U.S. President Joe Biden is currently on a Europe tour. He participated in multiple emergency meetings amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

A trio of emergency summits in Brussels: U.S. President Joe Biden wants Russia out of G-20

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, U.S. President Joe Biden is on a Europe tour. Now, he is heading towards the Polish border.

U.S. President Joe Biden heads to the Polish border amid Russian invasion of Ukraine

A semi-professional female soccer team which fled war in Ukraine has found a new training ground and shelter at the German Bundesliga club- 1. FC Cologne.

Ukrainian Female Footballers have found a new training ground

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg will remain in his role for an extra year to help steer the 30-nation military organization through the security crisis sparked by Russia's war on Ukraine.

NATO Chief Stoltenberg's term extended by a year due to Russia-Ukraine war

When Russian bombs began falling on Kharkiv, Anna Kharazii knew she had to get out. After a harrowing voyage across Europe with her young daughter, mother and mother-in-law, the family is building a new life in Spain. 
 
"We came here with nothing, just hand luggage, and they have given us everything," Kharazii, 37, told Reuters at Madrid`s Isabel Zendal hospital, converted into an administrative centre for Ukrainian refugees. 
 
Some 25,000 Ukrainians have entered Spain since Russia invaded on February&nbsp;24, according to the latest government estimates. In neighbouring Portugal, Ukrainians are now the second-largest foreign community after Brazilians. The United Nations says almost 3.6 million refugees have fled Ukraine so far. 
 
"We feel really welcomed and grateful for their hospitality," said Kharazii, an IT expert and interior designer who is being helped by a Spanish family. 
 
ALSO&nbsp; READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-says-russian-army-taking-defensive-positions-in-ukraine-465022">Pentagon says Russian army 'taking defensive positions' in Ukraine</a> 
 
Fearing for their lives, Kharazii and her husband packed their daughter Kira and their elderly mothers into a car just after the invasion and set off for the western city of Ivano-Frankivsk, which they believed would be safe.Relying on strangers for food and shelter, they dodged air-raids and slept in bunkers along the way.

WATCH |&nbsp;Putin asks EU to pay Roubles for gas, West remains divided on oil sanctions

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-asks-eu-to-pay-roubles-for-gas-west-remains-divided-on-oil-sanctions-465028/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"You have to switch off the light so that they do not drop the bomb on us," three-year old Kira said in a cellphone video filmed just before their escape, dressed in a rainbow-coloured tutu and head torch and clutching a stuffed pink unicorn. 
 
But when they arrived, Ivano-Frankivsk was also under attack and Kharazii realised they had to leave Ukraine. 
 
Her husband, Kirill Antonov, stayed behind to deliver supplies to troops, while the women took a 35-hour bus trip to Budapest where they found a free flight to Madrid on March 18. 
 
A relative living in Spain put them in touch with Maria Jose Angoitia, a retired book shop owner who had a vacant flat. 
 
"We had just bought it and were planning to rent it and we said `That`s it, the four of them are coming here!`" Angoitia said, explaining that friends and neighbours helped furnish the house with beds, a television and a microwave. 
 
Angoitia accompanied the family on Tuesday to help them apply for their free travel cards and healthcare registration. 
 
While the women waited in line, Kira, who has already visited the school she will be attending, propelled herself around on a toy motorbike and played with her new Spanish host. 
 
Kharazii`s Russian-born mother-in-law Svitlana Antonova, 64, who grew up in the Donbas region of Ukraine, recalled how she already had to flee once when fighting broke out between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian troops eight years ago. 
 
"I always thought Russia was the country most committed to peace, I was raised with that thought," she said. 
 
"All of it was a lie."

&nbsp;

When Russian bombs began falling on Kharkiv, Anna Kharazii knew she had to get out. After a harrowing voyage across Europe with her young daughter, mother and mother-in-law, the family is building a new life in Spain.

When Russian bombs began falling on Kharkiv, Anna Kharazii knew she had to get out. After a harrowing voyage across Europe with her young daughter, mother and mother-in-law, the family is building a new life in Spain. "We came here with nothing, just hand luggage, and they have given us everything," Kharazii, 37, told Reuters at Madrid`s Isabel Zendal hospital, converted into an administrative centre for Ukrainian refugees. Some 25,000 Ukrainians have entered Spain since Russia invaded on February 24, according to the latest government estimates. In neighbouring Portugal, Ukrainians are now the second-largest foreign community after Brazilians. The United Nations says almost 3.6 million refugees have fled Ukraine so far. "We feel really welcomed and grateful for their hospitality," said Kharazii, an IT expert and interior designer who is being helped by a Spanish family. ALSO READ | Pentagon says Russian army 'taking defensive positions' in Ukraine Fearing for their lives, Kharazii and her husband packed their daughter Kira and their elderly mothers into a car just after the invasion and set off for the western city of Ivano-Frankivsk, which they believed would be safe.Relying on strangers for food and shelter, they dodged air-raids and slept in bunkers along the way. WATCH | Putin asks EU to pay Roubles for gas, West remains divided on oil sanctions × "You have to switch off the light so that they do not drop the bomb on us," three-year old Kira said in a cellphone video filmed just before their escape, dressed in a rainbow-coloured tutu and head torch and clutching a stuffed pink unicorn. But when they arrived, Ivano-Frankivsk was also under attack and Kharazii realised they had to leave Ukraine. Her husband, Kirill Antonov, stayed behind to deliver supplies to troops, while the women took a 35-hour bus trip to Budapest where they found a free flight to Madrid on March 18. A relative living in Spain put them in touch with Maria Jose Angoitia, a retired book shop owner who had a vacant flat. "We had just bought it and were planning to rent it and we said `That`s it, the four of them are coming here!`" Angoitia said, explaining that friends and neighbours helped furnish the house with beds, a television and a microwave. Angoitia accompanied the family on Tuesday to help them apply for their free travel cards and healthcare registration. While the women waited in line, Kira, who has already visited the school she will be attending, propelled herself around on a toy motorbike and played with her new Spanish host. Kharazii`s Russian-born mother-in-law Svitlana Antonova, 64, who grew up in the Donbas region of Ukraine, recalled how she already had to flee once when fighting broke out between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian troops eight years ago. "I always thought Russia was the country most committed to peace, I was raised with that thought," she said. "All of it was a lie."

Three generations of women flee war in Ukraine for Spain

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday warned that Russia may find a pretext to attack Ukraine with chemical or biological weapons.

The remarks of the alliance chief come hours after Ukraine accused Russia of using phosphorus bombs on civilians.

"We are concerned partly because we see the rhetoric and we see that Russia is trying to create some kind of pretext accusing Ukraine, the United States and NATO allies of preparing to use chemical and biological weapons," he told reporters after a NATO summit in Brussels, adding any use of chemical weapons would have widespread consequences.

He said that the repercussions on the use of chemical weapons would be felt across Europe.

"There is also a risk that it (a chemical weapons attack) will have a direct effect on people living in NATO countries because we can see contamination, we can see the spread of chemical agents or biological weapons into our countries," said Stoltenberg, whose&nbsp;term has been extended by a year due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

Notably, in a CNN interview, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia would use nuclear weapons in the context of the Ukraine conflict if it were facing an "existential threat".

Thursday marked the one month anniversary since Russia invaded Ukraine.

At least 1,035 people have been killed and 1,650 wounded, the United Nations human rights office said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-accuses-russia-of-using-phosphorus-bombs-to-kill-civilians-465207" hreflang="en">Ukraine accuses Russia of using phosphorus bombs to kill civilians</a>

Ninety children were among the dead, it said in a statement, adding that the true figures were believed to be considerably higher due to delays in reporting from areas with intense hostilities, including the southern besieged city of Mariupol.

Meanwhile, the Russian onslaught against Ukraine continues unabated. &nbsp;Russian troops have bombed areas of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and port city Mariupol on Wednesday.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/one-month-since-russia-invaded-ukraine-hundreds-dead-millions-displaced-when-will-it-end-465149" hreflang="en">One month since Russia invaded Ukraine: Hundreds dead, millions displaced - When will it end?</a>

Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko&nbsp;says 264 civilians in the city have been killed by Russian attacks.

Satellite photographs showed massive destruction in Mariupol, once a city of 400,000 people, with columns of smoke rising from burning residential apartment buildings, reports Reuters.

Watch |&nbsp;NATO Chief Stoltenberg's term extended by a year due to Russia-Ukraine war

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-chief-stoltenbergs-term-extended-by-a-year-due-to-russia-ukraine-war-465270/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

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

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday warned that Russia may find a pretext to attack Ukraine with chemical or biological weapons. The remarks of the alliance chief come hours after Ukraine accused Russia of using phosphorus bombs on civilians. "We are concerned partly because we see the rhetoric and we see that Russia is trying to create some kind of pretext accusing Ukraine, the United States and NATO allies of preparing to use chemical and biological weapons," he told reporters after a NATO summit in Brussels, adding any use of chemical weapons would have widespread consequences. He said that the repercussions on the use of chemical weapons would be felt across Europe. "There is also a risk that it (a chemical weapons attack) will have a direct effect on people living in NATO countries because we can see contamination, we can see the spread of chemical agents or biological weapons into our countries," said Stoltenberg, whose term has been extended by a year due to the Russia-Ukraine war. Notably, in a CNN interview, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia would use nuclear weapons in the context of the Ukraine conflict if it were facing an "existential threat". Thursday marked the one month anniversary since Russia invaded Ukraine. At least 1,035 people have been killed and 1,650 wounded, the United Nations human rights office said. Also read | Ukraine accuses Russia of using phosphorus bombs to kill civilians Ninety children were among the dead, it said in a statement, adding that the true figures were believed to be considerably higher due to delays in reporting from areas with intense hostilities, including the southern besieged city of Mariupol. Meanwhile, the Russian onslaught against Ukraine continues unabated. Russian troops have bombed areas of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and port city Mariupol on Wednesday. Also see | One month since Russia invaded Ukraine: Hundreds dead, millions displaced - When will it end? Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko says 264 civilians in the city have been killed by Russian attacks. Satellite photographs showed massive destruction in Mariupol, once a city of 400,000 people, with columns of smoke rising from burning residential apartment buildings, reports Reuters. Watch | NATO Chief Stoltenberg's term extended by a year due to Russia-Ukraine war (With inputs from agencies)

Russia may find pretext to attack Ukraine with chemical weapons: NATO chief

NATO leaders met in Brussels today for an extraordinary summit with a war-raging right next door, the agenda was simple to protect and defend all the allies and bolster its military forces for its biggest security crisis in a generation.

NATO leaders decide on next steps to defend all allies

The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, however, reports suggest that the Russian forces are not advancing but are defensing themselves.

Is Russia taking 'defensive position' ?

Ata time when case against Russia of committing war crimes is currently in the International Criminal Court, the US has officially announced that Russia has committed war crimes.

United States charges Russia with war crimes

Israel has opened a humanitarian field hospital in western Ukraine, where it has been treating people affected by the war raging in the country. WION's Jodie Cohen tells you more in this report.

Israel opens a humanitarian field hospital in west Ukraine

NATO leaders are meeting in Brussels for the extraordinary summit with the war-raging next door to decide on the next course of actions to defend all the allies

NATO leaders meet in Brussels, 'facing the biggest security crisis in a generation'

India on Thursday abstained in the UN General Assembly on a resolution by Ukraine and its allies on the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn eastern European country, saying the focus should be on cessation of hostilities and on urgent humanitarian assistance and the draft did not fully reflect New Delhi's expected to focus on these challenges.

The 193-member UN General Assembly adopted the draft resolution 'Humanitarian consequences of the aggression against Ukraine' by Ukraine and its western allies, with 140 nations voting in favour, five against and 38 abstentions. India abstained on the resolution.

"We firmly believe efforts at the United Nations should contribute to de-escalation of the conflict, facilitate immediate cessation of hostilities to promote dialogue and diplomacy and bring together parties to find an immediate end to the suffering of the people," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti said in the Explanation of Vote after the resolution was adopted.

"We continue to underline the need to respect the UN Charter, international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. India abstained on the resolution since what we require now is to focus on cessation of hostilities and on urgent humanitarian assistance. The draft resolution did not fully reflect our expected focus on these challenges," Tirumurti said, reiterating India's call for immediate ceasefire.

Tirumurti underlined that India continues to remain deeply concerned at the ongoing situation which has rapidly been deteriorating since the beginning of the hostilities. He noted that the conflict has resulted in death of civilians, and nearly 10 million people have either been displaced internally or moved to neighbouring countries.

"We have constantly called for cessation of hostilities," he said, noting with concern that the humanitarian situation continues to worsen, particularly in the conflict zones in urban areas.

"Women, children and elderly are disproportionately affected by the prolonging of this conflict," he said.

Tirumurti emphasised that there is an urgent need to address the humanitarian needs of the affected population. India supports the initiatives of the UN and its agencies and expressed hope that the international community will continue to respond positively to the humanitarian needs of the people of Ukraine, including through extending generous support to the Secretary General's flash appeal and the regional refugee response plan on Ukraine.

He underscored that it is important that humanitarian action is always guided by the principles of humanitarian assistance, which is humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. "These measures should not be politicized."

Tirumurti told the General Assembly that India has already sent over 90 tonnes of humanitarian supplies, including medicines and other essential relief material, to Ukraine and its neighbours as part of the nine separate tranches of humanitarian assistance delivered so far.

India is in the process of sending further supplies in the coming days. He also said that India has ensured the safe return of about 22,500 Indians from Ukraine through the Operation Ganga involving 90 flights.

"We have also assisted nationals from 18 other countries in that process. We are deeply appreciative of the facilitation rendered by the authorities of Ukraine and its neighbouring countries and ensuring their safe return."

A rival resolution was also proposed in the UNGA by South Africa 'Humanitarian situation emanating out of the conflict in Ukraine'. It made no mention of Russia and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities by "all parties"&nbsp;in the conflict.

Following objections by Ukraine, the assembly voted to decided whether action should be taken in the UNGA on the South African-led draft resolution. With 67 member states voting against, 50 in favour and 36 abstentions, the resolution, supported by China, was not put for vote and no action was taken on that draft. India abstained on this vote as well.

On Wednesday, India, along with 12 other UN Security Council members, had abstained on a resolution by Russia on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The UNSC resolution failed to pass as it did not get the required 9 yes votes. Only Russia and China voted in favour of the UNSC resolution.

The draft resolution on Ukraine in the General Assembly demands an immediate cessation of the hostilities by Russia against Ukraine, in particular of any attacks against civilians and civilian objects; demands that civilians, including humanitarian personnel, journalists and persons in vulnerable situations, including women and children, be fully protected and also demands that all parties protect civilians fleeing armed conflict and violence, including foreign nationals, notably students, without discrimination, to allow voluntary, safe and unhindered passage.

The resolution recognised that the military offensive of the Russian Federation inside the sovereign territory of Ukraine and its humanitarian consequences are on a scale that the international community has not seen in Europe in decades and reiterated the call of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Russia to stop its military offensive, as well as his call to establish a ceasefire and to return to the path of dialogue and negotiations.

The resolution also recalled its demand that the Russian Federation immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

When the 11th Emergency Special Session was opened on February 28, the UN General Assembly had on March 2 adopted a resolution titled 'Aggression against Ukraine' that had overwhelmingly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and demanded that Moscow 'completely and unconditionally'&nbsp;withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine.

India had abstained on the resolution, which was co-sponsored by 96 UN Member States and received 141 votes in favour, a total of 34 abstentions and five nations voting against.&nbsp;

India on Thursday abstained in the UN General Assembly on a resolution by Ukraine and its allies on the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn eastern European country, saying the focus should be on cessation of hostilities and on urgent humanitarian assistance and the draft did not fully reflect New Delhi's expected to focus on these challenges.

India on Thursday abstained in the UN General Assembly on a resolution by Ukraine and its allies on the humanitarian crisis in the war-torn eastern European country, saying the focus should be on cessation of hostilities and on urgent humanitarian assistance and the draft did not fully reflect New Delhi's expected to focus on these challenges. The 193-member UN General Assembly adopted the draft resolution 'Humanitarian consequences of the aggression against Ukraine' by Ukraine and its western allies, with 140 nations voting in favour, five against and 38 abstentions. India abstained on the resolution. "We firmly believe efforts at the United Nations should contribute to de-escalation of the conflict, facilitate immediate cessation of hostilities to promote dialogue and diplomacy and bring together parties to find an immediate end to the suffering of the people," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti said in the Explanation of Vote after the resolution was adopted. "We continue to underline the need to respect the UN Charter, international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states. India abstained on the resolution since what we require now is to focus on cessation of hostilities and on urgent humanitarian assistance. The draft resolution did not fully reflect our expected focus on these challenges," Tirumurti said, reiterating India's call for immediate ceasefire. Tirumurti underlined that India continues to remain deeply concerned at the ongoing situation which has rapidly been deteriorating since the beginning of the hostilities. He noted that the conflict has resulted in death of civilians, and nearly 10 million people have either been displaced internally or moved to neighbouring countries. "We have constantly called for cessation of hostilities," he said, noting with concern that the humanitarian situation continues to worsen, particularly in the conflict zones in urban areas. "Women, children and elderly are disproportionately affected by the prolonging of this conflict," he said. Tirumurti emphasised that there is an urgent need to address the humanitarian needs of the affected population. India supports the initiatives of the UN and its agencies and expressed hope that the international community will continue to respond positively to the humanitarian needs of the people of Ukraine, including through extending generous support to the Secretary General's flash appeal and the regional refugee response plan on Ukraine. He underscored that it is important that humanitarian action is always guided by the principles of humanitarian assistance, which is humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. "These measures should not be politicized." Tirumurti told the General Assembly that India has already sent over 90 tonnes of humanitarian supplies, including medicines and other essential relief material, to Ukraine and its neighbours as part of the nine separate tranches of humanitarian assistance delivered so far. India is in the process of sending further supplies in the coming days. He also said that India has ensured the safe return of about 22,500 Indians from Ukraine through the Operation Ganga involving 90 flights. "We have also assisted nationals from 18 other countries in that process. We are deeply appreciative of the facilitation rendered by the authorities of Ukraine and its neighbouring countries and ensuring their safe return." A rival resolution was also proposed in the UNGA by South Africa 'Humanitarian situation emanating out of the conflict in Ukraine'. It made no mention of Russia and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities by "all parties" in the conflict. Following objections by Ukraine, the assembly voted to decided whether action should be taken in the UNGA on the South African-led draft resolution. With 67 member states voting against, 50 in favour and 36 abstentions, the resolution, supported by China, was not put for vote and no action was taken on that draft. India abstained on this vote as well. On Wednesday, India, along with 12 other UN Security Council members, had abstained on a resolution by Russia on the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The UNSC resolution failed to pass as it did not get the required 9 yes votes. Only Russia and China voted in favour of the UNSC resolution. The draft resolution on Ukraine in the General Assembly demands an immediate cessation of the hostilities by Russia against Ukraine, in particular of any attacks against civilians and civilian objects; demands that civilians, including humanitarian personnel, journalists and persons in vulnerable situations, including women and children, be fully protected and also demands that all parties protect civilians fleeing armed conflict and violence, including foreign nationals, notably students, without discrimination, to allow voluntary, safe and unhindered passage. The resolution recognised that the military offensive of the Russian Federation inside the sovereign territory of Ukraine and its humanitarian consequences are on a scale that the international community has not seen in Europe in decades and reiterated the call of Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Russia to stop its military offensive, as well as his call to establish a ceasefire and to return to the path of dialogue and negotiations. The resolution also recalled its demand that the Russian Federation immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders. When the 11th Emergency Special Session was opened on February 28, the UN General Assembly had on March 2 adopted a resolution titled 'Aggression against Ukraine' that had overwhelmingly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and demanded that Moscow 'completely and unconditionally' withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine. India had abstained on the resolution, which was co-sponsored by 96 UN Member States and received 141 votes in favour, a total of 34 abstentions and five nations voting against.

India abstains in UN General Assembly resolution on Ukraine

Russian reformer Anatoly Chubais has left his post as Russian President Vladimir Putin's envoy for stable development, over Moscow's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

Russian reformer Anatoly Chubais resigns job as Putin's envoy over Ukraine conflict

It's been a month since Russia launched its special military operation in Ukraine triggering the worst refugee crisis since World War 2. Russia moved a vote in United Nations calling for aid action and civilian protection.

Russia's draft in UNSC fails, 13 nations abstain during vote

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg makes the opening remarks at a meeting in Brussels over the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis.

NATO leaders meet in Brussels to discuss Ukraine conflict

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday (March 23) said that Britain would send 6,000 missiles, consisting of anti-tank and high explosive weapons, and $33 million in financial aid to Ukraine's military.&nbsp;

In a statement, Johnson said, "The United Kingdom will work with our allies to step up military and economic support to Ukraine, strengthening their defences as they turn the tide in this fight."&nbsp;

The announcements were made on the eve of NATO and G7 summits set to discuss the Russian invasion. Meanwhile, unveiling the new support package for Kyiv, the British leader said in the statement: "We cannot and will not stand by while Russia grinds Ukraine's towns and cities into dust."&nbsp;

ALSO&nbsp; READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-says-russian-army-taking-defensive-positions-in-ukraine-465022">Pentagon says Russian army 'taking defensive positions' in Ukraine</a>

"The United Kingdom will work with our allies to step up military and economic support to Ukraine, strengthening their defences as they turn the tide in this fight," he added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Wednesday (March 23) that after delays in deliveries, further supplies of Strela missiles were on the way to Ukraine.&nbsp;

Strela missiles had been in the inventories of the former Communist East German army.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-uses-facial-recognition-to-identify-dead-russian-soldiers-and-tell-families-465016">Ukraine uses facial recognition to identify dead Russian soldiers and tell families</a>

Russia's invasion of Ukraine prompted Germany to stage a historic reversal of its policy of not sending weapons to conflict zones, but the Ukrainian government has been frustrated by delays.&nbsp;

Baerbock told the Bundestag lower house of parliament, "I can clearly say that further Strela deliveries are on the way. We are one of the biggest weapons suppliers in this situation, it doesn't make us proud but it's what we must do to help Ukraine."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Putin asks EU to pay Roubles for gas, West remains divided on oil sanctions

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-asks-eu-to-pay-roubles-for-gas-west-remains-divided-on-oil-sanctions-465028/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday (March 23) said that Britain would send 6,000 missiles, consisting of anti-tank and high explosive weapons, and $33 million in financial aid to Ukraine's military.

The United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday (March 23) said that Britain would send 6,000 missiles, consisting of anti-tank and high explosive weapons, and $33 million in financial aid to Ukraine's military. In a statement, Johnson said, "The United Kingdom will work with our allies to step up military and economic support to Ukraine, strengthening their defences as they turn the tide in this fight." The announcements were made on the eve of NATO and G7 summits set to discuss the Russian invasion. Meanwhile, unveiling the new support package for Kyiv, the British leader said in the statement: "We cannot and will not stand by while Russia grinds Ukraine's towns and cities into dust." ALSO READ | Pentagon says Russian army 'taking defensive positions' in Ukraine "The United Kingdom will work with our allies to step up military and economic support to Ukraine, strengthening their defences as they turn the tide in this fight," he added. Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Wednesday (March 23) that after delays in deliveries, further supplies of Strela missiles were on the way to Ukraine. Strela missiles had been in the inventories of the former Communist East German army. ALSO READ | Ukraine uses facial recognition to identify dead Russian soldiers and tell families Russia's invasion of Ukraine prompted Germany to stage a historic reversal of its policy of not sending weapons to conflict zones, but the Ukrainian government has been frustrated by delays. Baerbock told the Bundestag lower house of parliament, "I can clearly say that further Strela deliveries are on the way. We are one of the biggest weapons suppliers in this situation, it doesn't make us proud but it's what we must do to help Ukraine." WATCH | Putin asks EU to pay Roubles for gas, West remains divided on oil sanctions ×

UK to provide 6,000 missiles to Ukraine; Germany says further Strela missiles on way to Kyiv

Conflict in Ukraine has affected oil supplies severely; Spain is facing Ukraine sunflower oil scarcity. As per experts, this could be an opportunity for olive oil producers.

Conflict in Ukraine affect oil supplies, price increases take toll on businesses

Russia's media regulator has imposed restrictions on Google News, accusing the company of disseminating "false" material on Russia's offensive in Ukraine.

According to a statement from Russia's media regulator Roskomnadzor reported by the agencies, the decision was made at the request of the Russian General Prosecutor's Office.

“Google provided access to numerous publications and materials that contain false information… about the course of the special military operation on Ukrainian territory,” the statement by Russia's media regulator says. 
 
"We’ve confirmed that some people are having difficulty accessing the Google News app and website in Russia and that this is not due to any technical issues on our end," Google said in statement. 
 
"We’ve worked hard to keep information services like News accessible to people in Russia for as long as possible."

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Will Putin launch a nuclear strike?

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-putin-launch-a-nuclear-strike-465000/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

 
"The American online news resource in question provided access to numerous publications and materials containing inauthentic and publicly important information about the course of the special military operation on the territory of Ukraine," Interfax quoted the regulator as saying. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-spies-in-poland-country-expels-45-russian-diplomats-for-espionage-464868">Russian spies in Poland?: Country expels 45 Russian diplomats for espionage</a> 
 
A new Russian law makes it illegal to report any event that could discredit the Russian military. 
 
Since the beginning of Russia's engagement in Ukraine on February 24, the Russian government has strengthened its grip on information on the internet, one of the country's last bastions of free expression.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Russia's media regulator has imposed restrictions on Google News, accusing the company of disseminating "false" material on Russia's offensive in Ukraine. According to a statement from Russia's media regulator Roskomnadzor reported by the agencies, the decision was made at the request of the Russian General Prosecutor's Office.

Russia's media regulator has imposed restrictions on Google News, accusing the company of disseminating "false" material on Russia's offensive in Ukraine. According to a statement from Russia's media regulator Roskomnadzor reported by the agencies, the decision was made at the request of the Russian General Prosecutor's Office. “Google provided access to numerous publications and materials that contain false information… about the course of the special military operation on Ukrainian territory,” the statement by Russia's media regulator says. "We’ve confirmed that some people are having difficulty accessing the Google News app and website in Russia and that this is not due to any technical issues on our end," Google said in statement. "We’ve worked hard to keep information services like News accessible to people in Russia for as long as possible." WATCH | Gravitas: Will Putin launch a nuclear strike? × "The American online news resource in question provided access to numerous publications and materials containing inauthentic and publicly important information about the course of the special military operation on the territory of Ukraine," Interfax quoted the regulator as saying. Also read | Russian spies in Poland?: Country expels 45 Russian diplomats for espionage A new Russian law makes it illegal to report any event that could discredit the Russian military. Since the beginning of Russia's engagement in Ukraine on February 24, the Russian government has strengthened its grip on information on the internet, one of the country's last bastions of free expression. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia blocks Google over 'inauthentic' information on Ukraine war

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. A senior Pentagon official said on Wednesday (March 23) claimed that the Ukrainian forces have pushed back Russian forces on the frontlines east of Kyiv. The official further told that the Russian army started to establish defensive positions on several fronts in the country as it has retreated more than 30 kilometres east of Kyiv in the past 24 hours. "The Ukrainians have managed to push the Russians back 55 kilometres east and northeast of Kyiv. That is a change from yesterday, the senior official, who requested anonymity, told reporters. ALSO READ | Ukraine uses facial recognition to identify dead Russian soldiers and tell families Pentagon on Tuesday (March 22) had estimated that Russian forces were around 20 kilometres from the centre of the capital. As per the official, to the northwest, "they're [Russian forces] basically digging in and they are establishing defensive positions. So it's not that they're not advancing. They're actually not trying to advance right now." Meanwhile, CNN reported quoting the official that Russian forces are becoming more active in the eastern part of Ukraine in the Donbas area. The report quoted the official as saying that Russian forces have "applied a lot more energy" in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, the two areas the Kremlin declared as independent republics ahead of last month's invasion. ALSO READ | Zelensky to address Swedish and Danish parliaments in coming days "We're starting to see them sort of dig in around Kyiv, but really trying to go more on the offence than they have been, more energy apply to that eastern part," the official said. "So that's a little bit of a change from what we've been talking about before," the official added. The claims were made a day after Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said that the Ukrainians are "in places and at times going on an offensive." He added they are "going after Russians and pushing them out of places." WATCH | Gravitas: Will Putin launch a nuclear strike? ×

Pentagon says Russian army 'taking defensive positions' in Ukraine

Ukraine is using facial recognition software to identify the bodies of Russian soldiers killed in combat and to trace their families to inform them of their deaths, Ukraine`s vice prime minister told Reuters. 
 
Reuters exclusively reported that Ukraine`s Ministry of Defense this month began using technology from Clearview AI, a New York-based facial recognition provider that finds images on the web that match faces from uploaded photos. It was not clear at that time how the technology would be used. 
 
Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine`s vice prime minister who also runs the ministry of digital transformation, told Reuters in an interview that Ukraine had been using Clearview AI software to find the social media accounts of dead Russian soldiers. 
 
From there, authorities are messaging relatives to make arrangements to collect the body, he said. 
 
"As a courtesy to the mothers of those soldiers, we are disseminating this information over social media to at least let families know that they they`ve lost their sons and to then enable them to come to collect their bodies," Fedorov said, speaking via a translator. 
 
Fedorov declined to specify the number of bodies identified through facial recognition but he said the percentage of recognized individuals claimed by families has been "high." Reuters was unable to independently confirm this. 
 
Opponents of facial recognition, including civil rights groups, have decried Ukraine`s adoption of Clearview, citing the possibility of misidentification. 
 
Clearview is battling a lawsuit in U.S. federal court in Chicago filed by consumers under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act. The ongoing case concerns whether the company`s gathering of images from the internet violated privacy law. 
 
Clearview says its actions have been legal. It says its face matches should only be a starting point in investigations. 
 
Fedorov said that Ukraine was not using the technology to identify its own troops killed in battle. He did not specify why. 
 
Ukraine`s Ministry of Internal Affairs did not respond to requests for comment. It has been overseeing the country`s Look For Your Own project, a Telegram channel where it posts images of unidentified captured or killed Russian soldiers and invites claims from relatives. 
 
The Ukrainian government has an online form where Russian relatives can submit a claim to collect a body. Fedorov did not provide details of how the bodies are being returned to families and Reuters could not independently determine that. 
 
Ukraine`s military has said some 15,000 Russian soldiers have been killed since Russia invaded on Feb 24. Russia has said its casualties are much lower during what it describes as a "special military operation" to demilitarize Ukraine. 
 
The Kremlin did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment on Ukraine`s use of Clearview. 
 
Clearview, which offered its service free of charge to Ukraine after the Russian invasion, has said its search engine includes over 2 billion images from VKontakte, a popular Russian social media service. 
 
VKontakte did not respond to a request for comment. 
 
Facial recognition is just one of many tools, including cloud services from Amazon.com Inc, that Ukraine has been able to adopt for free as Western businesses come to its aid, Fedorov said. 
 
Amazon did not respond to requests for comment. 
 
Richard Bassed, head of the forensic medicine department at Monash University in Australia, said fingerprints, dental records and DNA remain the most common ways of confirming someone`s identity. 
 
Obtaining pre-death samples of such data from enemy fighters is challenging, though, opening the door to innovative techniques such as facial recognition. 
 
But clouded eyes and injured and expressionless faces potentially make facial recognition unreliable on the dead, said Bassed, who has been researching the technology. 
 
In the United States, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System said it has not adopted automated facial recognition because the technology is not currently generally accepted in the forensic community.

Ukraine is using facial recognition software to identify the bodies of Russian soldiers killed in combat and to trace their families to inform them of their deaths, Ukraine`s vice prime minister told Reuters.

Ukraine is using facial recognition software to identify the bodies of Russian soldiers killed in combat and to trace their families to inform them of their deaths, Ukraine`s vice prime minister told Reuters. Reuters exclusively reported that Ukraine`s Ministry of Defense this month began using technology from Clearview AI, a New York-based facial recognition provider that finds images on the web that match faces from uploaded photos. It was not clear at that time how the technology would be used. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine`s vice prime minister who also runs the ministry of digital transformation, told Reuters in an interview that Ukraine had been using Clearview AI software to find the social media accounts of dead Russian soldiers. From there, authorities are messaging relatives to make arrangements to collect the body, he said. "As a courtesy to the mothers of those soldiers, we are disseminating this information over social media to at least let families know that they they`ve lost their sons and to then enable them to come to collect their bodies," Fedorov said, speaking via a translator. Fedorov declined to specify the number of bodies identified through facial recognition but he said the percentage of recognized individuals claimed by families has been "high." Reuters was unable to independently confirm this. Opponents of facial recognition, including civil rights groups, have decried Ukraine`s adoption of Clearview, citing the possibility of misidentification. Clearview is battling a lawsuit in U.S. federal court in Chicago filed by consumers under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act. The ongoing case concerns whether the company`s gathering of images from the internet violated privacy law. Clearview says its actions have been legal. It says its face matches should only be a starting point in investigations. Fedorov said that Ukraine was not using the technology to identify its own troops killed in battle. He did not specify why. Ukraine`s Ministry of Internal Affairs did not respond to requests for comment. It has been overseeing the country`s Look For Your Own project, a Telegram channel where it posts images of unidentified captured or killed Russian soldiers and invites claims from relatives. The Ukrainian government has an online form where Russian relatives can submit a claim to collect a body. Fedorov did not provide details of how the bodies are being returned to families and Reuters could not independently determine that. Ukraine`s military has said some 15,000 Russian soldiers have been killed since Russia invaded on Feb 24. Russia has said its casualties are much lower during what it describes as a "special military operation" to demilitarize Ukraine. The Kremlin did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment on Ukraine`s use of Clearview. Clearview, which offered its service free of charge to Ukraine after the Russian invasion, has said its search engine includes over 2 billion images from VKontakte, a popular Russian social media service. VKontakte did not respond to a request for comment. Facial recognition is just one of many tools, including cloud services from Amazon.com Inc, that Ukraine has been able to adopt for free as Western businesses come to its aid, Fedorov said. Amazon did not respond to requests for comment. Richard Bassed, head of the forensic medicine department at Monash University in Australia, said fingerprints, dental records and DNA remain the most common ways of confirming someone`s identity. Obtaining pre-death samples of such data from enemy fighters is challenging, though, opening the door to innovative techniques such as facial recognition. But clouded eyes and injured and expressionless faces potentially make facial recognition unreliable on the dead, said Bassed, who has been researching the technology. In the United States, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System said it has not adopted automated facial recognition because the technology is not currently generally accepted in the forensic community.

Ukraine uses facial recognition to identify dead Russian soldiers and tell families

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of using phosphorus bombs&nbsp;in his embattled country, urging&nbsp;NATO to provide military support.

The white phosphorus bombs were deployed in the eastern Luhansk Oblast region where an overnight shelling by the Russian forces killed four people, the Kyiv Independent reported.

According to the local governor Serhiy Haidai, the Russian forces attacked several towns in Luhansk Oblast using missiles and phosphorus bombs.

"The Russians are struggling. They can't advance. That's why they have started to use heavy weapons," the governor was quoted as saying.

This is not the first time that they have deployed phosphorus bombs in Ukraine. Earlier this month, a cop in Donbas region had accused Putin's forces of using phosphorus munition to attack civilians.

In a video address to NATO earlier in the day, Zelensky asked for military aid saying that children and adults are being killed by the Russian forces.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/one-month-since-russia-invaded-ukraine-hundreds-dead-millions-displaced-when-will-it-end-465149" hreflang="en">One month since Russia invaded Ukraine: Hundreds dead, millions displaced - When will it end?</a>

"This morning, by the way, phosphorus bombs were used. Russian phosphorus bombs. Adults were killed again and children were killed again," Zelensky said.

&nbsp;What is a phosphorous bomb?

White phosphorus is a substance used by militaries around the world in smoke, illumination and incendiary munitions, and is typically the burning element in tracer ammunition.

It burns brightly when exposed to air and produces a large amount of smoke, meaning it can be used to mark targets at night by lighting up an area on the battlefield or to create smokescreens during the day which

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-government-assesses-russian-forces-committed-war-crimes-in-ukraine-465050" hreflang="en">US government assesses Russian forces committed war crimes in Ukraine</a>

It is used mainly in the military, and other applications may include as a component in fertilisers, food additives and cleaning compounds. Initially, it was also used in pesticides and fireworks, but many countries have banned its use in several sectors.

The 1977 Geneva Convention restrict the deployment of white phosphorous bombs if they endanger civilians.

Also read |&nbsp;Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, NATO leaders prepare for an emergency summit

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-invasion-of-ukraine-continues-nato-leaders-prepare-for-an-emergency-summit-465036/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of using phosphorus bombs in his embattled country, urging NATO to provide military support. The white phosphorus bombs were deployed in the eastern Luhansk Oblast region where an overnight shelling by the Russian forces killed four people, the Kyiv Independent reported. According to the local governor Serhiy Haidai, the Russian forces attacked several towns in Luhansk Oblast using missiles and phosphorus bombs. "The Russians are struggling. They can't advance. That's why they have started to use heavy weapons," the governor was quoted as saying. This is not the first time that they have deployed phosphorus bombs in Ukraine. Earlier this month, a cop in Donbas region had accused Putin's forces of using phosphorus munition to attack civilians. In a video address to NATO earlier in the day, Zelensky asked for military aid saying that children and adults are being killed by the Russian forces. Also read | One month since Russia invaded Ukraine: Hundreds dead, millions displaced - When will it end? "This morning, by the way, phosphorus bombs were used. Russian phosphorus bombs. Adults were killed again and children were killed again," Zelensky said. What is a phosphorous bomb? White phosphorus is a substance used by militaries around the world in smoke, illumination and incendiary munitions, and is typically the burning element in tracer ammunition. It burns brightly when exposed to air and produces a large amount of smoke, meaning it can be used to mark targets at night by lighting up an area on the battlefield or to create smokescreens during the day which Also read | US government assesses Russian forces committed war crimes in Ukraine It is used mainly in the military, and other applications may include as a component in fertilisers, food additives and cleaning compounds. Initially, it was also used in pesticides and fireworks, but many countries have banned its use in several sectors. The 1977 Geneva Convention restrict the deployment of white phosphorous bombs if they endanger civilians. Also read | Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, NATO leaders prepare for an emergency summit (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine accuses Russia of using phosphorus bombs to kill civilians

Vladimir Putin's spokesperson said that Russia would launch a nuclear strike only if its existence were threatened. Western media says a 'paranoid' Putin could escalate the conflict to force a deal. Palki Sharma decodes the mood in Moscow.

Gravitas: Will Putin launch a nuclear strike?

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is approaching the one month mark. What does Vladimir Putin want from Ukraine? Reports claim the Russian President shared his demands with Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: What does Putin want from Ukraine?

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, an assessment done by the United States claims that the Russian military committed war crimes in Ukraine after President Vladimir Putin ordered special "military operations" in the neighbouring country.&nbsp;

On Wednesday (March 23), the US said that public information and intelligence it has collected amounts to strong evidence that the war crimes have been committed in Ukraine.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement, "Today, I can announce that, based on information currently available, the US government assesses that members of Russia's forces have committed war crimes in Ukraine."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-provide-6000-missiles-to-ukraine-germany-says-further-strela-missiles-on-way-to-kyiv-465032">UK to provide 6,000 missiles to Ukraine; Germany says further Strela missiles on way to Kyiv</a>

"We've seen numerous credible reports of indiscriminate attacks and attacks deliberately targeting civilians, as well as other atrocities," Blinken said.&nbsp;

The US assessment that tells that war crimes were committed "is based on a careful review of available information from public and intelligence sources," he said.&nbsp;

"We are committed to pursuing accountability using every tool available, including criminal prosecutions," he added.&nbsp;

As per United Nations, the concept of war crimes developed particularly at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century.&nbsp;

During that time, the international humanitarian law, which is also known as the law of armed conflict, was codified. &nbsp;

The Hague Conventions was adopted in 1899 and 1907 focus on the prohibition of warring parties to use certain means and methods of warfare.&nbsp;

War crimes mean grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949. Violation includes wilful killing, torture or inhuman treatment, wilfully causing great suffering, extensive destruction and appropriation of property, etc.&nbsp;

ALSO&nbsp; READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-says-russian-army-taking-defensive-positions-in-ukraine-465022">Pentagon says Russian army 'taking defensive positions' in Ukraine</a>

<hr />
Outrage over Mariupol theatre bombing

The announcement of assessment came as Russian forces continued to bombard the southern Ukraine city of Mariupol.&nbsp;

Some days ago, Russian forces bombed&nbsp;a maternity hospital and a theatre where hundreds of civilians had taken refuge. The incident had sparked global outrage.&nbsp;

However, Blinken did not specify cases that the United States had concluded amounted to war crimes. But he talked about the devastation of Mariupol in his announcement.&nbsp;

"As of March 22, officials in besieged Mariupol said that more than 2,400 civilians had been killed in that city alone," he said.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden last week labelled Putin as "a war criminal" for attacking Ukraine.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, NATO leaders prepare for an emergency summit

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-invasion-of-ukraine-continues-nato-leaders-prepare-for-an-emergency-summit-465036/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, an assessment done by the United States claims that the Russian military committed war crimes in Ukraine after President Vladimir Putin ordered special "military operations" in the neighbouring country. On Wednesday (March 23), the US said that public information and intelligence it has collected amounts to strong evidence that the war crimes have been committed in Ukraine. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement, "Today, I can announce that, based on information currently available, the US government assesses that members of Russia's forces have committed war crimes in Ukraine." ALSO READ | UK to provide 6,000 missiles to Ukraine; Germany says further Strela missiles on way to Kyiv "We've seen numerous credible reports of indiscriminate attacks and attacks deliberately targeting civilians, as well as other atrocities," Blinken said. The US assessment that tells that war crimes were committed "is based on a careful review of available information from public and intelligence sources," he said. "We are committed to pursuing accountability using every tool available, including criminal prosecutions," he added. As per United Nations, the concept of war crimes developed particularly at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. During that time, the international humanitarian law, which is also known as the law of armed conflict, was codified. The Hague Conventions was adopted in 1899 and 1907 focus on the prohibition of warring parties to use certain means and methods of warfare. War crimes mean grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949. Violation includes wilful killing, torture or inhuman treatment, wilfully causing great suffering, extensive destruction and appropriation of property, etc. ALSO READ | Pentagon says Russian army 'taking defensive positions' in Ukraine Outrage over Mariupol theatre bombing The announcement of assessment came as Russian forces continued to bombard the southern Ukraine city of Mariupol. Some days ago, Russian forces bombed a maternity hospital and a theatre where hundreds of civilians had taken refuge. The incident had sparked global outrage. However, Blinken did not specify cases that the United States had concluded amounted to war crimes. But he talked about the devastation of Mariupol in his announcement. "As of March 22, officials in besieged Mariupol said that more than 2,400 civilians had been killed in that city alone," he said. US President Joe Biden last week labelled Putin as "a war criminal" for attacking Ukraine. WATCH | Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, NATO leaders prepare for an emergency summit × (With inputs from agencies)

US government assesses Russian forces committed war crimes in Ukraine

One month since Russia invaded Ukraine: Hundreds dead, millions displaced - When will it end?

Elvira Nabiillina, the highly regarded governor of Russia's central bank was reportedly going to step down from her post after Ukraine invasion was ordered. However, she continued on her post only when Putin asked her to stay, said Bloomberg citing sources. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24.

She faces a hard road ahead navigating the Russian economy given the sanctions imposed on the country by the West.

Nabillina (58) is in office since 2013. She has been able to guide Russian economy through previous rounds on Western sanctions. These sanctions were imposed on Russia when it annexed Crimea.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-provide-6000-missiles-to-ukraine-germany-says-further-strela-missiles-on-way-to-kyiv-465032">UK to provide 6,000 missiles to Ukraine; Germany says further Strela missiles on way to Kyiv</a>

Nabillina's term as governor was extended last on the recommendation of Putin

On February 28, four days after Russian troops entered Ukraine, the central bank raised its main interest rate from 9.5 to 20 percent after Western nations imposed sanctions that largely cut Russia's financial sector off from the global economy.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oksana-baulina-russian-journalist-killed-during-bombardment-in-kyiv-465090">Oksana Baulina: Russian journalist killed during bombardment in Kyiv</a>

The Russian central bank's board held its main interest rate at 20 percent, as expected, at a regular meeting on Friday.

Nabiullina, who delivered a speech instead of holding her customary post-meeting press conference, said that it was "extremely difficult" to provide updated economic forecasts in the current conditions, but she would do so next month.

She nevertheless sought to strike a reassuring tone about the economy, saying the measures undertaken in response to the "unprecedented" Western sanctions helped avoid a run on banks and that the liquidity situation has stabilised.

"Inflation will remain elevated for a certain amount of time, but we won't allow an inflationary spiral develop," said Nabiullina.

(With inputs from agencies)

Elvira Nabiillina, the highly regarded governor of Russia's central bank was reportedly going to step down from her post after Ukraine invasion was ordered. However, she continued on her post only when Putin asked her to stay, said Bloomberg citing sources.

Elvira Nabiillina, the highly regarded governor of Russia's central bank was reportedly going to step down from her post after Ukraine invasion was ordered. However, she continued on her post only when Putin asked her to stay, said Bloomberg citing sources. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. She faces a hard road ahead navigating the Russian economy given the sanctions imposed on the country by the West. Nabillina (58) is in office since 2013. She has been able to guide Russian economy through previous rounds on Western sanctions. These sanctions were imposed on Russia when it annexed Crimea. Also Read | UK to provide 6,000 missiles to Ukraine; Germany says further Strela missiles on way to Kyiv Nabillina's term as governor was extended last on the recommendation of Putin On February 28, four days after Russian troops entered Ukraine, the central bank raised its main interest rate from 9.5 to 20 percent after Western nations imposed sanctions that largely cut Russia's financial sector off from the global economy. Also Read | Oksana Baulina: Russian journalist killed during bombardment in Kyiv The Russian central bank's board held its main interest rate at 20 percent, as expected, at a regular meeting on Friday. Nabiullina, who delivered a speech instead of holding her customary post-meeting press conference, said that it was "extremely difficult" to provide updated economic forecasts in the current conditions, but she would do so next month. She nevertheless sought to strike a reassuring tone about the economy, saying the measures undertaken in response to the "unprecedented" Western sanctions helped avoid a run on banks and that the liquidity situation has stabilised. "Inflation will remain elevated for a certain amount of time, but we won't allow an inflationary spiral develop," said Nabiullina. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia's central bank governor wanted to resign over Ukraine, Putin refused: Report

Amid escalating Ukraine crisis, another nuclear warning has been issued. A top Russian diplomat warned the NATO countries Wednesday (March 23), as he said that they are dealing with nuclear power and should not threaten Moscow.&nbsp;

During an interview with Sky News, Dmitry Polyanskiy, who is a Russian Deputy Ambassador to the UN, said, "If Russia is provoked by NATO, if Russia is attacked by NATO I don't know ... we are a nuclear power, why not?"&nbsp;

He was then asked, whether it was a "legitimate thing" to say, Polyanskiy replied: "I don't think it's the right thing to be saying but it's not a right thing to threaten Russia and to try to interfere."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oksana-baulina-russian-journalist-killed-during-bombardment-in-kyiv-465090">Oksana Baulina: Russian journalist killed during bombardment in Kyiv</a>

"So when you're dealing with a nuclear power of course you have to calculate all the possible outcomes of your behaviour," he further added.&nbsp;

On being asked about the allegations of war crimes,&nbsp;Polyanskiy said, "I don't think we're committing war crimes in Ukraine. Of course, it's not up to me to assess. I'm not there. You're not there. You're looking at the videos, you're looking at the many of videos which are considered to be fake news. You believe one thing, I believe another thing."

During an interaction with CNN International on Tuesday (March 22), Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia would only use nuclear weapons in the context of the Ukraine conflict if it were facing an "existential threat".&nbsp;

Peskov said as quoted by the media outlet, "We have a concept of domestic security, and it's public. You can read all the reasons for nuclear arms to be used. So if it is an existential threat for our country, then it can be used in accordance with our concept."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russian reformer Anatoly Chubais quits as Putin's special envoy

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-reformer-anatoly-chubais-quits-as-putins-special-envoy-465057/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Amid escalating Ukraine crisis, another nuclear warning has been issued. A top Russian diplomat warned the NATO countries Wednesday (March 23), as he said that they are dealing with nuclear power and should not threaten Moscow.

Amid escalating Ukraine crisis, another nuclear warning has been issued. A top Russian diplomat warned the NATO countries Wednesday (March 23), as he said that they are dealing with nuclear power and should not threaten Moscow. During an interview with Sky News, Dmitry Polyanskiy, who is a Russian Deputy Ambassador to the UN, said, "If Russia is provoked by NATO, if Russia is attacked by NATO I don't know ... we are a nuclear power, why not?" He was then asked, whether it was a "legitimate thing" to say, Polyanskiy replied: "I don't think it's the right thing to be saying but it's not a right thing to threaten Russia and to try to interfere." ALSO READ | Oksana Baulina: Russian journalist killed during bombardment in Kyiv "So when you're dealing with a nuclear power of course you have to calculate all the possible outcomes of your behaviour," he further added. On being asked about the allegations of war crimes, Polyanskiy said, "I don't think we're committing war crimes in Ukraine. Of course, it's not up to me to assess. I'm not there. You're not there. You're looking at the videos, you're looking at the many of videos which are considered to be fake news. You believe one thing, I believe another thing." During an interaction with CNN International on Tuesday (March 22), Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia would only use nuclear weapons in the context of the Ukraine conflict if it were facing an "existential threat". Peskov said as quoted by the media outlet, "We have a concept of domestic security, and it's public. You can read all the reasons for nuclear arms to be used. So if it is an existential threat for our country, then it can be used in accordance with our concept." WATCH | Russian reformer Anatoly Chubais quits as Putin's special envoy ×

'We are a nuclear power, why not?': Top Russian diplomat over Ukraine invasion

The United Nations said on Thursday that more than half of all children in Ukraine have been displaced from their homes since the Russian invasion of the country.

"One month of war in Ukraine has led to the displacement of 4.3 million children -- more than half of the country's estimated 7.5 million child population," the UN children's agency Unicef said.

The number of displaced children makes up nearly half of over 10 million people forced to flee their homes since the invasion.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-to-provide-6000-missiles-to-ukraine-germany-says-further-strela-missiles-on-way-to-kyiv-465032">UK to provide 6,000 missiles to Ukraine; Germany says further Strela missiles on way to Kyiv</a> 
 
More than 1.8 million children have fled Ukraine as refugees, while another 2.5 million are now displaced inside their war-ravaged country, the UN said.

"The war has caused one of the fastest large-scale displacements of children since World War II," Unicef chief Catherine Russell said.

"This is a grim milestone that could have lasting consequences for generations to come," she warned.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/oksana-baulina-russian-journalist-killed-during-bombardment-in-kyiv-465090">Oksana Baulina: Russian journalist killed during bombardment in Kyiv</a>

"Children's safety, wellbeing and access to essential services are all under threat from non-stop horrific violence." &nbsp;

Her comments came a month after Russian tanks rolled over the border, bringing a conflict that has already killed thousands of Ukrainian civilians.

See Pics | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/one-month-since-russia-invaded-ukraine-hundreds-dead-millions-displaced-when-will-it-end-465149#wave-of-sanctions-by-west-465132">One month since Russia invaded Ukraine: Hundreds dead, millions displaced - When will it end?</a>

The UN human rights office has confirmed that 81 children have been killed in the conflict and 108 injured but acknowledges that the true toll is likely far higher.

The UN has also decried that the conflict is taking a devastating toll on civilian infrastructure and access to basic services.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Nations said on Thursday that more than half of all children in Ukraine have been displaced from their homes since the Russian invasion of the country.

The United Nations said on Thursday that more than half of all children in Ukraine have been displaced from their homes since the Russian invasion of the country. "One month of war in Ukraine has led to the displacement of 4.3 million children -- more than half of the country's estimated 7.5 million child population," the UN children's agency Unicef said. The number of displaced children makes up nearly half of over 10 million people forced to flee their homes since the invasion. Also Read | UK to provide 6,000 missiles to Ukraine; Germany says further Strela missiles on way to Kyiv More than 1.8 million children have fled Ukraine as refugees, while another 2.5 million are now displaced inside their war-ravaged country, the UN said. "The war has caused one of the fastest large-scale displacements of children since World War II," Unicef chief Catherine Russell said. "This is a grim milestone that could have lasting consequences for generations to come," she warned. Also Read | Oksana Baulina: Russian journalist killed during bombardment in Kyiv "Children's safety, wellbeing and access to essential services are all under threat from non-stop horrific violence." Her comments came a month after Russian tanks rolled over the border, bringing a conflict that has already killed thousands of Ukrainian civilians. See Pics | One month since Russia invaded Ukraine: Hundreds dead, millions displaced - When will it end? The UN human rights office has confirmed that 81 children have been killed in the conflict and 108 injured but acknowledges that the true toll is likely far higher. The UN has also decried that the conflict is taking a devastating toll on civilian infrastructure and access to basic services. (With inputs from agencies)

More than half of Ukrainian children displaced by war, says UN

Today, Russia-Ukraine war has entered its 29th day with continued attacks and bombardments. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict.

Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, NATO leaders prepare for an emergency summit

Russian has transferred over 50% of foreign aircraft to its own registry as it takes measures to use foreign aircraft located in Russia, PM Mikhail Mishustin said on Wednesday.

Russia says it has moved over 50% of foreign aircraft to its own registry

A senior Pentagon official said that the Russian army started to establish defensive positions on several fronts in the country as it has retreated more than 30 km east of Kyiv in the past 24 hours.

Day 29 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Is Russia taking defensive position?

ukraine

Ukraine, News on Ukraine, stories on Ukraine, articles on Ukraine, Ukraine stories at Wion, Ukraine news, Ukraine latest news