this is bbc news — these are the latest headlines in the uk and around the world. europe's largest nuclear power plant has been under attack. it's now secure but ukraine's president accuses moscow of nuclear terror. translation: we need to stop | the russian military immediately. scream to your politicians. ukraine has 15 nuclear units. if there is an explosion, it is the end of everything. the it is the end of everything. international atomic en agency the international atomic energy agency chief says the project outhit a training facility and not a reactor. there has been no release of any radioactive material. all reactor. there has been no release of any radioactive material.- of any radioactive material. all the safety systems _ of any radioactive material. all the safety systems of _ of any radioactive material. all the safety systems of all _ of any radioactive material. all the safety systems of all the _ of any radioactive material. all the safety systems of all the six - safety systems of all the six reactors at the plant were not affected. at all.

mariupol has become a city under seige as power and water supplies are cut off by relentless russian shelling. there's no slowing in the number of people fleeing the fighting — more than one million refugees have left ukraine in a week. hello and welcome if you're watching in the uk or around the world. russian forces have seized the largest nuclear plant in europe after bombing it overnight and causing a fire. the authorities say the plant is secure and radiation levels are normal. it's the latest indication ofjust how fierce the battle for ukraine has become. the zaporizhzhya plant is in the south—east of ukraine and is the biggest of its kind in europe.

ukraine's president, volodymyr zelensky, has accused russia of "nuclear terror". the nato chief jens the nato chiefjens stoltenberg says it shows the recklessness of the war. elsewhere, the port city of mariupol to the east is facing another day of heavy bombing, with most basic services like running water cut off. hundreds of civilians have died. kharkiv in the north—east has been reduced to rubble. ukraine says at least 47 people were killed by russian air strikes in the northern city of chernihiv. and it has been confirmed by the polish border agency that more than 672,000 people have fled from ukraine to poland within the last week. more than 95,000 people across the board early yesterday. jonathan joseph has the latest will stop the terrifying moment ukraine's largest nuclear facility came in russian fire. it may have been a training building

outside the plant perimeter but it was real enough to wake world leaders in the middle of the night. the zaporizhzhia power station supplies about a quarter of ukraine's electricity. 0nce supplies about a quarter of ukraine's electricity. once the fire is now out, the attack prompted concerns of a nuclear incident similar to the chernobyl disaster. translation: we similar to the chernobyl disaster. translation:— similar to the chernobyl disaster. translation: we need to stop the russian military. _ translation: we need to stop the russian military. scream _ translation: we need to stop the russian military. scream to - translation: we need to stop the russian military. scream to your . russian military. scream to your politicians. ukraine has 15 nuclear units. if there is an explosion it is the end of everything. the end of europe. is the end of everything. the end of euro e. , ~ is the end of everything. the end of euroe. , ~ , ., , europe. the strike prompted ukraine's _ europe. the strike prompted ukraine's leader _ europe. the strike prompted ukraine's leader to _ europe. the strike prompted ukraine's leader to speak - europe. the strike prompted ukraine's leader to speak to | europe. the strike prompted i ukraine's leader to speak to us presidentjoe biden, who, like other world leaders, urged russia to cease its military activities. it’s world leaders, urged russia to cease its military activities.— its military activities. it's very difficult to — its military activities. it's very difficult to believe _ its military activities. it's very difficult to believe that - its military activities. it's very difficult to believe that it - its military activities. it's very l difficult to believe that it wasn't done deliberately, but in any event, it is unlawful to attack a site like this and not to do due diligence on it and keep bombarding it. figs it and keep bombarding it. as foreign ministers from nato, the g7 and european union meet in brussels to decide what more they can do to end the fighting, russia has blamed

the attack on the nuclear site on ukrainian saboteurs, calling it a monstrous provocation. western leaders are considering even more sanctions on russia. they warned moscow they are prepared for all eventualities.— moscow they are prepared for all eventualities. ., , , ., , , eventualities. hours is a defensible alliance. eventualities. hours is a defensible alliance- we _ eventualities. hours is a defensible alliance. we seek _ eventualities. hours is a defensible alliance. we seek no _ eventualities. hours is a defensible alliance. we seek no conflict, - eventualities. hours is a defensible alliance. we seek no conflict, but l alliance. we seek no conflict, but if conflict comes to us we are ready for it and will defend every inch of nato territory.— nato territory. china has also called for _ nato territory. china has also called for restraint _ nato territory. china has also called for restraint as - nato territory. china has also called for restraint as the - called for restraint as the destruction ukraine goes on. warehouses to the east of the capital amongst the latest targets. in kyiv, the shelling is now more sustained and coming closer to the centre. in the south of the country, the port city of mariupol has been besieged by ross and forge this. the deputy mayor told the bbc they are trying to get them to capitulate by creating a humanitarian crisis as those there suffer a third day without water and electric city. —— besieged by russian forces. fighting

is also continuing here in kharkiv is also continuing here in kharkiv is more of ukraine is destroyed by a russian invasion that shows no sign of ending soon. jonathanjoseph, bbc news. we can speak now —— we can go now to a russian military spokesperson. translation:— a russian military spokesperson. translation: they try to blame russia in creating _ translation: they try to blame russia in creating a _ translation: they try to blame russia in creating a reactive - russia in creating a reactive hotspot in europe. the total laws are controlled by zelensky and the usage of western mercenaries for the duration of the occupation, 1812 objects were hit. we have destroyed.

59 our radio location stations. the 635 tanks and other armoured vehicles. 67 multiple rocket launcher systems. 4111 special equipment. launcher systems. 441 special equipment-— launcher systems. m1 special ea-uiment.,, , . ., equipment. studio: we have lost the ictures. equipment. studio: we have lost the pictures. basically, _ equipment. studio: we have lost the pictures. basically, that— equipment. studio: we have lost the pictures. basically, that was - equipment. studio: we have lost the pictures. basically, that was a - pictures. basically, that was a spokesperson for the russian defence ministry, blaming ukrainian saboteurs for what he described as monstrous provocation at the zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. the ukrainian president volodymyr zelensky has of course accused moscow of nuclear terrorism. the international atomic energy agency director general has been speaking about the nuclear power plant hit in ukraine. ., , ., .

ukraine. overnight, a pro'ectile hit a buildin: ukraine. overnight, a pro'ectile hit a building within h ukraine. overnight, a pro'ectile hit a building within the _ ukraine. overnight, a projectile hit a building within the plant - ukraine. overnight, a projectile hit a building within the plant site, - a building within the plant site, the site of the plant. this building, i should the site of the plant. this building, ishould repeat, is not part of the reactor, is none of the reactors. it is a training adjacent construction facility to the reactors. these caused localised fire which was extinguished by the local fire fire which was extinguished by the localfire brigade fire which was extinguished by the local fire brigade at the plant. fire which was extinguished by the localfire brigade at the plant. it is important to say that all the safety systems of the six reactors at the plant were not affected at all. and there has been no release

of radioactive material. no release of radioactive material. no release of radioactive material. no release of radioactive material. importantly, in this regard, is the radiation monitoring systems, so the systems we have to monitor the radiation, are fully functional as well. however, as you can imagine, the operator and the regulator have been telling us that the situation is naturally, continues to be extremely tense and challenging because of the circumstances. my colleague yalda hakim is in lviv, in the west of ukraine. it has become a home for tens of thousands of refugees fleeing violence elsewhere across ukraine. 0ver violence elsewhere across ukraine. over to you. violence elsewhere across ukraine. over to vom— violence elsewhere across ukraine. over to you. thank you. as you say, ukraine's lviv, _ over to you. thank you. as you say, ukraine's lviv, the _

over to you. thank you. as you say, ukraine's lviv, the city _ over to you. thank you. as you say, ukraine's lviv, the city has - over to you. thank you. as you say, ukraine's lviv, the city has become| ukraine's lviv, the city has become a hub for tens of thousands of people who are fleeing to what they would consider relative safety. but even here in lviv there is a constant reminder that this is a nation at war. in the last couple of hours we have had to go into an underground bunker here in the centre of town. this is just a coffee shop that also has a bunker beneath the ground. and really these bunkers were built in the second world war. there are dozens of them here in the city. 0ne never really imagined we would have to do use them in 2022 but so many things have happened in the last week that frankly are unthinkable. as you say and as you have reporting, the shelling at the nuclear power plant, the dangerous turn this conflict continues to take. here in lviv people are preparing for war, even though it doesn't appear to have hit this area and this part of the country so far, but that's where

they say kyiv was a week—and—a—half ago, they didn't expect war to break out and now they are hearing shelling and rockets day and night. this is a city taking an internally displaced people but also dealing with the potential for war. displaced people but also dealing with the potentialfor war. you displaced people but also dealing with the potential for war. you see the monumentjust behind me has been covered in foil by the locals here who are doing what they can. they feel like they need to do what they can rather than be helpless. they don't want to leave their city and their home. they are supporting the military and supporting the police however they can and we are seeing the military and police in different corners of this old city, once relatively calm, but now tense and on edge. relatively calm, but now tense and on edae. , ., relatively calm, but now tense and onedae. , ., on edge. tell us more about the ractical on edge. tell us more about the practical preparations _ on edge. tell us more about the practical preparations they - on edge. tell us more about the practical preparations they are l practical preparations they are making there. b5 practical preparations they are making there.— practical preparations they are makin: there. r ~ ., ., ., making there. as you know, martial law has new — making there. as you know, martial law has now come _ making there. as you know, martial law has now come into _ making there. as you know, martial law has now come into effect - making there. as you know, martial law has now come into effect in - making there. as you know, martial law has now come into effect in thisj law has now come into effect in this country. women and children who want to get out of the fighting are using

various different borders to get out. the majority using the polish border, just 65 kilometres from here. but the men who stay and those who want to stay and support the government and support the military are making molotov cocktails, for example, are picking up arms and going to the front lines. i spoke to a mother yesterday who told me in the early hours of the morning her 16—year—old son disappeared and when she spoke to him, he said he had gone to the front lines to volunteer, even though martial law is for those aged 18 and over. teenage boys want to get involved, they know their country is at risk of slipping away and that's not the feeling they want to have. they don't want to lose their nation, they want to fight for a free ukraine, so there is a sense of solidarity. people are doing what they can. president zelensky has also called forforeign they can. president zelensky has also called for foreign fighters to come here. on the border yesterday we saw a makeshift tent created. we

spoke to the military and they said ten fighters had come so far from the international community, ten soldiers, trained, wanting to fight. president zelensky says there are thousands in the country now and they will welcome more. people are doing what they can to almost avoid what is inevitable. because the might of the russian force, they still do have superiority here in this country and that's what this nation and the people are dealing with. ., ., ., ., , nation and the people are dealing with. ., ., ., . , ., with. you mentioned how many, how close lviv is — with. you mentioned how many, how close lviv is to _ with. you mentioned how many, how close lviv is to the _ with. you mentioned how many, how close lviv is to the polish _ with. you mentioned how many, how close lviv is to the polish border. - close lviv is to the polish border. and also how many people have come to lviv from elsewhere in ukraine. 0ur to lviv from elsewhere in ukraine. our people mostly staying put therefore now or are people starting to leave lviv as well? irate therefore now or are people starting to leave lviv as well?— to leave lviv as well? we are seeing tens of thousands _ to leave lviv as well? we are seeing tens of thousands of _ to leave lviv as well? we are seeing tens of thousands of people - to leave lviv as well? we are seeing tens of thousands of people get - to leave lviv as well? we are seeing tens of thousands of people get to l tens of thousands of people get to the border and trying to leave. we have heard reports from the united nations, half a million making their way into poland. it is a 150 kilometre border there. there are

also local ngos who are telling people to remain in the city and in the country. they are encouraging them to stay because frankly they think it's better that they stay in ukraine and try to assist where they can and rebuild in a relatively safe part of the country rather than become refugees. and although we are seeing people in different european countries welcome these displaced people, we saw that in berlin for example where scores of people had arrived, germans, to try to help ukrainian refugees who had left their homes. but those who have stayed are staying in hotels for example. most hotels in lviv have been taken by the internally displaced. we spoke to a young family yesterday who had come from kyiv and i asked how long they were staying. they said they hoped for a couple of weeks and then they would like to go back to their home. they said their parents are there. they had a two and a half year old child and they were worried about that

child's safety and security. it feels like many people are leaving not out of choice but for the sake of their children. you see devastating scenes of fathers saying goodbye to their children, uncertain of when they will be reunited, and frankly if they will be reunited. thank you, yalda hakim reporting from lviv. joining me now is professor claire corkhill who is an expert in nuclear material from the university of sheffield. thank you very much forjoining us. we had from the international atomic energy agency saying the plant is now secure, under control of the russian forces. in terms of what happened there and the actual risk, was there any risk at any point? how great was the risk potentially at any point? great was the risk potentially at an oint? ., . great was the risk potentially at an oint? .. ., great was the risk potentially at an oint? ., , ., . , any point? the fact that pro'ectiles and missiles — any point? the fact that pro'ectiles and missiles are i any point? the fact that pro'ectiles and missiles are being _ any point? the fact that projectiles and missiles are being fired - any point? the fact that projectiles and missiles are being fired in - any point? the fact that projectiles and missiles are being fired in the | and missiles are being fired in the direction of a nuclear power station when it is operating highlights that

there are enormous risks surrounding conflict in a country that has so many nuclear power stations. it's lucky on this occasion that a building was hit, it caught on fire, but it was nothing to do with the reactor building itself. it's unlikely and external fire would impact upon the reactors, they are fairly robust buildings. having said that, there are a number of other risks we should be concerned about in this situation. bud risks we should be concerned about in this situation.— in this situation. and what are the ? in this situation. and what are they? for— in this situation. and what are they? for example, _ in this situation. and what are they? for example, one - in this situation. and what are they? for example, one of. in this situation. and what are | they? for example, one of the in this situation. and what are - they? for example, one of the major they? for example, one of the ma'or hazards would — they? for example, one of the ma'or hazards would be i they? for example, one of the ma'or hazards would be a d they? for example, one of the ma'or hazards would be a loss i they? for example, one of the ma'or hazards would be a loss of i they? for example, one of the ma'or hazards would be a loss of cooling“ hazards would be a loss of cooling accident. this would occur if a loss of electricity happened and the back—up generators that kicked in in that situation were also destroyed. we might have a situation where the nuclear fuel we might have a situation where the nuclearfuel inside we might have a situation where the nuclear fuel inside the reactors over heats and melts down and this would be a disastrous scenario, like the one that happened at the fukushima power station. irate the one that happened at the fukushima power station. we had from

the international _ fukushima power station. we had from the international atomic _ fukushima power station. we had from the international atomic energy - the international atomic energy agency that the nuclear reactors have been shut down. when they are shut down, how simple is that to do, and does it mean it is then a completely safe environment? it does reduce the risk. _ completely safe environment? it does reduce the risk. what _ completely safe environment? it does reduce the risk. what happens - completely safe environment? it does reduce the risk. what happens there l reduce the risk. what happens there is you lower the temperature inside the reactor by shutting off the nuclear reaction. by doing that, it means if there were a loss of electricity, the fuel doesn't need active cooling any more with pumps that circulate water around the fuel, they can look after themselves, it is in a cool enough state for there not to be a meltdown hazard. that doesn't mean to say the risk is completely gone. 0ne hazard. that doesn't mean to say the risk is completely gone. one of the other things we are quite concerned about at the nuclear power site is the fact that used nuclear fuel that has been taken out of the reactor is on the site to cool. this material is not really well shielded when compared to the reactor itself so a fire or direct missile strike to the waste containing area the site could

potentially be hazardous and release radioactivity into the environment. this is obviously not the only nuclear power plant around ukraine. we were hearing from the iaea that they will try to get some sort of agreement for the nuclear power appliance to be protected. how can they be protected? it’s appliance to be protected. how can they be protected?— they be protected? it's a general agreement. _ they be protected? it's a general agreement. it — they be protected? it's a general agreement, it is _ they be protected? it's a general agreement, it is understood - they be protected? it's a general agreement, it is understood thatj they be protected? it's a general - agreement, it is understood that you don't fire at nuclear power stations. this is something the international atomic energy agency has said in their recent news briefings. it'sjust not has said in their recent news briefings. it's just not the done thing, to affect something that could potentially be this hazardous in this way. the only action power operators in ukraine can take going forward, if protecting the areas militarily isn't possible, then it's putting them in this cold shutdown state, meaning there isn't a meltdown incident. 0bviously state, meaning there isn't a meltdown incident. obviously the side effect of that is that 25% of

the actors are tea supplied to ukraine comes from nuclear power so it would be a huge amount of electricity lost to the grid. —— 25% of the power supplied. it is electricity lost to the grid. -- 2596 of the power supplied. it is unclear to this point _ of the power supplied. it is unclear to this point as _ of the power supplied. it is unclear to this point as to _ of the power supplied. it is unclear to this point as to whether- of the power supplied. it is unclear to this point as to whether they - to this point as to whether they will take that measure. they will be considering it, and potentially they might be forced into it. tell us more about the impact of losing that amount of its energy supply.- amount of its energy supply. clearly in cities around _ amount of its energy supply. clearly in cities around ukraine _ amount of its energy supply. clearly in cities around ukraine at _ amount of its energy supply. clearly in cities around ukraine at the - in cities around ukraine at the moment, for example in kharkiv, there is not electricity powering people's homes. i have colleagues who we work with, scientists in their homes with no electricity right now. there is obviously a clear impact on the local population and civilians. but militarily, if the army would like to keep communications open, for example, electricity is a necessary supply.

losing the nuclear power capability in the country would presumably be devastating. bud in the country would presumably be devastating-— in the country would presumably be devastatina. . , , , ., �*, ., devastating. and presumably that's a consideration _ devastating. and presumably that's a consideration in _ devastating. and presumably that's a consideration in terms _ devastating. and presumably that's a consideration in terms of _ devastating. and presumably that's a consideration in terms of why - devastating. and presumably that's a consideration in terms of why this - consideration in terms of why this has been done.— consideration in terms of why this has been done. potentially, it could be that the reactors _ has been done. potentially, it could be that the reactors were _ has been done. potentially, it could be that the reactors were not - be that the reactors were not directly targeted themselves and it was the intention early along to target buildings on the periphery of the nuclear power station to force a shutdown of one of the reactors will stop its very difficult to tell whether that's the strategy or not but it's what the conclusion looks like it's going to be.— like it's going to be. thank you very much _ like it's going to be. thank you very much indeed _ like it's going to be. thank you very much indeed for- like it's going to be. thank you very much indeed forjoining i like it's going to be. thank you | very much indeed forjoining us. like it's going to be. thank you - very much indeed forjoining us. we have been telling you about the nato foreign minister's meeting taking place in brussels. the british foreign secretary speaking just before she went in. can foreign secretary speaking 'ust before she went mi foreign secretary speaking 'ust before she went in. can you tell us first of all about _ before she went in. can you tell us first of all about the _ before she went in. can you tell us first of all about the situation - first of all about the situation with— first of all about the situation with the _ first of all about the situation with the nuclear power plant at the

moment _ with the nuclear power plant at the moment. how concerned are you and what more _ moment. how concerned are you and what more can the west do to make sure this _ what more can the west do to make sure this kind of thing doesn't happen— sure this kind of thing doesn't happen again? this sure this kind of thing doesn't happen again?— sure this kind of thing doesn't hauenaaain? , ., , , happen again? this was a completely reckless act- — happen again? this was a completely reckless act. we _ happen again? this was a completely reckless act. we have _ happen again? this was a completely reckless act. we have heard - happen again? this was a completely reckless act. we have heard now - happen again? this was a completely reckless act. we have heard now that the fire has been extinguished, but it is extremely concerning that forces are being repaired to do this. we have called for an urgent meeting of the un security council. this is a threat to european security and stability and we need those responsible to be held to account. ., ., �* , , , account. you are here in brussels for meetings _ account. you are here in brussels for meetings with _ account. you are here in brussels for meetings with nato _ account. you are here in brussels for meetings with nato foreign i for meetings with nato foreign ministers, the g7, eu foreign ministers _ ministers, the g7, eu foreign ministers. what you hope to achieve today? _ ministers. what you hope to achieve toda ? ~ ., ministers. what you hope to achieve toda 7. ., ., ministers. what you hope to achieve toda? ., ., , ministers. what you hope to achieve toda ?~ ., ., ministers. what you hope to achieve toda ? ., ., , today? what today is about is showin: today? what today is about is showing the _ today? what today is about is showing the strength - today? what today is about is showing the strength of - today? what today is about is showing the strength of our l today? what today is about is - showing the strength of our unity in challenging vladimir putin and stopping vladimir putin in ukraine. we are doing all we can to support the ukraine with weapons. the uk led in that, the first to supply ukraine with weapons. we have been talking about sanctions, where we have been

very coordinated, and it's having a big effect in russia but we now need to do more. we particularly need to look at the oil and gas sector, how do we reduce our dependence across europe on russian gas. how do we cut off the funding to vladimir putin's war machine? that's what i'll be advocating with members the g7 and in discussions with the eu. you raised sanctions, _ in discussions with the eu. you raised sanctions, white as the uk slower— raised sanctions, white as the uk slower in — raised sanctions, white as the uk slower in sanctioning russian oligarchs— slower in sanctioning russian oligarchs than the us and eu? we have led oligarchs than the us and eu? have led the oligarchs than the us and eu? - have led the way in sanctions, in bank freezes where we are doing more than our counterparts. also enclosing our airspace and ports to russian vessels and aircraft and we are advocating more on oil and gas. we have sanctioned more companies than our counterparts across the world. wejust than our counterparts across the world. we just sanctioned two more major oligarchs last night. what i am doing is looking at how we can speed up that process to make even more progress on that front. the number one thing that's important is

we are unified with our partners across the world in putting the toughest ever sanctions we have had on russia. the toughest ever sanctions we have had on russia. ., ,, . ., , on russia. the uk foreign secretary liz truss. more than1 million people have already left ukraine, over half of them to poland. the polish authorities say about 670,000 people have crossed the border since the russian invasion began. officials and volunteers are helping at reception centres — offering food, access to health care and onward travel. let's speak to nick thorpe now. he is in budapest. a number of refugees also going to hungary. what's the situation there? i am here at the _ what's the situation there? i am here at the budapest _ what's the situation there? i —n here at the budapest west station. hungary is so far in second place to poland. a couple of days ago when i last saw those numbers, it was over

120,000. just behind me, as you can see, this is platform ten behind me. at the back of the picture, that's where refugee trains are arriving every hour or so, so far this morning. these green jackets, every hour or so, so far this morning. these greenjackets, these are volunteers from the hungarian protestant church who have laid on an amazing spread of food, sandwiches, fruit and chocolate bars and so on, for the people arriving here this morning. this is all donations from the hungarian public, being channelled to those new arrivals here at budapest west station. astonishing scenes here, it really reminds me of the previous refugee crisis some seven years ago when refugees arriving in budapest stations from even further afield. in terms of the numbers, what's the capacity? 0bviously people are being

incredibly hospitable, notjust incredibly hospitable, not just there incredibly hospitable, notjust there in hungary but elsewhere in other countries across europe, where they are taking people into their homes. but with a suggestion that up to 4 million people could leave, that capacity will not be infinite. yes, i mean, hungarians, and as you say, poland, romania, slovakia, moldova, those five countries that border ukraine and also across europe. a lot of people arriving here now will look to travel on. a third or perhaps a half of people will travel to other countries. whether by train, they can travel by free. or by bus or car with some people coming from far away to pick them up. a huge outpouring of generosity across europe at the moment, including from hungarians here. talking to some of the refugees arriving here this morning,

for the first time we have met people from 0desa in the south, near kherson, which is the city that fell a couple of days ago. and also not so far away from zaporizhzhia, where the nuclear power station was struck, the accommodation and reference buildings of that nuclear power station earlier. we are getting new city is named by people when we ask them where they are coming from this morning.- when we ask them where they are coming from this morning. thank you. we mentioned — coming from this morning. thank you. we mentioned also _ coming from this morning. thank you. we mentioned also poland. _ my colleague kasia madera has been giving us the latest this is just moments from the very border itself. what we are seeing here, time and time again, buses coming from the border with people who have just crossed over. these are predominantly women and children and the elderly, who have finally got to poland after their own individual stories

of trying to get across ukraine to the polish border itself. this is the first time that they are going to get something hot to eat and drink, warm up, reassess what it is they will do next. because these people have literally just crossed the border and they are now in poland. tired, bewildered, and just exhausted with their trip so far. poland has created a huge infrastructure help these people. because of course poland has taken in the highest number of people coming over from ukraine. if you think about it, 1 million people displaced, leaving ukraine, in the space ofjust over a week. it's a staggering number of people. ukraine nationals and nonnationals as well, because of the diverse community within ukraine, the workers there, the student community. poland saying everybody is welcome, everybody can come here and seek safety.

the welcomes that they get, it's just been very, very heart—warming to see how the police force, how the fire brigade, how all the different firemen, how a whole host of volunteers are helping people. what we are hearing about is people opening up their doors and homes, offering places for people to stay the night, people to rest, people to sleep. what's really staggering is there are no large campus. is there are no large camps. there are places where people can just rest for a night or so but there are no large camps. homes are being opened up so these people, who have had a traumatic journey to get to safety, can just have some rest. a very large number of ukrainian nationals live in poland. and they are here, many family members are here to meet them. there are also people who don't have

anyone to join or anywhere to go. again, we have seen lots and lots of different people who have come and are offering up their homes, a bedroom, a sofa. we are hearing these stories time and time again. every now and again you hear a tannoy message saying there is a driver who has come from berlin who wants to take families there. people are coming from the netherlands, the czech republic, from all over europe, wanting to bring people onwards, because there is an understanding that within eight days, within such a short space of time, a million people have left ukraine and have come to neighbouring countries, nearly 700,000 havejust come to poland alone, a staggering number of people. given the volatility of the situation in ukraine and given the uncertainty of the situation on the ground there, those numbers will rise. the european union is talking about implementing a temporary

protection directive so that people who are fleeing ukraine and coming over from the border into the eu, that they can stay here, they can work here, they can access medical care here, they can access schools here, because there are children coming over that have been displaced. their worlds have been turned upside down. the eu opening up its borders. the next step of their journey begins in places like this. this is one snapshot. this is in east poland, right on the border, and this is one of many places like this, where these families are coming, where these individuals are coming, and they are working out what happens next, given the long journey that all these people have already had. the eu opening its doors, poland opening its doors saying you are safe here, you are welcome in this country. young that is kasia madera reporting

on the refugee situation just over the border in poland. we can now speak to a former minister of finance in ukraine, he served as the secretary... hello? i finance in ukraine, he served as the secretary... hello?— secretary... hello? i am a former secial secretary... hello? i am a former special adviser _ secretary... hello? i am a former special adviser to _ secretary... hello? i am a former special adviser to the _ secretary... hello? i am a former special adviser to the minister - secretary... hello? i am a former special adviser to the minister of| special adviser to the minister of defence, we have to different people with my name in ukraine. —— two different people. with my name in ukraine. -- two different people.— with my name in ukraine. -- two different people. thank you. you are basically keeping _ different people. thank you. you are basically keeping jota _ different people. thank you. you are basically keeping jota paying - basically keeping jota paying particular attention to what is happening around kyiv, what is the situation now? there is a convoy heading towards kyiv, what is happening?— heading towards kyiv, what is happening? our troops on the airborne brigade _ happening? our troops on the airborne brigade stopped - happening? our troops on the airborne brigade stopped the| happening? our troops on the - airborne brigade stopped the convoy and the regional plan was to

surrender kyiv from the south, the plan of the russians, but we still have logistics on the kyiv to 0desa highway. have logistics on the kyiv to odesa hiahwa . ., ., have logistics on the kyiv to odesa hiahwa. ., ,, i. have logistics on the kyiv to odesa hiahwa. ., , . highway. thank you very much indeed for “oininr highway. thank you very much indeed forjoining us- — the uk government has imposed sanctions on two more russian oligarchs, one of whom until earlier this week was a major investor in everton football. there assets will be frozen and they will not below to travel to the uk. luxury yacht owned by oligarchs have been seized by the french and german authorities. but the head of ukraine's largest energy company has told the bbc that the west must stop buying oil and gas from russia, if it wants to stop the war spreading. here's our economics editor faisal islam. seized, the floating palaces of top russian billionaires accused by the european union of being too close to vladimir putin. the dilbar mega yacht, the largest in the world, with two helipads, owned by the british football—linked alisher usmanov, and now seized by german officials. and on the south coast of france,

french customs seizing amore vero, owned by long—time putin ally igor sechin, boss of the rosneft oil company. here in the uk, the foreign office has also added alisher usmanov to britain's sanctions list, alongside putin associate igor shuvalov, both men hit by a travel ban and asset freeze on their mansions and flats, worth many millions of pounds. we are fast forwarding sanctions against russian oligarchs, but we need to go further. we need to make sure no russian bank has access to swift. the premier league welcomed the sale of chelsea football club by its russian owner roman abramovich, saying the ownership had become unsustainable. the opposition repeatedly raised in the commons why mr abramovich, who denies financial links to the kremlin, was not being targeted with sanctions. russian—owned yachts are being seized in europe, russian oligarchs are having to rely

on cash because their debit and credit cards have been stopped from working. the process here in the uk, a little slower because of the need for legal due process, we are told, but what is the point of any of this if we continue to send billions in dollars, euros and pounds directly to the kremlin by buying its oil and its gas? one of the routes for that money is through ukraine, via an existing pipeline exporting russia's gas to europe. that's how he finances his military machine. the man who runs that is under bombardment in kyiv and told us that western sanctions must now target the energy billions. putin will get his money, to spend this money to kill us. the whole idea of the sanctions is to shock the putin regime. and to make sure that ordinary russians, they feel the effect. it sounds like a form

of economic war. yes, on the economic front you have to believe as if you were at war with russia. pr video: rosneft is the leader of the russian oil industry... . european nations are ramping up plans to reduce dependence on russian energy. those plans may be needed much sooner than expected. faisal islam, bbc news. 0ur deputy political editor vicki young has been telling us about the issues the uk has encountered in imposing sanctions on russian oligarchs. there's still lots of talk about sanctions and the government coming under pressure over all of that. they have been defending themselves, effectively, saying that in this country we don't have a system where governments can just go around seizing people's assets without some kind of proof of wrongdoing and that, they say, is why it is taking in some cases a little bit longer to get the names of russian oligarchs on to that sanctions list. they have added two more overnight, as you have been reporting. their point is you need a burden

of proof, they have to make a case that is legally sound because otherwise you end up in a situation where there are legal challenges. the problem the government has, they have talked very tough on this, they have talked about, liz truss in particular, saying they want to get rid of what they call dirty russian money from london and they want to take this action, but you can sense the frustration among ministers who think that actually it is the legal system that is preventing them in some cases, so there is talk of maybe some kind of move to try and make sure that legalfirms working on behalf of oligarchs can't slow down the system and fight this all the time. i think the problem they also have is that when it comes to the eu and oligarchs we have seen in the last couple of days, germany and france seizing yachts worth millions of pounds, so the contrast is made. the other argument from the government is what they are focused on is trying to look at the impact this is having.

reading between the lines, they are suggesting that, yes, headlines are good if you are seizing the yacht of some well—known oligarch, but actually it is action against russian banks for example, that is really turning the screw on president putin and is affecting the russian economy. the uk defence secretary ben wallace has spoken about the attack on the nuclear power plant, he was in denmark. nuclear power plant, he was in denmark-_ nuclear power plant, he was in denmark. . ., , ., ., denmark. we have been monitoring the situation through _ denmark. we have been monitoring the situation through the _ denmark. we have been monitoring the situation through the night, _ denmark. we have been monitoring the situation through the night, we - situation through the night, we understand the fire and the shelling was on a training facilityjust off the outskirts of the actual power plant. the russians relented eventually and let the firefighters then, they put that out at the international atomic energy agency and the ukrainian atomic regulator has said the levels of radioactive levels around the site have not gone

above normal, but we are keeping it monitored. we call upon the russian president to absolutely cease attacking sites such as that, it is incredibly dangerous notjust for ukraine and the russians but for europe and it is playing with fire, that really is beyond anything to do with logic or necessity. in the strongest possible terms we ask him to stop that. if it is being turned deliberately then it must be stopped, if it was done by accident than i ask his leaders to make sure, his military leaders, that they are very careful with the infrastructure they are attacking. the difficulty when you ask what i think about the president's mindset, as i warned earlier in the week, the russian armed forces has in its arsenal a whole range of horrors going way beyond capabilities we would choose to have if you are complying with the geneva conventions, the thermobaric vacuum bombs that we are

seeing an inventory on the way they are used, the cluster munitions that many countries have banned, those are weapons they still use and there are weapons they still use and there are worrying science and president putin that, in his words, he seems to indicate no limit —— and the worrying sign from president putin started, in his words. we need is an international community to remain the president that at nato we are 30 nations with huge capability, we are a nuclear alliance. it is very important to understand that. and our friends not to important to understand that. and ourfriends not to nato, we will also make sure we will stand shoulder to shoulder with them. the uk defence agency. the un says a million refugees have left ukraine since the invasion began. more than half have gone to poland, many of whom will have travelled from the western ukrainian city of lvivjust 65 kilometres from the border. lviv is not occupied that there are people living in the city who

understand what it means to be occupied. fergal keane reports from lviv. it is relentless. in a station where they load aid for the embattled armies in the east, and coming the other way, families propelled into exile by president putin's war. today, the number who fled exceeded 1 million, with many more on the move. these are roma gypsies who've escaped the russian advance on kharkiv 1000 kilometres to the east. what is it like in kharkiv? translation: the war, it's difficult. _ everything is burning, everything is destroyed. no—one is listening to us. no—one wants to help us. his daughter sonia says it's terrible. the roma have an inherited memory of war�*s trauma. tens of thousands were murdered by the nazis in world war ii.

and this city of lviv, a crossroads of east and west, saw one of the worst pogroms directed atjews by the germans and ukrainian collaborators. this isn't about trying to draw exact historical parallels, and both russia and ukraine suffered terribly during the second world war, but if you're somebody who has a personal lived experience of that terrible time, then this is a period of increased anxiety, history casting a long, deep shadow. i met someone in lviv bearing trauma of present and past. tatiana is 84 years old, a survivor of the holocaust.

now tatiana has family who are trapped in kyiv. this great city is now

a temporary haven. it's also where lawyers first discussed the very concept of genocide and crimes against humanity. like historian sofia, who now helps refugees and worries for ukraine and the world. you cannot rebuild life which was killed, and there are so many of that happening right now. and the question for us is what kind of world we want to live in, in the future. the world where, because of, you know, geopolitical situation and world order, we can pay the price for human lives. i think this is about here, this is about syria, this is about so many places in the world. at the station, a volunteer plays ukraine's national anthem. lviv�*s history is a story of survival, but also of war�*s immense continuing cost. fergal keane, bbc news, lviv.

here in the uk the response to the humanitarian crisis developing as people flee the fighting in ukraine has meant thousands of people have donated clothing, equipment, food and supplies for those displaced by the invasion. john maguire has been to a pub in norfolk, in eastern england, where they've been overwhelmed by the donations from members of the public wanting to help. this is the railway tavern in norfolk. believe it or not, this has just arrived overnight but they have been collecting items throughout the week. for example, these food boxes filled with dried foods, essentially a russian perk for a family, please, tomatoes, rice, soups, tea bags, sugar, you can imagine how useful and welcome that would be. these bags are full of warm clothing, there are nappies, also

ex—servicemen have been donating essential kits, medicines will also be taken, setting off from today. paul is the landlord here. the effort has been extraordinary, what has the response be like aspirants you can see? the has the response be like aspirants you can see?— has the response be like aspirants ou can see? . ., , ., you can see? the community here and further afield, — you can see? the community here and further afield, norfolk _ you can see? the community here and further afield, norfolk as _ you can see? the community here and further afield, norfolk as a _ you can see? the community here and further afield, norfolk as a whole, - further afield, norfolk as a whole, has really come together. it always does. dear hermansson special place. this is a special place. lots of people have wanted to make a difference? everybody wants to do the little bits, all ages have come with donations,— the little bits, all ages have come with donations, children with toys, incredible. you _ with donations, children with toys, incredible. you are _ with donations, children with toys, incredible. you are yourself- with donations, children with toys, incredible. you are yourself taking | incredible. you are yourself taking medical supplies _ incredible. you are yourself taking medical supplies to _ incredible. you are yourself taking medical supplies to the _ incredible. you are yourself taking medical supplies to the ukrainian l medical supplies to the ukrainian assembled sea —— ukrainian embassy? we are heading to london today. haste we are heading to london today. have ou been we are heading to london today. have you been told — we are heading to london today. have you been told what _ we are heading to london today. have you been told what would make a

difference?— you been told what would make a difference? , ., ., ., difference? yes, we have narrowed it down and being _ difference? yes, we have narrowed it down and being very _ difference? yes, we have narrowed it down and being very selective - difference? yes, we have narrowed it down and being very selective to - difference? yes, we have narrowed it down and being very selective to get| down and being very selective to get the stuff to help the people. safe travels today _ the stuff to help the people. safe travels today to _ the stuff to help the people. safe travels today to the ukrainian embassy, you can see the truck is being loaded. i don't want to interrupt the essential work. people can donate cash too to aid organisations, the dlc launched an appeal last night. —— the drc. andrew, what is your role in this extraordinary operation? istate andrew, what is your role in this extraordinary operation?- andrew, what is your role in this extraordinary operation? we are a famil run extraordinary operation? we are a family run removal _ extraordinary operation? we are a family run removal company - extraordinary operation? we are a family run removal company here| extraordinary operation? we are a . family run removal company here and we answered a facebook post where somebody was looking for a van for somebody was looking for a van for somebody to ship some goods to the ukrainian embassy in central london and i thought this is up our street, we have availability this week so i said we would commit to a van. we ended up taking a truck to the supermarket car parkjust because of

the volume of donations coming in, one truck has turned into two and still the van.— still the van. these are what you would normally _ still the van. these are what you would normally help _ still the van. these are what you would normally help people - still the van. these are what you | would normally help people move house with, now full of essentials for refugees from war? it house with, now full of essentials for refugees from war?— house with, now full of essentials for refugees from war? it has been a phenomenal— for refugees from war? it has been a phenomenal response _ for refugees from war? it has been a phenomenal response from - for refugees from war? it has been a i phenomenal response from everybody, the local community, hats off to everyone, and the goods are still coming, it is absolutely amazing how everybody has pulled together. bill everybody has pulled together. all the very best today. as you said earlier, a family business helping dispossessed families obviously in terrifying and extremely difficult situations. everything in these trucks will be transferred onto a ukrainian freight company so they will be able to make sure they can get through the red tape, get across the borders and get these products, goods and donations to the people who need it the most, as fast as possible. as we have heard, hundreds of thousands of people three in the

fighting, but there are also some heading the other way. ukrainian is returning tojoin heading the other way. ukrainian is returning to join relatives or take up returning to join relatives or take up arms against the russian forces. 0ur europe correspondent mark reports. the farewell of fear. ukrainian hearts split between safety in poland and a desire, a need, to return, driven by patriotism, bravery and knowledge they are outgunned by the enemy. they left from krakow, packing to survive a siege. a three—hour trip to the border, towards the darkness of war, praying for protection. en route, there is no respite from the news back home. my parents want me to stay in poland, but... this woman hasn't even told her mum and dad she is returning. would they be worried about you going back to ukraine? my parents are worried about it, but... ..i think everything will be ok.

many going back to fight, like this husband and wife, have no military experience, just the love for their country. translation: everyone says we shouldn't return. - but we have to do, we can't live like it's all normal here while there is war there. people tell us they would like to be in our place. i would even swap with them. but of course we are afraid about going back. translation: when the war started, i couldn't sleep or eat. _ then we decided to go home, and that made us feel better. i will cry when i see my family, because when the fighting began i was scared i would never see them alive again. at the border, we left them, their journey continuing into the fog of war. it is so strange to think that just over a week ago we, they, would have crossed this border freely and without another thought. but now it has become a frontier into danger, leaving europe, and once they cross they don't know if or when they will

see safety again. it took them another 2a hours to reach their city, which was heavily bombed. we tried to talk several times, but finally her message — "i'm so sorry we can't speak, we are under extreme stress from what what is happening to our country." mark lowen, bbc news, on the poland—ukraine border. the un are setting up a commission of inquiry into alleged russian violations in ukraine. russia has suffered a massive defeat at the un human rights council. 0ur correspondents in geneva says the resolution condemning the invasion and setting up a commission of inquiry to investigate alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity was passed by 32 votes to two with

13 abstentions. 0nly was passed by 32 votes to two with 13 abstentions. only one member state voted with russia, eritrea. moscow's usual supporters, china, cuba and venezuela, all abstained. a commission of inquiry will now be set up by the human rights council to investigate alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. the fight for ukraine's future obviously continues, but it's past is also under threat. the country is rich with historic buildings, museums and art collections which could be targeted by the russians. now the race is on to protect them, as our culture editor has been finding out. 0desa's finite museum holds 10,000 works about. —— fine arts museum. people queued to see the city's treasures here four days before the war started, treasures here four days before the warstarted, perhaps treasures here four days before the war started, perhaps for the last time. its acting director has fled

the country to protect her young son. , ., , ~ , ., , son. oh 'ust fine arts museum has been son. oh just fine arts museum has been like a — son. oh just fine arts museum has been like a child _ son. oh just fine arts museum has been like a child for— son. oh just fine arts museum has been like a child for me _ son. oh just fine arts museum has been like a child for me for - son. oh just fine arts museum has been like a child for me for many. been like a child for me for many years. it was basically a decision about which child did you want to let down or abandon —— 0desa fine arts museum. that let down or abandon -- odesa fine arts museum-— arts museum. at the end of last, alexandra _ arts museum. at the end of last, alexandra showed _ arts museum. at the end of last, alexandra showed the _ arts museum. at the end of last, alexandra showed the ukrainian l alexandra showed the ukrainian president to the museum. he is now battling to save his country from the russians and she and her team are battling to save the election. i did everything possible to keep the collections save, thinking about ways to protect the collections. but at the same time it was impossible to believe it would happen.- to believe it would happen. across ukraine efforts _ to believe it would happen. across ukraine efforts are _ to believe it would happen. across ukraine efforts are being - to believe it would happen. across ukraine efforts are being made i to believe it would happen. across| ukraine efforts are being made not just to protect the people but their culture. a strike on kyiv�*s sofia church or the stunning architectural centre of lviv would be terrible. brute

centre of lviv would be terrible. we are centre of lviv would be terrible. - are facing notjust an centre of lviv would be terrible. - are facing not just an attack on are facing notjust an attack on ukraine but also our culture. this is the head _ ukraine but also our culture. this is the head of _ ukraine but also our culture. this is the head of one _ ukraine but also our culture. this is the head of one of _ ukraine but also our culture. this is the head of one of europe's largest art museums in kyiv, she is staying put, despite the dangers, with a mission to protect. do you intend to stay in kyiv? $5 with a mission to protect. do you intend to stay in kyiv?— with a mission to protect. do you intend to stay in kyiv? as long as mick and guard _ intend to stay in kyiv? as long as mick and guard our— intend to stay in kyiv? as long as mick and guard our institution. i intend to stay in kyiv? as long as - mick and guard our institution. when it is possible no longer, the situation changes —— as long as it is possible to guard our institution. by, is possible to guard our institution.— is possible to guard our institution. �* , ., ., is possible to guard our institution. . , ., ., , institution. a museum north of kyiv has already — institution. a museum north of kyiv has already been _ institution. a museum north of kyiv has already been burned, _ institution. a museum north of kyiv| has already been burned, destroying works of a woman once described by picasso as an artistic miracle. i am frightened- — picasso as an artistic miracle. i am frightened- i— picasso as an artistic miracle. i am frightened. i believe _ picasso as an artistic miracle. i am frightened. i believe for— picasso as an artistic miracle. i —n frightened. i believe for them it would make sense to show some art which shows ukrainian heritage —— it

would make sense to them to destroy its amount. it will cease to exist. unesco has demanded russia protect ukraine's cultural heritage, but this is war and this nation as much as fighting for its future budgets past too. —— but it's past. alexander litvinenko was poisoned in 2006 with the radioactive substance polonium. russia has always denied any involvement. his widow, marina, says the needless deaths will not only be ukrainians — but also young russian soldiers. wendy hurrell has been speaking to her. marina litvinenko's husband, alexander, was once a russian spy who became openly critical of president vladimir putin and his government. in 2006, afterfleeing to london, he fell suddenly ill and died. he'd been poisoned with radioactive polonium. russia has always denied any involvement, but last year, the european court of human rights ruled that it was behind the murder.

alexander litvinenko's prescient final words — "you may succeed in silencing one man, but the howl of protest "from around the world will reverberate." crowd cheers. i wantjust russians who really believe to democracy, to human rights, to freedom of speech, for sure, theyjust need to unite and to support ukrainian, to ukraine, and rich russians in london, they need to donate most of their money. when my husband, alexander litvinenko, started to talk about this in 2003, how it might be dangerous because you can't control who this money came from, you can't be just blind saying, "it doesn't matter because it's useful for our economy." but now we see it's like a time bombing. and are you at all concerned

that there will be animosity towards russian people in london because of the heightened emotions at the moment? when you see a possibility to get out and united with ukrainian to support their protest, what happened recently in trafalgar square or front of downing street, just do it, please. show you are open to this. you don't want a war. you don't want... not only ukrainian, but young russian soldiers will die. why? why they have to die? and try to send messages back to russia, to your relatives, to explain exactly what is happening. because sometimes when you're talking to these people, they don't realise it's a war. what would your hopes be at this point? i hope people are more human than they are and when theyjust believed, and now when we need to talk about climate, about some illness who might kill us,

why we need to talk about war. and this is just my message. we have more things to do than kill each other. wendy hurrell, bbc news. we have the latest news coming up any few minutes, but right now matt taylor the weather. hello. for some of you, it's been a sunny friday so far. for others, a soggy one. and that balance isn't going to switch much as we go through the rest of today. this satellite image shows a strip of cloud, which is actuallyjust thinning in situ rather than moving one way or another. it may thin a little bit this afternoon across some parts of eastern scotland into the pennines, parts of the midlands, so chances are turning a bit brighter here, but still outbreaks of rain across many eastern areas from it. east anglia, not many here stay dry. winds coming in from the south—east. it's further west, though. sunny spells, one or two isolated showers, a bit

of a northwesterly breeze, but temperatures of around nine or ten celsius. coolest of all down some of those north sea coasts. into this evening and overnight, area cloud and patchy rain. it becomes confined mainly to eastern counties of england. away from that, with some clear skies and only one or two showers around, it is going to be a colder night tonight, more widely. widespread frost, the blue colours here in scotland and northern ireland, down to minus four or minus five for a few, but a chance of frost still possible, wales and western parts of england, and that frost risk could be there throughout this weekend, increasing chance of some lingering fog too. but the general story this weekend, especially for those of you've got the wet weather at the moment, it will turn drier and brighter. now for saturday, first of all, that cloud, outbreaks of rain and a bit of a cold breeze continues across some eastern parts of england and through the day after some early morning sunshine will push towards the south—west and south—eastern parts of wales. away from it, though, you start the day sunny and you should end it sunny — a very pleasant day in store. showers few and far between, most will stay dry. then as we go through into sunday, high pressure builds around our weather front. that will start to squeeze the last

dregs of rain or drizzle out of it. there could still be the remnants of it to the south, where there'll be a bit of a breeze. but with high pressure becoming more established, sunday, a widely dry day across the country, there could be some lingering mist and fog patches around and a bit of low cloud maybe drifting in off the north sea as well. windiest towards the south and across parts of the hebrides. but for most, once you get the sunshine out, that march sunshine is gaining a little bit of warmth. it will feel quite pleasant. 0ur area of high pressure then nudges eastwards as we go through into the early part of next week. low pressure system's trying to work in its way from the west and it's going to be those two there or thereabouts this coming week. so keep an eye on the forecast. there could be some subtle changes, but as for the early part of next week, many will be dry and bright, but turning windier and a bit colder too. bye for now.

this is bbc news. welcome if you're watching here in the uk or around the globe. i'm stephen sackur. our top stories? world leaders condemn the attack on europe's largest nuclear power plant — it is now secure. ukraine's president accuses moscow of nuclear terror. translation: we need to stop | the russian military immediately. scream to your politicians. ukraine has 15 nuclear units. if there is an explosion, it is the end of everything. it is the end of europe. the international atomic energy agency chief confirms the site was hit — but it wasn't part of the reactor — no radioactive material has been released. all the safety systems of the six

reactors at the plant were not affected. meanwhile, mariupol in the south of ukraine has become a city under seige — as power and water supplies are cut off by relentless russian shelling. i'm yalda hakim in lviv. this city in western ukraine has become a hub for those displaced by the fighting in the rest of the country. more than a million civilians have fled ukraine. the eu says up to four million may try to leave and that it will welcome all refugees with �*open arms'. russian forces have seized the largest nuclear plant in europe after shelling it overnight and causing a fire. the authorities say the plant is secure and radiation

levels are normal. it's the latest indication of an intensified russian assault across several fronts. the zaporizhzhya is in the south east of ukraine. president zelensky has accused moscow of resorting to "nuclear terror" and urged russians to protest. nato secretary—general, jens stoltenberg, has said it shows the �*recklessness of this war�*. elsewhere, the port city of mariupol to the east is facing another day of heavy bombing, with most basic services like running water cut off. hundreds of civilians have died. kharkiv in the north east has been reduced to rubble. ukraine says at least 47 people were killed by russian air strikes in the northern city of chernihiv. and the polish border guard agency has confirmed more

than 672,500 people have fled ukraine to poland since the war began last week. more than 99 thousand people crossed the border yesterday. my colleague yalda hakim is in lviv — in the west of ukraine. it's become a home for tens of thousands of refugees fleeing violence my colleague yalda hakim joins us live from lviv. it has become a hub for the tens of thousands of people fleeing the fighting and we are about 65 kilometres away from the polish border and that is where most of the people here are trying to make their way and those who have remained here are seeking shelter in hotels and other makeshift accommodation but nine days into this conflict, as you've been reporting, it does feel like things are increasingly getting more intense and dangerous and creating a real sense of fear even in this very peaceful part of the country. there is the sense of anxiety that the worst is yet to come and that is also what we had

the french president emmanuel macron say in the last 2a hours after speaking to vladimir putin. jonathan jacobs has the latest. the terrifying _ jacobs has the latest. the terrifying moment - jacobs has the latest. the terrifying moment that ukraine's's largest nuclear facility came under russian fire. it might have been a training building outside the plant's perimeter but was real enough to wake world leaders in the middle of the night. the power station supplies about a quarter of ukraine's power and the head of facilities said the fire was put out, averting fears of a nuclear disaster similar to chernobyl. it’s disaster similar to chernobyl. it's im aortant disaster similar to chernobyl. it�*s important to say that all the safety systems of the six reactors at the plant were not affected. at all. and there has been no release of radioactive material. the systems we have to measure the radiation are

fully functional as well.— fully functional as well. however, ukraine's leader _ fully functional as well. however, ukraine's leader accused - fully functional as well. however, ukraine's leader accused russia l fully functional as well. however, | ukraine's leader accused russia of nuclear terror. brute ukraine's leader accused russia of nuclear terror.— ukraine's leader accused russia of nuclear terror. we need to stop the russian military. _ nuclear terror. we need to stop the russian military. scream _ nuclear terror. we need to stop the russian military. scream to - nuclear terror. we need to stop the russian military. scream to your i russian military. scream to your politicians, — russian military. scream to your politicians, ukraine has 15 nuclear units _ politicians, ukraine has 15 nuclear units and — politicians, ukraine has 15 nuclear units and if— politicians, ukraine has 15 nuclear units and if there is an explosion it is the — units and if there is an explosion it is the end _ units and if there is an explosion it is the end of everything, the end of europe — it is the end of everything, the end of europe. the it is the end of everything, the end of euro -e. , ., it is the end of everything, the end of euro-e. , ~ ., ,., ., of europe. the strike also led to president zelensky _ of europe. the strike also led to president zelensky to _ of europe. the strike also led to president zelensky to speak - of europe. the strike also led to i president zelensky to speak again of europe. the strike also led to - president zelensky to speak again to us presidentjoe biden, who like other leaders, urged russia to seek military activities. as foreign ministers from nato, the g7 and european union meet in brussels to decide what more they can do to end the fighting, russia has blamed the attack on the nuclear site on ukrainian saboteurs calling it a monstrous provocation. western leaders are considering even more sanctions on russia and have warned moscow that they are prepared for all eventualities.— all eventualities. ours is our defensive — all eventualities. ours is our defensive alliance. - all eventualities. ours is our defensive alliance. we - all eventualities. ours is our defensive alliance. we seek| all eventualities. ours is our. defensive alliance. we seek no conflict but of conflict comes to

us, we are ready for it and we will defend every inch of nato territory. china has also called for restraint as the destruction ukraine goes on. warehouses to the east of the capital amongst the latest targets. in kyiv, the shelling is more sustained and coming closer to the centre. in the south of the country, the port city of mariupol has been besieged by russian forces and the deputy mayor said they were trying to get them to capitulate by creating a humanitarian crisis as those there suffer a third day without water and electricity. fighting is also considered —— continuing in kharkiv as more of ukraine is destroyed by a russian invasion that shows no sign of ending soon. as international condemnation continues of the kremlin and vladimir putin, every corner of this nation is now fully aware that this is a nation at war and people are

doing what they can to save their nation. the people here and the community here in the lviv are making molotov cocktails like other people, their countrymen, in the south and east of the country because they know that the war could come here at any time and they are getting ready. come here at any time and they are getting ready-— come here at any time and they are getting ready. thank you very much indeed. there _ getting ready. thank you very much indeed. there will _ getting ready. thank you very much indeed. there will be _ getting ready. thank you very much indeed. there will be much - getting ready. thank you very much indeed. there will be much more i getting ready. thank you very much indeed. there will be much more to come from lviv and all of the team in ukraine. joining me now is ukraine's energy minister german halushchenko. what is the situation out that nuclear power plant right now? that nuclear power plant right now? git this stage, the firemen managed to stop the fire there and of course we have also heard that situation that the system is not affected at this

time and the level of radiation is normal, but i must say that of course we understand the risk and the reasonably i've already announced, our president has announced, our president has announced, that this is real nuclear terrorism because they shelled directly to the station and they know what they did but, of course, the question here is also that we are not happy that we discussed this in this framework. we mention that the situation is really much more difficult than it appears because we are talking about six units and it's true that it is the biggest in europe but despite that in the station we also have a storage of

nuclear waste in case they shell this storage we will get incredible situations and that's not even a question for ukraine. it situations and that's not even a question for ukraine.- question for ukraine. it doesn't bear thinking _ question for ukraine. it doesn't bear thinking about. _ question for ukraine. it doesn't bear thinking about. who - question for ukraine. it doesn't bear thinking about. who is - question for ukraine. it doesn't bear thinking about. who is in l bear thinking about. who is in control of the power plant right now? are your staff still there because we know them russian military is surrounding the plant but what is the situation. the staff are here and _ but what is the situation. the staff are here and the _ but what is the situation. the staff are here and the russian - but what is the situation. the staff are here and the russian military i are here and the russian military have surrounded the station. exactly. 50 have surrounded the station. exactl . ., have surrounded the station. exactl _ ., , have surrounded the station. exactl. ., , . ., ., exactly. so who is in charge and controlling _ exactly. so who is in charge and controlling the _ exactly. so who is in charge and controlling the plant _ exactly. so who is in charge and controlling the plant right - exactly. so who is in charge and controlling the plant right now? j exactly. so who is in charge and i controlling the plant right now? at controlling the plant right now? git this stage it is the staff of the state company responsible for the nuclear. 50 state company responsible for the nuclear. , , ., ., , ., nuclear. so the russian military are outside but — nuclear. so the russian military are outside but are _ nuclear. so the russian military are outside but are not _ nuclear. so the russian military are outside but are not telling - nuclear. so the russian military are outside but are not telling your - outside but are not telling your staff what to do. are they intervening in any way in the running of the plant?- intervening in any way in the running of the plant? they are t in: to running of the plant? they are

trying to press _ running of the plant? they are trying to press the _ running of the plant? they are trying to press the staff - running of the plant? they are trying to press the staff and i running of the plant? they are l trying to press the staff and also to get some orders but the people are feeling big attention but they are feeling big attention but they are doing what they are supposed to do so there are no accidents there. butt, minister, people right around the world want to know what will happen next and what is the strategy here, ? happen next and what is the strategy here,? is happen next and what is the strategy here, ? is the happen next and what is the strategy here,? is the ukrainian military going to fight around the perimeter of the plant, because there if there is more shellfire and violence, all of the dangers you reverted with the storage of nuclear waste on else, it could still turn that plant into something we don't want to think about. ., , g, something we don't want to think about. ., , ., .., something we don't want to think about. ., , ., ., , , about. that is what could happen toniuht, about. that is what could happen tonight. and _ about. that is what could happen tonight, and of— about. that is what could happen tonight, and of course _ about. that is what could happen tonight, and of course all- about. that is what could happen tonight, and of course all of- about. that is what could happen tonight, and of course all of the l tonight, and of course all of the shelling could do this and you understand that one of the missiles which was hit, the first reactor,

could go aside the first reactor and go to the storage and that is really theissue go to the storage and that is really the issue of nuclear safety. that is why we appeal to international atomic and nuclear energy and asked for some action to stop this because we we also have three more stations in ukraine, we have 15 nuclear units in ukraine, we have 15 nuclear units in ukraine. in ukraine, we have 15 nuclear units in ukraine-— in ukraine. you seem to be saying that the danger _ in ukraine. you seem to be saying that the danger in _ in ukraine. you seem to be saying that the danger in zaporizhzhia i in ukraine. you seem to be saying| that the danger in zaporizhzhia and potential danger in other nuclear plants in your country is very far from over. plants in your country is very far from over-— from over. that is true, that is true, because _ from over. that is true, that is true, because i— from over. that is true, that is true, because i cannot - from over. that is true, that is l true, because i cannot imagine, from over. that is true, that is - true, because i cannot imagine, we cannot imagine that this situation could happen, even during wartime. it could happen in the situation when the military shell directly to the nuclear units, and that, as you know, once again, that is my point,

that this is notjust a question of ukraine, it is a question of global security and of the world. and that is why we ask for closing the sky, because if you see the map of ukraine, you can see that this station in different regions of ukraine, so we need to close the sky, to be so. i mean, it's notjust ukraine, it's for the whole world. the minister, we thank you very much indeed forjoining us on bbc news. we've been telling you about the nato foreign ministers meeting that's taking place in brussels. here's the british foreign secretary speaking just before she went in. can you tell us first of all about the situation with the nuclear power

plant at the moment. how concerned are you and what more can the west do to make sure this kind of thing doesn't happen again? this was a completely reckless act. we have heard now that the fire has been extinguished, but it is extremely concerning that forces are being repaired to do this. this is a threat to european security and stability and we need those responsible to be held to account. you are here in brussels for meetings with nato foreign ministers, the g7, eu foreign ministers. what you hope to achieve today? what today is about is showing the strength of our unity in challenging vladimir putin and stopping vladimir putin in ukraine. we are doing all we can to support the ukraine with weapons. the uk led in that, the first to supply ukraine with weapons. we have been talking about sanctions, where we have been very coordinated, and it's having a big effect in russia but we now need to do more.

we particularly need to look at the oil and gas sector, how do we reduce our dependence across europe on russian gas. how do we cut off the funding to vladimir putin's war machine? that's what i'll be advocating with members the g7 and in discussions with the eu. you raised sanctions, white as the uk slower in sanctioning russian oligarchs than the us and eu? we have led the way in sanctions, in bank freezes where we are doing more than our counterparts. also enclosing our airspace and ports to russian vessels and aircraft and we are advocating more on oil and gas. we have sanctioned more companies than our counterparts across the world.

we just sanctioned two more major oligarchs last night. what i am doing is looking at how we can speed up that process to make even more progress on that front. the number one thing that's important is we are unified with our partners across the world in putting the toughest ever sanctions we have had on russia. russian and ukrainian negotiators have made limited progress at ceasefire talks, agreeing on the need for humanitarian corridors for civilians. jens laerke is spokesperson, un office for humanitarian coordination, hejoins me from geneva. thanks forjoining us. we heard about that agreement on humanitarian corridors. what more can you tell me about whether it will be turned into reality? about whether it will be turned into reali ? , ., ., reality? first of all, we welcome these reports — reality? first of all, we welcome these reports that _ reality? first of all, we welcome these reports that there - reality? first of all, we welcome these reports that there is - these reports that there is agreement between the parties a safe passage of civilians out of this areas that are under relentless

bombardment, but also we certainly hope that that agreement of safe passage also allows humanitarian aid to get into those who choose to stay behind. it remains to be seen what the details are and of course humanitarian organisations and the united nations stand ready to work with the parties so we can ensure that such an operation is done in a way that is dignified, protects the civilians and is safe. you way that is dignified, protects the civilians and is safe.— civilians and is safe. you say the details are _ civilians and is safe. you say the details are yet _ civilians and is safe. you say the details are yet to _ civilians and is safe. you say the details are yet to be _ civilians and is safe. you say the details are yet to be worked - civilians and is safe. you say the details are yet to be worked out | civilians and is safe. you say the i details are yet to be worked out but it's the details that matter. is there going to be any sort of military involvement in the creation of this corridor and how on earth would the people the protected if they tried to flee. that would the people the protected if they tried to flee.— would the people the protected if they tried to flee. that is what we need to sort _ they tried to flee. that is what we need to sort out. _ they tried to flee. that is what we need to sort out. just _ they tried to flee. that is what we need to sort out. just like - they tried to flee. that is what we need to sort out. just like the - they tried to flee. that is what we | need to sort out. just like the rest of the world, we have heard this announcement are trying to clarify what exactly they have in mind and

we stand ready. we have the capacity who are happy to work we can ensure that this is done, protects the civilians who desperately get the aid in the. it is you say it is early days but the need is there are 290,000 people in mariupol. just to take one instance _ 290,000 people in mariupol. just to take one instance and _ 290,000 people in mariupol. just to take one instance and they - 290,000 people in mariupol. just to take one instance and they have - 290,000 people in mariupol. just to take one instance and they have been shelved for more than a0 hours and much of the city is in ruins, and they have no access to electricity or water and to food as well, so this is not about waiting days to get an agreement, it has to happen quickly. do you believe it can? hide quickly. do you believe it can? we believe quickly. do you believe it can? - believe that the parties have shown an interest in doing this. the best

humanitarian aid right now is a substation —— the cessation of the hostilities and that we are not seeing. we still call for that as the united nations, but in the meantime, this is the best thing perhaps we can do and you are absolutely right. we needed this to have happened days ago. the emergency relief movement in geneva has been working relentlessly on this front with all of the parties. at a very senior level to make these things happen and he is willing to set the organisation to work behind it to set out the details so this is done so millions of people who are trapped in these areas get some relief. ~ ., ., trapped in these areas get some relief. s ., ., , ., trapped in these areas get some relief. ., ., . ., , trapped in these areas get some relief. ., ., . ., relief. what are your channels of communication _ relief. what are your channels of communication to _ relief. what are your channels of communication to the _ relief. what are your channels of communication to the russian i relief. what are your channels of l communication to the russian side like? ultimately, this can only happen if the russians do you agree to stop their bombardment. there are

communications _ to stop their bombardment. there are communications at _ to stop their bombardment. there are communications at all _ to stop their bombardment. there are communications at all levels, - to stop their bombardment. there are communications at all levels, at - communications at all levels, at very senior levels with the minister of foreign affairs and the ministry of foreign affairs and the ministry of defence through the ambassadors and other representatives of the russian federation. brute and other representatives of the russian federation.— and other representatives of the russian federation. we thank you ve much russian federation. we thank you very much indeed _ russian federation. we thank you very much indeed for— russian federation. we thank you very much indeed forjoining - russian federation. we thank you very much indeed forjoining us i russian federation. we thank you | very much indeed forjoining us on bbc news from geneva. as we've been reporting, hundreds of thousands of people have left ukraine for the safety of neighbouring eu countries. but there are also some heading the other way. ukrainians returning to their country tojoin relatives or take up arms against the russian forces. 0ur europe correspondent mark lowen reports. the farewell of fear. ukrainian hearts split between safety in poland and a desire, a need, to return, driven by patriotism, bravery and knowledge they are outgunned by the enemy.

they left from krakow, packing to survive a siege. a three—hour trip to the border, towards the darkness of war, praying for protection. en route, there is no respite from the news back home. my parents want me to stay in poland, but... this woman hasn't even told her mum and dad she is returning. would they be worried about you going back to ukraine? my parents are worried about it, but... ..i think everything will be ok. many going back to fight, like this husband and wife, have no military experience, just the love for their country. translation: everyone says we shouldn't return. - but we have to do, we can't live like it's all normal here while there is war there. people tell us they would like to be in our place. i would even swap with them. but of course we are afraid about going back.

translation: when the war started, i couldn't sleep or eat. _ then we decided to go home, and that made us feel better. i will cry when i see my family, because when the fighting began i was scared i would never see them alive again. at the border, we left them, their journey continuing into the fog of war. it is so strange to think that just over a week ago we, they would have crossed this border freely and without another thought. but now it has become a frontier into danger, leaving europe, and once they cross they don't know if or when they will see safety again. it took them another 2a hours to reach their city, which was heavily bombed. we tried to talk several times, but finally her message — "i'm so sorry we can't speak, we are under extreme stress from what has tell what is happening to our country." mark lowen, bbc news, on the poland—ukraine border.

the invasion of ukraine means nato operations are intensifying in europe, as the alliance boosts its presence in the east. part of that mission involves special surveillance flights which can monitor the skies above ukraine — while remaining in nato airspace. 0ur europe correspondent jessica parker was invited on board one of the flights. there is something different about this plane. it's carrying a long—range radar. this is what is known as nato's eyes in the sky — and up there you can see a radar dome, because it is a surveillance plane. now, we are told operations from this base in western germany have really intensified since the russian invasion. this flight is about to take off and we are going to be on it. it is rare to get access to one of these missions. we are heading to south—east poland. so we are on board a boeing 707,

and it's not exactly a passenger plane. for one thing, there are hardly any windows. it is, in fact, a flying office. and, as you can see, a pretty extraordinary one. a military alliance of 30 countries — up here they police nato's skies. we are in polish airspace and we are located on about the belarusian and ukrainian border. if there is a known aircraft entering nato air space, they can help scramble jets to investigate. there's a lot going on. i'm in charge of the radar. we use it to scan the air. right here we have got the surveillance team who is responsible for producing recognised air pictures. with our radar, we are able to see pretty far out - and then whatever we do see, we report that. - they won't go into ukraine. it isn't in nato. but the conflict unfolding

right on its borders. the challenge of this mission is suddenly it is in your own backyard. if it is somewhere else, you don't feel as anxious as we are doing now, but knowing this is europe, in your own backyard, it gives you a little bit of extra tension. we have been in the air about five hours now, and we are in polish airspace sort of doing a figure of eight, but we have been told we are going to be in the air an extra two hours. it seems they want to keep going, keep collecting information. 0ne sombre reason for why we say longer is explained as the mission wraps up. we definitely detected a large number of russian or belarusian aircraft that marshalled in belarus and then ingressed into ukraine for probably about 20 minutes and then went back to the north. so we were able to see that occurring in real—time

and reported it. nato is sometimes accused in the situation ofjust watching on — does it feel like that is what you are doing? i don't think so. again, our role is to protect nato territory and ensure the sovereignty of nato airspace. up here, you really do feel you are on the edge of nato's borders, staying within its limits while looking beyond them. jessica parker, bbc news. a reminder of our top story. russian forces have seized the largest nuclear plant in europe after shelling it overnight and causing a fire. the authorities say the plant is secure and radiation levels are normal. it's the latest indication of an intensified russian assault across several fronts. president zelensky has accused moscow of resorting to "nuclear terror" and urged russians to protest. nato secretary—general, jens stoltenberg, has said it shows the �*recklessness of this war�*.

in the past few minutes, the uk has asked the un security council for a meeting over the attack. hello. for some of you, it�*s been a sunny friday so far. for others, a soggy one. and that balance isn�*t going to switch much as we go through the rest of today. this satellite image shows a strip of cloud, which is actuallyjust thinning in situ rather than moving one way or another. it may thin a little bit this afternoon across some parts of eastern scotland into the pennines, parts of the midlands, so chances are turning a bit brighter here, but still outbreaks of rain across many eastern areas from it. east anglia, not many here stay dry. winds coming in from the south—east. it�*s further west, though. sunny spells, one or two isolated showers, a bit of a northwesterly breeze, but temperatures of around nine or ten celsius. coolest of all down some of those north sea coasts. into this evening and overnight, area cloud and patchy rain. it becomes confined mainly to eastern counties of england. away from that, with some clear skies and only one or two showers around,

it is going to be a colder night tonight, more widely. widespread frost, the blue colours here in scotland and northern ireland, down to minus four or minus five for a few, but a chance of frost still possible, wales and western parts of england, and that frost risk could be there throughout this weekend, increasing chance of some lingering fog too. but the general story this weekend, especially for those of you�*ve got the wet weather at the moment, it will turn drier and brighter. now for saturday, first of all, that cloud, outbreaks of rain and a bit of a cold breeze continues across some eastern parts of england and through the day after some early morning sunshine will push towards the south—west and south—eastern parts of wales. away from it, though, you start the day sunny and you should end it sunny — a very pleasant day in store. showers few and far between, most will stay dry. then as we go through into sunday, high pressure builds around our weather front. that will start to squeeze the last dregs of rain or drizzle out of it. there could still be the remnants of it to the south, where there�*ll be a bit of a breeze. but with high pressure becoming more established, sunday, a widely dry day across the country, there could be some lingering mist

and fog patches around and a bit of low cloud maybe drifting in off the north sea as well. windiest towards the south and across parts of the hebrides. but for most, once you get the sunshine out, that march sunshine is gaining a little bit of warmth. it will feel quite pleasant. 0ur area of high pressure then nudges eastwards as we go through into the early part of next week. low pressure system�*s trying to work in its way from the west and it�*s going to be those two there or thereabouts this coming week. so keep an eye on the forecast. there could be some subtle changes, but as for the early part of next week, many will be dry and bright, but turning windier and a bit colder too. bye for now.

this is bbc news — welcome if you�*re watching here in the uk or around the globe. our top stories... world leaders condemn the attack on europe�*s largest nuclear power plant — it is now secure. ukraine�*s president accuses moscow of nuclear terror. the international atomic energy agency chief confirms the site was hit — but it wasn�*t part of the reactor. no radioactive material has been released. all the safety systems of the six reactors at the plant were not affected. meanwhile, mariupol in the south of ukraine has become

a city under siege, as power and water supplies are cut off by relentless russian shelling. plus, is this the twilight of the oligarchs? more sanctions on russia�*s super—rich. but ukrainians tell the west it must stop buying russian oil and gas. the united nations says a million refugees have now left ukraine since the russian invasion began — more than half have gone to poland. many will have travelled there from the western ukrainian city of lviv, just over 65 kilometres from the border. lviv isn�*t occupied for now but there are people living in the city who understand what it means to be invaded. fergal keane reports from lviv.

it is relentless. in a station where they load aid for the embattled armies in the east, and coming the other way, families propelled into exile by president putin�*s war. today, the number who fled exceeded one million, with many more on the move. these are roma gypsies who�*ve escaped the russian advance on kharkiv1000 kilometres to the east. what is it like in kharkiv? translation: the war, it's difficult. _ everything is burning, everything is destroyed. no—one is listening to us. no—one wants to help us. his daughter sonia says it�*s terrible. the roma have an inherited memory of war�*s trauma. tens of thousands were murdered

by the nazis in world war ii. and this city of lviv, a crossroads of east and west, saw one of the worst pogroms directed at dues by the germans and ukrainian collaborators. this isn�*t about trying to draw exact historical parallels, and both russia and ukraine suffered terribly during the second world war, but if you�*re somebody who has a personal lived experience of that terrible time, then this is a period of increased anxiety, history casting a long, deep shadow. i met someone in lviv bearing trauma of present and past. tatiana is 8a years old, a survivor of the holocaust.

now tatiana has family who are trapped in kyiv.

this great city is now a temporary haven. it�*s also where lawyers first discussed the very concept of genocide and crimes against humanity. like historian sofia, who now helps refugees and worries for ukraine and the world. you cannot rebuild life which was killed, and there are so many of that happening right now. and the question for us is what kind of world we want to live in, in the future. the world where, because of, you know, geopolitical situation and world order, we can pay the price for human lives. i think this is about here, this is about syria, this is about so many places in the world. at the station, a volunteer plays ukraine�*s national anthem. lviv�*s history is a story of survival, but also of war�*s

immense continuing cost. fergal keane, bbc news, lviv. let�*s get a check on how global markets have been absorbing the latest developments — tadhg enright is here. i think extreme volatility still. there�*s been a big sell off of shares after the news of a fire at ukraine�*s biggest nuclear power station. president volodymyr zelensky has accused russia of "nuclear terror" after it bombarded the zaporizhzhia plant — which is the biggest of its kind in europe. the authorities say the plant is secure and radiation levels are normal. investors have taken fright. these are latest prices on the main european indices.

3.6% in paris. the price of oil ticking upwards again. $112, not as high as recent peaks in recent days of $120 a barrel. in london, the stock exchange has also suspended the trading of shares in a further eight companies with links to russia after doing the same to 27 other companies yesterday. there�*s where the price of oil is right now. $112 per barrel. danni hewson, financial analyst from aj belljoins us now thank you for being with us. give us some insight into what is going through the minds of investors when they heard the news about happened at the nuclear plant. you could see just _ happened at the nuclear plant. you could see just when panic set in, when _ could see just when panic set in, when asian — could see just when panic set in, when asian investors started their sell-off _ when asian investors started their sell—off very early, as soon as the fire broke — sell—off very early, as soon as the fire broke out. we saw asian stocks falling _ fire broke out. we saw asian stocks falling to _ fire broke out. we saw asian stocks falling to 16 — fire broke out. we saw asian stocks falling to 16 month lows. they recovered slightly on the news the fire had _

recovered slightly on the news the fire had been brought under control. but clearly— fire had been brought under control. but clearly the prospect this fighting could lead to some kind of nuclear— fighting could lead to some kind of nuclear disaster has very much set investors— nuclear disaster has very much set investors on — nuclear disaster has very much set investors on edge. as you say, there has been _ investors on edge. as you say, there has been a _ investors on edge. as you say, there has been a huge sell—off across europe — has been a huge sell—off across europe today. in fact, the stock 600 is on _ europe today. in fact, the stock 600 is on course — europe today. in fact, the stock 600 is on course for its worst weekly decline — is on course for its worst weekly decline since the pandemic you will sell-otf_ decline since the pandemic you will sell-off in — decline since the pandemic you will sell—off in 2020. investors are really — sell—off in 2020. investors are really nervous about what this fighting — really nervous about what this fighting means stop the close proximity of ukraine to europe and whatever— proximity of ukraine to europe and whatever might happen, what kind of nuclear— whatever might happen, what kind of nuclear disaster, it would notjust impact _ nuclear disaster, it would notjust impact ukraine, but also much of europe _ impact ukraine, but also much of europe as — impact ukraine, but also much of europe as well. we are also seeing a hu-e europe as well. we are also seeing a huge increase in commodities. today we are _ huge increase in commodities. today we are seeing lots of sell—off of car manufacturers, worried that as prices _ car manufacturers, worried that as prices rise. — car manufacturers, worried that as prices rise, consumersjust will not have _ prices rise, consumersjust will not have the _ prices rise, consumersjust will not have the money to pay for those cars _ have the money to pay for those cars. �* , , have the money to pay for those cars. ~ , , ., cars. and it sets the bar for the unpredicted _ cars. and it sets the bar for the unpredicted ability _ cars. and it sets the bar for the unpredicted ability of _ cars. and it sets the bar for the unpredicted ability of this - cars. and it sets the bar for the i unpredicted ability of this conflict bearing in mind there are 15 other nuclear reactors in the ukraine and

this attack an incidental impact on the nuclear station, depending on what side of events you are following, set a barfor recklessness and perhaps unpredictability. it recklessness and perhaps unpredictability.— recklessness and perhaps un-redictabili. , , g unpredictability. it is very much watchin: unpredictability. it is very much watching every _ unpredictability. it is very much watching every single _ unpredictability. it is very much watching every single news - unpredictability. it is very much - watching every single news footage that comes out to figure out exactly what is _ that comes out to figure out exactly what is going on in the mind of russian — what is going on in the mind of russian soldiers and vladimir putin as welt _ russian soldiers and vladimir putin as well. they are incredibly nervous about _ as well. they are incredibly nervous about what — as well. they are incredibly nervous about what might happen. is it that vladimir— about what might happen. is it that vladimir putin is trying to use this scare _ vladimir putin is trying to use this scare tactic— vladimir putin is trying to use this scare tactic as a negotiating tool to try— scare tactic as a negotiating tool to try and — scare tactic as a negotiating tool to try and bring about some kind of resolution— to try and bring about some kind of resolution it wants to happen? markets — resolution it wants to happen? markets are just incredibly nervous. they will— markets are just incredibly nervous. they will be volatile for a long time _ they will be volatile for a long time to— they will be volatile for a long time to come as they watch and wait to see _ time to come as they watch and wait to see what — time to come as they watch and wait to see what happens.— time to come as they watch and wait to see what happens. thank you very much for being _ to see what happens. thank you very much for being with _ to see what happens. thank you very much for being with us _ to see what happens. thank you very much for being with us today. - more now on the latest wave of sanctions against russia

announced by the united states. the biden administration has imposed sanctions on eight russian oligarchs and officials. but it is so far resisting calls to ban russian oil imports because of the impact it could have on fuel prices and on inflation— as samira hussain reports from new york. the biden administration has imposed yet another round of economic sanctions against russia. previous sanctions have included russia�*s central bank and russian president vladimir putin himself. this latest round is targeting more russian elites and their family members who enable mr putin�*s invasion. now, the white house has imposed visa restrictions on more than a dozen russian oligarchs and theirfamilies, and it will also punish russian entities and individuals who enable the spread of disinformation. these latest moves are not a surprise. us presidentjoe biden has repeatedly said he was prepared

to continue to impose sanctions as a way to further squeeze mr putin and those that are closest to him. but russian oil and gas exports remain exempt from american sanctions. although the white house has said it is open to the idea, but it has been reluctant to take that step as it considers the kind of impact it would have on global oil markets and already soaring us energy prices. despite that, traders and banks have been reluctant to engage with russian oil so as not to be seen as a funding the invasion in any way. now the economic impact of the war. the head of the world bank has told the bbc that the war in ukraine will further stoke inflation around the world. david malpass has been speaking to my colleague aaron heslehurst — he told him that surging energy and food prices will hit poorer people the hardest. and despite russia�*s vast oil and gas reserves, he said its economy has long been mismanaged.

i have emphasised that russia has weaknesses, their per capita income is falling below china�*s in part because of economic mismanagement and because they really have maintained such a centralised system of decision—making under putin ever since 2000. the risk is that ukraine is controlled by that. of course, the immediate risk, and i should say, is the horrifying attack. at the time of this recording, there is a discussion going on at the world bank for a $350 million aid package for ukraine. we know this is a fast—moving event, but if it goes through, what will it fund? it will help fund the budget of ukraine, so in this particular instance, this type of package is to add on to a previous operation that was done by the world bank, so it goes to support land reform

that ukraine has been undertaking, which is critical for its long—term success, and other reforms that are nearing, that were nearing completion before the war broke out. on that point, david, are you effectively then underwriting the cost of war for ukraine and therefore the world bank and your near 190 members are effectively taking on russia? i do not see it that way at all. what we are doing is looking for ways to support ukraine as it faces economic catastrophe, and that can be measured in terms of the loss of international reserves that ukraine is suffering, the loss of tax revenues that they suffer because of the shutdown of the economy. david, before this war, the rise in cost of living was already a huge problem for millions of us around the world. what impact will this war in ukraine have on that rising cost of everything picture?

the war in ukraine comes at a bad time for the world because inflation was already rising and in developing countries, a third of them have already had to raise interest rates, so that puts a real burden on their financial systems and on the poor. the energy cost rises hit everyone and especially, they�*re a regressive tax. they hit the poor the most, as does inflation. so these are major concerns. food prices are a very real consideration and problem for people in poor countries and for everyone, really, and they have gone up a lot. russia and ukraine are both big food producers. could this lead possibly to a global recession? my view is that there were plenty of opportunities for growth in the world and while the inflation rate was a giant concern, it could be addressed

with higher output. the world has this amazing ability to create things, and so i think it is too early to say that this will be a recession. what it is is a catastrophe for russia, ukraine, and for their neighbours, and the rest of the world will need to adjust very rapidly in order to go forward. and viewers on bbc world news can see more of that interview with the world bank president david malpass, on talking business with aaron heslehurst this weekend. as we�*ve been saying, all of this is further putting pressure on inflation, with prices rising across the board — in particular wheat, where prices which have surged towards record highs because of fears that supplies from the black sea region could be severely disrupted. wheat futures are up some a7% so far this year. colin hamilton is a commodities

analyst at bmo capital markets — he explained how long this may continue. we are in one of those environments where supply chains were already stretched to the limit and we have taken away over options now in that wheat market in particular. we have to think about who is the marginal purchasing manager and how are they thinking, and it is probably now an emerging market, and we expect them tojump into this market emerging market, and we expect them to jump into this market because feeding a population is very important for stability. we would expect to see large government led purchases over the coming months, and itjust adds to that inflationary pressure. the world will adjust, inflationary pressure. the world willadjust, it inflationary pressure. the world will adjust, it will react, we will get a supply response, but in the near term, get a supply response, but in the nearterm, prices get a supply response, but in the near term, prices are certainly heading higher still. an interesting one for central banks because we do have pressures coming left, right and centre. typically commodity prices spike and we are getting into the question of, how much of this is

transient? some logistical issues, we are pretty good engineers and will will be able to sort out, and purchasing managers will have been scarred by this and have spent the last 18 months desperate to get material in an they have been paying higher prices than you would think normal market environments. in terms of supply, the developed world central banks have some wiggle room must have these emerging markets where we have seen five or six hikes already, they will feel a bit more pressure, those are the ones we should watch for any signs the global economy is starting to stall. that is it for me. back to you, stephen. thank you. events in ukraine have put china in a difficult position. it�*s has forged a strategic relationship with russia and the two countries have a common interest in acting as a counterweight to nato. however, beijing is on friendly terms with ukraine, too, and has expressed anxiety about the conflict. here�*s david grossman.

the map is being remade. in western europe, nations are rediscovering the importance of nato and of defence spending, and for china, an increasingly significant strategic partner to russia and geopolitical rival to the united states, there are many dangers in this conflict as well as a few opportunities. i think from the beginning of the crisis, china has been trying to balance three conflicting interests. one is to preserve its relationship with russia, which xijinping is deeply invested in. the second is to not inflict irreparable damage on china�*s relationship with the west, particularly of course the united states, the countries in europe and its continued access to advanced technology. and then thirdly, upholding china�*s long—standing interests in state sovereignty

and territorial integrity. china and russia started the year closer than ever. a meeting between president xi jinping and vladimir putin produced a 5000—word joint statement, including the phrase "friendship "between the two states has no limits. "there are no forbidden areas of cooperation." the general assembly is now working on a draft resolution... but this week we saw there were limits. at the un, china abstained on a resolution critical of russia. and today the chinese foreign ministry was not mentioning its unlimited friendship with vladimir putin, but instead the importance of respecting borders and sovereignty. translation: china's basic position on the ukraine issue _ is consistent and unequivocal. china always believe that all countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity should be

respected and international disputes should be resolved peacefully, in accordance with the purposes and principles of the un charter. i think that china is very worried that this has developed in a way that it did not anticipate and china is not prepared for, and china is being criticised as an enabler of the conflict and is really seen as having gotten very, very close to russia, and i think china will pay costs if it continues to lean so heavily toward moscow. but could china benefit? it already buys russian gas and has an agreement to buy much more. but if europe were to stop the pipelines west, well, these are not connected to the pipeline that supplies china, so it is not clear that china could capitalise on russian separation from western markets. if i were the chinese leadership, i would have preferred to see this

at a later point in time, when i would have had the ability to import all of the gas needed from russia and also, and this is very important, to have already built a strong enough payment system, cips — china international payment system — independent from the west, independent from swift, and with much bigger volume than it has today. that would give me an alternative. with rapidly moving sanctions imposed by the west, china will now be concerned that it could inadvertently fall foul of them if it continues to support russia economically. once this invasion had started, china�*s best solution would have been a rapid russian victory with minimal damage to ukraine and minimal disruption to international trade. with every day that passes, the options for china seem less and less attractive.

ukrainian children with cancer are being treated in a hospital basement, while the fighting continues above ground. at kyiv�*s children�*s hospital, they�*re using makeshift beds. graham satchell reports. a teenage boy injured in a russian attack. he�*s been brought to the children�*s hospital in kyiv. the boy is operated on and stabilised. just a week ago, none of the staff here could have imagined the situation they are now in. this moment, we are actually exhausted. we are tired, because we live and work 2a/7, and it�*s very hard to take yourself in your hand and move on. there are normally 600 babies and children at this hospital. most have now been evacuated to safer parts of the country. but still, there are more

than 200 children here. they�*ve been moved out of the wards, away from windows, for their own safety. some are in bed, others on chairs. in the basement, a makeshift cancer ward. it is the safest part of the hospital but an awful environment for the youngest of patients, toddlers and babies. it�*s really terrible, because, you know, to treat patients with cancer, it�*s like an every day fight. and now it�*s like an every day fight in an unpredictable situation. parents have moved in full—time to be with their children. everyone doing their best to make life feel as normal as possible. you make a lot of activities for them. i don�*t remember how it�*s called, it�*s a person who has always smiles with the big red nose. clown ? yeah, clown. and she has come before the war to our hospital,

they have a big group of volunteers, we call them hospital clowns. they still come to the shelters. we have a lot of candies, a lot of goods which we normally don�*t give the children, but at this moment, do what you want, and whatever you want. i don�*t know how it�*s happened. but even one day we had a mcdonald�*s in our hospital. yeah, it�*s not very healthy food, but in such conditions, it�*s more good emotions for children so i think it�*s good for them. cities across ukraine like kharkiv in the north have been bombarded now for days. staff at the hospital know that kyiv could be next. are you worried about what will happen? i am a normal person, i�*m really worried. i�*m worried what will be in the future. will ukraine exist?

the first reason is change of mind of russians. the russian people, the russian soldiers. i don�*t want you to feel the same i feel. i just want you to stay in your country. and don�*t touch me, that�*s all that i ask. nothing, no war, just stay in your country, and that�*s all. lesia has posted these pictures on her social media page. she embodies the determination of the ukrainian people to keep on fighting. if the russians start to bomb the centre of kyiv, will you stay? yes. until the patients will be in the hospital, really, i, with my husband will stay with the patients. in one of the rest areas of the hospital, a young girl sings a traditionalfolk song. it glorifies ukraine as a beautiful country, and its people as proud and brave.

0ur coverage of the ukraine war continues at the top of the hour, do stay with us. hello. for some of you, it�*s been a sunny friday so far. for others, a soggy one. and that balance isn�*t going to switch much as we go through the rest of today. this satellite image shows a strip of cloud, which is actuallyjust thinning in situ rather than moving one way or another. it may thin a little bit this afternoon across some parts of eastern scotland into the pennines, parts of the midlands, so chances are turning a bit brighter here, but still outbreaks of rain across many eastern areas from it. east anglia, not many here stay dry. winds coming in from the south—east. it�*s further west, though. sunny spells, one or two isolated showers, a bit of a northwesterly breeze, but temperatures of around nine or ten celsius. coolest of all down some of those north sea coasts. into this evening and overnight, area cloud and patchy rain. it becomes confined mainly to eastern counties of england. away from that, with some clear skies and only one

or two showers around, it is going to be a colder night tonight, more widely. widespread frost, the blue colours here in scotland and northern ireland, down to minus four or minus five for a few, but a chance of frost still possible, wales and western parts of england, and that frost risk could be there throughout this weekend, increasing chance of some lingering fog too. but the general story this weekend, especially for those of you�*ve got the wet weather at the moment, it will turn drier and brighter. now for saturday, first of all, that cloud, outbreaks of rain and a bit of a cold breeze continues across some eastern parts of england and through the day after some early morning sunshine will push towards the south—west and south—eastern parts of wales. away from it, though, you start the day sunny and you should end it sunny — a very pleasant day in store. showers few and far between, most will stay dry. then as we go through into sunday, high pressure builds around our weather front. that will start to squeeze the last dregs of rain or drizzle out of it. there could still be the remnants of it to the south, where there�*ll be a bit of a breeze. but with high pressure becoming more established, sunday, a widely dry day across the country, there could be some lingering mist

and fog patches around and a bit of low cloud maybe drifting in off the north sea as well. windiest towards the south and across parts of the hebrides. but for most, once you get the sunshine out, that march sunshine is gaining a little bit of warmth. it will feel quite pleasant. 0ur area of high pressure then nudges eastwards as we go through into the early part of next week. low pressure system�*s trying to work in its way from the west and it�*s going to be those two there or thereabouts this coming week. so keep an eye on the forecast. there could be some subtle changes, but as for the early part of next week, many will be dry and bright, but turning windier and a bit colder too. bye for now.

this is bbc news. welcome if you�*re watching here in the uk or around the globe. i�*m stephen sackur. our top stories. world leaders condemn the attack on europe�*s largest nuclear power plant — it is now secure — ukraine�*s president accuses moscow of nuclear terror. translation: we need to stop | the russian military immediately. scream to your politicians. ukraine has 15 nuclear units. if there is an explosion, it is the end of everything. the international atomic energy agency chief confirms the site was hit — but it wasn�*t part of the reactor — no radioactive material has been released. all the safety systems of the six reactors at the plant were not affected.

meanwhile mariupol in the south of ukraine has become a city under siege — as power and water supplies are cut off by relentless russian shelling. i�*m yalda hakim in lviv. this city in western ukraine has become a hub for those displaced by the fighting in the rest of the country. more than one million civilians have fled ukraine. the eu says up to four million may try to leave and that it will welcome all refugees with �*open arms�*. russian forces have seized ukraine�*s

largest nuclear power station after shelling it overnight and causing a fire. the authorities say the zaporizhzhya site is secure and radiation levels are normal. ukraine�*s energy minister told us ukrainian staff are still running the plant, while russian military forces surround the outside of the site. it�*s the latest indication of an intensified russian assault across several fronts. the zaporizhzhya nuclear plant is in the south east of ukraine. it�*s the biggest in europe. president zelensky has accused moscow of resorting to "nuclear terror" and urged russians to protest. nato secretary—general, jens stoltenberg, has said it shows the �*recklessness of this war�*. elsewhere, the port city of mariupol to the east is facing another day of heavy bombing, with most basic services like running water cut off. hundreds of civilians have died. kharkiv in the north east has been reduced to rubble. ukraine says at least a7 people

were killed by russian air strikes in the northern city of chernihiv and the polish border guard agency has confirmed more than 672,500 people have fled ukraine to poland since the war began last week, more than 99,000 people crossed the border yesterday. meanwhile, vladimir putin has warned neighbouring countries not to escalate the situation by imposing more restrictions on his country/. speaking at a government broadcast earlier. many will have travelled to poland from the western ukrainian city of lviv, just just over 65 kilometres from the border. my colleague yalda hakim is there. thank you, and as you mention, we

are about 65 kilometres away from the polis border where in the last 2a hours we have seen devastating scenes of women and children being separated from the men in their lives who have been asked and told that they need to remain in this country to continue to fight and confront the might of the russian army and deal with the shelling and ongoing fighting that, as you say, has intensified in the north, east and south of the country. jonathan josephs has the latest. the terrifying moment that ukraine�*s largest nuclear facility came under russian fire. cctv shows a fire breaking out in a building outside the perimeter. it supplies about a quarter of ukraine�*s electricity. the head of the agency which oversees nuclear facilities says the blaze was put

out, averting fears of a nuclear disaster similar to chernobyl. it�*s important to say that all the safety systems of the six reactors at the plant were not affected at all. and there has been no release of radioactive material. the systems we have to measure the radiation are fully functional as well. however, ukraine�*s leader accused russia of nuclear terror. we need to stop the russian military. scream to your politicians, ukraine has 15 nuclear units and if there is an explosion it is the end of everything, the end of europe. the strike also led to president zelensky to speak again to us presidentjoe biden, who, like other world leaders, urged russia to seek military activities. it's it�*s very difficult to believe it wasn�*t done deliberately, but in any

event it is on lawful to attack a site like this and not do due diligence and keep bombarding it. as foreign ministers from nato, the g7 and european union meet in brussels to decide what more they can do to end the fighting, russia has blamed the attack on the nuclear site on ukrainian saboteurs, calling it a monstrous provocation. western leaders are considering even more sanctions on russia and have warned moscow that they are prepared for all eventualities. ours is our defensive alliance. we seek no conflict but if conflict comes to us, we are ready for it and we will defend every inch of nato territory. china has also called for restraint as the destruction ukraine goes on. warehouses to the east of the capital amongst the latest targets. in kyiv, the shelling is more sustained and coming closer to the centre. if you are daring to venture out on the streets as preparations to take

on russian forces continue —— if you are daring. in the south of the country, the port city of mariupol has been besieged by russian forces and the deputy mayor said they were trying to get them to capitulate by creating a humanitarian crisis as those there suffer a third day without water and electricity. fighting is also continuing in kharkiv as more of ukraine is destroyed by a russian invasion that shows no sign of ending soon. as the fighting rages on in the ukrainian people deal day in, day out with ongoing rushing shelling, the defiant president vladimir zelensky continues to address his people, sometimes twice a day, sometimes switching between ukrainian and russian and occasionally speaking directly to the russian people but in the last few hours we have heard from him in and he has spoken to the

international community and occasionally we hear his frustration that more needs to be done. he often thanks the international community for their support but have a listen to what he had to say about a potential no—fly zone being put into place. potential no-fly zone being put into lace. ., , ., potential no-fly zone being put into lace. ., ~ ., place. people of ukraine, you could have stopped _ place. people of ukraine, you could have stopped the _ place. people of ukraine, you could have stopped the history _ place. people of ukraine, you could have stopped the history of - place. people of ukraine, you could have stopped the history of ukrainej have stopped the history of ukraine on the _ have stopped the history of ukraine on the history of europe. the russian — on the history of europe. the russian attack to the zaporizhzhia nuclear _ russian attack to the zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, the largest in europe _ nuclear power plant, the largest in europe. this plant could be like six chernobyl— europe. this plant could be like six chernobyl plant. the russian tankers knew what _ chernobyl plant. the russian tankers knew what they were shelling. they fired direct fire at this station and this— fired direct fire at this station and this is a terror at a new level. ukraine _ and this is a terror at a new level. ukraine has— and this is a terror at a new level. ukraine has 15 power units and the memory— ukraine has 15 power units and the memory of— ukraine has 15 power units and the memory of chernobyl is lost to the russian _ memory of chernobyl is lost to the russian tankers. russian people, i

want _ russian tankers. russian people, i want to— russian tankers. russian people, i want to address you, how it is even possible _ want to address you, how it is even possible. we work together in 1986, we fought— possible. we work together in 1986, we fought the consequences of the chernobyl disaster and you must remember that the destroyed power station _ remember that the destroyed power station. you must remember the evacuation — station. you must remember the evacuation and the 30 million —— kilometre — evacuation and the 30 million —— kilometre zone. how could you forget it? and _ kilometre zone. how could you forget it? and if— kilometre zone. how could you forget it? and if you have not forgotten, then— it? and if you have not forgotten, then you — it? and if you have not forgotten, then you must not be silent. you must _ then you must not be silent. you must tell— then you must not be silent. you must tell your authorities and go out into— must tell your authorities and go out into the street and say that you want _ out into the street and say that you want to _ out into the street and say that you want to live — out into the street and say that you want to live on the land without direct _ want to live on the land without direct contamination. radiation does not know— direct contamination. radiation does not know where russia is all the border— not know where russia is all the border of— not know where russia is all the border of your country is. so all the night — border of your country is. so all the night i _ border of your country is. so all the night i was in touch with the leaders — the night i was in touch with the leaders of— the night i was in touch with the leaders of other countries in order to have _ leaders of other countries in order to have a — leaders of other countries in order to have a response from the world. i

felt that— to have a response from the world. i felt that the — to have a response from the world. i felt that the world, and the uk is convening — felt that the world, and the uk is convening a security council about this attack— convening a security council about this attack and there is a committee for around—the—clock response. it is necessary— for around—the—clock response. it is necessary to — for around—the—clock response. it is necessary to strengthen sanctions against _ necessary to strengthen sanctions against the terrorists. it is necessary to immediately close the sky over— necessary to immediately close the sky over ukraine because only this guarantees that ukraine will not fire missiles and air bombs at our facilities — fire missiles and air bombs at our facilities i— fire missiles and air bombs at our facilities. i am grateful to all of our heroes— facilities. i am grateful to all of our heroes from the national guard who defended the station and tried to stop _ who defended the station and tried to stop the enemy. i am grateful to the firefighters who put out the fire, _ the firefighters who put out the fire, but — the firefighters who put out the fire, but a — the firefighters who put out the fire, but a lot depends on the citizens— fire, but a lot depends on the citizens of— fire, but a lot depends on the citizens of ukraine, ordinary people. _ citizens of ukraine, ordinary people, residents, you understand the threat — people, residents, you understand the threat the threat of the station better— the threat the threat of the station better than anyone because you live near better than anyone because you live hear it _ better than anyone because you live hear it and — better than anyone because you live near it and you see the occupiers,

stop— near it and you see the occupiers, stop them, — near it and you see the occupiers, stop them, drive them away, let them understand _ stop them, drive them away, let them understand that this is ukraine and ukraine _ understand that this is ukraine and ukraine is— understand that this is ukraine and ukraine is not a place for nuclear ashes _ ukraine is not a place for nuclear ashes. citizens of ukraine, the enemy— ashes. citizens of ukraine, the enemy has _ ashes. citizens of ukraine, the enemy has merged on the country and their forces— enemy has merged on the country and their forces and for the ninth day, we have _ their forces and for the ninth day, we have been saving our state from this invasion. ukrainian cities have not seen _ this invasion. ukrainian cities have not seen such inhuman cruelty against — not seen such inhuman cruelty against our state since the nazi occupation. the cities are being destroyed, they destroy infrastructure and people in residential areas, infrastructure and people in residentialareas, only yesterday, residential areas, only yesterday, russian _ residentialareas, only yesterday, russian bombs killed a7 people.

peaceful— russian bombs killed a7 people. peaceful civilians. kharkiv, they simply — peaceful civilians. kharkiv, they simply destroyed kharkiv with rocket artillery— simply destroyed kharkiv with rocket artillery and air strikes. russia destroys _ artillery and air strikes. russia destroys. it destroys kharkiv. how it could _ destroys. it destroys kharkiv. how it could happen this morning, a rocket — it could happen this morning, a rocket hit — it could happen this morning, a rocket hit a school building, hit children — rocket hit a school building, hit children. this is the reality when russia _ children. this is the reality when russia comes. yes there is the creation — russia comes. yes there is the creation of— russia comes. yes there is the creation of humanitarian corridors where _ creation of humanitarian corridors where the — creation of humanitarian corridors where the people suffer the most. we will see _ where the people suffer the most. we will see how this agreement works. 0ur defence inflict heavy losses on the enemy. we killed almost 9000 occupiers — the enemy. we killed almost 9000 occupiers. we beat them near kharkiv

and kviv— occupiers. we beat them near kharkiv and kyiv and _ occupiers. we beat them near kharkiv and kyiv and the capital remains a key target — and kyiv and the capital remains a key target and they will not wreck our state — key target and they will not wreck our state. never. whatever they do. no matter— our state. never. whatever they do. no matter what they do, they will lose _ no matter what they do, they will lose. because we are at home and we are on— lose. because we are at home and we are on our— lose. because we are at home and we are on our own land. they are constantly— are on our own land. they are constantly preparing provocations and now — constantly preparing provocations and now they recur a provocation where _ and now they recur a provocation where they— and now they recur a provocation where they are going to a fictitious support— where they are going to a fictitious support of— where they are going to a fictitious support of russia and for this purpose _ support of russia and for this purpose and they have brought into the city _ purpose and they have brought into the city aliens, and they want to make _ the city aliens, and they want to make a — the city aliens, and they want to make a tv — the city aliens, and they want to make a tv picture as if kherson is no longer— make a tv picture as if kherson is no longer a — make a tv picture as if kherson is no longer a ukrainian city. i want to remind — no longer a ukrainian city. i want to remind you of that. this was started — to remind you of that. this was started in— to remind you of that. this was started in the so—called people's republic— started in the so—called people's republic in lieu hand scanned on x. iappeal—

republic in lieu hand scanned on x. i appeal to — republic in lieu hand scanned on x. i appeal to you that the people of kherson— i appeal to you that the people of kherson stop it, don't listen to anyone, — kherson stop it, don't listen to anyone, listen to your children, listen _ anyone, listen to your children, listen to— anyone, listen to your children, listen to your heart. you are ukrainians— listen to your heart. you are ukrainians and i want to say that ukraine — ukrainians and i want to say that ukraine will not give up its own. we are fighting — ukraine will not give up its own. we are fighting against a very powerful enemy— are fighting against a very powerful enemy that prevails in terms of the number— enemy that prevails in terms of the number of— enemy that prevails in terms of the number of people and equipment, but is 1000 _ number of people and equipment, but is 1000 light—years away from us, from _ is 1000 light—years away from us, from normal people who have dignity. show it _ from normal people who have dignity. show it. demonstrate our national fla-. show it. demonstrate our national flag. demonstrate our national anthem — flag. demonstrate our national anthem. 0ur flag. demonstrate our national anthem. our national spirit. and anthem. 0ur national spirit. and show— anthem. 0ur national spirit. and show to— anthem. our national spirit. and show to the _ anthem. our national spirit. and show to the occupiers that in kherson— show to the occupiers that in kherson they can only be there temporarily. and no one or ever

could _ temporarily. and no one or ever could they— temporarily. and no one or ever could they take the city of kherson like any _ could they take the city of kherson like any other ukrainian city, the city of— like any other ukrainian city, the city of our— like any other ukrainian city, the city of our state. glory to ukraine. you are _ city of our state. glory to ukraine. you are watching bbc news. you were listening there to president volodymyr zelensky, remaining defiant and continuing to speak directly to his people to tell them to stay united despite the difficulties that this nation continues to face and the very dangerous, frightening situation that has developed nine days into this conflict. dr paul normanjoins me now, he�*s a reader in nuclear engineering & reactor physics at the university of birmingham, we were hearing from volodymyr zelensky who described the situation and the attack on the nuclear power plant as nuclear terror. give us a sense of how risky and dangerous the situation was. i sense of how risky and dangerous the situation was-— situation was. i think there is a balance of— situation was. i think there is a balance of factors _ situation was. i think there is a balance of factors to _ situation was. i think there is a balance of factors to consider l situation was. i think there is a - balance of factors to consider here.

obviously— balance of factors to consider here. obviously attacks nuclear plants are unprecedented, but in fact, they are fairly well— unprecedented, but in fact, they are fairly well protected and robust in terms _ fairly well protected and robust in terms of— fairly well protected and robust in terms of the thick pressure vessels which _ terms of the thick pressure vessels which are _ terms of the thick pressure vessels which are about a foot thick of steel— which are about a foot thick of steel and _ which are about a foot thick of steel and they have metres thick concrete — steel and they have metres thick concrete containment so they are fairly— concrete containment so they are fairly secure against earthquakes, explosions, to some degree as well. but, of— explosions, to some degree as well. but, of course, if you subject any structure — but, of course, if you subject any structure to — but, of course, if you subject any structure to a significant amount of bombardment, there could be potential issues and nuclear plants are no— potential issues and nuclear plants are no exception. we potential issues and nuclear plants are no exception.— potential issues and nuclear plants are no exception. we heard there of the auen are no exception. we heard there of the agency earlier— are no exception. we heard there of the agency earlier who _ are no exception. we heard there of the agency earlier who said - are no exception. we heard there of the agency earlier who said that - are no exception. we heard there of the agency earlier who said that of l the agency earlier who said that of the agency earlier who said that of the six units units operating there was only one at 60%, so does that make a difference of the situation there or is itjust as dangerous and risky? i there or is it 'ust as dangerous and ris ? ., , there or is it 'ust as dangerous and ris ? ~' , .,. ., risky? i think it is the fact that fuel is in reactors. _

risky? i think it is the fact that fuel is in reactors. we - risky? i think it is the fact that fuel is in reactors. we are - risky? i think it is the fact that - fuel is in reactors. we are probably familiar— fuel is in reactors. we are probably familiar with incidents such as chernobyl in the ukraine and the fukushima accident injapan. and they both — fukushima accident injapan. and they both relate to slightly different aspects which, in principle, could occur during some sort of— principle, could occur during some sort of attack or shelling like this — sort of attack or shelling like this the _ sort of attack or shelling like this. the chernobyl reactor back in the i980s — this. the chernobyl reactor back in the 19805 exploded under its own instability, but in theory, if you did launch _ instability, but in theory, if you did launch rocket5 instability, but in theory, if you did launch rockets and mi55ile5 instability, but in theory, if you did launch rockets and missiles and so on _ did launch rockets and missiles and so on at _ did launch rockets and missiles and so on at a _ did launch rockets and missiles and so on at a reactor with sufficient force _ so on at a reactor with sufficient force and — so on at a reactor with sufficient force and opened it up, then some of the inventory from the reactor will escape _ the inventory from the reactor will escape to — the inventory from the reactor will escape to the surrounding environment which is of course what happened _ environment which is of course what happened in— environment which is of course what happened in the two accidents. the fukushima — happened in the two accidents. the fukushima accident is slightly different. in that it was not a direct— different. in that it was not a direct impact from the earthquake itself, _ direct impact from the earthquake itself, it— direct impact from the earthquake itself, it was following on from a loss of— itself, it was following on from a loss of electricity supply that took

off after _ loss of electricity supply that took off after the tsunami wave came in and eventually the reactor started to overheat and it went into meltdown. so, in principle, that thing _ meltdown. so, in principle, that thing could be caused by the lot of cooling _ thing could be caused by the lot of cooling systems. you don't necessarily have to directly impact the reactor core immediately in that sort of— the reactor core immediately in that sort of scenario, so there are different— sort of scenario, so there are different sorts of possibilities, as i different sorts of possibilities, as i stress — different sorts of possibilities, as i stress, reactors are pretty robust structures _ i stress, reactors are pretty robust structures designed to take explosions, aircraft impact, withstand earthquakes and so on, but as i say, _ withstand earthquakes and so on, but as i say, it _ withstand earthquakes and so on, but as i say, it depends on the level of the sorts— as i say, it depends on the level of the sorts of— as i say, it depends on the level of the sorts of things as well.- the sorts of things as well. thank ou for the sorts of things as well. thank you for giving _ the sorts of things as well. thank you for giving this _ the sorts of things as well. thank you for giving this a _ the sorts of things as well. thank you for giving this a sense - the sorts of things as well. thank you for giving this a sense of- the sorts of things as well. thank| you for giving this a sense of what the risks are involved in what happened overnight. thank you. let�*s speak to viacheslav, he�*s a resident hiding out in basement with his family,

helping out locals to find shelter and food. we can�*t for security reasons tell you exactly where he is. tell us what is happening where you are? iii. what is happening where you are? hi. the city is under attack and is bombed — the city is under attack and is bombed all the time. the place where i was bombed all the time. the place where i was living _ bombed all the time. the place where i was living originally in the town is bombed — i was living originally in the town is bombed right now and today was i was driving — is bombed right now and today was i was driving my car and getting some people _ was driving my car and getting some people from that region, my mother and have _ people from that region, my mother and have the bombs were bombing the houses _ and have the bombs were bombing the houses with— and have the bombs were bombing the houses with people and it is normal for this— houses with people and it is normal for this place, for this situation. it for this place, for this situation. it started — for this place, for this situation. it started nine days ago and ijust came _ it started nine days ago and ijust came to — it started nine days ago and ijust came to the church office and this place _ came to the church office and this place became the shelter for almost 200 people right now and today i transferred my wife and my kids, newborn — transferred my wife and my kids, newborn kid, to another town and i

stayed _ newborn kid, to another town and i stayed here — newborn kid, to another town and i stayed here to help all of my friends — stayed here to help all of my friends and the people around me and in this— friends and the people around me and in this town _ friends and the people around me and in this town to bring them food and every day new people come and some people _ every day new people come and some people when they are under attack they came — people when they are under attack they came here without anything and did not— they came here without anything and did not take any document and they do not _ did not take any document and they do not eat— did not take any document and they do not eat and they were shaking their— do not eat and they were shaking their heads for three days until some _ their heads for three days until some people did not get out from the safe place. _ some people did not get out from the safe place, maybe 36 hours when they came for— safe place, maybe 36 hours when they came for the _ safe place, maybe 36 hours when they came for the first time. but for us and the _ came for the first time. but for us and the people from the church office. — and the people from the church office, once again, please? are you caettin office, once again, please? are you getting any — office, once again, please? are you getting any access _ office, once again, please? are you getting any access to _ office, once again, please? are you getting any access to food, - office, once again, please? are you getting any access to food, water, i getting any access to food, water, any other kind of health from the outside. idate any other kind of health from the outside. ~ . ., any other kind of health from the outside. s . ., ., outside. we we call it going hunting because we — outside. we we call it going hunting because we are _ outside. we we call it going hunting because we are going _ outside. we we call it going hunting because we are going to _ outside. we we call it going hunting

because we are going to find - outside. we we call it going hunting because we are going to find food i because we are going to find food and take — because we are going to find food and take the water and fine gas for the cars— and take the water and fine gas for the cars and take all of the people to bring _ the cars and take all of the people to bring from the bombing plays to a safer place _ to bring from the bombing plays to a safer place and it is about when we .et safer place and it is about when we get up _ safer place and it is about when we get up at _ safer place and it is about when we get up at six o'clock until three o'clock. — get up at six o'clock until three o'clock. we _ get up at six o'clock until three o'clock, we are driving, we are searching, _ o'clock, we are driving, we are searching, we are trying to convert money— searching, we are trying to convert money on — searching, we are trying to convert money on the cards to physical money, — money on the cards to physical money, because it is hard to buy food _ money, because it is hard to buy food with— money, because it is hard to buy food with a — money, because it is hard to buy food with a card. we money, because it is hard to buy food with a card.— food with a card. we are hearing also in the _ food with a card. we are hearing also in the last _ food with a card. we are hearing also in the last 24 _ food with a card. we are hearing also in the last 24 hours - food with a card. we are hearing also in the last 24 hours that - also in the last 2a hours that ukraine and russia have agreed to a humanitarian corridor. are you seeing any evidence of that to try to get the injured out? yes. seeing any evidence of that to try to get the injured out? to get the in'ured out? yes, some are safe to get the injured out? yes, some are safe houses _ to get the injured out? yes, some are safe houses are _ to get the injured out? yes, some are safe houses are getting - to get the injured out? yes, some are safe houses are getting their. are safe houses are getting their humanitarian relief. we must have such these — humanitarian relief. we must have such these things soon, this day and we hope _ such these things soon, this day and we hope to— such these things soon, this day and we hope to get it and we will bring

it to another safe house and we will bring _ it to another safe house and we will bring it _ it to another safe house and we will bring it to _ it to another safe house and we will bring it to another people who have stayed _ bring it to another people who have stayed under their houses. it's not a safe _ stayed under their houses. it's not a safe house. under the level of the limits— a safe house. under the level of the limits of— a safe house. under the level of the limits of rooms, it is not a safe housei _ limits of rooms, it is not a safe house. and _ limits of rooms, it is not a safe house, and today we gave food and water _ house, and today we gave food and water to _ house, and today we gave food and water to 100 people at the corner of the town, _ water to 100 people at the corner of the town, i'm sorry, bombing right now _ the town, i'm sorry, bombing right now today— the town, i'm sorry, bombing right now. today we gave food and water to the people _ now. today we gave food and water to the people at the line of the town. we have _ the people at the line of the town. we have difficulty with the water and difficulty with food and the humanitarians are coming right now. thank— humanitarians are coming right now. thank you _ humanitarians are coming right now. thank you so— humanitarians are coming right now. thank you so much forjoining us and stay safe in these very difficult and challenging times. thank you.

tatiana is with me in and she has comejust from a tatiana is with me in and she has come just from a town outside of g—men has come to seek refuge in thank you forjoining us on the programme. tell me more about what was happening in your town and why you left. in was happening in your town and why ou left. , ., ., , .,, you left. in my town the army was destroying — you left. in my town the army was destroying us. _ you left. in my town the army was destroying us, and _ you left. in my town the army was destroying us, and in _ you left. in my town the army was destroying us, and in my- you left. in my town the army was destroying us, and in my town - you left. in my town the army was destroying us, and in my town a i you left. in my town the army was l destroying us, and in my town a lot of little _ destroying us, and in my town a lot of little children around kyiv, one of little children around kyiv, one of the _ of little children around kyiv, one of the most big cities, there were small— of the most big cities, there were small children. the of the most big cities, there were small children.— of the most big cities, there were small children. the russian army is there? no, — small children. the russian army is there? no, but— small children. the russian army is there? no, but very _ small children. the russian army is there? no, but very nearly. - small children. the russian army is there? no, but very nearly. today i there? no, but very nearly. today was a rocket _

there? no, but very nearly. today was a rocket attack. _ there? no, but very nearly. today was a rocket attack. a _ there? no, but very nearly. today was a rocket attack. a lot - there? no, but very nearly. today was a rocket attack. a lot of - there? no, but very nearly. today. was a rocket attack. a lot of people cannot _ was a rocket attack. a lot of people cannot move because the aerial station — cannot move because the aerial station is — cannot move because the aerial station is very far, but a lot of people — station is very far, but a lot of people help the army. my husband helped _ people help the army. my husband helped the army. your people help the army. my husband helped the army.— helped the army. your husband is still there? _ helped the army. your husband is still there? yes. _ helped the army. your husband is still there? yes. you _ helped the army. your husband is still there? yes. you have - helped the army. your husband is still there? yes. you have come i helped the army. your husband is - still there? yes. you have come here with our still there? yes. you have come here with your children? there _ still there? yes. you have come here with your children? there was - still there? yes. you have come here with your children? there was my - with your children? there was my dau~hter with your children? there was my daughter and _ with your children? there was my daughter and my _ with your children? there was my daughter and my friend, - with your children? there was my daughter and my friend, small i daughter and my friend, small children — daughter and my friend, small children. do daughter and my friend, small children. ,, daughter and my friend, small children. , ., daughter and my friend, small i children._ yes, children. do you feel safe? yes, because we _ children. do you feel safe? yes, because we understand - children. do you feel safe? yes, because we understand that - children. do you feel safe? yes, because we understand that the | because we understand that the russians— because we understand that the russians do not need lviv and other places. _ russians do not need lviv and other places. but— russians do not need lviv and other places, but the rockets can fly very far and _ places, but the rockets can fly very far and it _ places, but the rockets can fly very far and it is — places, but the rockets can fly very far and it is not safe and very scary — far and it is not safe and very scary but _ far and it is not safe and very scary. but i, please, people from

all of— scary. but i, please, people from all ofthe — scary. but i, please, people from all of the world, ukraine needs your brain _ all of the world, ukraine needs your brain. please find the largeness of your heart— brain. please find the largeness of your heart and give for ukraine, because — your heart and give for ukraine, because the light of your heart can help not— because the light of your heart can help not support like food, but support, — help not support like food, but support, but heart and thoughts. thank— support, but heart and thoughts. thank you — support, but heart and thoughts. thank you forjoining us on the programme. as you can see, it�*s a very upsetting situation for so many people and tatiana has been separated from her husband who remains in their village to support the fight and the army. this is a situation right across this country and we will be following developments here on bbc world news and bbc news, so do stay with us for our ongoing coverage.

hello. for some of you, it�*s been a sunny friday so far. for others, a soggy one. and that balance isn�*t going to switch much as we go through the rest of today. this satellite image shows a strip of cloud, which is actuallyjust thinning in situ rather than moving one way or another. it may thin a little bit this afternoon across some parts of eastern scotland into the pennines, parts of the midlands, so chances are turning a bit brighter here, but still outbreaks of rain across many eastern areas from it. east anglia, not many here stay dry. winds coming in from the south—east. it�*s further west, though. sunny spells, one or two isolated showers, a bit of a northwesterly breeze, but temperatures of around nine or ten celsius. coolest of all down some of those north sea coasts. into this evening and overnight, area cloud and patchy rain. it becomes confined mainly to eastern counties of england. away from that, with some clear skies and only one

or two showers around, it is going to be a colder night tonight, more widely. widespread frost, the blue colours here in scotland and northern ireland, down to minus four or minus five for a few, but a chance of frost still possible, wales and western parts of england, and that frost risk could be there throughout this weekend, increasing chance of some lingering fog too. but the general story this weekend, especially for those of you�*ve got the wet weather at the moment, it will turn drier and brighter. now for saturday, first of all, that cloud, outbreaks of rain and a bit of a cold breeze continues across some eastern parts of england and through the day after some early morning sunshine will push towards the south—west and south—eastern parts of wales. away from it, though, you start the day sunny and you should end it sunny — a very pleasant day in store. showers few and far between, most will stay dry. then as we go through into sunday, high pressure builds around our weather front. that will start to squeeze the last dregs of rain or drizzle out of it. there could still be the remnants of it to the south, where there�*ll be a bit of a breeze. but with high pressure becoming more established, sunday, a widely dry day across the country,

there could be some lingering mist and fog patches around and a bit of low cloud maybe drifting in off the north sea as well. windiest towards the south and across parts of the hebrides. but for most, once you get the sunshine out, that march sunshine is gaining a little bit of warmth. it will feel quite pleasant. our area of high pressure then nudges eastwards as we go through into the early part of next week. low pressure system�*s trying to work in its way from the west and it�*s going to be those two there or thereabouts this coming week. so keep an eye on the forecast. there could be some subtle changes, but as for the early part of next week, many will be dry and bright, but turning windier and a bit colder too. bye for now.

this is bbc news — welcome if you�*re watching here in the uk or around the globe. i�*m stephen sackur. our top stories... world leaders condemn the attack on europe�*s largest nuclear power plant — it is now secure. ukraine�*s president accuses moscow of nuclear terror. translation: we need to stop | the russian military immediately. scream to your politicians. ukraine has 15 nuclear units. if there is an explosion, it is the end of everything. the international atomic energy agency chief confirms the site was hit — but it wasn�*t part of the reactor. no radioactive material has been released. all the safety systems of the six reactors at the plant were not

affected at all. meanwhile, mariupol in the south of ukraine has become a city under siege, as power and water supplies are cut off by relentless russian shelling. more than a million civilians have fled ukraine. the eu says up to four million may try to leave and that it will welcome all refugees with �*open arms�*. russian forces have seized the largest nuclear plant in europe after shelling it overnight and causing a fire. the authorities say the plant is secure and radiation levels are normal. it�*s the latest indication of an intensified russian assault across several fronts.

the zaporizhzhia plant is in the south east of ukraine. president zelensky has accused moscow of resorting to "nuclear terror" and urged russians to protest. nato secretary—general, jens stoltenberg, has said it shows the �*recklessness of this war�*. elsewhere, the port city of mariupol to the east is facing another day of heavy bombing, with most basic services like running water cut off. hundreds of civilians have died. kharkiv in the north east has been reduced to rubble. ukraine says at least a7 people were killed by russian air strikes in the northern city of chernihiv. and the polish border guard agency has confirmed more than 672,500 people have fled ukraine to poland since the war began last week, more than 99,000 people crossed the border yesterday. let�*s get more on the attack

on the ukraine�*s largest nuclear power plant. russian forces shelled it overnight, causing a fire. that�*s now under control and radiation levels are normal. earlier, i spoke to ukraine�*s energy minister, german halushchenko, who told me ukrainian staff are still running the plant but russain forces are surrounding the perimeter. the firemen managed to stop the fire there and of course we also hear this declaration that the system is not effected at this time and the level of radiation is normal. but i must say that of course we understand the risk and we already announced, our president already announced that this is real nuclear terrorism,

what has happened, they shelled directly the station. they know what they did. but of course, you know, the question here is also, we are not happy that we discuss this in this framework. but we mentioned the situation is really much more difficult than it even appears. because in... we are talking about six units, and that is true that they are the biggest in europe, but despite that, in the station, we also have a storage of nuclear waste and in case they shell this storage, we will get really incredible situation. and that is not even a question of ukraine... it does not bear thinking about, but let us just be clear. who is in control of zaporizhzhia power plant right now? are your staff still there?

because we know the russian military is surrounding the plant, but what exactly is the situation? the staff is here and the russian military, yes, they surround the station. so who is in charge? who is controlling plant right now? ——the plant right now? at this stage, it is the staff of energoatom, the state company responsible for it. so the russian military are outside but they are not telling your staff what to do. are they intervening in any way in the running of the plant? no, they are now trying to press the staff and also to get some orders, but the people cause tension, they are doing their work, they are doing what they are supposed to do, not to have accidents there.

but, minister, i guess people are right around the world want to know, what is going to happen next? what is the strategy here? is the ukrainian military going to fight right around the perimeter of the plant? because if there is more shellfire, more violence, all of the dangers you just referred to with the storage of nuclear waste and everything else, it could still turn that plant into something we don�*t want to think about. that is what could happen this night, and of course all this shelling could do this, and of course, you understand that one of the missiles which hit the first reactor could just go to the storage. and that is really the issue of nuclear safety. that is why we appeal to international atomic and nuclear energy and ask for some actions to stop this.

because we have also three more stations in ukraine. we have 15 nuclear units in ukraine. you seem to be saying, minister, that the danger in zaporizhzhia and indeed potential danger in the other nuclear plants in your country is very far from over. and that is true. that is true. that is true because i cannot imagine this situation could happen even during wartime. that could happen the situation when the military shell directly to the nuclear units, and that is, once again, my point, because this is notjust a question of ukraine. this is the question of global security, of the world. and that is why we ask for closing the sky, because if you see the map

of ukraine, you can see that this station in different regions of ukraine, so we need to close the sky to be safe. i mean, it is notjust ukraine, it is for the whole world. we�*ve been telling you about the nato foreign ministers meeting that�*s taking place in brussels. here�*s the british foreign secretary speaking just before she went in. can you tell us first of all about the situation with the nuclear power plant at the moment? how concerned are you and what more can the west do to make sure this kind of thing doesn't happen again? this was a completely reckless act. we have heard now that the fire has been extinguished, but it is extremely concerning that forces are being repaired to do this. we have called for an urgent meeting

of the un security council. this is a threat to european security and stability and we need those responsible to be held to account. you are here in brussels for meetings with nato foreign ministers, the g7, eu foreign ministers. what do you hope to achieve today? what today is about is showing the strength of our unity in challenging vladimir putin and stopping vladimir putin in ukraine. we are doing all we can to support the ukraine with weapons. the uk led in that, the first to supply ukraine with weapons. we will also be talking about sanctions, where we have been very coordinated, and it�*s having a big effect in russia but we now need to do more. we particularly need to look at the oil and gas sector, how do we reduce our dependence across europe on russian gas? how do we cut off the funding to vladimir putin�*s war machine?

that�*s what i�*ll be advocating with members of the g7 and in discussions with the eu. you raised sanctions — why is the uk slower in sanctioning russian oligarchs than the us and eu? we have led the way in sanctions, in bank freezes where we are doing more than our counterparts. also enclosing our airspace and ports to russian vessels and aircraft and we are advocating more on oil and gas. we have sanctioned more companies than our counterparts across the world. we just sanctioned two more major oligarchs last night. what i am doing is looking at how we can speed up that process to make even more progress on that front. the number one thing that�*s important is we are unified with our partners across the world in putting the toughest ever sanctions we have had on russia. the invasion of ukraine means nato operations are intensifying in europe, as the alliance boosts its presence in the east.

part of that mission involves special surveillance flights, which can monitor the skies above ukraine while remaining in nato airspace. our europe correspondent jessica parker was invited on board one of the flights. there is something different about this plane. it�*s carrying a long—range radar. this is what is known as nato�*s eyes in the sky — and up there you can see a radar dome, because it is a surveillance plane. now, we are told operations from this base in western germany have really intensified since the russian invasion. this flight is about to take off and we are going to be on it. it is rare to get access to one of these missions. we are heading to south—east poland. so we are on board a boeing 707, and it�*s not exactly a passenger plane. for one thing, there are hardly any windows. it is, in fact, a flying office.

and, as you can see, a pretty extraordinary one. a military alliance of 30 countries — up here they police nato�*s skies. we are in polish airspace and we are located on about the belarusian and ukrainian border. if there is unknown aircraft entering nato air space, they can help scramble jets to investigate. there�*s a lot going on. i�*m in charge of the radar. we use it to scan the air. right here we have got the surveillance team who is responsible for producing recognised air pictures. with our radar, we are able to see pretty far out - and then whatever we do see, we report that. - they won�*t go into ukraine. it isn�*t in nato. but the conflict unfolding right on its borders. the challenge of this mission is suddenly

it is in your own backyard. if it is somewhere else, you don�*t feel as anxious as we are doing now, but knowing this is europe, in your own backyard, it gives you a little bit of extra tension. we have been in the air about five hours now, and we are in polish airspace sort of doing a figure of eight, but we have been told we are going to be in the air an extra two hours. it seems they want to keep going, keep collecting information. 0ne sombre reason for why we stay longer is explained as the mission wraps up. we definitely detected a large number of russian or belarusian aircraft that marshalled in belarus and then ingressed into ukraine for probably about 20 minutes and then went back to the north. so we were able to see that occurring in real—time it and reported it. nato is sometimes accused in the situation ofjust watching on — does it feel like that is what you are doing?

i don�*t think so. again, our role is to protect nato territory and ensure the sovereignty of nato airspace. up here, you really do feel you are on the edge of nato�*s borders, staying within its limits while looking beyond them. jessica parker, bbc news. the acclaimed russian conductor valery gergiev has been sacked by the munich philharmonic orchestra for refusing to condemn the invasion of ukraine. the mayor of munich said mr gergiev could no longer remain in his position because of his support for president putin. semyon bychkovjoins me now, he�*s the chief conductor and music director of the czech philharmonic. hears the czech philharmonic. russian. let me ask you fi of hears russian. let me ask you first of all, unlike some other very prominent cultural and art figures from russia living in the west, are

you prepared to condemn what you see happening in ukraine, russian�*s invasion? i happening in ukraine, russian's invasion? ., ., , . invasion? i have done it since day one and the _ invasion? i have done it since day one and the war _ invasion? i have done it since day one and the war has _ invasion? i have done it since day one and the war has begun, - invasion? i have done it since dayj one and the war has begun, when invasion happened, myself as well as the czech republic philharmonic immediately issued statements to this effect and i have gone further in the following days. there is a time in life when one feels one must make a position on something that is so existentially important as this particular subject today. everyone free is to make up their mind what they want to do if anything. in my case, i am free to take the position that i take, which is fiercely opposed to this genocide and this act of aggression. tali opposed to this genocide and this act of aggression.— opposed to this genocide and this act of aggression. you couldn't be clearer. when _ act of aggression. you couldn't be clearer. when you _ act of aggression. you couldn't be clearer. when you say _ act of aggression. you couldn't be clearer. when you say you - act of aggression. you couldn't be clearer. when you say you are - act of aggression. you couldn't be i clearer. when you say you are free, is that because you have made a

decision to cut your ties with your homeland completely? i decision to cut your ties with your homeland completely?— homeland completely? i have emigrated. — homeland completely? i have emigrated, in _ homeland completely? i have emigrated, in 1975. _ homeland completely? i have emigrated, in 1975. at - homeland completely? i have emigrated, in 1975. at the i homeland completely? i have| emigrated, in 1975. at the age homeland completely? i have i emigrated, in 1975. at the age of 22, and at that time, people have asked me, why have you left your country, and i said, because i have been three. and the question sometimes comes up today and the answer has never changed. and i am actually fortunate to be free, not to have any data to any state or company, the only debt i have is to my family, my friends, my teachers, to those colleagues and orchestra musicians, all of the musicians with whom i make music, who help me be better than otherwise i could have been. that debt is something i am very happy to pay, but therefore i am absolutely free to express my

opinion on the matter when it is called for. and ifeel that opinion on the matter when it is called for. and i feel that now, silence is not the right thing because it basically means acquiescence to this power of evil, if you will come and that is what we are facing today. i if you will come and that is what we are facing today.— are facing today. i thank you very much indeed _ are facing today. i thank you very much indeed for _ are facing today. i thank you very much indeed for speaking - are facing today. i thank you very much indeed for speaking to - are facing today. i thank you very much indeed for speaking to us i are facing today. i thank you veryl much indeed for speaking to us on bbc news. thank you. former prime minister gordon brown has called to prosecute... we can talk to mr brown on how this would work. gordon brown, thank you for joining us. is your idea, your proposal somewhat different from the work we know that the international criminal court has already begun to

explore, war crimes potentially committed by russian forces? it is entirel committed by russian forces? it 3 entirely complementary to the international criminal court and lead prosecutor is doing now. he can investigate genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes, and that is within his remit and 39 countries have been calling on him and supporting him in doing so. but what he cannot do is investigate the crime of aggression, the crime against peace, the invasion that took place and the continuing aggression happening within the country. there is a gap in international law which should not be allowed not to be met, and president putin, who is clearly a president who has chosen the route of aggression, replacing president who has chosen the route °f aggression, replacing law president who has chosen the route of aggression, replacing law with force, replacing the principle of self—determination with some form of imperialism he is now pursuing in relation to ukraine, and it is right we bring in a foreign international tribunal. this is based on what happened in 19a2 in the allied

powers got together and said, we must do something about this crime of aggression and it led to the nuremberg trials. we have the international criminal court but there is a gap in its remit and it could be filled by this action. to -ut could be filled by this action. to put it bluntly, do you think your proposal or action is already being taken at the international criminal court will make any difference at all to vladimir putin?— all to vladimir putin? yes, i do, because i— all to vladimir putin? yes, i do, because i think _ all to vladimir putin? yes, i do, because i think the _ all to vladimir putin? yes, i do, because i think the full - all to vladimir putin? yes, i do, because i think the full range i all to vladimir putin? yes, i do, because i think the full range of| because i think the full range of international law and international opinion which weigh heavily upon his actions. even at this moment we have the russians taking over control of the russians taking over control of the second nuclear power station and not doing whatever any civilised power would do, the potential radiation and everything else, and we have got to hold president putin to account. the reason we are doing this is the ukraine government is asking us to do this. the ukraine foreign minister, and i spoke this

morning at chatham house, and he requested the different powers concerned about what is happening in ukraine to form this international tribunal. it is therefore in support of the people in ukraine that we are doing this, and i have been talking to some of the governments around europe, as have some of the legal friends i have responsible for drawing up this declaration, and we are confident this will be given a full hearing by the government and is one of the actions that can be taken to not only show the enormity of what president putin has done by breaking international laws, but also make him aware that there is a potential punishment he does not —— if he does not cease action. potential punishment he does not -- if he does not cease action.— if he does not cease action. thank ou so if he does not cease action. thank you so much _ if he does not cease action. thank you so much for— if he does not cease action. thank you so much forjoining _ if he does not cease action. thank you so much forjoining us - if he does not cease action. thank you so much forjoining us on - if he does not cease action. thank you so much forjoining us on bbcj you so much forjoining us on bbc news, we have your proposal loud and clear. as much as i would like to continue to chat with you about it, we must cut life now to brussels, the secretary general of nato is

addressing reporters there now. russia is carrying out a brutal and unprovoked invasion of ukraine, which nato and the whole world condemn. this is the worst military aggression in europe for decades. with city is under siege, schools, hospitals and residential buildings shelled, reckless actions around eight nuclear power plant last night, and many civilians killed or wounded. —— around a nuclear power plant last night. the days to come are likely to be worse. with more deaths, more suffering, and more destruction. as russian armed forces bring in heavier weaponry and

continue their attacks across the country. at our meeting today, ukrainian foreign minister nato counterparts. and allies expressed their solidarity and deep respect for the courage of the ukrainian people and armed forces. we had warned for many months that president putin was intent on invading ukraine. that is why it nato allies made tireless efforts to find a diplomatic solution. at the same time, we made clear that russia would pay a very high price for a renewed aggression against ukraine. russia is paying that price right now. this is president putin�*s war.

0ne he has chosen, planned, and is waging against the peaceful country. we call on president putin to stop this war immediately. withdraw all his forces from ukraine without conditions, and engage in genuine diplomacy now. nato allies have stepped up support for ukraine, helping to uphold the country�*s right of self—defence as enshrined in the un charter. today ministers addressed our immediate response to the crisis, and the longer term implications for security. we have

strengthened our deterrents on defence, on land, in the air, and at sea. allies from north america and europe have sent thousands more troops to the eastern part of the alliance. we are deploying the nato response force for the first time. and we have over 130 jets at high alert. and over 200 chips from the high north to the mediterranean. —— 2oo high north to the mediterranean. —— 200 ships. we will continue to do what it takes to protect and defend every inch of nato territory. nato is a defensive alliance. our core task is to keep our 30 nations safe. we are not part of this conflict. we have a responsibility to ensure it does not escalate and spread beyond ukraine. because that would be even more devastating and more dangerous,

with even more human suffering. nato is not seeking a war with russia. the kremlin�*s ambition is to recreate a sphere of influence, and deny other countries in the right to choose their own path. so it ministers discussed the need to support partners who may be at risk. including georgia and bosnia—herzegovina. russia�*s aggression has created a new level four hour security, where fundamental principles are tested with the use of force. and we face the threat of conflict for years to come will stop. come will there the threat of conflict for years to come will there is much at stake. how we organise links between states, whether democracy or authoritarianism pervades, and ultimately what sort of world we want to live in. ministers agreed

that nato�*s relationship with russia has fundamentally changed in the long—term, but we remain committed to keeping channels for diplomacy and deconstruction open, to avoid any unintended misunderstanding or miscalculation. there is one lesson we can all draw from this crisis, to keep our nations safe, we need north america and europe standing together in nato in strategic solidarity. at this dangerous moment, no country and no continent can go alone. president putin has failed to divide us. nato is more united, more determined and stronger than ever. we are also working closer with like—minded partners today, and we werejoined by like—minded partners today, and we were joined by the like—minded partners today, and we werejoined by the european union today as well as by finland and sweden. in response to russia�*s

aggression, we have decided to strengthen our cooperation and information sharing with finland and sweden. both countries are now taking part in all nato consultations about the crisis. this afternoon, i willjoin a meeting of eu foreign ministers to address the crisis and our response. with that, i�*m ready to take questions. ibibc. i'm ready to take questions. bbc, can ou i'm ready to take questions. bbc, can you tell— i'm ready to take questions. bbc, can you tell us — i'm ready to take questions. bbc, can you tell us more _ i'm ready to take questions. bbc, can you tell us more about - i'm ready to take questions. bbc, can you tell us more about what sort of options _ can you tell us more about what sort of options were considered about helping _ of options were considered about helping countries like georgia and bosnia? _ helping countries like georgia and bosnia? secondly, can you tell us more _ bosnia? secondly, can you tell us more about— bosnia? secondly, can you tell us more about whether it nato allies discussed — more about whether it nato allies discussed what more military support can be _ discussed what more military support can be provided for ukraine? and thirdly, _ can be provided for ukraine? and thirdly, what is the issue of no—fly zones _ thirdly, what is the issue of no—fly zones, wasn't even discussed this morning? — zones, wasn't even discussed this morning? -- _ zones, wasn't even discussed this morning? —— was the issue of no—fly

zones _ morning? —— was the issue of no—fly zones discussed this one? nate zones discussed this one? nato allies have _ zones discussed this one? nato allies have provided _ zones discussed this one? iisgtf: allies have provided support to georgia, bosnia and herzegovina and other partners for many years. we help them with capacity building, reforms, strengthening their defensive security solutions. we also have a training centre in georgia. we also have common exercises, and of course we have different kinds of activities with different kinds of activities with different countries, different partners. we didn�*t make any final decisions, but it is a broad agreement that we must do more to support these countries. this is part of scaling up things we will do on strengthening defence and security institutions, reforms, training, but also potentially adding more activities in support of these countries. because what we have seen with ukraine is that they may be at risk, exposed for even more intervention, subversion and

potentially even attacks while the russian armed forces are there. nato allies provide support to ukraine. i think we must remember that we have supported them for many years and now they are stepping up, different types of support, and this is crucial in this critical time for ukraine. 0n the no—fly zones, it was mentioned. at the same time, allies agreed that we should not have nato planes operating over ukrainian airspace bought nato troops on ukrainian territory.—

airspace bought nato troops on ukrainian territory. thank you. studio: you _ ukrainian territory. thank you. studio: you are _ ukrainian territory. thank you. studio: you are watching - ukrainian territory. thank you. studio: you are watching bbc i ukrainian territory. thank you. i studio: you are watching bbc news ukrainian territory. thank you. - studio: you are watching bbc news in the uk and around the world. there�*s global condemnation after russia attacks a nuclear power plant here in ukraine. the flames have died down and the plant is safe, though now under russian control. translation: russian troops attacked the largest nuclear . power plant in europe. it is maybe six times the size of chernobyl. the russian tanks knew what they were firing out. they directly hit the plant. this is terror on an unprecedented level. we've called for an urgent meeting of the un security council. this is a threat to european security and stability, and we need those responsible to be held to account. gunfire.

intense fighting continues in the area around the nuclear plant.