Ukraine War Update: Anheuser-Busch to sell Russian JV and suspend Russian Budweiser sales

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Here are the latest updates from the war in Ukraine:

Anheuser-Busch to sell Russian JV, halt Bud sales in Russia

Brewing giant Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD) announced plans Friday to unload its interest in the company's Russian joint venture, which it aims to sell to JV partner Turkish brewer Anadolu Efes. BUD said it also will seek to suspend licensed production and sale of its flagship Budweiser brand in Russia, and will take a Q1 $1.1B non-cash impairment charge over the moves.

Possible mass graves near Mariupol

New satellite images show what appear to be mass graves near Mariupol, and local officials accused Russia of burying up to 9,000 Ukrainian civilians there in an effort to conceal the slaughter taking place in the siege of the port city.

The images emerged Thursday, just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed victory in the battle for Mariupol, despite the presence of an estimated 2,000 Ukrainian fighters who were still holed up at a giant steel mill. Putin ordered his troops to seal off the stronghold “so that not even a fly comes through” instead of storming it.

Ukraine bans crypto purchases with local currency

Ukraine's central bank has clamped down on the purchases of cryptocurrency, banning the use of local currency to purchase digital assets like Bitcoin. Crypto purchases can still take place with foreign currency. The National Bank of Ukraine said the move was meant to "prevent unproductive outflow of capital from the country" as the nation attempts to fight off Russia's invasion.

Ukraine war to cut into German growth

The German government has reportedly cut its predictions for economic growth in 2022, blaming the impact of the Ukraine conflict. According to Reuters, the new forecast targets a growth rate of 2.2%, rather than the 3.6% that was previously projected. Concerns over energy supplies significantly contributed to the curtailed growth prediction.

EU will allow firms to pay rubles for gas

European authorities revealed that they will allow companies in the EU to use Russian currency to pay for natural gas. The European Commission opened the door for firms to comply with Russia's proposed gas payment system, which requires the use of rubles, saying that doing so would not violate anti-Russian sanctions.

Cease-fire urged

India and Britain have urged Russia to declare an immediate cease-fire in Ukraine as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced steps to help move New Delhi away from its dependence on Russia by expanding economic and defense ties.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi told reporters their meeting Friday focused on the situation in Ukraine, underscoring the importance of diplomacy and dialogue. While India has condemned the killings of civilians in Ukraine, it has so far not criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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-- The AP contributed to this report.