ukraine

Reports of many large explosions in Ukraine's capital, Kyiv

• Social media alight with these, nothing from the MSM as yet

French president Emmanuel Macron spoke with Putin Thursday evening

• Phone call

France will offer 300mn EUR of aid to Ukraine and military equipment

• Macron statement

The Anonymous collective has taken down website of the Russian propaganda station RT News.

• Kremlin's website is also currently offline

EU'sVon Der Leyen says financial sanctions target 70% of Russian banking market

• Ukraine

Press conference after the special meeting of the European Council on Ukraine - live link

Ukrainian official says Friday will be the worst day of Russian attack

• Ukraine

Ukraine envoy to Japan says Ukraine does not have control of Chernobyl nuclear plant

• Says workers at the facility are now held as prisoners

China offers Chinese nationals chartered flights to leave Ukraine

• There are 6,000 Chinese nationals in Ukraine, said a spokesperson from the embassy in the country.

Japan PM Kishida - won't rule out any policy options in taking steps on rising oil price

• Japan not taking anything off the table when it considers policy options to address surging oil prices

Blinken says he's "convinced" President Putin will try to overthrow the Ukraine government

• US Secretary of State Blinken appearing on US ABC media

Australian PM Morrison berates China 4 easing trade restrictions with Russia at this time

Goldman Sachs on gold - says it could go to $2350

• GS eyeing Ukraine devlopments

Japan finance minister Suzuki says will freeze assets in some Russian banks

• Part of the economic response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Japan PM Kishida says will immediately impose sanctions against Russia

• Japanese Prime Minister Kishida