Zelensky Calls on Russia to Stop Bombing Before More Ceasefire Talks

LOCAL NEWS

• Zelensky calls on Russia to “stop the bombing before more ceasefire talks,” urging NATO to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine – assuring them it would not create a war with Russia.
  • Also asked for legally binding security guarantees if it was not allowed to join NATO, guaranteeing border protection and special relations with neighbours.
• Russia’s assault continued overnight in Kharkiv, Mariupol and in the surrounds of Kyiv with neither side looking close to a ceasefire, despite agreements for a second round of talks. The 40-mile military column continues to push its way towards Kyiv as Western anti-tank/aircraft weaponry arrives in Ukraine and Russian paratroopers land in Kharkiv to boost its ground forces. Southern cities of Kherson & Mariupol are likely now encircled by Russian forces.
• Pentagon says it is considering whether to add US troops in eastern European NATO countries on a permanent basis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in a move that will likely inflame tensions with Moscow.
  • Moscow Warned yesterday that it was preparing a package of counter-sanctions, but gave no clues as to what they would be or when they would be released
• Putin issues a directive banning foreign currency shipments from Russia in amounts greater than $10,000 starting March 02. He also signed a decree on temporary financial stabilization steps – IFX
• ExxonMobil says it will exit Russian oil & gas operations it owns valued at more than $4bn and halt new investment over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Ford, Apple, Jaguar Land Rover and Nike also suspended major operations in Russia - BBC