Ukraine and Russia: What you need to know right now

WASHINGTON: RUSSIAN forces seized Europe's biggest nuclear power plant and Moscow blocked Facebook and some foreign media websites as it passed a "fake" news law amid mounting censure from global companies over its invasion of Ukraine.

* No damage to reactors

The Zaporozhzhia nuclear plant - Europe's biggest - was undamaged by what U.N. nuclear chief Rafael Grossi said he believed was a Russian projectile. Moscow blamed Ukrainian saboteurs for the attack.

* International media organizations suspend work in Russia

CNN said it would stop broadcasting in Russia, and the BBC, Canada's CBC and Bloomberg News temporarily suspended operations after Russia's parliament passed the new media law.

* U.S. weighs cutting Russian oil imports

The Biden administration is considering cutting U.S. imports of Russian oil and ways to minimize the impact on global supplies and consumers

* City of Mariupol has no water, heating

The eastern Black Sea port of Mariupol is without water and heating and food is scarce, its mayor said, appealing for military help. "We are simply being destroyed."

* Ukraine still has most of its warplanes

Ukraine retains a "significant majority" of its military aircraft nine days after the invasion started, a U.S. defense official said. Read full story

* Bread prices to be forced up by war

Russia's invasion of Ukraine, one of the world's biggest wheat growers, will drive up the price of bread. This will erode food security for millions of people, the World Food Programme said.

* INSIGHT-Russians, Ukrainians seek asylum at US-Mexico border

A growing number of Russians and Ukrainians are traveling to Mexico, buying throwaway cars and driving across the border into the United States to seek asylum.

* SANCTIONS

Microsoft Corp MSFT.O is suspending new sales of its products and services in Ukraine, it said. Birkin bag maker Hermes HRMS.PA and Cartier owner Richemont CFR.S are temporarily closing their Russian stores. Read full story Danish brewer Carlsberg CARLB.CO halted new investments in Russia and suspended beer exports.

* QUOTES

The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said the world had narrowly averted a nuclear catastrophe.

The attack reflected a "dangerous new escalation" in Russia's invasion, she said during an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting, warning that "imminent danger."

* MARKETS

Investors run for cover

Stock prices weakened globally, and safe-haven assets were in demand. The rouble ended the week down more than 20% as Russia's economy buckles under the pressure of sanctions.

READ MORE: Russia-Ukraine crisis: What led to the attacks and the latest developments