Fears are mounting that the catastrophe unfolding in the besieged Ukrainian city of Mariupol — where Russian forces have struck a hospital and other civilian infrastructure — could be a sign of things to come in Chernihiv.
The northern Ukrainian city has been under intense bombardment, and the Pentagon said Thursday that Chernihiv, like Mariupol, appears to have been isolated by Russian troops. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a defiant address early Friday morning that he would keep up efforts to fight for the city.
Air raid sirens sounded repeatedly across numerous Ukrainian cities overnight, as people continue to flee the Russian assault. More than 2.3 million refugees have left Ukraine since Feb. 24, according to the United Nations, with 80,000 alone fleeing from areas north and east of Kyiv through humanitarian corridors in the past two days, according to a senior Ukrainian official.
While Ukrainian refugees have been welcomed across the continent, the European Union has held off on quickly granting Kyiv membership. European leaders said late Thursday that they had asked the E.U.’s executive arm to review Ukraine’s application, but that the bloc would also immediately “further strengthen our bonds and deepen our partnership to support Ukraine in pursuing its European path.”
Meanwhile, the lumbering Russian military convoy that was stalled for days on the outskirts of Kyiv appears to be dispersing and redeploying, according to satellite images taken Thursday. Some equipment from the convoy was seen repositioned about 20 miles from the capital, with artillery set up in firing position. Britain warned that Russia could be seeking to reposition its troops to launch attacks against Kyiv.
Here’s what to know
- President Biden on Friday is set to call on Congress to end normal trade relations between the United States and Russia, opening the door for the administration to impose new tariffs in response to the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine.
- Congressional Democrats and Republicans took the final step Thursday night to approve roughly $14 billion in humanitarian, military and economic assistance to Ukraine. More than 40 GOP senators have also called for Biden to “work with Poland and our NATO allies to expedite the transfer of aircraft and air defense systems” to Ukraine.
- The U.N. Security Council will meet Friday at Russia’s request to discuss its allegation that Washington is carrying out “military biological activities” in Ukrainian territory. Moscow has not provided evidence to support its charges.
- The World Health Organization has recommended that Ukraine dispose of its laboratory stock of high-threat pathogens to “prevent any potential spills” that may result from Russia’s invasion, according to Reuters.
UNDERSTANDING THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE CONFLICT
Stalled Russian convoy appears to disperse and reposition near Kyiv
A large, lumbering convoy of Russian military vehicles that was stalled for days near the Hostomel airport, on the northwestern outskirts of Kyiv, appears to be dispersing and redeploying, according to satellite images taken Thursday morning local time.
The images, captured and distributed by U.S. firm Maxar Technologies, indicate that some of these Russian forces have been repositioned to towns including Berestyanka and Ivankiv. In Lubyanka, about 20 miles from the center of Kyiv, Russian military equipment is shown deployed along tree lines, with towed artillery set up in firing position. On Friday morning, the British Defence Ministry said that Russia appeared to be re-posturing its troops and could soon launch new operations against Kyiv.
The Pentagon assessed Thursday that the lead of the column was about nine miles from Kyiv’s center, down from about 12 for the past several days. A senior U.S. defense official described the movement of the column as “creeping,” and said it is “very difficult” to predict how long it could take for Russian forces to make more serious movement.
Since the early days of Moscow’s invasion, Ukrainian soldiers and volunteers have dug trenches and set up positions and equipment — including an antiaircraft gun — to prepare for the potential arrival of Russian troops in the capital. But this extended parade of Russian armored vehicles, tanks and towed artillery — originally 40 miles long — failed to make significant advances toward Kyiv, probably because of logistical failures on the Russian side as well as Ukrainian attacks on some parts of the convoy.
Russia likely to renew its offensive, including against Kyiv, U.K. says
Russia is likely to renew its offensive “in the coming days,” including against Kyiv, the U.K. Defense Ministry said Friday in its daily intelligence update. Russian forces are still making “limited progress,” partly because of logistical problems and strong Ukrainian resistance, it added.
Troops have been surrounding and bombarding Ukraine’s capital city for days. Ukrainian forces have held out so far, in one of Europe’s worst land battles since World War II.
Russia appears to have made slower than planned advances in its invasion of Ukraine, which began Feb. 24. Russian detachments have suffered roughly 500 deaths, with 1,600 wounded, Moscow has said. Ukraine has said Russian casualties are above 12,000.
Putin would bring ‘more economic pain’ by seizing foreign firms’ assets, White House says
We have seen reports that Russia may be considering seizing the assets of U.S. and international companies that have announced plans to suspend operations in Russia or to withdraw from the Russian market.
— Jen Psaki (@PressSec) March 11, 2022
Calling such a decision “lawless,” Psaki said seizing foreign companies’ assets would make it even harder for Russia to attract future investment. While American and international firms should decide for themselves whether to suspend or exit the Russian market, she said, the Biden administration welcomes the departures because they indicate that the business world wants “no part of Russia’s war of choice against Ukraine.”
In the past two weeks, international brands in the consumer, tech and financial sectors have announced Russian boycotts, leaving the Kremlin possibly unnerved about the blowback on employment opportunities as well as other economic woes inflicted by the corporate exodus. Russian President Vladimir Putin has endorsed the bid to take over foreign-owned property, and the Russian parliament will discuss it in a Friday session.
Major companies that have recently halted operations in Russia or severed ties with Russia-based clients include Goldman Sachs, Boeing and McDonald’s.
Map: Russia’s latest advances in Ukraine
Russian forces remain stalled around Kyiv and are suffering similar setbacks in their attempts to seize Sumy in the north and Mykolaiv in the south.
Russia considers nationalizing Western businesses that have closed over Ukraine invasion
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday endorsed a plan to nationalize foreign-owned businesses that flee the country over its invasion of Ukraine, reflecting the Kremlin’s alarm over job losses and other economic pain the exodus is inflicting.
Putin’s approval of the plan, scheduled to be discussed in Russia’s parliament Friday, came as Goldman Sachs said it was “winding down” its business in Russia, following hundreds of other Western firms that have closed or suspended operations.
About 80,000 have recently fled areas under Russian siege, Ukrainian official says
In the past two days, more than 80,000 civilians have evacuated from Ukrainian urban areas under siege from the Russian military, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said in a video news conference posted on Telegram.
About 60,000 residents in cities in Ukraine’s northeastern regions, including Sumy, have fled, she said. An additional 20,000 have left towns immediately northwest of Kyiv, including from an orphanage and a maternity ward in Vorzel, an area that lies four miles from the capital, she added.
A “real humanitarian catastrophe” is unfolding in Mariupol, the seaside city that has suffered from Russian attacks on civilian centers, the deputy prime minister said. Attempts to deliver supplies have failed, she added.
She also repeated pleas for outside powers to set up a no-fly zone in Ukraine. The West has so far refused, concerned about the potential for a broader war that could involve nuclear weapons.
“The whole world saw the airstrikes that destroyed the maternity ward,” Vereshchuk said, referring to Russia’s assault on a maternity hospital in Mariupol this week that left three people dead, including a child. “Close the skies over Ukraine.”
More than 2.3 million people have fled Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion last month, with the majority fleeing to Poland, according to the United Nations’ refugee agency.
Senior U.S. officials call for Russia to be investigated for war crimes
Senior U.S. officials on Thursday denounced the Russian military’s attacks on civilians, with some accusing the Kremlin of committing war crimes.
When asked at a news conference alongside the Polish president whether Washington would support an international investigation into alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine, Vice President Harris said “absolutely.”
She called the attack on a maternity hospital in Mariupol this week an atrocity and said that any intentional attack on innocent civilians is a “violation” of international norms and laws.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, told the BBC’s “Newshour” that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine constituted war crimes. Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence, told lawmakers Thursday that Russian forces were “at the very least operating with reckless disregard for the safety of civilians.”
The International Criminal Court can investigate and prosecute people accused of war crimes such as genocide. Although Ukraine and Russia have not ratified the Rome Statute, the court’s founding document, Kyiv has twice said it would accept the court’s jurisdiction in its territory for alleged acts committed since November 2013.
Russians accused of bombarding weary Mariupol as diplomatic efforts stall
ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine — Officials in Ukraine’s southern city of Mariupol accused Russian forces of bombarding the besieged seaside hub Thursday, amid international condemnation of a strike a day earlier that tore through a maternity hospital, killing at least three people and injuring 17.
As the war entered its third week, there were scant signs that the catastrophe with global implications would end anytime soon. High-level talks between Ukraine’s foreign minister and his Russian counterpart dissolved Thursday without any progress, nixing hopes of a cease-fire as the number of civilian casualties rises. Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled that — even though the economic consequences for his country were devastating — he intended to stay the course.
Fears are mounting that the catastrophe unfolding in the besieged Ukrainian city of Mariupol — where Russian forces have struck a hospital and other civilian infrastructure — could be a sign of things to come in Chernihiv.The northern Ukrainian city has been under intense bombardment, and the Pentagon said Thursday that Chernihiv, like Mariupol, appears to have been isolated by Russian troops. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a defiant address early Friday morning that he would keep up efforts to fight for the city.Air raid sirens sounded repeatedly across numerous Ukrainian cities overnight, as people continue to flee the Russian assault. More than 2.3 million refugees have left Ukraine since Feb. 24, according to the United Nations, with 80,000 alone fleeing from areas north and east of Kyiv through humanitarian corridors in the past two days, according to a senior Ukrainian official.While Ukrainian refugees have been welcomed across the continent, the European Union has held off on quickly granting Kyiv membership. European leaders said late Thursday that they had asked the E.U.’s executive arm to review Ukraine’s application, but that the bloc would also immediately “further strengthen our bonds and deepen our partnership to support Ukraine in pursuing its European path.”Meanwhile, the lumbering Russian military convoy that was stalled for days on the outskirts of Kyiv appears to be dispersing and redeploying, according to satellite images taken Thursday. Some equipment from the convoy was seen repositioned about 20 miles from the capital, with artillery set up in firing position. Britain warned that Russia could be seeking to reposition its troops to launch attacks against Kyiv.Here’s what to knowPresident Biden on Friday is set to call on Congress to end normal trade relations between the United States and Russia, opening the door for the administration to impose new tariffs in response to the Kremlin’s invasion of Ukraine.Congressional Democrats and Republicans took the final step Thursday night to approve roughly $14 billion in humanitarian, military and economic assistance to Ukraine. More than 40 GOP senators have also called for Biden to “work with Poland and our NATO allies to expedite the transfer of aircraft and air defense systems” to Ukraine.The U.N. Security Council will meet Friday at Russia’s request to discuss its allegation that Washington is carrying out “military biological activities” in Ukrainian territory. Moscow has not provided evidence to support its charges.The World Health Organization has recommended that Ukraine dispose of its laboratory stock of high-threat pathogens to “prevent any potential spills” that may result from Russia’s invasion, according to Reuters.UNDERSTANDING THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE CONFLICTStalled Russian convoy appears to disperse and reposition near Kyiv Return to menuA large, lumbering convoy of Russian military vehicles that was stalled for days near the Hostomel airport, on the northwestern outskirts of Kyiv, appears to be dispersing and redeploying, according to satellite images taken Thursday morning local time.The images, captured and distributed by U.S. firm Maxar Technologies, indicate that some of these Russian forces have been repositioned to towns including Berestyanka and Ivankiv. In Lubyanka, about 20 miles from the center of Kyiv, Russian military equipment is shown deployed along tree lines, with towed artillery set up in firing position. On Friday morning, the British Defence Ministry said that Russia appeared to be re-posturing its troops and could soon launch new operations against Kyiv.The Pentagon assessed Thursday that the lead of the column was about nine miles from Kyiv’s center, down from about 12 for the past several days. A senior U.S. defense official described the movement of the column as “creeping,” and said it is “very difficult” to predict how long it could take for Russian forces to make more serious movement.Since the early days of Moscow’s invasion, Ukrainian soldiers and volunteers have dug trenches and set up positions and equipment — including an antiaircraft gun — to prepare for the potential arrival of Russian troops in the capital. But this extended parade of Russian armored vehicles, tanks and towed artillery — originally 40 miles long — failed to make significant advances toward Kyiv, probably because of logistical failures on the Russian side as well as Ukrainian attacks on some parts of the convoy.Updates continue below advertisementRussia likely to renew its offensive, including against Kyiv, U.K. saysReturn to menuRussia is likely to renew its offensive “in the coming days,” including against Kyiv, the U.K. Defense Ministry said Friday in its daily intelligence update. Russian forces are still making “limited progress,” partly because of logistical problems and strong Ukrainian resistance, it added.Troops have been surrounding and bombarding Ukraine’s capital city for days. Ukrainian forces have held out so far, in one of Europe’s worst land battles since World War II.Russia appears to have made slower than planned advances in its invasion of Ukraine, which began Feb. 24. Russian detachments have suffered roughly 500 deaths, with 1,600 wounded, Moscow has said. Ukraine has said Russian casualties are above 12,000.Updates continue below advertisementPutin would bring ‘more economic pain’ by seizing foreign firms’ assets, White House saysReturn to menuWe have seen reports that Russia may be considering seizing the assets of U.S. and international companies that have announced plans to suspend operations in Russia or to withdraw from the Russian market.— Jen Psaki (@PressSec) March 11, 2022 Calling such a decision “lawless,” Psaki said seizing foreign companies’ assets would make it even harder for Russia to attract future investment. While American and international firms should decide for themselves whether to suspend or exit the Russian market, she said, the Biden administration welcomes the departures because they indicate that the business world wants “no part of Russia’s war of choice against Ukraine.”In the past two weeks, international brands in the consumer, tech and financial sectors have announced Russian boycotts, leaving the Kremlin possibly unnerved about the blowback on employment opportunities as well as other economic woes inflicted by the corporate exodus. Russian President Vladimir Putin has endorsed the bid to take over foreign-owned property, and the Russian parliament will discuss it in a Friday session.Major companies that have recently halted operations in Russia or severed ties with Russia-based clients include Goldman Sachs, Boeing and McDonald’s.Updates continue below advertisementMap: Russia’s latest advances in UkraineReturn to menuRussian forces remain stalled around Kyiv and are suffering similar setbacks in their attempts to seize Sumy in the north and Mykolaiv in the south.Updates continue below advertisementRussia considers nationalizing Western businesses that have closed over Ukraine invasion Return to menuRussian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday endorsed a plan to nationalize foreign-owned businesses that flee the country over its invasion of Ukraine, reflecting the Kremlin’s alarm over job losses and other economic pain the exodus is inflicting.Putin’s approval of the plan, scheduled to be discussed in Russia’s parliament Friday, came as Goldman Sachs said it was “winding down” its business in Russia, following hundreds of other Western firms that have closed or suspended operations.Updates continue below advertisementAbout 80,000 have recently fled areas under Russian siege, Ukrainian official saysReturn to menuIn the past two days, more than 80,000 civilians have evacuated from Ukrainian urban areas under siege from the Russian military, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said in a video news conference posted on Telegram.About 60,000 residents in cities in Ukraine’s northeastern regions, including Sumy, have fled, she said. An additional 20,000 have left towns immediately northwest of Kyiv, including from an orphanage and a maternity ward in Vorzel, an area that lies four miles from the capital, she added.A “real humanitarian catastrophe” is unfolding in Mariupol, the seaside city that has suffered from Russian attacks on civilian centers, the deputy prime minister said. Attempts to deliver supplies have failed, she added.She also repeated pleas for outside powers to set up a no-fly zone in Ukraine. The West has so far refused, concerned about the potential for a broader war that could involve nuclear weapons.“The whole world saw the airstrikes that destroyed the maternity ward,” Vereshchuk said, referring to Russia’s assault on a maternity hospital in Mariupol this week that left three people dead, including a child. “Close the skies over Ukraine.”More than 2.3 million people have fled Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion last month, with the majority fleeing to Poland, according to the United Nations’ refugee agency.Updates continue below advertisementSenior U.S. officials call for Russia to be investigated for war crimesReturn to menuSenior U.S. officials on Thursday denounced the Russian military’s attacks on civilians, with some accusing the Kremlin of committing war crimes.When asked at a news conference alongside the Polish president whether Washington would support an international investigation into alleged Russian war crimes in Ukraine, Vice President Harris said “absolutely.”She called the attack on a maternity hospital in Mariupol this week an atrocity and said that any intentional attack on innocent civilians is a “violation” of international norms and laws.Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, told the BBC’s “Newshour” that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine constituted war crimes. Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence, told lawmakers Thursday that Russian forces were “at the very least operating with reckless disregard for the safety of civilians.”The International Criminal Court can investigate and prosecute people accused of war crimes such as genocide. Although Ukraine and Russia have not ratified the Rome Statute, the court’s founding document, Kyiv has twice said it would accept the court’s jurisdiction in its territory for alleged acts committed since November 2013.Updates continue below advertisementRussians accused of bombarding weary Mariupol as diplomatic efforts stall Return to menuZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine — Officials in Ukraine’s southern city of Mariupol accused Russian forces of bombarding the besieged seaside hub Thursday, amid international condemnation of a strike a day earlier that tore through a maternity hospital, killing at least three people and injuring 17.As the war entered its third week, there were scant signs that the catastrophe with global implications would end anytime soon. High-level talks between Ukraine’s foreign minister and his Russian counterpart dissolved Thursday without any progress, nixing hopes of a cease-fire as the number of civilian casualties rises. Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled that — even though the economic consequences for his country were devastating — he intended to stay the course.Updates continue below advertisement