WARSAW, Poland (AP) — Global tech giants on Thursday pledged billions of dollars in aid to help Ukraine, as Russia cracked down on social media and blocked access to Facebook..
The European Union on Thursday announced new sanctions against Russia and Belarus, including a ban on Russian aircraft from its airspace..
The U.S. announced it will provide Ukraine with an additional $350 million in military assistance, bringing the total to $1 billion since the start of the invasion..
Meanwhile, Russia has blocked access to Facebook, accusing the social media giant of “discrimination against Russian media and information resources.”.
Here is a summary of the latest developments in Ukraine:.
**Tech companies pledge aid**.
Google pledged $5 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine, while Microsoft pledged $10 million. Amazon pledged $5 million in cash and in-kind aid..
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, pledged $5 million in humanitarian aid and is also providing free access to its messaging app, WhatsApp, in Ukraine..
Twitter pledged $1 million in humanitarian aid and is also providing free access to its platform in Ukraine..
**Russia blocks Facebook**.
Russia has blocked access to Facebook, accusing the social media giant of “discrimination against Russian media and information resources.”.
Facebook has denied the allegations and said it is working to restore access to its platform in Russia..
**New sanctions**.
The European Union on Thursday announced new sanctions against Russia and Belarus, including a ban on Russian aircraft from its airspace..
The new sanctions also include a ban on the export of luxury goods to Russia and a freeze on the assets of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his inner circle..
**U.S. military assistance**.
The U.S. announced it will provide Ukraine with an additional $350 million in military assistance, bringing the total to $1 billion since the start of the invasion..
The new assistance includes anti-tank weapons, body armor, and other equipment..
**Latest developments**.
* Russian forces have captured the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson..
* The U.N. estimates that more than 1 million people have fled Ukraine since the start of the invasion..
* The International Criminal Court has opened an investigation into possible war crimes committed in Ukraine..
The situation in Ukraine is rapidly evolving and new developments are emerging all the time. Please check back for the latest updates..
