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

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.

Amid reports of heavy fighting, Ukraine's Army said its forces were engaged in fighting Russian forces outside capital Kyiv.

As the fighting continued, UK defence minister Wallace said Russia has lost more than 450 personnel. Reports said on Thursday that at least 137 people were killed as President Putin launched an attack on Ukraine early morning.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-crisis-us-thaad-vs-russian-s-400-missile-defence-system-451457">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;US THAAD vs Russian S-400 missile defence system</a>

There were reports of clashes in Kyiv's northern district as Russian forces advanced on the outskirts of Ukraine's capital. Reports claimed there were blasts in the capital's central area as people scrambled&nbsp;to safety.

"Putin's assault on Ukraine is barbaric, unjustified and shows a callous disregard for human life," UK foreign secretary Liz Truss said while adding,"We will continue to hold Putin to account."&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Thousands of Ukrainians flee to Poland, Hungary

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Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said Russia had launched "horrific rocket strikes" on Kyiv early morning on Friday as the Chernobyl nuclear power plant fell to Russian forces.

Reports claimed the Gostomel airfield near Kyiv was also overrun by Russian paratroopers even as Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country has been "left on its own" while warning that Russian "sabotage groups" had entered Kyiv.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-dagger-on-ukraine-kinzhal-hypersonic-missiles-can-degrade-high-value-targets-447431">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Russia's Kinzhal hypersonic missiles</a>

As heavy fighting continued around Ukraine's capital, French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told a radio station that, "Putin has decided to take Ukraine off the map of nations."

Le Drian raised concern over possible Russian offensive against ex-Soviet states Georgia and Moldova in the future.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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. Amid reports of heavy fighting, Ukraine's Army said its forces were engaged in fighting Russian forces outside capital Kyiv. As the fighting continued, UK defence minister Wallace said Russia has lost more than 450 personnel. Reports said on Thursday that at least 137 people were killed as President Putin launched an attack on Ukraine early morning. Also Read in Pics: US THAAD vs Russian S-400 missile defence system There were reports of clashes in Kyiv's northern district as Russian forces advanced on the outskirts of Ukraine's capital. Reports claimed there were blasts in the capital's central area as people scrambled to safety. "Putin's assault on Ukraine is barbaric, unjustified and shows a callous disregard for human life," UK foreign secretary Liz Truss said while adding,"We will continue to hold Putin to account." Watch: Thousands of Ukrainians flee to Poland, Hungary Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said Russia had launched "horrific rocket strikes" on Kyiv early morning on Friday as the Chernobyl nuclear power plant fell to Russian forces. Reports claimed the Gostomel airfield near Kyiv was also overrun by Russian paratroopers even as Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country has been "left on its own" while warning that Russian "sabotage groups" had entered Kyiv. Also Read in Pics: Russia's Kinzhal hypersonic missiles As heavy fighting continued around Ukraine's capital, French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told a radio station that, "Putin has decided to take Ukraine off the map of nations." Le Drian raised concern over possible Russian offensive against ex-Soviet states Georgia and Moldova in the future. (With inputs from Agencies)

Heavy clashes in Kyiv's northern district as Russian forces advance

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.

Russian authorities moved quickly to cancel flights in southern Russia after President Vladimir Putin announced military action against Ukraine.

Newswire AFP reported that Ukraine was under attack from Russia and Belarus border.

Russian and Belarus had earlier taken part in large scale military exercise although Russia had said it had pulled out some troops from Belarus but satellite photos a few days ago suggested military units were still deployed in the area.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/latest-satellite-pictures-show-russian-troop-deployment-near-ukraine-455540">Also Read in Pictures:&nbsp;Latest satellite pictures show Russian troop deployment near Ukraine</a>

As loud explosions were heard across Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said it was "a glaring violation" and a "dark day" for Europe.

The Ukrainian government-held town of Shchastya said it had fallen to Russian-backed eastern insurgents.

"Germany condemns in the strongest possible terms this unscrupulous act by President Putin. Our solidarity goes out to Ukraine and its people," the German chancellor said.

Amid the explosions, air raid sirens rang out in Ukraine's capital Kyiv as the Russian defence ministry said it will not target Ukrainian cities with missiles.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia announces military operations in Ukraine&nbsp;

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Reports said Belarusian troops had joined Russian forces to attack Ukraine.&nbsp;

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. Russian authorities moved quickly to cancel flights in southern Russia after President Vladimir Putin announced military action against Ukraine. Newswire AFP reported that Ukraine was under attack from Russia and Belarus border. Russian and Belarus had earlier taken part in large scale military exercise although Russia had said it had pulled out some troops from Belarus but satellite photos a few days ago suggested military units were still deployed in the area. Also Read in Pictures: Latest satellite pictures show Russian troop deployment near Ukraine As loud explosions were heard across Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said it was "a glaring violation" and a "dark day" for Europe. The Ukrainian government-held town of Shchastya said it had fallen to Russian-backed eastern insurgents. "Germany condemns in the strongest possible terms this unscrupulous act by President Putin. Our solidarity goes out to Ukraine and its people," the German chancellor said. Amid the explosions, air raid sirens rang out in Ukraine's capital Kyiv as the Russian defence ministry said it will not target Ukrainian cities with missiles. Watch: Russia announces military operations in Ukraine Reports said Belarusian troops had joined Russian forces to attack Ukraine.

Ukraine under attack along Russia, Belarus borders: Report

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's defence ministry said there was "no threat to Ukraine's citizens" while declaring that it will not carry out missile strikes on Ukraine's cities.

Ukraine closed its airspace to civilian aircraft after loud explosions could be heard in Kharkiv including in eastern Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-updates-russia-ukraine-crisis-loud-explosions-heard-in-kyiv-black-sea-port-of-odessa-455211">Also Read: Ukraine-Russia conflict: Live Blog as it happens</a>

Explosions were also heard in Ukraine's Black Sea port Odessa and capital Kyiv.

NATO chief General Jens Stoltenberg condemned the attack saying "despite our repeated warnings and tireless efforts to engage in diplomacy".

Russia's ambassador to the United Nations told an emergency Security Council that Moscow's military operation against Ukraine was targeting "the junta" in power.

Russia said Ukraine's "air defences will be disabled" even as explosions were heard in Mariupol.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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's defence ministry said there was "no threat to Ukraine's citizens" while declaring that it will not carry out missile strikes on Ukraine's cities. Ukraine closed its airspace to civilian aircraft after loud explosions could be heard in Kharkiv including in eastern Ukraine. Also Read: Ukraine-Russia conflict: Live Blog as it happens Explosions were also heard in Ukraine's Black Sea port Odessa and capital Kyiv. NATO chief General Jens Stoltenberg condemned the attack saying "despite our repeated warnings and tireless efforts to engage in diplomacy". Russia's ambassador to the United Nations told an emergency Security Council that Moscow's military operation against Ukraine was targeting "the junta" in power. Russia said Ukraine's "air defences will be disabled" even as explosions were heard in Mariupol. (With inputs from Agencies)

Won't carry out missile strikes on Ukraine's cities: Russian defence ministry

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.

As Russian strikes continued, Ukraine's military claimed at least "50 Russian occupiers" were killed.&nbsp;

"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/photos/war-zone-ukraines-us-made-javelin-anti-tank-missile-vs-russian-t-72-beasts-451693">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Ukraine's US-made Javelin anti-tank missile vs Russian T-72 beasts</a>

Ukraine's border guards said at least three military personnel were killed after Russian forces launched&nbsp;attacks in the border areas. Ukraine said the&nbsp;military death toll had risen to five amid Russian strikes on Thursday.

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<h5>Meanwhile, an aide to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that over 40 Ukrainian soldiers and around 10 civilians died in the first hours of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "I know that more than 40 have been killed and several dozen wounded. I am aware of nearly 10 civilian losses, "presidential administration aide Oleksiy Arestovych told reporters.</h5>
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I know that more than 40 have been killed and several dozen wounded. I am aware of nearly 10 civilian losses, presidential administration aide Oleksiy Arestovych told reporters." target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
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The border guards said Russian forces were launching attacks with rockets and helicopters from several directions.

Watch:&nbsp;WION speaks to an Indian student living in Ukraine amid the Russian strikes

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Meanwhile, Ukraine's Major General Valeriy Zaluzhny said President Zelensky had ordered its forces to "inflict maximum losses against the aggressor".

Amid the attacks, Russia said it was closing shipping in Azov Sea until further notice.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraines-challenge-how-russia-uses-spetsnaz-as-tip-of-the-spear-450702">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;How Russia uses Spetsnaz as 'tip of the spear'</a>

Ukraine President's adviser Mykhailo Podoliak said: "The armed forces of Ukraine are waging heavy combat," while adding,"We have losses."

"In several places, the Russian armed forces have been repelled," the president's adviser added.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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. As Russian strikes continued, 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 in Pics: Ukraine's US-made Javelin anti-tank missile vs Russian T-72 beasts Ukraine's border guards said at least three military personnel were killed after Russian forces launched attacks in the border areas. Ukraine said the military death toll had risen to five amid Russian strikes on Thursday. Meanwhile, an aide to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday that over 40 Ukrainian soldiers and around 10 civilians died in the first hours of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. "I know that more than 40 have been killed and several dozen wounded. I am aware of nearly 10 civilian losses, "presidential administration aide Oleksiy Arestovych told reporters. × The border guards said Russian forces were launching attacks with rockets and helicopters from several directions. Watch: WION speaks to an Indian student living in Ukraine amid the Russian strikes Meanwhile, Ukraine's Major General Valeriy Zaluzhny said President Zelensky had ordered its forces to "inflict maximum losses against the aggressor". Amid the attacks, Russia said it was closing shipping in Azov Sea until further notice. Also Read in Pics: How Russia uses Spetsnaz as 'tip of the spear' Ukraine President's adviser Mykhailo Podoliak said: "The armed forces of Ukraine are waging heavy combat," while adding,"We have losses." "In several places, the Russian armed forces have been repelled," the president's adviser added. (With inputs from Agencies)

'50 Russian occupiers killed': We have losses, says Ukraine as casualties rise

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.

Ukrainian authorities said one person was killed and one injured in the Kyiv region as explosions could be heard in the capital as&nbsp;President Putin on Thursday ordered military action against Ukraine.

Russia's defence ministry said it had attacked military bases in Ukraine adding, "military infrastructure at Ukrainian army airbases has been rendered out of action."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/target-ukraine-russias-icbm-strategy-revealed-455357">Also Read in Pics|&nbsp;Target Ukraine: Russia's ICBM strategy revealed</a>

Amid strikes by Russian forces, Ukraine's defence ministry claimed it had shot down five Russian planes including a helicopter in the eastern region.

Watch:&nbsp;Military infrastructure being disabled in Ukraine, says Russia

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"According to the Joint Forces Command, today, February 24, in the area of the Joint Forces operation, five planes and a helicopter of the aggressors were shot down," the Ukraine military said.

Reports claimed Ukraine had come under attack from Belarus as President Alexander Lukashenko called a meeting with his army chiefs.

<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>

Reports said Belarusian troops had joined Russian forces to attack Ukraine. As air raid sires rang out in Kyiv as&nbsp;reports said all Russian diplomats were evacuated from Kyiv.

Meanwhile, Russian-backed separatists said they had shot down two Ukrainian drones. Ukrainian border guards reported that the Russian military had crossed Ukraine's border into Chernihiv, Kharviv and Luhansk region.

Newswire Reuters reported that armoured tanks were&nbsp;heading towards Mariupol. Earlier explosions were heard in Mariupol after Putin had ordered military action against Ukraine.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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. Ukrainian authorities said one person was killed and one injured in the Kyiv region as explosions could be heard in the capital as President Putin on Thursday ordered military action against Ukraine. Russia's defence ministry said it had attacked military bases in Ukraine adding, "military infrastructure at Ukrainian army airbases has been rendered out of action." Also Read in Pics| Target Ukraine: Russia's ICBM strategy revealed Amid strikes by Russian forces, Ukraine's defence ministry claimed it had shot down five Russian planes including a helicopter in the eastern region. Watch: Military infrastructure being disabled in Ukraine, says Russia "According to the Joint Forces Command, today, February 24, in the area of the Joint Forces operation, five planes and a helicopter of the aggressors were shot down," the Ukraine military said. Reports claimed Ukraine had come under attack from Belarus as President Alexander Lukashenko called a meeting with his army chiefs. Also Read in Pics | Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile Reports said Belarusian troops had joined Russian forces to attack Ukraine. As air raid sires rang out in Kyiv as reports said all Russian diplomats were evacuated from Kyiv. Meanwhile, Russian-backed separatists said they had shot down two Ukrainian drones. Ukrainian border guards reported that the Russian military had crossed Ukraine's border into Chernihiv, Kharviv and Luhansk region. Newswire Reuters reported that armoured tanks were heading towards Mariupol. Earlier explosions were heard in Mariupol after Putin had ordered military action against Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies)

Ukraine's army airbases rendered out of action, says Russia

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

Latest satellite pictures show Russian troop deployment near Ukraine

US President Joe Biden imposed fresh sanctions on Russia while declaring that invasion of Ukraine had begun as Russian lawmakers gave Putin approval to deploy "peacekeepers" in two Ukrainian regions.

"There's no question that Russia is the aggressor, so we're clear eyed about the challenges we're facing," Biden said while adding that, "there is still time to avert the worst-case scenario that will bring untold suffering to millions of people."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/target-ukraine-russias-icbm-strategy-revealed-455357">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Target Ukraine: Russia's ICBM strategy revealed</a>

Putin on Monday had declared that Russia will recognise Donetsk and Lugansk situated in eastern Ukraine as separate republics while&nbsp;declaring&nbsp;that the Minsk peace agreements on Ukraine's conflict no longer existed.

Watch:&nbsp;Inside Vladimir Putin's mind

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"The best solution would be if the current Kyiv authorities themselves refused to join NATO and maintained neutrality," Putin said as NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Russia "continues to plan for a full-scale attack on Ukraine."

Germany on Tuesday announced halting of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project with Russia as the UK and the European Union announced more sanctions against Russia.

<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>

US Secretary of state Antony Blinken cancelled his meeting with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov adding that "it does not make&nbsp;sense to go forward with that meeting" since "invasion is beginning and Russia has made clear its wholesale rejection of diplomacy".

Biden added that the US would continue to provide defensive weapons to Ukraine and reinforce NATO troops amid Russian threat of invasion on Ukraine.

Amid escalating tensions, reports said one Ukrainian soldier died in clashes on Tuesday in the separatist region of eastern Ukraine.

(With inputs from Agencies)

US President Joe Biden imposed fresh sanctions on Russia while declaring that invasion of Ukraine had begun as Russian lawmakers gave Putin approval to deploy "peacekeepers" in two Ukrainian regions.

US President Joe Biden imposed fresh sanctions on Russia while declaring that invasion of Ukraine had begun as Russian lawmakers gave Putin approval to deploy "peacekeepers" in two Ukrainian regions. "There's no question that Russia is the aggressor, so we're clear eyed about the challenges we're facing," Biden said while adding that, "there is still time to avert the worst-case scenario that will bring untold suffering to millions of people." Also Read in Pics: Target Ukraine: Russia's ICBM strategy revealed Putin on Monday had declared that Russia will recognise Donetsk and Lugansk situated in eastern Ukraine as separate republics while declaring that the Minsk peace agreements on Ukraine's conflict no longer existed. Watch: Inside Vladimir Putin's mind "The best solution would be if the current Kyiv authorities themselves refused to join NATO and maintained neutrality," Putin said as NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Russia "continues to plan for a full-scale attack on Ukraine." Germany on Tuesday announced halting of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project with Russia as the UK and the European Union announced more sanctions against Russia. Also Read in Pics: How Putin built Russia's Army as a potent force US Secretary of state Antony Blinken cancelled his meeting with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov adding that "it does not make sense to go forward with that meeting" since "invasion is beginning and Russia has made clear its wholesale rejection of diplomacy". Biden added that the US would continue to provide defensive weapons to Ukraine and reinforce NATO troops amid Russian threat of invasion on Ukraine. Amid escalating tensions, reports said one Ukrainian soldier died in clashes on Tuesday in the separatist region of eastern Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Beginning an invasion': US imposes fresh sanctions against Russia

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

Satellite pictures show Russian helicopters still parked in Crimea

As the Biden administration clamours on the imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine, the United States has said that it expects India to side with the West if Kremlin goes ahead it with its alleged insurrection plan.

Even though Russia has said that it is drawing down troops near its neighbour’s borders, US has viewed the claims with scepticism.

America claimed that Russia has added 7,000 more troops near the Ukraine borders in recent days, with Biden saying that the possibility of Russian invasion remains “very high”.

While speaking to reporters on Wednesday, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that there was a discussion on Russia and Ukraine during the recently concluded Quad ministerial in Melbourne that saw the participation of foreign ministers from Australia, India, Japan and the US.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-west-must-not-be-fooled-by-russias-claims-uk-foreign-secretary-liz-truss-454005">The West must not be fooled by Russia's claims: UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss</a>

He said there was a “strong consensus” on for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis.

“One of the core tenants of the Quad is to reinforce the rules-based international order. And that is a rules-based order that applies equally in the Indo-Pacific as it does in Europe, as it does anywhere else. We know that our Indian partners are committed to that rules-based international order. There are any number of tenets in that order. One of them is that borders cannot be redrawn by force,” Price said in response to a question.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-pulling-back-more-troops-but-us-says-moscow-could-launch-false-pretext-to-invade-ukraine-454028" hreflang="en">Russia pulling back troops; US says Moscow could use 'false' pretext to invade</a>

“That, large countries cannot bully small countries. That only the people of a particular country can be in a position to choose their foreign policy, their partnerships, their alliances, their associations. Those are principles that apply equally in the Indo-Pacific as they do in Europe,” he said in an apparent reference to the aggressive behaviour by China against its neighbours, including India.

Earlier in the day, Secretary of State Blinken said that the US was doing everything it possibly can to seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis Moscow has “needlessly precipitated”.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the Biden administration clamours on the imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine, the United States has said that it expects India to side with the West if Kremlin goes ahead it with its alleged insurrection plan.

As the Biden administration clamours on the imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine, the United States has said that it expects India to side with the West if Kremlin goes ahead it with its alleged insurrection plan. Even though Russia has said that it is drawing down troops near its neighbour’s borders, US has viewed the claims with scepticism. America claimed that Russia has added 7,000 more troops near the Ukraine borders in recent days, with Biden saying that the possibility of Russian invasion remains “very high”. While speaking to reporters on Wednesday, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that there was a discussion on Russia and Ukraine during the recently concluded Quad ministerial in Melbourne that saw the participation of foreign ministers from Australia, India, Japan and the US. Also read | The West must not be fooled by Russia's claims: UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss He said there was a “strong consensus” on for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis. “One of the core tenants of the Quad is to reinforce the rules-based international order. And that is a rules-based order that applies equally in the Indo-Pacific as it does in Europe, as it does anywhere else. We know that our Indian partners are committed to that rules-based international order. There are any number of tenets in that order. One of them is that borders cannot be redrawn by force,” Price said in response to a question. Also read | Russia pulling back troops; US says Moscow could use 'false' pretext to invade “That, large countries cannot bully small countries. That only the people of a particular country can be in a position to choose their foreign policy, their partnerships, their alliances, their associations. Those are principles that apply equally in the Indo-Pacific as they do in Europe,” he said in an apparent reference to the aggressive behaviour by China against its neighbours, including India. Earlier in the day, Secretary of State Blinken said that the US was doing everything it possibly can to seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis Moscow has “needlessly precipitated”. (With inputs from agencies)

Hope India sides with America if Russia invades Ukraine, says US

There were reports of shelling by Russian separatists in the eastern Ukrainian village of Stanytsia-Luganska amid soaring tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

The shell blast hit the wall of a kindergarten used by 20 children and 18 staff. No casualties were reported even as the kids were inside. Reports claimed the kids narrowly escaped with no injuries reported.

<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>

The shell reportedly hit the gym room with staff and children present inside the building. All those inside the building rushed to the other side and hid against the wall on the ground floor as the shell hit the two-storey building.

"A kindergarten was shelled in what we... know was a false flag operation designed to discredit the Ukrainians, designed to create a pretext, a spurious provocation for Russian action," British PM Johnson told British media.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said: "The shelling of a kindergarten... by pro-Russian forces is a big provocation."

Watch |&nbsp;CIA vs&nbsp;KGB: How it is playing out in the Ukraine crisis

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Ukraine's forces have been in conflict with Russia-backed rebels in Donetsk and Lugansk regions. Putin's forces had annexed Crimea in 2014 leading to continued tensions between Ukraine and Russia for the past eight years.

<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>

On Thursday, Ukrainian forces accused the rebels of 34 ceasefire breaches while using heavy weapons with at least two soldiers and five civilians injured during artillery fire.

The incident comes as President Biden said Russia could carry out a "false flag" operation in order to launch an invasion on Ukraine. Amid soaring tensions, Russia expelled two US diplomats.&nbsp;

Joe Biden said the threat of invasion is "very high because they have not moved any of their troops out. They've moved more troops in".&nbsp;

The United States has been saying for months that Russia has amassed over 100,000 troops at the border even though Russian officials including President Putin have denied reports of an imminent Russian invasion.

(With inputs from Agencies)

There were reports of shelling by Russian separatists in the eastern Ukrainian village of Stanytsia-Luganska amid soaring tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The shell blast hit the wall of a kindergarten used by 20 children and 18 staff.

There were reports of shelling by Russian separatists in the eastern Ukrainian village of Stanytsia-Luganska amid soaring tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The shell blast hit the wall of a kindergarten used by 20 children and 18 staff. No casualties were reported even as the kids were inside. Reports claimed the kids narrowly escaped with no injuries reported. Also Read in Pics: Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile The shell reportedly hit the gym room with staff and children present inside the building. All those inside the building rushed to the other side and hid against the wall on the ground floor as the shell hit the two-storey building. "A kindergarten was shelled in what we... know was a false flag operation designed to discredit the Ukrainians, designed to create a pretext, a spurious provocation for Russian action," British PM Johnson told British media. President Volodymyr Zelensky said: "The shelling of a kindergarten... by pro-Russian forces is a big provocation." Watch | CIA vs KGB: How it is playing out in the Ukraine crisis Ukraine's forces have been in conflict with Russia-backed rebels in Donetsk and Lugansk regions. Putin's forces had annexed Crimea in 2014 leading to continued tensions between Ukraine and Russia for the past eight years. Also Read in Pics: How Putin built Russia's Army as a potent force On Thursday, Ukrainian forces accused the rebels of 34 ceasefire breaches while using heavy weapons with at least two soldiers and five civilians injured during artillery fire. The incident comes as President Biden said Russia could carry out a "false flag" operation in order to launch an invasion on Ukraine. Amid soaring tensions, Russia expelled two US diplomats. Joe Biden said the threat of invasion is "very high because they have not moved any of their troops out. They've moved more troops in". The United States has been saying for months that Russia has amassed over 100,000 troops at the border even though Russian officials including President Putin have denied reports of an imminent Russian invasion. (With inputs from Agencies)

Ukraine kindergarten attack was 'false flag' : PM Johnson

Latest satellite pictures show Russian SU-34 fighters parked near Ukraine border

Satellite images show Russian troop deployment around Ukraine, Crimea

Amid tensions with Russia, French President Macron called for "firm" dialogue with Putin's even as Russian warships made their way to the Black Sea for naval drills.

"We must find ways and means together to engage in a firm dialogue with Russia," Macron said, adding that it is the "only path to peace in Ukraine". The French president shuttled between Russia and Ukraine in an attempt to broker peace.

Meanwhile, Russian warships made their way towards the Black Sea on Tuesday, passing through Turkey's Bosphorus strait in a pre-planned military drill announced earlier.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/target-ukraine-us-f-35-vs-russian-air-force-su-57-jets-who-wins-450431">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;Target Ukraine: US F-35 vs Russian Air Force SU-57 jets, who wins?</a>

President Tayyip Erdogan has also offered to mediate between Russia and Ukraine with Turkey being a NATO member. Russian warships &nbsp;Korolev, the Minsk and the Kaliningrad passed through the Bosphorus on Tuesday with another three warships - Olenegorsky Gornyak, Georgy Pobedonosets and Pyotr Morgunov set to pass on Wednesday.

The United States has warned for the past few months that Russia is ready to invade Ukraine as it has massed over 100,000 troops along Ukraine's border, President Putin in recent days however has categorically dismissed the report but has insisted that NATO should not extend its border to the eastern front.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia vs Ukraine: Can diplomacy deliver?

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In a security document submitted to NATO and the United States last month, the Kremlin had insisted that NATO should not induct former Soviet countries into its fold referring to Ukraine. The European alliance however dismissed the suggestion.

<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>

Last week, at least 2,000 US troops had arrived in Europe as part of President Biden's push to deploy troops in Romania and Poland to bolster Ukraine and to keep Russia at bay amid hectic diplomatic activity.

After President Macron's visit to the crisis centres, EU's diplomatic chief Josep Borrell pointed out that there is &nbsp;an "element of detente" while adding that "as far as people are willing to sit at the table and talk I think that there is a hope for not going into military confrontation." &nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions with Russia, French President Macron called for "firm" dialogue with Putin's even as Russian warships made their way to the Black Sea for naval drills.

Amid tensions with Russia, French President Macron called for "firm" dialogue with Putin's even as Russian warships made their way to the Black Sea for naval drills. "We must find ways and means together to engage in a firm dialogue with Russia," Macron said, adding that it is the "only path to peace in Ukraine". The French president shuttled between Russia and Ukraine in an attempt to broker peace. Meanwhile, Russian warships made their way towards the Black Sea on Tuesday, passing through Turkey's Bosphorus strait in a pre-planned military drill announced earlier. Also Read in Pics | Target Ukraine: US F-35 vs Russian Air Force SU-57 jets, who wins? President Tayyip Erdogan has also offered to mediate between Russia and Ukraine with Turkey being a NATO member. Russian warships Korolev, the Minsk and the Kaliningrad passed through the Bosphorus on Tuesday with another three warships - Olenegorsky Gornyak, Georgy Pobedonosets and Pyotr Morgunov set to pass on Wednesday. The United States has warned for the past few months that Russia is ready to invade Ukraine as it has massed over 100,000 troops along Ukraine's border, President Putin in recent days however has categorically dismissed the report but has insisted that NATO should not extend its border to the eastern front. Watch | Russia vs Ukraine: Can diplomacy deliver? In a security document submitted to NATO and the United States last month, the Kremlin had insisted that NATO should not induct former Soviet countries into its fold referring to Ukraine. The European alliance however dismissed the suggestion. Also Read in Pics: US THAAD vs Russian S-400 missile defence system Last week, at least 2,000 US troops had arrived in Europe as part of President Biden's push to deploy troops in Romania and Poland to bolster Ukraine and to keep Russia at bay amid hectic diplomatic activity. After President Macron's visit to the crisis centres, EU's diplomatic chief Josep Borrell pointed out that there is an "element of detente" while adding that "as far as people are willing to sit at the table and talk I think that there is a hope for not going into military confrontation." (With inputs from Agencies)

Ukraine crisis: Macron pushes for peace as Russian warships head to the Black Sea for drills

Amid tensions with Russia, US President Joe Biden said that "if Russia invades then there will be no longer a Nord Stream 2."

The US president was speaking during a joint news conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who backed the idea of blocking the pipeline.

"We are acting together. We are absolutely united and we will not be taking different steps," the German Chancellor said.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was ready for a compromise after his talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.

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"A number of his ideas, proposals are possible as a basis for further steps," the Russian president said, adding, "We will do everything to find compromises that suit everyone."

President Macron is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Tuesday amid hectic diplomatic activity to prevent an invasion which the US has warned would have disastrous consequences for Russia.

Watch:&nbsp;WION's ringside at Ukraine military drill

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President Biden said Russia has to adhere to "long-standing principles of rules-based international order" as he asserted that Germany and the US have been working closely to find "diplomatic resolutions" to tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

The US has warned Russia is ready to invade Ukraine with over 100,000 troops massed at the border, however, Russian President Putin has repeatedly said his regime has no invasion plans while pointing out that Russian troops have the right to move around anywhere inside the country's territory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/target-ukraine-us-f-35-vs-russian-air-force-su-57-jets-who-wins-450431">Also Read in Pics|&nbsp;Target Ukraine: US F-35 vs Russian Air Force SU-57 jets, who wins?</a>

President Biden emphasised that talks with Russia will continue in "good faith" as Germany pushes for de-escalation of tension and ensure dialogue under the Normandy format as both the German Chancellor and the US president hoped for a diplomatic solution to the crisis.

"But if Russia makes a choice to further invade Ukraine, we are jointly ready and all of NATO is ready," President Biden warned.

(With inputs from Agencies)

 
&nbsp;

Amid tensions with Russia, US President Joe Biden said that "if Russia invades then there will be no longer a Nord Stream 2." The US president was speaking during a joint news conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who backed the idea of blocking the pipeline.

Amid tensions with Russia, US President Joe Biden said that "if Russia invades then there will be no longer a Nord Stream 2." The US president was speaking during a joint news conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who backed the idea of blocking the pipeline. "We are acting together. We are absolutely united and we will not be taking different steps," the German Chancellor said. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was ready for a compromise after his talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. Also Read in Pics: Ukraine's challenge: How Russia uses Spetsnaz as 'tip of the spear' "A number of his ideas, proposals are possible as a basis for further steps," the Russian president said, adding, "We will do everything to find compromises that suit everyone." President Macron is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Tuesday amid hectic diplomatic activity to prevent an invasion which the US has warned would have disastrous consequences for Russia. Watch: WION's ringside at Ukraine military drill President Biden said Russia has to adhere to "long-standing principles of rules-based international order" as he asserted that Germany and the US have been working closely to find "diplomatic resolutions" to tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The US has warned Russia is ready to invade Ukraine with over 100,000 troops massed at the border, however, Russian President Putin has repeatedly said his regime has no invasion plans while pointing out that Russian troops have the right to move around anywhere inside the country's territory. Also Read in Pics| Target Ukraine: US F-35 vs Russian Air Force SU-57 jets, who wins? President Biden emphasised that talks with Russia will continue in "good faith" as Germany pushes for de-escalation of tension and ensure dialogue under the Normandy format as both the German Chancellor and the US president hoped for a diplomatic solution to the crisis. "But if Russia makes a choice to further invade Ukraine, we are jointly ready and all of NATO is ready," President Biden warned. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Will find compromises': No Nord Stream 2 if Russia invades Ukraine, says Biden

After China backed Russia on its stand that NATO should not enlist new members, China's mission to the European Union further reiterated its stand.

"Thirty years after the end of the Cold War, NATO continues to expand its geography and range of operations, engage in bloc politics and confrontation. This is not contributing to global security and stability", China's Mission to the European Union said.

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In a joint statement just ahead of the Beijing Winter Olympics last week, the two sides had opposed the further expansion of NATO.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Chinese President had met last week in Beijing before the Winter Olympics as the two leaders cemented ties&nbsp;even as China faces diplomatic boycott by the US, Australia and other nations over its human rights record.

Watch:&nbsp;&nbsp;The story of Euromaidan

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President Putin has repeatedly said the European military alliance should not extend its borders on the eastern front. Kremlin had earlier submitted a security document to NATO and US urging it not to induct former Soviet states into the military group referring to Ukraine.

Russia and China had also expressed concern over the AUKUS defence alliance comprising of the UK, Australia and the United States.

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NATO chief General Jens Stoltenberg however hit out at China and Russia asserting that it is not about NATO but it was about "respecting the right of every sovereign nation".

US has been warning for the past few months that Russia is ready to invade Ukraine with over 100,000 Russian troops massing the border with Ukraine, however, Putin has dismissed reports of an invasion however he has maintained that his troops have the right to move anywhere inside their own territory.&nbsp;

The Biden administration decided to send 5,000 troops to Europe to bolster Ukraine as 2,000 troops arrived in Germany. The US troops will be stationed in Romania and Poland.

(With inputs from Agencies)

After China backed Russia on its stand that NATO should not enlist new members, China's mission to the European Union further reiterated its stand. "Thirty years after the end of the Cold War, NATO continues to expand its geography and range of operations, engage in bloc politics and confrontation.

After China backed Russia on its stand that NATO should not enlist new members, China's mission to the European Union further reiterated its stand. "Thirty years after the end of the Cold War, NATO continues to expand its geography and range of operations, engage in bloc politics and confrontation. This is not contributing to global security and stability", China's Mission to the European Union said. Also Read in Pics: Target Ukraine: US F-35 vs Russian Air Force SU-57 jets, who wins? In a joint statement just ahead of the Beijing Winter Olympics last week, the two sides had opposed the further expansion of NATO. Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Chinese President had met last week in Beijing before the Winter Olympics as the two leaders cemented ties even as China faces diplomatic boycott by the US, Australia and other nations over its human rights record. Watch: The story of Euromaidan President Putin has repeatedly said the European military alliance should not extend its borders on the eastern front. Kremlin had earlier submitted a security document to NATO and US urging it not to induct former Soviet states into the military group referring to Ukraine. Russia and China had also expressed concern over the AUKUS defence alliance comprising of the UK, Australia and the United States. Also Read in Pics| Ukraine's challenge - How Russia uses Spetsnaz as 'tip of the spear' NATO chief General Jens Stoltenberg however hit out at China and Russia asserting that it is not about NATO but it was about "respecting the right of every sovereign nation". US has been warning for the past few months that Russia is ready to invade Ukraine with over 100,000 Russian troops massing the border with Ukraine, however, Putin has dismissed reports of an invasion however he has maintained that his troops have the right to move anywhere inside their own territory. The Biden administration decided to send 5,000 troops to Europe to bolster Ukraine as 2,000 troops arrived in Germany. The US troops will be stationed in Romania and Poland. (With inputs from Agencies)

38 years after end of the Cold War, NATO continues to expand: China to EU

Ukraine's challenge: How Russia uses Spetsnaz as 'tip of the spear'

The United States has acquired intelligence about a Russian plan to fabricate a pretext for an invasion of Ukraine using a faked video that would build on recent disinformation campaigns, according to senior administration officials and others briefed on the material.

The plan — which the United States hopes to spoil by making public — involved staging and filming a fabricated attack by the Ukrainian military either on Russian territory or against Russian-speaking people in eastern Ukraine.

Russia, the officials said, intended to use the video to accuse Ukraine of “genocide” against Russian-speaking people. It would then use the report to justify an attack or have separatist leaders in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine invite a Russian intervention.

Officials would not release any direct evidence of the Russian plan or how they learned of it, saying to do so would compromise their sources and methods. But both a recent Russian disinformation campaign focused on false accusations of genocide and the recent political actions being taken in the Russian parliament to recognize breakaway governments in Ukraine lent credence to the intelligence.

If carried out, the Russian operation would be an expansion of a propaganda theme that U.S. intelligence officials and outside experts have said Moscow has been pushing on social media, conspiracy sites and with state-controlled media since November.

The planned video was elaborate, officials said, with graphic images of the staged, corpse-strewn aftermath of an explosion, film of destroyed locations, faked Ukrainian military equipment, Turkish-made drones and actors playing Russian-speaking mourners.

American officials would not say who in Russia precisely was planning the operation, but a senior administration official said that “Russian intelligence is intimately involved in this effort.”

A British government official said that they had done their own analysis on the intelligence and had high confidence that Russia was planning to engineer a pretext to blame Ukraine for an attack. The specific reporting details, the official said, are “credible and extremely concerning.”

While it is not clear that senior Russian officials approved the operation, it was far along in the planning, and the United States had high confidence that it was under serious consideration, officials said. Russian officials had found corpses to use in the video, discussed actors to play mourners and plotted how to make military equipment in the video appear Ukrainian or NATO-supplied.

While the plan sounded far-fetched, American officials said they believed it could have worked to provide a spark for a Russian military operation — an outcome they said they hoped would be made less likely by exposing the effort publicly.

The highlights of the intelligence have been declassified in hopes of both derailing the plan and convincing allies and officials of the seriousness of the Russian planning. The officials interviewed for this article requested anonymity to discuss declassified but sensitive intelligence before it was released publicly.

Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence, and other top administration officials briefed members of Congress on the material Thursday. Details of the information have also been shared with allies as the United States and Britain push a kind of intelligence diplomacy.

In recent weeks both Washington and London have outlined elements of Moscow’s war planning, highlighting planned troop buildups, exposing false-flag sabotage plots and revealing Russian plans to install a friendly government in Kyiv, Ukraine.

The strategy aims to persuade allies and partners over that Russia is not posturing and has real war plans that it could put into effect. The releases also aim to force Russia to drop and redraft plans, further delaying any invasion plan.

The longer the international community can delay a decision by Russian President Vladimir Putin about whether to approve a military operation against Ukraine, the more of a chance there is that he will reconsider his plans, according to diplomats.

Some officials in the U.S. and Britain think Putin has underestimated how many casualties his military would suffer in any direct invasion of Ukraine.

The intelligence diplomacy push is modelled in part on Britain’s efforts to rally a strong response to the Russian nerve agent attack in England in 2018. The British government released information on Russian involvement publicly and shared other intelligence privately as it pushed allies to expel Russian diplomats in response.

The move to publicize the plan comes as the Duma, the Russian parliament, begins to consider legislation to recognize eastern Ukraine as an independent territory, much as they have recognized Russian-occupied areas of Georgia.

If the Russian parliament were to recognize the Donbas region of Ukraine as an independent state, a Moscow-appointed leader of that breakaway state could then request help from Putin. Putin has argued many times that in such a case, an intervention would be in keeping with international law and precedents set by the United States.

American officials believe the plans for the video included Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones that have been used by the Ukrainian army.

In November, the Ukrainian army used one of the drones to launch a counterattack on a howitzer used by Russian-led separatist forces to kill a Ukrainian soldier. Russia scrambled jets, and the situation escalated.

Russian disinformation in recent weeks has accused NATO of planning an invasion or intervention into Ukraine, a false claim. Highlighting the presence of weapons made by Turkey, a NATO ally, would allow the Russians to accuse the alliance of helping raise tensions in the conflict and being culpable in the death of Russian speakers.

The draft law under consideration in Russia would recognize what Moscow calls the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics. Russia considered recognizing governments in the separatists-controlled region in 2014 but ultimately backed down.

The proposal was revived by members of the Communist Party, the second-largest faction in the Russian Duma, in recent days. The Russian parliamentarians pushing the law have argued that Ukraine is planning an offensive to reassert control of the area. If that happens, the Russian lawmakers argue, Russian-speaking residents will be denied basic rights.

Ukrainian oppression of Russian speakers in Eastern Ukraine is a common theme of Russian state media and websites controlled by Russian intelligence services. But the reality is that language is not the hard dividing line in Ukraine that Moscow suggests.

The United States has acquired intelligence about a Russian plan to fabricate a pretext for an invasion of Ukraine using a faked video that would build on recent disinformation campaigns, according to senior administration officials and others briefed on the material.

The United States has acquired intelligence about a Russian plan to fabricate a pretext for an invasion of Ukraine using a faked video that would build on recent disinformation campaigns, according to senior administration officials and others briefed on the material. The plan — which the United States hopes to spoil by making public — involved staging and filming a fabricated attack by the Ukrainian military either on Russian territory or against Russian-speaking people in eastern Ukraine. Russia, the officials said, intended to use the video to accuse Ukraine of “genocide” against Russian-speaking people. It would then use the report to justify an attack or have separatist leaders in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine invite a Russian intervention. Officials would not release any direct evidence of the Russian plan or how they learned of it, saying to do so would compromise their sources and methods. But both a recent Russian disinformation campaign focused on false accusations of genocide and the recent political actions being taken in the Russian parliament to recognize breakaway governments in Ukraine lent credence to the intelligence. If carried out, the Russian operation would be an expansion of a propaganda theme that U.S. intelligence officials and outside experts have said Moscow has been pushing on social media, conspiracy sites and with state-controlled media since November. The planned video was elaborate, officials said, with graphic images of the staged, corpse-strewn aftermath of an explosion, film of destroyed locations, faked Ukrainian military equipment, Turkish-made drones and actors playing Russian-speaking mourners. American officials would not say who in Russia precisely was planning the operation, but a senior administration official said that “Russian intelligence is intimately involved in this effort.” A British government official said that they had done their own analysis on the intelligence and had high confidence that Russia was planning to engineer a pretext to blame Ukraine for an attack. The specific reporting details, the official said, are “credible and extremely concerning.” While it is not clear that senior Russian officials approved the operation, it was far along in the planning, and the United States had high confidence that it was under serious consideration, officials said. Russian officials had found corpses to use in the video, discussed actors to play mourners and plotted how to make military equipment in the video appear Ukrainian or NATO-supplied. While the plan sounded far-fetched, American officials said they believed it could have worked to provide a spark for a Russian military operation — an outcome they said they hoped would be made less likely by exposing the effort publicly. The highlights of the intelligence have been declassified in hopes of both derailing the plan and convincing allies and officials of the seriousness of the Russian planning. The officials interviewed for this article requested anonymity to discuss declassified but sensitive intelligence before it was released publicly. Avril Haines, the director of national intelligence, and other top administration officials briefed members of Congress on the material Thursday. Details of the information have also been shared with allies as the United States and Britain push a kind of intelligence diplomacy. In recent weeks both Washington and London have outlined elements of Moscow’s war planning, highlighting planned troop buildups, exposing false-flag sabotage plots and revealing Russian plans to install a friendly government in Kyiv, Ukraine. The strategy aims to persuade allies and partners over that Russia is not posturing and has real war plans that it could put into effect. The releases also aim to force Russia to drop and redraft plans, further delaying any invasion plan. The longer the international community can delay a decision by Russian President Vladimir Putin about whether to approve a military operation against Ukraine, the more of a chance there is that he will reconsider his plans, according to diplomats. Some officials in the U.S. and Britain think Putin has underestimated how many casualties his military would suffer in any direct invasion of Ukraine. The intelligence diplomacy push is modelled in part on Britain’s efforts to rally a strong response to the Russian nerve agent attack in England in 2018. The British government released information on Russian involvement publicly and shared other intelligence privately as it pushed allies to expel Russian diplomats in response. The move to publicize the plan comes as the Duma, the Russian parliament, begins to consider legislation to recognize eastern Ukraine as an independent territory, much as they have recognized Russian-occupied areas of Georgia. If the Russian parliament were to recognize the Donbas region of Ukraine as an independent state, a Moscow-appointed leader of that breakaway state could then request help from Putin. Putin has argued many times that in such a case, an intervention would be in keeping with international law and precedents set by the United States. American officials believe the plans for the video included Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones that have been used by the Ukrainian army. In November, the Ukrainian army used one of the drones to launch a counterattack on a howitzer used by Russian-led separatist forces to kill a Ukrainian soldier. Russia scrambled jets, and the situation escalated. Russian disinformation in recent weeks has accused NATO of planning an invasion or intervention into Ukraine, a false claim. Highlighting the presence of weapons made by Turkey, a NATO ally, would allow the Russians to accuse the alliance of helping raise tensions in the conflict and being culpable in the death of Russian speakers. The draft law under consideration in Russia would recognize what Moscow calls the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics. Russia considered recognizing governments in the separatists-controlled region in 2014 but ultimately backed down. The proposal was revived by members of the Communist Party, the second-largest faction in the Russian Duma, in recent days. The Russian parliamentarians pushing the law have argued that Ukraine is planning an offensive to reassert control of the area. If that happens, the Russian lawmakers argue, Russian-speaking residents will be denied basic rights. Ukrainian oppression of Russian speakers in Eastern Ukraine is a common theme of Russian state media and websites controlled by Russian intelligence services. But the reality is that language is not the hard dividing line in Ukraine that Moscow suggests.

US exposes what it says is Russian effort to fabricate pretext for invasion

The Pentagon said today that Russia may "fabricate a pretext for an invasion" against Ukraine.

"As part of this fake attack, we believe that Russia would produce a very graphic propaganda video, which would include corpses and actors that would be depicting mourners and images of destroyed locations," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

However, US officials said the latest development was reported by intelligence sources while adding that there&nbsp;were no videos available at the moment.

The spokesman said, "I'm not going to spell out what is in our possession" even as Russia condemned American troop deployments in the region.

<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>

The United States has been warning for months that Russia is planning an invasion against Ukraine while massing thousands of troops at the border. President Putin has repeatedly denied any invasion plans while insisting that Russian troops have the right the move around anywhere inside their own territory.

Watch: Gravitas |&nbsp;US deploys 3,000 soldiers to Europe

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"We've seen these kinds of activity by the Russians in the past and we believe it's important when we see it like this that we can call it out," Kirby said, adding,"I would just say that our experience is that very little of this nature is not approved at the highest levels of the Russian government."

Pentagon said Russia is planning to "initiate and potentially justify military aggression against Ukraine" by developing a "fake pretext". Russia however dismissed reports of trying to manufacture a conflict.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-checkmate-why-the-orion-combat-drone-is-a-gamechanger-446455">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger</a>

"It's obvious that these are not steps aimed at de-escalating tensions, but on the contrary, they are actions that lead to increasing tensions," Kremlin spokesman said referring to the Biden administration's decision to send 3,000 troops to Poland and Romania.&nbsp;

The Kremlin spokesman added that Russian officials have been trying to "call on American counterparts to stop aggravating tensions", but "unfortunately, the Americans continue to do so".

Amid escalating tensions, NATO chief Stoltenberg said more Russian troops had arrived in Belarus with both countries conducting joint drills, asserting that it was the &nbsp;"biggest Russian deployment there since the Cold War".

(With inputs from Agencies)

The Pentagon said today that Russia may "fabricate a pretext for an invasion" against Ukraine. "As part of this fake attack, we believe that Russia would produce a very graphic propaganda video, which would include corpses and actors that would be depicting mourners and images of destroyed locations," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

The Pentagon said today that Russia may "fabricate a pretext for an invasion" against Ukraine. "As part of this fake attack, we believe that Russia would produce a very graphic propaganda video, which would include corpses and actors that would be depicting mourners and images of destroyed locations," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said. However, US officials said the latest development was reported by intelligence sources while adding that there were no videos available at the moment. The spokesman said, "I'm not going to spell out what is in our possession" even as Russia condemned American troop deployments in the region. Also Read in Pics: Skyfall, Avangard, Sarmat: Russia's new killer 'superpower' weapons revealed The United States has been warning for months that Russia is planning an invasion against Ukraine while massing thousands of troops at the border. President Putin has repeatedly denied any invasion plans while insisting that Russian troops have the right the move around anywhere inside their own territory. Watch: Gravitas | US deploys 3,000 soldiers to Europe "We've seen these kinds of activity by the Russians in the past and we believe it's important when we see it like this that we can call it out," Kirby said, adding,"I would just say that our experience is that very little of this nature is not approved at the highest levels of the Russian government." Pentagon said Russia is planning to "initiate and potentially justify military aggression against Ukraine" by developing a "fake pretext". Russia however dismissed reports of trying to manufacture a conflict. Also Read in Pics | Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger "It's obvious that these are not steps aimed at de-escalating tensions, but on the contrary, they are actions that lead to increasing tensions," Kremlin spokesman said referring to the Biden administration's decision to send 3,000 troops to Poland and Romania. The Kremlin spokesman added that Russian officials have been trying to "call on American counterparts to stop aggravating tensions", but "unfortunately, the Americans continue to do so". Amid escalating tensions, NATO chief Stoltenberg said more Russian troops had arrived in Belarus with both countries conducting joint drills, asserting that it was the "biggest Russian deployment there since the Cold War". (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia will produce graphic propaganda video as pretext for an invasion against Ukraine: US

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United States President Joe Biden has warned of a “distinct possibility” of Russian invasion on Ukraine next month, the White House officials have said.

The US president made the comments during a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday.

"President Biden said that there is a distinct possibility that the Russians could invade Ukraine in February," White House National Security Council spokesperson Emily Horne said.

"He has said this publicly and we have been warning about this for months."

The president’s warning comes hours after Russia sounded a grim tone saying that it saw “little ground for optimism” in resolving the crisis after the US this week again rejected Moscow’s security demands.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-russia-invades-ukraine-nord-stream-2-pipeline-will-not-move-forward-us-448278" hreflang="en">If Russia invades Ukraine, Nord Stream 2 pipeline will not move forward: US</a>

During their talk, Biden is said to have “reaffirmed the readiness of the United States along with its allies and partners to respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine,” a White House statement said.

Zelensky said they “discussed recent diplomatic efforts on de-escalation and agreed on joint actions for the future”.

The West has repeatedly claimed that Russia has amassed thousands of troops along the Ukraine border in recent weeks and warned of a potential invasion.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-russia-has-parked-iskander-m-missile-system-along-ukraine-448119">Also Read:&nbsp;Why Russia has parked Iskander-M missile system along Ukraine?</a>

Some western countries have threatened to impose economic sanctions on Russia if the invasion takes place.

However, countries like Germany and the UK have expressed concern over Kremin retaliating with cutting off gas supplies.

Also on Thursday, the US threatened to halt the opening of a key pipeline that would send Russian gas to Western Europe if Russia invades Ukraine.

Nord Stream 2 would run from Russia to Germany, and on Thursday officials in Berlin said the project could face sanctions if Russia attacks.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden has warned of a “distinct possibility” of Russian invasion on Ukraine next month, the White House officials have said. The US president made the comments during a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday.

United States President Joe Biden has warned of a “distinct possibility” of Russian invasion on Ukraine next month, the White House officials have said. The US president made the comments during a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday. "President Biden said that there is a distinct possibility that the Russians could invade Ukraine in February," White House National Security Council spokesperson Emily Horne said. "He has said this publicly and we have been warning about this for months." The president’s warning comes hours after Russia sounded a grim tone saying that it saw “little ground for optimism” in resolving the crisis after the US this week again rejected Moscow’s security demands. Also read | If Russia invades Ukraine, Nord Stream 2 pipeline will not move forward: US During their talk, Biden is said to have “reaffirmed the readiness of the United States along with its allies and partners to respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine,” a White House statement said. Zelensky said they “discussed recent diplomatic efforts on de-escalation and agreed on joint actions for the future”. The West has repeatedly claimed that Russia has amassed thousands of troops along the Ukraine border in recent weeks and warned of a potential invasion. Also Read: Why Russia has parked Iskander-M missile system along Ukraine? Some western countries have threatened to impose economic sanctions on Russia if the invasion takes place. However, countries like Germany and the UK have expressed concern over Kremin retaliating with cutting off gas supplies. Also on Thursday, the US threatened to halt the opening of a key pipeline that would send Russian gas to Western Europe if Russia invades Ukraine. Nord Stream 2 would run from Russia to Germany, and on Thursday officials in Berlin said the project could face sanctions if Russia attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

US President Biden warns Russia may invade Ukraine next month

The US State Department said on Thursday that secretary of state Antony Blinken told Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi that Russian aggression towards Ukraine would lead to "global security and economic risks".

Blinken told the Chinese foreign minister that "de-escalation and diplomacy" was the only way to resolve the crisis.

The US has repeatedly warned that Russia has massed over 100,000 along the Ukraine border with the intention to invade the country even as President Putin has dismissed the allegation asserting that Russian troops can move around anywhere inside the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-us-responds-to-russian-demands-upholds-natos-open-door-policy-447955">Also Read:&nbsp;US responds to Russian demands, upholds NATO's 'open-door' policy</a>

Russia had submitted a security document to the United States and NATO last month directing them not to extend their border to Russia's eastern region referring to Ukraine's participation in the European military alliance.&nbsp;

The Biden administration has however&nbsp;rejected Russia's security demand while calling for a diplomatic solution.

"From our perspective, I can't be more clear -&nbsp;NATO's door is open, remains open, and that is our commitment," Blinken said while clarifying NATO's stand on future membership for Ukraine.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/war-clouds-over-ukraine-explained-in-one-minute-447995/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Chinese foreign ministry backing Russia said the country's&nbsp;"reasonable security concerns should be taken seriously and resolved" while informing Wang told Blinken that "regional security cannot be guaranteed by strengthening or even expanding military blocs". &nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Ukraine and Russian officials met in&nbsp;Paris on Wednesday and agreed to meet in Berlin again in two weeks. Ukraine described it as "good news".

"Russia is likely to remain on a diplomatic track," Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said.

NATO has put 8,500 troops on standby amid escalating tensions at the border between Ukraine and Russia. The US and EU have warned Russia of consequences including severe sanctions if Putin's regime invades Ukraine as NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance is "prepared for the worst".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-normandy-format-talks-and-how-it-can-ease-russia-ukraine-crisis-447836">Also Read:&nbsp;Normandy Format talks and how it can ease Russia-Ukraine crisis</a>

Meanwhile, Ukraine's interior ministry said at least five people were killed after a national guard soldier opened fire at an aerospace factory in Dnipro after an attacker fired with a rifle and fled the area.

(With inputs from Agencies)

The US State Department said on Thursday that secretary of state Antony Blinken told Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi that Russian aggression towards Ukraine would lead to "global security and economic risks".

The US State Department said on Thursday that secretary of state Antony Blinken told Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi that Russian aggression towards Ukraine would lead to "global security and economic risks". Blinken told the Chinese foreign minister that "de-escalation and diplomacy" was the only way to resolve the crisis. The US has repeatedly warned that Russia has massed over 100,000 along the Ukraine border with the intention to invade the country even as President Putin has dismissed the allegation asserting that Russian troops can move around anywhere inside the country. Also Read: US responds to Russian demands, upholds NATO's 'open-door' policy Russia had submitted a security document to the United States and NATO last month directing them not to extend their border to Russia's eastern region referring to Ukraine's participation in the European military alliance. The Biden administration has however rejected Russia's security demand while calling for a diplomatic solution. "From our perspective, I can't be more clear - NATO's door is open, remains open, and that is our commitment," Blinken said while clarifying NATO's stand on future membership for Ukraine. Watch: The Chinese foreign ministry backing Russia said the country's "reasonable security concerns should be taken seriously and resolved" while informing Wang told Blinken that "regional security cannot be guaranteed by strengthening or even expanding military blocs". Meanwhile, Ukraine and Russian officials met in Paris on Wednesday and agreed to meet in Berlin again in two weeks. Ukraine described it as "good news". "Russia is likely to remain on a diplomatic track," Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said. NATO has put 8,500 troops on standby amid escalating tensions at the border between Ukraine and Russia. The US and EU have warned Russia of consequences including severe sanctions if Putin's regime invades Ukraine as NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg said the alliance is "prepared for the worst". Also Read: Normandy Format talks and how it can ease Russia-Ukraine crisis Meanwhile, Ukraine's interior ministry said at least five people were killed after a national guard soldier opened fire at an aerospace factory in Dnipro after an attacker fired with a rifle and fled the area. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia's security concerns should be taken seriously: China tells US on Ukraine crisis

Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border, deputy foreign minister Sergey Ryabkov said that Russia is not afraid of any state, including the United States.

Russia's TASS news agency quoted Russia's deputy foreign minister as saying that, "We are not afraid of anyone, even the US."

Ryabkov added that the US had promised a response over Russia's security guarantee document next week. In the document, Putin's regime had demanded NATO should not expand its influence to Russia's eastern frontier&nbsp;referring to Ukraine.

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Meanwhile,&nbsp;the US said it will conduct NATO naval exercises in the Mediterranean from Monday which would include the aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman amid tensions with Russia.

"Neptune strike 22 is going to run through February 4 and it's designed to demonstrate NATO's ability to integrate the high-end maritime strike capabilities of an aircraft carrier strike group to support the deterrence and defence of the alliance,” said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby.&nbsp;Russia will also be conducting naval excercise in the Mediterranean

Watch:&nbsp;Will Russia go to war?

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On Friday&nbsp;US secretary of state Antony Blinken had met Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov in an attempt to de-escalate the Ukraine crisis as both leaders agreed to keep talking.

Blinken sought to address "mutual concerns" about security as the US secretary of state asserted if Russia chose the path to conflict it would lead to "severe consequences and international condemnation".

Blinken said he told Russia said that if its forces invaded Ukraine then it would be met with "swift, severe and a united response from the United States and its allies".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/satellite-photos-show-russian-troops-deployed-near-ukraine-border-446072">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;Satellite photos show Russian troops deployed near Ukraine border</a>

Russia however insisted that it awaits the US response to the security guarantee. Lavrov added that this is "not the end of our dialogue".&nbsp;

"I can't tell you if we're on the right track or the wrong track. We'll understand this when we receive the American response on paper to all the points in our proposal," Lavrov said.

Amid talks between the top diplomats, Russian troops conducted military drills in the Voronezh region on the border with Ukraine.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border, deputy foreign minister Sergey Ryabkov said that Russia is not afraid of any state, including the United States. Russia's TASS news agency quoted Russia's deputy foreign minister as saying that, "We are not afraid of anyone, even the US.

Amid tensions with Ukraine at the border, deputy foreign minister Sergey Ryabkov said that Russia is not afraid of any state, including the United States. Russia's TASS news agency quoted Russia's deputy foreign minister as saying that, "We are not afraid of anyone, even the US." Ryabkov added that the US had promised a response over Russia's security guarantee document next week. In the document, Putin's regime had demanded NATO should not expand its influence to Russia's eastern frontier referring to Ukraine. Also Read in Pics | Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger Meanwhile, the US said it will conduct NATO naval exercises in the Mediterranean from Monday which would include the aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman amid tensions with Russia. "Neptune strike 22 is going to run through February 4 and it's designed to demonstrate NATO's ability to integrate the high-end maritime strike capabilities of an aircraft carrier strike group to support the deterrence and defence of the alliance,” said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby. Russia will also be conducting naval excercise in the Mediterranean Watch: Will Russia go to war? On Friday US secretary of state Antony Blinken had met Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov in an attempt to de-escalate the Ukraine crisis as both leaders agreed to keep talking. Blinken sought to address "mutual concerns" about security as the US secretary of state asserted if Russia chose the path to conflict it would lead to "severe consequences and international condemnation". Blinken said he told Russia said that if its forces invaded Ukraine then it would be met with "swift, severe and a united response from the United States and its allies". Also Read in Pics | Satellite photos show Russian troops deployed near Ukraine border Russia however insisted that it awaits the US response to the security guarantee. Lavrov added that this is "not the end of our dialogue". "I can't tell you if we're on the right track or the wrong track. We'll understand this when we receive the American response on paper to all the points in our proposal," Lavrov said. Amid talks between the top diplomats, Russian troops conducted military drills in the Voronezh region on the border with Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies)

NATO to conduct naval exercise in Mediterranean amid tensions with Russia

US President Joe Biden spoke for over an hour with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, agreeing to continue and advance their communication ahead of a summit in Geneva early next year.

Their second phone conversation this month occurred amid mounting Western concerns about Russia's force buildup near Ukraine.

The simmering conflict has recently worsened as the Kremlin has stepped up its demands for more security guarantees.&nbsp; 
 
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What was Russia's reaction to the call?

According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned his US counterpart, Joe Biden, that fresh sanctions against Russia over the situation in Ukraine could result in the two countries' relations being severed.

According to Ushakov, Biden warned Putin about further financial, military, and economic sanctions if tensions along Russia's western borders escalated.&nbsp;

"Our president clearly responded that this would be a colossal mistake that of course may result in the full severance of relations," the Kremlin aided said.

He added that such sanctions would have serious consequences and expressed hope this would not happen. 
 
Watch | Ukraine Tensions: Biden and Putin hold 50-minute phone call

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He went on to say that, despite the pleasantries shared, the call constituted a concrete political development.&nbsp;

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What about the United States?

According to the White House, Biden told Putin that if Ukraine is invaded, the United States and its allies will respond forcefully.&nbsp;

"President Biden urged Russia to de-escalate tensions with Ukraine, "White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement.

"He made clear that the United States and its allies and partners will respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine," she added.&nbsp; 
 
Thursday`s phone call was the second conversation between Biden and Putin in December. The two leaders spoke on December 7 in a video conference that ended with a pledge to restart diplomatic discussions, Xinhua news agency reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden spoke for over an hour with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, agreeing to continue and advance their communication ahead of a summit in Geneva early next year.

US President Joe Biden spoke for over an hour with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, agreeing to continue and advance their communication ahead of a summit in Geneva early next year. Their second phone conversation this month occurred amid mounting Western concerns about Russia's force buildup near Ukraine. The simmering conflict has recently worsened as the Kremlin has stepped up its demands for more security guarantees. Also Read: Ukraine trains civilians to defend against Russian invasion What was Russia's reaction to the call? According to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned his US counterpart, Joe Biden, that fresh sanctions against Russia over the situation in Ukraine could result in the two countries' relations being severed. According to Ushakov, Biden warned Putin about further financial, military, and economic sanctions if tensions along Russia's western borders escalated. "Our president clearly responded that this would be a colossal mistake that of course may result in the full severance of relations," the Kremlin aided said. He added that such sanctions would have serious consequences and expressed hope this would not happen. Watch | Ukraine Tensions: Biden and Putin hold 50-minute phone call He went on to say that, despite the pleasantries shared, the call constituted a concrete political development. Also Read: Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia inducts S-550 air defence system What about the United States? According to the White House, Biden told Putin that if Ukraine is invaded, the United States and its allies will respond forcefully. "President Biden urged Russia to de-escalate tensions with Ukraine, "White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said in a statement. "He made clear that the United States and its allies and partners will respond decisively if Russia further invades Ukraine," she added. Thursday`s phone call was the second conversation between Biden and Putin in December. The two leaders spoke on December 7 in a video conference that ended with a pledge to restart diplomatic discussions, Xinhua news agency reported. (With inputs from agencies)

US-Russia talks: Biden affirms sanctions threat; Putin says that would be colossal mistake