Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov said on Saturday that the US is going to provide his country a Stryker mechanized infantry company for its battlegroup under NATO's drive to bolster its eastern flank.

"The USA agreed to provide a Stryker company," he told a press conference with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. "This is a strong sign to all of our allies in NATO."

"I wanted to underscore the importance of the announcement that Bulgaria has established and is leading a NATO multinational battlegroup. It is an important step and we fully support it," Austin said.

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It comes after Bulgaria's foreign ministry announced the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats.&nbsp;

The EU member said they had breached international conventions on diplomatic ties, a formulation often used by the ministry to designate espionage.&nbsp;

Petkov said Bulgaria would continue to send humanitarian aid to Ukraine and take in Ukrainian refugees from the war, but it was not considering sending any weaponry to Kyiv for the time being as his Black Sea country was too close to the conflict.

Bulgaria, once Moscow's closest ally during the Cold War era but a NATO and European Union member state, is establishing a battlegroup of up to 1,000 troops under the operational command of NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe.

The battlegroup is expected to host troops from other allied countries as well.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-conflict-time-for-meaningful-talks-says-president-volodymyr-zelenskiy-463642">Ukraine-Russia conflict: Time for meaningful talks, says President Zelensky</a>

Speaking after chairing a NATO summit, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the 30-nation organization will send parts of the NATO Response Force and elements of a quickly deployable spearhead unit to the alliance’s eastern flank. It’s the first time the force has been used to defend NATO allies.

In response to Europe’s biggest security crisis in decades, Stoltenberg said, “We are now deploying the NATO Response Force for the first time in a collective defense context. We speak about thousands of troops. We speak about air and maritime capabilities.”

“There must be no space for miscalculation or misunderstanding. We will do what it takes to protect and defend every ally, and every inch of NATO territory,” he said.

The NRF can number up to 40,000 troops, but Stoltenberg said that NATO would not be deploying the entire force. Parts of a spearhead unit known in NATO jargon as the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, which is currently led by France, will also be sent.

The announcement came after NATO members, ranging from Russia’s neighbor Estonia in the north down around the west of conflict-hit Ukraine to Bulgaria on the Black Sea coast, triggered urgent consultations Thursday about their security amid concerns from the invasion.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov said on Saturday that the US is going to provide his country a Stryker mechanized infantry company for its battlegroup under NATO's drive to bolster its eastern flank.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov said on Saturday that the US is going to provide his country a Stryker mechanized infantry company for its battlegroup under NATO's drive to bolster its eastern flank. "The USA agreed to provide a Stryker company," he told a press conference with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. "This is a strong sign to all of our allies in NATO." "I wanted to underscore the importance of the announcement that Bulgaria has established and is leading a NATO multinational battlegroup. It is an important step and we fully support it," Austin said. It comes after Bulgaria's foreign ministry announced the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats. The EU member said they had breached international conventions on diplomatic ties, a formulation often used by the ministry to designate espionage. Petkov said Bulgaria would continue to send humanitarian aid to Ukraine and take in Ukrainian refugees from the war, but it was not considering sending any weaponry to Kyiv for the time being as his Black Sea country was too close to the conflict. Bulgaria, once Moscow's closest ally during the Cold War era but a NATO and European Union member state, is establishing a battlegroup of up to 1,000 troops under the operational command of NATO's Supreme Allied Commander Europe. The battlegroup is expected to host troops from other allied countries as well. Also read | Ukraine-Russia conflict: Time for meaningful talks, says President Zelensky Speaking after chairing a NATO summit, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said the 30-nation organization will send parts of the NATO Response Force and elements of a quickly deployable spearhead unit to the alliance’s eastern flank. It’s the first time the force has been used to defend NATO allies. In response to Europe’s biggest security crisis in decades, Stoltenberg said, “We are now deploying the NATO Response Force for the first time in a collective defense context. We speak about thousands of troops. We speak about air and maritime capabilities.” “There must be no space for miscalculation or misunderstanding. We will do what it takes to protect and defend every ally, and every inch of NATO territory,” he said. The NRF can number up to 40,000 troops, but Stoltenberg said that NATO would not be deploying the entire force. Parts of a spearhead unit known in NATO jargon as the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force, which is currently led by France, will also be sent. The announcement came after NATO members, ranging from Russia’s neighbor Estonia in the north down around the west of conflict-hit Ukraine to Bulgaria on the Black Sea coast, triggered urgent consultations Thursday about their security amid concerns from the invasion. (With inputs from agencies)

US to provide Stryker army company to Bulgaria under NATO's drive to bolster its eastern flank

Burger King has said that the operator of its Russian restaurants has 'refused' to close businesses.

The burger chain, owned by Restaurant Brands International (QSR), has a joint venture partnership with businessman Alexander Kolobov in Russia.&nbsp;

RBI’s International President David Shear said in a statement, ''I know that many of you have been following the horrifying attacks on Ukraine. There have been a lot of media reports about brands continuing to operate in Russia and internally, we have been working around the clock to do all the right things.''

Restaurant Brands International Inc&nbsp;said that to enforce its contracts with the partner, Alexander Kolobov, it would need the help of the Russian government, but "we know that will not practically happen anytime soon," according to a letter to employees from Shear.

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"Would we like to suspend all Burger King operations immediately in Russia? Yes. Are we able to enforce a suspension of operations today? No," Shear wrote in the release.

Shear's long letter and Kolobov's response highlight the many complications bedeviling some American fast-food brands as they try to halt operations in Russia following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

It also exposes what can become a point of weakness in international franchising, which is how most American restaurant brands expand overseas: the relationships with their independent operators.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-conflict-time-for-meaningful-talks-says-president-volodymyr-zelenskiy-463642">Ukraine-Russia conflict: Time for meaningful talks, says President Zelensky</a>

Burger King's rival, McDonald's has temporarily closed all 847 of its restaurants in Russia, increasing pressure on other global brands to pause operations in the country following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

"When McDonald's moved into the Soviet Union, it was part of a message of opening up and building trust and cooperation between Russia and the West. And now those avenues have all been closed off. And so Russia's having McDonald's exit that market really brings a bookend or close to that era. And we're kind of standing in, symbolically at least, a new era of division between Russia and much of the rest of the world," said Paul Musgrave, assistant professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

" I think there is going to be a little bit of a noticeable hit to McDonald's bottom line. In their 2020 annual report, they had $500 million of assets denominated in rubles that they had to look out for. International business accounts for more than half of McDonald's corporate revenue. Russia is a smaller part of that, but it is a real part of it. So there is a real hit, " Musgrave said.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Burger King has said that the operator of its Russian restaurants has 'refused' to close businesses. The burger chain, owned by Restaurant Brands International (QSR), has a joint venture partnership with businessman Alexander Kolobov in Russia.

Burger King has said that the operator of its Russian restaurants has 'refused' to close businesses. The burger chain, owned by Restaurant Brands International (QSR), has a joint venture partnership with businessman Alexander Kolobov in Russia. RBI’s International President David Shear said in a statement, ''I know that many of you have been following the horrifying attacks on Ukraine. There have been a lot of media reports about brands continuing to operate in Russia and internally, we have been working around the clock to do all the right things.'' Restaurant Brands International Inc said that to enforce its contracts with the partner, Alexander Kolobov, it would need the help of the Russian government, but "we know that will not practically happen anytime soon," according to a letter to employees from Shear. "Would we like to suspend all Burger King operations immediately in Russia? Yes. Are we able to enforce a suspension of operations today? No," Shear wrote in the release. Shear's long letter and Kolobov's response highlight the many complications bedeviling some American fast-food brands as they try to halt operations in Russia following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. It also exposes what can become a point of weakness in international franchising, which is how most American restaurant brands expand overseas: the relationships with their independent operators. Also read | Ukraine-Russia conflict: Time for meaningful talks, says President Zelensky Burger King's rival, McDonald's has temporarily closed all 847 of its restaurants in Russia, increasing pressure on other global brands to pause operations in the country following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. "When McDonald's moved into the Soviet Union, it was part of a message of opening up and building trust and cooperation between Russia and the West. And now those avenues have all been closed off. And so Russia's having McDonald's exit that market really brings a bookend or close to that era. And we're kind of standing in, symbolically at least, a new era of division between Russia and much of the rest of the world," said Paul Musgrave, assistant professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. " I think there is going to be a little bit of a noticeable hit to McDonald's bottom line. In their 2020 annual report, they had $500 million of assets denominated in rubles that they had to look out for. International business accounts for more than half of McDonald's corporate revenue. Russia is a smaller part of that, but it is a real part of it. So there is a real hit, " Musgrave said. (With inputs from agencies)

Operator of Russian restaurants has 'refused' to close businesses, says Burger King

In the first step towards a possible access ban, Russian regulators on Friday accused US tech giant Google and its video subsidiary YouTube of "terrorist" activities.

Earlier this month, the country launched a criminal case against Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, accusing the company of allowing posts "calling for the murder" of Russians.

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Russia's media regulator, Roskomnadzor said adverts on the platform were calling for the communications systems of Russia and Belarus' railway networks to be suspended and that their dissemination was evidence of the US tech giant's anti-Russian position.&nbsp;

"The YouTube administration's activities are terrorist in nature and threaten the life and health of Russian citizens," Roskomnadzor said, quoted by Interfax news agency.

"Roskomnadzor categorically opposes such advertising campaigns and demands that Google stop broadcasting anti-Russia videos as soon as possible."

It was the latest salvo in a row between Moscow and foreign tech firms over Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-deepfakes-to-hoax-calls-fake-news-war-in-russia-ukraine-crisis-463476" hreflang="en">From Deepfakes to hoax calls: 'Fake news war' in Russia-Ukraine crisis</a>

YouTube, which has blocked Russian state-funded media globally, is under heavy pressure from Russia's communications regulator and politicians.

Russia has already blocked access to other global tech giants including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well as several independent media.

Russian tech entrepreneurs have said they would launch picture-sharing application Rossgram on the domestic market to help fill the void left by Instagram.

Russia is one of the most restrictive countries for press freedom and freedom of expression, but the situation has worsened in the past few weeks since the operation in Ukraine began on February 24.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-revokes-russian-channel-rts-licence-after-probe-into-ukraine-coverage-463392" hreflang="en">UK revokes Russian channel RT's licence after probe into Ukraine coverage</a>

Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Friday wrote a fierce criticism of foreign social media firms, namechecking both Meta and YouTube, but he hinted that the door leading to their possible return to the Russian market would be left ajar.

"The 'guardians' of free speech have in all seriousness allowed users of their social media to wish death upon the Russian military," Medvedev, who served as president from 2008 to 2012 and is now deputy secretary of Russia's Security Council, wrote on his Telegram channel.

Medvedev said Russia has the necessary tools and experience to develop its own social media, saying the "one-way game" of Western firms controlling information flows could not continue.

"In order to return, they will have to prove their independence and good attitude to Russia and its citizens," he wrote.

"However, it is not a fact that they will be able to dip their toes in the same water twice."

(With inputs from agencies)

In the first step towards a possible access ban, Russian regulators on Friday accused US tech giant Google and its video subsidiary YouTube of "terrorist" activities.

In the first step towards a possible access ban, Russian regulators on Friday accused US tech giant Google and its video subsidiary YouTube of "terrorist" activities. Earlier this month, the country launched a criminal case against Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, accusing the company of allowing posts "calling for the murder" of Russians. Russia's media regulator, Roskomnadzor said adverts on the platform were calling for the communications systems of Russia and Belarus' railway networks to be suspended and that their dissemination was evidence of the US tech giant's anti-Russian position. "The YouTube administration's activities are terrorist in nature and threaten the life and health of Russian citizens," Roskomnadzor said, quoted by Interfax news agency. "Roskomnadzor categorically opposes such advertising campaigns and demands that Google stop broadcasting anti-Russia videos as soon as possible." It was the latest salvo in a row between Moscow and foreign tech firms over Ukraine. Also read | From Deepfakes to hoax calls: 'Fake news war' in Russia-Ukraine crisis YouTube, which has blocked Russian state-funded media globally, is under heavy pressure from Russia's communications regulator and politicians. Russia has already blocked access to other global tech giants including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as well as several independent media. Russian tech entrepreneurs have said they would launch picture-sharing application Rossgram on the domestic market to help fill the void left by Instagram. Russia is one of the most restrictive countries for press freedom and freedom of expression, but the situation has worsened in the past few weeks since the operation in Ukraine began on February 24. Also read | UK revokes Russian channel RT's licence after probe into Ukraine coverage Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Friday wrote a fierce criticism of foreign social media firms, namechecking both Meta and YouTube, but he hinted that the door leading to their possible return to the Russian market would be left ajar. "The 'guardians' of free speech have in all seriousness allowed users of their social media to wish death upon the Russian military," Medvedev, who served as president from 2008 to 2012 and is now deputy secretary of Russia's Security Council, wrote on his Telegram channel. Medvedev said Russia has the necessary tools and experience to develop its own social media, saying the "one-way game" of Western firms controlling information flows could not continue. "In order to return, they will have to prove their independence and good attitude to Russia and its citizens," he wrote. "However, it is not a fact that they will be able to dip their toes in the same water twice." (With inputs from agencies)

Russia accuses Google and its video subsidiary YouTube of 'terrorist' activities

Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Integration of Ukraine to the EU Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze has slammed French President Emmanuel Macron for rejecting the country's request for fast-tracking its EU membership.

Klympush-Tsintsadze, who is also the former Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine on matters of European integration, said ''We are a European state...I was appalled when Macron said that this was not the time to give Ukraine an EU membership.''

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We are a European state...I was appalled when Macron said that this was not the time to give Ukraine an EU membership, says Ukrainian MP <a href="https://twitter.com/IKlympush?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IKlympush</a> 
 
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She added that countries in Versailles had decided that Ukraine is indeed a European state and has the right to apply for membership in the European Union.

''We have been proving that not only in words that we are a European state but also we are paying every single day with our lives for our desire to live in a free democratic country in the bloc.''

''With our behaviour, readiness to withhold Russian aggression and stand up for our values, we will make sure EU responds positively to our choice,'' said Klympush-Tsintsadze.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/critics-question-us-govt-policy-as-the-country-has-only-admitted-several-hundred-ukrainian-refugees-so-far-463409" hreflang="en">Critics question US govt policy as the country has only admitted several hundred Ukrainian refugees so far</a>

France's president said on Thursday&nbsp;Russia's invasion of Ukraine had delivered an "electric shock" to the NATO alliance and given it a new strategic clarity that it was lacking.

Emmanuel Macron, speaking to reporters as he launched his campaign for re-election, was responding to a question about whether he regretted describing NATO as "brain dead" around two years ago.

"Russia has given us a wake-up call," Macron said. "I always considered that we needed a strategic clarification, and we are in the process of getting it."

He said events in Ukraine had given NATO that clarity because it brought it back to its origins.

Macron said the situation in late 2019, when he made his remark, was different from today, and that the alliance was indispensable for dealing with Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Macron said that he didn't exclude going to Kyiv, but that his priority was to continue discussions with the Ukrainian and Russian presidents, with whom he would speak again in the coming hours.

"Without something tangible, going would be in vain... I will do it when it would be useful," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Integration of Ukraine to the EU Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze has slammed French President Emmanuel Macron for rejecting the country's request for fast-tracking its EU membership.

Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Integration of Ukraine to the EU Ivanna Klympush-Tsintsadze has slammed French President Emmanuel Macron for rejecting the country's request for fast-tracking its EU membership. Klympush-Tsintsadze, who is also the former Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine on matters of European integration, said ''We are a European state...I was appalled when Macron said that this was not the time to give Ukraine an EU membership.'' We are a European state...I was appalled when Macron said that this was not the time to give Ukraine an EU membership, says Ukrainian MP @IKlympush For more videos, visit: https://t.co/AXC5qRcEPB pic.twitter.com/hjDqB06rZa — WION (@WIONews) March 17, 2022 × She added that countries in Versailles had decided that Ukraine is indeed a European state and has the right to apply for membership in the European Union. ''We have been proving that not only in words that we are a European state but also we are paying every single day with our lives for our desire to live in a free democratic country in the bloc.'' ''With our behaviour, readiness to withhold Russian aggression and stand up for our values, we will make sure EU responds positively to our choice,'' said Klympush-Tsintsadze. Also see | Critics question US govt policy as the country has only admitted several hundred Ukrainian refugees so far France's president said on Thursday Russia's invasion of Ukraine had delivered an "electric shock" to the NATO alliance and given it a new strategic clarity that it was lacking. Emmanuel Macron, speaking to reporters as he launched his campaign for re-election, was responding to a question about whether he regretted describing NATO as "brain dead" around two years ago. "Russia has given us a wake-up call," Macron said. "I always considered that we needed a strategic clarification, and we are in the process of getting it." He said events in Ukraine had given NATO that clarity because it brought it back to its origins. Macron said the situation in late 2019, when he made his remark, was different from today, and that the alliance was indispensable for dealing with Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Macron said that he didn't exclude going to Kyiv, but that his priority was to continue discussions with the Ukrainian and Russian presidents, with whom he would speak again in the coming hours. "Without something tangible, going would be in vain... I will do it when it would be useful," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

'Appalling': Ivanna Klympush slams Macron for ruling out fast-tracking EU membership for Ukraine

Critics question US govt policy as the country has only admitted several hundred Ukrainian refugees so far

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said letting Russian President Vladimir Putin "get away" with annexing Crimea was a "terrible mistake" that the West made.

"It is vital, if we're going to stand up to Putin's bullying, we're going to avoid being blackmailed by Putin in the way that so many Western countries sadly have been, we've got to get ourselves off Russian hydrocarbons," he told broadcasters as he hosted a summit of Nordic and Baltic leaders to discuss European defence and security.

"The spike in oil and gas, which is being felt by British consumers, by everybody who has a central heating system, everybody in this country is seeing the effects of that spike in prices. We have to deal with that in any way that we can," said Johnson.

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Johnson is expected to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman this week, hoping he can persuade him to boost the Gulf state's oil production to offset the impact of economic sanctions against the Kremlin on global energy prices.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said on Tuesday that oil demand in 2022 faced challenges from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and rising inflation as crude prices soar.

Europe must protect its own security by helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told a meeting of Joint Expeditionary Force leaders in London via video link on Tuesday, urging them to send more weapons.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-ukrainian-colours-paint-britains-streets-street-art-shows-support-for-kyiv-462483" hreflang="en">In Pics: Ukrainian colours paint Britain's streets, street art shows support for Kyiv</a>

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is hosting a summit of Nordic and Baltic leaders to discuss European defence and security.

"We all are the targets of Russia and everything will go against Europe if Ukraine won't stand so I would like to ask you to help yourself by helping us," Zelenskiy told the leaders.

Over 100,000 Britons have expressed interest in hosting Ukrainian refugees, as part of a government programme for households to take in those fleeing Russia's invasion.

The scheme enables individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to volunteer accommodation for refugees for a minimum of six months.

It is open to Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members and will allow them to live and work in the UK for up to three years and access healthcare, benefits and education.

Hosts, who will be given £350 ($457, 418 euros) a month, must submit the names of those they wish to sponsor, with NGOs and charities working to identify those most in need.

The UK has faced criticism over its policy towards those fleeing the violence in Ukraine, with places limited to those who already have family in the country.

But Johnson has defended the scheme, insisting last week the country was "absolutely determined to be as generous as we possibly can be".

(With inputs from agencies)

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said letting Russian President Vladimir Putin "get away" with annexing Crimea was a "terrible mistake" that the West made.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said letting Russian President Vladimir Putin "get away" with annexing Crimea was a "terrible mistake" that the West made. "It is vital, if we're going to stand up to Putin's bullying, we're going to avoid being blackmailed by Putin in the way that so many Western countries sadly have been, we've got to get ourselves off Russian hydrocarbons," he told broadcasters as he hosted a summit of Nordic and Baltic leaders to discuss European defence and security. "The spike in oil and gas, which is being felt by British consumers, by everybody who has a central heating system, everybody in this country is seeing the effects of that spike in prices. We have to deal with that in any way that we can," said Johnson. Johnson is expected to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman this week, hoping he can persuade him to boost the Gulf state's oil production to offset the impact of economic sanctions against the Kremlin on global energy prices. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said on Tuesday that oil demand in 2022 faced challenges from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and rising inflation as crude prices soar. Europe must protect its own security by helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told a meeting of Joint Expeditionary Force leaders in London via video link on Tuesday, urging them to send more weapons. Also see | In Pics: Ukrainian colours paint Britain's streets, street art shows support for Kyiv British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is hosting a summit of Nordic and Baltic leaders to discuss European defence and security. "We all are the targets of Russia and everything will go against Europe if Ukraine won't stand so I would like to ask you to help yourself by helping us," Zelenskiy told the leaders. Over 100,000 Britons have expressed interest in hosting Ukrainian refugees, as part of a government programme for households to take in those fleeing Russia's invasion. The scheme enables individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to volunteer accommodation for refugees for a minimum of six months. It is open to Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members and will allow them to live and work in the UK for up to three years and access healthcare, benefits and education. Hosts, who will be given £350 ($457, 418 euros) a month, must submit the names of those they wish to sponsor, with NGOs and charities working to identify those most in need. The UK has faced criticism over its policy towards those fleeing the violence in Ukraine, with places limited to those who already have family in the country. But Johnson has defended the scheme, insisting last week the country was "absolutely determined to be as generous as we possibly can be". (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Johnson says West made 'terrible mistake' by letting Putin get away with annexing Crimea

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

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.”

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/two-killed-in-kyiv-suburbs-after-being-hit-by-artillery-shelling-462179/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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

The White House is weighing the possibility of President Joe Biden traveling to Europe in the coming weeks for face-to-face talks with European leaders about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to three US officials familiar with the deliberations.

The prospective trip is yet to be finalised. One possible destination for the meetings would be Brussels, which is the headquarters for NATO, one of the officials said Monday.&nbsp;

Another official said the White House was looking at Biden visiting NATO headquarters on March 24, with other potential stops in Europe.

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Biden’s potential trip would follow Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to the eastern flank NATO countries of Poland and Romania last week to discuss with leaders there the growing refugee crisis in eastern Europe sparked by the Russian invasion.&nbsp;

The trip would underscore the Biden administration’s support for NATO allies. NBC News first reported that the discussions for a potential Biden trip are underway.

Also see |&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>

NATO members are worried about being drawn into a military conflict with nuclear power Russia. Biden has repeatedly said that the United States will not send forces into Ukraine, but will defend "every inch" of NATO territory.

White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said that the United States was closely engaged with its NATO partners and European allies but that there had not been any final decision about a presidential trip.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, the biggest attack on a European state since World War Two, the United States and its allies have coordinated broad sanctions against Moscow and President Vladimir Putin as punishment.

(With inputs from agencies)

The White House is weighing the possibility of President Joe Biden traveling to Europe in the coming weeks for face-to-face talks with European leaders about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to three US officials familiar with the deliberations.

The White House is weighing the possibility of President Joe Biden traveling to Europe in the coming weeks for face-to-face talks with European leaders about the Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to three US officials familiar with the deliberations. The prospective trip is yet to be finalised. One possible destination for the meetings would be Brussels, which is the headquarters for NATO, one of the officials said Monday. Another official said the White House was looking at Biden visiting NATO headquarters on March 24, with other potential stops in Europe. Biden’s potential trip would follow Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to the eastern flank NATO countries of Poland and Romania last week to discuss with leaders there the growing refugee crisis in eastern Europe sparked by the Russian invasion. The trip would underscore the Biden administration’s support for NATO allies. NBC News first reported that the discussions for a potential Biden trip are underway. Also see | 'We don't know how to kill': Residents of Odessa who cannot fight help with war efforts in other ways NATO members are worried about being drawn into a military conflict with nuclear power Russia. Biden has repeatedly said that the United States will not send forces into Ukraine, but will defend "every inch" of NATO territory. White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said that the United States was closely engaged with its NATO partners and European allies but that there had not been any final decision about a presidential trip. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, the biggest attack on a European state since World War Two, the United States and its allies have coordinated broad sanctions against Moscow and President Vladimir Putin as punishment. (With inputs from agencies)

White House having early discussions about Biden traveling to Europe

What did Russian President Vladimir Putin think when he ordered his troops into Ukraine? Ray Charles' 'Georgia on mind’ must have been humming in his head.

A slightly altered version, ‘Palestine on my mind,’ was undoubtedly on Egyptian athlete Ali Farag's mind when he condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Sunday as he won Britain’s Optacia squash championship.

"We’ve never been allowed to speak about politics in sports, but all of a sudden, it’s allowed. I hope people look at oppression everywhere around the world. Palestinians have been going through that for the past 74 years,” Mr. Farag, the world’s number two player, said in his acceptance remarks.

It was Yemen that New York Times sports reporter Tariq Panja thought of when he tweeted as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson prepared to visit Saudi Arabia. Mr. Johnson hopes to persuade the kingdom to increase its oil production to compensate for a loss of access to Russian energy due to the Ukraine crisis.

“We are now in a situation where the British PM is heading over to Saudi to plead for oil from an autocrat that is dropping bombs on his neighbour because a different autocrat is dropping bombs on his neighbour,” Mr. Panja said.

Invariably, comparisons hink. To be sure, unlike Russia, Saudi Arabia was invited by the internationally recognised government of Yemen even if that was more of a formality and changes little on the ground while Israel’s conquest of the West Bank was not, like Ukraine, an unprovoked attack.

Nevertheless, Messrs. Farag and Panja make a valid point.&nbsp;

Like the 1990 Kuwaiti invasion of Iraq, Ukraine has provoked widespread international condemnation.

Yet, the international community’s response to Saudi Arabia's seven-year-old invasion of Yemen, sparking one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, and Israel’s 55-year long occupation of the West Bank’s, the world’s longest of neighboring lands, as well as its blockade of Gaza, has been far more muted, if not supportive.

Messrs. Farag and Panja’s point takes of added relevance given the fact that Mr. Putin has given a new lease on life to those that identify with the construct of the values of the West.

Yet, Saudi Arabia and Israel, just like Poland, Hungary, and Turkey, troubled democracies with tarnished rights records that nonetheless support Ukraine, show that the application of those principles and values will inevitably be spotty and contradictory and involve uncomfortable and glaring compromises.

None of that legitimises the actions of those who opportunistically are left off the hook.

Mr. Panja correctly highlights the irony that autocratic Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who ordered the invasion of Yemen shortly after coming to office in 2015, is being asked to help clean up a mess created by an invasion launched by another autocrat Mr. Putin.

To drive home the point of messy and questionable compromises, Saudi Arabia executed days before Mr. Johnson’s expected arrival 81 people convicted of a variety of crimes, including murder and membership of a militant group. Those executed also included a fair number of Shiite activists. It was the largest mass execution in the kingdom’s modern history.

Similarly, Mr. Farag raised a valid point even if his statement was problematic. Rather than referring to continuous violations of international law associated with Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and blockade of Gaza, Mr. Farag equated the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 with the Russian invasion. In doing so, he questioned Israel’s right to exist rather than its continued control of lands designated as occupied and Palestinian in the international community's mind.

Mr. Farag’s statement and the refusal by international sports associations, national leagues, clubs, and event organizers to allow Russian and Belarus athletes and teams to compete under their national flags laid bare hypocrisy and deliberately maintained fictions in the sports world.

Few will take issue with the rejection, yet it blasts a crater into the sports world’s fictional insistence that sport and politics are separate and never should the two intertwine. If anything, Ukraine put that fiction to bed.

Mr. Farag noted as much when he said that his statement was possible because the ban on athletes expressing themselves politically during sporting events was effectively lifted when it comes to Ukraine.

That leaves the question of why Ukraine but not Yemen or Palestine or, for that matter, the brutal repression of Turkic Muslims in China.

It comes as little surprise then that Mr. Putin may hum ‘Georgia, on my mind’ while others hum ‘Yemen and Palestine on my mind.’

(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.)

What did Russian President Vladimir Putin think when he ordered his troops into Ukraine? Ray Charles' 'Georgia on mind’ must have been humming in his head. A slightly altered version, ‘Palestine on my mind,’ was undoubtedly on Egyptian athlete Ali Farag's mind when he condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Sunday as he won Britain’s Optacia squash championship.

What did Russian President Vladimir Putin think when he ordered his troops into Ukraine? Ray Charles' 'Georgia on mind’ must have been humming in his head. A slightly altered version, ‘Palestine on my mind,’ was undoubtedly on Egyptian athlete Ali Farag's mind when he condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Sunday as he won Britain’s Optacia squash championship. "We’ve never been allowed to speak about politics in sports, but all of a sudden, it’s allowed. I hope people look at oppression everywhere around the world. Palestinians have been going through that for the past 74 years,” Mr. Farag, the world’s number two player, said in his acceptance remarks. It was Yemen that New York Times sports reporter Tariq Panja thought of when he tweeted as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson prepared to visit Saudi Arabia. Mr. Johnson hopes to persuade the kingdom to increase its oil production to compensate for a loss of access to Russian energy due to the Ukraine crisis. “We are now in a situation where the British PM is heading over to Saudi to plead for oil from an autocrat that is dropping bombs on his neighbour because a different autocrat is dropping bombs on his neighbour,” Mr. Panja said. Invariably, comparisons hink. To be sure, unlike Russia, Saudi Arabia was invited by the internationally recognised government of Yemen even if that was more of a formality and changes little on the ground while Israel’s conquest of the West Bank was not, like Ukraine, an unprovoked attack. Nevertheless, Messrs. Farag and Panja make a valid point. Like the 1990 Kuwaiti invasion of Iraq, Ukraine has provoked widespread international condemnation. Yet, the international community’s response to Saudi Arabia's seven-year-old invasion of Yemen, sparking one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, and Israel’s 55-year long occupation of the West Bank’s, the world’s longest of neighboring lands, as well as its blockade of Gaza, has been far more muted, if not supportive. Messrs. Farag and Panja’s point takes of added relevance given the fact that Mr. Putin has given a new lease on life to those that identify with the construct of the values of the West. Yet, Saudi Arabia and Israel, just like Poland, Hungary, and Turkey, troubled democracies with tarnished rights records that nonetheless support Ukraine, show that the application of those principles and values will inevitably be spotty and contradictory and involve uncomfortable and glaring compromises. None of that legitimises the actions of those who opportunistically are left off the hook. Mr. Panja correctly highlights the irony that autocratic Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who ordered the invasion of Yemen shortly after coming to office in 2015, is being asked to help clean up a mess created by an invasion launched by another autocrat Mr. Putin. To drive home the point of messy and questionable compromises, Saudi Arabia executed days before Mr. Johnson’s expected arrival 81 people convicted of a variety of crimes, including murder and membership of a militant group. Those executed also included a fair number of Shiite activists. It was the largest mass execution in the kingdom’s modern history. Similarly, Mr. Farag raised a valid point even if his statement was problematic. Rather than referring to continuous violations of international law associated with Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and blockade of Gaza, Mr. Farag equated the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 with the Russian invasion. In doing so, he questioned Israel’s right to exist rather than its continued control of lands designated as occupied and Palestinian in the international community's mind. Mr. Farag’s statement and the refusal by international sports associations, national leagues, clubs, and event organizers to allow Russian and Belarus athletes and teams to compete under their national flags laid bare hypocrisy and deliberately maintained fictions in the sports world. Few will take issue with the rejection, yet it blasts a crater into the sports world’s fictional insistence that sport and politics are separate and never should the two intertwine. If anything, Ukraine put that fiction to bed. Mr. Farag noted as much when he said that his statement was possible because the ban on athletes expressing themselves politically during sporting events was effectively lifted when it comes to Ukraine. That leaves the question of why Ukraine but not Yemen or Palestine or, for that matter, the brutal repression of Turkic Muslims in China. It comes as little surprise then that Mr. Putin may hum ‘Georgia, on my mind’ while others hum ‘Yemen and Palestine on my mind.’ (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.)

Putin hums ‘Georgia on my mind’

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".

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-troops-inch-closer-to-ukrainian-capital-kyiv-braces-for-more-russian-strikes-462262/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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

Elon Musk has said that Tesla and SpaceX are facing inflation pressure in raw materials and logistics.

The South Africa-born mogul asked about his followers' thoughts on inflation in a tweet, saying ''we are not alone.''

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Tesla &amp; SpaceX are seeing significant recent inflation pressure in raw materials &amp; logistics
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1503184467397128194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Musk, the head of Tesla and SpaceX, also retweeted an article saying the Ukraine-Russia conflict sent commodity prices to their highest levels since 2008.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ukraine-crisis-spacex-focusing-on-cyber-defence-after-starlink-signals-jammed-459670">Also read |&nbsp;Ukraine crisis: SpaceX focusing on cyber defence after Starlink signals jammed</a>

The Russian invasion of Ukraine and Western sanctions, which include a US ban on Russian oil imports, are raising prices of energy and other key commodities like wheat, fertilisers, and metals to surge.

They have also ramped up the prices of metals used in cars, from aluminum in the bodywork to palladium in catalytic converters to the high-grade nickel in electric vehicle batteries, and drivers are likely to foot the bill.

Trading floors continue to be awash with uncertainty as Russia's war in Ukraine rages, with comments from Vladimir Putin that there were "positive developments" in talks with Kyiv unable to provide much support.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/please-use-with-caution-elon-musk-warns-that-starlink-can-be-targeted-by-russia-advises-caution-458726" hreflang="en">'Please use with caution': Elon Musk warns that starlink can be 'targeted' by Russia, advises caution</a>

SpaceX's Starlink satellite broadband service was activated in Ukraine last week after Kyiv digital minister Mykhailo Fedorov urged Musk to provide the embattled country with stations days after it was invaded by neighboring Russia.

The service operates a constellation of more than 2,000 satellites that aim to provide internet access across the planet.

Tesla's shares, which closed 5 per cent lower at $795.35 on Friday, have lost about 25 per cent year-to-date.

The electric-car maker last week raised prices of its US Model Y SUVs and Model 3 Long Range sedans by $1,000 each and some China-made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles by 10,000 yuan ($1,582.40).

Last week, electric vehicle maker Rivian Automotive Inc said supply-chain issues could cut its planned production in half, citing soaring raw material prices and supply chain constraints.

(With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk has said that Tesla and SpaceX are facing inflation pressure in raw materials and logistics. The South Africa-born mogul asked about his followers' thoughts on inflation in a tweet, saying ''we are not alone.

Elon Musk has said that Tesla and SpaceX are facing inflation pressure in raw materials and logistics. The South Africa-born mogul asked about his followers' thoughts on inflation in a tweet, saying ''we are not alone.'' Tesla & SpaceX are seeing significant recent inflation pressure in raw materials & logistics — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 14, 2022 × Musk, the head of Tesla and SpaceX, also retweeted an article saying the Ukraine-Russia conflict sent commodity prices to their highest levels since 2008. Also read | Ukraine crisis: SpaceX focusing on cyber defence after Starlink signals jammed The Russian invasion of Ukraine and Western sanctions, which include a US ban on Russian oil imports, are raising prices of energy and other key commodities like wheat, fertilisers, and metals to surge. They have also ramped up the prices of metals used in cars, from aluminum in the bodywork to palladium in catalytic converters to the high-grade nickel in electric vehicle batteries, and drivers are likely to foot the bill. Trading floors continue to be awash with uncertainty as Russia's war in Ukraine rages, with comments from Vladimir Putin that there were "positive developments" in talks with Kyiv unable to provide much support. Also read |'Please use with caution': Elon Musk warns that starlink can be 'targeted' by Russia, advises caution SpaceX's Starlink satellite broadband service was activated in Ukraine last week after Kyiv digital minister Mykhailo Fedorov urged Musk to provide the embattled country with stations days after it was invaded by neighboring Russia. The service operates a constellation of more than 2,000 satellites that aim to provide internet access across the planet. Tesla's shares, which closed 5 per cent lower at $795.35 on Friday, have lost about 25 per cent year-to-date. The electric-car maker last week raised prices of its US Model Y SUVs and Model 3 Long Range sedans by $1,000 each and some China-made Model 3 and Model Y vehicles by 10,000 yuan ($1,582.40). Last week, electric vehicle maker Rivian Automotive Inc said supply-chain issues could cut its planned production in half, citing soaring raw material prices and supply chain constraints. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk says Tesla and SpaceX are facing inflation pressure in raw materials and logistics

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

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited on Sunday wounded soldiers being treated in a military hospital.

He told them, “Guys, get well soon. I believe that the best gift for your statement will be our common victory! ” as per an English translation of a tweet posted by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.

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Президент України Володимир Зеленський відвідав у госпіталі поранених захисників України 🇺🇦 
 
🔊 «Хлопці, швидше одужуйте. Вірю: найкращим подарунком до вашої виписки буде наша спільна перемога!» - зазначив <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a> <a href="https://t.co/lHYZJHWvp8">pic.twitter.com/lHYZJHWvp8</a>
— Defence of Ukraine (@DefenceU) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceU/status/1503026814444310532?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Some of the soldiers in the video were said to have been wounded in Hostomel and Irpin, the two cities where fierce fighting against Russian troops took place.

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.

It comes after waves of Russian missiles pounded a military training base close to Ukraine’s western border with NATO member Poland, killing 35 people.

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The strike followed Russian threats to target foreign weapon shipments that are helping Ukrainian fighters defend their country against Russia’s grinding invasion.

More than 30 Russian cruise missiles targeted the sprawling training facility that is less than 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the closest border point with Poland, according to the governor of Ukraine’s western Lviv region. Poland is a key location for routing Western military aid to Ukraine.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Lviv had largely been spared the scale of destruction unfolding further east.

Also see |&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>

The training centre in Yavoriv appears to be the most westward target struck so far in the 18-day invasion.&nbsp;

The facility, also known as the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre, has long been used to train Ukrainian military personnel, often with instructors from the United States and other NATO countries.

The United States on Saturday said it would rush up to $200 million worth of additional weapons to Ukrainian forces as they try to defend against Russian shelling in the largest war in Europe since World War Two.

The Russian assault, which Moscow calls a "special military operation," has trapped thousands of civilians in besieged cities and sent 2.5 million Ukrainians fleeing to neighboring countries.

The United States and its allies have imposed sweeping, unprecedented sanctions against Russia and banned its energy imports, while providing billions of dollars of military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited on Sunday wounded soldiers being treated in a military hospital. He told them, “Guys, get well soon. I believe that the best gift for your statement will be our common victory!

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited on Sunday wounded soldiers being treated in a military hospital. He told them, “Guys, get well soon. I believe that the best gift for your statement will be our common victory! ” as per an English translation of a tweet posted by the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. Президент України Володимир Зеленський відвідав у госпіталі поранених захисників України 🇺🇦 🔊 «Хлопці, швидше одужуйте. Вірю: найкращим подарунком до вашої виписки буде наша спільна перемога!» - зазначив @ZelenskyyUa pic.twitter.com/lHYZJHWvp8 — Defence of Ukraine (@DefenceU) March 13, 2022 × Some of the soldiers in the video were said to have been wounded in Hostomel and Irpin, the two cities where fierce fighting against Russian troops took place. 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. It comes after waves of Russian missiles pounded a military training base close to Ukraine’s western border with NATO member Poland, killing 35 people. The strike followed Russian threats to target foreign weapon shipments that are helping Ukrainian fighters defend their country against Russia’s grinding invasion. More than 30 Russian cruise missiles targeted the sprawling training facility that is less than 25 kilometers (15 miles) from the closest border point with Poland, according to the governor of Ukraine’s western Lviv region. Poland is a key location for routing Western military aid to Ukraine. Since Russia invaded Ukraine, Lviv had largely been spared the scale of destruction unfolding further east. Also see | Napoleon's Waterloo & Hitler's Barbarossa: 5 lessons Putin can learn from failed war campaigns The training centre in Yavoriv appears to be the most westward target struck so far in the 18-day invasion. The facility, also known as the International Peacekeeping and Security Centre, has long been used to train Ukrainian military personnel, often with instructors from the United States and other NATO countries. The United States on Saturday said it would rush up to $200 million worth of additional weapons to Ukrainian forces as they try to defend against Russian shelling in the largest war in Europe since World War Two. The Russian assault, which Moscow calls a "special military operation," has trapped thousands of civilians in besieged cities and sent 2.5 million Ukrainians fleeing to neighboring countries. The United States and its allies have imposed sweeping, unprecedented sanctions against Russia and banned its energy imports, while providing billions of dollars of military and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

'Get well soon': Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visits wounded soldiers in hospital

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

A café in Kerala, India's southernmost state, has come up with a unique approach to protest Russia's continuing invasion of Ukraine: it has banned the popular Russian salad.

According to reports, the announcement was made at the Kashi Art Café in Fort Kochi in response to the increasing human tragedy in Ukraine.

"In solidarity with the people of Ukraine, we have removed "Russian Salad" from our menu," reads a slate board outside the eatery.&nbsp;

A slate board outside the restaurant reads: "In solidarity with the people of Ukraine, we have removed "Russian Salad" from our menu."

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Kerala Restaurant takes Russian salad 🥗 off their menu. They took meme very seriously.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RussianUkrainianWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RussianUkrainianWar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/solidarityWithUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#solidarityWithUkraine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UkraineUnderAtta%D1%81k?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UkraineUnderAttaсk</a> <a href="https://t.co/lTOvgxtx1j">pic.twitter.com/lTOvgxtx1j</a>
— Maverick (@msp_singh10) <a href="https://twitter.com/msp_singh10/status/1500370851606466560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Kerala is largely a leftist stronghold with strong emotional ties to the former Soviet Union.

The boycott follows the students' terrifying and terrible experiences as a result of the Russian invasion.

The Russian intervention resulted in significant loss of life and property, affecting not only Russian citizens but also students from other countries.

Students stranded in various crisis zones have appealed to state officials for assistance.

Some 700 state students remain stranded in Sumy, a city in eastern Ukraine that has been subjected to heavy Russian shelling in recent days.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A café in Kerala, India's southernmost state, has come up with a unique approach to protest Russia's continuing invasion of Ukraine: it has banned the popular Russian salad.

A café in Kerala, India's southernmost state, has come up with a unique approach to protest Russia's continuing invasion of Ukraine: it has banned the popular Russian salad. According to reports, the announcement was made at the Kashi Art Café in Fort Kochi in response to the increasing human tragedy in Ukraine. "In solidarity with the people of Ukraine, we have removed "Russian Salad" from our menu," reads a slate board outside the eatery. A slate board outside the restaurant reads: "In solidarity with the people of Ukraine, we have removed "Russian Salad" from our menu." Kerala Restaurant takes Russian salad 🥗 off their menu. They took meme very seriously.#RussianUkrainianWar #solidarityWithUkraine #UkraineUnderAttaсk pic.twitter.com/lTOvgxtx1j — Maverick (@msp_singh10) March 6, 2022 × Kerala is largely a leftist stronghold with strong emotional ties to the former Soviet Union. The boycott follows the students' terrifying and terrible experiences as a result of the Russian invasion. The Russian intervention resulted in significant loss of life and property, affecting not only Russian citizens but also students from other countries. Students stranded in various crisis zones have appealed to state officials for assistance. Some 700 state students remain stranded in Sumy, a city in eastern Ukraine that has been subjected to heavy Russian shelling in recent days. (With inputs from agencies)

This cafe in India takes 'Russian Salad' off its menu to condemn Ukraine invasion

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.

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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

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.

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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

China has fueled Russian claims that&nbsp;the United States is&nbsp;funding research into the development of biological weapons in Ukraine and called for an investigation.

“This Russian military operation has uncovered the secret of the US&nbsp;labs in Ukraine, and this is not something that can be dealt with in a perfunctory manner,” said China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian.

“It is not something they can muddle through by saying that China’s statement and Russia’s finding are disinformation, and are absurd and ridiculous.”

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Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in a televised briefing that "the purpose of this,&nbsp;and other Pentagon-funded biological research in Ukraine,&nbsp;was to establish a mechanism for the stealthy spread of deadly pathogens."

He said Washington "planned to carry out research on bird, bat and reptile pathogens", as well as on African swine fever and anthrax.&nbsp;

"Bio-laboratories set up and funded in Ukraine have been experimenting with bat coronavirus samples," Konashenkov added.

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>

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in a press conference later "The Americans carried out this work in complete secrecy. Just like how they work in other former Soviet states, creating their military-biological labs right along Russia's borders."

Pentagon press secretary John Kirby called the Russian claim “a bunch of malarkey,” but in testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee, CIA Director William Burns also noted grave concern that Russia might be laying the groundwork for a chemical or biological attack of its own, which it would then blame on the US or Ukraine in a false flag operation.

“This is something, as all of you know very well, is very much a part of Russia’s playbook,” he said. “They’ve used these weapons against their own citizens, they’ve at least encouraged the use in Syria and elsewhere, so it’s something we take very seriously.”

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>

The United Nations is not aware of any 'biological weapons program' in Ukraine, the UN disarmament chief told a Security Council meeting on Friday, but warned that the possibility of an accident at Ukraine nuclear power plants was 'growing by the day.'

Speaking at a UN&nbsp;Security Council meeting requested by Russia, to discuss Moscow's claims, presented without evidence, of US "biological activities", Izumi Nakamitsu, UN&nbsp;High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, said situations like the war in Ukraine required strengthening of the international ban on biological weapons.

Both Washington and Kyiv have denied the existence of laboratories intended to produce biological weapons in the country, which has faced a Russian assault by tens of thousands of troops since February 24.

Like many other countries, Ukraine has public health laboratories researching how to mitigate the threats of dangerous diseases affecting both animals and humans. Its laboratories have received support from the United States, European Union and World Health Organization.

The Pentagon's&nbsp;Biological&nbsp;Threat Reduction Programme has been working with the Ukrainian government to ensure the security of pathogens and toxins stored in the laboratories.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

China has fueled Russian claims that the United States is funding research into the development of biological weapons in Ukraine and called for an investigation.

China has fueled Russian claims that the United States is funding research into the development of biological weapons in Ukraine and called for an investigation. “This Russian military operation has uncovered the secret of the US labs in Ukraine, and this is not something that can be dealt with in a perfunctory manner,” said China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian. “It is not something they can muddle through by saying that China’s statement and Russia’s finding are disinformation, and are absurd and ridiculous.” Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in a televised briefing that "the purpose of this, and other Pentagon-funded biological research in Ukraine, was to establish a mechanism for the stealthy spread of deadly pathogens." He said Washington "planned to carry out research on bird, bat and reptile pathogens", as well as on African swine fever and anthrax. "Bio-laboratories set up and funded in Ukraine have been experimenting with bat coronavirus samples," Konashenkov added. Also see | Why has Ukraine been able to stall Russian advance? Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in a press conference later "The Americans carried out this work in complete secrecy. Just like how they work in other former Soviet states, creating their military-biological labs right along Russia's borders." Pentagon press secretary John Kirby called the Russian claim “a bunch of malarkey,” but in testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee, CIA Director William Burns also noted grave concern that Russia might be laying the groundwork for a chemical or biological attack of its own, which it would then blame on the US or Ukraine in a false flag operation. “This is something, as all of you know very well, is very much a part of Russia’s playbook,” he said. “They’ve used these weapons against their own citizens, they’ve at least encouraged the use in Syria and elsewhere, so it’s something we take very seriously.” Also see | What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine? The United Nations is not aware of any 'biological weapons program' in Ukraine, the UN disarmament chief told a Security Council meeting on Friday, but warned that the possibility of an accident at Ukraine nuclear power plants was 'growing by the day.' Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting requested by Russia, to discuss Moscow's claims, presented without evidence, of US "biological activities", Izumi Nakamitsu, UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, said situations like the war in Ukraine required strengthening of the international ban on biological weapons. Both Washington and Kyiv have denied the existence of laboratories intended to produce biological weapons in the country, which has faced a Russian assault by tens of thousands of troops since February 24. Like many other countries, Ukraine has public health laboratories researching how to mitigate the threats of dangerous diseases affecting both animals and humans. Its laboratories have received support from the United States, European Union and World Health Organization. The Pentagon's Biological Threat Reduction Programme has been working with the Ukrainian government to ensure the security of pathogens and toxins stored in the laboratories. (With inputs from agencies)

China fuels Russian claim of US-backed biowarfare labs in Ukraine, calls for investigation

Moscow has opened a case against Facebook's parent company Meta for calling for ''murder'' of Russians.

Russia's Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes, said it was launching an investigation "due to illegal calls for the murder of Russian nationals by employees of the American company Meta." &nbsp;

The Kremlin threatened to shut down Facebook owner Meta Platforms in Russia on Friday, following a Reuters report that the company had issued guidelines temporarily easing a ban on calls for political violence to allow some Facebook or Instagram posts that encourage killing invading Russian troops.

According to internal emails sent to content moderators, the guidelines would even allow posts that call for the death of Russian President Vladimir Putin or Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

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"We are issuing a spirit-of-the-policy allowance to allow T1 violent speech that would otherwise be removed under the Hate Speech policy when: (a) targeting Russian soldiers, EXCEPT prisoners of war, or (b) targeting Russians where it's clear that the context is the Russian invasion of Ukraine (e.g., content mentions the invasion, self-defense, etc.)," it said in the email.

"We are doing this because we have observed that in this specific context, 'Russian soldiers' is being used as a proxy for the Russian military. The Hate Speech policy continues to prohibit attacks on Russians," the email stated.

"We don't want to believe the Reuters report - it is just too difficult to believe," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

"We hope it is not true because if it is true then it will mean that there will have to be the most decisive measures to end the activities of this company."

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>

"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.' We still won't allow credible calls for violence against Russian civilians," a Meta spokesperson said in a statement.

The calls for the leaders' deaths will be allowed unless they contain other targets or have two indicators of credibility, such as the location or method, one email said, in a recent change to the company's rules on violence and incitement.

Citing the Reuters story, Russia's embassy in the United States demanded that Washington stop the "extremist activities" of Meta.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-claims-to-capture-russias-pantsir-s1-missile-system-is-it-a-rich-catch-461275" hreflang="en">Ukraine claims to capture Russia's Pantsir-S1 missile system; is it a rich catch?</a>

"Users of Facebook &amp; Instagram did not give the owners of these platforms the right to determine the criteria of truth and pit nations against each other," the embassy said on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Russian Embassy in the US: Noted the <a href="https://twitter.com/Reuters?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Reuters</a> message that the <a href="https://twitter.com/Meta?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Meta</a> permitted to post calls for violence against the Russian leadership &amp; our military personnel on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Facebook?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Facebook</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Instagram?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Instagram</a>. <a href="https://t.co/REv9dnA5rv">https://t.co/REv9dnA5rv</a>
— Russia in India 🇷🇺 (@RusEmbIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/RusEmbIndia/status/1502133128587997184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Prosecutors have asked a Russian court to designate Facebook's parent organisation Meta Platforms as an "extremist organisation," Interfax reported on Friday.

The state prosecutor also asked Russia's communications watchdog Roskomnadzor to restrict access to Meta's Instagram social networking service.

Previously, Roskomnadzor said it cut access to Twitter and Facebook in line with a decision by the prosecutor general’s office.

In blocking Facebook, Roskomnadzor cited its alleged “discrimination” of the Russian media and state information resources.&nbsp;

The agency said in a statement that the restrictions introduced by Facebook owner Meta on the Russian news channel RT and other state-controlled media violate Russian law.

(With inputs from agencies)

Moscow has opened a case against Facebook's parent company Meta for calling for ''murder'' of Russians. Russia's Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes, said it was launching an investigation "due to illegal calls for the murder of Russian nationals by employees of the American company Meta.

Moscow has opened a case against Facebook's parent company Meta for calling for ''murder'' of Russians. Russia's Investigative Committee, which probes major crimes, said it was launching an investigation "due to illegal calls for the murder of Russian nationals by employees of the American company Meta." The Kremlin threatened to shut down Facebook owner Meta Platforms in Russia on Friday, following a Reuters report that the company had issued guidelines temporarily easing a ban on calls for political violence to allow some Facebook or Instagram posts that encourage killing invading Russian troops. According to internal emails sent to content moderators, the guidelines would even allow posts that call for the death of Russian President Vladimir Putin or Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. "We are issuing a spirit-of-the-policy allowance to allow T1 violent speech that would otherwise be removed under the Hate Speech policy when: (a) targeting Russian soldiers, EXCEPT prisoners of war, or (b) targeting Russians where it's clear that the context is the Russian invasion of Ukraine (e.g., content mentions the invasion, self-defense, etc.)," it said in the email. "We are doing this because we have observed that in this specific context, 'Russian soldiers' is being used as a proxy for the Russian military. The Hate Speech policy continues to prohibit attacks on Russians," the email stated. "We don't want to believe the Reuters report - it is just too difficult to believe," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "We hope it is not true because if it is true then it will mean that there will have to be the most decisive measures to end the activities of this company." Also see | What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine? "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.' We still won't allow credible calls for violence against Russian civilians," a Meta spokesperson said in a statement. The calls for the leaders' deaths will be allowed unless they contain other targets or have two indicators of credibility, such as the location or method, one email said, in a recent change to the company's rules on violence and incitement. Citing the Reuters story, Russia's embassy in the United States demanded that Washington stop the "extremist activities" of Meta. Also see | Ukraine claims to capture Russia's Pantsir-S1 missile system; is it a rich catch? "Users of Facebook & Instagram did not give the owners of these platforms the right to determine the criteria of truth and pit nations against each other," the embassy said on Twitter. Russian Embassy in the US: Noted the @Reuters message that the @Meta permitted to post calls for violence against the Russian leadership & our military personnel on #Facebook & #Instagram. https://t.co/REv9dnA5rv — Russia in India 🇷🇺 (@RusEmbIndia) March 11, 2022 × Prosecutors have asked a Russian court to designate Facebook's parent organisation Meta Platforms as an "extremist organisation," Interfax reported on Friday. The state prosecutor also asked Russia's communications watchdog Roskomnadzor to restrict access to Meta's Instagram social networking service. Previously, Roskomnadzor said it cut access to Twitter and Facebook in line with a decision by the prosecutor general’s office. In blocking Facebook, Roskomnadzor cited its alleged “discrimination” of the Russian media and state information resources. The agency said in a statement that the restrictions introduced by Facebook owner Meta on the Russian news channel RT and other state-controlled media violate Russian law. (With inputs from agencies)

Moscow opens case against Meta for calling for 'murder' of Russians

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

World Athletics will implement further sanctions against the member federation of Belarus following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the ruling body's President Sebastian Coe said on Thursday.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has led to sanctions across global sport, and Belarus, a key staging area for the full-scale invasion, has also been punished.

World Athletics initially responded by banning the two countries'&nbsp;athletes, support staff and officials from all events for the foreseeable future, and following a Council meeting it decided to impose harsher sanctions on Belarus.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2022-gujarat-titans-to-host-its-inaugural-event-at-the-narendra-modi-stadium-in-ahmedabad-461243">IPL 2022: Gujarat Titans to host its inaugural event at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad</a>

"These sanctions include no hosting of any international or European athletics events," Coe told a news conference. "No representation at congress or in decisions which require congressional votes.

"No accreditation to attend any world athletics events and no involvement of federation personnel in any official World athletics development, or professional programmes."

The Russian Athletics Federation has been suspended from World Athletics since 2015 due to doping violations, and its competitors have not been allowed to compete under the country's flag at international events.

"None of us came in the sport to prevent athletes from competing, but this is of such a different scale," Coe said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-sharmas-team-india-look-to-seal-series-in-pink-ball-test-against-injury-hit-sri-lanka-461235">Rohit Sharma's Team India look to seal series in pink-ball Test against injury-hit Sri Lanka</a>

"The council was unanimous about the view that it would be inconceivable to have athletes from Ukraine being excluded for ... being unable to compete or train, in an environment that is beyond compare, and have athletes from the two aggressor nations being given the full panoply."

"In the past I've railed against sport being used singularly as a tool. But here, the answer is very clear. Everybody is now doing what they can to stand shoulder to shoulder and sport needs to do that as well."

World Athletics will implement further sanctions against the member federation of Belarus following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the ruling body's President Sebastian Coe said on Thursday.

World Athletics will implement further sanctions against the member federation of Belarus following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the ruling body's President Sebastian Coe said on Thursday. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has led to sanctions across global sport, and Belarus, a key staging area for the full-scale invasion, has also been punished. World Athletics initially responded by banning the two countries' athletes, support staff and officials from all events for the foreseeable future, and following a Council meeting it decided to impose harsher sanctions on Belarus. ALSO READ: IPL 2022: Gujarat Titans to host its inaugural event at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad "These sanctions include no hosting of any international or European athletics events," Coe told a news conference. "No representation at congress or in decisions which require congressional votes. "No accreditation to attend any world athletics events and no involvement of federation personnel in any official World athletics development, or professional programmes." The Russian Athletics Federation has been suspended from World Athletics since 2015 due to doping violations, and its competitors have not been allowed to compete under the country's flag at international events. "None of us came in the sport to prevent athletes from competing, but this is of such a different scale," Coe said. ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma's Team India look to seal series in pink-ball Test against injury-hit Sri Lanka "The council was unanimous about the view that it would be inconceivable to have athletes from Ukraine being excluded for ... being unable to compete or train, in an environment that is beyond compare, and have athletes from the two aggressor nations being given the full panoply." "In the past I've railed against sport being used singularly as a tool. But here, the answer is very clear. Everybody is now doing what they can to stand shoulder to shoulder and sport needs to do that as well."

World Athletics to implement further sanctions against Belarus amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine

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.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-forces-crawl-closer-to-kyiv-is-this-renewed-effort-to-capture-the-capital-461200/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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

Seven refugee bears from Kyiv were getting used to their new home in the western city of Lviv on March 8, after enduring a 24 hour non-stop journey to safety.

Bears rescued from Russian Invasion

Behind a set of imposing metal doors in an easy-to-miss office building in a New York City suburb, a small team manages billions of dollars for a Russian oligarch.

For years, a group of wealthy Russians have used Concord Management LLC, a financial advisory company in Tarrytown, New York, to secretly invest money in large U.S. hedge funds and private equity firms, according to people familiar with the matter.

A web of offshore shell companies makes it hard to know for sure whose money Concord manages. But several of the people said the bulk of the funds belong to Roman Abramovich, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin of Russia.

Concord is part of a constellation of American and European advisers — including some of the world’s largest law firms — that have long helped Russian oligarchs navigate the Western financial, legal, political and media landscapes.

Now, with U.S. and European sanctions targeting those close to Putin, firms are wrestling with what to do with these lucrative but controversial clients.

Many are ditching them. Some appear to be sticking with them. Others will not say what they are doing.

In the meantime, lawyers and investment advisers are coming under intense scrutiny for work that weeks earlier was occurring almost entirely below the public radar.

Concord, whose representatives declined to comment, has attracted the attention of congressional investigators. On Wednesday, a lawmaker wrote to the Biden administration requesting a freeze on Abramovich’s funds at Concord.

In Britain, which has a thriving industry of attorneys who specialize in hiding assets, lawmakers have taken to the floor of Parliament to denounce lawyers and law firms that are continuing to work with oligarchs.

Legally speaking, at least, there is nothing wrong with working for sanctioned companies, individuals or governments, so long as certain rules are followed.

In the United States, lawyers are allowed to represent sanctioned clients in court or before government agencies, and they also can advise them on complying with sanctions. Lobbyists and public relations firms must obtain licenses from the Treasury Department to represent sanctioned entities.

As a result of the bureaucratic hurdles and reputational risks, the going rate for law and lobbying firms representing sanctioned oligarchs has soared into the millions of dollars, according to people familiar with the industry.

For many firms, the paydays are not enough to make up for the potential reputational damage of working for Kremlin-linked oligarchs. A flurry of Western lobbying, law and public relations firms recently dropped their Russian clients or operations.

A spokesperson for the law firm Skadden Arps said it is “in the process of ending our representations of Alfa Bank,” a sanctioned, oligarch-controlled company. (Skadden has also represented Abramovich, the billionaire owner of England’s Chelsea Football Club, but she would not say whether that work continues.)

International law firms Linklaters and Norton Rose Fulbright both said they were leaving Russia. A spokesperson for another large firm, Debevoise &amp;amp; Plimpton, said it is terminating several client relationships and will not take any new clients in Moscow. Ashurst, a large London-based law firm, said it would not “act for any new or existing Russian clients, whether or not they are subject to sanctions.”

Accounting giants PWC, KPMG, Deloitte and EY — which have provided extensive services to oligarchs and their networks of offshore shell companies — also said they were leaving Russia or severing ties with their local affiliates.

Some firms parted ways with Russian clients whose praises they had been singing in the days leading up to the invasion.

Last month, a former Treasury official turned lobbyist wrote a letter to the White House arguing that Russia’s Sovcombank should not face sanctions, citing the bank’s commitment to gender equity, environmental and social responsibility.

Sovcombank had agreed to pay the lobbyist’s firm, Mercury Public Affairs, $90,000 a month for its work.

The Biden administration recently sanctioned Sovcombank. Within hours of the announcement, Mercury filed paperwork with the Justice Department indicating that it was terminating its contract with Sovcombank.

As recently as mid-February, the British law firm Schillings represented Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov, a longtime ally of Putin.

Two weeks later, the European Union and the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Usmanov. Nigel Higgins, a spokesperson for Schillings, said the firm is “not acting for any sanctioned individuals or entities.”

Another lawyer, Thomas Clare, has written threatening letters to news organizations on behalf of clients, including Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. In 2019, for example, he warned that he might try to hold The New York Times “liable for the catastrophic economic damages” facing Deripaska, who at the time was under sanctions.

Clare said this week that his firm, Clare Locke LLP, has not worked for Deripaska since September, “and we do not foresee doing so again in the future.”

Russian companies like Rosneft, VTB, Alfa Bank, Gazprom and Sberbank, which are now under sanctions, have been represented by leading U.S. law firms including White &amp;amp; Case, DLA Piper, Dechert, Latham &amp;amp; Watkins and Baker Botts.

None of those firms would say whether they are still working with the Russian companies.

Baker McKenzie, one of the world’s largest law firms, continues to say on its website that it represents “some of Russia’s largest companies,” including Gazprom and VTB. The firm said it is “reviewing and adjusting our Russia-related operations and client work” to comply with sanctions.

In Washington, Erich Ferrari, a leading sanctions lawyer, is suing the U.S. Treasury on behalf of Deripaska, who is seeking to overturn sanctions imposed on him in 2018 that he claims have cost him billions of dollars and made him “radioactive” in international business circles.

And lobbyist Robert Stryk said he has recently had conversations about representing several sanctioned Russian oligarchs and companies. He has previously represented clients targeted by sanctions, including the administrations of President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela and former president Joseph Kabila of the Congo.

Stryk said he would consider taking the work if the Treasury Department provided him with the necessary licenses and if the prospective clients opposed Russia’s aggression in Ukraine.

Concord Management, whose representatives declined to comment, appears to be devoted almost entirely to managing the money of a small handful of ultrawealthy Russians.

The unregistered investment firm has been operating since 1999 with a staff of about two dozen. It specializes in investing in hedge funds and real estate funds run by private equity firms, according to online profiles of current and former Concord employees.

Wall Street bankers and hedge fund managers who have interacted with Concord and its founder, Michael Matlin, said it oversees between $4 billion and $8 billion.

It is not clear how much of that belongs to Abramovich, whose fortune is estimated at $13 billion.

Abramovich has not been sanctioned. His spokesperson, Rola Brentlin, declined to comment on Concord.

Over the years, Concord has steered its clients’ money into marquee financial institutions: global money manager BlackRock, private equity firm Carlyle Group and a fund run by John Paulson, who famously anticipated the collapse of the U.S. housing market. Concord also invested with Bernard Madoff, who died in prison after being convicted of a vast Ponzi scheme.

Another recipient of Concord money was Brevan Howard, a multibillion-dollar European hedge fund company. A person familiar with the matter said Brevan Howard is preparing to return the funds to Concord, which will no longer be a client.

In a letter sent Wednesday to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., wrote that he had “recently received information from credible sources in the financial industry” that Concord oversees billions of dollars for Abramovich.

Cohen, co-chair of a panel focused on European security, requested that the U.S. government impose sanctions on Abramovich and seize the assets at Concord, “as this blood money presents a flight risk.”

The work performed by law, lobbying and public relations firms often plays out in public or is disclosed in legal or foreign agent filings, but that is rarely the case in the financial arena.

While Russian oligarchs make tabloid headlines for shelling out for extravagant superyachts and palatial homes, their bigger investments often occur out of public view, thanks to a largely invisible network of financial advisory firms like Concord.

Hedge fund managers and their advisers said they are starting to examine their investor lists to see if any clients are under sanctions. If so, their money needs to be segregated and disclosed to the Treasury Department.

Some hedge funds also are considering returning money to oligarchs who have not been sanctioned, fearful that Russians might soon be targeted by U.S. and European authorities.

“The implication of sanctions being imposed on Russia and its oligarchs is just rippling through the private fund community,” said Ron Geffner, a lawyer who advises hedge funds.

While firms prefer to keep their work for unsavory clients under wraps, a leak in 2017 provided a glimpse into how Western firms helped Russian oligarchs hide assets — and what happened when those clients were targeted by sanctions.

The leak, part of the Paradise Papers project, involved the files of the Appleby law firm in Bermuda. At least four clients owned private jets through shell companies managed by Appleby.

When companies and individuals linked to Putin were sanctioned in 2014, Appleby jettisoned clients it believed were affected.

The Russians found other Western firms, including Credit Suisse, to help fill the void.

Ben Freeman, who tracks foreign influence for the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, said Russians will likely to find new firms this time, too.

“There is that initial backlash, where these clients are too toxic,” Freeman said. “But when these lucrative contracts are out there, it gets to be too much for some people, and they can turn a blind eye to any atrocity.”

Behind a set of imposing metal doors in an easy-to-miss office building in a New York City suburb, a small team manages billions of dollars for a Russian oligarch.

Behind a set of imposing metal doors in an easy-to-miss office building in a New York City suburb, a small team manages billions of dollars for a Russian oligarch. For years, a group of wealthy Russians have used Concord Management LLC, a financial advisory company in Tarrytown, New York, to secretly invest money in large U.S. hedge funds and private equity firms, according to people familiar with the matter. A web of offshore shell companies makes it hard to know for sure whose money Concord manages. But several of the people said the bulk of the funds belong to Roman Abramovich, a close ally of President Vladimir Putin of Russia. Concord is part of a constellation of American and European advisers — including some of the world’s largest law firms — that have long helped Russian oligarchs navigate the Western financial, legal, political and media landscapes. Now, with U.S. and European sanctions targeting those close to Putin, firms are wrestling with what to do with these lucrative but controversial clients. Many are ditching them. Some appear to be sticking with them. Others will not say what they are doing. In the meantime, lawyers and investment advisers are coming under intense scrutiny for work that weeks earlier was occurring almost entirely below the public radar. Concord, whose representatives declined to comment, has attracted the attention of congressional investigators. On Wednesday, a lawmaker wrote to the Biden administration requesting a freeze on Abramovich’s funds at Concord. In Britain, which has a thriving industry of attorneys who specialize in hiding assets, lawmakers have taken to the floor of Parliament to denounce lawyers and law firms that are continuing to work with oligarchs. Legally speaking, at least, there is nothing wrong with working for sanctioned companies, individuals or governments, so long as certain rules are followed. In the United States, lawyers are allowed to represent sanctioned clients in court or before government agencies, and they also can advise them on complying with sanctions. Lobbyists and public relations firms must obtain licenses from the Treasury Department to represent sanctioned entities. As a result of the bureaucratic hurdles and reputational risks, the going rate for law and lobbying firms representing sanctioned oligarchs has soared into the millions of dollars, according to people familiar with the industry. For many firms, the paydays are not enough to make up for the potential reputational damage of working for Kremlin-linked oligarchs. A flurry of Western lobbying, law and public relations firms recently dropped their Russian clients or operations. A spokesperson for the law firm Skadden Arps said it is “in the process of ending our representations of Alfa Bank,” a sanctioned, oligarch-controlled company. (Skadden has also represented Abramovich, the billionaire owner of England’s Chelsea Football Club, but she would not say whether that work continues.) International law firms Linklaters and Norton Rose Fulbright both said they were leaving Russia. A spokesperson for another large firm, Debevoise &amp; Plimpton, said it is terminating several client relationships and will not take any new clients in Moscow. Ashurst, a large London-based law firm, said it would not “act for any new or existing Russian clients, whether or not they are subject to sanctions.” Accounting giants PWC, KPMG, Deloitte and EY — which have provided extensive services to oligarchs and their networks of offshore shell companies — also said they were leaving Russia or severing ties with their local affiliates. Some firms parted ways with Russian clients whose praises they had been singing in the days leading up to the invasion. Last month, a former Treasury official turned lobbyist wrote a letter to the White House arguing that Russia’s Sovcombank should not face sanctions, citing the bank’s commitment to gender equity, environmental and social responsibility. Sovcombank had agreed to pay the lobbyist’s firm, Mercury Public Affairs, $90,000 a month for its work. The Biden administration recently sanctioned Sovcombank. Within hours of the announcement, Mercury filed paperwork with the Justice Department indicating that it was terminating its contract with Sovcombank. As recently as mid-February, the British law firm Schillings represented Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov, a longtime ally of Putin. Two weeks later, the European Union and the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Usmanov. Nigel Higgins, a spokesperson for Schillings, said the firm is “not acting for any sanctioned individuals or entities.” Another lawyer, Thomas Clare, has written threatening letters to news organizations on behalf of clients, including Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska. In 2019, for example, he warned that he might try to hold The New York Times “liable for the catastrophic economic damages” facing Deripaska, who at the time was under sanctions. Clare said this week that his firm, Clare Locke LLP, has not worked for Deripaska since September, “and we do not foresee doing so again in the future.” Russian companies like Rosneft, VTB, Alfa Bank, Gazprom and Sberbank, which are now under sanctions, have been represented by leading U.S. law firms including White &amp; Case, DLA Piper, Dechert, Latham &amp; Watkins and Baker Botts. None of those firms would say whether they are still working with the Russian companies. Baker McKenzie, one of the world’s largest law firms, continues to say on its website that it represents “some of Russia’s largest companies,” including Gazprom and VTB. The firm said it is “reviewing and adjusting our Russia-related operations and client work” to comply with sanctions. In Washington, Erich Ferrari, a leading sanctions lawyer, is suing the U.S. Treasury on behalf of Deripaska, who is seeking to overturn sanctions imposed on him in 2018 that he claims have cost him billions of dollars and made him “radioactive” in international business circles. And lobbyist Robert Stryk said he has recently had conversations about representing several sanctioned Russian oligarchs and companies. He has previously represented clients targeted by sanctions, including the administrations of President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela and former president Joseph Kabila of the Congo. Stryk said he would consider taking the work if the Treasury Department provided him with the necessary licenses and if the prospective clients opposed Russia’s aggression in Ukraine. Concord Management, whose representatives declined to comment, appears to be devoted almost entirely to managing the money of a small handful of ultrawealthy Russians. The unregistered investment firm has been operating since 1999 with a staff of about two dozen. It specializes in investing in hedge funds and real estate funds run by private equity firms, according to online profiles of current and former Concord employees. Wall Street bankers and hedge fund managers who have interacted with Concord and its founder, Michael Matlin, said it oversees between $4 billion and $8 billion. It is not clear how much of that belongs to Abramovich, whose fortune is estimated at $13 billion. Abramovich has not been sanctioned. His spokesperson, Rola Brentlin, declined to comment on Concord. Over the years, Concord has steered its clients’ money into marquee financial institutions: global money manager BlackRock, private equity firm Carlyle Group and a fund run by John Paulson, who famously anticipated the collapse of the U.S. housing market. Concord also invested with Bernard Madoff, who died in prison after being convicted of a vast Ponzi scheme. Another recipient of Concord money was Brevan Howard, a multibillion-dollar European hedge fund company. A person familiar with the matter said Brevan Howard is preparing to return the funds to Concord, which will no longer be a client. In a letter sent Wednesday to Attorney General Merrick Garland, Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn., wrote that he had “recently received information from credible sources in the financial industry” that Concord oversees billions of dollars for Abramovich. Cohen, co-chair of a panel focused on European security, requested that the U.S. government impose sanctions on Abramovich and seize the assets at Concord, “as this blood money presents a flight risk.” The work performed by law, lobbying and public relations firms often plays out in public or is disclosed in legal or foreign agent filings, but that is rarely the case in the financial arena. While Russian oligarchs make tabloid headlines for shelling out for extravagant superyachts and palatial homes, their bigger investments often occur out of public view, thanks to a largely invisible network of financial advisory firms like Concord. Hedge fund managers and their advisers said they are starting to examine their investor lists to see if any clients are under sanctions. If so, their money needs to be segregated and disclosed to the Treasury Department. Some hedge funds also are considering returning money to oligarchs who have not been sanctioned, fearful that Russians might soon be targeted by U.S. and European authorities. “The implication of sanctions being imposed on Russia and its oligarchs is just rippling through the private fund community,” said Ron Geffner, a lawyer who advises hedge funds. While firms prefer to keep their work for unsavory clients under wraps, a leak in 2017 provided a glimpse into how Western firms helped Russian oligarchs hide assets — and what happened when those clients were targeted by sanctions. The leak, part of the Paradise Papers project, involved the files of the Appleby law firm in Bermuda. At least four clients owned private jets through shell companies managed by Appleby. When companies and individuals linked to Putin were sanctioned in 2014, Appleby jettisoned clients it believed were affected. The Russians found other Western firms, including Credit Suisse, to help fill the void. Ben Freeman, who tracks foreign influence for the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, said Russians will likely to find new firms this time, too. “There is that initial backlash, where these clients are too toxic,” Freeman said. “But when these lucrative contracts are out there, it gets to be too much for some people, and they can turn a blind eye to any atrocity.”

How Western firms quietly enabled Russian oligarchs

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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<blockquote class="twitter-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) <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.

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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

Russia announced a new ceasefire in Ukraine on Wednesday to let civilians flee besieged cities, after days of mostly failed promises that have left hundreds of thousands trapped without access to medicine or fresh water.

After air-raid sirens rang out again in Kyiv overnight, the plan was to open safe routes out of five Ukrainian areas including two suburbs of the capital that have been devastated by Russian shelling.

But previous ceasefire efforts have been bedevilled by violations, with Moscow apparently determined to push forward a 14-day-old invasion of its neighbour that has shocked the world.

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The greatest alarm has been sounded over Mariupol, a southern port totally surrounded by Russian troops for more than a week, where the Red Cross has described the situation faced by civilians as "apocalyptic".

Residents there have been sheltering underground from relentless bombardment, unable to evacuate their wounded, and with no access to food, water, power or heat.

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>

In Kyiv, back-to-back air alerts Wednesday morning urged residents to get to bomb shelters as quickly as possible over fears of incoming Russian missiles. An all-clear was given for each alert soon afterward.

Such alerts are intermittent, keeping people on edge. Kyiv has been relatively quiet in recent days, though Russian artillery has pounded the outskirts.

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.

“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.

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>

The UN&nbsp;estimates that more than 2 million people have fled the country. Many more have become trapped inside cities bombarded and encircled by Russian forces, who have seen their advance slowed by fiercer than expected Ukrainian resistance.

Moscow calls its action a "special military operation" to disarm its neighbour and dislodge leaders it calls "neo-Nazis."&nbsp;

Kyiv and its Western allies dismiss that as a baseless pretext for an unprovoked war against a democratic country of 44 million people.

Talks aimed at ending the fighting have so far yielded little, but the foreign ministers from Russia and Ukraine are expected to meet in Turkey on Thursday, according to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu.

As Russian forces press their offensive in the south, Ukrainians fear the next big target will be Odessa, Ukraine's main Black Sea port. Residents are preparing to defend the historic city of 1 million, a polyglot centre of culture with wide resonance for Ukrainians and Russians alike.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia announced a new ceasefire in Ukraine on Wednesday to let civilians flee besieged cities, after days of mostly failed promises that have left hundreds of thousands trapped without access to medicine or fresh water.

Russia announced a new ceasefire in Ukraine on Wednesday to let civilians flee besieged cities, after days of mostly failed promises that have left hundreds of thousands trapped without access to medicine or fresh water. After air-raid sirens rang out again in Kyiv overnight, the plan was to open safe routes out of five Ukrainian areas including two suburbs of the capital that have been devastated by Russian shelling. But previous ceasefire efforts have been bedevilled by violations, with Moscow apparently determined to push forward a 14-day-old invasion of its neighbour that has shocked the world. The greatest alarm has been sounded over Mariupol, a southern port totally surrounded by Russian troops for more than a week, where the Red Cross has described the situation faced by civilians as "apocalyptic". Residents there have been sheltering underground from relentless bombardment, unable to evacuate their wounded, and with no access to food, water, power or heat. Also see | Russia's rocket launchers target Ukraine's cities In Kyiv, back-to-back air alerts Wednesday morning urged residents to get to bomb shelters as quickly as possible over fears of incoming Russian missiles. An all-clear was given for each alert soon afterward. Such alerts are intermittent, keeping people on edge. Kyiv has been relatively quiet in recent days, though Russian artillery has pounded the outskirts. 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. “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. Also see | What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine? The UN estimates that more than 2 million people have fled the country. Many more have become trapped inside cities bombarded and encircled by Russian forces, who have seen their advance slowed by fiercer than expected Ukrainian resistance. 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. Talks aimed at ending the fighting have so far yielded little, but the foreign ministers from Russia and Ukraine are expected to meet in Turkey on Thursday, according to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. As Russian forces press their offensive in the south, Ukrainians fear the next big target will be Odessa, Ukraine's main Black Sea port. Residents are preparing to defend the historic city of 1 million, a polyglot centre of culture with wide resonance for Ukrainians and Russians alike. (With inputs from agencies)

From intermittent alerts to blaring air raid sirens: Russian pressure keeps Kyiv on edge

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian has accused US-led NATO of pushing Russia to a ''breaking point'' in the Ukraine crisis.

At a daily news briefing, he urged the United States to take China's concerns seriously and avoid undermining its rights or interests in handling the Ukraine issue and ties with Russia.

The Chinese Red Cross will also provide a batch of humanitarian assistance worth 5 million yuan ($791,540) to Ukraine, consisting of daily necessities, Zhao added.

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Beijing has refused to condemn Russia's attack on Ukraine or call it an invasion while asking Western countries to respect Russia's "legitimate security concerns."

It comes after the CIA's director said Tuesday he believes China leader Xi Jinping has been "unsettled" by Russia's difficulties in invading Ukraine, and by how the war has brought the United States and Europe closer.

"I think President Xi and the Chinese leadership are a little bit unsettled by what they're seeing in Ukraine," Central Intelligence Agency boss William Burns told US lawmakers during a hearing on global threat assessments.

"They did not anticipate the significant difficulties the Russians were going to run into."

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>

Nearly two weeks into the invasion, Russian forces are bogged down in Ukraine, suffering as many as 4,000 fatalities, according to the Pentagon's estimate, and encountering unexpectedly strong resistance from Ukrainian forces.

Even if Beijing wanted to, its ability to support President Vladimir Putin by importing more Russian gas and other goods is limited.

Relations with Moscow have warmed since Xi took power in 2012, motivated by shared resentment of Washington, but their interests can conflict. While their militaries hold joint exercises, Putin is uneasy about the growing Chinese economic presence in Central Asia and Russia’s Far East.

“China-Russia relations are at the highest level in history, but the two countries are not an alliance,” said Li Xin, an international relations expert at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-xi-calls-for-maximum-restraint-offers-to-mediate-between-ukraine-and-russia-460498" hreflang="en">China’s Xi calls for ‘maximum restraint’, offers to mediate between Ukraine and Russia</a>

“China doesn’t want to get so involved that it ends up suffering as a result of its support for Russia,” said Mark Williams, chief Asia economist for Capital Economics.

Chinese trade with Russia rose to $146.9 billion last year, but that is less than one-tenth of China’s total $1.6 trillion in trade with the United States and EU.

“It all hinges on whether they’re willing to risk their access to Western markets to help Russia, and I don’t think they are,” said Williams. “It’s just not that big a market.”

China, the world’s second-largest economy, is the only major government not to have condemned the invasion.

China’s multibillion-dollar purchases of Russian gas for its energy-hungry economy have been a lifeline for Putin following trade and financial sanctions imposed in 2014 over his seizure of Crimea from Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian has accused US-led NATO of pushing Russia to a ''breaking point'' in the Ukraine crisis. At a daily news briefing, he urged the United States to take China's concerns seriously and avoid undermining its rights or interests in handling the Ukraine issue and ties with Russia.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian has accused US-led NATO of pushing Russia to a ''breaking point'' in the Ukraine crisis. At a daily news briefing, he urged the United States to take China's concerns seriously and avoid undermining its rights or interests in handling the Ukraine issue and ties with Russia. The Chinese Red Cross will also provide a batch of humanitarian assistance worth 5 million yuan ($791,540) to Ukraine, consisting of daily necessities, Zhao added. Beijing has refused to condemn Russia's attack on Ukraine or call it an invasion while asking Western countries to respect Russia's "legitimate security concerns." It comes after the CIA's director said Tuesday he believes China leader Xi Jinping has been "unsettled" by Russia's difficulties in invading Ukraine, and by how the war has brought the United States and Europe closer. "I think President Xi and the Chinese leadership are a little bit unsettled by what they're seeing in Ukraine," Central Intelligence Agency boss William Burns told US lawmakers during a hearing on global threat assessments. "They did not anticipate the significant difficulties the Russians were going to run into." Also see | Why has Ukraine been able to stall Russian advance? Nearly two weeks into the invasion, Russian forces are bogged down in Ukraine, suffering as many as 4,000 fatalities, according to the Pentagon's estimate, and encountering unexpectedly strong resistance from Ukrainian forces. Even if Beijing wanted to, its ability to support President Vladimir Putin by importing more Russian gas and other goods is limited. Relations with Moscow have warmed since Xi took power in 2012, motivated by shared resentment of Washington, but their interests can conflict. While their militaries hold joint exercises, Putin is uneasy about the growing Chinese economic presence in Central Asia and Russia’s Far East. “China-Russia relations are at the highest level in history, but the two countries are not an alliance,” said Li Xin, an international relations expert at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law. Also read | China’s Xi calls for ‘maximum restraint’, offers to mediate between Ukraine and Russia “China doesn’t want to get so involved that it ends up suffering as a result of its support for Russia,” said Mark Williams, chief Asia economist for Capital Economics. Chinese trade with Russia rose to $146.9 billion last year, but that is less than one-tenth of China’s total $1.6 trillion in trade with the United States and EU. “It all hinges on whether they’re willing to risk their access to Western markets to help Russia, and I don’t think they are,” said Williams. “It’s just not that big a market.” China, the world’s second-largest economy, is the only major government not to have condemned the invasion. China’s multibillion-dollar purchases of Russian gas for its energy-hungry economy have been a lifeline for Putin following trade and financial sanctions imposed in 2014 over his seizure of Crimea from Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine crisis: China accuses NATO of pushing Russia to 'breaking point'

Russian-controlled media outlets have come under fire as the West and its allies seek to crack down on misinformation about Moscow's onslaught on Ukraine.&nbsp;

Online misinformation researchers warned that false information about the Ukraine conflict were now mixed in with authentic ones and has spread widely on TikTok and other tech platforms including Meta Platforms's Facebook, Twitter and Alphabet Inc's YouTube.

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In 2014, Russia flooded the internet with fake accounts pushing disinformation about its takeover of Crimea. Eight years later, experts say Russia is mounting a far more sophisticated effort as it invades Ukraine.

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As Russian soldiers entered Kharkiv, so did their mobile and social media presence. Reportedly, Ukrainian women started receiving right swipes from invading Russian soldiers on dating app Tinder.

Soon apprehensions about Russian soldiers sharing intel with their tinder Ukrainian matches also became a topic for hot takes on social media.

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russian soldiers trying to match on tinder with women from the country they’re invading and then getting catfished for intel is such a weird “we live in the future” moment
— douglas chu 鞠一道 (@douglaschu_) <a href="https://twitter.com/douglaschu_/status/1497642246203748353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Russia also used Chinese app Tiktok for spreading anti-Ukrainian sentiment. Clever videos serve up Russian nationalism with a side of humour.

In the cat video, a husky puppy identified by a digitally inserted US flag swipes at the tail of a tabby identified by a Russian flag. The cat responds with a ferocious jab that sends the hapless dog scurrying. The clip, which has been viewed 775,000 times in two weeks, is the work of an account named Funrussianprezident that boasts 310,000 followers. Almost all of its videos feature pro-Russian content.

The effort amounts to an emerging part of Russia’s war arsenal with the shaping of opinion through orchestrated disinformation fighting alongside actual troops and weapons.

“This is the way they go to war; it’s a central part of Russian doctrine,” said Jim Ludes, a former US defence analyst who now directs the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy at Salve Regina University. Ludes said Russian disinformation campaigns are intended to galvanise Russian support while confusing and dividing the country’s opponents.

Russia tailors its propaganda message for specific audiences.

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Video of Ukrainian father saying goodbye to his kids while he stays behind to fight. 
 
Fuck war. 
<a href="https://t.co/rvIzotI8pE">pic.twitter.com/rvIzotI8pE</a>
— Peter Yang (@petergyang) <a href="https://twitter.com/petergyang/status/1496877608373424131?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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For Russians and pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine, the message is that Russia is trying to defend its own people against Western-fueled aggression and persecution in Ukraine. Similar tactics have been used, including by Nazi Germany when it invaded Czechoslovakia under the guise of protecting ethnic Germans living there, Ludes noted.

“It’s not good guys who use this tactic,” Ludes said. “It’s the language of conquest, not the language of democracy.”

Web monitoring group NetBlocks has reported a series of significant disruptions to internet service in Ukraine since the Russian invasion began.

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Nobody, 
America ,NATO, European union 
in this war 💯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UkraineRussiaWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UkraineRussiaWar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Memes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Memes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/funniesttweets?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#funniesttweets</a> <a href="https://t.co/nWJxFW9vuP">pic.twitter.com/nWJxFW9vuP</a>
— Iam_prith_ (@Sarcasticprith) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sarcasticprith/status/1497601676269993986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, the US has information indicating Russia is publicising false reports about widespread surrenders of Ukrainian troops and claims that Moscow plans to “threaten killing family members of Ukrainian soldiers if they do not surrender,” according to State Department spokesman Ned Price.

Russia has also employed cyberattacks in its invasion of Ukraine, and while they pose a serious threat, online propaganda can leave even more lasting damage if it succeeds, according to retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Nagata, a former director of strategic operational planning at the US National Counterterrorism Centre.

“What is far more dangerous is Russia’s ability to influence what populations everywhere believe,” Nagata said. “To get them to believe things that are useful for Russian strategic interests... If you’re able to change what an entire population believes, you may not have to attack anything.”

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Breaking. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ESETResearch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ESETResearch</a> discovered a new data wiper malware used in Ukraine today. ESET telemetry shows that it was installed on hundreds of machines in the country. This follows the DDoS attacks against several Ukrainian websites earlier today 1/n
— ESET research (@ESETresearch) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESETresearch/status/1496581903205511181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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In the West, Russia seeks to sow division and reduce the chances of a unified international response. It does this in part through a stable of state-controlled media outlets such as Sputnik and RT, which published in English, Spanish, and several other languages.

The European Union banned Kremlin-controlled media outlets RT and Sputnik from broadcasting into the bloc.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which it has called a "special operation," is the latest example of the central role TikTok has played in bringing news and current events to the app's large Gen Z audience.&nbsp;

Its famed algorithm is known for serving trending content even if users do not follow certain people, allowing topics to quickly go viral among its 1 billion monthly users.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian-controlled media outlets have come under fire as the West and its allies seek to crack down on misinformation about Moscow's onslaught on Ukraine. Online misinformation researchers warned that false information about the Ukraine conflict were now mixed in with authentic ones and has spread widely on TikTok and other tech platforms including Meta Platforms's Facebook, Twitter and Alphabet Inc's YouTube.

Russian-controlled media outlets have come under fire as the West and its allies seek to crack down on misinformation about Moscow's onslaught on Ukraine. Online misinformation researchers warned that false information about the Ukraine conflict were now mixed in with authentic ones and has spread widely on TikTok and other tech platforms including Meta Platforms's Facebook, Twitter and Alphabet Inc's YouTube. In 2014, Russia flooded the internet with fake accounts pushing disinformation about its takeover of Crimea. Eight years later, experts say Russia is mounting a far more sophisticated effort as it invades Ukraine. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stand With Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@withukraine) As Russian soldiers entered Kharkiv, so did their mobile and social media presence. Reportedly, Ukrainian women started receiving right swipes from invading Russian soldiers on dating app Tinder. Soon apprehensions about Russian soldiers sharing intel with their tinder Ukrainian matches also became a topic for hot takes on social media. russian soldiers trying to match on tinder with women from the country they’re invading and then getting catfished for intel is such a weird “we live in the future” moment — douglas chu 鞠一道 (@douglaschu_) February 26, 2022 × Russia also used Chinese app Tiktok for spreading anti-Ukrainian sentiment. Clever videos serve up Russian nationalism with a side of humour. In the cat video, a husky puppy identified by a digitally inserted US flag swipes at the tail of a tabby identified by a Russian flag. The cat responds with a ferocious jab that sends the hapless dog scurrying. The clip, which has been viewed 775,000 times in two weeks, is the work of an account named Funrussianprezident that boasts 310,000 followers. Almost all of its videos feature pro-Russian content. The effort amounts to an emerging part of Russia’s war arsenal with the shaping of opinion through orchestrated disinformation fighting alongside actual troops and weapons. “This is the way they go to war; it’s a central part of Russian doctrine,” said Jim Ludes, a former US defence analyst who now directs the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy at Salve Regina University. Ludes said Russian disinformation campaigns are intended to galvanise Russian support while confusing and dividing the country’s opponents. Russia tailors its propaganda message for specific audiences. Video of Ukrainian father saying goodbye to his kids while he stays behind to fight. Fuck war. pic.twitter.com/rvIzotI8pE — Peter Yang (@petergyang) February 24, 2022 × For Russians and pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine, the message is that Russia is trying to defend its own people against Western-fueled aggression and persecution in Ukraine. Similar tactics have been used, including by Nazi Germany when it invaded Czechoslovakia under the guise of protecting ethnic Germans living there, Ludes noted. “It’s not good guys who use this tactic,” Ludes said. “It’s the language of conquest, not the language of democracy.” Web monitoring group NetBlocks has reported a series of significant disruptions to internet service in Ukraine since the Russian invasion began. Nobody, America ,NATO, European union in this war 💯#Ukraine #Russia #UkraineRussiaWar #Memes #funniesttweets pic.twitter.com/nWJxFW9vuP — Iam_prith_ (@Sarcasticprith) February 26, 2022 × Meanwhile, the US has information indicating Russia is publicising false reports about widespread surrenders of Ukrainian troops and claims that Moscow plans to “threaten killing family members of Ukrainian soldiers if they do not surrender,” according to State Department spokesman Ned Price. Russia has also employed cyberattacks in its invasion of Ukraine, and while they pose a serious threat, online propaganda can leave even more lasting damage if it succeeds, according to retired Army Lt. Gen. Michael Nagata, a former director of strategic operational planning at the US National Counterterrorism Centre. “What is far more dangerous is Russia’s ability to influence what populations everywhere believe,” Nagata said. “To get them to believe things that are useful for Russian strategic interests... If you’re able to change what an entire population believes, you may not have to attack anything.” Breaking. #ESETResearch discovered a new data wiper malware used in Ukraine today. ESET telemetry shows that it was installed on hundreds of machines in the country. This follows the DDoS attacks against several Ukrainian websites earlier today 1/n — ESET research (@ESETresearch) February 23, 2022 × In the West, Russia seeks to sow division and reduce the chances of a unified international response. It does this in part through a stable of state-controlled media outlets such as Sputnik and RT, which published in English, Spanish, and several other languages. The European Union banned Kremlin-controlled media outlets RT and Sputnik from broadcasting into the bloc. Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which it has called a "special operation," is the latest example of the central role TikTok has played in bringing news and current events to the app's large Gen Z audience. Its famed algorithm is known for serving trending content even if users do not follow certain people, allowing topics to quickly go viral among its 1 billion monthly users. (With inputs from agencies)

Meme war: Russian invasion of Ukraine has triggered misinformation warfare

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