An “effective” embargo on Russian oil and gas can force Vladimir Putin to stop the war in Ukraine, the Russian president’s former chief economic adviser has told the BBC.

If Western countries “would try to implement a real embargo on oil and gas exports from Russia … I would bet that probably within a month or two, Russian military operations in Ukraine, probably will be ceased, will be stopped,” said Dr Andrei Illarionov.

“It’s one of the very effective instruments still in the possession of the Western countries.”

He claimed that the threats of oil ban by the Western countries have been not taken “seriously” by Putin.

Europe imports about 40 per cent of its gas and 27 per cent of its oil needs from Russia.

Despite threatening to cut imports, many European countries have continued to purchase fuel, indirectly helping Putin to fund his war in Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-prime-minister-boris-johnson-meets-ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelensky-in-kyiv-469759" hreflang="en">UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv</a>

This was highlighted recently by top EU diplomat Josep Borrell who said, "A billion [euros] is what we pay Putin every day for the energy he supplies us.”

A plethora of economic sanctions has so far failed to stop Putin's war on Ukraine.

Dr Illarionov claimed that the Russian president was prepared to let the domestic economy hit hard by sanctions as he is blindsided by his “territorial ambitions”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-appoints-new-military-commander-in-ukraine-who-is-general-aleksandr-dvornikov-469926" hreflang="en">Putin appoints new military commander in Ukraine: Who is General Aleksandr&nbsp;Dvornikov?</a>

"His territorial ambitions, his imperial ambitions, are much more important than anything else, including the livelihood of the Russian population and of the financial situation in the country... even the financial state of his government," he was quoted as saying.

In the BBC interview, he also argued that a change of government is inevitable “sooner or later” as “it is absolutely impossible to have any positive future for Russia with the current political regime.”

(With inputs from agencies)

An “effective” embargo on Russian oil and gas can force Vladimir Putin to stop the war in Ukraine, the Russian president’s former chief economic adviser has told the BBC.

An “effective” embargo on Russian oil and gas can force Vladimir Putin to stop the war in Ukraine, the Russian president’s former chief economic adviser has told the BBC. If Western countries “would try to implement a real embargo on oil and gas exports from Russia … I would bet that probably within a month or two, Russian military operations in Ukraine, probably will be ceased, will be stopped,” said Dr Andrei Illarionov. “It’s one of the very effective instruments still in the possession of the Western countries.” He claimed that the threats of oil ban by the Western countries have been not taken “seriously” by Putin. Europe imports about 40 per cent of its gas and 27 per cent of its oil needs from Russia. Despite threatening to cut imports, many European countries have continued to purchase fuel, indirectly helping Putin to fund his war in Ukraine. Also read | UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv This was highlighted recently by top EU diplomat Josep Borrell who said, "A billion [euros] is what we pay Putin every day for the energy he supplies us.” A plethora of economic sanctions has so far failed to stop Putin's war on Ukraine. Dr Illarionov claimed that the Russian president was prepared to let the domestic economy hit hard by sanctions as he is blindsided by his “territorial ambitions”. Also read | Putin appoints new military commander in Ukraine: Who is General Aleksandr Dvornikov? "His territorial ambitions, his imperial ambitions, are much more important than anything else, including the livelihood of the Russian population and of the financial situation in the country... even the financial state of his government," he was quoted as saying. In the BBC interview, he also argued that a change of government is inevitable “sooner or later” as “it is absolutely impossible to have any positive future for Russia with the current political regime.” (With inputs from agencies)

Total embargo on Russian oil and gas can stop war within a month: Putin’s ex-economic advisor

Vassily Nebenzia, Russia's UN Ambassador, has promised a fresh ceasefire for Tuesday, claiming that Ukrainians will be able to select "where they wish to be evacuated to."

The event will start at 10 a.m. Moscow time (12.30 PM Indian Standard Time).

Following Ukraine's rejection of the earlier offer, it was discovered that departure routes would send migrants to Russia or Belarus.

According to Ukraine, the Russian attacks are preventing its population from safely escaping their encircled towns.

Several people in Mariupol city were running out of food and water.

On Tuesday, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, entered its 13th day.&nbsp;

Ukraine's UN Ambassador, Sergiy Kyslytsya, believes the Russian invasion has brought the country "to the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe of possibly global scope."&nbsp;

Watch | What's the impact of war on Children? How to help kids cope with war? Expert answers

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/whats-the-impact-of-war-on-children-how-to-help-kids-cope-with-war-expert-answers-460066/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Watch | Gravitas | Ukraine Vs Russia: The meme war

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-vs-russia-the-meme-war-460063/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Vassily Nebenzia, Russia's UN Ambassador, has promised a fresh ceasefire for Tuesday, claiming that Ukrainians will be able to select "where they wish to be evacuated to.

Vassily Nebenzia, Russia's UN Ambassador, has promised a fresh ceasefire for Tuesday, claiming that Ukrainians will be able to select "where they wish to be evacuated to." The event will start at 10 a.m. Moscow time (12.30 PM Indian Standard Time). Following Ukraine's rejection of the earlier offer, it was discovered that departure routes would send migrants to Russia or Belarus. According to Ukraine, the Russian attacks are preventing its population from safely escaping their encircled towns. Several people in Mariupol city were running out of food and water. On Tuesday, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, entered its 13th day. Ukraine's UN Ambassador, Sergiy Kyslytsya, believes the Russian invasion has brought the country "to the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe of possibly global scope." Watch | What's the impact of war on Children? How to help kids cope with war? Expert answers Watch | Gravitas | Ukraine Vs Russia: The meme war (With inputs from agencies)

Russia announces a new ceasefire to let people evacuate in ‘direction of their choice’

India abstained on a procedural resolution to call for a rare special emergency session of the UN General Assembly on Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

Two days after the Russian veto blocked a UNSC resolution on its aggression against Ukraine, the Security Council voted to convene an emergency special session of the 193-member General Assembly on the crisis.

The 15-nation Security Council met on Sunday afternoon to hold a vote on the emergency special session of the General Assembly on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Only 10 such emergency sessions of the General Assembly have been held since 1950.

India abstained, while Russia voted against the resolution and 11 council members voted in favour. The vote calling for the session was procedural so none of the five permanent members of the Security Council -- China, France, Russia, UK and the US -- could exercise their vetoes.

President of the 76th session of the General Assembly Abdulla Shahid, who was to attend the 49th regular session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, cancelled his trip "due to the ongoing situation in Ukraine and potential developments in the Security Council," for the vote.

He also met with Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya on Saturday after the veto on the draft resolution in the Security Council. Kyslytsya briefed Shahid "on the security situation in Kyiv and the potential action he would be seeking in the General Assembly."

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also cancelled his scheduled trip to Geneva for the Human Rights Council meeting "due to the aggravating situation in Ukraine."

The Security Council on Friday evening failed to adopt the US-sponsored resolution that would have deplored Russia's "aggression" against Ukraine after Moscow used its veto.

On Friday too, India, China and the UAE abstained from the resolution, while 11 members of the Council voted in favour.

The UNSC resolution was expected to be blocked since Russia, a permanent member of the Council and President of the UN organ for the month of February, was certain to use its veto. Western nations said the resolution had sought to show Moscow's isolation on the global stage for its invasion and actions against Ukraine.

US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield had said after the failed UNSC vote that "we will be taking this matter to the General Assembly, where the Russian veto does not apply and the nations of the world will continue to hold Russia accountable."

While a UNSC resolution would have been legally binding, General Assembly resolutions are not. A vote in the 193-member UN body is symbolic of world opinion.

In the explanation of vote in the Security Council on Friday, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti had said India is "deeply disturbed" by the recent turn of developments in Ukraine and urges that all efforts be made for the immediate cessation of violence and hostilities.

Tirumurti also said India is "deeply concerned" about the welfare and security of the Indian community, including a large number of Indian students, in Ukraine.

"Dialogue is the only answer to settling differences and disputes, however daunting that may appear at this moment. It is a matter of regret that the path of diplomacy was given up. We must return to it. For all these reasons, India has chosen to abstain on this resolution," Tirumurti had said.

In March 2014, after Russia's annexation of Crimea, the General Assembly had adopted a resolution that underscored the "invalidity" of the referendum held in "autonomous Crimea".

By a recorded vote of 100 in favour to 11 against, with 58 abstentions, the Assembly had adopted a resolution titled 'Territorial Integrity of Ukraine', calling on States, international organisations and specialised agencies not to recognise any change in the status of Crimea or the Black Sea port city of Sevastopol, and to refrain from actions or dealings that might be interpreted as such. India had abstained from the resolution.

Under the resolution "Uniting for Peace", adopted by the General Assembly in November 1950, an emergency special session can be convened within 24 hours of such a meeting being requested.

The UNGA "resolves that if the Security Council, because of lack of unanimity of the permanent members, fails to exercise its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security in any case where there appears to be a threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression, the General Assembly shall consider the matter immediately with a view to making appropriate recommendations to Members...," the resolution states.

"If not in session at the time, the General Assembly may meet in emergency special session within twenty-four hours of the request therefore. Such emergency special session shall be called if requested by the Security Council on the vote of any seven members, or by a majority of the Members of the United Nations," it says.

The UNGA resolution of 1950 also reaffirms the "importance of the exercise by the Security Council of its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, and the duty of the permanent members to seek unanimity and to exercise restraint in the use of the veto."

India abstained on a procedural resolution to call for a rare special emergency session of the UN General Assembly on Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Two days after the Russian veto blocked a UNSC resolution on its aggression against Ukraine, the Security Council voted to convene an emergency special session of the 193-member General Assembly on the crisis.

India abstained on a procedural resolution to call for a rare special emergency session of the UN General Assembly on Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Two days after the Russian veto blocked a UNSC resolution on its aggression against Ukraine, the Security Council voted to convene an emergency special session of the 193-member General Assembly on the crisis. The 15-nation Security Council met on Sunday afternoon to hold a vote on the emergency special session of the General Assembly on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Only 10 such emergency sessions of the General Assembly have been held since 1950. India abstained, while Russia voted against the resolution and 11 council members voted in favour. The vote calling for the session was procedural so none of the five permanent members of the Security Council -- China, France, Russia, UK and the US -- could exercise their vetoes. President of the 76th session of the General Assembly Abdulla Shahid, who was to attend the 49th regular session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, cancelled his trip "due to the ongoing situation in Ukraine and potential developments in the Security Council," for the vote. He also met with Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya on Saturday after the veto on the draft resolution in the Security Council. Kyslytsya briefed Shahid "on the security situation in Kyiv and the potential action he would be seeking in the General Assembly." UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also cancelled his scheduled trip to Geneva for the Human Rights Council meeting "due to the aggravating situation in Ukraine." The Security Council on Friday evening failed to adopt the US-sponsored resolution that would have deplored Russia's "aggression" against Ukraine after Moscow used its veto. On Friday too, India, China and the UAE abstained from the resolution, while 11 members of the Council voted in favour. The UNSC resolution was expected to be blocked since Russia, a permanent member of the Council and President of the UN organ for the month of February, was certain to use its veto. Western nations said the resolution had sought to show Moscow's isolation on the global stage for its invasion and actions against Ukraine. US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield had said after the failed UNSC vote that "we will be taking this matter to the General Assembly, where the Russian veto does not apply and the nations of the world will continue to hold Russia accountable." While a UNSC resolution would have been legally binding, General Assembly resolutions are not. A vote in the 193-member UN body is symbolic of world opinion. In the explanation of vote in the Security Council on Friday, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti had said India is "deeply disturbed" by the recent turn of developments in Ukraine and urges that all efforts be made for the immediate cessation of violence and hostilities. Tirumurti also said India is "deeply concerned" about the welfare and security of the Indian community, including a large number of Indian students, in Ukraine. "Dialogue is the only answer to settling differences and disputes, however daunting that may appear at this moment. It is a matter of regret that the path of diplomacy was given up. We must return to it. For all these reasons, India has chosen to abstain on this resolution," Tirumurti had said. In March 2014, after Russia's annexation of Crimea, the General Assembly had adopted a resolution that underscored the "invalidity" of the referendum held in "autonomous Crimea". By a recorded vote of 100 in favour to 11 against, with 58 abstentions, the Assembly had adopted a resolution titled 'Territorial Integrity of Ukraine', calling on States, international organisations and specialised agencies not to recognise any change in the status of Crimea or the Black Sea port city of Sevastopol, and to refrain from actions or dealings that might be interpreted as such. India had abstained from the resolution. Under the resolution "Uniting for Peace", adopted by the General Assembly in November 1950, an emergency special session can be convened within 24 hours of such a meeting being requested. The UNGA "resolves that if the Security Council, because of lack of unanimity of the permanent members, fails to exercise its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security in any case where there appears to be a threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression, the General Assembly shall consider the matter immediately with a view to making appropriate recommendations to Members...," the resolution states. "If not in session at the time, the General Assembly may meet in emergency special session within twenty-four hours of the request therefore. Such emergency special session shall be called if requested by the Security Council on the vote of any seven members, or by a majority of the Members of the United Nations," it says. The UNGA resolution of 1950 also reaffirms the "importance of the exercise by the Security Council of its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, and the duty of the permanent members to seek unanimity and to exercise restraint in the use of the veto."

India abstains from UNSC procedural vote to call for General Assembly session on Ukraine

As Russia closes in on capital Kyiv, the Indian embassy in Ukraine has issued a new advisory to Indian nationals, especially students, stuck there, saying that arrangements are being made to evacuate&nbsp;them.

Asking them to remain “strong, safe and alert”, the embassy has urged students living closest to border checkpoints -- CHOP-ZAHONY, Hungarian border near Uzhhorod, PORUBNE-SIRET Romanian border near Chernivtsi -- to depart first in an organised manner.

“Once above routes are operational, Indian nationals travelling by their own arrangements for transport would be advised to proceed to above border checkpoints, and remain in touch with the Helpline Numbers set up at respective check­points for facilitation through the border. Numbers would&nbsp;be shared once the control rooms are established,” the advisory stated.

Students have been advised to remain in touch with student contractors, for orderly movement.

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The advisory has asked its citizens to carry essential items along with them, including passport, cash, and COVID-19 double vaccination certificate

"Carry passport, cash preferably in USD for any emergency expenses, and other essentials. COVID-19 double vaccination certificate, if available," the advisory states.

"Print out Indian flag and paste prominently on vehicles and buses while travelling," it added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-evacuate-stranded-citizens-in-ukraine-from-neighbouring-countries-sources-456437" hreflang="en">India to evacuate stranded citizens in Ukraine from neighbouring countries</a>

Meanwhile, government sources have said that evacuation flights are being organised for Indians stranded in Ukraine.

According to sources, they will be flown back from neighbouring countries and the cost will be borne by the Government of India

Air India has been roped in for the evacuation process. It will operate two flights to the Romanian capital, Bucharest, on Friday, while a third flight is planned for tomorrow (Saturday) from Budapest.

As Russia closes in on capital Kyiv, the Indian embassy in Ukraine has issued a new advisory to Indian nationals, especially students, stuck there, saying that arrangements are being made to evacuate them.

As Russia closes in on capital Kyiv, the Indian embassy in Ukraine has issued a new advisory to Indian nationals, especially students, stuck there, saying that arrangements are being made to evacuate them. Asking them to remain “strong, safe and alert”, the embassy has urged students living closest to border checkpoints -- CHOP-ZAHONY, Hungarian border near Uzhhorod, PORUBNE-SIRET Romanian border near Chernivtsi -- to depart first in an organised manner. “Once above routes are operational, Indian nationals travelling by their own arrangements for transport would be advised to proceed to above border checkpoints, and remain in touch with the Helpline Numbers set up at respective checkpoints for facilitation through the border. Numbers would be shared once the control rooms are established,” the advisory stated. Students have been advised to remain in touch with student contractors, for orderly movement. The advisory has asked its citizens to carry essential items along with them, including passport, cash, and COVID-19 double vaccination certificate "Carry passport, cash preferably in USD for any emergency expenses, and other essentials. COVID-19 double vaccination certificate, if available," the advisory states. "Print out Indian flag and paste prominently on vehicles and buses while travelling," it added. Also read | India to evacuate stranded citizens in Ukraine from neighbouring countries Meanwhile, government sources have said that evacuation flights are being organised for Indians stranded in Ukraine. According to sources, they will be flown back from neighbouring countries and the cost will be borne by the Government of India Air India has been roped in for the evacuation process. It will operate two flights to the Romanian capital, Bucharest, on Friday, while a third flight is planned for tomorrow (Saturday) from Budapest.

Indian embassy in Ukraine issues advisory, asks citizens to follow these steps

A day after the United States and many partners imposed a broad range of sanctions against Moscow, Ukraine declared a state of emergency, began mobilising reservists, and urged its residents to leave Russia immediately.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow is open to talks, but he lauded the military's readiness, which he said has been upgraded and improved by drills.

Concerted Western actions fell short of the sanctions package threatened by the Biden administration if Russia invaded Ukraine on a large scale.

Here are some of the most important developments in the crisis:&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready for "diplomatic solutions" over Ukraine but warned that "the interests of Russia and the security of our citizens are non-negotiable for us."

Ukraine is set to impose a state of emergency and has asked its citizens to leave Russia amid fears of military conflict.

The Ukrainian military says one soldier has been killed and six wounded in shelling by pro-Russian separatists in east Ukraine in the past 24 hours. It has called in the services of military reservists.

Australia, Canada, and Japan imposed sanctions on Russia in response to the Ukraine crisis, following closely behind US measures targeting Ukraine's separatist regions. Sanctions have been slapped by the UK, while the EU is also on a similar path.

Germany has taken steps to halt the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project from Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after the United States and many partners imposed a broad range of sanctions against Moscow, Ukraine declared a state of emergency, began mobilising reservists, and urged its residents to leave Russia immediately.

A day after the United States and many partners imposed a broad range of sanctions against Moscow, Ukraine declared a state of emergency, began mobilising reservists, and urged its residents to leave Russia immediately. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow is open to talks, but he lauded the military's readiness, which he said has been upgraded and improved by drills. Concerted Western actions fell short of the sanctions package threatened by the Biden administration if Russia invaded Ukraine on a large scale. Here are some of the most important developments in the crisis: Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready for "diplomatic solutions" over Ukraine but warned that "the interests of Russia and the security of our citizens are non-negotiable for us." Ukraine is set to impose a state of emergency and has asked its citizens to leave Russia amid fears of military conflict. The Ukrainian military says one soldier has been killed and six wounded in shelling by pro-Russian separatists in east Ukraine in the past 24 hours. It has called in the services of military reservists. Australia, Canada, and Japan imposed sanctions on Russia in response to the Ukraine crisis, following closely behind US measures targeting Ukraine's separatist regions. Sanctions have been slapped by the UK, while the EU is also on a similar path. Germany has taken steps to halt the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project from Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Here are top developments that you should know

Russia has decided not to send troops to eastern Ukraine “for now”, but added that it will do so in case of a "threat", the deputy foreign minister said on Tuesday.

The announcement comes after Moscow's parliament ratified cooperation deals with Ukraine's separatist republics.

Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said the treaties include the provision of "military aid" but added that "speculation" on troop deployments should be avoided.

"For now, no one is planning to send anything anywhere. If there is a threat, then we will provide assistance in accordance with the ratified treaties,” he said.

Russia had deployed a few Russian troops to eastern Ukraine as “peacekeepers” after Vladimir Putin recognised Donetsk and Luhansk regions as independent from Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-has-hit-list-of-ukrainians-to-be-killed-after-invasion-claims-us-455387">Russia has ‘hit list’ of Ukrainians to be killed after invasion, claims US</a>

The deployment of troops&nbsp;invited ire from the West leaders, with the United Kingdom imposing sanctions on three Russian banks and three men who are close to Putin.

Britain has threatened to cut off Russian companies' access to US dollars and British pounds, blocking them from raising capital in London and to expose what PM Boris Johnson calls the “Russian doll” of property and company ownership.

The series of announcements comes even as Russia amassed over 150,000 soldiers to regions near Ukraine's borders, with the West fearing Moscow could use them for an attack at any moment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-family-guy-predict-vladimir-putins-ukraine-strategy-455350">Did Family Guy predict Vladimir Putin's Ukraine strategy?</a>

Meanwhile, Kremlin-backed separatist leader Denis Pushilin said on Tuesday that Moscow formally recognized the breakaway region of Donetsk within the wider boundaries of eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region, much of which is controlled by Ukrainian forces.

Speaking on Russian state television, Pushilin said the matter of the territory not controlled by separatists would be resolved later.

"The border issue is not simple, it will be resolved later," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia has decided not to send troops to eastern Ukraine “for now”, but added that it will do so in case of a "threat", the deputy foreign minister said on Tuesday.

Russia has decided not to send troops to eastern Ukraine “for now”, but added that it will do so in case of a "threat", the deputy foreign minister said on Tuesday. The announcement comes after Moscow's parliament ratified cooperation deals with Ukraine's separatist republics. Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko said the treaties include the provision of "military aid" but added that "speculation" on troop deployments should be avoided. "For now, no one is planning to send anything anywhere. If there is a threat, then we will provide assistance in accordance with the ratified treaties,” he said. Russia had deployed a few Russian troops to eastern Ukraine as “peacekeepers” after Vladimir Putin recognised Donetsk and Luhansk regions as independent from Ukraine. Also read | Russia has ‘hit list’ of Ukrainians to be killed after invasion, claims US The deployment of troops invited ire from the West leaders, with the United Kingdom imposing sanctions on three Russian banks and three men who are close to Putin. Britain has threatened to cut off Russian companies' access to US dollars and British pounds, blocking them from raising capital in London and to expose what PM Boris Johnson calls the “Russian doll” of property and company ownership. The series of announcements comes even as Russia amassed over 150,000 soldiers to regions near Ukraine's borders, with the West fearing Moscow could use them for an attack at any moment. Also read | Did Family Guy predict Vladimir Putin's Ukraine strategy? Meanwhile, Kremlin-backed separatist leader Denis Pushilin said on Tuesday that Moscow formally recognized the breakaway region of Donetsk within the wider boundaries of eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region, much of which is controlled by Ukrainian forces. Speaking on Russian state television, Pushilin said the matter of the territory not controlled by separatists would be resolved later. "The border issue is not simple, it will be resolved later," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia won’t send troops to east Ukraine ‘for now’, says deputy foreign minister

The leader of the east Ukraine breakaway region, the so-called Donetsk People's Republic(DPR) has called for military conscription amid tensions with Ukraine's forces at the border.&nbsp;

"I urge my fellow citizens who are in the reserves to come to military conscription offices. Today I signed a decree on general mobilisation," Denis Pushilin said in a video statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/skyfall-avangard-sarmat-russias-new-killer-superpower-weapons-revealed-448724">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Skyfall, Avangard, Sarmat: Russia's new killer 'superpower' weapons revealed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Most DPR residents are Russian speakers and many have already been granted Russian citizenship, however, Ukraine says the people who run the DPR are "Russian proxies", a claim denied by Russian authorities.

"Together, we will achieve for all of us the victory we desire and need. We will protect Donbas and all Russian people," Pushilin added.

Watch:&nbsp;Amid Ukraine issue, Russia to stage massive nuclear drills

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Meanwhile,&nbsp;Ukraine's army said one&nbsp;soldier was killed in the eastern region even as the Kremlin informed that President Putin will be speaking to French President Macron amid increased tensions in the region.

"As a result of a shelling attack, one Ukrainian soldier received a fatal shrapnel wound," Ukraine's military said in a statement.

Ukrainia's President Volodymyr Zelensky will be attending Saturday's Munich Security Conference although&nbsp;President Biden had earlier questioned whether it would be wise to leave Kyiv due to increased Russian activity in the region.

Russian news agency Sputnik quoting a source said a shell allegedly exploded in Rostov region about 1 km from Russia's border with Ukraine.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> | Shell allegedly explodes in Rostov region, about 1 km from Russian border with Ukraine - source<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SputnikBreaking?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SputnikBreaking</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/explosion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#explosion</a><a href="https://t.co/2JJUs86AFu">https://t.co/2JJUs86AFu</a> <a href="https://t.co/TDNtTcVdkb">pic.twitter.com/TDNtTcVdkb</a>
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Reports claim the pro-Russian rebels have evacuated residents from Donetsk and surrounding areas with several leaving for Russia. At least 700,000 people are reportedly being evacuated by the rebels from the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic.

There have been reports of increased shelling in the Donbas region. On Thursday, a shell had hit a kindergarten in eastern Ukrainian village with children and staff inside the premises, however, there were no casualties.

Ukraine has been battling against pro-Russia rebels in the eastern region since 2014 after Russia's annexation of Crimea. The conflict has so far reportedly claimed around 14,000 lives.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-crisis-how-putin-built-russias-army-as-a-potent-force-453715">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;How Putin built Russia's Army as a potent force</a>

Oleksiy Danilov, Ukraine's top security officer had said earlier that the situation is being "escalated by the Russian Federation through&nbsp;its supporters on the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions."

"This is an attempt to provoke our armed forces, our military to respond and react to them," he said. Reports claim there have been at least 66 exchanges of fire as Ukraine's armed forces and Moscow-backed rebels accused each other of ceasefire violations.

(With inputs from Agencies)

The leader of the east Ukraine breakaway region, the so-called Donetsk People's Republic(DPR) has called for military conscription amid tensions with Ukraine's forces at the border.

The leader of the east Ukraine breakaway region, the so-called Donetsk People's Republic(DPR) has called for military conscription amid tensions with Ukraine's forces at the border. "I urge my fellow citizens who are in the reserves to come to military conscription offices. Today I signed a decree on general mobilisation," Denis Pushilin said in a video statement. Also Read in Pics: Skyfall, Avangard, Sarmat: Russia's new killer 'superpower' weapons revealed Most DPR residents are Russian speakers and many have already been granted Russian citizenship, however, Ukraine says the people who run the DPR are "Russian proxies", a claim denied by Russian authorities. "Together, we will achieve for all of us the victory we desire and need. We will protect Donbas and all Russian people," Pushilin added. Watch: Amid Ukraine issue, Russia to stage massive nuclear drills Meanwhile, Ukraine's army said one soldier was killed in the eastern region even as the Kremlin informed that President Putin will be speaking to French President Macron amid increased tensions in the region. "As a result of a shelling attack, one Ukrainian soldier received a fatal shrapnel wound," Ukraine's military said in a statement. Ukrainia's President Volodymyr Zelensky will be attending Saturday's Munich Security Conference although President Biden had earlier questioned whether it would be wise to leave Kyiv due to increased Russian activity in the region. Russian news agency Sputnik quoting a source said a shell allegedly exploded in Rostov region about 1 km from Russia's border with Ukraine. #BREAKING | Shell allegedly explodes in Rostov region, about 1 km from Russian border with Ukraine - source#SputnikBreaking #explosionhttps://t.co/2JJUs86AFu pic.twitter.com/TDNtTcVdkb — Sputnik (@SputnikInt) February 19, 2022 × Reports claim the pro-Russian rebels have evacuated residents from Donetsk and surrounding areas with several leaving for Russia. At least 700,000 people are reportedly being evacuated by the rebels from the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic. There have been reports of increased shelling in the Donbas region. On Thursday, a shell had hit a kindergarten in eastern Ukrainian village with children and staff inside the premises, however, there were no casualties. Ukraine has been battling against pro-Russia rebels in the eastern region since 2014 after Russia's annexation of Crimea. The conflict has so far reportedly claimed around 14,000 lives. Also Read in Pics: How Putin built Russia's Army as a potent force Oleksiy Danilov, Ukraine's top security officer had said earlier that the situation is being "escalated by the Russian Federation through its supporters on the territory of Donetsk and Luhansk regions." "This is an attempt to provoke our armed forces, our military to respond and react to them," he said. Reports claim there have been at least 66 exchanges of fire as Ukraine's armed forces and Moscow-backed rebels accused each other of ceasefire violations. (With inputs from Agencies)

Pro-Russian rebel leader announces 'general mobilisation'; 1 Ukraine soldier killed in clashes

Russia has announced that people living in separatist regions of Ukraine can enter and exit the country &quot;without a visa&quot;, a decision that has angered the Ukrainian establishment.

A decree, signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, said it will recognise &quot;identity papers,&nbsp;school or professional diplomas, birth and death certificates&quot; for people living in the self-declared Lugansk People&#39;s Republic (LNR) and the Donetsk People&#39;s Republic (DNR).

The legislation further said this will continue till the political impasse is over.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian establishment quickly slammed the move, calling it a &quot;deliberate provocation by Putin&quot;.

Ganna Gopko, head of the foreign affairs committee of the Ukrainian parliament, said: &quot;It amounts to a genuine legalisation by the Kremlin of Donbass.&quot;

Donbass is another name for the two regions that have become separatist zones in the country.

Kiev and the West have long been condemning Russia for helping the rebels, though Kremlin has never officially admitted to aiding them.

Gopko said this was another instance of Putin trying to &quot;escalate the situation&quot;.

France and Germany helped broker the Minsk accords with Moscow and Kiev after a three-year conflict.

The war has cost cost some 10,000 lives since Ukraine&#39;s mostly Russian-speaking eastern industrial regions revolted against Kiev&#39;s pro-Western government, after the ouster of the former Soviet republic&#39;s Kremlin-backed president.

&quot;We are very grateful to Russia for this gesture,&quot; Interfax news agency quoted Denis Puchilin, a DNR leader, as saying.

Authorities in pro-Russian rebel held areas last March began distributing passports very similar to Russian ones bearing a two-headed eagle on a red backdrop.

Earlier this month, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov insisted that Moscow would recognise papers issued by the separatist authorities &quot;only for humanitarian reasons,&quot; and even then, only in exceptional cases.

(WION with inputs from AFP)

Kremlin's decision to allow free movement of people from Luhansk and Donetsk zones has angered the Ukrainian establishment

Russia has announced that people living in separatist regions of Ukraine can enter and exit the country "without a visa", a decision that has angered the Ukrainian establishment. A decree, signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, said it will recognise "identity papers, school or professional diplomas, birth and death certificates" for people living in the self-declared Lugansk People's Republic (LNR) and the Donetsk People's Republic (DNR). The legislation further said this will continue till the political impasse is over. The Ukrainian establishment quickly slammed the move, calling it a "deliberate provocation by Putin". Ganna Gopko, head of the foreign affairs committee of the Ukrainian parliament, said: "It amounts to a genuine legalisation by the Kremlin of Donbass." Donbass is another name for the two regions that have become separatist zones in the country. Kiev and the West have long been condemning Russia for helping the rebels, though Kremlin has never officially admitted to aiding them. Gopko said this was another instance of Putin trying to "escalate the situation". France and Germany helped broker the Minsk accords with Moscow and Kiev after a three-year conflict. The war has cost cost some 10,000 lives since Ukraine's mostly Russian-speaking eastern industrial regions revolted against Kiev's pro-Western government, after the ouster of the former Soviet republic's Kremlin-backed president. "We are very grateful to Russia for this gesture," Interfax news agency quoted Denis Puchilin, a DNR leader, as saying. Authorities in pro-Russian rebel held areas last March began distributing passports very similar to Russian ones bearing a two-headed eagle on a red backdrop. Earlier this month, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov insisted that Moscow would recognise papers issued by the separatist authorities "only for humanitarian reasons," and even then, only in exceptional cases. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Russia allows entry, exit for people of pro-Kremlin regions

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