Russia Ukraine war: Biden, Johnson and other EU leaders to hold meeting on war issues

The top US military commander in Europe, Air Force General Tod Wolters, told a Senate hearing on Tuesday that Russia has frequently fired hypersonic missiles against Ukrainian military targets. He stated that the majority of those strikes were targeted at specific military targets.

The United Nations' food chief, David Beasley has warned that the conflict in Ukraine has created "a catastrophe on top of a catastrophe" that will have a global impact, unlike anything they have seen since World War II because farmers in Ukraine are fighting Russia on the front lines. Food prices are already skyrocketing.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz claims that Russia attacked Ukraine because of its imperialist views. He blasted Russia for attacking Ukraine on the basis of imperialist principles. He further stated that Russia's most aggressive campaign against Ukraine is aimed at taking territory.

In a speech in Dusseldorf on March 29, the German chancellor stated that they cannot and will not accept this. However, he also stated that the situation is serious and extremely dangerous.

Sergey Kyslytsya, Ukraine's permanent representative to the UN Security Council, indicated that signing a deal on security guarantees for Ukraine will only be possible only after Russian forces return to their positions.

India reiterated its plea for unrestricted humanitarian access to regions of armed conflict in Ukraine on Tuesday. India's Permanent Representative to the UN TS Tirumurti stated that India is genuinely concerned about the current situation, which has worsened since the start of the hostilities. He further said that they renew their plea for unrestricted humanitarian access to Ukraine's combat zones. Tirumurti also stated that the humanitarian needs of the impacted population in Ukraine must be addressed immediately.

(ANI)

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that they may say the signals they are getting from the discussions are positive, they do not drown out the explosions of Russian shells. He further said that the Russian army still has a lot of capability to strike their country and as a result, Ukraine's defensive efforts are not being reduced.

While Zelenskiy expressed confidence about the talks in Turkey, he cautioned that any peace agreement must not jeopardise Ukrainian sovereignty.

Denis Pushilin, who is the Head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) has indicated Donetsk People's Republic in eastern Ukraine, backed by Russia, may consider joining Russia once it has complete control of Ukraine's Donetsk area, according to its news source.

Russian legislator and Chairman of the State Duma's Defence Committee, Vladimir Shamanov stated that the Russian Special Forces were able to apprehend Ukrainian nationalists guilty of torturing Russian soldiers, according to Russian media. Shamanov further stated that the joy of those who tortured our personnel did not last long, and three days after the torture video was released, the special forces apprehended these thugs.

In March, a total of more than 100 Russian officials were expelled from European countries. It comes as, the expulsion of Russian embassy workers was announced on Tuesday by Belgium, the Netherlands, Ireland, and the Czech Republic. They claimed that the Russians were carrying out espionage under the guise of diplomacy.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin has a conversation today on various topics regarding the Ukraine crisis and the topic of evacuation from Mariupol was also raised. Elysee Palace stated that the conditions for the start of a humanitarian operation in the coming days to offer help to residents of the besieged Ukrainian city of Mariupol to evacuate have not been formed.

In a video message to the Danish parliament, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged stronger sanctions against Russia. The Ukrainian President stated that  Russia's sanctions must be reinforced constantly and they must abandon Russian oil, stifle trade with the Russian Federation and stop Russian ships from entering the ports. He further stated that this must be a European Union-wide solidarity policy involving all member states.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson told a gathering of his top ministers on Tuesday that a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine would not be enough to prompt the relaxation of British sanctions. Johnson stated that the prime minister indicated that a ceasefire alone would not be enough to lift UK sanctions against Russia.

The Polish government has implemented restrictions prohibiting coal imports from Russia without waiting for the EU decision. Government spokesperson Peter Mueller said that they can no longer wait for the European Union to make a decision. The government enacted a bill on exceptional decisions to oppose Russian aggression in Ukraine on Tuesday.

Mueller further stated that they went above and beyond the provisions outlined in this bill, introducing national-level provisions prohibiting the import of coal from Russia and that it will be written into the law directly.

Ukrainian troops destroy Russian Kamaz Typhoon armored vehicle. Kamaz Typhoon mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles are among the Russian military’s best weapons.

Britain arrested the Russian yacht Phi worth about 50 million dollars The yacht belongs to an unnamed Russian businessman. Transport Minister Grant Shapps stated that the man is not under sanctions, but has "close ties" with Putin.

Medinskiy: de-escalation in the Kyiv and Chernihiv directions does not mean a cease-fire.

Blinken: No signs that Russia is serious about peace talks with Ukraine

 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan 

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine accelerates European Union defense cooperation, a watchdog said Tuesday that EU institutions face vulnerabilities on another front: cybersecurity.

The warning by the European Court of Auditors covers the wide range of EU bodies — from the executive arm based in Brussels to specialist agencies located across Europe — that run the 27-nation bloc’s day-to-day business.

“The EU must step up its efforts to protect its own organizations,” Bettina Jakobsen, a member of the ECA, said in a statement accompanying a special report on cyberthreats. “Such attacks can have significant political implications.”

Cyberattacks against EU bodies are increasing “sharply,” with major incidents jumping more than tenfold between 2018 and 2021, according to the Luxembourg-based ECA.

Cybersecurity has jumped up the political agenda in Europe following attacks in recent years that targeted EU nations such as Germany and other industrialized countries including the United States, Britain and Australia.

In 2020, the EU imposed cyber sanctions for the first time, blacklisting a number of Russian, Chinese and North Korean hackers.

Nonetheless, the European auditors said Tuesday that EU organizations were failing to enact some “essential” cybersecurity controls and underspending in this area. The auditors also alleged a lack of “systematic” cybersecurity training and information sharing.

EU entities as a whole handle political, diplomatic, financial, economic and regulatory matters. The spectrum of activities underpins the bloc’s status as a geopolitical force, a global setter of industrial rules and the world’s most lucrative single market.

The sensitive information processed by EU bodies makes them attractive targets for hackers, according to the report, which said the risks have grown as a result of remote working prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This has considerably increased the number of potential access points for attackers,” the ECA said.

It said a “particularly concerning trend is the dramatic increase in significant incidents,” which are described as attacks that involve the use of new methods and technologies and that can take weeks or even months to investigate and resolve.

One example cited is a high-profile cyberattack on the European Medicines Agency in late 2020, when the EU was pushing to authorize the first COVID-19 vaccines.

“Sensitive data was leaked and manipulated in a way designed to undermine trust in vaccines,” the ECA said.

Because the EU’s organizations are strongly interconnected, a vulnerability anywhere could have a cascading effect, it said.

“A weakness in one can expose others to security threats,” said the ECA.

It recommended the EU draw up legislation that would set common binding rules on cybersecurity for all the bloc’s institutions.

The auditors also urged more resources to support the Computer Emergency Response Team of EU bodies, or CERT-EU, saying “its effectiveness is compromised by an increasing workload, unstable funding and staffing, and insufficient cooperation from some” of the bloc’s organizations.

In sum, according to the ECA, the network of EU institutions “has not achieved a level of cyber-preparedness commensurate with the threats.”

(Source: AP)

5 weeks into the war, Republic's team in the warzone keeping you ahead from one of the most critical strategic locations in the Ukraine theatre of war. 

International Energy Agency head Dr. Fatih Birol, on Tuesday, warned that continued sanctions on Russia could lead to a global energy shortage. The statement comes as the Russia-Ukraine war transcends its first month and several countries including the US, the UK, Canada, Germany, and other European countries have imposed stringent economic sanctions on the Vladimir Putin-led country. He further confirmed the requirement to "ensure international energy security."

Read full story here

Russia’s military announced Tuesday it will “fundamentally” scale back operations near Ukraine’s capital and a northern city, Russian troops attacked the airfield in Starokonstantinov in the Khmelnytsky region. According to city mayor Nikolai Melnichuk, there were no casualties, but the stocks of fuel were destroyed.

Belgium expelled at least 21 Russian diplomats on Tuesday, March 29. As per the Belgium Foreign Ministry, the diplomats expelled were indulged in activities related to espionage or unlawful influence peddling. According to a report by the Associated Press, foreign affairs spokeswoman Elke Pattyn told the news agency that the expelled diplomats were granted two weeks to leave the country.

The Prosecutor General’s Office of Ukraine on Tuesday said that the Russian troops kidnapped the mayor in Kherson Oblast. According to a report by The Kyiv Independent, the mayor of Hola Prystan was kidnapped on March 28. Previously Russian troops had kidnapped other mayors in occupied territories.

Amid the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, Netherlands and Belgium acted a large number of Russian diplomats on Tuesday. According to a report by Nexta News, Netherland has expelled 17 Russian diplomats whereas Belgium expelled 21. Earlier today, Russia says it is expelling 10 diplomats from Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia in a tit-for-tat move after the Baltic countries.
 

Turkey’s foreign minister says Russian and Ukrainian negotiators have reached “a consensus and common understanding” on some issues.

Mevlut Cavusoglu said the two sides made “the most meaningful progress” since the start of the negotiations at a meeting in Istanbul on Tuesday. He said the meeting would be followed by a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers.

Cavusoglu said a meeting between the Russian and Ukrainian leaders was also “on the agenda,” he said. He didn’t give a timeframe.

In yet another form of condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Pharmaceutical industry company, Johnson & Johnson has left the Russian market on Tuesday. According to the announcement, it will not ship its personal care products to Russia because of the invasion of Ukraine.

According to a report by The Telegraph UK, US President Joe Biden, UK PM Boris Johnson and European leaders will discuss the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. According to the White House, the meeting will be held on Tuesday afternoon.

Russia’s military said on Tuesday it would “fundamentally” cut back operations near Ukraine’s capital and a northern city, potentially a significant concession by Moscow amid talks aimed at ending the war that began more than a month ago.

Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin said the move was meant “to increase trust” in talks aimed at ending the fighting, as negotiators met face-to-face after several rounds of failed negotiations. But Russia’s troops have been bogged down and struggling to make major advances recently.

The talks in Istanbul raised flickering hopes there could be progress toward ending a war that has ground into a bloody campaign of attrition.

Fomin said Moscow had decided to “fundamentally ... cut back military activity in the direction of Kyiv and Chernihiv” to “increase mutual trust and create conditions for further negotiations.”

AP

As the sixth round of peace talks ended on Tuesday after three hours of tough negotiations between the delegates of both countries, Mykhailo Mykhailovych Podolyak, an advisor to the president of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, briefed all the major developments on Twitter.
According to Podolyak, here are the key points:

• Security guarantees treaty with an enhanced analogue of Article 5 of NATO. 
• Guarantor states (USA, UK, Turkey, France, Germany etc.) are legally actively involved in protecting from any aggression. 
• Implementation through a referendum and parliaments of the guarantor states.

As the sixth round of peace talks ended on Tuesday after three hours of a closed-door meeting, Russia offered to hold a Putin-Zelensky meeting simultaneously with initialling peace treaties by foreign ministers.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says seven people were killed in a missile strike on the regional government headquarters in the southern city of Mykolayiv.

Zelenskyy, who spoke to the Danish parliament through a translator, said Tuesday’s strike also left 22 people injured. The Telegram channel of regional governor Vitaliy Kim showed a gaping hole in the centre of the nine-story building.

Kim accused Russian forces of waiting until people had arrived for work in the building before striking it and said he had a lucky escape because he had overslept.

The first face-to-face talks in two weeks between Russia and Ukraine concluded on Tuesday. According to reports, an adviser to the head of the Ukrainian President’s Office, Mykhailo Podoliak, is expected to make a statement.

As the sixth round of peace talks ended on Tuesday, the chief negotiator said that Russia received a 'clearly articulated position' from Ukraine in Istanbul.

Here are the major takeaways from today's peace talks:

• Russian Ministry of Defence has decided to reduce military activity in Kyiv and Chernihiv directions.
• Russia offers to hold a Putin-Zelensky meeting simultaneously with initialling peace treaties by foreign ministers.

An adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the talks underway with Russia in Istanbul are focusing on security guarantees for Ukraine and hopes of a cease-fire.

As the first face-to-face talks in two weeks between Russia and Ukraine began Tuesday in Turkey, here are some latest photographs that surfaced from the meeting room. According to a report by Ukrinform, the meeting is taking place behind closed doors.

After the end of the talks, an adviser to the head of the Ukrainian President’s Office, Mykhailo Podoliak, is expected to make a statement.

As the first face-to-face talks in two weeks between Russia and Ukraine began Tuesday in Turkey, Republic Media Network reaches Istanbul to update its viewers with the latest updates. Stay tuned here for updates. 
 

Citing the head of regional administration, Vitaliy Kim, The Kyiv Independent reported that Russian forces hit Mykolaiv's regional state administration building on Tuesday. According to media reports, most of the employees were able to out of the building, however, the rescuers are still searching for eight employees and three military personnel who are believed to be under the rubble. 

 An adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the talks underway with Russia in Istanbul are focusing on security guarantees for Ukraine and hopes of a cease-fire.

Mykhailo Podolyak told Ukrainian media on Tuesday that there are “intensive consultations going on regarding several important issues, the key among those is an agreement on international security guarantees for Ukraine.” He said that “only with this agreement can we end the war in a way that Ukraine needs.”

He adds that “the second block of issues is a cease-fire so that we could resolve all the humanitarian problems which have piled up and which require urgent resolutions.”

AP

Amid the reports of Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich suffered suspected poisoning during the peace talks, Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov, on Tuesday, claimed he is not an official member of the Russian delegation. Peskov said he is only "involved in ensuring certain contacts between Russia and Ukraine". Earlier, it was reported Abramovich was playing a significant role in the peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. 

Read the full story here

According to media reports, the bodies of two people were recovered from the rubble of a Russian strike on a government building in the southern Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv on Tuesday.

According to the Financial Times, Russia may allow Ukraine to join the European Union if it pledges to stay out of NATO, as Ukrainian officials express openness to a neutrality pledge as part of broader negotiations to end Russia's invasion of the country.

Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky has stated that a statement will be issued after the talks in a few hours. According to Ukraine's presidential advisor, the main issue for Ukraine at the talks is security guarantees, with humanitarian issues coming in second. According to Ukrainian television, the talks began with a "cold welcome" and no handshakes between the delegations.

According to the latest update by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Mariupol's mayor has said around 160,000 are still present in the city besieged by Russian forces. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke to Czech prime minister Petr Fiala on Tuesday and said that both leaders "Noted the significant humanitarian and security assistance, exceptional treatment of Ukrainians who found temporary shelter in the Czech Republic. We really appreciate it!"

Russian foreign ministry summons ambassadors of Baltic states as the sixth round of Russia-Ukraine talks are underway in Turkey. 

Ukrainian bank, Ukrgasbank has offered 100,000 rubles in cash to each surrendered Russian military. The bank said in a statement, "We appeal to the Russian military: surrender and hand over your weapons, because this is your chance to make at least the only worthy deed in your worthless life and earn money for your family". 

Ukrainian television is reporting that peace talks between Russia and Ukraine started in Turkey with a "cold welcome, no handshake". Mykhailo Podolyak, a political adviser to President Volodymyr Zeelnskyy said on Twitter that both sides  were discussing “the fundamental provisions of the negotiation process. Delegations are working in parallel on the entire spectrum of contentious issues.”

The Russia-Ukraine talks in Turkey have kickstarted on Tuesday. Delegations of both countries were personally received by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who called on parties to reach a ceasefire agreement. He also spoke with Russian Roman Abramovich.

The building of the Mykolaiv regional state administration left in ruins after Russian shelling on Tuesday. 

Image: Nexta Tv

A day after no humanitarian corridors were opened, deputy prime minister Iryna Vereshchuk said that three such passages were agreed for Tuesday for the evacuation of citizens.

At the Russia-Ukraine peace talks venue site, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also said, "Continuing war will not benefit anyone. Restoring peace will benefit your countries and all the others. You, as delegations, bear historical responsibility for the decisions made today".

As Russian and Ukrainian delegations are set to start sixth round of peace talks in Istanbul, Turkey's Erdogan peace negotiators that both sides have 'legitimate concerns'.

As the Russian and Ukrainian delegation arrived in Istanbul for the sixth round of talks, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stressed his country's role as a mediator and noted that after 34 days of the war, the world is waiting for "happy" news. Erdogan, in the press meeting, also wished luck to both sides while noting, "ceasefire is the need of the hour".

Ukrainian delegation arrives for talks with Russia in Istanbul's Dolmabahce Palace. Oligarch Roman Abramovich, who acts as a mediator in the negotiations is also reported to be present there.

With the 6th Round of Peace Talks to commence between Russia and Ukraine on Day 34 of War, Republic's Osman Pashayev brings you all the latest updates #LIVE from Turkey, the peace talks venue.

Follow live coverage here -

Irish lessors have completely terminated all contracts with Russian airlines as the Russia-Ukraine war entered day 34.

Ukraine’s foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba has tweeted to urge the governments across the globe to criminalise 'Z' symbol. He said, "I call on all states to criminalize the use of the ‘Z’ symbol as a way to publicly support Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. ’Z’ means Russian war crimes, bombed out cities, thousands of murdered Ukrainians. Public support of this barbarism must be forbidden."

Since February 24 when Russia launched its operation, Ukrainian armed forces have claimed that Russia has lost around 17,200 personnel along with other losses such as 597 tanks, 1,710 armoured vehicles, 303 vehicles.

In the latest intelligence update, the UK Defence Ministry said that Ukrainian forces have continued localised attacks against Russia. British intelligence report on Tuesday read,"Ukrainian Forces have continued to conduct localised counter attacks to the north west of Kyiv - including at Irpen, Bucha and Hostomel. These attacks have had some success and the Russians have been pushed back from a number of positions. However, Russia still poses a significant threat to the city through their strike capability."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his latest national address, that country's forces have retaken control of Irpin from Russian forces. The Ukrainian defence ministry also posted a video of the city hailing how Irpin is "ventilated" from the "Russian spirit".

Nexta Tv stated that Russia's Ministry of Transport have prepared a bill requiring cab services to transfer data to the Federal Security Service. It concerns the data "used for receiving, storing, processing and transferring passenger cab orders", the media outlet stated.

The head of the Kryvyi Rih Regional State Administration Oleksandr Vilkul stated that the Russian forces were repulsed just 40 kilometres away from the Ukrainian city. He said, "The enemy is not just stopped in all directions, but also pushed back from the distant approaches of the city. Today several more settlements of the Kherson area are released. And the occupiers are 40 kilometers from the city, and in some areas - and 60 kilometers."

Meanwhile, in the latest update, the Russian Defence Ministry on Tuesday said that on March 28, its forces shot down three more Ukrainian aircraft as the operation continues. In total, Russia claimed to have destroyed Ukraine's 123 aircraft and 74 helicopters, 309 unmanned aerial vehicles, 1,721 tanks and other armoured combat vehicles, 172 multiple launch rocket systems, 721 field artillery and mortars, as well as 1,568 units of special military vehicles of the Armed Forces of Ukraine were destroyed during the operation.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksyy, in the most latest national address, called for stronger sanctions against Russia, "If the sanctions packages are weak or do not work enough, if they can be circumvented, it creates a dangerous illusion for the Russian leadership that they can continue to afford what they are doing now. And Ukrainians pay for it with their lives. Thousands of lives.”

In the latest operational update posted by the General Armed Forces of Ukraine, Kyiv exclaimed that the Russian bombing is focused on fuel storage across the country. It said on 34th day of Russia-Ukraine war, "The Russian enemy continues to insidiously launch missile and bomb strikes, trying to completely destroy the infrastructure and residential areas of Ukrainian cities. It concentrates on fuel storage, in order to complicate logistics and create conditions for a humanitarian crisis."

"The Joint Forces of Ukraine repulsed 7 enemy attacks in the Donetsk and Luhansk directions during the day. Our soldiers destroyed 12 tanks, 10 infantry fighting vehicles and 3 units of motor vehicles. The enemy suffered casualties," it also said.

A propaganda video being shared in Russia has emerged on social media suggesting that Matipol is no longer part of Ukraine. According to CNN, the video was published by pro-Russian "news" Telegram channel for Melitopol, a city located in the southern portion of Ukraine and occupied by Russian forces since the initial days of the invasion. The video posted by Now Melitopol showed armed individuals and Russian troops are seen writing on a Ukrainian flag in Melitopol's central square

The Armed Forces of Ukraine stated that they repulsed at least seven enemy attacks in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions in 24 hours. Its soldiers destroyed 12 tanks, 10 infantry fighting vehicles and three vehicles. Russian occupiers also suffered losses in manpower, report the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
 

According to Nexta Tv, the Japanese government will be asking its companies not to comply with Russian President Vladimir Putin's demand so that they don't pay for Russian gas in the Rubles. Additionally, from April 5, Japan will introduce a ban on the export of luxury goods to Russia, including luxury cars and precious stones.

Ukrtelecom was subjected to a “powerful cyberattack" which was alter neutralised, stated the State Service for Special Communications of Ukraine. SSSCIP Ukraine said on Monday, "Today, the enemy launched a powerful cyberattack against #Ukrtelecom ’s IT infrastructure. According to Yurii Shchyhol, the Chairman of the @dsszzi, at the moment massive cyberattack against #Ukrtelecom is neutralized. Resuming services is under way. #Ukraine #CyberAttack #war"

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday said that he has been in "very close contact" with India and also with other countries regarding the mediation efforts in the war. He said that he was in contact with countries including Turkey, China and Israel in order to bring an end to the war in Ukraine. The UN chief’s comment came ahead of Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov’s probable visit to India in the coming days.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has been continually calling for peace after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched the military invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Following this, Guterres has now said that he was in close contact with countries including India to explore the chances of mediation in the matter.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, on Monday, launched an initiative for a humanitarian ceasefire in Ukraine. As the war continued for the fifth week, he said that he had instructed the UN under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency to explore arrangements for a humanitarian ceasefire in the war-hit Ukraine. Talking about the invasion, he said that over one month of combat has led to the “senseless” loss of thousands of lives, the displacement of 10 million people, and never-seen-before inflation.

"Today I am announcing that in the exercise of my good offices, I have asked Martin Griffiths, the coordinator of our humanitarian work worldwide, immediately to explore with the parties involved the possible agreements and arrangements for a humanitarian cease-fire in Ukraine," he told reporters.

Hollywood actor Sea Penn visited Ukraine amid war with Russia and said on Twitter that his charitable organisation will help the Ukrainian migrants. The American actor and director came to Lviv together with the general director of the charity organization CORE Ann Lee. 

As per reports, the Ukrainian delegation has arrived in Turkey for talks with Russia as the Moscow-Kyiv war entered the 34th day.

According to CNN, a White House official has revealed that there are Ukrainian soldiers in Poland who are interacting on a regular basis with US troops. This interaction is in regards to security assistance being sent from the US to Ukraine. 

Noting the recent sanctions imposed on Russia in trade, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told PBS Newshour, "Unfortunately, those conditions, they are quite unfriendly. And they are enemy, enemy-like for us. We entered the phase, the phase of a total war. And we in Russia, we will feel ourselves amongst war, because Western European countries, United States, Canada, Australia, they actually — they actually — they are leading war against us in trade, in economy, in seizing our properties, in seizing our funds, in blocking our financial relations."

"And we have to adapt ourselves to new reality. You have to understand Russia. You have to understand Russia," he also said.

As the Russian military continues its offensive in Ukraine, both sides are set to meet for the sixth round of talks on Tuesday, March 29 in Turkey.

After his initial remarks about chemical weapons sparked concerns across the globe, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said that Russia would only use nuclear weapons when there is a threat to the state's existence. He clarified that it won't be a result of the ongoing war with Ukraine. The Kremlin spokesperson told PBS Newshour, "Any outcome of the operation (in Ukraine), of course, is not a reason for usage of a nuclear weapon".

He also said, "We have a security concept that very clearly states that only when there is a threat for existence of the state, in our country, we can use and we will actually use nuclear weapons to eliminate the threat for the existence of our country.”

Peskov also responded to US President calling his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin a "butcher". While Biden also said that Putin should not remain in power, the Kremlin spokesperson said, "it's quite alarming". Kremlin spokesperson also added, "It is personal insult...Of course, it is completely unacceptable. It is not for the United States' President to decide who is going to be and who is the president of the Russian Federation.”

Irpin Mayor Oleksandr Markushyn on Monday stated that Irpin in the Kyiv region has been liberated from the Russian invaders. However, the residents are still unable to return, as per the reports of Ukrinform. He stated that the city of Irpin has been freed from the clutches of the Moscow tyrants and that Ukraine and its defenders deserve all of the credit for this.  He, however, appealed to the residents not to return to the city for some time.  

In a Telegram message, Irpin Mayor stated that Irpin has been set free today. He further said that he requests the residents not to return to the city as returning to Irpin is still impossible and unsafe. The Mayor claimed that they will keep pushing forward to liberate Bucha, Hostomel, and Vorzel. Markushyn also said that they are aware that more attacks will be launched against the town and they will stand firm in their defence.

Japan plans to impose a ban on luxury car exports to Russia as soon as next week as part of its stepped-up sanctions against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. As the war in Ukraine grinds on despite international condemnation, Japan has stepped up pressure on Russia in concert with the US and European countries.

More Russian individuals and businesses will be added to the sanctions list, and luxury goods exports would be prohibited, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said at a summit of the G7 industrialised nations on Thursday.

Amnesty International's Secretary-General Agnes Callamard stated at a press conference in Johannesburg that the human rights organisation will soon produce an in-depth assessment of the devastation inflicted by Russia's assault on the city on the Sea of Azov.

The spokesperson of the French Foreign Ministry, Anne Claire Legendre stated that French President Emmanuel Macron plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone again on March 29, according to French media. She further stated that Macron is also likely to discuss the details of a planned humanitarian operation aimed at evacuating inhabitants from Mariupol with the help of Greece and Turkey.

Air Force Command of Ukraine's Armed Forces announced that the Ukrainian military destroyed 17 enemy air targets on Monday. It stated that on March 28, 17 Russian invader air targets were destroyed, which includes 8 planes, 3 helicopters, 4 unmanned aerial vehicles, and 2 cruise missiles.

The press department of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has stated that Ukrainian defenders are continuing to defend the country's Eastern, South-Eastern, and North-Eastern directions. It stated that the grouping of defence forces continues to conduct a defensive operation in the Eastern, South-Eastern, and North-Eastern directions, concentrating efforts on preventing the enemy from advancing in the directions of the settlements of Slavyansk and Barvenkovo, occupying the settlements of Kamenka and Topolskoye, improving the tactical situation in the area of Chuguev and containing enemy attacks in the areas of the settlements of Rubizhno.

Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs, proposed a tentative programme of negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian delegations in Turkey on March 29, according to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry's press office, citing Kuleba's remarks on Monday evening's national telethon. He asserts that the resolution of humanitarian issues is the minimum agenda item for the negotiations in Turkey. The most ambitious plan is to negotiate a cease-fire and long-term agreements on this issue,

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a conversation with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau where he discussed defence and sanctions pressure against Russia. He also expressed his gratitude for Canada's willingness to consider more financial aid to Ukraine. He also stated that he provided information to the Canadian Prime Minister on Russia's aggression on Ukraine as well as the ongoing talks.

UN's press department suggests that the UN may help Ukraine and Russia reach an agreement on a humanitarian cease-fire. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres instructed his Deputy Humanitarian Martin Griffiths to immediately discuss the possibility of concluding humanitarian cease-fire agreements and issues of their practical implementation with the parties involved in the conflict in Ukraine.

UK Foreign Minister Liz Trass stated that Ukraine should not be sold in peace talks with Russia. She said that any future negotiations must not result in the sale of Ukraine or the repetition of past mistakes. She also claims that the invasion of Ukraine should not benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Truss continued by stating that they recall the painful 2014 deal, which failed to provide Ukraine with long-term security and that Putin is simply back for more. She said that they cannot allow him to triumph over this heinous violence.

The Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Dmytro Kuleba stated that he had a conversation with Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne and stated that Australia is firmly backing Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. He further said that he appreciate Australia's sanctions imposed on Russia and the tangible assistance provided to Ukraine. Kuleba also claimed that they talked about measures to improve their bilateral collaboration.

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby claimed six electronic jets are being re-deployed by the US military to Germany in response to Russia's battle in Ukraine, according to German media. Six US Navy Boeing EA-18 Growler aircraft will be redeployed from the United States to the Spangdah base in Rhineland-Palatinate, along with about 240 troops in Germany. Kirby stated that these can be used to disable an enemy state's air defences.

However, Kirby also said that these will not be used against Russian forces in Ukraine, but will instead be employed to fortify NATO's eastern flank and deter Russia. The German federal government approved the transfer.

Ukrainian military on Monday shot down a Russian plane and drone in Kharkiv Oblast. This is the 124th Russian plane shot down in Ukraine since the beginning of the war, according to the official Ukrainian count, Kyiv Independent reported.

As the West continues to chastise Russia and impose severe sanctions for its unjustified attack in Ukraine, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has stated that in their Russophobic frenzy the West has not only violated all imaginable international rules, but they have also scorned freedom of speech and the rule of law.

The United Nations has tasked humanitarian coordinator Martin Griffiths to explore the possibility of a humanitarian ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. 

"He will immediately start this is in Kabul today, and it will be coming back and he already made some contacts and of course," Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters Monday. "I hope that we will be able to go to both Moscow and Kyiv as soon as that becomes possible. 

Guterres stressed the  importance of establishing a dialog towards the possibility of this humanitarian cease fire, he said ultimately, the solution "is not humanitarian, it is political.

Guterres also said the International Atomic Energy Agency is working to guarantee the security of the nuclear facilities inside Ukraine.
 

The prime ministers of Bulgaria, Romania, North Macedonia and Montenegro said on Monday that Russia currently posed the biggest threat to the region. 

The leaders of the southeast European NATO members, who met in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia, condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and voiced support for Ukraine's territorial integrity. 

They called for the the need of better coordination to maintain the common security in the Balkans.

Talks also focused on strengthening cooperation as NATO allies on the bloc's eastern flank, as well as on reducing the dependence on Russian energy supplies.

Other topics were the provision of liquefied natural gas from Turkey and Greece.
 

A draft decree on retaliatory visa measures against "unfriendly countries" is currently being developed in Russia, the country's foreign minister said on Monday.

Sergey Lavrov made the announcement during a meeting with United Russia party's commission for international cooperation and support for compatriots abroad.

"This document will introduce a number of restrictions on entry into Russia," he said.

"No threats, blackmail, ultimatums will force us to give up sovereignty, independence, renounce our centuries-long history," Lavrov added.
 

The Italian premier’s office says that in a phone conversation on Monday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “lamented the blocking of humanitarian corridors" by Russians.

Premier Mario Draghi's office says Zelenskyy also expressed sorrow over the continued siege and "bombings of cities, including schools, with the resulting loss of civilian lives, among them, children.’’ 

In a statement, Draghi's office says he reiterated the Italian government’s staunch support for Ukrainian authorities and people as well as “the full availability of Italy to contribute to the international action to put an end to the war and to promote a lasting solution to the crisis in Ukraine."

A plane carrying members of a Russian delegation has landed in Istanbul ahead of talks with Ukrainian negotiators aimed at ending the month-long war.

Turkey’s private DHA news agency said the Russian government plane landed at Istanbul Airport on Monday. The face-to-face talks between the two sides are scheduled to be held on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine could declare neutrality, potentially accept a compromise on contested areas in the country’s east, and offer security guarantees to Russia to secure peace “without delay.” He said only a face-to-face meeting with Russia’s leader could end the war.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Monday that the two presidents could meet, but only after the key elements of a potential deal are negotiated.

Earlier talks, held both by video and in person, failed to make progress on ending the war that has killed thousands and driven more than 10 million Ukrainians from their homes — including almost 4 million from their country.

NATO-member Turkey has close relations with both Ukraine and Russia. Earlier this month, it hosted a meeting between the two countries’ foreign ministers.

(AP)

Officials from the Russian Central Bank will meet their Indian counterparts from RBI this week to discuss rupee-ruble payment systems.

Ukrainian drones on Monday decimate Russian BMP-2s as the war enters day 33.

Amid the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, the Central government clarified in the Rajya Sabha on Monday that its Oil Public Sector Undertakings, presently, do not have any contracts for the purchase of crude oil in Indian Rupees (INR) from Russia or any such other countries.

"At present, Oil Public Sector Undertakings neither have any contract nor is any such proposal under consideration from Russia or any other country for the purchase of crude oil in Indian Rupees (INR)," Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Rameswar Teli said in a written reply.

The Minister's response came when Biju Janata Dal MP Sujeet Kumar asked: "Whether India is under any contract with any country to purchase crude oil in rupees instead of dollars, either partially or wholly".

The reply is significant amid assumptions that both India and Russia trade may take place in local currencies.

Amid reports that New Delhi is planning to buy Russian oil at a discounted rate following the surge in global oil prices after the Ukraine conflict, sources said India's legitimate energy transactions should not be politicized.

The sources further stated that the jump in oil prices after the Ukraine conflict has now added to our challenges. 

According to some media reports, Indian Oil Corporation purchased 3 million barrels of Russian crude oil, the first such transaction since Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February.

(ANI)
 

Russian and Ukrainian negotiators will resume face-to-face talks in Turkey this week, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said. He said that it is important to hold physical talks as no progress has been made in negotiations so far.

Russian shares slumped as its stock market resumed trading of all companies Monday after a monthlong halt following the invasion of Ukraine. 

The benchmark MOEX index slid 2.2% after the Moscow Exchange reopened for all of its several hundred listed companies, but with restrictions still in place to limit volatility. State-owned energy giant Gazprom fell 3.7%, while airline Aeroflot was up 3%.

The last full trading session in Moscow was on Feb. 25, a day after the index tumbled by a third after President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine. 

Prices whipsawed last week when the exchange tentatively reopened for two days of limited trading, with investors allowed to trade only 33 of the MOEX index's 50 companies. 

Some restrictions remained in place Monday to prevent another big selloff, including the daily session shortened to four hours and a ban on short-selling, which essentially involves betting on stock prices to go down. 
 

Germany’s energy minister says the Group of Seven major economies have agreed to reject Russia’s demand to pay for Russian energy imports in rubles.

Robert Habeck told reporters Monday that “all G-7 ministers agreed completely that this (would be) a one-sided and clear breach of the existing contracts.”

Habeck said after an online meeting with G-7 energy ministers that “payment in ruble is not acceptable and we will urge the companies affected not to follow (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s demand.”

Asked by reporters earlier Monday if Russia could cut gas supplies to European customers if they reject the demand to pay for the Russian gas in rubles, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that “we clearly aren’t going to supply gas for free.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has revealed he offered the defenders of Mariupol the option to retreat, but they declined.

They refused to abandon their dead or wounded, said Zelenskyy in an interview Sunday with independent Russian journalists.

Zelenskyy also said Ukraine was ready for compromise on the eastern Donbas region, which has been partially controlled by Russia-backed separatists since 2014.

"It's impossible to make Russia give up the territory completely," he admitted.

Zelenskyy's latest remarks come as Ukraine and Russia said ceasefire negotiations would resume on Tuesday.

Earlier talks have failed to make progress on ending the war, which has claimed the lives of thousands of people and driven more than ten million Ukrainians from their homes.

Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne has quoted the mayor of Mariupol as saying that around 160,000 people remain in the besieged port city, and that a “humanitarian catastrophe” would ensue if more evacuations are not possible.

Vadym Boychenko said Monday that Russian forces were preventing civilians from evacuating from the city and had been turning back some who tried to make it out.

The city, which had a pre-war population of more than 400,000, has seen some of the worst conditions since Russian forces invaded Ukraine on Feb.24. Russian forces have pounded the city, and scores of civilians have been unable to escape, with no access to essentials and cut off from communication with the shelling of cell, radio and TV towers.

Russia’s foreign minister says the presidents of Russia and Ukraine could meet for talks only after the key elements of a potential deal are negotiated.

Sergey Lavrov said Monday that “the meeting is necessary once we have clarity regarding solutions on all key issues.”

Lavrov’s comments follow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s statement that he’s ready to discuss Ukraine’s neutrality and security guarantees with Russian President Vladimir Putin to secure peace “without delay.” Zelenskyy added that only a face-to-face meeting with Russia’s leader could end the war.

Russian and Turkish negotiators are set to hold another round of talks in Istanbul, Turkey on Tuesday to try to draft an agreement.

Speaking in an online interview with Serbian media, Lavrov alleged that Ukraine only want to “imitate talks” while Russia needs specific results that would be secured by the countries’ leaders.

Chechen forces claim to capture Ukrainian soldier dressed as civilian; ask him to provide information on Ukrainian positions as war rages on.

European Union judicial coordination agency Eurojust says it has helped Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine to establish a joint investigation team to probe war crimes, crimes against humanity and other crimes committed in Ukraine.

The Hague-based agency said Monday that the three nations signed an agreement on Friday establishing the team. Eurojust says it provided legal and technical support.

Eurojust says the main aim of the team is to “support the gathering of evidence and its swift and secure exchange between partners, as well as the transmission of information and evidence.”

Eurojust adds that the team will help the three nations cooperate with International Criminal Court prosecution office, which also has opened an investigation in Ukraine.

Within the first month of Russia’s war against Ukraine, Polish prosecutors said they had collected some 300 witness testimonies from refugees pouring over the border.

Joint investigation teams help nations pool resources and knowledge during complex international investigations. The Netherlands and other countries set up such a team to investigate the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine.
 

The United Arab Emirates' energy minister doubled down Monday on an oil alliance with Russia that's helped buoy crude prices to their highest in years as Moscow's war on Ukraine rattles markets and sends energy and commodity prices soaring. 

The minister said Russia, with its 10 million barrels of oil a day, is an important member of the global OPEC+ energy alliance. 

“And leaving the politics aside, that volume is needed today,” Suhail al-Mazrouei said. 

“Unless someone is willing to come and bring 10 million barrels, we don’t see that someone can substitute Russia,” he added. 

Led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, the alliance has the capacity to increase oil output and bring down crude prices that have soared past $100 a barrel. 

The United States, European nations, Japan and others have been calling on Gulf Arab oil producers to do more to help bring down prices. 

The International Committee of the Red Cross stated that it is still unable to provide assistance to the besieged city of Mariupol because it requires Russia and Ukraine to guarantee safe passage.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday said that President Vladimir Putin has 'never' turned down a meeting with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, he added that Zelenskyy and Putin meeting now amid the fifth week of the Russia-Ukraine war would be counterproductive. Lavrov's remarks came after Zelenskyy called for a face-to-face meeting with the Kremlin leader. 

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused the West of not caring a bit about the rights of the other sovereign nations, according to Sputnik. 

Defence Intelligence of Ukraine on Monday said that Ukrainian Defence Ministry has obtained a list of Russian FSB officers involved in the criminal activities of the aggressor country in Europe. Taking to Twitter, the Ukrainian intelligence published the details of 620 Russian FSB officers.

As the Russia-Ukraine war entered the 33rd day, the UK government has advised the public sector to end contracts in Russia and Belarus. The UK government’s Cabinet Office on Monday issued a procurement policy note for public sector organisations that are holding contracts with Russian and Belarusian companies while calling on them to cancel the agreements where they can.

The statement said, "The guidance issued today to public sector buying team recommends that public bodies, including Government departments and hospitals, immediately seek to identify any contracts with Russian and Belarusian companies and, if possible to switch suppliers with minimal disruption, pursue legal routes of cancelling them."

Meanwhile, Downing Street Chief of Staff Steve Barclay was quoted as saying, "Public money should not fund Putin’s war machine. We are asking hospitals, councils and other organisations across the public sector to urgently look at all the ways they can go further to sever their commercial ties to Russia."

"The government will continue to work closely with these organisations, ensuring they are able to take the necessary steps as quickly as possible, including taking legal routes where necessary," he added.

US State Department official has clarified that US President Joe Biden's remarks were based on emotions and did not reflect the official policy of the White House. This came after Biden labelled Russian President Vladimir Putin as "butcher" and also noted that the Kremlin leader "cannot stay in power". 

Former Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Chaputowicz thinks that US President Joe Biden declared a new Cold War in his speech in Warsaw referring to POTUS calling Russian President "butcher" and that Vladimir Putin "cannot stay in power".

Ukraine's Deputy PM Iryna Vereshchuk has announced on Monday that for March 28, no humanitarian corridors would open in the country due to possible "provocations" by Russia. She said on Facebook, "Our intelligence reported about possible provocations by the occupiers on the routes of humanitarian corridors. Therefore, for the safety of citizens, today we do not open humanitarian corridors."

Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed the government, Gazprom and the Central Bank to implement measures by March 31 to convert gas settlements with "unfriendly countries" to rubles.

Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk on Sunday raised concerns over Russia’s “irresponsible” actions around the captured Chernobyl nuclear power plant that, according to her, could send radiation across most of Europe. Taking to social media channels, Vereshchuk said that Russian forces continue to militarise the Chernobyl exclusion zone. She said that militarization poses a “very serious risk” that insulation structures could be damaged at Chernobyl’s fourth unit after the 1986 disaster.

Ukrainian Deputy PM said, “This poses a very serious risk of damaging the insulation structures built over the station’s fourth unit after its 1986 explosion.”

“Such damage will inevitably lead to the entry into the atmosphere of a significant amount of radioactive dust and contaminate not only Ukraine but also other European countries,” she added. 

Ukraine's armed forces have claimed that Russia lost about 17,000 military personnel along with 586 tanks, 302 artillery systems among others since February 24. 

Russia's Commission of RSPP on communication and IT stated that because of the war the cost of telecom equipment has already increased by 40% and may increase by another 80%, stated Nexta Tv.

Minister of Energy of the United Arab Emirates, Suhail Al Mazroui has said that Russian oil is necessary for the energy markets, and no producer can replace its production. 

Latest images revealed besieged Mariupol in ruins amid Russian shelling.

Images: ТРУХА/Twitter

As per media reports, Russian authorities have lifted restrictions on real-estate transactions of non-residents from "unfriendly countries" introduced at the beginning of March.

Due to the European Union (EU) requirement, Fitch ratings have withdrawn Russia's sovereign ratings. It came after on March 15, the European Union introduced the fourth package of sanctions obliging rating agencies to suspend ratings of Russia and Russian issuers.

Kyiv’s mayor Vitali Klitschko said in an announcement made on Telegram update on Sunday that the schools in the Ukrainian capital would reopen on Monday via remote learning online. According to the update, he said, "On March 28, the educational process will resume in the capital - online. It will be more adapted to current conditions. And using different educational platforms for students".

"An important task today is for the city to live and work even in such difficult conditions of martial law. They are trying to intimidate us. That will not work! We will not give up!” he also said.

Nokia and Lexmark have suspended deliveries to Russia. According to ТРУХА, the First Deputy Minister of Digital T said, "Companies have not only suspended the supply of their goods to the aggressor country, but will also donate to international organizations supporting humanitarian work in Ukraine".

In the latest intelligence update, UK's Ministry of Defence said that there was "no significant change in Russian forces dispositions in occupied Ukraine". It said, "In the last 24 hours there has been no significant change to Russian Forces dispositions in occupied Ukraine. Ongoing logistical shortages have been compounded by a continued lack of momentum and morale amongst the Russian military, and aggressive fighting by the Ukrainians."

UK Defence Ministry said, "Russia has gained most ground in the south in the vicinity of Mariupol where heavy fighting continues as Russia attempts to capture the port.”

Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz has reportedly said that his European country opposed NATO sending a peacekeeping mission to Ukraine amid Russia's military aggression, He also spoke against the alliance imposing a no-fly zone in Ukraine. Nexta Tv stated that according to the German Chancellor, the main tool now to help Ukraine is sanctions from the West against Russia.

Head of Volyn Region State Administration said that "the cruise missile on the oil depot in Lutsk was fired from the direction of the Republic of Belarus. It flew at a low altitude, so the radars failed to detect it". He reportedly also said that according to preliminary data, there were no casualties. 

According to Nexta Tv, Russian troops broke into the office of the Ukrainian presidential representative office in Crimea, which is located in Kherson due to the annexation of the peninsula. The soldiers broke down the doors in the building and removed the Ukrainian flag.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov likely to visit India amid Russia-Ukraine war

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According to Kyiv Independent, Hacker group NB65 claims it hacked All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company. It is to note that the hacker group is linked to Anonymous and it said on Sunday that it has retrieved over 870 gigabytes of information from the company and will eventually release it. The company’s principal assets are Russia-1, Russia 24, and RTR Planeta TV channels.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that his country is ready to accept neutral status as part of a peace deal with Russia. He said, "Security guarantees and the neutral, non-nuclear status of our state. We are ready to accept this. This is the most important point". Further, Zelenskyy also told the journalists, hat, "this was the first point of principle for the Russian Federation, as I recall. And as far as I remember, they started the war because of this." 

In an interview published for Russian media, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy talked about the "cultural split" that has taken place towards Russians among Ukrainians. He said, "A global historical and cultural split took place during this month. It’s not just a war, I think it’s much worse.”

"I think this is the worst disappointment that has happened. Disappointment that turned into hatred of the nations. I have no answer as to how it can be returned, there is no answer as to whether it will ever return," he also said.

The Ukrainian Energy Ministry has urged that Russia must be removed from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for 'nuclear terrorism' as they have occupied two Ukrainian nuclear power plants – in Chernobyl and Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Earlier in the day, reports stated that Russian troops fired at a nuclear research facility in the city of Kharkiv.

Russia has been accused of risking nuclear disaster by launching attacks on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (NPP), Europe’s largest, and Chernobyl nuclear power plant. The Russian forces had recently destroyed a new laboratory at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant to improve management of radioactive waste, the Ukrainian state agency responsible for the Chernobyl exclusion zone had said. Russia had captured the decommissioned plant at the beginning of the war. 

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Providing Ukraine with British tanks “wouldn’t work”, UK Defense Secretary said on Sunday emphasizing that equipment from Soviet era should be repaired instead as it would require less training. Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, Ben Wallace highlighted that the more “you go up in the sophistication of weapons system, the more training you require to use them.” Therefore, the real focus should be on helping Ukrainians in refurbishing or locating Soviet weaponry that they could use in their fight against Russians.  

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Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valery Zaluzhny has claimed that Russia is shooting staged videos in order to discredit the Ukrainian defence forces. Additionally, Russia is also asking to trust only official sources.

According to Nexta Tv, Neo-Nazis from the organization "Russian National Unity" came out in support of Moscow's forces' actions in Ukraine. It came even though Russian President Vladimir Putin justified the invasion of Ukraine as a way to 'denazify' the neighbouring country.

Image: Nexta Tv

The Ukrainian ministry of foreign affairs has said that Russian forces have turned the captured city of Mariupol 'into dust' and termed the present humanitarian crisis in the region as 'catastrophic'. The ministry said on Monday, "While Mariupol besieged and bombed, people fight to survive. The humanitarian situation in the city is catastrophic. Russian Armed Forces is turning the city into dust".

In the latest operational update of 33 days of the Russia-Ukraine war, the Ukrainian military had claimed that Russian forces have withdrawn from areas surrounding Kyiv after facing significant losses. The general staff of the armed forces of Ukraine said that the withdrawal of forces has “significantly decreased” the intensity of Russia’s advance and forced some units to regroup in Belarus.