NATO rejects no-fly zone over Ukraine, says it could further escalate war

NATO on Friday rejected pleas from Ukraine to impose a no-fly zone to halt Russia's bombing, but Western allies warned President Vladimir Putin of fresh sanctions if he does not stop his war.

Foreign ministers held emergency meetings at NATO and at the European Union in Brussels, on the ninth day of Moscow's invasion of its pro-Western neighbour that has upended the global order.

Ukraine's leadership has appealed desperately to the West to help stop Russian jets raining bombs on their country as Moscow's military encircles key cities.