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![Cancelling Russian Grand Prix made no sense, says Ecclestone](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/f8/68/65/Cancelling-Russian-Grand-Prix-made--186006_small.jpg)
Cancelling Russian Grand Prix made no sense, says Ecclestone
The decision to cancel the Russian Grand Prix due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine "does not make sense", former Formula One supremo Bernie Ecclestone told AFP on Wednesday.
![US Justice Dept launches task force to pursue 'corrupt Russian oligarchs'](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/c8/a2/dc/US-Justice-Dept-launches-task-force-282362_small.jpg)
US Justice Dept launches task force to pursue 'corrupt Russian oligarchs'
US Attorney General Merrick Garland announced the launch on Wednesday of a task force to pursue "corrupt Russian oligarchs" and violators of sanctions imposed on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
![Russia battles to shore up sanction-hit economy](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/18/d2/3f/Russia-battles-to-shore-up-sanction-216373_small.jpg)
Russia battles to shore up sanction-hit economy
Russian authorities are scrambling to stem panic as massive sanctions over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine delivered the worst economic shocks since the fall of the Soviet Union.
![Nigeria to airlift hundreds stranded by Ukraine crisis](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/58/eb/9e/Nigeria-to-airlift-hundreds-strande-646166_small.jpg)
Nigeria to airlift hundreds stranded by Ukraine crisis
Nigeria's government on Wednesday planned to start airlifting more than 1,000 citizens stranded in countries neighbouring Ukraine after they fled the Russian invasion.
![Russia pounds Ukraine as Kyiv rejects 'ultimatums'](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/3b/88/53/Russia-pounds-Ukraine-as-Kyiv-rejec-661363_small.jpg)
Russia pounds Ukraine as Kyiv rejects 'ultimatums'
Russian forces shelled several Ukrainian cities on Wednesday as troops battled in the streets of Kharkiv and Ukraine's president accused Moscow of wanting to "erase our country".
![Russia's king of diplomacy becomes sanctioned pariah](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/ce/43/99/Russia-s-king-of-diplomacy-becomes--146614_small.jpg)
Russia's king of diplomacy becomes sanctioned pariah
When Russia's veteran Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov hosted his British counterpart Liz Truss for talks in Moscow in February in a doomed attempt to avert war, he had a trick up his sleeve.
![Honduras repeals controversial secrecy law](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/4a/b0/1e/Honduras-repeals-controversial-secr-281324_small.jpg)
Honduras repeals controversial secrecy law
Honduras has repealed a controversial secrecy law in a bid to battle corruption following a late-night parliamentary session Tuesday.
![Built in wake of WWII, Kyiv metro offers shelter from Russian shells](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/3f/16/90/Built-in-wake-of-WWII--Kyiv-metro-o-066244_small.jpg)
Built in wake of WWII, Kyiv metro offers shelter from Russian shells
The wounded Ukrainian soldier dropped his crutches to the Kyiv metro station floor and picked up his five-year-old son, first wiping tears from his shaking wife's face.
![Covid has taken severe mental health toll: WHO](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/49/47/5c/Covid-has-taken-severe-mental-healt-151464_small.jpg)
Covid has taken severe mental health toll: WHO
The Covid pandemic has taken a dire toll on mental health, the WHO said Wednesday, indicating that cases of anxiety and depression had swelled by over 25 percent globally.
![Nearly 875,000 refugees have fled Ukraine conflict: UN](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/cd/49/e7/Nearly-875-000-refugees-have-fled-U-626126_small.jpg)
Nearly 875,000 refugees have fled Ukraine conflict: UN
The number of refugees fleeing the conflict in Ukraine has surged to nearly 875,000, UN figures showed on Wednesday, as fighting intensified on day seven of Russia's invasion.
![Top oil producers hold course despite Ukraine war](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/0a/e8/28/Top-oil-producers-hold-course-despi-664624_small.jpg)
Top oil producers hold course despite Ukraine war
Saudi Arabia, Russia and other top oil producers on Wednesday agreed to hold firm on only gradually opening the taps despite Russia's assault on Ukraine sending prices spiralling.
![Ukraine sports stars joining fight against Russia](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/0d/92/19/Ukraine-sports-stars-joining-fight--626426_small.jpg)
Ukraine sports stars joining fight against Russia
From world boxing champions to football stars, top Ukrainian sports people are resisting the Russian invasion of their country, with some even returning home to take up arms.
Oil rockets to $113, gas hits record on Ukraine conflict
Oil prices soared Wednesday above $113 per barrel and natural gas spiked to a record peak, as investors fretted over key producer Russia's intensifying assault on Ukraine.
![Japan willing to accept Ukrainian refugees: PM](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/2c/fa/67/Japan-willing-to-accept-Ukrainian-r-222021_small.jpg)
Japan willing to accept Ukrainian refugees: PM
Japan will accept Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russia's ongoing invasion, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Wednesday, in a break with the country's usual reticence to accept humanitarian arrivals.
![Russia's largest lender Sberbank quits Europe](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/cd/8c/62/Russia-s-largest-lender-Sberbank-qu-432846_small.jpg)
Russia's largest lender Sberbank quits Europe
Russia's largest lender Sberbank said Wednesday it was leaving the European market after Western sanctions were levelled against the state bank in response to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
![In Israel, Germany's Scholz says Iran deal 'cannot be postponed'](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/7d/f4/28/In-Israel--Germany-s-Scholz-says-Ir-624263_small.jpg)
In Israel, Germany's Scholz says Iran deal 'cannot be postponed'
Germany's Olaf Scholz said Wednesday that a new Iran nuclear agreement "cannot be postponed any longer", during his first visit as chancellor to Israel, which staunchly opposes efforts to forge a deal with Tehran.
![World Cup ban, Paralympics green light: Sport reacts to Russia's invasion of Ukraine](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/47/79/75/World-Cup-ban--Paralympics-green-li-182316_small.jpg)
World Cup ban, Paralympics green light: Sport reacts to Russia's invasion of Ukraine
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has sparked a widespread backlash in the sports world, with the country booted out of this year's World Cup. However their Paralympians will be permitted to compete at the Beijing Winter Games under the Paralympic flag.
![Russia's war on Ukraine: Day seven situation on the ground](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/53/d5/ef/Russia-s-war-on-Ukraine--Day-seven--052512_small.jpg)
Russia's war on Ukraine: Day seven situation on the ground
On the seventh day of fighting in Ukraine Wednesday, Russia claims control of the southern port city of Kherson, street battles rage in Ukraine's second-biggest city Kharkiv, and Kyiv braces for a feared Russian assault.
![Iran deal can't be 'postponed any longer': Germany's Scholz](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/57/ab/ab/Iran-deal-can-t-be--postponed-any-l-212126_small.jpg)
Iran deal can't be 'postponed any longer': Germany's Scholz
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Wednesday that a new Iran nuclear agreement "cannot be postponed any longer", during a visit to Israel which staunchly opposes efforts to forge a deal.
![Shares in Russia's top aluminium producer plunge](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/c4/67/4a/Shares-in-Russia-s-top-aluminium-pr-316263_small.jpg)
Shares in Russia's top aluminium producer plunge
Shares in Russian aluminium giant Rusal plunged 26 percent on Wednesday after the world's largest commodity trader said it would review its business ties in Russia while condemning the country's invasion of Ukraine.
![Fighting rages in Ukraine as Russian troops claim city](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/3b/88/53/Fighting-rages-in-Ukraine-as-Russia-646261_small.jpg)
Fighting rages in Ukraine as Russian troops claim city
Russian forces said they had captured a Ukrainian port on Wednesday as Russian and Ukrainian troops battled for another urban centre and President Volodymyr Zelensky said Moscow wanted to "erase" his country.
![Germany's Scholz visits Israel amid Ukraine war, Iran talks](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/66/22/99/Germany-s-Scholz-visits-Israel-amid-067303_small.jpg)
Germany's Scholz visits Israel amid Ukraine war, Iran talks
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Wednesday made his first visit to Israel since taking office, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine and international efforts to forge a new Iran nuclear deal.
![US warns against Hong Kong travel over Covid rules, child separations](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/41/da/g0/US-warns-against-Hong-Kong-travel-o-611818_small.jpg)
US warns against Hong Kong travel over Covid rules, child separations
The United States warned citizens against travelling to Hong Kong on Wednesday, citing the risk of children being separated from parents as the Chinese city imposes controversial Covid isolation policies.
![Myanmar junta pardons actor jailed for dissent](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/d0/13/76/Myanmar-junta-pardons-actor-jailed--680216_small.jpg)
Myanmar junta pardons actor jailed for dissent
A leading Myanmar actor, singer and model jailed for supporting pro-democracy protests has been pardoned and released, his legal team said on Wednesday.
![UN General Assembly to vote on demand Russia withdraw from Ukraine](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/ed/61/03/UN-General-Assembly-to-vote-on-dema-820668_small.jpg)
UN General Assembly to vote on demand Russia withdraw from Ukraine
After more than 100 countries spoke during two days of extraordinary debate, the UN General Assembly was poised to vote Wednesday on whether it will vigorously deplore Russia's invasion of Ukraine and demand Moscow withdraw troops immediately.
![Taiwan leader warns against 'turning a blind eye' to aggression](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/77/2d/25/Taiwan-leader-warns-against--turnin-746021_small.jpg)
Taiwan leader warns against 'turning a blind eye' to aggression
Democratic countries must not "turn a blind eye to military aggression", Taiwan's leader said Wednesday, warning her island faces threats similar to those confronted by Ukraine at a meeting with a delegation of former US security officials.
![Russian invasion of Ukraine upends international relations](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/c6/05/88/Russian-invasion-of-Ukraine-upends--194809_small.jpg)
Russian invasion of Ukraine upends international relations
Russia's war against Ukraine is a week old, but its consequences are already reverberating across the globe: it has upended international relations, left Moscow isolated, united a previously divided West, and raised the specter of a nuclear standoff.
![New Zealand protesters burn camp after riot police move in](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/fa/a0/f2/New-Zealand-protesters-burn-camp-af-068104_small.jpg)
New Zealand protesters burn camp after riot police move in
New Zealand anti-vaccination demonstrators set alight their own protest camp outside parliament Wednesday after riot police moved to end their weeks-long occupation of the legislative precinct.
![Russian troops land in Ukraine's second city Kharkiv](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/3b/88/53/Russian-troops-land-in-Ukraine-s-se-824142_small.jpg)
Russian troops land in Ukraine's second city Kharkiv
Russian forces landed in Ukraine's second biggest city on Wednesday and triggered immediate clashes in the streets of Kharkiv, the military said, following Moscow's relentless air assault across the ex-Soviet state.
![Biden seeks US unity through Russia crisis](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/cc/a1/c1/Biden-seeks-US-unity-through-Russia-407228_small.jpg)
Biden seeks US unity through Russia crisis
President Joe Biden won standing ovation upon standing ovation Tuesday in a rousing State of the Union speech seeking to transform bipartisan support for confronting Russia into momentum for broader unity as the United States finally emerges from the Covid pandemic.
![Visa, Mastercard, Amex block Russian banks after sanctions](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/45/55/b0/Visa--Mastercard--Amex-block-Russia-444207_small.jpg)
Visa, Mastercard, Amex block Russian banks after sanctions
US credit card giants Visa, Mastercard and American Express said they were blocking Russian banks from their payment networks following international sanctions in response to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
![169 potential graves found at Canada Indigenous school site](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/b2/33/21/169-potential-graves-found-at-Canad-120872_small.jpg)
169 potential graves found at Canada Indigenous school site
An Indigenous community in Canada said Tuesday it has identified 169 "potential" unmarked graves at a former residential school site, adding to a growing tally of such gruesome discoveries that first rocked the country last year.
![European subsidiary of Russia's Sberbank to enter bankruptcy](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/75/fa/b5/European-subsidiary-of-Russia-s-Sbe-614786_small.jpg)
European subsidiary of Russia's Sberbank to enter bankruptcy
The European subsidiary of Russia's Sberbank will be wound up after coming under pressure from Western sanctions levelled against the bank in response to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, European banking regulators said Tuesday.
![Russian players still allowed to compete in major tennis events](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/04/ee/6d/Russian-players-still-allowed-to-co-144007_small.jpg)
Russian players still allowed to compete in major tennis events
Russian and Belarusian tennis players will be allowed to continue competing in ATP and WTA tournaments and Grand Slam events, the sport's governing bodies said on Tuesday.
![Honduras bans open-pit mining](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/58/c7/44/Honduras-bans-open-pit-mining--666116_small.jpg)
Honduras bans open-pit mining
The government of newly elected Honduran President Xiomara Castro has banned open-pit mining, declaring it harmful to the environment and to people, and said it would scrap permits for such operations.
![Could Russia get round sanctions with cryptocurrency?](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/d6/e7/f5/Could-Russia-get-round-sanctions-wi-765756_small.jpg)
Could Russia get round sanctions with cryptocurrency?
Cryptocurrency purchases in rubles are at a record high following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, raising questions about whether piling into the likes of bitcoin can help Moscow get around sanctions.
![Stakhovsky 'hopes not to use gun' after joining fight to protect Ukraine](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/de/1b/97/Stakhovsky--hopes-not-to-use-gun--a-122664_small.jpg)
Stakhovsky 'hopes not to use gun' after joining fight to protect Ukraine
Ukrainian tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky hopes he doesn't have to use a gun after joining the fight to protect his country from the Russian invasion.
![Ukraine refugees begin arriving in Budapest](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/5b/af/e7/Ukraine-refugees-begin-arriving-in--562252_small.jpg)
Ukraine refugees begin arriving in Budapest
Thousands of refugees fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine have arrived in Budapest after abandoning their homes fearing for their lives as they seek safety elsewhere.
![US says Russian advance on Kyiv stalled](https://www.thenationaltimes.au/media/shared/articles/a2/0c/2e/US-says-Russian-advance-on-Kyiv-sta-354111_small.jpg)
US says Russian advance on Kyiv stalled
The Russian military advance on Kyiv has momentarily stalled, hampered by Ukrainian resistance as well as fuel and food shortages, a senior US defense official said Tuesday.