hello, i'm christian fraser. you're watching context on bbc news. there is no mercy for mariupol. the russians say they are doing all they can to protect civilians, while pounding the city from the sea, and denying any safe passage out. the are stories of children dying of hunger and thirst in a beseiged city in which 90% of the buildings have been destroyed. further to the west ukraine says its troops in mykolaiv are pushing back, and have succeeded in stopping russian advances on the port city of odesa. and the russian oligarch who was once said to be the uk's richest person claims to have evaded sanctions using a trust. tonight with the context, the political editor of the daily mirror,

pippa crerar and half russian half ukrainian, uriel epstein, the executive director of the renew democracy initiative. hello, welcome to the programme. an army's effectiveness, said napoleon, depends on its size, training, experience and morale. morale, said the emperor, is worth far more than the other three factors combined. and how true that maxim has proven to be, in ukraine. four weeks in and the spirit of the ukrainian army is confounding not only the russian command, but most observers in the west who'd presumed the country would fold in days. that's not to say the russians are defeated. but there is disarray. the pentagon said the russians now have 90% of the force they built up ahead of the war, which speaks of the losses inflicted, and such is the lack of coordination, they are still not unable to identify who the top

russian field commander is in ukraine. these were pictures today from makariv, a strategically important town the ukrainians have retaken, a0 miles to the west of the capital. to the south the russian supply lines are shorter, and from the black sea their ships continue to pound the port city of mariupol. yet still the ukrainians cling on. we will hear later in the programme, of the story of milkolayev, further to the west, who says they have succesfully repelled a landing from the sea. and continue to stand in the way of the russian advance towards odesa. does it give president zelensky some hope? he told the italian parliament today they are on the edge, it could go either way. what seems almost certain is it will not be a short war, and it is highly unlikely, said the un secretary general, that any side will ever claim victory. even if mariupol falls, ukraine cannot be conquered

city by city, street by street, house by house. the only outcome to all this is more suffering, more destruction, and more horror. it is time to stop the fighting now and give peace a chance. it is time to end this absurd war. let's speak to the ukrainian mp, lesia vasylenko, who joins us now from kyiv. it is nice to have you back on the programme. let's talk about this town of makariev, i know that you know it well because i think it is on your way from your home into the city. what have you seen? what can you tell us? to city. what have you seen? what can you tell us?— city. what have you seen? what can you tell us? to be honest, my home is the home — you tell us? to be honest, my home is the home of— you tell us? to be honest, my home is the home of relatives, _ you tell us? to be honest, my home is the home of relatives, that - you tell us? to be honest, my home is the home of relatives, that is - you tell us? to be honest, my home is the home of relatives, that is to i is the home of relatives, that is to say my dad, and it isjust is the home of relatives, that is to

say my dad, and it is just some 40-50 say my dad, and it is just some 40—50 kilometres from the centre of kyiv. it is very quiet normally, but these days, it is a time that is booming with explosions and gunshots just all the time so at the moment there is no possibility to go through that town because the normal way from where i am is a bit of from makariev, it would be 40—50 minutes to get to central kyiv, but right now it is going to take me tomorrow morning, three hours, maybe three and a half, going through very bad roads, through villages, and also, i don't know which of the villages are still possible because the situation changes every time so the last time i was taking this road, the normal way, the faster way was also blocked off because half of the bridge was blown up, and some of the villagers had fighting going on inside them.

that is interesting. what you are describing as a changing front line. you are a ukrainian parliamentarian. you are a ukrainian parliamentarian. you would be a very valuable capture for the russian military were they to find you, so do you have to be careful how you make your way to the capital? i careful how you make your way to the caital? ., .,, ., , careful how you make your way to the caital? ., ., , capital? i do, as does everyone else. capital? i do, as does everyone else- we _ capital? i do, as does everyone else- we see — capital? i do, as does everyone else. we see changes - capital? i do, as does everyone else. we see changes every - capital? i do, as does everyone i else. we see changes every single time. we don't really know which way is the safest. we just find out along the way. i is the safest. we “ust find out along the way._ is the safest. we “ust find out alonl the wa . g, �* ,, g, along the way. i don't know if you heard the speech _ along the way. i don't know if you heard the speech president - along the way. i don't know if you i heard the speech president zelensky gave to the italian parliament today. it is sometimes difficult to get the theme of what he is saying when you are translating from ukrainian into english, but we couldn't work out whether he was saying we are on the edge of something positive or whether we are on the edge of something going very badly wrong. which is it? do you have reason for hope now? do you

think the ukrainian army is capable of pushing back the russians, or do you think it still hangs in the balance? i you think it still hangs in the balance? a, a, , balance? i am a firm believer in the ukrainian army, _ balance? i am a firm believer in the ukrainian army, i— balance? i am a firm believer in the ukrainian army, i have _ balance? i am a firm believer in the ukrainian army, i have been - balance? i am a firm believer in the ukrainian army, i have been since l ukrainian army, i have been since 2014, when the ukrainians were withstanding some of the attacks of the russian army which was already going on back then. so, this trust in the ukrainian military, did not change since the escalation of this aggression. i think that, all ukrainians are very much hopeful and confident in the victory because we have no other choice, no other way out, the war that ukraine is fighting as a war of defence, and also a war that determines our right to exist as a nation and as a country so we have no other choice

but to get out of this with a victory. i but to get out of this with a victo . g, �* but to get out of this with a victo . l, �* ~' but to get out of this with a victo . g, �* ,, g, , victory. i don't think i am entirely clear at the _ victory. i don't think i am entirely clear at the moment _ victory. i don't think i am entirely clear at the moment how - victory. i don't think i am entirely clear at the moment how ukraine victory. i don't think i am entirely i clear at the moment how ukraine is being run, or is it being run at all. our decisions being made by president zelensky with a close war council, a close circle of advisers, or does the ukrainian parliament still have some say, some control, over what is happening in ukraine, day to day? it over what is happening in ukraine, day to day?— over what is happening in ukraine, da toda ? , , day to day? it can be confusing when ou are an day to day? it can be confusing when you are an observer— day to day? it can be confusing when you are an observer from _ day to day? it can be confusing when you are an observer from the - you are an observer from the outside. essentially what happened on the 24th of february, the ukrainian parliament voted in martial law. to a large extent the president unanimously and solely runs the whole country. he deals with all matters military, and he deals with all matters concerning mobilisation and defence of ukraine. at the same time, there are still

laws that deal with civilian matters, as you like. and these are up matters, as you like. and these are up to the parliament to decide. parliament still has a say in matters for example of how the taxation system works, and how the compensation goes for the businesses that are at a loss right now, and for civilians, and also parliament is forcing the president's position when we vote on different resolutions to address foreign platform so it is a mix, i guess. i would say that i find the system ideal. my personal opinion is that under martial law it should be the president who should call the shots and there should be one centre of coordination and management of the full country and this would be more efficient and faster but at the same time, it is doing its very best at

maintaining the system as a democratic system meaning that parliament still has a say, parliament still has a say, parliament still has a say, parliament still gathers, and still debates going on, not in the normal manner but still, they are going on and laws are being voted in so that every single action taken by the military is described in by law. stay with us. i would like to bring in our panel. all diplomatic eyes are turning to brussels on thursday. the deputy prime minister in ukraine has said such is the situation in mariupol that they are not even able to get to those people who were bombed in the theatre on wednesday last week, so they have been in that shelter and no one can get to them, which is unimaginable. i wonder politically whether it is becoming more and more uncomfortable for the nato leaders when they face president zelensky on thursday because he will address them via video link. do you think the pressure is mounting on them?

absolutely. but the question is what they can do in response. there are obviously various threads to the west�*s response to the crisis in the war in ukraine. and, when it comes to the economic war, if you like, there is obviously more that the west can do. the us, the eu and britain have been remarkably unified on this and they have suggested that the sanctions that they set out so far could be escalated. the question there, of course, is what the trigger point might be and how long they might last, and what exactly areas they would focus on. militarily, it is more complicated. we had this debate over recent weeks, when president zelensky has appeared in front of various domestic parliaments, including our own here in the uk, where he has called for help protecting ukraine's skies and obviously is keen to get more military support in terms of

implementing a no—fly zone, so that ukrainian cities can be protected. nato countries are incredibly anxious about the prospect of launching a wider conflict, horrific though the conflict in ukraine is, the last thing they want to do is having to invoke article five which would inevitably mean that the whole of nato would join into the conflict. that is the sort of tension that exists when it comes to more military support. but it is absolutely the case that, as day after day, we in the west see the shocking images that are coming out of cities like mariupol, we see them in our newspapers, the public concern is mounting. the pressure, therefore, and governance is mounting. it definitely represents a mood in brussels this thursday. the nato summit, then there's

subsequently the european council which president biden will be at, and the worst of take stock, and work out what can be done next. all the while, with this pressure from president zelensky on them and growing public outrage. it is like watchinl growing public outrage. it is like watching the _ growing public outrage. it is like watching the school— growing public outrage. it is like watching the school bully - growing public outrage. it is like i watching the school bully watching somebody punching someone on the nose continually and not doing anything about it, and that becomes morally very difficult to sustain. i suspect when he goes to europe on thursday there will be talk about solidarity but by the time he reaches poland on friday that might be more uncomfortable. it is reaches poland on friday that might be more uncomfortable.— be more uncomfortable. it is not “ust be more uncomfortable. it is not just morally- _ be more uncomfortable. it is not just morally. it _ be more uncomfortable. it is not just morally. it is _ be more uncomfortable. it is not just morally. it is also _ just morally. it is also strategically a mistake. he is a rationai— strategically a mistake. he is a rational actor, and like anyone else he takes _ rational actor, and like anyone else he takes his— rational actor, and like anyone else he takes his lessons from how people react to _ he takes his lessons from how people react to what he has done in the past _ react to what he has done in the past and — react to what he has done in the past. and what he has done is that in 2008 _ past. and what he has done is that in 2008 he —

past. and what he has done is that in 2008 he invaded a sovereign nation — in 2008 he invaded a sovereign nation of— in 2008 he invaded a sovereign nation of georgia and the western worlds— nation of georgia and the western world's collective response was the proverbial — world's collective response was the proverbial shrug. in 2014 he invaded ukraine _ proverbial shrug. in 2014 he invaded ukraine the — proverbial shrug. in 2014 he invaded ukraine the first time and again in the west. — ukraine the first time and again in the west, some sanctions which were reiativeiy— the west, some sanctions which were relatively soft, but ultimately did not do _ relatively soft, but ultimately did not do a — relatively soft, but ultimately did not do a whole lot. then he sent his troops _ not do a whole lot. then he sent his troops into— not do a whole lot. then he sent his troops into support dictators in belarus — troops into support dictators in belarus and kazakhstan and again the rest did _ belarus and kazakhstan and again the rest did not_ belarus and kazakhstan and again the rest did not react and before then he was _ rest did not react and before then he was bombing aleppo and parts of syria into _ he was bombing aleppo and parts of syria into rubble, and again there was not _ syria into rubble, and again there was not a — syria into rubble, and again there was not a significant western response so all of these actions collectively brought put into this moment— collectively brought put into this moment where he believed that he, at this point, _ moment where he believed that he, at this point, could essentially not 'ust this point, could essentially not just invade a sovereign nation and try to _ just invade a sovereign nation and try to take — just invade a sovereign nation and try to take a piece of it, try to take _ try to take a piece of it, try to take some _ try to take a piece of it, try to take some territory, but that he could _ take some territory, but that he could take — take some territory, but that he could take the entire thing, and the western— could take the entire thing, and the western world would not respond. gn western world would not respond. (gin that western world would not respond. that point can western world would not respond. qt that point can i bring that virtual liz truss published in the times. she is uneasy that france, germany, might go easy again on russia, that

they might provide him an off ramp, as they did in 2014 after the invasion of crimea. she says... she goes on to say... it cannot, can it, the bilateral summits in geneva, president macron going to moscow. something has to change. even if there is this uneasy peace. i change. even if there is this uneasy neace. . ., change. even if there is this uneasy n eace. . ., ., change. even if there is this uneasy neace. _, ., ., ., peace. i could not agree more. the fact is that — peace. i could not agree more. the fact is that putin _ peace. i could not agree more. the fact is that putin has _ peace. i could not agree more. the fact is that putin has had _ peace. i could not agree more. the fact is that putin has had it - peace. i could not agree more. the fact is that putin has had it easy . fact is that putin has had it easy for far— fact is that putin has had it easy for far too— fact is that putin has had it easy for far too long. and the result, i think. _ for far too long. and the result, i think. has— for far too long. and the result, i think, has been increased aggression, increased violence, etc. so, aggression, increased violence, etc. so. those _ aggression, increased violence, etc. so, those people who say that we want _ so, those people who say that we want to _ so, those people who say that we want to avoid world war iii, we should — want to avoid world war iii, we should think very carefully about how we — should think very carefully about how we can best avoid that world war iii. how we can best avoid that world war "l is _ how we can best avoid that world war "l is the _ how we can best avoid that world war iii. is the best way to avoid it by

offering — iii. is the best way to avoid it by offering putting these concessions which _ offering putting these concessions which he _ offering putting these concessions which he interprets as weakness and therefore. _ which he interprets as weakness and therefore, he takes that as an opportunity to escalate further? 0r opportunity to escalate further? or is the _ opportunity to escalate further? or is the best— opportunity to escalate further? or is the best way to avoid a broader war to _ is the best way to avoid a broader war to actually, by approaching putin— war to actually, by approaching putin from a position of strength and ensuring that we don't offer him that easy— and ensuring that we don't offer him that easy off ramp and by the way, i don't _ that easy off ramp and by the way, i don't think— that easy off ramp and by the way, i don't think he needs an off ramp to -et don't think he needs an off ramp to get out _ don't think he needs an off ramp to get out of— don't think he needs an off ramp to get out of this conflict. he came up with some — get out of this conflict. he came up with some incredibly thin excuses to id with some incredibly thin excuses to go into— with some incredibly thin excuses to go into ukraine in the first place. calling _ go into ukraine in the first place. calling ukraine a nazi nation, a government controlled by neo—nazis, when the _ government controlled by neo—nazis, when the president isjewish strikes me as _ when the president isjewish strikes me as a _ when the president isjewish strikes me as a pretty thin excuse to go into ukraine, so, i don't think it should — into ukraine, so, i don't think it should he — into ukraine, so, i don't think it should be our priority to offer him an easy— should be our priority to offer him an easy excuses to get out. ultimately we put him in a position where _ ultimately we put him in a position where he _ ultimately we put him in a position where he has no choice. you can very easily— where he has no choice. you can very easily come _ where he has no choice. you can very easily come up with an equally thin excuse _ easily come up with an equally thin excuse to— easily come up with an equally thin excuse to come out of the country in a way— excuse to come out of the country in a way where — excuse to come out of the country in a way where he will try to spin it as a _ a way where he will try to spin it as a victory— a way where he will try to spin it as a victory but ultimately, the only— as a victory but ultimately, the only way— as a victory but ultimately, the only way that we are going to get him into— only way that we are going to get him into that position is not by

making — him into that position is not by making concessions ahead of time, not by— making concessions ahead of time, not by displaying weakness but rather — not by displaying weakness but rather by — not by displaying weakness but rather by demonstrating that we are not going _ rather by demonstrating that we are not going to be cowed into submission, and that the free world is actually— submission, and that the free world is actually going to be united, in a way that— is actually going to be united, in a way that we have not been united, probably— way that we have not been united, probably since the end of the cold war _ probably since the end of the cold war |f— probably since the end of the cold war. ., ., ., ., ., . ., war. if we are going to avoid world war. if we are going to avoid world war iii, war. if we are going to avoid world war m, then — war. if we are going to avoid world war 111, then you _ war. if we are going to avoid world war 111, then you would _ war. if we are going to avoid world war 111, then you would think - war. if we are going to avoid world war 111, then you would think you i war iii, then you would think you would have to talk about the role of china. what is the eu going to do about china? relations were strained last year about chinese treatment of the uighurs in xinjang province. it would stand to reason that if china lent russia military and economic assistance, the war would tilt in moscow's favour. no question — they have practical reasons to cooperate. but the truth is china matters to russia, more than vice versa. all of which will be considered, on thurday when the 27 eu leaders meet with joe biden, to review europe's relationship with china in "the new global context". let's bring in georgina wright,

senior fellow and director of institut montaigne's europe program in paris. nice to see you, georgina. what does that mean in the new global context? how will european leaders respond to this, with joe how will european leaders respond to this, withjoe biden sitting alongside? igtgfe this, with joe biden sitting alongside?— this, with joe biden sitting alonlside? . ,, ., ., alongside? we know what the intentions _ alongside? we know what the intentions are, _ alongside? we know what the intentions are, they _ alongside? we know what the intentions are, they have - alongside? we know what the | intentions are, they have been alongside? we know what the - intentions are, they have been clear that they want europeans not only to be allies popular —— also aligned to the american machine so that is quite clear. with the eu summit, i don't think we are going to get this straightforward statement about decoupling from china in any way, but certainly you have european leaders, some european leaders, who are seeing what is happening in ukraine, not as a geopolitical crisis in europe but as a systemic crisis in europe but as a systemic crisis that is pitting democracies and against authority in —— authoritarian states so you see european leaders look at how china is behaving right now whether it will support russia economically and militarily, but also how the can

lessen their dependence on china in the eu, and the eu published a paper just yesterday, a defence paper, where it is actually not very naive at all in china. it says we must cooperate with china to tackle climate change but we also notice china's increasingly assertive behaviour in the region and the fact that it behaviour in the region and the fact thatitis behaviour in the region and the fact that it is increasing its nuclear arsenal so, we are not as naive as many people think.— arsenal so, we are not as naive as many people think. there has been a fundamental — many people think. there has been a fundamental shift. _ many people think. there has been a fundamental shift. 1— many people think. there has been a fundamental shift. i was _ many people think. there has been a fundamental shift. i was reading - many people think. there has been a fundamental shift. i was reading the | fundamental shift. i was reading the other day about the biggest greek port of piraeus which is under chinese control which means that the greeks might on what action should be taken against china but there is clearly some unease among the 27 leaders that china has been buying into and was encouraged to buy into europe and sadly that seems be shifting. president macron made that pretty clear through the pandemic.

there are three areas of unease, one is the european dependence on china, we saw with covid how the strategic sectors are dependent on china and supply chains that were just not as resolute as people thought, and there is uneasy about china buying into article infrastructure, and now the european union has its mission where eu governments are supposed to tell the commission if china is investing in critical infrastructures. that is happening as well and the further news is china's behaviour on the world stage, and so there is serious unease and it is reflected in the strategic paper published yesterday. the question is, what happens next? especially if china supports russia militarily, or economically. how does the eu respond, because so many of our supply chains are very much linked to china's.—

linked to china's. pippa, a certain section of the _ linked to china's. pippa, a certain section of the conservative - linked to china's. pippa, a certain section of the conservative party| section of the conservative party wanted britain to pull away from china after what happened in hong kong but if they text to strident action against china then they risk pushing china into russia at�*s embrace. it pushing china into russia at's embrace. , ., , embrace. it is worth remembering that the closeness _ embrace. it is worth remembering that the closeness of _ embrace. it is worth remembering that the closeness of the - that the closeness of the relationship currently between moscow — relationship currently between moscow and beijing is in no small —— no small— moscow and beijing is in no small —— no small part — moscow and beijing is in no small —— no small part of a sort of counterweight if you like to the pressure — counterweight if you like to the pressure that china feels from the rest currently and as you rightly suggest. — rest currently and as you rightly suggest, if that pressure increases, then one _ suggest, if that pressure increases, then one possible outcome is that beijing _ then one possible outcome is that beijing turns more to moscow at the time when _ beijing turns more to moscow at the time when the west is better off trying _ time when the west is better off trying to— time when the west is better off trying to push them, to embrace china _ trying to push them, to embrace china but— trying to push them, to embrace china but we will see more of that again— china but we will see more of that again coming back to the summit in brussels, _ again coming back to the summit in brussels, the nato summit, we will

see joe _ brussels, the nato summit, we will see joe biden trying to strike a collective — see joe biden trying to strike a collective response between the eu and the _ collective response between the eu and the us, in their response to china _ and the us, in their response to china. there are some early signs, some _ china. there are some early signs, some diplomats are suggesting that china said _ some diplomats are suggesting that china said last week, that they were not a _ china said last week, that they were not a party— china said last week, that they were not a party to the ukraine invasion, despite _ not a party to the ukraine invasion, despite suggestions that they might want to— despite suggestions that they might want to support russia militarily. some _ want to support russia militarily. some suggestions that they have been hacking _ some suggestions that they have been backing off slightly because they had talked about wanting a ceasefire in ukraine, _ had talked about wanting a ceasefire in ukraine, and they talked about the wars— in ukraine, and they talked about the war's cost to the global economy which _ the war's cost to the global economy which is _ the war's cost to the global economy which is a _ the war's cost to the global economy which is a different language and approach — which is a different language and approach than moscow has been taking so it was— approach than moscow has been taking so it was a _ approach than moscow has been taking so it was a very slight shift, doesn't _ so it was a very slight shift, doesn't amount to much just yet but we are _ doesn't amount to much just yet but we are sure — doesn't amount to much just yet but we are sure that the western leaders meeting _ we are sure that the western leaders meeting in— we are sure that the western leaders meeting in brussels on thursday will be extremely conscious of the need to try— be extremely conscious of the need to try and _ be extremely conscious of the need to try and encourage any indications from china — to try and encourage any indications from china that it might be about to step back— from china that it might be about to step back from supporting russia in the ukraine crisis. said step back from supporting russia in the ukraine crisis.—

the ukraine crisis. said in the introduction _ the ukraine crisis. said in the introduction that _ the ukraine crisis. said in the introduction that russia - the ukraine crisis. said in the| introduction that russia needs the ukraine crisis. said in the - introduction that russia needs china more than the other way around, can russia win this war without china? i don't think russia can win this one with or— don't think russia can win this one with or without— don't think russia can win this one with or without china. _ don't think russia can win this one with or without china. there - don't think russia can win this one with or without china. there is - don't think russia can win this one j with or without china. there is this idea floating — with or without china. there is this idea floating around _ with or without china. there is this idea floating around on _ with or without china. there is this idea floating around on social- with or without china. there is this. idea floating around on social media that we _ idea floating around on social media that we believe _ idea floating around on social media that we believe russia _ idea floating around on social media that we believe russia at _ idea floating around on social media that we believe russia at the - idea floating around on social media j that we believe russia at the second greatest _ that we believe russia at the second greatest army — that we believe russia at the second greatest army in _ that we believe russia at the second greatest army in the _ that we believe russia at the second greatest army in the world _ that we believe russia at the second greatest army in the world and - that we believe russia at the second greatest army in the world and be i greatest army in the world and be found _ greatest army in the world and be found out — greatest army in the world and be found out that _ greatest army in the world and be found out that it _ greatest army in the world and be found out that it is— greatest army in the world and be found out that it is the _ greatest army in the world and be found out that it is the second i found out that it is the second greatest — found out that it is the second greatest army _ found out that it is the second greatest army in _ found out that it is the second greatest army in ukraine. i found out that it is the second - greatest army in ukraine. obviously, if china _ greatest army in ukraine. obviously, if china were — greatest army in ukraine. obviously, if china were to — greatest army in ukraine. obviously, if china were to decide _ greatest army in ukraine. obviously, if china were to decide to _ greatest army in ukraine. obviously, if china were to decide to support i if china were to decide to support russia _ if china were to decide to support russia militarily— if china were to decide to support russia militarily in _ if china were to decide to support russia militarily in anyway, - if china were to decide to support russia militarily in anyway, that i russia militarily in anyway, that be, russia militarily in anyway, that he, that— russia militarily in anyway, that be, that would _ russia militarily in anyway, that be, that would significantly i russia militarily in anyway, that i be, that would significantly change the situation — be, that would significantly change the situation on _ be, that would significantly change the situation on the _ be, that would significantly change the situation on the ground - be, that would significantly change the situation on the ground to i be, that would significantly change the situation on the ground to a i the situation on the ground to a certain— the situation on the ground to a certain extent _ the situation on the ground to a certain extent stop _ the situation on the ground to a certain extent stop but - the situation on the ground to a certain extent stop but i- the situation on the ground to a certain extent stop but i don't. certain extent stop but i don't think— certain extent stop but i don't think that _ certain extent stop but i don't think that is _ certain extent stop but i don't think that is realistic. - certain extent stop but i don't think that is realistic. i- certain extent stop but i don't think that is realistic. i don't. think that is realistic. idon't ekpect— think that is realistic. i don't expect china _ think that is realistic. i don't expect china right _ think that is realistic. i don't expect china right now- think that is realistic. i don't expect china right now to i think that is realistic. i don't. expect china right now to come think that is realistic. i don't- expect china right now to come in and give — expect china right now to come in and give that— expect china right now to come in and give that military— expect china right now to come in and give that military or- expect china right now to come in and give that military or logisticalj and give that military or logistical support— and give that military or logistical support to — and give that military or logistical support to russia _ and give that military or logistical support to russia because - and give that military or logistical support to russia because it- and give that military or logistical support to russia because it is. and give that military or logisticall support to russia because it is not a particularly— support to russia because it is not a particularly simple _ support to russia because it is not a particularly simple thing - support to russia because it is not a particularly simple thing to i support to russia because it is not a particularly simple thing to do. i a particularly simple thing to do. given— a particularly simple thing to do. given the — a particularly simple thing to do. given the logistical— a particularly simple thing to do. given the logistical challenges i a particularly simple thing to do. given the logistical challenges in ukraine — given the logistical challenges in ukraine which— given the logistical challenges in ukraine which is— given the logistical challenges in ukraine which is a _ given the logistical challenges in ukraine which is a very— given the logistical challenges in ukraine which is a very large i ukraine which is a very large country— ukraine which is a very large country but _ ukraine which is a very large country but too _ ukraine which is a very large country but too because i ukraine which is a very large country but too because it i ukraine which is a very large country but too because it isj ukraine which is a very large i country but too because it is not ukraine which is a very large - country but too because it is not in chinas— country but too because it is not in china's interest _ country but too because it is not in china's interest to _ country but too because it is not in china's interest to be _ country but too because it is not in china's interest to be so— country but too because it is not in china's interest to be so greatly. china's interest to be so greatly seen _ china's interest to be so greatly seen by— china's interest to be so greatly seen by the _ china's interest to be so greatly seen by the entire _ china's interest to be so greatly seen by the entire world - china's interest to be so greatly- seen by the entire world community supporting — seen by the entire world community supporting russia's— seen by the entire world community supporting russia's military- supporting russia's military invasion _ supporting russia's military invasion in— supporting russia's military invasion. in fact _ supporting russia's military

invasion. in fact what - supporting russia's military invasion. in fact what i i supporting russia's military| invasion. in fact what i think supporting russia's military. invasion. in fact what i think is much — invasion. in fact what i think is much more _ invasion. in fact what i think is much more likely— invasion. in fact what i think is much more likely is— invasion. in fact what i think is much more likely is that - invasion. in fact what i think is much more likely is that there| invasion. in fact what i think is - much more likely is that there would be a much more likely is that there would he a certain— much more likely is that there would be a certain level— much more likely is that there would be a certain level of— much more likely is that there would be a certain level of cooperation i be a certain level of cooperation and support_ be a certain level of cooperation and support between— be a certain level of cooperation and support between russia i be a certain level of cooperationj and support between russia and be a certain level of cooperation - and support between russia and china on financial— and support between russia and china on financial matters. _ and support between russia and china on financial matters. so, _ and support between russia and china on financial matters. so, this - and support between russia and china on financial matters. so, this is- on financial matters. so, this is with— on financial matters. so, this is with respect— on financial matters. so, this is with respect to _ on financial matters. so, this is with respect to the _ on financial matters. so, this is with respect to the west's i on financial matters. so, this is- with respect to the west's sanctions against _ with respect to the west's sanctions against russia. these _ with respect to the west's sanctions. against russia. these sanctions have been by far— against russia. these sanctions have been byfarthe— against russia. these sanctions have been by far the single _ against russia. these sanctions have been by far the single most - against russia. these sanctions have been by far the single most powerfulj been by far the single most powerful and relatively— been by far the single most powerful and relatively most _ been by far the single most powerful and relatively most comprehensive i and relatively most comprehensive set of _ and relatively most comprehensive set of sanctions _ and relatively most comprehensive set of sanctions we _ and relatively most comprehensive set of sanctions we have _ and relatively most comprehensive set of sanctions we have ever i and relatively most comprehensivel set of sanctions we have ever seen, but they— set of sanctions we have ever seen, but they are — set of sanctions we have ever seen, but they are still _ set of sanctions we have ever seen, but they are still not _ set of sanctions we have ever seen, but they are still not foolproof- set of sanctions we have ever seen, but they are still not foolproof and i but they are still not foolproof and in fact _ but they are still not foolproof and in fact there — but they are still not foolproof and in fact there is _ but they are still not foolproof and in fact there is significant - but they are still not foolproof and in fact there is significant reason i in fact there is significant reason to believe — in fact there is significant reason to believe that _ in fact there is significant reason to believe that russia _ in fact there is significant reason to believe that russia has- in fact there is significant reason to believe that russia has been. in fact there is significant reason i to believe that russia has been able to believe that russia has been able to hide _ to believe that russia has been able to hide away— to believe that russia has been able to hide away tens _ to believe that russia has been able to hide away tens of _ to believe that russia has been able to hide away tens of billions - to believe that russia has been able to hide away tens of billions of i to hide away tens of billions of dollars— to hide away tens of billions of dollars in— to hide away tens of billions of dollars in a _ to hide away tens of billions of dollars in a way— to hide away tens of billions of dollars in a way that _ to hide away tens of billions of dollars in a way that we - to hide away tens of billions of dollars in a way that we would | dollars in a way that we would struggle — dollars in a way that we would struggle to _ dollars in a way that we would struggle to provide, _ dollars in a way that we would struggle to provide, to- dollars in a way that we would | struggle to provide, to identify dollars in a way that we would i struggle to provide, to identify the celsius— struggle to provide, to identify the celsius of— struggle to provide, to identify the celsius of that _ struggle to provide, to identify the celsius of that money _ struggle to provide, to identify the celsius of that money and - struggle to provide, to identify the celsius of that money and then i celsius of that money and then actually— celsius of that money and then actually go _ celsius of that money and then actually go after— celsius of that money and then actually go after and _ celsius of that money and then actually go after and freeze i celsius of that money and thenl actually go after and freeze that money — actually go after and freeze that money at — actually go after and freeze that money at a _ actually go after and freeze that money. at a very— actually go after and freeze that money. at a very high _ actually go after and freeze that money. at a very high levels i actually go after and freeze that| money. at a very high levels the actually go after and freeze that . money. at a very high levels the a sanctions — money. at a very high levels the a sanctions work— money. at a very high levels the a sanctions work is _ money. at a very high levels the a sanctions work is that _ money. at a very high levels the a sanctions work is that they - money. at a very high levels the a sanctions work is that they target i sanctions work is that they target known _ sanctions work is that they target known people _ sanctions work is that they target known people or— sanctions work is that they target known people or groups- sanctions work is that they target known people or groups or- sanctions work is that they target known people or groups or states sanctions work is that they target i known people or groups or states and say that _ known people or groups or states and say that you _ known people or groups or states and say that you cannot _ known people or groups or states and say that you cannot transact - known people or groups or states and say that you cannot transact with i say that you cannot transact with them _ say that you cannot transact with them the — say that you cannot transact with them. the problem _ say that you cannot transact with them. the problem is— say that you cannot transact with them. the problem is that - say that you cannot transact with | them. the problem is that russia say that you cannot transact with i them. the problem is that russia or other— them. the problem is that russia or other individuals, _ them. the problem is that russia or other individuals, groups _ them. the problem is that russia or other individuals, groups and - them. the problem is that russia or other individuals, groups and so- other individuals, groups and so forth, _ other individuals, groups and so forth, can — other individuals, groups and so forth, can structure _ other individuals, groups and so forth, can structure and - other individuals, groups and so forth, can structure and hide i other individuals, groups and so. forth, can structure and hide their assets _ forth, can structure and hide their assets in — forth, can structure and hide their assets in such _ forth, can structure and hide their assets in such a _ forth, can structure and hide their assets in such a way— forth, can structure and hide their assets in such a way that - forth, can structure and hide their assets in such a way that it - forth, can structure and hide their assets in such a way that it is i forth, can structure and hide their assets in such a way that it is notl assets in such a way that it is not obviously — assets in such a way that it is not obviously ultimately _ assets in such a way that it is not obviously ultimately owns -

assets in such a way that it is not obviously ultimately owns them. | obviously ultimately owns them. therefore. — obviously ultimately owns them. therefore, even _ obviously ultimately owns them. therefore, even though - obviously ultimately owns them. therefore, even though it - obviously ultimately owns them. therefore, even though it may. obviously ultimately owns them. i therefore, even though it may seem that sanctions — therefore, even though it may seem that sanctions are _ therefore, even though it may seem that sanctions are pretty— that sanctions are pretty comprehensive, - that sanctions are pretty comprehensive, russia. that sanctions are pretty- comprehensive, russia could have used _ comprehensive, russia could have used a _ comprehensive, russia could have used a financial— comprehensive, russia could have used a financial intermediary i comprehensive, russia could have used a financial intermediary such| used a financial intermediary such as a shell— used a financial intermediary such as a shell company _ used a financial intermediary such as a shell company or— used a financial intermediary such as a shell company or even - used a financial intermediary such as a shell company or even a i used a financial intermediary such i as a shell company or even a foreign government— as a shell company or even a foreign government like _ as a shell company or even a foreign government like china _ as a shell company or even a foreign government like china to _ as a shell company or even a foreign government like china to store i government like china to store foreign — government like china to store foreign currency— government like china to store foreign currency assets - government like china to store foreign currency assets in i government like china to store i foreign currency assets in offshore accounts _ foreign currency assets in offshore accounts that _ foreign currency assets in offshore accounts that would _ foreign currency assets in offshore accounts that would be _ foreign currency assets in offshore accounts that would be very - accounts that would be very difficult _ accounts that would be very difficult for _ accounts that would be very difficult for us _ accounts that would be very difficult for us to _ accounts that would be very difficult for us to tie - accounts that would be very difficult for us to tie it - accounts that would be very difficult for us to tie it backl accounts that would be very i difficult for us to tie it back to them, — difficult for us to tie it back to them, at _ difficult for us to tie it back to them, at least _ difficult for us to tie it back to them, at least with _ difficult for us to tie it back to them, at least with publicly . them, at least with publicly available _ them, at least with publicly available information. i them, at least with publicly available information. andl them, at least with publicly i available information. and so, them, at least with publicly - available information. and so, the way i _ available information. and so, the way i see — available information. and so, the way i see china's _ available information. and so, the way i see china's roll— available information. and so, the way i see china's roll right - available information. and so, the way i see china's roll right now- available information. and so, the way i see china's roll right now isi way i see china's roll right now is less on_ way i see china's roll right now is less on the — way i see china's roll right now is less on the military _ way i see china's roll right now is less on the military side - way i see china's roll right now is less on the military side in - way i see china's roll right now is. less on the military side in ukraine back moroney— less on the military side in ukraine back moroney financial— less on the military side in ukraine back moroney financial side, - less on the military side in ukraine i back moroney financial side, helping russia _ back moroney financial side, helping russia to _ back moroney financial side, helping russia to evade _ back moroney financial side, helping russia to evade these _ back moroney financial side, helping russia to evade these sanctions - back moroney financial side, helping russia to evade these sanctions that we have _ russia to evade these sanctions that we have levelled _ russia to evade these sanctions that we have levelled against _ russia to evade these sanctions that we have levelled against them. - we have levelled against them. georgina, — we have levelled against them. georgina, before _ we have levelled against them. georgina, before you _ we have levelled against them. georgina, before you go, - we have levelled against them. georgina, before you go, we i we have levelled against them. i georgina, before you go, we had we have levelled against them. - georgina, before you go, we had from the representativejoseph burrell, they said they don't have any sanctions in the pipeline this coming week but do you get a sense that they are running out of ideas on where they can tighten the screw? that is being a bit uncharitable towards the eu. we have said it

before, pippa said it, we have never seen the eu actress at such determination and unity in such a short space of time, they've adopted three sanctions packages and vast amounts of restrictive measures. the question now really is what more they can do and there are ongoing discussions in brussels but also, with the uk and the us, and they are in daily contact, the white house and the european commission on this and the european commission on this and the european commission on this and the question is will they stop imports of crude oil and gas from russia and that is the key question for member states who are heavily reliant on russia but there's lots of pressure on governments to do more so i expect this is at the end of what we are going to hear of what comes out from brussels right now. it was a question that i was going to put to, but she is on a curfew right now. we will take a short break, we must say goodbye to viewers in the uk, the ten o'clock news is coming up for you, but do

come back to us after the short break, our worldviews. —— our world viewers. hello there. it's been a fine, dry, sunny day for most of us. it's been the warmest day of the year so far. we saw top temperatures of 21 celsius in both wales and in england. now, the next few days, it's going to stay warm, dry and sunny, thanks to high pressure. and there will still be that very outside chance of an isolated shower, but most places will stay dry. our weather will be influenced by high pressure sitting to the east of us. we will have lower pressure out to the west — that's why we're drawing up this warm air from the south or southeast. so, any showers this evening will tend to fade away through central and northern areas. most places will be drier overnight. there will be patchy cloud, some mist and fog patches developing here and there. most places will see clear skies. it will be chilly out of town, but i think towns and cities

seeing temperatures no lower than around 3—5 degrees. so, it's a fine start to wednesday morning. any early mist and fog patches should tend to melt away quite quickly, and then it's a dry, sunny afternoon for most of us. you can see a little bit of low cloud, some mist and murk hugging the coasts of northern and eastern scotland, northeast england. could see the odd shower as well, northeast scotland and down into eastern england, but most places will be dry, and again, it's going to be another warm day. mid to high teens for most, could see the low 20s in the warmest spots in the midlands and the southeast. as we head through wednesday night, it's going to be largely dry again, widespread clear skies, could see a bit more cloud pushing to the north and west of scotland, perhaps western parts of northern ireland by the end of the night. so, here, temperatures won't fall as low as they will further south because here we have clear skies. but it should be a largely frost—free start for thursday for most of us. plenty of sunshine once again, more cloud for northern and western scotland, northern ireland, thanks to a weak weather front. more of a breeze here, one or two showers. i think more cloud generally for the north of the uk.

that will impact the temperatures slightly. so, the low teens here, but elsewhere, it's another dry, sunny warm day, top temperatures around 19, maybe 20 degrees. some subtle changes as we move through friday into the weekend. this area of high pressure begins to drift its way westwards. that will allow a bit more cloud, some slightly fresher air to move across northern and eastern parts of the country, particularly as we head through sunday. but with high pressure in charge, it's going to stay largely dry with some sunny spells. there will be increasing amounts of cloud in northern and eastern areas into the weekend. into next week, though, it starts to turn much colder to the start of april.

tonight at ten — the united nations appeals for an end to the war in ukraine. it says people here are enduring a "living hell." explosion. we have a special report on the battle for a key town in the south of the country where ukrainian troops and local people have pushed back russian forces. this war is only a few weeks old, and the russians will almost certainly be back with more soldiers and a lot more firepower. fleeing the beseiged city of mariupol — survivors tell of children dying there because of a lack of food and water. russia's opposition leader alexei navalny is sentenced to nine years injail after being convicted of fraud.