Live updates: 16 children killed, 45 injured in Ukraine

The most recent on the Russia-Ukraine conflict:

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s president says 16 Ukrainian children have been killed and one other 45 have been injured in the Russian invasion.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mentioned in a video message Monday that “every crime, every shelling by the occupiers bring our partners and us even closer.”

He hailed the sanctions that the West slapped on Russia, saying they’ve introduced the Russian foreign money down. Zelenskyy requested the European Union a particular fast path to membership.

Zelenskyy mentioned that over 4,500 Russian troops have been killed and known as on Russian troopers to put down their weapons and depart. “Don’t trust you commanders, don’t trust your propaganda, just save your lives,” he mentioned.

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LONDON — Britain’s protection secretary says President Vladimir Putin’s announcement that he was placing Russia’s nuclear forces on excessive alert was largely an effort to distract the world from the troubles going through his invasion of Ukraine.

Ben Wallace instructed the BBC that whereas he understood issues concerning the warning, Britain has analyzed the statements and sees no proof of a change in Russia’s nuclear deployment or readiness to make use of the weapons.

“This is him reminding the world that he’s got a (nuclear) deterrent…,” Wallace mentioned. “But secondly, it’s part of a distraction as well. He’s put it out there and we’re all talking about it, rather than the lack of success they’re currently having in Ukraine.”

The feedback got here because the U.Ok. protection ministry mentioned its intelligence confirmed that the majority of Russia’s forces have been nonetheless 30 kilometers to the north of Kyiv. Logistical failures and staunch Ukrainian resistance proceed to frustrate Russian advance, the ministry mentioned.

Wallace mentioned Britain takes Putin’s warning “very, very seriously” and received’t do something that will increase the possibilities for miscalculation on both aspect.

“But at the moment this is a battle of rhetoric that President Putin is deploying, and we just have to make sure we manage it properly,” he mentioned.

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GENEVA — The U.N.’s high human rights physique has agreed to carry an “urgent debate” on the scenario in Ukraine.

The Human Rights Council opened its first assembly of the 12 months by front-loading consideration of the matter in an emergency debate in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Thursday.

The vote in the 47-member-state physique was 29-5, with 13 abstentions.

Ukraine and Russia, in addition to the opposite 4 everlasting members of the U.N. Safety Council, are present members.

The talk is anticipated to happen Thursday, a part of the five-week Human Rights Council session that runs via April 1.

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MADRID — Spain’s overseas minister has known as the Russian president’s order to place the nation’s nuclear forces on excessive alert “one more sign of the absolute irrationality of Vladimir Putin.”

“I hope they are simply words, but the mere fact of using those words, of using that threat, shows that Vladimir Putin’s irrationality has reached an unimaginable point,” José Manuel Albares instructed Spanish nationwide radio on Monday.

Albares didn’t make clear if Spain, like different European Union members, is able to ship weapons or different army help to Ukraine, which is enduring the fifth day of invasion from Russia. The Spanish authorities despatched 20 tons of humanitarian help and army defensive gear over the weekend.

As a substitute, the overseas minister defended that sanctions in opposition to Russian officers and oligarchs can be a deterrent, and obligatory even when they carry unfavorable results in the West.

EU overseas coverage chief Josep Borrell instructed non-public radio station Onda Cero that Putin’s order was “irreponsible.”

“Be alarmed, be alarmed, be alarmed!,” Borrell mentioned when requested about Putin’s announcement throughout an interview in Spanish non-public radio Onda Cero. (*16*)

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PRZEMYSL, Poland — Trains proceed to carry refugees fleeing conflict in Ukraine to security in Poland and in different nations.

Poland’s Border Guard says round 213,000 individuals have entered Poland from Ukraine since Thursday, when Russia waged conflict on Ukraine.

One other prepare carrying tons of of refugees from Ukraine arrived early Monday in the city of Przemysl, in southeastern Poland.

In winter coats to guard them in opposition to near-freezing temperatures, with small suitcases, they lined on the platform to the exit. Some waved on the digicam to point out they felt reduction to be out of the conflict zone. Many have been making telephone calls.

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TOKYO — Former Japnaese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says Japan ought to begin discussing a chance of searching for a NATO-style nuclear sharing preparations as nuclear deterrence in the wake of Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“We should not put a taboo on discussions about the reality of how the world is kept safe,” Abe mentioned on a Fuji Tv speak present Sunday. “We should firmly consider various options when we talk about how we can protect Japan and the lives of its people in this reality (of Ukraine).”

Abe, who bolstered Japan’s army spending and functionality throughout his eight 12 months management and identified for his hawkish stance, stepped down in 2020 however nonetheless stays extremely influential and heads the biggest faction of Japan’s governing celebration.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday instructed a parliamentary session that nuclear sharing is not permissible due to Japan’s non-nuclear rules. Kishida mentioned final week possessing or utilizing nuclear weapon is just not an possibility for Japan.

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ROME — The Vatican is providing its providers for any negotiation geared toward ending the conflict in Ukraine.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s No. 2 official, instructed a number of Italian newspapers in an interview revealed on Monday, that “even though what we feared and what we hoped wouldn’t happen did happen, there is always space for negotiation.”

He famous that the Holy See, “providing its willingness to facilitate dialogue with Russia, is at all times prepared to assist the events to get again on that path.’’

On Friday, Pope Francis in a rare step went to the Russian Embassy to the Holy See to fulfill with the Russian ambassador. The pontiff pressed for an finish to preventing and a return to negotiations, Parolin famous.

Whereas Orthodox Christians are predominant among the many devoted in Ukraine, the Catholic Church has a discreet presence in that nation via believers who observe the Japanese Ceremony of Catholicism.

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PARIS — France’s Minister for European Affairs says an EU ban on Russian state-owned channels Russia At this time and Sputnik is an “absolute need.”

Clement Beaune mentioned on French radio Europe 1 that he has “no problem” with banning the channels as a result of they’re spreading “propaganda.”

The European transfer was introduced by EU Fee President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday.

It comes as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has grow to be a key marketing campaign difficulty in France. The nation’s presidential election is scheduled in two rounds on April 10 and 24.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex is to fulfill on Monday with all presidential candidates concerning the battle.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who is anticipated to run for a second time period, has not formally declared his candidacy but. Macron is holding a particular protection assembly on Ukraine on Monday.

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KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s protection trade conglomerate says the world’s largest aircraft that was in common operation was closely broken in preventing with Russian troops on the airport exterior Kyiv the place it was parked.

The Ukroboronprom firm mentioned in an announcement that the Antonov-225 was “destroyed” however can be repaired. The An-225, which is operated by Ukroboronprom’s subsidiary Antonov Airways, is used to maneuver exceptionally giant cargos. Its arrivals and departures at abroad airports usually entice aviation buffs to look at the lumbering aircraft with a 290-foot (84-meter) wingspan.

Solely two planes have been constructed with bigger wingspans — the Stratolaunch and the Hughes “Spruce Goose” — however every was used just for a single flight.

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MOSCOW — The Russian army says that residents of the Ukrainian capital can use a secure hall to depart town if they need.

Russian Protection Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov mentioned Monday that Kyiv residents can safely use a freeway resulting in Vasylkiv simply southwest of the Ukrainian capital. The assertion got here as preventing raged in numerous elements of the Ukrainian capital, with Ukrainian authorities saying that they have been preventing small teams of Russian forces in numerous sectors of the capital.

Konashenkov charged that Ukrainian “nationalists” have been deploying army gear utilizing town residents as shields, the allegations that may’t be independently verified. Regardless of Russian army claims that it wasn’t concentrating on populated areas, residential buildings, hospitals and faculties have been hit all throughout Ukraine throughout the Russian invasion that started Thursday.

Konashenkov additionally introduced new land beneficial properties, saying Russian troops have taken management of the realm across the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant in the south, noting that the plant was secure and the radiation ranges in the realm have remained regular.

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MOSCOW — Russia’s Central Financial institution has sharply raised its key fee from 9.5% to twenty% in a determined try to shore up the plummeting ruble and forestall the run of banks amid crippling Western sanctions over the Russian conflict in Ukraine.

The financial institution’s motion follows the Western determination Sunday to freeze its arduous foreign money reserves in an unprecedented transfer that might have devastating penalties for the nation’s monetary stability. It was unclear precisely what share of Russia’s estimated $640 billion arduous foreign money coffers will likely be paralyzed by the transfer, however European officers mentioned that at the very least half of it is going to be affected.

The transfer will dramatically increase stress on the ruble by undermining the monetary authorities’ capacity to conduct arduous foreign money interventions to forestall the ruble from sinking additional and triggering excessive inflation. The ruble has sharply dived in early Monday buying and selling.

The Central Financial institution additionally ordered a slew of measures to assist the banks address the disaster by infusing additional cash into the system and easing restrictions for banking operations. On the identical time, it briefly barred non-residents from promoting the federal government obligations to assist ease the stress on ruble from panicky overseas traders desperate to money out.

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MOSCOW — Russia’s investigative company says it has opened a probe into the allegations of torture of Russian prisoners of conflict by members of Ukrainian forces.

The Investigative Committee, the principle state felony investigation company, mentioned Monday that the probe will observe down individuals accountable for torturing Russian prisoners.

The transfer adopted the declare by Russian Protection Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov, who pointed at alleged incidents in which Ukrainian forces tortured Russian prisoners and vowed to trace all of the culprits down and convey them to justice. He didn’t present particulars or proof to again the declare.

Russian officers have sought to solid members of Ukraine’s right-wing teams as “neo-Nazis.“

Konashenkov additionally acknowledged for the primary time that the Russian army has suffered casualties in the assault on Ukraine however hasn’t named any numbers and claimed that the Russian losses are “much smaller” in comparison with the Ukrainian.

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SAN FRANCISCO — Safety officers at Meta, the corporate previously referred to as Fb, mentioned they recognized a rise in makes an attempt to hack the accounts of public figures in Ukraine, together with a journalist, members of the Ukrainian army and at the very least one politician. Individually, they mentioned the corporate disrupted a misinformation community run by individuals in Russia and Ukraine.

The hacking makes an attempt originated from a gaggle identified to safety specialists as Ghostwriter, mentioned Nathaniel Gleicher, Meta’s head of safety coverage. That group typically tries to interrupt into the social media accounts of its targets after which put up misinformation as if it had originated with the targets themselves. As an example, the corporate noticed a number of makes an attempt to get individuals to put up movies that allegedly confirmed Ukrainian troopers surrendering, Gleicher mentioned.

The comparatively small misinformation community, in contrast, ran a number of false web sites that masqueraded as information shops and revealed claims that the West was betraying Ukraine. It additionally created fictitious personas that posed as information editors, an aviation knowledgeable and the creator of a scientific publication. Meta safety groups took down about 40 faux accounts, pages and teams concerned in this operation, none of which appeared to have vital followings.

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UNITED NATIONS — The two main our bodies in the United Nations will maintain separate conferences Monday on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The conferences of the 193-nation Basic Meeting and the extra highly effective 15-member Safety Council replicate widespread calls for for a cease-fire and escalating concern for the tens of millions of Ukrainians caught up in the conflict.

The Safety Council gave a inexperienced gentle Sunday for the primary emergency session of the Basic Meeting in many years. It’s going to give all U.N. members a chance to discuss the conflict and vote on a decision that U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield mentioned would “hold Russia to account for its indefensible actions and for its violations of the U.N. Charter.”

French Ambassador Nicolas De Riviere introduced the Safety Council assembly on the humanitarian affect of Russia’s invasion, a session sought by French President Emmanuel Macron to make sure the supply of help to individuals in want in Ukraine.

Each conferences observe Russia’s veto of a Safety Council decision demanding that Moscow instantly cease its assault on Ukraine and withdraw all troops. The vote Friday was 11-1, with China, India and the United Arab Emirates abstaining.

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MANILA, Philippines — Southeast Asian nations have expressed deep concern over the hostilities in Ukraine and known as for dialogue however didn’t condemn the Russian invasion regardless of requires a more durable stance in opposition to Moscow’s aggression.

The overseas ministers of the Affiliation of Southeast Asian Nations issued an announcement Monday calling “on all relevant parties to exercise maximum restraint and make utmost efforts to pursue dialogues through all channels” earlier than the scenario will get uncontrolled.

“It is the responsibility of all parties to uphold the principles of mutual respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and equal rights of all nations,” the regional bloc mentioned.

ASEAN prioritizes consensus amongst its 10 members and leans conservative on world issues. The bloc engages with Russia in annual political, safety and financial talks as a key dialogue associate.

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WASHINGTON — A senior U.S. intelligence official says Belarus is anticipated to ship troops into Ukraine as quickly as Monday to combat alongside Russian forces that invaded Ukraine final week.

Belarus has been offering assist for Russia’s conflict effort, however to date has not taken a direct half in the battle.

The American official has direct data of present U.S. intelligence assessments and says the choice by Belarus’ chief on whether or not to carry Belarus additional into the conflict is dependent upon talks between Russia and Ukraine occurring in the approaching days. The official spoke anonymously to debate the delicate info.

Russian forces have encountered robust resistance from Ukraine defenders, and U.S. officers say they consider the invasion has been harder, and slower, than the Kremlin envisioned, although that might change as Moscow adapts.

— James LaPorta

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BERLIN — The United Nations’ nuclear watchdog says missiles have hit a radioactive waste disposal website in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, however there aren’t any experiences of injury to the buildings or indications of a launch of radioactive materials.

In an announcement late Sunday, Worldwide Atomic Power Company Director Basic Rafael Grossi says Ukrainian authorities knowledgeable his workplace concerning the in a single day strike. He says his company expects to quickly obtain the outcomes of on-site radioactive monitoring.

The report got here a day after {an electrical} transformer at the same disposal facility in the Ukrainian metropolis of Kharkiv was broken.

Such amenities usually maintain low-level radioactive supplies resembling waste from hospitals and trade, however Grossi says the 2 incidents spotlight a “very real risk.” He says if the websites are broken there may very well be “potentially severe consequences for human health and the environment.”

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