[000:00:00;00] ah, this is dw news lie from berlin, anger in the west, as russia says, it will recognize to break way. regions of ukraine as independent states. vladimir putin's move is criticized by france and germany. and the european union says it will impose sanctions against moscow. also on the program, england scraps. it's last remaining corona virus restrictions. even people with coven 19 will no longer have to isolate the british prime minister says it's

a move away from government control to personal responsibility. but not all medical experts are convinced. ah, a michael ok, welcome. western leaders have condemned a decision by the russian president vladimir putin to recognize, to break away regions in eastern ukraine as independent states. the kremlin confirmed the move after putin hunger convened his national security council to consider request from the self proclaimed peoples republics of donetta and bo hunt . ukraine has appealed to the united nations for health. german chancellor, all of sholtes has told food and the decision breaches the existing 2015 minsk peace accords. i'm going to push to dw correspondent nick connelly is in kiev and can tell us more. nick,

how has the ukrainian government reacted to present pollutants decisions? i think no one here was expecting this any time soon. just early today we heard from russian diplomats abroad saying that a loo, huntington, yet scar ukrainian territory in that russia had no intention of recognizing the mode change. anything about that status, so total volt, fast thereafter, pretty extraordinary meeting where we had put in the kremlin and his ministers at huge social distance, all lining up to say that they supported this move. am right now putin is on russian t v. m. still talking in a frankly pretty extraordinary speech and talking about basically all of russia's historical woes, lots of grievances about how rushes or soviet union's communist leaders to his mind robbed russia basically turned ukraine into a republic under the soviet union. and bessie gave all away a lot of what he says is russian territory, which meant that once so in collapse to ukraine, it up

a bigger country than it should have been to rights. that's what putin is saying. and this seemingly no end to this speech. him going through all these historical grievances and all the different reasons why russia was badly treated by the communists and by history at a, at a push. so it's pretty extra remove him, one that wasn't expected. and the question now is whether this will be the end of his attempts to revise history, or whether there will be any military action or whether it will stay at recognizing these 2 territories. what's likely to happen next. while the major question is these self proclaimed, are people's republics. they both claim for the remainder of their relative respective territories. so basically, the majority of both tony escalade regions are still controlled by cave by the ukrainian government. if russia now, once it recognizes territories comes in some kind of security arrangement signs and

can security treaties with these are with the search res brings in troops is the fear here in ukraine that they might try and reclaim the rest of that territory. that is currently controlled by ukrainian troops. now the front lines there and on massa basically stood still since 2015. there's been shooting people, civilians and soldiers have been killed on a regular basis there. but basically that front line has been frozen, hasn't moved much so significant fears. now that this recognition today might be the 1st step towards more aggressive moves to push back key of control in his new crane and oversee the fear of a more widespread attack on ukraine. on kia where i am now in ukraine's capital, i have gone nowhere. we've heard those warnings from washington in recent days from london. and 30000 russian troops remain in belarus just to ukraine's north just a 100 kilometers north of care of here. so very nervous situation and lots of heads being scratched in ukraine as people try to decipher what vladimir putin is trying to tell the world with that speech and his list of historical grievances as

a nic connelly in kia. many thanks. earlier today, the european union's or foreign policy chief joseph the boil said sanctions were ready for a decision in the european council. when the rollin gum, i will call for extraordinary meetings because sanctions, it's a competence of the consul. i want to rebid because it's important to know who decided what indeed institutions and is that comes up with daisy's decision on my proposal. we are ready to do that. when the moment comes we can cross now to brussels and speak. our correspondent, they're christine moonbeam. christine, what is the e is reaction likely to be now? well, that is a very good question. a michael. they're going to have to go into some discussion. i have to point out that that son, by, by the use of foreign affairs chief, came long before or we heard the news that we've just received. and of course,

the sanctions that he would have been referring to are in the case that there is an invasion. we now have a scenario where these 2 regions have been declared as independent by the russian president. that he's going to be recognizing them. that is a whole nother scenario that joseph burrell did not even know about. when things started this morning, the e foreign ministers were meeting this morning at to discuss just that ukraine was a big part of the agenda today. and what is very clear is that the different e u. member states have different ideas about how they want to deal with moscow. for example, eastern member states like lithuania, agree with the cranium position that some sanctions need to be imposed. now, to, to deter moscow from potentially invading ukraine. others don't necessarily see it that way. the last that we heard from mr. burrell was on the, on the prospect of these, of this part of, of re crane being declared independent. was that they would have to be some kind of

a united response. what that united response looks like is not clear at the stage. would it be sanctions or the kind of sanctions that are perhaps not at the scale of what the sanctions would be in the case of an invasion or perhaps something to a smaller scale. so they are going to have to get into further discussions about this because events have dramatically unfolded a here. and as i was saying, the e foreign policy chief joseph bow not even an hour ago, wrapped up the fornia of earth affairs or council. and this was not on the table, we were still looked throwing forward to scenario of what decision will come out of the kremlin little did he know that just minutes after that that decision will be fine. as i imagine, he's probably cancelled his train arrangements and is now desperately seeking to bring everybody to the table. now to decide, what is the next step that the block will take? d w, correspond christine when, while on top of what is still

a very dynamic situation in brussels? many thanks. western leaders say putin's move to recognize the break away republics as independent amounts to a breach of international law. the decision raises big questions over the 2015 minsk peace accords. reminders of war are everywhere and done yet, and new hunts. the 2 provinces lie an eastern ukraine, on the border with russia. both declared independence after the revolution in 2014, which most in the region did not support separatists voted to join russia and have fought ukrainian forces for control ever since. around 4000000 people live in what's called the don bass region. it's known for heavy industry and coal mining and it's large, russian,

and russian speaking population in the main city done yet. banners read, we are russian. moscow has handed out hundreds of thousands of russian passports. but life is tough. caught in the middle. many who can have left most pensioners are stuck. others fight ukraine estimates. there are about 35000 separatist troops and accuses moscow filling out their ranks with russian soldiers in 2015. a ceasefire. signed immense, helped, and little scale fighting. but the conflict has dragged on, leaving more than 14000 people dead. aah! and with the west accusing moscow of preparing to invade ukraine. daniel and the hans are on high alert again. men of fighting age had been drafted.

women and children are evacuating to russia. and soldiers on the front lines. watch and wait. let's go to a political corresponded thomas, a sparrow here in berlin, thomas, a german chancel, olaf schultz spoke to president putin earlier today and warned him against recognizing the independence of the ukraine breakaway regents. does this reflect a complete failure of diplomatic efforts? i wouldn't describe it as a complete failure of diplomatic efforts, but it certainly a big blow to efforts that germany and other countries tried to bring forward in the last few weeks, especially in discussions with russia to try and ease this situation to try and solve the situation diplomatically and politically, it's important to stress that germany, but also france half specifically focused on what's called the normandy format,

which was actually started in 2014, which then helped broker the so called minsk agreements. and now german chancellor of charles is precisely describing that this recognition by russia would be a one sided breach of precisely those agreements, the goal of which was to end the war in eastern ukraine. so it is certainly, undoubtedly a very difficult situation also for germany and for france as well in their efforts to try and bring this situation to a political and diplomatic end. it's also important to stress that this has been one of the 2 sides of germany's strategy towards russia in this particular context, on the one hand stressing that negotiations are absolutely key to end this conflict . on the other hand, stressing that if negotiations are not successful, then germany will act hand in hand with its political partners in the you and in

nato to sanction rush. and it's this 2nd aspect, this 2nd point, which will now be very interesting to follow. what exactly will happen will the e, you show that unity that is necessary to bring sanctions forward? what role will all of shots have in all this? will he still continue focusing on diplomatic solutions? will he still continue focusing on dialogue with russia? will he at the same time support sanctions coming from the e u? so certainly very important moments now and for germany in particular, very difficult situation, especially when it comes to its focus on a diplomatic solution based on the so called normandy dialogue, which then help broker the minsk agreements. i'm curious, thomas does this, so signal the end of dialogue with russia. probably not probably you will hear from german officials. you will hear from other officials that those channels of

communication still have to remain open in one way or another. that's what we've seen in the past. you know that difficult. in other tense moments with russia, i expect this will also come now from german leaders at the same time. however, i do expect the focus to shift towards that possibility of sanctions. and to that idea of european unity when it comes to responding to the current development that we're seeing now in russia to the current development that we're seeing in those to break away regions. thomas sparrow, many, many thanks as always. and now with sir, get the u. s. reaction from oliver's salad in washington dc. oliver, what are you hearing from that end of present been called his national security team to come together. jake sullivan, the national security advisor of the president, issued a stark warning on an attack earlier today. he said it would be a war on the ukrainian people. and then the russian president,

vladimir putin would crush them, quote unquote, and harmed them. and that it could be extremely violent this war, and that is basically the concern here in washington present biden will then be able to say, look, this is exactly what i predicted. we've heard warnings coming out of the wide holes for days and weeks. that of lighting, or putin has been looking for a reasoning to create a pretext for war. and that by doing this, and by the speech that we just heard, created a framework for a subsequent invasion. another concern, of course, you're washington, is that it's not only about a, an invasion on ukrainian soil, which of course is considered an independent country. and therefore, it would be a breach of international law, but it's also about neighboring bella rules where russia, stationed lots of troops of country with 3, but bordering with 3, a nato ally. so it's not only about ukraine, it is about the broader security architecture in europe. oliver, as you well know, there's been talk about

a last minute big for summit between biding in putin. is that still likely to happen? well, that really depends on what happens next and how far the russians will go. first of all, the big question here is how to move on. and they have been threats of massive sunk sanctions coming from the white house. and it all depends on, on how far russia will go present. biden speeches earlier. mentioned that if i put in for instance, decide, so just attack the separatist control areas or to integrate them to send his troops there, the sanctions would be less or than an attack on the ukrainian capital key. if of course, there is certainly still an effort to keep the diplomatic path going over salad in washington d. c. many. thanks ali here's a look at the some more stories making headlines around the world at the shower,

switzerland. so credit suisse bank is facing allegations that manage hundreds of millions of dollars linked to suspected war criminals, autocrats and drug dealers. the claims come from an international media investigation following an insider daily credit suisse rejects the allegations. 3 people were killed when a fighter jag trashed into a school compound in iran. the aircraft was on a training mission in the countries northwest when it came down, killing 2 crew members and one person on the ground. the school was closed at the time, firefighters are battling a blaze in an apartment complex. in the western german city, of essence, around a 100 residents have been evacuated. strong winds from the 3rd storm to hit germany in a week. have fueled the flames. police in new zealand made arrest during a pre don operation to set up road blocks around a protest camp outside the country's parliament authorities want to push back anti

vaccine demonstrators who moved in nearly 2 weeks ago. the protestors want in early end to corona virus restrictions, british prime minister boris johnson has announced plans to scrap the last remaining crone of virus restrictions in england. speaking to parliament, johnson said the country was moving from a strategy of government restrictions to personal responsibility as it learns to live with the virus. among the biggest changes starting this thursday, people with coven 99 will no longer be required to self isolate. and for more, joining us from london, ease our correspondence. charlotte shall some pill. charlotte. tell us more about the prime minister johnson's new covert strategy. why was the prime minister's highly anticipated living with cobra plan and welcomes my benny within his own party. but of course, for the safety of those who are clinically vulnerable, this is a moment of concern. now to give you again that the 2 main headlines for the 5

minutes is enough for today, the fast one you mentioned that was that often say even those who tested positive for coded and no longer legally required to isolate. now, the advice still will remain that people should limit that contacts remain at home . there is no legal requirement to isolate with coven, the other big announcement which is getting a lot of attention. here is the end of free testing. it will only be targeted at the most vulnerable. that is another controversial decision. but the prime minister dress. this is not the end of code, but it still poses the risk in the fact that royal highness, the queen, tested positive just yesterday was a stock reminder of that that he did stress that now was the time to lift those final legal restrictions. he pointed to the high level of vaccination in the country, he said, some 71 percent of adults in england have now been boosted. he pointed to the treatments. we now have the scientific knowledge and he said the data that is

emerging on case numbers and crucially hospitalizations as well. how were british health experts reacting to johnson's plans? well, i'm sure you can imagine this is a controversial decision then. a lot of scientific experts have been came to stress, some of the pros, some of the reasons that this might be the right time. and of course, the risks that are involved as well. fun to the guy, but pointing to the fact that we are now 2 years into this virus. we, there is this wall, is it being called of immunity that is in place, but good deal of concern as well? well, it's known that the on the very end, which is now the most dominant here, a milder it is. that does not mean that he's not still extremely dangerous, particularly for the most vulnerable. so there are those right. some, as the prime minister's face is critics as well, might accuse him of announcing this now as a wave showing up support within his own party has been under a lot of pressure yesterday. and as i said,

this is something that will be politically quite popular for him, for his support is. but for those who are clinically vulnerable, they sees a very concerning time. a lot of people will be looking extremely closely at the data and the effect that this has on hospitalization, numbers, some scientific experts saying that they really need to see the data that driven this decision. surely, chelsea pill in london, many facts firefighters in northern argentina are struggling to contain massive wildfires that have been burning for weeks across 800000 hector's of farmland and national parkland. the fires are being fueled by hot dry conditions and are unprecedented in an area that normally receives plenty of rain by these fires have been burning for weeks in korean t, as province after an unprecedented drought and extreme heat turned the normally rainy area and to attend to books,

the flames have been through forest and pastors alike in the lucky, rural region, and a full st. animals in the better national park, argentina's largest wetland, to flee or die firefighters from all over argentina. a scrambling to help locals have been left reeling. be pico or dody. this is a typical, it's historic. it's never happened. we've never lived with something like this is when we were really overwhelmed. bocce, this is what i can tell you. now this is a blow for the promise. who give to barbara at least 9 percent of the province has already gone up in smoke. authorities estimate them more than $240000000.00 in damage has been done so far. and the truth is that koreans, his province is going through a catastrophe with the fires. a lot of animals have been lost, flora, and fauna. and on top of that, there's the jobs. what is to become of us if it's all last tomorrow?

we'll go over them with 5 photos locals. a hopeful that the arrival of rain on monday might finally suffocate the flames. b. well, for some australians, it's been more than 2 years since they've seen family and friends from overseas. but now australia has reopened its borders to international visitors. fully vaccinated to rivals, to most states will no longer need to quarantine. journalist danielle robertson was at sydney's international airport to witness some emotional reunion. authoring during some of the strictest private border world in the world. australia has begun its final plan out of the pandemic. true as the now welcome back into the country, often really to he's a relief of family and friends torn apart by separation. any fully vaccinated, international traveler from all over the globe will now be allowed to enter. estrella, meaning migrant with family members can be reunited in temporary visa holders can

travel freely. more than 50 international plots will land across the capital cities in the 1st 24 hours at april civil, ready been filled with tease of joy, to speak, with life, to be a pool, and straight into the arms of love to watch. i mean with it doesn't hurt and we're thrilled to be back together. close daily home and i still have the bag. yeah, it's exciting to be out here. i'm so excited for sure. i'm meeting mom and then headed home, my family and friends and all the babies that have been on that i haven't met for the last. see. the only state or territory international travel is aunt committed to enter is western australia which brings down it's hard border on much o international arrivals. we require to have quoted related documents like vaccination certificates, and to proof of negative taste. this is expected to be a major bruce to the tourism industry that was free. pandemic was worth more than

70000000000 euros to the economy, tourism also a pivotal factor for many businesses to survive the country known for locking people in and out of the country. now has a new message. welcome back. but these grand opening will take some time to help the tourism industry get back on their feet with operators for bearing for a slow stream of arrivals rather than a huge, huge block sold a month. overall, this is being seen as a positive step and one that has been welcomed by all those who have over the last 2 years. mr. pivotal life moments due to the strict order rules. now that the hot border has come down, the overall sentiment is one of relief and celebration that sir journalist danielle roberts reporting from sydney airport in football, sunday action in the boonies liquor saw a real gold fast 2nd placed ortman easily defeated, a struggling glove box. 6 nell and with dorman, captain marco boys running wild against his former club. the winter showed that

when it rains, it pours, ah, dornan looked to keep pace behind, going to seek a leaders by iron as they hosted the other, bruce ja for munching. glad back on a rainy night at acknowledge do not park, but these fans were in for a treat. dornen came out flying with captain michael royce making one knee on the 26 minute. the former gland has been known to enjoy scoring against his former employers. danielle malin doubled the lead shortly after mullin finished off royce through balt by squeezing it under. yan zelmer royce, assisted yet another, as he slipped the ball to marius woof, who fired his shot off the cross bar and in to make it 3. now, you super mckoko tucked to pass into the net from close range to make it for and who else? but marco royce to provide the assist, magnificent royce, added the 5th, just before full time. he kept on his fantastic evening with 2 goals, and

a hattrick of assists admiration wrapped up the victory from the penalty spot. 6 neil the final score with captain marco royce reigning on glad backs parade. once again. and before we let you go, some spectacular footage of italy's mount etna, which has once again roared to life. smokin' ash spewed from the volcano, forcing a nearby airport to close. briefly. there were no reports of damage or injuries to residents or tourists who flocked to the area, but they were treated to an impressive display of aetna's power. the 2nd eruption this month. watching d. w. news. he is a reminder of the top story we're following for you. western leaders have condemned to move by the russian president vladimir putin to recognize, to break away regions in eastern ukraine as independent states. the european union

is threatening to impose sanctions up next, close up follows to people who moved close to shore, ennoble to escape the conflict in eastern ukraine. a michael ok, thanks so much for watching.

with who better to be irradiated than it wanting and you already made a decision to leave the war torn eastern ukraine for life in no bullet. can they build up something in a fall now to region? is it an opportunity or an unknown risk? moving to turn obama close up the next

d w. ah, they've had no choice for decades. the people of iraq, their country is devastated. and there's no way to define how did he come to this key witnesses reveal and unprecedented story. they were presenting the u. s. they knew what the consequences of these sanctions are. and they've lied to the world about does he make it say that someone could kill his friends and as a fee and so easily was

a good he behaved exactly like to have done. and the poison spread from better homes. ah much missouri with the great documentary series destruction of a nation starts march 4th on d. w. ah, beauty entre if is passionate about foaming. he fled to warn east and ukraine after spending $200.00 days imprisoned by separatists. he survived and does not re cultivate feel each noble degree exposed to radioactive fallout is everyone ashley? this was the only place where land was available. aboard football, thankfully there are no minds exploiting. here every one is safe to