Ukraine has accused Russia of bombing a children’s hospital and maternity ward in the besieged port city of Mariupol, wounding 17 people and trapping children and others under the rubble in what it called “a war crime without justification”.

While Western leaders hope China will play a more active role in mediating between Russia and Ukraine, experts say it's unlikely that Beijing will jeopardize its warming ties with Moscow.

The growing exodus of Western firms has upset Russian consumers, while authorities are weighing up the possibility of temporarily taking over firms with large shares of foreign ownership. We take a closer look. Also, the IMF warns that rising commodity prices due to the war in Ukraine could hurt developing nations in particular, and investors grapple with market volatility.

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

Oil and gas companies that had once cozied up to Russian President Vladimir Putin are now turning their backs on the autocrat. Countries dependent on the energy sources are scrambling to find alternatives.

Russia's military struggling – DW speaks to security analyst

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.

The IMF has issued a warning that the world's food supplies are in peril. Russian's invasion of Ukraine is not the sole factor driving global food insecurity, but it is significant.

Russian prosecutors have asked a court to sentence opposition leader Alexei Navalny to 13 years in prison on fraud and contempt of court charges. The request also called for him to be held under stricter conditions.

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.