Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Russia bombs Mariupol theatre where 1,000 people may have been sheltering

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the US Congress on the Ukraine situation, seeking further help to stop the Russian machinery. Around 20,000 people were also evacuated from Mariupol on Tuesday through a humanitarian corridor. The southwestern city has been subject to relentless shelling by Russian forces. Meanwhile, the US approved $13.6 billion in aid to Ukraine and may send an additional $800 million. Stay tuned to DH for live updates.

Biden announces that the US is sending 'longer range' anti-aircraft weapons to Ukraine

Russia bombs theatre where up to 1,000 civilians may have been sheltering

Russia bombedthe Drama Theater in Mariupol, wherecivilians were hiding from shelling. According to local media, up to 1,000 people could have been inside the building. All of them are now under the rubble of the building. The exact number of casualties is still unknown.

(NEXTA)

Russia blocks BBC website, vows more retaliatory media sanctions

Russia's media watchdog Roskomnadzor on Wednesday blocked access to the BBC's main news website, with Moscow's foreign ministry warning of more retaliatory measures against the media.

"I think this is only the beginning of retaliatory measures to the information war unleashed by the West againstRussia," foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

Ukraine says Russia must comply with the ICJ order, stop invasion

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksyy says Ukraine has 'gained victory' in case against Russia at the International Court of Justice

World Court orders Russia to cease military operations in Ukraine

Putin says Russia's Ukraine operation is a 'success'

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that his military campaign in Ukraine was a success and that he would not allow the country to become a "springboard" used to threatenRussia.

"The operation is developing successfully and in strict accordance with plans," Putin said at a televised government meeting, addingRussiahad no choice but to send in troops.

Putin hits out at foreign interference

"The West is trying to provoke civilian confrontations in Russia... their actions will only strengthen Russia," says Putin.

Putin threatens the West

"The West thinks we will step back, the West doesn't understand Russia," said Putin.

We do not want to occupy Ukraine, says Putin

In an address on the Ukraine situation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that "he did not have any option but to have a military operation" in Ukraine. He said that Ukraine may have had nuclear weapons in the near future and that "Russia does not want to occupy Ukraine."

US Congress gives a standing ovation to Zelenskyy

Zelenskyy ends speech imploring Biden to be the 'leader of the world' to ensure peace

'Ukrainian people are not only fighting to protect our country, but for European values'

"I am 45 years old, but I see no sense in life after seeing 100 children die," says Zelenskyy.

The video ends with the message of 'Close the skies over Ukraine'

The video shows gruesome attack on Ukrainian people, bombing of buildings

Zelenskyy shares video of Russian attack

'We want to create a new group of responsible countries to ensure peace'

Zelenskyy, saying that laws that have been in place until now have "sadly" failed to ensure peace, called on the US for constituting a new coalition of "responsible" countries to ensure peace.

'Need more sanctions till the Russian machinery stops'

Zelenskyy calls on the US to impose more sanctions on Russia, ensure all American companies leave Russia. "It is all filled with our blood," says Zelenskyy.

'Ukraine is grateful to the US for your overwhelming support'

Thanking the US for its support, Zelenskyy seeks aid to support Ukrainian skies and protect the lives of Ukrainians.

'Russia has turned Ukrainian skies into a source of death... they have fired over 1,000 missiles'

Invoking incidents of Pearl Harbour and 9/11 attacks, Zelenskyy says that Europe has ignored the Russian threat for too long. "Is it too much to ask to safeguard human lives?" says Zelenskyy.

'This is an attack on humanity'

"We are just like you Americans... We have dreams for our future which is being threatened," says Zelenskyy.

'Freedom-loving Ukrainian people have been resisting Russia for eight years'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the war will decide the future if Ukrainian people, "if they will be able to be free."

US Speaker Nancy Pelosi introduces Zelenskyy

"Slava Ukraini, (Glory to Ukraine)" says Pelosi, as Zelenskyy gets ready to speak.

Zelenskyy gets a big standing ovation before starting address

Zelenskyy set to address US Congress on Ukrainian crisis

Italy seizes property belonging to Russian oligarch Aven

Italy has seized a building complex on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia owned by Russian businessman Petr Olegovich Aven, Prime Minister Mario Draghi's office said on Wednesday.

Aven owned a third of the property and his holding was worth around 4 million euros ($4.40 million).

State TV protester tells Russians to 'open your eyes to Ukraine war propaganda'

A Russian woman who burst into a TV studio to denounce the Ukraine war during a live news bulletin told Reuters on Wednesday she was worried for her safety and hoped her protest would open Russians' eyes to propaganda.

In her first television interview since her extraordinary on-air protest on Channel One on Monday evening, Marina Ovsyannikova said that she had no plans to fleeRussiaand that she hoped she would not face criminal charges. "I believe in what I did but I now understand the scale of the problems that I'll have to deal with, and, of course, I'm extremely concerned for my safety," Ovsyannikova, an editor at Channel One, told Reuters.

"I absolutely don't feel like a hero... You know, I really want to feel that this sacrifice was not in vain, and that people will open their eyes."

Oil importers India, Thailand to be hit hardest by Ukraine crisis among APAC nations : S&P

Large oil importers like India and Thailand will be the most affected among Asia-Pacific countries by the ongoingRussia-Ukraine war, S&P Global Ratings has said.

S&P estimates the Indian economy to grow 7.8 per cent in the next fiscal year beginning April 1, 2022. Besides, the economy is expected to grow 6 per cent and 6.5 per cent in 2023-24 and 2024-25, respectively.

Ukrainian neutrality only possible on Ukrainian terms, says President's Office

The Ukrainian President’s Office said that Ukraine’s neutrality could only be on Ukrainian terms. Advisor Mykhailo Podolyak said that Ukraine could agree only to “legally certified security guarantees,” adding that in a new agreement, signatory states must be legally bound to defend Ukraine.

(The Kyiv Independent)

Ukraine claims Russia is abducting elected leaders

Kremlin says demilitarised Ukraine like Austria is possible compromise

The Kremlin said on Wednesday that a demilitarised Ukraine with its own army along the lines of Austria or Sweden was being looked at as a possible compromise. "This is a variant that is currently being discussed and which could really be seen a compromise," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by RIA news agency.

Swiss government approves sanctions on 200 more individuals, entities linked to Russia

According to a report by Reuters. the Switzerland government said it has approved sanctions on over 200 more individuals and entities in connection with serious violations of international law by Russia in Ukraine.

'The military operation is very precise, we are pinpointing military infrastructure,' says Lavrov

(NEXTA)

Ukraine's neutrality being discussed, both sides approaching specific formulations, says Lavrov

Russian Foreign MinisterSergeyLavrov claims Ukraine’s neutrality is being discussed in negotiations. He said the two sides are approaching “specific formulations which in my view are close to an agreement.” A strive to join NATO and the EU is written down in Ukraine’s constitution.

(The Kyiv Independent)

British PM: 'No way' Ukraine joining NATO soon

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says Ukraine is not going to join NATO “any time soon,” after the country's president acknowledged Ukraine would not become part of the Western military alliance.

President Vladimir Putin has long depicted Ukraine's NATO aspirations as a threat toRussia, something the alliance denies.

UN court to rule on bid for order to Russia to halt invasion

The United Nations' top court is set to rule Wednesday on a request by Ukraine for its judges to orderRussiato halt its devastating invasion. But it remains to be seen if Moscow would comply with any order made by the International Court of Justice, or ICJ, which is sometimes known as the World Court.

Russiasnubbed a hearing last week at which lawyers for Ukraine accused their powerful neighbour of “resorting to tactics reminiscent of medieval siege warfare” in its brutal assault.

Ukraine terrain posing problems to Russian forces, says UK Defense Intelligence

Russian forces are struggling to overcome challenges posed by Ukraine's terrain. Russian troops have remained largely tied to Ukraine’s road network and have demonstrated a reluctance to conduct off-road manoeuvres, the UK Defense Ministry said.

(The Kyiv Independent)

France urges protection for journalists in Ukraine conflict

France on Wednesday called for the protection of journalists coveringRussia's war in Ukraine, following the deaths of a Fox News cameraman and a Ukrainian producer near Kyiv. "I recall the obligation incumbent on armed forces to protect journalists in line with international humanitarian law," Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said in a statement.

"I condemn any action targeting them with the greatest firmness," he said, adding that "these events illustrate the extreme danger in the Ukrainian theatre today".

India acts to seize gap in wheat export market left by Ukraine war

India is rolling out measures to help the country become a major exporter of high-quality wheat as importers scramble for supplies afterRussia's invasion of Ukraine, two government sources said, according to Reuters.

Steps to be implemented over about two weeks include ensuring government-approved laboratories test the quality of wheat for export, making extra rail wagons available for transport and working with port authorities to give priority to wheat exports, the sources said.

Japan sets April 8 for auction of oil from reserve

Japan will hold an auction on April 8 to sell about 1.89 million barrels, or 300,000 kilolitres (kl), of crude oil in a third sale from its national reserve, as part of a US-led coordinated release of reserves to cool rising prices.

The country's industry ministry said on Wednesday the supply, to be taken from its Shirashima tank in southern Japan, will be available to winning bidders from May 20.

IEA says 3 million barrels per day of Russian oil, products could be shut in next month

Three million barrels per day (bpd) of Russian oil and products may not find their way to market beginning in April in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Wednesday, as sanctions bite and buyers hold off. "We see a reduction in total exports of 2.5 million bpd, of which crude accounts for 1.5 million bpd and products 1 million bpd," the IEA said in its monthly oil report.

An Ukrainian Jewish refugee woman sits with her dog inside of Agudath Israel synagogue in Moldova's capital Chisinau, before heading to the airport to board a plane to Israel. The number of refugees who have fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion began on February 24 has topped 2.8 million, the United Nations said. More than 9,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Israel following after the conflict begun. (AFP Photo)

Negotiations with Ukraine are difficult and slow, says Russia negotiators as 'Russia sincerely wants peace as soon as possible'

We don't see any interest from the US in regulating the Ukraine conflict, says Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov

Kathia, a Ukrainian refugee and her boyfriend Ruben, a Mexican worker inUkraine, sit on a plane of Mexican Air Force as they are evacuated to Mexico City, after Russia's invasion ofUkraine, near Bucharest, Romania. (Reuters Photo)

Russian gas flows to Europe decline as nominations drop

Russian Foreign Minister says 'some hope' of formulations of agreements with Ukraine

Ukraine launches counteroffensives in several areas: Ukrainian presidential adviser

Ukraine’s armed forces are launching counteroffensives against Russian forces "in several operational areas," Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak wrote on Twitter on Wednesday.

"This radically changes the parties’ dispositions," he added, without giving details. (Reuters)

Prosecutor general says 103 children have been killed in war in Ukraine

The Ukrainian prosecutor general said on Wednesday 103 children have been killed so far in the war in Ukraine.

Russian forces have struck more than 400 educational establishments and 59 of them have been destroyed, Prosecutor General Iryna Venediktova said on Facebook.

Reuters could not immediately verify the information. (Reuters)

Fresh blasts hit Kyiv as Russia steps up attacks

Several explosions rocked Kyiv early Wednesday, according to AFP journalists in the city, with emergency services saying two residential buildings were damaged and two people wounded.

The blasts came as Russia intensifies attacks on the Ukrainian capital, which was placed under curfew late Tuesday due to what its mayor called a "difficult and dangerous moment".

At least 500 Kharkiv city residents killed so far in war with Russia: Emergency service

The emergency service in Ukraine's eastern region of Kharkiv region said on Wednesday that at least 500 residents of the city of Kharkiv have been killed since Russia invaded on February 24.

Reuters was unable immediately to verify the information. Russia denies targeting civilians.

US steps up aid to Ukraine as pressure builds to halt Russia

The United States is set to unveil a fresh round of security assistance to Ukraine Wednesday, a White House official said, as Western leaders faced mounting pressure to stop Russia's bombardment of civilians and peace talks made halting progress.

The official said President Joe Biden will on Wednesday unveil another $800 million worth of military aid, expected to include more of the anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles that have helped slow Russia's three-week-old invasion to a crawl. (AFP)

Kharkiv after Russian shelling

Top UN court to rule on Ukraine invasion

The UN's top court is set to rule Wednesday onUkraine's urgent request forRussiato immediately halt its invasion, with Kyiv claiming that Moscow falsely accused its pro-Western neighbour of genocide to justify the war.

Uncertainty for Russian tourists in Turkey hotspot as war rages

With its shimmering azure waters, secluded coves and golden sands, Turkey's Mediterranean coast is a destination beloved by Russian tourists, nearly five million of whom visited last year.

But many visitors currently on holiday in the area now fear they will be unable to return home because of extensive Western sanctions on Moscow over its invasion ofUkraine.

Shrapnel hits residential building in Kyiv

A 12-story residential building in Kyiv’s central Shevchenkivsky district was hit early on March 16.Two people were injured and 37 evacuated, according to the State Emergency Service.

(The Kyiv Independent)

Explosions reported in Zaporizhzhia: Report

China says Taiwan 'taking advantage' of Ukraine as island sends more aid

Street artist Nathan Murdoch creates artwork in support ofUkraineand Palestine in Peterborough, Britain. (Reuters Photo)

Ukraine sees room for compromise, as 20,000 escape Mariupol

Ukraine said it saw possible room for compromise in talks with Russia despite Moscow's stepped up bombardment Tuesday of Kyiv and new assaults on the port city of Mariupol, from where an estimated 20,000 civilians managed to flee through a humanitarian corridor.

The fast-moving developments on the diplomatic front and on the ground came as Russia's invasion neared the three-week mark and the number of Ukrainians who have left the country amid Europe's heaviest fighting since World War II eclipsed 3 million. (AP)

UK PM Boris Johnson calls on world to wean off Russian oil, gas

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson declared a mission to build an international coalition against Russia and wean off dependence on its oil and gas exports in protest against the conflict with Ukraine, as he embarked on a visit to the Gulf region on Wednesday.

Johnson is scheduled to meet with leaders in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh for talks on energy, regional security and humanitarian relief as part of what Downing Street described as the UK's efforts to galvanise global action on the crisis in Ukraine. (PTI)

Biden expected to announce $800 million in security aid for Ukraine: official

USPresident JoeBidenis expected to announce an additional $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine on Wednesday, a White House official said.

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed a bill providing $13.6 billion in additional military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine

Biden, NATO leaders to meet in Brussels next week to discuss Russian invasion of Ukraine

NATO leaders will meet in Brussels on March 24 in an "extraordinary" summit to discuss Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the alliance's chief said on Tuesday, as the White House confirmed USPresident Joe Biden would also attend.

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