Russian and Ukrainian officials met on the Belarusian border to discuss a ceasefire on Monday while invading Russian forces encountered determined resistance from Ukrainian troops and civilians on a fifth day of conflict.
Russia faced deepening isolation and economic turmoil as Western nations, united in condemnation of its assault, hit it with an array of sanctions that created ripple effects around the world. Global shares slid and oil prices jumped.
But Russian leader Vladimir Putin did not appear ready yet to think again about the invasion he unleashed on Russia's western neighbour last Thursday, dismissing the West as an "Empire of Lies" and putting his nuclear-armed units on high alert.
⚡️?????? Russia-Ukraine talks kick off in Belarus pic.twitter.com/zA6FMZN1LF
— Belarus MFA ?? (@BelarusMFA) February 28, 2022
Russia has been cagier, with the Kremlin declining to comment on Moscow's aim in negotiations.
It was not clear whether any progress could be achieved after President Vladimir Putin on Thursday launched the assault and put Russia's nuclear deterrent on high alert on Sunday.
The talks are being held on the border with strong Russian ally Belarus, where a referendum on Sunday approved a new constitution ditching the country's non-nuclear status at a time when the former Soviet republic has become a launch pad for Russian troops invading Ukraine. Read more here.
The United States said Putin was escalating the war with "dangerous rhetoric" about Russia's nuclear posture, amid signs Russian forces were preparing to besiege major cities in the democratic country of about 44 million people.
As missiles rained down, more than 500,000 civilians, mainly women and children, have fled into neighbouring countries, a UN relief agency said.
Map of Europe showing the influx of Ukrainian refugees into European countries, as of February 28 at 6:30AM, according to the UNHCR AFPA senior US defence official said Russia had fired more than 350 missiles at Ukrainian targets so far, some hitting civilian infrastructure.
6:15PM
Dozens killed in rocket strikes on Kharkiv
Dozens of people were killed in rocket strikes by Russian forces on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on Monday morning, Ukrainian interior ministry adviser Anton Herashchenko said.
Kharkiv under intense shelling by Russian artillery now. Civilian objects are targeted. Preliminary reports indicate dozens of casualties. Looks like revenge for the heroic resistance yesterday. #PutinWarCriminal pic.twitter.com/BjNv1TdO6M
— Olga Tokariuk (@olgatokariuk) February 28, 2022
"Kharkiv has just been massively fired upon by grads (rockets). Dozens of dead and hundreds of wounded," he said in a post on Facebook.
5:20PM
⚡️Russian forces burn museum with paintings of Maria Prymachenko.
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) February 28, 2022
A history museum in Ivankiv town, Kyiv Oblast, was destroyed by a Russian attack, according to Ustyna Stefanchuk, an art collector. The museum had about 25 works by famous Ukrainian artist Prymachenkoю
5:15PM
UN: More than 500,000 refugees flee Ukraine conflict
The head of a UN agency said on Monday that more than 500,000 people have fled Ukraine to neighbouring countries since the start of Russia's invasion last week.
A child fleeing Russian invasion of Ukraine looks on at a temporary camp in Przemysl, Poland, February 28, 2022 ReutersFilippo Grandi, head of the UN refugee agency UNHCR, made the remarks on his Twitter feed as the global agency's chief said its teams were stepping up humanitarian efforts amid escalating rights abuses there.
5:05PM
UN chief slams world powers for 'criminal' lack of climate leadership
UN chief Antonio Guterres blasted world powers for a "criminal" abdication of leadership after the release Monday of an extensive new report on climate change impacts, accusing major polluters of fuelling devastating warming that threatens people and planet.
A police officer inspects the remains of a missile that landed in the street, after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a military operation in eastern Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine February 24, 2022 ReutersGuterres said the most compelling scientific overview to date of the impacts and vulnerabilities from the UN's climate experts was an "atlas of human suffering and a damning indictment" of the failure of the international community to act.
"Nearly half of humanity is living in the danger zone -- now. Many ecosystems are at the point of no return -- now," he said, adding that the facts of climate change caused by greenhouse gas emissions were "undeniable."
5:00PM
Kremlin defends logic for actions in Ukraine, berates 'hostile' EU
Russia on Monday doubled down on the logic for sending its forces into Ukraine, saying Western arms supplies to Kyiv showed that Moscow was right to try to demilitarize its neighbour.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused the European Union of hostile behaviour towards Russia and said the arming of Ukraine was an "extremely dangerous and destabilizing factor."
A serviceman of pro-Russian militia is seen inside a tank of armed forces of the separatist self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic (LNR) on a road in the Luhansk region, Ukraine February 27, 2022 ReutersHe was responding to the stepping-up of weapons supplies to Ukraine to help it defend itself against the biggest invasion of a European state since World War II. Moscow says it is engaged in a "special military operation" to protect civilians.
In a briefing for reporters, Peskov said, without providing evidence, that many Ukrainians were being used as human shields in what he called a crime by Ukrainian nationalists. He described them as victims of their country's propaganda.
4:20PM
In pictures: Ukrainian delegation arrive for talks
A helicopter with members of the Ukrainian delegation arriving for talks with Russian representatives lands in the Gomel region, Belarus February 28, 2022 Reuters
Members of the Ukrainian delegation disembark from a helicopter as they arrive for talks with Russian representatives in the Gomel region, Belarus February 28, 2022 Reuters3:40PM
Ukraine leader urges Russian soldiers to lay down arms
Ukraine's president Volodymr Zelensky on Monday urged Russian soldiers to lay down their weapons and desert as Ukrainian and Russian delegations were set to hold talks on Moscow's invasion.
"Abandon your equipment. Get out of here. Don't believe your commanders. Don't believe your propagandists. Just save your lives," Zelensky said in a new address to Russia's forces, claiming that more than 4,500 Russian soldiers had already lost their lives during the Kremlin's assault.
3:30PM
Zelenskiy demands 'immediate' EU membership for Ukraine
Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday urged Russian soldiers to lay down their weapons and desert as Ukrainian and Russian delegations were set to hold talks on Moscow's invasion.
⚡️Zelensky asks the EU for membership.
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) February 28, 2022
“We ask the European Union for Ukraine's immediate accession under a new special procedure,” said Zelensky in video address.
"Abandon your equipment. Get out of here. Don't believe your commanders. Don't believe your propagandists. Just save your lives," Zelenskiy said in a new address to Russia's forces, claiming that more than 4,500 Russian soldiers had already lost their lives during the Kremlin's assault.
3:20PM
China calls for de-escalation as Ukraine talks begin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday urged the European Union to grant his country immediate membership, as Russia's assault against the pro-Western country went into its fifth day.
"We appeal to the European Union for the immediate accession of Ukraine via a new special procedure," the 44-year-old leader said in a new video address.
"Our goal is to be together with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be on an equal footing. I'm sure it's fair. I'm sure it's possible."
3:10PM
UN: Over 100 civilians killed in Ukraine war, including seven children
The UN human rights chief said Monday that at least 102 civilians, including seven children, had been killed in Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion five days ago, warning the true numbers were likely far higher.
A child fleeing Russian invasion of Ukraine looks on at a temporary camp in Przemysl, Poland, February 28, 2022 Reuters"Most of these civilians were killed by explosive weapons with a wide impact area, including shelling from heavy artillery and multi-launch rocket systems, and airstrikes," Michelle Bachelet told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, warning that "the real figures are, I fear, considerably higher."
2:55PM
Ukraine's delegation has arrived at border for talks with Russia
A Ukrainian delegation has arrived at the border with Belarus for talks on Monday with Russian representatives that will focus on achieving an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian forces, the Ukrainian presidency said in a statement.
⚡️Ukrainian delegation has arrived to the border for peace talks.
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) February 28, 2022
The delegation is led by Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov and MP David Arakhamia, leader of Zelensky’s party.
The delegation includes Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov and presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak among others, it said.
Ukraine demands 'immediate ceasefire', Russian withdrawal
Ukraine demanded an immediate Russian ceasefire and troop withdrawal on Monday as a Kyiv delegation arrived for talks with Russian negotiators on the fifth day of the Kremlin's offensive against the country.
"The Ukrainian delegation arrived at the Ukrainian-Belarusian border to take part in talks with representatives of the Russian Federation," the Ukrainian presidency said in a statement. "The key issue of the talks is an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of troops from Ukraine."
‘Fighting around Ukraine's Mariupol throughout the night’
There was fighting around the Ukrainian port city of Mariupol throughout the past night, Pavlo Kyrylenko, head of the Donetsk regional administration said on television on Monday.
We pulled back from Mariupol, eastern #Ukriane, as it’s now surrounded by Russian troops. The fighting was getting too intense - residents in city’s east were evacuated today due to incessant attacks.
— Liz Cookman (@liz_cookman) February 27, 2022
We were able to leave but a Ukrainian of fighting age said he was refused.
He did not say whether Russian forces had gained or lost any ground or provide any casualty figures.
2:45PM
In pictures: Ukrainians fleeing Russian invasion
An aid worker explains to people who have fled Ukraine because of the Russian invasion that a bus will transport them to a nearby refugee center, in Medyka, Poland, February 28, 2022 Reuters
A group of women from Japan who fled Ukraine following the Russian invasion, wait for a bus to transport them away from the border crossing in Medyka, Poland, February 28, 2022 Reuters
A woman fleeing Russian invasion of Ukraine prepares a beverage at a temporary camp in Przemysl, Poland, February 28, 2022 Reuters2:30PM
Indian ministers to go to Ukraine's borders to help evacuate stranded citizens
India plans to send four senior ministers to Ukraine's border nations, a government source said on Monday, to help in the rescue of thousands of its citizens who remain trapped more than four days after Russia's invasion of the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met senior officials on Monday to discuss evacuation efforts, amid rising concerns back home about the safety of some 16,000 Indians still in Ukraine, most of them students.
A student leaves the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport after a special Air India flight carrying stranded Indian citizens from Ukraine landed in Mumbai on February 26, 2022 ReutersMinisters Hardeep Puri, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Kiren Rijiju & VK Singh will travel to neighbouring countries of Ukraine to coordinate the evacuation, according to an Indian government source.
Indians make up about a quarter of the 76,000 foreign students studying in Ukraine, mainly on medical courses, according to official estimates. Thousands of African students are also stranded in the country.
2:25PM
Russian forces seize two small cities in Ukraine
Russian invasion forces seized two small cities in southeastern Ukraine and the area around a nuclear power plant, the Interfax news agency reported on Monday, but ran into stiff resistance elsewhere as Moscow's diplomatic and economic isolation deepened.
Having launched the biggest assault on a European state since World War II, President Vladimir Putin put Russia's nuclear deterrent on high alert on Sunday in the face of a barrage of Western-led reprisals for his war on Ukraine.
Russian forces reportedly take over the towns of Berdyansk and Enerhodar in Ukraine's southeastern Zaporizhzhya region as delegations from Kiev and Moscow are expected to meet on Belarus border
— TRT World (@trtworld) February 28, 2022
Follow our live coverage here ?https://t.co/z0MY6TMynH
Blasts were heard before dawn on Monday in the capital of Kyiv and in the major city of Kharkiv, Ukrainian authorities said. But, Russian ground forces' attempts to capture major urban centres had been repelled, they added.
Russia's defence ministry, however, said its forces had taken over the towns of Berdyansk and Enerhodar in Ukraine's southeastern Zaporizhzhya region as well as the area around the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant, Interfax reported. The plant's operations continued normally, it said.
Ukraine denied that the nuclear plant had fallen into Russian hands, according to the news agency.
2:10PM
Mass arrests as Belarus confirms ditching non-nuclear status in referendum vote
About 800 people were arrested as Belarus voted to ditch its non-nuclear status in a referendum that raises the stakes at a time when the country has become a staging ground for the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the government said on Monday.
The vote sparked the biggest protests in months as thousands took to the streets in Belarus, where President Alexander Lukashenko has imposed a sweeping crackdown on dissent after a contested election challenged his grip on power in 2020.
The vote to change the constitution, passed by 65% according to official data, could see nuclear weapons on Belarusian soil for the first time since the country gave them up after the fall of the Soviet Union.
2:00PM
Latvia allows its citizens to fight in Ukraine
Latvia's parliament voted unanimously on Monday to allow its nationals to fight in Ukraine if willing, the parliament said in a statement.
"Our citizens who want to support Ukraine and volunteer to serve there to defend Ukraine's independence and our common security must be able to do so," said Juris Rancanis, chairman of the parliamentary defence, home affairs and corruption prevention commission, which drafted the law.
1:45PM
Russian army says Ukraine civilians can 'freely' leave Kyiv
The Russian army said Monday that Ukrainian civilians could "freely" leave the country's capital Kyiv and stressed it had air superiority over Ukraine as its invasion went into its fifth day.
Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov holding a briefing on February 28, 2022 AFP"All civilians in the city can freely leave the Ukrainian capital along the Kyiv-Vasylkiv highway. This direction is open and safe," Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in televised remarks.
"Russian aviation has gained air superiority over the entire territory of Ukraine," he added, accusing Ukrainian troops of using civilians as human shields.
1:35PM
#EU countries will ensure warplanes to #Ukraine
— TRT World Forum (@trtworldforum) February 28, 2022
EU countries will send "fighter jets" to Ukraine to help counter #Russian air and ground attacks, said Josep Borrell, head of the European Union's foreign policy. pic.twitter.com/HjndA5fzlD
1:25PM
Rare UN General Assembly session to have say on Russia
Russia will find out just how isolated it is on the world stage Monday as the United Nations holds a rare emergency special session of the General Assembly to discuss whether to condemn Moscow's attack on Ukraine.
All 193 members will have their say as the global body decides if it will support a resolution condemning Russia's "unprovoked armed aggression" in Ukraine and demand its immediate withdrawal.
It is only the 11th time in the UN's history that such an emergency session has been held.
1:15PM
Ukraine says Russian troops 'reduced pace of offensive'
The Ukrainian military said on Monday that Russian troops had slowed down "the pace of the offensive", as Moscow's assault against Ukraine went into its fifth day.
#BREAKING Ukrainian military says Russian troops have slowed down "the pace of the offensive" pic.twitter.com/8yS4muGOot
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) February 28, 2022
"The Russian occupiers have reduced the pace of the offensive, but are still trying to develop success in some areas," the general staff of the armed forces said.
Report: Belarus to join Russia’s war on Ukraine within hours
As the Russian war in Ukraine rolls into the fourth day, Vladimir Putin is set to pull his Belarusian ally Aleksandr Lukashenko into his military campaign, say media reports.
A woman walks in front of a destroyed building after a Russian missile attack in the town of Vasylkiv, near Kyiv, on February 27, 2022 AFPCiting several sources, the Kyiv Independent reported on Monday that the decision has been taken and the first aircraft carrying Belarusian paratroopers is likely to take off within hours. Read more here.
1:00PM
UK says targeting Russian central bank
Britain said on Monday it was taking further measures against the Russian central bank in response to the invasion of Ukraine.
"The UK Government will immediately take all necessary steps to bring into effect restrictions to prohibit any UK natural or legal persons from undertaking financial transactions involving the CBR, the Russian National Wealth Fund, and the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation," the government said.
12:55PM
Vatican says ready to 'facilitate dialogue' between Russia and Ukraine
The Vatican is ready to "facilitate dialogue" between Russia and Ukraine to end the war, its top diplomat said on Monday.
Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who ranks second only to the pope in the Vatican hierarchy, told Italian newspapers that "despite the war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine" he was "convinced there is always room for negotiations".
12:40PM
In pictures: Ukrainian residents prepare to defend their territories
Local residents make anti-tank obstacles to defend the city, after Russia launched a massive military operation against Ukraine, in Uzhhorod, Ukraine February 27, 2022 Reuters
Local residents prepare Molotov cocktails to defend the city, after Russia launched a massive military operation against Ukraine, in Uzhhorod, Ukraine February 27, 2022 Reuters
A local resident prepares Molotov cocktails to defend the city, after Russia launched a massive military operation against Ukraine, in Uzhhorod, Ukraine February 27, 2022 Reuters12:30PM
90% Ukrainians support president Volodymyr Zelenskiy
Over 90% of Ukrainians say they support president Volodymyr Zelenskiy, according to a poll conducted by the Rating Sociological group this weekend, The Guardian reported.
According to the data compiled from two thousand respondents from across Ukraine, 91% of respondents backed Zelenskiy, only 6% said they did not support him and 3% remained undecided.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy speaks about current situation in Kyiv, in Ukraine, February 26, 2022, in this still image taken from a handout video ReutersThe support is a threefold increase from December last year.
Residents in Crimea and the rebel-held areas in eastern Ukraine were excluded from the survey, according to the BBC.
When asked about the chances of Ukraine being able to repel the Russian assault, 70% said they believed it was possible.
12:25PM
Ukraine: The situation in Kyiv is under Ukrainian control
The situation in Kyiv is under Ukrainian control, according to Ukraine’s Armed Forces. “All Russian efforts to occupy it have failed,” their statement reads.
⚡️The situation in Kyiv is under Ukrainian control, according to Ukraine’s Armed Forces.
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) February 28, 2022
“All Russian efforts to occupy it have failed,” their statement reads.
12:15PM
In pictures: Russian offensive in Kharkiv
This photograph taken on February 27, 2022 shows a Russian Armoured personnel carrier (APC) burning next to unidentified soldier's body during fight with the Ukrainian armed forces in Kharkiv AFP
Ukrainian Territorial Defence fighters test the automatic grenade launcher taken from a destroyed Russian infantry mobility vehicle GAZ Tigr after the fight in Kharkiv on February 27, 2022 AFP
A Ukrainian Territorial Defence fighter examines a destroyed Russian infantry mobility vehicle GAZ Tigr after the fight in Kharkiv on February 27, 2022 AFP11:55AM
Graph: Ukrainian refugees in European countries
Map of Europe showing the influx of Ukrainian refugees into European countries, as of February 27 according to the UNHCR AFP11:45AM
Talks between Russia and Ukraine are set to begin at this table later today, the Belarusian foreign ministry says. pic.twitter.com/Mb4nwsJFjK
— max seddon (@maxseddon) February 28, 2022
11:30AM
Blasts heard in Ukraine's Kyiv, Kharkiv
Blasts were heard in Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and in the major city of Kharkiv on Monday morning, Ukraine's State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection said.
Kyiv had been quiet for a few hours prior to that, it said in a brief statement on the Telegram messaging app.
In a separate statement, the agency said a residential building in the city of Chernihiv in northern Ukraine was on fire after being struck by a missile.
Another northern Ukrainian city, Zhytomyr, was hit by missiles overnight, Ukrainian Ground Forces command said on Facebook.
11:15AM
S Korea bans exports of strategic items to Russia, joins SWIFT sanctions
South Korea will tighten export controls against Russia, by banning exports of strategic items, and join Western countries' moves to block some Russian banks from the SWIFT international payments system, Seoul's foreign ministry said on Monday.
The Korean government has also decided to promote the additional release of strategic oil reserves for stabilization of the international energy market and to further review other measures such as the resale of LNG to Europe, the ministry said in statement.
Singapore to impose ‘appropriate sanctions and restrictions’ on Russia
Singapore intends to impose “appropriate sanctions and restrictions” on Russia, the city-state’s foreign minister Vivian Balakrishnan has told parliament, the Straits Times newspaper reported.
“Singapore intends to act in concert with many other like-minded countries to impose appropriate sanctions and restrictions against Russia,” it quoted Balakrishnan as saying. He said Singapore, a major financial and shipping hub, would impose export controls on items that could be used as weapons to harm or subjugate people in Ukraine, the report said.
11:00AM
Europe and Canada move to close skies to Russian planes
European nations and Canada moved on Sunday to shut their airspace to Russian aircraft, an unprecedented step aimed at pressuring President Vladimir Putin to end his invasion of Ukraine, the biggest attack on a European state since World War Two.
Aeroflot said it would cancel all flights to European destinations after EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said the European Union had decided to close its airspace to Russian traffic.
The United States is considering similar action, but has yet to make a final decision, according to US officials. The US government said citizens should consider leaving Russia immediately on commercial flights, citing an increasing number of airlines cancelling flights as countries closed their airspace to Russia.
Germany, Spain and France joined Britain, the Nordics and Baltic states in declaring bans on Russian use of their airspace, a major escalation in a tactic by mostly NATO allies to wage economic war against Putin in retaliation for the invasion.
10:45AM
Russian rouble tumbles to record low
The Russian rouble tumbled to a record low against the dollar on Monday, after Western nations announced a harsh set of sanctions over the weekend to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, including sanctions on the country's currency reserves.
The dollar/rouble rate was up 41.50% at a record 119.00 per dollar, in Asian trading. So far this month, the dollar is up 53.77% versus rouble.
Russia's central bank announced a slew of measures on Sunday to support domestic markets, as it scrambled to manage the fallout of the sanctions that will block some banks from the SWIFT international payments system.
10:30AM
Zelenskiy: Next 24 hours crucial for Ukraine
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson by telephone on Sunday that the next 24 hours are crucial for Ukraine, a Downing Street spokesperson said.
Johnson said the UK and its allies would do everything possible to guarantee that defensive aid reached Ukraine, the spokesperson said in a statement.
10:15AM
Google temporarily disables Google Maps live traffic data in Ukraine
Alphabet Inc's Google confirmed on Sunday it has temporarily disabled some Google Maps tools for Ukraine, which provide live information about traffic conditions and how busy different places are.
The company said it had taken the action of globally disabling the Google Maps traffic layer and live information on how busy places like stores and restaurants are in Ukraine for the safety of local communities in the country, after consulting with sources including regional authorities.
10:00AM
US: Russian forces appear to shift to siege warfare in Ukraine
Russia, frustrated by early battlefield setbacks in Ukraine, could be shifting its strategy to siege warfare just as President Vladimir Putin raises the risk of a catastrophic miscalculation by putting nuclear forces on heightened alert, a senior US defense official said on Sunday.
Putin gave the order to his nuclear forces as Washington assesses that Russian troops have made limited progress in their four-day-old invasion due to stiff Ukrainian resistance and planning failures that have left some units without fuel or other supplies, US officials said.
As missiles rained down on Ukrainian cities, hundreds of thousands of civilians, mainly women and children, were fleeing the Russian assault into neighboring countries.
