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Despatches from Ukraine, Germany, Sudan and Canada. The pounding of civilian infrastructure by Russian forces has continued this week in cities like Mykolaiv and Mariupol even as peace talks were underway. And Russia's claims it will reduce its military activity in the north are being treated with scepticism. Orla Guerin has been reporting across the country since the invasion began.
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, described the siege of Mariupol as a ‘crime against humanity’. Mariupol’s mayor has called for the evacuation of the entire city. But the journey away from the city is fraught with danger and a safe passage is far from guaranteed. Hugo Bachega spoke to some who did manage to escape.
A few days after the invasion, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz unexpectedly announced a massive boost in military spending in a dramatic shift in German foreign policy. Polls suggest most Germans support the new policy. Our correspondent Damien McGuinness is in Berlin.
In Sudan, women, young and old, have been celebrated for leading the revolution that toppled the former military ruler Omar al-Bashir. But after two years of sharing power with civilian politicians, the military staged a coup in October. There have been almost daily protests and at least 90 people have been killed in a crackdown. Catherine Byaruhanga has just returned from Khartoum and she reports on allegations of sexual assault against female protestors.
Nearly 1.4 million people in Canada are of Ukrainian heritage. Many of them trace their roots to Ukrainian immigrants who came to Canada in the late 19th century. Greg Mercer has heard how they are rallying to the defence of the old country.
Presenter: Kate Adie
Producer: Serena Tarling
Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman
Editor: Hugh Levinson