this is bbc news — i'm ros atkins. our top stories. and the ukrainian capital kyiv is enduring for the missile attacks as at the city tries to hold off the russian advise. there is damage in residential neighbourhoods but the number of casualties remains unclear. morning shots are fired as thousands contain to flee the capital by train and whatever means possible. the kremlin says it is prepared for talks. vladimir putin is calling on the ukrainian mounted to put down his weapons. take power into our to put down his weapons. take power into your own — to put down his weapons. take power into your own hands. _ to put down his weapons. take power into your own hands. like _ to put down his weapons. take power into your own hands. like that, - to put down his weapons. take power into your own hands. like that, it - into your own hands. like that, it will be easier for us to come to an agreement than with that gang of druggies and neo—nazis. fix, agreement than with that gang of druggies and neo-nazis. a number of announcements _ druggies and neo-nazis. a number of announcements from _ druggies and neo-nazis. a number of announcements from the _ druggies and neo-nazis. a number of announcements from the us - druggies and neo-nazis. a number of announcements from the us in -

announcements from the us in the last couple of hours. it will be bringing sanctions against president putin and his foreign minister, said gail lavrov. nato leaders are calling the invasion of ukraine a terrible mistake for which will pay a severe cost for years to come. president putinmy decision to pursue his aggression against ukraine is a terrible _ his aggression against ukraine is a terrible strategic mistake. for which — terrible strategic mistake. for which russia will pay a severe hello and welcome. thank you forjoining me as we continue our coverage of the russian invasion of ukraine. the outskirts of the ukrainian capital kyiv are under russian attack. the country's president, volodymyr zelensky, has urged the army to stand firm in the face of the assault, saying it was all the country had.

he said the international community has left his nation to fight alone — and urged civilians to help defend their country. russia's president vladimir putin meanwhile called on the ukrainian military to seize power from their own government. let's take a look at some of the latest developments — russian troops are closing in on the capital. military vehicles have entered the city, but they are meeting resistance. exact figures are unknown, but there are reports of large numbers of ukranian casualties, both military and civilian, and of russian military deaths. streams of people in cars and on foot have been crossing from ukraine into poland, romania and hungary. the un refugee agency believes up to five million people may try to flee abroad. there's fierce fighting in many parts of the country — with russian troops advancing from the north, from the east, and from crimea in the south. but all eyes are on kyiv. there have been exchanges of fire in the north of city, which was reached by an advance

party of russian troops. gunfire has also been heard in the city centre near the presidential office, and there's has been fierce fighting at the antonov airport to the west of the capital. in the first of our reports tonight, our correspondent, nick beake, looks at the day the nation's capital came under attack. siren. the early sirens wailed in ukraine's capital once more. but this was no rude awakening — no—one had been able to sleep. the latest russian bombardments had hit yet more homes, injuring the very civilians the kremlin promised had nothing to fear from what it calls a targeted attack on the ukrainian military. as we make our way through kyiv, we find volunteers now bearing arms to protect their country. we soon see signs of a battle drawing ever nearer, as well as those bracing themselves for a last stand.

of all the places to get a flat tyre. alyna's family now caught between ukrainian artillery and the russian front line. alyna says the whole family is very afraid and can't now go back to their home, and this is why. explosion. what do you think of what vladimir putin is doing to the ukrainian people? explosion. "this is him," alyna's mother tells me. you can hear the artillery — that is outgoing fire from ukrainian forces. that family has just left. the fear here is that very soon russian forces will be making their way down here to take the capital. at the same time, ukraine's president was trying to reassure a nation, pleading with the world to help them.

for the second day, our city has experienced rocket and bomb strikes, masses of tanks as well as air strikes, which are similar to those which europe has already seen during the second world war, and about which it said, neveragain. but this is now how it is. it happens again. president putin urged the military he was attacking to turn on their own government. i appeal to the servicemen of the armed forces of ukraine. do not let neo—nazis and ukrainian ultranationalists use your children, wives and the elderly as human shields. take power into your own hands. ukraine is under attack on many fronts. in mariupol in the south—east, destruction. in sumy in the northeast, battles rage. and here in the capital, in circumstances still unclear, horror as a tank drives over a car. incredibly, the driver survived.

and this is a pivotal battle ground — an airport north—west of kyiv. its fate could be vital to that of the whole country. if the russians succeed there, this will be one of the first neighbourhoods they come through, podil. today it looks like any other in ukraine. this queue is for the pharmacy. maxim tells us he hopes any advancing russians would not harm him and his family. i think they don't take our — like normal people. i think they have a heart inside, they have something good inside. elena, a grandmother, says russian occupation would be a disaster. this is my city. the city of my parents, my grandparents. i'm not going to leave. and as for what she makes of vladimir putin... when a person is so inadequate, nobody knows what will come to his mind.

being asked to save their country. but there's also a deep fear the effort will not be enough. nick beake, bbc news, kyiv. our correspondent, nada tawfik, is at the united nations in new york, where the security council is going to be meeting in the next hour. the un has —— the us has an answer hasjoined the uk and eu in imposing sanctions on vladimir putin and the foreign minister, sergey lavrov. it is the electors of a number of punitive measures over russia's invasion of ukraine. here isjen

psaki speaking at the white house in the last few minutes.— the last few minutes. attempts to overturn the _ the last few minutes. attempts to overturn the readership _ the last few minutes. attempts to overturn the readership of - the last few minutes. attempts to | overturn the readership of ukraine is very much in the aspirations of president putin. their attempts to do exactly that and their continued progress in moving towards kyiv and towards ukrainian leadership is aligned with what we have predicted. obviously going after the head of state would be a significant, horrific act by russian leadership, but we remain in contact. fiur but we remain in contact. our correspondent _ but we remain in contact. our correspondent in _ but we remain in contact. our correspondent in new york is covering events there. bring us up to date, where have we got to? i think this isjust really to date, where have we got to? i think this is just really an indication of how intense these last—minute negotiations are. the us he had, the whole point of this

meeting on the draft resolution is to try and isolate russia. clearly they are delaying this meeting and hopes of being able to accomplish that aim. we are told the meeting will happen at the top of the coming hour, but i would not be surprised at all if that gets delayed even further. remember, this is a us draft resolution seeking to condemn the russian invasion into ukraine as a call on moscow to withdraw all of its forces immediately from the country. it also really says that russia has to take back its change of starters of the donetsk and luhansk regen, the independence that president putin declared. a resolution that asks for many things but most importantly condemns russia. of course, we know it is destined to fail because russia is a permanent member of the security

council. it has veto power and will make resolution on arrival. this is about making a statement here in the international setting of the security council, the body that makes international law and sets international rules. as i say, hoping for that vote to start shortly today.— hoping for that vote to start shortl toda . , , ., shortly today. help me understand that the format _ shortly today. help me understand that the format here. _ shortly today. help me understand that the format here. once - shortly today. help me understand that the format here. once at - shortly today. help me understand that the format here. once at the l that the format here. once at the resolution has been agreed, the wording comes forward to. is there a opportunity for other countries to quiz the russian representative? every country has a chance to make a statement ahead of the vote, then the vote happens, then countries can speak again after the vote. it really is always up in the air how long these types of meetings can at last, but we do expect to get to a bout fairly shortly once the meeting picks up. usually countries will

want to give an explanation about why they are voting the way that the yard. i think it will be important to hear the explanations from a few countries. obviously, china, russia's main ally. everyone is looking to see whether, like 2014 when russia annexed crimea, china abstained and that security council vote, or whether at this time china will side with russia, because they had been growing closer in recent times. also looking at india. it does not have veto power because it is a nonpermanent member. the us wants as many votes on the side of ukraine as possible. india has not condemned russia yet, it is balancing the relationships it has with these two superpowers. also, the uae, another country balancing relationships are not wanting to get involved in what they see as a

dispute between two major powers. it will be interesting to see how these countries without and what explanation they give what they give out their reasoning. it is explanation they give what they give out their reasoning.— out their reasoning. it is at the middle of _ out their reasoning. it is at the middle of the _ out their reasoning. it is at the middle of the afternoon - out their reasoning. it is at the middle of the afternoon in - out their reasoning. it is at the | middle of the afternoon in new out their reasoning. it is at the - middle of the afternoon in new york, presumably these delays cannot go on forever. is there a cut of point? there are no rules about when there is a cut off. we have often seen in the past, security council meetings, especially emergency ones, go out late into the evening if necessary. even into the weekend. diplomacy takes as long as diplomacy takes in this case. at some point, if you would feel that diplomats are not making any ground, they would call off that meeting to take some time. but if it does seem they are getting to a point where they will be able to a point where they will be able to hold a vote tonight. interesting to hold a vote tonight. interesting to note that russia holds the rotating presidency this month, so

it has been an interesting and extraordinary series of events in the council for the last week. antony blinken outlined exactly how innovation will take place, and his assessment being accurate. on wednesday the council had an emergency meeting, and as members pleaded for peace, the russian invasion was beginning at that moment. the secretary—general pleading with president putin to pull back his trips in the name of humanity. it has been quite a week here for the united nations. the us as this is the critical body for which russia has to answer for its actions. i which russia has to answer for its actions. ~' ., which russia has to answer for its actions. ~ ., , ., , , , actions. i know you will bring us up to date on — actions. i know you will bring us up to date on that _ actions. i know you will bring us up to date on that bout _ actions. i know you will bring us up to date on that bout when - actions. i know you will bring us up to date on that bout when they - actions. i know you will bring us up to date on that bout when they getj to date on that bout when they get to date on that bout when they get to it. that had been a couple of important announcements from the us. the us has announced it has joined the eu and the uk in imposing sanctions of russian president vladimir putin and foreign minister, sergei lavrov.

it's the latest in punitive measures over the russian invasion of ukraine. our business editor simonjack reports on the impact sanctions might have. yesterday the russian airline aeroflot was banned from british skies. today ba was banned from russia, a reminder that in economic warfare there is an exchange of fire. sanctions are the weapons the west has chosen and the uk has laid out its arsenal so far. the ten—point plan also includes freezing russian banks' uk assets, banning the russian state or companies from raising money on uk markets, sanctioning 100 companies and individuals, which will include travel bans to the uk, and placing a £50,000 limit on uk bank deposits for russian nationals. so, how powerful a package is this? and what might be the collateral damage? these sanctions are very significant. the financial relationship between the uk and russia has been severed and that will significantly impact the russian economy and russian financial institutions.

but it will also affect companies in the uk, because companies in the uk who thought they were going to be exporting, i don't know, whisky to russia next week will suddenly find that their bank will no longer process that payment. so i don't think we've yet really thought through the consequences of what this means for uk industry. the uk, france and others have also called for russia to be excluded from the swift system, a network of 11,000 financial firms in 200 countries that facilitate international payments. it is considered among the most damaging sanction that could be imposed, but again it is not without cost to others. slap bang opposite the bank of england is this building, home to vtb, russia's second biggest bank. pulling firms like this out of swift will be disruptive for russia for sure, but it also comes at a heavy cost to those companies and countries owed money either now or in financial contracts by russian companies. it is particularly true of germany which has a deep financial relationship with russia and used the system to pay for two thirds

of their gas supply. that is one reason germany has so far been reluctant to pull the trigger on swift, though that may change. the conflict and the sanctions will add fuel to inflation and not just at the petrol pump and in our energy bills. russia and ukraine are major exporters notjust of oil and gas, but actually foodstuffs, wheat, fertilisers, and that is going to impact the broad food chain. i think it is highly likely now the uk will see inflation reach 8%, which is a number we haven't seen in 30 years. russia has over $600 billion in reserves to tough this out, and it is a grim paradox that the higher prices for oil and gas rise, the more the countries dependent on it fuel the very russian war machine they are trying to stop. simon jack, bbc news.

nato leaders have called russia's invasion of ukraine a terrible strategic mistake, for which it will pay a severe political and economic cost for years to come. nato has been holding an extraordinary summit— which also included — finland, sweden and the eu — to discuss the latest developments. turkey told the meeting that the alliance should have responded to the invasion more decisively. in america, president biden says he's targetting russia's largest banks and state—owned companies, cutting them off from western financial markets, and freezing trillions of dollars in assets. our diplomatic correspondent, james landale reports on the global response, to the crisis here. this is what the defence of kyiv looks like. soldiers with guns and armoured vehicles, ready to take on the might of russian tanks and warplanes. little wonder there is a debate about what more the west can do to help. but these american fighter jets will not be coming to their aid. they arrived in romania today as part of nato's decision to beef up its presence in member states close to russia. so as well these british forces, arriving in the baltic states of estonia.

they are there to deter potential russian aggression against nato countries. at the headquarters of the military alliance in brussels world leaders agreed to go even further, making what they call significant additional defensive deployments in eastern europe. we are deploying elements of the nato response force on land, at sea and in the air. to further strengthen our posture and to respond quickly to any contingency. there must be no space for miscalculation or misunderstanding. we will do what it takes to protect and defend every ally and every inch of nato territory. what the west could do is give ukraine more help like this. these are anti—tank weapons provided by britain. downing street said more

support was planned and nothing was off the table. there is clearly a strong appetite here at westminster and in other european capitals to give ukraine more military kit, to support an insurgency against russian forces. but ministers are absolutely clear there will be no uk troops on the ground, nor a no—fly zone enforced by nato warplanes. but we must all in this house be clear that british and nato troops should not, must not play an active role in ukraine. we must all be clear what the risks of miscalculation could be and how existential that could very quickly become if people miscalculate and things escalate unnecessarily. and here is why. ukraine might have held a parade for nato forces last summer, but it is not yet a member. it wants to join, but that won't happen while there is a risk of importing conflict

into the alliance and that could take years to resolve. but look at how far and wide nato reaches, and the fear is that if nato forces joined the fight in ukraine, then war could spread across the whole continent. an attack on one member of nato is an attack on all members of nato. the president has been clear that we will defend every inch of nato territory. i think that is the most powerful deterrent against president putin going beyond ukraine. but that may be of little solace to the many thousands of people trying to flee kyiv station — where guards fired warning shots to keep back the crowds, choosing to head west rather than rely on the west. james landale, bbc news. i'm sure you have had conversations over the last couple of days about why britain is doing this. i've been

speaking to sergei markov, a former mp with president putin's united russia party and now the director of the institute of political studies in moscow. he gave me his opinion of the russian leaders motivation. —— why is vladimir putin doing this? putin goal, i think the liberation of ukraine from neo—nazis, denazification. we already mentioned many times and we will repeat it on the many international forums that kyiv�*s repressive regime is not democratic, it does not rely on the political will or ambition of the people. it is used by neo—nazi group. most of the ukrainians hate this neo—nazi group and they pray for russia and for somebody else to liberate ukrainian society from nazi group. there are a number of points i want to pick you up on there. if ukraine is liberated, in your words, does that mean it remains an independent state or do you think vladimir putin wants it

to become part of russia? i think vladimir putin will fully rely on the political will of the people in ukraine. we prepare that after liberation ukrainian people will build themselves a common ukraine and a common democratic government which will be friendly to russia, because the majority of people in ukraine want ukraine to be friendly with russia, with european union and with the rest of country as well. it's normal, they don't want conflict. you are saying that the object of this exercise is to denazify ukraine. you are, i'm sure, i worked that the president of ukraine isjewish, that some of his family fled the holocaust. what evidence do you have that ukraine is being controlled by nazis?

ukraine not controlled by nazis. kyiv, repressive american puppet regime uses neo—nazis as marginals against those with whom they disagree. zele ns ky zelensky himself is not a nazi, he is jewish. zelensky himself is not a nazi, he isjewish. he knows... can zelensky himself is not a nazi, he is jewish. he knows...— zelensky himself is not a nazi, he is jewish. he knows... can you share with me any — is jewish. he knows... can you share with me any information, _ is jewish. he knows... can you share with me any information, evidence i with me any information, evidence you have got that the americans are refunding neo—nazi groups, and then provide me with evidence that there is a neo—nazi groups are controlling ukraine? you haven't shared any specifics. fit. ukraine? you haven't shared any secifics. �* ., , ukraine? you haven't shared any secifics. �* . , . ., , specifics. a military unit which has been formed _ specifics. a military unit which has been formed from _ specifics. a military unit which has been formed from the _ specifics. a military unit which has been formed from the beginning l specifics. a military unit which has| been formed from the beginning by fascists, even some congressman of

united states congress issued a special letter to the president of the united states, with demand not to allow american money to help ukrainian government to go to the neo—nazi military unit. you won't know, all the biggest ukrainian cities is occupied by neo—nazi marches, with celebrations of... that is of that is a difference of course between a country having some people who are of the far right and those far right people controlling the country. the americans would also absolutely deny that they are in any way providing or cooperating with far right groups that would try and control ukraine. let me ask you about the idea that russia is a country to lecture anyone on democracy. every time your country has an election, people who try to observe what happens

raise multiple concerns about freedom of the press, freedom of expression and electoral fraud. why do you think russia is in a position to suggest ukraine or to anyone else how it's done? i think russia has some problems with democracy. we have probably limited political competition. but nevertheless we have the basis of democracy. russian power, president vladimir putin, he follows the political will of the majority of russian people. no doubt that vladimir putin is one of the most popular leaders of the european leaders. we have been focused on kyiv, the capital of ukraine because it is so strategically important, both to the ukrainian government and the

invading russian forces. but there's been fighting in many parts of ukraine, but for some — in areas awaiting any russian advance — they are making last preparations for battle. our eastern europe correspondent, sarah rainsford, reports now from the city of dnipro, strategically important, situated on a river, dividing east and west ukraine. this is not normal. but it is life on for anna and herfamily, ever since vladimir putin launched his invasion. the boys don't go to school any more, everyone is home, waiting for the war reach them. if there is shelling, they are ready to run to the basement. just basic stuff like warm clothing, a bottle of water and a snack. i have to keep up my smile for the kids, because they are very nervous, they cried yesterday, they are scared. i'm scared for my life, for my kids. i'm scared for my country, but this is, you know, the fear that is transformed into anger. that makes you act, do something to defend your country and to protect yourself.

this is dnipro, and by daylight things are calm for now. attack 10pm, a siren sounds on the streets empty. but at 10pm, a siren sounds and the streets are empty. until then, there are queues everywhere for cash. the city straddles the vast river that divides ukraine into east and west. its bridges reportedly prepped for destruction if russian tanks get close. the local blood donor centre is working flat—out, collecting supplies for any soldiers injured on the front line. there's been war here in eastern ukraine for eight years, but what's happening now is on a whole new scale. this is a huge queue and people have been standing here all day, coming to give blood, because they say they want to do their bit to help their armed forces. but the thing i keep

hearing from people in the queue is they also want the west to do more to help their country. sanctions are ok, it helps and i believe that it will help a lot. but, yeah, we need more. that's not enough. we really rely on europe now. my friend is going there now. your friend has to go and fight with russia? yeah, and i don't want to lose them. i don't want to lose my country. i love it so much, you can't even imagine that. how worried are you about what's happening? it is quite shocking for me and right now i'm thinking about taking a weapon into my hands, at least to defend my local districts. ukraine has now called on everyone to help defend this land, as russian troops fight their way forward across a country nervous but determined to resist them.

our moscow correspondent, caroline davies, has been to belgorod, a city near ukraine's eastern border, to hear people's views there on the invasion. the roads to ukraine are icy and quiet. through the snow laden fog, we spot them. we are about 20 miles away from the ukrainian border here. this is one of the main roads between belgorod and russia up the road and kharkiv down there in ukraine as well. and we've seen plenty of military vehicles along this route, including here where we've seen some military vehicles parked up behind. driving around belgorod, the signs of russia's military action are obvious, from trucks, armoured vehicles, to sections of missile launchers. in the centre of the city, many tell us that they've heard the sounds of an assault overhead in the last 24 hours. some repeat president

putin's rhetoric. translation: the president explained it all, that they will target _ military objects only. of course it's unpleasant, but there was no other way out. there's already evidence that non—military targets have been hit in ukraine. others are not so reassured. leanna's home is one kilometre from the border. she is pregnant and worried about herfamily. translation: of course we are frightened. - for now, we decided to move to belgorod. we don't have any idea what is going on. translation: there is nothing good in it. - everyone has friends and relatives there. i can't find words to express it. today, moscow seemed initially open to talks with kyiv, to discuss ukraine adopting a neutral stance. but russia's repetition of unsubstantiated accusations leaves little room for diplomacy.

translation: it is not possible to consider . as democratic a government which is oppressing its people and subjecting them to genocide. a recent poll showed the majority of russians believe the us and nato countries are to blame for the escalation in ukraine. but some have protested, despite the risk of arrest. others showed their dissent with small acts of defiance. taken on the moscow metro, this woman has written "no to war" on her bag. in western russia, equipment continues to head to the border. the kremlin shows no sign of changing paths. william alberque, who's director of strategy, technology and arms control at the international institute for strategic studies. he gave me his assesment of the russian stratagy. of the strategy at first was shock and all, as they set about the

campaign blitz attack that would cause ukrainian nines to collapse —— lines. and the quick movement of russian forces into the zone to be able to crush resistance immediately. they also thought there would be wholesale surrenders by ukrainian troops. they told them to paint a letter on their vehicles it in white paint, meaning they were friendly and they would be able to take and safely by the russian forces. that didn't happen. they fought very fiercely, and because russia's strategy is to have many options, they started pushing forces towards kyiv. as we've seen fierce fighting at the airfield that they wanted to seize, in order to crush kyiv quickly, now the effort is to try to decapitate the government, to replace it with a puppet government so that they can declare alignment with russia, they can the borders

with russia, they can the borders with poland, slovakia and romania and moved to crush all the ukrainian forces trapped inside the country. can you help me with some of the practicalities we've seen play out over the last few weeks? we made much of the fact that may be 150,000 troops were close to ukraine. how many do we think have come across a quiz although we think the total is closer to 200,000, so we think one third have gone in. closer to 200,000, so we think one third have gone— third have gone in, which leaves a second push. _ third have gone in, which leaves a second push, and _ third have gone in, which leaves a second push, and a _ third have gone in, which leaves a second push, and a third - third have gone in, which leaves a second push, and a third for - second push, and a third for reserve. in second push, and a third for reserve-— second push, and a third for reserve. . .. , , second push, and a third for reserve. . , , ., reserve. in that case, in terms of the volume _ reserve. in that case, in terms of the volume that _ reserve. in that case, in terms of the volume that is _ reserve. in that case, in terms of the volume that is currently - reserve. in that case, in terms of i the volume that is currently moved across, do you imagine we are in the first stage of this operation? absolutely, and there is still the push for kyiv to collapse the government, because that makes the task easier. i think putin believes

once the government collapses, more forces will surrender. i don't think that's the case, but they also have this large reserve of forces to go in and fight any units that don't surrender. i in and fight any units that don't surrender-— in and fight any units that don't surrender. , . , , ., surrender. i understand why you would focus _ surrender. i understand why you would focus on _ surrender. i understand why you would focus on the _ surrender. i understand why you would focus on the capital - surrender. i understand why you would focus on the capital in - surrender. i understand why you i would focus on the capital in terms of the politics because you could potentially get rid of the government, but in terms of the ukrainian military, is it centred around the capital or even if the capital fell, around the capital or even if the capitalfell, would it have around the capital or even if the capital fell, would it have a significant presence elsewhere? it has a very significant presence elsewhere. i really believe this is in order to try to precipitate a quick collapse because right now, in the west of the country, there's the ukrainian government, they can request we send in supplies, volunteers from across the world. once there is a puppet regime, they can claire declare that border sealed and justify... that would be a severe escalation if they tried to

go near the borders of nato, and this is where we have huge possibilities for escalation. we're watchinu possibilities for escalation. we're watching for _ possibilities for escalation. we're watching for that _ possibilities for escalation. we're watching for that escalation - possibilities for escalation. we're watching for that escalation as i possibilities for escalation. we'rel watching for that escalation as the conflict heads to 48 hours. america says more than 200 missile launches, cruise and ballistic, have so far been observed in the battle for ukraine, but russia has still to capture any highly populated areas. our defence correspondent, jonathan beale, assesses russia's military strategy, and what might come next. russia's armoured columns are still at roaming, but they are also taking casualties. this, day two of their unprovoked invasion of ukraine— a a sovereign, democratic country. russian units have moved in from multiple directions, from the north, east and from the south. their most significant advance so far is from belarus to the capital kyiv. russia now says it has captured the airport of hostomel, 20 miles to the north of the city, despite ukrainian efforts to retake it.

russian troops have also now entered the suburbs of kyiv itself, in obolon, to the north of the city. they're also reported to be advancing from the east, but british military intelligence assesses russian forces have so far made limited progress and they've been meeting fierce resistance. the russian advance has been slower than expected for multiple reasons. i don't think they've used their artillery in the same way that they would and they have quite a lot of axes of advance to prioritise. i also think a key part of it is they are facing very stiff ukrainian resistance, which i don't think they expected. so, what is russia's final objective? it's now clear that russian troops want to seize the capital kyiv, the centre of government. but is russia's end goal to take the entire country, which is bigger than france? remember, russia had around 190,000 troops on the border, enough for an invasion, but military experts

question that's enough to occupy the whole of ukraine. the dnieper river bisects ukraine and forms a natural barrier, and russian attacks are so far focused in the east. so, is their goal to take all the territory east of the river? it would certainly give russia one of its objectives — a land bridge to crimea, which it invaded in 2014. if mr putin's intent was to occupy the whole of ukraine with a force of 150,000, that would only conceivably work if it had the consent of the population of ukraine, and it will not. a force of 150,000 is sufficient to defeat the ukrainian military pretty much wherever it is, but it is not sufficient to occupy by compulsion a country of that size with that number of people who reject their presence. this may be a major miscalculation. this is just the evidence of ukraine's resistance outside kharkiv, its second—largest city, and just 30 miles from

the russian border. if president putin really wants to conquer the entire country, has he tried to bite off more than he can chew? jonathan beale, bbc news. let's continue to look at the nature of this conflict. drjack watling is a research fellow for land warfare at the royal united services institute. may face some pretty critical choices. they've posted in about 40% of the forces they built up, and the question is whether they push and the rest now or whether they start to slowly move up there heavy artillery and unleash unguided straits on those urban areas. —— strikes. i think the next 48 hours are going to be difficult for residents in kyiv and seeing an increase in casualties.—

residents in kyiv and seeing an increase in casualties. we've seen ma -s increase in casualties. we've seen maps with different _ increase in casualties. we've seen maps with different explosions - increase in casualties. we've seen | maps with different explosions and marked all across the country, but if you had to pick the most significant places where ukrainians and russians are coming into contact, what would they be? firstly, the assault on mariupol, secondly, kharkiv. but ultimately, the decisive battle is for kyiv. whether or not the russians can occupy the city and decapitate the ukrainian state.— occupy the city and decapitate the ukrainian state. while they attempt to do that, to _ ukrainian state. while they attempt to do that, to what _ ukrainian state. while they attempt to do that, to what degree - ukrainian state. while they attempt to do that, to what degree of - ukrainian state. while they attempt to do that, to what degree of the i to do that, to what degree of the russians got free reign over the capital? russians got free reign over the ca - ital? , russians got free reign over the caital? , ., �* , . capital? they don't yet have free rei . n, capital? they don't yet have free reign. there _ capital? they don't yet have free reign, there are _ capital? they don't yet have free reign, there are ukrainian - reign, there are ukrainian air defences, but the ukrainians lacked their air defence radars. so, they are at a disadvantage and they are also significantly outnumbered. they also significantly outnumbered. they also don't have a response to cruise

and ballistic missiles. let also don't have a response to cruise and ballistic missiles.— and ballistic missiles. let me also ask about the _ and ballistic missiles. let me also ask about the resources _ and ballistic missiles. let me also ask about the resources of - and ballistic missiles. let me also ask about the resources of the - ask about the resources of the ukrainian military. i imagine they will be getting through them because they're now involved in a conflict. to what degree will they need additional supplies and can the west provide those, given the fact that the situation on the ground is fluid? i the situation on the ground is fluid? ., ., ,, ,, the situation on the ground is fluid? ., ,, ., fluid? i would assess that most ukrainian infantry _ fluid? i would assess that most ukrainian infantry units - fluid? i would assess that most ukrainian infantry units have i fluid? i would assess that most i ukrainian infantry units have about seven days left of tactical ammunition. but they will start running out of key resources like weapons before then. it's going to be very difficult to resupply them. so, the key question is whether arms going into ukraine can be brought into the city �*s to make that a very difficult fight for the russians. finally, as you observe this conflict, to what degree is it different from previous conflicts? i

think what's interesting is that the russians have developed a very considerably from their previous mode of operation in terms of capability. but they've struggled to develop modern capability at scale, and in many ways, the russians revert to tactics. so, in many ways, russia's capability is very much 20th—century army. russia's capability is very much 20th-century army.— russia's capability is very much 20th-century army. we've taken several minutes _ 20th-century army. we've taken several minutes to _ 20th-century army. we've taken several minutes to take a - 20th-century army. we've taken several minutes to take a look. 20th-century army. we've taken several minutes to take a look at the military dimension. un's refugee agency says more than 50,000 people have fled ukraine in the past 48 hours.many have headed west, fled ukraine in the past 48 hours. many have headed west, attempting to cross the border into neighbouring countries. now, there's concern that the steady stream, could become a mass exodus. our correspondent, mark lowen, is on the polish border, as ukrainians

try to flee the fighting. a border separates but also brings together. families reunited in the search for safety, like ten—year—old mariya and her mother, who travelled for two days from kyiv tojoin herfather here in poland. how do you feel about leaving? do you feel scared about what is happening? yes. i've never felt about this situation that one day another country in the 21st century could attack another country, in europe. your country? my country. the stream of ukrainians crossing this border is increasing. they've lived with the threat from russia for years. but now, with its leader besieging their homes, they've had to flee. nadiya left her eldest daughter behind to help the army, coming here with her two youngest. yesterday, i woke up

because i've heard some noise and i asked my husband, "what is happening?" he looked through the window and said, "wow, russia has bombed our airport. " so, 0k, just pack our bags and you have to save the kids. i love my country. i want to go back. but we cannot go, we cannot stay safe over there. poland is welcoming the new arrivals with open arms, and is setting up several reception centres. it's been one of the eu's most hardline, anti—migrant countries in recent years — but it also knows all too tragically the cost of russian occupation and hostility. these scenes of seeking refuge across europe's borders are more associated with the migrant crisis from the middle east. but now, the threat is on the eu's doorstep, and while poland says that the uptick in arrivals so far is modest, it warns that it could become the largest refugee wave since 2015. there is traffic in the other direction, too. ukrainians andrei and nikolai

heading back to help their homeland fight. "we are going home to defend our country," he says. "this is our duty." "we didn't do anything wrong to russia." "putin is trying to capture the whole of ukraine." from wherever they came, they have one destination — safety. yesterday they were residents, today refugees. mark lowen, bbc news. joung—ah ghedini williams from the un refugee agency. she gave us her assessment of the situation on the ground in ukraine. we're extremely concerned, and i think right now, the situation is still fluid. all the reports that we have are citing the fact that there are many, many people on the move. they're scared, they're unsure of where to go, and i think the most

important thing right now is that we make sure that civilian lives can be protected as under the international humanitarian law. i think we are there as long as we can be in every capacity possible. unhcr and other agencies are inside ukraine, we're not leaving, we will be there to provide as much assistance and protection as security and access allow us to. we are using a planning figure of up to 4 million, but of course there are figures that go higher, and we really don't know what the situation will be in the coming days. right now, all of the borders are open and all of the surrounding governments have shown such solidarity, such support. they are the ones that are receiving the refugees. we are of course there to help. we have stockpiles of aid. we have staff on the ground, and of

course, we are reinforcing all of this to provide the support that will be needed, but right now, it is the government to our showing tremendous and infinite —— governments who are showing tremendous initiative, including building facilities to house and provide medical assistance and food as needed. one country that's looking on anxiously at events in ukraine is georgia. it too used to be a member of the soviet union and had its own colour revolution in 2003 as it moved away from russian influence. protests in support of ukraine have been held in the georgian capital tblisi. our correspondent rayhan demytrie is there. equipment thousands of georgians are marching in central tblisis in solidarity with ukraine —— tblisi.

backin solidarity with ukraine —— tblisi. back in 2008, it fought a war with russia, and just like in ukraine, president putin recognised two of georgia's breakaway cities as independent states. he invaded this country under the pretext of defending people in those territories. georgians are saying their struggle with ukraine is won. they want to be part of european family... cheering member of nato. that is why they were punished by vladimir putin in 2008, and ukraine is being punished today. russia's invasion of ukraine, is having a direct impact in the world of sport. in motor racing, formula one has cancelled this year's grand prix in russia, saying it's impossible to hold the race under current circumstances. and in football, the champion's

league final has been switched from st petersburg to paris. our sports correspondent, natalie pirks, has more on that story. across european football last night, russia was sent a clear message. and today, another as governing body, uefa, stripped the gazprom arena in st. the gazprom arena in st petersburg of the most prestigious final in club football. the russian energy giant gazprom is also a main sponsor of the champions league, worth tens of millions a year to uefa. you can't go out in your car and fill up on gazprom anywhere because it's not a retail product or something you can buy, so they're obviously expecting some other return from that sponsorship, and all big sports federations have to stand up and be counted at times in the past. they've they've not really weighed up all the risks in this area, and sometimes the chickens come home to roost. now, though, the stade de france in paris will step in. uefa called this a time of unparalleled crisis and said together with the french government, uefa will fully support

multi—stakeholder efforts to ensure the provision of rescue for football players and their families in ukraine, who face dire human suffering, destruction and displacement. russian and ukrainian clubs and their national teams will now play eua for home matches at neutral venues until further notice. manchester united has now severed ties with its long standing travel partner aeroflot, after the russian state carrier was banned from uk airspace. other sports have followed suit. formula one has confirmed the russian grand prix, due to be held in sochi in september, is off, calling it impossible in the current circumstances. the decision came after some drivers said they would not drive in russia after such an act of aggression, and now the focus turns to fifa. poland, sweden and czech republic have all said they also will not travel to russia for world cup playoff matches in march. but fifa's president, gianni infantino, accepted the order

of friendship medal from vladimir putin in 2019. when asked if he'd keep the medal, his answer was noncommittal. my thoughts are really on all the people who are affected by this escalating conflict. and... and nothing else. moving events is one thing the tangled web of russian money, in sport is a far more complex problem. natalie pirks, bbc news. while it's russia that invaded ukraine, this is very much vladimir putin's war. he's the one making all the decisions and he's the deciding what russian forces will do. here's a look at the man, who's prepared to use overwelming force on his much smaller neighbouring country. vladimir putin grew up in the aftermath of the second world war. in 1945, the us, the uk and the soviet union met to shape the new world. seven years on he was born

in what was then leningrad and is now st petersburg. by the 70s putin had studied law and then joined the russian secret service, the kgb. at this time the soviet union's influence reached across the communist nations of eastern europe and in the 80s putin was posted to dresden in east germany. from there he witnessed the fall of the berlin wall, the fall of communism. this was a visceral example of people power. to putin, though, the demise of the soviet union was the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century. and while that demise was negotiated, putin was heading home to find a place for himself in the new russia. russia's president in the �*90s, boris yeltsin, would help him do that. he made putin head of the security services, then putin was elected prime minister, then in 1999 yeltsin resigned and putin was president. his way of operating was clear from the start. tightening the grip over media was one of the first things

that he did, and also the lack of genuine opposition because his critics either had been in exile or dead or were facing prosecution. putin's focus on his own power and wealth was relentless. by 2008, when his two terms were up, dmitry medvedev replaced him as president, but putin became prime minister and everyone knew who was in charge. by 2012, he was back as president again. putin's indifference to democracy is matched by his view of sovereignty. in 2008, russia invaded georgia to support separatist. in 2014, russia annexed crimea from ukraine. it supported separatists in eastern ukraine. and in 2018, the former russian secret service operative was poisoned in salisbury. the uk says russian intelligence was responsible. to putin, the rules are for him to make. he said as much himself. translation: i hope no one will cross russia's red line. i but in each case we are the ones who will decide

where the red line is. and russia's right to decide roots back to putin's view of what he has seen in his lifetime. in 2015, he addressed the un and said instead of the triumph of democracy and progress we got violence, poverty and social disaster. nobody cares a bit about human rights. putin's contempt was directed at western democracy. we've seen, though, how little he cares for democracy in russia and ukraine. despite this, years earlier, the west talked of trusting it. i looked the man in the eye and ifound him to be very straightforward. i was able to get a sense of his soul. but we're getting a sense of it too this week, as we did a few years ago when putin spoke of his childhood, telling us 15 years ago, "the leningrad streets taught me a rule. there was nothing inevitable about this week, but ukraine has felt that first punch, a punch putinjustifies in his country's interest,

but which very much serve his. and as we watch the violence, i think back to the criticism of the west, at the un in 2015. putin said... the world is now asking the same of him and everything about putin's life suggests, yes, he does realise what he has done. through those three hours, we've had a number of updates of americans targeting putin and his foreign minister, sergey lever. let me bring you an update because canada's prime minister says canada is strongly supporting the withdrawal of russia —— sergei live her off. earlier, we heard jin earlier, we heardjin saki earlier, we heard jin saki saved

evenif earlier, we heard jin saki saved even if that is done, which they —— the americans think the russians will find ways of getting around not being able to use swift. we also heard that canada will levy sanctions on belarus and its leaders. these russian troops have gone into ukraine from three directions. evidently, justin trudeau can tell including that the belarusians need to be held responsible as well. —— concluding. trudeau saying they will be imposing sanctions against vladimir putin and sergei lavrov individually. that is in line with what the americans are saying. the americans and the canadians and the europeans want to be lined up and how they respond. these very much fit in with those

ambitions. that is it, thanks for joining me. we will continue in the coming hours. lots of sunshine across england and wales, little bit more cloud for scotland and northern ireland, but it is still going to be a dry one. let's have a look at the big picture. we are in a window of decent weather across western europe here, there are storms in the atlantic, but for are storms in the atlantic, but for a change, they are heading away to the north. we'rejust being gently brushed in the northwest by these atlantic weather fronts. it'll be dry because they'll stay out to sea, and most of us will be under the influence of high pressure. this is the case through the early hours. you can see the clear skies across england and wales, a bit more cloud

in the northwest because we are closer to the weather front. that will extend to sea, but it will be mild for belfast and glasgow. around 8 degrees first thing, across many parts of england. at least a ground frost outside of town. light winds and sunny skies for many parts of england. very pleasant indeed for wales. particularly windy around some of these western coasts. off the hebrides, winds will be garrett force —— gale force. here's the weather map for sunday, and the high pressure slips away towards the east, bringing a weak weather front in and that spells cloud and maybe some rain for a time. maybe a little bit more cloud across other western areas, but on the whole, it's going to be at least another bright day and generally dry. very decent indeed and the best of the weather

will be across eastern and southern areas. the weather front encroaching, the high pressure is slipping out towards eastern parts of europe, and that means that the weather fronts advance towards the uk. we are expecting rain and gale force winds in the northwest of the uk, but the rain will spread into england and wales through the course of monday, so after the two dry days, make the most of the weekend because monday is looking pretty wet, especially towards the southwest. bye—bye.

tonight at ten — kyiv under attack, as russian troops could be as close as 12 miles from ukraine's capital. explosion. parts of the city came under a barrage of air strikes overnight, damaging residential buildings and streets. nato condemned russia's actions. president putin's decision to pursue his aggression against ukraine is a terrible strategic mistake, for which russia will pay a severe price for years to come. russian armoured vehicles are filmed entering the capital. ukraine's president tells his people only they can protect their country. translation: this morning we are l alone in defending our country - l just like yesterday. the most powerful forces in the world watch from afar.