Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived in Russia on Wednesday (February 23) for a two-day official visit amid the heightened Russia-Ukraine crisis, as the United States watches the visit.&nbsp;

When he landed in Moscow, Khan said, "What a time I have come, so much excitement. So excited on coming to Moscow. Saw President Ali meeting President Putin on television. Look forward to my meeting tomorrow."&nbsp;

The crucial visit is the first by a Pakistani premier in over two decades during which he will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to reset the bilateral ties and expand cooperation in the energy sector.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-removes-ex-president-ghani-from-heads-of-state-list-455599">UN removes ex-President Ghani from heads of state list</a>

The visit has become significant from a global perspective as it has come when the Russia-Ukraine crisis is escalating with the passing of each day.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;meeting will take place hours after US President Joe Biden and other Western governments imposed tough economic sanctions on Russia for sending its military into parts of eastern Ukraine.&nbsp;

While commenting on Imran Khan's visit, US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price told during a media briefing that "we are certainly aware of the trip".&nbsp;

Price said, "We are certainly aware of the trip and we believe it's the responsibility of every responsible country around the world to voice concern, to voice objection to what Putin appears to have in mind for Ukraine."&nbsp;

Imran Khan's Russia&nbsp;visit

During the visit, Khan is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar, Commerce Adviser Abdul Razak Dawood and National Security Adviser Dr Moeed Yusuf.&nbsp;

According to Pakistan's Foreign Office, the bilateral summit between Prime Minister Khan and President Putin will be the highlight of the visit.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-imposes-restriction-on-importing-afghan-cultural-items-455721">US imposes restriction on importing Afghan cultural items</a>

The FO said, "During the Summit meeting, the two leaders will review the entire array of bilateral relations including energy cooperation."&nbsp;

"They will also have a wide-ranging exchange of views on major regional and international issues, including Islamophobia and the situation in Afghanistan," it added.&nbsp;

It said the visit of the Prime Minister will contribute to the further deepening of the multifaceted Pakistan-Russia bilateral relationship and enhancement of mutual cooperation in diverse fields.&nbsp;

In a tweet, the Russian Foreign Office said that President Putin and Prime Minister Khan will hold talks in Moscow on Thursday.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Imran Khan visits Russia amid Ukraine crisis

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(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived in Russia on Wednesday (February 23) for a two-day official visit amid the heightened Russia-Ukraine crisis, as the United States watches the visit.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived in Russia on Wednesday (February 23) for a two-day official visit amid the heightened Russia-Ukraine crisis, as the United States watches the visit. When he landed in Moscow, Khan said, "What a time I have come, so much excitement. So excited on coming to Moscow. Saw President Ali meeting President Putin on television. Look forward to my meeting tomorrow." The crucial visit is the first by a Pakistani premier in over two decades during which he will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to reset the bilateral ties and expand cooperation in the energy sector. ALSO READ | UN removes ex-President Ghani from heads of state list The visit has become significant from a global perspective as it has come when the Russia-Ukraine crisis is escalating with the passing of each day. The meeting will take place hours after US President Joe Biden and other Western governments imposed tough economic sanctions on Russia for sending its military into parts of eastern Ukraine. While commenting on Imran Khan's visit, US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price told during a media briefing that "we are certainly aware of the trip". Price said, "We are certainly aware of the trip and we believe it's the responsibility of every responsible country around the world to voice concern, to voice objection to what Putin appears to have in mind for Ukraine." Imran Khan's Russia visit During the visit, Khan is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar, Commerce Adviser Abdul Razak Dawood and National Security Adviser Dr Moeed Yusuf. According to Pakistan's Foreign Office, the bilateral summit between Prime Minister Khan and President Putin will be the highlight of the visit. ALSO READ | US imposes restriction on importing Afghan cultural items The FO said, "During the Summit meeting, the two leaders will review the entire array of bilateral relations including energy cooperation." "They will also have a wide-ranging exchange of views on major regional and international issues, including Islamophobia and the situation in Afghanistan," it added. It said the visit of the Prime Minister will contribute to the further deepening of the multifaceted Pakistan-Russia bilateral relationship and enhancement of mutual cooperation in diverse fields. In a tweet, the Russian Foreign Office said that President Putin and Prime Minister Khan will hold talks in Moscow on Thursday. WATCH | Gravitas: Imran Khan visits Russia amid Ukraine crisis × (With inputs from agencies)

As United States watches, Pakistan PM Imran Khan 'excited' to meet Vladimir Putin in Moscow

India responded to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis as the situation deteriorated in the past two days. Amid heightened tensions, India called for "immediate de-escalation".&nbsp;

India's permanent representative to the United Nations, TS Tirumurti at the UNSC meeting on Ukraine said, "We call for an immediate de-escalation."

He added that the situation is in danger of "spiralling into a major crisis" and if not handled carefully, it may undermine security, adding the security of all parties should be taken into account.&nbsp;

"Over 20,000 Indian students are in Ukraine, we are facilitating the return of all Indian nationals including students as we may be required," Tirumurti said.&nbsp;

Amid a war-like situation, mass evacuations of foreign nationals are taking place. Some of the country's Indian students said they were considering leaving as well.&nbsp;

Indian students studying at Kharkiv University spoke to news agency AP on Wednesday citing a certain level of panic stemming from uncertainty.&nbsp;

Shania Mariyamath, a medical student said that Indian parents were "very much panicked" for their children abroad because of the way Indian news reported on the story.

"We have planned to stay here" she said, "unless our agent or contractor asks us to leave".&nbsp;

Another student, Jahanvi Yaduvanshi, said her parents were panicking in India and that she had already booked flights to go back.

Kharkiv is a potentially risky area as it's located 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the Russian border.

India's embassy in Kyiv issued a string of recommendations for all Indian nationals this week to leave the country over security fears.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared military operation 'to demilitarise Ukraine', Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba said in a tweet, "Putin has launched a full-scale war against Ukraine."&nbsp;

"Strikes continue on peaceful Ukrainian cities. This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend and win. The world can and must stop Putin. It's time to act - just now," he added. &nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia announces military operations in Ukraine as tensions mount to their climax

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India responded to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis as the situation deteriorated in the past two days. Amid heightened tensions, India called for "immediate de-escalation".

India responded to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis as the situation deteriorated in the past two days. Amid heightened tensions, India called for "immediate de-escalation". India's permanent representative to the United Nations, TS Tirumurti at the UNSC meeting on Ukraine said, "We call for an immediate de-escalation." He added that the situation is in danger of "spiralling into a major crisis" and if not handled carefully, it may undermine security, adding the security of all parties should be taken into account. "Over 20,000 Indian students are in Ukraine, we are facilitating the return of all Indian nationals including students as we may be required," Tirumurti said. Amid a war-like situation, mass evacuations of foreign nationals are taking place. Some of the country's Indian students said they were considering leaving as well. Indian students studying at Kharkiv University spoke to news agency AP on Wednesday citing a certain level of panic stemming from uncertainty. Shania Mariyamath, a medical student said that Indian parents were "very much panicked" for their children abroad because of the way Indian news reported on the story. "We have planned to stay here" she said, "unless our agent or contractor asks us to leave". Another student, Jahanvi Yaduvanshi, said her parents were panicking in India and that she had already booked flights to go back. Kharkiv is a potentially risky area as it's located 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the Russian border. India's embassy in Kyiv issued a string of recommendations for all Indian nationals this week to leave the country over security fears. Meanwhile, after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared military operation 'to demilitarise Ukraine', Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba said in a tweet, "Putin has launched a full-scale war against Ukraine." "Strikes continue on peaceful Ukrainian cities. This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend and win. The world can and must stop Putin. It's time to act - just now," he added. WATCH | Russia announces military operations in Ukraine as tensions mount to their climax ×

'If not handled carefully...': Amid Russia-Ukraine tensions, India calls for immediate de-escalation

Global stocks and U.S. bond yields dived on Thursday, while the dollar, gold and oil prices rocketed higher as Russian troops landed in Ukrainian cities on the Black Sea and Ukraine said Moscow had launched a full-scale invasion.

Russian troops landed in the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odessa and in Mariupol in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, Russian news agencies reported.

At the same time, Ukrainian military command centres in the cities of Kyiv and Kharkiv came under attack by missile strikes, the Ukrainska Pravda news website cited a Ukrainian interior ministry official as saying.

The attacks came after a blistering warning from Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. Putin called on Ukrainian soldiers to immediately lay down their weapons and go home, and said the responsibility for any bloodshed will be on the conscience "of the Ukrainian regime", according to comments carried by Russian news agencies.

Putin also authorised special military operations in Ukraine's Donbass region.

Several explosions were heard in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, before dawn, after an initial series of sounds similar to artillery fire, a Reuters witness reported, shortly after Russia announced the military operation.

The comments worsened an already grim selloff in Asian trade, pushing MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan down more than 3.2%, with Australian shares off more than 3% and Chinese blue chips down 1.3%.

Tokyo's Nikkei was 2.4% lower. U.S. stock&nbsp;market&nbsp;futures were also down sharply, with S&amp;P 500 e-minis down 2.3% and Nasdaq futures 2.8% weaker.

"The&nbsp;market&nbsp;was always trying to judge if they would stop at Donbass, and it looks pretty clear that they are moving toward Kyiv, which was always one of the worst case scenarios, because we now have a long night ahead of us trying to understand how bad this gets, and what sanctions get put up, because there has to be a fresh round of sanctions now against Putin and the Russian government," said Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone.

"That's where the worst case, or the bear case scenario is for&nbsp;markets, and that's what we're seeing. There are no buyers here for risk, and there are a lot of sellers out there, so this&nbsp;market&nbsp;is getting hit very hard."

Asset&nbsp;markets have seen a sharp increase in volatility over the deepening crisis, with the Cboe Volatility Index, known as Wall Street's fear gauge, up more than 55% over the past nine days.

Brent crude futures, which seesawed between sharp rises and falls on Wednesday, jumped more than 3.5% to shoot past $100 a barrel on Thursday for the first time since September 2014. West Texas Intermediate leaped 4.6% to $96.22 per barrel, their highest since August 2014.[O/R]

Spot gold jumped more than 1.7% to hit its highest level since early January 2021. [GOL/]

The deepening selloff in equities came after U.S. stocks already took a beating on Wednesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 1.38% to barely above the level that would have confirmed a correction. The MSCI World Index, a leading gauge of equity&nbsp;markets globally, skidded to its lowest level since April 2021.

Investors have also been grappling with the prospect of imminent policy tightening by the U.S. Federal Reserve aimed at combating surging inflation, which NAB analysts say could be exacerbated by a commodities supply shock.

While expectations of an aggressive 50-basis-point hike at the Fed's March meeting have eased, Fed funds futures continue to point to at least six rate hikes this year. [FEDWATCH]

All the same, immediate geopolitical threats weighed on U.S. yields on Thursday, pushing the benchmark U.S. 10-year yield down sharply to 1.8681% from its U.S. close of 1.977% on Wednesday. The 2-year yield also fell, to 1.5% from a close of 1.6%.

The global flight to safety boosted the dollar, which jumped more than half a percent a basket of other major trading partners to 96.715.

The euro was down 0.8% on the day at $1.1220.

The Russian rouble turned violently lower after posting small gains early in the session. It was last down nearly 4% on top of a 3% slump against the dollar on Wednesday.

The sell-off spread to cryptocurrency&nbsp;markets, pushing bitcoin below $35,000 for the first time in a month.

"Markets are now more adequately pricing in the risk of something horrific happening. That combined with the uncertainty is a horrible environment to be in. No one wants risk exposure when that's floating around," said Rob Carnell, head of Asia Pacific research at ING.

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia announces military operations in Ukraine as tensions mount to their climax

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Global stocks and U.S. bond yields dived on Thursday, while the dollar, gold and oil prices rocketed higher as Russian troops landed in Ukrainian cities on the Black Sea and Ukraine said Moscow had launched a full-scale invasion.

Global stocks and U.S. bond yields dived on Thursday, while the dollar, gold and oil prices rocketed higher as Russian troops landed in Ukrainian cities on the Black Sea and Ukraine said Moscow had launched a full-scale invasion. Russian troops landed in the Ukrainian Black Sea port of Odessa and in Mariupol in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk, Russian news agencies reported. At the same time, Ukrainian military command centres in the cities of Kyiv and Kharkiv came under attack by missile strikes, the Ukrainska Pravda news website cited a Ukrainian interior ministry official as saying. The attacks came after a blistering warning from Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. Putin called on Ukrainian soldiers to immediately lay down their weapons and go home, and said the responsibility for any bloodshed will be on the conscience "of the Ukrainian regime", according to comments carried by Russian news agencies. Putin also authorised special military operations in Ukraine's Donbass region. Several explosions were heard in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, before dawn, after an initial series of sounds similar to artillery fire, a Reuters witness reported, shortly after Russia announced the military operation. The comments worsened an already grim selloff in Asian trade, pushing MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan down more than 3.2%, with Australian shares off more than 3% and Chinese blue chips down 1.3%. Tokyo's Nikkei was 2.4% lower. U.S. stock market futures were also down sharply, with S&P 500 e-minis down 2.3% and Nasdaq futures 2.8% weaker. "The market was always trying to judge if they would stop at Donbass, and it looks pretty clear that they are moving toward Kyiv, which was always one of the worst case scenarios, because we now have a long night ahead of us trying to understand how bad this gets, and what sanctions get put up, because there has to be a fresh round of sanctions now against Putin and the Russian government," said Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone. "That's where the worst case, or the bear case scenario is for markets, and that's what we're seeing. There are no buyers here for risk, and there are a lot of sellers out there, so this market is getting hit very hard." Asset markets have seen a sharp increase in volatility over the deepening crisis, with the Cboe Volatility Index, known as Wall Street's fear gauge, up more than 55% over the past nine days. Brent crude futures, which seesawed between sharp rises and falls on Wednesday, jumped more than 3.5% to shoot past $100 a barrel on Thursday for the first time since September 2014. West Texas Intermediate leaped 4.6% to $96.22 per barrel, their highest since August 2014.[O/R] Spot gold jumped more than 1.7% to hit its highest level since early January 2021. [GOL/] The deepening selloff in equities came after U.S. stocks already took a beating on Wednesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 1.38% to barely above the level that would have confirmed a correction. The MSCI World Index, a leading gauge of equity markets globally, skidded to its lowest level since April 2021. Investors have also been grappling with the prospect of imminent policy tightening by the U.S. Federal Reserve aimed at combating surging inflation, which NAB analysts say could be exacerbated by a commodities supply shock. While expectations of an aggressive 50-basis-point hike at the Fed's March meeting have eased, Fed funds futures continue to point to at least six rate hikes this year. [FEDWATCH] All the same, immediate geopolitical threats weighed on U.S. yields on Thursday, pushing the benchmark U.S. 10-year yield down sharply to 1.8681% from its U.S. close of 1.977% on Wednesday. The 2-year yield also fell, to 1.5% from a close of 1.6%. The global flight to safety boosted the dollar, which jumped more than half a percent a basket of other major trading partners to 96.715. The euro was down 0.8% on the day at $1.1220. The Russian rouble turned violently lower after posting small gains early in the session. It was last down nearly 4% on top of a 3% slump against the dollar on Wednesday. The sell-off spread to cryptocurrency markets, pushing bitcoin below $35,000 for the first time in a month. "Markets are now more adequately pricing in the risk of something horrific happening. That combined with the uncertainty is a horrible environment to be in. No one wants risk exposure when that's floating around," said Rob Carnell, head of Asia Pacific research at ING. WATCH | Russia announces military operations in Ukraine as tensions mount to their climax ×

Global market plunges, stocks dive after Vladimir Putin launches military operations in Ukraine

In a surprise televised address on Thursday (February 24), Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a military operation 'to demilitarise Ukraine'.&nbsp;

Moments after that, a CNN correspondent reported that he heard sounds of explosions from Kharkiv. He later informed citing the Ukrainian interior ministry that explosions near Kyiv were missile strikes.&nbsp;

AFP news agency also reported that explosions were heard in Mariupol, which is in eastern Ukraine. The explosions were heard before dawn Thursday in Ukraine's capital Kyiv and the eastern port city of Mariupol.&nbsp;

AFP correspondents in both cities heard powerful blasts and in Mariupol, close to the frontline and the Russian border, residents reported hearing artillery in the city's eastern suburbs.&nbsp;

Here's a video of&nbsp;explosions. 

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

&nbsp;

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BREAKING: Explosions in Ukraine's city of Mariupol <a href="https://t.co/57ZZVyx5w2">pic.twitter.com/57ZZVyx5w2</a>
— The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) <a href="https://twitter.com/spectatorindex/status/1496691616492691460?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba said in a tweet, "Putin has launched a full-scale war against Ukraine."&nbsp;

"Strikes continue on peaceful Ukrainian cities. This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend and win. The world can and must stop Putin. It's time to act - just now," he added.&nbsp;

Ukraine Representative to Russian Representative at UN emergency meeting said, "Russian President on record declared war...It's the responsibility of this body to stop this war. I call on everyone to stop the war. "Should I play the video of your president calling the war."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia announces military operations in Ukraine as tensions mount to their climax

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In a surprise televised address on Thursday (February 24), Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a military operation 'to demilitarise Ukraine'. Moments after that, a CNN correspondent reported that he heard sounds of explosions from Kharkiv.

In a surprise televised address on Thursday (February 24), Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a military operation 'to demilitarise Ukraine'. Moments after that, a CNN correspondent reported that he heard sounds of explosions from Kharkiv. He later informed citing the Ukrainian interior ministry that explosions near Kyiv were missile strikes. AFP news agency also reported that explosions were heard in Mariupol, which is in eastern Ukraine. The explosions were heard before dawn Thursday in Ukraine's capital Kyiv and the eastern port city of Mariupol. AFP correspondents in both cities heard powerful blasts and in Mariupol, close to the frontline and the Russian border, residents reported hearing artillery in the city's eastern suburbs. Here's a video of explosions. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. BREAKING: Explosions in Ukraine's city of Mariupol pic.twitter.com/57ZZVyx5w2 — The Spectator Index (@spectatorindex) February 24, 2022 × Meanwhile, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba said in a tweet, "Putin has launched a full-scale war against Ukraine." "Strikes continue on peaceful Ukrainian cities. This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend and win. The world can and must stop Putin. It's time to act - just now," he added. Ukraine Representative to Russian Representative at UN emergency meeting said, "Russian President on record declared war...It's the responsibility of this body to stop this war. I call on everyone to stop the war. "Should I play the video of your president calling the war." WATCH | Russia announces military operations in Ukraine as tensions mount to their climax ×

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Explosions reported in Kyiv after Vladimir Putin launches military operations

Igor Polikha, the ambassador of Ukraine in India said that India should intervene in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi should speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt this invasion.

Igor Polikha, the ambassador of Ukraine in India said that India should intervene in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi should speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt this invasion. Putin announced the launch of a military operation against Ukraine on Thursday (February 24) as moments after that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that Russia was attacking the "military infrastructure" and border guards. ALSO READ | Ukraine closes airspace to civilian flights, Air India's special flight returns mid-air Seeking an urgent intervention from India, he said, "India is a very influential global player… We are asking for a strong voice of India". "Modi Ji is one of the most powerful and most respected leaders in the world," he said, adding that India has a "special privilege" and a strategic relationship with Russia and Ukraine is expecting a much more favourable attitude by the Indian government in this crisis. During his address, Polikha also applauded India's history and civilization as he quoted Chanakya and Mahabharat for India's global role in diplomacy. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine conflict: How is India planning its response considering Indian students in Kiev He said, "I'm dealing with India from my young student years and I know a lot about your history of diplomacy. You had such bright guys… like Chanakya, or a he is otherwise called, Kautilya, approximately 2500 years back when on the major parts of Europe, there was no civilization." Weighing in on the conflict, he said that there is fresh information about casualties. They say they are attacking only military facilities, but we have suffered "civilian casualties". He told the media, "We have the first civilian casualties even on the outskirts of the capital. There's fighting in some areas. According to information from our Ministry of Defence, the Ukrainian side shot down five Russian fighter planes, two helicopters, and destroyed two tanks and several trucks." "Some attacks happened on the outskirts of the capital. Some attacks happened deep inside the territory of Ukraine. We`re getting the first information about casualties among our soldiers and the civilians," he further said. WATCH: Ukraine claims: Downed five Russian planes, Moscow denies ×

Ukraine envoy seeks PM Modi's intervention in Russia-Ukraine conflict; cites Chanakya

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the launch of a military operation against Ukraine on Thursday (February 24) as news agencies mentioned that Russian ground forces invaded Ukraine from several directions.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-envoy-seeks-pm-modis-intervention-in-russia-ukraine-conflict-cites-chanakya-and-kautilya-456035">Ukraine envoy seeks PM Modi's intervention in Russia-Ukraine conflict; cites Chanakya and Kautilya</a>

How did the Russia-Ukraine border crisis got escalated to a war-like situation? Here's a timeline of months of tensions around Ukraine:

Troop movements 
On November 10, 2021, the United States reports unusual Russian troop movements near the Ukrainian border.

On November 28, Ukraine said Russia is massing nearly 92,000 troops for an offensive at the end of January or early February.

However, Moscow denies it and accused Kyiv of a military build-up of its own.&nbsp;

Russia also demanded "legal guarantees" that Ukraine will never join NATO.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-closes-airspace-to-civilian-flights-air-indias-special-flight-returns-mid-air-455945">Ukraine closes airspace to civilian flights, Air India's special flight returns mid-air</a>

Moscow demands 
On December 7, US President Joe Biden threatened Russian counterpart Putin with "strong economic and other measures" if he invades Ukraine. &nbsp;

Ten days later, Moscow put forward proposals to limit US and NATO influence on former Soviet states.

Build-up in Belarus 
On January 17, Russian troops began arriving in ex-Soviet Belarus for military drills. At that point in time, said that the drills were aimed at "thwarting external aggression".

Two days later, Washington announced an extra $200 million in security aid to Kyiv.&nbsp;

NATO on standby 
On January 24, NATO put troops on standby and sent ships and fighter jets to bolster Europe's eastern defences. The next day, Moscow began military exercises involving some 6,000 troops and at least 60 fighter jets in southern Russia near Ukraine and in Moscow-annexed Crimea.&nbsp;

On January 26, Washington refused to shut the NATO door on Ukraine and the alliance said many of Moscow's security demands are "unrealistic".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-ukraine-conflict-how-is-india-planning-its-response-considering-indian-students-in-kiev-455987">Russia-Ukraine conflict: How is India planning its response considering Indian students in Kiev</a>

China warns US 
The United States said it believes Putin "is going to use military force between now and the middle of February". The next day, China warned that Russia's security concerns should be "taken seriously".&nbsp;

On January 28, Putin said the West has ignored "Russia's fundamental concerns" on NATO's expansion and has "strike weapons systems near Russia's borders".&nbsp;

Manoeuvres in Belarus 
On February 2, the United States sent 3,000 troops to fortify NATO forces in eastern Europe. Russia and Belarus began 10 days of military manoeuvres on February 10.&nbsp;

Retreat or reinforcement? 
On February 15, Moscow said some of its forces are returning to their bases. But NATO claimed that it saw no sign of a withdrawal.

Artillery fire 
On February 17, shellfire intensified all along the frontline of the two Russian-backed enclaves in eastern Ukraine. A day later, the leaders of the Donetsk and Lugansk separatist regions said they are evacuating residents to Russia.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused Moscow of "false provocations" to justify further "aggression" against Ukraine.&nbsp;

Attack imminent? 
On February 19, Ukraine said that two of its soldiers died in attacks on the frontline with Russian-backed separatists. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed a meeting with Putin, as Moscow test-fired nuclear-capable missiles. Russia is "on the brink" of invading Ukraine, Washington said.&nbsp;

Putin-Biden summit? 
France and Germany called on their nationals to leave Ukraine. On February 21, France said that Putin and Biden have agreed in principle to a summit.&nbsp;

But the White House said it was notably cautious and the Kremlin said it is too early. The Russian military said it has killed five "saboteurs" who crossed into Russia from Ukraine. Ukraine denied the claims.&nbsp;

Putin recognises separatist republics 
In a televised address on February 22, Putin recognised the independence of two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine. Putin ordered Russian troops into separatist areas in eastern Ukraine on a "peacekeeping" mission.&nbsp;

Condemnation and sanctions 
Several hours later during an emergency Security Council session, the UN and most of its members denounced the Russian decisions.

Washington said it will slap new sanctions on Russia. The EU will also adopt sanctions, the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said.&nbsp;

Moscow said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is still ready for talks with Blinken, whom he is scheduled to meet in Geneva on Thursday.&nbsp;

Putin announces military operation 
On Thursday (February 24), Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine in a surprise television address. He called on Ukrainian soldiers to lay down their arms, claiming he wants a "demilitarisation" of the former Soviet state but not its occupation.&nbsp;

Explosions were heard 
Explosions were heard ring out before dawn in Ukraine's capital Kyiv and several cities near the frontline and along the country's coast.

'Full-scale invasion' 
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba accused Putin of launching a "full-scale invasion".

Martial law 
Zelensky declared martial law and later broke diplomatic ties with Russia.&nbsp;

'Maximum losses' 
The head of the Ukrainian military said that he has received orders from Zelensky to repel a Russian invasion and to "inflict maximum losses".

Airbases, defences 'destroyed' 
Russia's defence ministry said it has neutralised Ukrainian military airbases and its air defence systems.&nbsp;

50 'occupiers' killed 
Ukraine said it has killed "around 50 Russian occupiers" while repulsing an attack on a town on the frontline with Moscow-backed rebels.

China watches 'closely' 
China called for restraint on all sides and said it is "closely watching" the latest situation.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine claims to have downed 5 Russian planes, calls on army veterans to join

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(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the launch of a military operation against Ukraine on Thursday (February 24) as news agencies mentioned that Russian ground forces invaded Ukraine from several directions.

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the launch of a military operation against Ukraine on Thursday (February 24) as news agencies mentioned that Russian ground forces invaded Ukraine from several directions. ALSO READ | Ukraine envoy seeks PM Modi's intervention in Russia-Ukraine conflict; cites Chanakya and Kautilya How did the Russia-Ukraine border crisis got escalated to a war-like situation? Here's a timeline of months of tensions around Ukraine: Troop movements On November 10, 2021, the United States reports unusual Russian troop movements near the Ukrainian border. On November 28, Ukraine said Russia is massing nearly 92,000 troops for an offensive at the end of January or early February. However, Moscow denies it and accused Kyiv of a military build-up of its own. Russia also demanded "legal guarantees" that Ukraine will never join NATO. ALSO READ | Ukraine closes airspace to civilian flights, Air India's special flight returns mid-air Moscow demands On December 7, US President Joe Biden threatened Russian counterpart Putin with "strong economic and other measures" if he invades Ukraine. Ten days later, Moscow put forward proposals to limit US and NATO influence on former Soviet states. Build-up in Belarus On January 17, Russian troops began arriving in ex-Soviet Belarus for military drills. At that point in time, said that the drills were aimed at "thwarting external aggression". Two days later, Washington announced an extra $200 million in security aid to Kyiv. NATO on standby On January 24, NATO put troops on standby and sent ships and fighter jets to bolster Europe's eastern defences. The next day, Moscow began military exercises involving some 6,000 troops and at least 60 fighter jets in southern Russia near Ukraine and in Moscow-annexed Crimea. On January 26, Washington refused to shut the NATO door on Ukraine and the alliance said many of Moscow's security demands are "unrealistic". ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine conflict: How is India planning its response considering Indian students in Kiev China warns US The United States said it believes Putin "is going to use military force between now and the middle of February". The next day, China warned that Russia's security concerns should be "taken seriously". On January 28, Putin said the West has ignored "Russia's fundamental concerns" on NATO's expansion and has "strike weapons systems near Russia's borders". Manoeuvres in Belarus On February 2, the United States sent 3,000 troops to fortify NATO forces in eastern Europe. Russia and Belarus began 10 days of military manoeuvres on February 10. Retreat or reinforcement? On February 15, Moscow said some of its forces are returning to their bases. But NATO claimed that it saw no sign of a withdrawal. Artillery fire On February 17, shellfire intensified all along the frontline of the two Russian-backed enclaves in eastern Ukraine. A day later, the leaders of the Donetsk and Lugansk separatist regions said they are evacuating residents to Russia. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken accused Moscow of "false provocations" to justify further "aggression" against Ukraine. Attack imminent? On February 19, Ukraine said that two of its soldiers died in attacks on the frontline with Russian-backed separatists. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed a meeting with Putin, as Moscow test-fired nuclear-capable missiles. Russia is "on the brink" of invading Ukraine, Washington said. Putin-Biden summit? France and Germany called on their nationals to leave Ukraine. On February 21, France said that Putin and Biden have agreed in principle to a summit. But the White House said it was notably cautious and the Kremlin said it is too early. The Russian military said it has killed five "saboteurs" who crossed into Russia from Ukraine. Ukraine denied the claims. Putin recognises separatist republics In a televised address on February 22, Putin recognised the independence of two separatist regions in eastern Ukraine. Putin ordered Russian troops into separatist areas in eastern Ukraine on a "peacekeeping" mission. Condemnation and sanctions Several hours later during an emergency Security Council session, the UN and most of its members denounced the Russian decisions. Washington said it will slap new sanctions on Russia. The EU will also adopt sanctions, the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said. Moscow said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is still ready for talks with Blinken, whom he is scheduled to meet in Geneva on Thursday. Putin announces military operation On Thursday (February 24), Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine in a surprise television address. He called on Ukrainian soldiers to lay down their arms, claiming he wants a "demilitarisation" of the former Soviet state but not its occupation. Explosions were heard Explosions were heard ring out before dawn in Ukraine's capital Kyiv and several cities near the frontline and along the country's coast. 'Full-scale invasion' Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba accused Putin of launching a "full-scale invasion". Martial law Zelensky declared martial law and later broke diplomatic ties with Russia. 'Maximum losses' The head of the Ukrainian military said that he has received orders from Zelensky to repel a Russian invasion and to "inflict maximum losses". Airbases, defences 'destroyed' Russia's defence ministry said it has neutralised Ukrainian military airbases and its air defence systems. 50 'occupiers' killed Ukraine said it has killed "around 50 Russian occupiers" while repulsing an attack on a town on the frontline with Moscow-backed rebels. China watches 'closely' China called for restraint on all sides and said it is "closely watching" the latest situation. WATCH | Ukraine claims to have downed 5 Russian planes, calls on army veterans to join × (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine under attack: Here's a timeline of months of tensions around Russia-Ukraine conflict

A drunk sat on a bench, swaying. A few older women, bundled against a biting wind, scurried from a grocery store, clutching plastic bags. Otherwise, the streets of Shchastya were deserted, while the thud of mortar and artillery fire reverberated through town.

Shchastya means “happiness” in Ukrainian, but in recent days the town has been one of the saddest places on earth, and may get a whole lot worse.

With its largely Russian-speaking and Russia-backing population, its proximity to the front lines in eastern Ukraine and the presence of a strategic electrical generating plant, it is particularly vulnerable to attack by separatist forces lurking on the far bank of the river running through town.

That has led military analysts and Ukrainian officials to suggest that Shchastya may well emerge as the stepping off point for a Russia's invasion of Ukraine, an offensive originating in the separatist areas that Moscow recognized as independent states on Monday.

The mayor, Oleksandr Bunets, stood outside city hall on Wednesday, smoking a cigarette and surveying the desultory scene. The day before, Shchastya had taken the heaviest shelling in the region, and fighting continued Wednesday between the government and Russian-backed separatist fighters.

“They will try to capture the town,” said Bunets, who was appointed to his position as military-civilian administrator because the townspeople had kept on electing Russian sympathizers as mayor. “They tried yesterday, and they tried the day before.”

In a report released by the Ukrainian Ministry of Interior overnight on Wednesday, listing attacks on government-controlled territory in eastern Ukraine, Shchastya and its environs were by far the most-targeted sites. The report listed 917 instances of incoming munitions from tanks, artillery, mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and small arms.

Stanytsia Luhanska, about a half-hour’s drive to the east, was the second-most active site, the report said, with 220 instances of incoming fire. Most of the incoming fire in Shchastya seemed to be hitting army positions just outside town.

On Tuesday, artillery strikes started a fire at the electrical plant, the town’s largest employer; employees evacuated to a bomb shelter while it burned, the company said. The fire was eventually extinguished, but water pipes were damaged and residents now fetch water from wells in plastic pails.

This is a particularly glum time for the town, but the name, Happiness, has been a stretch for years now.

Two-story brick apartment buildings, dreary and forlorn, slope down a hill of sandy soil and pine trees to the Seversky Donets River, with the industrial blight of the coal-fired power plant on one side and separatist military positions on the other. The roads are potholed, and many of the apartment blocks are partly deserted, reflecting the exodus after the war began that slashed the population by about half, to 7,000 today.

The mayor’s status as a military appointee — Bunets holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Ukrainian army but now serves in a civilian capacity — captures the complexities in many of the front-line mining and farming towns of eastern Ukraine. It also helps explain why they are seen as ripe for a first step into Ukraine by the Russian military.

Pro-Russia sentiment runs deep, paradoxically, even as these sites have borne the brunt of the conflict over the past eight years and would suffer in any new military action. Pro-Russia views have declined over the years, due in part to the efforts of countless Ukrainian nongovernmental groups. But they have never vanished, and many people have family ties with Russia.

The former mayor of Shchastya, for example, switched sides and lives in the Luhansk People’s Republic, across the river. Bunets, in contrast, hails from the western Ukrainian town of Mukachevo, and his staff members make a point of speaking only in Ukrainian with the Russian-speaking local population, stirring some resentment.

They kept it up Wednesday, speaking in Ukrainian to perplexed residents who turned up at city hall with complaints of broken water mains and homes without electricity, as explosions boomed in the distance.

“The government language of Ukraine is Ukrainian, and government bodies have to speak Ukrainian,” Bunets said. In emergencies, he said, he will speak Russian. “Right now, people are complaining that there is no water. We can’t supply water for now. Repair work is ongoing when it is quiet.”

With most of the shelling directed at the plant and government military installations, no civilians had been injured as of midday Wednesday, Bunets added.

He denied there was any strong pro-Russian feeling in the town and said people certainly did not want to live in one of the ministatelets that are now recognized by Russia. “Honestly, people want to live in a normal, civilized country,” he said. “There are many positive benefits to civilization.”

Nevertheless, it is not hard to find people expressing sympathetic views about Russia. Igor Rashupkina, 50, a driver for the electrical company, said he hoped the city didn't fall but nonetheless harbored no ill will toward Russia. His son, he said, works in the oil industry in Siberia.

Because the Russian border is close, many families in Shchastya are divided between the two countries. “I was born here. This is my town. I won’t leave” no matter what happens, Rashupkina said.

Before it became a potential flashpoint for what could become the biggest land war in Europe since 1945, Shchastya was not always such a grim place, said Maryna Danyliuk, 65, a retired worker at the electrical power plant.

She moved here in 1987, from Chelyabinsk, a city in the Ural Mountains in Russia, to marry a Ukrainian man. “I loved this town back then,” she said. “It was so green and very comfortable; everything worked. Now, it is pale.”

Since the war began in 2014, though, the town’s proximity to the front line has taken its toll. “The city changed. It became evil, unfriendly,” Danyliuk said. “It never became the same city I knew before. It feels like a snake is just around the corner.”

On Monday, as the artillery barrages exploded on the town’s outskirts, she called her sister in Chelyabinsk. “ ‘Can you hear this?’” she said she shouted at her sibling. “ ‘Can you hear this? These are your people shelling me now, your Russians shelling me now!’”

Danyliuk, who a few years ago switched to speaking Ukrainian even though she grew up in Russia, said that if the town seemed about to fall, she would run.

“I will miss these sands and pine trees,” she said. “I will miss the pine forest behind my house where I walk my dog, my garden and, of course, my house.”

A drunk sat on a bench, swaying. A few older women, bundled against a biting wind, scurried from a grocery store, clutching plastic bags. Otherwise, the streets of Shchastya were deserted, while the thud of mortar and artillery fire reverberated through town.

A drunk sat on a bench, swaying. A few older women, bundled against a biting wind, scurried from a grocery store, clutching plastic bags. Otherwise, the streets of Shchastya were deserted, while the thud of mortar and artillery fire reverberated through town. Shchastya means “happiness” in Ukrainian, but in recent days the town has been one of the saddest places on earth, and may get a whole lot worse. With its largely Russian-speaking and Russia-backing population, its proximity to the front lines in eastern Ukraine and the presence of a strategic electrical generating plant, it is particularly vulnerable to attack by separatist forces lurking on the far bank of the river running through town. That has led military analysts and Ukrainian officials to suggest that Shchastya may well emerge as the stepping off point for a Russia's invasion of Ukraine, an offensive originating in the separatist areas that Moscow recognized as independent states on Monday. The mayor, Oleksandr Bunets, stood outside city hall on Wednesday, smoking a cigarette and surveying the desultory scene. The day before, Shchastya had taken the heaviest shelling in the region, and fighting continued Wednesday between the government and Russian-backed separatist fighters. “They will try to capture the town,” said Bunets, who was appointed to his position as military-civilian administrator because the townspeople had kept on electing Russian sympathizers as mayor. “They tried yesterday, and they tried the day before.” In a report released by the Ukrainian Ministry of Interior overnight on Wednesday, listing attacks on government-controlled territory in eastern Ukraine, Shchastya and its environs were by far the most-targeted sites. The report listed 917 instances of incoming munitions from tanks, artillery, mortars, rocket-propelled grenades and small arms. Stanytsia Luhanska, about a half-hour’s drive to the east, was the second-most active site, the report said, with 220 instances of incoming fire. Most of the incoming fire in Shchastya seemed to be hitting army positions just outside town. On Tuesday, artillery strikes started a fire at the electrical plant, the town’s largest employer; employees evacuated to a bomb shelter while it burned, the company said. The fire was eventually extinguished, but water pipes were damaged and residents now fetch water from wells in plastic pails. This is a particularly glum time for the town, but the name, Happiness, has been a stretch for years now. Two-story brick apartment buildings, dreary and forlorn, slope down a hill of sandy soil and pine trees to the Seversky Donets River, with the industrial blight of the coal-fired power plant on one side and separatist military positions on the other. The roads are potholed, and many of the apartment blocks are partly deserted, reflecting the exodus after the war began that slashed the population by about half, to 7,000 today. The mayor’s status as a military appointee — Bunets holds the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Ukrainian army but now serves in a civilian capacity — captures the complexities in many of the front-line mining and farming towns of eastern Ukraine. It also helps explain why they are seen as ripe for a first step into Ukraine by the Russian military. Pro-Russia sentiment runs deep, paradoxically, even as these sites have borne the brunt of the conflict over the past eight years and would suffer in any new military action. Pro-Russia views have declined over the years, due in part to the efforts of countless Ukrainian nongovernmental groups. But they have never vanished, and many people have family ties with Russia. The former mayor of Shchastya, for example, switched sides and lives in the Luhansk People’s Republic, across the river. Bunets, in contrast, hails from the western Ukrainian town of Mukachevo, and his staff members make a point of speaking only in Ukrainian with the Russian-speaking local population, stirring some resentment. They kept it up Wednesday, speaking in Ukrainian to perplexed residents who turned up at city hall with complaints of broken water mains and homes without electricity, as explosions boomed in the distance. “The government language of Ukraine is Ukrainian, and government bodies have to speak Ukrainian,” Bunets said. In emergencies, he said, he will speak Russian. “Right now, people are complaining that there is no water. We can’t supply water for now. Repair work is ongoing when it is quiet.” With most of the shelling directed at the plant and government military installations, no civilians had been injured as of midday Wednesday, Bunets added. He denied there was any strong pro-Russian feeling in the town and said people certainly did not want to live in one of the ministatelets that are now recognized by Russia. “Honestly, people want to live in a normal, civilized country,” he said. “There are many positive benefits to civilization.” Nevertheless, it is not hard to find people expressing sympathetic views about Russia. Igor Rashupkina, 50, a driver for the electrical company, said he hoped the city didn't fall but nonetheless harbored no ill will toward Russia. His son, he said, works in the oil industry in Siberia. Because the Russian border is close, many families in Shchastya are divided between the two countries. “I was born here. This is my town. I won’t leave” no matter what happens, Rashupkina said. Before it became a potential flashpoint for what could become the biggest land war in Europe since 1945, Shchastya was not always such a grim place, said Maryna Danyliuk, 65, a retired worker at the electrical power plant. She moved here in 1987, from Chelyabinsk, a city in the Ural Mountains in Russia, to marry a Ukrainian man. “I loved this town back then,” she said. “It was so green and very comfortable; everything worked. Now, it is pale.” Since the war began in 2014, though, the town’s proximity to the front line has taken its toll. “The city changed. It became evil, unfriendly,” Danyliuk said. “It never became the same city I knew before. It feels like a snake is just around the corner.” On Monday, as the artillery barrages exploded on the town’s outskirts, she called her sister in Chelyabinsk. “ ‘Can you hear this?’” she said she shouted at her sibling. “ ‘Can you hear this? These are your people shelling me now, your Russians shelling me now!’” Danyliuk, who a few years ago switched to speaking Ukrainian even though she grew up in Russia, said that if the town seemed about to fall, she would run. “I will miss these sands and pine trees,” she said. “I will miss the pine forest behind my house where I walk my dog, my garden and, of course, my house.”

The potentially grim fate of a Ukrainian town called 'happiness'

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. Russian forces fired missiles at several targets as loud explosions were reported in Ukraine, officials and media said on Thursday (February 24). Reports also mentioned that Russia has landed troops on its coast after President Vladimir Putin authorised what he called a special military operation in the east. Amid escalating tensions, high-level meetings are underway in India's Ministry of External Affairs to discuss the contingency plans that are being put into operation to activate alternate routes to bring back stranded citizens from Ukraine, sources claimed. Ukrainian authorities closed the airspace to civilian flights citing a high risk to safety and given airspace closure, alternate evacuation routes are being activated. Additional Russian speaking officials have been sent to our Embassy in Ukraine and are being deployed in countries neighbouring Ukraine. Sources further informed that the Indian Embassy in Ukraine is functional and its advisories should be followed carefully. Watch WION's report: High-level discussions are underway at MEA. How is India planning its response considering there are several students in Ukraine?@PriyankaSh25 talks to @sidhant for details Watch more: https://t.co/AXC5qRcEPB pic.twitter.com/m7hWNj6dsg — WION (@WIONews) February 24, 2022 × Meanwhile, a special Air India flight returning from mid-air as Ukraine airspace is closed due to notice to airmen (NOTAM) as war has been started between Russia and Ukraine. India-based news agency ANI reported citing sources that an empty flight of Air India AI-1947 is returning from over Iran air space as Ukraine imposed restrictions on civilian aircraft. "Air India flight AI1947 is coming back to Delhi due to NOTAM at, Kyiv, Ukraine," Air India informed. Previously, India's permanent representative to the United Nations, TS Tirumurti at the UNSC meeting on Ukraine said, "We call for an immediate de-escalation." He added that the situation is in danger of "spiralling into a major crisis" and if not handled carefully, it may undermine security, adding the security of all parties should be taken into account. "Over 20,000 Indian students are in Ukraine, we are facilitating the return of all Indian nationals including students as we may be required," Tirumurti said. WATCH: India closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine amid Russian invasion ×

Russia-Ukraine conflict: How is India responding, as Indian students are stuck?

As Russia announces military action into Ukraine, the country today shut its airspace for all civilian flights. Russia has also closed some airspace to east of Ukraine border.

Russia Ukraine conflict: Ukraine closes its airspace to civilian planes

European Union leaders will impose new sanctions on Russia, freezing its assets, halting access of its banks to the European financial market in reaction to its "barbaric attack" on Ukraine.

Russia Ukraine conflict: EU to launch new sanctions against Russia over attack on Ukraine

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. There is a war-like situation in eastern Europe after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the launch of a military operation against Ukraine on Thursday (February 24). In the aftermath, Ukrainian authorities closed the airspace to civilian flights citing a high risk to safety. Europe's aviation regulator also warned against the dangers to aircraft flying in bordering areas of Russia and Belarus, because of the increased military activities. Ukraine State Air Traffic Services Enterprise said the country's airspace was closed to civilian flights starting from 0045 GMT on Thursday, with air traffic services suspended. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) said airspace in Russia and Belarus within 100 nautical miles of their borders with Ukraine could also pose safety risks. The agency said in a conflict zone bulletin, "In particular, there is a risk of both intentional targeting and misidentification of civil aircraft." It added, "The presence and possible use of a wide range of ground and airborne warfare systems poses a high risk for civil flights operating at all altitudes and flight levels." Before the suspension was announced, Britain, Canada, France, Italy and the United States had told their airlines to avoid certain airspace above eastern Ukraine and Crimea. Air India's special flight returned mid-air A special Air India flight returning from mid-air as Ukraine airspace is closed due to notice to airmen (NOTAM) as war has been started between Russia and Ukraine. India-based news agency ANI reported citing sources that an empty flight of Air India AI-1947 is returning from over Iran air space as Ukraine imposed restrictions on civilian aircraft. "Air India flight AI1947 is coming back to Delhi due to NOTAM at, Kyiv, Ukraine," Air India informed. Notice to airmen (NOTAM), is a notice filed with an aviation authority to alert aircraft pilots of potential hazards along a flight route or at a location that could affect the flight. Air India is scheduled to operate a second special flight for Ukraine to bring back stranded Indian citizens. WATCH: Russia Ukraine conflict: Ukraine urges UN to do everything to stop war ×

Ukraine closes airspace to civilian flights, Air India's special flight returns mid-air

US President Joe Biden slammed Russia over its unprovoked attack on Ukraine late and said that the world will hold Russia accountable. WION speaks to International Affairs Expert Kadira Pethiyagoda for more perspective.

Russia Ukraine conflict: World will hold Russia accountable for attack on Ukraine, says US Prez Joe Biden

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