The Russian invasion of Ukraine- the fourth day: new European sanctions and Putin puts its nuclear strength on alert

The Russian ruble fell nearly 30 percent against the dollar on Monday after international powers imposed new, tougher sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

The ruble witnessed a 27% decrease to 114.33 rubles per dollar in international transactions, according to Bloomberg News.

The United States and the European Union said that they would exclude some Russian banks from the SWIFT banking system, and that they would impose sanctions, especially on Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

They also banned any dealings with the Russian Central Bank.

Sunday, the G7 countries, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the United States, warned that they would take "other measures" in addition to the previously announced sanctions if Russia did not stop its military operations.

Oil prices rise

The price of a barrel of West Texas Intermediate crude rose more than six percent on Monday, while the price of a barrel of Brent rose more than five percent, in light of the growing market concern about an energy crisis following the imposition of new Western sanctions. Moscow in the aftermath of its invasion of Ukraine.

West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose 6.27% to $97.33, while Brent crude futures rose 5.24% to $103.06.

Biden speaks Monday with Washington's allies to "coordinate"

The White House announced that US President Joe Biden will hold a conference call with his country's allies and partners on Monday to discuss "developments" of the Russian attack on Ukraine and "coordinate a unified response." .

The White House statement did not specify the personalities in these talks, which take place on Monday at 16:15 GMT.

Also on Monday, the General Assembly of the United Nations will begin at 15:00 GMT to discuss a draft resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

France and the United States call on their nationals to leave Russia "without delay"

France has recommended its nationals in Russia to "leave the country without delay" due to "increasing restrictions on air traffic between Russia and Europe," according to what came. In a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sunday.

In its latest advice to travelers to Russia, the French Foreign Ministry stated that, following the invasion of Ukraine, "the European Union has just announced its decision to close European airspace without delay to Russian planes and airlines."

She said in her statement that "most European companies, including Air France, stopped operating flights over Russia on Sunday evening, February 27."

"Given the increasing restrictions imposed on air traffic between Russia and Europe, it is strongly recommended that the French in Russia (tourists, visitors, students and professionals) make arrangements to leave the country without delay through existing air links," she added, calling for "postponing any travel to Russia".

In other directives to travelers, the French Foreign Ministry said that it is not recommended to travel to Belarus "in the context of the military tensions between Ukraine and Belarus and the closure of Belarusian airspace."

She indicated that the French in Belarus "are invited to leave the country without delay by land through border crossing points with Lithuania, Poland or Latvia. If necessary, passengers who arrived (in the country) by air must apply To obtain an exit visa at the Belarusian Ministry of Interior.

The United States also recommended its citizens on Sunday to consider "immediately leaving Russia" in light of the successive cancellations of flights and the closure of several countries' airspace to Russian planes in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The US embassy in Russia said on its website Sunday, "An increasing number of airlines are canceling flights to and from Russia, and many countries have closed their airspace to Russian airlines."

"US citizens should consider leaving Russia immediately through the commercial options that are still available," she added.

The European Union announced Sunday that it would close its airspace to Russian companies, following similar announcements from Canada, the United Kingdom, Norway, North Macedonia and Iceland.

Airline companies also announced their own measures. Lufthansa decided on Saturday to temporarily suspend flights to and through Russia, and Air France announced the same move on Sunday.

The embassy noted that the US State Department currently recommends that Americans not travel to Russia, particularly due to the "potential for harassment of US citizens" there and the "arbitrary application of local laws."

Bolsonaro says Brazil will remain "neutral"

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro announced Sunday, after speaking with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, that his country will continue to maintain "neutrality" and will not "take sides" with any party in what Concerning the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

We will not take sides, we will continue to be neutral and help, according to our capabilities, in the search for a solution," Bolsonaro said.

"We want peace, but we don't want to attract consequences here," he added, recalling that Brazil "depends a lot" on Russian fertilizers.

And Bolsonaro said at a press conference in Garuga, state of Sao Paulo (southeast), "I spoke earlier with President Putin, for more than two hours. We talked about many things (...) Of course he said something about Ukraine that I keep for myself."

The Brazilian president avoided criticizing Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

The G7 threatens Russia with new sanctions if it continues its invasion of Ukraine

The G7 countries announced on Sunday evening their readiness to impose new sanctions on Russia, after those announced during the week, "if it does not put an end to its war on Ukraine."

At a meeting of the foreign ministers of the United States, Germany, France, Japan, Canada, Italy and the United Kingdom, the Group of Seven major industrialized nations urged Moscow "to immediately end attacks on Ukraine, its civilian population and civilian infrastructure and to withdraw its forces without delay" from the country, according to a statement released by the presidency. German for the Group of Seven.

It warned the countries that they would not recognize any change in the "status" of Ukraine that would be imposed by force, in other words, any region that might be declared annexed, according to what was stated in a statement published by the German presidency of the Group of Seven.

Moscow previously annexed Crimea in 2014 and just recognized the independence of two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine.

In a subsequent statement, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the group has never been more united "in defending and preserving the freedom and sovereignty of Ukraine and all nations."

Saturday, Western countries tightened their financial sanctions against Moscow, excluding many Russian banks from the international SWIFT platform for financial exchanges, and also took measures aimed at preventing the Russian Central Bank from supporting the national currency by restricting its access to international capital markets.

The G7 statement stated that Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba participated in the meeting.

The countries also consulted about the humanitarian assistance to be provided to Ukraine.

Japan said on Sunday it would also take part in removing selected Russian banks from the SWIFT system, provide humanitarian aid and seek to identify and freeze assets belonging to Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Russian officials. Blinken considered that Tokyo's move showed the "unity and determination" of the G7 and would help "impose huge costs on Russia."

The battle for control of Kiev continues Sunday as the West ramps up pressure on Moscow by excluding Russian banks from the SWIFT financial system and prepares to deliver more weapons to Ukraine.

On the fourth day of Vladimir Putin's attack, anti-aircraft sirens sounded in Kiev on the night from Saturday to Sunday, the official special communication service reported, calling on residents to take refuge in shelters in the capital.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Sunday that his country will "try" to negotiate with Russia, although it "does not count too much" that these negotiations will put an end to the Russian invasion.

"I say things frankly, as always: I don't count too much on a result," Zelensky said in a video statement, "but we have to try."

Aerovolt Airlines announces the suspension of all its flights to Europe

The Russian Aerovolt Airlines announced that it is suspending, as of Monday, all its flights towards Europe, after the European Union decided to completely close its airspace to all Russian aircraft.

The company said in a statement published on Sunday evening, "Due to the restrictions related to airspace set by the European authorities, Aeroflot is suspending, as of February 28, 2022, until further notice, its flights to all European destinations."

Ukraine accuses Russia of planning acts of "genocide"

The International Court of Justice announced on Sunday that Kiev has charged Russia before the court with planning acts of genocide in Ukraine.

Ukraine raised its request on Saturday, according to the court, which was formed in 1946 to settle disputes between countries. It issues binding and final judgments, but the court has no means of ensuring their implementation.

Johnson: Putin seeks to divert attention

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson considered Sunday that Russian President Vladimir Putin, by taking the decision to put the nuclear deterrent force on alert, is seeking to divert attention from the solid resistance it faces. Russian forces in Ukraine.

And what is actually happening is that they are defending themselves, perhaps more effectively, with more resistance than the Kremlin imagined. ".

European fighter planes for Ukraine

The European Union's foreign policy chief announced that the bloc's member states decided on Sunday to allocate 450 million euros to buy weapons and hand them over to the Ukrainian army to help it resist the Russian attack.

Joseph Borrell said, after a video conference meeting with the foreign ministers of the European Union, preceded by a phone conversation with the Ukrainian foreign minister, that the latter "said he needed planes that could be flown by the Ukrainians. Some member states have this type of plane, and we will provide it to them along with other weapons." needed for war."

European Union foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell announced Sunday that member states of the bloc are ready to supply the Ukrainian army with fighter jets.

After a video conference meeting with the foreign ministers of the European Union, preceded by a phone conversation with the Ukrainian foreign minister, Borrell stated that the latter "said he needed planes that could be flown by the Ukrainians. Some member states have this type of plane, and we will provide it to them along with other necessary weapons." for war.”

An emergency meeting of the Security Council Monday

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution on Sunday, at the request of Western countries, calling for holding an "emergency session" on Monday of the United Nations General Assembly for its 193 members to take a position on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The resolution put forward by the United States and Albania was supported by 11 countries, while Russia voted against it and the United Arab Emirates, China and India abstained. The United Nations system does not permit resorting to the right of veto in such a case.

The European Union stops dealing with the Russian Bank

The European Union's Foreign Minister Josep Borrell announced that the European foreign ministers agreed on Sunday to stop dealing with the Russian Central Bank, in coordination with the G7 member states.

And Borrell said that "more than half of the central bank's reserves will be disrupted because they are placed in institutions in the G7 countries," noting that the political agreement between the ministers constitutes a prelude to the official adoption of the measure before the markets open on Monday.

Von der Leyen speaks exclusively to Euronews about the crisis

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said today, Sunday, in an exclusive interview with Euronews, that the European Union's confidence in Russian President Vladimir Putin has completely collapsed and eroded.

Von der Leyen's speech came after the Commission approved a package of new sanctions against Russia for its continued invasion of its neighbor Ukraine.

Von der Leyen said that it is important to hold talks between the Russian and Ukrainian sides despite the loss of trust. "In any case, it is better to conduct peace talks than to fight," she added.

But she stressed that it is important that the terms and conditions of those talks are appropriate and satisfactory to Ukraine.

Von der Leyen announced Sunday that the European Union will finance the purchase and delivery of weapons to Ukraine in the face of the Russian invasion, explaining that the decision sets a precedent for the bloc.

The Algerian Ministry of Affairs confirms the death of an Algerian national in Kharkiv

The Algerian Foreign Ministry expressed its deep regret at recording the death of an Algerian national in Kharkiv yesterday, February 26, 2022, as its diplomatic services are working, within the framework of the available means, to transfer the body of the victim to Algeria after announcing his death as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Russian army acknowledges the fall of "dead and injured"

The Russian army acknowledged for the first time since the start of its attack on Ukraine that it had suffered human losses, but it did not announce any outcome.

Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konachenkov said, "Russian soldiers prove their courage in their combat missions (...). Unfortunately, there are dead and wounded. But our losses are much less" than the losses of the Ukrainian side.

European support for Ukraine

Union Foreign Minister Josep Borrell stated that Brussels will propose to member states to use the European Union's emergency financing line "to provide lethal weapons as well as fuel, protective equipment and health supplies for the Ukrainian forces," putting an end to "the issue of It was considered a taboo and was based on the European Union not providing arms to warring parties."

Von der Leyen also announced the ban on the two Russian media outlets, RT and Sputnik, in the European Union, with the aim of preventing them from broadcasting their "lies" about the war that Moscow is waging in Ukraine.

The European official said, "We will ban the Kremlin's media machine in the European Union. The state media outlets RT and Sputnik, as well as their branches, will no longer be able to broadcast their lies to justify Putin's war and sow division in our nation. We are therefore developing tools to prevent their toxic and harmful disinformation in the media." Europe".

Expectations of the displacement of seven million refugees

The European Commissioner in charge of crisis management, Janis Lenarich, said Sunday that "it is estimated that seven million Ukrainians will be displaced" from this country due to the Russian attack.

"We are witnessing what may become the largest humanitarian crisis on our European continent in a number of years," he added.

European temporary protection for displaced Ukrainians

European interior ministers held an emergency meeting in Brussels on Sunday to organize the reception of Ukrainians fleeing the Russian attack and to discuss granting them automatic temporary protection.

French Minister Gerald Darmanin, whose country holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union, said upon his arrival at the meeting, "We have to study what status we can give to these people who are fleeing from Ukrainian territory in very difficult circumstances."

He added that we must "first" receive them "on the best possible terms in Poland and in neighboring countries and see how we can help them in a humane way (...) and then see how we can in Europe offer them this protection" stipulated in a note dating back to 2001.

Police arrest more than 900 people at anti-war demonstrations in 44 cities in Russia

Russian police detained more than 900 people at anti-war protests in 44 Russian cities on Sunday, an organization monitoring protests said, bringing the number of arrests since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24 to more than 4,000.

Sunday's protests coincided with the seventh anniversary of the murder of Russian political dissident Boris Nemtsov. A Reuters witness said some of the arrests, which took place on Sunday, were random outside the Kremlin at the spot where Nemtsov was shot.

Messaging app Telegram will partially or completely restrict some media if the situation in Ukraine escalates

The network is increasingly becoming a source of unverified information, founder of the Telegram messaging network Pavel Durov said Sunday. The spokesperson went on to say that the app will partially or completely restrict some media if the situation in Ukraine escalates.

Many Russian officials use Telegram to stay away from American media Facebook and Twitter. Telegram is a free, partially open-source, cross-platform instant messaging application with a focus on security. Telegram users can exchange messages with high encryption capabilities, including photos, videos, and documents, as all files are supported.

Telegram was founded in 2013 by brothers Nikolai and Pavel Drov, founders of VKontakte (the largest Russian social network), and has since evolved into a platform with more than 500 million users.

Stoltenberg: Putin's threat to the nuclear deterrent force is "irresponsible" behavior

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) considered on Sunday that President Vladimir Putin's decision to put the Russian nuclear deterrent force on alert is "irresponsible" behavior.

"This is a dangerous statement. This is irresponsible behaviour," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told CNN.

Washington condemns Moscow's "escalation" after threatening to put the nuclear "deterrent force" on alert (United Nations Ambassador)

US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas Greenfield condemned the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin to put the deterrent force Nuclear Forces are on alert, seeing the move as an "unacceptable escalation."

This means that President Putin continues to escalate this war in a way that is totally unacceptable," she added in an interview with CBS.

The European Union: We must prepare to receive millions of refugees from Ukraine

The European Union Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, said on Sunday that the bloc needs to prepare to receive millions of refugees from Ukraine.

"I think we have to prepare for millions," she told reporters in Brussels, indicating that she was in favor of the idea of ​​activating the principle of temporary protection in the Union to secure shelter for those who will arrive in the European Union.

In 2001, this principle was the basis of the bloc's response to the massive mass influx of displaced persons and refugees during the war in Yugoslavia and the conflict in Kosovo. Under its rules, people displaced from countries outside the bloc are given immediate, temporary protection.

Ukraine will not "surrender" during negotiations with Russia (Foreign Minister)

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba confirmed on Sunday that his country will not "surrender" to Moscow during negotiations with it, denouncing putting the Russian nuclear deterrent force on alert. Considering that this constitutes an attempt to "pressure" on Kiev.

Putin "fabricating threats" to put the nuclear "deterrent force" on alert (White House)

The United States on Sunday accused President Vladimir Putin of "fabricating threats" after he put the Russian nuclear deterrent force on alert Ukrainian crisis.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said on ABC television when asked about Moscow's announcement, "This is a pattern we have seen with President Putin throughout the course of this conflict, which is fabricating non-existent threats in order to justify more aggression."

US Ambassador to the United Nations: Putin's order regarding nuclear forces is an unacceptable escalation

US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas Greenfield said on Sunday that President Vladimir Putin's order to put in place Russian deterrence forces that include nuclear weapons High alert is an unacceptable escalation.

In an interview with CBS, she said, "This means that President Putin continues to escalate this war in a way that is completely unacceptable, and we must continue to stop his actions in the strongest way possible."

Slovakia agrees to send more military aid to Ukraine

A news site reported that the government in Slovakia agreed on Sunday to provide additional military aid to Ukraine in the amount of 4.4 million euros (five million dollars).

Slovakia, a NATO member that shares a border with Ukraine, agreed on Saturday to provide 11 million euros in aid, including artillery ammunition and fuel, which it said had already been delivered.

Ukraine agrees to hold talks with Moscow at the Ukrainian-Belarusian border (the presidency)

The Ukrainian presidency announced on Sunday that it had agreed to hold talks with Russia and they will be held on the border with Belarus near Chernobyl, in a decision taken after mediation by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

The Ukrainian presidency wrote on social networks that "the Ukrainian delegation will meet the Russian (delegation) without any preconditions, on the Ukrainian-Belarusian border in the Pripyat River region."

Ukrainian ambassador: Turkish-made drones showed effectiveness in fighting Russia

Ukrainian ambassador to Turkey Vasil Bodnar said Sunday that Turkish-made Bayraktar drones showed effectiveness in fighting against the Russian invasion forces.

Turkey had sold several batches of Bayraktar TB2 aircraft to Kiev, which it had previously used to confront separatists in eastern Ukraine backed by Russia.

The French Federation calls for the expulsion of Russia from the World Cup if it qualifies

The President of the French Football Federation, Noel Le Graet, called on Sunday, in an interview with the newspaper "Le Parisien", for the expulsion of Russia from the World Cup scheduled for the end of this year in Qatar. , in response to Russia's invasion of its neighbor Ukraine.

The fourth day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in pictures.

Le Graite, who won his country's national team the title of the last edition of the World Cup in 2018 on Russian soil, said, "The world of sports, especially football, cannot remain neutral. I certainly will not oppose Russia's expulsion" from the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

Russia did not qualify for the finals yet, but it must go through the European play-off in the second track, which includes the teams of Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic, all of which refused to face the Russian team.

It was scheduled that Russia would host Poland on March 24 and Sweden on the same day, with the two winners facing off in Russia on the 29th.

The United States announces $54 million in aid to Ukraine

The United States announced Sunday that it will send new humanitarian aid to Ukraine worth $54 million, as the country suffers as a result of the Russian invasion.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that this assistance includes "the provision of food, drinking water, shelter, emergency health care, winter preparedness, and protection."

Mayor of Kiev: The city's defenses are still standing

The mayor of Kiev said on Sunday that there are no Russian forces in the Ukrainian capital holding on to its defenses in the face of the attack. A total of 31 people have been killed in the city since the attacks began, Vitali Klitschko said, including nine civilians, while 106 were wounded.

But our military, law enforcement and regional defense continue to detect and neutralize saboteurs," he wrote on his Telegram channel.

Putin orders the Russian "deterrent force" to be put on alert

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his military leadership to put the Russian deterrent forces, referring to the units that include nuclear weapons on high alert, referring to the hostile statements of NATO leaders North Atlantic and economic sanctions against Moscow.

Putin said during a televised meeting with his military leaders, "I order the Ministry of Defense and the Chief of Staff to put deterrence forces in the Russian army on special alert for combat."

More than 100,000 demonstrators march in solidarity with Ukraine in Berlin (police)

More than 100,000 people took part in a rally in Berlin that took place in solidarity with Ukraine on Sunday, according to the police.

Many demonstrators wore the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag, while the organizers announced that about half a million people participated in the march.

Russia demands that Google restore access to its media channels on YouTube in Ukraine

The Russian state communications regulator said Sunday that it had written to Alphabet, the owner of Google, demanding that access to Russian media channels on YouTube be restored in Ukraine. .

The authority said it wanted to lift all restrictions on the Russian-language YouTube channels of media outlets such as RBC, Zvezda TV and Sputnik TV.

Moscow said on Friday that it would partially restrict access to Facebook's Meta platforms, after accusing it of censoring Russian media.

The International Atomic Energy Agency holds an emergency meeting on Wednesday to discuss the situation in Ukraine

The Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency of the United Nations will hold an extraordinary meeting next Wednesday to discuss the situation in Ukraine, which has four nuclear power plants and various waste facilities Among them is the Chernobyl station.

The agency said in a statement confirming a Reuters report that the Board of Governors "will hold a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the current situation in Ukraine" after the Russian invasion last week. The diplomat said the agenda for the meeting was "implications of the situation in Ukraine for safety, security and safeguards".

G7: The West will disconnect some Russian banks from the SWIFT network

The leaders of the Group of Seven major industrialized nations said Sunday that Western allies had decided to disconnect "certain Russian banks" from the global interbank messaging system known as SWIFT.

This statement, which was contained in a joint declaration published by the French presidency, did not specify the Russian banks targeted by the decision. He added that a working group of European countries and the United States would soon be formed to coordinate sanctions against Russia.

Italy closes its airspace to Russian planes

The Italian Prime Minister's office said on Sunday that Italy has decided to close its airspace to Russian planes, joining a series of European countries, including Britain and Germany, that have taken the same measure in response. on the invasion of Ukraine.

The Netherlands will close its airspace to Russia as of Sunday evening

Dutch Minister of Infrastructure Mark Harpers said that the Netherlands will close its airspace to Russian aircraft as of Sunday evening.

There is no place in Dutch airspace for a regime that engages in gratuitous, brutal violence. That is why the Netherlands is preparing to close its airspace to Russian aircraft this evening,” Harpers added on Twitter.

The Kremlin: The Israeli Prime Minister offered to mediate to stop hostilities in Ukraine

The Kremlin said in a statement that Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett offered his country's services as a mediator for peace in Ukraine during a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday. He added that the call came at an Israeli initiative and that Putin told Bennett that a Russian delegation in the city of Gomel, Belarus, was ready to negotiate with Kiev, but the Ukrainian side "did not seize the opportunity, which shows a lack of logic."

Prosecutor: Ukraine will prove that Putin is a "war criminal"

Ukrainian Prosecutor General Irina Venediktova told Ukrainian TV that Ukraine will prove in a fair trial that Russian President Vladimir Putin is a "major war criminal" in the 21st century.

Ukraine said earlier that it had submitted a case to the International Court of Justice against Russia.

Italy announces immediate financial aid of 110 million euros to Ukraine

Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio announced Sunday via Twitter that Italy had transferred an immediate payment of 110 million euros ($120 million) to the Ukrainian government "as a sign of solidarity and support."

I informed my colleague Dmytro Kuleba that I had just signed a decision to immediately pay 110 million euros to the government in Kiev, as a sign of Italy's solidarity and support for a people with whom we have fraternal relations," he wrote.

Putin accuses Ukraine of "wasting the opportunity" to hold talks (the Kremlin)

Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Ukraine of "missing the opportunity" to hold talks he wants to impose their holding in Belarus, the country from which Russia implemented part of the its invasion of Ukraine.

Putin said in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett that "the Russian delegation is in the Belarusian city of Gomel and is ready to negotiate with representatives of Kiev, and they have not seized this opportunity so far," according to a Kremlin statement.

Zelinsky says he called Belarusian President

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Sunday that he had spoken with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko, who is allied with Moscow and whose country Russia used as a rear base for invading Ukraine.

"I spoke with Alexander Lukashenko," Zelensky said on Facebook, without giving additional details, at a time when Russia insists on conducting negotiations with Ukraine in Belarus, where Zelensky refuses to negotiate with the Russians, preferring any other country to hold talks.

Ukrainian forces announce the expulsion of the Russian army from Kharkiv and take control of the city

The local official in Kharkiv, Oleg Sinigubov, announced on Sunday that the second largest Ukrainian city has returned to the control of the Ukrainian forces, a few hours after announcing the arrival of the Russian army to the city center.

Pope Francis requests the opening of "humanitarian corridors" in an "urgent" manner for those fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Pope Francis on Sunday called for "urgent" opening of "humanitarian corridors" for those fleeing the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

I think of the elderly, of all those seeking shelter, of the mothers on the run with their children. They are brothers and sisters for whom it is necessary to open humanitarian corridors, and they must be welcomed," he said at the end of his prayer in St. Peter's Square. He demanded that the "arms be silent."

Shultz: The collapse of the Russian markets confirms that "our sanctions are effective"

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz confirmed that the Western sanctions imposed on Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine are effective, warning of new measures if Moscow does not change its approach.

"Over the past week, Russian stock markets have fallen more than 30 percent, and this shows that our sanctions are effective," Scholz said. "We reserve the right to impose further sanctions," he added.

Belgium closes its airspace to all Russian airlines (Prime Minister)

Belgium's prime minister announced Sunday that his country will close its airspace to Russian airlines, following the example of other European countries.

"Belgium has decided to close its airspace to all Russian airlines," Alexandre de Croo wrote on Twitter. "Our European skies are open. It is open to those who bring people together, not to those who aim to attack violently," he added.

The Russian Orthodox Patriarch describes Moscow's opponents in Ukraine as "evil forces"

The Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill Sunday described Moscow's opponents in Ukraine as "evil forces" that want to break the historical unity between the two countries, on the fourth day of the Russian invasion for the country.

Interfax news agency quoted Kirill as saying during Sunday's sermon, "May God save us from using the current political situation in Ukraine, a brotherly country close to us, in such a way that evil forces win."

Czech Republic joins Sweden and Poland and refuses to face Russia in the 2022 World Cup Supplement (Czech Federation)

The Czech Football Association announced on Sunday its refusal to face its country's national team against its Russian counterpart in the European qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup Qatar, against the background of Russia's invasion of Ukraine , thus joining his Swedish and Polish counterparts, who made the same decision on Saturday evening.

The Czech Federation said in a statement that "the Czech national team will not play whatever possible match against Russia in the World Cup qualifiers," referring to the European supplement that placed his country in the third track, where it will meet its Swedish counterpart on March 24, provided that The winner will face Russia or Poland in the final for the ticket to qualify for the Qatar 2022 finals.

Turkey, which overlooks a passage to the Black Sea, describes Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a war

Turkey described Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a "war" on Sunday, in a shift in its rhetoric that may pave the way for Ankara, a NATO member, To activate an international agreement that imposes restrictions on the passage of Russian ships to the Black Sea.

Turkish presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on Twitter, "On the fourth day of the Ukrainian war, we repeat President (Recep Tayyip) Erdogan's call for an immediate halt to Russian attacks and the start of ceasefire negotiations."

The director of presidential communications, Fahrettin Altun, said, "We are witnessing another war in our region," and repeated Erdogan's call for mediation.

Russian ambassador: Lebanon's position on the Ukraine crisis does not have much impact on relations with Moscow

The Russian ambassador to Beirut, Alexander Rudakov, said Sunday that he does not think that the Lebanese Foreign Ministry's statement condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine affects relations much. Moscow, Beirut. "In difficult days, we see who is with us and who is against us," he said at a press conference in the Lebanese capital.

On Thursday, the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine and calling on Moscow to immediately stop its military operations.

Putin thanks the Russian special forces for their "heroic" mission in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday thanked the Russian special forces during a televised speech and singled out those who "heroically perform their military duty" in Ukraine. The Kremlin broadcast the word on its website.

Ukrainian official: The military situation has not changed significantly

An advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday that the situation has not changed significantly in Ukraine, and the country controls the lands west of Kiev, and Russian forces have not advanced south.

"The fact that a Russian delegation arrived in Gomel with a proposal for peace talks means, from a military point of view, only one thing: that they have lost the element of initiative and are now unable to continue combat operations," Oleksey Aristovich said.

Most European Union countries close their airspace to Russian flights

An official in the European Union said Sunday that most EU countries have closed their airspace to Russian flights. The official added that it is likely that more official decisions will be taken in this area in later times.

British Foreign Secretary: Russia must withdraw from Ukraine before any negotiations

British Foreign Secretary Liz Terrace said on Sunday that there will be no talks with Russia over Ukraine as it deploys its forces in its neighbor's territory and said the conflict could drag on. extend it.

"If the Russians are serious about negotiating, they should withdraw their forces from Ukraine. They cannot negotiate while pointing their guns at the heads of the Ukrainians... Therefore, frankly, I do not trust what they call efforts to negotiate," she added to Sky News.

The International Judo Federation "Suspends" Putin's Honorary Presidency

The International Judo Federation announced Sunday the "suspension" of Vladimir Putin's honorary presidency as ambassador to the Federation, in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

In view of the current conflict in Ukraine, the International Judo Federation announces the suspension of Mr. Vladimir Putin's position as honorary president and ambassador of the federation," the International Judo Federation wrote in a statement.

Zelensky: Russia's actions in Ukraine bear the hallmarks of genocide

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday urged the world to deny Russia the right to vote in the UN Security Council and said Russia's actions in Ukraine almost amounted to genocide .

This is terrifying. They will bomb our Ukrainian cities more and kill our children more skillfully. This is the evil that has befallen our land and must be destroyed," Zelensky said in a video message. "Russia's criminal actions against Ukraine bear the hallmarks of genocide," he added.

The Kremlin says it has warned Ukraine that the offensive will not be suspended during any talks

The Russian Interfax news agency quoted the Kremlin as saying on Sunday that it had warned Ukraine that the Russian military operation would not be suspended during any possible talks.

Belarusian President urges Kiev to accept Russia's offer of talks

The Russian Information Agency quoted Alexander Lukashenko, President of Belarus, as calling on Kiev on Sunday to sit down and hold talks with Russia so that Ukraine does not lose its entity as a state.

Russia said that its delegation was ready to meet Ukrainian officials in the city of Gomel, Belarus, but Kiev said that Belarus was complicit in the Russian invasion and could not be considered a neutral mediator.

The UAE urges finding a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine

Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic advisor to the UAE President, said Sunday that his country is urging a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine and that siding with any party will lead to more violence.

Gargash's remarks on Twitter came after the UAE abstained on Friday from voting on a draft UN Security Council resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The resolution was not passed because Russia used its veto power.

"The UAE's position is firm on the basic principles of the United Nations, international law, state sovereignty, and its rejection of military solutions. We believe that alignment and positioning will only lead to more violence," Gargash said.

"And in the Ukrainian crisis, our priorities are to encourage all parties to adopt diplomacy and negotiation to find a political settlement to end this crisis," he added.

RT channel: Google blocks the downloading of RT applications on Ukrainian territory

RT TV channel said on Sunday that Google, owned by Alphabet, has stopped downloading the mobile application of the Russian state channel on Ukrainian territory based on Order from Kiev.

Ukrainian President praises the formation of an international "coalition" in support of Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday praised the formation of a "coalition" of countries providing assistance to Ukraine, on the fourth day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

We are receiving weapons, medicine, food, fuel and money. A strong international coalition has formed to support Ukraine, an anti-war coalition,” Zelensky said in a video posted online.

The Ukrainian president is ready to hold negotiations with Moscow, but not in Belarus

The Ukrainian president is ready to hold negotiations with Moscow, but not in the city of Gomel in Belarus, as Russia suggested, because Belarus is a rear base for the invasion of Ukraine, saying that Any other city would do.

He said in a video clip posted on the Internet, "Warsaw, Bratislava, Budapest, Istanbul and Baku. We proposed all these cities. Any other city would be suitable for us."

Ukraine says it shot down a missile launched by a Russian strategic bomber from Belarus

Valery Zaluzhny, commander of the Ukrainian armed forces, announced on Sunday that Ukrainian forces shot down a cruise missile launched by a Russian Tu-22 strategic bomber from the territory of Belarus.

The Kremlin confirms its readiness to conduct negotiations with Ukraine in Belarus, and Putin salutes the "heroism" of the Russian forces

The Kremlin confirmed on Sunday its readiness to conduct negotiations with Ukraine, proposing the city of Gomel in Belarus as a venue for the talks, while saluting Russian President Vladimir Putin. Heroism" of the Russian forces fighting in Ukraine.

Russian official agencies quoted the Russian presidential spokesman as saying that a delegation of representatives of "the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defense and other departments, including the presidential office, arrived in Belarus to hold talks with the Ukrainians."

Street fighting in the city of Kharkiv, in northeastern Ukraine

Kharkov, the second city in Ukraine in the north-east of the country, is witnessing street fighting Sunday between Kiev forces and Russian forces, which the city authorities had announced their entry into, an AFP correspondent said. .

The fighting continued since the morning, with abandoned or burning light armored vehicles appearing in the streets, while gunshots and separate explosions echoed throughout the city, whose streets were deserted as residents remained in their homes.

Ukrainian official: Russian forces enter Kharkiv

The local governor, Ole Sengobov, said that Ukrainian forces were fighting Russian forces in the streets of Kharkiv, in northeastern Ukraine, on Sunday.

"Light vehicles of the Russian enemy stormed Kharkiv, including the city centre," Sengobov added.

Video clips broadcasted by Anton Herashchenko, advisor to the Ukrainian Minister of Interior, on Telegram and the Department of Special Communications and State Information Protection in Ukraine showed several light military vehicles moving along a street and a separately burned tank.

Finland announces closing its airspace to Russian planes (Ministry)

Finland announced that it will close its airspace to Russian planes in response to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Finnish Transport Minister Timo Haraka said in a tweet he published from Saturday night to Sunday that Finland, which shares a border with Russia of more than 1,300 km, is "preparing to close its airspace to Russian aviation."

The President of Ukraine announces the creation of a foreign corps for volunteers from abroad

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Sunday that Ukraine will create a foreign "international" corps for volunteers from abroad. "This will be the main proof of your support for our country," Zelensky said in a statement.

The authorities of Kharkiv, the second most important city in Ukraine, announce the entry of the Russian army into it

The authorities of Kharkiv (northeast), the second largest city in Ukraine, announced on Sunday that the Russian army arrived in the city center on the fourth day of the invasion of Moscow. for the country.

The local official, Oleg Senigubov, said on Facebook, "Light vehicles of the Russian enemy stormed the city of Kharkiv," stressing that "the Ukrainian armed forces are eliminating the enemy." He called on the population (approximately 1.4 million people) not to leave

The Russian army announces the siege of two major cities in southern Ukraine

The Russian army announced on Sunday that it "completely" surrounded the two main cities of Kherson and Berdyansk in southern Ukraine, on the fourth day of its invasion of this country.

The Russian news agency TASS quoted a spokesman for the Russian Defense Ministry, Igor Konashenkov, as saying, "During the last 24 hours, the Russian armed forces tightened their siege on the cities of Kherson (290,000 people) and Berdyansk (110,000 people)."

Russian forces "continue their offensive to fortify Kiev"

Ukraine news agency reported, quoting rescue teams, that shelling hit a fence of a radioactive waste storage center there. And the Ukrainian army confirmed on Saturday evening that the Russian forces "continue their offensive to fortify Kiev" after they "completed the regrouping of their units" on the northern front.

About thirty kilometers southwest of Kiev, battles continue to control Vasilkiv Air Base, which prevents firefighters from intervening to put out a large fire in an oil depot that was hit by a Russian missile from Saturday night to Sunday near this city, according to the head of the Kiev region administration, Alexei. coliba.

In Kharkiv (east), relief teams reported that a woman was killed on Saturday evening in a Russian bombing of a residential building.

The Russian army had received orders on Saturday afternoon to expand the attack on Ukraine, indicating that Kiev refused to conduct negotiations. "Orders have been issued to all units to expand the attack in all directions, according to the offensive plan," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

"Sanctions"

The violence of the Russian intervention prompted the Western powers on Saturday to adopt a new set of harsh sanctions. In particular, it decided to exclude a number of Russian banks from the "SWIFT" system, the main tool in global finance, as announced by the German government, which heads the Group of Seven countries.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Schmygal wrote on Twitter in response to these measures, "We appreciate your support and genuine help in these difficult times. The Ukrainian people will never forget it!"

Military supplies to Kiev

Germany announced on Saturday that it would supply Kiev with 1,000 anti-tank missile launchers and 500 surface-to-air missiles, in violation of its traditional policy of refusing to export lethal weapons to conflict zones.

For its part, Washington announced on Saturday that it would send new military aid to Ukraine amounting to 350 million dollars. A senior Pentagon official told AFP he saw "signs of viable Ukrainian resistance". "We think the Russians are increasingly frustrated with their loss of momentum over the past 24 hours, especially in northern Ukraine," he added.

The Netherlands announced the delivery of 200 Stinger anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine, while the Czech Republic said it had sent weapons worth 7.6 million euros. Belgium also confirmed that it had supplied Kiev with 2,000 machine guns and 3,800 tons of fuel.

France, in turn, announced on Saturday evening that it had "decided to hand over additional defense equipment to the Ukrainian authorities." On Sunday, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that his government would provide Ukraine with "every possible support".

Sabotage units

At least 198 civilians, including three children, have been killed and 1,115 others injured since Thursday, according to Ukrainian Health Minister Viktor Lyashko.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Facebook on Saturday, "Our army controls Kiev and the main cities around the capital," stressing that it had "thwarted" Moscow's plan. The Ukrainian president called on the population to take up arms, vowing to stay in Kiev.

In the Ukrainian capital, which was abandoned by its inhabitants, clashes took place between the Russian and Ukrainian forces on Saturday. Former boxer Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced that the curfew had been extended until 8 am on Monday and that anyone on the street would be treated as an enemy.

Ukrainian soldiers who were on patrol confirmed to France Press that there were Russian forces in a position to fire a few kilometers away. Smoke is still rising from the wreckage of a military truck that was hit by a missile, while explosions were heard from afar.

A 30-storey residential building was hit by a missile, causing severe damage, without the authorities reporting any injuries immediately.

The mayor of the capital said that Russian "sabotage units" are present in the city, but there are still no regular formations of the Russian army.

Moscow does not announce any toll

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights reported on its website that at least 64 civilians had been killed as of Saturday, and hundreds of thousands were deprived of water or electricity.

For his part, Ukrainian Health Minister Viktor Lyashko said that at least 198 civilians, including three children, have been killed and 1,115 people have been injured since Thursday.

Dozens of Ukrainian soldiers were killed in the fighting all over the country, according to the Ukrainian army, which asserts that it has inflicted heavy losses on the Russian army. So far, the Russian Ministry of Defense has not mentioned any attack on Kiev, confirming that cruise missiles were fired at military infrastructure only, and progress in eastern Ukraine, where the Russian army supports the separatists in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

You also talk about progress in southern Ukraine, where Russian forces entered Thursday from Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014.

The Ukrainian army said on Facebook that Russian units had been spotted in Borodyanka (70 km northwest of Kiev) and in Bucha and Vyshgorod, the northwestern and northern suburbs of the capital.

Moscow does not disclose any information about the losses incurred.

Poland says 115,000 Ukrainian refugees have crossed the border since Thursday, when the Russian invasion began. Nine reception centers have been established for them.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said earlier that more than 116,000 refugees have fled to neighboring countries.