North Asia

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.

From the "old-believers" to the samizdat, dissent has always been a feature of Russian society. Despite the heavy censorship and repression exercised by Putin in recent years, it is once again emerging "from under the rocks", according to Solzhenitsyn's famous expression.

Six would-be volunteers visit the Ukrainian embassy. For Chanaphong, 28, Ukrainians “are also fighting for democracy”. Thailand voted to condemn Russia at the UN but the prime minister has tried to stay away from the controversial issue.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a non-permanent member of the Security Council (2022-23), abstained from the resolution condemning Russia but voted in favour in the General Assembly, a symbolic gesture. The Gulf state has to protect its trade with Russia (US$ 4 billion) without antagonising the West. Catholics in the country pray for peace.

Card. Charles Bo's appeal to Russian President Putin on behalf of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences: "Stop the attacks on Ukraine and return to the UN for a peaceful solution. The only way for the future of humanity is peace".

Today's headlines: protests against the war in Ukraine continue in St Petersburg and other Russian cities, with hundreds of arrests; Israel expropriates Jerusalem's Alexander Nevsky Church from the Russians; the majority party in Georgia wants to speed up its entry into the EU; the Pope will visit East Timor by the end of the year.