Days into Russiaxe2x80x99s invasion of Ukraine, Russian troops have faced resistance from Ukrainian forces as they threaten major cities of Kyiv and Kharkiv and drive hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian residents to flee to neighboring countries.

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xc2xa0 March 5, 2022 xc2xa0

Russia will consider any third-party declaration of a Ukraine no-fly zone as xe2x80x98participation in the armed conflict,xe2x80x99 Putin says xe2x80x94 9:53 a.m.

Associated Press

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday that Moscow would consider any third-party declaration of a no-fly zone over Ukraine as xe2x80x9cparticipation in the armed conflict.xe2x80x9d

Aeroflot to halt international flights xe2x80x94 7:46 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Aeroflot, Russiaxe2x80x99s flagship carrier, has announced that it will halt all international flights except to Belarus starting March 8.

The move by Russiaxe2x80x99s biggest state-owned airline comes after the countryxe2x80x99s aviation agency, Rosaviatsiya, recommended that all Russian airlines with foreign-leased planes halt both passenger and cargo flights abroad.

It cited a high risk of foreign-leased planes being impounded as part of Western sanctions that ban leasing of planes to Russia.

Rosaviatsiyaxe2x80x99s recommendation doesnxe2x80x99t apply to Russian airlines that use Russian planes or foreign planes that arenxe2x80x99t at risk of being impounded.

It also doesnxe2x80x99t apply to foreign airlines from countries that have not imposed sanctions on Russia and have not shut down their airspace for Russian planes. Aeroflotxe2x80x99s statement Saturday cited xe2x80x9ccircumstances that hinder operating flightsxe2x80x9d as a reason for its move.

Aeroflot said it would cancel return tickets for passengers who are scheduled to depart Russia after March 6 and travel back after March 8. Those with one-way tickets will be allowed to fly up until March 8. Earlier this week, S7, Russiaxe2x80x99s biggest private airline, announced that it was halting all international flights starting Saturday.

Ukraine-born Mila Kunis and husband Ashton Kutcher pledge to match $3 million in aid donations xe2x80x94 7:39 a.m.

By The Washington Post

Ukrainian-born American actress Mila Kunis, along with her celebrity husband Ashton Kutcher, have agreed to match up to $3 million in donations toward refugee and humanitarian aid for Ukraine.

xe2x80x9cThe events that have unfolded in Ukraine are devastating. There is no place in this world for this kind of unjust attack on humanity,xe2x80x9d Kunis said in a video posted on her husbandxe2x80x99s official social media accounts.

xe2x80x9cSo Ashton and I have decided to match up to $3 million worth of donations . . . in an effort to raise $30 million.xe2x80x9d

Ukraine says southeast evacuations halted xe2x80x94 6:50 a.m.

By The Associated Press

The Ukrainian presidentxe2x80x99s office says civilian evacuations have halted in an area of the country where Russian defense officials had announced a cease-fire.

Kyrylo Tymoshenko, the deputy head of President Volodymyr Zelenskyyxe2x80x99s office, said the evacuation effort was stopped because the city of Mariupol remained under fire on Saturday.

xe2x80x9cThe Russian side is not holding to the ceasefire and has continued firing on Mariupol itself and on its surrounding area,xe2x80x9d he said. xe2x80x9cTalks with the Russian Federation are ongoing regarding setting up a ceasefire and ensuring a safe humanitarian corridor.xe2x80x9d

The Russian Defense Ministry said earlier in a statement it had agreed on evacuation routes with Ukrainian forces for Mariupol, a strategic port in the southeast, and for the eastern city of Volnovakha.

But a city official reported that shelling continued in his area Saturday despite the deal, a sign of the fragility of efforts to stop fighting across the country.

Blinken visiting southeastern Poland near border with Ukraine xe2x80x94 6:48 a.m.

By The Associated Press

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is visiting southeastern Poland near the border with Ukraine as the war enters its 10th day. Blinken arrived in Rzeszow on Saturday for talks with top Polish officials and was to visit a frontier post to meet Ukrainian refugees later in the day.

Blinken was meeting Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau a day after attending a NATO foreign ministerxe2x80x99s meeting in Brussels at which the alliance pledged to step up support for eastern flank members like Poland to counter Russiaxe2x80x99s invasion of Ukraine.

Although NATO has ruled out establishing a no-fly zone over non-member Ukraine, it has significantly boosted both military and humanitarian assistance. Rzeszow is about 80 km (50 miles) from the Ukrainian border and its airport has become a hub for flights carrying such aid.

Kremlin spokesman defends law against xe2x80x98false informationxe2x80x99 xe2x80x94 6:46 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has defended Russiaxe2x80x99s adoption of a law setting out prison sentences of up to 15 years for spreading what is deemed to be fake information about its armed forces.

The measure was signed into law by President Vladimir Putin on Friday and prompted some foreign media including the BBC and Bloomberg to say they were suspending operations within Russia.

Peskov told reporters the measure was justified on the grounds of an xe2x80x9cinformation war which was unleashed against our country.xe2x80x9d Asked how Russians could express opinions which donxe2x80x99t match the official government position, Peskov said xe2x80x9cwithin the bounds of the law.xe2x80x9d

The passing of the law comes amid a broader crackdown on media outlets and social media in Russia. Facebook and Twitter were both blocked Friday in Russia.

Ukraine exodus reaches 1.45 million, UN agency says xe2x80x94 5:58 a.m.

By The Associated Press

The International Organization for Migration says the number of people who have left Ukraine since fighting began has now reached 1.45 million.

The U.N. migration agency, citing figures from government ministries in countries where they have arrived, said Saturday that 787,300 of them went to Poland. Some 228,700 fled to Moldova, 144,700 to Hungary, 132,600 to Romania and 100,500 to Slovakia.

The IOM said that nationals of 138 countries have crossed Ukrainexe2x80x99s borders into neighboring nations.

Turkish leader to speak with Putin Sunday xe2x80x94 5:50 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Recep Tayyip Erdoganxe2x80x99s spokesman says the Turkish leader will speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday.

xe2x80x9cThis war must be stopped immediately and there must be a return to the negotiating table,xe2x80x9d Ibrahim Kalin told broadcaster NTV in Istanbul. He said Saturday that xe2x80x9cour president will talk to Putin tomorrow.xe2x80x9d

NATO member Turkey has close ties to both Russia and Ukraine and has repeatedly offered to mediate between the two. It has invited the top diplomats of both countries to Turkey for talks next week.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Friday that Russian Foreign Minister Seygey Lavrov had confirmed his attendance at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, to be held in the Mediterranean coastal city between March 11-13.

Italian financial police seize 2 Russian-owned superyachts xe2x80x94 5:45 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Italian financial police have seized two Russian-owned superyachts moored in a Ligurian port after Italyxe2x80x99s foreign minister announced plans to sequester 140 million euros ($154 million) from Russian billionaires in Italy.

Foreign Minister Luigio Di Maio told Italian state TV Friday evening that xe2x80x9cthis is the only way to convincexe2x80x9d Putin xe2x80x9cto reason.xe2x80x9d

Financial police in the port of Imperia immediately seized the 65-meter (215-foot) xe2x80x9cLady M,xe2x80x9d with an estimated value of 65 million euros, owned by Alexei Mordashov, as well as the xe2x80x9cLena,xe2x80x9d valued at 50 million euros and belonging to Gennady Timchenko. Other seizures were reportedly under way.

What to know on Russiaxe2x80x99s war in Ukraine xe2x80x94 4:21 a.m.

By The Associated Press

As Russiaxe2x80x99s war on Ukraine entered Day 10, Russian state media reported the military is observing a temporary cease-fire in two areas of Ukraine to allow civilians to evacuate.

Ukrainexe2x80x99s president was set to brief US senators Saturday on a video conference call a day after calling out NATO for refusing to impose a no-fly zone over his country. The briefing comes as Russian forces continued to batter strategic locations with missiles and artillery.

The UN Security Council scheduled an open meeting Monday on the worsening humanitarian situation.

Herexe2x80x99s a look at key things to know about the conflict Saturday.

France works to secure Ukraine nuclear sites xe2x80x94 3:10 a.m.

By The Associated Press

The office of President Emmanuel Macron says France will soon propose concrete measures to ensure the safety and security of Ukrainexe2x80x99s five main nuclear sites.

The safeguards will be drawn up on the basis of International Atomic Energy Agency criteria, a statement from the French presidency said Saturday.

A Russian attack on a nuclear plant sparked a fire on Friday and briefly raised worldwide fears of a catastrophe. The statement said Macron is xe2x80x9cextremely concerned about the risks to nuclear safety, security and the implementation of international safeguards resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.xe2x80x9d

Macron said Russia xe2x80x9cmust immediately cease its illegal and dangerous military actionsxe2x80x9d and allow Ukrainian authorities full control over all nuclear facilities within Ukrainexe2x80x99s internationally recognized borders. He urged Russia to allow xe2x80x9cfree, regular and unhindered access for facility personnel to ensure their continued safe operation.xe2x80x9d

Russia reports cease-fire in 2 Ukraine areas for evacuations xe2x80x94 3:05 a.m.

By The Associated Press

The Russian military will observe a ceasefire in two areas of Ukraine starting Saturday to allow civilians to evacuate, Russian state media reported, but there was no immediate confirmation from Ukraine. It would be the first breakthrough in allowing civilians to escape the war.

The Russian Defense Ministry statement carried by the RIA Novosti and Tass agencies said it has agreed on evacuation routes with Ukrainian forces to allow civilians to leave the strategic port of Mariupol in the southeast and the eastern town of Volnovakha xe2x80x9cfrom 10 a.m. Moscow time.xe2x80x9d It was not immediately clear from the vaguely worded statement how long the routes would remain open.

The head of Ukrainexe2x80x99s security council, Oleksiy Danilov, had called on Russia to create humanitarian corridors to allow children, women and the elderly to escape the fighting, calling such corridors xe2x80x9cquestion No. 1.xe2x80x9d

Singapore announces sanctions against Russia xe2x80x94 1:05 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Singapore has announced sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, becoming one of the few governments in Southeast Asia to do so.

xe2x80x9cThe sovereignty, political independence and territorial integrity of all countries, big and small, must be respected,xe2x80x9d said an announcement by the Foreign Ministry.

The tiny city-state imposed controls on exports or transshipments of military-related or dual use items considered xe2x80x9cstrategic goods.xe2x80x9d It said the sanctions were aimed at constraining Russiaxe2x80x99s ability to wage war and engage in xe2x80x9ccyber aggression.xe2x80x9d

The regional commercial hub also said it would prohibit all financial institutions from doing business with four Russian banks: VTB Bank, Bank Rossiya, the Promsvyazbank Public Joint Stock Co., and the Corporation Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs Vnesheconombank. Companies with existing dealings with the four must freeze their assets, it said.

The order also bans providing financial services or enabling financing for the Russian central bank, Russian government and entities owned or controlled by them.

Russia cracks down on dissenting media, blocks Facebook xe2x80x94 12:18 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday intensified a crackdown on media outlets and individuals who fail to hew to the Kremlin line on Russiaxe2x80x99s war in Ukraine, blocking Facebook and Twitter and signing into law a bill that criminalizes the intentional spreading of what Moscow deems to be xe2x80x9cfakexe2x80x9d reports.

The moves against the social media giants follow blocks imposed on the BBC, the US government-funded Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, and Latvia-based website Meduza. The governmentxe2x80x99s sweeping action against the foreign outlets that publish news in Russian seeks to establish even tighter controls over what information the domestic audience sees about the invasion of Ukraine.

xc2xa0 March 4, 2022 xc2xa0

UN council to meet on humanitarian situation xe2x80x94 11:46 p.m.

By The Associated Press

The UN Security Council will hold an open meeting Monday on the worsening humanitarian situation in Ukraine as the Russian offensive intensifies.

The United States and Albania requested the meeting, which will hear briefings by UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths and Catherine Russell, executive director of the UN childrenxe2x80x99s agency UNICEF, diplomats said Friday.

At the request of France and Mexico, the council meeting will be followed by closed consultations on a draft resolution on the humanitarian plight of millions of Ukrainians that the two countries have been spearheading, the diplomats said, speaking on condition of anonymity because negotiations on the meeting have been private.

The United Nations launched an emergency appeal on March 1 for $1.7 billion to respond to soaring humanitarian needs of both people who fled Ukraine and who remain in the country. It immediately received pledges of $1.5 billion, and has urged that the pledges be turned into cash quickly.

The UN estimates that 12 million people staying in Ukraine and four million fleeing to neighboring countries in the coming months will need humanitarian aid.

Video shows events inside Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as it was being attacked xe2x80x94 11:45 p.m.

By The New York Times

As war loomed, US armed Ukraine to hit Russian aircraft, tanks, and prep for urban combat, declassified shipment list shows xe2x80x94 11:15 p.m.

By The Washington Post

The United States drastically enhanced its shipments of lethal military aid and protective equipment to Ukraine as the prospect of a Russian invasion became more apparent and then a reality, according to a declassified accounting of transfers and sales reviewed by The Washington Post.

The list indicates that as early as December, the Pentagon was equipping Ukrainian fighters with arms and equipment useful for fighting in urban areas, including shotguns and specialized suits to safeguard soldiers handling unexploded ordnance. Over the last week, the Biden administration has increased such shipments, sending Stinger antiaircraft missile systems for the first time and further augmenting Kyivxe2x80x99s supply of antitank Javelin missiles and other ammunition.

Zelensky to talk to US senators Saturday morning xe2x80x94 11:06 p.m.

By The Associated Press

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will talk to US senators on a video conference call Saturday morning, according to a person familiar with the invitation from the Ukrainian embassy.

All senators are invited to the call, according to the person, who requested anonymity to discuss the private invitation. The meeting will be the first time lawmakers have talked to the Ukrainian president since Russia invaded his country.

The call will come as Congress is considering a request for $10 billion in emergency funding, with money going toward humanitarian aid and security needs in the war-torn country. Approval could come as soon as next week.

Photos: Day 9, more Ukrainians flee as Russia presses on xe2x80x94 9:57 p.m.

By The Associated Press

A Ukrainian father said goodbye to his daughter. Women and children boarded buses and trains. At a border crossing in Poland, people gathered to listen to an Italian pianist.

As Russian forces pressed their campaign on multiple fronts Friday and seized the biggest nuclear power plant in Europe, the number of refugees fleeing Ukraine eclipsed 1.2 million.

US Embassy calls power plant attack war crime xe2x80x94 8:34 p.m.

By The Associated Press

The U.S. Embassy in Ukraine is calling Russiaxe2x80x99s attack on a nuclear plant a war crime.

xe2x80x9cIt is a war crime to attack a nuclear power plant,xe2x80x9d the embassy statement said. xe2x80x9cPutinxe2x80x99s shelling of Europexe2x80x99s largest nuclear plant takes his reign of terror one step further.xe2x80x9d

Russian troops seized the plant Friday in an attack that set it on fire and briefly raised fears of a nuclear disaster. The blaze was extinguished and no radiation was released.

In a video from hours ago inside of the Zaporizhzhia power plant, someone can be heard saying, xe2x80x9cStop shooting at a nuclear hazardous facility.xe2x80x9d CNNxe2x80x99s Erin Burnett said the video was released by the Ukrainian government.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called Russiaxe2x80x99s action xe2x80x9cnuclear terrorismxe2x80x9d and appealed to the U.N. Security Council for action to safeguard Ukrainexe2x80x99s endangered nuclear facilities.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal appealed to the International Atomic Energy Agency and the EU to send representatives to all five of Ukrainexe2x80x99s nuclear power plants. xe2x80x9cThis is a question of the security of the whole world,xe2x80x9d he said in a nighttime video address.

Ukraine president, unlikely and unbowed, galvanizes the West xe2x80x94 8:33 p.m.

By Brian MacQuarrie, Globe Staff

Hexe2x80x99s a 44-year-old former comedian, a slapstick performer who cemented his celebrity by playing a sitcom character who accidentally finds himself elected president of Ukraine.

Now, in a real-life role where the specter of catastrophe has taken center stage, President Volodymyr Zelensky has become a singular embodiment of Ukrainexe2x80x99s fierce resistance to the invading Russian juggernaut.

Ukraine security council urges escapeways xe2x80x94 7:34 p.m.

By The Associated Press

The head of Ukrainexe2x80x99s security council called on Russia to create humanitarian corridors to allow children, women and the elderly to escape the fighting.

Oleksiy Danilov said Friday more than 840 children have been wounded in the war. A day earlier, the Ukrainian government put the death toll among children at 28.

He spoke ahead of the latest talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations, planned for this weekend.

xe2x80x9cThe question of humanitarian corridors is question No. 1.,xe2x80x9d Danilov said on Ukrainian television. xe2x80x9cChildren, women, elderly people xe2x80x93 what are they doing here?xe2x80x9d

Russian troops have encircled and blockaded several large cities in the south of the country, including Mariupol, trying to cut Ukraine off from the Black and Azov seas.

Ukrainian officials have asked for help from the Red Cross in organizing corridors, describing the situation in the blockaded cities as xe2x80x9cclose to a catastrophe.xe2x80x9d

Ukrainians in US consider taking advantage of new status xe2x80x94 6:21 p.m.

By The Associated Press

Iryna Volvach traveled from Ukraine to California on a tour package with a friend and decided to stay for a few months. When Russia invaded Ukraine, leaving her stuck in the U.S., she worried about her children and grandchildren back home.

As Volvach, 62, tearfully told The Associated Press this week about her efforts to rescue her family, the Biden administration announced humanitarian relief that could keep thousands of Ukrainians in the U.S. without fear of deportation to their embattled homeland.

xe2x80x9cThank you,xe2x80x9d Volvach said in English Thursday as the news was relayed to her through her Russian-speaking friend.

xe2x80x9cThey are happy I am here,xe2x80x9d she said in Russian. xe2x80x9cThey are not worried about me. I am worried about them.xe2x80x9d

Volvachxe2x80x99s reaction reflects emotions many Ukrainians who are currently in the U.S. may feel about the decision to grant the Temporary Protected Status theyxe2x80x99d been seeking since the Russian invasion, which marks the largest conventional military action in Europe since World War II. The invasion has caused a humanitarian crisis that has driven more than more than 1.2 million people to flee Ukraine since the fighting began, according to the United Nationsxe2x80x99 refugee agency.

Refugee advocates applauded the move after more than 177 organizations signed a letter sent to the administration requesting the relief.

Under the federal program, Ukrainians can remain in the country for up to 18 months. In order to be eligible, individuals would have to have been in the U.S. by Tuesday.

Citizens from a dozen countries are already in the United States under the TPS program, which is designated for people fleeing ongoing armed conflict, environmental disasters, or extraordinary and temporary conditions. The countries include Somalia, Yemen, Syria, Haiti and Venezuela.

About 75,100 Ukrainians are expected to be eligible, according to the latest estimates from the Department of Homeland Security. They include about 4,000 people with pending asylum claims and many others who entered the U.S. legally as tourists, business visitors or students on visas that have expired or are about to expire.

Russiaxe2x80x99s siege of Mariupol a grim sign for other major Ukrainian cities xe2x80x94 5:55 p.m.

By The Washington Post

Scenes from the city of Mariupol in Ukrainexe2x80x99s southeast have been as grim as they get. No water. No electricity. No heat. And heavy bombardment.

Officials in the encircled city say they canxe2x80x99t offer an accurate estimate of fatalities because no one has been able to leave the relative safety of wherever theyxe2x80x99ve taken shelter to go out and find the dead.

Mariupol, a heavily fortified city of 430,000, may be a dismal harbinger of things to come for other Ukrainian cities, as Russian forces xe2x80x94 unable to capture the country quickly xe2x80x94 carry out siege tactics and mass shelling to take over major metropolitan areas.

Zelensky accuses NATO of allowing bombings xe2x80x94 5:36 p.m.

By The Associated Press

In a bitter and emotional speech, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized NATO for refusing to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine, saying it will fully untie Russiaxe2x80x99s hands as it escalates its attack from the air.

xe2x80x9cAll the people who die from this day forward will also die because of you, because of your weakness, because of your lack of unity,xe2x80x9d he said in a nighttime address. xe2x80x9cThe alliance has given the green light to the bombing of Ukrainian cities and villages by refusing to create a no-fly zone.xe2x80x9d

On Friday, NATO refused to impose a no-fly zone, warning that to do so could provoke widespread war in Europe with nuclear-armed Russia.

xe2x80x9cAll that the alliance was able to do today was to pass through its procurement system 50 tons of diesel fuel for Ukraine. Perhaps so we could burn the Budapest Memorandum,xe2x80x9d Zelenskyy said, referring to the 1994 security guarantees given to Ukraine in exchange for the withdrawal of its Soviet-era nuclear weapons.

xe2x80x9cYou will not be able to pay us off with liters of fuel for the liters of our blood, shed for our common Europe.xe2x80x9d

He said Ukrainians will continue to resist and have already destroyed Russiaxe2x80x99s plans for a lightning invasion xe2x80x9chaving endured nine days of darkness and evil.xe2x80x9d

xe2x80x9cWe are warriors of light,xe2x80x9d he said. xe2x80x9cThe history of Europe will remember this forever.xe2x80x9d

Video shows Ukrainian civilian speaking into phone when blast hits Kharkiv xe2x80x94 5:11 p.m.

By The Associated Press

The White House announced Friday that U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Poland and Romania next week to meet with officials to discuss the Russian invasion of Ukraine and impact the war is having on the region.

Harrisxe2x80x99 agenda for the March 9 to 11 visit to Warsaw and Bucharest is expected to center on economic, security and humanitarian assistance for Ukraine.

xe2x80x9cThe Vice Presidentxe2x80x99s meetings will also focus on how the United States can further support Ukrainexe2x80x99s neighbors as they welcome and care for refugees fleeing violence,xe2x80x9d said the vice presidentxe2x80x99s deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh.

President Joe Biden spoke on Friday with Polandxe2x80x99s President Andrzej Duda.

Poland is assisting about 700,000 Ukrainians and others who have fled the war so far. The United States has also more than doubled its military presence in Poland, which is a member of NATO, to 9,000 troops in recent weeks.

Video shows Ukrainian civilian speaking into phone when blast hits Kharkiv xe2x80x94 5:02 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

A Ukrainian resident captured the moment a blast hit a nearby building in Kharkiv as he was speaking into his phone, prompting glass to shatter around him and sending him inside a smoke-covered space.

The man appeared to be providing an update to his friends when the blast hit a building in Kharkiv, the countryxe2x80x99s second-largest city, which has been under attack from Russian forces.

CNN reported that the recording took place earlier this week as a missile struck Kharkivxe2x80x99s city council building.

Pence hits Trump: No room in GOP xe2x80x98for apologists for Putinxe2x80x99 xe2x80x94 4:50 p.m.

By The Associated Press

Former Vice President Mike Pence will urge Republicans to move on from the 2020 election, declaring xe2x80x9cthere is no room in this party for apologists for Putinxe2x80x9d as he further cements his break from former President Donald Trump.

Pence, in a speech Friday evening to the partyxe2x80x99s top donors in New Orleans, will take on those in his party who have failed to forcefully condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin for his unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

xe2x80x9cWhere would Russian tanks be today if NATO had not expanded the borders of freedom? There is no room in this party for apologists for Putin,xe2x80x9d Pence will say, according to excerpts from the speech. xe2x80x9cThere is only room for champions of freedom.xe2x80x9d

Biden meets with Finnish president to discuss Ukraine xe2x80x94 4:35 p.m.

By The Associated Press

U.S. President Joe Biden and Finnish President Sauli Niinisto met Friday in the Oval Office to discuss the situation in Ukraine but did not directly address the issue of NATO membership. Finland is a xe2x80x9cNATO Enhanced Opportunities Partnerxe2x80x9d like its Scandinavian neighbor Sweden.

Biden thanked the Finnish president for the countryxe2x80x99s help for Ukraine. xe2x80x9cFinland is a critical partner to the United states, a strong defense partner, a partner to NATO.xe2x80x9d

Niinisto thanked the U.S. for xe2x80x9cleading in very difficult times.xe2x80x9d

White House disavows Grahamxe2x80x99s call for Putin assassination xe2x80x94 4:28 p.m.

By The Associated Press

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham is facing intense pushback from all corners of Washington after calling for the Russian people to end the Ukraine war by assassinating President Vladimir Putin. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Friday that it is xe2x80x9cnot the position of the United States government.xe2x80x9d

On Friday, Psaki dismissed Grahamxe2x80x99s idea out of hand.

xe2x80x9cThat is not the position of the United States government and certainly not a statement youxe2x80x99d hear come from the mouth of anybody working in this administration,xe2x80x9d she said.

Russia blocks access to Twitter xe2x80x94 4:19 p.m.

By The Associated Press

After blocking Facebook, Russiaxe2x80x99s state communications watchdog has quickly followed up by declaring a block on Twitter amid the tensions over the war in Ukraine.

The agency, Roskomnadzor, said Friday it cut access to Twitter in line with the Russian Prosecutor Generalxe2x80x99s office decision. The watchdog has previously accused Twitter of failing to delete the content banned by the Russian authorities and slowed down access to it.

The government is seeking to stifle independent voices about the invasion of Ukraine. The moves against Facebook and Twitter came shortly after officials prevented Russians from accessing reporting from the BBC, German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, Latvia-based website Meduza and the U.S. government-funded Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

US remains resistant to banning Russian oil xe2x80x94 4:15 p.m.

By The Associated Press

White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Friday reiterated that the Biden administration remains resistant for now on banning Russian oil imports, raising concerns that such a ban could have a negative impact for U.S. and European economies. She added, however, that the administration was xe2x80x9clooking at options we could take right now to cut U.S. consumption of Russian energy,xe2x80x9d

Psaki also called on Russian forces to withdraw Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in southeastern Ukraine. Russian troops seized the plant earlier Friday.

xe2x80x9cThe best step for nuclear safety would be for Russia to immediately withdraw,xe2x80x9d Psaki said.

xe2x80x98All of you are Ukrainians todayxe2x80x99: In video address, Zelensky thanks thousands of pro-Ukraine protesters in multiple European cities xe2x80x94 4:08 p.m.

By The Associated Press

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the European nations to support his countryxe2x80x99s fight against the invading Russian military.

Zelenskyy appeared on video as he addressed thousands of people protesting the war in several European cities, naming among them Paris, Prague, Lyon, Frankfurt and others. He asked the big crowds not to be silent about whatxe2x80x99s going on in his country.

xe2x80x9cDonxe2x80x99t turn a blind eye on this,xe2x80x9d he said. xe2x80x9cCome out and support Ukraine as much as you can,xe2x80x9d he said though a translator.

xe2x80x9cIf we fall, you will fall,xe2x80x9d he said.

xe2x80x9cAnd if we win, and Ixe2x80x99m sure wexe2x80x99ll win, this will be the victory of the whole democratic world, this will be the victory of our freedom, this will be the victory of light over darkness, of freedom over slavery. And if we win we will become as blossoming as Europe. And Europe will be flourishing more than ever,xe2x80x9d he said.

xe2x80x9cAll of you are Ukrainians today, thank you for this.xe2x80x9d

Putin signs bill threatening up to 15 years in jail for anti-war publications xe2x80x94 3:52 p.m.

By The Associated Press

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill introducing a prison sentence of up to 15 years for spreading information that goes against the Russian governmentxe2x80x99s position on the war in Ukraine.

The bill criminalizing the intentional spreading of what Russia deems to be xe2x80x9cfakexe2x80x9d reports about the war was quickly rubber-stamped by both houses of the Kremlin-controlled parliament earlier Friday.

Russian authorities have repeatedly decried reports of Russian military setbacks or civilian deaths in Ukraine as xe2x80x9cfakexe2x80x9d reports. State media outlets refer to Russiaxe2x80x99s invasion of Ukraine as a xe2x80x9cspecial military operation,xe2x80x9d rather than a xe2x80x9cwarxe2x80x9d or xe2x80x9cinvasion.xe2x80x9d

The law envisages sentences of up to three years or fines for spreading what authorities deem to be false news about the military, but the maximum punishment rises to 15 years for cases deemed to have led to xe2x80x9csevere consequences.xe2x80x9d

Also Friday, Roskomnadzor, the state communications watchdog, blocked Facebook and five foreign media organizations based abroad which publish news in Russian in a sweeping action to establish tight control over information about the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainians used to play with drones. Now, they fight Russians with them. xe2x80x94 3:41 p.m.

By The Associated Press

In better times, Ukrainian drone enthusiasts flew their gadgets into the sky to photograph weddings, fertilize soybean fields, or race other drones for fun. Now, some are risking their lives by forming a volunteer drone force to help their country repel the Russian invasion.

xe2x80x9cKyiv needs you and your drone at this moment of fury!xe2x80x9d read a Facebook post late last week from the Ukrainian military, calling for citizens to donate hobby drones and to volunteer as experienced pilots to operate them.

White House considering ban on Russian oil imports to US xe2x80x94 3:31 p.m.

By Bloomberg News

The Biden administration is weighing a ban on US imports of Russian crude oil as Congress races toward passing such a restriction to punish the Kremlin for its invasion of Ukraine.

Conversations are taking place within the administration and with the US oil and gas industry on the impact such a move would have on American consumers and the global supply, according to people familiar with the matter. A White House spokesperson said no decision has been made.

Russian oil made up only about 3 percent of all the crude shipments that arrived in the US last year, data from the US Energy Information Administration show. US imports of Russian crude so far in 2022 have dropped to the slowest annual pace since 2017, according to the intelligence firm Kpler.

As Ukrainians flee, xe2x80x98we even feel a bit guilty we are OKxe2x80x99 xe2x80x94 3:04 p.m.

By The Associated Press

Walking the final 14 miles to Ukrainexe2x80x99s border and to safety, Ludmila Sokol was moved by the mounds of clothes and other personal effects that many people discarded as they fled the fighting before her.

xe2x80x9cYou should have seen things scattered along the road,xe2x80x9d said the gym teacher from Zaporizhzhia. xe2x80x9cBecause the farther you carry things, the harder it is.xe2x80x9d

Like more than 1 million others, shexe2x80x99s grappling with the pain of leaving everything behind.

Russia blocks access to Facebook over the war xe2x80x94 2:11 p.m.

By The Associated Press

Russiaxe2x80x99s state communications watchdog has ordered to completely block access to Facebook in Russia amid the tensions over the war in Ukraine.

The agency, Roskomnadzor, said Friday it decided to cut access to Facebook over its alleged xe2x80x9cdiscriminationxe2x80x9d of the Russian media and state information resources. It said the restrictions introduced by Facebook owner Meta on the RT and other state-controlled media violate the Russian law.

A week ago, the watchdog announced xe2x80x9cpartial restrictionsxe2x80x9d on access to Facebook that sharply slowed it down, citing the platformxe2x80x99s moves to limit the accounts of several state-controlled Russian media. Facebook and Twitter have played a major role in amplifying dissent in Russia in recent years.

The move against Facebook follows the blocks imposed Friday on the BBC, the US government-funded Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, and Latvia-based website Meduza, as the government seeks to uproot independent sources of information about the invasion of Ukraine.

Dozens gather at Berlin train station to offer Ukrainian refugees places to stay xe2x80x94 1:44 p.m.

By Amanda Kaufman, Globe Staff

Dozens of people and families have gathered at a central Berlin train station this week to offer space in their homes to people fleeing the war in Ukraine. In photos and video from Reuters, Berlin families were seen at a central train station on Thursday holding signs listing how many people they could accommodate as people disembarked from a train.xe2x80x9d1 mother 1 child for 2 weeks,xe2x80x9d xe2x80x9c3 people (family) 2 weeks,xe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9cwe have a room 2 beds for 1 adult or 1 adult and children,xe2x80x9d some of the signs read. xe2x80x9dOn the right side there is like thousands of people from Berlin offering place to stay.

xe2x80x9cThis is absolutely incredible. You just like enter the building and there are like thousands of people supporting,xe2x80x9d a woman told Reuters at the station. More than 1 million people have fled Ukraine since Russia began its invasion, and the United Nations warned that millions more would likely flee as Russia continues its assault on Ukrainian cities.

Russia not cooperating on proposed humanitarian corridor in Kherson, Ukrainian officials say xe2x80x94 1:28 p.m.

By The Washington Post

Local officials in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson said Friday that Russia is not living up to its side of the bargain on proposed xe2x80x9chumanitarian corridors,xe2x80x9d even as supplies of food and other necessities begin to dwindle in the region. Leaders from Ukraine and Russia announced Thursday they had agreed to temporary cease-fires to support xe2x80x9chumanitarian corridorsxe2x80x9d for civilians to be evacuated and so food and medicine could be delivered. But local Ukrainian officials in the Kherson region say that the Russian military is not working with them and is instead pushing a plan to distribute its own aid unilaterally.

Regional governor Gennady Laguta wrote on Facebook on Friday that the xe2x80x9coccupiersxe2x80x9d had not given the go-ahead to send humanitarian aid to the Kherson region through the proposed corridor. Laguta said that Ukrainian authorities had readied 19 trucks, but they were not yet being allowed to go in. The Russians xe2x80x9care saying that they will provide humanitarian aid themselves,xe2x80x9d Laguta wrote. In his own message to Facebook, Kherson Mayor Ihor Kolykhaiev said that the agreement was not helping the city. xe2x80x9cDespite yesterdayxe2x80x99s agreements at the highest level, in practice,xe2x80x9d Kolykhaev wrote, xe2x80x9call this is not yet working.xe2x80x9d xe2x80x9cApparently, the xe2x80x98good liberatorsxe2x80x99 are preparing to bring their xe2x80x98salvationxe2x80x99 to Kherson. First, they brought the situation to a critical point, and then they will heroically rescue us,xe2x80x9d Kolykhaev wrote, referring to Russia.

A vital port and Black Sea shipbuilding city of almost 290,000 people that lies northwest of the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula, Kherson was among the first Ukrainian cities that Russian forces targeted as they swept into Ukraine. Eyewitnesses say it is the first major city to fall to Kremlin forces, though Ukrainexe2x80x99s Defense Ministry has not confirmed it is controlled by Moscow. The city, which lies on the Dnieper River, is considered strategically important as its occupation could help Russia cut off Ukrainian forces from the Black Sea coast. Russian forces have also targeted Mariupol, another southern port city, and many expect Russian troops to move on Odessa in the west soon a well. Any delay in the deliveries of supplies to Kherson could have a serious impact on civilians. In an interview on Thursday, the secretary of the city council, Galina Luhova, said the city was low on medicine and food, and facing a xe2x80x9cglobal catastrophexe2x80x9d if no solution could be found. xe2x80x9cIn Kherson, we are running out of food – literally, we can still last for maybe three, four days,xe2x80x9d Luhova said in a telephone interview on Thursday. The fighting has left large portions of Kherson without electricity and running water. xe2x80x9cPeople are in a panic, people are tense, people are frightened just to the core of their souls,xe2x80x9d she said.

Kolykhaev said Russian forces were preventing Ukrainian government officials from bringing in supplies, mobile communications had faced problems and the local television center had been taken over. xe2x80x9cI give you my word: I do what I can. But I donxe2x80x99t know how long it will take. Please: think, stay human, help each other,xe2x80x9d he said. Though Russian troops have suffered set backs in their offensive and have failed to take Ukrainexe2x80x99s capital, Kyiv, they have had more success in the south and east of the country. The mayor of Mariupol said Thursday that a Russian siege and hours of shelling that battered rail links and bridges had cut off water, power and food supplies. The mayor of Odessa said the population was preparing to mount a defense amid unverified reports that a large fleet of Russian warships was heading toward waters off the coast.

Russia criminalizes calling for sanctions, spreading xe2x80x98fake newsxe2x80x99 on military xe2x80x94 11:56 a.m.

By Bloomberg News

Russiaxe2x80x99s parliament passed harsh laws that would impose prison terms for people charged with spreading xe2x80x9cfake newsxe2x80x9d about the military or calling for sanctions against the country. People convicted of spreading what the authorities deem to be false information concerning the militaryxe2x80x99s activities face fines and imprisonment for as long as 15 years under the legislation, which now goes to President Vladimir Putin to sign. The law will allow xe2x80x9cthose who lied and made statements discrediting our Armed Forces to be punished, and very severely,xe2x80x9d as soon as it comes into force, Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said Friday, when lawmakers in the State Duma unanimously endorsed the measure.

Russia is moving to tighten control of information as its invasion of Ukraine continues for a second week amid international condemnation and the imposition of sweeping sanctions. After initially saying its forces had incurred no casualties in what Russia calls a xe2x80x9cspecial military operation,xe2x80x9d the Defense Ministry in Moscow announced Wednesday that 498 of it servicemen had died and nearly 1,600 had been injured in the fighting. Ukraine has claimed Russian casualties are in the thousands.

The BBC is suspending the work of all its news journalists and their support staff in Russia while the broadcaster assesses the implications of the legislation xe2x80x9cwhich appears to criminalize the process of independent journalism,xe2x80x9d Director-General Tim Davie said in a website statement Friday. xe2x80x9cWe are not prepared to expose them to the risk of criminal prosecution simply for doing their jobs,xe2x80x9d he said.

While therexe2x80x99ve been only scattered protests so far in Russia against the war, the government has throttled access to social media and ordered Russian news outlets only to publish information from official sources.

Two liberal broadcasters, Ekho Moskvy and TV Rain, went off air Thursday under pressure from prosecutors whoxe2x80x99d demanded that access be restricted because of their coverage of the war. The websites of the BBC, Deutsche Welle and Meduza, an independent news group, werenxe2x80x99t accessible Friday. The new legislation threatens fines and imprisonment for seeking to xe2x80x9cdiscreditxe2x80x9d Russiaxe2x80x99s military, including calls to prevent its deployment in xe2x80x9cdefense of the interests of the Russian Federation.xe2x80x9d People making appeals to join protests also face fines. Lawmakers also approved an addition to the Criminal Code outlawing calls for sanctions against Russia, its citizens or legal entities with a fine of as much as 500,000 rubles ($4,200) or up to three years in prison.

Switzerland follows EU to implement further sanctions on Russia xe2x80x94 11:09 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Switzerland is implementing further trade and financial sanctions against Russia, four days after breaking with its historic neutrality and first adopting measures from the European Union.

The newly adopted sanctions come into effect Friday at 6pm Zurich time, Economics Minister Guy Parmelin told reporters in the Swiss capital, Bern. The country made the decision to follow through on Monday under pressure form the EU to join in punishing the Kremlin and facing criticism from Swiss opposition politicians. Switzerland said the implementation of these sanctions is compatible with its tradition of neutrality and remains open to hosting peace talks as the need arises.

Swiss steps include sanctions in the financial sector that the EU adopted on March 1, in particular with regard to SWIFT. The government said it will freeze assets of more persons with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, bringing the total number of those sanctioned to over 660. Separately, the government has secured the natural gas it needs for this winter and spring but is working to secure it for next winter, said Energy Minister Simonetta Sommaruga.

Switzerland is considering special protection for Ukrainian refugees to fast-track a right of residence. While it discusses with cantonal governments the so-called S statute which would give Ukrainians a right to live for up to a year in Switzerland, the government has given Ukrainians the right to travel to Switzerland visa-free for up to 90 days, said Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter.

US Embassy says nuclear plant attack is xe2x80x98a war crime,xe2x80x99 Zelensky calls for direct talks with Putin xe2x80x94 10:48 a.m.

By The Washington Post

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his call for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the invasion of his country, at a time when the US Embassy in Kyiv says that Russiaxe2x80x99s overnight attack on a nuclear power plant amounted to xe2x80x9ca war crime.xe2x80x9d

In his first news conference since the start of Russiaxe2x80x99s invasion of Ukraine, Zelensky on Thursday repeated his desire to have direct talks with Putin, who has rebuffed the Ukrainian presidentxe2x80x99s request before and during the invasion.

Zelensky made his request despite saying he is living through xe2x80x9ca nightmarexe2x80x9d and xe2x80x9ccannot even imagine the type of man who would plan such acts.xe2x80x9d

UK seeking UN emergency session after Russia starts fire in Zaporizhzia xe2x80x94 8:59 a.m.

By The Associated Press

The office of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he will seek an emergency UN Security Council meeting after Russian troops in Ukraine attacked a nuclear power plant and sparked a fire.

Johnsonxe2x80x99s office says he spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the early hours of the morning. He says Britain will raise the issue immediately with Russia and close partners. Johnsonxe2x80x99s office says he and Zelensky agree Russia must immediately cease attacking and allow emergency services unfettered access to the plant. The two agree a ceasefire is essential.

xe2x80x9cThe Prime Minister said the reckless actions of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin could now directly threaten the safety of all of Europe,xe2x80x9d Johnsonxe2x80x99s office said in a statement. xe2x80x9cHe said (the United Kingdom) would do everything it could to ensure the situation did not deteriorate further.xe2x80x9d

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he also spoke with Zelensky about the attacks on the power plant. xe2x80x9cThese unacceptable attacks by Russia must cease immediately,xe2x80x9d he said on Twitter.

Photo: Shelling hits civilian homes in Irpin, outside Kyiv xe2x80x94 7:55 a.m.

Ukraine government, former British PM call for special tribunal to prosecute Putin xe2x80x94 7:52 a.m.

By The Associated Press

LONDON xe2x80x94 The Ukrainian government and a former British prime minister are pushing for a special criminal tribunal to prosecute Russian President Vladimir Putin and his allies over the invasion of Ukraine.

Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown said the call for a body to investigate the xe2x80x9ccrime of aggressionxe2x80x9d was based on the tribunals that prosecuted senior Nazis after World War II.

The Netherlands-based International Criminal Court is already investigating allegations that Russia has committed war crimes in Ukraine. But while it can investigate genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, Russia has not signed up to a separate ICC statute under which nations pledge not to commit xe2x80x9ccrimes of aggression.xe2x80x9d

Brown said that xe2x80x9cthis act of aggression by Russia xe2x80xa6 cannot go uninvestigated, unprosecuted and unpunished.xe2x80x9d

xe2x80x9cPutin must not be able to escape justice,xe2x80x9d he said.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba welcomed the call for a tribunal, which is backed by legal experts and academics from around the world.

xe2x80x9cWe are fighting against an enemy who is much stronger than us. But international law is on our side,xe2x80x9d Kuleba told a meeting in London by video link from Ukraine.

NATO will not participate in Russia war with Ukraine, no-fly zone xe2x80x94 7:00 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Chancellor Olaf Scholz says Germany and its partners have determined there is currently no risk to the public from a fire at a Ukrainian nuclear plant.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to German troops Friday, Scholz said Germany had immediately performed measurements and exchanged information with other nations following the incident at the Zaporizhzhia plant, where Russian forces attacked late Thursday.

Scholz said the incident shows how dangerous the situation in Ukraine is.

Scholz said it is xe2x80x9ccompletely clearxe2x80x9d that NATO will not participate in the conflict in Ukraine, where the countryxe2x80x99s president wants a no-fly zone to be imposed.

xe2x80x9cTogether we are ensuring that nobody attacks NATO territory,xe2x80x9d Scholz said, noting that the alliance has positioned additional troops in its eastern member states for this purpose.

Three Ukrainian troops were killed and two wounded in the Russian attack xe2x80x94 6:24 a.m.

By The Associated Press

The head of the UN atomic agency says a Ukrainian nuclear plant was hit by a Russian xe2x80x9cprojectilexe2x80x9d but that the building it struck was a training center and there has been no release of radiation.

Initial reports were unclear about what part of the plant was affected by a fire that broke out after the shelling late Thursday, amid Russiaxe2x80x99s invasion of Ukraine.

International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi said Friday that the building was xe2x80x9cnot part of the reactor.xe2x80x9d

He said Ukrainians are still in control of the reactor and the fire has been extinguished.

The Ukrainian state nuclear company said three Ukrainian troops were killed and two wounded in the Russian attack.

The UN says only one reactor at the plant is operating, at about 60% of capacity.

UN human rights body sets up panel on Ukraine xe2x80x94 6:20 a.m.

By The Associated Press

The U.N.xe2x80x99s top human rights body has voted overwhelmingly to appoint a three-person panel of experts to monitor human rights in Ukraine, where Russian forces are invading.

The Human Rights Council voted 32-2, with 13 abstentions, to pass a resolution that was presented by many Western countries and others who have spoken out against Moscowxe2x80x99s attack on its neighbor.

Only Russia and Eritrea opposed the resolution, with China abstaining.

The vote Friday was the culmination of an urgent debate called by Ukraine, during which most council members lambasted Russia.

Many Western envoys sported blue or yellow ties, scarves, jackets or ribbons on their lapels, in a reference to the colors of the Ukrainian flag. Far-flung countries such as Gambia and Malaysia spoke out against the invasion.

The result testified to growing international isolation of Russia: On Monday, five countries xe2x80x94 including China xe2x80x94 had voted against Ukrainexe2x80x99s effort to convene the urgent debate.

Ukrainexe2x80x99s ambassador Yevheniia Filipenko, her eyes red with emotion, told delegates after the vote: xe2x80x9cI thank all those who voted for the right course.xe2x80x9d

UN warns of plight of children in Ukraine xe2x80x94 5:30 a.m.

By The Associated Press

UNICEF says that about 500,000 children have been forced to flee their homes in Ukraine over the past week due to Russiaxe2x80x99s invasion, calling the exodus xe2x80x9cunprecedented in scale and speed.xe2x80x9d

xe2x80x9cIf the violence (doesnxe2x80x99t) stop, many, many more children will be forced to flee their country in a very short space of time,xe2x80x9d James Elder, a spokesman for the United Nations Childrenxe2x80x99s Fund, said Friday. xe2x80x9cAnd we fear many more will be killed.xe2x80x9d

He said UNICEF is sending large amounts of humanitarian supplies to Ukraine to help those in need and also providing emergency training to pediatricians who are being sent to the region.

xe2x80x9cTheyxe2x80x99re preparing for a mass casualty of children,xe2x80x9d he said, adding that the training included a triage system for treating children.

The International Organization for Migration said Friday that so far 1.25 million people have fled Ukraine, including almost 80,000 third-country nationals.

Google suspends advertising in Russia xe2x80x94 5:26 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Google is suspending sales of online ads in Russia after the countryxe2x80x99s communications regulator demanded the tech giant stop spreading through its advertising what Moscow called false information about the Russian military in Ukraine.

The company said late Thursday that the suspension covers YouTube, search, and display ads.

Google is one of the worldxe2x80x99s biggest sellers of online ads.

The Russian regulator, Roskomnadzor, issued several notices to Google this week warning the company about spreading false information or demanding it ease restrictions on YouTube channels operated by Russian media.

Separately, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky tweeted that the short-stay booking site is suspending all operations in Russia and its neighboring ally Belarus. Chesky did not elaborate.

Head of the UN atomic watchdog says there has been no release of radioactive material at Ukrainian plant xe2x80x94 4:58 a.m.

By The Associated Press

The head of the UN atomic agency says a Ukrainian nuclear plant was hit by a Russian xe2x80x9cprojectilexe2x80x9d but that the building it struck was a training center and there has been no release of radiation.

xe2x80x9cThe real threat to Ukrainian lives continues to be the violent invasion and bombing of their country,xe2x80x9d the American Nuclear Society said in a statement.

Russians heading home; reserve right to later legal action xe2x80x94 4:42 a.m.

By The Associated Press

The Russian Paralympic Committee will leave Beijing and has no immediate plans for legal action.

The RPC issued a statement Friday criticizing the decision to exclude Russian athletes from the Paralympics and said the move was xe2x80x9cabsolutely politicized.xe2x80x9d It said its lawyers had determined that the Court of Arbitration for Sport would not be able to render a decision xe2x80x9cduring the accelerated proceedings.xe2x80x9d

The RPC said it reserved xe2x80x9cthe right to apply to the appropriate international and national courtxe2x80x9d later at its own discretion. It said it was not xe2x80x9cworthwhile at the current time to remain in Beijingxe2x80x9d and planned to leave. The team is expected to fly out on Sunday.

The RPC also criticized International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach, who earlier this week recommended that xe2x80x9cinternational sports federations and sports event organizers not invite or allow the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials in international competitions.xe2x80x9d

It said Bachxe2x80x99s move lead xe2x80x9cto the degradation and collapse of the world sport.xe2x80x9d

Kremlin tightens grip on Ukraine war coverage xe2x80x94 4:27 a.m.

By The Associated Press

The Russian parliament has passed a bill introducing sentences of up to 15 years in prison for intentionally spreading xe2x80x9cfakexe2x80x9d information about military action.

Russian state news agencies reported Friday the passing of the bill in the third and final reading.

The development came amid a crackdown by Russian authorities on independent media and criticism of last weekxe2x80x99s invasion of Ukraine.

The bill now heads to the upper house of parliament, whose approval is expected to be a formality, before President Vladimir Putin can sign it into law.

Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin says it may enter into force as early as Saturday.

Spreading what Russian authorities deem to be false information is punishable by up to three years in prison, or 15 years if it is deemed to have xe2x80x9csevere consequences.xe2x80x9d The bill also bans calling for sanctions to be implemented against Russia.

Less than two hours after the bill was passed, news website Znak said it was shutting down, citing xe2x80x9cthe large number of restrictions which have appeared recently affecting the work of media in Russia.xe2x80x9d

Russiaxe2x80x99s top independent radio station Ekho Moskvy was closed Thursday and independent TV station Dozdh ceased operations after receiving a threat of closure from the authorities.

Head of the ICRC says the humanitarian group is xe2x80x98seeing a devastating humanitarian crisis unfold in Ukrainexe2x80x99 xe2x80x94 4:24 a.m.

By The Associated Press

The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Peter Maurer, called Friday for all parties in the conflict to adhere to the rules of war, sparing civilians from military operations and allowing them safe passage.

Maurer said Red Cross teams are xe2x80x9creceiving a flood of calls from people desperate for safety.xe2x80x9d

xe2x80x9cCasualty figures keep rising while health facilities struggle to cope,xe2x80x9d he said. xe2x80x9cCivilians staying in underground shelters tell us that they fled shells falling directly overhead. They have no extra clothes, supplies or their needed medication. They need assistance now.xe2x80x9d

Norway Prime Minister calls nuclear plant attack xe2x80x98madnessxe2x80x99 xe2x80x94 4:00 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Norwayxe2x80x99s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stxc3xb8re said the Russian shelling that led to a fire at Europexe2x80x99s biggest nuclear plant was xe2x80x9cin line with madness.xe2x80x9d

The fire was put out early Friday and Ukrainian officials said that radiation levels in the area werenxe2x80x99t at dangerous levels.

If there were a leak, xe2x80x9cit will take about 48 hours before it arrives in Norway,xe2x80x9d Gahr Stxc3xb8re told Norwegian broadcaster NRK.

In Lithuania, President Gitanas Nauseda described the attacks by Russian forces on Ukrainexe2x80x99s nuclear power plants as xe2x80x9cnuclear terrorismxe2x80x9d and called for an immediate international response to xe2x80x9cRussiaxe2x80x99s nuclear crimes.xe2x80x9d

The world learned of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in the Soviet Union only after heightened radiation was detected in Sweden. Norway, which neighbors Sweden, was also able to measure higher-than-normal level of radioactivity 36 years ago.

In recent days, there have been reports that sales of iodine tablets in Sweden and Denmark have increased sharply since Russiaxe2x80x99s invasion of Ukraine, with authorities saying there is no reason for people to be taking iodine tablets linked to events in Ukraine.

China xe2x80x98concernedxe2x80x99 about Ukraine nuclear sites xe2x80x94 3:45 a.m.

By The Associated Press

China says it is xe2x80x9cseriously concerned about the safety and securityxe2x80x9d of nuclear facilities in Ukraine following a blaze at Europexe2x80x99s biggest nuclear plant ignited by Russian artillery fire.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told reporters Friday that China will continue to follow developments at the Zaporizhizhia plant in the city of Enerhodar and xe2x80x9ccalls on all parties concerned to maintain calm and restraint, prevent further escalation of the situation and ensure the safety of the nuclear facilities concerned.xe2x80x9d

xe2x80x9cChina attaches great importance to nuclear safety and is seriously concerned about the safety and security situation of nuclear facilities in Ukraine,xe2x80x9d Wang said.

The spokespersonxe2x80x99s comments marked a rare Chinese sign of unease over the war in Ukraine, in which Beijing has largely sided with its neighbor and close security partner Russia. Chinese leader Xi Jinping hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in early February, after which the sides issued a lengthy joint statement pledging mutual support.

China has abstained on votes at the United Nations on sanctioning Russia and demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops, and blamed the unprovoked Russian invasion on NATOxe2x80x99s eastern advance and a lack of attention to Russiaxe2x80x99s security concerns.

Washingtonxe2x80x99s newest worry: The dangers of cornering Putin xe2x80x94 3:34 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Senior White House officials designing the strategy to confront Russia have begun quietly debating a new concern: that the avalanche of sanctions directed at Moscow, which has gained speed faster than they imagined, is cornering President Vladimir Putin and may prompt him to lash out, perhaps expanding the conflict beyond Ukraine.

In Situation Room meetings in recent days, the issue has come up repeatedly, according to three officials. Putinxe2x80x99s tendency, US intelligence officials have told the White House and Congress, is to double down when he feels trapped by his own overreach. So they have described a series of possible reactions, ranging from indiscriminate shelling of Ukrainian cities to compensate for the early mistakes made by his invading force, to cyberattacks directed at the US financial system, to more nuclear threats and perhaps moves to take the war beyond Ukrainexe2x80x99s borders.

Ukrainian diaspora helps civilians back home escape the war xe2x80x94 2:52 a.m.

By The Associated Press

While many Ukrainians in Germany xe2x80x94 a lot of them from Jewish communities xe2x80x94 arrived after the Soviet Union collapsed 30 years ago, those in Poland came more recently, often after 2014, when Russia annexed Ukrainexe2x80x99s Crimea Peninsula, looking for work or for higher education at Polish universities. Ukrainians have been coming to Italy mostly as labor migrants for about 25 years. The women work as maids, cleaners, nannies or caretakers, the men mostly in transport or construction.

Some have returned to Ukraine to fight the Russian army, others are collecting medicine, food and clothes which they pass to relief groups at the Ukrainian border, and many are trying to organize their familiesxe2x80x99 and friendsxe2x80x99 escape out of Ukraine.

A look at weapons used in the Russia-Ukraine war xe2x80x94 2:47 a.m.

By The Associated Press

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is the largest conflict that Europe has seen since World War II, with Russia conducting a multi-pronged offensive across the country.

The Russian military has pummeled wide areas in Ukraine with airstrikes and has conducted major rocket and artillery bombardments, resulting in large numbers of casualties.

Here is a look at some of the weapons being used in the conflict.

Australia freezes $33 million in Russian funds xe2x80x94 2:32 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Australiaxe2x80x99s foreign minister says 45 million Australian dollars ($33 million) have been frozen in an Australian financial institution under new sanctions in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne on Friday declined to identify the institution or who owned the money.

Australia has imposed sanctions against more than 350 Russian individuals including President Vladimir Putin. Australia has also targeted with sanctions 13 Belarus entities and individuals including Defense Minister Viktor Khrenin.

Russian airstrike destroyed power plant in Okhtyrka xe2x80x94 2:30 a.m.

By The Associated Press

A Russian airstrike on Thursday destroyed the power plant in Okhtyrka, leaving the city without heat or electricity, the head of the region said on Telegram. In the first days of the war, Russian troops attacked a military base in the city, located between Kharkiv and Kyiv, and officials said more than 70 Ukrainian soldiers were killed.

xe2x80x9cWe are trying to figure out how to get people out of the city urgently because in a day the apartment buildings will turn into a cold stone trap without water, light or electricity,xe2x80x9d Dmytro Zhyvytskyy said.

As Russian forces gain ground in Ukraine, military seizes control of key nuclear plant xe2x80x94 2:10 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Ukrainian authorities said Friday that a fire at Europexe2x80x99s biggest nuclear plant ignited by Russian shelling has been extinguished and that Russian forces have taken control of the site.

The regional military administration said in a statement that the fire at the Zaporizhzhia plant in Enerhodar was extinguished and that there is damage to the compartment of reactor No. 1 but it does not affect the safety of the power unit.

No information was immediately available about casualties.

The military administration said Russian forces took control of the site and that operational personnel are ensuring its safe operation.

Earlier, plant officials had said that shelling hit an administrative building and reactor No. 1.

The town mayor and state emergency service also said the fire was extinguished.

Ukrainian authorities say fire at Europexe2x80x99s biggest nuclear plant ignited by Russian shelling has been extinguished xe2x80x94 1:35 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Ukrainexe2x80x99s state emergency service announced on Facebook on Friday that xe2x80x9cthe fire in the training building of Zaporizhzhya NPP in Enerhodar was extinguished. There are no victims.xe2x80x9d It did not mention the fire in a reactor building that had raised international concern.

The mayor of Enerhodar, Dmytro Orlov, announced on his Telegram channel Friday morning that xe2x80x9cthe fire at the (nuclear plant) has indeed been extinguished.xe2x80x9d His office told The Associated Press that the information came from firefighters who were allowed onto the site overnight. The mayorxe2x80x99s office could not provide more details about which buildings were concerned.

Photos: Tearful goodbyes at Kyiv train station during war in Ukraine xe2x80x94 1:34 a.m.

By The Associated Press

These are the goodbyes that have been repeated across Ukraine in the week since Russia invaded and began pounding the countryxe2x80x99s cities with bombs. The UN says the fighting has sent more than 1 million people fleeing the country, a number that is already the swiftest exodus of refugees this century and one that could soon skyrocket even further.

Those leaving are overwhelmingly women and children. Ukrainian men have been ordered to stay and fight in the war.

At the train station in Kyiv crowds of people carrying luggage stand in the cold as they wait for their chance to board a train. Mothers hold children bundled in winter jackets and stocking caps, some clutching onto stuffed animals. Men help the elderly get to the train, even using a luggage cart to carry one woman with crutches.

Up and down the platform there are tearful embraces.

As war rages, Paralympics opening in Beijing without Russia xe2x80x94 1:12 a.m.

By The Associated Press

The 2022 Winter Paralympics open Friday in Beijing, with the Russian athletes sent home and the Ukrainian team escaping a war zone to get here.

xe2x80x9cItxe2x80x99s a miracle that we have made it to the Paralympics,xe2x80x9d the head of the Ukrainian delegation, Valerii Sushkevych, told a news conference on the eve of the Games.

Russiaxe2x80x99s invasion of Ukraine, shortly after the Winter Olympics wrapped up in Beijing, is roiling the world. And the world of sports is no exception.

Paralympics organizers initially announced that Russians and Belarusians would be allowed to compete in Beijing, but reversed course one day before the opening and expelled athletes from both countries. They cited tensions in the Athletes Village.

xc2xa0 March 3, 2022 xc2xa0

Map of the Russian invasion of Ukraine xe2x80x94 11:18 p.m.

Senator Markey condemns attack on power plant xe2x80x94 11:08 p.m.

By Alyssa Vega, Globe Correspondent

In a series of tweets, Senator Ed Markey condemns the invasion of the largest nuclear power station in Ukraine shelled by Russian troops.

Johnson to seek UN Security Council meeting xe2x80x94 10:56 p.m.

By The Associated Press

LONDON xe2x80x94 The office of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he will seek an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting after Russian troops in Ukraine attacked a nuclear power plant and sparked a fire.

Johnsonxe2x80x99s office says he spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the early hours of the morning. He says Britain will raise the issue immediately with Russia and close partners.

Johnsonxe2x80x99s office says he and Zelenskyy agree Russia must immediately cease attacking and allow emergency services unfettered access to the plant. The two agree a ceasefire is essential.

xe2x80x9cThe Prime Minister said the reckless actions of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin could now directly threaten the safety of all of Europe,xe2x80x9d Johnsonxe2x80x99s office said in a statement. xe2x80x9cHe said (the United Kingdom) would do everything it could to ensure the situation did not deteriorate further.xe2x80x9d

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he also spoke with Zelenskyy about the attacks on the power plant.

xe2x80x9cThese unacceptable attacks by Russia must cease immediately,xe2x80x9d he said on Twitter.

What we know about the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant xe2x80x94 10:49 p.m.

By Shannon Larson, Globe Staff

In the latest development on Russiaxe2x80x99s intensifying attacks on Ukraine, forces pressed on with their invasion by shelling Europexe2x80x99s largest nuclear plant in a vital energy-producing city early Friday.

The episode has sparked a fire and spread fears globally of a potential radiation leak from the damage caused to the power station, with some recalling the 1986 Chernobyl disaster that is considered to be the worst nuclear accident in history.

Herexe2x80x99s what we know about the Zaporizhzhia power plant.

Zelensky talks to leaders about nuclear plant xe2x80x94 10:38 p.m.

By The Associated Press

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he has informed the leaders of the U.S., Britain, the European Union and the International Atomic Energy Agency about the dire threat of nuclear disaster after Russian troops shelled a nuclear power plant.

xe2x80x9cIf there is an explosion xe2x80x93 thatxe2x80x99s the end for everyone. The end for Europe. The evacuation of Europe,xe2x80x9d he said in an emotional speech in the middle of the night.

xe2x80x9cOnly urgent action by Europe can stop the Russian troops. Do not allow the death of Europe from a catastrophe at a nuclear power station,xe2x80x9d he said

Hexe2x80x99s calling on politicians and citizens to pressure Russian leadership to stop Russian troops.

Zelensky updates Biden on nuclear plant fire xe2x80x94 10:10 p.m.

By The Associated Press

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky updated US President Joe Biden about the fire at a nuclear power station shelled by Russian troops.

The White House said Biden and Zelenskyy urged Russia to cease its military activities in the area and allow firefighters and emergency responders to access the site.

Biden also got another update on the situation from the undersecretary for nuclear security at the U.S. Department of Energy and the administrator of the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration.

Zelenskky also spoke to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau about the attack.

Atomic watchdog: No radiation change at plant xe2x80x94 9:40 p.m.

By The Associated Press

The International Atomic Energy Agency said on Twitter that itxe2x80x99s been informed by Ukrainexe2x80x99s nuclear regulator that xe2x80x9cthere has been no change reported in radiation levelsxe2x80x9d at a nuclear power station shelled by Russian troops.

The agency said its Director General Mariano Grossi was in touch with Ukrainexe2x80x99s Prime Minister Denys Schmygal and the Ukrainian regulator and operator about the situation at the Zaporizhzhia plant.

Grossi xe2x80x9cappeals for halt of use of force and warns of severe danger if reactors hit,xe2x80x9d the IAEA said in another tweet.

An official in Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyyxe2x80x99s office, not authorized to speak publicly and speaking on condition of anonymity, said the reactors have not yet been damaged and radiation levels are normal.

Video: Apartments, pharmacies struck in Chernihiv, Ukraine xe2x80x94 8:47 p.m.

By Lauren Booker, Globe staff

A video on Twitter shows the moment when the city of Chernihiv, Ukraine was hit with projectiles on Thursday.

Among the buildings hit were a hospital, apartments, and pharmacies, according to The New York Times.

Europexe2x80x99s largest nuclear power plant on fire after shelling xe2x80x94 7:54 p.m.

By The Associated Press

A spokesman for Europexe2x80x99s largest nuclear plant says the facility is on fire after Russia attacked the power station in the southern Ukrainian city of Enerhodar.

A government official tells The Associated Press elevated levels of radiation are being detected near the site of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which provides about 25% of the countryxe2x80x99s power generation.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the information has not yet been publicly released.

Plant spokesman Andriy Tuz told Ukrainian television that it is urgent to stop the fighting to put out the flames.

Russian troops shelling nuclear power station xe2x80x94 7:16 p.m.

By The Associated Press

Russian troops are shelling Europexe2x80x99s largest nuclear power station in Ukraine.

xe2x80x9cWe demand that they stop the heavy weapons fire,xe2x80x9d Andriy Tuz, spokesperson for the plant in Enerhodar, said in a video posted on Telegram. xe2x80x9cThere is a real threat of nuclear danger in the biggest atomic energy station in Europe.xe2x80x9d

The plant accounts for about one quarter of Ukrainexe2x80x99s power generation.

The fighting at Enerhodar, a city on the Dnieper River that accounts for one-quarter of the countryxe2x80x99s power generation, came as another round of talks between the two sides yielded a tentative agreement to set up safe corridors inside Ukraine to evacuate citizens and deliver humanitarian aid.

The mayor of Enerhodar said Ukrainian forces were battling Russian troops on the cityxe2x80x99s outskirts. Video showed flames and black smoke rising above the city of more than 50,000, with people streaming past wrecked cars, just a day after the U.N. atomic watchdog agency expressed grave concern that the fighting could cause accidental damage to Ukrainexe2x80x99s 15 nuclear reactors.

Baker signs order instructing state agencies not to do business with Russia xe2x80x94 7:15 p.m.

By Jeremy C. Fox, Globe Correspondent

Governor Charlie Baker signed an executive order Thursday directing all executive branch agencies to end any contracts with Russian state-owned companies, officials said.

The order also instructs agencies to review any exchanges, partnerships, or affiliations with the Russian government, companies owned by Russia, or entities controlled by Russia.

Biden offers humanitarian relief to Ukrainians in the US xe2x80x94 7:10 p.m.

By The Associated Press

The Biden administration offered humanitarian relief to Ukrainians in the United States on Thursday, which could protect thousands from being deported to their war-torn homeland.

Ukrainians can remain in the country for up to 18 months under the federal program known as Temporary Protected Status. In order to be eligible for the protection, individuals would have to have been in the U.S. since at least Tuesday.

Russian forces push toward major Ukraine nuclear power plant xe2x80x94 6:04 p.m.

ENERHODAR, Ukraine xe2x80x94 Ukrainian officials say a column of Russian forces is headed toward Europexe2x80x99s largest nuclear plant, which accounts for about one quarter of Ukrainexe2x80x99s power generation.

Both the Ukrainian state atomic energy company and the mayor of Enerhodar, Dmytro Orlov, said Russian troops were approaching the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Officials said loud shots were heard in the city late Thursday.

xe2x80x9cMany young men in athletic clothes and armed with Kalashnikov have come into the city. They are breaking down door and trying to get into the apartments of local residents,xe2x80x9d the statement from Energoatom said.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has joined Ukrainexe2x80x99s president in calling on the West to close the skies over Ukrainexe2x80x99s nuclear plants as fighting intensified around the major energy hub on the left bank of the Dnieper River and the Khakhovka Reservoir.

Shmyhal said he already had appealed to NATO and the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nationsxe2x80x99 atomic watchdog.

xe2x80x9cClose the skies over Ukraine! It is a question of the security of the whole world!xe2x80x9d Shmyhal said in a statement Thursday evening.

The U.S. and NATO allies have ruled out creating a no-fly zone since the move would directly pit Russian and Western militaries.

Pentagon establishes line of communication with Russian ministry of defense xe2x80x94 5:11 p.m.

By The Associated Press

WASHINGTON xe2x80x94 The Pentagon has established a channel of direct communication with the Russian ministry of defense to avoid unintended conflict related to the war in Ukraine.

A U.S. defense official said the xe2x80x9cde-confliction linexe2x80x9d was established March 1 xe2x80x9cfor the purpose of preventing miscalculation, military incidents, and escalation.xe2x80x9d The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the communication line has not been announced.

Biden meets virtually with leaders from Australia, India, and Japan over Russian invasion of Ukraine xe2x80x94 5:00 p.m.

Biden issues new sanctions against Putinxe2x80x99s inner circle xe2x80x94 3:40 p.m.

By The Associated Press

US President Joe Bidenxe2x80x99s administration on Thursday announced new sanctions against Russian oligarchs and others in President Vladimir Putinxe2x80x99s inner circle as Russian forces continue to pummel Ukraine.

Those targeted by the new sanctions include Putinxe2x80x99s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, and Alisher Burhanovich Usmanov, one of Russiaxe2x80x99s wealthiest individuals and a close ally of Putin. The US State Department also announced it was imposing visa bans on 19 Russian oligarchs and dozens of their family members and close associates. xe2x80x9cThese individuals and their family members will be cut off from the US financial system; their assets in the United States will be frozen and their property will be blocked from use,xe2x80x9d the White House said in a statement announcing the new penalties.

The White House described Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, as a xe2x80x9ctop purveyor of Putinxe2x80x99s propaganda.xe2x80x9d The property of Usmanov and the others will be blocked from use in the US and by Americans. His assets include his superyacht, one of the worldxe2x80x99s largest. Usmanovxe2x80x99s private jet, one of Russiaxe2x80x99s largest privately owned aircraft, is also covered by the sanctions.

Energy-rich Russia may turn to Bitcoin mining to dent sanctions xe2x80x94 2:45 p.m.

By Bloomberg News

Rich in energy, but starved of foreign currency, Russia may use Bitcoin mining to dent the impact of ever tougher sanctions as the war in Ukraine drags on, according to one analyst. xe2x80x9cIt wouldnxe2x80x99t be a stretch for the Russian government or certain sanctioned entities to look to mining as a way to get access to Bitcoin,xe2x80x9d said David Carlisle, director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs at blockchain analytics firm Elliptic. xe2x80x9cThey could be translated to goods and services or just hard cash.xe2x80x9d

Countries such as Iran might have already leveraged mining of crypto currencies, which is highly energy intensive, to convert its sanctioned energy into Bitcoin and hard currency for the government. About 4.5 percent of Bitcoin mining took place in Iran in the last year, potentially generating $1 billion for the government, Carlisle said. At the same time, Russia and Belarus have been two of the most welcoming countries after China issued a blanket ban on crypto mining last May. China was the largest Bitcoin mining hub in the world and some Chinese miners have migrated to central Asia and eastern Europe, including Russia.

Russiaxe2x80x99s President Vladmir Putin has backed crypto mining, despite the Bank of Russiaxe2x80x99s proposal to ban mining and trading. Belarus said in January it would continue its liberal crypto rules. Carlisle listed crypto mining along with cyber crime and non-compliant entities such as certain crypto exchanges as three potential ways for Russia to evade sanctions. However, given the size of Russiaxe2x80x99s economy and its financial market, crypto is unlikely to play a big role in helping Russia to circumvent sanctions.

Ukrainian forces are using their home-turf knowledge to stymie Russia, top US general says xe2x80x94 2:42 p.m.

By The New York Times

The Ukrainian military is conducting a hugely effective and xe2x80x9cmobilexe2x80x9d defense, using its innate knowledge of its home turf to stymie Russian forces on multiple fronts, General Mark Milley, the top military adviser to President Joe Biden, said early Thursday.

Although the strategic city of Kherson fell to Russia on Wednesday, officials said that Ukrainian forces were mounting battles up and down the Russian lines with what they described as a resourcefulness and creativity that could trip up Russian troops for weeks or months to come. Milley, chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the tactics employed by Ukrainian troops included using mobile weapons systems to bedevil the Russians wherever they could. Ukrainexe2x80x99s troops, he said, are xe2x80x9cfighting with extraordinary skill and courage against Russian forces.xe2x80x9d In standing up to an invading country that dwarfs their own and demonstrating their willingness to die to protect it, xe2x80x9cfighting Ukrainian people have become the eyes and ears of the world,xe2x80x9d Milley said.

The public comments, made to reporters traveling with him to meet with European officials at NATO, were Milleyxe2x80x99s first since President Vladimir Putin of Russia began his brutal efforts to seize Ukraine and topple the democratically elected government of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Milley met with NATOxe2x80x99s secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, in Brussels before traveling to Stuttgart to confer with US European Command. Stoltenberg said the Ukrainian military, which has been backed in recent days with arms shipments from NATO countries, was xe2x80x9cperforming better and putting up more resistance than most experts expected, and surely more than Russia expected.xe2x80x9d

Ukraine says at least 33 civilians dead, 18 wounded xe2x80x94 2:38 p.m.

By The Associated Press

Ukrainexe2x80x99s state emergencies agency now says at least 33 civilians have been killed and another 18 wounded in a Russian strike on a residential area in the city of Chernihiv, a city of 280,000 in Ukrainexe2x80x99s north.

The agency said Thursday night that it was forced to suspend the search for more casualties in the rubble because of new shelling.

Earlier Thursday, the agency had said at least 22 civilians had been killed, and had warned that the death toll could rise.

US says Russia progressing in Ukrainexe2x80x99s south but not north, 480 missiles fired xe2x80x94 2:36 p.m.

By The Associated Press

US officials say Russia has fired 480 missiles at Ukraine as Russian troops make more progress in the south, but are largely stalled in the north. The official says about 90 percent of the Russian combat power that had been arrayed around Ukraine is now in the country.

Specifically, the official said that the majority of the Russian missile launches since the war began xe2x80x93 or more than 230 of them xe2x80x93 are coming from mobile systems within Ukraine. More than 150 missiles have been fired from within Russia, more than 70 from Belarus and only a very small number from ships in the Black Sea. Ukrainian air defenses are still intact and have been effective against the missiles, the official said.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss military assessments, said Russian progress in the south has been aided by the countryxe2x80x99s eight-year presence in Crimea, where Russia has built infrastructure and systems to sustain troops. As a result, the supply lines to troops in the south are much shorter and more effective. The official said the US has not seen any Russian naval activity or other appreciable moves by Russia to move on Odesa. He said he is not challenging Ukrainian reports of activity there, but that the U.S. canxe2x80x99t independently confirm them. He added, however, that the US believes that Russiaxe2x80x99s goal may be to move past Kherson to Mykolayiv in order to set up a base of operations there that they can then use in a move to encircle and take Odesa. The US also assesses that Russian forces are just outside the city of Kharkiv, close to the ring road, the official said.

Ukraine and Russia agree to let civilians leave, deliver aid xe2x80x94 1:24 p.m.

By The Associated Press

Ukraine says it has agreed with Russia to create safe corridors backed by cease-fires to evacuate civilians, deliver aid.

A member of Ukrainexe2x80x99s delegation in talks with Russia says the parties have reached a tentative agreement to organize safe corridors for civilians to evacuate and for humanitarian supplies to be delivered.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukrainexe2x80x99s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, who took part in Thursdayxe2x80x99s talks in Belarus near the Polish border, said that Russia and Ukraine reached a preliminary understanding that cease-fires will be observed in areas where the safe corridors are established.

Canada calls for Russiaxe2x80x99s expulsion from Interpol xe2x80x94 1:05 p.m.

By The Associated Press

Canada is calling for Russiaxe2x80x99s membership in Interpol to be suspended.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says international law enforcement cooperation depends on mutual respect among members. Britain is also seeking to suspend Russia from the international policing body.

Defense Minister Anita Anand also says Canada is sending more weapons to Ukraine. Anand says Canada is sending 4,500 rocket launchers and 7,500 grenades.

Russiaxe2x80x99s siege of key cities fuels a humanitarian crisis xe2x80x94 12:33 p.m.

By The New York Times

A day after gaining control of their first major Ukrainian city, Russian forces on Thursday laid siege to urban areas across the country in a grinding offensive that has pummeled civilian neighborhoods with increasingly heavy artillery and reduced basic services to rubble. The assaults have deepened a humanitarian crisis that has prompted 1 million people to flee the country, and 1 million more to abandon their homes for Ukrainian cities farther from the fighting. The swift fall of the major city, Kherson in the south of the country, raised fears that other cities could soon follow as Russiaxe2x80x99s bombardment created pressure on people to surrender. Russian forces appeared to be making their biggest gains in the south, where they had nearly surrounded two strategic cities in an apparent bid to capture Ukrainexe2x80x99s entire Black Sea coast, potentially cutting off the country from world shipping. Here are the latest developments:

xe2x80x94 Russian troops have encircled the port city of Mariupol, a key point between the Russian border and the Russia-controlled Crimean Peninsula, and farther west, just north of Kherson, they were bearing down on Mykolaiv. Military experts say that capturing those cities would accomplish Moscowxe2x80x99s strategic objective of cutting off Ukrainian forces that have been battling Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine from the rest of the country.

xe2x80x94 Russiaxe2x80x99s advance was making less apparent progress against Kyiv, the capital, where a miles-long convoy of hundreds of military vehicles remained about 18 miles from the city center, stymied by what British intelligence officials described Thursday as xe2x80x9cstaunch Ukrainian resistance, mechanical breakdown and congestion.xe2x80x9d

xe2x80x94 The United Nations said that 1 million Ukrainians had become refugees in the week since Russia launched its invasion. With more and more of Ukraine cut off from reliable communications, satellite imagery provided a glimpse of the humanitarian crisis, showing people lining up outside grocery stores in parts of the country.

xe2x80x94 The Kremlin forced Echo of Moscow, Russiaxe2x80x99s flagship liberal radio station, to shut down its radio broadcast and website, in a sign of Putinxe2x80x99s rapid crackdown on dissent since the invasion. Hours later, Dozhd, Russiaxe2x80x99s only independent general news channel, announced that it would temporarily stop broadcasting after Thursday because of a looming law criminalizing xe2x80x9cfakesxe2x80x9d about the war.

Zelensky asks West for more military aid xe2x80x94 12:10 p.m.

By The Associated Press

Ukrainexe2x80x99s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to sit down for talks while urging the West to offer a stronger military assistance to Ukraine to fight the Russian invasion.

In a sarcastic reference to a long table Putin used for his recent meetings with foreign leaders and Russian officials, Zelenskyy said: xe2x80x9cSit down with me to negotiate, just not at 30 meters,xe2x80x9d adding, xe2x80x9cI donxe2x80x99t bite. What are you afraid of?xe2x80x9d

During Thursdayxe2x80x99s news conference, Zelenskyy said that prospects for another round of talks between Russian and Ukrainian negotiations donxe2x80x99t seem promising, but emphasized the need to negotiate, adding that xe2x80x9cany words are more important than shots.xe2x80x9d

He said the world was too slow to offer support for Ukraine and prodded Western leaders to enforce a no-fly zone over Ukraine to deny access to the Russian warplanes. The U.S. and NATO allies have ruled out the move that would directly pit Russian and Western militaries.

Zelenskyy charged that if the West remains reluctant to declare a no-fly zone over Ukraine, it should at least provide Kyiv with warplanes.

Top Russian general killed in Ukraine xe2x80x94 11:50 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Maj. Gen. Andrei Sukhovetsky, the commanding general of the Russian 7th Airborne Division, was killed in fighting in Ukraine earlier this week.

His death was confirmed by a local officersxe2x80x99 organization in the Krasnodar region in southern Russia. The circumstances of his death were not immediately clear.

Sukhovetsky, who was 47, began his military service as a platoon commander after graduating from a military academy and steadily rose through the ranks to take a series of leadership positions. He took part in Russiaxe2x80x99s military campaign in Syria.

He was also a deputy commander of the 41st Combined Arms Army.

A funeral ceremony will be held in Novorossiisk, but further details werenxe2x80x99t immediately announced

Zelensky asks Putin to meet xe2x80x94 11:42 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet him, salting the proposal with sarcasm.

xe2x80x9cSit down with me to negotiate, just not at 30 meters,xe2x80x9d he said Thursday, apparently referring to recent photos of Putin sitting at one end of an extremely long table when he met with French President Emmanuel Macron.

xe2x80x9cI donxe2x80x99t bite. What are you afraid of?xe2x80x9d Zelenskyy said at a Thursday news conference.

Zelenskyy said it was sensible to have talks: xe2x80x9cAny words are more important than shots.xe2x80x9d

Zelensky on Russian troops: xe2x80x98These are not warriors of a superpower. These are confused children who have been used.xe2x80x99 xe2x80x94 11:36 a.m.

By The New York Times

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine early Thursday portrayed invading Russian troops as directionless and asserted that the invasion plans of Russian President Vladimir Putin had been xe2x80x9cruined,xe2x80x9d even as the first major Ukrainian city fell in the war.

xe2x80x9cOur soldiers, our border guards, our territorial defense, even simple farmers are capturing Russian soldiers every day, and all of them are saying the same thing: They donxe2x80x99t know why they are here,xe2x80x99xe2x80x99 Zelenskyy said in a speech posted on his Facebook page. xe2x80x9cThese are not warriors of a superpower. These are confused children who have been used.xe2x80x9d

xe2x80x9cEven though there are 10 times more of them, the enemyxe2x80x99s morale is getting lower and lower,xe2x80x9d Zelenskyy said. xe2x80x9cWe are a people who have ruined our enemyxe2x80x99s plans in one week.xe2x80x9d

Russian strikes on Kharkiv civilians could amount to war crimes, Amnesty International says xe2x80x94 11:25 a.m.

By Christina Prignano, Globe Staff

The human rights group Amnesty International on Thursday released an analysis of recent Russian strikes in Kharkiv, alleging that Russia committed possible war crimes as peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials got underway.

The analysis included a 3D model of targeted areas in Kharkiv overlaid with images and video of the attack, which took place Monday. Amnesty International also said it collected witness statements.

EU seeks to suspend Russiaxe2x80x99s most-favored nation status at WTO xe2x80x94 10:54 a.m.

By Bloomberg News

The European Union is seeking to remove Russiaxe2x80x99s most-favored nation status at the World Trade Organization, a move that could further hit 95 billion euros ($105 billion) of Moscowxe2x80x99s exports to the bloc with tariffs.

The European Commission, the EUxe2x80x99s executive arm, is discussing the possibility with member states, according to commission spokeswoman Miriam Garcia Ferrer.

The sanctions already imposed by the EU have closed off a significant portion of financial and trade ties with most European companies. Ending most-favored nation status would increase costs via tariffs for any EU companies still doing business with Russia.

Russian troops move in on key energy hub in Ukraine xe2x80x94 10:52 a.m.

By The Associated Press

The townxe2x80x99s Mayor says that a large Russian convoy is moving in on the city of Enerhodar, a key energy hub on the Dnieper River.

Russian military escalation is a threat to human rights, says UN xe2x80x94 10:48 a.m.

By The Associated Press

The UN human rights chief says military operations in Ukraine are xe2x80x9cescalating further as we speakxe2x80x9d and warned of xe2x80x9cconcerning reportsxe2x80x9d of the use of cluster bombs. Michelle Bachelet said the Ukrainian town of Volnovakha in the eastern Donetsk region, where pro-Russian separatists seized territory in 2014, leading to a drawn-out military conflict, xe2x80x9chas been almost completely destroyed by shelling,xe2x80x9d with residents hiding in basements. She spoke Thursday during an xe2x80x9curgent debatexe2x80x9d at the Human Rights Council, where country after country spoke out against Russiaxe2x80x99s invasion. Many Western envoys sported blue or yellow ties, scarves, jackets, or ribbons on their lapels xe2x80x93 colors of the Ukrainian flag.

Delegates will vote Friday on a resolution that would create a three-person panel of experts to monitor human rights and report on rights abuses and violations in Ukraine. US Ambassador Sheba Crocker said her country was xe2x80x9cdeeply alarmedxe2x80x9d by reports of xe2x80x9cRussiaxe2x80x99s deployment of weapons such as cluster munitions and thermobarics against cities where innocent people are sheltering.xe2x80x9d She urged countries to vote for the resolution.

Chen Xu, Chinaxe2x80x99s ambassador, hailed diplomatic talks between Russia and Ukraine but said his country opposed efforts to xe2x80x9cpoliticizexe2x80x9d human rights. He said China would vote against the resolution.

Ukraine and Russia begin second round of peace talks xe2x80x94 10:45 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyxe2x80x99s office says a second round of talks with Russia about the war in Ukraine has begun in neighboring Belarus. A video released by Zelenskyxe2x80x99s office Thursday showed the informally dressed Ukrainian delegation walking into the meeting room where they shook hands with Russian delegates in suits and ties.

The talks are aimed at stopping the fighting that has sent more than 1 million people fleeing over Ukrainexe2x80x99s borders, but the two sides appeared to have little common ground. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Ukraine that it must quickly accept the Kremlinxe2x80x99s demand for its xe2x80x9cdemilitarizationxe2x80x9d and declare itself neutral, formally renouncing its bid to join NATO. Putin has long contended that Ukrainexe2x80x99s turn toward the West is a threat to Moscow, an argument he used to justify last weekxe2x80x99s invasion.

The talks came as the Russian military made significant gains in the south of Ukraine as part of an effort to sever the countryxe2x80x99s connection to the Black and Azov seas.

France says Putin expressed confidence and determination to continue invasion xe2x80x94 10:42 a.m.

By The Associated Press

A French official says French President Emmanuel Macron has spoken for 90 minutes by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who told Macron that military operations in Ukraine are xe2x80x9cgoing according to plan.xe2x80x9d

The official at the French Elysee presidential palace said Putin told Macron the conflict would continue xe2x80x9cuntil the endxe2x80x9d unless negotiations meet his terms. Putin said negotiations must center on the xe2x80x9cneutralization and disarmament of Ukraine,xe2x80x9d according to the French official. Putin reportedly said he would attain that goal by military means, if not by political and diplomatic means.

The official said the two leaders spoke at Putinxe2x80x99s request. The French official could not be named in keeping with Elysee practice.

Canada announces 35 perfect tariff on Russian imports xe2x80x94 10:13 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Canada is announcing a 35 percent tariff on any imports from Russia or Belarus.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says Canada is removing those countriesxe2x80x99 xe2x80x9cmost favored nationxe2x80x9d status as a trading partner, which is normally extended to fellow World Trade Organization member countries.

Freeland said Thursday that Canada is encouraging its allies to take the same step.

Russia and Belarus join North Korea in being downgraded for trade.

Zelensky says 16,000 foreigners have volunteered to fight for Ukraine against Russian invasion xe2x80x94 9:51 a.m.

By The Washington Post

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday said that 16,000 foreigners have volunteered to fight for Ukraine against the Russian invasion.

In an emotional video posted to his Telegram channel, Zelensky referred to the xe2x80x9cinternational legionxe2x80x9d of 16,000 foreign volunteers he has sought to xe2x80x9cjoin the defense of Ukraine, Europe and the world.xe2x80x9d The country earlier this week temporarily lifted visa requirements for foreign volunteers who wish to enter the country and join the fight against Russian forces.

xe2x80x9cWe have nothing to lose but our own freedom,xe2x80x9d Zelensky said, noting that Ukrainexe2x80x99s international allies are sending the countryxe2x80x99s arms supplies each day.

Wheat, corn prices surge amid Russiaxe2x80x99s invasion of Ukraine xe2x80x94 9:37 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Consumers facing higher prices for products made with corn and wheat could be in for more pain as global supplies grow tighter because of Russiaxe2x80x99s invasion of Ukraine. Wheat prices jumped 37 percent and corn prices jumped 21 percent so far in 2022 after rising more than 20 percent throughout all of 2021. Persistently rising inflation has already prompted companies like Kellogg and General Mills to raise prices and pass the costs off to consumers and that pattern may worsen with the current crisis.

Ukraine has long been considered a xe2x80x9cbread basketxe2x80x9d because of its rich soil. The nation accounts for 12 percent of the worldxe2x80x99s total wheat exports, according to the US Department of Agriculture. It is also estimated to supply 16 percent of the worldxe2x80x99s corn exports this year. Food producers in the US get most of their raw materials domestically, but any drop in production and exports from Ukraine would reverberate globally through price increases. xe2x80x9cThe US is not a key trading partner with Russia/Ukraine but is nonetheless likely to feel the shock from other major countries that do rely on Russia/Ukraine,xe2x80x9d said CFRA analyst Arun Sundaram, in a note to investors.

Russia, while a key player in the energy industry, also plays a key role in the global agricultural market with ingredients for fertilizer. It is facing increasingly restrictive sanctions and penalties as the war persists and that could stymie the flow of those ingredients, such as potash, or Russia could respond by cutting off supplies. xe2x80x9cAny cutoff from them in those areas would be quite damaging to western economies,xe2x80x9d said Barry Bannister, chief equity strategist at Stifel. xe2x80x9cThat would be very destabilizing; the risk really isnxe2x80x99t energy itxe2x80x99s agriculture if this is dragged out.xe2x80x9d

Inflation is already at a four-decade high in the US, partly driven by rising food costs. Food producers have signaled they are prepared to raise prices further if inflation persists. Consumers have so far been willing to pay higher prices, but additional price increases raise more concerns that people will eventually feel too squeezed and pullback spending. Tom Vilsack, US secretary of agriculture, has said that American wheat farmers will boost production to help offset the global impact of choked off exports from Ukraine. Analysts expect that tighter supplies and high demand will likely benefit some of the bigger agribusinesses, including Archer-Daniels Midland and Bunge. Those companies have already been benefiting from a boost in global demand for key products, including wheat, corn and soybeans.

Estonian ship reportedly sinks after encountering mine off Odessa xe2x80x94 9:16 a.m.

By The Associated Press

A Panama-flagged cargo vessel belonging to an Estonian shipping company has reportedly driven into a mine and sank off the Ukrainian port city of Odessa.

The m/v Helt was built in 1985 and is owned by the VISTA Shipping Agency AS, Estonian media outlets reported Thursday, adding that two crew members have been rescued, while four others are missing.

Ukrainian authorities said earlier this week that Russian sailors had captured the ship. Estonian Foreign Minister Eva-Maria Liimets said Estonian officials are currently dealing with the issue and the ministry would give details on the incident as soon as possible.

Ukraine calls on citizenry to use guerrilla warfare against Russian troops xe2x80x94 9:13 a.m.

By The Associated Press

As Russian forces advance on strategic points in southern Ukraine, Ukrainian authorities on Thursday called on compatriots to launch a guerrilla war against Russian forces.

In a video message posted online, Ukrainian presidential aide Oleksiy Arestovich urged men to cut down trees and destroy rear columns of Russian troops. xe2x80x9cWe urge people to begin providing total popular resistance to the enemy in the occupied territories,xe2x80x9d Arestovich said. xe2x80x9cThe weak side of the Russian army is the rear – if we burn them now and block the rear, the war will stop in a matter of days,xe2x80x9d he said.

Arestovich said that such tactics are already being used in Konotop in northeast Ukraine and Melitopol near the Azov Sea, which were captured by Russian troops. He called on the civilian population to build barricades in cities, hold rallies with Ukrainian flags, and create online networking groups. xe2x80x9cTotal resistance … this is our Ukrainian trump card and this is what we can do best in the world,xe2x80x9d Arestovich said, recalling guerrilla actions in Nazi-occupied Ukraine during World War II.

Russian forces seize key port as they seek to cut off Ukraine from its coastline xe2x80x94 9:06 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Russian forces have seized a strategic Ukrainian seaport and besieged another as part of efforts to cut the country off from its coastline, even as Moscow said Thursday it was ready for talks to end the fighting that has sent more than 1 million people fleeing over Ukrainexe2x80x99s borders.

The Russian military said it had control of Kherson, and local Ukrainian officials confirmed that forces have taken over local government headquarters in the Black Sea port of 280,000, making it the first major city to fall since the invasion began a week ago.

Biden administration requests $32.5 billion in Ukraine aid and coronavirus funds as spending talks continue xe2x80x94 6:58 a.m.

By The Washington Post

The Biden administration is asking Congress to approve $32.5 billion to bolster Ukraine against Russian aggression and shore up the United States in the battle against the coronavirus.

The official request arrives as Democrats and Republicans continue to tussle over a broader aid package that many lawmakers hope to append to a still-forming deal to fund the government. Absent imminent action, critical federal agencies and programs are set to run out of money after March 11, imperiling Washingtonxe2x80x99s ability to respond to both crises in full.

To aid Ukraine, the Biden administration is calling on lawmakers to approve $10 billion, hoping to address the emerging humanitarian crisis in the country in the face of a worsening Russian onslaught. The figure also includes assistance to bolster Ukrainexe2x80x99s defenses, protect its electrical grid from disruption, and further assist other European allies, according to two people familiar with the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe the plans.

France seizes Russian oligarch-linked yacht xe2x80x94 6:29 a.m.

By The Associated Press

French authorities say they have seized a yacht linked to Igor Sechin, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, as part of European Union sanctions over Russiaxe2x80x99s invasion of Ukraine.

The French Finance Ministry said in a statement Thursday that customs authorities carried out an inspection of the yacht Amore Vero in the Mediterranean resort of La Ciotat.

The boat arrived in La Ciotat on Jan. 3 for repairs and was slated to stay until April 1. When French customs officers arrived to inspect the yacht, its crew was preparing an urgent departure, even though the repair work wasnxe2x80x99t finished, the statement said. The boat was seized to prevent its departure.

It says the boat is owned by a company that lists Sechin as its primary shareholder. Sechin runs Russian oil giant Rosneft.

Hungary will not allow any arms shipments bound for neighboring Ukraine to cross its territory xe2x80x94 6:27 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Hungaryxe2x80x99s government is insisting it will not allow any arms shipments bound for neighboring Ukraine to cross its territory, as the European Union country receives tens of thousands of refugees from the conflict and frets about the reliability of its energy links to Moscow.

A large Hungarian ethnic minority, around 150,000 people, lives in the western Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia, just across the border.

The prime ministerxe2x80x99s chief of staff, Gergely Gulyas, says allowing weapons into Ukraine would endanger that minority.

Gulyas said Thursday that some 120,000 refugees fleeing the conflict have crossed into Hungary so far.

Hungary has agreed to all EU sanctions imposed on Russia, Gulyas said. But he argued against allowing sanctions to affect Hungaryxe2x80x99s energy sector, which relies heavily on Russian natural gas.

Gulyas also said that Hungary will not pull out of the planned Russian-backed expansion of Hungaryxe2x80x99s only nuclear power plant, which will be financed primarily by a Russian state bank.

Katapult magazine, a quarterly based in the northeast German town of Greifswald, has made a name for itself in recent years explaining complex social issues with easy-to-understand graphics and charts that are widely shared on social media. It claims to have 150,000 print subscribers.

What people are donating to Ukraine and its refugees: Crypto, ammo, pet food and cash xe2x80x94 5:57 a.m.

By The Washington Post

From ordinary citizens to big-name corporations and Hollywood stars, people around the world are pledging millions of dollars to help Ukraine defend itself from Russiaxe2x80x99s invasion, alongside much-needed medical supplies, military equipment and even pet food.

Those donations come as international agencies and individual governments have already rolled out aid plans. The World Health Organization has $3.5 million in emergency funding; the U.S. government is hoping to deploy $6.4 billion in emergency aid to the region; and the European Commission signed off on a $100 million aid package.

Netflix co-founder and co-chief executive Reed Hastings on Wednesday announced a $1 million donation to Razom, a Ukrainian nonprofit that has sought to strengthen democracy in its country. It is now focused on procuring disposable resuscitators, tourniquets and other emergency supplies needed to treat war injuries, according to its website.

China denies asking Russia not to invade until post-Olympics xe2x80x94 5:48 a.m.

By The Associated Press

BEIJING xe2x80x94 China is denouncing a report that it asked Russia to delay invading Ukraine until after the Beijing Winter Olympics as xe2x80x9cfake newsxe2x80x9d and a xe2x80x9cvery despicablexe2x80x9d attempt to divert attention and shift blame over the conflict.

xe2x80x9cThe New York Times report is purely fake news, and such behaviors of diverting attentions and shifting blames are very despicable,xe2x80x9d Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Thursday.

The Times article cited a xe2x80x9cWestern intelligence reportxe2x80x9d considered credible by officials, which indicated that xe2x80x9csenior Chinese officials had some level of direct knowledge about Russiaxe2x80x99s war plans or intentions before the invasion started last week,xe2x80x9d the Times wrote.

China also commented on its decision to abstain in Wednesdayxe2x80x99s U.N. General Assembly emergency session vote to demand an immediate halt to Moscowxe2x80x99s attack on Ukraine and the withdrawal of all Russian troops.

xe2x80x9cRegrettably, the draft resolution submitted to the General Assembly emergency special session for vote had not undergone full consultations with the whole membership, nor does it take into consideration the history and the complexity of the current crisis,xe2x80x9d Wang said.

Russia aims to destroy Ukrainexe2x80x99s military xe2x80x94 5:43 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Russiaxe2x80x99s foreign minister says Moscow is ready for peace talks but will press its effort to destroy Ukrainexe2x80x99s military infrastructure, which the Kremlin claims is threatening Russia.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday that the Russian delegation to the talks submitted its demands to Ukrainian negotiators earlier this week and is now waiting for Kyivxe2x80x99s response in a meeting set for Thursday.

Lavrov said that Russia will insist on provisions that Ukraine will never again represent a military threat to Russia. He said it will be up to Ukrainians to choose what government they should have.

Lavrov voiced regret for civilian casualties during the Russian action in Ukraine, which started last week, and insisted that the Russian military is using only precision weapons against military targets.

He tacitly acknowledged that some Russian strikes could have killed civilians, saying that xe2x80x9cany military action is fraught with casualties, and not just among the military but also civilians.xe2x80x9d

Norway, Germany provide missiles to Ukraine xe2x80x94 4:40 a.m.

By The Associated Press

A Hercules C130 transport aircraft with some 2,000 anti-tank missiles for Ukraine has taken off from Norway.

The weapons are to help Ukrainian forces resist Russiaxe2x80x99s invasion, which began last week.

Norwayxe2x80x99s national news agency NTB said the shipment was being sent from Oslo on Thursday to a third country before being transported to Ukraine.

Also Thursday, Germanyxe2x80x99s economy ministry approved sending 2,700 anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine, the dpa news agency said.

The agency quoted unnamed Economy Ministry officials saying the weapons are Soviet-made, shoulder-fired Strela surface-to-air missiles left over from East German army supplies.

Germany reversed its previous refusal to provide Ukraine with lethal weapons last week, following Russiaxe2x80x99s attack.

Russia exposure wipes $100 billion from European stocks xe2x80x94 4:27 a.m.

By Bloomberg

European stocks with business exposure to Russia have lost more than $100 billion in market value since the war risks surged. Still, with the impact of sanctions on Moscow remaining uncertain, few are ready to snap them up just yet.

xe2x80x9cNobody knows where this ends and we are in a maximum uncertainty environment that requires a rethinking for most investors,xe2x80x9d said Peter Garnry, head of equity strategy at Saxo Bank AS.

Russiaxe2x80x99s war spurs corporate exodus, exposes business risks xe2x80x94 4:07 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Auto shipments stopped, beer stopped flowing, cargo ships dropped port calls and oil companies cut their pipelines.

Russiaxe2x80x99s invasion of Ukraine has thrown business plans into disarray and forced a growing number of the worldxe2x80x99s best known brands xe2x80x94 from Apple to Ford and BP xe2x80x94 to pull out of a country thatxe2x80x99s become a global outcast as companies seek to maintain their reputations and live up to corporate responsibility standards.

Investors were drawn to Russia in search of lucrative profits they thought were worth the geopolitical risks. That calculation has changed after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched war in Europe, triggering a wave of global sanctions and export restrictions that have thrown its economy into turmoil and disrupted the operations of multinational corporations there.

Germany has approved sending anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine xe2x80x94 3:58 a.m.

By The Associated Press

The German news agency DPA reported that Germany has approved sending 2,700 anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine.

The report quoted unnamed Economy Ministry officials on Thursday saying the weapons are Soviet-made, shoulder-fired Strela surface-to-air missiles left over from East German army supplies.

Germany reversed its previous refusal to provide Ukraine with lethal weapons last week following Russiaxe2x80x99s invasion.

Berlin has already authorized sending 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine.

UN says at least 227 civilians dead in Ukraine xe2x80x94 3:52 a.m.

By The Associated Press

The UN human rights office says 227 civilians have been killed and another 525 injured in its latest count of the toll in Ukraine in the wake of Russiaxe2x80x99s military invasion that began a week ago.

The office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights says the tally eclipses the entire civilian casualty count from the war in eastern Ukraine between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces in 2014 xe2x80x94 which left 136 dead and 577 injured.

The rights office admits that the figures so far are a vast undercount. It uses a strict methodology and counts only confirmed casualties. Ukrainian officials have presented far higher numbers.

The rights office said in a statement late Wednesday that xe2x80x9creal figures are considerably higher, especially in government-controlled territory and especially in recent days, as the receipt of information from some locations where intensive hostilities have been going on was delayed and many reports were still pending corroboration.xe2x80x9d

Most of the casualties were caused by the use of explosive weapons with a wide impact area, including shelling from heavy artillery and multi-launch rocket systems, and airstrikes, the rights office said.

EU moves toward granting temporary protection to refugees xe2x80x94 3:19 a.m.

By The Associated Press

With close to a million refugees already fleeing Ukraine for the eastern nations of the European Union, the bloc is bracing for the arrival of many more as the Russian invasion continues.

EU Commissioner Ylva Johansson said Thursday ahead of a special meeting of justice and home affairs ministers that xe2x80x9cwe have to be prepared for millions of refugees to come to the European Union.xe2x80x9d

The bloc is already moving toward granting temporary protection to those fleeing war, seeking to give temporary residence permits to refugees and allow them rights to education and work in the 27-nation bloc.

The EU Commission has already promised at least 500 million euros ($560 million) in humanitarian aid for the refugees. Johansson said the bloc will need funding and equipment.

Neutral Finland, Sweden warm to idea of NATO membership xe2x80x94 3:02 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Delegations from Russia and Ukraine are expected to hold talks in Belarus on Thursday, a second round of face-to-face discussions since the Russian invasion eight days ago.

In a video address to the nation early Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Ukrainians to keep up their resistance, but didnxe2x80x99t comment on whether the Russians have seized any cities.

xe2x80x9cThey will have no peace here,xe2x80x9d Zelensky said, calling on the Russian soldiers to xe2x80x9cgo homexe2x80x9d and describing them as xe2x80x9cconfused children who have been used.xe2x80x9d

His comments come as Russia acknowledged for the first time since the start of the invasion that nearly 500 Russian troops have been killed in the fighting and around 1,600 wounded. Ukraine has not released a similar casualty figure for its armed forces.

Russia-Ukraine War: What to know on Day 8 of Russian assault xe2x80x94 3:01 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Delegations from Russia and Ukraine are expected to hold talks in Belarus on Thursday, a second round of face-to-face discussions since the Russian invasion eight days ago.

In a video address to the nation early Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Ukrainians to keep up their resistance, but didnxe2x80x99t comment on whether the Russians have seized any cities.

xe2x80x9cThey will have no peace here,xe2x80x9d Zelenskyy said, calling on the Russian soldiers to xe2x80x9cgo homexe2x80x9d and describing them as xe2x80x9cconfused children who have been used.xe2x80x9d

His comments come as Russia acknowledged for the first time since the start of the invasion that nearly 500 Russian troops have been killed in the fighting and around 1,600 wounded. Ukraine has not released a similar casualty figure for its armed forces.

Fitch downgrades Russiaxe2x80x99s credit rating xe2x80x94 2:50 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Fitch Ratings has downgraded Russiaxe2x80x99s credit rating, citing a xe2x80x9csevere shockxe2x80x9d to fundamental conditions due to its invasion of Ukraine.

Fitch said the war has raised risks to financial stability and could undermine Russiaxe2x80x99s ability to service its government debt. It said that, in turn, will weaken the countryxe2x80x99s finances and slow its economy, further raising geopolitical risks and uncertainty.

Among other factors, the ratings agency noted sanctions imposed by Western countries that are limiting access to foreign currency needed to repay debt and purchase imports and increased uncertainty over Russiaxe2x80x99s willingness to pay such debts.

Ukraine Ministry of Defense says Russian column has made xe2x80x98little discernible progressxe2x80x99 xe2x80x94 2:30 a.m.

By The Associated Press

Britainxe2x80x99s Ministry of Defense says that a Russian military column heading for Kyiv has made xe2x80x9clittle discernible progressxe2x80x9d over the past three days and remains over 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the center of the city.

The column has been delayed by Ukrainian resistance, mechanical breakdowns and congestion, the ministry said in its daily intelligence briefing Thursday.

Despite heavy Russian shelling, the cities of Kharkiv, Chernihiv and Mariupol remain in Ukrainian hands, the department said. Some Russian forces have entered the city of Kherson, but the military situation remains unclear, it added.

The ministry also noted that Russia has been forced to admit that 498 of its soldiers have been killed in Ukraine and another 1,597 have been wounded. The actual number of those killed and wounded will almost certainly be considerably higher and will continue to rise, it said.

Russian athletes out of Paralympics in stunning about-face xe2x80x94 2:17 a.m.

By The Associated Press

In a stunning reversal, Russian and Belarusian athletes have been banned from the Winter Paralympic Games for their countriesxe2x80x99 roles in the war in Ukraine, the International Paralympic Committee said Thursday in Beijing.

The about-face comes less than 24 hours after the IPC on Wednesday announced it would allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete when the Games open on Friday, but only as neutral athletes with colors, flags and other national symbols removed.

The IPC received immediate criticism for its initial decision. It was termed a betrayal that sent the wrong message to Russiaxe2x80x99s leadership. The IPC also said it was evident that many athletes would refuse to compete against Russians or Belarusians, creating chaos for the Paralympics and damaging the reputation.

Zelensky says Russian troops are xe2x80x98confused childrenxe2x80x99 who donxe2x80x99t know why they are in Ukraine xe2x80x94 1:12 a.m.

By The New York Times

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine early Thursday portrayed invading Russian troops as directionless and asserted that the invasion plans of Russian President Vladimir Putin had been xe2x80x9cruined,xe2x80x9d even as the first major Ukrainian city fell in the war.

xe2x80x9cOur soldiers, our border guards, our territorial defense, even simple farmers are capturing Russian soldiers every day, and all of them are saying the same thing: They donxe2x80x99t know why they are here,xe2x80x99xe2x80x99 Zelenskyy said in a speech posted on his Facebook page. xe2x80x9cThese are not warriors of a superpower. These are confused children who have been used.xe2x80x9d

Since the invasion started a week ago, Zelenskyy has issued a call to arms with daily speeches and social-media comments. His willingness to fight xe2x80x94 he has said hexe2x80x99s Russiaxe2x80x99s target No. 1 xe2x80x94 against a superior army has made him something of a folk hero for many people who oppose Russian invasion. He received a standing ovation Tuesday when he addressed the European Parliament on a video link. His urging of a civilian resistance has echoes of Winston Churchillxe2x80x99s defiance of Nazi Germany.

xe2x80x9cEven though there are 10 times more of them, the enemyxe2x80x99s morale is getting lower and lower,xe2x80x9d Zelenskyy said. xe2x80x9cWe are a people who have ruined our enemyxe2x80x99s plans in one week.xe2x80x9d

Vaccine manufacturer braces for complications xe2x80x94 12:10 a.m.

By The Associated Press

A South Korean pharmaceutical company manufacturing Russiaxe2x80x99s COVID-19 vaccine says itxe2x80x99s bracing for business complications as the U.S.-led West escalates sanctions against Russia over the invasion of Ukraine.

Recently expanded U.S. sanctions include targeted measures against the Russian Direct Investment Fund, a sovereign wealth fund run by a close ally of President Vladmir Putin that globally markets the Sputnik vaccines.

Kim Gi-young, an official from Seoul-based GL Rapha, said the sanctions wonxe2x80x99t directly impede its production of the shots as the measures arenxe2x80x99t aimed at essential medical supplies.

However, the company is concerned about potential problems rising from the financial side as South Korea joins the United States and many European countries in a move to cut off key Russian banks from global payment systems.

xc2xa0 March 2, 2022 xc2xa0

Ukrainian passport holders can seek UAE visas xe2x80x94 11:53 p.m.

By The Associated Press

The United Arab Emirates says Ukrainian passport holders continue to be eligible for visas on arrival to the Gulf state.

The UAExe2x80x99s Foreign Ministry statement on Thursday came in response to media coverage quoting Ukrainexe2x80x99s Embassy in the UAE saying that the Gulf country is reimposing visa requirements on Ukrainians and suspending an agreement for visa-free travel between the two countries.

The energy-rich UAE, which relies on Russian and Ukrainian wheat exports, is home to some 15,000 Ukrainian residents among its roughly 8 million foreign residents and 1 million Emirati citizens. Before the coronavirus pandemic, around a quarter-million Ukrainian tourists visited the UAE.

The UAE, like other Gulf Arab states, does not recognize individuals fleeing war and has not permitted refugees from Syria, Iraq and other wars to seek asylum or seek resettlement.

The UAE, which is home to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, abstained in a U.N. Security Council vote late last week condemning Moscowxe2x80x99s invasion of Ukraine. It is also chair of the Security Council.

Russian casualties arrive at Belarus hospital xe2x80x94 11:52 p.m.

By The Associated Press

A string of seven bus-size Russian military ambulances xe2x80x94 their windows blocked with gray shades xe2x80x94 pulled up to the back entrance of the main hospital about 30 miles (48 kilometers) from the border with Ukraine on Tuesday evening, ferrying casualties from the front.

The convoy was part of what residents and doctors said has in recent days become a steady flow of Russian soldiers wounded in fierce fighting around Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, where a Russian advance has stalled in the face of strong resistance.

A doctor at the hospital xe2x80x94 which is in southern Belarusxe2x80x99s Gomel region, a main staging ground for Russiaxe2x80x99s offensive xe2x80x94 said injured Russian troops began arriving on Monday. xe2x80x9cI hope they donxe2x80x99t jail me for sharing this,xe2x80x9d she said.

OSCE member dies during Kharkiv shelling xe2x80x94 11:51 p.m.

By The Associated Press

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe says one of its members died during shelling in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv.

Maryna Fenina was killed while getting supplies for her family, the group said in a news release Wednesday. Fenina worked with the organizationxe2x80x99s monitoring mission in Ukraine.

xe2x80x9cIn Kharkiv and other cities and towns in Ukraine, missiles, shells and rockets are hitting residential buildings and town centers, killing and injuring innocent civilians xe2x80x94 women, men and children alike,xe2x80x9d it said.

The organizationxe2x80x99s chairperson, Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau, and Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid extended their condolences.

xe2x80x9cOur deepest condolences and sympathies go to Marynaxe2x80x99s family. Maryna was a valued member of the SMM team, and our colleagues in Ukraine remain in close contact with her family to offer our support,xe2x80x9d it said.

The organization launched its Ukraine monitoring mission in 2014 in response to a request from Ukrainexe2x80x99s government and the consent of the groupxe2x80x99s 57 participating states. The mission observes and reports on the situation in Ukraine and aims to facilitate dialogue.

US extends technology restrictions to Belarus and Russian oil industry xe2x80x94 10:45 p.m.

By The New York Times

The Biden administration ramped up restrictions on exporting certain technologies to Russia and Belarus on Wednesday, actions it said would degrade the ability to sustain a military campaign against Ukraine.

The new controls will prevent US companies from exporting certain sensitive items that would support defense, aerospace and maritime industries in Belarus, which the administration said had aided Russiaxe2x80x99s invasion of Ukraine. That move will extend to Belarus the same restrictions the United States placed on Russia on Feb. 24, preventing items like technology and software from being routed through Belarus to restricted sectors in Russia, the Commerce Department said.

Companies around the world that use US software or technology to manufacture their products also will be barred from sending certain sensitive items to Belarus, while Belarusian military entities will face even tougher limitations on the global goods they can purchase.

European sanctions on Russia will cost Europe, too, early signs show xe2x80x94 10:34 p.m.

By The Washington Post

One factor has long underpinned pushback by European governments and business over sanctions on Russia: concern for their own pocketbooks. But in the wake of Russiaxe2x80x99s invasion of Ukraine, the continent has seen a rapid about-face and has already begun to feel the effects.

When Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula in 2014 and backed separatists in Ukrainexe2x80x99s east, European business groups were among the most vocal skeptics of the E.U. sanctions that followed. Just weeks ago, a major German business association was celebrating a xe2x80x9cgratifyingxe2x80x9d surge in trade with Russia, while Italian CEOs met virtually with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss stronger ties even as the crisis was heating up.

In a matter of days, the tone has changed. Since the invasion began last week, Russia, facing a flurry of sanctions, has become an economic pariah. Even Putinxe2x80x99s defenders among European businesses, especially in Italy and Germany, have rallied behind what Francexe2x80x99s finance minister this week called an xe2x80x9call-out economic and financial warxe2x80x9d against Russia, the European Unionxe2x80x99s fifth-biggest trading partner.

Zelensky calls on Ukrainians to keep up resistance xe2x80x94 9:52 p.m.

By The Associated Press

In a video address to the nation early Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave an upbeat assessment of the war and called on Ukrainians to keep up the resistance.

xe2x80x9cWe are a people who in a week have destroyed the plans of the enemy,xe2x80x9d he said. xe2x80x9cThey will have no peace here. They will have no food. They will have here not one quiet moment.xe2x80x9d

Zelensky didnxe2x80x99t comment on whether the Russians have seized several cities, including Kherson.

xe2x80x9cIf they went somewhere, then only temporarily. Wexe2x80x99ll drive them out,xe2x80x9d he said.

He said the fighting is taking a toll on the morale of Russian soldiers, who xe2x80x9cgo into grocery stores and try to find something to eat.xe2x80x9d

xe2x80x9cThese are not warriors of a superpower,xe2x80x9d he said. xe2x80x9cThese are confused children who have been used.xe2x80x9d

He said the Russian death toll has reached about 9,000.

xe2x80x9cUkraine doesnxe2x80x99t want to be covered in bodies of soldiers,xe2x80x9d he said. xe2x80x9cGo home.xe2x80x9d

Biden hails UN vote against Moscow xe2x80x94 9:51 p.m.

By The Associated Press

President Biden is hailing Wednesdayxe2x80x99s vote by the United Nations General Assembly demanding an immediate halt to Moscowxe2x80x99s attack on Ukraine and the withdrawal of all Russian troops, saying it xe2x80x9cdemonstrates the extent of global outrage at Russiaxe2x80x99s horrific assault on a sovereign neighbor.xe2x80x9d

In a statement Wednesday evening, Biden said the U.N. vote recognizes that Russian President Vladimir Putin is xe2x80x9cattacking the very foundations of global peace and security xe2x80x94 and everything the United Nations stands for.xe2x80x9d

The vote on the xe2x80x9cAggression against Ukrainexe2x80x9d resolution was 141-5, with 35 abstentions.

Echoing his State of the Union address Tuesday, Biden said: xe2x80x9cTogether, we must xe2x80x94 and we will xe2x80x94 hold Russia accountable for its actions. We will demonstrate that freedom always triumphs over tyranny.xe2x80x9d

Zelensky says fighting is still occurring around Kherson xe2x80x94 9:50 p.m.

By The Associated Press

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyxe2x80x99s office says fighting is still occurring around the port city of Kherson, which Russian officials have said is in their xe2x80x9ccomplete control.xe2x80x9d

Zelenskyxe2x80x99s office told The Associated Press that it could not comment on the situation there while the battle was still being waged.

But the mayor of Kherson, Igor Kolykhaev, said Russian soldiers were in the city and came to the city administration building. He said he asked them not to shoot civilians and to allow them to gather up the bodies from the streets.

xe2x80x9cI simply asked them not to shoot at people,xe2x80x9d Mayor Igor Kolykhaev said in a statement. xe2x80x9cWe donxe2x80x99t have any Ukrainian forces in the city, only civilians and people here who want to LIVE.xe2x80x9d

Kherson, a city of 300,000, is strategically located on the banks of the Dnieper River near where it flows into the Black Sea. If Russian troops take the city, they could unblock a water canal and restore water supplies to the Crimean Peninsula.

The battle in the Kherson region began last Thursday, the first day of the invasion, and by the next day the Russian forces were able to take a bridge that connects the city with territory on the western bank.

US troops rush to Europe amid war in Ukraine xe2x80x94 9:37 p.m.

By The Associated Press

About 3,800 troops based at Fort Stewart in southeast Georgia have been ordered to deploy quickly and bolster U.S. forces in Europe after Russiaxe2x80x99s invasion of Ukraine.

xe2x80x9cItxe2x80x99s been very hectic and stressful, but overall itxe2x80x99s worked out,xe2x80x9d Army Staff Sgt. Ricora Jackson said Wednesday as she waited with dozens of fellow soldiers to board a chartered flight at Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah. The soldiers are from the 1st Armored Brigade of the Armyxe2x80x99s 3rd Infantry Division.

In all, the Pentagon has ordered about 12,000 service members from various U.S. bases to Europe, with a couple of thousand more already stationed abroad shifting to other European countries.

The soldiersxe2x80x99 mission overseas is to train alongside military units of NATO allies in a display of force aimed at deterring further aggression by Russia.

xe2x80x9cIxe2x80x99m a little nervous, but itxe2x80x99s OK,xe2x80x9d said Jackson, a 22-year-old tank gunner from Pensacola, Florida.

Asked what was making her nervous, she replied: xe2x80x9cJust about the unknown.xe2x80x9d

Maj. Gen. Charles Costanza, the 3rd Infantryxe2x80x99s commander, said soldiers and their families were told to expect the deployment to last six months, though it could be extended or shortened depending on developments in Ukraine. xe2x80x9cThere is no intent to have any U.S. service member fight in Ukraine,xe2x80x9d Costanza said. xe2x80x9cAnd they know that.xe2x80x9d

ICC opens investigation into possible war crimes in Ukraine xe2x80x94 9:35 p.m.

By The Associated Press

The International Criminal Courtxe2x80x99s prosecutor opened an investigation Wednesday into possible war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide in Ukraine dating back to 2013, but also covering the conflict sparked by Russiaxe2x80x99s invasion.

Prosecutor Karim Khan said he launched the probe after 39 of the courtxe2x80x99s member states requested an investigation, a process known as a referral.

xe2x80x9cThese referrals enable my Office to proceed with opening an investigation into the Situation in Ukraine from 21 November 2013 onwards, thereby encompassing within its scope any past and present allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide committed on any part of the territory of Ukraine by any person,xe2x80x9d Khan said in a statement.

xe2x80x9cOur work in the collection of evidence has now commenced,xe2x80x9d he added.

Ukrainexe2x80x99s most vulnerable among those fleeing Russiaxe2x80x99s war xe2x80x94 9:33 p.m.

By The Associated Press

Some of the 1 million people who have fled Russiaxe2x80x99s devastating war in Ukraine count among societyxe2x80x99s most vulnerable, unable to decide on their own to flee and needing careful assistance to make the journey to safety.

In the Hungarian town of Zahony on Wednesday, more than 200 Ukrainians with disabilities xe2x80x94 residents of two care homes in Ukrainexe2x80x99s capital of Kyiv xe2x80x94 disembarked into the cold wind on a train station platform after an arduous escape from the violence gripping Ukraine.

The refugees, many of them children, have serious mental and physical disabilities, and were evacuated from their care facilities once the Russian assault on the capital intensified.

4 million people, or more, may leave Ukraine, according to UN estimate xe2x80x94 9:24 p.m.

By The Associated Press

The U.N. refugee agency said Thursday that 1 million people have now fled Ukraine since Russiaxe2x80x99s invasion less than a week ago, an exodus without precedent in this century for its speed.

The tally from the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees amounts to more than 2% of Ukrainexe2x80x99s population xe2x80x94 which the World Bank counted at 44 million at the end of 2020 xe2x80x94 on the move across borders in just seven days. The agency cautions that the outflows are far from finished: It has predicted that as many as 4 million people could eventually leave Ukraine, and even that projection could be revised upward.

In an email, UNHCR spokeswoman Joung-ah Ghedini-Williams wrote, xe2x80x9cOur data indicates we passed the 1M markxe2x80x9d as of midnight in central Europe, based on counts collected by national authorities.

On Twitter, U.N. High Commissioner Filippo Grandi wrote, xe2x80x9cIn just seven days we have witnessed the exodus of one million refugees from Ukraine to neighboring countries.xe2x80x9d

Putinxe2x80x99s war to bring Ukraine to heel unites Eastern Europe in alarm xe2x80x94 8:20 p.m.

By The New York Times

Scattered around the forest in Poland like archaeological ruins, the crumbling concrete bunkers for decades stored Soviet nuclear warheads. Today, they store only memories xe2x80x94 deeply painful for Poland, joyous for the Kremlin xe2x80x94 of the vanished empire that President Vladimir Putin wants to rebuild, starting with his war in Ukraine.

xe2x80x9cNobody here trusted the Russians before and we certainly donxe2x80x99t trust them now,xe2x80x9d said Mieczyslaw Zuk, a former Polish soldier who oversees the once top-secret nuclear site. The bunkers were abandoned by the Soviet military in 1990 as Moscowxe2x80x99s hegemony over East and Central Europe unraveled in what Putin has described as xe2x80x9cthe greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century.xe2x80x9d

Now Eastern European countries fear a catastrophe of their own could be in the making, as Putin seeks to turn back the clock and reclaim Russiaxe2x80x99s lost sphere of influence, perilously close to their frontiers. Even leaders in the region who have long supported Putin are sounding the alarm.

xe2x80x98We are on our sidexe2x80x99: Across Asia, a mixed reaction to Ukraine war xe2x80x94 7:49 p.m.

By The New York Times

Much of the world has united against Russia in the aftermath of its incursion into Ukraine. Envoys have walked out of meetings rather than listen to a top Russian diplomat speak. Western nations have been in near lockstep on international sanctions. Bartenders are banning Russian vodka.

In Asia, the reaction has been far more mixed.

Generals in Myanmar have called Russiaxe2x80x99s actions xe2x80x9cthe right thing to do.xe2x80x9d India abstained from a UN Security Council resolution to condemn the attack. China has refused to call the assault on Ukraine an invasion. And in Vietnam, President Vladimir Putin of Russia is being affectionately referred to as xe2x80x9cUncle Putin.xe2x80x9d

US House xe2x80x98staunchly, proudlyxe2x80x99 passes resolution for Ukraine xe2x80x94 6:38 p.m.

By The Associated Press

The U.S House has overwhelmingly approved a resolution xe2x80x9csteadfastly, staunchly, proudly and ferventlyxe2x80x9d in support of Ukraine.

Lawmakers said Wednesday that history was watching the way the world responds as Ukrainians fight to save their Western-style democracy from invasion by Russia. With intensifying urgency, many in Congress said more must be done to help Ukraine and cut off Russian President Vladimir Putinxe2x80x99s ability to wage war.

In the Senate, Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., was also introducing a resolution that would back Ukrainexe2x80x99s claim in international court that Putin and his xe2x80x9ccroniesxe2x80x9d have committed war crimes.

He urged his colleague to provide a unanimous vote to overwhelmingly show xe2x80x9cwhether or not we stood up and stood out to protect freedom.xe2x80x9d

The resolve comes after the blue and yellow colors of the Ukraine flag were on view in the House chamber for President Joe Bidenxe2x80x99s State of the Union speech Tuesday night, a display of bipartisan common ground for the often divided Congress.

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