hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching context on bbc news. the russian airforce has bombed maternity hospital you're watching context on bbc news. the russian airforce has bombed maternity hospital in the besieged city of mariupol. the president says there are women and children buried under the rubble. the attack happened while a ceasefire was supposed to be in place. ukraine's president calls it as an atrocity — there has been universal condemnation. the attack on the hospital is absolutely abhorrent. reckless and appalling. in the us the house of representatives is poised to approve a massive $14 billion aid package of humanitarian aid for ukraine — we'll hear from a republican congressman. tonight with the context, ukrainian mp inna sovsun, former deputy secretary general of nato rose gottemoeller and political analyst dahlia sheindlin

welcome to the programme — there is no sanctuary, no shelter in the city of mariopol beyond the reach of the russian artillery. the air strike on the city maternity�*s hospital today, at the time of an agreed ceasefire, was felt over a mile away. a series of blasts, that blew out windows and ripped away the front of one side of the building. police and soldiers rushed to the scene to evacuate the victims, carrying out a heavily pregnant and bleeding woman on a stretcher. there were at least 17 injured and many more buried beneath the rubble. the bomb left an enormous crater in the hospital grounds.

in moscow, the spokeswoman for the russian foreign ministry confirmed they had targeted the hospital. she claimed nationalist forces had set up sniper positions in the buildings, having cleared it of patients earlier in the day. according to the who it is the 18th hospital or medical facility targeted by the russians since the start of the war. the ukrainian foreign minister believes there are still over 400,000 people trapped in mariupol despite this being the fourth day of ceasefires. the russians he said are blocking humanitarian aid and the evacuation. almost 3,000 newborn babies he said are without medicine and food. the world has to act! it begs the question, what does victory look like for vladimir putin. the russian soldiers in towns they have captured, are hated by the ukrainians who stayed. these pictures are from kherson — the first major city seized by russian forces last week — and still they come onto the streets carrying the ukrainian flag — "shame! shame!", they chant at the troops — we didn't ask you to come" — "glory to our ukrainian heroes"

white make its been a terrible day and i know information is very difficult to come by at the moment because of the siege of the city, but what do you understand this happen and how many people do you think have been hurt? we happen and how many people do you think have been hurt?— happen and how many people do you think have been hurt? we don't know the numbers — think have been hurt? we don't know the numbers but _ think have been hurt? we don't know the numbers but it _ think have been hurt? we don't know the numbers but it was _ think have been hurt? we don't know the numbers but it was actually - the numbers but it was actually extremely tragic because that attack came basically two hours as we learn from the city mayor and the city office that during the first two weeks of the war, over 1000 people died in mariupol because the blockade because they don't have access to electricity and they don't have access to water and heating into two hours after that, we learned this terrible number of over 1000 people have a ready been confirmed dead by the authorities and the news about this and it's just so terrifying, we are still

learning about the number of victims. at the very idea of the targeted hospital were pregnant women, thisjust targeted hospital were pregnant women, this just shows the level of evil that the root needs to know and react against that.— react against that. there were eo - le react against that. there were peeple at _ react against that. there were peeple at the _ react against that. there were people at the base _ react against that. there were people at the base of - react against that. there were people at the base of this - react against that. there were - people at the base of this building because we know people escaping were escaping bunkers and and sellers. people have been living and bunkers for two weeks now and so in the bunkers hiding from bombs, this area has been bombarded for the whole period of the war and so, i'm really afraid to learn of the exact number of casualties for the process of learning. and data as of now, and i'm afraid the numbers will be terrifying. i'm afraid the numbers will be terrifying-—

terrifying. what about the cease-fires _ terrifying. what about the cease-fires in _ terrifying. what about the cease-fires in the - terrifying. what about the cease-fires in the countryj terrifying. what about the - cease-fires in the country because cease—fires in the country because there were other cease—fires and places. some of escape from other towns closer to kyiv. are the cease—fires holding? mat towns closer to kyiv. are the cease-fires holding?- towns closer to kyiv. are the cease-fires holding? not all of them. cease-fires holding? not all of them- during _ cease-fires holding? not all of them. during the _ cease-fires holding? not all of them. during the day, - cease-fires holding? not all ofl them. during the day, 100,000 cease-fires holding? not all of - them. during the day, 100,000 people which in itself is a terrible number because people have to flee from their own houses. and only 40,000 in their own houses. and only 40,000 in the ukrainian officials and many cease—fires in many green corridors, they were supposed to be taking place in the city and there was stalled by the russians and the open fire and run 50 buses with people trying to evacuate from areas around tf and we are learning about whether or not this people will be able to be evacuated. this isjust be evacuated. this is just the situation that has been for the past few years. chances are, they will keep this around 20%. and keeping the promises, and the city of

mariupol, it's probably the worst catastrophe of all of the ukraine. and people are supposed to gather it to be evacuated. it is just a sheer thing the people did not go to that specific place. find thing the people did not go to that specific place-— thing the people did not go to that secific lace. �* , . ., ., specific place. and experience nato, ou'll know specific place. and experience nato, you'll know about _ specific place. and experience nato, you'll know about terms _ specific place. and experience nato, | you'll know about terms engagement and conflict as well as the situation for hospitals and clinics. dykema foreign minister, these are barbaric_ dykema foreign minister, these are barbaric acts on their barbaric acts, — barbaric acts on their barbaric acts, they— barbaric acts on their barbaric acts, they are not in accordance with_ acts, they are not in accordance with international law. i think the international red cross is already been _ international red cross is already been clearly on record saying that the treatment is much more in violation — the treatment is much more in violation of the norms and standards as well_ violation of the norms and standards as well as _ violation of the norms and standards as well as introduction law firms that are — as well as introduction law firms that are already in place. i am not

an international lawyer so, i cannot -ive an international lawyer so, i cannot give all— an international lawyer so, i cannot give all the — an international lawyer so, i cannot give all the details but nevertheless, i have seen that they've — nevertheless, i have seen that they've been on the record on this but i _ they've been on the record on this but i think— they've been on the record on this but i think the word barbarism and barbaric— but i think the word barbarism and barbaric is— but i think the word barbarism and barbaric is entirely applicable here — barbaric is entirely applicable here. . . , barbaric is entirely applicable here. ., ., , ., barbaric is entirely applicable here. ., ., , , here. there are a number of shells that the building _ here. there are a number of shells that the building and _ here. there are a number of shells that the building and it's _ here. there are a number of shells that the building and it's the - that the building and it's the crater, the extraordinary creator that man is standing in which is clearly a particular attack was the russian air force. the fact that they repeatedly headed shows they targeted that specific building. it was not a mistake. it wasn't a mistake and if a spokesperson and moscow actually admitted, truly sensational.— moscow actually admitted, truly - sensational._ they're sensational. and ridiculous. they're coin:

sensational. and ridiculous. they're auoin after sensational. and ridiculous. they're going after his _ sensational. and ridiculous. they're going after his snipers _ sensational. and ridiculous. they're going after his snipers with - sensational. and ridiculous. they're going after his snipers with the - going after his snipers with the bomb— going after his snipers with the bomb the size enough to create a crater— bomb the size enough to create a crater of— bomb the size enough to create a crater of that size and end up killing — crater of that size and end up killing innocent women and children. it is interesting to me that the russians— it is interesting to me that the russians have openly said that he did this, — russians have openly said that he did this, but it's as if they took a threat _ did this, but it's as if they took a threat they— did this, but it's as if they took a threat they named snipers and then killed _ threat they named snipers and then killed many many innocent people. not at _ killed many many innocent people. not at all— killed many many innocent people. not at alljustified._ not at all 'ustified. getting advice from the not at alljustified. getting advice from the white _ not at alljustified. getting advice from the white helmets, - not at alljustified. getting advice from the white helmets, people l not at alljustified. getting advice i from the white helmets, people who work in syria and evacuating people from bombed buildings. the advice they gave them is not to give gps locations of medical facilities. to the un who makes may need information but in fact the russians are using gps co—ordinates to target hospitals. given this happened in the middle of the cease—fire, there cannot be any trust whatsoever that

rushis cannot be any trust whatsoever that rush is trying to limit civilian casualties. i rush is trying to limit civilian casualties— rush is trying to limit civilian casualties. ., �* , , casualties. i don't see why there should be _ casualties. i don't see why there should be any — casualties. i don't see why there should be any trust _ casualties. i don't see why there should be any trust in _ casualties. i don't see why there should be any trust in putin - casualties. i don't see why there should be any trust in putin has| should be any trust in putin has decided — should be any trust in putin has decided to— should be any trust in putin has decided to cause _ should be any trust in putin has decided to cause a _ should be any trust in putin has decided to cause a massive - should be any trust in putin has - decided to cause a massive amount of destruction— decided to cause a massive amount of destruction possible. _ decided to cause a massive amount of destruction possible. i— decided to cause a massive amount of destruction possible. i don't— decided to cause a massive amount of destruction possible. i don't think- destruction possible. i don't think he has _ destruction possible. idon't think he has any— destruction possible. i don't think he has any concern _ destruction possible. idon't think he has any concern over- destruction possible. i don't think he has any concern over anythingl he has any concern over anything involving — he has any concern over anything involving rules— he has any concern over anything involving rules of— he has any concern over anything involving rules of law _ he has any concern over anything involving rules of law and - he has any concern over anything involving rules of law and he - involving rules of law and he started — involving rules of law and he started this _ involving rules of law and he started this with _ involving rules of law and he started this with complete . involving rules of law and he - started this with complete rejection of the _ started this with complete rejection of the international— started this with complete rejection of the international system - started this with complete rejection of the international system and - started this with complete rejection of the international system and is l of the international system and is continuing — of the international system and is continuing to _ of the international system and is continuing to prove _ of the international system and is continuing to prove that - of the international system and is continuing to prove that every - of the international system and is. continuing to prove that every step of the _ continuing to prove that every step of the wav — continuing to prove that every step of the wav it's_ continuing to prove that every step of the way. it's interesting - continuing to prove that every step of the way. it's interesting you - of the way. it's interesting you brett _ of the way. it's interesting you brett of — of the way. it's interesting you brett of syria _ of the way. it's interesting you brett of syria because - of the way. it's interesting you brett of syria because it - of the way. it's interesting you brett of syria because it is - of the way. it's interesting you i brett of syria because it is russia that is— brett of syria because it is russia that is backed _ brett of syria because it is russia that is backed the _ brett of syria because it is russia that is backed the regime - brett of syria because it is russia that is backed the regime duringl brett of syria because it is russial that is backed the regime during a time where — that is backed the regime during a time where they— that is backed the regime during a time where they have _ that is backed the regime during a time where they have carried - that is backed the regime during a time where they have carried out. time where they have carried out some _ time where they have carried out some the — time where they have carried out some the worst _ time where they have carried out some the worst atrocities. - time where they have carried out some the worst atrocities. and . time where they have carried out - some the worst atrocities. and some horrible _ some the worst atrocities. and some horrible level. — some the worst atrocities. and some horrible level, we _ some the worst atrocities. and some horrible level, we should _ some the worst atrocities. and some horrible level, we should not- some the worst atrocities. and some horrible level, we should not be - horrible level, we should not be surprised — horrible level, we should not be surprised 0r— horrible level, we should not be surprised. 0eradimir- horrible level, we should not be surprised. 0r vladimir putin - horrible level, we should not bej surprised. 0r vladimir putin has been _ surprised. 0r vladimir putin has been backing _ surprised. 0r vladimir putin has been backing in _ surprised. 0r vladimir putin has been backing in syria _ surprised. 0r vladimir putin has been backing in syria for- surprised. 0r vladimir putin has been backing in syria for years i surprised. 0r vladimir putin has i been backing in syria for years now since _ been backing in syria for years now since the _ been backing in syria for years now since the intervention _ been backing in syria for years now since the intervention began- been backing in syria for years now since the intervention began in- since the intervention began in 2015 _ since the intervention began in 2015 do— since the intervention began in 2015. y ., ~ since the intervention began in 2015. ~ , , 2015. do you think it strengthens the case or— 2015. do you think it strengthens the case or do — 2015. do you think it strengthens the case or do you _ 2015. do you think it strengthens the case or do you think- 2015. do you think it strengthens the case or do you think it - 2015. do you think it strengthens l the case or do you think it perhaps puts more pressure on western politicians to get more involved perspectives are more comments tonight that this is a tactic from vladimir putin to poke the west to try to set up this no—fly zone over

ukraine so he can engage nato. i don't really know if that's what he wants _ don't really know if that's what he wants but — don't really know if that's what he wants but the _ don't really know if that's what he wants but the west _ don't really know if that's what he wants but the west is _ don't really know if that's what he wants but the west is doing - don't really know if that's what he wants but the west is doing a i don't really know if that's what he wants but the west is doing a loti don't really know if that's what he i wants but the west is doing a lot to try not— wants but the west is doing a lot to try not to _ wants but the west is doing a lot to try not to escalate _ wants but the west is doing a lot to try not to escalate this _ wants but the west is doing a lot to try not to escalate this and - wants but the west is doing a lot to try not to escalate this and has i try not to escalate this and has been _ try not to escalate this and has been so — try not to escalate this and has been so cautious _ try not to escalate this and has been so cautious at _ try not to escalate this and has been so cautious at the - try not to escalate this and has been so cautious at the give i try not to escalate this and hasl been so cautious at the give any provocations _ been so cautious at the give any provocations that— been so cautious at the give any provocations that could - been so cautious at the give any provocations that could draw i been so cautious at the give any provocations that could draw inl been so cautious at the give any- provocations that could draw in nato and bring _ provocations that could draw in nato and bring about— provocations that could draw in nato and bring about a _ provocations that could draw in nato and bring about a full—scale - provocations that could draw in nato and bring about a full—scale war. i and bring about a full—scale war. whatever— and bring about a full—scale war. whatever feeling _ and bring about a full—scale war. whatever feeling watching - and bring about a full—scale war. i whatever feeling watching vladimir putins— whatever feeling watching vladimir putin's reaction— whatever feeling watching vladimir putin's reaction is— whatever feeling watching vladimir putin's reaction is that _ whatever feeling watching vladimir putin's reaction is that he - whatever feeling watching vladimir putin's reaction is that he is - whatever feeling watching vladimir putin's reaction is that he is not i putin's reaction is that he is not really— putin's reaction is that he is not really waiting _ putin's reaction is that he is not really waiting. he _ putin's reaction is that he is not really waiting. he has _ putin's reaction is that he is not| really waiting. he has reiterated also to— really waiting. he has reiterated also to provocations _ really waiting. he has reiterated also to provocations think - really waiting. he has reiterated also to provocations think he i also to provocations think he intends — also to provocations think he intends to— also to provocations think he intends to spark— also to provocations think he intends to spark that - also to provocations think he | intends to spark that brought also to provocations think he i intends to spark that brought her war himself _ intends to spark that brought her war himself. he _ intends to spark that brought her war himself. he has _ intends to spark that brought her war himself. he has threatened i war himself. he has threatened nuclear— war himself. he has threatened nuclear weapons, _ war himself. he has threatened nuclear weapons, he _ war himself. he has threatened nuclear weapons, he said - war himself. he has threatened nuclear weapons, he said the l nuclear weapons, he said the sanctions _ nuclear weapons, he said the sanctions reference - nuclear weapons, he said the sanctions reference an - nuclear weapons, he said the i sanctions reference an economic nuclear weapons, he said the - sanctions reference an economic war. we don't _ sanctions reference an economic war. we don't know— sanctions reference an economic war. we don't know of— sanctions reference an economic war. we don't know of his _ sanctions reference an economic war. we don't know of his plan _ we don't know of his plan strategically— we don't know of his plan strategically or— we don't know of his plan strategically or trying i we don't know of his plan strategically or trying to l we don't know of his plan - strategically or trying to provoke that war— strategically or trying to provoke that war himself. _ strategically or trying to provoke that war himself. the _ strategically or trying to provoke that war himself.— strategically or trying to provoke that war himself. the pictures are extraordinary _ that war himself. the pictures are extraordinary and _ that war himself. the pictures are extraordinary and it's _ that war himself. the pictures are extraordinary and it's on - that war himself. the pictures are extraordinary and it's on the i that war himself. the pictures are extraordinary and it's on the first | extraordinary and it's on the first time, apparently be up at the right police into the city and every day, ukrainians in that city come out

with their flags unarmed and across the russian soldiers were there standing guard. that speaks to the unity across ukraine at the moment in the face of the bombardment they are coming under. band in the face of the bombardment they are coming under.— are coming under. and that is magnificent. _ are coming under. and that is magnificent. and _ are coming under. and that is magnificent. and i— are coming under. and that is magnificent. and i think- are coming under. and that is magnificent. and i think thatl are coming under. and that is| magnificent. and i think that is are coming under. and that is i magnificent. and i think that is the biggest miscalculation by vladimir putin. i think he fell victim to his own propaganda machine. he believed what he was feeding to the russian people. that ukrainians are divided and russians and ukrainians, they want them to be liberated and that they have come and captured several towns south of ukraine and captured some people in the east of ukraine and all of those people are going out on the streets to protest in great numbers. they are going there and things in the squares and people are still going in there. we have learned about 400 people have been

arrested by russians which is unacceptable. they have no authority to arrest anyone here at all. 400 people and people still want to protest after that. that is amazing and shows the level of spirit i myself being ukrainian didn't expect and this is what we will see here in ukraine. and people are so desperate and they know that we are fighting. people go to the streets in protest and you can see those things not just there but in many other cities in the south, and a small town in the north which has several thousand people and i've seen protest action of at least 1000. which isjust amazing and wejust of at least 1000. which isjust amazing and we just want the road to know that this is happening and ukraine is fighting back and we just want support from the west and hearing the nations that we cannot get engaged, ijust hearing the nations that we cannot

get engaged, i just fully agree with she said, he doesn't need a reason if he wants to engage. how to say that you have the same flag as ukrainians, so he doesn't really need a real reason. a person who was already used bombs against ukrainians, what is there not to provoke? 1b. ukrainians, what is there not to rovoke? �* ., , provoke? a good point that people have made this _ provoke? a good point that people have made this point _ provoke? a good point that people have made this point today - provoke? a good point that people have made this point today that i provoke? a good point that people i have made this point today that nato is falling over itself not to provoke vladimir putin but the reality is, he doesn't need a pretext, if he wants an excuse to invade poland, he would just create one. what are we worrying about? doesn't nato need to find some confidence to ensure the safety of civilians and ukraine? mata civilians and ukraine? nato strategic — civilians and ukraine? nato strategic objective - civilians and ukraine? nato strategic objective has i civilians and ukraine? nato strategic objective has to i civilians and ukraine? nato| strategic objective has to be civilians and ukraine? nato strategic objective has to be to avoid _ strategic objective has to be to avoid world war iii and that is in

fact would — avoid world war iii and that is in fact would nato is going about in a very responsible way. preventing this terrible egregious invasion of ukraine _ this terrible egregious invasion of ukraine from turning into a general war in_ ukraine from turning into a general war in europe. and escalating beyond that and _ war in europe. and escalating beyond that and that has to be nato possible strategic objective at this moment — possible strategic objective at this moment. at the same time, they're doing _ moment. at the same time, they're doing everything that they can to ensure _ doing everything that they can to ensure that ukraine has the military supplies— ensure that ukraine has the military supplies they need, the number of military— supplies they need, the number of military supply convoys entering ukraine — military supply convoys entering ukraine on a daily basis isjust extraordinary and also upping the humanitarian systems to levels i've never _ humanitarian systems to levels i've never expected. 2 million refugees have now— never expected. 2 million refugees have now left ukraine and are sheltering nato countries and a nato partner— sheltering nato countries and a nato partner not in nato member states. i think nato— partner not in nato member states. i think nato is— partner not in nato member states. i think nato is doing an extraordinary 'ob think nato is doing an extraordinary job of— think nato is doing an extraordinary job of preventing the outbreak of war were — job of preventing the outbreak of war were three, by the same time,

doing _ war were three, by the same time, doing everything it can to help the ukrainian — doing everything it can to help the ukrainian people. the british foreign secretary liz truss is in washington for talks for us counterpart anthony blinken. after the meeting the secretary of state admitted the white house had been blindsided, by the proposalfrom poland, to transfer more than 20 of its mig fighters to ukraine, via the us airforce base in ramstein. mr blinken said each country must take its own decisions on how it lends support but using a us air base for the transfer of the fighter jets was he said a non starter. departing to fly into space contested with russia over ukraine raises some serious concerns for the entire nato alliance. we have to work through the specifics of these things going forward and it's not just simply clear to us that there is a substance of rationale for doing it and away before yesterday. in london british defence

secretary ben wallace said in place of the mig 29s, the british government is exploring the possibility of donating short range, man portable, air defence systems. we need to protect anti—air capability of ukraine. what is the most appropriate tool? the note they have said what they wish and you have said what they wish and you have acted on where they have asked us and that's where talking about today and it is a matter for poland and i will support whatever their choice is and in the meantime, we will continue to ease the outcomes of whatever way we can. thea;r will continue to ease the outcomes of whatever way we can.— of whatever way we can. they will vote on a budget _ of whatever way we can. they will vote on a budget bill _ of whatever way we can. they will vote on a budget bill and - of whatever way we can. they will vote on a budget bill and that i vote on a budget bill and that includes nearly $14 billion of security and humanitarian support for ukraine. i have been speaking to the democratic congressman brendan boyle who sits on the ways and means committee. essentially three buckets. the humanitarian assistance, economic

assistance, the hope is that we will be having this vote in the house of representatives literally momentarily. we are stalled in procedural reasons but i'm quite confident that by the time we leave tonight the house of representatives will have passed this pretty large aid package and soon the senate will follow. , ., , ., aid package and soon the senate will follow. , ., , , , follow. democrats and republicans have struggle _ follow. democrats and republicans have struggle to — follow. democrats and republicans have struggle to coalesce - follow. democrats and republicans have struggle to coalesce on i follow. democrats and republicansj have struggle to coalesce on pretty much anything of late. but on sending money and weapons to ukraine, they appear to be united. as an american who is deeply concerned about the state of the partisanship that we have here in my country, it was refreshing to see the state of the union, the present speech for all dedicated to the prices that crisis in europe invasion of ukraine. the first 15 minutes you saw standing applause from all members of both sides of the aisle. i hoped that would help

leading to more bipartisanship on other issues. that remains to be seen but at least on this incredibly important issue, we do have full unity. important issue, we do have full uni . �* , ., ., important issue, we do have full uni . �*, ., ., ., ., ., unity. it's going to the pentagon to cover the cost _ unity. it's going to the pentagon to cover the cost of _ unity. it's going to the pentagon to cover the cost of troops _ unity. it's going to the pentagon to cover the cost of troops and - cover the cost of troops and intelligence sharing in the weapons of a reason to ukraine. to use instead of the higher level of spending is reflective of the threat level which congress proceeds is not going up? this level which congress proceeds is not auoin u? , , level which congress proceeds is not main u . ? , , , level which congress proceeds is not oin u? , , , level which congress proceeds is not tt-oinu? , , , going up? this is, this was almost unimaginable. _ going up? this is, this was almost unimaginable, just _ going up? this is, this was almost unimaginable, just two _ going up? this is, this was almost unimaginable, just two weeks i going up? this is, this was almost unimaginable, just two weeks ago j unimaginable, just two weeks ago despite the fact that the white house and our intelligence community said this was going to happen. i was in brussels and i'm a member of the nato parliamentary assembly and is there with colleagues from uk, germany and all the nato nations. as late as sunday evening when i was

gathering with parliamentarians, the vast majority of our colleagues did not believe a full—scale invasion was going to happen and then just 24 hours later, vladimir putin give that long emotional rambling speech in which she made clear his full intentions and invasion followed shortly on wednesday. the fact that we have not seen this in at least 77 years did lead to many to adjust, despite all the growing evidence believe that it would not happen again and it has happened again and we know the stakes in the sticks are obviously dire for ukraine but frankly dire for all of us if we fail to act and vladimir putin is able to gobble ukraine. it will not stop at ukraine. 2 able to gobble ukraine. it will not stop at ukraine.— able to gobble ukraine. it will not stop at ukraine. 2 million refugees of left ukraine _ stop at ukraine. 2 million refugees of left ukraine and _ stop at ukraine. 2 million refugees of left ukraine and we _ stop at ukraine. 2 million refugees of left ukraine and we are - stop at ukraine. 2 million refugees of left ukraine and we are having l stop at ukraine. 2 million refugees of left ukraine and we are having aj of left ukraine and we are having a very active debate, to put it diplomatically about how many we should be taking? what about the

united states? and webb up putting a support package behind that? refugees can be controversial and western democracy. i remember going through this voting on the bill with respect to syrian refugees and i'm really struck by the little controversy that is here in the united states on this issue and they are getting overwhelming support for accepting ukrainian refugees. i represent a pretty sizeable population in philadelphia as it is. are they're notjust coming from my ukrainian american constituents, there is overwhelming support and just in talking to some of my colleagues on the republican side of the aisle. they are largely giving the aisle. they are largely giving the aisle. they are largely giving the aisle. there was beginning to see messages as well. and hopefully we will see all of the western countries ban together and do everything we can do accept these refugees. the everything we can do accept these refu~ees. , ,., ~ , ., ., refugees. the spokesman at the pentauon refugees. the spokesman at the pentagon as _ refugees. the spokesman at the pentagon as we _

refugees. the spokesman at the pentagon as we spoke _ refugees. the spokesman at the pentagon as we spoke to - refugees. the spokesman at the pentagon as we spoke to last i pentagon as we spoke to last few minutes. they take the view that supplying combat aircraft to ukraine through the air could be mistaken by russia as an escalatory step and, like harris who is on her way to poland and these are the pictures of her leaving, she is about to land in warsaw to communicate. do you think, from what i understand, to people in washington, there is a view in washington, there is a view in washington that they did not ever want to do this. politically, it is finding a way to say no where the ukrainians are making it very clear that they want them. i don't think there's any appetite to send these fighters to ukrainians. what there's any appetite to send these fighters to ukrainians.— there's any appetite to send these fighters to ukrainians. what i heard from the white _ fighters to ukrainians. what i heard from the white house _ fighters to ukrainians. what i heard from the white house was - fighters to ukrainians. what i heard from the white house was the, i fighters to ukrainians. what i heard from the white house was the, not | from the white house was the, not that they're going to do a better figure _ that they're going to do a better figure out— that they're going to do a better figure out how it would be done in a way that— figure out how it would be done in a way that would accomplish what they need and _ way that would accomplish what they need and want in terms of protection of their—

need and want in terms of protection of their airspace but also the same time, _ of their airspace but also the same time, ensuring that for example, it was possible to continue to maintain the place _ was possible to continue to maintain the place. those kinds of questions or if f46— the place. those kinds of questions or if f—16 fighters were sent to poland — or if f—16 fighters were sent to poland. and replace those mig 29th, how would _ poland. and replace those mig 29th, how would that be affected? a lot of heart issues that they were going over and — heart issues that they were going over and analysing yesterday and they were — over and analysing yesterday and they were in no way throwing cold water _ they were in no way throwing cold water on — they were in no way throwing cold water on the notion of such a transfer— water on the notion of such a transfer should poland decide to go through— transfer should poland decide to go through with this. this was a new development. through with this. this was a new development-— through with this. this was a new develoment. , ., �*, ., development. maybe that's what was bein: development. maybe that's what was being communicated. _ development. maybe that's what was being communicated. how _ development. maybe that's what was being communicated. how would i development. maybe that's what was being communicated. how would youj being communicated. how would you transfer them? can you box fighter jets up, i know you can rebuild them but that takes time and ukrainians do not have time. yes but that takes time and ukrainians do not have time.—

do not have time. yes and i don't want to tread _ do not have time. yes and i don't want to tread wear _ do not have time. yes and i don't want to tread wear military i do not have time. yes and i don't| want to tread wear military angels will be _ want to tread wear military angels will be figuring out a rather military— will be figuring out a rather military planners will be figuring out how — military planners will be figuring out how to go about such a thing but i will out how to go about such a thing but i will say— out how to go about such a thing but i will say that there are various ways— i will say that there are various ways it — i will say that there are various ways it could be taken, various steps _ ways it could be taken, various steps that _ ways it could be taken, various steps that could be taken and i think— steps that could be taken and i think the — steps that could be taken and i think the most important thing is what _ think the most important thing is what ben— think the most important thing is what ben wallace said about gaining the effect that ukrainians are looking — the effect that ukrainians are looking for, which is protection of the skies — looking for, which is protection of the skies and some of hand—held and air defence _ the skies and some of hand—held and air defence capabilities, i'm glad that uk— air defence capabilities, i'm glad that uk is— air defence capabilities, i'm glad that uk is looking at that very seriously _ that uk is looking at that very seriously-— that uk is looking at that very seriousl. , ., ., ., . ., seriously. trying to avoid war i totally accept _ seriously. trying to avoid war i totally accept that _ seriously. trying to avoid war i totally accept that i _ seriously. trying to avoid war i | totally accept that i understand seriously. trying to avoid war i i totally accept that i understand the real concern surrounding that but there is a view within nato that security stops at the nato border and i'm not sure it does and i'm sure your security goes well beyond nato's border. the missile hits the plant, that has a direct effect on

the rest of europe. is there a threshold, do you think were western politicians are going to have to think again? i’m politicians are going to have to think again?— think again? i'm not a military strateaist think again? i'm not a military strategist and _ think again? i'm not a military strategist and i _ think again? i'm not a military strategist and i do _ think again? i'm not a military strategist and i do not - think again? i'm not a military| strategist and i do not diminish think again? i'm not a military i strategist and i do not diminish the armageddon— strategist and i do not diminish the armageddon that _ strategist and i do not diminish the armageddon that would _ strategist and i do not diminish the armageddon that would result i strategist and i do not diminish the| armageddon that would result from what we _ armageddon that would result from what we were — armageddon that would result from what we were calling _ armageddon that would result from what we were calling world - armageddon that would result from what we were calling world war - armageddon that would result from what we were calling world war iii i what we were calling world war iii too. what we were calling world war iii toe i_ what we were calling world war iii toe i do— what we were calling world war iii toe i do think_ what we were calling world war iii too. i do think there _ what we were calling world war iii too. i do think there is _ what we were calling world war iii too. i do think there is a _ what we were calling world war iii too. i do think there is a threshold because we — too. i do think there is a threshold because we have _ too. i do think there is a threshold because we have seen _ too. i do think there is a threshold because we have seen that - too. i do think there is a threshold . because we have seen that threshold in the _ because we have seen that threshold in the past _ because we have seen that threshold in the past. there _ because we have seen that threshold in the past. there was _ because we have seen that threshold in the past. there was a _ because we have seen that threshold in the past. there was a time - because we have seen that threshold in the past. there was a time where i in the past. there was a time where nato _ in the past. there was a time where nato went— in the past. there was a time where nato went to — in the past. there was a time where nato went to war. _ in the past. there was a time where nato went to war. 1999 _ in the past. there was a time where nato went to war. 1999 where - nato went to war. 1999 where threshold — nato went to war. 1999 where threshold was _ nato went to war. 1999 where threshold was reached - nato went to war. 1999 where threshold was reached and . nato went to war. 1999 where threshold was reached and i. nato went to war. 1999 where - threshold was reached and i don't think— threshold was reached and i don't think it _ threshold was reached and i don't think it was — threshold was reached and i don't think it was only— threshold was reached and i don't think it was only because - threshold was reached and i don't think it was only because what . think it was only because what happened _ think it was only because what happened and _ think it was only because what happened and kosovo, - think it was only because what happened and kosovo, it- think it was only because what happened and kosovo, it was. think it was only because what - happened and kosovo, it was about what happened _ happened and kosovo, it was about what happened over— happened and kosovo, it was about what happened over the _ happened and kosovo, it was about what happened over the course - happened and kosovo, it was about what happened over the course of. what happened over the course of that decade — what happened over the course of that decade in— what happened over the course of that decade in the _ what happened over the course of that decade in the region - what happened over the course of that decade in the region that - that decade in the region that accumulated _ that decade in the region that accumulated across— that decade in the region that accumulated across the - that decade in the region that - accumulated across the threshold and i can accumulated across the threshold and t can see _ accumulated across the threshold and t can see that— accumulated across the threshold and i can see that threshold _ accumulated across the threshold and i can see that threshold i— accumulated across the threshold and i can see that threshold i can - i can see that threshold i can imagine some _ i can see that threshold i can imagine some of— i can see that threshold i can imagine some of the - i can see that threshold i can imagine some of the things. i can see that threshold i can i imagine some of the things that might— imagine some of the things that might sit— imagine some of the things that might sit it _ imagine some of the things that might sit it off— imagine some of the things that might sit it off and _ imagine some of the things that might sit it off and i— imagine some of the things that might sit it off and i have - imagine some of the things that might sit it off and i have no - imagine some of the things thatl might sit it off and i have no idea if the _ might sit it off and i have no idea if the with — might sit it off and i have no idea if the will. such _ might sit it off and i have no idea if the will. such as, _ might sit it off and i have no idea if the will. such as, even - if the will. such as, even greater humanitarian _ if the will. such as, even greater humanitarian disaster. _ if the will. such as, even greater humanitarian disaster. strikes i if the will. such as, even greater| humanitarian disaster. strikes on civilians — humanitarian disaster. strikes on civilians of — humanitarian disaster. strikes on civilians of the _ humanitarian disaster. strikes on civilians of the kinds _ humanitarian disaster. strikes on civilians of the kinds of _ humanitarian disaster. strikes on civilians of the kinds of things - civilians of the kinds of things yodre — civilians of the kinds of things youte seeing— civilians of the kinds of things you're seeing now on - civilians of the kinds of things you're seeing now on an eveni you're seeing now on an even greater scaie _ you're seeing now on an even greater scale and i'nr— you're seeing now on an even greater scale and i'm afraid _ you're seeing now on an even greater scale and i'm afraid to— you're seeing now on an even greater scale and i'm afraid to even— you're seeing now on an even greater scale and i'm afraid to even say- you're seeing now on an even greater scale and i'm afraid to even say it. i scale and i'm afraid to even say it. it scale and i'm afraid to even say it. it seems _ scale and i'm afraid to even say it. it seems to— scale and i'm afraid to even say it. it seems to me _ scale and i'm afraid to even say it. it seems to me that _ scale and i'm afraid to even say it. it seems to me that if— scale and i'm afraid to even say it. it seems to me that if i— scale and i'm afraid to even say it.

it seems to me that if i had - scale and i'm afraid to even say it. it seems to me that if i had the i it seems to me that if i had the white _ it seems to me that if i had the white house _ it seems to me that if i had the white house perspective, - it seems to me that if i had the white house perspective, it- it seems to me that if i had the - white house perspective, it seems that they're — white house perspective, it seems that they're hoping _ white house perspective, it seems that they're hoping to _ white house perspective, it seems that they're hoping to buy - white house perspective, it seems that they're hoping to buy time - white house perspective, it seems that they're hoping to buy time for| that they're hoping to buy time for ukraine, _ that they're hoping to buy time for ukraine, which— that they're hoping to buy time for ukraine, which must— that they're hoping to buy time for ukraine, which must be _ that they're hoping to buy time for ukraine, which must be very- that they're hoping to buy time for ukraine, which must be very hardi that they're hoping to buy time for. ukraine, which must be very hard for everybody— ukraine, which must be very hard for everybody in — ukraine, which must be very hard for everybody in ukraine _ ukraine, which must be very hard for everybody in ukraine to _ ukraine, which must be very hard for everybody in ukraine to hear - ukraine, which must be very hard for everybody in ukraine to hear but - everybody in ukraine to hear but there _ everybody in ukraine to hear but there is — everybody in ukraine to hear but there is a — everybody in ukraine to hear but there is a sense _ everybody in ukraine to hear but there is a sense of— everybody in ukraine to hear but there is a sense of the _ everybody in ukraine to hear but there is a sense of the russian l there is a sense of the russian performance _ there is a sense of the russian performance is _ there is a sense of the russian performance is so _ there is a sense of the russian performance is so bad - there is a sense of the russiani performance is so bad militarily there is a sense of the russian - performance is so bad militarily and the morale — performance is so bad militarily and the morale is — performance is so bad militarily and the morale is poor— performance is so bad militarily and the morale is poor and _ performance is so bad militarily and the morale is poor and that - performance is so bad militarily and the morale is poor and that russia i the morale is poor and that russia is not _ the morale is poor and that russia is not doing — the morale is poor and that russia is not doing as _ the morale is poor and that russia is not doing as well— the morale is poor and that russia is not doing as well as _ the morale is poor and that russia is not doing as well as he - the morale is poor and that russia is not doing as well as he thought| is not doing as well as he thought it would _ is not doing as well as he thought it would and — is not doing as well as he thought it would and as _ is not doing as well as he thought it would and as fast _ is not doing as well as he thought it would and as fast as _ is not doing as well as he thought it would and as fast as it - it would and as fast as it should that's— it would and as fast as it should that's only— it would and as fast as it should that's onty a _ it would and as fast as it should that's only a matter— it would and as fast as it should that's only a matter of- it would and as fast as it should that's only a matter of time - that's only a matter of time before russia _ that's only a matter of time before russia skitts — that's only a matter of time before russia skills back— that's only a matter of time before russia skills back given _ that's only a matter of time before i russia skills back given everything, that is— russia skills back given everything, that is a _ russia skills back given everything, that is a very— russia skills back given everything, that is a very frightening _ russia skills back given everything, that is a very frightening risk- russia skills back given everything, that is a very frightening risk to - that is a very frightening risk to have _ that is a very frightening risk to have to — that is a very frightening risk to have to take _ that is a very frightening risk to have to take for— that is a very frightening risk to have to take for ukraine - that is a very frightening risk to have to take for ukraine as - that is a very frightening risk toi have to take for ukraine as well. let me _ have to take for ukraine as well. let me just _ have to take for ukraine as well. let me just ask— have to take for ukraine as well. let me just ask you _ have to take for ukraine as well. let me just ask you finally, - have to take for ukraine as well. let me just ask you finally, whyi have to take for ukraine as well. . let me just ask you finally, why do you think ukrainians need them if you're getting the sophisticated weapon systems that ben wallace was setting out today. men held anti—aircraft missiles that ukrainian forces could get on the ground, don't the mig become necessary for this? taste ground, don't the mig become necessary for this?— ground, don't the mig become

necessary for this? we 'ust need something i necessary for this? we 'ust need something and h necessary for this? we 'ust need something and i h necessary for this? we 'ust need something and i do _ necessary for this? we just need something and i do agree - necessary for this? we just need something and i do agree that i necessary for this? we just need . something and i do agree that there could be some of the system and i'm not a military strategist and have not a military strategist and have not served in the military but what i'm hearing from military men and women is that theyjust need something to be able to cover our sky. i agree and that there's a chance that in case we just managed to hold longer, the russians will surrender because they're not doing very well on the ground. but the scarier thing is the want to do things randomly from the sky which is scary. anything will do as long as we can cover the sky from those horrible bombardments where we don't know which city or town will be bombarded next. but not doing nothing is definitely not will be expect. nothing is definitely not will be exect. �* , ., nothing is definitely not will be exect. . , . ., nothing is definitely not will be exect. �* , ., ., expect. are very grateful for your time and you _ expect. are very grateful for your time and you stay _ expect. are very grateful for your time and you stay safe. _ expect. are very grateful for your time and you stay safe. thank- expect. are very grateful for your | time and you stay safe. thank you

very much for that. to stay with us and we have plenty more to come were going to talk to a russian who was just escape from moscow about her journey in which he has encountered, stay with us. —— and what she has encountered. it's been a rather wet day for some parts of the uk sitting under an active weather front and will push eastwards at the start and peter out but there will be more rain at times and breezy weather and with winter coming up from the south and will be relatively mild and this is the cloud band associated with today's rain and it will continue to peter out but there's still some snow over the hills here and rain for a time, not that much rain getting its way further eastwards, a band of cloudy and damp weather. and dense fog and

for most with the cloud in the breeze and some rain, it will be relatively mild. quite grey and first thing in the northwest to clear but ill look much better for westin scotland, western wells, western england into the east, for brands up in east anglia, it would be a very mild day despite the fresh breeze, 15 to 16 degrees in any of that band of cloud, there will be pulses of rain from time to time, but we will pick up more from the channel islands through the evening. and that is the head of this next slightly more active weather front once again which will give more rain across south west of england through friday and a stronger wind as well though fresh and through thursday and friday and pushing across northern ireland into the sun the west scotland and escaping the brightness for the east which were diminished the afternoon. temperatures still a bit above average is rippling in the south southeast of the wind on friday and

will be at a fairly brisk walk. pushing into the start of saturday, before saturday night brings in the next developing area of the pressure wet and windy weather. so, it will stay changeable this weekend and certainly not a wash—out but there will be some rain around. some brighter skies followed this main band and decided afternoon in the next rain band arriving in the southwest towards tee time in between some brighter weather, relatively mild, 13 or 1a but the wind will be escalating to push and more rain overnight in the saturday and into sunday. and showers will then follow. not a wash—out but it will be some rain around into the weekend and some strong winds too.

hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching context on bbc news. the russian airforce has bombed maternity hospital in the besieged city of mariupol. prsident zelensky calls it an atrocity. reports say the injured include women who were in labour. turkey will host top level talks with ukraine and russia to try and find a path to peace. australian prime minister announces a national emergency after weeks of flooding that leaves 20 people dead and thousands homeless. tonight with the context, former deputy secretary general of nato rose gottemoeller and political analyst dahlia scheindlin.

welcome back to the programme. the un estimates that more than two million people have fled ukraine since the start of the conflict two weeks ago. many of them finding regufe in neighbouring european countries. but where we have not placed as much focus is on those who have fled russia in recent days — to escape putin's war and his propaganda. many of them fearful of arrest for speaking out against the regime, others concerned the kremlin might soon impose martial law. those leaving are limited in where they can go — russian airlines have been banned from western airspace, and european carriers are no longer operating from mosow. ——moscow. and so there are only a handful of exit corridors that remain. some are crossing by land to finland and the baltic states. those without european visas are heading to georgia, armenia and turkey, where the russian dissident community is growing. georgian authorities say that more than 20,000 have arrived in the country since the conflict began. one of them is liza miller, she is a musician from moscow and she arrived in tbilisi with her familyjust a few days ago.

she told me why she had to leave. we have been, of course, feel some discomfort for ages. a lot of discomfort, a growing discomfort, and we have been talking theoretically about leaving, but actually, on thursday, the 24th, we woke up in a different world, and after the shock, the first shot past when i personally was unable to think, once the shock passed, it was obvious we had to leave. so basically the decision was taken by the weekend. we left on the 1st of march. ~ . , ., ., , march. what did you leave behind? pretty much _ march. what did you leave behind? pretty much everything. _ march. what did you leave behind? pretty much everything. we - march. what did you leave behind? pretty much everything. we took. march. what did you leave behind? l pretty much everything. we took the kids, obviously, and we took a suitcase each. we had family photographs and some valuables,

books, and a bit of clothes. that is it. we left the flat, the car, pets, a cat, we couldn't take it. you obviously _ a cat, we couldn't take it. you obviously cannot _ a cat, we couldn't take it. you obviously cannot use - a cat, we couldn't take it. you obviously cannot use your visa or mastercards outside russia, so what are you travelling on? that mastercards outside russia, so what are you travelling on?— are you travelling on? that is obvious from _ are you travelling on? that is obvious from the _ are you travelling on? that is obvious from the first - are you travelling on? that is obvious from the first day. i are you travelling on? that is| obvious from the first day. we are you travelling on? that is - obvious from the first day. we did not count on that, and we did not have many savings anyway. but we took the dollars we have in cash. which will last us for some time, and that is what we are travelling with. ~ . ., :: , and that is what we are travelling with. . ., ., i: , ., with. we read here that 5096 of russians are _ with. we read here that 5096 of russians are in _ with. we read here that 5096 of russians are in favour - with. we read here that 5096 of russians are in favour of - with. we read here that 5096 of russians are in favour of the i with. we read here that 5096 of i russians are in favour of the war. anecdotally, do you think... is it possible to say whether there is widespread support for the war? i

have two small stories i can tell you to show what the reality is, according to me. we belong to a very small mill you... pull —— we belong to a very small community of people who have lived in the west and read news in other languages and i haven't had a tv since 2000. but on the first day of this war, i went to buy some milk, at the local shop, where i send my kids alone normally. people there were partying and congratulating one another. finally, we are going to show them, we are going to win. we are going to take what belongs to us! it has been a long time that they have had to do

this, so they were really so happy that this was happening. so after this first morning, i couldn't leave my home. i was so terrified. another example is, i had a friend who emigrated to the united states ten or 12 years ago, and she has been calling me every day this last week. we have been travelling and today i answered the phone and she was crying, and she said, tell what is happening, i have seen your face book and i saw you met with your family, but whoever i am culling in russia, my family, friends, everyone tells me that i do not understand everything, but i am brainwashed by propaganda in the west and in reality, it is very good war against ukrainian fascists, to liberate the

fellow people, you know, from this ukrainian government. so a lot of people are really brainwashed. at the same time, i personally know lots of people who are apolitical, and once this was started they were so senses. i do not think it really could change anything at this point, because people watch tv, that is one thing, and it has been a process that has been going on for some time. they have been building this up time. they have been building this up for two decades. so, it is really something that they are good at, unfortunately. lisa something that they are good at, unfortunately.— unfortunately. lisa miller, now livin: for unfortunately. lisa miller, now living for the _ unfortunately. lisa miller, now living for the moment - unfortunately. lisa miller, now living for the moment in - unfortunately. lisa miller, now. living for the moment in georgia, not that they are welcome in

georgia, as she told me. she also told me her husband as a deacon and he had been told what to say in church. he is also a schoolteacher and same is for schools. just listening to her story about how the propaganda has got hold of lots of people in russia, i wonder what you think about the decision to cancel apple, google, microsoft, the routes out of the russians, and a way of finding out what the truth is about the war in ukraine. i finding out what the truth is about the war in ukraine.— finding out what the truth is about the war in ukraine. i have a feeling there is only _ the war in ukraine. i have a feeling there is only so _ the war in ukraine. i have a feeling there is only so long _ the war in ukraine. i have a feeling there is only so long you _ the war in ukraine. i have a feeling there is only so long you can - the war in ukraine. i have a feeling there is only so long you can hide l there is only so long you can hide there is only so long you can hide the truth — there is only so long you can hide the truth in — there is only so long you can hide the truth in general and what is striking — the truth in general and what is striking is— the truth in general and what is striking is simply that the country went— striking is simply that the country went to _ striking is simply that the country went to warand striking is simply that the country went to war and we only have the level— went to war and we only have the level of— went to war and we only have the level of support excited. i should say, the — level of support excited. i should say, the most credible poll i have seen _ say, the most credible poll i have seen was — say, the most credible poll i have seen was published by the washington post and _ seen was published by the washington post and said 58%, which was funny to m3, _ post and said 58%, which was funny to me, because usually you have a rally around — to me, because usually you have a rally around the flag effect and support — rally around the flag effect and support should be around 80%. there is a great number of people in the poll who— is a great number of people in the poll who say they do not know and it

is often _ poll who say they do not know and it is often a _ poll who say they do not know and it is often a proxy for not wanting to say their— is often a proxy for not wanting to say their opposition. the kind of disc and — say their opposition. the kind of disc and we are seeing, never mind the demonstrations, thousands of people _ the demonstrations, thousands of people have been arrested every day, in my— people have been arrested every day, in my mind, _ people have been arrested every day, in my mind, when you have every one person— in my mind, when you have every one person demonstrating, there could be 100 not— person demonstrating, there could be 100 not supporting the war. some would _ 100 not supporting the war. some would not — 100 not supporting the war. some would not go out to demonstrate, would _ would not go out to demonstrate, would not — would not go out to demonstrate, would not say it, but those people who are _ would not say it, but those people who are being arrested represent others, _ who are being arrested represent others, a — who are being arrested represent others, a big proportion of the population. so it is troubling, the question— population. so it is troubling, the question of where they get their information now, but apparently enough — information now, but apparently enough people are already experiencing unmediated what is going _ experiencing unmediated what is going on — experiencing unmediated what is going on. they know they have relatives. — going on. they know they have relatives, the body bags will start to come _ relatives, the body bags will start to come back, there will be missing people. _ to come back, there will be missing people, unidentified soldiers, husbands, sons, and it is incredible that ukrainian ministers had to put out a _ that ukrainian ministers had to put out a call—

that ukrainian ministers had to put out a call to— that ukrainian ministers had to put out a call to russians to say that we will _ out a call to russians to say that we will help you get access to your soldiers _ we will help you get access to your soldiers. those are unmediated experiences people are having and there _ experiences people are having and there is— experiences people are having and there is only so long the propaganda machine. _ there is only so long the propaganda machine. as— there is only so long the propaganda machine, as sophisticated as it is, and i_ machine, as sophisticated as it is, and i know— machine, as sophisticated as it is, and i know it — machine, as sophisticated as it is, and i know it has been going on for yearsw _ and i know it has been going on for yearsw lt— and i know it has been going on for ears,... , . and i know it has been going on for ears,... ,., years,... it is a good point, rose, that if husbands _ years,... it is a good point, rose, that if husbands and _ years,... it is a good point, rose, that if husbands and sons - years,... it is a good point, rose, that if husbands and sons do - years,... it is a good point, rose, that if husbands and sons do not i that if husbands and sons do not come back, it does not matter how much propaganda is out there. putin said yesterday there were no russian conscripts serving in ukraine and the defence minister had to admit that that was not true. that raises questions about putin —— how much putin knows about the war in ukraine. does he know about those casualties? he ukraine. does he know about those casualties? . , ukraine. does he know about those casualties? ., , , ukraine. does he know about those casualties? . , , ., casualties? he has been in a tight bubble, and _ casualties? he has been in a tight bubble, and that _ casualties? he has been in a tight bubble, and that is _ casualties? he has been in a tight bubble, and that is one _ casualties? he has been in a tight bubble, and that is one of- casualties? he has been in a tight bubble, and that is one of the - bubble, and that is one of the reasons i think we have seen this decision—making that he has undertaken, where he has made decisions with a very small group of his immediate cohorts, we call them yes—men in some settings, around

them they met him he is not getting alternative sources of information and that is part of the problem. nobody probably dares tell him how badly things are going. certainly he would not admit any kind of independent information to impinge on his current state of mind. that is a real problem, this bubble around him. ifi real problem, this bubble around him. if i mayjust comment on the issue to do with the soldiers. i read yesterday in st petersburg, soldiers' mothers group, they were involved in different wars, and these mothers groups are now being told that if they help provide independent information not from the ministry of defence of russia, they are liable for criminal charges. so they are really, the russian government and putin himself, cracking down on any kind of independent activity that could help with these issues related to

identifying those casualties and also those killed.— identifying those casualties and also those killed. yes, trying to kee a also those killed. yes, trying to keep a lid _ also those killed. yes, trying to keep a lid on — also those killed. yes, trying to keep a lid on it. _ also those killed. yes, trying to keep a lid on it. we _ also those killed. yes, trying to keep a lid on it. we will- also those killed. yes, trying to keep a lid on it. we will see - also those killed. yes, trying to | keep a lid on it. we will see how they do that. let us talk about the oil, because the conflict in ukraine is forcing the west to look to new partners for supplies. saudi arabia and the united arab emirates that together could go a long way to easing the recent spike in prices. but according to the wall street journal, both countries refused a call from president biden a few weeks ago. since then, uae has signalled it would support an increase in supply but no word yet from the saudis, who are apparently setting conditions. the crown prince wants us support for their ongoing war with the houthis in yemen, they want help with their own civilian nuclear programme as iran moves ahead, and prince mohammed wants legal immunity in the united states, after the murder ofjournalist jamal khashoggi. meanwhile, president erodogan tomorrow hosts the first high level talks between ukraine and russia.

turkey is another country that straddles this divide between russia and the united states. turkey is the only nato member not to ban russia from its airspace or impose sanctions. and as the gatekeeper to the black sea, it has very real security concerns about what is unfolding in ukraine. lam i am really interested, i must say, in these countries that have relations with both countries and you are sitting on one of them, israel, and the israeli prime minister is the only one that has been to moscow during the war, and i understand that there is talk tonight that presidency lenski wanted to address the israeli parliament. what happened? —— president zelensky. this parliament. what happened? -- president zelensky.— president zelensky. this was published — president zelensky. this was published on _ president zelensky. this was published on one _ president zelensky. this was published on one of- president zelensky. this was published on one of our- president zelensky. this was published on one of our top. published on one of our top diplomatic reporters, who i published a brief item that presidency lenski's asked the israeli parliament to do a speech

via zoom. because parliament is not in session, this was the response, supposedly they said no, we cannot convene the power and just for this. we can do a separate zoom session with those members separately somehow, but president zelensky�*s staff did not accept it. i do not accept this explanation and feel it has to do with israel's very ambiguous approach towards the entire war. the prime minister had been trying to convey that the ambiguity has been important to play mediation role. but we know that israel wants to maintain its convenient cooperative relationship with putin established under the previous prime minister, benjamin netanyahu, to coordinate israel's strikes on iranian positions in

syria. that has been considered the main reason. i also have criticism of that reason because, from of conversations with people and security establishments, it is not necessarily that israel's entire security position, the existential security, it does not depend on russia. it has long had a position that it must be self—reliant for security and israel cant cope with the reaction of russia should it be more critical of the's position and more critical of the's position and more supportive of ukraine. israel has been investing instead in humanitarian aid and i give a lot of credit to the government, health ministry, for volunteers that have gone over to establish field hospitals, high—tech hospitals, but israel has been trying to walk a fine line, partly claiming negotiating efforts are the result of having this in between position. but those negotiating efforts, as we have seen, has involved shelter diplomacy and no success, and very

little change in russia's demands. it is interesting, rose, becausejoe biden is finding this out as well. he said new terms for the saudis when he went into the white house and the relations have chilled a little. he has had some very choice things to say about president erdogan of turkey and dissidents in turkey, and has had things to say about venezuela. now he is having to go to all these countries, and this is the new reality, we are in the cold war situation where countries are being asked to pick a side. and are being asked to pick a side. and if i ma are being asked to pick a side. and if i may follow _ are being asked to pick a side. and if i may follow up on that comment about— if i may follow up on that comment about the _ if i may follow up on that comment about the situation with israel, ukrainians actually need missile defence — ukrainians actually need missile defence systems which the israelis built and _ defence systems which the israelis built and deployed quite effectively against _ built and deployed quite effectively against a rain of missiles that come down _ against a rain of missiles that come down on _ against a rain of missiles that come down on israel. so if israel really wants— down on israel. so if israel really wants to — down on israel. so if israel really wants to help, what ukrainians need is not _ wants to help, what ukrainians need is not mig—29 but those weapons.

that is— is not mig—29 but those weapons. that is my— is not mig—29 but those weapons. that is my personal opinion. | is not mig-29 but those weapons. that is my personal opinion. i could not aaree that is my personal opinion. i could not agree more. _ that is my personal opinion. i could not agree more. in _ that is my personal opinion. i could not agree more. in any _ that is my personal opinion. i could not agree more. in any event, - that is my personal opinion. i could not agree more. in any event, the l not agree more. in any event, the situation has — not agree more. in any event, the situation has been _ not agree more. in any event, the situation has been very _ not agree more. in any event, the. situation has been very interesting. suddenly— situation has been very interesting. suddenly the bad boys of nato, turkey. — suddenly the bad boys of nato, turkey, poland, hungary, all ofa sudden— turkey, poland, hungary, all ofa sudden they are playing these roles that are _ sudden they are playing these roles that are so — sudden they are playing these roles that are so important in terms of facilitating — that are so important in terms of facilitating high—level diplomacy. i wish the _ facilitating high—level diplomacy. i wish the best for those talks tomorrow between sergei lavrov and the ukrainian foreign minister. but also seeing hungary and poland step forward _ also seeing hungary and poland step forward. you also seeing hungary and poland step forward. , ., ., also seeing hungary and poland step forward. i. ., ,, ., also seeing hungary and poland step forward. ., ,, ., ., forward. you would know as the four 56 secretary — forward. you would know as the four bg secretary general _ forward. you would know as the four bg secretary general how— forward. you would know as the four bg secretary general how importantj bg secretary general how important turkey is to nato. —— as the four deputy secretary general. there are always concerned about president erdogan and the way he leads when it comes to these critical issues? from nato leadership. _ comes to these critical issues? from nato leadership, from _

comes to these critical issues? from nato leadership, from headquarters' perspective, turkey has always been an excellent operational ally and are still, — an excellent operational ally and are still, to the very end, have been _ are still, to the very end, have been participating in ensuring the airport— been participating in ensuring the airport in— been participating in ensuring the airport in afghanistan, for example, remain— airport in afghanistan, for example, remain open. they are seen as a great _ remain open. they are seen as a great operational ally. the politics in ankara — great operational ally. the politics in ankara frequently caused difficulties, the s 400 purchase caused — difficulties, the s 400 purchase caused problems, but always, the secretary— caused problems, but always, the secretary generaljens stoltenberg, secretary general jens stoltenberg, he secretary generaljens stoltenberg, he saw _ secretary generaljens stoltenberg, he saw them as good operational ally and really— he saw them as good operational ally and really looked for ways to facilitate in terms of problems that were caused when turkey and greece, for example. — were caused when turkey and greece, for example, started quarrelling over petroleum fields in the eastern mediterranean. nato saw itself as trying _ mediterranean. nato saw itself as trying to _ mediterranean. nato saw itself as trying to keep the facilitation going — trying to keep the facilitation going forward but steal all allies, including — going forward but steal all allies, including turkey.— including turkey. interesting. to close tonight. — including turkey. interesting. to close tonight, we _ including turkey. interesting. to close tonight, we are _ including turkey. interesting. to close tonight, we are going - including turkey. interesting. to

close tonight, we are going to i including turkey. interesting. to l close tonight, we are going to turn away from ukraine, sort of, to cover away from ukraine, sort of, to cover a story that would have been getting plenty of global coverage, and that is extraordinary in australia. —— extraordinary flooding in australia. prime minister scott morrison has just declared a national emergency after weeks of heavy rains and floods in queensland and new south wales that have left 20 people dead and thousands of homes destroyed. these are pictures from a suburb in western sdeey — entire towns completely submerged. experts say the flooding has been worsened by climate change and the la nina weather phenomenon. which is also a reminder that since the conflict began in ukraine, we have had a series of alarming reports on where our global climate is heading. last week, the international energy agency said carbon dioxide emissions from the energy sector rose by their highest level last year, to a record 36 billion tonnes. and before that, a dire warning from the intergovernmental panel on climate change, that the impacts of global warming are now simply "irreversible", with over 40% of the world's population now "highly vulnerable" to the consequences of climate change.

michael holder is deputy editor at businessgreen. you read those reports, michael, and what are we focusing on? war. it is pretty depressing, isn't it? it is. it is difficult — pretty depressing, isn't it? it is. it is difficult to _ pretty depressing, isn't it? it is. it is difficult to look _ pretty depressing, isn't it? it is. it is difficult to look at _ pretty depressing, isn't it? it is. it is difficult to look at new - it is difficult to look at new stories over the last couple of weeks, but massively underscores the importance at looking at solutions to these problems. nothing can be clearer, we must get to net zero to deliver a greener economy, and a war that the whole world is scrambling to get away from russian fossil fuels, and the warning that 40% of the world's population is under threat from climate change. those floods have killed 20 people in australia and damaged, causing gardeners how much damage to homes and seeing people lose their belongings. taste and seeing people lose their belongings-— and seeing people lose their belonuains. ~ ., ., , belongings. we cannot get any renewed target _ belongings. we cannot get any renewed target out _ belongings. we cannot get any renewed target out of - belongings. we cannot get any renewed target out of scott i belongings. we cannot get any - renewed target out of scott morrison even though he has had these forest fires and unprecedented floods. the

ressure fires and unprecedented floods. tie: pressure is building fires and unprecedented floods. ti9: pressure is building on him. fires and unprecedented floods. ti9 pressure is building on him. he has been quiet on the world stage in terms of australia and climate change, but last year he announced a net zero target of 2050. the plan is far from credible. net zero target of 2050. the plan is farfrom credible. pressure will mount because people are more than aware that this is the reality, and the floods prove that. it is important to know that this is an important to know that this is an important moment for australia. it is reliant on coal and continues to push its coal industry, but investors are going away from this. there are huge opportunities for australia, with lots of sunshine. the up side of the conflict, we are talking about this last night, europe suddenly sees the necessity to move away from the supply of oil and gas in russia towards renewables, and suddenly they are accelerating the plan. that is partly an upside.— accelerating the plan. that is partly an upside. yes, there is no

u side to partly an upside. yes, there is no upside to war. — partly an upside. yes, there is no upside to war, which _ partly an upside. yes, there is no upside to war, which is _ partly an upside. yes, there is no i upside to war, which is devastating for anyone involved in it, and it will cause massive economic damage to the entire world and limit our ability to invest in green solutions that we need, but it further underscores that there are solutions here and fossil fuels have huge geopolitical risk as well as climate risk attached. investing in cheap renewables, wind and solar, the cheapest forms of energy in the world, and insulating our homes, it is a no—brainer. it saves money and solves the risk of oil and gas from russia. an electric vehicles, —— and electric vehicles, it underscores this massive no—brainer opportunity, which is net zero green technologies and insulating our homes and gardens from the huge risk of climate change. from the huge risk of climate chan . e. from the huge risk of climate chance. :, , from the huge risk of climate chance. ., , ., from the huge risk of climate chance. :, , ., , change. the irony here, though, is that, as change. the irony here, though, is that. as we — change. the irony here, though, is that, as we have _

change. the irony here, though, is that, as we have been _ change. the irony here, though, is that, as we have been talking - change. the irony here, though, is l that, as we have been talking about, we have been trying to separate the two stories, but they are connected, because if suddenly russia and china disappear behind a new iron wall, how will we come together at top 27 and discuss what will be done? thea;r and discuss what will be done? they are completely _ and discuss what will be done? they are completely connected and the interesting — are completely connected and the interesting irony— are completely connected and the interesting irony is, _ are completely connected and the interesting irony is, i— are completely connected and the interesting irony is, i was - are completely connected and the interesting irony is, i was on - are completely connected and the interesting irony is, i was on it- are completely connected and the interesting irony is, i was on it a i interesting irony is, i was on it a few weeks— interesting irony is, i was on it a few weeks ago— interesting irony is, i was on it a few weeks ago saying _ interesting irony is, i was on it a few weeks ago saying there - interesting irony is, i was on it a i few weeks ago saying there would interesting irony is, i was on it a - few weeks ago saying there would be a backlash— few weeks ago saying there would be a backlash against _ few weeks ago saying there would be a backlash against russia _ few weeks ago saying there would be a backlash against russia that - a backlash against russia that unifies— a backlash against russia that unifies allies, and _ a backlash against russia that unifies allies, and we - a backlash against russia that unifies allies, and we have - a backlash against russia thati unifies allies, and we have said that there _ unifies allies, and we have said that there is _ unifies allies, and we have said that there is a _ unifies allies, and we have said that there is a strange - unifies allies, and we have said. that there is a strange beginning unifies allies, and we have said - that there is a strange beginning of a thaw— that there is a strange beginning of a thaw between _ that there is a strange beginning of a thaw between the _ that there is a strange beginning of a thaw between the us _ that there is a strange beginning of a thaw between the us and - that there is a strange beginning of. a thaw between the us and venezuela over oil~ _ a thaw between the us and venezuela over oil~ but _ a thaw between the us and venezuela over oil~ but it— a thaw between the us and venezuela over oil. but it is— a thaw between the us and venezuela over oil. but it is inevitable _ a thaw between the us and venezuela over oil. but it is inevitable that- over oil. but it is inevitable that this will— over oil. but it is inevitable that this will accelerate _ over oil. but it is inevitable that this will accelerate the - over oil. but it is inevitable that this will accelerate the search i over oil. but it is inevitable that. this will accelerate the search for renewable — this will accelerate the search for renewable energies, _ this will accelerate the search for renewable energies, it _ this will accelerate the search for renewable energies, it will- this will accelerate the search for renewable energies, it will havei this will accelerate the search for| renewable energies, it will have a profound — renewable energies, it will have a profound impact— renewable energies, it will have a profound impact on _ renewable energies, it will have a profound impact on us _ renewable energies, it will have a profound impact on us politics. renewable energies, it will have al profound impact on us politics and increase _ profound impact on us politics and increase the — profound impact on us politics and increase the us _ profound impact on us politics and increase the us commitment - profound impact on us politics and increase the us commitment to i profound impact on us politics and i increase the us commitment to that, maybe _ increase the us commitment to that, maybe even— increase the us commitment to that, maybe even from _ increase the us commitment to that, maybe even from the _ increase the us commitment to that, maybe even from the gop, _ increase the us commitment to that, maybe even from the gop, maybe i increase the us commitment to that, i maybe even from the gop, maybe not the world's _ maybe even from the gop, maybe not the world's most— maybe even from the gop, maybe not the world's most supportive, - maybe even from the gop, maybe not the world's most supportive, and i the world's most supportive, and also interesting _ the world's most supportive, and also interesting in _ the world's most supportive, and also interesting in terms - the world's most supportive, and also interesting in terms of- the world's most supportive, and also interesting in terms of the l also interesting in terms of the funding — also interesting in terms of the funding bill, _ also interesting in terms of the funding bill, it— also interesting in terms of the funding bill, it was _ also interesting in terms of the funding bill, it was made - also interesting in terms of the funding bill, it was made a i also interesting in terms of the i funding bill, it was made a point that that — funding bill, it was made a point that that bill, — funding bill, it was made a point that that bill, the _

funding bill, it was made a point that that bill, the funding - funding bill, it was made a point that that bill, the funding bill, i funding bill, it was made a point that that bill, the funding bill, itj that that bill, the funding bill, it is largely— that that bill, the funding bill, it is largely committed _ that that bill, the funding bill, it is largely committed to - that that bill, the funding bill, it i is largely committed to confronting climate _ is largely committed to confronting climate change _ is largely committed to confronting climate change as _ is largely committed to confronting climate change as one _ is largely committed to confronting climate change as one of _ is largely committed to confronting climate change as one of the - climate change as one of the country's _ climate change as one of the country's national— climate change as one of the l country's national challenges. climate change as one of the i country's national challenges. that is something — country's national challenges. that is something american _ country's national challenges. that is something american politiciansi is something american politicians and those — is something american politicians and those around _ is something american politicians and those around the _ is something american politicians and those around the world - and those around the world understand _ and those around the world understand with _ and those around the world understand with much i and those around the world i understand with much greater urgency~ _ understand with much greater urgency~ l— understand with much greater urien . ~ :, understand with much greater urien . ~ ., . ., urgency. i know climate change has alwa s urgency. i know climate change has always been — urgency. i know climate change has always been a _ urgency. i know climate change has always been a key _ urgency. i know climate change has always been a key part _ urgency. i know climate change has always been a key part of _ always been a key part of natosecurity outlook, but i was reading today from some of the big charity bosses that they have never faced anything like they are facing currently, not afghanistan or ukraine, the war in yemen, they have a famine coming in west africa because of these changing climates. there are problems all over the world at the moment and millions of people on the move. we are going to have to start refocusing away from borders towards the real challenge we all face, and that is the end of the world as we know it. i we all face, and that is the end of the world as we know it.— we all face, and that is the end of the world as we know it. i want to add that ukraine _ the world as we know it. i want to add that ukraine and _ the world as we know it. i want to add that ukraine and russia i the world as we know it. i want to add that ukraine and russia are i the world as we know it. i want to i add that ukraine and russia are huge

wheat— add that ukraine and russia are huge wheat producers as well, and it is causing _ wheat producers as well, and it is causing concern around countries in the mediterranean, and lebanon, egypt _ the mediterranean, and lebanon, egypt etc~ — the mediterranean, and lebanon, egypt etc. there are problems that have emerged directly from this war. i have emerged directly from this war. ithink. _ have emerged directly from this war. ithink, again, there is no have emerged directly from this war. i think, again, there is no question that we _ i think, again, there is no question that we are — i think, again, there is no question that we are facing these major shocks. — that we are facing these major shocks, including economic shocks, but i _ shocks, including economic shocks, but i want _ shocks, including economic shocks, but i want to— shocks, including economic shocks, but i want to say also that at least these _ but i want to say also that at least these major economies, the us, first and foremost, have begun to climb out of— and foremost, have begun to climb out of the — and foremost, have begun to climb out of the economic crisis caused by the covid-i9 — out of the economic crisis caused by the covid—19 pandemic. now, the real emphasis _ the covid—19 pandemic. now, the real emphasis must be on preventing another— emphasis must be on preventing another descent into economic crisis again. _ another descent into economic crisis again. and _ another descent into economic crisis again, and that is going to be a tall order _ again, and that is going to be a tall order i_ again, and that is going to be a tall order. i want to say, we are starting — tall order. i want to say, we are starting from a better place then we would _ starting from a better place then we would have bought possible even six months _ would have bought possible even six months ago. would have bought possible even six months ago-— months ago. sadly, we are out of time. grateful— months ago. sadly, we are out of time. grateful for— months ago. sadly, we are out of time. grateful for all— months ago. sadly, we are out of time. grateful for all of _ months ago. sadly, we are out of time. grateful for all of your i months ago. sadly, we are out ofj time. grateful for all of your time time. gratefulfor all of your time this evening. it is the only sorry

we have focused on apart from ukraine, but certainly and in potent one. thank you to rose and dali are. —— thank you to rose and dahlia scheindlin. back the same time tomorrow. thank you for watching. thank you for watching. bleeding. a rather wet day for some western part of the uk, sitting under —— good evening. there will be further rain at times over the coming few days, breezy weather. but with winds coming up from the south, it should be relatively mild. this is the cloud band associated with today's rain. it will continue to peter out, but still some snow over hills and some heavy bursts of rain for a time. not that much rain getting its way further eastwards, just a band cardio weather, damp weather, and where it clays away from northern ireland and north—west scotland, dense fog forms, and

trust. but for most, with cloud and reason rain, relatively mild. quite grey and misty, particularly over the hells first plane. the dense fog patches further north and west taking more time to clear, but drier for northern ireland and western scotland, western england, western wales, and to the east as well. it will be a very mild day in east anglia despite the fresh breeze. underneath the band of cloud, pulses of rain from time to time. light and patchy for the most part, more across the channel islands and into central southern england the evening. that is ahead of this more active weather front which will give more rain across the south—west of england through friday, across wales, strung up wind as well, freshening through friday night into saturday, and perhaps the far north—east of scotland escaping from brightness further east diminishes through the afternoon. temperatures still above average. pushes through

to the start of saturday before saturday night brings in the next developing area of low pressure, wet and windy weather. it will stay changeable, not a wash—out but rain around. brighterskies changeable, not a wash—out but rain around. brighter skies follow this main rain band into saturday afternoon and evening, the next rain band arriving in the south—west towards tea—time. in between, brighter weather, relatively mild, but the wind will be escalating to put in more wind overnight and showers follow. not a wash—out but more rain around into the weekend and stronger winds too.

tonight at ten. global condemnation after a children's hospital is hit by a russian air strike in the besieged southern ukrainian city of mauripol. ukrainian local officials say there are many dead and injured, with children buried under the rubble. the attack happened while a ceasefire was supposed to be in place. mariupol�*s mayor says president putin has destroyed a peaceful city. translation: they wanted to take the lives of our children, _ ourwomen, our doctors, who have been fighting for 1h days of war for the lives of every child who came under fire from enemy weapons.

in eastern ukraine, a ceasefire in sumy does hold,