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](https://abcnews.go.com/images/International/Two_Men_War_1646658133756_hpMain.jpg)
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
Still 'no appreciable movement' of convoy approaching Kyiv: US defense official
A senior U.S. defense official told reporters Friday that there is still "no appreciable movement" by a convoy of Russian forces approaching Kyiv, with the closest forces still about 25 kilometers from the city.
The official said a sabotaged bridge and Ukrainian attacks have contributed to the stalling of the convoy.
As for Kharkiv and Cherniv, the official said the U.S. estimates that Russian forces are about 10 kilometers from both city centers.
The official confirmed Russia took control of the Zaparozhye nuclear power plant.
The official said the U.S. is not in a position to independently verify that Russia has taken control of Kherson, saying fighting between the Russians and Ukrainians around the city has been seen as recently as today.
Mariupol is still under Ukrainian control, but Russians are bombarding the city and approaching from the north and up from the Azov coast, the official said.
Ukraine is still assessed to have "a strong majority" of its combat air power in tact, according to the official. Both Ukraine and Russia are also both believed to be using drones.
Russia has sent in approximately 92% of the forces it had arrayed at the border, up from about 90% yesterday, the official said.
Russians have now fired more than 500 missiles against Ukraine, according to the official.
-ABC News' Matt Seyler
UN Security Council meets over Russian attacks on nuclear power plant
The United Nations Security Council met Friday in an emergency session over Russia's attacks on Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.
The British representative said this is the first time a state has attacked a functioning nuclear power plant.
Senior U.N. diplomat and Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo condemned active military activity near a nuclear site as "not only unacceptable, but highly irresponsible."
"Every action should be taken to avoid a catastrophic nuclear incident," she added, saying an attack on a functioning nuclear power plant is contrary to international humanitarian law.
-ABC News' Conor Finnegan
'Fake news' law passes in Russia carrying stiff jail sentences
A new Russian law could send people to prison for up to 15 years for posting "fake news" about the war.
Journalists and media in Russia will now only be able to report what is happening as the Kremlin reports it.
Duma, Russia's legislative body, passed the rule Friday. It will be sent to Russian President Vladimir Putin's desk for it to be signed into law.
-ABC News' Tanaya Stukalova
Arctic Council to boycott future talks with Russia: Reuters
The Arctic Council on Friday said it would boycott future talks with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. Russia currently holds the chairmanship until 2023, according to a report by Reuters.
The intergovernmental forum is designed to promote cooperation between the eight Arctic states of Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the U.S.
The council said it is canceling all of its official meetings, including those of its subsidiary bodies, until further notice. Its next meeting was scheduled in Russia this May.
This comes at a sensitive time when climate change is opening up the Arctic to resource exploitation.
-ABC News' Tracy Wholf
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