Kyiv Digital has transformed from the city's official app to buy transportation tickets to a life-saving tool since Ukraine's invasion.

Before Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24, people in the capital used to pay for parking or utility bills through the app.

But after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the app’s focus was changed in just 24 hours. The mastermind behind this transformation is Kyiv deputy mayor Petro Olenych.

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It now has 1.5 million users and is one of the top free applications in the Ukrainian app store as per a spokesperson for CDTO the app.

“Kyiv Digital has become the essential tool for warnings and alarms in the city. The novelties include a map of bomb shelters, map of available pharmacies and the access of insulin, a map of grocery stores, a map of points with free water and bread, pet shops, humanitarian headquarters, and more,” the spokesperson said.

“The app has been around for a while and l found it very useful [before] because you could pay for parking on it and buy tickets for buses and trolleybuses,” said Denys Malakhatka, a scientific academic researcher.

“Since the war started, they changed the app. They now send you alerts about when to take shelter and I also really like the fact that they let you know when the potential attack has ended,” said Malakhatka.

“I think it’s great that they tell you when it’s over and you can relax,” he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-promises-to-pay-syrian-army-fighters-1100-to-fight-in-ukraine-watchdog-462529">Russia promises to pay Syrian fighters $1,100 to fight in Ukraine: Watchdog</a>

“We must adapt our services and we have done. Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities are working more cohesively and productively than ever. The reason is obvious. We defend our country, our cities, our residents, our parents, our children and our future. This is our home so we will fight to the last,” said Olencyh in a statement.

“There are eight to 10 alarms a day – and when I’m sleeping I don’t want to hear them as well,” said Kyle Kondratiev, a lightning designer-turned humanitarian volunteer humanitarian.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/we-dont-know-how-to-kill-residents-of-odessa-who-cannot-fight-help-with-war-efforts-in-other-ways-462454" hreflang="en">'We don't know how to kill': Residents of Odessa who cannot fight help with war efforts in other ways</a>

Russia stepped up its bombardment of Kyiv on Tuesday, smashing apartments and a subway station, while civilians in 2,000 cars fled Mariupol along a humanitarian corridor in what was believed to be the biggest evacuation yet from the desperately besieged seaport.

On the diplomatic front, another round of talks began between Russia and Ukraine via video, and the leaders of three European Union countries — including Poland, a NATO member on Ukraine’s doorstep — planned a visit to the embattled capital in a bold show of support.

With the number of people driven from the country by the war eclipsing 3 million, large explosions thundered across Kyiv before dawn from what Ukrainian authorities said were artillery strikes, as Russia’s assault on the capital appeared to become more systematic and edged closer to the city centre.

Moscow denies targeting civilian areas in Ukraine, despite widespread evidence suggesting otherwise, with Western powers and rights groups accusing it of committing possible war crimes.

(With inputs from agencies)

Kyiv Digital has transformed from the city's official app to buy transportation tickets to a life-saving tool since Ukraine's invasion. Before Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24, people in the capital used to pay for parking or utility bills through the app.

Kyiv Digital has transformed from the city's official app to buy transportation tickets to a life-saving tool since Ukraine's invasion. Before Russia attacked Ukraine on February 24, people in the capital used to pay for parking or utility bills through the app. But after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the app’s focus was changed in just 24 hours. The mastermind behind this transformation is Kyiv deputy mayor Petro Olenych. It now has 1.5 million users and is one of the top free applications in the Ukrainian app store as per a spokesperson for CDTO the app. “Kyiv Digital has become the essential tool for warnings and alarms in the city. The novelties include a map of bomb shelters, map of available pharmacies and the access of insulin, a map of grocery stores, a map of points with free water and bread, pet shops, humanitarian headquarters, and more,” the spokesperson said. “The app has been around for a while and l found it very useful [before] because you could pay for parking on it and buy tickets for buses and trolleybuses,” said Denys Malakhatka, a scientific academic researcher. “Since the war started, they changed the app. They now send you alerts about when to take shelter and I also really like the fact that they let you know when the potential attack has ended,” said Malakhatka. “I think it’s great that they tell you when it’s over and you can relax,” he said. Also read | Russia promises to pay Syrian fighters $1,100 to fight in Ukraine: Watchdog “We must adapt our services and we have done. Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities are working more cohesively and productively than ever. The reason is obvious. We defend our country, our cities, our residents, our parents, our children and our future. This is our home so we will fight to the last,” said Olencyh in a statement. “There are eight to 10 alarms a day – and when I’m sleeping I don’t want to hear them as well,” said Kyle Kondratiev, a lightning designer-turned humanitarian volunteer humanitarian. Also read | 'We don't know how to kill': Residents of Odessa who cannot fight help with war efforts in other ways Russia stepped up its bombardment of Kyiv on Tuesday, smashing apartments and a subway station, while civilians in 2,000 cars fled Mariupol along a humanitarian corridor in what was believed to be the biggest evacuation yet from the desperately besieged seaport. On the diplomatic front, another round of talks began between Russia and Ukraine via video, and the leaders of three European Union countries — including Poland, a NATO member on Ukraine’s doorstep — planned a visit to the embattled capital in a bold show of support. With the number of people driven from the country by the war eclipsing 3 million, large explosions thundered across Kyiv before dawn from what Ukrainian authorities said were artillery strikes, as Russia’s assault on the capital appeared to become more systematic and edged closer to the city centre. Moscow denies targeting civilian areas in Ukraine, despite widespread evidence suggesting otherwise, with Western powers and rights groups accusing it of committing possible war crimes. (With inputs from agencies)

From transport app to life-saving tool, journey of Kyiv Digital's transformation

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To get your day started, here are some stories.

China reported 5,280 new cases of Covid on Tuesday, more than double the previous day's tally. This is the highest daily number since the start of the pandemic and the sixth consecutive day when the numbers crossed the 1,000 daily cases mark.

On day 20 of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the aggression continues to&nbsp;escalate. UK has warned that Moscow might be planning a 'false-flag' chemical attack on Ukraine and that it might involve some fabricated evidence of wrongs by Ukraine. Russia claims that&nbsp;20 people were killed and 28 injured by a missile fired by Ukrainian troops in the Donestk region.

Click on the headline to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/20-killed-28-injured-in-missile-strike-by-ukraine-says-russia-462336">20 killed, 28 injured in missile strike by Ukraine, says Russia</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/14/247626-russias-attack-on-ukraine.jpg" />20 people were killed and 28 injured by a missile fired by Ukrainian troops, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. The attack occurred in a residential neighborhood in Donetsk with a Tochka-U tactical missile, according to the military..

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-5280-daily-covid-cases-highest-tally-since-the-pandemic-started-two-years-ago-462347">China reports 5,280 daily Covid cases, highest tally since the pandemic started two years ago</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/15/247701-stories-12.jpg" />On Tuesday, China reported 5,280 new cases of Covid, more than double the previous day's number. The figure represents a new daily record since the pandemic started.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-warns-russia-might-be-planning-a-chemical-attack-on-ukraine-us-nato-un-echo-the-concern-462340">UK warns Russia might be planning a chemical attack on Ukraine; US, NATO echo the concern</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/15/247698-2022-03-14t225157z1lynxnpei2d17zrtroptp4ukraine-crisis-kyiv.JPG" />The British Defence Ministry tweeted on Monday that Russia might use chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine in response to a staged attack on Russian troops. In what it called an intelligence update, it cited no evidence in support of the assertion. However, United States officials and NATO chief have earlier also made similar assertions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-expected-to-meet-with-nato-leaders-in-brussels-on-russia-ukraine-sources-462337">Biden expected to meet with NATO leaders in Brussels on Russia-Ukraine: Sources</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/11/247082-bb1.JPG" />US President Joe Biden is expected to travel to Brussels next week to meet with NATO leaders to discuss Russia`s war in Ukraine. The plan, which is still being finalized, calls for Biden to meet with other leaders from the NATO alliance in Brussels on March 23.

Watch | Russia Ukraine crisis: Residential buildings hit by artillery firing in Oblon

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To get your day started, here are some stories. China reported 5,280 new cases of Covid on Tuesday, more than double the previous day's tally. This is the highest daily number since the start of the pandemic and the sixth consecutive day when the numbers crossed the 1,000 daily cases mark.

To get your day started, here are some stories. China reported 5,280 new cases of Covid on Tuesday, more than double the previous day's tally. This is the highest daily number since the start of the pandemic and the sixth consecutive day when the numbers crossed the 1,000 daily cases mark. On day 20 of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the aggression continues to escalate. UK has warned that Moscow might be planning a 'false-flag' chemical attack on Ukraine and that it might involve some fabricated evidence of wrongs by Ukraine. Russia claims that 20 people were killed and 28 injured by a missile fired by Ukrainian troops in the Donestk region. Click on the headline to read more: 20 killed, 28 injured in missile strike by Ukraine, says Russia 20 people were killed and 28 injured by a missile fired by Ukrainian troops, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. The attack occurred in a residential neighborhood in Donetsk with a Tochka-U tactical missile, according to the military.. China reports 5,280 daily Covid cases, highest tally since the pandemic started two years ago On Tuesday, China reported 5,280 new cases of Covid, more than double the previous day's number. The figure represents a new daily record since the pandemic started. UK warns Russia might be planning a chemical attack on Ukraine; US, NATO echo the concern The British Defence Ministry tweeted on Monday that Russia might use chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine in response to a staged attack on Russian troops. In what it called an intelligence update, it cited no evidence in support of the assertion. However, United States officials and NATO chief have earlier also made similar assertions. Biden expected to meet with NATO leaders in Brussels on Russia-Ukraine: Sources US President Joe Biden is expected to travel to Brussels next week to meet with NATO leaders to discuss Russia`s war in Ukraine. The plan, which is still being finalized, calls for Biden to meet with other leaders from the NATO alliance in Brussels on March 23. Watch | Russia Ukraine crisis: Residential buildings hit by artillery firing in Oblon

Morning brief: Biden to meet NATO leaders, China reports 5,280 new covid cases, and more

Russian Orthodox church in Amsterdam has announced a split with Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

“The clergy unanimously announced that it is no longer possible for them to function within the Moscow patriarchate and provide a spiritually safe environment for our faithful,” the clergy said in a statement.

“This decision is extremely painful and difficult for all concerned.”

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They had asked Archbishop Elisey, of the Russian Orthodox Church in The Hague, to grant them canonical dismissal and had applied to join the Constantinople Orthodox Church, the statement added.

Russian Patriarch Kirill's full-throated blessing for Moscow's invasion of Ukraine has splintered the worldwide Orthodox Church and unleashed an internal rebellion that experts say is unprecedented.

Kirill, 75, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, sees the war as a bulwark against a West he considers decadent, particularly over the acceptance of homosexuality.

He and Putin share a vision of the "Russkiy Mir", or "Russian World", linking spiritual unity and territorial expansion aimed at parts of the ex-Soviet Union.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-seeking-military-assistance-from-china-for-ukraine-invasion-report-462010">Russia asked China for weapons and aid, US officials claim</a>

What Putin sees as a political restoration, Kirill sees as a crusade. But the patriarch has sparked a backlash at home as well as among Churches abroad linked to the Moscow Patriarchate.

The Amsterdam branch of the Russian Orthodox Church is not the only one to object to the position taken by the church's leader.

In Russia, nearly 300 Orthodox members of a group called Russian Priests for Peace signed a letter condemning the "murderous orders" carried out in Ukraine.

"The people of Ukraine should make their choice on their own, not at gunpoint, without pressure from the West or the East," it read, referring to millions in Ukraine now split between Moscow and Kyiv.

And the Paris-based Metropolitan Jean de Doubna, who heads up some sixty parishes following the Russian tradition across western Europe, expressed his support for Ukraine in an open letter published on Wednesday.

He also appealed to Patriarch Kirill to intervene to stop the "bloodbath".

Moscow says its action is a "special military operation" designed not to occupy territory but to demilitarise and "de-Nazify" its neighbour.

Of 260 million Orthodox Christians in the world, about 100 million are in Russia itself and some of those abroad are in unity with Moscow.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian Orthodox church in Amsterdam has announced a split with Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. “The clergy unanimously announced that it is no longer possible for them to function within the Moscow patriarchate and provide a spiritually safe environment for our faithful,” the clergy said in a statement.

Russian Orthodox church in Amsterdam has announced a split with Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine. “The clergy unanimously announced that it is no longer possible for them to function within the Moscow patriarchate and provide a spiritually safe environment for our faithful,” the clergy said in a statement. “This decision is extremely painful and difficult for all concerned.” They had asked Archbishop Elisey, of the Russian Orthodox Church in The Hague, to grant them canonical dismissal and had applied to join the Constantinople Orthodox Church, the statement added. Russian Patriarch Kirill's full-throated blessing for Moscow's invasion of Ukraine has splintered the worldwide Orthodox Church and unleashed an internal rebellion that experts say is unprecedented. Kirill, 75, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, sees the war as a bulwark against a West he considers decadent, particularly over the acceptance of homosexuality. He and Putin share a vision of the "Russkiy Mir", or "Russian World", linking spiritual unity and territorial expansion aimed at parts of the ex-Soviet Union. Also read | Russia asked China for weapons and aid, US officials claim What Putin sees as a political restoration, Kirill sees as a crusade. But the patriarch has sparked a backlash at home as well as among Churches abroad linked to the Moscow Patriarchate. The Amsterdam branch of the Russian Orthodox Church is not the only one to object to the position taken by the church's leader. In Russia, nearly 300 Orthodox members of a group called Russian Priests for Peace signed a letter condemning the "murderous orders" carried out in Ukraine. "The people of Ukraine should make their choice on their own, not at gunpoint, without pressure from the West or the East," it read, referring to millions in Ukraine now split between Moscow and Kyiv. And the Paris-based Metropolitan Jean de Doubna, who heads up some sixty parishes following the Russian tradition across western Europe, expressed his support for Ukraine in an open letter published on Wednesday. He also appealed to Patriarch Kirill to intervene to stop the "bloodbath". Moscow says its action is a "special military operation" designed not to occupy territory but to demilitarise and "de-Nazify" its neighbour. Of 260 million Orthodox Christians in the world, about 100 million are in Russia itself and some of those abroad are in unity with Moscow. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine invasion: Russian Orthodox church in Amsterdam announces split with Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

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

The war in Ukraine is far from over, but a consensus is forming in Chinese policy circles that one country stands to emerge victorious from the turmoil: China.

After a confused initial response to Russia’s invasion, China has laid the building blocks of a strategy to shield itself from the worst economic and diplomatic consequences it could face, and to benefit from geopolitical shifts once the smoke clears.

China’s leader, Xi Jinping, has avoided criticizing President Vladimir Putin of Russia, but he has also tried to distance China from the carnage. His government has denounced the international sanctions imposed on Russia but, so far at least, has hinted that Chinese companies may comply with them, to protect China’s economic interests in the West.

Xi reached out to European leaders last week with vague offers of assistance in negotiating a settlement, even as other Chinese officials amplified Russian disinformation campaigns meant to discredit the United States and NATO. Officials in Washington claimed, without providing evidence, that after the invasion Russia asked China for economic and military assistance, which a Chinese official denounced on Monday as disinformation.

In the end, China’s leadership has calculated that it must try to rise above what it considers a struggle between two tired powers and be seen as a pillar of stability in an increasingly turbulent world.

“This means that as long as we don’t commit terminal strategic blunders, China’s modernization will not be cut short, and on the contrary, China will have even greater ability and will to play a more important role in building a new international order,” Zheng Yongnian, a professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, who has advised senior officials, wrote after the invasion in a widely circulated article.

At the heart of China’s strategy lies a conviction that the United States is weakened from reckless foreign adventures, including, from Beijing’s perspective, goading Putin into the Ukraine conflict.

In this view, which in recent days has been echoed in public statements and quasi-official analyses, Russia’s invasion has dragged American power and attention toward Europe, making it likely that President Joe Biden, like his recent predecessors, will try but fail to put more focus on China and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

“All the difficulties and all the balancing and all the embarrassment that we’re talking about, those are short-term,” said Yun Sun, the director of the China Program at the Stimson Center in Washington, who has studied Beijing’s actions in the lead-up to the war. “In the long run, Russia is going to be the pariah of the international community, and Russia will have no one to turn to but China.”

China’s path ahead is by no means certain. Drawing too close to Russia would risk entrenching animosity toward China in Europe and beyond, a possibility that worries Xi’s government, for all its bluster.

And if Germany, France and other allies build up their defenses as promised, the United States could ultimately be freed up to shift more of its military resources toward countering China. Biden has vowed to rally an “alliance of democracies,” while American military leaders say they will not let Ukraine distract them from China.

“We also feel very, very anxious because the Russia-Ukraine war will force Europe to lean to the U.S., and then China will be dragged deeper into a dilemma,” said Zhu Feng, a professor of international relations at Nanjing University. The United States’ allies in the Pacific, including Japan and Australia, “will also adopt a stronger military posture. So it all seems unfriendly to China.”

China’s initial stumbles after Russia’s invasion have also raised concern about Xi’s ability to navigate the war’s aftershocks.

He has repeatedly warned Chinese officials that the world is entering an era of upheaval “the likes of which have not been seen for a century.” Yet those officials seemed ill-prepared for the upheaval of Putin’s assault on Ukraine.

Up to the day of the invasion, they scoffed at warnings that Russia was poised for war, instead accusing the United States of stoking tensions. Since then, they have struggled to reconcile sympathy for Putin’s security grievances with their often-stated reverence for the principle of national sovereignty, including Ukraine’s.

Xi, in a video conference with President Emmanuel Macron of France and Chancellor Olaf Sholz of Germany, lamented “the rekindling of the flames of war” in Europe. Yet his diplomats have fanned the flames of Russian disinformation, accusing the United States of developing biological weapons in Ukraine.

“This is just not good for China’s international reputation,” said Bobo Lo, an expert on China-Russia ties at the French Institute of International Relations. “It’s not just China’s reputation in the West; I think it also affects China’s reputation in the non-West, because it’s essentially associating itself with an imperial power.”

China could also face economic disruptions from the war and the Western efforts to punish Russia by restricting trade and cutting off its financial institutions. Chinese officials have denounced such measures, and while the United States and its allies have shown remarkable unity in imposing them, other countries share Beijing’s reservations about using powerful economic tools as weapons.

In any case, China’s economy is large enough to absorb blows that would cripple others. Chinese companies may even end up well positioned to take advantage of Russia’s desperate need for trade, as happened when Moscow faced sanctions over the annexation of Crimea in 2014.

China’s strategy reflects a hardening of views toward the United States since Biden came to office in 2021 — in large part, because officials had hoped for some easing after the chaotic and confrontational policies of President Donald Trump.

“In its China strategy, the Biden administration’s policy continuities with the Trump administration are clearly bigger than any differences,” Yuan Peng, president of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations in Beijing, wrote late last year. “Biden has repeatedly avowed that the United States is not in a ‘new Cold War’ with China, but China often feels the chill creeping in everywhere.”

Whatever happens in the war, China sees its deepening ties to Russia as a way to cultivate a counterweight to the United States. The partnership that Xi and Putin celebrated last month at the Winter Olympics in Beijing has become too important to sacrifice, whatever misgivings some officials have about the war.

Arguing that the era of American dominance after the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991 was a historical anomaly, both Xi and Putin have embraced geopolitical doctrines that call for their countries to reclaim their status as great powers.

Just as Putin depicts the United States as menacing Russia on its western frontier, Xi sees U.S. support for Taiwan, the self-governing island democracy that Beijing claims as its own, as a similar threat off China’s coast.

In recent weeks, Chinese analysts have repeatedly cited the century-old writings of a British geographer, Sir Halford John Mackinder. Whoever controls Central Europe controls the vast landmass stretching from Europe to Asia, he argued. Whoever controls Eurasia can dominate the world.

A modern Russian proponent of such thinking, Aleksandr G. Dugin, has written extensively on what he sees as a growing clash between the liberal, decadent West and a conservative Eurasian continent with Russia as its soul.

Dugin, sometimes called “Putin’s philosopher,” has built a following in China, appearing in state media and visiting Beijing in 2018 to deliver a series of lectures. His host on that occasion was Zhang Weiwei, a propagandist-academic who has won Xi’s favor and who last year gave a lecture to the Politburo, a council of 25 top party officials.

“The West should not have become a hegemon in defining universal standards because the West or Europe, or the West in general is only part of humanity,” Dugin told a Chinese state television interviewer in 2019. “And the other part, a majority of human beings, live outside the West, in Asia.”

Such aversion to international standards for political or human rights, supposedly dictated by the West, has become a recurrent theme in Chinese criticism of the United States. It was the subject of a government position paper in December, intended to counter virtual summit of democratic countries held by Biden, and of a long statement that Putin and Xi issued when they met in Beijing last month.

As it turns to Beijing for support against Western sanctions, Russia will become increasingly beholden to China as its diplomatic and economic lifeline, while serving as its strategic geopolitical ballast, analysts say.

“The old order is swiftly disintegrating, and strongman politics is again ascendant among the world’s great powers,” wrote Zheng of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen. “Countries are brimming with ambition, like tigers eyeing their prey, keen to find every opportunity among the ruins of the old order.”

The war in Ukraine is far from over, but a consensus is forming in Chinese policy circles that one country stands to emerge victorious from the turmoil: China. After a confused initial response to Russia’s invasion, China has laid the building blocks of a strategy to shield itself from the worst economic and diplomatic consequences it could face, and to benefit from geopolitical shifts once the smoke clears.

The war in Ukraine is far from over, but a consensus is forming in Chinese policy circles that one country stands to emerge victorious from the turmoil: China. After a confused initial response to Russia’s invasion, China has laid the building blocks of a strategy to shield itself from the worst economic and diplomatic consequences it could face, and to benefit from geopolitical shifts once the smoke clears. China’s leader, Xi Jinping, has avoided criticizing President Vladimir Putin of Russia, but he has also tried to distance China from the carnage. His government has denounced the international sanctions imposed on Russia but, so far at least, has hinted that Chinese companies may comply with them, to protect China’s economic interests in the West. Xi reached out to European leaders last week with vague offers of assistance in negotiating a settlement, even as other Chinese officials amplified Russian disinformation campaigns meant to discredit the United States and NATO. Officials in Washington claimed, without providing evidence, that after the invasion Russia asked China for economic and military assistance, which a Chinese official denounced on Monday as disinformation. In the end, China’s leadership has calculated that it must try to rise above what it considers a struggle between two tired powers and be seen as a pillar of stability in an increasingly turbulent world. “This means that as long as we don’t commit terminal strategic blunders, China’s modernization will not be cut short, and on the contrary, China will have even greater ability and will to play a more important role in building a new international order,” Zheng Yongnian, a professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, who has advised senior officials, wrote after the invasion in a widely circulated article. At the heart of China’s strategy lies a conviction that the United States is weakened from reckless foreign adventures, including, from Beijing’s perspective, goading Putin into the Ukraine conflict. In this view, which in recent days has been echoed in public statements and quasi-official analyses, Russia’s invasion has dragged American power and attention toward Europe, making it likely that President Joe Biden, like his recent predecessors, will try but fail to put more focus on China and the broader Asia-Pacific region. “All the difficulties and all the balancing and all the embarrassment that we’re talking about, those are short-term,” said Yun Sun, the director of the China Program at the Stimson Center in Washington, who has studied Beijing’s actions in the lead-up to the war. “In the long run, Russia is going to be the pariah of the international community, and Russia will have no one to turn to but China.” China’s path ahead is by no means certain. Drawing too close to Russia would risk entrenching animosity toward China in Europe and beyond, a possibility that worries Xi’s government, for all its bluster. And if Germany, France and other allies build up their defenses as promised, the United States could ultimately be freed up to shift more of its military resources toward countering China. Biden has vowed to rally an “alliance of democracies,” while American military leaders say they will not let Ukraine distract them from China. “We also feel very, very anxious because the Russia-Ukraine war will force Europe to lean to the U.S., and then China will be dragged deeper into a dilemma,” said Zhu Feng, a professor of international relations at Nanjing University. The United States’ allies in the Pacific, including Japan and Australia, “will also adopt a stronger military posture. So it all seems unfriendly to China.” China’s initial stumbles after Russia’s invasion have also raised concern about Xi’s ability to navigate the war’s aftershocks. He has repeatedly warned Chinese officials that the world is entering an era of upheaval “the likes of which have not been seen for a century.” Yet those officials seemed ill-prepared for the upheaval of Putin’s assault on Ukraine. Up to the day of the invasion, they scoffed at warnings that Russia was poised for war, instead accusing the United States of stoking tensions. Since then, they have struggled to reconcile sympathy for Putin’s security grievances with their often-stated reverence for the principle of national sovereignty, including Ukraine’s. Xi, in a video conference with President Emmanuel Macron of France and Chancellor Olaf Sholz of Germany, lamented “the rekindling of the flames of war” in Europe. Yet his diplomats have fanned the flames of Russian disinformation, accusing the United States of developing biological weapons in Ukraine. “This is just not good for China’s international reputation,” said Bobo Lo, an expert on China-Russia ties at the French Institute of International Relations. “It’s not just China’s reputation in the West; I think it also affects China’s reputation in the non-West, because it’s essentially associating itself with an imperial power.” China could also face economic disruptions from the war and the Western efforts to punish Russia by restricting trade and cutting off its financial institutions. Chinese officials have denounced such measures, and while the United States and its allies have shown remarkable unity in imposing them, other countries share Beijing’s reservations about using powerful economic tools as weapons. In any case, China’s economy is large enough to absorb blows that would cripple others. Chinese companies may even end up well positioned to take advantage of Russia’s desperate need for trade, as happened when Moscow faced sanctions over the annexation of Crimea in 2014. China’s strategy reflects a hardening of views toward the United States since Biden came to office in 2021 — in large part, because officials had hoped for some easing after the chaotic and confrontational policies of President Donald Trump. “In its China strategy, the Biden administration’s policy continuities with the Trump administration are clearly bigger than any differences,” Yuan Peng, president of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations in Beijing, wrote late last year. “Biden has repeatedly avowed that the United States is not in a ‘new Cold War’ with China, but China often feels the chill creeping in everywhere.” Whatever happens in the war, China sees its deepening ties to Russia as a way to cultivate a counterweight to the United States. The partnership that Xi and Putin celebrated last month at the Winter Olympics in Beijing has become too important to sacrifice, whatever misgivings some officials have about the war. Arguing that the era of American dominance after the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991 was a historical anomaly, both Xi and Putin have embraced geopolitical doctrines that call for their countries to reclaim their status as great powers. Just as Putin depicts the United States as menacing Russia on its western frontier, Xi sees U.S. support for Taiwan, the self-governing island democracy that Beijing claims as its own, as a similar threat off China’s coast. In recent weeks, Chinese analysts have repeatedly cited the century-old writings of a British geographer, Sir Halford John Mackinder. Whoever controls Central Europe controls the vast landmass stretching from Europe to Asia, he argued. Whoever controls Eurasia can dominate the world. A modern Russian proponent of such thinking, Aleksandr G. Dugin, has written extensively on what he sees as a growing clash between the liberal, decadent West and a conservative Eurasian continent with Russia as its soul. Dugin, sometimes called “Putin’s philosopher,” has built a following in China, appearing in state media and visiting Beijing in 2018 to deliver a series of lectures. His host on that occasion was Zhang Weiwei, a propagandist-academic who has won Xi’s favor and who last year gave a lecture to the Politburo, a council of 25 top party officials. “The West should not have become a hegemon in defining universal standards because the West or Europe, or the West in general is only part of humanity,” Dugin told a Chinese state television interviewer in 2019. “And the other part, a majority of human beings, live outside the West, in Asia.” Such aversion to international standards for political or human rights, supposedly dictated by the West, has become a recurrent theme in Chinese criticism of the United States. It was the subject of a government position paper in December, intended to counter virtual summit of democratic countries held by Biden, and of a long statement that Putin and Xi issued when they met in Beijing last month. As it turns to Beijing for support against Western sanctions, Russia will become increasingly beholden to China as its diplomatic and economic lifeline, while serving as its strategic geopolitical ballast, analysts say. “The old order is swiftly disintegrating, and strongman politics is again ascendant among the world’s great powers,” wrote Zheng of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen. “Countries are brimming with ambition, like tigers eyeing their prey, keen to find every opportunity among the ruins of the old order.”

China sees at least one winner emerging from Ukraine war: China

Ukraine on Monday demanded that Russia be immediately expelled from the Council of Europe, saying Moscow had no right to remain a member of the pan-European rights body after the invasion of its neighbour.

The Council of Europe, which is separate from the European Union, suspended Russia's membership on February&nbsp;25 and is now debating whether to bar it altogether, which would be a first since the pan-Europe institution was set up after World War Two.

"We urge you to take a decision on the immediate expulsion of Russia from the Council of Europe," Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal told the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg via video link, adding that Russia's attack meant it "cannot stay in the European family".

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Those responsible for "this unprovoked and unjustified aggression (against Ukraine) cannot stay in the single European family where human life is the highest value," he said.

"Ukraine is on fire, hundreds of houses have been destroyed, millions of Ukrainians lack electricity, heating," said the premier, addressing the session in place of President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was said to be handling urgent developments amid talks with Russia.

"We need to join our efforts, not only to help Ukraine, but to help all of Europe," Shmygal told the Strasbourg-based assembly on Monday, before receiving a standing ovation.

The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (CoE), which gathered in a special session to talk about Ukraine on Monday, demonstrated their support to the country and CoE member state.

It&nbsp;is debating whether to bar it altogether, which would be a first since the pan-Europe institution was set up after World War Two.

Parliamentary Assembly President Tiny Kox called for a minute silence at the start of the extraordinary session and members gathered with signs and banners against the war in Ukraine afterwards.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/laws-governing-foreigners-who-have-signed-up-for-ukraines-international-legion-462130">Laws governing foreigners who have signed up for Ukraine's 'international legion'</a>

Russia, which is a member of the Council of Europe along with 46 other states, was suspended on February 25 after its military intervention in Ukraine.

Russian MP Pyotr Tolstoy, deputy chairman of the PACE until the current crisis, has indicated &nbsp;Moscow wants to quit the COE, writing: "Let them stew in their own juice, without us."

But Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov denied Russia had already quit the body. "We are in the process of drawing a line but it is not completely drawn," he said Saturday.

The Kremlin had said last month that the suspension of Russia's membership in the Council of Europe was "really unfair" but added the move provided a good reason "to slam the door" for good on the organisation, giving Moscow an opportunity to restore the death penalty for dangerous criminals.

Russia describes its invasion of Ukraine as a "special operation" to demilitarise and "denazify" Ukraine. Ukraine and Western allies call this a baseless pretext for a war of choice.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine on Monday demanded that Russia be immediately expelled from the Council of Europe, saying Moscow had no right to remain a member of the pan-European rights body after the invasion of its neighbour.

Ukraine on Monday demanded that Russia be immediately expelled from the Council of Europe, saying Moscow had no right to remain a member of the pan-European rights body after the invasion of its neighbour. The Council of Europe, which is separate from the European Union, suspended Russia's membership on February 25 and is now debating whether to bar it altogether, which would be a first since the pan-Europe institution was set up after World War Two. "We urge you to take a decision on the immediate expulsion of Russia from the Council of Europe," Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal told the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg via video link, adding that Russia's attack meant it "cannot stay in the European family". Those responsible for "this unprovoked and unjustified aggression (against Ukraine) cannot stay in the single European family where human life is the highest value," he said. "Ukraine is on fire, hundreds of houses have been destroyed, millions of Ukrainians lack electricity, heating," said the premier, addressing the session in place of President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was said to be handling urgent developments amid talks with Russia. "We need to join our efforts, not only to help Ukraine, but to help all of Europe," Shmygal told the Strasbourg-based assembly on Monday, before receiving a standing ovation. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (CoE), which gathered in a special session to talk about Ukraine on Monday, demonstrated their support to the country and CoE member state. It is debating whether to bar it altogether, which would be a first since the pan-Europe institution was set up after World War Two. Parliamentary Assembly President Tiny Kox called for a minute silence at the start of the extraordinary session and members gathered with signs and banners against the war in Ukraine afterwards. Also see | Laws governing foreigners who have signed up for Ukraine's 'international legion' Russia, which is a member of the Council of Europe along with 46 other states, was suspended on February 25 after its military intervention in Ukraine. Russian MP Pyotr Tolstoy, deputy chairman of the PACE until the current crisis, has indicated Moscow wants to quit the COE, writing: "Let them stew in their own juice, without us." But Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov denied Russia had already quit the body. "We are in the process of drawing a line but it is not completely drawn," he said Saturday. The Kremlin had said last month that the suspension of Russia's membership in the Council of Europe was "really unfair" but added the move provided a good reason "to slam the door" for good on the organisation, giving Moscow an opportunity to restore the death penalty for dangerous criminals. Russia describes its invasion of Ukraine as a "special operation" to demilitarise and "denazify" Ukraine. Ukraine and Western allies call this a baseless pretext for a war of choice. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian PM Denys Shmyhal urges for 'immediate' expulsion of Russia from Council of Europe

Here are some of the top stories to start your day:&nbsp;The Pentagon reiterated its commitment to NATO, despite Russia's continued destabilisation of eastern Europe. While US forces will not be fighting in Ukraine, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby stated that the US will remain committed to its NATO allies.

Click on headlines to read the full report:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-says-armed-attack-on-one-attack-on-all-if-russian-forces-strike-in-poland-462007">Pentagon says 'armed attack on one, attack on all' if Russian forces strike in Poland</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/08/13/206480-untitled-design-27.jpg" />The remarks come after Russian soldiers stormed a military post in western Ukraine near the Polish border on Sunday, killing at least 35 people and destroying the International Peacekeeping and Security Center (IPSC) in Yavoriv.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-seeking-military-assistance-from-china-for-ukraine-invasion-report-462010">Russia seeking military assistance from China for Ukraine invasion: Report</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/14/247498-puton.jpeg" />According to New York Times, the US official has however not disclosed what type of weapon has been requested.The US newspaper, quoting the official, also claimed that Kremlin has asked China for economic assistance in the wake of sanctions imposed by the West.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scratchy-throat-former-us-president-barack-obama-tests-positive-for-covid-19-462008">'Scratchy throat': Former US President Barack Obama tests positive for COVID-19</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2021/10/26/218404-barack-obama-2.jpg" />Former US President Barack Obama tested positive for mild coronavirus while tweeting that he suffered from "scratchy throat for a couple of days".&nbsp;The daily coronavirus cases in the US has dropped dramatically with 35,000 COVID-19 cases per day recorded in mid-March compared to 810,000 cases per day in January.

Watch |&nbsp;Bright Tulip &amp; Roses in a warzone: Most people have fled from Mykolaiv in Ukraine

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">Watch | The US threatens China over sanctions ahead of crucial talks in Rome</div>

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Here are some of the top stories to start your day: The Pentagon reiterated its commitment to NATO, despite Russia's continued destabilisation of eastern Europe.

Here are some of the top stories to start your day: The Pentagon reiterated its commitment to NATO, despite Russia's continued destabilisation of eastern Europe. While US forces will not be fighting in Ukraine, Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby stated that the US will remain committed to its NATO allies. Click on headlines to read the full report: Pentagon says 'armed attack on one, attack on all' if Russian forces strike in Poland The remarks come after Russian soldiers stormed a military post in western Ukraine near the Polish border on Sunday, killing at least 35 people and destroying the International Peacekeeping and Security Center (IPSC) in Yavoriv. Russia seeking military assistance from China for Ukraine invasion: Report According to New York Times, the US official has however not disclosed what type of weapon has been requested.The US newspaper, quoting the official, also claimed that Kremlin has asked China for economic assistance in the wake of sanctions imposed by the West. 'Scratchy throat': Former US President Barack Obama tests positive for COVID-19 Former US President Barack Obama tested positive for mild coronavirus while tweeting that he suffered from "scratchy throat for a couple of days". The daily coronavirus cases in the US has dropped dramatically with 35,000 COVID-19 cases per day recorded in mid-March compared to 810,000 cases per day in January. Watch | Bright Tulip & Roses in a warzone: Most people have fled from Mykolaiv in Ukraine Watch | The US threatens China over sanctions ahead of crucial talks in Rome

Morning news brief: US warns Russia, Kremlin buying weapons from China and more

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

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

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

Laws governing foreigners who have signed up for Ukraine's 'international legion'

More than 2,100 residents of Ukraine's besieged port city of Mariupol have been killed since hostilities began, the local authorities said Sunday.

"As of today, 2,187 Mariupol residents have died from attacks by Russia," the city council posted on Telegram.

It said around 100 aerial bombs have been dropped on the city. The bombing of a maternity and children's hospital wounded 17 on Wednesday and prompted international condemnation.

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The Azov Sea port city of around half a million has been under siege since early this month and is facing what Ukraine and aid agencies call a "humanitarian catastrophe", lacking water or heating and running out of food.&nbsp;

"People are in a serious situation for 12 days. There is no electricity, water, or heat in the city, there is almost no mobile communication, and the last supplies of food and water are running out," the local authorities warned.

The authorities said Wednesday that 1,207 civilians had died in the first nine days of the siege of the strategic city. They say around 400,000 people are still trapped in the city.

A convoy of aid headed for Mariupol was blocked at a Russian checkpoint on Saturday, with hopes that it would arrive Sunday.

Turkey has asked Russia to help evacuate its citizens stranded in Mariupol, Ankara's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Sunday.

More than 2,100 residents of Ukraine's besieged port city of Mariupol have been killed since hostilities began, the local authorities said Sunday. "As of today, 2,187 Mariupol residents have died from attacks by Russia," the city council posted on Telegram.

More than 2,100 residents of Ukraine's besieged port city of Mariupol have been killed since hostilities began, the local authorities said Sunday. "As of today, 2,187 Mariupol residents have died from attacks by Russia," the city council posted on Telegram. It said around 100 aerial bombs have been dropped on the city. The bombing of a maternity and children's hospital wounded 17 on Wednesday and prompted international condemnation. The Azov Sea port city of around half a million has been under siege since early this month and is facing what Ukraine and aid agencies call a "humanitarian catastrophe", lacking water or heating and running out of food. "People are in a serious situation for 12 days. There is no electricity, water, or heat in the city, there is almost no mobile communication, and the last supplies of food and water are running out," the local authorities warned. The authorities said Wednesday that 1,207 civilians had died in the first nine days of the siege of the strategic city. They say around 400,000 people are still trapped in the city. A convoy of aid headed for Mariupol was blocked at a Russian checkpoint on Saturday, with hopes that it would arrive Sunday. Turkey has asked Russia to help evacuate its citizens stranded in Mariupol, Ankara's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Sunday.

Ukraine invasion: Over 2,100 Mariupol residents killed since invasion began, says mayor

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that Russia can plan chemical weapons operations under the fabrication of lies about biological weapons laboratories.

"In recent days, we have heard absurd claims about chemical and biological weapons laboratories," Stoltenberg said in an interview with German newspaper Welt am Sonntag.

"Now that these false claims have been made, we must remain vigilant because it is possible that Russia itself could plan chemical weapons operations under this fabrication of lies. That would be a war crime," Stoltenberg was quoted as saying.

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He added that although the Ukrainian people were resisting the Russian invasion with courage, the coming days are likely to bring even greater hardship.

"We have a responsibility to prevent this conflict from escalating beyond Ukraine's borders to becoming a full-fledged war between Russia and NATO," the NATO chief said.

Stoltenberg said that the training of tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops by NATO member states in recent years, as well as the supply of military equipment, had proved "extremely important (for Ukraine's forces) in the fight against invading Russian forces".

But he added: "The most important thing is that President (Vladimir) Putin should end this senseless war," he said.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-does-aftermath-of-russian-invasion-look-like-for-ukraine-459414">What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine?</a>

"Withdraw all its forces and engage in good faith in diplomatic political efforts to find a political solution," said Stoltenberg.

Talks aimed at reaching a cease-fire again failed Saturday, and the US announced plans to provide another $200 million to Ukraine for weapons.&nbsp;

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned other nations that sending equipment to bolster Ukraine’s military was “an action that makes those convoys legitimate targets.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of trying to break his country apart, as well as starting “a new stage of terror” with the alleged detention of a mayor from a city west of Mariupol.

“Ukraine will stand this test. We need time and strength to break the war machine that has come to our land,” Zelensky said during his nightly address to the nation Saturday.

Zelensky said Saturday that Russians were using blackmail and bribery in an attempt to force local officials to form a “pseudo-republic” in the southern Kherson region, much like those in Donetsk and Luhansk, two eastern regions where pro-Russian separatists began fighting Ukrainian forces in 2014.

He again deplored NATO’s refusal to declare a no-fly zone over Ukraine and said Ukraine has sought ways to procure air defense assets, though he didn’t elaborate.

(With inputs from agencies)

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that Russia can plan chemical weapons operations under the fabrication of lies about biological weapons laboratories.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that Russia can plan chemical weapons operations under the fabrication of lies about biological weapons laboratories. "In recent days, we have heard absurd claims about chemical and biological weapons laboratories," Stoltenberg said in an interview with German newspaper Welt am Sonntag. "Now that these false claims have been made, we must remain vigilant because it is possible that Russia itself could plan chemical weapons operations under this fabrication of lies. That would be a war crime," Stoltenberg was quoted as saying. He added that although the Ukrainian people were resisting the Russian invasion with courage, the coming days are likely to bring even greater hardship. "We have a responsibility to prevent this conflict from escalating beyond Ukraine's borders to becoming a full-fledged war between Russia and NATO," the NATO chief said. Stoltenberg said that the training of tens of thousands of Ukrainian troops by NATO member states in recent years, as well as the supply of military equipment, had proved "extremely important (for Ukraine's forces) in the fight against invading Russian forces". But he added: "The most important thing is that President (Vladimir) Putin should end this senseless war," he said. Also see | What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine? "Withdraw all its forces and engage in good faith in diplomatic political efforts to find a political solution," said Stoltenberg. Talks aimed at reaching a cease-fire again failed Saturday, and the US announced plans to provide another $200 million to Ukraine for weapons. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov warned other nations that sending equipment to bolster Ukraine’s military was “an action that makes those convoys legitimate targets.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of trying to break his country apart, as well as starting “a new stage of terror” with the alleged detention of a mayor from a city west of Mariupol. “Ukraine will stand this test. We need time and strength to break the war machine that has come to our land,” Zelensky said during his nightly address to the nation Saturday. Zelensky said Saturday that Russians were using blackmail and bribery in an attempt to force local officials to form a “pseudo-republic” in the southern Kherson region, much like those in Donetsk and Luhansk, two eastern regions where pro-Russian separatists began fighting Ukrainian forces in 2014. He again deplored NATO’s refusal to declare a no-fly zone over Ukraine and said Ukraine has sought ways to procure air defense assets, though he didn’t elaborate. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia can plan chemical weapons operations behind lies about biological weapons laboratories: NATO

Russian forces intensified their campaign of devastation aimed at cities and towns across Ukraine, attacking Kyiv and a strategic port Saturday and detaining the defiant mayor of a captured city, an act that prompted hundreds of outraged Ukrainians to pour into the streets in protest.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Moscow of terrorizing the nation in an attempt to break the will of the people. “A war of annihilation,” he called it.

He denounced what he called the kidnapping of the mayor of Melitopol, who had refused to cooperate with Russian troops after they seized the southeastern city in the first days of the invasion, as “a new stage of terror, when they are trying to physically eliminate representatives of the legitimate local Ukrainian authorities.”

Russian forces have not achieved a major military victory since the first days of the invasion more than two weeks ago, and the assaults Saturday reinforced Moscow’s strategic turn toward increasingly indiscriminate shelling of civilian targets.

Unable to mount a quick takeover of the country by air, land and sea, Russian troops have deployed missiles, rockets and bombs to destroy apartment buildings, schools, factories and hospitals, increasing civilian carnage and suffering, and leading more than 2.5 million people to flee the country.

In response to American efforts to supply the Ukrainian military with antitank weapons and other materiel, Russia issued a new and more direct threat Saturday, warning the United States that convoys with weapons sent to Ukraine would be “legitimate targets” for the Russian military.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Russian television that Moscow had warned Washington that the “thoughtless transfer of such types of weapons as portable anti-aircraft and antitank missile systems” to Ukraine could lead to serious consequences.

The heavy shelling and lack of food, water and medicine for thousands of residents in the besieged city of Mariupol have already led to what Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called “the worst humanitarian catastrophe on the planet.”

At least 1,582 civilians have died since the Russian siege of Mariupol began 12 days ago, he said, and residents are struggling to survive and have been forced to bury the dead in mass graves.

“There is no drinking water and any medication for more than one week, maybe even 10 days,” a staff member who works for Doctors Without Borders in Mariupol said in an audio recording released by the organization Saturday.

“We saw people who died because of lack of medication, and there are a lot of such people inside Mariupol,” the staff member said.

During a 90-minute call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron urged Putin to accept an immediate cease-fire, according to the French government, which described the talks as “frank” and “difficult.”

France said Putin showed no willingness to stop the war and said he “placed the responsibility for the conflict on Ukraine” and sounded “determined to attain his objectives.”

In its summary of the call, the Kremlin said Putin had discussed “several matters relating to agreements being drafted to meet the well-known Russian demands” but did not specify those demands.

In the coming weeks, NATO, which has vowed to defend allied countries from any incursion by Russian forces, plans to gather 30,000 troops from 25 countries in Europe and North America in Norway to conduct live-fire drills and other cold-weather military exercises.

The exercises, which Norway hosts biannually, were announced more than eight months ago, NATO said, and are not linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which NATO said it was responding to with “preventive, proportionate and non-escalatory measures.”

But the training has taken on greater significance as Russia steps up its bombardment of Ukrainian population centers.

Around Kyiv, the capital, Russian forces have advanced into the suburbs but have been slowed by Ukrainian troops that have counterattacked with ambushes on armored columns. On Saturday, artillery fire intensified around Kyiv, with a low rumble heard in most parts of the city.

By Saturday, there were no indications of further efforts by the Russian army to move armored columns closer to the capital. Instead, soldiers appeared to be fighting for control of the towns along the highways that encircle it.

In Irpin, a leafy bedroom community northwest of Kyiv, troops were fighting street by street, said Vitaly, a Ukrainian soldier who asked that his last name not be published for security reasons. He spoke outside a gas station minimart, its windows blown out by shelling, on the town’s western edge.

“We are trying to push them back but we don’t control the town,” he said.

In the southern city of Mykolaiv, residents woke Saturday morning to the sounds of a fierce battle hours after Russian shells hit several civilian areas, damaging a cancer hospital and sending residents fleeing into bomb shelters.

The early-morning fight was concentrated in the north of the city, said Col. Sviatoslav Stetsenko of the Ukrainian Army’s 59th Brigade, who was stationed near the front lines.

“They are changing their tactics,” said Vitaliy Kim, governor of the Mykolaiv region. “They are deploying in the villages and lodging in village schools and homes. We cannot shoot back. There are no rules now. We will have to be more brutal with them.”

For nearly two weeks, Russian forces have been trying to surround Mykolaiv and cross the Southern Buh River, which flows through the city and is a natural defense against a Russian push toward the west and Odesa, the Black Sea port that appears to be a prime Russian objective.

Russian forces had not crossed the river as of Saturday morning, Stetsenko said, but “they are continuing to shell Mykolaiv.”

In Melitopol, hundreds of residents demonstrated in the streets, one day after Russian troops forced a hood over the mayor’s head and dragged him from a government building, according to Ukrainian officials.

“Return the mayor!” protesters shouted, according to witnesses and videos. “Free the mayor!”

But nearly as soon as the demonstrators gathered, Russian military personnel moved to shut them down, arresting a woman who they said had organized the protest, according to two witnesses and the woman’s Facebook account.

The episode was part of what Ukrainian officials said was an escalating pattern of intimidation and repression. It also illustrated a problem that Russia is likely to face even if it manages to pummel cities and towns into submission: In at least some of the few cities and towns that Russia has managed to seize — mostly in the south and east — they are facing popular unrest and revolt.

Zelenskyy sought to tap into public rage in an address to the nation overnight.

“The whole country saw that Melitopol did not surrender to the invaders,” he said. “Just as Kherson, Berdyansk and other cities where Russian troops managed to enter didn’t.” He said popular resistance “will not be changed by putting pressure on mayors or kidnapping mayors.”

Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fyodorov had remained stubbornly defiant even after Russian soldiers took over the city after a fierce assault on the first day of the invasion. “We are not cooperating with the Russians in any way,” he had said.

Last weekend, with Fyodorov’s encouragement, people waving Ukrainian flags took to the streets of Melitopol and other occupied cities. For the most part, Russian soldiers stood aside, even as protesters commandeered a Russian armored vehicle in one town and drove it through the streets.

Although the protests in Melitopol were quickly put down, the Ukrainian government renewed efforts to bring aid to Mariupol, dispatching dozens of buses with food and medicine, Ukrainian officials said.

Similar relief efforts had failed in recent days as fighting raged around the city and land mines pocked roads in the area. In an overnight address, Zelenskyy said the inability to bring aid to the city showed that Russian troops “continue to torture our people, our Mariupol residents.”

Still, he said, “We will try again.”

Russian forces intensified their campaign of devastation aimed at cities and towns across Ukraine, attacking Kyiv and a strategic port Saturday and detaining the defiant mayor of a captured city, an act that prompted hundreds of outraged Ukrainians to pour into the streets in protest.

Russian forces intensified their campaign of devastation aimed at cities and towns across Ukraine, attacking Kyiv and a strategic port Saturday and detaining the defiant mayor of a captured city, an act that prompted hundreds of outraged Ukrainians to pour into the streets in protest. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Moscow of terrorizing the nation in an attempt to break the will of the people. “A war of annihilation,” he called it. He denounced what he called the kidnapping of the mayor of Melitopol, who had refused to cooperate with Russian troops after they seized the southeastern city in the first days of the invasion, as “a new stage of terror, when they are trying to physically eliminate representatives of the legitimate local Ukrainian authorities.” Russian forces have not achieved a major military victory since the first days of the invasion more than two weeks ago, and the assaults Saturday reinforced Moscow’s strategic turn toward increasingly indiscriminate shelling of civilian targets. Unable to mount a quick takeover of the country by air, land and sea, Russian troops have deployed missiles, rockets and bombs to destroy apartment buildings, schools, factories and hospitals, increasing civilian carnage and suffering, and leading more than 2.5 million people to flee the country. In response to American efforts to supply the Ukrainian military with antitank weapons and other materiel, Russia issued a new and more direct threat Saturday, warning the United States that convoys with weapons sent to Ukraine would be “legitimate targets” for the Russian military. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said on Russian television that Moscow had warned Washington that the “thoughtless transfer of such types of weapons as portable anti-aircraft and antitank missile systems” to Ukraine could lead to serious consequences. The heavy shelling and lack of food, water and medicine for thousands of residents in the besieged city of Mariupol have already led to what Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba called “the worst humanitarian catastrophe on the planet.” At least 1,582 civilians have died since the Russian siege of Mariupol began 12 days ago, he said, and residents are struggling to survive and have been forced to bury the dead in mass graves. “There is no drinking water and any medication for more than one week, maybe even 10 days,” a staff member who works for Doctors Without Borders in Mariupol said in an audio recording released by the organization Saturday. “We saw people who died because of lack of medication, and there are a lot of such people inside Mariupol,” the staff member said. During a 90-minute call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron urged Putin to accept an immediate cease-fire, according to the French government, which described the talks as “frank” and “difficult.” France said Putin showed no willingness to stop the war and said he “placed the responsibility for the conflict on Ukraine” and sounded “determined to attain his objectives.” In its summary of the call, the Kremlin said Putin had discussed “several matters relating to agreements being drafted to meet the well-known Russian demands” but did not specify those demands. In the coming weeks, NATO, which has vowed to defend allied countries from any incursion by Russian forces, plans to gather 30,000 troops from 25 countries in Europe and North America in Norway to conduct live-fire drills and other cold-weather military exercises. The exercises, which Norway hosts biannually, were announced more than eight months ago, NATO said, and are not linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which NATO said it was responding to with “preventive, proportionate and non-escalatory measures.” But the training has taken on greater significance as Russia steps up its bombardment of Ukrainian population centers. Around Kyiv, the capital, Russian forces have advanced into the suburbs but have been slowed by Ukrainian troops that have counterattacked with ambushes on armored columns. On Saturday, artillery fire intensified around Kyiv, with a low rumble heard in most parts of the city. By Saturday, there were no indications of further efforts by the Russian army to move armored columns closer to the capital. Instead, soldiers appeared to be fighting for control of the towns along the highways that encircle it. In Irpin, a leafy bedroom community northwest of Kyiv, troops were fighting street by street, said Vitaly, a Ukrainian soldier who asked that his last name not be published for security reasons. He spoke outside a gas station minimart, its windows blown out by shelling, on the town’s western edge. “We are trying to push them back but we don’t control the town,” he said. In the southern city of Mykolaiv, residents woke Saturday morning to the sounds of a fierce battle hours after Russian shells hit several civilian areas, damaging a cancer hospital and sending residents fleeing into bomb shelters. The early-morning fight was concentrated in the north of the city, said Col. Sviatoslav Stetsenko of the Ukrainian Army’s 59th Brigade, who was stationed near the front lines. “They are changing their tactics,” said Vitaliy Kim, governor of the Mykolaiv region. “They are deploying in the villages and lodging in village schools and homes. We cannot shoot back. There are no rules now. We will have to be more brutal with them.” For nearly two weeks, Russian forces have been trying to surround Mykolaiv and cross the Southern Buh River, which flows through the city and is a natural defense against a Russian push toward the west and Odesa, the Black Sea port that appears to be a prime Russian objective. Russian forces had not crossed the river as of Saturday morning, Stetsenko said, but “they are continuing to shell Mykolaiv.” In Melitopol, hundreds of residents demonstrated in the streets, one day after Russian troops forced a hood over the mayor’s head and dragged him from a government building, according to Ukrainian officials. “Return the mayor!” protesters shouted, according to witnesses and videos. “Free the mayor!” But nearly as soon as the demonstrators gathered, Russian military personnel moved to shut them down, arresting a woman who they said had organized the protest, according to two witnesses and the woman’s Facebook account. The episode was part of what Ukrainian officials said was an escalating pattern of intimidation and repression. It also illustrated a problem that Russia is likely to face even if it manages to pummel cities and towns into submission: In at least some of the few cities and towns that Russia has managed to seize — mostly in the south and east — they are facing popular unrest and revolt. Zelenskyy sought to tap into public rage in an address to the nation overnight. “The whole country saw that Melitopol did not surrender to the invaders,” he said. “Just as Kherson, Berdyansk and other cities where Russian troops managed to enter didn’t.” He said popular resistance “will not be changed by putting pressure on mayors or kidnapping mayors.” Melitopol Mayor Ivan Fyodorov had remained stubbornly defiant even after Russian soldiers took over the city after a fierce assault on the first day of the invasion. “We are not cooperating with the Russians in any way,” he had said. Last weekend, with Fyodorov’s encouragement, people waving Ukrainian flags took to the streets of Melitopol and other occupied cities. For the most part, Russian soldiers stood aside, even as protesters commandeered a Russian armored vehicle in one town and drove it through the streets. Although the protests in Melitopol were quickly put down, the Ukrainian government renewed efforts to bring aid to Mariupol, dispatching dozens of buses with food and medicine, Ukrainian officials said. Similar relief efforts had failed in recent days as fighting raged around the city and land mines pocked roads in the area. In an overnight address, Zelenskyy said the inability to bring aid to the city showed that Russian troops “continue to torture our people, our Mariupol residents.” Still, he said, “We will try again.”

Russia intensifies campaign of destruction in Ukraine’s cities

After a three-way phone call with the Russian leader and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron's office has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of "lies" for alleging that Ukrainian forces had committed human rights abuses.

France and Germany urged&nbsp;Putin Saturday to end a deadly days-long siege of the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol, the French presidency said.

Putin spoke about “issues related to agreements under discussion to implement the Russian demands” for ending the war, the Kremlin said without providing details.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-enters-day-17-russians-25-kilometres-away-from-kyiv-461716/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Kremlin said Putin also told Macron and Scholz about video calls between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators over the past few days.&nbsp;

The Russian leader also repeated his allegation that Ukrainian forces using civilians as shields had thwarted efforts to evacuate civilians from combat zones.

Ukraine’s military said Saturday that Russian forces captured Mariupol’s eastern outskirts, tightening the armed squeeze on the strategic port.&nbsp;

Taking Mariupol and other ports on the Azov Sea could allow Russia to establish a land corridor to Crimea, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/napoleons-waterloo-hitlers-barbarossa-5-lessons-putin-can-learn-from-failed-war-campaigns-461556">Napoleon's Waterloo &amp; Hitler's Barbarossa: 5 lessons Putin can learn from failed war campaigns</a>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky encouraged his people to keep up their resistance, which many analysts said has prevented the rapid offensive and military victory the Kremlin likely expected while planning to invade Russia’s ex-Soviet neighbor.

“The fact that the whole Ukrainian people resist these invaders has already gone down in history, but we do not have the right to let up our defense, no matter how difficult it may be for us,” he said.

Zelensky also accused Russia of employing “a new stage of terror” with the alleged kidnapping the mayor of Melitopol, a city 192 kilometers (119 miles) west of Mariupol. After residents of the occupied city demonstrated for the mayor’s release Saturday, the Ukrainian leader called on Russian forces to heed the calls.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-does-aftermath-of-russian-invasion-look-like-for-ukraine-459414">What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine?</a>

“Please hear in Moscow!” Zelensky said Saturday. “Another protest against Russian troops, against attempts to bring the city to its knees.”

He said 500-600 Russian troops had surrendered on Friday alone and that about 1,300 Ukrainian troops had been killed since the conflict began.

More than 2,000 residents of the southern city, which is now under Russian control, protested outside the city administration building to demand the release of the mayor, Ivan Fedorov, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the president's office, said.

In multiple areas around the capital, artillery barrages sent residents scurrying for shelter and air raid sirens wailed.&nbsp;

Putin launched the invasion on Feb. 24 in an operation that has been almost universally condemned around the world and that has drawn tough Western sanctions on Russia.

The bombardment has trapped thousands of people in besieged cities and sent 2.5 million Ukrainians fleeing to neighbouring countries. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

After a three-way phone call with the Russian leader and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron's office has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of "lies" for alleging that Ukrainian forces had committed human rights abuses.

After a three-way phone call with the Russian leader and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron's office has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of "lies" for alleging that Ukrainian forces had committed human rights abuses. France and Germany urged Putin Saturday to end a deadly days-long siege of the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol, the French presidency said. Putin spoke about “issues related to agreements under discussion to implement the Russian demands” for ending the war, the Kremlin said without providing details. The Kremlin said Putin also told Macron and Scholz about video calls between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators over the past few days. The Russian leader also repeated his allegation that Ukrainian forces using civilians as shields had thwarted efforts to evacuate civilians from combat zones. Ukraine’s military said Saturday that Russian forces captured Mariupol’s eastern outskirts, tightening the armed squeeze on the strategic port. Taking Mariupol and other ports on the Azov Sea could allow Russia to establish a land corridor to Crimea, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014. Also see | Napoleon's Waterloo & Hitler's Barbarossa: 5 lessons Putin can learn from failed war campaigns Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky encouraged his people to keep up their resistance, which many analysts said has prevented the rapid offensive and military victory the Kremlin likely expected while planning to invade Russia’s ex-Soviet neighbor. “The fact that the whole Ukrainian people resist these invaders has already gone down in history, but we do not have the right to let up our defense, no matter how difficult it may be for us,” he said. Zelensky also accused Russia of employing “a new stage of terror” with the alleged kidnapping the mayor of Melitopol, a city 192 kilometers (119 miles) west of Mariupol. After residents of the occupied city demonstrated for the mayor’s release Saturday, the Ukrainian leader called on Russian forces to heed the calls. Also see | What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine? “Please hear in Moscow!” Zelensky said Saturday. “Another protest against Russian troops, against attempts to bring the city to its knees.” He said 500-600 Russian troops had surrendered on Friday alone and that about 1,300 Ukrainian troops had been killed since the conflict began. More than 2,000 residents of the southern city, which is now under Russian control, protested outside the city administration building to demand the release of the mayor, Ivan Fedorov, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, deputy head of the president's office, said. In multiple areas around the capital, artillery barrages sent residents scurrying for shelter and air raid sirens wailed. Putin launched the invasion on Feb. 24 in an operation that has been almost universally condemned around the world and that has drawn tough Western sanctions on Russia. The bombardment has trapped thousands of people in besieged cities and sent 2.5 million Ukrainians fleeing to neighbouring countries. (With inputs from agencies)

France accuses Russia of 'lies' over Ukraine rights allegations

Here are some of the top stories to start your day:&nbsp;As the allegations of US-backed Ukrainian biowarfare labs grow, the United States has accused Russia of using a UN Security Council meeting on Friday for "lying and spreading disinformation". The Russian accusations seem to have been a part of a potential false-flag operation. In other news,&nbsp;Russian soldiers kidnapped the mayor of southern Ukraine's Melitopol.

Click on headlines to read the full report:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-biowarfare-labs-claim-russia-using-unsc-for-spreading-disinformation-says-us-461467">Russia using UNSC for 'spreading disinformation', says US</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/12/247102-labs.jpg" />Russia asked for the meeting to address its allegations of "biological activities" carried out by the US in Ukraine. The charge seems to have been made without any evidence and has been denied by both Washington and Kyiv.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-briefs-tiktokers-on-ukraine-as-information-war-against-russia-heats-up-461466">White House briefs TikTokers on Ukraine as information war against Russia heats up</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/12/247103-war.jpg" />United States President Joe Biden is banking on top TikTok influencers to help battle the Russian propaganda on the Ukraine war, the Washington Post reported.TikTok users in Russia and Ukraine have been at the forefront of disseminating information since Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attack on Ukraine began February 24.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-ivan-fedorov-mayor-of-ukrainian-city-abducted-by-russian-troops-461462">Ivan Fedorov, mayor of Ukrainian city abducted by Russian troops</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/12/247100-ukrainian-forces.jpg" />The abduction of Ivan Fedorov, who is the mayor of the southeastern city of Melitopol, was captured in CCTV cameras as he was seen being led away by armed men from a government building on Friday.&nbsp;

Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: How China is benefitting

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-invasion-how-china-is-benefitting-461456/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Chile's first gay couple weds

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chiles-first-gay-couple-weds-461457/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Here are some of the top stories to start your day: As the allegations of US-backed Ukrainian biowarfare labs grow, the United States has accused Russia of using a UN Security Council meeting on Friday for "lying and spreading disinformation".

Here are some of the top stories to start your day: As the allegations of US-backed Ukrainian biowarfare labs grow, the United States has accused Russia of using a UN Security Council meeting on Friday for "lying and spreading disinformation". The Russian accusations seem to have been a part of a potential false-flag operation. In other news, Russian soldiers kidnapped the mayor of southern Ukraine's Melitopol. Click on headlines to read the full report: Russia using UNSC for 'spreading disinformation', says US Russia asked for the meeting to address its allegations of "biological activities" carried out by the US in Ukraine. The charge seems to have been made without any evidence and has been denied by both Washington and Kyiv. White House briefs TikTokers on Ukraine as information war against Russia heats up United States President Joe Biden is banking on top TikTok influencers to help battle the Russian propaganda on the Ukraine war, the Washington Post reported.TikTok users in Russia and Ukraine have been at the forefront of disseminating information since Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attack on Ukraine began February 24. Ivan Fedorov, mayor of Ukrainian city abducted by Russian troops The abduction of Ivan Fedorov, who is the mayor of the southeastern city of Melitopol, was captured in CCTV cameras as he was seen being led away by armed men from a government building on Friday. Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: How China is benefitting Watch | Chile's first gay couple weds

Morning news brief: Russia's Ukrainian biowarfare labs claim, Ukraine mayor kidnapped and more

Croatian officials criticised NATO on Saturday for what they said was its slow reaction to a military drone that apparently flew all the way from the Ukrainian war zone over several NATO member states.

The Soviet-era Tu-141 “Strizh” reconnaissance drone, flying at 1,300 metres, came from Hungary and crashed seven minutes after entering Croatia's air space, the government said. Both Hungary and Croatia are NATO members.

"According to what we know now it was obviously launched on Ukraine's territory", Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic told reporters on Saturday.

"We don't know in whose possession it was," he said, adding that both Ukraine and Russia claimed it was not theirs.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/commercial-satellites-are-shaping-ukraine-russia-conflict-here-is-how-460678/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Plenkovic, speaking at the site of the incident, said he had sent a letter to his European Union counterparts and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg over the incident.

"Whether it was accidental, a mistake or intentional, we do not know at this moment."

The incident "points to the need for closer cooperation within NATO", he said. He stressed the drone flew undisturbed over the alliance's three member states.

“We cannot tolerate this situation, nor should it have ever happened,” the prime minister said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/napoleons-waterloo-hitlers-barbarossa-5-lessons-putin-can-learn-from-failed-war-campaigns-461556" hreflang="en">Napoleon's Waterloo &amp; Hitler's Barbarossa: 5 lessons Putin can learn from failed war campaigns</a>

“This was a pure and clear threat and both NATO and the EU should have reacted,” he said. “We will work to raise the readiness not only of us but of others as well. ”

Defence Minister Mario Banozic said, "This was a very serious incident. We will have to investigate it thoroughly."

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said Hungary was closely cooperating with Croatia and other NATO allies.

"Our authorities are examining what happened, as according to present data, the air space of several NATO members including Hungary was affected by the drone's flight."

The drone crashed around 11:00 pm (2200 GMT) Thursday in a park close to the Jarun lake. Some six kilometres (four miles) from the city centre, the site is just next to a students residence with some 4,500 people and residential buildings.

Zagreb is located some 550 kilometres flying distance from the border with Ukraine, which Russia invaded on February 24. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Croatian officials criticised NATO on Saturday for what they said was its slow reaction to a military drone that apparently flew all the way from the Ukrainian war zone over several NATO member states.

Croatian officials criticised NATO on Saturday for what they said was its slow reaction to a military drone that apparently flew all the way from the Ukrainian war zone over several NATO member states. The Soviet-era Tu-141 “Strizh” reconnaissance drone, flying at 1,300 metres, came from Hungary and crashed seven minutes after entering Croatia's air space, the government said. Both Hungary and Croatia are NATO members. "According to what we know now it was obviously launched on Ukraine's territory", Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic told reporters on Saturday. "We don't know in whose possession it was," he said, adding that both Ukraine and Russia claimed it was not theirs. Plenkovic, speaking at the site of the incident, said he had sent a letter to his European Union counterparts and NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg over the incident. "Whether it was accidental, a mistake or intentional, we do not know at this moment." The incident "points to the need for closer cooperation within NATO", he said. He stressed the drone flew undisturbed over the alliance's three member states. “We cannot tolerate this situation, nor should it have ever happened,” the prime minister said. Also read | Napoleon's Waterloo & Hitler's Barbarossa: 5 lessons Putin can learn from failed war campaigns “This was a pure and clear threat and both NATO and the EU should have reacted,” he said. “We will work to raise the readiness not only of us but of others as well. ” Defence Minister Mario Banozic said, "This was a very serious incident. We will have to investigate it thoroughly." Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said Hungary was closely cooperating with Croatia and other NATO allies. "Our authorities are examining what happened, as according to present data, the air space of several NATO members including Hungary was affected by the drone's flight." The drone crashed around 11:00 pm (2200 GMT) Thursday in a park close to the Jarun lake. Some six kilometres (four miles) from the city centre, the site is just next to a students residence with some 4,500 people and residential buildings. Zagreb is located some 550 kilometres flying distance from the border with Ukraine, which Russia invaded on February 24. (With inputs from agencies)

Croatia slams NATO for its 'slow reaction' after Soviet-era drone crashes in Zagreb

In response to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, Facebook has temporarily relaxed its ban on violent speech, allowing statements such as "death to Russian invaders" but not credible threats against civilians.

As a result of Moscow's war on its neighbour, Western governments and businesses have imposed unprecedented sanctions, but there has also been a surge in online anger over social media's role in the conflict.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-ukraine-needs-surface-to-air-missiles-not-fighter-jets-to-fight-formidable-russian-air-force-461103">US says Ukraine needs surface-to-air missiles, not fighter jets, to fight 'formidable' Russian air force</a>

Despite the immediate controversy, Facebook and Instagram's parent company, Meta, defended its policy decision.

"As a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we have temporarily made allowances for forms of political expression that would normally violate our rules like violent speech such as 'death to the Russian invaders,'" Meta said in a statement.

"We still won't allow credible calls for violence against Russian civilians," it added.

As one of the world's leading social media companies, Meta has previously struggled to decide what to allow people to post in times of upheaval.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-russias-barbaric-attack-on-ukraine-childrens-hospital-460804">In Pics- Russia's 'barbaric' attack on Ukraine children's hospital</a>

During protests that rocked Iran during July 2021, the company had temporarily allowed posts calling for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's death.

Platforms like Twitter and Facebook have had to navigate a myriad of thorny issues related to the war in Ukraine, like when US Senator Lindsey Graham called for the murder of Russian President Vladimir Putin during a televised interview and on Twitter.

"The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out," Graham wrote in a tweet on March 3, which Twitter has not removed.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Is there a Brutus in Russia? Is there a more successful Colonel Stauffenberg in the Russian military? 
 
The only way this ends is for somebody in Russia to take this guy out. 
 
You would be doing your country - and the world - a great service.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/1499574209567199235?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Views on Meta's decision were sharply divided.

Watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;Gravitas: Russia becomes the world's most sanctioned country

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Emerson Brooking, a disinformation expert at the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab, said that "the policy regards calls for violence against Russian soldiers".&nbsp;

"A call for violence here, by the way is also a call for resistance because Ukrainians resist a violent invasion," he added.&nbsp;

However, some expressed deep concerns, such as Lehigh University professor Jeremy Littau, who tweeted "'We don't allow hate speech except against certain people from a certain country' is one hell of a can of worms."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
“We don’t allow hate speech except against certain people from a certain country” is one hell of a can of worms.
— Jeremy Littau (@JeremyLittau) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeremyLittau/status/1502066222304841729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Washington has failed to push India into taking a stand against Moscow in the ongoing US-Russia confrontation, where Ukraine is a victim of both the superpowers. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is indefensible, as war or the use of military force is unacceptable as a means of dispute resolution. Equally indefensible is the US and the US-led West using Ukraine as bait to set the bear trap of the war, in which Russia has now got snared.&nbsp;

It is terrible enough that Ukraine became willing cannon fodder in an entirely avoidable war, only to realise that neither the US nor Europe had the least intention of joining Ukraine in its military resistance against Russia; or embracing Ukraine as a member of NATO. And, Europe is sharply divided on the issue of EU membership for Ukraine. There is little left for Ukraine to cling to its delusion of being “European”; or, a frontline state of the “international community” and the world’s democracies that is required to stand up to the Big Bad Bear that is Russia.&nbsp;

At a distance, India could see the senselessness of Ukraine not retreating from the brink—which Kyiv could have done by making plain its intention to stay out of NATO—and being made to serve as bait in the US-led geopolitical games against Russia. There is no way Vladimir Putin or any other Russian leader in his place would have countenanced Ukraine—some 300 kms from Moscow—emerging as a frontline NATO state and, consequently, a military base for the US.&nbsp;

India desisted from voting with the US on any of the Ukraine-related resolutions in the UN Security Council, General Assembly and the Human Rights Council to assert its independent line and interest in ensuring a diplomatic solution to the conflict through dialogue. India had sound reasons, including security and stability of the war-torn region, for abstaining on all three votes in the UN, and these reasons have been more than adequately articulated. However, like China, India has not explicitly objected to the US-led sanctions against Russia. Thus, India is not siding with either the US or Russia; nor is it voicing any criticism of the actions of these two countries.&nbsp;

India’s vigorous assertion of its strategic autonomy, in this case, seems to have raised the hackles of influential lobbyists of the establishment at home and abroad. That is not surprising given New Delhi’s perceived ‘tilt’ towards the US of late, especially after the signing of the logistics agreement, the recurrent upbeat references to India as a “major” and the “most important” non-NATO defence ally of the US, and New Delhi being unduly circumspect in its dealings with Iran and Venezuela for fear of ruffling feathers in Washington. (Paradoxically, the US itself is now wooing Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, for his country’s oil, less than two years after it was thwarted in its protracted, high-power efforts to topple him).&nbsp;

Besides India, other major countries that have refused to go along with the US in its conflict with Russia include China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Israel. This is attributed to the US efforts to isolate Russia, including by waging economic war, for maintaining its own supremacy in global affairs; and, this conflict predates Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The US has many scores to settle with Russia, and not all of its allies in Europe are with Washington on these. For instance, Europe has refused to join the US on sanctions against importing oil from Russia, although the Continent has unanimously condemned the invasion of Ukraine. Europe, like Ukraine, does not want to be trapped in the US war for supremacy over Russia.&nbsp;

Countries that have not picked sides in this US-Russia conflict that triggered the invasion of Ukraine have a better chance of mediating an acceptable solution to avoid another Afghanistan-like situation, but in Europe and with Russia mired in it.&nbsp;

The author is Editorial Consultant, WION TV.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Washington has failed to push India into taking a stand against Moscow in the ongoing US-Russia confrontation, where Ukraine is a victim of both the superpowers.

Washington has failed to push India into taking a stand against Moscow in the ongoing US-Russia confrontation, where Ukraine is a victim of both the superpowers. The Russian invasion of Ukraine is indefensible, as war or the use of military force is unacceptable as a means of dispute resolution. Equally indefensible is the US and the US-led West using Ukraine as bait to set the bear trap of the war, in which Russia has now got snared. It is terrible enough that Ukraine became willing cannon fodder in an entirely avoidable war, only to realise that neither the US nor Europe had the least intention of joining Ukraine in its military resistance against Russia; or embracing Ukraine as a member of NATO. And, Europe is sharply divided on the issue of EU membership for Ukraine. There is little left for Ukraine to cling to its delusion of being “European”; or, a frontline state of the “international community” and the world’s democracies that is required to stand up to the Big Bad Bear that is Russia. At a distance, India could see the senselessness of Ukraine not retreating from the brink—which Kyiv could have done by making plain its intention to stay out of NATO—and being made to serve as bait in the US-led geopolitical games against Russia. There is no way Vladimir Putin or any other Russian leader in his place would have countenanced Ukraine—some 300 kms from Moscow—emerging as a frontline NATO state and, consequently, a military base for the US. India desisted from voting with the US on any of the Ukraine-related resolutions in the UN Security Council, General Assembly and the Human Rights Council to assert its independent line and interest in ensuring a diplomatic solution to the conflict through dialogue. India had sound reasons, including security and stability of the war-torn region, for abstaining on all three votes in the UN, and these reasons have been more than adequately articulated. However, like China, India has not explicitly objected to the US-led sanctions against Russia. Thus, India is not siding with either the US or Russia; nor is it voicing any criticism of the actions of these two countries. India’s vigorous assertion of its strategic autonomy, in this case, seems to have raised the hackles of influential lobbyists of the establishment at home and abroad. That is not surprising given New Delhi’s perceived ‘tilt’ towards the US of late, especially after the signing of the logistics agreement, the recurrent upbeat references to India as a “major” and the “most important” non-NATO defence ally of the US, and New Delhi being unduly circumspect in its dealings with Iran and Venezuela for fear of ruffling feathers in Washington. (Paradoxically, the US itself is now wooing Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, for his country’s oil, less than two years after it was thwarted in its protracted, high-power efforts to topple him). Besides India, other major countries that have refused to go along with the US in its conflict with Russia include China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Israel. This is attributed to the US efforts to isolate Russia, including by waging economic war, for maintaining its own supremacy in global affairs; and, this conflict predates Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The US has many scores to settle with Russia, and not all of its allies in Europe are with Washington on these. For instance, Europe has refused to join the US on sanctions against importing oil from Russia, although the Continent has unanimously condemned the invasion of Ukraine. Europe, like Ukraine, does not want to be trapped in the US war for supremacy over Russia. Countries that have not picked sides in this US-Russia conflict that triggered the invasion of Ukraine have a better chance of mediating an acceptable solution to avoid another Afghanistan-like situation, but in Europe and with Russia mired in it. The author is Editorial Consultant, WION TV. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

On the Margin | India re-asserts strategic autonomy

President Joe Biden is poised to announce the revocation of Russia’s “most favoured nation” trade status, which would allow higher tariffs to be imposed on some Russian imports, as per US media.

He will announce the plans "to continue to hold Russia accountable for its unprovoked and unjustified war on Ukraine" at the White House at 10:15 a.m. EST (1515 GMT), as per CNN.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called the Ukraine invasion a "special military operation" and unseat leaders it calls neo-Nazis.

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Stripping Russia of its favoured nation status paves the way for the United States and its allies to impose tariffs on a wide range of Russian goods, which would further ratchet up pressure on an economy that is already heading into a "deep recession."

In the United States, removing Russia's "Permanent Normal Trade Relations" (PNTR) status will require an act of Congress, but lawmakers in both houses - and on both sides of the political aisle - have already signalled their support.

"I believe the Russians,&nbsp;the inhumane behavior of Russia does not justify it to get the fruits of the international community," said Senate Finance Chairman Ron Wyden.

Unbowed by the sanctions, Russia kept up its bombardment of besieged Mariupol while Kyiv braced for an onslaught, its mayor boasting that the capital had become practically a fortress protected by armed civilians.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-ukraine-has-been-able-to-stall-russian-advance-460209">Why has Ukraine been able to stall Russian advance?</a>

The head of the Kyiv Region administration, Oleksiy Kuleba, said a missile hit the town of Baryshivka, about 20 kilometers east of Kyiv’s main international Boryspil Airport.&nbsp;

“They have a clear order to hold Mariupol hostage, to mock it, to constantly bomb and shell it,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly video address to the nation.

The number of refugees fleeing Ukraine has topped 2.3 million, and some 100,000 people have been evacuated during the past two days from seven cities under Russian blockade in the north and center of the country, including the Kyiv suburbs, Zelensky said.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-does-aftermath-of-russian-invasion-look-like-for-ukraine-459414">What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine?</a>

Zelensky told Russian leaders that the invasion will backfire as their economy is strangled.

Western sanctions have already dealt a severe blow, causing the ruble to plunge, foreign businesses to flee and prices to rise sharply.

“You will definitely be prosecuted for complicity in war crimes,” Zelensky said in a video address, adding that “you will be hated by Russian citizens.”

Putin dismissed such talk, saying the country has endured sanctions before.

″We will overcome them,” he said at a televised meeting of government officials, but acknowledged the sanctions create “certain challenges.”

In 2019, Russia was the 26th largest goods trading partner of the United States, with some $28 billion exchanged between the two countries, according to the US&nbsp;Trade Representative's office.

Top imports from Russia included mineral fuels, precious metal and stone, iron and steel, fertilizers, and inorganic chemicals, all goods that could face higher tariffs once Congress acts to revoke Russia's favoured nation trade status.

(With inputs from agencies)

President Joe Biden is poised to announce the revocation of Russia’s “most favoured nation” trade status, which would allow higher tariffs to be imposed on some Russian imports, as per US media.

President Joe Biden is poised to announce the revocation of Russia’s “most favoured nation” trade status, which would allow higher tariffs to be imposed on some Russian imports, as per US media. He will announce the plans "to continue to hold Russia accountable for its unprovoked and unjustified war on Ukraine" at the White House at 10:15 a.m. EST (1515 GMT), as per CNN. Russian President Vladimir Putin has called the Ukraine invasion a "special military operation" and unseat leaders it calls neo-Nazis. Stripping Russia of its favoured nation status paves the way for the United States and its allies to impose tariffs on a wide range of Russian goods, which would further ratchet up pressure on an economy that is already heading into a "deep recession." In the United States, removing Russia's "Permanent Normal Trade Relations" (PNTR) status will require an act of Congress, but lawmakers in both houses - and on both sides of the political aisle - have already signalled their support. "I believe the Russians, the inhumane behavior of Russia does not justify it to get the fruits of the international community," said Senate Finance Chairman Ron Wyden. Unbowed by the sanctions, Russia kept up its bombardment of besieged Mariupol while Kyiv braced for an onslaught, its mayor boasting that the capital had become practically a fortress protected by armed civilians. Also see | Why has Ukraine been able to stall Russian advance? The head of the Kyiv Region administration, Oleksiy Kuleba, said a missile hit the town of Baryshivka, about 20 kilometers east of Kyiv’s main international Boryspil Airport. “They have a clear order to hold Mariupol hostage, to mock it, to constantly bomb and shell it,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly video address to the nation. The number of refugees fleeing Ukraine has topped 2.3 million, and some 100,000 people have been evacuated during the past two days from seven cities under Russian blockade in the north and center of the country, including the Kyiv suburbs, Zelensky said. Also see | What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine? Zelensky told Russian leaders that the invasion will backfire as their economy is strangled. Western sanctions have already dealt a severe blow, causing the ruble to plunge, foreign businesses to flee and prices to rise sharply. “You will definitely be prosecuted for complicity in war crimes,” Zelensky said in a video address, adding that “you will be hated by Russian citizens.” Putin dismissed such talk, saying the country has endured sanctions before. ″We will overcome them,” he said at a televised meeting of government officials, but acknowledged the sanctions create “certain challenges.” In 2019, Russia was the 26th largest goods trading partner of the United States, with some $28 billion exchanged between the two countries, according to the US Trade Representative's office. Top imports from Russia included mineral fuels, precious metal and stone, iron and steel, fertilizers, and inorganic chemicals, all goods that could face higher tariffs once Congress acts to revoke Russia's favoured nation trade status. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden to announce that US will move to revoke 'most favoured nation' trade status for Russia: Report

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To get your day started, here are some stories.

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict reaches its 15th day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a video address announced that amid the violence, on Wednesday 35,000 people managed to flee the country via humanitarian corridors.

In other news, Assembly poll results for the five Indian states of&nbsp;Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Manipur and Punjab will be announced today.&nbsp;Stay tuned to WION for regular updates.

Click on the headline to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-ukraines-besieged-cities-35000-escaped-via-humanitarian-corridors-zelensky-460729">From Ukraine's besieged cities, 35,000 escaped via humanitarian corridors: Zelensky</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/10/246556-stories-18.jpg" />Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, during a video address said that at least 35,000 civilians had been evacuated from besieged cities. Three humanitarian corridors had enabled residents of Sumy, Enerhodar, and the area around Kyiv to flee.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-india-assembly-election-result-2022-in-early-counting-bjp-ahead-in-up-congress-in-punjab-460719">LIVE | India Assembly Election Result 2022: In early counting, BJP ahead in UP, Congress in Punjab</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/09/246388-evm-pti-1.jpg" />The counting votes in five states that went to polls in the last one month has started today.&nbsp;

The outcome of the vote count will determine the fate of the BJP, which now controls four of the five states, and the Congress, which controls Punjab.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-congratulates-south-koreas-president-elect-yoon-looks-for-improvement-in-ties-460746">Japan PM congratulates South Korea's President-elect Yoon, looks for improvement in ties</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/10/246566-japan.jpg" />

The election of Yoon Suk-yeol as South Korea's next president has been welcomed by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who&nbsp;said he hoped to work closely with the new president elect to rebuild healthier ties with the neighbour.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gleaning-lessons-from-putins-attack-on-ukraine-australia-decides-to-increase-its-troops-to-80000-460749">Gleaning lessons from Putin's attack on Ukraine, Australia decides to increase its troops to 80,000</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/10/246569-stories-19.jpg" />

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said&nbsp;that Australia will increase its defence forces by 30 per cent by 2040, calling that the largest build-up in peacetime.

Invoking the recent invasion of Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Defence Minister Peter Dutton stated that the move is absolutely necessary.

Watch |&nbsp;US hunts for alternative oil supply as sanctions against Russia's oil sparks price rise

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-hunts-for-alternative-oil-supply-as-sanctions-against-russias-oil-sparks-price-rise-460727/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

To get your day started, here are some stories. As the Russia-Ukraine conflict reaches its 15th day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a video address announced that amid the violence, on Wednesday 35,000 people managed to flee the country via humanitarian corridors.

To get your day started, here are some stories. As the Russia-Ukraine conflict reaches its 15th day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a video address announced that amid the violence, on Wednesday 35,000 people managed to flee the country via humanitarian corridors. In other news, Assembly poll results for the five Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Manipur and Punjab will be announced today. Stay tuned to WION for regular updates. Click on the headline to read more: From Ukraine's besieged cities, 35,000 escaped via humanitarian corridors: Zelensky Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, during a video address said that at least 35,000 civilians had been evacuated from besieged cities. Three humanitarian corridors had enabled residents of Sumy, Enerhodar, and the area around Kyiv to flee. LIVE | India Assembly Election Result 2022: In early counting, BJP ahead in UP, Congress in Punjab The counting votes in five states that went to polls in the last one month has started today. The outcome of the vote count will determine the fate of the BJP, which now controls four of the five states, and the Congress, which controls Punjab. Japan PM congratulates South Korea's President-elect Yoon, looks for improvement in ties The election of Yoon Suk-yeol as South Korea's next president has been welcomed by Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who said he hoped to work closely with the new president elect to rebuild healthier ties with the neighbour. Gleaning lessons from Putin's attack on Ukraine, Australia decides to increase its troops to 80,000 Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that Australia will increase its defence forces by 30 per cent by 2040, calling that the largest build-up in peacetime. Invoking the recent invasion of Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Defence Minister Peter Dutton stated that the move is absolutely necessary. Watch | US hunts for alternative oil supply as sanctions against Russia's oil sparks price rise

Morning brief: 35,000 people flee from Ukraine, Japan PM congratulates S.Korea's President-elect, and more

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To get your day started, here are some stories.

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict reaches its 14th day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that his country has given up on NATO membership as the alliance&nbsp;is not prepared to accept Ukraine and is afraid to confront Russia.

In other news, Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro has signed a decree providing free menstrual products to women from low-income groups.

Click on the headline to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-under-attack-heres-why-us-rejected-polands-plan-to-offer-mig-29-fighter-jets-to-ukraine-460416">Ukraine under attack: Here's why US rejected Poland's plan to offer MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/09/246342-polish-air-force-mig-29-aircraft.jpg" />

The United States has rejected Poland's offer to send MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine via a US airbase, saying it was "not tenable" as the proposal raised "serious concerns" for the entire NATO alliance.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-gives-up-on-joining-nato-says-he-does-not-want-to-lead-a-nation-begging-something-on-its-knees-460394">Zelensky gives up on joining NATO, says he does not want to lead a nation 'begging something on its knees'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/09/246329-stories-2.jpg" />

Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukraine will no longer be seeking NATO membership.

"I have cooled down regarding this question a long time ago after we understood that ... NATO is not prepared to accept Ukraine," Zelensky said in an interview.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-nuclear-watchdog-no-longer-receiving-data-from-chernobyl-expresses-worry-about-the-130-trapped-workers-460404">UN nuclear watchdog no longer receiving data from Chernobyl, expresses worry about the 130 trapped workers</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/09/246332-stories-4.jpg" />

In a statement Tuesday, the UN watchdog said that the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is no longer sending data to them. The agency also expressed concern for staff operating under Russian guard at the Ukrainian facility.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/you-are-beyond-essential-on-womens-day-brazils-sexist-president-backtracks-from-menstrual-poverty-row-460412">'You are beyond essential': On women's day, Brazil's sexist President backtracks from 'menstrual poverty' row</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/09/246340-stories-5.jpg" />

Five months after vetoing a similar measure, Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro signed a decree Tuesday ensuring that low-income women and girls can get free menstrual supplies.

The far-right leader signed the executive order on International Women's Day, two days before Congress was scheduled to vote to override his veto.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine crisis: Will West's arms supply to Ukraine make any difference?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-crisis-will-wests-arms-supply-to-ukraine-make-any-difference-460408/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

To get your day started, here are some stories. As the Russia-Ukraine conflict reaches its 14th day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that his country has given up on NATO membership as the alliance is not prepared to accept Ukraine and is afraid to confront Russia.

To get your day started, here are some stories. As the Russia-Ukraine conflict reaches its 14th day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that his country has given up on NATO membership as the alliance is not prepared to accept Ukraine and is afraid to confront Russia. In other news, Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro has signed a decree providing free menstrual products to women from low-income groups. Click on the headline to read more: Ukraine under attack: Here's why US rejected Poland's plan to offer MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine The United States has rejected Poland's offer to send MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine via a US airbase, saying it was "not tenable" as the proposal raised "serious concerns" for the entire NATO alliance. Zelensky gives up on joining NATO, says he does not want to lead a nation 'begging something on its knees' Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukraine will no longer be seeking NATO membership. "I have cooled down regarding this question a long time ago after we understood that ... NATO is not prepared to accept Ukraine," Zelensky said in an interview. UN nuclear watchdog no longer receiving data from Chernobyl, expresses worry about the 130 trapped workers In a statement Tuesday, the UN watchdog said that the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is no longer sending data to them. The agency also expressed concern for staff operating under Russian guard at the Ukrainian facility. 'You are beyond essential': On women's day, Brazil's sexist President backtracks from 'menstrual poverty' row Five months after vetoing a similar measure, Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro signed a decree Tuesday ensuring that low-income women and girls can get free menstrual supplies. The far-right leader signed the executive order on International Women's Day, two days before Congress was scheduled to vote to override his veto. Watch | Russia-Ukraine crisis: Will West's arms supply to Ukraine make any difference?

Morning brief: US rejects Poland plan to offer Ukraine fighter jets, Ukraine gives up on joining NATO, & more

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

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

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

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

The European Union agreed Wednesday to add 146 members of Russia's upper house of parliament and 14 Kremlin-linked oligarchs and relatives to its sanctions list over Moscow's war in Ukraine, officials said.&nbsp;

"We are further tightening the net of sanctions responding to Russia's military aggression against Ukraine," European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen wrote in a tweet.&nbsp;

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We are further tightening the net of sanctions responding to Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine 
 
•Listing 160 individuals: oligarchs, Russian Federation Council members 
•Belarus banking sector 
•Export of maritime navigation technology to Russia 
•Adding crypto-assets
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) <a href="https://twitter.com/vonderleyen/status/1501521959821225984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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So far EU sanctions had hit hundreds of members of the lower house, the Duma, who voted in favour of Russia's recognition of the self-proclaimed people's republics of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine.

The bloc has assigned 500 million euros ($547 million) for humanitarian aid to Ukraine, saying it had taken in two million refugees fleeing the Russian invasion so far and expected millions more.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-europe-still-bankroll-russias-ukraine-invasion-460383/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The euro and other European currencies edged up on Wednesday ahead of this week's central bank meeting and supported by reports that the European Union was discussing joint bond issuance to finance energy and defence spending.

After touching a 22-month low on Monday sliding to as much as $1.0806, the euro rose 0.5 per cent&nbsp;on the day to $1.0946 helped by a report citing unnamed officials that said the European Union was discussing joint bond issuance.

Sterling rose 0.3 per cent against the dollar to $1.3134.

Russian forces have subjected some Ukrainian cities and towns to devastating bombardment and left places like the port of Mariupol without power or water for days.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-rocket-launchers-target-ukraines-cities-460535" hreflang="en">Russia's rocket launchers target Ukraine's cities</a>

The Ukrainian military is building up defences in cities in the north, south and east, and forces around Kyiv are “holding the line” against the Russian offensive.

Thousands of people are thought to have been killed, both civilians and soldiers, in two weeks of fighting since President Vladimir Putin’s forces invaded.&nbsp;

Kyiv regional administration head Oleksiy Kuleba said the crisis for civilians was growing in the capital, with the situation particularly critical in the city’s suburbs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-intermittent-alerts-to-blaring-air-raid-sirens-russian-pressure-keeps-kyiv-on-edge-460544" hreflang="en">From intermittent alerts to blaring air raid sirens: Russian pressure keeps Kyiv on edge</a>

“Russia is artificially creating a humanitarian crisis in the Kyiv region, frustrating the evacuation of people and continuing shelling and bombing small communities,” he said.

In addition to material support for Ukraine, Western countries have sought to pressure Russia through a series of punishing sanctions.&nbsp;

Ukraine’s president has pleaded repeatedly for warplanes to counter Russia’s significant air power, but Western countries have disagreed over how best to do that amid concerns it could raise the risk of the war expanding beyond Ukraine.

Moscow calls its action a "special military operation" to disarm its neighbour and dislodge leaders it calls "neo-Nazis."

Kyiv and its Western allies dismiss that as a baseless pretext for an unprovoked war against a democratic country of 44 million people.

(With inputs from agencies)

The European Union agreed Wednesday to add 146 members of Russia's upper house of parliament and 14 Kremlin-linked oligarchs and relatives to its sanctions list over Moscow's war in Ukraine, officials said.

The European Union agreed Wednesday to add 146 members of Russia's upper house of parliament and 14 Kremlin-linked oligarchs and relatives to its sanctions list over Moscow's war in Ukraine, officials said. "We are further tightening the net of sanctions responding to Russia's military aggression against Ukraine," European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen wrote in a tweet. We are further tightening the net of sanctions responding to Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine •Listing 160 individuals: oligarchs, Russian Federation Council members •Belarus banking sector •Export of maritime navigation technology to Russia •Adding crypto-assets — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) March 9, 2022 × So far EU sanctions had hit hundreds of members of the lower house, the Duma, who voted in favour of Russia's recognition of the self-proclaimed people's republics of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern Ukraine. The bloc has assigned 500 million euros ($547 million) for humanitarian aid to Ukraine, saying it had taken in two million refugees fleeing the Russian invasion so far and expected millions more. The euro and other European currencies edged up on Wednesday ahead of this week's central bank meeting and supported by reports that the European Union was discussing joint bond issuance to finance energy and defence spending. After touching a 22-month low on Monday sliding to as much as $1.0806, the euro rose 0.5 per cent on the day to $1.0946 helped by a report citing unnamed officials that said the European Union was discussing joint bond issuance. Sterling rose 0.3 per cent against the dollar to $1.3134. Russian forces have subjected some Ukrainian cities and towns to devastating bombardment and left places like the port of Mariupol without power or water for days. Also see | Russia's rocket launchers target Ukraine's cities The Ukrainian military is building up defences in cities in the north, south and east, and forces around Kyiv are “holding the line” against the Russian offensive. Thousands of people are thought to have been killed, both civilians and soldiers, in two weeks of fighting since President Vladimir Putin’s forces invaded. Kyiv regional administration head Oleksiy Kuleba said the crisis for civilians was growing in the capital, with the situation particularly critical in the city’s suburbs. Also read | From intermittent alerts to blaring air raid sirens: Russian pressure keeps Kyiv on edge “Russia is artificially creating a humanitarian crisis in the Kyiv region, frustrating the evacuation of people and continuing shelling and bombing small communities,” he said. In addition to material support for Ukraine, Western countries have sought to pressure Russia through a series of punishing sanctions. Ukraine’s president has pleaded repeatedly for warplanes to counter Russia’s significant air power, but Western countries have disagreed over how best to do that amid concerns it could raise the risk of the war expanding beyond Ukraine. Moscow calls its action a "special military operation" to disarm its neighbour and dislodge leaders it calls "neo-Nazis." Kyiv and its Western allies dismiss that as a baseless pretext for an unprovoked war against a democratic country of 44 million people. (With inputs from agencies)

European Union adds 160 Russian oligarchs, senators to sanctions blacklist