NATO leaders decided on Thursday to reset the alliance's long-term defense posture at the eastern flank and to send further support to embattled Ukraine.

- Today, NATO leaders agreed to reset our deterrence and defense for the longer term to face a new security reality - NATO chief Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters following an extraordinary meeting in Brussels to address Russia’s month-old war on Ukraine, squarely on the alliance’s doorstep.

<h2>More pre-positioned equipment and supplies</h2>

He explained that NATO will have "substantially more forces in the eastern part of the alliance at higher readiness", including more pre-positioned equipment and supplies on the ground, more aircraft and strengthened air and missile defense systems, as well as more ship carriers, submarines, and a significant numbers of combat ships on a permanent basis.

NATO will also reinforce its cyber defense and work to ensure better interoperability between national capabilities, he said.
The leaders tasked military commanders to work on plans, and the final decision is due at a NATO summit in Madrid this June.
The NATO allies also agreed to send further aid to Ukraine, including cybersecurity assistance, medical supplies, and protective equipment against biological, chemical, radiological, and nuclear threats.

Stoltenberg reiterated NATO’s support for Ukraine in face of Russian attacks but stressed that it is NATO’s "responsibility to ensure the conflict does not escalate" beyond Ukraine’s borders because "this would be even more dangerous and more devastating."
The leaders also agreed to increase support for partner countries at risk of Russian interference and threats, such as Georgia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, in order to "uphold their sovereignty and strengthen their resilience" he added.
Responding to unconfirmed media reports, the heads of state and government also called on China to refrain from providing "economic or military support for the Russian invasion" and to join the rest of the world in condemning the war.
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 toll is likely far higher.
Over 3.6 million Ukrainians have also fled to the neighboring countries, with millions more internally displaced, according to the UN refugee agency.

NATO will also send Ukraine medical supplies, protective equipment against nuclear, chemical attacks

NATO leaders agree to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank

Russia has lost more than 10% of forces it sent into Ukraine, a senior Pentagon official said Tuesday.

The official, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity, said Moscow now has "slightly below" 90% of the forces it amassed in Belarus and western Russia ahead of its military operation that began Feb. 24.
The US estimate comes after a pro-Kremlin tabloid reported Monday what it said was Russian Defense Ministry data indicating 9,861 Russians have been killed and 16,153 injured during the Russian war on Ukraine. The report from Komsomolskaya Pravda was quickly taken down.
The Russian Defense Ministry has not publicly identified the number of casualties that Russia has sustained since early March when it said 498 soldiers had died. Ukraine has claimed to have killed 15,000 Russian troops, including five generals.
The US official said the Biden administration is continuing to see signs that Russia is facing logistical problems, including difficulties in transporting fuel, food and supplies to troops in Ukraine, in part because of Ukrainian resistance.
The shortages have become so acute that some Russian soldiers contracting frostbite due to a lack of appropriate gear, the official said.
- Some troops have actually suffered, and been taken out of the fight because of frostbite.&nbsp;They are having continued logistics and sustainment issues, and again because the Ukrainians had done a good job frustrating their efforts to resupply as well as because we don't think they properly planned for logistics and sustainment on the level that they needed to -&nbsp; said the official.The official also said that the US is seeing indications that Ukrainians "are now able and willing to take back territory that the Russians have taken again".
According to UN estimates, at least 953 civilians have been killed and around 1,557 others injured in Ukraine since Russia began its attack on its western neighbor.
However, the UN has warned that the true toll is likely to be much higher because it has not been able to gain access to areas of heightened hostility.
The war has also driven 10 million people from their homes, either internally or as refugees who fled abroad, according to the UN refugee agency.

Moscow now has "slightly below" 90% of forces amassed for operation

The shortages have become so acute that some Russian soldiers contracting frostbite due to a lack of appropriate gear

US says Russia lost over 10% of forces sent to Ukraine

Germany on Tuesday reiterated its opposition to energy sanctions on Russia, warning that it could have negative consequences for European economies.

Speaking at a joint news conference with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola in Berlin, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said European countries should carefully asses the suggested measures.
- Sanctions should have an effect on the aggressor, but at the same time, we should make sure that they have minimal repercussions for our economies, and we should be able to uphold them - he said.
Scholz underlined that not only Germany, but also many other EU countries still need to buy their gas, oil and coal from Russia, as they have no other alternatives in the short term.
- But we have decided to become independent, as soon as possible, from imports of coal, gas and oil from Russia. And we’re working on this at full speed - he added.
The German chancellor said the EU countries have already imposed the “harshest ever sanctions" against Russia last month in response to its attack on Ukraine, with strong economic and financial measures.
- And these sanctions have started to show their impact on the Russia’s economy, and it will become more dramatic every day - he stressed.
Scholz renewed his call for Russian President Vladimir Putin to immediately cease all combat operations in Ukraine and withdraw the Russian troops from the country.
- A cease-fire is urgently needed to end the inconceivable suffering and destruction - he said.
Russia's war on Ukraine, which began Feb. 24, has drawn international condemnation, led to financial sanctions on Moscow, and spurred an exodus of global firms from Russia.
At least 953 civilians have been killed in Ukraine, while more than 1,557 others have been injured, according to UN estimates. Over 3.5 million people have also fled to neighboring countries.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz warns that energy sanctions could have negative effect on European economies

Germany remains reluctant to ban energy imports from Russia

US President Joe Biden authorized 200 million dollars in additional military equipment for Ukraine Saturday, as Russia widens its bombardment and pummels civilian areas.

Washington already authorized 350 million dollars of military equipment on February 26, the largest such package in US history.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's pleas for help have grown increasingly desperate, and he has repeatedly urged Washington, the EU and NATO for help.
In a memorandum to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Biden designated "up to an aggregate value of 200 million dollars in defense articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Ukraine."
Russia said Saturday its troops could target supplies of Western weapons in Ukraine and that the pouring in of weapons would turn convoys "into legitimate targets."
The latest US authorization of military aid comes two days after the US State Department ruled out proposals to send MiG fighter jets to Ukraine via an American base, saying Kyiv's efforts to repel the Russian invasion would be better served by the supply of ground-based weapons.
Washington had previously authorized 60 million dollars in military assistance to Ukraine last fall, followed by another 200 million dollars in December for weapons and ammunition.
Biden has ruled out direct US action inside Ukraine, warning that the ensuing battle against nuclear-armed Russia would lead to "World War III."
EU leaders on Friday, meanwhile, sought to double financing for military aid to Ukraine by an extra 500 million euros (around 550 million dollars).
In a video message recorded outside his presidential office in Kyiv, Zelensky demanded the EU "do more" to help his country.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's pleas for help have grown increasingly desperate, and he has repeatedly urged Washington, the EU and NATO for help

US authorizes 200 million dollars in additional military aid to Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday lashed out at what he called the "hypocrisy" of his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, blasting his "unbearable" proposal to establish humanitarian corridors for evacuating civilians towards Russia as showing "moral and political cynicism."
- I don't know that many Ukrainians want to take refuge in Russia. The humanitarian corridors towards Russia … it is hypocrisy … that I disapprove of - a visibly agitated Macron told LCI News and TF1 in an interview.
He added that the announcement of creating a corridor to evacuate people to Russia was “hypocritical rhetoric.”
- It's not serious, it's moral and political cynicism - he said.

<h2>France is committed to the issues of civilian protection</h2>

Macron explained that he shared the view of relief groups working in conflict zones that "humanitarian corridors are not necessarily the solutions they prefer."
- For them to be able to intervene in order to protect women, children, and men and evacuate them, there is a need for a complete truce - he said.
He underlined that France is committed to the issues of civilian protection and will continue "to put diplomatic pressure so that this war stops as soon as possible."&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Another way for Putin to push narrative</h2>

Macron’s blunt stance came after the Kremlin's announcement on Monday that it has opened eight humanitarian corridors for civilians in Ukraine towards Russia as well as Belarus, two places Russian troops entered Ukraine from 12 days ago to launch war.

The Elysee rebuffed claims that Macron had called for the corridors in a Sunday phone call with Putin, saying instead that he had pleaded for a cease-fire and protection of civilians.
- It's another way for Putin to push his narrative and say that it is the Ukrainians who are the aggressors and they are the ones who offer asylum to everyone - officials with the French presidency said, according to a BFMTV report
Russia's war on Ukraine has been met with outrage from the international community, with the European Union, Britain, and US, among others, imposing a range of economic sanctions on Moscow.
At least 364 civilians have been killed and 759 others injured in Ukraine since Russia launched a war on its neighbor on Feb. 24, according to UN figures, with the real toll feared to be higher
More than 1.7 million people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, according to the UN refugee agency.

Proposal by Vladimir Putin shows "hypocrisy" and is "unbearable", says French President Emmanuel Macron

France's Macron blasts Putin's "cynical" proposal for humanitarian corridors into Russia

Russia informed Israel that it knows the whereabouts of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to Israeli media on Monday.

Israeli Channel 12, citing unnamed Israeli officials, that the Russians told several countries that they don’t want to cause harm to the Ukrainian leader, but prefer to keep him alive and arrest him.
There was no comment from Ukrainian officials on the report.
On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin in an effort to mediate a cease-fire in Ukraine.
A number of countries, including Turkiye, have also offered to mediate between Russia and Ukraine to bring an end to the Russian war on Ukraine with the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan holding talks over the phone with Putin on Sunday.
Russia's war on Ukraine has been met with outrage from the international community, with the European Union, UK, and US, among others, imposing a range of economic sanctions on Moscow.
At least 364 civilians have been killed and 759 others injured in Ukraine since Russia launched a war against the Eastern European country on Feb. 24, according to UN figures, with the real toll feared to be higher.
More than 1.5 million people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, according to the UN refugee agency.

Israel joins countries trying to mediate between Russia and Ukraine

Israeli officials: Russia knows Zelensky's whereabouts

New Zealand on Monday announced to extend its sanctions against Russia through new legislation and impose a travel ban on top Russian leaders, including President Vladimir Putin.

A joint statement by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta said the country bringing its first such legislation in the parliament this week that will empower the government to target Russia with new sanctions.
- The Russia Sanctions Bill will pass under urgency this week, to provide further, extensive sanctions on Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine - said Ardern.

<h2>New Zealand will freeze the assets of Russian officials</h2>

Under the new plan, New Zealand will freeze the assets of Russian officials and prevent people and companies to shift their money and assets from other countries that already imposed sanctions on Russia.

- A bill of this nature has never been brought before our parliament, but with Russia vetoing UN sanctions we must act ourselves to support Ukraine and our partners in opposition to this invasion - Ardern noted.
The government also released a new list, imposed a travel ban on President Putin, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu, along with 98 other senior officials and individuals.
After Moscow launched a war on Ukraine on Feb. 24, New Zealand the following day banned the export of goods to Russian military and security forces, and suspended bilateral Foreign Ministry consultations until further notice.
- When we first responded to Russia’s invasion by issuing targeted travel bans, prohibiting exports to the military, and suspending bilateral Foreign Ministry consultations, we said no options were off the table - said Ardern.

<h2>Outrage from the international community</h2>

- Today we take the next step in our response, to increase sanctions, in line with the actions of our partners.-
She added that the new legislation is specific to the Russian attacks on Ukraine and will allow her government to impose new sanctions.
Also, Foreign Minister Mahuta called on Moscow to do what is right and immediately cease military operations in Ukraine and permanently withdraw to avoid a catastrophic loss of innocent lives.
Russia's war on Ukraine has been met with outrage from the international community, with the EU, UK, and US, among others, imposing a range of economic sanctions on Moscow.
At least 364 civilians have been killed and 759 others injured in Ukraine since Russia launched the war against the Eastern European country on Feb. 24, according to UN figures, with the real toll feared to be higher.
More than 1.5 million people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, according to the UN refugee agency.

Country extended travel ban list to include Russian president, prime minister, foreign minister, other high officials

New Zealand bringing new law to impose tough sanctions against Russia

Turkiye on Monday welcomed the cease-fire announced by Russia for the evacuation of civilians in Ukraine.

In a Twitter post, Ibrahim Kalin, Turkiye’s presidential spokesman, said his country will continue to work for ensuring a permanent cease-fire and a positive result from the negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
Earlier, Russia announced a "temporary" cease-fire in the Ukrainian cities of Kyiv, Mariupol, Kharkiv, and Sumy from 10 a.m. local time (0700GMT) to ensure evacuations of civilians.
Russia's war on Ukraine has been met with outrage from the international community, with the European Union, UK, and US, among others, imposing a range of economic sanctions on Moscow.
At least 364 civilians have been killed and 759 others injured in Ukraine since Russia launched a war against the Eastern European country on Feb. 24, according to UN figures, with the real toll feared to be higher.
More than 1.5 million people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, according to the UN refugee agency.

Russia announced "temporary" cease-fire in Kyiv, Mariupol, Kharkiv, Sumy to allow evacuation of civilians

Turkiye welcomes cease-fire for evacuation of civilians in Ukraine

The third round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine kicked off in the Belarusian city of Brest on Monday. 

Russia announced early on Monday that it would declare a "temporary" cease-fire in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and the cities of Mariupol, Kharkiv, and Sumy from 10 a.m. local time (0700GMT) to ensure the evacuation of civilians.
Russia's war on Ukraine has been met with outrage from the international community, with the European Union, Britain, and US, among others, imposing a range of economic sanctions on Moscow.
At least 364 civilians have been killed and 759 others injured in Ukraine since Russia launched a war against the Eastern European country on Feb. 24, according to UN figures, with the real toll feared to be higher.
More than 1.7 million people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, according to the UN refugee agency.

Fresh round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks begins in Brest

The third round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine kicked off

3rd round of talks between Russia, Ukraine kicks off

Over 2,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed in seven days since Russia launched a war, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine said on Wednesday. 

- Russia destroyed transportation infrastructure, houses, hospitals and kindergartens," the service said in a statement. "During this time, more than 2,000 Ukrainians died, excluding our defenders. -It added that the service managed to save more than 150 people on Wednesday, put out more than 400 fires that broke out after enemy shelling, and evacuated more than 500 people. Pyrotechnicians also neutralized 416 explosive devices.
Ten rescuers were killed and 13 were injured in the process, the statement said.
The announcement came ahead of the expected second round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks. The first session was held on Monday.
Russia's war on Ukraine, which began on Feb. 24, has met international outrage with the EU, US and UK, among others, implementing tough financial sanctions on Moscow.
Many countries are also supplying Ukraine with weapons, have shut their airspace for Russian airlines, and banned Russian state-run media.​​​​​​​

Announcement comes ahead of 2nd round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks

Pro-Russian separatists, in uniforms without insignia, gather in the separatist-controlled settlement of Mykolaivka (Nikolaevka) and Bugas, in Donetsk region (DPR) of Ukraine on March 01, 2022.

Ukraine says over 2,000 civilians killed since start of war with Russia

The World Health Organization on Wednesday expressed serious concern over reports of attacks on medical facilities and health workers amid Russia’s war on Ukraine.

- WHO is deeply concerned about the unfolding humanitarian emergency in Ukraine -&nbsp; WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a webinar hosted in Geneva.
He said the agency has received several reports of attacks on hospitals, including an incident last week that killed four people.
The WHO is currently in the process of verifying several other incidents, he added, without going into specifics.
- The sanctity and neutrality of health care, including of health workers, patient supplies, transport and facilities, and the right to safe access to care must be respected and protected - said Tedros.
- Attacks on health care are in violation of international humanitarian law - he said, without directly naming Russia, which launched a war on Ukraine on Feb. 24.
Tedros said the WHO is on the ground in Ukraine, working with its partners to respond and assess the situation, as well as deliver essential medical supplies from its hub in Dubai.
- The first shipment will arrive in Poland tomorrow, including 36 metric tons of supplies for trauma care and emergency surgery to meet the needs of 1,000 patients, and other health supplies to meet the needs of 150,000 people - he said.
He added that the WHO distributed emergency supplies to 23 hospitals before the conflict started, but the “prepositioned supplies in Kyiv are currently inaccessible.”
- There is an urgent need to establish a corridor to ensure humanitarian workers and supplies have safe and continuous access to reach people in need - Tedros stressed.

Urgent need to establish humanitarian corridor, says WHO chief

The agency has received several reports of attacks on hospitals, including an incident last week that killed four people

WHO "deeply concerned" over reports of attacks on hospitals in Ukraine

The UN General Assembly sharply denounced Russia on Wednesday for its ongoing war in Ukraine, calling on Moscow to "immediately, completely and unconditionally" withdraw from its eastern European neighbor.

The assembly overwhelmingly adopted the resolution 141-5 with 35 abstentions as Russia's war enters a second week. In addition to Russia, Belarus, Syria, North Korea and Eritrea voted in opposition. Abstentions included China, Cuba, El Salvador, India, Iran and Pakistan.

The resolution, which had over 90 co-sponsors, "deplores in the strongest terms" Russia's "aggression," and demands that the Kremlin "immediately cease its use of force against Ukraine."

The American UN envoy, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, spoke ahead of the vote and sharply assailed Russia, saying its war has "spurred mass hunger and caused so many to flee their homes," while it has increasingly targeted critical infrastructure, including "vital services which provide millions of people across Ukraine with drinking water to stay alive, gas to keep people from freezing to death."
- Now it appears Russia is preparing to increase the brutality of its campaign against Ukraine - she said.&nbsp;- We’ve seen videos of Russian forces moving exceptionally lethal weaponry into Ukraine, which has no place on the battlefield. That includes cluster munitions and vacuum bombs, which are banned under the Geneva Convention.In a rare direct appeal, Thomas-Greenfield demanded Russian forces in Ukraine "put down your weapons and leave Ukraine," telling them their "leaders are lying to you."
Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya accused the West of applying "unprecedented pressure" on a "large number of countries" to vote in favor of the resolution while continuing to accuse Ukraine's leaders of being "radicals."

Russia began its offensive on Ukraine on Feb. 24. It has resulted in at least 136 civilians being killed, including 13 children, according to UN estimates. About 400 others have been injured, including 26 children.

The nationwide assault has led to more than 874,000 people fleeing Ukraine for neighboring countries, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said on Wednesday.
Russia intensified its aerial and artillery bombardment this week, particularly on the capital, Kyiv, and Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, where a massive explosion rocked Freedom Square.
Kharkiv, near the Russian border, is home to 1.5 million people, while the population of Kyiv is nearly 3 million.
Sergiy Kyslytsya, Ukraine's ambassador to the UN, said Russian forces "have come to deprive Ukraine the very right to exist."
- The crimes are so barbaric that it is difficult to comprehend. Facing the total resistance of the Ukrainian population, Putin’s regime has proceeded to widespread use of indiscriminate weapons, such as multiple rocket launchers, and aerial bombs against residential areas - he said.
- It is already clear that the goal of Russia is not an occupation only. It is a genocide - he added.

Assembly adopts resolution that 'deplores' Russia's war, urges Moscow to 'immediately cease' operations

UN General Assembly overwhelmingly censures Russia for Ukraine war

Japan's prime minister spoke to France's president on Tuesday to express Tokyo's support for sanctions against Russia over its "aggression" towards Ukraine.

- I agreed that Russia's aggression towards Ukraine undermines the very foundation of the entire international order and that it is imperative for the international community to unify in imposing stringent measures on Russia - premier Fumio Kishida said after the phone call with Emmanuel Macron.
Japan has joined its Western allies, including the US, UK, and EU, in imposing sanctions against Moscow to deter it from continuing its war against Ukraine.
- Japan will vigorously support Ukraine by working in cooperation with France and the rest of the international community - Kishida said on Twitter.
Since Russia's war on Ukraine began last Thursday, it has been met by outrage from the international community, with the EU, UK, and US implementing a range of economic sanctions on Russia.
So far, at least 136 civilians, including 13 children, have been killed and 400 others, including 26 children, injured in Ukraine, according to UN figures.
Around 660,000 people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, the UN Refugee Agency said on Tuesday.

In phone call with France's Macron, Japanese premier says Russian "aggression" towards Ukraine "undermines" int'l order

Japan voices support for sanctions against Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Tuesday the EU "not to let Ukraine down" and promised that the EU would be stronger with Ukraine.

Speaking by a video link at the European Parliament's plenary session dedicated to the Russian-Ukrainian war, Zelenskyy welcomed the EU's unified support for Ukraine but noted that he didn't know Ukraine had to pay "such a high price for it".
He said that his country is paying the "price of freedom" since Russian President Vladimir Putin started a war on Ukraine on Thursday.
He cited the two missile attacks against the city of Kharkiv on Tuesday morning and said that only yesterday, 16 children were killed by the Russian attacks.
- Nobody is going to break us. We are strong, we are Ukrainian - Zelensky stated, but he stressed that we want "to see our children alive."
He called on EU lawmakers to "prove you are with us, prove that you won't let us down, prove that you are European too."
- EU will be much stronger with Ukraine - Zelensky asserted.

<h2>EP plenary on Russian aggression against Ukraine</h2>

Roberta Metsola, the President of the European Parliament, said the EU lawmakers "will not look away" on the war crimes committed and will support an investigation by the International Criminal Court.

She vowed to hold Russian President Vladimir Putin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko accountable if they committed war crimes.
Metsola also welcomed Ukraine's EU candidacy and promised support for the country's EU accession.
EU lawmakers will adopt later in the day a resolution condemning the Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Since Russia's war on Ukraine began last Thursday, it has been met by outrage from the international community, with the EU, UK, and US implementing a range of economic sanctions on Russia.

The EU adopted last week three sanctions packages against Russia, targeting among others President Putin, top diplomat Sergey Lavrov, the Russian banking sector, and key state-owned companies.
On Sunday, President Zelenskyy officially signed Ukraine's request to join the EU.
In an open letter, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Romania expressed support for Ukraine's swift candidacy.
So far, at least 136 civilians, including 13 children, have been killed and 400 others, including 26 children, injured in Ukraine, according to UN figures.
Around 660,000 people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, the UN Refugee Agency said on Tuesday.

Ukraine is paying "price of freedom" now, Ukrainian President tells EU lawmakers

President Zelensky calls on EU "not to let Ukraine down"

Russian President Vladimir Putin underestimated Ukrainians’ “passionate desire” to defend their country and the unity of the Western allies, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Tuesday.

Speaking alongside Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki in Warsaw, where he is on a visit, Johnson told a press conference that the "tragedy" playing out in Ukraine is "worse" than many predicted.
- There is an unfolding disaster in our European continent - he said, speaking just a few hundred kilometers (miles) from the border with war-torn Ukraine.
Johnson said Putin has "fatally underestimated two things."
- The first is the passionate desire of the Ukrainian people to defend and protect their own country, their belief in their sovereign right to defend themselves, and I pay tribute by the way to the leadership and courage that is being shown by (President) Volodymyr Zelenskyy - he said.
- I think that Vladimir Putin has also underestimated the unity and the resolve of the West and of the rest of the world. We will keep up the economic pressure - he added, calling it “probably one of the most powerful packages of sanctions advanced against any country in the last few decades.”

- I'm more convinced than ever, as this hideous conflict progresses, that Putin will fail and I believe that Putin must fail, and that we will succeed in preserving and protecting a sovereign and democratic Ukraine. That is our joint objective - said the British premier.

Johnson and his Polish counterpart “discussed the talks between Ukraine and Russia and the long-term disinformation that had misled Russian troops.”
They “welcomed EU and Germany’s support for defence and humanitarian efforts,” a statement from Downing Street said.
Later, in a separate speech, Johnson said the UK would take in 200,000 people and “maybe more” as the humanitarian crisis is unfolding in the Ukraine-Russia war and people have been fleeing to neighboring countries.
Responding to a question, Johnson said Putin is already using “barbaric and indiscriminative tactics” in Ukraine, adding that he has seen reports of cluster bombs and thermobaric bombs, but they will “need to be verified.”
Russian officials need to understand that people are collecting evidence and that those who use illegal weapons against civilians could be brought “to the bar of history and … or rather to the International Criminal Court,” said Johnson.
Later Tuesday, Johnson is also due to visit Estonia, another ex-Soviet state and NATO member, where he is to meet with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. ​​​​​​​

There is an unfolding disaster in our European continent, he added

Johnson: Putin underestimated Ukrainians' passionate desire to defend country, unity of the West

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz declined a Kremlin-administered coronavirus test during a visit Tuesday to Moscow, according to German media reports. 

Scholz received a test from a German Embassy doctor after he arrived in the Russian capital, said the reports.
All members of the German delegation were required to take three PCR tests before departure.
Russian President Vladimir Putin met Scholz for the first time since the chancellor assumed office to discuss the security situation in Europe and the events concerning Ukraine. 
The move by Scholz came after a similar decision by French President Emmanuel Macron during talks last week in Russia, which prompted the Kremlin to place him at an enormously long table with Putin.
Scholz has become the latest European leader to be seated at distance from Putin at the Kremlin’s giant conference table.
Following a high-profile meeting Feb. 7 between Macron and Putin, a flurry of media reports in France centered on the setting, with the two leaders seated on opposite ends of a meters-long conference table. 
After visuals surfaced of the meeting, which was held to quell rising tensions on the border between Ukraine and Russia, Macron told news outlet France24 that the large size of the table was part of protocols in place to curb coronavirus infection.&nbsp;&nbsp;

NATO leaders agree to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank

US says Russia lost over 10% of forces sent to Ukraine

Germany remains reluctant to ban energy imports from Russia

US authorizes 200 million dollars in additional military aid to Ukraine

France's Macron blasts Putin's "cynical" proposal for humanitarian corridors into Russia

Israeli officials: Russia knows Zelensky's whereabouts

New Zealand bringing new law to impose tough sanctions against Russia

Turkiye welcomes cease-fire for evacuation of civilians in Ukraine

3rd round of talks between Russia, Ukraine kicks off

Ukraine says over 2,000 civilians killed since start of war with Russia

WHO "deeply concerned" over reports of attacks on hospitals in Ukraine

UN General Assembly overwhelmingly censures Russia for Ukraine war

Japan voices support for sanctions against Russia

President Zelensky calls on EU "not to let Ukraine down"

Johnson: Putin underestimated Ukrainians' passionate desire to defend country, unity of the West

German chancellor declines Kremlin-administered coronavirus test on Moscow visit

World

NATO leaders agree to strengthen NATO’s eastern flank

US says Russia lost over 10% of forces sent to Ukraine

Germany remains reluctant to ban energy imports from Russia

US authorizes 200 million dollars in additional military aid to Ukraine

France's Macron blasts Putin's "cynical" proposal for humanitarian corridors into Russia

Israeli officials: Russia knows Zelensky's whereabouts

New Zealand bringing new law to impose tough sanctions against Russia

Turkiye welcomes cease-fire for evacuation of civilians in Ukraine

3rd round of talks between Russia, Ukraine kicks off

Ukraine says over 2,000 civilians killed since start of war with Russia

WHO "deeply concerned" over reports of attacks on hospitals in Ukraine

UN General Assembly overwhelmingly censures Russia for Ukraine war

Japan voices support for sanctions against Russia

President Zelensky calls on EU "not to let Ukraine down"

Johnson: Putin underestimated Ukrainians' passionate desire to defend country, unity of the West

German chancellor declines Kremlin-administered coronavirus test on Moscow visit