Evacuation Attempts In Ukrainian Cities Expected Later As Humanitarian Corridors Due To Open

Loud explosions reported in Kyiv this morning

Attempts to evacuate people from cities in Ukraine are expected to continue later today.

Nine humanitarian corridors are due to open.

Loud explosions have been heard in the capital city Kyiv this morning.

Ukraine's president says yesterday's talks with Russia were "pretty good" - ahead of another round of discussions later.

In a video address, Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Russian troops directly to end the fighting and spare themselves.

Senior security lecturer at the University of Bath - Patrick Bury - believes the talks process is looking more hopeful, but will involve compromise from Ukraine:

Last night, President Zelenskyy tweeted his condolences to the family of Brent Renaud, the US journalist & film-maker shot dead in Irpin, outside Kyiv.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of Brent Renaud who lost his life while documenting the ruthlessness & evil inflicted upon 🇺🇦 people by Russia. May Brent’s life & sacrifice inspire the world to stand up in fight for the forces of light against forces of darkness. pic.twitter.com/bvQjM470OU

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 14, 2022

Mr. Renaud was working in the area for Time.

It is reported the 50 year-old was targeted by Russian soliders.

Fellow journalist, Juan Arredondo was injured during the shooting & described what happened to US television network CBS:

"He's been shot and left behind": U.S. journalist Juan Arredondo describes the moment he and Brent Renaud came under attack by Russian forces at a checkpoint in Irpin, Ukraine, on Sunday. Renaud was shot and killed. https://t.co/BmzIVT54TR pic.twitter.com/NvtYZ1lgM4

— CBS News (@CBSNews) March 13, 2022

Elsewhere, Britain's Foreign Office Minister, James Cleverly, says it's "obvious" the Russian military is not achieving its goals in Ukraine:

Earlier, the British government announced additional economic sanctions on Russia - including banning the exports of some luxury goods to the country.

There will also be a hike on import tariffs on a range of products, including Russian vodka.