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.
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Latest headlines:
- Ukrainian air force claims Russia carried out false flag airstrike in Belarus
- UN has credible reports of Russian cluster bomb use, attacks on health care
- Putin claims 'certain positive movements' in Ukraine negotiations
- Russian general prosecutor wants Meta declared 'extremist organization'
- Putin orders Russian military to help volunteer fighters from Middle East travel to Ukraine
Zelenskyy tells Western countries to send Ukraine fighter jets
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has again appealed to Western countries to impose a "no-fly zone" over his country or send him military aircraft to use against Russia.
Zelenskyy on Sunday referred to an attack on the city of Vinnytsia in west-central Ukraine, saying he saw eight missiles hit an airport there.
"The airport is completely ruined. They deliberately destroy our infrastructure. They hit at our peaceful population. We plead with you every day and urge you again, all the world leaders, help us save lives. Impose a no-fly zone, close our skies. Help stop Russian missiles and aircraft dropping bombs," Zelenskyy said.
He added, "I know you can do it. It's your humanitarian duty to protect life and save lives. If you don't do it, help us with military aircraft! If you don't -- you will share blame for the loss of lives of innocent Ukrainians from now on.”
The Financial Times reported on Saturday night that the United States and Poland are working on a deal for Poland to provide Ukraine with fighter jets, which are Russian-made MiG jets.
-ABC News’ Patrick Reevell
Pope Francis renews appeal for peace in Ukraine
Pope Francis on Sunday again made a strong appeal for peace in Ukraine during his noontime prayer at the Vatican.
“Rivers of blood and tears are flowing in Ukraine. This is not just a military operation, but a war, which sows death, destruction and misery,” the pontiff said from his window overlooking St. Peter’s Square. “The victims are ever more numerous, as are the people fleeing, especially mothers and children. In that tormented country the need for humanitarian assistance grows dramatically from hour to hour.”
People carrying Ukrainian and peace flags listened from the square.
“I make a heartfelt appeal to ensure that humanitarian corridors are in place, and that aid access to the besieged areas is guaranteed and facilitated, in order to offer vital assistance to our brothers and sisters oppressed by bombs and fear,” the pope said.
-ABC News’ Phoebe Natanson
Russia breaks cease-fire in Mariupol, local officials say
Russia has broken Sunday’s temporary cease-fire in Mariupol, two officials with the mayor’s office told ABC News.
The officials said Russia continued shelling during the first two hours of the cease-fire, which had been scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. local time.
Mariupol officials earlier said an evacuation of residents would begin at noon local time. Sunday’s planned evacuation was to come after a failed cease-fire on Saturday, Ukrainian officials said.
-ABC News’ Matt Gutman
US ‘stands ready’ to help detained WNBA star, Blinken says
Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday reacted to WNBA star Brittney Griner being detained in Russia, saying “whenever an American is detained anywhere in the world, we of course stand ready to provide every possible assistance and that includes in Russia.”
Blinken noted that he was limited in what he could say, given privacy considerations. He made the comments on Sunday alongside Moldovan President Maia Sandu at a press conference.
He also brought up efforts to seek the release of Paul Whelan and Trevor Reed, two Americas who’ve been detained by Russia.
-ABC News’ Justin Ryan Gomez
Senate approves $1.5 trillion funding bill with supplemental aid to Ukraine
The Senate passed a $1.5 trillion government funding bill late Thursday that includes $13.6 billion in supplemental aid to Ukraine by a vote of 68-31.
The legislation will now head to President Joe Biden's desk for his signature.
In a statement, White House press secretary Jen Psaki thanked leaders for "getting this bill done" and said Biden "looks forward to signing it into law."
"With these resources, we will be able to deliver historic support for the Ukrainian people as they defend their country and democracy," she said in part.
The supplemental Ukrainian aid is split between defense and nondefense funding. The $1.5 trillion also includes funding for many of the administration's priorities as well as sizable amounts for defense spending.
-ABC News' Allie Pecorin and Justin Gomez