[000:00:00;00] ah ah, this is d w. news coming to live from berlin. russia prepares to stage the biggest military drills with neighboring bell roofs since the cold war. the exercise as calm as tensions continue to mount over ukraine with the u. s. accusing russia of further escalating the crisis. while sco denies is planning an invasion. also coming up, a small group of truckers who are protesting cove at restrictions in canada say they will not lift their blockade of a key crossing into the u. s. until the government gives into their demands. and

hong kong imposes the strictest anti cove. it measures since the start of the pandemic. we explain why authorities there are more worried than some other places about the spread of all micro plus folks are high that cobit 19 won't steal the show as the belly. another film festival opens today in the german capital will have the rundown of the festivals most anticipated fil ah, hello, i'm terry martin. thanks for joining us. russia is starting joint military drills with its neighbour bell roost to day. nato says it's moscow's largest deployment to the former soviet countries since the cold war. the exercises come as tensions build over what some western countries fear are. russian plans to invade ukraine. u . s. is calling the joint military drills. escal,

a tory key of says they are about psychological pressure of russia, claims the forces will return to their bases. when the drills finish in 10 days time, the u. s. is also deploying war troops to eastern europe. meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are being stepped up more on that in a moment, but 1st this report there bolstering nato's borders. on wednesday, u. s. troops arrived in south eastern poland. the united states has also begun moving its forces from germany to romania. around a 1000 nato troops are expected to follow in the coming days. denmark is also announced that its enhancing its military preparedness, deploying fighter jets to the baltic sea killings. so what, but many western analysts do not see nato's actions in response to the more than 100000 russian troops, a mass near ukraine's borders as

a direct defense of ukraine. now in terms of numbers, this is meant to be a symbolic show of resolve that the nato is united, and it will defend its members if attacked. for ukraine, we've provided arms and training, but we're not providing any direct forces. nobody is further consignments of british weapons have arrived, and ukraine. britain has said it only intends them to be used in self defense. speaking in berlin. on wednesday, german chancellor will of shots that a dual approach was needed. adding that while all diplomatic channels must be pursued at the beginning, allies must be prepared to act. russian forces crossed these borders and into ukraine. let us now are joined by the w. german. political correspondent, john julius, how daily here in berlin, and our correspondent and kia, mathias boating, mathias ukraine's foreign minister says diplomatic efforts are bearing fruit, but the pentagon says rushes troop build up on ukraine's border is continuing. is

there any consensus in ukraine on the threat level at this point? yes, sir, there is a sensor. there is a consensus. the consensus is that rushes to build up is menacing and that russia is preparing to launch an attack or is preparing in a way that they could be ready to launch an attack within a very short time. but that they are not at and seeing their last preparations that would be needed. ukraine is somewhat in a difficult position here because, or the threat is perceived as real and ukraine once the world to understand that and what they need, all these weapon deliveries that that's at least their assessment in order to maybe deter irrational attack or to counter somewhat counter it, of course the russian military is a superior to the ukrainian and they wouldn't have it wouldn't be a fight on par. but at the same time,

they do not want to spread panic. so their situation, their, their, their, the, the wording is always that russia might attack very soon, but they're not seeing any imminent preparations for attack. julio german chancellor olive shots is continuing his diplomatic offensive by hosting multi party talks here in berlin. tell us about today's round of diplomacy to day on the schedule is the 2nd round of meetings of the so called norman div format . and that means there are policy advisers from germany, france, russia, and ukraine will meet in berlin after a 1st meeting that happened in paris at the end of january. the normandy format was established in 2014 to try to bring an end to the conflict in eastern ukraine. and that led to the so called minced minsk agreements of 2015, which are ukraine and russia accuse themselves of not respecting and implementing

this meeting today. or we don't have that many details about what we've heard from a government spokesman. is that or the will try to push for further dialogue and the escalation, but also to try to see these minsk agreements fully implemented. and surely, i understand that shots is also due to meet with the leaders of the baltic states, estonia, lafayette lithuania, which all border russia. are they likely to get the kind of support they're looking for from germany? because of the geographical position of these 3 countries. they are in a especially delicate situation. they border with russia. they border with bell roofs, where the military exercises with russia are currently taking place. and these countries don't see russia and russia attacking them as an immediate threat or possibility. but they are afraid that if that were to happen in ukraine,

that they would be next. now the countries have ask especially lead to whit lithuania for an increased troop presence by germany in the country. germany leads the natal battle group that is present in lithuania with around 550 soldiers. and germany's defense minister has promised this week that germany is prepared to send an additional $350.00 soldiers to lithuania, to try to reassure it's partners. but whether that will be enough and whether the countries are going to be asking for more and whether german is willing to give more, we will see this evening at this meeting, mathias, russia and billers are entering the hot phase of huge wargames in melrose involving 200000 troops. how is this being seen in kiev? it's of course seen as a maneuver of intimidation is seen as, as a, as

a preparation and other preparation to encircle ukraine. the russian troops are now in the, at the eastern border, the border between russia and ukraine, occupied on the occupied territory of crimea. and now that in the northern part of the, the boat border between bella, roost and ukraine. so of course, this is seen as part of this military build up, although russia denies it has anything to do with it, or tears spilling and tear. and julia saw deli in berlin, thanks to both of you very much say look now at some of the other stories making headlines around the world's day voting has started elections in several indian states including the most populous utah pradesh. their chief minister yogi adiana is seeking reelection for his hindu nationalist. b. j. p. party, which is also india's ruling party. at the national level victory there would boost

the party ahead of national elections in 2024 police in new zealand. capital, wellington, arrested more than 50 people protesting against corona, virus, mandates and restrictions. several hundreds of several 100 demonstrators have been camp out for 3 days in front of parliament, around 80 percent of new zealanders are fully vaccinated with jobs required for some frontline staff. the president of mexico says he wants a pause in relations with spain. andre manuel lopez upper door says deals with spanish energy firms. by previous governments put mexico's state utility provider at a disadvantage. presidents plans to strength and stay control of the mexican energy market. have raised concerns among foreign firms about protecting their investments there. those who in german foreign minister alina bow has kicked off a 3 day trip to the middle east. the green party politician arrived in israel late on wednesday night for stop on

a tour that will include the palestinian territories, then jordan on friday, and egypt on saturday. she's due to meet with both israeli and palestinian leaders today to discuss the middle east peace process. this is bow box 1st visit to the region since taking office in december, an injurious lindy, w. tonya kramer is standing by force tanya, alina bell, buck is kicking off her trip with a visit to yod beacham, the holocaust memorial in jerusalem. tell us more about the significance of that. wow, yes, yes. and, and her 1st trip as a foreign minister here to the region. and she has made a point in her statement. chester before arriving here, that is very important for her that the 1st visit to the 1st station is israel, and she buys to wednesday night. she was 1st meeting with some israeli civil society personalities, but her main days, today's a very short visit and she is right now here in yet to wish him you standing here

underneath the yet for some it's a very rainy and cold day over here and to slim, she said she wants to remember and you know, the shared past and she wants to make sure it's a future generations. i will remember that. so it's very important for her to be here. this kicks off the day as so to speak, and then she will continue to meet with israel's foreign minister. you le pete, and then with the prime minister, natalie bennett. and moving on to a ma meeting, there was palestinian leaders and then she would continue her trip. to jordan, and then to egypt. now this is bev box. first visit to the region is foreign minister. she's meeting both the israeli and palestinian leaders. what's her stance on reviving the middle east? peace process was quite interesting because in her statement again before leaving, she said she wants to talk or with her own lead, as he is,

she's meeting about prospects or the future of a peace process. now we all know there has been no peace process to this for many years. and also of course, this current israeli government, or with israeli prime minister, natalia bennett, has said, you know, there will be no palestinian state under his watch. also, the current government in israel will have some difficulties, probably to come to a, you know, common policies. it's a government out of writing center and left parties, but nevertheless, she wants to talk about it. she also made a point to say that's why she goes to jordan and egypt because they are stake holders in the peace process and of course, meeting with palestinian leaders. now there have been some high level meetings between israeli politicians and the palestinian leadership. but at the moment, i would say it looks more that, you know, there is a sense that this is for containing the conflict rather than finding solutions here

. tony, thank you very much. that was our jerusalem, correspond tanya kramer, there an illegal blockade of one of the main border crossings between canada and the u. s. is starting to have an adverse effect on the economy. small group of around $100.00 anti backs or truckers is preventing traffic including supply parts from moving across a key bridge, the truckers say they will not move until the government scraps a mandate for them to be fully vaccinated to enter canada or than 80 percent of canadians are vaccinated. the ambassador bridge would normally be humming with traffic. but these protesters have brought that grinding to a halt for 3 days now. they've been blockading this key border crossing. that part of the so called freedom convoy that started in opposition to mantra cove. it vaccinations for truckers, but as since snowballed into a broader expression of anger with pandemic restrictions and canada's government,

the white house says the blockade is concerning. the ambassador bridge is kenneth busiest link to the united states and accounts for about 25 per cent of trade between the 2 countries and said the blockade poses arrest to supply chains. so now many trucks being forced to detour nearly 2 hours to this alternative bridge purchase as well. so paralyzed the heart of canada's capital for nearly 2 weeks. they say they won't leave until old pandemic restrictions scrapped. stand up for our freedom, stand up for our children, our future. no mandates, no vaccines. unless people choose to take a box with more than 400 trucks blocking roads, most businesses in the area have been forced to close. prime minister justin trudeau said his government won't change course or cannot stop a pandemic with guar, kate, you cannot end

a pandemic by decree. you can't end a pandemic by legislation. you need to end a pandemic by relying on science by public health measures and by vaccinations. and even as canadians are tired and impatient for at the end, we're going to continue to be there for them to support them through it. and to make sure we do everything necessary to enter this police, have seized thousands of liters of fuel as part of efforts to break the blockades. but protest is appear determined and are settling in for the long haul. authorities in hong kong are imposing their toughest restrictions since the start of their pandemic. as infection numbers explode, most venues including schools, jim's churches and hair salons must close cover 19 cases have almost doubled to hit

a new record high hundred's queue to get tested. as hong kong prepares for some of its toughest coven restrictions. yet, as many countries shift their approach to living with the virus, hong kong is pursuing a 0 coven strategy in line with the chinese mainland. but a sudden surgeon cases is complicating matters. the government responded by announcing tough new restrictions on tuesday here, closing hess alons and banning public gatherings of more than 2 people. at this moment, we still feel that this is a best strategy for hong kong using all our capacity. and i'll means to ensure that we could to achieve the dynamic as 0 target. but the announcement of new restrictions and disruptions to inputs have caused food prices to skyrocket. as fears of a shortage grow residents of feeling the pressure. some have begun to question

whether the cities 0 coven policy is worth the damage that it's causing. now like all the veterans are closing everywhere with economic already get a thinking. i guess living with a call that would be the best solution and the easiest way i definitely it's going to follow me last night because he doesn't have any other often. so it mean when one talk to you to look down than papa has to walk down? for now, there is little that hong kong 7500000 residents can do. but wait and hope that case numbers begin to fall as soon as possible. from oral, let's bring in our correspond at phoebe kong in hong kong. phoebe what's the latest on these tough anti covered restrictions? well, hong kong now is suffering from the most of fear. i'll break says to pandemic,

began in 2020 is the 5th wave of infection in the city that lay over pena. over a 1000 cases were reported yesterday. and in that 980 cases i reported to day heating a record high. so on there are mast testing on being conducted across hong kong. as i'm standing here, i'll next to one that the testing stations we can see long lies on cooling up to wait for testing. our people have to wait for hours up to 6 hours, are to conduct the compulsory testing as if their residential areas were, are detected virus or infection. i'm so starting from today, the government is imposing the most our tony and meshes are, seems to outbreak began and that our, our public gathering of more than 2 people and our private gathering of over to families, our band. and also a series of strengthens measures that up hair lawns and religious venues like churches and tempest. half that shut on the government is or so are laying out of

that same path in 2 weeks requiring or citizens our people in hong kong, but have to show that proof. our fascination are to enter many private venues and public facility. so the government is or is really are trying every mean to eliminate the virus from the community. our hong kong hospitals and critical infrastructure fairing in this current wave of infections. phoebe ah, well sir say that these are pressing clubland, facing the hong kong government and that according to the authorities on the occupancy rate of the isolating, i shall lation bat at public hospital. i was just reaching 90 percent and emergency wards are or so on. getting of her went to so on public hospital is really out running out of resources to accommodate new patients. oh, and we're talking about over a 1000 patients are getting factored every single day. and so the government is now trying to transfer some patient of mile or even no symptom to some mex,

shift isolation, our facilities in a bit to east a burden on public hospitals and also eyeing on hotels to accommodate new patients . some experts even suggest on the so co reverse isolation strategies helping are to accommodate other do infections. their critics say that china's 0 covert policy, which now applies to hong kong, is doing more harm than good. what's your impression there? ah, the half been debates on whether our hong kong wish to stick with their the so called dynamic sea or infection policy adapted by mainland china and not as some expos and economists suggesting that. and such policies, not sustainable, especially when hong kong has already paid a huge prize to contain a virus. but 2 years on that to flight that down of by 90 percent,

many shops have shut and close down and some financial rating institution. even a lowered hong kong steady beef grow forecast this year already. so on such policy may compromise hong kong position as an international aviation and financial hub on . but on the other hand, that hung coast chief executive paradigms, do insist on ah, lay unsticking with the r c o coated policy a she thinks this is still the best option for hong kong, because more than half of the elderly haven't been fascinated. so that's why on is not suitable for hong kong to leave at the virus as the rest of the while is doing . so. the re thank you. phoebe kong, they're in hong kong. now to the one ocean summit in france for a top climate decision makers are working on a legally binding treaty to protect the ocean conservation as say, a deal couldn't be more urgent. oceans produced half of the world's oxygen regulate the weather and provide humanities, largest source of protein,

but they are in peril. plastic is one of the biggest threats to marine ecosystems, and global production is at an all time high. another issue is the rising temperature of the oceans warmer sea water is a big threat to coral reefs which are a habitat for all sorts of marine life an ocean paradise full of color and life. but rising sea temperatures a damaging the coral reefs if the mouths and the ecosystems marine life. the signs are all too clear. good idea to hire her very good. there won't be any calon and when you go, dea dakota, you kind see an acre, a light alive oil light alive though. oh, good, big or no, no. look like her own. but steps to being taken to save the coral. marine biologist, emily cattle has established

a coral breeding program last year. she placed 200 metal structures to build a coral nursery and for real life has returned to lake oakland. i don't see all the corals we planted are healthy. we can see that they've grown. we can see that the fish arrived and we can see the positive impact on the reverse quizzes. if you've heard of others like xena and the seem a building a different kind of nursery, an educational one. she was the 1st woman to get her diving diploma on the island, and now gives free lessons to make children aware of the corals. if you don't love something, you can't protect it. he has to fall in love with the re for the ellison. then only you for nathan to make sure that it remains her methods or working. as young people learn what could be lost without more protection. the berlin international film festival opens this week despite high numbers of chronic virus cases,

here in the german capital with last year's festival happening mostly online screenings, this year are being attended in person, but seating capacity and belly. now the syllabus will be limited to 50 percent. all parties and receptions have also been called off. the red carpet is ready for the 72nd edition of the berlin international film festival. but unlike in past years and will be thronged with far fewer fans, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite stars. it's just one of the measures men to allow the festival to take place despite pandemic restrictions. organizers are standing by their decision to hold an in person event. we don't want to make our festival up and, and put people in danger. that's something we really don't want. so we've fallen instruction will, will be given by the authority as long the instructional will match with our project. we will go hon. this year's jury for the main competition is headed by

american director m 9 shah milan. he says he's looking forward to taking on the new role. berlin for me is always kind a, had a right or wrong. it has this kind of a kind of classed quality. it has this kind of a, um, breaking breaking norms of rebellion. that those are the filmmakers that go to berlin. the festival kicks off with the latest work by french director of finance. well was own peter on country is based on the film, the bitter tears of pe tough on conned by late kiner. vanna fust binda attribute to the german director. it stars french actors, didn't ye middle she and isabella, jenny? a jenny colleague and compatriot, isabella bell, is this years recipient of the golden bear award for lifetime achievement. the french actress will also be seen at the festival and her latest film about joan, alongside berlin hometown favorite last,

idaho. this is all also generating buzz. is the thriller the outfit starring oscar winning british actor remark, rollins as a tailor gets mixed up with gangsters and 19 fifties. chicago going to be involved in whatever it is you. do you know exactly what it is i went through. all the outfit is just one of 256 movie screening at this highly unusual valley, not at the festival, is known to be the most political among the international film festivals. but this year, the overarching theme among the 18 movies vying to wind the golden bear is love. this whole event is of course, overshadowed by germany. staggering, covet 19 infection rates. and while much of the battered movie industry welcomed the decision to move ahead with a tone down version of the belly, not many people here in berlin. fear that i'm across might turn the celebration into a super spreader event. you're watching dw news from berlin,

coming up next we've got conflict zone for you. tim. sebastian will be interviewing a foreign ministry official port, the taliban. i'm terry market for me and all of us here at the w. thanks for watching the news with

with who into the conflict zone with sebastian 6 months since the color band fees power and the killings another human rights abuses. i'm going on multiplying my guesses week from cobble is shopping lum taliban director general of the foreign ministry. do they really believe they can play nice with al qaeda on the west? at the same time, everybody common claims with conflict. a snack on

d. w. a long forgotten? well, a crossing this and dangerous yet nothing would make them happy as a guardians of the deserts. in 45 minutes on d w. oh, we're all good to go. be on p o of? yes, we're as we take on the world,

i do understand we're all about the stories that matter to you. whatever it takes, 5 policeman a deal we are here is actually on fire made for mines with 6 months since the taliban sees power and the killings another human rights abuses have gone on multiplying women. they've been a major target that peaceful protest broken up. some have been threatened, beaten, and disappeared. but alabama promised an inclusive government, but not a single woman was appointed to the capitol. my guest this week from cobble is shopping you alive. um taliban director general of economic relations. a foreign ministry. are you in the taliban?