The European Union’s Economic Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni says the bloc is working to ramp up pressure on Russia with further sanctions but said any extra measures won’t affect the energy sector, Reuters reported.

His comments shortly after Germany and Austria announced plans to take precautionary steps toward gas rationing to avoid a potential halt in deliveries from Russia.

Gentiloni also reportedly repeated concerns that the EU’s 4% growth forecast, issued shortly before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was too optimistic and the bloc would not reach it.

— Sam Meredith

Pope Francis has said he is considering a possible visit to Ukraine’s capital city even as Russia’s war rages on.

Asked while traveling to Malta whether he was considering an offer to visit Kyiv, Pope Francis told NBC News: “Yes, it’s on the table.”

Last month, Kyiv mayor Vitaliy Klitschko sent a letter to Pope Francis urging him to visit the capital, saying his presence would be “key for saving lives and paving the path to peace.”

— Sam Meredith

Ukraine’s economy contracted 16% year-on-year through the first three months of 2022, Reuters reported, citing preliminary estimates from the economy ministry.

It has also forecast that the economy could shrink by as much as 40% this year as a result of Russia’s unprovoked onslaught.

— Sam Meredith

Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said seven humanitarian corridors to evacuate people from besieged areas of the country are planned for Saturday, according to Reuters.

The planned corridors reportedly include one for people evacuating by private transport from the city of Mariupol and by buses for Mariupol residents out of the city of Berdyansk, Vereshchuk said.

— Sam Meredith

A team of humanitarian workers from the Red Cross on Saturday will try again to reach Mariupol, aiming to facilitate the safe passage of citizens from the besieged port city.

A convoy was unable to reach the southeastern city on Friday, citing “impossible” arrangements and conditions.

“They will try again on Saturday to facilitate the safe passage of civilians from Mariupol,” the International Committee of the Red Cross said in a statement.

“For the operation to succeed, it is critical that the parties respect the agreements and provide the necessary conditions and security guarantees,” they added.

— Sam Meredith

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the withdrawal of Russian forces in the north of the country is “slow but noticeable” and warned citizens that “difficult battles” are still to come as Russia’s onslaught persists.

In a Saturday morning video address delivered via Telegram, Zelenskyy also said Russian troops were creating a “complete catastrophe” as they withdraw from the territory by laying mines in houses, on equipment and on corpses. CNBC has not been able to independently verify this report.

“In the north of our country, the withdrawal of the occupiers continues. Slow but noticeable. In some parts, they are being expelled with fighting, in other parts they are leaving their positions themselves,” Zelenskyy said, according to a translation.

“We have difficult battles ahead. It is still impossible to think that we have already passed all the tests. We all want to win. But when it will be – everyone will see it. Everyone will feel that peace is coming.”

— Sam Meredith

Ukrainian forces continue to advance against withdrawing Russian forces in the vicinity of Kyiv, according to British military intelligence.

Russian forces are also reported to have withdrawn from Hostomel Airport near Kyiv, which has been subject to fighting since the first day of the conflict, Britain’s Ministry of Defense said.

“In the east of Ukraine, Ukrainian forces have secured a key route in eastern Kharkiv after heavy fighting,” the ministry said. CNBC could not immediately verify the report.

— Sam Meredith