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.

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.

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.

Turkey is one of the many countries calling for calm in Ukraine. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan says his government will relentlessly try to find a long-lasting ceasefire and Turkey has already hosted the first high-level peace talks between the Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers. But Ankara is walking something of a tightrope because it's traditionally a friend of Ukraine and has been supplying drones to Kyiv. Yet it also depends on Russia for gas. Our Turkey correspondent Jasper Mortimer tells us more.

The finance ministry has said its ability to make foreign payments has been hampered by sanctions. If Russia is unable to make the payments within a 30-day grace period, it will face its first default on international debt in more than a century.

India's government is holding back from condemning Russia's war as a movement supporting Moscow is growing on social media and among right wing groups.

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.