Thirty-third day of war in Ukraine. Zelensky hears Draghi and wants Italy as a guarantor for security, the premier gives his availability. Kiev says it is willing to discuss neutrality but not to give up pieces of territory.
Meanwhile, news emerges of the poisoning of Roman Abramovich (confirmed) and two Ukrainian negotiators (this denied) during the talks between the delegations that were held at the beginning of March in the Brest region in Belarus.
Last Wednesday, writes the Times, Abramovich allegedly brought to Putin a letter from Zelensky with the conditions for peace: "Tell him I will sweep them away", the cold response of the Russian president.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainians announce the reconquest of Irpin, near Kiev. The Russian troops would be withdrawing from the capital, whose mayor draws a dramatic balance by speaking by videoconference to the City Council of Florence: "By now the corpses are counted by weight".
"Heavy" fighting is being recorded in the Donbass, says Moscow, specifying that the objective of the military operation is that. The mayor of Mariupol speaks of a "humanitarian catastrophe" by rattling off the data of a massacre: about 5 thousand dead since the beginning of the siege, including 210 children.
In Italy, the 5 Star Movement reiterates its no to the increase in military spending, in the US Joe Biden does not regret the words spoken in Warsaw against Putin, when he defined him as a "butcher" and evoked a change of regime in Moscow: "The my words do not complicate diplomacy, ”says the American president.
Updates today by the hour.
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M5S reiterates its no to the increase in military spending
During the majority meeting on the dl Ukraine, the M5S reiterated its "firm opposition to the extraordinary increases in military spending". Sources of the Movement in the Senate report this. "If the majority votes differently, it will certainly not be the first time and everyone will take responsibility for their choices. We made it clear to the government representatives present at the meeting that this is the position of the M5S and we asked them to take it into account in drafting the Def ", they explain.
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Biden: “See Putin? It depends on the topic you want to talk about "
Joe Biden opens up the possibility of a meeting with Vladimir Putin. To the umpteenth question from reporters in the White House about the possibility of an interview with the leader of the Kremlin, the American president replied: "It depends on the topic he wants to talk about."
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Biden: "My words on Putin do not complicate diplomacy"
Joe Biden does not think his comments on Vladimir Putin will complicate diplomacy to resolve the conflict in Ukraine. He said it himself replying to reporters.
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Mayor of Kiev: "Corpses are counted by weight"
"We do not have the exact number of how many deaths there are, we cannot reach certain places in these cities. According to the latest estimates there are thousands of people or even tens of thousands of people. For them we can observe a large number of corpses. They are. very shocking news for me too. In the last few days about 70 tons of corpses have been transferred and taken to Russia ". This was stated by the mayor of Kiev Vitali Klitschko, who spoke by videoconference in the City Council in Florence.
"I have always wondered why the count occurs on corpses, on dead people - he added -. The answer was very crude, because it is not whole corpses: for this reason today we do not count the number of dead but the weight of the corpses. ".
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Johnson: "We will increase economic pressure on Putin's regime"
Britain "will maintain and increase economic pressure on Vladimir Putin's regime". British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said this in a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
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Putin: "I will wipe out Zelensky"
"Tell them I'll wipe them out." This would be the answer given by Vladimir Putin to a note from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, containing the conditions of Kiev for a peace agreement and delivered Wednesday to the Kremlin by the Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich. The Times reports it. Abramovich would arrive in Moscow after a stop in Istanbul. And after meeting Zelensky on the sidelines of his participation in the first negotiations between Russians and Ukrainians. Negotiations during which, at the beginning of March, he reported suspected symptoms of poisoning (like two Ukrainian delegates), from which he appears to have been cured in the meantime.
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Zelensky: "Mariupol remains under attack"
Mariupol remains under attack by Russian forces in Ukraine, the scene of "heavy fighting". This was reported by Downing Street, giving an account of a new phone call from President Volodymyr Zelensky who updated Boris Johnson both on the military situation on the ground and on the progress of talks with Moscow. The British premier for his part renewed his commitment to give "full support to Ukraine in the face of the ongoing aggression, in terms of both humanitarian aid and defensive weapons". He also assured that he wanted to "maintain and strengthen the economic pressure on the Putin regime" in terms of sanctions.
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Abramovich confirms poisoning, Kiev chief negotiator denies
Roman Abramovich confirmed through his spokesperson the poisoning, which took place in the meeting between 3 and 4 March in the Brest region, in Belarus.
Ukrainian presidential adviser and chief negotiator Mikhailo Podolyak denied the allegations of poisoning of Ukrainian negotiators by the Russian side reported by the Wall Street Journal. The Kyiv Independent reports it citing Hromadske. This is "speculation", Podolyak said, adding that all Ukrainian negotiators "work as usual".
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Kiev: "We have had access to Russian military information"
Ukraine was aware of Moscow's preparations for the invasion as early as November 2021 thanks also to infiltrators in Russia. This was stated by the intelligence chief of the Ministry of Defense, General Kirill Budanov, quoted by UNIAN. "We have sources, many sources working for us. Our sources are everywhere. In the military, in political circles, as well as in the presidential administration," Budanov said, specifying that thanks to a successful cyber intelligence operation, the Ukraine was also able to gain "access to the entire military defense complex in Russia".
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Guterres to Biden: "We need de-escalation"
"I think we need a reduction in escalation, we need a military de-escalation and rhetoric." Thus the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres commented on the sentence of US President Joe Biden according to which Vladimir Putin "cannot remain in power".
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Negotiations in Istanbul in the presidential residence
The negotiations between the delegations of Russia and Ukraine will be held behind closed doors from tomorrow starting at 10.30 local time (9.30 in Italy) at the offices of the Turkish presidential residence in the Dolmabahce palace in Istanbul. This was reported by the Turkish presidency.
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UN launches ceasefire initiative
"I asked Martin Griffiths, the coordinator of our worldwide humanitarian work, to immediately explore with the parties involved in the conflict possible agreements for a humanitarian ceasefire in Ukraine."
This was announced by the UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres. "Let's be clear, the solution to this tragedy is political - he continued -. I appeal for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to allow the progress of serious political negotiations, aimed at reaching a peace agreement based on the principles of the UN Charter" .
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Suspected poisoning for Abramovich and Ukrainian negotiators
Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich and Ukrainian negotiators suffered symptoms of suspected poisoning after a meeting in Kiev earlier this month. The Wall Street Journal reports it citing some sources, according to which the suspected attack may have been committed by some in Moscow who wanted to sabotage the talks to end the war.
Symptoms observed after the meeting in Kiev earlier this month included "red eyes, peeling skin on the face and hands". Since then, the Wall Street Journal reports, their health has improved and they do not appear to be in danger. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who met Abramovich, had no problems. Western experts investigating the incident believe it is difficult to determine whether the symptoms were caused by a chemical or biological agent, or whether it was an attack with electromagnetic radiation.
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Zelensky: "Thanks Italy, ready to guarantee safety"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, after the telephone conversation with Prime Minister Mario Draghi, on Twitter thanked "Italy's willingness to join in the creation of a system for security guarantees in support of Ukraine". Zelensky also thanks Draghi for the humanitarian aid and in terms of defense given by our country to the Ukrainian people.
Kiev does not renounce its "territorial integrity"
Ukraine is unwilling to sacrifice its "territorial integrity" in negotiations with Russia. This was stated in an interview with BBC Radio 4 Alexander Rodnyansky, advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
"If you ask the people who live in those areas" that Moscow wants to conquer, "they don't want to live in Russia. How can we abandon them? Put aside the idea of tearing our country apart," added Rodnyansky.
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The toll from Kiev, nearly 300 dead and more than a thousand injured
Almost 300 dead, over a thousand injured, about 300 buildings destroyed. This is the toll of over a month of war in Kiev, according to the mayor of the Ukrainian capital Vitaly Klitschk.
In an interview with the Austrian newspaper Die Presse, the mayor took stock of the damage to the capital. "300 buildings were destroyed. Kindergartens and schools were also bombed. More than 1,000 people were hospitalized, including 18 seriously injured children. Nearly 300 people died, including many children," Klitschko said. about half of the population fled Kiev, mainly women, the elderly and children.
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In Mariupol 5 thousand dead, 210 children
Almost five thousand people died in the Russian siege of Mariupol, including 210 children. This was stated by the mayor of the port city in southern Ukraine, Vadym Boychenko, quoted by Ukrinform.
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Irpin, in the Kiev region, is back in the hands of the Ukrainians
"Our Irpin has been freed from the evil of Moscow! Glory to Ukraine". This was stated on Telegram by the mayor of the city on the outskirts of Kiev, Alexander Markushin.
According to the Ukrainian public broadcaster Supsilne News, "the Ukrainian army is cleaning up the city and residents have been asked not to return to their homes yet".
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Heavy fighting in the Donbass
Heavy fighting is underway in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions "because unlike other operational areas, Russia does not stop trying to carry out offensive operations there". This was stated by Oleksandr Motuzyanyk, spokesman for the Ukrainian Defense Ministry.
In Marinka and other cities "there is heavy fighting: the armed forces of Ukraine and other defense forces are successfully defending these settlements" while "other places have now passed under the control of the Russian army but I cannot name them".
According to the defense spokesman, the capture of the territories of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions is "one of Russia's strategic tasks: to completely conquer these two regions within the administrative borders, so to speak".
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Biden calls for increased military spending and challenges Putin in the Arctic
Joe Biden will present today a budget proposal for 2023 with a huge increase in military spending, also in light of the conflict in Ukraine: the American president will ask for 813.3 billion dollars, an increase of 31 billion (or 4%). The New York Times writes it. According to the same newspaper, Washington is preparing to fight Russia also in the Arctic, with a more aggressive military presence.
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Moscow: "Visa restrictions for citizens of hostile countries"
Moscow authorities are working on measures to limit the granting of visas for Russia to citizens of countries involved in "hostile activities by some foreign countries". This was stated by Foreign Minister Serghei Lavrov quoted by Interfax.
"A decree is in preparation" to this effect, Lavrov said during a meeting with the international cooperation commission of the ruling United Russia party. The measure "will introduce a series of restrictions for entry into the territory of Russia", stressed the foreign minister.
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Draghi-Zelensky phone call
Prime Minister Mario Draghi, in the course of today's telephone conversation with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, reiterated the Italian government's firm support for the Ukrainian authorities and people and Italy's full willingness to contribute to international action to end the war and promote a lasting solution to the crisis in Ukraine. Palazzo Chigi reports it.
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Moscow: “No rubles? We will not do charity "
Does Europe not want to pay for gas in rubles? Certainly Russia will not distribute its gas for free, "we will not do charity". This was guaranteed by the spokesman of the Kremlin, Dmitry Pesko according to the TASS. Peskov was not out of balance on the countermeasures that Moscow could take to the Western refusal to pay for supplies in rubles as requested by the Russian administration referring to unidentified "hostile countries". "But we will certainly not provide gas for free, that's for sure. It is almost impossible to do charity in our situation," Peskov added.
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Novaya Gazeta suspends publications
The most important independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta suspends its publications. This was reported by the same newspaper, of which the Nobel Peace Prize winner Dmitry Muratov is the chief editor. Journalists say they have received a new notice from Roskomnadzor, the state media control agency, for the critical content of their articles. "So - they add - we suspend the publication of the newspaper on the website, in the networks and in the press until the end of 'the special operation on the territory of Ukraine'". That is the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which the editors cite with the official definition imposed by the Moscow authorities.
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Almost 74,000 refugees in Italy, 2,000 more than yesterday
73,898 Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Italy so far: 38,068 women, 6,959 men and 28,871 minors. The Interior Ministry announces it on Twitter. Compared to yesterday, the increase is 1,958 admissions: the main destinations are Milan, Rome, Naples and Bologna.
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Lavrov: "Pressures on the Balkans to join the sanctions"
Russian Foreign Minister Serghiei Lavrov denounced the pressure on the Balkan countries and on Serbia to adhere to sanctions against Moscow whose purpose, he said, is to "contain Russia on a strategic level". "We are seeing pressure in the context of an anti-Russian campaign that Western politicians call an all-out war against Russia. This has not started now and is aimed at continuing the pressure on Russia," Lavrov said in statements to some media. Serbs.
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Kiev: "Negotiations tomorrow at 9"
Negotiations between Ukraine and the Russian Federation in Istanbul could start tomorrow at 10 local time, 9 in Italy. This was stated by member of the Ukrainian delegation David Arahamiya, as reported by Ukrinform. According to Arahamiya, the start of the talks was postponed due to logistical problems.
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"Zelensky wants Italy among the guarantors of security"
"Our president has launched the U24 initiative, United for peace, to create a group of countries capable of giving a response within 24 hours in the event of aggression. According to our president, this group should include permanent members of the Council UN security, plus Germany, Canada, Turkey and even Italy. I'm happy to see Italy on this list ". This was stated by the Ukrainian ambassador to Rome, Yaroslav Melnyk.
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Lavrov: "Putin-Zelensky meeting now would be counterproductive"
A meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a mere exchange of positions would be "counterproductive" now. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Serghei Lavrov according to reports from the Interfax agency. Lavrov said Russia is interested in talks with Ukraine to produce "tangible results". A meeting between the two leaders, he added, will be necessary as soon as there is clarity on what are the key issues for Russia.
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China in Biden: "Dialogue is the only way against the crisis"
China sees "dialogue and negotiation" as "the only correct way to resolve the Ukrainian question: what all parties urgently need to do now is to alleviate the situation, promote talks and end the war, rather than intersecting the conflicts ". This is the comment of Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin to a question about the statements by US President Joe Biden who over the weekend, from Poland, said that Russian President Vladimir Putin "cannot continue to remain in power", also calling him a " Butcher".
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The alarm of the mayor of Mariupol: "Close to the catastrophe, the city must be evacuated"
The city of Mariupol is on the verge of a humanitarian catastrophe and needs to be completely evacuated. This is the appeal of the mayor of the southern city of Ukraine Vadym Boichenko, according to the Guardian. The mayor said around 160,000 civilians are trapped in the city without electricity and 26 buses are waiting to evacuate civilians but Russian forces have not agreed to ensure safe passage.
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Fuel depot hit in Lutsk under Ukrainian control
The situation of the fuel depot which caught fire after being hit by bombing in Lutsk, in northwestern Ukraine, in the Volyn region, is under control. The Ukrainian emergency services quoted by the Guardian say this in a tweet.
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Kiev: "Today no corridors, for security reasons"
No humanitarian corridor in Ukraine today for public security reasons. Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshcuk makes it known on Telegram. "Warning: our intelligence has reported possible provocations by the occupants on the routes of the humanitarian corridors. Therefore, for reasons of public safety, we are not opening humanitarian corridors today."
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The Red Cross still cannot reach Mariupol
The Red Cross is still unable to bring aid into the besieged city of Mariupol as it requires Russia and Ukraine to ensure safe passage. This was stated by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). "The parties must be the guarantors and have an agreement to allow safe passage. They must publicize the route and leave a lot of time for people to get out," ICRC spokesman Matt Morris told the BBC. Many Mariupol residents have been taking refuge in cellars for weeks and are now short of food, water and medicine.
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Zelensky: "Russians put fallen soldiers in garbage bags"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized the Russian authorities for the treatment of their fallen soldiers at the front, whose bodies are abandoned or returned to their homeland in what he called "garbage bags". The Kyiv Independent reports it. "It's scary because when that's how they treat their people, then how do they treat others? It's barbaric and it's going to end badly."
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Rubizhne bombed, one dead
Russian troops attacked the city of Rubizhne in the Lugansk region in eastern Ukraine this morning. There are at least one dead and one wounded. This was announced by the head of the Luhansk regional military administration, Serhiy Haidai on Telegram. "Morning bombing in Rubizhne: we have dead and wounded", reads the post, reported by Ukrinform. "A house was damaged - he adds -, the body of a victim was found, the injured was taken to hospital by ambulance. The number of victims is still being defined".
(Unioneonline)
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