Russia-Ukraine war: What happened today (March 7)

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Residents flee heavy fighting via a destroyed bridge as Russian forces entered Irpin, Ukraine, on Monday. / Getty Images

As Monday draws to a close in Kyiv and in Moscow, here are the key developments of the day:

The third round of talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegations ended without any breakthroughs, though the parties agreed to meet again. They are continuing to discuss humanitarian corridors through which to evacuate civilians after several cease-fires have failed. Earlier, Kyiv rejected Moscow's proposal, which would have routed Ukrainian evacuees into Belarus and Russia.

The U.S. believes Russia is trying to recruit Syrian fighters. U.S. officials also estimate that Russia has now deployed "nearly 100%" of the combat forces previously positioned near Ukraine's borders, without signs of more troops moving from other parts of Russia.

Hearings on the war began in The Hague. Ukraine asked the U.N.'s International Court of Justice to order a halt to the Russian invasion, accusing Russia of "grave and widespread violations of the human rights of Ukrainian people." Russia's delegation did not attend. A second hearing is slated for Tuesday.

Russian police arrested almost 5,000 protesters in 65 Russian cities on Sunday, according to the latest independent tally. The first cases are being filed under Russia's new law that criminalizes news reporting or public statements contradicting the Kremlin's version of events in Ukraine.

Oil prices surged to a 14-year high. In the U.S., gasoline prices surged past $4 a gallon to near a national record, as the White House and its allies discuss potential restrictions on the purchase of oil from Russia.

In-depth

The war is splintering families and friends across the Ukraine-Russia border. Listen to some of their stories.

Polish families open their homes to Ukrainian children fleeing the war. See the photo essay.

Watching Ukraine, some Bosnians are reliving the trauma of their war in the 1990s, when Bosnian Serb forces laid siege to the capital, Sarajevo, for 46 months.

Why Brittney Griner was in Russia and what it has to do with U.S. women's basketball.

Rising tensions could have implications for partnerships in space — particularly aboard the International Space Station. Listen to learn more.

Earlier developments

You can read more news from Monday here, as well as more in-depth reporting and daily recaps here. Also, listen and subscribe to NPR's State of Ukraine podcast for updates throughout the day.

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