THE SQUIZ
It’s week 3 of Russia’s war on Ukraine, and there is growing evidence that it’s not going to plan for Russian President Vladimir Putin with reports that Russia has sought military equipment and economic relief from China. China called the speculation “malicious disinformation”, and Russia says it has the resources to meet its goals – but the US didn’t hold back. “We will not allow that to go forward and allow there to be a lifeline to Russia from these economic sanctions from any country, anywhere in the world,” White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said.

WHAT’S AMERICA GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?
Sullivan met China’s former foreign minister Yang Jiechi in Rome overnight, where he made clear the consequences and isolation China would face if it gave Russia a hand in its war on Ukraine. Since the invasion of Ukraine, Beijing has backed Russia’s official line that it’s a “special military operation” – but before now, there’s been no suggestion that China would help Russia’s military or economy. Reports say the US briefed Beijing on Putin’s invasion plans, but China’s officials believed Putin was bluffing to gain leverage in its demands to get Western Europe to back off its expansion eastwards. But invade he did, and the US is worried that if China assists Russia, it will cement the world into two opposing blocs and create a turning point in global politics. Yikes…

YIKES INDEED… WHAT’S THE LATEST IN UKRAINE?
Russian and Ukrainian representatives have held more talks in a bid to end the fighting. Ukraine’s negotiator says they’re focused on establishing a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Russian troops and security guarantees for Ukraine – so just a couple of things… Those discussions are set to resume in the coming 24 hours. Meanwhile, Russian forces are edging closer to the capital Kyiv. And they are maintaining their relentless bombing of the southern port city of Mariupol. The city has been without food, power, heating, and clean water, and agreed routes to allow residents to escape have been targeted by Russia. Overnight, the first residents have got out in a convoy of 160 cars. Officials estimate that 2,500 civilians have died in the city since the fighting began.