it is 8:00, this is gun use breakfast. these are top stories. i hope, amongst the horror. humanitarian aid will arrive to the bc city of mariupol. president zelenskyy says that nearly 30,000 ukrainians were evacuated from across the country on saturday. new satellite imagery shows widespread destruction across mary opal, as russia intensify shelling the area.

ukrainian parliament claims that russia has installed a new mayor in the city of mariupol, 24 hours after saying the previous man was kidnapped. president zelenskyy suggests that russia is trying to carry out similar changes and occupy coasts. helping to provide a home. the government to giving 350 pounds ukrainian house and taken ukrainian refugees. morning all. russian forces continue to close in on major cities across ukraine, as we approach the end of the third weekend of the conflict. new satellite images show the widespread destruction in the port city of mariupol. a humanitarian aid is expected to resign this afternoon, according to president zelenskyy. ukrainian leader also said that nearly 13,000 people were evacuated from various cities

through humanitarian corridors. let's take you to some of the mornings key developments. despite being under constant bombardment from shelling, president zelenskyy has confirms that aid will arrive in the southern some of the of mariupol today. the latest intelligence briefing from the ministry of defense suggest that russian forces are attempting to surround ukrainian troops in the east of the country, as they advance from the northeast. meanwhile, the ukrainian parliament's claim that russia has installed its new mayor in the occupied city of met to pull. that's after the previous official was apparently kidnapped by russian forces. ukrainian authorities say that russian air strike was launched on -- less than 15 miles from the polish border. >> there is little choice for many in ukraine, but to make this journey. fleeing their homes as the

shelling continues, in the hope of finding safe haven in a place like bill erotica. they pack up whatever they can, the lucky ones, make it through the humanitarian corridors, out of the terror of the fighting, and towns near the capitol. >> yesterday, we go with russian army through the park, where there are russian soldiers. they killed people. >> in the scale of this exodus is astonishing. >> this is the fourth day that we have organized at your headquarters here. in four days, more than 25,000 people have left. mostly from the shot to mere direction. it's irpin, booker, hostomel. today, we went to -- we are waiting for the buses without people from their. >> the russian bombardment

continues to be focused on the population centers. throughout this, for satellite images continue to tell a chilling story. fires burning, apartment buildings destroyed. this is zelenskyy vote street in mariupol, before the shelling and after. whatever the debate about the effectiveness of the russian assault, the destruction of sites like this hospital is evident. in the city of multiple, where the mayor was detained by russian forces on friday, a new mayor has been reportedly installed. the cities under russian control. president zelenskyy warned that russia would try to impose its own choice of leader in occupied territories. >> the invaders in the region are trying to repeat the new tory's experience of the formation of sudan republics. blackmail local leaders, put pressure on deputies, look for somebody to bribe. >> the u.s. announced that it is sending another $200 million

worth of military equipment. >> russia's invasion threatens, not just ukraine's democracy, it threatens democracy insecurity across europe, and by extension, when democracy is threatened anywhere, it threatens us all. >> millions of ukrainians have already left. these children being treated for cancer boarding a medical train over the border in poland. none of them knowing exactly when the lever be able to make that journey home again. greg milam, sky news. >> let's get the latest from and in around ukraine. from the polish capital warsaw, lisa holland. give us an update as to how the situation is developing. we understand, as we discussed yesterday, that odessa maintains the keys to strategy

of the russians. >> that's, right neil. a minute or so before we came on air, we heard, for the first time since i've been here, sounds of what could be missile fire or rocket fire, or heavy artillery. it was coming from around this area here, far from here, but we could definitely hear that sound. that follows on from air raid sirens sounding this morning, at about 7:00, local time, 5:00 your time. just before we came on air, more evidence that something might be coming here to odessa. something like rockets, or perhaps, heavy artillery. i don't know if you could pick that up on the camera. odessa, of course, is a key port city on the black sea. they've been trying to build defenses for the last few weeks since this invasion started. it's widely seen as one of the

key targets for the russian military. in fact, if he can take odessa, than he can successfully cut off ukraine from the sea. we have seen some heavy fighting in similar cities to the east, mykolaiv off, another port city has seen very heavy shelling and rocket attacks in the last few days. that's been quite significant, loss of lies, although, it's very difficult to put a number on it. that city is now under heavy attack from russian military. there were unconfirmed reports that the russian navy was spotted off the coast, here in odessa. also some reports from the west of crimea, that amphibious bolts were spotted. that could give rise to the russians plan to attack this city from the sea. elsewhere, there is evidence that the russians are trying to attack further west. on the outskirts of lviv, the city closest to the polish

border, there was an attack, earlier this morning. reports of eight missiles raining down on the center for international peacekeeping. that could be significant we know that in the past, that is been used by nato forces. the key now, getting humanitarian support into those areas that need it most. the ukrainian president, volodymyr zelenskyy has said that they're hoping that humanitarian aid can reach the southern city of mariupol. that has seen extremely heavy fighting and huge loss of life over the last week. and of course, russian military are closing in on the capital, kyiv. thought to be 30 or 40 miles from the capitol. as time goes on, we can see more street fighting their. that of course can be bittersweet for the russians. they will be fighting ukrainians on their own turf, street by street, and it'll become less about missiles in shelving, and more about hand

to hand combat. time is really running out for the civilians of kyiv to get out of that city. we've seen from our special correspondent, alex crawford, just how difficult it's been for some of the older, more frail residents to try and get out of there. in odessa, we've spent the last few days here, and sounds of potentially are -- just in the last few minutes, ringing around the skies in the city on the black sea port. >> we will let you go. keep your head down, stay safe. thanks for joining us. let's bring in lisa holland, who's in warsaw. listen to what's going on in and around odessa, there will be even more refugees streaming over that border with poland. the key question, we explored last, hour how many more the polish can take. >> morning, neil. i think the answer is, frankly, not many more.

just a few days ago, and yet, three days is a very long time in a conflict, officials at the mare's office were telling us that they were struggling. that they were close to being overwhelmed. usher's night follows day, and as the war continues, more and more people are streaming over the border. therefore, i think the city is going to be pretty close to not being able to take anymore. we know that down at the train stations, stations, the real backbone of the effort, comes from volunteers. people were giving up the time, collecting stuff locally, giving up food and water, etc. would i'm increasingly, hearing again and again, is people questioning. they're saying, where is the structure from the central government? well we need something to be put in place to try to move refugees out into other cities, to take the burden off of warsaw. which is basically where everybody gets off the bus and train, after crossing over the border. is immense pressure on another

key city, krakow. when you spend a bit of time at the bus station and so on, and you start to piece together and you talk to people and say, where you come, from -- there was no water, electricity, i'm from irpin, i had to come over -- but my husband insisted that i should go, etc. you kind of realize that this is just not ending anytime soon. we're piecing together, almost like a jigsaw map, those isolated places and then seeing it in human form. they know that they have friends, relatives, who are following on behind them. >> lisa, many thanks. meanwhile, britain is going to host ukrainian refugees fleeing war. there -- as a thank you. under the new scheme, people will have to provide homes or a spare room for at least six months, rent free.

katie barn field reports on one family. >> this is the room that were able to offer. a double bed, and a single bet on the floor. >> hannah and matt want their spare room to become a sanctuary. >> the on sweet bathroom. we're thinking that a couple, or a couple in a child. >> they plan to offer it up for free to a family that have fled the war in ukraine. >> it's a moral obligation for us all to be able to do something. we've got the space to do this. we've got a family, we've got children, but why would we refuse these people that are in desperate need? >> they're planning to sign up for the government's new homes for ukraine skin. it'll allow people to sponsor refugees to come and stay with them. even those with no family ties to the uk. the government says people offering a room or a whole property, rent free, will get 350 pounds a month as a thank

you. those with accommodation will be vetted and ukrainian applicants will be security checked. the offer must be for a minimum of six months. it's quite a big commitment, isn't it? six months, minimum? >> it is. but, six months is in a long time. we would welcome people to our home for longer than that, because we recognize the plight that they come from. >> the government has been criticized for his response to the ukrainian refugee crisis. charities say, they hope this new scheme will help thousands more. >> in just a week, we've seen seven and a half thousand people say that they want to open their homes to welcome refugees. it's still an uncapped program. if we can find a sponsor a family can come. if 20,000 sponsors come forward, then that's 20,000 families. that's huge! >> a website for the scheme is due to launch tomorrow. people like hannah and matt will be able to offer a safe place to those who have left

everything behind. katie barn field, sky news. >> let's take a quick look at a couple of other stories. boris johnson is holding meetings with -- of the nordic and baltic countries to discuss the crisis in ukraine. the pm also -- expeditionary force in, london talking about what more can be done to secure europe's position against russia. russia has targeted the peppa pig, for the economic sanctions that have been imposed following the invasion of ukraine. a court has ruled that the cartoon characters trademarks can be used by russian businesses, without punishment. entertainment, which owns the rights of the popular series, will take legal action against a russian entrepreneurs, who had drawn his own versions of peppa pig. let's take a look at how russia 's military advances playing. this is the bulk of russia's

ground troops, said to be just 15 miles from kyiv. it looks like they tried to encircle the capital, according to the lake latest intelligence. and the side of the country, ukraine's military says, mariupol remains under their control. the russian forces have captured the eastern outskirts of the city. on saturday, humanitarian corridors were opened in mariupol, in towns and villages outside of kyiv. skies special correspondent these are the -- ones who didn't escape the russian onslaught. and they're all civilians who have been trapped in the cluster of towns at the edge of the capital, where the fighting is intensified. they were bringing out casualties to. these a pensioner, with blood still speared on his face. now finally in the hands of his savers. attacking civilians along --

is a warm crime. and the capitals top policeman is already building their case. >> the police have already collected evidence for judges at the international criminal court. they can give their verdict or out what russians are doing here. and how they've been killing civilians. we already have enough proof. >> white flags on vehicles, plastered with signs indicating their children inside. aren't enough to guarantee safety. the town's that they've just come from, have been fiercely fought over. and this route, still drawing fire. see the black puff on the right? one of two marchers lanning close to civilians. they are coming out under fire, with shelling, and firing going on behind them. but many of these people are terribly -- . and you see the number of them that were injured. strangers suddenly become

crucial lifelines. where bravery is the only chance of escape. >> i'm from -- . and my neighbor called me, and told me the russian invaders are here. they are looting all the houses on the streets. this is the russian way. >> the russians are pushing closer to the capitol. this footage, just released by the russian defense ministry, they claim shows troops landing -- it's impossible to verify when this was actually filmed. but the russians claim they've been in this area for about two weeks. the capitals rocks are being heavily blockaded. with defensive strategies down those streets. but the real danger comes from russian air attacks. the trail of light smog says

they missed their target this time, but they will be back. some shaking hands, and on certain steps. the terribly old, and terribly frail are pushing through their fear. somehow, putting one step in front of the other. coaxed forward, an inch of the time. but younger hands, and fitter bodies, to make this awful day into more on certainty. they've been through so much already, it's a wonder they got this far. and they're heading into a capital of the which could also be bombarded. those who have escaped, now it is just pure faith. >> something went through the air, and then boom! she tells us. all the windows are broken in the balcony fell down. and the ten floor above a suggest dust. my daughter came and said mama, take your stuff. until this, i didn't want to leave my town. she says. she was in her home, nowhere

near any military targets. yes, she replies. i'm okay. thank you. she cannot believe what's happening. but right now, they have to keep moving. the towns in the north, west, and east of the capital are all being attacked. with kyiv seen as the price for the russians. volunteers from all over the world has been drawn to help. >> i got a flight from california and came here as fast as they could. if this isn't the fire against democracy and freedom of our generation, i don't know it is. they're >> there battling to hold on to every inch of land. but even if they keep it out of the capitol, they know they can be hip on the air. >> it's strange to -- and say all we don't want to close the sky. don't be -- . we are a small country, to fight with russia, and

belarussia. what are you doing? we protect all europe, not just our country. >> they're bracing themselves for many more civilian deaths. for many here, far too much already. alex crawford, sky news, interruption at the edge of kyiv. >> a familiar face has returned! sophie reaches back this morning. and she joins us, live from westminster. sophie! great to see you. hope you're well. i do want to remind you, you need to do the sunday program these days. >> obviously. it's a shut down from -- . but it's me you have to put up with for an hour as well. it's good to be back. to be honest, nine months ago i never thought this would be the reality i was returning to. such a devastating story in ukraine. across the un, estimating 2.6 million people fleeing that country. and of course, the latest that goes the --

uk has taken more than 1300 -- in this program today, and really gonna find out if that's gonna change. and why it has been so sluggish to this point. we're joined by michael who is the man in charge of this now. and we've got some of those clinical voices from ukraine as well. >> sophie we will be with you at half past, it's lovely to have you back. you say, we'll see you soon. coming up, we'll have -- with jackie. coming up after this. ng up after this and it turns out the general is a quality insurance company that's been saving people money for nearly 60 years. for a great low rate, and nearly 60 years of quality coverage, go with the general.

how not to be a hero: because that's the last thing they need you to be. you don't have to save the day. you just have to navigate the world so that a foster child isn't doing it solo. you just have to stand up for a kid who isn't fluent in bureaucracy, or maybe not in their own emotions. so show up, however you can, hello again, here are the for the foster kids who need it most— at helpfosterchildren.com

sports headlines is sunday morning.

among the premier league matches today, chelsea has new council, looking to control matters on the field, amid so much uncertainty at the club. amid number of restrictions to roman abramovich. fans have been asked not to chance the russians name at today's match. -- is returning, but he inspired manchester united to a when. with nine minutes ago, he assumed his hat trick. and his career goal. to become the leader during scorer in the history of the profession. also is 59 patrick. is top four in the premier league. and arsenault had four games in hand. [inaudible] where 14 men england put in a

spirited performance, but ended up losing to ireland. england's -- after 82 seconds. after clashing heads with james ryan. the earliest sendoff in -- the the can still win the title if they beat scotland in the final game sunday and england in france. -- they could take some inspiration from this almost 98 year old ukrainian. he is the world's oldest competitive player. and this week, he managed to escape his hometown of kharkiv. he was saluted as he crossed the czech border, and driven to poland to robbie reunited with his daughter. he fled with a single suitcase and his tennis racket. because he's hoping to compete in the senior championship in may. he completed last year, where he met his hero, ralph. he is the age of 97, and almost

98. inspiration for sunday, that's all for sport for now. r sport for now. and that's your love for me and jackie this weekend. up next, sophie, and she is back. she is talking to the community of -- . you have a lovely sunday. have a lovely sunday

hello and welcome to sophie ridge on sunday. i didn't expect to start my first program with this devastating reality. a war in europe, civilians in hospital, targeted, millions of people fleeing the lives. it's a reality that seemed impossible even just a few weeks ago. as we approach the third week of the conflict and, the bombardment continues, the focus here in the uk, is turning to how we can help the desperate families who are leaving ukraine. we'll be analyzing the latest came from the government and

asking if it's enough. more than 2 million people have already fled ukraine. the speed is everything. on the program today, we'll be speaking to the man behind the homes for ukraine scheme, secretary michael gove. label leader will also be here in the studio. a man who says he will welcome to our ukrainian refugees. house -- getting ever closer to kyiv, we'll be getting a firsthand account at the situation on the ground from ukraine's deputy prime minister. we'll be talking to the ukrainian member of parliament. plus, we'll be getting the russian perspective on one president putin could do next. talking to -- the chief of staff to russians -- have

>> more than 2.6 million people who are thought to have fled ukraine. as you would expect the nearest countries have expected the most refugees. more than 1 million have arrived in poland alone. and comparison, united kingdom has -- 1305. is that about a change with a new scheme offering 350 pounds a tiny buddy who provides a room to ukrainian refugees. we'll find out. thank you very much for being with. us >> good morning. >> i'm keen to get to the latest scheme in just a moment. first, is there an update that you can give to us on what's the latest military situation is in ukraine? >> the situation in ukraine's parents. it's uniquely challenging for the ukrainian people in for the armed forces. they've shown amazing embroidery and coverage over the conflict. -- it is prepared to escalate. as that's why it's so important

to provide all the support that we can to presidents ellen ski and to his team. >> where are those grisly options? >> again, we know that from what vladimir putin is done elsewhere, from what he's done in syria, and what he said in chechnya, that he is capable of devastation on a terrible scale. that is why we need to demonstrate solidarity with the ukrainian people. also, that's why the military support -- has been providing throughout. the other nato allies have been providing throughout. again, we can't second guess -- >> are you talking about chemical weapons? the prime minister telling my colleague that that is something that he fears. >> again, i don't want to get into the weeds in the details. >> it's not really weeds in detail. as we time out the reality of chemical weapons attacks. >> quite. but, what we know is that

putin's calculations, that he would be able to, relatively, quickly capture the heart of ukraine. that calculation has proven to be unfounded. we know he's capable of terrible, terrible violence. but, again, i am not a military expert. i would not want to your viewers to think that i am the right person to get into a detailed discussion of chemical warfare. all i can do is to share with you what those of us know, which is, putin's miscalculated, -- the level of ruthlessness, beyond that -- is capable of at the moment. what happened -- these are terrifying. pretense >> understand you're not a chemical weapons expert, but if chemical weapons are used, that's a war crime. how do we respond? is that the time where we step

up and act? >> it would be a war crime. it was a war crime in syria, it is the case that -- >> if he crosses the red line, and uses chemical weapons, what is our response? >> again, our response is something that would be agreed in concert with our allies. it's not for me, at this stage, i completely understand your desire for clarity, but it's not for me to spell out -- our allies -- >> would you pick up? you're on this program as a representative. what is the position of what the uk response would be if putin uses chemical weapons? >> it would be a response specifically targeted to deal with escalation. but i'm not going to spell that myself. >> why not? >> because it's for the bio minister, and consul with our allies.

>> is there a concern? we'll be hearing from mr. volkov later, an ally of alexei navalny, who says, he believes that putin is crazy enough to use nuclear weapons. is that real concern for the uk? government >> yes. there are different ways that you can describe that. i think he's operating according to -- but, when he's doing is pursuing a conflict which he believes he has to win. we have to make sure that he loses. there are people who are even now calibrating what our response should be. -- yes, i don't think it's helpful to think is putin as mad, i think we do need to think of him as somebody who's

ruthlessness takes him to into a moral sphere that the rest of us would find almost impossible to conceive of. >> that moral sphere could include -- >> in your view? >> again, it's not for me to get into. some of the diesel judgments about the correct military response. >> this is a huge and very clear question. is that a real concern for the uk government? >> russia is a nuclear armed power. its military doctrine clearly has a a set of steps by which they can move into that. by definition, when you talk about weapons of such horrific potential, and when you're talking about strategy and diplomacy of such delicacy, someone like me shouldn't intrude into these calculations. this is a matter for heads of government, and those with direct military experience.

that's why, i hope you'll excuse my caution when we're dealing with such momentous in potentially terrifying escalation. >> okay. we're gonna move on to refugees in the scheme that you're announcing. do you have an update on the number of refugees from ukraine, that the uk is accepted? >> we've had more than 300,000 visas that have been issued. it's important to recognize that from tuesday, it will be the case that the majority of people will no longer need to apply for visas. well except ukrainian passports. people will be able to come to this country. as well as the number of people coming into family scheme, which is expanded. as you mentioned at the beginning of the program -- which also has no cap on the number of people become. >> just to clarify, 300,000 feet is, that's up from 1305 on thursday? >> 3000 visas. >> more than 3000 visas. >> i was going to say, that's a

fast escalation. just explain what's your new idea is to try and help refugees come through here. >> we want to make sure that every available bed that we have in this country, there could be beta billable, a real billable home that can be made available, to those who are fleeing persecution is mobilized. we know that there is a large number of people -- generous harden in the position to provide -- what we're doing is saying, we the government will act in solidarity, and in cooperation with you. will provide, not just a payment, but we will also make sure that people who come here have the chance to work and get support from the nhs, education and other services they need. >> the idea is that you were just certain interests. are you going to be registering yourself? >> i think will be lots of people -- looking to see what they can do. >> you will be signing up to

turn off a room? >> again, i'm going to make sure that i do everything i can as an individual to support. everybody will have their own circumstance. -- which is an amazing amount have said that they want to do something to help, but we want to make sure that people are in a position to help. inevitably, it's a significant commitment. i recognize that we need to operate in different ways, and indifferent phases, to help people who are fleeing persecution. >> i'm still not completely clear. >> i'm in the process of seeking to see what i can do. there are individuals whose own families -- >> let's talk numbers. you say it's uncapped, but you must have done some modeling. what's your estimate for the number of people who can come to the uk through this thing? >> tens of thousands. >> tens of thousands, you think? is that enough? if you look at the numbers, for example, of ukrainian refugees.

pullen taking 1.5, france expecting 50 to 100,000 in the coming weeks, germany over 80,000 by wednesday. it still feels a -- tent as -- if you look at the level of the crisis and the number of children, elderly, extremely vulnerable, is that enough? >> there are so many things we have to do. again, in a way, in the face of the crisis of this magnitude, where we have to make sure that we do is what we can when we can. it's also why it's alongside the humanitarian support that were given. earlier this week, leaders from the country's closest to ukraine were meeting with the prime minister and, they were grateful to britain for providing what's me need most now, witches humanitarian aid. as you quite rightly pointed out, taken a huge influx of individuals. once we do everything that we can to provide humanitarian support, expertise, boots on

the ground, money, but, alongside, that we can and see how many people we can take the uk. again, many of the people who are there will want to, at the moment, stay close to ukraine. -- many people who want to say in poland, or romania. many others, who we cannot of -- whom we fish to get warm welcome. >> i want to talk a bit about the support that the people will need when they come here. you have the money that you're giving to the sponsors of the families, but it feels like a very different profile of refugee than we've seen before. there's a lot of children, a lot of elderly, a lot of people who will need access to public services. -- does that mean that you're looking at more money to schools, for example, who will be accepting ukrainian children. >> yes. >> how much? >> for each individual, they'll be just over 10,000 pounds per

individual for local authorities. >> per individual ukrainian, you're willing to fund up to 10,000 pound services? >> just over. there will be additional payments for those children who are of school age and who need to be accommodated to. everybody will have access to full nhl scare. >> -- per individual. >> okay, thank you. that's. useful >> another thing i have some questions about. -- that's gonna severely strict number. if you're sky news viewer, and you've got a spare room, you desperate to do something to help after you've seen the appalling images from kyiv and elsewhere, you don't know somebody from ukraine, do you? >> you may. >> but, firstly the government will be attending to match people in ukraine to

individuals here. that could be quite slow, bureaucratic process. we know that there are charities, and we're working with them, that are helping to identify people on the ground, and helping to identify people here to create that matching process. rather than it being -- we -- want to make sure that the web of individual connections, and the good heartedness of those who are supporting charities can help here. we know that, for example, there were churches in faith, groups jewish groups, groups like stonewall and others, that will be doing everything we can to identify individuals who can benefit, and individuals who want to. help >> is there a concern that people could effectively matchup with people on social media. you see something on instagram, or on twitter, and you try and form looks that way? >> yes. >> is there safeguarding concerns? that you could effectively choose, if you'd like, a vulnerable refugee, that you have seen on instagram to come

to your personal home? >> one of the reasons why we are operating the system, in the way that we, our is for that reason. we absolutely need to make sure that, first of, all the people in ukraine are who they say they are. there needs to be some security checks. -- ski being exploited by criminal elements. that's the first thing. the second thing, we need to make sure that people here are who -- are in a position to provide that support. which is why they need to be security checks to make sure that those who might be intent on exploitation, can be prevented from abusing the system. >> how quickly is all this going to happen? when can we expect to see the first refugees entering uk? >> people can register their interest on monday. matching will be taking place from friday. i would expect that in a weeks time will see the first people coming here, under the scheme.

>> honestly, has there been a bit of disagreement in government over this? there have been reports of number 10 blocking home office schemes. it feels as if there is -- it's taken quite a long time to get to this point. has debris in any disagreements by the scenes? >> there's been a focused, determined effort. an effort to get a scheme that works and meets the need of the hour. people who are close political watchers have seen and no, that i'm working very closely with the secretary, throughout, to make sure that the scheme can work. it requires all of government. it is a home office, quite rightly, that is responsible for our security. -- are the right people. the people presenting on the right. people >> you can look me in the eye and say you've got a lot -- >> totally. >> couple more questions before we end. how hopeful are you that the talks between russia and ukraine could end in resolution?

is there any compromise that you can see? >> i pray that we can have peace. but it's difficult to see would've compromise that would look. like >> there's questions in the sunday times about afghani -- this is a newspaper owner. son of a former kgb agent. -- raise questions about. it's also come out that, back in 2013, mi6 refused to meet him. this is a man -- he obviously denies that he's a security -- have raised concerns about. is the prime minister behaved a bit foolishly, to say the least? >> i don't think so. i've met him, as the prime minister, has at no point did anybody ever say that they would be inappropriate to meet him, and to talk to him. >> none of those concerns are passed on? even in 2013, the sunday times believed that they were passed on to people around bars johnson? >> nobody has said it to me.

-- nobody has ever suggested to me that was true. something else i'd like to say -- one of the other things i should say, he's been clear through the pages of the evening standard, that he wholeheartedly refutes the conflict. he's been critical of putin's actions. one of the things that putting would like us to do is to have an approach in the uk where we said everybody of russian ancestry -- >> that's not where we're saying, is it? this is somebody who the security services have intervened over the period -- >> it's not just some normal russian person who lives on the street is? it >> no. but it's also the case, again, i think it's appropriate to recognize what putin wants to do is to divide us in this way. the senate has a report of

things today that our news to me. i think account, fully, of the integrity of the. reporting >> finally, the prime minister expected to travel to saudi arabia. he's trying to move the uk away from dependence on russia. of course, this comes as saudi arabia -- 81 men. one of the biggest mass executions in decades. are you comfortable with the uk rely on oil from saudi arabia? >> we have to rely on oil from a number of countries. many of whose human rights records we don't approve of. every time the uk is in saudi arabia, we raise humans rights concerns, alongside other roku. do -- >> saudi arabia is -- of the united kingdom. there are human rights concerns. we're clear about those but we

also recognize that at a time when the world is in a fragile situation, that diplomacy, alongside clarity on human rights is important. >> thank you very much for being on the program. >> thank you. >> that was michael gove spelling out his ideas for housing refugees. the local evil says he would give ukrainian refugee in his home. the party of been broadly supportive -- all of dark's was faster, and harder, and also says that boris johnson's questions to answer. he joins us now in the studio. -- >> good morning. >> we've just heard michael gove spelling out his scheme to house ukrainian refugees, is that something you support? >> we've all seen the terrible images from ukraine, and families fleeing for their lives.

i do think that uk has to play its part. so far, i think the home office has got it wrong. the scheme that they put in place has been too slow, too narrow to mean and where we were essentially with afghanistan, is only after to the moment. do i think that -- that -- >> i'm sure many of the british public will be incredibly welcoming. what would comfort me more, frankly, is if if i heard from michael gove that there are plans in place for the support is actually going to be needed on arrival. when i was dealing with some of the afghan families that are rival mound constituency, when i saw there is one i think we'll see in relation to ukraine refugees. traumatized families, desperately in need of support. desperate to know what's happening to their rival teams

in ukraine. -- needing the support in terms of schooling. >> he did say that, then he? he said they would be 10,000 pounds per individual made to local authorities. that's the support you talk about. >> if the government was announcing those plans in hard edged, for how much more comfort in them. local authorities are big consulted, the advice is being sought out. when i saw on the summer. -- >> he saying the money is going to go to local authorities, 10,000 per individual. >> he is, but the plans need to be in place now. i'm not against the scheme. i have -- how it's going to work, but i have more comfort if there was a solid plan on the table. local authority leaders are saying they haven't been consulted yet. they are there, ready to put the support in. housing providers need to be involved.

>> what exactly are you -- what exactly are you asking for? >> it feels like there is a concrete plan now. >> i'm not sure about that. when i saw the summer was, you need language experts, you need experts with traumatize families, you need experts who can help them contact their families back in the country they have fled from. you need people who need to sort out schooling very quickly, you need local authorities who are engaged. you need housing providers. that can all be done, and it was done in the summer. i would just like the reassurance that that plan was in place. -- housing a refugee, of course i'm not against that. i think the basic sporty simply put in. i'm here or on the ground, that isn't the case across the country. >> what is labor's proposal for refugees? you're talking about involving local authorities, involving

local housing providers, would you like to see on cap number of refugees coming from ukraine, without visas, to be housed? here -- >> when i want to see is very simple. a simple safe route to sanctuary for those fleeing. >> nobody would disagree with that. >> nobody would -- >> that's not a concrete plan. >> we haven't seen that in recent weeks. >> what's the concrete plan that you would like to see? >> we want emergency protection visas, very simple, very straightforward that can be dealt with on route to the united kingdom. so that when people get here, they can come straight in the country, get the support they need. very simple, very straightforward. should've been thought through weeks and months ago. the likelihood invasion you crane was known weeks ago. the home office have been far too slow, far to mean in relation to this. frankly, the last few weeks have been an embarrassment for the united kingdom, and the way

that is that with refugees. would >> you like to see uncapped number of these? >> i'm not going to pluck a number out the care in this middle of this conflict. we can all see what's happening. i'm >> not asking for. number >> -- or would it be uncapped? >> i think we need to work with our allies across europe -- the uk's place part. i hope -- tens of thousands. i think plucking the numbers wrong. we don't know where this conflict is going to go. we all hope that it de-escalates, but we don't know that. therefore, anybody, today, putting a number on it, i don't think it's -- >> i'm not asking for number, i'm asking if it's gonna be kept. >> a cap is a dumper. >> no cap, then? >> a cap is a number. i'm not going to give a number. >> i'm not asking you with the number should be, i'm asking if there should be a cap, or should be uncapped. >> we should provide sanctuary to all of those that are fleeing for their lives that want to come to the united kingdom.

it shouldn't be kept. >> thank you. we've already seen more -- the horse that we've seen. the uk says they're supplying defensive weapons that ukrainians -- fighter jet, and so on. they've obviously asked for a no-fly zone. do you think the uk needs to be doing more, at this point? >> the labour party in opposition have been supportive of the government on the imprints. standing up to russian aggression, standing up for the ukrainian people. what's putin wants more than anything is division. he wants nato to be divided, he wants our allies to be divided, and he wants us back in the united kingdom to be divided, politically. we won't let that happen. i think, on an issue is important is this, we have to stand together. we are going through food --

we have supported that. is in relation to sanctions. most sanctions, frankly, should have been in place before this invasion started. there was a russian report of two years ago that set out all the problems and why we need sanctions. the economic crime bill was talked about a year ago. i want the government to go further and faster on sanctions. we will vote for those, by the way, but i do want the government to go further. humanitarian aid, i think the home offices got in a wrong. i think everybody knows that. we need to see change. we are supportive, in principle, on the things that really matter, we want to push the government further and faster, where they're simply not going fast enough. >> i was trying to get a sense from michael grove on a red line, if the uk -- if yours or gets very real fear for people. if putin uses chemical weapons,

clearly a war, crime is that a point where the military response from the uk, nato potentially, needs to escalate? >> there is always a chilling risk of escalation, that none of us want to see. i think in the middle of a conflict like this, we shouldn't be speculating the what ifs. we have to work in lockstep with our nato allies, responding as things develop. at this stage, discussing what if -- i don't think it's helpful. >> for the moment we, have to be absolutely clear, providing military equipment, the possible sanctions -- on top of sanctions that don't just isolate russia, but credible russia's ability to function. that's why want the government to go further and faster. i think that sitting in tv studios speculating if putin

does this then we will do that, i don't think that's the role at the moment. that has to be agreed in lockstep with our nato allies. there are huge implications of any escalation. i think, we should respond as this develops. when i want to see is a cease-fire. the withdrawal of russian troops from ukraine. that is what we all want to see. those are the measures were taking. >> do you think there's any hope? there's obviously talks, but are you optimistic that there could be some kind. of i'm not negotiated you >> optimistic, and it's very difficult to see what the basic agreement could be. but of course, if it is possible to achieve a cease-fire, and a withdrawal by the russians, then of course i want that to happen. for shocking images! i didn't think in my lifetime,

i would be able to see russian tanks rolling into a european country. soldiers kissing their children goodbye, as they stated the faint their cities in their country. and families fleeing for their lives. the awful bombing of the maternity hospital. of course, if it's possible to find a way through this, then we should all be hoping for that. but i'm optimistic. i'm afraid not at the moment. >> it's heartbreaking. with your -- , is vladimir putin a war criminal? >> yes. what i've seen already amounts to war crimes. particularly the ultimate attacks on civilians. and i think it's very important that he is held to account, and all those who are acting with him. know that they too can be held to account. this is something that we need to make clear now so that those who are involved at the moment no with the consequences are. there's