votes to demand Russian withdrawal from Ukraine; India, China abstain The resolution "deplores" the invasion of Ukraine and President Vladimir Putin's decision to place nuclear weapons on alert "in the strongest terms". "They have come to deprive Ukraine of the very right to exist," Ukraine's ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya told the Assembly ahead of the vote. "It's already clear that the goal of Russia is not an occupation only. It is genocide." The text of the resolution has undergone numerous changes over the past couple of days. It no longer "condemns" the invasion as anticipated, but instead "deplores in the strongest terms the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine." Also read | The 'staggering' humanitarian cost of Russia's 'cruellest' day of attack on Ukraine The vote, which came as Putin's forces bore down on Kyiv while terrified Ukrainians fled, was touted by diplomats as a bellwether of democracy in an autocratic world. Olof Skoog, the EU's ambassador to the UN, said the vote was "not just about Ukraine." "It is about defending an international order based on rules we all have signed up to," he said in a statement. Watch | UNGA votes on resolution on Russia's invasion of Ukraine & demands Russia to withdraw troops UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres remarked that the General Assembly's message was "loud and clear." "End hostilities in Ukraine -- now. Silence the guns -- now," he said in a statement. "As bad as the situation is for the people in Ukraine right now, it threatens to get much, much worse. The ticking clock is a time bomb." During the session, some delegations chose to place stuffed animals on their tables - a stark reminder of the conflict's devastating impact on children. 141 out of 193 member states voted for the non-binding resolution after more than two days of extraordinary debate during which the Ukrainian ambassador accused Russia of genocide. A total of 35 countries, including China, India and Pakistan abstained from voting, and only five opposed it -- Eritrea, North Korea, Syria, Belarus and of course Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

'Silence the guns...now', 'world is rejecting Russia’s lies': Here's how world leaders reacted to UNGA vote

US officials warned Wednesday of the "staggering" human toll of Moscow's incursion into Ukraine following the apparent use of cluster bombs and other treaty violating weapons that threaten to escalate further the conflict.

The warning came as Russia reported that 498 of its troops were killed in the assault on ex-Soviet Ukraine, the first official death toll it has released but one that Kyiv says is considerably undercounted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/320-missiles-in-a-day-russia-targets-short-range-ballistic-missiles-at-ukraine-what-is-the-result-458123" hreflang="en">320 missiles in a day: Russia targets short-range ballistic missiles at Ukraine; what is the result?</a>

Despite determined resistance in Ukraine, Russia appears to be stepping up the offensive initiated by President Vladimir Putin seven days earlier -- in defiance of almost all of the international community.

"Today was the hardest, cruellest of the seven days of this war," said Vadym Boychenko, the mayor of the key southeastern port of Mariupol who said Russian forces pummelled the city for hours and were attempting to block civilians from leaving.

"Today they just wanted to destroy us all," he said in a video on Telegram, accusing Russian forces of attacking residential buildings.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-bank-prepares-3-billion-emergency-aid-package-for-war-torn-ukraine-458087" hreflang="en">World Bank prepares $3 billion emergency aid package for war-torn Ukraine</a>

Boychenko said the assault damaged more of the city's vital infrastructure, leaving residents without light, water, or heat.

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken warned that the human toll was already "staggering," and that Russia has been attacking places that "aren't military targets."

"Hundreds if not thousands of civilians have been killed or wounded," said the Secretary of State, who will be travelling to eastern Europe next week to rally support for Ukraine and to secure a ceasefire.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Tracking the Ukraine Conflict

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-tracking-the-ukraine-conflict-458325/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to Ukraine's government, at least 350 civilians, including 14 children, have been killed in the conflict, and hundreds of thousands have fled the country since it began.&nbsp;

The UN's office for human rights, OHCHR, said it registered 752 civilian casualties, including 227 deaths, but believes that the number is "considerably higher."

"The humanitarian consequences will only grow in the days ahead," Blinken warned.

(With inputs from agency)

US officials warned Wednesday of the "staggering" human toll of Moscow's incursion into Ukraine following the apparent use of cluster bombs and other treaty violating weapons that threaten to escalate further the conflict.

US officials warned Wednesday of the "staggering" human toll of Moscow's incursion into Ukraine following the apparent use of cluster bombs and other treaty violating weapons that threaten to escalate further the conflict. The warning came as Russia reported that 498 of its troops were killed in the assault on ex-Soviet Ukraine, the first official death toll it has released but one that Kyiv says is considerably undercounted. Also read | 320 missiles in a day: Russia targets short-range ballistic missiles at Ukraine; what is the result? Despite determined resistance in Ukraine, Russia appears to be stepping up the offensive initiated by President Vladimir Putin seven days earlier -- in defiance of almost all of the international community. "Today was the hardest, cruellest of the seven days of this war," said Vadym Boychenko, the mayor of the key southeastern port of Mariupol who said Russian forces pummelled the city for hours and were attempting to block civilians from leaving. "Today they just wanted to destroy us all," he said in a video on Telegram, accusing Russian forces of attacking residential buildings. Also read | World Bank prepares $3 billion emergency aid package for war-torn Ukraine Boychenko said the assault damaged more of the city's vital infrastructure, leaving residents without light, water, or heat. Top US diplomat Antony Blinken warned that the human toll was already "staggering," and that Russia has been attacking places that "aren't military targets." "Hundreds if not thousands of civilians have been killed or wounded," said the Secretary of State, who will be travelling to eastern Europe next week to rally support for Ukraine and to secure a ceasefire. Watch | Gravitas: Tracking the Ukraine Conflict According to Ukraine's government, at least 350 civilians, including 14 children, have been killed in the conflict, and hundreds of thousands have fled the country since it began. The UN's office for human rights, OHCHR, said it registered 752 civilian casualties, including 227 deaths, but believes that the number is "considerably higher." "The humanitarian consequences will only grow in the days ahead," Blinken warned. (With inputs from agency)

The 'staggering' humanitarian cost of Russia's 'cruellest' day of attack on Ukraine

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