Ukrainian President Zelensky has called on Western countries to create a no-fly zone in his country after the fire at the Zaporizhia nuclear power plant. Stoltenberg said the only way to create a no-fly zone is to send NATO fighters to Ukraine. But if we do, we will invite a full-blown war in Europe. As NATO allies, we have a responsibility not to allow this war to spread beyond Ukraine.
US sanctions 50 top Russian officials
The Biden administration has announced new sanctions on 50 top Russian officials and leaders. These include Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskovt. The families of all these have also been kept under the purview of the ban.
President Joe Biden said the sanctions would target those who are pocketing Russian people’s money. Today I am announcing the addition of dozens more to this list, including a Russian billionaire.
India in favor of ceasefire to rescue the stranded
India has called for a ceasefire between Russian and Ukrainian troops to evacuate its remaining civilians in eastern Ukraine and said an agreement to build a safe corridor for the evacuation of civilians is yet to be implemented.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said on Friday that around 300 Indians are still stranded in Kharkiv, while their number in Sumi is around 700. About 900 people have been evacuated from Pesochin in five buses.
Australia freezes Russia’s $330 million
Australia froze about $330 million in Australian financial institutions under sanctions imposed on Russia. Foreign Minister Maris Paine told that various sanctions have been imposed on 350 Russian citizens, including Putin. Thirteen civilians were also banned, including Belarus Defense Minister Viktor Krainin.
Russia gave 3 options to foreign companies Wait, go or give shares to local hands
On Friday, Russia has given three options to foreign companies, which have come under suspension due to all-round economic sanctions on Russia. Russia’s First Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Belosov offered these options a week after the Russian attack on Ukraine, when the French bank Société General warned it could wind up its Russian business.
Due to this there was a shudder in the companies that made up their mind to stay in Russia. Belousov issued a statement saying that companies can stop and do business in Russia.
Another option is that foreign shareholders can exit by transferring shares to their Russian partners and return when the situation is right.
Third, the company should permanently close business in Russia, cease production and lay off employees. None of these routes are without risk, Belosov said. Those who stay will have to face criticism from the western market.