UKRAINIAN President Volodymyr Zelensky urged NATO to impose a no-fly zone over his country or see its member states attacked by Russia.
Speaking in a video released shortly after midnight, Zelensky said: “If you don’t close our sky, it is only a matter of time before Russian rockets fall on your territory, on NATO territory."
NATO will respond with "full force" if Russian attacks stray into member countries, the US national security adviser warned on Sunday.
It comes as Russian airstrikes killed at least 35 people at a military base near the border of NATO member Poland on Sunday.
The base is where foreign instructors were helping Ukrainians, however it is not known whether they were there at the time.
Foreign military instructors have worked at the Yavoriv International Center for Peacekeeping and Security.
Russian forces fired more than 30 cruise missiles at the Yavoriv military base near Lviv, injuring 57 people, according to Ukrainian authorities as Kyiv warns Vladimir Putin could start "provoking" Nato countries.
Follow our Russia-Ukraine live blog below for up-to-the-minute updates…
- Joseph Gamp
More on the apartment block shelling in Obolon, Kyiv
According to local media, firefighters are working to put out a massive blaze at a 9-storey apartment block in the nation's capital.
- Joseph Gamp
In pictures: Firefighters work to put out Kyiv apartment block blaze
The shocking image below, released by the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, shows firemen working to extinguish a fire in an apartment building hit by shelling in the Obolon district of Kyiv.
A Russian air strike on a residential building in Kyiv killed one and wounded several others, Ukrainian emergency services said on March 14.
NINTCHDBPICT000718787929Credit: AFP - Joseph Gamp
Good morning
Good morning, Joe Gamp here signing in to our live, real-time coverage of the war in Ukraine.
My colleague Louis Allwood will be with you from 10am.
- Louis Allwood
Russia and Ukraine latest
- US journalist shot dead and colleague wounded while covering war in Ukraine
- Russians kidnap second mayor one day after another was dragged away with hood over head
- Ukrainian woman dies after bus carrying refugees overturns in Italy
- Russia airstrike hits 12 miles from Nato border killing 35 at base where foreign instructors are helping Ukrainians
- Putin destroys entire city as Russians 'gun down fleeing women & kids'
- Moment another Russian convoy ambushed by brave Ukrainians using lethal anti-tank missiles
- Putin could 'unleash deadly virus seized from Ukrainian lab & blame US'
- Russia now attacking Kyiv from two sides in attempt to surround city
Instagram no longer accessible in Russia
Instagram was no longer accessible in Russia on Monday after its parent company Meta was accused by Moscow of allowing calls for violence against Russians on its platforms.
Instagram's app was not refreshing without a VPN connection on Monday, AFP journalists said.
The social network also appeared on a list of online resources with "restricted access" published by Russia's media regulator Roskomnadzor.
Australia joins allies in sanctioning Russian oligarchs
Australia said on Monday it was imposing new sanctions on 33 Russian oligarchs and business people, including Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich and Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller, over the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne said Australia supported moves by the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, the European Union and New Zealand to take action against key Russians.
"Many of these oligarchs have facilitated, or directly benefited, from the Kremlin's illegal and indefensible actions in Ukraine since 2014. In some cases the sanctions also include immediate family members," Payne said.
Australia had earlier imposed sanctions on Russian politicians, including President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, members of the Russian parliament and oligarchs after the invasion of Ukraine.
Moment giant unexploded bomb removed from flat in Ukrainian city
THIS is the incredible moment a giant Russian bomb is removed from a flat in a city totally destroyed by Kremlin forces.
The explosive device’s removal meant a miracle escape for those inside the block but others in the city of Chernihiv have been less fortunate.
Russian forces have been accused of deliberately killing civilians in the city after 47 people died in one attack allegedly using deadly cluster bombs last week,
One person was killed today and another injured in a Russian airstrike that destroyed a residential block, emergency services said.
Brent Renaud was shot dead while fleeing Russian soldiers
Brent Renaud was shot dead while fleeing Russian soldiers who opened fire at him after he stumbled upon their checkpoint, it's reported.
Juan Arredondo, who was wounded in the lower back, told Italian journalist Annalisa Camilli he and Mr Renaud were shot after they were stopped at a checkpoint just after a bridge in Irpin.
"We crossed the first bridge in Irpin. We were going to film other refugees leaving and we got into a car, someone offered to take us to the other bridge," he said.
"We crossed the checkpoint and they started shooting at us. So the driver turned around and they kept shooting."
Mr Arredondo said his colleague, who he named as Mr Renaud, was hit in the neck and remained on the ground earlier on Sunday.
White House adviser warns Russia of 'severe price' if it carried out a chemical attack
The White House national security adviser has warned Russia that it would pay a "severe price" if it carried out a chemical weapon attack.
Jake Sullivan said the US and allies were consulting closely about the increased threat.
He added that any attack on the territory of a Nato member state would trigger a full response by the alliance.
- Louis Allwood
Brits to be given £350-a-month to open homes to Ukraine refugees with applications launched from TOMORROW
BRITISH families who open their homes to Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war will be given a £350-a-month “thank you” payment.
The venture will kick off from tomorrow with hopes the cash incentive will encourage people to take in those who have been forced to leave their homeland behind.
- Louis Allwood
Chelsea given £110m Government lifeline to ensure they finish Premier League season
CHELSEA have been handed a £110million cash lifeline — to ensure they can finish the season.
The Government’s decision to ease their financial stranglehold on the Blues came as sanction-hit Russian owner Roman Abramovich was BANNED by the Premier League.
World and European club champions Chelsea were in danger of plunging into administration after the Government’s stringent licence limited funds to meet their £28m monthly wage bill and all other outgoings.
But MPs yesterday revealed that two days of negotiations with club chiefs had resulted in a revised licence which will now allow the Blues to access previously FROZEN television and prize money.
Chelsea are permitted to use all the potential £35m in TV income from the Prem and Uefa until the end of the season PLUS all prize money they are due from domestic and European competitions.
They are set to pocket £39m from the Prem if they stay in third place — and up to £36m if they retain their Champions League crown.
- Louis Allwood
More than 2,100 Mariupol residents killed
The City council of Mariupol have said that 2,187 residents in the city have been killed due to the Russian invasion.
Local officials said there had been at least 22 Russian strikes on the city in the past day.
"People have been in a difficult situation for 12 days. There is no electricity, water or heating in the city. There is almost no mobile communication. The last reserves of food and water are running out," a statement said.
- Louis Allwood
Chelsea fans display Roman Abramovich flag
CHELSEA fans proudly displayed a banner in support of Roman Abramovich after the billionaire was slapped with sanctions by the UK government.
The oligarch was sanctioned over his close ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin, who ordered the invasion of Ukraine.
Chelsea are now unable to sell tickets to matches, with only season ticket holders able to attend games at Stamford Bridge.
Abramovich is also banned from selling the club or any players, with the Russian unable to make any money from the club with his assets frozen.
The Blues are not allowed to flog any club merchandise or extend stars' contracts either, with only sales of food and drink in the stadium permitted.
With the club in disarray, fans have shown their support for Abramovich – who took over the club in 2003.
- Louis Allwood
Martin Roberts reveals he’s halfway through 26-hour ‘mercy dash’ to drop supplies in Ukraine
HOMES Under The Hammer star Martin Roberts has revealed he's halfway through a 26-hour "mercy dash" in Ukraine.
The TV star took to Twitter in a video update as he admitted he had been driving through the night through France.
Martin, 58, looked exhausted as he filmed from his phone standing behind a van packed from top to bottom with supplies.
He admitted he had only slept a few hours as he prepared for the second leg of his journey across Germany and Poland.
It comes days after the star revealed his plans to drive the packed van across Europe to help those affected by Putin's attacks in Ukraine.
- Louis Allwood
Zelensky’s incredible speech to the House of Commons was up there with Churchill in 1940
This is a comment piece by Karren Brady
I DON’T keep a journal, but when something remarkable happens, I make a point of writing it down in the back of my diary.
Sometimes that is once a month. Sometimes it’s once a year.
I had one of those moments last week when, in my role as a member of the House of Lords, I was invited to the Commons to watch Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s historic address.
All business in both houses stopped so we could hear him speak, and translation was provided. And it was truly remarkable.
As I waited for the address to start, I sat chatting to Lord Fellowes (who wrote Downton Abbey and the fantastic new Sky series The Gilded Age).
My first impression was that the poor man looked exhausted.
Zelensky said he hadn’t slept and it showed.
- Louis Allwood
Zelensky outlines most important task
Zelensky says the most important task is to bring aid to the besieged city of Mariupol.
He said a humanitarian convoy was just 80km which has been under constant attack from Russian forces for almost a week.
"We are doing everything to break the resistance of the occupiers, who are blocking even priests of the Orthodox Church," Zelensky wrote, in a post on Facebook.
- Louis Allwood
Abramovich’s mansion ‘could be used to house Ukraine refugees’
ROMAN Abramovich’s £150m Kensington mansion could soon be home to Ukrainian refugees thanks to a government proposal.
Cabinet sources have revealed Levelling-up Secretary Michael Gove has put forward the idea to house the homeless victims of war in the lavish homes of Russian oligarchs.
Michael Gove said he wants to "explore an option" of using sanctioned individuals' properties to house Ukrainian refugees.
He told the BBC's Sunday Morning programme: "I want to explore an option which would allow us to use the homes and properties of sanctioned individuals – as long as they are sanctioned – for humanitarian and other purposes.
"There's quite a high legal bar to cross and we're not talking about permanent confiscation.
"But we are saying: 'you're sanctioned, you're supporting Putin, this home is here, you have no right to use or profit from it – and more than that, while you are not using or profiting from it, if we can use it in order to help others, let's do that'."
- Louis Allwood
Russia and Ukraine latest
- US journalist shot dead and colleague wounded while covering war in Ukraine
- Russians kidnap second mayor one day after another was dragged away with hood over head
- Ukrainian woman dies after bus carrying refugees overturns in Italy
- Russia airstrike hits 12 miles from Nato border killing 35 at base where foreign instructors are helping Ukrainians
- Putin destroys entire city as Russians ‘gun down fleeing women & kids’
- Moment another Russian convoy ambushed by brave Ukrainians using lethal anti-tank missiles
- Putin could ‘unleash deadly virus seized from Ukrainian lab & blame US’
- Russia now attacking Kyiv from two sides in attempt to surround city
'Time is running out'
All parties have been urged by The Red Cross to come to an agreement over humanitarian aid as "time is running out" in Mariupol.
Peter Maurer, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross said: “We call on all parties involved in the fighting to place humanitarian imperatives first.
"People in Mariupol have endured a weeks-long life-and-death nightmare. This needs to stop now. Their safety and their access to food, water and shelter must be guaranteed.”
Russian McDonald’s fan CHAINS himself to restaurant to stop it closing
A Russian McDonald's fan dramatically CHAINED himself to a restaurant in Moscow today in a desperate bid to stop it closing down.
The man, reported to be Luka Safronov, was filmed staging his protest just hours before the fast food giant was due to shut doors across the country in response to Putin's Ukraine invasion.
He said: "As we move forward, McDonald’s will continue to assess the situation and determine if any additional measures are required.
"At this juncture, it’s impossible to predict when we might be able to reopen our restaurants in Russia.
"We are experiencing disruptions to our supply chain along with other operational impacts. We will also closely monitor the humanitarian situation."
Protestors tell glam ‘stepdaughter’ of Russian foreign minister ‘your dad’s a MURDERER’
PROTESTORS told a Russian foreign minister's alleged step-daughter "your dad's a murderer" outside her £4.4million London flat.
Activists also branded Polina Kovaleva, 26, the daughter of a war criminal who allegedly launders his money in the capital.
They gathered outside her flat in Kensington, South London, yesterday to protest Sergei Lavrov's involvement in the Ukraine war.
Security staff refused to say whether she was still in London earlier this week.
And MPs have called for her to be added to the hundreds of people already sanctioned for having links to Putin's regime.
Her mother Svetlana Polyakova, 51, has reportedly been the mistress of foreign minister Lavrov, 71, for around 20 years.
- Louis Allwood
Russian Roman Abramovich linked romantically to actress, 25, with Ukrainian roots
TYCOON Roman Abramovich has been romantically linked with a stunning 25-year-old actress — who has Ukrainian family roots.
The sanctioned oligarch is secretly seeing Alexandra Korendyuk, an entrepreneur and TV star who appeared in Russian show You’re All P***ing Me Off, it is claimed.
Chelsea FC owner Abramovich, 55 — who was yesterday formally disqualified as a director of the club by the Premier League — was linked to Ms Korendyuk by Russian gossip columnist Bozhena Rynska.
The same journalist first revealed that dad-of-seven Abramovich was due to wed his third wife, Dasha Zhukova — who he was married to from 2008 to 2018.
Alexandra is said to be the founder of the Institute of Music Initiatives, which helps up-and-coming musicians.
Rynska first reported that Red Rom was romantically involved with her last October, four months before the invasion of Ukraine.
- Louis Allwood
800 detained at Russia anti-war protests
There have been anti-war protests in Russia, where police detained more than 800 people.
The OVD-Info NGO said police had detained 817 people during demonstrations in 37 cities in Russia.
- Louis Allwood
World War Z has begun and Putin’s REAL target is us
This is a comment piece by Mark Almond
VLADIMIR PUTIN’S brutal invasion of Ukraine has sparked a potential global conflict.
If it spirals out of control — dragging in neighbouring Nato countries — World War Three could be on the cards.
Even without a nuclear Armageddon between Russia and the West, this crisis is the beginning of a long arm-wrestling match between the Kremlin and us (the West). I call it World War Z.
“Z” is the call-sign painted on the Russian tanks pouring into Ukraine. It symbolises the Russian term “Onward to Victory”.
Eighty years ago Churchill had his V for Victory sign as a symbol of hope against the Nazis.
Putin’s Z for victory is his sign for a grim future, with Russia’s neighbours under his heel and the rest of us under constant pressure.
Maybe a ceasefire will be arranged between Russia and Ukraine. There will be relief at anything that stops the slaughter of civilians.
But it will only be a pause in the new worldwide competition between Russia and the West. World War Z is only starting.
- Louis Allwood
'We’re taking in refugees because it’s our moral obligation'
A BRITISH couple have said they want to open their home to Ukrainian refugees because it is their "moral obligation".
Matthew and Hannah Hornsby are among those across the UK offering their spare rooms for people fleeing the war after the invasion by Russia.
The Hornsby's told Sky News they already have a room prepared ready to welcome a family from Ukraine.
Mrs Hornsby said: "It's a moral obligation, I think for us all here to be able to do something."
Her husband said: "We've got the space to do this.
"We've got a family, we've got children, but what why would we refuse these people that are in desperate need?"
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