<p>In a call from his car Sunday, a photographer from Moscow explained why he was driving to Tbilisi, Georgia, having left his apartment and essentially his whole life behind.</p>

<p>For one, he has no work. No one he knows is shooting fashion look books or organizing the parties he usually photographs. The Western publications he worked for have all withdrawn from Russia, wary of a new law that makes the spread of “false information” about the war in Ukraine punishable by up to 15 years in jail.</p>

<p>It was this law and the harsh crackdowns on anti-war protesters in recent weeks that made him realize he had to leave, he said.</p>

<p>“There was always a line that we all could feel — what you definitely cannot do and what you can do,” said Alexander, 39, who did not want to give his last name because of safety concerns. “That line is gone. Anything can happen.”</p>

<p>Since Russia invaded Ukraine, shocking much of the world, Russians working in creative spheres have found themselves squeezed from within and without. The Kremlin’s intensifying crackdown on free speech has prompted some to flee the country to avoid being silenced or arrested. And the decision of Western companies to stop doing business in Russia — including website hosting services, software makers and financial services firms — has deprived many of the modern tools of their trades.</p>

<p>With Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Wise and other financial services companies withdrawing from the Russian market, Russians have been unable to pay for any subscriptions outside of Russia — for example, for website hosting, Spotify, Netflix, newspapers and magazines — or to receive money through sites like Patreon or from employers in Europe or the United States.</p>

<p>Adobe, which makes software that creative workers around the world rely on, has stopped sales in Russia, as have Canon, Nikon and Microsoft, among others. And Sony, Warner Music and Universal, the three biggest music conglomerates, announced last week that they were suspending operations in Russia.</p>

<p>Workers in the creative sphere felt the impact of the withdrawals within days. On Monday morning, Moish Soloway, 44, who owns a record label for Russian artists that works with a Sony-owned distributor, attempted to upload one of his artists’ new albums to a platform that would allow the songs to be played on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music and beyond.</p>

<p>The system’s response: “NOT cleared for sale.”</p>

<p>AloeVera, a band that recently joined Soloway’s label, has been quietly banned from playing in many venues, festivals and concerts in Russia for more than a year. Vera Musaelian, 34, the lead singer, said that after she and another bandmate protested and she married an opposition politician, AloeVera joined a list of forbidden music acts that Russian security services have circulated to concert and event organizers.</p>

<p>To maintain a small income and a connection with fans, the band has relied on Patreon, a platform where members can subscribe to receive content from musicians, podcasters and others. Last week, Patreon sent an email to its creators in Russia saying that they needed to withdraw any funds stored with the platform immediately, because the suspension of PayPal, Visa and Mastercard services in Russia would prevent them from accessing their money in the future.</p>

<p>Patreon “was a way for our listeners to say they’re still with us,” Musaelian said. “Now they can’t pay for their subscriptions.” Visa and Mastercard cards issued in Russia no longer work for payments outside of the country.</p>

<p>Ellen Satterwhite, Patreon’s head of U.S. policy, said in a statement that the company was “doing everything we can to support creators in Ukraine and Russia within the law and international financial limitations.”</p>

<p>Soloway compared the developments in recent days to the artistic isolation of the Soviet Union. “The Soviet government was terrified of rock ’n’ roll,” Soloway said.</p>

<p>Rock and jazz and other music genres from the West were banned during the Soviet era, though an underground scene flourished. Today, it is U.S. companies that are preventing new music from being played in Russia, including songs that could take a stand against the war in Ukraine, Soloway said.</p>

<p>Of course, with laws that forbid even calling the war a war, and blocks on social media platforms like Facebook and on independent media outlets, the government is stifling creative expression at its root.</p>

<p>For visual artists, Russia’s shutdown of Instagram on Sunday meant the loss of a global platform where they shared their portfolios, sold prints and met people who would commission their work.</p>

<p>“My Instagram is my business card, it’s where I build my brand, where I communicate with my audience,” said Anastasia Venkova, 30, a conceptual and performance artist who fled Moscow recently out of safety concerns. “I have a website but no one goes there. Gallerists don’t want your website anyway, they want your Instagram.”</p>

<p>Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, said on Twitter that the government’s “decision will cut 80 million in Russia off from one another, and from the rest of the world,” and that 80% of Instagram users in Russia follow an account from another country. “This is wrong,” he said.</p>

<p>Venkova said many of her followers will hopefully stick around by using a VPN, but she is worried that if the Russian government labels Meta, which owns Instagram, as an “extremist organization” — a process that has already been put in motion — even so much as having an Instagram account could put her in danger.</p>

<p>Anya, 39, a Moscow photographer who said she did not want to give her last name out of concern for safety, said she used to work with international brands like Estée Lauder, but she does not have any clients now, since they all pulled their business out of the country.</p>

<p>Canon, where she purchases her supplies, has stopped product deliveries into Russia. Photoshop, which she relies on for editing, is owned by Adobe, which also suspended sales and services in Russia. The company that hosts Anya’s website sent her an email saying it would no longer provide services to users registered in Russia because of the actions of “your authoritarian government.”</p>

<p>Anya said that sanctions like these would not affect the elite, who have bank accounts and lots of money abroad or hidden away. “This is hitting exactly the people who go out to protest,” she said. “The people who live in big cities, who travel, who have friends around the world, who have international jobs and don’t support the government. They’re now forced to leave the country, or to stop working.”</p>

<p>She added that her problems were very small compared to the violence in Ukraine. “I would give up anything for this war to stop,” she said. But, she said, “the problem with some of these sanctions is that the country will close even more. It’ll play into Putin’s propaganda. ‘Look at how the West treats us, they hit us with these sanctions.’ This strengthens him.”</p>


In a call from his car Sunday, a photographer from Moscow explained why he was driving to Tbilisi, Georgia, having left his apartment and essentially his whole life behind.

In a call from his car Sunday, a photographer from Moscow explained why he was driving to Tbilisi, Georgia, having left his apartment and essentially his whole life behind. For one, he has no work. No one he knows is shooting fashion look books or organizing the parties he usually photographs. The Western publications he worked for have all withdrawn from Russia, wary of a new law that makes the spread of “false information” about the war in Ukraine punishable by up to 15 years in jail. It was this law and the harsh crackdowns on anti-war protesters in recent weeks that made him realize he had to leave, he said. “There was always a line that we all could feel — what you definitely cannot do and what you can do,” said Alexander, 39, who did not want to give his last name because of safety concerns. “That line is gone. Anything can happen.” Since Russia invaded Ukraine, shocking much of the world, Russians working in creative spheres have found themselves squeezed from within and without. The Kremlin’s intensifying crackdown on free speech has prompted some to flee the country to avoid being silenced or arrested. And the decision of Western companies to stop doing business in Russia — including website hosting services, software makers and financial services firms — has deprived many of the modern tools of their trades. With Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Wise and other financial services companies withdrawing from the Russian market, Russians have been unable to pay for any subscriptions outside of Russia — for example, for website hosting, Spotify, Netflix, newspapers and magazines — or to receive money through sites like Patreon or from employers in Europe or the United States. Adobe, which makes software that creative workers around the world rely on, has stopped sales in Russia, as have Canon, Nikon and Microsoft, among others. And Sony, Warner Music and Universal, the three biggest music conglomerates, announced last week that they were suspending operations in Russia. Workers in the creative sphere felt the impact of the withdrawals within days. On Monday morning, Moish Soloway, 44, who owns a record label for Russian artists that works with a Sony-owned distributor, attempted to upload one of his artists’ new albums to a platform that would allow the songs to be played on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music and beyond. The system’s response: “NOT cleared for sale.” AloeVera, a band that recently joined Soloway’s label, has been quietly banned from playing in many venues, festivals and concerts in Russia for more than a year. Vera Musaelian, 34, the lead singer, said that after she and another bandmate protested and she married an opposition politician, AloeVera joined a list of forbidden music acts that Russian security services have circulated to concert and event organizers. To maintain a small income and a connection with fans, the band has relied on Patreon, a platform where members can subscribe to receive content from musicians, podcasters and others. Last week, Patreon sent an email to its creators in Russia saying that they needed to withdraw any funds stored with the platform immediately, because the suspension of PayPal, Visa and Mastercard services in Russia would prevent them from accessing their money in the future. Patreon “was a way for our listeners to say they’re still with us,” Musaelian said. “Now they can’t pay for their subscriptions.” Visa and Mastercard cards issued in Russia no longer work for payments outside of the country. Ellen Satterwhite, Patreon’s head of U.S. policy, said in a statement that the company was “doing everything we can to support creators in Ukraine and Russia within the law and international financial limitations.” Soloway compared the developments in recent days to the artistic isolation of the Soviet Union. “The Soviet government was terrified of rock ’n’ roll,” Soloway said. Rock and jazz and other music genres from the West were banned during the Soviet era, though an underground scene flourished. Today, it is U.S. companies that are preventing new music from being played in Russia, including songs that could take a stand against the war in Ukraine, Soloway said. Of course, with laws that forbid even calling the war a war, and blocks on social media platforms like Facebook and on independent media outlets, the government is stifling creative expression at its root. For visual artists, Russia’s shutdown of Instagram on Sunday meant the loss of a global platform where they shared their portfolios, sold prints and met people who would commission their work. “My Instagram is my business card, it’s where I build my brand, where I communicate with my audience,” said Anastasia Venkova, 30, a conceptual and performance artist who fled Moscow recently out of safety concerns. “I have a website but no one goes there. Gallerists don’t want your website anyway, they want your Instagram.” Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, said on Twitter that the government’s “decision will cut 80 million in Russia off from one another, and from the rest of the world,” and that 80% of Instagram users in Russia follow an account from another country. “This is wrong,” he said. Venkova said many of her followers will hopefully stick around by using a VPN, but she is worried that if the Russian government labels Meta, which owns Instagram, as an “extremist organization” — a process that has already been put in motion — even so much as having an Instagram account could put her in danger. Anya, 39, a Moscow photographer who said she did not want to give her last name out of concern for safety, said she used to work with international brands like Estée Lauder, but she does not have any clients now, since they all pulled their business out of the country. Canon, where she purchases her supplies, has stopped product deliveries into Russia. Photoshop, which she relies on for editing, is owned by Adobe, which also suspended sales and services in Russia. The company that hosts Anya’s website sent her an email saying it would no longer provide services to users registered in Russia because of the actions of “your authoritarian government.” Anya said that sanctions like these would not affect the elite, who have bank accounts and lots of money abroad or hidden away. “This is hitting exactly the people who go out to protest,” she said. “The people who live in big cities, who travel, who have friends around the world, who have international jobs and don’t support the government. They’re now forced to leave the country, or to stop working.” She added that her problems were very small compared to the violence in Ukraine. “I would give up anything for this war to stop,” she said. But, she said, “the problem with some of these sanctions is that the country will close even more. It’ll play into Putin’s propaganda. ‘Look at how the West treats us, they hit us with these sanctions.’ This strengthens him.”

Russian artists lose the tools of their trades as companies pull out

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


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

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

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

<p>Ukraine's state-owned grid operator, Ukrenergo informed on Monday (March 14) that the Chernobyl nuclear power station has once again lost its electricity supply after external power supplies to the plant were damaged again.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It has been further revealed that the power station, the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster in 1986, was relying on electricity from diesel generators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukrenergo chief Volodymyr Kudrytskiy on national television said that the nearby town of Slavutych was without power for the same reason.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukrenergo said on Facebook, "The power line that supplies the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station and the town of Slavutych was damaged by the occupying forces."&nbsp;</p>

<p>On February 24, Russian forces seized the defunct Chernobyl plant. After that, the Russian forces had attacked and seized Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia NPP, which is Europe's largest nuclear power plant, on March 4.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The retired Chernobyl nuclear reactors lost power early last week but supply was restored Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The electricity supply to the power station is extremely vital as it is needed to power security systems including the cooling systems for the spent nuclear fuel storage facility.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukrenergo said the power line had been damaged again "before the power supply had been fully restored" and that one of its repair crews will be going into "occupied territory" again for more repairs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The operator added that Chernobyl "cannot be left without a reliable energy supply" and the residents of the nearby town of Slavutych "depend" on it for electricity.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;'China to face consequences if it helps Russia,' US issues stern warning</strong></p>

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Ukraine's state-owned grid operator, Ukrenergo informed on Monday (March 14) that the Chernobyl nuclear power station has once again lost its electricity supply after external power supplies to the plant were damaged again.

Ukraine's state-owned grid operator, Ukrenergo informed on Monday (March 14) that the Chernobyl nuclear power station has once again lost its electricity supply after external power supplies to the plant were damaged again. It has been further revealed that the power station, the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster in 1986, was relying on electricity from diesel generators. Ukrenergo chief Volodymyr Kudrytskiy on national television said that the nearby town of Slavutych was without power for the same reason. Ukrenergo said on Facebook, "The power line that supplies the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station and the town of Slavutych was damaged by the occupying forces." On February 24, Russian forces seized the defunct Chernobyl plant. After that, the Russian forces had attacked and seized Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia NPP, which is Europe's largest nuclear power plant, on March 4. The retired Chernobyl nuclear reactors lost power early last week but supply was restored Sunday. The electricity supply to the power station is extremely vital as it is needed to power security systems including the cooling systems for the spent nuclear fuel storage facility. Ukrenergo said the power line had been damaged again "before the power supply had been fully restored" and that one of its repair crews will be going into "occupied territory" again for more repairs. The operator added that Chernobyl "cannot be left without a reliable energy supply" and the residents of the nearby town of Slavutych "depend" on it for electricity. WATCH | 'China to face consequences if it helps Russia,' US issues stern warning ×

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Chernobyl nuclear plant loses power again

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


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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

<p>In a video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday (March 14) said that he had asked the government to ease tax pressure on small and medium-sized businesses because of the ongoing conflict between Russia and his country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that he had asked the officials to work out details on how to restore small and medium businesses so that the system works and the people know how and where they can work.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The economic suppression of Ukraine is one of the war's aims," in a video address, Zelensky said adding that he had told the government "to relax taxes as much as possible, to remove all difficulties, absolutely everything".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-challenges-vladimir-putin-to-a-fight-for-ukraine-and-he-is-absolutely-serious-462250">Elon Musk challenges Vladimir Putin to a fight for Ukraine and he is 'absolutely serious'</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Talking about the prospects after the conflict ends, the Ukrainian President said that the country needs a new tax system and new financial regulations to keep the economy going during wartime and to rebuild it after the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The weather is beautiful alas we hardly ever notice it anymore. The skies are clear but not above Kyiv. Not above Kyiv and other cities of our country," Zelensky said at the start of his address as he spoke from the outside presidential palace in Kyiv while referring to the morning bombardment of targets in the capital by the Russian forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News agencies have reported quoting authorities that at least one person was killed when a Russian shell smashed into an apartment block in Kyiv on Monday (March 14).&nbsp;</p>

<p>A second person was killed by falling debris after a missile strike on another part of the Ukrainian capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-under-attack-kremlin-doesnt-rule-out-taking-full-control-of-major-ukraine-cities-462229">Ukraine under attack: Kremlin doesn't rule out taking 'full control' of major Ukraine cities</a></strong></p>

<p>Three Russian rockets also hit the Antonov aircraft factory in Kyiv. There were no immediate reports of any deaths at the factory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Zelensky is set to a virtual address to US Congress on Wednesday (March 16) as the western ally comes under intense shelling from Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>House leader Nancy Pelosi and her Senate counterpart Chuck Schumer said in a joint letter to lawmakers said, "We look forward to the privilege of welcoming President Zelensky's address to the House and Senate and to convey our support to the people of Ukraine as they bravely defend democracy."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russian troops inch closer to Ukrainian capital, Kyiv braces for more Russian strikes</strong></p>

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In a video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday (March 14) said that he had asked the government to ease tax pressure on small and medium-sized businesses because of the ongoing conflict between Russia and his country.

In a video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday (March 14) said that he had asked the government to ease tax pressure on small and medium-sized businesses because of the ongoing conflict between Russia and his country. He said that he had asked the officials to work out details on how to restore small and medium businesses so that the system works and the people know how and where they can work. "The economic suppression of Ukraine is one of the war's aims," in a video address, Zelensky said adding that he had told the government "to relax taxes as much as possible, to remove all difficulties, absolutely everything". ALSO READ | Elon Musk challenges Vladimir Putin to a fight for Ukraine and he is 'absolutely serious' Talking about the prospects after the conflict ends, the Ukrainian President said that the country needs a new tax system and new financial regulations to keep the economy going during wartime and to rebuild it after the war. "The weather is beautiful alas we hardly ever notice it anymore. The skies are clear but not above Kyiv. Not above Kyiv and other cities of our country," Zelensky said at the start of his address as he spoke from the outside presidential palace in Kyiv while referring to the morning bombardment of targets in the capital by the Russian forces. News agencies have reported quoting authorities that at least one person was killed when a Russian shell smashed into an apartment block in Kyiv on Monday (March 14). A second person was killed by falling debris after a missile strike on another part of the Ukrainian capital. ALSO READ | Ukraine under attack: Kremlin doesn't rule out taking 'full control' of major Ukraine cities Three Russian rockets also hit the Antonov aircraft factory in Kyiv. There were no immediate reports of any deaths at the factory. Meanwhile, Zelensky is set to a virtual address to US Congress on Wednesday (March 16) as the western ally comes under intense shelling from Russia. House leader Nancy Pelosi and her Senate counterpart Chuck Schumer said in a joint letter to lawmakers said, "We look forward to the privilege of welcoming President Zelensky's address to the House and Senate and to convey our support to the people of Ukraine as they bravely defend democracy." WATCH | Russian troops inch closer to Ukrainian capital, Kyiv braces for more Russian strikes ×

'Economic suppression of Ukraine is one of the war's goals': Zelensky orders to restore businesses

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<p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p>

<p>The official Twitter handle of the Russian defence ministry released a video of a fighter jet claiming that the pilot of the Sukhoi Su-25 (NATO reporting name: Frogfoot) attack aircraft managed to land the plane after being hit by a Ukrainian MANPADS missile.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video posted by Russian MOD shows the aircraft with damages apparently caused by a MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense System).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The aircraft can be seen hit on the rear right-hand side of the fuselage and the video shows the jet being towed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-challenges-vladimir-putin-to-a-fight-for-ukraine-and-he-is-absolutely-serious-462250">Elon Musk challenges Vladimir Putin to a fight for Ukraine and he is 'absolutely serious'</a></strong></p>

<p>Russian state-owned Zvezda posted on Telegram, "While performing a combat mission in Ukraine, the Su-25 was hit by a missile fired from the ground by their military."&nbsp;</p>

<p>DefenseWorld.net reported that the Su-25 was flying with another jet. Meanwhile, reports have stated that at least six Su-25s have been confirmed lost in Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion on February 24.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report shows two crucial sides; one is the threat caused by MANPADS operated by the Ukrainian forces to all Russian aircraft operating at medium and low altitudes, and the second is the damage tolerance of the Su-25.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/economic-suppression-of-ukraine-is-one-of-the-wars-goals-zelensky-orders-taxes-eased-to-restore-businesses-462280">'Economic suppression of Ukraine is one of the war's goals': Zelensky orders taxes eased to restore businesses</a></strong></p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ru">Летчик штурмовика Су-25 сумел посадить самолет после попадания в него ракеты ПЗРК ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/8MweSkywcn">https://t.co/8MweSkywcn</a> <a href="https://t.co/jL0E7HCqud">pic.twitter.com/jL0E7HCqud</a></p>
— Минобороны России (@mod_russia) <a href="https://twitter.com/mod_russia/status/1503304316114948101?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>While uploading the video on YouTube, the defence ministry detailed the incident in Russian, which can be loosely translated in English as:&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote>
<p>"While performing a combat mission in the zone of a special military operation, the Su-25 attack aircraft, which is second in the pair, was hit by a missile from a man-portable air defense system fired from the ground by a serviceman of the armed forces of Ukraine. The pilot of the damaged aircraft, assessing the situation, decided to turn off the damaged engine and not leave the aircraft. The pilot of the leading (first) plane, Lt. Col. Denis Litvinov, realizing that the comrade's plane could not withstand a second missile hit, covered it with his own plane."</p>
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<p>"The pilot of the second aircraft visually detected the launch of the second missile and, firing off flares, managed to divert the missile to the side."</p>
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<blockquote>
<p>"During the landing approach, the pilot of the damaged Su-25 reported an avionics and control systems failure, but managed to land thanks to the assitance provided by the pilot covering him. The landing was uneventful. Thanks to the cold-blooded and skillful actions of the pilot Denis Litvinov, he managed to save the life of his friend and the combat aircraft."</p>
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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 official Twitter handle of the Russian defence ministry released a video of a fighter jet claiming that the pilot of the Sukhoi Su-25 (NATO reporting name: Frogfoot) attack aircraft managed to land the plane after being hit by a Ukrainian MANPADS missile. The video posted by Russian MOD shows the aircraft with damages apparently caused by a MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense System). The aircraft can be seen hit on the rear right-hand side of the fuselage and the video shows the jet being towed. ALSO READ | Elon Musk challenges Vladimir Putin to a fight for Ukraine and he is 'absolutely serious' Russian state-owned Zvezda posted on Telegram, "While performing a combat mission in Ukraine, the Su-25 was hit by a missile fired from the ground by their military." DefenseWorld.net reported that the Su-25 was flying with another jet. Meanwhile, reports have stated that at least six Su-25s have been confirmed lost in Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion on February 24. The report shows two crucial sides; one is the threat caused by MANPADS operated by the Ukrainian forces to all Russian aircraft operating at medium and low altitudes, and the second is the damage tolerance of the Su-25. ALSO READ | 'Economic suppression of Ukraine is one of the war's goals': Zelensky orders taxes eased to restore businesses Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Watch the video here: Летчик штурмовика Су-25 сумел посадить самолет после попадания в него ракеты ПЗРК ➡️ https://t.co/8MweSkywcn pic.twitter.com/jL0E7HCqud — Минобороны России (@mod_russia) March 14, 2022 × While uploading the video on YouTube, the defence ministry detailed the incident in Russian, which can be loosely translated in English as: "While performing a combat mission in the zone of a special military operation, the Su-25 attack aircraft, which is second in the pair, was hit by a missile from a man-portable air defense system fired from the ground by a serviceman of the armed forces of Ukraine. The pilot of the damaged aircraft, assessing the situation, decided to turn off the damaged engine and not leave the aircraft. The pilot of the leading (first) plane, Lt. Col. Denis Litvinov, realizing that the comrade's plane could not withstand a second missile hit, covered it with his own plane." "The pilot of the second aircraft visually detected the launch of the second missile and, firing off flares, managed to divert the missile to the side." "During the landing approach, the pilot of the damaged Su-25 reported an avionics and control systems failure, but managed to land thanks to the assitance provided by the pilot covering him. The landing was uneventful. Thanks to the cold-blooded and skillful actions of the pilot Denis Litvinov, he managed to save the life of his friend and the combat aircraft."

Watch: Russian Sukhoi Su-25 aircraft safely lands after being hit by Ukrainian MANPADS

<p>Amid escalating Russia and Ukraine conflict, SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Monday (March 14) has apparently challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin for single combat for Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Using the Russian alphabets to write Putin's name, Musk on his official Twitter handle wrote: "I hereby challenge Vladimir Putin to single combat. "Stakes are Ukraine," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the same trail, Musk then wrote in Russian: "Do you agree to this fight?" and tagged the official Twitter account of the Kremlin.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-under-attack-kremlin-doesnt-rule-out-taking-full-control-of-major-ukraine-cities-462229">Ukraine under attack: Kremlin doesn't rule out taking 'full control' of major Ukraine cities</a></strong></p>

<p>The tweet has gone viral in no time with people reacting and retweeting it. In the comment section, one of the Twitter users highlighted the point that the Russian president would easily win any fight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Musk responded, "If Putin could so easily humiliate the west, then he would accept the challenge. But he will not."&nbsp;</p>

<p>When another user asked whether Musk thought it through before challenging Putin for single combat, Musk replied, "I am absolutely serious."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-85-children-killed-100-wounded-so-far-in-ukraine-says-attorney-general-462201">At least 85 children killed, 100 wounded so far in Ukraine, says attorney general</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ru">Вы согласны на этот бой? <a href="https://twitter.com/KremlinRussia_E?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KremlinRussia_E</a></p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1503338552016482308?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Russia and Ukraine conflict has impacted the world and so as Musk, who said that the US electric carmaker and his rocket company SpaceX are facing significant inflationary pressure in raw materials and logistics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Musk in a tweet on Sunday also asked about the inflation rate outlook and said his companies "are not alone", retweeting an article saying the Ukraine-Russia conflict sent commodity prices to their highest levels since 2008.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia's invasion of Ukraine has led to a surge in prices of metals used in cars - from aluminium in the bodywork to palladium in catalytic converters to the high-grade nickel in electric vehicle batteries - and customers are likely to foot the bill.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;'China to face consequences if it helps Russia,' US issues stern warning</strong></p>

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Amid escalating Russia and Ukraine conflict, SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Monday (March 14) has apparently challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin for single combat for Ukraine.

Amid escalating Russia and Ukraine conflict, SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Monday (March 14) has apparently challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin for single combat for Ukraine. Using the Russian alphabets to write Putin's name, Musk on his official Twitter handle wrote: "I hereby challenge Vladimir Putin to single combat. "Stakes are Ukraine," he added. In the same trail, Musk then wrote in Russian: "Do you agree to this fight?" and tagged the official Twitter account of the Kremlin. ALSO READ | Ukraine under attack: Kremlin doesn't rule out taking 'full control' of major Ukraine cities The tweet has gone viral in no time with people reacting and retweeting it. In the comment section, one of the Twitter users highlighted the point that the Russian president would easily win any fight. Musk responded, "If Putin could so easily humiliate the west, then he would accept the challenge. But he will not." When another user asked whether Musk thought it through before challenging Putin for single combat, Musk replied, "I am absolutely serious." ALSO READ | At least 85 children killed, 100 wounded so far in Ukraine, says attorney general Вы согласны на этот бой? @KremlinRussia_E — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 14, 2022 × The Russia and Ukraine conflict has impacted the world and so as Musk, who said that the US electric carmaker and his rocket company SpaceX are facing significant inflationary pressure in raw materials and logistics. Musk in a tweet on Sunday also asked about the inflation rate outlook and said his companies "are not alone", retweeting an article saying the Ukraine-Russia conflict sent commodity prices to their highest levels since 2008. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has led to a surge in prices of metals used in cars - from aluminium in the bodywork to palladium in catalytic converters to the high-grade nickel in electric vehicle batteries - and customers are likely to foot the bill. WATCH | 'China to face consequences if it helps Russia,' US issues stern warning ×

Elon Musk challenges Vladimir Putin to a fight for Ukraine and he is 'absolutely serious'

<p>As Russia and Ukraine conflict continues to escalate, the Kremlin said on Monday (March 14) that it may still opt to take control of large cities in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News agencies have reported that the Russian military is advancing steadily towards several major urban hubs in its pro-Western neighbour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, "Putin gave orders to hold back on any immediate assault on large cities because the civilian losses would be large."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-85-children-killed-100-wounded-so-far-in-ukraine-says-attorney-general-462201">At least 85 children killed, 100 wounded so far in Ukraine, says attorney general</a></strong></p>

<p>Peskov added that the defence ministry, however, "does not rule out the possibility of putting large cities, which are already almost fully encircled, under its full control".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Peskov said that exceptions would be made for areas "used for humanitarian evacuations. "US and EU leaders it seems are forcing Russia towards an assault of large Ukrainian cities to hold our country responsible for civilian deaths," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Peskov further denied reports that Russia has asked China for military aid. He said that Russia has the potential to conduct an operation in Ukraine, and has not asked for assistance from other countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-orthodox-church-announces-split-with-moscow-over-ukraine-invasion-462186">Russian Orthodox church announces split with Moscow over Ukraine invasion</a></strong></p>

<p>Financial Times newspaper cited US officials on Monday and claimed that Russia had asked China for military ​equipment to ​support its operation in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Peskov told reporters, "Newspapers are now writing a lot, you should not take it as a primary source. Russia has an independent potential to continue the operation, as we said, it is developing according to the plan and will be completed on time and in full."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Two killed in Kyiv suburbs after being hit by artillery shelling</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agnencies)</em></p>


As Russia and Ukraine conflict continues to escalate, the Kremlin said on Monday (March 14) that it may still opt to take control of large cities in Ukraine. News agencies have reported that the Russian military is advancing steadily towards several major urban hubs in its pro-Western neighbour.

As Russia and Ukraine conflict continues to escalate, the Kremlin said on Monday (March 14) that it may still opt to take control of large cities in Ukraine. News agencies have reported that the Russian military is advancing steadily towards several major urban hubs in its pro-Western neighbour. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, "Putin gave orders to hold back on any immediate assault on large cities because the civilian losses would be large." ALSO READ | At least 85 children killed, 100 wounded so far in Ukraine, says attorney general Peskov added that the defence ministry, however, "does not rule out the possibility of putting large cities, which are already almost fully encircled, under its full control". Peskov said that exceptions would be made for areas "used for humanitarian evacuations. "US and EU leaders it seems are forcing Russia towards an assault of large Ukrainian cities to hold our country responsible for civilian deaths," he added. Meanwhile, Peskov further denied reports that Russia has asked China for military aid. He said that Russia has the potential to conduct an operation in Ukraine, and has not asked for assistance from other countries. ALSO READ | Russian Orthodox church announces split with Moscow over Ukraine invasion Financial Times newspaper cited US officials on Monday and claimed that Russia had asked China for military equipment to support its operation in Ukraine. Peskov told reporters, "Newspapers are now writing a lot, you should not take it as a primary source. Russia has an independent potential to continue the operation, as we said, it is developing according to the plan and will be completed on time and in full." WATCH | Two killed in Kyiv suburbs after being hit by artillery shelling × (With inputs from agnencies)

Ukraine under attack: Kremlin doesn't rule out taking 'full control' of major Ukraine cities

<p>Western intelligence agencies are investigating a cyberattack by unidentified hackers that disrupted broadband&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;internet&nbsp;access in Ukraine coinciding with Russia's invasion, according to three people with direct knowledge of the incident.</p>

<p>Analysts for the US&nbsp;National Security Agency, French government cybersecurity organization ANSSI, and Ukrainian intelligence are assessing whether the remote sabotage of a&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;internet&nbsp;provider's service was the work of Russian-state backed hackers preparing the battlefield by attempting to sever communications.</p>

<p>The digital blitz on the&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;service began on Feb. 24 between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., just as Russian forces started going in and firing missiles, striking major Ukrainian cities including the capital, Kyiv.</p>

<p>The consequences are still being investigated but&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;modems belonging to tens of thousands of customers in Europe were knocked offline, according to an official of US&nbsp;telecommunications firm Viasat, which owns the affected network.</p>

<p>The hackers disabled modems that communicate with Viasat Inc's KA-SAT&nbsp;satellite, which supplies internet access to some customers in Europe, including Ukraine. More than two weeks later some remain offline, resellers told Reuters.</p>

<p>What appears to be one of the most significant wartime cyberattacks publicly disclosed so far has piqued the interest of Western intelligence because Viasat acts as a defense contractor for both the United States and multiple allies.</p>

<p>Government contracts reviewed by Reuters show that KA-SAT has provided&nbsp;internet&nbsp;connectivity to Ukrainian military and police units.</p>

<p>Pablo Breuer, a former technologist for US&nbsp;special operations command, or SOCOM, said knocking out&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;internet&nbsp;connectivity could handicap Ukraine’s ability to combat Russian forces.</p>

<p>"Traditional land-based radios only reach so far. If you’re using modern smart systems, smart weapons, trying to do combined arms maneuvers, then you must rely on these&nbsp;satellites," said Breuer.</p>

<p>The Russian Embassy in Washington did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Moscow has repeatedly rejected allegations that it participates in cyberattacks.</p>

<p>Russian soldiers have besieged Ukrainian cities in what the Kremlin describes as a "de-Nazification" operation that has been denounced by the West as an unprovoked assault and led to severe sanctions against Moscow as punishment.</p>

<p><strong>MODEMS INOPERATIVE</strong></p>

<p>Viasat said in a statement that the disruption for customers in Ukraine and elsewhere was triggered by a "deliberate, isolated and external cyber event" but has yet to provide a detailed, public explanation of what happened.</p>

<p>"The network is stabilized and we are restoring service and activating terminals as quickly as possible," spokesperson Chris Phillips said in an email, adding that the company was prioritizing "critical infrastructure and humanitarian assistance."</p>

<p>The affected modems appeared to be completely inoperative, according to Jaroslav Stritecky, who runs Czech telecommunications company INTV. Normally, he said, the four status lights on the curved, SurfBeam 2 modems would indicate whether they were connected to the&nbsp;internet. After the attack, the lights on the Viasat-made devices would not turn on at all.</p>

<p>The Viasat official said a misconfiguration in the "management section" of the&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;network had allowed the hackers remote access into the modems, knocking them offline. He said most of the affected devices would need to be reprogrammed either by a technician on site or at a repair depot and that some would have to be swapped out.</p>

<p>The Viasat official wasn’t explicit about what the "management section" of the network referred to and declined to provide further details. KA-SAT and its associated ground stations, which Viasat purchased last year from European company Eutelsat, are still operated by a Eutelsat subsidiary.</p>

<p>Eutelsat referred questions back to Viasat.</p>

<p>Viasat has hired US&nbsp;cybersecurity firm Mandiant, which specializes in tracking state-sponsored hackers, to investigate the intrusion, according to two people familiar with the matter.</p>

<p>Spokespeople for the NSA, ANSSI, and Mandiant declined to comment.</p>

<p>Viasat said government clients who procured services directly from the company were unaffected by the disruption. The KA-SAT network is operated, however, by a third party, which in turn farms out service through various distributors.</p>

<p>Over the past several years Ukraine's military and security services have purchased several different communications systems that run over Viasat’s network, according to contracts posted on ProZorro, a Ukrainian transparency platform.</p>

<p>A message seeking comment from the Ukrainian military was not immediately returned.</p>

<p>Some&nbsp;internet&nbsp;distributors are still waiting to replace their devices.</p>

<p>Stritecky, the Czech telecom executive, said he did not blame Viasat.</p>

<p>He recalled coming into work on the morning of the invasion and seeing a monitor showing regional satellite coverage in the Czech Republic, neighbouring Slovakia, and Ukraine all in red.</p>

<p>"It was immediately clear what happened," he said.</p>


Western intelligence agencies are investigating a cyberattack by unidentified hackers that disrupted broadband satellite internet access in Ukraine coinciding with Russia's invasion, according to three people with direct knowledge of the incident.

Western intelligence agencies are investigating a cyberattack by unidentified hackers that disrupted broadband satellite internet access in Ukraine coinciding with Russia's invasion, according to three people with direct knowledge of the incident. Analysts for the US National Security Agency, French government cybersecurity organization ANSSI, and Ukrainian intelligence are assessing whether the remote sabotage of a satellite internet provider's service was the work of Russian-state backed hackers preparing the battlefield by attempting to sever communications. The digital blitz on the satellite service began on Feb. 24 between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m., just as Russian forces started going in and firing missiles, striking major Ukrainian cities including the capital, Kyiv. The consequences are still being investigated but satellite modems belonging to tens of thousands of customers in Europe were knocked offline, according to an official of US telecommunications firm Viasat, which owns the affected network. The hackers disabled modems that communicate with Viasat Inc's KA-SAT satellite, which supplies internet access to some customers in Europe, including Ukraine. More than two weeks later some remain offline, resellers told Reuters. What appears to be one of the most significant wartime cyberattacks publicly disclosed so far has piqued the interest of Western intelligence because Viasat acts as a defense contractor for both the United States and multiple allies. Government contracts reviewed by Reuters show that KA-SAT has provided internet connectivity to Ukrainian military and police units. Pablo Breuer, a former technologist for US special operations command, or SOCOM, said knocking out satellite internet connectivity could handicap Ukraine’s ability to combat Russian forces. "Traditional land-based radios only reach so far. If you’re using modern smart systems, smart weapons, trying to do combined arms maneuvers, then you must rely on these satellites," said Breuer. The Russian Embassy in Washington did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Moscow has repeatedly rejected allegations that it participates in cyberattacks. Russian soldiers have besieged Ukrainian cities in what the Kremlin describes as a "de-Nazification" operation that has been denounced by the West as an unprovoked assault and led to severe sanctions against Moscow as punishment. MODEMS INOPERATIVE Viasat said in a statement that the disruption for customers in Ukraine and elsewhere was triggered by a "deliberate, isolated and external cyber event" but has yet to provide a detailed, public explanation of what happened. "The network is stabilized and we are restoring service and activating terminals as quickly as possible," spokesperson Chris Phillips said in an email, adding that the company was prioritizing "critical infrastructure and humanitarian assistance." The affected modems appeared to be completely inoperative, according to Jaroslav Stritecky, who runs Czech telecommunications company INTV. Normally, he said, the four status lights on the curved, SurfBeam 2 modems would indicate whether they were connected to the internet. After the attack, the lights on the Viasat-made devices would not turn on at all. The Viasat official said a misconfiguration in the "management section" of the satellite network had allowed the hackers remote access into the modems, knocking them offline. He said most of the affected devices would need to be reprogrammed either by a technician on site or at a repair depot and that some would have to be swapped out. The Viasat official wasn’t explicit about what the "management section" of the network referred to and declined to provide further details. KA-SAT and its associated ground stations, which Viasat purchased last year from European company Eutelsat, are still operated by a Eutelsat subsidiary. Eutelsat referred questions back to Viasat. Viasat has hired US cybersecurity firm Mandiant, which specializes in tracking state-sponsored hackers, to investigate the intrusion, according to two people familiar with the matter. Spokespeople for the NSA, ANSSI, and Mandiant declined to comment. Viasat said government clients who procured services directly from the company were unaffected by the disruption. The KA-SAT network is operated, however, by a third party, which in turn farms out service through various distributors. Over the past several years Ukraine's military and security services have purchased several different communications systems that run over Viasat’s network, according to contracts posted on ProZorro, a Ukrainian transparency platform. A message seeking comment from the Ukrainian military was not immediately returned. Some internet distributors are still waiting to replace their devices. Stritecky, the Czech telecom executive, said he did not blame Viasat. He recalled coming into work on the morning of the invasion and seeing a monitor showing regional satellite coverage in the Czech Republic, neighbouring Slovakia, and Ukraine all in red. "It was immediately clear what happened," he said.

US spy agency probes sabotage of satellite internet during Russian invasion: Sources

<p>As Russia and Ukraine conflict continues to escalate, the latest reports from ground zero show the grim reality of the Ukrainian cities that are under attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Massive loss of life and property has been reported in Ukraine and the crisis has also triggered a refugee crisis, as people are fleeing the country to save their lives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (March 12) urged the mothers of Russian soldiers to prevent their sons from being sent to Ukraine to fight.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-ivan-fedorov-mayor-of-ukrainian-city-abducted-by-russian-troops-461462">Ivan Fedorov, mayor of Ukrainian city abducted by Russian troops</a></strong></p>

<p>In a video address released on Telegram, Zelensky said, "I want to say this once again to Russian mothers, especially mothers of conscripts. Do not send your children to war in a foreign country." &nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "Check where your son is. And if you have the slightest suspicion that your son could be sent to war against Ukraine, act immediately" to prevent him being killed or captured."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kyiv last week invited mothers of Russian soldiers captured on its territory to come and pick their children up. The Ukrainian defence ministry published phone numbers and an email through which they could obtain information about them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-tank-man-to-snake-island-defenders-brave-stories-of-resistance-by-ukrainians-against-vladimir-putin-460353">From 'tank man' to snake island defenders: Brave stories of resistance by Ukrainians against Vladimir Putin</a></strong></p>

<p>On Friday (March 11), the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said that it remains "gravely concerned by the rising death toll and human suffering in Ukraine".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Requesting an "immediate end to the attacks", spokesperson Liz Throssell said, "Civilians are being killed and maimed in what appear to be indiscriminate attacks, with Russian forces using explosive weapons with wide area effects in or near populated areas. These include missiles, heavy artillery shells and rockets, as well as airstrikes."&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the OHCHR, 549 civilian deaths have been recorded and 957 injuries since the invasion began after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although, some of the officials have noted that the actual death toll could be much higher than reported ones.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Turkey taking advantage of war in Ukraine?</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


As Russia and Ukraine conflict continues to escalate, the latest reports from ground zero show the grim reality of the Ukrainian cities that are under attack. Massive loss of life and property has been reported in Ukraine and the crisis has also triggered a refugee crisis, as people are fleeing the country to save their lives.

As Russia and Ukraine conflict continues to escalate, the latest reports from ground zero show the grim reality of the Ukrainian cities that are under attack. Massive loss of life and property has been reported in Ukraine and the crisis has also triggered a refugee crisis, as people are fleeing the country to save their lives. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (March 12) urged the mothers of Russian soldiers to prevent their sons from being sent to Ukraine to fight. WATCH | Ivan Fedorov, mayor of Ukrainian city abducted by Russian troops In a video address released on Telegram, Zelensky said, "I want to say this once again to Russian mothers, especially mothers of conscripts. Do not send your children to war in a foreign country." He said, "Check where your son is. And if you have the slightest suspicion that your son could be sent to war against Ukraine, act immediately" to prevent him being killed or captured." Kyiv last week invited mothers of Russian soldiers captured on its territory to come and pick their children up. The Ukrainian defence ministry published phone numbers and an email through which they could obtain information about them. IN PICS | From 'tank man' to snake island defenders: Brave stories of resistance by Ukrainians against Vladimir Putin On Friday (March 11), the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said that it remains "gravely concerned by the rising death toll and human suffering in Ukraine". Requesting an "immediate end to the attacks", spokesperson Liz Throssell said, "Civilians are being killed and maimed in what appear to be indiscriminate attacks, with Russian forces using explosive weapons with wide area effects in or near populated areas. These include missiles, heavy artillery shells and rockets, as well as airstrikes." As per the OHCHR, 549 civilian deaths have been recorded and 957 injuries since the invasion began after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine. Although, some of the officials have noted that the actual death toll could be much higher than reported ones. WATCH | Gravitas: Turkey taking advantage of war in Ukraine? ×

'Prevent him from being killed or captured': Zelensky appeals to mothers of Russian soldiers

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<p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p>

<p>Russian soldiers have kidnapped the mayor of southern Ukraine's Melitopol on Friday (March 11), the country's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainian officials said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The abduction of Ivan Fedorov, who is the mayor of the southeastern city of Melitopol, was captured in CCTV cameras as he was seen being led away by armed men from a government building on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video, posted by the deputy head of Ukraine's presidential administration, Kirillo Timoshenko, shows soldiers coming out of a building holding a man dressed in black, his head apparently covered with a black bag.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-world-war-iii-we-will-not-fight-a-war-against-russia-in-ukraine-says-biden-461437">'World War III': We will not fight a war against Russia in Ukraine, says Biden</a></strong></p>

<p>Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs tweeted: "The armed aggression of the RF against #Ukraine is accompanied by gross violations of norms and principles of international law, including int’l humanitarian law. Among such gross violations was the abduction of Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov on March 11."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukraine's parliament said on Twitter, "A group of 10 occupiers kidnapped the mayor of Melitopol Ivan Fedorov. He refused to cooperate with the enemy." It said the mayor was seized when he was at the city's crisis centre dealing with supply issues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later, Zelensky also confirmed the news. In a video message, he said, "This is obviously a sign of weakness of the invaders... They have moved to a new stage of terror in which they are trying to physically eliminate representatives of legitimate local Ukrainian authorities," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-tank-man-to-snake-island-defenders-brave-stories-of-resistance-by-ukrainians-against-vladimir-putin-460353">From 'tank man' to snake island defenders: Brave stories of resistance by Ukrainians against Vladimir Putin</a></strong></p>

<p>He called Fedorov "a mayor who bravely defends Ukraine and the members of his community". He added, "The capture of the mayor of Melitopol is, therefore, a crime, not only against a particular person, against a particular community, and not only against Ukraine. It is a crime against democracy itself... The acts of the Russian invaders will be regarded like those of Islamic State terrorists."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.</em></strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch the video of abduction&nbsp;here:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RussianWarCrimes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RussianWarCrimes</a><br />
Russian <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CrimesAgainstHumanity?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CrimesAgainstHumanity</a><br />
⚡⚡⚡The mayor of occupied City of 🇺🇦 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Melitopol?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Melitopol</a> Ivan Fedorov, was abducted by a 🇷🇺group of occupiers today.<br />
Mayor Fedorov refused to cooperate with the 🇷🇺enemy. During the abduction, they put a plastic bag on his head. <a href="https://t.co/pc24n6Bxnj">pic.twitter.com/pc24n6Bxnj</a></p>
— Belarussische Diaspora in Österreich (@BelDiasporaAT) <a href="https://twitter.com/BelDiasporaAT/status/1502325353292959745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The armed aggression of the RF against <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> is accompanied by gross violations of norms and principles of international law, including int’l humanitarian law.<br />
<br />
Among such gross violations was the abduction of Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov on March 11. <a href="https://t.co/pSyJKi8VY8">https://t.co/pSyJKi8VY8</a> <a href="https://t.co/SdZVCW1xNx">pic.twitter.com/SdZVCW1xNx</a></p>
— MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@MFA_Ukraine) <a href="https://twitter.com/MFA_Ukraine/status/1502381583063474186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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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. Russian soldiers have kidnapped the mayor of southern Ukraine's Melitopol on Friday (March 11), the country's President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainian officials said. The abduction of Ivan Fedorov, who is the mayor of the southeastern city of Melitopol, was captured in CCTV cameras as he was seen being led away by armed men from a government building on Friday. The video, posted by the deputy head of Ukraine's presidential administration, Kirillo Timoshenko, shows soldiers coming out of a building holding a man dressed in black, his head apparently covered with a black bag. ALSO READ | 'World War III': We will not fight a war against Russia in Ukraine, says Biden Ukraine's ministry of foreign affairs tweeted: "The armed aggression of the RF against #Ukraine is accompanied by gross violations of norms and principles of international law, including int’l humanitarian law. Among such gross violations was the abduction of Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov on March 11." Ukraine's parliament said on Twitter, "A group of 10 occupiers kidnapped the mayor of Melitopol Ivan Fedorov. He refused to cooperate with the enemy." It said the mayor was seized when he was at the city's crisis centre dealing with supply issues. Later, Zelensky also confirmed the news. In a video message, he said, "This is obviously a sign of weakness of the invaders... They have moved to a new stage of terror in which they are trying to physically eliminate representatives of legitimate local Ukrainian authorities," he said. IN PICS | From 'tank man' to snake island defenders: Brave stories of resistance by Ukrainians against Vladimir Putin He called Fedorov "a mayor who bravely defends Ukraine and the members of his community". He added, "The capture of the mayor of Melitopol is, therefore, a crime, not only against a particular person, against a particular community, and not only against Ukraine. It is a crime against democracy itself... The acts of the Russian invaders will be regarded like those of Islamic State terrorists." Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Watch the video of abduction here: #RussianWarCrimes Russian #CrimesAgainstHumanity ⚡⚡⚡The mayor of occupied City of 🇺🇦 #Melitopol Ivan Fedorov, was abducted by a 🇷🇺group of occupiers today. Mayor Fedorov refused to cooperate with the 🇷🇺enemy. During the abduction, they put a plastic bag on his head. pic.twitter.com/pc24n6Bxnj — Belarussische Diaspora in Österreich (@BelDiasporaAT) March 11, 2022 × The armed aggression of the RF against #Ukraine is accompanied by gross violations of norms and principles of international law, including int’l humanitarian law. Among such gross violations was the abduction of Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fedorov on March 11. https://t.co/pSyJKi8VY8 pic.twitter.com/SdZVCW1xNx — MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@MFA_Ukraine) March 11, 2022 ×

Watch: Ivan Fedorov, mayor of Ukrainian city abducted by Russian troops

<p>Ukraine has been under attack after Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24 ordered his armed forces to carry out a "military operation" in Ukrainian cities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since then, the conflict has escalated with reports of multiple casualties and massive loss of property. The situation has also led to a refugee crisis as people are fleeing Ukraine to save their lives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict is immense as countries across the world are reeling with a surge in prices of various commodities. But panic was caused when the conflict involved the nuclear plants and concerns were raised over radiation leaks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On February 24, Russian forces seized the defunct Chernobyl plant, the site of the 1986 disaster that killed hundreds and spread radioactive contamination west across Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After that, Russian forces had attacked Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia NPP, which is Europe's largest nuclear power plant, on March 4. The plant and a five-story training facility building next to it were on fire, which was later extinguished.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/napoleons-waterloo-hitlers-barbarossa-5-lessons-putin-can-learn-from-failed-war-campaigns-461556">Napoleon's Waterloo &amp; Hitler's Barbarossa: 5 lessons Putin can learn from failed war campaigns</a></strong></p>

<p>Ukraine has four active nuclear power plants, providing about half the country's electricity, as well as stores of nuclear waste such as the one at Chernobyl.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the latest development, the United States on Friday (March 11) accused Russia of violating nuclear safety principles in Ukraine. US also demanded its invading forces stop firing on nuclear power plants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Important to note that there were no signs detected yet of any radiological release.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in a Twitter post that radiation monitors in much of Ukraine were still functioning although the United States was concerned by the lack of data from safeguards monitors at Chernobyl or Zaporizhzhia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-war-what-weapons-are-being-used-in-russias-invasion-461326">Ukraine war: What weapons are being used in Russia's invasion?</a></strong></p>

<p>The conundrum here is, both sites are under Russian forces' control but are being operated by Ukrainian staff in conditions that the International Atomic Energy Agency says endanger the safety of the facilities.</p>

<p>"We remain concerned about Russia’s reckless actions and violations of nuclear safety principles. We are monitoring reports of damage to a research facility in Kharkiv. Near-term safety risk is low, but the continued Russian firing on nuclear facilities must cease," Granholm said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Ukraine and its allies are concerned about the risk Russia's invasion poses to nuclear facilities across the country, including power plants and research centres.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>'Chernobyl&nbsp;plant still without external power supply'</strong></p>

<p>On Friday (March 10) Ukraine's state nuclear power regulator said that the electricity supply to the Chernobyl nuclear power station had not yet been restored. On the other hand, Russia's energy ministry claimed that it was restored by Belarusian specialists on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukraine has warned of an increased risk of a radiation leak if the high-voltage power line, damaged in fighting, is not repaired to the plant, which is occupied by Russian forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Attempts to restore the external power supply to the site are in progress," the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine said in a statement. When the external electricity supply is severed, an emergency diesel generator kicks in.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;WION Ground Report from Brovary: Russian forces bombarded cities across Ukraine</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inpusts from agencies)</em></p>


Ukraine has been under attack after Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24 ordered his armed forces to carry out a "military operation" in Ukrainian cities.

Ukraine has been under attack after Russian President Vladimir Putin on February 24 ordered his armed forces to carry out a "military operation" in Ukrainian cities. Since then, the conflict has escalated with reports of multiple casualties and massive loss of property. The situation has also led to a refugee crisis as people are fleeing Ukraine to save their lives. The economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict is immense as countries across the world are reeling with a surge in prices of various commodities. But panic was caused when the conflict involved the nuclear plants and concerns were raised over radiation leaks. On February 24, Russian forces seized the defunct Chernobyl plant, the site of the 1986 disaster that killed hundreds and spread radioactive contamination west across Europe. After that, Russian forces had attacked Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia NPP, which is Europe's largest nuclear power plant, on March 4. The plant and a five-story training facility building next to it were on fire, which was later extinguished. IN PICS | Napoleon's Waterloo & Hitler's Barbarossa: 5 lessons Putin can learn from failed war campaigns Ukraine has four active nuclear power plants, providing about half the country's electricity, as well as stores of nuclear waste such as the one at Chernobyl. In the latest development, the United States on Friday (March 11) accused Russia of violating nuclear safety principles in Ukraine. US also demanded its invading forces stop firing on nuclear power plants. Important to note that there were no signs detected yet of any radiological release. US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said in a Twitter post that radiation monitors in much of Ukraine were still functioning although the United States was concerned by the lack of data from safeguards monitors at Chernobyl or Zaporizhzhia. IN PICS | Ukraine war: What weapons are being used in Russia's invasion? The conundrum here is, both sites are under Russian forces' control but are being operated by Ukrainian staff in conditions that the International Atomic Energy Agency says endanger the safety of the facilities. "We remain concerned about Russia’s reckless actions and violations of nuclear safety principles. We are monitoring reports of damage to a research facility in Kharkiv. Near-term safety risk is low, but the continued Russian firing on nuclear facilities must cease," Granholm said. Meanwhile, Ukraine and its allies are concerned about the risk Russia's invasion poses to nuclear facilities across the country, including power plants and research centres. 'Chernobyl plant still without external power supply' On Friday (March 10) Ukraine's state nuclear power regulator said that the electricity supply to the Chernobyl nuclear power station had not yet been restored. On the other hand, Russia's energy ministry claimed that it was restored by Belarusian specialists on Thursday. Ukraine has warned of an increased risk of a radiation leak if the high-voltage power line, damaged in fighting, is not repaired to the plant, which is occupied by Russian forces. "Attempts to restore the external power supply to the site are in progress," the State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine said in a statement. When the external electricity supply is severed, an emergency diesel generator kicks in. WATCH | WION Ground Report from Brovary: Russian forces bombarded cities across Ukraine × (With inpusts from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Concerns raised over violation of nuclear safety principles in Ukraine

<p>They poured the liquid out — blueberry-flavored, orange-flavored and the original, face-puckering unflavored version — tweeting #DumpRussianVodka and, at gay bars across the country, made do with Absolut and soda instead.</p>

<p>This was 2013, after President Vladimir Putin imposed harsh new measures aimed at LGBTQ Russians.</p>

<p>And now, as Russia’s aggression in Ukraine takes a horrific human toll, turning millions into refugees, the boycotts are back: U.S. consumers channeling outrage into ditching products they assume are produced by Russians in Russia, with ties, somehow, to Putin.</p>

<p>The problem with that logic is that Americans consume hardly any products that are truly Russian. That goes for vodka — and oil, too. Russian oil makes up 3% of what Americans consume on a daily basis.</p>

<p>This mistaken impression has led people to punish businesses that are really Russian in name only. Some states that recently placed a ban on Russian spirits discovered they were setting a policy that affected only two brands with a small footprint domestically — Russian Standard and Ustianochka. President Joe Biden announced a ban on all Russian liquor imports on Friday. But less than 1% of the vodka consumed here comes from Russia, a beverage industry trade group has noted.</p>

<p>The vodka most commonly but incorrectly associated with Russia, Stolichnaya, has again borne the brunt of the online calls for a boycott. It has been produced in Latvia since 2002, and the headquarters of its parent company, the Stoli Group, are in Luxembourg. Recently, the company formally rebranded its signature spirit as just Stoli after bar owners from Vermont to Michigan to Iowa declared they would no longer serve it and shared video of themselves dumping bottles of it down the drain.</p>

<p>In New York, the famous red banquettes in the Russian Tea Room aren’t as full of patrons these days. But the restaurant’s Russian heritage is a bit of a sleight of hand. It was opened in 1927 by a Polish immigrant who called it the Albertina Rasch Russian Tea Room — after a ballet dancer who was Viennese, even though many at the time assumed she was Russian.</p>

<p>In Chicago, a Russian-style bath house called Red Square has reported getting strange phone calls from people trying to pin down whether it has taken a side in the war. But Red Square is co-owned by a man who was born in Ukraine and said he still has family in the country.</p>

<p>In Washington, windows were broken and a door smashed at the Russia House restaurant near Dupont Circle. Its co-owner told local media that the business, which has been closed since the pandemic, has no connection with Russia. According to its website, which advertises caviar spreads as the kind of indulgence that many Americans associate with Russian decadence, one owner fought in the Gulf War and the other was born in Lithuania.</p>

<p>The misplaced anger of the backlash against Russia has been an instructive development for those who study consumer habits, highlighting the ways that boycotts are especially ineffective and often counterproductive as a tool of protest in the social media era. A staple of American political resistance since the Boston Tea Party, boycotts have played a vital role in shaping public opinion about demonstrations for social progress. The civil rights bus boycotts in the South and the grape boycotts in the 1960s and ’70s to protest conditions for agricultural workers helped spur meaningful change.</p>

<p>But that is not as true today, despite the exponential growth in the number of boycotts aimed at large corporations. One study conducted by a pair of scholars, Maurice Schweitzer of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and Joseph Gaspar of Quinnipiac University, found that calls for boycotts against Fortune 500 companies had nearly tripled since 2010. The study, which has not yet been published, also found that the most common trigger was politics.</p>

<p>Calls to boycott can be effective by creating bad publicity that tarnishes, temporarily at least, a company’s brand image. Sometimes they spur companies to change, as a backlash against SeaWorld over its treatment of orcas did. The company announced in 2016 that it was ending its breeding program, meaning the generation of killer whales now at its theme parks will be the last.</p>

<p>But more often, consumer boycotts fail to have much of an impact on the targeted company’s bottom line because they are either too hard to stick to, as people discovered when they tried to shun BP gas after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, or because they inspire a spirited response from consumers who want to support a company precisely because it’s under attack.</p>

<p>After the CEO of Chick-fil-A professed his opposition to same-sex marriage in 2012, mayors in liberal cities like San Francisco and Boston said the Southern fried chicken eatery should look elsewhere to open new restaurants. Conservatives like Mike Huckabee, a former Baptist preacher and two-time presidential candidate, rallied their followers to support the chain. Its nationwide expansion continued at a fast pace, and there are now Chick-fil-A restaurants from Brooklyn to Seattle.</p>

<p>“It either turns out to be too delicious or too convenient,” Schweitzer of the Wharton School said of shunning certain products. Another factor, he added, is the sheer volume of news that people find politically motivating. “There’s something to be outraged about on a weekly or monthly basis,” he said. “And in the moment the emotion feels raw and powerful, but we fail to appreciate how fleeting that is.”</p>

<p>One reason calls for boycotts keep growing despite their ineffectiveness is that many people appear to believe they are sticking to their guns when they aren’t.</p>

<p>A draft of a new study by scholars from Northwestern University, the University of Toronto and Harvard Business School examined the impact of several recent politically motivated calls for action, including the campaign to boycott or, conversely, “buycott” Starbucks after its announcement in 2017 that it would hire 10,000 refugees. The move came in response to former President Donald Trump’s order halting migration from seven mostly Muslim countries.</p>

<p>Researchers surveyed more than 1,000 consumers, obtained their actual spending at Starbucks over several months and asked whether they had changed their buying behavior because of the refugee announcement. They found that those who reported they had changed their habits — either in support of Starbucks by buying more or against it by boycotting — didn’t actually do anything differently.</p>

<p>Katy DeCelles, a professor of organizational behavior at the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management and one of the authors of the study, said the results showed that people of all political persuasions believed what they wanted to be true about their own behavior.</p>

<p>Finding that there was no measurable impact on spending with such an emotionally charged and highly publicized issue surprised the researchers.</p>

<p>“We thought if we were going to find an effect on people’s behavior it would be now,” DeCelles added.</p>

<p>As that research — and the current anti-Stoli sentiment — shows, the anger channeled into consumer boycotts often lacks consistent logic. Although some states like Pennsylvania and Oregon have not included Stoli in their Russian spirits ban, New Hampshire has. A spokesperson for the state’s liquor commission confirmed that because Gov. Chris Sununu’s order applies not only to Russian-made products but also to ones that are “Russian-branded,” Stoli would remain off the shelves at state-operated stores.</p>

<p>Damian McKinney, CEO of the Stoli Group, said in an interview that mistaken impressions about the brand had nearly led to major losses of business. He recalled a recent conversation with the head of one major retailer in Britain, who had informed him that Stoli was about to be pulled from its shelves.</p>

<p>“I said, ‘Do you know we’re Latvian?’ And there was a pause,” McKinney said, declining to name the retailer. As he spoke, the background for his Zoom screen was framed in the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag alongside the hashtag #StandWithUkraine. “I needed people to understand we’re on the good guys’ side. And this is about an evil man and a regime, not the Russian people,” he added, noting that Stoli employs Russians as well as Ukrainians.</p>

<p>Like many businesses, Stoli has no singular identity that is easy to delineate. Its recipe is Russian, as is its name. “Stolichnaya” translates roughly to “metropolitan.” The company founder, Yuri Shefler, fled Russia after a dispute with the government over control of the Stoli trademark. He lives in Switzerland. For years, Russia has fought Stoli in court over the rights to claim ownership of the name. The company makes its bottle caps and some of its bottles in Ukraine and recently evacuated five Ukrainian employees from the country to Cyprus and Luxembourg, McKinney said.</p>

<p>The Russian Tea Room, where during the pre-theater rush Friday only a handful of tables were occupied, has a similarly complicated lineage, despite the name. Its current owner is a New York real estate developer. But it started in 1927 as a popular hangout among Russians who emigrated to America and became citizens. A New York Times story from 1977 about the restaurant’s 50th anniversary noted that the restaurant was patronized early on by exiles who called themselves “White Russians,” to distinguish themselves from Lenin’s “red” Bolsheviks.</p>

<p>And nearly a century later, drawing those distinctions with the Moscow regime is as important as ever. On the restaurant’s website, a pop-up banner statement on the war in Ukraine greets visitors, noting its history as an institution “deeply rooted in speaking against communist dictatorship.” It adds, “We stand against Putin and with the people of Ukraine.”</p>


They poured the liquid out — blueberry-flavored, orange-flavored and the original, face-puckering unflavored version — tweeting #DumpRussianVodka and, at gay bars across the country, made do with Absolut and soda instead.

They poured the liquid out — blueberry-flavored, orange-flavored and the original, face-puckering unflavored version — tweeting #DumpRussianVodka and, at gay bars across the country, made do with Absolut and soda instead. This was 2013, after President Vladimir Putin imposed harsh new measures aimed at LGBTQ Russians. And now, as Russia’s aggression in Ukraine takes a horrific human toll, turning millions into refugees, the boycotts are back: U.S. consumers channeling outrage into ditching products they assume are produced by Russians in Russia, with ties, somehow, to Putin. The problem with that logic is that Americans consume hardly any products that are truly Russian. That goes for vodka — and oil, too. Russian oil makes up 3% of what Americans consume on a daily basis. This mistaken impression has led people to punish businesses that are really Russian in name only. Some states that recently placed a ban on Russian spirits discovered they were setting a policy that affected only two brands with a small footprint domestically — Russian Standard and Ustianochka. President Joe Biden announced a ban on all Russian liquor imports on Friday. But less than 1% of the vodka consumed here comes from Russia, a beverage industry trade group has noted. The vodka most commonly but incorrectly associated with Russia, Stolichnaya, has again borne the brunt of the online calls for a boycott. It has been produced in Latvia since 2002, and the headquarters of its parent company, the Stoli Group, are in Luxembourg. Recently, the company formally rebranded its signature spirit as just Stoli after bar owners from Vermont to Michigan to Iowa declared they would no longer serve it and shared video of themselves dumping bottles of it down the drain. In New York, the famous red banquettes in the Russian Tea Room aren’t as full of patrons these days. But the restaurant’s Russian heritage is a bit of a sleight of hand. It was opened in 1927 by a Polish immigrant who called it the Albertina Rasch Russian Tea Room — after a ballet dancer who was Viennese, even though many at the time assumed she was Russian. In Chicago, a Russian-style bath house called Red Square has reported getting strange phone calls from people trying to pin down whether it has taken a side in the war. But Red Square is co-owned by a man who was born in Ukraine and said he still has family in the country. In Washington, windows were broken and a door smashed at the Russia House restaurant near Dupont Circle. Its co-owner told local media that the business, which has been closed since the pandemic, has no connection with Russia. According to its website, which advertises caviar spreads as the kind of indulgence that many Americans associate with Russian decadence, one owner fought in the Gulf War and the other was born in Lithuania. The misplaced anger of the backlash against Russia has been an instructive development for those who study consumer habits, highlighting the ways that boycotts are especially ineffective and often counterproductive as a tool of protest in the social media era. A staple of American political resistance since the Boston Tea Party, boycotts have played a vital role in shaping public opinion about demonstrations for social progress. The civil rights bus boycotts in the South and the grape boycotts in the 1960s and ’70s to protest conditions for agricultural workers helped spur meaningful change. But that is not as true today, despite the exponential growth in the number of boycotts aimed at large corporations. One study conducted by a pair of scholars, Maurice Schweitzer of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and Joseph Gaspar of Quinnipiac University, found that calls for boycotts against Fortune 500 companies had nearly tripled since 2010. The study, which has not yet been published, also found that the most common trigger was politics. Calls to boycott can be effective by creating bad publicity that tarnishes, temporarily at least, a company’s brand image. Sometimes they spur companies to change, as a backlash against SeaWorld over its treatment of orcas did. The company announced in 2016 that it was ending its breeding program, meaning the generation of killer whales now at its theme parks will be the last. But more often, consumer boycotts fail to have much of an impact on the targeted company’s bottom line because they are either too hard to stick to, as people discovered when they tried to shun BP gas after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, or because they inspire a spirited response from consumers who want to support a company precisely because it’s under attack. After the CEO of Chick-fil-A professed his opposition to same-sex marriage in 2012, mayors in liberal cities like San Francisco and Boston said the Southern fried chicken eatery should look elsewhere to open new restaurants. Conservatives like Mike Huckabee, a former Baptist preacher and two-time presidential candidate, rallied their followers to support the chain. Its nationwide expansion continued at a fast pace, and there are now Chick-fil-A restaurants from Brooklyn to Seattle. “It either turns out to be too delicious or too convenient,” Schweitzer of the Wharton School said of shunning certain products. Another factor, he added, is the sheer volume of news that people find politically motivating. “There’s something to be outraged about on a weekly or monthly basis,” he said. “And in the moment the emotion feels raw and powerful, but we fail to appreciate how fleeting that is.” One reason calls for boycotts keep growing despite their ineffectiveness is that many people appear to believe they are sticking to their guns when they aren’t. A draft of a new study by scholars from Northwestern University, the University of Toronto and Harvard Business School examined the impact of several recent politically motivated calls for action, including the campaign to boycott or, conversely, “buycott” Starbucks after its announcement in 2017 that it would hire 10,000 refugees. The move came in response to former President Donald Trump’s order halting migration from seven mostly Muslim countries. Researchers surveyed more than 1,000 consumers, obtained their actual spending at Starbucks over several months and asked whether they had changed their buying behavior because of the refugee announcement. They found that those who reported they had changed their habits — either in support of Starbucks by buying more or against it by boycotting — didn’t actually do anything differently. Katy DeCelles, a professor of organizational behavior at the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management and one of the authors of the study, said the results showed that people of all political persuasions believed what they wanted to be true about their own behavior. Finding that there was no measurable impact on spending with such an emotionally charged and highly publicized issue surprised the researchers. “We thought if we were going to find an effect on people’s behavior it would be now,” DeCelles added. As that research — and the current anti-Stoli sentiment — shows, the anger channeled into consumer boycotts often lacks consistent logic. Although some states like Pennsylvania and Oregon have not included Stoli in their Russian spirits ban, New Hampshire has. A spokesperson for the state’s liquor commission confirmed that because Gov. Chris Sununu’s order applies not only to Russian-made products but also to ones that are “Russian-branded,” Stoli would remain off the shelves at state-operated stores. Damian McKinney, CEO of the Stoli Group, said in an interview that mistaken impressions about the brand had nearly led to major losses of business. He recalled a recent conversation with the head of one major retailer in Britain, who had informed him that Stoli was about to be pulled from its shelves. “I said, ‘Do you know we’re Latvian?’ And there was a pause,” McKinney said, declining to name the retailer. As he spoke, the background for his Zoom screen was framed in the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag alongside the hashtag #StandWithUkraine. “I needed people to understand we’re on the good guys’ side. And this is about an evil man and a regime, not the Russian people,” he added, noting that Stoli employs Russians as well as Ukrainians. Like many businesses, Stoli has no singular identity that is easy to delineate. Its recipe is Russian, as is its name. “Stolichnaya” translates roughly to “metropolitan.” The company founder, Yuri Shefler, fled Russia after a dispute with the government over control of the Stoli trademark. He lives in Switzerland. For years, Russia has fought Stoli in court over the rights to claim ownership of the name. The company makes its bottle caps and some of its bottles in Ukraine and recently evacuated five Ukrainian employees from the country to Cyprus and Luxembourg, McKinney said. The Russian Tea Room, where during the pre-theater rush Friday only a handful of tables were occupied, has a similarly complicated lineage, despite the name. Its current owner is a New York real estate developer. But it started in 1927 as a popular hangout among Russians who emigrated to America and became citizens. A New York Times story from 1977 about the restaurant’s 50th anniversary noted that the restaurant was patronized early on by exiles who called themselves “White Russians,” to distinguish themselves from Lenin’s “red” Bolsheviks. And nearly a century later, drawing those distinctions with the Moscow regime is as important as ever. On the restaurant’s website, a pop-up banner statement on the war in Ukraine greets visitors, noting its history as an institution “deeply rooted in speaking against communist dictatorship.” It adds, “We stand against Putin and with the people of Ukraine.”

That Russian business you’re boycotting isn’t actually Russian

<p><em><strong>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.</strong></em></p>

<p>As the Russia and Ukraine conflict continues to escalate, a civilian area has apparently been targeted by the Russian shelling in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Friday (March 11).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The emergency services have said that this appeared to be the first direct attack on the city. Reports have emerged that at least one person has been killed. Identity has not been confirmed.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-satellite-images-show-russian-military-convoy-northwest-of-kyiv-has-dispersed-redeployed-461121">Satellite images show Russian military convoy northwest of Kyiv has 'dispersed, redeployed'</a></strong></p>

<p>In a statement, the emergency services noted: "There were three airstrikes on the city, namely hitting a kindergarten, an apartment building and a two-story shoe factory, starting a fire. One person died."</p>

<p>The strikes Ukraine had warned that Russia was mustering forces to encircle Dnipro, home to about one million people before the invasion started.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-tanks-or-40-ton-iron-freezers-freezing-temperatures-might-help-ukraine-to-resist-putins-army-460975">Russian tanks or '40-ton iron freezers'? Freezing temperatures might help Ukraine to resist Putin's army</a></strong></p>

<p>The strikes came amid preparations by the United States, together with the Group of Seven nations and the European Union, to revoke Russia's "most favoured nation" status over its invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>As per news agencies, shelling was also reported Friday in Lutsk, a city in north-western Ukraine.&nbsp;Lutsk mayor Ihor Polishchuk wrote on Facebook,&nbsp;"Explosions at the airport side."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian defence ministry said in a briefing on Friday that its troops targeted airports in Lutsk and Ivano-Frankivsk, another western Ukrainian city some 250 kilometres south of Lutsk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Military airfields in Lutsk and Ivano-Frankivsk have been put out of order," ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia calls emergency UNSC meeting on biological weapons after claiming that the US is making it</strong></p>

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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. As the Russia and Ukraine conflict continues to escalate, a civilian area has apparently been targeted by the Russian shelling in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro on Friday (March 11). The emergency services have said that this appeared to be the first direct attack on the city. Reports have emerged that at least one person has been killed. Identity has not been confirmed. ALSO READ | Satellite images show Russian military convoy northwest of Kyiv has 'dispersed, redeployed' In a statement, the emergency services noted: "There were three airstrikes on the city, namely hitting a kindergarten, an apartment building and a two-story shoe factory, starting a fire. One person died." The strikes Ukraine had warned that Russia was mustering forces to encircle Dnipro, home to about one million people before the invasion started. ALSO READ | Russian tanks or '40-ton iron freezers'? Freezing temperatures might help Ukraine to resist Putin's army The strikes came amid preparations by the United States, together with the Group of Seven nations and the European Union, to revoke Russia's "most favoured nation" status over its invasion of Ukraine. As per news agencies, shelling was also reported Friday in Lutsk, a city in north-western Ukraine. Lutsk mayor Ihor Polishchuk wrote on Facebook, "Explosions at the airport side." The Russian defence ministry said in a briefing on Friday that its troops targeted airports in Lutsk and Ivano-Frankivsk, another western Ukrainian city some 250 kilometres south of Lutsk. "Military airfields in Lutsk and Ivano-Frankivsk have been put out of order," ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said. WATCH | Russia calls emergency UNSC meeting on biological weapons after claiming that the US is making it ×

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Civilian targets hit in Ukraine's Dnipro, say officials

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<p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p>

<p>The latest satellite images, taken on Thursday (March 10), released by a private US company indicate that a large Russian military convoy, which was last seen northwest of Kyiv, has largely dispersed and redeployed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The military convoy that stretched more than 64 kilometres was near Antonov airport, however, Maxar Technologies said that the images show armoured units manoeuvring in and through the surrounding towns close to the airport.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the US-based company, the images also show military convoy elements further north have repositioned near Lubyanka. The images also showed the military convoy with towed artillery howitzers in firing positions nearby.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-tanks-or-40-ton-iron-freezers-freezing-temperatures-might-help-ukraine-to-resist-putins-army-460975">Russian tanks or '40-ton iron freezers'? Freezing temperatures might help Ukraine to resist Putin's army</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="satellite images " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64174731-dc8d-4227-9910-9c76a2f56b9c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/satellite%20images.jpg" /></p>

<p><em>Maxar satellite images show that some elements of the convoy have "repositioned" into forests. (Reuters).</em></p>

<p>On the other hand, the Russians have advanced more than 80 kilometres over the last five days on the north-eastern front and closing in on the Ukrainian capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in his latest address on Thursday (March 10), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that around 100,000 people had evacuated the country's cities in two days.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the aftermath of the alleged airstrike on a children's hospital that killed at least three people including a young girl, Zelensky further accused Russian forces of targeting a humanitarian corridor in the city of Mariupol.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-tsar-bomba-worlds-most-powerful-nuclear-weapon-of-mass-destruction-460924">Russia's Tsar bomba: World's most powerful nuclear weapon of mass destruction</a></strong></p>

<p>Zelensky said that he decided to send a convoy of trucks into the besieged port city with food, water and medicine and other humanitarian aid. However, the Russian troops "launched a tank attack exactly where this corridor was supposed to be".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ukrainian leader said that, of the around 100,000 people who had been able to leave other Ukrainian cities via humanitarian corridors over the past two days, some 40,000 had fled on Thursday alone.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Will Russia launch a chemical attack on Ukraine?</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


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 latest satellite images, taken on Thursday (March 10), released by a private US company indicate that a large Russian military convoy, which was last seen northwest of Kyiv, has largely dispersed and redeployed. The military convoy that stretched more than 64 kilometres was near Antonov airport, however, Maxar Technologies said that the images show armoured units manoeuvring in and through the surrounding towns close to the airport. As per the US-based company, the images also show military convoy elements further north have repositioned near Lubyanka. The images also showed the military convoy with towed artillery howitzers in firing positions nearby. ALSO READ | Russian tanks or '40-ton iron freezers'? Freezing temperatures might help Ukraine to resist Putin's army Maxar satellite images show that some elements of the convoy have "repositioned" into forests. (Reuters). On the other hand, the Russians have advanced more than 80 kilometres over the last five days on the north-eastern front and closing in on the Ukrainian capital. Meanwhile, in his latest address on Thursday (March 10), Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that around 100,000 people had evacuated the country's cities in two days. In the aftermath of the alleged airstrike on a children's hospital that killed at least three people including a young girl, Zelensky further accused Russian forces of targeting a humanitarian corridor in the city of Mariupol. IN PICS | Russia's Tsar bomba: World's most powerful nuclear weapon of mass destruction Zelensky said that he decided to send a convoy of trucks into the besieged port city with food, water and medicine and other humanitarian aid. However, the Russian troops "launched a tank attack exactly where this corridor was supposed to be". The Ukrainian leader said that, of the around 100,000 people who had been able to leave other Ukrainian cities via humanitarian corridors over the past two days, some 40,000 had fled on Thursday alone. WATCH | Gravitas: Will Russia launch a chemical attack on Ukraine? × (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine crisis: Satellite images show Russian military convoy northwest of Kyiv has 'dispersed, redeployed'

<p>In response to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, Facebook has temporarily relaxed its ban on violent speech, allowing statements such as "death to Russian invaders" but not credible threats against civilians.</p>

<p>As a result of Moscow's war on its neighbour, Western governments and businesses have imposed unprecedented sanctions, but there has also been a surge in online anger over social media's role in the conflict.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-ukraine-needs-surface-to-air-missiles-not-fighter-jets-to-fight-formidable-russian-air-force-461103">US says Ukraine needs surface-to-air missiles, not fighter jets, to fight 'formidable' Russian air force</a></strong></p>

<p>Despite the immediate controversy, Facebook and Instagram's parent company, Meta, defended its policy decision.</p>

<p>"As a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we have temporarily made allowances for forms of political expression that would normally violate our rules like violent speech such as 'death to the Russian invaders,'" Meta said in a statement.</p>

<p>"We still won't allow credible calls for violence against Russian civilians," it added.</p>

<p>As one of the world's leading social media companies, Meta has previously struggled to decide what to allow people to post in times of upheaval.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-russias-barbaric-attack-on-ukraine-childrens-hospital-460804">In Pics- Russia's 'barbaric' attack on Ukraine children's hospital</a></strong></p>

<p>During protests that rocked Iran during July 2021, the company had temporarily allowed posts calling for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death.</p>

<p>Platforms like Twitter and Facebook have had to navigate a myriad of thorny issues related to the war in Ukraine, like when US Senator Lindsey Graham called for the murder of Russian President Vladimir Putin during a televised interview and on Twitter.</p>

<p>"The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out," Graham wrote in a tweet on March 3, which Twitter has not removed.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Is there a Brutus in Russia? Is there a more successful Colonel Stauffenberg in the Russian military?<br />
<br />
The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out.<br />
<br />
You would be doing your country - and the world - a great service.</p>
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/1499574209567199235?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Views on Meta's decision were sharply divided.</p>

<p><strong>Watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;Gravitas: Russia becomes the world's most sanctioned country</strong></p>

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<p>Emerson Brooking, a disinformation expert at the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab, said that "the policy regards calls for violence against Russian soldiers".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A call for violence here, by the way is also a call for resistance because Ukrainians resist a violent invasion," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, some expressed deep concerns, such as Lehigh University professor Jeremy Littau, who tweeted "'We don't allow hate speech except against certain people from a certain country' is one hell of a can of worms."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“We don’t allow hate speech except against certain people from a certain country” is one hell of a can of worms.</p>
— Jeremy Littau (@JeremyLittau) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeremyLittau/status/1502066222304841729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In response to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, Facebook has temporarily relaxed its ban on violent speech, allowing statements such as "death to Russian invaders" but not credible threats against civilians.

In response to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, Facebook has temporarily relaxed its ban on violent speech, allowing statements such as "death to Russian invaders" but not credible threats against civilians. As a result of Moscow's war on its neighbour, Western governments and businesses have imposed unprecedented sanctions, but there has also been a surge in online anger over social media's role in the conflict. Also read | US says Ukraine needs surface-to-air missiles, not fighter jets, to fight 'formidable' Russian air force Despite the immediate controversy, Facebook and Instagram's parent company, Meta, defended its policy decision. "As a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we have temporarily made allowances for forms of political expression that would normally violate our rules like violent speech such as 'death to the Russian invaders,'" Meta said in a statement. "We still won't allow credible calls for violence against Russian civilians," it added. As one of the world's leading social media companies, Meta has previously struggled to decide what to allow people to post in times of upheaval. Also read | In Pics- Russia's 'barbaric' attack on Ukraine children's hospital During protests that rocked Iran during July 2021, the company had temporarily allowed posts calling for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook have had to navigate a myriad of thorny issues related to the war in Ukraine, like when US Senator Lindsey Graham called for the murder of Russian President Vladimir Putin during a televised interview and on Twitter. "The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out," Graham wrote in a tweet on March 3, which Twitter has not removed. Is there a Brutus in Russia? Is there a more successful Colonel Stauffenberg in the Russian military? The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out. You would be doing your country - and the world - a great service. — Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) March 4, 2022 × Views on Meta's decision were sharply divided. Watch | Gravitas: Russia becomes the world's most sanctioned country Emerson Brooking, a disinformation expert at the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab, said that "the policy regards calls for violence against Russian soldiers". "A call for violence here, by the way is also a call for resistance because Ukrainians resist a violent invasion," he added. However, some expressed deep concerns, such as Lehigh University professor Jeremy Littau, who tweeted "'We don't allow hate speech except against certain people from a certain country' is one hell of a can of worms." “We don’t allow hate speech except against certain people from a certain country” is one hell of a can of worms. — Jeremy Littau (@JeremyLittau) March 10, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies)

Opening Pandora's box? Facebook allows calls for violence and death against 'Russian invaders'

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


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

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

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

With support for Ukraine, Crufts dog show returns after a two-year absence

<p>The Chinese are considering purchasing or increasing stakes in Russian energy and commodities companies such as Gazprom and United Co Rusal International, according to sources.</p>

<p>There are reports that Beijing is in talks with its state-owned firms, including China National Petroleum, China Petrochemical, Aluminum Corporation of China, and China Minmetals Corporation, about possible investments in Russian companies or assets.</p>

<p>People familiar with the matter said China's agreement would not be to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine but to boost its imports as it focuses on energy and food security.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukrainians-try-to-protect-their-past-from-the-present-rush-to-save-cultural-heritage-from-russian-attacks-461198" hreflang="en">Ukrainians try to protect their 'past' from the 'present'; rush to save cultural heritage from Russian attacks</a></strong></p>

<p>Reports indicate that the discussions are still in an early stage and that no agreement is imminent. Separate sources report that talks have begun between Chinese and Russian energy companies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With the price of energy, metals, and food soaring to unprecedented heights as a result of Russia's war in Ukraine, Beijing faces increased pressure to secure imports. Last week China's top officials ordered that commodities supply security be prioritized following a surge in prices, Bloomberg reported.</p>

<p>The Chinese government has promised to maintain normal trade relations with Russia despite a massive exodus of American and European companies.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opening-pandoras-box-facebook-allows-calls-for-violence-and-death-against-russian-invaders-461123" hreflang="en">Opening Pandora's box? Facebook allows calls for violence and death against 'Russian invaders'</a></strong></p>

<p>As for China-Russia relations, Wang Yi said earlier this week they remained "rock solid," despite Beijing expressing concern about civilian casualties and calling for peace talks to end the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin signed a series of deals to boost Russian supplies of gas, oil, and wheat.</p>

<p>However, any investment in Russia carries risks that go beyond Beijing's geopolitical balancing act. Default risks have intensified as a result of sanctions that have wiped billions of dollars off Russian assets and bonds. Since the Russian economy has deteriorated rapidly, the nation has become almost uninvestable for global companies. As the yuan surges against the ruble, questions are raised about the two countries' strategic relationship.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Asian stocks extend a global slump amid growing tensions over the Russia-Ukraine conflict</strong></p>

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<p>China's investment could serve as a catalyst for Moscow to accelerate its "Pivot to Asia" with oil and gas supply deals. In the last five years, China has doubled its purchases of Russian energy products to nearly $60 billion.</p>

<p>As per a report by the Australian intelligence, a&nbsp;"troubling new strategic convergence" between Beijing and Moscow has developed and the risk of "major power conflict" had grown since&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;invaded Ukraine.</p>

<p>Director-general of the Office of National Intelligence, Andrew Shearer, said&nbsp;China's President Xi Jinping appears to be planning to dominate the Indo-Pacific region and use it as a base to overtake the United States as the world's leading power.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Chinese are considering purchasing or increasing stakes in Russian energy and commodities companies such as Gazprom and United Co Rusal International, according to sources.

The Chinese are considering purchasing or increasing stakes in Russian energy and commodities companies such as Gazprom and United Co Rusal International, according to sources. There are reports that Beijing is in talks with its state-owned firms, including China National Petroleum, China Petrochemical, Aluminum Corporation of China, and China Minmetals Corporation, about possible investments in Russian companies or assets. People familiar with the matter said China's agreement would not be to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine but to boost its imports as it focuses on energy and food security. Also read | Ukrainians try to protect their 'past' from the 'present'; rush to save cultural heritage from Russian attacks Reports indicate that the discussions are still in an early stage and that no agreement is imminent. Separate sources report that talks have begun between Chinese and Russian energy companies. With the price of energy, metals, and food soaring to unprecedented heights as a result of Russia's war in Ukraine, Beijing faces increased pressure to secure imports. Last week China's top officials ordered that commodities supply security be prioritized following a surge in prices, Bloomberg reported. The Chinese government has promised to maintain normal trade relations with Russia despite a massive exodus of American and European companies. Also read | Opening Pandora's box? Facebook allows calls for violence and death against 'Russian invaders' As for China-Russia relations, Wang Yi said earlier this week they remained "rock solid," despite Beijing expressing concern about civilian casualties and calling for peace talks to end the war. Last month, Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin signed a series of deals to boost Russian supplies of gas, oil, and wheat. However, any investment in Russia carries risks that go beyond Beijing's geopolitical balancing act. Default risks have intensified as a result of sanctions that have wiped billions of dollars off Russian assets and bonds. Since the Russian economy has deteriorated rapidly, the nation has become almost uninvestable for global companies. As the yuan surges against the ruble, questions are raised about the two countries' strategic relationship. Watch | Asian stocks extend a global slump amid growing tensions over the Russia-Ukraine conflict China's investment could serve as a catalyst for Moscow to accelerate its "Pivot to Asia" with oil and gas supply deals. In the last five years, China has doubled its purchases of Russian energy products to nearly $60 billion. As per a report by the Australian intelligence, a "troubling new strategic convergence" between Beijing and Moscow has developed and the risk of "major power conflict" had grown since Russia invaded Ukraine. Director-general of the Office of National Intelligence, Andrew Shearer, said China's President Xi Jinping appears to be planning to dominate the Indo-Pacific region and use it as a base to overtake the United States as the world's leading power. (With inputs from agencies)

A 'troubling new strategic convergence': China plans to invest more in Russian energy, commodity firms

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid0WRhvDlMJbLN" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p><strong><em>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.&nbsp;</em></strong></p>

<p>The Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to escalate. From the day Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a "military operation" in Ukrainian cities till today - the face of the conflict has changed entirely with reports of deaths, massive loss of property and refugee crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest reports have mentioned that Kyiv will soon be encircled, with Russian tanks in places just a few kilometres from the city limits to the east.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian troops, on the outskirts of Kyiv, are maybe waiting for directions from the top officials to proceed further. However, if reports are to be believed, they are currently stranded and are in dire conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-tsar-bomba-worlds-most-powerful-nuclear-weapon-of-mass-destruction-460924">Russia's Tsar bomba: World's most powerful nuclear weapon of mass destruction</a></strong></p>

<p>Daily Mail reported that Russian troops could freeze to death in tanks and armoured military vehicles this week as temperatures are set to plunge.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the report, a pronounced cold snap in eastern Europe means the temperatures could drop to -10C overnight in the middle of the week around Kyiv and Kharkiv. It can go down to even -20C in case of the wind chill.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News agencies have reported that over the last five days, the Russians have advanced more than 80 kilometres on the north-eastern front and closing in on&nbsp;the Ukrainian capital.</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-are-war-crimes-what-are-the-rules-of-war-460670">What are war crimes? What are the rules of war?</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, a solid Ukrainian resistance has been quite impactful so far, but apart from the resistance, it has been understood that the Russian troops faced mechanical problems and fuel supply issues.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now the icy conditions are expected to make the situation even worse for the Russian soldiers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The media outlet quoted former British Army Major Kevin Price, who said the tanks will become nothing more than "40-tonne freezers" as the temperature is dropping, weighing in on whether Russian soldiers are capable of Arctic-style warfare. Price said such low temperatures in March is set to become "unbelievably tough".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report also quoted Glen Grant, who is a senior defence expert at the Baltic Security Foundation. Grant said that a tank "is just a fridge at night if you are not running the engine". In the current state, the Russian convoy outside Kyiv cannot afford run engines unnecessarily because there's fuel scarcity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Grant told Newsweek, "You just can't sit around and wait because if you are in the vehicle you are waiting to be killed. They are not stupid."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US deploys missile system in Poland to secure against potential threats in the area</strong></p>

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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-Ukraine conflict continues to escalate. From the day Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a "military operation" in Ukrainian cities till today - the face of the conflict has changed entirely with reports of deaths, massive loss of property and refugee crisis. The latest reports have mentioned that Kyiv will soon be encircled, with Russian tanks in places just a few kilometres from the city limits to the east. The Russian troops, on the outskirts of Kyiv, are maybe waiting for directions from the top officials to proceed further. However, if reports are to be believed, they are currently stranded and are in dire conditions. IN PICS | Russia's Tsar bomba: World's most powerful nuclear weapon of mass destruction Daily Mail reported that Russian troops could freeze to death in tanks and armoured military vehicles this week as temperatures are set to plunge. As per the report, a pronounced cold snap in eastern Europe means the temperatures could drop to -10C overnight in the middle of the week around Kyiv and Kharkiv. It can go down to even -20C in case of the wind chill. News agencies have reported that over the last five days, the Russians have advanced more than 80 kilometres on the north-eastern front and closing in on the Ukrainian capital. IN PICS | What are war crimes? What are the rules of war? Meanwhile, a solid Ukrainian resistance has been quite impactful so far, but apart from the resistance, it has been understood that the Russian troops faced mechanical problems and fuel supply issues. Now the icy conditions are expected to make the situation even worse for the Russian soldiers. The media outlet quoted former British Army Major Kevin Price, who said the tanks will become nothing more than "40-tonne freezers" as the temperature is dropping, weighing in on whether Russian soldiers are capable of Arctic-style warfare. Price said such low temperatures in March is set to become "unbelievably tough". The report also quoted Glen Grant, who is a senior defence expert at the Baltic Security Foundation. Grant said that a tank "is just a fridge at night if you are not running the engine". In the current state, the Russian convoy outside Kyiv cannot afford run engines unnecessarily because there's fuel scarcity. Grant told Newsweek, "You just can't sit around and wait because if you are in the vehicle you are waiting to be killed. They are not stupid." WATCH | US deploys missile system in Poland to secure against potential threats in the area ×

Russian tanks or '40-tonne iron freezers'? Freezing temperatures might help Ukraine to resist Putin's army

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

<p>Olena Zelenska, who is the First Lady of Ukraine, condemned death and mass destruction happening in the country ever since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a military operation in eastern Ukraine on February 24.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an open letter written to global media on Tuesday, Zelenska has condemned the Kremlin's "mass murder" of civilians, including children.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelenska wrote that Russia's invasion of Ukraine "was impossible to believe. On February 24th, we all woke up to the announcement of a Russian invasion."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Tanks crossed the Ukrainian border, planes entered our airspace, missile launchers surrounded our cities. Despite assurances from Kremlin-backed propaganda outlets, who call this a 'special operation' -- it is, in fact, the mass murder of Ukrainian civilians."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-are-war-crimes-what-are-the-rules-of-war-460670">What are war crimes? What are the rules of war?</a></strong></p>

<p>She highlighted the challenges faced by children calling it "perhaps the most terrifying and devastating". She also named several kids who died.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Her letter read: "Eight-year-old Alice... died on the streets of Okhtyrka while her grandfather tried to protect her," she said. "Polina from Kyiv... died in the shelling with her parents."</p>

<p>"14-year-old Arseniy was hit in the head by wreckage, and could not be saved because an ambulance could not get to him on time because of intense fires."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When Russia says that it is 'not waging war against civilians,' I call out the names of these murdered children first."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-tank-man-to-snake-island-defenders-brave-stories-of-resistance-by-ukrainians-against-vladimir-putin-460353">What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks</a></strong></p>

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<p>Zelenska stressed the suffering of civilians as a massive refugee crisis has been triggered after millions have fled their homes to escape the Russian military assault.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She said, "This war is being waged against the civilian population, and not just through shelling. Our roads are flooded with refugees. Look into the eyes of these tired women and children who carry with them the pain and heartache of leaving loved ones and life as they knew it behind."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mentinong other problems related to vital medical treatment, she asked, "How easy is it to inject insulin in the basement? Or to get asthma medication under heavy fire?"&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Not to mention the thousands of cancer patients whose essential access to chemotherapy and radiation treatment has now been indefinitely delayed."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Meet 8-year-old Dima Kasyanov, whose home in Kharkiv was shelled by Russia</strong></p>

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Olena Zelenska, who is the First Lady of Ukraine, condemned death and mass destruction happening in the country ever since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a military operation in eastern Ukraine on February 24.

Olena Zelenska, who is the First Lady of Ukraine, condemned death and mass destruction happening in the country ever since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a military operation in eastern Ukraine on February 24. In an open letter written to global media on Tuesday, Zelenska has condemned the Kremlin's "mass murder" of civilians, including children. Zelenska wrote that Russia's invasion of Ukraine "was impossible to believe. On February 24th, we all woke up to the announcement of a Russian invasion." "Tanks crossed the Ukrainian border, planes entered our airspace, missile launchers surrounded our cities. Despite assurances from Kremlin-backed propaganda outlets, who call this a 'special operation' -- it is, in fact, the mass murder of Ukrainian civilians." IN PICS | What are war crimes? What are the rules of war? She highlighted the challenges faced by children calling it "perhaps the most terrifying and devastating". She also named several kids who died. Her letter read: "Eight-year-old Alice... died on the streets of Okhtyrka while her grandfather tried to protect her," she said. "Polina from Kyiv... died in the shelling with her parents." "14-year-old Arseniy was hit in the head by wreckage, and could not be saved because an ambulance could not get to him on time because of intense fires." "When Russia says that it is 'not waging war against civilians,' I call out the names of these murdered children first." IN PICS | What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks View this post on Instagram A post shared by Olena Zelenska (@olenazelenska_official) × Zelenska stressed the suffering of civilians as a massive refugee crisis has been triggered after millions have fled their homes to escape the Russian military assault. She said, "This war is being waged against the civilian population, and not just through shelling. Our roads are flooded with refugees. Look into the eyes of these tired women and children who carry with them the pain and heartache of leaving loved ones and life as they knew it behind." Mentinong other problems related to vital medical treatment, she asked, "How easy is it to inject insulin in the basement? Or to get asthma medication under heavy fire?" "Not to mention the thousands of cancer patients whose essential access to chemotherapy and radiation treatment has now been indefinitely delayed." WATCH | Meet 8-year-old Dima Kasyanov, whose home in Kharkiv was shelled by Russia ×

Read Olena Zelenska's letter to the world: First Lady of Ukraine condemns 'mass murder' by Russia

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

<p>The United States has condemned the airstrike at children's hospital in the southeastern city of Mariupol that has wounded at least 17 staff members on Wednesday (March 9). Calling it 'barbaric', the White House slammed the use of force against civilians after an apparent Russian airstrike.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters when questioned about the strike, "It is horrifying to see the type of, the barbaric use of military force to go after innocent civilians in a sovereign country."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-tank-man-to-snake-island-defenders-brave-stories-of-resistance-by-ukrainians-against-vladimir-putin-460353">What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks</a></strong></p>

<p>Authorities revealed that the attack injured women in labour and left children in the wreckage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also slammed the airstrike and described it as a "war crime". He accused Russia of carrying out genocide.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a televised address, Zelensky said, "What kind of country is this, the Russian Federation, which is afraid of hospitals, is afraid of maternity hospitals, and destroys them?"&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We have not done and would never do anything like this war crime in any of the cities of the Donetsk or Lugansk regions, or of any region... because we are people. But are you?" Zelensky asked.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-are-war-crimes-what-are-the-rules-of-war-460670">What are war crimes? What are the rules of war?</a></strong></p>

<p>As per the Mariupol city council, the hospital had been hit several times. The officials said airstrikes that held on maternity and paediatric units, blew out windows, ripped down partition walls and set fire to cars parked outside.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On being inquired on the same, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "Russian forces do not fire on civilian targets." Russia calls its incursion a "special operation" to disarm its neighbour and dislodge leaders it calls "neo-Nazis."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;The US says Russia after Ukraine's bio-lab</strong></p>

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The United States has condemned the airstrike at children's hospital in the southeastern city of Mariupol that has wounded at least 17 staff members on Wednesday (March 9).

The United States has condemned the airstrike at children's hospital in the southeastern city of Mariupol that has wounded at least 17 staff members on Wednesday (March 9). Calling it 'barbaric', the White House slammed the use of force against civilians after an apparent Russian airstrike. Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters when questioned about the strike, "It is horrifying to see the type of, the barbaric use of military force to go after innocent civilians in a sovereign country." IN PICS | What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks Authorities revealed that the attack injured women in labour and left children in the wreckage. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also slammed the airstrike and described it as a "war crime". He accused Russia of carrying out genocide. In a televised address, Zelensky said, "What kind of country is this, the Russian Federation, which is afraid of hospitals, is afraid of maternity hospitals, and destroys them?" "We have not done and would never do anything like this war crime in any of the cities of the Donetsk or Lugansk regions, or of any region... because we are people. But are you?" Zelensky asked. IN PICS | What are war crimes? What are the rules of war? As per the Mariupol city council, the hospital had been hit several times. The officials said airstrikes that held on maternity and paediatric units, blew out windows, ripped down partition walls and set fire to cars parked outside. On being inquired on the same, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "Russian forces do not fire on civilian targets." Russia calls its incursion a "special operation" to disarm its neighbour and dislodge leaders it calls "neo-Nazis." WATCH | The US says Russia after Ukraine's bio-lab ×

US condemns airstrike at children's hospital in Ukraine; Zelensky describes it as 'war crime'

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


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

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

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

<p><em><strong>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.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p>The son of a British lawmaker Helen Grant is part of the country's ex-servicemen group that has arrived in war-torn Ukraine to fight the Russian invasion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thirty-year-old Ben Grant served for five years as a Royal Marines Commando. The Guardian reported that he is among seven British former soldiers who arrived in Ukraine over the weekend.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At Lviv railway station in Ukraine, he told the media outlet: "I haven't been sent, nothing to do with the government, nothing to do with my mother. Just wanna make that clear, completely off my own back, I decided to do this."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-tanks-or-40-ton-iron-freezers-freezing-temperatures-might-help-ukraine-to-resist-putins-army-460975">Russian tanks or '40-ton iron freezers'? Freezing temperatures might help Ukraine to resist Putin's army</a></strong></p>

<p>Grant, who is a father of three, said he had not informed his mother before going, following a stint working in Iraq as a private security contractor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "I didn’t even tell my mum, but it is what it is. I thought I am a father of three, and if that was my kids I know what I would do, I would go and fight."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Grant said, "In total we have another 100 people coming, so this will be really good when they all get here – different backgrounds, some of them are very, very specialist."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said he was undeterred by Russia's warnings that "foreign mercenaries" taken captive by its forces in Ukraine would not be treated as prisoners of war.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-tsar-bomba-worlds-most-powerful-nuclear-weapon-of-mass-destruction-460924">Russia's Tsar bomba: World's most powerful nuclear weapon of mass destruction</a></strong></p>

<p>"If it comes to me being able to end my life before getting captured, I probably would do that. I mentally prepared myself for that, but let's hope it doesn't come to that," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The reports of Britons joining the Ukrainian cause emerged despite UK government warnings against joining the war. UK's Foreign Office advice warns against all travel to Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Grant's group are ex-servicemen, The Sun newspaper reported that a 19-year-old member of the Coldstream Guards was among up to four missing British soldiers believed to have gone to Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Capital Kyiv turns fortress, families flee as Russian troops advance amid invasion of Ukraine</strong></p>

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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 son of a British lawmaker Helen Grant is part of the country's ex-servicemen group that has arrived in war-torn Ukraine to fight the Russian invasion. Thirty-year-old Ben Grant served for five years as a Royal Marines Commando. The Guardian reported that he is among seven British former soldiers who arrived in Ukraine over the weekend. At Lviv railway station in Ukraine, he told the media outlet: "I haven't been sent, nothing to do with the government, nothing to do with my mother. Just wanna make that clear, completely off my own back, I decided to do this." ALSO READ | Russian tanks or '40-ton iron freezers'? Freezing temperatures might help Ukraine to resist Putin's army Grant, who is a father of three, said he had not informed his mother before going, following a stint working in Iraq as a private security contractor. He said, "I didn’t even tell my mum, but it is what it is. I thought I am a father of three, and if that was my kids I know what I would do, I would go and fight." Grant said, "In total we have another 100 people coming, so this will be really good when they all get here – different backgrounds, some of them are very, very specialist." He said he was undeterred by Russia's warnings that "foreign mercenaries" taken captive by its forces in Ukraine would not be treated as prisoners of war. IN PICS | Russia's Tsar bomba: World's most powerful nuclear weapon of mass destruction "If it comes to me being able to end my life before getting captured, I probably would do that. I mentally prepared myself for that, but let's hope it doesn't come to that," he said. The reports of Britons joining the Ukrainian cause emerged despite UK government warnings against joining the war. UK's Foreign Office advice warns against all travel to Ukraine. While Grant's group are ex-servicemen, The Sun newspaper reported that a 19-year-old member of the Coldstream Guards was among up to four missing British soldiers believed to have gone to Ukraine. WATCH | Capital Kyiv turns fortress, families flee as Russian troops advance amid invasion of Ukraine ×

Ben Grant, son of a British Conservative MP, joins Ukrainian fight against Russian invasion: Report

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


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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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