hello. i'm christian fraser. you're watching context on bbc news. russia is pounding ukraine's two biggest cities killing more civilians in kharkiv and kyiv. in the heart of the capital, the main television tower was attacked, leaving five dead. moscow is threatening more strikes on the city in the coming hours. a huge convoy of russian vehicles 60 kilometres long is advancing towards kyiv as putin's forces prepare to lay siege. ukraine's president zelensky accuses russia of war crimes. translation: kharkiv and kyiv are the most important - targets for russia now. the terror is aimed at breaking us, breaking our resistance. tonight with the context: amanda renteria, former adviser to hillary clinton and republican

strategist, ron christie. welcome to the programme. moscow has warned people in kyiv to leave their homes immediately before the russian troops lay siege to the city. moscow says ordinary ukrainians should stay away from government buildings as it prepares to unleash what it calls �*high precision strikes�* against key targets. except the weapons they are using are not high precision weapons. this morning they fired a cruise missile into the heart of ukraine's second biggest city kharkiv in broad daylight and while people went about their business. it hit the main government offices, the opera house, a concert hall and it killed at least 10 people. 35 more were injured. there are probably more under the rubble.

later in the day the target was the television tower in kyiv — which was hit by two missiles in quick succession— in what seems to be an attempt to take out communications in the capital. but they also hit the largest holocaust memorial in europe, and killed five people. babyn yar is there to mark the massacre of 33,000 ukrainianjews, who were executed by the nazis in1941. what is the point of saying "never again" for 80 years, if the world is silent when a bomb drops on the same site?" tweeted thejewish president vladimir zelensky. across the map — the areas in red are beginning to drive inwards from north the south and the east. but across the country there is extraordinary resolve. resistance from ukrainian troops — and resistance from civilians who today in melitopol, just north of crimea stood in the way of an armed russian convoy — even trying to push the russian vehicles back.

we will cover all the latest from the conflict and the diplomatic efforts to end it here on context tonight — but we start our coverage from kyiv and my colleague clive myrie. you are in the bunker which sums up the state of concern and fear that came up with yes, no question. we are down came up with yes, no question. - are down here in this basement and a number of local families and a few other journalists around number of local families and a few otherjournalists around the place. mattresses on the floor and bean bags and so on. and this has been to life for the city and for millions across ukraine over the last six days of this conflict. wondering when they can venture out and live normal lives. but we know and you have indicated this, the huge convoy on the northern approach road heading down from belarus, some a0

miles long, thousands of pieces of military equipment and thousands of troops and the fear is that that column is going to at some point get closer to the city and became encircling it. interesting news from the pentagon tonight suggesting that slowed the movement of that column towards our position here and maybe those supply problems we have been hearing about with the military, problems in regards to feel, food, supplies, and so on. and if such a long train of military vehicles that some playing that is going to be very difficult. but people here are waiting for it to arrive and waiting for the kind of seems to be sought a kharkiv as he pointed out earlier, potentially those kinds of seems here. ~ ., , potentially those kinds of seems here. ., ,, ,, , ., here. who is blessed in kyiv? how many would _ here. who is blessed in kyiv? how many would you — here. who is blessed in kyiv? how many would you say _ here. who is blessed in kyiv? how many would you say there - here. who is blessed in kyiv? how many would you say there are - here. who is blessed in kyiv? how many would you say there are and| many would you say there are and what options do they have if they want to leave? it is

what options do they have if they want to leave?— want to leave? it is much more difficult now. _ want to leave? it is much more difficult now. the _ want to leave? it is much more difficult now. the un _ want to leave? it is much more difficult now. the un is - want to leave? it is much more i difficult now. the un is estimating something like six going on 700,000 people overall, well over half a million people basically have left ukraine into toto heading towards poland and hungary and the western flank of the countries bordering the air where it'd be easier to get out from the main cities in the north and the south and east. this is a city of two and a half, 20 quarter million. i would city of two and a half, 20 quarter million. iwould have city of two and a half, 20 quarter million. i would have thought that tens of thousands have left and most of them did so on the eve of war, now of course with the fighting coming so close to the capital it's much more difficult to get out on the roads and much more difficult to get ellie and randy to get away to get ellie and randy to get away to get to the border, they have got three, four days waitjust a cross because there are so many people there, the question of people is quite astounding. and they are

waiting in freezing temperatures. so it's very difficult indeed but i would say still well over 2 million people hunkered down every night in basements just like this. can people hunkered down every night in basementsjust like this.— basements 'ust like this. can we do somethin: basementsjust like this. can we do something we _ basementsjust like this. can we do something we don't _ basementsjust like this. can we do something we don't often _ basementsjust like this. can we do something we don't often do - basementsjust like this. can we do something we don't often do and i basementsjust like this. can we do i something we don't often do and talk about you and our colleagues bear, notjust about you and our colleagues bear, not just to be about you and our colleagues bear, notjust to be but other western journalists who are covering this wire and i hope the good read on the side is getting through to everybody there. what sort of decisions do you have to discuss as a team, how difficult does it become to sustain an operation when you are encircled and what about your own personal decision to stay?— decision to stay? none of us are forced to come _ decision to stay? none of us are forced to come here, _ decision to stay? none of us are forced to come here, it's - decision to stay? none of us are forced to come here, it's part i decision to stay? none of us are forced to come here, it's part ofj forced to come here, it's part of ourjob, we all feel that we want to tell the story of this wire and had it accurately and fairly. and that is really important because there is so much, i was you —— going to use the word clap, there is so much clap

out there that is misinformation, propaganda nonsense and what you're trying to do what is the new york times or washington post, sky, bbc, you are trying to be truthful to the story and trying to represent the people who are having to cover down here and want to represent them fairly but you have to weigh that against your own personal safety and we have a security team here and we all talk about how much further we can go covering the story and when perhaps should be put out and if we did stay well, what would be the attitude of the russian troops and they are going to win this comedy about the force of power, let's not pretend that the ukrainian army is actually potentially going to win the struggle because there are simply too many russian troops, what is their attitude going to beat the western journalists? and that is something you have got to lay up as well. i arrived here on the eve of

war last tuesday and i thought i was going to be getting out three or four days later because no one believed that vladimir putin would launch this all—out invasion. and i'm still here. so it's a database being after deciding how long you're going to stay and what is you're to achieve. i going to stay and what is you're to achieve. ,., , ., going to stay and what is you're to achieve. , ., .., ., ., achieve. i saw my former cameraman in one of the — achieve. i saw my former cameraman in one of the pictures _ achieve. i saw my former cameraman in one of the pictures that _ achieve. i saw my former cameraman in one of the pictures that was - achieve. i saw my former cameraman in one of the pictures that was sent i in one of the pictures that was sent out today when he was there somewhere in the room. one of the issues that only strikes me about the situations is the other people around you, the local people who are running that hotel, it is their city, they have their own worries, and they are there at work helping sustain people like you.— sustain people like you. yeah, absolutely- — sustain people like you. yeah, absolutely. and _ sustain people like you. yeah, absolutely. and for _ sustain people like you. yeah, absolutely. and for us - sustain people like you. yeah, absolutely. and for us to - sustain people like you. yeah, | absolutely. and for us to leave sustain people like you. yeah, i absolutely. and for us to leave at

some point in the next few days or weeks or whenever, there might be a sense on the part of local people here that that buffer has gone. maybe you might not get this establishment being targeted because there are western generalists here. maybe we are a foil, an entity is an organisation, the bbc and other generalists here who can help in this situation. it is going to be sad if and when we get out of here because we will be leaving people behind who might not be able to get out. ., ., ., ., ., , ., ., ., out. you are a total pro and you are doinu a out. you are a total pro and you are doing a brilliant _ out. you are a total pro and you are doing a brilliant job _ out. you are a total pro and you are doing a brilliant job and _ out. you are a total pro and you are doing a brilliant job and we - doing a brilliantjob and we are gratefulfor doing a brilliantjob and we are grateful for the coverage you bring us. thank you for that this evening. it is humbling sometimes watching colleagues who are of course talking to their family's home. colleagues who are of course talking to theirfamily�*s home. they're colleagues who are of course talking to their family's home. they're very cognizant of the risks as you are

when you are in a war zone but it's important the stories that the western media are attending and an important moment after a lot of focus that's been on the media in recent years and the stories they tell and the truth they tell. it's made all the difference. what he is doing on the ground and what families are doing and what president zelensky is doing is really telling history while it's happening. and i think as i am hearing being in that room you hear the fan go off, it's a reminder that people are literally writing, leaving and trying to fight not only for their own future by writing history while they are doing it. and it has made all the difference to be on the ground to see the stories and hear peoples real feelings as a part of this and it really has pushed america and the world to be in its with the folks on the ground in ukraine. figs with the folks on the ground in ukraine. �* , , , .

ukraine. as clyde said, there is a david and goliath _ ukraine. as clyde said, there is a david and goliath reality - ukraine. as clyde said, there is a david and goliath reality to - ukraine. as clyde said, there is a david and goliath reality to this l david and goliath reality to this wire. we talked about the bravery of the ukrainian soldiers but all the evidence is that vladimir putin is going to push on i'm going to use default —— false pretext he's created and he's going to be conducted at the station in the us cities. is there anything left that we can do to stop it?— cities. is there anything left that we can do to stop it? yes, there is. america has — we can do to stop it? yes, there is. america has the ability _ we can do to stop it? yes, there is. america has the ability to _ america has the ability to put significant sanctions on russian oil and gas _ significant sanctions on russian oil and gas if— significant sanctions on russian oil and gas. if you look at what we have done here _ and gas. if you look at what we have done here in— and gas. if you look at what we have done here in the us when we look at what our european colleagues have said if_ what our european colleagues have said if they're willing to impose sanctions — said if they're willing to impose sanctions on the oligarchs and they want to— sanctions on the oligarchs and they want to impose sanctions on a variety— want to impose sanctions on a variety of— want to impose sanctions on a variety of different aspects of the russian _ variety of different aspects of the russian economy. but where do they -et russian economy. but where do they get their— russian economy. but where do they get their money from? they get their money from — get their money from? they get their money from oil and gas. and that is something that our president has said we _ something that our president has said we don't have 30 days, we may not have _ said we don't have 30 days, we may not have three days and to pick up on amanda's point, he is a good friend _ on amanda's point, he is a good

friend of— on amanda's point, he is a good friend of mine and he is there to tell the — friend of mine and he is there to tell the story. and sometimes he forgets— tell the story. and sometimes he forgets that perio that journalists put themselves into to tell that story _ put themselves into to tell that story and — put themselves into to tell that story and to be there to present an honest— story and to be there to present an honest assessment of what's going on in the _ honest assessment of what's going on in the world _ honest assessment of what's going on in the world and my thoughts and prayers _ in the world and my thoughts and prayers are — in the world and my thoughts and prayers are so heavily with the ukrainian _ prayers are so heavily with the ukrainian people but also with a are they trying — ukrainian people but also with a are they trying to display this to the world _ they trying to display this to the world. ., ., ., , , they trying to display this to the world. ., ., .,, , ,., ., world. the oil and gas is important because i understand _ world. the oil and gas is important because i understand from - world. the oil and gas is important| because i understand from brussels today that eu leaders are starting today that eu leaders are starting to get very concerned about the pressure that president zelensky is putting on with regards to the no fly zone and with regards to eu membership. and very quickly, attention will turn to the gas that iraq is still taking. we find this wire. $300 million per day if they too russian for the art and gas that is being burned in europe. and it cannot be long before people say well what is left? what more pressure can be applied? and they are going to look at energy. they

are. it is are going to look at energy. they are- it is going — are going to look at energy. they are. it is going to _ are going to look at energy. they are. it is going to be _ are going to look at energy. iie: are. it is going to be seeing what we are seeing on tv really is pushing leaders to do things they have never done before but they have to do it in la where they are listening to the people and bringing people along and you are beginning to hear citizens out there and businesses out there say we will step up as well. and it's happening quite fast when you think about it. and so it's almost a race to people's consciousness versus what is happening on the ground and seeing that convoy coming, you know time is ticking and that is the question that leaders around the world will have every single time they get together and we are seeing it on full display. not only on the ground that what leaders are doing in real—time both individually and as a group. that is forcing people to step up and put even more pressure. that is the part that is still unknown. it is day by day you are seeing on the ground and what they are willing to do. it is extraordinary _ they are willing to do. it is extraordinary that - they are willing to do. it is

extraordinary that president zelensky is the top of russia's to list and still continues to run his country and lobby world leaders from his underground bunker in kyiv. today he spoke withjoe biden and he made another appealfor today he spoke withjoe biden and he made another appeal for weapons. the american leadership on anti—russian sanctions and defence assistance ukraine was discussed. 0n the hill, democrats and republicans have found common ground this past week which is no small thing in washington. as an emergency spending package in the works for ukraine. president biden had initially requested $6 billion, some lawmakers want it to be much higher than that, maybe 10 billion which they hope they can attach to any spending bill that will be put to a vote next week when the current spending that —— pending bear is due to expire. i don't want to get partisan because we will talk about the state of the union later but it

is if it writes the democrats have attached the spending bill that of course democrats want to inflate? it is my politics. there are so few trains— is my politics. there are so few trains leaving the station right now, there are still few bills that must _ now, there are still few bills that must pass— now, there are still few bills that must pass pieces of legislation that will get _ must pass pieces of legislation that will get to— must pass pieces of legislation that will get to president biden's desk for his— will get to president biden's desk for his signature. chuck schumer and i for his signature. chuck schumer and i and _ for his signature. chuck schumer and i and nancy— for his signature. chuck schumer and i and nancy pelosi i for his signature. chuck schumer and land nancy pelosi i would in fact attached is ukrainian finding aid to that's— attached is ukrainian finding aid to that's because they know in addition to finding _ that's because they know in addition to finding billions and billions of dollars— to finding billions and billions of dollars for the ukraine there are billions — dollars for the ukraine there are billions of— dollars for the ukraine there are billions of democratic priorities upon _ billions of democratic priorities upon which they want to see coming out of— upon which they want to see coming out of the _ upon which they want to see coming out of the us government. 30 upon which they want to see coming out of the us government. so smart olitics. is out of the us government. so smart politics- is it — out of the us government. so smart politics. is it risky _ out of the us government. so smart politics. is it risky for _ out of the us government. so smart politics. is it risky for the _ politics. is it risky for the democrats to put ukraine spending which is so vital which everybody agrees it should be spent to something which they might disagree in a partisan nature? i something which they might disagree in a partisan nature?— in a partisan nature? i don't think so. this in a partisan nature? i don't think so- this is — in a partisan nature? i don't think so. this is the _ in a partisan nature? i don't think so. this is the first _ in a partisan nature? i don't think so. this is the first step - in a partisan nature? i don't think so. this is the first step of - so. this is the first step of negotiations. you start to work towards it. there is a reality here

which is people are hurting on the ground as well. here in america and that there is no doubt information is affecting people and many of those ideas and proposals really speak to that so it's important on both sides of the aisle to not only be talking about what we need to do globally but the pain that his face especially if we expect energy prices to go up. just especially if we expect energy prices to go up— especially if we expect energy prices to go up. just a quick word on the republicans. _ prices to go up. just a quick word on the republicans. if _ prices to go up. just a quick word on the republicans. if i _ prices to go up. just a quick word on the republicans. if i was - prices to go up. just a quick word on the republicans. if i was to i prices to go up. just a quick word l on the republicans. if i was to sum up where the republicans are at the moment. they are dividing and there is a traditional on the hero anti—russian cold war mentality of the old cemeteries then there is this camp in the middle and then there is the trump base that last week they were talking about the tactical genius of the russian president and a lot of them are trying tojump into president and a lot of them are trying to jump into that middle camp, the get a sense the republicans are starting to get their act together when it comes to how to define the wire and defined

the russian president? i how to define the wire and defined the russian president?— the russian president? i hope so. the trump _ the russian president? i hope so. the trump faction _ the russian president? i hope so. the trump faction has _ the russian president? i hope so. the trump faction has had - the russian president? i hope so. the trump faction has had this . the trump faction has had this altogether wrong. you've heard so many— altogether wrong. you've heard so many republicans saying we need to put boots _ many republicans saying we need to put boots to the ground and consider going _ put boots to the ground and consider going over— put boots to the ground and consider going over it to europe and strengthening european we need to recognise if you are talking about two nuclear powers. america _ talking about two nuclear powers. america and the russian federation. do we _ america and the russian federation. do we want — america and the russian federation. do we want to do something when all we've _ do we want to do something when all we've heard _ do we want to do something when all we've heard and seen from the last couple _ we've heard and seen from the last couple days is people questioning the stability of the russian leader? do you _ the stability of the russian leader? do you want to provoke him? republicans need to be very careful and should speak with a united voice with democratic colleagues with the united _ with democratic colleagues with the united states or the ukrainian people. — united states or the ukrainian people, this is a war crime that's going _ people, this is a war crime that's going on— people, this is a war crime that's going on but do not cook that bear i’ili'lt going on but do not cook that bear right now — going on but do not cook that bear riaht now. ., , , ., right now. that is focused on the convo . right now. that is focused on the convoy- to _ right now. that is focused on the convoy. to the _ right now. that is focused on the convoy. to the north _ right now. that is focused on the convoy. to the north of - right now. that is focused on the convoy. to the north of kyiv - convoy. to the north of kyiv the concerns are focused on the long column of russian tanks heading towards the capital. there are

reports that suggest a stall 39 —— miles north of the capital. they made some broad points about this conflict which we should mention. it's not a0 miles long as has been reported today. it's a series of logistical packets that they say are strung out along this major highway from the belarus border which is aiming to link up with the russian units on the northern outskirts of kyiv and they confirm as has been reported that the convoy is being hampered in several places by broken down vehicles. within that column there is some armour and artillery and tanks and infantry fighting vehicles but mainly it is logistical vehicles but mainly it is logistical vehicles which would suggest the russians are in it for the long haul. about 80% of the combat power in fact russia pre—staged at the border is now committed to the wire and it does not appear to me that

president putin is determined by the level of sanctions the rest have imposed. the ukrainians have the weapons that began to resistance but they need a steady flow of supplies and they want air cover and to be the british prime minister was put on the spot and a ukrainian from the anti—corruption and —— action centre. anti-corruption and -- action centre. ~ ., ., ., ., , centre. we are asking for the no-fly zone. centre. we are asking for the no-fly me what — centre. we are asking for the no-fly me what is _ centre. we are asking for the no-fly zone. what is the _ centre. we are asking for the no-fly zone. what is the alternative - centre. we are asking for the no-fly zone. what is the alternative mr - zone. what is the alternative mr prime minister? i see my family members and team members are saying that we are crying and we don't know where to run. that we are crying and we don't know where to run-— where to run. let's get the analysis of a former— where to run. let's get the analysis of a former nato _ where to run. let's get the analysis of a former nato supreme - where to run. let's get the analysis of a former nato supreme allied i of a former nato supreme allied commander in europe. thank you for being with us. how do you defend ukraine if the sanctions do not work? it’s how do you defend ukraine if the sanctions do not work?— sanctions do not work? it's a great ruestion. sanctions do not work? it's a great question. some _ sanctions do not work? it's a great question. some of— sanctions do not work? it's a great question. some of the _ sanctions do not work? it's a great question. some of the sanctions i sanctions do not work? it's a great i question. some of the sanctions may eventually work but they will take time to take effect. if we look back

in history what we have seen is sanctions have affected russia and they have affected the russian people and they have affected the russian economy but they have not changed mr putin's actions. the measure of merits we need to focus on is less whether sanctions work and more on whether they actually change mr putin's actions. flan and more on whether they actually change mr putin's actions.- and more on whether they actually change mr putin's actions. can we go there on the — change mr putin's actions. can we go there on the air _ change mr putin's actions. can we go there on the air cover— change mr putin's actions. can we go there on the air cover argument. - change mr putin's actions. can we go there on the air cover argument. the j there on the air cover argument. the prime minister has set out why it's not going to happen because we would be engaging the russians and then we would be halfway into a third world war. so it does not look like western infections are going to contemplate it. but there is a scenario where ukraine is rolled over because they have superior air cover and then they're up against the pole and brighter then there are a lot bigger and there are a lot poorer and they will become more

nationalistic and i wonder if at some point we will have to face up to the point that we are going to have to confront the russians? it is a treat have to confront the russians? it is a great question. _ have to confront the russians? it 3 a great question. and a dilemma that we all are facing notjust a great question. and a dilemma that we all are facing not just the politicians. even though i am retired, all of my children are either in the military or working for the military and but we don't want to have to do is fight another huge world power that has nuclear weapons. but then again there are times where he may have to consider the use of force and one of the reasons people consider the no—fly zone is its an intermediate step but make no mistake if you declare a no—fly zone and you enforce it it normally is an act of war because you have to enforce it against your opponents aircraft and those surface—to—air missile systems that could fire into your no—fly zone. i wonder if he will look back in

history at this moment and ask why someone with voice and the capability did not take out that convoy? capability did not take out that convo ? . ., , convoy? the convoy i hurriedly talkinu convoy? the convoy i hurriedly talking about _ convoy? the convoy i hurriedly talking about it _ convoy? the convoy i hurriedly talking about it to _ convoy? the convoy i hurriedly talking about it to your- convoy? the convoy i hurriedlyl talking about it to your previous positions and it's interesting that it's not moving. there's a lot of reasons. i heard there were some broken down vehicles and the area left and right of that routes is fairly muddy and they cannot get off the road. they are limited to the road and we hear that they are still having logistical problems and not having logistical problems and not having the gas and things in some places. why they are not being struck we have to ask ourselves what would strike them and right now probably the only thing that is available are ground forces with these anti—tank missiles. i'm sure even though the conway may not look like it's well organised probably covered by russian surface—to—air

missiles and that will make it hard to get at with the few remaining aircraft and helicopters that ukraine can bring.— aircraft and helicopters that ukraine can bring. aircraft and helicopters that ukraine can brin.. . ., , , ., , ukraine can bring. what seems to be the concern — ukraine can bring. what seems to be the concern at _ ukraine can bring. what seems to be the concern at the _ ukraine can bring. what seems to be the concern at the moment - ukraine can bring. what seems to be the concern at the moment is - ukraine can bring. what seems to be the concern at the moment is not. ukraine can bring. what seems to be the concern at the moment is not so| the concern at the moment is not so much the convoy coming towards ukraine because it seems inevitable given the might of the russian army that this will turn into a guerrilla war inside the cities. if the ukrainian army feels when it's promising to fulfil. what is of greater concern is this is starting to anger the russian president and we don't know what action he might take to speed it up. i we don't know what action he might take to speed it up.— take to speed it up. i believe we see some _ take to speed it up. i believe we see some of _ take to speed it up. i believe we see some of what _ take to speed it up. i believe we see some of what he _ take to speed it up. i believe we see some of what he might - take to speed it up. i believe we see some of what he might use. take to speed it up. i believe we. see some of what he might use. i believe that targeting tactics have changed and inoperative. in the beginning couple days of this war we saw precise strikes and we saw what may be construed as an attempt to limit civilian casualties and

damage. but that has changed in kharkiv. we see indiscriminate bombing and we see a lot of involvement of civilians and civilian properties and so if this is a change in tactics because of the lack of progress is a bad future here and if we start to see the way that russia conducted wire and in chechnya and eastern syria that is a tough thing for the rest to watch. thank you for that. there is no guesswork with these weapons. we have seen the playbook before and that must be the concern of european leaders that he will start firing these non—discriminatory weapons into built—up urban areas. and into built-up urban areas. and touchin: into built-up urban areas. and touching what _ into built-up urban areas. and touching what he _ into built—up urban areas. and touching what he said a few moments a-o touching what he said a few moments ago we _ touching what he said a few moments ago we have _ touching what he said a few moments

ago we have seen— touching what he said a few moments ago we have seen cluster— touching what he said a few moments ago we have seen cluster bombs and i ago we have seen cluster bombs and bombs _ ago we have seen cluster bombs and bombs that— ago we have seen cluster bombs and bombs that are — ago we have seen cluster bombs and bombs that are literally— ago we have seen cluster bombs and bombs that are literally designed - ago we have seen cluster bombs and bombs that are literally designed toi bombs that are literally designed to inflict _ bombs that are literally designed to inflict the _ bombs that are literally designed to inflict the most _ bombs that are literally designed to inflict the most amount _ bombs that are literally designed to inflict the most amount of- bombs that are literally designed to inflict the most amount of death - bombs that are literally designed toi inflict the most amount of death and damage _ inflict the most amount of death and damage and — inflict the most amount of death and damage and they _ inflict the most amount of death and damage and they are _ inflict the most amount of death and damage and they are unfortunately. damage and they are unfortunately being _ damage and they are unfortunately being inflicted _ damage and they are unfortunately being inflicted on— damage and they are unfortunately being inflicted on civilian _ being inflicted on civilian populations _ being inflicted on civilian populations. this - being inflicted on civilian populations. this is - being inflicted on civilian populations. this is in i being inflicted on civiliani populations. this is in my being inflicted on civilian - populations. this is in my view a act by— populations. this is in my view a act by president _ populations. this is in my view a act by president putin— populations. this is in my view a act by president putin to - populations. this is in my view a - act by president putin to demoralise ukrainian _ act by president putin to demoralise ukrainian people _ act by president putin to demoralise ukrainian people and _ act by president putin to demoralise ukrainian people and what _ act by president putin to demoralise ukrainian people and what remains. act by president putin to demoralise i ukrainian people and what remains to be seen _ ukrainian people and what remains to be seen is _ ukrainian people and what remains to be seen is whether— ukrainian people and what remains to be seen is whether or— ukrainian people and what remains to be seen is whether or not _ ukrainian people and what remains to be seen is whether or not a swimmerl be seen is whether or not a swimmer mobilise _ be seen is whether or not a swimmer mobilise them — be seen is whether or not a swimmer mobilise them and _ be seen is whether or not a swimmer mobilise them and strengthen - be seen is whether or not a swimmer mobilise them and strengthen their. mobilise them and strengthen their resolve _ mobilise them and strengthen their resolve to _ mobilise them and strengthen their resolve to repel— mobilise them and strengthen their resolve to repel the _ mobilise them and strengthen their resolve to repel the russian- resolve to repel the russian invaders _ resolve to repel the russian invaders-— resolve to repel the russian invaders. ~ ., ., ;;:: , , invaders. we have got 30 seconds. the mentality _ invaders. we have got 30 seconds. the mentality of _ invaders. we have got 30 seconds. the mentality of the _ invaders. we have got 30 seconds. the mentality of the russian - the mentality of the russian president, is that a concern in washington? it president, is that a concern in washington?— president, is that a concern in washington? president, is that a concern in washinrton? , , ,, ., washington? it is, but you will hear toniuht, b washington? it is, but you will hear tonight. by the _ washington? it is, but you will hear tonight, by the will— washington? it is, but you will hear tonight, by the will stand _ washington? it is, but you will hear tonight, by the will stand strong i tonight, by the will stand strong against buddies and at some point thatis against buddies and at some point that is the real important piece to get people ready for this is a very precarious moment and how far do you go knowing that there is a bully and recognising they will stop period. we believe that for the moment. we will be in eastern ukraine, one

woman says she won't be fleeing over her obligation to her country. after that sensation of warmth from a strengthening sunshine overhead areas that some blue skies today they care and parts of scotland you will feel the chill tonight with temperatures below freezing with a different story further south where conditions are like this and it is this look more of us would have as we go into wednesday. there is a cloud which kept things great and misty and down across southern areas and drain from that creeping north but clear skies across scotland and northern ireland and england for much of the night we will see temperatures drop below freezing may be as low as —7 to aberdeenshire. the rain or drizzle becomes extensive going into north wales

first thing tomorrow morning. temperatures don't drop hear 7 or 8 degrees compared to subzero temperatures and especially across scotland as we start the new day. as he fell into wednesday our weather system will work northwards and we will have more breeze as well across the western areas and across scotland where the sunshine is out. it will feel colder after that cold start. the rain across whales and maidens pushing into the night in england and northern ireland into the afternoon to the southern parts of scotland. we could see brightness breaking through parts of wales and the southwest. 11 or 12 degrees. most places in single figures and the sunshine in northern scotland. it will feel chillier than today. the breeze will take the cloud across scotland as a go through into wednesday evening and let the night and one decaying weather front and another one pushing in from the west and a much milder start on thursday but it will be a damp start as well.

it will push its way east away from western areas as we go to thursday morning. it's meeting resistance from developing southeastern flow across in the north sea and the weather fronts may grind to a halt. with outbreaks of rain continuing into the afternoon and i rather grey look to go with it. temperatures nine to 12 degrees. high pressure will build around the weather fronts but it gets trapped with plenty of cloud and some patchy drizzle but turning dry through the weekend.

hello. i'm christian fraser. you're watching context on bbc news. russia warns residents in ukraine's capital to leave as it steps up its attacks on the country's two biggest cities. a strike in the heart of kharkiv destroys government offices, an opera house and a concert hall —, killing 10 people. the west condemns the attack as �*barbaric�*. preparing to fight with molotov cocktails in the city of dnipro — we'll be live there looking at the difficult decisions and the conflict in ukraine is overshadowing president biden's first state of the union address — which he'll deliver tonight in washington. ttonight with the context, amanda renteria, former adviser to hillary clinton

and republican strategist, ron christie. welcome back. imagine the decisions that millions of ukrainians are facing tonight. whether to stay or whether to go. whether to stay or whether to go. whether to stay or whether to go. whether to leave everything you built, your elderly relatives. whether to take to the road with all the risk that involves over whether to hunker down and prepare for the unsparing salt of the russian president is demanding. and even those who do leave know that it's unlikely they'll be able to cross together. at the platform in lviv it's women and children first, separated from husbands and partners who must wait behind. this is poland, where the government says 50,000 ukrainians arriving every day. in total, over half a million ukrainians a fled the war since it started. the un says it expects a million will cross. all able—bodied

men of the age of 18 are expected to remain and fight unless they have a good reason to go and most want to stay, including president zelensky, leads the fight from the front like his jeep leads the fight from the front like hisjeep ministers were today photographed with hearing tf despite the enormous risks they're taking on today from his bunker he spoke to the european parliament. translation: we are fighting. we are fighting for our land. for our freedom. and, believe me, despite the fact that all our largest cities are blocked, nobody shall occupy our country, our cities. and this is how the european parliament reacted. applause. that's in stark contrast to the reaction to the russian

foreign minister's recorded speech to the un in geneva — take a look at this. translation: ..of illegitimate sanctions, using them - to evade a direct, honest, face—to—face dialogue which they clearly apprehend. the situation in the world is not getting easier. it is deteriorating. the main reason for... by by the end of the russians were the only delegates that stayed in the hole to listen. we are going to take you to dinnie pro in the east of the country. it is ukraine's fourth biggest city and was home to around a million people. this is where many will be spending the night in underground nuclear bunkers built during the cold war decades of work,. —— dnipro. now they are giving shelter to modern ukrainians. kateryna malofieiva is a ukrainian journalist currently in dnipro. nice to have you with us. how are you? br; nice to have you with us. how are ou? �* , ., ._ you? by the end of the day i feel much better— you? by the end of the day i feel much better than _ you? by the end of the day i feel

much better than this _ you? by the end of the day i feel much better than this morning i you? by the end of the day i feel- much better than this morning when i saw the video of the air in kharkiv. now it is more or less quiet. i think when we last spoke to two weeks ago you were in kharkiv. can you must reflect on what has happened in that short space of time? figs happened in that short space of time? �* , , happened in that short space of time? . , , ., ., time? as i 'ust mentioned, after kharkiv i time? as ijust mentioned, after kharkiv i travelled _ time? as ijust mentioned, after kharkiv i travelled to _ time? as ijust mentioned, after kharkiv i travelled to marie - time? as ijust mentioned, after kharkiv i travelled to marie opal| kharkiv i travelled to marie 0pal and works there as well and now i move to a little bit more safer place to visit the areas around. —— two mariupol. there is still intent on my side to go to kharkiv on thursday and ss situation on the ground but as i mentioned i was working in kharkiv in the kharkiv archives. this is a city of students with a loss of universities. this is a city of great culture and first capital of ukraine until i93a —— lot

of universities. when i saw the streets i worked only a week and a half ago in the air strikes that hit the streets and administrative buildings i was absolutely shocked to see that and kept repeating after that for several, you know, for half an hour at least i couldn't calm myself down. i was shivering because you can't imagine this to happen. what are you hearing? i know you've got colleagues were in other parts of the country. what are you hearing from those towns and cities that have been taken? because the presumption was that once the russians were in these places ordinary life would return to normal. is happening? i ordinary life would return to normal. is happening? i cannot reach certain places. _ normal. is happening? i cannot reach certain places, certain _ normal. is happening? i cannot reach certain places, certain villages - certain places, certain villages under control of russians right now because for example i am very worried about a small tiny village that was right on the border with russia and ukraine in kharkiv a blast. the last week there was no

connection with the city. in some areas that were taken by the separatist, for example, the village there were until recently controlled ljy there were until recently controlled by the ukrainian army publicly, for example, and the fighting is ongoing. i mean, istill cannot reach people because there is no connection in the areas of heavy fighting. there is no connection and access to electricity, water, etc, so i cannot reach many contacts in the territories that are now under control of the russian forces. what i know that i spoke to people who are fleeing like a blast and they told me that russian troops do not allow civilian troops to get out of the city. we already can see in the videos on social media showing that russian troops are looting shops,

not only martial targets, not only matching the streets but also looting the shops and much worse cases. we have been discussing in the office tonight president zelensky who made an extraordinary speech and i don't if you solve it today to the european parliament and he is clearly still there in kyiv. that is obviously going to give people heart in ukraine for the fight. do you worry that it given that he is target number one, if he was captured or killed, that would be an enormous coup for the russians? is it right that he stays in ukraine? is heeding the right thing stinging chief? absolutely —— is he doing the right thing staying in kyiv? absolutely. i also watch the video of his appeal today and how the interpreter started crying. even on the first day of war i was walking and met civilians on the street who told me we are so happy

that we have this person. we're so grateful to him, to have him, because... not any other leader in ukraine speaks out for the country, so zelinsky has good morale and of course his presence in ukraine really encouraged people. just remember even his appeal to the russians. before the invasion from russians. before the invasion from russia he told he already knew what was about to happen and he spoke to the russian citizens are asking that only you can prevent the war. he keeps talking to russians as well because he witches from ukraine into russian. i think if he continues doing so he can make an effect on the russian population as well. also just to mention i spoke to some

military today about this question and whether i can see his popularity is absolutely glowing at the moment so we are sceptical about him, praising him right now. when damage needs to stand in given examples of ukrainians that ukrainians are —— he needs to stand and give an example to ukrainians that ukrainians are capable to defend the country against the incursion. i capable to defend the country against the incursion.- capable to defend the country against the incursion. i don't if ou saw against the incursion. i don't if you saw the — speech today, and under. you think president zelensky is conscious of the example he is setting and in many ways the way he personally has united the west?— united the west? there is no doubt he knows exactly _ united the west? there is no doubt he knows exactly what _ united the west? there is no doubt he knows exactly what he's - united the west? there is no doubt he knows exactly what he's saying, | he knows exactly what he's saying, how he _ he knows exactly what he's saying, how he is _ he knows exactly what he's saying, how he is leading, and the people are watching him around the world. leaders— are watching him around the world. leaders are — are watching him around the world. leaders are watching a way to lead around _ leaders are watching a way to lead around the — leaders are watching a way to lead around the world and he has taken that in_ around the world and he has taken that in not— around the world and he has taken that in not simply by the words but when _ that in not simply by the words but when he _ that in not simply by the words but when he shows up with people in certain— when he shows up with people in certain places, the way she is

actually— certain places, the way she is actually portraying where he is, what _ actually portraying where he is, what he's — actually portraying where he is, what he's doing and his own emotional resilience, he recognises that his _ emotional resilience, he recognises that his words really matter and you can hear— that his words really matter and you can hear it _ that his words really matter and you can hear it when people talk about what's _ can hear it when people talk about what's happening on the ground, when they talk— what's happening on the ground, when they talk about their president. there _ they talk about their president. there is— they talk about their president. there is a — they talk about their president. there is a pride that comes with that and — there is a pride that comes with that and i've got to say that that really _ that and i've got to say that that really has — that and i've got to say that that really has grabbed hearts and minds all around _ really has grabbed hearts and minds all around the country and when you are the _ all around the country and when you are the little guy in this war you have _ are the little guy in this war you have got— are the little guy in this war you have got to pull in whatever tool you have — have got to pull in whatever tool you have and you are seeing him do that every— you have and you are seeing him do that every single time he comes on air and _ that every single time he comes on air and every that every single time he comes on airand every single that every single time he comes on air and every single time he is posting — air and every single time he is posting |_ air and every single time he is ostinu. ., , .,, air and every single time he is ostinu. . , .,, ., air and every single time he is ..ostin . ., , .,, ., , air and every single time he is ”ostin. ., , ., , posting. i am pleased to see you in our hotel posting. i am pleased to see you in your hotel room _ posting. i am pleased to see you in your hotel room tonight _ posting. i am pleased to see you in your hotel room tonight and - posting. i am pleased to see you in your hotel room tonight and the i your hotel room tonight and the lights on. we are glad that you were safe. you know where you would go if the air raid sirens off again? is it safe where you are? it is the air raid sirens off again? is it safe where you are?— the air raid sirens off again? is it safe where you are? it is safe but at the same _ safe where you are? it is safe but at the same time _ safe where you are? it is safe but at the same time the _ safe where you are? it is safe but at the same time the air- safe where you are? it is safe but at the same time the air raid - at the same time the air raid silence have already happened here in dnipro up to six or seven times a day. —— air raid sirens. the

governments have told not only me but of the population as well because itjust but of the population as well because it just affects but of the population as well because itjust affects our work but of the population as well because it just affects our work as well. but of course i will stay in ukraine and keep reporting here. as soon as i find out about kharkiv and kyiv because shelling is one thing but also moving towards the city is because the loss of checkpoints along the main roads and the national guard and territorial defence minister at the moment everyone is nervous on high alert and it is difficult forjournalists to work on updating such zones. we are also aware, afraid of the drones from the sky in the air so it is now not an easy way to work, to stay here and the pope of the plan is to do so. it here and the pope of the plan is to do so. , , ., ., here and the pope of the plan is to doso. ., ., do so. it is brave what you're doing and we are — do so. it is brave what you're doing and we are enjoying _ do so. it is brave what you're doing and we are enjoying talking - do so. it is brave what you're doing and we are enjoying talking to - do so. it is brave what you're doing

and we are enjoying talking to you. j and we are enjoying talking to you. —— it is not an easy way to work, stay here and report. we do send you our best wishes. thank you. what about belarus? staging post for many of the russian troops that are now heading into ukraine. and earlier tuesday ukraine said it had evidence that belarusian troops had joined the fight in the north of the country. there have been conflicting reports about that. belarus rejected those claims, and the pentagon says as yet there is "no indication" the belarusian troops are in ukraine. but what is certainly true is that belarus is openly assisting the russian effort. this is president lukashenko addressing members of his security council today about the situation in ukraine — in which he confirms that russian rockets were fired at ukraine from inside belarus. and within hours of that footage being circulated the uk imposed they have played

are you surprised we had not been quicker to sanction russia and apply the same sanctions they have applied to moscow? figs the same sanctions they have applied to moscow? ~ , , ., . the same sanctions they have applied to moscow? a , ., . �* , the same sanctions they have applied tomoscow? a , ., . �* , ., ,, to moscow? as george w bush talked about the axis — to moscow? as george w bush talked about the axis of _ to moscow? as george w bush talked about the axis of evil _ to moscow? as george w bush talked about the axis of evil if _ to moscow? as george w bush talked about the axis of evil if you _ about the axis of evil if you harbour a terrorist or are willing to facilitate everest we will talk about you the same way. i'm looking at belarus and lukashenko in thinking to myself why has not the united states imposed sanctions on belarus much earlier. it is clear to me that either they are harbouring russian troops of facilitating an easier path for the russian military to come into ukraine. the united states and our allies the european union need to sanction belarus for their unfortunate acts in facilitating this horrible loss of life. facilitating this horrible loss of life, _ facilitating this horrible loss of life, , , ., facilitating this horrible loss of life. ., life. some say they should already be under that _ life. some say they should already be under that toughest _ life. some say they should already be under that toughest sanctions l be under that toughest sanctions anyway given the fact he stole the election, amanda. maybe we're late to apply the sanctions that should be there. ,, ., , ., ., be there. show, but one of the

thins be there. show, but one of the things you _ be there. show, but one of the things you are _ be there. show, but one of the things you are seeing - be there. show, but one of the| things you are seeing president biden— things you are seeing president biden do— things you are seeing president biden do is he is very careful about making _ biden do is he is very careful about making sure to move forward with his allies _ making sure to move forward with his allies earty— making sure to move forward with his allies. early on he got rewarded for not being _ allies. early on he got rewarded for not being ahead of allies. early on he realised — not being ahead of allies. early on he realised educate the people and bringing _ he realised educate the people and bringing people along is really given— bringing people along is really given him the kind of stewardship and leadership he now has with the american _ and leadership he now has with the american people but also with allies around _ american people but also with allies around the — american people but also with allies around the world and l american people but also with allies around the world and i think that will continue and so there is a careful— will continue and so there is a careful walk right now when you lead a little _ careful walk right now when you lead a little bit _ careful walk right now when you lead a little bit but not too far. but careful walk right now when you lead a little bit but not too far.— a little bit but not too far. but at the russians _ a little bit but not too far. but at the russians hearing _ a little bit but not too far. but at the russians hearing and - a little bit but not too far. but at the russians hearing and seeing | the russians hearing and seeing about the war in ukraine? chili very different picture to the purchasing in the west. ——in short a very different picture to the reports you are seeing here in the west. the kremlin has tight control over state broadcasting — and on the evening bulletins they spend much of their time dismissing reports of civilian casualties — while using donald trump's favourite term "fake" news. it's unclear exactly how the russian public views this conflict and whether they believe

what they're being told by the state media. but the kremlin is not taking any chances. in the last few hours , independent outlets ekho moskvy radio station and the online news channel, tv rain, have been taken off air. here's our moscow correspondent steve rosenberg. russian state tv continues to avoid the words "war" or "invasion." they're banned. instead, the official message is that, in ukraine, russia is using force to bring peace. like many russians, valentina gets all her news from state tv — and believes it. in russia, television's a powerful tool for shaping public opinion about the war. a lot of what they say on tv, its truth. it's true. how do you know? well, you know, when i read in a foreign newspaper that, you know, russians bombed kharkiv and so on and so on, i know that it's not true, because they promised not to do this and they will never do this.

kremlin control of the media producing an inverted reality of russia's war in ukraine. not everyone here accepts the official kremlin line. russians who find alternative sources of information — on their smartphone, on their computer — they tend to reach different conclusions about what's happening in ukraine. as well they might if they are given full access to all the information expected things to say about this. if he has total control over state media then it figures that if you can find an off ramp, if you can find something that he can accept, at least he can sell it to the russian public because he controls the state media?— the state media? indeed but the ruestion the state media? indeed but the question remains _ the state media? indeed but the question remains as _ the state media? indeed but the question remains as you - the state media? indeed but the question remains as you just - the state media? indeed but the - question remains as you just pointed out how much control does he really have? i mean, people have access to the internet and on their tablets, smartphones, to get other forms of media. people might say, you know

what, that is not exactly what the government is telling us and in fact the government is not telling us the truth. so it remains for me to be seen whether it can take that off mmp seen whether it can take that off ramp whether people will believe him if they are getting alternative sources of news.— if they are getting alternative sources of news. one of the other ruestions sources of news. one of the other questions i _ sources of news. one of the other questions i think _ sources of news. one of the other questions i think people _ sources of news. one of the other questions i think people will - sources of news. one of the other questions i think people will have | questions i think people will have is what influenced the oligarchs have, amanda, and there was some reporting today that abramovich the chelsea owner had flown back into russia. first of all seemingly saying he doesn't have much influence over president putin and on the other hand offering the ukrainians a helping hand. either he is close to the russian president or he is not put these two positions don't add up. in any case, clearly they are being affected. the hope will be in the west that these men who have much more to lose then president putin will start to some pressure. president putin will start to some ressure. . , president putin will start to some ressure. ., , ., ., pressure. that is right. it at all levels it is _ pressure. that is right. it at all levels it is going _ pressure. that is right. it at all levels it is going to _ pressure. that is right. it at all levels it is going to require - levels it is going to require pressure _ levels it is going to require pressure and you are beginning to see that _ pressure and you are beginning to see that increase. 0ne pressure and you are beginning to see that increase. one of the things i see that increase. one of the things lam wondering about is you are

seeing — lam wondering about is you are seeing 12—year—olds look at tiktok and saying — seeing 12—year—olds look at tiktok and saying i'm not sure i believe the russian government because of what i _ the russian government because of what i saw— the russian government because of what i saw on tiktok. i'm wondering whether— what i saw on tiktok. i'm wondering whether the — what i saw on tiktok. i'm wondering whether the cat is already out of the bag — whether the cat is already out of the bag here, but while he might be able to— the bag here, but while he might be able to control russian media, whether— able to control russian media, whether he is looking around the world _ whether he is looking around the world and — whether he is looking around the world and what the world is saying at this— world and what the world is saying at this very— world and what the world is saying at this very moment, and that part i don't _ at this very moment, and that part i don't think— at this very moment, and that part i don't think you can put back in the blocks _ don't think you can put back in the blocks it — don't think you can put back in the blocks it is — don't think you can put back in the blocks. it is true. some of his folks— blocks. it is true. some of his folks might not see it but that is certainly — folks might not see it but that is certainly a — folks might not see it but that is certainly a conversation now happening all across social media that is— happening all across social media that is quite difficult so much different than what i think president putin anticipated and that but i president putin anticipated and that but i don't _ president putin anticipated and that but i don't know how they'll respond to. , ., ., ., to. lets turn to the main event that is 'ust a to. lets turn to the main event that is just a few — to. lets turn to the main event that isjust a few hours _ to. lets turn to the main event that isjust a few hours ahead _ to. lets turn to the main event that isjust a few hours ahead of- to. lets turn to the main event that isjust a few hours ahead of us - to. lets turn to the main event that isjust a few hours ahead of us and | is just a few hours ahead of us and thatis is just a few hours ahead of us and that is the speech thatjoe biden will deliver tonight in the state of the union. it is very different to the union. it is very different to the one he envisaged when they began drafting this at the end of last year. a large part of the speech, of course, will be given over to ukraine but it is an opportunity for him to the frame is bigger argument that america first, america alone is

a myth. we have seen in just a few days the power of coordinated action, that was led by the white house to bring down the russian economy. proof president biden will say that alliances, and international cooperation can work to the benefit of america. the war in ukraine is certainly something the wider us public wants to hear about, more than his plans for inflation, the economy and the pandemic. a sizeable majority are at least somewhat concerned this could lead to a wider war. and that is across the board, there is no partisan split. but also trues is that a large majority would not want to see us troops sent to fight in ukraine. it is an important night for the presient. his approval ratings — despite his recent successes — what he is going to have to do tonight is level with the american people that the sanctions imposed are going to blow back on american consumers. prices are going to go

up. energy is going to go up. what consumers. prices are going to go up. energy is going to go up. what i think you're — up. energy is going to go up. what i think you're going — up. energy is going to go up. what i think you're going to _ up. energy is going to go up. what i think you're going to hit _ up. energy is going to go up. what i think you're going to hit him - up. energy is going to go up. what i think you're going to hit him as - up. energy is going to go up. what i think you're going to hit him as a i think you're going to hit him as a real opportunity for unity, to talk about how folks are coming together, why this is an important moment for america to look at themselves in the world picture. a lot of different politicians often recognise that you have got to be doing foreign policy separate from what is happening domestically. tonight, biden doesn't have that option. today, he has to build both of these wells together, tell the story about what we're doing domestically has a real impact on the global world and that might mean that we've got to make some sacrifices as a country for the better of the world, for democracy at large and that is really the challenge tonight but what we had seen from biden over his time is his ability to be the guy from pennsylvania and also the protector when it comes to foreign policy as well and tonight that really is the challenge, how do you these words and really ring americans,

republicans and democrats together to understand what we need to do domestically but also our voice on the international world. it domestically but also our voice on the international world.— domestically but also our voice on the international world. it has been a roller-coaster _ the international world. it has been a roller-coaster of _ the international world. it has been a roller-coaster of a _ the international world. it has been a roller-coaster of a first _ the international world. it has been a roller-coaster of a first year. i the international world. it has been a roller-coaster of a first year. a i a roller—coaster of a first year. a pandemic, an assault on the capital, the biggest war in europe in a generation and whether he likes it or not he is going to be a wartime president because probably this is not going to finish any time soon. this could stretch all the way through his first term and that is not very good if you are campaigning. because you're focuses somewhere else. campaigning. because you're focuses somewhere else-— somewhere else. 10096. i think this is the speech _ somewhere else. 10096. i think this is the speech that _ somewhere else. 10096. i think this is the speech that the _ somewhere else. 10096. i think this is the speech that the president i is the speech that the president doesn't want to give and look at where we are, much first, one of the latest deliveries of the state of the union address by modern american president and why is that? the president didn't want to talk about the rising plight, prices of inflation, gasoline, impact of the pocketbook issues of the people they care about. my sense is that he was

invited so late to deliver the state of the union because perhaps they were going to get back build back better or find were going to get back build back better orfind some other combination. the fact is he is a war president and i think the american people are very anxious what is going on in europe in ukraine. let's bring in celinda lake, who polled forjoe biden during the 2020 presidential campaign. does that issue will be that democrats need something to rally around as we head towards midterms and now we're going to have a president on war? fine and now we're going to have a president on war?— and now we're going to have a president on war? one thing at a time and i _ president on war? one thing at a time and i think— president on war? one thing at a time and i think that _ president on war? one thing at a time and i think that the - president on war? one thing at a time and i think that the war i president on war? one thing at a time and i think that the war is i time and i think that the war is actually an opportunity for the president to show his leadership and come across as a strong leader, informed leader, who keeps the public abreast of what is going on and has a plan and listens to the experts and is in command so i think it is a tremendous opportunity for joe biden to be at his best and for president biden to show his leadership qualities. the most amazinu

leadership qualities. the most amazing statistic, _ leadership qualities. the most amazing statistic, so - leadership qualities. the most amazing statistic, so it - leadership qualities. the most amazing statistic, so it went i leadership qualities. the most | amazing statistic, so it went up leadership qualities. the most i amazing statistic, so it went up to, the most amazing statistic i saw today on a usa today poll was that more than half of respondents think the united states is another session of innate depression and yet gdp grew by 5.7% last year. he is not telling them the right story —— is telling them the right story -- is in a recession or in a telling them the right story —— is in a recession or in a profession. the problem is that is an enormous disconnect between macroeconomics and microeconomics and i think what the president is going to be able to do is talk about the economy as well as foreign affairs and he can never let these economic things go. the single most important thing and i agree with the previous speaker is for democrats to speak about the economy and what people are really experiencing in their lived experience. they were experiencing inflation, worried aboutjobs, have higher gas prices, worried about the instability of the economy and that is going to be the most important thing for the president to talk about throughout this entire year. and under, in ways give you the

final world goal word —— amanda, i'm going to give you the final word with a minute left on what you want to see in a democratic president. i minute left on what you want to see in a democratic president.— in a democratic president. i want to see leadership _ in a democratic president. i want to see leadership in _ in a democratic president. i want to see leadership in what _ in a democratic president. i want to see leadership in what is _ in a democratic president. i want to see leadership in what is going i in a democratic president. i want to see leadership in what is going to i see leadership in what is going to do on _ see leadership in what is going to do on the — see leadership in what is going to do on the ground for real people as melinda _ do on the ground for real people as melinda pointed out. how important it is that _ melinda pointed out. how important it is that people know they are going — it is that people know they are going to — it is that people know they are going to be taken care of in this country— going to be taken care of in this country as— going to be taken care of in this country as well as a voice of what america — country as well as a voice of what america has— country as well as a voice of what america has been in the world at large. _ america has been in the world at large. that— america has been in the world at large, that we can come together as a country— large, that we can come together as a country to— large, that we can come together as a country to solve big problems and brilliance _ a country to solve big problems and brilliance of the cull of our time. pretty— brilliance of the cull of our time. pretty good. that is the thing with americans. there was talk to time! that is why we have so many of them on the programme. lovely to see you. thank you for giving you, because expertise this evening. lovely to have amanda and ron on the programme and it has been so long since i sat with the two of you. if you are following the ukraine conflict and want to keep abreast of things happening do have a look at the bbc online web page where there is lots of detail on all the story to the day and great reporting from our people on the ground. we will be back at the same time tomorrow. do

join us for that. hello. the first day of meteorological spring was a sunny one for many with temperatures around what we would expect that the stage in march but taking a look back to winter once again temperature anomaly map here. in pinks and reds temperature is above average, almost universally spoke of the season as a hole. then follows a slightly different matter. blue colour shows the wettest areas. compared to the average. brown shows that the summit was a particularly dry winter, especially so across the southern counties where spring actually started wettest because it is here where we saw the rain on tuesday and that is where the system which is pushing its way northwards

for wednesday, particularly across western areas. strengthening these to go with it across the country, frosty start bright start again across parts of northern england and scotland. through the day we see the cloud, patchy rain and drizzle in quite misty in murky conditions further northwards and southern scotland. brightness towards the south east. all the cloud, patchy rain, drizzle, mistand murk south east. all the cloud, patchy rain, drizzle, mist and murk becomes dominant across the uk through wednesday night into thursday meaning compared to wednesday morning thursday's mall across the border should be frost free. here is the chart showing how that weather front pushes in through wednesday night into thursday and then slowly going its way eastwards. high pressure across the eastern wing is movements and while things will brighten up a cross and while things will brighten up a gloss on what name is the day across parts of scotland in the north—east down to the isle of wight this is where we stick with cloud and outbreaks of rain, may bejust a

stick with cloud and outbreaks of rain, may be just a little stick with cloud and outbreaks of rain, may bejust a little bit stick with cloud and outbreaks of rain, may be just a little bit of brightness holding on towards the south—east corner of east anglia. but when the front really just becomes trapped them between high pressure to the east and building a ridge of high pressure to the west. it is not going to go far in any great hurry.? will it is not going to go far in any great hurry. ? will be exactly where it sits in all, normally looks like it sits in all, normally looks like it is eastern areas prone to see cloud, rain and drizzle continue, were or two showers, bit brighter in the west, mist and fog patches can't be ruled out an temperatures continue that trend of 7—11 . i pressure on the west night, then builds a bit more dominantly and join forces in the east with the weather front trapped in the middle means it is not going to move again and this time it looks like by saturday it will be across parts of england and wales. cloudy, a box of rain, chilly breeze pushing down into it, little bit of sunshine on either side and at the moment scotland and northern ireland best favoured that morning mist, fog and also patchy frost and is the high pressure continues to build and dominate the goat into sunday the weather front the craze but there will still be a fair bit of cloud

around across areas. england and wales especially. could be quite misty and murky with some of extensive fog in the morning and some patchy drizzle. that will clear, some of the cloud will clear, some of the global thing and break in a better chance of some trying to sunday in a predominantly dry picture, mildest condition sheltered from the developing south to south—eastern belize. across western scotland hides around 11. i pressure into next week pushes eastwards, joins forces with the scandinavian high on the question will be how dominant that will be on hand which will keep some is pretty stormy areas of low pressure waiting in the winds of the atlantic. we are in the dividing line between the two. it will turn windier, that's for sure that it will turn windier, that's for sure thatitis will turn windier, that's for sure that it is just how much rain as in the western weather that high—pressure dominance of scandinavia will push some colder air in from the east. keep on the latest on the bbc weather website.

strikes on targets here in the ukrainian capital, kyiv, telling residents to leave their homes. closing in on the capital. it comes after a russian missile attack on a television tower in the city, killing five people. satellite images show a russian military convoy, a0 miles long, heading for kyiv, but the pentagon says the troops may have supply problems. a russian missile strike targets ukraine's second biggest city, kharkiv. at least ten people are killed. the blast in the city's cultural centre, freedom square, damaged government offices. ukraine's president accuses russia of war crimes.

translation: kharkiv and kyiv are the most important - targets for russia now.