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. Ukrainian authorities claimed to have found mass graves in Bucha, a town outside Kyiv after Russian troops recently withdrew from that area. However, the retreat has led to global outrage and calls for war crimes investigation over the alleged evidence of mass graves, torture and rape. Meanwhile, the Kremlin on Monday (April 4) "categorically" rejected accusations that Russian forces were responsible for killing civilians. ALSO READ | Surprise debut! Ukraine President Zelensky makes virtual appearance at Grammys 2022 "We categorically reject all allegations," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists as quoted by news agencies, suggesting that images of corpses were "fakes". "This information must be seriously questioned. From what we have seen, our experts have identified signs of video falsification and other fakes," Peskov said. As per Peskov, the evidence presented by the Ukrainian authorities are not matching with the facts and the chronology of the events in Bucha. He also urged international leaders not to rush to judgment. "The situation is undoubtedly serious and we would ask that many international leaders not rush with their statements, not rush with their baseless accusations, request information from different sources, and at least listen to our explanations," he added. ALSO READ | 'Most outrageous atrocity of 21st century': Ukrainian official says mass graves found in Bucha Oleksiy Arestovych, who is an advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Telegram said that the abuse of prisoners constitutes a war crime and should be punished. "We treat prisoners in accordance with the Geneva Convention despite your personal emotional motivations," he said to Ukrainian soldiers. Arestovych also said that Ukrainian troops had found the bodies of civilians, including women who had been raped. They also found bodies of small children. He added, "There are murdered men whose bodies bear signs of torture. Their hands were tied and they were killed by shots to the back of the head." On Monday (April 4), Russia's chief investigator ordered an official examination of what he called a Ukrainian "provocation". Alexander Bastrykin, who is the head of the Russian Investigative Committee, ordered that a probe be opened on the basis that Ukraine had spread "deliberately false information" about Russian armed forces in Bucha, the committee said in a statement. WATCH | West prepares more sanctions on Russia as Bucha killings in Ukraine shock the world × (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine war: Russia 'categorically' rejects accusations of Bucha killings and atrocities, orders probe

Russia’s retreat from Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv offered a clearer picture of the devastating civilian toll from the war, sparking global outrage against Moscow and calls by Western leaders for war crimes investigations.

The retreat comes after weeks of intense fighting around Kyiv and signals what appears to be a repositioning of troops to expand on territory that Russian forces have captured in the south. On Sunday, Russia attacked key infrastructure on the southern coastline; fighting also has continued elsewhere across the country.

The attacks in the south came as Ukrainian officials accused Russian forces of executing some civilians before their retreat from the areas around Kyiv. Footage posted by Ukraine’s Defense Ministry and photographs from news agencies showed the bodies of men in civilian clothes on the streets of Bucha, a town northwest of Kyiv. Images showed some corpses with hands bound behind their back. Russia’s Defense Ministry dismissed the Bucha photos as “fake.”

Outrage over the civilian deaths could move the needle for the European Union, which has so far rebuffed mounting calls from Ukraine, and by President Joe Biden, to impose sanctions on Russian oil and gas, citing its dependency on Russian fuels. But Sunday, in what would mark a significant shift in her country’s position, Germany’s defense minister, Christine Lambrecht, said that in light of the Bucha atrocities, the bloc should consider banning Russian gas imports.

Here are some other major developments:

— The Black Sea port cities of Odesa and Mykolaiv were stuck by missiles Sunday. Britain’s Ministry of Defense said Sunday that intelligence showed Russian naval forces have maintained a blockade of the Ukrainian coast in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, which is “preventing Ukrainian resupply by sea.”

— American lawmakers called to send more aid to Ukraine. Charles Michel, president of the European Council, said in a tweet that more European Union sanctions against Russia “are on their way.”

— Russia’s chief negotiator in peace talks, Vladimir Medinsky, rejected a Ukrainian counterpart’s suggestion that Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine could soon hold direct talks. Medinsky said the two sides remained far apart on the status of Crimea and the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine, both of which are claimed by Russia.

— Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk of Ukraine said her government was working with the International Committee of the Red Cross on another planned mass evacuation of civilians from the besieged southern city of Mariupol, after a convoy failed to reach the city for a third time Saturday.

Russia’s retreat from Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv offered a clearer picture of the devastating civilian toll from the war, sparking global outrage against Moscow and calls by Western leaders for war crimes investigations.

Russia’s retreat from Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv offered a clearer picture of the devastating civilian toll from the war, sparking global outrage against Moscow and calls by Western leaders for war crimes investigations. The retreat comes after weeks of intense fighting around Kyiv and signals what appears to be a repositioning of troops to expand on territory that Russian forces have captured in the south. On Sunday, Russia attacked key infrastructure on the southern coastline; fighting also has continued elsewhere across the country. The attacks in the south came as Ukrainian officials accused Russian forces of executing some civilians before their retreat from the areas around Kyiv. Footage posted by Ukraine’s Defense Ministry and photographs from news agencies showed the bodies of men in civilian clothes on the streets of Bucha, a town northwest of Kyiv. Images showed some corpses with hands bound behind their back. Russia’s Defense Ministry dismissed the Bucha photos as “fake.” Outrage over the civilian deaths could move the needle for the European Union, which has so far rebuffed mounting calls from Ukraine, and by President Joe Biden, to impose sanctions on Russian oil and gas, citing its dependency on Russian fuels. But Sunday, in what would mark a significant shift in her country’s position, Germany’s defense minister, Christine Lambrecht, said that in light of the Bucha atrocities, the bloc should consider banning Russian gas imports. Here are some other major developments: — The Black Sea port cities of Odesa and Mykolaiv were stuck by missiles Sunday. Britain’s Ministry of Defense said Sunday that intelligence showed Russian naval forces have maintained a blockade of the Ukrainian coast in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov, which is “preventing Ukrainian resupply by sea.” — American lawmakers called to send more aid to Ukraine. Charles Michel, president of the European Council, said in a tweet that more European Union sanctions against Russia “are on their way.” — Russia’s chief negotiator in peace talks, Vladimir Medinsky, rejected a Ukrainian counterpart’s suggestion that Russian President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine could soon hold direct talks. Medinsky said the two sides remained far apart on the status of Crimea and the eastern Donbas region of Ukraine, both of which are claimed by Russia. — Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk of Ukraine said her government was working with the International Committee of the Red Cross on another planned mass evacuation of civilians from the besieged southern city of Mariupol, after a convoy failed to reach the city for a third time Saturday.

Global outrage follows allegations that Russia executed civilians

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. The Russia and Ukraine crisis continues to escalate with each day passing. Hundreds are dead, thousands are injured and millions have left the war-torn country to save their lives. The latest development from ground zero reveals a gruesome reality as Ukrainian authorities claimed to have found a mass grave in Bucha, a town outside Kyiv. Bucha was recently retaken by Ukrainian forces from Russian troops. As reported by news agency AFP, fifty-seven people were buried in a mass grave in Bucha, a local official said on Sunday (April 3), showing a slit trench where the bodies lay. ALSO READ | Irpin, Bucha, Gostomel and the whole Kyiv region liberated: Ukraine As per the news agency, around ten bodies were visible, either unburied or partially covered by the earth. Some of the bodies were left in civilian clothing, whereas some were said to be concealed in black zip-up body bags. Serhii Kaplychnyi, who identified himself as head of the rescue services in Bucha, told the news agency: "Here in this long grave, 57 people are buried." As per reports, the mass grave is behind a church in the town centre. On Saturday (April 2), the mayor of Bucha said that 300 residents had been killed by Russian troops during a month-long occupation. The reported atrocities in Bucha led the countries like Germany and France to accuse Russia of war crimes. ALSO READ | Russia Ukraine crisis: Nearly 4.2 million Ukrainian refugees flee war Also, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Sunday (April 3) that civilian killings in Bucha were the "most outrageous atrocity of the 21st century." "Without an exaggeration, by what we have seen in Bucha and vicinity, we can conclude that Russia is worse than ISIS in the scale and ruthlessness of the crimes committed," he said as quoted by the news agency Reuters while speaking to reporters during a visit to Warsaw. WATCH | UN: Over 4.1 million Ukrainians have fled country and 6.83 million displaced since Russia invaded × (With inputs from agencies)

'Most outrageous atrocity of 21st century': Ukrainian official says mass graves found in Bucha

According to reports, India is expected to face shortage of sunflower oil by at least 25% or 4-6 lakh tonnes. Battling the edible oil demand, India had to procure Russian sunflower oil but is it enough?

Impact of the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the Indian kitchen

Millions more&nbsp;Sudanese are set to go hungry this year as economic turmoil and erratic rains drive up prices and reduce harvests, with a halt to foreign assistance and the war in Ukraine putting food supplies at further risk.

The&nbsp;rising&nbsp;levels of&nbsp;hunger&nbsp;forecast by United Nations agencies threaten to further destabilise a country that faces growing conflict and poverty following a military takeover last year.

Sudan&nbsp;has been mired in economic crisis since before the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir in an uprising&nbsp;in 2019. A transitional government attracted billions of dollars in international support, but that was suspended after the coup, placing&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;on the brink of economic collapse.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudanese-man-killed-in-crackdown-on-anti-coup-protests-as-un-expert-arrives-454954">&nbsp;Sudanese man killed in crackdown on anti-coup protests as UN expert arrives</a>

Currency devaluations and subsidy reforms have driven up prices, and inflation is running at more than 250 per cent. In the capital Khartoum, the cost of ever-shrinking small loaves of bread has risen from 2&nbsp;Sudanese pounds two years ago to about 50 pounds ($0.11) today.

Some 87 per cent of&nbsp;Sudan's imported wheat comes from Russia and Ukraine, according to FAO data, making it one of the Arab world's most exposed countries to the war in Ukraine.

"If this measly piece of bread is 50 pounds, what kind of life can we have?" said&nbsp;Haj Ahmed, an elderly man at a vegetable stall in Alhalfaya, on the capital's outskirts.

The World Bank estimates that in 2021 56&nbsp;per cent of&nbsp;Sudan's population of around 44 million were surviving on less than $3.20, or about 2,000 pounds per day, one of its global poverty lines, up from 43 per cent&nbsp;in 2009.

Last week the World Food Programme estimated that the number of people experiencing levels of&nbsp;hunger&nbsp;that will force them to sell essential assets, or who will have nothing more to sell, will double by September to 18 million.

Aid&nbsp;agencies have long worked to help the rural poor and people displaced by war in&nbsp;Sudan. In 2019 the WFP extended its operations to urban centres for the first time.

"This jump didn't happen yesterday or a couple months ago, it's been building," said&nbsp;Marianne Ward, WFP deputy country director.

"It's not exclusively driven by conflict anymore, it's also about structural issues such as inflation (and) availability of foreign currency," she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-10-world-news-sudan-revokes-license-of-al-jazeera-france-protests-and-more-445241">Top 10 world news: Sudan revokes license of Al Jazeera, France protests, and more</a>

Lower Crop Yields

Inflation means farmers are unable to afford inputs including seeds, fertilizers and fuel, experts say. There has also been increased unrest in some important farming regions, and rainfall has been scarce in some places and too heavy in others.

Yields of sorghum, millet and wheat are 30 per cent&nbsp;lower than they have been on average over the past five years, the Food and Agriculture Organization and the WFP estimate.

Sudan&nbsp;will face its first deficit of sorghum, the country's traditional staple grain, since the droughts that ravaged the region in the 1980s, U.N. agencies project. Prices have doubled in the past four months, one trader said.

The ministries of finance and agriculture did not respond to requests for comment.

Billions of dollars of World Bank and IMF financing, some earmarked for budget support and agricultural development, were frozen and could be lost because of the coup.

Direct humanitarian&nbsp;aid&nbsp;has continued but USAID&nbsp;and the WFP paused programmes that had been aimed at supporting a transitional civilian government by covering about a quarter of last year's wheat consumption. The WFP says its food stocks in&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;will run out in May without new funding.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morning-news-brief-sudan-pms-resignation-us-def-secy-contracts-covid-and-more-441868">Morning news brief: Sudan PM's resignation, US def secy contracts Covid and more</a>

Frequent protests against military rule, increasingly fuelled by economic grievances, bring life to a halt in Khartoum and other cities.

"The burden of all this political mayhem falls on the citizen," said&nbsp;Ghareeballah Dafallah, an agricultural engineer in Alhalfaya who struggles to afford food and electricity.

"People used to be ashamed to say they were hungry, but now it's clear."

Watch |&nbsp;Sudan plunges deeper into political chaos, at least 7 protesters killed

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/sudan-plunges-deeper-into-political-chaos-at-least-7-protesters-killed-445591/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Millions more Sudanese are set to go hungry this year as economic turmoil and erratic rains drive up prices and reduce harvests, with a halt to foreign assistance and the war in Ukraine putting food supplies at further risk.

Millions more Sudanese are set to go hungry this year as economic turmoil and erratic rains drive up prices and reduce harvests, with a halt to foreign assistance and the war in Ukraine putting food supplies at further risk. The rising levels of hunger forecast by United Nations agencies threaten to further destabilise a country that faces growing conflict and poverty following a military takeover last year. Sudan has been mired in economic crisis since before the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir in an uprising in 2019. A transitional government attracted billions of dollars in international support, but that was suspended after the coup, placing Sudan on the brink of economic collapse. Also read | Sudanese man killed in crackdown on anti-coup protests as UN expert arrives Currency devaluations and subsidy reforms have driven up prices, and inflation is running at more than 250 per cent. In the capital Khartoum, the cost of ever-shrinking small loaves of bread has risen from 2 Sudanese pounds two years ago to about 50 pounds ($0.11) today. Some 87 per cent of Sudan's imported wheat comes from Russia and Ukraine, according to FAO data, making it one of the Arab world's most exposed countries to the war in Ukraine. "If this measly piece of bread is 50 pounds, what kind of life can we have?" said Haj Ahmed, an elderly man at a vegetable stall in Alhalfaya, on the capital's outskirts. The World Bank estimates that in 2021 56 per cent of Sudan's population of around 44 million were surviving on less than $3.20, or about 2,000 pounds per day, one of its global poverty lines, up from 43 per cent in 2009. Last week the World Food Programme estimated that the number of people experiencing levels of hunger that will force them to sell essential assets, or who will have nothing more to sell, will double by September to 18 million. Aid agencies have long worked to help the rural poor and people displaced by war in Sudan. In 2019 the WFP extended its operations to urban centres for the first time. "This jump didn't happen yesterday or a couple months ago, it's been building," said Marianne Ward, WFP deputy country director. "It's not exclusively driven by conflict anymore, it's also about structural issues such as inflation (and) availability of foreign currency," she said. Also read | Top 10 world news: Sudan revokes license of Al Jazeera, France protests, and more Lower Crop Yields Inflation means farmers are unable to afford inputs including seeds, fertilizers and fuel, experts say. There has also been increased unrest in some important farming regions, and rainfall has been scarce in some places and too heavy in others. Yields of sorghum, millet and wheat are 30 per cent lower than they have been on average over the past five years, the Food and Agriculture Organization and the WFP estimate. Sudan will face its first deficit of sorghum, the country's traditional staple grain, since the droughts that ravaged the region in the 1980s, U.N. agencies project. Prices have doubled in the past four months, one trader said. The ministries of finance and agriculture did not respond to requests for comment. Billions of dollars of World Bank and IMF financing, some earmarked for budget support and agricultural development, were frozen and could be lost because of the coup. Direct humanitarian aid has continued but USAID and the WFP paused programmes that had been aimed at supporting a transitional civilian government by covering about a quarter of last year's wheat consumption. The WFP says its food stocks in Sudan will run out in May without new funding. Also read | Morning news brief: Sudan PM's resignation, US def secy contracts Covid and more Frequent protests against military rule, increasingly fuelled by economic grievances, bring life to a halt in Khartoum and other cities. "The burden of all this political mayhem falls on the citizen," said Ghareeballah Dafallah, an agricultural engineer in Alhalfaya who struggles to afford food and electricity. "People used to be ashamed to say they were hungry, but now it's clear." Watch | Sudan plunges deeper into political chaos, at least 7 protesters killed

Rising hunger looms in Sudan, with little aid in sight

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. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday (March 30) claimed that the Ukrainian forces are preparing for new Russian attacks in the east of the country. Dismissing Russia's vows to de-escalate fighting, Zelensky said in a video address to the nation that the Russian troops were regrouping to strike the eastern Donbass region. Zelensky said, "We don't believe anyone, not a single beautiful phrase. We will not give anything away. We will fight for every meter of our territory." After another round of peace talks in Istanbul on Tuesday (March 29), a Russian negotiator said Moscow would "radically" scale back its attacks around the capital Kyiv and the northern city of Chernigiv. However, reports mentioned that shelling continued during the night. A day after, US military officials said Russian forces did begin to pull out of the defunct Chernobyl nuclear power site north of Kyiv. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian leader said in his video address that any retreat by Russian forces was "the result of the work of our defenders." "Freedom must be armed as well as tyranny," Zelensky said, claiming that as the centre of the global fight for freedom, Ukraine has the right to demand weapons from the international community, including tanks, planes, artillery systems. Important to note that the Donbass region encompasses two self-proclaimed "people's republics" that Russia says it is helping to free from Ukrainian control. The leader of the Donetsk People's Republic, Denis Pushilin, said on Wednesday that offensive operations were intensifying. Donetsk includes the besieged port city of Mariupol, which has seen some of the war's heaviest fighting and bombardment and where about 170,000 people are trapped with scarce food and water. WATCH | Gravitas: Donbas rebel republics to join Russia? × (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky says Ukraine preparing for new Russian offensive in the east, dismisses Russian claims of scaleback

The&nbsp;UK&nbsp;on Thursday announced new&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;against&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;"propagandists", including a well-known television presenter, and two Kremlin-funded&nbsp;media&nbsp;operations accused of spreading "lies and deceit" about the invasion of Ukraine.

The 14 latest&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;follow several previous rounds of penalties against more than 1,000&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;and Belarusian individuals and entities in response to Moscow's war in its western neighbour.

"Britain has helped lead the world in exposing Kremlin disinformation, and this latest batch of&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;hits the shameless&nbsp;propagandists&nbsp;who push out (Vladimir) Putin's fake news and narratives," Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-trying-to-reinforce-offensive-in-donbas-maintains-pressure-on-kyiv-nato-467184">Russia trying to reinforce offensive in Donbas; maintains pressure on Kyiv: NATO</a>

"We will keep on going with more&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;to ramp up the pressure on Russia and ensure Putin loses in Ukraine. Nothing and no one is off the table."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson's official spokesman told reporters separately: "Countries can adapt to&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;over time so it's right that we continue to move forward on this.&nbsp;

"It is equally right to impose&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on those who are seeking to disinform people at a mass scale."

London targeted&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;Colonel-General Mikhail Mizintsev, head of the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;National Defence Control Centre, who the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;foreign ministry said had become known as "the butcher of Mariupol" over Russia's actions in the besieged Ukrainian city.

Johnson's spokesman said "on the face of it there does appear to be evidence of war crimes" in Mariupol.

TV-Novosti, which owns the global television channel RT -- formerly Russia Today -- was also sanctioned, as was Rossiya Segodnya, which controls the news agency Sputnik.

The&nbsp;UK&nbsp;broadcasting regulator Ofcom earlier this month revoked RT's licence with immediate effect, saying it was not "fit and proper" to broadcast in the country.

In reaction, Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of RT told RIA Novosti&nbsp;state&nbsp;news agency, said: "We'll add this insult to the total count."

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-delhi-german-nsa-hopes-no-back-filing-of-sanctions-will-take-place-467101">&nbsp;In Delhi, German NSA hopes no 'back filing' of sanctions will take place</a>

Propagandist

Meanwhile, the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;also included Sergey Brilyov -- a famous TV anchor in Russia on&nbsp;state-owned&nbsp;media&nbsp;outlet Rossiya, known for his interviews with high profile political figures -- to its&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;list, describing him as a "propagandist for Putin".&nbsp;

"Having previously lived in the&nbsp;UK, (he) will no longer be able to access any of his&nbsp;UK&nbsp;assets or continue business dealings," the ministry said.

Alexander Zharov, chief executive officer of Gazprom-Media, Alexei Nikolov, the managing director of RT, and Anton Anisimov, head of Sputnik International Broadcasting, were also targeted.

"These&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;will ensure RT will not be able to find its way back on&nbsp;UK&nbsp;televisions, and will prevent companies and individuals operating in the&nbsp;UK&nbsp;from doing business with&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;state&nbsp;propaganda vehicles," the foreign ministry added.

London said it had also fast-tracked&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;against another seven individuals connected to "the Strategic Culture Foundation," which it described as an online journal registered in Russia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-russia-ukraine-exclusive-putin-should-be-behind-bars-ex-ukraine-president-tells-wion-466807">Watch | Russia-Ukraine | Exclusive: Putin should be behind bars, ex-Ukraine president tells WION</a>

The ministry noted they were recently sanctioned by Australia for their role in spreading disinformation.&nbsp;

"The&nbsp;UK&nbsp;is operating closely with allies to target Russia's oligarchs, banks and businesses," it added.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The UK on Thursday announced new sanctions against Russian "propagandists", including a well-known television presenter, and two Kremlin-funded media operations accused of spreading "lies and deceit" about the invasion of Ukraine.

The UK on Thursday announced new sanctions against Russian "propagandists", including a well-known television presenter, and two Kremlin-funded media operations accused of spreading "lies and deceit" about the invasion of Ukraine. The 14 latest sanctions follow several previous rounds of penalties against more than 1,000 Russian and Belarusian individuals and entities in response to Moscow's war in its western neighbour. "Britain has helped lead the world in exposing Kremlin disinformation, and this latest batch of sanctions hits the shameless propagandists who push out (Vladimir) Putin's fake news and narratives," Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said in a statement. Also read | Russia trying to reinforce offensive in Donbas; maintains pressure on Kyiv: NATO "We will keep on going with more sanctions to ramp up the pressure on Russia and ensure Putin loses in Ukraine. Nothing and no one is off the table." Prime Minister Boris Johnson's official spokesman told reporters separately: "Countries can adapt to sanctions over time so it's right that we continue to move forward on this. "It is equally right to impose sanctions on those who are seeking to disinform people at a mass scale." London targeted Russian Colonel-General Mikhail Mizintsev, head of the Russian National Defence Control Centre, who the UK foreign ministry said had become known as "the butcher of Mariupol" over Russia's actions in the besieged Ukrainian city. Johnson's spokesman said "on the face of it there does appear to be evidence of war crimes" in Mariupol. TV-Novosti, which owns the global television channel RT -- formerly Russia Today -- was also sanctioned, as was Rossiya Segodnya, which controls the news agency Sputnik. The UK broadcasting regulator Ofcom earlier this month revoked RT's licence with immediate effect, saying it was not "fit and proper" to broadcast in the country. In reaction, Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of RT told RIA Novosti state news agency, said: "We'll add this insult to the total count." Also read | In Delhi, German NSA hopes no 'back filing' of sanctions will take place Propagandist Meanwhile, the UK also included Sergey Brilyov -- a famous TV anchor in Russia on state-owned media outlet Rossiya, known for his interviews with high profile political figures -- to its sanctions list, describing him as a "propagandist for Putin". "Having previously lived in the UK, (he) will no longer be able to access any of his UK assets or continue business dealings," the ministry said. Alexander Zharov, chief executive officer of Gazprom-Media, Alexei Nikolov, the managing director of RT, and Anton Anisimov, head of Sputnik International Broadcasting, were also targeted. "These sanctions will ensure RT will not be able to find its way back on UK televisions, and will prevent companies and individuals operating in the UK from doing business with Russian state propaganda vehicles," the foreign ministry added. London said it had also fast-tracked sanctions against another seven individuals connected to "the Strategic Culture Foundation," which it described as an online journal registered in Russia. Also read | Watch | Russia-Ukraine | Exclusive: Putin should be behind bars, ex-Ukraine president tells WION The ministry noted they were recently sanctioned by Australia for their role in spreading disinformation. "The UK is operating closely with allies to target Russia's oligarchs, banks and businesses," it added.

UK sanctions Russian 'propagandists and state media'

Turkey&nbsp;is&nbsp;ready, in&nbsp;principle, to&nbsp;act&nbsp;as a&nbsp;guarantor&nbsp;country for Ukraine, but the details of such a format need to be worked out, President Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;was cited as saying on Thursday, adding Moscow's decision to scale back some of its operations near Kyiv and Chernihiv was "truly important".

NATO member&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;shares a maritime border with Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea, has good ties with both and has offered to&nbsp;mediate the conflict. It has supported Ukraine while opposing sanctions on Moscow, and this week hosted negotiators from both sides for the first face-to-face peace talks in weeks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-trying-to-reinforce-offensive-in-donbas-maintains-pressure-on-kyiv-nato-467184">Russia trying to reinforce offensive in Donbas; maintains pressure on Kyiv: NATO</a>

Speaking on a flight from Uzbekistan,&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;said the talks in Istanbul, where Ukraine gave Russia a written proposal to end the war, had provided "significant momentum" to the process. He added he would again convey an offer to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russia's Vladimir Putin for talks.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-world-cannot-burn-bridges-with-moscow-465999">Turkey says world cannot 'burn bridges' with Moscow</a>

"On the&nbsp;guarantorship matter, we can be one of the&nbsp;guarantor&nbsp;countries ensuring&nbsp;Ukraine's&nbsp;security, we are&nbsp;ready&nbsp;for this in&nbsp;principle, but of course the details of this need to be worked out," broadcaster NTV cited him as saying, referring to an offer from Ukraine for several countries, including&nbsp;Turkey, to&nbsp;act&nbsp;as security&nbsp;guarantors.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine War update: Turkey &amp; Israel offers to host Presidents of Ukraine and Russia

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Turkey is ready, in principle, to act as a guarantor country for Ukraine, but the details of such a format need to be worked out, President Tayyip Erdogan was cited as saying on Thursday, adding Moscow's decision to scale back some of its operations near Kyiv and Chernihiv was "truly important".

Turkey is ready, in principle, to act as a guarantor country for Ukraine, but the details of such a format need to be worked out, President Tayyip Erdogan was cited as saying on Thursday, adding Moscow's decision to scale back some of its operations near Kyiv and Chernihiv was "truly important". NATO member Turkey shares a maritime border with Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea, has good ties with both and has offered to mediate the conflict. It has supported Ukraine while opposing sanctions on Moscow, and this week hosted negotiators from both sides for the first face-to-face peace talks in weeks. Also read | Russia trying to reinforce offensive in Donbas; maintains pressure on Kyiv: NATO Speaking on a flight from Uzbekistan, Erdogan said the talks in Istanbul, where Ukraine gave Russia a written proposal to end the war, had provided "significant momentum" to the process. He added he would again convey an offer to host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Russia's Vladimir Putin for talks. Also read | Turkey says world cannot 'burn bridges' with Moscow "On the guarantorship matter, we can be one of the guarantor countries ensuring Ukraine's security, we are ready for this in principle, but of course the details of this need to be worked out," broadcaster NTV cited him as saying, referring to an offer from Ukraine for several countries, including Turkey, to act as security guarantors. Watch | Ukraine War update: Turkey & Israel offers to host Presidents of Ukraine and Russia

Erdogan says Turkey ready in principle to act as Ukraine's guarantor -media

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russian troops are regrouping in preparation for a renewed assault this time in the East as he dismissed Moscow's promises to scale back attacks on Kyiv.

Ukraine says Russia renewing focus on Donbas region

The war in Ukraine has triggered a rise in the sale of weapons. Estimates say military spending could go up by 50% in the Next 5 years. The U.S. is one of the few countries benefiting from this rise in demand for weapons. Which are the rest? Listen in to Palki Sharma

Gravitas: Shares of defence companies soar amidst Ukraine war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday (March 27) said that a Russian demand of Ukrainian neutrality was being closely looked at by Kyiv's negotiators.&nbsp;

Zelensky said that Ukraine is prepared to discuss adopting a neutral status as part of a peace deal with Russia, however, such a pact would have to be guaranteed by third parties and put to a referendum.&nbsp;

During an interview with several independent Russian news organisations, Zelensky was quoted by news agencies as saying: "This point of the negotiations is understandable to me and it is being discussed, it is being carefully studied."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wary-of-escalation-france-calls-for-restraint-after-bidens-butcher-jibe-466052">Wary of escalation, France calls for restraint after Biden's 'butcher' jibe</a>

Zelensky added, "We have to come to an agreement with the President of the Russian Federation. But to reach an agreement, he has to get up from where he is and come and meet me."&nbsp;

Important to note that the Kremlin earlier this month said that Sweden and Austria offered models of neutrality that Ukraine could adopt to help end Russia's invasion in Ukraine.&nbsp;

However, Ukraine rejected the proposal saying only Kyiv could design a system that would be acceptable to Ukrainians.&nbsp;

While speaking to Russian journalists in a 90-minute video call, Zelensky said that Russia's invasion had destroyed Russian-speaking cities in Ukraine. He added that the damages are worse than the Russian wars in Chechnya.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leading-energy-analyst-says-russian-gas-sales-to-china-will-not-make-up-for-loss-of-european-markets-465956">Leading energy analyst says Russian gas sales to China 'will not make up for loss of European markets'</a>

During the interview, Zelensky spoke in Russian throughout to target a Russian audience. However, Moscow authorities had pre-emptively warned Russian media to refrain from reporting the interview.

Zelensky said, "Security guarantees and neutrality, the non-nuclear status of our state. We are ready to go for it. This is the most important point."&nbsp;

Speaking more than a month after Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, Zelenskiy said no peace deal would be possible without a ceasefire and troop withdrawals.&nbsp;

Negotiations to end more than a month of fighting in Ukraine have focused on Ukraine staying out of NATO, disarmament and security guarantees.

The two sides are due to meet for a second round of face-to-face talks next week in Turkey.

WATCH |&nbsp;Russian invasion of Ukraine: Is Moscow changing its strategy?

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(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday (March 27) said that a Russian demand of Ukrainian neutrality was being closely looked at by Kyiv's negotiators.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday (March 27) said that a Russian demand of Ukrainian neutrality was being closely looked at by Kyiv's negotiators. Zelensky said that Ukraine is prepared to discuss adopting a neutral status as part of a peace deal with Russia, however, such a pact would have to be guaranteed by third parties and put to a referendum. During an interview with several independent Russian news organisations, Zelensky was quoted by news agencies as saying: "This point of the negotiations is understandable to me and it is being discussed, it is being carefully studied." ALSO READ | Wary of escalation, France calls for restraint after Biden's 'butcher' jibe Zelensky added, "We have to come to an agreement with the President of the Russian Federation. But to reach an agreement, he has to get up from where he is and come and meet me." Important to note that the Kremlin earlier this month said that Sweden and Austria offered models of neutrality that Ukraine could adopt to help end Russia's invasion in Ukraine. However, Ukraine rejected the proposal saying only Kyiv could design a system that would be acceptable to Ukrainians. While speaking to Russian journalists in a 90-minute video call, Zelensky said that Russia's invasion had destroyed Russian-speaking cities in Ukraine. He added that the damages are worse than the Russian wars in Chechnya. ALSO READ | Leading energy analyst says Russian gas sales to China 'will not make up for loss of European markets' During the interview, Zelensky spoke in Russian throughout to target a Russian audience. However, Moscow authorities had pre-emptively warned Russian media to refrain from reporting the interview. Zelensky said, "Security guarantees and neutrality, the non-nuclear status of our state. We are ready to go for it. This is the most important point." Speaking more than a month after Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, Zelenskiy said no peace deal would be possible without a ceasefire and troop withdrawals. Negotiations to end more than a month of fighting in Ukraine have focused on Ukraine staying out of NATO, disarmament and security guarantees. The two sides are due to meet for a second round of face-to-face talks next week in Turkey. WATCH | Russian invasion of Ukraine: Is Moscow changing its strategy? × (With inputs from agencies)

President Zelensky says Ukraine ready to discuss adopting neutral status

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. Ukraine had recently appealed to a Chinese maker of civilian drones to cut ties with Russia as they claimed that the drones are being used by the Russian army to target missile attacks. Now, the drone maker DJI has responded to the allegations as they dismissed the "utterly false" accusations that the Russian military is using its drones. On March 16, Mykhailo Fedorov, who is Ukraine's minister of digital transformation, said he asked DJI founder Frank Wang in a letter to cut ties with Russia. On Twitter, the Chinese firm wrote, "DJI promotes civilian drone applications that benefit society," adding that MediaMarkt's accusation was "utterly false". In Saturday's statement, it said, "We do not support any use that does harm to people's lives, rights and interests." ALSO READ | What does Joe Biden's 'horrendous gaffe' over Ukraine mean? Reports have stated that users of the Chinese drone giant's products range from photography hobbyists to US fire departments. The firm has found itself in an uncomfortable position after Russia invaded Ukraine more than a month ago in what Moscow calls a "special military operation". While Western firms have pulled out of Russia in protest, DJI has stayed on, like many Chinese companies, taking a cue from Beijing's stance of refraining from criticism of Moscow over the invasion. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Zelensky calls on NATO to support Kyiv × (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese drone maker reacts to allegations that Russian military uses its drones in Ukraine

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.

Britain's Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said that Russian President Vladimir Putin and his armed forces face a "day of reckoning" as there is evidence of war crimes that are apparently being committed in Ukraine during the invasion.&nbsp;

In a report published by Sky News on Sunday (March 27), the minister weighed in on a range of topics, from US President Joe Biden's '[Putin] cannot remain in power' to sanctions against Russia.&nbsp;

While speaking to the media outlet, Zahawi said: "The important thing to remember is that there is evidence that war crimes have been committed in Ukraine, the targeting of civilian areas."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-does-joe-bidens-gaffe-over-ukraine-mean-466272">What does Joe Biden's 'horrendous gaffe' over Ukraine mean?</a>

"The Deputy Prime Minister (and Justice Secretary) Dominic Raab has been working with the international criminal court to make sure that that evidence is well documented, well collected, so those who commit war crimes know that there will be a day of reckoning," he added.&nbsp;

Zahawi further said that he did not agree with comments made by Biden, who said during a speech on Saturday (March 26) that Putin "cannot remain in power".&nbsp;

Recently, an assessment done by the United States claimed that the Russian military committed war crimes in Ukraine after Putin ordered special "military operations" in the neighbouring country.&nbsp;

On March 23, the US said that public information and intelligence it has collected amounts to strong evidence that the war crimes have been committed in Ukraine.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said in a statement, "Today, I can announce that, based on information currently available, the US government assesses that members of Russia's forces have committed war crimes in Ukraine."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-zelensky-says-ukraine-ready-to-discuss-adopting-neutral-status-466182">President Zelensky says Ukraine ready to discuss adopting neutral status</a>

As per United Nations, the concept of war crimes developed particularly at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.&nbsp;

During that time, the international humanitarian law, which is also known as the law of armed conflict, was codified.&nbsp;

The Hague Conventions was adopted in 1899 and 1907 focus on the prohibition of warring parties to use certain means and methods of warfare.&nbsp;

War crimes mean grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949. Violation includes wilful killing, torture or inhuman treatment, wilfully causing great suffering, extensive destruction and appropriation of property, etc.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Biden admin's course-correction over 'regime change in Russia' remark

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&nbsp;

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. Britain's Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said that Russian President Vladimir Putin and his armed forces face a "day of reckoning" as there is evidence of war crimes that are apparently being committed in Ukraine during the invasion. In a report published by Sky News on Sunday (March 27), the minister weighed in on a range of topics, from US President Joe Biden's '[Putin] cannot remain in power' to sanctions against Russia. While speaking to the media outlet, Zahawi said: "The important thing to remember is that there is evidence that war crimes have been committed in Ukraine, the targeting of civilian areas." ALSO READ | What does Joe Biden's 'horrendous gaffe' over Ukraine mean? "The Deputy Prime Minister (and Justice Secretary) Dominic Raab has been working with the international criminal court to make sure that that evidence is well documented, well collected, so those who commit war crimes know that there will be a day of reckoning," he added. Zahawi further said that he did not agree with comments made by Biden, who said during a speech on Saturday (March 26) that Putin "cannot remain in power". Recently, an assessment done by the United States claimed that the Russian military committed war crimes in Ukraine after Putin ordered special "military operations" in the neighbouring country. On March 23, the US said that public information and intelligence it has collected amounts to strong evidence that the war crimes have been committed in Ukraine. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said in a statement, "Today, I can announce that, based on information currently available, the US government assesses that members of Russia's forces have committed war crimes in Ukraine." ALSO READ | President Zelensky says Ukraine ready to discuss adopting neutral status As per United Nations, the concept of war crimes developed particularly at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. During that time, the international humanitarian law, which is also known as the law of armed conflict, was codified. The Hague Conventions was adopted in 1899 and 1907 focus on the prohibition of warring parties to use certain means and methods of warfare. War crimes mean grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949. Violation includes wilful killing, torture or inhuman treatment, wilfully causing great suffering, extensive destruction and appropriation of property, etc. WATCH | Biden admin's course-correction over 'regime change in Russia' remark ×

'There will be a day of reckoning': UK minister thinks war crimes committed in Ukraine

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.

"For God's sake, this man [Putin] cannot remain in power," United States President Joe Biden said this to a crowd in Warsaw, Poland on Saturday (March 26) while condemning Russia's month-long invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

The comments appeared to be a call for Putin's exit and went viral in no time. However, it sent the Biden administration rushing course-correction and giving explanations.&nbsp;

Biden's comments were delivered during the close of three days of marathon diplomacy. The remarks were termed a "horrendous gaffe" by one Republican senator.&nbsp;

US Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), a ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told CNN: "He gave a good speech at the end, but as you pointed out already, there was a horrendous gaffe right at the end of it."&nbsp;

During his address, Biden cast Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a battle in a much broader conflict between democracy and autocracy.&nbsp;

"The battle for democracy could not conclude and did not conclude with the end of the Cold War. Over the last 30 years, the forces of autocracy have revived all across the globe," Biden said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-zelensky-says-ukraine-ready-to-discuss-adopting-neutral-status-466182">President Zelensky says Ukraine ready to discuss adopting neutral status</a>

Biden and other Western allies have been aiming at presenting a determined front against Russia's invasion.

However, the 'regime change' comments had risks that could have, to some extent,&nbsp;jeopardised efforts being done to defuse the situation.&nbsp;

In the aftermath of the incident, which apparently caught even US advisors off guard, the White House clarified within minutes that Biden was not advocating "regime change" in Russia.&nbsp;

Hours earlier Biden had described the Russian President as a "butcher".&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that he thinks the President "made the point last night that", quite simply, President Putin cannot be empowered to wage war or engage in aggression against Ukraine or anyone else.&nbsp;

"As you know, and as you have heard us say repeatedly, we do not have a strategy of regime change in Russia - or anywhere else, for that matter," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/refrain-from-publishing-russia-warns-media-says-dont-report-interview-with-zelensky-466209">'Refrain from publishing': Russia warns media, says don't report interview with Zelensky</a>

The Russia and Ukraine conflict has already escalated with reports of multiple loss of lives and massive destruction.&nbsp;Amid all the chaos, such comments can act as a catalyst to aggravate the situation further.&nbsp;

Even France's President Emmanuel Macron warned such language could "escalate" a conflict the United States and its NATO allies have sought at all costs to contain. It can even undercut Western efforts to help suffering Ukrainians.&nbsp;

And as long as gaffes are concerned, Biden has a decades-long reputation for unfortunate off-the-cuff remarks.&nbsp;

Risch said the president had again shot himself in the foot. He told the media outlet, "I wish he would stay on script."

"I think most people who don’t deal in the lane of foreign relations don’t realize that those nine words that he uttered would cause the kind of eruption they did,"&nbsp;Risch added.&nbsp;

"Anytime you say, or even as he did suggest, that the policy was regime change, it’s gonna cause a huge problem," the&nbsp;senator added.&nbsp;

Top media outlets and newspapers have previously listed his "top 10 gaffes of all time".&nbsp;

The comments then a U-turn is a clear example that world leaders should keep a filter while speaking regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Biden admin's course-correction over 'regime change in Russia' remark

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&nbsp;

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. "For God's sake, this man [Putin] cannot remain in power," United States President Joe Biden said this to a crowd in Warsaw, Poland on Saturday (March 26) while condemning Russia's month-long invasion of Ukraine. The comments appeared to be a call for Putin's exit and went viral in no time. However, it sent the Biden administration rushing course-correction and giving explanations. Biden's comments were delivered during the close of three days of marathon diplomacy. The remarks were termed a "horrendous gaffe" by one Republican senator. US Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), a ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told CNN: "He gave a good speech at the end, but as you pointed out already, there was a horrendous gaffe right at the end of it." During his address, Biden cast Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a battle in a much broader conflict between democracy and autocracy. "The battle for democracy could not conclude and did not conclude with the end of the Cold War. Over the last 30 years, the forces of autocracy have revived all across the globe," Biden said. ALSO READ | President Zelensky says Ukraine ready to discuss adopting neutral status Biden and other Western allies have been aiming at presenting a determined front against Russia's invasion. However, the 'regime change' comments had risks that could have, to some extent, jeopardised efforts being done to defuse the situation. In the aftermath of the incident, which apparently caught even US advisors off guard, the White House clarified within minutes that Biden was not advocating "regime change" in Russia. Hours earlier Biden had described the Russian President as a "butcher". US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that he thinks the President "made the point last night that", quite simply, President Putin cannot be empowered to wage war or engage in aggression against Ukraine or anyone else. "As you know, and as you have heard us say repeatedly, we do not have a strategy of regime change in Russia - or anywhere else, for that matter," he added. ALSO READ | 'Refrain from publishing': Russia warns media, says don't report interview with Zelensky The Russia and Ukraine conflict has already escalated with reports of multiple loss of lives and massive destruction. Amid all the chaos, such comments can act as a catalyst to aggravate the situation further. Even France's President Emmanuel Macron warned such language could "escalate" a conflict the United States and its NATO allies have sought at all costs to contain. It can even undercut Western efforts to help suffering Ukrainians. And as long as gaffes are concerned, Biden has a decades-long reputation for unfortunate off-the-cuff remarks. Risch said the president had again shot himself in the foot. He told the media outlet, "I wish he would stay on script." "I think most people who don’t deal in the lane of foreign relations don’t realize that those nine words that he uttered would cause the kind of eruption they did," Risch added. "Anytime you say, or even as he did suggest, that the policy was regime change, it’s gonna cause a huge problem," the senator added. Top media outlets and newspapers have previously listed his "top 10 gaffes of all time". The comments then a U-turn is a clear example that world leaders should keep a filter while speaking regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. WATCH | Biden admin's course-correction over 'regime change in Russia' remark ×

What does Joe Biden's 'horrendous gaffe' over Ukraine mean?

Turkey&nbsp;on Monday said a second mine which could have come from Ukraine was discovered off its coast near Bulgaria, adding that experts had been sent to defuse it.

Russia had warned more than a week ago that some aged mines that Ukrainians had deployed in the Black Sea against its invading troops had become dislodged from their cables by storms and could drift as far as the Straits of Bosphorus and the Mediterranean Sea.

On Monday, the Turkish defence ministry tweeted that "A mine was detected off Igneada near the Bulgarian border" on the Black Sea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-oligarchs-welcome-in-turkey-says-foreign-minister-mevlut-cavusoglu-465935">Russian oligarchs welcome in Turkey, says Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu</a>

"The mine has been secured... and an intervention launched to neutralise it," it said.

A first mine was found on Saturday and defused by the Turkish navy, after a fisherman had reported seeing it about two kilometres (1.2 miles) off Rumelifeneri, on the entrance of the Bosphorus north of Istanbul.

Ankara has spoken to Ukrainian and Russian authorities to follow up "coordination on this subject,"&nbsp;Turkey's defence minister said on Saturday.

In its warning on March 19, Russia's FSB security service said that "dilapidated" mines that Ukrainians had deployed against its forces had broken from their cables and were floating in the Black Sea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-world-cannot-burn-bridges-with-moscow-465999">Turkey says world cannot 'burn bridges' with Moscow</a>

Several days ago, Turkish authorities warned on the NAVTEX maritime alert system that there was a risk of mines floating from Ukrainian waters after being dislodged from their anchors by a storm.

Underwater mines normally have to be equipped with systems that render them harmless if they break free from their anchors.

But older mines could lack &nbsp;this safety measure, Turkish media reported.

Watch | Gravitas: Turkey taking advantage of war in Ukraine?

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Turkey on Monday said a second mine which could have come from Ukraine was discovered off its coast near Bulgaria, adding that experts had been sent to defuse it.

Turkey on Monday said a second mine which could have come from Ukraine was discovered off its coast near Bulgaria, adding that experts had been sent to defuse it. Russia had warned more than a week ago that some aged mines that Ukrainians had deployed in the Black Sea against its invading troops had become dislodged from their cables by storms and could drift as far as the Straits of Bosphorus and the Mediterranean Sea. On Monday, the Turkish defence ministry tweeted that "A mine was detected off Igneada near the Bulgarian border" on the Black Sea. Also read | Russian oligarchs welcome in Turkey, says Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu "The mine has been secured... and an intervention launched to neutralise it," it said. A first mine was found on Saturday and defused by the Turkish navy, after a fisherman had reported seeing it about two kilometres (1.2 miles) off Rumelifeneri, on the entrance of the Bosphorus north of Istanbul. Ankara has spoken to Ukrainian and Russian authorities to follow up "coordination on this subject," Turkey's defence minister said on Saturday. In its warning on March 19, Russia's FSB security service said that "dilapidated" mines that Ukrainians had deployed against its forces had broken from their cables and were floating in the Black Sea. Also read | Turkey says world cannot 'burn bridges' with Moscow Several days ago, Turkish authorities warned on the NAVTEX maritime alert system that there was a risk of mines floating from Ukrainian waters after being dislodged from their anchors by a storm. Underwater mines normally have to be equipped with systems that render them harmless if they break free from their anchors. But older mines could lack this safety measure, Turkish media reported. Watch | Gravitas: Turkey taking advantage of war in Ukraine?

Turkey says second mine found floating off its coast

Turkey&nbsp;and other nations must still talk to Russia to help end the war in Ukraine,&nbsp;Turkey's presidential spokesman said on Sunday, adding that Kyiv needed more support to defend itself.

NATO member&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;has good relations with both Russia and Ukraine and has sought to mediate in the month-long conflict.

"If everybody burns bridges with Russia then who is going to talk to them at the end of the day," Ibrahim Kalin told the Doha international forum.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leading-energy-analyst-says-russian-gas-sales-to-china-will-not-make-up-for-loss-of-european-markets-465956">Leading energy analyst says Russian gas sales to China 'will not make up for loss of European markets'</a>

"Ukrainians need to be supported by every means possible so they can defend themselves ... but the Russian case must be heard, one way or the other," so that its grievances could be understood if not justified, Kalin added.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has urged the West to give his country tanks, planes and missiles to fend off Russian forces. The West has responded to Russia's invasion by slapping sweeping economic sanctions on&nbsp;Moscow.

Ankara&nbsp;says&nbsp;Russia's invasion is unacceptable but opposes the Western sanctions on principle and has not joined them.

Turkey's economy, already strained by a December currency crisis, relies heavily on Russian energy, trade and tourism, and since the war began on Feb. 24 thousands of Russians have arrived in&nbsp;Turkey, seeing it as a safe haven from the sanctions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-turkeys-position-on-russian-s-400-missile-acquisition-remains-the-same-465488">Erdogan: Turkey's position on Russian S-400 missile acquisition remains the same</a>

Ahmet Burak Daglioglu, head of&nbsp;Turkey's investment office, told the forum separately that some Russian companies were relocating operations to&nbsp;Turkey.

Asked on a panel about&nbsp;Turkey&nbsp;doing business with any people which could be of benefit to President Vladimir Putin, he said: "We are not targeting, we are not chasing, we are not pursuing any investment or capital that has a question mark on it."

Two superyachts linked to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich have docked in Turkish resorts.

Western governments have targeted Abramovich and several other Russian oligarchs with sanctions as they seek to isolate Putin and his allies over&nbsp;Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine: Poland must send warplanes amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

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Turkey and other nations must still talk to Russia to help end the war in Ukraine, Turkey's presidential spokesman said on Sunday, adding that Kyiv needed more support to defend itself.

Turkey and other nations must still talk to Russia to help end the war in Ukraine, Turkey's presidential spokesman said on Sunday, adding that Kyiv needed more support to defend itself. NATO member Turkey has good relations with both Russia and Ukraine and has sought to mediate in the month-long conflict. "If everybody burns bridges with Russia then who is going to talk to them at the end of the day," Ibrahim Kalin told the Doha international forum. Also read | Leading energy analyst says Russian gas sales to China 'will not make up for loss of European markets' "Ukrainians need to be supported by every means possible so they can defend themselves ... but the Russian case must be heard, one way or the other," so that its grievances could be understood if not justified, Kalin added. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has urged the West to give his country tanks, planes and missiles to fend off Russian forces. The West has responded to Russia's invasion by slapping sweeping economic sanctions on Moscow. Ankara says Russia's invasion is unacceptable but opposes the Western sanctions on principle and has not joined them. Turkey's economy, already strained by a December currency crisis, relies heavily on Russian energy, trade and tourism, and since the war began on Feb. 24 thousands of Russians have arrived in Turkey, seeing it as a safe haven from the sanctions. Also read | Erdogan: Turkey's position on Russian S-400 missile acquisition remains the same Ahmet Burak Daglioglu, head of Turkey's investment office, told the forum separately that some Russian companies were relocating operations to Turkey. Asked on a panel about Turkey doing business with any people which could be of benefit to President Vladimir Putin, he said: "We are not targeting, we are not chasing, we are not pursuing any investment or capital that has a question mark on it." Two superyachts linked to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich have docked in Turkish resorts. Western governments have targeted Abramovich and several other Russian oligarchs with sanctions as they seek to isolate Putin and his allies over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Watch | Ukraine: Poland must send warplanes amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

Turkey says world cannot 'burn bridges' with Moscow

The play by Xiang Guangda,&nbsp;China's "Nickel&nbsp;King", was to use his influential market position to short the metal, wait for the price to drop, then soak up the rewards when the value bounced back.

But then Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;and things got complicated -- fast.

Russia is one of the world's biggest producers of&nbsp;nickel&nbsp;ore, a key component of batteries for electric vehicles.&nbsp;

As concussive Western sanctions over the invasion struck, the price of the silver-white metal rocketed to a record above $100,000 per tonne.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-army-fired-again-at-a-nuclear-research-facility-in-kharkiv-says-ukraine-465843">Russian army fired again at a nuclear research facility in Kharkiv, says Ukraine</a>

That was too high for Xiang and the entire metals sector, forcing the 145-year-old London Metals Exchange (LME) to suspend trading for a week and leaving&nbsp;nickel-reliant manufacturers struggling to digest the spike in costs.

Stuck in its positions -- reports estimate it was holding at least 100,000 tonnes -- Xiang's company Tsingshan Holdings Group&nbsp;was suddenly&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;hook&nbsp;for&nbsp;billions&nbsp;of dollars.

Tsingshan, the world's biggest&nbsp;nickel&nbsp;producer, has been forced to buy back a large number of&nbsp;nickel&nbsp;contracts at higher prices to reduce its exposure.

A Bloomberg News report estimates the buy-back has contributed to a loss of $8 billion, suggesting the firm may need a possible bailout by Chinese authorities.

"Xiang is a shrewd player, but he was caught off guard with the Russian issue," Li Bin, a&nbsp;nickel&nbsp;trader in Shanghai said.

When&nbsp;nickel&nbsp;trading resumed last week prices plunged to about $37,200 a tonne -- still 50 percent higher than in February -- as volatility courses through the market.&nbsp;

"After the historic squeeze,&nbsp;nickel&nbsp;is still struggling to find a price," Susan Zou, senior metals analyst at Rystad Energy said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-says-its-not-for-biden-to-say-if-putin-stays-in-power-465827">Kremlin says it's not for Biden to say if Putin stays in power</a>

&nbsp;Self-made tycoon&nbsp;

The market for&nbsp;nickel, essential to make batteries for EVs and a key alloy in stainless steel, is dominated by a handful of players.

Those include Tsingshan, headquartered&nbsp;on&nbsp;China's eastern seaboard.

It was founded by Xiang, a self-made billionaire who is known among Chinese&nbsp;nickel&nbsp;traders as the "Nickel&nbsp;King" and "Big Shot".&nbsp;

Xiang started his career as a mechanic in a state fishery and now owns two sprawling&nbsp;nickel&nbsp;manufacturing hubs in Indonesia.&nbsp;

Those include the Morowali industrial park that spans 2,000 hectares with 44,000 workers and its own airport and is seen as a guarantee a cheap supply of ore for Tsingshan's&nbsp;China-side furnaces.

After his short went wrong, Tsingshan has to either pay off its debts or prove it has sufficient deliverable&nbsp;nickel&nbsp;to repay in kind.

"We are closely watching his next move because it could still roil markets," said Li, the Shanghai&nbsp;nickel&nbsp;trader.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelensky-demands-military-hardware-from-west-asks-if-afraid-of-russia-465830">Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky demands military hardware from West, asks if afraid of Russia</a>

Those rising costs are already being felt by makers of EVs including Tesla and 20 other Chinese rivals such as Xpeng and BYD, which have all hiked vehicle prices over the past two weeks citing a rise in raw material costs.&nbsp;

"The price and supply shocks have pushed major battery makers to look for alternative metals to power electric vehicles," analyst Zou said.

Beijing to the rescue?&nbsp;

Beijing could step in to rescue Tsingshan, Chinese media including financial news site Yicai reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.

There are discussions over allowing the company to swap its low-grade&nbsp;nickel&nbsp;products that do not meet LME's quality standards with a purer form of the metal held in state stockpiles to settle its claims, Yicai said.

China&nbsp;is estimated to hold around 100,000 tonnes of&nbsp;nickel&nbsp;in state reserves, according to official data. Tsingshan and&nbsp;China's state reserves administration did not respond to requests for comment.&nbsp;

Xiang has moved markets before, most notably in 2018 when he released large volumes of&nbsp;nickel&nbsp;pig iron, a cheap alternative to pure&nbsp;nickel, that can be used to make stainless steel.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-delays-retirement-amid-rise-in-pension-costs-report-465866">China delays retirement amid rise in pension costs: Report</a>

"Xiang has always believed that because he is one of the world's biggest players with ultra-low costs, he could keep the&nbsp;nickel&nbsp;price under his thumb," said a former employee at Tsingshan, who declined to be named.

"He has always bet&nbsp;on&nbsp;nickel&nbsp;prices falling because his production cost in Indonesia is as low as $10,000 per tonne."&nbsp;

Now Xiang has to decide whether to slowly unwind his wager and at what price.&nbsp;

On&nbsp;March 14, Tsingshan said it had reached an agreement with banks to hold&nbsp;on&nbsp;to the company's&nbsp;nickel&nbsp;positions, signalling the billionaire was digging in his heels to ride out the crisis.

That could beat the LME further and lead to more price uncertainty for&nbsp;nickel, trader Li said, and create challenges for battery producers trying to replace petrol cars.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Smoke engulfs Lviv after powerful explosions rock the city

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-smoke-engulfs-lviv-after-powerful-explosions-rock-the-city-465828/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The play by Xiang Guangda, China's "Nickel King", was to use his influential market position to short the metal, wait for the price to drop, then soak up the rewards when the value bounced back.

The play by Xiang Guangda, China's "Nickel King", was to use his influential market position to short the metal, wait for the price to drop, then soak up the rewards when the value bounced back. But then Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine and things got complicated -- fast. Russia is one of the world's biggest producers of nickel ore, a key component of batteries for electric vehicles. As concussive Western sanctions over the invasion struck, the price of the silver-white metal rocketed to a record above $100,000 per tonne. Also read | Russian army fired again at a nuclear research facility in Kharkiv, says Ukraine That was too high for Xiang and the entire metals sector, forcing the 145-year-old London Metals Exchange (LME) to suspend trading for a week and leaving nickel-reliant manufacturers struggling to digest the spike in costs. Stuck in its positions -- reports estimate it was holding at least 100,000 tonnes -- Xiang's company Tsingshan Holdings Group was suddenly on the hook for billions of dollars. Tsingshan, the world's biggest nickel producer, has been forced to buy back a large number of nickel contracts at higher prices to reduce its exposure. A Bloomberg News report estimates the buy-back has contributed to a loss of $8 billion, suggesting the firm may need a possible bailout by Chinese authorities. "Xiang is a shrewd player, but he was caught off guard with the Russian issue," Li Bin, a nickel trader in Shanghai said. When nickel trading resumed last week prices plunged to about $37,200 a tonne -- still 50 percent higher than in February -- as volatility courses through the market. "After the historic squeeze, nickel is still struggling to find a price," Susan Zou, senior metals analyst at Rystad Energy said. Also read | Kremlin says it's not for Biden to say if Putin stays in power Self-made tycoon The market for nickel, essential to make batteries for EVs and a key alloy in stainless steel, is dominated by a handful of players. Those include Tsingshan, headquartered on China's eastern seaboard. It was founded by Xiang, a self-made billionaire who is known among Chinese nickel traders as the "Nickel King" and "Big Shot". Xiang started his career as a mechanic in a state fishery and now owns two sprawling nickel manufacturing hubs in Indonesia. Those include the Morowali industrial park that spans 2,000 hectares with 44,000 workers and its own airport and is seen as a guarantee a cheap supply of ore for Tsingshan's China-side furnaces. After his short went wrong, Tsingshan has to either pay off its debts or prove it has sufficient deliverable nickel to repay in kind. "We are closely watching his next move because it could still roil markets," said Li, the Shanghai nickel trader. Also read | Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky demands military hardware from West, asks if afraid of Russia Those rising costs are already being felt by makers of EVs including Tesla and 20 other Chinese rivals such as Xpeng and BYD, which have all hiked vehicle prices over the past two weeks citing a rise in raw material costs. "The price and supply shocks have pushed major battery makers to look for alternative metals to power electric vehicles," analyst Zou said. Beijing to the rescue? Beijing could step in to rescue Tsingshan, Chinese media including financial news site Yicai reported, citing sources familiar with the matter. There are discussions over allowing the company to swap its low-grade nickel products that do not meet LME's quality standards with a purer form of the metal held in state stockpiles to settle its claims, Yicai said. China is estimated to hold around 100,000 tonnes of nickel in state reserves, according to official data. Tsingshan and China's state reserves administration did not respond to requests for comment. Xiang has moved markets before, most notably in 2018 when he released large volumes of nickel pig iron, a cheap alternative to pure nickel, that can be used to make stainless steel. Also read | China delays retirement amid rise in pension costs: Report "Xiang has always believed that because he is one of the world's biggest players with ultra-low costs, he could keep the nickel price under his thumb," said a former employee at Tsingshan, who declined to be named. "He has always bet on nickel prices falling because his production cost in Indonesia is as low as $10,000 per tonne." Now Xiang has to decide whether to slowly unwind his wager and at what price. On March 14, Tsingshan said it had reached an agreement with banks to hold on to the company's nickel positions, signalling the billionaire was digging in his heels to ride out the crisis. That could beat the LME further and lead to more price uncertainty for nickel, trader Li said, and create challenges for battery producers trying to replace petrol cars. Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Smoke engulfs Lviv after powerful explosions rock the city

How Ukraine war left China's 'Nickel King' on hook for billions

Globalisation, which has both fans and detractors alike, is being tested like never before after the one-two punch of Covid and&nbsp;war.

The&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;had already raised questions about the&nbsp;world's reliance on an economic model that has broken trade barriers, but made countries heavily reliant on each other as production was delocalised over the decades.

Companies have been struggling to cope with major bottlenecks in the global supply chain.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-series-of-tweets-billionaire-elon-musk-suggests-new-platform-needed-to-compete-with-twitter-465871">In a series of tweets, billionaire Elon Musk suggests new platform needed to compete with Twitter</a>

Russia's&nbsp;war&nbsp;in Ukraine has raised fears about further disruptions, with everything from energy supplies to auto parts to exports of wheat and raw materials under threat.

Larry Fink, the head of financial giant BlackRock, put it bluntly: "The Russian invasion of Ukraine has put an end to the globalisation we have experienced over the last three decades."

"We had already seen connectivity between nations, companies and even people strained by two years of the&nbsp;pandemic," Fink wrote in a letter to shareholders on Thursday.

But US Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, disagrees.

"I really have to push back on that," she told CNBC in an interview.&nbsp;

"We're deeply involved in the global economy. I expect that to remain, it is something that has brought benefits to the United States, and many countries around the&nbsp;world."

An animal that evolves

Shortages of surgical masks at the outset of the&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;in 2020 became a symbol of the&nbsp;world's dependence on Chinese factories for all sorts of goods.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-army-fired-again-at-a-nuclear-research-facility-in-kharkiv-says-ukraine-465843">Russian army fired again at a nuclear research facility in Kharkiv, says Ukraine</a>

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has raised concerns about food shortages around the globe as the two agricultural powerhouses are among the major breadbaskets of the&nbsp;world.

It has also put a spotlight on Europe's -- and especially Germany's -- heavy dependence on gas supplies from Russia, now a state under crippling sanctions.

"A number of vulnerabilities" have emerged that show the limits of having supply chains spread out in different locations, the former director general of the&nbsp;World&nbsp;Trade Organization, Pascal Lamy, told AFP.

The global trade tensions have prompted the European Union, for instance, to seek "strategic autonomy" in critical sectors.

The production of semiconductors -- microchips that are vital to industries ranging from video games to cars -- is now a priority for Europe and the United States.

"The&nbsp;pandemic&nbsp;did not bring radical changes in terms of reshoring (bringing back business from overseas)," said Ferdi De Ville, professor at Ghent Institute for International &amp; European Studies.

"But this time it might be different because (the conflict) will have an impact on how businesses think about their investment decisions, their supply chains," he said.

"They have realised that what was maybe unthinkable before the past month has now become realistic, in terms of far-reaching sanctions," said de Ville, author of an article on "The end of&nbsp;globalisation&nbsp;as we know it".

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-people-are-not-our-enemy-us-president-joe-biden-says-465823">&nbsp;Russian people, are not our enemy, US President Joe Biden says</a>

The goal now is to redirect strategic dependence towards allies, what he coined as "friend-shoring" instead of "off-shoring".

A US-EU agreement Friday to create a task force to wean Europe off its reliance on Russian fossil fuels is the most recent example of friend-shoring.

For Lamy, this shows "there is no de-globalisation".

Globalisation, he said, is "an animal that evolves a lot".

Decoupling from China&nbsp;

Globalisation&nbsp;had already faced an existential crisis when former US president Donald Trump launched a trade&nbsp;war&nbsp;with China in 2018, triggering a tit-for-tat exchange of punitive tariffs.

His successor, Joe Biden, invoked the need to "buy American" in his sweeping investment plan to "rebuild America".

"We will buy American to make sure everything from&nbsp;the deck of an aircraft carrier to the steel on highway guardrails&nbsp;are made in America," he said in his State of the Union speech.

One concept that emerged during the Trump years was "decoupling" -- the idea of untangling the US and Chinese economies.

The threat has not subsided, especially with China refusing to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-says-its-not-for-biden-to-say-if-putin-stays-in-power-465827">Kremlin says it's not for Biden to say if Putin stays in power</a>

The United States has warned the&nbsp;world's second-biggest economy would face "consequences" if it provides material support to Russia in its&nbsp;war&nbsp;in Ukraine.

China already had other contentious issues with the West, such as Taiwan, the self-ruled democracy which Beijing has vowed to seize one day, by force if necessary.

"It is not in China's interest for now to go into competition with the West," said Xiaodong Bao, portfolio manager at the Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management firm.

But the&nbsp;war&nbsp;in Ukraine is a chance for China to reduce its reliance on the US dollar. The Wall Street Journal reported that Beijing is in talks with Saudi Arabia to buy oil in yuan instead of dollars.

"China will continue to build foundations for the future," Bao said. "The financial decoupling is accelerating."

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: The weapons being used in the Ukraine conflict

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-weapons-being-used-in-the-ukraine-conflict-464420/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Globalisation, which has both fans and detractors alike, is being tested like never before after the one-two punch of Covid and war. The pandemic had already raised questions about the world's reliance on an economic model that has broken trade barriers, but made countries heavily reliant on each other as production was delocalised over the decades.

Globalisation, which has both fans and detractors alike, is being tested like never before after the one-two punch of Covid and war. The pandemic had already raised questions about the world's reliance on an economic model that has broken trade barriers, but made countries heavily reliant on each other as production was delocalised over the decades. Companies have been struggling to cope with major bottlenecks in the global supply chain. Also read | In a series of tweets, billionaire Elon Musk suggests new platform needed to compete with Twitter Russia's war in Ukraine has raised fears about further disruptions, with everything from energy supplies to auto parts to exports of wheat and raw materials under threat. Larry Fink, the head of financial giant BlackRock, put it bluntly: "The Russian invasion of Ukraine has put an end to the globalisation we have experienced over the last three decades." "We had already seen connectivity between nations, companies and even people strained by two years of the pandemic," Fink wrote in a letter to shareholders on Thursday. But US Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, disagrees. "I really have to push back on that," she told CNBC in an interview. "We're deeply involved in the global economy. I expect that to remain, it is something that has brought benefits to the United States, and many countries around the world." An animal that evolves Shortages of surgical masks at the outset of the pandemic in 2020 became a symbol of the world's dependence on Chinese factories for all sorts of goods. Also read | Russian army fired again at a nuclear research facility in Kharkiv, says Ukraine The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has raised concerns about food shortages around the globe as the two agricultural powerhouses are among the major breadbaskets of the world. It has also put a spotlight on Europe's -- and especially Germany's -- heavy dependence on gas supplies from Russia, now a state under crippling sanctions. "A number of vulnerabilities" have emerged that show the limits of having supply chains spread out in different locations, the former director general of the World Trade Organization, Pascal Lamy, told AFP. The global trade tensions have prompted the European Union, for instance, to seek "strategic autonomy" in critical sectors. The production of semiconductors -- microchips that are vital to industries ranging from video games to cars -- is now a priority for Europe and the United States. "The pandemic did not bring radical changes in terms of reshoring (bringing back business from overseas)," said Ferdi De Ville, professor at Ghent Institute for International & European Studies. "But this time it might be different because (the conflict) will have an impact on how businesses think about their investment decisions, their supply chains," he said. "They have realised that what was maybe unthinkable before the past month has now become realistic, in terms of far-reaching sanctions," said de Ville, author of an article on "The end of globalisation as we know it". Also read | Russian people, are not our enemy, US President Joe Biden says The goal now is to redirect strategic dependence towards allies, what he coined as "friend-shoring" instead of "off-shoring". A US-EU agreement Friday to create a task force to wean Europe off its reliance on Russian fossil fuels is the most recent example of friend-shoring. For Lamy, this shows "there is no de-globalisation". Globalisation, he said, is "an animal that evolves a lot". Decoupling from China Globalisation had already faced an existential crisis when former US president Donald Trump launched a trade war with China in 2018, triggering a tit-for-tat exchange of punitive tariffs. His successor, Joe Biden, invoked the need to "buy American" in his sweeping investment plan to "rebuild America". "We will buy American to make sure everything from the deck of an aircraft carrier to the steel on highway guardrails are made in America," he said in his State of the Union speech. One concept that emerged during the Trump years was "decoupling" -- the idea of untangling the US and Chinese economies. The threat has not subsided, especially with China refusing to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Also read | Kremlin says it's not for Biden to say if Putin stays in power The United States has warned the world's second-biggest economy would face "consequences" if it provides material support to Russia in its war in Ukraine. China already had other contentious issues with the West, such as Taiwan, the self-ruled democracy which Beijing has vowed to seize one day, by force if necessary. "It is not in China's interest for now to go into competition with the West," said Xiaodong Bao, portfolio manager at the Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management firm. But the war in Ukraine is a chance for China to reduce its reliance on the US dollar. The Wall Street Journal reported that Beijing is in talks with Saudi Arabia to buy oil in yuan instead of dollars. "China will continue to build foundations for the future," Bao said. "The financial decoupling is accelerating." Watch | Gravitas: The weapons being used in the Ukraine conflict

New world order? Pandemic and war rattle globalisation

EU&nbsp;leaders have agreed for officials in Brussels to make&nbsp;joint&nbsp;gas&nbsp;purchases&nbsp;for the&nbsp;bloc&nbsp;as it struggles with high prices amid Russia's war on Ukraine, French President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;said on Friday. &nbsp;

"What we decided, for the first time, is that the European&nbsp;Commission&nbsp;will have a&nbsp;mandate&nbsp;to do&nbsp;joint&nbsp;procurement, which is exactly what we decided, remember, for vaccines at the time of the Covid crisis,"&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;told journalists after an&nbsp;EU&nbsp;summit in Brussels.

Discussions on energy dominated Friday's final session of the two-day summit, which on Thursday was given over to a show of Western unity against Russia by US President Joe Biden participating.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-main-goal-is-the-liberation-of-donbass-says-russian-general-465577">Ukraine war: Main goal is the liberation of Donbass, says Russian general</a>

On Friday, Biden and European&nbsp;Commission&nbsp;chief Ursula von der Leyen announced plans for Washington and Brussels to work together to source US and other alternative natural&nbsp;gas&nbsp;sources for Europe as it weans itself off Russian&nbsp;gas. &nbsp;

Formal conclusions from the second day of the summit said the&nbsp;joint-purchasing plan for&nbsp;gas&nbsp;and other&nbsp;Commission&nbsp;steps to mitigate high market prices would be "voluntary" and "time limited".

The&nbsp;joint&nbsp;purchases&nbsp;of&nbsp;gas&nbsp;would also be open to Ukraine and other non-EU&nbsp;countries, including Western Balkans ones and Georgia and Moldova.

EU&nbsp;leaders recognised that, inside the&nbsp;bloc, the needs and energy mixes of the&nbsp;bloc's 27 nations varied widely.

Some, in the east, were deeply dependent on Russian&nbsp;gas, while others such as Spain and Portugal found themselves less connected to the rest of Europe in terms of supply lines.

"It's a bit tricky," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, explaining that it would fall on private companies across Europe that have existing contracts to buy&nbsp;gas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/eu-negotiators-agree-landmark-law-to-curb-big-tech-465332">EU negotiators agree landmark law to curb Big Tech</a>

Summit discussions on the issue were very technical and dragged out because, as Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte put it, it involves "literally thousands of contracts, hundreds of parties and also has a very big difference between regions, between member states".

The&nbsp;Commission&nbsp;has been told to come back to leaders with a "comprehensive and ambitious plan" on how to phase out Russian coal and&nbsp;gas&nbsp;while not exacerbating price hikes by the end of May.

Short-term measures such as energy tax cuts and price capping are to be looked at -- but with the proviso that the fundamentals of market trading were not undercut.

EU&nbsp;officials admitted that, even with alternative&nbsp;gas&nbsp;sources being hunted for, Europe faced a very tight market and supply risks -- especially with the debate over expanding sanctions to Russian&nbsp;gas&nbsp;still kicking around.

They predicted that&nbsp;EU&nbsp;leaders would soon have to put forward measures to encourage dampening demand -- something that could be felt by European households next winter as heating bills shoot up.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: YouTube blocks WION for 7 days

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-youtube-blocks-wion-for-7-days-465574/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

EU leaders have agreed for officials in Brussels to make joint gas purchases for the bloc as it struggles with high prices amid Russia's war on Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday.

EU leaders have agreed for officials in Brussels to make joint gas purchases for the bloc as it struggles with high prices amid Russia's war on Ukraine, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday. "What we decided, for the first time, is that the European Commission will have a mandate to do joint procurement, which is exactly what we decided, remember, for vaccines at the time of the Covid crisis," Macron told journalists after an EU summit in Brussels. Discussions on energy dominated Friday's final session of the two-day summit, which on Thursday was given over to a show of Western unity against Russia by US President Joe Biden participating. Also read | Ukraine war: Main goal is the liberation of Donbass, says Russian general On Friday, Biden and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen announced plans for Washington and Brussels to work together to source US and other alternative natural gas sources for Europe as it weans itself off Russian gas. Formal conclusions from the second day of the summit said the joint-purchasing plan for gas and other Commission steps to mitigate high market prices would be "voluntary" and "time limited". The joint purchases of gas would also be open to Ukraine and other non-EU countries, including Western Balkans ones and Georgia and Moldova. EU leaders recognised that, inside the bloc, the needs and energy mixes of the bloc's 27 nations varied widely. Some, in the east, were deeply dependent on Russian gas, while others such as Spain and Portugal found themselves less connected to the rest of Europe in terms of supply lines. "It's a bit tricky," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, explaining that it would fall on private companies across Europe that have existing contracts to buy gas. Also read | EU negotiators agree landmark law to curb Big Tech Summit discussions on the issue were very technical and dragged out because, as Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte put it, it involves "literally thousands of contracts, hundreds of parties and also has a very big difference between regions, between member states". The Commission has been told to come back to leaders with a "comprehensive and ambitious plan" on how to phase out Russian coal and gas while not exacerbating price hikes by the end of May. Short-term measures such as energy tax cuts and price capping are to be looked at -- but with the proviso that the fundamentals of market trading were not undercut. EU officials admitted that, even with alternative gas sources being hunted for, Europe faced a very tight market and supply risks -- especially with the debate over expanding sanctions to Russian gas still kicking around. They predicted that EU leaders would soon have to put forward measures to encourage dampening demand -- something that could be felt by European households next winter as heating bills shoot up. Watch | Gravitas: YouTube blocks WION for 7 days

EU Commission to get mandate for bloc's joint gas purchases: Emmanuel Macron

A semi-professional female soccer team which fled war in Ukraine has found a new training ground and shelter at the German Bundesliga club- 1. FC Cologne.

Ukrainian Female Footballers have found a new training ground

Russian reformer Anatoly Chubais has left his post as Russian President Vladimir Putin's envoy for stable development, over Moscow's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

Russian reformer Anatoly Chubais resigns job as Putin's envoy over Ukraine conflict

Amidst the shelling, sandbags and security forces clashing, these musicians are playing to add their bit of sweetness to the bitter air in Odesa, Ukraine.

Melodious background to Ukraine's bitter reality

WION's Anas Mallick brings you exclusive ground report of refugees trying to enter Poland from Ukraine during his travel from Lviv to Medyka.

WION special report: Travelling from Lviv to Medyka

At least eight people have been killed after a Russian missile attack on Ukrainian capital Kyiv destroyed a shopping mall, with rescue teams still combing the rubble for survivors.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict Update: Russia shells shopping centre in Kyiv, 8 killed

The trauma of war continues to overshadow Ukraine's besieged capital here's a report from a children's hospital in Kyiv.

Gloom surrounds Kyiv's largest children hospital as it faces trauma of war

The Ukrainian authorities have claimed that Russia has deployed its special assassination group to eliminate the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Intel reports: Wagner mercenaries in Kyiv with orders to kill Ukrainian President Zelensky

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Friday rejected the request filed by the Football Union of Russia (FUR) to stay, for the duration of the CAS proceedings, the execution of the FIFA Council's decision to suspend all Russian teams and clubs from participation in its competitions until further notice.

Accordingly, the Challenged Decision remains in force and all Russian teams and clubs continue to be suspended from participation in FIFA competitions.

"The CAS arbitration proceedings continue. A Panel of arbitrators is currently being constituted and the parties are exchanging written submissions. No hearing has been fixed yet," CAS in a statement said.

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Russia is due to play Poland in a World Cup qualifier later this month, with the winner of the tie playing either Sweden or the Czech Republic for a place at the finals in Qatar.

On February 28, following the initial decisions adopted by the FIFA Council and the UEFA Executive Committee, which envisaged the adoption of additional measures, FIFA and UEFA decided together that all Russian teams, whether national representative teams or club teams, shall be suspended from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Friday rejected the request filed by the Football Union of Russia (FUR) to stay, for the duration of the CAS proceedings, the execution of the FIFA Council's decision to suspend all Russian teams and clubs from participation in its competitions until further notice.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Friday rejected the request filed by the Football Union of Russia (FUR) to stay, for the duration of the CAS proceedings, the execution of the FIFA Council's decision to suspend all Russian teams and clubs from participation in its competitions until further notice. Accordingly, the Challenged Decision remains in force and all Russian teams and clubs continue to be suspended from participation in FIFA competitions. "The CAS arbitration proceedings continue. A Panel of arbitrators is currently being constituted and the parties are exchanging written submissions. No hearing has been fixed yet," CAS in a statement said. ALSO READ: PL: Liverpool win to narrow gap with toppers Man City; Harry Kane strikes as Spurs ease past Brighton Russia is due to play Poland in a World Cup qualifier later this month, with the winner of the tie playing either Sweden or the Czech Republic for a place at the finals in Qatar. On February 28, following the initial decisions adopted by the FIFA Council and the UEFA Executive Committee, which envisaged the adoption of additional measures, FIFA and UEFA decided together that all Russian teams, whether national representative teams or club teams, shall be suspended from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice.

CAS upholds FIFA Council's decision to suspend all Russian teams and clubs

The Swiss tennis great Roger Federer has said he is 'horrified'&nbsp;and 'heartbroken'&nbsp;by the war in Ukraine, offering financial help for Ukrainian children.

Federer wrote on social media on Friday that his foundation will donate $500,000 "to establish access to continued schooling for Ukrainian children." 
 
"My family and I are horrified seeing pictures from Ukraine and heartbroken for the innocent people who have been so terribly affected," Federer wrote on Twitter. 
 
"We stand for peace. We will provide assistance to children from Ukraine who need care, about six million Ukrainian children are currently out of school. We know it's a very critical time to provide access to education and would like to support them to deal with this extremely traumatic experience."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-wells-andrey-rublev-eases-past-bulgarias-grigor-dimitrov-to-enter-semi-finals-463666">Indian Wells: Andrey Rublev eases past Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov to enter semi-finals</a> 
 
"Through the Roger Federer Foundation, we will be supporting 'War Child Holland'&nbsp;with a donation of $500,000 to establish access to continued schooling for Ukrainian children," he said. 
 
Countries across Europe have provided shelter to people from Ukraine, and Federer -- the winner of 20 Grand Slam titles -- is keen to ensure children are not left behind.

The Swiss tennis great set up a foundation in 2003 to help provide opportunities for children to have a good education.

The Swiss tennis great Roger Federer has said he is 'horrified' and 'heartbroken' by the war in Ukraine, offering financial help for Ukrainian children. Federer wrote on social media on Friday that his foundation will donate $500,000 "to establish access to continued schooling for Ukrainian children.

The Swiss tennis great Roger Federer has said he is 'horrified' and 'heartbroken' by the war in Ukraine, offering financial help for Ukrainian children. Federer wrote on social media on Friday that his foundation will donate $500,000 "to establish access to continued schooling for Ukrainian children." "My family and I are horrified seeing pictures from Ukraine and heartbroken for the innocent people who have been so terribly affected," Federer wrote on Twitter. "We stand for peace. We will provide assistance to children from Ukraine who need care, about six million Ukrainian children are currently out of school. We know it's a very critical time to provide access to education and would like to support them to deal with this extremely traumatic experience." ALSO READ: Indian Wells: Andrey Rublev eases past Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov to enter semi-finals "Through the Roger Federer Foundation, we will be supporting 'War Child Holland' with a donation of $500,000 to establish access to continued schooling for Ukrainian children," he said. Countries across Europe have provided shelter to people from Ukraine, and Federer -- the winner of 20 Grand Slam titles -- is keen to ensure children are not left behind. The Swiss tennis great set up a foundation in 2003 to help provide opportunities for children to have a good education.

Roger Federer announce financial help of USD 500,000 towards education of Ukrainian children

The&nbsp;International&nbsp;Energy&nbsp;Agency&nbsp;on Friday urged governments to urgently implement measures to cut global oil consumption within months following supply fears stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The&nbsp;IEA&nbsp;also called on the OPEC+ group of oil-producing nations led by Saudi Arabia and Russia to help "relieve the strain" on markets, while warning that the world faced the biggest shock to supply "in decades".

The outbreak of war in Ukraine has sent prices for the fuel up sharply and led to major economies, such as the United States and Canada, sanctioning Russia by banning imports of oil.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/appalling-ivanna-klympush-slams-macron-for-ruling-out-fast-tracking-eu-membership-for-ukraine-463436">'Appalling': Ivanna Klympush slams Macron for ruling out fast-tracking EU membership for Ukraine</a>

The&nbsp;IEA&nbsp;warned earlier this week of the risk of a global supply crisis as major oil companies, trading houses, shipping firms and banks have shunned Russia.

With the threat that supplies of Russian oil could be cut even more, "there is a real risk that markets tighten further and oil prices escalate significantly in the coming months" as the world enters its peak demand season, the&nbsp;IEA&nbsp;said.

"As a result of Russia's appalling aggression against Ukraine, the world may well be facing its biggest oil supply shock in decades, with huge implications for our economies and societies,"&nbsp;IEA&nbsp;Executive Director Fatih Birol said in a statement.

US pressures OPEC

Increases in supply of the crucial commodity "would not be able to ease the current strains" after the "disappointing outcome" of a recent monthly meeting of OPEC+, the&nbsp;IEA&nbsp;report concluded.

The OPEC+ group has resisted US pressure to step up production for months, agreeing only to modest increases in output at its regular meetings, even after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/by-labeling-putin-a-war-criminal-biden-personalizes-the-conflict-463414">By labeling Putin a 'war criminal,' Biden personalizes the conflict</a>

The&nbsp;IEA&nbsp;was hoping for "some good messages which could help to relieve the strain on the oil markets" after the group's next meeting on March 31, Birol said at a press conference to present a plan to cut demand.

The 10 proposals put forward by the&nbsp;IEA&nbsp;could cut oil consumption among advanced economies "by 2.7 million barrels a day within the next four months", it said.

The measures, put forward together with the French government, could reduce consumption among those countries by 2.7 million barrels a day, while these currently consume between 44 and 45 million barrels a day, according to&nbsp;IEA&nbsp;estimates.

Together the world's advanced economies account for "around 45 per cent of global oil demand", it said.

The proposals, principally targeted at transport, included reducing speed limits, working from home three days a week, car-free Sundays, cheaper public transport and greater use of long-distance trains over planes.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Global Headlines: Ukraine refugee crisis, Fresh strike in Kyiv and more

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The International Energy Agency on Friday urged governments to urgently implement measures to cut global oil consumption within months following supply fears stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The International Energy Agency on Friday urged governments to urgently implement measures to cut global oil consumption within months following supply fears stemming from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The IEA also called on the OPEC+ group of oil-producing nations led by Saudi Arabia and Russia to help "relieve the strain" on markets, while warning that the world faced the biggest shock to supply "in decades". The outbreak of war in Ukraine has sent prices for the fuel up sharply and led to major economies, such as the United States and Canada, sanctioning Russia by banning imports of oil. Also read | 'Appalling': Ivanna Klympush slams Macron for ruling out fast-tracking EU membership for Ukraine The IEA warned earlier this week of the risk of a global supply crisis as major oil companies, trading houses, shipping firms and banks have shunned Russia. With the threat that supplies of Russian oil could be cut even more, "there is a real risk that markets tighten further and oil prices escalate significantly in the coming months" as the world enters its peak demand season, the IEA said. "As a result of Russia's appalling aggression against Ukraine, the world may well be facing its biggest oil supply shock in decades, with huge implications for our economies and societies," IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said in a statement. US pressures OPEC Increases in supply of the crucial commodity "would not be able to ease the current strains" after the "disappointing outcome" of a recent monthly meeting of OPEC+, the IEA report concluded. The OPEC+ group has resisted US pressure to step up production for months, agreeing only to modest increases in output at its regular meetings, even after Russia invaded Ukraine. Also read | By labeling Putin a 'war criminal,' Biden personalizes the conflict The IEA was hoping for "some good messages which could help to relieve the strain on the oil markets" after the group's next meeting on March 31, Birol said at a press conference to present a plan to cut demand. The 10 proposals put forward by the IEA could cut oil consumption among advanced economies "by 2.7 million barrels a day within the next four months", it said. The measures, put forward together with the French government, could reduce consumption among those countries by 2.7 million barrels a day, while these currently consume between 44 and 45 million barrels a day, according to IEA estimates. Together the world's advanced economies account for "around 45 per cent of global oil demand", it said. The proposals, principally targeted at transport, included reducing speed limits, working from home three days a week, car-free Sundays, cheaper public transport and greater use of long-distance trains over planes. Watch | Gravitas: Global Headlines: Ukraine refugee crisis, Fresh strike in Kyiv and more

IEA urges 'emergency measures' to cut oil use over supply fears

Its been three weeks since Russian invasion of Ukraine dominated the headlines. Russia believes that it was betrayed by the West, the promise made by NATO that it will not expand to the east. Is Ukraine paying for NATO's gambles?

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Is Ukraine paying for NATO's gambles?

As the Russian invasion into Ukraine enters the fourth week, there is no end to aggression in the Northeast region of Ukraine. The city of Kharkiv continues to face persistent bombardment by the Russian troops.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: 3 killed and 5 injured in Kharkiv during shelling