The European Union has approved new sanctions against Belarus for its supporting role in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, effectively banning about 70% of all imports from that country, the EU said on Wednesday.

- Multiple NPCs, teams and athletes now threatening not to compete, jeopardising the viability of the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, - Situation in the athlete villages is escalating and ensuring the safety of athletes has become untenable

Russian President Vladimir Putin said he discussed Belarus’ interest in having access to the Baltic Sea in a phone call with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko.

Parts of the Russian region of Belgorod are evacuated, as the local governor reports "Ukrainian activity". This follows local reports that Kyiv's forces entered the region yesterday. In the nearby Kursk region, Ukraine's invasion continues.