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

Ukrainian officials and pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country have agreed to swap several prisoners on Sunday, the self-declared rebel republic of Donetsk said.

"Kiev and the Donbass (a term used to refer to rebel-held eastern Ukraine) have reached an accord on an exchange of prisoners... this Sunday December 29," Donetsk government spokeswoman Daria Morozova said in a statement.&nbsp;

So far, Ukraine has not confirmed the development but both sides had said earlier this month that they would carry out a prisoner exchange by the end of the year, following peace&nbsp;talks in Paris.&nbsp;

This development comes after Ukraine carried out an exchange with Russia of 35 prisoners each three months ago.&nbsp;

At the Paris summit on December 23, it was decided by the leaders of France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine to implement a full ceasefire with a new withdrawal of forces from conflict zones by March 2020.&nbsp;

Over 13,000 people have been killed and one million have fled their homes since pro-Russia militias in eastern Ukraine launched a bid for independence in 2014.&nbsp;

(with inputs from AFP)

Ukrainian officials and pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country have agreed to swap several prisoners on Sunday, the self-declared rebel republic of Donetsk said.

Ukrainian officials and pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country have agreed to swap several prisoners on Sunday, the self-declared rebel republic of Donetsk said. "Kiev and the Donbass (a term used to refer to rebel-held eastern Ukraine) have reached an accord on an exchange of prisoners... this Sunday December 29," Donetsk government spokeswoman Daria Morozova said in a statement. So far, Ukraine has not confirmed the development but both sides had said earlier this month that they would carry out a prisoner exchange by the end of the year, following peace talks in Paris. This development comes after Ukraine carried out an exchange with Russia of 35 prisoners each three months ago. At the Paris summit on December 23, it was decided by the leaders of France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine to implement a full ceasefire with a new withdrawal of forces from conflict zones by March 2020. Over 13,000 people have been killed and one million have fled their homes since pro-Russia militias in eastern Ukraine launched a bid for independence in 2014. (with inputs from AFP)

Pro-Russia separatists, Ukraine to swap prisoners

Investigators looking into the downing of flight MH17 over Ukraine released intercepted phone calls on Thursday showing close links between "high-ranking" Russian officials and rebel suspects facing trial over the crash.

The international probe said the communications raised questions about the possible involvement of top officials in Moscow in the deployment of the missile that shot down the Malaysia Airlines plane in 2014.

The intercepts also showed that ties between the Kremlin and fighters from the separatist Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) in eastern Ukraine were "much closer" than originally believed, the probe said.

"There was almost daily telephone contact between the leadership of the DPR and their contacts in the Russian Federation," the Dutch-led Joint Investigation Team said in a statement.

"They spoke with leaders in Moscow, near the border with Ukraine and in Crimea. Communication mostly took place via secure telephones provided by the Russian security service."

The investigation team is appealing for more witnesses ahead of the trial in the Netherlands next year of three Russian nationals and one Ukrainian over the downing of the jet.

The passenger plane travelling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was shot down by a Russian-made BUK missile in 2014 over rebel-held eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board.

Investigators have previously said the missile was transported to Ukraine from a Russian army anti-aircraft brigade based in the Russian city of Kursk.

'Mandate' from minister

The suspects facing trial -- former Russian intelligence agent Igor Girkin, also known by his pseudonym "Strelkov", Sergei Dubinsky, Oleg Pulatov, Leonid Kharchenko -- were all leading members of the DPR.

They are all expected to be tried in absentia.

A number of the calls involved Vladislav Surkov, a key aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the investigators said. One of them involves him promising military reinforcements from Russia in 2014.

In another call, from 2015, he speaks to defendant Kharchenko over concerns that fellow suspect Dubinskiy will be arrested for illegal crossing over into eastern Ukraine.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu is meanwhile mentioned in a number of telephone calls between rebels, with one of them saying that fighters were coming "with a mandate from Shoigu."

"Ties between Russian officials and DPR leaders appear to have been much closer" than originally believed, Andy Kraag, the head of Dutch police's Criminal Investigations Division, said in a video statement.

"The indications of close ties between leaders of the DPR and Russian government officials raise questions about their possible involvement in the deployment of the BUK... which brought down flight MH17," the statement by investigators added.

Investigators said they specifically wanted to know if Surkov and Shoigu "have a role in the planning and execution of military operations in the summer of 2014 in eastern Ukraine" when the flight was downed, it added.

They appealed for more witnesses to come forward.&nbsp;

The trial is due to start in the Netherlands on March 9 next year.

The investigation team involves Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, Ukraine and the Netherlands, the countries hardest hit by the disaster. 196 of the victims were Dutch.

Investigators looking into the downing of flight MH17 over Ukraine released intercepted phone calls on Thursday showing close links between "high-ranking" Russian officials and rebel suspects facing trial over the crash.

Investigators looking into the downing of flight MH17 over Ukraine released intercepted phone calls on Thursday showing close links between "high-ranking" Russian officials and rebel suspects facing trial over the crash. The international probe said the communications raised questions about the possible involvement of top officials in Moscow in the deployment of the missile that shot down the Malaysia Airlines plane in 2014. The intercepts also showed that ties between the Kremlin and fighters from the separatist Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) in eastern Ukraine were "much closer" than originally believed, the probe said. "There was almost daily telephone contact between the leadership of the DPR and their contacts in the Russian Federation," the Dutch-led Joint Investigation Team said in a statement. "They spoke with leaders in Moscow, near the border with Ukraine and in Crimea. Communication mostly took place via secure telephones provided by the Russian security service." The investigation team is appealing for more witnesses ahead of the trial in the Netherlands next year of three Russian nationals and one Ukrainian over the downing of the jet. The passenger plane travelling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was shot down by a Russian-made BUK missile in 2014 over rebel-held eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board. Investigators have previously said the missile was transported to Ukraine from a Russian army anti-aircraft brigade based in the Russian city of Kursk. 'Mandate' from minister The suspects facing trial -- former Russian intelligence agent Igor Girkin, also known by his pseudonym "Strelkov", Sergei Dubinsky, Oleg Pulatov, Leonid Kharchenko -- were all leading members of the DPR. They are all expected to be tried in absentia. A number of the calls involved Vladislav Surkov, a key aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the investigators said. One of them involves him promising military reinforcements from Russia in 2014. In another call, from 2015, he speaks to defendant Kharchenko over concerns that fellow suspect Dubinskiy will be arrested for illegal crossing over into eastern Ukraine. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu is meanwhile mentioned in a number of telephone calls between rebels, with one of them saying that fighters were coming "with a mandate from Shoigu." "Ties between Russian officials and DPR leaders appear to have been much closer" than originally believed, Andy Kraag, the head of Dutch police's Criminal Investigations Division, said in a video statement. "The indications of close ties between leaders of the DPR and Russian government officials raise questions about their possible involvement in the deployment of the BUK... which brought down flight MH17," the statement by investigators added. Investigators said they specifically wanted to know if Surkov and Shoigu "have a role in the planning and execution of military operations in the summer of 2014 in eastern Ukraine" when the flight was downed, it added. They appealed for more witnesses to come forward. The trial is due to start in the Netherlands on March 9 next year. The investigation team involves Australia, Belgium, Malaysia, Ukraine and the Netherlands, the countries hardest hit by the disaster. 196 of the victims were Dutch.

MH17 calls 'show ties between Russian officials, rebels'