April 22, Friday, 2022 (1:30 p.m.) Newsline read by Mr. Yamaguchi Hiroaki

1.Russian forces look poised to extend areas under their control in eastern Ukraine following the Kremlin’s claim that it has seized the key port city of Mariupol. But they are facing fierce resistance from the Ukrainians, who are receiving more military aid from the West.
2.Britain’s Defense Ministry says a full ground assault by Russia on a steel plant in the eastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol “would likely incur significant Russian casualties, further decreasing their overall combat effectiveness.” The ministry on Friday released an update on the situation in Ukraine, following Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to blockade the Asovstal plant instead of storming it. Ukrainian troops and many civilians remain in the plant.
3.An orchestra based in the Ukrainian capital Kyiv has started a European tour to rally support for the country. The Kyiv Symphony Orchestra kicked off the tour on Thursday with a concert in Poland’s capital Warsaw, where many Ukrainian evacuees are seeking refuge.