hello, i'm ros atkins, this is outside source. three weeks into russia's invasion of ukraine, more deadly attacks on civilians, in multiple locations. in the besieged city of mariupol, reports of a russian strike on a theatre being used by more than a thousand civilians as a shelter. president zelensky makes an impassioned appeal to congress for more help, calling again for the west to impose a no—fly zone over ukraine. i have a need. i need to protect our sky. i need your decision, your help, which means exactly the same, the same you feel when you hear the words, i have a dream.

the same you feel when you hear the words, i have a dream. president biden approves another 800—million dollars of military support for ukraine, saying president putin's military offensive must not be allowed to succeed. that is our goal. make peat and pay the price. we can his position while strengthening the hand of the ukrainians on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. ukrainians on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. in other news. after years detained in iran, nazanin zaghari ratcliffe and a second british iranian finally head back to the uk. ukrainians have been under attack from russia for three weeks now. there's been a lot going on. let me take you through them part by part. let me take you through them part by part. russia has continued to hit ukraine's cities — indiscriminately bombing civilian areas. president putin said again today that russia is not targeting civilians — what's happening on the ground

proves again that is not true. the latest attack is a theatre in the southern city of mariupol — filled with hundreds of people sheltering from bombs. these pictures have just come these pictures havejust come in. its deputy mayor told the bbc over 1,000 people were in the theatre that was bombed. we don't yet know casualty numbers. those statistics will be some time in coming. movie poll is under siege, rescue workers cannot reach the theatre. merely one and half thousand people have already died there. it's so bad, it now has two mass graves. for two weeks, there's been no clean water, electricity, or gas. so there's no heating, at a time when temperatures are below freezing at night. the bbc reports that in one location, �*hundreds of people

are crammed into the basement of a large public building. but are running out of food, with many also in need of urgent medical help.�* russian troops are also still holding 400 people, including doctors and patients, inside this hospital here. the first evacuations did take place this week. 0ne described what it's like inside mariupol. we survived on absolutely nothing the first days of other shops were opening the board flower, whatever there was. then they cut off the gas and the electricity and heating, so people set up kitchens in their yards between the housing blocks. we all slept in our clothes, with as many layers on as we could put on. on as we could put on. in the capital kyiv, where for the third day in a row

residential buildings were hit by russian strikes. the moment was captured on cctv. later, another attack on a different block of flats — the one you can see smoking on the right. this was the aftermath — ruined neighbourhoods and buildings. two people were injured in those airstrikes. dozens, like these people, were evacuated. and countless more homes were destroyed. you can see how traumatic russia's attacks have been for this resident. 0ur correspondentjames waterhouse sent this update. this is what we can see now. plumes of dark smoke on the outskirts of the city as ukrainian forces try to keep out this russian advance. and those defending ukraine say they can — and will — ukraine's former finance minister is now among kyiv�*s territorial defenders. it is impossible, you know, it is a

fortress. it is a fortress with well armed people. it will be protected. for as long as is needed. and russia understands us very well. i do not see them even attempting to do this. this is, this would be a suicide mission. there is hardly anyone out on the streets. local media said these people were killed by russian artillery outside of the city. there is fierce fighting in eastern ukraine. these are pictures from the donetsk region which has seen some of the worst fighting in the last three weeks and has been on the front line of the

war in ukraine between rebels and government forces all the way back to 2014. here are some residents cleaning up and trying to repair their damaged homes and neighbourhoods. there's fierce fighting in eastern ukraine too. and let me show you these pictures from makiiva — that's in the donestk region in eastern ukraine. it's seen some of the worst fighting — and has been the frontline of the war in ukraine for the past 8 years. here are residents cleaning up and repairing their damaged homes. kharkiv — that's ukraine's second—largest city that's been heavily attacked, two people died after russian shells hit an apartment block. this former resident — who escaped — told the bbc what it was like. now, no, no. you'rejust living on supplies that our city had before the war started. but i really hope i won't have to leave. i hope that, you know, our military will kick them out here and it is a ukrainian city and it will always be ukrainian.—

city and it will always be ukrainian. �* �* ., , , city and it will always be ukrainian. �* �* , , , ., ~ ukrainian. the bbc has been speaking to --eole in ukrainian. the bbc has been speaking to peeple in the _ ukrainian. the bbc has been speaking to people in the southern _ ukrainian. the bbc has been speaking to people in the southern city - to people in the southern city captured by the russians in the last month. 0ne captured by the russians in the last month. one of those who has spoken to us is older. she said no one can leave the city. civilian to try to leave the city. civilian to try to leave the city were killed. and other residents also said russia occupation is preventing supplies from entering. in occupation is preventing supplies from entering.— occupation is preventing supplies from entering. in the morning they aet u- from entering. in the morning they get up early _ from entering. in the morning they get up early in _ from entering. in the morning they get up early in the _ from entering. in the morning they get up early in the morning - from entering. in the morning they| get up early in the morning because of the _ get up early in the morning because of the sound of shelling. it was very— of the sound of shelling. it was very scary _ of the sound of shelling. it was very scary. it was the first time in our lives — very scary. it was the first time in our lives we _ very scary. it was the first time in our lives. we just took our kids, it was tough, — our lives. we just took our kids, it was tough, it_ our lives. we just took our kids, it was tough, it were, we took our cat and jumped — was tough, it were, we took our cat andjumped into was tough, it were, we took our cat and jumped into the car and tried to -et and jumped into the car and tried to get out _ and jumped into the car and tried to get out of— and jumped into the car and tried to get out of the city. it took around three _ get out of the city. it took around three hours— get out of the city. it took around three hours because of trafficjams, 'ust three hours because of trafficjams, just to _ three hours because of trafficjams, just to get — three hours because of trafficjams, just to get out of the city. in those parts of ukraine where russian attacks haven't yet arrivied — like lviv in the west — people are preparing. jonah fisher went to meet some.

in western ukraine, the war is getting closer and people are getting ready. we've been invited to a school building in lviv to see volunteers being given a crash course in handling a gun. lesia, a grandmother, is here with her architect husband, yuri. we need to be prepared. translation: normally, iwouldn't even point a gun at an animal, - but this is now time to learn how to hold weapons and shoot them. as, one by one, the volunteers take their turn, we're interrupted by the awful soundtrack of this war. we find yaryna, a doctor at lviv hospital. she's at the training. herjob is to save lives, but she says she is now ready to kill. i stay here and i defend under bombing and different military troops and i stay underfire.

and you're ready to pull the trigger on that gun if it comes to that? if i have no choice, yes. president putin has insisted his invasion is going to plan. many defence analysts do not agree. the uk said ukrainian forces are still in russia's advance of that russian forces are struggling to overcome the challenges posed by ukraine's terrain. certainly, three weeks and close to it, russia has taken one major city and today, ukraine says it has killed a fourth russian general. the bbc cannot verify that but, if true, that would be for top normally generals are far away from the front line. one of our defence correspondent says: let's look at some of the diplomatic efforts taking place today to try to bring

further support to ukraine and also to try to end this conflict. ukraine's presents a lansky address the us congress earlier and he asked for more military and financial aid. let me show you this clip of a senior democrat welcoming him. members of congress, i have the high privilege distinct honour of presenting to you the president of ukraine,... �*s. president zelensky compared russia's invasion to two historic attacks in the us, pearl harbor and september the 11th. 0ur harbor and september the 11th. our country experienced the same every day, right now. at this moment, every night, for three weeks now there are ukrainian cities, movie

poll, lviv, russia has turned the ukrainian sky into a source of death. forthousands ukrainian sky into a source of death. for thousands of people. and. death. for thousands of people. and, once again. — death. for thousands of people. and, once again, president _ death. for thousands of people. and, once again, president zelensky asked the west to create a no—fly zone over his country. the west to create a no-fly zone over his country.— over his country. russian troops have already — over his country. russian troops have already fired _ over his country. russian troops have already fired nearly - over his country. russian troops have already fired nearly 1000 l have already fired nearly 1000 missiles at ukraine. countless bombs. they use drones to kill others with precision. theirs is a terror that europe has not seen, has not seen for 80 years and we are asking for an answer to this terror from the whole world. is a lot to ask for, to create a no—fly zone over ukraine to save people? he

ask for, to create a no-fly zone over ukraine to save people? he did not “ust over ukraine to save people? he did not just ask — over ukraine to save people? he did notjust ask for _ over ukraine to save people? he did notjust ask for a _ over ukraine to save people? he did not just ask for a no-fly _ over ukraine to save people? he did not just ask for a no-fly zone, - not just ask for a no—fly zone, though. he also asked for more military equipment. it though. he also asked for more military equipment.— though. he also asked for more military equipment. if this is too much to ask _ military equipment. if this is too much to ask we _ military equipment. if this is too much to ask we offer _ military equipment. if this is too much to ask we offer an - military equipment. if this is too - much to ask we offer an alternative. we know what kind of defence systems we need. s 300 and other similar systems. you know how much depends on the battlefield and the ability to use aircraft.— to use aircraft. after all of that, this was the _ to use aircraft. after all of that, this was the reaction _ to use aircraft. after all of that, this was the reaction to - to use aircraft. after all of that, this was the reaction to the - to use aircraft. after all of that, - this was the reaction to the speech. applause. thank you. a standing ovation for president zelensky _ thank you. a standing ovation for president zelensky and _ thank you. a standing ovation for president zelensky and he - thank you. a standing ovation for president zelensky and he were l thank you. a standing ovation for l president zelensky and he were the thoughts of the former us ambassador to ukraine. it thoughts of the former us ambassador to ukraine. ., , thoughts of the former us ambassador to ukraine. . , ., ., ., ., to ukraine. it was an emotional deal to ukraine. it was an emotional deal, it to ukraine. it was an emotional deal. it was _ to ukraine. it was an emotional deal. it was a — to ukraine. it was an emotional deal, it was a direct _ to ukraine. it was an emotional deal, it was a direct appeal- to ukraine. it was an emotional deal, it was a direct appeal andj to ukraine. it was an emotional- deal, it was a direct appeal and the response _ deal, it was a direct appeal and the response was a bipartisan support. i mean. _ response was a bipartisan support. i mean. you _ response was a bipartisan support. i mean, you saw bipartisan support coming _ mean, you saw bipartisan support coming and — mean, you saw bipartisan support coming and democrats across the spectrum — coming and democrats across the spectrum so it was well received. also in— spectrum so it was well received. also in the — spectrum so it was well received. also in the us president biden announced hundreds of millions of us dollars in new security aid for

ukraine. i dollars in new security aid for ukraine. ., ., dollars in new security aid for ukraine. . ,, ., , , ., ukraine. i thank the congress for appr0priatin9 _ ukraine. i thank the congress for appropriating these _ ukraine. i thank the congress for appropriating these funds. - ukraine. i thank the congress for appropriating these funds. this l ukraine. i thank the congress for i appropriating these funds. this new package, on its own is going to provide unprecedented assistance to ukraine. it includes 800 anti—aircraft systems to make sure the ukrainian military can continue to stop the planes and helicopters attacking the people and defending ukrainian airspace. at the request of president zelensky we have identified and are helping ukraine acquire additional longer range anti—aircraft systems. lets acquire additional longer range anti-aircraft systems.- acquire additional longer range anti-aircraft systems. lets go back to the capital— anti-aircraft systems. lets go back to the capital of— anti-aircraft systems. lets go back to the capital of ukraine. _ anti-aircraft systems. lets go back to the capital of ukraine. you're i to the capital of ukraine. you're speaking now to our chief international correspondent. thank you forjoining us. there are so many dimensions to the story. let's begin with the status of the capital and the degree of pressure exerted tjy and the degree of pressure exerted by russia. what can you tell is about that? we

by russia. what can you tell is about that?— by russia. what can you tell is about that? ~ . , ., ,': about that? we are still under a 35 hour curfew— about that? we are still under a 35 hour curfew which _ about that? we are still under a 35 hour curfew which will _ about that? we are still under a 35 hour curfew which will be - about that? we are still under a 35 hour curfew which will be enforced | hour curfew which will be enforced until seven o'clock tomorrow morning. that is five o'clock gmt. we just heard a crackle of gunfire somewhere just below us. you never know what the source of that gunfire is, why it suddenly erupts. we have heard over the last, bit more than 24 hours, more sustained artillery fire than we have heard probably since the start of this invasion. sustained barrages like rolling thunder. during the day, large clouds of black smoke rose from the north—west. we believed that was a ukrainian counterattack against russian forces which have been trying for days now, if not weeks, to push forward into the capital from the north—west and from the north—east. we are hearing from the ukrainians and the pentagon that thatis ukrainians and the pentagon that that is and of course, on monday, tuesday, and today again, ukrainians

woke up to the images of high—rise apartment blocks on fire. as a russian shelling, bombardment comes closer into the city. as russia directly targeting the residential blocks? is it firing at other targets? we are not sure. the human cost of this war is mounting on the edges of this capital, raising concern, of course, that the kind of shelling and sieges that we see inflicted on other parts of ukraine to devastating effect is just a matter of time for kyiv to be in the sights of moscow. bud matter of time for kyiv to be in the sights of moscow.— matter of time for kyiv to be in the sights of moscow. and why everyone tries to access _ sights of moscow. and why everyone tries to access when _ sights of moscow. and why everyone tries to access when and _ sights of moscow. and why everyone tries to access when and if _ sights of moscow. and why everyone tries to access when and if he - sights of moscow. and why everyone tries to access when and if he ever . tries to access when and if he ever will be further in the sights of the russians can you help me understand how many people are still in the city. we hear a lot about the millions of refugees created by this

invasion. is it possible to assess how many people have left? how many people have chosen to stay? i think it is hard to — people have chosen to stay? i think it is hard to have _ people have chosen to stay? i think it is hard to have statistical- it is hard to have statistical certainty. i think no one is really counting. we had more than a week ago from the maia who said a little less than 2 million have left. this was a city of 2.8 million, 3 million thriving before the invasion. but we can see it when we go about. we go to the railway platform, the trains heading west, the railway platform is less crowded. i went to one of the metro stations which, in february 24, 25th, 700 people had been crowded into the shelter. people were being turned away because there are so many people who needed to go underground. the day we went there had only been 80 the night before. and when you walk through the streets, mostly you see elderly people. not exclusively. in the rare coffee shops that are open we see younger people. some, of course, are here because they have chosen to fight or they had to

fight, they have been conscripted. but there is a lot of elderly people and it is really heartbreaking because the last two days before the curfew, when i have come across elderly people, you start talking to them and they are very stoic and very poised and dignified and then they break down in tears under was just on a street close to hear a man and his wife sitting outside their apartment block and i asked how their work and i said where are you going? it was before the curfew. they said we're going to the bombshell turned over the two of them and the man started crying, how could he make sense of... it has become normal now, we say every day, going to the bomb shelter. it is not normal and it is not nice. that very ukrainian way, after he broke down crying he said, would you like some coffee or maybe some brandy? never forgetting their sense of self and place, the rituals and rhythms of a

life which is now in the past. claim that they are _ life which is now in the past. claim that they are still— life which is now in the past. claim that they are still turning - life which is now in the past. claim that they are still turning to - life which is now in the past. claim that they are still turning to those rituals and rhythms even though some of them are elusive. before i let you go i want to ask you about a story away from ukraine but a story you have helped us on so many times, the plight of nazanin zaghari—ratcliffe the british iranian who has been in custody in iranian who has been in custody in iran for close to six years. you followed all the twists and turns of efforts to try and get her home. now she is heading home today i how you assess the reasons why that has happened? hat assess the reasons why that has happened?— happened? notjust nazanin zaghari-ratcliffe, _ happened? notjust nazanin zaghari-ratcliffe, of - happened? notjust nazaninj zaghari-ratcliffe, of course, happened? notjust nazanin l zaghari-ratcliffe, of course, a zaghari—ratcliffe, of course, a retired engineer is also heading home. he has been languishing in prison in iran. nazanin zaghari—ratcliffe has been there for six years. iran has always said, no, no, this is not connected to any politics will stop and the british and others, they have cold nazanin zaghari—ratcliffe and many other dual nationals hostages and what was the bargain? we now know for sure.

britain had to pay that £500 debt that has been owed to 0rion since before the iranian revolution of 1979. it has taken success of foreign secretaries and once there was a new government in iran, new foreign secretary in britain, they said they tried to make it work. liz truss picked up by her predecessors left off. i remember speaking to the iranian ambassador and he said we came to a deal about paying that debt. we were literally signing on the dotted line when a call came from the united states and said, no. this will be in violation of sanctions. so the deal was off. the british government kept trying. the iranians also kept trying. they wanted to take this off the agenda. it is a cruel, cruel reality of geopolitics that sometimes personal lives, the lives of families are

thrust into these tangled political negotiations and they become hostages. it is such good news that they are going home and maybe other dual nationals, and there are many, may they also go free sooner rather than later. ., ., may they also go free sooner rather than later. ., ,, , ., may they also go free sooner rather than later. ., ,, i. ,., ., , may they also go free sooner rather than later. ., ,, i. , .,, than later. thank you. good news has been in short — than later. thank you. good news has been in short supply _ than later. thank you. good news has been in short supply and _ than later. thank you. good news has been in short supply and let's - than later. thank you. good news has been in short supply and let's learn i been in short supply and let's learn some more about it. let's talk more about these two releases. nazanin zaghari—ratcliffe who has been detained for nearly six years. she is on her way home. she has been released as has another british iranian. these are the latest pictures of their journey towards the uk. you were the two of them being greeted by diplomats. from here they will take a flight to the uk. iranian media has also reported that the uk released £400 million around $500 million of debt owed to

0rion had of the release. let's go back to april 2016, the moment she was arrested at tehran airport will stop she was supposed to be heading back to the uk after visiting her parents but it did not happen. she has since spent close to six years in detention. she was accused of plotting against the iranian government but iran never produced any evidence. he was the british foreign secretary rethink parliament on her release. this foreign secretary rethink parliament on her release.— on her release. this has been an a- allin: on her release. this has been an appalling ordeal _ on her release. this has been an appalling ordeal for _ on her release. this has been an appalling ordeal for nazanin i appalling ordeal for nazanin zaghari—ratcliffe, and others and theirfamilies. i'm sure zaghari—ratcliffe, and others and their families. i'm sure everybody across the uk is delighted that they have been released and will be celebrating that fact. this have been released and will be celebrating that fact.— have been released and will be celebrating that fact. as we have been hearing _ celebrating that fact. as we have been hearing this _ celebrating that fact. as we have been hearing this has _ celebrating that fact. as we have been hearing this has been i celebrating that fact. as we have been hearing this has been an i been hearing this has been an awfully long time coming for the families of those involved. ten by matt's husband richard campaigned relentlessly for her release. you

enter a second hunger strike last year and attempt to pressure the to bring his wife home. and this was richard ratcliffe along with a couple's daughter a little while ago. it couple's daughter a little while am, ., , , , , couple's daughter a little while an, ., , , , , couple's daughter a little while ao. ., , , , , ., , ago. it was bumpy. there have been scabby conversations _ ago. it was bumpy. there have been scabby conversations in _ ago. it was bumpy. there have been scabby conversations in the - ago. it was bumpy. there have been scabby conversations in the last i scabby conversations in the last couple of days as well people just trying to, you know, making sure that she would be well behaved when she came back. but a big grin on her face in that photograph. it is going to be lovely to see her. it will be lovely to sit with her. we have chosen which toys were taking so that she can get to see them and we are looking forward to it. that that she can get to see them and we are looking forward to it.— are looking forward to it. that is one reunion _ are looking forward to it. that is one reunion being _ are looking forward to it. that is one reunion being anticipated. l are looking forward to it. that is i one reunion being anticipated. but you about another. it has been a crazy week. an emotional roller—coaster. but we tried to stay very cautiously optimistic until today when we were finally told that the plane had left

the uranian airport. and that is when we allowed ourselves to feel ioy when we allowed ourselves to feel joy for the very first time. itrutheit when we allowed ourselves to feel joy for the very first time.- joy for the very first time. what a 'o joy for the very first time. what a “0 that joy for the very first time. what a joy that must _ joy for the very first time. what a joy that must be. _ joy for the very first time. what a joy that must be. have _ joy for the very first time. what a joy that must be. have you i joy for the very first time. what a l joy that must be. have you spoken joy for the very first time. what a i joy that must be. have you spoken to your dad? i joy that must be. have you spoken to our dad? ., joy that must be. have you spoken to our dad? . ., ., your dad? i have. he rang me to tell me that they — your dad? i have. he rang me to tell me that they were _ your dad? i have. he rang me to tell me that they were just _ your dad? i have. he rang me to tell me that they were just topping i your dad? i have. he rang me to tell| me that they were just topping there briefly before they fly to the uk. and we managed to have a brief conversation together. haifa and we managed to have a brief conversation together.— and we managed to have a brief conversation together. how was he? he is excited- _ conversation together. how was he? he is excited. it _ conversation together. how was he? he is excited. it is _ conversation together. how was he? he is excited. it is very, _ conversation together. how was he? he is excited. it is very, very - he is excited. it is very, very difficult to see him after all these years and obviously has hair has gone white and he has a lot of weight and, you know, he spent five years in a basement of a very dirty vermin infested prison cells so to see him, you know, in the flesh, talking, is very surreal. and i'm sure that he is extremely happy to come back here and finally sleep in

a comfortable bed. they don't turn the lights off. it is fluorescent lights 24/7 so we are thinking about him coming back to his home and being with his family and being surrounded by people who love him. i can imagine you can't even believe that that is going to happen this evening. when are you going to meet him? are you going to see him off the plane? him? are you going to see him off the lane? , him? are you going to see him off the plane?— him? are you going to see him off the lane? , ., ., ., the plane? yes, we are going to meet him when he — the plane? yes, we are going to meet him when he lands _ the plane? yes, we are going to meet him when he lands and _ the plane? yes, we are going to meet him when he lands and we _ the plane? yes, we are going to meet him when he lands and we are - the plane? yes, we are going to meet him when he lands and we are told i him when he lands and we are told that will be around... sometime... so we are extremely excited... we are going to receive him with open arms. ,., , ., ~ are going to receive him with open arms. , , ., arms. the sound broke up a little bit there but _ arms. the sound broke up a little bit there but despite _ arms. the sound broke up a little bit there but despite the - arms. the sound broke up a little | bit there but despite the break-up bit there but despite the break—up we very much can hear your

excitement. i wonder, we very much can hear your excitement. iwonder, the we very much can hear your excitement. i wonder, the last minute i have, what are you planning for him? what are the things that you think you will want to see, want to do when he gets home? mellie you think you will want to see, want to do when he gets home? well, “ust auoin to do when he gets home? well, “ust ioini to to do when he gets home? well, “ust going to regroupfi to do when he gets home? well, “ust going to regroup and, i to do when he gets home? well, “ust going to regroup and, you i to do when he gets home? well, “ust going to regroup and, you know, i to do when he gets home? well, just| going to regroup and, you know, have some form of a normal family life for the first few weeks and once things settle, i am sure that he has already been very insistent on resuming this campaign because he has friends who have been left behind and there are still many dual nationals detained and through this campaign i have formed a very close friendship with the families of those who are detained so we feel like it is the obvious next step for us to pick up where we left off and try to campaign for the freedom of everyone else who is there and also to prevent this barbaric act to

happen again. to prevent this barbaric act to happen again-— to prevent this barbaric act to ha- ien aiain. ., ,, ., ,, .,~ happen again. thank you for speaking with us. happen again. thank you for speaking with us- i'm — happen again. thank you for speaking with us. i'm sure _ happen again. thank you for speaking with us. i'm sure lots _ happen again. thank you for speaking with us. i'm sure lots of _ happen again. thank you for speaking with us. i'm sure lots of people i with us. i'm sure lots of people watching are wishing you and your family well in the coming hours when you finally see your dad again. she will see her dad in the next few hours. the skies were clear and as they do so we will see temperatures falling away quite sharply. this is the area of low pressure that has brought rain and taken a while to move out towards the north sea but you can see a ridge of high pressure pushing in for the end of the night. for thursday, actually, a lot of fine weather to come. perhaps just a few patches of mist and fog following on

from the wetter weather across southern england and wales early on on thursday. temperatures are more a talking point. looking at close to freezing quite widely across the uk. down as low as —3 —4 across eastern scotland. a chilly but bright start to thursday. this area of high pressure will keep things fine across england and wales and there are some fronts here and another area of low pressure. some wet weather face thing for western scotland. it should brighten for a time for the morning but more showers are coming into the afternoon. some decent dry spells for both scotland and ireland to the day but there will be heavier showers. highs of 13 or 14 and it remains dry across england and wales. we are looking at ten or 12 for scotland and northern ireland. this way the front trail is a way eastwards, fading to high pressure as we go into friday. the moisture left by the recent rain could lead to some patches of mist and fog across england and wales. stick around into the day on friday. that

is the white here on this chart trying to indicate to you. so very low cloud, mist, fog, poor visibility first thing on friday but with high pressure and looks like we should see the sun burning that offered a lot of fine weather through the day. temperatures up to 14 or 15 across england and wales. 12 or 13 further north. friday into saturday, still very much about that area of high pressure in the east. in the western side we see the breeze picking up a little bit. could lighten a bit on sunday but on saturday a southerly wind means damages could be in the mid teens. 0n damages could be in the mid teens. on sunday an easterly breeze a shade cooler but lots of fine weather to come.

hello, i'm ros atkins, this is 0utside source. we are close to three weeks and russia's invasion of ukraine and the deadly attacks on civilian continues. in the besieged city of mariupol, hundreds are feared dead after theatre were civilians were sheltered was bombed. president zelensky has appealed to the us for more help, calling again for a no—fly zone over ukraine. i more help, calling again for a no-fly zone over ukraine. i have a need, i no-fly zone over ukraine. i have a need. i need _ no-fly zone over ukraine. i have a need, i need to _ no-fly zone over ukraine. i have a need, i need to protect _ no-fly zone over ukraine. i have a need, i need to protect our i no-fly zone over ukraine. i have a need, i need to protect our skies. | no-fly zone over ukraine. i have a | need, i need to protect our skies. i need, i need to protect our skies. i need your decision, your help which means the same you feel when you hear the words i have a dream. president biden has approved of more

financial support for ukraine and says this has to be stopped. make putin ila says this has to be stopped. make putin play pay _ says this has to be stopped. make putin play pay the _ says this has to be stopped. make putin play pay the price. _ putin play pay the price. strengthening the hand of ukrainians at the negotiating table. bitter at the negotiating table. after ears of at the negotiating table. after years of detaining _ at the negotiating table. after years of detaining and - at the negotiating table. after years of detaining and and iran, she has arrived in oman under way back to the uk. attacks by russian forces have continued in ukraine, three weeks into the war — even as both sides talk of possible compromise. in the capital kyiv, the emergency services said russia had shelled a residential building. the city is currently observing a 35—hour curfew. although russian troops have pushed forward towards the outskirts of the capital, their progress in the north has been slower than in the south. they've faced serious logistical problems, with many vehicles reportedly

running out of fuel, as well as strong ukrainian resistance. here'sjeremy bowen in kyiv. just after dawn another attack at a residential area in kyiv. ukrainian forces say they are keeping russian artillery out of range, but missiles can be fired from russia, and they are harder to stop. it was the start of another tough day. siren blares. by mid—morning, sirens and smoke on the horizon from the ukrainian counterattack, trying to push back the stalled russian offensive to the north—west. that must be why there is a 36—hour curfew — which makes it impossible to check out of the sounds of battle. ukraine's president zelensky dropped more hints about a ceasefire. but decisions, he said,

had to be in ukraine's interest. perhaps the missile attacks on kyiv are to pressure ukraine to offer concessions for a ceasefire. so far, the attacks are isolated, threatening how bad it could get. for residents cleaning up before the curfew, even a single missile is terrifying. "i'm so stressed," she says. "i can't even tell you anything, i'm still shaking." but really big tests of ukrainian resolved in the capital have not yet happened. more missiles could be that test. ukraine's will to resist, though, is still strong. workshops have switched to war production, strengthening fortifications. ukrainians say they are part of the reason why russian troops are not able to break into kyiv.

this was filmed before the curfew. what they're working on here is a tyre ripper. the idea is that anyone driving over this will get their tyres destroyed, and they've even got a little extra bits that go into the tyre to make it even worse. after three weeks, is a ceasefire possible? if not, will russia punish the city? would that break ukraine's will to fight? jeremy bowen, bbc news, kyiv. the us presidentjoe biden has announced a further 800 million dollars of military aid to ukraine. it comes after its president, volodymyr zelensky, used a rare live address to the us congress to make an emotional appealfor more help from america to fight off the russian invasion. 0ur north america editor sarah smith has more. straight to the heart of american

democracy, a plea for the us to defend democratic freedom. he got a hero's welcome from lawmakers, although they will not give the ukrainian president of the no—fly zone he is asking. showing a video of brutal russian bombardment, zelensky drew a direct comparison with pearl harbor and 911, times when the us was attacked from the sky. translation: russian troops have already fired nearly 1000 _ missiles at ukraine, countless bombs, the use drones countless bombs, they use drones to kill us with precision. this is a terror that europe has not seen for 80 years. you are the leader of the nation, i wish you to be the leader of the world. being the leader of the world means

to be the leader of peace. president biden today signed off on an additional $800 million of military assistance for ukraine. what is at stake here are the principles that the united states and united nations across the world stand for, it is about freedom, it is about the right of to determine their own future, it's about making sure that ukraine will never be a victory for putin, no matter what he does on the battlefield. with this impassioned plea, president zelensky is challenging president biden to defend the very idea of democracy against autocracy, increasing the pressure on the us to do more to support ukraine. but biden is adamant, to impose a no—fly zone would risk escalating the conflict into a world war. hundreds of portable surface—to—air stinger missiles have already been sent to ukraine, with many more on the way,

along with anti—tank weapons, guns and a munition to help defend against russian attacks. the us is promising a total of $13 billion for ukraine, in weaponry and humanitarian aid. there is a deep cross party commitment to help as much as possible, but also a firm resolve that us forces or aircraft will not, cannot get involved in this conflict. sarah smith, bbc news, washington. we can cross live to washington and our correspondent there nomia iqbal: we heard the american position on the no—fly zone hasn't shifted and they're making it clear more broadly, how is president zelensky speech being received?— speech being received? generally s-eiakin , speech being received? generally speaking. it's _ speech being received? generally speaking, it's been _ speech being received? generally speaking, it's been received i speech being received? generally speaking, it's been received very| speaking, it's been received very well, the words that we have heard a lot of inspiring and effective and sarah spoke repeats about speaking

to the heart of american democracy in the language that president zelensky use, fighting for freedom, for values, fighting for democracy. and america recognises and celebrates and speaks to the soul of america and really resonates with so many lawmakers in congress are watching that speech and some are wiping away tears as well. on the no—fly zone, it is very much unanimous position and they don't want that but zelinski knew that as well and he said that in the speech that he didn't fully expect that to happen. but on the fighterjets, there is some division. house republicans who fighter jets there is some division. house republicans who fighterjets should be providing to ukraine. but biden established on that. and in the last half hour, president biden was asked by reporters is vladimir putin a war criminal? he said no and then he

said yes he is. and that is a very noticeable shift of the administration stance because previously when asked the question, they said no and they said pending investigations by president biden shifted on that.— shifted on that. what is that shift matter so much, _ shifted on that. what is that shift matter so much, if— shifted on that. what is that shift matter so much, if the _ shifted on that. what is that shift matter so much, if the president| shifted on that. what is that shift l matter so much, if the president of the most powerful country in the world says something about a counterpart like that. in terms of practical implications. doesn't change anything?— practical implications. doesn't change anything? practical implications. doesn't chaniean hini? ., , change anything? probably not but it reall kind change anything? probably not but it really kind of— change anything? probably not but it really kind of underlines _ change anything? probably not but it really kind of underlines the - really kind of underlines the commitment that america has to ukraine and president biden outlined that in this response to president zelensky saying that they stand with ukraine and will continue to support ukraine and will continue to support ukraine and will continue to support ukraine and we heard a little bit in the report about the kind of things that america is providing. president zelensky and you would, and as you mentioned, there are red lines but there are things that america is providing just to give you a quick

list. anti—aircraft systems, anti—army portable systems. 20 million rounds of ammo including drones, lots of food, lots of water, lots of medical supplies. president biden did say because he's obviously conscious of the american public is watching this was said he wants to be honest and he believes this battle would last for quite some time. ., ., battle would last for quite some time. ., ~' ,, battle would last for quite some time. . ,, i. ., ., ,, , time. thank you for taking us throuih time. thank you for taking us through that. _ time. thank you for taking us through that. shifting - time. thank you for taking us through that. shifting his i time. thank you for taking us i through that. shifting his position on whether or not vladimir putin is responsible for crimes. pressed becoming a neutral state, highlighting sweden or austria as examples. there within the european union but they are not in the military alliance of nato. here's their spokesperson. this military alliance of nato. here's their spokesperson.— their spokesperson. this is the o ition their spokesperson. this is the option being — their spokesperson. this is the option being discussed - their spokesperson. this is the option being discussed now- their spokesperson. this is the i option being discussed now which can

be seen as a real compromise. the situation regarding ukraine can be improved by means of agreement arranged at the talks of russia in ukraine delegation. they said they should just focus on ending the fighting and of the security of ukrainian people. as these talks continue, vladimir putin made a televised address and again, called for the demilitarisation of ukraine. we have no other option but self—defense for the security of russia — self—defense for the security of russia apart from carrying out the special _ russia apart from carrying out the special military operation. all the goats— special military operation. all the goals that will certainly be achieved. we will reliably ensure the security of russia and our people — the security of russia and our people and will not allow ukraine to serve _ people and will not allow ukraine to serve as— people and will not allow ukraine to serve as a _ people and will not allow ukraine to serve as a springboard for aggressive actions against russia. in aggressive actions against russia. in terms— aggressive actions against russia. in terms of— aggressive actions against russia. in terms of military tactics developed by russian ministry of defence — developed by russian ministry of defence and the general staff, they have been— defence and the general staff, they have been completelyjustified. and

our lads, _ have been completelyjustified. and our lads, soldiers and officers have shown _ our lads, soldiers and officers have shown bravery and heroism and they're — shown bravery and heroism and they're doing everything that they can to _ they're doing everything that they can to avoid loss of civilian life and ukrainian cities but make a vladimir— and ukrainian cities but make a vladimir putin was saying that, and brussels, the defence ministers held an emergency meeting— an emergency meeting supporting ukraine and _ an emergency meeting supporting ukraine and the _ an emergency meeting supporting ukraine and the defence _ an emergency meeting supporting ukraine and the defence ministers held an emergency meeting supporting ukraine and they would've expected that. here's more from the dutch defence minister. it is that. here's more from the dutch defence minister.— that. here's more from the dutch defence minister. it is important to deliver because _ defence minister. it is important to deliver because president - defence minister. it is important to deliver because president zelensky| deliver because president zelensky is asking for weapons and ukraine is the right to defend itself and therefore we intend to continue as other countries will and i believe that he is saying that they could be a target which shows that it is something that is to be feared. ukraine is not a member of nato and one of russia's demands in this war is for a guarantee to be given that ukraine will never be in nato. on monday, president zelensky believe that ukraine would not be seeking

nato membership and said it is a truth and it must be recognised. thousands statement to the military officials but as we are seeing, nato continues to support ukraine in this conflict in the defence minister says president putin did not count on this type of unity. the west is united. he did not believe _ unity. the west is united. he did not believe that. _ unity. the west is united. he did not believe that. yet _ unity. the west is united. he did not believe that. yet the - unity. the west is united. he did not believe that. yet the wrong l not believe that. yet the wrong picture about the relations between the western countries. but make their fears among nato the western countries. but make theirfears among nato members the western countries. but make their fears among nato members that russia will attack some form of nato territory. russia will attack some form of nato territo . ,, . ., , , ., russia will attack some form of nato territo , ., territory. secretary-general said the alliance _ territory. secretary-general said the alliance would _ territory. secretary-general said the alliance would be _ territory. secretary-general said the alliance would be drawing i territory. secretary-general said j the alliance would be drawing up plans to deter russia from doing that. ., ., , plans to deter russia from doing that. ., ._ , ., ., , that. today, we test our military commanders _ that. today, we test our military commanders to _ that. today, we test our military commanders to develop - that. today, we test our military commanders to develop options | that. today, we test our military i commanders to develop options across all domains. land, air, sea, cyber and space. on land, our new posture

should include substantially more forces in the eastern part of the alliance. at higher readiness. with more pre—equipment and supplies. in the air, more allied air power and strength and integrated air and missile defence. at sea, straight groups, submarines, and significant numbers of combat shapes on persistent basis. it will also consider the future of cyber defences and how best to draw on allied space assets. stylist) defences and how best to draw on allied space assets.— defences and how best to draw on allied space assets. also today, the international _ allied space assets. also today, the international court _ allied space assets. also today, the international court of _ allied space assets. also today, the international court ofjustice - international court ofjustice ordered russia to suspend its military operations in ukraine are reasons why. the military operations in ukraine are reasons why-— military operations in ukraine are

reasons wh . , ., reasons why. the 'udges gave three orders, reasons why. the 'udges gave three orders. — reasons why. the judges gave three orders, one, russia _ reasons why. the judges gave three orders, one, russia must _ reasons why. the judges gave three i orders, one, russia must immediately suspend its military operations. two, and must consider any units supporting or controlled by it to not take any steps to further that military operations. and three, both parties must avoid any actions that could further aggravate the dispute and make it harder to resolve. but then minutes of the decision, president zelensky said ukraine has a complete victory in this case, russia must comply did not do so would risk further isolation. but of course, this court has no powers of enforcement, no army or police force to ensure parties comply with its rulings. separately, the prosecutor from the international criminal court visited western ukraine earlier and had a video call with president zelensky and he met the prosecution of other officials too.

the icc is investigating possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in ukraine after the invasion was referred to the icc by record number of countries, 41 countries asked them to investigate. the reason why that could occur is the western sanctions have been and post following the invasion. and actions have consequences. we would talk about it today because an important moment is imminent. russians do to make interest payments of $117 million. interest payments on bonds and state borrowing to put it another way. what is crucial is this particular part of the interest has

to be paid back in dollars. russian institutions are not barred because the sanctions from accessing much of russia's $600 billion with the foreign currency. all of their foreign currency. all of their foreign currency. all of their foreign currency that is sold abroad. according to one credit ratings agency, the russian currency, instead of dollars, that would actually amount to a default on the interest debt payments. earlier this week, russia's finance minister accuse the west of orchestrating the default saying claims russia cannot fulfil its obligations are untrue. we have the necessary now, the international fund now, the internationalfund is a part of the story, an international body that oversees global mending and is now warning that a russian default is no longer improbable. he is the chief talking to cbs. i can

that no longer we think russian default as improbable event. russia has the money to service its debt but cannot access it. but given the sanctions already imposed on russia's economy, the impact of a default could be limited. here's the view of one economist: ina in a normal situation when a company defaults, what you see is capital flight, for asset liability, widening. the appreciation of the currency and things become more expensive, balance, more inflation which is demand damaging. but remember, russia has already been closed off from international capital markets and it's already a

lot of countries that have imposed bands on exports to russia and so the impact this can be. but it seems russia won't actually default today, thanks to a 30—day grace period. here's the bbc�*s economics correspondent andy verity to make sense of it all: the money has gone and according to the russian finance ministry to a bank account with c groups but we haven't gotten any further word is whether or not that money has been cleared, but you can see with a fair degree of certainty is if russia is at risk of default, it's not because they don't have the money, for about $640 billion of foreign currency reserves in gold. and that money if accumulated over lucrative exports of oil and gas, what is happening here is the west wants to make it harder for russia to defend itself economically and what are the things they've done is make it harderfor them to sell their foreign currency

reserves to banks around the world and that is led to a real decline in the rule rouble. and as you mentioned, ijust $17 million which compared to something like $150 billion that they have outstanding and debt is not a vast amount, has according to the russian finance ministry on the cross. they do have a 30 day grace period so it's quite likely that an official default wouldn't be declared by any of the ratings agencies until that grace period was over. let's return now to the release of two british—iranian nationals from iran. they're currently on their way home to be reunited with theirfamilies. but after years in detention — and many diplomatic efforts by the uk government — some are asking why this has happened now.

she has been released by iran, he or she is on the plane home. a british iranian detainee. and so, six years in detention are over. and the reasons why have little to do with the charges of spying that she faced. no evidence as other offered. —— was ever offered. two factors help explain why that calculation has changed. the first is a debt. she was told directly by the people who imprisoned her that the reason why she was being held is because of our failure to pay the £400 million debt that we as a country of iran. this reaches back to the 70s. they bought over a thousand tanks in the uk but after the revolution in 1979,

they refused to deliver them in iran is always maintained it was owed its money back in 2009, the chamber of commerce agreed but they rejected any debt and last year, prime minister borisjohnson referred to them as entirely separate issues. that may be but the money has not been paid. that may be but the money has not been iaid. �* that may be but the money has not been iaid. . ., , been paid. after exhaustive negotiations, _ been paid. after exhaustive negotiations, the _ been paid. after exhaustive negotiations, the more i been paid. after exhaustive | negotiations, the more than 40—year—old debt between the international military service in the ministry of defence of iran has not been _ the ministry of defence of iran has not been settled. this the ministry of defence of iran has not been settled.— the ministry of defence of iran has not been settled. this is also clear that this release _ not been settled. this is also clear that this release is _ not been settled. this is also clear that this release is in _ not been settled. this is also clear that this release is in parallel i not been settled. this is also clear that this release is in parallel to i that this release is in parallel to settling the debt, not an exchange. the position raises this question. chair of the house of commons foreign affairs select committee and was asked just that by the bbc.

western sanctions have made paying the debt harder though the sanctions remain. there are also questions about how the money would be spent which is why the uk since this is been settled in directly. we have transfer that _ been settled in directly. we have transfer that money _ been settled in directly. we have transfer that money to _ been settled in directly. we have transfer that money to a - been settled in directly. we have transfer that money to a third - transfer that money to a third country to enable iran to draw down on it for humanitarian and sanction compliance products and is will will do. , , ., ., , , do. this debt and her valise is disnuted. _ do. this debt and her valise is disputed, but _ do. this debt and her valise is disputed, but the _ do. this debt and her valise is disputed, but the payment. do. this debt and her valise is - disputed, but the payment release has coincided and if that is one factor, this is another. to revive

the nuclear— factor, this is another. to revive the nuclear deal— factor, this is another. to revive the nuclear deal in _ factor, this is another. to revive the nuclear deal in progress - factor, this is another. to revive i the nuclear deal in progress being made there, it's in that context that this ideal appeals to have been made. ii' that this ideal appeals to have been made. ::' ,, ., made. cited 2015 in the us and others were — made. cited 2015 in the us and others were signature - made. cited 2015 in the us and others were signature trees - made. cited 2015 in the us and | others were signature trees and made. cited 2015 in the us and i others were signature trees and in exchange for curtailing its nuclear programme, sanctions were eased into thousand 18, donald trump pulled out of the deal we know more recently efforts a been well under way to revive it. and westerners in detention in iran have been an obstacle to that. injanuary, the invoice said it's very hard for us to imagine getting into the nuclear deal ball four innocent americans are being held hostage by iran. for the uk, she fell into the same category in this former us diplomat thinks so. i category in this former us diplomat thinks so. ~ , , ., ., ., thinks so. i think this is a good indication of— thinks so. i think this is a good indication of the _ thinks so. i think this is a good indication of the talks - thinks so. i think this is a good indication of the talks that - thinks so. i think this is a good indication of the talks that are | indication of the talks that are soon to succeed. to indication of the talks that are soon to succeed.— indication of the talks that are soon to succeed. ., . ., , ., ., soon to succeed. to complete a deal with iran, soon to succeed. to complete a deal with iran. it's— soon to succeed. to complete a deal with iran, it's only _ soon to succeed. to complete a deal with iran, it's only increased - with iran, it's only increased because the war in ukraine. western sanctions on rush are putting pressure on global energy supplies to deal with iran could help by

bringing back its oil into the market and so for all of these reasons, her freedom market and so for all of these reasons, herfreedom has arrived now. as the bbc tweeted earlier. for nazanin and herfamily, politics now. as the bbc tweeted earlier. for nazanin and her family, politics and diplomacy took away their life together and now six years on, they have returned it. more stories on the bbc website. a reminder of our top story. accusing russian forces of bombing a theatre in the city where civilians were taking shelter. the deputy mayor is think of this a thousand people were inside of the we are not able to independently confirm that. russia is denying carrying out the attacks. also in the past half an hour, the press secretary said the us sees no evidence that russia is taking any actions to de—escalate

its invasion of ukraine. we will continue our coverage of the war in ukraine in the coming hours. hello. after all the wash out wednesday across central and eastern areas of uk, the skies will clear into the small hours of thursday and as they do so, we will see our temperatures falling away quite sharply. this is brought some rain and taken a while to move towards the north sea and the ridge of high pressure pushing in towards the end of the night but thursday, actually a lot more fine weather to come and perhapsjust a a lot more fine weather to come and perhaps just a few patches of mist and fog following the wet weather across southern england and wales early on thursday. temperatures more

the talking point in looking at close to freezing quite widely across the uk and around —3 or “11 across the uk and around —3 or “11 across eastern scotland. a chilly but bright start in this area of high pressure will keep things fine across england and wales and there are some friends there across other areas of low pressure that are going to brush in scotland and northern ireland to the day. but whether first thing for them, more showers coming into the afternoon. some decent dry spells for both scotland and northern ireland to the day, but there will be some of your showers at times as well. some pushing towards company a leader in the afternoon. highs of 13 to 15 remain strong across england and wales in ten to 12 for some and northern ireland. this weather front trails away eastwards and fading into nothing thanks to high—pressure as we going to friday and that weather front and the moisture left by the recent weather will have patches of

mist and fog across england and wales and sticking right with the day on friday and that's what the white here in the chart is trying to indicate to you but some very low cloud, some missed fog, poor visibility on friday, but i pressure should see the sun burning that off and find weather through the day and temperatures up to 13 of 15 degrees across england and wales after 13 for the north. friday and saturday still very much a lullaby that area of high pressure in the east. a touch on sunday but on saturday, so southerly wind means the push and pull into the mid teens on sunday in easterly breeze will speak cooler but a lot of find weather to come.

hello, i'm ros atkins with outside source. three weeks into russia's invasion of ukraine, more deadly attacks on civilians. in the besieged city of mariupol, hundreds are feared dead, after a theatre where civilians were sheltering was bombed. president zelensky appeals the us for more help, calling again for a no—fly zone over ukraine. translation: i have a need. i need to protect our sky. i need your decision, your help, which means exactly the same, the same you feel when you hear the words, "i have a dream." president

the words, "i have a dream." biden has called leoi putin president biden has called leonard putin —— vladimir putin a worker mental and is approved millions more in support for ukraine. he says putin must not be allowed to succeed. that is our goal. make putin pay the price, weaken his position while strengthening the hand of the ukrainians on the battlefield and at the negotiating table. and after years detained in iran, nazanin zaghari—ratcliffe arrives in oman, finally on her way back to the uk. ukrainians have been under attack from russia for three weeks now. there's been a lot going on today, on the ground and on the diplomatic front. we'll take you through the key elements bit by bit. russia has continued to hit ukraine's cities — indiscriminately bombing civilian areas. president putin said again today that russia is not targeting civilians, but what's happening on the ground shows that's not true.

the latest attack is on a theatre in the southern city of mariupol — filled with hundreds of people sheltering from the bombardment. president biden has now called putin a war criminal. these pictures havejust come in. mariupol�*s deputy mayor told the bbc that more than a thousand people were inside it when it was bombed. we don't yet know casualty numbers. the continuing bombardment is making it impossible for rescue workers to reach the theatre. this is another attack — a school in mariupol. the city is under siege — surrounded, with continuous shelling. nearly 1,500 people have already died there. there are now these two mass graves. for two weeks, there's been no clean water, electricity or gas. so there's no heating at a time when temperatures are below freezing at night. the bbc reports that

in one location... russian troops are also still holding 400 people, including doctors and patients, inside this hospital here. the first evacuations did take place this week. but very few have been able to escape. one who did described what it's like inside mariupol. translation: we survived on apsley nothina at translation: we survived on apsley nothing at first _ translation: we survived on apsley nothing at first days _ translation: we survived on apsley nothing at first days of _ translation: we survived on apsley nothing at first days of all _ translation: we survived on apsley nothing at first days of all the - nothing at first days of all the shops were open so we bought flower of the whatever there was. —— absolutely nothing. then they cut off the gas and electricity and heating, so people have kitchens in the yards between the housing blocks. we all slept in our close, in its many layers as we could put on. let's talk about the capital kyiv now — where, for the third day in a row, residential buildings have

been hit by russian strikes. the moment was captured on this cctv. later, another attack on a different block of flats — the one you can see smoking on the right. this was the aftermath — ruined neighbourhoods and buildings. dozens, like these, were evacuated. we don't know how many homes were destroyed, but many. you can see how traumatic russia's attacks have been for some residents. our correspondent james waterhouse sent this update. this is what we can see now, plumes of dark smoke on the outskirts of the city, as ukrainian forces try to keep out this russian advance. those defending ukraine say they will keep out that russian advance. this former ukrainian minister is now among kyiv�*s territorial defenders. it's impossible to take now. it's a

fortress — it's impossible to take now. it's a fortress it's_ it's impossible to take now. it's a fortress. it's a fortress with many well armed — fortress. it's a fortress with many well armed people, and it will be protected — well armed people, and it will be protected for as long as he needs to. protected for as long as he needs to and _ protected for as long as he needs to. and russia understands this very welt _ to. and russia understands this very welt they— to. and russia understands this very well. they will not be crazy. i don't — well. they will not be crazy. i don't see _ well. they will not be crazy. i don't see them even attempting to do this. don't see them even attempting to do this this_ don't see them even attempting to do this. this would be a suicide mission _ and if russian forces don't try to take kyiv on the ground, ukrainians say they're prepared for other forms of attack — similar to russia's assault on mariupol. we are ready, if russia will try to take over— we are ready, if russia will try to take over the _ we are ready, if russia will try to take over the entrance _ we are ready, if russia will try to take over the entrance and - we are ready, if russia will try to take over the entrance and exitsl we are ready, if russia will try to i take over the entrance and exits to the city. _ take over the entrance and exits to the city. and — take over the entrance and exits to the city, and we _ take over the entrance and exits to the city, and we will— —— will try to seize the city and starve — —— will try to seize the city and starve us out. _ —— will try to seize the city and starve us out. we _ —— will try to seize the city and starve us out. we have - —— will try to seize the city and starve us out. we have been. starve us out. we have been storing products— starve us out. we have been storing products and — starve us out. we have been storing products and water— starve us out. we have been storing products and water and _ starve us out. we have been storing products and water and supplies, i starve us out. we have been storing products and water and supplies, to| products and water and supplies, to be able _ products and water and supplies, to be able to— products and water and supplies, to be able to stay— products and water and supplies, to be able to stay for— products and water and supplies, to be able to stay for at _ products and water and supplies, to be able to stay for at least - products and water and supplies, to be able to stay for at least 14 - products and water and supplies, to be able to stay for at least 14 days i be able to stay for at least 14 days of siege — most people are underground because kyiv is under a two—day curfew. you can see barely anyone

is on its streets. i was mentioning at the beating of this president putin has been clay war criminal byjoe biden —— mccarty worker minna. those comments have prompted immediate response by the kremlin. we are told by a kerman spokesperson thatjoe biden's comments about putin are unacceptable and unforgivable. the femen replying, these comments are unacceptable and unforgivable, which for many people would work as a discussion of russia and description of russia and ukraine. let's have a look at that map. there were distressing reports from chernihiv — that's in the north east of the country. the us embassy in kyiv tweeted...

local media say they were killed by russian artillery outside the city. there's fierce fighting in eastern ukraine too. and let me show you these pictures from makiiva — that's in the donestk region in eastern ukraine. it's seen some of the worst fighting and has been the front line of the war in ukraine for the past eight years. here are residents cleaning up and repairing their damaged homes. kharkiv — ukraine's second—largest city — has been heavily attacked. now, two people died after russian shells hit an apartment block. this former resident — who escaped — told the bbc what it was like. very scared in the morning, because we get up early in the morning because of the sound of shelling. it was very scary. it was first time in our lives, wejust was very scary. it was first time in our lives, we just took our kids. our cat. jumped into the car and try

to go down to the city. it took around three hours, because of trafficjams, just around three hours, because of traffic jams, just to around three hours, because of trafficjams, just to get out of the city. traffic 'ams, 'ust to get out of the ci . ., , traffic 'ams, 'ust to get out of the ci . . , ., ., , city. that is in the northeast of ukraine. the bbc has been speaking to people in the southern port city of kherson — captured by the russians earlier this month. one of the people who spoke to us was olga... another resident says russia's occupation is preventing supplies entering. not even kherson region. no, we are living _ not even kherson region. no, we are living on_ not even kherson region. no, we are living on supplies our city had before — living on supplies our city had before the war started. but i really hope _ before the war started. but i really hope i _ before the war started. but i really hope i won't have to leave, i hope that our— hope i won't have to leave, i hope that our military will kick them out here in_ that our military will kick them out here in kherson. it is a ukrainian city and — herein kherson. it is a ukrainian city and it— here in kherson. it is a ukrainian city and it will always be

ukrainian. in the parts of ukraine where russian attacks haven't yet arrived — like lviv in the west — people are preparing. jonah fisher went to meet some. in western ukraine, the war is getting closer and people are getting ready. we've been invited to a school building in lviv to see volunteers being given a crash course in handling a gun. lesia, a grandmother, is here with her architect husband, yuri. we need to be prepared. translation: normally, iwouldn't even point a gun at an animal, - but this is now time to learn how to hold weapons and shoot them. we find yaryna, a doctor at lviv hospital. she's at the training. herjob is to save lives, but she says she is now ready to kill. i stay here and i

defend under bombing and different military troops and i stay underfire. and you're ready to pull the trigger on that gun if it comes to that? today, president putin insisted the invasion is going to plan. defence analysts don't agree. nor does the uk. it says... three weeks in, russia has takenjust one big city. and today ukraine says they've killed a fourth russian general. we can't verify that. but it would be significant, as normally generals are away from the front line. the bbc�*s jonathan beale says, if senior russian officers are near the front... our correspondent lyse doucet is in kyiv with more on what's happening on the ground.

we were still under a 35 hour curfew. it will be enforced until 5am tomorrow morning. wejust curfew. it will be enforced until 5am tomorrow morning. we just heard a crackle of gunfire somewhere just below us. you never know what the source of that gunfire is, why it suddenly rubs. we have heard over the last 24 hours more sustained artillery fire then we have heard probably since the start of this invasion, sustained barrages like rolling thunder. during the day, large clouds of black smoke rose from the northwest. we believe that that was a ukrainian counterattack against russian forces which been trying for days now if not weeks to push forward into the capital from the northwest and from the northeast. we hearfrom the

ukrainians as well as depending on but that is stalled. and of course, on tuesday and today again, the ukrainians woke up to the sound, to the images of high—rise apartment blocks on fire, as russian shelling bombardment comes closer into this city stop is -- is —— is russia directly targeting the blocks? is it firing at other targets? we are not sure, but the human cost is mounting. raising concern that the kinds of shelling and sieges that we see inflicted on other parts of ukraine to devastating effect — is itjust a matter of time before kyiv are in the sights of moscow? find matter of time before kyiv are in the sights of moscow? and while you and everyone — the sights of moscow? and while you and everyone else _ the sights of moscow? and while you and everyone else tries _ the sights of moscow? and while you and everyone else tries to _ the sights of moscow? and while you and everyone else tries to assess - and everyone else tries to assess when and if kyiv will be further in the sights of the russians, then you help me understand how many people are still in the city? we hear a lot about the millions of refugees who

have been created by this invasion. is it possible to assess how many people have left, how many people have chosen to stay? i people have left, how many people have chosen to stay?— have chosen to stay? i think it is hard to have _ have chosen to stay? i think it is hard to have statistical - have chosen to stay? i think it is| hard to have statistical certainty. i think no one is really counting was to be heard more than a week ago from the mayor, who said a little less than 2 million had left. this was a city of 2.8 million, 3 million, thriving, before the invasion, we can see it when we go about. we go to the railway platform will stub be trains heading west. the railway platform is less crowded. i went to one of the metro stations, which figure 20 25, 700 people have been crowded into the shelter, people being turned away because there were 70 people to go underground —— february. the daily went, there'd only been 80 the night before, and when you walk through the streets, mostly you see elderly people, not exclusively, and on the

rare coffee shops that are open, become across younger people. some are here because they've chosen to fight or they have had to fight, they have been conscripted, but there's a lot of elderly people, and is really heartbreaking, because the last two days, before the curfew, when i have come across elderly people, you start talking to them and they're very stoic and very poised and dignified, and then they break down in tears, i was just on the street close to here. a man and his wife sitting outside their apartment block, and i asked how they work, i said where are they going? they said, going to the bomb shelter. and i looked at the two of them, and the man started crying. it has become normal now, seeing every day, going to the bomb shelter. it is not normal, it is not nice, but in that very ukrainian way, after he stopped crying, he said, do you want some coffee or some brandy? never

forgetting the rituals of the life which is now in the past.- which is now in the past. next, let's turn _ which is now in the past. next, let's turn to — which is now in the past. next, let's turn to some _ which is now in the past. next, let's turn to some further- let's turn to some further diplomatic efforts taking place today. ukraine's president zelensky addressed the us congress and asked for more military and financial aid. let me show you this clip of democratic leader nancy pelosi welcoming him. members of congress, i have the high privilege and distinct honour of presenting to you the president of ukraine, volodymyr zelensky. cheering mr zelensky compared russia's invasion to two historical attacks on the us — pearl harbor in world war ii and 9/11 in 2001.

translation: our country expects the same every day- — same every day. right _ same every day. right now at this moment, every night _ right now at this moment, every night for— right now at this moment, every night for three weeks now, various ukrainian — night for three weeks now, various ukrainian cities, russia has turned the ukrainian sky into a source of death _ the ukrainian sky into a source of death for— the ukrainian sky into a source of death. forthousands the ukrainian sky into a source of death. for thousands of people. president zelensky again asked for a no—fly zone. translation: russian troops have already fired _ translation: russian troops have already fired nearly _ translation: russian troops have already fired nearly 1000 _ translation: russian troops have already fired nearly 1000 missiles i already fired nearly 1000 missiles and ukraine, countless bombs. they use drones _ and ukraine, countless bombs. they use drones to kill us. this is a terror— use drones to kill us. this is a terror that— use drones to kill us. this is a terror that europe has not seen for 80 years. — terror that europe has not seen for 80 years, and we are asking for reply, _ 80 years, and we are asking for reply. for— 80 years, and we are asking for reply, for an answer to this terror from the — reply, for an answer to this terror from the whole world. is this a lot to ask— from the whole world. is this a lot to ask for? — from the whole world. is this a lot to ask for? to create a no—fly zone?

to save _ to ask for? to create a no—fly zone? to save people? presidentjoe lynskey would have known that no—fly zone is never going to happen. —— president zelensky. he also asked for more military equipment. translation: if this is too much to ask, will translation: if this is too much to ask. will offer— translation: if this is too much to ask, will offer alternative. _ translation: if this is too much to ask, will offer alternative. you - ask, will offer alternative. you know— ask, will offer alternative. you know how _ ask, will offer alternative. you know how much depends on the battlefield on the ability to use aircraft — let's see the reaction at the end of the speech. cheering not long after the speech, president biden announced millions of fresh aids for ukraine. this new package on its own is the invite unprecedented assistance to ukraine, it includes 800

anti—aircraft systems, to make sure the ukrainian military can continue to stop the planes and helicopters that have been attacking their people and to defend their ukrainian airspace, and at the request of president zelensky, we have it in a fight and are helping ukraine acquire additional longer—range anti—aircraft systems. let's turn to another store getting a lot of coverage, particularly here in the uk today. british—iranian nazanin zaghari—ratcliffe, who's been detained in iran for nearly six years, is on her way home. she's been freed along with another british—iranian, anoosheh ashouri. here are the latest pictures. here are the two of them being greeted by diplomats at muscat airport in oman. from here, they will take a flight to the uk. iranian media has also reported that the uk released £400 million — that's $530 million dollars — of a debt owed to iran, ahead of the pair's release.

let's go back to april 2016 and the moment nazanin was arrested at tehran airport — it was on her way back to the uk after visiting her parents. she's spent nearly six years in detention for allegedly plotting against the iranian government. she has — throughout — said she's innocent. the irradiance offered no evidence whatsoever to back—up the allegations. on her release, the british foreign secretary said this. this has been an appalling ordeal for nazanin and their families, this has been an appalling ordeal for nazanin and theirfamilies, who have suffered greatly, and i am sure everybody across the uk is delighted that they have been released and will be celebrating that fact. let's return to the money paid to iran, ahead of the pair's release. here's our diplomatic correspondent caroline hawley on that. the irradiance state media saying that 530 -- the irradiance state media saying that 530 —— iranian state media

saying 530 million has been paid to iraq, so that... this is what the families have said all along, she will not be released, nazanin will not be released, into that money is paid. and the other thing to say is there's this wider context, which is that there are frantic efforts to revive the iran nuclear deal, progress being made there, so it is in context that this site deal appears to have been made. and more from the uk foreign secretary on the repaid debt, as she spoke to mp5. we have found a way to make the payment in full and global contractors and financing, and anti—money laundering regulations. a sum of 393 8p has now been paid, which will only be available for humanitarian purposes —— three £98 million. the release of these people has been long—awaited by their families.

nazanin's husband richard campaigned relentlessly for her release. last year, he went on a second hunger strike to pressure the british government to bring her home. this was him and nazanin's daughter gabriella, speaking earlier. it's been bumpy. there have been some _ it's been bumpy. there have been some scary— it's been bumpy. there have been some scary conversations, of people trying _ some scary conversations, of people trying to— some scary conversations, of people trying to make sure she would behave when she _ trying to make sure she would behave when she came back. the look on her face in _ when she came back. the look on her face in the _ when she came back. the look on her face in the photograph, going to be lovely— face in the photograph, going to be lovely to— face in the photograph, going to be lovely to see her and catch up with her. lovely to see her and catch up with hen we _ lovely to see her and catch up with her. we have chosen which toys we are taking — her. we have chosen which toys we are taking so she can see them and, again. _ are taking so she can see them and, again, looking for to a new life. what a wonderful moment coming soon. the family of anoosheh ashoori await his too. i spoke to his daughter, elika ashoori. (tx sor) it has been a crazy week, an emotional roller coaster, but we tried to stay very cautiously optimistic until today, when we were finally told that the plane had left

the iranian airport, and that's when we allowed ourselves to feel joy for the very first time. find we allowed ourselves to feel 'oy for the very first time.�* the very first time. and what 'oy that must be. i the very first time. and what 'oy that must be. you i the very first time. and what 'oy that must be. you spoken i the very first time. and what 'oy that must be. you spoken to h that must be. you spoken to your dad? i that must be. you spoken to your dad? ., that must be. you spoken to your dad? . , ., ., dad? i have. he phoned me from muscat, dad? i have. he phoned me from muscat. that _ dad? i have. he phoned me from muscat, that they _ dad? i have. he phoned me from muscat, that they was _ dad? i have. he phoned me from muscat, that they was nothing i dad? i have. he phoned me from i muscat, that they was nothing there briefly before flying to the uk, and we managed to have a brief conversation together. hope we managed to have a brief conversation together. how was he? he is excited- _ conversation together. how was he? he is excited. it _ conversation together. how was he? he is excited. it is _ conversation together. how was he? he is excited. it is very, _ conversation together. how was he? he is excited. it is very, very - he is excited. it is very, very difficult to see him after all these years and obviously his hair is god white and he has lost a lot of weight, and he has spent five years in basement of a very dirty, vermin infested prison cell, so to see him infested prison cell, so to see him in the flesh, talking, is very surreal and i in the flesh, talking, is very surrealand i am in the flesh, talking, is very surreal and i am sure that he is extremely happy to come back here

and finally sleep in a comfortable bed. they don't turn the lights off, it is very famous they have fluorescent lights on 24/7, so all we are thinking about is him coming back tonight and being with his family and being surrounded by people who love him. i'm joined now by dr aniseh bassiri tabrizi, a senior research fellow at royal united services institute. thank you very much indeed for joining us, and it is good to be talking about a good news story as well as the why do you think this moment has arrived right now? i think this is very much linked to what is happening in vienna. there is optimism that a deal might be announced in the coming days, and we know that that could not be settled without any sort of green light from the us, because there were issues with sanctions, together with

anti—money laundering and counterterrorism financing legislation as well, and we know that because of the progress that is happening in vienna, the likely repercussion has been that a side deal has been made also on this issue and that we have seen the very, very good news today about the first two prisoners, hopefully more to be released also. coming in the next few weeks.— to be released also. coming in the next few weeks. what degree do you think this is connected _ next few weeks. what degree do you think this is connected to _ next few weeks. what degree do you think this is connected to the - next few weeks. what degree do you think this is connected to the fact - think this is connected to the fact that there is a global energy crisis, because of the sanctions on russia, that perhaps iranian oil is more needed that it was before? i don't think this is connected. we know that this issue has been discussed for many months. obviously, this has been discussed also for years, but without much progress. i think really what is happening in vienna, what has been happening, especially over the past few weeks in terms of a promise of a deal being reinstated, is very much

what what this is linked to come and hit the only reason why this might be connected to what is going on globally might be the russia requester guarantees on not being affected by sanctions —— requester. that might be a proposal sorted out and settled and this is why we might be seeing this site deal on the prisoners also being resolved. i’m prisoners also being resolved. i'm afraid that is all we have time for in this half of the programme. please come back on again so we can talk at a bit more length, but we appreciate you joining us, dr tabrizi. a reminder that one of the key elements of the crane story we are covering at the moment is the mayor, the deputy mayor in mariupol, saying eighth year has been struck tjy saying eighth year has been struck by russian shelling, with 1000 people who were sheltering inside. he is reporting multiple people likely to have been caught up in

this, but in the moment, the bbc is not able to confirm details of that event. hello. after all the wash out wednesday across and join eastern areas of the uk, the skies will clear into the small hours of thursday, and as they do so, we are going to see our temperatures falling away quite sharply. this is the area of low pressure that has brought the rain and taken it while the move out towards the north sea, but you can see a ridge of high pressure pushing in for the end of the night. for thursday, actually a lot of fine weather to come. perhaps just a few patches of mist and fog following on from the winter weather across southern england and wales early on thursday, though. temperatures probably more the talking point, looking at close to freezing quite widely across the uk, down as low as —3 or —4 across

eastern scotland, soy chilly but bright start to thursday. this area of high pressure will keep things fine across england and wales. there are some friends here around another area of low pressure that are going to brush in the scotland and northern ireland through the day. some wet weather first thing for western scotland. it should brighten your free time for the morning, the more showers coming into the afternoon. some decent dry spells for scotland and northern ireland through the day, but there will be some heavier showers at times as well, some showers just pushing some heavier showers at times as well, some showersjust pushing down towards cumbria late in the afternoon. highs of 13 or 14 where it remains dry across england wales. looking at 12 in scotland and northern ireland. this front fades away to nothing things too high pressure as we go into friday will stub the tail end of that weather front, and the moisture left by the recent rain, could be we see some patches of mist and fog across england and wales. stick around a little more into the day on friday stub that is what the white here on this chart is trying to indicate to you, some very low cloud, some mist,

poor visibility first thing on friday, but with high pressure, it looks like we should see the sun burning that off. a lot of fine weather through the day, temperatures up to 14 or 15 in england and wales. up to 13 or the north. friday into saturday, still very much all about that area of high pressure in the east. on the western side of the high, we could see the breeze picking up. it was like and often touch on sunday, but on saturday, a southerly wind means to produce could touch up into the mid—teens. in the east, perhaps a shade cooler, but lots of fine weather to come.

hello, i'm ros atkins, this is outside source. three weeks into russia's invasion of ukraine, more deadly attacks on civilians. in the besieged city of mariupol, hundreds are feared dead after a theatre where civilians were sheltering was bombed. president zelensky appeals the us for more help, calling again for a no—fly zone over ukraine. i have a need. i need to protect our sky, i need your help, which means exactly the same, the same you feel when you hear the words, i have a

dream. president biden calls vladimir putin a 'war criminal�* — moscow calls his words 'unforgivable'. joe biden says russia must not be allowed to succeed. that is our goal. we can his position while strengthening the hand of the ukrainians on the battlefield. —— we can. and after years detained in iran, nazanin zaghari ratcliffe arrives in oman — finally on her way back to the uk. we're three weeks into this war and russia's attacks on ukraine show no sign of stopping. this in kyiv is becoming a familiar image of this war — high—rise, residential buildings on fire from russian strikes. for attacks like this, president biden has called vladimir putin a war criminal. russian troops are on the outskirts of the kyiv, but it is very much still in ukrainian hands. their advances in the north has been

slower than in the south. its army has faced logistical problems — many vehicles reportedly running out of fuel — as well as strong ukrainian resistance. here'sjeremy bowen in kyiv. just after dawn another attack at a residential area in kyiv. ukrainian forces say they are keeping russian artillery out of range, but missiles can be fired from russia, and they are harder to stop. it was the start of another tough day. siren blares. by mid—morning, sirens and smoke on the horizon from the ukrainian counterattack, trying to push back the stalled russian offensive to the north—west. that must be why there is a 36—hour curfew — which makes it impossible to check out of the sounds of battle.

ukraine's president zelensky dropped more hints about a ceasefire. but decisions, he said, had to be in ukraine's interest. perhaps the missile attacks on kyiv are to pressure ukraine to offer concessions for a ceasefire. so far, the attacks are isolated, threatening how bad it could get. for residents cleaning up before the curfew, even a single missile is terrifying. "i'm so stressed," she says. "i can't even tell you anything, i'm still shaking." but really big tests of ukrainian resolved in the capital have not yet happened. more missiles could be that test. ukraine's will to resist, though, is still strong. workshops have switched to war production, strengthening fortifications.

ukrainians say they are part of the reason why russian troops are not able to break into kyiv. this was filmed before the curfew. what they're working on here is a tyre ripper. the idea is that anyone driving over this will get their tyres destroyed, and they've even got little extra bits that go into the tyre to make it even worse. after three weeks, is a ceasefire possible? if not, will russia punish the city? would that break ukraine's will to fight? jeremy bowen, bbc news, kyiv. as we've been reporting, us presidentjoe biden has announced a further $800 million of military aid to ukraine. it comes after its president, volodymyr zelensky, addressed the us congress, appealing for more help from america to fight russia. here's our correspondent, nomia iqbal, from washington

on how it's been received. generally speaking, it's been received very well, the words that we've heard a lot of are inspiring and effective. and sarah spoke in her piece about speaking to the heart of american democracy and the kind of language that president zelensky used, he talked about fighting for freedom, fighting for values, fighting for democracy. that's the kind of language that america recognises. america celebrates. it speaks to the soul, i guess, of america. and it really resonated with so many, all the lawmakers that were in congress watching that speech, there were a few that were wiping away tears as well. on the no fly zone, it's still very much a unanimous position. they don't want that, but zelensky knew that as well. he said that in his speech, that he didn't fully expect that to happen. but on the fighterjets, there is some division. there are house republicans who say that fighterjets should be provided to ukraine,

but that's something that president biden hasn't budged on — just something else to add as well, in the last half hour, president biden was asked by reporters, is vladimir putin a war criminal? he said no. walked off, came back and said, yes, he is. and that is a very notable shift on the administration's stance because previously, when they've been asked that question, they have said no and they've cited pending investigations. but president biden has shifted on that. why does that shift matter so much? obviously, it's significant if the president in the most powerful country in the world says something about a counterpart like that. but in terms of practical implications, does it change anything? probably not, but it really kind of underlines the commitment that america has to ukraine. and president biden outlined that in his response to mr zelensky, saying that america stands with ukraine, will continue to support ukraine. we heard a little bit in sarah's report about the kind of things that

america is providing. president zelensky asked for a lot, and you would, wouldn't you, if you were, if you were him. but, as i mentioned, there are still those red lines. but some of the things that america is providing, just to give you a quick list. anti—aircraft systems, anti—armor portable system, small guns, grenades, 20 million rounds of ammo, including drones, which have not been given before, lots of food, lots of water, lots of medical supplies. president biden did say two because obviously he's conscious that the american public is watching this. he said that he wanted to be honest, and he believed that this battle would last for quite some time. let's focus now on the ongoing peace talks between russia and ukraine. moscow suggested that ukraine could become what's called a neutral state. sweden or austria are examples. they are in the european union but outside the nato alliance. here's the kremlin's spokesperson.

this is the option that is really being discussed now and which can be seen as a real compromise. the situation regarding ukraine can be improved by means of agreement reached at the talks between the russian and ukrainian delegations. that proposal was rejected by ukraine, which said the talks should focus on ending the fighting and the security of the ukrainian people. meanwhile, in brussels, nato defence ministers held an emergency meeting. they pledged to continue supporting ukraine. here's the dutch defence minister. i think it's very important to continue to deliver because president zelensky is asking for weapons and ukraine has the right to defend itself and therefore we as the netherlands intend to continue, as other countries will, and i think that the fact that he is saying that they could be a target shows that it is something that is feared. ukraine is not a member of nato, and one of russia's demands is a guarantee that it

will never be. on monday, president zelensky agreed ukraine would not seek membership. it's a truth and it must be recognised, he told uk military officials. but nato continues support to kyiv. estonia's defence minister says president putin did not account for western unity. i believe that the biggest surprise for putin was that the west is showing united. he didn't believe that. he had a wrong picture about relations between the western countries. there are fears among nato members that russia's will attack on nato territory. secretary—generaljens stoltenberg the alliance would be drawing up plans to deter that. today, we tasked our military commanders to develop

options across all domains — land, air, sea, cyberand space. our new posture should include substantially more forces in the eastern part of the alliance, at higher readiness, with more pre—positioned equipment and supplies in the air, more allied air power and strengthened integrated air and missile defence. at sea, carrier strike groups, submarines and significant numbers of combat ships on a persistent basis, we will also consider the future of cyber defences and how best to draw on allied space assets. also today, the international court ofjustice ordered russia to immediately suspend its military operations in ukraine. anna holligan has more from the hague.

thejudges here gave the judges here gave three orders, one, russia must immediately suspend its military operations, two, it must ensure any military units or people supported or controlled by it do not take any steps to further that military operation and, three, both parties must avoid any actions that could further aggravate the dispute or make it harder to resolve. within minutes of the decision, president vladimir zelensky tweeted, ukraine has a victory in its case, russia must comply, to not do so would risk further isolation. but of course this port has no powers of enforcement, no army or police force

to ensure parties comply with its rulings. separately, the prosecutor from the international criminal court visited western ukraine earlier, he had a video call with president zelensky and met the prosecutor and other officials to. the icc is investigating possible war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in ukraine after the invasion was referred to the icc tjy the invasion was referred to the icc by a record number of countries, 41 countries asked the icc to investigate. now, we're going to talk about what's been happening in russia. speaking today, vladimir putin said his invasion of ukraine is going to plan — and said this. translation: we had no other option but self defence, - for the security of russia, apart from carrying out the special military operation. all the goals set will certainly be achieved. we will reliably ensure the security of russia and our people. we will not allow ukraine to serve as a springboard for aggressive

actions against russia. in terms of the military tactics developed by russian ministry of defence and the general staff, they have been completelyjustified. and our lads, soldiers and officers have shown bravery and heroism. they are doing everything they can to avoid loss of civilian life in ukrainian cities. as we've seen over the last few days, civilians are being targeted. there's a human toll in russia too — thousands of soldiers are being sent to ukraine to fight putin's war. our russia editor, steve rosenberg, went to one military funeral there. in russia, they are grieving too. mikhail was killed in action in ukraine. angelika is his widow.

how many russian soldiers have been killed in what the kremlin still refuses to call a war? one family's pain is being repeated across the country. it's a criminal offence in russia to quote anything but official figures. and those are 498 russian servicemen died. that was on march the 2nd. there has been no update for two weeks. many russians rally around their leader in times of crisis. it's as if they don't want to believe the president may have taken a fatal decision. "we are doing the right thing," nikolai says. "nato wanted to set up shop right next to us in ukraine, and they've got nuclear weapons." "well done, putin,

for stopping them." the kremlin wants russians to believe that what their troops are doing in ukraine is both necessary and heroic. it's what the state media is telling them from morning till night. because, if people stop believing that in large numbers, they'll start wondering why sons, brothers and husbands have been sent into ukraine for what's been called here the "special military operation". father ivan is wondering why. he recently delivered an anti—war sermon, and he criticised the kremlin's offensive on the church website. he was detained and fined under a new law for discrediting the russian armed forces. translation: i believe that any bloodshed, however - you try to justify it, is a sin. blood is on the hands of the person who spilled it. if an order was given,

it's on the hands of whoever gave the order, supported it, or stayed silent. on his finaljourney, full military honours for soldier mikhail. his country calls him a defender of the fatherland. and yet it was russia's army that attacked ukraine, on the orders of president putin, to restore russian power, and to force ukraine into russia's orbit. russian national anthem plays. but at what cost? steve rosenberg, bbc news, kostroma. we're going to talk about russia's economy now. there's been talk in recent days about a russian debt default,

where moscow failed to make an interest payment due on its national borrowing. that's because of western sanctions imposed in response to its invasion of ukraine. today is important. with russia due to make interest payments worth $117 million on bonds or borrowing instruments which crucially have to be paid back in dollars. russian institutions are now barred by sanctions from accessing much of $630 billion of foreign currency reserves held abroad. and according to one credit ratings agency at least — fitch — a payment in roubles — instead of dollars — would amount to a default. earlier this week, russia's finance minister accused the west of orchestrating a default, saying... they have the necessary funds to

service our obligations. the international monetary fund — an international body which oversees global lending — said this to cbs's face the nation programme. servicing debt obligations, i can say that no longer we think of russian default as improbable event, russian default as improbable event, russia has the money to service its debt but cannot access it. but given the sanctions already imposed on russia, the impact of a default could be limited. ina in a normal situation, when a country defaults, what you see is capitalflight, foreign country defaults, what you see is capital flight, foreign asset liability which leads to a depreciation of the currency, a deterioration in the balance, which

is damaging at home. but remember, russia has already been closed off from the international capital markets, are already a lot of countries have imposed bans on exports to russia, so the impact will be much more limited. but it seems russia won't actually default today, thanks to a 30—day grace period. andy verity explains. the money has gone on, apparently, according to the russian finance ministry to a bank account with citigroup that we don't have any further word as to whether that money has been cleared, while we can say with a fair degree of certainty is if russia is at risk of default it's not because it doesn't have the money, it has about $630 billion of foreign currency reserves in gold, and that money has accumulated over years and years of lucrative exports of oil and gas, so what has happened here of course is that the west

wants to make it harderfor here of course is that the west wants to make it harder for russia to defend itself economically and one of the things they have done is made it harderfor them to made it harder for them to sell theirforeign currency their foreign currency reserves in central banks around the world, and that has led to a severe decline in the rubble, it has lost a quarter of its value, but arguably it has made its value, but arguably it has made it harderfor russia its value, but arguably it has made it harder for russia to make ordinary payments to maintain debts like this. however, as you mentioned, the hundred and $70 million, compared to $150 billion they have outstanding in debt, is not a vast amount, has according to the russian finance ministry has gone across. in any case they have a 30 day grace period so it's quite likely that an official default would not be declared by any rating agencies until that

en route back to the uk. but after years in detention — and many diplomatic efforts — some are asking why this has happened now. nazanin zaghari—ratcliffe has been released by iran. here she is on the plane home. british—iranian detainee anoosheh ashoori has been released too. and so for nazanin, six years in detention are over. the reasons why have little to do with the charges of spying she faced. no evidence was ever offered. rather, as the bbc�*s james landale puts it, nazanin became... and two factors help explain why that calculation changed. the first is a debt. nazanin was told directly by the people who imprisoned her that the reason she was being held is because of our failure to pay the £400 million debt that we have is a country oh iran.

this debt reaches back to the '705. iran bought over 1,000 tanks from the uk. but after the iranian revolution in 1979, britain refused to deliver them. iran always maintained it was owed the its money back. in 2009, the international chamber of commerce agreed. but the uk always resisted any connection between the debt and nazanin. last year, boris johnson described them as "entirely separate issues". that may be, but the money has now been paid. after a highly complex and exhaustive negotiations, the debt between the international military services, the ministry of defence of iran has now been settled. liz truss is also clear that nazanin's released is "in parallel" to settling the debt — not in exchange. but the government's position raises this question. matt frei from channel 4 news tweets... tom tugenhadt is chair of the house of commons foreign affairs select committee and was asked just that

by the bbc. the sanctions and the belligerence of the iranian government had been one of the reasons why we haven't the american government paid the so—called debt that they had, which in their case was for aircraft rather than tanks, that money was immediately spent on murdering hundreds of thousands of sunni western sanctions on iran have made paying the debt harder, though those sanctions remain. there are also questions about how the money is spent, which is why the uk says this has been settled indirectly. we have announced today that we have transferred that money to a third country to enable iran to draw down a net for humanitarian and sanction compliant products, and that's what

we will do. how the debt and nazanin connect is disputed, but the payment and her release have coincided. and if that's one factor, this is another. there are frantic efforts to revive the iran nuclear deal, progress being made there, so it's in that context that this ideal appears to have been made. the iran nuclear deal was signed in 2015. the uk, the us and others were signatories. and in exchange for curtailing its nuclear programme, sanctions on iran were eased. but in 2018, donald trump pulled out of the deal. and we know more recently efforts have been well under way to revive it. and we know westerners in detention in iran have been an obstacle. injanuary, us envoy robert malley said... it is likely that for the uk, nazanin fell into the same category. this former us diplomat thinks so. i think this probably is a good indication that they are soon to succeed. and the motivation to complete

a deal with iran has only increased because of the war in ukraine. western sanctions on russia are putting pressure on global energy supplies. a deal with iran could help by bring its oil back into the market. and so for all these reasons nazanin's freedom arrived now. as the bbc�*s lyse doucet tweeted earlier... and right now iran and the west have something to gain from a better relationship. for nazanin and herfamily, though, politics and diplomacy took away their life together. now, six years on, they've returned it. before we wrap up this our, i want to mention that facebook will remember russian embassy post claiming that the attack on a hospital and hoax. it would be interesting to see how to purchase other communications from the russian government because every day the russian government is giving us

its view of the conflict in ukraine. we will see you tomorrow, goodbye. hello. after a rather wash—out wednesday across central and eastern areas of the uk, the skies will clear into the small hours of thursday and, as they do so, we are going to see our temperatures falling away quite sharply. this is the area of low pressure that has brought the rain and taken a while to move out towards the north sea, but you can see a ridge of high pressure pushing in for the end of the night. for thursday, actually, a lot of fine weather to come. perhaps just a few patches of mist and fog following on from the wetter weather across southern england and wales early on thursday, though. temperatures certainly probably more the talking point. looking at close to freezing quite widely across the uk, down as low as —3 or —4 across eastern scotland, so a chilly but bright start to thursday.

this area of high pressure will keep things fine across england and wales. but you can see there are some fronts here around another area of low pressure that are going to brush in to scotland and northern ireland through the day. some wet weather first thing for western scotland. it should brighten here for a time through the morning, but more showers coming into the afternoon. some decent dry spells, though, for both scotland and northern ireland through the day, but there will be some heavier showers at times as well, some showers just pushing down towards cumbria late in the afternoon. highs of 13 or 14 where it remains dry across england and wales. we're looking at 10—12 in scotland and northern ireland. this front trails away eastwards, fading to nothing thanks to high pressure as we go into friday. the tail end of that weather front, though, and the moisture left by the recent rain could mean we see some patches of mist and fog across england and wales stick around a little more into the day on friday. that's what the white here on this chart is trying to indicate to you, some very low cloud, some mist, fog, poor visibility

first thing on friday, but with high pressure, it looks like we should see the sun burning that off. and a lot of fine weather through the day, temperatures up to 14 or 15 in england and wales, 12 to 13 further north. friday into saturday, still very much all about that area of high pressure in the east. on the western side of the high, though, we could see the breeze picking up a little bit. it should slacken off a touch on sunday but, on saturday, a southerly wind means our temperatures could push well up into the mid—teens. on sunday, an easterly breeze, perhaps a shade cooler, but lots of fine weather to come.

i'm laura trevelyan in washington and this is bbc world news america. president zelensky has called on america to do more to prevent the destruction of ukraine in a speech to us lawmakers. in the besieged city of mariupol, hundreds are feared dead after a theatre where civilians were sheltering is bombed. meanwhile, in kyiv, the shelling continues, as russian forces target a residential building. a strict curfew is now in place. here in washington, congress gave ukraine's president zelensky a hero's welcome — and president biden pledges another $800 million in military aid. it's about making sure ukraine will never be a victory for putin, no matter what advances he makes on the battlefield.