Western&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;will never make&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;change its position on&nbsp;Ukraine, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.

Responding to a barrage of Western&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;over&nbsp;Russia's invasion of&nbsp;Ukraine, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: "They are counting on forcing us to change our position. This is out of the question."

Peskov told reporters that President Vladimir Putin had been briefed on the first round of talks between&nbsp;Russian and Ukrainian officials on Monday but it was too early to judge the outcome.

There were no plans for talks between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, he said, adding that Moscow still recognised Zelenskiy as&nbsp;Ukraine's leader.

Zelenskiy, he said, could prevent further casualties if he gave the command to lay down arms.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-pursue-ukraine-offensive-until-all-goals-achieved-457787">&nbsp;Russia to pursue Ukraine offensive until all 'goals achieved'</a>

Ukraine&nbsp;has refused to surrender and its forces have put up strong resistance to&nbsp;Russia's assault from the north, east and south, which Moscow describes as a special operation to demilitarise and "denazify" the country - a justification dismissed by Kyiv and the West as war propaganda.

Peskov dismissed allegations of&nbsp;Russian strikes on civilian targets and the use of cluster bombs and vacuum bombs as fakes. He categorically denied that&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;had committed war crimes.

Ukraine&nbsp;says&nbsp;large numbers of civilians have been killed. Peskov said, without providing evidence, that Ukrainian nationalist groups were using people as human shields.

Peskov declined to comment on whether the Kremlin considers the capital Kyiv to be under the control of Nazis, referring the question to the&nbsp;Russian military.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-as-ukraine-withstands-russian-assault-children-sing-kyiv-anthem-in-bomb-shelter-457801">&nbsp;Watch: As Ukraine withstands Russian assault, children sing Kyiv anthem in bomb shelter</a>

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Russia's Ukraine invasion: How Ukrainians are fighting back

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Western sanctions will never make Russia change its position on Ukraine, the Kremlin said on Tuesday. Responding to a barrage of Western sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: "They are counting on forcing us to change our position.

Western sanctions will never make Russia change its position on Ukraine, the Kremlin said on Tuesday. Responding to a barrage of Western sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: "They are counting on forcing us to change our position. This is out of the question." Peskov told reporters that President Vladimir Putin had been briefed on the first round of talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials on Monday but it was too early to judge the outcome. There were no plans for talks between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, he said, adding that Moscow still recognised Zelenskiy as Ukraine's leader. Zelenskiy, he said, could prevent further casualties if he gave the command to lay down arms. Also read | Russia to pursue Ukraine offensive until all 'goals achieved' Ukraine has refused to surrender and its forces have put up strong resistance to Russia's assault from the north, east and south, which Moscow describes as a special operation to demilitarise and "denazify" the country - a justification dismissed by Kyiv and the West as war propaganda. Peskov dismissed allegations of Russian strikes on civilian targets and the use of cluster bombs and vacuum bombs as fakes. He categorically denied that Russia had committed war crimes. Ukraine says large numbers of civilians have been killed. Peskov said, without providing evidence, that Ukrainian nationalist groups were using people as human shields. Peskov declined to comment on whether the Kremlin considers the capital Kyiv to be under the control of Nazis, referring the question to the Russian military. Also read | Watch: As Ukraine withstands Russian assault, children sing Kyiv anthem in bomb shelter Watch | Gravitas: Russia's Ukraine invasion: How Ukrainians are fighting back

Kremlin: Russia won't budge under sanctions pressure over Ukraine

&nbsp;fire&nbsp;in a&nbsp;shopping&nbsp;centre in the&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;capital Damascus&nbsp;killed&nbsp;at least 11 people early Tuesday, the interior ministry said, in one of the deadliest blazes of recent years.

Many of those&nbsp;killed&nbsp;were security guards or other staff on duty overnight in the six-storey building, civil defence director Ahmad Abbas said.

The cause of the blaze was not immediately clear.

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"Eleven&nbsp;people have died as a result of the&nbsp;fire&nbsp;in the La Mirada&nbsp;mall, and two people have been rescued," the interior ministry said.

The&nbsp;fire&nbsp;caused "extensive material damage", it added, ripping&nbsp;through&nbsp;stores that sold clothes, leather goods and cosmetics -- many of which were highly flammable.

"Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the blaze," the ministry statement said.

Fires in the&nbsp;Syrian&nbsp;capital are relatively frequent, some caused by electrical short-circuits, others by unsafe heating.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morning-news-brief-israel-launches-strike-at-syria-pfizers-pandemic-profiteering-more-451598">Morning news brief: Israel launches strike at Syria, Pfizer's pandemic profiteering, &amp; more</a>

A 52-year-old witness, who asked to be identified only by his first name Hani, said the&nbsp;fire&nbsp;broke out at around 3:00 am (0100 GMT).

"The&nbsp;fire&nbsp;started on the top floor and started to spread quickly to other levels," he said.

Damascus police chief Hussein Jumaa said the cause of the blaze was likely "internal."

"The&nbsp;fire&nbsp;spread so fast that the people in the building couldn't save themselves," Jumaa told state television.&nbsp;

My livelihood is gone

Twenty&nbsp;fire&nbsp;engines helped douse the blaze, civil defence chief Abbas said.

"It took around four hours for us to bring the&nbsp;fire&nbsp;under control," he said, adding that the victims died either of suffocation or of severe burns.

They were all guards working at the&nbsp;mall, or workers on duty," Abbas added.

Ten of the 11 corpses recovered from the building were charred beyond recognition, the state SANA news agency reported.

It said seven people were wounded, including those who suffered smoke inhalation.&nbsp;

An AFP correspondent saw&nbsp;fire&nbsp;trucks stationed outside the charred facade of the&nbsp;shopping&nbsp;mall, where dozens of businesses had been destroyed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-strikes-against-syria-after-missile-attack-451589">Israel launches strikes against Syria after missile attack</a>

"We have asked everyone to stay away from the area to facilitate civil defence operations," a&nbsp;fire&nbsp;department official told AFP on condition of anonymity, because he was not authorised to speak to the media.

Despite the security cordon, dozens flocked to the scene, including business owners eager to check on their shops.

One store owner collapsed when he saw the scale of the damage.

"My livelihood is gone... my money is gone," he wailed.

The&nbsp;fire&nbsp;comes a week after a blaze in a hospital in Syria's second city of Aleppo&nbsp;killed&nbsp;three people, sparked by an electrical short-circuit, according to SANA.

In September last year, a firefighter died and two civilians were injured in a blaze that destroyed a fabric warehouse in the Old City of Damascus.&nbsp;

fire in a shopping centre in the Syrian capital Damascus killed at least 11 people early Tuesday, the interior ministry said, in one of the deadliest blazes of recent years.

fire in a shopping centre in the Syrian capital Damascus killed at least 11 people early Tuesday, the interior ministry said, in one of the deadliest blazes of recent years. Many of those killed were security guards or other staff on duty overnight in the six-storey building, civil defence director Ahmad Abbas said. The cause of the blaze was not immediately clear. Also read | Five dead as man kills three children and himself in California church "Eleven people have died as a result of the fire in the La Mirada mall, and two people have been rescued," the interior ministry said. The fire caused "extensive material damage", it added, ripping through stores that sold clothes, leather goods and cosmetics -- many of which were highly flammable. "Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the blaze," the ministry statement said. Fires in the Syrian capital are relatively frequent, some caused by electrical short-circuits, others by unsafe heating. Also read | Morning news brief: Israel launches strike at Syria, Pfizer's pandemic profiteering, & more A 52-year-old witness, who asked to be identified only by his first name Hani, said the fire broke out at around 3:00 am (0100 GMT). "The fire started on the top floor and started to spread quickly to other levels," he said. Damascus police chief Hussein Jumaa said the cause of the blaze was likely "internal." "The fire spread so fast that the people in the building couldn't save themselves," Jumaa told state television. My livelihood is gone Twenty fire engines helped douse the blaze, civil defence chief Abbas said. "It took around four hours for us to bring the fire under control," he said, adding that the victims died either of suffocation or of severe burns. They were all guards working at the mall, or workers on duty," Abbas added. Ten of the 11 corpses recovered from the building were charred beyond recognition, the state SANA news agency reported. It said seven people were wounded, including those who suffered smoke inhalation. An AFP correspondent saw fire trucks stationed outside the charred facade of the shopping mall, where dozens of businesses had been destroyed. Also read | Israel launches strikes against Syria after missile attack "We have asked everyone to stay away from the area to facilitate civil defence operations," a fire department official told AFP on condition of anonymity, because he was not authorised to speak to the media. Despite the security cordon, dozens flocked to the scene, including business owners eager to check on their shops. One store owner collapsed when he saw the scale of the damage. "My livelihood is gone... my money is gone," he wailed. The fire comes a week after a blaze in a hospital in Syria's second city of Aleppo killed three people, sparked by an electrical short-circuit, according to SANA. In September last year, a firefighter died and two civilians were injured in a blaze that destroyed a fabric warehouse in the Old City of Damascus.

Eleven killed as fire rips through Syria shopping mall

World poverty to rise as climate change hits food supplies

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. A disturbing video that went viral on social media forums showed a fast-moving military combat vehicle crushing a car in Ukraine. However, the driver who was sitting in the car was saved miraculously. In the video, the speeding military vehicle - that looked like a tank - can be seen running over a civilian's car in the outskirts of Kyiv after Russia announced "military operations" in Ukraine. As per a report by The Sun, the tank looked like Strela-10, which is used by both the Russian and Ukrainian armies. The report added that the vehicle visible in the video was apparently driven by pro-Russian "saboteurs". There's no official statement yet. ALSO READ | Amid Russia-Ukraine chaos, here's how an Indo-Ukrainian couple had a narrow escape The video of the incident has been circulating on social media since February 25 and a report by Sky News stated that the chilling incident took place a few kilometres away from the parliament building. The media outlet also noted that it identified the place and surroundings in the video by matching building and road markings on Google Maps. The publication mentioned that after the military vehicle left, people came forward to help the driver, who was trapped inside the car that was destroyed. WATCH | Ukraine's foreign ministry posts dramatic video of administration building being blown up in Kharkiv People who were trying to rescue the driver had to break open one of the gates to pull him out as the car was torn and the gates were jammed. While some said that it looked like a tank, but some of the media reports have claimed that the vehicle was Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) or CVR(T). In case it was CVR(T), its ground clearance might have saved the man as it is high. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Lucky driver. He is alive! pic.twitter.com/Ry99BX375D — Ragıp Soylu (@ragipsoylu) February 25, 2022 × Meanwhile, the office of the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court on Monday said it will seek court approval to open an investigation into alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

Video: Ukraine-Russia conflict: Man miraculously saved after military combat vehicle runs over his car

To revive the centuries-old handmade arts and crafts of India's Kashmir Valley, the department of handicrafts and handloom has started craft safaris in Srinagar city.&nbsp;

The government expects that these safaris will help grow the business of the craftsmen as well as the buyers can directly buy from the artisans with a guarantee of authenticity.&nbsp;

The step has been taken after UNESCO listed Srinagar among the creative cities of the world. The craft safari included visiting artisans of crafts like paper mache, woodcarving, pottery, silverware, copperware, namdhaKari, pashmina and silk carpets. &nbsp;

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"After listing Srinagar as the creative city, we want to highlight certain products and it's very important to highlight certain crafts. The idea behind this is that in an area of 2 kms you can visit the workplaces of these artisans; you are able to see 5-6 crafts," said Mehmood Shah, who is the Director Handloom and Handicrafts in Kashmir.&nbsp;

"We have got a very good response and the aim is to connect the artisan with the customer and show them the hard work that is put by these artisans into these products. I am happy we are getting great responses for these safaris. We have designed these tours and they are in the public domain to reach out to those people who are interested in the crafts," Shah added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-send-humanitarian-aid-to-ukraine-evacuation-efforts-on-says-mea-457500">India to send humanitarian aid to Ukraine, 'evacuation efforts on,' says MEA</a>

The artisans of the Kashmir valley appreciate the steps taken by the government. A lot of machine-made craft was being sold as handmade, and steps like these will make sure to put an end to it.&nbsp;

The hard work that an artisan puts in making these artefacts can be witnessed during these safaris. And now the buyers from across the country or world can visit and buy authentic original products from the artisans itself.&nbsp;

''Artisans always want to be appreciated and we are thankful that this step has been taken by the handicraft department and Director Mehmood Shah. Meeting the artisans, seeing their hard work and making buyers buy the original products is a unique experience," said Sajjad Ali, who is an artisan.&nbsp;

"The middlemen sometimes really created confusion regarding handmade and machine-made products. It's a great confidence building step. The products are appreciated all over the world and this will boost it further," &nbsp;Ali added. &nbsp;

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The government has also collaborated with social media influencers from the Kashmir Valley. The influencers are posting stories about the artisans and their products and it has helped to grow the business further.&nbsp;

"For me it takes the artisans to buyers straight away and we have seen in the past also, it's the 4-5th edition and after these the artisans are getting direct calls and orders from the buyers. The artisans are getting benefited out of it," said Nasir Ali Khan, who is a social media influencer.&nbsp;

"All these artisans want the younger generation to get attracted towards the craft as well. I have received a lot of response from young people, and they want to be a part of it," Khan added. &nbsp;

The handicraft department plans to make these safaris self-sustainable.&nbsp;

To revive the centuries-old handmade arts and crafts of India's Kashmir Valley, the department of handicrafts and handloom has started craft safaris in Srinagar city.

To revive the centuries-old handmade arts and crafts of India's Kashmir Valley, the department of handicrafts and handloom has started craft safaris in Srinagar city. The government expects that these safaris will help grow the business of the craftsmen as well as the buyers can directly buy from the artisans with a guarantee of authenticity. The step has been taken after UNESCO listed Srinagar among the creative cities of the world. The craft safari included visiting artisans of crafts like paper mache, woodcarving, pottery, silverware, copperware, namdhaKari, pashmina and silk carpets. ALSO READ | LPG cylinder becomes more expensive from March 1; check out new rates "After listing Srinagar as the creative city, we want to highlight certain products and it's very important to highlight certain crafts. The idea behind this is that in an area of 2 kms you can visit the workplaces of these artisans; you are able to see 5-6 crafts," said Mehmood Shah, who is the Director Handloom and Handicrafts in Kashmir. "We have got a very good response and the aim is to connect the artisan with the customer and show them the hard work that is put by these artisans into these products. I am happy we are getting great responses for these safaris. We have designed these tours and they are in the public domain to reach out to those people who are interested in the crafts," Shah added. ALSO READ | India to send humanitarian aid to Ukraine, 'evacuation efforts on,' says MEA The artisans of the Kashmir valley appreciate the steps taken by the government. A lot of machine-made craft was being sold as handmade, and steps like these will make sure to put an end to it. The hard work that an artisan puts in making these artefacts can be witnessed during these safaris. And now the buyers from across the country or world can visit and buy authentic original products from the artisans itself. ''Artisans always want to be appreciated and we are thankful that this step has been taken by the handicraft department and Director Mehmood Shah. Meeting the artisans, seeing their hard work and making buyers buy the original products is a unique experience," said Sajjad Ali, who is an artisan. "The middlemen sometimes really created confusion regarding handmade and machine-made products. It's a great confidence building step. The products are appreciated all over the world and this will boost it further," Ali added. The government has also collaborated with social media influencers from the Kashmir Valley. The influencers are posting stories about the artisans and their products and it has helped to grow the business further. "For me it takes the artisans to buyers straight away and we have seen in the past also, it's the 4-5th edition and after these the artisans are getting direct calls and orders from the buyers. The artisans are getting benefited out of it," said Nasir Ali Khan, who is a social media influencer. "All these artisans want the younger generation to get attracted towards the craft as well. I have received a lot of response from young people, and they want to be a part of it," Khan added. The handicraft department plans to make these safaris self-sustainable.

Craft Safari in Srinagar: Efforts to take buyers directly to artisans

Western journalists are being slammed for their racism while reporting on the refugee crisis in Ukraine. While Arab refugees were villainized and arrested, Ukrainians are being welcomed with a red carpet. Western reporters said they are "Europeans with blue eyes and blonde hair". Palki Sharma calls out 'Racist Reportage'.

Gravitas: Western media's racist reportage on Ukrainian refugees

Amid the crisis and chaos in Ukraine that has impacted the world and global economy, an Indo-Ukrainian couple has quite a striking story to tell.&nbsp;

Indian media outlets reported how a Hyderabadi boy and a Ukrainian girl just evaded the crisis after getting married in Ukraine as they left the country and arrived in India.&nbsp;

Prateek, who belongs to Hyderabad - the capital of southern Indian Telangana state, tied the knot in Ukraine on February 23 with a girl named Lyubov. The couple came to India to host the reception, just a day before Russia invaded Ukraine.&nbsp;

WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-ukraines-foreign-ministry-posts-dramatic-video-of-administration-building-being-blown-up-in-kharkiv-457724">Ukraine's foreign ministry posts dramatic video of administration building being blown up in Kharkiv</a>

CS Rangarajan, who is the chief priest of Chilkur Balaji temple, officiated the reception as per media reports. He blessed the couple and was quoted as saying: "This war has brought bloodshed, turmoil worldwide and impacting the Covid-19 devastated world further."&nbsp;

Videos and images of the reception were circulating on social media forums. Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In a Hope for new relationships👇<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> bride Lyubov &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hyderabad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hyderabad</a> groom Prateek 
 
Chilkur Priest <a href="https://twitter.com/csranga?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@csranga</a> prayed for the war to end while blessing this new relationship! 
 
The couple tied a knot in Ukrain &amp; came to India to host the reception a day before war started <a href="https://t.co/bwo3qJHEOZ">pic.twitter.com/bwo3qJHEOZ</a>
— Naveena Ghanate (@TheNaveena) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheNaveena/status/1498195585999917056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

Meanwhile, the Indian government has launched 'Operation Ganga' to bring back stranded students and Indian citizens from the conflict-torn Ukraine as special flights are being operated by Air India as part of the 'Operation Ganga' mission.&nbsp;

Sources also said that the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on President Ram Nath Kovind and briefed him on the prevailing situation and steps being taken by the government.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nuclear-war-outbreaks-fear-grows-what-are-nuke-capabilities-of-russia-457686">Nuclear war outbreak’s fear grows. What are nuke capabilities of Russia?</a>&nbsp;

On Monday (February 28), PM Modi while presiding over a high-level meeting over the Ukraine crisis said that the entire government machinery is working round the clock to ensure that all stranded Indians in Ukraine are safe and secure.&nbsp;

India's Ministry of External Affairs also said that India has evacuated over 8,000 nationals since the initial advisories were issued.&nbsp;

Amid the crisis and chaos in Ukraine that has impacted the world and global economy, an Indo-Ukrainian couple has quite a striking story to tell. Indian media outlets reported how a Hyderabadi boy and a Ukrainian girl just evaded the crisis after getting married in Ukraine as they left the country and arrived in India.

Amid the crisis and chaos in Ukraine that has impacted the world and global economy, an Indo-Ukrainian couple has quite a striking story to tell. Indian media outlets reported how a Hyderabadi boy and a Ukrainian girl just evaded the crisis after getting married in Ukraine as they left the country and arrived in India. Prateek, who belongs to Hyderabad - the capital of southern Indian Telangana state, tied the knot in Ukraine on February 23 with a girl named Lyubov. The couple came to India to host the reception, just a day before Russia invaded Ukraine. WATCH | Ukraine's foreign ministry posts dramatic video of administration building being blown up in Kharkiv CS Rangarajan, who is the chief priest of Chilkur Balaji temple, officiated the reception as per media reports. He blessed the couple and was quoted as saying: "This war has brought bloodshed, turmoil worldwide and impacting the Covid-19 devastated world further." Videos and images of the reception were circulating on social media forums. Watch: In a Hope for new relationships👇#Ukraine bride Lyubov & #Hyderabad groom Prateek Chilkur Priest @csranga prayed for the war to end while blessing this new relationship! The couple tied a knot in Ukrain & came to India to host the reception a day before war started pic.twitter.com/bwo3qJHEOZ — Naveena Ghanate (@TheNaveena) February 28, 2022 × Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Meanwhile, the Indian government has launched 'Operation Ganga' to bring back stranded students and Indian citizens from the conflict-torn Ukraine as special flights are being operated by Air India as part of the 'Operation Ganga' mission. Sources also said that the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on President Ram Nath Kovind and briefed him on the prevailing situation and steps being taken by the government. ALSO READ | Nuclear war outbreak’s fear grows. What are nuke capabilities of Russia? On Monday (February 28), PM Modi while presiding over a high-level meeting over the Ukraine crisis said that the entire government machinery is working round the clock to ensure that all stranded Indians in Ukraine are safe and secure. India's Ministry of External Affairs also said that India has evacuated over 8,000 nationals since the initial advisories were issued.

Amid Russia-Ukraine chaos, here's how an Indo-Ukrainian couple had a narrow escape

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 tweet on Tuesday (March 1), Ukraine's foreign ministry posted a dramatic video that appears to show an administrative building being blown up. In the caption, the ministry wrote: "Russia is waging war in violation of international humanitarian law. Kills civilians, destroys civilian infrastructure. Russiaʼs main target is large cities that now fired at by its missiles." ALSO READ | Nuclear war outbreak’s fear grows. What are nuke capabilities of Russia? The extent of destruction in Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv is immense as it is pressed with Russia's invasion. In the latest development, news agency AFP reported that Russia shelled Kharkiv despite global calls to de-escalate the conflict. Russia has been slapped with a range of sanctions by the Western countries that have smashed the economy. ALSO READ | Russia accused of using a vacuum bomb in Ukraine. What is it? Global pressure has mounted that saw a war crimes probe opened against Moscow. The office of the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court on Monday said it will seek court approval to open an investigation into alleged war crimes in Ukraine. AFP reported citing the mayor that shelling by Russian forces in Kharkiv killed at least 11 civilians in residential areas and an AFP journalist in the city saw destroyed school, burned-out Russian armoured vehicles and corpses of Russian soldiers after earlier fighting. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Watch the video here: Russia is waging war in violation of international humanitarian law. Kills civilians, destroys civilian infrastructure. Russiaʼs main target is large cities that now fired at by its missiles. 📍Kharkiv, Administration building pic.twitter.com/BJgyNnDp1h — MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@MFA_Ukraine) March 1, 2022 × Apart from shelling, satellite images have shown a vast column of military vehicles amassing just north of the capital Kyiv, where residents are braced for a Russian assault. The Russian army has told them they can "freely leave" on one highway as it hints of attacks on civilian areas, news agencies reported.

Watch: Ukraine's foreign ministry posts dramatic video of administration building being blown up in Kharkiv

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. After Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the launch of a military operation against Ukraine on Thursday (February 24), several reports emerged that the Russian forces have fired missiles at several cities in Ukraine. News agencies also stated that Russia has landed troops on its coast on Thursday, officials and media said, after President Putin authorised what he called a special military operation in the east. AFP reported that loud explosions were heard in Mariupol, which is in eastern Ukraine. A CNN correspondent reported that he heard sounds of explosions from Kharkiv and he later informed that explosions near Kyiv were missile strikes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged the citizens not to panic and also vowed victory. He also imposed martial law across the country. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba stated how the world can help Ukraine need right now. "The world must act immediately. Future of Europe & the world is at stake," Kuleba said in a tweet, adding a to-do list. To do list: 1. Devastating sanctions on Russia NOW, including SWIFT 2. Fully isolate Russia by all means, in all formats 3. Weapons, equipment for Ukraine 4. Financial assistance 5. Humanitarian assistance ×

Russia-Ukraine conflict: What does Ukraine need right now? Its minister has some answers.

The Russian defense ministry said that it is targeting Ukrainian military infrastructure with precision weapons but there are no threats to the civilian population.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Nothing threatens Ukraine's civilian population, says Russia

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 said on Thursday (February 24) that Russia was attacking the country's "military infrastructure" and border guards. In a video message on Facebook addressed to the nation, Zelensky has urged the citizens not to panic and also vowed victory. The address came after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the launch of a military operation against Ukraine. Ukraine's border guard service said as mentioned by news agency AFP that the country is coming under artillery attack along its northern border with Russia and Belarus on Thursday. The official added that Ukrainian forces were returning fire. The statement was issued as a Ukrainian interior ministry official reported the Ukrainian government-held town of Shchastya had fallen to Russian-backed eastern insurgents. Amid the heightened tensions, Zelensky has also introduced martial law across the country, adding that he had spoken by phone with US President Joe Biden. White House released a statement after the phone call between Biden and the Ukrainian President. It read: "President Zelenskyy reached out to me tonight and we just finished speaking. I condemned this unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces." "I briefed him on the steps we are taking to rally international condemnation, including tonight at the United Nations Security Council. He asked me to call on the leaders of the world to speak out clearly against President Putin’s flagrant aggression, and to stand with the people of Ukraine," it further read. "Tomorrow, I will be meeting with the Leaders of the G7, and the United States and our Allies and partners will be imposing severe sanctions on Russia. We will continue to provide support and assistance to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people," it further added. WATCH | Russia announces military operations in Ukraine as tensions mount to their climax ×

'Ukraine under attack': President Zelensky imposes martial law, calls up Joe Biden

The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reportedly told ministers about giving his version of the infamous Downing Street parties scandal that has rocked his tenure so far, The Guardian reported. It said Johnson might weigh in on&nbsp;the planned 'campaign to oust him' as PM.&nbsp;

The media report added that the UK PM has told cabinet allies he believes the Met police will clear him of any legal wrongdoing in the case that is being probed.&nbsp;

The report also added that Johnson has told journalists several times that he will have "something meaningful to say about this" after the investigation will end.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/biological-es-corbevax-gets-emergency-approval-for-12-18-age-group-455092">Biological E's Corbevax gets emergency approval for 12-18 age group</a>

Reports have mentioned that Johnson is said to be frustrated about the ongoing investigation and he would want to set the record straight after probe ends.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Boris submitted his response to a police questionnaire relating to Downing Street parties that may have breached coronavirus regulations, his office said Friday (February 18).&nbsp;

Police are investigating claims Johnson attended gatherings that may have violated Britain's strict social distancing and virus prevention rules during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.&nbsp;

Public outcry over the so-called "partygate" scandal has left Johnson fighting for political survival. Several MPs from his Conservative party have publicly called for his resignation, although he denies any wrongdoing.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-government-seeks-to-create-pandemic-radar-as-wuhan-virus-lab-theory-gains-credence-455574">UK government seeks to create 'pandemic radar' as Wuhan virus lab theory gains credence</a>

Police had confirmed that they would be sending "formal questionnaires to more than 50 people" to ask about their activities on the dates of at least 12 gatherings in Downing Street over 2020 and 2021.&nbsp;

Johnson faces a fine unless he can explain why he was at events held during coronavirus restrictions.&nbsp;

Johnson has already apologised in parliament for a series of gatherings identified in an official inquiry led by senior civil servant Sue Gray, but vowed to fight on in office.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;UK PM Boris Johnson announces details of 'living with Covid plan'

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(With inputs from agencies)

The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reportedly told ministers about giving his version of the infamous Downing Street parties scandal that has rocked his tenure so far, The Guardian reported.

The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reportedly told ministers about giving his version of the infamous Downing Street parties scandal that has rocked his tenure so far, The Guardian reported. It said Johnson might weigh in on the planned 'campaign to oust him' as PM. The media report added that the UK PM has told cabinet allies he believes the Met police will clear him of any legal wrongdoing in the case that is being probed. The report also added that Johnson has told journalists several times that he will have "something meaningful to say about this" after the investigation will end. ALSO READ | Biological E's Corbevax gets emergency approval for 12-18 age group Reports have mentioned that Johnson is said to be frustrated about the ongoing investigation and he would want to set the record straight after probe ends. Meanwhile, Boris submitted his response to a police questionnaire relating to Downing Street parties that may have breached coronavirus regulations, his office said Friday (February 18). Police are investigating claims Johnson attended gatherings that may have violated Britain's strict social distancing and virus prevention rules during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Public outcry over the so-called "partygate" scandal has left Johnson fighting for political survival. Several MPs from his Conservative party have publicly called for his resignation, although he denies any wrongdoing. ALSO READ | UK government seeks to create 'pandemic radar' as Wuhan virus lab theory gains credence Police had confirmed that they would be sending "formal questionnaires to more than 50 people" to ask about their activities on the dates of at least 12 gatherings in Downing Street over 2020 and 2021. Johnson faces a fine unless he can explain why he was at events held during coronavirus restrictions. Johnson has already apologised in parliament for a series of gatherings identified in an official inquiry led by senior civil servant Sue Gray, but vowed to fight on in office. WATCH | UK PM Boris Johnson announces details of 'living with Covid plan' × (With inputs from agencies)

Downing Street parties scandal: Boris Johnson wants to 'give his side of story'

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