Heading towards World War III?

We have more from the Kremlin on the state of negotiations with Ukraine.

Moscow spokesman Dmitry Peskov says Russia is careful to comment on the talks as "we believe that negotiations should take place in silence" but says the chief Russian negotiator will speak later.

He adds that Crimea, the region annexed by Russia in 2014, is "part of Russia" and the Russian constitution precluded discussing the fate of any Russian region with anyone else.

www.bbc.com/news/live/world-europe-60923158

Germany triggered its gas emergency plan on Tuesday. The measure is intended to serve an ‘early warning’ for the potential disruption or stoppage of energy supplies from Russia.

The move was made ahead of March 31 – Russia’s deadline for “unfriendly countries,” which includes Germany and the rest of the EU – to begin paying for gas in rubles instead of dollars and euros. Berlin’s move is the first in a three-stage maneuver that includes early warning, alert, and emergency levels.

www.rt.com/news/552961-germany-emergency-gas-ukraine

Stefano Gizzi, the Councilor for Culture in the commune of Ceccano, Italy has had his powers revoked after sparking outrage by publicly expressing support for Russia in a now-deleted Facebook post.

www.rt.com/news/552919-italian-official-fired-russia

Ukrainian authorities are investigating video footage which has been claimed to show Ukrainian soldiers shooting Russian prisoners of war in the legs.

The grainy video has been circulating on social media after first appearing in the early hours of Sunday morning (27 March).

www.bbc.com/news/60907259

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he has signed decrees to recall Ukraine's ambassadors from Georgia and Morocco because "they are wasting time on the diplomatic front" in the countries where they currently serve amid Russian aggression.

"There are those who work together with everyone for the defense of the state. In order for Ukraine to win back its future. We appreciate the work of each such person. And there are those who waste time in vain just to stay in office. I have signed a decree to recall such a person, the ambassador from Morocco. The ambassador to Georgia has also been recalled. With all due respect – there will be no weapons, no sanctions, no obstacles for Russian business – please look for another job," Zelensky said in a video address on Wednesday evening.

en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/819643.html