April 6, 2022

*) Zelenskyy urges UNSC to fix accountability Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has told the 15-member United Nations Security Council that "accountability must be inevitable" for Russia. During an address, he accused Moscow's troops of committing what he described as "the most terrible war crimes" since World War Two. Zelenskyy questioned the value of the Security Council, which has been unable to take any action over Russia's attacks because Moscow has a veto power. Zelenskyy also showed footage of dead bodies — including children — he said were victims of Russian atrocities. Russia's ambassador rejected the claims. *) US, allies prepare new Russia sanctions The United States, in coordination with the EU and Group of 7 nations, will roll out new sanctions against Russia in response to alleged atrocities. The measures would include a ban on all new investment in Russia, according to a US official. There would be increased sanctions on financial institutions and state-owned enterprises in Russia, and sanctions on Russian government officials and their family members. *) Sri Lankan president revokes emergency amid protests Sri Lanka's president has revoked a state of emergency after huge protests demanded his resignation over the country's economic crisis. The decree said Gotabaya Rajapaksa revoked orders that had given him sweeping authority to maintain public order, including authorising detentions and seizing property. Rajapaksa had invited all parties to join a unity government after the Cabinet resigned on Sunday night. But the main opposition party rejected the proposal. *) US approves $95M sale of missile defence support to Taiwan The US has announced it has approved the sale of up to $95 million worth of training and equipment to support Taiwan's Patriot missile defence system. The Pentagon said Taiwan will use the proposed training and equipment as a "deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen homeland defence". Taiwan's foreign ministry said the deal would help protect aga