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Ukraine war Highlights: Ukraine's economy to slump 30%, European Bank says
Russia-Ukraine war Highlights: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy – in his nightly radio address – said that Europe, as it did in World War II, once again has to think about the price to be paid by Russia "for bringing the evil of total war to Europe again.”
Russia-Ukraine war Highlights: In his closely watched victory speech on Monday, President Vladimir Putin urged Russians to battle, however, was silent about plans for any escalation in Ukraine - the country he invaded on February 24. No let-up in fighting was witnessed in Ukraine as Russian missiles destroyed buildings in the southern port of Odesa. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy – in his nightly radio address – said that Europe, as it did in World War II, once again has to think about the price to be paid by Russia "for bringing the evil of total war to Europe again.” He said history will hold Russia responsible. “And we, Ukrainians, will continue to work toward our defence, our victory and on restoring justice. Today, tomorrow and any other day that is necessary to free Ukraine from the occupiers,” Zelenskyy added. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan measure to reboot the World War II-era “lend-lease” programme, which helped defeat Nazi Germany, to bolster Kyiv and Eastern European allies. This came as the US Congress is planning to unleash billions more to fight the war against Russia — with Democrats preparing $40 billion in military and humanitarian aid, larger than the $33 billion package Biden has requested.
...Read MoreRussia pummels vital port of Odesa, targeting supply lines
Russia pummeled the vital port of Odesa, Ukrainian officials said Tuesday, in an apparent effort to disrupt supply lines and Western weapons shipments as Ukraine’s foreign minister appeared to suggest the country could expand its war aims.
When will Putin end war with Ukraine? Here's what US intelligence says
The current Russian force is not large or strong enough to capture and hold all that territory without a more general mobilization of troops and resources from Russian society. US intelligence says it is likely that Putin will mobilize his entire country in the war.
US set to approve $40 bn for Ukraine, warning of long war ahead
US lawmakers were set to vote Tuesday on a $40 billion aid package for Ukraine as Washington warned Russia was likely girding for a long conflict with its neighbor.
The defense, humanitarian and economic funding should pass comfortably, with the two parties having reached an agreement on the details, and it will likely move quickly through Congress.
"Time is of the essence -- and we cannot afford to wait," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a letter to her Democratic colleagues.
Ukraine's economy to slump 30%: European Bank
Ukraine’s economy will plunge by almost a third in 2022, more than previously expected, in a scenario in which the war ends this year: European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Zelensky calls for sixth EU sanctions package against Russia
“Now the sixth package of sanctions will be adopted, and it is certainly a package that we need, and also energy sanctions are needed,” says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in address to Slovakian Parliament.
German embassy in Kyiv to reopen
German foreign minister, who arrived in Ukraine on a surprise visit on Tuesday, announces the reopening of her country's embassy in Kyiv that was closed more than two months ago.
Putin preparing for ‘prolonged’ war, says US intelligence chief
"We assess President Putin is preparing for a prolonged conflict in Ukraine during which he still intends to achieve goals beyond the Donbas," says Avril Haines, the Director of National Intelligence.
Xi, Macron discuss Ukraine crisis
Chinese President Xi Jinping and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron, in a phone call in Tuesday, agree on an ‘urgent need’ for a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Moscow's troops were ‘ill-prepared’ for war, says former ‘mercenary’
The Russian military's failure to seize the Ukrainian capital Kyiv was ‘inevitable’ because in the preceding years they had never directly faced a 'powerful enemy', says Marat Gabidullin, a former member with the Kremlin-linked Wagner Group.
WHO's European members pass resolution against Russia
As many as 43 European members of WHO vote in favour of a resolution that could result in the closure of Russia's regional office. Votes against the resolution at three, while two states abstain.
‘Nearly two-thirds of Kyiv residents have returned’
Before the war, 3.5 million people lived in Kyiv. Almost two-thirds of the capital's residents have returned: Vitali Klitschko, Kyiv mayor, at a press briefing
Finland's Parliament recommends NATO membership
Two days before Finland President Sauli Niinisto is expected to announce his stance on the country potentially joining NATO, Finnish Parliament's defence committee says joining the military alliance is the ‘best option’ to guarantee national security.
Russia says won't participate in Thursday's UNHRC session
The Russian delegation will not legitimise with its presence this new political show organised under the guise of an extraordinary session: Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman, Ministry of foreign affairs
‘Ukraine death toll higher than reported’: UN official
“We have been working on estimates, but all I can say for now is that it is thousands higher than the numbers we have currently given to you,” says Matilda Bogner, head of the U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, during a press briefing in Geneva.
German foreign minister makes surprise visit to Bucha
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock makes surprise visit to Bucha, a suburb of Ukraine's capital Kyiv, where Russian troops allegedly carried out mass civilian killings.
Russia pounds vital southern port of Odesa
Russia pounded away at Ukraine’s vital southern port of Odesa, Ukrainian officials said Tuesday, as they announced they found the bodies of 44 civilians in the rubble of a building in the northeast that was destroyed weeks ago, reported AP.
Crucial NATO decisions expected this week
Finland and Sweden are expected to decide on the NATO membership this week. If they do, it would be a historic development for the two Nordic countries: Sweden has avoided military alliances for more than 200 years, while Finland adopted neutrality after being defeated by the Soviet Union in World War II.
European Bank sees Ukrainian economy slumping 30% in 2022
Ukraine’s economy will plunge by almost a third this year as the Russian invasion drags on, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development said in a report forecasting a steeper decline than the 20% contraction it predicted in March.
Russia gas flow stop could erase post-Covid recovery across EBRD region: Report
A report in Reuters – citing the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development – said that an abrupt halt of Russian gas exports could see economies in emerging Europe, central Asia and north Africa slide back to pre-pandemic GDP levels, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development warned on Tuesday.
Oil extends slump as Europe softens Russian sanction proposals
Oil extended its biggest drop in more than five weeks after the European Union softened its proposed sanctions on Russian crude exports and as economic growth concerns weighed on sentiment, reported Bloomberg.
Russian forces committing war crimes in Ukraine: US
Russian forces are committing war crimes and atrocities in Ukraine as they engage in a brutal war that is causing immense suffering and needless destruction, the White House has said. Addressing reporters on Monday, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the US is continuing to do what it can to provide support for Ukraine at this pivotal moment.
Japan announces fresh sanctions against Russia
Japan announced on Tuesday new sanctions on Russia to freeze the assets of more individuals and ban exports of cutting-edge goods to some Russian groups including scientific research institutions, reported Reuters. It is a series of punitive measures by Tokyo following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which Russia calls a special military operation.
Separatists parade in Mariupol
A giant black and orange ribbon was carried through the devastated port city of Mariupol by pro-Russian separatists to mark Victory Day. Moscow has said it has taken control of the city, except for the huge Azovstal steel plant where remaining Ukrainian forces are holed up.
