February 22, Tuesday, 2022 (1:30 p.m.) Newsline read by Ms. Keiko Kitagawa

1.Leaders from across the globe are condemning a Russian move to send troops into Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin has recognized two breakaway regions as independent and ordered the deployment of what he calls a “peacekeeping” force. The move earned a barrage of economic sanctions.
2.Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenzkyy has condemned Russia’s recent action to recognize two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as an unequivocal violation of his country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Zelenskyy said in a public address on Tuesday that all responsibility for the consequences of Russia’s decisions rests with Russia’s political leadership.
3.China has called on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve differences on the Ukraine issue through dialogue and negotiation in order to defuse tensions. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin also told reporters on Tuesday that the security concerns of any country should be respected and protected. He was apparently referring to Russia’s stance of seeking a guarantee that NATO will not expand further.