In a tribute to the 'Heavenly Hundred', Prayers for peace pour in amid Russia-Ukraine tensions. Former President lays flowers at the memorial.

A tribute to the 'Heavenly Hundred': Prayers for peace pour in amid Russia-Ukraine tensions

Amid the ongoing war tensions between Ukraine and Russia, India issued an advisory for Indian nationals living in Ukraine. Students & non-essential workers are advised to leave.

Countries rush to bring back citizens: India issues an advisory for Indian nationals in Ukraine

France and Israel have asked their citizens to leave Ukraine as tensions rise. France is the latest country to ask its citizens to leave Ukraine. Meanwhile, NATO has relocated its staff from Kyiv to Lviv.

Russia-Ukraine tensions: Israel PM urges citizens to 'come home'

Russian President Vladimir Putin informed French President Emmanuel Macron that Russian troops would depart Belarus after the military drills were completed.

Western countries will no doubt attach little value to that assurance, given that Russian troops were expected to leave today, until it was announced otherwise. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-tells-macron-plans-to-withdraw-troops-from-belarus-french-presidency-454886">Also read | Ukraine crisis: Belarus says Russian forces to remain for more drills</a>

According to Reuters, the two presidents argued about who was to blame for the unrest in eastern Ukraine during their phone chat today, citing a French presidential adviser.

Watch | Gravitas Plus | Explained: The Russia-Ukraine crisis

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According to the French official, Macron blamed Russian separatists and Putin on Ukraine.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-planning-biggest-war-since-1945-says-boris-johnson-454778">Also read | Russia planning biggest war since 1945, says Boris Johnson</a>

Meanwhile, Belarus' defence ministry has said that Russian forces stationed in Belarus for military drills will remain in the nation forever, fueling fears that Moscow is contemplating an invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin informed French President Emmanuel Macron that Russian troops would depart Belarus after the military drills were completed. Western countries will no doubt attach little value to that assurance, given that Russian troops were expected to leave today, until it was announced otherwise.

Russian President Vladimir Putin informed French President Emmanuel Macron that Russian troops would depart Belarus after the military drills were completed. Western countries will no doubt attach little value to that assurance, given that Russian troops were expected to leave today, until it was announced otherwise. Also read | Ukraine crisis: Belarus says Russian forces to remain for more drills According to Reuters, the two presidents argued about who was to blame for the unrest in eastern Ukraine during their phone chat today, citing a French presidential adviser. Watch | Gravitas Plus | Explained: The Russia-Ukraine crisis According to the French official, Macron blamed Russian separatists and Putin on Ukraine. Also read | Russia planning biggest war since 1945, says Boris Johnson Meanwhile, Belarus' defence ministry has said that Russian forces stationed in Belarus for military drills will remain in the nation forever, fueling fears that Moscow is contemplating an invasion of Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin tells Macron plans to withdraw troops from Belarus: French presidency

The world has its eyes on eastern Europe as fears of a Russian invasion continue to grow for months. Russia has amassed over a hundred thousand troops around Ukraine. Meanwhile, Demonstrators take to the streets against NATO.

Demonstrators take to streets against NATO, demand 'Implement Ukraine-Minsk treaty'

Russia has launched massive nuclear drills amid the ongoing issue with the Ukraine crisis. Russian President Vladimir Putin is overseeing the military drills.

Russia, Belarus extend drills: A sharp increase in shelling reported in Ukraine

The story of the Ukraine-Russia crisis does not begin in 2021, or 2014, It begins in the 9th century. There was a time when the two countries were one. There was a time when Ukraine gave its nuclear arsenal to Russia. Palki Sharma Upadhyay will tell you why Putin wants Ukraine.

Gravitas Plus | Explained: The Russia-Ukraine crisis

The US Vice President Kamala Harris at the Munich security conference warns of a possible war as tensions mount over the Ukraine crisis.

US Vice President Harris at Munich conference: 'We believe Putin has decided'

India's advice for nationals in Ukraine: 'Students & non-essential workers advised to leave'

France has asked its citizens to leave Ukraine as tensions rise. France is the latest country to ask its citizens to leave Ukraine. Meanwhile, NATO has relocated its staff from Kyiv to Lviv.

Russia maintains 'no plans to invade' as tensions mount over Ukraine crisis

There has been a rise in shelling in eastern Ukraine amid the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. This comes at a time when people were asked to evacuate the region.

Tensions flare in Eastern Ukraine: Sharp increase in shelling reported

On the Day 2 of the Munich Security Conference, the West urged Russia to de-escalate tensions with Ukraine. The world leaders converge as tensions spike. However, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky questioned NATO's intentions.

Ukraine President Zelensky calls out NATO's 'Open Door' policy at the Munich Security Conference

Western powers should drop their policy of “appeasement” towards Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told a security forum in Munich on Saturday, as concerns grow over a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The three-day Munich Security Conference (MSC) kicked off in the Bavarian capital on Friday, with a major focus scheduled to be on the Western strategy to counter&nbsp;the Ukraine crisis.

Notably absent were the official representatives from Russia.

Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday afternoon, Zelensky warned that the threat of sanctions won’t work if Russia starts bombing Ukraine.

Ukraine has received security guarantees for abandoning the world's third-largest nuclear arsenal. We have no weapons. And no security ... But we have a right –&nbsp;a right to demand a shift from a policy of appeasement to one ensuring security and peace," he said at the gathering in Munich.

Citing continued warnings from the US of imminent Russian aggression, Zelensky said that in order to “really help Ukraine, Western countries do not need to constantly talk only about the dates of a possible invasion.”

“We will defend our land on February 16, March 1, and December 31. We need other dates much more. And everyone understands perfectly well which ones,” he asserted.

He emphasised that the only thing “we want is to have peace.”

The president also called for a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in order to avoid any conflict.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-invading-ukraine-will-invite-bolstered-nato-on-europes-eastern-flank-harris-454615" hreflang="en">Kamala Harris warns Russia of huge financial costs if it invades Ukraine</a>

“I do not know what the Russian president wants. For this reason, I propose that we meet,” he said.

Notably, Zelensky was warned not to travel to Munich over fears that Russia may launch an attack in his absence.

Zelensky also said that he wants a “clear” timeframe for when Ukraine can join the NATO alliance.

Questioning why the EU avoids questions over Ukraine’s membership status, Zelensky asked, “Doesn't Ukraine deserve direct, honest answers?”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ballistic-cruise-missiles-in-exercises-russia-flexes-muscles-as-us-says-moscow-poised-to-strike-454638">Ballistic, cruise missiles in exercises: Russia flexes muscles amid tensions</a>

"This also applies to NATO. We are told the door is open. But for now, no outsiders are allowed in,” he said while addressing world leaders in Munich, Kyiv-based news agency Interfax-Ukraine reported.&nbsp;

Notably, one of the security guarantees proposed by Russia to NATO was not to permit Ukraine to join the alliance.

Russia had asked NATO not to expand any further eastward, claiming the organization's proximity to its borders threaten its national security.

(With inputs from agencies)

Western powers should drop their policy of “appeasement” towards Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told a security forum in Munich on Saturday, as concerns grow over a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Western powers should drop their policy of “appeasement” towards Moscow, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told a security forum in Munich on Saturday, as concerns grow over a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine. The three-day Munich Security Conference (MSC) kicked off in the Bavarian capital on Friday, with a major focus scheduled to be on the Western strategy to counter the Ukraine crisis. Notably absent were the official representatives from Russia. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday afternoon, Zelensky warned that the threat of sanctions won’t work if Russia starts bombing Ukraine. Ukraine has received security guarantees for abandoning the world's third-largest nuclear arsenal. We have no weapons. And no security ... But we have a right – a right to demand a shift from a policy of appeasement to one ensuring security and peace," he said at the gathering in Munich. Citing continued warnings from the US of imminent Russian aggression, Zelensky said that in order to “really help Ukraine, Western countries do not need to constantly talk only about the dates of a possible invasion.” “We will defend our land on February 16, March 1, and December 31. We need other dates much more. And everyone understands perfectly well which ones,” he asserted. He emphasised that the only thing “we want is to have peace.” The president also called for a meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin in order to avoid any conflict. Also read | Kamala Harris warns Russia of huge financial costs if it invades Ukraine “I do not know what the Russian president wants. For this reason, I propose that we meet,” he said. Notably, Zelensky was warned not to travel to Munich over fears that Russia may launch an attack in his absence. Zelensky also said that he wants a “clear” timeframe for when Ukraine can join the NATO alliance. Questioning why the EU avoids questions over Ukraine’s membership status, Zelensky asked, “Doesn't Ukraine deserve direct, honest answers?” Also read | Ballistic, cruise missiles in exercises: Russia flexes muscles amid tensions "This also applies to NATO. We are told the door is open. But for now, no outsiders are allowed in,” he said while addressing world leaders in Munich, Kyiv-based news agency Interfax-Ukraine reported. Notably, one of the security guarantees proposed by Russia to NATO was not to permit Ukraine to join the alliance. Russia had asked NATO not to expand any further eastward, claiming the organization's proximity to its borders threaten its national security. (With inputs from agencies)

West must drop ‘appeasement policy’ towards Russia: Ukraine President Zelensky

On the Day 2 of the Munich Security Conference, the West urged Russia to de-escalate tensions with Ukraine. The world leaders converge as tensions spike.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky questions NATO's intentions at Munich Security Conference

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy mocks West's war prediction at Munich Security Conference

Russia launches strategic Nuclear exercises

Donbas separatists order evacuation after shelling in the region. Russian President Vladimir Putin raised alarms over shelling in the region. Donbas separatists say Ukraine is preparing an offensive in the region.

Ukraine: Vladimir Putin raises alarm over shelling in Donbas

On the Day 2 of the Munich Security Conference, the West urged Russia to de-escalate tensions with Ukraine. The world leaders converge as tensions spike. However, China openly voiced support for Russia

Day 2 of the Munich Security Conference: China openly voices support for Russia

Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border, US President Joe Biden said on Saturday that he is "convinced" that President Putin has made the decision to invade Ukraine.

"As of this moment, I'm convinced he's made the decision. We have reason to believe that," Biden said on Putin's plan to attack neighbouring Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-next-wonder-weapon-kedr-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-454013">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile</a>

Russia had said earlier this week that it&nbsp;had pulled out some troops after military exercise&nbsp;in Belarus and later announced that tank&nbsp;units involved in Crimea were returning to the barracks.

However, the US president warned of an imminent Russian attack despite Putin's recent claims of pullback.

"We believe they will target Ukraine's capital Kyiv, a city of 2.8 million innocent people," the US president added while asserting that "diplomacy is always a possibility."

Watch:&nbsp;Is Moscow manufacturing a pretext for an invasion?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-crisis-is-moscow-manufacturing-a-pretext-for-an-invasion-454450/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Biden&nbsp;said Russia could "set up a false justification to act against Ukraine" while pointing out that there are over "150,000 troops arrayed on its border". Ukraine's defence forces said pro-Russian rebels had violated ceasefire 53 times in 24 hours amid escalating tensions at the border.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Observers from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe said there has been a dramatic rise in "kinetic activity along the contact line in eastern Ukraine" with ceasefire violations taking place.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-crisis-us-thaad-vs-russian-s-400-missile-defence-system-451457">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;&nbsp;US THAAD vs Russian S-400 missile defence system</a>

Biden said Ukraine President Zelenksy's intention to attend the Munich Security Conference may not be a "wise choice" due to the current situation but added that "it's his decision".

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin met Belarus leader&nbsp;Alexander Lukashenko and said there was a "deterioration of the situation". Belarus and Russian forces have been involved in large scale military exercises.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border, US President Joe Biden said on Saturday that he is "convinced" that President Putin has made the decision to invade Ukraine.

Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border, US President Joe Biden said on Saturday that he is "convinced" that President Putin has made the decision to invade Ukraine. "As of this moment, I'm convinced he's made the decision. We have reason to believe that," Biden said on Putin's plan to attack neighbouring Ukraine. Also Read in Pics | Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile Russia had said earlier this week that it had pulled out some troops after military exercise in Belarus and later announced that tank units involved in Crimea were returning to the barracks. However, the US president warned of an imminent Russian attack despite Putin's recent claims of pullback. "We believe they will target Ukraine's capital Kyiv, a city of 2.8 million innocent people," the US president added while asserting that "diplomacy is always a possibility." Watch: Is Moscow manufacturing a pretext for an invasion? Biden said Russia could "set up a false justification to act against Ukraine" while pointing out that there are over "150,000 troops arrayed on its border". Ukraine's defence forces said pro-Russian rebels had violated ceasefire 53 times in 24 hours amid escalating tensions at the border. Meanwhile, Observers from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe said there has been a dramatic rise in "kinetic activity along the contact line in eastern Ukraine" with ceasefire violations taking place. Also Read in Pics: US THAAD vs Russian S-400 missile defence system Biden said Ukraine President Zelenksy's intention to attend the Munich Security Conference may not be a "wise choice" due to the current situation but added that "it's his decision". Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin met Belarus leader Alexander Lukashenko and said there was a "deterioration of the situation". Belarus and Russian forces have been involved in large scale military exercises. (With inputs from Agencies)

I'm convinced he's made the decision, Biden on Putin's plan to attack Ukraine

Leaders have gathered in Munich for the annual security conference, but this year the convention is taking place at a dire time. Russian troops have surrounded Ukraine from three sides, and NATO is struggling to make headway through diplomacy.

Former US diplomat speaks to WION: 'West keeping Russia & Putin on edge'

Chinese Foreign Minister addresses Munich Security Conference

US Vice President Kamala Harris addresses Munich Security Conference

Day 2 of the Munich Security Conference: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addresses conference

US President said the Russian attack on Ukraine is “imminent”. Meanwhile, The US and EU are preparing sanctions on Russia as tensions escalate over the Ukraine crisis.

The US, EU prepare sanctions on Russia as tensions escalate over the Ukraine crisis

Tensions have risen in eastern Ukraine after Russian-controlled separatists shelled a nursery school in Donbas and warned of escalation. Ukraine has also reported more ceasefire violations.

Ukraine reports more ceasefire violations as Donbas separatists order evacuation

Day 2 of Munich Security Conference: West urges Russia to de-escalate tensions with Ukraine

Tensions have risen in eastern Ukraine as Russian-controlled separatists there shelled a nursery school in Donbass and warned of escalation. Also, the United States has warned that Russia is now preparing to launch an invasion in the coming days.

Tensions in Eastern Ukraine escalates: Donbass separatists order evacuation

Russia ordered the US deputy chief of mission to leave amid heightened tensions over Ukraine. Moscow justified the expulsion as a retaliatory move.

Russia expels the US Deputy Chief of Mission at US embassy in Moscow amid tensions over Ukraine

Russia and US sparred at a UNSC meeting amid the ongoing Ukraine crisis. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a challenge to Moscow to step back. However, Russia has now threatened military actions if its security demands not met.

Russia threatens military actions if security demands not met amid Ukraine crisis

Russia expels US diplomat amid heightened tensions over Ukraine

Russia and US sparred at a UNSC meeting amid the ongoing Ukraine crisis. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken issued a challenge to Moscow to step back.

Russia, US spar at UNSC meeting on Ukraine crisis

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