this is bbc world news, the headlines... hundreds of people have escaped the besieged ukrainian city of mariupol — but the red cross�* evacuation efforts have once again been frustrated. they are spending the night en route and will resume their journey tomorrow. emmanuel macron held held his first rally of his french election campaign. he told around thirty thousand supporters he's fighting for social progress and to stop �*extremism' in french politics. hollywood actor will smith has resigned from the oscars academy after slapping comedian chris rock on stage during last sunday's ceremony. the academy says it accepts smith's resignation and will continue with their own disciplinary proceedings. now it's time for unspun world...

hello, and thanks forjoining me for unspun world, the programme where we get straight answers from the bbc�*s vast worldwide range of experts. the war in ukraine drags on into a second month, but is either side actually winning? i think the russians have had an outbreak of reality, of a reality check. they have bitten off more than they could chew by trying to take the whole of ukraine. how are the sanctions and the war affecting ordinary russians? the majority of russians, life has always been hard, and theyjust keep struggling.

in one of the world's other largely unreported wars, the one in ethiopia, is there a slight is there a slight glimmer of hope now? when the government said - that they were declaring a truce on humanitarian grounds, i that was an encouraging sign that the world could be headingi toward some sort of resolution. so, no knockout blow by russia and no sign that ukraine can throw out the invaders. that is a pretty bleak picture. neither side can give up, for fear of seeming to be defeated and there is growing anxiety that at some point vladimir putin might lose patience and reach for his nuclear weapons. once ukraine showed its remarkable courage in resisting the russian attack, people in the west who wanted ukraine to win, found themselves lapping up the bits of news that

favoured the ukrainians. the russians have now offered to pull back their forces around kyiv and chernihiv, although the ukrainians in the western supporters are sceptical. as ever in wartime, the first casualty is truth. frank gardner, the bbc�*s security correspondent. there is no getting around it, russia is losing a very high number of people. that is just the people killed, then on top of that, you have got the wounded, desertion, people who have been taken out of combat in one way or another. afghanistan, which you of course covered, for a long time, in the space of ten years there, the soviets lost around 15,000, now it looks like the russians have lost half that many in the space of one month of fighting. this is huge numbers of attrition for them. they can resupply, they can regenerate, they are calling up reserves, they are getting chechen

and is and syrians to come and join the battle, but the ukrainians have fought for harder and more effectively than anybody expected. so, what can we believe? are they indeed, are the russians indeed moving back from kyiv or is that also a little bit of wishful thinking? i think the russians have had an outbreak of reality, of a reality check, they have bitten off more than they can chew by trying to take the whole of ukraine. i think it is fairly obvious what their plan was at the beginning, they aimed to do a kind of shock and awe advance, surround and capture the capital of kyiv and within days the government would collapse and fall at flee and they would install some kind of puppet pro—moscow government. that has not happened, but they have made territorial gains in the south. they are achieving their aim in the south, and they are advancing north out of crimea, linking up with their forces in the donbas. that is going to give them quite strong position

of the negotiating table. so, is it reasonable to assume that putin is not really yet in a position where he thinks, i have got to cut and run, i have got to make the best of my winnings and the worst of my losses? definitely not. i think he is probably pretty cross with the so—called intelligence that he was given at the beginning. i mean, this is the problem with autocrats, john, you have met and interviewed loads of them in your time and people do not tell them the hard truths, they do not speak truth to power and i think with putin, he was told, by his intelligence chiefs, this will be a walkover, they will welcome you with open arms and of course that is not the case. the ukrainian army is in a far stronger position today than it was in 2014, they are running low on supplies, if those supply lines from the west are cut, they are going to be in trouble, they are running low on fuel, on diesel, on food, but the one thing they are not running low on is morale and that is something that the russians do not have. a lot of them simply do not

know why they are there. they have been poorly lead, poorly supplied, pootly run, in terms of directions. there use of fire manoeuvre is almost nonexistent. they fail to do what is called combined arms warfare, which is where you have got the infantry, the artillery, the drones, the electronic warfare, the helicopters, and they all work in concert and the ukrainians, who are far swifter and nimbler, in much smaller numbers, they have been able to pick them off in these heavy lumbering convoys, attacking them at night and then just vanishing into the woods. and, forgive me, but that is not ukrainian propaganda, that is genuinely happening? that is genuinely happening. it is quite right to ask that, because this is an information war as much as a kinetic war. the russians destroyed still quite a lot of ukraine's infrastructure. they have got these precision guided missiles that they can lob into the west of the country, that most people thought was safe. we have seen how russia and syria,

for instance, have pulled trips back and just pounded city after city after city with often pretty disgusting weapons, as well as just the usual ones. is that what the future of this war is going to be? it is what the present is in chernihiv and, to some extent in kharkiv and mariupol as well, so mariupol will go down in history as debatably the most bombed city, certainly the most bombed city in europe since the second world war, but if you taken for the russians, had been as motivated as the ukrainians are, where you have got citizens who have never touched a weapon in their lives, taking up arms and putting machine guns on the back of the pick—up trucks, they are going to fight for every street, so rather than go through those streets, they would ratherjust pummel it with artillery, with rockets, with drones, with missiles and what they are doing is almost like a medieval tactic of surrounding these cities,

cutting them off from fuel, heating, electricity, water, communications in some places, and making life absolutely miserable for the inhabitants and then saying, we will allow a humanitarian corridor. if you had to be forced to make a judgment, who is winning? nobody. if russia holds out, time is probably on russia's side on this one. itjust depends how many casualties they are prepared to take. there may come a time were the ukrainian government face a terrible choice of, to the settle for peace and accept the loss of the donbas and crimea in order to save kyiv and other cities or do they carry on fighting? that is a really tough choice and that may be coming down the line. president biden whipped up a storm the other day with his off—the—cuff remark, which seem to call for the overthrow of vladimir putin.

american officials instantly rushed around saying that regime change was not american policy, but how much damage has this latest biden misstatement done? anthony's zurcher is the bbc�*s us political analyst. well, i think the american public, they look at biden's comments and the attempts to walk back from the administration as a sign of chaos in american foreign policy, that the american foreign policy is not on sure footing, which obviously is not helpful for what the united states is trying to do. although, to be perfectly honest, the american public, the people who have followed joe biden over the course of his career know that he has a propensity for gaffes. they have seen it before, they have seen him occasionally say things that were unscripted and maybe got him into some hot water and often times, you know, there is a kernel of truth, a kernel of evidence that

that is where joe biden's heart is when he says these things, and i think maybe what you're kind of scene here with his comment about vladimir putin, too. and of course, you can bet, that just about every one of those western european leaders who are so nervous about it actually does think the same thing, it is just that they feel it is better left unsaid. a desperate vladimir putin, an unpredictable vladimir putin, one that feels threatened by the west is one who could intentionally or not escalate this military situation into something that nato does not want. you do not want him to feel like the west wants him removed from power, because a person who is desperate to hang onto power can do things that are dangerous. i think there is also a concern when you look at the united states, particularly calling for regime change in russia, is that that is actually counter—productive. people who may be organising

to protest against vladimir putin do not want to be labelled as american patsies, they do not want to be seen as pawns for the american government, so i think in the state department in particular, if you ask those folks, they would prefer that the united statesjust let things run its course. it is hard to see, isn't it, any way out of this war that does not end up with russia taking a larger slice of ukraine even than it has already got. can the united states live with that? you have got to remember, a lot of people in the biden administration, or in the 0bama administration, eight years ago, when russia invaded crimea, a lot of them feel like the united states response was not forceful enough and i think there are a lot of people in the foreign policy establishment now who are concerned that whatever happens, whatever kind of resolution, short of a full russian withdrawal back to the original borders, which serve as further encouragement somewhere down the line.

but what are people saying about his presidency in the united states? has this weakened him or is it, as you were saying earlier, is it just that they say, well that is joe biden for you? the majority of the american public does not support biden's presidency right now. if you thought there was going to be some sort of rally around the flag, rally around the leader moment in crisis, there was a small bump in his writings shortly after the invasion, but those numbers have turned around and started dropping again. if you look at joe biden's foreign policy and his standings in approval among the american public over the course of his presidency, the really big drop happened last summer and it happened after afghanistan and i think the us withdrawal from afghanistan and the kind of chaotic way it happened, that really did a lot to puncture the view that biden was a competent leader on the world stage, that his foreign policy was being handled smoothly and professionally.

the pictures of anti—war demonstrations in russia, which we see, tend to give us the impression that opposition to the war is a lot more widespread than it actually is. most russians, particularly older ones, just get the government line and give the war their support. and although the news about casualties is starting to spread, a disproportionately large number of russian soldiers in ukraine come from remote areas of russia. so, what do the vast majority of russians here about the war? i'm joined by olga ivshina from the bbc russian service. at the moment we see that it is not easy, - but i cannot say that the crisis of the sanctions are _ hitting very hard. we see there is a lot of panic buying, that is for sure. - there are a lot of fights, literal fights in shops -

and supermarkets for sugar. people are buying huge supplies of sugar. - their life has always been hard, and theyjust keep struggling. l it does not sound, from what you are saying, as though there is any real great pressure on vladimir putin to say, stop the war because we are suffering, people have not got to that stage at all yet? first suffering, people have not got to that stage at all yet?— that stage at all yet? first of all, i am not sure _ that stage at all yet? first of all, i am not sure he _ that stage at all yet? first of all, i am not sure he is _ that stage at all yet? first of all, i am not sure he is ready - that stage at all yet? first of all, i am not sure he is ready to - that stage at all yet? first of all, | i am not sure he is ready to listen to them — i am not sure he is ready to listen to them. because _ i am not sure he is ready to listen to them. because in— i am not sure he is ready to listen to them. because in the - i am not sure he is ready to listen to them. because in the past- i am not sure he is ready to listen to them. because in the past we. i am not sure he is ready to listen- to them. because in the past we have seen people _ to them. because in the past we have seen people protesting _ to them. because in the past we have seen people protesting on _ to them. because in the past we have seen people protesting on various- seen people protesting on various matters, — seen people protesting on various matters, we — seen people protesting on various matters, we have _ seen people protesting on various matters, we have not— seen people protesting on various matters, we have not seen- seen people protesting on various. matters, we have not seen evidence that it _ matters, we have not seen evidence that it influenced _ matters, we have not seen evidence that it influenced his— matters, we have not seen evidence that it influenced his decisions. - that it influenced his decisions. secondly, — that it influenced his decisions. secondly, it— that it influenced his decisions. secondly, it is_ that it influenced his decisions. secondly, it is hard _ that it influenced his decisions. secondly, it is hard to - that it influenced his decisions. secondly, it is hard to evaluatej that it influenced his decisions. - secondly, it is hard to evaluate how many _ secondly, it is hard to evaluate how many russians _ secondly, it is hard to evaluate how many russians are _ secondly, it is hard to evaluate how many russians are actually - secondly, it is hard to evaluate how many russians are actually against i many russians are actually against the war. _ many russians are actually against the war, because _ many russians are actually against the war, because the _ many russians are actually against the war, because the kremlin- many russians are actually against the war, because the kremlin likes to run— the war, because the kremlin likes to run the — the war, because the kremlin likes to run the line _ the war, because the kremlin likes to run the line that— the war, because the kremlin likes to run the line that 75% _ the war, because the kremlin likes to run the line that 75% of - the war, because the kremlin likes to run the line that 75% of the - to run the line that 75% of the population— to run the line that 75% of the population support _ to run the line that 75% of the population support the - to run the line that 75% of the i population support the so—called

special— population support the so—called special operation _ population support the so—called special operation in _ population support the so—called special operation in ukraine. - population support the so—called special operation in ukraine. we| special operation in ukraine. we need _ special operation in ukraine. we need to— special operation in ukraine. we need to remember, _ special operation in ukraine. we need to remember, they- special operation in ukraine. we need to remember, they do - special operation in ukraine. we need to remember, they do not| special operation in ukraine. we - need to remember, they do not even call it— need to remember, they do not even call it a _ need to remember, they do not even call it a war_ need to remember, they do not even call it a war and — need to remember, they do not even call it a war and it— need to remember, they do not even call it a war and it depends _ need to remember, they do not even call it a war and it depends on - need to remember, they do not even call it a war and it depends on how. call it a war and it depends on how you ask— call it a war and it depends on how you ask those _ call it a war and it depends on how you ask those questions _ call it a war and it depends on how you ask those questions and - call it a war and it depends on how you ask those questions and at - call it a war and it depends on how| you ask those questions and at the moment— you ask those questions and at the moment there _ you ask those questions and at the moment there are _ you ask those questions and at the moment there are no _ you ask those questions and at the moment there are no independent| moment there are no independent polling _ moment there are no independent polling contpanies_ moment there are no independent polling companies operating - moment there are no independent polling companies operating in- polling companies operating in russia — polling companies operating in russia. there _ polling companies operating in russia. there is— polling companies operating in russia. there is only- polling companies operating in russia. there is only one - polling companies operating in russia. there is only one and. polling companies operating in- russia. there is only one and they face tremendous— russia. there is only one and they face tremendous troubles - russia. there is only one and they face tremendous troubles and - russia. there is only one and they i face tremendous troubles and others connected _ face tremendous troubles and others connected to — face tremendous troubles and others connected to the _ face tremendous troubles and others connected to the kremlin _ face tremendous troubles and others connected to the kremlin to - face tremendous troubles and others connected to the kremlin to a - connected to the kremlin to a certain— connected to the kremlin to a certain degree, _ connected to the kremlin to a certain degree, whoever- connected to the kremlin to a certain degree, whoever callsj connected to the kremlin to a - certain degree, whoever calls this a war can _ certain degree, whoever calls this a war can face — certain degree, whoever calls this a war can face severe _ certain degree, whoever calls this a war can face severe penalties. - war can face severe penalties. mothers. _ war can face severe penalties. mothers, parents— war can face severe penalties. mothers, parents of— war can face severe penalties. mothers, parents of soldiers l war can face severe penalties. i mothers, parents of soldiers who have been killed, may be injured, must be hearing about that individually. you must know if your son has been killed?— individually. you must know if your son has been killed? some mothers, es, the son has been killed? some mothers, yes. they got — son has been killed? some mothers, yes. they got the _ son has been killed? some mothers, yes, they got the tragic _ son has been killed? some mothers, yes, they got the tragic news - son has been killed? some mothers, yes, they got the tragic news and - yes, they got the tragic news and their— yes, they got the tragic news and their sons— yes, they got the tragic news and their sons came _ yes, they got the tragic news and their sons came back— yes, they got the tragic news and their sons came back in— yes, they got the tragic news and their sons came back in coffins. yes, they got the tragic news and i their sons came back in coffins and some _ their sons came back in coffins and some still— their sons came back in coffins and some still do— their sons came back in coffins and some still do not— their sons came back in coffins and some still do not have _ their sons came back in coffins and some still do not have the - their sons came back in coffins and some still do not have the news i their sons came back in coffins and| some still do not have the news for weeks _ some still do not have the news for weeks this — some still do not have the news for weeks this is _ some still do not have the news for weeks. this is because _ some still do not have the news for weeks. this is because their- some still do not have the news for weeks. this is because their son. some still do not have the news for weeks. this is because their son is| weeks. this is because their son is not an— weeks. this is because their son is not an officer. _ weeks. this is because their son is not an officer, if _ weeks. this is because their son is not an officer, if he _ weeks. this is because their son is not an officer, if he is _ weeks. this is because their son is not an officer, if he is a _ weeks. this is because their son is not an officer, if he is a private, i not an officer, if he is a private, they— not an officer, if he is a private, they were — not an officer, if he is a private, they were stripped _ not an officer, if he is a private, they were stripped of _ not an officer, if he is a private, they were stripped of their- not an officer, if he is a private, . they were stripped of their phones when _ they were stripped of their phones when they— they were stripped of their phones when they entered _ they were stripped of their phones when they entered ukraine - they were stripped of their phones when they entered ukraine and . they were stripped of their phones when they entered ukraine and iti they were stripped of their phonesl when they entered ukraine and it is really— when they entered ukraine and it is really hard — when they entered ukraine and it is really hard for — when they entered ukraine and it is really hard for them _ when they entered ukraine and it is really hard for them to _ when they entered ukraine and it is really hard for them to call- when they entered ukraine and it is really hard for them to call back. i really hard for them to call back. we spoke — really hard for them to call back. we spoke to— really hard for them to call back. we spoke to a _ really hard for them to call back. we spoke to a few _ really hard for them to call back. we spoke to a few mothers - really hard for them to call back. we spoke to a few mothers and i really hard for them to call back. - we spoke to a few mothers and they were completely— we spoke to a few mothers and they were completely believing _ we spoke to a few mothers and they

were completely believing that - were completely believing that russia — were completely believing that russia med _ were completely believing that russia med a _ were completely believing that russia med a pre—emptive - were completely believing that . russia med a pre—emptive strike were completely believing that - russia med a pre—emptive strike to prevent— russia med a pre—emptive strike to prevent an — russia med a pre—emptive strike to prevent an attack _ russia med a pre—emptive strike to prevent an attack from _ russia med a pre—emptive strike to prevent an attack from ukraine - russia med a pre—emptive strike toj prevent an attack from ukraine that was imminent _ prevent an attack from ukraine that was imminent. that— prevent an attack from ukraine that was imminent. that is— prevent an attack from ukraine that was imminent. that is what- prevent an attack from ukraine that was imminent. that is what they i was imminent. that is what they believe — was imminent. that is what they believe and _ was imminent. that is what they believe and that _ was imminent. that is what they believe and that is _ was imminent. that is what they believe and that is why - was imminent. that is what they believe and that is why they- was imminent. that is what they believe and that is why they are i believe and that is why they are very angry— believe and that is why they are very angry and _ believe and that is why they are very angry and they— believe and that is why they are very angry and they ask - believe and that is why they are very angry and they ask for - believe and that is why they are | very angry and they ask for even harsher— very angry and they ask for even harsher actions _ very angry and they ask for even harsher actions from _ very angry and they ask for even harsher actions from russia, - very angry and they ask for even - harsher actions from russia, because they believe — harsher actions from russia, because they believe they _ harsher actions from russia, because they believe they could _ harsher actions from russia, because they believe they could have - harsher actions from russia, because they believe they could have saved i they believe they could have saved their sons — they believe they could have saved their sons. ., . , �* �* �*, their sons. how much is the bbc's messa . e, their sons. how much is the bbc's message. the _ their sons. how much is the bbc's message, the message _ their sons. how much is the bbc's message, the message you - their sons. how much is the bbc's message, the message you and i their sons. how much is the bbc's i message, the message you and your colleagues are sending out, how much does that get through to people? during the first days and first week of the _ during the first days and first week of the war. — during the first days and first week ofthe war. our— during the first days and first week of the war, our numbers _ during the first days and first week of the war, our numbers were - during the first days and first week. of the war, our numbers were through the root _ of the war, our numbers were through the root people — of the war, our numbers were through the roof. people strived _ of the war, our numbers were through the roof. people strived to _ of the war, our numbers were through the roof. people strived to our- the roof. people strived to our website — the roof. people strived to our website and _ the roof. people strived to our website and social— the roof. people strived to our website and social media - the roof. people strived to our- website and social media platforms for information. _ website and social media platforms for information. then, _ website and social media platforms for information. then, our- website and social media platforms for information. then, our websitel for information. then, our website -ot for information. then, our website got blocked, — for information. then, our website got blocked, but _ for information. then, our website got blocked, but we _ for information. then, our website got blocked, but we still— for information. then, our website got blocked, but we still see - for information. then, our website got blocked, but we still see that. got blocked, but we still see that our numbers— got blocked, but we still see that our numbers are _ got blocked, but we still see that our numbers are rising _ got blocked, but we still see that our numbers are rising and - got blocked, but we still see that our numbers are rising and we i got blocked, but we still see that. our numbers are rising and we see that people — our numbers are rising and we see that people are _ our numbers are rising and we see that people are trying _ our numbers are rising and we see that people are trying to _ our numbers are rising and we see that people are trying to get - our numbers are rising and we see i that people are trying to get access to the _ that people are trying to get access to the information _ that people are trying to get access to the information and _ that people are trying to get access to the information and we - that people are trying to get access to the information and we also - that people are trying to get access to the information and we also seel to the information and we also see that in— to the information and we also see that in the — to the information and we also see that in the polls. _ to the information and we also see that in the polls, if— to the information and we also see that in the polls, if you _ to the information and we also see that in the polls, if you look- to the information and we also see that in the polls, if you look even i that in the polls, if you look even to the _ that in the polls, if you look even to the pro—kremlin _ that in the polls, if you look even to the pro—kremlin polls - that in the polls, if you look even to the pro—kremlin polls it- that in the polls, if you look even to the pro—kremlin polls it shows that younger— to the pro—kremlin polls it shows that younger people, _ to the pro—kremlin polls it shows that younger people, the - to the pro—kremlin polls it showsl that younger people, the majority to the pro—kremlin polls it shows i that younger people, the majority of them, _ that younger people, the majority of them, they— that younger people, the majority of them, they do— that younger people, the majority of them, they do not _ that younger people, the majority of them, they do not support _ that younger people, the majority of them, they do not support the - that younger people, the majority of them, they do not support the war. them, they do not support the war and it— them, they do not support the war and it is— them, they do not support the war and it is the — them, they do not support the war and it is the older— them, they do not support the war and it is the older generation- them, they do not support the war and it is the older generation whol and it is the older generation who do not _ and it is the older generation who do not know— and it is the older generation who do not know how _ and it is the older generation who do not know how to _ and it is the older generation who

do not know how to get _ and it is the older generation who do not know how to get to that i do not know how to get to that alternative _ do not know how to get to that alternative source _ do not know how to get to that alternative source of— do not know how to get to that i alternative source of information, they support _ alternative source of information, they support the _ alternative source of information, they support the war. _ alternative source of information, they support the war. [5 - alternative source of information, they support the war. [5 it - alternative source of information, they support the war.— they support the war. is it your feelin: , they support the war. is it your feeling. of _ they support the war. is it your feeling, of course _ they support the war. is it your feeling, of course i _ they support the war. is it your feeling, of course i am - they support the war. is it your feeling, of course i am just - they support the war. is it your. feeling, of course i am just asking you really for your instinct, that this will all build up until the point where vladimir putin has to call it quits? for point where vladimir putin has to call it quits?— point where vladimir putin has to call it quits? for this war? no one really wanted _ call it quits? for this war? no one really wanted it, _ call it quits? for this war? no one really wanted it, no _ call it quits? for this war? no one really wanted it, no one _ call it quits? for this war? no one really wanted it, no one really - really wanted it, no one really requested _ really wanted it, no one really requested it for— really wanted it, no one really requested it for him, - really wanted it, no one really requested it for him, it- really wanted it, no one really requested it for him, it was i requested it for him, it was entirely— requested it for him, it was entirely his _ requested it for him, it was entirely his decision, - requested it for him, it was entirely his decision, so- requested it for him, it was entirely his decision, so i. requested it for him, it was. entirely his decision, so i am afraid — entirely his decision, so i am afraid it _ entirely his decision, so i am afraid it can— entirely his decision, so i am afraid it can stop _ entirely his decision, so i am afraid it can stop only- entirely his decision, so i am afraid it can stop only when i entirely his decision, so i am| afraid it can stop only when it entirely his decision, so i am i afraid it can stop only when it is ”p afraid it can stop only when it is up to— afraid it can stop only when it is up to him — afraid it can stop only when it is up to him to _ afraid it can stop only when it is up to him to stop it. _ india is playing a cautious game over the ukraine war, abstaining in the un vote at the start of the invasion and keeping pretty quiet about it ever since. sure, russia and india have been on close terms since the 19505, but is there more to it than that? a journalist from

the bbc delhi bureau. it to it than that? a journalist from the bbc delhi bureau.— the bbc delhi bureau. it appears that india is _ the bbc delhi bureau. it appears that india is walking _ the bbc delhi bureau. it appears that india is walking a _ the bbc delhi bureau. it appearsj that india is walking a diplomatic tightrope, even though it has advocated a ceasefire and has urged all parties concerned to resolve the issue through diplomacy, indians, to a large extent, believe they cannot be seen to be siding with anyone as they have strong ties with russia, with ukraine and of course the rest of the western world. find with ukraine and of course the rest of the western world.— with ukraine and of course the rest of the western world. and of course, india is fairly — of the western world. and of course, india is fairly strongly _ of the western world. and of course, india is fairly strongly dependent - india is fairly strongly dependent on russia, in terms of weapons supplies, isn't it?— supplies, isn't it? absolutely. india cannot _ supplies, isn't it? absolutely. india cannot condemn - supplies, isn't it? absolutely. india cannot condemn russia | supplies, isn't it? absolutely. - india cannot condemn russia openly. nearly 85% of military hardware in india is russian—made and that is why india is taking a stand which is not antagonising or seemingly antagonising russia. 0n the other

hand, india is slightly dependent on ukraine as well form military hardware. ukraine as well form military hardware-— ukraine as well form military hardware. . , ., ., hardware. the mainstream media, the line they are — hardware. the mainstream media, the line they are taking _ hardware. the mainstream media, the line they are taking is _ hardware. the mainstream media, the line they are taking is also _ hardware. the mainstream media, the line they are taking is also the - line they are taking is also the government line, we should not have favourites in this war, is that right? if favourites in this war, is that ri . ht? , ., favourites in this war, is that riuht? ., , ., right? if you actually look at the hindi language _ right? if you actually look at the hindi language mainstream - right? if you actually look at the | hindi language mainstream news channels, you may feel that it is in line with the coverage in the western media. there is social media, there are whatsapp groups, numerous ones, where we hear different kinds of noises. they liked leaders who can roll with a firm hand, they like mr putin, he seems to be popular here. there is an anti—west sentiment ever goes

largely unreported. an anti-west sentiment ever goes largely unreported.— largely unreported. putin himself, ou sa largely unreported. putin himself, you say that _ largely unreported. putin himself, you say that people _ largely unreported. putin himself, you say that people on _ largely unreported. putin himself, you say that people on social - largely unreported. putin himself, l you say that people on social media like him as a strong figure, but he is also regarded as a friend of india, isn't it?— is also regarded as a friend of india, isn't it? , . india, isn't it? yes indeed. when he was selected. _ india, isn't it? yes indeed. when he was selected, the _ india, isn't it? yes indeed. when he was selected, the president, - india, isn't it? yes indeed. when he was selected, the president, for- india, isn't it? yes indeed. when hej was selected, the president, for the first time in 2000, i was reporting from moscow and i could feel that there was a huge interest on mr putin and many people wanted to hear his apparent taste of indian food and many people argue that western media has double standards. they endorse the invasion of iraq and afghanistan, which you have covered, john, very extensively, so they say that western powers invaded these countries and the western media endorsed it. we countries and the western media endorsed it-_ countries and the western media endorsed it. ~ ., ., , ., endorsed it. we have got used to the idea, rightly or _

endorsed it. we have got used to the idea, rightly or wrongly, _ endorsed it. we have got used to the idea, rightly or wrongly, that - endorsed it. we have got used to the idea, rightly or wrongly, that india i idea, rightly or wrongly, that india and china are in opposition to each other. is there any problem in the indian view of this that china is probably russia's greatest supporter? probably russia's greatest summer?— probably russia's greatest su--orter? , ., . ., supporter? there is a concern. not 'ust supporter? there is a concern. not just china. — supporter? there is a concern. not just china, even _ supporter? there is a concern. not just china, even pakistan, - supporter? there is a concern. not just china, even pakistan, if- supporter? there is a concern. not just china, even pakistan, if you i just china, even pakistan, if you remember imran khan visited moscow just when the russian invasion started in ukraine. 50, russia seems to be getting closer to pakistan which is also a matter for indian foreign policymakers, but at the same time, they appear to believe that russia will be needed, when china and india come together on the negotiating table.— negotiating table. during the past 16 months, thousands _ negotiating table. during the past 16 months, thousands of - negotiating table. during the past 16 months, thousands of people l negotiating table. during the past - 16 months, thousands of people have died in the vicious civil war in ethiopia and many millions more are

in dire need of food and water. every side has committed atrocities and it is as ugly a situation as anywhere on earth. now though, hard work by the americans and others has brought a truce and hopes of something better. italked brought a truce and hopes of something better. i talked to a journalist from bbc africa down the line from addis ababa. it is journalist from bbc africa down the line from addis ababa.— line from addis ababa. it is one of the most tragic _ line from addis ababa. it is one of the most tragic humanitarian - line from addis ababa. it is one of. the most tragic humanitarian stories of recent_ the most tragic humanitarian stories of recent years. it has been going on for— of recent years. it has been going on for almost 17 months and during this time _ on for almost 17 months and during this time we have been hearing reports of— this time we have been hearing reports of atrocities, killings of unarmed — reports of atrocities, killings of unarmed civilians, widespread use of sexuai— unarmed civilians, widespread use of sexual violence as a tactic of war, in addition — sexual violence as a tactic of war, in addition to that, there are mitiions— in addition to that, there are millions of people that have been uprooted — millions of people that have been uprooted from their lives and they are in— uprooted from their lives and they are in desperate need of aid which is not _ are in desperate need of aid which is not getting through to them easily— is not getting through to them easily and smoothly and hundreds of

thousands— easily and smoothly and hundreds of thousands are currently facing famine — thousands are currently facing famine. ~ , ., , , famine. why did it happen in the first place? _ famine. why did it happen in the first place? war _ famine. why did it happen in the first place? war broke _ famine. why did it happen in the first place? war broke out - famine. why did it happen in the first place? war broke out in - first place? war broke out in november. _ first place? war broke out in november, 2020, _ first place? war broke out in november, 2020, and - first place? war broke out in november, 2020, and it- first place? war broke out in l november, 2020, and it came first place? war broke out in - november, 2020, and it came in the backdrop _ november, 2020, and it came in the backdrop of— november, 2020, and it came in the backdrop of months of simmering tensions— backdrop of months of simmering tensions between the federal government, the central government, and the _ government, the central government, and the regional leaders in the north — and the regional leaders in the north. this is the northernmost state _ north. this is the northernmost state of— north. this is the northernmost state of ethiopia and the leaders of that region, a party have been a dominant— that region, a party have been a dominant political force since the i990s~ _ dominant political force since the 19905. the country recently got a new prime — 19905. the country recently got a new prime minister, the current prime _ new prime minister, the current prime minister, and the forces that ran there _ prime minister, and the forces that ran there were essentially sidelined from power. in 2020 the country was supposed _ from power. in 2020 the country was supposed to — from power. in 2020 the country was supposed to hold a widely expected,

highly— supposed to hold a widely expected, highly anticipated general election, but highly anticipated general election, hut that— highly anticipated general election, but that was postponed due to the pandemic— but that was postponed due to the pandemic and then the current prime minister— pandemic and then the current prime minister was accused of using the pandemic— minister was accused of using the pandemic as a pretext to stay in power— pandemic as a pretext to stay in power illegally. pandemic as a pretext to stay in power illegally-— pandemic as a pretext to stay in power illegally. now, the truce that has been announced, _ power illegally. now, the truce that has been announced, is _ power illegally. now, the truce that has been announced, is it _ power illegally. now, the truce that has been announced, is it likely - power illegally. now, the truce that has been announced, is it likely to l has been announced, is it likely to have any effect? it has been announced, is it likely to have any effect?— have any effect? it seems that we are in a kind _ have any effect? it seems that we are in a kind of— have any effect? it seems that we are in a kind of stalemate - have any effect? it seems that we are in a kind of stalemate where l have any effect? it seems that we i are in a kind of stalemate where we are in a kind of stalemate where we are not— are in a kind of stalemate where we are not witnessing heavy on ground fighting _ are not witnessing heavy on ground fighting like we saw in november and october— fighting like we saw in november and october and when the government said that 0ctober and when the government said that they— october and when the government said that they were preparing a truce on humanitarian grounds, and when they said they— humanitarian grounds, and when they said they were welcoming that decision, — said they were welcoming that decision, that was of course encouraging sign that the work would be heading towards some sort of resolution, but there isn't still a flow resolution, but there isn't still a flow of— resolution, but there isn't still a flow of tracks of aid gearing us

towards — flow of tracks of aid gearing us towards tigray that has been cut off from aid _ towards tigray that has been cut off from aid since december. if the truce does _ from aid since december. if the truce does get _ from aid since december. if the truce does get somewhere, - from aid since december. if the. truce does get somewhere, what from aid since december. if ii�*uéi truce does get somewhere, what is your instinct about the future of the country as a whole? it is your instinct about the future of the country as a whole? it is not auoin to the country as a whole? it is not going to be _ the country as a whole? it is not going to be an — the country as a whole? it is not going to be an easy _ the country as a whole? it is not going to be an easy conflict - the country as a whole? it is not going to be an easy conflict to l going to be an easy conflict to solve — going to be an easy conflict to solve. because there are multiple actors _ solve. because there are multiple actors despite the federal government and the forces in tigray. for example, there are forces from neighbouring eritrea that were involved — neighbouring eritrea that were involved in this war against the federal— involved in this war against the federal government and they have their own — federal government and they have their own issues with the forces. 20 years— their own issues with the forces. 20 years ago. — their own issues with the forces. 20 years ago, there was a war between ethiopia _ years ago, there was a war between ethiopia and eritrea and during that time there — ethiopia and eritrea and during that time there were resentments between them and _ time there were resentments between them and in addition to that, there are also— them and in addition to that, there are also disputed areas domestically

between _ are also disputed areas domestically between the tigray region and neighbouring region. the truce means that millions of people, 6 million people _ that millions of people, 6 million people in— that millions of people, 6 million people in tigray alone or in desperate need of aid. for them to be desperate need of aid. for them to he reached — desperate need of aid. for them to be reached by aid agencies, at least the first— be reached by aid agencies, at least the first step is this course. the russian invasion _ the first step is this course. iia: russian invasion of ukraine is different from most wars in several respects. in particular, both sides were surprisingly quick to agree to peace talks, not that those necessarily mean anything, but peace talks to produce a result, one side or the other has to realise it is on the ropes. so far, that is simply not happening. i hope you will be able tojoin me not happening. i hope you will be able to join me again. until then, goodbye.

it is going to be a cold and frosty night tonight and it felt quite chilly out there today, even though we had lighter winds and some sunshine, temperatures were only typically eight or 9 degrees which is below par for this time of the year and once the showers came along, those temperatures dropped quickly. still some wintrinessin the showers, but nowhere near as snowy, because each day gets a little less cold and those showers are fading overnight tonight, skies will clear in many parts of the country and with light winds, temperatures will fall sharply, there will be a widespread frost tonight. quite a sharp frost in places getting as low as —7 in some of the frost hollows. high pressure keeping it fine and dry overnight and at the winds are not coming in from the north sea so for the east coast of england it will be a little less code

and a weather front will bring cloud and rain from the north west and we start sunny and cold and frosty and cloud will increase on sunday as the wind picks up in scotland and northern ireland, we push rain down from the north in the afternoon. cloud will bubble up in england and wales, some sunshine, a few showers around, not as many as we saw today and those temperatures creep up slowly to ten or 11 degrees. could be a bit warmer than that on monday, this weather front is taking rain southwards across the uk overnight and then following on from that, we have this chunk of warmer air, it is what we call a warm sector, it means a lot of cloud but higher temperatures, we should start frost free on monday but it looks cloudy, rain and drizzle at times and a stronger wind. away from the far north of scotland, it is warmer air we have across the uk and temperatures reaching 1a or 15 celsius. a weather front is going to be pushing down overnight and it will move down, not much rain on that, but to the north of it, we do have colder conditions to start on tuesday. along the weather front, we have this cloud and outbreaks of rain, most of the rain affecting northern ireland, pushing over the irish sea into the north west of england and south west scotland.

north of that, the colder air and cold enough for wintry showers in the northern isles, milder in england and wales, temperatures around 15 degrees. very unsettled through the week ahead, wet and windy weather at times and just cold enough in the far north of the country to bring the riks of some more snow. goodbye.

this is bbc news — welcome if you're watching here in the uk or around the globe. i'm shaun ley. our top stories. hundreds of people escape the besieged ukrainian city of mariupol — but the red cross' evacuation efforts have once again been frustrated. russian troops use what appear to be stun grenades to disperse a pro—ukraine rally by residents of the occupied town of enerhodar. the bbc makes it to an airport close to kyiv — now liberated from russian control. a symbol of modernity, of ukraine's place in the world. striking out across the globe. and now, it's a symbol of what's happened to the country.

elsewhere — emmanuel macron has held his first rally of his french election campaign.