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Ukraine war – latest updates: Putin makes surprise trip to Crimea as arrest warrant issued

Russian president Vladimir Putin has made a surprise last-minute trip to a children’s centre in Crimea on the anniversary of the Kremlin’s annexation of the region.

Mr Putin visited an art school and a children’s centre on Saturday, a day after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for the Russian leader, accusing him of war crimes.

The court specifically accused him on Friday of bearing personal responsibility for the abduction of children from Ukraine during Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country, which started almost 13 months ago.

Responding to the ICC move, US president Joe Biden said Mr Putin had “clearly committed war crimes.” He added: “I think it’s justified. But the question is – it’s not recognised internationally by us either. But I think it makes a very strong point.”

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia does not recognise the ICC and regards its decisions “legally void”. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, a move that most of the world considered illegal.

Key points

  • Putin makes surprise visit to Crimea

  • Wagner Group launches huge recruitment drive

  • Putin has clearly committed war crimes, says Biden

  • Russia looking to recruit 18-year-olds for war in Ukraine under new law – MoD

  • China’s Xi to meet Putin in Russia next week, Kremlin confirms

  • Beijing ceasefire plan would ratify ‘Russian Conquest’, warns White House

Putin visits art school in Crimea

15:09 , Matt Mathers

Russian President Vladimir Putin has travelled to Crimea to mark the ninth anniversary of the Black Sea peninsula’s annexation from Ukraine.

Mr Putin visited an art school and a children’s centre on Saturday, the day after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for the Russian leader, accusing him of war crimes.

The court specifically accused him on Friday of bearing personal responsibility for the abduction of children from Ukraine during Russia’s full-scale invasion of the country, which started almost 13 months ago.

Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, a move that most of the world considered illegal.

Explained: How a warrant for Putin puts new spin on Xi visit to Russia

16:45 , Matt Mathers

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow next week highlighted China’s aspirations for a greater role on the world stage.

But they also revealed the perils of global diplomacy: Hours after Friday’s announcement of the trip, an international arrest warrant was issued for Putin on war crimes charges, taking at least some wind out of the sails of China’s big reveal.

Matthew Lee reports:

How a warrant for Putin puts new spin on Xi visit to Russia

ICYMI: Biden says Putin has ‘clearly committed war crimes’ and ICC charges are justified

16:15 , Matt Mathers

US president Joe Biden said on Friday his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin “clearly committed” war crimes during the course of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine since the conflict erupted in the former Soviet nation in February last year.

“He’s clearly committed war crimes,” the US president said on Friday referring to the Russian leader.

Arpan Rai has more below:

Biden says Putin has ‘clearly committed war crimes’ and ICC charges are justified

Russian attacks continue as arrested warrant issue for Putin

15:32 , Matt Mathers

Widespread Russian attacks continued in Ukraine, following the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s commissioner for children’s rights.

Ukraine was attacked by 16 Russian drones on Friday night, the Ukrainian Air Force said in the early hours of Saturday.

Writing on Telegram, the air force command said that 11 out of 16 drones were shot down "in the central, western and eastern regions".

Among areas targeted were the capital, Kyiv, and western Lviv province.

The head of the Kyiv city administration, Serhii Popko, said Ukrainian air defences shot down all drones heading for the Ukrainian capital, while Lviv regional governor Maksym Kozytskyi said on Saturday that three of six drones were shot down, with the other three hitting a district bordering Poland.

Black Sea grains export deal renewed

14:34 , Matt Mathers

A deal allowing the export of Ukrainian grain from Black Sea ports that was due to expire on Saturday has been renewed, Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan said, while a Ukrainian government minister said the extension had been agreed for 120 days.

"The deal for the grain corridor was due to expire today. As a result of our talks with the two sides, we have secured an extension to this deal,"  Mr Erdogan said in a speech in the western city of Canakkale, without specifying the length of the agreed extension.

Ukrainian Infrastructure Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said the deal had been extended for 120 days.

The pact was brokered with Russia and Ukraine by the United Nations and Turkey in July - and renewed for a further 120 days in November - to combat a global food crisis that was fueled in part by Russia’s Feb. 24, 2022, invasion of Ukraine and Black Sea blockade.

Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan (r) (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
Turkey’s President Tayyip Erdogan (r) (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

‘My life was in danger’: Rail enthusiast flees Russia after photographing Putin’s armoured train

14:10 , Matt Mathers

Trainspotter Mikhail Korotkov’s blog was his passion – but shutting up shop and leaving home felt like the only option after pictures he posted of his favourite target attracted some unwanted attention, finds Robyn Dixon

Full report:

Rail enthusiast flees Russia after photographing Putin’s armoured train

13:40 , Matt Mathers

8German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday held the first round of government consultations in Tokyo and agreed to strengthen economic and defense ties to better cope with China’s growing influence and global security concerns.

Kishida told a joint news conference after the talks that the sides agreed to strengthen supply chains in minerals, semiconductors, batteries and other strategic areas, in order to "counter economic coercion, state-led attempts to illegally acquire technology and non-market practices," apparently referring to China.

"Japan and Germany, both industrial nations that share fundamental values, need to take global leadership to strengthen resilience of our societies," Kishida said.

Putin visits Crimea on anniversary of its annexation from Ukraine - media

13:18 , Matt Mathers

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Crimea on Saturday on a visit to mark the ninth anniversary of Russia’s annexation of the peninsula from Ukraine, Russian state media reported.

We’ll have more on this story as it comes in.

Pro-Moscow voices tried to steer Ohio train disaster debate

12:47 , Matt Mathers

Soon after a train derailed and spilled toxic chemicals in Ohio last month, anonymous pro-Russian accounts started spreading misleading claims and anti-American propaganda about it on Twitter, using Elon Musk‘s new verification system to expand their reach while creating the illusion of credibility.

The accounts, which parroted Kremlin talking points on myriad topics, claimed without evidence that authorities in Ohio were lying about the true impact of the chemical spill. The accounts spread fearmongering posts that preyed on legitimate concerns about pollution and health effects and compared the response to the derailment with America’s support for Ukraine following its invasion by Russia.

David Klepper reports:

Pro-Moscow voices tried to steer Ohio train disaster debate

Before Xi visit, Russia says it held naval drills with China and Iran in Arabian Sea

12:25 , Matt Mathers

Russia, China and Iran have completed three-way naval exercises in the Arabian Sea that included artillery fire at targets on the sea and in the air, the Russian defence ministry said on Saturday.

The exercises, off the Iranian port of Chabahar, took place as Russian President Vladimir Putin prepares to host his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in Moscow for a three-day state visit starting on Monday.

Russia has continued to stage military exercises with partners, especially China, despite the strain on its armed forces from the year-long war in Ukraine, where it has failed to achieve any major advance since last summer.

File photo: A missile is launched from a Russian Navy vessel (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service)
File photo: A missile is launched from a Russian Navy vessel (Russian Defense Ministry Press Service)

Russian mercenary chief aims to recruit 30,000 new fighters by mid-May

11:43 , Matt Mathers

Russia’s Wagner mercenary group plans to recruit approximately 30,000 new fighters by the middle of May, its founder Yevgeny Prigozhin said on Saturday.

He said in an audio message on Telegram that Wagner recruitment centres, which he said last week had opened in 42 Russian cities, were hiring on average 500-800 people a day.

Prigozhin has been directing Russia’s operations in the key town of Bakhmut in one of the war’s longest and fiercest battles.

UCRANIA-GUERRA-UE SANCIONES (AP)
UCRANIA-GUERRA-UE SANCIONES (AP)

Germany's Scholz says ICC warrant for Putin shows 'nobody is above the law'

11:13 , Matt Mathers

German chancellor Olaf Scholz has welcomed the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying it showed that "nobody is above the law".

The ICC on Friday called for Mr Putin’s arrest on suspicion of unlawful deportation of children and unlawful transfer of people from Ukraine to Russia since Moscow launched its invasion of its neighbour last year.

"The International Criminal Court is the right institution to investigate war crimes ... The fact is that nobody is above the law and that’s what’s becoming clear right now," Mr Scholz said at a joint news conference in Tokyo with Japanese prime minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday.

Ukraine grain deal crucial for food supplies

10:50 , Matt Mathers

The extension of a deal enabling Ukraine to export grain is crucial to ensuring global food supplies and keeping prices from spiralling, the United Nations’ humanitarian chief has said, on the eve of the agreement’s expiration.

Russia’s UN ambassador reiterated that Moscow is ready to extend the deal - but only for 60 days, just half the 120 days in the agreement.

The original 120-day agreement was renewed last November and expires on Saturday.

It would be automatically extended for another 120 days unless one of the parties objects - and Russian envoy Vassily Nebenzia said Russia has formally objected.

UN undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs Martin Griffiths said it was vital for the UN-Russia memorandum to be fully implemented.

Mr Nebenzia said "the memorandum is simply not working" and the UN has to recognise it has "no leverage to exempt Russian agricultural export operations from Western sanctions" and its efforts have not produced results.

Britain welcomes issuing of arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin

10:35 , Matt Mathers

Britain has welcomed the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes in Ukraine.

Foreign secretary James Cleverly said it was essential that those at the top of the regime in Moscow were held to account for the atrocities which have taken place since the invasion a year ago.

Gavin Cordon reports:

Britain welcomes issuing of arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin

Russian attacks continue in wake of Putin arrest warrant

10:07 , Matt Mathers

Widespread Russian attacks continued in Ukraine following the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia’s commissioner for children’s rights.

Ukraine was attacked by 16 Russian drones on Friday night, the Ukrainian Air Force said in the early hours of Saturday. Writing on Telegram, the air force command said that 11 out of 16 drones were shot down "in the central, western and eastern regions." Among areas targeted were the capital, Kyiv, and the western Lviv province.

The head of the Kyiv city administration, Serhii Popko, said Ukrainian air defenses shot down all drones heading for the Ukrainian capital, while Lviv regional Gov. Maksym Kozytskyi said Saturday that three of six drones were shot down, with the other three hitting a district bordering Poland. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the attacks were carried out from the eastern coast of the Sea of Azov and Russia’s Bryansk province, which borders Ukraine.

The Ukrainian military additionally said in its regular update Saturday morning that Russian forces over the previous 24 hours launched 34 airstrikes, one missile strike and 57 rounds of anti-aircraft fire. The Facebook update said that falling debris hit the southern Kherson province, damaging seven houses and a kindergarten.

According to the Ukrainian statement, Russia is continuing to concentrate its efforts on offensive operations in Ukraine’s industrial east, focusing attacks on Lyman, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, Marinka and Shakhtarsk in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk province. Pavlo Kyrylenko, regional Gov. of the Donetsk province, said one person was killed and three wounded when 11 towns and villages in the province were shelled on Friday.

People inspect a damaged restaurant after Russian shelling hit in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Saturday (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)
People inspect a damaged restaurant after Russian shelling hit in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine, Saturday (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Top Ukraine, US defence officials discussed military aid in call- Kyiv

09:24 , Matt Mathers

Three senior US security officials held a video call with a group of their Ukrainian counterparts on Saturday to discuss military aid to Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff said.

“We discussed the further provision of necessary assistance to our country, in particular vehicles, weapons and ammunition,” Andriy Yermak wrote on Telegram.

He added that Zelenskiy had joined the meeting at the end to give his views on the liberation of Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia.

Ukrainian soldiers sent to defend Bakhmut ‘fear they are being sent to their deaths’

08:35 , Arpan Rai

Ukrainian soldiers fighting in Bakhmut fear “they are being sent to their deaths” amid a relentless push by Russian forces to capture a city.

Putin’s forces are said to outnumber Ukrainians by two or three times on the Bakhmut front, where an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 troops are currently fighting.

The relentless Russian bombardment has ravaged the city with soldiers fighting house-to-house battles in the ruins.

Read the full story here:

Ukrainian soldiers sent to defend Bakhmut ‘fear they are being sent to their deaths’

Putin’s arrest warrant for war crimes welcomed in UK and US

08:07 , Arpan Rai

Joe Biden has joined Britain in welcoming the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to issue an arrest warrant for Russian president Vladimir Putin for war crimes in Ukraine.

Mr Biden said Mr Putin had “clearly committed war crimes” and the warrant, although not recognised in the US, was “justified” and made “a very strong point”.

His remarks came after UK foreign secretary James Cleverly said it was essential that those at the top of the regime in Moscow were held to account for the atrocities which have taken place since the invasion a year ago.

Read the full story here:

Arrest warrant for Putin for war crimes in Ukraine welcomed in UK and US

Russia looking to recruit 18-year-olds for war in Ukraine under new law – MoD

07:08 , Arpan Rai

Russian authorities are likely preparing to facilitate wider military conscription to resource its military requirements and reduce the age bracket down to 18 years of age from existing 21 years, effectively recruiting high-school graduates for the continuing war in Ukraine.

“On 13 March 2023, Russian Duma deputies introduced a bill to change the age bracket for conscription to men aged 21-30 years, from the current 18-27. The law is likely to be passed, and would come into force in January 2024,” the British defence ministry said today.

It added that Russia has continued to run conscription call-up cycles twice a year since Soviet times. These call-up cycles are distinct from the exceptional ‘partial mobilisation’ of veterans carried out since September 2022, the ministry noted in its latest intelligence update on the grinding war in Ukraine.

“Russia continues to officially bar conscripts from operations in Ukraine, though at least hundreds have probably served through administrative mix ups or after being coerced to sign contracts,” the MoD said.

It added: “Many 18-21 year old men currently claim exemption from the draft due to being in higher education. The authorities are highly likely changing the age bracket to bolster troop numbers by ensuring that students are eventually forced to serve.”

“Even if Russia continues to refrain from deploying conscripts in the war, extra conscripts will free up a greater proportion of professional soldiers to fight,” the ministry said.

UN working on renewing grain export deal

07:00 , Jane Dalton

The United Nations is “doing everything possible” to make sure a deal allowing the export of Ukrainian grain from Black Sea ports continues, UN aid chief Martin Griffiths told the Security Council, hours before the pact is due to expire.

He also said “meaningful progress” had been made on a separate pledge by the United Nations to help facilitate Russian food and fertiliser exports, “but impediments remain, notably with regard to payment systems.”

“It is vital for global food security that both of these agreements continue and should be fully implemented,” Griffiths said.

The Kremlin said Russia was extending the agreement for 60 days.

Ukraine’s main focus remains on Bakhmut and Donbas cities, says Zelensky

06:37 , Arpan Rai

Volodymyr Zelensky has said that the main focus of Ukrainian forces remains on heavily contested territories in Donbas.

“I held a meeting of the staff of the supreme commander-in-chief today. The main focus is on the battles in Donbas: Avdiyivka, Bakhmut, Vuhledar, Maryinka, Bilohorivka,” he said.

Mr Zelensky added: “The main focus is on our soldiers, how to support our brigades, how to give them more strength, opportunities, more weapons and protection.”

“As always, the commander-in-chief, intelligence, task force commanders reported. The commander of Khortytsia group General Syrsky, the commander of Tavria group General Tarnavsky. It is these groups that operate in Donbas,” he said.

China’s plan would ratify ‘Russian conquest’, White House says

06:10 , Jane Dalton

Any China-brokered ceasefire would legitimise the illegal takeover of Ukrainian territory and would not gain support from the US, the White House has said:

China’s Ukraine ceasefire plan would ratify ‘Russian conquest’, White House says

Xi-Putin meet next week: What to expect

05:31 , Arpan Rai

Chinese president Xi Jinping will visit Russia from Monday to Wednesday in an apparent show of support for Vladimir Putin, officials in Beijing have confirmed.

The two leaders are likely to discuss sanctions evasion schemes and Chinese interest in mediating a negotiated settlement to the war in Ukraine, according to the US-based think tank the Institute for the Study of War.

It pointed out that the Kremlin has stated both presidents “plan to sign unspecified bilateral documents and discuss topical issues in Russia’s and China’s comprehensive partnership”.

“Chinese companies have reportedly sold rifles, drone parts, and equipment to Russian entities that could be used for military purposes, and Western intelligence agencies have stated that Chinese leadership is considering the provision of lethal equipment to Russia,” the ISW said in its latest assessment of the continuing war.

It added that the Chinese president likely plans to discuss sanctions evasion schemes with MRPutin and Russian officials to support the sale and provision of Chinese equipment to Russia.

“Xi also likely aims to promote Chinese efforts aiming to position China as an impartial third-party mediator for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine. China released a broad 12-point peace plan for the war in Ukraine on 24 February, although it remains unclear what more definitive Chinese proposals for a negotiated settlement to the war would encompass,” it said.

The Chinese leader, Russia’s closest-ally amid the war on Ukraine, “may seek to parlay his success in mediating the restoration of diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia into a larger effort to mediate in this war,” the think-tank noted.

Read more here:

China leader Xi to visit Moscow in show of support for Putin

Air strike in Donetsk

04:55 , Jane Dalton

A multi-storey building burns after being attacked by a Russian air strike in Avdiivka, Donetsk:

 (AP)
(AP)

Moscow says ICC’s decisions ‘legally void’ after arrest warrant for Putin

04:02 , Arpan Rai

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has said Russia doesn’t recognise the International Criminal Court and regards its decisions “legally void”.

The international court’s move to issue an arrest warrant for Russian president Vladimir Putin over war crimes is “outrageous and unacceptable.”Mr Peskov refused to comment when asked if Mr Putin would avoid making trips to countries where he could be arrested on the ICC’s warrant.

Arrest warrant issued for ‘pariah’ Putin over war crimes in Ukraine

03:48 , Arpan Rai

An arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin has been issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, which accuses him of war crimes by taking hundreds of Ukrainian children from orphanages.

The court accuses Mr Putin and his children’s rights commissioner, Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova, of “unlawful deportation” of children “from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation”.

It means the court’s 123 member states must detain Mr Putin and him over for trial if he sets foot on their territory.

Read the full story here:

Arrest warrant issued for ‘pariah’ Putin over war crimes in Ukraine

Putin has clearly committed war crimes, says Biden

03:23 , Arpan Rai

Russian president Vladimir Putin has committed war crimes and the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision to issue an arrest warrant for him was justified, his US counterpart Joe Biden said yesterday.

“He’s clearly committed war crimes,” Mr Biden said.

Speaking about the warrant from the International Criminal Court, he added: “Well, I think it’s justified. But the question is - it’s not recognized internationally by us either. But I think it makes a very strong point.”

The ICC has called for Putin’s arrest on suspicion of unlawful deportation of children and unlawful transfer of people from Ukraine to Russia since Moscow’s invasion began of its neighbour last year. The United States is not a member of the ICC.

Washington says there is no doubt Russia committing war crimes

03:15 , Jane Dalton

There is no doubt Russia is committing war crimes in Ukraine, a US State Department spokesperson said after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against Vladimir Putin.

“There is no doubt that Russia is committing war crimes and atrocities (in) Ukraine, and we have been clear that those responsible must be held accountable,” the spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

“This was a decision the ICC prosecutor reached independently based on the facts before him.”

The US, which is not a member of the ICC, has separately concluded that Russian forces have committed war crimes in Ukraine and supports accountability for perpetrators of war crimes, the spokesperson added.

‘No limits’: A timeline of Putin and Xi’s relationship

01:55 , Jane Dalton

‘No limits’: A timeline of Putin and Xi’s relationship

Russian fighter pilots to be honoured after clash with US drone

00:30 , Jane Dalton

Russian fighter pilots involved in an incident with a US drone that resulted in its crash will be given state awards, Moscow’s Defence Ministry has announced.

The move appears to signal the Kremlin’s intention to adopt a more aggressive stance toward future US surveillance flights.

The US military said it ditched the Air Force MQ-9 Reaper in the Black Sea on Tuesday after a pair of Russian fighter jets dumped fuel on the surveillance drone and then one of them struck its propeller while it was flying in international airspace.

Moscow has denied that its warplanes hit the drone, alleging that it crashed while making a sharp manoeuvre. It said its aircraft reacted to a violation of a no-flight zone Russia has established in the area near Crimea amid the fighting in Ukraine.

Soldiers ‘fear they are being sent to their deaths’ in Bakhmut

Friday 17 March 2023 23:30 , Jane Dalton

Ukrainian soldiers fighting in Bakhmut say they fear they are being sent to their deaths amid a relentless push by Russian forces to capture the city:

Ukrainian soldiers sent to defend Bakhmut ‘fear they are being sent to their deaths’

One of court’s most ambitious cases

Friday 17 March 2023 22:00 , Jane Dalton

The arrest warrant is one of the most ambitious cases that the ICC has undertaken and Andriy Yermak, chief of Ukraine’s presidential staff, said the warrant was “only the beginning”:

Arrest warrant issued for ‘pariah’ Putin over war crimes in Ukraine

Ukrainians hold off Russian attacks in Bakhmut

Friday 17 March 2023 21:30 , Jane Dalton

Ukrainian forces have been continuing to withstand Russian assaults on the ruined city of Bakhmut, the focal point for eight months of Russian attempts to advance through the Donetsk region in eastern Ukraine.

Ihor, a 36-year-old soldier at the mortar position, said Ukrainian forces had been targeted by air strikes, mortar fire and tank shelling.

“You don’t always check on what’s flying over your head,” he added, crouching in a deep trench.

Ukrainian soldiers install an anti-tank missile systems 'Stugna' near Bakhmut (AP)
Ukrainian soldiers install an anti-tank missile systems 'Stugna' near Bakhmut (AP)

Wheels of justice are turning, says Kyiv foreign minister

Friday 17 March 2023 20:45 , Jane Dalton

International criminals will be held accountable for stealing children and other international crimes, Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba said.

“The wheels of justice are turning,” he wrote.

Putin will face justice one day, says Starmer

Friday 17 March 2023 20:18 , Jane Dalton

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, a former director of public prosecutions, also welcomed the issuing of an arrest warrant for Mr Putin, predicting he would one day face justice.

“Today’s announcement sends an important message: there will no hiding place for Putin and his cronies and the world is determined to make them pay for what they have done,” he said.

“These cases are just the tip of the iceberg.

“One day Putin will face justice: until then, the focus of all who believe in Ukraine‘s liberty and freedom must continue to be on ensuring her victory.”

Dominic Raab, the deputy prime minister and justice secretary, told the BBC: “It is, I suspect, going to be a long journey but people said that about Yugoslavia and Rwanda and many of those people responsible for the carnage ended up in the dock of a court.

“In the short term it will be very hard for President Putin to move around the world because there are so many countries who are parties to the ICC who will be duty bound to arrest him.”

Zelensky hails 'historic’ decision

Friday 17 March 2023 19:55 , Jane Dalton

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said the International Criminal Court’s decision to issue an arrest warrant against Vladimir Putin was historic and blamed Putin for the deportation of thousands of Ukrainian children.

“This is an historic decision which will lead to historic accountability,” he said in his nightly video address.

The real number of deported children could be far more than 16,000, he said, and said their deportations constituted a policy of “state evil which starts precisely with the top official of this state.”

He added: “It would have been impossible to enact such a criminal operation without the say-so of the man at the helm of the terrorist state.”

UK minister welcomes arrest warrant

Friday 17 March 2023 19:41 , Jane Dalton

The UK foreign secretary has welcomed the issuing by the International Criminal Court of an arrest warrant for Mr Putin for war crimes.

James Cleverly said it was essential that those at the top of the regime in Moscow were held to account for the atrocities which have taken place since the invasion a year ago.

He said in a statement on social media that those responsible for horrific war crimes in Ukraine must be brought to justice.

“We welcome the step taken by the independent ICC to hold those at the top of the Russian regime, including Vladimir Putin, to account,” he wrote.

“Work must continue to investigate the atrocities committed.”

EU countries to sign deal to buy shells for Ukrainian troops

Friday 17 March 2023 19:11 , Jane Dalton

Several European Union countries will sign an agreement on Monday to team up to buy artillery rounds for Ukraine as part of an effort to speed up and increase the supply of shells that Kyiv says it urgently needs to fight Russia’s invasion.

A senior EU official said many of the bloc’s 27 countries were expected to sign the so-called project arrangement, which sets out the terms of reference for the plan, but the precise number was unclear as some were still examining the proposal.

“This arrangement has been set up very, very quickly,” the senior EU official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told a news briefing on Friday. “All (EU) member states and Norway can participate.”

Russia steps up Bakhmut pressure

Friday 17 March 2023 18:26 , Jane Dalton

The commander of Ukrainian ground forces said Russian forces were trying to break through Ukrainian defences in several directions in an attempt to fully encircle the small eastern city of Bakhmut.

“Bakhmut remains the epicentre of hostilities. Battles for the city continue,” General Oleksandr Syrskyi said. “The enemy is using all its forces and is trying to break through the defence in several directions and completely surround the city.”

Russia has made the capture of Bakhmut a priority in its strategy to take control of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas industrial region.

Opinion: It is clear who wields power in the Xi-Putin bromance

Friday 17 March 2023 18:05 , Jane Dalton

China’s president is heading to Moscow, but it is Russia’s leader that is under pressure, writes Chris Stevenson:

It is clear who holds the power in the Xi-Putin bromance | Chris Stevenson

Court decision null and void, says Kremlin

Friday 17 March 2023 17:50 , Jane Dalton

The Kremlin said an arrest warrant for war crimes issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague against Vladimir Putin was outrageous, but meaningless with respect to Russia.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia found the very questions raised by the ICC “outrageous and unacceptable”, but noted that Russia, like many other countries, did not recognise the jurisdiction of the ICC.

“And accordingly, any decisions of this kind are null and void for the Russian Federation from the point of view of law.”

Asked if Putin now feared travelling to countries that recognised the ICC and might therefore try to arrest him, Peskov told reporters: “I have nothing to add on this subject. That’s all we want to say.”

Warrant ‘just the start’, says EU foreign policy chief

Friday 17 March 2023 17:15 , Jane Dalton

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has called the ICC’s issuing of an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin an important decision for international justice.

Borrell said the move was just the start of “holding Russia accountable for its crimes and atrocities in Ukraine“.

“This is an important decision of international justice and for the people of Ukraine,” he said.

Moscow says ICC’s Putin arrest warrant has ‘no significance whatsoever'

Friday 17 March 2023 15:58 , Andy Gregory

The International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against Vladimir Putin has “no significance whatsoever”, a spokesperson for Russia’s foreign ministry has said.

ICC issues arrest warrant for Russian children’s rights commissioner

Friday 17 March 2023 15:39 , Andy Gregory

Alongside Vladimir Putin, the International Criminal Court has also issued a warrant for the arrest for Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova, the Commissioner for Children’s Rights in the Russian president’s office.

Similarly to the Russian president, Ms Lvova-Belova “is allegedly responsible for the war crime of unlawful deportation of population (children) and that of unlawful transfer of population (children) from occupied areas of Ukraine to the Russian Federation”, the court said.

China ceasefire plan would ratify ‘Russian Conquest’, warns White House

Friday 17 March 2023 15:34 , Andy Gregory

Our White House correspondent Andrew Feinberg reports:

Any China-brokered ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia would legitimise the illegal takeover of Ukrainian territory and so would not gain support from the US, the White House has said.

National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby on Friday told reporters a ceasefire at this point in the year-old war would have the effect of “ratifying Russian conquest”.

“We certainly don't support calls for a ceasefire that would be called for by the PRC at a meeting in Moscow that would simply benefit Russia,” he said.

“Russia would be free to use a ceasefire to only further entrench their positions in Ukraine, to rebuild, refit and refresh their forces so they can restart attacks on Ukraine at a time of their choosing.”

China’s Ukraine ceasefire plan would ratify ‘Russian conquest’, White House says

Turkey to move forward with ratifying Finland’s Nato application, says Erdogan

Friday 17 March 2023 15:28 , Andy Gregory

Turkey’s president Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced that his government will move forward with ratifying Finland’s Nato application, after months of blocking such a move.

The breakthrough came as Finnish president Sauli Niinisto was in Ankara to meet with Mr Erdogan, who had signed an agreement last June to resolve differences over the bids by Sweden and Finland – who Turkey had accused of being too soft on groups it deems to be terror organisations.

“When it comes to fulfilling its pledges in the trilateral memorandum of understanding, we have seen that Finland has taken authentic and concrete steps,” Mr Erdogan told reporters, following his meeting with Mr Niinisto.

“This sensitivity for our country’s security and, based on the progress that has been made in the protocol for Finland’s accession to Nato, we have decided to initiate the ratification process in our parliament,” the president added.

With Mr Erdogan’s agreement, Finland’s application can now go to the Turkish parliament, where the president’s party and its allies hold a majority. Ratification is expected before Turkey holds its presidential and parliamentary elections – scheduled for 14 May.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, right, and Finland's President Sauli Niinisto shake hands during a welcome ceremony at the presidential palace in Ankara (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, right, and Finland's President Sauli Niinisto shake hands during a welcome ceremony at the presidential palace in Ankara (AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici)

Breaking: ICC issues Putin arrest warrant over war crimes in Ukraine

Friday 17 March 2023 15:23 , Andy Gregory

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued an arrest warrant against Russian president Vladimir Putin, accusing him of being responsible for war crimes committed in Ukraine.

Moscow has repeatedly denied accusations it has committed atrocities since its invasion last February.

The announcement comes hours after a UN-backed inquiry found that Russian attacks against civilians in Ukraine – including systematic torture and killing in occupied regions – amount to war crimes and possibly crimes against humanity.

My colleague Tara Cobham has our breaking report, which you can refresh for updates:

Arrest warrant issued for Vladimir Putin over ‘war crimes’ in Ukraine

Hungarian parliament expected to vote on Nato bids in a fortnight

Friday 17 March 2023 15:03 , Andy Gregory

Hungary’s parliament is expected to vote on the ratification of Finland and Sweden’s bids to join Nato on March 31, Viktor Orban’s ruling Fidesz party has told Reuters.

While most member states have given the applications the green light, Turkey and Hungary have yet to ratify them, and Finland’s president Sauli Niinisto is meeting with his Turkish counterpart today – raising hopes that Ankara could reverse its opposition.

Hungary’s parliament could vote on the bids in a fortnight’s time (AP Photo/Carey J. Williams, File)
Hungary’s parliament could vote on the bids in a fortnight’s time (AP Photo/Carey J. Williams, File)

White House says it has deep concerns over China’s peacemaker role in Ukraine

Friday 17 March 2023 14:31 , Andy Gregory

The United States has deep concerns that China might try to position itself as a peacemaker in the war in Ukraine by promoting a ceasefire, the White House has said.

Any ceasefire at this time would not lead to a just and lasting peace between Ukraine and Russia, the White House’s national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters.

Russian politician shares video of Crimea schoolchildren learning to load rifles in classroom

Friday 17 March 2023 14:03 , Andy Gregory

Footage shared by Vladimir Konstantinov, a Russian politician, shows schoolchildren learning how to use rifles and engage in hand-to-hand combat in a classroom in Russian-occupied Crimea, reports my colleague Holly Patrick.

Kindergarten pupils were among “more than 60 people engaged in martial arts [and] drill training,” the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Crimea said. “An electronic shooting range was equipped in the institution for conducting shooting classes,” he added.

Russia is rolling out basic military training courses in secondary schools later this year, according to reports.

Finland’s president visits Ankara – raising hopes for Nato membership agreement

Friday 17 March 2023 13:36 , Andy Gregory

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan is meeting his Finnish counterpart in Ankara today – raising hopes that Turkey could finally approve Finland’s bid to join Nato.

Mr Erdogan suggested on Wednesday that his country may soon agree to Finland’s application to join Nato, following previous remarks by Turkish officials that Finland joining ahead of Sweden was a more likely outcome.

Asked by reporters if the Turkish parliament might ratify Finland’s membership after the visit by Finland’s president Sauli Niinisto: “God willing, if it is for the best ... Whatever the process is, the process will function. We will do our part. We will keep our promise.”

Mr Niinisto arrived in Turkey on Thursday and toured areas affected by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that killed more than 52,000 people in Turkey and Syria last month.

“I have known Erdogan for a long time. I am sure he has important messages,” Mr Niinisto said Thursday while visiting Kahramanmaras, one of the provinces worst-hit by the Feb. 6 earthquake.

Before leaving Helsinki, Mr Niinisto said Turkish officials had requested his presence in Ankara to announce Turkey’s decision on the Finnish bid. He also stressed his support for Sweden’s swift admission and said he had enjoyed a “good conversation” with Swedish prime minister Ulf Kristersson prior to his Turkey trip.

China’s foreign minister makes rare call to Ukrainian counterpart

Friday 17 March 2023 13:03 , Andy Gregory

My colleague Alisha Rahaman Sarkar has more on the news that China’s foreign minister has made a rare phone call to his Ukrainian counterpart ahead of Xi Jinping’s state visit to Russia.

Qin Gang told Dmytro Kuleba that Beijing was concerned about the war in Europe spinning out of control and urged for talks with Russia on a solution, according to China’s foreign ministry.

Top Chinese minister makes rare call to Ukraine colleague ahead of Xi’s Russia visit

Ukrainian soldiers sent to defend Bakhmut ‘fear they are being sent to their deaths’

Friday 17 March 2023 12:29 , Andy Gregory

Ukrainian soldiers fighting in Bakhmut fear “they are being sent to their deaths” amid a relentless push by Russian forces to capture the city, my colleague Martha McHardy reports.

Vladimir Putin’s forces are said to outnumber Ukrainians by two or three times on the Bakhmut front, where an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 troops are currently fighting.

“When they drive us to Bakhmut, I already know I’m being sent to death,” a Ukrainian soldier named Volodymyr told the Kyiv Independent.

The 54 year-old, an infantryman from the 93rd Mechanized Brigade, said he struggled to eat after fighting for months. “[The Russians] keep firing at us, but we don’t have artillery,” he said. “So we have nothing to attack them back with. I don’t know if I will return or not. We are just getting killed.”

Ukrainian soldiers sent to defend Bakhmut ‘fear they are being sent to their deaths’

Fighter jet deliveries shows Nato members ‘increasing direct involvement’ in war, says Kremlin

Friday 17 March 2023 12:01 , Andy Gregory

The Kremlin has described the fighter jets pledged by Poland and Slovakia as another example of Nato members “raising the level of their direct involvement in the conflict”.

“The equipment deliveries naturally won’t have any impact on the outcome of the special military operation but it may bring more misfortune to Ukraine and Ukrainian people,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Dmitry Peskov attends a news conference at the Kremlin (Sputnik/Valeriy Sharifulin/Pool via REUTERS)
Dmitry Peskov attends a news conference at the Kremlin (Sputnik/Valeriy Sharifulin/Pool via REUTERS)

Kremlin accuses Kyiv of ‘illegally attacking’ Ukrainian Orthodox Church

Friday 17 March 2023 11:29 , Andy Gregory

The Kremlin has accused Ukraine of “illegally attacking” the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), after officials in Kyiv ordered the church to leave the 980-year-old monastery complex in the capital where it is based.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and other Ukrainian leaders have accused the long-established Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) – which accepted the authority of the patriarch of Moscow until last year’s invasion – of undermining Ukrainian unity and collaborating with Russia.

“With these illegal attacks on the church, the Kyiv regime is once again demonstrating its character, the very character we are fighting, the very character that we must stop through the [military] operation that is taking place,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Since October, the Security Service of Ukraine has carried out searches at UOC churches, imposed sanctions on its bishops and financial backers, and opened criminal cases against dozens of clergymen.

What is China’s peace proposal on how to end Ukraine war?

Friday 17 March 2023 11:02 , Andy Gregory

China has offered a 12-point peace proposal to end the war in Ukraine, with China’s president Xi Jinping set to visit Moscow next week.

Beijing foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Mr Xi’s visit to Russia – his first in nearly four years – was in part to promote “peace”.

My colleague Matt Mathers has this report on the contents of China’s peace proposal:

What is China’s peace proposal on how to end Ukraine war?

Kremlin vows to destroy Slovakian and Polish fighter jets

Friday 17 March 2023 10:40 , Andy Gregory

Following Slovakia and Poland’s pledges to send Ukraine fighter jets, the Kremlin has retorted that it will destroy the Soviet-era planes and that they will make no impact on the course of the war.

Announcing the decision, Estonia’s prime minister Eduard Heger said that his government is “on the right side of history.” Earlier, Mr Heger tweeted that military aid was key to ensuring Ukraine can defend itself and all of Europe against Russia.

Defense minister Jaroslav Nad said Slovakia will receive €200m from the European Union as compensation and unspecified arms from the United States worth €700m in return for sending its 13-strong fleet – which was grounded last year – to Kyiv.

Slovakia to give Ukraine fleet of fighter jets

Friday 17 March 2023 09:50 , Andy Gregory

Slovakia has become the second Nato member to approve plans to send fighter jets to Ukraine.

Prime minister Eduard Heger announced his government’s unanimous decision to give Ukraine its fleet of Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets – which Slovakia no longer uses.

On Thursday, Poland’s president said his country will give Ukraine around a dozen MiG-29 fighter jets.

President Andrzej Duda said Poland will hand over four of the Soviet-made warplanes in the coming days and others that need servicing later.

Russia decorates pilots for intercepting US drone

Friday 17 March 2023 09:19 , Andy Gregory

Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu presented pilots with awards for preventing a US drone from entering the area of Russia’s war in Ukraine, Russian state media has reported, citing Moscow’s defence ministry.

The drone crashed into the Black Sea on Tuesday after being intercepted by Russian fighter jets, according to Washington.

Russia denies that its jets came into contact with the drone, but said it would seek to recover the debris from the Black Sea – an attempt the US insisted was highly unlikely to be successful.

Russian losses mean commanders face choice between offensives and ‘conducting credible defence’, says UK

Friday 17 March 2023 08:55 , Andy Gregory

Russia’s combat power is so depleted that Vladimir Putin’s commanders “will likely be forced to choose between carrying out offensive operations and conducting a credible defence of the full line”, the UK’s Ministry of Defence has claimed.

Russian and Wagner Group forces have obtained footholds west of the Bakhmutka River in the centre of Bakhmut in recent days, with Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to defend the west of the town, according to UK intelligence,

“However, more broadly across the front line, Russia is conducting some of the lowest rates of local offensive action that has been seen since at least January 2023,” the ministry said.

“This is most likely because Russian forces have temporarily depleted the deployed formations’ combat power to such an extent that even local offensive actions are not currently sustainable.

“Russian leaders will likely seek to regenerate the offensive potential of the force once personnel and munition stocks are replenished. In the meantime, commanders will likely be forced to choose between carrying out offensive operations and conducting a credible defence of the full line.”

Russia likely trying to recover US drone debris in Black Sea, Pentagon says

Friday 17 March 2023 08:27 , Andy Gregory

The Pentagon has said it has “indications that Russia is likely making an effort to try to recover” the US drone it alleges was intercepted by Moscow’s fighter jets over the Black Sea.

Russia had previously stated its intention to look for debris in deep waters near Crimea, and a US official told Reuters that Russian ships had been seen near the area where the drone had crashed, though they did not appear to have recovered any parts of the drone yet.

The Pentagon said it believed it was “very unlikely that they would be able to recover anything useful”.

Xi’s state visit aims to deepen bilateral trust with Russia, says China

Friday 17 March 2023 07:59 , Andy Gregory

China’s president Xi Jinping will exchange opinions on major international and regional issues with Vladimir Putin during his state visit to Russia, China's foreign ministry has said.

The objective of the visit is to further deepen bilateral trust, spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a news briefing.

China’s Xi Jinping to meet Vladimir Putin in state visit to Russia next week, Kremlin says

Friday 17 March 2023 07:39 , Andy Gregory

Chinese president Xi Jinping will accept an invite by Vladimir Putin to conduct a state visit to Russia next week, the Kremlin has announced.

China and Russia struck a “no limits” partnership in February 2022, just weeks before the invasion of Ukraine, and last month Beijing offered to broker peace in the war.

“During the talks, they will discuss topical issues of further development of comprehensive partnership relations and strategic cooperation between Russia and China,” the Kremlin said, adding: “A number of important bilateral documents will be signed.”

Meanwhile, in a rare phone conversation with his Ukrainian counterpart, China’s foreign minister, Qin Gang, told his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba this week that Beijing is concerned about the war spinning out of control.

“We hope that all parties will remain calm, rational and restrained, resume peace talks as soon as possible, and push for a return to the track of political settlement,” Mr Qin was quoted by Beijing as saying.

“China will continue to play a constructive role toward reaching a cease-fire, ending warfare, mitigating the crisis and restoring peace,” he said.

Russia has committed ‘widespread’ war crimes in Ukraine, UN-backed inquiry says

Friday 17 March 2023 07:00 , Sam Rkaina

Russian attacks against civilians in Ukraine, including systematic torture and killing in occupied regions, amount to war crimes and possibly crimes against humanity, according to a report from a UN-backed inquiry.

The sweeping human rights report, released a year to the day after a Russian airstrike on a theater in Mariupol killed hundreds sheltering inside, marked a highly unusual condemnation of a member of the UN Security Council.

Among potential crimes against humanity, the report cited repeated attacks targeting Ukrainian infrastructure since the fall that left hundreds of thousands without heat and electricity during the coldest months, as well as the “systematic and widespread” use of torture across multiple regions under Russian occupation.

Click here for the full story.

 (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
(Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Marjorie Taylor Greene calls claims that Putin plans to invade more of Europe 'lies'

Friday 17 March 2023 06:30 , Sam Rkaina

Why China is trying to mediate in the Ukraine invasion

Friday 17 March 2023 06:00 , Sam Rkaina

Mary Dejevsky writes: “So taken up was the Western world with reiterating its support for Ukraine a year after the Russian invasion, that it barely registered how a very large power on the other side of the world had marked the anniversary in a rather different way.

“Even as the United States, the UK and the Europeans were girding themselves for another year of conflict and competing for laurels in the supply of arms, China came out with... a peace plan.

“To the extent that the plan received any Western attention at all, it was dismissive. The general message was that now was no time for talking, and anyway that China had no business – and no credibility – in setting itself up as a potential go-between.”

Click here for Mary’s full piece.

 (AP)
(AP)

ICYMI: Video captures moment Russian fighter jet crashes into US drone

Friday 17 March 2023 05:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

The US Air Force has released video said to show a Russian jet intercepting a US drone and dumping fuel in its path over the Black Sea.

The American military said two Russian Su-27 jets intercepted the unmanned MQ-9 Reaper drone in international airspace before one of them struck the aircraft’s propeller, causing US forces to have to bring it down.

Russia denied involvement, with a senior figure describing the episode as a “provocation.”

Thomas Kingsley has more on this story:

Video captures moment Russian fighter jet crashes into US drone

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China calls for grain deal to be dealt with in ‘balanced manner'

Friday 17 March 2023 05:00 , Sam Rkaina

While Russia has not specifically said why it only wants a 60-day renewal, it has complained that its own food and fertilizer exports are being hindered by Western sanctions.

To help persuade Russia to allow Ukraine to resume its Black Sea grain exports last year, a three-year deal was also struck in July in which the United Nations agreed to help facilitate Russian food and fertilizer exports.

Western powers have hit Russia with tough sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine. While its food and fertilizer exports are not under sanctions, Moscow says restrictions on payments, logistics and insurance industries are a barrier to such shipments.

“Meaningful progress has been made but it is true that some obstacles remain, notably with regard to payment systems. Our efforts to overcome those obstacles will continue unabated,” Dujarric said on Tuesday.

Ukraine has so far exported nearly 25 million tonnes of mainly corn and wheat under the deal, according to the United Nations. The top primary destinations for shipments have been China, Italy, Spain, Turkey and the Netherlands.

When asked on Thursday about Russia’s proposal for a 60-day extension, China - a strategic partner of Moscow - called for the deal to be implemented in a balanced and comprehensive manner.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin also said China would like to strengthen communication with all parties and enhance global food security.

Putin mocks Britons being offered turnips to eat as Western sanctions on Russia ‘fail’

Friday 17 March 2023 04:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

Vladimir Putin has scoffed at the British public being offered turnips to eat during food shortages while claiming Russia’s economy is holding firm despite Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine.

In a speech to business leaders, Mr Putin said Western analysts had prophesied that Russia’s store shelves would empty and services collapse as a result of the sanctions.

“Life had other ideas,” he said. “The Western countries themselves ran into all the same problems. It’s got to the point where their leaders suggest that citizens switch to turnips instead of lettuce or tomatoes.”

Putin mocks Britons being offered turnips to eat as sanctions on Russia ‘fail’

UN backs call for 120 day extension of grain deal

Friday 17 March 2023 04:00 , Sam Rkaina

The United Nations backed Turkey and Ukraine on Thursday by calling for a 120-day rollover of an agreement allowing the safe export of grain from several Ukrainian Black Sea ports after Russia said it would only extend the pact for 60 days.

The pact is due to expire on Saturday. It was brokered with Russia and Ukraine by the United Nations and Turkey in July - and renewed in November - to combat a global food crisis that was fueled in part by Russia’s Feb. 24, 2022, invasion of neighboring Ukraine and blockade of its Black Sea grain exports.

“For us, the text in the agreement is clear and it calls for a 120-day rollover,” U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told Reuters when asked about remarks by Turkey.

Turkey said on Wednesday that it would continue talks to extend the deal for 120 days rather than 60 days. Ukraine has also said the agreement should be renewed for 120 days.

“The deal is being extended for 60 days,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters on Thursday, when asked to comment on Dujarric’s remarks.

The difference in the Russian and U.N. interpretation of the duration of the deal “may simply be a display of (the U.N.’s) incompetence,” she added.

Dujarric said later that “discussions are ongoing.” Senior U.N. and Russian officials met in Geneva on Monday.

One person killed in fire at Russian spy agency building 40 miles from Ukraine

Friday 17 March 2023 03:30 , Maroosha Muzaffar

One person has been killed after a building used by Russia’s Federal Security Service caught fire on Thursday in a city just 43 miles from the Ukraine border.

Citing local emergency services, Russian state media reported that two people were also injured in the fire in Rostov.

Footage posted on social media appeared to show fire engulfing parts of the building, which belonged to the regional border patrol section of the FSB, with plumes of thick smoke rising over the city.

One person killed in fire at Russian spy agency building 40 miles from Ukraine

Russian court upholds conscripted soldier’s right to perform alternate duties

Friday 17 March 2023 03:00 , Sam Rkaina

A court in Russia’s second-biggest city St Petersburg upheld for the first time the right of a soldier conscripted during the military campaign in Ukraine to perform alternative civil service, a rights group said.

The group Voenniy Ombudsmen (Military Ombudsman) said the Leningrad Region Court ruled on Thursday that Pavel Mushumansky was entitled to perform alternative service on the grounds of his religious beliefs.

Media reports from St. Petersburg said Mushumansky was an evangelical Christian and had already done alternative service in 2019 in place of his military service.

He was called up under President Vladimir Putin’s “partial mobilisation” order in September, but his request for a similar arrangement was rejected by military authorities. He was sent to a military unit.

A court outside St. Petersburg subsequently upheld his right to alternative service and Thursday’s ruling threw out an appeal launched by military officials on grounds that his right was not applicable to the special call-up.

“The ruling of the (lower court) was left in place with no changes and the appeal was rejected,” local news site fontanka.ru quoted his lawyer, Alexander Peredruk, as saying.

“There are formalities to complete linked to his discharge, but there are no grounds to keep him at the military base.”

“A precedent has been set,” Voenniy Ombudsman, which defends the rights of servicemen, said in its account of the ruling.

Officials said Putin’s mobilisation order, issued as Moscow’s military campaign ran into difficulty in Ukraine, resulted in 300,000 men being drafted.

But it also generated resistance, with protests in some areas and thousands of men leaving Russia. There have been widespread suggestions a new mobilisation order may be issued, but no plans have been announced.

Main economic and diplomatic developments from Thursday

Friday 17 March 2023 02:00 , Sam Rkaina

  • President Vladimir Putin, meeting members of Russia’s business elite for the first time since the invasion, urged them to invest in their country to help it weather what he called the West’s “sanctions war”.

  • Poland will send Ukraine four MiG-29 fighter jets in coming days, making it the first of Kyiv’s allies to provide such aircraft.

  • The United Nations backed Turkey and Ukraine by calling for a 120-day rollover of an agreement allowing the safe export of grain from several Ukrainian Black Sea ports after Russia said it would only extend the pact for 60 days.

  • China said it was concerned about an escalation of the war, and hoped Moscow and Kyiv would hold peace talks.

  • Beijing, which has refrained from condemning Russia for its invasion, has urged both sides to agree to a gradual de-escalation leading to a comprehensive ceasefire in its 12-point paper on the “political resolution of the Ukraine crisis”.

Last developments from Ukraine frontline on Thursday

Friday 17 March 2023 01:00 , Sam Rkaina

  • In eastern Ukraine, Kyiv’s forces continued to withstand Russian assaults on the now-ruined city of Bakhmut. Reuters reporters roughly 1 mile from the front lines could hear the constant boom of artillery and the crackle of small arms fire.

  • The situation for Russian forces trying to capture the Bakhmut is “difficult” because there are no signs Kyiv is ready to order a withdrawal of its troops, the Russian-installed leader of Ukraine’s Donetsk region said.

  • A U.N.-mandated investigative body said Russian forces had committed wide-ranging war crimes in Ukraine such as wilful killings and torture. Russia dismissed the report.

  • Convicts who fought for private militia Wagner described the horrors of the Ukraine war and their loyalty to their leader.

Latest on US drone incident

Friday 17 March 2023 00:05 , Sam Rkaina

  • In a 40-second video, a Russian Su-27 fighter jet comes very close to the drone and dumps what U.S. officials say was jet fuel near it in an apparent effort to damage the American aircraft as it flew over the Black Sea.

  • It also shows the loss of the video feed after a second pass by a Russian jet.

  • Russia has denied any collision took place and said the drone crashed after making “sharp manoeuvres”, having “provocatively” flown close to Russian air space near Crimea.

  • The White House said the footage showed Russia was lying about what happened. “It’s pretty darn obvious when you look at that video that fighter jet hit our drone,” White House spokesperson John Kirby said.

 (AP)
(AP)

US ‘confident nothing of value is in the wreckage'

Thursday 16 March 2023 23:00 , Sam Rkaina

Vladimir Putin argues that by providing weapons to Ukraine and sharing intelligence information with Kyiv, the U.S. and its allies have effectively become engaged in the war, now in its 13th month.

Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of Russia’s Security Council, said Wednesday that an attempt would be made to recover the drone debris.

U.S. officials have expressed confidence that nothing of military value would remain from the drone even if Russia retrieved the wreckage.

They left open the possibility of trying to recover portions of the downed $32 million aircraft, which they said crashed into waters that were 4,000 to 5,000 feet (1,200 to 1,500 meters) deep, although the U.S. does not have any ships in the area.

Russia and NATO member countries routinely intercept each other’s warplanes, but Tuesday’s incident marked the first time since the Cold War that a U.S. aircraft went down during such a confrontation, raising concerns it could bring the United States and Russia closer to a direct conflict.

Moscow has repeatedly voiced concern about U.S. intelligence flights near the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized from Ukraine in 2014 and illegally annexed.

The top U.S. and Russian defense and military leaders spoke Wednesday about the destruction of the drone, underscoring the event’s seriousness.

The calls between U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, as well as between Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Mark Milley and Gen. Valery Gerasimov, chief of Russian General Staff, were the first since October.

US strike more diplomatic tone over drone incident

Thursday 16 March 2023 22:00 , Sam Rkaina

The Biden administration released video Thursday of a Russian fighter jet dumping fuel on a U.S. Air Force surveillance drone as the U.S. sought to hold Russia responsible for the collision that led to the drone’s crash into the Black Sea without escalating already fraught tensions with the Kremlin.

Poland, meanwhile, said it’s giving Ukraine a dozen MiG-29 fighter jets, becoming the first NATO member to fulfill Kyiv’s increasingly urgent requests for warplanes.

The U.S. military’s declassified 42-second color footage shows a Russian Su-27 approaching the back of the MQ-9 Reaper drone and releasing fuel as it passes, the Pentagon said. Dumping the fuel appeared to be aimed at blinding the drone’s optical instruments to drive it from the area.

On a second approach, either the same jet or another Russian Su-27 that had been shadowing the MQ-9 struck the drone’s propeller, damaging a blade, according to the U.S. military, which said it then ditched the aircraft in the sea.

The video excerpt does not show the collision, although it does show the damage to the propeller.

Russia said its fighters didn’t strike the drone and claimed the unmanned aerial vehicle went down after making a sharp maneuver.

While calling out Russia for “reckless” action, the White House tried to strike a balance to avoid exacerbating tensions. U.S. officials said they have not been able to determine whether the Russian pilot intentionally struck the American drone and stressed that lines of communication with Moscow remain open.

“I can’t point to that video and say this is a deliberate attempt to escalate or ... tangibly bring about Putin’s false claim that this is about the West versus Russia.,” White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said. “We have made clear on many occasions, we do not seek a conflict with Russia.”

Putin mocks Britons being offered turnips to eat as Western sanctions on Russia ‘fail’

Thursday 16 March 2023 21:00 , Sam Rkaina

Vladimir Putin has scoffed at the British public being offered turnips to eat during food shortages, while claiming Russia’s economy is holding firm despite Western sanctions over the war in Ukraine.

In a speech to business leaders, Mr Putin said Western analysts had prophesised that Russia’s store shelves would empty and services collapse as a result of the sanctions.

“Life had other ideas,” he said. “The Western countries themselves ran into all the same problems. It’s got to the point where their leaders suggest that citizens switch to turnips instead of lettuce or tomatoes.”

Click here for the full story.