Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Friday blasted European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen for "attacking"&nbsp;EU&nbsp;unity with a plan to&nbsp;ban&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;oil, saying it crosses a red line and has been sent back.

"The European Commission president, intentionally or unintentionally, has attacked the European unity that had been worked out," Orban said on state radio.&nbsp;

"From the first moment we made clear that there will be a red line... they have crossed this red line."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-destroyed-400-hospitals-leaving-patients-in-extreme-difficulties-zelensky-476697">Russia destroyed 400 hospitals, leaving patients in extreme difficulties: Zelensky</a>

On Wednesday the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;executive proposed to the bloc's 27 members a&nbsp;ban&nbsp;on Russian&nbsp;oil&nbsp;imports in its toughest move yet over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Von der Leyen said the bloc would "phase out Russian supply of crude&nbsp;oil&nbsp;within six months, and refined products by the end of the year".

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Fighting destroyed nearly 400 hospitals, medical centres, says Zelensky

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Hungary and Slovakia&nbsp;both highly dependent on Moscow's&nbsp;oil&nbsp;exports would have until the end of 2023.

The embargo would amount to "a nuclear bomb dropped on the Hungarian economy", Orban said, adding that the proposed exemption for Hungary until end-2023 is not long enough.

"The transformation of the Hungary energy transmission and supply system could be completed in five years," Orban said.

Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in a video message posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday said Budapest would back the proposal if crude&nbsp;oil&nbsp;delivered via pipelines was exempted from the&nbsp;EU's&nbsp;ban.

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"I avoid the word 'veto', I do not want to confront the&nbsp;EU. We are interested in a constructive dialogue," said Orban, who was re-elected for a fourth straight term as premier last month.

He said the proposal "has been returned to sender, to Madame President, to work on further".

Orban also protested against the inclusion in the sanctions package of the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill.

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"We will not allow church leaders to be put on a sanctions list," said Orban, who has cultivated close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to Budapest, 65 percent of Hungary's&nbsp;oil&nbsp;and 85&nbsp;per cent of its&nbsp;gas&nbsp;supplies come from&nbsp;Russia.

&nbsp;

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Friday blasted European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen for "attacking" EU unity with a plan to ban Russian oil, saying it crosses a red line and has been sent back.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Friday blasted European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen for "attacking" EU unity with a plan to ban Russian oil, saying it crosses a red line and has been sent back. "The European Commission president, intentionally or unintentionally, has attacked the European unity that had been worked out," Orban said on state radio. "From the first moment we made clear that there will be a red line... they have crossed this red line." Also read | Russia destroyed 400 hospitals, leaving patients in extreme difficulties: Zelensky On Wednesday the EU executive proposed to the bloc's 27 members a ban on Russian oil imports in its toughest move yet over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Von der Leyen said the bloc would "phase out Russian supply of crude oil within six months, and refined products by the end of the year". Watch | Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Fighting destroyed nearly 400 hospitals, medical centres, says Zelensky Hungary and Slovakia both highly dependent on Moscow's oil exports would have until the end of 2023. The embargo would amount to "a nuclear bomb dropped on the Hungarian economy", Orban said, adding that the proposed exemption for Hungary until end-2023 is not long enough. "The transformation of the Hungary energy transmission and supply system could be completed in five years," Orban said. Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto in a video message posted on his Facebook page on Wednesday said Budapest would back the proposal if crude oil delivered via pipelines was exempted from the EU's ban. WATCH WION LIVE HERE: "I avoid the word 'veto', I do not want to confront the EU. We are interested in a constructive dialogue," said Orban, who was re-elected for a fourth straight term as premier last month. He said the proposal "has been returned to sender, to Madame President, to work on further". Orban also protested against the inclusion in the sanctions package of the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill. Also read | Not helping Ukraine 'target' Russian generals: Pentagon "We will not allow church leaders to be put on a sanctions list," said Orban, who has cultivated close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Budapest, 65 percent of Hungary's oil and 85 per cent of its gas supplies come from Russia.

Hungary says European Union Russia oil ban proposal crosses 'red line'

According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Russia's invasion of Ukraine has devastated nearly 400 hospitals and other medical institutions and left doctors without drugs to tackle cancer or the ability to perform surgery.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Fighting destroyed nearly 400 hospitals, medical centres, says Zelensky

Hitler's 'Jewish' blood: An old conspiracy theory

Russia resumed its assault on the encircled Azovstal steel works in Mariupol, after a ceasefire broke down on Tuesday with some civilians trapped underground. Russian forces are hitting the Azovstal complex with airstrikes and trying to storm it.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Moscow resumes strikes on Mariupol steel plant

Russia-Ukraine crisis: War crimes in Bucha, here’s all what you need to know

Russian forces have reduced large parts of Mariupol to ruins. The vast complex and its underground catacombs are the last standing structures. Listen in to an Ukrainian soldier who narrates ground situation in Mariupol.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Ukraine soldier narrates ground situation in Mariupol

Apple&nbsp;Inc on Thursday forecast bigger problems as COVID-19 lockdowns snarl production and demand in China, the war in Ukraine dents sales and growth slows in services, which the iPhone maker sees as its engine for expansion.

Shares were down 2.2 per cent&nbsp;in late trade after executives laid out their glum outlook on a conference call. The news outweighed record profit and sales for&nbsp;Apple's fiscal second quarter, which ended in March.

Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri warned in an interview that the war in Ukraine, which led&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;to stop sales in Russia, would cut sales more deeply in the fiscal third quarter.

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He told analysts on the call that supply-chain issues would hurt sales in the quarter by $4 billion to $8 billion, "substantially larger" than the hit in the second quarter.

Supply problems were focused on a corridor in Shanghai, China and reflected covid&nbsp;disruptions and chip shortages, he added. The pandemic was also affecting demand in China, he said.

Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said that almost all of the Chinese factories doing final assembly of&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;products had restarted after recent covid&nbsp;shutdowns, but the company is not forecasting when the chips shortage, mostly affecting older products, would end.

Cook said he hoped covid&nbsp;issues would be "transitory" and "get better over time."

At least one analyst said the outlook lacked clarity.

"We were all looking for just better guidance on what is really going on over there (China) ... and that didn't come out," said Louis Navellier, chief investment officer for Navellier &amp; Associates.

Kim Caughey Forrest, Chief Investment Officer at Bokeh Capital Partners, said that ongoing demand remained a big question, despite&nbsp;Apple's management of supply chain in the March quarter.

Watch |&nbsp;How netizens are reacting to Apple's 'pregnant man' emoji | Tech It Out

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Indeed, other high-profile tech companies also raised concerns. Amazon on Thursday posted a disappointing outlook as it was swamped by higher costs, sending its shares down 9 per cent&nbsp;after the close, and Intel Corp forecast a bleak quarter based on supply chain issues, and its stock fell 4 per cent.

Both companies, along with&nbsp;Apple, are part of the broader Nasdaq index, which has fallen nearly 19% this year as rising inflation drives investors elsewhere.

March quarter strength&nbsp;

Apple's overall fiscal second-quarter revenue was $97.3 billion, up 8.6 per cent&nbsp;from last year and higher than analysts' average estimate of $93.89 billion, according to Refinitiv data.

Worldwide phone sales revenue was $50.6 billion, a 5.5 per cent&nbsp;increase from a year ago, and services sales rose 17 per cent&nbsp;to $19.8 billion, both ahead of analyst average forecasts.

However, Maestri said that services growth would decelerate from the March quarter, while remaining in double-digits. He cited several factors, including more unfavorable currency exchange rates.

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Total profit was $25 billion, or $1.52 per share and easily topped analysts' expectations of $23.2 billion and $1.43.

Apple&nbsp;also raised its dividend 5 per cent&nbsp;to $0.23 per share and the board approved a buyback for an added $90 billion in shares.

Investors have been bracing for drops in consumer spending on tech gadgets and services as the war in Ukraine and other factors drive up the cost of oil, food and other staples.

Cook shrugged off an analyst question on inflation and consumers.

"We're monitoring that closely. But right now, our main focus, frankly speaking, is on the supply side," he said.

Asked about rising inflation, Maestri said demand, particularly for iPhones, had been higher than the company had anticipated at the start of the quarter. But he noted inflation was affecting expenses.

The pandemic, including the shift to hybrid work, has benefited other businesses.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-is-internally-testing-new-models-of-macbook-series-report-471251">Apple is internally testing new models of MacBook series: Report</a>

Apple&nbsp;said iPad sales fell 2 per cent&nbsp;to $7.65 billion due to supply-chain constraints, while revenue from Mac computers, also facing supply-chain issues, rose 14.7 per cent&nbsp;to $10.4 billion.

Sales of wearables, home speakers and accessories rose 12 per cent&nbsp;to $8.8 billion, and was the only unit to miss Wall Street targets. Maestri said Watch and AirPods sold well, and attributed the miss to seasonal variability in demand for other accessories.

Apple&nbsp;said it now has 825 million paying subscribers across its at least seven subscription offerings, up by 40 million from 785 million last quarter. Its growth comes as rivals such as Netflix Inc report subscriber losses.

Apple Inc on Thursday forecast bigger problems as COVID-19 lockdowns snarl production and demand in China, the war in Ukraine dents sales and growth slows in services, which the iPhone maker sees as its engine for expansion.

Apple Inc on Thursday forecast bigger problems as COVID-19 lockdowns snarl production and demand in China, the war in Ukraine dents sales and growth slows in services, which the iPhone maker sees as its engine for expansion. Shares were down 2.2 per cent in late trade after executives laid out their glum outlook on a conference call. The news outweighed record profit and sales for Apple's fiscal second quarter, which ended in March. Chief Financial Officer Luca Maestri warned in an interview that the war in Ukraine, which led Apple to stop sales in Russia, would cut sales more deeply in the fiscal third quarter. Also read | Apple just released iOS15.4 update with 37 new emojis, and netizens are not pleased He told analysts on the call that supply-chain issues would hurt sales in the quarter by $4 billion to $8 billion, "substantially larger" than the hit in the second quarter. Supply problems were focused on a corridor in Shanghai, China and reflected covid disruptions and chip shortages, he added. The pandemic was also affecting demand in China, he said. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said that almost all of the Chinese factories doing final assembly of Apple products had restarted after recent covid shutdowns, but the company is not forecasting when the chips shortage, mostly affecting older products, would end. Cook said he hoped covid issues would be "transitory" and "get better over time." At least one analyst said the outlook lacked clarity. "We were all looking for just better guidance on what is really going on over there (China) ... and that didn't come out," said Louis Navellier, chief investment officer for Navellier & Associates. Kim Caughey Forrest, Chief Investment Officer at Bokeh Capital Partners, said that ongoing demand remained a big question, despite Apple's management of supply chain in the March quarter. Watch | How netizens are reacting to Apple's 'pregnant man' emoji | Tech It Out Indeed, other high-profile tech companies also raised concerns. Amazon on Thursday posted a disappointing outlook as it was swamped by higher costs, sending its shares down 9 per cent after the close, and Intel Corp forecast a bleak quarter based on supply chain issues, and its stock fell 4 per cent. Both companies, along with Apple, are part of the broader Nasdaq index, which has fallen nearly 19% this year as rising inflation drives investors elsewhere. March quarter strength Apple's overall fiscal second-quarter revenue was $97.3 billion, up 8.6 per cent from last year and higher than analysts' average estimate of $93.89 billion, according to Refinitiv data. Worldwide phone sales revenue was $50.6 billion, a 5.5 per cent increase from a year ago, and services sales rose 17 per cent to $19.8 billion, both ahead of analyst average forecasts. However, Maestri said that services growth would decelerate from the March quarter, while remaining in double-digits. He cited several factors, including more unfavorable currency exchange rates. WATCH WION LIVE HERE Total profit was $25 billion, or $1.52 per share and easily topped analysts' expectations of $23.2 billion and $1.43. Apple also raised its dividend 5 per cent to $0.23 per share and the board approved a buyback for an added $90 billion in shares. Investors have been bracing for drops in consumer spending on tech gadgets and services as the war in Ukraine and other factors drive up the cost of oil, food and other staples. Cook shrugged off an analyst question on inflation and consumers. "We're monitoring that closely. But right now, our main focus, frankly speaking, is on the supply side," he said. Asked about rising inflation, Maestri said demand, particularly for iPhones, had been higher than the company had anticipated at the start of the quarter. But he noted inflation was affecting expenses. The pandemic, including the shift to hybrid work, has benefited other businesses. Also read | Apple is internally testing new models of MacBook series: Report Apple said iPad sales fell 2 per cent to $7.65 billion due to supply-chain constraints, while revenue from Mac computers, also facing supply-chain issues, rose 14.7 per cent to $10.4 billion. Sales of wearables, home speakers and accessories rose 12 per cent to $8.8 billion, and was the only unit to miss Wall Street targets. Maestri said Watch and AirPods sold well, and attributed the miss to seasonal variability in demand for other accessories. Apple said it now has 825 million paying subscribers across its at least seven subscription offerings, up by 40 million from 785 million last quarter. Its growth comes as rivals such as Netflix Inc report subscriber losses.

Apple sees bigger supply problems after strong start to year

Russian invasion: Ukrainian Holocaust survivors find shelter in Israel

&nbsp;Greenpeace activists sought to block a tanker on Monday from delivering Russian oil to Norway, chaining themselves to the vessel in a protest against the war in Ukraine, the advocacy group said.

The Ust Luga product tanker is currently anchored outside Exxon Mobil's Slagen oil terminal some 70 km (43 miles) south of the capital Oslo, according to vessel tracker Marine Traffic.

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Activists arriving in a small boat chained themselves to the tanker's anchor chain as they sought to prevent the offloading of a cargo estimated at 95,000 tonnes of oil, Greenpeace said in a statement.

"Oil is not only at the root of the climate crisis, but also of wars and conflicts. I am shocked that Norway operates as a free port for Russian oil, which we know finances Putin's warfare," Greenpeace Norway head Frode Pleym said.

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The group called on the Norwegian government to ban imports of Russian fossil fuels and said Exxon Mobil's Norwegian Esso unit should cancel any contracts for such imports from Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/total-embargo-on-russian-oil-and-gas-can-stop-war-within-a-month-putins-ex-economic-advisor-469987">Total embargo on Russian oil and gas can stop war within a month: Putin’s ex-economic advisor</a>

Esso Norway had agreed to buy the oil before the war broke out, and does not have plans for further purchases from Russia, a company spokesperson told Norwegian daily Dagbladet.

Esso did not immediately respond to a request for comment when contacted by Reuters.

Greenpeace activists sought to block a tanker on Monday from delivering Russian oil to Norway, chaining themselves to the vessel in a protest against the war in Ukraine, the advocacy group said.

Greenpeace activists sought to block a tanker on Monday from delivering Russian oil to Norway, chaining themselves to the vessel in a protest against the war in Ukraine, the advocacy group said. The Ust Luga product tanker is currently anchored outside Exxon Mobil's Slagen oil terminal some 70 km (43 miles) south of the capital Oslo, according to vessel tracker Marine Traffic. Also read | US says India not violating any sanctions by importing Russian oil Activists arriving in a small boat chained themselves to the tanker's anchor chain as they sought to prevent the offloading of a cargo estimated at 95,000 tonnes of oil, Greenpeace said in a statement. "Oil is not only at the root of the climate crisis, but also of wars and conflicts. I am shocked that Norway operates as a free port for Russian oil, which we know finances Putin's warfare," Greenpeace Norway head Frode Pleym said. Watch | Economic fall out of Russia-Ukraine war: Indonesia bans palm oil exports The group called on the Norwegian government to ban imports of Russian fossil fuels and said Exxon Mobil's Norwegian Esso unit should cancel any contracts for such imports from Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. Also read | Total embargo on Russian oil and gas can stop war within a month: Putin’s ex-economic advisor Esso Norway had agreed to buy the oil before the war broke out, and does not have plans for further purchases from Russia, a company spokesperson told Norwegian daily Dagbladet. Esso did not immediately respond to a request for comment when contacted by Reuters.

Greenpeace blocks tanker from delivering Russian oil to Norway

The German government is set to hike its inflation forecast for this year to 6.1 per cent&nbsp;due to the impact of the war in Ukraine, up from 3.3 per cent&nbsp;it had forecast in January, according to government document seen by Reuters on Monday.

Berlin, which is due to present its spring economic forecasts on Wednesday, sees consumer price growth easing to 2.8 per cent&nbsp;in 2023, the document showed.

German annual inflation rose to its highest level in more than 40 years in March as prices of natural gas and oil products soared following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and gas and electricity bills for German households signing new contracts hit a record high last month.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/they-can-win-if-they-have-the-right-equipment-says-us-defence-secretary-after-meeting-zelensky-473596">With right equipment, Ukraine can win war, says US defence secy Austin after meeting Zelensky</a>

Germany's ruling coalition announced relief measures last month worth roughly 16 billion euro ($17.2 billion) to help consumers cope with soaring energy costs and to reduce dependence on Russian gas.

April inflation data is due to be published on Thursday.

The German government's spring forecasts see consumer spending jumping by 9.7 per cent&nbsp;this year, 0.6 per cent&nbsp;points more than forecast in January, the document showed. In 2023, consumer spending will grow more slowly at a rate of 4.8 per cent.

Berlin meanwhile sees the savings rate shrinking to 10.9 per cent&nbsp;from 15.0 per cent&nbsp;last year.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine conflict: German Chancellor faces criticism for Ukraine stance

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A survey showed last week that one in 10 consumers in Germany were dipping into their savings to shoulder rising costs. Especially younger consumers aged 25 to 34 were more likely to say they were saving less or had taken out loans to help pay their bills.

The sharp rise in energy prices is also hitting companies. An Ifo survey published on Monday showed that nearly half of German companies planned to reduce investments due to rising energy costs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-germany-sold-weapons-to-russia-after-crimea-conflict-report-473135">France, Germany sold weapons to Russia after Crimea conflict: Report</a>

German business morale unexpectedly rose slightly in April, following a big drop in March, as companies were less pessimistic after the economy appeared resilient following the initial shock of the war in Ukraine.

However, the government's spring forecasts show that the unemployment rate is expected to decline to 5.0 per cent&nbsp;this year from 5.7 per cent&nbsp;in 2021 and to remain stable next year.

The government is also set to cut on Wednesday its growth expectations for Europe's biggest economy for 2022 to 2.2 per cent&nbsp;from 3.6 per cent , a source had told Reuters on Friday. Berlin sees growth picking up slightly to 2.5 per cent in 2023, the source had said.

The German government is set to hike its inflation forecast for this year to 6.1 per cent due to the impact of the war in Ukraine, up from 3.3 per cent it had forecast in January, according to government document seen by Reuters on Monday.

The German government is set to hike its inflation forecast for this year to 6.1 per cent due to the impact of the war in Ukraine, up from 3.3 per cent it had forecast in January, according to government document seen by Reuters on Monday. Berlin, which is due to present its spring economic forecasts on Wednesday, sees consumer price growth easing to 2.8 per cent in 2023, the document showed. German annual inflation rose to its highest level in more than 40 years in March as prices of natural gas and oil products soared following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and gas and electricity bills for German households signing new contracts hit a record high last month. Also read | With right equipment, Ukraine can win war, says US defence secy Austin after meeting Zelensky Germany's ruling coalition announced relief measures last month worth roughly 16 billion euro ($17.2 billion) to help consumers cope with soaring energy costs and to reduce dependence on Russian gas. April inflation data is due to be published on Thursday. The German government's spring forecasts see consumer spending jumping by 9.7 per cent this year, 0.6 per cent points more than forecast in January, the document showed. In 2023, consumer spending will grow more slowly at a rate of 4.8 per cent. Berlin meanwhile sees the savings rate shrinking to 10.9 per cent from 15.0 per cent last year. Watch | Russia-Ukraine conflict: German Chancellor faces criticism for Ukraine stance A survey showed last week that one in 10 consumers in Germany were dipping into their savings to shoulder rising costs. Especially younger consumers aged 25 to 34 were more likely to say they were saving less or had taken out loans to help pay their bills. The sharp rise in energy prices is also hitting companies. An Ifo survey published on Monday showed that nearly half of German companies planned to reduce investments due to rising energy costs. Also read | France, Germany sold weapons to Russia after Crimea conflict: Report German business morale unexpectedly rose slightly in April, following a big drop in March, as companies were less pessimistic after the economy appeared resilient following the initial shock of the war in Ukraine. However, the government's spring forecasts show that the unemployment rate is expected to decline to 5.0 per cent this year from 5.7 per cent in 2021 and to remain stable next year. The government is also set to cut on Wednesday its growth expectations for Europe's biggest economy for 2022 to 2.2 per cent from 3.6 per cent , a source had told Reuters on Friday. Berlin sees growth picking up slightly to 2.5 per cent in 2023, the source had said.

Germany to hike 2022 inflation forecast to 6.1%: Report

The UK government will send more military aid in the form of much-needed defence equipment to Ukraine in its fight against Russia, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

In one of many regular phone calls between the two leaders on Saturday, Johnson said Britain would provide more mobility vehicles, drones and anti-tank weapons as he condemned ongoing attacks by Russian forces against civilian targets, including in Mariupol, Odessa and Lviv.

He also updated Zelensky on new UK sanctions imposed against members of the Russian military and confirmed that the UK would be reopening its embassy in Kyiv next week as a show of support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

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The Prime Minister confirmed that the UK is providing more defensive military aid, including protected mobility vehicles, drones and anti-tank weapons. President Zelenskyy thanked the Prime Minister for the training of Ukrainian military personnel currently taking place in the UK, a spokesperson for 10 Downing Street said in a readout of the call.

The Prime Minister said that Russia would be held to account for its actions and that the UK government was helping collect evidence of war crimes. He also updated the President on new UK sanctions designations against members of the Russian military and confirmed that the UK would be reopening its embassy in Kyiv next week, demonstrating our support and solidarity with theUkrainian people, the spokesperson said.

President Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin are both due to meet United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in the coming week.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Kharkiv says Over 700 killed since invasion started

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Ahead of planned meetings, Johnson and Zelensky agreed on the importance of establishing a ceasefire and humanitarian corridor to allow civilians to leave Mariupol.

The Prime Minister said that Russia would be held to account for its actions and that the UK government was helping collect evidence of war crimes,&nbsp;Downing Street said.

Both leaders discussed how the UK will work with partners to develop a long-term security solution for Ukraine and the Prime Minister noted the discussions taking place with international partners to provide further financial support, including at the G7 Finance Ministers' meeting last Wednesday, the statement added.

Zelensky updated Johnson on the situation in the Donbas, where Russia is now seen concentrating its military efforts in a conflict that broke out in February.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-want-to-see-the-sun-heart-breaking-video-of-children-holed-up-in-embattled-mariupol-emerges-watch-473389">'We want to see the sun': Heart-breaking video of children holed up in embattled Mariupol emerges. Watch</a>

In a press conference in a Kyiv metro station later on Saturday, Zelensky said he was "satisfied" with the level of military support coming from the UK.

"We want more than we're being given, but we're satisfied," he told reporters.

"We cannot refuse or reject anything during the war from the biggest military aid, which is coming from the United States and the United Kingdom. There are many other friends in Europe, but I'm talking about volumes of help and I'm grateful for it," he said.&nbsp;

The UK government will send more military aid in the form of much-needed defence equipment to Ukraine in its fight against Russia, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The UK government will send more military aid in the form of much-needed defence equipment to Ukraine in its fight against Russia, Prime Minister Boris Johnson told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In one of many regular phone calls between the two leaders on Saturday, Johnson said Britain would provide more mobility vehicles, drones and anti-tank weapons as he condemned ongoing attacks by Russian forces against civilian targets, including in Mariupol, Odessa and Lviv. He also updated Zelensky on new UK sanctions imposed against members of the Russian military and confirmed that the UK would be reopening its embassy in Kyiv next week as a show of support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Also read | Ukraine war: Russia's 'special military operation' enters third month The Prime Minister confirmed that the UK is providing more defensive military aid, including protected mobility vehicles, drones and anti-tank weapons. President Zelenskyy thanked the Prime Minister for the training of Ukrainian military personnel currently taking place in the UK, a spokesperson for 10 Downing Street said in a readout of the call. The Prime Minister said that Russia would be held to account for its actions and that the UK government was helping collect evidence of war crimes. He also updated the President on new UK sanctions designations against members of the Russian military and confirmed that the UK would be reopening its embassy in Kyiv next week, demonstrating our support and solidarity with theUkrainian people, the spokesperson said. President Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin are both due to meet United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in the coming week. Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Kharkiv says Over 700 killed since invasion started Ahead of planned meetings, Johnson and Zelensky agreed on the importance of establishing a ceasefire and humanitarian corridor to allow civilians to leave Mariupol. The Prime Minister said that Russia would be held to account for its actions and that the UK government was helping collect evidence of war crimes, Downing Street said. Both leaders discussed how the UK will work with partners to develop a long-term security solution for Ukraine and the Prime Minister noted the discussions taking place with international partners to provide further financial support, including at the G7 Finance Ministers' meeting last Wednesday, the statement added. Zelensky updated Johnson on the situation in the Donbas, where Russia is now seen concentrating its military efforts in a conflict that broke out in February. Also read | 'We want to see the sun': Heart-breaking video of children holed up in embattled Mariupol emerges. Watch In a press conference in a Kyiv metro station later on Saturday, Zelensky said he was "satisfied" with the level of military support coming from the UK. "We want more than we're being given, but we're satisfied," he told reporters. "We cannot refuse or reject anything during the war from the biggest military aid, which is coming from the United States and the United Kingdom. There are many other friends in Europe, but I'm talking about volumes of help and I'm grateful for it," he said.

UK promises more military aid to Ukraine to combat Russia

Ukraine war: Russia's 'special military operation' enters third month

A total of 5,133,747 Ukrainians have fled the country since Russia invaded on February 24, the UN refugee agency said Friday.

The figure marks an increase of 48,387 from Thursday's data, UNHCR said.

Some 1,098,000 Ukrainians have left the country during April so far, compared with 3.4 million for the whole of March. &nbsp;

Women and children account for 90 percent of those who fled abroad, with men aged 18 to 60 eligible for military call-up unable to leave.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-gas-embargo-will-cost-germany-almost-190-billion-says-bundesbank-472991">Russian gas embargo will cost Germany almost $190 billion, says Bundesbank</a>

The UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) said an additional 218,000 citizens of third-countries -- largely students and migrant workers -- have also escaped to neighbouring countries.&nbsp;

Beyond the refugees, the IOM estimates 7.7 million people are displaced within in Ukraine.

Before the invasion, Ukraine had a population of 37 million in the regions under government control, excluding Russia-annexed Crimea and the pro-Russian separatist-controlled regions in the east.

Meanwhile, 1.1 million Ukrainians have returned to their country since the war began.

Here is a breakdown of how many Ukrainian refugees have fled to neighbouring countries, according to UNHCR:

Nearly six out of 10 Ukrainian refugees -- 2,867,241 so far -- have crossed into Poland.

Many of them have travelled on to other states in Europe's Schengen open-borders zone.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: This Russian missile can destroy any target on earth

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-this-russian-missile-can-destroy-any-target-on-earth-472821/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, more than 800,000 people have crossed from Poland into Ukraine, Polish border guards said.

Before the war, Poland was home to around 1.5 million Ukrainians, chiefly migrant workers.

Romania&nbsp;

A total of 769,616 Ukrainians entered the EU member state, including a large number who crossed over from Moldova, wedged between Romania and Ukraine.&nbsp;

The vast majority are thought to have gone on to other countries.&nbsp;

Russia

Another 578,255 refugees have sought shelter in Russia.

In addition, 105,000 people crossed into Russia from the separatist-held pro-Russian regions of Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine between February 18 and 23.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-retaliation-mode-russia-imposes-travel-bans-on-us-vice-president-facebook-head-472874">In retaliation mode? Russia imposes travel bans on US Vice President, Facebook head</a>

Hungary&nbsp;

A total of 480,974 Ukrainians have entered Hungary.

Moldova&nbsp;

The Moldovan border is the closest to the major port city of Odessa.&nbsp;A total of 430,170 Ukrainians had by Wednesday crossed into the non-EU state, one of the poorest in Europe. Most have moved on. &nbsp;

Slovakia

A total of 349,286 people crossed Ukraine's shortest border into Slovakia.

Belarus&nbsp;

Another 23,900 refugees have made it north to Russia's close ally Belarus.

A total of 5,133,747 Ukrainians have fled the country since Russia invaded on February 24, the UN refugee agency said Friday. The figure marks an increase of 48,387 from Thursday's data, UNHCR said.

A total of 5,133,747 Ukrainians have fled the country since Russia invaded on February 24, the UN refugee agency said Friday. The figure marks an increase of 48,387 from Thursday's data, UNHCR said. Some 1,098,000 Ukrainians have left the country during April so far, compared with 3.4 million for the whole of March. Women and children account for 90 percent of those who fled abroad, with men aged 18 to 60 eligible for military call-up unable to leave. Also read | Russian gas embargo will cost Germany almost $190 billion, says Bundesbank The UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) said an additional 218,000 citizens of third-countries -- largely students and migrant workers -- have also escaped to neighbouring countries. Beyond the refugees, the IOM estimates 7.7 million people are displaced within in Ukraine. Before the invasion, Ukraine had a population of 37 million in the regions under government control, excluding Russia-annexed Crimea and the pro-Russian separatist-controlled regions in the east. Meanwhile, 1.1 million Ukrainians have returned to their country since the war began. Here is a breakdown of how many Ukrainian refugees have fled to neighbouring countries, according to UNHCR: Nearly six out of 10 Ukrainian refugees -- 2,867,241 so far -- have crossed into Poland. Many of them have travelled on to other states in Europe's Schengen open-borders zone. Watch | Gravitas: This Russian missile can destroy any target on earth Meanwhile, more than 800,000 people have crossed from Poland into Ukraine, Polish border guards said. Before the war, Poland was home to around 1.5 million Ukrainians, chiefly migrant workers. Romania A total of 769,616 Ukrainians entered the EU member state, including a large number who crossed over from Moldova, wedged between Romania and Ukraine. The vast majority are thought to have gone on to other countries. Russia Another 578,255 refugees have sought shelter in Russia. In addition, 105,000 people crossed into Russia from the separatist-held pro-Russian regions of Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine between February 18 and 23. Also read | In retaliation mode? Russia imposes travel bans on US Vice President, Facebook head Hungary A total of 480,974 Ukrainians have entered Hungary. Moldova The Moldovan border is the closest to the major port city of Odessa. A total of 430,170 Ukrainians had by Wednesday crossed into the non-EU state, one of the poorest in Europe. Most have moved on. Slovakia A total of 349,286 people crossed Ukraine's shortest border into Slovakia. Belarus Another 23,900 refugees have made it north to Russia's close ally Belarus.

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Tens of thousands of Ukrainians still fleeing war, says UN

Moskva warship saga: Russia's view and Ukraine's missile theory

Mila Panchenko found herself on a station platform in southwest&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;after lack of food and water forced her to hand herself over to pro-Russian forces to escape the&nbsp;besieged&nbsp;Ukrainian city of&nbsp;Mariupol.

At the station in Taganrog, a port on the Sea of Azov, she was put on a train along with around 200 other&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;and told they were being transported to another part of&nbsp;Russia's Rostov region, which borders Ukraine.

But when the train arrived at its destination, the 53-year-old found herself in Tula province in central&nbsp;Russia, in the town of Suvorov, some 1,000 km (621 miles) away.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-troops-have-begun-battle-for-the-donbas-says-zelensky-472014">Russian troops have begun battle for Donbas, says Ukraine President Zelensky</a>

&nbsp;"There were a lot of police. The station was sealed off so no&nbsp;Russian civilians could approach us," Panchenko said, adding that there were crowds to greet them but the son of a friend&nbsp;from&nbsp;Tula - who she did not identify - was not allowed in. "We were met cheerfully, with cookies."

In addition to Panchenko, Reuters spoke to another Ukrainian woman - Natalia Bil-Maer - who escaped&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;last month, as well as the relatives of two other refugees.

They painted a picture of some civilians in&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;having no choice but to flee&nbsp;from&nbsp;the&nbsp;besieged&nbsp;city to&nbsp;Russia, a journey that involved repeated searches and questioning by pro-Russian forces before being transported often far&nbsp;from&nbsp;Ukraine's border.&nbsp;

Reuters was unable to verify their stories independently.&nbsp;

The Kremlin did not respond to a request for comment about the independent accounts provided to Reuters by Panchenko and Bil-Maer of&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;being sent to distant parts of&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;without any choice.

Moscow has denied intentionally targeting civilians since invading Ukraine on Feb. 24.

Panchenko said she and the other&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;on the train were taken by&nbsp;Russian authorities to a sanatorium in the Tula region called Krainka. She was given a room with a small fridge, a television and two single beds. Laid on a table was traditional gingerbread, sweet biscuits, water and iced tea.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Global Headlines: 7 killed in Russian strikes in Kyiv

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The Krainka resort did not respond to a request for comment on its role in sheltering the&nbsp;Ukrainians.

&nbsp;After arriving at the sanatorium, Panchenko - the duty manager of a cistern factory before the war and a member of the local council - said she was fingerprinted, photographed and questioned in front of a prosecutor, whom Reuters was unable to identify.

Panchenko - who speaks&nbsp;Russian and Ukrainian - was asked whether the suppression of the&nbsp;Russian language in Ukraine had worsened since 2014, she said.

In that year,&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;annexed the Crimea peninsula while two breakaway regions of Ukraine -- Donetsk and Luhansk -- declared themselves people's republics with Moscow's backing.&nbsp;

One of&nbsp;Russia's justifications for what it calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine is to protect&nbsp;Russian speakers&nbsp;from&nbsp;what Moscow brands aggression&nbsp;from&nbsp;Ukrainian nationalists. Ukraine has denied this.&nbsp;

"I only said that I could speak Ukrainian and that I loved it ... I said I hadn't witnessed any suppression of&nbsp;Russian."&nbsp;&nbsp;

Forced Deportations

Liudmyla Denisova, Ukraine's ombudswoman for human rights, said last week that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;had taken 134,000 people&nbsp;from&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;and that 33,000 of those were forcibly&nbsp;deported. Reuters was unable to determine the accuracy of those statistics.&nbsp;

Rachel Denber, deputy director for Europe and Central Asia at Human Rights Watch, said her organisation had documented at least one instance where there was "no question that it would be considered a forced transfer" - which she defined as "being forced to go to the side that has invaded your country."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bleak-assessments-of-the-russian-economy-clash-with-putins-rosy-claims-471989">Bleak assessments of the Russian economy clash with Putin’s rosy claims</a>

The 1949 Geneva Conventions, which defined legal standards for humanitarian treatment in conflict, prohibit the mass forcible transfer of civilians during an international conflict to the territory of the occupying power, classifying it as a war crime.

Russia&nbsp;says it is offering humanitarian aid to those wanting to leave&nbsp;Mariupol. A&nbsp;Russian government resolution, published on March 12 on its website, listed the whereabouts of 95,909 people across&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;who had left Ukraine and the two breakaway republics.

A month later, on April 14,&nbsp;Russian Colonel-General Mikhail Mizintsev said that 138,014 civilians had been rescued by&nbsp;Russian forces just&nbsp;from&nbsp;Mariupol, as the fighting intensified.&nbsp;

Panchenko said she fled&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;on March 17 when Chechen troops seized the building on the left bank of the Kalmius river where she and dozens of other civilians had been sheltering in a basement.

"They said that we had to evacuate because they wanted to set up their headquarters there," Panchenko said by telephone&nbsp;from&nbsp;Brescia, in northern Italy, where she is now living, having left&nbsp;Russia.

With scant supplies of food and water, Panchenko said she had no choice but to get into the cars offered by the Chechen soldiers to take them to&nbsp;Russian-controlled parts of Donetsk.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-powerful-missiles-hit-lviv-as-russia-bombards-multiple-ukrainian-cities-471892">&nbsp;Five 'powerful' missiles hit Lviv as Russia bombards multiple Ukrainian cities</a>

They were transported by car and then bus to the village of Bezimenne, where police&nbsp;from&nbsp;the separatist Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) have set up processing facilities, Panchenko said. They were fingerprinted and questioned by separatist police.

Spokespeople for the DPR and the Chechen authorities did not respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;

"We were asked if we had any connection with the Ukrainian Armed Forces, if we knew anyone&nbsp;from&nbsp;the Azov Battalion," she said, referring to a Ukrainian National Guard unit that Moscow has accused of targeting&nbsp;Russian speakers. "We weren't on any lists, so they put us on a bus again and took us to Taganrog train station."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Trains sent across Russia

On March 22, Bil-Maer fled the basement of a relative's apartment block with her husband and two children - aged 6 and 7 - as the&nbsp;Russian assault drew closer. They had planned to go to the nearby coastal town of Berdiansk, to the west, but their route was blocked by shelling.

"We had only one way left to go because that part of town was controlled by&nbsp;Russian soldiers ... So they transported us and we were&nbsp;deported&nbsp;to&nbsp;Russia."

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As they were taken through&nbsp;Russian-controlled territory, Bil-Maer said&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;were repeatedly questioned and men were asked to strip, as&nbsp;Russian forces searched for combatants.

But by March 23 she found herself on&nbsp;Russian soil and was taken to Taganrog station.

"In Taganrog, there were a lot of nice words said to us: “We've saved you. We'll feed you”," said Bil-Maer, who saw trains headed to Tambov and Vladimir in central&nbsp;Russia. "It was clear that every train was going to a different place."

As soon as Bil-Maer could use her phone, she called an aunt in&nbsp;Russia's Krasnodar region, across the Sea of Azov&nbsp;from&nbsp;east Ukraine, and she came to pick up the family.

But, once in her aunt’s&nbsp;home, Bil-Maer said she was reluctant to go outside because she was tired of being told by strangers that the&nbsp;Russian bombing was Ukraine's fault for attacking&nbsp;Russian-speakers. She said many&nbsp;Russians echoed the Kremlin’s position - reproduced in the media - that civilian casualties in the conflict were caused by Ukraine’s own armed forces to discredit Moscow.&nbsp;

Bil-Maer quickly fled to Georgia with her husband and children.

She does not know how she will return&nbsp;home: she is struggling to get help&nbsp;from&nbsp;the Ukrainian embassy and only has her internal passport with her. Her husband also left the country with her illegally when it was banned because he was of fighting age.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/city-still-has-not-fallen-mariupol-may-be-a-red-line-in-talks-says-ukraine-471755">&nbsp;'City still has not fallen': Mariupol may be a red line in talks, says Ukraine</a>

Ukraine foreign ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko said Ukraine had to close its diplomatic missions in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;for security reasons but embassies in the neighboring countries would provide consular assistance to&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;deported&nbsp;to&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;to enable them to return&nbsp;home, including temporary travel documents.&nbsp;

After 10 days at the Krainka resort, Panchenko said she persuaded the&nbsp;Russians to allow her to leave for Nizhny Novgorod, a city on the Volga river east of Moscow, to stay with the family of an elderly neighbor&nbsp;from&nbsp;Mariupol&nbsp;who had fled with her.

Once outside the resort, Panchenko and her neighbor, who she identified as Zhan, went instead to Moscow and then to the Baltic States. Panchenko found her way eventually to Italy.&nbsp;

"But my plan is to make some money and return to my&nbsp;home&nbsp;Mariupol, if it stays Ukrainian," she said. "I want to come back to Ukraine very much."

Mila Panchenko found herself on a station platform in southwest Russia after lack of food and water forced her to hand herself over to pro-Russian forces to escape the besieged Ukrainian city of Mariupol.

Mila Panchenko found herself on a station platform in southwest Russia after lack of food and water forced her to hand herself over to pro-Russian forces to escape the besieged Ukrainian city of Mariupol. At the station in Taganrog, a port on the Sea of Azov, she was put on a train along with around 200 other Ukrainians and told they were being transported to another part of Russia's Rostov region, which borders Ukraine. But when the train arrived at its destination, the 53-year-old found herself in Tula province in central Russia, in the town of Suvorov, some 1,000 km (621 miles) away. Also read | Russian troops have begun battle for Donbas, says Ukraine President Zelensky "There were a lot of police. The station was sealed off so no Russian civilians could approach us," Panchenko said, adding that there were crowds to greet them but the son of a friend from Tula - who she did not identify - was not allowed in. "We were met cheerfully, with cookies." In addition to Panchenko, Reuters spoke to another Ukrainian woman - Natalia Bil-Maer - who escaped Mariupol last month, as well as the relatives of two other refugees. They painted a picture of some civilians in Mariupol having no choice but to flee from the besieged city to Russia, a journey that involved repeated searches and questioning by pro-Russian forces before being transported often far from Ukraine's border. Reuters was unable to verify their stories independently. The Kremlin did not respond to a request for comment about the independent accounts provided to Reuters by Panchenko and Bil-Maer of Ukrainians being sent to distant parts of Russia without any choice. Moscow has denied intentionally targeting civilians since invading Ukraine on Feb. 24. Panchenko said she and the other Ukrainians on the train were taken by Russian authorities to a sanatorium in the Tula region called Krainka. She was given a room with a small fridge, a television and two single beds. Laid on a table was traditional gingerbread, sweet biscuits, water and iced tea. Watch | Gravitas Global Headlines: 7 killed in Russian strikes in Kyiv The Krainka resort did not respond to a request for comment on its role in sheltering the Ukrainians. After arriving at the sanatorium, Panchenko - the duty manager of a cistern factory before the war and a member of the local council - said she was fingerprinted, photographed and questioned in front of a prosecutor, whom Reuters was unable to identify. Panchenko - who speaks Russian and Ukrainian - was asked whether the suppression of the Russian language in Ukraine had worsened since 2014, she said. In that year, Russia annexed the Crimea peninsula while two breakaway regions of Ukraine -- Donetsk and Luhansk -- declared themselves people's republics with Moscow's backing. One of Russia's justifications for what it calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine is to protect Russian speakers from what Moscow brands aggression from Ukrainian nationalists. Ukraine has denied this. "I only said that I could speak Ukrainian and that I loved it ... I said I hadn't witnessed any suppression of Russian." Forced Deportations Liudmyla Denisova, Ukraine's ombudswoman for human rights, said last week that Russia had taken 134,000 people from Mariupol and that 33,000 of those were forcibly deported. Reuters was unable to determine the accuracy of those statistics. Rachel Denber, deputy director for Europe and Central Asia at Human Rights Watch, said her organisation had documented at least one instance where there was "no question that it would be considered a forced transfer" - which she defined as "being forced to go to the side that has invaded your country." Also read | Bleak assessments of the Russian economy clash with Putin’s rosy claims The 1949 Geneva Conventions, which defined legal standards for humanitarian treatment in conflict, prohibit the mass forcible transfer of civilians during an international conflict to the territory of the occupying power, classifying it as a war crime. Russia says it is offering humanitarian aid to those wanting to leave Mariupol. A Russian government resolution, published on March 12 on its website, listed the whereabouts of 95,909 people across Russia who had left Ukraine and the two breakaway republics. A month later, on April 14, Russian Colonel-General Mikhail Mizintsev said that 138,014 civilians had been rescued by Russian forces just from Mariupol, as the fighting intensified. Panchenko said she fled Mariupol on March 17 when Chechen troops seized the building on the left bank of the Kalmius river where she and dozens of other civilians had been sheltering in a basement. "They said that we had to evacuate because they wanted to set up their headquarters there," Panchenko said by telephone from Brescia, in northern Italy, where she is now living, having left Russia. With scant supplies of food and water, Panchenko said she had no choice but to get into the cars offered by the Chechen soldiers to take them to Russian-controlled parts of Donetsk. Also read | Five 'powerful' missiles hit Lviv as Russia bombards multiple Ukrainian cities They were transported by car and then bus to the village of Bezimenne, where police from the separatist Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) have set up processing facilities, Panchenko said. They were fingerprinted and questioned by separatist police. Spokespeople for the DPR and the Chechen authorities did not respond to a request for comment. "We were asked if we had any connection with the Ukrainian Armed Forces, if we knew anyone from the Azov Battalion," she said, referring to a Ukrainian National Guard unit that Moscow has accused of targeting Russian speakers. "We weren't on any lists, so they put us on a bus again and took us to Taganrog train station." Trains sent across Russia On March 22, Bil-Maer fled the basement of a relative's apartment block with her husband and two children - aged 6 and 7 - as the Russian assault drew closer. They had planned to go to the nearby coastal town of Berdiansk, to the west, but their route was blocked by shelling. "We had only one way left to go because that part of town was controlled by Russian soldiers ... So they transported us and we were deported to Russia." Also read | Syrian fighters who fought against Islamic State sign up to fight alongside Russian troops in Ukraine: Report As they were taken through Russian-controlled territory, Bil-Maer said Ukrainians were repeatedly questioned and men were asked to strip, as Russian forces searched for combatants. But by March 23 she found herself on Russian soil and was taken to Taganrog station. "In Taganrog, there were a lot of nice words said to us: “We've saved you. We'll feed you”," said Bil-Maer, who saw trains headed to Tambov and Vladimir in central Russia. "It was clear that every train was going to a different place." As soon as Bil-Maer could use her phone, she called an aunt in Russia's Krasnodar region, across the Sea of Azov from east Ukraine, and she came to pick up the family. But, once in her aunt’s home, Bil-Maer said she was reluctant to go outside because she was tired of being told by strangers that the Russian bombing was Ukraine's fault for attacking Russian-speakers. She said many Russians echoed the Kremlin’s position - reproduced in the media - that civilian casualties in the conflict were caused by Ukraine’s own armed forces to discredit Moscow. Bil-Maer quickly fled to Georgia with her husband and children. She does not know how she will return home: she is struggling to get help from the Ukrainian embassy and only has her internal passport with her. Her husband also left the country with her illegally when it was banned because he was of fighting age. Also read | 'City still has not fallen': Mariupol may be a red line in talks, says Ukraine Ukraine foreign ministry spokesman Oleg Nikolenko said Ukraine had to close its diplomatic missions in Russia for security reasons but embassies in the neighboring countries would provide consular assistance to Ukrainians deported to Russia to enable them to return home, including temporary travel documents. After 10 days at the Krainka resort, Panchenko said she persuaded the Russians to allow her to leave for Nizhny Novgorod, a city on the Volga river east of Moscow, to stay with the family of an elderly neighbor from Mariupol who had fled with her. Once outside the resort, Panchenko and her neighbor, who she identified as Zhan, went instead to Moscow and then to the Baltic States. Panchenko found her way eventually to Italy. "But my plan is to make some money and return to my home Mariupol, if it stays Ukrainian," she said. "I want to come back to Ukraine very much."

Ukrainians deported to Russia from besieged Mariupol dream of home

Gold prices rose on Monday to their highest since mid-March, as the Russia-Ukraine crisis soured risk sentiment and drove investors to the safety of bullion.

Gold hits over 1-month high as Ukraine crisis weakens risk appetite

More&nbsp;than&nbsp;4.9&nbsp;million&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;have fled their country following the Russian invasion, the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;said Monday as it warned of the risks of women and child refugees being exploited.

UNHCR, the United Nations' refugee agency, said 4,934,415&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;had left the country since Russia invaded on February 24 -- a figure up 65,396 on Sunday's total.

The&nbsp;UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) says nearly 215,000 third-country nationals -- largely students and migrant workers -- have also escaped to neighbouring countries, meaning&nbsp;more&nbsp;than&nbsp;five&nbsp;million&nbsp;people in all have fled Ukraine since the&nbsp;war&nbsp;began.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-fighters-who-fought-against-islamic-state-sign-up-to-fight-alongside-russian-troops-in-ukraine-report-471848">Syrian fighters who fought against Islamic State sign up to fight alongside Russian troops in Ukraine: Report</a>

It is one of the fastest-growing displacement and humanitarian crises ever.

Women and children account for 90 percent of those who escaped, with men aged 18 to 60 eligible for military call-up and unable to leave.

Nearly two-thirds of all Ukrainian children have been forced from their homes, including those still inside the country.

"Refugees from Ukraine, the vast majority women and children, face increased risks of sexual exploitation, abuse and human trafficking," UNHCR said.&nbsp;

"We're on the ground at the border points and beyond, taking preventive measures."

More&nbsp;than&nbsp;2.75&nbsp;million&nbsp;Ukrainian refugees have fled to Poland. Nearly 740,000 reached Romania.

UNHCR figures show nearly 645,000&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;fled in February, with nearly 3.4&nbsp;million&nbsp;doing so in March and nearly 900,000 leaving so far this month.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine ignores Russia's surrender call for Mariupol

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Beyond the refugees, the IOM estimates 7.1&nbsp;million&nbsp;people have left their homes but are still in Ukraine.

"In this season of renewal, our thoughts are with all those who have been forced to&nbsp;flee&nbsp;their homes and have had to rebuild the life they left behind," the UNHCR said.

Before the invasion, Ukraine had a population of 37&nbsp;million&nbsp;in the regions under government control, excluding Russia-annexed Crimea and the pro-Russian separatist-controlled regions in the east.

Here is a breakdown of how many Ukrainian refugees have fled to neighbouring countries, according to UNHCR:

Poland&nbsp;

Nearly six out of 10 Ukrainian refugees -- 2,780,913 so far -- have crossed into Poland.

Many people who go to Ukraine's immediate western neighbours travel on to other states in Europe's Schengen open-borders zone.

Romania

A total of 743,880&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;entered the EU member state, including a large number who crossed over from Moldova, wedged between Romania and Ukraine.&nbsp;

The vast majority are thought to have gone on to other countries.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;

Another 522,404 refugees have sought shelter in Russia.

In addition, 105,000 people crossed into Russia from the separatist-held pro-Russian regions of Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine between February 18 and 23.

Hungary

A total of 461,539&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;have entered Hungary.

Moldova&nbsp;

The Moldovan border is the closest to the major port city of Odessa.&nbsp;A total of 423,852&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;have crossed into the non-EU state, one of the poorest in Europe.

Most of those who have entered the former Soviet republic of 2.6&nbsp;million&nbsp;people have moved on but an estimated 100,000 remain, including 50,000 children -- of whom only 1,800 are enrolled in schools.

Slovakia&nbsp;

A total of 337,311 people crossed Ukraine's shortest border into Slovakia.

Belarus

Another 23,469 refugees have made it north to Russia's close ally Belarus.

More than 4.9 million Ukrainians have fled their country following the Russian invasion, the UN said Monday as it warned of the risks of women and child refugees being exploited.

More than 4.9 million Ukrainians have fled their country following the Russian invasion, the UN said Monday as it warned of the risks of women and child refugees being exploited. UNHCR, the United Nations' refugee agency, said 4,934,415 Ukrainians had left the country since Russia invaded on February 24 -- a figure up 65,396 on Sunday's total. The UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) says nearly 215,000 third-country nationals -- largely students and migrant workers -- have also escaped to neighbouring countries, meaning more than five million people in all have fled Ukraine since the war began. Also read | Syrian fighters who fought against Islamic State sign up to fight alongside Russian troops in Ukraine: Report It is one of the fastest-growing displacement and humanitarian crises ever. Women and children account for 90 percent of those who escaped, with men aged 18 to 60 eligible for military call-up and unable to leave. Nearly two-thirds of all Ukrainian children have been forced from their homes, including those still inside the country. "Refugees from Ukraine, the vast majority women and children, face increased risks of sexual exploitation, abuse and human trafficking," UNHCR said. "We're on the ground at the border points and beyond, taking preventive measures." More than 2.75 million Ukrainian refugees have fled to Poland. Nearly 740,000 reached Romania. UNHCR figures show nearly 645,000 Ukrainians fled in February, with nearly 3.4 million doing so in March and nearly 900,000 leaving so far this month. Watch | Ukraine ignores Russia's surrender call for Mariupol Beyond the refugees, the IOM estimates 7.1 million people have left their homes but are still in Ukraine. "In this season of renewal, our thoughts are with all those who have been forced to flee their homes and have had to rebuild the life they left behind," the UNHCR said. Before the invasion, Ukraine had a population of 37 million in the regions under government control, excluding Russia-annexed Crimea and the pro-Russian separatist-controlled regions in the east. Here is a breakdown of how many Ukrainian refugees have fled to neighbouring countries, according to UNHCR: Poland Nearly six out of 10 Ukrainian refugees -- 2,780,913 so far -- have crossed into Poland. Many people who go to Ukraine's immediate western neighbours travel on to other states in Europe's Schengen open-borders zone. Romania A total of 743,880 Ukrainians entered the EU member state, including a large number who crossed over from Moldova, wedged between Romania and Ukraine. The vast majority are thought to have gone on to other countries. Also read | Zelensky calls for 'anti-radiation medicine' amid Russian nuclear threat Russia Another 522,404 refugees have sought shelter in Russia. In addition, 105,000 people crossed into Russia from the separatist-held pro-Russian regions of Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine between February 18 and 23. Hungary A total of 461,539 Ukrainians have entered Hungary. Moldova The Moldovan border is the closest to the major port city of Odessa. A total of 423,852 Ukrainians have crossed into the non-EU state, one of the poorest in Europe. Most of those who have entered the former Soviet republic of 2.6 million people have moved on but an estimated 100,000 remain, including 50,000 children -- of whom only 1,800 are enrolled in schools. Slovakia A total of 337,311 people crossed Ukraine's shortest border into Slovakia. Belarus Another 23,469 refugees have made it north to Russia's close ally Belarus.

Ukraine war: More than 4.9 million Ukrainians flee war, says UN

Six-year-old Eva swings into a backbend with ease, then assesses herself in the large mirror at the end of the&nbsp;dance&nbsp;studio and rewards herself with a contented smile.

Two dozen Ukrainian&nbsp;children&nbsp;in the room, including one boy, try to do the same, but only a few manage, while the rest end up sitting and watching in awe.

They all attend a free&nbsp;ballet&nbsp;course for Ukrainian&nbsp;refugee&nbsp;children, opened by&nbsp;Prague's National Theatre at the end of March, a month after Russia began its invasion of&nbsp;Ukraine.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-hope-the-world-comes-back-to-its-senses-world-treats-black-and-white-lives-unequally-says-who-chief-470945">&nbsp;'I hope the world comes back to its senses': World treats 'black and white lives' unequally, says WHO chief</a>

"My daughter and I went to see the Sleeping Beauty&nbsp;ballet&nbsp;at the state opera... We jumped at the opportunity!" said Eva's mother, Yuliya Petronchak.

She and Eva left the western Ukrainian city of Lviv for&nbsp;Prague&nbsp;on the first day of the invasion to escape "the constant air alarms", while Eva's father stayed at home.

More than 4.5 million&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;have left&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;since the invasion started on February 24, and around 300,000 have ended up in the Czech Republic.

Like many&nbsp;children&nbsp;taking part in the course, Eva has experience from home -- she went to the State Choreographic School in Lviv for six months before leaving.

The cradle of classical&nbsp;dance

"I have already spotted some talents," said Jana Jodasova, a former dancer at the National Theatre for 20 years who now teaches&nbsp;ballet.

At the beginning of the lesson, she helps the little dancers choose leotards and&nbsp;ballet&nbsp;shoes out of three bags provided by the parents of Czech&nbsp;children&nbsp;attending her regular classes.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Finland prepares for a potential war with Russia

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-finland-prepares-for-a-potential-war-with-russia-470829/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

She assesses the fit and sometimes sends a dancer back to the changing room with a different leotard.

The properly dressed little ballerinas meanwhile practise pirouettes on their own or test the firmness of the bars on the sides of the&nbsp;dance&nbsp;studio.

Jodasova came up with the idea soon after the Russian invasion started as she watched "the horrors" on TV.

"Russia and&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;are the cradle of classical&nbsp;dance, most kids over there go to&nbsp;ballet&nbsp;classes at least for some time," the energetic 59-year-old told AFP.

"Ballet&nbsp;is one of the things they can't live without."

Moments later, she faces a crowd of around a hundred mothers with their&nbsp;children&nbsp;queueing outside the building to register for the free course.

Arms and legs

The new role has forced Jodasova to dig up her long-forgotten command of Russian, forced onto Czechs and other nations under Moscow's communist realm until 1989.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-russias-tit-for-tat-move-slaps-sanctions-on-us-canada-470856">Russia-Ukraine conflict: Moscow’s tit-for-tat move;&nbsp;slaps sanctions on US, Canada</a>

"I communicate with the&nbsp;children&nbsp;using my arms and legs and very poor Russian. But I feel we can understand each other," she said.

When she struggles, she turns to eight-year-old Alisa Kolesnikova, who was born to Russian parents in&nbsp;Prague&nbsp;and who attends Jodasova's regular course for local&nbsp;children.

Alisa, who has attended the&nbsp;ballet&nbsp;school for three years and wants to become a ballerina, relishes the opportunity as she guides the&nbsp;refugee&nbsp;children&nbsp;through the practice.

"I really love to show things to the kids, especially the beginners," the ginger-haired, blue-eyed dancer told AFP.

Hoping to return&nbsp;

One of the youngest&nbsp;children&nbsp;at the&nbsp;refugee&nbsp;course, five-year-old Vasilisa Malakutska, is no beginner either.

"I first took her to a&nbsp;ballet&nbsp;class when she was four and she didn't feel too well about it, but I think now is the right time," said her mother Ekaterina Malakutska, a marketing expert from Kyiv.

She is contemplating a&nbsp;ballet&nbsp;career for her daughter, just like Yuliya Petronchak is for little Eva.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-send-weapons-to-ukraine-look-for-rapprochement-between-nato-russia-after-war-says-frances-le-pen-470834">Don’t send weapons to Ukraine, look for rapprochement between NATO, Russia after war, says France's Le Pen</a>

"Either a ballerina or a doctor," university teacher Petronchak told AFP, adding that although Eva was happy at the&nbsp;Prague&nbsp;course, her future was in&nbsp;Ukraine.

"The&nbsp;safety&nbsp;of the child is key. But if there are no alarms in western&nbsp;Ukraine... we hope to return. As soon as possible."

Six-year-old Eva swings into a backbend with ease, then assesses herself in the large mirror at the end of the dance studio and rewards herself with a contented smile.

Six-year-old Eva swings into a backbend with ease, then assesses herself in the large mirror at the end of the dance studio and rewards herself with a contented smile. Two dozen Ukrainian children in the room, including one boy, try to do the same, but only a few manage, while the rest end up sitting and watching in awe. They all attend a free ballet course for Ukrainian refugee children, opened by Prague's National Theatre at the end of March, a month after Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. Also read | 'I hope the world comes back to its senses': World treats 'black and white lives' unequally, says WHO chief "My daughter and I went to see the Sleeping Beauty ballet at the state opera... We jumped at the opportunity!" said Eva's mother, Yuliya Petronchak. She and Eva left the western Ukrainian city of Lviv for Prague on the first day of the invasion to escape "the constant air alarms", while Eva's father stayed at home. More than 4.5 million refugees have left Ukraine since the invasion started on February 24, and around 300,000 have ended up in the Czech Republic. Like many children taking part in the course, Eva has experience from home -- she went to the State Choreographic School in Lviv for six months before leaving. The cradle of classical dance "I have already spotted some talents," said Jana Jodasova, a former dancer at the National Theatre for 20 years who now teaches ballet. At the beginning of the lesson, she helps the little dancers choose leotards and ballet shoes out of three bags provided by the parents of Czech children attending her regular classes. Watch | Gravitas: Finland prepares for a potential war with Russia She assesses the fit and sometimes sends a dancer back to the changing room with a different leotard. The properly dressed little ballerinas meanwhile practise pirouettes on their own or test the firmness of the bars on the sides of the dance studio. Jodasova came up with the idea soon after the Russian invasion started as she watched "the horrors" on TV. "Russia and Ukraine are the cradle of classical dance, most kids over there go to ballet classes at least for some time," the energetic 59-year-old told AFP. "Ballet is one of the things they can't live without." Moments later, she faces a crowd of around a hundred mothers with their children queueing outside the building to register for the free course. Arms and legs The new role has forced Jodasova to dig up her long-forgotten command of Russian, forced onto Czechs and other nations under Moscow's communist realm until 1989. Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Moscow’s tit-for-tat move; slaps sanctions on US, Canada "I communicate with the children using my arms and legs and very poor Russian. But I feel we can understand each other," she said. When she struggles, she turns to eight-year-old Alisa Kolesnikova, who was born to Russian parents in Prague and who attends Jodasova's regular course for local children. Alisa, who has attended the ballet school for three years and wants to become a ballerina, relishes the opportunity as she guides the refugee children through the practice. "I really love to show things to the kids, especially the beginners," the ginger-haired, blue-eyed dancer told AFP. Hoping to return One of the youngest children at the refugee course, five-year-old Vasilisa Malakutska, is no beginner either. "I first took her to a ballet class when she was four and she didn't feel too well about it, but I think now is the right time," said her mother Ekaterina Malakutska, a marketing expert from Kyiv. She is contemplating a ballet career for her daughter, just like Yuliya Petronchak is for little Eva. Also read | Don’t send weapons to Ukraine, look for rapprochement between NATO, Russia after war, says France's Le Pen "Either a ballerina or a doctor," university teacher Petronchak told AFP, adding that although Eva was happy at the Prague course, her future was in Ukraine. "The safety of the child is key. But if there are no alarms in western Ukraine... we hope to return. As soon as possible."

Ukraine refugee children dance in safety in Prague

More than 4.7 million Ukrainians have fled their country in the 50 days since Russia invaded, the United Nations said Thursday, in Europe's fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War II.

The&nbsp;UN&nbsp;refugee agency UNHCR said 4,736,471 Ukrainians had fled since Russia's assault began on February 24 -- a figure up 79,962 on Wednesday's update.

Women and children account for 90 per cent of those who have left Ukraine, with men aged 18 to 60 eligible for military call-up and unable to leave.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-hope-the-world-comes-back-to-its-senses-world-treats-black-and-white-lives-unequally-says-who-chief-470945">'I hope the world comes back to its senses': World treats 'black and white lives' unequally, says WHO chief</a>

Nearly two-thirds of all Ukrainian children have been forced from their homes, including those still inside the country.

Beyond the refugees, the&nbsp;UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates 7.1 million people have fled their homes but are still in Ukraine.

"The humanitarian needs of people internally displaced in Ukraine continue to grow," the IOM said.

The agency says in addition to Ukrainian refugees, nearly 215,000 non-Ukrainians living, studying or working in the country have also left.

In total, more than a quarter of the population have been forced to flee their homes.

Before the invasion, Ukraine had a population of 37 million in the regions under government control, excluding Russia-annexed Crimea and the pro-Russian separatist regions in the east.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Finland prepares for a potential war with Russia

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Here is a breakdown of how many Ukrainian refugees have fled to neighbouring countries, according to UNHCR:

Poland

Nearly six out of 10 Ukrainian refugees -- 2,694,090 so far -- have crossed into Poland, according to the&nbsp;UN.

Many people who go to Ukraine's immediate western neighbours travel on to other states in Europe's Schengen open-borders zone.

Romania

A total of 716,797 Ukrainians entered the EU member state, including a large number who crossed over from Moldova, wedged between Romania and Ukraine.&nbsp;

The vast majority are thought to have gone on to other countries.&nbsp;

Russia

Another 471,014 refugees have sought shelter in Russia.

In addition, 113,000 people crossed into Russia from the separatist-held pro-Russian regions of Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine between February 21 and 23.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-russias-tit-for-tat-move-slaps-sanctions-on-us-canada-470856">Russia-Ukraine conflict: Moscow’s tit-for-tat move;&nbsp;slaps sanctions on US, Canada</a>

Hungary

A total of 440,387 Ukrainians have entered Hungary.

Moldova

The Moldovan border is the closest to the major port city of Odessa.&nbsp;A total of 417,650 Ukrainians have crossed into the non-EU state, one of the poorest in Europe.

Most of those who have entered the former Soviet republic of 2.6 million people have moved on.

Slovakia

A total of 326,244 people crossed Ukraine's shortest border into Slovakia.

Belarus

Another 22,428 refugees have made it north to Russia's close ally Belarus.

More than 4.7 million Ukrainians have fled their country in the 50 days since Russia invaded, the United Nations said Thursday, in Europe's fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War II.

More than 4.7 million Ukrainians have fled their country in the 50 days since Russia invaded, the United Nations said Thursday, in Europe's fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War II. The UN refugee agency UNHCR said 4,736,471 Ukrainians had fled since Russia's assault began on February 24 -- a figure up 79,962 on Wednesday's update. Women and children account for 90 per cent of those who have left Ukraine, with men aged 18 to 60 eligible for military call-up and unable to leave. Also read | 'I hope the world comes back to its senses': World treats 'black and white lives' unequally, says WHO chief Nearly two-thirds of all Ukrainian children have been forced from their homes, including those still inside the country. Beyond the refugees, the UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates 7.1 million people have fled their homes but are still in Ukraine. "The humanitarian needs of people internally displaced in Ukraine continue to grow," the IOM said. The agency says in addition to Ukrainian refugees, nearly 215,000 non-Ukrainians living, studying or working in the country have also left. In total, more than a quarter of the population have been forced to flee their homes. Before the invasion, Ukraine had a population of 37 million in the regions under government control, excluding Russia-annexed Crimea and the pro-Russian separatist regions in the east. Watch | Gravitas: Finland prepares for a potential war with Russia Here is a breakdown of how many Ukrainian refugees have fled to neighbouring countries, according to UNHCR: Poland Nearly six out of 10 Ukrainian refugees -- 2,694,090 so far -- have crossed into Poland, according to the UN. Many people who go to Ukraine's immediate western neighbours travel on to other states in Europe's Schengen open-borders zone. Romania A total of 716,797 Ukrainians entered the EU member state, including a large number who crossed over from Moldova, wedged between Romania and Ukraine. The vast majority are thought to have gone on to other countries. Russia Another 471,014 refugees have sought shelter in Russia. In addition, 113,000 people crossed into Russia from the separatist-held pro-Russian regions of Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine between February 21 and 23. Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Moscow’s tit-for-tat move; slaps sanctions on US, Canada Hungary A total of 440,387 Ukrainians have entered Hungary. Moldova The Moldovan border is the closest to the major port city of Odessa. A total of 417,650 Ukrainians have crossed into the non-EU state, one of the poorest in Europe. Most of those who have entered the former Soviet republic of 2.6 million people have moved on. Slovakia A total of 326,244 people crossed Ukraine's shortest border into Slovakia. Belarus Another 22,428 refugees have made it north to Russia's close ally Belarus.

Russia-Ukraine war: More than 4.7 million Ukrainians flee in 50 days, says UN

Over a month into the war in Ukraine, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to US President Joe Biden, the focus of the discussion remained largely on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The hour-long call between the two leaders was described as warm and candid.

'Tackling Ukraine crisis' key focus of Modi-Biden's virtual talks

China's&nbsp;factory-gate&nbsp;inflation&nbsp;was&nbsp;higher&nbsp;than&nbsp;expected&nbsp;in March, official data showed Monday, as Russia's war on Ukraine pushes up&nbsp;oil&nbsp;prices&nbsp;while a domestic COVID-19 resurgence strains food supplies and consumer costs.

The producer price index (PPI) -- measuring the cost of goods at the&nbsp;factory&nbsp;gate -- grew 8.3 per cent on-year, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) figures showed.

This was slightly more&nbsp;than&nbsp;a Bloomberg poll of economists&nbsp;expected, while PPI also rose on-month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-makes-secret-delivery-anti-aircraft-missiles-to-serbia-report-470108">China makes secret delivery of anti-aircraft missiles to Serbia: Report</a>

"Geopolitical and other factors have pushed global commodity&nbsp;prices&nbsp;to continue increasing, driving the&nbsp;prices&nbsp;of&nbsp;oil, non-ferrous metals and other related industries to rise further domestically," NBS senior statistician Dong Lijuan said in a statement.

China's consumer price index (CPI), a key gauge of retail&nbsp;inflation, rose more&nbsp;than&nbsp;expected&nbsp;as well, by 1.5 per cent on-year in March, the NBS said.

Although consumer demand eased after festive periods earlier in the year, some food&nbsp;prices&nbsp;have picked up due to "rising international&nbsp;prices&nbsp;of wheat, corn and soybeans" and domestic COVID-19 outbreaks, Dong said.

This comes as world food&nbsp;prices&nbsp;hit an all-time high in March following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, an agricultural powerhouse, according to a UN agency.

Watch |&nbsp;US: China to impose arbitrary COVID rules amid record rise in COVID cases

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Russia and Ukraine make up a massive share of exports in major commodities such as wheat, vegetable&nbsp;oil&nbsp;and corn.

Zhaopeng Xing of ANZ Research said energy&nbsp;prices&nbsp;had "become the major driver for both CPI and PPI".

"CPI&nbsp;inflation&nbsp;could rise further in April as households across&nbsp;China&nbsp;have been stocking up on food and other necessities after taking lessons from the fallout of Shanghai's lockdown," Nomura's chief&nbsp;China&nbsp;economist Ting Lu told AFP.

As the financial hub locked down almost entirely in recent weeks, residents had trouble getting groceries while Covid controls snarled supply chains to the rest of the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-slams-us-virus-accusations-as-shanghai-lockdown-drags-on-469971">China slams US virus 'accusations' as Shanghai lockdown drags on</a>

"Due to lockdowns and transport disruptions in northeast&nbsp;China, the largest grain production base in&nbsp;China, this year's spring farming may have been delayed and the risk of food shortage may rise in the second half," Lu added.

This piles pressure on the worsening global food shortage caused by the military conflict in Ukraine, he said.

China's factory-gate inflation was higher than expected in March, official data showed Monday, as Russia's war on Ukraine pushes up oil prices while a domestic COVID-19 resurgence strains food supplies and consumer costs.

China's factory-gate inflation was higher than expected in March, official data showed Monday, as Russia's war on Ukraine pushes up oil prices while a domestic COVID-19 resurgence strains food supplies and consumer costs. The producer price index (PPI) -- measuring the cost of goods at the factory gate -- grew 8.3 per cent on-year, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) figures showed. This was slightly more than a Bloomberg poll of economists expected, while PPI also rose on-month. Also read | China makes secret delivery of anti-aircraft missiles to Serbia: Report "Geopolitical and other factors have pushed global commodity prices to continue increasing, driving the prices of oil, non-ferrous metals and other related industries to rise further domestically," NBS senior statistician Dong Lijuan said in a statement. China's consumer price index (CPI), a key gauge of retail inflation, rose more than expected as well, by 1.5 per cent on-year in March, the NBS said. Although consumer demand eased after festive periods earlier in the year, some food prices have picked up due to "rising international prices of wheat, corn and soybeans" and domestic COVID-19 outbreaks, Dong said. This comes as world food prices hit an all-time high in March following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, an agricultural powerhouse, according to a UN agency. Watch | US: China to impose arbitrary COVID rules amid record rise in COVID cases Russia and Ukraine make up a massive share of exports in major commodities such as wheat, vegetable oil and corn. Zhaopeng Xing of ANZ Research said energy prices had "become the major driver for both CPI and PPI". "CPI inflation could rise further in April as households across China have been stocking up on food and other necessities after taking lessons from the fallout of Shanghai's lockdown," Nomura's chief China economist Ting Lu told AFP. As the financial hub locked down almost entirely in recent weeks, residents had trouble getting groceries while Covid controls snarled supply chains to the rest of the country. Also read | China slams US virus 'accusations' as Shanghai lockdown drags on "Due to lockdowns and transport disruptions in northeast China, the largest grain production base in China, this year's spring farming may have been delayed and the risk of food shortage may rise in the second half," Lu added. This piles pressure on the worsening global food shortage caused by the military conflict in Ukraine, he said.

China factory inflation higher than expected as oil prices bite

It’s been six weeks since the Russian invasion started, and Ukraine since then has been repeatedly asking Western countries for equipments to help battle the invasion.

The Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, made another request on Thursday at the NATO headquarters for planes, armoured vehicles, air defence systems and land-based anti-ship missiles.

Responding to the request, NATO member Slovakia delivered its S-300 air defence system to Ukraine, confirmed Prime Minister Eduard Heger.

The announcement&nbsp;was made a day after the United States declared that more than 30 countries are sending military help to Kyiv.

"I would like to confirm that #Slovakia has provided #Ukraine with an air-defence system S-300. #Ukrainian nation is #bravely defending its sovereign country and us too. It is our duty to help, not to stay put and be ignorant to the loss of human lives under #Russia’s aggression," he tweeted on Friday.

He asserted that Slovakia’s defence system is secure&nbsp;and added that he would visit Kyiv on Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-is-focusing-on-stablisation-of-economic-ties-with-russia-mea-469521">India is focusing on stablisation of economic ties with Russia: MEA</a>

The prime minister further said that Slovakia would be receiving additional equipments from NATO allies to make further donations.

Watch |&nbsp;Slovakia sends Russian-made S-300 missile system to Ukraine amid Russian invasion

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The donation made by the NATO member&nbsp;is the first one to Ukraine ever since the invasion started in February. On March, Germany and Netherlands sent three batteries of Patriot air defence system to Slovakia which will replace the S-300.

Moreover, Slovakia's defence minister Jaroslav Nad said they would be receiving the fourth patriot from the US next week.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-war-at-least-52-killed-in-train-station-missile-strike-469520">Ukraine-Russia war: At least 52 killed in missile strike on train station</a>

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden thanked Slovakia for sending help to Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

It’s been six weeks since the Russian invasion started, and Ukraine since then has been repeatedly asking Western countries for equipments to help battle the invasion.

It’s been six weeks since the Russian invasion started, and Ukraine since then has been repeatedly asking Western countries for equipments to help battle the invasion. The Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, made another request on Thursday at the NATO headquarters for planes, armoured vehicles, air defence systems and land-based anti-ship missiles. Responding to the request, NATO member Slovakia delivered its S-300 air defence system to Ukraine, confirmed Prime Minister Eduard Heger. The announcement was made a day after the United States declared that more than 30 countries are sending military help to Kyiv. "I would like to confirm that #Slovakia has provided #Ukraine with an air-defence system S-300. #Ukrainian nation is #bravely defending its sovereign country and us too. It is our duty to help, not to stay put and be ignorant to the loss of human lives under #Russia’s aggression," he tweeted on Friday. He asserted that Slovakia’s defence system is secure and added that he would visit Kyiv on Friday. Also read | India is focusing on stablisation of economic ties with Russia: MEA The prime minister further said that Slovakia would be receiving additional equipments from NATO allies to make further donations. Watch | Slovakia sends Russian-made S-300 missile system to Ukraine amid Russian invasion The donation made by the NATO member is the first one to Ukraine ever since the invasion started in February. On March, Germany and Netherlands sent three batteries of Patriot air defence system to Slovakia which will replace the S-300. Moreover, Slovakia's defence minister Jaroslav Nad said they would be receiving the fourth patriot from the US next week. Also read | Ukraine-Russia war: At least 52 killed in missile strike on train station Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden thanked Slovakia for sending help to Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Slovakia sends S-300 air defence system to Kyiv

Nearly&nbsp;4.2&nbsp;million&nbsp;Ukrainians have fled their country since Russia's invasion began on February 24, with almost 40,000 pouring into neighbouring countries in the past 24 hours, UN numbers show.

The United Nations&nbsp;refugee&nbsp;agency, UNHCR, said Sunday that 4,176,401 Ukrainians had fled in just over five weeks, up 38,559 from the figure given a day earlier.

Women and children account for 90 percent of those who have left Ukraine, with men aged 18 to 60 eligible for military call-up and unable to leave.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irpin-bucha-gostomel-and-the-whole-kyiv-region-liberated-ukraine-467833">Irpin, Bucha, Gostomel and the whole Kyiv region liberated: Ukraine</a>

The UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that in addition to&nbsp;Ukrainian&nbsp;refugees,&nbsp;nearly&nbsp;205,500 non-Ukrainians living, studying or working in the country have also left.&nbsp;

Nearly&nbsp;6.48&nbsp;million&nbsp;people were meanwhile estimated to be internally displaced within Ukraine as of mid-March, according IOM.

That puts the total number of people displaced by the conflict at well over 10&nbsp;million, or around a quarter of Ukraine's total population.

Before the Russian invasion, Ukraine had a population of 37&nbsp;million&nbsp;in the regions under government control, excluding Russia-annexed Crimea and the pro-Russian separatist regions in the east.&nbsp;

Children have been disproportionately affected.

The UN children's agency UNICEF said in late March that more than half of the country's estimated 7.5&nbsp;million&nbsp;children had been displaced -- 2.5&nbsp;million&nbsp;internally and two&nbsp;million&nbsp;abroad.

Watch |&nbsp;UN: Over 4.1 million Ukrainians have fled country and 6.83 million displaced since Russia invaded

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-over-41-million-ukrainians-have-fled-country-and-683-million-displaced-since-russia-invaded-467831/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Here is a breakdown of how many&nbsp;Ukrainian&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;have fled to neighbouring countries, according to UNHCR:

Poland

Nearly&nbsp;six out of 10&nbsp;Ukrainian&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;-- 2,429,265 so far -- have crossed into Poland, according to the UN tally.&nbsp;

Polish border guards put the number even higher, saying Sunday that 2,461,000 people had entered from Ukraine since February 24.&nbsp;

The small border city of Przemysl alone has seen some 800,000&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;arrive, according to its mayor, with up to 55,000 people arriving each day at the peak --&nbsp;nearly&nbsp;equivalent to the city's total population.

Many people who go to Ukraine's immediate western neighbours travel on to other states in Europe's Schengen open-borders zone.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/why-putin-went-straight-for-the-nuclear-threat-467809">Why Putin went straight for the nuclear threat</a>

Romania

A total of 635,816 Ukrainians have entered the EU member state, including a large number who crossed over from Moldova, wedged between Romania and Ukraine.&nbsp;

The vast majority are thought to have gone on to other countries.&nbsp;

Moldova

The Moldovan border is the closest to the major port city of Odessa, which was hit by air strikes Sunday morning.&nbsp;Some 392,933 Ukrainians have crossed into the non-EU state, one of the poorest in Europe.

Most of those who have entered the former Soviet republic of 2.6&nbsp;million&nbsp;people, sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania, have moved on.

But around 93,000 have stayed, with the UN Development Programme saying that some 80 percent are being housed by private individuals.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mykolaivs-governor-says-at-least-35-killed-from-russian-strike-on-government-building-467790">Mykolaiv's governor says at least 35 killed from Russian strike on government building</a>

Hungary

A total of 385,783 Ukrainians have entered Hungary.&nbsp;

Russia

Some 350,632&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;had sought shelter in Russia as of last Tuesday.

In addition, 113,000 people crossed into Russia from the separatist-held pro-Russian regions of Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine between February 21 and 23.&nbsp;

Slovakia

A total of 298,183 people have crossed Ukraine's shortest border into Slovakia.&nbsp;

Belarus

Another 12,746&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;had made it north to Russia's close ally Belarus as of last Thursday.

Nearly 4.2 million Ukrainians have fled their country since Russia's invasion began on February 24, with almost 40,000 pouring into neighbouring countries in the past 24 hours, UN numbers show.

Nearly 4.2 million Ukrainians have fled their country since Russia's invasion began on February 24, with almost 40,000 pouring into neighbouring countries in the past 24 hours, UN numbers show. The United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, said Sunday that 4,176,401 Ukrainians had fled in just over five weeks, up 38,559 from the figure given a day earlier. Women and children account for 90 percent of those who have left Ukraine, with men aged 18 to 60 eligible for military call-up and unable to leave. Also read | Irpin, Bucha, Gostomel and the whole Kyiv region liberated: Ukraine The UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) said that in addition to Ukrainian refugees, nearly 205,500 non-Ukrainians living, studying or working in the country have also left. Nearly 6.48 million people were meanwhile estimated to be internally displaced within Ukraine as of mid-March, according IOM. That puts the total number of people displaced by the conflict at well over 10 million, or around a quarter of Ukraine's total population. Before the Russian invasion, Ukraine had a population of 37 million in the regions under government control, excluding Russia-annexed Crimea and the pro-Russian separatist regions in the east. Children have been disproportionately affected. The UN children's agency UNICEF said in late March that more than half of the country's estimated 7.5 million children had been displaced -- 2.5 million internally and two million abroad. Watch | UN: Over 4.1 million Ukrainians have fled country and 6.83 million displaced since Russia invaded Here is a breakdown of how many Ukrainian refugees have fled to neighbouring countries, according to UNHCR: Poland Nearly six out of 10 Ukrainian refugees -- 2,429,265 so far -- have crossed into Poland, according to the UN tally. Polish border guards put the number even higher, saying Sunday that 2,461,000 people had entered from Ukraine since February 24. The small border city of Przemysl alone has seen some 800,000 refugees arrive, according to its mayor, with up to 55,000 people arriving each day at the peak -- nearly equivalent to the city's total population. Many people who go to Ukraine's immediate western neighbours travel on to other states in Europe's Schengen open-borders zone. Also read | Why Putin went straight for the nuclear threat Romania A total of 635,816 Ukrainians have entered the EU member state, including a large number who crossed over from Moldova, wedged between Romania and Ukraine. The vast majority are thought to have gone on to other countries. Moldova The Moldovan border is the closest to the major port city of Odessa, which was hit by air strikes Sunday morning. Some 392,933 Ukrainians have crossed into the non-EU state, one of the poorest in Europe. Most of those who have entered the former Soviet republic of 2.6 million people, sandwiched between Ukraine and Romania, have moved on. But around 93,000 have stayed, with the UN Development Programme saying that some 80 percent are being housed by private individuals. Also read | Mykolaiv's governor says at least 35 killed from Russian strike on government building Hungary A total of 385,783 Ukrainians have entered Hungary. Russia Some 350,632 refugees had sought shelter in Russia as of last Tuesday. In addition, 113,000 people crossed into Russia from the separatist-held pro-Russian regions of Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine between February 21 and 23. Slovakia A total of 298,183 people have crossed Ukraine's shortest border into Slovakia. Belarus Another 12,746 refugees had made it north to Russia's close ally Belarus as of last Thursday.

Russia Ukraine crisis: Nearly 4.2 million Ukrainian refugees flee war

A&nbsp;series&nbsp;of&nbsp;explosions&nbsp;were&nbsp;heard&nbsp;and smoke was seen in Ukraine's southern&nbsp;port&nbsp;city of&nbsp;Odesa&nbsp;in the early hours of Sunday (April 3), a&nbsp;Reuters&nbsp;witness&nbsp;said.

Footage showed large clouds of dark smoke rising over the city.

Odesa&nbsp;was attacked by missiles and there were reports of fires in some areas, the city council said in an online post.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irpin-bucha-gostomel-and-the-whole-kyiv-region-liberated-ukraine-467833">&nbsp;Irpin, Bucha, Gostomel and the whole Kyiv region liberated: Ukraine</a>

One of the city's "critical infrastructure facilities" was hit, regional administration spokesperson Sergey Bratchuk told Ukraine's public broadcaster.

"We hope there will be no casualties," Bratchuk said.

Ukraine's military said on Friday (April 1) that its anti-air defences had foiled an attempted Russian missile attack on critical infrastructure in the major Black Sea&nbsp;port&nbsp;city.

Governor Maksym Marchenko said three missiles had hit a residential area earlier on Friday, adding there were casualties.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mykolaivs-governor-says-at-least-35-killed-from-russian-strike-on-government-building-467790">&nbsp;Mykolaiv's governor says at least 35 killed from Russian strike on government building</a>

Reuters&nbsp;could not immediately verify the&nbsp;Ukrainian&nbsp;statement at the time.

Russia has denied targeting civilians in its war in Ukraine that began on February 24 in what Moscow calls a "special operation" to demilitarise its southwestern neighbour.

Western countries call it an unprovoked war of aggression.

Watch |&nbsp;Zelensky says 3,000 rescued from Mariupol amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/zelensky-says-3000-rescued-from-mariupol-amid-the-ongoing-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-467572/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A series of explosions were heard and smoke was seen in Ukraine's southern port city of Odesa in the early hours of Sunday (April 3), a Reuters witness said. Footage showed large clouds of dark smoke rising over the city.

A series of explosions were heard and smoke was seen in Ukraine's southern port city of Odesa in the early hours of Sunday (April 3), a Reuters witness said. Footage showed large clouds of dark smoke rising over the city. Odesa was attacked by missiles and there were reports of fires in some areas, the city council said in an online post. Also read | Irpin, Bucha, Gostomel and the whole Kyiv region liberated: Ukraine One of the city's "critical infrastructure facilities" was hit, regional administration spokesperson Sergey Bratchuk told Ukraine's public broadcaster. "We hope there will be no casualties," Bratchuk said. Ukraine's military said on Friday (April 1) that its anti-air defences had foiled an attempted Russian missile attack on critical infrastructure in the major Black Sea port city. Governor Maksym Marchenko said three missiles had hit a residential area earlier on Friday, adding there were casualties. Also read | Mykolaiv's governor says at least 35 killed from Russian strike on government building Reuters could not immediately verify the Ukrainian statement at the time. Russia has denied targeting civilians in its war in Ukraine that began on February 24 in what Moscow calls a "special operation" to demilitarise its southwestern neighbour. Western countries call it an unprovoked war of aggression. Watch | Zelensky says 3,000 rescued from Mariupol amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

Ukraine war: Series of explosions heard in Ukrainian port of Odesa, say reports

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

Impact of the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the Indian kitchen

Taiwan's defence ministry has set up a working group to study the&nbsp;tactics&nbsp;of the&nbsp;war&nbsp;in&nbsp;Ukraine, including how the country has been able to hold out against Russia, and has been&nbsp;discussing&nbsp;this with the United States, its minister said on Thursday.

Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory, has raised its alert level since the Russian invasion,&nbsp;wary of Beijing possibly making a similar move on the island, though it has reported no signs this is about to happen.

The possible impact of the&nbsp;war&nbsp;on China's military thinking on&nbsp;Taiwan, and how China could attack the island, has been widely debated in official circles in Taipei.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-forces-leaving-chernobyl-nuclear-site-have-been-infected-with-radiation-sickness-reports-467130">Russian forces leaving Chernobyl nuclear site hit by radiation sickness: Reports</a>

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of parliament, Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said they had had "contact" with foreign countries to talk about how the&nbsp;war&nbsp;was being fought, and had set up their own working group to study it.

Topics&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;is following include Russia's poor military performance and&nbsp;Ukraine's resistance, he said.

"It is not only discussed in exchange meetings between the United States and&nbsp;Taiwan, but also discussed with other countries that have regular contacts with&nbsp;Taiwan," Chiu added, without giving details.

Taiwan's team on&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;includes academics from the National Defence University, he said.

"However, we will not make remarks rashly, but through internal discussions which are important, to get results that are helpful for building armaments and preparing for&nbsp;war."

While&nbsp;Taiwanese officials have seen many parallels in the&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;war&nbsp;and their own situation, including having their own giant neighbour with territorial ambitions, they have also pointed to major differences.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eyeing-russia-ukraine-conflict-taiwan-mulls-extending-compulsory-military-service-464968">Eyeing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Taiwan mulls extending compulsory military service</a>

Taiwan&nbsp;has talked, for example, of the "natural barrier" of the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait which would make China putting troops on the ground much more difficult than Russia just crossing over its land border with&nbsp;Ukraine.

Taiwan&nbsp;also has a large and well-equipped air force, and is developing its own formidable missile strike capability.

China has been stepping up its military pressure against&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;over the past two years or so.

Taiwan&nbsp;rejects China's sovereignty claims, and says only the island's people can decide their future.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine war reverberates in Taiwan: Matsu islanders fear Chinese action

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-war-reverberates-in-taiwan-matsu-islanders-fear-chinese-action-465607/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Taiwan's defence ministry has set up a working group to study the tactics of the war in Ukraine, including how the country has been able to hold out against Russia, and has been discussing this with the United States, its minister said on Thursday.

Taiwan's defence ministry has set up a working group to study the tactics of the war in Ukraine, including how the country has been able to hold out against Russia, and has been discussing this with the United States, its minister said on Thursday. Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory, has raised its alert level since the Russian invasion, wary of Beijing possibly making a similar move on the island, though it has reported no signs this is about to happen. The possible impact of the war on China's military thinking on Taiwan, and how China could attack the island, has been widely debated in official circles in Taipei. Also read | Russian forces leaving Chernobyl nuclear site hit by radiation sickness: Reports Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of parliament, Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said they had had "contact" with foreign countries to talk about how the war was being fought, and had set up their own working group to study it. Topics Taiwan is following include Russia's poor military performance and Ukraine's resistance, he said. "It is not only discussed in exchange meetings between the United States and Taiwan, but also discussed with other countries that have regular contacts with Taiwan," Chiu added, without giving details. Taiwan's team on Ukraine includes academics from the National Defence University, he said. "However, we will not make remarks rashly, but through internal discussions which are important, to get results that are helpful for building armaments and preparing for war." While Taiwanese officials have seen many parallels in the Ukraine war and their own situation, including having their own giant neighbour with territorial ambitions, they have also pointed to major differences. Also read | Eyeing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Taiwan mulls extending compulsory military service Taiwan has talked, for example, of the "natural barrier" of the Taiwan Strait which would make China putting troops on the ground much more difficult than Russia just crossing over its land border with Ukraine. Taiwan also has a large and well-equipped air force, and is developing its own formidable missile strike capability. China has been stepping up its military pressure against Taiwan over the past two years or so. Taiwan rejects China's sovereignty claims, and says only the island's people can decide their future. Watch | Ukraine war reverberates in Taiwan: Matsu islanders fear Chinese action

Taiwan studying Ukraine war tactics, discussing with US, says defence minister

Their "extremely noisy" YouTube videos usually show them playing Mario Kart and goofing around, but two&nbsp;Ukrainian&nbsp;brothers are now using their popular Japanese-language channel to speak out against war.

Sava Tkachov, 26, and his brother Yan, 20, have 1.26 million subscribers on their channel Sawayan Games, where most videos are introduced by Sava shouting and gesticulating wildly in sunglasses and chunky headphones.

Now the brothers, who were brought up and live in&nbsp;Japan, have used their platform to raise 3.6 million yen ($29,000) in donations for Ukraine since Russia launched its bloody invasion last month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-forces-leaving-chernobyl-nuclear-site-have-been-infected-with-radiation-sickness-reports-467130">Russian forces leaving Chernobyl nuclear site hit by radiation sickness: Reports</a>

Fans have left comments of support on their videos, which are tagged with the #NoWar&nbsp;slogan and mix gaming commentary with information and appeals to help Ukraine.

Since the invasion began, social networks like TikTok have come alive with images posted by young Ukrainians of newly trained soldiers and life in underground bunkers.

Sava said on Thursday that he hoped the pair's videos could pack a similar emotional punch.

"The kind of information I'm sharing is very direct information from my father or his friends (in Ukraine), and I'm sharing that instantly, in a very direct and real way, in a personal way," he told reporters.

"It's something that can hit viewers right in the heart," he said.

Sava, a basketball player, moved to&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;aged four when his father began work there as a business consultant. Yan, currently a student, was born in&nbsp;Japan.

The brothers started their gaming channel two years ago, and say most of their subscribers are young Japanese men, with the majority aged 24 or under.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-president-putin-being-misled-by-fearful-military-advisers-us-says-467111">Russia President Putin being misled by fearful military advisers, US says</a>

"It's extremely noisy, so please refrain from watching it before going to bed," says the channel's description.

In one recent livestream, Sava appeared with animated angel wings in the yellow and blue of the&nbsp;Ukrainian&nbsp;flag.&nbsp;

The pair have also posted less-than-subtle protest skits, such as whacking a photo of Russian President Vladimir Putin in time to music.

Sava was initially "conflicted" about mixing political commentary with gaming, Yan said.

"But he thought by using such familiar content, like games, it might be possible to reach more people, and particularly more young people."

And commenters have been weighing in, with one writing: "Although it's a painful time, I think the Sawayans' attitude is definitely reaching people all around the world. I'm only a high school student... but I want to do what I can. No war."

The pair, who speak Japanese,&nbsp;Ukrainian, Russian and English, said they feel strongly attached to Ukraine despite having only visited a few times.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-zelensky-meeting-possible-after-istanbul-talks-says-ukraine-467066">Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky meeting possible after Istanbul talks, says Ukraine</a>

"Ukrainian&nbsp;soldiers the same age as me are being killed," said Yan.

It's easy to turn your eyes away from reality. But the question is, do you face up to the problem, or do you stand back, as a bystander? And it is up to you to decide."

Watch |&nbsp;Russia &amp; Ukraine begin talks in Istanbul, aims to stop fighting in Ukraine

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-begin-talks-in-istanbul-aims-to-stop-fighting-in-ukraine-466649/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Their "extremely noisy" YouTube videos usually show them playing Mario Kart and goofing around, but two Ukrainian brothers are now using their popular Japanese-language channel to speak out against war.

Their "extremely noisy" YouTube videos usually show them playing Mario Kart and goofing around, but two Ukrainian brothers are now using their popular Japanese-language channel to speak out against war. Sava Tkachov, 26, and his brother Yan, 20, have 1.26 million subscribers on their channel Sawayan Games, where most videos are introduced by Sava shouting and gesticulating wildly in sunglasses and chunky headphones. Now the brothers, who were brought up and live in Japan, have used their platform to raise 3.6 million yen ($29,000) in donations for Ukraine since Russia launched its bloody invasion last month. Also read | Russian forces leaving Chernobyl nuclear site hit by radiation sickness: Reports Fans have left comments of support on their videos, which are tagged with the #NoWar slogan and mix gaming commentary with information and appeals to help Ukraine. Since the invasion began, social networks like TikTok have come alive with images posted by young Ukrainians of newly trained soldiers and life in underground bunkers. Sava said on Thursday that he hoped the pair's videos could pack a similar emotional punch. "The kind of information I'm sharing is very direct information from my father or his friends (in Ukraine), and I'm sharing that instantly, in a very direct and real way, in a personal way," he told reporters. "It's something that can hit viewers right in the heart," he said. Sava, a basketball player, moved to Japan aged four when his father began work there as a business consultant. Yan, currently a student, was born in Japan. The brothers started their gaming channel two years ago, and say most of their subscribers are young Japanese men, with the majority aged 24 or under. Also read | Russia President Putin being misled by fearful military advisers, US says "It's extremely noisy, so please refrain from watching it before going to bed," says the channel's description. In one recent livestream, Sava appeared with animated angel wings in the yellow and blue of the Ukrainian flag. The pair have also posted less-than-subtle protest skits, such as whacking a photo of Russian President Vladimir Putin in time to music. Sava was initially "conflicted" about mixing political commentary with gaming, Yan said. "But he thought by using such familiar content, like games, it might be possible to reach more people, and particularly more young people." And commenters have been weighing in, with one writing: "Although it's a painful time, I think the Sawayans' attitude is definitely reaching people all around the world. I'm only a high school student... but I want to do what I can. No war." The pair, who speak Japanese, Ukrainian, Russian and English, said they feel strongly attached to Ukraine despite having only visited a few times. Also read | Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky meeting possible after Istanbul talks, says Ukraine "Ukrainian soldiers the same age as me are being killed," said Yan. It's easy to turn your eyes away from reality. But the question is, do you face up to the problem, or do you stand back, as a bystander? And it is up to you to decide." Watch | Russia & Ukraine begin talks in Istanbul, aims to stop fighting in Ukraine

Ukrainian YouTubers in Japan make #NoWar plea

Oil&nbsp;prices&nbsp;plunged on Thursday on news that the United States was considering the&nbsp;release&nbsp;of up to 180 million barrels from its strategic petroleum reserve, the largest in the near 50-year history of the SPR.

Brent crude futures for May fell $4.11, or 3.6 per cent, to $109.34 a barrel by 0637 GMT. The May contract expires on Thursday and the most actively traded June futures were down $4.36 at $107.08, having earlier slid by more than $6.

US West Texas Intermediate futures for May delivery fell $5.33, or 4.9 per cent, to $102.49 a barrel after touching a low of $100.85.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-may-single-out-and-detain-us-citizens-state-dept-issues-another-travel-advisory-466846">‘Russia may single out and detain US citizens’: State Dept issues another travel advisory</a>

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden will give remarks later on Thursday regarding his administration's actions aimed at lowering gasoline prices that have risen to&nbsp;record&nbsp;highs since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine.

Such a&nbsp;release&nbsp;would help the&nbsp;oil&nbsp;market to rebalance in 2022 by increasing supply by 1 million barrels per day (bpd) for six months, Goldman Sachs analysts said in a note.

"This would remain, however, a&nbsp;release&nbsp;of&nbsp;oil&nbsp;inventories, not a persistent source of supply for coming years. Such a&nbsp;release&nbsp;would therefore not resolve the structural supply deficit, years in the making."

International Energy Agency (IEA) member countries are due to meet on Friday at 1200 GMT to decide on a collective&nbsp;oil&nbsp;release, a spokesperson for New Zealand's energy minister said on Thursday.

News of the potential&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;release&nbsp;overshadowed a meeting set for Thursday between the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies including Russia. The group known as OPEC+ is expected to stick to its deal to increase&nbsp;oil&nbsp;production gradually.

The&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;oil&nbsp;release&nbsp;could be effective in reducing wild volatility and curtail sharp upward movements, but&nbsp;prices&nbsp;need a long-term solution, said Avtar Sandu, a commodities manager at Phillip Futures.

Oil&nbsp;settled up around 3 per cent on Wednesday as peace talks stalled between Ukraine and Russia, which calls its actions a "special operation".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-germany-sounds-early-warning-over-russian-gas-supply-466972">Ukraine war: Germany sounds 'early warning' over Russian gas supply</a>

Russia is the world's second-largest&nbsp;oil&nbsp;exporter and Western sanctions imposed as punishment for the invasion have disrupted flows from the country.

In early March the Biden administration said it would sell 30 million barrels from the strategic reserve as part of a global&nbsp;release&nbsp;of 60 million barrels to lower&nbsp;prices.

In November the United States announced a plan to&nbsp;release&nbsp;50 million barrels from the SPR, mostly through exchanges where the buyer agrees to replace the&nbsp;oil&nbsp;later.

"If it turns out to be as much as that, it would be significant and so would certainly help to a certain extent to fill the shortfall, but not all of it," said Warren Patterson, head of commodities strategy at ING, referring to the 180 million barrels figure.

"Another key question is whether this volume would be part of a wider coordinated&nbsp;release. I guess we need to also see if this would be a straightforward&nbsp;release&nbsp;or an exchange."

The&nbsp;release&nbsp;comes after&nbsp;U.S. commercial&nbsp;oil&nbsp;inventories fell by 3.4 million barrels in the week to March 25, surpassing forecasts of a 1 million barrel drop. At the same time, implied demand for gasoline and distillates declined.

The slower demand came as&nbsp;U.S. production rose by 100,000 bpd to 11.7 million bpd after stagnating at 11.6 million bpd since early February.

Watch |&nbsp;India: New Delhi continues to buy Russian oil, US may restrict other countries' oil purchase

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-new-delhi-continues-to-buy-russian-oil-us-may-restrict-other-countries-oil-purchase-467042/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Oil prices plunged on Thursday on news that the United States was considering the release of up to 180 million barrels from its strategic petroleum reserve, the largest in the near 50-year history of the SPR.

Oil prices plunged on Thursday on news that the United States was considering the release of up to 180 million barrels from its strategic petroleum reserve, the largest in the near 50-year history of the SPR. Brent crude futures for May fell $4.11, or 3.6 per cent, to $109.34 a barrel by 0637 GMT. The May contract expires on Thursday and the most actively traded June futures were down $4.36 at $107.08, having earlier slid by more than $6. US West Texas Intermediate futures for May delivery fell $5.33, or 4.9 per cent, to $102.49 a barrel after touching a low of $100.85. Also read | ‘Russia may single out and detain US citizens’: State Dept issues another travel advisory US President Joe Biden will give remarks later on Thursday regarding his administration's actions aimed at lowering gasoline prices that have risen to record highs since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. Such a release would help the oil market to rebalance in 2022 by increasing supply by 1 million barrels per day (bpd) for six months, Goldman Sachs analysts said in a note. "This would remain, however, a release of oil inventories, not a persistent source of supply for coming years. Such a release would therefore not resolve the structural supply deficit, years in the making." International Energy Agency (IEA) member countries are due to meet on Friday at 1200 GMT to decide on a collective oil release, a spokesperson for New Zealand's energy minister said on Thursday. News of the potential U.S. release overshadowed a meeting set for Thursday between the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and allies including Russia. The group known as OPEC+ is expected to stick to its deal to increase oil production gradually. The U.S. oil release could be effective in reducing wild volatility and curtail sharp upward movements, but prices need a long-term solution, said Avtar Sandu, a commodities manager at Phillip Futures. Oil settled up around 3 per cent on Wednesday as peace talks stalled between Ukraine and Russia, which calls its actions a "special operation". Also read | Ukraine war: Germany sounds 'early warning' over Russian gas supply Russia is the world's second-largest oil exporter and Western sanctions imposed as punishment for the invasion have disrupted flows from the country. In early March the Biden administration said it would sell 30 million barrels from the strategic reserve as part of a global release of 60 million barrels to lower prices. In November the United States announced a plan to release 50 million barrels from the SPR, mostly through exchanges where the buyer agrees to replace the oil later. "If it turns out to be as much as that, it would be significant and so would certainly help to a certain extent to fill the shortfall, but not all of it," said Warren Patterson, head of commodities strategy at ING, referring to the 180 million barrels figure. "Another key question is whether this volume would be part of a wider coordinated release. I guess we need to also see if this would be a straightforward release or an exchange." The release comes after U.S. commercial oil inventories fell by 3.4 million barrels in the week to March 25, surpassing forecasts of a 1 million barrel drop. At the same time, implied demand for gasoline and distillates declined. The slower demand came as U.S. production rose by 100,000 bpd to 11.7 million bpd after stagnating at 11.6 million bpd since early February. Watch | India: New Delhi continues to buy Russian oil, US may restrict other countries' oil purchase

Oil prices dive as US considers record reserves release

Ukraine's top negotiator said enough progress had been made at talks Tuesday in Turkey to resolve the conflict with Russia to enable a meeting between the presidents of the two countries.

"The results of today's meeting are sufficient for a meeting at the leaders' level," Ukrainian negotiator David Arakhamia said, raising the possibility of a meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin that Russia had shot down as recently as Monday as being "counterproductive".

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-and-russia-what-are-the-latest-updates-467024">&nbsp;Ukraine and Russia: What are the latest updates?</a>

A Russian negotiator welcomed "meaningful" progress with Ukrainian representatives at peace talks in the Turkish city of Istanbul, over a month after Russia invaded its neighbour.

The discussions are focussing on the humanitarian situation in war-scarred Ukrainian regions as well as Russia's demand that Ukraine become a neutral state, among other issues.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-ukraine-preparing-for-new-russian-offensive-in-the-east-dismisses-russian-claims-of-scaleback-467037">&nbsp;Zelensky says Ukraine preparing for new Russian offensive in the east, dismisses Russian claims of scaleback</a>

Meanwhile, Ukraine called for an international agreement under which other countries would guarantee its security.

Ukrainian negotiator David Arakhamia told reporters the guarantee should resemble NATO's Article 5 which commits alliance members to defend each other.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Global Headlines: Putin-Zelensky talks possible, Sri Lanka financial crisis &amp; more

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Ukraine's top negotiator said enough progress had been made at talks Tuesday in Turkey to resolve the conflict with Russia to enable a meeting between the presidents of the two countries.

Ukraine's top negotiator said enough progress had been made at talks Tuesday in Turkey to resolve the conflict with Russia to enable a meeting between the presidents of the two countries. "The results of today's meeting are sufficient for a meeting at the leaders' level," Ukrainian negotiator David Arakhamia said, raising the possibility of a meeting between Volodymyr Zelensky and Vladimir Putin that Russia had shot down as recently as Monday as being "counterproductive". Also read | Ukraine and Russia: What are the latest updates? A Russian negotiator welcomed "meaningful" progress with Ukrainian representatives at peace talks in the Turkish city of Istanbul, over a month after Russia invaded its neighbour. The discussions are focussing on the humanitarian situation in war-scarred Ukrainian regions as well as Russia's demand that Ukraine become a neutral state, among other issues. Also read | Zelensky says Ukraine preparing for new Russian offensive in the east, dismisses Russian claims of scaleback Meanwhile, Ukraine called for an international agreement under which other countries would guarantee its security. Ukrainian negotiator David Arakhamia told reporters the guarantee should resemble NATO's Article 5 which commits alliance members to defend each other. Watch | Gravitas Global Headlines: Putin-Zelensky talks possible, Sri Lanka financial crisis & more

Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky meeting possible after Istanbul talks, says Ukraine

A Russian&nbsp;rocket&nbsp;hit the&nbsp;regional&nbsp;administration building in the southern Ukrainian port&nbsp;city&nbsp;of&nbsp;Mykolaiv&nbsp;on Tuesday (March 29), killing at least&nbsp;three&nbsp;people and wounding 22, local authorities said.

Surveillance footage said to be filmed from the&nbsp;Mykolaiv&nbsp;regional&nbsp;state administration building showed a large plume of smoke after the missile impact. The footage matched landmarks seen from publicly-available satellite imagery of the local shipyard and a local bridge, as well as third-party drone images taken from before the war.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-accord-needed-to-guarantee-security-say-ukrainian-negotiators-466674">International accord needed to guarantee security, say Ukrainian negotiators</a>

Eighteen of the wounded were pulled from the rubble by rescue workers, who continue to work at the scene, the emergencies service said in an online post.

An image shared by local governor Vitaliy Kim showed a large&nbsp;hole&nbsp;in the side of the building. On Tuesday, Reuters witnesses saw the destruction from a distance and ambulances and fire engines heading to the scene. The area was cordoned off.

Russian forces have attacked&nbsp;Ukraine's&nbsp;southern ports including Kherson, Odesa,&nbsp;Mykolaiv&nbsp;and Mariupol as they try to cut Ukraine off from the Black Sea and establish a land corridor from Russia to Crimea, the peninsula Russia seized in 2014.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wiping-off-the-blood-to-oppose-ukraine-war-russians-adopt-new-national-flag-466517">Wiping off the blood: To oppose Ukraine war, Russians adopt new national flag&nbsp;</a>

Kim said there was an upside to the strike - it suggested Russia had given up trying to take over the&nbsp;city.

Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special military operation" to disarm its neighbour. It denies targeting civilians and did not comment on the strike on&nbsp;Mykolaiv.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Zelensky opens the door for neutrality in peace talks

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A Russian rocket hit the regional administration building in the southern Ukrainian port city of Mykolaiv on Tuesday (March 29), killing at least three people and wounding 22, local authorities said.

A Russian rocket hit the regional administration building in the southern Ukrainian port city of Mykolaiv on Tuesday (March 29), killing at least three people and wounding 22, local authorities said. Surveillance footage said to be filmed from the Mykolaiv regional state administration building showed a large plume of smoke after the missile impact. The footage matched landmarks seen from publicly-available satellite imagery of the local shipyard and a local bridge, as well as third-party drone images taken from before the war. Also read | International accord needed to guarantee security, say Ukrainian negotiators Eighteen of the wounded were pulled from the rubble by rescue workers, who continue to work at the scene, the emergencies service said in an online post. An image shared by local governor Vitaliy Kim showed a large hole in the side of the building. On Tuesday, Reuters witnesses saw the destruction from a distance and ambulances and fire engines heading to the scene. The area was cordoned off. Russian forces have attacked Ukraine's southern ports including Kherson, Odesa, Mykolaiv and Mariupol as they try to cut Ukraine off from the Black Sea and establish a land corridor from Russia to Crimea, the peninsula Russia seized in 2014. Also read | Wiping off the blood: To oppose Ukraine war, Russians adopt new national flag Kim said there was an upside to the strike - it suggested Russia had given up trying to take over the city. Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special military operation" to disarm its neighbour. It denies targeting civilians and did not comment on the strike on Mykolaiv. Watch | Gravitas: Zelensky opens the door for neutrality in peace talks

Ukraine Crisis: Three killed in Mykolaiv as rocket blasts in regional headquaters

More than&nbsp;3.9&nbsp;million&nbsp;Ukrainians have now fled Russia's invasion of their country, the United Nations announced Tuesday, with the Red Cross saying refugees were arriving exhausted and feeling "hopeless".

UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, said 3,901,713 Ukrainians had fled the country -- a figure up 38,916 from Monday's update.

The daily flow of refugees has slowed to around 40,000 in recent days.

But the exodus "is unprecedented since World War II in Europe, certainly in terms of the speed and scale of the displacement," UNHCR spokesman Matthew Saltmarsh told reporters in Geneva.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-accord-needed-to-guarantee-security-say-ukrainian-negotiators-466674">Peace talks: Ukraine demands security guarantee; Russia ready to scale down fighting near Kyiv</a>

Francesco Rocca, the president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), added: "We are seeing millions of people arriving at borders, their coping capacities stretched by what they have experienced and witnessed.

"People are understandably tired and stressed, physically, mentally and emotionally," he said.

The UN's International Organization for Migration said that in addition to Ukrainian refugees, close to 200,000 non-Ukrainians living, studying and working in the country have fled.

And as of March 16, some 6.48&nbsp;million&nbsp;people were estimated to be internally displaced within Ukraine, according to an IOM representative survey.

Before Russia's February 24 invasion, Ukraine had a population of 37&nbsp;million&nbsp;in the regions under government control, excluding Russia-annexed Crimea and the pro-Russian separatist regions in the east.

Also read |&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>

Here is a breakdown of how many Ukrainian refugees have fled to neighbouring countries, according to UNHCR:

Poland

Six out of 10 Ukrainian refugees -- 2,314,623 so far -- have crossed into Poland, according to UNHCR.

Many people who cross into Ukraine's immediate western neighbours travel onto other states in Europe's Schengen open-borders zone.

Romania

The number of Ukrainians who have entered EU member state Romania has now topped 600,000.

These 602,461 Ukrainians include a large number who crossed over from Moldova, wedged between Romania and Ukraine.

The vast majority are thought to have gone on to other countries.

IFRC president Rocca visited Romania last week.

"Romanian Red Cross teams have been working 24/7 at border crossings since day one, showing great empathy and humanity, providing basic items as well as SIM cards and mobile charging stations to help people," he said Tuesday.

"Many who have crossed the border simply ask for a cup of coffee or tea. Seemingly simple aid like this can offer families peace of mind in an otherwise hopeless moment."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-apologies-for-saying-putin-cannot-remain-in-power-us-president-biden-466503">'No apologies' for saying Putin 'cannot remain in power': US President Biden</a>

Moldova

The Moldovan border is the nearest to the major port city of Odessa.

UNHCR said 385,222 Ukrainians had crossed into the non-EU state, one of the poorest in Europe.

To reduce congestion, organised convoys leave daily from the Palanca crossing for Romania, with the most vulnerable prioritised for transfer.

Hungary

Some 359,197 Ukrainians have entered Hungary, according to UNHCR.

Slovakia&nbsp;

Some 278,238 people have crossed Ukraine's shortest border into Slovakia.

Russia

Some 271,254 refugees have sought shelter in Russia, according to UNHCR figures last updated on March 22.

In addition, 113,000 people crossed into Russia from the separatist-held pro-Russian regions of Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine between February 21 and 23.

UNHCR spokesman Saltmarsh said Tuesday the agency was aware of recent allegations of forced movements of people from Ukraine to Russia but could not corroborate such information.

Belarus

Some 9,875 refugees have made it north to Russia's close ally Belarus.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Zelensky opens the door for neutrality in peace talks

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More than 3.9 million Ukrainians have now fled Russia's invasion of their country, the United Nations announced Tuesday, with the Red Cross saying refugees were arriving exhausted and feeling "hopeless".

More than 3.9 million Ukrainians have now fled Russia's invasion of their country, the United Nations announced Tuesday, with the Red Cross saying refugees were arriving exhausted and feeling "hopeless". UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, said 3,901,713 Ukrainians had fled the country -- a figure up 38,916 from Monday's update. The daily flow of refugees has slowed to around 40,000 in recent days. But the exodus "is unprecedented since World War II in Europe, certainly in terms of the speed and scale of the displacement," UNHCR spokesman Matthew Saltmarsh told reporters in Geneva. Also read | Peace talks: Ukraine demands security guarantee; Russia ready to scale down fighting near Kyiv Francesco Rocca, the president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), added: "We are seeing millions of people arriving at borders, their coping capacities stretched by what they have experienced and witnessed. "People are understandably tired and stressed, physically, mentally and emotionally," he said. The UN's International Organization for Migration said that in addition to Ukrainian refugees, close to 200,000 non-Ukrainians living, studying and working in the country have fled. And as of March 16, some 6.48 million people were estimated to be internally displaced within Ukraine, according to an IOM representative survey. Before Russia's February 24 invasion, Ukraine had a population of 37 million in the regions under government control, excluding Russia-annexed Crimea and the pro-Russian separatist regions in the east. Also read | Ukraine war: What weapons are being used in Russia's invasion? Here is a breakdown of how many Ukrainian refugees have fled to neighbouring countries, according to UNHCR: Poland Six out of 10 Ukrainian refugees -- 2,314,623 so far -- have crossed into Poland, according to UNHCR. Many people who cross into Ukraine's immediate western neighbours travel onto other states in Europe's Schengen open-borders zone. Romania The number of Ukrainians who have entered EU member state Romania has now topped 600,000. These 602,461 Ukrainians include a large number who crossed over from Moldova, wedged between Romania and Ukraine. The vast majority are thought to have gone on to other countries. IFRC president Rocca visited Romania last week. "Romanian Red Cross teams have been working 24/7 at border crossings since day one, showing great empathy and humanity, providing basic items as well as SIM cards and mobile charging stations to help people," he said Tuesday. "Many who have crossed the border simply ask for a cup of coffee or tea. Seemingly simple aid like this can offer families peace of mind in an otherwise hopeless moment." Also read | 'No apologies' for saying Putin 'cannot remain in power': US President Biden Moldova The Moldovan border is the nearest to the major port city of Odessa. UNHCR said 385,222 Ukrainians had crossed into the non-EU state, one of the poorest in Europe. To reduce congestion, organised convoys leave daily from the Palanca crossing for Romania, with the most vulnerable prioritised for transfer. Hungary Some 359,197 Ukrainians have entered Hungary, according to UNHCR. Slovakia Some 278,238 people have crossed Ukraine's shortest border into Slovakia. Russia Some 271,254 refugees have sought shelter in Russia, according to UNHCR figures last updated on March 22. In addition, 113,000 people crossed into Russia from the separatist-held pro-Russian regions of Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine between February 21 and 23. UNHCR spokesman Saltmarsh said Tuesday the agency was aware of recent allegations of forced movements of people from Ukraine to Russia but could not corroborate such information. Belarus Some 9,875 refugees have made it north to Russia's close ally Belarus. Watch | Gravitas: Zelensky opens the door for neutrality in peace talks

Ukraine crisis: More than 3.9 million Ukrainians flee war