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Pictures of the Month
February 2022
With the 'Pictures of the Month' epa offers you a selection of its professionally edited service. The curated photo selection highlights the most important topics of this month and brings together some of epa's most eye catching and visually appealing images selected by our Editors.
The photo selection spans all image categories ranging from economy, business and finance through to human interest, sports, arts, culture and entertainment. Thus, offering a comprehensive retrospective for each month.

Torchbearers hold the Olympic flame during the Opening Ceremony for the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games at the National Stadium, also known as Bird's Nest, in Beijing China, 04 February 2022. EPA-EFE/Alex Plavevski

Farmers try to trespass a riot police barrier to access the AP-7 highway between Seville and Cadiz, Spain, 04 February 2022, to protest against the European Common Agricultural Policy that will be enforced between 2023 and 2027 and will cause, according to farmers, losses of up to 450 million euros in the Andalucia region. EPA-EFE/JULIO MUNOZ

Firefighters try puts out the fire at the Istanbul's Umraniye Prison in Istanbul, Turkey, 04 February 2022. According to Turkish Justice minister Bekir Bozdag twenty inmates, including a prison guard, were hospitalized and 'Everything has been brought under control'. EPA-EFE/ERDEM SAHIN

A photo taken with a drone shows broken and uprooted trees in Szczecin's Arkonski Forest, a popular place for walks by the inhabitants of Szczecin, Poland, 04 Febryary 2022. An estimation of the damage and losses in the city forests is currently in progress after lthe heavy storms in the last January days for which the Polish Institute of Meteorology and Water Management had issued respective warnings. The removal of the damage is expected to take at least a few weeks. EPA-EFE/MARCIN BIELECKI POLAND OUT

Cracked soil at the bank of the reservoir of Alto Rabagao dam where the waterline is below the normal at this time of the year near the village of Vilarinho de Negroes, in Montalegre, northern Portugal, 04 February 2022. In Montalegre there is no memory of such a low water level in the Alto Rabagao dam, a sign of the drought that worries mayors, the population and those who live off the business driven by the reservoir. EPA-EFE/JOSE COELHO

An aerial view taken with a drone shows the wreckage of an oil vessel that burnt off the coast of Nigeria, floating in the waters of the Warri axis of the Delta region in southern Nigeria, 04 February 2022 (issued 05 February 2022). A massive blaze that engulfed a vessel with the capacity of two million oil barrels, bursting into flames last 02 February 2022, has been put off, but the whereabouts of the crew is still unknown. EPA-EFE/TIFE OWOLABI

An image of Britain's Queen Elizabeth II is displayed on screen at Piccadilly Circus in London, Britain, 06 February 2022. The Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II will mark the 70th anniversary of the British monarch's accession to the throne on 06 February 1952. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

Gold medalist Zoi Sadowski-Synnott of New Zealand celebrates during the medal ceremony for the Women's Snowboard Slopestyle in Zhangjiakou, China, 06 February 2022. EPA-EFE/FILIP SINGER

Rescue workers carry the body of 5-year-old Rayan and place it in an ambulance after it was recovered from a well in which he was stuck for several days, in the village of Ighran in Morocco's Chefchaouen province, 05 February 2022. The body of the boy was pulled out Saturday night by rescuers after a lengthy operation after he fell in the well on 01 February. EPA-EFE/Jalal Morchidi

Dozens of people demonstrate as they pay a tribute for 'the victims at borders' on the occasion of the 8th anniversary of El Tarajal's tragedy, in Piazza del Gesu Nuovo square in Naples, southern Italy, 06 February 2022. A total of 15 migrants died as they were trying to reach Spain by swimming from Morocco on 06 February 2014. EPA-EFE/CESARE ABBATE

Fans hold candles during candle light vigil in solidarity to legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar in Bangalore, India, 06 February 2022. Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar passes away at 92 in Mumbai after she was treated for Covid-19 and pneumonia symptoms nearly for a month. Legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar passes away at 92 in Mumbai after she was treated for Covid-19 and pneumonia symptoms nearly for a month. She was well known for providing the soundtrack to thousands of songs in 36 languages. EPA-EFE/JAGADEESH NV

Players of Senegal celebrate after winning the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON final between Senegal and Egypt in Yaounde, Cameroon, 06 February 2022. EPA-EFE/FOOTOGRAFIIA

The Kings Troop fire a 41 Royal Gun salute at Green Park in London, Britain, 07 February 2022. The royal gun salute marked the Queen's accession to the UK throne seventy years ago, 06 February 1952. EPA-EFE/ANDY RAIN

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba (R) and German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Annalena Baerbock (C) visit a museum of the Great Famine in Kiev, Ukraine, 07 February 2022. Annalena Baerbock visits Kiev to meet with top Ukrainian officials amid escalation on the Ukrainian-Russian border. EPA-EFE/SERGEY DOLZHENKO

Municipal workers remove a tree that has fallen due to the strong wind in Filzi street in Milan, northern Italy, 07 February 2022. MIlan's Duomo weather observatory said winds of over 75 kph had been sweeping Lombardy's capital. EPA-EFE/MOURAD BALTI TOUATI

People gather during the funeral of 5-year-old child, Rayan Awram, who died after being trapped deep inside a well for days near Chefchaouen, Morocco, 07 February 2022. EPA-EFE/JALAL MORCHIDI

A display shows the Berlinale poster ahead of the 72nd annual Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), in Berlin, Germany, 07 February 2022. The Berlinale runs from 10 to 20 February 2022. The awards will be presented on 16 February. From 17 to 20 February, the Berlin Film Festival will take place as a spectators festival. EPA-EFE/CLEMENS BILAN

People participate in a demonstration calling for Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry to hand over power, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, 07 February 2022. Port-au-Prince woke up with shops, public administration and schools closed on a day in which various political sectors demand that Henry hand over power. This 07 February is the date on which President Jovenel Moise, who was assassinated on 07 July 2021, should have ended his term, and for this reason several opponents defend that on this date, the legitimacy of Ariel Henry expires, as he was appointed by Moise two days before his death. EPA-EFE/Johnson Sabin

a vehicle in the middle of a flooded street in Catano, Puerto Rico, 07 February 2022. The intense rains that hit Puerto Rico, with an accumulation of up to 15 inches, caused serious flooding and material damage, the amount of which is assessed to determine whether or not the state of emergency will be issued. EPA-EFE/THAIS LLORCA

Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz (L) and US President Joe Biden (R) hold a joint news conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 07 February 2022. Biden hosts Scholz on his first trip to the White House as Chancellor of Germany, to discuss the buildup of Russian forces on the border of Ukraine and other bilateral concerns. EPA-EFE/MICHAEL REYNOLDS

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (C) leads other lawmakers in a moment of silence for the 900,000 Americans who lost lives to Covid outside the US capitol Capitol in Washington, DC, USA, 07 February 2022. EPA-EFE/JIM LO SCALZO

Anni Karava of Finland performs in her second run in the Women's Freestyle Skiing Big Air final at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games, Beijing, China, 08 February 2022. EPA-EFE/ROMAN PILIPEY

Senegalese soccer fans wait to welcome back their team in front of the military airport in Dakar, Senegal, 07 February 2022 after Senegal won the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON final soccer match against Egypt held in Yaounde, Cameroon on 06 February. EPA-EFE/ALIOU MBAYE

Dzmitry Lazouski of Belarus in action at the shooting range during the Men's Biathlon 20km race at the Zhangjiakou National Biathlon Centre at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games, Zhangjiakou, China, 08 February 2022. EPA-EFE/CHRISTIAN BRUNA

Authorities and rescue teams work in an area affected by a landslide caused by heavy rains that affected the city of Pereira, Colombia, 08 February 2022. At least six people died and another 20 were injured by a landslide caused by the rains that affect the Colombian city of Pereira, capital of the department of Risaralda (center), official sources reported. EPA-EFE/SANTIAGO GAVIRIA

Adele performs during the 42nd Brit Awards ceremony at The O2 Arena in London, Britain, 08 February 2022. The annual pop music awards are presented by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

Britain’s Charles, Prince of Wales (R) and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (L) arrive for the British Asian Trust Reception at the British Museum in London, Britain, 09 February 2022. The Prince of Wales founded the British Asian Trust in 2007, alongside a group of British-Asian business leaders. The charity works to reduce poverty and disadvantage for communities in South Asia. EPA-EFE/VICKIE FLORES

A protester walks in front of trucks as truckers continue to protest the vaccine mandatesin downtown Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 08 February 2022. Since 29 January 2022, truckers are protesting against the mandate by the Canadian government that truckers be vaccinated against Covid-19 to return to Canada, and was joined by other opponents of the Canadian Prime Minister. A state of emergency was declared in the city of Ottawa on 06 Febraury 2022 and policemen from Ottawa city, Ontario, and the Federal Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are deployed. EPA-EFE/Kadri Mohamed EPA-EFE/Kadri Mohamed

Actress and advocate for victims of domestic abuse Angelina Jolie (C) joins a bipartisan group of senators to announce a modernized Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in the US Capitol in Washington, DC, USA, 09 February 2022. Democratic Senator Dick Durbin said he hopes to bring the bill the floor of the Senate soon for a vote. EPA-EFE/JIM LO SCALZO

Met Police Chief Cressida Dick leaves the BBC studios in London, Britain, 10 February 2022. Cressida Dick faces a threat of public declaration of no confidence from Mayor of London Sadiq Khan after the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has found evidence of misogyny, bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment. EPA-EFE/ANDY RAIN

Truckers block downtown of Ottawa near the parlement hill as truckers continue to protest the vaccine mandates in in downtown Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 10 February 2022. Since 29 January 2022, truckers are protesting against the mandate by the Canadian government that truckers be vaccinated against COVID-19 to return to Canada, and was joined by other opponents of the Canadian Prime Minister. A state of emergency was declared in the city of Ottawa on 06 February 2022 and policemen from Ottawa city, Ontario, and the Federal Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are deployed on 10 February 2022. EPA-EFE/ANDRE PICHETTE

An aerial photo made with a drone shows a truck from Canada (Top) entering the US as trucks going into Canada sit backed up on the Blue Water Bridge over the St. Clair River that links the US and Canada between Port Edward, Ontario, Canada and Port Huron, Michigan, USA, 11 February 2022. Canadian truckers protesting the vaccine mandate have shut down the Ambassador Bridge at Detroit, Michigan, USA, a vital link where 25 percent of goods between the two countries passes, forcing vehicles to re-route over the Blue Water Bridge. EPA-EFE/TANNEN MAURY

Australian actress Cate Blanchett poses before a press conference held in Valencia, Spain, 12 February 2022. Blanchett will receive the first-ever International Goya Award in the 36th Goya Film Awards Gala to be held this evening. EPA-EFE/Kai Foersterling

Police (L) checks the documents of a camping-car driver (R) participating in the French 'Freedom Convoy', on the Champs Elysee in Paris, France, 12 February 2022. Paris police have prohibited the convoy, as announced by the capital’s prefect on 10 February. A series of convoy demonstrations has been taking place in France to call for the lifting of all Covid-19-related restrictions and mandates, in light of the ongoing protest in Canada, where truck drivers have been rallying against the government-imposed mandatory Covid-19 vaccine to enter the country. EPA-EFE/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON

Participants in a so-called 'Freedom Convoy' show light yellow flares at the Arc de Triomphe as they are trying to block the traffic on Champs Elysee in Paris, France, 12 February 2022. Paris police have prohibited the convoy, as announced by the capital's prefect on 10 February. A series of convoy demonstrations has been taking place in France to call for the lifting of all Covid-19-related restrictions and mandates, in light of the ongoing protest in Canada, where truck drivers have been rallying against the government-imposed mandatory Covid-19 vaccine to enter the country. EPA-EFE/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON

Former Brazilian international soccer player Cafu and Peruvian Claudio Pizarro carry the trophy during the FIFA Club World Cup 2021 final soccer match between Chelsea FC and SE Palmeiras in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 12 February 2022. EPA-EFE/ALI HAIDER

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier speaks following his re-election during the Federal Assembly (Bundesversammlung) at the Paul Loebe Haus in Berlin, Germany, 13 February 2022. The Federal Assembly elects the German President. It consists of the 736 members of the German Bundestag Parliament and an equal number of state electors. EPA-EFE/ADAM BERRY / POOL

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (center) is tackled during the first half of Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, USA, 13 February 2022. The annual Super Bowl is the Championship game of the NFL between the AFC Champion and the NFC Champion and has been held every year since January of 1967. EPA-EFE/JOHN G. MABANGLO

A billboard showing Russia's Kamila Valieva reads ‘Kamila, we are with you!’ in Moscow, Russia, 14 February 2022. The 15-year-old Russian Olympic skater, who failed a pre-games drug test, has been cleared to continue competing in the Women’s Single skating event in a ruling by a panel of arbitrators appointed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport on 14 February. EPA-EFE/YURI KOCHETKOV

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford celebrates with his family after the Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals to win Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, USA, 13 February 2022. The annual Super Bowl is the Championship game of the NFL between the AFC Champion and the NFC Champion and has been held every year since January of 1967. EPA-EFE/JOHN G. MABANGLO

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (R) and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L) hold a joint press conference following their meeting in Kiev, Ukraine, 14 February 2022. German Chancellor Scholz is on an official visit to Kiev to show solidarity and support to Ukraine amid fears of a Russian invasion. EPA-EFE/SERGEY DOLZHENKO

Journalists from different media protest to reject violence against their colleagues, in Guadalajara, Jalisco state, Mexico, late 14 February 2022. Mexican journalists and supporters protested using the slogan 'You don't kill the truth by killing journalists,' that reflects the incessant wave of violence suffered by the union, which has six deaths so far this year. EPA-EFE/Francisco Guasco

Police officers inspect the site of a train crash in Schaeftlarn near Munich, Germany, 15 February 2022. Two commuter trains collided head-on on a single-track line on 14 February 2022. According to the police, there is one dead, 14 injured and 80 people affected. EPA-EFE/PHILIPP GUELLAND

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) attends a wreath-laying ceremony at theTomb of the Unknown Soldier by the Kremlin Wall in Moscow, Russia, 15 February 2022. German Chancellor visits Russia to discuss with Russian President Putin various current bilateral and international issues, including the settlement of the Ukrainian crisis amid fears of a Russian invasion. EPA-EFE/MAXIM SHEMETOV / POOL

British-Belgian teenage pilot Mack Rutherford poses with his Shark ultralight aircraft at Biggin Hill Airfield near London, Britain, 15 February 2022. Sixteen-year-old Mack Rutherford will set off from Sofia in Bulgaria on 17 February 2022, in an attempt to become the youngest male to fly around the world solo in a small plane. His sister Zara became in January 2022 the youngest female to complete a solo round-the-world flight. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

Sant'Egidio Community members protest to demand the withdrawal of Russian troops from the border with Ukraine, at Pantheon square, Rome, Italy, 15 February 2022. EPA-EFE/CLAUDIO PERI

Russian Navy vessel Dmitriy Rogachev 375 sails in the Bosphorus under the 15 July Martyrs Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 February 2022. Russian Navy ships transit the Black Sea for massive drills amid tensions between Russia and Ukraine. EPA-EFE/ERDEM SAHIN

United States President Joe Biden walks away from the podium after delivering remarks on Russia and the situation in Ukraine, in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, USA, 15 February 2022. Biden laid out his administration's approach to easing tensions surrounding the Russian-Ukrainian border. EPA-EFE/MICHAEL REYNOLDS

Film producer Maria Zamora (L) and director Carla Simon of the film 'Alcarras', winner of the Golden Bear for Best Film, pose on the red carpet after the Awards Ceremony of the 72nd annual Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) in Berlin, Germany, 16 February 2022. The film festival runs from 10 to 20 February 2022. EPA-EFE/CLEMENS BILAN

Officials inspect the main venue of the G20 finance ministers and central governors meeting during the preparations in Jakarta, Indonesia, 16 February 2022. Finance ministers and central bank governors from G20 members are expected to meet in Jakarta on 17-18 February as part of Indonesia's G20 Presidency. EPA-EFE/MAST IRHAM / POOL

Australia's Treasurer Josh Frydenberg (2-L) talks to Saudi Arabia's Assistant Minister of Finance Abdul Aziz Al-Rasheed (L) as Britain's Director General International Finance Lyndsey Whyte (2-R) talks to World Bank managing director Axel van Trotsenburg (R) during the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, 17 February 2022. Finance ministers and central bank governors from G20 members meet in Jakarta on 17-18 February as part of Indonesia's G20 Presidency. EPA-EFE/MAST IRHAM / POOL

French President Emmanuel Macron (2-R), flanked by Ghana's President Nana Afuko Addo (R), Senegal's President Macky Sall (2-L), and European Council President Charles Michel (L), holds a joint press conference on France's engagement in the Sahel region, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, 17 February 2022. France and its partners have announced the start of their military withdrawal from Mali. EPA-EFE/IAN LANGSDON / POOL

A visitor looks at artworks by French painter Paul Cezanne projected onto walls, as part of the 'Paul Cezanne: Lumieres de Provence (Provence's lights),' by artistic director Gianfranco Iannuzzi, at the Atelier des Lumieres in Paris, France, 17 February 2022. The exhibition runs from 18 February 2022 to 02 January 2023. EPA-EFE/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON

Models present creations by designers from the London College of Fashion during London Fashion Week, in London, Britain, 18 February 2022. The London Fashion Week runs from 18 to 22 February 2022. EPA-EFE/NEIL HALL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivers a statement during the 58th Munich Security Conference (MSC) in Munich, Germany, 19 February 2022. More than 500 high-level international decision-makers meet at the 58th Munich Security Conference in Munich during their annual meeting from 18 to 20 February 2022 to discuss global security issues. EPA-EFE/RONALD WITTEK / POOL

Jelena Ostapenko (L) of Latvia receives the trophy from H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority after winning her final match against Veronika Kudermetova of Russia at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis WTA Championships 2022 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 19 February 2022. EPA-EFE/ALI HAIDER

Malians attend a rally in support of the French military withdrawal from Mali in the capital Bamako, Mali, 19 February 2022. France announced on 17 February 2022, that it is withdrawing its troops from Mali. Mali has ordered France to withdraw with immediate effect all of its forces after fighting Islamist militants since 2013. EPA-EFE/HADAMA DIAKITE

Atletes of China cheer during the Parade of Athletes of the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games at the National Stadium, also known as Bird's Nest, in Beijing China, 20 February 2022. EPA-EFE/ROMAN PILIPEY

General view during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games at the National Stadium, also known as Bird's Nest, in Beijing China, 20 February 2022. EPA-EFE/HOW HWEE YOUNG

A general view of ' Museum of The Future' just couple days ahead of the official opening in the Gulf emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 20 February 2022. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has dubbed this building "most beautiful building on earth" which will explore the future of science, technology and innovation. The Dubai ruler ordered the official opening to be on special date on 22 February 2022 (22.02.2022 ).The Museum of The Future is a cultural institution combining elements of exhibition, theater and themed attraction. EPA-EFE/ALI HAIDER

Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar's activists perform with doors in front of the Russian Embassy in Kiev, 21 February 2022. Eleven broken doors were installed as a symbol of 11 broken lives of civic journalists and Crimean Tatars in front of the Russian Embassy. More than a hundred activists and Crimean Tatars have been detained by the Russian authority for their civic stance since the annexation of Crimea in 2014. EPA-EFE/SERGEY DOLZHENKO

French designer Jean Paul Gaultier presents 'Fashion Freak Show', a musical based on his life at the Roundhouse in London, Britain 21 February 2022. Fashion Freak Show opens at the Roundhouse 15 July 2022. EPA-EFE/ANDY RAIN

Russian armoured vehicles stand on the road in Rostov region, Russia, 22 February 2022. Russian President Putin on 21 February convened an extraordinary large meeting of the Russian Security Council, which discussed the recognition of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DNR) and Luhansk People's Republic (LNR). On the same day, the president made a decision and, during his video message to the citizens of the Russian Federation, signed a decree recognizing the independence of the republics of Donbass, as well as an agreement on friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance. The President instructed the Russian Defense Ministry to ensure the maintenance of peace by the Russian armed forces. The Russian Foreign Ministry should establish diplomatic relations with the DNR and LNR. EPA-EFE/YURI KOCHETKOV

Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov pays the last honors before the coffin of Anton Sidorov, the Ukrainian serviceman who was reportedly killed by shelling in eastern Ukraine, during his funeral service at the Defence Ministry premises in Kiev, Ukraine, 22 February 2022. The Ukrainian authorities and Western partners have been paying attention in the past few months to the worsening security situation in Donbas, the build-up of Russian forces along the border with Ukraine, and the danger of a new Russian invasion of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the recognition of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) and the Luhansk People's Republic (LPR). EPA-EFE/SERGEY DOLZHENKO

Britain's Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge visits the Lego Foundation PlayLab on Campus Carlsberg in Copenhagen, Denmark, 22 February 2022. The British royal is on a two-day visit to Denmark. EPA-EFE/IDA MARIE ODGAARD DENMARK OUT

Russian armored vehicles at the railway station in Rostov region, Russia, 23 February 2022. The Russian president on 21 February convened an extraordinary meeting of the Russian Security Council, to discuss the recognition of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DNR) and Luhansk People's Republic (LNR). On the same day he signed a decree recognizing the two republics of Donbass as independent states, as well as an agreement on friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance. The Russian Defense Ministry was instructed to ensure the maintenance of peace by the Russian armed forces. EPA-EFE/STRINGER

Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba speaks in the United Nations General Assembly during a meeting on the conflict situation in the Eastern Ukraine at United Nations headquarters in New York, New York, USA, 23 February 2022. Russia on 21 February 2022 recognised the eastern Ukrainian self-proclaimed breakaway regions as independent states and ordered the deployment of peacekeeping troops to the Donbas, triggering an expected series of economic sanctions announcements by Western countries. The self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DNR) and Luhansk People's Republic (LNR) declared independence in 2014 amid an armed conflict in the eastern Ukraine. EPA-EFE/JASON SZENES

Russian people watch a special televised address by Russian President Vladimir Putin about authorising a special military operation in the Ukrainian Donbass region in Moscow, Russia, 24 February 2022. Putin announced that the aim is to demilitarize and denazify Ukraine, as well as bring to justice those who committed numerous bloody crimes against civilians. Martial law has been introduced in Ukraine, and explosions are heard in many cities, including Kiev. EPA-EFE/SERGEI ILNITSKY

European Council President Charles Michel, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speak during a press conference following a special North Atlantic Council (NAC) meeting in light of Russia's aggression against Ukraine, in Brussels, Belgium, 24 February 2022. Russian troops entered Ukraine on 24 February prompting the country's president to declare martial law. EPA-EFE/STEPHANIE LECOCQ

A Russian man holds a poster reading 'No War' and takes part in a single picket against the war in Ukraine in St. Petersburg, Russia, 24 February 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin on 21 February convened an extraordinary large meeting of the Russian Security Council, which discussed the recognition of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DNR) and Luhansk People's Republic (LNR). On the same day, the president made a decision and, during his video message to the citizens of the Russian Federation, signed a decree recognizing the independence of the republics of Donbass, as well as an agreement on friendship, cooperation and mutual assistance. Russian troops launched a major military operation on Ukraine on 24 February, after weeks of intense diplomacy and the imposition of Western sanctions on Russia aimed at preventing an armed conflict in Ukraine. EPA-EFE/ANATOLY MALTSEV

A jet missile wedged into a damaged roadside in the aftermath of Russian military operation in Kharkiv, Ukraine, 24 February 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a 'special military operation' in the Donbass with the aim, as he put it, of demilitarizing and denazifying Ukraine, as well as bringing to justice those who committed numerous bloody crimes against civilians. Martial law has been introduced in Ukraine, explosions are heard in many cities, including Kiev after Russian troops launched a major military operation on Ukraine on 24 February. EPA-EFE/SERGEY KOZLOV

Ukrainians take shelter in a metro station after air raid sirens alarm in Kiev, Ukraine, 24 February 2022. Russian troops launched a major military operation on Ukraine on 24 February, after weeks of intense diplomacy and the imposition of Western sanctions on Russia aimed at preventing an armed conflict in Ukraine. Martial law has been introduced in Ukraine, explosions are heard in many cities, including Kiev. EPA-EFE/OLEG PETRASYUK

Vehicles line up at the Polish-Ukrainian border in Hruszow village, eastern Poland, 25 February 2022. Poland's Interior Ministry said that the country's Border Guard is prepared for the increased movement of people who will be evacuated towards Poland, as well as for the increased traffic of trucks, after Russia launched a military attack on Ukraine. EPA-EFE/Karina Sao POLAND OUT

A US military aircraft takes off at the US Air Base Ramstein, in Landstuhl, Germany, 25 February 2022. The US president on 24 February authorized the deployment of further armed forces to Germany as part of NATO's response to Russia's military aggression on Ukraine. Russian troops entered Ukraine on 24 February. EPA-EFE/RONALD WITTEK

Chinese Formula One driver Guanyu Zhou of Alfa Romeo F1 Team Orlen in action during the pre-season testing at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo outside Barcelona, Spain, 25 February 2022. EPA-EFE/Alejandro Garcia

A view of the meeting room at the start of an Extraordinary virtual summit of NATO Heads of State and Government on the security situation in and around Ukraine at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, 25 February 2022. EPA-EFE/STEPHANIE LECOCQ

Russian troops move towards Ukraine on the road near Armiansk, Crimea, 25 February 2022. Russian troops entered Ukraine on 24 February prompting the country's president to declare martial law and triggering a series of announcements by Western countries to impose severe economic sanctions on Russia. EPA-EFE/STRINGER

Ukrainian supporters hold a placard reading ’How many people should die before Germany cuts Russia off swift’ during a demonstration in front of the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, 24 February 2022. Russia launched a military operation against Ukraine on the early hours of 24 February. EPA-EFE/CLEMENS BILAN

A soldier's lifeless body lies next to a burnt Russian APC after the Ukrainian army attacked it the previous day near the city of Kharkiv, Ukraine, 25 February 2022. Russian troops entered Ukraine on 24 February prompting the country's president to declare martial law and triggering a series of announcements by Western countries to impose severe economic sanctions on Russia. EPA-EFE/SERGEY KOZLOV

Russian policemen detain a protester during a rally against the entry of Russian troops into Ukraine in St. Petersburg, Russia, 25 February 2022. On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the start of a military operation in Ukraine in connection with the situation in the Donbass. The Russian military leadership assured that nothing threatens the civilian population of the country, the goal is to disable the military infrastructure of Ukraine. EPA-EFE/ANATOLY MALTSEV

Damages at a high-rise apartment block which was hit by shelling in Kiev, Ukraine, 26 February 2022. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a 'special military operation' in the Donbass with the aim, as he put it, of demilitarizing and denazifying Ukraine, as well as bringing to justice those who committed numerous bloody crimes against civilians. Martial law has been introduced in Ukraine, explosions are heard in many cities, including Kiev. EPA-EFE/SERGEY DOLZHENKO

Andrey Rublev of Russia holds the trophy after winning his final match against Jiri Vesely of the Czech Republic at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis ATP Championships 2022 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 26 February 2022. EPA-EFE/ALI HAIDER

A Slovak soldier carris a baby in car seat as people fleeing Ukraine arrive to Slovakia, at border crossing in Vysne Nemecke, Slovakia, 27 February 2022. Slovakia said it will let fleeing Ukrainians into the country following Russia's military operation in Ukraine. The Slovak Police Force announced on social media that people not holding a valid travel document will also be eligible for entry on an individual basis. EPA-EFE/MARTIN DIVISEK

A Ukrainian serviceman and his dog stands in a position looking at smoke from a burned petroleum storage depot behind after a Russian missile attacked near Kiev, Ukraine, 27 February 2022. Russian troops entered Ukraine on 24 February prompting the country's president to declare martial law and triggering a series of announcements by Western countries to impose severe economic sanctions on Russia. EPA-EFE/ALISA YAKUBOVYCH

Priska Nufer of Switzerland speeds down the slope during the Women's Downhill race at the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, 27 February 2022. EPA-EFE/ALESSANDRO DELLA VALLE

Ukrainian citizens and supporters demonstrate against the war in Ukraine at Piazza Dante in Naples, Italy, 27 February 2022. Russian troops entered Ukraine on 24 February prompting the country's president to declare martial law and triggering a series of announcements by Western countries to impose severe economic sanctions on Russia. EPA-EFE/CESARE ABBATE

Protesters rally at Place Saint Michel to show their support for Ukraine after the Russian invasion in Paris, France, 27 February 2022. Russian troops launched a major military operation on Ukraine on 24 February, after weeks of intense diplomacy and the imposition of Western sanctions on Russia aimed at preventing an armed conflict in Ukraine. EPA-EFE/IAN LANGSDON

Signs block access to an inundated road in the suburb of Milton in Brisbane, Australia, 28 February 2022. The state of Queensland's southeast is set to endure more wild weather as the state grapples with a days-long flood crisis. EPA-EFE/DARREN ENGLAND AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT

Helen Mirren poses on the red carpet during the 28th Screen Actors Guild Awards at the at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, USA, 27 February 2022. EPA-EFE/CAROLINE BREHMAN

Auchenflower resident David Miller is seen navigating his boat along the street past flooded houses in the suburb of Auchenflower in Brisbane, Australia, 28 February 2022. Queensland's southeast is set to endure more wild weather as the state grapples with a days-long flood crisis. EPA-EFE/DARREN ENGLAND AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND OUT

l law and triggering a series of announcements by Western countries to impose severe economic sanctions on Russia. According to the island's tourism officials, Russians accounted for 18,044 or 15.8 percent of the total 113,670 holiday makers who visited Sri Lanka in 2022 up to 11 February, while Ukrainians accounted for 9,883 or 8.7 percent of the total visitors in the same period. EPA-EFE/CHAMILA KARUNARATHNE

A visitor inside to the ZTE stand during the opening day of the Mobile World Congress of Barcelona (MWC), Catalonia, northern Spain, 28 February 2022. Russian exhibitors were banned from the event in response to the invasion of Ukraine. MWC runs from 28 February through 03 March 2022 with an expected attendance between 40,000 and 60,000 people. EPA-EFE/Enric Fontcuberta

People walk past burned cars a day after a shelling on a residential area in Kiev, Ukraine, 28 February 2022. Russian troops entered Ukraine on 24 February prompting the country's president to declare martial law and triggering a series of severe economic sanctions imposed by Western countries on Russia. EPA-EFE/SERGEY DOLZHENKO

Police is seen as Ukrainian small business owners take part in a rally over amendments to taxation laws, with the slogan Save FOP (individual-entrepreneurs) in front of the Ukrainian Parliament building in Kiev, Ukraine, 01 February 2022. Small business owners and entrepreneurs demanded the abrogation of the amendments to a law about the simplified tax system, which will considerably complicate their ability to manage their businesses, raise their prices for clients, and increase the possibility of unjustified fines. EPA-EFE/ZURAB KURTSIKIDZE

Dragon dancers perform at a residential and commercial district in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, 01 February 2022. Metro Manila welcomed the Year of the Tiger in the Chinese lunar calendar on 01 February with less traditional fanfare and crowded festivities in public spaces even as authorities gradually eased COVID-19 lockdown protocols and allowed citizens more movement outside their homes. EPA-EFE/ROLEX DELA PENA

The Coast Guard is towing the rudderless freighter Julietta D to the port of Rotterdam, Netherlands, 01 February 2022. Due to storm Corrie, the anchor no longer held, after which the ship collided with another ship in an anchor bay near IJmuiden. EPA-EFE/ROBIN VAN LONKHUIJSEN

Myanmarese people protest against the military dictatorship in Myanmar outside parliament in London, Britain, 01 February 2022. The protest marked one year since the military coup in Myanmar. EPA-EFE/ANDY RAIN

Several shots were heard near the Guinea-Bissau government palace at 15:00 on 01 February, and the military has set up a security perimeter around the area and is not allowing civilians to pass, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, 01 February 2022. Since lunchtime, bazooka shots and bursts of machine-gun fire have been heard near the palace of the government of Guinea-Bissau, where a cabinet meeting was taking place, attended by President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, and the Prime Minister, Nuno Nabiam. EPA-EFE/ANTONIO AMARAL

View of vehicles destroyed today on the mud caused by the rains of the previous day, which affected some neighborhoods in the west of the Ecuadorian capital in Quito, Ecuador, 01 February 2022. The number of people who died on 31 January rose to 18 after a flood that affected several neighborhoods in the west of the Ecuadorian capital, a city that was hit by a heavy downpour, with record rainfall, according to authorities. EPA-EFE/JOSE JACOME

Workers gather a power cable after a collapse in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 02 February 2022. The high voltage cable broke and fell onto houses and people at a market. At least 26 people died, a government spokesperson stated. DRC's national electricity company made a statement claiming lightning had struck part of the cable resulting in the collapse. EPA-EFE/Junior Kannah

Sanremo Festival host and artistic director, Amadeus pays homage to late Italian actress Monica Vitti on stage at the Ariston Theater during the 72nd Sanremo Italian Song Festival, in Sanremo, Italy, 02 February 2022. The 'Festival della canzone italiana di Sanremo' will run from 01 to 05 February 2022. EPA-EFE/Riccardo Antimiani

An elementary school student reacts as a healthcare worker injects a dose of COVID-19 vaccine during a vaccination drive for children between the age of six and 11, in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, 03 February 2022. Indonesia is speeding up its vaccination program for children aged between six and 11 years old, in order to achieve communal immunity amid concerns over the spreading of the Omicron variant of the Sars-Cov-2 coronavirus, the virus that causes the COVID-19. EPA-EFE/HOTLI SIMANJUNTAK

A damaged building is seen after an alleged counterterrorism operation by US Special forces in the early morning in Atma village in the northern countryside of Idlib, Syria, 03 February 2022. Pentagon Press Secretary John Kirby said that 'U.S. Special Operations forces under the control of U.S. Central Command conducted a counterterrorism mission in northwest Syria'. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that there were 'confirmed reports of fatalities', but did not provide numbers or identities. EPA-EFE/YAHYA NEMAH

A cameraman works in front of the building housing an office of German Deutsche Welle TV company in Moscow, Russia, 03 February 2022. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that the Moscow office of Deutsche Welle should stop working, and all journalists would lose their accreditation. This was in response to the decision of the German regulator to deprive the Russian German-language TV channel RT DE of the right to broadcast in Germany. EPA-EFE/YURI KOCHETKOV

China's Uyghur Muslim ethnic group carry placards and wave flags during a rally against the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games over China's treatment of the minority, near the Chinese consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, 04 February 2022. EPA-EFE/SEDAT SUNA