Russia-Ukraine War LIVE: Zelenskyy denies to negotiate with Putin; 'Erdogan knows my view'

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a press conference talked about his family, stating that “I love them, I love my family. I love my wife."

While speaking about Ukraine’s first lady, Olena Zelenska, he said he was “very proud” of her and that she was “doing everything she can for the sake of our children and the country”.

"The most important thing is not to let them down. The most important thing is to make sure that my children are proud of me," he added.

The lyrics of "You'll Never Walk Alone" have been recited by  in a powerful film to mark the first anniversary of Russia-Ukraine war. The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) released one-minute video showing the devastation unleashed by Russian President Vladimir Putin's war, with millions forced to flee their homeland

It begins with a black screen and the caption: "Ukraine. February. 2023.

Watch:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday said that he will not negotiate with Russia's President Putin even f talks are mediated with Turkey.  "I don't accept it," Zelenskyy said, adding that Turkish President Erdogan "knows my view," according to broadcaster CNN. "We discussed this before the war. I told him to put Putin at the table for negotiations. 'Can we please do that? We must avert a full-scale war.' But [Erdogan] was not able to do that. Not only him — he is powerful — but he is not able to do it. And now he thinks that he is? Now we can't," Zelenskyy noted. 

"It is not the same man. There is nobody to talk to there," said Zelenskyy to Putin. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy does not consider China's proposals to end war in Ukraine to be a peace plan, but sees positive things in the initiative. "It seems to me that this was not China's peace plan, not a resolution or a declaration. It is not an infrastructure for anything. I think China has shown its thoughts," he said.

As he prepared to deliver the address on the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion in Ukraine, President Zelesnkyy declared that he is "confident" that his country has the ability to fend off the attacks of the invading Russian forces. 

"Victory will be inevitable. I am certain there will be victory," Zelensky told a reporter of American broadcaster CNN, ahead of the remarks.  "We have everything for it. We have the motivation, certainty, friends, the diplomacy. You have all come together for this," Zelensky said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday appeared to take a dig at China’s newly published 12-point ceasefire proposal to bring an end to the war in Ukraine.

Blinken, while speaking at the UN security council in New York, stated that he expects “many countries will call for peace today,” but “history teaches us that it’s the nature of peace that matters”.

"Members of the council should not be fooled by calls for a temporary or unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine and should not fall into the “false equivalency” of calling both sides to stop fighting. Russia will use any pause in fighting to consolidate control of territory and replenish its forces," he said as per The Guardian.

Ukraine will "work with China" if they show respect for international law, Zelenskyy was quoted as saying during his speech, delivered on one year anniversary of the Russian invasion. "I believe it would be correct to think that if there are thoughts that are consistent with respect for international law and territorial integrity and certain security issues, I believe that we need to use it in a good sense of the word and work with China on this. Why not? Our task is to rally everybody to isolate somebody," he told reporters, including American broadcaster CNN, Friday.

Zelenskyy on Friday said that the war in Ukriane has pushed reset button in NATO countries, and that they were now multiplying the defense spending. Russia's invasion forced the world and NATO countries to rethink their security systems, he noted, according to CNN.  "A lot of countries in the world (have) started increasing their defense budgets," he told reporters on Friday. "The war in Ukraine has pushed the reset button on NATO." Zelenskyy said the defense spending is "about more than just ammunition and weapons, and pointed to drones, IT, information sharing and defense against cyber attacks."

"There is a lot of state-of-the-art technology, and it is not universally effective. Of course, some people may be increasing spending. But on the whole, this is also a reform of security systems. I believe that this is right. Because everybody has seen what you can expect of the Russian Federation," he said at a news conference. 

The White House national security spokesperson on Friday said that it believes Russia may offer Iran with fighter jets and other military equipment in exchange for support for its war in Ukraine

Speaking to reporters, John Kirby, said the Washington had information that Tehran had shipped artillery and tank rounds to Moscow in November. He added that Russia, in return, was offering “unprecedented defence cooperation”, including on missiles, electronics and fighter jets, he said.

He said Iran was also looking forward to buy attack helicopters, radars and combat trainer aircraft.

"One year ago today, Russia launched its brutal invasion of Ukraine. When I spoke at a town hall earlier this week, I reiterated what it means to stand against Russia’s invasion, and why we’ll never stop standing up for Ukrainians," said Canada's PM Jsutin Trudeau on one year anniversary of Russia's war. 

Zelenskyy during the one-year anniversary state address said that he desires to hold a summit with the  Latin American countries “even though it’s very difficult for me to leave Ukraine," Guardian is reporting. He also expressed the will to bring on board India and China at a “peace summit” to end the ongoing hostilities. 

Zelennkyy has thanked the UK’s prime minister, Rishi Sunak, and the people of Britain for their “unwavering support” and “invaluable help during the hard times”.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is delivering remarks as his country marked the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion. Starting an address in Kyiv, Ukraine's embattled President observed a moment of silence for the soldiers, and journalists killed during the conflict in the eastern flank of Europe. 

"I bow deeply to you for what you have been saying about Ukraine, and that the world is not forgetting Ukraine and is helping us," Zelenskyy stated.. "I thank you all, and I want to thank your colleagues, who, unfortunately, are not with us anymore."

Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy will attend an online summit of the Group of Seven (G7) as the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the US are expected to pledge more support for Ukraine and impose sanctions on Russia. Current G7 chair Japan's President Fumio Kishida had invited Zelenskyy to attend the G7, but did not give details of the measures to be announced. 

Moldova’s President Maia Sandu says Ukrainians are not only fighting Russia for a “free and dignified life” but also for the “freedom of the entire continent.” On one year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Sandu said “there is no greater injustice than being invaded and killed in your own home” and praised Ukrainians who “rose up, conquered their fears and became invincible” in the face of Russian aggression.

Sweden will donate up to 10 Leopard 2 tanks and HAWK anti-aircraft systems to Ukraine, Swedish Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, announced on Friday.  “This is about what Ukraine needs and what they see as the highest priority,” he said at the press conference, held at Sweden’s military base in Boden in the far north of Sweden.

Latvian MP Rihards Kols, who is participating in the winter session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, swore at the Russian delegation, prompting the Russian officials to walk out of the assembly. "I'll take advantage of the moment - and I apologize in advance, Mr. Chairman. I will convey a message to the Russian delegation sitting in this room and quote the Ukrainian border guards: Russian warship, go f**k yourself," said the Latvian MP, echoing the line that became popular when Ukraine's forces refused to surrender to the crew from the Russian warship Moskva, the flagship of the Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet, that sank on 14 April 2022. 

"There's an elephant in this room which is called by the name of the Russian Federation delegation. If I were a witness and somebody asked me: 'Who is a war criminal?' Well, I would point to the back benches in this room. It's just a disgrace. It's a disgrace that this delegation is here, particularly the delegation that consists of sanctioned individuals who voted to annex independent countries' territories... those are the principles this institution was vouched to protect and guard! And we are sitting as if nothing happened!" said Kols.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy bestowed the state awards at Sophia Square today to Ukraine's military. He handed over combat flags to the military units of the Armed Forces and the assault brigades of the "Guards". The ceremony involved handing over the Golden Star medals to the members of the families of the fallen, who were awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine posthumously.

"It's up to you whether to be all of us or to be Ukraine. Every day depends on it! Every hour! Exactly from you, Ukrainian warrior! Our most important person, who stands and thanks to whom millions of Ukrainians stand. Which will stand and thanks to which will stand Ukraine! Thanks to which forever lunatime " Glory to Ukraine! ". I thank everyone who has endured that February, this year and who gives Ukraine unbreakable," Ukraine's President said, addressing Ukrainian armed forces. 

Ukraine's central bank unveiled a commemorative banknote on Thursday to mark the first anniversary of Russia's invasion. The banknote shows three Ukrainian soldiers raising the national flag. 

"We decided to launch a commemorative #banknote which will depict on a small piece of paper a year of emotions, patterns, content and iconic things," said Andriy Pyshnyi, governor of the National Bank of Ukraine.

Credit: twitter/@ajit4g1

UK's former prime minister, Boris Johnson, is expected to run for the NATO Secretary General position.  "I want to say, dear friends, that there is such a plan. Let no one forget that there is such a candidate in reserve. This time I think I'm going to be lucky," Johnson said on Friday, according to emerging reports. 

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg does not plan to extend his mandate for a fourth time and expects to be replaced in October, his spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said in a statement earlier. “The mandate of Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has been extended three times and he has served for a total of almost nine years,” Lungescu reportedly said. “The Secretary General’s term comes to an end in October of this year and he has no intention to seek another extension of his mandate," she had added.

Hungarian Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, on Friday announced that Hungary is working on preparations for Prime Minister Viktor Orban's visit to Kyiv. The Hungarian leader has not been personally invited to visit the Ukrainian capital, but he would "gladly go" if such an invitation was issued, the Hungarian Foreign Minister noted. 

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Friday launched a barb on China's "peace proposal," saying "China is not very credible because it did not condemn the Russian invasion."  Stoltenberg noted that Xi Jinping and Putin signed an agreement a few days before the invasion pledging cooperation across several sectors. "But we do see signs that China is considering supplying military aid to Russia," the secretary-general also added.

Polish PM, Mateusz Morawiecki, on Friday, said that his country delivered four Leopards to Kyiv already. Morawiecki is meeting Ukraine's leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv today. "Poland and Europe stand by your side. We will definitely not leave you, we will support Ukraine until complete victory over Russia," he wrote, adding that Poland will supply several Soviet-era T-72 tanks and more weaponry. 

A wrecked Russian tank put on display in Berlin, a bloody cake with a skull on top of it left in a Belgrade street and Ukraine’s yellow-and-blue flag held aloft in the sizzling Bangkok sun were among the memorials, stunts and ceremonies held across the world Friday to mark the anniversary of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of its neighbour. The rusting T-72 tank was placed outside the prominent Russian Embassy building on the German capital’s Unter den Linden boulevard.

The tank was struck in the Kyiv region in the early stages of the war, which began on Feb. 24, 2022. It was taken to Berlin by a private group, which said that the Ukrainian defense ministry’s Military History Museum loaned it. Destroyed Russian armor litters parts of Ukraine after months of battlefield setbacks for the Kremlin’s forces.

“The whole world should see that there are many people in Germany who stand behind Ukraine, so that’s why we’re putting the Russians’ scrap tank in front of their door,” said Wieland Giebel of the Berlin Story group, who was one of the exhibit’s organizers.

Report/Images Credit: AP

Hungary is 'not enthusiastic' about voting to admit Finland and Sweden to NATO, said Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orban—a steadfast ally of Russia's President Vladimir Putin. "These countries are spreading 'shameless lies' about Hungary," said Orban at a press conference on Friday. Orban noted that more talks between parliamentary groups was required before NATO members decide on the ratification of Finland and Sweden's membership bids. A debate is scheduled for next Wednesday. Only Turkey and Hungary in the 36-member bloc are yet to approve the accession of the two nordic states' entry to the Alliance. 

US President, Joe Biden, on Friday, expressed solidarity with Ukraine saying that "a year after bombs began to fall, Ukraine is still independent and free." Biden added, that "from Kherson to Kharkiv – Ukrainian fighters have reclaimed their land. And in more than half of the territory Russia held last year, the Ukrainian flag proudly waves once more." 

Russia’s foreign ministry on Friday warned that any assault on the troops in Moldova’s breakaway region of Transnistria will trigger an “adequate response," adding that such a move by Ukrainian forces will be an attack on Russia itself. 

"Any action that threatens their security will be considered under international law as an attack on the Russian Federation," warned Russia's Foreign Minister. 

The warning comes as Russia had earlier raised concerns about Ukraine staging a false flag attack to invade Transnistria, Moldova's Moscow-backed separatist region. Russia's MoD had pledged a "response." "The Kyiv regime has stepped up preparations for the invasion of the Transnistrian Moldavian Republic," the Russian MoD statement said. The "invasion" would be launched "in response to an alleged offensive by Russian troops from the territory of Transnistria,' it added. 

Germany has installed a wrecked Russian battle tank destroyed during the offensive in Ukraine on display "as an exhibit" in front of the Russian Embassy in Berlin. What appears to be a T-72 tank was seen outside the prominent Russian Embassy building on the German capital’s Unter den Linden boulevard. It is understood that the Ukrainian defense ministry loaned the Russian tank to Military History Museum. 

UK PM Rishi Sunak has led the country in a minute of silence to mark one-year of Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The UK leader was joined outside No 10 by his wife, Akshata Murthy, Kyiv’s ambassador to Britain, Vadym Prystaiko, and dozens of Ukrainian soldiers who are being trained by the UK for the national pause.

Russian Ambassador, Aanatoly Antonov, on Friday lambasted the Western countries for pushing their goal of the "unipolar world order" as Ukraine marked one year anniversary of the Russian invasion. 

"We have witnessed major upheavals in various regions of the world. The disregard for basic principles of international relations that form the basis of the UN Charter no longer surprises anyone," said the Russian ambassador in a statement. He slammed West for assuming the approach of "unpredictability and conflicts." Russia, he noted,  has been doing its best to solve arising problems "peacefully." However, "we run up against opposition [from the West] as they are not ready to give up on the unipolar world order.' 

"Time will show whether our opponents are capable of sober thinking, which implies a refusal to create dividing lines and the beginning of work to restore strategic stability that is in demand today as never before," asserted the Russian ambassador. 

 

As the Russia-Ukraine war marks its one-year anniversary, tensions have ratcheted on Europe's eastern flank. US has deployed more than 20,000 additional US troops to Europe, and deployed the first permanent US forces to NATO's eastern flank, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin said on Friday. 

Poland has begun to equip anti-tank barriers on the border with the Russian Federation and Belarus, said the Polish Minister of Defense Mariusz Blaszczak on Friday. “We have started a preventive expansion of security measures on the border with Russia and Belarus. This is part of our defense and deterrence strategy. The first fortifications are already being built on the border with the Kaliningrad region,” the minister wrote in an online statement. 

Credit: Telegram

Japanese PM Fumio Kishida announced that Japan is considering new sanctions against Russia in line with moves by other Group of Seven (G7) nations. After speaking over a call with other G7 leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy scheduled later today, the Japanese PM stated that he would present new ideas for sanctions, without providing further details.

Kishida, who will host the G7 summit in Hiroshima in May, even informed that he was considering visiting Ukraine in a show of solidarity.

Poland has delivered its first Leopard tanks to Ukraine, said Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak while speaking in his opening remarks at a meeting of the National Security Council in Warsaw.

Meanwhile, Government spokesman, Piotr Müller, confirmed that the first Leopard tanks from Poland had gone to “our neighbours” in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr has been taking part in a ceremony to mark 1 year of the war. Here are some glimpses from that ceremony - 

[Images credit: AP]

France has reaffirmed its strong condemnation of the "illegal and brutal" invasion of Ukraine by Russia, said Bruno Le Maire, French Minister of Economy, Finance and Digital and Industrial Sovereignty at G20 Finance Ministers' meeting in Bengaluru

"We fully trust India to reach a strong communique & happy to see India in the driving seat today. We share the view of PM Modi that this is not an era of war," the French minister added.

Britain’s King Charles III has issued a statement on the first anniversary of the Russian invasion. In the message, he praised Ukrainians “remarkable courage and resilience”.

Charles said in his message: “It has now been a year that the people of Ukraine have suffered unimaginably from an unprovoked full-scale attack on their nation. They have shown truly remarkable courage and resilience in the face of such human tragedy.

“The world has watched in horror at all the unnecessary suffering inflicted upon Ukrainians, many of whom I have had the great pleasure of meeting here in the UK and, indeed, across the world, from Romania to Canada.

“Earlier this month I met President Zelenskiy at Buckingham Palace to express my personal support for the people of Ukraine. It is heartening that the United Kingdom, along with its allies, is doing everything possible to help at this most difficult time.

“Therefore, I can only hope the outpouring of solidarity from across the globe may bring not only practical aid, but also strength from the knowledge that, together, we stand united.”

US has announced additional security package of Ukraine. "Several new Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) equipment to strengthen Ukraine’s air defences … and electronic warfare detection equipment to bolster Ukraine’s ability to repel Russia’s aggression," reads the statement. 

“The package also includes a large amount of ammunition for 155mm artillery systems and High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) that have proved so effective on the battlefield, as well as mine clearing equipment and secure communications support equipment," the statement reads, as per a report from the Guardian. 

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has arrived in Kyiv in a show of backing for Ukraine in its fight against Russia.

“A year after the start of Russian hostilities, the Prime Minister @MorawieckiM went to Kyiv to give a clear and measurable signal of further support in defending Ukraine against Russia,” government spokesman Piotr Muller said in a post on Twitter.

The NATO military alliance is affirming its commitment to stand by Ukraine and help it defeat Russia on the first anniversary of Moscow’s full-scale invasion. “We remain determined to maintain coordinated international pressure on Russia,” ambassadors from the 30 alliance countries said in a statement Friday.

“Russia’s efforts to break the resolve of the brave people of Ukraine are failing. One year on, Ukrainians are fighting valiantly for freedom and independence. We stand with them.”

The envoys also reaffirmed their “iron-clad” intent to come to the defense of any member country should Russia consider broadening the war.

The five Nordic prime ministers say Russia’s invasion of Ukraine “has caused unimaginable suffering, death, and destruction on a scale not seen on our continent since World War II.”

In a joint statement on the one-year anniversary of the invasion, the government leaders of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden said that “Russia’s brutal aggression” was “the gravest threat to Euro-Atlantic security in decades.”

The consequences of the war “are felt far and wide. Economic stability, energy and food security are seriously threatened with severe consequences for the least developed countries,” they said.

“Ukraine’s struggle is our struggle,” they said in the statement.

Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev said on Friday that the only way for Moscow to eventually ensure a lasting peace with Ukraine was to push back its own borders as far as possible. Medvedev, a longtime ally of Putin and deputy chair of Russia’s security council, posted to Telegram to say:

It’s been a year since the special operation has been going on. A year since our servicemen restore order, peace and justice in our land, protect our people and destroy the roots of neo-nazism. Victory will be achieved. We all want this to happen as soon as possible. And that day will come. We will return our territories and reliably protect our people, who have suffered during the years of genocide and shelling.

Then there will be negotiations, which, I am sure, will become difficult and nervous. First of all, because the formal participants in the negotiations on the part of our enemy are one, and the actual leaders are completely different. And decisions for the Kyiv regime will, of course, not be made by some kind of Zelenskiy, if he is still alive, or his clique. The decision will be made across the ocean. By those in whose hands the supply of weapons to Kyiv and the allocation of money to maintain the remains of the Ukrainian economy.

It is so important to achieve all the goals of the special military operation. Push the borders of threats to our country as far as possible, even if these are the borders of Poland.

The mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, posted to the Telegram messaging app to mark a year since the beginning of the war. He wrote:

Friends! We have been living in a new reality for a year. Tragic and psychologically exhausting. But we are fighting, we believe in ourselves and our country. Therefore, we will overcome everything and win.

A year ago, Russia’s resolution of this barbaric war seemed unreal to most Ukrainians. But the capital was preparing for a possible offensive. Volunteers had joined the ranks of territorial defence [and] our military helped protect and hold the capital.

The city’s critical infrastructure worked despite shelling and the real threat of street fighting. Hospitals received the wounded from the suburbs, where fierce battles were fought. Grocery stores and community pharmacies stayed open. Businesses and caring citizens of Kyiv provided support to those who needed it.

(Image: Twitter/ua_parliament)

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday released a 12-point position paper on a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. 

1. Respecting the sovereignty of all countries. Universally recognized international law, including the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, must be strictly observed. The sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all countries must be effectively upheld. All countries, big or small, strong or weak, rich or poor, are equal members of the international community. All parties should jointly uphold the basic norms governing international relations and defend international fairness and justice. Equal and uniform application of international law should be promoted, while double standards must be rejected.  

2. Abandoning the Cold War mentality. The security of a country should not be pursued at the expense of others. The security of a region should not be achieved by strengthening or expanding military blocs. The legitimate security interests and concerns of all countries must be taken seriously and addressed properly. There is no simple solution to a complex issue. All parties should, following the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and bearing in mind the long-term peace and stability of the world, help forge a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture. All parties should oppose the pursuit of one's own security at the cost of others' security, prevent bloc confrontation, and work together for peace and stability on the Eurasian Continent. 

3. Ceasing hostilities. Conflict and war benefit no one. All parties must stay rational and exercise restraint, avoid fanning the flames and aggravating tensions, and prevent the crisis from deteriorating further or even spiraling out of control. All parties should support Russia and Ukraine in working in the same direction and resuming direct dialogue as quickly as possible, so as to gradually deescalate the situation and ultimately reach a comprehensive ceasefire.  

4. Resuming peace talks. Dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution to the Ukraine crisis. All efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis must be encouraged and supported. The international community should stay committed to the right approach of promoting talks for peace, help parties to the conflict open the door to a political settlement as soon as possible, and create conditions and platforms for the resumption of negotiation. China will continue to play a constructive role in this regard.  

5. Resolving the humanitarian crisis. All measures conducive to easing the humanitarian crisis must be encouraged and supported. Humanitarian operations should follow the principles of neutrality and impartiality, and humanitarian issues should not be politicized. The safety of civilians must be effectively protected, and humanitarian corridors should be set up for the evacuation of civilians from conflict zones. Efforts are needed to increase humanitarian assistance to relevant areas, improve humanitarian conditions, and provide rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, with a view to preventing a humanitarian crisis on a larger scale. The UN should be supported in playing a coordinating role in channeling humanitarian aid to conflict zones. 

6. Protecting civilians and prisoners of war (POWs). Parties to the conflict should strictly abide by international humanitarian law, avoid attacking civilians or civilian facilities, protect women, children and other victims of the conflict, and respect the basic rights of POWs. China supports the exchange of POWs between Russia and Ukraine, and calls on all parties to create more favorable conditions for this purpose. 

7. Keeping nuclear power plants safe. China opposes armed attacks against nuclear power plants or other peaceful nuclear facilities, and calls on all parties to comply with international law including the Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS) and resolutely avoid man-made nuclear accidents. China supports the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in playing a constructive role in promoting the safety and security of peaceful nuclear facilities. 

8. Reducing strategic risks. Nuclear weapons must not be used and nuclear wars must not be fought. The threat or use of nuclear weapons should be opposed. Nuclear proliferation must be prevented and nuclear crisis avoided. China opposes the research, development and use of chemical and biological weapons by any country under any circumstances. 

9. Facilitating grain exports. All parties need to implement the Black Sea Grain Initiative signed by Russia, Türkiye, Ukraine and the UN fully and effectively in a balanced manner, and support the UN in playing an important role in this regard. The cooperation initiative on global food security proposed by China provides a feasible solution to the global food crisis. 

10. Stopping unilateral sanctions. Unilateral sanctions and maximum pressure cannot solve the issue; they only create new problems. China opposes unilateral sanctions unauthorized by the UN Security Council. Relevant countries should stop abusing unilateral sanctions and "long-arm jurisdiction" against other countries, so as to do their share in deescalating the Ukraine crisis and create conditions for developing countries to grow their economies and better the lives of their people. 

11. Keeping industrial and supply chains stable. All parties should earnestly maintain the existing world economic system and oppose using the world economy as a tool or weapon for political purposes. Joint efforts are needed to mitigate the spillovers of the crisis and prevent it from disrupting international cooperation in energy, finance, food trade and transportation and undermining the global economic recovery. 

12. Promoting post-conflict reconstruction. The international community needs to take measures to support post-conflict reconstruction in conflict zones. China stands ready to provide assistance and play a constructive role in this endeavor.

Russia’s Wagner group of mercenaries has taken full control of the Ukrainian village of Berkhivka, just north-west of Bakhmut, Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed on Telegram. 

"On February 24, millions of us made a choice. Not a white flag, but the blue and yellow one. Not fleeing, but facing. Resisting & fighting. It was a year of pain, sorrow, faith, and unity. And this year, we remained invincible. We know that 2023 will be the year of our victory!" tweeted Ukraine President Volodomyr Zelenskyy.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy just posted on Telegram saying, “On 24 February, millions of us made a choice. Not a white flag, but a blue and yellow flag. Not fleeing, but facing. Facing the enemy. Resistance and struggle."

“It was a year of pain, sorrow, faith and unity. And this is a year of our invincibility. We know that this will be the year of our victory!”

As Ukraine approaches the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion, Russian forces have increased their attacks along the eastern frontline of the war, reported The Guardian. There are concerns that Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to mark the anniversary with new attacks on key cities. Ukraine's general staff has reported repelling 90 assaults in the east and northeast regions in the last 24 hours.

Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said on Thursday that his country would ultimately prevail in the war, which began on 24 February last year when Russian armoured vehicles poured over Ukraine’s borders and jets and missiles pummelled its cities. “We have not broken down, we have overcome many ordeals and we will prevail. We will hold to account all those who brought this evil, this war to our land,” Zelenskiy said on social media.

"The colors of the Ukrainian flag illuminate the facade of the legislative assembly. Total solidarity with the people of Ukraine," tweeted Portugal President Augusto Santos Silva.

United States President Joe Biden took to Twitter to lambast Russian President Vladimir Putin and lauded Americans and NATO for supporting Ukraine on the one year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"One year ago, President Putin thought he would swiftly take Kyiv. Then he met the bravery of Ukraine and the iron will of nations everywhere," Biden tweeted. "President Putin thought NATO would fracture and divide. Instead NATO is stronger and more unified than ever before," he wrote. 

The European Union will continue to support Ukraine in political, economic, humanitarian, financial and military terms, including through swift coordinated procurement from European industry. We will also support Ukraine’s reconstruction, for which we will strive to use frozen and immobilised Russian assets in accordance with EU and international law.

We will further increase collective pressure on Russia to end its war of aggression. To this end we will adopt a tenth sanctions package and we will take steps against those who attempt to circumvent EU measures.

We support President Zelenskiy’s peace formula. Together with our international partners, we will make sure that Ukraine prevails, that international law is respected, that peace and Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders are restored, that Ukraine is rebuilt, and that justice is done.

Until that day, we will not rest.”

(Courtesy: AP graphic)

Australia's PM Anthony Albanese, while speaking in Wollongong reflected on the war In Ukraine reaching one year and pledged a further $33m pledged in military aid, reported The Guardian.

It is one year since the illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine by Russia. This was an unprovoked attack. It was an attack not only on Ukraine sovereignty, it was an attack on the international rules are based order.

It was an attack on the United Nations and on the respect that we thought was something that was going to be permanent. Respect for people’s sovereignty and for nation states to be able to determine their own destiny.

The truth is that Russia thought that this war would be over in a few days. I want to pay tribute to the courage and resilience and determination of the people of Ukraine, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and with such courage, who withstood an invasion by a much larger and more powerful country.

They have made enormous sacrifice, a sacrifice in lives, a sacrifice in infrastructure, a sacrifice in their standard of living. They live under constant pressure. Airways. Atrocities committed by the Russian forces in Ukraine. And yet they have stood tall, not just in their interest but in the interests of all who hold democratic values so clearly around the world.

That is why Australia continues to stand with the people and government of Ukraine.

United States National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan spoke to CNN and said that F-16 fighter jets – which have been requested by Ukraine – "are not the key capability" for the country's current needs, which is a counteroffensive against Russian forces.

"F-16s are not a question for the short-term fight. F-16s are a question for the longterm defense of Ukraine and that's a conversation that President Biden and President Zelensky had," Sullivan said.

The UN on Friday overwhelmingly voted to call for Russia to immediately and unconditionally withdraw from Ukraine, marking one year since Moscow’s invasion by calling for a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace”. Applause broke out when the result was announced, reported The Guardian.

The resolution on Thursday night saw 141 countries in favour with seven against and 32 abstentions, including China and India.

India abstained from voting on Friday as the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed the resolution demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine. Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu, meanwhile, accused the West on Thursday of using Ukraine to try to break up Russia, the world's largest country by territory, but he said any such attempt would fail.

United States National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan spoke to CNN about the risk of escalation of using nuclear weapons by Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

"We do not see any change in Russia's nuclear posture and we've made no changes in our nuclear posture. So we are constantly vigilant and we also maintain regular channels to the Russian government to be able to talk to them about the risk of this escalation and also communicate the severity of the consequences of the use of nuclear weapons," Sullivan said during Thursday's CNN town hall.

"Sitting here today we do not see movements in Russia's nuclear forces that lead us to believe that something fundamentally has changed from how things have been over the course of the past year," he added.

Dai Bing, China's deputy ambassador to the United Nations, claimed that delivering weapons to Ukraine will "not bring peace” as “brutal facts offer ample proof" that the strategy won't work. Bing made the comments during the UN debate on Ukraine's draft resolution. He stated that Beijing’s “top priority is to facilitate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities without delay," The Guardian reported. 

The United States Department of State warned its citizens in Ukraine of an increased risk of missile strikes across the war-torn nation due to the first anniversary of the Russian invasion. 

According to CNBC, the US Embassy in Kyiv urged American nationals to “observe air alarms, shelter appropriately, follow guidance from local authorities” and follow other necessary precautions. 

Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is likely to urge G7 partners on Friday to provide Ukraine with longer-range weapons, as well as boost the supply of defence aid to the war-torn nation, CNN reported. 

As per a Downing Street press release issued on Thursday, Sunak is expected to tell the partners that in order for Ukraine to attain victory in the war, "they must gain a decisive advantage on the battlefield. That is what it will take to shift Putin’s mindset. This must be our priority now. Instead of an incremental approach, we need to move faster on artillery, armor, and air defense." 
 

Russian shelling in Kherson destroyed a main pipeline that provided heating to about 600 homes, said embattled President in his nightly address on Thursday."Another Russian strike damaged the main pipeline that provided heating to about 600 houses—more than 40,000 people!" Zelensky said. "Repair work will continue without pause until the heating supply is restored."

He further said that his troops are ready to face a Russian invasion, but the situation in the east of the country is "very difficult."

On Thursday, the UN General Assembly approved a resolution denouncing the Russian attack on Ukraine and calling on Russia to cease the war in Ukraine.

The Biden administration has decided to impose strict restrictions on Chinese companies that have not sanctioned Russia but continue to trade with it, said a top US State Department official on Thursday. According to a CNN report, the Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, Victoria Nuland, said that the US "will be putting other constraints on entities, Chinese-based or Chinese-subs of entities in Europe, which we think are active in evading sanctions," along with a sanctions package that will be announced on Friday, the anniversary of the invasion.

That package will strictly target sanctions evasion, Nuland said adding that Russia has been using third-party countries to evade punishment. “They are importing 1,000% more laptops, iPhones, dishwashers from third countries, not because they need to, you know, work at home on their laptops but so they can cannibalize this machinery to get the advanced chips that we have denied them so that they can make more rockets, etc,” Nuland said at a Washington Post Live event.

In the wake of one year since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, landmarks across the country have been lit up in the colours of the Ukrainian flag. Also, the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the European Parliament in Brussels were lit up in blue and yellow, which are the colours of the Ukrainian flag, on Thursday evening. Taking to Twitter, the European Parliament said that it was lit up "in solidarity" with Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden will hold a virtual meeting with G7 leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday, stated the White House on Thrusday. "To continue coordinating our efforts to support Ukraine and hold Russia accountable for its war," read the statement issued by the president's office.

"One year ago, this group came together, just mere hours after Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine, to impose unprecedented costs on Putin and his cronies," White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters Thursday. "We've worked together to provide Ukraine with the security, economic, humanitarian, and energy assistance it needs."

Ukraine's Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said that it could take more than a year for the US Army to send M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine.

"We’re looking at what’s the fastest way we can get the tanks to the Ukrainians," Wormuth said during a Defense Writers Group event. "It’s not going to be a matter of weeks, I will say that." None of the options that we’re exploring are weeks or two months. There are longer timelines involved. But I think there are options that are less than two years, less than a year and a half. But again, we have to look at the pros and cons of each of them."

"I think it’s still to be determined as to whether tanks could get there by the end of the year," he added.

Finland has decided to send at least three Leopard 2 mine-clearing tanks to war-hit Ukraine, the Finnish Defense Ministry confirmed in a statement on Thursday. The latest announcement is that part of Finland’s 13th package of defence support for Ukraine is worth more than 160 million euros (more than $169,000), the statement said.

"Friday, February 24, marks the one-year anniversary of the start of Russia’s war of aggression, and Ukraine continues to need support in its defense." "We will send more defence material and participate in the Leopard cooperation together with our partners," Finnish Defense Minister Mikko Savola said in the statement.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that the Ukrainian government is spending almost its entire peacetime budget on the Ukrainian army, to help them fight the Russia-Ukraine war, CNN reported.  “The state budget deficit last year amounted to about $31 billion. We received these funds from our partners. Mostly from the EU, G7, and the US, and from international financial institutions, including the IMF [International Monetary Fund]," Shmyhal said on Thursday. "At the same time, the social and humanitarian component is financed with the support of our partners, and Ukraine is very grateful for this help," he added. 

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday. Earlier today, the Spanish Prime Minister arrived in Kyiv on the eve of the Russia-Ukraine war. "The true brave are the Ukrainian citizens who with courage and pride are defending their country. It is an honor, for me and for all of Spain, to be part of this Paseo de los Valientes. Thank you, @ZelenskyyUa," the Spanish Prime Minister wrote on Twitter. 

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Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin announced on Thursday that the Kerch Bridge which connects the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula to the Russian mainland has been fully open to car traffic in all lanes one month ahead of the schedule, Tass reported. The parts of the bridge were damaged as a result of an explosion that occurred on October 8, 2022. The bridge holds major strategic importance to Russia, it enabled effective transportation between the Crimean Peninsula and mainland Russia. It was in the year 2014 when Russia annexed the Crimean island. 

The group of seven nations increased their financial support for Ukraine by $7 billion for the year 2023, this would mean that the bloc's economic support this year has been raised to $39 billion from its initial pledge of $32 billion, which was announced at the end of 2022, Sky News reported.  The G7 finance ministers and the central bank governors are in Bengaluru, India for the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Ministerial meeting. Financial support for Ukraine was one of the main agendas of the meeting held on Thursday. 

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen asserted that China should not support Russia's war effort along with Moscow's effort to evade international sanctions. 

"We have made clear that providing material support to Russia or assistance with any type of systemic sanctions evasion would be a very serious concern to us. And we will certainly continue to make clear to the Chinese government and to companies and banks in their jurisdiction about what the rules are regarding our sanctions and the serious consequences they would face for violating them,” Yellen said during a press conference at the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Ministerial summit in Bengaluru, India.

Russian President Vladimir Putin paid tribute to the Russian fallen troops on Defender of the Fatherland Day. The Russian President laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow.

23 February 2023, (Image Credit: Kremlin.ru)

Activists in London created a giant Ukrainian flag on the road outside the Russian embassy in London. The protest group named "Led By Donkeys," shared an image of their work on the London streets on Twitter. "Tomorrow is the first anniversary of Putin’s imperialist invasion of Ukraine, an independent state and a people with every right to self-determination. The existence of a massive Ukrainian flag outside his embassy in London will serve to remind him of that," the protest group wrote on Twitter. 

The Ukrainian officials announced that nearly 300 war crime suspects have been charged in Ukraine and around 26 have been already tried and convicted in the country since the commencement of the Russia-Ukraine war.  The Liaison Prosecutor for Ukraine, Myroslava Krasnoborova revealed that Ukraine has registered more than 71,000 alleged war crimes, Sky News reported, The war crime cases in the Hague include murder, rape, shelling of Ukrainian infrastructure, etc. "This damage cannot be undone, but what we can do is to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice," Krasnoborova. 

Standing shoulder to shoulder with the Ukrainian bloc, Finland will send three Leopard 2 battle tanks to Ukraine, the nordic nation's defence minister announced on Thursday, Sky News reported. Last month,  Finnish President Sauli Niinisto announced that the Scandinavian nation will participate in Ukraine's western allies to deliver the battle tanks to the conflict-stricken country. Finland has been an ardent supporter of Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine war. In May last year, the nation applied to be part of the  NATO alliance.  

The founder of the Russian Wagner mercenary force, Yevgeny Prigozhin revealed that the "much needed" ammunition for his troops deployed on the battlefield has been dispatched, the Guardian reported. The proclamation from the Wagner chief came after he accused Russian military leadership of treason.

Russian fighter jet SU-25 jet crashed in Russia's Belgorod region on Thursday. The region is located near the Ukrainian border and the pilot flying the fighter jet was killed in the fatal crash. Russian defence ministry told the Russian news outlet Tass News, that the jet crashed due to a "technical malfunction". 

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that the western supply of ammunition to Ukraine is 'not sustainable' at this point. Stoltenberg explained that the high rate of consumption is the reason behind the unsustainability of the arms supply. "The only way to sustain our support of Ukraine is to do what we have started to do now, and that is to engage with the defence industry to make sure that allies are signing long-term contracts," Stoltenberg told Sky News on Thursday. 

Welcome to today's live coverage of the Russia-Ukraine war. Before we give you the updates on what is happening in Moscow and Kyiv on the eve of the first anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, here's all you need to know about what went down yesterday;

• Chinese top diplomat Wang Yi met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. In the meeting, Wang Yi said to Lavrov that both countries are moving  "toughly and confidently on the path of forming a multipolar world". 
• Pope Francis calls for ceasefire - The head of the catholic church said that the victory cannot be "built on ruins". 
• Wang Yi met Russian President Vladimir Putin - During the meeting Putin told Lavrov to pass his wishes to his "friend", Xi Jinping. 
• EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell urges member states to speed up ammunition delivery to Ukraine. 
• NEW START nuclear arms treaty suspended.
• Putin addresses a pro-war gathering in Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium, “When we are united, no one is equal to us,” Vladimir Putin said at the stadium. 
• President Joe Biden meets leaders of 9 NATO nations

To Know more about what went down yesterday, click here. 

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez arrived in the Ukrainian national capital on Thursday. The Spanish PM is expected to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and make a speech to the Ukrainian Parliament today. "I return to Kyiv a year after the start of the war. We will stand by Ukraine and its people until peace returns to Europe,"  Sánchez wrote on Thursday.