Russia this week widened its military offensive in Ukraine. For the first time, Russian forces have begun striking targets in the west of the country. But in addition to bombarding new cities, Russia is continuing its bombardment of Mariupol in the south, as well as Sumy and Kharkiv to the northeast. Satellite images of the long-awaited Russian convoy suggest that it is attempting to encircle the capital, Kyiv.

As concerns grow over Russia's ability to meet its debt obligations, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva says a default is no longer seen as "improbable". Also, lockdowns in China send shares in Hong Kong plummeting, and the French economy adjusts to higher fuel prices.

We examine the role played by Western allies in the Ukraine conflict. We're asking: what will NATO do next? There was more destruction in and around Kyiv this Tuesday. So what will NATO do? It is a question many observers are asking. Most importantly, it is the only question people in Ukraine want answered.

The invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces has unleashed a wide range of responses from leaders of countries across Asia.

Russia says it has begun the procedure to formally leave the Council of Europe. The Foreign Ministry made the announcement following a historic wave of sanctions after Russia invaded Ukraine.

How far is China willing to go to support Russia amid its war in Ukraine? Washington has warned there will be consequences if Beijing offers financial assistance or military support to Moscow. Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping may have pledged a no limits relationship, but there is a cost to standing up together to their joint rival: America. Regardless, the war provides China with a case study of Western resolve, and an opportunity to learn from Russia's mistakes.

The Russian government made a $117 million interest payment to foreign bondholders on Wednesday, averting what would have been its first foreign debt default since the Bolshevik Party shocked Western investors in 1918 by refusing to repay the borrowings of Czar Nicholas II.

The war in Ukraine is shaking up the global agricultural sector. With sanctions blocking supplies from Russia, soaring prices caused by high demand for fertilizers from alternative producers are threatening crops.

Up to 300 ships have been stopped by Russian forces from departing the Black Sea, leaving one of the key global trade routes for grain virtually blocked. The fertile region is known as "the world's breadbasket."

The UN Security Council renewed the assistance mission to Afghanistan for another year. Russia abstained from voting, calling out the mission's renewal for "stubborn ignorance of the new realities" of Taliban rule.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pushed for India to take a tougher line or Russia while meeting Narendra Modi in New Delhi. India has not directly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Some EU governments are pushing for an embargo on Russian oil and gas to punish Moscow for its war against Ukraine and force a Russian military withdrawal.