International Conflict

In a devastating attack, Russian forces bombed a Mariupol theater sheltering civilians, killing approximately 300 people. Ukrainian officials claim this as potentially the war's most significant civilian casualty incident, highlighting alleged Russian war crimes during the ongoing conflict.

Russia will partially reopen its stock market with heavy trading restrictions, nearly a month after shares plunged on February 24 following the Ukraine invasion. Trading will be allowed for 33 of 50 companies in the MOEX Index, including Aeroflot, Gazprom, and Rosneft, as the country attempts to stabilize its financial markets amid Western sanctions.

Poland's Internal Security Agency has demanded the immediate removal of 45 Russian diplomats believed to be conducting intelligence activities under diplomatic cover. The government identified these individuals as a potential security risk and summoned the Russian Ambassador to formally communicate the expulsion order.

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that countries considered unfriendly must now pay for Russian natural gas exclusively in rubles. This move comes in response to Western sanctions and asset freezes, with Putin arguing that existing payment methods undermine trust in traditional currencies.

NATO faces a more volatile Russian threat following Ukraine invasion. U.S. military leaders warn that traditional analysis of Russian military capabilities is insufficient, highlighting Putin's willingness to escalate conflict beyond previous strategic approaches.

President Andrzej Duda draws parallels between Russia's assault on Mariupol and Nazi bombing of Warsaw, as over 3.5 million Ukrainian refugees flee the conflict. Survivors recount devastating attacks on civilians, underscoring the war's human cost.

The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has dramatically impacted global wheat markets, threatening food security in multiple regions. With wheat prices surging by a third since the invasion, farmers are cautiously considering expanding wheat production to capitalize on market conditions while navigating challenges like drought and increasing fuel costs.

European Union foreign ministers accuse Russian forces of committing war crimes in Ukraine, with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stating that attacks on civilian infrastructure could be considered war crimes, while new sanctions remain uncertain. - EXCERPT: Summarizes the key information concisely, includes key actors and main points

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed Israeli lawmakers, urging them to take a stronger stance against Russia's invasion. In an emotional Zoom speech, he compared the conflict to Nazi actions and called on Israel to impose sanctions and provide weapons, challenging the country's current mediator role.

Survivors of Mariupol's devastating siege recount their traumatic escape, leaving behind a city reduced to ruins. With only what they could carry, these refugees describe a journey from relentless bombardment to temporary safety, carrying memories of survival against overwhelming odds.