Live Updates

Russia'south invasion of Ukraine connected to Twenty-four hour period 21. Here are the primal developments:

  • Ukraine has accused Russia of destroying Mariupol's Drama Theater in a missile attack while up to 1,200 civilians, including many children, sheltered within.
  • More than 6,400 Mariupol residents escaped heavy Russian shelling on Midweek after existence transported to Zaporizhia by autobus, according to Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk.
  • Moscow blocked the BBC News website and other foreign media outlets while vowing to fight "false news" with farther censorship.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered a powerful accost to Congress Wed in which he asked lawmakers for more support to assistance defend Ukrainian airspace from Russian attacks and called for more than sanctions on Russian lawmakers
  • Zelensky thanked President Joe Biden for his support and asked him to exist the "leader of peace" for the world
  • Biden announced $800 million in new security assistance to Ukraine. He likewise promised ongoing humanitarian aid to support the estimated 3 one thousand thousand refugees who have fled Ukraine
Ukraine Russia War Day 21 Theater Children
Ukraine accused Russia of intentionally bombing the Mariupol Drama Theater while up to 1,200 civilians, including many children, sheltered inside. Stuffed animals are pictured on a bed inside a shelter at a theater in Lviv, Ukraine on March 16, 2022. Alexey Furman/Getty

Alive updates for this blog have concluded.

Japanese, U.S. Air Forces Carry Joint Stealth Fighter Exercises

Japan'south Air Self-Defence appear this calendar week that it and the U.S. Air Force had conducted articulation exercises involving their respective F-35A stealth fighter jets for the first time.

Japanese Defense Government minister Nobuo Kishi told reporters the air-to-air combat drill that took place over the Sea of Japan on March 10 represented "a major milestone in the improvement of the ASDF'southward power and Japan-U.S. joint response capabilities," according to The Mainichi.

The exercises involved four Japanese jets and four American jets. Japan has reportedly deployed an increasing number of F-35As to bolster its defenses amongst the Russian attack on Ukraine and concerns that People's republic of china could invade Taiwan. The jets were previously deployed due to threats from North Korea.

Russia Claims Ukrainian Nationalists Blew Up Mariupol Theater

Russia has claimed that a battalion of Ukrainian nationalists were responsible for destroying Mariupol'south Drama Theater equally civilians sheltered inside.

The government of Ukraine said on Wednesday the theater took heavy impairment from a Russian missile while equally many as 1,200 people, including many children, were taking refuge from Russian attacks inside.

However, Russia has now claimed that the set on was actually carried out by the Ukrainian National Guard's Azov Regiment, a battalion of far-right nationalists who have been accused of Nazism.

"Co-ordinate to the bachelor reliable information, the militants of the Azov nationalist battalion committed a new bloody provocation past bravado up the theater building mined past them," the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Earlier in the day, Pavlo Kyrylenko, governor of Ukraine'due south Donetsk Oblast, mentioned the battalion while accusing Russia of "lying" virtually the attack on the theater.

"Russians are deliberately bombing civilians!" Kyrylenko said. "These scum seek to physically destroy Mariupol and the people of Mariupol, which have long been the symbols of our resistance."

"The Russians are already lying – as if the headquarters of the Azov Regiment were there," he added. "But they themselves are well enlightened that there were only civilians."

The number of civilian casualties in the theater attack is unknown.

Moscow to Invoke More than Media Censorship After Blocking BBC

Moscow has blocked admission to the BBC news website while promising more censorship on outside media and lashing out at an "data war" waged by the West.

Russian media watch canis familiaris agency Roskomnadzor blocked the website on Midweek, one of at to the lowest degree 32 sites that accept been blocked due to what Russia claims is "simulated news" nigh its invasion of Ukraine.

"I recollect this is only the beginning of retaliatory measures to the information war unleashed by the West confronting Russia," Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in a message posted to Telegram.

Other news outlets that Russian federation blocked on Wednesday include Bellingcat, Kavkazsky Uzel, Novye Izvestiya, Ust Kut 24 and the Estonian paper Postimees.

Earlier this calendar month, Russia blocked admission to social media platforms including Twitter and Facebook, alleging "discrimination" against sharing information from Russian country media.

Over 6,400 Mariupol Residents Escaped to Zaporizhia on Wednesday

Over 6,400 civilians have escaped from Mariupol amid heavy Russian shelling in a single day, according to Ukrainian Deputy Prime Government minister Iryna Vereshchuk.

Vereshchuk said during a briefing that the group of evacuees, which included 2,039 children, had arrived on 15 buses to Zaporizhia on Wednesday and were receiving "aid."

All of those who arrived did and then after first escaping on their own to nearby Berdyansk, where transportation was waiting due to Russian forces blocking buses from inbound Mariupol.

Additional individual vehicles were likewise said to be headed towards Zaporizhia, which has become a pop destination for Mariupol residents who have faces relentless Russian attacks since earlier this month.

The exodus came on the same 24-hour interval that Oleksandr Starukh, caput of the Zaporizhia Regional Military Administration, said that civilian facilities in Zaporizhia had been targeted for the first time, including a train station and a botanical garden.

Video Reportedly Shows Inside of Drama Theater Before Russian Bombing

A video shared to social media by eastern European media outlet NEXTA appears to show a large number of people, including many children, gathering within Mariupol'south Drama Theater just before it was reportedly reduced to rubble by a Russian missile.

The official Twitter business relationship of the Ukraine parliament claimed that the theatre was destroyed with 1,200 civilians inside despite the word "CHILDREN" being written in Russian in big letters outside.

"Striking satellite imagery shows the inscription in forepart of and behind the theatre was conspicuously seen from above," the account tweeted. "Notwithstanding this did non terminate the occupiers, who fired an airstrike on the theatre."

It is unclear how many people may accept been killed or injured in the theatre set on.

Russian federation is facing multiple allegations of state of war crimes for allegedly targeting civilians in Ukraine.

Earlier on Wednesday, Ukraine and the U.South. Embassy in Kyiv claimed that Russian forces gunned downwardly 10 civilians who were waiting in a bread line in Chernihiv.

'Children' Was Painted on the Basis Outside of Bombed Theater

A Russian missile blasted a Ukrainian theater Wednesday in Mariupol, a theater that was beingness used to shelter families. Late last week, the word "children" was painted in big white letters—in Russian—on the parking lots of each side of the building.

There were suspected to be upward of 1,000 people inside the theater seeking shelter.

The bomb crushed the unabridged eye of the Drama Theater, co-ordinate to the Mariupol City Quango. The number of casualties and injuries is unknown at this time.

Security Along NATO'southward Eastern Flank Top Priority for Defense Leaders

U.S. Secretarial assistant of Defense Lloyd Austin met with his counterparts in the Quint Wednesday to discuss strengthening NATO's Eastern flank too equally Ukraine.

Leaders of the Quint, comprised of the U.S., France, Germany, Italian republic and the U.k., gathered in Brussels, Belgium. Austin said he had a "productive" coming together with French Minister of the Armed Forces Florence Parly, German Federal Minister of Defense Christine Lambrecht, Italian Minister of Defense Lorenzo Guerini and U.K. Secretary of State for Defense force Ben Wallace.

"The leaders discussed Russia'southward unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, security assistance to the Ukrainian Military machine and ways to farther strengthen NATO's Eastern Flank," the Pentagon said in a statement.

"The five leaders agreed on the importance of NATO unity to deter Russian aggression against Ukraine's sovereignty in violation of international norms," the Pentagon added.

The U.Southward. continues to deliver security assistance to Ukraine, as President Joe Biden appear a massive heave Wednesday of $800 meg worth of additional assistance.

The Section of Defense shared a video showing a shipment of body armor and helmets beingness candy by the 436th Aerial Port Squadron at Dover Air Forcefulness Base in Delaware for Ukraine.

NATO'due south Defense Ministers as well gathered for a coming together on Wednesday. The ministers discussed measures to reinforce long-term NATO security. On Tuesday, NATO Secretary Full general Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance needs to "reset its military posture" amidst Russia's invasion, which he said creates a new security reality in Europe. The move could include "substantially more than forces in the eastern part of the Alliance, more than Allied air power and significant numbers of combat ships," NATO wrote in a statement.

"We must reset our collective defence and deterrence for the longer term, today we tasked our armed services commanders to develop options across all domains," Stoltenberg said.

Ministers likewise addressed the need for ongoing military, fiscal and humanitarian back up to Ukraine.

Russian Flag Removed from Council of Europe

The Council of Europe has removed the Russian flag from in front end of the edifice.

This comes after the Quango expelled Russia from the France-based human rights body after Moscow's "unjustified and unprovoked assailment" in Ukraine.

"In an extraordinary meeting this forenoon, the Committee of Ministers decided, in the context of the procedure launched under Article 8 of the Statute of the Quango of Europe, that the Russian Federation ceases to be a member of the Council of Europe as from today, later 26 years of membership," the CoE said in a argument.

Council of Europe Removes Russian Flag
The Russian flag is removed outside the Council of Europe edifice, Wednesday, March 16, 2022 in Strasbourg. The Council of Europe expelled Russian federation from the continent's foremost human being rights torso in an unprecedented move over its invasion and state of war in Ukraine. The 47-nation organization's commission of ministers said in argument that "the Russia ceases to be a member of the Council of Europe as from today, after 26 years of membership." Jean-Francois Badias/AP Photograph

The Council's Parliamentary Assembly decided Tuesday that "the Russian Federation can no longer be a member Land of the Organisation," according to a statement.

"Russia's actions lone have led to this outcome," Swedish Foreign Government minister Ann Linde said. "Nosotros sincerely hope that Russia will i day return to the ethics of peace and republic, and regain its membership."

Before the official expulsion, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced it was leaving the Quango Tuesday.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Wednesday that information technology would have left the trunk regardless, as Russian federation believes the Council had devolved into an "anti-Russian federation" body.

Injured Fox News Reporter Safely Out of Ukraine

Play tricks News reporter Benjamin Hall, who was seriously injured in an assail outside of Kyiv earlier this week, is now safely out of Ukraine.

"Ben is alarm and in good spirits," Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott said Wednesday. "He is being treated with the best possible care in the world and we are in close contact with his wife and family unit. Delight continue to go on him in your prayers."

Hall was hospitalized after his vehicle came under fire in Horenka, a village outside of Kyiv on Mon. The aforementioned set on killed Pull a fast one on News photographer Pierre Zakrzewski and Ukrainian journalist Oleksandra Kuvshinova, who was working for Fob News as a consultant.

Benjamin Hall Out of Ukraine
File photograph of Fox News journalist Benjamin Hall. Fob News

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. is investigating if Russian troops are targeting journalists.

"This is something nosotros're looking hard at, we're documenting," Blinken said to NPR. "Others are looking at this. The deliberate targeting of civilians, journalists, and others would establish a state of war criminal offence. So information technology's something that we're very focused on."

Blinken likewise sent his well wishes to Hall, who frequently travels with the Secretary of State, calling him a "tremendous" reporter.

"We're as well seeing journalists in the crossfire, people doing their jobs to bring the truth to the earth," Blinken continued in the NPR interview.

"Nosotros've seen a Fob team that was – had two of its members killed, i injured, someone I know very well. This is Ben Hall. He's someone who travels with me when I travel around the world, someone I accept smashing affection for, who's a tremendous reporter who asks me a lot of tough questions every place nosotros go. I'm very much hoping and praying that he'll be dorsum on the job every bit soon equally possible, but meanwhile two of his colleagues lost their lives in this attack, and another very prominent filmmaker lost his life merely the other day."

Biden Calls Putin a 'War Criminal'

President Joe Biden called Russian President Vladimir Putin a "state of war criminal" Wed, equally Russia'due south invasion of Ukraine continued for Day 21.

"I think he is a state of war criminal," Biden said to reporters.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Biden's remarks "speak for themselves."

"He was speaking from his middle," Psaki said during Wed's White Firm press briefing. "And speaking from what he'southward seen on television, which is barbaric deportment by a savage dictator through his invasion of a strange state."

She added that a legal process into state of war crimes continues to exist underway at the State Department.

NATO Has No Plans to Send Troops to Ukraine

NATO Principal Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance volition eternalize its military presence in eastern Europe.

"On land, our new posture should include substantially more forces in the eastern function of the alliance, at higher readiness, with more than pre-positioned equipment and supplies," Stoltenberg said during a printing conference in Brussels amid a meeting of NATO defence force ministers.

Jens Stoltenberg
NATO Secretarial assistant General Jens Stoltenberg speaks during a press conference after a coming together of the brotherhood'south Defense Ministers at the NATO Headquarter in Brussels on March 16, 2022. KENZO TRIBOUILLARD/AFP via Getty Images

NATO, however, has no plans to deploy troops on the ground in Ukraine or declare a no-fly zone.

"Allies are united that NATO should non deploy forces on the ground or in the airspace of Ukraine," he said. "Because we have a responsibleness to ensure that this war doesn't escalate beyond Ukraine."

The United Country echoed this position, proverb it does non want to escalate the disharmonize in Ukraine.

During a press briefing Wednesday, State Section Spokesperson Ned Price said NATO allies desire to avoid prolonging the war. He said putting American or NATO service members on the basis or in the air in Ukraine "has the potential to aggrandize the conflict."

Stoltenberg promised to continue providing military machine, financial and humanitarian support to Ukraine and warned Russia that NATO "will not tolerate any assail on centrolineal sovereignty or territorial integrity."

"We take already activated our defense plans to shield the alliance," he said. "Hundreds of thousands of forces on heightened alarm beyond the brotherhood."

U.S. Waiting for 'Tangible Indication' of Russian De-Escalation

The U.Due south. welcomes the "optimistic" news coming out of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, merely is even so wait for a "tangible indication" that Russian President Vladimir Putin "is changing course."

"What Ukraine needs now more than than sentiments, more than hope, more than than optimism is de-escalation, is a tangible indication that President Putin is changing course," Land Department Spokesperson Ned Price said. "That is something we take not still seen."

The U.Southward. supports Ukraine's try to bring peace and believes that diplomacy should always be at the middle of the efforts. Even so, Price said, the U.S. remains "clear-eyed" that "Russia needs to halt its entrada of death and destruction immediately."

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki as well said the U.S has seen no prove from Putin to de-escalate.

"It is difficult to have effective negotiations if 1 political party continues to escalate," she said during a briefing Wednesday.

Price said the U.S. volition proceed to do whatever it can to "requite Ukraine the strongest paw at the negotiating table," including providing security assistance and issuing harsh sanctions on Russian federation.

Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podoliak said his delegation was "quite specific" in their position during peace talks with Russia. Their demands including security guarantees likes a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian troops.

Nearly Two Million Refugees Take Entered Poland

More than 3 one thousand thousand people accept fled Ukraine in less than iii weeks, the United Nations estimates.

Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians accept flooded into neighboring countries since the commencement solar day of Russia's invasion on Feb. 24. The number of refugees entering Poland continues to near a staggering two meg, co-ordinate to the latest numbers provided March 15 by U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR.

Where refugees are going, by country:

  • Poland: i.85 million
  • Romania: 467,700
  • Moldova: 344,450
  • Hungary: 272,940
  • Slovakia: 220,970
  • Russian federation: 155,840
  • Republic of belarus: i,820

*Estimates above provided by UNHCR as of iii/15.

UNHCR Refugee Map
UNHCR

Warsaw has been overwhelmed past hundreds of thousands of refugees. The City of Warsaw shared a photo showing a shipment of products headed to those in need on Wednesday.

"Another transport on the mode!" the city posted. "300 tons of nutrient and hygiene products cheers to ŻABKA - mały wielki sklep have gone to edge crossings, accommodation points in Warsaw and Ukraine. Thanks!"

Encounter posts, photos and more on Facebook.

Warsaw also opened a job placement bespeak for Ukrainians on Midweek, Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski said.

"The interest in job offers among guests from Ukraine is really high, especially among highly qualified employees," Trzaskowski said. "We want to hire incoming people as shortly every bit possible, first of all to provide public services in health care and education."

Bomb Hits Theater Sheltering Noncombatant in Mariupol

A theater being used every bit a civilian shelter in Mariupol was striking with a bomb.

Mariupol officials merits the Russian armed services is behind the attack.

The Mariupol City Council said the central part of the Drama Theater was destroyed, every bit was the entrance to the bomb shelter in the edifice.

"Information technology is impossible to find words that could describe the level of civilians population of the Ukraine city by the sea," the metropolis council said in a Telegram post. "It is obvious that the only goal of the Russian ground forces is the genocide of the Ukrainian people."

Up to 1,000 people could have been inside the building, according to local media. The exact number of casualties and injuries is yet unknown. The quango said it is "incommunicable to judge the calibration of this horrific and inhumane act, because they urban center continues to shell residential areas."

Ukraine Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba called this set on "some other horrendous war crime."

"Massive Russian attack on the Drama Theater where hundreds of innocent civilians were hiding," he said in a tweet. "The building is now fully ruined. Russians could not have not known this was a civilian shelter. Save Mariupol! Finish Russian state of war criminals!"

The Russian Defense Ministry denied the accusations from Ukrainian officials that it attacked the theater. Instead, Russian claims the bombing was carried out past the Azov Battalion.

"According to credible data, militants of the nationalist battalion 'Azov' carried out a new bloody provocation by blowing upward the theater building they mined, the Russian Defense force Ministry building said in a Facebook postal service. "Previously, refugees who had gotten out of Mariupol, it was known that in the theater building of the Azov battalion Nazis could agree civilians hostage, using the upper floors as fire points."

Russia previously said it attacks a motherhood infirmary in Mariupol because information technology believes it was occupied by the Azov Battalion.

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Lookout: White House press briefing

White House Press Secretarial assistant Jen Psaki will hold the daily briefing soon.

Wednesday's briefing is scheduled to brainstorm at ii:thirty p.m. EST. Watch live on the White House YouTube folio, or beneath:

Biden Vows Putin Will Pay 'A Very Heavy Price'

Equally President Joe Biden appear additional aid to Ukraine, he vowed Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a "heavy price" for his "bloodcurdling" attack on the country.

"Putin is inflicting appalling devastation and horror on Ukraine," Biden said during his remarks Wednesday. "Bombing apartment buildings, maternity wards, hospitals. I mean it'due south God-atrocious."

Biden announced the U.South. volition provide an additional $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine Wednesday.

"Nosotros're going to give Ukraine the arms to fight and defend themselves through all the difficult days ahead," he said. "I desire to be honest with you lot, this could be a long and difficult battle. Merely the American people volition be steadfast in our support of the people of Ukraine."

Along with armed services aid, the U.S. continues to provide humanitarian help to Ukrainians still in the country and those who have fled to safety. Biden said the U.Southward. has provided $300 one thousand thousand in humanitarian assistance in recent weeks, which includes tens of thousands of tons of food, h2o, supplies and medications.

"The world is united in our back up for Ukraine and our determination to make Putin pay a very heavy price," Biden said. "Together with our allies and partners, we will keep up force per unit area on Putin's crumbling economy, isolating him on the global stage. That's our goal, make Putin pay the price, weaken his position."

Biden appear the latest round of security help hours after Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelensky addressed Congress. Biden watched his speech from a private residence, calling information technology "disarming and significant."

Watch: Country Department press briefing

U.Due south. Land Department spokesperson Ned Price volition hold a press conference Wednesday afternoon, following President Joe Biden's announcement of $800 million in additional security assistance to Ukraine.

The conference is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. EST. Watch live on the Country Department YouTube folio or below:

Biden Appear $800 Million in Security Assistance to Ukraine

President Biden announced the U.S. will provide an additional $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine.

This new package of "unprecedented aid" includes:

  • 800 anti-aircraft systems
  • 9,000 anti-armor systems
  • 7,000 small arms, including guns, grenades and launchers
  • xx million rounds, including drones

This comes after Biden promised $200 1000000 last weekend, bringing the total of new U.S. security assistance to Ukraine to $one billion in the past week, Biden said.

He said the U.S. is answering President Zelensky'southward phone call for more help by committing to sending the most cut-border systems to Ukraine for its defense.

"Let there exist no uncertainty," Biden said. "America stands with the forces of freedom. We always have and we always volition.

Biden Announces New Ukraine Aid
US President Joe Biden (C) participates in a signing ceremony after delivering remarks on United states assistance to Ukraine, in the South Courtroom Auditorium of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, next to the White House, in Washington, DC, on March xvi, 2022. Also pictured (L-R) Usa Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Deputy Secretarial assistant of Defense Kathleen Hicks, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Full general Marking Milley. NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP via Getty Images

United Nation'south Court Orders Russia to Stop Invasion

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled Russian federation must suspend its military operation in Ukraine.

"The Court is profoundly concerned most the use of force by Russia in Ukraine, which raises very serious bug of international law," the ICJ said in a summary of the social club in "Allegations of Genocide nether the Convention on Prevention of Genocide (Ukraine five Russia)."

The ICJ, the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, said the Russia must ensure that any armed services or armed units "have no step in furtherance of the war machine operations."

Ukraine brought this instance in front of the court and the Russian Federation did non participate in the hearing. The ICJ said Russia'due south non-appearance "has a negative impact on the audio administration of justice."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said "Ukraine gained a consummate victory in its case against Russia" and that Russia volition be further isolated if it ignores the ICJ, as the order is binding nether international police.

Ten Killed While Waiting for Bread in Chernihiv

10 people were shot and killed while standing in line for bread Wednesday morning time in Chernihiv, the Ukrainian Full general Prosecutor'due south Part said.

Investigators say Russian forces fired at people standing in line nearly the grocery shop around 10 a.1000.

Chernihiv attack
Russian forces open burn, killing x people waiting in line for bread in Chernihiv on March sixteen. Function of the Ukraine Full general Prosecutor

"Such horrific attacks must stop," U.Southward. Embassy Kyiv said in response to the assail. "Nosotros are because all available options to ensure accountability for any barbarism crimes in Ukraine."

Lookout man: Biden Delivers Remarks on Assistance to Ukraine

President Biden will evangelize remarks on sending more support to Ukraine soon.

Biden is set to announce an additional $800 1000000 in security assistance to back up the Ukrainian defence effort. This comes afterward Ukrainian Zelensky asked Congress to provide more humanitarian, fiscal and military support.

The remarks are expected to begin at 11:45 a.chiliad. ET and will stream alive on the White Firm website and YouTube channel.

U.S. Says Attacks Should Cease if Russian federation Is 'Serious About Diplomacy'

U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan warned Full general Nikolay Patrushev, Secretary of the Russian Security Quango, of the consequences in response to any Russian chemical or biological weapon assault in Ukraine.

Sullivan spoke with Patrushev in a phone telephone call Wed, according to the White House. Sullivan also said Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities and towns should stop if Russia is "serious almost diplomacy."

"Mr. Sullivan clearly laid out the U.s.' delivery to continue imposing costs on Russian federation, to support the defense of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to reinforce NATO'due south eastern flank, in continued full coordination with our Allies and partners," the White House said in a statement.

Jake Sullivan at presser
White Firm national security adviser Jake Sullivan gives an update about Ukraine during a press conference at the White House on Feb. eleven. Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo

Ukraine, European union Synchronize Electricity Grids

Ukraine has get a member of the Eu Energy Spousal relationship, as the unification of the Ukrainian and Eu energy systems have been consummate, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

"Now [Ukrainian] electricity flows in [the Eu] and vice versa," Zelensky said in a tweet.

EU President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU, Ukraine and Moldova have come together to "stabilize their ability systems."

"This volition help Ukraine to keep their electricity system stable, homes warm and lights on during these dark times," Eu Energy Commissioner Kardi Simson said in a statement. "It is too a historic milestone for the European union-Ukraine relationship – in this area, Ukraine is now function of Europe."

The European union said information technology will continue to support Ukraine in the free energy sector past ensuring the reverse flows of gas to the state and the delivery of energy supplies that are badly needed.

"We are as well looking forward to the time when we can go on our excellent cooperation on the light-green transition and market reforms," Simson said.

Abducted Skadovsk Mayor Reportedly Released

Mayor of Skadovsk Oleksandr Yakovlyev has reportedly been released after being abducted past Russian forces.

Yakovlyev said he was released in a Facebook live video Wednesday, according to the Kyiv Independent. Yakovlyev too said Russian troops promised to free other detainees and urged calm, the outlet adds.

Yakovlyev and his deputy Yurii Palyukh were both abducted, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said earlier Wed.

"Russian invaders go on to abduct democratically elected local leaders in Ukraine," Kuleba said. "States & international organizations must need Russia to immediately release all abducted Ukrainian officials!"

More than Reaction to Zelensky Spoken communication from U.S. Lawmakers

Business firm Democrats too affirmed their support for president Zelensky in the aftermath of his speech.

"President Zelenskyy has met his country'south moment. Now, will we run into ours? We've always been the earth leader for peace and man rights. Putin is inflicting a level of wickedness most of united states have never seen in our lifetime. Let's do all we can through armed forces assistance to see him fail," tweeted California Rep. Eric Swallwell.

But despite the largely unanimous back up for the Ukrainian president across both isles, there was still room for some partisan grouse.

Bill Pascrell Jr (D-NJ), Chairman of the House Ways & Means Subcommittee on Oversight, took a jab at the one-time U.S. president Donald Trump, who was impeached for withholding lethal aid to Ukraine in exchange for a "favor" from Zelensky.

Meanwhile, Congressman Thomas Massie (R-KY) used the opportunity to once more complaining pandemic-countering measures.

GOP Leaders Hail Zelensky'south Speech and 'Unwavering Leadership'

There was bipartisan support for Zelensky from members of U.S. Congress and Senate on social media following his address to Congress.

"President Zelensky has shown unwavering leadership and courage. Ukraine is fighting back against Putin, not just for themselves, just for Eastern Europe and freedom loving countries across the world," Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee.

"President Zelensky has shown unwavering leadership and courage. Ukraine is fighting back against Putin, non just for themselves, only for Eastern Europe and liberty loving countries beyond the globe," wrote Senator Tim Scott (R-SC)

Some other GOP senator, Lindsey Graham of Due south Carolina, urged the Biden administration to heed Zelensky'south calls for more than war machine assistance, including MiG-29s and air defense systems.

Zelensky Ends With Message to Joe Biden

Ukraine's President Zelensky ends with a bulletin for his U.Due south. counterpart Joe Biden. Zelensky delivers this part in English.

He tells him "Yous are the leader of the nation," and adds: "I wish you to be the leader of the world.

"To exist the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace."

As Zelensky concludes: "Slava Ukraini" (Glory to Ukraine), before Congress again erupts in applause.

Standing Ovation for Zelensky
The Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky receives a second standing ovation from U.S. lawmakers upon finishing his address

Zelensky Tells U.Southward.: 'Peace Doesn't Depend Anymore Simply on You'

President Zelensy'due south tells U.Southward. lawmakers: "Peace in your country doesn't depend any more only on you and your people. It depends on those next to you, on those who are strong.

"Strong doesn't mean big. Strong is brave and ready to fight for the lives of his citizens and citizens of the world for human rights, liberty for the right to live decently and to die when your time comes and non when it is wanted past someone else, by your neighbour."

He adds: "Today the Ukrainian people are defending non only Ukraine, we are fighting for the values of Europe and the earth, sacrificing our lives in the proper noun of the hereafter."

Zelensky Wants More Sanctions on Russian Lawmakers

Zelensky asks for fresh sanctions "until the Russian armed services automobile stops".

He asks the U.S. to sanction every Russian lawmaker who does not condemn the invasion.

"I phone call on you to do more," he says. "New packages of sanctions are needed constantly, every week until the Russian military machine stops."

"We have proposed that the United States sanctions all politicians in the Russian federation who remain in their offices and do not cutting ties with those who are responsible for the aggression towards Ukraine."

Congressmen Shown Video of Russian Atrocities in Ukraine

More from Zelensky

The president asks Congress to watch a brusk video collating some of the worst atrocities committed by the Russian forces in Ukraine. Some of the footage is labelled "graphic."

Ukraine Footage Shown in Congress
President Zelensky asked Congressmen to watch a short video showing what is happening in towns and cities beyond Ukraine

Zelensky Asks for No-Fly Zone—'Remember Pear Harbor'

Zelensky has renewed calls for a no-fly zone.

He asks America to think of Pearl Harbor when "the sky was black from planes attacking you lot."

He said: "Call up Pearl Harbor. The terrible morning of Dec 7, 1941 when your heaven was blackness from the planes attacking you lot. Just remember it.

"Call up September eleven 2001 when evil tried to turn your cities, independent territories into battlefields. When innocent people were attacked from the air."Our land experiences the same every 24-hour interval correct now."

With NATO uneasy well-nigh a no-fly zone for adventure of escalating the war, Zelesnky adds: "If this is too much to ask, nosotros offering an alternative. Y'all know what kind of defense systems we demand, s-300 and other similar systems.

"You know how much the battlefield depends on the power to use aircraft, powerful strong aviation to protect our people, our liberty, our land. Aircraft that tin assistance Ukraine, tin can help Europe."

He says he is grateful for the U.S.'s "overwhelming support," including finances, sanctions and weapons. And thank you Joe Biden personally.

Standing Ovation in U.S. Congress for Zelensky

More than on Zelensky address

The Ukrainian president receives a continuing ovation from American congressmen and congresswomen, as he did from British and European lawmakers earlier this calendar week.

Zelensky Tells of 'Worst war since World War 2'

President Zelensky is now speaking...

He address "Americans, friends" and says he is proud to great them from Kyiv, which he notes is under missile and air strikes from Russia.

"Only it doesn't surrender," he says, despite the "Worst war since World War Ii."

"Right now the destiny of our country is being decided," he says.
Russia has attacked not simply Ukraine, he adds, but a cruel assault on its values.

Zelensky addressing the U.S. Congress

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the U.S. Congress via videolink on March xvi.

Zelensky via videolink
Volodymyr Zelensky, addressing the U.S. Congress via videolink on March 16

Zelensky Laughs Off 'Capitulation' Claims Later on Goggle box Hack

We're expecting to here from Ukraine'due south President Volodymyr Zelensky, addressing U.S. Congress, in a moment. Merely first...

President Zelensky has laughed off a "fake" claim, broadcast in a hacked TV text news reel, that he has called for the Ukrainian regular army to "lay downward its weapons."

On Wednesday, unknown hackers, reportedly from Russia, managed to tap into a Ukraine 24 news channel livestream to distribute a faux surrender bulletin, purporting to be from Zelensky

.In the imitation argument he reportedly said he was "capitulating" and preparing to give up and "give up arms," leading to brief alarm among members of the audition who saw the broadcast.

Shortly after the incident Zelensky posted a video laughing off the "childish provocation," and affirming that the simply people he would ask to lay down their arms are the Russian forces."This was a kittenish provocation nearly supposed agreement to "lay downwards our weapons.

"I can say that the only people I tin enquire to lay downwardly their weapons are the Russians. Merely we are defending our state, our children, our families so we are non planning on laying down any weapons, until our victory," the Ukraine leader said.

In Pictures: Mykolaiv—a Port Metropolis Under Siege

Mykolaiv is being constantly shelled by Russian forces.

The Ukrainian port metropolis is seen by Russia as its gateway into Odessa, the last major port remaining under Ukraine's command.

Russia believes that if it can have Mykolaiv, its navy would exist able to launch an assault on Odessa from the Blackness Ocean.

These pictures bear witness scenes from the besieged urban center in contempo days.

Burnt Russian vehicle in Mykolaiv
A burnt out Russian Tigr fighting vehicle sits along a road as Ukraine Regular army troops dig in at frontline trench positions to proceed repelling Russian attacks. Scott Peterson/Getty Images
Ukrainian forces patrol Mykolaiv
Mykolaiv is seen by Russia as its gateway into Odessa, the final major port remaining under Ukraine's command. Russia believes that if it can have Mykolaiv, its navy would be able to launch an assault on Odessa from the Black Sea. Scott Peterson/Getty Images
Ukrainian soldier amid wreckage of houses
A member of the Ukrainian military stand amid the wreckage of houses damaged by Russian rockets on the southern outskirts of the city on March ix, 2022 in Mykolaiv, Ukraine. Russia's attempts to accept the strategic port city have so far failed, though arms and rocket barrages take caused an exodus of citizens to safety. Scott Peterson/Getty Images
People deliver donations in Mykolaiv
People deliver donations to a humanitarian aid center as they fend off multiple Russian assaults on Mykolaiv on March 9. Scott Peterson/Getty Images
Mykolaiv region governor Vitaliy Kim
Vitaly Kim, the governor of Mykolaiv Oblast, speaks during a fresh conference to journalists in Mykolaiv on March 11. Kim, who has Korean ancestry and speaks three languages, has repeatedly laughed off Russia'due south claims of "neonazis" ruling Ukraine. BULENT KILIC/AFP via Getty Images

Orthodox Church building Leaders Slam Patriarch Kirill for Putin Support

Orthodox church building leaders have condemned the support by Russia'south elevation priest, Patriarch Kirill, for the war being waged by President Vladimir Putin.

Orthodox Public Affairs Committee (OPAC), a global advocate group for the religion, said information technology was "deeply concerned" the primate of the Russian Orthodox Church building has been "enabling the war by giving religious cover to this unconscionable and unjustified disharmonize."

Patriarch Kirill has been long-tied to Putin and has publicly backed the war.

Vladimir Putin and Patriarch Kirill
Russian federation's President Vladimir Putin (50) and Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia at a ceremony in Moscow on November 20, 2021. The Orthodox Public Affairs Commission (OPAC) in the U.Southward. has condemned the Patriarch's support for Putin's war in Ukraine. Mikhail Metze/Getty Images

Earlier this week, he presented an paradigm of the Virgin Mary to Russian National Guard leader Viktor Zolotov who said he hoped information technology would "bring our victory faster," the Orthodox Times reported.

"Ukraine represents at least one third of the Moscow Patriarchate's clergy and laity," said OPAC. "Kirill'southward statements ring hollow and have the stench of directly government interference. Is this because he owes his position and the lucrative benefits he receives to Vladimir Putin?"

The Russian Orthodox church in Amsterdam split with the Moscow patriarchate in protest at support for the war shown by Kirill who chosen Russian federation's opponents "evil forces" and said gay pride parades in the west helped cause the disharmonize.

Five Things to Expect Out For in Zelensky's Address

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is schedule to accost U.S. lawmakers in a little over an 60 minutes. Here are five things to wait out for...

  1. Zelensky is expected to appeal for more U.S. military aid. He has pushed for the U.Due south. to assist broker the transfer of weapons, including MiG fighter jets. Nonetheless, the Biden administration has not notwithstanding helped on those jets amidst concerns Moscow would view it an escalation in hostilities
  2. Zelensky is likely to repeat his call for a no-fly zone over Ukraine to stop Russian air bombardments which accept devastated Ukrainian cities. This has been rejected by NATO and so far, by many western leaders concerned this would hateful a direct confrontation between Moscow and the alliance
  3. Zelensky will be able to use the address to make a direct appeal to an American audition about the Russian assailment his country faces. Zelensky's addresses to the British and European parliaments have prompted standing ovations, then it will exist interesting to meet how U.S. lawmakers react
  4. The Ukrainian president may phone call for the U.S. to impose harsher sanctions on Russia. And then far, the U.S. has imposed a ban on Russian energy imports and backed restrictions on using the SWIFT money transfer organisation
  5. Zelensky may besides call for the U.S. to welcome refugees who have fled Ukraine. More than than 3 million people take left the country since Feb 24 with neighboring European countries begetting the brunt of the influx

Russia Could Exist Forced Into Debt Default Today

Russia's economy has reached a perilous indicate, with some predicting a partial default as early as today.

Squeezed by a hailstorm of international economic sanctions, an exodus of foreign brands and companies and an increasingly expensive state of war in Ukraine, Russian federation is due to brand $117 million in interest payments to investors later.

But with about half of its $630 billion of foreign currency reserves frozen, its ability to make the payments has come up into question, with some credit ratings agencies warning of an "imminent" default.

What would that hateful for Russians?

"Russia's regime appears to be heading towards a default on its foreign currency debts for the first time since the Bolshevik revolution," William Jackson, the chief emerging markets economist at Majuscule Economics wrote on Monday.

"This won't impact the Russian authorities's ability to finance itself (beyond what sanctions have already done) and it seems unlikely that in that location will be significant spillovers elsewhere. Perchance the bigger risk is that it may be a prelude to defaults past Russian corporates, whose external debts are more than 4 times larger than those of the sovereign."

Ukraine's Zelensky To Address U.Southward. Congress Shortly

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky volition address the U.Due south. Congress in a couple of hours.

Zelensky will speak to Firm and Senate members via video link in an appearance scheduled to begin at 9 a.1000. and end about 9:15 a.chiliad. He will exist introduced by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Newsweek will bring you rolling text updates and how to get live stream footage.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a press briefing in Kyiv on March three, 2022. He has fabricated a direct entreatment to Russian soldiers to give up. SERGEI SUPINSKY/Getty Images

Zelensky held a Zoom telephone call earlier this month in which almost 300 members of Congress participated. The Ukrainian leader'south earlier virtual addresses European Matrimony and British lawmakers have received standing ovations.

Ahead of Zelensky's appearance U.Due south. President Joe Biden is to announce more than $1B in military help for Ukraine, officials told The Wall Street Journal.

The assist will fund anti-armor and anti-air systems, such as Javelins and Stingers, the newspaper reports.

Ukrainian Counter-Offensive 'Radically Changes' Talks: Kyiv Adviser

More on the armistice negotiations...

Mykhailo Podoliak, an advisor to Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky, expressed hope that his country's counter-offensive against Russian forces "radically changes the parties' dispositions."

In a tweet on Wednesday Podoliak besides pointed to apparent increase in dissent within Russia, citing reports of mass exodus of journalists from state Television and news outlets in Russia, also every bit Russian federation's reported attempts to engage Center Eastern and African mercenaries on its side.

Before this week Ukraine's armed forces reported that another top Russian full general was killed in action in Ukraine. If confirmed, General Major Oleg Mityaev would be the fourth pinnacle rank Russian to die in the invasion since it began on Feb 24. The Russian defence force ministry building has not confirmed or denied the report.

Russian Prisoner of war Warns Putin: 'We'll Ascent Against Him'

Russian prisoners of state of war have spoken of their regret at fighting in Ukraine and the suffering that Vladimir Putin'south war has caused the Ukrainian population.

A reconnaissance officer named Vladimir appealed to other Russian servicemen to "lay down your arms and leave your stations."

Referring to Putin, he told CNN: "I desire to tell our commander-in-primary to terminate terror acts in Ukraine because when we come back nosotros'll rise against him."

1 air forcefulness pilot, named simply as Saying, rejected the reasons the Kremlin gave for the war, which include demilitarizing Ukraine and clearing it of Nazis.

"Now cities of peaceful civilians are being destroyed," he said, "what can justify..the tears of a child, or fifty-fifty worse, the deaths of innocent people, children."

Russian prisoners of war in Kyiv
Russian prisoners of war are presented to the press by Ukrainian Hole-and-corner Services (SBU) on March 5, 2022 at the Interfax printing bureau in Kyiv. DAPHNE ROUSSEAU/AFP/Getty Images

The accounts by the prisoners add to the anecdotal bear witness of low morale among Russian troops. Nearly a dozen Russian PoWs accept appeared in news conferences held by the Ukrainian authorities.

It is possible the prisoners felt they had to express views sympathetic to those of their captors; they did not suggest to reporters that they were under duress.

What Ukraine, Russia Have Said About Peace Talks

Ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine are standing on Wednesday, with both sides issuing statements on their progress. Hither's the latest:

Vladimir Medinsky, the head of the Russian delegation, said the talks were "dull" just progressing, with disputed regions Crimea and Donbas yet crucial issue in the talks, alongside the "rights of Russian speakers in Ukraine." Ukraine has repeatedly dismissed claims of rights abuses against Russian speakers.

He said Ukraine must not join NATO and that Kyiv had made proposals including "demilitarization under Swedish or Austrian format."

Earlier on Tuesday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky admitted Ukraine would not be joining NATO.

"We realized that Ukraine will not become a member of NATO," he told British officials via video link, calling for "new formats of interaction with the Westward."

Sergei Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, welcomed Zelensky'due south words.

"Zelensky'due south statement on NATO propose that adequacy is forging a path in Kyiv," Lavrov told RBC, a Russian paper. "NATO'southward refusal to close the skies over Ukraine indicates that in that location are all the same reasonable people in the alliance.