Russia Is Urged To Cease Hostilities In Ukraine By The ICJ

ICJ (International Court of Justice) has called on the Russian Federation to cease hostilities in Ukraine, saying it is "profoundly concerned" by Russia's use of force. Kyiv hailed the 13-2 verdict as a victory, but Moscow said the Hague-based court did not have jurisdiction to hear the case.

The verdict comes ahead of another round of talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations to discuss a ceasefire.

In an address to the US Congress, Ukraine's President told President Biden that being the leader of the free world also means being the "leader of peace."

Later that day, Biden announced that the US is sending "longer-range" anti-aircraft weapons to Ukraine. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg, however, said the military alliance does not plan to send troops to Ukraine in response to Poland's request for a peacekeeping effort there.

The Russian President said the West's "economic blitzkrieg" against Moscow had failed. Putin says Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine is a "success," and he will not allow Ukraine to become a "springboard" to threaten Russia.

FIGHTING CONTINUES

Residents of Kyiv were woken up by the sound of several explosions on the morning of March 16. A 12-story apartment building in central Kyiv reportedly erupted in flames after being hit by shrapnel.

Several civilians fleeing Mariupol were killed by Russian strikes on Wednesday, according to Ukrainian authorities.

Ten people are also alleged to have been killed while waiting in a bread line in the northern city of Chernigiv by Russian forces.