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".
War in Ukraine: Russian forces accused of abducting second mayor
Ukraine's government has accused the Russian military of abducting another mayor in an area that it has captured.
Yevhen Matveyev was seized in the southern town of Dniprorudne, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted, accusing Russia of "terror" tactics.
Earlier, Russia installed a new mayor in Melitopol, after allegedly abducting the city's previous incumbent.
Ukraine's president also accused Russia of trying to create "pseudo-republics" to break his country apart.
Ukraine's government has accused the Russian military of abducting another mayor in an area that it has captured.
Yevhen Matveyev was seized in the southern town of Dniprorudne, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted, accusing Russia of "terror" tactics.
Earlier, Russia installed a new mayor in Melitopol, after allegedly abducting the city's previous incumbent.
Ukraine's president also accused Russia of trying to create "pseudo-republics" to break his country apart.
Ukraine crisis: US warns China against helping Russia
China will face consequences if it helps Russia evade sanctions in its invasion of Ukraine, the US says.
Unnamed US officials reportedly told multiple news outlets that Russia had asked China to provide military assistance after it began the invasion.
The Chinese foreign ministry accused the US of spreading disinformation. Russia denied asking Beijing for military help.
The exchanges came before top US and Chinese officials met in Rome.
US media outlets, citing Washington officials, say that Russia has in recent days asked China specifically for military equipment, including drones.
China will face consequences if it helps Russia evade sanctions in its invasion of Ukraine, the US says.
Unnamed US officials reportedly told multiple news outlets that Russia had asked China to provide military assistance after it began the invasion.
The Chinese foreign ministry accused the US of spreading disinformation. Russia denied asking Beijing for military help.
The exchanges came before top US and Chinese officials met in Rome.
US media outlets, citing Washington officials, say that Russia has in recent days asked China specifically for military equipment, including drones.
Ukraine war: Zelensky urges Russian troops to surrender
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Russian soldiers to surrender.
In his nightly TV address, he said Russian forces had suffered worse losses during their invasion of his country than in the Chechnya conflict.
He said they had already begun to understand that they would not achieve anything by war.
"I know that you want to survive," he said, adding that those who surrendered would be treated "as people, decently".
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Russian soldiers to surrender.
In his nightly TV address, he said Russian forces had suffered worse losses during their invasion of his country than in the Chechnya conflict.
He said they had already begun to understand that they would not achieve anything by war.
"I know that you want to survive," he said, adding that those who surrendered would be treated "as people, decently".
Ukraine war: Zelensky invokes 9/11 in plea to US Congress
Ukraine's president invoked the horror of the 2001 terror attacks on the US as he pleaded for more military aid in a historic address to the US Congress.
Volodymyr Zelensky said via video link that Ukraine was enduring a 9/11 every day as it battled Russian forces.
He again urged the US and Nato allies to enforce a no-fly zone over Ukraine, saying: "I need to protect the sky."
President Biden is later set to sign off an extra $800m (£612m) in military aid to Ukraine.
He urged the assembled US politicians to remember coming under attack in the past - at Pearl Harbor in 1941 and on 11 September 2001 - saying Ukrainians were experiencing the same thing every day.
Ukraine's president invoked the horror of the 2001 terror attacks on the US as he pleaded for more military aid in a historic address to the US Congress.
Volodymyr Zelensky said via video link that Ukraine was enduring a 9/11 every day as it battled Russian forces.
He again urged the US and Nato allies to enforce a no-fly zone over Ukraine, saying: "I need to protect the sky."
President Biden is later set to sign off an extra $800m (£612m) in military aid to Ukraine.
He urged the assembled US politicians to remember coming under attack in the past - at Pearl Harbor in 1941 and on 11 September 2001 - saying Ukrainians were experiencing the same thing every day.
Why isn't Ukraine a Nato member?
Nato originally offered Ukraine eventual membership back in 2008, and after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, Ukraine made joining Nato a priority.
But this hasn't happened, mainly because of Russia's long-standing opposition to such a move.
Russia fears Nato is encroaching on its territory by taking on new members in eastern Europe, and that admitting Ukraine would bring Nato forces into its backyard.
Ukraine's President Zelensky has now accepted his country cannot join Nato at present, saying: "It is clear that Ukraine is not a member of Nato. We understand this."
The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the same point, saying, "There is no way Ukraine is going to join Nato any time soon".
One of Russia's demands before the invasion was that Ukraine should never be allowed to join - something the alliance had refused to support.
Nato originally offered Ukraine eventual membership back in 2008, and after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, Ukraine made joining Nato a priority.
But this hasn't happened, mainly because of Russia's long-standing opposition to such a move.
Russia fears Nato is encroaching on its territory by taking on new members in eastern Europe, and that admitting Ukraine would bring Nato forces into its backyard.
Ukraine's President Zelensky has now accepted his country cannot join Nato at present, saying: "It is clear that Ukraine is not a member of Nato. We understand this."
The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson made the same point, saying, "There is no way Ukraine is going to join Nato any time soon".
One of Russia's demands before the invasion was that Ukraine should never be allowed to join - something the alliance had refused to support.
Ukraine conflict: Putin lays out his demands in Turkish phone call
The first four demands are, according to Mr Kalin, not too difficult for Ukraine to meet.
Chief among them is an acceptance by Ukraine that it should be neutral and should not apply to join Nato. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has already conceded this.
There are other demands in this category which mostly seem to be face-saving elements for the Russian side.
Ukraine would have to undergo a disarmament process to ensure it wasn't a threat to Russia. There would have to be protection for the Russian language in Ukraine. And there is something called de-Nazification.
The second category is where the difficulty will lie, and in his phone call, Mr Putin said that it would need face-to-face negotiations between him and President Zelensky before agreement could be reached on these points. Mr Zelensky has already said he's prepared to meet the Russian president and negotiate with him one-to-one. read more
The first four demands are, according to Mr Kalin, not too difficult for Ukraine to meet.
Chief among them is an acceptance by Ukraine that it should be neutral and should not apply to join Nato. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has already conceded this.
There are other demands in this category which mostly seem to be face-saving elements for the Russian side.
Ukraine would have to undergo a disarmament process to ensure it wasn't a threat to Russia. There would have to be protection for the Russian language in Ukraine. And there is something called de-Nazification.
The second category is where the difficulty will lie, and in his phone call, Mr Putin said that it would need face-to-face negotiations between him and President Zelensky before agreement could be reached on these points. Mr Zelensky has already said he's prepared to meet the Russian president and negotiate with him one-to-one. read more
Australia sues Facebook over scam ads impersonating celebrities
Australia has launched legal action against Facebook's parent company Meta, alleging it allowed scam ads to target users with fake celebrity endorsements.
The tech giant had engaged in "false, misleading or deceptive conduct" by knowingly hosting the ads for bogus cryptocurrencies, a regulator said.
The US company could face financial and other penalties.
Meta is yet to comment but has previously said it is committed to keeping scammers off its platforms.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) says the ads in question used Facebook's algorithms to target susceptible users and featured bogus quotes by Australian celebrities. read more
Australia has launched legal action against Facebook's parent company Meta, alleging it allowed scam ads to target users with fake celebrity endorsements.
The tech giant had engaged in "false, misleading or deceptive conduct" by knowingly hosting the ads for bogus cryptocurrencies, a regulator said.
The US company could face financial and other penalties.
Meta is yet to comment but has previously said it is committed to keeping scammers off its platforms.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) says the ads in question used Facebook's algorithms to target susceptible users and featured bogus quotes by Australian celebrities. read more
Russians board International Space Station in Ukrainian colours
Russian cosmonauts Denis Matveyev, Oleg Artemyev and Sergey Korsakov docked at the ISS after a three-hour flight which blasted off from a Russian-owned facility in Kazakhstan.
"Congratulations on the successful docking," a voice from Russia's mission control said moments later.
A few hours later, two sets of hatches were opened and the three smiling men floated into the space station one by one wearing bright yellow space suits with blue accents.
The standard-issue Russian uniform is plain blue, and at least one of the men was seen wearing this before take-off. read more
Russian cosmonauts Denis Matveyev, Oleg Artemyev and Sergey Korsakov docked at the ISS after a three-hour flight which blasted off from a Russian-owned facility in Kazakhstan.
"Congratulations on the successful docking," a voice from Russia's mission control said moments later.
A few hours later, two sets of hatches were opened and the three smiling men floated into the space station one by one wearing bright yellow space suits with blue accents.
The standard-issue Russian uniform is plain blue, and at least one of the men was seen wearing this before take-off. read more
Moscow stock market reopens for some bond trading
The Moscow stock exchange has partially reopened after a nearly month-long suspension over the war in Ukraine.
Only bonds issued by the Russian government can be traded as part of a phased re-opening of the market.
The exchange closed hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin sent thousands of troops into Ukraine on 24 February.
Andrei Braginsky, a spokesman for the Moscow Exchange, said he hoped that trading in stocks would be able to start again soon.
"Technically everything is ready, and we are hoping this will resume in the near future," he said.
The market reopened at 13:00 (10:00 GMT) but only for OFZ bonds - the Russian acronym for Federal Loan Obligations. read more
The Moscow stock exchange has partially reopened after a nearly month-long suspension over the war in Ukraine.
Only bonds issued by the Russian government can be traded as part of a phased re-opening of the market.
The exchange closed hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin sent thousands of troops into Ukraine on 24 February.
Andrei Braginsky, a spokesman for the Moscow Exchange, said he hoped that trading in stocks would be able to start again soon.
"Technically everything is ready, and we are hoping this will resume in the near future," he said.
The market reopened at 13:00 (10:00 GMT) but only for OFZ bonds - the Russian acronym for Federal Loan Obligations. read more
Influencers in Australia risk jail for breaking finance tips rules
Influencers in Australia face up to five years in jail if they break laws on financial advice, a new information sheet warns.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) says they may need a licence to give such advice.
A 2021 ASIC survey suggested 33% of 18 to 21-year-olds follow financial influencers.
And it also found that 64% of young people in Australia changed a financial behaviour because of an influencer.
ASIC commissioner Cathie Armour said it was crucial that "influencers who discuss financial products and services online comply with the financial services laws. If they don't, they risk substantial penalties and put investors at risk". read more
Influencers in Australia face up to five years in jail if they break laws on financial advice, a new information sheet warns.
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) says they may need a licence to give such advice.
A 2021 ASIC survey suggested 33% of 18 to 21-year-olds follow financial influencers.
And it also found that 64% of young people in Australia changed a financial behaviour because of an influencer.
ASIC commissioner Cathie Armour said it was crucial that "influencers who discuss financial products and services online comply with the financial services laws. If they don't, they risk substantial penalties and put investors at risk". read more
Multiple Apple services suffer outages
A number of Apple services experienced outages on Monday, Apple's support page has confirmed.
The areas affected included the App Store, iMessage, Maps, Apple Arcade, the iTunes store, podcasts and Apple TV+.
Apple's system status page now shows that all of its services are back up and running.
Some of Apple's network was down for three hours.
A number of iCloud services had been affected, including calendar and mail. read more
A number of Apple services experienced outages on Monday, Apple's support page has confirmed.
The areas affected included the App Store, iMessage, Maps, Apple Arcade, the iTunes store, podcasts and Apple TV+.
Apple's system status page now shows that all of its services are back up and running.
Some of Apple's network was down for three hours.
A number of iCloud services had been affected, including calendar and mail. read more
Ukraine war: Ukrainian fightback gains ground west of Kyiv
Ukrainian troops are counter-attacking Russian forces in some areas, with reports that they have gained ground near the capital, Kyiv.
Local authorities in the town of Makariv, west of Kyiv, said Ukrainian flags were flying there once more.
A UK defence analyst told the BBC the fightback could force Moscow to change its tactics.
And a US defence spokesman said Ukrainians were reversing battlefield momentum in some parts of the south.
Volunteers and Ukrainian troops in the small southern town of Voznesensk destroyed an armoured convoy and pushed back Russian forces. read more
Ukrainian troops are counter-attacking Russian forces in some areas, with reports that they have gained ground near the capital, Kyiv.
Local authorities in the town of Makariv, west of Kyiv, said Ukrainian flags were flying there once more.
A UK defence analyst told the BBC the fightback could force Moscow to change its tactics.
And a US defence spokesman said Ukrainians were reversing battlefield momentum in some parts of the south.
Volunteers and Ukrainian troops in the small southern town of Voznesensk destroyed an armoured convoy and pushed back Russian forces. read more
China plane crash: Search teams find flight's black box
Search teams have found a black box from the China Eastern flight which nosedived into mountains in southern China this week, state media report.
Chinese aviation officials announced the finding at a press conference on Wednesday, after two days of searching.
Authorities are still yet to report the number of dead, but it is feared none of the 132 people on board survived the high-altitude crash.
Investigators still do not know why the plane plummeted out of the sky.
Mao Yanfeng, director of the civil aviation accident investigation department, told reporters there had been "no dangerous weather" on the plane's route at the time of the crash. read more
Search teams have found a black box from the China Eastern flight which nosedived into mountains in southern China this week, state media report.
Chinese aviation officials announced the finding at a press conference on Wednesday, after two days of searching.
Authorities are still yet to report the number of dead, but it is feared none of the 132 people on board survived the high-altitude crash.
Investigators still do not know why the plane plummeted out of the sky.
Mao Yanfeng, director of the civil aviation accident investigation department, told reporters there had been "no dangerous weather" on the plane's route at the time of the crash. read more
Western leaders meet to discuss Ukraine support
US President Joe Biden joins fellow Western leaders in Brussels on Thursday for three summits on Russia's war in Ukraine, a month after the invasion began.
Nato, the G7 and the EU are all holding meetings, in a display of unity rarely seen by the West.
Mr Biden will take part in all three, the first ever visit by a US president to an EU summit in Brussels.
But his visit to Brussels is not just about symbolism.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has given the Western defensive alliance Nato a renewed sense of purpose. And as the EU attempts to sever energy ties with Russia, it needs to forge and reinforce other relationships, particularly with the US. read more
US President Joe Biden joins fellow Western leaders in Brussels on Thursday for three summits on Russia's war in Ukraine, a month after the invasion began.
Nato, the G7 and the EU are all holding meetings, in a display of unity rarely seen by the West.
Mr Biden will take part in all three, the first ever visit by a US president to an EU summit in Brussels.
But his visit to Brussels is not just about symbolism.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has given the Western defensive alliance Nato a renewed sense of purpose. And as the EU attempts to sever energy ties with Russia, it needs to forge and reinforce other relationships, particularly with the US. read more
Russia considers accepting Bitcoin for oil and gas
Russia is considering accepting Bitcoin as payment for its oil and gas exports, according to a high-ranking lawmaker.
Pavel Zavalny says "friendly" countries could be allowed to pay in the crypto-currency or in their local currencies.
Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he wanted "unfriendly" countries to buy its gas with roubles.
The move is understood to be aimed at boosting the Russian currency, which has lost over 20% in value this year.
Sanctions imposed by the UK, US and the European Union, following the invasion of Ukraine, have put a strain on Russia's rouble and raised its cost of living. read more
Russia is considering accepting Bitcoin as payment for its oil and gas exports, according to a high-ranking lawmaker.
Pavel Zavalny says "friendly" countries could be allowed to pay in the crypto-currency or in their local currencies.
Earlier this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he wanted "unfriendly" countries to buy its gas with roubles.
The move is understood to be aimed at boosting the Russian currency, which has lost over 20% in value this year.
Sanctions imposed by the UK, US and the European Union, following the invasion of Ukraine, have put a strain on Russia's rouble and raised its cost of living. read more
Russia targets east Ukraine, says first phase over
Russia says it will focus its invasion of Ukraine on "liberating" the east, signalling a possible shift in its strategy.
The defence ministry said that the initial aims of the war were complete, and that Russia had reduced the combat capacity of Ukraine.
Russia's invasion appeared aimed at swiftly capturing major cities and toppling the government.
But it has stalled in the face of fierce Ukrainian resistance. read more
Russia says it will focus its invasion of Ukraine on "liberating" the east, signalling a possible shift in its strategy.
The defence ministry said that the initial aims of the war were complete, and that Russia had reduced the combat capacity of Ukraine.
Russia's invasion appeared aimed at swiftly capturing major cities and toppling the government.
But it has stalled in the face of fierce Ukrainian resistance. read more
Will Smith hits Chris Rock on Oscars stage
Will Smith slapped Chris Rock in the face on stage at the Oscars after the comic made a joke about the actor's wife Jada Pinkett Smith.
"Jada, can't wait for GI Jane 2," he said, in an apparent reference to her shaved hairdo - a result of the hair loss condition alopecia.
Smith walked on stage and struck Rock before returning to his seat and shouting: "Keep my wife's name out of your [expletive] mouth."
He later apologised on stage. read more
Will Smith slapped Chris Rock in the face on stage at the Oscars after the comic made a joke about the actor's wife Jada Pinkett Smith.
"Jada, can't wait for GI Jane 2," he said, in an apparent reference to her shaved hairdo - a result of the hair loss condition alopecia.
Smith walked on stage and struck Rock before returning to his seat and shouting: "Keep my wife's name out of your [expletive] mouth."
He later apologised on stage. read more
Roman Abramovich suffered 'suspected poisoning' at talks
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich suffered symptoms of suspected poisoning at peace talks on the Ukraine-Belarus border earlier this month, sources close to him say.
The Chelsea FC owner - who has now recovered - reportedly suffered sore eyes and peeling skin.
Two Ukrainian peace negotiators were also said to have been affected.
One report said the alleged poisoning was orchestrated by Russian hardliners who wanted to sabotage the talks. read more
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich suffered symptoms of suspected poisoning at peace talks on the Ukraine-Belarus border earlier this month, sources close to him say.
The Chelsea FC owner - who has now recovered - reportedly suffered sore eyes and peeling skin.
Two Ukrainian peace negotiators were also said to have been affected.
One report said the alleged poisoning was orchestrated by Russian hardliners who wanted to sabotage the talks. read more
Ukraine war: Odesa defies Russia and embraces signs of life
Amid the whining air raid sirens, the checkpoints, neighbourhood patrols, and enduring fears of Russian attacks - from the sea, air, or land - the historic and cosmopolitan Ukrainian resort city of Odesa is gently trying to reconnect with its famously relaxed holiday spirit, as if embracing it were a form of defiance against the Kremlin.
"Music is life. When music is silenced, anything can happen. Music is a way of protecting our minds," said Olexandr Proletarskyi, a music critic, sitting on a bar stool in a dark cellar venue near the city centre.
But the recent reopening of clubs, beach restaurants, and nail salons across Odesa is not simply an expression of defiance, or an economic necessity. It also reflects growing local confidence in the course of the war against Russia, at least here on the Black Sea coast. read more
Amid the whining air raid sirens, the checkpoints, neighbourhood patrols, and enduring fears of Russian attacks - from the sea, air, or land - the historic and cosmopolitan Ukrainian resort city of Odesa is gently trying to reconnect with its famously relaxed holiday spirit, as if embracing it were a form of defiance against the Kremlin.
"Music is life. When music is silenced, anything can happen. Music is a way of protecting our minds," said Olexandr Proletarskyi, a music critic, sitting on a bar stool in a dark cellar venue near the city centre.
But the recent reopening of clubs, beach restaurants, and nail salons across Odesa is not simply an expression of defiance, or an economic necessity. It also reflects growing local confidence in the course of the war against Russia, at least here on the Black Sea coast. read more