Since the start of the war, tens of thousands of Muslims have either picked up arms or assisted in the war efforts in other ways. While most of these Muslims are of course Ukrainian, many are from Caucasus, and Chechnya in particular.

South Africa has begun military exercises with both China and Russia as part of a routine army drill. The joint training has drawn immense criticism from the West, coming nearly one year on from the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said cutting off relations with Russia would not be in the country's national interest. Hungary is heavily reliant on Russia for its energy needs.

A Russian ship loaded with hypersonic missiles will take part in joint naval drills with China off South Africa's eastern coast this week. But a Russian commander denied there were plans to fire the weapons.

The US treasury secretary says Russia is battling to replenish ammunition and repair tanks because of sanctions. Janet Yellen made the comments ahead of G20 talks in India.

The United States announced sanctions against hundreds of Russian individuals and firms. The EU however could not agree on measures.

India has not condemned the Russian attack on Ukraine and does not support sanctions. During his upcoming visit to India, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will seek to win the country over to the Western position.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has also added South Africa and Nigeria to its "grey list," a move that can be devastating to a nation's economy.

The 12-point position paper on the war in Ukraine comes amid Western accusations Beijing is considering supplying arms to Russia.

The new rescue ship was launched uncrewed, carrying only supplies for the three astronauts. It is expected to dock with the International Space Station in the next two days.

Several domestic flights headed for St. Petersburg had been turned back to their destinations. News outlets reported that it was because an unidentified object had been spotted in the sky.

At the UN Human Rights Council, Ukraine condemned what officials called Russia's systematic deportation of Ukrainian children. Germany's foreign minister said allies would "not rest until all these kids are home."