Russia’s state television presenter says war in Ukraine “has already escalated in World War III”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said talks with Russia could fail if Mariupol defenders are “eliminated”, local media reported.
Speaking to the Ukrainian media, Mr Zelensky said: “I want to say that the elimination of our army, our boys, will put an end to all negotiations.”
His comments came when Rinat Akhmetov, Ukraine’s richest man, promised to help rebuild the besieged city of Mariupol.
The billionaire tycoon said the war-torn city on the Black Sea was important to him, as it was there that his company Metinvest owned two steel plants that he said would once again compete globally.
The conflict in Ukraine has reduced its wealth from £ 19 billion ($ 25 billion) in 2011 to £ 6.5 billion ($ 8.5 billion) last year.
On Friday, Metinvest said it would never work under Russian occupation and that the siege of Mariupol had deactivated more than a third of Ukraine’s metallurgical production capacity.
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Fundraiser, 102, remains silent in support of Ukrainian refugees
A 102-year-old man who raised thousands of pounds to alleviate Covid-19 during the pandemic observed a minute of silence at his home with refugees from Ukraine.
Dabirul Islam Chowdhury, who was named OBE for raising £ 420,000 after Captain Sir Tom Moore inspired him to walk around his garden in Bow, East London, while fasting for Ramadan, welcomed Ukrainian refugees to his home on Saturday.
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Holly Bancroft April 16, 2022 11:48 PM
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The Ukrainian mayor and MPs attend the Vatican’s Easter Vigil
Pope Francis on Saturday called for “gestures of peace in these days, marked by the horrors of war” in a Easter vigil sermon at St. Peter’s Basilica, attended by the mayor of the occupied Ukrainian city of Melitopol and three Ukrainian lawmakers.
The pope noted that while “many writers have recalled the beauty of starlit nights, the nights of war are torn by streams of light that portend death.”
The Ukrainian mayor and MPs attend the Vatican’s Easter Vigil
Pope Francis calls for “gestures of peace in these days, marked by the horrors of war” in a sermon on the Easter Vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica, attended by the mayor of the occupied Ukrainian city of Melitopol and three Ukrainian deputies
Holly Bancroft April 16, 2022 11:21 PM
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The world needs to prepare Putin to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, Zelensky warns
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has warned that “all countries in the world” must be ready for Vladimir Putin to use nuclear weapons.
Speaking from the country’s capital, Kyiv, Mr Zelensky told CNN that the Russian president might also be ready to use chemical weapons against Ukraine.
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Holly Bancroft April 16, 2022 10:59 p.m.
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Zelensky: We need to prepare for a Russian nuclear attack
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the world must prepare for the possible use of Russia’s nuclear weapons in an interview with Ukrainian media on Saturday.
“We should not wait for Russia to decide to use its nuclear weapons. We need to prepare for that, “he said.
He added that Ukraine needs drugs [against radiation]shelters for air strikes. “” You have to talk to them, sign contracts, touch economically, “he added.
“[The Russians] he can use any weapon, I am convinced of that, “Zelenski said.
Holly Bancroft April 16, 2022 22:38
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The Independent’s campaign in support of Ukrainians fleeing the war reached 250,000 signatures
More than 250,000 people have signed The Independent’s petition, calling on the UK government to step up support for Ukrainian refugees.
The final stage, reached by the refugee call, fueled calls for Boris Johnson to listen to the public and open Britain to those fleeing the conflict.
Read more about the campaign and this important stage here:
Holly Bancroft April 16, 2022 22:11
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Zelenski discussed defense support with the Swedish prime minister
The President of Ukraine Vladimir Zelensky discussed the “critical situation in Mariupol” with the Prime Minister of Sweden.
“We discussed defense support,” Zelenski said on Twitter, “and the strengthening of anti-Russian sanctions.”
The Prime Minister of Sweden, Magdalena Anderson, said that “Sweden and the EU will work relentlessly in support of Ukraine.”
Holly Bancroft April 16, 2022 9:53 p.m.
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About 1,500 citizens have been evacuated from hostilities, Ukraine’s deputy prime minister said
Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Irina Vereshchuk said 1,449 people had been evacuated from areas affected by Saturday’s fighting.
Vereshchuk said that today only 170 people managed to escape from Mariupol with their own transport.
Another 1,211 people from Polohi, Vasilovka, Berdyansk and Melitopol have crossed safely to Zaporozhye, the deputy prime minister said.
Holly Bancroft April 16, 2022 9:45 p.m.
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Russia claims that all urban areas in Mariupol have been cleared by Ukrainian forces
Russia’s Defense Ministry says its army has cleared the entire Mariupol metropolitan area of Ukrainian forces.
In an online publication, Russia also claims that 1,464 Ukrainian servicemen have surrendered so far.
“The entire urban area of Mariupol has been completely cleared. At the moment, the remnants of the Ukrainian group are completely blocked on the territory of the Azovstal metallurgical plant, the ministry said.
“Their only chance to save their lives is to lay down their arms voluntarily and surrender.”
Holly Bancroft April 16, 2022 9:21 p.m.
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Harry and Megan praise the bravery of the Ukrainian team in the Invictus Games
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex paid tribute to the bravery of the Ukrainian team at the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games, with Megan exclaiming: “Glory to Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine! (Glory to Ukraine!) ”
Harry said he hoped the Games in The Netherlands, The Hague, would create an opportunity for the world to “appear better” for Ukraine.
Harry founded Invictus Games to help rehabilitate wounded or sick soldiers and veterans from around the world by challenging them to compete in Paralympic-like sporting events.
The Ukrainian team received a standing ovation and loud applause when it arrived for the ceremony at the Zuiderpark in The Hague on Saturday night.
Megan, who was invited on stage to speak, said that all “stand with” the team of Ukraine.
She said: “Good evening everyone. We are so grateful to the Netherlands that he welcomed us to host the Invictus Games.
“For each team, both my husband and I admit that it was a lot to get here, both physically and emotionally. Last but not least, for the team of Ukraine, with which we are all. “
To loud applause, she added: “Glory to Ukraine!”
Harry echoed his wife’s mood, saying, “Your courage in choosing to come and being here tonight cannot be overstated.
“Yesterday you told me, when you decided to join us despite all the chances, you said that you came to this global stage, not just to show your strength, but to tell your truth, the truth about what is happening in your country.
“You know we’re with you. The world is united with you and yet you deserve more.
“And I hope that these events, this event, create an opportunity for how we as a global community can better present ourselves to you.
(ANP / AFP via Getty Images)
Press Association April 16, 2022 20:58
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An 8th Russian general has reportedly been killed in Ukraine
Eight Russian generals have reportedly been killed in Ukraine.
A military funeral was held in St. Petersburg on Saturday, according to Major General Vladimir Frolov, deputy commander of the 8th Guards General Armament Unit.
The governor of St. Petersburg said that Frolov “sacrificed his life so that children, women and the elderly in Donbass would not hear bombs explode again,” Mail Online reported.
He is described as “a true patriot, a brave and courageous man.”
Western officials say they believe Russia is losing a large number of generals in battle due to communication failures and lack of discipline, making it difficult to deliver orders to the front line.
Holly Bancroft April 16, 2022 8:30 p.m.
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