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<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>

<p>The Indian government has been evacuating Indians from war-torn Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia has accused "Ukrainian nationalists" of forcibly holding over 3,700 Indian citizens in various cities as the conflict continues to escalate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There's no response from Indian officials yet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the attack on the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine on Friday (March 4), Russia's Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia told an emergency UN Security Council meeting that radicals and extremists in Ukraine "were and are" under the "close guardianship and protection" of Western nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We urge you to calm down your mentees who in the worst traditions of ISIL terrorists and their Idlib associates are hiding behind civilians, placing heavy weaponry and multiple rocket launchers in residential areas," Nebenzia said as quoted by India-based news agency PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/green-light-for-bombing-zelensky-lashes-out-at-nato-for-ruling-out-ukraine-no-fly-zone-459118">'Green light for bombing': Zelensky lashes out at NATO for ruling out Ukraine no-fly zone</a></strong></p>

<p>"The number of foreign nationals who are being forcibly held by Ukrainian nationalists is shocking. In Kharkiv, this includes 3,189 citizens of India, up to 2,700 citizens of Vietnam, 202 citizens of China. In Sumy, this includes 576 Indian citizens, 101 Ghanaian citizens and 121 Chinese citizens," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said "these terrorists" are preventing civilians wishing to leave the cities from doing so and this practice is affecting not only Ukrainians but also foreign citizens.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian military is doing everything to ensure the peaceful evacuation of foreign nationals, he said adding that at various checkpoints "130 comfortable buses" are standing ready in order to leave for Kharkiv and Sumy to rescue Indian students and other foreign citizens.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-at-least-three-plots-to-assassinate-ukrainian-president-zelensky-foiled-say-reports-459114">At least three plots to assassinate Ukrainian President Zelensky foiled, say reports</a></strong></p>

<p>Amid the ongoing evacuation of Indian medical students from Ukraine, National Medical Commission (NMC) allows Foreign Medical Graduates with incomplete internships due to compelling situations like the coronavirus and war to apply to complete internships in India if they clear FMGE.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Watch how refugees in Ukraine’s Lviv are seeking shelter in theatre</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. The Indian government has been evacuating Indians from war-torn Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia has accused "Ukrainian nationalists" of forcibly holding over 3,700 Indian citizens in various cities as the conflict continues to escalate. There's no response from Indian officials yet. After the attack on the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine on Friday (March 4), Russia's Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia told an emergency UN Security Council meeting that radicals and extremists in Ukraine "were and are" under the "close guardianship and protection" of Western nations. "We urge you to calm down your mentees who in the worst traditions of ISIL terrorists and their Idlib associates are hiding behind civilians, placing heavy weaponry and multiple rocket launchers in residential areas," Nebenzia said as quoted by India-based news agency PTI. ALSO READ | 'Green light for bombing': Zelensky lashes out at NATO for ruling out Ukraine no-fly zone "The number of foreign nationals who are being forcibly held by Ukrainian nationalists is shocking. In Kharkiv, this includes 3,189 citizens of India, up to 2,700 citizens of Vietnam, 202 citizens of China. In Sumy, this includes 576 Indian citizens, 101 Ghanaian citizens and 121 Chinese citizens," he added. He said "these terrorists" are preventing civilians wishing to leave the cities from doing so and this practice is affecting not only Ukrainians but also foreign citizens. The Russian military is doing everything to ensure the peaceful evacuation of foreign nationals, he said adding that at various checkpoints "130 comfortable buses" are standing ready in order to leave for Kharkiv and Sumy to rescue Indian students and other foreign citizens. ALSO READ | At least three plots to assassinate Ukrainian President Zelensky foiled, say reports Amid the ongoing evacuation of Indian medical students from Ukraine, National Medical Commission (NMC) allows Foreign Medical Graduates with incomplete internships due to compelling situations like the coronavirus and war to apply to complete internships in India if they clear FMGE. WATCH | Watch how refugees in Ukraine’s Lviv are seeking shelter in theatre × (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine under attack: Russia accuses 'Ukrainian nationalists' of 'forcibly' holding over 3,700 Indians

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<p><strong>Here are some of the top stories to start your day:&nbsp;</strong>Russia has blocked Facebook and Twitter on Friday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (March 4) reacted sharply to the decision of NATO to reject the no-fly zone over Ukraine.&nbsp;Also watch WION's ground report from Lviv.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on headlines to read the full report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-intensifies-crackdown-on-fake-reports-blocks-twitter-facebook-459123">Russia intensifies crackdown on 'fake' reports, blocks Twitter, Facebook </a></strong>&nbsp;<br />
As Russia continues to make advances in Ukraine, a crackdown on media outlets and individuals, who fail to toe the Kremlin line on the invasion has intensified.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-russia-claims-to-have-besieged-two-big-cities-in-ukraine-455211"><strong>Click Here</strong></a>&nbsp;to get live updates on Russia-Ukraine crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Facebook" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="efb8d1df-38c4-41e3-bdf9-77ab71e0ed85" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/facebook_0.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/green-light-for-bombing-zelensky-lashes-out-at-nato-for-ruling-out-ukraine-no-fly-zone-459118">'Green light for bombing': Zelensky lashes out at NATO for ruling out Ukraine no-fly zone</a></strong><br />
Amid heightened tensions in eastern Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (March 4) reacted sharply to the decision of NATO to reject the no-fly zone over Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="NATO" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c5f6b13f-9bd4-4fe1-bf9c-8a16c946263b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/NATO.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cyber-armageddon-in-europe-thousands-go-offline-following-russia-ukraine-war-says-report-459113">‘Cyber Armageddon’ in Europe: Thousands go offline following Russia-Ukraine war, says report</a></strong><br />
Many parts of Europe have been knocked off the internet after it encountered massive “cyberattacks” at the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, news agency AFP reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Cyberattacks" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d80e0da-821f-43e1-a004-e2e214d1b0e5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/cyberattacks.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-at-least-three-plots-to-assassinate-ukrainian-president-zelensky-foiled-say-reports-459114">At least three plots to assassinate Ukrainian President Zelensky foiled, say reports</a></strong><br />
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has survived at least three alleged assassination attempts in the last week, The Times reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Volodymyr Zelensky" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="217715a9-15c4-4995-bbc3-b92cbd070e3d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Ukrainian%20President%20Volodymyr%20Zelensky.jpg" /></p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: WION Ground Report from Lviv</strong></p>

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Here are some of the top stories to start your day: Russia has blocked Facebook and Twitter on Friday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (March 4) reacted sharply to the decision of NATO to reject the no-fly zone over Ukraine.

Here are some of the top stories to start your day: Russia has blocked Facebook and Twitter on Friday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (March 4) reacted sharply to the decision of NATO to reject the no-fly zone over Ukraine. Also watch WION's ground report from Lviv. Click on headlines to read the full report: Russia intensifies crackdown on 'fake' reports, blocks Twitter, Facebook As Russia continues to make advances in Ukraine, a crackdown on media outlets and individuals, who fail to toe the Kremlin line on the invasion has intensified. Click Here to get live updates on Russia-Ukraine crisis. 'Green light for bombing': Zelensky lashes out at NATO for ruling out Ukraine no-fly zone Amid heightened tensions in eastern Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (March 4) reacted sharply to the decision of NATO to reject the no-fly zone over Ukraine. ‘Cyber Armageddon’ in Europe: Thousands go offline following Russia-Ukraine war, says report Many parts of Europe have been knocked off the internet after it encountered massive “cyberattacks” at the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, news agency AFP reports. At least three plots to assassinate Ukrainian President Zelensky foiled, say reports Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has survived at least three alleged assassination attempts in the last week, The Times reported. WATCH | Gravitas: WION Ground Report from Lviv ×

Morning news brief: Russia blocks Twitter and Facebook, ground report from Lviv, and more

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<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has survived at least three alleged assassination attempts in the last week, The Times reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wagner group and Chechen special forces are the two different outfits that have been sent to kill Zelensky.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wagner group is backed by Kremlin and Chechen special forces have the support of Kadyrovites paramilitary organisation that is aiding Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/this-is-ukraines-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant-the-largest-nuke-power-plant-in-europe-targetted-by-russia-458806">Significance of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia NPP, the largest nuke power plant in Europe targetted by Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>However, their attempts to assassinate the Ukrainian president were foiled as both have been thwarted by "anti-war elements within Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB)," the report added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similar reports were published in Washington Post as well as it reported that an alleged assassination plot against Zelensky was thwarted last weekend.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The media outlet cited a Ukrainian security leader, who noted that the Chechen special forces behind the plot had been "eliminated."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to escalate and reached a dangerous level as on Friday (Match 4), fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces resulted in a fire at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is the largest nuke power plant in Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fire was put out but the plant was later seized by the Russian military.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-the-chain-of-command-for-potential-russian-nuclear-strikes-458854">What is the chain of command for potential Russian nuclear strikes?</a></strong></p>

<p>Russian armed forces are attacking Ukraine as hundreds of people, including children have lost their lives in the conflict so far. The official toll is unknown but the United Nations has recorded at least 752 civilian casualties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Ukrainian presidential adviser said on Friday (March 4) that Zelensky will not make any concessions that could humiliate Ukrainians in their fight for territorial integrity and freedom.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking at a Lviv briefing after the second round of talks with representatives of the Russian Federation Mykhailo Podolyak representing Ukraine at the talks together with David Arakhamia, a senior official of the ruling party, said the negotiators agreed to the need for humanitarian corridors to help civilians escape and to deliver medicines and food to the areas where fighting was the fiercest.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: The tale of two wartime leaders</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has survived at least three alleged assassination attempts in the last week, The Times reported. Wagner group and Chechen special forces are the two different outfits that have been sent to kill Zelensky. Wagner group is backed by Kremlin and Chechen special forces have the support of Kadyrovites paramilitary organisation that is aiding Russia. IN PICS | Significance of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia NPP, the largest nuke power plant in Europe targetted by Russia However, their attempts to assassinate the Ukrainian president were foiled as both have been thwarted by "anti-war elements within Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB)," the report added. Similar reports were published in Washington Post as well as it reported that an alleged assassination plot against Zelensky was thwarted last weekend. The media outlet cited a Ukrainian security leader, who noted that the Chechen special forces behind the plot had been "eliminated." The Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to escalate and reached a dangerous level as on Friday (Match 4), fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces resulted in a fire at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is the largest nuke power plant in Europe. The fire was put out but the plant was later seized by the Russian military. IN PICS | What is the chain of command for potential Russian nuclear strikes? Russian armed forces are attacking Ukraine as hundreds of people, including children have lost their lives in the conflict so far. The official toll is unknown but the United Nations has recorded at least 752 civilian casualties. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian presidential adviser said on Friday (March 4) that Zelensky will not make any concessions that could humiliate Ukrainians in their fight for territorial integrity and freedom. Speaking at a Lviv briefing after the second round of talks with representatives of the Russian Federation Mykhailo Podolyak representing Ukraine at the talks together with David Arakhamia, a senior official of the ruling party, said the negotiators agreed to the need for humanitarian corridors to help civilians escape and to deliver medicines and food to the areas where fighting was the fiercest. WATCH | Gravitas: The tale of two wartime leaders ×

Russia-Ukraine conflict: At least 3 plots to 'assassinate Ukrainian President Zelensky foiled' in last week

<p>Amid heightened tensions in eastern Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (March 4) reacted sharply to the decision of NATO to reject the no-fly zone over Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky said that the alliance had given Russia the green light to continue relentless attacks and bombing on the Ukrainian cities, that has killed hundreds of civilians, including children and led to massive migration of people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During a televised address on Friday, Zelensky said, "Today there was a NATO summit, a weak summit, a confused summit, a summit where it was clear that not everyone considers the battle for Europe's freedom to be the number one goal."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today, the leadership of the alliance gave the green light for further bombing of Ukrainian cities and villages, having refused to set up a no-fly zone," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-at-least-three-plots-to-assassinate-ukrainian-president-zelensky-foiled-say-reports-459114">At least three plots to assassinate Ukrainian President Zelensky foiled, say reports</a></strong></p>

<p>Russia invaded Ukraine by land, sea and air after President Vladimir Putin ordered "military operations" on February 24. Zelensky had appealed to NATO to set up a no-fly zone over Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, on Friday, NATO rejected Ukraine's call to help it protect its skies from Russian missiles and warplanes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia has shelled residential areas and civilian infrastructure, as well as captured two nuclear sites.</p>

<p>While the West condemned Putin, members of the 30-strong NATO are bound to defend each other in case of attack and are wary of sinking into a war with nuclear-armed Russia. The EU threatened more sanctions but it was not clear what it could do.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/this-is-ukraines-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant-the-largest-nuke-power-plant-in-europe-targetted-by-russia-458806">Significance of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia NPP, the largest nuke power plant in Europe targetted by Russia</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: WION Ground Report from Lviv</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Amid heightened tensions in eastern Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (March 4) reacted sharply to the decision of NATO to reject the no-fly zone over Ukraine.

Amid heightened tensions in eastern Europe, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (March 4) reacted sharply to the decision of NATO to reject the no-fly zone over Ukraine. Zelensky said that the alliance had given Russia the green light to continue relentless attacks and bombing on the Ukrainian cities, that has killed hundreds of civilians, including children and led to massive migration of people. During a televised address on Friday, Zelensky said, "Today there was a NATO summit, a weak summit, a confused summit, a summit where it was clear that not everyone considers the battle for Europe's freedom to be the number one goal." "Today, the leadership of the alliance gave the green light for further bombing of Ukrainian cities and villages, having refused to set up a no-fly zone," he added. ALSO READ | At least three plots to assassinate Ukrainian President Zelensky foiled, say reports Russia invaded Ukraine by land, sea and air after President Vladimir Putin ordered "military operations" on February 24. Zelensky had appealed to NATO to set up a no-fly zone over Ukraine. However, on Friday, NATO rejected Ukraine's call to help it protect its skies from Russian missiles and warplanes. Russia has shelled residential areas and civilian infrastructure, as well as captured two nuclear sites. While the West condemned Putin, members of the 30-strong NATO are bound to defend each other in case of attack and are wary of sinking into a war with nuclear-armed Russia. The EU threatened more sanctions but it was not clear what it could do. IN PICS | Significance of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia NPP, the largest nuke power plant in Europe targetted by Russia WATCH | Gravitas: WION Ground Report from Lviv × (With inputs from agencies)

'Green light for bombing': Zelensky lashes out at NATO for ruling out Ukraine no-fly zone

<p>The Asian and Asian-American communities have suffered from rising rates of hate crimes during the past two years in the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Massively fueled by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, officials have collected nearly 11,000 reports of anti-Asian hate as of the end of 2021. &nbsp;</p>

<p>AAPI Hate revealed the reports of rising crimes against Asian-Americans. AAPI Hate is a coalition of advocacy organisations and scholars that has been collecting and compiling a database of self-reported anti-Asian incidents in the US since March 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the report published on Thursday (March 4), the coalition has now recorded 10,905 reports of racism and discrimination against Asian Americans. The latest data includes incidents that occurred between March 2020 and December 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cynthia Choi, who is the co-executive director of Chinese for Affirmative Action and one of Stop AAPI Hate's co-founders said, "This is a really challenging time for our community. Even with hopes that the pandemic will be behind us, we know that these fears that our communities have, the suffering, the pain, needs attention."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We need more support for healing, for recovery, for joy, and to work towards efforts that are really going to bring about meaningful change, both within our communities and across communities, too," Choi added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the most highlighted points of the report is hate incidents reported by women make up 61.8 per cent of all reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report added that verbal harassment (63.0%) continues to make up the biggest share of total incidents reported. Meanwhile, physical assault (16.2%) comprises the second largest category of total reported incidents followed by the deliberate avoidance of AAPIs (16.1%).&nbsp;</p>

<p>It has also been established that almost half (48.7%) of all hate incidents took place in public spaces — in public streets (31.2%), public transit (8.4%), and public parks (8.0%).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Chinese Americans are facing most of the issues as they continue to report the most hate incidents (42.8%) of all ethnic groups, followed by Korean (16.1%), P/Filipinx (8.9%), Japanese (8.2%), and Vietnamese Americans (8.0%).&nbsp;</p>


The Asian and Asian-American communities have suffered from rising rates of hate crimes during the past two years in the United States. Massively fueled by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, officials have collected nearly 11,000 reports of anti-Asian hate as of the end of 2021.

The Asian and Asian-American communities have suffered from rising rates of hate crimes during the past two years in the United States. Massively fueled by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, officials have collected nearly 11,000 reports of anti-Asian hate as of the end of 2021. AAPI Hate revealed the reports of rising crimes against Asian-Americans. AAPI Hate is a coalition of advocacy organisations and scholars that has been collecting and compiling a database of self-reported anti-Asian incidents in the US since March 2020. As per the report published on Thursday (March 4), the coalition has now recorded 10,905 reports of racism and discrimination against Asian Americans. The latest data includes incidents that occurred between March 2020 and December 2021. Cynthia Choi, who is the co-executive director of Chinese for Affirmative Action and one of Stop AAPI Hate's co-founders said, "This is a really challenging time for our community. Even with hopes that the pandemic will be behind us, we know that these fears that our communities have, the suffering, the pain, needs attention." "We need more support for healing, for recovery, for joy, and to work towards efforts that are really going to bring about meaningful change, both within our communities and across communities, too," Choi added. One of the most highlighted points of the report is hate incidents reported by women make up 61.8 per cent of all reports. The report added that verbal harassment (63.0%) continues to make up the biggest share of total incidents reported. Meanwhile, physical assault (16.2%) comprises the second largest category of total reported incidents followed by the deliberate avoidance of AAPIs (16.1%). It has also been established that almost half (48.7%) of all hate incidents took place in public spaces — in public streets (31.2%), public transit (8.4%), and public parks (8.0%). Chinese Americans are facing most of the issues as they continue to report the most hate incidents (42.8%) of all ethnic groups, followed by Korean (16.1%), P/Filipinx (8.9%), Japanese (8.2%), and Vietnamese Americans (8.0%).

Asian-Americans face racist attacks on daily basis, latest report decodes hate incidents

<p>When China’s legislature opened its weeklong annual session Saturday, Chinese leaders were eager to use the event to bolster confidence in the country’s economy.</p>

<p>Beijing used the National People’s Congress to pledge that China’s economy, the engine of global growth, will regain momentum despite a punishing slump in housing, rising commodity prices, scattered lockdowns to control coronavirus outbreaks and widespread uncertainty over the war in Ukraine.</p>

<p>Beijing’s ability to maintain political and economic stability is paramount as the ruling Communist Party prepares the ground for Xi Jinping, China’s leader, to secure another term in power at a party congress late this year. Xi has used a nationalistic vision of rejuvenation to justify his strongman rule and the party’s expanding grip into everyday life, but the challenges his country faces are grave.</p>

<p>The Chinese economy is slowing. Continued lockdowns and other stringent pandemic-control measures have hurt consumption. The average age of the population is rising fast, threatening to result in labor shortages. Officials are grappling with an unusually sustained wave of public anger about human trafficking and the shoddy protection of women.</p>

<p><b>Stabilizing China’s weak economy will be the central focus</b></p>

<p>On Saturday, Premier Li Keqiang announced that the government set a goal of "around 5.5%" economic growth for this year. That would signify continued gradual deceleration of the Chinese economy, although still faster growth than in most other countries.</p>

<p>Economies have rebounded strongly over the past year in the West, helped by heavy consumer spending as the pandemic ebbs at least temporarily. But China is on the opposite track. China’s economy expanded 8.1% last year but slowed markedly in the final months of last year, to 4%, as government measures to limit real estate speculation hurt other sectors as well.</p>

<p>Consumers, sometimes kept home by lockdowns and domestic travel restrictions, are pulling back.</p>

<p>A high level of household indebtedness, mainly for mortgages, has also dampened spending. Even exports appear to be growing a little less rapidly after spectacular growth through most of the pandemic.</p>

<p>“In pursuing economic development, China is under the triple pressures of shrinking demand, disrupted supply and weakening expectations,” Li said.</p>

<p>To offset weak consumption, Li announced another round of heavy, debt-fueled spending on infrastructure and on assistance to very poor households, particularly in rural areas.</p>

<p>Transfers from the central government to provincial governments, which mainly pay for social programs and infrastructure, will jump 18% this year.</p>

<p>Zhu Guangyao, a former vice minister of finance who is now a Cabinet adviser, had said at a news conference in late January that he expected the target to be about 5.5%. But Jude Blanchette, a China specialist at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, had suggested that global supply-chain difficulties and the economic and financial fallout from the war in Ukraine might prompt China to set a lower target.</p>

<p>At the congress, Blanchette predicted, “the biggest concern and the central focus is going to be the economy.”</p>

<p><b>How long will China seek to keep COVID-19 out?</b></p>

<p>China has kept the coronavirus almost completely under control within its borders after the initial outbreak in Wuhan two years ago, but at considerable cost: intermittent lockdowns, particularly in border cities, as well as lengthy quarantines for international travelers and sometimes domestic ones as well. Hints could emerge of how China intends to follow the rest of the world in opening up, although possibly not until next year.</p>

<p>Experts say China is unlikely to throw open its borders before the Communist Party congress late this year. When China does start opening up, it will want to avoid the kind of uncontrolled outbreak that has overwhelmed nursing homes and hospitals in Hong Kong, largely taking a toll on the city’s oldest residents, many of whom are unvaccinated.</p>

<p>But in interviews with state media, posts on social media and in public remarks in the past week, China’s top medical experts have begun dropping clues that the country is looking for a less stringent approach that protects lives without being overly disruptive to the economy.</p>

<p>The challenge for Beijing is increasing the rate of vaccination among the country’s older population. In December, a senior health official said the country’s overall vaccination rate was high but only half of citizens older than 70 were vaccinated.</p>

<p>China’s COVID-19 strategy relies heavily on mass surveillance of the population’s movements — with mobile phone location tracking as well as swift containment of buildings and neighborhoods when cases emerge — to impose mass testing and quarantines.</p>

<p>But in a sign of Beijing’s concern about the economic toll of such measures, the National Development and Reform Commission ordered local governments last month not to impose unauthorized lockdowns. The top economic planner said governments “must not go beyond the corresponding regulations of epidemic prevention and control to lock down cities and districts, and must not interrupt public transportation if it’s unnecessary or without approval.”</p>

<p><b>Beijing faces intense public pressure over women’s rights</b></p>

<p>Officials have struggled to contain the public outrage that erupted after a short video of a woman chained in a doorless shack went viral in late January. The woman in east-central China’s Jiangsu province, who was described by government investigators as having been abducted in 1998, had given birth to eight children.</p>

<p>Her case drew renewed public attention to the long-standing problem of trafficking in women. Decades of the country’s one-child policy led to a shortage of women, after families abandoned newborn girls or aborted female fetuses in favor of boys. Many men now find it hard to locate wives, and some have resorted to criminal gangs who abduct women.</p>

<p>In a tacit acknowledgment of the immense public anger that has erupted in recent weeks, Li pledged to take action against human trafficking, without going into specifics. “We will crack down hard on the trafficking of women and children and protect their lawful rights and interests,” he said.</p>

<p>Close to a dozen lawmakers and members of a top political advisory body have proposed measures to address the problem, including suggesting more severe punishments for buyers of abducted women and children.</p>

<p>But changing laws through the National People’s Congress is a lengthy process, and the congress often leaves this to its standing committee, which convenes every couple of months, and sometimes more often. “I don’t expect the NPC to take any specific legislative action on the social issues,” said Changhao Wei, who is the founder, manager and editor of a blog that tracks the Chinese legislature.</p>

<p>No such legislation appeared on the agenda released Friday before the opening of the National People’s Congress.</p>

<p><b>Beijing will probably be tight-lipped on the war in Ukraine</b></p>

<p>In many countries, a legislative gathering would offer a chance for robust debate on the war in Ukraine. But China’s Communist Party-controlled congress is a gathering so rigidly controlled and swaddled in ritual that the whole point seems to be to keep controversy at bay.</p>

<p>Beijing’s pact with Moscow a month ago and the subsequent Russian invasion of Ukraine may get scant mention. China’s country’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, will hold a news briefing Monday at which he is expected to reiterate Beijing’s stance that Russia’s security interests should be respected and that both sides should hold talks.</p>

<p>Guo Shuqing, China’s top banking regulator, said Wednesday that China would not join Western sanctions on Russia and planned to maintain normal trade and financial relations with Russia and Ukraine.</p>

<p>The clearest signal on foreign policy may come not from Li’s work report but from his budget, a document scheduled for release Saturday. The budget is expected to call for another large increase in military spending, which grew four times as fast last year as nonmilitary spending by the central government and provincial governments.</p>


When China’s legislature opened its weeklong annual session Saturday, Chinese leaders were eager to use the event to bolster confidence in the country’s economy.

When China’s legislature opened its weeklong annual session Saturday, Chinese leaders were eager to use the event to bolster confidence in the country’s economy. Beijing used the National People’s Congress to pledge that China’s economy, the engine of global growth, will regain momentum despite a punishing slump in housing, rising commodity prices, scattered lockdowns to control coronavirus outbreaks and widespread uncertainty over the war in Ukraine. Beijing’s ability to maintain political and economic stability is paramount as the ruling Communist Party prepares the ground for Xi Jinping, China’s leader, to secure another term in power at a party congress late this year. Xi has used a nationalistic vision of rejuvenation to justify his strongman rule and the party’s expanding grip into everyday life, but the challenges his country faces are grave. The Chinese economy is slowing. Continued lockdowns and other stringent pandemic-control measures have hurt consumption. The average age of the population is rising fast, threatening to result in labor shortages. Officials are grappling with an unusually sustained wave of public anger about human trafficking and the shoddy protection of women. Stabilizing China’s weak economy will be the central focus On Saturday, Premier Li Keqiang announced that the government set a goal of "around 5.5%" economic growth for this year. That would signify continued gradual deceleration of the Chinese economy, although still faster growth than in most other countries. Economies have rebounded strongly over the past year in the West, helped by heavy consumer spending as the pandemic ebbs at least temporarily. But China is on the opposite track. China’s economy expanded 8.1% last year but slowed markedly in the final months of last year, to 4%, as government measures to limit real estate speculation hurt other sectors as well. Consumers, sometimes kept home by lockdowns and domestic travel restrictions, are pulling back. A high level of household indebtedness, mainly for mortgages, has also dampened spending. Even exports appear to be growing a little less rapidly after spectacular growth through most of the pandemic. “In pursuing economic development, China is under the triple pressures of shrinking demand, disrupted supply and weakening expectations,” Li said. To offset weak consumption, Li announced another round of heavy, debt-fueled spending on infrastructure and on assistance to very poor households, particularly in rural areas. Transfers from the central government to provincial governments, which mainly pay for social programs and infrastructure, will jump 18% this year. Zhu Guangyao, a former vice minister of finance who is now a Cabinet adviser, had said at a news conference in late January that he expected the target to be about 5.5%. But Jude Blanchette, a China specialist at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, had suggested that global supply-chain difficulties and the economic and financial fallout from the war in Ukraine might prompt China to set a lower target. At the congress, Blanchette predicted, “the biggest concern and the central focus is going to be the economy.” How long will China seek to keep COVID-19 out? China has kept the coronavirus almost completely under control within its borders after the initial outbreak in Wuhan two years ago, but at considerable cost: intermittent lockdowns, particularly in border cities, as well as lengthy quarantines for international travelers and sometimes domestic ones as well. Hints could emerge of how China intends to follow the rest of the world in opening up, although possibly not until next year. Experts say China is unlikely to throw open its borders before the Communist Party congress late this year. When China does start opening up, it will want to avoid the kind of uncontrolled outbreak that has overwhelmed nursing homes and hospitals in Hong Kong, largely taking a toll on the city’s oldest residents, many of whom are unvaccinated. But in interviews with state media, posts on social media and in public remarks in the past week, China’s top medical experts have begun dropping clues that the country is looking for a less stringent approach that protects lives without being overly disruptive to the economy. The challenge for Beijing is increasing the rate of vaccination among the country’s older population. In December, a senior health official said the country’s overall vaccination rate was high but only half of citizens older than 70 were vaccinated. China’s COVID-19 strategy relies heavily on mass surveillance of the population’s movements — with mobile phone location tracking as well as swift containment of buildings and neighborhoods when cases emerge — to impose mass testing and quarantines. But in a sign of Beijing’s concern about the economic toll of such measures, the National Development and Reform Commission ordered local governments last month not to impose unauthorized lockdowns. The top economic planner said governments “must not go beyond the corresponding regulations of epidemic prevention and control to lock down cities and districts, and must not interrupt public transportation if it’s unnecessary or without approval.” Beijing faces intense public pressure over women’s rights Officials have struggled to contain the public outrage that erupted after a short video of a woman chained in a doorless shack went viral in late January. The woman in east-central China’s Jiangsu province, who was described by government investigators as having been abducted in 1998, had given birth to eight children. Her case drew renewed public attention to the long-standing problem of trafficking in women. Decades of the country’s one-child policy led to a shortage of women, after families abandoned newborn girls or aborted female fetuses in favor of boys. Many men now find it hard to locate wives, and some have resorted to criminal gangs who abduct women. In a tacit acknowledgment of the immense public anger that has erupted in recent weeks, Li pledged to take action against human trafficking, without going into specifics. “We will crack down hard on the trafficking of women and children and protect their lawful rights and interests,” he said. Close to a dozen lawmakers and members of a top political advisory body have proposed measures to address the problem, including suggesting more severe punishments for buyers of abducted women and children. But changing laws through the National People’s Congress is a lengthy process, and the congress often leaves this to its standing committee, which convenes every couple of months, and sometimes more often. “I don’t expect the NPC to take any specific legislative action on the social issues,” said Changhao Wei, who is the founder, manager and editor of a blog that tracks the Chinese legislature. No such legislation appeared on the agenda released Friday before the opening of the National People’s Congress. Beijing will probably be tight-lipped on the war in Ukraine In many countries, a legislative gathering would offer a chance for robust debate on the war in Ukraine. But China’s Communist Party-controlled congress is a gathering so rigidly controlled and swaddled in ritual that the whole point seems to be to keep controversy at bay. Beijing’s pact with Moscow a month ago and the subsequent Russian invasion of Ukraine may get scant mention. China’s country’s foreign minister, Wang Yi, will hold a news briefing Monday at which he is expected to reiterate Beijing’s stance that Russia’s security interests should be respected and that both sides should hold talks. Guo Shuqing, China’s top banking regulator, said Wednesday that China would not join Western sanctions on Russia and planned to maintain normal trade and financial relations with Russia and Ukraine. The clearest signal on foreign policy may come not from Li’s work report but from his budget, a document scheduled for release Saturday. The budget is expected to call for another large increase in military spending, which grew four times as fast last year as nonmilitary spending by the central government and provincial governments.

China’s slowing economy tops agenda at legislative session

<p>Amid the escalating tensions, Russia's defence ministry said that Moscow has declared a partial ceasefire on Saturday (March 5) to allow humanitarian corridors out of the Ukrainian cities of Mariupol and Volnovakha,&nbsp;Russia's RIA news agency reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As Russia's invasion of Ukraine entered into its 10th day, a channel for humanitarian corridors for the safe evacuation of civilians was agreed upon by Russian and Ukrainian officials during their second round of talks on Saturday (March 5).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia's defence ministry announced a ceasefire Saturday to allow residents of two besieged cities, including the strategic port town of Mariupol, to evacuate.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-missile-interrupted-kharkiv-bloggers-live-recording-during-russia-ukraine-conflict-459197">Missile interrupted Kharkiv blogger's live recording during Russia-Ukraine conflict</a></strong></p>

<p>"Today, March 5, from 10 am Moscow time, the Russian side declares a regime of silence and opens humanitarian corridors for the exit of civilians from Mariupol and Volnovakha," the ministry said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ukrainian government said the plan was to evacuate around 200,000 people from Mariupol and 15,000 from Volnovakha, and the Red Cross is the&nbsp;ceasefire's guarantor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, there was no immediate confirmation that firing had stopped and it was not clear if the ceasefire would be extended to other areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;How many civilians, troops have died till now?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Amid the escalating tensions, Russia's defence ministry said that Moscow has declared a partial ceasefire on Saturday (March 5) to allow humanitarian corridors out of the Ukrainian cities of Mariupol and Volnovakha, Russia's RIA news agency reported.

Amid the escalating tensions, Russia's defence ministry said that Moscow has declared a partial ceasefire on Saturday (March 5) to allow humanitarian corridors out of the Ukrainian cities of Mariupol and Volnovakha, Russia's RIA news agency reported. As Russia's invasion of Ukraine entered into its 10th day, a channel for humanitarian corridors for the safe evacuation of civilians was agreed upon by Russian and Ukrainian officials during their second round of talks on Saturday (March 5). Russia's defence ministry announced a ceasefire Saturday to allow residents of two besieged cities, including the strategic port town of Mariupol, to evacuate. WATCH | Missile interrupted Kharkiv blogger's live recording during Russia-Ukraine conflict "Today, March 5, from 10 am Moscow time, the Russian side declares a regime of silence and opens humanitarian corridors for the exit of civilians from Mariupol and Volnovakha," the ministry said. The Ukrainian government said the plan was to evacuate around 200,000 people from Mariupol and 15,000 from Volnovakha, and the Red Cross is the ceasefire's guarantor. However, there was no immediate confirmation that firing had stopped and it was not clear if the ceasefire would be extended to other areas. WATCH | How many civilians, troops have died till now? ×

Ukraine crisis: Russia declares ceasefire in two Ukrainian cities for evacuations

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<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>

<p>In a shocking video, a blogger in Ukraine's second-largest city of Kharkiv can be seen running for his life when his video recording was interrupted by an airstrike that hit near him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The blogger named Nikita Demenkov recorded a video message for his followers to inform them about donations they had sent but the video also captured a missile exploding above him on Wednesday (March 2).&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the viral clip that has been posted on his Instagram account in which he was seen seeking refuge in a basement after the explosion.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-intensifies-crackdown-on-fake-reports-blocks-twitter-facebook-459123">Russia intensifies crackdown on 'fake' reports, blocks Twitter, Facebook &nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.</strong></em></p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CamaC3moSf1/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Nikita Demenkov (@nikita__demenkov)</a></p>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/green-light-for-bombing-zelensky-lashes-out-at-nato-for-ruling-out-ukraine-no-fly-zone-459118">'Green light for bombing': Zelensky lashes out at NATO for ruling out Ukraine no-fly zone</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Russia declared a partial ceasefire on Saturday (March 5) to allow humanitarian corridors out of the Ukrainian cities of Mariupol and Volnovakha, Russia's defence ministry said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"From 1000 am Moscow time (0700 GMT), the Russian side declares a ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors to allow civilians to leave Mariupol and Volnovakha," Russian news agencies quoted the Russian defence ministry as saying.&nbsp;</p>


Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. In a shocking video, a blogger in Ukraine's second-largest city of Kharkiv can be seen running for his life when his video recording was interrupted by an airstrike that hit near him. The blogger named Nikita Demenkov recorded a video message for his followers to inform them about donations they had sent but the video also captured a missile exploding above him on Wednesday (March 2). In the viral clip that has been posted on his Instagram account in which he was seen seeking refuge in a basement after the explosion. ALSO READ | Russia intensifies crackdown on 'fake' reports, blocks Twitter, Facebook Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nikita Demenkov (@nikita__demenkov) × ALSO READ | 'Green light for bombing': Zelensky lashes out at NATO for ruling out Ukraine no-fly zone Meanwhile, Russia declared a partial ceasefire on Saturday (March 5) to allow humanitarian corridors out of the Ukrainian cities of Mariupol and Volnovakha, Russia's defence ministry said. "From 1000 am Moscow time (0700 GMT), the Russian side declares a ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors to allow civilians to leave Mariupol and Volnovakha," Russian news agencies quoted the Russian defence ministry as saying.

Watch: Missile interrupted Kharkiv blogger's live recording during Russia-Ukraine conflict

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<p>Australian cricket was in mourning on Friday (March 4) following the death of&nbsp;Rod&nbsp;Marsh, with tributes for the former wicketkeeper by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and from across the cricketing community.</p>

<p>Marsh, who played 96 tests and 92 one-day internationals in the 1970s and 1980s, was 74 and died in Adelaide after a heart attack while on his way to a charity event in Bundaberg in Queensland on Feb. 24.</p>

<p>"Very sad to hear of the passing of&nbsp;Rod&nbsp;Marsh," Morrison wrote on Twitter.</p>

<p>"As a kid he was my favourite player. He was part of one of the most exciting eras in Australian and world cricket. He will be remembered as one of Australia's greatest ever Test cricket players."</p>

<p>Regarded as one of Australia's finest wicketkeepers,&nbsp;Marsh&nbsp;retired in 1984 with a then-world record tally of 355 dismissals.</p>

<p>He is fourth on the all-time dismissals list behind South Africa's Mark Boucher (555) and Australians Adam Gilchrist (416) and Ian Healy (395).</p>

<p>Marsh's death was confirmed by his son, Paul, in a statement released by the Australian Cricketers' Association.</p>

<p>Marsh&nbsp;made his test debut against England in November 1970 and scored 3,633 test runs during a career that lasted more than 13 years.</p>

<p>The Western Australian famously combined with fast bowler Dennis Lillee to take 95 wickets during the pair's career together.</p>

<p>Marsh&nbsp;played his final test against Pakistan in January 1984 and later became a national selector.</p>

<p>He was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2009 before stepping away from the game in 2016.</p>


Australian cricket was in mourning on Friday (March 4) following the death of Rod Marsh, with tributes for the former wicketkeeper by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and from across the cricketing community.

Australian cricket was in mourning on Friday (March 4) following the death of Rod Marsh, with tributes for the former wicketkeeper by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and from across the cricketing community. Marsh, who played 96 tests and 92 one-day internationals in the 1970s and 1980s, was 74 and died in Adelaide after a heart attack while on his way to a charity event in Bundaberg in Queensland on Feb. 24. "Very sad to hear of the passing of Rod Marsh," Morrison wrote on Twitter. "As a kid he was my favourite player. He was part of one of the most exciting eras in Australian and world cricket. He will be remembered as one of Australia's greatest ever Test cricket players." Regarded as one of Australia's finest wicketkeepers, Marsh retired in 1984 with a then-world record tally of 355 dismissals. He is fourth on the all-time dismissals list behind South Africa's Mark Boucher (555) and Australians Adam Gilchrist (416) and Ian Healy (395). Marsh's death was confirmed by his son, Paul, in a statement released by the Australian Cricketers' Association. Marsh made his test debut against England in November 1970 and scored 3,633 test runs during a career that lasted more than 13 years. The Western Australian famously combined with fast bowler Dennis Lillee to take 95 wickets during the pair's career together. Marsh played his final test against Pakistan in January 1984 and later became a national selector. He was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2009 before stepping away from the game in 2016.

Australian cricket star Rod Marsh dies at 74

<p>China has reacted to the accusations that it asked Russia to delay its invasion of Ukraine until after the recently concluded Beijing Winter Olympics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Wednesday (March 2), a &nbsp;US-based paper The New York Times reported that Chinese officials had asked senior Russian officials not to invade Ukraine before the end of the Winter Olympics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To validate the accusation, the paper cited senior officials in the administration of United States President Joe Biden as well as a European official.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-is-this-vladimir-putins-next-massive-plan-458569?UTM_SRC=breakingnews">Russia-Ukraine conflict: Is this Vladimir Putin's next massive plan?</a></strong></p>

<p>As per the report, China might have had some level of direct knowledge about Russia's war plans or intentions before the invasion started on February 24 after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered "military operations" in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The invasion started last week just four days after the Beijing Winter Olympics' closing ceremony as eyebrows are raised whether or not the reports are true.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, on being asked about the same at a press briefing on Thursday (March 3), Beijing dismissed the report. "The New York Times report is complete fake news. These kinds of diversionary, blame-shifting remarks are thoroughly despicable," said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/constructive-conversation-quad-leaders-discuss-ukraine-situation-458750">'Constructive conversation': Quad leaders discuss Ukraine situation</a></strong></p>

<p>On the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Beijing has taken a neutral stance and President Xi Jinping held a meeting last month with his Russian counterpart where the pair agreed to a "no limits" partnership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since then, Beijing has not condemned the invasion of Ukraine but has stopped short of outright support.&nbsp;</p>

<p>China was among 35 countries that abstained, while just five - Eritrea, North Korea, Syria, Belarus and Russia - voted against it.</p>

<p>The conflict has caused more than one million people to flee Ukraine, according to the United Nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Russia, Belarus out of Winter Paralympics amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine</strong></p>

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China has reacted to the accusations that it asked Russia to delay its invasion of Ukraine until after the recently concluded Beijing Winter Olympics. On Wednesday (March 2), a US-based paper The New York Times reported that Chinese officials had asked senior Russian officials not to invade Ukraine before the end of the Winter Olympics.

China has reacted to the accusations that it asked Russia to delay its invasion of Ukraine until after the recently concluded Beijing Winter Olympics. On Wednesday (March 2), a US-based paper The New York Times reported that Chinese officials had asked senior Russian officials not to invade Ukraine before the end of the Winter Olympics. To validate the accusation, the paper cited senior officials in the administration of United States President Joe Biden as well as a European official. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Is this Vladimir Putin's next massive plan? As per the report, China might have had some level of direct knowledge about Russia's war plans or intentions before the invasion started on February 24 after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered "military operations" in Ukraine. The invasion started last week just four days after the Beijing Winter Olympics' closing ceremony as eyebrows are raised whether or not the reports are true. Meanwhile, on being asked about the same at a press briefing on Thursday (March 3), Beijing dismissed the report. "The New York Times report is complete fake news. These kinds of diversionary, blame-shifting remarks are thoroughly despicable," said foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin. ALSO READ | 'Constructive conversation': Quad leaders discuss Ukraine situation On the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Beijing has taken a neutral stance and President Xi Jinping held a meeting last month with his Russian counterpart where the pair agreed to a "no limits" partnership. Since then, Beijing has not condemned the invasion of Ukraine but has stopped short of outright support. China was among 35 countries that abstained, while just five - Eritrea, North Korea, Syria, Belarus and Russia - voted against it. The conflict has caused more than one million people to flee Ukraine, according to the United Nations. WATCH | Russia, Belarus out of Winter Paralympics amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine ×

China reacts to accusations that it asked Russia to stall Ukraine attack till after Winter Olympics

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