Russia’s financial markets were gripped by turmoil, with the rouble plunging nearly 30 percent against the dollar – after the European Union announced tough new punitive measures against Moscow,

Among the strategic sites captured on the first day of the assault was the Chernobyl nuclear power station north of Kyiv, where staff still oversee the plant, though no reactors are in operation 36 years after the world’s worst nuclear accident.

The project will widen the roads using low-maintenance concrete pavement and improve their condition to substantially reduce travel time and vehicle operating costs.

The United Kingdom is ready to guarantee loans of up to $500 million to support Ukraine and mitigate the economic consequences of Russian aggression. Italy is ready to allocate 110 million euros.

The rate on access operations to provide liquidity was raised to 14.5 percent from 11.25 percent and the rate on access operations to withdraw liquidity - to 12.5 percent from 9.25 percent.