The ministers will hold talks with the Prosecutor General of the International Criminal Court, Karim AA Kan, as Western pressure mounts to hold those responsible for any war crimes in Ukraine accountable. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who is chairing Monday’s meeting in Luxembourg, lamented what he called the “violent, brutal aggression” of Russian troops. Borrell, who was in Ukraine at the weekend, says further EU sanctions against Russia “are always on the table”. He says he “fears Russian troops will gather in the east to launch an attack on Donbas,” an area east of Moscow after Moscow withdrew its forces from the capital, Kyiv, last week.

KEY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: – Ukrainian defenders dig as Russia strengthens firepower – Biden and Monti to speak as US pushes for tough line against Russia – Ukrainian nuns open the doors of their monastery to the displaced – US doubts new Russian warlord can end Moscow stalemate – Analysis: War, economy could weaken Putin’s position as leader – Go to for more coverage

OTHER DEVELOPMENTS: LONDON (Reuters) – Britain’s defense ministry says Ukraine has countered several attacks by Kremlin forces in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, destroying Russian tanks, vehicles and artillery. In an information release released Monday morning, the ministry said Russian bombing raids in the two eastern regions continued. “Russia’s continued dependence on unguided bombs reduces its ability to discriminate when aiming and striking, while significantly increasing the risk of civilian casualties,” the ministry said. The ministry also said that the “previous use” of phosphorus munitions by Russia in the Donetsk region raises the possibility of their use in Mariupol, as the battle for the city on the southern coast of Ukraine intensifies. The story goes on

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – New Zealand will send a military transport plane and a 50-strong support team to Europe, as well as give money to Britain to buy weapons, as it significantly intensifies its response to the war in Ukraine. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Monday that the C130 Hercules will travel across Europe to transport essential equipment and supplies to key distribution centers. He said the plane would not fly directly to Ukraine, as most military equipment is transported to the country by land. Ardern said her government would spend an additional $ 13 million ($ 9 million) on military support and human rights support, including 7 7.5 million for Britain to buy weapons and ammunition. Ardern said New Zealand’s total contribution to the war effort was NZ $ 30 million ($ 20 million) with 67 people deployed.

LVIV, Ukraine – The President of Ukraine warned his nation on Sunday night that next week will be as critical as any other in the war. “Russian troops will move to even larger operations in the east of our state,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his nightly speech. He accused Russia of trying to avoid responsibility for war crimes. “When people do not have the courage to admit their mistakes, apologize, adjust to reality and learn, they turn into monsters. And when people ignore it, the monsters decide that it’s the world that needs to adapt to them. “Ukraine will stop all this,” Zelensky said. “The day will come when everything will have to be admitted. “Accept the truth,” he said. He again called on Western countries, including Germany, to provide more assistance to Ukraine. During talks with German Chancellor Olaf Soltz, Zelensky said he discussed “how to strengthen sanctions against Russia and how to force Russia to pursue peace.” “I am pleased to note that the German position has recently changed in favor of Ukraine. “I think it makes perfect sense,” said Zelensky.

Austrian Chancellor Carl Nehammer has said he will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday. The Austrian Press Agency reported that Nehamer told reporters in Vienna on Sunday that he planned to make the trip. He follows a trip to Kyiv on Saturday, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The APA said Nehammer aimed to encourage dialogue between Ukraine and Russia and also to address “war crimes” in his meeting with Putin. Austria is a member of the European Union and has backed sanctions by the 27-nation bloc against Russia, although it has so far opposed a halt to Russian gas supplies. The country is militarily neutral and is not a member of NATO. Nehammer said he made the trip on his own initiative and had consulted with top European Union officials. He said he also briefed Zelensky and German Chancellor Olaf Solz.