Russia widens attacks as new cities targeted
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Your questions answered Could UN send troops into Ukraine?
Lyse Doucet
Chief International Correspondent, Kyiv
Joseph Akinwunmi in Lagos, Nigeria, asks: "Is it possible for the United Nations to send troops into Ukraine and also enforce a no-fly zone? If so, why have they not made any attempt?"
The United Nations would have to be asked and authorised to come in, usually by the UN Security Council. But at the moment this war is raging and, in some comments, Russia even denies it has invaded its neighbour. It still calls this a “special military operation” to defend Russia from threats.
Ukraine has repeatedly called for a no-fly zone. It has been repeatedly ruled out.
Western/Nato powers know this would draw them into direct conflict with Russia.
A no-fly zone would not just involve targeting Russian warplanes; it would require attacks on Russian assets on the ground.
Why hasn't the UK expelled Russian diplomats?
Jenny Hill
BBC News, Moscow
Julie Thompson in Preston asks why has the UK not expelled all the Russian diplomats and staff in London.
My guess is that while there’s still a hope (however fleeting) that diplomacy could end this, the UK and other Western countries will resist what would be viewed in Moscow as a provocation, and would likely result in the expulsion of embassy staff from Russia.
Why can’t we fly in humanitarian aid to besieged cities?
Lyse Doucet
Chief International Correspondent, Kyiv
After a series of failed evacuations from cities such as Mariupol and continued bombardment, Steve Harvey from Northamptonshire asks: "Why can’t we fly in humanitarian aid to besieged cities?"
Ukraine does not control its airspace. Many airports have come under attack by Russian forces, on the ground and from the air. In most parts of the country, it would be too dangerous to fly in the desperately needed supplies.
As you’ve no doubt seen, a lot of aid is coming in by road across Ukraine’s western borders. Western cities like Lviv, still relatively untouched by direct Russian strikes, have become a hub for humanitarian aid.
All the countries bordering Ukraine to the west have also quickly ramped up a major emergency operation as the numbers spiral in ways not seen since World War Two.
In any war or disaster, it is always a question of resources and access. Right now, aid trucks laden with urgent supplies are being turned back by incessant Russian shelling.
Russian state media also show images of Russian aid distribution in areas under their control.
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