Ukrainian drones hit Russia's Sochi resort while Russian forces bombarded Odessa's residential areas and historic Pryvoz market, hours after ceasefire talks collapsed.

Turkey, a NATO ally, has positioned itself as a neutral player in the Ukraine war — as being pro-Ukrainian without being anti-Russian.

The 2022 invasion came as a shock to many of Russia’s neighbors in eastern Europe, the South Caucasus, and Central Asia, confirming their fears that Russia remained a threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their countries.

This article was originally published by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and is reprinted with permission. As Russia remains preoccupied with

Here are the details of the European Union's 18th package of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine, approved on Friday and aimed at dealing further blows to Russia's oil and energy industry.

The 18th package of sanctions approved by the EU countries envisages a ban on imports from third countries of refined products derived from Russian oil. The main suppliers are India, where Rosneft operates a half-owned refinery, and Turkey, which has made billions selling supposedly refined Russian fuel to Europe.