Ukraine struck a manufacturer of military explosives deep inside Russian territory overnight, as well as storage infrastructure at a military airfield in the Lipetsk region, Kyiv's General Staff said in a statement on Sunday.

Russian air defence units downed 110 Ukrainian drones over the country, Russia's defence ministry said, including one over the Moscow region, 43 over the border region of Kursk, and 27 over southwestern Lipetsk region.

The Russian SHOT Telegram channel reported that drones attempted to strike the Ya. M. Sverdlov State Owned Enterprise in Dzerzhinsk city, Nizhny Novgorod region, about 400 km (250 miles) east of Moscow.

The explosives plant, one of the largest manufacturers of its kind used by Russian forces in the war that Moscow launched against Ukraine in February 2022, is subject to sanctions by the United States and the European Union.

Kyiv's General Staff said it was still assessing the damage from its attack.

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Four firefighters received minor shrapnel wounds in a drone attack on an industrial zone in Dzerzhinsk city, the region's governor said, without specifying the target of the attack.

The Russian defence ministry said on Telegram that eight Ukrainian drones were destroyed over Nizhny Novgorod. Residents reported powerful explosions and white smoke in the area of ​​the plant, SHOT reported.

Reuters could not independently verify the reports.

Moscow's Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Telegram that debris fell in the Ramensky district of Moscow region but there was no damage or casualties.

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Kyiv has often said its air attacks target infrastructure key to Russia's war efforts and are a response to Moscow's continued air attacks on Ukraine.

Russian officials often do not disclose the full extent of damage inflicted by the drone attacks, especially on military, transport or energy infrastructure.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.&nbsp;

Ukraine struck a manufacturer of military explosives deep inside Russian territory overnight, as well as storage infrastructure at a military airfield in the Lipetsk region, Kyiv's General Staff said in a statement on Sunday.

Ukraine struck a manufacturer of military explosives deep inside Russian territory overnight, as well as storage infrastructure at a military airfield in the Lipetsk region, Kyiv's General Staff said in a statement on Sunday. Russian air defence units downed 110 Ukrainian drones over the country, Russia's defence ministry said, including one over the Moscow region, 43 over the border region of Kursk, and 27 over southwestern Lipetsk region. The Russian SHOT Telegram channel reported that drones attempted to strike the Ya. M. Sverdlov State Owned Enterprise in Dzerzhinsk city, Nizhny Novgorod region, about 400 km (250 miles) east of Moscow. The explosives plant, one of the largest manufacturers of its kind used by Russian forces in the war that Moscow launched against Ukraine in February 2022, is subject to sanctions by the United States and the European Union. Kyiv's General Staff said it was still assessing the damage from its attack. Also Read | Top Israeli commander killed in Gaza blast, three others wounded Four firefighters received minor shrapnel wounds in a drone attack on an industrial zone in Dzerzhinsk city, the region's governor said, without specifying the target of the attack. The Russian defence ministry said on Telegram that eight Ukrainian drones were destroyed over Nizhny Novgorod. Residents reported powerful explosions and white smoke in the area of the plant, SHOT reported. Reuters could not independently verify the reports. Moscow's Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on Telegram that debris fell in the Ramensky district of Moscow region but there was no damage or casualties. Also Read | Israel bombs Hezbollah-linked finance group Al-Qard Al-Hassan Kyiv has often said its air attacks target infrastructure key to Russia's war efforts and are a response to Moscow's continued air attacks on Ukraine. Russian officials often do not disclose the full extent of damage inflicted by the drone attacks, especially on military, transport or energy infrastructure. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Ukraine targets key Russian arms manufacturer in overnight drone strike

In a move to propel itself into the forefront of high-tech industries, Ukraine has announced its ambitious Win 2030 plan, outlining intentions to establish a domestic chipmaking industry and bolster artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. <o:p></o:p>

According to Reuters, the plan was proposed amid a 21-month conflict with Russia, by Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Deputy Valeria Ionan.<o:p></o:p>

At a presentation in central Kyiv attended by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, the significance of technological advancement for achieving victory was highlighted. Shmyhal emphasised, "Without innovation, I am deeply convinced our victory is possible, but will take much longer."<o:p></o:p>

Fedorov, also a deputy prime minister and an ally of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, pledged policy changes to foster tech growth. Highlighting regulatory improvements, he cited over 20 amended laws simplifying drone imports and manufacturing. Ukraine has already implemented AI in military operations, using it for kamikaze drones and facial recognition of Russian soldiers.<o:p></o:p>

Deputy Valeria Ionan outlined Ukraine's aspirations to rank among the top 15 countries globally in microelectronics and the top 30 in unmanned vehicles. Expressing confidence, she stated, "Ukraine rather highly assesses its chances to make its contribution to the European Union's ambitious goal to get 20 per cent of the global market share in semiconductors by 2030.”<o:p></o:p>

The most ambitious aspect of the plan involves Ukraine's dream of establishing a chip factory, along with "fabless" enterprises that do not manufacture their own semiconductors. The estimated cost of a facility capable of producing 50,000 chips annually is between $5-10 billion, with an expected start date in 2025 and a three-year timeline to reach manufacturing capacity. Acknowledging the financial challenges, Fedorov admitted that government funds were scarce.<o:p></o:p>

Fedorov, speaking to reporters, revealed that the ministry would provide non-monetary support initially and seek private capital for these ventures. While admitting the necessity of state assistance for a chip factory, he emphasised the need for private initiative while acknowledging that state support would play a crucial role.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

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In a move to propel itself into the forefront of high-tech industries, Ukraine has announced its ambitious Win 2030 plan, outlining intentions to establish a domestic chipmaking industry and bolster artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.

In a move to propel itself into the forefront of high-tech industries, Ukraine has announced its ambitious Win 2030 plan, outlining intentions to establish a domestic chipmaking industry and bolster artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. According to Reuters, the plan was proposed amid a 21-month conflict with Russia, by Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov and Deputy Valeria Ionan. At a presentation in central Kyiv attended by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, the significance of technological advancement for achieving victory was highlighted. Shmyhal emphasised, "Without innovation, I am deeply convinced our victory is possible, but will take much longer." Fedorov, also a deputy prime minister and an ally of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, pledged policy changes to foster tech growth. Highlighting regulatory improvements, he cited over 20 amended laws simplifying drone imports and manufacturing. Ukraine has already implemented AI in military operations, using it for kamikaze drones and facial recognition of Russian soldiers. Deputy Valeria Ionan outlined Ukraine's aspirations to rank among the top 15 countries globally in microelectronics and the top 30 in unmanned vehicles. Expressing confidence, she stated, "Ukraine rather highly assesses its chances to make its contribution to the European Union's ambitious goal to get 20 per cent of the global market share in semiconductors by 2030.” The most ambitious aspect of the plan involves Ukraine's dream of establishing a chip factory, along with "fabless" enterprises that do not manufacture their own semiconductors. The estimated cost of a facility capable of producing 50,000 chips annually is between $5-10 billion, with an expected start date in 2025 and a three-year timeline to reach manufacturing capacity. Acknowledging the financial challenges, Fedorov admitted that government funds were scarce. Fedorov, speaking to reporters, revealed that the ministry would provide non-monetary support initially and seek private capital for these ventures. While admitting the necessity of state assistance for a chip factory, he emphasised the need for private initiative while acknowledging that state support would play a crucial role. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukraine unveils ambitious "Win 2030" plan: Aims for chip manufacturing & AI growth

Ukrainian&nbsp;Marta&nbsp;Kostyuk&nbsp;dedicated her first WTA singles title to those "fighting and dying" in her home country amid Russia's ongoing invasion after she defeated Russian Varvara Gracheva 6-3 7-5 to win the inaugural Austin Open on Sunday.

The 20-year-old collapsed on the court and covered her face with her hands after securing the title but declined to shake the hand of her Russian opponent at the net. "Everyone who is in the stands and everyone who is watching, especially in Ukraine, I want to say 'Slava Ukraini,'"&nbsp;Kostyuk&nbsp;said during the trophy ceremony. The Ukrainian phrase translates to "Glory to Ukraine."

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"Being in the position that I'm in right now it's extremely special to win this title. I want to dedicate this title to Ukraine and all of the people who are fighting and dying right now." Western military officials estimate casualties on both sides at more than 100,000 killed or wounded since Russia's assault began just over a year ago. Tens of thousands of civilians are also feared to have died, while millions have fled the threat of fighting.

On Sunday, a woman and two children were killed in Russian mortar shelling of a village in the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson, the head of Ukraine's presidential office said. Moscow calls the conflict a "special military operation" to protect its security and denies targeting civilians.

Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk dedicated her first WTA singles title to those "fighting and dying" in her home country amid Russia's ongoing invasion after she defeated Russian Varvara Gracheva 6-3 7-5 to win the inaugural Austin Open on Sunday.

Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk dedicated her first WTA singles title to those "fighting and dying" in her home country amid Russia's ongoing invasion after she defeated Russian Varvara Gracheva 6-3 7-5 to win the inaugural Austin Open on Sunday. The 20-year-old collapsed on the court and covered her face with her hands after securing the title but declined to shake the hand of her Russian opponent at the net. "Everyone who is in the stands and everyone who is watching, especially in Ukraine, I want to say 'Slava Ukraini,'" Kostyuk said during the trophy ceremony. The Ukrainian phrase translates to "Glory to Ukraine." Also read: Tennis: Novak Djokovic extends record stay as world no.1, Carlos Alcaraz remains in pursuit "Being in the position that I'm in right now it's extremely special to win this title. I want to dedicate this title to Ukraine and all of the people who are fighting and dying right now." Western military officials estimate casualties on both sides at more than 100,000 killed or wounded since Russia's assault began just over a year ago. Tens of thousands of civilians are also feared to have died, while millions have fled the threat of fighting. On Sunday, a woman and two children were killed in Russian mortar shelling of a village in the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson, the head of Ukraine's presidential office said. Moscow calls the conflict a "special military operation" to protect its security and denies targeting civilians.

Tennis: Ukraine's Kostyuk snubs Russia's Gracheva after Austin Open win, dedicates title to country

A US general allegedly told Ben Wallace,&nbsp;Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom, that the British Army is no longer regarded as one of the world's top-tier combat forces,&nbsp;according to a Sky News report. Defence sources also said&nbsp;that the unnamed general allegedly&nbsp;warned the Defence Secretary, and sources also claim that he said the&nbsp;UK Armed Forces is "a service unable to protect the UK and its allies."

Given the mounting security danger presented by Vladimir Putin's Russia, the unnamed general&nbsp;told Sky News that Rishi Sunak ran the risk of failing in his duty as "wartime prime minister" unless he took immediate action.

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The sources said this decline in war-fighting capability - following decades of cuts to save money - needed to be reversed faster than planned in the wake of Russia's war in Ukraine. 
 
2/
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He continued by saying that in the aftermath of Russia's war in Ukraine, the UK's declining warfighting capabilities, which had been the result of decades of budget cuts, needed to be reversed sooner than anticipated.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-prime-minister-rishi-sunak-fired-conservative-party-chairman-nadhim-zahawi-556989">UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak fires Tory party chairman Nadhim Zahawi</a>

The general is alleged to have used a word to rank a nation's military power, with tier one being thought of as a top-level power shared by the US, Russia, China, and France.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;UK: Boris Johnson says Putin 'threatened him with missile strike'

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Tier two would be used to indicate a more mediocre power with less combat might, like Germany or Italy.&nbsp;According to the sources, the general, referring to the Army, said: "You haven't got a tier one. It's barely tier two."

(With inputs from agencies)

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A US general allegedly told Ben Wallace, Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom, that the British Army is no longer regarded as one of the world's top-tier combat forces, according to a Sky News report.

A US general allegedly told Ben Wallace, Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom, that the British Army is no longer regarded as one of the world's top-tier combat forces, according to a Sky News report. Defence sources also said that the unnamed general allegedly warned the Defence Secretary, and sources also claim that he said the UK Armed Forces is "a service unable to protect the UK and its allies." Given the mounting security danger presented by Vladimir Putin's Russia, the unnamed general told Sky News that Rishi Sunak ran the risk of failing in his duty as "wartime prime minister" unless he took immediate action. The sources said this decline in war-fighting capability - following decades of cuts to save money - needed to be reversed faster than planned in the wake of Russia's war in Ukraine. 2/ — Deborah Haynes (@haynesdeborah) January 29, 2023 × He continued by saying that in the aftermath of Russia's war in Ukraine, the UK's declining warfighting capabilities, which had been the result of decades of budget cuts, needed to be reversed sooner than anticipated. Also read | UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak fires Tory party chairman Nadhim Zahawi The general is alleged to have used a word to rank a nation's military power, with tier one being thought of as a top-level power shared by the US, Russia, China, and France. Also watch | UK: Boris Johnson says Putin 'threatened him with missile strike' Tier two would be used to indicate a more mediocre power with less combat might, like Germany or Italy. According to the sources, the general, referring to the Army, said: "You haven't got a tier one. It's barely tier two." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

British Army no longer among world's top combat forces, says US general

During the ongoing Cincinnati Open, a huge controversy erupted recently. A fan draped herself in a Ukrainian flag and was asked to remove it after objection from a Russian athlete.&nbsp;The incident occurred&nbsp;during a qualifying match between Russian players Anna Kalinskaya and Anastasia Potapova.&nbsp;

Thus, when a spectator was spotted with a Ukraine flag, the officials asked her to remove following a complaint from a Russian player. The incident grabbed a lot of eyeballs and the video of the chair umpire's interaction with the fan has also gone viral on social media platforms. Here's the video:

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...but after the Russian player complained to the umpire, the umpire descended from her chair and confronted the fan about her presence with the flag, telling her it was "not nice"...to be sitting with the flag. 
 
Lola responded that it was "not nice to invade a country."
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg/status/1559251920342106112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Video of some of this incident surfaced hours later on social media, via <a href="https://twitter.com/TrashyTennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@trashytennis</a><a href="https://t.co/bYlFL38L9X">pic.twitter.com/bYlFL38L9X</a>
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenRothenberg/status/1559251921914978304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Following her interaction with chair umpire, the fan left the court and was&nbsp;reportedly approached by the head of security too, informing&nbsp;her the flag was above the allowed size.

Issuing a clarification on the whole matter, a spokesperson for the tournament said in a statement, “Per the Western &amp; Southern Open’s bag policy, as stated on the tournament’s website, flags or banners larger than 18 x 18 are prohibited. Therefore, the patron was asked to remove the flag from the grounds and after doing so was allowed to remain at the tournament."

“Any inquiries about the chair umpire should be directed to the WTA Tour,” it further added. So far, there has been no reaction from the WTA on the incident. However, many fans have lashed out at the officials for asking the spectator to remove her country's flag.&nbsp;

Russia and Ukraine have been involved in a war following Vladamir Putin's decision&nbsp;of invading&nbsp;the European country. To date, there has been no resolution to the conflict.

During the ongoing Cincinnati Open, a huge controversy erupted recently. A fan draped herself in a Ukrainian flag and was asked to remove it after objection from a Russian athlete.

During the ongoing Cincinnati Open, a huge controversy erupted recently. A fan draped herself in a Ukrainian flag and was asked to remove it after objection from a Russian athlete. The incident occurred during a qualifying match between Russian players Anna Kalinskaya and Anastasia Potapova. Thus, when a spectator was spotted with a Ukraine flag, the officials asked her to remove following a complaint from a Russian player. The incident grabbed a lot of eyeballs and the video of the chair umpire's interaction with the fan has also gone viral on social media platforms. Here's the video: ...but after the Russian player complained to the umpire, the umpire descended from her chair and confronted the fan about her presence with the flag, telling her it was "not nice"...to be sitting with the flag. Lola responded that it was "not nice to invade a country." — Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) August 15, 2022 × Video of some of this incident surfaced hours later on social media, via @trashytennispic.twitter.com/bYlFL38L9X — Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) August 15, 2022 × ALSO READ | Will not play more than what I believe works well for my body: Rafael Nadal opens up on his abdominal injury Following her interaction with chair umpire, the fan left the court and was reportedly approached by the head of security too, informing her the flag was above the allowed size. Issuing a clarification on the whole matter, a spokesperson for the tournament said in a statement, “Per the Western & Southern Open’s bag policy, as stated on the tournament’s website, flags or banners larger than 18 x 18 are prohibited. Therefore, the patron was asked to remove the flag from the grounds and after doing so was allowed to remain at the tournament." “Any inquiries about the chair umpire should be directed to the WTA Tour,” it further added. So far, there has been no reaction from the WTA on the incident. However, many fans have lashed out at the officials for asking the spectator to remove her country's flag. Russia and Ukraine have been involved in a war following Vladamir Putin's decision of invading the European country. To date, there has been no resolution to the conflict.

Controversy erupts after spectator asked to remove Ukraine flag at Cincinnati Open by officials - WATCH

UN&nbsp;experts have confirmed the full or partial destruction of 152&nbsp;cultural&nbsp;and historic heritage sites in&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;since&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;invaded the country, its&nbsp;cultural&nbsp;agency said Thursday.

They include museums and monuments, churches and other religious buildings, and libraries and other exceptional buildings, UNESCO said in&nbsp;an update of its efforts to assist&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;authorities in documenting the damage.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-a-tough-bite-to-chew-and-so-would-be-finland-says-armed-forces-chief-on-russian-invasion-490781">Ukraine a tough bite to chew and so would be Finland, says armed forces chief on Russian invasion</a>

"These repeated attacks on Ukrainian&nbsp;cultural&nbsp;sites must stop.&nbsp;Cultural&nbsp;heritage, in all its forms, should not be targeted under any circumstances," UNESCO'S director-general Audrey Azoulay said in a statement.

Her agency has been helping&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;authorities to mark&nbsp;landmarks&nbsp;with the distinctive "blue shield," meaning they are protected under the 1954 Hague convention on culture in armed conflicts, of which both&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;are signatories.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Russia pounds Kharkiv &amp; Eastern Donbas, Ukrainian soldiers fight back

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Yet dozens of sites have been damaged since the start of the Russian invasion on February 24, with three-quarters in the eastern regions of Kharkiv and Donetsk as well as near the capital Kyiv, UNESCO said in its update.

But for now, the seven World Heritage Sites in&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;have not been affected, such as the Saint Sophia Cathedral and monastic buildings of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in the capital.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-tensions-with-russia-over-kaliningrad-lithuania-says-ready-to-face-power-grid-disconnection-490772">Amid tensions with Russia over Kaliningrad, Lithuania says ready to face power grid disconnection</a>

Ukraine&nbsp;has demanded that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;be expelled from UNESCO, and the agency has indefinitely postponed a meeting to discuss the status of World Heritage Sites that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;was to host this month in the city of Kazan.

UNESCO has warned that Russian troops or officials found guilty of knowingly destroying&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;heritage sites could be prosecuted under international law.

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UN experts have confirmed the full or partial destruction of 152 cultural and historic heritage sites in Ukraine since Russia invaded the country, its cultural agency said Thursday.

UN experts have confirmed the full or partial destruction of 152 cultural and historic heritage sites in Ukraine since Russia invaded the country, its cultural agency said Thursday. They include museums and monuments, churches and other religious buildings, and libraries and other exceptional buildings, UNESCO said in an update of its efforts to assist Ukraine authorities in documenting the damage. Also read | Ukraine a tough bite to chew and so would be Finland, says armed forces chief on Russian invasion "These repeated attacks on Ukrainian cultural sites must stop. Cultural heritage, in all its forms, should not be targeted under any circumstances," UNESCO'S director-general Audrey Azoulay said in a statement. Her agency has been helping Ukraine authorities to mark landmarks with the distinctive "blue shield," meaning they are protected under the 1954 Hague convention on culture in armed conflicts, of which both Russia and Ukraine are signatories. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Russia pounds Kharkiv & Eastern Donbas, Ukrainian soldiers fight back Yet dozens of sites have been damaged since the start of the Russian invasion on February 24, with three-quarters in the eastern regions of Kharkiv and Donetsk as well as near the capital Kyiv, UNESCO said in its update. But for now, the seven World Heritage Sites in Ukraine have not been affected, such as the Saint Sophia Cathedral and monastic buildings of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra in the capital. Also read | Amid tensions with Russia over Kaliningrad, Lithuania says ready to face power grid disconnection Ukraine has demanded that Russia be expelled from UNESCO, and the agency has indefinitely postponed a meeting to discuss the status of World Heritage Sites that Russia was to host this month in the city of Kazan. UNESCO has warned that Russian troops or officials found guilty of knowingly destroying Ukraine heritage sites could be prosecuted under international law. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Over 150 Ukraine cultural landmarks destroyed by Russia's war: UN

Hollywood actor and producer Ben Stiller called Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy his 'hero' as they met in Kyiv recently. Still is visiting Ukraine as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and visited the Office of the President after a visit to the occupied settlements of the Kyiv region.&nbsp; 
 
On Monday, they visited, in particular, the ruined residential areas of Irpin, where they talked to people who survived the occupation. 
 
"It's one thing to see this destruction on TV or on social networks. Another thing is to see it all with your own eyes. That`s a lot more shocking," said Stiller. 
 
"What you saw in Irpin is definitely dreadful. But it is even worse to just imagine what is happening in the settlements that are still under temporary occupation in the east," Zelenskyy said in response. During the conversation, Stiller told Zelenskyy, "You're my hero." 
 
The President and the actor discussed the needs of temporarily displaced persons in Ukraine, as well as those in Poland, which Ben Stiller visited the day before. Stiller visited Zelenskyy with a UNHCR delegation and discussed ways of further cooperation of the Ukrainian authorities with UNHCR. 
 
On World Refugee Day, Stiller called for compassion and support for all refugees around the world and those forced to flee. During a visit to Poland and Ukraine this week, where Stiller is meeting those recently forced to flee their homes, the actor, director, and long-term Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, is calling for urgent global support and funding, not only for those affected by the Ukraine crisis, but for every one of the 100 million around the world who have been forced to flee. 
 
In a statement to mark World Refugee Day today, Stiller said,"I`m here meeting people forced to flee their homes due to the war in Ukraine. People have shared stories about how the war has changed their lives - how they`ve lost everything and are deeply worried about their future." 
 
"Over the years I`ve had the chance to meet refugees and asylum seekers from around the world-from Syria, Central America, Afghanistan, Iraq, and now Ukraine," he added. 
 
Since Saturday 18 June, Stiller has been in Poland and Ukraine meeting with individuals and families who have been displaced due to the war. 
 
(With agency inputs)

Hollywood actor and producer Ben Stiller called Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy his 'hero' as they met in Kyiv recently. Still is visiting Ukraine as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and visited the Office of the President after a visit to the occupied settlements of the Kyiv region.

Hollywood actor and producer Ben Stiller called Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy his 'hero' as they met in Kyiv recently. Still is visiting Ukraine as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and visited the Office of the President after a visit to the occupied settlements of the Kyiv region. On Monday, they visited, in particular, the ruined residential areas of Irpin, where they talked to people who survived the occupation. "It's one thing to see this destruction on TV or on social networks. Another thing is to see it all with your own eyes. That`s a lot more shocking," said Stiller. "What you saw in Irpin is definitely dreadful. But it is even worse to just imagine what is happening in the settlements that are still under temporary occupation in the east," Zelenskyy said in response. During the conversation, Stiller told Zelenskyy, "You're my hero." The President and the actor discussed the needs of temporarily displaced persons in Ukraine, as well as those in Poland, which Ben Stiller visited the day before. Stiller visited Zelenskyy with a UNHCR delegation and discussed ways of further cooperation of the Ukrainian authorities with UNHCR. On World Refugee Day, Stiller called for compassion and support for all refugees around the world and those forced to flee. During a visit to Poland and Ukraine this week, where Stiller is meeting those recently forced to flee their homes, the actor, director, and long-term Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, is calling for urgent global support and funding, not only for those affected by the Ukraine crisis, but for every one of the 100 million around the world who have been forced to flee. In a statement to mark World Refugee Day today, Stiller said,"I`m here meeting people forced to flee their homes due to the war in Ukraine. People have shared stories about how the war has changed their lives - how they`ve lost everything and are deeply worried about their future." "Over the years I`ve had the chance to meet refugees and asylum seekers from around the world-from Syria, Central America, Afghanistan, Iraq, and now Ukraine," he added. Since Saturday 18 June, Stiller has been in Poland and Ukraine meeting with individuals and families who have been displaced due to the war. (With agency inputs)

Actor Ben Stiller visits Ukraine, calls President Zelensky his 'hero'

Ukraine war: A timeline of 100 days of fighting that killed thousands of civilians

Two&nbsp;people were&nbsp;injured&nbsp;following an explosion in the Moscow-controlled city of&nbsp;Melitopol&nbsp;in southeastern&nbsp;Ukraine, local pro-Kremlin authorities said on Monday, blaming Kyiv.

Russian troops took control of the city in the Zaporizhzhia region in the early days of Moscow's military campaign in&nbsp;Ukraine, but were met with fierce resistance.

"This morning there was a terrorist attack aimed at destabilising the peaceful life of the city,"&nbsp;Melitopol's Russia-installed authorities said on Telegram.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-new-law-to-enlist-more-people-into-armed-forces-483264">Russia's new law to enlist more people into armed forces</a>

According to the statement, a car packed with explosives blew up in the city centre, injuring&nbsp;two&nbsp;"humanitarian aid" volunteers, a 28-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man.

"The Ukrainian government continues its war on the civilian population and the infrastructure of cities," the statement said, adding that an investigation was underway.&nbsp;

Clouds of black smoke were visible in the city on Monday morning. The&nbsp;blast&nbsp;shook the windows and walls of nearby buildings, Vladimir Rogov, a Russia-appointed official in&nbsp;Melitopol, said on Telegram.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Did Putin survive an assassination attempt?

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In another sign that Moscow is looking to maintain a long-term presence in parts of&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;controlled by its troops, Russian investigators said they would be looking into the&nbsp;blast.&nbsp;

Russia's Investigative Committee "will identify the persons involved in committing this crime in order to bring the perpetrators to justice," it said in a statement.&nbsp;

According to its information, the&nbsp;blast&nbsp;"organised by Ukrainian saboteurs" took place during the distribution of humanitarian aid near a residential building.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russia-targets-key-eastern-town-in-severodonetsk-civilians-trapped-483220">Ukraine war: Russia targets key eastern town; civilians trapped</a>

Three people were&nbsp;injured,&nbsp;two&nbsp;of whom are in hospital, the investigators said.&nbsp;

Some reports suggested that the&nbsp;blast&nbsp;took place near the area where the Russia-installed head of the Zaporizhzhia region, Yevgeny Balitsky, lives.

Last week, the Moscow-appointed mayor of Enerhodar, another city in the Zaporizhzhia region under Russian control, was&nbsp;injured&nbsp;in an explosion.

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Two people were injured following an explosion in the Moscow-controlled city of Melitopol in southeastern Ukraine, local pro-Kremlin authorities said on Monday, blaming Kyiv.

Two people were injured following an explosion in the Moscow-controlled city of Melitopol in southeastern Ukraine, local pro-Kremlin authorities said on Monday, blaming Kyiv. Russian troops took control of the city in the Zaporizhzhia region in the early days of Moscow's military campaign in Ukraine, but were met with fierce resistance. "This morning there was a terrorist attack aimed at destabilising the peaceful life of the city," Melitopol's Russia-installed authorities said on Telegram. Also read | Russia's new law to enlist more people into armed forces According to the statement, a car packed with explosives blew up in the city centre, injuring two "humanitarian aid" volunteers, a 28-year-old woman and a 25-year-old man. "The Ukrainian government continues its war on the civilian population and the infrastructure of cities," the statement said, adding that an investigation was underway. Clouds of black smoke were visible in the city on Monday morning. The blast shook the windows and walls of nearby buildings, Vladimir Rogov, a Russia-appointed official in Melitopol, said on Telegram. Watch | Gravitas: Did Putin survive an assassination attempt? In another sign that Moscow is looking to maintain a long-term presence in parts of Ukraine controlled by its troops, Russian investigators said they would be looking into the blast. Russia's Investigative Committee "will identify the persons involved in committing this crime in order to bring the perpetrators to justice," it said in a statement. According to its information, the blast "organised by Ukrainian saboteurs" took place during the distribution of humanitarian aid near a residential building. Also read | Ukraine war: Russia targets key eastern town; civilians trapped Three people were injured, two of whom are in hospital, the investigators said. Some reports suggested that the blast took place near the area where the Russia-installed head of the Zaporizhzhia region, Yevgeny Balitsky, lives. Last week, the Moscow-appointed mayor of Enerhodar, another city in the Zaporizhzhia region under Russian control, was injured in an explosion. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine war: Two injured in blast in Russia-controlled Melitopol

In pics: Timeline of siege of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol

In pics| Thousands of faithful Catholics pray at Portuguese shrine despite fears of new Covid wave

Relatives&nbsp;and supporters of Ukrainian&nbsp;fighters&nbsp;in the Azovstal&nbsp;steel&nbsp;plant&nbsp;on Thursday called for fresh efforts to save them as&nbsp;Kyiv&nbsp;said new talks were underway with Moscow on a plan to&nbsp;rescue&nbsp;badly wounded servicemen.

Russian forces have been bombarding the&nbsp;steelworks in the southern port of Mariupol, the last bastion of Ukrainian defenders in a city almost completely controlled by Russia after more than two months of a siege.

Civilians had been trapped at the&nbsp;plant&nbsp;and&nbsp;Kyiv&nbsp;says they have all been evacuated. But there is no deal on allowing out hundreds of&nbsp;fighters, some of whom are wounded.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-russian-soldier-appears-in-court-in-trial-for-war-crimes-in-ukraine-478768">First Russian soldier appears in Ukraine court for war crimes trial</a>

"We have started a new round of negotiations around a road map for an (evacuation) operation. And we will start with those who are badly wounded," Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk told 1+1 television.

Vereshchuk said Ukrainian authorities were&nbsp;working&nbsp;with the Red Cross and United Nations, which had both&nbsp;helped with earlier evacuations.

"We want a document signed on how an evacuation would take place at Azovstal," she said, adding that Turkey - which has offered to host talks between the presidents of Russia and&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;- was also acting as an intermediary.

Watch |&nbsp;Fighting intensifies in Ukraine: Ukrainian soldiers vow to fight till the end

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Demonstrators, mostly women, marched through central&nbsp;Kyiv, holding banners and chanting, "Save defenders of Mariupol, save Azovstal," "Glory to the heroes of Mariupol," and "Save the military of Azovstal."

Maria Zimareva, whose relative is a Azov battalion fighter, said tearfully, "I want all the defenders who are there to return home so that they can continue a normal life with their children and&nbsp;relatives."

People holed up in the&nbsp;steelworks were dying of wounds that could normally be treated, said Tetiana Pogorlova.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-is-preparing-to-send-bodies-of-hundreds-of-russian-soldiers-home-478853">Ukraine is preparing to send bodies of 'hundreds' of Russian soldiers home</a>

"Nobody attempts to save them. There is nothing we can do except for gathering at such demonstrations and making demands on our authorities."

Mariupol resident Alina Nesterenko was also at the demonstration in the capital. "The conditions they are in are horrible," she said. "I have no words to describe them. That's why we are here. We are begging, we are&nbsp;pleading in every possible way, we are asking for our loved ones to be saved."

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Relatives and supporters of Ukrainian fighters in the Azovstal steel plant on Thursday called for fresh efforts to save them as Kyiv said new talks were underway with Moscow on a plan to rescue badly wounded servicemen.

Relatives and supporters of Ukrainian fighters in the Azovstal steel plant on Thursday called for fresh efforts to save them as Kyiv said new talks were underway with Moscow on a plan to rescue badly wounded servicemen. Russian forces have been bombarding the steelworks in the southern port of Mariupol, the last bastion of Ukrainian defenders in a city almost completely controlled by Russia after more than two months of a siege. Civilians had been trapped at the plant and Kyiv says they have all been evacuated. But there is no deal on allowing out hundreds of fighters, some of whom are wounded. Also read | First Russian soldier appears in Ukraine court for war crimes trial "We have started a new round of negotiations around a road map for an (evacuation) operation. And we will start with those who are badly wounded," Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk told 1+1 television. Vereshchuk said Ukrainian authorities were working with the Red Cross and United Nations, which had both helped with earlier evacuations. "We want a document signed on how an evacuation would take place at Azovstal," she said, adding that Turkey - which has offered to host talks between the presidents of Russia and Ukraine - was also acting as an intermediary. Watch | Fighting intensifies in Ukraine: Ukrainian soldiers vow to fight till the end Demonstrators, mostly women, marched through central Kyiv, holding banners and chanting, "Save defenders of Mariupol, save Azovstal," "Glory to the heroes of Mariupol," and "Save the military of Azovstal." Maria Zimareva, whose relative is a Azov battalion fighter, said tearfully, "I want all the defenders who are there to return home so that they can continue a normal life with their children and relatives." People holed up in the steelworks were dying of wounds that could normally be treated, said Tetiana Pogorlova. Also read | Ukraine is preparing to send bodies of 'hundreds' of Russian soldiers home "Nobody attempts to save them. There is nothing we can do except for gathering at such demonstrations and making demands on our authorities." Mariupol resident Alina Nesterenko was also at the demonstration in the capital. "The conditions they are in are horrible," she said. "I have no words to describe them. That's why we are here. We are begging, we are pleading in every possible way, we are asking for our loved ones to be saved." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Relatives of fighters in Ukraine steel plant plead for help, Kyiv working on rescue

French President Emmanuel&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;formally begins his&nbsp;second&nbsp;term&nbsp;in office on Saturday, maintaining suspense about his new government ahead of parliamentary elections next month that will shape his next five years in power.&nbsp;

The 44-year-old scored a solid victory in April 24 presidential polls against far-right leader Marine Le Pen, but still needs a majority in parliament to be able to push through his domestic reform agenda. &nbsp;

The identity of&nbsp;Macron's new government is expected to set the tone for campaigning, with the president suggesting he intends to name only the&nbsp;second&nbsp;woman prime minister in modern French history.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macrons-party-changes-name-to-renaissance-ahead-of-parliamentary-elections-476791">Emmanuel Macron’s party changes name to ‘Renaissance’ ahead of parliamentary elections</a>

Speculation has been rife in the French media, with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and current Labour Minister Elisabeth Borne seen as possible candidates, but&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;has taken his time to name a replacement for outgoing Premier Jean Castex.

"It's been decided, but no one knows who it is," a presidential advisor told AFP on condition of anonymity.

An announcement is expected early next week.&nbsp;

Macron's Republic on the Move party has been renamed Renaissance ahead of the parliamentary polls on June 12 and 19, with several centrist and centre-right parties set to compete under the collective pro-Macron&nbsp;banner of "Together".

France's splintered left-wing parties have also agreed a tie-up under the leadership of former Trotskyist Jean-Luc Melenchon who has set his sights on a parliamentary majority to thwart&nbsp;Macron's plans.

"To go from around 60 MPs (in the current parliament) to a majority is highly improbable, but the dynamic created by the new union could mean they make major progress," Frederic Dabi, head of the Ifop polling group, told AFP this week.

Le Pen's National Rally and France's ailing mainstream right-wing party, the Republicans, are also hoping to bounce back from their disappointment in the presidential election by securing significant representation in the 577-seat parliament.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Macron warns against humiliating Putin

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Combination of&nbsp;challenges

Macron&nbsp;won re-election with promises to continue his broadly pro-business and pro-EU policies of his first&nbsp;term, with more tax cuts, welfare reform and pledged a new emphasis on environmental protection for the next five years.

The biggest change is expected to be in his style of governing.

The former investment banker repeatedly promised "a new method" that will be less top-down a move designed to tackle his reputation for elitism and high-handedness.

"For it to work, there needs to be results that are concrete and visible to people," Bernard Sananes, the head of polling group Elabe, told AFP. "If it's just about showing you're listening to people, that's great but it won't be enough."

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-modi-to-hold-closed-door-talks-on-russia-ukraine-war-reports-476410">&nbsp;Macron, Modi to hold closed-door talks on Russia-Ukraine war: Reports</a>

Others wonder whether the more consultative style is in keeping with the temperament of a president who is known to centralise decision-making and once theorised that French people wanted a king-like figure at the centre of national life.&nbsp;

His short-term&nbsp;domestic priority is expected to be tackling a cost-of-living crisis that dominated the presidential campaign due to sharp rises in energy prices and other goods linked to product shortages and the war in Ukraine.

In foreign policy, where&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;will have a free hand as president irrespective of the parliamentary result, he has promised to work to deepen the 27-member European Union while managing the fallout from the Ukraine conflict.

Macron&nbsp;has positioned himself as a key link to the Kremlin through his regular talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while also authorising weapons deliveries to Ukraine and offering the partly occupied country his full support.

"Rarely has our world and our country been confronted with such a combination of&nbsp;challenges,"&nbsp;Macron&nbsp;said as he was inaugurated for his&nbsp;second&nbsp;term&nbsp;on May 7.&nbsp;

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French President Emmanuel Macron formally begins his second term in office on Saturday, maintaining suspense about his new government ahead of parliamentary elections next month that will shape his next five years in power.

French President Emmanuel Macron formally begins his second term in office on Saturday, maintaining suspense about his new government ahead of parliamentary elections next month that will shape his next five years in power. The 44-year-old scored a solid victory in April 24 presidential polls against far-right leader Marine Le Pen, but still needs a majority in parliament to be able to push through his domestic reform agenda. The identity of Macron's new government is expected to set the tone for campaigning, with the president suggesting he intends to name only the second woman prime minister in modern French history. Also read | Emmanuel Macron’s party changes name to ‘Renaissance’ ahead of parliamentary elections Speculation has been rife in the French media, with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and current Labour Minister Elisabeth Borne seen as possible candidates, but Macron has taken his time to name a replacement for outgoing Premier Jean Castex. "It's been decided, but no one knows who it is," a presidential advisor told AFP on condition of anonymity. An announcement is expected early next week. Macron's Republic on the Move party has been renamed Renaissance ahead of the parliamentary polls on June 12 and 19, with several centrist and centre-right parties set to compete under the collective pro-Macron banner of "Together". France's splintered left-wing parties have also agreed a tie-up under the leadership of former Trotskyist Jean-Luc Melenchon who has set his sights on a parliamentary majority to thwart Macron's plans. "To go from around 60 MPs (in the current parliament) to a majority is highly improbable, but the dynamic created by the new union could mean they make major progress," Frederic Dabi, head of the Ifop polling group, told AFP this week. Le Pen's National Rally and France's ailing mainstream right-wing party, the Republicans, are also hoping to bounce back from their disappointment in the presidential election by securing significant representation in the 577-seat parliament. Watch | Gravitas: Macron warns against humiliating Putin Combination of challenges Macron won re-election with promises to continue his broadly pro-business and pro-EU policies of his first term, with more tax cuts, welfare reform and pledged a new emphasis on environmental protection for the next five years. The biggest change is expected to be in his style of governing. The former investment banker repeatedly promised "a new method" that will be less top-down a move designed to tackle his reputation for elitism and high-handedness. "For it to work, there needs to be results that are concrete and visible to people," Bernard Sananes, the head of polling group Elabe, told AFP. "If it's just about showing you're listening to people, that's great but it won't be enough." Also read | Macron, Modi to hold closed-door talks on Russia-Ukraine war: Reports Others wonder whether the more consultative style is in keeping with the temperament of a president who is known to centralise decision-making and once theorised that French people wanted a king-like figure at the centre of national life. His short-term domestic priority is expected to be tackling a cost-of-living crisis that dominated the presidential campaign due to sharp rises in energy prices and other goods linked to product shortages and the war in Ukraine. In foreign policy, where Macron will have a free hand as president irrespective of the parliamentary result, he has promised to work to deepen the 27-member European Union while managing the fallout from the Ukraine conflict. Macron has positioned himself as a key link to the Kremlin through his regular talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while also authorising weapons deliveries to Ukraine and offering the partly occupied country his full support. "Rarely has our world and our country been confronted with such a combination of challenges," Macron said as he was inaugurated for his second term on May 7. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

French President Emmanuel Macron starts second term with challenges mounting

Tears in Mariupol as evacuation takes centerstage amid Ukraine war

President Joe&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;asked Congress for $33&nbsp;billion&nbsp;to&nbsp;support&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;- a dramatic escalation of US&nbsp;funding for the&nbsp;war&nbsp;with Russia - and the Ukrainian president pleaded with lawmakers to give the request a swift&nbsp;approval.

The funding request includes over $20&nbsp;billion&nbsp;for weapons, ammunition and other military assistance, as well as $8.5&nbsp;billion&nbsp;in direct economic assistance to the Ukrainian government and $3&nbsp;billion&nbsp;in humanitarian aid. It is intended to cover the&nbsp;war&nbsp;effort's needs through September, the end of the fiscal year.

"We need this bill to&nbsp;support&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;in its fight for freedom,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said at the White House after signing the request on Thursday. "The cost of this fight - it's not cheap - but caving to aggression is going to be more costly."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-rockets-strike-kyiv-during-un-chief-antonio-guterres-visit-474784">Russian rockets strike Kyiv during UN chief Antonio Guterres' visit</a>

The United States has ruled out sending its own or NATO forces to&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;but Washington and its European allies have supplied weapons to Kyiv such as drones, Howitzer heavy artillery, anti-aircraft Stinger and anti-tank Javelin missiles.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr&nbsp;Zelensky&nbsp;hailed what he called "a very important step" by the United States.

"I am thankful to the American people and personally to President&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;for it. I hope that Congress will&nbsp;quickly approve this request for help to our state," he said in a late night video address.

Biden's proposal would also let US&nbsp;officials seize more Russian oligarchs' assets, give the cash from those seizures to&nbsp;Ukraine, and further criminalize sanctions dodging, the White House said.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia energy giant Gazprom lands record high profit of $29 billion in 2021

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That would include letting the Justice Department use the strict US&nbsp;racketeering law once deployed against the mafia, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, to build cases against people who evade sanctions.

Biden&nbsp;also&nbsp;wants&nbsp;to give prosecutors more time to build such cases by extending the statute of limitations on money laundering prosecutions to 10 years, instead of five. He would also make it a criminal act to hold money knowingly taken from corrupt dealings with Russia, according to a summary of the legislative proposals.

The measures are part of U.S. efforts to isolate and punish Russia for its Feb. 24 invasion of&nbsp;Ukraine, as well as to help Kyiv recover from a&nbsp;war&nbsp;that has reduced cities to rubble and forced more than 5 million people to flee abroad.

Biden&nbsp;has already asked for record peacetime sums to fund Pentagon research and development, and efforts to counter perceived threats from countries including Russia.

The full package represents a fifth of pre-war&nbsp;Ukrainian annual economic output, and the $20&nbsp;billion&nbsp;US&nbsp;military assistance alone is about a third of what the Russian military spent overall last year, before the&nbsp;war&nbsp;began.

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A package would include food security assistance, economic stimulus for&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;and funding to use the Cold&nbsp;War-era Defense Production Act to expand domestic production of key minerals in short supply due to the&nbsp;war.

But the funding measure may face issues on Capitol Hill.&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;asked for $22.5&nbsp;billion&nbsp;in money for the COVID-19 response in March and Democrats with narrow control of the Senate and House of Representatives may push to have that passed at the same time as the&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;measure.

While lawmakers are broadly&nbsp;supportive of spending on&nbsp;Ukraine, Republican congressional aides said on Thursday that efforts to combine the&nbsp;war&nbsp;funding with the pandemic response could make it difficult to pass.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-rockets-strike-kyiv-during-un-chief-antonio-guterres-visit-474784">Russian rockets strike Kyiv during UN chief Antonio Guterres' visit</a>

"I don't care how they do it,"&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;said. "They can do it separately or together, but we need them both."

U.S. military aid to&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;has topped $3&nbsp;billion&nbsp;since Russia launched what it calls a "special military operation" to demilitarize Ukraine&nbsp;and protect it from fascists. Kyiv and its Western allies reject that as a false pretext.

The United States and its European allies have frozen $30&nbsp;billion&nbsp;of assets held by wealthy individuals with ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, including yachts, helicopters, real estate and art, the&nbsp;Biden&nbsp;administration has said.

President Joe Biden asked Congress for $33 billion to support Ukraine - a dramatic escalation of US funding for the war with Russia - and the Ukrainian president pleaded with lawmakers to give the request a swift approval.

President Joe Biden asked Congress for $33 billion to support Ukraine - a dramatic escalation of US funding for the war with Russia - and the Ukrainian president pleaded with lawmakers to give the request a swift approval. The funding request includes over $20 billion for weapons, ammunition and other military assistance, as well as $8.5 billion in direct economic assistance to the Ukrainian government and $3 billion in humanitarian aid. It is intended to cover the war effort's needs through September, the end of the fiscal year. "We need this bill to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom," Biden said at the White House after signing the request on Thursday. "The cost of this fight - it's not cheap - but caving to aggression is going to be more costly." Also read | Russian rockets strike Kyiv during UN chief Antonio Guterres' visit The United States has ruled out sending its own or NATO forces to Ukraine but Washington and its European allies have supplied weapons to Kyiv such as drones, Howitzer heavy artillery, anti-aircraft Stinger and anti-tank Javelin missiles. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky hailed what he called "a very important step" by the United States. "I am thankful to the American people and personally to President Biden for it. I hope that Congress will quickly approve this request for help to our state," he said in a late night video address. Biden's proposal would also let US officials seize more Russian oligarchs' assets, give the cash from those seizures to Ukraine, and further criminalize sanctions dodging, the White House said. Watch | Russia energy giant Gazprom lands record high profit of $29 billion in 2021 That would include letting the Justice Department use the strict US racketeering law once deployed against the mafia, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, to build cases against people who evade sanctions. Biden also wants to give prosecutors more time to build such cases by extending the statute of limitations on money laundering prosecutions to 10 years, instead of five. He would also make it a criminal act to hold money knowingly taken from corrupt dealings with Russia, according to a summary of the legislative proposals. The measures are part of U.S. efforts to isolate and punish Russia for its Feb. 24 invasion of Ukraine, as well as to help Kyiv recover from a war that has reduced cities to rubble and forced more than 5 million people to flee abroad. Biden has already asked for record peacetime sums to fund Pentagon research and development, and efforts to counter perceived threats from countries including Russia. The full package represents a fifth of pre-war Ukrainian annual economic output, and the $20 billion US military assistance alone is about a third of what the Russian military spent overall last year, before the war began. WATCH WION LIVE HERE A package would include food security assistance, economic stimulus for Ukraine and funding to use the Cold War-era Defense Production Act to expand domestic production of key minerals in short supply due to the war. But the funding measure may face issues on Capitol Hill. Biden asked for $22.5 billion in money for the COVID-19 response in March and Democrats with narrow control of the Senate and House of Representatives may push to have that passed at the same time as the Ukraine measure. While lawmakers are broadly supportive of spending on Ukraine, Republican congressional aides said on Thursday that efforts to combine the war funding with the pandemic response could make it difficult to pass. Also read | Russian rockets strike Kyiv during UN chief Antonio Guterres' visit "I don't care how they do it," Biden said. "They can do it separately or together, but we need them both." U.S. military aid to Ukraine has topped $3 billion since Russia launched what it calls a "special military operation" to demilitarize Ukraine and protect it from fascists. Kyiv and its Western allies reject that as a false pretext. The United States and its European allies have frozen $30 billion of assets held by wealthy individuals with ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, including yachts, helicopters, real estate and art, the Biden administration has said.

Biden seeks $33 billion war chest to support Ukraine, Zelensky wants quick approval

Facebook&nbsp;owner&nbsp;Meta&nbsp;Platforms&nbsp;briefly&nbsp;restricted&nbsp;hashtags&nbsp;related to civilian deaths in northern Ukraine, where bodies of people shot at close range were found in a town seized back from Russian forces, a company spokesman confirmed on Monday.

The&nbsp;killings&nbsp;in&nbsp;Bucha, outside Kyiv, have drawn pledges of further sanctions against Moscow from the West.

Meta&nbsp;spokesman Andy Stone said automated systems that scan for violent imagery on&nbsp;Facebook&nbsp;and Instagram, which the company also owns, were responsible for blocking&nbsp;hashtags&nbsp;including #bucha&nbsp;and #buchamassacre.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/with-29bn-twitter-stake-musk-now-owns-4-times-more-shares-than-founder-dorsey-stock-soars-21-468337">With $2.9bn Twitter stake, Musk now owns 4 times more shares than founder Dorsey, stock soars 21%</a>

"This happened automatically because of the graphic content people posted using these&nbsp;hashtags. When we were made aware of the issue yesterday, we acted quickly to unblock the&nbsp;hashtags," he wrote on Twitter.

Facebook&nbsp;and Instagram permit the posting of graphic and violent content when it is shared to raise awareness of possible human rights abuses, but deletes the content if it is extremely explicit or celebrates suffering.

Watch |&nbsp;Facebook's parent company Meta gave user data to hackers

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/facebooks-parent-company-meta-gave-user-data-to-hackers-467090/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The social media company also adds warning labels to some graphic posts that users must click through before they can see the images.

Human rights groups have critized&nbsp;Meta's approach to removing violent content during conflicts, saying its practice of purging the data from its servers after 90 days results in the deletion of critical evidence of war crimes.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-mums-write-family-contacts-on-bodies-of-their-babies-and-europe-is-still-discussing-gas-468513">&nbsp;'Ukrainian mums write family contacts on bodies of their babies and Europe is still discussing gas'</a>

Stone said&nbsp;Meta&nbsp;was "exploring ways to preserve this type and other types of content when we remove it," specifically in relation to the war in Ukraine.

Russia has denied any accusations related to the murder of civilians.

Facebook owner Meta Platforms briefly restricted hashtags related to civilian deaths in northern Ukraine, where bodies of people shot at close range were found in a town seized back from Russian forces, a company spokesman confirmed on Monday.

Facebook owner Meta Platforms briefly restricted hashtags related to civilian deaths in northern Ukraine, where bodies of people shot at close range were found in a town seized back from Russian forces, a company spokesman confirmed on Monday. The killings in Bucha, outside Kyiv, have drawn pledges of further sanctions against Moscow from the West. Meta spokesman Andy Stone said automated systems that scan for violent imagery on Facebook and Instagram, which the company also owns, were responsible for blocking hashtags including #bucha and #buchamassacre. Also read | With $2.9bn Twitter stake, Musk now owns 4 times more shares than founder Dorsey, stock soars 21% "This happened automatically because of the graphic content people posted using these hashtags. When we were made aware of the issue yesterday, we acted quickly to unblock the hashtags," he wrote on Twitter. Facebook and Instagram permit the posting of graphic and violent content when it is shared to raise awareness of possible human rights abuses, but deletes the content if it is extremely explicit or celebrates suffering. Watch | Facebook's parent company Meta gave user data to hackers The social media company also adds warning labels to some graphic posts that users must click through before they can see the images. Human rights groups have critized Meta's approach to removing violent content during conflicts, saying its practice of purging the data from its servers after 90 days results in the deletion of critical evidence of war crimes. Also read | 'Ukrainian mums write family contacts on bodies of their babies and Europe is still discussing gas' Stone said Meta was "exploring ways to preserve this type and other types of content when we remove it," specifically in relation to the war in Ukraine. Russia has denied any accusations related to the murder of civilians.

Facebook owner Meta briefly blocks hashtags tied to Bucha killings

Twenty&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;arrived in Tokyo Tuesday&nbsp;on&nbsp;a&nbsp;government&nbsp;plane&nbsp;with&nbsp;Foreign Minister&nbsp;Yoshimasa Hayashi after his trip to&nbsp;Poland, as&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;cautiously welcomes those fleeing Moscow's invasion.

Japan&nbsp;typically accepts just a few dozen refugees a year&nbsp;from&nbsp;thousands of applicants, and while it has cracked open its doors to&nbsp;Ukrainians, it calls them "evacuees" rather than refugees.

The 20&nbsp;Ukrainians&nbsp;flew with Hayashi&nbsp;from&nbsp;Poland, where he was&nbsp;on&nbsp;a multi-day trip to offer support for Kyiv as it battles Russia's invasion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-mums-write-family-contacts-on-bodies-of-their-babies-and-europe-is-still-discussing-gas-468513">'Ukrainian mums write family contacts on bodies of their babies and Europe is still discussing gas'</a>

"We learned there were several people who sincerely wished to evacuate to&nbsp;Japan, but had difficulty in securing travel means&nbsp;on&nbsp;their own," top&nbsp;government&nbsp;spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno said in a press conference&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tuesday.

"From&nbsp;a humanitarian point of view, 20 of these people were invited to fly&nbsp;on&nbsp;a&nbsp;government&nbsp;plane."

Japan&nbsp;has so far received 404 other&nbsp;Ukrainians, said Matsuno, after Prime&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Fumio Kishida last month announced a plan to accept those fleeing the war.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine accuses Russia after shocking images of civilian killings in Ukraine's Bucha surfaces

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But they are not designated as refugees, which would entitle them to stay in the country at least five years before applying for more permanent leave to remain.

Instead, the "evacuees" receive a 90-day visa that can be converted to a one-year status with permission to work.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-temperatures-drop-japan-asks-public-to-save-power-warns-of-blackouts-in-plea-464559">As temperatures drop, Japan asks public to save power, warns of blackouts in plea</a>

Japan&nbsp;has joined tough Western sanctions&nbsp;on&nbsp;Moscow over its invasion, and&nbsp;on&nbsp;Tuesday announced an additional $100 million in humanitarian aid for Kyiv, following another $100 million donation to Ukraine and neighbouring nations announced last month.

In 2020,&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;accepted just 47 refugees and 44 people&nbsp;on&nbsp;humanitarian grounds out of nearly 4,000 applicants, and rights groups have long accused Tokyo of doing too little to help those fleeing conflict.

Twenty Ukrainians arrived in Tokyo Tuesday on a government plane with Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi after his trip to Poland, as Japan cautiously welcomes those fleeing Moscow's invasion.

Twenty Ukrainians arrived in Tokyo Tuesday on a government plane with Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi after his trip to Poland, as Japan cautiously welcomes those fleeing Moscow's invasion. Japan typically accepts just a few dozen refugees a year from thousands of applicants, and while it has cracked open its doors to Ukrainians, it calls them "evacuees" rather than refugees. The 20 Ukrainians flew with Hayashi from Poland, where he was on a multi-day trip to offer support for Kyiv as it battles Russia's invasion. Also read | 'Ukrainian mums write family contacts on bodies of their babies and Europe is still discussing gas' "We learned there were several people who sincerely wished to evacuate to Japan, but had difficulty in securing travel means on their own," top government spokesman Hirokazu Matsuno said in a press conference on Tuesday. "From a humanitarian point of view, 20 of these people were invited to fly on a government plane." Japan has so far received 404 other Ukrainians, said Matsuno, after Prime Minister Fumio Kishida last month announced a plan to accept those fleeing the war. Watch | Ukraine accuses Russia after shocking images of civilian killings in Ukraine's Bucha surfaces But they are not designated as refugees, which would entitle them to stay in the country at least five years before applying for more permanent leave to remain. Instead, the "evacuees" receive a 90-day visa that can be converted to a one-year status with permission to work. Also read | As temperatures drop, Japan asks public to save power, warns of blackouts in plea Japan has joined tough Western sanctions on Moscow over its invasion, and on Tuesday announced an additional $100 million in humanitarian aid for Kyiv, following another $100 million donation to Ukraine and neighbouring nations announced last month. In 2020, Japan accepted just 47 refugees and 44 people on humanitarian grounds out of nearly 4,000 applicants, and rights groups have long accused Tokyo of doing too little to help those fleeing conflict.

Japan minister brings Ukrainians from Poland on government plane

Anatoly&nbsp;Chubais, a prominent Russian liberal reformer of the 1990s, has quit his post as sustainable development adviser to President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin confirmed Wednesday.

A source close to&nbsp;Chubais&nbsp;told state news agency TASS that the 66-year-old, who has sometimes voiced criticisms of Putin's actions, had left the country, while the Kremlin did not confirm this.

"Chubais&nbsp;resigned according to his own desire. But whether he has left or not -- that's his personal business," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told RIA Novosti state news agency.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-blocks-google-over-inauthentic-information-on-ukraine-war-465012">Russia blocks Google over 'inauthentic' information on Ukraine war</a>

Peskov did not give a reason for&nbsp;Chubais's resignation and the politician has not made a public statement.

Chubais&nbsp;was an economist who oversaw liberal free market reforms in the 1990s after the fall of the Soviet Union, including a privatisation drive, a role for which he remained highly unpopular in Russia.

Unlike some other liberals, he stayed working for Putin's regime.

He headed a state energy monopoly, followed by a post as chair of Rusnano, a group established by the Russian state to develop nano technology. In December 2020 he was appointed a special presidential envoy to international organisations, working on sustainable development.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-generations-of-women-flee-war-in-ukraine-for-spain-465015">Three generations of women flee war in Ukraine for Spain</a>

His recent posts on Facebook have included a photograph of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov, who was murdered outside the Kremlin walls in 2015.&nbsp;

On March 19, he posted a photograph of Yegor Gaidar, a fellow liberal reformer who died in 2009, writing: "I didn't agree with him in our arguments about the future of Russia. But it seems that Gaidar understood the strategic risks better than me and I was wrong."

Chubais&nbsp;is married to television presenter and filmmaker Avdotya Smirnova.

RBK news agency reported, citing two acquaintances of&nbsp;Chubais, that the couple have flown to Istanbul, while one said the politician planned to return to Russia.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Global Headlines: Ukraine: Russia attacks have killed 121 children

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-global-headlines-ukraine-russia-attacks-have-killed-121-children-465001/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Anatoly Chubais, a prominent Russian liberal reformer of the 1990s, has quit his post as sustainable development adviser to President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin confirmed Wednesday.

Anatoly Chubais, a prominent Russian liberal reformer of the 1990s, has quit his post as sustainable development adviser to President Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin confirmed Wednesday. A source close to Chubais told state news agency TASS that the 66-year-old, who has sometimes voiced criticisms of Putin's actions, had left the country, while the Kremlin did not confirm this. "Chubais resigned according to his own desire. But whether he has left or not -- that's his personal business," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told RIA Novosti state news agency. Also read | Russia blocks Google over 'inauthentic' information on Ukraine war Peskov did not give a reason for Chubais's resignation and the politician has not made a public statement. Chubais was an economist who oversaw liberal free market reforms in the 1990s after the fall of the Soviet Union, including a privatisation drive, a role for which he remained highly unpopular in Russia. Unlike some other liberals, he stayed working for Putin's regime. He headed a state energy monopoly, followed by a post as chair of Rusnano, a group established by the Russian state to develop nano technology. In December 2020 he was appointed a special presidential envoy to international organisations, working on sustainable development. Also read | Three generations of women flee war in Ukraine for Spain His recent posts on Facebook have included a photograph of opposition politician Boris Nemtsov, who was murdered outside the Kremlin walls in 2015. On March 19, he posted a photograph of Yegor Gaidar, a fellow liberal reformer who died in 2009, writing: "I didn't agree with him in our arguments about the future of Russia. But it seems that Gaidar understood the strategic risks better than me and I was wrong." Chubais is married to television presenter and filmmaker Avdotya Smirnova. RBK news agency reported, citing two acquaintances of Chubais, that the couple have flown to Istanbul, while one said the politician planned to return to Russia. Watch | Gravitas Global Headlines: Ukraine: Russia attacks have killed 121 children

Liberal Anatoly Chubais quits as Putin envoy: Kremlin

The&nbsp;comedy&nbsp;satire in which Volodymyr&nbsp;Zelensky&nbsp;unexpectedly becomes Ukraine's president -- his now war-time job in real life -- will be aired again&nbsp;on&nbsp;Netflix, the streaming platform announced Wednesday.

The resurrection of the&nbsp;TV&nbsp;series "Servant of the People" comes amid a global outpouring of praise for the former comedian now leading his outgunned country's fight against the Russian invasion.

"You asked and it's&nbsp;back,"&nbsp;Netflix&nbsp;tweeted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-condemns-us-president-biden-for-calling-putin-war-criminal-463022">Russia condemns US President Biden for calling Putin 'war criminal'</a>

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You asked and it’s back! 
 
Servant of the People is once again available on Netflix in The US. The 2015 satirical comedy series stars Volodymyr Zelenskyy playing a teacher who unexpectedly becomes President after a video of him complaining about corruption suddenly goes viral. <a href="https://t.co/Pp9f48jutF">pic.twitter.com/Pp9f48jutF</a>
— Netflix (@netflix) <a href="https://twitter.com/netflix/status/1504064948305080327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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On&nbsp;Tuesday&nbsp;Zelensky&nbsp;received a standing ovation as he addressed the US Congress via video link with an impassioned plea for more weaponry and the establishment of a no-fly zone to help Ukraine survive the Russian invasion, which began February 24.

In the 2015 series,&nbsp;Zelensky, who is now 44, plays a teacher who unexpectedly becomes president after a video of him complaining about corruption goes viral.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-compares-russian-invasion-to-911-and-pearl-harbor-attack-putin-says-invasion-on-course-463021">Zelensky compares Russian invasion to 9/11 and Pearl Harbor attack; Putin says invasion on course</a>

It was a huge hit in Ukraine and&nbsp;launched&nbsp;Zelensky's career in politics. He was elected president in 2019 as the star of a party with the same name as the&nbsp;TV&nbsp;series. He got more than 70 percent of the votes.

The French-German&nbsp;TV&nbsp;channel Arte has been airing "Servant of the People" online since November 19, citing huge interest.

Since the first days of the invasion, channels that have acquired the rights to air the series include Channel 4 in Britain, ANT 1 in Greece and PRO&nbsp;TV&nbsp;in Romania.

The series was first&nbsp;on&nbsp;Netflix&nbsp;from 2017 to 2021.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: Is the peace deal possible?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-invasion-is-the-peace-deal-possible-462981/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

The comedy satire in which Volodymyr Zelensky unexpectedly becomes Ukraine's president -- his now war-time job in real life -- will be aired again on Netflix, the streaming platform announced Wednesday.

The comedy satire in which Volodymyr Zelensky unexpectedly becomes Ukraine's president -- his now war-time job in real life -- will be aired again on Netflix, the streaming platform announced Wednesday. The resurrection of the TV series "Servant of the People" comes amid a global outpouring of praise for the former comedian now leading his outgunned country's fight against the Russian invasion. "You asked and it's back," Netflix tweeted. Also read | Russia condemns US President Biden for calling Putin 'war criminal' You asked and it’s back! Servant of the People is once again available on Netflix in The US. The 2015 satirical comedy series stars Volodymyr Zelenskyy playing a teacher who unexpectedly becomes President after a video of him complaining about corruption suddenly goes viral. pic.twitter.com/Pp9f48jutF — Netflix (@netflix) March 16, 2022 × On Tuesday Zelensky received a standing ovation as he addressed the US Congress via video link with an impassioned plea for more weaponry and the establishment of a no-fly zone to help Ukraine survive the Russian invasion, which began February 24. In the 2015 series, Zelensky, who is now 44, plays a teacher who unexpectedly becomes president after a video of him complaining about corruption goes viral. Also read | Zelensky compares Russian invasion to 9/11 and Pearl Harbor attack; Putin says invasion on course It was a huge hit in Ukraine and launched Zelensky's career in politics. He was elected president in 2019 as the star of a party with the same name as the TV series. He got more than 70 percent of the votes. The French-German TV channel Arte has been airing "Servant of the People" online since November 19, citing huge interest. Since the first days of the invasion, channels that have acquired the rights to air the series include Channel 4 in Britain, ANT 1 in Greece and PRO TV in Romania. The series was first on Netflix from 2017 to 2021. Watch | Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: Is the peace deal possible?

TV comedy that launched Volodymyr Zelensky to presidency back on Netflix

Professional boxing`s British governing body said on Thursday it would not allow boxers registered or licensed in Russia and Belarus to fight in Britain. The British Boxing Board of Control`s statement follows global sporting sanctions in response to Russia`s invasion of Ukraine.

No major professional fights in Britain are currently scheduled involving boxers from Russia or Belarus.

Russian light-heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol is due to fight Mexican Saul "Canelo" Alvarez in a high-profile WBA title fight in Las Vegas on May 7, a bout that has faced calls for cancellation.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-finland-captain-finn-sparv-wins-hearts-hands-over-apartment-keys-to-ukrainian-refugees-461070">Former Finland captain Finn Sparv wins hearts, hands over apartment keys to Ukrainian refugees</a>

Ukraine`s former world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, whose older brother Vitali is mayor of Kyiv, told the BBC this week that the fight should not be allowed to proceed.

Professional boxing`s British governing body said on Thursday it would not allow boxers registered or licensed in Russia and Belarus to fight in Britain. The British Boxing Board of Control`s statement follows global sporting sanctions in response to Russia`s invasion of Ukraine.

Professional boxing`s British governing body said on Thursday it would not allow boxers registered or licensed in Russia and Belarus to fight in Britain. The British Boxing Board of Control`s statement follows global sporting sanctions in response to Russia`s invasion of Ukraine. No major professional fights in Britain are currently scheduled involving boxers from Russia or Belarus. Russian light-heavyweight world champion Dmitry Bivol is due to fight Mexican Saul "Canelo" Alvarez in a high-profile WBA title fight in Las Vegas on May 7, a bout that has faced calls for cancellation. ALSO READ | Former Finland captain Finn Sparv wins hearts, hands over apartment keys to Ukrainian refugees Ukraine`s former world heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, whose older brother Vitali is mayor of Kyiv, told the BBC this week that the fight should not be allowed to proceed.

British board bans boxers from Russia and Belarus in wake of Ukraine crisis

Sanctions on Russia are starting to wreak havoc on global trade, with potentially devastating consequences for energy and grain importers while also generating ripple effects across a world still struggling with pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, hundreds of tankers and bulk carriers have been diverted away from the Black Sea, while dozens more have been stranded at ports and at sea unable to unload their valuable cargoes. Russia is a leading exporter of grains and a major supplier of crude oil, metals, wood and plastics&nbsp;all used worldwide in a range of products and by a multitude of industries from steelmakers to car manufacturers.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-chinese-broadcaster-censors-call-for-peace-at-paralympic-games-opening-ceremony-459155">&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Chinese broadcaster 'censors' call for peace at Paralympic Games opening ceremony</a>

Only a small handful of Russia's 2,000 cargo and tanker ships have been sanctioned by Western powers, but freezing the assets of the country's biggest banks means the business of importing and exporting from Russia will take a major hit. Intensifying the squeeze are companies from Apple and Nike to major shippers like Maersk abandoning the country, whose extensive trade ties with the West have been all but severed.

This is an earthquake like we've never seen before,&nbsp;said Ami Daniel, a co-founder of Windward, a maritime intelligence firm that advises governments. He added, Companies are going well beyond what's legally required and taking actions based on their own values before their customers even demand it.

One potential escape valve for Russian exports is China, whose fast-growing economy is thirsty for natural resources. But China, perhaps the biggest beneficiary of globalization, so far has shown little appetite to fully back President Vladimir Putin despite abstaining from a U.N. Vote condemning the land grab.

The strains are already being felt at Interunity Management Corp SA, a family-run Greek shipping company whose 60 oil tankers and bulk carriers are operated by 200 Russian and Ukrainian sea captains and officers.

After the invasion, the Russian half of Interunity's workforce wondered how they'd get home after the European Union imposed a flight ban on their country. The Ukrainian half didn't know if they'd have a home to return to.

Also read |&nbsp;A<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-south-koreas-polls-kim-jong-led-north-holds-2022s-ninth-missile-test-459144">head of South Korea’s polls, Kim Jong-led North holds 2022’s ninth missile test</a>

One Ukrainian senior officer stranded on a tanker in the Gulf of Mexico was so distraught that he demanded to be allowed to disembark months before his contract ended, said George Mangos, one of Interunity's directors.

He told me he wanted to get off at the next port so he could fight for his homeland, Mangos said. Operating a highly sophisticated tanker with a dangerous cargo is stressful even under normal situations, so all you can do is ask people to focus on the job and leave the politics aside. It's hard, but these are very stoic people, and I've been impressed by their dedication.

So far, the war's impact on global trade has been most severe in the Black Sea, where Russian and Ukrainian ports are major hubs for wheat and corn. Traffic has ground to a halt, effectively shutting down the world's second-largest grain exporting region.

Unlike oil production, which can be ramped up quickly elsewhere, boosting grain supplies takes time and the sheer volume that could be diverted as a result of war and sanctions Ukraine accounts for 16% of global corn exports and together with Russia 30% of wheat exports&nbsp;means poorer countries that depend on imports could face major supply shocks.

The question is not whether there will be serious economic effects and critical food shortages in already fragile countries, the question is what Russia will do with that and how the West will react, said Rohini Ralby, a director at I.R. Consilium, a U.S.-based maritime consulting firm.

Among the countries most at risk are Egypt, India and Turkey, all of which rely heavily on Russia for everything from staples used to make flatbread to natural gas and tourism.

Around 78% of Turkey's wheat imports come from Russia and another 9% from Ukraine. Much of those supplies are used in Turkey's food industry, a major exporter itself. India imports about 80% of its oil, much of it from Russia, and metals from Russia to supply the world's fifth-largest automobile industry.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-at-least-three-plots-to-assassinate-ukrainian-president-zelensky-foiled-say-reports-459114">Russia-Ukraine conflict: At least 3 plots to 'assassinate Ukrainian President Zelensky foiled' in last week</a>

In the U.S., the biggest impact will be felt at the gas pump, where higher prices are expected to add to inflation already running at the fastest rate in four decades. Russia was the third-largest source of oil products sold in the U.S. Last year&nbsp;behind only Mexico and Canada&nbsp;and responsible for 8% of all imports. Russia is also the United States' second-largest supplier of platinum, a metal used to build exhausts for automobiles.

But overall, Russia was only the 20th-largest supplier of goods for the United States in 2019, according to the U.S. Trade data. 
While the Biden administration has held back from a blanket Russian trade embargo or targeting Russia's energy sector, to limit the pain on the West, that's done little to calm markets.

Wheat prices have jumped more than 55% since the week before the invasion. Oil prices, which had been steadily rising since the start of the year due to demand from a recovering global economy, soared past $110 a barrel for the first time since 2013.

And the rates charged to charter giant oil tankers worldwide have jumped as much as 400% as oil traders scramble to secure capacity that become suddenly scarce.

It's not yet clear how economic warfare on Russia will shake out and what other unintended consequences may be in store. While overcompliance with sanctions is a frequent problem, never in the past have restrictions been imposed so swiftly and coordinated so closely among U.S. Allies to target a global power.

The situation alarms Tinglong Dai, a business professor who studies supply chains at Johns Hopkins University. Since the end of the Cold War, the bedrock of global trade has been a separation of geopolitics and business and an assumption that rational decision-making will always prevail, Dai said.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Assessing the Ukraine War in numbers

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Both of those have been destroyed by Russia, says Dai, adding that a new sort of Iron Curtain" could soon emerge, with Russia and its allies on one side and the West on the other.

It's no longer possible to avoid picking sides, and the consequences of this reconfiguration of global supply chains in terms of more poverty, loss of innovation and job opportunities is something we will all have to pay for, he said.&nbsp;

Sanctions on Russia are starting to wreak havoc on global trade, with potentially devastating consequences for energy and grain importers while also generating ripple effects across a world still struggling with pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions.

Sanctions on Russia are starting to wreak havoc on global trade, with potentially devastating consequences for energy and grain importers while also generating ripple effects across a world still struggling with pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, hundreds of tankers and bulk carriers have been diverted away from the Black Sea, while dozens more have been stranded at ports and at sea unable to unload their valuable cargoes. Russia is a leading exporter of grains and a major supplier of crude oil, metals, wood and plastics all used worldwide in a range of products and by a multitude of industries from steelmakers to car manufacturers. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Chinese broadcaster 'censors' call for peace at Paralympic Games opening ceremony Only a small handful of Russia's 2,000 cargo and tanker ships have been sanctioned by Western powers, but freezing the assets of the country's biggest banks means the business of importing and exporting from Russia will take a major hit. Intensifying the squeeze are companies from Apple and Nike to major shippers like Maersk abandoning the country, whose extensive trade ties with the West have been all but severed. This is an earthquake like we've never seen before, said Ami Daniel, a co-founder of Windward, a maritime intelligence firm that advises governments. He added, Companies are going well beyond what's legally required and taking actions based on their own values before their customers even demand it. One potential escape valve for Russian exports is China, whose fast-growing economy is thirsty for natural resources. But China, perhaps the biggest beneficiary of globalization, so far has shown little appetite to fully back President Vladimir Putin despite abstaining from a U.N. Vote condemning the land grab. The strains are already being felt at Interunity Management Corp SA, a family-run Greek shipping company whose 60 oil tankers and bulk carriers are operated by 200 Russian and Ukrainian sea captains and officers. After the invasion, the Russian half of Interunity's workforce wondered how they'd get home after the European Union imposed a flight ban on their country. The Ukrainian half didn't know if they'd have a home to return to. Also read | Ahead of South Korea’s polls, Kim Jong-led North holds 2022’s ninth missile test One Ukrainian senior officer stranded on a tanker in the Gulf of Mexico was so distraught that he demanded to be allowed to disembark months before his contract ended, said George Mangos, one of Interunity's directors. He told me he wanted to get off at the next port so he could fight for his homeland, Mangos said. Operating a highly sophisticated tanker with a dangerous cargo is stressful even under normal situations, so all you can do is ask people to focus on the job and leave the politics aside. It's hard, but these are very stoic people, and I've been impressed by their dedication. So far, the war's impact on global trade has been most severe in the Black Sea, where Russian and Ukrainian ports are major hubs for wheat and corn. Traffic has ground to a halt, effectively shutting down the world's second-largest grain exporting region. Unlike oil production, which can be ramped up quickly elsewhere, boosting grain supplies takes time and the sheer volume that could be diverted as a result of war and sanctions Ukraine accounts for 16% of global corn exports and together with Russia 30% of wheat exports means poorer countries that depend on imports could face major supply shocks. The question is not whether there will be serious economic effects and critical food shortages in already fragile countries, the question is what Russia will do with that and how the West will react, said Rohini Ralby, a director at I.R. Consilium, a U.S.-based maritime consulting firm. Among the countries most at risk are Egypt, India and Turkey, all of which rely heavily on Russia for everything from staples used to make flatbread to natural gas and tourism. Around 78% of Turkey's wheat imports come from Russia and another 9% from Ukraine. Much of those supplies are used in Turkey's food industry, a major exporter itself. India imports about 80% of its oil, much of it from Russia, and metals from Russia to supply the world's fifth-largest automobile industry. Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict: At least 3 plots to 'assassinate Ukrainian President Zelensky foiled' in last week In the U.S., the biggest impact will be felt at the gas pump, where higher prices are expected to add to inflation already running at the fastest rate in four decades. Russia was the third-largest source of oil products sold in the U.S. Last year behind only Mexico and Canada and responsible for 8% of all imports. Russia is also the United States' second-largest supplier of platinum, a metal used to build exhausts for automobiles. But overall, Russia was only the 20th-largest supplier of goods for the United States in 2019, according to the U.S. Trade data. While the Biden administration has held back from a blanket Russian trade embargo or targeting Russia's energy sector, to limit the pain on the West, that's done little to calm markets. Wheat prices have jumped more than 55% since the week before the invasion. Oil prices, which had been steadily rising since the start of the year due to demand from a recovering global economy, soared past $110 a barrel for the first time since 2013. And the rates charged to charter giant oil tankers worldwide have jumped as much as 400% as oil traders scramble to secure capacity that become suddenly scarce. It's not yet clear how economic warfare on Russia will shake out and what other unintended consequences may be in store. While overcompliance with sanctions is a frequent problem, never in the past have restrictions been imposed so swiftly and coordinated so closely among U.S. Allies to target a global power. The situation alarms Tinglong Dai, a business professor who studies supply chains at Johns Hopkins University. Since the end of the Cold War, the bedrock of global trade has been a separation of geopolitics and business and an assumption that rational decision-making will always prevail, Dai said. Watch | Gravitas: Assessing the Ukraine War in numbers Both of those have been destroyed by Russia, says Dai, adding that a new sort of Iron Curtain" could soon emerge, with Russia and its allies on one side and the West on the other. It's no longer possible to avoid picking sides, and the consequences of this reconfiguration of global supply chains in terms of more poverty, loss of innovation and job opportunities is something we will all have to pay for, he said.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine leaves global trade in tatters

Indian shares dropped over 1% to log their fourth consecutive week of losses on Friday, led by a decline in financials and metals stocks, as a worsening Ukraine crisis sent oil prices surging and stoked inflation fears.

The blue-chip NSE Nifty 50 index was down 1.53% at 16,245.35 at close, with most of its major sub-indexes seeing declines. The S&amp;P BSE Sensex was down 1.4% at 54,333.81.

Both the indexes fell over 2% earlier in the session, touching their lowest since early-August last year, in their third consecutive session of losses.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-airstrike-near-hostel-as-indian-students-in-ukraine-spend-harrowing-night-in-bunker-458814">Russia-Ukraine conflict: Airstrike near hostel as Indian students in Ukraine spend harrowing night in bunker</a>

Ukraine authorities said on Friday Russian forces seized the largest nuclear power plant in Europe after a building at the complex was set ablaze during intense fighting with Ukrainian defenders.

Oil rose above $111 a barrel on Friday in a volatile session on fears over supply disruption to Russian oil exports after sanctions by Western sanctions. [O/R]

India is the world's third-largest importer of crude oil, and rising prices push up its trade and current account deficit while hurting the rupee and fuelling imported inflation.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-ukraine-conflict-another-indian-student-shot-in-kyiv-hospitalised-458752">&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine conflict: Another Indian student shot in Kyiv, hospitalised</a>

The Indian rupee breached 76 per dollar for the first time since mid-December, and settled 0.33% weaker at 76.16.

The Nifty's bank index, financial services index and auto index were among the top losers, falling between 1% and over 3%.

The Nifty metals index and energy index on Friday snapped their four consecutive sessions of gains to end 3.2% and 1.9% lower, respectively. For the week, however, the energy and metals indexes saw gains of between 3.8% and 7%.

Watch |&nbsp;Day 9 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: WION reports from the conflict zone

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IT firm Wipro Ltd and Cigarettes-hotel conglomerate ITC Ltd were among the top percentage gainers on the Nifty 50, between 1% and 3%.

The Nifty IT index was the only gainer among major sub-indexes, rising 0.14%. For the week, the index rose over 2%.

Indian shares dropped over 1% to log their fourth consecutive week of losses on Friday, led by a decline in financials and metals stocks, as a worsening Ukraine crisis sent oil prices surging and stoked inflation fears.

Indian shares dropped over 1% to log their fourth consecutive week of losses on Friday, led by a decline in financials and metals stocks, as a worsening Ukraine crisis sent oil prices surging and stoked inflation fears. The blue-chip NSE Nifty 50 index was down 1.53% at 16,245.35 at close, with most of its major sub-indexes seeing declines. The S&P BSE Sensex was down 1.4% at 54,333.81. Both the indexes fell over 2% earlier in the session, touching their lowest since early-August last year, in their third consecutive session of losses. Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Airstrike near hostel as Indian students in Ukraine spend harrowing night in bunker Ukraine authorities said on Friday Russian forces seized the largest nuclear power plant in Europe after a building at the complex was set ablaze during intense fighting with Ukrainian defenders. Oil rose above $111 a barrel on Friday in a volatile session on fears over supply disruption to Russian oil exports after sanctions by Western sanctions. [O/R] India is the world's third-largest importer of crude oil, and rising prices push up its trade and current account deficit while hurting the rupee and fuelling imported inflation. Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Another Indian student shot in Kyiv, hospitalised The Indian rupee breached 76 per dollar for the first time since mid-December, and settled 0.33% weaker at 76.16. The Nifty's bank index, financial services index and auto index were among the top losers, falling between 1% and over 3%. The Nifty metals index and energy index on Friday snapped their four consecutive sessions of gains to end 3.2% and 1.9% lower, respectively. For the week, however, the energy and metals indexes saw gains of between 3.8% and 7%. Watch | Day 9 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: WION reports from the conflict zone IT firm Wipro Ltd and Cigarettes-hotel conglomerate ITC Ltd were among the top percentage gainers on the Nifty 50, between 1% and 3%. The Nifty IT index was the only gainer among major sub-indexes, rising 0.14%. For the week, the index rose over 2%.

Indian shares post fourth weekly loss as Ukraine crisis escalates

FIFA&nbsp;and&nbsp;UEFA&nbsp;have taken a big step in the wake of the Ukraine crisis. In the aftermath of the sad turn of events in Ukraine, Russia's national teams and clubs have been suspended from international football until further notice.

With this, it seems likely that Russia will be excluded from this year's World Cup as well as from the women's Euro 2020 tournament.

"FIFA and UEFA have today decided together that all Russian teams, whether national representative teams or club teams, shall be suspended from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice," UEFA said in a statement. "These decisions were adopted today by the Bureau of the FIFA Council and the Executive Committee of UEFA, respectively the highest decision-making bodies of both institutions on such urgent matters," they added.

The move was very likely to take place soon as there has been a lot of noise in the sporting fraternity to ban Russian teams, or players, from various sports.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ioc-recommends-banning-participation-of-russian-belarusian-athletes-and-officials-in-international-events-457540">IOC recommends banning participation of Russian, Belarusian athletes and officials in international events</a>

For the unversed, Russia&nbsp;was scheduled to host Poland in a World Cup qualifying playoff on March 24. Hence&nbsp;if they remain suspended at that time, they would be out of the World Cup and unable to progress to the finals in Qatar, to be held later this year in November.

The Polish FA had made it clear that they will not&nbsp;play against the Russian team. Moreover,&nbsp;the Czech Republic and Sweden -- who are in the same playoff path&nbsp;--&nbsp;had also ruled out locking horns with Russia.

While everything is on the decline for Russian sports, since the Ukraine invasion, not all is lost. The&nbsp;only way Russia could still see them featuring in&nbsp;the playoffs would be courtesy a drastic&nbsp;improvement in the current state of affairs in Ukraine. Nonetheless, at present, their sporting icons are facing the music due to the country's attack on Ukraine.

"Both Presidents (of the soccer bodies) hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace amongst people," UEFA said.

The organisation also pointed out that a further decision would be made at a later date about the impact on the women's Euro 2022 tournament, set to be held in England during mid-2022. The Russian team have qualified for the showpiece event.

FIFA and UEFA have taken a big step in the wake of the Ukraine crisis. In the aftermath of the sad turn of events in Ukraine, Russia's national teams and clubs have been suspended from international football until further notice.

FIFA and UEFA have taken a big step in the wake of the Ukraine crisis. In the aftermath of the sad turn of events in Ukraine, Russia's national teams and clubs have been suspended from international football until further notice. With this, it seems likely that Russia will be excluded from this year's World Cup as well as from the women's Euro 2020 tournament. "FIFA and UEFA have today decided together that all Russian teams, whether national representative teams or club teams, shall be suspended from participation in both FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice," UEFA said in a statement. "These decisions were adopted today by the Bureau of the FIFA Council and the Executive Committee of UEFA, respectively the highest decision-making bodies of both institutions on such urgent matters," they added. The move was very likely to take place soon as there has been a lot of noise in the sporting fraternity to ban Russian teams, or players, from various sports. ALSO READ | IOC recommends banning participation of Russian, Belarusian athletes and officials in international events For the unversed, Russia was scheduled to host Poland in a World Cup qualifying playoff on March 24. Hence if they remain suspended at that time, they would be out of the World Cup and unable to progress to the finals in Qatar, to be held later this year in November. The Polish FA had made it clear that they will not play against the Russian team. Moreover, the Czech Republic and Sweden -- who are in the same playoff path -- had also ruled out locking horns with Russia. While everything is on the decline for Russian sports, since the Ukraine invasion, not all is lost. The only way Russia could still see them featuring in the playoffs would be courtesy a drastic improvement in the current state of affairs in Ukraine. Nonetheless, at present, their sporting icons are facing the music due to the country's attack on Ukraine. "Both Presidents (of the soccer bodies) hope that the situation in Ukraine will improve significantly and rapidly so that football can again be a vector for unity and peace amongst people," UEFA said. The organisation also pointed out that a further decision would be made at a later date about the impact on the women's Euro 2022 tournament, set to be held in England during mid-2022. The Russian team have qualified for the showpiece event.

FIFA, UEFA suspend Russia from international football until further notice in the wake of Ukraine crisis

From FIFA to IOC: How sporting bodies have shunned Russia after Ukraine invasion

At&nbsp;least&nbsp;136&nbsp;civilians have been killed, including 13 children, and 400 have been injured since Russia invaded&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;last week, a United Nations agency said on Tuesday.

"The real toll is likely to be much higher," Liz Throssell, a spokesperson for the&nbsp;U.N. human rights office (OHCHR), told a briefing, adding that 253 of the&nbsp;casualties&nbsp;were in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions in eastern&nbsp;Ukraine.

The&nbsp;U.N. World Food Programme is scaling up activities in&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;so that it can support up to 3.1 million people, WFP spokesperson Tomson Phiri said, adding: "Food supplies are running low."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shelling-in-ukraine-kills-indian-student-who-was-out-to-buy-grocery-457786">Shelling in Ukraine kills Indian student who was out to buy grocery</a>

WATCH |&nbsp;UK: Those helping Russia will be judged by International law

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At least 136 civilians have been killed, including 13 children, and 400 have been injured since Russia invaded Ukraine last week, a United Nations agency said on Tuesday.

At least 136 civilians have been killed, including 13 children, and 400 have been injured since Russia invaded Ukraine last week, a United Nations agency said on Tuesday. "The real toll is likely to be much higher," Liz Throssell, a spokesperson for the U.N. human rights office (OHCHR), told a briefing, adding that 253 of the casualties were in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions in eastern Ukraine. The U.N. World Food Programme is scaling up activities in Ukraine so that it can support up to 3.1 million people, WFP spokesperson Tomson Phiri said, adding: "Food supplies are running low." Also read | Shelling in Ukraine kills Indian student who was out to buy grocery WATCH | UK: Those helping Russia will be judged by International law ×

Ukraine-Russia crisis: UN reports at least 536 civilian casualties in Ukraine

Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday announced a "historic" shift in&nbsp;Germany's&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;and&nbsp;defence&nbsp;policy, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine forces Europe's biggest economy to ditch decades of reluctance in raising&nbsp;its&nbsp;military profile.

Haunted by&nbsp;its&nbsp;post-war guilt,&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;has always trod lightly and quietly on the world stage when it comes to conflicts.

But at an emergency parliamentary sitting on Sunday, Scholz, who himself had been accused of dawdling on the Ukraine crisis, said: "With the invasion of Ukraine, we are now in a&nbsp;new&nbsp;era."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vw-to-halt-production-at-two-german-plants-for-lack-of-parts-made-in-ukraine-456932">VW to halt production at two German plants for lack of parts made in Ukraine</a>

Hours after&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;dramatically reversed&nbsp;its&nbsp;ban on lethal weapons exports to conflict zones by announcing huge shipments to Ukraine, Scholz said 100 billion euros ($113 billion) will be earmarked for investments for the army in 2022 alone.

The financial bazooka for the Bundeswehr should be written in the German constitution, he said.

Europe's biggest economy will also "from now on -- year after year -- invest more than two percent of gross domestic product in our&nbsp;defence," said Scholz.

The commitment goes above the two-percent target fixed by NATO, overturning years of under-investment that had put&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;in the crosshairs of&nbsp;its&nbsp;allies.

Heavy criticism levied by former US president Donald Trump against ex-chancellor Angela Merkel over&nbsp;Germany's failure to meet NATO targets marked the transatlantic relationship.

But Scholz said Putin's assault has made clear that "Germany&nbsp;will have to invest clearly more in the security of our country."

The aim is a powerful, state of the art, advanced army that protects us reliably."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/like-1941-when-attacked-by-nazi-germany-ukraine-lashes-out-at-putin-456310">'Like 1941 when attacked by Nazi Germany': Ukraine lashes out at Putin</a>

Different world

Scholz, who took office in December after staging a stunning upset of Merkel's party in elections, had often been derided for his robotic speeches defending existing&nbsp;policies.&nbsp;

But the Ukraine crisis appears to have transformed the man once described by Spiegel magazine as "the embodiment of boredom in politics", with what Bild daily called a "historic speech" on Sunday that gives a "jolt to sleepy, bored&nbsp;Germany".

The volte-face is all the more remarkable given the composition of&nbsp;Germany's current government.

After 16 years of conservative-led coalition under Merkel, Scholz's centre-right Social Democrats (SPD) are currently in charge, along with junior partners the Greens and the liberal FDP.

While the Greens have always had an anti-weapons export stance, the SPD has been accused of an overly cosy attitude with Russia, while the FDP is often criticised for privileging economic interests.

Watch |&nbsp;German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Russian invasion: Attack on Ukraine has consequences for Europe

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But&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;Minister Annalena Baerbock of the Green party declared that "perhaps on this day,&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;is leaving behind a form of special and unique restraint in&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;and security policy".

"The rules that we have set ourselves must not take us away from our responsibility. If our world is a different one, then our policy must also be different."

Germany&nbsp;said it was delivering 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 "Stinger" surface-to-air missiles from&nbsp;its&nbsp;Bundeswehr stocks to Ukraine.

It will also boost troops in NATO's eastern flank, including with&nbsp;new&nbsp;deployments to Slovakia, said Scholz, also voicing readiness to join the&nbsp;defence&nbsp;of allied airspace with anti-aircraft rockets.&nbsp;

Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday announced a "historic" shift in Germany's foreign and defence policy, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine forces Europe's biggest economy to ditch decades of reluctance in raising its military profile.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday announced a "historic" shift in Germany's foreign and defence policy, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine forces Europe's biggest economy to ditch decades of reluctance in raising its military profile. Haunted by its post-war guilt, Germany has always trod lightly and quietly on the world stage when it comes to conflicts. But at an emergency parliamentary sitting on Sunday, Scholz, who himself had been accused of dawdling on the Ukraine crisis, said: "With the invasion of Ukraine, we are now in a new era." Also read | VW to halt production at two German plants for lack of parts made in Ukraine Hours after Germany dramatically reversed its ban on lethal weapons exports to conflict zones by announcing huge shipments to Ukraine, Scholz said 100 billion euros ($113 billion) will be earmarked for investments for the army in 2022 alone. The financial bazooka for the Bundeswehr should be written in the German constitution, he said. Europe's biggest economy will also "from now on -- year after year -- invest more than two percent of gross domestic product in our defence," said Scholz. The commitment goes above the two-percent target fixed by NATO, overturning years of under-investment that had put Germany in the crosshairs of its allies. Heavy criticism levied by former US president Donald Trump against ex-chancellor Angela Merkel over Germany's failure to meet NATO targets marked the transatlantic relationship. But Scholz said Putin's assault has made clear that "Germany will have to invest clearly more in the security of our country." The aim is a powerful, state of the art, advanced army that protects us reliably." Also read | 'Like 1941 when attacked by Nazi Germany': Ukraine lashes out at Putin Different world Scholz, who took office in December after staging a stunning upset of Merkel's party in elections, had often been derided for his robotic speeches defending existing policies. But the Ukraine crisis appears to have transformed the man once described by Spiegel magazine as "the embodiment of boredom in politics", with what Bild daily called a "historic speech" on Sunday that gives a "jolt to sleepy, bored Germany". The volte-face is all the more remarkable given the composition of Germany's current government. After 16 years of conservative-led coalition under Merkel, Scholz's centre-right Social Democrats (SPD) are currently in charge, along with junior partners the Greens and the liberal FDP. While the Greens have always had an anti-weapons export stance, the SPD has been accused of an overly cosy attitude with Russia, while the FDP is often criticised for privileging economic interests. Watch | German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Russian invasion: Attack on Ukraine has consequences for Europe But Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock of the Green party declared that "perhaps on this day, Germany is leaving behind a form of special and unique restraint in foreign and security policy". "The rules that we have set ourselves must not take us away from our responsibility. If our world is a different one, then our policy must also be different." Germany said it was delivering 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 "Stinger" surface-to-air missiles from its Bundeswehr stocks to Ukraine. It will also boost troops in NATO's eastern flank, including with new deployments to Slovakia, said Scholz, also voicing readiness to join the defence of allied airspace with anti-aircraft rockets.

'A new era': Germany rewrites its defence, foreign policies

The&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;is "ready&nbsp;to&nbsp;help"&nbsp;negotiations&nbsp;to stop the war in Ukraine after Moscow's invasion, Pope Francis's number two said in interviews published Monday.

"The&nbsp;Holy See, which in recent years has followed the events in Ukraine constantly, discreetly and with great attention, offering its availability to facilitate dialogue with&nbsp;Russia, is always&nbsp;ready&nbsp;to&nbsp;help&nbsp;the parties to resume that path,"&nbsp;Vatican&nbsp;Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-names-raffaella-petrini-as-first-woman-to-head-vatican-governorate-426698">Pope names Raffaella Petrini as first woman to head Vatican governorate</a>

An escalation of the conflict to involve other countries "would be a catastrophe of gigantic proportions", he said in an interview with several Italian dailies, including the Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica.

The possible return of a Cold War was "also a disturbing scenario," he said.

"I am convinced that there is always room for negotiation. It is never too late! Because the only reasonable and constructive way to settle differences is through dialogue," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-start-first-talks-since-moscow-assault-457449">Russia, Ukraine start first talks since Moscow assault</a>

"We must avoid any escalation, stop the clashes and negotiate," Parolin added.

Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic Church, called Sunday for an end to fighting, saying: "Let the weapons fall silent... God is with those who seek peace, not those resorting to violence."

The Vatican is "ready to help" negotiations to stop the war in Ukraine after Moscow's invasion, Pope Francis's number two said in interviews published Monday. "The Holy See, which in recent years has followed the events in Ukraine constantly, discreetly and with great attention, offering its availability to facilitate dialogue with Russia, is always ready to help the parties to resume that path," Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said.

The Vatican is "ready to help" negotiations to stop the war in Ukraine after Moscow's invasion, Pope Francis's number two said in interviews published Monday. "The Holy See, which in recent years has followed the events in Ukraine constantly, discreetly and with great attention, offering its availability to facilitate dialogue with Russia, is always ready to help the parties to resume that path," Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said. Also read | Pope names Raffaella Petrini as first woman to head Vatican governorate An escalation of the conflict to involve other countries "would be a catastrophe of gigantic proportions", he said in an interview with several Italian dailies, including the Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica. The possible return of a Cold War was "also a disturbing scenario," he said. "I am convinced that there is always room for negotiation. It is never too late! Because the only reasonable and constructive way to settle differences is through dialogue," he said. Also read | Russia, Ukraine start first talks since Moscow assault "We must avoid any escalation, stop the clashes and negotiate," Parolin added. Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic Church, called Sunday for an end to fighting, saying: "Let the weapons fall silent... God is with those who seek peace, not those resorting to violence."

Vatican 'ready to help' negotiations with Russia

Ukraine striker Roman Yaremchuk, who plays for Benfica in the Primeira Liga in Portugal, was moved to tears after a brilliant gesture from the fans during his side's clash against Vitoria SC on Sunday. The Ukrainian footballer was not named in the starting XI but came on as a substitute for his side in the 62nd minute.

As Yaremchuk prepared to take the field against Vitoria SC, he was also handed over the captain's armband by defender Jan Vertonghen. The Benfica fans gave in a standing ovation as the Ukrainian striker entered the pitch. The fans applauded him as a gesture of solidarity with Ukraine and its people amid the country's ongoing war with Russia.

Yaremchuk was moved to tears after receiving huge applause from the fans of the Portuguese club. The video of the emotional moment was shared by Benfica on social media and it instantly went viral as football fans across the world sent their wishes for the Ukrainian.

Watch the video here:

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🇺🇦 This moment... Speachless! <a href="https://t.co/EpgNydnZer">pic.twitter.com/EpgNydnZer</a>
— SL Benfica (@slbenfica_en) <a href="https://twitter.com/slbenfica_en/status/1498021507443970053?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Benfica went on to beat Vitoria SC by 3-0 with the help of a brace from Darwin Nunez and a 23rd-minute goal from Goncalo Ramos. It was a comfortable win for the Primeira Liga giants, who are currently placed third on the points table with 54 points from 24 matches.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-premier-league-clubs-united-to-express-solidarity-with-ukraine-amid-war-with-russia-457171">How Premier League clubs united to express solidarity with Ukraine amid war with Russia</a>

Apart from the Primeira Liga, several other football leagues around the world have shown solidarity with Ukraine in the last few days. Clubs like Everton, Manchester United and Manchester City among others in the English Premier League came up with gestures to express solidarity with the country during their matches last week.

England has also decided to boycott all their international football matches against Russia across competitions. FIFA has also condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine and has said the country will be barred from hosting matches and will have to&nbsp;play under the banner of "Football Union of Russia" without a national flag or an anthem.

Ukraine striker Roman Yaremchuk, who plays for Benfica in the Primeira Liga in Portugal, was moved to tears after a brilliant gesture from the fans during his side's clash against Vitoria SC on Sunday.

Ukraine striker Roman Yaremchuk, who plays for Benfica in the Primeira Liga in Portugal, was moved to tears after a brilliant gesture from the fans during his side's clash against Vitoria SC on Sunday. The Ukrainian footballer was not named in the starting XI but came on as a substitute for his side in the 62nd minute. As Yaremchuk prepared to take the field against Vitoria SC, he was also handed over the captain's armband by defender Jan Vertonghen. The Benfica fans gave in a standing ovation as the Ukrainian striker entered the pitch. The fans applauded him as a gesture of solidarity with Ukraine and its people amid the country's ongoing war with Russia. Yaremchuk was moved to tears after receiving huge applause from the fans of the Portuguese club. The video of the emotional moment was shared by Benfica on social media and it instantly went viral as football fans across the world sent their wishes for the Ukrainian. Watch the video here: 🇺🇦 This moment... Speachless! pic.twitter.com/EpgNydnZer — SL Benfica (@slbenfica_en) February 27, 2022 × Benfica went on to beat Vitoria SC by 3-0 with the help of a brace from Darwin Nunez and a 23rd-minute goal from Goncalo Ramos. It was a comfortable win for the Primeira Liga giants, who are currently placed third on the points table with 54 points from 24 matches. Also Read: How Premier League clubs united to express solidarity with Ukraine amid war with Russia Apart from the Primeira Liga, several other football leagues around the world have shown solidarity with Ukraine in the last few days. Clubs like Everton, Manchester United and Manchester City among others in the English Premier League came up with gestures to express solidarity with the country during their matches last week. England has also decided to boycott all their international football matches against Russia across competitions. FIFA has also condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine and has said the country will be barred from hosting matches and will have to play under the banner of "Football Union of Russia" without a national flag or an anthem.

Ukrainian striker moved to tears after standing ovation from Benfica fans, video goes viral - WATCH

The European Union is preparing to grant Ukrainians who flee the war the right to stay and work in the 27-nation bloc for up to three years, senior EU and French officials said.

At least 300,000 Ukrainian refugees have entered the EU so far, and the bloc needs to prepare for millions more, they said. EU members Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary have land borders with Ukraine.

"It is our duty to take in those who flee war," French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told France 2 TV on Monday, saying EU interior minister had on Sunday tasked the European Commission with preparing draft proposals to grant them protection.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-sceptical-but-say-will-try-dialogue-with-russia-457239">&nbsp;Zelensky sceptical, but says will 'try' dialogue with Russia</a>

Ministers will meet again on Thursday to agree on the details.

The EU temporary protection directive, drawn up after the 1990s war in the Balkans, but never used so far, provides for the same level of protection, for one to three years, in all EU states, including a residence permit, access to employment, social welfare and medical treatment.

EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said most ministers had brought their support to the move on Sunday, with just some questioning if now was the time to do it or if it was best to wait a bit.

The issue, she said, concerns all of the EU.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kyiv-mayor-proud-of-citizens-spirit-anxious-about-future-457348">Kyiv mayor proud of citizens' spirit, anxious about future</a>

"We already see a lot of Ukrainians leaving the countries of first entry and go to other member states, especially those that have a big Ukrainian population already," she told a news conference on Sunday. "Poland is one of them but also Italy, Portugal, Spain, Germany, the Czech Republic."

"All EU member states are prepared to accept refugees from Ukraine," German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said.

"This is a strong response by Europe to the terrible suffering that Putin inflicts with his criminal war of aggression: Together, we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine."

Watch |&nbsp;EU will finance purchase of weapons for Ukraine amid Russian invasion

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-will-finance-purchase-of-weapons-for-ukraine-amid-russian-invasion-457236/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Citing U.N. estimates, Janez Lenarcic, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, said four million Ukrainians are expected to flee the country as refugees.

With men of conscription age prevented from leaving Ukraine, mostly women and children are arriving at the border in eastern Poland, Slovakia and Hungary and in northern and northeastern Romania.

The European Union is preparing to grant Ukrainians who flee the war the right to stay and work in the 27-nation bloc for up to three years, senior EU and French officials said.

The European Union is preparing to grant Ukrainians who flee the war the right to stay and work in the 27-nation bloc for up to three years, senior EU and French officials said. At least 300,000 Ukrainian refugees have entered the EU so far, and the bloc needs to prepare for millions more, they said. EU members Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary have land borders with Ukraine. "It is our duty to take in those who flee war," French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told France 2 TV on Monday, saying EU interior minister had on Sunday tasked the European Commission with preparing draft proposals to grant them protection. Also read | Zelensky sceptical, but says will 'try' dialogue with Russia Ministers will meet again on Thursday to agree on the details. The EU temporary protection directive, drawn up after the 1990s war in the Balkans, but never used so far, provides for the same level of protection, for one to three years, in all EU states, including a residence permit, access to employment, social welfare and medical treatment. EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said most ministers had brought their support to the move on Sunday, with just some questioning if now was the time to do it or if it was best to wait a bit. The issue, she said, concerns all of the EU. Also read | Kyiv mayor proud of citizens' spirit, anxious about future "We already see a lot of Ukrainians leaving the countries of first entry and go to other member states, especially those that have a big Ukrainian population already," she told a news conference on Sunday. "Poland is one of them but also Italy, Portugal, Spain, Germany, the Czech Republic." "All EU member states are prepared to accept refugees from Ukraine," German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said. "This is a strong response by Europe to the terrible suffering that Putin inflicts with his criminal war of aggression: Together, we stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine." Watch | EU will finance purchase of weapons for Ukraine amid Russian invasion Citing U.N. estimates, Janez Lenarcic, European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, said four million Ukrainians are expected to flee the country as refugees. With men of conscription age prevented from leaving Ukraine, mostly women and children are arriving at the border in eastern Poland, Slovakia and Hungary and in northern and northeastern Romania.

EU plans to grant Ukrainians right to stay for up to 3 years

&nbsp;As Russian troops draw closer to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv's mayor is filled with pride over his citizens' spirit yet anxious about how long they can hold out.

In an interview with The Associated Press on Sunday, after a gruelling night of Russian attacks on the outskirts of the city, Mayor Vitali Klitschko was silent for several seconds when asked if there were plans to evacuate civilians if Russian troops managed to take Kyiv.

"We can't do that, because all ways are blocked," he finally said, speaking in English. "All ways are blocked and right now we are encircled&nbsp;everywhere is Russians and we don't have a way to evacuate the people. And everyone who had plans to evacuate himself already moved."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-trump-calls-the-us-a-stupid-country-and-putin-smart-457337">Russia-Ukraine war: Trump calls the US a ‘stupid country’ and Putin 'smart'</a>

The AP was not able to immediately verify the mayor's report that Kyiv was surrounded, and his spokesperson later tweeted that the mayor had misspoken.

Klitschko himself later backed away from his earlier assessment, saying on his Telegram channel that "In the evening, Russian Internet publications spread information with reference to me that Kyiv is allegedly surrounded and evacuation of people is impossible. ... Do not believe lies! Trust information only from official sources."

When Russian troops invaded Ukraine on Thursday, the capital city of 2.8 million people initially reacted with concern but also a measure of self-possession. However, nerves started fraying when grocery stores began closing and the city's famously deep subway system turned its stations into bomb shelters.

The mayor confirmed to the AP that nine civilians in Kyiv had been killed so far, including one child.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/might-makes-not-right-unjust-wars-are-doomed-to-be-lost-eu-foreign-minister-writes-for-wion-457325">Might makes not right, unjust wars are doomed to be lost : EU foreign minister writes for WION</a>

A Klitschko-ordered curfew began about sundown on Saturday and is to extend until at least 8 a.M. Monday. His order pointedly stated that any unauthorised person outside during this time could be considered a saboteur.

"We are hunting these people, and it will be much easier if nobody is on the street," Klitschko explained, saying that six Russian saboteurs were killed on Saturday night.

Russian troops' advance on the city has been slower than many military experts had expected but the overall Russian military advantage is well-known to all.

"I just talked to the president (Volodymyr Zelenskyy). Everybody is not feeling so well," Klitschko said, adding that city government employees were in shock but not depressed. "We show our character, our knowledge, our values." In the last few days, long queues of people both men and women were spotted waiting to pick up weapons throughout the Ukrainian capital after authorities decided to distribute arms freely to anybody ready to defend the city. There are concerns, however, about arming nervous civilians with little military experience amid warnings of Russian saboteurs disguised as Ukrainian police or journalists.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-united-nations-top-court-ukraine-registers-genocide-case-against-russia-457279">At United Nations' top court, Ukraine registers genocide case against Russia</a>

"To be honest, we don't have 100 per cent control," said Klitschko. "We built this territorial defence (system) in a short amount of time &nbsp;but these are patriotic people." "Right now, the most important question is to defend our country," he added.

Responding to a question about the city's capacity to replenish dwindling stocks of food and medicine, Klitscho's view darkened, however.

"We are at the border of a humanitarian catastrophe," he said. "Right now, we have electricity, right now we have water and heating in our houses. But the infrastructure is destroyed to deliver the food and medication."

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Kyiv's mayor imposes blanket curfew until Monday

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-kyivs-mayor-imposes-blanket-curfew-until-monday-457024/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Then, in the same breath, he rallied like the world heavyweight boxing champion he once was.

"That's why the message for everyone is support Ukraine together ... We are strong," he said. "Every Ukrainian is proud to be independent, proud to be Ukrainian, and we are proud to have our own country."

As Russian troops draw closer to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv's mayor is filled with pride over his citizens' spirit yet anxious about how long they can hold out.

As Russian troops draw closer to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv's mayor is filled with pride over his citizens' spirit yet anxious about how long they can hold out. In an interview with The Associated Press on Sunday, after a gruelling night of Russian attacks on the outskirts of the city, Mayor Vitali Klitschko was silent for several seconds when asked if there were plans to evacuate civilians if Russian troops managed to take Kyiv. "We can't do that, because all ways are blocked," he finally said, speaking in English. "All ways are blocked and right now we are encircled everywhere is Russians and we don't have a way to evacuate the people. And everyone who had plans to evacuate himself already moved." Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Trump calls the US a ‘stupid country’ and Putin 'smart' The AP was not able to immediately verify the mayor's report that Kyiv was surrounded, and his spokesperson later tweeted that the mayor had misspoken. Klitschko himself later backed away from his earlier assessment, saying on his Telegram channel that "In the evening, Russian Internet publications spread information with reference to me that Kyiv is allegedly surrounded and evacuation of people is impossible. ... Do not believe lies! Trust information only from official sources." When Russian troops invaded Ukraine on Thursday, the capital city of 2.8 million people initially reacted with concern but also a measure of self-possession. However, nerves started fraying when grocery stores began closing and the city's famously deep subway system turned its stations into bomb shelters. The mayor confirmed to the AP that nine civilians in Kyiv had been killed so far, including one child. Also read | Might makes not right, unjust wars are doomed to be lost : EU foreign minister writes for WION A Klitschko-ordered curfew began about sundown on Saturday and is to extend until at least 8 a.M. Monday. His order pointedly stated that any unauthorised person outside during this time could be considered a saboteur. "We are hunting these people, and it will be much easier if nobody is on the street," Klitschko explained, saying that six Russian saboteurs were killed on Saturday night. Russian troops' advance on the city has been slower than many military experts had expected but the overall Russian military advantage is well-known to all. "I just talked to the president (Volodymyr Zelenskyy). Everybody is not feeling so well," Klitschko said, adding that city government employees were in shock but not depressed. "We show our character, our knowledge, our values." In the last few days, long queues of people both men and women were spotted waiting to pick up weapons throughout the Ukrainian capital after authorities decided to distribute arms freely to anybody ready to defend the city. There are concerns, however, about arming nervous civilians with little military experience amid warnings of Russian saboteurs disguised as Ukrainian police or journalists. Also read | At United Nations' top court, Ukraine registers genocide case against Russia "To be honest, we don't have 100 per cent control," said Klitschko. "We built this territorial defence (system) in a short amount of time but these are patriotic people." "Right now, the most important question is to defend our country," he added. Responding to a question about the city's capacity to replenish dwindling stocks of food and medicine, Klitscho's view darkened, however. "We are at the border of a humanitarian catastrophe," he said. "Right now, we have electricity, right now we have water and heating in our houses. But the infrastructure is destroyed to deliver the food and medication." Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Kyiv's mayor imposes blanket curfew until Monday Then, in the same breath, he rallied like the world heavyweight boxing champion he once was. "That's why the message for everyone is support Ukraine together ... We are strong," he said. "Every Ukrainian is proud to be independent, proud to be Ukrainian, and we are proud to have our own country."

Kyiv mayor proud of citizens' spirit, anxious about future

After leaving Afghanistan a year ago, Ajmal Rahmani believed he had found a haven of peace in Ukraine.

This week, he and his family had to flee again -- this time to Poland to the sounds of Russian bombs.

"I run from one war, come to another country and another war starts. Very bad luck," Rahmani told AFP shortly after crossing into Poland.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worlds-biggest-plane-mriya-destroyed-by-russia-near-kyiv-457293">World's biggest plane 'Mriya' destroyed by Russia near Kyiv</a>

His seven-year-old daughter Marwa clutched a beige-coloured soft toy dog as Rahmani spoke.

Together with Marwa, his wife Mina and son Omar, 11, the family walked the last 30 kilometres (19 miles) to the crossing on foot because of the gridlock on the Ukrainian side of the border.

After arriving at the Medyka on the Polish side, the family waited with other refugees for a bus that will take them to the nearby city of Przemysl.

Hundreds of thousands of people have fled during the four days of conflict into neighbouring countries, mainly Poland, Hungary and Romania.

While most of the refugees are Ukrainian, among them are also students and migrant workers from further afield, including Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India and Nepal.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-ukraines-refugees-europe-opens-doors-that-were-shut-to-others-456918">&nbsp;For Ukraine’s refugees, Europe opens doors that were shut to others</a>

I lost everything

Rahmani, who is in his 40s, said he worked for NATO in Afghanistan for 18 years at Kabul airport.

He decided to leave the country four months before the US withdrawal because he received threats and was so scared he kept his children out of school.

Before that "I had a good life in Afghanistan, I had a private house, I had a private car, I had a good salary," said Rahmani.

"I sold my car, my house, my everything. I lost everything," he said.&nbsp;

But he added: "nothing is better than my love, than my family life".

Rahmani said he struggled to get a visa to leave Afghanistan and decided to go to Ukraine because it was the only country that would take him in.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-new-refugee-crisis-as-russia-attacks-ukraine-thousands-flee-the-chaos-456411">A new 'refugee crisis': As Russia attacks Ukraine, thousands flee the chaos</a>

They set up home in Odessa -- a Black Sea port city.

Four days ago, when Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, they had to leave everything again and travelled the 1,110 kilometres to the border.

Polish authorities said nearly 213,000 people have crossed into Poland from Ukraine since Thursday.

Rahmani and his family, like others without a Polish visa, now have 15 days to get registered, said Tomasz Pietrzak, a lawyer with the Ocalenie (Salvation) Foundation, a charity for migrants.

The timeline is unlikely given the numbers.

"Poland will have to very quickly amend its legislation on this issue," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;UN Refugee Agency: At least 150,000 people flee Ukraine to neighboring countries

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-refugee-agency-at-least-150000-people-flee-ukraine-to-neighboring-countries-457003/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Rahmani said he was concerned about the future but was encouraged by the warm welcome he received from volunteers and officials assisting the stream of refugees on the Polish side of the border.

"They gave us energy," he said

After leaving Afghanistan a year ago, Ajmal Rahmani believed he had found a haven of peace in Ukraine. This week, he and his family had to flee again -- this time to Poland to the sounds of Russian bombs.

After leaving Afghanistan a year ago, Ajmal Rahmani believed he had found a haven of peace in Ukraine. This week, he and his family had to flee again -- this time to Poland to the sounds of Russian bombs. "I run from one war, come to another country and another war starts. Very bad luck," Rahmani told AFP shortly after crossing into Poland. Also read | World's biggest plane 'Mriya' destroyed by Russia near Kyiv His seven-year-old daughter Marwa clutched a beige-coloured soft toy dog as Rahmani spoke. Together with Marwa, his wife Mina and son Omar, 11, the family walked the last 30 kilometres (19 miles) to the crossing on foot because of the gridlock on the Ukrainian side of the border. After arriving at the Medyka on the Polish side, the family waited with other refugees for a bus that will take them to the nearby city of Przemysl. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled during the four days of conflict into neighbouring countries, mainly Poland, Hungary and Romania. While most of the refugees are Ukrainian, among them are also students and migrant workers from further afield, including Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, India and Nepal. Also read | For Ukraine’s refugees, Europe opens doors that were shut to others I lost everything Rahmani, who is in his 40s, said he worked for NATO in Afghanistan for 18 years at Kabul airport. He decided to leave the country four months before the US withdrawal because he received threats and was so scared he kept his children out of school. Before that "I had a good life in Afghanistan, I had a private house, I had a private car, I had a good salary," said Rahmani. "I sold my car, my house, my everything. I lost everything," he said. But he added: "nothing is better than my love, than my family life". Rahmani said he struggled to get a visa to leave Afghanistan and decided to go to Ukraine because it was the only country that would take him in. Also read | A new 'refugee crisis': As Russia attacks Ukraine, thousands flee the chaos They set up home in Odessa -- a Black Sea port city. Four days ago, when Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, they had to leave everything again and travelled the 1,110 kilometres to the border. Polish authorities said nearly 213,000 people have crossed into Poland from Ukraine since Thursday. Rahmani and his family, like others without a Polish visa, now have 15 days to get registered, said Tomasz Pietrzak, a lawyer with the Ocalenie (Salvation) Foundation, a charity for migrants. The timeline is unlikely given the numbers. "Poland will have to very quickly amend its legislation on this issue," he said. Watch | UN Refugee Agency: At least 150,000 people flee Ukraine to neighboring countries Rahmani said he was concerned about the future but was encouraged by the warm welcome he received from volunteers and officials assisting the stream of refugees on the Polish side of the border. "They gave us energy," he said

'Another war': Afghan forced to flee again

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