Ukraine refugee numbers pass 1.5 million
The number of refugees that have fled Ukraine since Russia's invasion has surpassed 1.5 million and that figure is expected to swell.
International News
Russia offers 5-hour ‘evacuation corridor’
Civilians in Ukraine's southeastern city of Mariupol will have a five-hour window in which to evacuate under a partial Russian ceasefire in the region.
North Korea fires missile into sea
North Korea has fired a suspected ballistic missile into the sea, its ninth weapons test this year, as it tries to put pressure on the US over sanctions.
Belgium, Nepal to end virus restrictions
Belgium will scrap the need to show a COVID-19 pass for indoor venues while Nepal will end all curbs in the Kathmandu valley as US mask requirements ease.
Russia declares partial Ukraine ceasefire
Russia's defence ministry says it has declared a partial ceasefire to allow humanitarian corridors out of the Ukrainian cities of Mariupol and Volnovakha.
Russia attacks Ukraine nuclear power plant
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, the largest of its kind in Europe, is on fire after an attack by Russian troops, the nearby town's mayor says.
Japan opens, France drops virus passport
Health authorities in Sweden say coronavirus cases are falling sharply as Japanese officials announce more students will be allowed to enter the country.
Use of force can’t happen in Pacific: Quad
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the Quad group has agreed the use of force like in Ukraine should not be allowed in the Indo-Pacific region.
Fire near Ukraine nuclear plant put out
There is no indication of elevated radiation levels at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, after a fire broke out in a training building nearby.
Russian troops enter strategic city: mayor
Russian troops have entered Ukraine's strategic Black Sea city of Kherson, the first major gain of its eight-day invasion, the city's mayor says.
Russian war on Ukraine enters second week
Despite an initial battle plan that the West said was aimed at swiftly toppling the Kyiv government, Russia has captured only one Ukrainian city so far.
Russia, Ukraine ready for new talks on war
Ukraine is ready for another round of talks with Russia after the invasion ordered by President Vladimir Putin, but says it won't accept any Russian ultimatums.
UN to censure Russia over Ukraine
The UN general assembly is set to demand Russia withdaw its forces from Ukraine, in a move to ratchet up diplomatic pressure.
Anti-vaxxers set NZ parliament lawn ablaze
Anti-vax protesters have lit fires on the lawns outside New Zealand's parliament as police attempt to end their 23-day occupation of the grounds.
Biden says US stands with Ukrainian people
Democrats and Republicans have risen to applaud their support for Ukraine during US President Joe Biden's State of the Union address.
Russia claims control of Ukraine’s Kherson
Russia is claiming its forces have made advances in Ukraine, at the same time as the Kremlin says it's 'ready to resume talks' on ending the invasion.
Russia strikes Kharkiv, convoy nears Kyiv
A massive convoy of Russian forces has been seen heading toward the Ukraine capital Kyiv, amid fears civilian casualties will escalate.
Adapt now, or suffer: UN Climate report
The latest report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change paints a devastating picture of the future, while carbon emissions have been unchecked.
Ukraine talks begin as Russia isolated
Talks are underway beween Russian and Ukrainian officials as the toll from Russia's invasion climbs, and western sanctions bite into Russia's financial system.
Omicron prompts NZ into border shake-up
From later this week, Kiwis abroad will no longer need to quarantine or self-isolate to enter New Zealand.
Russian convoy nearing Kyiv, images show
A convoy of Russian ground forces stretching more than five kilometres is 64km from Kyiv, satelite images show.
Putin nuke threat, West bolsters Ukraine
Russia has placed nuclear-equipped forces on high alert, as the West rallies in support of beleaguered Ukraine.
Russia forces blow up Kharkiv gas pipeline
Residents in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv are being warned to cover their windows with damp cloth after Russian forces blew up a gas pipeline.
West blocks Russian access to SWIFT system
The US, EU and UK have agreed to place crippling sanctions on the Russian financial sector, including a block on its access to the global financial system.
Russian forces enter Ukraine’s second city
Ukrainian forces are holding off Russian troops advancing on the capital Kyiv as the biggest assault on a European state since WWII enters a fourth day.
Ukraine capital girds for Russian assault
Russian forces claim to have captured an airfield northwest of the Ukrainian capital Kyiv as the city's mayor says it "has gone into a defensive phase".
NZ records five COVID deaths, 12,011 cases
New Zealand's COVID-19 outbreak has doubled overnight, with 12,011 new cases on Friday and five deaths.
Ukraine’s president vows to stay put
Missiles have hit the Ukrainian capital Kyiv as Russian forces press on with a full-scale invasion.
Putin escapes new US Russia sanctions
Russian President Vladimir Putin is an aggressor with a "sinister vision of the world" and a misguided dream of recreating the Soviet Union, Joe Biden says.
Russia seizing Chernobyl, says Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russian forces are trying to seize the Chernobyl nuclear plant
UK will ‘hobble’ Russia with sanctions
Prime Minister Boris Johnson says he UK and its allies will release a barrage of sanctions in response to Russia's 'hideous and barbaric venture' in Ukraine.