Ukraine invasion an ‘attack on civilians’, says ambassador
The UK’s ambassador to Ukraine, Melinda Simmons has claimed Russia’s attack on the state is becoming more an “assault on civilians” after reports of heavy shelling on Sunday.
PM to host Canadian and Dutch leaders for Ukraine talks
Boris Johnson is set to begin a week of intense diplomatic efforts with foreign leaders to build a united front against Vladimir Putin, beginning with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte at Downing Street today.
It comes as ministers scramble to go “faster and harder” with sanctions levelled against the Kremlin.
Mr Johnson is expected to put more pressure on international leaders to take further action to remove Russia from the Swift payment system, while pushing them to back his six-point plan to tackle Russian aggression.
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said amendments to the Economic Crime Bill – which is set to be fast-tracked through all stages in the Commons on Monday – would “give us the chance to bring even more crippling sanctions against Putin and his regime”.
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Morning update
Welcome to the Evening Standard’s live coverage of the conflict in Ukraine, here’s what you missed:
– Following a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Vladimir Putin has claimed a ceasefire will be held in Kyiv, Mariupol, and Kharkiv.
– Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned Russian troops will attack the southern city of Odesa during a speech.
– A third round of peace talks is set to be held on Monday following heavy Russian shelling.
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