Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky has in a video address refuted Russian claims that chemical weapons or weapons of mass destruction were developed in Ukraine. He also warned that Russia would get “the most severe sanctions response” if it were to use such weapons against Ukraine. His comments echo what the US said earlier: that Russia’s claims that Ukraine is hosting US-backed chemical weapons facilities are a “false flag”, intended to justify Russia’s possible use of such weapons. The UN will hold an emergency meeting on Friday, at Russia’s request, to discuss their unproven claims.
Satellite images show that Russian soldiers are slowly advancing, and have re-deployed into forests, as they continue to push towards the capital Kyiv
Putin’s forces are reportedly encircling several Ukrainian cities, with emergency officials warning that siege-like tactics mean that cities like Mariupol are running out of food
Talks between the foreign ministers of Russia and Ukraine in Turkey ended with leaders saying they see no hope for a lasting ceasefire in the near future.
Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, said it would suspend rules banning violent speech in order to allow users in certain countries to call for the deaths of Russian soldiers.
More western companies have cut ties with Russia, including Western Union, JPMorgan Chase, and Warner Music on Thursday.
