The day’s news from south Wales on Friday, February 25
The conflict in Ukraine continues to unfold at pace with ramifications around the world.
Sanctions against Russia will have an effect on the people of Wales too – with gas and petrol prices certain to be affected. We’ll look at how it affects you.
We’ve also been covering the build up to Wales’ huge Six Nations clash with England at Twickenham tomorrow, as well as all the other news and sport in our area.
16:30
That’s all from us. Thank you for joining us today and make sure to come back in two weeks’ time for the latest breaking news.
15:37
Welsh Government makes a call for more bus and coach drivers
The Welsh Government has said there is a need for more bus and coach drivers in the transport industry in Wales.
They’re hoping to highlight opportunities in the sector.
It’s as the Welsh Government makes a push towards a greener future.
15:00
Olympic Committee calls for sport events to be moved from Russia
The International Olympic Committee has called on sports federations across the world to cancel or move events due to be held in Russia.
They have also encouraged events held in Belarus to be cancelled.
It says it stands in “full solidarity” with Ukrainian athletes follow yesterday’s attacks.
14:55
Kyiv enters a “defensive phase” and Kremlin is ready for delegations
The Ukranian capital is preparing for hundreds of troops to attack as tanks have been seen just miles from the city centre.
Many are concerned Russia is planning to overthrow the government and Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wants allies to go further in helping the country.
But, the Kremlin has announced that Vladmir Putin is ready to hold delegation talks with the Ukraine.
14:30
WRU announces facemask competition winner ahead of Wales v England
11-year-old Amelie David won a competition to design a new face covering for the Welsh Rugby Union, in collaboration with the Welsh Government as part of the Keep Wales Safe scheme.
The masks are set to be worn by the Welsh squad for the rest of the Six Nations, with them likely to be debut at tomorrow’s match against England.
Amelie will also receive free tickets to see the team play.
14:21
How do Welsh people feel about their bills rising due to crisis in the Ukraine?
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has meant our energy bills here in the UK will increase and petrol prices will soar.
But people in Wales have been worried about what else that will mean after months of escalating prices.
For many, it will mean further cutbacks.
14:14
Cardiff Devils are named one of the UK’s most loved sport teams
Ice hockey team the Cardiff Devils have been named one of the UK’s most loved sports teams as Sports Direct asked hundreds of sports fan.
The team ranked above rugby titans Harlequins and Leicester Tigers.
Cardiff Devils fan Tom Williams said he’s not surprised the team is so well loved.
13:54
Lithuania declares state of emergency
Lithuania, which was once ruled by Moscow, has declared a state of emergency amid the Ukraine conflict.
They said they believe they could be a target of cyber-attacks.
Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte said she believes sanctions should have come earlier.
13:42
Lionel Richie confirms Cardiff date on 2022 UK Tour
US singer Lionel Richie has confirmed he will return to Wales in 2022 for his ‘Hello’ world tour, with a special outdoor show in Cardiff.
Richie previously had a show booked in Cardiff Castle in 2020, which was later rescheduled due to the pandemic; it was cancelled at the beginning of this month.
The new show is set to be at Cardiff Castle on June 2.
13:20
500 sign petition to fix pedestrian crossing
Hundreds of people in Cardiff have signed a petition to fix a zebra crossing, where they say pedestrians are ‘nearly getting run over’.
The Change.org petition was started by community co-ordinator Peter Littlechild and argues that problems including a lack of paint on the ground, bad lighting and road signs being the wrong way is dangerous.
12:40
Firefighters tackle chip shop fire
South Wales Fire and Rescue were sent to Castle Fish Bar on Nantagarw Road in Caerphilly after reports of a fire this morning.
The chip shop posted on their Facebook page that they would be closed after an incident this morning, but said all staff are safe.
12:16
Formula 1 cancels Russian Grand Prix
Formula 1 have released a statement to Twitter, announcing they will no longer hold the Russian Grand Prix this year in response to the ongoing conflict in the Ukraine.
They said “it is impossible to hold the Russian Grand Prix in the current circumstances” and noted they hope the conflict in Ukraine will have a peaceful resolution.
11:30
Wholesale gas and oil prices to rise following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
Welsh people have been facing rising costs of living over the past few months and now they will also see the rise of gas and oil prices.
The price cap is expected to rise to over £3,000 by the end of the year.
In April, it is already set to rise to just shy of £2,000.
10:45
At least 25 civilians killed in Ukraine airstrike
The UN reports that there have been at least 127 civilian causalities in Ukraine with 25 people being killed, according to multiple sources.
A spokeswoman has said this this is likely to be an underestimate.
10:33
Ukraine army recruiting over-60s
Ukraine’s Defence Minister Alexey Reznikov has said the country is increasing the maximum age restriction for the the army to people over 60.
It comes as Russia’s foreign minister Sergei Lavrov says Russia is not trying to occupy Ukraine, but ‘demilitarise it’.
10:22
Russian forces reach Kyiv
Ukrainian officials have said Russian forces are now in a northern suburb of the country’s capital Kyiv.
Videos show armoured vehicles rolling through the district.
10:20
British airlines banned from Russia’s airspace
The Russian civil aviation regulator has said British airlines will no longer be allowed to land at Russia’s airport or crossing its airspace, according to multiple sources.
British Airways has said that that customers will receive full refunds on cancelled services.
10:20
Champions League Final moved from Russia to Paris
The game in May will now be played at the Stade de France Stadium instead of St Petersburg.
Some Welsh fans had hoped the match might be moved to the Principality Stadium.