UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressing the House of Commons- 'For this Putin will stand condemned in the eyes of the world and of history he will never be able to cleanse the blood of Ukraine from his hands and although the UK and our allies tried every avenue for diplomacy until the final hour I'm driven to conclude that Putin was always determined to attack his neighbor.'

'Putin was always determined to attack his neighbor,' says PM Boris Johnson

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is trying to negotiate for 30 years now as he slams the NATO alliance and announces military operations in Ukraine. US President Joe Biden condemned the 'unprovoked attack by Russia'.

Putin: 'Responsibility of bloodshed on Kyiv'

Russia has recognised breakaway regions in east Ukraine and Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russian military to enter it western neighbour. The Ukraine crisis was brewing for quite some time. Russia amassed more than 100,000 troops on its border with Ukraine and frantic diplomacy was taking place to avert war in Europe. All appears to have come for a nought as hostilities have erupted between Russia and Ukraine.

Spencer Critchley, a media commentator and author told WION that events in eastern Europe were "extremely disturbing" and the conflict possessed gravity equal to that of a "Civilizational moment in history"

"We have established democratic world order. Where we do things like respect each other's boundaries and do not stage military invasions just because we want to take over somebody else's country," he said.

"Vladimir Putin has been preparing for this since he gained power. He has been telling us what he believes in and he has been following up on what he believes in," he added.

According to Critchley, Putin believes in re-establishing the Russian empire.&nbsp;

It is worth noting that Vladimir Putin was a KGB spy stationed in pro-Soviet East Germany before the fall of the Soviet Union. Ukraine was a very important part of the Soviet Union before the superpower's fall in 1991.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50-russian-occupiers-killed-we-have-losses-says-ukraine-as-casualties-rise-455989">'50 Russian occupiers killed': We have losses, says Ukraine as casualties rise</a>

Critchley said that he was 'heartened' to see western sphere demonstrate resolve to stand up to what he called 'raw aggression'.

Western powers, including the US have reacted by imposing tough sanctions on Russia. But foreign policy expert Kadira Pethiyagoda opined while talking with WION that the threat of sanctions was never going to deter Russia from an invasion.

"Any kind of economic sanctions or deterrents were not going to work because the issue for Russia was strategic. They would never allow Ukraine to become a base for NATO missiles that could reach Moscow in a very short time," he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly stated that he was fiercely against Ukraine joining North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-bow-down-ukraine-president-vows-to-fight-back-against-aggressor-russia-456029">‘Won’t bow down’: Ukraine president vows to fight back against ‘aggressor’ Russia</a>

NATO was set up with an implicit aim of checking Russian influence in Europe. Russia views NATO's expansion in Europe a huge threat. Ukraine has in past indicated its willingness to join the alliance. Many former Soviet republics have, in past joined NATO and Russia views this as western interference in its sphere of influence.&nbsp;

So is Ukraine capable to fight off Russia on its own? No, says Volodymyr Solohub who is an independent journalist.

Solohub spoke with WION from Kyiv, capital of Ukraine. He said that on Thursday (February 24) it was as if Ukrainians woke up in a different country.

He noted that though Ukraine's military had made improvements, the country was in "worse position than Rusia"

"Though military capabilities and preparedness of the Ukrainian army has improved. It is nothing compared to the capabilities of Russia," he said.

As tensions over Ukraine crisis mounted, there was frenzied diplomacy to prevent the war. After a brief window of opportunity, everything appeared to go back to where it was. But an outright Russian invasion surprised many.

Vladislav Davidzon, non-resident fellow at The Atlantic Council, said that he expected Russia to 'at the most' enhance its influence in the breakaway regions of Ukraine.

"I did not expect the worst-case predictions being made by the Americans for months and months were correct ones." he said.

Where does the situation go from here? John Blaxland, professor at Australian National University, said all bets were off.

"What Russia is trying to achieve has been a million dollar question...Russia has become increasingly assertive, adversarial, and now physically belligerent in its attempt to subdue Ukraine," he told WION.

(Disclaimer: The views of the experts do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views.)

Russia has recognised breakaway regions in east Ukraine and Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russian military to enter it western neighbour. The Ukraine crisis was brewing for quite some time.

Russia has recognised breakaway regions in east Ukraine and Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russian military to enter it western neighbour. The Ukraine crisis was brewing for quite some time. Russia amassed more than 100,000 troops on its border with Ukraine and frantic diplomacy was taking place to avert war in Europe. All appears to have come for a nought as hostilities have erupted between Russia and Ukraine. Spencer Critchley, a media commentator and author told WION that events in eastern Europe were "extremely disturbing" and the conflict possessed gravity equal to that of a "Civilizational moment in history" "We have established democratic world order. Where we do things like respect each other's boundaries and do not stage military invasions just because we want to take over somebody else's country," he said. "Vladimir Putin has been preparing for this since he gained power. He has been telling us what he believes in and he has been following up on what he believes in," he added. According to Critchley, Putin believes in re-establishing the Russian empire. It is worth noting that Vladimir Putin was a KGB spy stationed in pro-Soviet East Germany before the fall of the Soviet Union. Ukraine was a very important part of the Soviet Union before the superpower's fall in 1991. Also Read | '50 Russian occupiers killed': We have losses, says Ukraine as casualties rise Critchley said that he was 'heartened' to see western sphere demonstrate resolve to stand up to what he called 'raw aggression'. Western powers, including the US have reacted by imposing tough sanctions on Russia. But foreign policy expert Kadira Pethiyagoda opined while talking with WION that the threat of sanctions was never going to deter Russia from an invasion. "Any kind of economic sanctions or deterrents were not going to work because the issue for Russia was strategic. They would never allow Ukraine to become a base for NATO missiles that could reach Moscow in a very short time," he said. Russian President Vladimir Putin has strongly stated that he was fiercely against Ukraine joining North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Also Read | ‘Won’t bow down’: Ukraine president vows to fight back against ‘aggressor’ Russia NATO was set up with an implicit aim of checking Russian influence in Europe. Russia views NATO's expansion in Europe a huge threat. Ukraine has in past indicated its willingness to join the alliance. Many former Soviet republics have, in past joined NATO and Russia views this as western interference in its sphere of influence. So is Ukraine capable to fight off Russia on its own? No, says Volodymyr Solohub who is an independent journalist. Solohub spoke with WION from Kyiv, capital of Ukraine. He said that on Thursday (February 24) it was as if Ukrainians woke up in a different country. He noted that though Ukraine's military had made improvements, the country was in "worse position than Rusia" "Though military capabilities and preparedness of the Ukrainian army has improved. It is nothing compared to the capabilities of Russia," he said. As tensions over Ukraine crisis mounted, there was frenzied diplomacy to prevent the war. After a brief window of opportunity, everything appeared to go back to where it was. But an outright Russian invasion surprised many. Vladislav Davidzon, non-resident fellow at The Atlantic Council, said that he expected Russia to 'at the most' enhance its influence in the breakaway regions of Ukraine. "I did not expect the worst-case predictions being made by the Americans for months and months were correct ones." he said. Where does the situation go from here? John Blaxland, professor at Australian National University, said all bets were off. "What Russia is trying to achieve has been a million dollar question...Russia has become increasingly assertive, adversarial, and now physically belligerent in its attempt to subdue Ukraine," he told WION. (Disclaimer: The views of the experts do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views.)

Ukraine conflict: Putin was 'preparing for this since he gained power'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to hold talks with Russia's President Vladimir Putin. For more on this now joining us is our principal diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibbal live from New Delhi.

Sources: Indian PM Narendra Modi to hold talks with Russian Prez Putin amid conflict with Ukraine

As tensions mount over the Ukraine crisis, the United Nations Security Council's emergency meeting on the crisis is underway. The member state will vote on a resolution condemning Russia.

Emergency UNSC meeting on Ukraine: Security Council to vote on a resolution condemning Russia

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is giving an address on Russia's aggression, 'Putin has attacked a friendly country without any provocation and without any credible excuse. Missiles and bombs have been raining down on an entirely innocent population, a vast invasion is underway by land, by sea and by air.'

'Putin has attacked Ukraine without any provocation,' says UK PM Boris Johnson

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is trying to negotiate for 30 years now as he slams the NATO alliance and announces military operations in Ukraine.

Russia announces military operations in Ukraine as tensions mount to their climax

The UN General Assembly is currently holding a meeting on Ukraine, UN Secretary-General called for 'restraint, reason & de-escalation' at the UNGA meeting on the Ukraine crisis.

UN Secretary-General calls for 'restraint, reason & de-escalation' at UNGA meet on Ukraine crisis

Imran Khan began his two-day visit to Russia amid raging tensions in eastern Europe. Are the two Cold War rivals beginning a new relationship? Does a busy Putin have time to spare for Imran Khan? Watch this report to find out.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan arrives in Moscow to hold talks amid Ukraine crisis

As tensions continue to mount over Ukraine, Russia is strengthening its troop deployment along Ukraine's borders. Ukraine President Zelensky warns of major war in Europe.

Ukraine President Zelensky warns of major war in Europe: '200,000 Russian troops at the border'

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a military operation against Ukraine on February 24. The forces invaded Ukraine from several directions and this is being seen as the beginning of war in Europe over Russia's demands for an end to NATO's eastward expansion.

Putin denied for months that he was planning an invasion. However, today, in a televised speech, he declared that he had ordered "a special military operation" to protect Russian citizens who had been subjected to "genocide" in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Historical backdrop&nbsp; 
The tensions between Russia and Ukraine go years back. However, tensions escalated in 2021 when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged US President Joe Biden to let Ukraine join NATO.&nbsp;

Ukraine is a democratic country of 44 million people, with over 1,000 years of history. It also happens to be the biggest country in Europe by area after Russia.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, it voted for independence from Moscow.&nbsp;Putin deems Ukraine as an artificial creation carved from Russia by enemies. He has also described Ukraine as a puppet of the West.&nbsp;

Zelensky's request to be a part of NATO angered Russia and it started placing troops near the Ukraine border.&nbsp;

On November 10, 2021, the US reported unusual Russian troop movements near the Ukrainian border. On November 28, Ukraine said Russia is massing nearly 92,000 troops for an offensive at the end of January or early February.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-bow-down-ukraine-president-vows-to-fight-back-against-aggressor-russia-456029">Also read |&nbsp;‘Won’t bow down’: Ukraine president vows to fight back against ‘aggressor’ Russia</a>

However, Moscow denied it and accused Kyiv of a military build-up of its own.&nbsp;

In December, President Biden warned of severe sanctions if Russia invaded Ukraine.&nbsp;Putin has constantly demanded guarantees from the West and Ukraine that it will not join NATO.&nbsp;

2014 invasion 
This is not the first time that tensions have mounted between Russia and Ukraine. Russia had invaded Ukraine in 2014 and annexed its Crimean peninsula. Rebels backed by President Putin seized large swathes of eastern Ukraine and fought the army. The attack came in when its pro-Russian president was deposed. The war has claimed over 14,000 lives since then.&nbsp;

What does Ukraine want?&nbsp; 
A 2001 poll suggests that nearly half of Ukrainians supported the country’s exit from the Soviet Union. Now, over 80 per cent of people support Ukraine’s independence.&nbsp;

Current situation 
As Russia continued to launch missiles, Ukraine's military claimed at least "50 Russian occupiers" were killed. "Shchastya is under control. 50 Russian occupiers were killed. Another Russian plane was destroyed in the Kramatorsk district. This is the sixth," Ukraine's military said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-under-attack-heres-a-timeline-of-months-of-tensions-around-russia-ukraine-conflict-456061">Also read |&nbsp;Ukraine under attack: Here's a timeline of months of tensions around Russia-Ukraine conflict</a>

The border guards further claimed that Russian forces were launching attacks with rockets and helicopters from several directions.

Ukraine's Major General Valeriy Zaluzhny said President Zelensky had ordered its forces to "inflict maximum losses against the aggressor".

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a military operation against Ukraine on February 24. The forces invaded Ukraine from several directions and this is being seen as the beginning of war in Europe over Russia's demands for an end to NATO's eastward expansion.

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a military operation against Ukraine on February 24. The forces invaded Ukraine from several directions and this is being seen as the beginning of war in Europe over Russia's demands for an end to NATO's eastward expansion. Putin denied for months that he was planning an invasion. However, today, in a televised speech, he declared that he had ordered "a special military operation" to protect Russian citizens who had been subjected to "genocide" in Ukraine. Historical backdrop The tensions between Russia and Ukraine go years back. However, tensions escalated in 2021 when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged US President Joe Biden to let Ukraine join NATO. Ukraine is a democratic country of 44 million people, with over 1,000 years of history. It also happens to be the biggest country in Europe by area after Russia. After the fall of the Soviet Union, it voted for independence from Moscow. Putin deems Ukraine as an artificial creation carved from Russia by enemies. He has also described Ukraine as a puppet of the West. Zelensky's request to be a part of NATO angered Russia and it started placing troops near the Ukraine border. On November 10, 2021, the US reported unusual Russian troop movements near the Ukrainian border. On November 28, Ukraine said Russia is massing nearly 92,000 troops for an offensive at the end of January or early February. Also read | ‘Won’t bow down’: Ukraine president vows to fight back against ‘aggressor’ Russia However, Moscow denied it and accused Kyiv of a military build-up of its own. In December, President Biden warned of severe sanctions if Russia invaded Ukraine. Putin has constantly demanded guarantees from the West and Ukraine that it will not join NATO. 2014 invasion This is not the first time that tensions have mounted between Russia and Ukraine. Russia had invaded Ukraine in 2014 and annexed its Crimean peninsula. Rebels backed by President Putin seized large swathes of eastern Ukraine and fought the army. The attack came in when its pro-Russian president was deposed. The war has claimed over 14,000 lives since then. What does Ukraine want? A 2001 poll suggests that nearly half of Ukrainians supported the country’s exit from the Soviet Union. Now, over 80 per cent of people support Ukraine’s independence. Current situation As Russia continued to launch missiles, Ukraine's military claimed at least "50 Russian occupiers" were killed. "Shchastya is under control. 50 Russian occupiers were killed. Another Russian plane was destroyed in the Kramatorsk district. This is the sixth," Ukraine's military said. Also read | Ukraine under attack: Here's a timeline of months of tensions around Russia-Ukraine conflict The border guards further claimed that Russian forces were launching attacks with rockets and helicopters from several directions. Ukraine's Major General Valeriy Zaluzhny said President Zelensky had ordered its forces to "inflict maximum losses against the aggressor".

What's the reason for Ukraine-Russia conflict? Here's what you should know

Before launching a 'military operation' on Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin made an early morning call to his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko.&nbsp;

Lukashenko's office, in a statement, said, "Around 5 am (0200 GMT) today there was a telephone conversation between the presidents of Belarus and Russia. During the call, Vladimir Putin informed his Belarusian colleague about the situation on the border with Ukraine and in Donbas."

The Kremlin, so far, has released no statement on the call.

A little later after the call, Putin appeared on state television and declared he had authorised "special operation" to "protect Donbas" while urging Ukrainian forces to "lay down arms".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-declares-military-operation-to-demilitarise-ukraine-455828">Also read |&nbsp;Putin declares military operation 'to demilitarise Ukraine'</a>

"Entire course of events, information analysis shows clashes between Russia, nationalistic forces in Ukraine are inevitable and a matter of time," Putin said.

"Russia does not have a single opportunity other than to defend itself, it will use it."

Putin further added that Russia will seek to demilitarise Ukraine and will "immediately respond to any external threat".

The Russian President vowed to retaliate against "interference" with Russia's Ukraine operation. "Politics is a dirty business but NATO's actions are contrary to morality."

He further mentioned, "Russia's policy is based on freedom, this right should be enjoyed by everyone, including residents of Ukraine. I have made the decision of a military operation," Putin said in a surprise statement on television.

(With inputs from agencies)

Before launching a 'military operation' on Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin made an early morning call to his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko.

Before launching a 'military operation' on Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin made an early morning call to his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko. Lukashenko's office, in a statement, said, "Around 5 am (0200 GMT) today there was a telephone conversation between the presidents of Belarus and Russia. During the call, Vladimir Putin informed his Belarusian colleague about the situation on the border with Ukraine and in Donbas." The Kremlin, so far, has released no statement on the call. A little later after the call, Putin appeared on state television and declared he had authorised "special operation" to "protect Donbas" while urging Ukrainian forces to "lay down arms". Also read | Putin declares military operation 'to demilitarise Ukraine' "Entire course of events, information analysis shows clashes between Russia, nationalistic forces in Ukraine are inevitable and a matter of time," Putin said. "Russia does not have a single opportunity other than to defend itself, it will use it." Putin further added that Russia will seek to demilitarise Ukraine and will "immediately respond to any external threat". The Russian President vowed to retaliate against "interference" with Russia's Ukraine operation. "Politics is a dirty business but NATO's actions are contrary to morality." He further mentioned, "Russia's policy is based on freedom, this right should be enjoyed by everyone, including residents of Ukraine. I have made the decision of a military operation," Putin said in a surprise statement on television. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin made a call to this leader before launching military operation on Ukraine

Ukraine woke up to sounds of explosions after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered military operations in Ukraine. Ukraine now claims to have downed five Russian planes & killed 50 occupiers amid the Russian invasion.

Ukraine claims to have downed five Russian planes & killed 50 occupiers amid the Russian invasion

Ukraine slams Russia over military operations

As the world watches the Russian invasion of Ukraine, its envoy in India addressed the media about the situation back in his home country.

Ukraine's envoy to India addresses the media about ongoing Russian invasion

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is trying to negotiate for 30 years now as he slams the NATO alliance and announced military operations in Ukraine. Putin also called on the Ukraine military to 'lay down arms'. Ukraine now claims to have destroyed five Russian planes amid war.

Ukraine claims: Downed five Russian planes, Moscow denies

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is trying to negotiate for 30 years now as he slams the NATO alliance and announced military operations in Ukraine. Putin also called on the Ukraine military to 'lay down arms'. Now, European Union President spoke on the Ukraine-Russia war and said that it is the 'Darkest hour for Europe since WWII'.

European Commission speaks on the Ukraine crisis: 'Darkest hour for Europe since WWII'

According to sources, India is constantly monitoring the situation in Ukraine amid the Russian invasion. India will also hold several high-level meetings over the crisis.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: India holds high-level meetings and monitoring the situation

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is trying to negotiate for 30 years now as he slams the NATO alliance and announced military operations in Ukraine. US President Joe Biden condemned the 'unprovoked attack by Russia' on Ukraine. In the latest, the US to table a resolution in UNSC condemning Moscow.

US to table a resolution in UNSC condemning Moscow

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is trying to negotiate for 30 years now as he slams the NATO alliance and announced military operations in Ukraine. Putin also called on the Ukraine military to 'lay down arms'. As per reports 1 dead, 1 wounded near Kyiv.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: One dead, one wounded near Kyiv

WION speaks to an Indian student living in Ukraine amid the Russian invasion

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is trying to negotiate for 30 years now as he slams the NATO alliance and announced military operations in Ukraine. Putin also called on the Ukraine military to 'lay down arms'.

Kuleba: Russia 'launched a full-scale invasion' of Ukraine

Australian PM Scott Morrison briefed the media on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. He said that Australia reiterates its support for Ukraine.

WATCH: Australian PM Morrison says, 'Russia has chosen war, we reiterate our support for Ukraine'

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is trying to negotiate for 30 years now as he slams the NATO alliance and announces military operations in Ukraine. The latest reports suggest that explosions were heard across Ukraine after Putin's announcement. Russia said that the action is to disable Ukrainian military infrastructure.

Russia: Military infrastructure being disabled in Ukraine,  no threat to Ukrainian civilians

As tensions mount over the Ukraine crisis and Russia's latest provocations, new Russian troop activity was reported on the border. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Minsk agreement does not exist.

Russian President Vladimir Putin: Best if Ukraine adopts neutrality and drops NATO bid

Russia sets diplomatic ties with rebel regions in Ukraine & approves use of forces abroad

As tensions mount over the Ukraine crisis and Russia's latest provocations, new Russian troop activity was reported on the border. A Power plant unit also caught fire due to continous shelling in Ukraine's frontline towns.

Ukraine: Zelensky rules out general mobilisation

The western nations have started imposing sanctions. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cancelled his meeting with Russia's Lavrov. In the latest, US President Joe Biden imposed new sanctions on Russia.

US: Sanctioned banks key to Russia's defence sector amid Ukraine crisis

NATO Chief said that troops are on higher readiness as tensions mount over the Russian invasion of Ukraine. NATO also called the present situation a 'dangerous moment'.

NATO says troops on higher readiness as tensions mount over the Russian invasion of Ukraine

The US says Russia has begun invasion as it imposes new sanctions on Moscow amid Ukraine crisis

Russian President Vladimir Putin: The Minsk agreement does not exist

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