get on to try to accommodate and can get on to try to accommodate in the _ and can get on to try to accommodate in the european union. where the second _ in the european union. where the second question is concerned, indeed, — second question is concerned, indeed, i_ second question is concerned, indeed, i want to underline that it has proven— indeed, i want to underline that it has proven right... indeed, i want to underline that it has proven right. . ._ has proven right... studio: i am yalda hakim _ has proven right... studio: i am yalda hakim and _ has proven right... studio: i am yalda hakim and you _ has proven right... studio: i am yalda hakim and you are - has proven right... studio: i aml yalda hakim and you are watching has proven right... studio: i am - yalda hakim and you are watching bbc news and our continued coverage of the conflict in ukraine. you are listening to eu leaders meeting for talks in france's historic versailles palace, discussing the block as relationship with ukraine as well as sanctions on russia. we can listen to ursula von der leyen, the european commission president. the european green deal is absolutely necessary if we want to get independent of fossil fuels, mainly supplied by russia. digitalisation is of utmost importance to modernise our economy, which proves now to be leveraged

against russia's war machine. and the resilience, of course defence is a subtitle of it is important, the president said, that we look at different tools we can then activate to make it possible that we advance in our priorities. this is on the one hand the european level, and there is also the european budget, like for example next—generation eu. it is the next level, but don't forget the private level. a good example of how to activate all three levels and make the projects advance is now for example our chips act concerning the semiconductors. here we pushed forward a crucial topic that goes for the digital optimisation is what is our resilience, our independence with european investment and national

investment and triggering private investment. investment and triggering private investment-— investment and triggering private investment. ., ' ., investment. from the huffington post ou have investment. from the huffington post you have the — investment. from the huffington post you have the last _ investment. from the huffington post you have the last question. _ investment. from the huffington post you have the last question. what - investment. from the huffington post you have the last question. what do l you have the last question. what do ou rel you have the last question. what do you reply to — you have the last question. what do you reply to mr _ you have the last question. what do you reply to mr zelensky _ you have the last question. what do you reply to mr zelensky who - you have the last question. what do you reply to mr zelensky who is - you reply to mr zelensky who is saying — you reply to mr zelensky who is saying he — you reply to mr zelensky who is saying he is_ you reply to mr zelensky who is saying he is disappointed - you reply to mr zelensky who is saying he is disappointed with i you reply to mr zelensky who is . saying he is disappointed with the decleration— saying he is disappointed with the declaration of— saying he is disappointed with the declaration of versailles - saying he is disappointed with the declaration of versailles and - saying he is disappointed with the declaration of versailles and asks| declaration of versailles and asks europe _ declaration of versailles and asks europe to — declaration of versailles and asks europe to do _ declaration of versailles and asks europe to do more _ declaration of versailles and asks europe to do more and _ declaration of versailles and asks europe to do more and says- declaration of versailles and asks europe to do more and says it - declaration of versailles and asks europe to do more and says it isi declaration of versailles and asks i europe to do more and says it is not enough _ europe to do more and says it is not enough and — europe to do more and says it is not enough and i— europe to do more and says it is not enough. and i wanted to— europe to do more and says it is not enough. and i wanted to know- europe to do more and says it is notj enough. and i wanted to know when you say— enough. and i wanted to know when you say you — enough. and i wanted to know when you say you are _ enough. and i wanted to know when you say you are preparing _ enough. and i wanted to know when you say you are preparing another. you say you are preparing another package _ you say you are preparing another package of— you say you are preparing another package of sanctions, _ you say you are preparing another package of sanctions, and - you say you are preparing another package of sanctions, and you - you say you are preparing another| package of sanctions, and you see everything — package of sanctions, and you see everything else _ package of sanctions, and you see everything else is— package of sanctions, and you see everything else is on— package of sanctions, and you see everything else is on the - package of sanctions, and you see everything else is on the table, i package of sanctions, and you see everything else is on the table, is| everything else is on the table, is it on— everything else is on the table, is it on the — everything else is on the table, is it on the table _ everything else is on the table, is it on the table and _ everything else is on the table, is it on the table and embargo- everything else is on the table, is it on the table and embargo of. it on the table and embargo of petrol— it on the table and embargo of petrol and _ it on the table and embargo of petrol and gas _ it on the table and embargo of petrol and gas from _ it on the table and embargo of petrol and gas from russia? . it on the table and embargo ofi petrol and gas from russia? 0r it on the table and embargo of- petrol and gas from russia? or the exclusion _ petrol and gas from russia? or the exclusion of — petrol and gas from russia? or the exclusion of gazprom _ petrol and gas from russia? or the exclusion of gazprom bank- petrol and gas from russia? or the exclusion of gazprom bank from i petrol and gas from russia? 0r thei exclusion of gazprom bank from the swift system — exclusion of gazprom bank from the swift system on _ exclusion of gazprom bank from the swift system on the _ exclusion of gazprom bank from the swift system on the table? - swift system on the table? translation: _ swift system on the table? translation: as - swift system on the table? translation:— swift system on the table? translation: m ., , ., translation: as regards to your first question- — translation: as regards to your first question. lemme _ translation: as regards to your first question. lemme say - translation: as regards to your first question. lemme say once i translation: as regards to your - first question. lemme say once again not with the greatest of respect, consideration of president zelensky and his citizens who are fighting, the political message that the european union sent from versailles

yesterday is a clear message, we played the ukrainian national anthem here, we sent a very clear political message. it is not a legal process, for the reasons i have already cited in answer to one of your colleague' questions. and also president michel and president von der leyen have made a point as well. i fully understand when involved in battle so courageously as the ukrainians are, at the same time as last week when there was a request for a no—fly zone. obviously much more is wanted, but we are not parties to the conflict. we are determined to do everything useful to bring about an end to the conflict and peace can come back to ukraine. the european part is a clear one for ukraine, we have made that point very clearly. secondly, our desire to continue to support ukraine and the ukrainians

is clear, and we have demonstrated it, we have taken a decision on this. we are willing to sanction beyond what has already been done. nothing from what you have mentioned is off the table. i preserve the strategic ambiguity, because i think it is good, it is beneficial to us. additional decisions will be taken following the g7, they will be limited. but if russia, notwithstanding what it says, notwithstanding what it says, notwithstanding president putin saying, "i believe in discussions, negotiations, things are moving forward, i see things are changing..." ina forward, i see things are changing..." in a few hours' time, we will speak to president putin again, together with chancellor olaf scholz. if despite that he steps up the bombing, he put kyiv under siege, then we know that further massive sanctions will have to be taken by us. the message i want to

put across to you is that in that case, nothing is off the table. nothing, nothing is taboo. we will do whatever we deem to be effective and useful to halt russia. in its aggression. let and usefulto halt russia. in its aggression-— and usefulto halt russia. in its aggression. and usefulto halt russia. in its anression. . . aggression. let me also say that as retards aggression. let me also say that as re . ards to aggression. let me also say that as regards to the _ aggression. let me also say that as regards to the different _ aggression. let me also say that as regards to the different packages . aggression. let me also say that as| regards to the different packages of sanctions. _ regards to the different packages of sanctions, they will be able to bring — sanctions, they will be able to bring things together whenever necessary and to act when necessary. yesterday _ necessary and to act when necessary. yesterday evening's meeting demonstrated this again, the ability to work— demonstrated this again, the ability to work with europeans and partners. we can— to work with europeans and partners. we can see _ to work with europeans and partners. we can see the impact of these tensions— we can see the impact of these tensions having a real effect, and we will— tensions having a real effect, and we will continue to assess the situation _ we will continue to assess the situation so that we can take the right— situation so that we can take the right decisions at the right time in order— right decisions at the right time in order to _ right decisions at the right time in order to bring about a change in the coming's _ order to bring about a change in the coming's position and bring it to a state _ coming's position and bring it to a state of— coming's position and bring it to a state of mind that will make it possible. _ state of mind that will make it possible, we hope, for there to be a ceasefire _ possible, we hope, for there to be a ceasefire and a cessation of hostilities as quickly as possible. thank— hostilities as quickly as possible. thank you — hostilities as quickly as possible. thank you very much. thank you,

presidents. thank you, ladies and gentlemen. you are listening to president macron and ursula von der leyen and charles michel, the president of the european council. the eu leaders were meeting the talks in france's historic palace of versailles to discuss the block's relationship with ukraine, the sanctions on russia and the ongoing conflict and bombardment of ukraine. thank you very much forjoining us here on the programme. you are listening to what emanuel mach one was saying, what ursula von der leyen was saying, they were talking about ukraine being part of the european family, that the path was very clear for ukraine to join european family, the eu more formally, are you satisfied

with what you heard? first eu more formally, are you satisfied with what you heard?— with what you heard? first of all, ou read with what you heard? first of all, you read carefully _ with what you heard? first of all, you read carefully the _ with what you heard? first of all, you read carefully the operation i with what you heard? first of all, i you read carefully the operation on versailles. the words that ukraine belongs to europe in our european family, it is very important for us. we understand the result of the summit, that there is a green light for the process of ukraine's application to the eu membership. the president his approach is now said that it was a quick speed for the european union. any normal situation. let's remind all of us that we are not in a normal situation, a of war in ukraine. this is not a war in ukraine, a situation against european security, against european values, against europeans all of them. that is why ukraine is fighting on the front, for the fight of european values, fighting on the forefront against russian aggression. and it is ready to defend and will defend not only its territory but all the territories of

european countries to the end. so thinking about our european perspective, we would really like to hear some more concrete deeds and actions. because messages and signals are very good amount of the messages and single are quite strong today, but sometimes we need deeds in these regards. the presidents were right to say that... we in these regards. the presidents were right to say that... we heard a manual macron _ were right to say that... we heard a manual macron saying _ were right to say that... we heard a manual macron saying there - were right to say that... we heard a manual macron saying there that, i manual macron saying there that, should the russians get closer and surround kyiv, then nothing is off the table. if the bombardments continue, then nothing is off the table. about something that you are happy when you hear that? you want more ukrainian _ happy when you hear that? you want more ukrainian people _ happy when you hear that? you want more ukrainian people to _ happy when you hear that? you want more ukrainian people to die? - happy when you hear that? you want more ukrainian people to die? you i more ukrainian people to die? you want more ukrainian cities to be bombarded? more ukrainian children to die? this is the reason why the europeans should. before the war, the president was saying about

preventive sanctions. we talk about sanctions. i don't think this is wise to wait until the worst—case scenario happens. again, ukraine will be more on its european path on wartime as well. there is no necessity either to wait for the end of the war or to end with the worst—case scenario will happen. we are ready to go on our european path now. fighting the war, destroying the enemy, we are at the same time ready to do ourjob in order to be a part of the european union. and we await from the european family to be on the same path with us. weill. await from the european family to be on the same path with us.— on the same path with us. well, do ou feel on the same path with us. well, do you feel that _ on the same path with us. well, do you feel that they _ on the same path with us. well, do you feel that they are _ on the same path with us. well, do you feel that they are on _ on the same path with us. well, do you feel that they are on the same | you feel that they are on the same path, from what you are hearing and what you heard just now from a manual macron? he said it is a complex situation, and they reserve the white right to wait and see how this all unfold. —— reserves the right. it this all unfold. -- reserves the riuht. , ., ., , ., right. it is not good for the six of john and right. it is not good for the six of john and prayed _

right. it is not good for the six of john and prayed ukrainians. - to be that kind of brave and strong. we will do ourjob, we will go on our path, but we will also like to ask from the eu when they talk about the sanctions. the current level of sanctions is far away from being enough. we are thankful for the fourth wave of sanctions, but he will talk about immediate concrete sanctions which will hurt the russian economy immediately. it will make ukrainians' life easier. if we are talking about swift, for instance, it is any seven banks of russia which are in this list. not the biggest banks. gazprom bank is not fair. if you are talking about and in bader, jess, the eu should be ready for this. —— embargo. they said they are preparing to wean off dependence on russian gas. the price

will be higher, the same goes for oil. the same goes for russian accounts, they should not only be freezing in the european union but maybe some options just confiscation should be possible. so sanctions are not enough. sanctions do matter, sanctions do help us to fight the enemy, so i would urge all the european union leaders to remember this. ., , european union leaders to remember this. . , ., this. ok, the adviser to the president _ this. ok, the adviser to the president of _ this. ok, the adviser to the president of ukraine, - this. ok, the adviser to thej president of ukraine, thank this. ok, the adviser to the - president of ukraine, thank you very much forjoining us here on the programme. much forjoining us here on the programme-— much forjoining us here on the i programme._ thanks much forjoining us here on the - programme._ thanks very programme. many thanks. thanks very much forjoining _ programme. many thanks. thanks very much forjoining us. _ programme. many thanks. thanks very much forjoining us. we _ programme. many thanks. thanks very much forjoining us. we were _ programme. many thanks. thanks very much forjoining us. we were just - much forjoining us. we were just hearing there from the president's office, they don't feel entirely satisfied by what they are hearing a manual macron and ursula von der leyen saber. they say that it is not normal time for them. this is a warlike situation, well, it is a and

that path to the eu, to be part of the block needs to be fast tracked. and indeed the european union is very much aware of what is going on in ukraine, that is why we are standing on the side of ukraine. the message from the meeting of the eu leaders, informal meeting which doesn't take decisions but which sends messages, the political message was very clear that ukraine belongs in the european family. your occurring —— ukraine is here and we are fast tracking the process. they asked for the opinion, this is very fast. the president of the commission was explaining that normally takes years. now we are fast tracking the process, we know it is not enough for the ukrainians, they are fighting for their lives. we support them in any way we can. the eu is not a military alliance, but we do what we can financially, economically, politically to stop putin's brutal war machine. from slaughtering ukrainian civilians. it slaughtering ukrainian civilians. it

hasn't stopped putin though, has it? i mean, the bombs continue, hospitals are being bombed and shelled. women, children, the elderly are stuck in places like marry pohl, the humanitarian corridors are not working. what the ukrainians are saying that the sanctions don't seem to be working on the pulitzer message doesn't seem to be working. on the pulitzer message doesn't seem to be working-— to be working. unfortunately, you are right--- _ yes, putin is determined to continue, but, as i say, the eu is not a military alliance but we support ukraine as much as we can. this morning, high representative for ukraine policy announced another 500 million euros to support ukrainian armed forces. this is the first time in eu history we are financing deliveries and weapons. so we are doing what we can on the

political, economic and financial site. we stand with the people of ukraine. �* ., site. we stand with the people of ukraine. �* . . , ., ukraine. again, the adviser to the president. — ukraine. again, the adviser to the president, the _ ukraine. again, the adviser to the president, the spokesperson - ukraine. again, the adviser to the president, the spokesperson hasl ukraine. again, the adviser to the . president, the spokesperson has said that the sanctions are not enough either. if we put the military aspects to one side, you talk about the sanctions, they are not happy with the level of sanctions that are being imposed either. riff with the level of sanctions that are being imposed either.— with the level of sanctions that are being imposed either. of course, but as the president _ being imposed either. of course, but as the president just _ being imposed either. of course, but as the presidentjust announced, - being imposed either. of course, but as the presidentjust announced, we | as the presidentjust announced, we are continuing with the sanctions. we are tightening the screw on putin's war machine. there are three substantive packages, unprecedented in the history of the eu. they are taking a toll on the russian's economy, and they will show that it hurt and it will hurt them even more when we announce another package of sanctions. it is not the end yet, we will continue and nothing is off the table. because we are determined to stop him. but we cannot stop him through military means, because european union is not a military

alliance. ~ , ., ., , alliance. when you say nothing is off the table. _ alliance. when you say nothing is off the table, what _ alliance. when you say nothing is off the table, what will _ alliance. when you say nothing is off the table, what will you - alliance. when you say nothing is off the table, what will you wait i off the table, what will you wait for before more action is taken? you know that the _ for before more action is taken? gm. know that the sanctions decisions in the eu are the result of compromise with the 27 members. it will have to be acceptable for the member states. look at the sanctions and the progressive nature of these sanctions. we are tightening the screws, we are taking unprecedented measures to isolate russia, to cripple the war machine from being able to finance itself. and it takes able to finance itself. and it takes a little bit of time until the effects are showing, but we have already seen in record time not only the result of the eu taking the sanctions, but also the impact of these are sanctions on russia. the president of the commission was talking about it in terms of the value of roubles, the situation in the russian financial markets,

inflation etc. this is crippling them, you see the russians are losing in ukraine, in manpower, military. and we are preventing them financing purchase of new equipment and being able to finance this brutal aggression against the people of ukraine. ok. brutal aggression against the people of ukraine. ., brutal aggression against the people of ukraine. . ., of ukraine. ok, we will have to leave it there. _ of ukraine. ok, we will have to leave it there. thank _ of ukraine. ok, we will have to leave it there. thank you - of ukraine. ok, we will have to leave it there. thank you very i of ukraine. ok, we will have to - leave it there. thank you very much. let's go live to kyiv and speak to our chief international correspondent lyse doucet. we are hearing there from the eu leaders talking about doing what they can to support the ukrainians. we describe ukraine as part of the european family. when you speak to the ukrainians, the authorities, they don't seem satisfied with this language, because they are saying the political message is all good and well but that has not stopped the bombs falling on ukrainian cities and towns.— the bombs falling on ukrainian cities and towns. ., . . . , cities and towns. even from january, when there — cities and towns. even from january, when there was _ cities and towns. even from january, when there was a _ cities and towns. even from january, when there was a procession - cities and towns. even from january, when there was a procession of-

when there was a procession of western leaders coming here to kyiv. the ukrainian president but not zelensky would thank them for their public show of support and say, "what will you do about it? your words are not helping us, it is a moral boost, but you need to be more." and when the invasion started, the sanctions were imposed, you heard again from the president "we are very grateful for the sanctions, they are unprecedented but they are not enough, they have not stopped the advance of russian forces, they have not stopped the pounding of russian cities, they have not stopped the advance here to kyiv." of course what i think the west including nato powers would ask is, "what will it take to stop president putin?" they are really being cautious, because they don't want to cross what they see from their perspective any red lines that could get them into trouble later. they did say they would look at the application by ukraine, but we don't

want to fast track, because they think it would send the wrong message about the rules and regulations of the block. and hoping against hope, you have president macron who is on the phone every week and several times a day to putin, they don't want to be drawn in militarily, they are hoping this will stop, so they are trying to have their cake and eat it too. but for the ukrainians, as you have been hearing, that is just not enough. they want water stop. —— they want the water stop. i they want water stop. -- they want the water stop-— the water stop. i can hear sirens behind you- _ the water stop. i can hear sirens behind you. give _ the water stop. i can hear sirens behind you. give us _ the water stop. i can hear sirens behind you. give us a _ the water stop. i can hear sirens behind you. give us a sense - the water stop. i can hear sirens behind you. give us a sense of. the water stop. i can hear sirens . behind you. give us a sense of what is happening at the moment. there was a siren. _ is happening at the moment. there was a siren, but _ is happening at the moment. there was a siren, but i _ is happening at the moment. there was a siren, but i think— is happening at the moment. there was a siren, but i think it _ is happening at the moment. there was a siren, but i think it was - is happening at the moment. there was a siren, but i think it wasjust i was a siren, but i think it was just a car siren. was a siren, but i think it was just a carsiren. but was a siren, but i think it was just a car siren. but such is the stillness of the city, any kind of movement somehow seems unusual in a place where the streets have emptied, life many days ago. we heard from the mayor vitali klitschko yesterday saying that nearly 2 million people in what was

a city of 3 million have now left. this is a city which becomes ever more fortified every day. everyday we go out, there are more checkpoint the streets, the sandbags are piled higher, there are more civilians with their distinctive armband. of course all this takes place with the reports that the russian convoys are approaching from multiple directions. the closest, as we have been reporting today, coming from the north—west, less than ten miles away. and moving slowly but certainly. and with the armoured convoy that everyone had their eye on for the past week stretching for nearly a0 miles, that seems to have broken up with different parts of its dispersing. as russia seems to be reassessing its options, regrouping as it moves closer to the capital. the capital seems to be in its sights, but to be on the situation in mariupol. as we have

been reporting, people are when using words like apocalyptic, barbaric, primevalwhen using words like apocalyptic, barbaric, primeval when people are living without food, water, heating. while russia uses this medieval tactic of siege and shelling to try to bring the city to submission. abs, to bring the city to submission. a dire situation there in mariupol in that strategic port city. thank you so much for bringing us up—to—date with all of you reporting there from the capital kyiv. britain and america have accused russia of manufacturing a fake story to justify carrying out a possible chemical attack in ukraine. moscow has requested a meeting of the un security council claiming — without providing evidence — that the us has been developing biological weapons in the country. washington has rejected the russian claims as "laughable". our security correspondent, frank gardner, reports. this is the aftermath

of a chemical attack. syrian civilians doused with a nerve agent, sarin, in a damascus suburb in 2013. that country's government went on to use more poison gas attacks to flush out rebels from urban areas. the four—year siege of aleppo was fought conventionally by the russians and syrians and they got nowhere. 13 days of dropping chlorine barrel bombs broke that siege. if you want to get a siege done quickly, then these morbidly brilliant weapons are very useful. the pentagon has voiced fears that russia may now be looking for a pretext to use chemical weapons to break the deadlock over ukraine's besieged cities. ukraine, like many countries, has research labs like this, investigating infectious pathogens, but moscow has accused it of developing biological weapons with us help, aiming to spread disease into russia. ukraine has vigorously denied this. translation: we are decent people. i am the president of a decent country, a decent nation,

and the father of two children. and no chemical weapons or any other weapons of mass destruction were developed on my land. the whole world knows that. you know that. and if you do something like that against us, you will get the most severe sanctions response. russia's military progress has been much slower than expected. it continues to lose men, weapons and equipment in lethal ambushes. but it is slowly encircling the cities and showing no sign of letting up. president putin, who ordered this invasion, now wants foreign volunteers to boost his forces. translation: if you see - that there are people who want, on a voluntary basis, especially those not in it for money, to come and help people living in the donbas, you need to meet them halfway and help them move to the combat zones.

ukrainians are defiant. many of those remaining in their country say they will fight to the death. but the harder they resist, the more destruction is wreaked on their cities. it is clear president putin is prepared to go to any lengths to stop his neighbour becoming a part of western europe. frank gardner, bbc news. we've just got some breaking news now. an adviser to ukraine's president says belarusian president lukashenko is meeting russian president putin in moscow as russian jets carried out what ukraine said was a false flag attack on belarusian villages. moscow did not immediately comment on the statement by ukraine's border service that several belarusian border villages several bela rusian border villages have several belarusian border villages have been bombed by russian warplanes to create a reason for belarus to join russia's war against ukraine. that was just some breaking news that has just come in.

thank you forjoining us here on the programme. we were hearing about those false flag operations, that also relates to the accusations by the russian side that the ukrainians are looking at using chemical weapons during this conflict. just help our audiences understand about these false flag operations, these pretexts that are creative. actually, as i understand here, there is a reference to the possible russian use of weapons while blaming the other side of having used it. at a __ the other side of having used it. at a —— the syrian government used

chemical weapons against groups, whereas they claimed that the opposition used it themselves and fabricated these narratives. that is exactly what _ fabricated these narratives. that is exactly what we — fabricated these narratives. that is exactly what we are _ fabricated these narratives. that is exactly what we are hearing - fabricated these narratives. that is exactly what we are hearing in - fabricated these narratives. that is exactly what we are hearing in the | exactly what we are hearing in the last few weeks, frankly. but certainly a lot in the last 2a and was after the uk prime minister had said in an interview that moscow could deploy chemical weapons. the russian could deploy chemical weapons. tie: russian federation is a member and in 1997 when the commission entered into force, declared all its stocks, as other states did. and fees declared chemical weapons as well as delivery means. they were destroyed under the orders of the —— until 2017. there were chemical weapons.

if russia is going to deploy some chemical weapons, these must be hidden weapons. this is strictly forbidden by the commission. a nonmember country of that can develop stock or use chemical weapons. this is a violation, this would be a violation of the commission. riff would be a violation of the commission.— would be a violation of the commission. _, , commission. of course, we saw chemical weapons _ commission. of course, we saw chemical weapons used - commission. of course, we saw chemical weapons used in - commission. of course, we saw chemical weapons used in syria | commission. of course, we saw l chemical weapons used in syria to devastating effect and impact. just help our audience understand what kind of impact it would have if it was used in densely populated areas where civilians were. in was used in densely populated areas where civilians were.— where civilians were. in syria in au:ust where civilians were. in syria in august 2013. — where civilians were. in syria in august 2013, you _ where civilians were. in syria in august 2013, you will— where civilians were. in syria in | august 2013, you will remember where civilians were. in syria in - august 2013, you will remember near damascus sarin gas a nerve agent was used. in a few hours, more than 1a00 people were killed. clearly,

chemical weapons create panic and terror amongst civilians and also demoralise the armed groups, the military. and it helps the syrian army to recapture some territories controlled by the opposition groups with lesser losses of soldiers and material. �* ., . ., with lesser losses of soldiers and material. �* ., ., ., material. and how could one hold, if this was used _ material. and how could one hold, if this was used by _ material. and how could one hold, if this was used by a _ material. and how could one hold, if this was used by a state, _ material. and how could one hold, if this was used by a state, in - material. and how could one hold, if this was used by a state, in this - this was used by a state, in this case by russia, how could one hold russia accountable?— russia accountable? significant - ro . ress russia accountable? significant progress has — russia accountable? significant progress has been _ russia accountable? significant progress has been made - russia accountable? significant progress has been made in - russia accountable? significant progress has been made in thisj progress has been made in this respect, and attribution mechanism was developed in 2018 specifically syria. but in the same decision, there are provisions which allow a

similar mechanism to be universally applied. therefore a mechanism of retribution could be triggered, and if there is a use in ukraine. tactical teams could be deployed to take samples and send to laboratories and the origin of the chemical weapon could be identified. thereby those who are responsible... 0k, former director—general of the opc w, thank you forjoining us in the programme. as we have been reporting, european leaders have been meeting in france in the palace of versailles for a scheduled meeting which focused on the emergency situation in ukraine. the french president warned of the impact it could have on global food

supplies. translation: ~ ., ., ~ ., translation: weather talking about wheat or maize _ translation: weather talking about wheat or maize or— translation: weather talking about wheat or maize or crops _ translation: weather talking about wheat or maize or crops in _ translation: weather talking about wheat or maize or crops in general, i wheat or maize or crops in general, we know that ukraine and russia are two huge markets. and europe is already been upset by the war on the food supply market. it would be even more so. in 12—18 months with the impact on ukraine and crops there. it would be a major disturbance to food supplies, on feed supplies. we have to strike a new balance and look at food production so that we can have autonomy for our food production and the protein production. and we must reassess the strategy for africa, because a number of african countries are going to be hit by famines in the next 12—18 months because of this war. next 12-18 months because of this war. ., ., , , next 12-18 months because of this war. . , ., ., war. that was president macron of france speaking — war. that was president macron of france speaking there _ war. that was president macron of france speaking there at _ war. that was president macron of france speaking there at the - war. that was president macron of| france speaking there at the palace of versailles for that two—day

summit. of eu leaders. the eu commission president ursula von der leyen and eu council president charles michelle have been giving a news conference after a two—day summit on ukraine. let's talk to our paris correspondent hugh schofield. there are hearing there from emmanuel macron and the other two eu leaders, really laying out the impact of this conflict is going to have on europe, on the international community, he even talked about the impact on food supplies to africa. t impact on food supplies to africa. i think there has been a bit of misunderstanding about what this conference was going to... ended about half an hour ago, about how this pointed people are about how there haven't been more dramatic announcements about embargoes on russian fuel... thu. announcements about embargoes on russian fuel. . ._ russian fuel... no, we seem to have

some russian fuel. .. no, we seem to have some technical— russian fuel... no, we seem to have some technical issues _ russian fuel... no, we seem to have some technical issues there - russian fuel... no, we seem to have some technical issues there with - some technical issues there with hugh schofield's line from paris. we will try to get him up in a moment to stop i am joined now by a resident who witnessed an attack today. thank you forjoining us on the programme. tell us about what you saw. i am here in lviv and whenever we wake up in the morning we hear about another bombardment on another city in the country.— another city in the country. indeed, toda 's another city in the country. indeed, today's bombing — another city in the country. indeed, today's bombing of— another city in the country. indeed, today's bombing of lutsk _ another city in the country. indeed, today's bombing of lutsk was - another city in the country. indeed, today's bombing of lutsk was quite | today's bombing of lutsk was quite extraordinary because for some still unknown reason we had no prior indication that this kind of attack could have been possible. we had no air raid sirens wailing before. they sounded just three or four minutes after the bombing took place. i live in a house, in close proximity to the lutsk military aerodrome and i

have a direct line of sight. when i woke up, i saw that... i woke up to a very strange noise. it wasn't an aeroplane or artillery shelling. but it was powerful enough to make me awake. when i went to the window... i am sorry, i am going to have to interrupt you. presidentjoe biden is speaking at a press conference so we will have to go to him live. we werejust we will have to go to him live. we were just talking about a bombing at lutsk. but we can go live tojoe biden. lutsk. but we can go live to joe biden. ., . , . , biden. united kingdom as well as the euro ean biden. united kingdom as well as the european union. _ biden. united kingdom as well as the european union, we _ biden. united kingdom as well as the european union, we will— biden. united kingdom as well as the european union, we willjointly - european union, we willjointly announce several new steps to squeeze putin and hold him even more accountable for his aggression against ukraine. i want to speak to against ukraine. i want to speak to a few of those points today. first, each of our nations will take steps

to deny most—favoured—nation status to deny most—favoured—nation status to russia. most—favoured—nation status designation means two countries have agreed to trade with each other under the best possible terms. low tariffs, few barriers to trade, and the highest possible imports are allowed. in the united states we call this permanent normal trade relations, but it is the same thing. revoking pntr for russia will make it harderfor thing. revoking pntr for russia will make it harder for russia to do business with the united states and doing it in unison with other nations that make up half the global economy will be another crushing blow to the russian economy that has already suffered very badly from our sanctions. i want to thank speaker pelosi, leaders schumer, mcconnell, and representatives kneel and brady for their bipartisan leadership on this in congress. i would like to offer a special thanks to speaker pelosi who has been a strong

advocate for revoking pntr and has agreed to hold off that in the house until we can line up our key allies to keep us in unison. unity among allies is important from my perspective at least. standing for democracy in ukraine, pushing russia's aggression, should not be one of those divisive issues. the free world is coming together to confront putin. our two parties at home are leading the way. with that bipartisan cooperation i am looking forward to signing into law the bill revoking pntr, which is again, most people think of it as most—favoured—nation status. we are also taking a further step, banning imports of goods from sectors of the russian economy including seafood, vodka and diamonds and we will continue to squeeze putin. the g seven will seek to bar russia from

the international monetary fund and the international monetary fund and the world bank. putin is an aggressor, he is the aggressor. and he must pay the price. he cannot pursue a war that threatens the very foundations, which he is doing, the very foundations of international peace and stability. and affects the financial health of the international community. the g7 is also stepping up pressure on corrupt russian billionaires and we are adding new names to the list of oligarchs and their families that we are targeting and we are increasing coordination among g7 countries to target and capture their ill gotten gains. they support putin, they steal from the russian people, gains. they support putin, they stealfrom the russian people, and they seek to hide their money in our countries. they are part of that kleptocracy that exists in moscow. they must share in the pain of the sanctions. while we are going after their super yachts, vacation homes, worth hundreds of millions of

dollars, we're also going to make it harderfor them to buy high—end products manufactured our country. banning the export of luxury goods to russia. some of the later steps we are taking, but they are not the last steps we will take. as i said at the beginning of all these steps, we will hit putin hard because the united states and our closest allies and partners are acting in unison. the totality of our sanctions and export controls is crushing the russian economy. the rouble has lost more than half its value. it takes about 200 roubles to equal $1 these days. the moscow stock exchange has been closed for two weeks because they know the moment it opens it will probably collapse. credit rating agencies have downgraded the russian government to junk status, the economy, tojunk russian government to junk status, the economy, to junk status. the list of businesses and international

cooperation corporation is leaving russia grows by the day. we are also continuing to close cooperation so the ukrainian people can defend their own nation. the united states has sent more than $1 billion in secured assistance to ukraine over the past year, including anti—armour and anti air capabilities, taking out tanks and planes and helicopters. with new shipments arriving every day. united states are also facilitating significant shipments of security systems from our allies and partners to ukraine and on the humanitarian front we are working closely with the un and humanitarian organisations to support the people of ukraine who have been displaced by the violence in ukraine. we are providing tens of thousands of tonnes of humanitarian supplies, food, water and medicine, coming via truck and train every single day. yesterday in poland,

vice president harris announced an additional $53 million in additional humanitarian support to ukraine. that brings the total humanitarian assistance to $107 million injust two weeks. we are joined in this effort by more than 30 other countries, providing hundreds of millions more. last night, with great credit, congress passed the bipartisan spending bill, which included an additional $13.6 billion included an additional $13.6 billion in new assistance to the ukrainian people. i look forward to signing that immediately. i also want to be clear, we will make sure ukraine has weapons to defend against an invading russian force. we will send money and food and aid to save the ukrainian people. and i will welcome ukrainian people. and i will welcome ukrainian refugees, we should welcome them here with open arms if they need access. and we will provide more support for ukraine. we will continue to stand together with

our allies in europe and send an unmistakable message. we will defend every single inch of nato territory with the full might of a united and galvanised nato. we will not fight a war against russia in ukraine. the direct confrontation between nato direct confrontation between nate and russia is world war iii. that's something we must strive to prevent. but we already know that putin's war against ukraine will never be a victory. he hoped to dominate ukraine without a fight. he failed. he hopes to fracture european resolve and weaken the transatlantic alliance. he failed. he hoped to split apart american democracy is in terms of our positions. he failed. new american people are united, the world is united and we stand with the people of ukraine. we will not let autocrats and would—be emperors dictate the direction of the world. democracies are rising to meet this moment, rallying the world to the

side of peace and security. we are showing our strength and we will not falter. god bless all of you, god bless ukraine and god bless our troops. bless ukraine and god bless our troo s. �* , , bless ukraine and god bless our troos. �*, , ,, . bless ukraine and god bless our troos. h, troops. it's been said russia may use weapons _ troops. it's been said russia may use weapons or _ troops. it's been said russia may use weapons or create _ troops. it's been said russia may use weapons or create a - troops. it's been said russia may use weapons or create a false - troops. it's been said russia may| use weapons or create a false flag operation — use weapons or create a false flag operation to — use weapons or create a false flag operation to use _ use weapons or create a false flag operation to use them. _ use weapons or create a false flag operation to use them. what - use weapons or create a false flag - operation to use them. what evidence have seen— operation to use them. what evidence have seen showing _ operation to use them. what evidence have seen showing that _ operation to use them. what evidence have seen showing that and _ operation to use them. what evidence have seen showing that and would - operation to use them. what evidence have seen showing that and would thej have seen showing that and would the us have _ have seen showing that and would the us have a _ have seen showing that and would the us have a military— have seen showing that and would the us have a military response _ have seen showing that and would the us have a military response if- have seen showing that and would the us have a military response if it - us have a military response if it does _ us have a military response if it does launch— us have a military response if it does launch a _ us have a military response if it does launch a chemical- us have a military response if it| does launch a chemical weapons attack? — does launch a chemical weapons attack? i— does launch a chemical weapons attack? ., , , . ,, . attack? i will not speak about the intelligence _ attack? i will not speak about the intelligence but _ attack? i will not speak about the intelligence but russia _ attack? i will not speak about the intelligence but russia would - attack? i will not speak about the intelligence but russia would pay| attack? i will not speak about the i intelligence but russia would pay a severe price if they used chemical weapons. severe price if they used chemical wea ons. ,, , severe price if they used chemical weaons. ,, , ., . , weapons. studio: you are listening to us president _ weapons. studio: you are listening to us president joe _ weapons. studio: you are listening to us president joe by _ weapons. studio: you are listening to us president joe by the - weapons. studio: you are listening to us president joe by the speaking | to us presidentjoe by the speaking in washington, giving a statement. he talked about the us banning exports of luxury goods from russia. that includes seafood, diamonds. the us banning exports of luxury goods

there. he also said the united states should welcome refugees arriving from ukraine. he is talking about the refugees as well as the crushing sanctions, what he described as crushing sanctions there on russia. let's turn our attention to the east of ukraine. an exclusive report in the battle for the second city, kharkiv, has endured nightly russian air attacks and seen many civilians killed. most of the city's 1.5 million residents have fled. quentin sommerville and camera journalist darren conway are the firstjournalists to be embedded with the ukranian army as they continue to fight the russian advance around kharkiv. we have to warn you — you may find parts of this report very distressing. head to the very eastern edge of ukraine and a ghostly vision of the country's fate unfolds before you. the city of kharkiv is being purged of life.

in near total blackout, the police in the country's second largest city take us on patrol. the russians aren't far. explosion. shelling happens every night. this close to the russian border, there's another threat here — saboteurs. no—one escapes scrutiny. alina, 76—years—old, is lost and confused. in an instant, everybody�*s life here has been upended. but this young nation has surprised russia and the world with its resolve.

we weave our way past the fallen, into no man's land, with the ukrainian army. here is 21—year—old yevgen gromadsky. where are the russians? over the sound of shelling, he tells me, "the russian soldiers are standing about 900 metres away from here. you can hear right now that they're firing on our positions and we are firing back". it's a grenade launcher, british. but it's more than just a grenade launcher — it's a guided missile. is it good against tanks? it's the best we have right now. how are the russians fighting? they're fighting like soldiers of 1941. they're attacking, just like in front, now they don't do any manoeuvres. so, yeah, they have a lot of people here, a lot of tanks, a lot of their vehicles and techniques.

but we're fighting in our land and we protect our families. so it doesn't matter how they fight, we fight like lions and they won't win. this city of a million plus people has emptied out. ukrainians keep telling us they are really comfortable with this type of fight because this is their territory and they are defending their city and their families. the challenge is what comes from the sky. they want more aircraft and air

defences. that might be where this battle, this war is won or lost. in a war with russia, the front line is everywhere. this is what people have been fleeing in kharkiv. endless bombardment for the past two weeks. tannoy: we would like to inform you that a fire had _ started in the building — please go to the ground floor and leave the building. this is what russia does to cities. it bombards them, it beseiges them, it surrounds them. it terrorises entire populations. if these tactics are unfamiliar to you, then you haven't been paying attention because this is the russian attack playbook, perfected with over ten years of war in syria. we know that russia bombs hospitals,

so here at the city's hospital number four, they keep the wounded in hallways, away from the windows. ms valentina has been hit by shrapnel. i have a poem for you, she says. translation: these stupid russian shrapnel pieces, - i will carry all my life, but as long as my heart still beats, i will still live and love. so too will eight—year—old dmitri, now that this has been removed from his skull. this is the war that russia has fought before, and is fighting again. we don't know the rest of ukraine's fate, but kharkiv has already shown what is coming next. translation: defend us, we will ride together, - we will win this war, and all our heroic people will gather to rebuild our beloved ukraine.

the president of ukraine from 2005-2010. the president of ukraine from 2005—2010. during the election campaign of 200a he was allegedly poisoned, leaving him with intestinal issues and marks on his face was he remains in ukraine and the bbc�*s evan davis spoke to him earlier to ask him how he thought the war would end. translation: people are guessing how the war might end and when. the war will end in two instances. either we push the last russian soldier from ukraine. push out. and it will be a partial

response to victory in this war, because there is also russia, which is under slavery, in the slaved, and in slaves nation. if it continues to exist under putin, that would be a catastrophe for the whole world. but we are talking about ukraine today. and i put three dots, to be continued, with my response. first of all, we are here to push out all the invaders from ukraine, and then there will be our victory. and there another option. which is a

theoretical one. the war finishes when the last ukrainian hero dies. that was victor yu shen co, speaking to evan davis. we can recap on some of the main events of the last 2a hours on day 16 of the war. overnight, president zelensky rejected claims by russia that ukraine was developing chemical weapons. so what is the state of the russian advance? this is the latest data showing the positions of russian forces, getting ever closer to the capital, kyiv. overnight, strikes took place at a military airfield in lutsk and russian forces are said to be making limited progress but they would go through on new offences soon while the russian defence ministry said its military operation was going to

plan. our report from kyiv correspondencejames plan. our report from kyiv correspondence james waterhouse. until now, dnipro had avoided russia's invasion, but not any more. air raid sirens were followed by this — three air strikes, according to authorities, damaging a shoe factory, an apartment block and a nursery. russia is widening its attack. explosions illuminate lutsk in the north—west, leaving at least four people dead, and ivano—frankivsk in the south—west. both strategic strikes on air bases, say moscow. remember that ao—mile long russian convoy north—west of kyiv? for days, it had been stuck, but according to the latest satellite images, thousands of armoured vehicles and troops are thought to have spread out, taking with them heavy artillery to surrounding towns. and what ukrainian military chiefs think that means is russia is preparing to mount a full—scale attack on kyiv. just this morning, there was a missile strike

to the east of the city. six people were injured after this impact in baryshivka. for those who can, they continue to try and escape the fighting in the capital. for those who can't, or choose not to leave, many are elderly. this is a queue for this local authority building, which is giving out clothing and meals. many are nervous, and some are struggling because younger relatives have already left the city. translation: we can buy food but of course it is a help, - especially for the elderly. in kharkiv, which faces continued shelling, people take shelter in the metro. across ukraine, tens of thousands have been evacuated through temporary ceasefires, and the hope is more will follow. translation: we will open humanitarian corridors, - they will work on the following routes — from mariupol and donetsk region towards the city

of zaporizhia. the route will be cleared and made safe from mines. a column of buses carrying humanitarian aid will depart from zaporizhia to mariupol. we hope the corridor will work today. however, the red cross says not a single person has made it out of besieged mariupol so far. people are running out of food and water and are dying. ukraine's leader is nevertheless optimistic. translation: we are on our way to our victory. _ this is a patriotic war, a war against a strong enemy, obstinate enemy which does not pay attention to thousands of their own people dead. as this war spreads into more parts of ukraine, the window for people to escape it is shrinking. james waterhouse, bbc news, in kyiv. we can listen to the ukraine

president zelensky, addressing the polish parliament. translation: fin polish parliament. translation: on the very first day of the war it was clear the ukrainians, it was clear both for the ukrainians and the poles there are no borders between us. our physical, historical, personaland us. our physical, historical, personal and human. after 16 days of this war, the ukrainian honour, and pride and poland's support helps us. between our nations there is peace, peace between neighbours, peace between brothers. and i would like these words to also be heard by our neighbours, belarus. we are close to each other, we are neighbours. we should also be brothers with you, in belarus. and of course, we will

achieve that, ladies and gentlemen. our polish brothers and sisters. for a long time, many parties tried to convince us that poles and ukrainians are far from each other and that they lead different lives. why did they do that? let me remind you the words of the former president of poland, who said, we know very well today is georgia, tomorrow ukraine, then the baltic states and maybe then the turn will come for poland. on the 2ath of february, this terrible tomorrow he was talking about, happened for ukraine. and today we are fighting for the baltic states and for poland, so they won't have to face that time. and we are fighting together. together we are 90 million

people. together we can do everything. this is a historic mission of poland and ukraine, to be leaders, to be together, and to take europe from this precipice and from this danger, to stop europe becoming a victim of this aggression. ladies and gentlemen, we can do it. yesterday, we could see what the european nations were talking about. we saw who is the real leader and who is fighting for the unified europe, was fighting for the joint european security and who is trying to stop us, who was trying to stop you. we understand why poles know how to fight, together with others, fight for freedom. for how to fight, together with others, fight forfreedom. forthe how to fight, together with others, fight forfreedom. for the european fight for freedom. for the european freedom, fight forfreedom. for the european freedom, and for europe. we remember

a huge tragedy that happened in 2010 in smolensk. we remember how the circumstances of this crash were investigated. we understand what it meant to you and what it meant for you to face the silence of those who knew the circumstances very well. but we are still looking towards our neighbour. our brothers and sisters. ifeel neighbour. our brothers and sisters. i feel that we have already built an amazing alliance. perhaps informal yet, but this is an alliance based on reality, not written on paper. this is an alliance that stems from the warmth of our hearts and not the words of politicians at high levels. the way you accepted our friends, our people, who are welcome in your homeland, where they sought refuge

against this evil that has happened to our country. there 1.5 million ukrainian citizens here and they don't feel as foreigners here. they are accepting families, with a spirit of and kindness. and you don't want anything in return for stop you do it from the heart, as in friends and family. that's why i just appeal to you, my friends, i can say that we have already united ourselves. we united ourselves like the great polejohn paul ii said, that we together strive for freedom and create freedom. i am convinced that we will be defending freedom together, together with you. as much

as we need to. i am gratefulfor your help that you have already provided. help from your state, from your nation. i am gratefulfor all the efforts that you make to protect ukrainian airspace. i believe that we will manage to achieve something very important. god willing, if we win this war. we will share with you our victory. we will share it with our victory. we will share it with our brothers and sisters. this is our brothers and sisters. this is our greatness but also your greatness. this is a battle for our freedom but also for your freedom. this is a joint history of great nations. do your lord, please let us

win. —— dear lord. president zelensky there, with that address from kyiv. and still of course incredibly defiant, incredibly strong. he had tweeted saying that he had a substantive conversation with president biden, giving him an assessment on the situation on the battlefield and giving him an assessment of the crimes of russia to the people of ukraine, and about increasing sanctions against russia. we also heard from president biden within the last half an hour, making the obvious point that has been repeated many times, that if us troops and

nate troops come into direct nato troops come into direct competition with russia that would be world war iii, which they are doing everything they can to avoid. we will be back at the top of the hour. this is bbc news. welcome if you're watching here in the uk or around the globe. our top stories... 16 days into the war in ukraine, russian forces appear to be widening their assault on key cities. in dnipro, officials say a shoe factory and kindergarten are struck, as president putin clears the way for thousands of fighters from the middle east tojoin russian forces. russia says it hit military airfields, including in the northwest the city of lutsk. ukraine say the attack killed two. as moscow accuses ukraine of developing biological weapons, president zelensky issues a strong denial. translation: this makes me really worried because we've been - repeatedly convinced that if you want to know russia's plans,

look at what russia accuses others of doing. president biden announces a new round of sanctions and new export controls against russia. it russia. is going to make it harderfor russia it is going to make it harderfor russia to do business with the united states. and doing it in unison with other nations which make up unison with other nations which make up half of the global economy will be another crushing blow. thank you forjoining us. russian forces appear to be widening their assault on ukraine on this, day 16 of the war. overnight, president zelensky rejected claims by russia that ukraine was developing chemical weapons. but russia has requested a meeting of the united nations security council to discuss those claims. we'll have more on that

a little later, but let's start with the situation on the ground in ukraine. here's the latest data showing the positions of russian forces, getting ever closer to the capital kyiv. overnight strikes took place at military airfields in lutsk and ivano—frankivsk and on the city of dnipro. the uk's ministry of defence says russian forces are making limited progress but they would go for a renewed offensive soon. while a russian defence minister insisted its military operation was going to plan. our first report is from our kyiv correspondent, james waterhouse. until now, dnipro had avoided russia's invasion, but not any more. air raid sirens were followed by this — three air strikes, according to authorities, damaging a shoe factory, an apartment block and a nursery. russia is widening its attack. explosions illuminate lutsk in the north—west, leaving at least four people dead, and ivano—frankivsk in the south—west.

both strategic strikes on air bases, say moscow. remember that ao—mile long russian convoy north—west of kyiv? for days, it had been stuck, but according to the latest satellite images, thousands of armoured vehicles and troops are thought to have spread out, taking with them heavy artillery to surrounding towns. and what ukrainian military chiefs think that means is russia is preparing to mount a full—scale attack on kyiv. just this morning, there was a missile strike to the east of the city. six people were injured after this impact in baryshivka. for those who can, they continue to try and escape the fighting in the capital. for those who can't, or choose not to leave, many are elderly. this is a queue for this local authority building, which is giving out clothing and meals. many are nervous, and some are struggling because younger relatives have already left the city. translation: we can buy food

but of course it is a help, - especially for the elderly. in kharkiv, which faces continued shelling, people take shelter in the metro. across ukraine, tens of thousands have been evacuated through temporary ceasefires, and the hope is more will follow. translation: we will open humanitarian corridors, - they will work on the following routes — from mariupol and donetsk region towards zaporizhia. the route will be cleared and made safe from mines. a column of buses carrying humanitarian aid will depart from zaporizhia to mariupol. we hope the corridor will work today. however, the red cross says not a single person has made it out of besieged mariupol so far. people are running out of food and water and are dying. ukraine's leader is nevertheless optimistic. translation: we are on our way to our victory. _ this is a patriotic war,

a war against a strong enemy, obstinate enemy which does not pay attention to thousands of their own people dead. as this war spreads into more parts of ukraine, the window for people to escape it is shrinking. james waterhouse, bbc news, in kyiv. live to kyiv now and our chief international correspondent lyse doucet. we can see that the light falling there behind you as evening comes in. just tell us what is the sense that about how close to russian forces might be to kyiv?- that about how close to russian forces might be to kyiv? well, we heard from _ forces might be to kyiv? well, we heard from the _ forces might be to kyiv? well, we heard from the mayor _ forces might be to kyiv? well, we heard from the mayor yesterday i forces might be to kyiv? well, we i heard from the mayor yesterday that nearly 2 million people have left the city, that is perhaps not surprising. it used to be a vibrant city of 3 million. those that are left, and you have heard from james waterhouse, there are some that cannot leave and those that stay to fight. whoever is here is watching

very closely all of the reports about what is happening around the city. we do have reports, particularly in the last 2a hours, that russian forces are trying to move very slowly but very certainly towards the capital from multiple directions. from the north—west, they seem to be most advanced. they are said to be less than ten miles away. today, there was not a lot of activity around the city, we often see the surface to air missiles fired by ukrainian forces streaking across the sky. there was occasional air raid sirens. the priority for russian forces, even as they regroup it seems around the capital kyiv, is they are pounding cities, particularly to the south in that strategic belt of land on the black sea coast in the sea of as us including of course mariupol, which seems to be the most grave humanitarian situation. we have been saying for days now that the

international committee, the red cross described it as apocalyptic. there was a report early in the day that the mass communications tower had been hit. and cutting people off, you hearfrom so many people here in kyiv and elsewhere who are desperate to find out what is happening to their relatives in the city, are they safe? and of course, are made of those reports of more than 1200 bodies lining the streets and bodies being buried in mass graves, people fear the worst. but it is really hard to know what is happening in a place like mariupol. but what is clear is that it is getting absolutely barbaric conditions.— getting absolutely barbaric conditions. . ., conditions. the threat of some sort of nuclear accident, _ conditions. the threat of some sort of nuclear accident, the _ conditions. the threat of some sort of nuclear accident, the talk - conditions. the threat of some sort of nuclear accident, the talk of - of nuclear accident, the talk of biological or chemical weapons, it all must be greatly adding to the sense of fear there. mil all must be greatly adding to the sense of fear there.— sense of fear there. all of this is beinu sense of fear there. all of this is being watched _ sense of fear there. all of this is being watched with _ sense of fear there. all of this is being watched with a _ sense of fear there. all of this is being watched with a laser - sense of fear there. all of this is being watched with a laser focus sense of fear there. all of this is i being watched with a laser focus by the world's powers, by institutions,

the world's powers, by institutions, the international atomic energy agency is watching very closely from vienna. watching what is happening at chernobyl, where there is concern that staff were not being allowed to rotate. there was concern the plant would shut down, concern about leaks. the same thing with another plant, the biggest in europe. all of these are being watched closely. but in this kind of a fast—moving war with many indiscriminate attacks, there is always the worry about some kind of fatal mistake. of course, the concern today is about chemical weapons. that is why it yet again we are hearing these warnings, pre—emptive warnings from western capitals, trying to send a strong message that if president putin and russian commanders are thinking of using them, russia denies that is the case, then they better think twice. ., ~' ,, , the case, then they better think twice. ., ~ ,, , . the case, then they better think twice. ., ~ , . ., twice. thank you very much to you and the team _ twice. thank you very much to you and the team there. _ in the last hour, president biden announced a new round of sanctions against

russia. before we play you that, we will take you live to new york. the un security council is in session, as we mentioned, they are talking about those claims by russia that the us is running a chemical weapons programme in ukraine. it'sjust listen in. speaks arabic translation: the security council and begin its consideration of item two the agenda. i now give the floor to miss rosemary to carlow. madam president, to miss rosemary to carlow. madam president. the _ to miss rosemary to carlow. madam president, the war _ to miss rosemary to carlow. madam president, the war in _ to miss rosemary to carlow. madam president, the war in ukraine - to miss rosemary to carlow. madam president, the war in ukraine is i president, the war in ukraine is now in its third week. fighting continues unabated. the russian armed forces are pursuing their offensive operations and laying siege to several cities in the

south, east and north of the country. a large concentration of russian forces is reportedly massed along several approaches to the capital kyiv. the situation is particularly alarming, in mariupol, kharkiv, sumy and joan here when i was shelling of residential areas and civilian infrastructure resulting in red number of civilians killed and injured. the utter devastation being visited on the cities is horrific. the numbers bear out the conclusion that civilians are paying the highest price for the conflict. as of the 11th of march, the office of the high commissioner for human rights has recorded a total of 15a6 civilian casualties, including 56a killed and 982 injured since the start of the invasion on

the 2ath of february. 0 h chr leaves the real casualties figures are likely considerably higher, as information from locations with intense hostilities is being delayed and upending. —— and are pending. most reports of civilian casualties including children have been caused by explosive weapons with a wide impact area, including heavy artillery and multiple launch rocket systems and missile and air strikes. oh chr systems and missile and air strikes. 0h chr has received incredible reports of russian forces using cluster munitions, including the polluted areas. indiscriminate attacks including those using cluster munitions which are a nature strike military objectives, and civilian or civilian objects without distinction are prohibited under international humanitarian law.

direct attacks against civilians and civilian objects is what in a so—called aerial bombardment within towns and villages are also prohibited under international law stop the amount to war crimes. as of the 10th of march, the world health organization has verified 26 attacks on health facilities. health workers and ambulances as well. causing 12 deaths and 3a injuries. this includes the bombing of the mariupol maternity hospital on the 9th of march. we condemn such attacks without reservation. because not only death and destruction, they also deprive people of urgently needed care and endanger more lives. we cannot emphasise it enough, the targeting of civilians, residential buildings, hospitals, schools, kindergartens is an excusable and intolerable. all alleged violations

of international law must be investigated, and those found responsible held accountable. madam president, millions of people in ukraine need urgent assistance. this includes 2 million internally displaced people. we are scaling up humanitarian aid in areas where security permits. more than 500,000 people are now receiving assistance including life—saving food, shelter and blankets and medical supplies. the united nations and our partners have developed operational plans to meet humanitarian needs when they are most acute. this work needs funding. over $1.5 billion was pledged to the appeals last week. we are grateful for this generosity and encourage donors to release the funding quickly. madam president, it is critical to urgently achieve a succession of hostilities to allow

for the safe passage of civilians from the besieged areas and to ensure that life—saving humanitarian supplies can reach those who remain. on the 9th of march, over 51,000 people were reportedly evacuated in five out of six safe passages. these are safe passages must continue. they should be implemented with clear principles and modalities. civilians should be duly and timely informed of the possibility to leave the concerned areas and, on a voluntary basis, in the direction they choose. to expand life—saving assistance and services to those most in need, humanitarian actors must also have safe, rapid, unimpeded and sustained access to all areas. we commend the humanitarian actors on the ground who are staying and delivering in a highly volatile situation. madam

president, the number of refugees from ukraine has reached 2.5 million people. these numbers continue increasing by the day. we also commend the countries that have kept their borders open to welcome and support refugees. all people fleeing ukraine, including third country nationals, need access to safety and protection in line with the principle without any formal termination. madam president, the need for negotiations to stop the war in ukraine could not be more urgent. we note the three rounds of talks held thus far between ukrainian and russian delegations. we call for such efforts to intensify, including to further secure humanitarian and ceasefire arrangements as a matter of priority. we urge the sides to build on their contacts, such as the meeting yesterday between the foreign ministers of ukraine and the russian federation in antalya in

turkey. the logic of dialogue and diplomacy must prevail over the logic of war. the secretary—general is grateful to the many member states working in pursuit of a diplomatic solution to this dangerous conflict. he is in regular contact with regional and other leaders, and his good offices remain available. madam president, let me affirm the united states's commitment to ukraine's sovereignty, independence and sovereignty within its internationally recognised borders. as the war grinds on, there is already much reflection about its implications beyond the tragedy it represents the ukraine. we increasingly hear the use of terms such as turning point, defining moment and of multilateralism. i believe this is not an exaggeration. indeed, some consequences are

already being felt economically and politically. perhaps most alarmingly, are the risks of violence poses to international peace and security. we must do everything we can to find a solution and put an end to this war. and we must do it now. thank you, madam president. t must do it now. thank you, madam president. ., ., ., president. i now give the floor. .. madam president, _ president. i now give the floor. .. madam president, distinguished| madam president, distinguished members — madam president, distinguished members of— madam president, distinguished members of the _ madam president, distinguished members of the security- madam president, distinguished| members of the security council. madam president, distinguished . members of the security council. i thank— members of the security council. i thank council — members of the security council. i thank council members _ members of the security council. i thank council members for - members of the security council. i thank council members for the i thank council members for the opportunity— thank council members for the opportunity to— thank council members for the opportunity to preview- thank council members for the opportunity to preview this i thank council members for the i opportunity to preview this morning. i am opportunity to preview this morning. i am aware _ opportunity to preview this morning. i am aware of— opportunity to preview this morning. i am aware of reports _ opportunity to preview this morning. i am aware of reports that _ opportunity to preview this morning. i am aware of reports that certain i i am aware of reports that certain public— i am aware of reports that certain public health _ i am aware of reports that certain public health facilities _ i am aware of reports that certain public health facilities are - i am aware of reports that certain public health facilities are in i public health facilities are in areas — public health facilities are in areas impacted _ public health facilities are in areas impacted by— public health facilities are in areas impacted by armed i public health facilities are in i areas impacted by armed conflict. putting _ areas impacted by armed conflict. putting the — areas impacted by armed conflict. putting the safety _ areas impacted by armed conflict. putting the safety of _ areas impacted by armed conflict. putting the safety of those - putting the safety of those facilities _ putting the safety of those facilities at _ putting the safety of those facilities at risk. _ putting the safety of those facilities at risk. i- putting the safety of those facilities at risk. i appeal. putting the safety of those | facilities at risk. i appeal to putting the safety of those i facilities at risk. i appeal to all parties — facilities at risk. i appeal to all parties in _ facilities at risk. i appeal to all parties in this _ facilities at risk. i appeal to all parties in this conflict - facilities at risk. i appeal to all parties in this conflict to i facilities at risk. i appeal to alli parties in this conflict to ensure the safety— parties in this conflict to ensure

the safety of— parties in this conflict to ensure the safety of all _ parties in this conflict to ensure the safety of all such _ parties in this conflict to ensure the safety of all such facilities l parties in this conflict to ensure| the safety of all such facilities in ukraine — the safety of all such facilities in ukraine i— the safety of all such facilities in ukraine tam _ the safety of all such facilities in ukraine. i am aware _ the safety of all such facilities in ukraine. i am aware of- the safety of all such facilities in ukraine. i am aware of media i the safety of all such facilities in i ukraine. i am aware of media reports regarding _ ukraine. i am aware of media reports regarding allegations _ ukraine. i am aware of media reports regarding allegations of _ ukraine. i am aware of media reports regarding allegations of biological i regarding allegations of biological weapons — regarding allegations of biological weapons programmes. _ regarding allegations of biological weapons programmes. the - regarding allegations of biological| weapons programmes. the united nations— weapons programmes. the united nations is— weapons programmes. the united nations is not— weapons programmes. the united nations is not aware _ weapons programmes. the united nations is not aware of— weapons programmes. the united nations is not aware of any- nations is not aware of any biological— nations is not aware of any biological weapons - nations is not aware of any- biological weapons programmes. nations is not aware of any— biological weapons programmes. there is largely— biological weapons programmes. there is largely thanks — biological weapons programmes. there is largely thanks to _ biological weapons programmes. there is largely thanks to the _ biological weapons programmes. there is largely thanks to the 1972 _ is largely thanks to the 1972 biological— is largely thanks to the 1972 biological weapons - is largely thanks to the 1972 i biological weapons convention is largely thanks to the 1972 - biological weapons convention which prohibits— biological weapons convention which prohibits the — biological weapons convention which prohibits the development, - prohibits the development, production. _ prohibits the development, production, acquisition, i prohibits the development, i production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling — production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and _ production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and use _ production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and use of _ production, acquisition, transfer, stockpiling and use of biological. stockpiling and use of biological and toxin— stockpiling and use of biological and toxin weapons. _ stockpiling and use of biological and toxin weapons. the - stockpiling and use of biologicali and toxin weapons. the russian federation — and toxin weapons. the russian federation in _ and toxin weapons. the russian federation in ukraine _ and toxin weapons. the russian federation in ukraine are - and toxin weapons. the russian federation in ukraine are both. and toxin weapons. the russian - federation in ukraine are both state parties _ federation in ukraine are both state parties to— federation in ukraine are both state parties to the — federation in ukraine are both state parties to the convention. _ federation in ukraine are both state parties to the convention. in - parties to the convention. in addition, _ parties to the convention. in addition, the _ parties to the convention. in addition, the russian - parties to the convention. in - addition, the russian federation is addition, the russian federation is a depositary— addition, the russian federation is a depositary government _ addition, the russian federation is a depositary government under- addition, the russian federation is| a depositary government under the convention — a depositary government under the convention. all— a depositary government under the convention. all states— a depositary government under the convention. all states parties- a depositary government under the convention. all states parties to i convention. all states parties to the convention _ convention. all states parties to the convention have _ convention. all states parties to the convention have undertaken| convention. all states parties to - the convention have undertaken never in any— the convention have undertaken never in any circumstances _ the convention have undertaken never in any circumstances to _ the convention have undertaken never in any circumstances to develop, - in any circumstances to develop, produce. — in any circumstances to develop, produce, stockpile _ in any circumstances to develop, produce, stockpile or— in any circumstances to develop, produce, stockpile or otherwisei produce, stockpile or otherwise acquire — produce, stockpile or otherwise acquire or— produce, stockpile or otherwise acquire or retain _ produce, stockpile or otherwise acquire or retain biological- acquire or retain biological weapons _ acquire or retain biological weapons. biological- acquire or retain biological. weapons. biological weapons acquire or retain biological- weapons. biological weapons have been outlawed _ weapons. biological weapons have

been outlawed since _ weapons. biological weapons have been outlawed since the _ weapons. biological weapons have been outlawed since the bwc- weapons. biological weapons have i been outlawed since the bwc entered into force _ been outlawed since the bwc entered into force in _ been outlawed since the bwc entered into force in 1975. _ been outlawed since the bwc entered into force in 1975. a _ been outlawed since the bwc entered into force in 1975. a total _ been outlawed since the bwc entered into force in 1975. a total of _ been outlawed since the bwc entered into force in 1975. a total of 183 - into force in 1975. a total of 183 states — into force in 1975. a total of 183 states have _ into force in 1975. a total of 183 states have now— into force in 1975. a total of 183 states have nowjoined - into force in 1975. a total of 183 states have nowjoined the - states have nowjoined the convention _ states have nowjoined the convention and _ states have nowjoined the convention and biological i states have nowjoined the - convention and biological weapons are universally— convention and biological weapons are universally seen _ convention and biological weapons are universally seen as _ convention and biological weapons are universally seen as being - are universally seen as being abhorrent— are universally seen as being abhorrent and _ are universally seen as being abhorrent and illegitimate. l are universally seen as being . abhorrent and illegitimate. the are universally seen as being - abhorrent and illegitimate. the bwc lacks abhorrent and illegitimate. the bwc tacks a _ abhorrent and illegitimate. the bwc lacks a multilateral— abhorrent and illegitimate. the bwc lacks a multilateral verification - lacks a multilateral verification mechanism _ lacks a multilateral verification mechanism overseen - lacks a multilateral verification mechanism overseen by- lacks a multilateral verification mechanism overseen by an - lacks a multilateral verification - mechanism overseen by an independent organisation _ mechanism overseen by an independent organisation such — mechanism overseen by an independent organisation such as _ mechanism overseen by an independent organisation such as the _ organisation such as the organisation _ organisation such as the organisation for- organisation such as the organisation for the - organisation such as the - organisation for the reducing of chemical— organisation for the reducing of chemical weapons. _ organisation for the reducing of chemical weapons. therefore, i chemical weapons. therefore, assessing _ chemical weapons. therefore, assessing compliance - chemical weapons. therefore, assessing compliance with - chemical weapons. therefore, assessing compliance with its| assessing compliance with its obligations _ assessing compliance with its obligations is _ assessing compliance with its obligations is a _ assessing compliance with its obligations is a task- assessing compliance with its obligations is a task for- assessing compliance with its obligations is a task for its i assessing compliance with its - obligations is a task for its states parties _ obligations is a task for its states parties. madam _ obligations is a task for its states parties. madam president, - obligations is a task for its states. parties. madam president, despite the tack— parties. madam president, despite the tack of— parties. madam president, despite the tack of an— parties. madam president, despite the lack of an international - the lack of an international verification _ the lack of an international verification regime, - the lack of an international verification regime, the . the lack of an international - verification regime, the biological weapons — verification regime, the biological weapons convention _ verification regime, the biological weapons convention does - verification regime, the biological| weapons convention does however contain _ weapons convention does however contain several _ weapons convention does however contain several measures - weapons convention does however contain several measures to - weapons convention does however contain several measures to which| contain several measures to which concern _ contain several measures to which concern states _ contain several measures to which concern states parties _ contain several measures to which concern states parties can - contain several measures to which concern states parties can have i concern states parties can have recourse — concern states parties can have recourse in _ concern states parties can have recourse in order— concern states parties can have recourse in order to— concern states parties can have recourse in order to address i recourse in order to address situations— recourse in order to address situations in— recourse in order to address situations in which - recourse in order to address situations in which states i recourse in order to address - situations in which states parties have _ situations in which states parties have concerns _ situations in which states parties have concerns or— situations in which states parties have concerns or suspicions - situations in which states partiesi have concerns or suspicions about the activities _

have concerns or suspicions about the activities of _ have concerns or suspicions about the activities of their— have concerns or suspicions about the activities of their peers. - have concerns or suspicions about the activities of their peers. .- have concerns or suspicions about the activities of their peers. . for| the activities of their peers. . for example. — the activities of their peers. . for example, article _ the activities of their peers. . for example, article five _ the activities of their peers. . for example, article five of— the activities of their peers. . for example, article five of the - example, article five of the convention _ example, article five of the convention state _ example, article five of the convention state that, - example, article five of the convention state that, and| example, article five of the| convention state that, and i example, article five of the - convention state that, and i quote," the states— convention state that, and i quote," the states parties— convention state that, and i quote," the states parties to _ convention state that, and i quote," the states parties to this _ the states parties to this convention _ the states parties to this convention undertake . the states parties to this convention undertake to| the states parties to this - convention undertake to consult the states parties to this _ convention undertake to consult one another— convention undertake to consult one another and — convention undertake to consult one another and to— convention undertake to consult one another and to cooperate _ convention undertake to consult one another and to cooperate in - convention undertake to consult one another and to cooperate in solving i another and to cooperate in solving any problems — another and to cooperate in solving any problems which _ another and to cooperate in solving any problems which may _ another and to cooperate in solving any problems which may arise - another and to cooperate in solving any problems which may arise in i any problems which may arise in relation — any problems which may arise in relation to— any problems which may arise in relation to the _ any problems which may arise in relation to the objective - any problems which may arise in relation to the objective of - any problems which may arise in relation to the objective of or. any problems which may arise in relation to the objective of or in| relation to the objective of or in the application _ relation to the objective of or in the application of _ relation to the objective of or in the application of the _ relation to the objective of or in| the application of the provisions relation to the objective of or in i the application of the provisions of this convention." _ the application of the provisions of this convention." within _ the application of the provisions of this convention." within the - this convention." within the framework— this convention." within the framework of— this convention." within the framework of article - this convention." within the framework of article five, i framework of article five, states parties _ framework of article five, states l parties have established an annual exchange of— parties have established an annual exchange of information _ parties have established an annual exchange of information based - parties have established an annual. exchange of information based upon the submission— exchange of information based upon the submission of— exchange of information based upon the submission of confidence - the submission of confidence truitding _ the submission of confidence building measures. - the submission of confidence building measures. states i the submission of confidence - building measures. states parties must _ building measures. states parties must declare _ building measures. states parties must declare information - building measures. states parties must declare information about . must declare information about relevant — must declare information about relevant facilities _ must declare information about relevant facilities and _ must declare information about relevant facilities and activities| relevant facilities and activities on their— relevant facilities and activities on their territory— relevant facilities and activities on their territory in _ relevant facilities and activities on their territory in order - relevant facilities and activities on their territory in order to . on their territory in order to prevent— on their territory in order to prevent or— on their territory in order to prevent or reduce _ on their territory in order to prevent or reduce the - on their territory in order to - prevent or reduce the acquisition of ambiguous— prevent or reduce the acquisition of ambiguous doubts _ prevent or reduce the acquisition of ambiguous doubts and _ prevent or reduce the acquisition of ambiguous doubts and suspicions . ambiguous doubts and suspicions between — ambiguous doubts and suspicions between thenr _ ambiguous doubts and suspicions between them. the _ ambiguous doubts and suspicions between them. the russian - ambiguous doubts and suspicions - between them. the russian federation and ukraine _ between them. the russian federation and ukraine both— between them. the russian federation and ukraine both participate _

and ukraine both participate annually— and ukraine both participate annually in _ and ukraine both participate annually in the _ and ukraine both participate annually in the confidence . and ukraine both participate - annually in the confidence building measures — annually in the confidence building measures the _ annually in the confidence building measures. the annual— annually in the confidence building measures. the annual reports - measures. the annual reports submitted _ measures. the annual reports submitted by— measures. the annual reports submitted by the _ measures. the annual reports submitted by the russian - measures. the annual reports - submitted by the russian federation and ukraine — submitted by the russian federation and ukraine are _ submitted by the russian federation and ukraine are available _ submitted by the russian federation and ukraine are available to- submitted by the russian federation and ukraine are available to all- submitted by the russian federation and ukraine are available to all bwcl and ukraine are available to all bwc states _ and ukraine are available to all bwc states parties— and ukraine are available to all bwc states parties for— and ukraine are available to all bwc states parties for the _ and ukraine are available to all bwc states parties for the purposes - and ukraine are available to all bwc states parties for the purposes of i states parties for the purposes of transparency— states parties for the purposes of transparency and _ states parties for the purposes of transparency and reassurance. in| transparency and reassurance. in addition, _ transparency and reassurance. in addition, and — transparency and reassurance. in addition, and also _ transparency and reassurance. in addition, and also within - transparency and reassurance. in addition, and also within the - addition, and also within the framework— addition, and also within the framework of— addition, and also within the framework of article - addition, and also within the framework of article five - addition, and also within the framework of article five of i addition, and also within the . framework of article five of the convention, _ framework of article five of the convention, states _ framework of article five of the convention, states parties- framework of article five of the i convention, states parties have developed — convention, states parties have developed procedures- convention, states parties have developed procedures for- convention, states parties have i developed procedures for clarifying ambiguous— developed procedures for clarifying ambiguous and _ developed procedures for clarifying ambiguous and unresolved - developed procedures for clarifying i ambiguous and unresolved matters. including _ ambiguous and unresolved matters. including the — ambiguous and unresolved matters. including the possible _ ambiguous and unresolved matters. including the possible convening - ambiguous and unresolved matters. including the possible convening ofi including the possible convening of formai— including the possible convening of formal consultative _ including the possible convening of formal consultative meetings - including the possible convening of formal consultative meetings to i formal consultative meetings to consider— formal consultative meetings to consider such— formal consultative meetings to consider such matters. - formal consultative meetings to consider such matters. article l formal consultative meetings to i consider such matters. article six of the _ consider such matters. article six of the convention _ consider such matters. article six of the convention states - consider such matters. article six of the convention states that, - consider such matters. article sixi of the convention states that, and consider such matters. article six. of the convention states that, and i quote, _ of the convention states that, and i quote, "any— of the convention states that, and i quote, "any state _ of the convention states that, and i quote, "any state party— of the convention states that, and i quote, "any state party to - of the convention states that, and i quote, "any state party to this - quote, "any state party to this convention _ quote, "any state party to this convention which _ quote, "any state party to this convention which finds - quote, "any state party to this convention which finds that. quote, "any state party to thisi convention which finds that any other— convention which finds that any other state _ convention which finds that any other state party— convention which finds that any other state party is _ convention which finds that any other state party is acting - convention which finds that any other state party is acting in i other state party is acting in breach— other state party is acting in breach of— other state party is acting in breach of obligations - other state party is acting in| breach of obligations deriving other state party is acting in - breach of obligations deriving from the provisions— breach of obligations deriving from the provisions of— breach of obligations deriving from the provisions of the _ breach of obligations deriving from the provisions of the convention i breach of obligations deriving from l the provisions of the convention may iaunch— the provisions of the convention may launch a _ the provisions of the convention may launch a complaint _ the provisions of the convention may launch a complaint with _ the provisions of the convention may launch a complaint with the - the provisions of the convention may launch a complaint with the securityi launch a complaint with the security councit _ launch a complaint with the security councit if _ launch a complaint with the security council. if agreed _ launch a complaint with the security council. if agreed by _ launch a complaint with the security council. if agreed by the _ launch a complaint with the security council. if agreed by the security. council. if agreed by the security council. — council. if agreed by the security

council. an— council. if agreed by the security council, an investigation- council. if agreed by the security council, an investigation on- council. if agreed by the security council, an investigation on a - council. if agreed by the security. council, an investigation on a basis of the _ council, an investigation on a basis of the complaints _ council, an investigation on a basis of the complaints received - council, an investigation on a basis of the complaints received could i council, an investigation on a basis| of the complaints received could be initiated _ of the complaints received could be initiated " — of the complaints received could be initiated. " article _ of the complaints received could be initiated. " article six _ of the complaints received could be initiated. " article six of— of the complaints received could be initiated. " article six of the - initiated. " article six of the activated _ initiated. " article six of the activated. while _ initiated. " article six of the activated. while these - initiated. " article six of the - activated. while these provisions have _ activated. while these provisions have not— activated. while these provisions have not been— activated. while these provisions have not been regularly- activated. while these provisions have not been regularly used, i activated. while these provisions l have not been regularly used, they are nonetheless _ have not been regularly used, they are nonetheless internationally- are nonetheless internationally agreed — are nonetheless internationally agreed procedures— are nonetheless internationally agreed procedures that - are nonetheless internationally agreed procedures that are - are nonetheless internationally- agreed procedures that are available to be used _ agreed procedures that are available to be used to — agreed procedures that are available to be used to defuse _ agreed procedures that are available to be used to defuse tensions - agreed procedures that are available to be used to defuse tensions and i agreed procedures that are availablei to be used to defuse tensions and to address— to be used to defuse tensions and to address and — to be used to defuse tensions and to address and resolve _ to be used to defuse tensions and to address and resolve any _ to be used to defuse tensions and to address and resolve any concerns . to be used to defuse tensions and toi address and resolve any concerns we may deem _ address and resolve any concerns we may deem to— address and resolve any concerns we may deem to compliance _ address and resolve any concerns we may deem to compliance and - may deem to compliance and regulations— may deem to compliance and regulations with _ may deem to compliance and regulations with the - may deem to compliance and regulations with the bwc - may deem to compliance and regulations with the bwc in l may deem to compliance and regulations with the bwc in a multilateral— regulations with the bwc in a multilateral setting. - regulations with the bwc in a multilateral setting. i- regulations with the bwc in a multilateral setting. i would. multilateral setting. i would therefore _ multilateral setting. i would therefore encourage - multilateral setting. i would therefore encourage bwc. multilateral setting. i would i therefore encourage bwc state parties — therefore encourage bwc state parties to — therefore encourage bwc state parties to consider— therefore encourage bwc state parties to consider making - therefore encourage bwc state parties to consider making use| therefore encourage bwc state l parties to consider making use of the available _ parties to consider making use of the available procedures - parties to consider making use of the available procedures for- the available procedures for consultation— the available procedures for consultation and _ the available procedures forl consultation and cooperation the available procedures for. consultation and cooperation in order— consultation and cooperation in order to — consultation and cooperation in order to resolve _ consultation and cooperation in order to resolve these - consultation and cooperation in order to resolve these issues. i consultation and cooperation in - order to resolve these issues. madam president. _ order to resolve these issues. madam president, distinguished _ order to resolve these issues. madam president, distinguished members- order to resolve these issues. madam president, distinguished members of| president, distinguished members of the security— president, distinguished members of the security council, _ president, distinguished members of the security council, situations - the security council, situations such _ the security council, situations such as — the security council, situations such as this— the security council, situations such as this demonstrate - the security council, situations such as this demonstrate the l the security council, situations - such as this demonstrate the need to strengthen— such as this demonstrate the need to strengthen the — such as this demonstrate the need to strengthen the bwc, _ such as this demonstrate the need to strengthen the bwc, to _ strengthen the bwc, to operationalise - strengthen the bwc, to operationalise it, - strengthen the bwc, to operationalise it, and l strengthen the bwc, to| operationalise it, and to institutionalise - operationalise it, and to institutionalise it. - operationalise it, and to institutionalise it. i- operationalise it, and to. institutionalise it. iwould therefore _

institutionalise it. iwould therefore like _ institutionalise it. iwould therefore like to - institutionalise it. iwould therefore like to take - institutionalise it. iwould therefore like to take this opportunity— therefore like to take this opportunity to— therefore like to take this opportunity to encourage| therefore like to take this . opportunity to encourage its therefore like to take this - opportunity to encourage its states parties _ opportunity to encourage its states parties to— opportunity to encourage its states parties to come _ opportunity to encourage its states parties to come to _ opportunity to encourage its states parties to come to the _ opportunity to encourage its states parties to come to the dimension'si parties to come to the dimension's convention — parties to come to the dimension's convention stated _ parties to come to the dimension's convention stated to _ parties to come to the dimension's convention stated to take - parties to come to the dimension's convention stated to take place - parties to come to the dimension's convention stated to take place in| convention stated to take place in geneva _ convention stated to take place in geneva to — convention stated to take place in geneva to a — convention stated to take place in geneva to a serious _ convention stated to take place in geneva to a serious overhaul- convention stated to take place in geneva to a serious overhaul of. convention stated to take place in. geneva to a serious overhaul of the convention — geneva to a serious overhaul of the convention to — geneva to a serious overhaul of the convention to ensure _ geneva to a serious overhaul of the convention to ensure it _ geneva to a serious overhaul of the convention to ensure it is _ geneva to a serious overhaul of the convention to ensure it is properlyi convention to ensure it is properly equipped — convention to ensure it is properly equipped and _ convention to ensure it is properly equipped and resourced _ convention to ensure it is properly equipped and resourced to- convention to ensure it is properly equipped and resourced to deal. convention to ensure it is properly. equipped and resourced to deal with the challenges — equipped and resourced to deal with the challenges ahead. _ equipped and resourced to deal with the challenges ahead. madam - the challenges ahead. madam president. _ the challenges ahead. madam president, distinguished - the challenges ahead. madam - president, distinguished members of the security— president, distinguished members of the security council, _ president, distinguished members of the security council, to _ president, distinguished members of the security council, to conclude - president, distinguished members of the security council, to conclude my| the security council, to conclude my statement, — the security council, to conclude my statement, would _ the security council, to conclude my statement, would like _ the security council, to conclude my statement, would like to _ the security council, to conclude my statement, would like to take - the security council, to conclude my statement, would like to take this . statement, would like to take this opportunity— statement, would like to take this opportunity to— statement, would like to take this opportunity to address _ statement, would like to take this opportunity to address the - statement, would like to take this opportunity to address the issue l statement, would like to take thisi opportunity to address the issue of the safety— opportunity to address the issue of the safety and _ opportunity to address the issue of the safety and security— opportunity to address the issue of the safety and security of- opportunity to address the issue of the safety and security of nuclear i the safety and security of nuclear power _ the safety and security of nuclear power plants _ the safety and security of nuclear power plants in _ the safety and security of nuclear power plants in ukraine. - the safety and security of nuclear power plants in ukraine. an- the safety and security of nuclear. power plants in ukraine. an accident inciuding _ power plants in ukraine. an accident including nuclear— power plants in ukraine. an accident including nuclear facilities _ power plants in ukraine. an accident including nuclear facilities in - including nuclear facilities in ukraine _ including nuclear facilities in ukraine could _ including nuclear facilities in ukraine could have - including nuclear facilities in ukraine could have severe . ukraine could have severe consequences _ ukraine could have severe consequences for - ukraine could have severe consequences for public . ukraine could have severe - consequences for public health and the environment, _ consequences for public health and the environment, and _ consequences for public health and the environment, and all— consequences for public health and the environment, and all steps - consequences for public health and i the environment, and all steps must be taken _ the environment, and all steps must be taken to— the environment, and all steps must be taken to avoid _ the environment, and all steps must be taken to avoid it. _ the environment, and all steps must be taken to avoid it. the _ be taken to avoid it. the possibility— be taken to avoid it. the possibility of— be taken to avoid it. the possibility of an - be taken to avoid it. thei possibility of an accident be taken to avoid it. the - possibility of an accident caused be taken to avoid it. the _ possibility of an accident caused by a failure _ possibility of an accident caused by a failure to— possibility of an accident caused by a failure to a — possibility of an accident caused by a failure to a reactor's _ possibility of an accident caused by a failure to a reactor's power- a failure to a reactor's power supply— a failure to a reactor's power supply or— a failure to a reactor's power supply or the _ a failure to a reactor's power supply or the inability - a failure to a reactor's power supply or the inability to - a failure to a reactor's power- supply or the inability to provide regular— supply or the inability to provide regular maintenance _ supply or the inability to provide regular maintenance is- supply or the inability to provide regular maintenance is growingi supply or the inability to provide l regular maintenance is growing by the dav~ _

regular maintenance is growing by the dav~ the — regular maintenance is growing by the day. the forces _ regular maintenance is growing by the day. the forces in— regular maintenance is growing by the day. the forces in effective . the day. the forces in effective control— the day. the forces in effective control of— the day. the forces in effective control of power— the day. the forces in effective control of power plants - the day. the forces in effective control of power plants in - the day. the forces in effective i control of power plants in ukraine must _ control of power plants in ukraine must ensure _ control of power plants in ukraine must ensure their— control of power plants in ukraine must ensure their safe _ control of power plants in ukraine must ensure their safe and - control of power plants in ukraine| must ensure their safe and secure operation~ — must ensure their safe and secure operation i— must ensure their safe and secure operation i am _ must ensure their safe and secure operation. i am extremely- must ensure their safe and secure i operation. i am extremely concerned that four— operation. i am extremely concerned that four of— operation. i am extremely concerned that four of the — operation. i am extremely concerned that four of the international - that four of the international atomic— that four of the international atomic energv _ that four of the international atomic energy agency- that four of the international| atomic energy agency secure operations— atomic energy agency secure operations and _ atomic energy agency secure operations and facilities - atomic energy agency secure operations and facilities are i operations and facilities are reportedly— operations and facilities are reportedly not _ operations and facilities are reportedly not being - operations and facilities are - reportedly not being implemented at ghernobvt _ reportedly not being implemented at chernobyl. communications- reportedly not being implemented at chernobyl. communications must- reportedly not being implemented at chernobyl. communications must be| chernobyl. communications must be restored _ chernobyl. communications must be restored and — chernobyl. communications must be restored and operating _ chernobyl. communications must be restored and operating staff - chernobyl. communications must be restored and operating staff must i chernobyl. communications must be| restored and operating staff must be allowed _ restored and operating staff must be allowed to _ restored and operating staff must be allowed to probably _ restored and operating staff must be allowed to probably carry— restored and operating staff must be allowed to probably carry out - restored and operating staff must be allowed to probably carry out their. allowed to probably carry out their duties— allowed to probably carry out their duties and — allowed to probably carry out their duties and to _ allowed to probably carry out their duties and to do _ allowed to probably carry out their duties and to do so _ allowed to probably carry out their duties and to do so free _ allowed to probably carry out their duties and to do so free of- allowed to probably carry out their duties and to do so free of undue i duties and to do so free of undue pressure~ — duties and to do so free of undue pressure i— duties and to do so free of undue pressure. i would _ duties and to do so free of undue pressure. i would like _ duties and to do so free of undue pressure. i would like to - duties and to do so free of undue pressure. i would like to echo - duties and to do so free of undue | pressure. i would like to echo the secretary — pressure. i would like to echo the secretary general's _ pressure. i would like to echo the secretary general's support - pressure. i would like to echo the secretary general's support for. pressure. i would like to echo the. secretary general's support for the “tits _ secretary general's support for the “tits efforts — secretary general's support for the iaa's efforts to _ secretary general's support for the iaa's efforts to reduce _ secretary general's support for the iaa's efforts to reduce a _ secretary general's support for the| iaa's efforts to reduce a framework to ensure _ iaa's efforts to reduce a framework to ensure the — iaa's efforts to reduce a framework to ensure the safety _ iaa's efforts to reduce a framework to ensure the safety and _ iaa's efforts to reduce a framework to ensure the safety and security. iaa's efforts to reduce a framework to ensure the safety and security ofi to ensure the safety and security of ukraine's _ to ensure the safety and security of ukraine's facilities— to ensure the safety and security of ukraine's facilities and _ to ensure the safety and security of ukraine's facilities and welcome - to ensure the safety and security of| ukraine's facilities and welcome the constructive — ukraine's facilities and welcome the constructive meetings— ukraine's facilities and welcome the constructive meetings he _ ukraine's facilities and welcome the constructive meetings he held - ukraine's facilities and welcome the constructive meetings he held in . constructive meetings he held in turkey— constructive meetings he held in turkey on— constructive meetings he held in turkey on the _ constructive meetings he held in turkey on the 10th _ constructive meetings he held in turkey on the 10th of— constructive meetings he held in turkey on the 10th of march - constructive meetings he held ini turkey on the 10th of march with the foreign _ turkey on the 10th of march with the foreign ministers _ turkey on the 10th of march with the foreign ministers of— turkey on the 10th of march with the foreign ministers of ukraine - turkey on the 10th of march with the foreign ministers of ukraine and - turkey on the 10th of march with the foreign ministers of ukraine and the| foreign ministers of ukraine and the russian _ foreign ministers of ukraine and the russian federation. _ foreign ministers of ukraine and the russian federation. i— foreign ministers of ukraine and the russian federation. i thank- foreign ministers of ukraine and the russian federation. i thank you - foreign ministers of ukraine and the| russian federation. i thank you very

much _ russian federation. i thank you very much i— russian federation. i thank you very much. . ~ russian federation. i thank you very much. . ,, ., much. i thanked her for her briefing- — much. i thanked her for her briefing- i _ much. i thanked her for her briefing. i now— much. i thanked her for her briefing. i now give - much. i thanked her for her briefing. i now give the - much. i thanked her for her| briefing. i now give the floor much. i thanked her for her- briefing. i now give the floor to the council members who wish to make statements _ the council members who wish to make statements. i give the floor to the representative of the russian federation. translation: madam president, distinguished colleagues. the coronavirus pandemic, covid—i9 pandemic, has shown us how vulnerable humankind is when facing a biological threats. vulnerable humankind is when facing a biologicalthreats. it vulnerable humankind is when facing a biological threats. it has already taken and continues taking a huge number of human lives. in 1975 when the convention on banning the biological and toxin weapons convention came into force, we had to hope that the world managed to get rid of itself, the least of

those biological threats which were created by man. because everyone who signed this understood the huge risks of using biological weapons and decided to forgo any plans to develop it. unfortunately, we have reason to believe that these hopes have not been fully fulfilled. we convened the meeting today because, as russia is conducting a special military operation in ukraine, we discovered a truly shocking fact of an emergency clean—up by the kyiv regime of the traces of a military biological programme which is being committed by kyiv with the support by the united states ministry of defence. our ministry of defence, russian ministry of defence now has documents which confirms that on the territory of ukraine, there was a network consisting of at least 30 biological laboratories where

expelling station was being conducted aimed at strengthening the pathogenic qualities of the plague, anthrax, cholera and other lethal diseases using synthetic biology. this work is being done and funded and supervised by the defence threat reduction agency of the united states. including in the interest of the national centre for medical intelligence of the united states ministry of defence. the key role in implementing this programme was placed by the central reference lab on by level three. using the basis of the ukrainian scientific anti—plague institute located in odesa. an active participant here

was also conducted by research centres in other cities of ukraine in kyiv, in kharkiv, in chernobyl and other places. the result of this work were being sent to military biological centres of the united states including into the us army medical research institute on infectious diseases, into the walter reed army institute of research, into the naval medical research of the us navy and into the us army biological warfare laboratory stop which used to be key facilities of the american programmer to develop biological weapons. all of these materials are available on our ministry of defence and they are describing them in the course of the daily briefings. let we just dwell on the more salient examples. our military became aware of the details

of the project which was being conducted in laboratories of kyiv, kharkiv and odesa. the goal is to study the possibility of spreading particular dangers and infections using migratory birds. and this includes the highly pathogenic influenza h5n1, whose lethality for people reaches 50%, as well as the newcastle disease. there was another project where the vector of potential agents of biological weapon, bats, were considered. amongst priority areas study, they include the bacterial and viral pathogens that could spread from bats to people, such as plague, leptospirosis as well as coronavirus is. as can be seen from the project documents, the usa actively finding the biological project in ukraine.

spread of factor parasites spreading diseases like lice and fleas were studied. even nonspecialists understand that such experiments by one of the more reckless because i do not give you an opportunity to control how the situation is going to develop further. similar studies using lice and fleas as agents were conducted in the 19405 by the infamous squad 731 of the japanese army, whose members by the way found refuge in the united states and escaped justice. ukraine has a unique geographical location, a whole number of migratory routes cross their full potential spreaders of disease. and many of them go through russia and eastern europe. the research iju5t mentioned was conducted in the very heart of eastern europe and in immediate

proximity of russian border. a5 proximity of russian border. as other data we have received has shown us, the birds that were ringed and released as a result of bio research in a zoo, they were caught in various regions of russia interior. analysis shows there was a transfer from a library in interior. analysis shows there was a transferfrom a library in kharkiv abroad around 140 containers of egg tow parasites with bats. we do not know the further fate of these dangerous materials and what the consequences will be of the fact there was no international control there was no international control there and they will simply dissolve, quite probably, over europe. in any event, there is a very high risk they will be stolen and used for terrorist purposes or that they will be sold on the black market. using the pretext of curing for

coronavirus, from ukraine into the walter reed institute in the united states, several thousand samples of blood serum of people was taken, and most of them of slavic extraction. everyone knows how careful people in the west are when it comes to transferring biomaterials of western nationals abroad. there is reason for that, nationals abroad. there is reason forthat, because nationals abroad. there is reason for that, because in theory bio agents can be created which can selectively target specific ethnic groups. at the same time, the activity of biological laboratories, who we notice have been accessed since 2014, and what is being implemented by the united states within the programme of so—called reform of ukrainian health care led to an uncontrolled growth in ukraine

when it comes to particularly dangerous and economically important infections. there is a growing number of german measles cases, and tuberculosis. cases of measles went up tuberculosis. cases of measles went up by a factor of more than 100. world health organization declared ukraine a country with a high risk of an outbreak of polio. there is also evidence to show that in kharkiv, where one such laboratory is located, injanuary of 2016, 20 ukrainian soldiers died from swine flu and 200 more were hospitalised. my flu and 200 more were hospitalised. my march of the same year in ukraine, 306 to four people died of swine flu. the outbreak of african swine flu. the outbreak of african swine fever in ukraine has become a regular occurrence. in 2019 there was an outbreak of a disease which symptomatically is very close to

plague. at a time when the military biological studies in the united states were removed because of danger to the people, the kyiv authority basically agreed to make their country into an experimental platform and use their citizens as guinea pigs. these experiments were the potential risk for the entire country, something that went on for years. we see this in yet another confirmation of an extraordinary cynicism of kyiv�*s mentors, who tell us all the time that they are very concerned by the fate of the ukrainian people. if we are to believe what is being said by orators, and the who recommended that the ukraine should eliminate the particularly dangerous pathogens they have to avoid leaks, otherwise this could lead to the spread of

diseases amongst the population and we don't know whether kyiv implemented that recommendation. the ministry of defence of hours has material stating that all the serious studies of a high level of danger in biological laboratories in ukraine were conducted under the leadership of specialists of the united states who had diplomatic immunity. currently according to our ministry of defence, the kyiv regime, according to the request of their western mentors, are trying to clean it all up is to ensure the russian side does not find direct evidence of the united states and ukraine are violating article one of the biological and toxin weapons convention. there biological programmes are being urgently closed up programmes are being urgently closed up and the ministry of health of ukraine set itself a goal as of the 24th of february, to fully destroy the bio agents and laboratories. the

analysis of instructions in laboratories tells us that the order of liquidations is aimed at the irretrievable elimination. our analysis shows that in lviv alone, more than 230 containers were destroyed. overall 320 containers, the nomenclatural and excessive number of bio pathogens leads us to believe these were conducted within the framework of a military biological programme. i would like to address my colleagues from europe separately. right next to the european union, you have had an experimental platform for extremely dangerous biological trials. we call upon you to think about a very real biological danger to people in european countries, which can result from an uncontrolled spread of bio

agents from ukraine, which, as we have seen with covid—19, is impossible to stop. and there is such a scenario, all of europe would be covered by it. representatives of the united states provide confusing information about the involvement of the united states in this activity. the victoria newland secretary of state basically confirmed the fact that they were dangerous studies being conducted in ukrainian laboratories in congress on the 8th of march. there was a direct question put by senator marco rubio and she replied and said that in ukraine there are research structures which should not end up in the hands of the russian armed forces. end of quote. at the same time the state department continues to insist that the other territory of ukraine that there are no laboratories under the control of the united states. we would like to

in this regard but a question to the american delegation. how can this tally, orthe american delegation. how can this tally, or the agreement of 2005 between your ministry of defence and ministry of health of ukraine provide cooperation in the area of development technologies and pathogens which could be used so as to develop bio weapons. this document exists in the internet and in line with article three of this agreement, the ministry of defence of the united states can extend assistance to the ministry of health of ukraine in the area ofjoint biological research determining threats from biological agents and working out a response to them as relates to, and i quote, to the dangerous pathogens, deployed on objects of the territory of ukraine. i would like to underscore here that biological threats, because of its very nature, knows no borders. there is no region in the world today that

can feel safe. the united states are overseeing several hundred laboratories in about 30 countries, from the middle east, africa, southeast asia and also on the perimeter of the former ussr. placing it under international verification is something they are categorically refusing to do. they have blocked since 2001 a legally binding protocol under the biological and toxin weapons convention about a verification mechanism to ensure compliance. this leads to the thought that the united states has something to hide. i call upon colleagues in these regions to think about what kind of activity washington is conducting on their territory, what the consequences for your people will be. i can foresee what the reaction will be from our western colleagues who i am sure will be saying now that all this information is fake and russian

propaganda. but this is self—delusion and i do not think this will be helpful to the european people in case there are outbreaks in ukraine or neighbouring states with further spread and bringing in their wake dangerous diseases. the risk of this is very real, given the interest of the radical nationalist groups in ukraine are showing towards the work with dangerous pathogens conducted together with the ministry of defence of the united states. we also know that in the case of any such incident, the pentagon told their ukrainian colleagues to immediately accuse the armed forces of the russian federation of this, to say they are striking against the scientific and medical institutions and to link these incidents with russian

diversionary groups. the ministry of defence of russia continues analysing the biological situation in ukraine and the materials we keep receiving. what we told you today is a very small portion of the information we have. detailed information we have. detailed information is something we will disseminate in the very near future as an official document of the secret counsel you will be able to study it. we think it is our duty to keep the security council informed of the situation when it comes to the military biological activity by the military biological activity by the united states. in ukraine it creates a real risk for international peace and security and we intend to revert to the discussion of this topic in the very nearfuture. we do not discussion of this topic in the very near future. we do not exclude the possibility of invoking the mechanism of articles five and six of the biological weapons convention. at present we expect to hear responses from the american side to the questions we have put. i thank you, madam president.

translation: i thank you, madam president. translation:— thank you, madam president. translation: ., ~ ., ., ~ translation: i would like to thank the representative _ translation: i would like to thank the representative of— translation: i would like to thank the representative of the _ translation: i would like to thank the representative of the russian i the representative of the russian federation and i give the floor to the representative of albania. thank ou, the representative of albania. thank you. madam — the representative of albania. thank you, madam president. _ the representative of albania. thank you, madam president. let - the representative of albania. thank you, madam president. let me - the representative of albania. thank you, madam president. let me thank everyone _ you, madam president. let me thank everyone for— you, madam president. let me thank everyone for your information. i would _ everyone for your information. i would like — everyone for your information. i would like to make the following points _ would like to make the following points. first, we need at the request— points. first, we need at the request of— points. first, we need at the request of russia for allowing allegations of the possible programme of developing biological weapons _ programme of developing biological weapons in ukraine. we listened to their statement very carefully. madam — their statement very carefully. madam president, any issue regarding weapons _ madam president, any issue regarding weapons of— madam president, any issue regarding weapons of mass destruction should never— weapons of mass destruction should never be _ weapons of mass destruction should never be taken lightly. as we just heard _ never be taken lightly. as we just heard from — never be taken lightly. as we just heard from the usg, the united nations— heard from the usg, the united nations is— heard from the usg, the united nations is not aware of any of the alleged _ nations is not aware of any of the alleged programmes inconsistent with the international treaty obligations inciuding _ the international treaty obligations including on chemical or biological weapons — including on chemical or biological weapons. we heard about health facilities — weapons. we heard about health facilities in ukraine. we have heard repeatedtv— facilities in ukraine. we have heard repeatedly also a firm rebuttal at

the highest levels from both the us and ukraine. therefore, russia's allegations are in our opinion part of the _ allegations are in our opinion part of the information warfare, false, unsubstantiated, part of the usual propaganda and disinformation are coming _ propaganda and disinformation are coming from russia, conspiracy theories — coming from russia, conspiracy theories not worth our time. the council— theories not worth our time. the council should not be served with fantasies — council should not be served with fantasies or starry eyed stories but proof. _ fantasies or starry eyed stories but proof, independently verified uncorroborated. this is not the case _ uncorroborated. this is not the case. however regrettable all of this is, — case. however regrettable all of this is, it — case. however regrettable all of this is, it is _ case. however regrettable all of this is, it is hardly surprising since — this is, it is hardly surprising since everything, absolutely every thing _ since everything, absolutely every thing we _ since everything, absolutely every thing we have heard from russia regarding — thing we have heard from russia regarding ukraine, has been false, fabricated — regarding ukraine, has been false, fabricated or distorted. these are all in _ fabricated or distorted. these are all in the — fabricated or distorted. these are all in the public space and they do not deserve mentioning. but the russian — not deserve mentioning. but the russian declaration just a couple not deserve mentioning. but the russian declarationjust a couple of days ago. _ russian declarationjust a couple of days ago, according to which russia

has not _ days ago, according to which russia has not attacked ukraine. as we saw last week, _ has not attacked ukraine. as we saw last week, the ngo assembly has a different— last week, the ngo assembly has a different account. in every other situation, — different account. in every other situation, everyone would have thought— situation, everyone would have thought this is a joke, except for the fact— thought this is a joke, except for the fact that this joke is destroying a country, is killing civiiians. — destroying a country, is killing civilians, and is responsible... studio: — civilians, and is responsible... studio: we will come out of that albanian representative who has said the claims by russia are disinformation act, part of the usual war propaganda. and we heard an alarming set of claims that are being dismissed by the west and the un representatives speaking to the un representatives speaking to the un security council said they had no evidence of any biological or chemical weapons being developed by ukraine itself. that was the claim being made by the russian representative, that these weapons and factories had us backing. he did go through a long list of alarming

illnesses and mechanisms that he said were being used, including bats, parasites, lice and fleas, spreading plague, a whole list of dangerous pathogens, anthrax, cholera, and of course we know that there has been a lot of warning from western governments that russia will raise these false flag claims as a precursor to themselves, trying to make an excuse effectively, for themselves potentially using biological and chemical weapons, which have been used on civilian populations in syria. we will try to get you some response to that, but first of all, let's pull away from that particular line and go to what's happening on the ground in ukraine at the moment. as we've been reporting, the city of dnipro has been hit

by three russian air strikes, damaging an apartment block and a kindergarten. it's located in the south—east of ukraine, but some way from the russia border, and the annexed territory of crimea. our correspondent sarah rainsford has this update from dnipro. this is the epicentre of that missile strike in dnipro. this, we're told, was a shoe factory, and it was hit at around about 6am this morning. and hours later, you can still see smoke rising from the ruins, fire workers here still trying to put out the last flames. there are local people here, picking through the ruins, trying to clear up this site. it is one of absolute devastation, the ruins of this factory all around me. and this acrid smell of the smoke in the air. and the thing that's struck me is just close this is to residential areas. there are blocks of flats all around. local residents have brought

the police in to help out here. we spoke to one woman in her flat, she said she was woken by the boom at 6am, and she broke down in tears because she was telling me about how her teenage son broke down with fair. screaming with fear. there were three missiles, she heard three explosions, she didn't even get a chance to get to the bomb shelter. some people did manage to make it to the metro station near here and spent hours hiding under the ground hiding in fear. i think the most key thing about this is, until now, dnipro had felt relatively safe and there hadn't been any direct strikes, certainly not in the city centre. it was something of a safe haven, people came here fleeing the fighting in other cities around the region. but that feeling of safety, i think, after this, has now gone. our 0ur correspondence our correspondence sarah rainsford in dnipro. she has been reporting from there in recent days. i'm joined now by our new york correspondent nada tawfik. we will talk a little bit about what

president biden said in a televised address. i wondered whether you could pick up a bit first of all from what we heard at the un security council. we heard a very alarming statement by the russian representative that was repudiated by the albanian representative and effectively by the european representative as well. that's ri . ht. representative as well. that's right. russia _ representative as well. that's right. russia had _ representative as well. that's right. russia had called - representative as well. that's right. russia had called for. representative as well. that's i right. russia had called for this emergency un security council meeting because it said it had uncovered evidence, as we heard the russian ambassador talking there, about a biological weapons programme in ukraine. , ., . in ukraine. sorry to cut in, we will no back in ukraine. sorry to cut in, we will go back to — in ukraine. sorry to cut in, we will go back to the _ in ukraine. sorry to cut in, we will go back to the security _ in ukraine. sorry to cut in, we will go back to the security council- go back to the security council because the us representative is speaking live. you because the us representative is speaking live-— because the us representative is speaking live. you also heard that the un is not _ speaking live. you also heard that the un is not aware _ speaking live. you also heard that the un is not aware of— speaking live. you also heard that the un is not aware of any - the un is not aware of any biological or chemical weapons programmes in ukraine. last month,

secretary blinken laid out with tragic accuracy what russia was about to do. he specifically warned that russia would manufacture a pretext for attack and even cautioned that russia would fabricate allocations about chemical or biological weapons to justify its own violent attacks against ukrainian people. —— russia would fabricate allegations. today the world is watching russia do exactly what we warned it would do. russia is attempting to use the security council to legitimise disinformation and deceive people to justify president putin's war of choice against the ukrainian people. and china has also been spreading disinformation in support of russia's outrageous claims. i will say this once. ukraine does not have a biological weapons programme. there are no ukrainian biological

weapons laboratories supported by the united states. not near russia's border or anywhere. the united states. not near russia's border oranywhere. so the united states. not near russia's border or anywhere. so here are the facts. ukraine owns and operates its own public health laboratory infrastructure. these facilities make it possible to detect and diagnose diseases like covid—19, which benefit us all. the united states has assisted ukraine to do this safely and securely. this is work that has been done proudly, clearly and out in the open. this work has everything to do with protecting the health of people. it has absolutely nothing, absolutely nothing, to do with biological weapons. in fact, nothing, to do with biological weapons. infact, it nothing, to do with biological weapons. in fact, it is russia that has long maintained a biological weapon programme, in violation of international law. it is russia that

has a well—documented history of using chemical weapons. it is russia who is the aggressor here. it was russian operatives that poisoned alexei navalny and sergei skripal and yulia skripal with nerve agents. russia continues to port the bashar al—assad regime in syria and shield it from accountability when the un and opcw have affirmed that bashar al—assad has repeatedly used chemical weapons over the past several years. we are deeply concerned that russia's calling for this meeting is a potentialfalse flag effort in action. exactly the kind we have been warning about, including from secretary blinken here in the security council last month. russia has a track record of falsely accusing other countries of the very violations that russia itself is perpetrating. and given

that, and consistent with our previous statements, we have serious concerns that russia may be planning to use chemical or biological agents against the ukrainian people. the intent behind these lies seem clear, and it is deeply troubling. we believe russia could use chemical or biological agents for assassinations, as part of a staged or false flag incident or to support tactical military operations. from the beginning, our strategy to counter russia's tactics has been to share what we know with the world transparently, and candidly we have been right more often than we'd like to. we are not going to let russia get away with lying to the world or staining the integrity of the security council by using this forum

as a venue for legitimising putin's violence. russia has attacked homes, schools, orphanages and hospitals. russia has attacked civilian infrastructure, including water and sanitation facilities. their forces are laying ukrainian cities under siege. hundreds of thousands of civilians now don't have access to electricity for heat or drinking water to stay alive. russia is the aggressor here. and despite russia's best efforts, the media and everyday ukrainians are documenting this truth on the ground. russia can't paint over the front page of the new york times, which on monday featured the bodies of a ukrainian mother and her two children, who died while trying to cross a bridge outside kyiv in their attempt to flee to safety. russia cannot cover up the

work of ap news reporters who captured a doctor attempting to resuscitate an 18—month—old girl who died from russian shelling in mariupol. russia cannot suppress the social media posts, confirmed and amplified by cbs news, that told the story of the 11—year—old ukrainian boy who fled to slovakia by himself with only a passport, a plastic bag and a phone number scrawled on his hands. russia cannot silence the al jazeera report of russian soldiers terrorising ukrainian cities. and ukrainianjournalists terrorising ukrainian cities. and ukrainian journalists are risking their lives every day to deliver to their lives every day to deliver to the world the latest on the ground facts, such as one reporter who reported on the reckless behaviour of russian forces towards ukraine's

nuclear facilities. of russian forces towards ukraine's nuclearfacilities. russia is failing in its quest to create an alternative reality. in fact, not even russian diplomats can keep their propaganda straight. just yesterday, the kremlin spokesman said he didn't have clear information about the russian forces who fired on a maternity hospital. then the foreign minister himself denied russia attacked ukraine at all. right before admitting that russia deliberately targeted this maternity hospital in mariupol. their fabrications didn't matter because the world had already seen the searing images broadcast on cnn of bloodied and pregnant women being evacuated from the scene of russia's attack on the hospital. even russia plus my own citizens are tiring of such lies. russian athletes are writing no war on their shoes and on

television cameras. russian citizens are marching in the streets and protesting putin's war of choice. and even russian state tv pundits, putin's own propaganda arm, have called for putin to stop the military action. this is why we didn't object to holding today's meeting. today the's meeting has confirmed our predictions, revealed russia's objectives to the world and exposed russia's lies for what they are, and malicious effort to cover for the atrocities being committed by russia as part of their illegal and unprovoked attack on ukraine. it is a page directly out of the russian playbook and it will not convince us one bit. the world is watching. photographic and video evidence is mounting, and you will be held to account for your actions. we will not let atrocities slide. unlike the russian government, whose

first instinct is to silence, we are confident that truth and transparency will prevail. we call on president putin to end this unprovoked, unconscionable war against the ukrainian people. thank you. translation: i now give the floor to do representative _ translation: i now give the floor to do representative of— translation: i now give the floor to do representative of france. - do representative of france. translation agreement mr president, ithank— translation agreement mr president, i than < , ., translation agreement mr president, | than 1 , ., ., i thank everyone for their briefings _ i thank everyone for their briefings. i _ i thank everyone for their briefings. i wish - i thank everyone for their briefings. i wish to - i thank everyone for their . briefings. i wish to denounce i thank everyone for their - briefings. i wish to denounce in the strongest _ briefings. i wish to denounce in the strongest of — briefings. i wish to denounce in the strongest of terms _ briefings. i wish to denounce in the strongest of terms the _ briefings. i wish to denounce in the strongest of terms the unfounded i strongest of terms the unfounded atiegations — strongest of terms the unfounded allegations of _ strongest of terms the unfounded allegations of russia. _ strongest of terms the unfounded allegations of russia. russia - strongest of terms the unfounded i allegations of russia. russia would have us— allegations of russia. russia would have us believe _ allegations of russia. russia would have us believe that _ allegations of russia. russia would have us believe that chemical- have us believe that chemical attacks — have us believe that chemical attacks are _ have us believe that chemical attacks are being _ have us believe that chemical attacks are being prepared i have us believe that chemical attacks are being prepared in| attacks are being prepared in ukraine _ attacks are being prepared in ukraine. russia _ attacks are being prepared in ukraine. russia would - attacks are being prepared in ukraine. russia would also . attacks are being prepared in i ukraine. russia would also have attacks are being prepared in - ukraine. russia would also have us believe _ ukraine. russia would also have us believe there — ukraine. russia would also have us believe there are _ ukraine. russia would also have us believe there are bio _ ukraine. russia would also have us believe there are bio weapon - believe there are bio weapon research _

believe there are bio weapon research laboratories. - believe there are bio weapon research laboratories. let. believe there are bio weapon research laboratories. let us| believe there are bio weapon i research laboratories. let us be serious — research laboratories. let us be serious no— research laboratories. let us be serious no one _ research laboratories. let us be serious. no one is _ research laboratories. let us be serious. no one is fooled - research laboratories. let us be serious. no one is fooled by- serious. no one is fooled by russia's_ serious. no one is fooled by russia's lies. _ serious. no one is fooled by russia's lies. they - serious. no one is fooled by russia's lies. they are - serious. no one is fooled by russia's lies. they are parti serious. no one is fooled by. russia's lies. they are part of a cynical— russia's lies. they are part of a cynical disinformation - russia's lies. they are part of a cynical disinformation strategyi russia's lies. they are part of a i cynical disinformation strategy and a smoke _ cynical disinformation strategy and a smoke screen— cynical disinformation strategy and a smoke screen which _ cynical disinformation strategy and a smoke screen which russia - cynical disinformation strategy and a smoke screen which russia has i cynical disinformation strategy and - a smoke screen which russia has used to make _ a smoke screen which russia has used to make into— a smoke screen which russia has used to make into a— a smoke screen which russia has used to make into a veritable _ a smoke screen which russia has used to make into a veritable weapon - a smoke screen which russia has used to make into a veritable weapon of- to make into a veritable weapon of war. to make into a veritable weapon of war we _ to make into a veritable weapon of war. we denounced _ to make into a veritable weapon of war. we denounced these - war. we denounced these irresponsible _ war. we denounced these| irresponsible provocations war. we denounced these - irresponsible provocationsjust war. we denounced these - irresponsible provocations just a few days — irresponsible provocations just a few days ago _ irresponsible provocations just a few days ago and _ irresponsible provocations just a few days ago and the _ irresponsible provocations just a few days ago and the opcw, - irresponsible provocations just a . few days ago and the opcw, along with 46_ few days ago and the opcw, along with 46 other _ few days ago and the opcw, along with 46 other parties _ few days ago and the opcw, along with 46 other parties of _ few days ago and the opcw, along with 46 other parties of states. - with 46 other parties of states. this is— with 46 other parties of states. this is not— with 46 other parties of states. this is not the _ with 46 other parties of states. this is not the first _ with 46 other parties of states. this is not the first time - with 46 other parties of states. this is not the first time russiaj with 46 other parties of states. . this is not the first time russia is spreading — this is not the first time russia is spreading ties _ this is not the first time russia is spreading lies to _ this is not the first time russia is spreading lies to cause _ this is not the first time russia is| spreading lies to cause confusion. sowing _ spreading lies to cause confusion. sowing fear— spreading lies to cause confusion. sowing fear and _ spreading lies to cause confusion. sowing fear and more _ spreading lies to cause confusion. sowing fear and more importantly covering _ sowing fear and more importantly covering up — sowing fear and more importantly covering up its _ sowing fear and more importantly covering up its own _ sowing fear and more importantlyj covering up its own responsibility. let us _ covering up its own responsibility. let us remember— covering up its own responsibility. let us remember the _ covering up its own responsibility. let us remember the facts. - covering up its own responsibility. let us remember the facts. it- covering up its own responsibility. let us remember the facts. it is. let us remember the facts. it is russia, — let us remember the facts. it is russia, and _ let us remember the facts. it is russia, and not— let us remember the facts. it is russia, and not ukraine, - let us remember the facts. it is russia, and not ukraine, that. russia, and not ukraine, that resorted _ russia, and not ukraine, that resorted to _ russia, and not ukraine, that resorted to chemical- russia, and not ukraine, that| resorted to chemical weapons russia, and not ukraine, that. resorted to chemical weapons in recent— resorted to chemical weapons in recent years _ resorted to chemical weapons in recent years on _ resorted to chemical weapons in recent years on european - resorted to chemical weapons in recent years on european soil. l resorted to chemical weapons in| recent years on european soil. it resorted to chemical weapons in . recent years on european soil. it is also russia — recent years on european soil. it is also russia which _ recent years on european soil. it is also russia which is— recent years on european soil. it is also russia which is seeking - recent years on european soil. it is also russia which is seeking to - also russia which is seeking to cover— also russia which is seeking to cover up— also russia which is seeking to cover up through _

also russia which is seeking to| cover up through disinformation also russia which is seeking to - cover up through disinformation the chemical— cover up through disinformation the chemical attacks _ cover up through disinformation the chemical attacks of— cover up through disinformation the chemical attacks of the _ cover up through disinformation the chemical attacks of the syrian - chemical attacks of the syrian regime~ — chemical attacks of the syrian regime. france _ chemical attacks of the syrian regime. france is— chemical attacks of the syrian regime. france is very- chemical attacks of the syrian i regime. france is very concerned chemical attacks of the syrian - regime. france is very concerned at the possibility— regime. france is very concerned at the possibility that _ regime. france is very concerned at the possibility that this _ the possibility that this disinformation - the possibility that this i disinformation campaign the possibility that this - disinformation campaign may be the possibility that this _ disinformation campaign may be the preiude _ disinformation campaign may be the prelude to _ disinformation campaign may be the prelude to the — disinformation campaign may be the prelude to the use _ disinformation campaign may be the prelude to the use of— disinformation campaign may be the prelude to the use of a _ disinformation campaign may be the prelude to the use of a chemical- disinformation campaign may be the prelude to the use of a chemical or. prelude to the use of a chemical or biological— prelude to the use of a chemical or biological weapon— prelude to the use of a chemical or biological weapon orchestrated - prelude to the use of a chemical or biological weapon orchestrated byi biological weapon orchestrated by russia _ biological weapon orchestrated by russia in— biological weapon orchestrated by russia in ukraine. _ biological weapon orchestrated by russia in ukraine. these - biological weapon orchestrated by russia in ukraine. these weapons biological weapon orchestrated by- russia in ukraine. these weapons are banned _ russia in ukraine. these weapons are banned under— russia in ukraine. these weapons are banned under international _ russia in ukraine. these weapons are banned under international law, - russia in ukraine. these weapons are banned under international law, theyi banned under international law, they must never— banned under international law, they must never be — banned under international law, they must never be used, _ banned under international law, they must never be used, in _ banned under international law, they must never be used, in no _ banned under international law, they must never be used, in no context. must never be used, in no context whatsoever, — must never be used, in no context whatsoever, by— must never be used, in no context whatsoever, by whomever. - must never be used, in no context whatsoever, by whomever. russiaj whatsoever, by whomever. russia committed — whatsoever, by whomever. russia committed to _ whatsoever, by whomever. russia committed to this _ whatsoever, by whomever. russia committed to this by _ whatsoever, by whomever. russia committed to this by ratifying - whatsoever, by whomever. russia committed to this by ratifying the | committed to this by ratifying the convention — committed to this by ratifying the convention on _ committed to this by ratifying the convention on the _ committed to this by ratifying the convention on the prohibition - committed to this by ratifying the convention on the prohibition of i convention on the prohibition of biological— convention on the prohibition of biological weapons _ convention on the prohibition of biological weapons and - convention on the prohibition of biological weapons and the - biological weapons and the convention _ biological weapons and the convention on _ biological weapons and the convention on the - biological weapons and the . convention on the prohibition biological weapons and the - convention on the prohibition of chemical— convention on the prohibition of chemical weapons. _ convention on the prohibition of chemical weapons. the - convention on the prohibition of| chemical weapons. the briefings convention on the prohibition of - chemical weapons. the briefings that we heard _ chemical weapons. the briefings that we heard this — chemical weapons. the briefings that we heard this morning _ chemical weapons. the briefings that we heard this morning are _ chemical weapons. the briefings that we heard this morning are clear. - chemical weapons. the briefings that we heard this morning are clear. the| we heard this morning are clear. the reality— we heard this morning are clear. the reality is— we heard this morning are clear. the reality is that — we heard this morning are clear. the reality is that russia _ we heard this morning are clear. the reality is that russia premeditated . reality is that russia premeditated its aggression _ reality is that russia premeditated its aggression against _ reality is that russia premeditated its aggression against a _ reality is that russia premeditated its aggression against a sovereign| its aggression against a sovereign state _ its aggression against a sovereign state it— its aggression against a sovereign state. it violated _ its aggression against a sovereign state. it violated the _ its aggression against a sovereign state. it violated the united - state. it violated the united nations _ state. it violated the united nations charter— state. it violated the united nations charter and - state. it violated the united nations charter and the - state. it violated the united i nations charter and the reality state. it violated the united - nations charter and the reality is that russia — nations charter and the reality is that russia pushed _ nations charter and the reality is that russia pushed millions- nations charter and the reality is that russia pushed millions of. that russia pushed millions of ukrainians_ that russia pushed millions of ukrainians into— that russia pushed millions of ukrainians into the _ that russia pushed millions of ukrainians into the streets - that russia pushed millions of| ukrainians into the streets and that russia pushed millions of- ukrainians into the streets and this led to— ukrainians into the streets and this ted to the — ukrainians into the streets and this ted to the most— ukrainians into the streets and this led to the most serious _ ukrainians into the streets and this l

led to the most serious humanitarian crisis _ led to the most serious humanitarian crisis in _ led to the most serious humanitarian crisis in europe — led to the most serious humanitarian crisis in europe since _ led to the most serious humanitarian crisis in europe since the _ led to the most serious humanitarian crisis in europe since the second - crisis in europe since the second world _ crisis in europe since the second world war — crisis in europe since the second world war. russia _ crisis in europe since the second world war. russia is _ crisis in europe since the second world war. russia is the - crisis in europe since the second world war. russia is the one - crisis in europe since the second l world war. russia is the one that, for the _ world war. russia is the one that, for the past — world war. russia is the one that, for the past 15_ world war. russia is the one that, for the past 15 days, _ world war. russia is the one that, for the past 15 days, has _ world war. russia is the one that, for the past 15 days, has been- world war. russia is the one that, l for the past 15 days, has been daily bombing _ for the past 15 days, has been daily bombing mariupol— for the past 15 days, has been daily bombing mariupol and _ for the past 15 days, has been daily bombing mariupol and so— for the past 15 days, has been daily bombing mariupol and so many- for the past 15 days, has been daily. bombing mariupol and so many other ukrainian _ bombing mariupol and so many other ukrainian cities _ bombing mariupol and so many other ukrainian cities and _ bombing mariupol and so many other ukrainian cities and civilian _ ukrainian cities and civilian oiterations— ukrainian cities and civilian operations irr— ukrainian cities and civilian operations in violation - ukrainian cities and civilian operations in violation of. operations in violation of international— operations in violation of international law. - operations in violation of international law. russia operations in violation of- international law. russia each day is killing _ international law. russia each day is killing more _ international law. russia each day is killing more ukrainian - international law. russia each day. is killing more ukrainian innocents. neither this information nor the veto cah — neither this information nor the veto cah mask— neither this information nor the veto can mask this _ neither this information nor the veto can mask this harsh- neither this information nor the| veto can mask this harsh reality. neither— veto can mask this harsh reality. neither witi— veto can mask this harsh reality. neither will the _ veto can mask this harsh reality. neither will the laws— veto can mask this harsh reality. neither will the laws adopted . veto can mask this harsh reality. neither will the laws adopted by| neither will the laws adopted by moscow— neither will the laws adopted by moscow to — neither will the laws adopted by moscow to muzzle _ neither will the laws adopted by moscow to muzzle the _ neither will the laws adopted by moscow to muzzle the press - neither will the laws adopted by| moscow to muzzle the press and the voices— moscow to muzzle the press and the voices against — moscow to muzzle the press and the voices against the _ moscow to muzzle the press and the voices against the war _ moscow to muzzle the press and the voices against the war in _ moscow to muzzle the press and the voices against the war in russia. - voices against the war in russia. russia _ voices against the war in russia. russia can — voices against the war in russia. russia can foot— voices against the war in russia. russia can fool neither - voices against the war in russia. russia can fool neither russians| voices against the war in russia. . russia can fool neither russians nor the world, _ russia can fool neither russians nor the world, thank— russia can fool neither russians nor the world, thank you. _ the world, thank you. translation: - the world, thank you. translation: [- the world, thank you. translation: i think the representative _ translation: i think the representative of - translation: i think the representative of france. | this is bbc news. we are bringing you special coverage from the un security council. we heard from the french representative and the us and russia before that at

the un itself.