<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday (March 21) reiterated that he wants direct talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin as he said that a meeting with the Russian leader "in any format" is needed to end the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an interview with the Ukraine regional media outlet Suspilne, Zelensky said, "I believe that without this meeting it is impossible to fully understand what they are ready for in order to stop the war."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky also said that Ukraine could not fulfil "Russian ultimatums," claiming Moscow was seeking to "destroy" his country. As quoted by a local media, he said: "Ukraine cannot fulfil Russian ultimatums. We should be destroyed first, then their ultimatum would be fulfilled."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the start of the Russian military action in Ukraine on February 24, several sessions of Ukraine-Russia talks have taken place via videoconferencing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-holocaust-survivor-dies-in-russian-bombing-in-kharkiv-464440">Russia-Ukraine conflict: Holocaust survivor dies in Russian bombing in Kharkiv</a></strong></p>

<p>He said Moscow wanted Ukraine to "hand over" Kharkiv, Mariupol and Kyiv, adding that neither the people of those cities "or me, as president, can do this."&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by news agency AFP, Zelensky on Monday said his country would be "destroyed" before it surrenders its cities to invading Russian forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ukrainian president has told the countrymen that he would not "hand over" the capital, the eastern city of Kharkiv, or the heavily bombarded and besieged Mariupol despite civilians' deaths and mass destruction.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/david-beckham-hands-over-his-instagram-account-with-715million-followers-to-ukrainian-doctor-watch-his-plea-464196">David Beckham hands over his Instagram account with 71.5 million followers to Ukrainian doctor, watch his plea</a></strong></p>

<p>He said, "Ukraine cannot fulfil Russian ultimatums. We should be destroyed first."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, almost a month after Russia launched its full-scale invasion on February 24, Moscow has ramped up its air and sea operations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A senior US defence official said that Russia flew 300 sorties in the past 24 hours, in a "desperate" bid to turn the tide against the Ukrainian resistance.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Mercenaries sent to assassinate Zelensky</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday (March 21) reiterated that he wants direct talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin as he said that a meeting with the Russian leader "in any format" is needed to end the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday (March 21) reiterated that he wants direct talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin as he said that a meeting with the Russian leader "in any format" is needed to end the war. In an interview with the Ukraine regional media outlet Suspilne, Zelensky said, "I believe that without this meeting it is impossible to fully understand what they are ready for in order to stop the war." Zelensky also said that Ukraine could not fulfil "Russian ultimatums," claiming Moscow was seeking to "destroy" his country. As quoted by a local media, he said: "Ukraine cannot fulfil Russian ultimatums. We should be destroyed first, then their ultimatum would be fulfilled." Since the start of the Russian military action in Ukraine on February 24, several sessions of Ukraine-Russia talks have taken place via videoconferencing. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Holocaust survivor dies in Russian bombing in Kharkiv He said Moscow wanted Ukraine to "hand over" Kharkiv, Mariupol and Kyiv, adding that neither the people of those cities "or me, as president, can do this." As quoted by news agency AFP, Zelensky on Monday said his country would be "destroyed" before it surrenders its cities to invading Russian forces. The Ukrainian president has told the countrymen that he would not "hand over" the capital, the eastern city of Kharkiv, or the heavily bombarded and besieged Mariupol despite civilians' deaths and mass destruction. ALSO READ | David Beckham hands over his Instagram account with 71.5 million followers to Ukrainian doctor, watch his plea He said, "Ukraine cannot fulfil Russian ultimatums. We should be destroyed first." Meanwhile, almost a month after Russia launched its full-scale invasion on February 24, Moscow has ramped up its air and sea operations. A senior US defence official said that Russia flew 300 sorties in the past 24 hours, in a "desperate" bid to turn the tide against the Ukrainian resistance. WATCH | Gravitas: Mercenaries sent to assassinate Zelensky × (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Zelensky insists on need for a 'meeting' with Vladimir Putin, rules out surrender

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<p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p>

<p>The Buchenwald Memorial foundation on Monday (March 21) said that a 96-year-old man named Boris Romantschenko, who survived four Nazi concentration camps during World War II, was killed Friday (March 18) by a Russian strike on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Buchenwald and Mittelbau-Dora Memorials foundation said in a statement: "It is with dismay that we have to report the violent death of Boris Romantschenko in the war in Ukraine."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/david-beckham-hands-over-his-instagram-account-with-715million-followers-to-ukrainian-doctor-watch-his-plea-464196">David Beckham hands over his Instagram account with 71.5 million followers to Ukrainian doctor, watch his plea</a></strong></p>

<p>The statement cited information from his son and granddaughter. It revealed that Romantschenko died at home after his building was bombed in the heavily shelled eastern city.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yulia Romanchenko, who is Boris' granddaughter, told CNN that she "learned about the shelling of Saltivka residential district on March 18 from social networks".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I asked locals if they knew anything about my grandfather's house. They sent me a video of a burning house. I found out about this after the curfew and therefore I could not go there immediately," Yulia added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The foundation described Romantschenko as "a close friend" and further stated that he was committed to educating others about the horrors of the Nazi era.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-conflict-russia-ramping-up-naval-and-air-activity-says-pentagon-464419">Ukraine conflict: Russia ramping up naval and air activity, says Pentagon&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>Romantschenko had been vice president of the Buchenwald-Dora International Committee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Romantschenko was born into a family of farmers in Bondari, near the Ukrainian city of Sumy, on January 20, 1926.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although he was not Jewish, he was taken by German soldiers when he was 16 years old and deported to the German city of Dortmund in 1942 to work as a forced labourer, as part of Nazi intimidation tactics against the Ukrainian population at the time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A failed escape attempt landed him in the notorious Buchenwald concentration camp in 1943. He also spent time in the camps of Peenemuende, where he was forced to help build V2 rockets, and in Mittelbau-Dora and Bergen-Belsen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is what they call the 'operation of denazification'. The whole world sees Russia's cruelty," said the head of Ukraine's presidential office, Andriy Yermak, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin's widely disbelieved claim that ridding Ukraine of Nazis was one reason for Moscow's invasion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Buchenwald Memorial said Romantschenko's death "shows how dangerous the war in Ukraine is, also for concentration camp survivors".</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Russia using "Aleppo Playbook" In Ukraine?</strong></p>

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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. The Buchenwald Memorial foundation on Monday (March 21) said that a 96-year-old man named Boris Romantschenko, who survived four Nazi concentration camps during World War II, was killed Friday (March 18) by a Russian strike on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. The Buchenwald and Mittelbau-Dora Memorials foundation said in a statement: "It is with dismay that we have to report the violent death of Boris Romantschenko in the war in Ukraine." ALSO READ | David Beckham hands over his Instagram account with 71.5 million followers to Ukrainian doctor, watch his plea The statement cited information from his son and granddaughter. It revealed that Romantschenko died at home after his building was bombed in the heavily shelled eastern city. Yulia Romanchenko, who is Boris' granddaughter, told CNN that she "learned about the shelling of Saltivka residential district on March 18 from social networks". "I asked locals if they knew anything about my grandfather's house. They sent me a video of a burning house. I found out about this after the curfew and therefore I could not go there immediately," Yulia added. The foundation described Romantschenko as "a close friend" and further stated that he was committed to educating others about the horrors of the Nazi era. ALSO READ | Ukraine conflict: Russia ramping up naval and air activity, says Pentagon Romantschenko had been vice president of the Buchenwald-Dora International Committee. Romantschenko was born into a family of farmers in Bondari, near the Ukrainian city of Sumy, on January 20, 1926. Although he was not Jewish, he was taken by German soldiers when he was 16 years old and deported to the German city of Dortmund in 1942 to work as a forced labourer, as part of Nazi intimidation tactics against the Ukrainian population at the time. A failed escape attempt landed him in the notorious Buchenwald concentration camp in 1943. He also spent time in the camps of Peenemuende, where he was forced to help build V2 rockets, and in Mittelbau-Dora and Bergen-Belsen. "This is what they call the 'operation of denazification'. The whole world sees Russia's cruelty," said the head of Ukraine's presidential office, Andriy Yermak, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin's widely disbelieved claim that ridding Ukraine of Nazis was one reason for Moscow's invasion. The Buchenwald Memorial said Romantschenko's death "shows how dangerous the war in Ukraine is, also for concentration camp survivors". WATCH | Gravitas: Russia using "Aleppo Playbook" In Ukraine? ×

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Holocaust survivor dies in Russian bombing in Kharkiv

<p>He told U.S. lawmakers that he had a dream, invoking the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to describe Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion. He said to the British Parliament that his country would fight until the end, in forests and fields, a vow resonant of Winston Churchill’s exhortations against Nazism. To members of the German Parliament he spoke of a new wall dividing Europe, echoing the Berlin Wall of the Cold War.</p>

<p>The passionate speeches, delivered remotely by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his now-ubiquitous military-issue shirt, are part of a vigorous rhetorical effort to rally international support — for arms, or aid to his country, or sanctions against Russia.</p>

<p>Zelenskyy, a former comedian who ran a populist campaign to become president in 2019, is no stranger to performing, and his social-media missives and speeches have transformed him into a global symbol of his country’s resistance to Russian aggression.</p>

<p>The allusions, metaphors and allegories made by Zelenskyy point to a tailored strategy to emotionally appeal to nations and institutions and their histories.</p>

<p>“The goal is, of course, to get his audience on board,” said Henriette van der Blom, an associate professor of ancient history at the University of Birmingham in England who has directed a project examining the writing of political speeches in Britain. “This is a very ancient rhetorical trick.”</p>

<p>Speeches can change the course of history, she added.</p>

<p><b>United States, ‘leader of peace’</b></p>

<p>Zelenskyy’s soaring appeal to Congress, which prompted a standing ovation, framed Ukraine’s fight against Russia as a battle to preserve democracy, freedom and the rule of law, calling on the United States’ image of itself as a leader of the free world to defend those values.</p>

<p>Russia’s attack, Zelenskyy said, was a brutal offensive “against our freedom, against our right to live freely in our own country, choosing our own future, against our desire for happiness, against our national dreams — just like the same dreams you have, you Americans.”</p>

<p>He implored lawmakers to remember two moments of American trauma that involved assaults from the sky to empathize with Ukrainians fleeing missiles: Pearl Harbor and the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.</p>

<p>He evoked King to request antimissile defense systems, aircraft and a “no-fly” zone above Ukraine, a step that NATO allies have rebuffed, fearing it would escalate the war with Russia.</p>

<p>“I can say I have a need. I need to protect our sky. I need your decision, your help, which means exactly the same, the same you feel when you hear the words, ‘I have a dream.’” Zelenskyy said.</p>

<p>“He’s trying to address the conscience of his audience,” said van der Blom. “That’s part of this idea of pulling on easily identifiable themes for that particular audience.”</p>

<p>Zelenskyy capped the speech with a direct appeal to President Joe Biden, tailoring his words to appeal to the United States’ role on the global stage.</p>

<p>“Being the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace,” he said.</p>

<p><b>To Britain: ‘We will fight till the end’</b></p>

<p>British lawmakers earlier this month invited the Ukrainian leader for the first ever speech in the House of Commons by a foreign leader. He took advantage of the address to quote Shakespeare and align himself and his cause with Churchill, Britain’s leader during World World II.</p>

<p>Ukrainians needed to defend their country against the Russians, just as Britons did against Nazism, Zelenskyy said. He vowed his country would never surrender to Russian tanks.</p>

<p>“We will fight till the end, at sea, in the air,” Zelenskyy said in front of the Ukrainian flag, echoing the phrasing of Churchill in a famous wartime speech: “We will fight in the forests, in the fields, on the shores, in the streets.”</p>

<p>His words immediately brought to mind an image of Churchill speaking in the House of Commons, said van der Blom. “This is what he’s trying to make us think.”</p>

<p>And his choice to at one point address Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain by his first name did not go unnoticed, she said. “Is it to give a signal that they are very close and making Johnson feel like he needs to work harder?”</p>

<p><b>Germany: ‘Tear down the wall!’</b></p>

<p>In his address to the Bundestag last week, Zelenskyy urged Germany to take stronger action against Russia, casting the decision as a metaphorical division between building or demolishing a wall — harkening back to the Cold War, an emotional period for Germans.</p>

<p>“You are like behind the wall again. Not the Berlin Wall but in the middle of Europe, between freedom and slavery,” he said. “And this wall grows stronger with each bomb that falls on our land, on Ukraine,” he said.</p>

<p>He called for an embargo on trade with Russia, saying that its ability to keep trading, and keeping Ukraine from joining the European Union, was helping Moscow fortify this metaphorical wall.</p>

<p>He addressed Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany with an emotional appeal, casting it as a judgment on the leader’s legacy. “Tear down this wall. Give Germany the leadership you deserve, and what your descendants will be proud of.”</p>

<p><b>Canada: ‘Imagine that you hear it, your children hear it’</b></p>

<p>With Canada, Zelenskyy mixed a personal, first-name appeal to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, with apocalyptic images of a Canada at war.</p>

<p>In his address to Canadian lawmakers, Zelenskyy referred to the country’s leader simply as “Justin.” And to help them understand Ukraine’s experience, he said, he painted a vivid image of Canadian cities and landmarks under attack.</p>

<p>“Imagine that at four in the morning each of you hears explosions, terrible explosions,” he said. “Justin, imagine that you hear it, and your children hear it, hear missile strikes at Ottawa airport.” He added: “Imagine you are looking for words to explain this to children. Explain to them that a large-scale war has begun.”</p>

<p>He asked lawmakers to envision Canadian flags replaced by Russian ones, Toronto’s CN tower being destroyed by Russian missiles and schools being burned down.</p>

<p>“This is our reality,” he said.</p>

<p>He thanked Canada for its support, but said that what he really wanted was for the country to help bring about a no-fly zone in the skies above Ukraine and to force more companies to leave the Russian market.</p>

<p>“We’ve been friends with you, Justin,” he said. “But also I would like you to understand — and I would like you to feel this — what we feel every day. We want to live, and we want to be victorious.”</p>

<p><b>Israel: ‘The threat is the same’</b></p>

<p>Zelenskyy, who is Jewish, began an address to the Knesset on Sunday by sharing a quote from a former Israeli prime minister, Golda Meir, who was born in Kyiv: “We intend to remain alive. Our neighbors want to see us dead. This is not a question that leaves much room for compromise.”</p>

<p>In a virtual address to lawmakers, Zelenskyy sought to highlight the ties between Ukraine and Israel and said that the suffering of Ukrainians paralleled that of Jewish people during the Holocaust.</p>

<p>Although decades apart, the date of Ukraine’s invasion and the founding of the Nazi party in Germany was the same, he said: Feb. 24. And he likened Moscow’s discussion of “the Ukrainian issue” to the “final solution,” a euphemism used by the Nazi bureaucracy in detailing their plans for the genocide of Jews in Europe.</p>

<p>“Our people are now scattered around the world. They are looking for security. They are looking for a way to stay in peace,” he added. “As you once searched.”</p>

<p>But he also criticized Israel for not providing Ukraine with weapons, imposing strong enough sanctions against Russia or putting sufficient pressure on Russian businesses.</p>

<p>“Premeditation is often erroneous. And mediation can be between states, not between good and evil,” he said.</p>

<p>Some Israeli lawmakers criticized the comparison of the war in Ukraine to the Holocaust, calling it insensitive and unnecessary to juxtapose the tragedies.</p>

<p>May Golan, a member of the opposition Likud party, said she was left with “a very bitter taste” after Zelenskyy’s speech. Though she was not indifferent to the situation, she said there was a line: “There is no justification to compare this with the Holocaust and use the expression ‘the final solution.’”</p>


He told U.S. lawmakers that he had a dream, invoking the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to describe Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion. He said to the British Parliament that his country would fight until the end, in forests and fields, a vow resonant of Winston Churchill’s exhortations against Nazism.

He told U.S. lawmakers that he had a dream, invoking the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to describe Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion. He said to the British Parliament that his country would fight until the end, in forests and fields, a vow resonant of Winston Churchill’s exhortations against Nazism. To members of the German Parliament he spoke of a new wall dividing Europe, echoing the Berlin Wall of the Cold War. The passionate speeches, delivered remotely by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his now-ubiquitous military-issue shirt, are part of a vigorous rhetorical effort to rally international support — for arms, or aid to his country, or sanctions against Russia. Zelenskyy, a former comedian who ran a populist campaign to become president in 2019, is no stranger to performing, and his social-media missives and speeches have transformed him into a global symbol of his country’s resistance to Russian aggression. The allusions, metaphors and allegories made by Zelenskyy point to a tailored strategy to emotionally appeal to nations and institutions and their histories. “The goal is, of course, to get his audience on board,” said Henriette van der Blom, an associate professor of ancient history at the University of Birmingham in England who has directed a project examining the writing of political speeches in Britain. “This is a very ancient rhetorical trick.” Speeches can change the course of history, she added. United States, ‘leader of peace’ Zelenskyy’s soaring appeal to Congress, which prompted a standing ovation, framed Ukraine’s fight against Russia as a battle to preserve democracy, freedom and the rule of law, calling on the United States’ image of itself as a leader of the free world to defend those values. Russia’s attack, Zelenskyy said, was a brutal offensive “against our freedom, against our right to live freely in our own country, choosing our own future, against our desire for happiness, against our national dreams — just like the same dreams you have, you Americans.” He implored lawmakers to remember two moments of American trauma that involved assaults from the sky to empathize with Ukrainians fleeing missiles: Pearl Harbor and the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. He evoked King to request antimissile defense systems, aircraft and a “no-fly” zone above Ukraine, a step that NATO allies have rebuffed, fearing it would escalate the war with Russia. “I can say I have a need. I need to protect our sky. I need your decision, your help, which means exactly the same, the same you feel when you hear the words, ‘I have a dream.’” Zelenskyy said. “He’s trying to address the conscience of his audience,” said van der Blom. “That’s part of this idea of pulling on easily identifiable themes for that particular audience.” Zelenskyy capped the speech with a direct appeal to President Joe Biden, tailoring his words to appeal to the United States’ role on the global stage. “Being the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace,” he said. To Britain: ‘We will fight till the end’ British lawmakers earlier this month invited the Ukrainian leader for the first ever speech in the House of Commons by a foreign leader. He took advantage of the address to quote Shakespeare and align himself and his cause with Churchill, Britain’s leader during World World II. Ukrainians needed to defend their country against the Russians, just as Britons did against Nazism, Zelenskyy said. He vowed his country would never surrender to Russian tanks. “We will fight till the end, at sea, in the air,” Zelenskyy said in front of the Ukrainian flag, echoing the phrasing of Churchill in a famous wartime speech: “We will fight in the forests, in the fields, on the shores, in the streets.” His words immediately brought to mind an image of Churchill speaking in the House of Commons, said van der Blom. “This is what he’s trying to make us think.” And his choice to at one point address Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain by his first name did not go unnoticed, she said. “Is it to give a signal that they are very close and making Johnson feel like he needs to work harder?” Germany: ‘Tear down the wall!’ In his address to the Bundestag last week, Zelenskyy urged Germany to take stronger action against Russia, casting the decision as a metaphorical division between building or demolishing a wall — harkening back to the Cold War, an emotional period for Germans. “You are like behind the wall again. Not the Berlin Wall but in the middle of Europe, between freedom and slavery,” he said. “And this wall grows stronger with each bomb that falls on our land, on Ukraine,” he said. He called for an embargo on trade with Russia, saying that its ability to keep trading, and keeping Ukraine from joining the European Union, was helping Moscow fortify this metaphorical wall. He addressed Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany with an emotional appeal, casting it as a judgment on the leader’s legacy. “Tear down this wall. Give Germany the leadership you deserve, and what your descendants will be proud of.” Canada: ‘Imagine that you hear it, your children hear it’ With Canada, Zelenskyy mixed a personal, first-name appeal to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, with apocalyptic images of a Canada at war. In his address to Canadian lawmakers, Zelenskyy referred to the country’s leader simply as “Justin.” And to help them understand Ukraine’s experience, he said, he painted a vivid image of Canadian cities and landmarks under attack. “Imagine that at four in the morning each of you hears explosions, terrible explosions,” he said. “Justin, imagine that you hear it, and your children hear it, hear missile strikes at Ottawa airport.” He added: “Imagine you are looking for words to explain this to children. Explain to them that a large-scale war has begun.” He asked lawmakers to envision Canadian flags replaced by Russian ones, Toronto’s CN tower being destroyed by Russian missiles and schools being burned down. “This is our reality,” he said. He thanked Canada for its support, but said that what he really wanted was for the country to help bring about a no-fly zone in the skies above Ukraine and to force more companies to leave the Russian market. “We’ve been friends with you, Justin,” he said. “But also I would like you to understand — and I would like you to feel this — what we feel every day. We want to live, and we want to be victorious.” Israel: ‘The threat is the same’ Zelenskyy, who is Jewish, began an address to the Knesset on Sunday by sharing a quote from a former Israeli prime minister, Golda Meir, who was born in Kyiv: “We intend to remain alive. Our neighbors want to see us dead. This is not a question that leaves much room for compromise.” In a virtual address to lawmakers, Zelenskyy sought to highlight the ties between Ukraine and Israel and said that the suffering of Ukrainians paralleled that of Jewish people during the Holocaust. Although decades apart, the date of Ukraine’s invasion and the founding of the Nazi party in Germany was the same, he said: Feb. 24. And he likened Moscow’s discussion of “the Ukrainian issue” to the “final solution,” a euphemism used by the Nazi bureaucracy in detailing their plans for the genocide of Jews in Europe. “Our people are now scattered around the world. They are looking for security. They are looking for a way to stay in peace,” he added. “As you once searched.” But he also criticized Israel for not providing Ukraine with weapons, imposing strong enough sanctions against Russia or putting sufficient pressure on Russian businesses. “Premeditation is often erroneous. And mediation can be between states, not between good and evil,” he said. Some Israeli lawmakers criticized the comparison of the war in Ukraine to the Holocaust, calling it insensitive and unnecessary to juxtapose the tragedies. May Golan, a member of the opposition Likud party, said she was left with “a very bitter taste” after Zelenskyy’s speech. Though she was not indifferent to the situation, she said there was a line: “There is no justification to compare this with the Holocaust and use the expression ‘the final solution.’”

Walls, dreams and genocide: Zelenskyy invokes history to rally support

<p>The South Korean envoy to India, Chang Jae-bok has said that his country "understands India's position" amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the wake of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, while the West has been announcing sanctions and criticising Moscow, Asian countries have taken their own stance and have chosen to balance ties with both Russia and the West.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ambassador Chang explained his country's position saying, "South Korea is together with the sanction against Russian invasion. We are in the camp of the peace and prosperity of the world, including Ukrainian people."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/quad-accepts-indias-position-says-australian-envoy-on-ukraine-crisis-464090">Quad accepts India's position, says Australian envoy on Ukraine crisis</a></strong></p>

<p>He was speaking on the sidelines of the in-person opening of Korean Cultural Centre India in Delhi as the covid crisis abates. The centre promotes Korean culture, with classes on Samulnori, K-Pop, Korean language, and Taekwondo. Asked about the popularity of K pop becoming a cultural phenomenon globally, he said, "I hope that it will go further."</p>

<p><em><strong>WION</strong></em>: Korean Cultural Centre India has been reopened; how does it help propagate Korean Culture in India?&nbsp;And does it mean that the worries about Covid are over?</p>

<p><em><strong>Chang Jae-bok</strong></em>: Our culture centre in India has been trying to have activities online, now it is getting back to normal work. We cannot get back to exactly the same situation as before the covid pandemic, however, we are getting back to normal little by little.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is a great effort by Korean Cultural Centre India. Our embassy together with the cultural centre hopes that the Korean culture and language will go along with the Indian people, especially Indian young people who appreciate Korean pop culture.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-modi-and-japans-kishida-discuss-china-and-ukraine-conflict-463860">India’s Modi and Japan’s Kishida discussed China and Ukraine conflict: Shringla</a></strong></p>

<p>This is a great opportunity for Indian people to appreciate and enjoy not only popular culture but also traditional and modern art. I hope that the many people in India will appreciate the exhibition and also the cultural activities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>WION</strong></em>: South Korea has emerged as a major superpower when it comes to its culture. K-pop is very popular. How has South Korea emerged as this major superpower on this front?</p>

<p><em><strong>Chang Jae-bok</strong></em>: I think it's part of the creativity of Korean artists and people. The Korean government supports these activities for K-pop, but it does not interfere with private or commercial businesses engaged in cultural entertainment. I think that is the key to the success of Korean pop culture in the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>WION</strong></em>: How popular is K-pop in India? You must have noticed its popularity.</p>

<p><em><strong>Chang Jae-bok</strong></em>: I felt its popularity among young people. I don't think it started a long time ago. Especially during the pandemic, Indian people started to get into the OTT, online platforms. I hope that it will go further.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US President Biden praises QUAD, NATO but singles out India for 'Shaky' response to Russian invasion</strong></p>

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<p><em><strong>WION</strong></em>: What is South Korean policy on the Russian invasion of Ukraine?</p>

<p><em><strong>Chang Jae-bok</strong></em>: South Korea is together with the sanctions against Russian invasion. We are in the camp of peace and prosperity in the world, including the Ukrainian people.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>WION</strong></em>: Have you spoken about it with the Indian side?</p>

<p><em><strong>Chang Jae-bok</strong></em>: We understand India's position, we understand very well that it is a very complicated issue. Each nation, each country has its own position. However, India is also a peace-loving country. I think India is also standing with the world community against the atrocities and war in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>


The South Korean envoy to India, Chang Jae-bok has said that his country "understands India's position" amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. In the wake of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, while the West has been announcing sanctions and criticising Moscow, Asian countries have taken their own stance and have chosen to balance ties with both Russia and the West.

The South Korean envoy to India, Chang Jae-bok has said that his country "understands India's position" amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. In the wake of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, while the West has been announcing sanctions and criticising Moscow, Asian countries have taken their own stance and have chosen to balance ties with both Russia and the West. Speaking to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ambassador Chang explained his country's position saying, "South Korea is together with the sanction against Russian invasion. We are in the camp of the peace and prosperity of the world, including Ukrainian people." Also read | Quad accepts India's position, says Australian envoy on Ukraine crisis He was speaking on the sidelines of the in-person opening of Korean Cultural Centre India in Delhi as the covid crisis abates. The centre promotes Korean culture, with classes on Samulnori, K-Pop, Korean language, and Taekwondo. Asked about the popularity of K pop becoming a cultural phenomenon globally, he said, "I hope that it will go further." WION: Korean Cultural Centre India has been reopened; how does it help propagate Korean Culture in India? And does it mean that the worries about Covid are over? Chang Jae-bok: Our culture centre in India has been trying to have activities online, now it is getting back to normal work. We cannot get back to exactly the same situation as before the covid pandemic, however, we are getting back to normal little by little. This is a great effort by Korean Cultural Centre India. Our embassy together with the cultural centre hopes that the Korean culture and language will go along with the Indian people, especially Indian young people who appreciate Korean pop culture. Also read | India’s Modi and Japan’s Kishida discussed China and Ukraine conflict: Shringla This is a great opportunity for Indian people to appreciate and enjoy not only popular culture but also traditional and modern art. I hope that the many people in India will appreciate the exhibition and also the cultural activities. WION: South Korea has emerged as a major superpower when it comes to its culture. K-pop is very popular. How has South Korea emerged as this major superpower on this front? Chang Jae-bok: I think it's part of the creativity of Korean artists and people. The Korean government supports these activities for K-pop, but it does not interfere with private or commercial businesses engaged in cultural entertainment. I think that is the key to the success of Korean pop culture in the world. WION: How popular is K-pop in India? You must have noticed its popularity. Chang Jae-bok: I felt its popularity among young people. I don't think it started a long time ago. Especially during the pandemic, Indian people started to get into the OTT, online platforms. I hope that it will go further. Watch | US President Biden praises QUAD, NATO but singles out India for 'Shaky' response to Russian invasion WION: What is South Korean policy on the Russian invasion of Ukraine? Chang Jae-bok: South Korea is together with the sanctions against Russian invasion. We are in the camp of peace and prosperity in the world, including the Ukrainian people. WION: Have you spoken about it with the Indian side? Chang Jae-bok: We understand India's position, we understand very well that it is a very complicated issue. Each nation, each country has its own position. However, India is also a peace-loving country. I think India is also standing with the world community against the atrocities and war in Ukraine.

Exclusive | 'Understand India's position', South Korean envoy Chang on Ukraine crisis

<p><em><strong>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.</strong></em></p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a special "military operation" in the Ukrainian cities in order to 'demilitarise' the neighbouring country on February 24.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the deadly invasion, the Western counties slapped Russia with a series of severe sanctions - isolating the country and leaving it in a dire state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, if reports are to be believed, sanctions might&nbsp;now directly impact Putin as he won't be able to use Botox to maintain his youthful looks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/does-this-700-million-superyacht-belongs-to-russian-president-vladimir-putin-464496">Does this $700 million superyacht belong to Russian President Vladimir Putin? &nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>Among other international brands, some of the drugmakers have also halted business and supplies to Russia. A report by Independent noted that Eli Lilly and Co, Novartis and Abbvie Inc are reducing their operations in Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reuters quoted Eli Lilly and Co, as saying that it would continue to supply critical medicines for cancer and diabetes treatment. However, in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it will halt "non-essential" products.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per reports, AbbVie said it has temporarily suspended operations for all its aesthetic products in the country. The drugmaker owns the celebrated wrinkle treatment Botox.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-zelensky-insists-on-need-for-a-meeting-with-vladimir-putin-rules-out-surrender-464446">Ukrainian President Zelensky insists on need for a 'meeting' with Vladimir Putin, rules out surrender</a></strong></p>

<p>Does this mean that Putin, who is often pictured flaunting his youthful looks, will have to stop using botox?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several reports by the western media have suggested that Putin uses botox. A decade ago news piece by The Guardian, mentioned that rumours were circulating about Putin's use of the particular product.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It had become so viral that Putin's spokesperson had to react to the reports and issue denials. The spokesperson had said, "It's probably just how the light fell. The prime minister is tired."&nbsp;</p>

<p>There's no official response. Meanwhile, Illinois-based Abbvie Inc in a statement on its website said, "Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and those affected across the region. As a global biopharmaceutical company, we have a responsibility to patients who depend on our medicines."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are committed to ensuring our patients in Ukraine, Russia, and throughout the region continue to have access to our essential and life-saving medicines. As the tragic events continue to unfold in Ukraine, AbbVie has temporarily suspended operations for all our aesthetics products in Russia," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a special "military operation" in the Ukrainian cities in order to 'demilitarise' the neighbouring country on February 24. After the deadly invasion, the Western counties slapped Russia with a series of severe sanctions - isolating the country and leaving it in a dire state. However, if reports are to be believed, sanctions might now directly impact Putin as he won't be able to use Botox to maintain his youthful looks. ALSO READ | Does this $700 million superyacht belong to Russian President Vladimir Putin? Among other international brands, some of the drugmakers have also halted business and supplies to Russia. A report by Independent noted that Eli Lilly and Co, Novartis and Abbvie Inc are reducing their operations in Russia. Reuters quoted Eli Lilly and Co, as saying that it would continue to supply critical medicines for cancer and diabetes treatment. However, in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it will halt "non-essential" products. As per reports, AbbVie said it has temporarily suspended operations for all its aesthetic products in the country. The drugmaker owns the celebrated wrinkle treatment Botox. ALSO READ | Ukrainian President Zelensky insists on need for a 'meeting' with Vladimir Putin, rules out surrender Does this mean that Putin, who is often pictured flaunting his youthful looks, will have to stop using botox? Several reports by the western media have suggested that Putin uses botox. A decade ago news piece by The Guardian, mentioned that rumours were circulating about Putin's use of the particular product. It had become so viral that Putin's spokesperson had to react to the reports and issue denials. The spokesperson had said, "It's probably just how the light fell. The prime minister is tired." There's no official response. Meanwhile, Illinois-based Abbvie Inc in a statement on its website said, "Our thoughts are with the people of Ukraine and those affected across the region. As a global biopharmaceutical company, we have a responsibility to patients who depend on our medicines." "We are committed to ensuring our patients in Ukraine, Russia, and throughout the region continue to have access to our essential and life-saving medicines. As the tragic events continue to unfold in Ukraine, AbbVie has temporarily suspended operations for all our aesthetics products in Russia," it added. Watch this report: ×

Western sanctions might impact 69-year-old Vladimir Putin's youthful looks. Here's how

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<p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p>

<p>Amid&nbsp;the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, a US-based Space Foundation's fundraising event removed the name of Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. The event was held in honour of Gagarin, who is the first man to journey to outer space.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report was first published by Futurism citing a now-deleted announcement. The Space Foundation apparently announced: "In light of current world events, the 2022 Space Foundation Yuri's Night is renamed 'A Celebration of Space: Discover What's Next.'"&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the event has been renamed, the aim remains the same as it said in the statement, "The focus of this fundraising event remains the same – to celebrate human achievements in space while inspiring the next generation to reach for the stars."&nbsp;</p>

<p>There hasn't been any official statement from the&nbsp;nonprofit foundation.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/david-beckham-hands-over-his-instagram-account-with-715million-followers-to-ukrainian-doctor-watch-his-plea-464196">David Beckham hands over his Instagram account with 71.5 million followers to Ukrainian doctor, watch his plea</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🇺🇦❤ 'Tribute to Yuri Gagarin' by Ukrainian Andrey Palval in Kyiv, Ukraine (2013) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/yurigagarin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#yurigagarin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/andreypalval?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#andreypalval</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kyivstreetart?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kyivstreetart</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stopthewar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stopthewar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/streetart?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#streetart</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lamolinastreetart?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lamolinastreetart</a> 📷 via GlobalStreetArt <a href="https://t.co/bSWY67B6iL">https://t.co/bSWY67B6iL</a> <a href="https://t.co/n0IumCQk9X">pic.twitter.com/n0IumCQk9X</a></p>
— 𝕃𝕒 𝕄𝕠𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕒 𝕊𝕥𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕥 (@MolinaStreetArt) <a href="https://twitter.com/MolinaStreetArt/status/1500961685510799366?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“In light of current world events, the 2022 Space Foundation Yuri’s Night is renamed ‘A Celebration of Space: Discover What’s Next.’” 🤔 <a href="https://t.co/xBS7ynmA41">https://t.co/xBS7ynmA41</a></p>
— Jeff Foust (@jeff_foust) <a href="https://twitter.com/jeff_foust/status/1503751346016735244?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Gagarin completed one orbit of Earth on April 12, 1961, and while travelling in the Vostok 1 capsule and achieving the major milestone, he became a global sensation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gagarin, who was born on March 9 in 1934, was awarded many medals and titles, including Hero of the Soviet Union, his nation's highest honour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, three Russian cosmonauts safely arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday (March 18). The Roscosmāos cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, Denis Matveev and Sergey Korsakov docked their Soyuz capsule with the outpost for a mission that continues a 20-year shared Russian-US presence in orbit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-heavy-bombardment-follows-mariupol-forced-to-bury-dead-on-roadside-in-makeshift-graves-464161">&nbsp;As heavy bombardment follows, Mariupol forced to bury dead on roadside in makeshift graves</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;How art is combating war in Ukraine?</strong></p>

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, a US-based Space Foundation's fundraising event removed the name of Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. The event was held in honour of Gagarin, who is the first man to journey to outer space. The report was first published by Futurism citing a now-deleted announcement. The Space Foundation apparently announced: "In light of current world events, the 2022 Space Foundation Yuri's Night is renamed 'A Celebration of Space: Discover What's Next.'" While the event has been renamed, the aim remains the same as it said in the statement, "The focus of this fundraising event remains the same – to celebrate human achievements in space while inspiring the next generation to reach for the stars." There hasn't been any official statement from the nonprofit foundation. ALSO READ | David Beckham hands over his Instagram account with 71.5 million followers to Ukrainian doctor, watch his plea 🇺🇦❤ 'Tribute to Yuri Gagarin' by Ukrainian Andrey Palval in Kyiv, Ukraine (2013) #yurigagarin #andreypalval #kyivstreetart #stopthewar #streetart #lamolinastreetart 📷 via GlobalStreetArt https://t.co/bSWY67B6iL pic.twitter.com/n0IumCQk9X — 𝕃𝕒 𝕄𝕠𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕒 𝕊𝕥𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕥 (@MolinaStreetArt) March 7, 2022 × “In light of current world events, the 2022 Space Foundation Yuri’s Night is renamed ‘A Celebration of Space: Discover What’s Next.’” 🤔 https://t.co/xBS7ynmA41 — Jeff Foust (@jeff_foust) March 15, 2022 × Gagarin completed one orbit of Earth on April 12, 1961, and while travelling in the Vostok 1 capsule and achieving the major milestone, he became a global sensation. Gagarin, who was born on March 9 in 1934, was awarded many medals and titles, including Hero of the Soviet Union, his nation's highest honour. Meanwhile, three Russian cosmonauts safely arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday (March 18). The Roscosmāos cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, Denis Matveev and Sergey Korsakov docked their Soyuz capsule with the outpost for a mission that continues a 20-year shared Russian-US presence in orbit. ALSO READ | As heavy bombardment follows, Mariupol forced to bury dead on roadside in makeshift graves WATCH | How art is combating war in Ukraine? ×

Did a space conference remove Yuri Gagarin's name over Russia's invasion of Ukraine?

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<p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p>

<p>Officials on Sunday (March 20) have revealed that a deputy commander of Russia's Black Sea Fleet was killed in combat in the besieged port city of Mariupol.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The governor of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozhayev said on Telegram: "Captain 1st Rank Andrei Nikolayevich Paly was killed in the fighting to liberate Mariupol from Ukrainian Nazis."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Razvozhayev added that Paly was an "open and decent person" and "enjoyed great authority in the fleet."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-president-signs-decree-to-combine-national-tv-channels-into-one-platform-464115">Zelensky signs decree to combine national TV channels into one platform</a></strong></p>

<p>Although, media reports have stated that the Russian officials have just confirmed the news as Ukraine had claimed it killed Paly earlier.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the unversed, Sevastopol is a port city in Crimea and the base of Russia's Black Sea Fleet. Crimea was annexed by Moscow from Ukraine in 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Paly's death was also confirmed in the Russian upper parliamentary house by Yekaterina Altabaeva, who is the lawmaker of Sevastopol.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/go-home-ukrainian-protesters-confront-russian-military-vehicles-in-kherson-464103">'Go Home': Ukrainian protesters confront Russian military vehicles in Kherson</a></strong></p>

<p>"Sevastopol has suffered a heavy, irreparable loss," Altabaeva said on Telegram, adding that Paly had died during "battles for the liberation of Mariupol from Nazis".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The exact date of Paly's death has not been revealed and there was no immediate confirmation from Russia's defence ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia, which has been conducting a military operation in Ukraine since February 24, has insisted that its neighbour never join NATO, and has also called for its "demilitarisation" and "denazification".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Zelensky compares Russian invasion to Nazi Germany during his address in front of Israeli lawmakers</strong></p>

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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. Officials on Sunday (March 20) have revealed that a deputy commander of Russia's Black Sea Fleet was killed in combat in the besieged port city of Mariupol. The governor of Sevastopol Mikhail Razvozhayev said on Telegram: "Captain 1st Rank Andrei Nikolayevich Paly was killed in the fighting to liberate Mariupol from Ukrainian Nazis." Razvozhayev added that Paly was an "open and decent person" and "enjoyed great authority in the fleet." ALSO READ | Zelensky signs decree to combine national TV channels into one platform Although, media reports have stated that the Russian officials have just confirmed the news as Ukraine had claimed it killed Paly earlier. For the unversed, Sevastopol is a port city in Crimea and the base of Russia's Black Sea Fleet. Crimea was annexed by Moscow from Ukraine in 2014. Paly's death was also confirmed in the Russian upper parliamentary house by Yekaterina Altabaeva, who is the lawmaker of Sevastopol. ALSO READ | 'Go Home': Ukrainian protesters confront Russian military vehicles in Kherson "Sevastopol has suffered a heavy, irreparable loss," Altabaeva said on Telegram, adding that Paly had died during "battles for the liberation of Mariupol from Nazis". The exact date of Paly's death has not been revealed and there was no immediate confirmation from Russia's defence ministry. Russia, which has been conducting a military operation in Ukraine since February 24, has insisted that its neighbour never join NATO, and has also called for its "demilitarisation" and "denazification". WATCH | Zelensky compares Russian invasion to Nazi Germany during his address in front of Israeli lawmakers ×

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Senior Russian naval officer killed in Mariupol, officials confirm death

<p>China's ambassador to the US said Sunday his country was not sending weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine, but he did not definitively rule out the possibility Beijing might do so in the future.</p>

<p>In a lengthy phone call Friday, US President Joe Biden warned his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that there would be "consequences" if Beijing provided material support to Moscow as it prosecutes its war against Kyiv.</p>

<p>Asked Sunday on CBS whether China might send money or weapons to Russia, Ambassador Qin Gang spoke about the present, saying: "There is disinformation about China providing military assistance to Russia. We reject that."</p>

<p>Instead, "what China is doing is sending food, medicine, sleeping bags and baby formula, not weapons and ammunition to any party," he said.</p>

<p>Beijing, which shares with Moscow a sense of hostility and resentment toward the United States, has been loath to criticize its Russian ally over the invasion of Ukraine, despite urging by US, British and other officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Qin, interviewed on CBS talk show "Face the Nation," said Beijing was continuing to "promote peace talks and urge immediate cease-fire."</p>

<p>But the sort of public condemnation urged by many in the West "doesn't help," he said. "We need reason. We need courage. And we need good diplomacy."</p>

<p>The Chinese foreign ministry has said the West must take Russian security concerns into account.</p>

<p>British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday lent his voice to calls for China to join in condemning the Russian invasion.</p>

<p>"As time goes on, and as the number of Russian atrocities mounts up, I think it becomes steadily more difficult and politically embarrassing for people either actively or passively to condone Putin's invasion," he told the Sunday Times.</p>

<p>Mikhailo Podolyak, a top advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, pleaded with Beijing on Saturday to "condemn Russian barbarism."</p>

<p>Were Beijing to deliver military support to Russia, analysts say, it could transform an already explosive transatlantic standoff into a global dispute pitting the West against the world's second-biggest economy, prompting turmoil on international markets.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Biden warns Xi of a global backlash if it aids Russia amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine</strong></p>

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China's ambassador to the US said Sunday his country was not sending weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine, but he did not definitively rule out the possibility Beijing might do so in the future.

China's ambassador to the US said Sunday his country was not sending weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine, but he did not definitively rule out the possibility Beijing might do so in the future. In a lengthy phone call Friday, US President Joe Biden warned his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping that there would be "consequences" if Beijing provided material support to Moscow as it prosecutes its war against Kyiv. Asked Sunday on CBS whether China might send money or weapons to Russia, Ambassador Qin Gang spoke about the present, saying: "There is disinformation about China providing military assistance to Russia. We reject that." Instead, "what China is doing is sending food, medicine, sleeping bags and baby formula, not weapons and ammunition to any party," he said. Beijing, which shares with Moscow a sense of hostility and resentment toward the United States, has been loath to criticize its Russian ally over the invasion of Ukraine, despite urging by US, British and other officials. Qin, interviewed on CBS talk show "Face the Nation," said Beijing was continuing to "promote peace talks and urge immediate cease-fire." But the sort of public condemnation urged by many in the West "doesn't help," he said. "We need reason. We need courage. And we need good diplomacy." The Chinese foreign ministry has said the West must take Russian security concerns into account. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Sunday lent his voice to calls for China to join in condemning the Russian invasion. "As time goes on, and as the number of Russian atrocities mounts up, I think it becomes steadily more difficult and politically embarrassing for people either actively or passively to condone Putin's invasion," he told the Sunday Times. Mikhailo Podolyak, a top advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, pleaded with Beijing on Saturday to "condemn Russian barbarism." Were Beijing to deliver military support to Russia, analysts say, it could transform an already explosive transatlantic standoff into a global dispute pitting the West against the world's second-biggest economy, prompting turmoil on international markets. WATCH | Biden warns Xi of a global backlash if it aids Russia amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine ×

China envoy says Beijing not sending arms to Russia, for now

<p>Former English footballer David Beckham handed over his official Instagram account, which has over 71.5 million followers, to a maternity doctor in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beckham is trying to raise awareness and money for expectant mothers in war-torn Ukraine amid Russia's invasion of the country which has caused mass destruction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, Beckham's Instagram account will highlight the difficulties faced by medical professionals in Ukraine, who have been working during the Russian invasion. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-heavy-bombardment-follows-mariupol-forced-to-bury-dead-on-roadside-in-makeshift-graves-464161">&nbsp;As heavy bombardment follows, Mariupol forced to bury dead on roadside in makeshift graves</a></strong></p>

<p>The star footballer has said that he is handing over his account to a female Ukrainian doctor named Dr Iryna, who is head of the Regional Perinatal Center in Kharkiv. As per the player, Dr Iryna has been helping mothers give birth in a hospital basement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Hi everyone, so I'm handing over my social media to Iryna, the Head of the Regional Perinatal Centre in Kharkiv, Ukraine where she is helping pregnant mothers give birth safely," the former football ace said in a video on Instagram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Thanks to your donations, the oxygen generators they have received are helping newborns survive in appalling conditions," the former&nbsp;Manchester United player&nbsp;added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-invasion-triggers-patriotism-wave-in-ukraine-turns-inspiring-tattoos-billboards-popular-464172">Russian invasion triggers patriotism wave in Ukraine, turns inspiring tattoos, billboards popular</a></strong></p>

<p>While posting the video, Beckham in caption wrote, "Today I'm handing over my social channels to Iryna, the Head of the Regional Perinatal Centre in Kharkiv, Ukraine where she is helping mothers give birth."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Head over to my stories to learn more about the amazing work Iryna and health workers like her are doing to save lives in Ukraine. Please give what you can to support @UNICEF and people like Iryna using the donation link in my bio," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the video shared on Beckham's Insta stories, Iryna said, "Now. I’m not only the head of the centre but I continue to work as a paediatric anesthesiologist. I unload cargo, work on logistics and offer emotional support."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"UNICEF’s support is very important to us, They have been delivering supplies in Ukraine for years and they have good logistics to deliver ready-to-use kits to maternity hospitals."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The oxygen generators we received from UNICEF help provide oxygen for children in the basement. We are probably risking our lives, but we don’t think about it at all. We love our work."&nbsp;</p>

<p>" Doctors and nurses here, we worry, we cry but none of us will give up. Thank you to everyone who watched my story to everyone who is helping Ukrainian children. Every single donation matters."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch David&nbsp;Beckham's video:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">David Beckham temporarily shared his Instagram account with a doctor from Kharkov<br />
In Beckham's store, the head of the perinatal center, Irina Kondratova, showed the work of doctors during the war. Including mothers with children who are hiding in basements. <a href="https://t.co/359GkefEkr">pic.twitter.com/359GkefEkr</a></p>
— Russia Vs World (@RussiaVsWorld_) <a href="https://twitter.com/RussiaVsWorld_/status/1505586868599103489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the comments section, UNICEF wrote: "Thank you @davidbeckham for handing over your account, to Iryna for your heroic work, and to everyone helping children with a donation."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since Russia announced a "special military operation" three weeks ago, there have been numerous strikes on civilian targets housing children.</p>

<p>Last week a&nbsp;maternity&nbsp;hospital in the besieged port city of Mariupol was bombed, wounding 17.</p>

<p>On Wednesday (March 16) a theatre there was hit despite signs declaring children were sheltering inside.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 130 have been saved from the rubble but officials said up to 1,000 may have been taking refuge within.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;How art is combating war in Ukraine?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Former English footballer David Beckham handed over his official Instagram account, which has over 71.5 million followers, to a maternity doctor in Ukraine. Beckham is trying to raise awareness and money for expectant mothers in war-torn Ukraine amid Russia's invasion of the country which has caused mass destruction.

Former English footballer David Beckham handed over his official Instagram account, which has over 71.5 million followers, to a maternity doctor in Ukraine. Beckham is trying to raise awareness and money for expectant mothers in war-torn Ukraine amid Russia's invasion of the country which has caused mass destruction. Now, Beckham's Instagram account will highlight the difficulties faced by medical professionals in Ukraine, who have been working during the Russian invasion. ALSO READ | As heavy bombardment follows, Mariupol forced to bury dead on roadside in makeshift graves The star footballer has said that he is handing over his account to a female Ukrainian doctor named Dr Iryna, who is head of the Regional Perinatal Center in Kharkiv. As per the player, Dr Iryna has been helping mothers give birth in a hospital basement. "Hi everyone, so I'm handing over my social media to Iryna, the Head of the Regional Perinatal Centre in Kharkiv, Ukraine where she is helping pregnant mothers give birth safely," the former football ace said in a video on Instagram. "Thanks to your donations, the oxygen generators they have received are helping newborns survive in appalling conditions," the former Manchester United player added. ALSO READ | Russian invasion triggers patriotism wave in Ukraine, turns inspiring tattoos, billboards popular While posting the video, Beckham in caption wrote, "Today I'm handing over my social channels to Iryna, the Head of the Regional Perinatal Centre in Kharkiv, Ukraine where she is helping mothers give birth." "Head over to my stories to learn more about the amazing work Iryna and health workers like her are doing to save lives in Ukraine. Please give what you can to support @UNICEF and people like Iryna using the donation link in my bio," he added. In the video shared on Beckham's Insta stories, Iryna said, "Now. I’m not only the head of the centre but I continue to work as a paediatric anesthesiologist. I unload cargo, work on logistics and offer emotional support." "UNICEF’s support is very important to us, They have been delivering supplies in Ukraine for years and they have good logistics to deliver ready-to-use kits to maternity hospitals." "The oxygen generators we received from UNICEF help provide oxygen for children in the basement. We are probably risking our lives, but we don’t think about it at all. We love our work." " Doctors and nurses here, we worry, we cry but none of us will give up. Thank you to everyone who watched my story to everyone who is helping Ukrainian children. Every single donation matters." Watch David Beckham's video: View this post on Instagram A post shared by David Beckham (@davidbeckham) × David Beckham temporarily shared his Instagram account with a doctor from Kharkov In Beckham's store, the head of the perinatal center, Irina Kondratova, showed the work of doctors during the war. Including mothers with children who are hiding in basements. pic.twitter.com/359GkefEkr — Russia Vs World (@RussiaVsWorld_) March 20, 2022 × In the comments section, UNICEF wrote: "Thank you @davidbeckham for handing over your account, to Iryna for your heroic work, and to everyone helping children with a donation." Since Russia announced a "special military operation" three weeks ago, there have been numerous strikes on civilian targets housing children. Last week a maternity hospital in the besieged port city of Mariupol was bombed, wounding 17. On Wednesday (March 16) a theatre there was hit despite signs declaring children were sheltering inside. More than 130 have been saved from the rubble but officials said up to 1,000 may have been taking refuge within. WATCH | How art is combating war in Ukraine? ×

David Beckham hands over his Instagram account with 71.5 million followers to Ukrainian doctor, watch his plea

<p>Ukrainian President Zelenskiy said Russia's siege of Mariupol was "a terror that will be remembered for centuries to come", while authorities in the strategic port city said thousands of residents there had been taken by force to Russia.<br />
<br />
<strong>FIGHTING, DIPLOMACY</strong><br />
<br />
* Zelenskiy urged Switzerland to crack down on Russian oligarchs who he said were helping to wage war on his country from the safety of "beautiful Swiss towns".<br />
<br />
* Russia said it had used hypersonic Kinzhal (Dagger) missiles to destroy a large weapons depot in Ukraine`s western Ivano-Frankivsk region.<br />
<br />
* Russian President Putin is healthy, sane and "in better shape than ever", close ally Belarus President Lukashenko told Japanese TV.<br />
<br />
* A Russian mortar attack on Ukrainian town of Makariv in the Kyiv region killed seven people and hospitalised five on Friday, local police said in a statement. Russia denies targeting civilians.<br />
<br />
* A senior Chinese government official said that sanctions imposed by Western nations on Russia are increasingly "outrageous".<br />
<br />
<strong>CIVILIANS</strong><br />
<br />
* Pope Francis made a surprise visit to young refugees being treated in a paediatric hospital in Rome.<br />
<br />
* The UN human rights office said at least 847 civilians had been killed and 1,399 wounded in Ukraine as of Friday. The Ukrainian prosecutor general`s office said that 112 children have been killed.<br />
<br />
<strong>ECONOMY AND MARKETS</strong><br />
<br />
* Ukraine may not produce enough crops to export if this year`s sowing campaigns are disrupted by the invasion, presidential adviser Oleh Ustenko said.<br />
<br />
<strong>SPACE SUITS</strong><br />
<br />
* Russia`s space agency dismissed Western media reports suggesting Russian cosmonauts joining the International Space Station had chosen to wear yellow suits with a blue trim in support of Ukraine. "Sometimes yellow is just yellow," Roscosmos`s press service said on its Telegram channel.<br />
<br />
<strong>QUOTES</strong><br />
<br />
* "To do this to a peaceful city... is a terror that will be remembered for centuries to come," Zelenskiy said of Russia`s attacks on Mariupol.<br />
<br />
* "When the alarm sounded, I covered the windows with blankets so one couldn`t hear it. My small ones made up a monster, the siren monster," said Tanya, a refugee in the Polish border town of Przemysl.</p>


Ukrainian President Zelenskiy said Russia's siege of Mariupol was "a terror that will be remembered for centuries to come", while authorities in the strategic port city said thousands of residents there had been taken by force to Russia.

Ukrainian President Zelenskiy said Russia's siege of Mariupol was "a terror that will be remembered for centuries to come", while authorities in the strategic port city said thousands of residents there had been taken by force to Russia. FIGHTING, DIPLOMACY * Zelenskiy urged Switzerland to crack down on Russian oligarchs who he said were helping to wage war on his country from the safety of "beautiful Swiss towns". * Russia said it had used hypersonic Kinzhal (Dagger) missiles to destroy a large weapons depot in Ukraine`s western Ivano-Frankivsk region. * Russian President Putin is healthy, sane and "in better shape than ever", close ally Belarus President Lukashenko told Japanese TV. * A Russian mortar attack on Ukrainian town of Makariv in the Kyiv region killed seven people and hospitalised five on Friday, local police said in a statement. Russia denies targeting civilians. * A senior Chinese government official said that sanctions imposed by Western nations on Russia are increasingly "outrageous". CIVILIANS * Pope Francis made a surprise visit to young refugees being treated in a paediatric hospital in Rome. * The UN human rights office said at least 847 civilians had been killed and 1,399 wounded in Ukraine as of Friday. The Ukrainian prosecutor general`s office said that 112 children have been killed. ECONOMY AND MARKETS * Ukraine may not produce enough crops to export if this year`s sowing campaigns are disrupted by the invasion, presidential adviser Oleh Ustenko said. SPACE SUITS * Russia`s space agency dismissed Western media reports suggesting Russian cosmonauts joining the International Space Station had chosen to wear yellow suits with a blue trim in support of Ukraine. "Sometimes yellow is just yellow," Roscosmos`s press service said on its Telegram channel. QUOTES * "To do this to a peaceful city... is a terror that will be remembered for centuries to come," Zelenskiy said of Russia`s attacks on Mariupol. * "When the alarm sounded, I covered the windows with blankets so one couldn`t hear it. My small ones made up a monster, the siren monster," said Tanya, a refugee in the Polish border town of Przemysl.

Ukraine and Russia war: What you need to know right now

<p>According to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, China is on the right side of history when it comes to the Ukraine crisis, and its position is in line with the aspirations of most countries.<br />
<br />
"China will continue to make independent judgments based on the merits of the matter and in an objective and fair attitude. We will never accept any external coercion and pressure, and we also oppose any groundless accusations and suspicions against China," a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry in Beijing quoted Wang as saying.<br />
<br />
The Minister said "the long-term solution is to abandon the Cold War mentality, refrain from engaging in group confrontation, and truly form a balanced, effective and sustainable regional security architecture", CNN reported.<br />
<br />
<strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-pro-invasion-rally-russian-president-vladimir-putin-dons-costly-loro-piana-jacket-463688" hreflang="en">As Russians face financial crisis, President Vladimir Putin dons costly Loro Piana jacket in pro-war rally</a></strong><br />
<br />
"Only in this way can long-term stability on the European continent be achieved," he added.<br />
<br />
While China has not explicitly criticised Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it has also not shown clear support for it.</p>

<p>Experts believe Beijing is navigating a difficult situation as the Ukraine crisis worsens, striving to strike a balance between its strategic cooperation with Moscow and its economic connections with the West.<br />
<br />
<strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-russia-conflict-time-for-meaningful-talks-says-president-volodymyr-zelenskiy-463642" hreflang="en">Ukraine-Russia conflict: Time for meaningful talks, says President Volodymyr Zelensky</a></strong></p>

<p>According to a CNN storey, the US has been watching with concern as Chinese President Xi Jinping cultivates a tight relationship with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, believing that the alliance of authoritarian leaders is preparing itself to militarily and economically confront Washington.</p>

<p>Xi and Putin solidified their alliance during high-profile discussions in Beijing last month, declaring in a long statement that their connection was boundless, according to the report.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


According to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, China is on the right side of history when it comes to the Ukraine crisis, and its position is in line with the aspirations of most countries.

According to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, China is on the right side of history when it comes to the Ukraine crisis, and its position is in line with the aspirations of most countries. "China will continue to make independent judgments based on the merits of the matter and in an objective and fair attitude. We will never accept any external coercion and pressure, and we also oppose any groundless accusations and suspicions against China," a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry in Beijing quoted Wang as saying. The Minister said "the long-term solution is to abandon the Cold War mentality, refrain from engaging in group confrontation, and truly form a balanced, effective and sustainable regional security architecture", CNN reported. Also Read: As Russians face financial crisis, President Vladimir Putin dons costly Loro Piana jacket in pro-war rally "Only in this way can long-term stability on the European continent be achieved," he added. While China has not explicitly criticised Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it has also not shown clear support for it. Experts believe Beijing is navigating a difficult situation as the Ukraine crisis worsens, striving to strike a balance between its strategic cooperation with Moscow and its economic connections with the West. Also Read: Ukraine-Russia conflict: Time for meaningful talks, says President Volodymyr Zelensky According to a CNN storey, the US has been watching with concern as Chinese President Xi Jinping cultivates a tight relationship with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, believing that the alliance of authoritarian leaders is preparing itself to militarily and economically confront Washington. Xi and Putin solidified their alliance during high-profile discussions in Beijing last month, declaring in a long statement that their connection was boundless, according to the report. (With inputs from agencies)

China on the right side of history over Ukraine war: Wang Yi

<p><em><strong>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.</strong></em><br />
<br />
<br />
According to authorities in Mariupol, a beleaguered Ukrainian port city, the Russian military destroyed an art school where some 400 people had taken refuge.</p>

<p>The school building was destroyed, according to local authorities, and people could be trapped beneath the rubble.</p>

<p>There was no information on casualties right away.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-of-mariupol-residents-forced-to-relocate-to-russia-claims-city-council-463908"><strong>Also read | Thousands of Mariupol residents forced to relocate to Russia, claims city council</strong></a></p>

<p>In Mariupol, Russian forces also bombarded a theatre where residents were sheltering.</p>

<p>Authorities say 130 people have been rescued, but many more could be trapped beneath the rubble.</p>

<p>Mariupol, a vital port on the Azov Sea, has been encircled by Russian soldiers, shut off from energy, food, and water supplies, and subjected to a barrage of artillery fire.</p>

<p>The siege of Mariupol, according to Ukraine's president, will go down in history as a case of Russian war crimes.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


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. According to authorities in Mariupol, a beleaguered Ukrainian port city, the Russian military destroyed an art school where some 400 people had taken refuge. The school building was destroyed, according to local authorities, and people could be trapped beneath the rubble. There was no information on casualties right away. Also read | Thousands of Mariupol residents forced to relocate to Russia, claims city council In Mariupol, Russian forces also bombarded a theatre where residents were sheltering. Authorities say 130 people have been rescued, but many more could be trapped beneath the rubble. Mariupol, a vital port on the Azov Sea, has been encircled by Russian soldiers, shut off from energy, food, and water supplies, and subjected to a barrage of artillery fire. The siege of Mariupol, according to Ukraine's president, will go down in history as a case of Russian war crimes. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine: Officials say Mariupol art school used as shelter bombed by Russians

<p>Donning blue and yellow colours that appeared to match the Ukrainian flag, three Russian cosmonauts safely arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday (March 18).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Roscosmāos cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, Denis Matveev and Sergey Korsakov docked their Soyuz capsule with the outpost for a mission that continues a 20-year shared Russian-US presence in orbit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the ties between the two countries deteriorated since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a "military operation" in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/price-of-war-these-empty-strollers-represent-children-killed-during-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-463651">'Price of War': These empty strollers represent children killed during Russian invasion of Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>NASA informed that the cosmonauts on the Soyuz MS-21 spacecraft docked to the ISS at 3:12 pm EDT while the station was travelling 260 miles over eastern Kazakhstan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The trio has joined Expedition 66 Commander Anton Shkaplerov and cosmonaut Pyotr Dubrov of Roscosmos on the station. They also joined NASA astronauts Mark Vande Hei, Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn and Kayla Barron and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Matthias Maurer.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Station cameras have spotted the Soyuz MS-21 crew ship approaching the station with three cosmonauts ready to join the Exp 66 crew. <a href="https://t.co/yuOTrZ4Jut">https://t.co/yuOTrZ4Jut</a> <a href="https://t.co/Wg2GCZx9VK">pic.twitter.com/Wg2GCZx9VK</a></p>
— International Space Station (@Space_Station) <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station/status/1504890107890831361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>NASA further informed that on March 30, a Soyuz spacecraft will return as scheduled carrying NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei and cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anton Shkaplerov back to Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Upon their return, Vande Hei will hold the American record for the longest single human spaceflight mission of 355 days.</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/drone-warfare-in-ukraine-switchblade-buzzing-bee-drones-vs-russias-orlan-10-463449">Drone warfare in Ukraine: Switchblade 'buzzing bee' drones vs Russia's Orlan-10</a></strong></p>

<p>The US-Russian collaboration in space is being tested by heightened antagonism between the two former Cold War adversaries over Russia's three-week-old invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When US President Joe Biden slapped sanctions on Moscow in the wake of Russia's invasion, it also included the aerospace industry, triggering dark warnings from Rogozin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If you block cooperation with us, who will save the ISS from uncontrolled deorbiting and falling on US or European territory?" the Roscosomos head wrote in a tweet last month -- noting that the station doesn't fly over much of Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ISS, a collaboration among the US, Canada, Japan, the European Space Agency and Russia, is split into two sections: the US Orbital Segment, and the Russian Orbital Segment.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russian cosmonauts arrive at the International space station for 6-month long mission</strong></p>

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Donning blue and yellow colours that appeared to match the Ukrainian flag, three Russian cosmonauts safely arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday (March 18).

Donning blue and yellow colours that appeared to match the Ukrainian flag, three Russian cosmonauts safely arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday (March 18). The Roscosmāos cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, Denis Matveev and Sergey Korsakov docked their Soyuz capsule with the outpost for a mission that continues a 20-year shared Russian-US presence in orbit. However, the ties between the two countries deteriorated since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a "military operation" in Ukraine. IN PICS | 'Price of War': These empty strollers represent children killed during Russian invasion of Ukraine NASA informed that the cosmonauts on the Soyuz MS-21 spacecraft docked to the ISS at 3:12 pm EDT while the station was travelling 260 miles over eastern Kazakhstan. The trio has joined Expedition 66 Commander Anton Shkaplerov and cosmonaut Pyotr Dubrov of Roscosmos on the station. They also joined NASA astronauts Mark Vande Hei, Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn and Kayla Barron and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Matthias Maurer. Station cameras have spotted the Soyuz MS-21 crew ship approaching the station with three cosmonauts ready to join the Exp 66 crew. https://t.co/yuOTrZ4Jut pic.twitter.com/Wg2GCZx9VK — International Space Station (@Space_Station) March 18, 2022 × NASA further informed that on March 30, a Soyuz spacecraft will return as scheduled carrying NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei and cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anton Shkaplerov back to Earth. Upon their return, Vande Hei will hold the American record for the longest single human spaceflight mission of 355 days. IN PICS | Drone warfare in Ukraine: Switchblade 'buzzing bee' drones vs Russia's Orlan-10 The US-Russian collaboration in space is being tested by heightened antagonism between the two former Cold War adversaries over Russia's three-week-old invasion of Ukraine. When US President Joe Biden slapped sanctions on Moscow in the wake of Russia's invasion, it also included the aerospace industry, triggering dark warnings from Rogozin. "If you block cooperation with us, who will save the ISS from uncontrolled deorbiting and falling on US or European territory?" the Roscosomos head wrote in a tweet last month -- noting that the station doesn't fly over much of Russia. The ISS, a collaboration among the US, Canada, Japan, the European Space Agency and Russia, is split into two sections: the US Orbital Segment, and the Russian Orbital Segment. WATCH | Russian cosmonauts arrive at the International space station for 6-month long mission ×

Amid Ukraine crisis, Russian cosmonauts welcomed aboard ISS in yellow and blue - Watch

'Price of War': These empty strollers represent children killed during Russian invasion of Ukraine

<p>Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shaken the global market for nickel just as the metal gains importance as an ingredient in electric car batteries, raising fears that high prices could slow the transition away from fossil fuels.</p>

<p>The price of nickel doubled in one day last week, prompting the London Metal Exchange to freeze trading and effectively bring the global nickel market to a standstill. After two years of supply-chain chaos caused by the pandemic, the episode provided more evidence of how geopolitical tensions are destroying trading relationships that companies once took for granted, forcing them to rethink where they get the parts and metals they use to make cars and many other products.</p>

<p>Automakers and other companies that need nickel, as well as other battery raw materials such as lithium or cobalt, have begun looking for ways to shield themselves against future shocks.</p>

<p>Volkswagen, for example, has begun to explore buying nickel directly from mining companies, Markus Duesmann, CEO of the carmaker’s Audi division, said in an interview Thursday. “Raw materials are going to be an issue for years to come,” he said.</p>

<p>The prospect of prolonged geopolitical tensions is likely to accelerate attempts by the United States and Europe to develop domestic supplies of commodities that often come from Russia. There are nickel deposits, for example, in Canada, Greenland and even Minnesota.</p>

<p>“Nickel, cobalt, platinum, palladium, even copper — we already realized we need those metals for the green transition, for mitigating climate change,” said Bo Stensgaard, CEO of Bluejay Mining, which is working on extracting nickel from a site in western Greenland in a venture with KoBold Metals, whose backers include Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates. “When you see the geopolitical developments with Ukraine and Russia, it’s even more obvious that there are supply risks with these metals.”</p>

<p>But establishing new mining operations is likely to take years, even decades, because of the time needed to acquire permits and financing. In the meantime, companies using nickel — a group that also includes steel-makers — will need to contend with higher prices, which will eventually be felt by consumers.</p>

<p>An average electric-car battery contains about 80 pounds of nickel. The surge in prices in March would more than double the cost of that nickel to $1,750 a car, according to estimates by trading firm Cantor Fitzgerald.</p>

<p>Russia accounts for a relatively small proportion of world nickel production, and most of it is used to make stainless steel, not car batteries. But Russia plays an outsize role in nickel markets. Norilsk Nickel, also known as Nornickel, is the world’s largest nickel producer, with vast operations in Siberia. Its owner, Vladimir Potanin, is one of Russia’s wealthiest people. Norilsk is among a limited number of companies authorized to sell a specialized form of nickel on the London Metal Exchange, which handles all nickel trading.</p>

<p>Unlike other oligarchs, Potanin has not been a target of sanctions, and the United States and Europe have not tried to block nickel exports, a step that would hurt their economies as well as Russia’s. The prospect that Russian nickel could be cut off from world markets was enough to cause panic.</p>

<p>Analysts expect prices to come down from their recent peaks but remain much higher than they were a year ago. “The trend would be to come down to a level close to where we last left off,” around $25,000 a metric ton compared with the peak of $100,000 a ton, said Adrian Gardner, a principal analyst specializing in nickel at Wood Mackenzie, a research firm.</p>

<p>Nickel was on a tear even before the Russian invasion as hedge funds and other investors bet on rising demand for electric vehicles. The price topped $20,000 a ton this year after hovering between $10,000 and $15,000 a ton for much of the past five years. At the same time, less nickel was being produced because of the pandemic.</p>

<p>After Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, the price rose above $30,000 in a little over a week. Then came March 8. Word spread on the trading desks of brokerage firms and hedge funds in London that a company, which turned out to be the Tsingshan Holding Group of China, had made a huge bet that the price of nickel would drop. When the price rose, Tsingshan owed billions of dollars, a situation known on Wall Street as a short squeeze.</p>

<p>The price shot up to a little over $100,000 a ton, threatening the existence of many other companies that had bet wrong and prompting the London Metal Exchange to halt trading.</p>

<p>The exchange tried to restart trading in nickel twice this week with new price limits, but sudden drops caused trading to halt once again. “The market is broken,” said Keith Wildie, head of trading at London-based metals firm Romco.</p>

<p>There is no sign that nickel prices will lead to factory shutdowns in the way that shortages of components made in Ukraine brought assembly lines at Volkswagen, BMW and other carmakers to a standstill. It will take a few weeks for price increases to ripple through the system.</p>

<p>For now, automakers and other big nickel buyers such as steel-makers may be able to find alternative suppliers, use more recycled material or switch to battery designs that require less nickel.</p>

<p>“There is enough nickel,” Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius said in an interview this week. But carmakers might have to pay more, he said, adding, “It’s not unlikely that we will have secondary effects from this conflict.”</p>

<p>The Ukraine conflict has underscored the urgency of moving away from fossil fuels, said Duesmann. Russian oil plays a much bigger role in the global economy than Russian nickel. “It would be too shortsighted to say, ‘Electromobility doesn’t work,’” he said.</p>

<p>Beyond the immediate disruption to supplies, automakers are concerned about a retreat from the open markets that have been so good for business. Katrin Kamin, a trade expert at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy in Germany, noted that global commerce had held up remarkably well during the pandemic.</p>

<p>“Perhaps we should speak less of globalization being in crisis and more of international relations being at a low point,” Kamin said in an email.</p>

<p>But the Ukraine conflict, she added, “is a major blow to trade.”</p>


Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shaken the global market for nickel just as the metal gains importance as an ingredient in electric car batteries, raising fears that high prices could slow the transition away from fossil fuels.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shaken the global market for nickel just as the metal gains importance as an ingredient in electric car batteries, raising fears that high prices could slow the transition away from fossil fuels. The price of nickel doubled in one day last week, prompting the London Metal Exchange to freeze trading and effectively bring the global nickel market to a standstill. After two years of supply-chain chaos caused by the pandemic, the episode provided more evidence of how geopolitical tensions are destroying trading relationships that companies once took for granted, forcing them to rethink where they get the parts and metals they use to make cars and many other products. Automakers and other companies that need nickel, as well as other battery raw materials such as lithium or cobalt, have begun looking for ways to shield themselves against future shocks. Volkswagen, for example, has begun to explore buying nickel directly from mining companies, Markus Duesmann, CEO of the carmaker’s Audi division, said in an interview Thursday. “Raw materials are going to be an issue for years to come,” he said. The prospect of prolonged geopolitical tensions is likely to accelerate attempts by the United States and Europe to develop domestic supplies of commodities that often come from Russia. There are nickel deposits, for example, in Canada, Greenland and even Minnesota. “Nickel, cobalt, platinum, palladium, even copper — we already realized we need those metals for the green transition, for mitigating climate change,” said Bo Stensgaard, CEO of Bluejay Mining, which is working on extracting nickel from a site in western Greenland in a venture with KoBold Metals, whose backers include Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates. “When you see the geopolitical developments with Ukraine and Russia, it’s even more obvious that there are supply risks with these metals.” But establishing new mining operations is likely to take years, even decades, because of the time needed to acquire permits and financing. In the meantime, companies using nickel — a group that also includes steel-makers — will need to contend with higher prices, which will eventually be felt by consumers. An average electric-car battery contains about 80 pounds of nickel. The surge in prices in March would more than double the cost of that nickel to $1,750 a car, according to estimates by trading firm Cantor Fitzgerald. Russia accounts for a relatively small proportion of world nickel production, and most of it is used to make stainless steel, not car batteries. But Russia plays an outsize role in nickel markets. Norilsk Nickel, also known as Nornickel, is the world’s largest nickel producer, with vast operations in Siberia. Its owner, Vladimir Potanin, is one of Russia’s wealthiest people. Norilsk is among a limited number of companies authorized to sell a specialized form of nickel on the London Metal Exchange, which handles all nickel trading. Unlike other oligarchs, Potanin has not been a target of sanctions, and the United States and Europe have not tried to block nickel exports, a step that would hurt their economies as well as Russia’s. The prospect that Russian nickel could be cut off from world markets was enough to cause panic. Analysts expect prices to come down from their recent peaks but remain much higher than they were a year ago. “The trend would be to come down to a level close to where we last left off,” around $25,000 a metric ton compared with the peak of $100,000 a ton, said Adrian Gardner, a principal analyst specializing in nickel at Wood Mackenzie, a research firm. Nickel was on a tear even before the Russian invasion as hedge funds and other investors bet on rising demand for electric vehicles. The price topped $20,000 a ton this year after hovering between $10,000 and $15,000 a ton for much of the past five years. At the same time, less nickel was being produced because of the pandemic. After Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, the price rose above $30,000 in a little over a week. Then came March 8. Word spread on the trading desks of brokerage firms and hedge funds in London that a company, which turned out to be the Tsingshan Holding Group of China, had made a huge bet that the price of nickel would drop. When the price rose, Tsingshan owed billions of dollars, a situation known on Wall Street as a short squeeze. The price shot up to a little over $100,000 a ton, threatening the existence of many other companies that had bet wrong and prompting the London Metal Exchange to halt trading. The exchange tried to restart trading in nickel twice this week with new price limits, but sudden drops caused trading to halt once again. “The market is broken,” said Keith Wildie, head of trading at London-based metals firm Romco. There is no sign that nickel prices will lead to factory shutdowns in the way that shortages of components made in Ukraine brought assembly lines at Volkswagen, BMW and other carmakers to a standstill. It will take a few weeks for price increases to ripple through the system. For now, automakers and other big nickel buyers such as steel-makers may be able to find alternative suppliers, use more recycled material or switch to battery designs that require less nickel. “There is enough nickel,” Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius said in an interview this week. But carmakers might have to pay more, he said, adding, “It’s not unlikely that we will have secondary effects from this conflict.” The Ukraine conflict has underscored the urgency of moving away from fossil fuels, said Duesmann. Russian oil plays a much bigger role in the global economy than Russian nickel. “It would be too shortsighted to say, ‘Electromobility doesn’t work,’” he said. Beyond the immediate disruption to supplies, automakers are concerned about a retreat from the open markets that have been so good for business. Katrin Kamin, a trade expert at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy in Germany, noted that global commerce had held up remarkably well during the pandemic. “Perhaps we should speak less of globalization being in crisis and more of international relations being at a low point,” Kamin said in an email. But the Ukraine conflict, she added, “is a major blow to trade.”

How the war in Ukraine could slow the sales of electric cars

All you need to know about Kinzhal hypersonic missiles that Russia 'used in Ukraine for the first time'

<p>Hundreds of bulletproof vests, destined for war-torn Ukraine, were stolen in New York, police and the organisation said Thursday (March 17). The vests were donated by officers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 400 bulletproof vests, that were supposed to help Ukraine against the ongoing invasion by Russia, have been stolen in Manhattan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NY Police Department spokeswoman Lieutenant Jessica McRorie said that the theft occurred at the headquarters of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/targeting-civilians-is-a-war-crime-antony-blinken-believes-russia-guilty-of-committing-war-crimes-463292">'Targetting civilians is a war crime': Antony Blinken believes Russia guilty of committing war crimes</a></strong></p>

<p>McRorie said that when police arrived at the site on Wednesday, they learned that "approximately 400 bulletproof vests were removed from the location."&nbsp;</p>

<p>She added that "there are no arrests and the investigation is ongoing." Meanwhile, a spokesperson for UCCA said a smaller number of vests, about 300, were missing from the group's Manhattan location. "We don't know... why, how" the robbery occurred, or who would have committed it, the spokesperson told AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The group said, the vests were donated by the police on Long Island, New York and were to be sent to aid workers who would deliver them by truck throughout Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to escalate with each day passing, with reports of civilians dying due to bombings and shellings.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-makes-debt-interest-payment-amid-sanctions-463249">Russia makes debt interest payment amid sanctions</a></strong></p>

<p>Journalists, who are risking their lives to bring reports from ground zero, are also facing the same issue. In the attacks, some of the journalists have also died.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently, the United Nations' cultural agency said on Thursday (March 17) it would provide bulletproof vests and helmets to journalists working in Ukraine after the deaths of several reporters covering Russia's invasion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UNESCO will also organise online training courses for working in combat zones and first aid. It is also trying to provide in-person training soon for journalists in Lviv, the western city where many media organisations have moved as the capital Kyiv is besieged.</p>

<p>"Journalists and media workers are risking their lives in Ukraine to provide life-saving information to local populations and inform the world of the reality of this war," UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;30,000 evacuated from the city of Mariupol amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine</strong></p>

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Hundreds of bulletproof vests, destined for war-torn Ukraine, were stolen in New York, police and the organisation said Thursday (March 17). The vests were donated by officers.

Hundreds of bulletproof vests, destined for war-torn Ukraine, were stolen in New York, police and the organisation said Thursday (March 17). The vests were donated by officers. Around 400 bulletproof vests, that were supposed to help Ukraine against the ongoing invasion by Russia, have been stolen in Manhattan. NY Police Department spokeswoman Lieutenant Jessica McRorie said that the theft occurred at the headquarters of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA). ALSO READ | 'Targetting civilians is a war crime': Antony Blinken believes Russia guilty of committing war crimes McRorie said that when police arrived at the site on Wednesday, they learned that "approximately 400 bulletproof vests were removed from the location." She added that "there are no arrests and the investigation is ongoing." Meanwhile, a spokesperson for UCCA said a smaller number of vests, about 300, were missing from the group's Manhattan location. "We don't know... why, how" the robbery occurred, or who would have committed it, the spokesperson told AFP. The group said, the vests were donated by the police on Long Island, New York and were to be sent to aid workers who would deliver them by truck throughout Ukraine. The Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to escalate with each day passing, with reports of civilians dying due to bombings and shellings. ALSO READ | Russia makes debt interest payment amid sanctions Journalists, who are risking their lives to bring reports from ground zero, are also facing the same issue. In the attacks, some of the journalists have also died. Recently, the United Nations' cultural agency said on Thursday (March 17) it would provide bulletproof vests and helmets to journalists working in Ukraine after the deaths of several reporters covering Russia's invasion. UNESCO will also organise online training courses for working in combat zones and first aid. It is also trying to provide in-person training soon for journalists in Lviv, the western city where many media organisations have moved as the capital Kyiv is besieged. "Journalists and media workers are risking their lives in Ukraine to provide life-saving information to local populations and inform the world of the reality of this war," UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay said in a statement. WATCH | 30,000 evacuated from the city of Mariupol amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine ×

Ukraine under attack: Hundreds of bulletproof vests destined for Ukraine, stolen in Manhattan

<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday (March 17) said that Russia is not making enough efforts in peace talks with Ukraine to end the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Blinken also said that he believes Moscow is guilty of committing war crimes as recent attacks in Ukrainian cities targetted civilians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Blinken told reporters at the State Department, "Yesterday, President Biden said that in his opinion, war crimes have been committed in Ukraine."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-makes-debt-interest-payment-amid-sanctions-463249">Russia makes debt interest payment amid sanctions</a></strong></p>

<p>"Personally, I agree. Intentionally targetting civilians is a war crime. After all the destruction of the past few weeks, I find it difficult to conclude that the Russians are doing otherwise," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Blinken further said that the United States President Joe Biden was preparing to issue a warning to China not to send arms to Russia in support of its invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per United Nations, the concept of war crimes developed particularly at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. During that time, the international humanitarian law, which is also known as the law of armed conflict, was codified. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Hague Conventions was adopted in 1899 and 1907 focus on the prohibition to warring parties to use certain means and methods of warfare.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-ukraine-war-uk-to-deploy-sky-sabre-missile-system-in-poland-463265">Amid Ukraine war, UK to deploy Sky Sabre missile system in Poland</a></strong></p>

<p>Blinken gave reference to the recent bombing of a theatre in Mariupol in southern Ukraine where many people had taken refuge, including children to save themselves from shellings. He also cited allegations that Russians opened fire on 10 civilians in line to buy bread in Chernihiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"With every day that passes the number of civilians, including children, killed and wounded, continues to climb. Russia continues to attack civilian sites, including this week alone, a hospital, three schools (and) a boarding school for visually impaired kids in the Luhansk region of Ukraine," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said US experts were now documenting and evaluating reports of attacks on civilians to determine if formal war crimes cases can be made.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We need to go through this process of compiling the evidence, collecting the evidence, understanding the evidence. We'll share that, and our allies and partners I'm sure will do the same, with all of the investigations that are ongoing, to support accountability using every tool that we have available," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: What is Volodymyr Zelensky's strategy?</strong></p>

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday (March 17) said that Russia is not making enough efforts in peace talks with Ukraine to end the conflict. Blinken also said that he believes Moscow is guilty of committing war crimes as recent attacks in Ukrainian cities targetted civilians.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday (March 17) said that Russia is not making enough efforts in peace talks with Ukraine to end the conflict. Blinken also said that he believes Moscow is guilty of committing war crimes as recent attacks in Ukrainian cities targetted civilians. Blinken told reporters at the State Department, "Yesterday, President Biden said that in his opinion, war crimes have been committed in Ukraine." ALSO READ | Russia makes debt interest payment amid sanctions "Personally, I agree. Intentionally targetting civilians is a war crime. After all the destruction of the past few weeks, I find it difficult to conclude that the Russians are doing otherwise," he said. Blinken further said that the United States President Joe Biden was preparing to issue a warning to China not to send arms to Russia in support of its invasion of Ukraine. As per United Nations, the concept of war crimes developed particularly at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. During that time, the international humanitarian law, which is also known as the law of armed conflict, was codified. The Hague Conventions was adopted in 1899 and 1907 focus on the prohibition to warring parties to use certain means and methods of warfare. ALSO READ | Amid Ukraine war, UK to deploy Sky Sabre missile system in Poland Blinken gave reference to the recent bombing of a theatre in Mariupol in southern Ukraine where many people had taken refuge, including children to save themselves from shellings. He also cited allegations that Russians opened fire on 10 civilians in line to buy bread in Chernihiv. "With every day that passes the number of civilians, including children, killed and wounded, continues to climb. Russia continues to attack civilian sites, including this week alone, a hospital, three schools (and) a boarding school for visually impaired kids in the Luhansk region of Ukraine," he said. He said US experts were now documenting and evaluating reports of attacks on civilians to determine if formal war crimes cases can be made. "We need to go through this process of compiling the evidence, collecting the evidence, understanding the evidence. We'll share that, and our allies and partners I'm sure will do the same, with all of the investigations that are ongoing, to support accountability using every tool that we have available," he said. WATCH | Gravitas: What is Volodymyr Zelensky's strategy? ×

'Targetting civilians is a war crime': Antony Blinken believes Russia guilty of committing war crimes

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidEFoLqv64X4FF" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>The Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to escalate with reports of deaths and massive destruction coming in almost every day since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered "military operations" in Ukrainian cities on February 24.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid the chaos, both facts and fake news about the Russian invasion of Ukraine are circulating on social media platforms with a number of people consuming the information and also sharing it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is slightly difficult, but the world needs to differentiate between truth and propaganda. Here are a few incidents:&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Zelensky's Deepfake footage</strong></p>

<p>Recently, a poorly edited video purporting to show Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly capitulating to Russian demands was circulated on Wednesday (March 16).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video appeared to show Zelensky speaking from the presidential lectern and urging his countrymen to down their weapons in the face of Russian invaders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the users flagged the discrepancies between the skin tone on Zelensky's neck and face, the odd accent in the 68-second deepfake clip and the pixelation around his head.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later, a Facebook official said the company was removing the footage from its platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/drone-warfare-in-ukraine-switchblade-buzzing-bee-drones-vs-russias-orlan-10-463449">Drone warfare in Ukraine: Switchblade 'buzzing bee' drones vs Russia's Orlan-10</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Fake call from 'Ukrainian PM'</strong></p>

<p>On Thursday (March 17), British defence minister Ben Wallace ordered an inquiry as he claimed that he received a call from the Ukrainian prime minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The apparent video call was set up after an email was sent to a government department, purportedly from an aide at the Ukrainian embassy, which was then passed on to the Ministry of Defence.</p>

<p>"Today an attempt was made by an imposter claiming to be Ukrainian PM to speak with me. He posed several misleading questions and after becoming suspicious I terminated the call. No amount of Russian disinformation, distortion and dirty tricks can distract from Russia’s human rights abuses and illegal invasion of Ukraine. A desperate attempt," Wallace said on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-to-get-us-stingers-javelin-anti-armour-systems-is-it-a-gamechanger-463142">Ukraine to get US Stingers, Javelin, anti-armour systems; is it a gamechanger?</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Hoax call to Britain's Home Secretary&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Just like Wallace, UK's Home Secretary Priti Patel said she had also been targeted. "This also happened to me earlier this week," the interior minister wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Pathetic attempt at such difficult times to divide us. We stand with Ukraine," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>US soldiers alive</strong></p>

<p>The Tennessee National Guard said on Thursday (March 17) that three current and former members of the Tennessee National Guard falsely identified in a Russian media report as mercenaries who were killed in Ukraine are in fact alive and well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report published in Russia's Pravda newspaper identified the Americans by name and gave military ranks for each of them, citing information from pro-Russian militia in Ukraine's Donetsk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report even offered an intricate explanation for how the three were identified, using items from a backpack "near the remains of one of the militants" - including a Tennessee state flag.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Tennessee Guard is aware of the fake news coming out of Russia," said Tracy O'Grady, a spokesperson for the larger US National Guard.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Tennessee Guard said in a statement: "They are accounted for, safe and not, as the article headline erroneously states, U.S. mercenaries killed in Donetsk People's Republic."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | UK defence secy receives hoax call; caller posed as Ukrainian PM</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to escalate with reports of deaths and massive destruction coming in almost every day since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered "military operations" in Ukrainian cities on February 24.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to escalate with reports of deaths and massive destruction coming in almost every day since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered "military operations" in Ukrainian cities on February 24. Amid the chaos, both facts and fake news about the Russian invasion of Ukraine are circulating on social media platforms with a number of people consuming the information and also sharing it. It is slightly difficult, but the world needs to differentiate between truth and propaganda. Here are a few incidents: Zelensky's Deepfake footage Recently, a poorly edited video purporting to show Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly capitulating to Russian demands was circulated on Wednesday (March 16). The video appeared to show Zelensky speaking from the presidential lectern and urging his countrymen to down their weapons in the face of Russian invaders. However, the users flagged the discrepancies between the skin tone on Zelensky's neck and face, the odd accent in the 68-second deepfake clip and the pixelation around his head. Later, a Facebook official said the company was removing the footage from its platform. IN PICS | Drone warfare in Ukraine: Switchblade 'buzzing bee' drones vs Russia's Orlan-10 Fake call from 'Ukrainian PM' On Thursday (March 17), British defence minister Ben Wallace ordered an inquiry as he claimed that he received a call from the Ukrainian prime minister. The apparent video call was set up after an email was sent to a government department, purportedly from an aide at the Ukrainian embassy, which was then passed on to the Ministry of Defence. "Today an attempt was made by an imposter claiming to be Ukrainian PM to speak with me. He posed several misleading questions and after becoming suspicious I terminated the call. No amount of Russian disinformation, distortion and dirty tricks can distract from Russia’s human rights abuses and illegal invasion of Ukraine. A desperate attempt," Wallace said on Twitter. IN PICS | Ukraine to get US Stingers, Javelin, anti-armour systems; is it a gamechanger? Hoax call to Britain's Home Secretary Just like Wallace, UK's Home Secretary Priti Patel said she had also been targeted. "This also happened to me earlier this week," the interior minister wrote on Twitter. "Pathetic attempt at such difficult times to divide us. We stand with Ukraine," she added. US soldiers alive The Tennessee National Guard said on Thursday (March 17) that three current and former members of the Tennessee National Guard falsely identified in a Russian media report as mercenaries who were killed in Ukraine are in fact alive and well. The report published in Russia's Pravda newspaper identified the Americans by name and gave military ranks for each of them, citing information from pro-Russian militia in Ukraine's Donetsk. The report even offered an intricate explanation for how the three were identified, using items from a backpack "near the remains of one of the militants" - including a Tennessee state flag. "The Tennessee Guard is aware of the fake news coming out of Russia," said Tracy O'Grady, a spokesperson for the larger US National Guard. The Tennessee Guard said in a statement: "They are accounted for, safe and not, as the article headline erroneously states, U.S. mercenaries killed in Donetsk People's Republic." WATCH | UK defence secy receives hoax call; caller posed as Ukrainian PM × (With inputs from agencies)

From Deepfakes to hoax calls: 'Fake news war' in Russia-Ukraine crisis

<p>When President Joe Biden on Wednesday declared to reporters, almost off the cuff, that Russian President Vladimir Putin was a “war criminal,” he was speaking from the heart, his aides said, reacting to the wrenching images of civilians — including children — being dragged, dead or disfigured, from ruins of buildings shelled by Russian forces.</p>

<p>But he was also personalizing the conflict, in a way past presidents have avoided at moments of crisis with the United States’ leading nuclear-armed adversary. And his remark underscored how personal condemnation has become policy, as Biden and his top aides frame Putin as a pariah, an indiscriminate killer who should be standing trial at The Hague.</p>

<p>Biden amplified his attacks Thursday, calling Putin “a murderous dictator, a pure thug who is waging an immoral war against the people of Ukraine.” Secretary of State Antony Blinken chimed in, saying: “Personally, I agree. Intentionally targeting civilians is a war crime.”</p>

<p>But what began as a visceral reaction appears to reflect a strategic decision. Branding Putin as a war criminal supports the administration’s case as it simultaneously tries to keep the Western alliance unified and attempts to pressure China not to bail Putin out of his economic crisis and military mistakes. That effort will face a new test Friday, when Biden is scheduled to talk to Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time since the invasion, and warn him against supplying weapons to Putin.</p>

<p>And Biden’s comments came after three weeks in which the United States and its allies piled sanctions on Russia that the administration said were designed to force Putin to withdraw his forces from Ukraine. But diplomats and intelligence officials from several countries say those sanctions are seen by Putin as an effort to stoke Russian unrest, turning both wealthy oligarchs and ordinary Russians against his rule.</p>

<p>The White House says that “regime change” in Russia is not on Washington’s strategic agenda. But in past cases when presidents have called national leaders war criminals — Iraq's Saddam Hussein or Syria's Bashar Assad — it has frequently been linked to an effort, covert or overt, to drive them from office.</p>

<p>When promised anonymity, many American officials say that they cannot imagine that Ukraine could be safe from Russian military action while Putin, stewing in grievances and now angry at his own military’s performance, is still in office.</p>

<p>Last week, CIA Director William Burns, a former U.S. ambassador to Moscow who knew Putin as he tightened his control over Russia, told the House Intelligence Committee that Putin’s moves have been “premeditated and savage.” He predicted that Putin was “likely to double down and try to grind down the Ukrainian military with no regard for civilian casualties.”</p>

<p>“He has no sustainable political endgame in the face of what is going to continue to be fierce resistance from Ukrainians,” Burns said.</p>

<p>Other U.S. intelligence officials have said that Putin views the conflict not only as a war to reclaim Ukraine but to push back on American power. They said he increasingly sees himself wrapped in a struggle with Biden, whom he views as the last of a generation of Washington Cold Warriors.</p>

<p>Biden and Putin have not talked since Feb. 12, when the American president made one last attempt to warn the Russian leader that an attack would lead to crushing sanctions, more arms to the Ukrainians and a major buildup of troops and arms on NATO’s eastern front. That buildup was exactly the result Putin was trying to forestall.</p>

<p>It is almost unimaginable that the two men will be dealing with each other directly anytime soon. Hours after Biden’s “war criminal” comments, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov called the characterization “unacceptable and unforgivable rhetoric.”</p>

<p>Putin has not said much about Biden, but he vowed this week to cleanse Russia of “scum and traitors” who he said were being organized by the West as a “fifth column” to destroy the country.</p>

<p>The enmity between the two men has been barely disguised for years, since the day when Biden, as vice president, by his account told Putin that he had looked in his eyes and had seen no soul. “We understand one another,” Putin is said to have replied.</p>

<p>But it comes at a moment when Washington’s biggest concern is that Putin will escalate the war — and reach for weapons of mass destruction.</p>

<p>Just hours before Biden’s declaration, his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told Nikolai Patrushev, Putin’s main national security adviser, that “any possible Russian decision to use chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine” would result in an even harsher Western response. Several of Biden's aides have been concerned that if the Russian leader feels cornered or believes the United States is trying to foment opposition, the chances that he will reach for such weapons could be heightened.</p>

<p>So, the debate underway in Washington now is what, exactly, might trigger Putin. Some believe he could lash out if dissent in Russia, already visible in street demonstrations, poses a real threat. Others believe that his trigger point might be a more direct entry into the war by NATO countries. They are already providing anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons that have contributed to what the Pentagon now estimates is a Russian death toll of at least 7,000 troops.</p>

<p>One former intelligence official noted that it was Hillary Rodham Clinton’s support for anti-Putin street demonstrations in Russia that prompted him to order the hacking of the Democratic National Committee when Clinton was running for president in 2016. Putin is a believer, the official said, in retribution.</p>

<p>Putin would have good reason to think the Biden administration is looking forward to his exit, although U.S. officials choose their words carefully to avoid the implication that Washington’s policy is to speed the process. Blinken, speaking to reporters Thursday, said that “when all is said and done, an independent Ukraine will be there, and at some point Vladimir Putin will not.”</p>

<p>The last time an American president went head to head with a Russian or Soviet leader with so much at stake was 60 years ago, during the Cuban missile crisis, widely regarded as the closest the world came to Armageddon. And yet at that moment, in October 1962, President John F. Kennedy’s instinct was to avoid personalizing the conflict — and to help his Soviet counterpart, Nikita Khrushchev, find a way out of direct confrontation.</p>

<p>“I think it is the most natural comparison to this moment,” said Fredrik Logevall, a Harvard historian and Kennedy biographer.</p>

<p>“He kept warning the members of X-COMM that they had to see things from Khrushchev’s perspective,” he said, referring to the committee Kennedy established to guide through the 13 days of the crisis. “He said we had to give him something here to step away. And he was careful in his public comments not to personalize his criticisms of Khrushchev himself. It’s a direct contrast to what Biden did.”</p>

<p>Putin is not the first foreign adversary Biden has called a war criminal, as he himself recounted in “Promises to Keep,” a 2007 memoir. He recalled meeting Slobodan Milosevic, president of Serbia and then of Yugoslavia, who ultimately became the first sitting head of a government to be charged with war crimes.</p>

<p>“He could tell I had just about had it with his lies, and at one point he looked up from the maps and said, without any emotion, ‘What do you think of me?’” Biden wrote.</p>

<p>“‘I think you’re a damn war criminal and you should be tried as one,’” Biden wrote. “I was looking right in Milosevic’s eyes, and his expression didn’t change. There was not the slightest twitch in his face. It was like I’d just told him he was a wonderful guy.”</p>

<p>Blinken said the president was now willing to go further with Putin, and begin collecting evidence of war crimes. “So when I tell you that there will be accountability and consequences for any war crimes that have been committed,” Blinken said Thursday, “I hope you’ll take me at my word, but actions always speak louder than words.”</p>


When President Joe Biden on Wednesday declared to reporters, almost off the cuff, that Russian President Vladimir Putin was a “war criminal,” he was speaking from the heart, his aides said, reacting to the wrenching images of civilians — including children — being dragged, dead or disfigured, from ruins of buildings shelled by Russian forces.

When President Joe Biden on Wednesday declared to reporters, almost off the cuff, that Russian President Vladimir Putin was a “war criminal,” he was speaking from the heart, his aides said, reacting to the wrenching images of civilians — including children — being dragged, dead or disfigured, from ruins of buildings shelled by Russian forces. But he was also personalizing the conflict, in a way past presidents have avoided at moments of crisis with the United States’ leading nuclear-armed adversary. And his remark underscored how personal condemnation has become policy, as Biden and his top aides frame Putin as a pariah, an indiscriminate killer who should be standing trial at The Hague. Biden amplified his attacks Thursday, calling Putin “a murderous dictator, a pure thug who is waging an immoral war against the people of Ukraine.” Secretary of State Antony Blinken chimed in, saying: “Personally, I agree. Intentionally targeting civilians is a war crime.” But what began as a visceral reaction appears to reflect a strategic decision. Branding Putin as a war criminal supports the administration’s case as it simultaneously tries to keep the Western alliance unified and attempts to pressure China not to bail Putin out of his economic crisis and military mistakes. That effort will face a new test Friday, when Biden is scheduled to talk to Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time since the invasion, and warn him against supplying weapons to Putin. And Biden’s comments came after three weeks in which the United States and its allies piled sanctions on Russia that the administration said were designed to force Putin to withdraw his forces from Ukraine. But diplomats and intelligence officials from several countries say those sanctions are seen by Putin as an effort to stoke Russian unrest, turning both wealthy oligarchs and ordinary Russians against his rule. The White House says that “regime change” in Russia is not on Washington’s strategic agenda. But in past cases when presidents have called national leaders war criminals — Iraq's Saddam Hussein or Syria's Bashar Assad — it has frequently been linked to an effort, covert or overt, to drive them from office. When promised anonymity, many American officials say that they cannot imagine that Ukraine could be safe from Russian military action while Putin, stewing in grievances and now angry at his own military’s performance, is still in office. Last week, CIA Director William Burns, a former U.S. ambassador to Moscow who knew Putin as he tightened his control over Russia, told the House Intelligence Committee that Putin’s moves have been “premeditated and savage.” He predicted that Putin was “likely to double down and try to grind down the Ukrainian military with no regard for civilian casualties.” “He has no sustainable political endgame in the face of what is going to continue to be fierce resistance from Ukrainians,” Burns said. Other U.S. intelligence officials have said that Putin views the conflict not only as a war to reclaim Ukraine but to push back on American power. They said he increasingly sees himself wrapped in a struggle with Biden, whom he views as the last of a generation of Washington Cold Warriors. Biden and Putin have not talked since Feb. 12, when the American president made one last attempt to warn the Russian leader that an attack would lead to crushing sanctions, more arms to the Ukrainians and a major buildup of troops and arms on NATO’s eastern front. That buildup was exactly the result Putin was trying to forestall. It is almost unimaginable that the two men will be dealing with each other directly anytime soon. Hours after Biden’s “war criminal” comments, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov called the characterization “unacceptable and unforgivable rhetoric.” Putin has not said much about Biden, but he vowed this week to cleanse Russia of “scum and traitors” who he said were being organized by the West as a “fifth column” to destroy the country. The enmity between the two men has been barely disguised for years, since the day when Biden, as vice president, by his account told Putin that he had looked in his eyes and had seen no soul. “We understand one another,” Putin is said to have replied. But it comes at a moment when Washington’s biggest concern is that Putin will escalate the war — and reach for weapons of mass destruction. Just hours before Biden’s declaration, his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told Nikolai Patrushev, Putin’s main national security adviser, that “any possible Russian decision to use chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine” would result in an even harsher Western response. Several of Biden's aides have been concerned that if the Russian leader feels cornered or believes the United States is trying to foment opposition, the chances that he will reach for such weapons could be heightened. So, the debate underway in Washington now is what, exactly, might trigger Putin. Some believe he could lash out if dissent in Russia, already visible in street demonstrations, poses a real threat. Others believe that his trigger point might be a more direct entry into the war by NATO countries. They are already providing anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons that have contributed to what the Pentagon now estimates is a Russian death toll of at least 7,000 troops. One former intelligence official noted that it was Hillary Rodham Clinton’s support for anti-Putin street demonstrations in Russia that prompted him to order the hacking of the Democratic National Committee when Clinton was running for president in 2016. Putin is a believer, the official said, in retribution. Putin would have good reason to think the Biden administration is looking forward to his exit, although U.S. officials choose their words carefully to avoid the implication that Washington’s policy is to speed the process. Blinken, speaking to reporters Thursday, said that “when all is said and done, an independent Ukraine will be there, and at some point Vladimir Putin will not.” The last time an American president went head to head with a Russian or Soviet leader with so much at stake was 60 years ago, during the Cuban missile crisis, widely regarded as the closest the world came to Armageddon. And yet at that moment, in October 1962, President John F. Kennedy’s instinct was to avoid personalizing the conflict — and to help his Soviet counterpart, Nikita Khrushchev, find a way out of direct confrontation. “I think it is the most natural comparison to this moment,” said Fredrik Logevall, a Harvard historian and Kennedy biographer. “He kept warning the members of X-COMM that they had to see things from Khrushchev’s perspective,” he said, referring to the committee Kennedy established to guide through the 13 days of the crisis. “He said we had to give him something here to step away. And he was careful in his public comments not to personalize his criticisms of Khrushchev himself. It’s a direct contrast to what Biden did.” Putin is not the first foreign adversary Biden has called a war criminal, as he himself recounted in “Promises to Keep,” a 2007 memoir. He recalled meeting Slobodan Milosevic, president of Serbia and then of Yugoslavia, who ultimately became the first sitting head of a government to be charged with war crimes. “He could tell I had just about had it with his lies, and at one point he looked up from the maps and said, without any emotion, ‘What do you think of me?’” Biden wrote. “‘I think you’re a damn war criminal and you should be tried as one,’” Biden wrote. “I was looking right in Milosevic’s eyes, and his expression didn’t change. There was not the slightest twitch in his face. It was like I’d just told him he was a wonderful guy.” Blinken said the president was now willing to go further with Putin, and begin collecting evidence of war crimes. “So when I tell you that there will be accountability and consequences for any war crimes that have been committed,” Blinken said Thursday, “I hope you’ll take me at my word, but actions always speak louder than words.”

By labeling Putin a 'war criminal,' Biden personalizes the conflict

<p>Amid criticism by the West, especially from Europe over India buying discounted oil from Russia, sources in Delhi have said that "India's legitimate energy transactions should not be politicised" and "countries with oil self-sufficiency or those importing themselves from Russia cannot credibly advocate restrictive trading".&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the US had announced that it will ban import of Russian oil, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and coal with Europe also emphasising that it will move away from dependency on Russian energy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This has led to Russia offering discounted oil to many countries, including India, something that helps economic prospects for Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Russian energy continues to be procured by various countries across the world, including many countries in Europe. 75 per cent of Russia's total natural gas exports are to OECD Europe like Germany, Italy, France.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Other European countries like the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Romania remain large importers of Russian crude oil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sources highlighted that the, "jump in oil prices after the Ukraine conflict has now added to our challenges" and "the pressure for competitive sourcing has naturally increased".&nbsp;</p>

<p>India has not been importing crude from Iran and Venezuela even as New Delhi has been looking for sources that are not high cost.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India imports 85 per cent of its crude oil requirement, which translates into five million barrels a day with most of the imports from West Asia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In West Asia, India imports, 23 per cent of its oil from Iraq, 18 per cent from Saudi Arabia, and 11 per cent from the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US accounts for 7.3 per cent of India's crude oil imports and could reach 11 per cent this year. Russia contributes to less than 1 per cent of Indian crude oil demand and there is no government-to-government pact for any import plan.</p>

<p>On Thursday, Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi in response to a question on importing Russian oil said, "as you're all aware, India does import most of its oil requirements. So it's met by imports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So, we are always exploring all possibilities in global energy markets, because of this situation that we face of importing our oil requirement", adding, "Let me just highlight that a number of countries are doing so (importing Russian energy), especially in Europe".&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the aftermath of the fallout on the Russian energy sector, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak had spoken to India's Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri and invited Indian investment into the Russian oil and gas sector.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was later reported that Indian state-run oil company Indian oil cooperation has brought 3 million barrels of Russian crude oil at a discounted price.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sources pointed out that India has to focus on "competitive energy sources" and "we welcome such offers from all producers. Indian traders to operate in global energy markets to explore best options".</p>

<p>West has announced a number of sanctions on Russia and President Putin in the aftermath of invasion of Ukraine, but sources in Delhi explained that they "avoid impact on energy imports from Russia" and Russian banks which are the main channels for European Union payments for Russian energy imports have not been excluded from SWIFT.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;War crime accusations on Russia mounts as Blinken echoes 'war crime' rhetoric</strong></p>

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Amid criticism by the West, especially from Europe over India buying discounted oil from Russia, sources in Delhi have said that "India's legitimate energy transactions should not be politicised" and "countries with oil self-sufficiency or those importing themselves from Russia cannot credibly advocate restrictive trading".

Amid criticism by the West, especially from Europe over India buying discounted oil from Russia, sources in Delhi have said that "India's legitimate energy transactions should not be politicised" and "countries with oil self-sufficiency or those importing themselves from Russia cannot credibly advocate restrictive trading". In the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the US had announced that it will ban import of Russian oil, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and coal with Europe also emphasising that it will move away from dependency on Russian energy. This has led to Russia offering discounted oil to many countries, including India, something that helps economic prospects for Moscow. But Russian energy continues to be procured by various countries across the world, including many countries in Europe. 75 per cent of Russia's total natural gas exports are to OECD Europe like Germany, Italy, France. Other European countries like the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Finland, Lithuania, Romania remain large importers of Russian crude oil. Sources highlighted that the, "jump in oil prices after the Ukraine conflict has now added to our challenges" and "the pressure for competitive sourcing has naturally increased". India has not been importing crude from Iran and Venezuela even as New Delhi has been looking for sources that are not high cost. India imports 85 per cent of its crude oil requirement, which translates into five million barrels a day with most of the imports from West Asia. In West Asia, India imports, 23 per cent of its oil from Iraq, 18 per cent from Saudi Arabia, and 11 per cent from the United Arab Emirates. The US accounts for 7.3 per cent of India's crude oil imports and could reach 11 per cent this year. Russia contributes to less than 1 per cent of Indian crude oil demand and there is no government-to-government pact for any import plan. On Thursday, Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi in response to a question on importing Russian oil said, "as you're all aware, India does import most of its oil requirements. So it's met by imports. So, we are always exploring all possibilities in global energy markets, because of this situation that we face of importing our oil requirement", adding, "Let me just highlight that a number of countries are doing so (importing Russian energy), especially in Europe". In the aftermath of the fallout on the Russian energy sector, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak had spoken to India's Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri and invited Indian investment into the Russian oil and gas sector. It was later reported that Indian state-run oil company Indian oil cooperation has brought 3 million barrels of Russian crude oil at a discounted price. Sources pointed out that India has to focus on "competitive energy sources" and "we welcome such offers from all producers. Indian traders to operate in global energy markets to explore best options". West has announced a number of sanctions on Russia and President Putin in the aftermath of invasion of Ukraine, but sources in Delhi explained that they "avoid impact on energy imports from Russia" and Russian banks which are the main channels for European Union payments for Russian energy imports have not been excluded from SWIFT. WATCH | War crime accusations on Russia mounts as Blinken echoes 'war crime' rhetoric ×

Don't politicise legitimate energy transaction, message from New Delhi on getting discounted Russian oil

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky compared the ongoing invasion by Russia to 9/11 and the Pearl Harbor attack, which forced the United States to get involved in World War II. Meanwhile, Kremlin said the war in Ukraine was "going to plan" amid talk of compromise at peace talks.</p>

<p>During an emotional and impassioned video address to the US Congress, Zelensky said, "In your great history, you have pages that would allow you to understand Ukrainians, understand us now when we need you right now."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Remember Pearl Harbor. The terrible morning of December 7, 1941, when your sky was black from the planes attacking you," Zelensky said, adding that the attacks on September 11, 2001 "turned your cities, independent territories into battlefields."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&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 Mariupol theatre sheltering 'hundreds' of civilians - see satellite image</a></strong></p>

<p>The Ukrainian President said that his country is seeing such horrors every day. "Our country experiences the same every day. Right now, every day, every night for three weeks now ... Russia has turned the Ukrainian sky into a source of death of thousands of people," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky pleaded with allies to impose a no-fly zone and also showed the extent of devastation in Ukraine. wrought. He received a standing ovation from US lawmakers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-cancels-license-of-china-owned-telecom-company-462991">US cancels license of China-owned telecom company</a></strong></p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (March 16) said he would discuss neutral status for Ukraine and that what he calls a "special military operation" to demilitarize the country was "going to plan".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kyiv and allies say his actions are an unprovoked incursion, and more than three million Ukrainians have fled and hundreds have died.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: Is the peace deal possible?</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky compared the ongoing invasion by Russia to 9/11 and the Pearl Harbor attack, which forced the United States to get involved in World War II.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky compared the ongoing invasion by Russia to 9/11 and the Pearl Harbor attack, which forced the United States to get involved in World War II. Meanwhile, Kremlin said the war in Ukraine was "going to plan" amid talk of compromise at peace talks. During an emotional and impassioned video address to the US Congress, Zelensky said, "In your great history, you have pages that would allow you to understand Ukrainians, understand us now when we need you right now." "Remember Pearl Harbor. The terrible morning of December 7, 1941, when your sky was black from the planes attacking you," Zelensky said, adding that the attacks on September 11, 2001 "turned your cities, independent territories into battlefields." ALSO READ | Russia attacks Mariupol theatre sheltering 'hundreds' of civilians - see satellite image The Ukrainian President said that his country is seeing such horrors every day. "Our country experiences the same every day. Right now, every day, every night for three weeks now ... Russia has turned the Ukrainian sky into a source of death of thousands of people," he said. Zelensky pleaded with allies to impose a no-fly zone and also showed the extent of devastation in Ukraine. wrought. He received a standing ovation from US lawmakers. ALSO READ | US cancels license of China-owned telecom company Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday (March 16) said he would discuss neutral status for Ukraine and that what he calls a "special military operation" to demilitarize the country was "going to plan". Kyiv and allies say his actions are an unprovoked incursion, and more than three million Ukrainians have fled and hundreds have died. WATCH | Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: Is the peace deal possible? × (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky compares Russian invasion to 9/11 and Pearl Harbor attack; Putin says invasion on course

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<p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p>

<p>Russia continues to intensify the invasion of Ukraine with increased shelling and airstrikes. On Thursday (March 17), US and Ukrainian officials have said that Russian forces killed civilians waiting in line for bread and sheltering in a theatre in the besieged port city of Mariupol.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mariupol city authorities said in a statement on Telegram, "Russia purposefully destroyed the Drama Theatre, where hundreds of people are hiding."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The foreign ministry of Ukraine said that Russian forces dropped a powerful bomb on a theatre. The bombing left many civilians trapped and an unknown number of casualties.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-cancels-license-of-china-owned-telecom-company-462991">US cancels license of China-owned telecom company</a></strong></p>

<p>As per a photo released by officials of the theatre building, the middle part can be seen completely destroyed. A cloud of thick white smoke can be seen rising from the rubble. The bomb was apparently dropped on the building from an airplane.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the satellite images of the theatre taken on March 14, the word "children" was clearly etched out in the ground in Russian on either side of the building. The satellite images were released by private satellite company Maxar</p>

<p>The official statement read: "It is impossible to find words to describe the level of cynicism and cruelty, with which Russian invaders are destroying peaceful residents of a Ukrainian city by the sea."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/us-secret-service-says-involuntary-celebate-men-are-a-rising-threat-462983">US Secret Service says 'involuntary celebate' men are a rising threat</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="Russia" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="32c6ae26-ee28-4f66-8480-246ac5ee2c71" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_326B6K2.jpg" /></p>

<p><em>This Maxar satellite image released on March 16, 2022, shows the Mariupol Drama Theater in Mariupol, Ukraine, on March 14, 2022.</em></p>

<p>BBC reported citing the deputy mayor Sergei Orlov that around 1,000 people had sought refuge in the building, however, the number of casualties could not be confirmed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Local authorities say at least 2,400 people have been killed in Mariupol since the start of the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Russia's defence ministry denied that its forces bombed the city on Wednesday and stated the building was destroyed in an explosion set off by Ukraine's nationalist Azov battalion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro&nbsp;Kuleba shared before and after images that showed the extent of the destruction. He said,&nbsp;Another horrendous war crime in Mariupol. Massive Russian attack on the Drama Theater where hundreds of innocent civilians were hiding."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The building is now fully ruined. Russians could not have not known this was a civilian shelter. Save Mariupol! Stop Russian war criminals!" he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Another horrendous war crime in Mariupol. Massive Russian attack on the Drama Theater where hundreds of innocent civilians were hiding. The building is now fully ruined. Russians could not have not known this was a civilian shelter. Save Mariupol! Stop Russian war criminals! <a href="https://t.co/bIQLxe7mli">pic.twitter.com/bIQLxe7mli</a></p>
— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) <a href="https://twitter.com/DmytroKuleba/status/1504141027879313412?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine war triggers global food crisis</strong></p>

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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 continues to intensify the invasion of Ukraine with increased shelling and airstrikes. On Thursday (March 17), US and Ukrainian officials have said that Russian forces killed civilians waiting in line for bread and sheltering in a theatre in the besieged port city of Mariupol. Mariupol city authorities said in a statement on Telegram, "Russia purposefully destroyed the Drama Theatre, where hundreds of people are hiding." The foreign ministry of Ukraine said that Russian forces dropped a powerful bomb on a theatre. The bombing left many civilians trapped and an unknown number of casualties. ALSO READ | US cancels license of China-owned telecom company As per a photo released by officials of the theatre building, the middle part can be seen completely destroyed. A cloud of thick white smoke can be seen rising from the rubble. The bomb was apparently dropped on the building from an airplane. As per the satellite images of the theatre taken on March 14, the word "children" was clearly etched out in the ground in Russian on either side of the building. The satellite images were released by private satellite company Maxar The official statement read: "It is impossible to find words to describe the level of cynicism and cruelty, with which Russian invaders are destroying peaceful residents of a Ukrainian city by the sea." ALSO READ | US Secret Service says 'involuntary celebate' men are a rising threat This Maxar satellite image released on March 16, 2022, shows the Mariupol Drama Theater in Mariupol, Ukraine, on March 14, 2022. BBC reported citing the deputy mayor Sergei Orlov that around 1,000 people had sought refuge in the building, however, the number of casualties could not be confirmed. Local authorities say at least 2,400 people have been killed in Mariupol since the start of the war. Meanwhile, Russia's defence ministry denied that its forces bombed the city on Wednesday and stated the building was destroyed in an explosion set off by Ukraine's nationalist Azov battalion. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba shared before and after images that showed the extent of the destruction. He said, Another horrendous war crime in Mariupol. Massive Russian attack on the Drama Theater where hundreds of innocent civilians were hiding." "The building is now fully ruined. Russians could not have not known this was a civilian shelter. Save Mariupol! Stop Russian war criminals!" he added. Another horrendous war crime in Mariupol. Massive Russian attack on the Drama Theater where hundreds of innocent civilians were hiding. The building is now fully ruined. Russians could not have not known this was a civilian shelter. Save Mariupol! Stop Russian war criminals! pic.twitter.com/bIQLxe7mli — Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) March 16, 2022 × WATCH | Gravitas: Ukraine war triggers global food crisis ×

Ukraine under attack: Russia attacks Mariupol theatre sheltering 'hundreds' of civilians - see satellite image

<p>As the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to escalate, the United Nations' top court ordered Moscow on Wednesday (March 16) to immediately halt its "military operations" in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decision by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) comes as Russia has intensified shelling and airstrikes on Ukrainian cities with its forces in place around major cities including the Ukrainian capital Kyiv.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The court is profoundly concerned about the use of force by the Russian Federation which raises very serious issues in international law," pending the final decision in the case, presiding judge Joan Donoghue said at the hearing held at the court's headquarters at the Peace Palace building.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-compares-russian-invasion-to-911-and-pearl-harbor-attack-putin-says-invasion-on-course-463021">Zelensky compares Russian invasion to 9/11 and Pearl Harbor attack; Putin says invasion on course</a></strong></p>

<p>The top UN court for disputes between states said that it was "profoundly concerned" by Russia's use of force. "The Russian Federation shall immediately suspend the military operations that it commenced on Feb 24, 2022 on the territory of Ukraine," the ICJ judges said in a 13-2 decision.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among other judges who voted against Russia, India's judge at the ICJ, <strong>Justice Dalveer Bhandari</strong>, also voted. The nomination of Justice Bhandari to the ICJ was done on the support of the government and various missions over a period of time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Justice Bhandari's vote against Russia does not represent India's stance on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. It is an independent move.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At every stage, India vouched for diplomatic dialogues to resolve the issue and abstained from voting on the Ukraine-Russia issue in the UN.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&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 Mariupol theatre sheltering 'hundreds' of civilians - see satellite image</a></strong></p>

<p>On the other hand, Kyiv hailed the verdict as a "complete victory" saying it will continue to pursue the case "until Ukrainian people can go back to normal life".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although it is important to note that the rulings of the ICJ are binding, it has no direct means of enforcing them. There have been cases in the past, that countries have ignored them.</p>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday welcomed the ruling by the ICJ on emergency measures as "a complete victory" in its case against Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The (ICJ) order is binding under international law. Russia must comply immediately. Ignoring the order will isolate Russia even further," Zelensky said on Twitter.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;World court orders Russia to immediately halt invasion of Ukraine</strong></p>

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As the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to escalate, the United Nations' top court ordered Moscow on Wednesday (March 16) to immediately halt its "military operations" in Ukraine.

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to escalate, the United Nations' top court ordered Moscow on Wednesday (March 16) to immediately halt its "military operations" in Ukraine. The decision by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) comes as Russia has intensified shelling and airstrikes on Ukrainian cities with its forces in place around major cities including the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. "The court is profoundly concerned about the use of force by the Russian Federation which raises very serious issues in international law," pending the final decision in the case, presiding judge Joan Donoghue said at the hearing held at the court's headquarters at the Peace Palace building. ALSO READ | Zelensky compares Russian invasion to 9/11 and Pearl Harbor attack; Putin says invasion on course The top UN court for disputes between states said that it was "profoundly concerned" by Russia's use of force. "The Russian Federation shall immediately suspend the military operations that it commenced on Feb 24, 2022 on the territory of Ukraine," the ICJ judges said in a 13-2 decision. Among other judges who voted against Russia, India's judge at the ICJ, Justice Dalveer Bhandari, also voted. The nomination of Justice Bhandari to the ICJ was done on the support of the government and various missions over a period of time. Justice Bhandari's vote against Russia does not represent India's stance on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. It is an independent move. At every stage, India vouched for diplomatic dialogues to resolve the issue and abstained from voting on the Ukraine-Russia issue in the UN. ALSO READ | Russia attacks Mariupol theatre sheltering 'hundreds' of civilians - see satellite image On the other hand, Kyiv hailed the verdict as a "complete victory" saying it will continue to pursue the case "until Ukrainian people can go back to normal life". Although it is important to note that the rulings of the ICJ are binding, it has no direct means of enforcing them. There have been cases in the past, that countries have ignored them. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday welcomed the ruling by the ICJ on emergency measures as "a complete victory" in its case against Russia. "The (ICJ) order is binding under international law. Russia must comply immediately. Ignoring the order will isolate Russia even further," Zelensky said on Twitter. WATCH | World court orders Russia to immediately halt invasion of Ukraine ×

Dalveer Bhandari, Indian judge at ICJ, voted against Russia in Ukraine invasion case

<p>SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has changed his name to 'Elona Musk' on Twitter, leaving the users in frenzy. However, the reason behind the change is linked to the ongoing Russia and Ukraine conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Musk's challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin for single combat for Ukraine, the head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov gave him a word of advice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While defending Putin, Kadyrov took to his official Telegram and issued a warning to the SpaceX chief. In a long post, he wrote, "Elon Musk, a word of advice: Don’t measure your strength against that of Putin’s. You’re in two completely different leagues."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fox-news-veteran-war-zone-photographer-ukrainian-journalist-killed-in-ukraine-462764">Fox News veteran war-zone photographer, Ukrainian journalist killed in Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>With an English version, the post was shared by Musk on his official Twitter handle to millions of users, who were stunned by Musk's reply as Tesla boss signed off his tweet as 'Elona'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kadyrov called him "effeminate" and also said he needed to "pump up those muscles in order to change from the gentle (effeminate) Elona into the brutal Elon."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kadyrov said that the Russian president will "beat the hell out of you [Elon Musk], a much weaker opponent" and offered that the Tesla and SpaceX founder train at the Russian Special Forces University, Akhmat Fight Club.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>He suggested that the Chechen State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company prepare for the fight with Putin. "You will return from the Chechen Republic a completely different person Elon, that is, Elona," wrote Ramzan Kadyrov. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In response, Musk wrote, "Thank you for the offer, but such excellent training would give me too much of an advantage. If he is afraid to fight, I will agree to use only my left hand and I am not even left-handed." He signed off as "Elona".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here's the tweet:</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you for the offer, but such excellent training would give me too much of an advantage.<br />
<br />
If he is afraid to fight, I will agree to use only my left hand and I am not even left-handed.<br />
<br />
Elona</p>
— Elona Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1503831484523819011?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Monday (March 14), using the Russian alphabets to write Putin's name, Musk on his official Twitter handle wrote: "I hereby challenge Vladimir Putin to single combat. "Stakes are Ukraine," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the same trail, Musk then wrote in Russian: "Do you agree to this fight?" and tagged the official Twitter account of the Kremlin.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war enters day 21: Zelensky steps up criticism of NATO</strong></p>

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SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has changed his name to 'Elona Musk' on Twitter, leaving the users in frenzy. However, the reason behind the change is linked to the ongoing Russia and Ukraine conflict.

SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has changed his name to 'Elona Musk' on Twitter, leaving the users in frenzy. However, the reason behind the change is linked to the ongoing Russia and Ukraine conflict. After Musk's challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin for single combat for Ukraine, the head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov gave him a word of advice. While defending Putin, Kadyrov took to his official Telegram and issued a warning to the SpaceX chief. In a long post, he wrote, "Elon Musk, a word of advice: Don’t measure your strength against that of Putin’s. You’re in two completely different leagues." ALSO READ | Fox News veteran war-zone photographer, Ukrainian journalist killed in Ukraine With an English version, the post was shared by Musk on his official Twitter handle to millions of users, who were stunned by Musk's reply as Tesla boss signed off his tweet as 'Elona'. Kadyrov called him "effeminate" and also said he needed to "pump up those muscles in order to change from the gentle (effeminate) Elona into the brutal Elon." Kadyrov said that the Russian president will "beat the hell out of you [Elon Musk], a much weaker opponent" and offered that the Tesla and SpaceX founder train at the Russian Special Forces University, Akhmat Fight Club. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Joe Biden to announce $800 million in new security aid to Ukraine He suggested that the Chechen State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company prepare for the fight with Putin. "You will return from the Chechen Republic a completely different person Elon, that is, Elona," wrote Ramzan Kadyrov. In response, Musk wrote, "Thank you for the offer, but such excellent training would give me too much of an advantage. If he is afraid to fight, I will agree to use only my left hand and I am not even left-handed." He signed off as "Elona". Here's the tweet: Thank you for the offer, but such excellent training would give me too much of an advantage. If he is afraid to fight, I will agree to use only my left hand and I am not even left-handed. Elona — Elona Musk (@elonmusk) March 15, 2022 × On Monday (March 14), using the Russian alphabets to write Putin's name, Musk on his official Twitter handle wrote: "I hereby challenge Vladimir Putin to single combat. "Stakes are Ukraine," he added. In the same trail, Musk then wrote in Russian: "Do you agree to this fight?" and tagged the official Twitter account of the Kremlin. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war enters day 21: Zelensky steps up criticism of NATO ×

Elon Musk or 'Elona Musk'? Here's why Tesla CEO changed his name on Twitter

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<p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p>

<p>The Russia and Ukraine conflict continues to escalate with reports of massive loss of life and property in the Ukrainian cities that are being shelled by the Russian forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Latest reports state that a French-Irish cameraman for US-based Fox News and a Ukrainian working as a producer for the US television network have been killed near Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The media outlet informed on Tuesday (March 15) that cameraperson Pierre Zakrzewski and producer Oleksandra Kuvshynova died during the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>Zakrzewski was a veteran war-zone photographer who had covered multiple conflicts, including in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Benjamin Hall, another correspondent for the news outlet was also wounded when their vehicle was struck Monday by incoming fire in Horenka, outside the capital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott said that Hall, who is a Briton and works as the network's State Department correspondent, is currently in hospital in war-torn Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mentioning Zakrzewski, Scott said, "Pierre was a war zone photographer who covered nearly every international story for Fox News from Iraq to Afghanistan to Syria during his long tenure with us."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>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">'Courage of true friends of Ukraine': European leaders' defiant visit to Kyiv amid growing tension with Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>The 55-year-old Zakrzewski was based in London and he had been working in Ukraine since February. He had dual French and Irish citizenship.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He was a warm-hearted traveler who provoked beautiful encounters, he was very humble and human and had not lost any of his sensitivity over the years," a member of his family told news agency AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The family member further said that last week Zakrzewski "had helped to shelter a newborn baby found after a bombing, named Prince Charlie".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"His passion and talent as a journalist were unmatched." He is survived by his wife Michelle, a documentary filmmaker and producer, his family member said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said he was "deeply disturbed and saddened" by the deaths of Zakrzewski and his colleague.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"My thoughts are with their families, friends and fellow journalists," Martin said on Twitter. "We condemn this indiscriminate and immoral war by Russia on Ukraine."&nbsp;</p>

<p>At least four journalists have died in nearly three weeks of fighting. American filmmaker and journalist Brent Renaud was shot dead by Russian forces in the town of Irpin in Ukraine's Kyiv region, a regional police chief said on Sunday.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia sanctions top American leaders, Joe Biden and several top US officials on the list</strong></p>

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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. The Russia and Ukraine conflict continues to escalate with reports of massive loss of life and property in the Ukrainian cities that are being shelled by the Russian forces. Latest reports state that a French-Irish cameraman for US-based Fox News and a Ukrainian working as a producer for the US television network have been killed near Kyiv. The media outlet informed on Tuesday (March 15) that cameraperson Pierre Zakrzewski and producer Oleksandra Kuvshynova died during the conflict. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Joe Biden to announce $800 million in new security aid to Ukraine Zakrzewski was a veteran war-zone photographer who had covered multiple conflicts, including in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria. Benjamin Hall, another correspondent for the news outlet was also wounded when their vehicle was struck Monday by incoming fire in Horenka, outside the capital. Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott said that Hall, who is a Briton and works as the network's State Department correspondent, is currently in hospital in war-torn Ukraine. Mentioning Zakrzewski, Scott said, "Pierre was a war zone photographer who covered nearly every international story for Fox News from Iraq to Afghanistan to Syria during his long tenure with us." ALSO READ | 'Courage of true friends of Ukraine': European leaders' defiant visit to Kyiv amid growing tension with Russia The 55-year-old Zakrzewski was based in London and he had been working in Ukraine since February. He had dual French and Irish citizenship. "He was a warm-hearted traveler who provoked beautiful encounters, he was very humble and human and had not lost any of his sensitivity over the years," a member of his family told news agency AFP. The family member further said that last week Zakrzewski "had helped to shelter a newborn baby found after a bombing, named Prince Charlie". "His passion and talent as a journalist were unmatched." He is survived by his wife Michelle, a documentary filmmaker and producer, his family member said. Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin said he was "deeply disturbed and saddened" by the deaths of Zakrzewski and his colleague. "My thoughts are with their families, friends and fellow journalists," Martin said on Twitter. "We condemn this indiscriminate and immoral war by Russia on Ukraine." At least four journalists have died in nearly three weeks of fighting. American filmmaker and journalist Brent Renaud was shot dead by Russian forces in the town of Irpin in Ukraine's Kyiv region, a regional police chief said on Sunday. WATCH | Russia sanctions top American leaders, Joe Biden and several top US officials on the list ×

Fox News veteran war-zone photographer, Ukrainian journalist killed in Ukraine

Ukraine refugee crisis raises other concerns; fleeing women & minors may be targetted for trafficking

<p>The Russian government announced Tuesday it would leave the Council of Europe amid mounting calls for Moscow to be expelled over its invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>Having essentially jumped before being expelled from the Strasbourg-based body, the Russian foreign ministry informed Secretary-General Marija Pejcinovic Buric of its departure.</p>

<p>As a result of the decision, Russia ends its quarter-century membership in the Council of Europe (COE) and opens the door to the reimposition of the death penalty if the authorities so choose.</p>

<p><strong>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">'Courage of true friends of Ukraine': European leaders' defiant visit to Kyiv amid growing tension with Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>By leaving the Council of Europe, Russia will no longer be a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and its citizens will lose access to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Responsibility for destruction of the common humanitarian space on the continent &amp; the consequences for Council of Europe – which, without Russia, will lose its pan-European character – will be borne solely by those who are forcing us to take this step.<br />
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🔗<a href="https://t.co/79kDQi3E0N">https://t.co/79kDQi3E0N</a> <a href="https://t.co/j0maChWWUT">pic.twitter.com/j0maChWWUT</a></p>
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) <a href="https://twitter.com/mfa_russia/status/1503834772719738883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Russia's exit will represent a major change to the ECHR, which serves as the court of last resort when all domestic options have been exhausted.</p>

<p>In the history of the Council of Europe, this is only the second time a member state has announced it is leaving the organisation, the first being Greece which temporarily left in the late 1960s.</p>

<p>A day after tens of thousands of troops entered Ukraine on February 24, Russia was stripped of all representation rights.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imitation-the-sincerest-form-of-flattery-french-president-discards-suits-dons-sweatshirt-copying-zelensky-462399" hreflang="en">Imitation, the sincerest form of flattery: French President discards suits, dons sweatshirt. Copying Zelensky?</a></strong></p>

<p>"As leaders of the Council of Europe we expressed on several occasions our firm condemnation of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine," the Italian Foreign Minister, Luigi Di Maio, the president of the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly, Tiny Kox, and the secretary-general of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejcinovic Buric, said in a joint statement.</p>

<p>"The Committee of Ministers will hold an extraordinary meeting tomorrow morning also in the light of today’s notification by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation of the Russian leadership’s decision to withdraw from the Council of Europe," they said.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal of Ukraine demanded Monday that Russia be expelled from the organisation, saying it had no right to continue being a member after sending troops into the pro-Western nation.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine | Refugees of war: What do the numbers say</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-refugees-of-war-what-do-the-numbers-say-462711/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>A statement was posted by the Russian foreign ministry on its Telegram account regarding "launching the procedure to exit the Council of Europe," adding that it had "no regrets" about leaving.</p>

<p>Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials said the exit would not affect the rights and freedoms of Russian citizens and that existing European Court resolutions will continue to be implemented if they do not contradict Russian law.</p>

<p>They alleged that EU and NATO member states had turned the Council of Europe into an "instrument for anti-Russian policies".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Russian government announced Tuesday it would leave the Council of Europe amid mounting calls for Moscow to be expelled over its invasion of Ukraine. Having essentially jumped before being expelled from the Strasbourg-based body, the Russian foreign ministry informed Secretary-General Marija Pejcinovic Buric of its departure.

The Russian government announced Tuesday it would leave the Council of Europe amid mounting calls for Moscow to be expelled over its invasion of Ukraine. Having essentially jumped before being expelled from the Strasbourg-based body, the Russian foreign ministry informed Secretary-General Marija Pejcinovic Buric of its departure. As a result of the decision, Russia ends its quarter-century membership in the Council of Europe (COE) and opens the door to the reimposition of the death penalty if the authorities so choose. Also read | 'Courage of true friends of Ukraine': European leaders' defiant visit to Kyiv amid growing tension with Russia By leaving the Council of Europe, Russia will no longer be a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and its citizens will lose access to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Responsibility for destruction of the common humanitarian space on the continent & the consequences for Council of Europe – which, without Russia, will lose its pan-European character – will be borne solely by those who are forcing us to take this step. 🔗https://t.co/79kDQi3E0N pic.twitter.com/j0maChWWUT — MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) March 15, 2022 × Russia's exit will represent a major change to the ECHR, which serves as the court of last resort when all domestic options have been exhausted. In the history of the Council of Europe, this is only the second time a member state has announced it is leaving the organisation, the first being Greece which temporarily left in the late 1960s. A day after tens of thousands of troops entered Ukraine on February 24, Russia was stripped of all representation rights. Also read | Imitation, the sincerest form of flattery: French President discards suits, dons sweatshirt. Copying Zelensky? "As leaders of the Council of Europe we expressed on several occasions our firm condemnation of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine," the Italian Foreign Minister, Luigi Di Maio, the president of the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly, Tiny Kox, and the secretary-general of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejcinovic Buric, said in a joint statement. "The Committee of Ministers will hold an extraordinary meeting tomorrow morning also in the light of today’s notification by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation of the Russian leadership’s decision to withdraw from the Council of Europe," they said. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal of Ukraine demanded Monday that Russia be expelled from the organisation, saying it had no right to continue being a member after sending troops into the pro-Western nation. Watch | Ukraine | Refugees of war: What do the numbers say A statement was posted by the Russian foreign ministry on its Telegram account regarding "launching the procedure to exit the Council of Europe," adding that it had "no regrets" about leaving. Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials said the exit would not affect the rights and freedoms of Russian citizens and that existing European Court resolutions will continue to be implemented if they do not contradict Russian law. They alleged that EU and NATO member states had turned the Council of Europe into an "instrument for anti-Russian policies". (With inputs from agencies)

Jumping the gun: As calls for its expulsion grow, Russia announces 'Ruxit' from Council of Europe

<p><em><strong>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.</strong></em></p>

<p>A White House official said that the United States President Joe Biden will announce $800 million in new security assistance to Ukraine Wednesday (March 16).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The official further informed that the announcement is set to come soon after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the US Congress.&nbsp;</p>

<p>News agency AFP quoted the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity on Tuesday (March 15), said that the announcement is expected to come at 11.45 am (local time).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The official said that the latest security aid brings "the total (aid) announced in the last week alone to $1 billion." However, the official didn't provide details on what would be included in the $800 million of security assistance.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>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">'Courage of true friends of Ukraine': European leaders' defiant visit to Kyiv amid growing tension with Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>Previously, Biden had already authorized $200 million in additional military equipment to Ukraine on Saturday. That came on top of $350 million authorized by Washington, also for military equipment, on February 26 - at the time, the largest such package in US history.</p>

<p>The official said that in the past year, the US has provided over 600 Stinger missiles and approximately 2,600 Javelin anti-armour systems to Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US has also provided an assortment of radar systems, helicopters, grenade launchers, guns and ammunition and other equipment, the official added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imitation-the-sincerest-form-of-flattery-french-president-discards-suits-dons-sweatshirt-copying-zelensky-462399" hreflang="en">Imitation, the sincerest form of flattery: French President discards suits, dons sweatshirt. Copying Zelensky?</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Biden will make his first visit to Europe since Russia invaded Ukraine to discuss the crisis with NATO allies next week, the White House said.</p>

<p>Biden will attend a NATO leaders' meeting at the military alliance's headquarters in Brussels on March 24.</p>

<p>Also, NATO is set to tell its military commanders on Wednesday to draw up plans for new ways to deter Russia from future military action, including more troops and missile defences in eastern Europe, officials and diplomats said.</p>

<p>"We need to reset our military posture for this new reality. Ministers will start an important discussion on concrete measures to reinforce our security for the longer term, in all domains," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;From repairing cars to converting Russian guns, this auto shop in Kyiv is helping Ukrainians</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


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 White House official said that the United States President Joe Biden will announce $800 million in new security assistance to Ukraine Wednesday (March 16). The official further informed that the announcement is set to come soon after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the US Congress. News agency AFP quoted the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity on Tuesday (March 15), said that the announcement is expected to come at 11.45 am (local time). The official said that the latest security aid brings "the total (aid) announced in the last week alone to $1 billion." However, the official didn't provide details on what would be included in the $800 million of security assistance. ALSO READ | 'Courage of true friends of Ukraine': European leaders' defiant visit to Kyiv amid growing tension with Russia Previously, Biden had already authorized $200 million in additional military equipment to Ukraine on Saturday. That came on top of $350 million authorized by Washington, also for military equipment, on February 26 - at the time, the largest such package in US history. The official said that in the past year, the US has provided over 600 Stinger missiles and approximately 2,600 Javelin anti-armour systems to Ukraine. The US has also provided an assortment of radar systems, helicopters, grenade launchers, guns and ammunition and other equipment, the official added. ALSO READ | Imitation, the sincerest form of flattery: French President discards suits, dons sweatshirt. Copying Zelensky? Meanwhile, Biden will make his first visit to Europe since Russia invaded Ukraine to discuss the crisis with NATO allies next week, the White House said. Biden will attend a NATO leaders' meeting at the military alliance's headquarters in Brussels on March 24. Also, NATO is set to tell its military commanders on Wednesday to draw up plans for new ways to deter Russia from future military action, including more troops and missile defences in eastern Europe, officials and diplomats said. "We need to reset our military posture for this new reality. Ministers will start an important discussion on concrete measures to reinforce our security for the longer term, in all domains," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters on Tuesday. WATCH | From repairing cars to converting Russian guns, this auto shop in Kyiv is helping Ukrainians × (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Joe Biden to announce $800 million in new security aid to Ukraine

<p>The Russia and Ukraine conflict is raging. Russia is facing global isolation and an economic crisis with Western allies putting multiple sanctions on the country and big brands refusing to do business due to Russia's action during the Ukraine invasion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ongoing conflict has led to a massive loss of lives including children, with the death toll rising every day. The crisis also caused the destruction of property as Russia continues shelling and bombing Ukrainian cities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US and other NATO allies are calling for a ceasefire and diplomatic dialogues. They are also putting sanctions on Russia and Russians, expecting that Russian President Vladimir Putin will end the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a report published by Sputnik stated that the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) will cooperate with the country's intelligence services to identify assets that are allegedly kept by Putin and his associates in London.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-iodine-tablets-for-nuclear-risk-why-is-europe-rushing-to-buy-this-tablet-462841">Iodine tablets for nuclear risk. Why is Europe rushing to buy this tablet?</a></strong></p>

<p>A report by Telegraph on Wednesday (March 16) noted citing NCA sources that personal assets of Putin worth millions of dollars are stashed in London and the agency will work with MI5, MI6 and GCHQ agencies to&nbsp;attempt to track it down.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A source told the newspaper, "There are people working there now. This is what the 'kleptocracy' team will devote its time to. The unit will track down Putin's money and that of his cronies."&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the paper, the probe into assets will not be simple and will also include Belarusian money in the UK. "We will use all legislative options and tactics available to the agency to prosecute corrupt elites who launder their assets in the UK," an NCA spokesperson said as quoted by the paper.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS&nbsp;|&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></strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>History books have noted that the growth of London as a centre for financial and professional services coincided with the collapse of the USSR and the rise of post-Soviet 'kleptocracies' in the 1990s.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These states and their elites have since become a major source of clients for UK-based services firms and investors in UK assets.</p>

<p>After Putin ordered "military operations" in Ukraine on February 24, Britain imposed sanctions to freeze the assets of the Russian President and country's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the UK sanctions list, Lavrov was a key decision-maker in Russia's government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Maria Zakharova, who is Russia's Foreign Minister's spokeswoman said that neither Putin nor Lavrov had assets in the UK or anywhere else abroad.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Does Putin really want to stop this war or not?</strong></p>

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The Russia and Ukraine conflict is raging. Russia is facing global isolation and an economic crisis with Western allies putting multiple sanctions on the country and big brands refusing to do business due to Russia's action during the Ukraine invasion.

The Russia and Ukraine conflict is raging. Russia is facing global isolation and an economic crisis with Western allies putting multiple sanctions on the country and big brands refusing to do business due to Russia's action during the Ukraine invasion. The ongoing conflict has led to a massive loss of lives including children, with the death toll rising every day. The crisis also caused the destruction of property as Russia continues shelling and bombing Ukrainian cities. The US and other NATO allies are calling for a ceasefire and diplomatic dialogues. They are also putting sanctions on Russia and Russians, expecting that Russian President Vladimir Putin will end the conflict. Meanwhile, a report published by Sputnik stated that the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) will cooperate with the country's intelligence services to identify assets that are allegedly kept by Putin and his associates in London. ALSO READ | Iodine tablets for nuclear risk. Why is Europe rushing to buy this tablet? A report by Telegraph on Wednesday (March 16) noted citing NCA sources that personal assets of Putin worth millions of dollars are stashed in London and the agency will work with MI5, MI6 and GCHQ agencies to attempt to track it down. A source told the newspaper, "There are people working there now. This is what the 'kleptocracy' team will devote its time to. The unit will track down Putin's money and that of his cronies." As per the paper, the probe into assets will not be simple and will also include Belarusian money in the UK. "We will use all legislative options and tactics available to the agency to prosecute corrupt elites who launder their assets in the UK," an NCA spokesperson said as quoted by the paper. IN PICS | Ukraine refugee crisis raises other concerns; fleeing women & minors may be targetted for trafficking History books have noted that the growth of London as a centre for financial and professional services coincided with the collapse of the USSR and the rise of post-Soviet 'kleptocracies' in the 1990s. These states and their elites have since become a major source of clients for UK-based services firms and investors in UK assets. After Putin ordered "military operations" in Ukraine on February 24, Britain imposed sanctions to freeze the assets of the Russian President and country's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. According to the UK sanctions list, Lavrov was a key decision-maker in Russia's government. Meanwhile, Maria Zakharova, who is Russia's Foreign Minister's spokeswoman said that neither Putin nor Lavrov had assets in the UK or anywhere else abroad. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Does Putin really want to stop this war or not? ×

Kleptocracy hunt: UK to go after Putin's London assets worth millions of pounds

<p>In the first foreign leaders' visit to Ukraine's besieged capital since Russia's invasion, the prime ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Upon arrival by train, the prime ministers sat around a table with their Ukrainian counterpart Denis Shmyhal and the Ukrainian president, who provided an overview of the situation.</p>

<p>"They are shelling everywhere. Not only Kyiv but also the western areas," Zelensky told them in comments translated into English, a video posted on his Telegram account showed.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imitation-the-sincerest-form-of-flattery-french-president-discards-suits-dons-sweatshirt-copying-zelensky-462399" hreflang="en">Imitation, the sincerest form of flattery: French President discards suits, dons sweatshirt. Copying Zelensky?</a></strong></p>

<p>"We have to halt this tragedy unfolding in the East as quickly as possible," Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said in a post on Facebook announcing their arrival.</p>

<p>Ukraine had the "unequivocal support" of the European Union, he added.</p>

<p>Shmyhal announced their arrival earlier that day on Twitter, saluting "the courage of true friends of Ukraine."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Prime Ministers of 🇵🇱 <a href="https://twitter.com/MorawieckiM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MorawieckiM</a>, 🇸🇮 <a href="https://twitter.com/JJansaSDS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JJansaSDS</a> and 🇨🇿 <a href="https://twitter.com/P_Fiala?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@P_Fiala</a> arrived on the behalf of <a href="https://twitter.com/EUCouncil?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EUCouncil</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kyiv?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kyiv</a> today. The courage of true friends of 🇺🇦! Discussing support of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> and strengthening sanctions against the Russian aggression.</p>
— Denys Shmyhal (@Denys_Shmyhal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Denys_Shmyhal/status/1503793161562427393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>He said their talks would focus on support for Ukraine and "strengthening sanctions against the Russian aggression".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/we-dont-know-how-to-kill-residents-of-odessa-who-cannot-fight-help-with-war-efforts-in-other-ways-462454" hreflang="en">'We don't know how to kill': Residents of Odessa who cannot fight help with war efforts in other ways</a></strong></p>

<p>Prime Minister Morawiecki, Czech Premier Petr Fiala and Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa are on a visit to the besieged country as "representatives" of the European Union, according to an early statement from the Polish government.</p>

<p>The visit comes as Russian forces attack targets across Ukraine, including Kyiv, which has nearly been encircled by Moscow's forces, and as negotiations to end the nearly three-week war are scheduled to resume.</p>

<p>"In such crucial times for the world, it is our duty to be in the place where history is being made," Morawiecki said in a Facebook post earlier Tuesday.</p>

<p>"Because this is not about us, it is about the future of our children who deserve to live in a world free from tyranny," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine | Refugees of war: What do the numbers say</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-refugees-of-war-what-do-the-numbers-say-462711/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>According to the government statement, the visit was organised "in agreement" with European Council chief Charles Michel and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.</p>

<p>"The purpose of the visit is to confirm the unequivocal support of the entire European Union for the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine and to present a broad package of support for the Ukrainian state and society," the statement said.</p>

<p>Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the leader of Poland's right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party, accompanied&nbsp;the trio.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In the first foreign leaders' visit to Ukraine's besieged capital since Russia's invasion, the prime ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday.

In the first foreign leaders' visit to Ukraine's besieged capital since Russia's invasion, the prime ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday. Upon arrival by train, the prime ministers sat around a table with their Ukrainian counterpart Denis Shmyhal and the Ukrainian president, who provided an overview of the situation. "They are shelling everywhere. Not only Kyiv but also the western areas," Zelensky told them in comments translated into English, a video posted on his Telegram account showed. Also read | Imitation, the sincerest form of flattery: French President discards suits, dons sweatshirt. Copying Zelensky? "We have to halt this tragedy unfolding in the East as quickly as possible," Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said in a post on Facebook announcing their arrival. Ukraine had the "unequivocal support" of the European Union, he added. Shmyhal announced their arrival earlier that day on Twitter, saluting "the courage of true friends of Ukraine." The Prime Ministers of 🇵🇱 @MorawieckiM, 🇸🇮 @JJansaSDS and 🇨🇿 @P_Fiala arrived on the behalf of @EUCouncil to #Kyiv today. The courage of true friends of 🇺🇦! Discussing support of #Ukraine and strengthening sanctions against the Russian aggression. — Denys Shmyhal (@Denys_Shmyhal) March 15, 2022 × He said their talks would focus on support for Ukraine and "strengthening sanctions against the Russian aggression". Also read | 'We don't know how to kill': Residents of Odessa who cannot fight help with war efforts in other ways Prime Minister Morawiecki, Czech Premier Petr Fiala and Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa are on a visit to the besieged country as "representatives" of the European Union, according to an early statement from the Polish government. The visit comes as Russian forces attack targets across Ukraine, including Kyiv, which has nearly been encircled by Moscow's forces, and as negotiations to end the nearly three-week war are scheduled to resume. "In such crucial times for the world, it is our duty to be in the place where history is being made," Morawiecki said in a Facebook post earlier Tuesday. "Because this is not about us, it is about the future of our children who deserve to live in a world free from tyranny," he said. Watch | Ukraine | Refugees of war: What do the numbers say According to the government statement, the visit was organised "in agreement" with European Council chief Charles Michel and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. "The purpose of the visit is to confirm the unequivocal support of the entire European Union for the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine and to present a broad package of support for the Ukrainian state and society," the statement said. Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the leader of Poland's right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party, accompanied the trio. (With inputs from agencies)

'Courage of true friends of Ukraine': European leaders' defiant visit to Kyiv amid growing tension with Russia

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