This as talks on humanitarian corridors have made little progress. Russia has warned it could stop the flow of gas through pipelines from Russia to Germany in response to Berlin’s decision last month to halt the opening of the controversial new Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Russia supplies 40% of Europe’s gas. Russia also warned that oil prices could surge to $300 a barrel.
Meanwhile, the World Bank has approved $723 million in loans and grants for Ukraine to be transferred in the next few days. US congressional negotiators have also neared a deal to provide Ukraine, billions of dollars in emergency aid. The White House has requested $10 billion. On the war front, a Russian airstrike has hit a bread factory in northern Ukraine and killed at least 13 civilians.
Back home, South African companies have opened their hearts to the crisis in Ukraine. This as many have contacted the humanitarian organization Gift of the Givers, with offers to assist with the crisis.
