NATO ships have been deployed to the Baltic Sea for routine operations and training, said a statement issued on Friday. 

- Ships from Standing Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) and Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 (SNMCMG1) are sailing into the Baltic Sea and will participate in exercises with bordering Allied and partner nations - read the NATO statement.
- NATO regularly deploys maritime forces in the Baltic Sea in order to maintain a credible and capable defensive capability in accordance with treaty obligations - it added.
The SNMG1 and SNMCMG1 have ships from various NATO states and "are continuously available to NATO to perform different tasks ranging from participation in exercises to operational missions" read the statement.
- They also are currently part of the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) while exhibiting forward presence and contributing to operational coherence among allied naval forces to support greater regional security and stability - it added.

Vessels will take part in exercises with bordering NATO states, partner nations

The SNMG1 and SNMCMG1 have ships from various NATO states

NATO deploys ships to Baltic Sea for routine operations, training

Russia on Saturday announced retaliatory sanctions on 13 current and former UK officials, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, and Defense Secretary Ben Wallace.

Moscow banned top several other Cabinet members and politicians from entering Russia over "unprecedented hostile action by the British Government, in particular the imposition of sanctions against senior Russian officials" for the war on Ukraine, said a Russian Foreign Ministry statement.
- This step was taken in response to London’s unbridled information and political campaign aimed at isolating Russia internationally, creating conditions for controlling our country and strangling the domestic economy - the ministry said.
Accusing the UK of deliberately aggravating the situation in Ukraine by sending deadly weapons and coordinating similar efforts in NATO, It said London's provocations forced not only its Western allies, but also other countries to impose large-scale anti-Russian sanctions.
Moscow's entry blacklist also includes Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, former Prime Minister Theresa May, and Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Russia's war on Ukraine has met international condemnations, with the US, UK, and EU, among others, imposing a host of sanctions on Moscow.
At least 1,982 civilians have been killed and 2,651 injured in Ukraine since the start of the war on Feb. 24, according to UN estimates, with the true figure feared to be much higher.
More than 4.6 million Ukrainians have fled to other countries, with over 7 million more internally displaced, said the UN refugee agency.

Russia bans prime minister, foreign secretary, defense minister, others from entering Russia

Russia on Saturday announced retaliatory sanctions on 13 current and former UK officials

Moscow imposes sanctions on 13 top British officials, including Boris Johnson

As the number of Ukrainian refugees is rapidly rising across Europe and has passed 4 million, neighboring Poland has so far hosted more than 2 million of those who fled the war.

Arriving in major cities in Poland either by trains, buses or other means of transport since the start of the war in Ukraine on Feb. 24, most of them are registered and hosted at refugee hubs.
One of the biggest of those hubs in Europe is located in Warsaw, the massive Ptak Warsaw Expo Centre with a full capacity of 20,000.

<h2>The center has so far hosted 40,000 people</h2>

One of the biggest of those hubs in Europe is located in Warsaw, the massive Ptak Warsaw Expo Centre with a full capacity of 20,000.

The refugee hub, which is named as Ptak Humanitarian Aid Centre, serves as the first accommodation for thousands of Ukrainians who either would like to stay in Poland or go to other European countries.
The center, which serves as a connection point for refugees, has so far hosted 40,000 people, with 25,000 of those relocating somewhere else in Europe, Ayse Abaci, the Expo’s international relations and fair development specialist, told Anadolu Agency.
She said refugees are collected from Poland-Ukraine border and provided a safe environment at the hub until they leave for other countries or a suitable home in Poland is found for them.
- So our center is under the name of Ptak Humanitarian Aid Centre, and it started shortly after the war erupted in Ukraine - Abaci said.
She said:&nbsp;- The idea behind our organization here is that this is a refugee hub, where refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine are coming here taken from the border cities and staying here for three four days until they are relocated in another European country or found a more stable environment, a home that can accommodate them in Poland.

People who arrive at the center can leave for Germany and Spain by coaches provided for them. There is also an information point for those who would like to go to the UK.

Kazimerz Cwikla, the vice-president of Ptak Warsaw Expo, who also spoke to Anadolu Agency, said most of those who left Poland preferred to go to Germany.
Italy, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and Estonia are the other major destinations for Ukrainian refugees, according to officials.
- We're working very hard during this this time, more than 50,000 refugees from Ukraine passed through our humanitarian aid center - Cwikla said.
The number of Ukrainian refugees who fled from war so far now stands at 4,215,047 according to UNHRC figures. There are currently over 2 million Ukrainian refugees in Poland.

Anadolu Agency visits Warsaw Expo hub where 50,000 people were hosted since start of war in Ukraine

Ukrainian civilians fleeing from their country due to ongoing Russia's attacks on Ukraine, continue to arrive by train in Przemysl, Poland on April 3, 2022.

Poland's biggest humanitarian aid hub assists Ukrainians fleeing war

Ukraine has said that some 18,300 Russian soldiers have been killed in the country as the war enters its 40th day.

In a Facebook post on Monday, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces said the Russian army lost 147 aircraft, 134 helicopters and 647 tanks.
At least 1,844 Russian armored vehicles, 330 artillery systems, 107 rocket launch rocket systems and 54 anti-aircraft warfare systems were destroyed across the war-torn country, it added.
Besides, Russian forces also lost 1,273 vehicles, seven ships and cutters, 76 fuel tanks and 92 drones, the statement said.
The Russian war against Ukraine, which started on Feb. 24, has been met with international outrage, with the European Union, US and UK among others implementing tough financial sanctions on Moscow.
At least 1,417 civilians have been killed in Ukraine and 2,038 injured, according to UN estimates, with the true figure feared to be far higher.
More than 4.1 million Ukrainians have also fled to other countries, with millions more internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency.

147 Russian planes, 134 helicopters, 647 tanks destroyed, says Ukrainian army

At least 1,844 Russian armored vehicles, 330 artillery systems, 107 rocket launch rocket systems and 54 anti-aircraft warfare systems were destroyed

Ukraine says 18,300 Russian soldiers killed in war

NATO marked its 73rd anniversary on Monday as Europe faces security challenges caused by the Russian war on Ukraine, which is regarded by many as the "biggest threat" Europe has faced since the Cold War and the "greatest destruction" witnessed since World War II.

NATO was founded to restructure the security architecture in Western Europe after World War II.
The alliance, which defines its main objective as securing the independence and security of the member countries through military and political means, is perhaps best known for its Article 5, which commits its members to collective defense.
Under Article 5, "the Parties agree that an armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all."
To date, the article has been invoked precisely once, in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the US.

Founded in Washington on April 4, 1949, with 12 founding members, the alliance, currently has 30 members, including longtime pillar Turkey since its membership in 1952.

Furthermore, Germany became a member in 1955 and Spain joined the alliance in 1982. The Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland became members in the 1999 enlargement.
The 2004 expansion included Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. Albania and Croatia joined the alliance in 2009 and Montenegro in 2017.
In 2020, North Macedonia became the 30th member of NATO.
NATO's main headquarters is located in Brussels, where decisions are taken unanimously by its 30 members.
Allies meet at different levels to consult on security issues.

Each year, the foreign ministers of the member states meet two times and the defense ministers four times at the main headquarters.

Leaders of NATO countries also meet at summits held in one of the member countries every 2 years. It functions as a trans-Atlantic forum where its members consult and act jointly on security issues of common interest.
This year, the leaders’ summit will be held in the Spanish capital Madrid on June 29- 30.

Founded in 1949 with 12 members, alliance now includes 30 members

NATO was founded to restructure the security architecture in Western Europe after World War II

NATO marks 73rd anniversary as Europe faces security challenges

US President Joe Biden on Monday called for his Russian counterpart to face a war crimes trial after apparent evidence of mass atrocities by Russian forces emerged from the Ukrainian city of Bucha, near the capital Kyiv.

Biden called what is being uncovered in Bucha, a city Russian troops recently withdrew from, "outrageous."
President Vladimir Putin "is a war criminal" who "should be held accountable," Biden told reporters. He continued to maintain that the US and international community must gather additional evidence to support war crimes allegations ahead of any legal proceeding.
- This guy is brutal. What's happening in Bucha is outrageous, and everyone's seen it - Biden said of Putin.&nbsp;

<h2>Investigation into the mass killings</h2>

Biden said he believes what he has seen falls short of constituting genocide, but is nonetheless a war crime. He further vowed to impose additional sanctions on the Kremlin.

The bodies of at least 410 civilians were recovered in the city of Bucha on Sunday, according to Ukraine's prosecutor-general. Russia has denied that its troops killed civilians while withdrawing from towns near Kyiv.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an independent investigation into the mass killings, and for "effective accountability" to be established.
Ukraine has called on international organizations to send experts to the country as soon as possible to collect evidence of war crimes committed by Russian troops.

<h2>At least 1,430 civilians have been killed in Ukraine </h2>

On Saturday, Mikhail Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said the bodies of people with their hands tied and shot dead by Russian troops "lie in the streets" in Bucha.

The Russian war against Ukraine, which started on Feb. 24, has been met with international outrage, with the European Union, US, and UK among others implementing sweeping financial sanctions on Moscow.
At least 1,430 civilians have been killed in Ukraine and 2,097 injured, according to UN estimates, with the true figure feared to be far higher.
More than 4.1 million Ukrainians have also fled to other countries, with millions more internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency.

Vladimir Putin "is a war criminal" who "should be held accountable", said Biden

Biden calls for Putin to face war crimes trial after mass killings in Ukraine

Azerbaijani mine clearing experts have so far defused 55,000 landmines and explosive ordnance in regions liberated from the Armenian army in November 2020.

Azerbaijan's mine disposal teams continued to clear areas of landmines and live explosive devices in the Karabakh and neighboring regions. It is estimated that the Armenian army has planted hundreds of thousands of mines in different regions.

<h2>Landmines explosions have claimed 37 lives</h2>

The Azerbaijan Mine Clearance Agency (ANAMA) is conducting an operation using cutting-edge equipment to locate and defuse explosives that are endangering the lives of innocent people as well army deployed in Karabakh and neighboring territories.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations, Border Services Command and Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) special mine research squads have been collaborating with ANAMA to clear the areas of mines and explosives.
Since the end of the second Karabakh war on Nov. 10, 2020, mine clearance experts have combed over 23,000 hectares of terrain, detecting and defusing over 26,000 unexploded munitions and 29,000 mines.
Landmines explosions have claimed 37 lives, including seven civilians and 30 Azerbaijani soldiers, and injured 111 troops and 49 ordinary people.
In line with an agreement, Armenia earlier handed over maps of 92,000 mines in the regions of Fuzuli and Zengilan and 97,000 others in Agdam city.
The Armenian government then gave Azerbaijan maps of all mines in exchange for the latter agreeing to release some of the former's soldiers. The Azerbaijani side, however, claims that the maps are just 25% accurate.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry announced that the Armenian forces subjected to fire the positions of the Azerbaijan army in the direction of Aghdam settlement of Tovuz region from the positions of the state border in Musurskend settlement of Tovuzgala region.

- The Azerbaijan Army Units took adequate retaliatory measures - the ministry said in a statement.
It underlined that there are no losses among the military personnel and equipment of the Azerbaijan army.
Relations between the former Soviet republics of Armenia and Azerbaijan have been tense since 1991 when the Armenian military occupied Nagorno-Karabakh, also known as Upper Karabakh, a territory internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan, and seven adjacent regions.
As new clashes erupted in September 2020, a 44-day conflict saw Azerbaijan liberate several cities and over 300 settlements and villages that were occupied by Armenia for almost 30 years.
The fighting ended in November 2020 with a deal brokered by Russia that saw Armenia cede chunks of the territory it had occupied for decades.
In January 2021, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia agreed to develop economic ties and infrastructure for the benefit of the entire region.

Since end of 2nd Karabakh war on Nov. 10, 2020, Azerbaijan Mine Clearance Agency combs over 23,000 hectares of terrain

Azerbaijan's mine disposal teams continued to clear areas of landmines and live explosive devices in the Karabakh and neighboring regions

Azerbaijan defuses 55,000 mines, explosive ordnance laid by Armenia

An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.1 struck off the coast of Japan’s eastern Fukushima prefecture, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said Friday.

The agency said the quake took place 50 kilometers (31 miles) below the surface and that no tsunami warning was issued.
On March 16, a magnitude 7.4 quake was recorded in the same area, killing three people and wounding more than 200 others.

Incident takes place 50 kilometers below surface

Magnitude 5.1 earthquake strikes eastern Japan

The EU and US announced on Friday a new deal to supply extra liquefied natural gas for the bloc to curb the bloc’s dependence on Russian imports.

- The United States together with international partners are going to work to ensure an additional 15 billion cubic meters of liquefied natural gas (LNG) for Europe this year - US President Joe Biden announced at a joint news conference with EU Commission head Ursula von der Leyen.
The deal is part of the European Union’s plan to reduce dependence on Russian energy and cut gas imports by two-thirds by the end of this year.
Under the agreement, the US will also work to ensure the annual supply of an additional 50 billion cubic meters (bcm) of LNG by 2030.
Eliminating Russian gas will have a cost for the EU, said Biden, but also stressed: “It's not only the right thing to do from the moral standpoint, it's going to put us on a much stronger strategic footing.”
Von der Leyen also underlined that phasing out Russian gas and fossil fuels in general and replacing them in the long term with renewables will reinforce the EU’s efforts to achieve climate neutrality.
Biden on Thursday took part in the EU leaders’ summit to discuss a coordinated response to the Russian military aggression against Ukraine.
Russia’s leverage over the EU in terms of energy supplies has emerged as a potential sticking point in ensuring the bloc can impose sanctions when needed, as over Russia’s war on Ukraine.

EU, US strike deal on additional 15 billion cubic meters liquefied natural gas to curb dependence on Russian energy

Under new deal, US to supply more liquefied gas to EU

The Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday it destroyed Ukraine's last large fuel base in the suburbs of Kyiv and a training base of foreign mercenaries.

The fuel base in the Kalinovka settlement was hit with sea-based high-precision Kalibr cruise missiles, the ministry's spokesman Igor Konashenkov said at a daily briefing in Moscow.
- In the evening of March 24, high-precision sea-based cruise missiles Kalibr struck a fuel base in the settlement of Kalinovka near Kyiv. The largest of the remaining fuel bases of the armed forces of Ukraine, from which fuel was supplied to military units in the central part of the country, was destroyed - he said.
The training ground of the foreign mercenaries was hit with ballistic and cruise missiles, fired from a mobile short-range ballistic missile system, Konashenkov added.
A group of "Night Hunters" -- Ka-52 and Mi-26N helicopters -- destroyed 24 units of military equipment, including seven tanks, while the Aerospace Forces hit 51 objects of Ukraine's military infrastructure, he noted.
- Over the past night, the aviation hit Ukraine's 51 military objects. Among them were two command centers, three multiple rocket launchers, two Buk-M1 air defense systems, and radar of an S-300 air defense system in the area of Dnipropetrovsk (the city of Dnipro), as well as three D-30 artillery pieces, two warehouses of rocket and artillery weapons and ammunition, 26 areas of concentration of military equipment - Konashenkov said.

The Russian air defense systems also downed Ukraine's four unmanned aerial vehicles, the spokesman noted.

- In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 261 unmanned aerial vehicles, 204 air defense systems, 1,587 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 163 multiple rocket launchers, 636 field artillery and mortars, as well as 1,397 units of special military vehicles have been destroyed - he said.
Russia began its war on Feb. 24. It has been met with international outrage, with the EU, US, and UK, among others, implementing tough financial sanctions on Moscow.
At least 1,035 civilians have been killed in Ukraine and 1,650 injured, according to UN estimates, while cautioning that the true figure is likely far higher.
More than 3.6 million Ukrainians have also fled to neighboring countries, with millions more displaced inside the country, according to the UN refugee agency.

Russian Defense Ministry says large fuel base in suburbs of Kyiv, training base of foreign mercenaries were hit last night

The Russian Defense Ministry said on Friday it destroyed Ukraine's last large fuel base in the suburbs of Kyiv

Russia claims it hit Ukraine's last large fuel base

Ukraine’s president on Thursday called on Western countries to impose more sanctions on Russia to help halt its ongoing war on his country, which today entered its second month.

- We have not seen a destruction of this scale since World War II - said Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an address to the Swedish parliament.

<h2> Sweden was the first country to decide to send arms to Ukraine </h2>

- Just look at what the Russian army has done to our country ... A month of bombings similar to what we have seen in Syria - Zelenskyy said in a speech by video link, adding that 10 million people have been displaced since the war began, or about one-fourth of the entire country.

Saying that Sweden was the first country to decide to send arms to Ukraine in its fight against Russian occupation, he thanked it for standing by Ukraine and supporting sanctions against Russia.
The Swedish government also decided to send 5,000 more AT4 anti-tank guns to Ukraine.
In the war, Russian President Vladimir Putin made an issue out of Ukraine’s aspirations to join NATO, though it is nowhere near membership. He expressed similar opposition to Nordic countries near Russia such as Sweden joining NATO.

A poll taken in early March, just after Russia launched the war, found for the first time a majority of Swedes in favor of joining the NATO alliance.

Since Russia launched its war on Ukraine on Feb. 24, Zelenskyy has addressed parliaments in several countries, including the US, Canada, Germany, France, and Britain.
The Russia-Ukraine war, which began on Feb. 24, has met international outrage, with the EU, US, and UK, among others, implementing tough financial sanctions on Moscow.
At least 977 civilians have been killed so far in Ukraine and 1,594 injured, according to UN estimates, while cautioning that the true figure is likely far higher.
Over 3.6 million Ukrainians have also fled to neighboring countries, according to the UN refugee agency.

Europe has not seen destruction on this scale since World War II, says Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Speaking to Swedish parliament, Ukraine's president urges more sanctions on Russia

NATO leaders decided on Thursday to extend the mandate of alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg for another year because of Russia's war on Ukraine.

- Honored by the decision of NATO Heads of State and Government to extend my term as Secretary-General until 30 September 2023. - Stoltenberg announced the decision on Twitter.
- As we face the biggest security crisis in a generation, we stand united to keep our Alliance strong and our people safe - he added.
Stoltenberg’s term was about to expire on Oct. 1, but NATO leaders decided to extend it because of the changed security environment.
He has been in office since 2014.&nbsp;The Russia-Ukraine war, which began on Feb. 24, has met international outrage, with the EU, US, and UK, among others, implementing tough financial sanctions on Moscow.At least 977 civilians have been killed so far in Ukraine and 1,594 injured, according to UN estimates, while cautioning that the true figure is likely far higher.
Over 3.6 million Ukrainians have also fled to neighboring countries, according to the UN refugee agency.

NATO chief to stay in office till Sept. 30, 2023 because of war in Ukraine

NATO extends Stoltenberg’s mandate for another year

President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s Security Council on Thursday decried Ukraine’s "slowness" in peace talks. 

In a meeting, Putin and the council discussed the course of the peace talks, along with the sanctions imposed on Russia and the country’s economic situation, the Kremlin said in a statement.
The meeting participants regretted the "slowness" of the Ukrainian side in ongoing negotiations, the statement said.
Representatives from Moscow and Kyiv have held multiple rounds of talks since the war started on Feb. 24, while their foreign ministers also met earlier this month for talks hosted by Turkiye in its resort town of Antalya.
However, all the discussions have not yielded any concrete results.
- Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu presented a report on the ongoing special military operation of the Russian Armed Forces, as well as the ongoing military efforts to provide humanitarian assistance, ensure security and restore vital infrastructure in the liberated territories - read the statement.
As the war enters its second month, at least 977 civilians have been killed so far in Ukraine and 1,594 injured, the UN has said, while warning that that true toll is likely much higher.
Over 3.6 million Ukrainians have also fled to neighboring countries, while some 6.5 million more are internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency.

President Vladimir Putin discusses peace negotiations, sanctions with Russia's Security Council

Russia decries Ukraine's "slowness" in peace talks

The US announced sanctions on more than 400 Russian elites, members of the Duma (lower house of parliament) and defense companies in coordination with the European Union and G7 countries due to Moscow's war on Ukraine.

So far, 600 Russian targets have been sanctioned by the US, according to a White House statement.

<h2> 600 Russian targets have been sanctioned by the US</h2>

So far, 600 Russian targets have been sanctioned by the US, according to a White House statement.

- Our sanctions on Russia are unprecedented, in no other circumstance have we moved so swiftly and in such a coordinated fashion to impose devastating costs on any other country - said the statement.
Those sanctioned include 328 Duma members and the Duma as an entity; Herman Gref, the head of Russia’s largest financial institution, Sberbank, and an advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin since the 1990s; Russian elite Gennady Timchenko, his companies and family members; Russian elite Gennady Timchenko, his companies and family members and 48 large Russian defense state-owned enterprises.

<h2>At least 977 civilians have been killed in Ukraine</h2>

- As long as President Putin continues this war, the United States and allies and partners are committed to ensuring the Russian government feels the compounding effects of our current and future economic actions - said the statement.

The Russia-Ukraine war, which began Feb. 24, has met international outrage, with the EU, US, and UK, among others, implementing tough financial sanctions on Moscow.
At least 977 civilians have been killed in Ukraine and 1,594 injured, according to UN estimates, while cautioning that the true figure is likely far higher.
More than 3.6 million Ukrainians have also fled to neighboring countries, according to the UN refugee agency.

White House says 600 Russian targets have been sanctioned by US since beginning of war in Ukraine

The US announced sanctions on more than 400 Russian elites

US, allies announce new sanctions on Russia over Ukraine war

The Russian Foreign Ministry on Thursday slammed Poland's decision to expel 45 Russian diplomats as "a conscious step towards the complete destruction of bilateral relations." 

In a statement on its website, the ministry accused Poland of taking unfriendly actions against Russia for a long time "on a systematic basis."
- Warsaw has embarked on a dangerous escalation in the region, proceeding not from national interests, but from NATO's setup on outright Russophobia, elevated to the rank of an official course. We see this and will take it into account in our practical steps towards Poland - the statement said.
The ministry put "all responsibility for what is happening and for the possible consequences" on the current authorities in Warsaw.
- Russia will give to this hostile attack such a response that will make Polish provocateurs think and it will be sensitive for them - it said.
Poland on Wednesday expelled 45 Russian diplomats accusing them of spying, the country's interior minister said.
Russian Ambassador to Poland Sergey Andreyev said Warsaw's motive was to prevent the Ukrainian refugees in Poland from going to Russia, adding that "there are many such people" that requested the help of the Russian Embassy.
Andreyev said three-quarters of the embassy's staff were expelled, which will significantly affect the work of the diplomatic mission.

Russian Defense Ministry says diplomats' expulsion from Poland is "conscious step towards complete destruction of bilateral relations"

In a statement on its website, the ministry accused Poland of taking unfriendly actions against Russia for a long time

Moscow slams expulsion of 45 Russian diplomats from Poland

Ukraine’s foreign minister on Thursday called on EU countries to refrain from accepting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s demand to pay for Russian oil and gas in rubles. 

- If any EU country bows to Putin’s humiliating demands to pay for oil and gas in rubles, it will be like helping Ukraine with one hand and helping Russians kill Ukrainians with the other - Dymytro Kuleba wrote on Twitter.
- I urge relevant countries to make a wise and responsible choice - he added.
On Thursday, Putin said he instructed the government to transfer into rubles payments for Russia's energy resources coming from "unfriendly countries" which include all EU members. 
Speaking at a meeting with the government in Moscow, the Russian president said that after the US and EU sanctioned the Russian state debt in dollars and euros, which in economic terms means they announced a default on their financial liabilities to Russia, there is no longer any reason to continue to use these currencies.
As Putin's remarked fueled oil supply concerns, global crude prices surged over 5% on Thursday.

"Bowing" to Russian president’s demand will be like "helping Russians kill Ukrainians", says foreign minister

On Thursday, Putin said he instructed the government to transfer into rubles payments for Russia's energy resources coming from "unfriendly countries" which include all EU members

NATO deploys ships to Baltic Sea for routine operations, training

Moscow imposes sanctions on 13 top British officials, including Boris Johnson

Poland's biggest humanitarian aid hub assists Ukrainians fleeing war

Ukraine says 18,300 Russian soldiers killed in war

NATO marks 73rd anniversary as Europe faces security challenges

Biden calls for Putin to face war crimes trial after mass killings in Ukraine

Azerbaijan defuses 55,000 mines, explosive ordnance laid by Armenia

Magnitude 5.1 earthquake strikes eastern Japan

Under new deal, US to supply more liquefied gas to EU

Russia claims it hit Ukraine's last large fuel base

Speaking to Swedish parliament, Ukraine's president urges more sanctions on Russia

NATO extends Stoltenberg’s mandate for another year

Russia decries Ukraine's "slowness" in peace talks

US, allies announce new sanctions on Russia over Ukraine war

Moscow slams expulsion of 45 Russian diplomats from Poland

Ukraine urges EU countries not to pay for Russian oil, gas in rubles

World

NATO deploys ships to Baltic Sea for routine operations, training

Moscow imposes sanctions on 13 top British officials, including Boris Johnson

Poland's biggest humanitarian aid hub assists Ukrainians fleeing war

Ukraine says 18,300 Russian soldiers killed in war

NATO marks 73rd anniversary as Europe faces security challenges

Biden calls for Putin to face war crimes trial after mass killings in Ukraine

Azerbaijan defuses 55,000 mines, explosive ordnance laid by Armenia

Magnitude 5.1 earthquake strikes eastern Japan

Under new deal, US to supply more liquefied gas to EU

Russia claims it hit Ukraine's last large fuel base

Speaking to Swedish parliament, Ukraine's president urges more sanctions on Russia

NATO extends Stoltenberg’s mandate for another year

Russia decries Ukraine's "slowness" in peace talks

US, allies announce new sanctions on Russia over Ukraine war

Moscow slams expulsion of 45 Russian diplomats from Poland

Ukraine urges EU countries not to pay for Russian oil, gas in rubles