It has been weeks now since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. However, Russian forces are continuously attacking Mariupol.

Ukraine under attack: Russia 'tightening noose' on Mariupol

It is day 24 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine.

WION reports from the frontlines: Russian Missiles target Lviv's airport area

As the conflict intensifies, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for comprehensive peace talks with Russia on Saturday. &nbsp; &nbsp;

He said Russia would otherwise need generations to recover from losses suffered during the invasion. &nbsp;

Ukraine had always offered solutions for peace and wanted meaningful and honest negotiations on peace and security, without any delay, Zelensky said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-firm-sells-zelensky-motolov-cocktails-legos-raises-160000-for-ukraine-463447" hreflang="en">US firm sells Zelensky, Motolov cocktails’ Legos, raises $160,000 for Ukraine</a>

In a video address, which was released in the early hours of Saturday, he said, "I want everyone to hear me now, especially in Moscow. The time has come for a meeting, it is time to talk. The time has come to restore territorial integrity and justice for Ukraine. Otherwise, Russia's losses will be such that it will take you several generations to recover." &nbsp;

Although the two sides have been conducting talks for weeks, there have been no signs of breakthrough. &nbsp;

Russian forces have been deliberately blocking the humanitarian supplies to cities under attack, Zelensky said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-ukraine-conflict-intensifies-russian-president-vladimir-putin-issues-warning-to-traitors-463306" hreflang="en">As Ukraine conflict intensifies, Russian President Vladimir Putin issues warning to 'traitors'</a>

"This is a deliberate tactic ... This is a war crime and they will answer for it, 100%," the president said. &nbsp;

There was no information about how many people have been killed after a theatre in Mariupol was struck on Wednesday, Zelensky said. Hundreds of people had taken shelter at the theatre. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As the conflict intensifies, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for comprehensive peace talks with Russia on Saturday. He said Russia would otherwise need generations to recover from losses suffered during the invasion.

As the conflict intensifies, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for comprehensive peace talks with Russia on Saturday. He said Russia would otherwise need generations to recover from losses suffered during the invasion. Ukraine had always offered solutions for peace and wanted meaningful and honest negotiations on peace and security, without any delay, Zelensky said. Also Read: US firm sells Zelensky, Motolov cocktails’ Legos, raises $160,000 for Ukraine In a video address, which was released in the early hours of Saturday, he said, "I want everyone to hear me now, especially in Moscow. The time has come for a meeting, it is time to talk. The time has come to restore territorial integrity and justice for Ukraine. Otherwise, Russia's losses will be such that it will take you several generations to recover." Although the two sides have been conducting talks for weeks, there have been no signs of breakthrough. Russian forces have been deliberately blocking the humanitarian supplies to cities under attack, Zelensky said. Also Read: As Ukraine conflict intensifies, Russian President Vladimir Putin issues warning to 'traitors' "This is a deliberate tactic ... This is a war crime and they will answer for it, 100%," the president said. There was no information about how many people have been killed after a theatre in Mariupol was struck on Wednesday, Zelensky said. Hundreds of people had taken shelter at the theatre. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Time for meaningful talks, says President Volodymyr Zelensky

The issue of bioweapons being used in the war in Ukraine has now reached the United nations of Security Council. An emergency meeting of the UNSC has been called. Russia alleged that the United States is funding research to create bioweapons in Ukraine. Both the United States and Ukraine have denied these allegations.

Russia renews bioweapons accusations, India backs ban of biological weapons

Russia's President Vladimir Putin made a promise to thousands of people who were assembled at the stadium that the military will absolutely accomplish all the plans.

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Russian state TV cuts off Putin mid-speech

'Price of War': These empty strollers represent children killed during Russian invasion of Ukraine

The firefighters of Ukraine are on the front lines of the war, they're working in the volatile conditions. WION speaks to the firefighters, watch this ground report.

WION Ground Report: The story of Kyiv's first responders

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.

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to escalate, a Ukrainian defence official in his latest address has said that the country's armed forces have blocked Russia's two main routes for attacking the capital city Kyiv.&nbsp;

Reports have suggested that the Russian forces have been strengthening outside the capital city of Ukraine apparently to take over it.&nbsp;

However, Brigadier General Oleksandr Hruzevych, who is the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Land Forces Command of Ukraine said as quoted by media outlets that Russian forces on both sides of the Dnipro river have been stopped.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-crimes-amid-ukraine-war-baltic-states-expel-russian-diplomats-463524">'War crimes': Amid Ukraine war, Baltic states expel Russian diplomats</a>

He said on Friday (March 18), "As of today, the enemy has been stopped at a distance of almost 70 kilometres from the city’s right bank, which makes it impossible to carry out fire, except for rocket fire." &nbsp;

He said, "On the left bank, the advance has [also] been stopped. The enemy is cynically shooting at our infrastructure facilities. [But] the main ways of attack are blocked."&nbsp;

The official added, "In some districts, namely Brovary and Boryspil, the enemy refrained from active offensive as such. There are small attempts at action on the left bank of the Dnipro River, but they’ve also been unsuccessful."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germanys-scholz-urges-ceasefire-in-call-with-russias-putin-463517">Germany's Scholz urges ceasefire in call with Russia's Putin</a>

Commenting on Russia's progress, the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on Thursday (March 18) had said that Russian forces have made minimal progress on land, sea or air in recent days and they continue to suffer heavy losses.&nbsp;

The MoD intelligence update read, "The Russian invasion of Ukraine has largely stalled on all fronts. Russian forces have made minimal progress on land, sea or air in recent days and they continue to suffer heavy losses. Ukrainian resistance remains staunch and well-coordinated. The vast majority of Ukrainian territory, including all major cities, remains in Ukrainian hands."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine-Russia Crisis: Joe Biden-Xi Jinping call lasts for nearly 2 hours

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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. As the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to escalate, a Ukrainian defence official in his latest address has said that the country's armed forces have blocked Russia's two main routes for attacking the capital city Kyiv. Reports have suggested that the Russian forces have been strengthening outside the capital city of Ukraine apparently to take over it. However, Brigadier General Oleksandr Hruzevych, who is the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Land Forces Command of Ukraine said as quoted by media outlets that Russian forces on both sides of the Dnipro river have been stopped. ALSO READ | 'War crimes': Amid Ukraine war, Baltic states expel Russian diplomats He said on Friday (March 18), "As of today, the enemy has been stopped at a distance of almost 70 kilometres from the city’s right bank, which makes it impossible to carry out fire, except for rocket fire." He said, "On the left bank, the advance has [also] been stopped. The enemy is cynically shooting at our infrastructure facilities. [But] the main ways of attack are blocked." The official added, "In some districts, namely Brovary and Boryspil, the enemy refrained from active offensive as such. There are small attempts at action on the left bank of the Dnipro River, but they’ve also been unsuccessful." ALSO READ | Germany's Scholz urges ceasefire in call with Russia's Putin Commenting on Russia's progress, the UK's Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on Thursday (March 18) had said that Russian forces have made minimal progress on land, sea or air in recent days and they continue to suffer heavy losses. The MoD intelligence update read, "The Russian invasion of Ukraine has largely stalled on all fronts. Russian forces have made minimal progress on land, sea or air in recent days and they continue to suffer heavy losses. Ukrainian resistance remains staunch and well-coordinated. The vast majority of Ukrainian territory, including all major cities, remains in Ukrainian hands." WATCH | Ukraine-Russia Crisis: Joe Biden-Xi Jinping call lasts for nearly 2 hours ×

Ukraine under attack: Ukrainian army claims to have blocked Russia's main routes for attacking Kyiv

India's neutral approach to the Ukraine conflict has upset many. A pressure campaign is underway to compel India into taking sides. Should New Delhi give in? Or should it uphold national interest? Here's what Palki Sharma Upadhyay has to say.

Gravitas Plus | India's Ukraine Dilemma

Three weeks after the invasion of Ukraine, first high level talk has begun between US president and Xi Jinping recently.

Ukraine-Russia war update: First talks between US & Chinese leaders since invasion

It is day 24 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Uncollected corpses are also piling-up in Mariupol.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Uncollected corpses pile-up in Mariupol with over 2,500 people dead

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russian strikes hit West Ukraine as Kremlin continues assault on Kyiv

Health facility set up in bomb shelter as fighting continues in & around Kyiv

China is under intense diplomatic pressure to pull its support and isolate Russia. Three weeks after the invasion of Ukraine, US president and Xi Jinping held a talk.

Ukraine-Russia Crisis: Joe Biden-Xi Jinping call lasts for nearly 2 hours

It is day 24 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, Russia used Kinzhal hypersonic missile in the invasion.

Day 24 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Russia uses Kinzhal hypersonic missile

It is day 24 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, Russian strikes have destroyed aircraft repair plant in Lviv .

Moscow destroys aircraft repair plant in Lviv amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, President Zelensky has renewed calls for talks with Russia. This comes at a time when 4 rounds of talks have remained inconclusive.

Week 4 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Zelensky renews calls for talks with Russia

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, global crude oil prices are soaring owing to economic sanctions on Russia. However, Russia is offering crude oil at discounted prices which India has decided to buy.

The US 'recognises' India's move to buy 3 million barrels of Russian crude oil

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shaken the global market for nickel just as the metal gains importance as an ingredient in electric car batteries, raising fears that high prices could slow the transition away from fossil fuels.

The price of nickel doubled in one day last week, prompting the London Metal Exchange to freeze trading and effectively bring the global nickel market to a standstill. After two years of supply-chain chaos caused by the pandemic, the episode provided more evidence of how geopolitical tensions are destroying trading relationships that companies once took for granted, forcing them to rethink where they get the parts and metals they use to make cars and many other products.

Automakers and other companies that need nickel, as well as other battery raw materials such as lithium or cobalt, have begun looking for ways to shield themselves against future shocks.

Volkswagen, for example, has begun to explore buying nickel directly from mining companies, Markus Duesmann, CEO of the carmaker’s Audi division, said in an interview Thursday. “Raw materials are going to be an issue for years to come,” he said.

The prospect of prolonged geopolitical tensions is likely to accelerate attempts by the United States and Europe to develop domestic supplies of commodities that often come from Russia. There are nickel deposits, for example, in Canada, Greenland and even Minnesota.

“Nickel, cobalt, platinum, palladium, even copper — we already realized we need those metals for the green transition, for mitigating climate change,” said Bo Stensgaard, CEO of Bluejay Mining, which is working on extracting nickel from a site in western Greenland in a venture with KoBold Metals, whose backers include Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates. “When you see the geopolitical developments with Ukraine and Russia, it’s even more obvious that there are supply risks with these metals.”

But establishing new mining operations is likely to take years, even decades, because of the time needed to acquire permits and financing. In the meantime, companies using nickel — a group that also includes steel-makers — will need to contend with higher prices, which will eventually be felt by consumers.

An average electric-car battery contains about 80 pounds of nickel. The surge in prices in March would more than double the cost of that nickel to $1,750 a car, according to estimates by trading firm Cantor Fitzgerald.

Russia accounts for a relatively small proportion of world nickel production, and most of it is used to make stainless steel, not car batteries. But Russia plays an outsize role in nickel markets. Norilsk Nickel, also known as Nornickel, is the world’s largest nickel producer, with vast operations in Siberia. Its owner, Vladimir Potanin, is one of Russia’s wealthiest people. Norilsk is among a limited number of companies authorized to sell a specialized form of nickel on the London Metal Exchange, which handles all nickel trading.

Unlike other oligarchs, Potanin has not been a target of sanctions, and the United States and Europe have not tried to block nickel exports, a step that would hurt their economies as well as Russia’s. The prospect that Russian nickel could be cut off from world markets was enough to cause panic.

Analysts expect prices to come down from their recent peaks but remain much higher than they were a year ago. “The trend would be to come down to a level close to where we last left off,” around $25,000 a metric ton compared with the peak of $100,000 a ton, said Adrian Gardner, a principal analyst specializing in nickel at Wood Mackenzie, a research firm.

Nickel was on a tear even before the Russian invasion as hedge funds and other investors bet on rising demand for electric vehicles. The price topped $20,000 a ton this year after hovering between $10,000 and $15,000 a ton for much of the past five years. At the same time, less nickel was being produced because of the pandemic.

After Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, the price rose above $30,000 in a little over a week. Then came March 8. Word spread on the trading desks of brokerage firms and hedge funds in London that a company, which turned out to be the Tsingshan Holding Group of China, had made a huge bet that the price of nickel would drop. When the price rose, Tsingshan owed billions of dollars, a situation known on Wall Street as a short squeeze.

The price shot up to a little over $100,000 a ton, threatening the existence of many other companies that had bet wrong and prompting the London Metal Exchange to halt trading.

The exchange tried to restart trading in nickel twice this week with new price limits, but sudden drops caused trading to halt once again. “The market is broken,” said Keith Wildie, head of trading at London-based metals firm Romco.

There is no sign that nickel prices will lead to factory shutdowns in the way that shortages of components made in Ukraine brought assembly lines at Volkswagen, BMW and other carmakers to a standstill. It will take a few weeks for price increases to ripple through the system.

For now, automakers and other big nickel buyers such as steel-makers may be able to find alternative suppliers, use more recycled material or switch to battery designs that require less nickel.

“There is enough nickel,” Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius said in an interview this week. But carmakers might have to pay more, he said, adding, “It’s not unlikely that we will have secondary effects from this conflict.”

The Ukraine conflict has underscored the urgency of moving away from fossil fuels, said Duesmann. Russian oil plays a much bigger role in the global economy than Russian nickel. “It would be too shortsighted to say, ‘Electromobility doesn’t work,’” he said.

Beyond the immediate disruption to supplies, automakers are concerned about a retreat from the open markets that have been so good for business. Katrin Kamin, a trade expert at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy in Germany, noted that global commerce had held up remarkably well during the pandemic.

“Perhaps we should speak less of globalization being in crisis and more of international relations being at a low point,” Kamin said in an email.

But the Ukraine conflict, she added, “is a major blow to trade.”

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shaken the global market for nickel just as the metal gains importance as an ingredient in electric car batteries, raising fears that high prices could slow the transition away from fossil fuels.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shaken the global market for nickel just as the metal gains importance as an ingredient in electric car batteries, raising fears that high prices could slow the transition away from fossil fuels. The price of nickel doubled in one day last week, prompting the London Metal Exchange to freeze trading and effectively bring the global nickel market to a standstill. After two years of supply-chain chaos caused by the pandemic, the episode provided more evidence of how geopolitical tensions are destroying trading relationships that companies once took for granted, forcing them to rethink where they get the parts and metals they use to make cars and many other products. Automakers and other companies that need nickel, as well as other battery raw materials such as lithium or cobalt, have begun looking for ways to shield themselves against future shocks. Volkswagen, for example, has begun to explore buying nickel directly from mining companies, Markus Duesmann, CEO of the carmaker’s Audi division, said in an interview Thursday. “Raw materials are going to be an issue for years to come,” he said. The prospect of prolonged geopolitical tensions is likely to accelerate attempts by the United States and Europe to develop domestic supplies of commodities that often come from Russia. There are nickel deposits, for example, in Canada, Greenland and even Minnesota. “Nickel, cobalt, platinum, palladium, even copper — we already realized we need those metals for the green transition, for mitigating climate change,” said Bo Stensgaard, CEO of Bluejay Mining, which is working on extracting nickel from a site in western Greenland in a venture with KoBold Metals, whose backers include Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates. “When you see the geopolitical developments with Ukraine and Russia, it’s even more obvious that there are supply risks with these metals.” But establishing new mining operations is likely to take years, even decades, because of the time needed to acquire permits and financing. In the meantime, companies using nickel — a group that also includes steel-makers — will need to contend with higher prices, which will eventually be felt by consumers. An average electric-car battery contains about 80 pounds of nickel. The surge in prices in March would more than double the cost of that nickel to $1,750 a car, according to estimates by trading firm Cantor Fitzgerald. Russia accounts for a relatively small proportion of world nickel production, and most of it is used to make stainless steel, not car batteries. But Russia plays an outsize role in nickel markets. Norilsk Nickel, also known as Nornickel, is the world’s largest nickel producer, with vast operations in Siberia. Its owner, Vladimir Potanin, is one of Russia’s wealthiest people. Norilsk is among a limited number of companies authorized to sell a specialized form of nickel on the London Metal Exchange, which handles all nickel trading. Unlike other oligarchs, Potanin has not been a target of sanctions, and the United States and Europe have not tried to block nickel exports, a step that would hurt their economies as well as Russia’s. The prospect that Russian nickel could be cut off from world markets was enough to cause panic. Analysts expect prices to come down from their recent peaks but remain much higher than they were a year ago. “The trend would be to come down to a level close to where we last left off,” around $25,000 a metric ton compared with the peak of $100,000 a ton, said Adrian Gardner, a principal analyst specializing in nickel at Wood Mackenzie, a research firm. Nickel was on a tear even before the Russian invasion as hedge funds and other investors bet on rising demand for electric vehicles. The price topped $20,000 a ton this year after hovering between $10,000 and $15,000 a ton for much of the past five years. At the same time, less nickel was being produced because of the pandemic. After Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, the price rose above $30,000 in a little over a week. Then came March 8. Word spread on the trading desks of brokerage firms and hedge funds in London that a company, which turned out to be the Tsingshan Holding Group of China, had made a huge bet that the price of nickel would drop. When the price rose, Tsingshan owed billions of dollars, a situation known on Wall Street as a short squeeze. The price shot up to a little over $100,000 a ton, threatening the existence of many other companies that had bet wrong and prompting the London Metal Exchange to halt trading. The exchange tried to restart trading in nickel twice this week with new price limits, but sudden drops caused trading to halt once again. “The market is broken,” said Keith Wildie, head of trading at London-based metals firm Romco. There is no sign that nickel prices will lead to factory shutdowns in the way that shortages of components made in Ukraine brought assembly lines at Volkswagen, BMW and other carmakers to a standstill. It will take a few weeks for price increases to ripple through the system. For now, automakers and other big nickel buyers such as steel-makers may be able to find alternative suppliers, use more recycled material or switch to battery designs that require less nickel. “There is enough nickel,” Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius said in an interview this week. But carmakers might have to pay more, he said, adding, “It’s not unlikely that we will have secondary effects from this conflict.” The Ukraine conflict has underscored the urgency of moving away from fossil fuels, said Duesmann. Russian oil plays a much bigger role in the global economy than Russian nickel. “It would be too shortsighted to say, ‘Electromobility doesn’t work,’” he said. Beyond the immediate disruption to supplies, automakers are concerned about a retreat from the open markets that have been so good for business. Katrin Kamin, a trade expert at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy in Germany, noted that global commerce had held up remarkably well during the pandemic. “Perhaps we should speak less of globalization being in crisis and more of international relations being at a low point,” Kamin said in an email. But the Ukraine conflict, she added, “is a major blow to trade.”

How the war in Ukraine could slow the sales of electric cars

Indian government defends itself for buying Russian oil at discounted price amid war in Ukraine

Kremlin continues the assault as Russian troops bombard Kyiv, neighbouring cities

All you need to know about Kinzhal hypersonic missiles that Russia 'used in Ukraine for the first time'

After Israel & Turkey, South Africa has offered to mediate in the Ukraine Conflict. But South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has blamed the crisis on NATO'S expansion. How then can the country broker peace? Palki Sharma reports.

Gravitas: Ukraine Conflict: South Africa, Israel and Turkey offer mediation

Joe Biden and Xi Jinping spoke to each other for the first time since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. Is Biden still hoping for China’s support to isolate Russia? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Joe Biden, Xi Jinping discuss Ukraine war

Bombings on Ukrainian cities has intensified. A report has claimed Russia is planning a "lightning advance" to encircle the Ukrainian army and claim victory. Palki Sharma brings you the top 10 updates from the battleground.

Gravitas: Will Russia target Ukraine from the sea next?

The British defence secretary has received an hoax call from the man pertaining to be an Ukrainian Prime Minister. UK defence secy has blamed Russia for the hoax call.

Ukraine-Russia War: Britain blames Russia over hoax call

In the recent update from Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russian troops have bombarded Kyiv and neighbouring cities. WION's Anas Mallick has been reporting from the war-ravaged nation, bringing you exclusive ground zero reports.

Ukraine-Russia War: WION's Anas Mallick on ground zero covering all sides of invasion

On the 24th day of Russia-Ukraine war, former Ukrainian MP Omelyan speaks to WION. He said, "Putin is trying to restore Russian empire but we will not surrender".

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Former Ukrainian MP Omelyan says, 'We will not surrender to Russia'

Turkey and Israel is acting as a mediator in the Ukraine-Russia conflict. More and more countries are trying to solve the conflict, but the question remains same, 'can mediation help solve the Ukraine crisis' ?

Ukraine War update: Turkey & Israel offers to host Presidents of Ukraine and Russia

The Russian journalist, who protested her country’s war in Ukraine during a broadcast on the state-run television, said that she is quitting her job but also declined the asylum offer from France.<o:p></o:p>

Marina Ovsyannikova, who worked for Russia’s Channel 1, help up a sign on live television requesting the nation to believe propaganda – an action that can result in years of jail time.<o:p></o:p>

The sign read - "Stop the war. Don't believe the propaganda. They're lying to you here."

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-ukraine-conflict-intensifies-russian-president-vladimir-putin-issues-warning-to-traitors-463306">Russian President Vladimir Putin issues warning to 'traitors'</a>

Ovsyannikova was questioned by the Russian authorities for 14 hours and fined 30,000 Rubles ($290) for her actions. According to an AFP report, the Russian Parliament has passed several laws following Russia's invasion of Ukraine that ban the media from using the words "invasion" or "assault" to describe the conflict in Ukraine and prohibit "discrediting" the Russian military.<o:p></o:p>

In an interview with FRANCE24, Ovsyannikova thanked French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement to offer her asylum in France but decided to decline the offer.<o:p></o:p>

"Unfortunately, I won't be able to accept this kind offer because I am a patriot, I want to stay and live in my own country with my family, all my friends are here, and I want to stay in Russia,"

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-russias-advance-halts-in-ukraine-us-warns-china-over-backing-putin-463300" hreflang="en">As Russia's advance halts in Ukraine, US warns China over backing Putin</a>

"As I've said, it is the war in Ukraine that really is the point of no return. This was the trigger. People never thought such a thing could happen. On February 24, I stopped sleeping. I lost all sense of direction in my life…and I understood that I couldn't remain silent," Ovsyannikova said.<o:p></o:p>

Ovsyannikova has two children and during the interview, she also said that her young son believes that his mother has “destroyed” their family live following the protest on live television.<o:p></o:p>

"But I explained to him that in life, you have to react and make decisions that are often complicated. And that above all, we must bring an end to this fratricidal war. We must stop this madness before we reach something like nuclear war. So, I think when my son is a bit older, I think he will be able to understand my gesture," she said.

<o:p>Watch |&nbsp;</o:p>Russian bombardments sparks blaze as fire rages in western Kyiv<o:p></o:p>

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-bombardments-sparks-blaze-as-fire-rages-in-western-kyiv-463302/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Russian journalist, who protested her country’s war in Ukraine during a broadcast on the state-run television, said that she is quitting her job but also declined the asylum offer from France.

The Russian journalist, who protested her country’s war in Ukraine during a broadcast on the state-run television, said that she is quitting her job but also declined the asylum offer from France. Marina Ovsyannikova, who worked for Russia’s Channel 1, help up a sign on live television requesting the nation to believe propaganda – an action that can result in years of jail time. The sign read - "Stop the war. Don't believe the propaganda. They're lying to you here." Also read | Russian President Vladimir Putin issues warning to 'traitors' Ovsyannikova was questioned by the Russian authorities for 14 hours and fined 30,000 Rubles ($290) for her actions. According to an AFP report, the Russian Parliament has passed several laws following Russia's invasion of Ukraine that ban the media from using the words "invasion" or "assault" to describe the conflict in Ukraine and prohibit "discrediting" the Russian military. In an interview with FRANCE24, Ovsyannikova thanked French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement to offer her asylum in France but decided to decline the offer. "Unfortunately, I won't be able to accept this kind offer because I am a patriot, I want to stay and live in my own country with my family, all my friends are here, and I want to stay in Russia," Also read | As Russia's advance halts in Ukraine, US warns China over backing Putin "As I've said, it is the war in Ukraine that really is the point of no return. This was the trigger. People never thought such a thing could happen. On February 24, I stopped sleeping. I lost all sense of direction in my life…and I understood that I couldn't remain silent," Ovsyannikova said. Ovsyannikova has two children and during the interview, she also said that her young son believes that his mother has “destroyed” their family live following the protest on live television. "But I explained to him that in life, you have to react and make decisions that are often complicated. And that above all, we must bring an end to this fratricidal war. We must stop this madness before we reach something like nuclear war. So, I think when my son is a bit older, I think he will be able to understand my gesture," she said. Watch | Russian bombardments sparks blaze as fire rages in western Kyiv

Russia TV protester Marina Ovsyannikova quits channel but turns down France asylum offer

President Joe Biden said that the US has offered Ukraine $1bn in security aid, adding America will continue to give Ukraine weapons to fight and defend themselves. We are joined exclusively by Sarang Shidore, director of studies, Quincy institute to shed more light on this.

Machine guns, body armour, helmets- US to send more arms to Ukraine | Sarang Shidore Exclusive

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