March 31, 2023 - Russia-Ukraine news

By Tara Subramaniam, Helen Regan, Jack Guy, Ed Upright, Adrienne Vogt, Aditi Sangal and Matt Meyer, CNN

Updated 8:03 p.m. ET, March 31, 2023
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10:44 a.m. ET, March 31, 2023

Biden tells Russia to release arrested US journalist

From CNN's Arlette Saenz and Sam Fossum

President Joe Biden talks with reporters on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, on March 31.
President Joe Biden talks with reporters on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, on March 31. (Susan Walsh/AP)

President Biden was asked by CNN what his message to Russia is following the detainment of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich.

"Let him go," the president said as he departed the White House this morning.

This is the first time Biden has publicly commented on the matter since Gershkovich was accused of espionage by Russian authorities Thursday.

Asked later by another reporter if the US would expel Russian diplomats or journalists over the detention of Gershkovich, Biden said, "That's not the plan right now." 

Later on Friday, US Vice President Kamala Harris said she was “deeply concerned” about Gershkovich.

“I will state in unequivocal terms that we will not tolerate and condemn, in fact, repression of journalists and that we are absolutely concerned about any attempt to in any way stifle freedom of the press,” Harris said in a press conference with Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema in Lusaka.

CNN's Jasmine Wright contributed reporting to this post.

8:29 a.m. ET, March 31, 2023

It's mid-afternoon in Kyiv. Here's what you need to know

Ukraine will “punish every perpetrator” for the atrocities that happened in Bucha, the town just north of Kyiv where Russian forces allegedly committed war crimes last year, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Friday marks exactly one year since Bucha was liberated, which Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin recalls, "was the first time we all saw evidence of the unprecedented scale of the enemy's atrocities."

Here are the other headlines:

  • Russia strikes Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv: Multiple rocket attacks hit the southeastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia on Friday. There were no casualties but several buildings were damaged. In addition, three people were injured further north after Russia fired nine missiles at Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city on Thursday night.

  • Finland NATO accession imminent: Finland will formally join NATO in the “coming days,” Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Friday. The Turkish Parliament voted unanimously in favor of Finland’s membership on Thursday, clearing the last hurdle in the accession process.

  • Lukashenko fires warning to West: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko called for a freezing of “hostilities” in Ukraine, and warned that Russia would have to use the full force of its military if the West were attempt to use a hypothetical pause in the war to encroach on its territory.
  • Ukraine boycotts Olympic qualifying: Ukraine has decided to boycott Olympic qualifying events in which Russians are competing for the Paris 2024 Games. It comes after the International Olympic Committee outlined new guidelines that would allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete as neutrals.
  • Russia's spring draft isn't mobilization: Russia's armed forces are not planning for a second wave of mobilization and an upcoming military draft is part of a routine conscription program, a Russian official announced Friday.
  • Slovenian PM in Kyiv: Slovenia’s Prime Minister Robert Golob has met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Golob told Zelensky that Slovenia will contribute to the post-war recovery of Ukraine, specifically the liberated city of Izium in the northeastern Kharkiv region.
7:51 a.m. ET, March 31, 2023

Moscow rejects Lukashenko's proposed truce

From CNN's Lindsay Isaac

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko delivers a state-of-the nation address in Minsk, Belarus, on March 31.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko delivers a state-of-the nation address in Minsk, Belarus, on March 31. (Belarusian Presidential Press Service/AP)

The Kremlin has ruled out a truce in Ukraine proposed by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Friday.

“In the context of Ukraine, nothing changes. The special military operation continues because at the moment it is the only way to achieve the goals that our country faces,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in regular call with journalists.

Peskov said Moscow is aware of Lukashenko’s advice and said it will “certainly be discussed” next week, when Russian President Vladimir Putin and Lukashenko speak during a meeting of the Supreme State Council of the Union State.

Earlier Friday, Lukashenko called for a freezing of “hostilities” in Ukraine.

“It is necessary to stop hostilities and declare a truce that prohibits both sides from moving groups of troops and from transferring weapons, ammunition, manpower, and equipment," Lukashenko said. "All stopped, frozen."

7:39 a.m. ET, March 31, 2023

Accredited foreign journalists can continue working in Russia, Kremlin says

From CNN’s Sarah Dean

Accredited foreign journalists can continue to work in Russia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Friday, following the arrest of Evan Gershkovich, a reporter for the Wall Street Journal.

His comments came in response to a question regarding a Thursday article from the Editorial Board of the Wall Street Journal, which says: “The Biden Administration will have to consider diplomatic and political escalation."

“Expelling Russia’s ambassador to the U.S., as well as all Russian journalists working here, would be the minimum to expect. The U.S. government’s first duty is to protect its citizens, and too many governments now believe they can arrest and imprison Americans with impunity,” it said.

Peskov was asked “how likely” it is that Russian journalists and Russia’s ambassador will be expelled from the United States.

“All foreign journalists who have valid accreditation here can and continue their journalistic activities in our country. They don't face any restrictions and work fine,” Peskov replied.

“In this case, we are talking about espionage activities under the guise of journalistic activities. Since this journalist was caught red-handed, this situation is obvious,” he added.

The WSJ has categorically rejected those allegations, saying in a statement Thursday that it “vehemently denies the allegations from the FSB and seeks the immediate release of our trusted and dedicated reporter.”

Peskov continued: “In this regard, to demand the expulsion of all Russian journalists ... Well, the newspaper can do it, but this should not be the case. There is simply no reason for this. If there are any violations of the law, going beyond the scope of activities provided for by law, yes. But it would be absurd and wrong to restrict the rights of conscientious journalists.”

He once again reiterated he was unable to expand his “red-handed” accusation, saying: “We do not have detailed information, it is classified. The FSB is handling this.”

The White House has called the Russian espionage charge "ridiculous."

11:23 a.m. ET, March 31, 2023

Slovenian leader visits Zelensky in Kyiv to talk post-war recovery

From CNN’s Olga Voitovych in Kyiv

Slovenia's Prime Minister Robert Golob, right, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy shake hands during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, on March 31.
Slovenia's Prime Minister Robert Golob, right, and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy shake hands during their meeting in Kyiv, Ukraine, on March 31. (Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Reuters)

Slovenia’s Prime Minister Robert Golob has met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Friday. 

Golob told Zelensky that Slovenia will contribute to the post-war recovery of Ukraine, specifically the liberated city of Izium in the northeastern Kharkiv region, according to the Slovenian government's Twitter account.

The Slovenian leader also discussed Ukraine’s path to joining the European Union and the NATO military alliance during a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, according to the Twitter account.

6:18 a.m. ET, March 31, 2023

Lukashenko warns West against consequences of violating a hypothetical Ukraine truce

From CNN’s Anna Chernova

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko delivers an annual address to parliament, government and the nation in Minsk, Belarus, on March 31.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko delivers an annual address to parliament, government and the nation in Minsk, Belarus, on March 31. (Maxim Guchek/Belta/Reuters)

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko called for a freezing of “hostilities” in Ukraine, and warned that Russia would have to use the full force of its military if the West were attempt to use a hypothetical pause in the war to encroach on its territory. 

“It is necessary to stop hostilities and declare a truce that prohibits both sides from moving groups of troops and from transferring weapons, ammunition, manpower, and equipment, Lukashenko said in an address to the nation Friday. "All stopped, frozen."

But he warned Moscow would be obliged to use the “full power of its military-industrial complex and the army to prevent the escalation of the conflict – phosphorus ammunition, non-depleted uranium, and enriched uranium – everything must go into action if there is deception and even the slightest movement across the border of Ukraine is noticed.”

Lukashenko is a key ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his comments come amid heightened tensions in the region, with Russia amassing troops along the Belarus-Ukraine border in recent weeks.

The United States and its allies have expressed concern over the potential for further escalation in the conflict. 

6:47 a.m. ET, March 31, 2023

Finland to formally join NATO in "coming days"

From CNN’s Catherine Nicholls

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, right, and Finland Ministers for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto bump fists after holding a joint press conference after their meeting at the Nato headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on January 24, 2022.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, right, and Finland Ministers for Foreign Affairs Pekka Haavisto bump fists after holding a joint press conference after their meeting at the Nato headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on January 24, 2022. (John Thys/AFP/Getty Images)

Finland will formally join NATO in the “coming days,” Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said Friday after lawmakers in Turkey – the last remaining hold-out among current members – approved its membership.

“All 30 NATO Allies have now ratified the accession protocol,” Stoltenberg said in a video posted to Twitter. 

Finland will bring a lot to our Alliance,” he added. 

Stoltenberg also sounded an optimistic note on Sweden’s chances of joining the alliance. Sweden and Finland submitted a joint application to NATO shortly after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

“All Allies agree that a rapid conclusion of the ratification process for Sweden will be in everyone’s interest," he tweeted. "I look forward to also welcoming Sweden as a full member of the NATO family as soon as possible.”

However Turkey has not indicated whether it will approve Sweden’s NATO membership.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has previously said Turkey would not approve Sweden’s NATO membership unless the country extradites “terrorists” upon Turkish request.

Sweden has made clear this won’t happen and for now, the process is stuck.

Hungary is also holding out on Sweden's membership bid. On Wednesday, Hungarian government spokesperson Zoltán Kovács said there was “an ample amount of grievances that need to be addressed” before Sweden’s bid would be ratified.

Writing in a blog, Kovács said that relations between the two countries “have been worn down over years,” which he said makes “bridging the gap more challenging.”

“We see the need to clear the air with Sweden in order to proceed,” he added.

5:37 a.m. ET, March 31, 2023

"We will never forgive": Zelensky marks one year since the liberation of Bucha

From CNN’s Olga Voitovych and Sarah Dean

Volunteers load bodies of civilians killed in Bucha onto a truck to be taken to a morgue for investigation, in Bucha, Ukraine, on April 12 2022.
Volunteers load bodies of civilians killed in Bucha onto a truck to be taken to a morgue for investigation, in Bucha, Ukraine, on April 12 2022. (Rodrigo Abd/AP)

Ukraine will “punish every perpetrator” for the atrocities committed in Bucha, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday. 

“Bucha and Bucha district. 33 days of occupation. More than 1,400 deaths, including 37 children. More than 175 people were found in mass graves and torture chambers," said Zelensky in a Telegram post. 

9,000 Russian war crimes. 365 days since it is a free Ukrainian сity once again," he added.

“A symbol of the atrocities of the occupying country’s army. We will never forgive. We will punish every perpetrator."

Ukrainian Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin said these were "horrifying figures" in a separate statement Friday.

“That was the first time we all saw evidence of the unprecedented scale of the enemy's atrocities," he said.

The prosecutor's office has notified almost 100 Russian military officers on suspicion of committing war crimes in Bucha, with indictments against 35 already sent to court, according to the statement. 

“We will not stop until all organizers and perpetrators of war crimes are sentenced,” said Kostiin in the statement.

The European Union's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, also marked the anniversary in a tweet.

"A year has passed since the war crimes committed by Russian troops in #Bucha were revealed. I carry with me the horrendous images," he said.

"The EU assists Ukraine to investigate such crimes and collect evidence. There will be no impunity."

4:43 a.m. ET, March 31, 2023

Russian armed forces say they are not planning for second wave of mobilization

From CNN’s Anna Chernova

Russia's armed forces are not planning for a second wave of mobilization and an upcoming military draft is part of a routine conscription program, officials announced Friday.

“I would like to assure you all that the plans of the General Staff do not include a second wave of mobilization,” said Vladimir Tsimlyansky, a representative of the General Staff of Russia’s armed forces, during a briefing about a spring draft campaign.

He added that the defense ministry has “enough” soldiers to fulfil its assigned tasks, and that conscripts will be sent only to points of permanent deployment within Russia.

Russia’s defense ministry routinely conscripts men for compulsory military service twice per year, in spring and the fall.

Conscription involves the selection and enlistment of young men into the military, while mobilization refers to the larger-scale process of calling up reservists and other military personnel in the event of an emergency or war.

The spring conscription, which was signed into effect by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, will apply to 147,000 citizens aged 18-27 and will take place from April 1 to July 15, according to an official document published by the government.

The Kremlin has consistently denied rumors of a possible second wave of mobilization in Russia.