Russia's invasion of Ukraine has shut down half of the country’s businesses, choked off imports and exports, and damaged critical infrastructure. Meanwhile, unprecedented sanctions are plunging Russia into a major recession.
Germany preparing to supply Ukrainians with 50 Leopard tanks as reports say Ukrainians still holding off Russian offensive in the east of the country. Syrian army defector says he expects Russia to execute similar "scorched earth" tactics in Ukraine as they did in Syria.
US officials tells UK-based The Times that Russia has made a "massive strategic blunder" as Finland and Sweden look poised to join the Western military alliance.
Macron was expected to win 28.1-29.5% of votes while Le Pen was projected to get 23.3-24.4% of voter support in the first round that was concluded on Sunday.
The 53-year-old Le Pen is now a more polished, formidable and savvy political foe as she makes her third attempt to become France’s first woman president.
"No one wants to negotiate with a person or people who tortured this nation. It’s all understandable. And as a man, as a father, I understand this very well," says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. But "we don't want to lose opportunities, if we have them, for a diplomatic solution."
Civilians continue to flee eastern Ukraine before an expected onslaught by Russian troops. Prime Minister Boris Johnson visits Kyiv a day after Britain pledges an additional 100 million pounds in high-grade military equipment to Ukraine. Ukraine and Russia carry out prisoner exchange.
At least some of these Russian forces will be transferred to eastern Ukraine to fight in the Donbas region, according to the British Ministry of Defense. Kremlin laments its mounting troop losses as a "tragedy." Ukrainian government urges citizens to flee eastern cities immediately or risk death.
The resolution adopted by the 193-member General Assembly draft expresses "grave concern at the ongoing human rights and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine," particularly at reports of rights abuses by Russia.
Ukrainians urged to leave country's industrial heartland while they still can after Russia withdraws from the outskirts of Kyiv to regroup for an offensive in the east. Russia accuses Ukraine of backtracking on ceasefire proposals.