West to cut some Russian banks off from Swift
The EU, US and their allies have agreed to cut off a number of Russian banks from the main international payment system, Swift.
The assets of Russia's central bank will also be frozen, limiting Russia's ability to access its overseas reserves.
The intention is to "further isolate Russia from the international financial system", a joint statement said.
Russia is heavily reliant on the Swift system for its key oil and gas exports.
The EU, US and their allies have agreed to cut off a number of Russian banks from the main international payment system, Swift.
The assets of Russia's central bank will also be frozen, limiting Russia's ability to access its overseas reserves.
The intention is to "further isolate Russia from the international financial system", a joint statement said.
Russia is heavily reliant on the Swift system for its key oil and gas exports.
Ukraine invasion: Russian planes face near-total airspace ban to west
Russian airlines face a near-total airspace blockade to the country's west after an EU official said most European countries are set to impose flight bans.
A formal decision is expected on the measure later on Sunday.
One by one, European countries said they were closing their airspace, including Germany for three months.
With airspace curbs over Ukraine, Russian flights now have few route options for westbound journeys.
Departure boards at Moscow's Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo airports showed dozens of cancellations on Sunday, including flights to Paris, Vienna and Kaliningrad.
Russia's S7 Airlines said on Facebook it would cancel flights to many of its European destinations until at least 13 March.
Aeroflot, Russia's biggest airline, said it would cancel its services to Latvia and Romania until at least 26 March, and its Prague and Warsaw routes until 28 March.
Russian airlines face a near-total airspace blockade to the country's west after an EU official said most European countries are set to impose flight bans.
A formal decision is expected on the measure later on Sunday.
One by one, European countries said they were closing their airspace, including Germany for three months.
With airspace curbs over Ukraine, Russian flights now have few route options for westbound journeys.
Departure boards at Moscow's Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo airports showed dozens of cancellations on Sunday, including flights to Paris, Vienna and Kaliningrad.
Russia's S7 Airlines said on Facebook it would cancel flights to many of its European destinations until at least 13 March.
Aeroflot, Russia's biggest airline, said it would cancel its services to Latvia and Romania until at least 26 March, and its Prague and Warsaw routes until 28 March.
Ukraine invasion: Would Putin press the nuclear button?
Let me begin with an admission. So many times, I've thought: "Putin would never do this." Then he goes and does it.
"He'd never annex Crimea, surely?" He did.
"He'd never start a war in the Donbas." He did.
"He'd never launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine." He has.
I've concluded that the phrase "would never do" doesn't apply to Vladimir Putin.
And that raises an uncomfortable question:
"He'd never press the nuclear button first. Would he?"
Let me begin with an admission. So many times, I've thought: "Putin would never do this." Then he goes and does it.
"He'd never annex Crimea, surely?" He did.
"He'd never start a war in the Donbas." He did.
"He'd never launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine." He has.
I've concluded that the phrase "would never do" doesn't apply to Vladimir Putin.
And that raises an uncomfortable question:
"He'd never press the nuclear button first. Would he?"
Ukraine conflict: Russia blames Liz Truss and others for nuclear alert
Vladimir Putin put Russia's nuclear forces on high alert after comments by UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and others, the Kremlin has said.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said "unacceptable" remarks were made about possible "clashes" between Nato and Moscow over Russia's attack on Ukraine.
It is unclear precisely which comments by Ms Truss Russia objects to.
On Sunday, she said if Russia was not stopped, other states may be threatened and it could end in conflict with Nato.
A Foreign and Commonwealth Office source told the BBC: "I don't think anything Liz has said warrants that sort of rhetoric or escalation."
They said the foreign secretary had always spoken about Nato as a "defensive alliance" and that the UK needed to support Ukraine.
Echoing comments by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace earlier, the source insisted the UK wanted to avoid "any sort of miscalculation".
Vladimir Putin put Russia's nuclear forces on high alert after comments by UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and others, the Kremlin has said.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said "unacceptable" remarks were made about possible "clashes" between Nato and Moscow over Russia's attack on Ukraine.
It is unclear precisely which comments by Ms Truss Russia objects to.
On Sunday, she said if Russia was not stopped, other states may be threatened and it could end in conflict with Nato.
A Foreign and Commonwealth Office source told the BBC: "I don't think anything Liz has said warrants that sort of rhetoric or escalation."
They said the foreign secretary had always spoken about Nato as a "defensive alliance" and that the UK needed to support Ukraine.
Echoing comments by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace earlier, the source insisted the UK wanted to avoid "any sort of miscalculation".
Snake Island: Ukraine says troops who swore at Russian warship are alive
Ukraine's navy says the 13 soldiers believed to have been killed defending Zmiinyi (Snake) Island on the first day of the Russian invasion are alive.
The border guards were given posthumous honours by the president after they were heard in audio recordings telling a Russian warship to "go to hell".
Russia said at the time that the troops on the island surrendered.
On Monday, the Ukrainian Naval Forces confirmed in a Facebook post that "our brothers-in-arms are alive and well".
The border guards and marines on the island "twice bravely repulsed the attacks of the Russian occupiers" but were unable to continue fighting because they ran out of ammunition, it said.
The Russians "completely destroyed the island's infrastructure", including lighthouses, towers, antennae, and severed communications with the mainland, it added.
Ukraine's navy says the 13 soldiers believed to have been killed defending Zmiinyi (Snake) Island on the first day of the Russian invasion are alive.
The border guards were given posthumous honours by the president after they were heard in audio recordings telling a Russian warship to "go to hell".
Russia said at the time that the troops on the island surrendered.
On Monday, the Ukrainian Naval Forces confirmed in a Facebook post that "our brothers-in-arms are alive and well".
The border guards and marines on the island "twice bravely repulsed the attacks of the Russian occupiers" but were unable to continue fighting because they ran out of ammunition, it said.
The Russians "completely destroyed the island's infrastructure", including lighthouses, towers, antennae, and severed communications with the mainland, it added.
Ukraine conflict: Disney, Warner, Sony halt release of films in Russia
Warner Bros, Disney and Sony have halted the release of films in Russian cinemas, after the invasion of Ukraine.
The announcements mean the releases of major movies The Batman, Turning Red and Morbius will now not go ahead as scheduled in the country.
They come as governments around the world have been ramping up their sanctions against Moscow.
In recent days global corporations, including car makers and energy giants, have cut business ties with Russia.
Warner Bros, Disney and Sony have halted the release of films in Russian cinemas, after the invasion of Ukraine.
The announcements mean the releases of major movies The Batman, Turning Red and Morbius will now not go ahead as scheduled in the country.
They come as governments around the world have been ramping up their sanctions against Moscow.
In recent days global corporations, including car makers and energy giants, have cut business ties with Russia.
Ukraine conflict: Russia bombs Kharkiv's Freedom Square and opera house
Russian missiles and rockets have hit the cultural heart of Ukraine's second largest city in what officials said was a deadly and "cruel" attack.
An opera house, concert hall and government offices were hit in Freedom Square, in the centre of the north-eastern city Kharkiv.
At least 10 people were killed and 35 more were injured, local authorities have said.
The attack came as Ukraine's president said Russia was committing war crimes.
"This is the price of freedom," President Volodymyr Zelensky said. "This is terror against Ukraine. There were no military targets in the square - nor are they in those residential districts of Kharkiv which come under rocket artillery fire," he added.
Russian missiles and rockets have hit the cultural heart of Ukraine's second largest city in what officials said was a deadly and "cruel" attack.
An opera house, concert hall and government offices were hit in Freedom Square, in the centre of the north-eastern city Kharkiv.
At least 10 people were killed and 35 more were injured, local authorities have said.
The attack came as Ukraine's president said Russia was committing war crimes.
"This is the price of freedom," President Volodymyr Zelensky said. "This is terror against Ukraine. There were no military targets in the square - nor are they in those residential districts of Kharkiv which come under rocket artillery fire," he added.
Apple to halt sales and limit services in Russia
Apple is the latest firm to have halted all product sales in Russia, in a widening corporate backlash to the country's invasion of Ukraine.
The iPhone giant said it was "deeply concerned" about the Russian invasion and stands with those "suffering as a result of the violence".
Apple Pay and other services such as Apple Maps have also been limited.
Google has also removed Russian state-funded publishers such as RT from its features.
Mobile banking apps in Russian, such as Russia's VTB Bank's app, also may soon not function fully on devices using Apple's iOS operating system according to news agency RIA agency.
Apple is the latest firm to have halted all product sales in Russia, in a widening corporate backlash to the country's invasion of Ukraine.
The iPhone giant said it was "deeply concerned" about the Russian invasion and stands with those "suffering as a result of the violence".
Apple Pay and other services such as Apple Maps have also been limited.
Google has also removed Russian state-funded publishers such as RT from its features.
Mobile banking apps in Russian, such as Russia's VTB Bank's app, also may soon not function fully on devices using Apple's iOS operating system according to news agency RIA agency.
How many nuclear weapons does Russia have?
All figures for nuclear weapons are estimates but, according to the Federation of American Scientists, Russia has 5,977 nuclear warheads - the devices that trigger a nuclear explosion - though this includes about 1,500 that are retired and set to to be dismantled.
Of the remaining 4,500 or so, most are considered strategic nuclear weapons - ballistic missiles, or rockets, which can be targeted over long distances. These are the weapons usually associated with nuclear war.
All figures for nuclear weapons are estimates but, according to the Federation of American Scientists, Russia has 5,977 nuclear warheads - the devices that trigger a nuclear explosion - though this includes about 1,500 that are retired and set to to be dismantled.
Of the remaining 4,500 or so, most are considered strategic nuclear weapons - ballistic missiles, or rockets, which can be targeted over long distances. These are the weapons usually associated with nuclear war.
Chelsea: Roman Abramovich says he plans to sell club
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich says he is planning to sell the club.
In a statement on the Premier League club's website, businessman Abramovich said he had made "incredibly difficult decision" which "pains" him.
The Russian will not ask "for any loans to be repaid" and said proceeds of the sale would be donated to war victims.
Abramovich had said on Saturday he would give "stewardship and care" of Chelsea to its foundation trustees following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
That led to speculation Abramovich - who has loaned the club more than £1.5bn - would put Chelsea up for sale, and billionaire Hansjorg Wyss told Swiss newspaper Blick on Wednesday that he had been offered the chance to buy the club.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich says he is planning to sell the club.
In a statement on the Premier League club's website, businessman Abramovich said he had made "incredibly difficult decision" which "pains" him.
The Russian will not ask "for any loans to be repaid" and said proceeds of the sale would be donated to war victims.
Abramovich had said on Saturday he would give "stewardship and care" of Chelsea to its foundation trustees following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
That led to speculation Abramovich - who has loaned the club more than £1.5bn - would put Chelsea up for sale, and billionaire Hansjorg Wyss told Swiss newspaper Blick on Wednesday that he had been offered the chance to buy the club.
Ukraine: Russian troops take control of key city of Kherson - mayor
Russian forces have seized control of a key port city in southern Ukraine, the mayor says.
Kherson is the first major city to be taken by Russia, after heavy fighting, since it invaded a week ago.
Its mayor, Igor Kolykhaev, said Russian troops had forced their way into the city council building and imposed a curfew on residents.
Several cities have come under intense shelling, with Wednesday one of the most destructive days of the fighting.
Russian forces have seized control of a key port city in southern Ukraine, the mayor says.
Kherson is the first major city to be taken by Russia, after heavy fighting, since it invaded a week ago.
Its mayor, Igor Kolykhaev, said Russian troops had forced their way into the city council building and imposed a curfew on residents.
Several cities have come under intense shelling, with Wednesday one of the most destructive days of the fighting.
Ukraine nuclear plant: Russia in control after shelling
Russia has taken control of a nuclear power station in Ukraine after it was hit by shelling.
A fire broke out at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant - the largest in Europe - and Ukraine said it was shelled by Russian troops.
Authorities say the facility is now safe and radiation levels are normal.
World leaders have accused Russia of endangering the safety of an entire continent, and Ukraine's president accused Russia of "nuclear terror".
US President Joe Biden urged Moscow to stop its military activities around the site, while Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the "horrific attacks" from Russia "must cease immediately".
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the "reckless" attack could "directly threaten the safety of all of Europe". All three leaders spoke to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky by phone.
Mr Zelensky, meanwhile, said Russia wanted a repeat of Chernobyl, the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster in 1986.
Russia has taken control of a nuclear power station in Ukraine after it was hit by shelling.
A fire broke out at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant - the largest in Europe - and Ukraine said it was shelled by Russian troops.
Authorities say the facility is now safe and radiation levels are normal.
World leaders have accused Russia of endangering the safety of an entire continent, and Ukraine's president accused Russia of "nuclear terror".
US President Joe Biden urged Moscow to stop its military activities around the site, while Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the "horrific attacks" from Russia "must cease immediately".
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the "reckless" attack could "directly threaten the safety of all of Europe". All three leaders spoke to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky by phone.
Mr Zelensky, meanwhile, said Russia wanted a repeat of Chernobyl, the site of the world's worst nuclear disaster in 1986.
War in Ukraine: Zelensky slams Nato over rejection of no-fly zone
Ukraine's president has attacked Nato leaders in a fiery speech over their refusal to implement a no-fly zone around the country.
In angry comments, he said the argument reflects the "self-hypnosis of those who are weak, under-confident inside" and that Western reservations indicated that "not everyone considers the struggle for freedom to be Europe's number one goal".
"All the people who will die starting from this day will also die because of you. Because of your weakness, because of your disunity," a furious Mr Zelensky added.
On Friday, Nato's secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, warned that the introduction of a no-fly zone could lead to a "full-fledged war in Europe involving many more countries and causing much more human suffering".
Ukraine's president has attacked Nato leaders in a fiery speech over their refusal to implement a no-fly zone around the country.
In angry comments, he said the argument reflects the "self-hypnosis of those who are weak, under-confident inside" and that Western reservations indicated that "not everyone considers the struggle for freedom to be Europe's number one goal".
"All the people who will die starting from this day will also die because of you. Because of your weakness, because of your disunity," a furious Mr Zelensky added.
On Friday, Nato's secretary-general, Jens Stoltenberg, warned that the introduction of a no-fly zone could lead to a "full-fledged war in Europe involving many more countries and causing much more human suffering".
Protests across Russia see thousands detained
Nearly 4,000 people have been detained at anti-war protests across Russia on Sunday, rights groups and Russian authorities say.
Some 1,700 people were detained in Moscow alone, the RIA news agency reported, citing the interior ministry.
The OVD-Info rights group says detentions took place in 53 cities.
Although protests have become increasingly restricted in recent years, numerous rallies have taken place across Russia since the invasion.
In the last 11 days, more than 10,000 people have been detained at protests, OVD-Info says.
Nearly 4,000 people have been detained at anti-war protests across Russia on Sunday, rights groups and Russian authorities say.
Some 1,700 people were detained in Moscow alone, the RIA news agency reported, citing the interior ministry.
The OVD-Info rights group says detentions took place in 53 cities.
Although protests have become increasingly restricted in recent years, numerous rallies have taken place across Russia since the invasion.
In the last 11 days, more than 10,000 people have been detained at protests, OVD-Info says.
Ukraine: Angry Zelensky vows to punish Russian atrocities
President Volodymyr Zelensky has said everyone who commits atrocities against Ukraine's civilians will be punished.
He said Ukrainians would not forgive or forget, and accused invading Russian troops of deliberate murder.
"There will be no quiet place on Earth for you. Except for the grave," the president said.
Ukrainian officials say Russia is striking civilian targets around the country, including hospitals, nurseries, and schools.
But Russia denies targeting civilians, saying it is carrying out a "special military operation" against Ukrainian "nationalists" and "neo-Nazis".
President Volodymyr Zelensky has said everyone who commits atrocities against Ukraine's civilians will be punished.
He said Ukrainians would not forgive or forget, and accused invading Russian troops of deliberate murder.
"There will be no quiet place on Earth for you. Except for the grave," the president said.
Ukrainian officials say Russia is striking civilian targets around the country, including hospitals, nurseries, and schools.
But Russia denies targeting civilians, saying it is carrying out a "special military operation" against Ukrainian "nationalists" and "neo-Nazis".
War in Ukraine: Russia says it may cut gas supplies if oil ban goes ahead
Russia has said it may close its main gas pipeline to Germany if the West goes ahead with a ban on Russian oil.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said a "rejection of Russian oil would lead to catastrophic consequences for the global market", causing prices to more than double to $300 a barrel.
The US has been exploring a potential ban with allies as a way of punishing Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
But Germany and the Netherlands rejected the plan on Monday.
The EU gets about 40% of its gas and 30% of its oil from Russia, and has no easy substitutes if supplies are disrupted.
Russia has said it may close its main gas pipeline to Germany if the West goes ahead with a ban on Russian oil.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said a "rejection of Russian oil would lead to catastrophic consequences for the global market", causing prices to more than double to $300 a barrel.
The US has been exploring a potential ban with allies as a way of punishing Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
But Germany and the Netherlands rejected the plan on Monday.
The EU gets about 40% of its gas and 30% of its oil from Russia, and has no easy substitutes if supplies are disrupted.
Telegram founder commits to Ukraine user privacy
The billionaire Russian-born co-founder of messaging app Telegram has told Ukrainian users their data is safe.
In a Telegram post, Pavel Durov, who lives in Dubai, wrote: "I stand for our users no matter what. Their right to privacy is sacred - now more than ever."
Telegram was Ukraine's most popular messaging app - the Observer newspaper reported.
But some experts have raised concerns about the security of users' data.
Moxie Marlinspike, who developed the encryption used by rival platforms Signal- which he created - and WhatsApp, tweeted many users thought Telegram was an encrypted app, but it was "by default a cloud database with a plaintext copy of every message everyone has ever sent/received".
Telegram maintains everything stored on its cloud is securely encrypted, however while all of its data is protected only some of its features use end-to-end encryption.
The billionaire Russian-born co-founder of messaging app Telegram has told Ukrainian users their data is safe.
In a Telegram post, Pavel Durov, who lives in Dubai, wrote: "I stand for our users no matter what. Their right to privacy is sacred - now more than ever."
Telegram was Ukraine's most popular messaging app - the Observer newspaper reported.
But some experts have raised concerns about the security of users' data.
Moxie Marlinspike, who developed the encryption used by rival platforms Signal- which he created - and WhatsApp, tweeted many users thought Telegram was an encrypted app, but it was "by default a cloud database with a plaintext copy of every message everyone has ever sent/received".
Telegram maintains everything stored on its cloud is securely encrypted, however while all of its data is protected only some of its features use end-to-end encryption.
Ukraine war: Putin seeks foreign volunteers to fight in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for foreign volunteers to be able to fight against Ukrainian forces.
Speaking at a Russian security council meeting, he said those who wanted to volunteer to fight with Russia-backed forces should be allowed to.
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said there were 16,000 volunteers in the Middle East ready to fight alongside Russia-backed forces.
US officials said these could include Syrians skilled in urban combat.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for foreign volunteers to be able to fight against Ukrainian forces.
Speaking at a Russian security council meeting, he said those who wanted to volunteer to fight with Russia-backed forces should be allowed to.
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said there were 16,000 volunteers in the Middle East ready to fight alongside Russia-backed forces.
US officials said these could include Syrians skilled in urban combat.
India accidentally fires missile into Pakistan
India says it accidentally fired a missile into Pakistan on Wednesday, blaming the incident on a "technical malfunction" during routine maintenance.
Delhi said it was "deeply regrettable" and expressed relief no one was killed.
Pakistan's military said a "high-speed flying object" had crashed near the eastern city of Mian Channu and its flight path had endangered passenger flights.
Both countries have nuclear weapons.
India says it accidentally fired a missile into Pakistan on Wednesday, blaming the incident on a "technical malfunction" during routine maintenance.
Delhi said it was "deeply regrettable" and expressed relief no one was killed.
Pakistan's military said a "high-speed flying object" had crashed near the eastern city of Mian Channu and its flight path had endangered passenger flights.
Both countries have nuclear weapons.
US to ban Russian diamond and vodka imports
US President Joe Biden has announced a ban on imports of Russian diamonds, seafood and vodka in the latest response to Russia's war in Ukraine.
The US, European Union and other allies also plan to revoke Russia’s status as an equal trade partner, paving the way for further economic punishment.
The moves add to sanctions that have isolated Russia economically since the invasion.
Its currency has collapsed, while global firms rush to exit the country.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has likened Western sanctions on banks and oligarchs to a declaration of war. Moscow has also threatened to nationalise production plants or factories where work has been suspended.
Western allies announced further economic retaliation on Friday.
US President Joe Biden has announced a ban on imports of Russian diamonds, seafood and vodka in the latest response to Russia's war in Ukraine.
The US, European Union and other allies also plan to revoke Russia’s status as an equal trade partner, paving the way for further economic punishment.
The moves add to sanctions that have isolated Russia economically since the invasion.
Its currency has collapsed, while global firms rush to exit the country.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has likened Western sanctions on banks and oligarchs to a declaration of war. Moscow has also threatened to nationalise production plants or factories where work has been suspended.
Western allies announced further economic retaliation on Friday.
Irbil attack: Missiles from Iran hit northern Iraqi city, US says
Several ballistic missiles launched from Iran have struck the northern Iraqi city of Irbil, US officials say.
The missiles damaged buildings near the US consulate complex but no casualties were reported, officials in the Kurdistan Regional Government said.
The US said none of its facilities were hit in the "outrageous attack".
There has been no confirmation of the launch from Iran, but Iranian state media cited sources as saying that "secret Israeli bases" were targeted.
The attack came six days after two senior officers in Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps were killed in a suspected Israeli air strike near the Syrian capital Damascus. The IRGC had vowed to make Israel "pay for this crime".
Several ballistic missiles launched from Iran have struck the northern Iraqi city of Irbil, US officials say.
The missiles damaged buildings near the US consulate complex but no casualties were reported, officials in the Kurdistan Regional Government said.
The US said none of its facilities were hit in the "outrageous attack".
There has been no confirmation of the launch from Iran, but Iranian state media cited sources as saying that "secret Israeli bases" were targeted.
The attack came six days after two senior officers in Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps were killed in a suspected Israeli air strike near the Syrian capital Damascus. The IRGC had vowed to make Israel "pay for this crime".