On Thursday, India rejected reports that Indian students trapped in war-torn Ukraine were kidnapped and used as human shields by Ukrainian forces.

In response to media inquiries about Indian students being held hostage in Ukraine, Arindam Bagchi, the official spokesperson, said: "Our Embassy in Ukraine is in continuous touch with Indian nationals in Ukraine. We note that with the cooperation of the Ukrainian authorities, many students left Kharkiv yesterday. We have not received any reports of any hostage situation involving any student. We have requested the support of the Ukrainian authorities in arranging special trains to take out students from Kharkiv and neighbouring areas to the western part of the country." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-indian-flag-helped-pakistani-turkish-students-cross-ukraine-border-says-indian-student-458070">Watch | Indian flag helped Pakistani, Turkish students cross Ukraine border, says Indian student</a> 
 
"We have been coordinating effectively with the countries in the region including Russia, Romania, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova. A large number of Indian nationals have been evacuated from Ukraine in the last few days. We appreciate the help extended by the Ukrainian authorities to make this possible. We thank Ukraine’s western neighbours in receiving Indian nationals and for accommodating them while they waited for flights to take them back home," he added.

Russia on Wednesday claimed that Ukraine had taken Indian students hostage. Russia's Ministry of Defense in a briefing said while Russia was trying to evacuate Indian students from Kharkiv the Ukrainian forces had taken Indians hostage. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/stop-criticising-indian-students-stuck-in-ukraine-they-need-to-be-appreciated-457069">Also read | Stop criticising Indian students stuck in Ukraine; they need to be appreciated</a>

In a statement by the ministry's official representative, Major General Igor Konashenkov said: "According to our data, in Kharkiv, the Ukrainian authorities are forcibly detaining a large group of Indian students who want to leave the Ukrainian territory and go to Belgorod." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-is-ukraine-such-a-popular-choice-for-indian-medical-students-456990">Also read | Why is Ukraine such a popular choice for Indian medical students?</a>

Further, he said, "The Armed Forces are ready to take all necessary measures for the safe evacuation of Indian citizens. And send them home from the territory of Russia with their military transport planes or Indian planes, as the Indian side proposed to do."&nbsp; 
 
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-people-refuse-to-leave-furry-companions-behind-india-relaxes-norms-for-bringing-back-pets-from-ukraine-458120">As people refuse to leave furry companions behind, India relaxes norms for bringing back pets from Ukraine</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

On Thursday, India rejected reports that Indian students trapped in war-torn Ukraine were kidnapped and used as human shields by Ukrainian forces. In response to media inquiries about Indian students being held hostage in Ukraine, Arindam Bagchi, the official spokesperson, said: "Our Embassy in Ukraine is in continuous touch with Indian nationals in Ukraine.

On Thursday, India rejected reports that Indian students trapped in war-torn Ukraine were kidnapped and used as human shields by Ukrainian forces. In response to media inquiries about Indian students being held hostage in Ukraine, Arindam Bagchi, the official spokesperson, said: "Our Embassy in Ukraine is in continuous touch with Indian nationals in Ukraine. We note that with the cooperation of the Ukrainian authorities, many students left Kharkiv yesterday. We have not received any reports of any hostage situation involving any student. We have requested the support of the Ukrainian authorities in arranging special trains to take out students from Kharkiv and neighbouring areas to the western part of the country." Watch | Indian flag helped Pakistani, Turkish students cross Ukraine border, says Indian student "We have been coordinating effectively with the countries in the region including Russia, Romania, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova. A large number of Indian nationals have been evacuated from Ukraine in the last few days. We appreciate the help extended by the Ukrainian authorities to make this possible. We thank Ukraine’s western neighbours in receiving Indian nationals and for accommodating them while they waited for flights to take them back home," he added. Russia on Wednesday claimed that Ukraine had taken Indian students hostage. Russia's Ministry of Defense in a briefing said while Russia was trying to evacuate Indian students from Kharkiv the Ukrainian forces had taken Indians hostage. Also read | Stop criticising Indian students stuck in Ukraine; they need to be appreciated In a statement by the ministry's official representative, Major General Igor Konashenkov said: "According to our data, in Kharkiv, the Ukrainian authorities are forcibly detaining a large group of Indian students who want to leave the Ukrainian territory and go to Belgorod." Also read | Why is Ukraine such a popular choice for Indian medical students? Further, he said, "The Armed Forces are ready to take all necessary measures for the safe evacuation of Indian citizens. And send them home from the territory of Russia with their military transport planes or Indian planes, as the Indian side proposed to do." Also Read | As people refuse to leave furry companions behind, India relaxes norms for bringing back pets from Ukraine (With inputs from agencies)

'No Indian student taken hostage by Ukraine forces': Indian govt

As the situation in war-torn Ukraine is turning for the worse, Indian students stuck in Kharkiv have been advised to move to Pesochin according to the latest advisory issued by the embassy in Ukraine. Russia is pounding Kharkiv as part of its ongoing invasion.

Pesochin is located towards the outskirts of Kharkiv but reaching the location, which is currently a safe haven for the students, is also not safe enough, according to a student who spoke to WION.

Amid the Russian bombardment and before the advisory, the students were trying to board trains to reach Lviv and get closer to the border but were being pushed out.

"We were not being allowed to board trains, we were being pushed, not even the metros were safe for us now," said Khwaish Thapa, a medical student from Kharkiv.

Along with Indian students, there are Ukrainian nationals and others taking shelter in these metros, hoping to get a seat on every passing train.

After the advisory, the students pulled together in groups and reached Pesochin to take shelter in bunkers. Unable to establish contact through helplines, they are now waiting for the next advisory for the instructions.

Making SOS calls and seeking help, the 19-year-old student said, “Our local contractor has brought us to a safe place. &nbsp;We are a group of 10 students. We are told we will be staying here for the night. This seems safer than Kharkiv.”

Many students are still trying to reach a safe place away from Kharkiv which is about an hour away from Russian borders. As the Russian army continues to go brute in the country, students wait to be evacuated and brought back to India.

Those living towards the western region of the country have been moving towards neighbouring borders of Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Poland. These are the borders where the Indian government has been carrying out the evacuations. Kharkiv is in the east and closer to Russian border.

As the situation in war-torn Ukraine is turning for the worse, Indian students stuck in Kharkiv have been advised to move to Pesochin according to the latest advisory issued by the embassy in Ukraine.

As the situation in war-torn Ukraine is turning for the worse, Indian students stuck in Kharkiv have been advised to move to Pesochin according to the latest advisory issued by the embassy in Ukraine. Russia is pounding Kharkiv as part of its ongoing invasion. Pesochin is located towards the outskirts of Kharkiv but reaching the location, which is currently a safe haven for the students, is also not safe enough, according to a student who spoke to WION. Amid the Russian bombardment and before the advisory, the students were trying to board trains to reach Lviv and get closer to the border but were being pushed out. "We were not being allowed to board trains, we were being pushed, not even the metros were safe for us now," said Khwaish Thapa, a medical student from Kharkiv. Along with Indian students, there are Ukrainian nationals and others taking shelter in these metros, hoping to get a seat on every passing train. After the advisory, the students pulled together in groups and reached Pesochin to take shelter in bunkers. Unable to establish contact through helplines, they are now waiting for the next advisory for the instructions. Making SOS calls and seeking help, the 19-year-old student said, “Our local contractor has brought us to a safe place. We are a group of 10 students. We are told we will be staying here for the night. This seems safer than Kharkiv.” Many students are still trying to reach a safe place away from Kharkiv which is about an hour away from Russian borders. As the Russian army continues to go brute in the country, students wait to be evacuated and brought back to India. Those living towards the western region of the country have been moving towards neighbouring borders of Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and Poland. These are the borders where the Indian government has been carrying out the evacuations. Kharkiv is in the east and closer to Russian border.

Ukraine war witness account: Indian students in Kharkiv put up a fight to reach borders for evacuation

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.

&nbsp;

Russia on Wednesday made a huge claim that some Indian students in Kharkov (Kharkiv) were being held hostage by Ukrainian forces. The Russian side also said that these students were being used as human shields and that Russia was trying to organise 'urgent evacuation' of this group of students.

The Russian side released this information in a readout given out after telephone conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

As per the readout, Putin has given all necessary instructions to ensure safe evacuation of Indian citizens from the war zone.

<img alt="Russian readout" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="450c4c87-c6b6-4301-be6e-63f8d84809b1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Russian%20readout.jpeg" />

India has already launched 'Operation Ganga' to bring back Indian citizens and students who are caught in the Ukraine conflict. On Wednesday (March 2) Indian embassy in Ukraine <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraine-conflict-india-says-citizens-must-leave-kharkiv-immediately-458211">issued an advisory</a> for citizens and said that they "must leave" Kharkiv immediately. Kharkiv is under attack from Russian forces.

It was in Kharkiv that first casualty of an Indian medical student was recorded on Tuesday (March 1).&nbsp;

Indian Air Force has also joined Operation Ganga and a plane

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-people-refuse-to-leave-furry-companions-behind-india-relaxes-norms-for-bringing-back-pets-from-ukraine-458120">As people refuse to leave furry companions behind, India relaxes norms for bringing back pets from Ukraine</a>

Separate from conversation between Modi and Putin, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed the "deteriorating" situation in Ukraine with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and his Estonian counterpart Eva-Maria Liimets.

"Discussed the deteriorating Ukraine situation with EU HR VP @JosepBorrellF, French FM @JY_LeDrian and Estonia FM @eliimets respectively. Reiterated India's stance that diplomacy and dialogue alone provide the answer. The cessation of violence is an urgent imperative," Jaishankar said in a tweet.

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. Russia on Wednesday made a huge claim that some Indian students in Kharkov (Kharkiv) were being held hostage by Ukrainian forces. The Russian side also said that these students were being used as human shields and that Russia was trying to organise 'urgent evacuation' of this group of students. The Russian side released this information in a readout given out after telephone conversation between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. As per the readout, Putin has given all necessary instructions to ensure safe evacuation of Indian citizens from the war zone. India has already launched 'Operation Ganga' to bring back Indian citizens and students who are caught in the Ukraine conflict. On Wednesday (March 2) Indian embassy in Ukraine issued an advisory for citizens and said that they "must leave" Kharkiv immediately. Kharkiv is under attack from Russian forces. It was in Kharkiv that first casualty of an Indian medical student was recorded on Tuesday (March 1). Indian Air Force has also joined Operation Ganga and a plane Also Read | As people refuse to leave furry companions behind, India relaxes norms for bringing back pets from Ukraine Separate from conversation between Modi and Putin, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed the "deteriorating" situation in Ukraine with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian and his Estonian counterpart Eva-Maria Liimets. "Discussed the deteriorating Ukraine situation with EU HR VP @JosepBorrellF, French FM @JY_LeDrian and Estonia FM @eliimets respectively. Reiterated India's stance that diplomacy and dialogue alone provide the answer. The cessation of violence is an urgent imperative," Jaishankar said in a tweet.

Indian students taken hostage by Ukraine forces, says Russia after Putin-Modi phone call

India is working round the clock to ensure the safe evacuation of its citizens from Ukraine. Under operation Ganga, India will operate 26 flights over the next three days to fly back its citizens who have moved from Ukraine currently to neighboring countries.

'Leave Kharkiv immediately': Indian embassy issues urgent advisory

The Indian embassy&nbsp;in Ukraine on Wednesday issued an advisory on Wednesday and asked Indian nationals to leave Kharkiv. The advisory says that Indian nationals "must leave" immediately and reach Pesochin Babaye and Bezlyudovka settlements by 1800 hrs, amid the escalating military operation in Ukraine.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
2nd Advisory to Indian Students in Kharkiv 
2 March 2022.<a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PIB_India</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DDNewslive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDNewslive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DDNational?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDNational</a> <a href="https://t.co/yOgQ8m25xh">pic.twitter.com/yOgQ8m25xh</a>
— India in Ukraine (@IndiainUkraine) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainUkraine/status/1498999192999632900?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

"Urgent advisory to all Indian Nationals in Kharkiv. For their safety and security, they must leave Kharkiv immediately in light of the deteriorating situation. They should Proceed to Pesochin, Babaye and Bezlyudovka as soon as possible for their safety. Under all circumstances they must reach these settlements by 1800 hrs (Ukrainian time) today," India in Ukraine said in a statement.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/plight-of-foreign-nationals-stuck-in-ukraine-458195/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Meanwhile, a total of 16 flights have already brought back stranded Indian nationals from Ukraine till today. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Tuesday said that Indian nationals have left Kyiv and nearly 60 per cent of Indians in Ukraine have left the country so far.

"All of our nationals have left Kyiv. The information with us is that we have no more nationals left in Kyiv, nobody has contacted us from Kyiv since. All our enquiries reveal that each and every one of our nationals have come out of Kyiv," Shringla said at a media briefing on the evacuation of Indian citizens from Ukraine in the wake of Russia`s military operations.

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-indian-flag-helped-pakistani-turkish-students-cross-ukraine-border-says-indian-student-458070">Indian flag helped Pakistani, Turkish students cross Ukraine border, says Indian student</a>

He said out of an estimated 20,000 Indian citizens in Ukraine, 60 per cent have left the country since the first advisory was issued by the government.

"We had an estimated 20,000 Indian nationals in Ukraine at the time we issued our first advisory. Approximately 12,000 have left Ukraine so far, which means 60 per cent of the people have left the country. Of the remaining 40 per cent, roughly half remain in the conflict zone in Kharkiv and the other half have either reached the western border of Ukraine or are heading towards the western border. They are generally out of conflict areas," Shringla said.He also said a high-level meeting was also chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Indian embassy in Ukraine on Wednesday issued an advisory on Wednesday and asked Indian nationals to leave Kharkiv. The advisory says that Indian nationals "must leave" immediately and reach Pesochin Babaye and Bezlyudovka settlements by 1800 hrs, amid the escalating military operation in Ukraine.

The Indian embassy in Ukraine on Wednesday issued an advisory on Wednesday and asked Indian nationals to leave Kharkiv. The advisory says that Indian nationals "must leave" immediately and reach Pesochin Babaye and Bezlyudovka settlements by 1800 hrs, amid the escalating military operation in Ukraine. 2nd Advisory to Indian Students in Kharkiv 2 March 2022.@MEAIndia @PIB_India @DDNewslive @DDNational pic.twitter.com/yOgQ8m25xh — India in Ukraine (@IndiainUkraine) March 2, 2022 × "Urgent advisory to all Indian Nationals in Kharkiv. For their safety and security, they must leave Kharkiv immediately in light of the deteriorating situation. They should Proceed to Pesochin, Babaye and Bezlyudovka as soon as possible for their safety. Under all circumstances they must reach these settlements by 1800 hrs (Ukrainian time) today," India in Ukraine said in a statement. × Meanwhile, a total of 16 flights have already brought back stranded Indian nationals from Ukraine till today. Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said on Tuesday said that Indian nationals have left Kyiv and nearly 60 per cent of Indians in Ukraine have left the country so far. "All of our nationals have left Kyiv. The information with us is that we have no more nationals left in Kyiv, nobody has contacted us from Kyiv since. All our enquiries reveal that each and every one of our nationals have come out of Kyiv," Shringla said at a media briefing on the evacuation of Indian citizens from Ukraine in the wake of Russia`s military operations. Watch | Indian flag helped Pakistani, Turkish students cross Ukraine border, says Indian student He said out of an estimated 20,000 Indian citizens in Ukraine, 60 per cent have left the country since the first advisory was issued by the government. "We had an estimated 20,000 Indian nationals in Ukraine at the time we issued our first advisory. Approximately 12,000 have left Ukraine so far, which means 60 per cent of the people have left the country. Of the remaining 40 per cent, roughly half remain in the conflict zone in Kharkiv and the other half have either reached the western border of Ukraine or are heading towards the western border. They are generally out of conflict areas," Shringla said.He also said a high-level meeting was also chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine conflict: India says citizens 'must leave' Kharkiv immediately

The situation in Kyiv and other major Ukrainian cities is becoming intense with each passing hour as Russia continues its bombardment. Moscow's invasion of Ukraine has now entered its seventh day, here we bring you key developments.

India urges nationals to leave Kharkiv amid Russian invasion

Kharkiv is in the North East of Ukraine, it's just 25 miles from Russia and has a population of around 1.4 million people who are predominantly Russian speaking. Many in kharkiv have family or do business across the border which is why the Kremlin might have believed that it would face less resistance and that its residents will be more sympathetic to Moscow.

Kharkiv: Once a hub of poetry, now under Russian seige

Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv on Monday suffered a major onslaught by Russian missile strikes. At least 11 people were killed. The city located in Ukraine's Northeast has become the major battleground in the past few days.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Kharkiv in Ukraine’s northeast has become a major battleground

An Indian student was killed in the shelling in Ukraine's Kharkiv this as New Delhi is urging Moscow and Kyiv to secure the safe passage for the nearly 12,000 stranded national. Naveen Shekharappa was a 21-year-old medical student from the southern Indian state of Karnataka who was killed during the shelling incident.

After Indian student killed in Kharkiv, India urges nationals to leave Kyiv urgently | World News

A fourth-year medical student from India was killed today in Russian shelling in Ukraine’s Kharvkiv city, MEA stays in touch with victim's family. WION's Siddhant Sibbal brings in more information on this.

Shelling in Kharkiv claims life of a medical student hailing from India

Russia's bombardment of civilian targets in Ukraine's second city of Kharkiv broke international rules of conflict, the EU's foreign policy chief said Tuesday.&nbsp;

"The shelling against civilian infrastructure yesterday in Kharkiv violates the laws of war. The EU stands unwavering at the side of Ukraine in these dramatic moments," Josep Borrell said after a call with Ukraine's foreign minister.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-rejects-zelenskyys-plea-of-an-immediate-membership-457793/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Russian troops fired artillery at Kyiv, Kharkiv and the southern port city of Mariupol overnight while the Ukrainian side shot down Russian military planes around the capital.

In strategic Kharkiv, an eastern city with a population of about 1.5 million, videos posted online showed explosions hitting the region’s Soviet-era administrative building and residential areas.

At least 10 people were killed and 35 wounded&nbsp;in rockets strikes by Russian forces on the centre of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, Interior Ministry adviser Anton Herashchenko said in a post on social media.

"The rubble is being cleared and there will be even more victims and wounded," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-lifts-visa-requirements-for-foreigners-who-want-to-fight-against-russia-457756">Ukraine lifts visa requirements for foreigners willing to fight against Russia</a>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said&nbsp;that Russian artillery attacks on Ukraine's second-largest city of Kharkiv amounted to state terrorism and called on the international community to recognise it as such.

"The terror aims to break us, to break our resistance," he said in a video address shared on social media describing Kyiv and Kharkiv as Russia's main targets.

Amid ever-growing international condemnation, Russia found itself increasingly isolated five days into its invasion, while also facing unexpectedly fierce resistance on the ground in Ukraine and economic havoc at home.

For the second day in a row, the Kremlin raised the specter of nuclear war, announcing that its nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarines and long-range bombers had all been put on high alert, following President Vladimir Putin’s orders over the weekend.

An embattled Ukraine moved to solidify its ties to the West by applying to join the European Union,&nbsp;a largely symbolic move for now, but one that is unlikely to sit well with Putin, who has long accused the US of trying to pull Ukraine out of Moscow’s orbit.

On Sunday, the EU announced it would tighten sanctions on Russia, ban Russian state-owned television network Russia Today and news agency Sputnik and fund weapons for Ukraine to help it defend itself against Russia's invasion.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia's bombardment of civilian targets in Ukraine's second city of Kharkiv broke international rules of conflict, the EU's foreign policy chief said Tuesday. "The shelling against civilian infrastructure yesterday in Kharkiv violates the laws of war.

Russia's bombardment of civilian targets in Ukraine's second city of Kharkiv broke international rules of conflict, the EU's foreign policy chief said Tuesday. "The shelling against civilian infrastructure yesterday in Kharkiv violates the laws of war. The EU stands unwavering at the side of Ukraine in these dramatic moments," Josep Borrell said after a call with Ukraine's foreign minister. Russian troops fired artillery at Kyiv, Kharkiv and the southern port city of Mariupol overnight while the Ukrainian side shot down Russian military planes around the capital. In strategic Kharkiv, an eastern city with a population of about 1.5 million, videos posted online showed explosions hitting the region’s Soviet-era administrative building and residential areas. At least 10 people were killed and 35 wounded in rockets strikes by Russian forces on the centre of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, Interior Ministry adviser Anton Herashchenko said in a post on social media. "The rubble is being cleared and there will be even more victims and wounded," he said. Also read | Ukraine lifts visa requirements for foreigners willing to fight against Russia Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that Russian artillery attacks on Ukraine's second-largest city of Kharkiv amounted to state terrorism and called on the international community to recognise it as such. "The terror aims to break us, to break our resistance," he said in a video address shared on social media describing Kyiv and Kharkiv as Russia's main targets. Amid ever-growing international condemnation, Russia found itself increasingly isolated five days into its invasion, while also facing unexpectedly fierce resistance on the ground in Ukraine and economic havoc at home. For the second day in a row, the Kremlin raised the specter of nuclear war, announcing that its nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarines and long-range bombers had all been put on high alert, following President Vladimir Putin’s orders over the weekend. An embattled Ukraine moved to solidify its ties to the West by applying to join the European Union, a largely symbolic move for now, but one that is unlikely to sit well with Putin, who has long accused the US of trying to pull Ukraine out of Moscow’s orbit. On Sunday, the EU announced it would tighten sanctions on Russia, ban Russian state-owned television network Russia Today and news agency Sputnik and fund weapons for Ukraine to help it defend itself against Russia's invasion. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian shelling in Ukraine's Kharkiv 'violates laws of war': European Union

A fourth-year medical student from India was killed today in Russian shelling in Ukraine’s Kharvkiv city, MEA stays in touch with victim's family.

Indian student confirmed dead in Kharkiv shelling

While translating Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's speech for a German news site on Sunday, a seasoned interpreter sobbed.

While translating Zelensky's address for the German news service Welt, the translator, who has yet to be recognised, can be seen starting to choke up in an emotional video published on social media.

She translated part of his speech and could be heard saying, "Russia is on the path of evil. Russia must lose its voice in the UN."

She then started to struggle as she continued the translation.

On Sunday, Zelensky addressed the Ukrainian people after Russian soldiers invaded multiple cities across the country.&nbsp;

She continued: 'Ukraine, we definitely know..." She stopped as she composed herself and pushed back her sobs.

The woman tried to take a deep breath and continue before simply saying 'sorry' to the viewers.

Zelensky had said: 'The night was hard. The people rose up to defend their state, and they showed their true faces. This is terror.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nY1TnKIJa-s" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

'They are going to bomb our Ukrainian cities even more. They are going to kill our children even more insidiously.

'This is an evil that has come to our land and must be destroyed.'

(With inputs from agencies)

While translating Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's speech for a German news site on Sunday, a seasoned interpreter sobbed. While translating Zelensky's address for the German news service Welt, the translator, who has yet to be recognised, can be seen starting to choke up in an emotional video published on social media.

While translating Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's speech for a German news site on Sunday, a seasoned interpreter sobbed. While translating Zelensky's address for the German news service Welt, the translator, who has yet to be recognised, can be seen starting to choke up in an emotional video published on social media. She translated part of his speech and could be heard saying, "Russia is on the path of evil. Russia must lose its voice in the UN." She then started to struggle as she continued the translation. On Sunday, Zelensky addressed the Ukrainian people after Russian soldiers invaded multiple cities across the country. She continued: 'Ukraine, we definitely know..." She stopped as she composed herself and pushed back her sobs. The woman tried to take a deep breath and continue before simply saying 'sorry' to the viewers. Zelensky had said: 'The night was hard. The people rose up to defend their state, and they showed their true faces. This is terror. × 'They are going to bomb our Ukrainian cities even more. They are going to kill our children even more insidiously. 'This is an evil that has come to our land and must be destroyed.' (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian translator bursts into tears while reporting on Zelensky's speech

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

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

As the Russian offence continues for the fifth consecutive day, mass shelling has been reported now in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, watch this report.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Shelling hits residential areas in Kharkiv, heavy fighting around Kyiv

People of Kharkiv city, 30 kms away from the Russian border, have set up surveillance cameras on the miles long border fence to tackle any invasion by Russia. Residents say they are scared of the uncertainty looming overhead.

People of Kharkiv city set up surveillance cameras on miles long border fence with Russia

A Ukrainian couple who grew tired of arguing are trying to mend their on-off relationship by handcuffing themselves together for three months and documenting their experiences on social media.

Ukrainian couple handcuff themselves together

kharkiv

Kharkiv, News on Kharkiv, stories on Kharkiv, articles on Kharkiv, Kharkiv stories at Wion, Kharkiv news, Kharkiv latest news