Russia's invasion

Congressional leaders reached a bipartisan deal early on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, providing $13.6 billion to help Ukraine and European allies plus billions more to battle the pandemic as part of an overdue $1.5 trillion measure financing federal agencies for the rest of this year.

Canada poked Russia in the eye on Monday, March 7, 2022, by sanctioning 10 people identified by Vladimir Putin's top domestic opponent as the federal government works with allies to hammer Russia's economy in response to that country's invasion of Ukraine.

Energy giant Shell said on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, that it will stop buying Russian oil and natural gas and shut down its service stations, aviation fuels and other operations in the country amid international pressure for companies to sever ties over the invasion of Ukraine.

A top United States government official says there are plenty of issues to keep like-minded Arctic nations together after Russia's invasion of Ukraine forced seven of them to pause their participation in the international body that looks after the region.

Masouma Tajik fled Taliban rule in Afghanistan in August, leaving her life and family behind at only 22 years old, carrying just one backpack. Last week, she left the new life she had built for herself over the past six months in Ukraine with only that same backpack in hand.

A promised cease-fire in the besieged port city of Mariupol collapsed amid scenes of terror but a pro-Russian official said safe-passage corridors would open again for city residents on Sunday, March 6, 2022, while Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that the ongoing resistance is putting Ukrainian statehood in jeopardy and likened the West’s sanctions on Russia to “declaring war."

The Russian tanks and missiles besieging Ukraine also are threatening the food supply and livelihoods of people in Europe, Africa and Asia who rely on the vast, fertile farmlands of the Black Sea region — known as the “breadbasket of the world.”

The Canadian government has updated its advice for anyone considering travelling to Russia.

Artists and arts organizations across Canada are working on shows in support of Ukraine while taking public stances against Russia and its devastating invasion on the country last week.