The number of Ukrainian refugees could reach 4 million in the coming days.
Nearly 4 million refugees
It is mainly women and children fleeing the hell of war in Ukraine.
The number of refugees who have fled Ukraine since the invasion of Russia is approaching the symbolic bar of 4 million which, at the current rate, could be crossed in the next few days, according to the UN count published on Tuesday 29 March.
Since March 22, the flow of refugees has slowed down significantly, to around 40,000 daily passages.
Open days in French schools
Ukrainian children welcomed into French schools.
According to the latest figures from the “Ukrainian cell” set up by the Ministry of National Education, 5,266 Ukrainian students are currently attending school in France, a figure “multiplied by 20 since March 8”, report Le Figaro and the AFP.
Optimistic stock markets
The London Stock Exchange jumped 3.08% on Tuesday March 29.
European stock markets ended up, reported Le Figaro on Tuesday March 29, renewing optimism after progress in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, which gives hope for an easing of the conflict.
The Paris Stock Exchange took 3.08%, to 6,792.16 points, driven by luxury stocks. Frankfurt gained 2.79%, Milan 2.41% and the Euro Stoxx 50, the European benchmark index, 2.96%.
Finally, the London Stock Exchange gained 0.86%, weighed down by the commodities sector. “We still have to see how the progress of the negotiations will materialize” on Tuesday, tempers an expert from Saxo Bank all the same.
Decathlon throws in the towel
For lack of sufficient supplies, Decathlon stops its activities in Russia.
Under pressure for several weeks, Decathlon will suspend its activities in Russia. Like Auchan and Leroy Merlin, other brands in the Mulliez galaxy, Decathlon had until then justified its maintenance by its responsibility as an employer vis-à-vis its 2,500 employees.
“The supply conditions are no longer met” for the brand to continue its activities, explained, Tuesday March 29, the French group.
Suspicions of espionage
Belgium takes action against diplomats it accuses of “espionage” for the benefit of Russia.
Belgium has decided to expel 21 people working for the Russian embassy and consulate, suspected of being involved “in espionage and influence operations threatening national security”, announced on Tuesday 29 March. Sophie Wilmès, the head of Belgian diplomacy.
For their part, the Netherlands will expel 17 Russian intelligence officers who engaged “secretly” in espionage activities, also indicated on Tuesday, the Dutch Foreign Ministry.
In the morning, Russia announced the expulsion of ten diplomats from the Baltic countries. A measure taken after the “unjustified” expulsion of ten Russian diplomats announced on March 18 by Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, three member countries of the EU and NATO.
The penalties continue
The American President favors the maintenance of sanctions against Russia.
Joe Biden and several European leaders agreed on Tuesday, March 29, during a telephone call, to continue to sanction Moscow.
“The leaders affirmed their determination to continue to increase the cost paid by Russia for its brutal attack on Ukraine, as well as to continue to provide security assistance to Ukraine to defend itself,” according to the report. press release published after the exchange between the American President and his French, British, German and Italian counterparts.
Patriarch Bartholomew denounces
Bartholomew, Patriarch of Constantinople, in solidarity with Ukrainian refugees.
Bartholomew, the Orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople, met, this Tuesday, March 29, in Warsaw, Ukrainian refugees to show them his solidarity and to denounce the Russian aggression against their country.
“If any war deserves condemnation, a war between Orthodox is absolutely unacceptable,” said the 82-year-old religious dignitary the day before.
National Orthodox churches are autocephalous, but the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople is recognized as their spiritual authority on a global scale.
