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Ukraine-Russia war latest: Putin's 'back is against the wall' & Russian forces 'considering' to use chemical weapons
JOE Biden has warned that he believes Vladimir Putin's 'back is against the wall' in Ukraine and that he may resort to chemical weapons.
The US President said that Russia is preparing new 'false flags' at a business roundtable event in Washington DC on Monday.
Biden said: "They are also suggesting that Ukraine has biological and chemical weapons in Ukraine.
"That's a clear sign he's considering using both of those."
It has previously been repeatedly argued by US and allied officials that Russia may use false chemical weapons claims as a precursor to using such weapons themselves.
Jake Sullivan, US National Security Adviser, warned the secretary of Russia's Security Council that Moscow would face consequences if it deployed chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, EU chiefs have condemned Russia’s attack on Mariupol “a massive war crime”.
It comes as a string of member states continue to push for sanctions on Moscow’s key energy sector.
Speaking at the start of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday, Josep Borrell said .“What’s happening now in Mariupol is a massive war crime, destroying everything, bombarding and killing everybody,”
Follow our Russia-Ukraine live blog below for up-to-the-minute updates…
- Louis Allwood
Joe Biden warns Putin's 'back is against the wall'
JOE Biden has warned that he believes Vladimir Putin's 'back is against the wall' in Ukraine and that he may resort to chemical weapons.
The US President said that Russia is preparing new 'false flags' at a business roundtable event in Washington DC on Monday.
Biden said: "They are also suggesting that Ukraine has biological and chemical weapons in Ukraine.
"That's a clear sign he's considering using both of those."
It has previously been repeatedly argued by US and allied officials that Russia may use false chemical weapons claims as a precursor to using such weapons themselves.
Jake Sullivan, US National Security Adviser, warned the secretary of Russia's Security Council that Moscow would face consequences if it deployed chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine.
- Louis Allwood
Soldiers opened fire on innocent protesters
PUTIN'S fanatical soldiers opened fire on innocent protesters demonstrating in the Russian-occupied city of Kherson.
The latest war crime committed in Putin's illegal invasion of the country reportedly took place when Kremlin-backed forces opened fire and threw stun grenades at crowds.
Social media video footage showed civilians running from the city’s Freedom Square.
Several people are reported to have been injured as witnesses reported hearing the sound of automatic gunfire.
- Joseph Gamp
All you need to know about Russia's invasion of Ukraine
Everything you need to know about Russia's invasion of Ukraine…
- Why is Russia invading Ukraine?
- Will the UK go to war?
- How can I join the Ukraine foreign legion?
- What can I do to help Ukraine?
- Who is Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky?
- How much gas does the UK get from Russia?
- Is Russia a part of Nato?
- Does Russia have nuclear weapons?
- Why is Ukraine not in Nato?
- How big is the Russian army?
- What is Article 5 of the Nato treaty?
- What is the Minsk agreement?
- Which countries were in the Soviet Union?
- What does the Z mean on Russian tanks? Meaning behind symbols explained
- When will the Russia-Ukraine war end?
- Joseph Gamp
Which Russian oligarch's yachts have been seized?
The Russian billionaires are thought to be some of the only people who have Putin's ear.
Sanctions against the average citizen living in Russia might not move the superrich, but it's hoped that threats of seizing foreign assets could.
On March 2, French authorities seized Amore Vero, which was linked to Igor Sechin, in La Ciotat in the Mediterranean.
Another of Sechin's yachts named Crescent was taken by Spanish authorities on March 16, in the port of Tarragona, Catalonia.
Shortly after, on March 14, the $140 million yacht belonging to Sergei Chemezov, a former KGB officer, was seized in Barcelona, Spain.
Spanish authorities also seized Lady Anastasia, in Mallorca, which reportedly belongs to Alexander Mikheyev, a Russian arms exporter.
Super-yacht Lady M, belonging to steel magnate Alexey Mordashov was seized in Imperia by Italian authorities.
Another yacht in Sanremo was taken, called Lena and belonging to to Gennady Timchenko, an oil and gas mogul.
Italy seized a $580 million yacht owned by Andrey Melnichenko, who was sanctioned on March 9, in the port of Trieste.
According to Croatian reports, Victor Medvedchuck;s mega yacht called the Royal Romance has also been seized.
- Joseph Gamp
What is a hypersonic missile?
A hypersonic missile is a missile that has the ability to travel at five to 25 times the speed of sound.
Because of their intense speed – known as Mach 5 – the missiles are incredibly difficult to control, track and target.
Countries reportedly developing hypersonic missiles include the United States, North Korea, Russia, and China.
Hypersonic missiles prove to be more dangerous than subsonic or supersonic weapons, as no missile defense system is currently known to have the ability to intercept them.
Current developments of hypersonic missiles are said to have the power to travel at Mach 10 speeds and distances of up to 1200 miles.
There are two types of hypersonic missiles: the cruise missile, and the glide vehicle.
- Joseph Gamp
When is the Concert for Ukraine?
The concert for Ukraine will be held on Tuesday, March 29, 2022.
It will take place at the Resorts World Arena, Birmingham.
Tickets to see the concert live go on sale on Tuesday, March 22, and can be bought through theticketfactory.com.
A list of high profile performers will take to stage, including: Camila Cabello, Ed Sheeran, Emeli Sandé, Gregory Porter, and Snow Patrol.
Speaking ahead of the concert, Camila Cabello said: “My heart is breaking for the people of Ukraine. As refugees from Ukraine join millions of other displaced people around the globe, we all have a responsibility."
- Joseph Gamp
Graphic: Russia’s hypersonic missile
Kinzhal missiles have an estimated range of 1,250 miles.
President Putin earlier branded the missile “an ideal weapon” that flies at 10 times the speed of sound and cannot be brought down by conventional air-defence systems.
The Kinzhal can is nuclear-capable but this was a conventional strike.
It has a range of 1,250 miles and has no match in the West, according to Moscow.
- Joseph Gamp
Meghan and Harry issue harrowing statement on Ukraine
Meghan and Harry issued a harrowing statement following the death of “a member of our veteran community”.
The statement was released on the couple’s organisation, Archewell.
It read: “Our hearts are heavy as we acknowledge the recent loss of a member of our veteran community in Ukraine, who was defending his country from attack.
“We also pay tribute to the brave men and women from our global veteran community, past and present, who have long protected their countries and families with unparalleled strength and determination.
“We are continuing to work and speak with the Invictus Games Foundation daily to help however we can.”
- Joseph Gamp
Nine Ukrainian hospitals have been destroyed in just one month
Ukraine nine hospitals have been destroyed since the start of Russia’s invasion.
The State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine (SSSCIP) said Russia has attacked 135 hospitals across the country as well as 43 ambulances.
- Joseph Gamp
Strictly star Nikita Kuzmin retells grandmother's escape from invasion
Strictly Come Dancing star Nikita Kuzmin has detailed his grandmother’s journey out of Ukraine amid the Russian invasion.
The professional dancer, 24, who was partnered with Tilly Ramsay on the last series of the BBC One show, was born and raised in Ukraine before moving to Italy aged nine.
Speaking about his grandmother on The One Show, he said: “She managed to escape from Kyiv.
“We didn’t know if she would manage on the way from Kyiv to Poland, the streets in which the bus passes you don’t know if the Russian troops are going to shoot the bus and we were all the time anxious, there were two strike points.
“On the border she had to walk five-miles, she hadn’t walked until last year she had an operation, this is when your instincts kick in and she managed to do all of it and she surprised us.
“She’s just so brave and I just love her so much.”
- Joseph Gamp
Thanks for reading
Joe Gamp here, signing off from today's live coverage of the Ukraine-Russia war.
We hope you've enjoyed our real time, rolling blog coverage throughout the day.
My colleague Louis Allwood will return with the latest from 6am.
- Joseph Gamp
Kremlin tells Russians not to stockpile food amid sanctions
The Kremlin is urging the public to not panic buy or stockpile food or essentials amid a host of economic sanctions impsoed bu the West.
Deputy Prime Minister Viktoria Abramchenko said: "We are fully covering our needs in sugar and buckwheat.
"There is no need to panic, no need to stockpile those goods. There's enough for everyone."
She said Russia was increasing imports of dairy produce, fruit and vegetables, meat and animal feed from "friendly countries" to prevent food shortages.
- Joseph Gamp
Pentagon to begin gathering evidence of war crimes
Pentagon spokesman John Kirkby told a press conferencr tonight: "We certainly see clear evidence that Russian forces are committing war crimes and we are helping with the collecting of evidence of that.
"But there's investigative processes that are going to go on, and we're going to let that happen. We're going to contribute to that investigative process.
"As for what would come out of that, that's not a decision that the Pentagon leadership would make."
- Joseph Gamp
Graph: Russian military losses in Ukraine
This infographic details the amount of Russian personel and military losses during the month long conflict so far.
The estimates, from the Ukrainian ministry of defence, show over 15,000 Russian soldiers have been killed.
A further 1,535 armoured vehicles have also been destroyed, as well as 121 helicopters and 498 tanks.
- Joseph Gamp
Russia-Ukraine invasion: Latest developments
- Putin has been compared to Hitler after reports of “mass deportations of Ukrainians to work camps in Russia“
- Ukraine has refused to surrender Mariupol to Putin’s forces after a chilling Russian ultimatum
- Captured crying Russian soldiers claim their comrades have been thrown into mass graves as they call for an uprising against Putin
- Ukrainian intelligence claims Russian officials plan to poison Putin and have already chosen his successor
- Russian tanks ‘opened fire’ on an elderly care home in eastern Ukraine killing 56 and taking 15 hostage
- Dramatic Call Of Duty-style footage captures the moment Ukrainian forces blast a Russian Z-tank
- Joseph Gamp
Strictly star Nikita Kuzmin retells grandmothers escape from invasion
Strictly Come Dancing star Nikita Kuzmin has detailed his grandmother's journey out of Ukraine amid the Russian invasion.
The professional dancer, 24, who was partnered with Tilly Ramsay on the last series of the BBC One show, was born and raised in Ukraine before moving to Italy aged nine.
Speaking about his grandmother on The One Show, he said: "She managed to escape from Kyiv.
"We didn't know if she would manage on the way from Kyiv to Poland, the streets in which the bus passes you don't know if the Russian troops are going to shoot the bus and we were all the time anxious, there were two strike points.
"On the border she had to walk five-miles, she hadn't walked until last year she had an operation, this is when your instincts kick in and she managed to do all of it and she surprised us.
"She's just so brave and I just love her so much."
- Joseph Gamp
Zelensky says compromises with Russia will require national referendum
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday said any compromises agreed with Russia to end the war would need to be voted on by Ukrainians in a referendum.
"The people will have to speak up and respond to this or that form of compromise. And what they (the compromises) will be is the subject of our talks and understanding between Ukraine and Russia," he said in an interview published by Ukrainian public broadcasting company Suspilne.
Issues that could be raised in any referendum could concern territories occupied by Russian forces, including Crimea, or security guarantees offered to Ukraine by countries in lieu of NATO membership, he said.
- Joseph Gamp
PM discusses Russia's 'brutal tactics' with Biden, Macro and Draghi
Boris Johnson has discussed Russia's "brutal tactics" in Ukraine with US President Joe Biden, France's Emmanuel Macron and Italy's Mario Draghi, the White House said.
A statement said: "The leaders discussed their serious concerns about Russia's brutal tactics in Ukraine, including its attacks on civilians.
"They underscored their continued support for Ukraine, including by providing security assistance to the brave Ukrainians who are defending their country from Russian aggression, and humanitarian assistance to the millions of Ukrainians who have fled the violence.
"The leaders also reviewed recent diplomatic efforts in support of Ukraine's effort to reach a ceasefire."
- Joseph Gamp
Nine Ukrainian hospitals have been destroyed in just one month
Ukraine nine hospitals have been destroyed since the start of Russia's invasion.
The State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine (SSSCIP) said Russia has attacked 135 hospitals across the country as well as 43 ambulances.
- Joseph Gamp
Russia passes details of 500 captured Ukrainians to the Red Cross – Interfax
Russia has passed details of more than 500 captured Ukrainians to the Red Cross, Interfax news agency quoted Russia's human rights commissioner as saying on Monday.
Russia is prepared to swap them for Russians captured by Ukraine, Tatyana Moskalkova was quoted as saying.
- Joseph Gamp
‘Russia engaged in genocide against Ukraine’
Ukraine’s deputy prime minister has accused Russia of committing acts of “genocide”.
Speaking on Sky’s Sophy Ridge programme, Olha Stefanishyna said she “absolutely believes” that acts of genocide have been committed.
She also aid that she believed that President Vladimir Putin and leaders in the Kremlin “are war criminals”.
Stefanishyna said that the number of “civilian victims” killed and injured during the Russian invasion has been “far greater than the armed forces of Ukraine,” and alleged that “women have been raped for hours and then murdered” by Russian soldiers.
- Joseph Gamp
Graph: Russian military losses in Ukraine
This infographic details the amount of Russian personel and military losses during the month long conflict so far.
The estimates, from the Ukrainian ministry of defence, show over 15,000 Russian soldiers have been killed.
A further 1,535 armoured vehicles have also been destroyed, as well as 121 helicopters and 498 tanks.
- Joseph Gamp
Chernobyl radiaton levels around plant 'risk rising'
Ukraine's state-run nuclear company Energoatom has warned that radiation levels around the Chernobyl power plant "risk rising" as the systems in place to monitor radiation are not working.
"There is no data on the current state of radiation pollution of the exclusion zone's environment, which makes it impossible to adequately respond to threats," the company said in a statement.
- Joseph Gamp
Russia blamed for hoax calls taregting Boris Johnson's cabinet
The UK has publicly blamed Vladimir Putin's Russia for hoax calls targeting British ministers in the hope of securing sensitive or embarrassing information.
Home Secretary Priti Patel and Defence Secretary Ben Wallace both spoke to imposters posing as the Ukrainian prime minister, while an unsuccessful attempt was also made to target Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries.
Mr Wallace said at the time of the incident last week he believed Russia was to blame and Downing Street has now publicly pointed the finger at the Kremlin.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "The Russian state was responsible for the hoax telephone calls made to UK ministers last week.
"This is standard practice for Russian information operations and disinformation is a tactic straight from the Kremlin playbook to try to distract from their illegal activities in Ukraine and the human rights abuses being committed there.
"We are seeing a string of distraction stories and outright lies from the Kremlin, reflecting Putin's desperation as he seeks to hide the scale of the conflict and Russia's failings on the battlefield."
- Joseph Gamp
Mayor of Kyiv imposes new, longer curfew
The mayor of Kyiv said on Monday a new, longer curfew was being introduced in the Ukrainian capital because the authorities expect further shelling by Russian forces.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko had earlier on Monday announced a "reinforced curfew" in the Ukrainian capital from 8.00 p.m. (1800 GMT) until 7 a.m. on Wednesday. Parts of the city have come under fire repeatedly from Russian forces.
"The reason for the curfew is linked to the likelihood of new shelling," he said later on Monday on national television.
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