March 13, 2022 Russia-Ukraine news

Sullivan will meet Chinese counterparts in Rome on Monday for talks.When asked by CNN about the reporting of Russia's request for military aid, Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in the US, said in a statement, "I've never heard of that."Read the full story here.Australia announced fresh sanctions Monday targeting Russian oligarchs, key businesspeople and their family members, the Foreign Ministry said. She claimed, "a great deficit of trustworthy information being circulated," as reasoning for the broadcasting decision.Russia has asked China for military assistance in Ukraine, a senior US official said, and the Ukrainian military has thwarted an attempt by Russian military vehicles to cross the Irpin River.It comes after a day that saw Russia expanding its offensive to western Ukraine, firing missiles near the city of Lviv and hitting a large military base close to the Polish border, reportedly killing dozens of people as the war draws closer to NATO's front line.If you're just reading in, here are the latest headlines from the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.Seeking China's help: Russia has asked China for military assistance in Ukraine, including drones, a senior US official said Sunday. Ukraine and Russia talks to continue Monday: Ukrainian Presidential adviser Mykhailo Podoliak tweeted Sunday talks between Ukrainian and Russian officials will take place Monday through video.From CNN's Pierre MeilhanFrench President Emmanuel Macron and US President Joe Biden agreed to strengthen sanctions already taken against Russia in a call Sunday, the Elysee Palace said.The two leaders reiterated their support for Ukraine and would join efforts on initiatives to end the fighting, according to a Elysee Palace statement.