True Left

Ukrainians around Kyiv are escaping bombarded suburbs and going deeper into the heart of the city. As they flee, Russian troops are reportedly firing at them, killing at least four civilians. This comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tells his country not to surrender at any cost while asking the U.S. and NATO for a no-fly zone. NBC’s Richard Engel reports for TODAY.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan hits out at Islamabad-based Western envoys who last week urged Pakistan to condemn Russia's actions in Ukraine, asking them if they thought Pakistan was their "slave". The heads of 22 diplomatic missions, including those of European Union member states, released a joint letter on March 1 urging Pakistan to support a resolution in the United Nations General Assembly condemning Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

#ImranKhan #Ukraine #Russia

Joe Scarborough, Mika Brezinski and Katty Kay discuss the global ramifications of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Japan this week announced it would accept refugees from Ukraine and send bulletproof vests to Kyiv — extraordinary measures taken by a country that has historically been unwelcoming to refugees and also has a self-imposed arms exports ban because of its militaristic past.

They were decisions made without “gaiatsu,” or foreign pressure, several Japanese officials note, underscoring Japan’s determination to show it will not stand for Moscow’s behavior, a stance that defies the pacifist values that undergird postwar Japanese identity.

Russia’s troubling actions — most recently its attack on a Ukrainian nuclear power plant — have triggered a deep alarm that is likely to accelerate Japan’s debate over defense and security policies that had been underway amid China’s growing territorial threat.

The perilous international situation has raised urgent questions about Japan’s readiness and crisis management capabilities under its war-renouncing constitution, and has brought Japan closer than ever to significantly raising its defense spending — a long-standing and controversial debate — as a part of its national security policy review this year.

Russia has backed the UN nuclear watchdog's plan to set up a three-way meeting with Ukraine aimed at ensuring the safety of Ukraine's nuclear power plants.

Russia has agreed to the talks in principle, but not to the suggested location at Chernobyl. Last week, a building at one of Ukraine's four nuclear facilities caught fire Russia launched an attack on the premises. Russian forces now control the Zaporizhzhia plant, with Ukrainian staff working under their orders.

Media coverage of Russian troops invading Ukraine is unfolding differently in Russia than in the U.S. Using maps and disinformation, many television programs are shaping public opinion by justifying Moscow’s decision to attack its neighbor. Photo composite: Sharon Shi

According to US officials, Russia is recruiting Syrian fighters experienced in urban combat as it ramps up its assault on Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has claimed around 20,000 foreign volunteers have traveled to the country to join Kyiv's forces.

#US #RussiaUkraine #SyrianFighters

An iron curtain has descended upon Russia. Banks & multi-national companies are cutting ties with Moscow. Attempts are also being made to disconnect Russia from the global internet. Molly Gambhir gets you a report.

#Gravitas #Russia #Ukraine