this is bbc news. i'm yalda hakim. welcome if you're watching in the uk or around the globe. powerful explosions again rocked the capital of ukraine. russian air strikes hit residential apartment blocks in kyiv and a metro station. the mayor says four people were killed. from and a metro station. the mayor says four people were killed.— four people were killed. from 8pm, the curfew is _ four people were killed. from 8pm, the curfew is established _ four people were killed. from 8pm, the curfew is established in - four people were killed. from 8pm, the curfew is established in kyiv. i the curfew is established in kyiv. movement through the city is prohibited. without special passes. nearly 3 million refugees have fled ukraine. we report from poland where a shopping centre is being used to house families. hooliganism, how the

kremlin describes the anti—war protest of the woman who interrupted a live news show. ukraine's president tells the uk and other nations the west needs to do more to help his country fight russia, otherwise he warned they will come for you. otherwise he warned they will come for ou. ., , , ., for you. the world is silent after two power _ for you. the world is silent after two power plants _ for you. the world is silent after two power plants were - for you. the world is silent after| two power plants were captured, for you. the world is silent after- two power plants were captured, and we were just hearing word, that is not enough. welcome to bbc news, i'm yalda hakim coming to you live here from lviv. let's bring you the latest lines that have just come in. they have been explosions that have taken place in the ukrainian capital kyiv.

we understand the mayor says four people have been killed. james waterhouse has the very latest. pa rt part of this war the russians do want you to see. their defence ministry released this footage of a helicopter strike on a ukrainian military target. at the start of this 20 day war, vladimir putin claimed the cities and citizens would not be targeted. we have known for sometime the has happened. more people killed in a shelling of residential blocks, this time in north—western kyiv. translation: north-western kyiv. translation: ., ' . translation: today is a difficult and dangerous — translation: today is a difficult and dangerous moment, - translation: today is a difficultl and dangerous moment, according translation: today is a difficult - and dangerous moment, according to the decision of the military command, from today march the 15th, 8pm, a curfew is established in kyiv. movement through the city is prohibited without special passes.

president zelensky is sounding more upbeat, boosted by the us's assessment that every russian advance has stalled over the weekend because of ukrainian is fighting back. he taught on the invaders to surrender. and he praised this high profile protest against the war on russian state tv, although many ukrainians online have been calling it a token gesture because of there being no let up in fighting. translation: we being no let up in fighting. translation:— being no let up in fighting. translation: ~ ., ., ., translation: we are grateful to those russians _ translation: we are grateful to those russians who _ translation: we are grateful to those russians who do _ translation: we are grateful to those russians who do not - translation: we are grateful to those russians who do not stop i those russians who do not stop trying to convey the truth, to those who fight disinformation and tell the truth, realfacts who fight disinformation and tell the truth, real facts to their friends and loved ones. and personally to that young woman who entered the studio of channel 0ne entered the studio of channel one with a poster against the war. to those who are not afraid to protest. and now for the first time in this war, a diplomatic visit to ukraine. not one world leader, but three from poland, the czech republic and slovenia. they will visit kyiv

today, countries which have taken in refugees from putin's war. they will be presenting a support package from the european union. peace negotiations between ukraine and russia continued today as well. kyiv is confident, with one official put it in the war could be over by may at the latest through either a deal or rush of running out of resources. as ukraine cleans up after more missile attacks, it is difficult to picture. james waterhouse, bbc news in kyiv. 0k, jens stoltenberg, the secretary general of nato, is currently speaking, let's have a listen. , . ., , currently speaking, let's have a listen. , . . , ., listen. they claimed they did not ian to listen. they claimed they did not plan to invade — listen. they claimed they did not plan to invade ukraine, - listen. they claimed they did not plan to invade ukraine, but - listen. they claimed they did not plan to invade ukraine, but they| plan to invade ukraine, but they did. they claimed they were withdrawing their troops, but a cent in even more. they claim to be protecting civilians, but they are killing civilians. now they are

making absurd claims about biological laboratories and chemical weapons in ukraine. this isjust another lie. and we are concerned that moscow could stage a false flag operation, possibly including chemical weapons. the ukrainian people are fighting bravely, defending their homes and their future, and we must support them. tomorrow, we will be joined future, and we must support them. tomorrow, we will bejoined by future, and we must support them. tomorrow, we will be joined by the ukrainian defence minister and our older partners, georgia, finland, sweden and the european union. the whole world has condemned this senseless war. nato allies, that ye eu and other countries have

introduced unprecedented sanctions on russia. for many years nato allies have trained thousands of ukrainian troops, many of them are now fighting on the front lines. allies have also provided a significant quantities of critical equipment. including anti—tank and air defence weapons, drones, ammunition and fuel. this training and equipment is helping ukraine to defend itself. ukraine has a fundamental right to self—defence enshrined in the un charter. 0ur un allies and partners will continue to help ukraine uphold that right. by providing military equipment and financial and humanitarian assistance. nato's core task is to protect and defend all allies. we

have responded to this crisis quickly, activating our defence plans, raising our alertness and deploying a response force for the first time the collective defence. there are now hundreds of thousands of forces on heightened alert across the alliance. 100,000 us troops in europe. and around 40,000 troops under direct nato command, mostly in the eastern part of the alliance. backed by major air and naval power, as well as air defences. the us is currently deploying to poland, germany and the netherlands are also deploying to slovakia. all of this sends an unmistakable message, an attack on one ally will be met with

attack on one ally will be met with a decisive response from the whole alliance. russia's invasion of ukraine and its military integral, belarus, creates a new security threat on the european continent. so we need to reset native's military posture for this new reality. tomorrow, ministers will start an important discussion on concrete measures to reinforce our security for the longer term in all domains. 0n land, this could include substantial more forces in the eastern part of the alliance, at higher readiness and with more pre—positioned equipment. we will also consider major increases to our air and naval deployments, strengthening our integrated air and

missile defence, reinforcing our cyber defences, and holding more and larger exercises. i expect we will task nato's military commanders to our options in our madrid summit in june. major reinforcements of defence will require major increases. i welcome that germany and other allies have already announced they are stepping up, and i encourage all allies to spend a minimum of 2% of gdp on defence. we must do more, so we must also invest more. to protect peace and freedom and uphold our values at this critical time. with that, i'm ready to take your questions. criticaltime. with that, i'm ready to take your questions.— criticaltime. with that, i'm ready to take your questions. let's start with cnn. thank _ to take your questions. let's start with cnn. thank you. _ to take your questions. let's start with cnn. thank you. i'm - to take your questions. let's start i with cnn. thank you. i'm wondering whether you — with cnn. thank you. i'm wondering whether you can _

with cnn. thank you. i'm wondering whether you can say _ with cnn. thank you. i'm wondering whether you can say whether - with cnn. thank you. i'm wondering whether you can say whether the - with cnn. thank you. i'm wondering l whether you can say whether the nato alliance _ whether you can say whether the nato alliance has— whether you can say whether the nato alliance has seen _ whether you can say whether the nato alliance has seen evidence _ whether you can say whether the nato alliance has seen evidence that - alliance has seen evidence that china _ alliance has seen evidence that china has— alliance has seen evidence that china has been— alliance has seen evidence that china has been providing - alliance has seen evidence thati china has been providing russia alliance has seen evidence that - china has been providing russia with any kind _ china has been providing russia with any kind of— china has been providing russia with any kind of assistance _ china has been providing russia with any kind of assistance that _ china has been providing russia with any kind of assistance that would - any kind of assistance that would help it _ any kind of assistance that would help it on — any kind of assistance that would help it on the _ any kind of assistance that would help it on the battlefield, - any kind of assistance that would | help it on the battlefield, whether military— help it on the battlefield, whether military or — help it on the battlefield, whether military or nres, _ help it on the battlefield, whether military or nres, food _ help it on the battlefield, whether military or nres, food for- help it on the battlefield, whether military or nres, food for troops. help it on the battlefield, whether. military or nres, food for troops or anything _ military or nres, food for troops or anything of— military or nres, food for troops or anything of that— military or nres, food for troops or anything of that kind? _ military or nres, food for troops or anything of that kind? and - military or nres, food for troops or anything of that kind? and with - anything of that kind? and with regard — anything of that kind? and with regard to — anything of that kind? and with regard to the _ anything of that kind? and with regard to the situation - anything of that kind? and with regard to the situation that - anything of that kind? and with regard to the situation that wel anything of that kind? and with . regard to the situation that we saw earlier— regard to the situation that we saw earlier this — regard to the situation that we saw earlier this week— regard to the situation that we saw earlier this week with _ regard to the situation that we saw earlier this week with russia - earlier this week with russia targeting _ earlier this week with russia targeting a _ earlier this week with russia targeting a military - earlier this week with russia targeting a military base - earlier this week with russia i targeting a military base very earlier this week with russia - targeting a military base very close to a poll— targeting a military base very close to a poll in's— targeting a military base very close to a poll in's border, _ targeting a military base very close to a poll in's border, and _ targeting a military base very closel to a poll in's border, and wondering what _ to a poll in's border, and wondering what you _ to a poll in's border, and wondering what you can — to a poll in's border, and wondering what you can say— to a poll in's border, and wondering what you can say about _ to a poll in's border, and wondering what you can say about the - to a poll in's border, and wondering what you can say about the red - to a poll in's border, and wonderingl what you can say about the red lines and whether— what you can say about the red lines and whether there _ what you can say about the red lines and whether there would _ what you can say about the red lines and whether there would be any - what you can say about the red lines| and whether there would be any kind of consequences _ and whether there would be any kind of consequences if _ and whether there would be any kind of consequences if a _ and whether there would be any kind of consequences if a missile, - and whether there would be any kind of consequences if a missile, for- of consequences if a missile, for example. — of consequences if a missile, for example. were _ of consequences if a missile, for example, were accidentally- of consequences if a missile, for example, were accidentally to l of consequences if a missile, for. example, were accidentally to enter nato territory? _ example, were accidentally to enter nato territory?— nato territory? nato's core responsibility, _ nato territory? nato's core responsibility, our - nato territory? nato's core responsibility, our main . responsibility, our main responsibility, our main responsibility is to protect and defend all nato allies. so 1 billion people in 30 different countries. and to ensure that we also do that now in a more dangerous security situation in europe caused by the invasion of ukraine by russia, we

have increased the presence in the eastern part of the alliance, increased the readiness of troops and we are deploying more capabilities, especially to the eastern part of the alliance. so an attack on one ally will trigger a response from the whole alliance, and we will protect and defend every inch of nato allies' territory. when we see more military activities, when we see actual fighting going on close to nato borders, there is oyster risk for incidents and accidents. —— always the risk. therefore must prevent such incidents and accidents, and if they happen, to make sure that they don't spiral out of control and create really dangerous situations. we are very closely monitoring air space and the border areas around nato, and the border areas around nato, and our military commanders also have alliance to their russian commanders to help to prevent incidents accidents and also prevent them from spiralling out of control

if they happen. 0n china, china should join the rest of the world, condemning strongly the brutal invasion of ukraine by russia. any support to russia, military or any other type of support which will help russia conduct a brutal war against an independent, sovereign nation ukraine, and help them to continue to wage war which is causing death, suffering and an enormous amount of destruction. so, china has an obligation as a member of the un security council to actually support and uphold international law, and the russian invasion of ukraine is a blatant

violation of international law. so we call on them to clearly condemn the invasion and not support russia. and we are closely monitoring any signs of support from china to russia. ~ ., ., ., ., ., russia. we will go to the national news agents _ russia. we will go to the national news agents of _ russia. we will go to the national news agents of ukraine _ russia. we will go to the national news agents of ukraine over - russia. we will go to the national. news agents of ukraine over there. secretary—general, nato has a glorious — secretary—general, nato has a glorious story— secretary—general, nato has a glorious story of— secretary—general, nato has a glorious story of supporting i secretary—general, nato has a i glorious story of supporting some countries — glorious story of supporting some countries and _ glorious story of supporting some countries and preventing - glorious story of supporting some i countries and preventing bloodshed, for example — countries and preventing bloodshed, for example like _ countries and preventing bloodshed, for example like what _ countries and preventing bloodshed, for example like what happened - countries and preventing bloodshed, for example like what happened in l for example like what happened in sarajevo _ for example like what happened in sarajevo in— for example like what happened in sarajevo in kosovo _ for example like what happened in sarajevo in kosovo and _ for example like what happened in sarajevo in kosovo and so - for example like what happened in sarajevo in kosovo and so on. - for example like what happened inl sarajevo in kosovo and so on. what is the _ sarajevo in kosovo and so on. what is the threshold _ sarajevo in kosovo and so on. what is the threshold for _ sarajevo in kosovo and so on. what is the threshold for nato _ sarajevo in kosovo and so on. what is the threshold for nato when - sarajevo in kosovo and so on. what is the threshold for nato when the i is the threshold for nato when the russian _ is the threshold for nato when the russian killings, _ is the threshold for nato when the

russian killings, the threshold - nato involvement? and a short follow-up, if— nato involvement? and a short follow—up, if you _ nato involvement? and a short follow—up, if you follow - nato involvement? and a short follow—up, if you follow the - nato involvement? and a short - follow—up, if you follow the russian rhetoric, _ follow—up, if you follow the russian rhetoric, we — follow—up, if you follow the russian rhetoric, we are _ follow—up, if you follow the russian rhetoric, we are not _ follow—up, if you follow the russian rhetoric, we are not going - follow—up, if you follow the russian rhetoric, we are not going to stop . rhetoric, we are not going to stop purely— rhetoric, we are not going to stop purely in — rhetoric, we are not going to stop purely in ukraine. _ rhetoric, we are not going to stop purely in ukraine. so _ rhetoric, we are not going to stop purely in ukraine. so the - rhetoric, we are not going to stop| purely in ukraine. so the question is isn't _ purely in ukraine. so the question is isn't it— purely in ukraine. so the question is isn't it the — purely in ukraine. so the question is isn't it the right _ purely in ukraine. so the question is isn't it the right time _ purely in ukraine. so the question is isn't it the right time for- purely in ukraine. so the question is isn't it the right time for nato . is isn't it the right time for nato to intervene _ is isn't it the right time for nato to intervene to _ is isn't it the right time for nato to intervene to defeat _ is isn't it the right time for nato to intervene to defeat and - is isn't it the right time for nato| to intervene to defeat and break putins— to intervene to defeat and break putin's military— to intervene to defeat and break putin's military machine - to intervene to defeat and break putin's military machine while . to intervene to defeat and break putin's military machine while it| to intervene to defeat and break. putin's military machine while it is still in _ putin's military machine while it is still in ukraine, _ putin's military machine while it is still in ukraine, not— putin's military machine while it is still in ukraine, not waiting - putin's military machine while it is still in ukraine, not waiting for. still in ukraine, not waiting for the russian _ still in ukraine, not waiting for the russian bombs _ still in ukraine, not waiting for the russian bombs to - still in ukraine, not waiting for the russian bombs to fall - still in ukraine, not waiting for the russian bombs to fall on l still in ukraine, not waiting for. the russian bombs to fall on the european — the russian bombs to fall on the european capitals? _ the russian bombs to fall on the european capitals? thank- the russian bombs to fall on the european capitals? thank you. l the russian bombs to fall on the . european capitals? thank you. nate european capitals? thank you. nato allies have european capitals? thank you. allies have supported european capitals? thank you. iliiilr. allies have supported ukraine european capitals? thank you. allies have supported ukraine for many years, especially since russia invaded ukraine for the first time backin invaded ukraine for the first time back in 2014. and nato allies like the uk, the united states, canada have also helped to train tens of thousands of ukrainian forces, special operation forces and other trips. and they are now bravely fighting and resisting the invading russian forces. and i think this support over many years has proven

extremely important in strengthening the ukrainian armed forces and ukrainian armed forces are much bigger, much stronger, much better equipped much better trained now than in 2014. and i'm glad that nato allies have helped to achieve that with training and equipment. of course, it is first and foremost on the ukrainian armed forces and ukrainian people and political leadership that has enabled them to fight back, to slow down, to resist the brutal invasion conducted by the russian federation, and which is the responsibility of president putin. and it is president putin who is accountable for this war, he can end this war now, withdraw all his troops now and then engage in good faith in a political effort to find a diplomatic solution. we are calling on president putin to do exactly that. then nato's... ukraine

is a highly valued partner, which we have supported and continue to support. and we are stepping up support, partly with military equipment partly with financial support, humanitarian support, but also by imposing the sanctions which are forcing, giving the russian economy. —— clipping the russian country. i will reference ability as an alliance is to defend our allies, and we are sending a clear message that we are ready to do so by increasing presence in the eastern alliance. but it is russia and president putin that are responsible for the invasion of ukraine, and the president should end this senseless war and withdraw forces from ukraine. i war and withdraw forces from ukraine. .,

war and withdraw forces from ukraine. . ., ., _, war and withdraw forces from ukraine. . ., ., . ., ukraine. i am from politico. wide of the us and — ukraine. i am from politico. wide of the us and nato _ ukraine. i am from politico. wide of the us and nato insists _ ukraine. i am from politico. wide of the us and nato insists that - ukraine. i am from politico. wide of the us and nato insists that fighter| the us and nato insists that fighter 'ets the us and nato insists that fighter jets would be helpful for ukraine, when _ jets would be helpful for ukraine, when the — jets would be helpful for ukraine, when the ukrainians themselves say otherwise? — when the ukrainians themselves say otherwise? should it not be up to the ukrainian authorities to say what _ the ukrainian authorities to say what would be helpful for them? thank— what would be helpful for them? thank you. what would be helpful for them? thank you-— what would be helpful for them? thank ou. ., ., ., , ., , ., thank you. nato allies are providing many different _ thank you. nato allies are providing many different types _ thank you. nato allies are providing many different types of _ thank you. nato allies are providing many different types of equipment, | many different types of equipment, including advanced air defence systems, which have actually helped ukrainians to shoot down russian planes, russian missiles. and allies continue to provide support also when it comes to different types of air defence systems. but i will not go into the details of every type of supply, every type of support, exactly how and where, because i think that would just make it harder and more difficult to continue to provide this type of support. nato allies are stepping up and providing advanced air defence systems. thank

ou, diana advanced air defence systems. thank you, diana michaels, _ advanced air defence systems. thank you, diana michaels, wall— advanced air defence systems. thank you, diana michaels, wall street - you, diana michaels, wall street journal~ — you, diana michaels, wall street journal~ to— you, diana michaels, wall street journal. to follow— you, diana michaels, wall street journal. to follow up _ you, diana michaels, wall street journal. to follow up on - you, diana michaels, wall street journal. to follow up on an - you, diana michaels, wall streetl journal. to follow up on an earlier question — journal. to follow up on an earlier question have _ journal. to follow up on an earlier question. have apparently- journal. to follow up on an earlier question. have apparently been . journal. to follow up on an earlier. question. have apparently been uav incursions _ question. have apparently been uav incursions into— question. have apparently been uav incursions into nato— question. have apparently been uav incursions into nato air— question. have apparently been uav incursions into nato air space, - incursions into nato air space, apparently— incursions into nato air space, apparently one _ incursions into nato air space, apparently one russian - incursions into nato air space, apparently one russian drone | incursions into nato air space, - apparently one russian drone entered and left _ apparently one russian drone entered and left polish — apparently one russian drone entered and left polish airspace _ apparently one russian drone entered and left polish airspace and _ apparently one russian drone entered and left polish airspace and another. and left polish airspace and another one crashed — and left polish airspace and another one crashed in— and left polish airspace and another one crashed in nato— and left polish airspace and another one crashed in nato territory. - and left polish airspace and another one crashed in nato territory. howl one crashed in nato territory. how do you _ one crashed in nato territory. how do you determine _ one crashed in nato territory. how do you determine when _ one crashed in nato territory. howj do you determine when something one crashed in nato territory. how- do you determine when something like that is— do you determine when something like that is an _ do you determine when something like that is an act _ do you determine when something like that is an act of— do you determine when something like that is an act of aggression _ do you determine when something like that is an act of aggression or- do you determine when something like that is an act of aggression or an - that is an act of aggression or an act that— that is an act of aggression or an act that warrants _ that is an act of aggression or an act that warrants a _ that is an act of aggression or an act that warrants a response? i that is an act of aggression or an i act that warrants a response? and that is an act of aggression or an - act that warrants a response? and he were talking — act that warrants a response? and he were talking earlier— act that warrants a response? and he were talking earlier about _ act that warrants a response? and he were talking earlier about an - were talking earlier about an escalation _ were talking earlier about an escalation, how— were talking earlier about an escalation, how do - were talking earlier about an escalation, how do you - were talking earlier about an i escalation, how do you ensure were talking earlier about an - escalation, how do you ensure that something — escalation, how do you ensure that something like _ escalation, how do you ensure that something like that _ escalation, how do you ensure that something like that is _ escalation, how do you ensure that something like that is handled - escalation, how do you ensure that something like that is handled in. escalation, how do you ensure that something like that is handled in a| something like that is handled in a way that— something like that is handled in a way that is— something like that is handled in a way that is appropriate _ something like that is handled in a way that is appropriate and - something like that is handled in a| way that is appropriate and doesn't -et way that is appropriate and doesn't get out _ way that is appropriate and doesn't get out of— way that is appropriate and doesn't get out of control? _ way that is appropriate and doesn't get out of control? thank- way that is appropriate and doesn't get out of control? thank you. - way that is appropriate and doesn't. get out of control? thank you. well, i cannot confirm _ get out of control? thank you. well, i cannot confirm the _ get out of control? thank you. well, i cannot confirm the latest _ i cannot confirm the latest incidents you are referring to, but incidents you are referring to, but in general, i can say that we are

stepping up our vigilance, our presence in the way we monitor our airspace, and including by deploying new patriot batteries to the eastern part of the alliance. and by doing that and through our air surveillance planes and increased air patrolling, we are both increasing give abilities we have to monitor, track, but also to ensure that we are able to react if we are needed. and nato's integrated air and missile defence will track the flight path of an object which entered romanian airspace on sunday, in response, romanian fighter aircraft scrambled immediately to investigate. and the romanian

authorities and nato are reviewing this incident, as we are also reviewing the incident which ended with a crash of a drone in croatia. the indications we have so far on the drone that crashed in croatia outside zagreb is that it was not an armed attack, not an armed drone, but itjust highlights that with more military activities in the air, with drones and planes, there is the risk of serious accidents. and therefore we need to be extremely vigilant, we need to react when needed, and we need to make sure that we have the communications, the line of communications with russia to prevent incidents from really creating dangerous situations. so thatis creating dangerous situations. so that is the reason we are increasing the presence and the surveillance and monitoring of the airspace of nato. �* , ., , ,

nato. bloomberg. the lady in 'ust behind. i nato. bloomberg. the lady in 'ust behind. ljustfi nato. bloomberg. the lady in 'ust behind. i just wanted i nato. bloomberg. the lady in 'ust behind. i just wanted to i nato. bloomberg. the lady injust behind. i just wanted to follow- nato. bloomberg. the lady injust behind. i just wanted to follow up| behind. i 'ust wanted to follow up on what behind. i just wanted to follow up on what you _ behind. i just wanted to follow up on what you said _ behind. i just wanted to follow up on what you said in _ behind. i just wanted to follow up on what you said in your- on what you said in your introduction, _ on what you said in your introduction, the - on what you said in your introduction, the risk. on what you said in your introduction, the risk of| on what you said in your- introduction, the risk of false flag events— introduction, the risk of false flag events and — introduction, the risk of false flag events and russia _ introduction, the risk of false flag events and russia may— introduction, the risk of false flag events and russia may be - introduction, the risk of false flag events and russia may be using i events and russia may be using chemical— events and russia may be using chemical weapons. _ events and russia may be using chemical weapons. how- events and russia may be using chemical weapons. how would i events and russia may be using - chemical weapons. how would nato respond _ chemical weapons. how would nato respond in — chemical weapons. how would nato respond in such— chemical weapons. how would nato respond in such a _ chemical weapons. how would nato respond in such a scenario? - chemical weapons. how would nato respond in such a scenario? is- chemical weapons. how would nato respond in such a scenario? is this. respond in such a scenario? is this a red _ respond in such a scenario? is this a red line — respond in such a scenario? is this a red line for— respond in such a scenario? is this a red line for potential— respond in such a scenario? is this a red line for potential nato - a red line for potential nato intervention? _ a red line for potential nato intervention? thank- a red line for potential nato intervention? thank you. i a red line for potential nato i intervention? thank you. in? a red line for potential nato intervention? thank you. any use of chemical weapons _ intervention? thank you. any use of chemical weapons will— intervention? thank you. any use of chemical weapons will be _ intervention? thank you. any use of chemical weapons will be a - intervention? thank you. any use of chemical weapons will be a violation of international law, will be a violation of the ban or treaty that bans chemical weapons. and russia has signed that convention. and we call on russia not to use chemical weapons, we call on them to withdraw its forces and to stop the fighting. but in particular, not to use any chemical weapons. russia has used chemical weapons. russia has used chemical agents before the attack

and actually kill political opponents. we are also seeing that russia has supported the assad regime in syria and helps to facilitate the use of chemical weapons several times in syria. and any use of chemical weapons is absolutely unacceptable. and therefore it is also extremely important that russia understands that it important that russia understands thatitis important that russia understands that it is unacceptable if they consider any use of chemical weapons. we are also very vigilant of the possibility of them trying to stage some kind of pretext, false flag operation to provide an excuse for any type of use of chemical weapons. for any type of use of chemical wea ons. ~ for any type of use of chemical weapons-— weapons. we will go to npr. thank ou ve weapons. we will go to npr. thank you very much- _ weapons. we will go to npr. thank you very much. somewhat - weapons. we will go to npr. thank you very much. somewhat of - weapons. we will go to npr. thank. you very much. somewhat of a follow up you very much. somewhat of a follow up on _ you very much. somewhat of a follow up on the _ you very much. somewhat of a follow up on the question— you very much. somewhat of a follow up on the question there. _ you very much. somewhat of a follow up on the question there. she - you very much. somewhat of a follow up on the question there. she was i up on the question there. she was asking _

up on the question there. she was asking whether— up on the question there. she was asking whether nato, _ up on the question there. she was asking whether nato, what - up on the question there. she was asking whether nato, what nato . up on the question there. she was - asking whether nato, what nato would do and _ asking whether nato, what nato would do and whether— asking whether nato, what nato would do and whether this _ asking whether nato, what nato would do and whether this changes _ asking whether nato, what nato would do and whether this changes your - asking whether nato, what nato would do and whether this changes your redl do and whether this changes your red line? _ do and whether this changes your red line? so. _ do and whether this changes your red line? so. you— do and whether this changes your red line? so. you say— do and whether this changes your red line? so, you say you _ do and whether this changes your red line? so, you say you are _ do and whether this changes your red line? so, you say you are looking - do and whether this changes your red line? so, you say you are looking at i line? so, you say you are looking at nato's _ line? so, you say you are looking at nato's military— line? so, you say you are looking at nato's military posture _ line? so, you say you are looking at nato's military posture again, - line? so, you say you are looking at nato's military posture again, it - line? so, you say you are looking at nato's military posture again, it is l nato's military posture again, it is something — nato's military posture again, it is something that _ nato's military posture again, it is something that you _ nato's military posture again, it is something that you would - nato's military posture again, it is| something that you would consider changing? — something that you would consider changing? you _ something that you would consider changing? you have _ something that you would consider changing? you have said _ something that you would consider changing? you have said this- something that you would considerl changing? you have said this would be a changing? you have said this would he a war— changing? you have said this would he a war crime, _ changing? you have said this would be a war crime, and _ changing? you have said this would be a war crime, and we _ changing? you have said this would be a war crime, and we know- changing? you have said this would be a war crime, and we know that. be a war crime, and we know that simply— be a war crime, and we know that simply warning _ be a war crime, and we know that simply warning russia _ be a war crime, and we know that simply warning russia against - be a war crime, and we know that. simply warning russia against doing something _ simply warning russia against doing something is— simply warning russia against doing something is not— simply warning russia against doing something is not enough— simply warning russia against doing something is not enough of- simply warning russia against doing something is not enough of a - something is not enough of a deterrent— something is not enough of a deterrent to _ something is not enough of a deterrent to stop _ something is not enough of a deterrent to stop it. - something is not enough of a deterrent to stop it. if - something is not enough of a deterrent to stop it. if nato i something is not enough of a - deterrent to stop it. if nato knows or if nato — deterrent to stop it. if nato knows or if nato sees _ deterrent to stop it. if nato knows or if nato sees that _ deterrent to stop it. if nato knows or if nato sees that a _ deterrent to stop it. if nato knows or if nato sees that a chemical- or if nato sees that a chemical attack— or if nato sees that a chemical attack could _ or if nato sees that a chemical attack could take _ or if nato sees that a chemical attack could take place, - or if nato sees that a chemical attack could take place, you i or if nato sees that a chemical. attack could take place, you say that is _ attack could take place, you say that is a — attack could take place, you say that is a war _ attack could take place, you say that is a war crime, _ attack could take place, you say that is a war crime, would - attack could take place, you say that is a war crime, would nato| that is a war crime, would nato consider— that is a war crime, would nato consider changing _ that is a war crime, would nato consider changing the - that is a war crime, would nato consider changing the fact - that is a war crime, would nato consider changing the fact that| that is a war crime, would nato| consider changing the fact that it would _ consider changing the fact that it would not — consider changing the fact that it would not intervene _ consider changing the fact that it would not intervene in— consider changing the fact that it would not intervene in the - consider changing the fact that it would not intervene in the case i consider changing the fact that iti would not intervene in the case of such _ would not intervene in the case of such a _ would not intervene in the case of such a threat? _ would not intervene in the case of such a threat? our— would not intervene in the case of such a threat?— such a threat? our main responsibility _ such a threat? our main responsibility is - such a threat? our main responsibility is to - such a threat? our main i responsibility is to protect such a threat? our main - responsibility is to protect and defend all nato allies. it is important that russia understands that we are there to do exactly that. we have conveyed a very clear message to russia that we also see when they try to stage pretexts the

chemical weapon use. we have seen throughout this crisis that they have tried to create different kinds of false flag operations to try to provide excuses for the use of force. we saw that in the lead up to the intervention, and now we are seeing them accusing ukraine and also nato allies producing developing chemical weapons. that is an absolute lie, therefore it also makes us a bit concerned about the possibility that they are actually planning to do that. and the president of the united states and other allies have made it clear that if they use chemical weapons, there will be a high price to pay. but i will be a high price to pay. but i will not speculate about any military response from the nato side except to say that nato's main responsibility is to protect and defend all allies. that responsibility is to protect and defend all allies.— responsibility is to protect and defend all allies. that is a jens stoltenberg, — defend all allies. that is a jens stoltenberg, the _ defend all allies. that is a jens - stoltenberg, the secretary-general stoltenberg, the secretary—general of nato speaking their at a press

conference in brussels. he said, "we are concerned that moscow could stage a false flag operation in ukraine and the possibility of using chemical weapons." he also talked about the ongoing operations that have been taking place across this country, the bombardment, especially in western ukraine, so close to the polish border. he said there is oyster risk of incidents and accidents, so we are monitoring this situation very closely." it also talked about bolstering nato's military posture in the eastern flank. that was jens stoltenberg, thenit flank. that was jens stoltenberg, then it nato secretary—general telling us an update of the situation as far as nato is concerned, and this ongoing conflict here in ukraine. the prime ministers of poland, the czech republic and slovenia, all nato and eu nations, are visiting kyiv today. i am joined by our correspondent who is in the czech capital prague. this is being described as brave as courageous,

given they are taking a train to the capital while there is bombardment that continues in and around kyiv. how is it being covered and reported where you are in prague? weill. how is it being covered and reported where you are in prague?— where you are in prague? well, it is certainly brave _ where you are in prague? well, it is certainly brave and _ where you are in prague? well, it is certainly brave and courageous, - where you are in prague? well, it is certainly brave and courageous, butj certainly brave and courageous, but some officials are at least privately saying that it is insane. 0ne privately saying that it is insane. one can only assume that security details of the three prime ministers and deputy prime minister have given it to go ahead and decided that if they'd need to get a gift, it is a seven—hourjourney by they'd need to get a gift, it is a seven—hour journey by train they'd need to get a gift, it is a seven—hourjourney by train and the train is the safest way to do it. —— get to kyiv. we don't have images or video of the leaders arriving in kyiv, we are anxiously waiting for that in prague. when the czech prime minister announced this visit on twitter and also facebook, he said in english that it was to express the unequivocal support of the european union and for the

sovereignty and independence of ukraine and also to unveil a package of support for ukraine. and ukrainians. he said that they were travelling to the ukrainian capital as representatives of the european council, and that the visit had been coordinated and consulted with european and nato allies. the european and nato allies. the european union, an official has told the bbc, that they were told of this visit at the versailles summit last week, but it seems they were only actually informed that they were on their way last night, so not really giving that much notice. in this official stressed that there was no mandate from the european council for the visit, because there were no inclusions formally adopted from the member states last week. so clearly i think we can read from that from the kind of language that is coming out of brussels that perhaps there is some apprehension of what could be seen as a hugely risky trip by these three prime ministers into a war zone, these three prime ministers into a warzone, into a these three prime ministers into a war zone, into a city where there will be a curfew declared in just a few hours. in fact, i was just

texting a very senior official from me nato and eu country and asking what he thought of the trip, he just replied," with a facepalm emoji, i think that gives you the sense of risk that these leaders are taking. it certainly is a risk. thank you so much forjoining us from prague. i'm joined now by: 'stippity foreign minister. thank you —— i am joined by poland's deputy foreign minister. he is saying that people are describing this trip to kyiv by these three leaders, including yours, as courageous, brave but also insane. how do you respond to that? it is obviously a risk, there is risk. but i am afraid that this is a risk. but i am afraid that this is a risk that we cannot choose. we are in a situation where a war was started against ukraine, and it is in fact a war against europe,

against the values that we share common values we hold. ukraine is defending its independence, its integrity, its freedom, very bravely and courageously. it is our duty as the west, as the eu, as nato to support it, because otherwise we will have much greater risk very shortly. putin will not stop at ukraine, if we allow him. 50. shortly. putin will not stop at ukraine, if we allow him. so, what is on the agenda _ ukraine, if we allow him. so, what is on the agenda and _ ukraine, if we allow him. so, what is on the agenda and how- ukraine, if we allow him. so, what is on the agenda and how long - ukraine, if we allow him. so, what is on the agenda and how long willj is on the agenda and how long will they be there?— they be there? well, i'm not at libe to they be there? well, i'm not at liberty to disclose _ they be there? well, i'm not at liberty to disclose the - they be there? well, i'm not at liberty to disclose the technicalj liberty to disclose the technical details, it is of utmost security will stop it is confidential and this is the way it was prepared. what i can tell you is that all of the prime minister is representatives of three countries that have been very vocal about the nature of the russian threat, very vocal about the need to support ukraine by going to kyiv and a sense of complete packages and concrete support. 0n of complete packages and concrete support. on behalf of the european

union, the support that has been adopted and agreed with other european leaders, we want to increase that are advocating the even stronger support, and we are conveying today a message in kyiv that ukrainians, you are not alone. we have your back and will be supporting you. and we will be fighting for even more support among eu members and nato allies.- eu members and nato allies. poland has been bearing _ eu members and nato allies. poland has been bearing the _ eu members and nato allies. poland has been bearing the brunt - eu members and nato allies. poland has been bearing the brunt of - eu members and nato allies. poland has been bearing the brunt of the . has been bearing the brunt of the refugee and humanitarian crisis in this conflict, well over1 million people are now in poland. but at the same time, poland has also tried to assist with fighter jets via the united states. there was apprehension and that offer was pushed back. what will poland try to do now? brute pushed back. what will poland try to do now? ~ ., pushed back. what will poland try to do now? ~ . , ., ., do now? we are, first of all we shouldn't _ do now? we are, first of all we shouldn't be _ do now? we are, first of all we shouldn't be discussing - do now? we are, first of all we shouldn't be discussing the - do now? we are, first of all we - shouldn't be discussing the details publicly. the most important element of this is efficiency, effectiveness and actually being able to deliver.

a public discussion which was not stirred by our side is not serving this purpose. what is most important is to support ukraine's defence effort, to assist refugees, which we are doing in other countries are doing, and even more important is sanctions which the us has already had a full bar gun ban and russian oil and gas and this is necessary in order to cut putin of his money and we know that there are some eu countries that are blocking the sanctions. the german chancellor says that the war has negative consequences for the economy. well, this is a wake—up call to our german colleagues. these negative consequences are here already. if we want to avoid even stronger consequences, we need to act now. we need to ban russian oil, ban russian gas and council put in public money.

i mean, you say you don't want the discussion to be public but it was public. that discussion did take place in a very public way about the aircraft that was being offered and the push back by the united states. is there a split between nato members on how to move forward and how best to assist ukraine in this conflict? ., ., , ., how best to assist ukraine in this conflict? ., ., ., ., . ., conflict? nato is an alliance of many countries _ conflict? nato is an alliance of many countries so _ conflict? nato is an alliance of many countries so obviously i conflict? nato is an alliance of - many countries so obviously there are differences of opinion, there are differences of opinion, there are various perspectives, especially depending on geography. poland is a country bordering with russia and ukraine and is almost at the front line so the risk that we are bearing is higher than other nato members. we need to discuss what should be our response in a way that the risk is being either compensated or shared by other nato members and are more or less the same way. this is the nature of any alliance. but the fact that there are differences of opinion is natural. we are working intensively with our allies to reach a conclusion that will be

satisfactory and by satisfactory i mean effective support for ukrainian defence efforts, stopping putting and stopping this war. i defence efforts, stopping putting and stopping this war.— and stopping this war. i earlier soke to and stopping this war. i earlier spoke to vladimir— and stopping this war. i earlier spoke to vladimir tich - and stopping this war. i earlier spoke to vladimir tich coe, - and stopping this war. i earlier| spoke to vladimir tich coe, the brother of the mayor of kyiv and the ukrainians here in lviv where i am, people are constantly asking why there is no fly zone. we know what nato has said, but behind—the—scenes, is poland lobbying or favourable to a no—fly zone? lobbying or favourable to a no-fly zone? ~ ., , , lobbying or favourable to a no-fly zone? . . , , ,. zone? what is behind the scene has to remain behind-the-scenes. - zone? what is behind the scene has to remain behind-the-scenes. i'm l to remain behind—the—scenes. i'm terribly sorry, i would like to tell you more about it, but we must be efficient and rather than being open and vocal. we are talking about various ideas and obviously a no—fly zone is a challenging issue because there is one thing to accept a no—fly zone and another to enforce it. but we need to analyse every option because on the other side

there is a vicious, brutal dictator thatis there is a vicious, brutal dictator that is attacking notjust soldiers but also civilians and deliberately killing them to try to inflict fear and panic and to scare us. we should not be scared, we are stronger than putin, we are able to defeat him but the thing that is necessary now is the thing that is necessary now is the political will to use the means at our disposal and this is most of all sanctions.— at our disposal and this is most of all sanctions. thank you very much, the deputy — all sanctions. thank you very much, the deputy foreign _ all sanctions. thank you very much, the deputy foreign minister - all sanctions. thank you very much, the deputy foreign minister of - the deputy foreign minister of poland forjoining us. russian civil rights activists have expressed concerns over the safety of a journalist who interrupted a live television news bulletin to protest against the invasion of ukraine. i am joined now by vilnius. thank you very much forjoining us here in the

programme. when those images emerged of people saw that on the television the one thing that people were saying over and over again was how brave she was, how courageous she was to do that. brave she was, how courageous she was to do that-— was to do that. yes, it was an extraordinary _ was to do that. yes, it was an extraordinary thing _ was to do that. yes, it was an extraordinary thing and - was to do that. yes, it was an extraordinary thing and the i was to do that. yes, it was an i extraordinary thing and the fact that this lady, who is now detained and held incommunicado, has also recorded a very succinct two minute video message before that which was basically the envy of any russian opposition politician which was very cautious it seems to me and now the human rights activists and lawyers in russia are saying that may be under the new laws, which were adopted just basically ten days ago, this sentence of up to ten years in jail that may befall this courageous lady, marina 0vsyannikova, and she is the mother of two children and so

it is something that is on the one hand completely surprising and on the other in such a system such as putting's system it is not surprising because they always try to everything and then eventually you will control nothing. and this could have happened that an air and on major state tv channel and has proof of that. on major state tv channel and has proof of that-— proof of that. yes, but it is one thin to proof of that. yes, but it is one thing to do _ proof of that. yes, but it is one thing to do do _ proof of that. yes, but it is one thing to do do this _ proof of that. yes, but it is one thing to do do this before - proof of that. yes, but it is one | thing to do do this before these laws were enforced before a week ago, but to do it now, the risks involved in doing it now is so much higher. involved in doing it now is so much hither. �* ~ , higher. indeed. and i think she exlained higher. indeed. and i think she explained what _ higher. indeed. and i think she explained what she _ higher. indeed. and i think she explained what she meant - higher. indeed. and i think she explained what she meant and | higher. indeed. and i think she - explained what she meant and why she did it. she was wearing actually a necklace which was a mix of the colours of the russian and ukrainian state flags and she said my father

is ukrainian and my mother is russian and the fact that i wear this necklace is a symbol that i don't want any war, i am very much ashamed and that is important, i am very much ashamed that i work for so many years for state propaganda and state tv that she says is zumba flying russian mines. this is a very significant admission. —— zumba flying... people have been doing the same firm most of mr putin's stay in the kremlin. tell same firm most of mr putin's stay in the kremlin-— the kremlin. tell tell us about any information _ the kremlin. tell tell us about any information we _ the kremlin. tell tell us about any information we have _ the kremlin. tell tell us about any information we have on _ the kremlin. tell tell us about any information we have on her - information we have on her whereabouts now. when i last checked about an hour ago, it was unclear where she is. about an hour ago, it was unclear where she is— where she is. yes, as far as i understand _ where she is. yes, as far as i understand and _ where she is. yes, as far as i understand and i _ where she is. yes, as far as i understand and i checked - where she is. yes, as far as i | understand and i checked just where she is. yes, as far as i - understand and i checked just before going on air, her whereabouts are not clear. she is detained, although in a sense we don't even know whether she is detained officially,

no lawyer can access and it seems only that the prosecution and the russian invest investigative committee which is a type of fbi in russia have started what they call a pre—case check on whether there is essentially a case to be opened, but i'm sure there will be a case. this is such an issue, such a significant issue for the kremlin that i am afraid that she will be put on trial as an example and as a warning for others and nothing can stop it, nothing can stop this process now, apart possibly from massive protests against this. brute apart possibly from massive protests auainst this. ~ ., apart possibly from massive protests auainst this. ~ . , , against this. we have been seeing massive protests _ against this. we have been seeing massive protests over _ against this. we have been seeing massive protests over several - massive protests over several weekends were up to 4000 people were arrested from moscow and right through to siberia. people are being defiant in coming on the streets and those who have had access to

information and not supporters of vladimir putin. l’m information and not supporters of vladimir putin.— vladimir putin. i'm afraid that's not massive. _ vladimir putin. i'm afraid that's not massive. for— vladimir putin. i'm afraid that's not massive. for a _ vladimir putin. i'm afraid that's| not massive. for a countrymen, vladimir putin. i'm afraid that's - not massive. for a countrymen, that is not a lot. —— 140 million countrymen. the persistency of this protest did surprise me. and the fact that the police is not being gentle in russia and it adds up to that. also, what i would pay a attention to is not the numbers being detained, which is being compared to the jailing of alex set the valley, russia has about 18 or 19 cities which have 1 the valley, russia has about 18 or 19 cities which have1 million population or more, but the geography is much wider. it is about 50 cities now so that means that passes for a very small town of 300 and 400,000 people, there are people who do it and in such places, such acts are immediately known to

everyone because it is essentially a small place. i think this shows that there is a realisation, especially probably among the younger parts of the russian population, but things are going wrong. i am afraid that the majority of the population believes the propaganda, especially those who live in provincial russia, but i think that will start to change as economic difficulties kicking and as this war becomes protracted. it is already protracted and the mouth that russia wanted to project definitely does not correspond to the length and severity —— or might that russia... in the realisation will creep them and as someone who because of my age i remember what was the war in afghanistan which i... this overtime has an impact on public opinion but one has to be patient.—

one has to be patient. really fascinating — one has to be patient. really fascinating hearing _ one has to be patient. really fascinating hearing your- one has to be patient. really . fascinating hearing your analysis and thank you so much forjoining us. that was russian political commentator. just short of three weeks into this conflict, the kremlin is insisting that its so—called special military operation is going to plan. but something moscow admits that the or camping was not progressing as quickly as it wanted and the united states are saying that is pretty much stalled. what is the current state of the russian campaign and how have ukrainians managed to frustrate them? our security correspond full reports. the russian offensive continues to make only slow progress. their original plan of an lightning strike failed thanks partly to so much secrecy that so much of the russian forces seem to be unprepared. that combined a bad intelligence of what reception they would get. they have moved most effectively across the south of the country, but around kyiv, there has

been little change as the russians continue to regroup and slowly encircle the capital. they have not gonein encircle the capital. they have not gone in underground and it is not clear when they will come they have launched strikes from the air, including these three districts overnight. in all, russia's potter have fired about 900 missiles during the invasion, including a couple of dozens which hit this ukrainian training centre you near the polish border on the weekend. as well as faulty assumptions, the russian initial thrust also stalled due to ukrainian tactics and stiffer resistance that moscow expected. rather than head on combat against a largerforce, ukrainianforces rather than head on combat against a largerforce, ukrainian forces have been skilled at adapting and wishing russian forces and targeting a senior russian officers with snipers, using drones which can carry explosives to target convoys and using military aid from the west. so what help is the west giving? it supplied what is called

defensive equipment but some of it high end. these are machines are valued for targeting tanks and vehicles. britain sent 2000 before the invasion and training ukrainian troops to use them here injanuary and nearly as many again since it started. 0ther and nearly as many again since it started. other countries have also supplied stinger anti—aircraft missiles as well as other equipment but nato has ruled out direct involvement on the ground or through creating a no—fly zone. so the question is now willed the russians make a direct assault on kyiv, even though it is heavily defended? that is our security correspondent reporting there. the capital kyiv is due to go under curfew injust reporting there. the capital kyiv is due to go under curfew in just a few short hours as russian forces continue their advance on the city. i spoke to vladimir kluge co who is helping to defend and reinforce the city alongside his brother vitaly who was the mayor.—

city alongside his brother vitaly who was the mayor. today or early in the morning — who was the mayor. today or early in the morning there _ who was the mayor. today or early in the morning there was _ who was the mayor. today or early in the morning there was another - who was the mayor. today or early in | the morning there was another attack on the capital initials are rush missiles in the russian army who landed in the soil of the city of kyiv and this muscles brought death to the civilians, civilian buildings were hit and put on fire, civilians got injured and killed, the exact numbers are going to be known later on. we are still counting and the fire was extinguished. so it is another attack on the civilian population of ukraine which is happening while we are talking and all different sides of our country, coming from russian federation, so from the east, up north and south of

the country. the russian army is trying to surround the capital of ukraine because the capital of ukraine because the capital of ukraine is the main target. and we are expecting that the russian military is going to be more active in the coming hours and days, but we are standing strong, our will and the unity of the ukrainian and ukrainians is as strong as ever because this is our home, this is our country, this is our right of choice for freedom our country, this is our right of choice forfreedom and our country, this is our right of choice for freedom and as a member of holocaust memorial, which is in the city weren't in 1941, nazis shot 100 --100,000 the city weren't in 1941, nazis shot 100 ——100,000 people of the city of

kyiv and it is called holocaust by bullets and the evidence... let me just finish... brute bullets and the evidence... let me just finish- - -_ bullets and the evidence... let me just finish... we have seen, we have seen that building _ just finish... we have seen, we have seen that building site, _ just finish... we have seen, we have seen that building site, the - seen that building site, the 15—storey building site completely bombed out and we know two people were killed today. wejust bombed out and we know two people were killed today. we just want to have a better understanding. you are concerned that the bombardment is going to continue and intensify on kyiv and therefore you have imposed curfew. , ., kyiv and therefore you have imposed curfew. , . , ., curfew. yes, we are preparing for the worst and _ curfew. yes, we are preparing for the worst and we _ curfew. yes, we are preparing for the worst and we are _ curfew. yes, we are preparing for the worst and we are expecting i curfew. yes, we are preparing for - the worst and we are expecting more activity and more bombarding also of the capital of ukraine, the city of kyiv. yes, that is what we are expecting and preparing for the worst. ~ , ., expecting and preparing for the worst. ~ ,, expecting and preparing for the worst. ~ ., worst. when you say you are preparing — worst. when you say you are preparing for _ worst. when you say you are preparing for the _ worst. when you say you are preparing for the worst - worst. when you say you are l preparing for the worst you're saying that kyiv could be levelled?

0ur military is doing anything, the city of kyiv is not going to be circled. and surrounded by russian army. because then it is going to be catastrophic humanitarian event and military forces, the ukrainian military forces, the ukrainian military forces, the ukrainian military force is doing everything in our power to defend the city and so this isolation and this encircling is not going to be closed and fighting back the russian forces. iiii and fighting back the russian forces. , ., . . , and fighting back the russian forces. , ., .. , ., forces. if they do encircle kyiv and ou sa forces. if they do encircle kyiv and you say you _ forces. if they do encircle kyiv and you say you are — forces. if they do encircle kyiv and you say you are prepared - forces. if they do encircle kyiv and you say you are prepared to - you say you are prepared to deal with that, what are you going to do about the situation from the skies, because of course, today that 15—storey building was bombed. they are using bombings and shootings,

rather than bringing the column of troops to encircle kyiv. both rather than bringing the column of troops to encircle kyiv.— troops to encircle kyiv. both this happening- _ troops to encircle kyiv. both this happening- the _ troops to encircle kyiv. both this happening. the truth _ troops to encircle kyiv. both this happening. the truth are - troops to encircle kyiv. both this happening. the truth are on - troops to encircle kyiv. both this happening. the truth are on the | happening. the truth are on the outskirts of the city, the satellite cities are on fire, lots of civilians lost their lives there and the corridor for civilians to leave those cities during the movement of the people, some were shot by the russian military forces, so this situation is definitely out of control for any international or any law that possibly could be respected, in this case by the russian army, and as i said, we are preparing for the worst because we

are seeing the rockets and soldiers and russian boots are on the outskirts of the city and the rockets are actually landing in the city. rockets are actually landing in the ci . ., , rockets are actually landing in the ci . . , . . rockets are actually landing in the city. that is a vladimir klitschko, the brother _ city. that is a vladimir klitschko, the brother of _ city. that is a vladimir klitschko, the brother of a _ city. that is a vladimir klitschko, the brother of a vitaly _ city. that is a vladimir klitschko, the brother of a vitaly klitschko i the brother of a vitaly klitschko who is the mayor of kyiv. we have a breaking news for you. the russian state tv employee who states that anti—war protest and a live news programme last night is currently on trial at moscow's court. marina 0vsyannikova is being charged with organising an unauthorised public event and could result in a fine of “p event and could result in a fine of up to 30,000 roubles, that is about £200, community service or up to ten daysin £200, community service or up to ten days injail. it suggests £200, community service or up to ten days in jail. it suggests that the journalist is not being charged under moscow's new law on spreading false information about russia's armed forces. earlierwe false information about russia's armed forces. earlier we reported that her lawyers were unable to

locate her, but a photo circulating on social media appears to show her in court with a lawyer and when we were speaking earlier without russian political commentator, constantine, he said she could have faced up to ten years in prison under the new laws, but we are now being told that she is likely or unlikely to be charged on the new laws. i am joined unlikely to be charged on the new laws. iamjoined by unlikely to be charged on the new laws. i am joined by a seniorfellow of the land in lviv and he has been here for several weeks since the war began and thank you forjoining us. you were in kyiv, you came to live in that the war broke out. you are from the city, this is your city. how much has changed? thanks for having me. it changed dramatically. when i came here it was a split screen reality between the violence in kyiv and here. it may look very calm now but underneath the tension is very palpable. people have to

remember that this is the birthplace of ukrainian nationalism. this is where a lot of the dissidence of the then soviet union through into the gulag and this is where a lot of the ukrainian diaspora such as in the uk trace their roots too. it sends a chill down my back to say this but i think it is a very tempting target for mr putin. things are not going well for him obviously and to level some trouble or destruction wherever you want to go, lviv might fall into the playbook. j you want to go, lviv might fall into the playbook-— the playbook. i 'ust want you to exand a the playbook. i 'ust want you to expand a little — the playbook. i just want you to expand a little bit _ the playbook. i just want you to expand a little bit on _ the playbook. i just want you to expand a little bit on why - the playbook. i just want you to expand a little bit on why this i expand a little bit on why this would be a target. when he says things like d nats are flying ukraine, what does he mean? this is where a lot — ukraine, what does he mean? this is where a lot of— ukraine, what does he mean? this is where a lot of leaders _ ukraine, what does he mean? this is where a lot of leaders in _ ukraine, what does he mean? this is where a lot of leaders in politics - where a lot of leaders in politics and the arts and religion came from and the arts and religion came from and if, god forbid, ukraine were to be partitioned or anything like that, this is where the leadership would come from this is where the leaders of kyiv would come to govern and it is also so close to poland and it is also so close to poland and took nato's eastern flank and it

makes sense for this place to be temporarily a base of operations for the political people here in ukraine. in the political people here in ukraine. ., , the political people here in ukraine. . , , the political people here in ukraine. . , ., ., , ukraine. in many ways, it already has because _ ukraine. in many ways, it already has because many _ ukraine. in many ways, it already has because many consuls - ukraine. in many ways, it already has because many consuls and i has because many consuls and embassies and western nations have moved there. fight! embassies and western nations have moved there-— moved there. and also the united nations is here _ moved there. and also the united nations is here and _ moved there. and also the united nations is here and most - moved there. and also the united nations is here and most of - moved there. and also the united nations is here and most of the i nations is here and most of the agencies are operating out of here. that strike the other day and that military base to the north, people in the lviv suburbs heard that but that was a very old provocation from the russian side, almost taunting nato to get involved. and just quickly, if i can say, you were talking earlier about those jets from poland. i don't know the difference between providing lethal weaponry and providing jets and it almost seems as if that at one point or another, almost seems as if that at one point oranother, mr almost seems as if that at one point or another, mr putin will draw nato in so the west might as well do it on their own terms rather than mr putin was much on. you on their own terms rather than mr putin was much on.— putin was much on. you feel like nato should _ putin was much on. you feel like nato should impose _ putin was much on. you feel like nato should impose a _ putin was much on. you feel like nato should impose a no-fly - putin was much on. you feel like i nato should impose a no-fly zone. nato should impose a no—fly zone. that is what we constantly hear in

the city, everyone i speak to. j the city, everyone i speak to. i think we have got to the point with our respective leaders in the west that anything they threaten with mr putin, whether it is sanctions a no—fly zone, he will come back and see that as a provocation. you can start a world war or something like that, but i think we need to see more boldness in the west because everything i am hearing from a ukrainian friends and relatives is that we are getting the feeling that we are more and more in this alone, we are more and more in this alone, we are more and more in this alone, we are paying for the protection of the west with our children, mother, children brother blood. hour children brother blood. how concerned _ children brother blood. how concerned are _ children brother blood. how concerned are you - children brother blood. how concerned are you about. children brother blood. how concerned are you about these reports, which china by the way has rejected, that russia has asked for assistance, whether that is financial or military? i assistance, whether that is financial or military? i have lived and cover— financial or military? i have lived and cover china _ financial or military? i have lived and cover china and _ financial or military? i have lived and cover china and asia - financial or military? i have lived and cover china and asia for- financial or military? i have lived and cover china and asia for a i financial or military? i have lived i and cover china and asia for a long time and i don't think china would admit to it but let's face it, china and russia have been in increasing romance over the years. during covid when nobody was doing talks they were getting closer and they have this new economic union. having said

that, china is very vulnerable in terms of energy and food security and a lot of that would come from this part of the world. ukraine and china, by the way, china was ukraine's biggest economic partner before the violence began, so they have deep interest here and i think they are going to play a delicate balancing act and how to deal with this. , , ., , balancing act and how to deal with this. . , ., , ., . balancing act and how to deal with this. , ., , ., . ., this. just finally, how much do you think ukraine _ this. just finally, how much do you think ukraine will _ this. just finally, how much do you think ukraine will now— this. just finally, how much do you think ukraine will now change i think ukraine will now change after what has happened in the past few weeks? iiii what has happened in the past few weeks? , ., , ., ., j what has happened in the past few weeks? , ., , ., ., g , weeks? if this does go on. my roots to ve weeks? if this does go on. my roots go very deep _ weeks? if this does go on. my roots go very deep here. _ weeks? if this does go on. my roots go very deep here, as _ weeks? if this does go on. my roots go very deep here, as you _ weeks? if this does go on. my roots go very deep here, as you know, i weeks? if this does go on. my roots| go very deep here, as you know, and it is very painful and sad to see the attempt to destroying democracy such as a country like ukraine and at the moment we are looking at numbers of migration of upwards of 10 million. that is a quarter of the ukrainian population. but we have to remember that most people would rather stay here within ukraine's border so it is very important that as centres are established here so people do not have to go to poland and other neighbouring countries which are already overwhelmed.

michael, always good to talk to you from the atlantic council and thank you very much forjoining us here on the programme. michael wasjust the programme. michael was just saying the programme. michael wasjust saying that he is concerned that those predictions are that it is going to be 10 million people who could potentially leave this conflict if it does rage on. already, there is 2.8 million people who have crossed the borders to neighbouring countries through lviv and left ukraine. half of those are children. it has been absolutely extraordinary to see the number of children arriving at lviv station with their mothers and their being forced to flee this country. families are being torn apart in the last 20 days martial law forcing them and the men to stay and defend this country and many of their women and the women of this country are crossing the borders and leaving and michael was just saying that those numbers are now expected to go up of 10 million if this conflict does rage on. we will continue our special coverage in ukraine and the

ongoing war and special coverage in ukraine and the ongoing warand in special coverage in ukraine and the ongoing war and in the angle you twitter and i am at bbc. we'll be backin twitter and i am at bbc. we'll be back in the a few minutes. hello. predominantly dry across the uk today. tomorrow, for sure, more widespread rain. i want to show you first the satellite picture across this corner of europe. this is a storm just off the coast of africa, portugal and spain. storm celia. it's actually been producing a lot of rain, strong winds and the air currents associated with this storm system have also pushed very dusty, hazy skies, saharan dust, into spain and parts of france. this is a picture from alicante yesterday, it almost looks like a martian landscape. we may have some of that dust encroaching on our shores over the next day or so, mostly in the south—east, but it's not going to happen elsewhere across the country because the winds are blowing off

the atlantic here in the north—west as this weather front approaches and brings some rain to northern ireland and western scotland at the end of the afternoon and elsewhere. a dry evening, a dry first half of the night at least across many parts of england, but towards the early parts of the morning we could see rain nudging into the lake district, maybe western fringes of wales. mild across england and wales, but colder in scotland and northern ireland. on to the weather forecast for tomorrow. weather fronts crossing the uk, predominantly cloudy and, at times, wet in england and wales. what is going to happen, we are seeing a weather front coming in from the south, this one from the north. they will almost join forces during the course of the day, so in between there could be some brightness, but generally an overcast day and, if anything, the rain will get heavier during the day in the south and south—east. a different story in scotland and northern ireland. here a fresher day, lower temperatures, slightly stronger winds and more sunshine on the way.

on thursday, it will turn cloudy again in the north—west as this weather front approaches and some rain is expected in scotland and northern ireland, wheras to the south we actually have high pressure building. so across england and wales it will be a predominantly bright day. i wouldn't rule out a shower further south, but on the whole, a fine day. after that, into the weekend and into next week, high pressure will be building across the rest of the uk and i think we're in for some fine weather with temperatures, very pleasant, up to 17 degrees in some areas. that's it from me.

this is bbc news. i'm shaun ley. the headlines at 3pm... powerful explosions again rock the capital of ukraine. russian air strikes hit residential apartment blocks in kyiv and a metro station. the mayor says four people were killed. translation: from 8pm, a curfew is established in — translation: from 8pm, a curfew is established in kyiv. _ translation: from 8pm, a curfew is established in kyiv. movement - established in kyiv. movement through the city is prohibited without special passes. nearly three million refugees have fled ukraine. we report from poland where a shopping centre is being used to house families. "hooliganism", how the kremlin describes the anti—war protest of the woman who interrupted a live news show. ukraine's president tells the uk and other nations the west needs to do more to help his country fight russia, otherwise, he warned "they will come for you". translation: the world is