Dubai seems to be emerging as a haven for Russian oligarchs and billionaires who are fleeing their country to avoid the West's sanctions in the wake of President Vladimir Putin’s Ukraine war.

According to a BBC report, property purchases in Dubai by Russians surged by 67 per cent in the first three months of 2022, with many more billionaires expected to arrive UAE in the upcoming months.

The report, quoting business leaders, has estimated that hundreds of thousands of people have left Russia over the last two months, although there are no exact figures to back is number.

Apart from that, many multinational companies and Russian start-ups have also relocated their employees to the UAE.

Fuad Fatullev, co-founder of WeWay - a blockchain technology company that had offices in Russia and Ukraine, has shifted hundreds of employees to Dubai.

"The war had a massive impact on our operations. We couldn't continue [as we were] as we had to move hundreds of people outside of Ukraine and Russia," Fuad, who is a Russian citizen, told BBC.

The reason behind this sudden exodus stems from the fact that UAE has so far not condemned Russia for its invasion and that it has been issuing visas to non-sanctioned Russians, unlike many Western countries who have restricted their arrival.

A Russian economist, whose name was not divulged by the BBC, claimed that as many as 200,000 Russians had left in the first 10 days after the war began.

Virtuzone, which helps companies to set up operations in Dubai, has seen a huge surge of Russian clients.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-rebuild-ukraine-win-war-against-russia-zelensky-launches-a-crowdfunding-platform-476590" hreflang="en">To rebuild Ukraine, win war against Russia, Zelensky launches a crowdfunding platform</a>

"We are receiving five times more enquiries from Russians since the war began," chief executive George Hojeige was quoted as saying.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/despite-the-ukraine-war-russian-gas-supplies-to-china-soar-by-60-in-2022-report-476197" hreflang="en">Despite the Ukraine war, Russian gas supplies to China soar by 60% in 2022: Report</a>

"They are worried about an economic meltdown that's coming. That is why they are moving here to secure their wealth," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE

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Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.&nbsp;

Dubai seems to be emerging as a haven for Russian oligarchs and billionaires who are fleeing their country to avoid the West's sanctions in the wake of President Vladimir Putin’s Ukraine war.

Dubai seems to be emerging as a haven for Russian oligarchs and billionaires who are fleeing their country to avoid the West's sanctions in the wake of President Vladimir Putin’s Ukraine war. According to a BBC report, property purchases in Dubai by Russians surged by 67 per cent in the first three months of 2022, with many more billionaires expected to arrive UAE in the upcoming months. The report, quoting business leaders, has estimated that hundreds of thousands of people have left Russia over the last two months, although there are no exact figures to back is number. Apart from that, many multinational companies and Russian start-ups have also relocated their employees to the UAE. Fuad Fatullev, co-founder of WeWay - a blockchain technology company that had offices in Russia and Ukraine, has shifted hundreds of employees to Dubai. "The war had a massive impact on our operations. We couldn't continue [as we were] as we had to move hundreds of people outside of Ukraine and Russia," Fuad, who is a Russian citizen, told BBC. The reason behind this sudden exodus stems from the fact that UAE has so far not condemned Russia for its invasion and that it has been issuing visas to non-sanctioned Russians, unlike many Western countries who have restricted their arrival. A Russian economist, whose name was not divulged by the BBC, claimed that as many as 200,000 Russians had left in the first 10 days after the war began. Virtuzone, which helps companies to set up operations in Dubai, has seen a huge surge of Russian clients. Also read | To rebuild Ukraine, win war against Russia, Zelensky launches a crowdfunding platform "We are receiving five times more enquiries from Russians since the war began," chief executive George Hojeige was quoted as saying. Also read | Despite the Ukraine war, Russian gas supplies to China soar by 60% in 2022: Report "They are worried about an economic meltdown that's coming. That is why they are moving here to secure their wealth," he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

Capital flight: Russian oligarchs, billionaires take refuge in Dubai to avoid Western sanctions

European football's governing body UEFA on Monday (May 02) announced strict sanctions against Russian clubs and national teams amid the country's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. UEFA has banned Russian clubs from taking part in European competitions next season, including the coveted UEFA Champions League.

UEFA has&nbsp;also disqualified the Russian women's national team from the Women's European Championship which is scheduled to take place in July this year. The Russian women's team will also not be able to take part in the qualification tournament for the next year's FIFA Women's World Cup.

This is a huge blow for Russia as they continue to face severe sanctions in football after Russian clubs were earlier suspended by FIFA and UEFA in February this year. Confirming the latest round of sanctions, UEFA also announced that Russia will not be allowed to host the men's Euros in 2028 and 2032.

Russia had launched bids for the hosting rights for the Euros in 2028 and 2032 post the war started with Ukraine. Both their bids have been terminated by the UEFA with the European governing body ruling them ineligible to host the two showpiece events.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-likely-to-make-sensational-return-to-real-madrid-amid-uncertainity-at-man-utd-report-475412">Cristiano Ronaldo likely to make sensational return to Real Madrid amid uncertainty at Man Utd - Report</a>

Russian club Zenit St. Petersburg, who are the winners of the Russian Premier League this season, were supposed to make it to the Champions League next season. However, their place will now be taken by the champions of the Scottish Premiership. Zenit St. Petersburg featured in the Champions League this season and were knocked out from the group stages.

Meanwhile, the Russian women's team, who have been banned from taking part in the Women's Euro 2022 this year wil be replaced in Portugal. The Women's Euro 2022 is being hosted by England and Russia had already qualified for the tournament.

European football's governing body UEFA on Monday (May 02) announced strict sanctions against Russian clubs and national teams amid the country's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

European football's governing body UEFA on Monday (May 02) announced strict sanctions against Russian clubs and national teams amid the country's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. UEFA has banned Russian clubs from taking part in European competitions next season, including the coveted UEFA Champions League. UEFA has also disqualified the Russian women's national team from the Women's European Championship which is scheduled to take place in July this year. The Russian women's team will also not be able to take part in the qualification tournament for the next year's FIFA Women's World Cup. This is a huge blow for Russia as they continue to face severe sanctions in football after Russian clubs were earlier suspended by FIFA and UEFA in February this year. Confirming the latest round of sanctions, UEFA also announced that Russia will not be allowed to host the men's Euros in 2028 and 2032. Russia had launched bids for the hosting rights for the Euros in 2028 and 2032 post the war started with Ukraine. Both their bids have been terminated by the UEFA with the European governing body ruling them ineligible to host the two showpiece events. Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo likely to make sensational return to Real Madrid amid uncertainty at Man Utd - Report Russian club Zenit St. Petersburg, who are the winners of the Russian Premier League this season, were supposed to make it to the Champions League next season. However, their place will now be taken by the champions of the Scottish Premiership. Zenit St. Petersburg featured in the Champions League this season and were knocked out from the group stages. Meanwhile, the Russian women's team, who have been banned from taking part in the Women's Euro 2022 this year wil be replaced in Portugal. The Women's Euro 2022 is being hosted by England and Russia had already qualified for the tournament.

UEFA bans Russian clubs from next season's Champions League amid Ukraine invasion

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has officially entered its third month and although the Ukrainians have mounted a solid resistance, a lot of cities have already fallen to the marching Russian army.

The region of Kherson has been one of the regions where the Russian military was able to strengthen their position. The Russian military were able to withstand the resistance and on Tuesday, the defense ministry announced that the army has taken complete control over the region.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-calls-russian-move-to-cut-gas-a-blackmail-474482" hreflang="en">EU calls Russian move to cut gas a 'blackmail'</a>

An official from a pro-Russian committee has now told news agency RIA that the region will be using Russian ruble as their official currency from May 1. There has been a rise in the number of these committees who have taken over the administration of the region in the aftermath of the invasion.

Kirill Stremousov, who is part of the pro-Russian committee in Kherson, said that the transition will take around four months, but it will be put into circulation in the region with immediate effect.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-response-to-outside-intervention-will-be-lightning-fast-putin-on-ukraine-war-474481" hreflang="en">Russia's response to outside intervention will be lightning fast: Putin on Ukraine war</a>

According to the RIA report, the Ukrainian hryvnia will be used during the period of the transition, but the goal is to completely replace it with the ruble in the Kherson region within a few months.

Russia has taken over the administration of the region completely with a new mayor in place and the troops are currently positioned in the regional headquarters of the area. The Kherson region is quite important for Russia as it has a land link with Crimea and other Russian-backed parts of Ukraine.

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia cuts off gas supply to nations, 'Putin is trying to provoke a global price crisis'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-cuts-off-gas-supply-to-nations-putin-is-trying-to-provoke-a-global-price-crisis-474571/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has officially entered its third month and although the Ukrainians have mounted a solid resistance, a lot of cities have already fallen to the marching Russian army.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine has officially entered its third month and although the Ukrainians have mounted a solid resistance, a lot of cities have already fallen to the marching Russian army. The region of Kherson has been one of the regions where the Russian military was able to strengthen their position. The Russian military were able to withstand the resistance and on Tuesday, the defense ministry announced that the army has taken complete control over the region. Also read | EU calls Russian move to cut gas a 'blackmail' An official from a pro-Russian committee has now told news agency RIA that the region will be using Russian ruble as their official currency from May 1. There has been a rise in the number of these committees who have taken over the administration of the region in the aftermath of the invasion. Kirill Stremousov, who is part of the pro-Russian committee in Kherson, said that the transition will take around four months, but it will be put into circulation in the region with immediate effect. Also read | Russia's response to outside intervention will be lightning fast: Putin on Ukraine war According to the RIA report, the Ukrainian hryvnia will be used during the period of the transition, but the goal is to completely replace it with the ruble in the Kherson region within a few months. Russia has taken over the administration of the region completely with a new mayor in place and the troops are currently positioned in the regional headquarters of the area. The Kherson region is quite important for Russia as it has a land link with Crimea and other Russian-backed parts of Ukraine. WATCH | Russia cuts off gas supply to nations, 'Putin is trying to provoke a global price crisis' (With inputs from agencies)

Russian-controlled Kherson region of Ukraine to start using Ruble as official currency: Report

Russia announced on Wednesday that it has decided to withdraw from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation ahead of the scheduled vote on their suspension. It was reported that they will most likely face suspension from the UN body after the vote due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

However, despite the withdrawal, UNWTO made it clear that they will go ahead with the suspension but the complete process of excluding them from the body will take around a year to finish.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warship-sails-through-taiwan-strait-china-calls-it-provocative-action-474306">US warship sails through Taiwan Strait, China calls it 'provocative action'</a>

According to a report by Reuters, the suspension was a sure thing with Zurab Pololikashvili, the secretary general of UNWTO, urging the members to vote against Russia. The report said that he wanted the vote to be an example of other organisations on how to handle Russia.

According to the rules of the vote, there were 160 members in total and a two-thirds majority was needed to put the suspension process into effect. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made it clear that the decision by UNWTO will have no impact on the country’s tourism.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-as-offensive-intensifies-30-foot-tall-ukrainian-russian-friendship-statue-gets-demolished-in-kyiv-474296" hreflang="en">As offensive intensifies, 30-foot-tall Ukrainian-Russian 'friendship' statue gets demolished in Kyiv&nbsp;</a>

"The tourism sector, especially that for domestic tourism, will continue its development. The external directions for tourism are also open, hinging on questions of competition in terms of quality and price," he said.

Russia has already been removed from the United Nations Human Rights Council amid reports of the army committing a number of human rights violations in Ukraine. There have been a number of reports emerging from Ukraine and Russia decided to withdraw after the UNHRC vote.

Russia announced on Wednesday that it has decided to withdraw from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation ahead of the scheduled vote on their suspension.

Russia announced on Wednesday that it has decided to withdraw from the United Nations World Tourism Organisation ahead of the scheduled vote on their suspension. It was reported that they will most likely face suspension from the UN body after the vote due to the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. However, despite the withdrawal, UNWTO made it clear that they will go ahead with the suspension but the complete process of excluding them from the body will take around a year to finish. Also read | US warship sails through Taiwan Strait, China calls it 'provocative action' According to a report by Reuters, the suspension was a sure thing with Zurab Pololikashvili, the secretary general of UNWTO, urging the members to vote against Russia. The report said that he wanted the vote to be an example of other organisations on how to handle Russia. According to the rules of the vote, there were 160 members in total and a two-thirds majority was needed to put the suspension process into effect. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov made it clear that the decision by UNWTO will have no impact on the country’s tourism. Also read | As offensive intensifies, 30-foot-tall Ukrainian-Russian 'friendship' statue gets demolished in Kyiv "The tourism sector, especially that for domestic tourism, will continue its development. The external directions for tourism are also open, hinging on questions of competition in terms of quality and price," he said. Russia has already been removed from the United Nations Human Rights Council amid reports of the army committing a number of human rights violations in Ukraine. There have been a number of reports emerging from Ukraine and Russia decided to withdraw after the UNHRC vote.

Russia withdraws from United Nations World Tourism Organization ahead of vote on its suspension

Next year's ice hockey world championship will be moved away from St Petersburg in Russia, governing body IIHF said on Tuesday, due to concerns about the wellbeing of players and officials after Russia`s invasion of Ukraine.

The tournament was scheduled to take place in St Petersburg from May 5-21. The federation said it will name an alternate host for the 2022 world championship, which will take place in Finland. "The decision to relocate the event was taken primarily out of concern for the safety and well-being of all participating players, officials, media, and fans," the IIHF said in a statement.

"The council expressed significant concerns over the safe freedom of movement of players and officials too, from, and within Russia." Earlier this year, the IIHF suspended Russian and Belarusian teams from its competitions until further notice and revoked Russia`s hosting rights for the 2023 world junior championships. Moscow calls its actions in Ukraine a "special military operation". Belarus is a key staging area for the invasion.

St Petersburg and Moscow co-hosted the 2016 world championships, where Russia finished third. 
This year`s edition in Finland will be held from May 13-29 with Austria and France replacing Russia and Belarus.

Next year's ice hockey world championship will be moved away from St Petersburg in Russia, governing body IIHF said on Tuesday, due to concerns about the wellbeing of players and officials after Russia`s invasion of Ukraine.

Next year's ice hockey world championship will be moved away from St Petersburg in Russia, governing body IIHF said on Tuesday, due to concerns about the wellbeing of players and officials after Russia`s invasion of Ukraine. The tournament was scheduled to take place in St Petersburg from May 5-21. The federation said it will name an alternate host for the 2022 world championship, which will take place in Finland. "The decision to relocate the event was taken primarily out of concern for the safety and well-being of all participating players, officials, media, and fans," the IIHF said in a statement. "The council expressed significant concerns over the safe freedom of movement of players and officials too, from, and within Russia." Earlier this year, the IIHF suspended Russian and Belarusian teams from its competitions until further notice and revoked Russia`s hosting rights for the 2023 world junior championships. Moscow calls its actions in Ukraine a "special military operation". Belarus is a key staging area for the invasion. St Petersburg and Moscow co-hosted the 2016 world championships, where Russia finished third. This year`s edition in Finland will be held from May 13-29 with Austria and France replacing Russia and Belarus.

Ice Hockey: Russia loses next year's World Championship

In a bittersweet moment, children in Kyiv, including evacuees from other parts of the country are seen decorating traditional Ukrainian Easter eggs with a stroke of patriotism.

How Ukrainian Children are marking Easter?

Russian and Belarusian players will not be allowed to compete at Wimbledon 2022 because of the invasion of Ukraine, the organisers confirmed in a statement on Wednesday. With this decision, men`s world number two Daniil Medvedev of Russia and women`s world number four Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus are the highest-ranked players to be affected. 
 
Ian Hewitt, Chairman of the All England Club, said that in the circumstances of such unjustified and unprecedented military aggression by Russia, it would be unacceptable for the Russian regime to derive any benefits from the involvement of Russian or Belarusian players with `The Championships`. 
 
"We recognise that this is hard on the individuals affected, and it is with sadness that they will suffer for the actions of the leaders of the Russian regime. It is therefore our intention, with deep regret, to decline entries from Russian and Belarusian players to The Championships 2022. 
 
"We have very carefully considered the alternative measures that might be taken within the UK Government guidance but, given the high profile environment of The Championships, the importance of not allowing sport to be used to promote the Russian regime and our broader concerns for public and player (including family) safety, we do not believe it is viable to proceed on any other basis at The Championships," he said in a statement. 
 
With this decision, men`s world number two Daniil Medvedev of Russia and women`s world number four Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus are the highest-ranked players to be affected. 
 
"On behalf of the All England Club and the Committee of Management of The Championships, we wish to express our ongoing support for all those impacted by the conflict in Ukraine during these shocking and distressing times," he said.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russian-players-set-to-be-barred-from-competing-at-wimbledon-2022-report-472399">Russian players set to be barred from competing at Wimbledon 2022: Report</a>

"We share in the universal condemnation of Russia`s illegal actions and have carefully considered the situation in the context of our duties to the players, to our community and to the broader UK public as a British sporting institution. We have also taken into account guidance set out by the UK Government specifically in relation to sporting bodies and events. 
 
"Given the profile of The Championships in the United Kingdom and around the world, it is our responsibility to play our part in the widespread efforts of Government, industry, sporting and creative institutions to limit Russia`s global influence through the strongest means possible," he said in a statement. 
 
However, Ian Hewitt said that if circumstances change materially between now and June, we will consider and respond accordingly. 
 
"We also welcome the LTA`s decision in declining entries from Russian and Belarusian players to UK events to ensure that British tennis is delivering a consistent approach across the summer," he said.

Russian and Belarusian players will not be allowed to compete at Wimbledon 2022 because of the invasion of Ukraine, the organisers confirmed in a statement on Wednesday.

Russian and Belarusian players will not be allowed to compete at Wimbledon 2022 because of the invasion of Ukraine, the organisers confirmed in a statement on Wednesday. With this decision, men`s world number two Daniil Medvedev of Russia and women`s world number four Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus are the highest-ranked players to be affected. Ian Hewitt, Chairman of the All England Club, said that in the circumstances of such unjustified and unprecedented military aggression by Russia, it would be unacceptable for the Russian regime to derive any benefits from the involvement of Russian or Belarusian players with `The Championships`. "We recognise that this is hard on the individuals affected, and it is with sadness that they will suffer for the actions of the leaders of the Russian regime. It is therefore our intention, with deep regret, to decline entries from Russian and Belarusian players to The Championships 2022. "We have very carefully considered the alternative measures that might be taken within the UK Government guidance but, given the high profile environment of The Championships, the importance of not allowing sport to be used to promote the Russian regime and our broader concerns for public and player (including family) safety, we do not believe it is viable to proceed on any other basis at The Championships," he said in a statement. With this decision, men`s world number two Daniil Medvedev of Russia and women`s world number four Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus are the highest-ranked players to be affected. "On behalf of the All England Club and the Committee of Management of The Championships, we wish to express our ongoing support for all those impacted by the conflict in Ukraine during these shocking and distressing times," he said. ALSO READ | Russian players set to be barred from competing at Wimbledon 2022: Report "We share in the universal condemnation of Russia`s illegal actions and have carefully considered the situation in the context of our duties to the players, to our community and to the broader UK public as a British sporting institution. We have also taken into account guidance set out by the UK Government specifically in relation to sporting bodies and events. "Given the profile of The Championships in the United Kingdom and around the world, it is our responsibility to play our part in the widespread efforts of Government, industry, sporting and creative institutions to limit Russia`s global influence through the strongest means possible," he said in a statement. However, Ian Hewitt said that if circumstances change materially between now and June, we will consider and respond accordingly. "We also welcome the LTA`s decision in declining entries from Russian and Belarusian players to UK events to ensure that British tennis is delivering a consistent approach across the summer," he said.

Russian, Belarusian players banned from participation in Wimbledon 2022

Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko has once again spoken about the horrific scenes in his country Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing military invasion. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has left millions displaced and thousands dead as Ukrainians around the globe continue to watch in horror.

Zinchenko, who has been quite vocal in Russia's criticism amid Vladimir Putin's military aggression, opened up on the misery of fellow Ukrainians back home.&nbsp;The Manchester City defender lashed out at those denying the reality of the situation in his country and revealed horrifying details of the Russian military's brutality in Ukraine.

In an interview with the Guardian, Zinchenko said Russians have raped Ukrainian women, killed children and the dead bodies of many continue to lie on the streets in the country amid the ongoing invasion. The Man City star also claimed that Russians haven't even spared dogs in Ukraine and ate them during the war.

“It’s a nightmare. A shock to the whole world, the things they have done there. Terrible, scary things. They killed our civilians. They killed our children. They raped our women and girls. They killed our dogs and even ate them. I cannot even begin to describe how I feel about them," Zinchenko told the Guardian.

“I hate them so much, for everything they have done to the Ukrainian people and Ukraine. I hate the people in Russia who are trying to convince others that this is propaganda. It’s embarrassing. How can they say this?

"People send me the real pictures, the real facts. The bodies of our dead civilians were lying on the ground for two weeks. They have to take responsibility for this," he added.

Zinchenko slams ex-teammates at Russian club FC UFA

Zinchenko, who had signed from Manchester City in 2016, was playing for Russian Premier League club FC Ufa before heading to the English Premier League. He had spent two seasons with FC Ufa where he played alongside a number of Russian players. Lashing out at his ex-teammates from Russia, the left-back slammed them for not standing up against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Stating that remaining silent means they are supporting what's happening in Ukraine, Zinchenko expressed his angst at his former teammates for not using their influence in stopping the war. Zinchenko said footballers in Russia could have done a lot had they decided to come together and speak up against the violence being inflicted in Ukraine.

“I have friends over there, a small circle, but now it has reduced almost to nothing. I’m so disappointed. The guys I know called me as soon as the invasion happened, texted me: ‘I’m so sorry Alex, but we can’t do anything.’ Of course you can. If you stay silent it means you support what is happening in Ukraine right now, and I can’t see why they would," said Zinchenko.

"Maybe they are scared because we see pictures on social media of Russians being taken to prison if they protest. But look at footballers in particular or anyone with a massive audience.

"Can you believe that, if all of them posted something on Instagram at the same time saying: ‘Guys, we are against the war, we need to stop it,’ they would all be arrested? Of course they would not. It’s such a shame that they say nothing," he added.

Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko has once again spoken about the horrific scenes in his country Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing military invasion. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has left millions displaced and thousands dead as Ukrainians around the globe continue to watch in horror.

Manchester City star Oleksandr Zinchenko has once again spoken about the horrific scenes in his country Ukraine amid Russia's ongoing military invasion. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has left millions displaced and thousands dead as Ukrainians around the globe continue to watch in horror. Zinchenko, who has been quite vocal in Russia's criticism amid Vladimir Putin's military aggression, opened up on the misery of fellow Ukrainians back home. The Manchester City defender lashed out at those denying the reality of the situation in his country and revealed horrifying details of the Russian military's brutality in Ukraine. In an interview with the Guardian, Zinchenko said Russians have raped Ukrainian women, killed children and the dead bodies of many continue to lie on the streets in the country amid the ongoing invasion. The Man City star also claimed that Russians haven't even spared dogs in Ukraine and ate them during the war. “It’s a nightmare. A shock to the whole world, the things they have done there. Terrible, scary things. They killed our civilians. They killed our children. They raped our women and girls. They killed our dogs and even ate them. I cannot even begin to describe how I feel about them," Zinchenko told the Guardian. “I hate them so much, for everything they have done to the Ukrainian people and Ukraine. I hate the people in Russia who are trying to convince others that this is propaganda. It’s embarrassing. How can they say this? "People send me the real pictures, the real facts. The bodies of our dead civilians were lying on the ground for two weeks. They have to take responsibility for this," he added. Zinchenko slams ex-teammates at Russian club FC UFA Zinchenko, who had signed from Manchester City in 2016, was playing for Russian Premier League club FC Ufa before heading to the English Premier League. He had spent two seasons with FC Ufa where he played alongside a number of Russian players. Lashing out at his ex-teammates from Russia, the left-back slammed them for not standing up against Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Stating that remaining silent means they are supporting what's happening in Ukraine, Zinchenko expressed his angst at his former teammates for not using their influence in stopping the war. Zinchenko said footballers in Russia could have done a lot had they decided to come together and speak up against the violence being inflicted in Ukraine. “I have friends over there, a small circle, but now it has reduced almost to nothing. I’m so disappointed. The guys I know called me as soon as the invasion happened, texted me: ‘I’m so sorry Alex, but we can’t do anything.’ Of course you can. If you stay silent it means you support what is happening in Ukraine right now, and I can’t see why they would," said Zinchenko. "Maybe they are scared because we see pictures on social media of Russians being taken to prison if they protest. But look at footballers in particular or anyone with a massive audience. "Can you believe that, if all of them posted something on Instagram at the same time saying: ‘Guys, we are against the war, we need to stop it,’ they would all be arrested? Of course they would not. It’s such a shame that they say nothing," he added.

'They raped our women, killed children': Man City's Zinchenko calls Russia's invasion of Ukraine a 'nightmare'

In the wake of accusations levelled against Rishi Sunak over the alleged Russian link, Indian IT firm behemoth Infosys has announced to move its business out of the Russian market.

There has been growing pressure on UK’s Finance Minister Rishi Sunak over Infosys, the company co-founded by his father-in-law, not moving out of Russia following the Ukrainian war.

He has also been facing pressure over his wife Akshata Murty, the daughter of Infosys’ co-founder, Narayan Murthy, reportedly holding 0.9 per cent shares of the firm.

It has been alleged that she did not pay tax on earnings from outside Britain, news agency Reuters reported.

On Wednesday, the company announced that it was "transitioning" out of the Russian market.

During a media briefing, Infosys chief executive and managing director Salil Parekh said, “Given what is going on in the region, we have started to transition all of our work from our centres in Russia to our centres outside Russia."

"We have no work with any Russian client today and we have no plans for any work with any Russian client going ahead," he added.

Parekh said the company was "very concerned" about the situation in Ukraine and had committed $1 million in humanitarian aid.

Infosys has been facing heat to cease operations after many IT firms suspended their operations. It had been maintaining "a small team... based out of Russia that services some of our global clients" until now.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-war-rishi-sunaks-wife-akshata-murthy-under-scanner-over-infosys-shares-467642">Also read |&nbsp;Ukraine-Russia war: Rishi Sunak's wife Akshata Murthy under scanner over Infosys shares</a>

Notably, during an interview to Sky News, he was whether his family was “potentially benefiting” from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime, to which Sunak replied, “I don’t think that’s the case, and as I said the operations of all companies are up to them.

“We’ve put in place significant sanctions and all the companies we are responsible for are following those as they rightly should, sending a very strong message to Putin’s aggression," he had replied.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Rishi Sunak grilled over alleged Russia link

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(With inputs from agencies)

In the wake of accusations levelled against Rishi Sunak over the alleged Russian link, Indian IT firm behemoth Infosys has announced to move its business out of the Russian market.

In the wake of accusations levelled against Rishi Sunak over the alleged Russian link, Indian IT firm behemoth Infosys has announced to move its business out of the Russian market. There has been growing pressure on UK’s Finance Minister Rishi Sunak over Infosys, the company co-founded by his father-in-law, not moving out of Russia following the Ukrainian war. He has also been facing pressure over his wife Akshata Murty, the daughter of Infosys’ co-founder, Narayan Murthy, reportedly holding 0.9 per cent shares of the firm. It has been alleged that she did not pay tax on earnings from outside Britain, news agency Reuters reported. On Wednesday, the company announced that it was "transitioning" out of the Russian market. During a media briefing, Infosys chief executive and managing director Salil Parekh said, “Given what is going on in the region, we have started to transition all of our work from our centres in Russia to our centres outside Russia." "We have no work with any Russian client today and we have no plans for any work with any Russian client going ahead," he added. Parekh said the company was "very concerned" about the situation in Ukraine and had committed $1 million in humanitarian aid. Infosys has been facing heat to cease operations after many IT firms suspended their operations. It had been maintaining "a small team... based out of Russia that services some of our global clients" until now. Also read | Ukraine-Russia war: Rishi Sunak's wife Akshata Murthy under scanner over Infosys shares Notably, during an interview to Sky News, he was whether his family was “potentially benefiting” from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s regime, to which Sunak replied, “I don’t think that’s the case, and as I said the operations of all companies are up to them. “We’ve put in place significant sanctions and all the companies we are responsible for are following those as they rightly should, sending a very strong message to Putin’s aggression," he had replied. Watch | Gravitas: Rishi Sunak grilled over alleged Russia link (With inputs from agencies)

Amidst row surrounding UK FM Rishi Sunak & wife Akshata, India’s Infosys exits Russia

Differing from ally US President Joe Biden, French President Emanuel Macron has refused to term the Russian actions in Ukraine as "genocide" during an interview with public broadcaster France 2.

According to CNN, when asked if would use the term "genocide" for describing the killings of Ukrainians, Macron said, “I would be careful with such terms today because these two peoples [Russians and Ukrainians] are brothers.”

The comments are likely to cause consternation in the US administration, as most of the western allies have been acting in tandem to decry the Russian attack on Ukraine.

The French president, who is running for re-election, wondered if such an escalation of “rhetoric” could help in ending the war.

“I want to continue to try, as much as I can, to stop this war and rebuild peace. I am not sure that an escalation of rhetoric serves that cause,” he said.

“What we can say for sure is that the situation is unacceptable and that these are war crimes. We are living through war crimes that are unprecedented on our soil — our European soil,” he added.

The comments come days after Biden, while reacting to the Bucha killings and other civilian killings, said that atrocities being uncovered in Ukraine qualify as genocide, saying "It’s become clearer and clearer that Putin is just trying to wipe out even the idea of being Ukrainian."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-president-biden-accuses-russian-forces-of-committing-genocide-470632">Ukraine war: President Biden accuses Russian forces of committing 'genocide'</a>

Even though such actions don’t entail any legal or economic ramifications, the wording chosen by the Biden was to rally its allies in isolating and punishing Kremlin.

Moscow had severely criticised Biden for accusing Russia of committing genocide in Ukraine, dubbing it "unacceptable".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-russia-destroys-worlds-largest-commercial-airplane-in-ukraine-mriya-468458">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Antonov AN-225, world's largest plane, in tatters</a>

"We categorically disagree and consider unacceptable any attempt to distort the situation in this way, especially since it is hardly acceptable for the president of the United States," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine accuses Russia of genocide in Bucha

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(With inputs from agencies)

Differing from ally US President Joe Biden, French President Emanuel Macron has refused to term the Russian actions in Ukraine as "genocide" during an interview with public broadcaster France 2.

Differing from ally US President Joe Biden, French President Emanuel Macron has refused to term the Russian actions in Ukraine as "genocide" during an interview with public broadcaster France 2. According to CNN, when asked if would use the term "genocide" for describing the killings of Ukrainians, Macron said, “I would be careful with such terms today because these two peoples [Russians and Ukrainians] are brothers.” The comments are likely to cause consternation in the US administration, as most of the western allies have been acting in tandem to decry the Russian attack on Ukraine. The French president, who is running for re-election, wondered if such an escalation of “rhetoric” could help in ending the war. “I want to continue to try, as much as I can, to stop this war and rebuild peace. I am not sure that an escalation of rhetoric serves that cause,” he said. “What we can say for sure is that the situation is unacceptable and that these are war crimes. We are living through war crimes that are unprecedented on our soil — our European soil,” he added. The comments come days after Biden, while reacting to the Bucha killings and other civilian killings, said that atrocities being uncovered in Ukraine qualify as genocide, saying "It’s become clearer and clearer that Putin is just trying to wipe out even the idea of being Ukrainian." Also read | Ukraine war: President Biden accuses Russian forces of committing 'genocide' Even though such actions don’t entail any legal or economic ramifications, the wording chosen by the Biden was to rally its allies in isolating and punishing Kremlin. Moscow had severely criticised Biden for accusing Russia of committing genocide in Ukraine, dubbing it "unacceptable". Also Read in Pics: Antonov AN-225, world's largest plane, in tatters "We categorically disagree and consider unacceptable any attempt to distort the situation in this way, especially since it is hardly acceptable for the president of the United States," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. Watch | Gravitas: Ukraine accuses Russia of genocide in Bucha (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: French President Macron refuses to describe civilian killings as ‘genocide’

Amid a disrupted food chain supply in parts of the world which has been triggered due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, India is all set to set up its wheat export.&nbsp;

In the latest development, Egypt has confirmed that it is planning to add wheat from India to 16 other national import origins accepted by its state grains buyer, this month.&nbsp;

Egypt, which is considered the world's biggest wheat importer, is seeking to reconsider its purchases which have been largely disrupted after Russia attacked Ukraine, damaging several crucial ports.&nbsp;

Reuters reported citing an official statement by the Supply Ministry that a delegation from Egypt's Agriculture Ministry is in India "looking at phytosanitary measures and examining Indian grains in preparation for the accreditation of India as a wheat import origin."&nbsp;

In Egypt, the General Authority for Supply Commodities (GASC) set the tenders for the purchase of the grain as purchases go toward heavily subsidised bread for the people.&nbsp;

Important to note here that India's export of agricultural products has touched $40.87 billion in the first 10 months of the current fiscal and it is 25.14 per cent more than the last financial year.&nbsp;

Exports of some other major agricultural products like wheat, sugar and cotton have registered a substantial increase during the current year.&nbsp;

In the last week of March, India's Union Minister of State for Commerce Anupriya Singh Patel said in Lok Sabha: "During the period between April 2021 to January 2022 of the current financial year, exports of agricultural products have amounted to $40.87 billion compared to USD 32.66 billion over the corresponding period of previous year, registering an increase of 25.14."&nbsp;

WATCH&nbsp;| 'Moscow will continue its invasion of Ukraine until 'noble aims' are fulfilled,' says Putin

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Amid a disrupted food chain supply in parts of the world which has been triggered due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, India is all set to set up its wheat export.

Amid a disrupted food chain supply in parts of the world which has been triggered due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, India is all set to set up its wheat export. In the latest development, Egypt has confirmed that it is planning to add wheat from India to 16 other national import origins accepted by its state grains buyer, this month. Egypt, which is considered the world's biggest wheat importer, is seeking to reconsider its purchases which have been largely disrupted after Russia attacked Ukraine, damaging several crucial ports. Reuters reported citing an official statement by the Supply Ministry that a delegation from Egypt's Agriculture Ministry is in India "looking at phytosanitary measures and examining Indian grains in preparation for the accreditation of India as a wheat import origin." In Egypt, the General Authority for Supply Commodities (GASC) set the tenders for the purchase of the grain as purchases go toward heavily subsidised bread for the people. Important to note here that India's export of agricultural products has touched $40.87 billion in the first 10 months of the current fiscal and it is 25.14 per cent more than the last financial year. Exports of some other major agricultural products like wheat, sugar and cotton have registered a substantial increase during the current year. In the last week of March, India's Union Minister of State for Commerce Anupriya Singh Patel said in Lok Sabha: "During the period between April 2021 to January 2022 of the current financial year, exports of agricultural products have amounted to $40.87 billion compared to USD 32.66 billion over the corresponding period of previous year, registering an increase of 25.14." WATCH | 'Moscow will continue its invasion of Ukraine until 'noble aims' are fulfilled,' says Putin ×

Egypt planning to add India as a wheat import origin this month: Report

United States has threatened China with sanctions if it decided to provide “material support” to Russia.

In a veiled warning to Xi Jinping, US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman on Wednesday said that a range of sanctions announced by the West and its allies should serve as an example of what is expected to come should China sides with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"It gives President Xi, I think, a pretty good understanding of what might come his way should he, in fact, support Putin in any material fashion," Sherman told a House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, according to news agency Reuters.

She further said that Beijing should take note of the coordinated Western response over Ukraine if it holds aspirations of invading democratically governed island of Taiwan by force.

"We hope that the PRC (People's Republic of China) understands that any such action would see a response from the international community, not just from the United States," she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelensky-says-russia-hiding-thousands-killed-in-mariupol-468954">Ukrainian President Zelensky says Russia hiding 'thousands' killed in Mariupol</a>

US has been repeatedly warning China of consequences if it sides with Russia in Ukraine war.

In March, US President Joe Biden warned Xi during a video call against providing any material support to help Russia counter Western sanctions or to provide military assistance.

Biden later said that China knows its economic future is tied to the West, not Russia

China has so far refused to condemn the war and criticised the West for imposing sanctions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-impact-of-war-on-ukraines-comedian-president-and-an-unlikely-wartime-leader-468665">How Ukraine war took toll on comedian-turned unlikely war president Volodymyr Zelensky</a>

China’s relations with Russia have come under even closer scrutiny since the two countries declared a “no limits” partnership in early February.

Western intelligence reports claimed that China knew in advance of Putin’s plans to invade Ukraine, and had reportedly urged the Russian president to delay the war until the Beijing Winter Olympics ends.

However, China has denied making any such request, and trashed the report as “baseless allegations.”

Watch |&nbsp;US sanctions Putin's adult children amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

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(With inputs from agencies)

United States has threatened China with sanctions if it decided to provide “material support” to Russia. In a veiled warning to Xi Jinping, US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman on Wednesday said that a range of sanctions announced by the West and its allies should serve as an example of what is expected to come should China sides with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

United States has threatened China with sanctions if it decided to provide “material support” to Russia. In a veiled warning to Xi Jinping, US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman on Wednesday said that a range of sanctions announced by the West and its allies should serve as an example of what is expected to come should China sides with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "It gives President Xi, I think, a pretty good understanding of what might come his way should he, in fact, support Putin in any material fashion," Sherman told a House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee hearing, according to news agency Reuters. She further said that Beijing should take note of the coordinated Western response over Ukraine if it holds aspirations of invading democratically governed island of Taiwan by force. "We hope that the PRC (People's Republic of China) understands that any such action would see a response from the international community, not just from the United States," she added. Also read | Ukrainian President Zelensky says Russia hiding 'thousands' killed in Mariupol US has been repeatedly warning China of consequences if it sides with Russia in Ukraine war. In March, US President Joe Biden warned Xi during a video call against providing any material support to help Russia counter Western sanctions or to provide military assistance. Biden later said that China knows its economic future is tied to the West, not Russia China has so far refused to condemn the war and criticised the West for imposing sanctions. Also read | How Ukraine war took toll on comedian-turned unlikely war president Volodymyr Zelensky China’s relations with Russia have come under even closer scrutiny since the two countries declared a “no limits” partnership in early February. Western intelligence reports claimed that China knew in advance of Putin’s plans to invade Ukraine, and had reportedly urged the Russian president to delay the war until the Beijing Winter Olympics ends. However, China has denied making any such request, and trashed the report as “baseless allegations.” Watch | US sanctions Putin's adult children amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: US threatens Beijing with sanctions if it provides ‘material support’ to Moscow

President Vladimir Putin has been at the helm of affairs in Russia uninterruptedly for over two decades since 1999 when he was appointed Russia’s Prime Minister by then president Boris Yeltsin. Within a year he was elected as Russia’s president.

As his influence and control over his country grew and as Russia gradually became a force to reckon with in global affairs under Putin’s leadership, a systematic campaign was launched in the West to ascribe various attributes to Putin.&nbsp;More often than not these attributes are derogatory in nature and range between autocrat, dictator, aggressive narcissist, raging bully, ruthless demolisher of opponents, one who has presided over the systematic dilution of democracy and institutes of governance and so on.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (February 24, 2022) has created a favourable environment for the Putin-haters to accelerate anti-Putin campaign to not only to paint him as a villain who is allegedly a threat to international peace, stability and security, but also to question his mental health and describe him as “mad”. None other than US President Biden has very recently gone to the extent of dubbing Putin as a “butcher” and “war criminal” who does not deserve to be in power.

To quote Amish Tripathi : “There is your truth and there is my truth. As for the universal truth, it does not exist.” So what is Putin’s “truth”?

The book-length collection of interviews with Putin by Russian journalists published under the title “The First Person” in 2000 (soon after he became president) introduced the new president of Russia, describing Putin as a son, schoolboy, university student, young intelligence specialist, spy, democrat, bureaucrat, family man, and politician.

Even though there were no startling revelations, some of the observations are of interest. For instance, Putin was candid in admitting that he didn’t know much about Stalin’s violent purges as he “was a pure and utterly successful product of Soviet patriotic education".

He was critical of the Soviet leaders for the invasions of Hungary and Czechoslovakia during the cold war. He says: "These were major mistakes. And the Russophobia that we see in Eastern Europe today is the fruit of those mistakes."

More than twenty years have elapsed since the first glimpses of Vladimir Putin were made public. It might be useful to quickly go through some of the key moments in the life and times of Putin beginning from childhood to draw some conclusions about his persona.

Putin was born in October 1952 in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg)—a city which was under siege during World War II. There is a broad consensus amongst historians, biographers and experts that Putin’s childhood was traumatic. The psychotherapist and author Joseph Burgo summed up in 2014: “Vladimir was born into this atmosphere of hunger, disability and profound grief.”

Putin recalls an interesting episode from his childhood in “The First Person'—"There were hordes of rats in the front entryway. My friends and I used to chase them around with sticks.” The rat chase appears to have influenced his mindset as evident from his narration.

&nbsp;“Once I spotted a huge rat and pursued it down the hall until I drove it into a corner. It had nowhere to run. Suddenly, it lashed around and threw itself at me. I was surprised and frightened. Now the rat was chasing me. Luckily, I was a little faster and I managed to slam the door shut in its nose. There, on that stair landing, I got a quick and lasting lesson in the meaning of the word cornered.”

Was his military intervention in Georgia in August 2008, Crimea’s annexation in 2014 and now Ukraine’s invasion in 2022 was a result of the feeling of “being cornered” by NATO’s eastward expansion and the West’s attempts to isolate Russia/ Putin by measures such as exclusion from G-8 or to weaken Russia’s economy through unilateral sanctions, and to tarnish his image?

The Americans have now doubled up their efforts to “corner” Putin. Will he step back or accelerate his mission to achieve the declared objectives in Ukraine: Ukraine’s neutrality, control over the eastern

Ukraine and a regime change in Ukraine if possible? The answer is&nbsp;most likely yes. Because he, at the end of the day, is a fighter who learned martial arts and excelled in judo in his childhood to fight against the street bullies and hooligans in his neighbourhood. Putin made an interesting observation in October 2015 to a western journalist: “50 years ago, the streets of Leningrad taught me one thing—If a fight's inevitable, you must strike first."

Putin once described the collapse of the Soviet Union as “the greatest geo-political catastrophe of the century” and that “whoever does not miss the Soviet Union has no heart."&nbsp;This statement of Putin reflects his nostalgia about the global power of which he was a part as an officer of the powerful Soviet intelligence agency, KGB, for several years.&nbsp;But more importantly, he has also gone on record to warn: “Whoever wants it (Soviet Union) back has no brain”.

Putin is thus a realist who understands that it would be an impossible task to reconstruct the disintegrated Soviet empire. Yet, Putin remains fixated with one idea i.e., to restore the status of Russia to a global superpower which is not only listened to, but also respected and perhaps feared, too. As a bottom line, Russia defines the former Soviet space as Russia’s “near abroad”, considers it as a sphere of Russia’s natural influence and is strongly opposed to any encroachments, including NATO’s eastwards expansion.

Putin’s public views on the war with Chechnya also reflect his mindset.&nbsp;He once said: “I was convinced that if we didn't stop the extremists right away, we'd be facing a second Yugoslavia on the entire territory of the Russian Federation--the Yugoslavization of Russia.” In other words, if Putin cannot restore the USSR to its original shape, he would not tolerate further fragmentation of the Russian Federation.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-accuses-moscow-of-taking-children-hostage-and-using-them-as-shields-468027">&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv accuses Moscow of taking children hostage and using them as shields</a>

Russia’s military campaigns in Syria were ostensibly to counter ISIS but it was soon apparent that the true objective was to defend President Assad’s government. So, here you have Putin as a leader who is willing to stick his neck out to protect a friend and ally. A friend in need is a friend indeed.

Even as an acting president in 1999 Putin had expressed his desire for close cooperation with Europe and even did not rule out the possibility of joining NATO. In the wake of 9/11, Putin had offered all possible assistance to the USA in her war on terrorism. It is now only a matter of speculation as to what would have been the state of global political and security situation, if the West had responded to Putin’s early gesture and disbanded NATO in the wake of the collapse of the USSR and consequent dissolution of the rival WARSAW PACT and had incorporated Russia into a new security structure for the Euro-Atlantic as an equal and respected member.

It is also a matter of fact that from the very beginning Putin had begun to assert on issues which in his opinion were not right. He strongly objected to U.S. President George Bush’s decision in 2001 to abandon the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. Later in 2002-2003, Putin opposed the US and British plans to use force to oust Saddam Hussein’s government in Iraq. He was always opposed to NATO’s eastwards expansion from the very beginning. Crimea’s annexation in 2015 was Putin’s firm response or perhaps revenge for the change of the pro-Russian regime in Ukraine in 2015 inspired by the West. And he did so by skilfully manipulating the incorporation of strategically important Crimean peninsula of Ukraine into Russian Federation through a seemingly democratic process of Referendum.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-troops-selling-looted-goods-in-belarus-bazaar-alleges-ukraine-468198" hreflang="en">Russian troops selling 'looted' goods in Belarus bazaar, alleges Ukraine</a>

The soft side of Putin was revealed but only once when the world saw him crying in public at the funeral of his mentor Anatoly Sobchak who picked up Putin – then a middle-ranking KGB officer - from obscurity and gave him his first job in politics. Putin since then seems to have hardened at heart at least to the extent that he doesn’t let out his emotions publically.

It is difficult to draw more than a pen picture of Putin’s persona. Nevertheless one can say with some certainty that Putin has failed to earn the desired respect at home and abroad to qualify him as a statesman.

He, for sure, is a strong nationalist who is committed to the restoration of the lost glory of the Russian empire. He has the skill to survive against odds. He has often refused to accept the West’s convenient interpretation of the core principles of the international code of conduct and is willing to fight back whenever pushed to a corner without caring for the costs and consequences. He is a warrior but for the US President to call him a war criminal is a bit stretching it too far besides the fact that the US Presidents have many skeletons in their own cupboards.

Watch |&nbsp;United States: Putin misled on how war progressed

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)</div>

President Vladimir Putin has been at the helm of affairs in Russia uninterruptedly for over two decades since 1999 when he was appointed Russia’s Prime Minister by then president Boris Yeltsin.

President Vladimir Putin has been at the helm of affairs in Russia uninterruptedly for over two decades since 1999 when he was appointed Russia’s Prime Minister by then president Boris Yeltsin. Within a year he was elected as Russia’s president. As his influence and control over his country grew and as Russia gradually became a force to reckon with in global affairs under Putin’s leadership, a systematic campaign was launched in the West to ascribe various attributes to Putin. More often than not these attributes are derogatory in nature and range between autocrat, dictator, aggressive narcissist, raging bully, ruthless demolisher of opponents, one who has presided over the systematic dilution of democracy and institutes of governance and so on. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine (February 24, 2022) has created a favourable environment for the Putin-haters to accelerate anti-Putin campaign to not only to paint him as a villain who is allegedly a threat to international peace, stability and security, but also to question his mental health and describe him as “mad”. None other than US President Biden has very recently gone to the extent of dubbing Putin as a “butcher” and “war criminal” who does not deserve to be in power. To quote Amish Tripathi : “There is your truth and there is my truth. As for the universal truth, it does not exist.” So what is Putin’s “truth”? The book-length collection of interviews with Putin by Russian journalists published under the title “The First Person” in 2000 (soon after he became president) introduced the new president of Russia, describing Putin as a son, schoolboy, university student, young intelligence specialist, spy, democrat, bureaucrat, family man, and politician. Even though there were no startling revelations, some of the observations are of interest. For instance, Putin was candid in admitting that he didn’t know much about Stalin’s violent purges as he “was a pure and utterly successful product of Soviet patriotic education". He was critical of the Soviet leaders for the invasions of Hungary and Czechoslovakia during the cold war. He says: "These were major mistakes. And the Russophobia that we see in Eastern Europe today is the fruit of those mistakes." More than twenty years have elapsed since the first glimpses of Vladimir Putin were made public. It might be useful to quickly go through some of the key moments in the life and times of Putin beginning from childhood to draw some conclusions about his persona. Putin was born in October 1952 in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg)—a city which was under siege during World War II. There is a broad consensus amongst historians, biographers and experts that Putin’s childhood was traumatic. The psychotherapist and author Joseph Burgo summed up in 2014: “Vladimir was born into this atmosphere of hunger, disability and profound grief.” Putin recalls an interesting episode from his childhood in “The First Person'—"There were hordes of rats in the front entryway. My friends and I used to chase them around with sticks.” The rat chase appears to have influenced his mindset as evident from his narration. “Once I spotted a huge rat and pursued it down the hall until I drove it into a corner. It had nowhere to run. Suddenly, it lashed around and threw itself at me. I was surprised and frightened. Now the rat was chasing me. Luckily, I was a little faster and I managed to slam the door shut in its nose. There, on that stair landing, I got a quick and lasting lesson in the meaning of the word cornered.” Was his military intervention in Georgia in August 2008, Crimea’s annexation in 2014 and now Ukraine’s invasion in 2022 was a result of the feeling of “being cornered” by NATO’s eastward expansion and the West’s attempts to isolate Russia/ Putin by measures such as exclusion from G-8 or to weaken Russia’s economy through unilateral sanctions, and to tarnish his image? The Americans have now doubled up their efforts to “corner” Putin. Will he step back or accelerate his mission to achieve the declared objectives in Ukraine: Ukraine’s neutrality, control over the eastern Ukraine and a regime change in Ukraine if possible? The answer is most likely yes. Because he, at the end of the day, is a fighter who learned martial arts and excelled in judo in his childhood to fight against the street bullies and hooligans in his neighbourhood. Putin made an interesting observation in October 2015 to a western journalist: “50 years ago, the streets of Leningrad taught me one thing—If a fight's inevitable, you must strike first." Putin once described the collapse of the Soviet Union as “the greatest geo-political catastrophe of the century” and that “whoever does not miss the Soviet Union has no heart." This statement of Putin reflects his nostalgia about the global power of which he was a part as an officer of the powerful Soviet intelligence agency, KGB, for several years. But more importantly, he has also gone on record to warn: “Whoever wants it (Soviet Union) back has no brain”. Putin is thus a realist who understands that it would be an impossible task to reconstruct the disintegrated Soviet empire. Yet, Putin remains fixated with one idea i.e., to restore the status of Russia to a global superpower which is not only listened to, but also respected and perhaps feared, too. As a bottom line, Russia defines the former Soviet space as Russia’s “near abroad”, considers it as a sphere of Russia’s natural influence and is strongly opposed to any encroachments, including NATO’s eastwards expansion. Putin’s public views on the war with Chechnya also reflect his mindset. He once said: “I was convinced that if we didn't stop the extremists right away, we'd be facing a second Yugoslavia on the entire territory of the Russian Federation--the Yugoslavization of Russia.” In other words, if Putin cannot restore the USSR to its original shape, he would not tolerate further fragmentation of the Russian Federation. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv accuses Moscow of taking children hostage and using them as shields Russia’s military campaigns in Syria were ostensibly to counter ISIS but it was soon apparent that the true objective was to defend President Assad’s government. So, here you have Putin as a leader who is willing to stick his neck out to protect a friend and ally. A friend in need is a friend indeed. Even as an acting president in 1999 Putin had expressed his desire for close cooperation with Europe and even did not rule out the possibility of joining NATO. In the wake of 9/11, Putin had offered all possible assistance to the USA in her war on terrorism. It is now only a matter of speculation as to what would have been the state of global political and security situation, if the West had responded to Putin’s early gesture and disbanded NATO in the wake of the collapse of the USSR and consequent dissolution of the rival WARSAW PACT and had incorporated Russia into a new security structure for the Euro-Atlantic as an equal and respected member. It is also a matter of fact that from the very beginning Putin had begun to assert on issues which in his opinion were not right. He strongly objected to U.S. President George Bush’s decision in 2001 to abandon the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. Later in 2002-2003, Putin opposed the US and British plans to use force to oust Saddam Hussein’s government in Iraq. He was always opposed to NATO’s eastwards expansion from the very beginning. Crimea’s annexation in 2015 was Putin’s firm response or perhaps revenge for the change of the pro-Russian regime in Ukraine in 2015 inspired by the West. And he did so by skilfully manipulating the incorporation of strategically important Crimean peninsula of Ukraine into Russian Federation through a seemingly democratic process of Referendum. Also read | Russian troops selling 'looted' goods in Belarus bazaar, alleges Ukraine The soft side of Putin was revealed but only once when the world saw him crying in public at the funeral of his mentor Anatoly Sobchak who picked up Putin – then a middle-ranking KGB officer - from obscurity and gave him his first job in politics. Putin since then seems to have hardened at heart at least to the extent that he doesn’t let out his emotions publically. It is difficult to draw more than a pen picture of Putin’s persona. Nevertheless one can say with some certainty that Putin has failed to earn the desired respect at home and abroad to qualify him as a statesman. He, for sure, is a strong nationalist who is committed to the restoration of the lost glory of the Russian empire. He has the skill to survive against odds. He has often refused to accept the West’s convenient interpretation of the core principles of the international code of conduct and is willing to fight back whenever pushed to a corner without caring for the costs and consequences. He is a warrior but for the US President to call him a war criminal is a bit stretching it too far besides the fact that the US Presidents have many skeletons in their own cupboards. Watch | United States: Putin misled on how war progressed (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Vladimir Putin: A statesman, warrior or war criminal?

According to reports, India is expected to face shortage of sunflower oil by at least 25% or 4-6 lakh tonnes. Battling the edible oil demand, India had to procure Russian sunflower oil but is it enough?

Impact of the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the Indian kitchen

Was British Prime Minister Boris Johnson snubbed by the world leaders ahead of the NATO group photo? The UK media thinks&nbsp;so.

NATO, G7 and European leaders have gathered in Brussels for a crucial meeting about Russia’s war in Ukraine.

But what stood out at the photo op was that Johnson appeared to be standing alone awkwardly as the European Union (EU) leaders shook hands with each other.

A clip shared by Mirror appeared to show French President Emmanuel Macron cheerfully chatting with US leader Joe Biden, while Johnson is left all alone.

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Show the whole video and then we'll see who's having an awkward moment.<a href="https://t.co/HpTYxATWTG">https://t.co/HpTYxATWTG</a>
— pabel (@Pabel5Pabel) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pabel5Pabel/status/1507018859605233667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Soon, netizens jumped into it the whole supposed fiasco, branding the UK PM as an “embarrassment” while others quipped that the video shows what world leaders think of “global Britain.”

One user said it looked like ‘an undress rehearsal for The Emperor’s New Clothes’.

The video garnered so much attention as Johnson and Macron have previously failed to see eye to eye on the world stage.

In September last year, Johnson reportedly told Macron to “get a grip” over cancellation of a defence deal due to a pact between the UK, US and Australia.

Then in December, Macron, according to a report in The Guardian, privately called Johnson a “clown”.

But a few hours later, the full video of the NATO gathering was posted by Forbes and other publications, which showed the UK prime minister engaging in a conversation with other EU leaders and greeting US President Joe Biden. He even shook hands with the French prime minister.

“Show the whole video and then we'll see who's having an awkward moment,” a Twitter user said, posting the full clip.

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President Biden Meets With NATO Allies In Brussels <a href="https://t.co/DeAEiJw9s4">https://t.co/DeAEiJw9s4</a> <a href="https://t.co/lYIQqJqIhh">pic.twitter.com/lYIQqJqIhh</a>
— Forbes (@Forbes) <a href="https://twitter.com/Forbes/status/1506969668589965313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;addressed NATO members on Thursday and claimed that Russia has used phosphorus bombs in an attack.

Was British Prime Minister Boris Johnson snubbed by the world leaders ahead of the NATO group photo? The UK media thinks so. NATO, G7 and European leaders have gathered in Brussels for a crucial meeting about Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Was British Prime Minister Boris Johnson snubbed by the world leaders ahead of the NATO group photo? The UK media thinks so. NATO, G7 and European leaders have gathered in Brussels for a crucial meeting about Russia’s war in Ukraine. But what stood out at the photo op was that Johnson appeared to be standing alone awkwardly as the European Union (EU) leaders shook hands with each other. A clip shared by Mirror appeared to show French President Emmanuel Macron cheerfully chatting with US leader Joe Biden, while Johnson is left all alone. Show the whole video and then we'll see who's having an awkward moment.https://t.co/HpTYxATWTG — pabel (@Pabel5Pabel) March 24, 2022 × Soon, netizens jumped into it the whole supposed fiasco, branding the UK PM as an “embarrassment” while others quipped that the video shows what world leaders think of “global Britain.” One user said it looked like ‘an undress rehearsal for The Emperor’s New Clothes’. The video garnered so much attention as Johnson and Macron have previously failed to see eye to eye on the world stage. In September last year, Johnson reportedly told Macron to “get a grip” over cancellation of a defence deal due to a pact between the UK, US and Australia. Then in December, Macron, according to a report in The Guardian, privately called Johnson a “clown”. But a few hours later, the full video of the NATO gathering was posted by Forbes and other publications, which showed the UK prime minister engaging in a conversation with other EU leaders and greeting US President Joe Biden. He even shook hands with the French prime minister. “Show the whole video and then we'll see who's having an awkward moment,” a Twitter user said, posting the full clip. President Biden Meets With NATO Allies In Brussels https://t.co/DeAEiJw9s4 pic.twitter.com/lYIQqJqIhh — Forbes (@Forbes) March 24, 2022 × Earlier, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed NATO members on Thursday and claimed that Russia has used phosphorus bombs in an attack.

Watch: UK PM Boris Johnson ‘snubbed’ ahead of NATO group photo

A semi-professional female soccer team which fled war in Ukraine has found a new training ground and shelter at the German Bundesliga club- 1. FC Cologne.

Ukrainian Female Footballers have found a new training ground

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.

A video of UK defence secretary Ben Wallace being tricked into speaking with the Ukrainian prime minister over the phone emerged, angering Britain.

According to the British media, the video was published on Monday by two Russian hoaxers, who have been targeting the UK ministers with fake calls about the conflict in Ukraine over the past week.

Home Secretary Priti Patel revealed she had received a similar hoax call last week.

In the short clip, Wallace is shown purportedly speaking from Poland as the caller says Ukraine wants to progress a “nuclear programme” to protect itself from Moscow.

Later, Wallace tweeted, “Things must be going so badly for the Kremlin that they are now resorting to pranks and video fakes. Not the actions of a confident government, but then again after the Salisbury Cathedral sightseeing story, anything is possible …”

According to The Guardian, pranksters Vovan and Lexus claimed responsibility for the video.

They are being suspected of links to Russia’s security services, which they have denied.

On Monday, Boris Johnson's spokesman told reporters that "the Russian state was responsible for the hoax telephone calls made to UK ministers last week".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-tv-on-air-war-protester-accused-of-colluding-with-uk-by-her-network-464688">Russian TV on-air war protester accused of colluding with UK by her&nbsp;network</a>

The spokesman did not give further details, but added: "This is standard practice for Russian information operations. Disinformation is a tactic straight from the Kremlin playbook to try to distract from their illegal activities in Ukraine and the human rights abuses being committed there.”

"We are seeing a string of distraction stories and outright lies from the Kremlin, reflecting Putin's desperation as he seeks to hide the scale of the conflict and Russia's failings on the battlefield," he said further.

Watch |&nbsp;Video of a hoax call with UK minister Ben Wallace surfaces

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/video-of-a-hoax-call-with-uk-minister-ben-wallace-surfaces-464610/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(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. A video of UK defence secretary Ben Wallace being tricked into speaking with the Ukrainian prime minister over the phone emerged, angering Britain. According to the British media, the video was published on Monday by two Russian hoaxers, who have been targeting the UK ministers with fake calls about the conflict in Ukraine over the past week. Home Secretary Priti Patel revealed she had received a similar hoax call last week. In the short clip, Wallace is shown purportedly speaking from Poland as the caller says Ukraine wants to progress a “nuclear programme” to protect itself from Moscow. Later, Wallace tweeted, “Things must be going so badly for the Kremlin that they are now resorting to pranks and video fakes. Not the actions of a confident government, but then again after the Salisbury Cathedral sightseeing story, anything is possible …” According to The Guardian, pranksters Vovan and Lexus claimed responsibility for the video. They are being suspected of links to Russia’s security services, which they have denied. On Monday, Boris Johnson's spokesman told reporters that "the Russian state was responsible for the hoax telephone calls made to UK ministers last week". Also read | Russian TV on-air war protester accused of colluding with UK by her network The spokesman did not give further details, but added: "This is standard practice for Russian information operations. Disinformation is a tactic straight from the Kremlin playbook to try to distract from their illegal activities in Ukraine and the human rights abuses being committed there.” "We are seeing a string of distraction stories and outright lies from the Kremlin, reflecting Putin's desperation as he seeks to hide the scale of the conflict and Russia's failings on the battlefield," he said further. Watch | Video of a hoax call with UK minister Ben Wallace surfaces (With inputs from agencies)

Clip of UK defence secretary being tricked into speaking with Ukrainian PM emerges, Russian hand suspected

Amidst the shelling, sandbags and security forces clashing, these musicians are playing to add their bit of sweetness to the bitter air in Odesa, Ukraine.

Melodious background to Ukraine's bitter reality

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is all set to visit India on April 4.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart last met on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26) in Glasgow, UK, in November last year.

The visit comes at a time when both countries are celebrating 30 years of establishment of diplomatic ties.

India and Israel established full diplomatic relations on January 29, 1992, and earlier this year a commemorative logo was launched to mark the occasion.

The logo features the Star of David and the Ashoka Chakra and forms the numeral 30 depicting the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations.

February saw the iconic buildings in India— the Gateway of India in Mumbai and the Teen Murti Haifa Chowk in Delhi—and Israel’s Masada Fortress being lit up in Indian and Israeli flag colours.

The Ukraine crisis will likely be discussed during the visit. Indian and Israeli PMs have engaged with Russian and Ukrainian leadership over the crisis.

PM Bennett was in Moscow in a surprise visit, while PM Modi and Russian President Putin have spoken three times since February 24, the day Moscow's invasion of Ukraine started.

Relations between India and Israel have been strengthened under PM Modi's government.

Last year,&nbsp;several high-level dignitaries visited&nbsp;Israel, including External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar (October 2021), Indian Army Chief Gen&nbsp;MM&nbsp;Naravane (Nov 2021) and the former Air Chief RKS Bhadauria (August 2021).

PM Modi had visited Israel in 2017, during which the relationship was upgraded to a strategic partnership.

In response, the then prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, visited India in 2018.

Indian President Pranab Mukherjee paid a state visit to Israel in October 2015 while Israeli President Reuven Rivlin was in India in November 2016.

Defence, agriculture, and trade, among others, have been the key pillars of the relationship between the two countries.

Indian forces have participated in the multilateral airforce exercise ‘Blue Flag 2021’ held in October in Israel.

Both countries have restarted negotiations for the free trade agreement, which is expected to conclude by mid-2022. India is Israel's third-largest trading partner in Asia and the seventh-largest globally.

The visit comes amid a number of high-level visits to New Delhi as Covid crisis abates.

The Japanese Prime Minister Fumio is currently in Delhi, and a number of ministers from other countries, including Austria, Oman, Greece, the UK, and Mexico, will also land in Delhi.

India and China are discussing&nbsp;to facilitate the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is all set to visit India on April 4. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart last met on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26) in Glasgow, UK, in November last year.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is all set to visit India on April 4. India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart last met on the sidelines of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP 26) in Glasgow, UK, in November last year. The visit comes at a time when both countries are celebrating 30 years of establishment of diplomatic ties. India and Israel established full diplomatic relations on January 29, 1992, and earlier this year a commemorative logo was launched to mark the occasion. The logo features the Star of David and the Ashoka Chakra and forms the numeral 30 depicting the 30th anniversary of bilateral relations. February saw the iconic buildings in India— the Gateway of India in Mumbai and the Teen Murti Haifa Chowk in Delhi—and Israel’s Masada Fortress being lit up in Indian and Israeli flag colours. The Ukraine crisis will likely be discussed during the visit. Indian and Israeli PMs have engaged with Russian and Ukrainian leadership over the crisis. PM Bennett was in Moscow in a surprise visit, while PM Modi and Russian President Putin have spoken three times since February 24, the day Moscow's invasion of Ukraine started. Relations between India and Israel have been strengthened under PM Modi's government. Last year, several high-level dignitaries visited Israel, including External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar (October 2021), Indian Army Chief Gen MM Naravane (Nov 2021) and the former Air Chief RKS Bhadauria (August 2021). PM Modi had visited Israel in 2017, during which the relationship was upgraded to a strategic partnership. In response, the then prime minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, visited India in 2018. Indian President Pranab Mukherjee paid a state visit to Israel in October 2015 while Israeli President Reuven Rivlin was in India in November 2016. Defence, agriculture, and trade, among others, have been the key pillars of the relationship between the two countries. Indian forces have participated in the multilateral airforce exercise ‘Blue Flag 2021’ held in October in Israel. Both countries have restarted negotiations for the free trade agreement, which is expected to conclude by mid-2022. India is Israel's third-largest trading partner in Asia and the seventh-largest globally. The visit comes amid a number of high-level visits to New Delhi as Covid crisis abates. The Japanese Prime Minister Fumio is currently in Delhi, and a number of ministers from other countries, including Austria, Oman, Greece, the UK, and Mexico, will also land in Delhi. India and China are discussing to facilitate the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Israeli PM Naftali Bennett to visit India on April 4

The Russian journalist, who protested her country’s war in Ukraine during a broadcast on the state-run television, said that she is quitting her job but also declined the asylum offer from France.<o:p></o:p>

Marina Ovsyannikova, who worked for Russia’s Channel 1, help up a sign on live television requesting the nation to believe propaganda – an action that can result in years of jail time.<o:p></o:p>

The sign read - "Stop the war. Don't believe the propaganda. They're lying to you here."

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-ukraine-conflict-intensifies-russian-president-vladimir-putin-issues-warning-to-traitors-463306">Russian President Vladimir Putin issues warning to 'traitors'</a>

Ovsyannikova was questioned by the Russian authorities for 14 hours and fined 30,000 Rubles ($290) for her actions. According to an AFP report, the Russian Parliament has passed several laws following Russia's invasion of Ukraine that ban the media from using the words "invasion" or "assault" to describe the conflict in Ukraine and prohibit "discrediting" the Russian military.<o:p></o:p>

In an interview with FRANCE24, Ovsyannikova thanked French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement to offer her asylum in France but decided to decline the offer.<o:p></o:p>

"Unfortunately, I won't be able to accept this kind offer because I am a patriot, I want to stay and live in my own country with my family, all my friends are here, and I want to stay in Russia,"

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-russias-advance-halts-in-ukraine-us-warns-china-over-backing-putin-463300" hreflang="en">As Russia's advance halts in Ukraine, US warns China over backing Putin</a>

"As I've said, it is the war in Ukraine that really is the point of no return. This was the trigger. People never thought such a thing could happen. On February 24, I stopped sleeping. I lost all sense of direction in my life…and I understood that I couldn't remain silent," Ovsyannikova said.<o:p></o:p>

Ovsyannikova has two children and during the interview, she also said that her young son believes that his mother has “destroyed” their family live following the protest on live television.<o:p></o:p>

"But I explained to him that in life, you have to react and make decisions that are often complicated. And that above all, we must bring an end to this fratricidal war. We must stop this madness before we reach something like nuclear war. So, I think when my son is a bit older, I think he will be able to understand my gesture," she said.

<o:p>Watch |&nbsp;</o:p>Russian bombardments sparks blaze as fire rages in western Kyiv<o:p></o:p>

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-bombardments-sparks-blaze-as-fire-rages-in-western-kyiv-463302/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Russian journalist, who protested her country’s war in Ukraine during a broadcast on the state-run television, said that she is quitting her job but also declined the asylum offer from France.

The Russian journalist, who protested her country’s war in Ukraine during a broadcast on the state-run television, said that she is quitting her job but also declined the asylum offer from France. Marina Ovsyannikova, who worked for Russia’s Channel 1, help up a sign on live television requesting the nation to believe propaganda – an action that can result in years of jail time. The sign read - "Stop the war. Don't believe the propaganda. They're lying to you here." Also read | Russian President Vladimir Putin issues warning to 'traitors' Ovsyannikova was questioned by the Russian authorities for 14 hours and fined 30,000 Rubles ($290) for her actions. According to an AFP report, the Russian Parliament has passed several laws following Russia's invasion of Ukraine that ban the media from using the words "invasion" or "assault" to describe the conflict in Ukraine and prohibit "discrediting" the Russian military. In an interview with FRANCE24, Ovsyannikova thanked French President Emmanuel Macron’s statement to offer her asylum in France but decided to decline the offer. "Unfortunately, I won't be able to accept this kind offer because I am a patriot, I want to stay and live in my own country with my family, all my friends are here, and I want to stay in Russia," Also read | As Russia's advance halts in Ukraine, US warns China over backing Putin "As I've said, it is the war in Ukraine that really is the point of no return. This was the trigger. People never thought such a thing could happen. On February 24, I stopped sleeping. I lost all sense of direction in my life…and I understood that I couldn't remain silent," Ovsyannikova said. Ovsyannikova has two children and during the interview, she also said that her young son believes that his mother has “destroyed” their family live following the protest on live television. "But I explained to him that in life, you have to react and make decisions that are often complicated. And that above all, we must bring an end to this fratricidal war. We must stop this madness before we reach something like nuclear war. So, I think when my son is a bit older, I think he will be able to understand my gesture," she said. Watch | Russian bombardments sparks blaze as fire rages in western Kyiv

Russia TV protester Marina Ovsyannikova quits channel but turns down France asylum offer

Russian businessman Roman Abramovich transferred a company he controlled with tens of millions of dollars of investments to a director of English soccer club Chelsea on the day Russia invaded Ukraine, UK corporate filings showed.

It was the second time Chelsea owner Abramovich moved assets to a close associate before Britain and the European Union imposed sanctions on him this month.

After Britain was initially slower than the United States and the European Union in imposing sanctions following the Feb. 24 invasion, British lawmakers complained that the government was giving oligarchs time to move their assets out of the country before any curbs were announced.

Abramovich did not respond to requests for comment left with Chelsea and his spokesperson. A British government spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.

Abramovich, 55, became one of Russia`s most powerful entrepreneurs mostly from oil and aluminium during the chaotic aftermath of the 1991 break-up of the Soviet Union. Forbes last month put his net worth at more than $13 billion.

Britain and the EU imposed sanctions such as asset freezes on Abramovich and hundreds of Russian individuals and entities, targeting people accused of propping up Russian President Vladimir Putin. 
Abramovich has denied having close to links to Putin.

A Reuters analysis of corporate filings in London and Amsterdam showed Abramovich was previously listed as the "beneficial owner" of Cyprus-based Ervington Investments Limited. The company has made investments in at least eight firms, including in Russia`s top search engine Yandex, the filings showed.

On Feb. 24, Eugene Tenenbaum, a director of Chelsea who is described on the club website as one of Abramovich`s "closest associates", took full control of Ervington, according to a filing with the London Stock Exchange. Neither Britain, the EU nor the United States has placed sanctions on Tenenbaum.

Tenenbaum said in a statement to Reuters that his company purchased Ervington Investments from a trust in which Abramovich and his children were previously the beneficiaries. He said the purchase from the trust, called Norma Investments, was in compliance with laws and regulations. Tenenbaum declined to say how much he paid for the stake.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-champions-league-quarterfinals-draw-chesela-to-take-on-real-madrid-manchester-city-face-atletico-463473">UEFA Champions League quarterfinals draw: Chesela to take on Real Madrid, Manchester City face Atletico</a>

"Ervington is a company that I have worked with for many years," he said. "I know the company`s investments and employees well, and buying Ervington provides me with an opportunity to continue to work with this business, under my control and for my, and the employees` benefit."

ASSET MOVEMENTS

London-based lawyers said the move meant that the assets held by Ervington would not be subject to the freeze imposed on Abramovich`s other assets.

Abramovich has handed control of two companies to business associates since the war began, according to corporate filings.

Also on the first day of Russia`s attack on Ukraine, which Moscow calls a special operation, Abramovich moved Norma Investments to another associate, David Davidovich, UK corporate filings showed. The Norma transfer was first reported by the Wall Street Journal and has been confirmed in the filings.

Reuters was unable to reach Davidovich immediately for comment.

Britain imposed sanctions on Abramovich on March 10, saying he had profited from transactions with the Russian government and special tax breaks.

The British government said Evraz, a steel company in which Abramovich is the largest shareholder, could contribute to the war against Ukraine and supply steel for Russian tanks. Evraz has denied this, saying it only supplies steel to the infrastructure and construction sectors.

Evraz has not been sanctioned by the British government. Its London-listed shares were suspended by Britain`s Financial Conduct Authority after Abramovich was sanctioned. Tenenbaum was among 10 of Evraz`s board members who quit on March 11 because of the Abramovich sanctions, the company said.

Abramovich put reigning European champions Chelsea up for sale on March 2, but following the sanctions announcement, the club was made to operate under a special licence and is now effectively controlled by the British government.

Several potential buyers of Chelsea have confirmed their interest and the deadline for the first round of bids is Friday.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-will-continue-to-fight-hard-for-success-says-coach-thomas-tuchel-amid-roman-abramovich-crisis-462608">Chelsea will continue to fight hard for success, says coach Thomas Tuchel amid Roman Abramovich crisis</a>

Tenenbaum, 57, was born in Ukraine when it was part of the Soviet Union and has been on Chelsea`s board for 19 years. He was previously the head of corporate finance at Sibneft, an oil company sold in 2006 by Abramovich. Tenenbaum said in his statement that he does not agree with the way Abramovich has been publicly characterised.

The British government said when it sanctioned Abramovich that he had been a close ally of Putin for decades. 
"It is my hope that the unjust measures imposed on Mr Abramovich will be reassessed," he said. "Unfortunately, as a British citizen and due to the new regulations, I am unable to continue to work with him personally."

Ervington has served as an investment vehicle for Abramovich for at least eight years. It was among investors who put $600 million into Yandex in 2020 and who put money into Via, a ride-sharing app.

Tenenbaum moved to Canada at a young age and previously worked for accounting firm KPMG in Toronto, Moscow and London, according to the Chelsea website.

Russian businessman Roman Abramovich transferred a company he controlled with tens of millions of dollars of investments to a director of English soccer club Chelsea on the day Russia invaded Ukraine, UK corporate filings showed.

Russian businessman Roman Abramovich transferred a company he controlled with tens of millions of dollars of investments to a director of English soccer club Chelsea on the day Russia invaded Ukraine, UK corporate filings showed. It was the second time Chelsea owner Abramovich moved assets to a close associate before Britain and the European Union imposed sanctions on him this month. After Britain was initially slower than the United States and the European Union in imposing sanctions following the Feb. 24 invasion, British lawmakers complained that the government was giving oligarchs time to move their assets out of the country before any curbs were announced. Abramovich did not respond to requests for comment left with Chelsea and his spokesperson. A British government spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. Abramovich, 55, became one of Russia`s most powerful entrepreneurs mostly from oil and aluminium during the chaotic aftermath of the 1991 break-up of the Soviet Union. Forbes last month put his net worth at more than $13 billion. Britain and the EU imposed sanctions such as asset freezes on Abramovich and hundreds of Russian individuals and entities, targeting people accused of propping up Russian President Vladimir Putin. Abramovich has denied having close to links to Putin. A Reuters analysis of corporate filings in London and Amsterdam showed Abramovich was previously listed as the "beneficial owner" of Cyprus-based Ervington Investments Limited. The company has made investments in at least eight firms, including in Russia`s top search engine Yandex, the filings showed. On Feb. 24, Eugene Tenenbaum, a director of Chelsea who is described on the club website as one of Abramovich`s "closest associates", took full control of Ervington, according to a filing with the London Stock Exchange. Neither Britain, the EU nor the United States has placed sanctions on Tenenbaum. Tenenbaum said in a statement to Reuters that his company purchased Ervington Investments from a trust in which Abramovich and his children were previously the beneficiaries. He said the purchase from the trust, called Norma Investments, was in compliance with laws and regulations. Tenenbaum declined to say how much he paid for the stake. Also Read: UEFA Champions League quarterfinals draw: Chesela to take on Real Madrid, Manchester City face Atletico "Ervington is a company that I have worked with for many years," he said. "I know the company`s investments and employees well, and buying Ervington provides me with an opportunity to continue to work with this business, under my control and for my, and the employees` benefit." ASSET MOVEMENTS London-based lawyers said the move meant that the assets held by Ervington would not be subject to the freeze imposed on Abramovich`s other assets. Abramovich has handed control of two companies to business associates since the war began, according to corporate filings. Also on the first day of Russia`s attack on Ukraine, which Moscow calls a special operation, Abramovich moved Norma Investments to another associate, David Davidovich, UK corporate filings showed. The Norma transfer was first reported by the Wall Street Journal and has been confirmed in the filings. Reuters was unable to reach Davidovich immediately for comment. Britain imposed sanctions on Abramovich on March 10, saying he had profited from transactions with the Russian government and special tax breaks. The British government said Evraz, a steel company in which Abramovich is the largest shareholder, could contribute to the war against Ukraine and supply steel for Russian tanks. Evraz has denied this, saying it only supplies steel to the infrastructure and construction sectors. Evraz has not been sanctioned by the British government. Its London-listed shares were suspended by Britain`s Financial Conduct Authority after Abramovich was sanctioned. Tenenbaum was among 10 of Evraz`s board members who quit on March 11 because of the Abramovich sanctions, the company said. Abramovich put reigning European champions Chelsea up for sale on March 2, but following the sanctions announcement, the club was made to operate under a special licence and is now effectively controlled by the British government. Several potential buyers of Chelsea have confirmed their interest and the deadline for the first round of bids is Friday. Also Read: Chelsea will continue to fight hard for success, says coach Thomas Tuchel amid Roman Abramovich crisis Tenenbaum, 57, was born in Ukraine when it was part of the Soviet Union and has been on Chelsea`s board for 19 years. He was previously the head of corporate finance at Sibneft, an oil company sold in 2006 by Abramovich. Tenenbaum said in his statement that he does not agree with the way Abramovich has been publicly characterised. The British government said when it sanctioned Abramovich that he had been a close ally of Putin for decades. "It is my hope that the unjust measures imposed on Mr Abramovich will be reassessed," he said. "Unfortunately, as a British citizen and due to the new regulations, I am unable to continue to work with him personally." Ervington has served as an investment vehicle for Abramovich for at least eight years. It was among investors who put $600 million into Yandex in 2020 and who put money into Via, a ride-sharing app. Tenenbaum moved to Canada at a young age and previously worked for accounting firm KPMG in Toronto, Moscow and London, according to the Chelsea website.

Roman Abramovich handed Chelsea director control of firm on day of Ukraine invasion

A number of Western brands have decided to stop their operations in Russia in the aftermath of their attack on Ukraine but there are some who are still not able to leave the country due to complex franchise deals.

Marks and Spencer, Burger King, and hotel groups Marriott and Accor have outsourced the Russian businesses to third parties and are unable to leave the country at present.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-russias-advance-halts-in-ukraine-us-warns-china-over-backing-putin-463300">As Russia's advance halts in Ukraine, US warns China over backing Putin</a>

Currently, Burger King has 800 restaurants all around Russia, M&amp;S has 48 shops while Marriot and Accor have 28 and 57 hotels operational in the country at present. According to the BBC, the brands are bound by legal franchise documents which are making it hard to close their outlets.

Marks and Spencer stores in Russia are operated by a Turkish company call FiBA which has the permission to sell their products in Eastern Europe since 1999. On the other hand, Burger King is also completely reliant on franchises when it comes to their Russia operations. The company has said that they will not be sending products to FiBA in response to the crisis but it will be difficult for the brand to close their outlets already present in Russia.

“These long-standing legal agreements are not easily changeable in the foreseeable future," Burger King's owner Restaurant Brands International said according to a report in Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-ukraine-conflict-intensifies-russian-president-vladimir-putin-issues-warning-to-traitors-463306">Russian President Vladimir Putin issues warning to 'traitors'</a>

Both Marriot and Accor are also operating under similar deals currently in Russia.

According to the BBC, Marriott said that its hotels in Russia were owned by third parties but said it would "continue to evaluate the ability for these hotels to remain open", suggesting it was looking into its franchise agreements.

Watch |&nbsp;European Space Agency suspends joint space mission with Russia<o:p></o:p>

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/european-space-agency-suspends-joint-space-mission-with-russia-463384/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

A number of Western brands have decided to stop their operations in Russia in the aftermath of their attack on Ukraine but there are some who are still not able to leave the country due to complex franchise deals.

A number of Western brands have decided to stop their operations in Russia in the aftermath of their attack on Ukraine but there are some who are still not able to leave the country due to complex franchise deals. Marks and Spencer, Burger King, and hotel groups Marriott and Accor have outsourced the Russian businesses to third parties and are unable to leave the country at present. Also read | As Russia's advance halts in Ukraine, US warns China over backing Putin Currently, Burger King has 800 restaurants all around Russia, M&S has 48 shops while Marriot and Accor have 28 and 57 hotels operational in the country at present. According to the BBC, the brands are bound by legal franchise documents which are making it hard to close their outlets. Marks and Spencer stores in Russia are operated by a Turkish company call FiBA which has the permission to sell their products in Eastern Europe since 1999. On the other hand, Burger King is also completely reliant on franchises when it comes to their Russia operations. The company has said that they will not be sending products to FiBA in response to the crisis but it will be difficult for the brand to close their outlets already present in Russia. “These long-standing legal agreements are not easily changeable in the foreseeable future," Burger King's owner Restaurant Brands International said according to a report in Reuters. Also read | Russian President Vladimir Putin issues warning to 'traitors' Both Marriot and Accor are also operating under similar deals currently in Russia. According to the BBC, Marriott said that its hotels in Russia were owned by third parties but said it would "continue to evaluate the ability for these hotels to remain open", suggesting it was looking into its franchise agreements. Watch | European Space Agency suspends joint space mission with Russia (With inputs from agencies)

Why some Western brands are not finding it easy to leave Russia

To support Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, a group of theatre owners in the US has signed up to screen Ukrainian director Oles Sanin’s 2014 feature film ‘The Guide’. The proceeds of the film will go into the relief efforts for the country.&nbsp;

It hasn’t been decided when and in what theatres the film will run but it will start from this weekend. Some theatres include Regal, National Amusements, Harkins, Landmark, Laemmele, Cinepolis, Malco Theaters, the Angelika Group, B&amp;B Theatres, Santikos Theatres, Cinemex, Xscape Theatres, Premiere Cinemas, Imagine of Canada, Celebration, Bow Tie Cinemas, Milgram Theatres and Mini Theatres.

About 100 independent cinemas have also committed.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-under-attack-russia-attacks-mariupol-theatre-sheltering-hundreds-of-civilians-see-satellite-image-463012">Russia attacks theatre sheltering civilians in Mariupol - see satellite image</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-condemns-us-president-biden-for-calling-putin-war-criminal-463022" hreflang="en">Russia condemns US President Biden for calling Putin 'war criminal'</a>

The filmmaker, Oles Sanin, is currently in the city of Kyiv. When tracked down, he conveyed the urgent need for assistance as Russian attacks intensified in his homeland.&nbsp;

As for the film, ‘The Guide’, it was Ukraine’s entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 87th Academy Awards. It is set in the 1930s as the Soviet regime pursues agricultural and other repressive policies causing the death of millions of Ukrainians.&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CxoWXxdKSZA" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>

The ticket collections from this initiative will be forwarded to a special Ukraine Relief Fund being managed by Human &amp; Civil Rights Organisations of America.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/to-me-its-my-life-russian-influencers-cries-inconsolably-after-their-country-bans-instagram-462554" hreflang="en">'To me, it's my life', Russian influencers cry inconsolably over Instagram ban</a>

To support Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, a group of theatre owners in the US has signed up to screen Ukrainian director Oles Sanin’s 2014 feature film ‘The Guide’.

To support Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, a group of theatre owners in the US has signed up to screen Ukrainian director Oles Sanin’s 2014 feature film ‘The Guide’. The proceeds of the film will go into the relief efforts for the country. It hasn’t been decided when and in what theatres the film will run but it will start from this weekend. Some theatres include Regal, National Amusements, Harkins, Landmark, Laemmele, Cinepolis, Malco Theaters, the Angelika Group, B&B Theatres, Santikos Theatres, Cinemex, Xscape Theatres, Premiere Cinemas, Imagine of Canada, Celebration, Bow Tie Cinemas, Milgram Theatres and Mini Theatres. About 100 independent cinemas have also committed. Russia attacks theatre sheltering civilians in Mariupol - see satellite image Russia condemns US President Biden for calling Putin 'war criminal' The filmmaker, Oles Sanin, is currently in the city of Kyiv. When tracked down, he conveyed the urgent need for assistance as Russian attacks intensified in his homeland. As for the film, ‘The Guide’, it was Ukraine’s entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 87th Academy Awards. It is set in the 1930s as the Soviet regime pursues agricultural and other repressive policies causing the death of millions of Ukrainians. The ticket collections from this initiative will be forwarded to a special Ukraine Relief Fund being managed by Human & Civil Rights Organisations of America. Also read: 'To me, it's my life', Russian influencers cry inconsolably over Instagram ban

US theatres to play Ukrainian film 'The Guide' to aid relief efforts for war-stricken country

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 is gathering reinforcements from across the country as it is facing “personnel losses” in the Ukrainian war, UK defence ministry’s latest public intelligence assessment report said.

The report, released on Tuesday, stated that Vladimir Putin is “increasingly seeking to generate additional troops to bolster and replace its personnel losses in Ukraine.”

&nbsp;The UK ministry said Russia was redeploying forces from as far away as "its Eastern Military District, Pacific Fleet and Armenia" and was increasingly tapping other sources of fighters such as "private military companies, Syrians, and other mercenaries."

“Russia is increasingly seeking to generate additional troops to bolster and replace its personnel losses. It is likely that Russia is struggling to conduct offensive operations in the face of sustained Ukrainian resistance,” the assessment said.

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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/courage-of-true-friends-of-ukraine-european-leaders-defiant-visit-to-kyiv-amid-growing-tension-with-russia-462717">European leaders' defiant visit to Kyiv amid growing tension with Russia</a>

“Russia will likely attempt to use these forces to hold captured territory and free up its combat power to renew stalled offensive operations,” it added.&nbsp;

Earlier, the prime ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovenia travelled to the embattled Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky, despite Russian bombardment of the city.

The three leaders made a long, hazardous journey by rail from Poland to Kyiv in a show of support despite worries within the European Union about the security risks of travelling within a war zone.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-refugee-crisis-raises-other-concerns-feeling-women-minors-may-be-targetted-for-trafficking-462747" hreflang="en">Ukraine refugee crisis raises other concerns; fleeing women &amp; minors may be targetted for trafficking</a>

“It is here, in war-torn Kyiv, that history is being made. It is here, that freedom fights against the world of tyranny. It is here that the future of us all hangs in the balance,” tweeted Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

(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 is gathering reinforcements from across the country as it is facing “personnel losses” in the Ukrainian war, UK defence ministry’s latest public intelligence assessment report said. The report, released on Tuesday, stated that Vladimir Putin is “increasingly seeking to generate additional troops to bolster and replace its personnel losses in Ukraine.” The UK ministry said Russia was redeploying forces from as far away as "its Eastern Military District, Pacific Fleet and Armenia" and was increasingly tapping other sources of fighters such as "private military companies, Syrians, and other mercenaries." “Russia is increasingly seeking to generate additional troops to bolster and replace its personnel losses. It is likely that Russia is struggling to conduct offensive operations in the face of sustained Ukrainian resistance,” the assessment said. Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 15 March 2022 Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/sdQNbNojkk 🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/dt3peYkO7y — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) March 15, 2022 × Also read | European leaders' defiant visit to Kyiv amid growing tension with Russia “Russia will likely attempt to use these forces to hold captured territory and free up its combat power to renew stalled offensive operations,” it added. Earlier, the prime ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovenia travelled to the embattled Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky, despite Russian bombardment of the city. The three leaders made a long, hazardous journey by rail from Poland to Kyiv in a show of support despite worries within the European Union about the security risks of travelling within a war zone. Also read | Ukraine refugee crisis raises other concerns; fleeing women & minors may be targetted for trafficking “It is here, in war-torn Kyiv, that history is being made. It is here, that freedom fights against the world of tyranny. It is here that the future of us all hangs in the balance,” tweeted Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Struggling’ Russia deploying more reinforcements from across country into Ukraine: UK intel

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 has sought military assistance from China in Ukraine, a US official has reportedly said.

According to New York Times, the US officials have&nbsp;however not disclosed what type of weapon has been requested.

The US newspaper, quoting the official, also claimed that Kremlin has asked China for economic assistance in the wake of sanctions imposed by the West.

There are already reports of Russian banks tying up with the Chinese counterparts on the possibility of issuing “co-badged” cards powered by payment systems like Chinese state-owned UnionPay and Russia’s Mir for international payments, after Visa and Mastercard ceased operations in Russia.

China has, however, refuted claims of Moscow seeking weapons. Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in the US, said in a statement, "I've never heard of that."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-journalist-shot-dead-in-ukraine-another-wounded-461933">US journalist shot dead in Ukraine, another wounded: Report</a>

“The high priority now is to prevent the tense situation from escalating or even getting out of control. ... China calls for exercising utmost restraint and preventing a massive humanitarian crisis,” CNN quoted the statement as saying.

Meanwhile, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan, who is planning to meet Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi this week, warned China against providing any support to Russia to counter global sanctions.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-can-plan-chemical-weapons-operations-behind-lies-about-biological-weapons-laboratories-nato-461865">Russia may use chemical weapons, says NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg</a>

"We are communicating directly, privately to Beijing that there will absolutely be consequences for large-scale sanctions evasion efforts or support to Russia to backfill them," Sullivan told CNN on Sunday.

"We will not allow that to go forward and allow there to be a lifeline to Russia from these economic sanctions from any country, anywhere in the world," he was quoted as saying.

(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 has sought military assistance from China in Ukraine, a US official has reportedly said. According to New York Times, the US officials have however not disclosed what type of weapon has been requested. The US newspaper, quoting the official, also claimed that Kremlin has asked China for economic assistance in the wake of sanctions imposed by the West. There are already reports of Russian banks tying up with the Chinese counterparts on the possibility of issuing “co-badged” cards powered by payment systems like Chinese state-owned UnionPay and Russia’s Mir for international payments, after Visa and Mastercard ceased operations in Russia. China has, however, refuted claims of Moscow seeking weapons. Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in the US, said in a statement, "I've never heard of that." Also read | US journalist shot dead in Ukraine, another wounded: Report “The high priority now is to prevent the tense situation from escalating or even getting out of control. ... China calls for exercising utmost restraint and preventing a massive humanitarian crisis,” CNN quoted the statement as saying. Meanwhile, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan, who is planning to meet Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi this week, warned China against providing any support to Russia to counter global sanctions. Also read | Russia may use chemical weapons, says NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg "We are communicating directly, privately to Beijing that there will absolutely be consequences for large-scale sanctions evasion efforts or support to Russia to backfill them," Sullivan told CNN on Sunday. "We will not allow that to go forward and allow there to be a lifeline to Russia from these economic sanctions from any country, anywhere in the world," he was quoted as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

US warns China against providing any support to Russia in the ongoing Ukraine conflict

Ukrainians have been forced to flee and seek refuge in other countries, but some have decided to return to the conflict-ridden home.

Why are the refugees going back to Ukraine?

YouTube has said that it is blocking Russian state-funded media channels globally "effective immediately” while citing a policy barring content that denies, minimises or trivialises well-documented violent events.

Announcing the move on Twitter, YouTube on Friday said that while the change was effective immediately, “we expect our systems to take time to ramp up”.

"Our Community Guidelines prohibit content denying, minimizing or trivializing well-documented violent events, and we remove content about Russia's invasion in Ukraine that violates this policy. In line with that, effective immediately, we are also blocking&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;channels associated with Russian state-funded media, globally,"&nbsp;YouTube&nbsp;said in a statement.

YouTube added that when people search for topics on&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and Ukraine, "our systems prominently surface authoritative news content in both our Top News and Breaking News shelves, and will continue to as needed."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-briefs-tiktokers-on-ukraine-as-information-war-against-russia-heats-up-461466">White House briefs TikTokers on Ukraine as information war heats up</a>

The US-based video platform had previously blocked the channels, especially Russia Today and Sputnik, across Europe. It had also blocked YouTube ads and paused ad sales in Russia.

Russian state media have called restrictions placed on them by distributors, which include app stores and other social media services, unjustified censorship.

“The blocking by YouTube is nothing but a new turn of an atrocious attack on one of the fundamental principles of a democratic society – that is freedom of the press,” Sputnik said in a statement on Friday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-legalises-piracy-allows-patent-thefts-to-counter-west-sanctions-report-461502" hreflang="en">Russia legalises piracy, allows patent thefts to counter West sanctions: Report</a>

YouTube declined to specify which and how many channels had been blocked globally, or whether they ever would be restored.

(With inputs from agencies)

YouTube has said that it is blocking Russian state-funded media channels globally "effective immediately” while citing a policy barring content that denies, minimises or trivialises well-documented violent events.

YouTube has said that it is blocking Russian state-funded media channels globally "effective immediately” while citing a policy barring content that denies, minimises or trivialises well-documented violent events. Announcing the move on Twitter, YouTube on Friday said that while the change was effective immediately, “we expect our systems to take time to ramp up”. "Our Community Guidelines prohibit content denying, minimizing or trivializing well-documented violent events, and we remove content about Russia's invasion in Ukraine that violates this policy. In line with that, effective immediately, we are also blocking YouTube channels associated with Russian state-funded media, globally," YouTube said in a statement. YouTube added that when people search for topics on Russia and Ukraine, "our systems prominently surface authoritative news content in both our Top News and Breaking News shelves, and will continue to as needed." Also read | White House briefs TikTokers on Ukraine as information war heats up The US-based video platform had previously blocked the channels, especially Russia Today and Sputnik, across Europe. It had also blocked YouTube ads and paused ad sales in Russia. Russian state media have called restrictions placed on them by distributors, which include app stores and other social media services, unjustified censorship. “The blocking by YouTube is nothing but a new turn of an atrocious attack on one of the fundamental principles of a democratic society – that is freedom of the press,” Sputnik said in a statement on Friday. Also read | Russia legalises piracy, allows patent thefts to counter West sanctions: Report YouTube declined to specify which and how many channels had been blocked globally, or whether they ever would be restored. (With inputs from agencies)

YouTube blocks Russian state-funded media channels worldwide

The Indian Embassy in Russia has issued an advisory to Indian students, assuring them that there are no security concerns at present that warrants them to leave.

The guideline comes after the embassy received messages from Indian students in universities in Russia seeking advice on their continued stay in the country.

“The embassy would like to reassure all students that at present we see no security reasons for them to leave. The Embassy is in regular contact with relevant authorities with respect to the safety and security of the Indian nationals, including students,” it said.

“Certain disruption of banking services in Russia and direct flight connectivity from Russia to India is, however, taking place.”

If students have concerns regarding these aspects and would like to travel back to India, they may consider doing so, the embassy said.

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Regarding the academic programs, the embassy said it has been informed by a number of universities that the classes are being done through the online distance learning mode.

“Students are advised to exercise their discretion in consultation with their respective universities on the appropriate course of action regarding continuation of their academic activities without disruption,” it said.

So far, around 20,000 Indians, especially students, have been evacuated from the neighbouring countries of Ukraine under “Operation Ganga”.

On Friday, Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar hailed Operation Ganga and thanked everyone who helped the mission meet its objectives.

“Students from Sumy are returning today to India. Their evacuation was particularly challenging. Operation Ganga, undertaken at the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has delivered due to both leadership and commitment,” Jaishankar said in a statement on Twitter.

He also expressed gratitude to Ukraine's neighbouring countries--Romania, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Moldova—for their ‘exceptional’ support to India in evacuating its citizens from the eastern European nation.

The Indian Embassy in Russia has issued an advisory to Indian students, assuring them that there are no security concerns at present that warrants them to leave.

The Indian Embassy in Russia has issued an advisory to Indian students, assuring them that there are no security concerns at present that warrants them to leave. The guideline comes after the embassy received messages from Indian students in universities in Russia seeking advice on their continued stay in the country. “The embassy would like to reassure all students that at present we see no security reasons for them to leave. The Embassy is in regular contact with relevant authorities with respect to the safety and security of the Indian nationals, including students,” it said. “Certain disruption of banking services in Russia and direct flight connectivity from Russia to India is, however, taking place.” If students have concerns regarding these aspects and would like to travel back to India, they may consider doing so, the embassy said. Latest guidelines for Indian students studying in Russia. Read -https://t.co/9pm1ZCu5wr pic.twitter.com/srApqRw389 — India in Russia (@IndEmbMoscow) March 11, 2022 × Regarding the academic programs, the embassy said it has been informed by a number of universities that the classes are being done through the online distance learning mode. “Students are advised to exercise their discretion in consultation with their respective universities on the appropriate course of action regarding continuation of their academic activities without disruption,” it said. So far, around 20,000 Indians, especially students, have been evacuated from the neighbouring countries of Ukraine under “Operation Ganga”. On Friday, Indian external affairs minister S Jaishankar hailed Operation Ganga and thanked everyone who helped the mission meet its objectives. “Students from Sumy are returning today to India. Their evacuation was particularly challenging. Operation Ganga, undertaken at the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has delivered due to both leadership and commitment,” Jaishankar said in a statement on Twitter. He also expressed gratitude to Ukraine's neighbouring countries--Romania, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Moldova—for their ‘exceptional’ support to India in evacuating its citizens from the eastern European nation.

‘No security reasons to leave Russia’: Indian Embassy issues advisory to students

Ukraine war: What weapons are being used in Russia's invasion?

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.

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has said that the West made a mistake by offering NATO membership to Ukraine, Sputnik news agency has reported.

"I am ready to admit that we have made a number of mistakes and that we have lost the opportunity of Russia's rapprochement with the West … There are moments that we could have done better, there are things that we proposed and then could not implement, such as the promise that Ukraine and Georgia would become part of NATO …I think it's a mistake to make promises you can't deliver," Borrell told the TF1 broadcaster.

In December, Russia had asked NATO not to include Ukraine and Belgium in their military alliance, adding that their inclusion would pose a threat to its security.

In fact, many believed that Russia launched an all-out attack against Ukraine because President Zelensky wanted to be a part of NATO.

Putin justified his invasion of Ukraine by stating that Russia’s goal was is that Ukraine is freed from oppression and "cleansed of the Nazis".

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-satellite-images-show-russian-military-convoy-northwest-of-kyiv-has-dispersed-redeployed-461121">&nbsp;Ukraine crisis: Satellite images show Russian military convoy northwest of Kyiv has 'dispersed, redeployed'</a>

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, however, has lost interest in the alliance. According to him, this happened after realizing that the organization was not ready to accept them.

"Regarding NATO, I have cooled down regarding this question long ago after we understood that NATO is not prepared to accept Ukraine," Zelensky&nbsp;told ABC News&nbsp;in an exclusive interview that aired Monday night.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-tsar-bomba-worlds-most-powerful-nuclear-weapon-of-mass-destruction-460924">Russia's Tsar bomba: World's most powerful nuclear weapon of mass destruction</a>

Zelensky added: "The alliance is afraid of controversial things and confrontation with&nbsp;Russia. I never wanted to be a country which is begging something on its knees. We are not going to be that country, and I don't want to be that president."

(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. European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has said that the West made a mistake by offering NATO membership to Ukraine, Sputnik news agency has reported. "I am ready to admit that we have made a number of mistakes and that we have lost the opportunity of Russia's rapprochement with the West … There are moments that we could have done better, there are things that we proposed and then could not implement, such as the promise that Ukraine and Georgia would become part of NATO …I think it's a mistake to make promises you can't deliver," Borrell told the TF1 broadcaster. In December, Russia had asked NATO not to include Ukraine and Belgium in their military alliance, adding that their inclusion would pose a threat to its security. In fact, many believed that Russia launched an all-out attack against Ukraine because President Zelensky wanted to be a part of NATO. Putin justified his invasion of Ukraine by stating that Russia’s goal was is that Ukraine is freed from oppression and "cleansed of the Nazis". Also read | Ukraine crisis: Satellite images show Russian military convoy northwest of Kyiv has 'dispersed, redeployed' Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, however, has lost interest in the alliance. According to him, this happened after realizing that the organization was not ready to accept them. "Regarding NATO, I have cooled down regarding this question long ago after we understood that NATO is not prepared to accept Ukraine," Zelensky told ABC News in an exclusive interview that aired Monday night. IN PICS | Russia's Tsar bomba: World's most powerful nuclear weapon of mass destruction Zelensky added: "The alliance is afraid of controversial things and confrontation with Russia. I never wanted to be a country which is begging something on its knees. We are not going to be that country, and I don't want to be that president." (With inputs from agencies)

West made a mistake by promising NATO membership to Ukraine: EU foreign policy chief Borrell

Seven refugee bears from Kyiv were getting used to their new home in the western city of Lviv on March 8, after enduring a 24 hour non-stop journey to safety.

Bears rescued from Russian Invasion

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