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."

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"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.

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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.

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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

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-global-headlines-ukraine-refugee-crisis-fresh-strike-in-kyiv-and-more-463271/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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

President Joe Biden said that the US has offered Ukraine $1bn in security aid, adding America will continue to give Ukraine weapons to fight and defend themselves.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: US President Joe Biden announces $1bn arms aid to Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued an urgent plea to the United States as he addressed a special joint session of Congress via video. He called for the US to "do more" to help his country's fight against Russia.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: President Zelensky calls on US to 'do more' to in his speech to Congress

'Over 2,500 civilians have been killed in Russian army attacks on the besieged city of Mariupol, Ukraine', said Oleksiy Arestovych, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Over 2,500 civilians killed in Russian attacks on Mariupol

In 2013 he achieved one of the great shocks in tennis history, knocking defending champion Roger Federer out of Wimbledon.

Today, the Ukranian player Sergiy Stakhovsky is a volunteer fighter on a military patrol in Kyiv, which he vows to defend "to the end" against Russian forces.

Now 36, he looks much the same as the journeyman player ranked 116 in the world who lay stretched out in his tennis whites on the hallowed London turf after toppling Federer in the second round nine years ago.

But his outfit now could not be more different as he patrols Maidan Square, symbol of Ukraine's "fight for democracy", armed with a Kalashnikov, a pistol in his belt and his 1.93 metre (6 ft 4 in) frame dressed in khaki camouflage.

"I cannot say that I feel comfortable around a rifle. I am not sure how I am going to react to shooting at somebody," he tells AFP. "I wish I would never have to be preoccupied with these things."

It's been just over two weeks since he returned to Ukraine and signed up for the territorial brigade, the volunteers tasked with helping the army against the Russian invasion launched on February 24.

"I knew I had to go there", he says.

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"Despair"

On the eve of the invasion Stakhovsky was on holiday in Dubai with his wife and three children aged four, six and eight, having hung up his racquet as a professional player in January after the Australian Open.

The next day, after seeing the television images of Russian bombs falling on his homeland, he says he was plunged into a mixture of "despair" and "misery".

Much of his family still lived in Ukraine. He spent the next three days at the hotel in a blur as he tried to get information about the situation on the ground, to find shelter for people

"I was full of adrenaline, I slept three or four hours (overall), I didn't eat".

He then told his wife he had decided to go back.

"My wife was really upset, I mean, she knew, she understood but she was really upset," he said. But "now she understands that I couldn't really do it other way".

The heartbreaking decision torments him every time he thinks of his family.

"Leaving the kids is not something I'm proud of," he says.

"My kids don't know that I'm here, well, they know that I'm not at home, but they don't know what war is and I'm trying to not get them involved. I told them I'd be right back, it's been 15 days now... And God knows how many more it's going to be".

Like all Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60, Stakhovsky is eligible for call-up by the army and cannot leave the country when the country is at war.

He says that he finds the strength to go because of his countrymen, whom he has seen sign up "in their thousands".

"If we don't stand up, we don't have a country to live in," he said.

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Federer hopes for peace

The former tennis pro now carries out two patrols a day lasting two hours each to guard the centre of Kyiv from possible infiltrations, particularly around the palace of President Volodymyr Zelensky, the hero of the resistance against Moscow.

"Listen, I am here on foot patrolling," he said, adding of Zelensky that he was "remarkably brave and knows what he's doing, and we all believe he knows what he's doing."

People from "India to South America" have sent thousands of messages of support and asking how they can help Ukraine, says Stakhovsky.

Among those are "hundreds" of professional tennis players who have not forgotten their former colleague, who rose to a world ranking of 31 in 2010 and was an unofficial spokesman for junior players.

Tennis legends have also offered their support -- including the man he stunned at Wimbledon, Roger Federer himself.

"He said that he wishes that there will be peace soon," said the Ukranian, adding that Federer and his wife were trying to help Ukranian children through their foundation.

One message that particularly touched him came from Serbian world number two Novak Djokovic.

"He lived through this when he was young so he knows exactly what our kids are going through. So from him that message is, I would say, more heavy in terms of meaning."

As the Russians close in on Kyiv there are fears it could face the same fate as destroyed cities like Kharkiv and Mariupol.

"That's disturbing", he said, because "they don't care whether they're going to kill a child or military personel, they just don't care".

In 2013 he achieved one of the great shocks in tennis history, knocking defending champion Roger Federer out of Wimbledon. Today, the Ukranian player Sergiy Stakhovsky is a volunteer fighter on a military patrol in Kyiv, which he vows to defend "to the end" against Russian forces.

In 2013 he achieved one of the great shocks in tennis history, knocking defending champion Roger Federer out of Wimbledon. Today, the Ukranian player Sergiy Stakhovsky is a volunteer fighter on a military patrol in Kyiv, which he vows to defend "to the end" against Russian forces. Now 36, he looks much the same as the journeyman player ranked 116 in the world who lay stretched out in his tennis whites on the hallowed London turf after toppling Federer in the second round nine years ago. But his outfit now could not be more different as he patrols Maidan Square, symbol of Ukraine's "fight for democracy", armed with a Kalashnikov, a pistol in his belt and his 1.93 metre (6 ft 4 in) frame dressed in khaki camouflage. "I cannot say that I feel comfortable around a rifle. I am not sure how I am going to react to shooting at somebody," he tells AFP. "I wish I would never have to be preoccupied with these things." It's been just over two weeks since he returned to Ukraine and signed up for the territorial brigade, the volunteers tasked with helping the army against the Russian invasion launched on February 24. "I knew I had to go there", he says. ALSO READ: IPL 2022: Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya fit to play, Delhi Capitals' Prithvi Shaw fails Yo-Yo Test "Despair" On the eve of the invasion Stakhovsky was on holiday in Dubai with his wife and three children aged four, six and eight, having hung up his racquet as a professional player in January after the Australian Open. The next day, after seeing the television images of Russian bombs falling on his homeland, he says he was plunged into a mixture of "despair" and "misery". Much of his family still lived in Ukraine. He spent the next three days at the hotel in a blur as he tried to get information about the situation on the ground, to find shelter for people "I was full of adrenaline, I slept three or four hours (overall), I didn't eat". He then told his wife he had decided to go back. "My wife was really upset, I mean, she knew, she understood but she was really upset," he said. But "now she understands that I couldn't really do it other way". The heartbreaking decision torments him every time he thinks of his family. "Leaving the kids is not something I'm proud of," he says. "My kids don't know that I'm here, well, they know that I'm not at home, but they don't know what war is and I'm trying to not get them involved. I told them I'd be right back, it's been 15 days now... And God knows how many more it's going to be". Like all Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60, Stakhovsky is eligible for call-up by the army and cannot leave the country when the country is at war. He says that he finds the strength to go because of his countrymen, whom he has seen sign up "in their thousands". "If we don't stand up, we don't have a country to live in," he said. ALSO READ: Indian Wells: Simona Halep registers clinical win over Petra Martic, Iga Swiatek storms into semifinal Federer hopes for peace The former tennis pro now carries out two patrols a day lasting two hours each to guard the centre of Kyiv from possible infiltrations, particularly around the palace of President Volodymyr Zelensky, the hero of the resistance against Moscow. "Listen, I am here on foot patrolling," he said, adding of Zelensky that he was "remarkably brave and knows what he's doing, and we all believe he knows what he's doing." People from "India to South America" have sent thousands of messages of support and asking how they can help Ukraine, says Stakhovsky. Among those are "hundreds" of professional tennis players who have not forgotten their former colleague, who rose to a world ranking of 31 in 2010 and was an unofficial spokesman for junior players. Tennis legends have also offered their support -- including the man he stunned at Wimbledon, Roger Federer himself. "He said that he wishes that there will be peace soon," said the Ukranian, adding that Federer and his wife were trying to help Ukranian children through their foundation. One message that particularly touched him came from Serbian world number two Novak Djokovic. "He lived through this when he was young so he knows exactly what our kids are going through. So from him that message is, I would say, more heavy in terms of meaning." As the Russians close in on Kyiv there are fears it could face the same fate as destroyed cities like Kharkiv and Mariupol. "That's disturbing", he said, because "they don't care whether they're going to kill a child or military personel, they just don't care".

Tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky swaps racket for rifle, joins Ukraine army amid Russian invasion

As the Russian-Ukrainian conflict enters its 4th week, the Russian president Putin delivered a stark warning to West and called for natural unnecessary cleansing of the Russian society. The Kremlin leader said the West was enforced using the fifth column to try and divide the Russian society. He accused the Western alliance of funding misinformation to cause civil friction so as to achieve the ultimate goal of Russian destruction.

Kremlin President Vladimir Putin delivers stark warning to West

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Russia to immediately suspend its military action in Ukraine, saying it is profoundly concerned by Moscow’s use of force.

World court orders Russia to immediately halt invasion of Ukraine

At least one person was killed and three wounded after remains of a downed missile hit a residential building in the Ukranian capital Kyiv. WION's Anas Mallick brings you more insights.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Remains of downed missile hit residential building

US Embassy in Ukraine on Wednesday said that Russian troops shot and killed 10 people standing in line for bread in the Ukranian city of Chernihiv.

Ukraine: 10 civilians killed while queuing to collect bread in Chernihiv

After bolting to Ukraine to escape political persecution in her native Belarus, Olympic swimmer Aliaksandra Herasimenia never thought she would again be forced to flee, this time to save her family from Russian attack.

Herasimenia, a three-time Olympic medallist, found herself among thousands of Ukrainians massing at the border with Poland as Russian troops advanced on Kyiv.

On the second day of the Russian invasion last month, Herasimenia and her husband, Olympic swimmer Yauhen Tsurkin, scrambled to pack some belongings and set off on a 12-hour car ride to the Polish border with their young daughter and Herasimenia's mother.

With explosions resounding in the background as they inched along congested roads, Herasimenia reassured her three-and-a-half-year-old daughter, telling her it was only thunder.

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"Of course I had to make something up because how do you explain to a child that war has started?" Herasimenia, who is now in Warsaw with her family, told Reuters.

Herasimenia was among the elite athletes who fled Belarus in the wake of a crackdown against those who protested what they said was the fraudulent re-election of Alexander Lukashenko in August 2020.

Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has denied any wrongdoing.

Russia has used Belarusian territory to launch a multi-pronged invasion of Ukraine, where many Belarusians settled after escaping persecution at home. Moscow says it is conducting a "special military operation" to disarm and "denazify" Ukraine.

"We've been running for a long time," said Herasimenia, whose family waited for nearly a day and a half at Ukraine's border with Poland.

"Those who left were the best of Belarusian society, those who were against what happened after the election, those who spoke out against the violence and expressed their position."

'FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM'

Herasimenia heads the Belarusian Sport Solidarity Foundation, a group that supports athletes who have been jailed or otherwise punished for their political views.

These include Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, a sprinter who defected at the Tokyo Olympics last year after being removed from the Games against her will by coaches.

Following a recommendation by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), several international sports federations have barred both Russian and Belarusian athletes from taking part in international events because of the invasion of Ukraine.

The foundation has backed the decision to ban Belarusian athletes but says it supports efforts by those who voiced opposition to Lukashenko to compete independently.

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It is also determined to fight discrimination against Belarusians now that their country is viewed an "aggressor" by the public in many Western countries, Herasimenia said.

"A year and a half ago, we were the ones who were fighting for our rights, our freedom," said Herasimenia, who won silver in both the 100m and 50m freestyle at the 2012 London Games, and bronze in the 50m freestyle at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

"We called on the Europeans, Americans and everyone in Ukraine for help.

We warned that Lukashenko was very dangerous.

"It's as if this never happened... No difference is being made between those who support Lukashenko and those who fought against him."

After bolting to Ukraine to escape political persecution in her native Belarus, Olympic swimmer Aliaksandra Herasimenia never thought she would again be forced to flee, this time to save her family from Russian attack.

After bolting to Ukraine to escape political persecution in her native Belarus, Olympic swimmer Aliaksandra Herasimenia never thought she would again be forced to flee, this time to save her family from Russian attack. Herasimenia, a three-time Olympic medallist, found herself among thousands of Ukrainians massing at the border with Poland as Russian troops advanced on Kyiv. On the second day of the Russian invasion last month, Herasimenia and her husband, Olympic swimmer Yauhen Tsurkin, scrambled to pack some belongings and set off on a 12-hour car ride to the Polish border with their young daughter and Herasimenia's mother. With explosions resounding in the background as they inched along congested roads, Herasimenia reassured her three-and-a-half-year-old daughter, telling her it was only thunder. ALSO READ: Atletico Madrid win at Old Trafford to knock out Cristiano Ronaldo-starrer Manchester United "Of course I had to make something up because how do you explain to a child that war has started?" Herasimenia, who is now in Warsaw with her family, told Reuters. Herasimenia was among the elite athletes who fled Belarus in the wake of a crackdown against those who protested what they said was the fraudulent re-election of Alexander Lukashenko in August 2020. Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has denied any wrongdoing. Russia has used Belarusian territory to launch a multi-pronged invasion of Ukraine, where many Belarusians settled after escaping persecution at home. Moscow says it is conducting a "special military operation" to disarm and "denazify" Ukraine. "We've been running for a long time," said Herasimenia, whose family waited for nearly a day and a half at Ukraine's border with Poland. "Those who left were the best of Belarusian society, those who were against what happened after the election, those who spoke out against the violence and expressed their position." 'FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM' Herasimenia heads the Belarusian Sport Solidarity Foundation, a group that supports athletes who have been jailed or otherwise punished for their political views. These include Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, a sprinter who defected at the Tokyo Olympics last year after being removed from the Games against her will by coaches. Following a recommendation by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), several international sports federations have barred both Russian and Belarusian athletes from taking part in international events because of the invasion of Ukraine. The foundation has backed the decision to ban Belarusian athletes but says it supports efforts by those who voiced opposition to Lukashenko to compete independently. ALSO READ: Chicago Cubs owners teams up with Citadel founder Ken Griffin to bid for Chelsea Football Club It is also determined to fight discrimination against Belarusians now that their country is viewed an "aggressor" by the public in many Western countries, Herasimenia said. "A year and a half ago, we were the ones who were fighting for our rights, our freedom," said Herasimenia, who won silver in both the 100m and 50m freestyle at the 2012 London Games, and bronze in the 50m freestyle at the 2016 Rio Olympics. "We called on the Europeans, Americans and everyone in Ukraine for help. We warned that Lukashenko was very dangerous. "It's as if this never happened... No difference is being made between those who support Lukashenko and those who fought against him."

Olympic medallist Aliaksandra Herasimenia, who fled Belarus, forced into exile again as Ukraine attacked

Spanish club Real Madrid will donate one million euros ($1.10 million) to help those displaced in Ukraine following Russia`s invasion, the LaLiga leaders said on Wednesday.

Real said the funds would be donated to the Red Cross, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other organisations working on the ground in Ukraine.

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The UNHCR said approximately 2.97 million refugees have so far fled Ukraine, roughly 7% of the country's population, since Russia's invasion began on Feb. 24.

Spanish club Real Madrid will donate one million euros ($1.10 million) to help those displaced in Ukraine following Russia`s invasion, the LaLiga leaders said on Wednesday.

Spanish club Real Madrid will donate one million euros ($1.10 million) to help those displaced in Ukraine following Russia`s invasion, the LaLiga leaders said on Wednesday. Real said the funds would be donated to the Red Cross, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other organisations working on the ground in Ukraine. ALSO READ: Atletico Madrid win at Old Trafford to knock out Cristiano Ronaldo-starrer Manchester United The UNHCR said approximately 2.97 million refugees have so far fled Ukraine, roughly 7% of the country's population, since Russia's invasion began on Feb. 24.

Real Madrid to donate one million euros to help displaced in Ukraine amid Russia's invasion

Women's Tennis Association (WTA) head Steve Simon has said that individual athletes should not be penalised for "decisions of an authoritarian leadership" amid concerns that players from Russia and Belarus could be blocked from competing in tournaments.

Russian and Belarusian players are allowed to play on the elite ATP and WTA Tours but not under the name or flag of their countries following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, for which Belarus was a key staging area.

Russia was also banned from defending its Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup team titles as a result of what the country calls a "special military operation."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-wells-defending-champion-paula-badosa-beat-leylah-fernandez-iga-swiatek-simona-halep-enter-quarters-462850">Indian Wells: Defending champion Paula Badosa beats Leylah Fernandez; Iga Swiatek, Simona Halep enter quarters</a>

Several sports have banned individual athletes from Russia and Belarus and Simon said he was unsure what else was in store for tennis players.

"You never know what the future may bring," Simon told the BBC.

"But I can tell you that we have never banned athletes from participating on our tour as the result of political positions their leadership may take."

"So it would take something very significant for that to change, but again we don't know where this is going."

British Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said on Tuesday that U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev may have to provide assurances that he does not support Russian President Vladimir Putin if he is to compete at this year's Wimbledon.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-is-an-honour-to-play-alongside-jhulan-goswami-mithali-raj-praises-veteran-pacer-on-taking-250-odi-wickets-462835">It is an honour to play alongside Jhulan Goswami: Mithali Raj praises veteran pacer on taking 250 ODI wickets</a>

Simon said the WTA would be forced to change its position if governments do not allow Russian and Belarusian players to enter countries as the organisation has to follow rules.

"I feel very strongly that these individual athletes should not be the ones that are being penalised by the decisions of an authoritarian leadership that is obviously doing terrible, reprehensible things," Simon said.

"But if that happens... it won't be something we support."

Women's Tennis Association (WTA) head Steve Simon has said that individual athletes should not be penalised for "decisions of an authoritarian leadership" amid concerns that players from Russia and Belarus could be blocked from competing in tournaments.

Women's Tennis Association (WTA) head Steve Simon has said that individual athletes should not be penalised for "decisions of an authoritarian leadership" amid concerns that players from Russia and Belarus could be blocked from competing in tournaments. Russian and Belarusian players are allowed to play on the elite ATP and WTA Tours but not under the name or flag of their countries following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, for which Belarus was a key staging area. Russia was also banned from defending its Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup team titles as a result of what the country calls a "special military operation." ALSO READ: Indian Wells: Defending champion Paula Badosa beats Leylah Fernandez; Iga Swiatek, Simona Halep enter quarters Several sports have banned individual athletes from Russia and Belarus and Simon said he was unsure what else was in store for tennis players. "You never know what the future may bring," Simon told the BBC. "But I can tell you that we have never banned athletes from participating on our tour as the result of political positions their leadership may take." "So it would take something very significant for that to change, but again we don't know where this is going." British Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said on Tuesday that U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev may have to provide assurances that he does not support Russian President Vladimir Putin if he is to compete at this year's Wimbledon. ALSO READ: It is an honour to play alongside Jhulan Goswami: Mithali Raj praises veteran pacer on taking 250 ODI wickets Simon said the WTA would be forced to change its position if governments do not allow Russian and Belarusian players to enter countries as the organisation has to follow rules. "I feel very strongly that these individual athletes should not be the ones that are being penalised by the decisions of an authoritarian leadership that is obviously doing terrible, reprehensible things," Simon said. "But if that happens... it won't be something we support."

Players should not be banned over Ukraine crisis, says WTA head Steve Simon

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Tuesday (March 15) said that India's oil purchases from Russia would not violate any of the sanctions imposed by the United States on that country.&nbsp;

Recently, reports emerged that India was planning to buy "discounted crude oil" from Russia. On being asked about the same during her briefing, Psaki said, "Our message to any country continues to be that obviously abide by the sanctions that we have put in place and recommended."&nbsp;

The White House Press Secretary further added, "I don't believe this would be violating that." However, she made a moral appeal to cut off petroleum commerce with Russia.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fox-news-veteran-war-zone-photographer-ukrainian-journalist-killed-in-ukraine-462764">Fox News veteran war-zone photographer, Ukrainian journalist killed in Ukraine</a>

She said, "Think about where you want to stand when the history books are written. In this moment in time any support for Russia, the Russian leadership, is support for an invasion that obviously is having a devastating impact".&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden has stopped the import of oil, gas and coal to the US from Russia but there's no ban on other countries to import from Russia. As reports have mentioned that NATO allies of the US continue to import Russian gas and petroleum.&nbsp;

Amid rising oil prices, India's Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said as quoted by news agencies that "discussions are underway" for buying oil from Russia. He added that "there are several issues to be gone into like how much oil is available", as well as payment for it and transportation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-joe-biden-to-announce-800-million-in-new-security-aid-to-ukraine-462729">Russia-Ukraine conflict: Joe Biden to announce $800 million in new security aid to Ukraine</a>

Oil&nbsp;prices rose as much as $3 on Wednesday, bouncing back after earlier declines.&nbsp;

The Indian rupee firmed on Wednesday, tracking gains in emerging market assets on the back of weak global crude&nbsp;oil&nbsp;prices.&nbsp;

Most emerging Asian stock markets advanced, buoyed by a fall in China's COVID-19 cases and hopes of progress in Russian-Ukraine peace talks.

WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine war: Russia quits council of Europe before vote on expulsion

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(With inputs from agencies)

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Tuesday (March 15) said that India's oil purchases from Russia would not violate any of the sanctions imposed by the United States on that country.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Tuesday (March 15) said that India's oil purchases from Russia would not violate any of the sanctions imposed by the United States on that country. Recently, reports emerged that India was planning to buy "discounted crude oil" from Russia. On being asked about the same during her briefing, Psaki said, "Our message to any country continues to be that obviously abide by the sanctions that we have put in place and recommended." The White House Press Secretary further added, "I don't believe this would be violating that." However, she made a moral appeal to cut off petroleum commerce with Russia. ALSO READ | Fox News veteran war-zone photographer, Ukrainian journalist killed in Ukraine She said, "Think about where you want to stand when the history books are written. In this moment in time any support for Russia, the Russian leadership, is support for an invasion that obviously is having a devastating impact". US President Joe Biden has stopped the import of oil, gas and coal to the US from Russia but there's no ban on other countries to import from Russia. As reports have mentioned that NATO allies of the US continue to import Russian gas and petroleum. Amid rising oil prices, India's Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said as quoted by news agencies that "discussions are underway" for buying oil from Russia. He added that "there are several issues to be gone into like how much oil is available", as well as payment for it and transportation. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Joe Biden to announce $800 million in new security aid to Ukraine Oil prices rose as much as $3 on Wednesday, bouncing back after earlier declines. The Indian rupee firmed on Wednesday, tracking gains in emerging market assets on the back of weak global crude oil prices. Most emerging Asian stock markets advanced, buoyed by a fall in China's COVID-19 cases and hopes of progress in Russian-Ukraine peace talks. WATCH | Ukraine war: Russia quits council of Europe before vote on expulsion × (With inputs from agencies)

US reacts to reports that India planning to take up Russian discounted oil offer