US President Joe Biden told his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday that Washington undertook actions “to raise the costs on Russia for its aggression in Ukraine,” according to the White House.

It remarks were made in a telephone call where the US president said “his administration is surging security, humanitarian, and economic assistance to Ukraine and is working closely with Congress to secure additional funding.”

He welcomed the decision by Visa and Mastercard to suspend service in Russia.

Biden “reiterated his concern about the recent Russian attack on a Ukrainian nuclear power plant and he commended the skill and bravery of the Ukrainian operators who have kept the reactors in safe condition.”

The leaders also discussed recent Russia and Ukraine talks.

Russia's war on Ukraine has been met by outrage from the international community with the EU, UK, and US, among others, implementing a range of economic sanctions on Moscow.

According to UN figures, at least 331 civilians have been killed and 675 injured in Ukraine since the beginning of the war on Feb. 24.

More than 1.3 million people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, according to the UN refugee agency./aa

Visa and Mastercard said Saturday that they have suspended all Russian operations because of its war in Ukraine.

“Effective immediately, Visa will work with its clients and partners within Russia to cease all Visa transactions over the coming days. Once complete, all transactions initiated with Visa cards issued in Russia will no longer work outside the country and any Visa cards issued by financial institutions outside of Russia will no longer work within the Russian Federation,” the US multinational financial services company said in a statement.

“We are compelled to act following Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, and the unacceptable events that we have witnessed,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Al Kelly.

Kelly described the war as an "ongoing threat to peace and stability" that demands the company should "respond in line with our values.”

And Mastercard said it would also cease operations in Russia for similar reasons.

Cards issued by Russian banks will no longer be supported by the Mastercard network and any Mastercard issued outside of country will not work at Russian merchants or ATMs, it said.

Russia's war on Ukraine has led to international outrage, with the EU, US, UK and others implementing tough financial sanctions on Moscow. The West is also supplying Kyiv with weapons and humanitarian aid.

At least 351 civilians have been killed and 707 injured in Ukraine since the beginning of the war on Feb. 24, according to UN figures.

More than 1.3 million people have fled to neighboring countries, the latest data by the UN Refugee Agency showed./aa

Major companies from different sectors around the world have announced the suspension of their operations in Russia one after another due to its war on Ukraine.

During the last week, many sectors in Russia saw suspension decisions, ranging from technology to automotive and energy.

Apart from sanctions, particularly those imposed by EU member states and the US, companies are trying to exert pressure on the Russian economy through their actions.

Technology

The US-based technology giant Apple put a halt to product sales in Russia while limiting Apple Pay and other services in the country.

"We are deeply concerned about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stand with all of the people who are suffering as a result of the violence," it said.

Another US-based multinational software company Microsoft announced a suspension of all new products' sales and services in Russia.

"Like the rest of the world, we are horrified, angered and saddened by the images and news coming from the war in Ukraine and condemn this unjustified, unprovoked and unlawful invasion by Russia," Microsoft said.

YouTube also decided to block Russian state-run media outlets, Russia Today and Sputnik, while Google blocked their mobile applications from being downloaded.

Computer producer Dell Technologies suspended sales in Russia, while Oracle stopped its operations in the country.

Global credit card providers Visa and MasterCard likewise suspended their operations and relations in the country.

Online payment platform PayPal on Saturday suspended its services in Russia, citing the war in Ukraine.

The "unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the tragic humanitarian crisis" prompted Disney to halt all film releases in Russia.

Netflix also ceased operations and postponed the production of four Russia-based series.

Aviation

Boeing and Airbus, based in the US and Europe, respectively, ceased operations and exports to Russia.

Airbus said in a statement that it is also evaluating whether its technical center in Moscow will be able to serve local customers under Western sanctions.

Lufthansa Technik ceased operations in Russia, while Aercap, the world's largest chartering company, severed ties with Russian airlines.

The European Space Agency also stopped its relations with Russia.

Due to the suspension, the agency's ExoMars program will probably be postponed. The Rosalind Franklin spacecraft, built in the UK, was set to launch on a Russian rocket.

Automotive

Germany-based automotive giants Volkswagen and BMW stopped local production activities in Russia.

BMW said: "We condemn the aggression against Ukraine and follow developments with great concern and dismay."

Volkswagen, which also stopped exports to the country, stated: "Against the background of the Russian attack on Ukraine and the resulting consequences, the Group Board of Management of Volkswagen AG has decided to stop the production of vehicles in Russia until further notice."

Audi, Seat, Scania, Skoda, Porsche, and Volkswagen are all part of the Volkswagen Group.

Toyota, a Japanese automaker, also halted its production operations in the country, stating: "The operations at the St. Petersburg plant will be stopped until further notice."

Toyota's St. Petersburg plant has been producing about 100,000 vehicles per year since it opened in 2007.

Honda Motor Co. of Japan also suspended shipments of vehicles and motorcycles to Russia.

Daimler Truck, which manufactures armored vehicles for the Russian army, ceased all commercial operations in the country, including collaboration with Russia's largest truck and bus manufacturer, Kamaz.

Other companies that announced suspensions in the country include Volvo of Sweden, Ford of the US, Mazda of Japan, Jaguar, Land Rover, and Aston Martin of the UK.

Harley-Davidson likewise suspended operations and deliveries in Russia.

Textile, retail trade

Mango, a Spanish textile retailer, temporarily suspended sales at 120 Russian stores and ceased exports to the country.

Sportswear giant Adidas suspended its partnership with Russian Football Union due to the war.

The German apparel company has been the Russian national football team's kit supplier for more than a decade since their partnership began in September 2008.

Puma and Nike, two major sportswear companies, also ceased operations and deliveries in Russia. Puma alone has 100 outlets in the country.

H&M, one of the largest textile retailers, suspended sales in the country, while Inditex, the owner of Zara, Bershka and Pull&Bear, stopped its services in Russia by closing its more than 500 stores.

IKEA, the Swedish furniture retailer, also halted operations in Russia and Belarus due to the Ukraine war.

Marks & Spencer stopped supplying goods to its franchise stores in Russia as of Saturday.

Energy

The UK's British Petroleum (BP) and Shell stopped their operations in Russia by halting their partnership activities with Russian firms.

Shell's board of directors announced its plans to exit joint ventures with Gazprom and related entities.

"We are shocked by the loss of life in Ukraine, which we deplore, resulting from a senseless act of military aggression which threatens European security," said Shell CEO Ben van Beurden.

BP announced that it will sell its stake in Rosneft, a Russian state-owned oil company, after coming under pressure from the government.

"Russia's attack on Ukraine is an act of aggression which is having tragic consequences across the region,” BP Chairman Helge Lund said.

Norway's energy giant Equinor agreed to begin exiting joint ventures in Russia and halt new investments in the country.

"We are all deeply troubled by the invasion of Ukraine, which represents a terrible setback for the world, and we are thinking of all those who are suffering because of the military action," said Anders Opedal, Equinor's president and CEO.

French Total Energies, the US-based ExxonMobil, Italian energy group Eni, Germany's Siemens Energy, Singapore-based commodity firm Trafigura, and Switzerland's Glencore all announced suspension of their activities or investments in Russia.

Industry

Sandvik, a Swedish engineering firm, ceased operations in Russia, while Atlas Group, a Swedish manufacturer of industrial vehicles and equipment, stopped deliveries.

Finland's engineering group Metso Outotec also stopped deliveries in Russia.

Norsk Hydro, a Norwegian company operating in the aluminum and renewable energy sectors, said that it will no longer deal with Russian producers and will suspend its current agreements.

Siemens, a German-based industrial giant, likewise ceased supplies in the country but will continue local repair and maintenance services.

Cargo

The US-based FedEx and UPS suspended deliveries to Russia due to the war.

The world's largest container delivery firm Maersk also suspended all deliveries to and from Russia.

Deutsche Post stopped deliveries to Russia, and German shipping company Hapag Lloyd suspended reservations.

MSC, another container giant, likewise halted all load delivery operations, with the exception of humanitarian relief and medical supplies./aa

Gasoline prices in the US have climbed to their highest level in almost 10 years, according to data compiled by Anadolu Agency.

The national average stood at $3.837 a gallon for regular gasoline, its highest since September 2012, showed the data by American Automobile Association (AAA).

The highest price was seen in the state of California, where it stood at $4.422.

This was followed by Hawaii at $4.66 and Nevada and Oregon near $4.28.

Relatively cheaper rates were seen in southeastern states of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida – all below $3.70 a gallon.

The average gasoline price marked a 3.6% increase from a week ago when it was $3.572, while it posted a gain of 12.1% from a month ago, when it stood at $3.423.

On an annual basis, the average gasoline price jumped a whopping 39.8% from $2.745 per gallon a year ago.

Headache for consumers, and Biden

Rising prices have become a major issue for American consumers.

Although the administration of US President Joe Biden has repeatedly said it is fighting high gasoline prices, releasing crude oil from strategic petroleum reserves does not seem to have helped.

Crude prices have been on the rise since the economy largely opened up after being shut down by the coronavirus pandemic, pushing up global oil demand, but supply has been lagging.

International oil benchmark Brent crude soared Thursday to $119.78, marking its highest level since May 2, 2012.

American benchmark West Texas Intermediate jumped to $116.50 – its highest since Sept. 2, 2008.

Oil prices etched out a parabola over the last week with risks amid Russia's war on Ukraine.

The US and its allies' sanctions on Moscow have triggered fears that they may soon by extended to include the Russian oil sector.

The US Commerce Department took the first step Friday when it announced measures targeting Russia’s oil refining sector with export controls.

One of the measures builds on existing US restrictions put in place on the Russian deepwater oil and gas exploration and extraction industries in 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea. It imposes restrictions on a wide variety of items necessary for refining oil.

Russia is one of the three major oil-producing and exporting countries in the world, along with the US and Saudi Arabia.

It is also a member of OPEC+, which includes Saudi-led OPEC and its allies.

OPEC+ met Wednesday and agreed to stick to their plan of ramping up crude production by 400,000 barrels per day through April.

A prolonged war in Ukraine, or its spillover to other regions, in addition to sanctions on the Russian oil sector and exports, could push crude oil and gasoline prices even higher./aa

India successfully tested the accuracy of an extended-range BrahMos supersonic cruise missile launched from the stealth destroyer Indian Navy Ship (INS) Chennai, said an official statement on Saturday.

“The missile hit its intended target with pinpoint accuracy after traversing an extended range trajectory and performing complex maneuvers,” said the Indian Navy statement.

“Both Brahmos missile and INS Chennai are indigenously built and highlight the cutting-edge of Indian missile and ship-building prowess. They reinforce the Indian Navy's contribution towards the Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and Make in India endeavors,” it added.

“This achievement establishes the Indian Navy's ability to strike even deeper and influence land operations further away from the sea, when and where required,” it added.

The BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft or land.

The missile was developed as part of a joint venture between DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya initiated in 1998./agencies

As Russia begins to feel the toll of worldwide sanctions gripping almost every front, prompted by its ongoing war on Ukraine, Russian sport competitors and events are also facing a backlash.

After Moscow launched a war on its neighbor late last month, Russian teams and clubs have been barred from international tournaments.

The first steps were taken by the European football governing body, UEFA, to immediately show support for Ukraine on and off the pitch.

One day after Russia attacked Ukraine, UEFA moved this year’s signature UEFA Champions League final from St. Petersburg, Russia to Paris.

The sanctions were expanded when all Russian clubs and national teams were banned from participation in FIFA and UEFA competitions until further notice.

Spartak Moscow were disqualified from the 2021-22 UEFA Europa League after they made it to the Round of 16.

The Russian national football team is be ineligible to face Poland in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification playoffs on March 24.

UEFA canceled its longtime partnership with Russian gas company Gazprom, and Adidas ended its collaboration with the Russian Football Union (RFU).

The RFU appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the decision, which suspended Russian teams from international competitions.

Separately, US-based video game producer EA Sports decided to remove all Russian clubs and its national team from its platforms, including FIFA and NHL, to show support for Ukraine.

Abramovich to sell Chelsea

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich will sell English club Chelsea after Russia's war on Ukraine, the club confirmed.

Abramovich, 55, said he will sell Chelsea for the English club's "best interest at heart" amid media speculation about his ownership.

The Abramovich era at the Blues started in 2003 when he purchased Chelsea for a reported £140 million ($187 million).

Under his ownership, Chelsea became one of the top European clubs, winning several major titles including two UEFA Champions League, two UEFA Europa League, and five Premier League trophies.

Clubs cut ties with Russian sponsors

Football clubs from England and Germany canceled commercial ties with their Russian sponsors to protest the war.

England's Manchester United terminated their sponsorship deal with Russian airline Aeroflot.

Then Everton severed ties with USM, Megafon, and Yota.

Schalke 04 did the same as the German club ended their partnership with Gazprom after removing the Russian firm's logo from their shirts.

EuroLeague, FIBA suspend Russian basketball teams

Russian basketball clubs were barred from EuroLeague contests.

The EuroLeague Commercial Assets (ECA) suspended the "participation of Russian Federation teams" in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, which includes CSKA Moscow, UNICS Kazan, and Zenit St Petersburg, as well as the 7DAYS EuroCup, with Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar.

FIBA, which governs basketball around the globe, announced that Russian teams and officials will no longer be allowed in international competitions.

F1 cuts ties with Russian GP

This week Formula One canceled its contract with the Russian Grand Prix.

"Formula 1 can confirm it has terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix promoter. It means that Russia will no longer have a race in the future," organizers said in a statement.

On Feb. 25, the F1 removed the Russian Grand Prix from its 2022 calendar, citing the war in Ukraine.

The race was scheduled for Sept. 25 in the Black Sea resort city of Sochi.

The 2022 Formula 1 season – without the Sochi race – will start on March 20 in Bahrain.

Russian, Belarusian athletes barred from Winter Paralympics

Russian and Belarusian Paralympic athletes also cannot compete in the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games.

To "preserve the integrity of these Games and the safety of all participants, we have decided to refuse the athlete entries from RPC (Russian Paralympic Committee) and NPC (National Paralympic Committee) Belarus," said International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons.

The 2022 Winter Paralympics began on Friday, March 4 and lasts through March 13.

Russia's war on Ukraine, which began on Feb. 24, has been met with international outrage, with the European Union, US, and Britain, among others, implementing tough financial sanctions on Moscow.

More than 1.2 million people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, according to the UN Refugee Agency./aa