AMERICAS

United States / Russia (Security threat levels – 2 / 3): On 1 March 2022, U.S. President Joe Biden announced a ban on all Russian aircraft from U.S. airspace. The ban — expected to be effective as of 0200 UTC on 3 March — applies to all Russian-owned, operated or registered aircraft. The Russian government is now anticipated to enact a reciprocal ban on U.S. aircraft. Biden’s announcement, which he made while delivering the annual State of the Union address to the U.S. Congress, follows similar prohibitions imposed on Russian aircraft by the U.K., EU and Canada as part of strict sanctions against Russia in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

ASIA

Sri Lanka (Security threat level – 4): On 1 March 2022, authorities announced nationwide rolling power outages that will last seven and a half hours daily as of 2 March in an attempt to ration electricity. The rolling power outages have been attributed to fuel shortages resulting from a lack of U.S. dollars, which are necessary to purchase fuel amid a worsening financial situation in the country. The fuel shortages have also affected the public transportation system. Buses have scaled back their service schedules, and gas stations have begun rationing fuel supplies

AUSTRALASIA

New Zealand (Security threat level – 1): On 2 March 2022, police officers clashed with demonstrators who had occupied Parliament grounds in the capital Wellington for more than three weeks to demand the repeal of coronavirus-related mandates in New Zealand. Authorities launched a police operation to remove protesters from the grounds following a series of clashes between protesters and police officers equipped with riot gear. Protesters set fire to tents, mattresses and other objects during the event. Police officers used pepper spray to disperse the protesters, who sprayed fire extinguishers and threw projectiles at the officers. At least seven officers suffered injuries and sought medical attention. Authorities arrested 87 people and towed 50 vehicles from the site during the course of the day. A senior police official later claimed that authorities are now in control of the Parliament grounds and a large number of police officers are expected to remain in the area.

EUROPE

Ukraine (Security threat level – 5): On 2 March 2022, Russian forces have intensified their attacks in multiple areas of Ukraine. Heavy fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces is underway in major Ukrainian cities — primarily in the northern region along Ukraine’s border with Belarus and in southern areas located north of Russia-annexed Crimea. Russian airborne troops have reportedly landed in Ukraine’s second-largest city Kharkiv, where fighting is ongoing following days of airstrikes. Earlier in the morning on 2 March, a missile struck the regional police department and a university in the city, killing four people. On the southern front, Russian forces claim to have gained full control of the southeastern city of Kherson, although local officials have denied claims of Russian control.

During the early morning hours of 2 March, heavy shelling was reported in the port city of Mariupol, located on the northern coast of the Azov Sea. Russian forces surrounded the city on three sides before carrying out an attack, which reportedly left several civilians injured. Additionally, on 1 March a cruise missile was launched toward an air base in the city of Zhytomyr, located about 140 km west of Kyiv. Several residential buildings near the air base sustained severe structural damage and at least four fatalities were reported.

Tensions remain high in the capital city Kyiv following days of airstrikes and fighting reported in the northern areas of the capital. The massive convoy that stretches for nearly 65 km (40 mi) remains en route to the city from Hostomel’s Antonov Airport (UKKM/GML) but has not made any recent notable progress. Military checkpoints have been established throughout the city, and long lines have been reported outside pharmacies in preparation for potential airstrikes and further Russian offensives. Many individuals remain underground in bomb shelters. Ukraine’s Territorial Defense Force continues to patrol the city’s streets.