WASHINGTON/KYIV, March 2 (Reuters) – U.S. President Joe Biden warned Vladimir Putin that the Russian chief “has no concept what’s coming”, as Western nations tightened an financial noose round Russia, whose invading forces bombarded Ukrainian cities and appeared poised for an advance on Kyiv.
A whole lot of 1000’s of Ukrainians have fled the combating since Putin ordered a full-scale invasion practically every week in the past, with a miles-long Russian army convoy north of Kyiv readying to advance on the capital.
But, Russia has didn’t seize a Ukrainian single main metropolis and Western analysts say Moscow seems to have fallen again on ways which name for devastating shelling of built-up areas earlier than getting into them.
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“Whereas he could make beneficial properties on the battlefield – he pays a unbroken excessive worth over the long term,” Biden mentioned in his State of the Union deal with. Straying from the ready textual content, Biden added “He has no concept what’s coming.” He didn’t elaborate. learn extra
U.S. lawmakers stood, applauded and roared, lots of them waving Ukrainian flags and sporting the nation’s blue and yellow colors, as Biden delivered his deal with to the chamber of the Home of Representatives. learn extra
A senior U.S. protection official mentioned on Tuesday the invading drive’s advance on Kyiv has stalled resulting from logistics issues, together with shortages of meals and gasoline, and a few items appeared to have low morale.
The official, who spoke on situation of anonymity, advised reporters that it was unclear whether or not the convoy itself had stalled, but it surely was not making a lot progress. learn extra
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy known as on Russia to cease bombarding civilians and resume talks.
“It’s a necessity to at the least cease bombing individuals, simply cease the bombing after which sit down on the negotiating desk,” he advised Reuters and CNN in a joint interview in a closely guarded authorities compound in Kyiv.
The United Nations Basic Meeting is about to reprimand Russia on Wednesday for invading Ukraine and demand that Moscow cease combating and withdraw its army forces, a transfer that goals to diplomatically isolate Russia on the world physique.
By Tuesday night practically half the 193-member Basic Meeting had signed on as co-sponsors of a draft decision forward of a vote on Wednesday, diplomats mentioned. The textual content “deplores” Russia’s “aggression in opposition to Ukraine.” learn extra
Putin ordered the “particular army operation” final Thursday in a bid to disarm Ukraine, seize the “neo-Nazis” he says are operating the nation and crush its hopes of nearer ties to the West.
CIVILIAN CASUALTIES
Russia’s assault included strikes on Kyiv, although the heaviest bombardment to date gave the impression to be round Ukraine’s second-largest metropolis Kharkiv, close to the border with Russia.
Dozens of residents there, together with kids, have been killed when a Russian strategic bomber fired 16 guided missiles towards a residential space on Monday, Ukraine’s defence ministry mentioned.
A civilian trains to throw Molotov cocktails to defend town, as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues, in Zhytomyr, Ukraine March 1, 2022. REUTERS/Viacheslav Ratynskyi
West of Kyiv, within the metropolis of Zhytomyr, 4 individuals, together with a baby, have been killed on Tuesday by a Russian cruise missile, a Ukrainian official mentioned. learn extra
In Ukraine’s largely Russian-speaking metropolis of Donetsk, in territory managed by Russian-backed separatists, authorities mentioned three civilians had been killed by Ukrainian shelling.
Reuters was not in a position to affirm any of the reviews of casualties. The United Nations says at the least 136 civilians have been killed within the invasion, however that the true variety of individuals is probably going a lot greater. learn extra
Vastly outmatched by Russia’s army, by way of uncooked numbers and firepower, Ukraine’s personal air drive continues to be flying and its air defences are nonetheless deemed to be viable – a truth that’s baffling army consultants. learn extra
“The airspace is actively contested every single day,” a senior U.S. protection official mentioned, talking on situation of anonymity. learn extra
‘FREEZE AND SEIZE’
Biden introduced an extra ratcheting up of sanctions on Moscow, becoming a member of the European Union and Canada in banning Russian planes from U.S. airspace. He additionally mentioned the Justice Division would search to grab the yachts, luxurious flats and personal jets of rich Russians with ties to Putin.
Following a name with Group of Seven officers, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen mentioned the US had agreed with G7 companions to convene a process drive “to freeze and seize the belongings of key Russian elites”.
Ukraine, a Western-leaning democratic nation of 44 million individuals which isn’t a member of NATO, has known as on the U.S.-led army alliance to implement a no-fly zone over Ukraine – a request rejected by Washington, which fears stoking a direct battle between the world’s two greatest nuclear powers.
Washington and its allies have as an alternative despatched weapons to Kyiv.
A number of dozen Japanese males have answered a Ukrainian name for international volunteers to struggle Russia’s invasion, in keeping with a media report on Wednesday. learn extra
Isolating Russia diplomatically, the West’s most important technique is shutting off Russia’s financial system from the worldwide monetary system, pushing worldwide corporations to halt gross sales, minimize ties, and dump tens of billions of {dollars}’ price of investments.
Exxon Mobil joined different main Western vitality corporations together with British BP PLC and Shell in asserting it could give up oil-rich Russia over the invasion. learn extra
Apple Inc (AAPL.O) stopped gross sales of iPhones and different merchandise in Russia, and was making modifications to its Maps app to guard civilians in Ukraine. Alphabet Inc’s (GOOGL.O) Google dropped Russian state publishers from its information, and Ford Motor suspended operations within the nation. learn extra
U.S. airplane producer Boeing (BA.N) mentioned it was suspending components, upkeep and technical assist for Russian airways. learn extra
Russia on Tuesday positioned momentary restrictions on foreigners searching for to exit Russia belongings, which means that billions of {dollars} price of securities held by foreigners are susceptible to being trapped. learn extra
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Reporting by Aleksandar Vasovic in Kyiv, Kevin Liffey in London and different Reuters bureaux together with Moscow; Writing by Stephen Coates & Simon Cameron-Moore; Modifying by Lincoln Feast
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