Countdown to the U.S. midterms

Primary season in the United States has kicked off… with Texans the first in the country to cast their ballot on who they want to represent their party in the November mid-term elections.

What happens in the Lone Star state could offer the first glimpse into what voters across America are most concerned about.

Toni Waterman has more from Texas.

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Uganda Warns of Heavy Rains and Displacement

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Fresh cracks which have appeared in one of Uganda's major mountain ranges are causing fears of imminent landslides, risking the lives of thousands.

The Mt Elgon range is a landslide-prone area and several have occurred in the past causing death and destruction of property and farmland.

Isabel Nakirya reports.

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Ukraine conflict in focus for Biden's State of the Union

Foreign policy and the Russian invasion of Ukraine will take center
stage in US President Joe Biden's first State of the Union speech.

It's an opportunity to rally Democrats and Republicans - even though
many voters are more concerned about the rising cost of living.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

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Russians warn assault of Kyiv is imminent

There is every indication that a major Russian military assault of Kyiv will soon be underway.

The Russians are warning civilians to leave the Ukrainian capital, and to avoid government buildings housing intelligence infrastructure.

The main communications tower in the city was struck earlier today…taking Ukrainian television off air and killing at least 5 people according to authorities in Kyiv.

Peter Dickinson is in western Ukraine.

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And there have been astonishing scenes at Kyiv's central railway station today with thousands of people trying to leave the city.

Our reporter Julia Chapman is in Moscow.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky today accused President Putin of war crimes, after the northeastern city of Kharkiv was targeted by Russian missiles last night.

The Ukrainian leader received a rapturous reception when he spoke to the European Parliament today by video link.

Our Brussels correspondent Rose Birchard with more.

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UN agency warns Ukraine crisis could spark refugee crisis

The United Nations refugee agency warns the Ukraine conflict could
spark Europe's largest refugee crisis this century.

The UN is appealing for nearly two billion dollars in aid to provide
relief and protection.

William Denselow reports from UN headquarters in New York.

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UN calls for $1.7 bn. In humanitarian assistance for Ukraine

The United Nations has launched a $1.7 billion appeal to provide
Ukraine with humanitarian support.

The world body estimates 12 million people in the country will need
relief as Russia's invasion continues.

William Denselow reports from UN headquarters in New York.

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UK Prime Minister Says introducing no fly zone over Ukraine could spark war in the west 'no one is prepared for'

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson faced criticism from a Ukrainian Reporter in a press conference in Poland.

Mr Johnson has rejected calls to introduce a no-fly zone over Ukraine because he fears it may spark a catastrophic reaction from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

World leaders say the economic sanctions already imposed make it very difficult for Putin to continue his assault on Ukraine.

Chris Jones has more in London.

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President Zelensky calls on EU to prove it's with Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has delivered an impassioned speech to European Union lawmakers. 

He called on Europe to prove it was really with Ukraine.

Rosie Birchard has more from Brussels.

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Nord Stream 2 sacks all of its staff

International sanctions continue to hit Russian companies, as the West rallies in support of Ukraine. 

The latest company to feel the effects of sanctions is Nord Stream 2 - with the firm behind the controversial gas pipeline laying off all of its staff. 

From Berlin, Trent Murray reports. 

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MILITARY CONVOY APPROACHES KIEV

A Russian military convoy approaching Ukraine's capital is far bigger than first thought.

Satelite images show it's around 40 miles long and on a stretch of road north of Kyiv.

A military base on the edge of the city has also been targeted with airstrikes overnight... and explosions have continued in the second largest city of Kharkiv.

Moscow Correspondent Stuart Smith says the convoy is making progress towards Kyiv.

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Five Dead in Shooting at California Church

A shooting at a California church has five people dead.

Authorities are calling the shooting a murder-suicide. 

Rachel Silverman has details. 

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India to send humanitarian relief to Ukraine

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India is sending its first batch of Humanitarian assistance supplies to Ukraine on Tuesday.

This is New Delhi's first sign of support for the Eastern European nation ravaged by war.

Still, the country hasn't condemned Russia's invasion as it walks a tightrope.

Ishan Garg tells us more from New Delhi.

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Japan eases border restrictions, but government urged to do more

Japan has eased Covid-19 border controls, after months of tough restrictions.  Non-resident foreign nationals are now allowed to enter the country for purposes other than tourism. But the government is facing strong calls to relax measures further.

Phoebe Amoroso reports from Tokyo.

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US markets split in volatile trading as Wall Street eyes Russian invasion of Ukraine

On Wall Street, U.S. stocks were split in volatile trading on Monday as investors monitored the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, including a new batch of sanctions from the U.S. and its allies.

It capped off a rough February with the major averages all posting sharp monthly losses.

Our US correspondent Kate Fisher reports

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US expels 12 Russian UN diplomats

The United States has ordered the expulsion of twelve Russian UN
diplomats from the country.

The US says they were involved in espionage activities.

Sarah Walton reports

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Biden to send more military supplies to Ukraine as Russian invasion intensifies

President Biden spent 80 minutes on Monday conferring with western leaders discussing the crisis in Ukraine and reviewing options for ending the conflict.

The talks came after Ukrainian and Russian officials met for the first time since President Putin ordered the invasion of his neighbour.

President Biden is authorizing fresh weapons shipments to Kyiv, amid growing concerns that the conflict could be intenisfying..

From Washington, Simon Marks reports.

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Facebook Disrupts Disinformation Campaign that Targeted Ukraine

Facebook's parent company Meta says it's taking action to disrupt coordinated attempts to spread false information targeting Ukrainians.  The social media company says it has removed two disinformation operations….one tied to Russia and the other to Belarus. 

Rachel Silverman has this report from San Francisco.

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First Jan 6th Capitol riot trial opens in DC

Almost 14 months after a mob stormed the United States Capitol, jury selection has opened for the first trial of one of those charged in connection with the attack, which threatened the certification of Joe Biden's Presidential victory. 

So far, more than 200 rioters have pleaded guilty, with some receiving sentences of up to five years in prison. 

From Washington DC, Benji Hyer reports. 

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French president holds more telephone talks with Putin and Zelensky

As the first direct negotiations between Ukraine and Russia over the conflict took place in Belarus, the French leader once held talks with his counterparts in Moscow and Kyiv.

Emmanuel Macron's call with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelenksy came after the EU imposed its harshest ever sanctions on Russia over the weekend.

From FSN's bureau in Paris, here's Ross Cullen.

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Russia says 'unacceptable remarks' made by NATO and UK's foreign secretary led to decision on nuclear forces

President Vladimir Putin has put Russia's nuclear forces on high alert after 'unacceptable remarks' made by NATO diplomats including the UK's foreign secretary Lizz Truss.

Truss said on Sunday that the situation could lead to conflict with NATO if Russia's current course was not stopped.

Chris Jones has more in London.

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