Finance
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky drew the world’s attention again on Thursday, accusing Russia of targeting civilians as the war enters its third month. On the rebel-controlled Donbas region, the 44-year-old leader, who has received Western support in his fight against Moscow, said: “It is hell there – and that is not an exaggeration.” Strikes are ongoing in the Odesa region and in the cities of central Ukraine. “The Donbass has been completely destroyed.” The Kremlin launched its offensive on February 24 with the stated goal of “de-Nazifying” the neighbouring country, which Kyiv has repeatedly denied. Despite several rounds of peace talks, there has been no progress.
1. “This is a deliberate and criminal attempt to kill as many Ukrainians as possible, to destroy as many houses, social facilities, and businesses as possible,” Zelensky slammed Moscow in his latest nightly address.
2. At a UN Security Council meeting, the United States and Russia sparred once more as food crises around the world worsened. “Stop obstructing Black Sea ports. Allow free movement of ships, trains, and trucks transporting food out of Ukraine “According to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to the Russian envoy. “Stop threatening to halt food and fertiliser exports to countries that oppose your war of aggression,” he said.
3. “The Russian military has literally held hostage the food supply for millions of Ukrainians and millions more around the world,” he added.
4. In response to the US secretary of state, Russia’s ambassador to the UN, Vassily Nebenzia, stated that Ukraine’s ports are being blocked by Ukraine itself, which, he claims, has planted mines along the Black Sea coast, according to the news agency AFP.
5. The United States Congress has approved a $40 billion aid package for the war-torn country. The bill has now been forwarded to Joe Biden for his presidential endorsement. According to the Associated Press, the latest package includes 18 more howitzers as well as anti-artillery radar systems.
6.”This is an example of strong leadership and a critical contribution to our common defence of freedom,” Zelensky said, thanking the US.
7. On Thursday, Biden stated that the United States fully supports Sweden and Finland’s Nato membership bids. “Let me be clear: new members joining Nato do not pose a threat to any nation,” he said, days after Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a warning about developments related to Moscow’s neighbours joining the US-led defence alliance.
8. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has raised concerns among its other European neighbours.
9. “We urge all world businesses to pull out of Russia. Stop making blood profits and funding Putin’s war-machine. Stop financing Russian invaders,” the Ukraine’s foregin ministry said in a tweet.
10. Ten thousand and five hundred – this is the figure given by Kyiv for the number of Russian troops killed in three months of conflict. For the first time, a Russian soldier pleaded guilty to war crimes on Thursday.
Source:HT
