For several months now since November, the leaders of the west, Russia, and indeed the United States have been engaged in an escalating war of words. The political shadow boxing has been over a possible Russian incursion into Ukraine, in the aftermath of Russia having amassed almost over a hundred thousand troops along the borders with eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine Conflict: First US reinforcement troops for EU arrive in Germany

India has refused to pick a side in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. It abstained from a vote at the UNSC on discussing the issue. Was it the right move? Should India have taken a stand? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Russia Vs Ukraine: India abstains from UNSC vote

Amid escalating tensions over the Ukraine conflict, top officials from Washington and Moscow will hold fresh talks today. The US secretary of state Antony Blinken will speak to his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken to speak to Sergei Lavrov

Russia has said that it does not want a war after the United States warned Moscow may invade Ukraine next month.

Russia says it does not want a war with Ukraine

As tensions on the Russia-Ukraine border continues to simmer, the United West has threatened to impose never seen before sanctions on Moscow if Russia invades Ukraine.

Impact of possible sanctions on Moscow

Ukraine gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Relations between Ukraine and Russia have been on the boil since the Russian annexation of Ukraine's Crimea. Recently, the hostilities re-emerged over situation in Ukraine's Donbass region and Russian troop build-up on Ukraine-Russia border.

On March 26, four Ukrainian soldiers were killed by pro-Russian separatists. The killings contravened a ceasefire brokered in 2020 and ended a year of relative calm.

In the 17 days that have followed, the situation has become quite precarious. Thousands of soldiers have descended on the border. So have dozens of tanks and missile launchers.

Ukraine calls it an unwarranted provocation against its sovereignty.

"We clearly understand the scale of Russian military presence next to our border. I would like to specify that the question of war depends only on Putin," said Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council.

Russia calls the situation an escalated hysteria about a mythical threat.

"Troops are being transported there, mobilisation plans, calls of reservists are being renewed. Ukrainian media is escalating hysteria about the Russian mythical threat, about plans of Moscow attacking Ukraine practically tomorrow. All this is happening at the behest and open support of western curators of Kyiv," said Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russian Foreign Ministry.

So both Moscow and Kyiv deny stoking up tensions.

Then what exactly is happening and why is it happening?

At the root of the problem is Ukraine's geographical and demographic makeup. As a former Soviet territory, Ukraine is divided between an eastern region with close historical &amp; cultural ties to Russia and the rest of the country which identifies as more Ukrainian than anything else.

The east has been the hotbed of rebellion and pro-Russian sentiment. The rebels allegedly receive support from Moscow. And have played a key role in keeping the conflict simmering.

Since 2014, some 13,000 civilians, 4100 Ukrainian troops and 5650 pro-Russian separatists have been killed in this conflict. Ukraine is pushing for NATO membership to end it.

For NATO and Europe, this means influence on another one of Russia's borders. But Moscow views it as an existential threat. It has billions of dollars invested in Ukraine. A large part of Russian oil exports flow through the country.&nbsp;

There is indeed sizeable population of pro-Russian people who want to secede from Ukraine. The stakes are quite high and the prospects for a solution quite low. If this situation spirals into military conflict the implications for Europe and the world are quite severe.

Ukraine gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Relations between Ukraine and Russia have been on the boil since the Russian annexation of Ukraine's Crimea.

Ukraine gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Relations between Ukraine and Russia have been on the boil since the Russian annexation of Ukraine's Crimea. Recently, the hostilities re-emerged over situation in Ukraine's Donbass region and Russian troop build-up on Ukraine-Russia border. On March 26, four Ukrainian soldiers were killed by pro-Russian separatists. The killings contravened a ceasefire brokered in 2020 and ended a year of relative calm. In the 17 days that have followed, the situation has become quite precarious. Thousands of soldiers have descended on the border. So have dozens of tanks and missile launchers. Ukraine calls it an unwarranted provocation against its sovereignty. "We clearly understand the scale of Russian military presence next to our border. I would like to specify that the question of war depends only on Putin," said Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council. Russia calls the situation an escalated hysteria about a mythical threat. "Troops are being transported there, mobilisation plans, calls of reservists are being renewed. Ukrainian media is escalating hysteria about the Russian mythical threat, about plans of Moscow attacking Ukraine practically tomorrow. All this is happening at the behest and open support of western curators of Kyiv," said Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for Russian Foreign Ministry. So both Moscow and Kyiv deny stoking up tensions. Then what exactly is happening and why is it happening? At the root of the problem is Ukraine's geographical and demographic makeup. As a former Soviet territory, Ukraine is divided between an eastern region with close historical & cultural ties to Russia and the rest of the country which identifies as more Ukrainian than anything else. The east has been the hotbed of rebellion and pro-Russian sentiment. The rebels allegedly receive support from Moscow. And have played a key role in keeping the conflict simmering. Since 2014, some 13,000 civilians, 4100 Ukrainian troops and 5650 pro-Russian separatists have been killed in this conflict. Ukraine is pushing for NATO membership to end it. For NATO and Europe, this means influence on another one of Russia's borders. But Moscow views it as an existential threat. It has billions of dollars invested in Ukraine. A large part of Russian oil exports flow through the country. There is indeed sizeable population of pro-Russian people who want to secede from Ukraine. The stakes are quite high and the prospects for a solution quite low. If this situation spirals into military conflict the implications for Europe and the world are quite severe.

What's happening between Russia and Ukraine? Here's a cheat-sheet

Political advisors from France, Germany, Russia, and Ukraine are set to meet today (Wednesday) in Paris to resume the so-called Normandy Format talks on the future of Ukraine.

It is the first time that the talks— which will take place in an advisory capacity—will be held since 2019 under the Normandy format.

The renewed diplomatic effort comes in the wake of Russia reportedly amassing thousands of troops near Ukraine borders amid allegations of invasion by US and NATO allies.

What are Normandy Format talks?

The four-way Normandy format peace talks are aimed at helping end a long-running conflict in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatists.

The Normandy format was conceived in July 2014 when four nations met in Normandy, France, to discuss about the future of Ukraine, following an armed conflict in eastern Ukraine that led to the annexation of Crimea by the troops of Russian Federation.

The negotiations and talks were stalled from 2016 until autumn 2019.

It operates mainly through telephone calls between the leaders and their respective ministers of foreign affairs.

Which countries are taking part in the meeting?

Representatives of all four nations, Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France will be meeting in Paris. It is being reported that these nations would be meeting on January 26.

The Normandy Format has sometimes been expanded to include&nbsp;Belarus, Italy and the&nbsp;United Kingdom.

What will be discussed in Paris?

The meeting is said to focus on humanitarian efforts and the possibility of formal talks on the status of the Donbas region— where Russia-backed separatists control the territory. But Kremlin denies any connection to the proxy forces.

A conflict between government forces and pro-Russian separatists in the eastern Donbass region of Ukraine is still without resolution, with the momentum lost by the stalled Minsk accords, last signed in 2015 but never implemented.

Under the Minsk Accords, Ukraine and the Russian-backed separatists agreed a 12-point ceasefire deal in the capital of Belarus in September 2014. Its provisions included prisoner exchanges, deliveries of humanitarian aid and the withdrawal of heavy weapons

However, it failed to stop fighting in Donbas and was thus followed with a new package of measures, called&nbsp;Minsk II, which was signed on 12 February 2015.

But this too failed to stop the fighting, but the Normandy Format parties agreed that it remains the basis for any future resolution to the conflict.

A major blockage has been Russia’s insistence that it is not a party to the conflict and therefore is not bound by its terms.

(With inputs from agencies)

Political advisors from France, Germany, Russia, and Ukraine are set to meet today (Wednesday) in Paris to resume the so-called Normandy Format talks on the future of Ukraine.

Political advisors from France, Germany, Russia, and Ukraine are set to meet today (Wednesday) in Paris to resume the so-called Normandy Format talks on the future of Ukraine. It is the first time that the talks— which will take place in an advisory capacity—will be held since 2019 under the Normandy format. The renewed diplomatic effort comes in the wake of Russia reportedly amassing thousands of troops near Ukraine borders amid allegations of invasion by US and NATO allies. What are Normandy Format talks? The four-way Normandy format peace talks are aimed at helping end a long-running conflict in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatists. The Normandy format was conceived in July 2014 when four nations met in Normandy, France, to discuss about the future of Ukraine, following an armed conflict in eastern Ukraine that led to the annexation of Crimea by the troops of Russian Federation. The negotiations and talks were stalled from 2016 until autumn 2019. It operates mainly through telephone calls between the leaders and their respective ministers of foreign affairs. Which countries are taking part in the meeting? Representatives of all four nations, Russia, Ukraine, Germany and France will be meeting in Paris. It is being reported that these nations would be meeting on January 26. The Normandy Format has sometimes been expanded to include Belarus, Italy and the United Kingdom. What will be discussed in Paris? The meeting is said to focus on humanitarian efforts and the possibility of formal talks on the status of the Donbas region— where Russia-backed separatists control the territory. But Kremlin denies any connection to the proxy forces. A conflict between government forces and pro-Russian separatists in the eastern Donbass region of Ukraine is still without resolution, with the momentum lost by the stalled Minsk accords, last signed in 2015 but never implemented. Under the Minsk Accords, Ukraine and the Russian-backed separatists agreed a 12-point ceasefire deal in the capital of Belarus in September 2014. Its provisions included prisoner exchanges, deliveries of humanitarian aid and the withdrawal of heavy weapons However, it failed to stop fighting in Donbas and was thus followed with a new package of measures, called Minsk II, which was signed on 12 February 2015. But this too failed to stop the fighting, but the Normandy Format parties agreed that it remains the basis for any future resolution to the conflict. A major blockage has been Russia’s insistence that it is not a party to the conflict and therefore is not bound by its terms. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: Normandy Format talks and how it can ease Russia-Ukraine crisis

While addressing a press conference, North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that NATO and its allies remains ready for dialogue with Russia.

NATO allies ready for dialogue with Russia, says Jens Stoltenberg

US, UK, Australia are moving diplomats and dependents out of Ukraine. US says Russian military action can come any time. NATO say it is prepared for collective defence. But Germany is proving to be a weak link. Palki Sharma has the details.

Gravitas: Countries move diplomats out of Ukraine

The Biden administration is mulling to deploy several thousand troops, as well as warships and aircraft, to NATO allies in the Baltics and Eastern Europe amid fears of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to reports.

The US president is expected to make a decision as early as this week, the New York Times has reported citing unnamed Pentagon officials.

The reports state that the Pentagon officials met Biden on Saturday where several options were discussed to shift American military bases “much closer to Putin’s doorstep”.

Among the options discussed in the meet include sending 1,000 to 5,000 troops to Eastern European countries, with the potential to increase that number tenfold if things deteriorate.

It is being said that Biden’s latest offensive is to counter Russia’s troop build-up at Ukraine’s borders.

According to the Guardian report, Russia has amassed thousands of troops more along Ukraine’s borders.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/threat-of-war-forces-us-to-order-departure-of-ukrainian-embassy-staffs-kin-447011" hreflang="en">Threat of war forces US to order departure of Ukrainian embassy staff’s kin</a>

A large military force, including Iskander short-range ballistic missiles, elite spetsnaz troops and anti-aircraft batteries, has arrived in Belarus from Russia’s eastern military district, the report said.

Apart from that, six Russian landing ships capable of carrying main battle tanks, troops and other military vehicles travelled through the Channel en route to the Mediterranean last week in a deployment.

In a recent interview, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CBS’s “Face the Nation” that the US is focused on building deterrence to counter against any possible Ukraine invasion.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-warns-russia-of-very-serious-consequences-if-it-installs-puppet-regime-in-ukraine-447008">UK warns Russia of 'very serious consequences' over Ukraine</a>

“Even as we’re engaged in diplomacy, we are very much focused on building up defence, building up deterrence,” he said on Sunday.

“NATO itself will continue to be reinforced in a significant way if Russia commits renewed acts of aggression. All of that is on the table,” he added.

Meanwhile, the US has warned its citizens not to travel to Russia amid “ongoing tension along the border with Ukraine”.

"Do not travel to Russia due to ongoing tension along the border with Ukraine," a statement from the US State Department said, adding that Americans could also face "harassment" and that the embassy would have "limited ability to assist US citizens."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Biden administration is mulling to deploy several thousand troops, as well as warships and aircraft, to NATO allies in the Baltics and Eastern Europe amid fears of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to reports.

The Biden administration is mulling to deploy several thousand troops, as well as warships and aircraft, to NATO allies in the Baltics and Eastern Europe amid fears of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to reports. The US president is expected to make a decision as early as this week, the New York Times has reported citing unnamed Pentagon officials. The reports state that the Pentagon officials met Biden on Saturday where several options were discussed to shift American military bases “much closer to Putin’s doorstep”. Among the options discussed in the meet include sending 1,000 to 5,000 troops to Eastern European countries, with the potential to increase that number tenfold if things deteriorate. It is being said that Biden’s latest offensive is to counter Russia’s troop build-up at Ukraine’s borders. According to the Guardian report, Russia has amassed thousands of troops more along Ukraine’s borders. Also read | Threat of war forces US to order departure of Ukrainian embassy staff’s kin A large military force, including Iskander short-range ballistic missiles, elite spetsnaz troops and anti-aircraft batteries, has arrived in Belarus from Russia’s eastern military district, the report said. Apart from that, six Russian landing ships capable of carrying main battle tanks, troops and other military vehicles travelled through the Channel en route to the Mediterranean last week in a deployment. In a recent interview, Secretary of State Antony Blinken told CBS’s “Face the Nation” that the US is focused on building deterrence to counter against any possible Ukraine invasion. Also read | UK warns Russia of 'very serious consequences' over Ukraine “Even as we’re engaged in diplomacy, we are very much focused on building up defence, building up deterrence,” he said on Sunday. “NATO itself will continue to be reinforced in a significant way if Russia commits renewed acts of aggression. All of that is on the table,” he added. Meanwhile, the US has warned its citizens not to travel to Russia amid “ongoing tension along the border with Ukraine”. "Do not travel to Russia due to ongoing tension along the border with Ukraine," a statement from the US State Department said, adding that Americans could also face "harassment" and that the embassy would have "limited ability to assist US citizens." (With inputs from agencies)

Biden mulling to deploy thousands of troops to Eastern Europe, Baltics amid Russian invasion fears: Report

The United States has ordered the family members of its embassy staff in Ukraine to leave the country. The decision comes due to the ongoing threat of Russia's military action.

United States orders kin of embassy staff in Ukraine to leave the country

Momentum is building for a conflict in Ukraine. A gaffe by Joe Biden has given Russia the upper hand. The US President suggested he would tolerate a "minor invasion" in Ukraine. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Ukraine crisis: Will Russia go to war?

The third round of high-stakes diplomatic meetings has failed to defuse tensions or reduce the threat of a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine

The third attempt at defusing tensions between Russia and Ukraine fails

Ukraine on Friday was targeted by a “massive cyber attack” with at least 10 government websites, including the ministry of foreign affairs and education ministry, which ceased functioning.

Though it was unknown from where the cyber attack was launched, officials in the Ukraine government pointed out a “long record” of Russian cyber assaults against Kyiv.

"It's too early to draw conclusions, but there is a long record of Russian (cyber) assaults against Ukraine in the past," the foreign ministry spokesman told Reuters.

The incident follows almost a week after the tense security talks between Moscow and the US and NATO ended in stalemate.

Among the targets of the cyber attack were websites of the ministerial cabinet, the foreign, education, agriculture, emergency, energy, veterans affairs and environment ministries.

Apart from that the websites of the state treasury and the Diia electronic public services platform, where vaccination certificates and electronic passports are stored were also out of service.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-ukraine-tensions-russia-unveils-white-swan-strategic-bomber-444279">Amid Ukraine tensions, Russia unveils ‘White Swan’ strategic bomber</a>

According to reports, suspected Russian hackers left a message on the foreign ministry website.

"Ukrainian! All your personal data was uploaded to the public network. All data on the computer is destroyed, it is impossible to restore it," said a message visible on the hacked government websites, written in Ukrainian, Russian and Polish.

"All information about you has become public, be afraid and expect the worst. This is for your past, present and future."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-enlists-meteorologists-to-predict-russias-ukraine-invasion-plan-report-444048">Biden enlists meteorologists to predict Russia's Ukraine invasion plan: Report</a>

The message reproduced the Ukrainian flag and map crossed out. It mentioned the Ukrainian insurgent army, or UPA, which fought against the Soviet Union during the second world war. There was also a reference to “historical land”.

Russia had warned of possible “catastrophic consequences” if there was no agreement on the proposed security pact, but Kremlin asserted that it had not given up on diplomacy.

Relations between Ukraine and Russia collapsed after Moscow's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the outbreak of war between Kyiv's forces and Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine that same year.

United States on Thursday said Russia might be trying to create a pretext to launch a new military assault on Ukraine, comparing the situation to the circumstances in 2014.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine on Friday was targeted by a “massive cyber attack” with at least 10 government websites, including the ministry of foreign affairs and education ministry, which ceased functioning.

Ukraine on Friday was targeted by a “massive cyber attack” with at least 10 government websites, including the ministry of foreign affairs and education ministry, which ceased functioning. Though it was unknown from where the cyber attack was launched, officials in the Ukraine government pointed out a “long record” of Russian cyber assaults against Kyiv. "It's too early to draw conclusions, but there is a long record of Russian (cyber) assaults against Ukraine in the past," the foreign ministry spokesman told Reuters. The incident follows almost a week after the tense security talks between Moscow and the US and NATO ended in stalemate. Among the targets of the cyber attack were websites of the ministerial cabinet, the foreign, education, agriculture, emergency, energy, veterans affairs and environment ministries. Apart from that the websites of the state treasury and the Diia electronic public services platform, where vaccination certificates and electronic passports are stored were also out of service. Also read | Amid Ukraine tensions, Russia unveils ‘White Swan’ strategic bomber According to reports, suspected Russian hackers left a message on the foreign ministry website. "Ukrainian! All your personal data was uploaded to the public network. All data on the computer is destroyed, it is impossible to restore it," said a message visible on the hacked government websites, written in Ukrainian, Russian and Polish. "All information about you has become public, be afraid and expect the worst. This is for your past, present and future." Also read | Biden enlists meteorologists to predict Russia's Ukraine invasion plan: Report The message reproduced the Ukrainian flag and map crossed out. It mentioned the Ukrainian insurgent army, or UPA, which fought against the Soviet Union during the second world war. There was also a reference to “historical land”. Russia had warned of possible “catastrophic consequences” if there was no agreement on the proposed security pact, but Kremlin asserted that it had not given up on diplomacy. Relations between Ukraine and Russia collapsed after Moscow's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the outbreak of war between Kyiv's forces and Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine that same year. United States on Thursday said Russia might be trying to create a pretext to launch a new military assault on Ukraine, comparing the situation to the circumstances in 2014. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian govt websites fall prey to ‘massive cyber attack’, Russian hand suspected

After weeks of warning and political shadow boxing, officials of the United States and Russia will sit across tables for open talks to discuss Moscow's demands for western security guarantees. All this amid Russian troop buildup near Ukraine.

High- stakes talks between Russia and the United States amid rising tensions

All eyes are currently on Geneva, where officials of the United States and Russia are currently holding talks to discuss the crisis in Ukraine.

High-stakes talks aimed to reduce west's worries of invasion

Thousands of Russian troops have reportedly withdrawn from the Ukraine border after conducting month-long drills, as tensions remain high amid fears that Moscow may be planning an attack.

Russian troops conclude month-long military drills near Ukraine, return to base

Russia is considering a NATO proposal it has received to commence talks on Moscow's security concerns on January 12 amid Ukraine tension.

Russia considering NATO proposal to hold talks on January 12

People around the world is is Russia getting prepared for a war with Ukraine. Now there's been a massive true build up along Ukraine's bottom and there's also been a new missile test and the u.s Russia tensions remain at an all-time high.

Russian forces train near Ukraine border

Sphere mounts over a major military escalation in Ukraine Kiev's top security official has now claimed that Russian president Vladimir Putin is pretty much bent on destroying the country.

Kiev Security Supremo Warns Russia

Civil war that is presently underway in Ethiopia. The Ethiopian prime minister Abby Ahmed has said that the federal troops will not advance further in the war-torn region of Tigre to avoid an escalation of the conflict.

Tigray Conflict Has Displaced Millions

Russian Foreign Minister said he expects negotiations with the US to begin in January next year. Watch this report for more.

Russia agrees to begin security talks with the US next year amid rising tensions over Ukraine

The Latest Russian submarine has successfully launched a Kalibr cruise missile from the Sea of Japan at a target more than 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) away, located at a Russian training ground onshore.

Russia test-fires new Kalibr cruise missiles fired off from their new diesel submarine

As tensions between Russia and Ukraine reached all-time high EU leaders focused on preventing a Russian invasion of Ukraine. They threatened Moscow of unprecedented sanctions.

EU leaders warns of sanctions against Russia amid rising tensions at Ukraine border