Russia's War In Ukraine: Latest Developments

People wait to board an evacuation train at Kyiv central train station on 5 March, 2022. (AFP Photo)

Here are the latest developments in Russia's war in Ukraine:

Ceasefire Collapses 

Russia resumes its offensive against the besieged south-eastern city of Mariupol hours after agreeing to a ceasefire to allow residents trapped by the fighting to leave which Ukraine says it violated.

Officials in Mariupol had announced plans for a large-scale evacuation during the ceasefire but later said they had to postpone the operation in the face of continued Russian shelling.

Russia accused Ukrainian forces in Mariupol of blocking residents from leaving.

Nearing Kyiv 

Russian forces inch closer to the capital Kyiv from the north and west.

AFP witnesses scenes of widespread destruction in the northern town of Chernihiv, where dozens of civilians have been killed in shelling, missile attacks and air raids.

Putin Warning To NATO 

Russian President Vladimir Putin warns of "colossal and catastrophic consequences not only for Europe but also the whole world" if foreign powers attempt to establish a no-fly zone in Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed to NATO to set up a no-fly zone but NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg rejected the call, saying it could lead to a wider war in Europe.

No Ticket Out 

Russian flagship airline Aeroflot says it is suspending all its international flights beginning 8 March, except to neighbouring Belarus.

The move compounds the international isolation of Russia, which is already being shunned by foreign airlines and travel operators.

Media Blackout 

A host of international broadcasters, including the BBC, CNN, Italy's RAI and Germany's ARD and ZDF, say they will stop reporting from Russia after it passed a law punishing the publication of what it calls "fake news" about its invasion with jail terms of up to 15 years.

Award-winning independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta says it will also stop reporting on the war in Ukraine in light of the new law.

Nuclear Plant Fire 

A fire at Europe's biggest nuclear power station at Zaporizhzhia is put out, with Ukraine accusing Russia of "nuclear terror" in shelling the plant.

Russian troops later take over the site, which generates a fifth of Ukraine's electricity.

More Talks Planned 

One of Ukraine's negotiators says a third round of talks with Russia on ending the fighting will take place on Monday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says Moscow is ready for dialogue over Ukraine if all its demands are met.

'Not Over Soon' 

United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken warns that the war in Ukraine "may not be over soon" and that the US and European allies must sustain tough pressure on Russia until it ends.

Russia Isolated 

Russia is more isolated than ever after a historic vote at the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council for a probe into violations committed during the war on Ukraine, with only Eritrea siding with Moscow.

More Than 1.37 Million Flee 

More than 1.37 million people have fled Ukraine into neighbouring countries since Russia invaded last week, the UN says.

Hunger Threat 

The UN World Food Programme warns about a looming food crisis in Ukraine in conflict areas, while disruptions in production and exports could lead to food insecurity globally.