ah ah ah, this is the w news line from berlin to more talk same that resolving the crisis over ukraine as russia stages, massive war games, a few kilometers from ukraine's border. diplomats from both sides on the west preparing to sit down here in the german capital. also on the program, germany's foreign minister on a line of battle begins her 1st official trip to the middle east for the visit to jerusalem, articles, memorial, joy for the united states of the beijing winter olympics as nascent chen rockets to

gold while skating to alton john and hope so high, the covey 19 won't steal the show as the bowl in international film festival opens today. bring run out of the most anticipated films. ah, i'm so gale. welcome to the program. when we begin with the diplomatic drive to avert conflict in ukraine, in a few hours senior diplomats from russia, ukraine and the west will begin bo negotiations here in berlin. the sweat of a russian invasion has prompted a flood of high level activity, making sense of the facts as proved, far from easy t w's. an economy in ukraine takes a look at what we know just 50 kilometers from the ukranian border. these russian tanks are on what moscow says,

a routine drills, same goes for missile systems and tens of thousands of troops. estimates put the total number of personnel as high as 130000. that's almost half the size of ukraine's army, and u. s. intelligence reckons that the russians could significantly increase that contingent at short notice russian troops amassing on ukraine's northern and eastern borders and in an ex crimea to the south. the true build up is similar to the one in spring 2021. but this time, the russians are also moving into allied belarus, which shares a 1000 kilometer border with ukraine. moscow says it's merely part of routine exercises but well arose as nature, neighbors, quarry, the exercises will turn out to be far bigger than anything we've seen before. and i'm not convinced that moscow will withdraw its military hardware. what the excited end. it leaves you grain preparing for potential invasion of a 1000 kilometers, running the risk of stretching its armies resources to breaking point. while russia continues to dismiss western warnings imminent conflicts,

media is dear outside world is left trying to interpret satellite images like these, analyzing where the snow covered tents are in use or empty trying to 2nd guess. just how many soldiers involved in the drills observers normally present at major military exercises have not been allowed to inspect the true build up along the border. because at least on paper, the various deployments are not connected and consist of a number of separate exercises taking place in parallel versus international commitments under the so called the n a document require moscow to invite foreign observers to exercises more than $13000.00 participants. the kremlin says that current excise in belarus will be far below that threshold acclaim. that's already been challenged by nato secretary general. let's go say to the yet ukrainian capital where we joined the w correspondent, mathias building, a welcome mathias, how people are feeling as these military exercises i happen on the countries doorstep. so these military exercises are clearly perceived as the

threat here as another gesture of menacing. the country um the, the, the beller ocean and ukrainian borders just 9 to kilometers from where i am the capital of keith. and this is, of course, adding to all the threats and all the military buildup that russia has already had before. so russia has basically laid like half a circle. we've just seen it on the map, half a circle around ukraine, or the eastern border along all the eastern borders in the south crimea. and now in the north bella rousseau, these exercises are clearly seen as another menace menacing gesture from russia. right, will ukraine carrying out its own military jails to day? clearly they are no match for russia. so what are they meant to achieve?

i think they're a symbol of resilience, although everybody understands that they're no match for russia. there's also another aspect what ukraine is using in these military, smaller scale military drills. all these new weapons that ukraine has procured from other countries, the javelin, anti tank massage, for example. they're also going to launch the turkish drones that they've acquired last year again. and this of course, provides additional training for the soldiers with these weapons that are new for them. ukrainian army and the german chancellor, olaf shouts has raised the possibility of a diplomatic solution this week. does anybody that believe that well, all of shots is not the most popular figure here be due to his indices, if or perceived in this is of stance on north stream to and other, other things that germany would be expected from key of stand point to do to,

to a russian incursion. but diplomatic solutions are, of course, something that people are hoping for. the alternative to diplomatic solutions is war and nobody here, once a war. and so the hope is that as long as diplomats keep talking, soldiers will stay where they are. right, thank you for that. demetrius matessa buller in kiff. meanwhile, negotiators from germany, france, ukraine, and russia are meeting for a 2nd round of so called normandy format talks here in berlin to try and resolve the crisis. the meeting is being held behind closed doors, and d, w. political correspondent, julius, our deli, can bring us the latest welcome julia. russia says it isn't planning to invade ukraine. so what's the purpose of the normandy format talks?

all the talks were established in a 2014 to try to bring an end to the conflict in eastern ukraine. and now they have been brought back after they had been put on ice for the last few years. and they bring together policy advisors, high ranking policy advisors from the 4 countries that you that you named as originally they were supposed to try to put an end to the conflict. and an agreement was reached with the miss minsk agreement in 2015, which led to a ceasefire. but both russia and ukraine accused each other of not implementing and not following the agreement. so it's been hard in the last few years to see the agreement implemented and to actually find an agreement on what. 9 measures should be taken and so the talks were put on hold. and the aim now is to try and finally

find the agreement and bring the agreement to the core to fruition. and also the hope is to be able to discuss more closely the tensions that are currently on the table and time them to what, what was decided in 2015. right? so, so just to be clear, they the nobody format vested ace to deal with the tensions in crimea. and there's a side issue to deal with what's happening now between russia and ukraine. yeah, the talks are seen as a window to further have discussions with russia after so many years where the form and format was pretty much abandoned. and obviously the issue in eastern ukraine is still present where it's seen. the stocks are seen as a way to try to talk with russia who had been hesitating to come into dialogue with ukraine and with the other western countries involved. germany and france are in

the lead, but there is support from their european partners to conduct these talks. and it also wanting to do these talks matches the approach of the german government. we've heard chancellor, all of shawls say that he wants diplomacy and deterrence to go hand in hand. but he has been putting a focus on the policy and dialogue rather than just putting forward threats. and olaf shoulds will host leaders from baltic states for more talks today. and what can we expect from that? or the baltic states is sonia, lithuania and latvia or former soviet republics, the border, russia, and beller, roost where the current military trainings are taking place. so they are in a delicate position just geographically, and they don't see an imminent threat to their security, but they're afraid that if russia does attack ukraine,

they might be next. so today, the talks are aimed for shawls to reassure his partners that germany is on board, that germany is engaged with their defense and with their concerns. and that's what we can expect to likely come out of the talks later today. thanks for that to julie . so deli, political course will take a look now small store is making news around the world starting in libya, which could be facing another political crisis. a parliament has appointed a new prime minister. a fatty bachelor, basha was reportedly elected in a unanimous decision by lawmakers but the incumbent abdul. how made that dear bye and says he won't step down. device car came under fire earlier in the day in an apparent assassination attempt but the french defense ministry says indonesia has ordered $42.00 of its refiled, a fighter jets france is looking to strengthen ties to southeast asia. australia

shook the french defense industry last year. i canceling a multi $1000000000.00 submarine deal. canadian prime minister just intruders, standing firm and supportive vaccine mandates as truckers blockade. a major trade route to the u. s. for the 3rd day ambassador bridge carries a quarter of all trade between the 2 countries. countries are concerned about the economic fallout from the blockade. german foreign minister and a letter bareback has begun her 3 day trip to the middle east with a visit to the holocaust memorial in jerusalem. germany talk diplomat later reef in memory of the 6000000 jews murdered by nancy germany. world war 2 went on to me to israel's foreign minister. yeah. in the pit. and it's now in a way to run in the west bank for talks with palestinian president mahmoud abbas. and the whole call at the holocaust memorial that she described, but not c atrocities. as a reminder, not to fall silent. is this over one meeting?

it is our absolute obligation, especially as a younger generation, to keep the memory alive, especially as there are fewer and fewer eye witnesses among us and owned as this one's love. and it is our responsibility to raise our voice against anti semitism, against hatred and agitation, against exclusion and violence. so that such a crime against humanity never happens again. mia, you know who it? well, they, w, corresponded tony kramer is following the story from tennessee. welcome tanya. let's start with the foreign ministers meeting today with her israel count about yada paid what we heard of their encounter. while they both said that it was a very cordial meeting. i was in a very friendly and warm atmosphere. also, you know, the meeting with the press afterwards they spoke about it is really foreign

minister. yeah. you know, pete said that they talked about the is really concern over what's going on in vienna. the nuclear talks between world powers and iran is, are, is very concerned about that. they're very critical about, you know, any kind of agreement agreement that could come out of these talks. they both said that, you know, that needs to be more done about fighting against growing anti semitism, not just in germany, but also around the world. and we just heard the german foreign minister on it in a bad cuz she also spoke again about her experience. this morning, her visits to youtube assemble across memorial injury to them saying it's so important to her. you know that also the next generation with women but the holocaust and she also brought up another topic that is important to her. that's the climate crisis and she wants to talk, you know, with her counterparts in the region because she was on then she had to speak to the

palestinian civic, also to jordan and egypt saying that the climate crisis, which is very much felt over here in the mediterranean region already would also be a chance of working regionally together about these do and rama later award. so stamps on reviving the middle east peace process. well, that's quite interesting because that seems to be one of her main. so she has been talking about, you know, that she wants to talk actually about the peace process, which you all know a total statement now for, for many years it's not much happening in this regard. but she said that she acknowledges not, but she also said that a status quo which is lead to more violence. and that's why it's important to her to tool kit, to all side. the israelis. oh, of course, also know the senior leadership. she's meeting and marla,

but also other stakeholders than the countries like jordan and egypt, where she's going next. thank you for that time. your crime in television authorities in hong kong are imposing the toughest restriction since the stuff the pandemic has infection. numbers explode was public veneers, including schools, gyms, churches and half salons after close. a cases have almost doubled to and you record high hundreds q 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 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 fee, as of a shortage grow residence 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 restaurants are closing everywhere with economics already getting, making i guess living with the 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 if

me, when one talk to you to look down than papa has to lock 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. will they? w correspondent, phoebe kong is in hong kong and sent us this assessment. this is a common scene in today's hong kong, as long lines are seen across the city for mass testing. hong kong has a here to the so called dynamic fuel infection policy in line with mainland china. but there have been debates on by the hong kong, suspect with it or not critics preston that is not sustainable. when dealing with a contained us army con variance, especially when hong kong has already paid enormous social and economic caused over the past 2 years. fleiss a down by 90 percent rating institution, even lowered hong kong to dp grow forecast due to a sewer cove at policy expos want that such draconian approach could further

compromise hong kong leaving position as an international aviation and financial hub. but chief executive carry, lemme insisted that business do the best option for hong kong. as over half of the elderly, haven't been fascinated. she help could by time to boost fascination and officially allow hong kong to re open his a border with mainland china. as believed on her top agenda tree, because we'll take a look at some of the latest developments in the pandemic around the world. starting here in germany, which is recorded nearly 820000 corona virus deaths, nearly 12000000 infections that according to the countries public health institute . antivirus measures in parts of japan have been extended until early march restrictions, covering tokyo and 12 other administrative districts were due to lapse on sunday. and britain's prince charles was tested positive for covey. 19 for a 2nd time, the officer he self isolating and has cancelled his engagements. ah. and we're all about the winter olympics and beijing

today focusing on a couple of american victories. 21 year old chloe came on gold in the women's a snowboard. half pipe event, she was the youngest woman to win a snowboard gold out when she won in 2018 at the age of just 17. and today's rock resulted makes of the 1st female snowboard to win back to back, gold medals in the ha point 5 in the ha pipe going 94 out of a possible 100 points. us figure skater, nathan chance taken home, his 1st olympic gold, he delivered a rousing performance skating to well, john's rocket man and his 5 quadruple jumps. i helped him to live up to his nickname quad king. you went into thursday's free ski. the world reco school from the short program away from the gold rush that confusion over russian figure

skaters not receiving that metals. i made one of the officials say legal issues 15 year old star, a failure, help the russian olympic committee to 1st place in monday team event. the medal ceremony was postpone russia media reporting that valuable tested positive for a banned substance. r o c is refusing to comment w. sports correspondence. jonathan crane has been following the story of from patient the metal ceremony for the figure skating came event. we're scheduled to take place on tuesday night, but the i o. c says it was delayed because of a quote, legal problem. now that event was won by the russian olympic committee, and reports coming over night from russia, suggesting that camilla valley, even a teen sensation in figure skating, failed a drug test. now, no one is talking about this, i stopped by the russian olympic committees offices that the media center earlier. and they said, we don't have any information. the i or c says it can't comment the international

skating union, which is the governing body for figure skating worldwide. says it can't disclose any information about pain procedures. the thing is valley eva, 15 years old is due to compete in the women's individual event next week. now, she trained as normal today she will pass reported without commenting. she is the heavy favorite to win the gold medal in that event, but with so much and sat and see so much speculation is unclear whether she will be able to compete at the moment. so i was in crane in beijing, the berlin international, a film festival opens this week despite high numbers of corona virus cases here in the german capital. last year's event was held mostly online. this year, screenings are happening in person. the seating capacity has been hard. all parties and receptions have also been canceled. 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 we don't want to, 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 sha milan. he says he's looking forward to taking on the new role. berlin for me is always kinda had a right or wrong. it has this kind of, ah, iconoclast, 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 the latest work by french director of finance while

was on p t. f 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 then ye men or she and isabella, jenny, a jenny colleague and compatriot, isabella bell, is this year's recipient of the golden beer 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 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 away do? well, 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. well, d w, so stacey beavens is covering the berlin ali. welcome stacy, the ground openings just moments away. what's atmosphere? right? yes. you know, it is very good so far. mother nature had the audacity to rain on my 1st over red carpet situation. but i'm not even mad at her because the atmosphere is so good. the venue looks as amazing as it always has and sparkling, and people are a good spirits walking around. but there are some notable changes there isn't the crush of people and the crush of, you know, hollywood stars because of cove. it and we were talking about hollywood scars also, they're not really represented that much in the films. so there are 18 major films going for the golden and silver bare, and most of them are european films and asian films. now earlier,

i'm not sure. i'm not sure milan, who is the, the, the president of the international jury said that he really appreciates the kinds of films that are showcased here because these independent films have a way of making people fake. and so he's very excited about that. and so are other people. so this is how it's going to go down once go big gala. the big show goes on . the jury will come out and talk to people inside. and then the main film of the opening number as a by france while we song. and it's called peter van cons. so that'll be the opening film to open the ceremonies. and then the of the crew will come in and speak to everyone. so it's a, it's a good thing. it's, it's, it started off very well. all right, and what are you most looking forward to?

i am looking forward to the outfit. this is the movie that the, about the taylor who gets tied up with gangsters. i'm from chicago, it's based in chicago in the 1950s. all of the chicago kids know about these marks or stories so that the film in particular i'm looking forward to talking to we will speak it more as the burden ali continues, but for now a stacy prevents thank you. you're welcome. this is the w news ally from bell and coming up next a news. asia online health workers in data go on strike will here. why bad? demanding more pay on better protection. and living with long cove it how india is handling what some a call the parallel pandemic. but as the child will have those stories and more in just a moment,

and i'll be back of the top of the out with both world ears in between. of course and around. the club is always the website, d, w dot com on the act for the day. ah ah, with

cleaning up after the eruption clearing out toms of love in columbia home la paloma has finally been extinguished. despite the devastation, many residents are optimistic. they want to reclaim what the volcano took their home focus on europe in 60 minutes on

d. w. do you like it with? do you want it? okay, then buckle up, put the pedal to the metal and let's ride. mm. read on d. w. long sentences of grades only the t couple available over convention home the force i'm them followed last missing that we can member merger that mr. botto. mr. l. a that the last dragon's in this world had called to home for 2 years. people were you books on? are you ready to get all these places in europe are smashing

all the records, stepped into a bold adventure. just don't lose your grip. it's the treasure map for modern globetrotters. discover some of european wykard breaking sites on youtube and know also in book form with your watch in d. w. news, asia coming up today. an update on india's fight against cove. it 1st underpaid and under appreciated community health workers in the capital. go on strike for better working conditions. and to living with the lingering effects of the corona virus. a special report on the impact of wong coven. ah.