Vladimir Putin has blamed ‘Ukrainian nationalists’ for the failed ceasefire during the attempted evacuations of Mariupol, despite reports that Russian forces re-grouped and 'bombarded' the city.
Putin told Emmanuel Macron, the French President, that Kyiv officials had failed to fulfil the agreements of the ceasefire, in a phone call between the leaders this afternoon.
The Kremlin said in a statement that Putin "drew attention to the fact that Kyiv still does not fulfil agreements reached on this acute humanitarian issue".
Two agreements to evacuate Mariupol, in south-eastern Ukraine, fell through following allegations of Russian ceasefire breaches over the weekend.
It came as at least three people were killed in Irpin, northwest of Kyiv, after civilians fleeing the area came under heavy shelling.
Boris Johnson condemned the ‘barbaric attacks’ on civilians in a call with Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, and Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, said that Washington considered such attacks to be a 'war crime'.
Follow the liveblog for updates on this breaking story
01:01 AM
Anonymous has reportedly hacked into Russian TV channels
The hacking group Anonymous has reportedly hacked into the Russian streaming services and TV channels to broadcast footage of the war in Ukraine.
Social media users and local media said streaming services Wink and Ivi and live TV channels Russia 24, Channel One, Moscow 24 were hijacked with scenes from the conflict.
⚡️Hacking group Anonymous interrupts Russian state TV programs with footage of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and an anti-war message.
It claims to have accessed TV channels “Russia 24”, “Channel 1”, “Moscow 24”, & streaming services Wink and Ivi.
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) March 7, 2022
Pictured: Scenes from Irpin as people attempt to flee
A Ukrainian man rides his bicycle near a factory and a store burning after it had been bombarded in Irpin, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, March 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) - AP A Ukrainian man rides his bicycle near a factory and a store burning after it had been bombarded in Irpin, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, March 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) - AP A Ukrainian man rides his bicycle near a factory and a store burning after it had been bombarded in Irpin, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, March 6, 2022. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti) - AP
12:25 AM
'Russian occupiers will try to seize Kyiv very soon'
An advisor to interior minister of Ukraine said Russian occupiers will try to seize Kyiv very soon, local media reported.
Vadym Denysenko said Russia has concentrated a “sufficient number of troops and equipment” near the capital, and the “key battle in the war” will take place in the next few days, the Kyiv Independent reported.
12:04 AM
Ukraine and Russia to face off at World Court over genocide claim
Ukraine will ask the United Nations' top court on Monday to issue an emergency ruling requiring Russia to stop its invasion, arguing that Moscow's justification for the attack is based on a faulty interpretation of genocide law, Reuters reports.
Although the court's rulings are binding and countries generally follow them, it has no direct means of enforcing them.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said Russia's "special military action" is needed "to protect people who have been subjected to bullying and genocide" - meaning those whose first or only language is Russian - in eastern Ukraine.
Ukraine's suit argues that the claim of genocide is untrue, and in any case does not provide legal justification for invasion.
The case it has lodged at the World Court, officially known as the International Court of Justice (ICJ), centres on the interpretation of a 1948 treaty on the prevention of genocide, signed by both countries. The treaty names the ICJ as the forum for resolving disputes between signatories
11:55 PM
'We will punish everyone who committed atrocities in this war' says Zelensky
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday night, “We will not forgive. We will not forget. We will punish everyone who committed atrocities in this war.”
"Today, a family of four, parents and two children, were killed in Irpin as they were trying to leave the city. We will not forgive. We will not forget."
"The audacity of the aggressor is a clear signal for the West that the imposed sanctions aren’t enough." "You can’t hide from this reality. You can’t hide from the new killings in Ukraine."
11:39 PM
Rock band frontman Svyatosklav Vakarchuk joins defence forces
Svyatosklav Vakarchuk, the 46-year-old frontman of the rock band Okean Elzy and ex-leader of the Voice political party, has signed up to defend his native province of Lviv Oblast.
On Saturday he tweeted: "'Close the sky' to help us destroy the Russian military aircrafts and drones before they attack our homes."
Netflix has suspended its service in Russia after it temporarily stopped all future projects and acquisitions in the country as it assessed the impact of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
"Given the circumstances on the ground, we have decided to suspend our service in Russia," a Netflix spokesperson said.
Netflix had earlier said it had no plans to add state-run channels to its Russian service, despite a regulation that would require it to distribute state-backed channels.
10:49 PM
Shevchenko pleads with Italy to 'open hearts' to Ukraine
Andriy Shevchenko asked Italy to open its hearts to his Ukraine homeland in an emotional interview broadcast on one of the country's biggest current affairs TV programmes.
Speaking to 'Che Tempo Che Fa' on Italian public broadcaster RAI, Shevchenko held back the tears as he described the situation faced by his family near Ukraine's capital city Kyiv.
"My mum, my sister and other relatives of mine are still in Ukraine, I speak to them every day. It was their choice to stay," he said.
"I can't look at what's happening to my country without crying. They tell me the truth of what's happening in Ukraine, bombed cities, children and old people killed.
"We need to try and convince Russia to cease fire, find a diplomatic solution and stop this war."
10:30 PM
Priti Patel asks Interpol to suspend Russia's access
Priti Patel has written to Interpol requesting the suspension of Russia's access to its systems.
The Home Secretary said: "The UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine.
"In response to Ukraine's request, and alongside counterparts from Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the US, I have written to the Secretary General of Interpol to ask that Interpol and its Executive Committee takes a decision on the immediate suspension of Russia's access to its systems.
"Russia has a history of abusing these systems, and we must act now to protect the integrity of Interpol."
10:20 PM
Lord Lebedev’s peerage should be investigated, insist Labour
Lord Evgeny Lebedev
Yvette Cooper called for Boris Johnson to hand over any information surrounding the peerage of the oligarch owner of the Evening Standard, reports Tony Diver.
Lord Lebedev’s peerage should be investigated by Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee, Labour has said, after it was claimed that Britain’s security services dropped alleged concerns about his ennoblement after the intervention of the Prime Minister.
Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, said Boris Johnson should hand over any advice given to him by Britain’s spy agencies over his plan to award Lord Lebedev a peerage in 2020.
The Sunday Times reported that the security services had initially raised concerns about the appointment, causing the House of Lords Appointment Committee (HoLAC) to advise against it.
The Government says "stringent" procedures were followed throughout.
US does not think Russian amphibious assault of Odesa is imminent
Washington does not believe a Russian amphibious assault in or near the Ukrainian city of Odesa is imminent, a senior US defence official said today, amid growing concern about a potential attack on the city.
The official estimated Russia had launched about 600 missiles since the start of the invasion and deployed into Ukraine about 95 per cent of combat forces it had pre-staged outside of the country.
Russian forces continued to try to advance and isolate Kyiv, Kharkhiv and Chernihiv and are meeting "strong Ukrainian resistance," the official said.
09:49 PM
Sex traffickers exploit Ukrainian refugees as dark side of exodus emerges
Sex traffickers are taking advantage of young women and unaccompanied children fleeing the war in Ukraine, police and volunteers in Poland have warned, Henry Bodkin reports.
Police on the border with Ukraine have made multiple arrests in the area of suspected traffickers preying on vulnerable woman and children with the promise of a lift and accommodation, sources told The Telegraph.
The authorities are understood to be particularly concerned about gangs seeking to lure vulnerable refugees to Germany for sexual exploitation.
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is separating its firm in Russia - which has a staff of around 3,700 - from the rest of its global network as a result of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
In a statement, PwC said: "As a result of the Russian government's invasion of Ukraine we have decided that, under the circumstances, PwC should not have a member firm in Russia and consequently PwC Russia will leave the network.
"Our main focus at PwC continues to be doing all we can to help our Ukrainian colleagues and support the humanitarian efforts to aid the people of Ukraine who have been devastated by this invasion.
"We are also committed to working with our colleagues at PwC Russia to undertake an orderly transition for the business, and with a focus on the wellbeing of our 3,700 colleagues in PwC Russia."
09:35 PM
Vladimir Putin's rap sheet: Atrocities committed in Ukraine that could be considered 'war crimes'
Putin
Russian forces have been accused of committing a litany of war crimes in their invasion of Ukraine.
Laws of Armed Conflict are made up of various treaties and conventions, including the Geneva and Hague conventions, both of which Vladimir Putin’s forces have been accused of breaching.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) last week announced that it was opening an investigation into the conflict in Ukraine which would look at crimes committed since 2013, in the build up to the annexation of Crimea.
It is being supported by law enforcement agencies from around the world, including the Metropolitan Police, which has a specialist unit gathering evidence from those who have already fled Ukraine and people arriving in Britain.
US and Europe target Russian oil imports in latest sanction talks
A ban on Russian oil imports to the West would have a devastating impact on the country's economy, and could affect companies such as Lukoil - Maxim Shemetov/File Photo/ Reuters
Oil and gas account for more than half of Russia’s total exports and such a move would have a devastating impact on its economy.
However, Western nations have so far steered clear of targeting Moscow’s energy exports amid concerns that it would also force up already spiralling pump prices at home.
As Western nations consider the prospect of a boycott, Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine’s foreign minister, stepped up pressure on the West to stop buying Russian oil which, he said, “smells of Ukrainian blood”.
France is to send medical aid to Ukraine including iodine tablets, which help protect against the effects of exposure to radiation, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said today.
"Yes, we have sent different medical products," Mr Le Drian told France 2 television.
Earlier today, France's ambassador in Ukraine, Etienne de Poncins, said that 2.5 million doses were to be sent to Ukraine in the coming days.
09:00 PM
BBC tells viewers how to get around ban as Russia blocks its World News channel
The broadcaster issued instructions on how to use anonymising browsers and mobile phone apps designed to circumvent censorship, reports Olivia Rudgard.
The suspension of the corporation's global channel followed a ban on the BBC website last week.
In response to the crackdown, the BBC has issued instructions on how to use anonymising browsers and mobile phone apps designed to circumvent censorship.
It encouraged people to use Tor, computer software which is designed to obscure the location and identifying details of people browsing the internet.
The software has a dedicated BBC site which users can access via mobile phone apps including the Tor Browser or Onion Browser, both of which can be downloaded from Apple or Google's app stores.
Russia warns countries against hosting Ukrainian military aircraft
Moscow warned Ukraine's neighbours, including Nato member Romania, against hosting Kyiv's military aircraft, saying they could end up being involved in an armed conflict.
"We know for sure that Ukrainian combat aircraft have flown to Romania and other neighbouring countries," defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in a video briefing.
"The use of the airfield network of these countries for basing Ukrainian military aviation with the subsequent use of force against Russia's army can be regarded as the involvement of these states in an armed conflict," he added.
Romania's Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca said that the comments were "pure rhetoric designed to divert attention from what is really happening on the ground - civilians killed, the rules of armed conflict flouted."
Moscow could try all they want to scare Romania, he added, but "we have no reason to feel threatened".
08:29 PM
‘We’ll fight to the end’: Odesa’s pistol-packing mayor gets city fired up for Russian attack
Gennadiy Trukhanov, the mayor of Odesa, carries a SIG Sauer handgun for his own defence as he prepares for a potential attack from Russia - Simon Townsley for The Telegraph
The mayor of Odesa prides himself on the city’s cosmopolitan and welcoming air. The historic Black Sea port attracts huge numbers of visitors to its cobbled boulevards and is a celebrated tourist destination.
Beaches that normally host bathers are being mined to resist an amphibious landing. Banks of sandbags are encroaching on glorious architectural facades and squares are filling with anti-tank barriers.
“Odesa is a very welcoming city, but we don’t like uninvited guests and we don’t like armed people,” explains Gennadiy Trukhanov, the mayor. “We are glad to meet unarmed and friendly people.”
The mayor was once a member of a pro-Russian political party founded by Viktor Yanukovych, the former president who fled Ukraine in 2014. But he now insists that the city will resist Vladimir Putin until the end.
Parliament to vote on sanction measures to ramp up pressure on Putin’s regime
The Government’s amendments to the Economic Crime (Transparency and Enforcement) Bill will be voted on tomorrow.
The amendments would remove the test of ‘appropriateness’ for designations, enabling the Government to act more quickly and make changes to further facilitate the designations of groups of individuals.
“Punishing sanctions are meaningless until properly implemented, and these changes will allow us to pursue Putin’s allies in the UK with the full backing of the law, beyond doubt or legal challenge," said Boris Johnson.
Liz Truss, the Foreign Secretary, said: “These amendments give us the chance to bring even more crippling sanctions against Putin and his regime.”
07:38 PM
TikTok says it is suspending the posting of new videos from Russia
Social media giant TikTok announced it is suspending the posting of all video content from Russia in order to keep its employees safe and comply with the country's new "fake news" regulations.
"In light of Russia's new 'fake news' law, we have no choice but to suspend livestreaming and new content to our video service while we review the safety implications of this law," the company said in a Twitter message, adding that its in-app messaging service will not be affected.
On Friday, Vladimir Putin signed into law a bill introducing jail terms of up to 15 years for what is deemed fake news about the Russian army.
07:33 PM
‘About 50’ visas issued so far for Ukrainian refugees by Home Office
A child sits in a bus after crossing the Ukrainian border into Poland at the Medyka crossing - Louisa Gouliamaki/AFG
Britain has so far granted only “around 50” visas to fleeing Ukrainians under a scheme to help refugees who already have family based in the UK, the Home Office has said.
The total number approved by 10am on Sunday morning represented less than one per cent of the 5,535 applications submitted online for the Ukraine Family Scheme, according to figures released by officials.
A further 2,365 people have booked visa appointments to submit their forms and biometric data in person, while an extra 11,750 people have started online applications that are yet to be completed.
The total of visas approved via the new route was branded “shameful” and “disgraceful” by opposition MPs, who demanded ministers show greater urgency to help desperate Ukrainians seeking sanctuary in the UK.
Poland works with US to provide fighter jets to Ukraine
Ukraine’s armed forces claim to have downed 88 Russian aircraft and helicopters, such as this one in the Mykolayiv region - Facebook/General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine
Poland could provide Ukraine with fighter jets in a deal being negotiated with the US, as Kyiv begs the West for enough support to prevent Russia from gaining air superiority in its invasion, reports Campbell MacDiarmid.
Warsaw could supply Soviet-era warplanes to Kyiv while receiving US F-16 jets from Washington, in a proposed deal confirmed by the US Secretary of State on Sunday.
“We are looking actively now at the question of airplanes that Poland may provide to Ukraine and looking at how we might be able to backfill should Poland decide to supply those planes,” Antony Blinken said, without indicating a timeline.
His comments came after Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, made a “desperate plea” to the US Congress for more planes and air defence systems.
Ukraine introduces export licences for key agricultural commodities
Ukraine has introduced export licences for agriculture commodities such as wheat, corn and sunflower oil, Interfax Ukraine news agency quoted a government resolution as saying today.
The document said that traders would also need licences to export poultry and eggs.
Ukraine is among the world's leading producers and exporters of grain and vegetable oils.
06:56 PM
Denmark to hold referendum on lifting EU defence opt-out in response to Russian invasion
Denmark will decide whether to scrap its opt-out from part of EU defence policy in a referendum to be held June 1 in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Danish prime minister said today.
"Historic times call for historic decisions," Mette Frederiksen told a press conference, adding that the government "very clearly calls on Danes to lift the opt-out on defence".
Denmark's opt-out, one of four EU special arrangements negotiated by the Scandinavian country, sees it abstain from participation in EU military operations and from providing support or supplies to EU-led defence efforts.
Ms Frederiksen also pledged to increase the country's defence spending to two per cent of GDP, in line with NATO membership requirements, by 2033, calling it the "largest investment in recent decades".
The Social Democrat leader also expressed a wish to make Denmark "independent of Russian gas", but did not specify a time frame.
06:48 PM
Donald Trump says US should put Chinese flag on American fighters and 'bomb the s---' out of Russia
Donald Trump
America should put the Chinese flag on US military aircraft and then "bomb the s---' out of Russia", Donald Trump has told Republican donors, reports David Millward.
The former US president told his audience in New Orleans added: "[Then] we say – China did it, we didn’t do, China did it, and then they start fighting with each other and we sit back and watch.”
His suggestion of mounting a false flag operation with US F-22 fighter jets was greeted with laughter by an audience of approximately 250 major donors in New Orleans.
Mr Trump, who was a fierce critic of Nato while in office, then rounded on the alliance’s response to the crisis describing it as a “paper tiger”.
Family of killed Ukrainian volunteer allege she was deliberately targeted by Russian troops
Anastasiia Yalanskaya
The family of a 26-year-old Ukrainian volunteer who was killed after delivering food to an animal shelter outside Kyiv have alleged she was deliberately targeted by Russian troops, reports Campbell MacDiarmid.
Anastasiia Yalanskaya was killed on Friday while driving back from Bucha, northwest of the Ukrainian capital, in a car that had been delivering supplies to a dog shelter that had been without food for three days, according to her family.
Ms Yalanskaya, who worked as a recruiter before the war, had found purpose in delivering humanitarian supplies around Kyiv after the invasion on February 24.
"For the first time in my life, I was proud of the country in which I live," she wrote after interacting with Ukrainian soldiers. "It is unfortunate that this happened under such conditions.”
06:21 PM
American Express suspends operations in Russia and Belarus
American Express has announced it is suspending all operations in Russia and Belarus, following a similar move yesterday by fellow US payments firms Visa and Mastercard.
06:08 PM
MoD says that Russia probably trying to deflect blame for Mariupol casualties
Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 06 March 2022
Pictured: Ukrainian defence fighters get married on the Kyiv frontline
Ukrainian territorial defence fighters Valeriy and Lesya during their wedding ceremony at a blockpost near Kyiv - SERGEY DOLZHENKO
Flanked by comrades, Lesya and Valeriy got married on the Ukraine frontline just outside Kyiv, reports David Millward.
The couple is serving in the 112th brigade of the territorial defence forces.
Dressed in their military fatigues the couple beamed as they exchanged vows and were serenaded by friends, accompanied by a soldier playing what appears to be a bandura - a traditional Ukrainian stringed instrument.
Kyiv's mayor Vitaly Klitschko (R) greets Ukrainian territorial defence fighter Lesya following her wedding with Valeriy (L) - SERGEY DOLZHENKO
The ceremony was performed by a military chaplain.
Temporarily discarding her helmet for a short wedding veil, the beaming bride clutched a spray of flowers, including an impressive display of pink and pale cream roses.
05:52 PM
Analysis: Putin overestimated the support he'd receive from Russian-speaking Ukrainians
Civilians train to throw Molotov cocktails to defend their city of Zhytomyr - VIACHESLAV RATYNSKYI
The victory celebration Putin may have been looking forward to — like the one he enjoyed in 2014 in Crimea — will forever be a fantasy, writes James Kilner.
When he launched his war against Ukraine last week Putin expected his soldiers to stroll to victory and to be greeted like heroes and saviours. Instead, they have been received as pariahs, a hated occupying force.
Of all the miscalculations that Putin has made over his Ukraine adventure, and there have been many including the fight that Ukrainian forces would put up, the quality of the Russian army and the hardcore sanctions that the West threw at Russia, a lack of support from Russian-speaking locals appears to have been his biggest, and his most baffling.
Pakistan's PM hits out at Western envoys' joint letter on Russia
Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan hit out at Islamabad-based Western envoys who last week urged Pakistan to condemn Russia's actions in Ukraine, asking them if they thought Pakistan was their "slave".
The heads of 22 diplomatic missions, including those of European Union member states, released a joint letter on March 1 urging Pakistan to support a resolution in the United Nations General Assembly condemning Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
The move to release the letter publicly was rare.
"What do you think of us? Are we your slaves ... that whatever you say, we will do?" Mr Khan said while addressing a political rally.
In the event, Pakistan, a traditional ally of the West, abstained from voting as the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly reprimanded Russia for invading Ukraine.
"I want to ask the European Union ambassadors: Did you write such a letter to India?" Mr Khan said, noting that India had also abstained.
05:36 PM
Kuleba: 20,000 foreign volunteers now in Ukraine to fight invasion
Some 20,000 international volunteers have travelled to Ukraine to join the fight against invading Russian forces, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said today.
"This number is around 20,000 now. They come from many European countries mostly," Mr Kuleba told US broadcaster CNN.
"Many people in the world hated Russia and what it was doing in recent years, but no one dared to openly oppose and fight them," he said.
"So when people saw that Ukrainians are fighting, that Ukrainians are not giving up, many felt motivated to join the fight" and bring Russia to account for its invasion.
05:19 PM
Staff at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant working under Russian orders, nuclear watchdog says
Staff at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant continue to operate the facility, but management is now under the orders of the commander of the Russian forces that seized it last week, the UN nuclear watchdog said today.
"I'm extremely concerned," International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi said in a statement, adding that Russian forces had cut off some mobile networks and the internet, complicating communications with the plant.
"Management and staff must be allowed to carry out their vital duties in stable conditions without undue external interference or pressure."
05:17 PM
Bolshoi Theatre's music director quits
The Bolshoi Theatre's music director and principal conductor, Tugan Sokhiev, announced his resignation, saying he felt under pressure due to calls to take a position on the Ukraine conflict.
Mr Sokhiev said in a statement that he was resigning "with immediate effect" from his post at the Moscow theatre as well as his equivalent position at France's Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, complaining he was "being forced to face the impossible option of choosing between my beloved Russian and beloved French musicians".
05:07 PM
Russian soldiers who prevented evacuations from Mariupol are 'animals', says Ukraine's ambassador to the UK
Russian military who conducted an assault which caused planned evacuations from the Ukrainian city of Mariupol to be halted are "animals", Ukraine's ambassador to the UK, Vadym Prystaiko said.
Asked about what had happened, Ukraine's ambassador to the UK said: "Animals. That's the only reaction we have right now."
He said such action goes against not only laws but international norms as "human lives (have) been shelled by the Russians as they (Ukrainians) tried to escape".
05:00 PM
Blinken: Europe mulling bans on Russian oil imports
The US said it was in "active discussions" with European nations about banning Russian oil imports as a further economic penalty against Moscow for invading Ukraine, but stopped short of announcing an outright boycott.
"We are now in very active discussions with our European partners about banning the import of Russian oil to our countries, while of course at the same time maintaining a steady global supply of oil," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told NBC.
"The actions we've taken to date have already had a devastating impact on the Russian economy," he added, referring to sanctions that have economically isolated Russia.
With Western nations mulling the prospect of a boycott, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba waded into the debate to strongly call for a ban on such imports, saying Russian oil "smells of Ukrainian blood."
04:56 PM
Kremlin blocks more independent news outlets over war coverage
Russian authorities have blocked several independent media outlets including news site Mediazona, as the Kremlin seeks to tighten control over its invasion of Ukraine.
Authorities have blocked a number of digital media outlets, including Mediazona, Republic, Snob.ru and Agentstvo, said Roskomsvoboda, a digital rights group.
The group said the independent media had been targeted following a request from the General Prosecutor's Office dated February 24, the day President Vladimir Putin ordered troops to invade Ukraine.
Mediazona said it had been blocked "because we cover honestly what is happening in Ukraine and call the invasion an invasion, and the war a war".
The media outlet added that Russia has in recent days introduced "military censorship and there is almost no independent media left in the country".
04:37 PM
Ukrainian refugees cross bridge at border with Poland
Ukrainian refugees cross a bridge at the buffer zone with the border with Poland - DANIEL LEAL
04:27 PM
Ukraine calls for Russia and Belarus to lose IMF and World Bank membership
Ukraine Prime Minister Denys Shmygal said he had signed a formal request to foreign governments including the US for the termination of Russia and Belarus's memberships of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.
"These two countries violated their obligations and directed their policies towards war," he said in a statement.
04:09 PM
Boris Johnson denounces Russia’s ‘barbaric attacks’ on civilians
Boris Johnson has told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that "the British people stand fully behind the Ukrainian people" when the pair spoke on Sunday afternoon.
Downing Street said the Prime Minister told his counterpart that "international support and admiration for President Zelensky and the whole of Ukraine grows every day".
A No 10 spokesman said: "The leaders discussed the increasing threat Russia's barbaric attacks pose to Ukrainian civilians and the Prime Minister underlined the UK's determination to ensure Putin fails."
"The Prime Minister and President Zelensky also discussed the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Ukraine, precipitated by Russia's indiscriminate attacks and ceasefire breaches."
Mr Johnson also promised to continue to press other countries to take further action to remove Russia from the Swift payment system.
04:04 PM
Boris Johnson pledges to work with allies to obtain more defensive aid for Ukraine
Boris Johnson told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that he would work with international allies to obtain more defensive military equipment for Ukraine.
"The leaders discussed the urgent needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the Prime Minister undertook to work with partners to provide further defensive equipment," said a readout of a call between the two leaders provided by Mr Johnson's office.
03:55 PM
Russia says sovereign bond payments will depend on sanctions
Russia's finance ministry said that sovereign bond payments to non-residents would depend on the sanctions imposed by the West.
"The actual possibility of making such payments to non-residents will depend on the limiting measures introduced by foreign states in relation to the Russian Federation," the finance ministry said.
03:51 PM
Macron urges Putin to end military operations and protect nuclear sites in call with Russian leader
French President Emmanuel Macron urged Vladimir Putin to end Russia's military operations in Ukraine and to ensure the protection and security of Ukraine's nuclear sites, an official from Mr Macron's office said.
The official confirmed that Mr Macron had held a telephone call today with Putin that lasted for nearly two hours.
03:48 PM
Priti Patel with Vadym Prystaiko, Ukraine's Ambassador to the UK
Ambassador of Ukraine to the UK, Vadym Prystaiko with Home Secretary Priti Patel
Priti Patel has said the UK is "doing everything possible" to speed up efforts to grant visas to Ukrainians fleeing the conflict.
Asked by a reporter if it was acceptable that around one per cent of submitted applications had been granted in the first 48 hours of the visa scheme, the Home Secretary said: "Let's be clear, this is the first scheme in the world that's up and running in this short period of time.
"Ten thousand applications and yes, grants are happening as we stand here right now and are speaking. So I'm surging staff across all application centres across the entire European Union as well as in the border countries such as Poland, where I was the other day and obviously where huge numbers of people are coming through."
03:34 PM
Gas pipeline in eastern Ukraine damaged by Russian forces, local governor says
Ukrainian engineers have scrambled to repair a gas pipeline damaged by Russian forces, halting supplies to parts of southeastern Ukraine, the Donetsk region governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said today.
Engineers had shut down the pipe to prevent gas from leaking, he said, adding that gas flow downstream was now dropping and would stop completely later in the day.
Mr Kyrylenko said that every location between the town of Vuhledar in the Donetsk region and the port of Berdyansk would be left without gas while the damage is repaired. The distance between the two towns is 73 miles.
“We are working hard to remove this problem as quickly as possible,” Mr Kyrylenko said.
03:26 PM
Five wounded after Russian forces fire at anti-occupation protest in Ukraine, reports suggest
Russian forces opened fire at a protest against their occupation of the southern Ukrainian city of Nova Kakhovka, wounding five people, Ukrainian news agency Interfax Ukraine has reported, citing eyewitnesses.
Around 2,000 people had taken to the streets of Nova Kakhovka to show their opposition to the invasion by waving Ukrainian flags and calling on Russian forces to leave, the agency reported.
Similar protests were staged in other occupied areas.
03:23 PM
Ukrainians fleeing fighting arrive in Poland in record numbers
The total number of refugees fleeing Ukraine for Poland is expected to surpass 1 million later today.
Polish border guards cleared as many as 129,000 people at border crossings yesterday, the most in a single day since the war started on February 24, bringing the total to 922,400.
"Check-in is as simplified as possible," Polish Border Guard spokeswoman Anna Michalska said. "The point is to confirm the identity of persons, verify documents, check the databases if they are not wanted persons. It takes a few minutes."
"Forecasts indicate that today the number of people who entered Poland from Ukraine from February 24 will exceed one million."
03:10 PM
Iron Kyiv: Klitschko brothers help lead defence of Ukrainian capital
Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko (R) and his brother Ukrainian heavyweight boxing world champion Wladimir Klitschko at a checkpoint in Kyiv Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko congratulates a couple in the Ukrainian territorial defence force celebrating their wedding Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko
03:00 PM
EU's von der Leyen calls for probe into whether Russia is committing war crimes
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that an investigation is needed into whether Russia is committing war crimes in Ukraine.
"I think there needs to be a strong and clear investigation on this question," Ms von der Leyen said in an interview with CNN.
02:55 PM
More than 360 civilians killed in Ukraine so far, UN reports
At least 364 civilians are confirmed to have been killed in Ukraine since Russian troops invaded on February 24, and another 759 have been wounded, although the true numbers are probably "considerably higher", a UN monitoring mission said today.
The updated figures added a further 13 deaths and 52 injuries to the casualties that the monitors from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reported yesterday.
02:43 PM
Russian police detain over 2,500 people at anti-war protests, reports suggest
Russian police detain a protester in Saint Petersburg - ANATOLY MALTSEV
Russian police forces have detained around 2,500 people at anti-war protests in cities across Russia today, Russian news agencies reported.
A police spokesman said 1,700 people were detained in Moscow after around 2,500 took part in an "unsanctioned protest", while 750 were detained at a smaller rally of around 1,500 people in the second largest city of Saint Petersburg.
OVD-Info, which monitors detentions at opposition protests, put the figure of detainees in 49 towns and cities across Russia at 2,575 people.
02:33 PM
Blinken says US seeing 'very credible reports' of deliberate attacks on civilians in Ukraine
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that America has seen 'very credible reports' of deliberate attacks on civilians by Russians forces in Ukraine, and that Washington was documenting these reports to make sure relevant organisations can investigate whether war crimes have been committed.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian ambassador to the US, Oksana Markarova, called Russia a "terrorist state" in an interview with Fox News.
"This is a terrorist state and we should treat Russia as a terrorist state," Ms Markarova said.
She also renewed calls for the US to provide Ukraine with anti-aircraft weapons.
02:25 PM
Pictured: Fires rage in Irpin after city is shelled
A factory and a store are burning after been bombarded in Irpin A Ukrainian man rides his bicycle near to a factory and a store burning after been bombarded in Irpin A factory and a store burn after being bombarded in Irpin, on the outskirts of Kyiv
02:19 PM
Israeli PM vows more Ukraine talks, even if prospects are 'not great'
Israel's premier said his country had a "moral obligation" to help stem fighting in Ukraine even if chances of success were "not great", after shuttle diplomacy that saw him visit the Kremlin.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met Russian President Vladimir Putin for three hours at the Kremlin on Saturday, before flying to Berlin to meet Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Mr Bennett, acting after Kyiv asked him to launch a dialogue with Moscow in the wake of Russia's invasion, has also held three phone calls in 24 hours with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Speaking before his weekly cabinet meeting, Mr Bennett said he could "not expand further" on his talks, but that Israel would press on with its diplomatic efforts "as needed".
02:03 PM
Don’t lecture me on plight of refugees, says Dominic Raab
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasised the needs for security checks on new arrivals to Britain as part of the Government’s commitments to helping those fleeing Vladimir Putin’s invasion.
Mr Raab - whose own father fled from the Nazis in Czechoslovakia in 1938 - was asked by Nina Hossain, a presenter with ITV News, whether the pathway for Ukrainians should be as simple as it was for those seeking sanctuary during the late 1930s.
“I don't need to be lectured by you about what my father went through. And you are talking about something you know little about,” he said. “It was incredibly difficult for my father to get to the UK.
Mariupol evacuation not possible due to 'continued shelling', authorities say
A convoy of evacuees was not able to leave Ukraine's besieged city of Mariupol on Sunday because Russian forces continued shelling despite a temporary ceasefire agreement, local authorities said.
"It is extremely dangerous to take people out under such conditions," the city council said in an online statement.
01:44 PM
From the front line: Ukrainian fighter's diary of a week at war
Andriy Kononenko is a former assistant to the Telegraph’s reporters in Ukraine, who gave up his job running a language centre in Kyiv to volunteer as a reservist in the Ukrainian army.
Read his account of his first full week in action here.
01:39 PM
'They're destroying us' says Mariupol mayor
Vadym Boychenko, the mayor of Mariupol, told Reuters that "they’re destroying us," as he described the plight of the city of 400, 000.
"They will not even give us an opportunity to count the wounded and the killed because the shelling does not stop," he said.
His comments come as an evacuation from the southern city of Mariupol was halted for a second day, with Ukrainian officials claiming that Russia again violated a temporary cease-fire deal brokered to allow the safe passage of civilians.
01:27 PM
Pictured: Protests against Russian invasion of Ukraine in Moscow
Police deployed in Moscow amid unauthorized protest against invasion of Ukraine - YURI KOCHETKOV/ Shutterstock Police deployed in Moscow amid unauthorized protest against invasion of Ukraine - YURI KOCHETKOV/ Shutterstock Police deployed in Moscow amid unauthorized protest against invasion of Ukraine - YURI KOCHETKOV/ Shutterstock
01:21 PM
Russia's detains more than 2,000 people at anti-war protests
Police detained more than 2,034 people at anti-war protests in cities across Russia on Sunday, the OVD-Info protest monitor said.
Reuters was not able to independently verify that information or to reach the police for comment.
01:12 PM
Zelensky urges NATO to close airspace and make a no-fly zone
BREAKING: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says missiles have struck and completely destroyed Vinnytsia regional airport, and urges NATO to close the airspace and make a no-fly zone.
Breaking: Ukraine Central Bank will allow purchase of foreign currency to pay for critical goods
The Ukranian Central Bank has announced it will allow the purchase of foreign currency to pay for critically important goods.
01:06 PM
Erdogan appeals to Putin for ceasefire
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan appealed for an urgent general ceasefire in Ukraine when he spoke on Sunday to Russian leader Vladimir Putin by telephone, Erdogan's office said.
The two heads of state spoke ahead of a diplomatic forum in Turkey on March 11-13 that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Ukrainian counterpart are due to attend.
Turkey hopes to organise a meeting between the two.
"An urgent general ceasefire would make it easier to find a political solution and respond to humanitarian concerns," Erdogan said.
He urged Putin to allow the creation of "urgent" humanitarian corridors in Ukraine, saying he and the Russian leader could "open the way of peace together".
He told Putin that Ankara was "prepared to contribute in all possible ways towards a peaceful resolution (of the crisis)".
12:59 PM
Screaming in fear, running for their lives: Civilians dive for cover as bombs fall on their only route out of Irpin
At least three people have reportedly been killed by the shelling of a part-destroyed bridge on the outskirts of Kyiv used by people to flee the besieged city, writes James Kilner.
Ukrainians accused Russia's army of firing mortar bombs at the bridge. The Russian defence ministry has not commented.
A man and a child escape from the town of Irpin, after heavy shelling on the only escape route used by locals - CARLOS BARRIA/REUTERS
In a video from the scene, a shell appears to land in the middle of a road by the bridge. The cameraman had been filming a hobbling, Ukrainian fighter, wearing civilian clothes and carrying a rifle. Dozens of civilians were walking past in the background.
12:57 PM
Mariupol evacuation 'halted for a second day'
An evacuation from the southern city of Mariupol has been halted for a second day, with Ukrainian officials claiming that Russia again violated a temporary cease-fire deal brokered to allow the safe passage of civilians.
Pro-Russian separatists and Ukraine's National Guard accused each other of failing to establish a humanitarian corridor out of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol on Sunday, the second time the sides attempted to arrange it.
Ukraine 24 television showed a fighter of the Azov Regiment of the National Guard who said Russian and pro-Russian forces that have encircled the port city of about 400,000 continued shelling the areas that were meant to be safe.
The Interfax news agency cited an official of the Donetsk separatist administration who accused the Ukrainian forces of failing to observe the limited ceasefire.
12:33 PM
Russian rockets have completely destroyed Vinnytsia regional airport, says Zelensky
Volodymr Zelensky, the Ukranian President, has said that Russian rockets have completely destroyed Vinnytsia regional airport.
A barrage of Russian missiles destroyed the airport in Vinnytsia in central Ukraine on Sunday, he said.
"I have just been informed about a missile strike on Vinnytsia. Eight rockets... The airport was completely destroyed," he said.
Russian authorities have been restricting access to foreign and independent media outlets, including the main BBC websites, in recent days as the invasion of Ukraine continues.
On Friday, its parliament approved a law making it a criminal offence punishable by up to 15 years in prison to spread "fake" or "false" news about the Kremlin's war in Ukraine, prompting the BBC to temporarily suspend the work of all its news journalists and support staff in Russia.
11:59 AM
Volodymr Zelensky; Russian forces are preparing to bombard Odessa
Volodymr Zelensky, the Ukranian president, has warned that Russian forces are preparing to bombard Odessa city.
"They are preparing to bomb Odessa. Odessa!" he declared, in a video address.
"Russians have always come to Odessa. They have always felt only warmth in Odessa. Only sincerity. And now what? Bombs against Odessa? Artillery against Odessa? Missiles against Odessa?" he demanded.
"It will be a war crime. It will be a historical crime."
11:47 AM
Pope Francis: Ukraine conflict is 'not military operation but a war'
Pope Francis has said the Ukraine conflict is "not a military operation but a war".
Speaking in his weekly address in St Peter's Square, he said: “In Ukraine rivers of blood and tears are flowing. This is not only a military operation but a war which is leading to death, destruction and misery".
His comments appear to be a rebuke to Russia's claims that they are carrying out a "special military operation" in Ukraine.
11:28 AM
Zelensky: We need spirit, we need victory and we need peace'
Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukranian President, has spoken in a televised address.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy says 'we have been fighting for 11 days and we are already thinking about rebuilding our country'.
Civilians flee after reports of heavy shelling in Irpin
Journalists run for cover after heavy shelling on the only escape route used by locals - CARLOS BARRIA/ REUTERS Local residents wait inside a bus as they escape from the town of Irpin, after heavy shelling on the only escape route used by locals, while Russian troops advance towards the capital, in Irpin, near Kyiv - CARLOS BARRIA/ REUTERS
10:58 AM
Breaking: Shelling reported on bridge used by civilians to flee Irpin
Reports and pictures are emerging of civilians fleeing rocket attacks near a bridge where they were taking shelter while trying to evacuate the city of Irpin.
Views from vicinity of the bridge in the city of Irpin, northwest of Kyiv, blasts a few meters away during civilians' evacuation while ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine, in Irpin, - Anadolu /Anadolu Agency
Local residents run for cover as they escape from the town of Irpin, after heavy shelling on the only escape route used by locals, while Russian troops advance towards the capital of Kyiv, in Irpin - CARLOS BARRIA
Views from vicinity of the bridge in the city of Irpin, northwest of Kyiv, blasts a few meters away during civilians' evacuation while ongoing Russian attacks on Ukraine - Anadolu Agency/Anadolu Agency
10:44 AM
Raab 'sceptical' of promises made by Kremlin
Dominic Raab said he was "very sceptical" over any promises made by the Kremlin.
The Deputy Prime Minister was asked whether he thought a temporary ceasefire announced for Mariupol would hold and he told the BBC: "I'm very sceptical about any assurances or commitments that President Putin makes.
"Of course, we want to do everything we can. We should exhaust all opportunities to try and provide humanitarian relief. But I think you only have to look at his track record in Syria to see that we need to be very careful to test any assurances Vladimir Putin gives."
In a separate interview with Times Radio he said he does not think Russian President Vladimir Putin would agree to a humanitarian no-fly zone over Ukraine.
"I think it's interesting, I just can't see why Russia would agree to that and what we've been clear on is we're not going to get into direct military conflict between the UK or Nato and Russia," he said.
He added: "We've had ongoing discussions with all of our allies and, indeed, with the Russians, and if we thought that there was an easier or credible route to provide that humanitarian support, of course, we'd want to look at it more seriously."
10:37 AM
UK still has a direct line to Russia's MoD, says UK armed forces chief
The UK still has a direct line of contact into Russia's Ministry of Defence, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin said.
The Chief of the Defence Staff told the BBC's Sunday Morning programme that the line was "tested every day".
"We've used that line for me to say to General Gerasimov (Russia's military chief) that we need to speak and I'm waiting for him to come back to me, and other countries also have direct lines in.
NEW: The Ministry of Defence has a direct line to Moscow's operational HQ, reveals UK Armed Forces chief Adm Radakin.
He says: "That's tested every day. We've used that line for me to say to General Gerasimov that we need to speak. I'm waiting for him to come back to me."
"These lines of communication are not as strong as we would want them to be and that's why we're furthering them as best as we can."
10:28 AM
'Unlawful and unhelpful' for British citizens to go and fight in Ukraine, says chief of defence staff
It is "unlawful and unhelpful" for British citizens to go and fight in Ukraine, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin has said.
The Chief of the Defence Staff has urged Britons not to head to Ukraine to fight, adding that: "We've been very clear that it's unlawful as well as unhelpful for UK military and for the UK population to start going towards Ukraine in that sense".
He told the BBC: "Support from the UK, support in whatever way you can. But this isn't really something that you want to rush to in terms of the sound of gunfire. This is about sensible support based in the UK."
Asked if Foreign Secretary Liz Truss should therefore not have said she would support anyone who wanted to fight, he added: "I think she was reflecting (that) she could and that we can all understand that sentiment, and that sentiment needs to be channelled into support for Ukraine.
"But we're saying as professional military people, that actually that is not necessarily the sensible thing to be doing."
10:23 AM
Russia has 'got itself into a mess' with Ukranian invasion, says Sir Tony Radakin
Russia has "got itself into a mess" with the whole Ukrainian invasion, the Chief of the Defence Staff has said.
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin told the BBC's Sunday Morning programme that morale in the Russian forces was low and that the Kremlin had lost more troops in a week than the UK did in 20 years in Afghanistan.
"We do know that some of the lead elements of Russian forces have been decimated by the Ukrainian response," he said.
Chief of the defence staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin - Yui Mok/ PA
However, Sir Tony warned Russian aggression could be ramped up.
"I think there is a real risk because Russia is struggling with its objectives on the ground in Ukraine - and we've seen from Russia's previous actions in Syria and in Chechnya - where it will turn up the violence, it will lead to more indiscriminate killing and more indiscriminate destruction," he said.
10:21 AM
Raab: China and India must 'step up' to help
Dominic Raab has called on China and India to "step up" to stop the war in Ukraine.
He told Times Radio: "It's a permanent member of the UN Security Council, this is a really important test for China. It ought not to be providing diplomatic cover for Russia"
10:07 AM
Government must 'make it impossible for Russia to function', says Sir Keir Starmer
Sir Keir Starmer has said the Government "have to not just isolate Russia, they have to make it impossible for Russia to function".
The Labour leader said: "Our aim is to push the Government further on sanctions.
"We've got the opportunity tomorrow and if sanctions are going to work it's very important that we know who owns what property here in the United Kingdom."
He said his "frustration" was that the situation has "echoes of Afghanistan" where the Government "really only begins to get its act together and respond in the heat of the situation rather than preparing for it beforehand".
10:02 AM
More than 1.5 million refugees have fled Ukraine, says UN
More than 1.5 million refugees have fled Ukraine in the past 10 days in the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since the Second World War, the United Nations has said.
The United Nations estimates that by Sunday, March 6, the number of Ukrainian refugees could reach 1.5 million. - Europa Press/ Europa Press News
People with children wait to cross the Irpin river, - Europa Press/Europa Press News
Refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine arrive at the train station in Przemysl, Poland - Markus Schreiber/AP
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi tweeted: "More than 1.5 million refugees from Ukraine have crossed into neighbouring countries in 10 days - the fastest growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II."
09:54 AM
I don't need to be 'lectured' about what my father went through, says Raab
Dominic Raab told ITV News presenter Nina Hossain that he does not need to be "lectured" about what his father went through.
Mr Raab was asked about the the Government's response to the growing refugee crisis and whether the UK should make it as simple as it was for his father, who fled Czechoslovakia from the Nazis, to come to the UK.
The Deputy Prime Minister said: "I don't need to be lectured by you about what my father went through. And you are talking about something you know little about. It was incredibly difficult for my father to get to the UK."
In relation to Ukraine, he added: "I think we're doing the right thing in the right way. There's been a question about whether we should have security checks.
"Look, this is people coming from a war zone. It is absolutely right, given the foreign fighters that are there alongside of the Russians, that we make sure that we do have security checks precisely so that our generosity is directed to those who deserve our compassion, not those who might seek to harm us."
09:52 AM
Likely to see Russia 'ratcheting up the violence', says head of armed forces
The head of the Armed Forces has said western countries "have to have confidence that what we're doing is the right thing".
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin told the BBC's Sunday Morning programme: "We all have to acknowledge that we're likely to see Russia ratcheting up the violence, we're going to see more indiscriminate shelling, we're going to see more ridiculous violence...
"And the world has to maintain the resolve to keep applying its pressure on Russia, because it's Putin who can bring this to an end."
He went on to say: "The world has been incredibly clear about the repercussions that are being borne by Russia now."
He said its invasion is not going well, that the country is more isolated and less powerful, and that it "cannot continue".
"So we have to have to have confidence that what we're doing is the right thing".
09:50 AM
Russian invasion 'not going well, says Admiral Sir Tony Radakin
#Raworth: Is it only a matter of time until Russia takes over Ukraine?
Ukranians would 'never trust' what the Russians say despite agreements over ceasefires
The Ukranian Deputy Prime Minister has said Ukrainians would "never trust" what the Russians say despite agreements over ceasefires.
Olha Stefanishyna told the BBC's Sunday Morning programme every Ukrainian citizen and politician "knows the Russian playbook by heart".
Ms Stefanishyna hit out at Western leaders who refused to impose a no-fly zone over her country.
"My President was as precise as it is possible and we absolutely support from the bottom of his, of our, hearts (in) everything he says because this is what we feel," she said.
"It is very upsetting when the group of 30 leaders or ministers or even ambassadors are (...) gathering itself in a fancy cabinet, with the fancy furniture, and talking about the fancy thing, knowing that Ukraine was over this table for all of (these) years sitting in this fancy offices.
"But now knowing that we can't be there because we are operating under the bombarding of (the) Russian Federation and knowing that their intelligence also confirms that further severe attacks on the civil population - including carpet bombarding of the cities, which are basically happening these days already in some cities - will be taking place."
09:40 AM
Raab: We will reform libel laws to stop oligarchs using British courts
Dominic Raab has said the Government will be reforming libel laws in order to stop Russian oligarchs using Britain's court system.
He told ITV News: "I've already made clear we're going to reform our libel laws. I'm going to bring forward proposals to do so.
"What we've seen, and we've seen it in relation to journalists, academics, authors, the kleptocrats and those who are linked to Putin and deep pockets, come to this country, use our jurisdiction to sue those who are shining light on corruption or the excesses of the Putin regime. That cannot be right.
"We will not tolerate it and are going to bring forward proposals, and we very much hope the Labour Party will back them."
Specifically on the proposals, the Deputy Prime Minister added: "They could deal with anything from allocation of costs, so that you don't find all those on relatively modest salaries against the might of an oligarchy with very deep pockets. And basically find themselves bankrupted.
"We could look at the threshold for defamation in those kinds of cases, the US operates a different threshold. Those are things to look through quite carefully and we'll be bringing forward those proposals quite shortly."
09:38 AM
Situation getting 'more and more severe', says Ukranian Deputy PM
Olha Stefanishyna, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister, has said the situation in her country was getting "more and more severe".
Ms Stefanishyna told the BBC's Sunday Morning programme that Russian forces were shelling hospitals, nurseries and schools, and civilian homes.
She said: "This is how the reality looks but it seems like ... it does not look like (it is on) the agenda for the new wave of sanctions to be introduced by the democratic world."
Igor Majayev, looks over the rubble of his home that was destroyed by a suspected Russian airstrike which killed at least six people - MARCUS YAM/LOS ANGELES TIMES/Shutterstock
Ms Stefanishyna said the situation reported in the city of Mariupol was replicated across other cities, but the port city would again be the site of a temporary ceasefire on Sunday to try and allow citizens to leave.
A previous ceasefire of Saturday was not upheld.
"Hopefully, today we will manage to make the evacuation based on the agreement reached bilaterally between officials both on Ukrainian and Russian sides."
09:20 AM
No-fly zone would give Putin a 'get-out-of-jail-free card', says Labour
A no-fly zone over Ukraine would give the Russian president a "get-out-of-jail-free card", the shadow defence secretary John Healey has said.
He told Trevor Phillips On Sunday on Sky News: "Nato has ruled it out and the most essential thing is that the western alliance remains together.
"The big risk is that it gives Putin the grounds to rapidly escalate this conflict and, of course, it gives him the get-out-of-jail-free card to explain to his own people why his military campaign, his invasion in Ukraine, is not going well."
He also said: "The hard fact is Ukraine is not a member of Nato.
"The best thing that Britain and western countries can do at the moment is step up the military assistance as we have been doing to help Ukrainians defend themselves."
09:16 AM
Sanctions are 'legally justified' and not an 'act of war', says Raab
Dominic Raab has defied Vladimir Putin's claim that the sanctions levelled against him and Russia were a declaration of war.
The Deputy Prime Minister told Trevor Phillips on Sky News: "Just to be clear, sanctions are not an act of war, international law (is) very clear about that.
"Our sanctions are entirely both legally justified but also proportionate to what we're trying to deal with."
Mr Raab said he thought Mr Putin's nuclear posturing was "rhetoric and brinkmanship", and accused the Russian leader of having "a track record as long as anyone's arm of misinformation and propaganda".
He added: "This is a distraction from what the real issues are at hand, which is that it's an illegal invasion and it is not going according to plan."
Mr Raab also called on China and India to take a more active role to put on diplomatic pressure.
09:13 AM
The UK must learn the hard lessons from the shattering of the West’s illusions
Seven hundred years ago last month, a mighty roar shattered the night’s silence in the small East Anglian town of Ely, writes Lord Frost.
The elegantly constructed, but inadequately underpinned, tower of the cathedral had come crashing unexpectedly to earth. Luckily, it being midnight, the building was empty, and no-one was hurt.
The cathedral chapter immediately set to work, and just 20 years later the famous octagonal lantern was in its place. It has lasted.
In the last fortnight, the lofty intellectual edifice of Western diplomacy and Western illusions about the world has suffered a similar catastrophe.
Sober handling and great statesmanship are now needed if we are to share the good luck of Ely’s clergy in avoiding harm and if we are to rebuild as successfully as they did.
In pictures: Women and children board evacuation trains
Refugees fleeing the Russian invasion wait for transit in Lviv - KAI PFAFFENBACH/ REUTERS People fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine arrive at Siret border crossing - CLODAGH KILCOYNE/REUTERS Families make their way from the main train terminal in Lviv - Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Europe
09:02 AM
Raab rules out 'no-fly zone' over Ukraine
Dominic Raab has ruled out imposing a no-fly zone over Ukraine, saying this would lead to a "massive escalation" and would feed into the Russian president's narrative.
He told Sky News's Trevor Phillips on Sunday programme: "We're not going to get ourselves into a direct military conflict with Putin because that would be a massive escalation, but also that feeds Putin's narrative.
"Putin wants to say that he's actually in a struggle with the west - he's not".
He called no-fly zones "very difficult, very challenging" and said "we will do everything short of that to support Ukrainians".
08:59 AM
Raab warns Russian commanders of risk of prosecution for war crimes
Dominic Raab has warned Russian commanders and those around Vladimir Putin that they also risked being prosecuted for war crimes at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Mr Raab said the "reckless and frankly applying tactics by the Putin regime must be held to account".
Phillips asks Deputy PM "this must be a war crime?"
Raab responds saying, Putin's 'reckless and appalling tactics' must be "held to account" and not just "Putin but anyone taking illegal orders."#Phillips: https://t.co/31OokSLksh
As buses sit empty, Mariupol’s evacuation proved to be a false hope that left thousands trapped
The drivers waited for the order all day, their yellow school buses lined up on Zaporizhzhya’s Dnieper embankment facing south, towards the war, reports Roland Oliphant.
They were meant to be the rescue mission: gathered together at short notice to evacuate hundreds of civilians from Russia’s brutal siege of the port city of Mariupol.
Ben Wallace: Vladimir Putin could be toying with Emmanuel Macron
Amid the to-ing and fro-ing of world leaders and diplomats between Moscow and other European capitals last month, one visit particularly stood out, writes Ed Malnick.
Striding across the polished floors of Russia's ministry of defence, Ben Wallace, the UK's Defence Secretary, was pictured grim-faced in conversation with Sergei Shoigu, his counterpart in Vladimir Putin's government.
Behind them, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the recently-installed chief of the defence staff, and General Valery Gerasimov, Russia's chief of the general staff, walked side-by-side in their respective military dress.
Supplementing the more customary visits from diplomats and foreign ministers, Mr Wallace, a former captain in the Scots Guards, wanted to deliver a specific message to the minister and military chief in charge of Russia's armed forces.
"I managed to say to Shoigu and Gerasimov, the Ukrainians will fight and we will sanction you," Mr Wallace said in an interview with The Telegraph, almost a month after his trip.
Jill Biden 'holding her breath' that the Russia-Ukraine crisis does not turn into 'world war'
US First Lady Jill Biden says she is “holding her breath” that the Russian invasion of Ukraine does not turn into a full scale world war and wakes up every morning praying that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is still alive.
Speaking at a private fundraiser in San Francisco, Ms Biden said that she has been following the crisis closely on the television and insists her husband is “the right man for this moment in history.”
Her husband, US President Joe Biden, is working day and night with Nato allies to find solutions, she said.
Read the full report from our US Correspondent Jamie Johnson here
07:37 AM
World Health Organisation confirms 'several attacks' on healthcare facilities
.@WHO has confirmed several attacks on health care in #Ukraine, causing multiple deaths and injuries. Additional reports are being investigated. Attacks on healthcare facilities or workers breach medical neutrality and are violations of international humanitarian law. #NotATargethttps://t.co/Wdc2jeoHIB
— Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) March 6, 2022
07:30 AM
Biden has phone call with Zelensky
Joe Biden spoke to Volodymr Zelensky in a phone call last night and highlighted ongoing actions that the US is taking against Russia.
The Ukranian president confirmed that the pair spoke and says they discussed sanctions against Russia, security, and financial support for Ukraine.
Mr Biden said he is working closely with Congress to secure additional funding for Ukraine.
07:24 AM
Ten days that changed the world: How history will look back on Russian invasion
The war has set off a chain of events that could alter the balance of power for good, writes Peter Frankopan exclusively for The Telegraph.
“At the bottom of the Kremlin’s view of world affairs is a traditional and instinctive Russian sense of insecurity,” ran the report of a senior US official reporting back to Washington.
The leadership in Moscow, it continued, was driven by the “necessities of their own past and present position” to present the “outside world as evil, hostile and menacing”.
Decision-making, the report concluded, lay in the hands of “a political force committed fanatically to the belief that with the US there can be no permanent modus vivendi, that it is desirable and necessary that the internal harmony of our society be disrupted, our traditional way of life be destroyed, the international authority of our state be broken…
Skopje Fashion Festival models carry banners with anti-war messages and support for peace in Ukraine, Republic Of North Macedonia - GEORGI LICOVSK/Shutterstock Hundreds of Pro-Ukraine protestors holding a large Ukrainian flag rally in Times Square - Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images North America Protest against the war in Ukraine in Sydney, Australia - BIANCA DE MARCHI/Shutterstock
06:47 AM
Russia targeting populated areas as in Chechnya and Syria
Russia has targeted populated areas in a similar way to Chechnya in 1999 and Syria in 2016, however, its advance is being slowed by Ukrainian attacks on supply lines, according to UK military intelligence.
It added that the scale and strength of Ukrainian resistance continues to surprise Russia.
06:15 AM
US officials travel to Russia's ally Venezuela for talks, Reuters reports
Senior US officials travelled to Venezuela on Saturday for talks with President Nicolas Maduro's government, seeking to determine whether Caracas is prepared to distance itself from close ally Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine.
The trip, the highest-level US visit to Venezuela in years, comes as part of a US effort to isolate President Vladimir Putin. Some analysts also see U.-sanctioned Venezuela as a potential alternate source of oil supplies should Washington attempt to restrict Moscow's energy shipments.
US and Venezuelan officials held a round of talks on Saturday but reached no agreement, Reuters reported, citing an anonymous source familiar with the matter. It was unclear whether a further meeting would be held.
05:49 AM
Russian troops headed to Kaniv hydroelectric plant
Russian troops are headed towards the Kaniv Hydroelectric Power Plant, about 100 kilometers south of Kyiv, The Kyiv Independent is reporting.
In an earlier report the General staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces said: "The occupier intends to seize another important infrastructural object - the dam of Kaniv Hydro Power Plant."
05:27 AM
RFE/RL suspends operations in Russia following Kremlin attacks
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty has suspended its operations in Russia amid pressure from authorities.
The organisation said its journalists there have been continuously threatened, intimidated and harassed by authorities and its operation been the subject of bankruptcy proceedings.
"These Kremlin attacks on RFE/RL’s ability to operate in Russia are the culmination of a years-long pressure campaign against RFE/RL, which has maintained a physical presence in Russia since 1991 when it established its Moscow bureau at the invitation of then-President Boris Yeltsin," the company said.
The announcement comes as Russians could now face prison sentences of up to 15 years for spreading information that runs counter to the government's position on the invasion of Ukraine.
RFE/RL President Jamie Fly said: "Following years of threats, intimidation and harassment of our journalists, the Kremlin, desperate to prevent Russian citizens from knowing the truth about its illegal war in Ukraine, is now branding honest journalists as traitors to the Russian state."
04:59 AM
Some 3,000 Americans have volunteered to fight in Ukraine, reports VOA
Around 3,000 Americans have pledged their commitment to the cause in Ukraine and fight against the Russian invasion, Voice of America reports.
It comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for the formation of an "international legion" of foreign volunteers to help fight the war as Western nations continue to abstain from getting involved in the war militarily.
04:33 AM
Russian plan to repatriate alleged spies at UN, CBS reports
A Russian plane has apparently been authorised to land in the US to repatriate members of Russia's UN mission accused of spying.
The plane is expected to arrive in New York on Sunday afternoon, according to CBS News citing a Russian diplomat.
Last month, The United States expelled 12 Russian diplomats at the United Nations over national security concerns.
04:20 AM
Ukraine armed forces releases update
Ukraine's armed forces say they shot down four Russian helicopters, five planes and one unmanned aerial vehicle in the past 24 hours.
"Significant losses were inflicted on the personnel and equipment of the occupying forces", said the General Staff of the Armed Forces in an update.
"Several air raids were made on columns of enemy equipment, and the losses are being clarified," they added.
The update added that Russian forces continue to concentrate their efforts on encircling the cities of Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Mykolayiv, reaching Luhansk and Donetsk, and creating a land corridor with Crimea.
In Mariupol, which came under blockade on Saturday, the report says Russians continue to block the city and carry out artillery shelling of the city's civilian infrastructure.
04:01 AM
'Ukraine is bleeding but has not fallen'
Ukraine is bleeding but has not fallen, and stands with both feet on the ground, said Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba.
Applauding the country's armed forces in pushing back Russian forces on a number of fronts, Mr Kuleba said "the myth of the unbeatable and almighty army is already ruined."
He said the defence forces have achieved some major successes over the past 24 hours and that the Russians keep bearing devastating losses on the ground.
"Ukraine is bleeding but Ukraine as not fallen and stands with both feet on the ground," he said.
03:24 AM
Crowds of Ukrainian men line up to join army
Crowds of men have been lining up in Kyiv to join the Ukrainian army.
An order from Ukraine's government prohibited men between the ages of 18 and 60 from leaving the country to keep them available for military conscription.
But some like Volodymyr Onysko volunteered to fight.
"We know why we are here. We know why we defend our country. And our guys that are actually standing there and fighting Russian military forces," he told Sky News. "We know what we are doing and that's why we will win."
Others, like British Army veteran Mark Ayres, travelled to Ukraine to help.
Mr Ayres said the Ukrainian people have been inspiring and "it's galvanized everybody."
"I've got no illusions. I've got no romantic ideas of war or like 'I'm going to be some hero' or make a difference . but it is what I do," he said.
03:18 AM
Biden working with Congress to secure more funding for Ukraine
US President Joe Biden is working with Congress to secure additional funding as he reiterated his concern over the attack on a nuclear power plant earlier this week.
Mr Biden, who spoke on Saturday evening with President Zelensky, said he welcomed the moves by Visa and Mastercard to suspend payment services in Russia, adding that his administration was working closer with Ukraine to offer more support and with Congress to secure more funding.
"President Biden noted his administration is surging security, humanitarian, and economic assistance to Ukraine and is working closely with Congress to secure additional funding."
"President Biden reiterated his concern about the recent Russian attack on a Ukrainian nuclear power plant, and he commended the skill and bravery of the Ukrainian operators who have kept the reactors in safe condition. The leaders also discussed the recent talks between Russia and Ukraine."
03:10 AM
Ukrainians protect their country and statues
Volunteers have been weaving camouflage nets for the Ukrainian army.
For fear of damage, volunteers are also covering and wrapping statues and windows on several of the historically significant structures.
Volunteers weave camouflage nets for the Ukrainian army - Anadolu Agency
Volunteers weave camouflage nets - Anadolu Agency
Volunteers weave camouflage nets for the Ukrainian army - Anadolu Agency
Statues are wrapped up around Lviv Town Hall - Anadolu Agency
03:02 AM
Zelensky thanks Musk for Starlink support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk for giving Ukraine access to his company's satellite-internet system, Starlink.
"I'm grateful to him for supporting Ukraine with words and deeds," Mr Zelenskyy said in a tweet.
"Next week we will receive another batch of Starlink systems for destroyed cities."
He joked that they discussed possible space projects, which he would talk about "after the war".
03:00 AM
US tells China that Moscow will pay a high price
China said it opposes any moves that "add fuel to the flames" in Ukraine.
In a phone call with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the world is watching to see which nations stand up for the principles of freedom and sovereignty.
The US State Department said Mr Blinken underscored that the world is acting in unison in response to Russian aggression and ensuring that Moscow will pay a high price.
China has broken with the US, Europe and others that have imposed sanctions on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.
China said that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations should be respected, but that sanctions create new issues and disrupt the process of political settlement.
02:57 AM
'We know why we defend our country'
Hundreds of men have been lining up in Kyiv to join the Ukrainian army.
An order from Ukraine's government prohibited men between the ages of 18 and 60 from leaving the country to keep them available for military conscription.
But some, like Volodymyr Onysko, volunteered to fight.
"We know why we are here. We know why we defend our country. And our guys that are actually standing there and fighting Russian military forces," he told Britain's Sky News. "We know what we are doing and that's why we will win."
Others, like British Army veteran Mark Ayres, travelled to Ukraine to help.
Mr Ayres said the Ukrainian people have been inspiring and "it's galvanised everybody".
"I've got no illusions. I've got no romantic ideas of war or like 'I'm going to be some hero' or make a difference . but it is what I do," he said.
01:27 AM
Today's top stories
Ben Wallace has warned Vladimir Putin not to “test” the United Kingdom, as the Defence Secretary indicated that he could pour more funds into the light weapons wreaking havoc on Russian tanks and aircraft in Ukraine
A promised ceasefire failed, buses remain stationary, and civilians are trapped inside what has become one of the most violent battles of the 10-day old Russian invasion of Ukraine
The French interior minister has written to Priti Patel accusing Britain of “lacking humanity” in its response to Ukrainian refugees
Lord Frost, the former Cabinet Office minister, and Sir Michael Fallon, the ex-defence secretary, have warned that defence spending must increase following Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, as senior Tories insisted that funding should rise immediately by at least 25pc
Syrians were celebrating on Saturday night as a Russian pilot involved in bombing raids on their country was reportedly shot down over Ukraine and captured by local forces.
The stalled Russian advance to the north of Kyiv is a perfect example of “poor planning and poor execution”, Western officials have said.
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