Full Russian attack on Kyiv 'may never happen'

The Independent's Morning Headlines email [View online]( March 18, 2022 [Morning Headlines]( 1 / [Doubts cast for first time over whether Russia will launch assault on Kyiv]( It is no longer certain that Russian forces will launch a full-scale assault on Kyiv, western officials have said, raising doubts for the first time since the war began over whether Moscow is prepared to pay the huge costs any such attack would incur. Western officials have been saying until recently that a push on the Ukrainian capital on a huge scale seemed inevitable, with one stating last week that Russian troops are “continuing to tighten the noose” around Kyiv, and that “they are still set on moving in, we’re reasonably confident. It’ll be utterly horrific when they do”. But Russian forces have made little progress since then, while suffering significant losses, which have left them considerably weakened and unable as yet to encircle the city. 2 / [UK would suffer £70bn hit and recession if Europe banned Russian oil and gas, Rishi Sunak fears]( Boris Johnson has urged EU to ‘get off that addiction’ – but chancellor has highlighted severe impact on UK if it does 3 / [Arnold Schwarzenegger speaks candidly about Nazi father as he makes plea to Russia]( ‘To the Russian soldiers listening to this broadcast… I don’t want you to be broken like my father,’ he says 4 / [P&O Ferries devastates its home port with sacking of 800 staff]( ‘Your final day of employment is today’ – how 800 crew learnt they had lost their jobs 5 / [Brexit trade deals may not deliver any ‘actual economic benefits’, MPs warn]( Scathing report by Public Accounts Committee criticises government’s approach The Big Question How likely is it that Russia will launch a nuclear attack? Vladimir Putin has placed Russia’s strategic nuclear weapons forces on high alert, prompting fears around the world over what could happen next in his conflict with Ukraine. Three weeks into the invasion, which continues at a much slower place than Mr Putin appears to have anticipated due to the resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people, the Russian dictator cuts an increasingly belligerent and isolated figure, seemingly prepared to resort to anything to secure the victory he craves in the face of near-unanimous international condemnation and heavy economic sanctions. So what happens now? Here’s everything you need to know. [Read the full story >]( Watch/ [Kyiv streets left empty as residents take shelter during curfew]( NUMBER OF THE DAY 800 – The number of P&O Ferries workers who have been made redundant, prompting staff to stage sit-in protests. QUOTE OF THE DAY “We need to learn to enjoy the jam in life, the simple things. We need to not let the bad stuff define us. The happily ever after is a journey, not an arrival. But we will get there with patience and love.” – Richard Ratcliffe reflects realistically on his wife Nazanin’s return to the UK after six years in prison in Iran. [Refugees Welcome]( Other stories you might like [Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe appears in first family selfie as she highlights plight of remaining Iran detainee]( [Everton vs Newcastle delayed after protester ties neck to goalpost]( [Defence secretary Ben Wallace phoned by imposter claiming to be Ukrainian PM]( Articles available exclusively to subscribers John Rentoul, The Independent: [Do we really want to give internet giants more power over our speech?]( If you can spare a minute we’d love your [feedback]( on our newsletters. [The Independent]( Join the conversation or follow us [Facebook]( [Twitter]( Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter. Add us to your safe list of senders. If you do not want to receive The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter, please [unsubscribe](list_name=IND_Headlines_Masterlist_CDP). If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe [here](. This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our [privacy notice]( and [cookie policy](.