oh this is dw news live from berlin, russia stages, the biggest military drills with neighboring bella roost since the cold war. these exercises comic tensions continue to mount over. you craned with the u. s. accusing russia of further escalating. the crisis. lost out denies. it is planning innovation also coming up hong kong and poses the strictest anti cope. it measures since the start of the pandemic. we explain why authorities there are more worried than some other places about the spread of on the chrome at the winter olympics in

beijing joy for americans as nathan chan, rockets his way to gold while skating to elton john. we speak to our correspondent up again, and helps her. hi, that cobit 19, won't steal the show as the valley. now the film festival opens today in the german capital will have a rundown of the festivals most anticipated film. ah, i'm soon so misconduct. good to have you with us. russia is starting joint military drills with its neighbor belarus. today. nato says it's moscow's largest deployment to the former soviet countries since the cold war. the exercise has come as tensions billed over what some western countries fear our russian plans to invade ukraine. diplomacy is continuing, but the u. s. has can criticize the new joint military drills as escalator here says there about psychological pressure. russia claims the forces will return to

their bases when the drills finish in 10 days time. now the u. s. is also deploying more troops to eastern europe as a show of solidarity their bolstering nato's borders. on wednesday, us troops arrived in southeastern poland. the united states has also begun move in its forces from germany to romania. around a 1000 nato troops are expected to follow in the coming days. denmark has also announced that its enhancing its military preparedness, deploying fighter jets to the baltic sea dealings with guns on audio. 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 resolved that the nato was 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 intense them to be used in self defense. speaking in berlin. on wednesday, german chancellor will of shalt set a dual approach was needed. adding that while all diplomatic channels must be pursued of the allies must be prepared to act. russian forces cross these borders and into ukraine. from our perspective on the story we can speak now to coll belt he is the co chair of the european council of foreign relations and former prime minister of sweet mister bellow. welcome to the w. i went to start with a rush as military drills. russia says these drills are for its own security. ukraine says, this is psychological pressure. do you think that these drills are a further escalation of the situation? they are clearly one part of the vein major military build up. you've seen full

garage inside during the last 2 months. senate is the loan going about for these maneuvers in better us. we have a significant concentration of russian horses at long the borders of ukraine. and he's a law just such be enough omitted. if also that we've seen in the, in europe for. ready decades, we have to go way back into the war to say the like. i want to ask you now about nato is response to all of this that we saw. the secretary generally inst, oldenburg, speaking at a news conference a short while ago. let so play 1st of all what he said, men talk about it, let's listen him. this is a dangerous moment for european security. the number of russian forces is going up. the warning time for a possible attack is going down. nate was not a threat to russia, but we must be prepared for the worst. was remaining strongly committed to finding a political solution. mr. built it, we, her again,

felton bag said this is preparing for the worse from the perspective of nato. and you wrote recently on twitter, it is a good sign that germany, for example, upping its contribution to the nato battalion and lithuania because this is a reassurance in uncertain times. but still, these nato forces pale in comparison to what brush has been preparing. so does this really act as a deterrent to russia? i think the main deterrent is a matter of fact, the preparations that are done for very significant sanctions by the you and by the us in case there's another rush innovation, ortho, you great. those sanctions have been on the us, the long going process coordinator between washington, brussels and then coordinated between brussels and the different member states. and the way i understand it, they will be, would be very significant and have a very significant effect on the russian economy. and hopefully that will serve as a deterrent so that there is no further incursions in the nation. so if you great,

but we don't know. but there has been some disagreement among western allies of what those sanctions should be. do you think that europe's reliance on russian gas is serving as a liability? at this point, i think is clearly a problem. and i think there is an awareness of all over europe, i think even in germany, that long term. and that would be sort of indeed to reduce that reliance on russian gas because it provides russia with leverage, inputted considerations like this, then the replacement of that can't happen over night, but i think over the years. absolutely. i think that needs to be the re direction of entity dependence. i want to ask you about the west putting it's helps on the long stock mince agreement that was 1st negotiate in 20142015. ukrainian official said that this p still itself is a weapon that moscow is using to try to destroy their country. what is your

assessment? well, if you take the russian interpretation of it absolutely, than they were, i should have tried to use the beans agreement to that particular effect. that is not going to be accepted by a key. if obviously it is an agreement that isn't entirely clear, those are the dubious element of it. and there has been a significant disagreement between moscow key on the timing of the local elections, a specialist they decide who's going to control the borders. so it is a very sort of this, it was a draft with too much of a just precision that he used by moscow very much in order to impose upon ukraine a version of the means agreement that is clearly detrimental to the security interest of the country. that's were assisted by keith, understandably so. i want to ask you last of all mr. bell about the fact that the german chancellor will actually says that he is hopeful that there can be good progress made particularly this week on finding

a diplomatic solution to this crisis. as things stand at the moment with these military drills taking place out from the russian side today, the response from ukraine. are you confident that there is still an avenue for a diplomatic solution? but a, i would agree with the chancellor that one should be hopeful, but they've begun shows very realistic. i mean, is good, that sort of berlin and paris is now sort of accelerating efforts on don boss on the beans process. but we should understand that the russian game at the moment is much bigger. don, barza sideshow, i have to say the russian game. if you listen to mister putin and see the documents that they put on the table is about ukraine's home. and he's about sort of changing the entire european security order, and that is a negotiation. they are thinking primarily with us and we need to. so that's the big game that we see at the moment. we'll have to leave it there called belt, the co chair of the european council formulations, former prime minister, sweden. thank you very much for joining us. thank you. now to some other

headlines, libya's prime minister abdul hamid alba has survived an assassination attempt that's according to reuters news agency. they quoted a government source saying that to baby car had been struck with bullets as he returned home. but he had escaped on har. latoya with canadian prime minister justin trudeau was standing firm in support of vaccine mandates as truckers blockaded a major trade route to the west. for the 3rd day in a row, the ambassador bridge carries 25 per cent of all trade between the 2 countries. officials and both nations have expressed concerns about the economic effects. if the blockade continues and police in new zealand capital, wellington arrested more than 50 people, they are protesting against corona, virus mandates and restrictions. several 100 demonstrators had been camped out for 3 days in front of parliament. around 80 percent of new zealanders are vaccinated with jobs required for some frontline staff authorities in hong

kong or imposing their toughest restrictions since the start of the pandemic. as infection numbers explode, most venues including schools, jim's churches and hair salons must close cases of almost double to head, a new record high hundred's queue to get tested as hong kong prepares for some of its toughest covered restrictions. yet as many countries shift their approach to living with the virus, hong kong is pursuing a 0 covered 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

week letter a chief, the dynamic as 0 target, but the announcement of new restrictions and disruptions to inputs have caused food prices to skyrocket. as fee, as of a shortage gro residents of feeling the pressure. some have begun to question whether the cities 0 coven policy is worth the damage that it's causing. no late, all the russians are closing everywhere. suppose the economy is already getting, making i guess, living with a cold, it will be the best solution. and the easiest way i definitely it's going to follow mainland, right, because it doesn't have any other often. so it mean when one on to continue to look down, then hong kong have 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. we can check in now and some other developments in the pandemic. germany has recorded almost a 120000 deaths from the crone of virus. that's according to the latest figures from the countries public health institute. it's reported that nearly 12000000 infections have taken place in the course of the pandemic. anti virus measures and parts of japan have been extended until early march restrictions covering tokyo and 12 other administrative districts were due to lapse on sunday. and british prime minister bois johnson says he is considering removing all remaining corona virus restrictions a month early, including laws requiring people to self isolate. if they test positive, johnson says the move would be possible if current encouraging trends in the numbers continue. german foreign minister analynn bach, has kicked off a 3 day trip to the middle east with a visit to the holocaust memorial. yad vashem in jerusalem. germany's top diplomat

laid a wreath of the eternal frame, a flame there to commemorate the 6000000 jews murdered by nazi germany in world war 2. bareback later met with israel's foreign minister, gary, lockheed and de schedule to travel to ramallah and the west bank to have talks with the palestinian president mackwood as abbas as well. and we'll go over to tel aviv where d w's tanya kramer standing by for. she's been following this story for us. hi tanya. so the german foreign minister met with her is really counterpart, as we mentioned, what came out of that meeting while the bo center here in the meeting with the price that it was very cordial, a very warm meeting there, where they seemed very much at ease with each other and both highlighted know the main, talking points of their 1st meeting here together in tel aviv or foreign minister. it is ready for minister yet. ella, p a t, you barn is a very important topic right now for israel is most very closely watching. what is

happening in vienna, where well, powers and iran are trying to revive the nuclear dia, the j c p way. so that's a very important topic for the israelis both highlighted that it's important to fight growing onto semitism in germany, but also throughout the world with german foreign minister and, and in a bad again. also saying, are you talking about to experience this morning visiting yet with him and her? how responsible you know, she feels to, to, to always highlight also the responsibility of germany emulation to the holocaust. missus berg also highlighted another topic, or which is quite a new topic here on the foreign agenda, so to speak, as she was talking about the climate crisis. and she wants to talk more about this here with israeli is palestinians, but also to linens and later egyptian she's going to me because she things know

this region is of course i had there's a lot of impact of climate change already that it has been here on the region and she says, you know, this could also been used to build bridges. what is her stance on providing the middle east peace process? well, that's another huge topic or, or red line in the, in a way a that we are seen here in this, during this visit. she already talked about before arriving here. now also doing that press conference, she said a status quo as it is now, a will always lead to more of violence. and she reiterated actually also the stance and the position of previous german governments saying that settlement expansion. she sees that critically. also that the way forward should be a 2 state solution. mature also acknowledged that she's not under any illusion that

this isn't an easy task, but she said that's why it's important for as well to travel on to ramallah, to speak to the palestinian leadership and also then to jordan and egypt, a countries that are major stakeholders here in the region and just quickly, what do you think we can expect from that meeting with palestinian representatives? well, she's going to meet a with the palestinian president mahmoud abbas and also the palestinian foreign minister this afternoon. and i think by going there she's already setting in a way her own agenda because we haven't seen a lot of german politicians and their visits. also always going to ramallah. and i think what she wants to show ria, that she's also wanting to listen, what the palestinian aside has to say, and that's why she's spending the afternoon there. dw tanya kramer reporting for us . thank you so much more headlines now.

indonesia has struck a deal to order. 42 rough, i'll fighter jets from france. francis defense minister made that announcement while on a visit to the southeast asian country frances, looking to strengthen ties in the region after last year. as cancellation of a multi $1000000000.00 submarine deal with australia. voting has started in elections in several indian states, including its most populous with our for dish. there the chief minister yogi at the can of is seeking re election for his hindu nationalist, b. j. p. party, which is also india's ruling party at a national level victory there would boost the party had of national elections in 2024 to the winter olympics in beijing were a couple of americans have triumphed 21 year old chloe kim as one gold and the women snowboard half pipe event, kim had already become the youngest woman to win a snowboard gold. when she won and 2018 at the age of 17. and with this performance, she becomes a 1st female snowboarder to win back to back gold medals. in the half light,

she scored a whopping 94 out of a possible 100 points. and us figure skater, nathan chen took home his 1st olympic gold medal. he delivered a rousing performance while skating to rocketman by elton john drawing cheers from the limited crowd of spectators ahead of the games. chan had a dominated by winning 3 world titles, and here he was able to land 5 quadruple jumps, living up to his nickname quad. king chin went into there is a free skate with a world record score from the short program and did abuse. sports correspond at jonathan crane is covering the games for us in beijing, and he joins us. i, jonathan, so you were on hand to see nathan chant dazzle the judges. and when that 1st gold medal and men's figure skating, tell us what that was like. yeah, i have to say it was an absolute privilege to watch the men figure skating today, especially someone of a nascent chen's character. i'm caliber 4 years ago and he on shag,

he buckled under the pressure, he didn't even come away with a meadow this time around here and basing. he skated without a care in the world. he was just so effortless on the ice. as you said, he downs to rocket man by alton john and he really just blasted off leaving his driver with a trail of smoke. it was really super performance near flawless, and afterwards he finished with a smile. i'm light 4 years ago and p on chang when he was massively disappointed. you mentioned the few spectators present it was it felt like a procession to be honest. they were applauding every move, clapping along with him. every magical moment here in beijing, something to watch for sure. and we saw that he wasn't the only american to win a gold medal. yeah, the usa where you to 5 days to get that 1st go metal. now i can't seem to stop winning them. i. chloe kim, in the snowboard half pipe. now you mentioned she became the youngest snowboard female gold medalist 4 years ago in pure chang. but after that she, she took 2 years out because she really didn't like the attention she was getting

from winning that gold medal doubts whether she could come back and compete straumy . and again, a dominant performance, she finished well clear of the rest of the failed to go meadows. now for her in the olympics. and johnson, i understand there's been a controversy over a metal ceremony that didn't take place. what can you tell us about that? yeah, that's a matter of pheromones for the figure skating team event, it's been delayed because of what the i see cause a legal problem. now a event was run by russia or the rational then pick committee is that competing here? now we understand overnight and there's been so much speculation and confusion over this, but reports coming out of russia over night suggesting that camilla valley ava the teen sensation has failed. a drug test. now the russian stating federation, the russian. i didn't pick committee rather, hasn't commented on this, i struck by the office today and they basically said to me, we don't have any information. say,

they're not saying anything. the i o c says they can't comment the international staking union, which is the governing body for the states. you can disclose details about the procedures and protocols, but the thing is come in the valley have a trained as normal today. she also pos reporters without commenting because she's gonna be competing in the individual event next week. she's the heavy favorite for that. but of course, the so much uncertainty at the moment. can she compete? will that be an appeal, how she even failed? a drug test is, as it's being reported, it's a very, very messy situation right here, right now d w, jonathan crane in beijing for a thank you for that update the berlin international film festival opens this week despite high numbers of corona 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 value knowledge cinemas will be limited to 50 percent. and 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 follow the instructions, we 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. rebellion that those are the filmmakers that go to berlin . the festival kicks off with a latest work by french director of francois was on pita on conte is based on the film, the bitter tiers of pe tough on conned by late dyna. vanna foss, binda attribute to the german director at star is french actor is din ye men or 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 isn't 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 don't be involved in whatever it is you. do you know exactly what it is? a way to fault?

it's a cautious return to the red carpet after years of pandemic disruption. the battered movie industry is hoping even this year's scaled back event could be an important step on the road to normality. stacy vincent covering the belly knowledge for us. i think you're going to the big grand opening tonight. yes. what can we expect? well, we can expect some razzle and some dazzle, but in a more compact miniature form, if you will. one of the most notable changes with this berlin allah is the fact that hollywood isn't really represented either with people stars coming here. you know, usually we see the crush of, you know, brad pitt and george clooney on the red carpet. and then like your corner friend in the book like the berlin market, you know, hobnobbing, but it's not going to be like that this year because of cobit. but most of the entries will be, especially for the,

the bears. the big competition will be represented by europe and by asia. so there's, there's a lot going on and to night there's going to be the premier of one of the big movies that's go up for competition by france, song. and what is that movie? it's called peter font caught. so how it'll go down is that the international jury will be entered. well, introduce 1st and the manger is, i'm not, shall i'm on the director from the united states. then the movie will play. and then afterwards, the, the of the cast will come out and talk about the film. so it's very exciting. it's still glitz and glamour, even though it's miniature. ok, it's minister also, as you said, because of a pandemic. so tell some more about what impact that really is having on the film festival this year. well, you can't just be willy nilly with your plans. you like, oh i decided i want to go to the berlin film festival and i'll just buy tickets at the door. no, you can do that. you have to order your tickets on mine. then use will not be full

capacity. they'll be 50 percent. and then the regular covert rules apply, wearing a mask, proof of vaccination and that kind of thing. okay, so what are you most looking for to in this year's spelling on it? i am looking forward to everything. so i, i remember when i was approached to do this, would you like to pamela? and i thought you want to know if i want to watch movies and listen to artist, talk about, you know, their work and hang out with all these people. of course i want you and i went for walk around the campus yesterday and there are still this energy, you know, the red carpet being rolled out. and even journalists who covered this for ever, you know, walking around in their sight, meant some really just excited to just take it all in and see what happens. and watch all of those great films and all of them. yes. all right. well, stacy evans covering bailey now for us, we hope you enjoy it. thanks to me. ok. and we just had time for a quick reminder of our top story. russia starting joint military drills with this

neighbor beller, is today. nato says it's moscow's largest deployment to the former soviet countries in the cold war. the exercises commas tension spilled over what some western countries fear our russian plans to invade you trade show conflict found is up next a tooth ah, with

into the conflict zone with sebastian 6 months since the bond sea power and the killings. another human rights abuses have gone on multiplying my guess is weak from cowboy shopping lum taliban director general of the farm the industry. do they really believe they can play nice with al qaeda and the west? at the same time, everybody common claims with conflicts own a snacks on d. w. o,

a julie right fascinating worlds into uncharted deb with our guides know their way around in a strictly scientific trip to some pretty wacky places. a curiosity is required to load today on d w. m. can i hold your hand? ah, it change we have enough to come in. can this become love? us down, god, welcome,

my you know on me big that i can artificial intelligence, combat loneliness and latest. i love stories from the future. starts february 14th on d, w. 6 months since the taliban sees power and the killings another human rights abuses have gone on multiply women. they've been a major target for peaceful protest. broken up. some have been threatened beacon and disappeared. the fellow bounded promised an inclusive government but not a single woman. was appointed to the cabinet. my guest this week from cobble is choppy will awesome taliban director general of economic relations. a foreign ministry are you in the taliban.