By The Related Press
ANKARA, Turkey —A aircraft carrying members of a Russian delegation has landed in Istanbul forward of talks with Ukrainian negotiators geared toward ending the month-long battle.
Turkey’s personal DHA information company stated the Russian authorities aircraft landed at Istanbul Airport on Monday. The face-to-face talks between the 2 sides are scheduled to be held on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Ukraine might declare neutrality, probably settle for a compromise on contested areas within the nation’s east, and provide safety ensures to Russia to safe peace “immediately.” He stated solely a face-to-face assembly with Russia’s chief might finish the battle.
Russian Overseas Minister Sergey Lavrov stated Monday that the 2 presidents might meet, however solely after the important thing parts of a possible deal are negotiated.
Earlier talks, held each by video and in particular person, didn't make progress on ending the battle that has killed hundreds and pushed greater than 10 million Ukrainians from their properties — together with nearly 4 million from their nation.
NATO-member Turkey has shut relations with each Ukraine and Russia. Earlier this month, it hosted a gathering between the 2 nations’ international ministers.
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KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR:
— Ukraine might declare neutrality to safe peace, Zelenskyy says
— Holocaust survivors flee from Ukraine to Germany for security
— Ukrainian welders flip donated automobiles into military transport
— Ukraine battle threatens meals provides in fragile Arab world
— The Oscars have second of silence, and a plea, for Ukraine
— ‘My private tragedy’: Ukrainians brace for an assault on Odesa
— Go to https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine for extra protection
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OTHER DEVELOPMENTS:
MOSCOW — Russian shares have slumped as its inventory market resumed buying and selling of all corporations after a monthlong halt following the invasion of Ukraine.
The benchmark MOEX index slid 2.2% Monday after the Moscow Change reopened for all of its a number of hundred listed corporations, however with restrictions nonetheless in place to restrict volatility.
The final full buying and selling session in Moscow was on Feb. 25, a day after the index tumbled by a 3rd after President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine.
Costs whipsawed final week when the alternate tentatively reopened for 2 days of restricted buying and selling, with buyers allowed to commerce solely 33 of the MOEX index’s 50 corporations.
Some restrictions remained in place Monday to forestall one other huge selloff. The each day session is shortened to 4 hours and there's a ban on short-selling, which primarily entails betting on inventory costs to go down. Foreigners are also unable to promote shares till Friday.
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SOFIA, Bulgaria — Russia makes use of native degree corruption as a software of affect within the Balkan area, Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov stated after a gathering of leaders from southeast Europe NATO members.
The prime ministers of Bulgaria, Romania, the Republic of North Macedonia, and Montenegro condemned Russia’s army aggression and voiced assist for Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Petkov stated the leaders mentioned “eradicating cash laundering and serving to one another combat corruption,” which he stated was “utilized by Russia to affect the area.”
Talks additionally targeted on strengthening the cooperation as NATO allies on the bloc’s jap flank, in addition to on decreasing the dependence on Russian power provides, countering Russia’s pretend information, enhancing cyber safety and widening mutual commerce.
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COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Danish brewery group Carlsberg says it has determined to drag out of Russia, saying it’s “the correct factor to do within the present setting.”
The announcement got here hours after its competitor, Dutch brewing large Heineken, stated it was doing the identical.
The Copenhagen-based Carlsberg stated Monday it “may have no presence in Russia.” Its enterprise in Russia will now not be included within the Danish brewer’s income and working revenue, and the enterprise “will likely be handled as an asset held on the market till completion of the disposal.”
In 2021, Carlsberg reported income and working revenue in Russia of 6.5 billion kroner ($959 million) and 682 million kroner ($101 million) respectively. The Danish brewer generates round 10% of its gross sales in Russia, the place it operates a number of breweries and has about 8,400 workers which might be laid off.
Heineken stated earlier Monday that it was looking for an “orderly switch of our enterprise to a brand new proprietor in full compliance with worldwide and native legal guidelines.”
Heineken will proceed to pay its 1,800 workers in Russia by the tip of the yr. The corporate says it won't revenue from the sale of its Russian operations and expects to take a 400 million-euro ($438 million) cost consequently.
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MOSCOW — Main unbiased Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta, which is edited by Nobel Peace Prize winner Dmitry Muratov, says it's suspending operations after receiving warnings from Russian authorities.
The newspaper reported being warned by Roskomnadzor, the state communications regulator.
“After this we're stopping the discharge of the newspaper on the web site, on (social) networks and on paper — till the tip of the ‘particular operation on the territory of Ukraine,’” the newspaper stated in a press release Monday.
Russia strictly limits how media can describe occasions in Ukraine, which it labels a “particular army operation.” A number of different Russian media shops have already opted for suspending operations slightly than face heavy restrictions on what they will report, and the Kremlin has additionally blocked a number of international information shops.
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BERLIN — Germany’s power minister says the Group of Seven main economies have agreed to reject Russia’s demand to pay for Russian power imports in rubles.
Robert Habeck instructed reporters Monday that “all G-7 ministers agreed fully that this (could be) a one-sided and clear breach of the prevailing contracts.”
Habeck stated after an internet assembly with G-7 power ministers that “fee in ruble just isn't acceptable and we'll urge the businesses affected to not observe (Russian President Vladimir) Putin’s demand.”
Requested by reporters earlier Monday if Russia might reduce fuel provides to European prospects in the event that they reject the demand to pay for the Russian fuel in rubles, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that “we clearly aren’t going to produce fuel without cost.”
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BERLIN — German authorities are contemplating whether or not to prosecute individuals who use the “Z” image to indicate assist for Russia’s assault on Ukraine.
Russian troops in Ukraine have painted the letter Z on the aspect of automobiles and it has been adopted by some in Russia as a logo of assist for what the Kremlin describes as a “particular army operation” within the neighboring nation.
A spokesman for the German Inside Ministry stated Monday that safety providers are conscious the image can also be getting used at rallies in Germany.
The spokesman, Marek Wede, instructed reporters in Berlin that the letter can below sure circumstances be thought-about an indication of assist for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“The Russian assault on Ukraine is against the law and whoever publicly approves of this battle can thereby develop into criminally liable,” Wede stated.
He added that federal authorities welcomed bulletins by some German states to analyze whether or not particular person cases of the “Z” use represent felony acts.
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LJUBLJANA, Slovenia — Slovenia says it has reinstated a diplomatic consultant in Kyiv and reopened the nation’s embassy in Ukraine.
The ministry says Slovenia’s embassy in Kyiv reopened on Monday after the arrival of the interim cost d’affaires Bostjan Lesjak. Slovenia’s ambassador to Ukraine stays in Rzeszow, a city on the Polish-Ukrainian border.
Slovenia’s transfer comes after Prime Minister Janez Jansa urged European Union nations to revive their presence in Kyiv in assist for Ukraine. Jansa visited Kyiv this month together with the prime ministers of Poland and the Czech Republic.
He stated on Twitter on Monday that “we're again.” Jansa provides that “the Slovenian and European flags flutter once more in entrance of the Slovenian Embassy in Kyiv.”
Slovenia’s Overseas Ministry stated that Lesjak stated upon arrival that the town was abandoned, and that alarms and detonations could possibly be heard within the distance.
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LVIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne has quoted the mayor of Mariupol as saying that round 160,000 folks stay within the besieged port metropolis, and that a “humanitarian disaster” would ensue if extra evacuations are usually not potential.
Vadym Boychenko stated Monday that Russian forces have been stopping civilians from evacuating from the town and had been turning again some who tried to make it out.
The town, which had a pre-war inhabitants of greater than 400,000, has seen a few of the worst circumstances since Russian forces invaded Ukraine on Feb.24. Russian forces have pounded the town, and scores of civilians have been unable to flee, with no entry to necessities and reduce off from communication with the shelling of cell, radio and TV towers.
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MOSCOW — The Kremlin has voiced concern about U.S. President Joe Biden’s remark concerning the Russian President Vladimir Putin and stated it would fastidiously observe his rhetoric.
Capping a four-day journey to Europe Saturday, Biden stated of Putin: “For God’s sake, this man can't stay in energy,” phrases the White Home instantly sought to downplay.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov instructed reporters Monday that Biden’s assertion “undoubtedly causes alarm.” He added that the Kremlin will fastidiously monitor the U.S. president’s statements.
Peskov stated beforehand that “it’s less than the president of the U.S. and less than the Individuals to determine who will stay in energy in Russia.”
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MOSCOW — Russia’s international minister says the presidents of Russia and Ukraine might meet for talks solely after the important thing parts of a possible deal are negotiated.
Sergey Lavrov stated Monday that “the assembly is critical as soon as we have now readability concerning options on all key points.”
Lavrov’s feedback observe Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s assertion that he’s prepared to debate Ukraine’s neutrality and safety ensures with Russian President Vladimir Putin to safe peace “immediately.” Zelenskyy added that solely a face-to-face assembly with Russia’s chief might finish the battle.
Russian and Turkish negotiators are set to carry one other spherical of talks in Istanbul, Turkey on Tuesday to attempt to draft an settlement.
Talking in an internet interview with Serbian media, Lavrov alleged that Ukraine solely wish to “imitate talks” whereas Russia wants particular outcomes that might be secured by the nations’ leaders.
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BEIJING — China says the U.S. ought to take critically Beijing’s issues about punishing financial sanctions towards Russia.
China, which has what it calls a “no limits” partnership with Moscow, has strongly objected to the sanctions, saying they may worsen the worldwide financial outlook with out bringing an finish to the battle.
Overseas Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated at a each day briefing Monday that China and different nations consider “folks of all nations haven't any duty to pay for geopolitical conflicts and nice energy video games.”
“The issue now just isn't about who needs to assist Russia bypass sanctions, however concerning the regular financial and commerce relations between nations, together with China, and Russia have been unnecessarily broken,” Wang stated.
“We urge the U.S. to take China’s issues critically when coping with the Ukraine concern and relations with Russia, and to not harm China’s professional rights and pursuits in any method,” Wang stated.
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THE HAGUE, Netherlands — European Union judicial coordination company Eurojust says it has helped Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine to determine a joint investigation group to probe battle crimes, crimes towards humanity and different crimes dedicated in Ukraine.
The Hague-based company stated Monday that the three nations signed an settlement on Friday establishing the group. Eurojust says it offered authorized and technical assist.
Eurojust says the primary purpose of the group is to “assist the gathering of proof and its swift and safe alternate between companions, in addition to the transmission of data and proof.”
Eurojust provides that the group will assist the three nations cooperate with Worldwide Felony Courtroom prosecution workplace, which additionally has opened an investigation in Ukraine.
Throughout the first month of Russia’s battle towards Ukraine, Polish prosecutors stated that they had collected some 300 witness testimonies from refugees pouring over the border.
Joint investigation groups assist nations pool sources and data throughout complicated worldwide investigations. The Netherlands and different nations arrange such a group to analyze the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airways flight MH17 over jap Ukraine.
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ANKARA, Turkey — Turkey’s protection ministry says army groups are working to disable a second naval mine that was detected floating off Turkey’s Black Beach.
On Monday, the ministry stated Underwater Defence Groups that have been dispatched to the location off the coast of Igneada, close to the border with Bulgaria, had managed to safe the mine and have been now working to “neutralize” it.
On Saturday, authorities closed the Bosporus — the landmark waterway between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara — to visitors as a precaution because the Turkish coast guard responded to reviews of a drifting mine-like object which was later “neutralized.”
The sighting of the explosive units follows warnings that mines laid on the entrances to Ukrainian ports might break away in heavy climate and cross the Black Sea.
On March 18, Turkey issued a Navtex alert advising ships to maintain a “sharp look out” and report any potential mines that had drifted from ports corresponding to Odesa.
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GENEVA — The Workplace of the UN Excessive Commissioner for Human Rights says it has recorded 1,119 civilian deaths and 1,790 folks injured since Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24.
The UN company stated Sunday most casualties have been attributable to use of explosive weapons with a large influence space, together with shelling from heavy artillery and multiple-launch rocket methods, and missile and air strikes. It stated it believes precise figures are “significantly greater,” given delays in acquiring info and in corroborating the reviews.
Of these killed, 224 have been males, 168 ladies, 15 ladies and 32 boys. The intercourse of one other 52 kids and 628 adults has not but been decided.
The report stated allegations of many civilian casualties within the besieged southern metropolis of Mariupol and in Volnovakha, Izium, Popasna, Rubizhne and Trostianets have been nonetheless being corroborated and are usually not included within the newest totals.
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LONDON — Russian forces have made no important progress previously 24 hours amid persevering with provide issues and aggressive resistance from Ukrainian fighters, U.Okay. protection officers say.
Poor morale and an absence of momentum have compounded the issues going through Russian forces, Britain’s Ministry of Protection stated in its newest intelligence briefing.
Heavy preventing continues round Mariupol as Russian forces attempt to seize the port on the Sea of Azov, which connects to the Black Sea, the ministry stated in a briefing posted on Twitter.
Earlier, the ministry stated Russia was sustaining a blockade of Ukraine’s Black Beach, chopping off maritime commerce with the nation. The Russian navy can also be launching “sporadic” missile strikes towards targets in Ukraine, the ministry stated.
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BEIJING — China’s ambassador to the U.S. says that of all events involved within the Ukraine, solely China has Russia’s ear.
Qin Gang’s feedback to the Phoenix Tv channel, which has shut ties with China’s ruling Communist Celebration, come as Beijing’s tacit assist for Moscow is receiving growing scrutiny from Washington and others.
China has refused to criticize Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and even check with it as such. It has additionally vigorously opposed punishing financial sanctions imposed on Moscow by the West.
Qin stated China was uniquely positioned to assist peacefully resolve what he known as “the disaster.”
“Now, all events involved are in severe confrontation with Russia besides China. Solely China has the ear of Russia,” Qin instructed the channel’s “Discuss With World Leaders” program in an interview broadcast on Sunday.
Qin blamed NATO’s eastward enlargement for having provoked Russia. “Russia feels duped by NATO on its eastward enlargement. It feels threatened and cornered,” Qin stated.
Whereas Beijing claims it's neutral within the battle, Chinese language state media has repeated false and unsupported claims made by Moscow.
Phoenix has itself obtained consideration for embedding a reporter with Russian troops who has produced a gentle stream of pro-Moscow reviews.
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LVIV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s priorities on the Ukrainian-Russian talks in Turkey this week will likely be “sovereignty and territorial integrity,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed his nation Sunday in his nightly deal with.
“We're searching for peace, actually, immediately,” he stated. “There is a chance and a necessity for a face-to-face assembly in Turkey. This isn't dangerous. Let’s see the result.”
This week, he stated, “I'll proceed to attraction to the parliaments of different nations” to remind them of the dire state of affairs in besieged cities like Mariupol.
Zelenskyy additionally instructed unbiased Russian journalists Sunday that his authorities would think about declaring neutrality and providing safety ensures to Russia, repeating earlier statements. That would come with retaining Ukraine nuclear-free, he stated.
He instructed the reporters that the difficulty of neutrality — and agreeing to remain out of NATO — ought to be put to Ukrainian voters in a referendum after Russian troops withdraw. He stated that a vote might happen inside just a few months as soon as Russian troops depart.
Russia rapidly banned Zelenskyy’s interview from being revealed. Roskomnadzor, which regulates communications for Moscow, issued the ban Sunday, saying there could possibly be motion taken towards the Russia-based media shops that took half, which included “these which can be international media shops performing as international brokers.”
Zelenskyy responded by saying Moscow was afraid of a comparatively quick dialog with journalists. “It might be humorous if it weren’t so tragic,” he stated, in keeping with the Ukrainian information company RBK Ukraina.
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BERLIN — German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says that neither NATO nor U.S. President Joe Biden purpose to result in regime change in Russia.
Biden stated of Russian President Vladimir Putin throughout a speech on Saturday that “this man can't stay in energy.” The White Home and different U.S. officers rushed to make clear that Biden wasn’t truly calling for Putin to be toppled.
Requested throughout an look Sunday on ARD tv whether or not Putin’s elimination is in reality the actual purpose, Scholz replied: “This isn't the purpose of NATO, and likewise not that of the American president.”
Scholz added: “We each agree fully that regime change just isn't an object and purpose of coverage that we pursue collectively.”