As of Mar. 7, the staff of wlhsNOW.com has suspended producing live updates for the time being. Read more wlhsNOW Ukraine-Russia coverage here. 

As the events of the current war between Russia and Ukraine continue to evolve, the staff of wlhsNOW.com will update this page with new facts, articles that explain the different facets of the war, and more wlhsNOW content relating to changing state of Ukraine and Russia.

Netflix joins the list of companies that have temporarily halted business in Russia // 6:50 PM Mar. 6 

As of Mar. 6, streaming platform Netflix has officially suspended service in Russia. According to a Netflix spokesperson, they chose to pull their business in Russia due to “the circumstances on the ground.” Other technology companies that have also stopped their commercial operations include Apple, Dell, Meta (formerly known as Facebook), and TikTok. -KR

Zelensky meets with U.S. leaders to discuss aid efforts // 1:35 PM Mar.5

In a meeting with Congress on Mar. 5, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged U.S. politicians to place additional sanctions on Russian oil and requested additional defense measures from the country’s military. 

As with previous meetings Zelensky has held with world leaders, the Ukrainian President warned both houses of Congress that his time may be limited as multiple assassination attempts have already occurred against him. 

Coverage by the New York Times explains that Zelensky’s requests range from the imposition of additional sanctions to the implementation of a no-fly zone around Ukraine— a request that has been deemed impossible and risky for both the U.S. and NATO. Members of the U.S. Congress have spoken minimally on the meeting, largely citing Zelensky’s demeanor and sense of urgency.

“He is standing strong, but pleaded for more help,” said Rep. Jim Himes in an interview with the New York Times.  -LG

Russian forces shell nuclear power plant // 3:09 PM Mar. 4

Overnight, a fire started at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine. The fire was caused by the shelling of the plant by the Russian military, which now controls the area. Firefighters were able to contain the blaze, and none of the essential systems of the plant were affected, according to NBC News.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (UN), attended an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. “Russia’s attack last night put Europe’s largest nuclear power plant at grave risk. It was incredibly reckless and dangerous. And it threatened the safety of civilians across Russia, Ukraine and Europe,” Thomas-Greenfield said, in response to the fire. Radiation levels at the plant did not spike after the attack and subsequent fire. -AL

Saudia Arabia offers to become a peace referee between Russia and Ukraine // 2:52 PM Mar. 3

According to CNN, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, received a phone call from Russian President, Vladimir Putin, on Thursday. Salman offered to stand as a mediator between Moscow and Kyiv as Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine. 

Bin Salman has said that his country supports “efforts that lead to a political solution that leads to its end and achieves security and stability, and that the Kingdom is ready to make efforts to mediate between all parties,” he said in a statement that was posted on state-run Saudi Press Agency on Thursday. 

Bin Salman also addressed concerns regarding energy in Ukraine, restating his country’s commitment to the OPEC+ agreement, a “pact” made by 10 major crude oil producers and Russia to gradually pump more oil into the market to meet demands. 

Saudi Arabia, which is the main partner for Russia in the OPEC+ alliance, said on Tuesday that it “supports international de-escalation efforts in Ukraine.” -SM

Kyiv mayor says that the current reports of the Wednesday night bombing left no one injured // 2:51 PM Mar. 3 

According to CNN, the Mayor of the Ukrainian capital, Vitali Klitschko, has announced that the preliminary reports from the bombing suggest that there were no casualties in a blast that shattered windows at the city’s railway station. However, Klitschko added that “We are still clarifying the details.” 

In a telegram post that Klitschko had sent, he had said, “The enemy was trying to break through to our city, but Ukrainian defenders are repulsing the occupiers and defending our capital.” 

It is currently unclear what had caused the blast at the railway station. 

An Interior Ministry advisor has said that the damage caused at the station as a result of falling wreckage from a cruise missile after it had been intercepted by the Ukrainian air defense systems. -SM

U.S House passes a monumental resolution for support in Ukraine // 2:36 PM Mar. 2

The United States House of Representatives voted 426-3 to approve a resolution that declares support for Ukraine as the country continues to fight against Russian military forces after an invasion. 

Three Republican members, Rep. Tom Massie of Kentucky, Rep. Matt Rosendale of Montana, and Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona, voted against the House’s resolution. 

The resolution, which was co-sponsored by Ukrainian born Rep. Victoria Spartz of Indiana, “demands an immediate cease-fire and the full withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory” and “supports, unequivocally, Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” and will push to send assistance to Ukraine to help fight off Russian forces, according to CNN. 

So far, the U.S has provided over $1 billion dollars in total security assistance to Ukraine over the past year. This includes an added aid package of $350 billion dollars, which was authorized last week after the Russian invasion in Ukraine started. 

This proposition from the House follows a similar proposition posed by the Senate in the middle of Feb., when they unanimously approved and voted on a symbolic resolution that condemned Russia for it’s aggressive actions towards Ukraine. 

President Joe Biden’s administration officials have said that they will continue to provide support for Ukraine. -SM

40 mile Russian convoy has stalled outside of Kyiv // 2:32 PM Mar. 2

A military convoy, 40 miles in length, has reportedly stalled 18 miles outside of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, according to a senior U.S. official that spoke to NPR. The convoy includes an array of tanks, supply trucks, armored vehicles, and artillery. Supply and fuel shortages have plagued the Russian army throughout its invasion of Ukraine, along with stiffer than expected resistance from Ukrainian troops. -AL

French President Macron announces “We are not at war with Russia” // 1:54 PM Mar. 2

French President, Emmanuel Macron, gave a speech to his nation on Wednesday, saying that, “We are not at war with Russia.” According to CNN, Macron added that he was in contact with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenksy, and Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

Macron also said in his address that he has kept up contact with Putin to try to “convince him to drop arms” and to avert the “enlargement of the conflict.” -SM

Air raid sirens and a large explosion have been reported as the evening arises in Ukraine // 1:05 PM Mar. 2

According to CNN, their news teams have reported that on the ground in Ukraine they have heard air raid sirens in Odessa and Uman. Moments later, the CNN team heard a large explosion in Kyiv. The specific location of the explosion is currently unclear. This was reported on the CNN live update website at 11:22 AM, PT. -SM

Students of color blocked from fleeing by Ukrainian authorities // 11:50 AM Mar. 2

According to CNN, African and Indian students are facing racial discrimination from Ukrainian border patrol and security officers.   

“Ukrainians have been prioritized over Africans — men and women — at every point,” Rachel Onyegbule said. Onyegbule, a Nigerian medical student from Lyiv, was left stranded in a town bordering Kyiv.  

“There’s no need for us to ask why. We know why. I just want to get home,” Onyegbule said. In a CNN article, the sole African countries on the UN Security Council—Kenya, Ghana, and Gabon—condemned all reports of discrimination happening at Ukrainian borders. -KR

UN says that 13 of the 136 casualties in Ukraine have been children // 10:36 PM Mar. 1

According to CNN, since Thursday, Feb. 24, 136 people have been killed in Ukraine. 13 of those casualties include children. An additional 400 Ukrainian civilians have been wounded, according to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights spokesperson, Liz Throssell. 

“These are the only casualties we were able to cross-check, and the real toll is likely to be much higher,” Throssel said. Throssel added that most of these casualties were a result of explosive weapons and artillery, such as shellings, airstrikes, and multiple rocket launch systems. 

According to Ukraine’s Interior Ministry, they reported higher numbers on Sunday, stating that 352 civilians had died, and 1,684 have been injured. -SM

Kharkiv bombed on Monday, resulting in nine casualties // 10:46 AM Mar. 1

According to CNN, Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second largest city, was bombed with rockets on Monday, killing nine civilians, and wounding 37 others. These casualties included three children. -SM

Ukraine pushes against struggling Russian forces // 7:10 PM Feb. 28

According to CNN, Seth Jones (vice president for the Center for Strategic and International Studies) predicted in a social media post that historical precedent is in favor of the Ukrainian resistance, should Moscow be unable to subdue Ukraine quickly with current numbers of Russian troops. 

“Assuming 150,000 Russian soldiers in Ukraine and a population of 44 million, that is a force ratio of 3.4 soldiers per 1,000 people. You can’t hold territory with those numbers,” Jones said. Jones explained that he believes the Russian army is “overextended” and in arms reach of a delicate and complex situation. 

Additionally, Jones noted that if Russian occupiers face a guerrilla war in the event of the Ukrainian government collapsing, the odds would not be in Russia’s favor. -SM

Russian military convoy outside Kyiv is over 40 miles long // 5:11 PM Feb. 28

According to CNN, recent satellite images from Maxar Technologies show the Russian military convoy on the outskirts of Kyiv that has grown since previous images. Maxar Technologies said early in the day on Monday that the convoy was approximately 17 miles long, and on late Monday, they said that it is over 40 miles in length. On Sunday, Maxar said it was 3.5 miles long. The convoy consists of tanks, armored vehicles, artillery, and other vehicles. Maxar had also noted that they spotted plumes of smoke rising from multiple homes and buildings north of Ivankiv. -SM

Six year old girl killed in Ukraine // 4:53 PM Feb. 28

(Warning: graphic descriptions and sensitive subjects)

On Sunday, Feb. 27, a six year old girl was standing in the southeastern outskirts of a port city when Russian shelling occurred, according to Associated Press. Ambulances arrived at the scene with a gurney, rushing the young girl to the hospital. As paramedics pumped oxygen into her chest, her parents wept by her side, covered in blood. She did not make it. 

The doctor who was trying to revive the young girl looked into the camera of an Associated Press video journalist and said, “Show this to Putin. The eyes of this child and crying doctors.” The doctor shut her eyes, and left her in a hospital room, covered by her bright pink polyester jacket. 

Not only does this increase the number of casualties caused by Russian forces, the people of Ukraine have lost an innocent member of their community. This war has greatly surpassed past political motivation, and has been an attack on the freedom and peace of a country. 

The name of the young girl has not been announced. -SM

Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine inconclusive // 3:03 PM Feb. 28

Government officials from Ukraine and Russia met on the border between Belarus and Ukraine to discuss a cease fire this morning, but made little progress towards this goal. Before the talks, Ukrainian President Voloydmyr Zelenskyy refused to make any concessions or agree to any specific conditions set by the Russian Government. “I do not really believe in the outcome of this meeting,” Zelenzkyy said in a video from Kyiv released by the Ukrainian government. “But let them try to make sure that no citizen of Ukraine has any doubt that I, as a president, have not tried to stop the war.” -AL

UN Security Council officially calls for emergency session // 2:00 PM Feb. 27

For the first time since 1982, the United Nations has called a UN Emergency Special Session of the General Assembly. For the New York Times, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said, “This is not an ordinary moment. We need to take extraordinary action to meet this threat to our international system and to do everything we can to help Ukraine and its people.” 

When voting on the resolution to call an emergency session, China, India, and the United Arab Emirates declined to vote, with Russia being the sole vote against the session. As for other resolutions, the Security Council will vote on Tuesday on a new resolution that “calls for an immediate halt to hostilities in Ukraine, protection of civilians, and access for humanitarian aid,” according to the New York Times and French Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière. The Security Council’s emergency meeting will happen tomorrow, Feb. 27, at 3 p.m. -KR

“Saturday Night Live” stands with Ukraine // 10:09 PM Feb. 26

“Saturday Night Live” returned to NBC with host John Mulaney, a stand-up comedian best known for his work with ‘SNL’ staff. While ‘SNL’ is famous for its up-to-date and humorous cold openings, they instead began with a powerful message. The comedy sketch show opened with a performance from the Ukrainian Chorus Dumka of New York, singing “Prayer for Ukraine”, while the studio 8H audience watched in complete silence. -SM

Russian forces surround Kyiv during night attacks // 6:43 PM Feb. 26

According to the New York Times, there was intense fighting taking place on the streets of the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, on Saturday. The Russian advance had been slowed momentarily, but Russia’s main focus remained in the capital. -SM

Russian Invasion forces are facing strong resistance from Ukrainian defense // 5:40 PM Feb. 26

According to Britain’s Ministry of Defense, Russian forces are facing stiff resistance from Ukrainian soldiers, and are making slower progress than they had planned. The MOD also said that Russian forces are “sustaining casualties and a number of Russian troops have been taken prisoner by Ukrainian forces.” This comes after a long Saturday morning where explosions were heard throughout the city of Kyiv. -SM

Casualties unknown after an apartment building was struck in Kyiv // 11:05 PM Feb. 25

According to CNN, a residential apartment complex was struck by missile or rocket fire early on Saturday morning. The images from this attack showed a large impact about ten floors high. The outside walls of several apartments were completely blown out with the interior blackened and loose debris. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, with the number of casualties unknown, according to the Mayor of Kyiv, Vitaliy Klitschko. -SM

Ukrainian Presidential Adviser says that the situation is “under control” in the suburbs of Kyiv // 10:50 PM Feb. 25 

Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior adviser to the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said that “Currently the situation in the suburbs and the surrounding area is under control”. This comes after an earlier statement that Podoliak had made regarding “separate sabotage and reconnaissance groups” that Ukrainian police and defense were fighting off. -SM

Ukrainian Interior Ministry warns citizens of “active fighting” in Kyiv // 9:50 PM Feb. 25

The Ukrainian Interior Ministry has warned citizens of fighting that is taking place in their capital city, Kyiv. According to CNN, in a Facebook post on Saturday morning in Kyiv, the ministry said, “Active fighting is taking place on the streets of our city. Please stay calm and be as careful as possible!” The Facebook post also warned its citizens to not leave their shelter, stay away from windows and protect themselves if they are at home, and to immediately go to the nearest shelter if they hear air sirens. -SM

Ukrainian TV broadcasts instructions for Molotov cocktails // 9:40 PM Feb. 25

Ukrainian leaders have urged citizens to stand their ground and protect themselves from Russian forces. One television channel has broadcasted an instructional video on how to create Molotov cocktails. Molotov cocktails are breakable glass battles that contain some sort of highly flammable substance (such as alcohol or petrol). These act as small “grenades” that can help fight or scare off opposers during a war. The TV instructional video included a person making the explosive while pouring a colored liquid into a glass bottle, and a diagram that showed citizens how to create a stopper with a cloth wick. According to CNN, earlier on Friday, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry instructed its viewers to “make Molotov cocktails and take down the occupier”. -SM

Shots heard around Kyiv // 9:18 PM Feb. 25

According to CNN, several rounds of gunfire have been heard and reported near the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, around 5:45 a.m local time, (10:45 p.m ET). These shots were heard from the Southeast of Kyiv. -SM

Zelensky needs more help from world leaders // 3:14 PM Feb. 25 

The Ukrainian President, Voldymir Zelensky, said Friday that he talked with several world leaders and has agreed to receive more help. Zelensky has talked with U.S. President, Joe Biden, as well as French, German, and Dutch leaders. Biden and Zelensky spoke earlier today about sanctions and assistance. The White House has stated that the meeting ran from 11:52 a.m to 12:32 p.m ET. -SM

Russia’s objective is to rule over Ukrainian population // 2:55 PM Feb. 25

The Russian government’s objective through their invasion of Ukraine is to “secure control of the population and change the regime,” according to UK Chief of Defense Intelligence, Sir Jim Hockenhull. According to CNN, Hockenhull said that Russia “continues to conduct strikes across Ukraine.” This comes after Russia launched missiles into Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, and has invaded the city with armed military troops. -SM

Classified briefing on Ukraine invasion // 2:31 PM Feb. 25

The U.S pentagon spokesperson, John Kirby, said on Friday that the U.S is going to provide “additional security assistance” to Ukraine, with the details still being worked out. Additionally, U.S senators are going to have a briefing on the Ukraine invasion on Monday at 7:15 ET, according to the Senate Aid. -SM