this is bbc news, i'm reeta chakrabarti. the headlines. russian forces in armoured vehicles reach the ukrainian capital, kyiv, as thousands of machine guns are handed out to volunteers defending the city. ukraine's army says they're continuing to fight as its troops take—up defensive positions to defend the city. it follows a night of airstrikes and explosions over the city, as russian forces appear to close—in on the capital. damage in kyiv�*s residential neighbourhoods, after reports of missile strikes and an aircraft being shot down. warning shots are fired as thousands continue to flee the capital by train and whatever means possible.

families who can't get away shelter underground for protection in ukraine's metro stations. ukraine's president says his country needs help. the most powerful forces in the world watch from afar. have yesterday's sanctions persuaded russia? we see in our skies and feel on the ground they are not enough. the kremlin says it's prepared for talks with ukraine — vladimir putin calls on the ukrainian military to put down their weapons. take power into your own hands. like that, it will be easierfor us to come to an agreement than with that gang of druggies and neo—nazis. nato reiterates its support for ukraine and condemns russian aggression. moscow bears sole responsibility for the deliberate, cold—blooded and long—planned invasion.

ukraine's ministry of defence has called on residents in kyiv to "defend the capital," as the city comes under direct attack from russian forces. officials said troops reached a north—west suburb of the city this morning, after loud explosions and air raid sirens began overnight. a government adviser says 18,000 machine guns have been handed out to people volunteering to defend the city. this is video from social media today, appearing to show russian armoured vehicles driving through the residential district of 0bolon, to the north—west of kyiv. the area isjust nine kilometres — that's 5.5 miles — north of kyiv�*s parliament, the presidential office and the city centre. authorities have told residents in 0bolon to stay off the streets. the city woke to assess

the damage this morning. footage appears to show a plane wreckage, after a russian aircraft was reportedly shot down over kyiv last night, as well as blocks damaged by shelling. several people are said to be injured. the us has said no cities have yet been taken, but that more than 200 missile launches have been seen so far, including some hitting residential areas. some 100,000 people across ukraine are thought to have left their homes seeking safety. nato secretary general jens stoltenberg opened a meeting of the organisation by condemning russia's invasion, calling it "deliberate, cold—blooded and long—planned." eu officials say the bloc has agreed to freeze assets belonging to russia's president vladimir putin and foreign minister sergei lavrov, as part of a package of sanctions. earlier, president zelensky made a plea for more help from the international community. he also said he would not leave kyiv, even though he knows he is a target.

the kremlin has said it is willing to send a negotiating team to neighbouring belarus for talks about the neutral status of ukraine. paul adams sent this report. another barrage before dawn. ukrainian anti—aircraft batteries intercepting a russian missile over the capital, one of two shot down this morning. as the assault closes in on kyiv, 2.5 million civilians are suddenly on the front line. firefighters in one suburb struggled to put out the blaze. russia says it is not targeting civilians, but this is what happens when you fire missiles at a capital city. for many, it was the second night of cowering in basements and bomb shelters, doing whatever it takes to keep fear at bay. they always knew where these places were but never really dreamed they'd use them. not in 2022. now we have come to the building where the bomb shelter is,

we are trying to stay here, it is pretty crowded. people get their dogs and cats and kids, and we are hearing the news about possible attacks in this district. and now the russians are right outside in anna's neighbourhood. this is 0bolon, north of the city centre. an armoured vehicle runs over a car, eyewitnesses unable to believe what they are saying. —— what they are seeing. amazingly, the driver survives, pulled from the wreckage by desperate passers—by. equally unbelievable, one of the city's buses, still running, forced to give way to kyiv�*s invaders. in 2a hours, these streets have almost completely emptied. it is increasingly dangerous to go out. the ukrainians have warned that russian soldiers could be operating inside the city, perhaps even in stolen ukrainian vehicles. pressure on the government is mounting all the time. most people here believe the russians simply

want to get rid of it. siren blares sirens are more frequent, and the sound of distant explosions too. for the ukrainian president, speaking to his people, this is a lonely fight. translation: this morning, i we are alone in defending our country, just like yesterday. the most powerful forces in the world watch from afar. ukraine is huge, the attacks have affected almost every major city. russian armoured columns have been rolling in from north, south and east. the old chernobyl nuclear reactor is now in russian hands, but it seems the air base at gostomel, seized yesterday, may have been taken back. in the east, close to the russian border, there was ferocious fighting overnight at sumy. the russians may not have made as much progress as they hoped here, and are suffering casualties too. back in kyiv, the wreckage of an unidentified russian aircraft. the odds in this war are massively stacked against ukraine, but it is fighting back.

pauladams, bbc news, kyiv. there is an emergency summit of nato going on at the moment in brussels and we are hoping to be able to go to a press conference being held after that summit shortly. some lines coming out of the meeting already. they include, no one should be filled the russian government's barrage of lies, that is after the emergency virtual summit. you can's decision to attack ukraine is a terrible strategic mistake and also a commitment to make all deployments necessary for a credible and strong deterrent. they are the first messages coming out of the nato emergency meeting that is being held

in brussels. more once we have it. i just want to bring you some pictures now. this is at a train station in kyiv, where many citizens are trying to flee the city to get to lviv near the western border with poland. you heard what sounded like a gunshot, and again. there are a huge number of people there, as you can see. the ukrainian military, we, had to fire shots in the air to try and disperse the crowds, who were trying to flee. we think all in all there are about 100,000 people thought to have left their homes, desperately trying to save themselves and their families and get to safety. humanitarian organisations think refugees could number in the

millions eventually, depending on how long this situation goes on for. and that of course poses grave and serious questions for ukraine's immediate neighbours in terms of how many they will take on. in a news conference today, sergei lavrov again denied moscow wanted to occupy ukraine. he said the plan was to demilitarise and denounce if either country. —— and de—nazify the country, so that ukrainians could freely determine their own future. with more, here's our diplomatic correspondent, caroline hawley. chanting they are chanting "no to war" — a show of disgust last night in central moscow in a country where many are still in shock at the invasion of ukraine. it takes bravery to protest in president putin's russia.

across the country, close to 2,000 people are now reported to have been taken into custody for taking a stand against what the kremlin has done. translation: what happened is a shame. many of us have relatives and friends from ukraine and this is a betrayal towards them. translation: i am expressing my protest against what is happening i i'm surprised that not more citizens are protesting against aggression towards ukraine. how long will this war last? what does the kremlin now intend? it has accused ukraine of being a western puppet, it's made clear it wants to bring its neighbourfirmly back into its sphere of influence. today, russia's foreign minister said russia was ready to negotiate, if the ukrainian army surrendered. translation: but what would be the result of all— that is happening now? we will see, depending on the circumstances, i as president putin said, - he reaffirmed one more time that we are interested in seeing ukrainian people independent. i for "independent", read "under moscow's thumb". vladimir putin's aim is to overthrow ukraine's democratically elected government.

moscow wants to see regime change in ukraine as the speaker has it here, and i think it was reiterated, ukraine is being charged with running an extreme nationalist government and actually marginalising russian speakers. and the humanitarian consequences of russia's war are onlyjust beginning. refugees arriving this morning in neighbouring countries through ukraine's western borders. women and children escaping, men left behind to fight. how many more ukrainians will flee president putin's forces, and what can the outside world do now to try to make this stop? caroline hawley, bbc news. the kremlin has said it's willing to send a negotiating team to minsk, the capital of neighbouring belarus, for talks about what it called the neutral status of ukraine. for more on that, here's our correspondent in moscowjenny hill

i think it is still very difficult to know what to send vladimir putin's mind and what he wants. figs putin's mind and what he wants. sis you putin's mind and what he wants. is you say, the kremlin has now said that it wants negotiations... moscow wants negotiations with ukraine and they want those negotiations to happen in minsk. the kremlin spokesman said it has asked the leader of the race to organise those negotiations. the talk has been about discussing the neutrality of ukraine. it is not clear from this perspective what is meant by that. clearly we can all speculate. what i think is really interesting is, just as the invasion is intensifying in ukraine, so is bloody epi ten�*s rhetoric. we had some extraordinary language from him this afternoon as

he addressed his security council. —— vladimir putin. he told them to rise up against the leadership and own government and take power into own government and take power into own hands. described the government as terrorists are drug addicts and neo—nazis. the last perhaps not surprising because moscow has baseless a said its invasion of ukraine was to denounce if either country. we do hear the term neo—nazis a lot. he went on to tell his security council that neo—nazis were hiding heavy weaponry in the centre of ukrainian cities using civilians effectively as human fields. all this upon the

recommendation of foreign advisers, american advisers. lots of different messages i think coming out of moscow tonight. very difficult skill to define what is in the mind of vladimir putin and what will happen next. , , ,., ., next. jenny hill reporting from moscow. let's speak to our correspondent in washington, barbara plett—usher. here in the uk ministers have been saying in their assessment, russia has failed to achieve the objectives of the first day of the invasion. what is the us government assessment of what is going on in the ground in ukraine? , . .,' . ., of what is going on in the ground in ukraine? , . . ., ., ., ukraine? defence official gave a briefin: a ukraine? defence official gave a briefing a little _ ukraine? defence official gave a briefing a little while _ ukraine? defence official gave a briefing a little while ago - ukraine? defence official gave a briefing a little while ago and i ukraine? defence official gave aj briefing a little while ago and he said that the assessment was that the momentum had slowed somewhat, the momentum had slowed somewhat, the russians were not advancing on kyiv as quickly as they had expected or liked, although they are still

advancing. he said the advance on turkey is being contested and the russians do not control the entire ukrainian airspace that ukrainian army is fighting back and command and control are still intact. he talked about the missiles that were fired and he talked about an amphibious assault near the marie uppalfull amphibious assault near the marie uppal full city. amphibious assault near the marie uppalfull city. the amphibious assault near the marie uppal full city. the assessment is the momentum is not quite the pace the momentum is not quite the pace the russians had expected according to the americans and it has slowed down from the beginning of the invasion. —— mariupol city. what down from the beginning of the invasion. -- mariupol city. what is bein: invasion. -- mariupol city. what is being discussed _ invasion. -- mariupol city. what is being discussed by _ invasion. -- mariupol city. what is being discussed by the _ invasion. -- mariupol city. what is being discussed by the americans | invasion. -- mariupol city. what is i being discussed by the americans in regard to further action? there being discussed by the americans in regard to further action?— regard to further action? there is a meetin: regard to further action? there is a meeting of— regard to further action? there is a meeting of the _ regard to further action? there is a meeting of the un _ regard to further action? there is a meeting of the un security - regard to further action? there is a meeting of the un security council| meeting of the un security council any americans have been very

involved. they put forward a resolution demanding russia be condemned from what it is doing and withdraw from ukraine right away. we know the russians will veto it because they have veto power. they want to use the form of the un to force russia to explain itself and to try to show russia is isolated. that is a diplomatic need. the secretary of state has talked about trying to rally manitou in support for ukraine. we know the americans are also sharing intelligence with ukraine, they had quite that intelligence in the run—up to the invasion and so presumably that continues to some degree. they are also seeing if they can continue weapons and ammunition deliveries, given the situation, the airport is under attack and it is not entirely clear. there's another kind of steps they are taking and are continuing to try to get support for ukraine

and isolate russia in international circles. i5 and isolate russia in international circles. , . . and isolate russia in international circles. , ., , ., circles. is that a sense that sanctions. _ circles. is that a sense that sanctions, when _ circles. is that a sense that sanctions, when they - circles. is that a sense that sanctions, when they were | circles. is that a sense that - sanctions, when they were imposed, were too little too late because thatis were too little too late because that is clearly the view from the president of ukraine?— that is clearly the view from the president of ukraine? yes, it is. he has been quite _ president of ukraine? yes, it is. he has been quite critical _ president of ukraine? yes, it is. he has been quite critical of _ president of ukraine? yes, it is. he has been quite critical of that. - has been quite critical of that. there is criticism here as well on capitol hill, especially from senior republican leaders and other politicians who have pressed for a while for pre—emptive sanctions. they were pressing for the sanctions to be imposed before any military action to try to deter. the administration had always argued the threat was the deterrent and if you should sanctions ahead of time, mr putin would not have a reason to go in. it is those kinds of arguments. there is criticism there. on the democratic side, there was some disappointment in the sanctions yesterday in that they did not go

far enough to cut russia off from a swift banking system although that is still on the table. there is a lot of support on capitol hill for very tough action, tough sanctions from the administration. not from troops on the ground. mr biden has been very clear about not sending troops to fight in ukraine and there is a fairly widespread view on capitol hill that would be a bad idea, they do not want to get into a shooting war with the russians in ukraine. having said all of that, mr biden's argument yesterday was that sanctions to really take effect will take a bit of time. the measures put into place, if they are held by the us and europe tightly, russia will really feel some economic pain and the country will be weakened and mr putin will have to deal with that. thank you very much. that report from washington. it appears the

president of ukraine has spoken. we are getting news lines coming in on the wires. it says he has released some video, saying he is in kyiv. he has said he will not leave the capital city even though he knows he has a target. reuters as saying that president zelensky says all officials, soldiers and citizens are here defending ukraine. more on that when we get it, of course. large numbers of ukrainian civilians are on the move, trying to find safety and shelter. the un says 100,000 people have left their homes so far. many are heading to the neighbouring countries of poland, romania and hungary. our correspondent, nick thorpe, is on the beregsurany border between ukraine and hungary.

just describe to us the people you have been meeting and what you have seen. it have been meeting and what you have seen. . , , have been meeting and what you have seen, , ., have been meeting and what you have seen. ., , , ., , have been meeting and what you have seen. .,, , ., , ., seen. it has been a very long day for me here _ seen. it has been a very long day for me here unless _ seen. it has been a very long day for me here unless border, - seen. it has been a very long day for me here unless border, but i for me here unless border, but especially for the people that had come two micro of them very long distances, others from across the border. they had a long wait the other side. border. they had a long wait the otherside. people border. they had a long wait the other side. people on foot had to wait more than two hours, people coming by car had to wait five or six hours. when they finally got across, they were trying to work out what to do next. some had in forming metal clusters at the roadside. some of these people are from the ethnic and hungarian minority. they have relatives on the side, in hungary, who eventually come and pick them up. we have also been speaking to from much deeper inside the country. a grandmother and her granddaughter early this morning he had driven

from kharkiv in the east, completely exhausted, wiped out, looking for a place to lie down for a few hours to recover. also some people who had no idea where they are going. that particular women saying she might try to go to poland, they had acquaintances in poland. the cafe to one side where i am standing. even more people are coming as night full. a little girl in a cafe saying, a completely overcrowded cafe saying she just wants to go home and her mother trying to explain to her that she is very sorry she cannot go home. quite dramatic and emotional scenes here. you are reporting earlier in the day that some men had been turned away from the border and this was partly because the government has asked all men between the ages of 18 and 60 to stay behind and fight. that

men between the ages of 18 and 60 to stay behind and fight.— stay behind and fight. that is riuht. stay behind and fight. that is right- yes- — stay behind and fight. that is right. yes. we _ stay behind and fight. that is right. yes. we have - stay behind and fight. that is right. yes. we have been - stay behind and fight. that is i right. yes. we have been asking women here today and older people at this border, where are the men? they are saying they cannot get across the border any more. some managed to get across from this ethnic hungarian area the other side before that decision was taken by the ukrainian government. we have seen a few rather well dressed men. there are allegations they have been paying their way out, bribing border guards to let them leave. we have no way to independently verify that. very notable here that no men among them, crossing the border as refugees today.— them, crossing the border as refugees today. them, crossing the border as refu:ees toda . . ~ , ., , . refugees today. thank you very much. our correspondent _ refugees today. thank you very much. our correspondent on _ refugees today. thank you very much. our correspondent on the _ refugees today. thank you very much. our correspondent on the hungarian l refugees today. thank you very much. our correspondent on the hungarian -j our correspondent on the hungarian — ukrainian border. the ukrainian invasion has resulted

in false posts on social media. platforms like twitter seem to be taking a proactive role, removing several videos shown to be misleading by fact chequers and researchers. not all of the clips are what they seem and not all information is being shared online either. to help us understand more about this i am joined by olga from the disinformation team. what have you been seeing? there are numerous videos doing the rounds, claiming to be showing what is happening right now. some is genuine but there are misrepresentations of what is happening in ukraine, having nothing to do with the conflict whatsoever. some of this includes

footage from previous conflicts like the war in syria and libya, the conflict in beirut as well as old footage of russian military exercises that are being presented as the current situation in ukraine. for example russian military landing in ukraine. i should say some of this has gone really viral. one old clip of a soldier has been viewed on tick—tock and literally a day alone 30 million times. —— tiktok. widespread dissemination of these clips. is it being done deliberately?- clips. is it being done deliberately? clips. is it being done deliberatel ? , ., , , ., deliberately? they are being shared far and wide — deliberately? they are being shared far and wide across _ deliberately? they are being shared far and wide across multiple - deliberately? they are being shared far and wide across multiple social. far and wide across multiple social media platforms. some of the content is likely to be shared with

malicious intent, in order to misrepresent what is happening in ukraine and result in panic across the population. as often happens in a rapidly developing situation like what is happening in ukraine like now, we're also seeing a of people sharing misleading content because they simply have not checked it before treating it again or hitting the repost button. trying to do it very often to help others and raise awareness of what is happening on the ground. one such example we have seen quite a lot over the past 2a hours was footage allegedly was showing, the people assumed were showing, the people assumed were showing the situation in the city of

mariupol in ukraine but it was taken from a tiktok posted a few weeks ago and shows lightning striking a power plant and has nothing to do with the current situation in ukraine that people had been mistakenly sharing it as such. ,, ., ., ., ., ~ it as such. quite a lot of talk about russian _ it as such. quite a lot of talk. about russian misinformation it as such. quite a lot of talk- about russian misinformation on ukraine, what have you been observing in this regard? posts oane, observing in this regard? posts online. they — observing in this regard? posts online, they have _ observing in this regard? posts online, they have been - observing in this regard? prrsts online, they have been spreading misleading information about ukraine, not forjust a few days or weeks but for years, in fact ever since the annexation of crimea in 2014, received a steady flow of leading and false stories coming out, suggesting that ukraine is a failed state, orfor out, suggesting that ukraine is a failed state, or for example that ukraine is in the grip of neo—nazis. in fact we know the far right enjoys very limited support in the country.

another analysis which is misleading is a claim two concerns claims about genocide in eastern ukraine. there is no evidence to suggest this is happening. these lies and stories have been particularly echoed not just by russian media but also by some russian officials. frankly speaking, as the situation in ukraine is going to intensify in the next few days and weeks, it is likely we are going to see more and more of that being pushed by russian programming and media to audiences in russia and internationally. thank ou ve in russia and internationally. thank you very much- _ the european union has reportedly agreed to freeze the assets of president putin and russian foreign minister, sergey lavrov, over ukraine. america has also announced further

sanctions on russia. president biden says the us is targetting russia's largest banks and state—owned companies, cutting them off from western financial markets, and freezing trillions of dollars in assets. and the european commission, says eu sanctions will make it impossible for moscow, to buy technology, upgrading its oil refineries, or spare parts for aircraft. here's theo legget. russia has launched military action against ukraine. in response, western nations have launched an economic offensive against russia. in the past 24 hours, we've had announcements of major new sanctions aimed at russia from the european union, the united states and the uk. putin is trying to subjugate a friendly european country, and he is trying to redraw the maps of europe by force. he must and he will fail. the sanctions have been coordinated. they are designed to hit russia in specific areas. firstly, there's finance. steps are being taken to prevent russian banks

from borrowing money abroad, depriving them of the financial oxygen they need. then, there's exports. sales of cutting—edge technologies to russia will be banned, for example. and, finally, individuals. wealthy russians seen as being part of vladimir putin's inner circle will be denied visas, and their assets overseas may be frozen if they can be found. translation: have yesterday's sanctions persuaded russia? - we see in our skies and feel on the ground that they are not enough. but even as the tanks and planes move into ukraine, european countries are still buying huge quantities of russian oil and gas. and one crucialfinancial weapon has not yet been brought into play. the swift network is a secure messaging system that enables quick cross—border payments between accounts in different countries. the uk wants russia to be excluded from the network because it would make it much harder for its companies to do business abroad. but some experts question how

effective such a move would be. it would make life very difficult for russian banks in the short term, but russia actually has its own alternative payment system already. there are 23 european banks and global banks on it. there are already networks with belarus. belarus has effectively unplugged itself from the swift system already. sanctions will certainly cause russia serious economic harm, but their effects will take time, and it won't be a one—way street. the conflict has already pushed energy prices up sharply in the uk and europe, meaning businesses and consumers here can also expect to feel significant financial pain. theo leggett, bbc news. for the latest on eu sanctions, here's our brussels correspondentjessica parker. it is so interesting because things had moved so far this week, pretty fast with eu sanctions. the eu is not an organisation necessarily known for its speed in terms of decision—making.

yesterday what we were hearing was cutting russia out of swift, this international payment system wasn't really the focus in the mix for now but kept on the table. particularly countries like germany, i think, worried that way you cut russia out of the payment system, russia could turn round and say, you're not paying us, we're not going to give you any gas. as we know, europe, the eu is incredibly dependent on russian gas although it is trying to move as quickly as it can to itself off russian energy supplies. today, things seem to have changed a little bit. there are interesting comments. simon kayleigh, the irish foreign minister arriving for a meeting here this afternoon saying swift does need to be looked at as part of a third package of sanctions. eu sources i'm talking to a basically telling me it is on the table for a third package of sanctions, despite some reluctance from certain countries.

we know the united kingdom has been saying it wants to see russia cut out of swift. there is some momentum, i think. it'll depend what happens over the coming days, what actions the kremlin takes. it certainly feels her in a slightly different position here in brussels on that particular issue then we were just a day ago. jessica parker reporting there. social media platforms also assessing how they are going to respond and how they are responding to the crisis in ukraine, as our governments in russia. russia's medications regulator has said that it is partially limiting access to facebook in response to restrictions that facebook has imposed on russian media, accusing facebook of censorship. it's not immediately clear exactly what those restrictions will involve. facebook

itself has set up a separate operation centre to monitor the conflict in ukraine and also it's launched a feature so it uses —— users in ukraine can like their social media profiles for security. so that is going on in response to events on the ground. ok. let's speak now to james who is the uk's armed forces minister and joins us now from westminster. thank you so much forjoining us. you made a statement to mps in westminster today. what more were you saying that the uk can do?— today. what more were you saying that the uk can do? well, i think we where seeking _ that the uk can do? well, i think we where seeking to _ that the uk can do? well, i think we where seeking to reassure _ that the uk can do? well, i think we where seeking to reassure mps - that the uk can do? well, i think we| where seeking to reassure mps from across the house, in the uk, that really is cross party consensus on the way that the british government should respond to this. no stone will be left unturned in trying to provide the ukrainians with more lethal aid. provide the ukrainians with more lethalaid. i provide the ukrainians with more lethal aid. i also had to the caveat that by saying it's not as

straightforward as putting stuff on a plane and getting it out there. the situation has obviously changed in the last few weeks since the uk send forward our last contribution to the ukrainian armed forces, whilst not insurmountable, itjust means that the route of doing things is now different, similarly weapons systems that would be new to the ukrainian armed forces often require some sort of training provision, clearly that is not as straightforward as it was three or four weeks ago, but not insurmountable. finally, any system that we provide to the ukrainians that we provide to the ukrainians thatis that we provide to the ukrainians that is a capability that we prevent —— developed jointly, we need that other country's permission as well. it was reassuring colleagues in the house of commons that the prime minister is very clear that the uk should, must do everything it possibly can to get the ukrainians as much military assistance as we can. clearly it's in our more challenging getting the circumstances that we are in. i’m circumstances that we are in. i'm 'ust circumstances that we are in. i'm just going — circumstances that we are in. i'm just going to _ circumstances that we are in. i'm just going to leap in there and

listen to mr stoltenberg from the secretary—general of nato. i listen to mr stoltenberg from the secretary-general of nato. i invited nato's partners. — secretary-general of nato. i invited nato's partners, finland, _ secretary-general of nato. i invited nato's partners, finland, sweden . secretary-general of nato. i invited l nato's partners, finland, sweden and the european union to our summits because _ the european union to our summits because this crisis affects us all. russia _ because this crisis affects us all. russia has— because this crisis affects us all. russia has shattered peace in europe — russia has shattered peace in europe. the people of ukraine are fighting _ europe. the people of ukraine are fighting for their freedom in the face of— fighting for their freedom in the face of russia's unprovoked invasion _ face of russia's unprovoked invasion. we deplore the tragic loss of life. _ invasion. we deplore the tragic loss of life. and — invasion. we deplore the tragic loss of life, and enormous human suffering _ of life, and enormous human suffering and destruction. our thoughts _ suffering and destruction. our thoughts are with those killed, injured — thoughts are with those killed, injured and displaced. we call on russia _ injured and displaced. we call on russia to — injured and displaced. we call on russia to stop this senseless war. immediately cease its assaults,

withdraw — immediately cease its assaults, withdraw all its forces from ukraine and turned — withdraw all its forces from ukraine and turned back to the path of dialogue — and turned back to the path of dialogue and turn away from aggression. the kremlin's objectives are not— aggression. the kremlin's objectives are not limited to ukraine. russia has demanded legally binding agreements to announce further nato enlargements. and to remove troops and infrastructure from our last joint _ and infrastructure from our last joint of— and infrastructure from our last joint of 1997. we are facing a new joint of1997. we are facing a new normat— joint of 1997. we are facing a new normal in — joint of 1997. we are facing a new normal in european security. where russia _ normal in european security. where russia openly contests the european security— russia openly contests the european security order. and uses for us to pursue _ security order. and uses for us to pursue its— security order. and uses for us to pursue its objectives. the world will hold —

pursue its objectives. the world will hold russia and belarus accountable for their actions. russia — accountable for their actions. russia as _ accountable for their actions. russia as the aggressor, belarus as the enabler. president putin's decision— the enabler. president putin's decision to pursue his aggression against _ decision to pursue his aggression against ukraine is a terrible strategic mistake. for which russia will pay— strategic mistake. for which russia will pay a _ strategic mistake. for which russia will pay a severe price for years to come _ will pay a severe price for years to come nato — will pay a severe price for years to come. nato allies in the european union _ come. nato allies in the european union have — come. nato allies in the european union have already introduced significant sanctions. and their partners — significant sanctions. and their partners around the globe have joined — partners around the globe have joined us — partners around the globe have joined us. we must stand ready to do more _ joined us. we must stand ready to do more even_ joined us. we must stand ready to do more even if— joined us. we must stand ready to do more. even if it means we have to pay a _ more. even if it means we have to pay a price — more. even if it means we have to pay a price, because we are in this for the long — pay a price, because we are in this for the long haul. at the same time, the russian people must know that

the russian people must know that the kremlin's war on ukraine will not make — the kremlin's war on ukraine will not make russia more secure. it will not make russia more secure. it will not make _ not make russia more secure. it will not make russia more secure. it will not make russia more secure. it will not make russia more respected in the world — not make russia more respected in the world. it will not lead to a better— the world. it will not lead to a better future for your children. in response — better future for your children. in response to russia's massive military— response to russia's massive military build—up over the past months. — military build—up over the past months, we have already strengthened our deterrence and defence. yesterday, nato allies activated our defence _ yesterday, nato allies activated our defence plans. and as a result, we are deploying elements of the nato response _ are deploying elements of the nato response for us on land, appc and the an _ response for us on land, appc and the an to— response for us on land, appc and the air. to further strengthen our posture _ the air. to further strengthen our posture and to respond quickly to any contingency. the united states, canada _

any contingency. the united states, canada and — any contingency. the united states, canada and the european allies have deployed _ canada and the european allies have deployed thousands more troops to the eastern part of the alliance. we have over _ the eastern part of the alliance. we have over 100 jets at high alert operating in over 30 different locations. and our 120 ships from the high — locations. and our 120 ships from the high north to the mediterranean including _ the high north to the mediterranean including strake carrier groups. there _ including strake carrier groups. there must be notes they serve as calculation — there must be notes they serve as calculation or misunderstanding. we will do _ calculation or misunderstanding. we will do what it takes to protect and defend _ will do what it takes to protect and defend every ally and every inch of nato territory. leaders today also made _ nato territory. leaders today also made clear that we must continue our support— made clear that we must continue our support to _ made clear that we must continue our support to ukraine. the kremlin is trying _ support to ukraine. the kremlin is trying to— support to ukraine. the kremlin is trying to make nato and the eu

provide — trying to make nato and the eu provide less support to our partners _ provide less support to our partners. so our collective answer must _ partners. so our collective answer must he _ partners. so our collective answer must be more support. to countries like georgia. — must be more support. to countries like georgia, moldova. to help them succeed _ like georgia, moldova. to help them succeed with their democratic reforms — succeed with their democratic reforms and pursue the path that they have — reforms and pursue the path that they have freely chosen. more than ever. _ they have freely chosen. more than ever. this _ they have freely chosen. more than ever, this crisis demonstrates the importance — ever, this crisis demonstrates the importance of north america and europe _ importance of north america and europe standing together in nato. there _ europe standing together in nato. there is— europe standing together in nato. there is no— europe standing together in nato. there is no security in europe without — there is no security in europe without a _ there is no security in europe without a strong transatlantic bond. with that. _ without a strong transatlantic bond. with that, i'm ready to take your questions — with that, i'm ready to take your cuestions. ., with that, i'm ready to take your questions-— with that, i'm ready to take your cuestions. ., ., ., , ., ., questions. how fearful are you about the possible — questions. how fearful are you about the possible fall _ questions. how fearful are you about the possible fall of _ questions. how fearful are you about the possible fall of tf? _ questions. how fearful are you about the possible fall of tf? how - questions. how fearful are you about the possible fall of tf? how long - questions. how fearful are you about the possible fall of tf? how long in l

the possible fall of tf? how long in your estimation can the government of ukraine last. —— the possible fall of diaz max? and if we move to an insurgency type situation, what support can nato it then give? —— the possible fall of kyiv. lloathed support can nato it then give? -- the possible fall of kyiv.— the possible fall of kyiv. what we are seeinu the possible fall of kyiv. what we are seeing now _ the possible fall of kyiv. what we are seeing now is _ the possible fall of kyiv. what we are seeing now is the _ the possible fall of kyiv. what we | are seeing now is the full-fledged are seeing now is the full—fledged invasion— are seeing now is the full—fledged invasion of ukraine from multiple directions— invasion of ukraine from multiple directions with air, sea and land capabilities. this is actually in line with _ capabilities. this is actually in line with what our intelligence services — line with what our intelligence services predicted over a long period — services predicted over a long period of— services predicted over a long period of time because we saw the huild-up_ period of time because we saw the build—up around ukraine with air sea and land— build—up around ukraine with air sea and land forces. we see of course a move _ and land forces. we see of course a move towards kyiv and we also see the rhetoric, the message is which is strongly— the rhetoric, the message is which is strongly indicating that the aim is strongly indicating that the aim is to change government to change and remove the democratically elected — and remove the democratically elected government in kyiv. we are in close _ elected government in kyiv. we are in close contact with the

governments of ukraine, we are of course _ governments of ukraine, we are of course monitoring the situation very closely _ course monitoring the situation very closely it _ course monitoring the situation very closely it is— course monitoring the situation very closely. it is still a fluid situation. but we have seen is that the ukrainian forces are fighting bravely— the ukrainian forces are fighting bravely and are able to inflict damage _ bravely and are able to inflict damage on the invading russian forces. — damage on the invading russian forces, but again, it is a very fluid — forces, but again, it is a very fluid and _ forces, but again, it is a very fluid and evolving situation. nato allies _ fluid and evolving situation. nato allies expressed at the summit today that they— allies expressed at the summit today that they provide support to ukraine _ that they provide support to ukraine, they are ready to continue to provide — ukraine, they are ready to continue to provide support to ukraine. military— to provide support to ukraine. military support, national support, and then— military support, national support, and then i— military support, national support, and then i think we all have to judge — and then i think we all have to judge how things evolve, but the message — judge how things evolve, but the message from nato leaders and also from finland and sweden, the eu, is

that we _ from finland and sweden, the eu, is that we are — from finland and sweden, the eu, is that we are there to support ukraine _ that we are there to support ukraine, we separate ukraine for many— ukraine, we separate ukraine for many years— ukraine, we separate ukraine for many years and we continue to provide — many years and we continue to provide support. many years and we continue to provide support-— provide support. went to the national press _ provide support. went to the national press agency - provide support. went to the national press agency of - provide support. went to the - national press agency of ukraine. secretary—general, and the current situation in which we observe now in ukraine, does nato preserve its desire to assist ukraine with defensive equipment, in particular can we expect that nato will provide ukraine with so badly needed anti—aircraft equipment. thank you so much. anti-aircraft equipment. thank you so much. ., ., ., , ., so much. nato allies continue to rovide so much. nato allies continue to provide support _ so much. nato allies continue to provide support to _ so much. nato allies continue to provide support to ukraine - so much. nato allies continue to provide support to ukraine and l so much. nato allies continue to provide support to ukraine and i | so much. nato allies continue to - provide support to ukraine and i was at a meeting today at the nato summit— at a meeting today at the nato summit with the eu with finland and sweden, the allies announced and also informed other allies about the type of— also informed other allies about the type of weapons the type of support and some _ type of weapons the type of support and some of that also includes air defence systems. so nato allies have

and continue to provide support, military— and continue to provide support, military but also different types of equipment to ukraine. then we realised — equipment to ukraine. then we realised that of course in this very evolving _ realised that of course in this very evolving and difficult situation, it is hard _ evolving and difficult situation, it is hard to — evolving and difficult situation, it is hard to predict what are the possibilities in the future, but allies— possibilities in the future, but allies are _ possibilities in the future, but allies are providing support and a very committed to providing support. nbcjust— very committed to providing support. nbcjust behind the cameras. there nbc 'ust behind the cameras. there is nbcjust behind the cameras. there is concern that _ nbcjust behind the cameras. there is concern that nato _ nbcjust behind the cameras. there is concern that nato could - nbcjust behind the cameras. there is concern that nato could get - is concern that nato could get pulled into this conflict if russia were to shut down electricity or other services that could spill over into poland or romania. can you say explicitly whether a russian cyber attack of that nature would trigger an article five collective defence? so we are sending a clear message to russia _ so we are sending a clear message to russia that— so we are sending a clear message to russia. that we provide support to

our partner. — russia. that we provide support to our partner, ukraine, and provide many— our partner, ukraine, and provide many different types of support, nato _ many different types of support, nato helps ukraine also with their cyber— nato helps ukraine also with their cyber defences. then fair nato allies. — cyber defences. then fair nato allies. we _ cyber defences. then fair nato allies, we provide security guarantees and article five, an attack— guarantees and article five, an attack on _ guarantees and article five, an attack on one will be regarded as an attack— attack on one will be regarded as an attack on _ attack on one will be regarded as an attack on all. we are clear on this distinction — attack on all. we are clear on this distinction, because it is important that we _ distinction, because it is important that we don't have a bigger crisis in europe — that we don't have a bigger crisis in europe where russia challenged or is attacking _ in europe where russia challenged or is attacking any nato allied country _ is attacking any nato allied country. that's the reason why we so clearly _ country. that's the reason why we so clearly send — country. that's the reason why we so clearly send a message that we are ready— clearly send a message that we are ready to _ clearly send a message that we are ready to protect all allies and every— ready to protect all allies and every inch of nato territory. when it comes _ every inch of nato territory. when it comes to — every inch of nato territory. when it comes to cyber attacks, and there is, it comes to cyber attacks, and there is. for— it comes to cyber attacks, and there is, for instance, accidents, and for instance _ is, for instance, accidents, and for instance in— is, for instance, accidents, and for instance in the black sea, we are pursuing — instance in the black sea, we are pursuing mechanisms of the confliction to prevent that from

happening. we have, nato allies, especially— happening. we have, nato allies, especially the united states have done that in syria over a long period — done that in syria over a long period of— done that in syria over a long period of time, and we have chris are very— period of time, and we have chris are very focused. i spoke with the nato _ are very focused. i spoke with the nato supreme commander on that issue recently— nato supreme commander on that issue recently and _ nato supreme commander on that issue recently and he is very focused on the need — recently and he is very focused on the need to— recently and he is very focused on the need to de—conflict to make sure that we _ the need to de—conflict to make sure that we don't have incidents or accidents— that we don't have incidents or accidents that can get spiral and -et accidents that can get spiral and get out — accidents that can get spiral and get out of— accidents that can get spiral and get out of control and create a dangerous situation. on sabre, well, we have _ dangerous situation. on sabre, well, we have stated that cyber attacks can trigger article five, but we have _ can trigger article five, but we have never gone into a position where we — have never gone into a position where we give a potential adversary the privilege of defining exactly when _ the privilege of defining exactly when we trigger article five. we are focused _ when we trigger article five. we are focused on — when we trigger article five. we are focused on strengthening our cyber defences — focused on strengthening our cyber defences. we are very much a way that -- _ defences. we are very much a way that -- aware _ defences. we are very much a way that —— aware that that is a risk, and _ that —— aware that that is a risk, and therefore we are stepping up, both the _ and therefore we are stepping up, both the protection of our cyber networks. — both the protection of our cyber networks, but also providing support to ukraine _ networks, but also providing support to ukraine and we are very focused

on the _ to ukraine and we are very focused on the need — to ukraine and we are very focused on the need for deconstruction. we to on the need for deconstruction. we no to on the need for deconstruction. go to npr. on the need for deconstruction. we go to npr. thank _ on the need for deconstruction. we go to npr. thank you, _ on the need for deconstruction. we go to npr. thank you, terry - on the need for deconstruction. we | go to npr. thank you, terry schultz with npr. go to npr. thank you, terry schultz with npr- l — go to npr. thank you, terry schultz with npr. i want — go to npr. thank you, terry schultz with npr. i want to _ go to npr. thank you, terry schultz with npr. i want to know— go to npr. thank you, terry schultz with npr. i want to know more - go to npr. thank you, terry schultz l with npr. i want to know more about the deployment of the an rf forces, please, how many will be sent where, from where, how long will it take to get there? thinking about military mobility is always, and what has changed in your calculation about the threat to nato territory that has led allies to make the decision to deploy this for the first time in history for the purposes of collective defence, thank you. purposes of collective defence, thank you-— purposes of collective defence, thank ou. ~ . . ., thank you. well, what has changed over the last _ thank you. well, what has changed over the last days _ thank you. well, what has changed over the last days is, _ thank you. well, what has changed over the last days is, of— thank you. well, what has changed over the last days is, of course, . over the last days is, of course, there _ over the last days is, of course, there is— over the last days is, of course, there is a — over the last days is, of course, there is a full—fledged invasion of a partner— there is a full—fledged invasion of a partner country, it borders several— a partner country, it borders several nato allied countries. this is the _ several nato allied countries. this is the most — several nato allied countries. this is the most serious security crisis that we _ is the most serious security crisis that we have faced in europe for decades — that we have faced in europe for decades. therefore we have we have the response for us and that's the reason _ the response for us and that's the reason why— the response for us and that's the reason why we are deploying it to

again— reason why we are deploying it to again prevent any miscalculation, any misunderstanding that we are not ready— any misunderstanding that we are not ready to _ any misunderstanding that we are not ready to protect and defend all allies — ready to protect and defend all allies. and of course, this is something all allies have agreed to do. something all allies have agreed to do but. _ something all allies have agreed to do but. of— something all allies have agreed to do. but, of course, especially those in the _ do. but, of course, especially those in the eastern part are extremely concerned — in the eastern part are extremely concerned. they are close to this fighting _ concerned. they are close to this fighting in— concerned. they are close to this fighting in ukraine, and they also border— fighting in ukraine, and they also border russia and they have seen not only the _ border russia and they have seen not only the military build—up and the ongoing _ only the military build—up and the ongoing war in ukraine, but also the very threatening rhetoric. because this goes— very threatening rhetoric. because this goes far beyond ukraine. this is about— this goes far beyond ukraine. this is about how russia is actually challenging, contesting core values for our— challenging, contesting core values for our security and should nato withdraw — for our security and should nato withdraw all forces and infrastructure from almost half of all members, and they stated that if you don't— all members, and they stated that if you don't do that, if you don't meet their— you don't do that, if you don't meet their demands, there will be military— their demands, there will be military technical consequences, so

we have _ military technical consequences, so we have to — military technical consequences, so we have to take this seriously, and that's— we have to take this seriously, and that's exactly why we are now deploying the nato response for us for the _ deploying the nato response for us for the first time in the collective defence — for the first time in the collective defence context. and we speak about thousands _ defence context. and we speak about thousands of troops. we speak about air and _ thousands of troops. we speak about airand maritime thousands of troops. we speak about air and maritime capabilities. they are all— air and maritime capabilities. they are all part — air and maritime capabilities. they are all part of the standing naval groups — are all part of the standing naval groups. we have many planes operating in the eastern part of the alliance _ operating in the eastern part of the alliance, and several allies have assigned — alliance, and several allies have assigned to troops and forces to the nato response for us. we have the lead elements which are led by france — lead elements which are led by france. we have the united states, which _ france. we have the united states, which has _ france. we have the united states, which has assigned thousands of troops _ which has assigned thousands of troops to— which has assigned thousands of troops to the nato response for us,

and these _ troops to the nato response for us, and these will be deployed to different places in the eastern part of the _ different places in the eastern part of the alliance. coming from the united _ of the alliance. coming from the united states, but these are also very much— united states, but these are also very much european dudes. the joint task for us is now led by france _ the joint task for us is now led by france and — the joint task for us is now led by france and a _ the joint task for us is now led by france and a strong german component and other— france and a strong german component and other allies.— and other allies. associated press. associated press, _ and other allies. associated press. associated press, just _ and other allies. associated press. associated press, just a _ and other allies. associated press. associated press, just a follow - and other allies. associated press. associated press, just a follow up| associated press, just a follow up on that, secretary—general. the tf can only go to one place and you have eight allies that are extremely nervous, where might you send it? have you identified a particular weakness on that eastern flank, thank you. weakness on that eastern flank, thank you-— weakness on that eastern flank, thank ou. . ., ., thank you. that thing we have to understand _ thank you. that thing we have to understand is _ thank you. that thing we have to understand is we _ thank you. that thing we have to understand is we have _ thank you. that thing we have to understand is we have many - thank you. that thing we have to - understand is we have many elements, components— understand is we have many elements, components of the nato response for us. components of the nato response for us we _ components of the nato response for us we have — components of the nato response for us. we have increased the redness of the nato _ us. we have increased the redness of the nato response force and i don't speak about that lead elements, a

very high— speak about that lead elements, a very highjoint task speak about that lead elements, a very high joint task force, but we speak— very high joint task force, but we speak about more elements than just that one _ speak about more elements than just that one. second, we have allies, the united — that one. second, we have allies, the united states, but also the united — the united states, but also the united kingdom, otherallies the united states, but also the united kingdom, other allies that have increased readiness of forces that are _ have increased readiness of forces that are assigned to nato and the nato response force. so of course, these _ nato response force. so of course, these are _ nato response force. so of course, these are additional forces that we can deploy as part of the broader deployment of the nato response force _ deployment of the nato response force in — deployment of the nato response force. i'm not saying that we are deploying — force. i'm not saying that we are deploying the whole forest. the size of the _ deploying the whole forest. the size of the nato response force has been tripled _ of the nato response force has been tripled since 2014 to roughly 40,000 troops _ tripled since 2014 to roughly 40,000 troops in _ tripled since 2014 to roughly 40,000 troops. i'm not saying we are deploying — troops. i'm not saying we are deploying the whole thing, i'm saying — deploying the whole thing, i'm saying we are deploying elements, elements— saying we are deploying elements, elements of the rest of the nato response — elements of the rest of the nato response force. then it is for security _ response force. then it is for security, making decisions where the elements— security, making decisions where the elements are deployed, but we activated the defence plans yesterday, and now the elements of

these _ yesterday, and now the elements of these forces will be deployed. we will no these forces will be deployed. will go to these forces will be deployed. - will go to tb two. these forces will be deployed. we will go to tb two. thank- these forces will be deployed. we will go to tb two. thank you. - these forces will be deployed. we will go to tb two. thank you. i - these forces will be deployed. we | will go to tb two. thank you. i will 'ust will go to tb two. thank you. i will just follow-up _ will go to tb two. thank you. i will just follow-up on _ will go to tb two. thank you. i will just follow-up on what _ will go to tb two. thank you. i will just follow-up on what the - just follow—up on what the correspondent from npr said, how quick will these troops and this force be deployed?— quick will these troops and this force be deployed? some of these forces are already _ force be deployed? some of these forces are already operating - force be deployed? some of these i forces are already operating because we have _ forces are already operating because we have the sea and air forces which are part _ we have the sea and air forces which are part of— we have the sea and air forces which are part of the maritime forces operating _ are part of the maritime forces operating into the mediterranean. some _ operating into the mediterranean. some are — operating into the mediterranean. some are air force says, the air component _ some are air force says, the air component of the nato response force _ component of the nato response force. then the land forces are, can move _ force. then the land forces are, can move it _ force. then the land forces are, can move it a _ force. then the land forces are, can move it a few— force. then the land forces are, can move it a few days because they are part of— move it a few days because they are part of the _ move it a few days because they are part of the lead elements, which has

already— part of the lead elements, which has already high redness, or the other elements— already high redness, or the other elements that has been put on high redness _ elements that has been put on high redness. we speak about this, and some _ redness. we speak about this, and some are _ redness. we speak about this, and some are already operating because we have _ some are already operating because we have increased our presence already — we have increased our presence already. we we have increased our presence alread . ~ , ., .,~ we have increased our presence alread .~ , ., ., already. we will try to take a cou - le already. we will try to take a couple of _ already. we will try to take a couple of questions - already. we will try to take a couple of questions online. | already. we will try to take a l couple of questions online. we already. we will try to take a - couple of questions online. we go first... . ~' ,. couple of questions online. we go first... . ,, y., couple of questions online. we go first... . ,, ., first... thank you. good afternoon. secretary-general, _ first... thank you. good afternoon. secretary-general, in _ first... thank you. good afternoon. secretary-general, in the - first... thank you. good afternoon. | secretary-general, in the statement secretary—general, in the statement that has just been released and it is said that russia's actions are of flagrant rejection of the principles in the nato russia founding act, and thenit in the nato russia founding act, and then it continues, it is russia that has walked away under the act. does that mean that nato now considers the nato russia act as obsolete? or a nato member states still, are they still bound, are they still feeling bound by this document? mata

still bound, are they still feeling bound by this document? nato leaders decided today. — bound by this document? nato leaders decided today. a _ bound by this document? nato leaders decided today, a statement _ bound by this document? nato leaders decided today, a statement very - decided today, a statement very clearly _ decided today, a statement very clearly states the fact that russia has walked away. the nato russia founding _ has walked away. the nato russia founding act is based on core principles— founding act is based on core principles enshrined in the act, and that is the — principles enshrined in the act, and that is the respect for territorial integrity— that is the respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of all countries, including ukraine. this has been — countries, including ukraine. this has been violated not once, but twice. actually, it's constantly violated — twice. actually, it's constantly violated since 2014 with the illegal annexation of crimea and the continued presence of russian forces and russian backed separatists in eastern _ and russian backed separatists in eastern ukraine and donbas. this is further— eastern ukraine and donbas. this is further violated with the full—fledged invasion of ukraine that we — full—fledged invasion of ukraine that we have seen over the last couple — that we have seen over the last couple of — that we have seen over the last couple of days. so, what we see is

that russia — couple of days. so, what we see is that russia showed no respect for the nato- that russia showed no respect for the nato— russia founding act, and of course _ the nato— russia founding act, and of course if— the nato— russia founding act, and of course, if you have a founding act between two partners, nato and russia. _ act between two partners, nato and russia. and — act between two partners, nato and russia, and one part doesn't respect that agreement, the agreement doesn't — that agreement, the agreement doesn't work. it doesn't function. it doesn't work. it doesn't function. it does _ doesn't work. it doesn't function. it does not — doesn't work. it doesn't function. it does not help us to improve our relationship with russia. because even _ relationship with russia. because even if— relationship with russia. because even if the — relationship with russia. because even if the founding act has good provisions— even if the founding act has good provisions and good intentions, if these _ provisions and good intentions, if these intentions and the provisions and the _ these intentions and the provisions and the founding act is not respected, it doesn't work. that's the reality — respected, it doesn't work. that's the reality. the nato— russia founding _ the reality. the nato— russia founding act doesn't work because one side — founding act doesn't work because one side, russia has violated it over— one side, russia has violated it over many— one side, russia has violated it over many years, but now we have an extremely _ over many years, but now we have an extremely blatant and flagrant violation of the founding act with the invasion of ukraine. we violation of the founding act with the invasion of ukraine.- the invasion of ukraine. we will take the next _ the invasion of ukraine. we will take the next question - the invasion of ukraine. we will

take the next question online . the invasion of ukraine. we will. take the next question online also from greg from fox.— take the next question online also from greg from fox. thank you, mr secretary-general. _ from greg from fox. thank you, mr secretary-general. two _ from greg from fox. thank you, mr secretary-general. two quick- secretary—general. two quick questions, what about work, what about peace. do you agree with some reports of intelligence officials that he has a could fall within the next, say, day or two, that he has a could fall within the next, say, day ortwo, despite that he has a could fall within the next, say, day or two, despite the bravery with the fighting that you have cited among ukrainian soldiers. —— he has neck. you see a defeat inevitable at four goes on, and a quick question about peace. there is a discussion with president zelensky offering to discuss with russia and approach to peace that might include neutrality. —— do you see kyiv following? would you agree to something like that? thank you. first on the situation on the ground _ first on the situation on the ground it _ first on the situation on the ground. it is a full invasion of ukraine _ ground. it is a full invasion of ukraine. they are moving towards kyiv. _ ukraine. they are moving towards kyiv. and — ukraine. they are moving towards kyiv, and the stated goal is to

change — kyiv, and the stated goal is to change the government of ukraine. it is a very— change the government of ukraine. it is a very unpredictable situation. therefore — is a very unpredictable situation. therefore, i will not speculate, but i therefore, i will not speculate, but i will _ therefore, i will not speculate, but i will pay _ therefore, i will not speculate, but i will pay my respects to the ukrainian armed forces, which are really— ukrainian armed forces, which are really proving their bravery and their— really proving their bravery and their courage by fighting and standing up against the much larger invading _ standing up against the much larger invading russian for us. on potential— invading russian for us. on potential talks between the government of ukraine, president zelensky— government of ukraine, president zelensky and russia, my main message is that— zelensky and russia, my main message is that this _ zelensky and russia, my main message is that this is _ zelensky and russia, my main message is that this is for president zelensky and the government of ukraine — zelensky and the government of ukraine to decide. what we need to see now— ukraine to decide. what we need to see now is — ukraine to decide. what we need to see now is that russia stops the attack _ see now is that russia stops the attack against ukraine, they withdraw their forces and cease all

the attacks on ukraine. that is the easiest. _ the attacks on ukraine. that is the easiest, fastest and best way to peace — easiest, fastest and best way to peace so. _ easiest, fastest and best way to peace. so, if they want peace, then it'sjust _ peace. so, if they want peace, then it's just stop — peace. so, if they want peace, then it'sjust stop to peace. so, if they want peace, then it's just stop to attack ukraine, and therefore we can't run russia to do exactly— and therefore we can't run russia to do exactly that. and therefore we can't run russia to do exactly that-— do exactly that. secretary-general, first, ou do exactly that. secretary-general, first. you are _ do exactly that. secretary-general, first. you are a _ do exactly that. secretary-general, first, you are a statistician, - do exactly that. secretary-general, first, you are a statistician, and - first, you are a statistician, and supper regard with risk you have already evaluated the risk and threat against nato coming from russia, particularly you foresee the playbook of russia, so my first question is what is the risk that this conflict spreads and what might be the end goal of russia because mike my second question you have at the top of your finger dashed tip of yourfingers, the the top of your finger dashed tip of your fingers, the security of1 billion citizens and the transatlantic area. so you are meant

with all the leaders coming can you reassure the public opinion that if there is a genuine threat coming because the rhetoric, the aggressive rhetoric of russia, its behaviour isn't acceptable that all member states are committed to defend and protect every single centimetre of nato. thank you. in protect every single centimetre of nato. thank you.— nato. thank you. in the meeting today with _ nato. thank you. in the meeting today with nato _ nato. thank you. in the meeting today with nato leaders, - nato. thank you. in the meeting today with nato leaders, it - nato. thank you. in the meeting today with nato leaders, it was i nato. thank you. in the meeting| today with nato leaders, it was a very strong message of unity. a very strong message of resolve, that we need to stand together, not only in words, but also in deeds. so we agreed a strong statement calling on russia to stop the attacks on ukraine to withdraw its forces, but also, we agreed to continue to provide the support to ukraine and also continue to strengthen our presence in the eastern part of the alliance to prevent any attack on a

nato allied country. we have a defensive presence in the east. we are increasing our presence, not to provoke a conflict that to prevent one. as long as there is no doubt about nato's readiness to protect and defend all allies and our commitment to the core message, the couric task for nato, an attack on one ally will be regarded as an attack on all, they know how they will be attacked. that would prevent the conflict. that would preserve peace for nato allies, and for1 billion people. and that's the reason why we communicate so clearly and that's the reason why we are deploying more troops in the eastern part of the alliance to make sure that there is no possibility to misunderstand our readiness to protect and defend all allies. again, to preserve peace, to prevent

an attack and to