For now, links to reports from Reuters, Tass, the Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, and National Public Radio; others are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. — MCM
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Macron calls on Xi to reason with Russia for Ukraine peace, by Michel Rose and Laurie Chen | Reuters * French President visits China with EU chief von der Leyen * EU-China relations have soured in recent years * Macron hopes Xi can use Russian ties to seek Ukraine peace * China’s peace plan for Ukraine met with scepticism * Trade ‘risks’ and business deals also on summit agenda | BEIJING — French President Emmanuel Macron urged China’s Xi Jinping today to reason with close ally Russia and help end the Ukraine war, while Xi responded by saying he hoped the two sides could hold peace negotiations as soon as possible. In closely-watched talks in Beijing, which also involve EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, Macron said the West must engage Beijing to help end the crisis and prevent ‘spiralling’ tensions that could split global powers into warring blocs. “The Russian aggression in Ukraine has . . . READ MORE . . .
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China has mediation potential, but situation with Ukraine is difficult now – Kremlin. From Tass. MOSCOW — China has impressive mediation potential, but the situation with Ukraine remains complicated, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said today. He added that Moscow, given “the position, official and unofficial, that has been communicated to Kiev” . . . READ MORE . . .
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Russian charged with war crimes: Ukrainian kids can go home, by Edith M. Lederer | AP UNITED NATIONS — Russia’s commissioner for children’s rights Maria Lvova-Belova, who is being sought for war crimes for deporting children from Ukraine, told a U.N. meeting Wednesday that the children were taken for their safety and Moscow is coordinating with international organizations to return them to their families. Ambassadors from Western countries boycotted the informal U.N. Security Council meeting, sending . . . READ MORE . . .
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Moscow says foiled attempt by Ukrainian ‘sabotoeurs’ to enter Russia. From AFP. Russian security forces foiled an attempt of a group of Ukrainian “saboteurs” to enter Russia, the governor of the Bryansk region that borders Ukraine said today. “Today, the border department of the FSB (security service) of the Bryansk region thwarted . . . READ MORE . . .
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Medics risk their lives In Bakhmut to treat Ukrainian soldiers and evacuate them. Reported by Eleanor Beardsley | NPR The battle over the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut has been a deadly slugfest that has reduced it to ruins. Ukrainian medics have worked hard to support and treat wounded soldiers. Click HERE to listen and, later, read.
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Ukraine is asking allies for modern aircraft — an upgrade to its Soviet-era equipment. Reported by Eleanor Beardsley | NPR Ukraine’s military is asking its allies for modern aircraft to fight Russian forces. In the meantime, it is making do with Soviet-era equipment, like the many vintage helicopters in Ukraine’s fleet. Click HERE to listen and read.
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TO BE CONTINUED