These are the key events so far on Tuesday, March 15.
- Russian forces continue pounding cities throughout Ukraine. Two powerful explosions have rocked the capital, Kyiv, while air raid sirens were heard in several cities, including Odesa, Chernihiv, Cherkasy and Smila.
- In Kyiv, the city’s mayor Vitali Klitschko warns of a “difficult and dangerous moment” for the capital and announces a 35-hour curfew.
Chernobyl power plant
- Power has been restored to the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, according to a report by the Ukraine 24 television station.
Diplomacy
- A new round of talks between Ukraine and Russia will be held after discussions on Monday paused with no breakthrough. Ukraine says it wants “peace, an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian troops”.
- The leaders of Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovenia plan to travel to Kyiv on a European Union mission to show support for Ukraine.
- The Kremlin denies reports citing US officials that Russia asked China for military equipment after invading Ukraine. Beijing called the reports “disinformation”.
Food warning
- UN chief Antonio Guterres is urging global action to prevent a “hurricane of hunger and a meltdown of the global food system”, warning that less-wealthy nations stand to suffer greatly.
Evacuations
- Ukrainian officials say more than 4,000 people have been evacuated from front-line cities. About 3 million people have fled Ukraine, nearly half of them children, according to the UN refugee agency. About 1.8 million are now in Poland and some 300,000 in Western Europe.
More sanctions
- EU member states have agreed on a fourth package of sanctions against Russia. Diplomats say the punitive measures will target Russian steel and iron and include an export ban on luxury goods and a ban on investment in the energy sector.
Ukraine leader to address Congress
- Zelenskyy will address the US Congress by video link-up on Wednesday, House and Senate leaders Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer announced. Congress last week approved nearly $14bn in aid to Ukraine.
Source: With Agencies