Good morning, Hayley Halpin here. To kick things off here’s a quick update on the latest from the situation in Ukraine: 

• Russian forces have struck an area around Lviv airport in western Ukraine, the city’s mayor has said.
• Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney will fly to Poland today to discuss the war in Ukraine.
• US President Joe Biden will warn his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping in talks today of the “costs” if Beijing helps Russia in its invasion of Ukraine.
• At ongoing peace talks, officials in Kyiv say Russia has agreed to nine humanitarian corridors for fleeing refugees, including one out of Mariupol.
• Work is underway to find civilians sheltering in a Mariupol theatre following a bomb attack that officials have blamed on Russia.
• The Mariupol authorities say around 30,000 people have fled the besieged port city, adding that “80% of residential housing was destroyed”.
• Russian forces shelled a school and cultural centre, killing at least 21 people and wounding 25 in the town of Merefa outside Kharkiv, local prosecutors say.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned German lawmakers that Russia is building a new “Wall” in Europe, evoking the Berlin Wall during the Cold War.
• Over 100,000 Ukrainians fled the country in just 24 hours, the UNhas said, pushing the total number of refugees to more than 3.1 million since the conflict began on 24 February.

In its latest update, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has said in its latest update on Ukraine that Russian forces “have made minimal progress this week”.

“Russian forces have made minimal progress this week,” the MoD tweeted.

“Ukrainian forces around Kyiv and Mykolaiv continue to frustrate Russian attempts to encircle the cities. The cities of Kharkiv, Chernihiv, Sumy and Mariupol remain encircled and subject to heavy Russian shelling.

“The UN now states that the number of refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine has already surpassed 3.2 million. This number will continue to rise as a result of ongoing Russian aggression.”

A cloud of smoke raises across Lviv following the explosion in the city this morning:

AP / PA Images AP / PA Images / PA Images

Lviv attack

Russian forces today destroyed an aircraft repair plant in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv but no one was hurt, the mayor said.

A thick pall of grey smoke streamed across the clear blue sky over Lviv’s airport this morning, an AFP reporter saw, and ambulances raced to the scene.

“Several missiles hit an aircraft repair plant,” Mayor Andriy Sadovyi said on the messaging app Telegram, adding the plant had been destroyed.

“There are no casualties,” he said, adding that operations at the plant had been halted.

He earlier wrote that Russian forces had struck an area close to Lviv’s airport.

Armed checkpoints turned motorists back from roads leading to the airport, and a local man told AFP he had heard a blast earlier today.

Ukraine’s air force, referring to the strike and citing preliminary information, said that six “cruise missiles had been launched, probably X-555, from the Black Sea”.

Two missiles had been destroyed, the statement added.

#UPDATE Russian forces have struck an area around Lviv's airport in Ukraine, Mayor Andriy Sadovyi says.

Sadovyi could not give a precise address but says "it's definitely not an airport", as grey smoke streams across the sky and ambulances and police vehicles race to the scene pic.twitter.com/QPkjQHjAN3

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) March 18, 2022

Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney will fly to Poland today to discuss the war in Ukraine and what supports can be provided to the country and its neighbours. 

Coveney will meet his Polish counterpart Minister Zbigniew Rau in Warsaw and speak to humanitarian organisations assisting those fleeing the war.

It is expected that he will express solidarity on Ireland’s behalf with Poland as the country endeavours to welcome nearly two million people fleeing the conflict in a matter of weeks.

During his visit, Coveney will also meet with a representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Poland, Polish Humanitarian Action and members of the Irish community in Poland who are involved in providing supports to Ukrainian refugees.

Speaking ahead of his visit, the Minister said:

“As this devastating conflict enters its fourth week I am glad to have this opportunity to visit Poland to discuss perspectives on the crisis with Minister Rau.

“I also look forward to meeting with a number of organisations on the ground who are supporting those fleeing Ukraine.”

Reader Q&A

Earlier this month, we asked readers to send us questions about the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

We have since answered a lot of these queries.

Our first piece looked at why the invasion was ordered by Putin, the fallout from the refugee crisis and the risks of the conflict escalating.

Our second article answered how Russian media is reporting the invasion, scenarios for how the war might end and why a no-fly zone over Ukraine is currently considered to be off the cards. 

But there are more questions to answer and many developments have been made in the war since we first asked for queries. 

• So let us know if you have any questions about the ongoing invasion. 

Send your questions to answers@thejournal.ie and we’ll do our best to answer them with the help of some experts. 

Russian troops and their separatist allies are fighting today in the centre of Mariupol, a strategic port city in the southeast of Ukraine, the Russian defence ministry has said.

“In Mariupol, units of the Donetsk People’s Republic, with the support of the Russian armed forces, are squeezing the encirclement and fighting against nationalists in the city centre,” the ministry said in Moscow.

Britain has revoked the UK broadcasting license of Russian state-funded television channel RT in the latest repercussion for Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

“Ofcom has today revoked RT’s licence to broadcast in the UK, with immediate effect,” Britain’s media regulator said in a statement, adding it did not consider it “fit and proper” for RT to operate in the country.

We have revoked RT’s licence to broadcast in the UK with immediate effect.

We do not consider RT to be fit and proper to hold a UK licence and cannot be satisfied that it can be a responsible broadcaster.

Read about our decision ⬇️https://t.co/LWKtMxaCQm pic.twitter.com/2BBTyqrHXo

— Ofcom (@Ofcom) March 18, 2022

Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland from Poland earlier today, Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney said the atmosphere in the country is “really just extraordinary”. 

“It’s like a wartime atmosphere, completely dominated, of course, by the war next door in Ukraine,” Coveney said. 

“The generosity of Polish people towards their Ukrainian brothers and sisters is just remarkable. To image that in three weeks two million people would cross the border into your country and largely be accommodated and looked after is an extraordinary effort,” he said. 

However, he questioned whether that will be sustainable in the weeks ahead. 

“The rest of the European Union has got to be generous, and we’ve got to ensure that there is a collective response across the EU rather than expecting countries that border Ukraine to have to deal with the extraordinary pressures of dealing with those numbers of people,” he said. 

Coveney was asked whether Irish soldiers will be sent to Poland to help.

“If it’s helpful, we certainly will offer logistical support, whether that’s through the Defence Forces or through some other means,” he said. 

“If it’s helpful to send a Defence Force team here, whether that’s to register refugees, whether it’s to manage logistics on the border, to manage transport systems, that offer is certainly open,” the Minister added. 

Here’s a look at the indicative estimates of Russia’s losses as of today, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine: 

These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s losses as of March 18, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/aZ4LjspMjQ

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) March 18, 2022

PA Images PA Images

The owner of Burger King has said the operator of its 800 stores in Russia has “refused” to close them.

The president of Restaurant Brands International (RBI), which owns Burger King and has operated its restaurants in Russia for a decade in a joint venture which includes Alexander Kolobov, said the company was attempting to withdraw from the Russian market following the invasion of Ukraine.

RBI president David Shear wrote in an open letter to employees:

“We contacted the main operator of the business and demanded the suspension of Burger King restaurant operations in Russia. He has refused to do so.

“We suspended all corporate support for the Russian market, including operations, marketing, and supply chain support in addition to refusing approvals for new investment and expansion.”

Shear said the company’s “complicated” agreements with overseas partners meant it was unable to walk away from its Russia business, adding any changes “would ultimately require the support of Russian authorities on the ground and we know that practically will not happen any time soon”.

The joint venture, which RBI owns 15% of, with Kobolov also includes a Ukrainian investment fund and VTB Capital, an affiliate of Russia’s second-largest financial institution VTB Bank.

VTB Bank has been sanctioned by the UK, the US and numerous European countries over the invasion.

Shear said: “We committed to redirecting any profits we receive from the business, including our ownership stake, to the United Nations’ refugee agency (UNHCR) and made an immediate donation of $1 million toward that commitment. We’ve also worked with franchisees from more than 25 countries to distribute $2 million of free meal coupons for Burger King restaurants to NGOs supporting Ukrainian refugees.”

Poland’s border guards have said this morning that more than two million refugees had crossed into the EU member from neighbouring Ukraine since the 24 February Russian invasion.

“At 9 am the number of refugees from Ukraine exceeded two million. It is mainly women with children,” the guards said on Twitter.

More than 6,000 people in Northern Ireland have registered their interest in taking in Ukrainian refugees.

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis yesterday confirmed that 6,262 people in Northern Ireland had signed up for the UK Government’s Homes for Ukraine programme, which allows individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to bring people escaping the war to safety – even if they have no ties to the UK.

Anyone with a room or home available for at least six months can offer it to a Ukrainian individual or a family, though those offering to host will be vetted and Ukrainian applicants will undergo security checks.

Northern Ireland is known for its hospitality the world over. I’m proud of the generosity shown towards those fleeing the awful situation in Ukraine. 6,262 people in NI have already expressed interest to provide support with #HomesForUkraine. Thank you. https://t.co/qm3vH1NxoF pic.twitter.com/Uspu9fGTmW

— Brandon Lewis (@BrandonLewis) March 17, 2022

Russian President Vladimir Putin Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Russian President Vladimir Putin has today accused Ukrainian authorities of stalling talks, but added that Moscow was ready to search for solutions as he spoke with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

“It was noted that the Kyiv regime is trying in every possible way to stall negotiations, putting forward more and more unrealistic proposals,” the Kremlin said after the phone call.

“Nevertheless, the Russian side is ready to continue to search for solutions in line with its well-known principled approaches.”

Simon Harris Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Minister for Further and Higher Education Simon Harris has today signed a statement on behalf of Ireland condemning Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

The key aim of this statement is to signal support for higher education students and staff in Ukraine and to suspend Russia’s rights of representation on all structures and activities of the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).

Speaking today, Harris said:

“Across Europe we are united in our belief that Russia must face consequences for its illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine.

“It is unfortunate, but absolutely appropriate for Russia to be suspended from all involvement in the EHEA. We must continue to offer our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“This includes ensuring that those affected by the war can access higher education. I am heartened that the university sector in Ireland is fully behind plans to support Irish students fleeing Ukraine so they continue their studies here.

“There is also a collective agreement that Ukrainian students should be treated as EU citizens and offered the same access and supports to pursue higher education in Ireland as those from Member States.

“It is important to remember that the actions of the Putin administration are not the actions of the Russian people. We have many Russian students studying here in Ireland and we have been providing support and care to them. We will continue to do so. They deserve our assistance.”

The statement, which has been signed by 22 other countries, condemns in the strongest terms the armed attack on Ukraine by the Russian Federation in violation of international law and calls for the following actions:

The suspension of Russia’s rights of representation in all structures and activities of the EHEA. This would also be extended to any EHEA member states who may assist Russia in its invasion of Ukraine:

• Support for higher education in Ukraine including financial support for Ukrainian institutions, intensifying cooperation and generally ensuring the continued involvement of Ukrainian students and staff in European higher education.
• Enabling Ukrainian students or potential students to continue or access higher education if they have to flee Ukraine or are unable to return.
• That the above measures must extend beyond the immediate emergency: once accepted in a study programme, students should be allowed to complete the programme even if the situation in Ukraine would make it possible to return earlier.
• Offering refuge and provisional work opportunities for academic staff who have to flee Ukraine or who cannot return.
• Extension similar assistance to foreign students and staff who are unable to pursue their studies or work at Ukrainian higher education institutions.
• Cease contact and cooperation with any central government agency of Russia or any other country that actively supports the Russian invasion of Ukraine and to ensure that they only engage in cooperation with organizations and institutions from Russia where these are clearly based on shared European values.
• Recognise the courage shown by those members of Russian civil society who are engaging in protest against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in spite of great personal risk and ask all members and consultative members of the EHEA to offer support and protection to members of the Russian higher education community taking a public stance against the invasion.

Strollers have been placed in central Lviv today to represent the number of children killed since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

⚡️Strollers have been put in central Lviv on March 18, representing the number of children killed in Russia's war against Ukraine.

According to Prosecutor General’s Office, Russian forces have killed 109 children and injured more than 130 since Feb. 24.

📷 Asami Terajima pic.twitter.com/OGtrIsElHi

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) March 18, 2022

With the news of the war dominating headlines for several weeks now, as well as across social media platforms and conversations across the country, many children are likely to have been exposed to information about the conflict.

Children do not always talk about what is worrying them but they may be trying to make sense of this information by themselves. They may have fears that the conflict will reach Ireland or that there is a danger that they or their family may be hurt.

Sharon Byrne of Barnardos has written a piece for The Journal, offering some helpful advice to parents trying to navigate discussing the war with their children.

• You can read it here.

A St Patrick’s Day message yesterday from some of the Ukrainian men who left Ireland to return to their home country as the war broke out: 

“Hello Ireland!”
Greetings from the trenches. Maksym and Roman are among those Ukrainian men who left Ireland as the war broke out to defend their homeland.
Here’s their message for St Patrick’s day ☘️@VirginMediaNews pic.twitter.com/QVbk4frffq

— Tania Reut (@tania_reut) March 17, 2022

A Ukrainian zoo is asking people to buy e-tickets to support the animals in its care after it came under attack. 

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs tweeted: “From the beginning of the #war the Mykolayiv Zoo was bombed. Half the staff was evacuated, some of them went to war. 

“The director Volodymyr Topchyi decided to stay and to help stressed animals. He asks for support by buying e-tickets.” 

From the very beginning of #war the Mykolayiv Zoo was bombed. Half of the staff was evacuated, some of them went to war.

The Director Volodymyr Topchyi decided to stay and to help stressed animals. He asks for support by buying e-tickets 👇

🔗https://t.co/LxxFQ6yUzR pic.twitter.com/J592ZszjfK

— MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@MFA_Ukraine) March 18, 2022

Brittney Griner Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

The detention of US basketball star Brittney Griner has been extended until 19 May, Russian state media reported.

The development could see the two-time Olympic champion being held for at least three months before her case is resolved.

Griner was detained at a Moscow airport, reportedly in mid-February, after Russian authorities said a search of her luggage revealed vape cartridges allegedly containing oil derived from cannabis, which could carry a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

The case of the 31-year-old, one of the most recognisable players in women’s basketball, comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Moscow over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“The court granted the request of the investigation and extended the period of detention of the US citizen Griner until 19 May,” the court said, according to the state news agency Tass.

The US State Department has been “doing everything we can to support Brittney Griner, to support her family, and to work with them to do everything we can to see that she is treated appropriately and to seek her release,” spokesman Ned Price said at a briefing.

• You can read more here.

The International Monetary Fund, World Bank and other top world lenders have warned of “extensive” economic fallout from the Ukraine war and expressed “horror” at the “devastating human catastrophe”.

“The entire global economy will feel the effects of the crisis through slower growth, trade disruptions, and steeper inflation,” read a joint statement from institutions including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney is in Poland this morning to discuss the situation in Ukraine. 

“Already I have seen the extraordinary lengths Poland has gone to in receiving more than two million people in three weeks from Ukraine. Incredible solidarity here,” Coveney tweeted. 

I’m in #Poland to meet my counterpart to hear what more #Ireland and EU can do to help refugees. Already I have seen the extraordinary lengths Poland has gone to in receiving more than 2 million people in 3 weeks from Ukraine. Incredible solidarity here.
🇮🇪 🇵🇱 🇺🇦 🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/Xkt9WDXn8C

— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) March 18, 2022

The sanctions against Russia continue – so too do the expulsion of its diplomats from European nations. 

Bulgaria’s foreign ministry today announced the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats for breaching international conventions on diplomatic ties.

The formulation used by the ministry is often used to designate espionage. Sofia expelled two Russian diplomats earlier this month for similar reasons.

Russian software is now also in the crosshairs of European countries.

Italy’s data privacy watchdog said it was investigating the “potential risks” that Russian antivirus software Kaspersky could be used to launch cyberattacks.

It followed what it called “alarms sounded by many Italian and European organisations specialised in computer security” over the potential use of Kaspersky software for hacking assaults in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Bulgaria’s foreign ministry has announced the expulsion of 10 Russian diplomats for breaching international conventions on diplomatic ties.

The wording used by the ministry is often a reference to espionage. Sofia expelled two Russian diplomats earlier this month for similar reasons.The EU and NATO member has strong economic ties with Russia but several alleged cases of espionage have hurt links since October 2019.

The latest expulsions come as relations between the West and Moscow hit a new low over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which has spawned unprecedented sanctions and seen Moscow diplomatically isolated.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has refused to suspend FIFA’s ban on Russia taking part in the playoffs for the 2022 World Cup finals that was imposed over the invasion of Ukraine.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is still to rule on the legal basis of the ban, but a decision is not expected for several weeks at least.

“The challenged decision remains in force and all Russian teams and clubs continue to be suspended from participation in FIFA competitions. The CAS arbitration proceedings continue,” the court said in a statement.

The Football Union of Russia had appealed against the suspension, hoping to gain permission to allow Russia to face Poland in a World Cup playoff that was due to have been played on 24 March.

FIFA however has already granted Poland a bye into one of the European playoff finals on March 29 where they will face the winner of the semi-final between Sweden and the Czech Republic.

The CAS decision to keep Russia on the sidelines avoids a headache for FIFA, which could have been confronted by the refusal of Poland, Sweden and the Czech Republic to face the Russians.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on 1 February PA Images PA Images

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has spoken again to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the latest situation in Ukraine, Downing Street has said.

Johnson’s official spokesman said the call this morning lasted for about 20 minutes.

“The Prime Minister updated on the further lethal aid the UK is providing to Ukraine,” the spokesman said.

“They talked through that and they also talked through the ongoing negotiations that are taking place. The Prime Minister reiterated the entire UK support for Ukraine.”

A Ukrainian soldier watching as smoke rose after the explosion near the airport in Lviv, western Ukraine earlier today:

Ismail Coşkun Ismail Coşkun

US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have begun a phone call in which Biden will pressure his counterpart to join Western pressure on Russia over the invasion of Ukraine.

The two leaders started the call, their first since a video summit in November, at 9.03am (1.03pm Irish time), the White House said.

Arnold Schwarzenegger has appealed to Putin to end the “senseless” war in Ukraine and praised Russians protesting the conflict as his “new heroes.”

“Ukraine did not start this war,” the former California governor said in an emotional message to the people of Russia and Russian troops posted to his Twitter account and other platforms.

“I’m speaking to you today because there are things going on in the world that are being kept from you, terrible things that you should know about,” he said in the powerful nine-minute video that was subtitled in Russian.

He spoke of his affection for the Russian people and meeting his idol, Russian weightlifter Yuri Vlasov, when he was 14 years old.

“The strength and the heart of the Russian people have always inspired me,” he said.

“That is why I hope that you will let me tell you the truth about the war in Ukraine.”

“I know that your government has told you that this is a war to ‘de-Nazify’ Ukraine,” he said. “This is not true. Those in power in the Kremlin started this war. This is not the Russian people’s war.”

I love the Russian people. That is why I have to tell you the truth. Please watch and share. pic.twitter.com/6gyVRhgpFV

— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) March 17, 2022

Schwarzenegger said “the world has turned against Russia because of its actions in Ukraine – whole city blocks have been flattened by Russian artillery and bombs, including a children’s hospital and a maternity hospital.

“Because of its brutality, Russia is now isolated from the society of nations,” he said.

In an appeal to Russian troops, Schwarzenegger recalled the wounds suffered by his father while fighting for the Nazis in Russia during World War II.

“He was broken physically and mentally and lived the rest of his life in pain,” he said. “To the Russian troops listening to this broadcast … I don’t want you to be broken like my father.

“This is not the war to defend Russia that your grandfathers or your great-grandfathers fought,” he said.

“This is an illegal war. Your lives, your limbs, your futures have been sacrificed for a senseless war condemned by the entire world.”

Addressing Putin directly, Schwarzenegger said: “You started this war. You are leading this war. You can stop this war.”

He closed the message with praise for Russians risking arrest by protesting against the war.

“The world has seen your bravery,” he said. “You are my new heroes.”

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that 130 people had been saved after the bombing of a theatre in the port city of Mariupol, besieged by Russian forces, but that “hundreds” were still trapped in rubble.

“More than 130 people have been saved. But hundreds of Mariupol residents are still beneath the rubble,” Zelensky said in a video address on Facebook.

He promised to continue rescue operations in Mariupol “despite shelling” in the southern city that has suffered vast destruction.

Russian state television cut President Vladimir Putin’s speech mid-sentence as he was addressing tens of thousands of supporters at Moscow’s main football stadium today.

As the Russian leader was addressing crowds, state television switched to showing a clip of patriotic music.

Putin was cut mid-sentence as he was saying: “It so happened that the beginning of the operation coincided by chance with the birthday of one of our outstanding military…”.

Russian state television is tightly controlled and such interruptions are highly unusual.

Putin was speaking at an event in support of the Russian army in Ukraine and to mark the annexation of the Crimean peninsula in 2014.

Biden-Xi call

China’s President Xi Jinping has said conflicts between states are “in no-one’s interest” during a video call with Joe Biden, Chinese state TV reported.

“State-to-state relations cannot go to the stage of military hostilities,” state broadcaster CCTV reported Xi as saying.

“Peace and security are the most valued treasures of the international community.”

Xi Jinping has said that Beijing and Washington should “shoulder our due international responsibilities” during the call with Biden, Chinese state TV reported.

Relations between the world’s top two economies should “move forward along the right track” as part of efforts for “world peace and tranquillity”, state broadcaster CCTV reported Xi as saying, in the first call between the leaders since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Ukraine Presidency / Ukraine Presi Ukraine Presidency / Ukraine Presi / Ukraine Presi

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will address the French parliament on Wednesday as he pursues efforts to secure international help to end Russia’s invasion.

“The war striking the Ukrainian people affects all the peoples of Europe and their parliamentary assemblies,” the speaker’s office of the lower house National Assembly said in a statement today.

Zelenskyy has made ardent pleas to national legislatures via video link this week, warning that atrocities against Ukrainian civilians are growing in a war entering its fourth week.

A speech to the US Congress on Wednesday was followed by a promise from President Joe Biden of $1 billion in new weapons to fight the invasion.

That was followed by an address to the German Bundestag yesterday and a direct appeal to Chancellor Olaf Scholz to sever Berlin’s strong energy and business ties with Moscow.

Zelenskyy has also addressed lawmakers in Britain, Canada and the European Parliament, and will speak to Israeli lawmakers on Sunday.

His appeal to French MPs will come as NATO holds an emergency summit meeting on Thursday, which Biden will travel to Brussels to attend.

More now on Biden’s call with China’s leader Xi Jinping . 

China and the United States should “shoulder international responsibilities,” Chinese leader Xi was quoted as saying, as well as declaring that “peace and security are the most valued treasures of the international community.”

It was not immediately clear if Xi made any direct criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s onslaught against Ukraine or expressed willingness to assist the US-led pressure campaign on the Kremlin.

In their first call since November, Biden hoped to persuade Xi to at least give up any idea of bailing out Russia.