President Joe Biden said that the US has offered Ukraine $1bn in security aid, adding America will continue to give Ukraine weapons to fight and defend themselves.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: US President Joe Biden announces $1bn arms aid to Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued an urgent plea to the United States as he addressed a special joint session of Congress via video. He called for the US to "do more" to help his country's fight against Russia.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: President Zelensky calls on US to 'do more' to in his speech to Congress

'Over 2,500 civilians have been killed in Russian army attacks on the besieged city of Mariupol, Ukraine', said Oleksiy Arestovych, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Over 2,500 civilians killed in Russian attacks on Mariupol

In 2013 he achieved one of the great shocks in tennis history, knocking defending champion Roger Federer out of Wimbledon.

Today, the Ukranian player Sergiy Stakhovsky is a volunteer fighter on a military patrol in Kyiv, which he vows to defend "to the end" against Russian forces.

Now 36, he looks much the same as the journeyman player ranked 116 in the world who lay stretched out in his tennis whites on the hallowed London turf after toppling Federer in the second round nine years ago.

But his outfit now could not be more different as he patrols Maidan Square, symbol of Ukraine's "fight for democracy", armed with a Kalashnikov, a pistol in his belt and his 1.93 metre (6 ft 4 in) frame dressed in khaki camouflage.

"I cannot say that I feel comfortable around a rifle. I am not sure how I am going to react to shooting at somebody," he tells AFP. "I wish I would never have to be preoccupied with these things."

It's been just over two weeks since he returned to Ukraine and signed up for the territorial brigade, the volunteers tasked with helping the army against the Russian invasion launched on February 24.

"I knew I had to go there", he says.

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"Despair"

On the eve of the invasion Stakhovsky was on holiday in Dubai with his wife and three children aged four, six and eight, having hung up his racquet as a professional player in January after the Australian Open.

The next day, after seeing the television images of Russian bombs falling on his homeland, he says he was plunged into a mixture of "despair" and "misery".

Much of his family still lived in Ukraine. He spent the next three days at the hotel in a blur as he tried to get information about the situation on the ground, to find shelter for people

"I was full of adrenaline, I slept three or four hours (overall), I didn't eat".

He then told his wife he had decided to go back.

"My wife was really upset, I mean, she knew, she understood but she was really upset," he said. But "now she understands that I couldn't really do it other way".

The heartbreaking decision torments him every time he thinks of his family.

"Leaving the kids is not something I'm proud of," he says.

"My kids don't know that I'm here, well, they know that I'm not at home, but they don't know what war is and I'm trying to not get them involved. I told them I'd be right back, it's been 15 days now... And God knows how many more it's going to be".

Like all Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60, Stakhovsky is eligible for call-up by the army and cannot leave the country when the country is at war.

He says that he finds the strength to go because of his countrymen, whom he has seen sign up "in their thousands".

"If we don't stand up, we don't have a country to live in," he said.

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Federer hopes for peace

The former tennis pro now carries out two patrols a day lasting two hours each to guard the centre of Kyiv from possible infiltrations, particularly around the palace of President Volodymyr Zelensky, the hero of the resistance against Moscow.

"Listen, I am here on foot patrolling," he said, adding of Zelensky that he was "remarkably brave and knows what he's doing, and we all believe he knows what he's doing."

People from "India to South America" have sent thousands of messages of support and asking how they can help Ukraine, says Stakhovsky.

Among those are "hundreds" of professional tennis players who have not forgotten their former colleague, who rose to a world ranking of 31 in 2010 and was an unofficial spokesman for junior players.

Tennis legends have also offered their support -- including the man he stunned at Wimbledon, Roger Federer himself.

"He said that he wishes that there will be peace soon," said the Ukranian, adding that Federer and his wife were trying to help Ukranian children through their foundation.

One message that particularly touched him came from Serbian world number two Novak Djokovic.

"He lived through this when he was young so he knows exactly what our kids are going through. So from him that message is, I would say, more heavy in terms of meaning."

As the Russians close in on Kyiv there are fears it could face the same fate as destroyed cities like Kharkiv and Mariupol.

"That's disturbing", he said, because "they don't care whether they're going to kill a child or military personel, they just don't care".

In 2013 he achieved one of the great shocks in tennis history, knocking defending champion Roger Federer out of Wimbledon. Today, the Ukranian player Sergiy Stakhovsky is a volunteer fighter on a military patrol in Kyiv, which he vows to defend "to the end" against Russian forces.

In 2013 he achieved one of the great shocks in tennis history, knocking defending champion Roger Federer out of Wimbledon. Today, the Ukranian player Sergiy Stakhovsky is a volunteer fighter on a military patrol in Kyiv, which he vows to defend "to the end" against Russian forces. Now 36, he looks much the same as the journeyman player ranked 116 in the world who lay stretched out in his tennis whites on the hallowed London turf after toppling Federer in the second round nine years ago. But his outfit now could not be more different as he patrols Maidan Square, symbol of Ukraine's "fight for democracy", armed with a Kalashnikov, a pistol in his belt and his 1.93 metre (6 ft 4 in) frame dressed in khaki camouflage. "I cannot say that I feel comfortable around a rifle. I am not sure how I am going to react to shooting at somebody," he tells AFP. "I wish I would never have to be preoccupied with these things." It's been just over two weeks since he returned to Ukraine and signed up for the territorial brigade, the volunteers tasked with helping the army against the Russian invasion launched on February 24. "I knew I had to go there", he says. ALSO READ: IPL 2022: Gujarat Titans skipper Hardik Pandya fit to play, Delhi Capitals' Prithvi Shaw fails Yo-Yo Test "Despair" On the eve of the invasion Stakhovsky was on holiday in Dubai with his wife and three children aged four, six and eight, having hung up his racquet as a professional player in January after the Australian Open. The next day, after seeing the television images of Russian bombs falling on his homeland, he says he was plunged into a mixture of "despair" and "misery". Much of his family still lived in Ukraine. He spent the next three days at the hotel in a blur as he tried to get information about the situation on the ground, to find shelter for people "I was full of adrenaline, I slept three or four hours (overall), I didn't eat". He then told his wife he had decided to go back. "My wife was really upset, I mean, she knew, she understood but she was really upset," he said. But "now she understands that I couldn't really do it other way". The heartbreaking decision torments him every time he thinks of his family. "Leaving the kids is not something I'm proud of," he says. "My kids don't know that I'm here, well, they know that I'm not at home, but they don't know what war is and I'm trying to not get them involved. I told them I'd be right back, it's been 15 days now... And God knows how many more it's going to be". Like all Ukrainian men aged 18 to 60, Stakhovsky is eligible for call-up by the army and cannot leave the country when the country is at war. He says that he finds the strength to go because of his countrymen, whom he has seen sign up "in their thousands". "If we don't stand up, we don't have a country to live in," he said. ALSO READ: Indian Wells: Simona Halep registers clinical win over Petra Martic, Iga Swiatek storms into semifinal Federer hopes for peace The former tennis pro now carries out two patrols a day lasting two hours each to guard the centre of Kyiv from possible infiltrations, particularly around the palace of President Volodymyr Zelensky, the hero of the resistance against Moscow. "Listen, I am here on foot patrolling," he said, adding of Zelensky that he was "remarkably brave and knows what he's doing, and we all believe he knows what he's doing." People from "India to South America" have sent thousands of messages of support and asking how they can help Ukraine, says Stakhovsky. Among those are "hundreds" of professional tennis players who have not forgotten their former colleague, who rose to a world ranking of 31 in 2010 and was an unofficial spokesman for junior players. Tennis legends have also offered their support -- including the man he stunned at Wimbledon, Roger Federer himself. "He said that he wishes that there will be peace soon," said the Ukranian, adding that Federer and his wife were trying to help Ukranian children through their foundation. One message that particularly touched him came from Serbian world number two Novak Djokovic. "He lived through this when he was young so he knows exactly what our kids are going through. So from him that message is, I would say, more heavy in terms of meaning." As the Russians close in on Kyiv there are fears it could face the same fate as destroyed cities like Kharkiv and Mariupol. "That's disturbing", he said, because "they don't care whether they're going to kill a child or military personel, they just don't care".

Tennis player Sergiy Stakhovsky swaps racket for rifle, joins Ukraine army amid Russian invasion

As the Russian-Ukrainian conflict enters its 4th week, the Russian president Putin delivered a stark warning to West and called for natural unnecessary cleansing of the Russian society. The Kremlin leader said the West was enforced using the fifth column to try and divide the Russian society. He accused the Western alliance of funding misinformation to cause civil friction so as to achieve the ultimate goal of Russian destruction.

Kremlin President Vladimir Putin delivers stark warning to West

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Russia to immediately suspend its military action in Ukraine, saying it is profoundly concerned by Moscow’s use of force.

World court orders Russia to immediately halt invasion of Ukraine

At least one person was killed and three wounded after remains of a downed missile hit a residential building in the Ukranian capital Kyiv. WION's Anas Mallick brings you more insights.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Remains of downed missile hit residential building

US Embassy in Ukraine on Wednesday said that Russian troops shot and killed 10 people standing in line for bread in the Ukranian city of Chernihiv.

Ukraine: 10 civilians killed while queuing to collect bread in Chernihiv

After bolting to Ukraine to escape political persecution in her native Belarus, Olympic swimmer Aliaksandra Herasimenia never thought she would again be forced to flee, this time to save her family from Russian attack.

Herasimenia, a three-time Olympic medallist, found herself among thousands of Ukrainians massing at the border with Poland as Russian troops advanced on Kyiv.

On the second day of the Russian invasion last month, Herasimenia and her husband, Olympic swimmer Yauhen Tsurkin, scrambled to pack some belongings and set off on a 12-hour car ride to the Polish border with their young daughter and Herasimenia's mother.

With explosions resounding in the background as they inched along congested roads, Herasimenia reassured her three-and-a-half-year-old daughter, telling her it was only thunder.

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"Of course I had to make something up because how do you explain to a child that war has started?" Herasimenia, who is now in Warsaw with her family, told Reuters.

Herasimenia was among the elite athletes who fled Belarus in the wake of a crackdown against those who protested what they said was the fraudulent re-election of Alexander Lukashenko in August 2020.

Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has denied any wrongdoing.

Russia has used Belarusian territory to launch a multi-pronged invasion of Ukraine, where many Belarusians settled after escaping persecution at home. Moscow says it is conducting a "special military operation" to disarm and "denazify" Ukraine.

"We've been running for a long time," said Herasimenia, whose family waited for nearly a day and a half at Ukraine's border with Poland.

"Those who left were the best of Belarusian society, those who were against what happened after the election, those who spoke out against the violence and expressed their position."

'FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM'

Herasimenia heads the Belarusian Sport Solidarity Foundation, a group that supports athletes who have been jailed or otherwise punished for their political views.

These include Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, a sprinter who defected at the Tokyo Olympics last year after being removed from the Games against her will by coaches.

Following a recommendation by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), several international sports federations have barred both Russian and Belarusian athletes from taking part in international events because of the invasion of Ukraine.

The foundation has backed the decision to ban Belarusian athletes but says it supports efforts by those who voiced opposition to Lukashenko to compete independently.

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It is also determined to fight discrimination against Belarusians now that their country is viewed an "aggressor" by the public in many Western countries, Herasimenia said.

"A year and a half ago, we were the ones who were fighting for our rights, our freedom," said Herasimenia, who won silver in both the 100m and 50m freestyle at the 2012 London Games, and bronze in the 50m freestyle at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

"We called on the Europeans, Americans and everyone in Ukraine for help.

We warned that Lukashenko was very dangerous.

"It's as if this never happened... No difference is being made between those who support Lukashenko and those who fought against him."

After bolting to Ukraine to escape political persecution in her native Belarus, Olympic swimmer Aliaksandra Herasimenia never thought she would again be forced to flee, this time to save her family from Russian attack.

After bolting to Ukraine to escape political persecution in her native Belarus, Olympic swimmer Aliaksandra Herasimenia never thought she would again be forced to flee, this time to save her family from Russian attack. Herasimenia, a three-time Olympic medallist, found herself among thousands of Ukrainians massing at the border with Poland as Russian troops advanced on Kyiv. On the second day of the Russian invasion last month, Herasimenia and her husband, Olympic swimmer Yauhen Tsurkin, scrambled to pack some belongings and set off on a 12-hour car ride to the Polish border with their young daughter and Herasimenia's mother. With explosions resounding in the background as they inched along congested roads, Herasimenia reassured her three-and-a-half-year-old daughter, telling her it was only thunder. ALSO READ: Atletico Madrid win at Old Trafford to knock out Cristiano Ronaldo-starrer Manchester United "Of course I had to make something up because how do you explain to a child that war has started?" Herasimenia, who is now in Warsaw with her family, told Reuters. Herasimenia was among the elite athletes who fled Belarus in the wake of a crackdown against those who protested what they said was the fraudulent re-election of Alexander Lukashenko in August 2020. Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has denied any wrongdoing. Russia has used Belarusian territory to launch a multi-pronged invasion of Ukraine, where many Belarusians settled after escaping persecution at home. Moscow says it is conducting a "special military operation" to disarm and "denazify" Ukraine. "We've been running for a long time," said Herasimenia, whose family waited for nearly a day and a half at Ukraine's border with Poland. "Those who left were the best of Belarusian society, those who were against what happened after the election, those who spoke out against the violence and expressed their position." 'FIGHTING FOR FREEDOM' Herasimenia heads the Belarusian Sport Solidarity Foundation, a group that supports athletes who have been jailed or otherwise punished for their political views. These include Krystsina Tsimanouskaya, a sprinter who defected at the Tokyo Olympics last year after being removed from the Games against her will by coaches. Following a recommendation by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), several international sports federations have barred both Russian and Belarusian athletes from taking part in international events because of the invasion of Ukraine. The foundation has backed the decision to ban Belarusian athletes but says it supports efforts by those who voiced opposition to Lukashenko to compete independently. ALSO READ: Chicago Cubs owners teams up with Citadel founder Ken Griffin to bid for Chelsea Football Club It is also determined to fight discrimination against Belarusians now that their country is viewed an "aggressor" by the public in many Western countries, Herasimenia said. "A year and a half ago, we were the ones who were fighting for our rights, our freedom," said Herasimenia, who won silver in both the 100m and 50m freestyle at the 2012 London Games, and bronze in the 50m freestyle at the 2016 Rio Olympics. "We called on the Europeans, Americans and everyone in Ukraine for help. We warned that Lukashenko was very dangerous. "It's as if this never happened... No difference is being made between those who support Lukashenko and those who fought against him."

Olympic medallist Aliaksandra Herasimenia, who fled Belarus, forced into exile again as Ukraine attacked

Spanish club Real Madrid will donate one million euros ($1.10 million) to help those displaced in Ukraine following Russia`s invasion, the LaLiga leaders said on Wednesday.

Real said the funds would be donated to the Red Cross, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other organisations working on the ground in Ukraine.

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The UNHCR said approximately 2.97 million refugees have so far fled Ukraine, roughly 7% of the country's population, since Russia's invasion began on Feb. 24.

Spanish club Real Madrid will donate one million euros ($1.10 million) to help those displaced in Ukraine following Russia`s invasion, the LaLiga leaders said on Wednesday.

Spanish club Real Madrid will donate one million euros ($1.10 million) to help those displaced in Ukraine following Russia`s invasion, the LaLiga leaders said on Wednesday. Real said the funds would be donated to the Red Cross, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other organisations working on the ground in Ukraine. ALSO READ: Atletico Madrid win at Old Trafford to knock out Cristiano Ronaldo-starrer Manchester United The UNHCR said approximately 2.97 million refugees have so far fled Ukraine, roughly 7% of the country's population, since Russia's invasion began on Feb. 24.

Real Madrid to donate one million euros to help displaced in Ukraine amid Russia's invasion

Women's Tennis Association (WTA) head Steve Simon has said that individual athletes should not be penalised for "decisions of an authoritarian leadership" amid concerns that players from Russia and Belarus could be blocked from competing in tournaments.

Russian and Belarusian players are allowed to play on the elite ATP and WTA Tours but not under the name or flag of their countries following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, for which Belarus was a key staging area.

Russia was also banned from defending its Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup team titles as a result of what the country calls a "special military operation."

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Several sports have banned individual athletes from Russia and Belarus and Simon said he was unsure what else was in store for tennis players.

"You never know what the future may bring," Simon told the BBC.

"But I can tell you that we have never banned athletes from participating on our tour as the result of political positions their leadership may take."

"So it would take something very significant for that to change, but again we don't know where this is going."

British Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said on Tuesday that U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev may have to provide assurances that he does not support Russian President Vladimir Putin if he is to compete at this year's Wimbledon.

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Simon said the WTA would be forced to change its position if governments do not allow Russian and Belarusian players to enter countries as the organisation has to follow rules.

"I feel very strongly that these individual athletes should not be the ones that are being penalised by the decisions of an authoritarian leadership that is obviously doing terrible, reprehensible things," Simon said.

"But if that happens... it won't be something we support."

Women's Tennis Association (WTA) head Steve Simon has said that individual athletes should not be penalised for "decisions of an authoritarian leadership" amid concerns that players from Russia and Belarus could be blocked from competing in tournaments.

Women's Tennis Association (WTA) head Steve Simon has said that individual athletes should not be penalised for "decisions of an authoritarian leadership" amid concerns that players from Russia and Belarus could be blocked from competing in tournaments. Russian and Belarusian players are allowed to play on the elite ATP and WTA Tours but not under the name or flag of their countries following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, for which Belarus was a key staging area. Russia was also banned from defending its Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup team titles as a result of what the country calls a "special military operation." ALSO READ: Indian Wells: Defending champion Paula Badosa beats Leylah Fernandez; Iga Swiatek, Simona Halep enter quarters Several sports have banned individual athletes from Russia and Belarus and Simon said he was unsure what else was in store for tennis players. "You never know what the future may bring," Simon told the BBC. "But I can tell you that we have never banned athletes from participating on our tour as the result of political positions their leadership may take." "So it would take something very significant for that to change, but again we don't know where this is going." British Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said on Tuesday that U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev may have to provide assurances that he does not support Russian President Vladimir Putin if he is to compete at this year's Wimbledon. ALSO READ: It is an honour to play alongside Jhulan Goswami: Mithali Raj praises veteran pacer on taking 250 ODI wickets Simon said the WTA would be forced to change its position if governments do not allow Russian and Belarusian players to enter countries as the organisation has to follow rules. "I feel very strongly that these individual athletes should not be the ones that are being penalised by the decisions of an authoritarian leadership that is obviously doing terrible, reprehensible things," Simon said. "But if that happens... it won't be something we support."

Players should not be banned over Ukraine crisis, says WTA head Steve Simon

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Tuesday (March 15) said that India's oil purchases from Russia would not violate any of the sanctions imposed by the United States on that country.&nbsp;

Recently, reports emerged that India was planning to buy "discounted crude oil" from Russia. On being asked about the same during her briefing, Psaki said, "Our message to any country continues to be that obviously abide by the sanctions that we have put in place and recommended."&nbsp;

The White House Press Secretary further added, "I don't believe this would be violating that." However, she made a moral appeal to cut off petroleum commerce with Russia.&nbsp;

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She said, "Think about where you want to stand when the history books are written. In this moment in time any support for Russia, the Russian leadership, is support for an invasion that obviously is having a devastating impact".&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden has stopped the import of oil, gas and coal to the US from Russia but there's no ban on other countries to import from Russia. As reports have mentioned that NATO allies of the US continue to import Russian gas and petroleum.&nbsp;

Amid rising oil prices, India's Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said as quoted by news agencies that "discussions are underway" for buying oil from Russia. He added that "there are several issues to be gone into like how much oil is available", as well as payment for it and transportation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-joe-biden-to-announce-800-million-in-new-security-aid-to-ukraine-462729">Russia-Ukraine conflict: Joe Biden to announce $800 million in new security aid to Ukraine</a>

Oil&nbsp;prices rose as much as $3 on Wednesday, bouncing back after earlier declines.&nbsp;

The Indian rupee firmed on Wednesday, tracking gains in emerging market assets on the back of weak global crude&nbsp;oil&nbsp;prices.&nbsp;

Most emerging Asian stock markets advanced, buoyed by a fall in China's COVID-19 cases and hopes of progress in Russian-Ukraine peace talks.

WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine war: Russia quits council of Europe before vote on expulsion

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(With inputs from agencies)

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Tuesday (March 15) said that India's oil purchases from Russia would not violate any of the sanctions imposed by the United States on that country.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki on Tuesday (March 15) said that India's oil purchases from Russia would not violate any of the sanctions imposed by the United States on that country. Recently, reports emerged that India was planning to buy "discounted crude oil" from Russia. On being asked about the same during her briefing, Psaki said, "Our message to any country continues to be that obviously abide by the sanctions that we have put in place and recommended." The White House Press Secretary further added, "I don't believe this would be violating that." However, she made a moral appeal to cut off petroleum commerce with Russia. ALSO READ | Fox News veteran war-zone photographer, Ukrainian journalist killed in Ukraine She said, "Think about where you want to stand when the history books are written. In this moment in time any support for Russia, the Russian leadership, is support for an invasion that obviously is having a devastating impact". US President Joe Biden has stopped the import of oil, gas and coal to the US from Russia but there's no ban on other countries to import from Russia. As reports have mentioned that NATO allies of the US continue to import Russian gas and petroleum. Amid rising oil prices, India's Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri has said as quoted by news agencies that "discussions are underway" for buying oil from Russia. He added that "there are several issues to be gone into like how much oil is available", as well as payment for it and transportation. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Joe Biden to announce $800 million in new security aid to Ukraine Oil prices rose as much as $3 on Wednesday, bouncing back after earlier declines. The Indian rupee firmed on Wednesday, tracking gains in emerging market assets on the back of weak global crude oil prices. Most emerging Asian stock markets advanced, buoyed by a fall in China's COVID-19 cases and hopes of progress in Russian-Ukraine peace talks. WATCH | Ukraine war: Russia quits council of Europe before vote on expulsion × (With inputs from agencies)

US reacts to reports that India planning to take up Russian discounted oil offer

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld UEFA's ban on Russian teams taking part in its competitions while CAS deliberates on the case, it said on Tuesday.

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The ruling only applies to UEFA competitions, with Russia still looking to overturn a FIFA ban that would allow them to take part in World Cup qualifying playoff matches scheduled for the end of this month.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld UEFA's ban on Russian teams taking part in its competitions while CAS deliberates on the case, it said on Tuesday.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld UEFA's ban on Russian teams taking part in its competitions while CAS deliberates on the case, it said on Tuesday. ALSO READ:Chelsea will continue to fight hard for success, says coach Thomas Tuchel amid Roman Abramovich crisis The ruling only applies to UEFA competitions, with Russia still looking to overturn a FIFA ban that would allow them to take part in World Cup qualifying playoff matches scheduled for the end of this month.

CAS upholds UEFA ban on Russian teams pending appeal

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?

Australia&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Netherlands&nbsp;said they had begun joint&nbsp;legal&nbsp;action&nbsp;against&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;at the International Civil Aviation Organisation over the&nbsp;downing&nbsp;of Malaysia Airlines flight&nbsp;MH17&nbsp;eight years ago.

Russia&nbsp;was responsible under international law for the&nbsp;downing&nbsp;of the flight, and&nbsp;action&nbsp;in the United Nations aviation council was a step forward in the fight for justice for 298 victims, including 38&nbsp;Australians,&nbsp;Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement on Monday.

Australia&nbsp;said the incident was a clear breach of a convention to protect civilian aircraft from weapons fire.

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The Dutch government said in a statement the UN Security Council had also been informed of the step.

Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra said in the statement: "The death of 298 civilians, including 196 Dutch, cannot and should not remain without consequences. The current events in Ukraine underscore the vital importance of this."

The joint&nbsp;action&nbsp;under Article 84 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation is separate to a Dutch murder trial for four suspects over their individual criminal responsibility.

Australia&nbsp;said it was seeking full reparations from&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;for the injury caused, and the suspension of&nbsp;Russia's voting power in the aviation council, which sets standards for civilian air travel.

While it has no regulatory power, the Montreal-based ICAO sits at the centre of a system of safety and security standards that operates across political barriers but requires an often slow-moving consensus.

"Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine and the escalation of its aggression underscores the need to continue our enduring efforts to hold&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;to account for its blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter, including threats to Ukraine’s sovereignty and airspace," Morrison and Payne said in the statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-australia-virtual-summit-later-this-month-461988">India, Australia virtual summit later this month</a>

MH17&nbsp;was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2014 when it was hit over rebel-held eastern Ukraine by what international investigators and prosecutors say was a&nbsp;Russian-made surface-to-air missile.

Moscow has always denied involvement and has promoted a range of alternative theories, which international investigators have rejected as unsupported by evidence.

A verdict in the murder trial, involving three&nbsp;Russians and a Ukrainian who remain at large, is expected later this year. None of the defendants have attended the Dutch court.

Australia&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Netherlands&nbsp;would rely on evidence&nbsp;MH17&nbsp;was shot down by a&nbsp;Russian surface-to-air missile system transported from&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;to an area of eastern Ukraine under the control of&nbsp;Russian-backed separatists, and it was accompanied by a&nbsp;Russian military crew, the statement said.

The missile system was returned to&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;shortly after the&nbsp;downing&nbsp;of&nbsp;MH17, it said.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Has China infiltrated the Australian parliament?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-has-china-infiltrated-the-australian-parliament-454448/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Russia&nbsp;has to date refused to take responsibility for its clear role in this incident," Payne told reporters in Sydney on Monday.

Australia&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Netherlands&nbsp;had pursued negotiations with&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;in good faith over the incident, but&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;unilaterally withdrew from the talks in 2020, she said.

Australia and the Netherlands said they had begun joint legal action against Russia at the International Civil Aviation Organisation over the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 eight years ago.

Australia and the Netherlands said they had begun joint legal action against Russia at the International Civil Aviation Organisation over the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 eight years ago. Russia was responsible under international law for the downing of the flight, and action in the United Nations aviation council was a step forward in the fight for justice for 298 victims, including 38 Australians, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement on Monday. Australia said the incident was a clear breach of a convention to protect civilian aircraft from weapons fire. Also read | India, Australia and Japan imported most arms in last 5 years: SIPRI The Dutch government said in a statement the UN Security Council had also been informed of the step. Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra said in the statement: "The death of 298 civilians, including 196 Dutch, cannot and should not remain without consequences. The current events in Ukraine underscore the vital importance of this." The joint action under Article 84 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation is separate to a Dutch murder trial for four suspects over their individual criminal responsibility. Australia said it was seeking full reparations from Russia for the injury caused, and the suspension of Russia's voting power in the aviation council, which sets standards for civilian air travel. While it has no regulatory power, the Montreal-based ICAO sits at the centre of a system of safety and security standards that operates across political barriers but requires an often slow-moving consensus. "Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified invasion of Ukraine and the escalation of its aggression underscores the need to continue our enduring efforts to hold Russia to account for its blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter, including threats to Ukraine’s sovereignty and airspace," Morrison and Payne said in the statement. Also read | India, Australia virtual summit later this month MH17 was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2014 when it was hit over rebel-held eastern Ukraine by what international investigators and prosecutors say was a Russian-made surface-to-air missile. Moscow has always denied involvement and has promoted a range of alternative theories, which international investigators have rejected as unsupported by evidence. A verdict in the murder trial, involving three Russians and a Ukrainian who remain at large, is expected later this year. None of the defendants have attended the Dutch court. Australia and the Netherlands would rely on evidence MH17 was shot down by a Russian surface-to-air missile system transported from Russia to an area of eastern Ukraine under the control of Russian-backed separatists, and it was accompanied by a Russian military crew, the statement said. The missile system was returned to Russia shortly after the downing of MH17, it said. Watch | Gravitas: Has China infiltrated the Australian parliament? "Russia has to date refused to take responsibility for its clear role in this incident," Payne told reporters in Sydney on Monday. Australia and the Netherlands had pursued negotiations with Russia in good faith over the incident, but Russia unilaterally withdrew from the talks in 2020, she said.

Australia, Netherlands start legal action against Russia for downing of MH17

&nbsp;Turkish President Tayyip&nbsp;Erdogan&nbsp;will discuss the war in&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;with German Chancellor Olaf&nbsp;Scholz&nbsp;at&nbsp;talks&nbsp;in&nbsp;Ankara&nbsp;on Monday, his office said, as both countries press on with efforts to secure a ceasefire 19 days into Russia's invasion.

NATO member Turkey shares a maritime border with&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;and Russia in the Black Sea and has good ties with both. It has said the invasion is unacceptable and voiced support for&nbsp;Ukraine, but has also opposed sanctions on Moscow, while offering to mediate.

Ukraine&nbsp;said on Sunday it was working with Turkey and Israel as mediators to set a place and framework for&nbsp;talks&nbsp;with Russia, after Turkey hosted the foreign ministers of the warring nations for the first high-level&nbsp;talks&nbsp;last week.

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Monday's visit will mark&nbsp;Scholz's first trip to Turkey since taking office in December 2021 and comes amid efforts by Germany to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end Moscow's invasion. Germany and France have taken leading roles within the European Union to end the war.

"Aside from bilateral ties, an exchange of views is expected to be held on other regional and international issues, primarily&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;and Turkey-EU relations," the Turkish Presidency said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-fm-narayan-khadka-to-participate-in-turkeys-antalya-diplomacy-forum-460052">Nepal FM Narayan Khadka to participate in Turkey’s Antalya diplomacy forum</a>

Turkey says it can facilitate peace&nbsp;talks&nbsp;between&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;and Russia, but says that a ceasefire and humanitarian corridors are needed first.

Turkey says it has citizens in areas hit by the fighting and has asked Moscow for support in evacuating them while delivering humanitarian aid to&nbsp;Ukraine.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Turkey taking advantage of war in Ukraine?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-turkey-taking-advantage-of-war-in-ukraine-461453/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Russia calls its operation a "special military operation" aimed at capturing what it regards as dangerous nationalists in&nbsp;Ukraine.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will discuss the war in Ukraine with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at talks in Ankara on Monday, his office said, as both countries press on with efforts to secure a ceasefire 19 days into Russia's invasion.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan will discuss the war in Ukraine with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at talks in Ankara on Monday, his office said, as both countries press on with efforts to secure a ceasefire 19 days into Russia's invasion. NATO member Turkey shares a maritime border with Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea and has good ties with both. It has said the invasion is unacceptable and voiced support for Ukraine, but has also opposed sanctions on Moscow, while offering to mediate. Ukraine said on Sunday it was working with Turkey and Israel as mediators to set a place and framework for talks with Russia, after Turkey hosted the foreign ministers of the warring nations for the first high-level talks last week. Also read | In Pics | German flood victims receive tiny houses just before Christmas Monday's visit will mark Scholz's first trip to Turkey since taking office in December 2021 and comes amid efforts by Germany to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end Moscow's invasion. Germany and France have taken leading roles within the European Union to end the war. "Aside from bilateral ties, an exchange of views is expected to be held on other regional and international issues, primarily Ukraine and Turkey-EU relations," the Turkish Presidency said. Also read | Nepal FM Narayan Khadka to participate in Turkey’s Antalya diplomacy forum Turkey says it can facilitate peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, but says that a ceasefire and humanitarian corridors are needed first. Turkey says it has citizens in areas hit by the fighting and has asked Moscow for support in evacuating them while delivering humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Watch | Gravitas: Turkey taking advantage of war in Ukraine? Russia calls its operation a "special military operation" aimed at capturing what it regards as dangerous nationalists in Ukraine.

Turkey's Erdogan, Germany's Scholz to hold talks in Ankara on Ukraine

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

Russia has become the world's most sanctioned country, with over 5000 sanctions slapped against it. Brands like McDonald's, Starbucks, Coca-Cola, Zara, H&M, Netflix have all suspended operations in Russia. Spotify and Amazon too have hit pause. Palki Sharma brings you the details.

Gravitas: Russia becomes the world's most sanctioned country

Has Joe Biden's oil embargo on Russia fractured western unity? EU-nations say they can't ban Russian oil imports. They say they're too 'dependent' on Moscow for energy supplies. Is Biden's decision then a symbolic move? Here's what Palki Sharma has to say.

Gravitas: Biden's oil ban 'fractures' West's unity

President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine is "no longer interested in a NATO membership." In response, Russia said it doesn't want to overthrow the Ukraine government. Is a truce in sight? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Zelensky willing to give up NATO membership bid?

Did Volodymyr Zelensky bet on direct intervention by NATO? Did he over-estimate Ukraine's strategic importance to the West? Palki Sharma explains Zelensky's 3 big miscalculations that gave Russia the upper hand.

Gravitas: Zelensky's three big miscalculations

Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio has pledged his support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war-like situation in the European country. He announced that he will donate $10 million to support Ukraine amid its fight with Russia. The announcement came from the International Visegrad Fund, a project of the Visegrad Group aimed at financial support for international initiatives, which promotes development in Eastern Europe.

The actor has a personal connection with Ukraine as his maternal grandmother Helene Indenbirken was born there. She was born in Ukraine's Odessa as Jelena Stepanovna Smirnova, but emigrated to Germany with her parents in 1917.&nbsp;

Helene gave birth to Leonardo DiCaprio's mother Irmelin Indenbirken in an air raid shelter in Germany in 1943. Irmelin divorced Leonardo's father George DiCaprio when he was just one and raised the actor on his own.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/adarsh-gourav-to-alia-bhatt-indian-origin-actors-and-global-tv-cinema-419423" hreflang="en">Adarsh Gourav to Alia Bhatt: Indian-origin actors and global TV &amp; cinema</a>

Leonardo has always been very close to his grandmother and she has in fact always supported his acting career. Helene died in 2008 at the age of 93.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-gigi-hadid-to-ryan-reynolds-celebrities-donating-millions-to-ukraine-relief-459953" hreflang="en">In pics: Gigi Hadid to Ryan Reynolds: Celebrities donating millions to Ukraine relief</a>

Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio has pledged his support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war-like situation in the European country. He announced that he will donate $10 million to support Ukraine amid its fight with Russia.

Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio has pledged his support for Ukraine amid the ongoing war-like situation in the European country. He announced that he will donate $10 million to support Ukraine amid its fight with Russia. The announcement came from the International Visegrad Fund, a project of the Visegrad Group aimed at financial support for international initiatives, which promotes development in Eastern Europe. The actor has a personal connection with Ukraine as his maternal grandmother Helene Indenbirken was born there. She was born in Ukraine's Odessa as Jelena Stepanovna Smirnova, but emigrated to Germany with her parents in 1917. Helene gave birth to Leonardo DiCaprio's mother Irmelin Indenbirken in an air raid shelter in Germany in 1943. Irmelin divorced Leonardo's father George DiCaprio when he was just one and raised the actor on his own. Adarsh Gourav to Alia Bhatt: Indian-origin actors and global TV & cinema Leonardo has always been very close to his grandmother and she has in fact always supported his acting career. Helene died in 2008 at the age of 93. In pics: Gigi Hadid to Ryan Reynolds: Celebrities donating millions to Ukraine relief

Leonardo DiCaprio to donate $10 million to grandmother's country, Ukraine

Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukraine will no longer be seeking NATO membership, a delicate issue cited by Russia as a reason for invading its pro-Western neighbour. Zelensky also said he is open to "compromise" over the status of two breakaway pro-Russian territories that Putin recognized as independent just before the invasion.

Ready to discuss status of breakaway regions, says Ukrainian President Zelensky

A Pakistani student stranded in the war-hit country was rescued by the Indian authorities amid escalating tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The girl expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian Embassy in Kyiv.

Pakistani student thanks Indian PM Modi for rescuing her from Ukraine

700 Indian students in Sumy have now been moved out of the city through the humanitarian corridor. They were first taken in Poltava which is around 175 km away from Sumy. Now they are traveling in Western Ukraine on trains that have been arranged with the help of Ukrainian authorities. The students will then cross a border to Poland in the coming days and from there they will then be brought back to India on evacuation flights.

Russian-Ukraine conflict: 700 Indian students evacuated from Sumy

An 11-year-old Ukrainian boy has been hailed as a hero after fleeing his war-torn country by himself with only a plastic bag, a passport and a telephone number written on his hand. WION tells you more in this report.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: 11-year-old Hassan crossed Ukraine alone to reach Slovakia

Ukraine's youngest war victim Dima Kasyanov is in a pediatric neurosurgery center after a shell exploded in his family's home in Ukraine and left shrapnel in his skull. The eight-year-old is one of several children brought into the hospital in Kharkiv to be treated for shrapnel.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict : Meet the Ukraine's youngest war victim Dima Kasyanov

The officials from the United States intelligence agency has warned that Russia may intensify the assault on Ukraine. They also added that President Vladimir Putin is frustrated about how his Ukraine invasion has not gone to plan, and lobbing provocative nuclear threats at the West.

Russia may intensify assault in Ukraine despite setback, warns US intel

Chinese president Xi Jinping has called for 'maximum restraint' in Ukraine and said China is "pained to see the flames of war reignited in Europe," in his strongest statement to date on the conflict. China, which has refused to condemn Russia's actions in Ukraine or to call them an invasion, has repeatedly expressed its opposition to what it describes as illegal sanctions on Russia.

Xi Jinping delivers his strongest statement on Russia-Ukraine conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he does not want to be the leader of a country which is begging for something on its knees. Zelensky also said that he is no longer pressing for membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), membership for his country.

"Don't want to beg for NATO membership", says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky