Russia warns of attacks on facilities in Kyiv, advises residents to evacuate.
On March 1, the Russian military announced it would launch attacks on facilities in Kyiv, advising civilians living near those locations to evacuate.
In a recent announcement published by the TASS news agency,Russian Ministry of DefenseThey said they would target the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) and the 72nd Center for Information and Psychological Operations (PSO) in Kyiv.
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| Russian helicopters and military vehicles in Armyansk, northern Crimea. Photo: Sputnik |
"To prevent information attacks against Russia, the SBU's technology facilities and the 72nd PSO main center in Kyiv will be attacked with high-precision weapons," the statement said. "We call on Ukrainian citizens who are being incited by Ukrainian nationalists to carry out provocative actions against Russia, as well as Kyiv residents living near transit points, to leave their homes."
According to CNN journalist Clarissa Ward, relay points refer to telecommunication towers.
Russia insists it did not attack Ukrainian civilian infrastructure. However, Ukraine reports that several civilians were killed and dozens more injured. The United Nations also confirmed at least 102 civilian deaths and 304 injuries across Ukraine.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov accused Russia of preparing to launch a large-scale information campaign against his country. "The aim is to break the resistance of the Ukrainian people and the Ukrainian army with lies," Reznikov said.
Italy and France move their embassies out of Kyiv.
On the same day, March 1st, Italy decided to relocate its embassy from Kyiv to the city of Lviv in western Ukraine due to the deteriorating "security situation" in the Ukrainian capital. In a recent update, the Italian Foreign Ministry explained that they did so in order to "continue carrying out their duties."
On February 28, France also announced it would move its embassy from Kyiv to Lviv. Paris said it would provide an additional $111 million in financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, as well as support for Ukrainian refugees in Poland. Previously, France had sent 33 tons of emergency aid, including tents, blankets, and sleeping bags, to Ukraine via Poland. This aid has since been delivered to Ukrainian authorities.
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| Photo: AP |
Putin was stripped of his Taekwondo black belt.
In another development, according to Reuters, the World Taekwondo Federation has decided to strip the honorary 9th Dan black belt previously awarded to the Russian President.Vladimir PutinIn November 2013, the federation condemned Russia's military campaign in Ukraine as going against the principle of "Peace is more valuable than Victory" and violating the values of respect and tolerance inherent in the sport.
The federation said it would join the International Olympic Committee in banning the Russian flag and national anthem at its events.
On February 27, the International Judo Federation also announced the suspension of Putin's roles as honorary president and ambassador "due to the ongoing war in Ukraine."
