**Russian forces have nearly surrounded the southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol.** Satellite images released by Maxar Technologies on March 7 show Russian military vehicles surrounding the city, which has been under heavy bombardment for days. The Ukrainian government says that Russian forces have cut off electricity, water, and food supplies to the city, and that more than 1,200 civilians have been killed in the fighting..
**The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Russia to immediately suspend its military operations in Ukraine.** The ICJ, which is the highest court in the United Nations system, ruled on March 7 that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was illegal and that it must immediately withdraw its troops. Russia has said that it will not comply with the ruling..
**The United States and its allies have imposed new sanctions on Russia.** The sanctions target Russian banks, energy companies, and individuals close to President Vladimir Putin. The sanctions are designed to cripple the Russian economy and force Putin to end the war in Ukraine..
**The United Nations General Assembly has voted to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.** The resolution, which passed on March 2, was supported by 141 countries. Five countries voted against the resolution: Russia, Belarus, North Korea, Eritrea, and Syria..
**The war in Ukraine has caused a humanitarian crisis.** More than 2 million people have fled Ukraine since the start of the war, and millions more have been displaced within the country. The United Nations estimates that up to 10 million people could be displaced from their homes in Ukraine by the end of the war..
**The war in Ukraine is likely to have a significant impact on the global economy.** The sanctions on Russia are expected to cause disruptions in the global energy market and could lead to higher prices for oil and gas. The war could also disrupt global supply chains and lead to shortages of key commodities..
**The war in Ukraine is a major threat to international peace and security.** The war has raised fears of a wider conflict in Europe and could lead to a nuclear war. The international community must do everything it can to de-escalate the situation and bring about a peaceful resolution to the war..
