russia is the one that, 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 operatif>hs_ ukrainian cities and civilian operations in— 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 can — neither this information nor the veto can mask— neither this information nor the veto can mask this _ neither this information nor the veto can mask this harsh- neither this information nor thei 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 fool— 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. let's go to our new york correspondent. i'm joined now by our new york correspondent nada tawfik. morning is to be a precursor to biological weapons use in ukraine. that is right. we heard a real warning there from the us ambassador to the un saying that the us has been sharing their intelligence all the way before this invasion started, and she said candidly we have been to write more than we would like to have been. she says this is the exact page at of the russian playbook to come and spread disinformation in the security council. she categorically rejected that ukraine had an offensive biological weapons programme, again stating that like other countries they have public health laboratories that are conducting research and

normal ways, that are conducting research and normalways, but that are conducting research and normal ways, but in no way is this a biological weapons programme. i’m biological weapons programme. i'm sor to biologicalweapons programme. i'm sorry to cut you off again, so sorry, but we will get back in i think to the security council because the uk resented of is now speaking. because the uk resented of is now s-ueakin. . .,, ., because the uk resented of is now sheakin . ., .,, ., , speaking. that was a lie, too. they said yesterday _ speaking. that was a lie, too. they said yesterday that _ speaking. that was a lie, too. they said yesterday that a _ speaking. that was a lie, too. they said yesterday that a pregnant - speaking. that was a lie, too. they i said yesterday that a pregnant woman staged _ said yesterday that a pregnant woman staged her— said yesterday that a pregnant woman staged her injuries in the mariupol hospital— staged her injuries in the mariupol hospital bombing. that was a grotesque lie. russia is sinking to new depths today, but this council must _ new depths today, but this council must not — new depths today, but this council must not get dragged down with it. so, must not get dragged down with it. so. let's_ must not get dragged down with it. so, let's get back to the facts. russia — so, let's get back to the facts. russia is— so, let's get back to the facts. russia is invading ukraine in violation _ russia is invading ukraine in violation of international law. russia — violation of international law. russia is— violation of international law. russia is killing hundreds of civilians _ russia is killing hundreds of civilians through indiscriminate

shetting — civilians through indiscriminate shelling of ukrainian cities. it is using _ shelling of ukrainian cities. it is using cluster munitions and thermo barrack— using cluster munitions and thermo barrack rockets, weapons designed to inflict _ barrack rockets, weapons designed to inflict maximum damage wherever they are deployed. it is targeting hospitals and schools and committing war crimes _ hospitals and schools and committing war crimes. thousands of russian and ukrainian _ war crimes. thousands of russian and ukrainian soldiers are dead. death that will— ukrainian soldiers are dead. death that will shatter the lives of fanrities— that will shatter the lives of families they've left behind. 2.5 million — families they've left behind. 2.5 million ukrainians have become refugees — million ukrainians have become refugees. 1 million children forced to flee _ refugees. 1 million children forced to flee from president putin's invasion _ to flee from president putin's invasion. this is a war of choice that— invasion. this is a war of choice that russia _ invasion. this is a war of choice that russia needs to end. colleagues, russia has broken its commitments under the charter, but

we must _ commitments under the charter, but we must not — commitments under the charter, but we must not let it subvert the multilateral system itself. as the un said _ multilateral system itself. as the un said today, russia is now putting at threat _ un said today, russia is now putting at threat the global framework for peace _ at threat the global framework for peace and security. the security council — peace and security. the security council is — peace and security. the security council is responsible for addressing many serious conflicts around _ addressing many serious conflicts around the world. we have important work to— around the world. we have important work to do _ around the world. we have important work to do. we do not see in this chamber— work to do. we do not see in this chamber to — work to do. we do not see in this chamber to be work to do. we do not see in this chamberto be an work to do. we do not see in this chamber to be an audience for russia's— chamber to be an audience for russia's domestic propaganda. and we should _ russia's domestic propaganda. and we should not— russia's domestic propaganda. and we should not allow russia to abuse its permanency to spread disinformation and lives _ permanency to spread disinformation and lives and pervert the purpose of the security council. let us resolve today— the security council. let us resolve today that — the security council. let us resolve today that this council remains focused — today that this council remains focused on the real threats to international peace and security. i thank— international peace and security. i

thank you — thank you. translation: | thank you. translation: ., ~ translation: i thank the representative _ translation: i thank the representative of - translation: i thank the representative of the - translation: | thank the | representative of the united translation: | thank the _ representative of the united kingdom for her statement. i give the floor to the representative of india. thank you, mr president. i think the us kevs _ thank you, mr president. i think the us keys for— thank you, mr president. i think the us keys for their— thank you, mr president. i think the us keys for their briefings. - thank you, mr president. i think the us keys for their briefings. we - thank you, mr president. i think the us keys for their briefings. we have| us keys for their briefings. we have noted _ us keys for their briefings. we have noted the _ us keys for their briefings. we have noted the recent _ us keys for their briefings. we have noted the recent statements - us keys for their briefings. we have noted the recent statements by - noted the recent statements by states _ noted the recent statements by states and _ noted the recent statements by states and wider— noted the recent statements by states and wider information i states and wider information regarding _ states and wider information regarding the _ states and wider information regarding the biological- states and wider information - regarding the biological activities relating — regarding the biological activities relating to— regarding the biological activities relating to ukraine. _ in this context, we would like to underline — in this context, we would like to underline the _ in this context, we would like to underline the importance - in this context, we would like to . underline the importance attached in this context, we would like to - underline the importance attached by india underline the importance attached by tndia to _ underline the importance attached by tndia to the _ underline the importance attached by india to the biological _ underline the importance attached by india to the biological and _ underline the importance attached by india to the biological and toxin - india to the biological and toxin weapons — india to the biological and toxin weapons convention _ india to the biological and toxin weapons convention as - india to the biological and toxin weapons convention as a - india to the biological and toxin weapons convention as a key. india to the biological and toxin - weapons convention as a key global and non—discriminatory— weapons convention as a key global. and non—discriminatory disarmament connection— and non—discriminatory disarmament connection prohibiting _ and non—discriminatory disarmament connection prohibiting an— and non—discriminatory disarmament connection prohibiting an entire - connection prohibiting an entire category— connection prohibiting an entire category of— connection prohibiting an entire category of weapons _ connection prohibiting an entire category of weapons of - connection prohibiting an entire category of weapons of mass i category of weapons of mass destruction. _ category of weapons of mass destruction. it _ category of weapons of mass destruction. it is _ category of weapons of mass destruction. it is important l category of weapons of mass| destruction. it is important to ensure —

destruction. it is important to ensure full— destruction. it is important to ensure full and _ destruction. it is important to ensure full and effective i ensure full and effective implementation - ensure full and effective implementation of- ensure full and effective implementation of the l ensure full and effective i implementation of the bt wc ensure full and effective - implementation of the bt wc in letter— implementation of the bt wc in letter and — implementation of the bt wc in letter and spirit. _ implementation of the bt wc in letter and spirit. we _ implementation of the bt wc in letter and spirit. we also- implementation of the bt wc in l letter and spirit. we also believe that any— letter and spirit. we also believe that any matters _ letter and spirit. we also believe that any matters relating - letter and spirit. we also believe that any matters relating to i letter and spirit. we also believe that any matters relating to the i that any matters relating to the obligations _ that any matters relating to the obligations under— that any matters relating to the obligations under the _ that any matters relating to the obligations under the btwc i that any matters relating to the i obligations under the btwc should that any matters relating to the - obligations under the btwc should be addressed _ obligations under the btwc should be addressed as — obligations under the btwc should be addressed as per— obligations under the btwc should be addressed as per the _ obligations under the btwc should be addressed as per the provisions- obligations under the btwc should be addressed as per the provisions of- addressed as per the provisions of the convention _ addressed as per the provisions of the convention and _ addressed as per the provisions of the convention and through - the convention and through consultation— the convention and through consultation and _ the convention and through. consultation and cooperation the convention and through _ consultation and cooperation between the parties _ consultation and cooperation between the parties concerned. _ consultation and cooperation between the parties concerned. mr— consultation and cooperation between the parties concerned. mr president, i the parties concerned. mr president, we have _ the parties concerned. mr president, we have repeatedly— the parties concerned. mr president, we have repeatedly expressed - the parties concerned. mr president, i we have repeatedly expressed serious concern _ we have repeatedly expressed serious concern over— we have repeatedly expressed serious concern over the — we have repeatedly expressed serious concern over the ongoing _ we have repeatedly expressed serious concern over the ongoing situation i concern over the ongoing situation in ukraine — concern over the ongoing situation in ukraine we _ concern over the ongoing situation in ukraine. we sincerely— concern over the ongoing situation in ukraine. we sincerely hope i concern over the ongoing situation in ukraine. we sincerely hope thatj in ukraine. we sincerely hope that the ongoing — in ukraine. we sincerely hope that the ongoing direct _ in ukraine. we sincerely hope that the ongoing direct negotiations. the ongoing direct negotiations between — the ongoing direct negotiations between russia _ the ongoing direct negotiations between russia and _ the ongoing direct negotiations between russia and ukraine i the ongoing direct negotiations- between russia and ukraine would lead to _ between russia and ukraine would lead to cessation _ between russia and ukraine would lead to cessation of— between russia and ukraine would lead to cessation of hostilities. i lead to cessation of hostilities. there — lead to cessation of hostilities. there is— lead to cessation of hostilities. there is no— lead to cessation of hostilities. there is no alternative - lead to cessation of hostilities. there is no alternative except. lead to cessation of hostilities. i there is no alternative except the path there is no alternative except the bath of _ there is no alternative except the path of diplomacy— there is no alternative except the path of diplomacy and _ there is no alternative except the path of diplomacy and dialogue. i there is no alternative except the i path of diplomacy and dialogue. the dire humanitarian— path of diplomacy and dialogue. the dire humanitarian situation - path of diplomacy and dialogue. the dire humanitarian situation needs i dire humanitarian situation needs immediate — dire humanitarian situation needs immediate and _ dire humanitarian situation needs immediate and urgent— dire humanitarian situation needs immediate and urgent attention. i immediate and urgent attention. wheat— immediate and urgent attention. wheat once _ immediate and urgent attention. wheat once again, _ immediate and urgent attention. wheat once again, part - immediate and urgent attention. wheat once again, part member| immediate and urgent attention. - wheat once again, part member states to adhere _ wheat once again, part member states to adhere to _ wheat once again, part member states to adhere to the — wheat once again, part member states to adhere to the principles _ wheat once again, part member states to adhere to the principles of— wheat once again, part member states to adhere to the principles of the - to adhere to the principles of the un charter— to adhere to the principles of the un charterand_ to adhere to the principles of the un charter and international- to adhere to the principles of the un charter and international law| to adhere to the principles of the i un charter and international law and respect _ un charter and international law and respect the — un charter and international law and respect the sovereignty— un charter and international law and respect the sovereignty and - respect the sovereignty and integrity— respect the sovereignty and integrity of _ respect the sovereignty and integrity of states. - respect the sovereignty and integrity of states. i - respect the sovereignty and integrity of states. i thank i respect the sovereignty and i integrity of states. i thank you,

respect the sovereignty and - integrity of states. i thank you, mr president — president. i translation: i president. translation: 4' president. translation: ~ �* president. translation: ~ , ., �* , , translation: i think you're missing dave of india — translation: i think you're missing dave of india for _ translation: i think you're missing dave of india for his _ translation: i think you're missing dave of india for his statement. i i dave of india for his statement. i now give the floor to the represented of mexico. jesse you know what is happening, we are in new york at the eu and of course, and this started with members of the un saying that they had seen no evidence of biological or chemical weapons being developed in ukraine. this has been called by russia, where the representative then went on to make a very alarming and clearly alarmist deliberately set of claims that ukraine was developing labs, 30 labs they talked about, dangerous operations strengthening anthrax and other illegal diseases, having conducted how to spread illnesses using birds

and bats and parasites like lice and fleas as agents. this was all roundly condemned as you just heard by the uk, by the us, by albania, by france, india also which has a historic relationship with russia and the us, so humanitarian situation and previous agreements had to be respected. and of course we are hearing from the western nations that they fear this is russia using the security council effectively to try and plant a pretext, a reason for its use of chemical or biological weapons, which is of course against humanitarian law, against treaties that they themselves signed up to, but we note that of course that those weapons have been used in syria by the bashar al—assad regime with the backing of russia. we also know the americans said that this information have been spread by

china. we will get you more on that meeting, and we know that in the last week, we have had warnings reasonably based on intelligence of fears that russia could use those sorts of weapons in ukraine. 0f sorts of weapons in ukraine. of course it is already a very different situation and let us just recap where the fighting in ukraine is the moment because russian forces do appear pretty widening their assault. 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. and after russia requested a meeting of the un security council to discuss the claims, the un said it is not aware of any biological weapons programme in ukraine. 0n the ground in ukraine, here are the latest positions of russian forces, who are 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 ito—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's a good help, i 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, i 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're on our way to our victory. - this is a patriotic war, this - is a war against a strong enemy, obstinate enemy which doesn't 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.

european leaders have been in france for a scheduled summit which is now focusing on the emergency in ukraine. the french president, emmanuel macron, has warned of the impact it could have on global food supplies. translation: whether we're talking about wheat or maize _ or grain crops in general, we know that ukraine and russia are two huge markets. and europe has already been upset by the war on the food supply market, and this would be even more so. in 12—18 months, with the impact on ukraine and crops there, there will be a major disturbance to food supplies and feed supplies. so, we have to strike a new balance and look at food production so that we can have autonomy for ourfood production and for 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.

let's talk to our paris correspondent hugh schofield. what else emerged from that news conference and from this summit? well, i think anyone who exited there _ well, i think anyone who exited there will— well, i think anyone who exited there will be dramatic announcements or early— there will be dramatic announcements or early ukrainian entry into the eu or early ukrainian entry into the eu or premises— or early ukrainian entry into the eu or premises of that or embargoes on russian _ or premises of that or embargoes on russian fuel— or premises of that or embargoes on russian fuel will have a disappointed, but i mean there was never— disappointed, but i mean there was never really a prospect. this is a summit— never really a prospect. this is a summit which president macron described itself as a strategic summit~ _ described itself as a strategic summit. it is one that set europe on a path _ summit. it is one that set europe on a path that— summit. it is one that set europe on a path that will take it through the next decade in a world which has changed — next decade in a world which has changed dramatically because of what's _ changed dramatically because of what's happened in ukraine. president macron feels that he has been vindicated on a lot of his arguments over the last year or two about— arguments over the last year or two about the _ arguments over the last year or two about the need for strategic sovereignty and autonomy for europe and this— sovereignty and autonomy for europe and this of— sovereignty and autonomy for europe and this of course isjust proved his arguments for him. so this...

sovereignty— his arguments for him. so this... sovereignty and autonomy in such matters _ sovereignty and autonomy in such matters as— sovereignty and autonomy in such matters as defence, the economy and of course _ matters as defence, the economy and of course energy supplies. there were _ of course energy supplies. there were no— of course energy supplies. there were no big announcements but there is agreement for the european commission now to go away and draw up commission now to go away and draw up plans— commission now to go away and draw up plans in— commission now to go away and draw up plans in the coming weeks which can then _ up plans in the coming weeks which can then be — up plans in the coming weeks which can then be decided at upcoming summits, — can then be decided at upcoming summits, maybe this month or in may, on these _ summits, maybe this month or in may, on these key— summits, maybe this month or in may, on these key changes which as everyone — on these key changes which as everyone is saying mark a turning point _ everyone is saying mark a turning point for— everyone is saying mark a turning point for europe. remember this is a continent _ point for europe. remember this is a continent which upped until now has found _ continent which upped until now has found it _ continent which upped until now has found it very hard to agree on anything _ found it very hard to agree on anything related to defence, and now suddenly— anything related to defence, and now suddenly we are in a world where everyone — suddenly we are in a world where everyone with the leninist voices tatking _ everyone with the leninist voices talking about the need for a co—ordinate and more lavish european defence _ co—ordinate and more lavish european defence programme, including the germans _ defence programme, including the germans and including traditional neutral— germans and including traditional neutral partners like sweden. so from _ neutral partners like sweden. so from a _ neutral partners like sweden. so from a french one to view this as a turning _ from a french one to view this as a turning point— from a french one to view this as a turning point but in the short term there _ turning point but in the short term there are — turning point but in the short term there are big decisions here about ukraine~ _ there are big decisions here about ukraine~ |t— there are big decisions here about ukraine. ., . . there are big decisions here about ukraine. . , , ., ukraine. it was interesting however to hear president _ ukraine. it was interesting however to hear president macron _

ukraine. it was interesting however to hear president macron talk i ukraine. it was interesting however| to hear president macron talk about the wider global impact, the possibility of famine for example in african nations in the next 12—18 months potentially. african nations in the next 12-18 months potentially.— african nations in the next 12-18 months potentially. that's very much in the context — months potentially. that's very much in the context of— months potentially. that's very much in the context of preparing _ months potentially. that's very much in the context of preparing for- months potentially. that's very much in the context of preparing for this i in the context of preparing for this new world — in the context of preparing for this new world. he's talking about the need _ new world. he's talking about the need for— new world. he's talking about the need for european sovereignty and autonomy— need for european sovereignty and autonomy and the need to think about food famine in europe and by extension he is saying, as a continent _ extension he is saying, as a continent which is concerned about africa, _ continent which is concerned about africa, we — continent which is concerned about africa, we need to be thinking about the consequences there. his argument is that— the consequences there. his argument is that ukraine and russia are major producers _ is that ukraine and russia are major producers of — is that ukraine and russia are major producers of grain and the impact of what's _ producers of grain and the impact of what's happening now will not be felt maybe for another year because it's the _ felt maybe for another year because it's the planting season which will come _ it's the planting season which will come this— it's the planting season which will come this year which will be more dramatically affected. and therefore we can _ dramatically affected. and therefore we can expect next year, 2023, for there _ we can expect next year, 2023, for there to — we can expect next year, 2023, for there to be _ we can expect next year, 2023, for there to be severe problems for your and therefore europe needs to address— and therefore europe needs to address the indica about his own ptanting — address the indica about his own planting plants, but also for africa, — planting plants, but also for africa, whether there are poor countries _ africa, whether there are poor countries who were very dependent on getting _ countries who were very dependent on getting cheap grain from the ukraine and russia. and

getting cheap grain from the ukraine and russia. �* ., �* getting cheap grain from the ukraine and russia. . ., �* ~ ., and russia. and i don't know whether anything emerges _ and russia. and i don't know whether anything emerges on _ and russia. and i don't know whether anything emerges on the _ and russia. and i don't know whether anything emerges on the diplomatic l anything emerges on the diplomatic front there in paris, with macron talking to putin. obviously any diplomatic openings are what everyone else rooting for the state because what is going on on the ground is so horrific. but because what is going on on the ground is so horrific.— because what is going on on the ground is so horrific. but there is no reason _ ground is so horrific. but there is no reason to _ ground is so horrific. but there is no reason to be _ ground is so horrific. but there is no reason to be optimistic- ground is so horrific. but there is no reason to be optimistic on i ground is so horrific. but there is | no reason to be optimistic on that front, _ no reason to be optimistic on that front, t'm — no reason to be optimistic on that front, i'm afraid. yes, it's true that— front, i'm afraid. yes, it's true that putin _ front, i'm afraid. yes, it's true that putin macron do keep talking and there — that putin macron do keep talking and there is another conversation i think— and there is another conversation i think with — and there is another conversation i think with the german leaders scheduled for this evening, but by macron's— scheduled for this evening, but by macron's on assessment yesterday towards — macron's on assessment yesterday towards journalists, macron's on assessment yesterday towardsjournalists, there is no reason — towardsjournalists, there is no reason to— towardsjournalists, there is no reason to expect anything to come from _ reason to expect anything to come from this — reason to expect anything to come from this. he is cyclic keeping the tines _ from this. he is cyclic keeping the lines of— from this. he is cyclic keeping the lines of communication open so that when _ lines of communication open so that when it— lines of communication open so that when it comes to it, as he hopes it will, that— when it comes to it, as he hopes it will, that the russians do have some way out, _ will, that the russians do have some way out, some means of communicating with the _ way out, some means of communicating with the outside world so that they can climb— with the outside world so that they can climb down. but there is no prospect— can climb down. but there is no prospect of— can climb down. but there is no prospect of a climb—down, so there is no _ prospect of a climb—down, so there is no reason — prospect of a climb—down, so there is no reason to be optimistic.

prospect of a climb-down, so there is no reason to be optimistic. thank ou ve is no reason to be optimistic. thank you very much _ is no reason to be optimistic. thank you very much indeed. _ our chief international correspondent lyse doucet gave us the latest update on the fighting in kyiv. well, we heard from the mayor yesterday that nearly 2 million i people have left the city. that's perhaps not surprising. it used to be a vibrant city of 3 million. i those that are left, i and you have just heard from james waterhouse, - there are some that can't leave and those that stayed 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 24 hours, _ that russian forces are trying | to move very slowly, but very certainly towards the capital from multiple directions. i from the north—west, _ they seem to be most advanced. they are said to be less than ten miles away. i today, there wasn't a lot of air activity around the city. -

we often see the surface—to—airl missiles fired by ukrainian forces streaking across the sky. there was occasional air raid sirens. - ithe priority for russian forces, | even as they regroup, it seems, around the capital kyiv, i is they're pounding cities particularly to the south along that strategic belt of land _ on the black sea coast in the sea, including of course _ mariupol, which seems to be the most grave humanitarian situation. - we've been saying for days now that the internationall committee of the red cross described conditions as apocalyptic. _ there was a report early in the day that the mass communications tower had been hit. and cutting people off, - you hear from so many people here in kyiv and elsewhere who are desperate to findi out what is happening i to their relatives in the city, are they safe? and, of course, amid those reports of more than 1200 bodies- lining the streets and bodies| being buried in mass graves, people fear the worst. but it's really hard -

to know what is happening in a place like mariupol. but what is clear is - that it is getting absolutely barbaric conditions. that report from kyiv in the last hour or two. the british home secretary announced last week a new community scheme as it could mean that every bite fleeing ukraine could have a home in the uk. what does that mean equipment let's speak now to dane diana johnson, a labour peer and chair of the select committee. what is your understanding of what this scheme would be by the government and how would be by the government and how would it work?— would it work? that's a very good ruestion would it work? that's a very good question was _ would it work? that's a very good question was of _ would it work? that's a very good question was of the _ would it work? that's a very good question was of the moment, i would it work? that's a very good question was of the moment, we | would it work? that's a very good i question was of the moment, we don't know and we expect a statement in the house of commons next week. of course it was announced, but with no detail and that's been very

frustrating for many people who want to help and provide support and accommodation to ukrainian refugees. there is a scheme the government have already have that has been in place since 2016 around community sponsorship, but only 500 people have ever come into the uk on that scheme and it has been dubbed by being overly bureaucratic. so we will wait to hear hopefully next week what this new scheme will mean and what the criteria it will be and whether communities will have to raise a certain amount of money because under the existing scheme the need to raise £9,000 to bring the need to raise £9,000 to bring the person to the uk. you the need to raise £9,000 to bring the person to the uk.— the person to the uk. you need to raise £9,000? _ the person to the uk. you need to raise £9,000? that's _ the person to the uk. you need to raise £9,000? that's under i the person to the uk. you need to raise £9,000? that's under this i raise £9,000? that's under this existin: raise £9,000? that's under this existing scheme. _ raise £9,000? that's under this existing scheme. if _ raise £9,000? that's under this existing scheme. if the - raise £9,000? that's under this existing scheme. if the home i raise £9,000? that's under this existing scheme. if the home of| raise £9,000? that's under this i existing scheme. if the home of us are choosing to use that or the department of leveling up or choosing to use that as their base, as a scheme is already in place, then obviously they may want to change that figure. we don't know. that's part of the frustration and the problem of the scheme was

announced with no detail. there has been a lot of— announced with no detail. there has been a lot of criticism _ announced with no detail. there has been a lot of criticism of _ announced with no detail. there has been a lot of criticism of the - been a lot of criticism of the british government and not acting as an open manner the way the eu has two welcome refugees and people who might have family here, friends here that they want to come to the uk rather than staying in countries neighbouring ukraine. the government has said that obviously they had to get the scheme right and it takes time and they have it to secure the borders and don't want a security risk by opening up the borders completely. that is fair enough, is it not? �* ~ ., , completely. that is fair enough, is it not? �* ~ ., it not? but we know is a vast ma'ori it not? but we know is a vast majority of — it not? but we know is a vast majority of refugees - it not? but we know is a vast majority of refugees fleeing l it not? but we know is a vast - majority of refugees fleeing ukraine it will stay in the countries adjacent to ukraine because they will want to return as soon they can to their loved ones and their families who are still there. but there will be some people who want to come to the uk who have links here with family, perhaps they have worked here or they have relatives and friends, sol worked here or they have relatives and friends, so i think the problem really for the home office is that they have used the existing family

visa scheme to deal with was actually a humanitarian crisis, and that's the problem. that's why it is overly bureaucratic, why it's been so slow, the requirement to have a visa before you can travel to the uk and prove lots of things before you arrive has been really difficult. and just on the security checks, i think we all accept that we want to keep our country safe and we want to have proper checks on who comes into the country. but we can do that at the country. but we can do that at the border, there is no reason for a visa having to be issued at one of the visa application centres and we are pleased that the government have announced that they will relax that requirement. announced that they will relax that requirement-— announced that they will relax that requirement. announced that they will relax that reauirement. . , ., ., g ., requirement. name diana johnson, so sor to cut requirement. name diana johnson, so sorry to cut him _ requirement. name diana johnson, so sorry to cut him a _ requirement. name diana johnson, so sorry to cut him a thank— requirement. name diana johnson, so sorry to cut him a thank you _ requirement. name diana johnson, so sorry to cut him a thank you very - sorry to cut him a thank you very much indeed and we will actually take you back to the un security council and listen to the china envoy there. translation: envoythere. translation: ., , translation: back to the settlement as soon as possible. _ translation: back to the settlement as soon as possible. while _ translation: back to the settlement as soon as possible. while making - as soon as possible. while making efforts_ as soon as possible. while making efforts to — as soon as possible. while making efforts to prevent eight massive large—scale humanitarian crisis,

stop— large—scale humanitarian crisis, stop fighting and hostilities, there is a widespread desire of the international immunity. peace negotiations are the only viable means— negotiations are the only viable means to — negotiations are the only viable means to achieve that goal. recently, russia and ukraine have held multiple rounds of direct talks and the _ held multiple rounds of direct talks and the two foreign ministers held a high-level— and the two foreign ministers held a high—level meeting yesterday. all these _ high—level meeting yesterday. all these are — high—level meeting yesterday. all these are positive steps towards achieving — these are positive steps towards achieving peace. the international community should continue to encourage and support russia and ukraine _ encourage and support russia and ukraine in— encourage and support russia and ukraine in their negotiations and create _ ukraine in their negotiations and create a — ukraine in their negotiations and create a necessary environment and condition— create a necessary environment and condition for such peace talks. china — condition for such peace talks. china will_ condition for such peace talks. china will continue to work with the international community and play its part and _ international community and play its part and ds letting the situation and seeking peace. —— ds letting the situation _ and seeking peace. —— ds letting the situation mr— and seeking peace. —— ds letting the situation. mr president, china attaches— situation. mr president, china attaches great importance to

bio—safety and security. and consistently stands for complete prohibition and a thorough destruction of all wmds, including biological weapons. destruction of all wmds, including biologicalweapons. firmly destruction of all wmds, including biological weapons. firmly opposes the development, possession and the use of— the development, possession and the use of a _ the development, possession and the use of a biological and chemical weapon— use of a biological and chemical weapon by any country and under any circumstances. and encourages those countries _ circumstances. and encourages those countries that have not yet destroyed their stockpiles of chemical weapons to do so as soon as possible _ chemical weapons to do so as soon as possible the — chemical weapons to do so as soon as possible. the purposes and the principles — possible. the purposes and the principles of the biological weapons convention should be strictly upheld _ convention should be strictly upheld. biologicalweapons convention should be strictly upheld. biological weapons are weapons — upheld. biological weapons are weapons of mass destruction. any information on it military activities should trigger high attention from the international community. china has noted with concern _ community. china has noted with concern relevant information released _ concern relevant information released by russia to uphold the

biological weapons convention is an obligation— biological weapons convention is an obligation for all state parties. the concerns raised by russia should be the concerns raised by russia should he property— the concerns raised by russia should be properly addressed. china urges relevant _ be properly addressed. china urges relevant parties to effectively implement their obligation under the convention, provide a comprehensive clarification _ convention, provide a comprehensive clarification and accept a multilateral verification. we have taken _ multilateral verification. we have taken note of the press report that the who _ taken note of the press report that the who has advised the reigning government to destroy the pathogens located _ government to destroy the pathogens located in— government to destroy the pathogens located in those labs in order to prevent— located in those labs in order to prevent the spread of infectious diseases— prevent the spread of infectious diseases was that we look forward to be receiving more specific information on this. under the current— information on this. under the current situation and for the sake of public— current situation and for the sake of public health, we call for ensuring _ of public health, we call for ensuring the safety and security of relevant _ ensuring the safety and security of relevant laboratories. mr president, the us— relevant laboratories. mr president, the us representative in her statement made a groundless allegation against china which we

firmly— allegation against china which we firmly reject. the international community has been raising concerns about— community has been raising concerns about the _ community has been raising concerns about the us military biological activities. they have around the world _ activities. they have around the world 336 — activities. they have around the world 336 laboratories. this number comes— world 336 laboratories. this number comes from — world 336 laboratories. this number comes from the information provided by the _ comes from the information provided by the us— comes from the information provided by the us to the conference of parties — by the us to the conference of parties of— by the us to the conference of parties of btwc. the us as they are fortransparency. if parties of btwc. the us as they are for transparency. if they believe that the — for transparency. if they believe that the relevant information is fake, _ that the relevant information is fake. att— that the relevant information is fake, all they can do is to provide us with— fake, all they can do is to provide us with relevant data providing verifications of the international community can draw a conclusion itsetf~ _ community can draw a conclusion itself. thank you, mr president. translation: | itself. thank you, mr president. translation:— itself. thank you, mr president. translation: ., ., ~ translation: i want do think there was a div of— translation: i want do think there was a div of china _ translation: i want do think there was a div of china for _ translation: i want do think there was a div of china for her _ translation: i want do think there was a div of china for her statement | was a div of china for her statement and i give the floor to brazil. thank you, mr president. mr

president. _ thank you, mr president. mr president, biological- thank you, mr president. mri president, biologicalweapons thank you, mr president. mr- president, biological weapons were the first— president, biological weapons were the first category— president, biological weapons were the first category of— president, biological weapons were the first category of weapon - president, biological weapons were the first category of weapon of - president, biological weapons were i the first category of weapon of mass destruction— the first category of weapon of mass destruction to — the first category of weapon of mass destruction to be _ the first category of weapon of mass destruction to be subject _ the first category of weapon of mass destruction to be subject to - the first category of weapon of mass destruction to be subject to a - destruction to be subject to a comprehensive _ destruction to be subject to a comprehensive regime. - destruction to be subject to a comprehensive regime. ilithe. destruction to be subject to a comprehensive regime. we will come awa aaain comprehensive regime. we will come away again once _ comprehensive regime. we will come away again once more _ comprehensive regime. we will come away again once more from _ comprehensive regime. we will come away again once more from the - comprehensive regime. we will come away again once more from the un i away again once more from the un security council. tempting as it is i to listen to security council. tempting as it is ito listen to all the nations and their positions there. but we just heard from china saying that obviously weapons of mass destruction, biological weapons were condemned, but we have heard of course from america, who say that china has been repeating this information on behalf of the russian line. that debate is going to continue. we will keep you updated of course.

dammit putin's clamp—down on freedom of expression in russia appeared dammit ia appeared to be fraying at the edges on thursday after guests on kremlin—backed tv defied moscow and criticised the war in ukraine, calling the invasion "even worse than afghanistan". | translation: do we want to get into another afghanistan, but even worse? there's a larger population there, and they're more advanced in their weapon—handling. we don't need that. with me is vitaliy shevchenko, russian editor of bbc monitoring. not something i expected to see. they have treated an alternate reality— they have treated an alternate reality where they are fighting the nazis, _ reality where they are fighting the nazis, not a war but a special nrititary— nazis, not a war but a special military operation to prevent a war from _ military operation to prevent a war from breaking out. clearly this kind of media _ from breaking out. clearly this kind of media messaging is designed to justify— of media messaging is designed to justify what is happening in ukraine _ justify what is happening in ukraine. and over the past few weeks. — ukraine. and over the past few weeks. its— ukraine. and over the past few weeks, it's reached a crescendo because — weeks, it's reached a crescendo because leading up to the break—up

of hostilities, we have seen increasingly aggressive rhetoric towards — increasingly aggressive rhetoric towards ukraine, literally denying ukraine _ towards ukraine, literally denying ukraine the right to exist. so, to seat _ ukraine the right to exist. so, to seat somebody on a russia's most popular— seat somebody on a russia's most poputar tv— seat somebody on a russia's most popular tv channel say that actually ukrainians— popular tv channel say that actually ukrainians are not welcoming us with open arms. _ ukrainians are not welcoming us with open arms, that they have constructed a truly powerful nation, and truly— constructed a truly powerful nation, and truly powerful military, that's very unusual on the russian state tv. very unusual on the russian state tv~ it _ very unusual on the russian state tv. it remains to be seen is whether this is— tv. it remains to be seen is whether this is a _ tv. it remains to be seen is whether this is a blip. — tv. it remains to be seen is whether this is a blip, a chink in the armouror— this is a blip, a chink in the armour or whether the people in the kremlin— armour or whether the people in the kremlin who control all these key tv stations. _ kremlin who control all these key tv stations, whether they have realised and are _ stations, whether they have realised and are prepared to admit that their plan as— and are prepared to admit that their plan as far— and are prepared to admit that their plan as far as ukraine is concerned has been _ plan as far as ukraine is concerned has been derailed and four years audiences— has been derailed and four years audiences in russia have been told that it _ audiences in russia have been told that it will— audiences in russia have been told that it will take us a couple of

days — that it will take us a couple of days to — that it will take us a couple of days to reach kyiv. today, it's day 16, so _ days to reach kyiv. today, it's day 16, so clearly they have to readjust their media — 16, so clearly they have to readjust their media messaging and that's probably— their media messaging and that's probably what are seeing. do their media messaging and that's probably what are seeing.- their media messaging and that's probably what are seeing. do we have an idea probably what are seeing. do we have any idea that — probably what are seeing. do we have any idea that what _ probably what are seeing. do we have any idea that what happened - probably what are seeing. do we have any idea that what happened to - probably what are seeing. do we have any idea that what happened to the i any idea that what happened to the person that has made that statement was meant to have you heard anything on their own safety and security? i suspect that the talk show that we have iust — suspect that the talk show that we have just seen is very high—profile and they— have just seen is very high—profile and they have, well, a slightly wider— and they have, well, a slightly wider licence to say things that do not quite — wider licence to say things that do not quite correspond to the party line _ not quite correspond to the party line but — not quite correspond to the party line. but we also have to remember that last _ line. but we also have to remember that last week, russia passed a law which _ that last week, russia passed a law which you _ that last week, russia passed a law which you can be sent to jail for 15 years— which you can be sent to jail for 15 years if you — which you can be sent to jail for 15 years if you undermine the kremlin's narrative _ years if you undermine the kremlin's narrative of— years if you undermine the kremlin's narrative of we are helping ukrainians overthrow the nationalists. if you say that, you are in— nationalists. if you say that, you are in reat— nationalists. if you say that, you are in real danger. and nationalists. if you say that, you are in real danger.— are in real danger. and they are restricting _ are in real danger. and they are restricting access _ are in real danger. and they are restricting access online - are in real danger. and they are restricting access online as - are in real danger. and they are | restricting access online as well, or shooting access to instagram and honestly also in the last we are just the reports here that you two

is blocking access to pro—russian channels. this information war obviously is crucial and it happens every time there is any kind of global conflict what is happening on a massive scale here because public opinion obviously is very important. however, social media remains a key source _ however, social media remains a key source of _ however, social media remains a key source of information especially for younger— source of information especially for younger people in russia. we know how to _ younger people in russia. we know how to use — younger people in russia. we know how to use computers and to know how to use _ how to use computers and to know how to use various _ how to use computers and to know how to use various tools to circumvent

these _ to use various tools to circumvent these so — to use various tools to circumvent these so it — to use various tools to circumvent these so it is— to use various tools to circumvent these so it is still possible to access— these so it is still possible to access uncensored information masher~ — access uncensored information masher. there are a handful of independent websites still calling independent websites still calling in the _ independent websites still calling in the war the war. so we can say that— in the war the war. so we can say that russia — in the war the war. so we can say that russia has completely been surrounded by an iron curtain. they can see _ surrounded by an iron curtain. they can see what — surrounded by an iron curtain. they can see what is happening in ukraine _ can see what is happening in ukraine. ., ~ , ., , can see what is happening in ukraine. ., ~ , . ukraine. thank you very much indeed. let us talk a — ukraine. thank you very much indeed. let us talk a little _ ukraine. thank you very much indeed. let us talk a little bit _ ukraine. thank you very much indeed. let us talk a little bit more _ ukraine. thank you very much indeed. let us talk a little bit more now- let us talk a little bit more now about the aid in place for those attempting to leave ukraine of agreements have been made to open up humanitarian corridors. the strategic adviser to the red cross, thank you very much forjoining us. these humanitarian corridors we have seen are attempts at making these work. some people have been evacuated. can you tell us what you know about whether or not they are operating. know about whether or not they are 0 eratinu. ~ ., know about whether or not they are oeratinu. ~ ., , know about whether or not they are o..eratin_ . ., , ., know about whether or not they are oeratin~.~ . , ., , ., operating. what is important is to see that these _ operating. what is important is to see that these operations - operating. what is important is to see that these operations are - operating. what is important is to | see that these operations are very delicate and frisky. making a safe

passage, organising a humanitarian corridor is a crossline operation while you have. so what matters here is that we have, you know, discussions at a local level with trying to do an intermediary between the parties. having a discussion at the parties. having a discussion at the tactical level to see if there is an opening for these operations. it is one thing to have political pressure at a higher level. we need to have these corridors. those who implement these arguments need to be on board and that is the role of humanitarian organisations such as that and others to help facilitate a dialogue and to see if, indeed, it is possible to open such a passage. how are they negotiated on the ground? is the problem that the people who are supposed to be allowing civilians to get out that

the message is not always translated or it is not always stuck to you, why have they broken down? we have extended experience _ why have they broken down? we have extended experience with _ why have they broken down? we have extended experience with safe - extended experience with safe passage. and these are not good experiences. humanitarians are reluctant to push and promote for these corridors. it is really if the parties are ready to have these corridors to see that they are safe. it is about getting guarantees, guarantees of safety for people taking these corridors but we need to understand at the same time that these corridors are military operations and you may have those taking advantage for redeployment or time to take advantage of a ceasefire so usually people on the ground are reluctant to engage in

such arrangements so what matters as we have a focus on what made for, say passage are not made in international law for the mass evacuation of the city. they are there to evacuate the most vulnerable, the wounded, the sick, the elderly, the children. those who are the most affected by the conflict and civilians in general are best protected by they are. but other than push for the safe passages. if other than push for the safe passages— other than push for the safe assaues. ~ ., ., . ., , passages. if we know that civilians are bein: passages. if we know that civilians are being hit. _ passages. if we know that civilians are being hit, we _ passages. if we know that civilians are being hit, we have _ passages. if we know that civilians are being hit, we have seen - are being hit, we have seen hospitals, kindergartens being hit here by the russian military. it is impossible to safeguard civilians, isn't it? ., , , impossible to safeguard civilians, isn'tit? ., , , ., isn't it? your bite but at the same time it is not _ isn't it? your bite but at the same time it is not a _ isn't it? your bite but at the same time it is not a safe _ isn't it? your bite but at the same time it is not a safe passage - isn't it? your bite but at the same time it is not a safe passage that| time it is not a safe passage that will facilitate protection. it is

vital that there is a clear commitment of the parties with the respect of the geneva convention that the pressure is about that, but protection of civilians. and not seeing it as a safe passage is the second—best option. it is not invisible and it has never been the case that it is siege warfare that we could protect civilians to safe passage. it is true for very vulnerable groups is sick and wounded children and elderly do not have so much, in a tactical sense but to have a mass evacuation is in itself a military issue and we should be very careful about such measures. ., should be very careful about such measures-— measures. you are saying that, obviously _ measures. you are saying that, obviously we — measures. you are saying that, obviously we know _ measures. you are saying that, obviously we know from - measures. you are saying that, obviously we know from kyiv, l measures. you are saying that, - obviously we know from kyiv, many people have left but the other cities that are being hit saying it is not necessary nearly the same strategy to make those cities have corridors get people out? absolutely, especially if we do not want to affect the demographically

of the country. if we go and open these corridors and that the military pressure the movement of population we are participating in the reshaping of the population of the reshaping of the population of the country. i5 the reshaping of the population of the country-— the country. is not better than lettin: the country. is not better than letting them _ the country. is not better than letting them be _ the country. is not better than letting them be bombed - the country. is not better than letting them be bombed to i the country. is not better than - letting them be bombed to death? absolutely not. that is to say, where should we put our priority, you no. the priority route should be the protection of civilians where they are and evacuating the most vulnerable. but if parties enter into an agreement for a mass evacuation of the city we should see that this is politically and militarily very sensitive arrangement.— militarily very sensitive arranuement. , ' . arrangement. very difficult, obviously. _ arrangement. very difficult, obviously, to _ arrangement. very difficult, obviously, to get _ arrangement. very difficult, obviously, to get that - arrangement. very difficult, - obviously, to get that agreement and then to actually implement it. thank you very much indeed. let's take a look at the fighting now. sorry, we're just going to go back to the and we are hearing from the russian envoy again.

and we are hearing from the russian envoy again-— envoy again. guilty mind is never at ease, a russian _ envoy again. guilty mind is never at ease, a russian saying. _ envoy again. guilty mind is never at ease, a russian saying. the - envoy again. guilty mind is never at ease, a russian saying. the louder| ease, a russian saying. the louder people are trying to shift the blame on us the greater is our conviction that we hit the nail on the head when we were talking about there. nefarious activity in ukraine. secondly, i rememberanother nefarious activity in ukraine. secondly, i remember another story which was mentioned many times that in many contexts about the container showing by colin powell some time ago here in this room which became the foundation for the united states going into iraq and which led to huge levels of suffering of victims and destruction which then reverberated on the whole region,

reverberated on the whole region, reverberated also in the form of a terrorist organisation. that is the real door that the representative mentioned today in his statement. many of you said that you are now aware of military and biological programmes in ukraine. that does not mean that they did not exist, in actualfact, military development mean that they did not exist, in actual fact, military development is actual fact, military development is a secret enterprise and those who are involved in that do not report about it. i also call iraq and mosul which were based to the ground and buried under the rubble, thousands of civilians and this was done by the forces of the coalition headed by the united states and the bodies remain there for several months and i do not recall ire, righteous ire

on the part of the colleagues unless you raise this issue many times. this died and was buried in people preferred not to recall that but, on the other hand, we hear every day about the atrocities of the russian army attacks on hospitals, kindergarten schools, maternity hospitals, using cluster bombs. something that refuted repeatedly by our ministry of defence. the maternity hospital, number one, in mauripol has become common parlance. let me ask you this. did you listen to what we said here in this room on monday 7th of march when we said that the fighters, the radicals converted that building into an attack base. this is something that we warned about even then.

apparently you don't listen or you don't hear what it is that we are saying. did you see the photos of the allegedly destroyed maternity hospital? you can see there are building without windows but it is not destroyed. here are the photos. can you imagine what would have happened to a building if it underwent above strike or shelling as well as to those who were inside the building, what would have happened to it, so we from inside the building and here they are. and they show that there is disorder, overturned furniture and untouched, intact chairs. once again, can you imagine what kind of destruction which have remained in the wake of the building hit by a rocket or a

bomb? ask military specialists and they will tell you. they have already said that they have showed the photos of a crater near the building which resulted from an exploded mine. at the same time, we are being told about the 17 wounded in the building, and not a single death. and by way of evidence what it showed is a false picture of a ukrainian blogger here. she was shot and this blogger lady is using two different kinds of make up to present herself as two different women in photographs. and this was something that was revealed by the network users. we are dismayed by

the dirty campaign to blame others for intentionally shelling civilian infrastructure. you are accusing us of propaganda whilst ignoring a huge number of fakes which have been churned out in ukraine and in the west. so as to conduct a special operation. at the same time, you are going over in silence over the fact that you have basically shut off your access to russian information. we found a great deal of new things these days about the freedom of speech that you seem to champion. i would like to react now to my uk colleague, he said that we did not start the war. we did not start the war. we want to end it and it is to the war was not begun by us. it started eight years ago by the kyiv

authorities in the donbas. yesterday on the internet we showed a video where ukrainians, near kharkiv, let's say, it is supposed to be a russian plane. a movable rocket launcher. there is a car right next to it. the car in which apparently they used to arrive there. he was a picture. white coloured toyota bearing a logo of the united nations. we have already asked this question to the representative and the answer was that un vehicles are not being used by the ukrainian territorial defence. we insist on this incident being investigated by the un even if it turns out that this is not a un car, nonetheless,

using a logo in a car which is used for military activities is unacceptable, i think. for military activities is unacceptable, ithink. the representative _ unacceptable, ithink. the representative of - unacceptable, ithink. the representative of the - unacceptable, ithink. the representative of the united states asked for the floor. you have the floor. i asked for the floor. you have the floor. ~ ., asked for the floor. you have the floor. ~' ., . asked for the floor. you have the floor. ~ ., ., , . ., floor. i know that expect me to resond floor. i know that expect me to respond but — floor. i know that expect me to respond but we're _ floor. i know that expect me to respond but we're not - floor. i know that expect me to respond but we're not going i floor. i know that expect me to respond but we're not going to | floor. i know that expect me to - respond but we're not going to give any more airtime the lies that you are hearing today beneath this council. and there is only one aggressor here and that is russia and we hope they will be able to find it in their conscience to end the attacks and stop the suffering of the ukrainian people. thank you. i think the representative of the united states for her statement. i now give the floor to the

representative of ukraine. thank ou, mr representative of ukraine. thank you, mr president, _ representative of ukraine. thanki you, mr president, distinguished members of the security council, madame undersecretary general. i should also acknowledge the presence of a separate category here, the representative of the aggressor state who sits in the seat of the soviet union in the security council. the state that was recognised and that is a status of aggressor state. there is already a long record of russian lies established here in the council. and only their recollection of the items

of lies over the past few weeks will take perhaps an hour or so but let me mentionjust a couple, the lowest of the lowest. and i will not hesitate to mention them after the representative in the soviet seat just mentioned them. let me quote his kingpin. the russian foreign minister. he said yesterday indeed, and i quote, we do not plan to attack other countries. we did not attack other countries. we did not attack ukraine either. end of quote. an outlet of russian lies, the russian embassy in london tweeted yesterday that a pregnant woman is

in the hospital was wearing and was playing multiple roles of pregnant women. and indeed moscow and the russian ambassador here are struggling to get this story straight. a kremlin spokesperson told reuters in the immediate aftermath of the strike on wednesday that, quote, russianforces aftermath of the strike on wednesday that, quote, russian forces do not fire on civilian targets, end of quote. on thursday he told reporters that the kremlin would look into the incident because you and i don't have clear information about what happened there, end of quote. following a meeting with the ukrainian foreign minister on thursday, russian foreign minister

took a different stance as he claimed that the hospital was a target because the building had been seized long ago by ukrainian armed groups. let me share with you very good news. the pregnant woman gave birth to a healthy daughter last night. her name is veronica. here she is with herfather. no matter what, the russian lies are about herself, herfamily and what, the russian lies are about herself, her family and the incident. mr president, whatever the gentleman in the soviet seat may say

in reply is most probably useless. we need to hear directly from the mastermind of the war crimes committed so far. as we establish that he was out of the loop on many occasions having no clue what was going on on the ground. we know quite well that the manic obsession with which putin fantasises about nonexistent biological weapons or hazards in ukraine is very dangerous. it may actually point out russia preparing another horrific falsified corporation. so what else are you going to use against ukraine. cruise missiles, multiple rocket launchers, aerial bombs? we have already experienced all of these. what is next? ammonia?

phosphorus? and what will be the next target? one more residential building? one more maternity hospital? one more school? or maybe one more cultural heritage site. russian troops have already hit all the sites. all of them. by by closing this meeting the aggressor state has shot itself in the foot once again. ukraine runs how the system which is totally in full compliance with international obligations and in full cooperation with all relevant international organisations. the rest is the insane delirium of putin and his henchmen including the russian mission to the united nations.

russia does not give a monkeys about the safety of its own citizens including thousands of decomposing bodies of russian soldiers, soldiers sent by putin to ukraine to this ongoing carnage. i regret that the security council is being now manipulated to promote such a insane delirium. it is an utmost disregard of the russian federation of the members of the security council. finally, it is detrimental for the council's credibility. what indeed has to be addressed, the crimes against humanity that the russian federation commits on a daily basis since the 24th of february, the day when the war in europe unleashed by russia started. among the most recent examples that shocked the

world, russian air strike that destroyed the maternity hospital that we already mentioned semi times today. russian shelling and air strikes have almost destroyed movie paul, one of the most beautiful cities and killed 1582 civilian residents of that city according to the local administration. for the first time since the world war ii people are being buried in mass graves in ukrainian cities i would like to use this opportunity to ask the gentleman of the soviet state, if you are really connected, wired to moscow, please talk to moscow to release the kidnapped mayor of the city. please help others get him

back from the arms of the invaders. kharkiv, and many other ukrainian cities, being based to the ground. documents and maps eased by the ukrainian troops from russian prisoners of war confirm that bombardments of residential areas had been planned in advance. captured russian pilots at today's press conference in kyiv have confirmed that they deliberately drop the bombs on residential areas. the number of civilians killed by the russian troops exceeds military losses. many people have lost their homes, more than 1.5 million left ukraine, almost 2 million by now, across the western border. hundreds of thousands if not millions. only

from kharkiv, 6000 people were evacuated by trains. the main efforts are now focused on ensuring safe passage of civilians through humanitarian corridors. unfortunately the arrangements are often violated by the russian troops. awful pictures and footage taken near the destroyed region with killed civilians including entire families who tried to flee the occupied areas have circled and horrified the globe. russia must not use civilians as hostages and human shields. by exposing cities to indiscriminate shelling and creating a dire humanitarian situation. deliberately showing civilians during the evacuation from the besieged ukrainian cities, russia is forcing civilians to flee their homes and providing only a corridor to its territory or to belarus. so—called green corridors proposed

by the aggressor for sending people to russia and belarus could be considered as forcible of protected persons according to international humanitarian law. mr president, ukrainian people are being killed and ukrainian cities are being destroyed as we are compelled to listen to the russian absurd takes in the security council. fakes created in a desperate attempt to whitewash the war against ukraine. russian aggression threatens us all and there is an urgent need to be resolute in countering uncivilised, barbaric and new actions by russia. the sooner the aggressor is stopped and held accountable for his crimes, the safer our world will be.

i will not hand before i read several paragraphs. from an open letterfrom 191i nobel several paragraphs. from an open letter from 194 nobel laureates. i quote: the underside nobel laureates voice our support for the ukrainian people and are free and independent state of ukraine, as it faces russian aggression. 191i nobel laureates. in a move that recalls the infamous attack of nazi germany on poland in 1939, using similar tricks of feigned provocation, the government of the russian federation led by president putin has launched an unprovoked military aggression. nothing else. an unprovoked military aggression. nothing else-— nothing else. we're 'ust going to come out of h nothing else. we're 'ust going to come out of that — nothing else. we're just going to come out of that because - nothing else. we're just going to come out of that because we - nothing else. we're just going to come out of that because we are| come out of that because we are going to be bringing you the latest

live news from ukraine in a moment but that was the ukrainian envoy with one piece of good news, that the pregnant women that we saw has given birth to a baby girl called this is bbc news. thank you for staying with us.

today at six — russia broadens its attack on ukraine, extending further into the country and hitting more cities. an air strike on the central eastern city of dnipro hits a nursery, an apartment block and a shoe factory. we report from the scene. this site is one of complete devastation. the smoke is still rising from the ruins of this building, hours after the missiles struck. near the capital kyiv, the exodus gathers pace as russian forces edge closer. russia accuses ukraine of developing biological weapons, prompting fears that moscow could use it as a cover for a chemical attack. here, we'll have the latest on the uk's response to the growing refugee crisis.

also on tonight's programme.