North Asia

Used as a universal symbol of support for the Russian government and its "special military operation" on Ukrainian soil. An artificial sign of Putin's totalitarianism. But young Russians do not lend themselves to the regime's propaganda.

The Bishops' Conference backs an executive order signed by Duterte protecting people fleeing the conflict in Europe. Meanwhile, discontent is growing among Filipinos over the government’s failure to condemn Moscow in the name of its policy of neutrality. Concerns are fuelled by the dispute with China over maritime borders.

With 5,530 punitive measures, Russia is the most affected country in the world. The likely risk of becoming a global "financial pariah". Crises are expected in all sectors, from banking to construction. China will not be able to compensate for the lack of Russian gas and oil exports to Europe.

The foreign ministers of Russia and Ukraine are set to meet in Antalya. After 20 years, an Israeli president is travelling to Ankara on a state visit. In an economically vital region of ​​the world, Erdoğan is trying to reposition Turkey internationally. Russia knows that it will have to pay a price in the regions where the two countries are de facto allies.

The Chinese embassy suggested that Chinese citizens take trains to neighbouring countries. Chinese man shot and wounded: now in hospital. Beijing denies the death of Chinese students and continues to censor online anti-war speeches.

Head of delegation in Tehran for consultations. Pressure is growing for a breakthrough, perhaps a positive one, in the negotiations. EU says the ball is in the Islamic Republic's court, which must decide whether to finalise it. In the background is the invasion of Ukraine and Moscow's attempt to put the issue of sanctions on the balance of agreements.

Many Orthodox teachers, priests and artists are reacting to Patriarch Kirill's homily on war and the "moral invasions" of the West. These appeals were immediately censored and sanctioned in Russia, but spread by faithful of the Moscow Patriarchate living abroad. "The body of Christ that is the Church is being torn apart by the weapons of Russian soldiers". And they remember when Solzhenitsyn wrote: "I would not allow my children to take part in a conflict with the Ukrainians".

The invasion ordered by Putin has caused a generational split: young people criticise the regime, the elderly support the Russian president. According to Kremlin propaganda, Ukrainians are bombing their own homes. The conflict is destroying family units in Russia.

At the Angelus, Francis condemns the "rivers of blood and tears" caused by Moscow's conflict against Kiev, "madness". He recalls the "ever more numerous" victims and "mothers and children" fleeing. Assistance and humanitarian corridors are needed. The Holy See's mediation for peace. Commenting on today's Gospel, he warns: no dialogue or compromise with the devil, but "the Word of God".

Sr Rosela and Sr Ann rejected the prospect of moving to a safer area so as not to abandon those who suffer. The link between the Missionaries of Charity and Ukraine goes back to Mother Teresa herself, who managed to cross the Iron Curtain into the then Soviet Union in 1987 to assist the victims of Chernobyl. Today, she repeats her appeal for peace: "I beg you on my knees: nothing can ever justify the pain and losses caused by your weapons".

The Turkey Monitor survey by Aksoy Research shows a cautious attitude in public opinion. Only 2.4% take Russia's side, while 19.4% favour a NATO alignment. At least half of the voters of all parties show concern. Ankara's mediation attempts in the crisis.

Today's headlines: Ukrainian power plant staff in Zaporozhets, work under the threat of (Russian) weapons; Pakistan and Uzbekistan strengthen bilateral collaboration; Beijing may shelve its "zero Covid" policy in favour of a softer "coexistence" approach; Iranian court clears nine Christians of charges of threatening national security; in Thailand 33-year-old man convicted of lese-majesty; new missile test by Pyongyang.