Latvian citizens will be able to volunteer to fight for Ukraine
Latvia's parliament in Riga unanimously passed the necessary legal framework on Monday, allowing its citizens to join the fight against Russia's military advances in Ukraine.
IOC wants Russia and Belarus athletes banned; Putin loses Olympic order
In the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) called on sports federations to deny athletes and officials from Russia and Belarus entry into international events on Monday. In an unprecedented move, Russian President Vladimir Putin and two other top political figures have had their Olympic Orders revoked.
Over 500,000 people have flee Ukraine
The number of people fleeing war in Ukraine has risen to over 500,000, while a scandal erupted at the country's border with Poland over alleged racist treatment of African refugees. According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, over 500,000 people have fled the conflict in Ukraine to neighboring countries.
US closes its embassy in Minsk and authorises diplomats in Russia to leave.
According to the State Department, the United States is suspending its embassy operations in the Belarusian capital of Minsk. It has also authorized the voluntary departure from Russia of non-essential personnel from the US Embassy in Moscow, as well as their family members.
Russia declares tit-for-tat closure of 35 countries' airspace.
In response to multiple countries' decisions to close their airspace to Russian aircraft, Russia's aviation authority Rosaviatsiya announced on Monday that it would close Russian airspace to 35 countries.
All EU member states and Canada are affected by the indefinite ban.
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As a Russian ally, Japan imposes sanctions on Belarus
Japan intends to impose sanctions on Belarus as a Russian ally, according to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, as Moscow continues its attacks on Ukraine. According to Kishida, Tokyo's sanctions will target Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and other government officials.
FIFA expels Russia from Qatar 2022 World Cup
The governing body of football FIFA and UEFA, the European Union's governing bodies, have suspended Russian clubs and national teams from all competitions "until further notice," the federations announced on Monday. As things stand, Russia will be unable to compete in the World Cup play-offs next month or the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to FIFA's decision.
Russian-Ukrainian peace talks end without a breakthrough
On Monday, peace talks between Russia and Ukraine ended without a breakthrough.
"We're travelling back to the capitals for consultations," Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak said as he exited the meeting on the Belarus-Ukraine border.
