March 11, 2022

*) Russian forces advance on Kiev as city becomes 'fortress' Russian troops have edged closer to Kiev, as officials said the Ukrainian capital was being transformed into a "fortress". Hundreds of thousands of civilians remain holed up in Ukrainian cities under a Russian bombing campaign after talks between Moscow and Kiev's top diplomats ended without any progress. The Ukrainian military in a statement warned "the enemy is trying to eliminate the defences of the Ukrainian forces around" regions to the west and northwest of the capital "to block Kiev." *) China says Ukraine situation 'disconcerting', calls for truce China's premier has called the situation in Ukraine "grave" and "disconcerting" and offered Beijing's help in playing a "positive role" for peace while refusing to criticise Russia. Li Keqiang told reporters at an annual news conference that "we support and encourage all efforts that are conducive to a peaceful settlement of the crisis." "The pressing task now is to prevent tension from escalating or even getting out of control," Li said, adding it is important to support Russia and Ukraine in ceasefire talks. *) Türkiye: Comprehensive peace treaty between Russia, Ukraine on table Turkiye’s foreign minister has said signing a "comprehensive peace treaty" is on the agenda that Russia and Ukraine are discussing. "There are a lot of topics both countries are discussing, including neutrality, and the signing of a comprehensive peace treaty is also on the table,” Mevlut Cavusoglu said. He was speaking after a meeting with his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts in Antalya. It was the first time that Moscow and Kiev met at the ministerial level since Russia attacked its neighbour two weeks ago. *) Fears of violence in Libya as pro-Bashagha militia gathers near Tripoli The UN has warned against "provocation" in Libya that could lead to clashes, citing reports of armed elements mobilising around the capital Tripoli. Video footage and pictures posted online purportedly showed convoys of milit