Russia-Ukraine updates: Putin says 'certain positive movements' in negotiations

A third round of talks between Russia and Ukraine ended without any resolution.

Russian forces are continuing their attempted push through Ukraine from multiple directions, while Ukrainians, led by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, are putting up "stiff resistance," according to U.S. officials.

The attack began Feb. 24, when Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation."

Russian forces moving from neighboring Belarus toward Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, have advanced closer to the city center in recent days despite the resistance, coming within about 9 miles as of Friday.

Russia has been met by sanctions from the United States, Canada and countries throughout Europe, targeting the Russian economy as well as Putin himself.

For previous coverage, please click here.

Two Men at War
Two Men at War
A look at the two leaders at the center of the war in Ukraine and how they both rose to power, the difference in their leadership and what led to this moment in history.
Stream On Hulu

0

Blinken will travel to Europe to coordinate with allies, address refugee crisis

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that he will be traveling to Brussels, Poland, Moldova and the Baltic countries starting Thursday.

Blinken will be continuing discussions and consultations with NATO allies and partners regarding the invasion of Ukraine, including consequences and severe economic costs on Russia.

In Brussels, he will participate in NATO and G7 summits and meet with EU counterparts, as well as hold additional meetings.

In Poland, he will meet his Polish counterpart and "thank Poland for generously welcoming hundreds of thousands of displaced persons from Ukraine."

In Moldova, where Russian troops occupy the breakaway region Transnistria, Blinken will meet with leadership.

Blinken will also be traveling to Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, where he will reassure the three NATO allies about possible further Russian action.

- ABC News' Conor Finnegan


Some Russian losses due to weapons provided by US

At least some of the losses the Russians acknowledged Wednesday were due to weapons the U.S. provided Ukraine, acting U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Kristina Kvien told ABC News.

The U.S. has supplied defensive weapons to Ukrainians including anti-tank Javelins and anti-aircraft Stingers, along with ammunition and other supplies.

"We don't know which individual piece of hardware did which individual thing, but let's just say my understanding is Javelins have been extremely effective against Russian onslaught," Kvien said.

"When you see on television some of these Russian tanks or planes blowing up that's partly due to the weapons we have been able to provide," she added.

Kvien told ABC News the U.S. would continue to push weapons and ammunition into the hands of the Ukrainians, but declined to discuss how they are getting into the country.

-ABC News' Aaron Katersky


White House announces new sanctions, restrictions on Russia, Belarus

The White House announced it will impose several new sanctions and restrictions on Russia and Belarus on Wednesday.

The U.S. will be placing export controls on extraction equipment and refining technology needed for Russia's oil and gas industry.

The White House argues this will degrade Russia's oil and gas industry over time, as it will prevent them from maintaining and upgrading current projects and, to some degree, future projects and likely make Russia a less desirable place for foreign oil and gas companies to invest in.

The U.S. will also impose full-blocking financial sanctions, its toughest sanctions, on 22 entities that support Russia's defense sector. These entities make combat aircraft, infantry fighting vehicles, electronic warfare systems, missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles for Russia’s military, according to the White House.

Export controls currently placed by the U.S. on Russia will be extended to Belarus, cutting them off from access to semiconductors and other technology. The U.S. will also sanction entities that support Belarus's military.

-ABC News' Ben Gittleson


Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich to sell Chelsea FC

Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich confirmed on Wednesday that he will sell the Chelsea soccer club.

Abramovich said he instructed his team to set up a charity for the victims of the war in Ukraine where all net proceeds from the sale will be donated.

"The foundation will be for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine. This includes providing critical funds towards the urgent and immediate needs of victims, as well as supporting the long-term work of recovery," Abramovich said in a statement.

Abramovich said the sale of the club will not be fast-tracked.

"This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and Club," Abramovich said. "This has been an incredibly difficult decision to make, and it pains me to part with the Club in this manner. However, I do believe this is in the best interest of the Club."

-ABC News' Zoe Magee


Russian missile hits Kyiv TV tower, killing at least 5

The tower that provides the main signal to TV and radio in Kyiv has been struck by a Russian missile, leaving at least five dead, Ukrainian officials said.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted that the tower "is situated on the territory of Babyn Yar. On September 29-30, 1941, Nazis killed over 33 thousand Jews here. 80 years later, Russian Nazis strike this same land to exterminate Ukrainians. Evil and barbaric."

Ukraine's President President Volodymr Zelenskyy tweeted, "What is the point of saying «never again» for 80 years, if the world stays silent when a bomb drops on the same site of Babyn Yar? At least 5 killed. History repeating."

-ABC News' Christine Theodorou