In Pics: Kyiv metro offers Ukrainians shelter from Russian shells

Manish Dave, an Indian restaurant owner in Ukraine's embattled capital Kyiv, stepped in as Russia's attack on the country continued.

Residents of Kyiv were strongly urged to seek shelter due to the attack. In the midst of the deadly clashes, Dave's basement eatery has transformed into a makeshift shelter. Here, dozens of children, pregnant women, students, homeless people, and older locals have gathered to seek shelter.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-china-could-get-russia-to-lower-its-tone-on-nukes-says-international-relations-expert-458038" hreflang="en">Exclusive: 'China could get Russia to lower its tone on nukes', says international relations expert</a>

During a telephonic interview with the Washington Post, Dave, 52, said “I will continue to offer shelter and food for as long as I can”.

The restaurant has housed and fed more than 130 people since Russia declared war on Thursday.

David moved from Vadodara in the Indian state of Gujarat to Kyiv in October 2021 with the intention of opening an Indian restaurant. Thousands of Indian students live in the region and he wanted to give them a taste of home.

In January, he opened Saathiya Restaurant in an underground space at Bogomelets National Medical University, but disaster struck before the business could become profitable.

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Dave recalled that everything was going smoothly. And then everything fell apart.

“There was fire, blasts, bombs,” he added, describing the experience as scary.

While a barrage of explosions erupted, and civilians desperately sought shelter, Dave had an epiphany: "A basement is a safe place."

“The place is so big, and I should help.”

First, he invited his regular customers - who are primarily students - to stay in his restaurant in the basement. After that, he posted an invitation to anyone in need of shelter and food on Telegram.

“If you don’t have any proper safe place to stay during this time, please go here,” he wrote, including the address of his restaurant.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;India ramps up evacuation efforts: IAF's C-17 leaves for Romania to bring Indians back

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-ramps-up-evacuation-efforts-iafs-c-17-leaves-for-romania-to-bring-indians-back-458033/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Soon, strangers began arriving; Dave has been feeding shelter seekers for free. A traditional Indian dish like dal served with rice is prepared by him and his staff.&nbsp;

Additionally, they prepared simple pasta and other European dishes that are easy to prepare in large quantities and inexpensive to prepare. The influx of people has forced them to ration resources.

The restaurant is currently closed and will remain closed for the foreseeable future.

He refuses to accept funds from those who ate or stayed at his restaurant. As an alternative to financial assistance, Dave is asking people to purchase groceries so that he can continue taking care of those in need for as long as possible.

Manish Dave, an Indian restaurant owner in Ukraine's embattled capital Kyiv, stepped in as Russia's attack on the country continued. Residents of Kyiv were strongly urged to seek shelter due to the attack.

Manish Dave, an Indian restaurant owner in Ukraine's embattled capital Kyiv, stepped in as Russia's attack on the country continued. Residents of Kyiv were strongly urged to seek shelter due to the attack. In the midst of the deadly clashes, Dave's basement eatery has transformed into a makeshift shelter. Here, dozens of children, pregnant women, students, homeless people, and older locals have gathered to seek shelter. Also read | Exclusive: 'China could get Russia to lower its tone on nukes', says international relations expert During a telephonic interview with the Washington Post, Dave, 52, said “I will continue to offer shelter and food for as long as I can”. The restaurant has housed and fed more than 130 people since Russia declared war on Thursday. David moved from Vadodara in the Indian state of Gujarat to Kyiv in October 2021 with the intention of opening an Indian restaurant. Thousands of Indian students live in the region and he wanted to give them a taste of home. In January, he opened Saathiya Restaurant in an underground space at Bogomelets National Medical University, but disaster struck before the business could become profitable. Also read | United States closes its airspace to Russian aircrafts Dave recalled that everything was going smoothly. And then everything fell apart. “There was fire, blasts, bombs,” he added, describing the experience as scary. While a barrage of explosions erupted, and civilians desperately sought shelter, Dave had an epiphany: "A basement is a safe place." “The place is so big, and I should help.” First, he invited his regular customers - who are primarily students - to stay in his restaurant in the basement. After that, he posted an invitation to anyone in need of shelter and food on Telegram. “If you don’t have any proper safe place to stay during this time, please go here,” he wrote, including the address of his restaurant. Watch | India ramps up evacuation efforts: IAF's C-17 leaves for Romania to bring Indians back Soon, strangers began arriving; Dave has been feeding shelter seekers for free. A traditional Indian dish like dal served with rice is prepared by him and his staff. Additionally, they prepared simple pasta and other European dishes that are easy to prepare in large quantities and inexpensive to prepare. The influx of people has forced them to ration resources. The restaurant is currently closed and will remain closed for the foreseeable future. He refuses to accept funds from those who ate or stayed at his restaurant. As an alternative to financial assistance, Dave is asking people to purchase groceries so that he can continue taking care of those in need for as long as possible.

Indian hospitality at its best: Indian restaurateur turns saviour amid Ukraine crisis

Approximately 70 Japanese men have answered Kyiv's call for volunteers to fight against Russia, the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper said, quoting a Tokyo company handling the volunteers.

These include 50 former members of Japan's Self-Defence Forces and two veterans of the French Foreign Legion.&nbsp;

A spokesperson for the Ukrainian Embassy acknowledged receiving calls from people "wanting to fight for Ukraine," but declined to give further details.

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A social media post from the embassy thanked Japanese for their many inquiries about volunteering.

"Any candidates for this must have experience in Japan's Self-Defence Forces or have undergone specialised training," it said.

In a new post on Twitter on Wednesday, the Ukrainian embassy in Japan said it was looking for volunteers with medical, IT, communication, or firefighting experience. It was not immediately clear if the volunteer positions were remote or involved travelling to Ukraine.

The war in Ukraine has stirred strong emotions in Japan, which has a post-war pacifist constitution that has been reinterpreted in recent years to allow Japan to exercise collective self-defence or aid allies under attack.

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Hundreds gathered for a protest against the Russian invasion last week in Tokyo, while the Ukrainian embassy said it collected $17 million in donations from some 60,000 people in Japan after it put out an online request for help.

Japan has also announced sanctions on Russia, including freezing the assets of Russian groups, banks and individuals and suspending exports of semiconductors and other sensitive goods to military-linked organisations in Russia.

Japan will accept Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russia's ongoing invasion, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Wednesday, in a break with the country's usual reticence to accept humanitarian arrivals.

Japan typically accepts just a few dozen refugees a year out of thousands of applicants, and its borders are currently closed to virtually all foreign visitors to prevent Covid-19 infections.

But Kishida said the country would now "proceed with a plan to welcome people from Ukraine who have fled to third countries" in a bid to "demonstrate our solidarity with the Ukrainian people at such a crucial moment."

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/long-lines-60-hours-wait-shelter-and-for-some-racism-awaits-them-as-they-flee-ukraine-for-poland-458080">Long lines, 60 hours wait, shelter and for some racism awaits them as they flee Ukraine for Poland</a>

Kishida said Japan expected to first accept those with relatives or friends in the country, "but beyond that, we will respond from a humanitarian perspective," he added without setting a specific cap on arrivals.

He said refugees would be processed outside of the current border regime that bars foreign tourists and limits overseas arrivals.

Japanese billionaire Hiroshi "Mickey" Mikitani said Sunday he will donate $8.7 million to the government of Ukraine, calling Russia's invasion "a challenge to democracy".

The founder of e-commerce giant Rakuten said in a letter addressed to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky that the donation of 1 billion yen ($8.7 million) will go toward "humanitarian activities to help people in Ukraine who are victims of the violence".

(With inputs from agencies)

Approximately 70 Japanese men have answered Kyiv's call for volunteers to fight against Russia, the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper said, quoting a Tokyo company handling the volunteers.

Approximately 70 Japanese men have answered Kyiv's call for volunteers to fight against Russia, the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper said, quoting a Tokyo company handling the volunteers. These include 50 former members of Japan's Self-Defence Forces and two veterans of the French Foreign Legion. A spokesperson for the Ukrainian Embassy acknowledged receiving calls from people "wanting to fight for Ukraine," but declined to give further details. A social media post from the embassy thanked Japanese for their many inquiries about volunteering. "Any candidates for this must have experience in Japan's Self-Defence Forces or have undergone specialised training," it said. In a new post on Twitter on Wednesday, the Ukrainian embassy in Japan said it was looking for volunteers with medical, IT, communication, or firefighting experience. It was not immediately clear if the volunteer positions were remote or involved travelling to Ukraine. The war in Ukraine has stirred strong emotions in Japan, which has a post-war pacifist constitution that has been reinterpreted in recent years to allow Japan to exercise collective self-defence or aid allies under attack. In pics-Ukraine invasion:These assets of Russian President Putin can be seized Hundreds gathered for a protest against the Russian invasion last week in Tokyo, while the Ukrainian embassy said it collected $17 million in donations from some 60,000 people in Japan after it put out an online request for help. Japan has also announced sanctions on Russia, including freezing the assets of Russian groups, banks and individuals and suspending exports of semiconductors and other sensitive goods to military-linked organisations in Russia. Japan will accept Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russia's ongoing invasion, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Wednesday, in a break with the country's usual reticence to accept humanitarian arrivals. Japan typically accepts just a few dozen refugees a year out of thousands of applicants, and its borders are currently closed to virtually all foreign visitors to prevent Covid-19 infections. But Kishida said the country would now "proceed with a plan to welcome people from Ukraine who have fled to third countries" in a bid to "demonstrate our solidarity with the Ukrainian people at such a crucial moment." Also see | Long lines, 60 hours wait, shelter and for some racism awaits them as they flee Ukraine for Poland Kishida said Japan expected to first accept those with relatives or friends in the country, "but beyond that, we will respond from a humanitarian perspective," he added without setting a specific cap on arrivals. He said refugees would be processed outside of the current border regime that bars foreign tourists and limits overseas arrivals. Japanese billionaire Hiroshi "Mickey" Mikitani said Sunday he will donate $8.7 million to the government of Ukraine, calling Russia's invasion "a challenge to democracy". The founder of e-commerce giant Rakuten said in a letter addressed to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky that the donation of 1 billion yen ($8.7 million) will go toward "humanitarian activities to help people in Ukraine who are victims of the violence". (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese men answer Kyiv's call for volunteers to fight against Russia

China on Wednesday suggested how Russia and Ukraine can make peace and put an end to the crisis that shaken up the whole world.

China’s permanent representative to the UN, Zhang Jun said Moscow and Kyiv’s top officials must sit down at the negotiating table to establish a path to de-escalating aggression.

“The most important thing right now is to return to the track of diplomatic negotiations and [create] a political settlement as soon as possible to help de-escalate the situation,” he claimed.

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According to the diplomat, “China supports direct dialogue and negotiation between Russia and Ukraine,” which he insists is the definitive way to resolve the conflict. Zhang also said that the international community should “prioritize regional peace, stability and the universal security for all.”

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said during his briefing on Wednesday, ''China and Ukraine are keeping an open communications channel.''

It comes after Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba talked to his Chinese counterpart and he “appealed to the Chinese foreign minister to take advantage of their leverage on Putin, of their relations with Russia, and urge Putin to stop this war immediately.”&nbsp;

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The Ukrainian top diplomat said that “constructive involvement of China is possible” and pointed to China’s abstention from a UN Security Council resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

China is the only friend that might help Russia blunt the impact of economic sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine, but President Xi Jinping’s government is giving no sign it might be willing to risk its own access to US&nbsp;and European markets by doing too much.

Even if Beijing wanted to, its ability to support President Vladimir Putin by importing more Russian gas and other goods is limited.

Relations with Moscow have warmed since Xi took power in 2012, motivated by shared resentment of Washington, but their interests can conflict. While their militaries hold joint exercises, Putin is uneasy about the growing Chinese economic presence in Central Asia and Russia’s Far East.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/here-is-a-look-at-putins-family-who-are-reportedly-hiding-in-a-secret-siberian-underground-bunker-458145" hreflang="en">Here is a look at Putin's family, who are reportedly hiding in a secret Siberian underground bunker</a>

“China-Russia relations are at the highest level in history, but the two countries are not an alliance,” said Li Xin, an international relations expert at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law.

Xi’s government might support Putin within those limits,&nbsp;and Chinese companies might use the situation to pursue better deal,&nbsp;but will balk at openly violating sanctions and being targeted for penalties, experts said.

“China doesn’t want to get so involved that it ends up suffering as a result of its support for Russia,” said Mark Williams, chief Asia economist for Capital Economics.

Chinese trade with Russia rose to $146.9 billion last year, but that is less than one-tenth of China’s total $1.6 trillion in trade with the United States and EU.

“It all hinges on whether they’re willing to risk their access to Western markets to help Russia, and I don’t think they are,” said Williams. “It’s just not that big a market.”

China, the world’s second-largest economy, is the only major government not to have condemned the invasion.

(With inputs from agencies)

China on Wednesday suggested how Russia and Ukraine can make peace and put an end to the crisis that shaken up the whole world. China’s permanent representative to the UN, Zhang Jun said Moscow and Kyiv’s top officials must sit down at the negotiating table to establish a path to de-escalating aggression.

China on Wednesday suggested how Russia and Ukraine can make peace and put an end to the crisis that shaken up the whole world. China’s permanent representative to the UN, Zhang Jun said Moscow and Kyiv’s top officials must sit down at the negotiating table to establish a path to de-escalating aggression. “The most important thing right now is to return to the track of diplomatic negotiations and [create] a political settlement as soon as possible to help de-escalate the situation,” he claimed. According to the diplomat, “China supports direct dialogue and negotiation between Russia and Ukraine,” which he insists is the definitive way to resolve the conflict. Zhang also said that the international community should “prioritize regional peace, stability and the universal security for all.” Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said during his briefing on Wednesday, ''China and Ukraine are keeping an open communications channel.'' It comes after Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba talked to his Chinese counterpart and he “appealed to the Chinese foreign minister to take advantage of their leverage on Putin, of their relations with Russia, and urge Putin to stop this war immediately.” Also see | Which assets of Russian President Vladimir Putin can be seized due to Ukraine invasion? The Ukrainian top diplomat said that “constructive involvement of China is possible” and pointed to China’s abstention from a UN Security Council resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. China is the only friend that might help Russia blunt the impact of economic sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine, but President Xi Jinping’s government is giving no sign it might be willing to risk its own access to US and European markets by doing too much. Even if Beijing wanted to, its ability to support President Vladimir Putin by importing more Russian gas and other goods is limited. Relations with Moscow have warmed since Xi took power in 2012, motivated by shared resentment of Washington, but their interests can conflict. While their militaries hold joint exercises, Putin is uneasy about the growing Chinese economic presence in Central Asia and Russia’s Far East. Also see | Here is a look at Putin's family, who are reportedly hiding in a secret Siberian underground bunker “China-Russia relations are at the highest level in history, but the two countries are not an alliance,” said Li Xin, an international relations expert at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law. Xi’s government might support Putin within those limits, and Chinese companies might use the situation to pursue better deal, but will balk at openly violating sanctions and being targeted for penalties, experts said. “China doesn’t want to get so involved that it ends up suffering as a result of its support for Russia,” said Mark Williams, chief Asia economist for Capital Economics. Chinese trade with Russia rose to $146.9 billion last year, but that is less than one-tenth of China’s total $1.6 trillion in trade with the United States and EU. “It all hinges on whether they’re willing to risk their access to Western markets to help Russia, and I don’t think they are,” said Williams. “It’s just not that big a market.” China, the world’s second-largest economy, is the only major government not to have condemned the invasion. (With inputs from agencies)

China suggests this is the 'most important thing' that can end conflict between Russia and Ukraine

A piece of good news for Indians fleeing war-torn Ukraine, leaving behind their studies or jobs. It is now at least possible for them to bring back their companion animals, cats and dogs.

"Considering the unique and extraordinary situations in war-hit Ukraine wherein pre-export requisite formalities for export of pets into India may not be fulfilled, the import of pet dogs and/or pet cats along with stranded Indians being rescued by the Government of India is being facilitated as a one-time relaxation measure as under," stated a memorandum issued by the Ministry for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-hospitality-at-its-best-indian-restaurateur-turns-saviour-amid-ukraine-crisis-458042">Indian hospitality at its best: Indian restaurateur turns saviour amid Ukraine crisis</a>

Following an appeal for help on social media by Rishabh Kaushik, an Indian student, who refused to leave Ukraine without his puppy, PETA India reached out to Parshottam Rupala, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy.

"Separating animal companions from their guardians would have been another tragedy for those desperately fleeing Ukraine, and it would have only resulted in more heartbreak and unnecessarily lost lives," said PETA India Chief Executive Officer and veterinarian, Manilal Valliyate.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/amidst-thousands-of-indians-scrambling-for-home-this-17-year-old-decides-to-stay-in-ukraine-457433">Amidst thousands of Indians scrambling for home, this 17-year-old decides to stay in Ukraine</a>

As part of the measure, pre-import and post-import conditions will be relaxed, regional veterinarians of all animal quarantine and certification services are directed to coordinate with the respective state veterinary authorities to share information about each import with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying of the Central Government.

There have been reports from Ukraine of people refusing to leave without their companion animals. They have been travelling long distances carrying them, sometimes even in their arms, facing the bitter cold and risks of war trying to find a safe route out.

Watch |&nbsp;India ramps up evacuation efforts: IAF's C-17 leaves for Romania to bring Indians back

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-ramps-up-evacuation-efforts-iafs-c-17-leaves-for-romania-to-bring-indians-back-458033/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

At least four pet owners have contacted Rescue Every Distressed Indian Overseas (REDIO), an NGO, to ask that their pets be allowed to enter India.

By making this decision, India joins Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania, all of which have streamlined the entry of animals. This enables families, such as Rishabh and his family, to escape war zones with their beloved animal companions.

(With inputs from agencies)

A piece of good news for Indians fleeing war-torn Ukraine, leaving behind their studies or jobs. It is now at least possible for them to bring back their companion animals, cats and dogs.

A piece of good news for Indians fleeing war-torn Ukraine, leaving behind their studies or jobs. It is now at least possible for them to bring back their companion animals, cats and dogs. "Considering the unique and extraordinary situations in war-hit Ukraine wherein pre-export requisite formalities for export of pets into India may not be fulfilled, the import of pet dogs and/or pet cats along with stranded Indians being rescued by the Government of India is being facilitated as a one-time relaxation measure as under," stated a memorandum issued by the Ministry for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying. Also read | Indian hospitality at its best: Indian restaurateur turns saviour amid Ukraine crisis Following an appeal for help on social media by Rishabh Kaushik, an Indian student, who refused to leave Ukraine without his puppy, PETA India reached out to Parshottam Rupala, Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy. "Separating animal companions from their guardians would have been another tragedy for those desperately fleeing Ukraine, and it would have only resulted in more heartbreak and unnecessarily lost lives," said PETA India Chief Executive Officer and veterinarian, Manilal Valliyate. Also read | Amidst thousands of Indians scrambling for home, this 17-year-old decides to stay in Ukraine As part of the measure, pre-import and post-import conditions will be relaxed, regional veterinarians of all animal quarantine and certification services are directed to coordinate with the respective state veterinary authorities to share information about each import with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying of the Central Government. There have been reports from Ukraine of people refusing to leave without their companion animals. They have been travelling long distances carrying them, sometimes even in their arms, facing the bitter cold and risks of war trying to find a safe route out. Watch | India ramps up evacuation efforts: IAF's C-17 leaves for Romania to bring Indians back At least four pet owners have contacted Rescue Every Distressed Indian Overseas (REDIO), an NGO, to ask that their pets be allowed to enter India. By making this decision, India joins Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Lithuania, all of which have streamlined the entry of animals. This enables families, such as Rishabh and his family, to escape war zones with their beloved animal companions. (With inputs from agencies)

As people refuse to leave furry companions behind, India relaxes norms for bringing back pets from Ukraine

The World Bank announced Tuesday that it is preparing a $3 billion aid package to help war-torn Ukraine, including at least $350 million in immediate funds.

World Bank President David Malpass said in a joint statement with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva that the first tranche will be submitted to the Board for approval this week, followed by $200 million in fast-disbursing support for health and education.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/long-lines-60-hours-wait-shelter-and-for-some-racism-awaits-them-as-they-flee-ukraine-for-poland-458080" hreflang="en">Long lines, 60 hours wait, shelter and for some racism awaits them as they flee Ukraine for Poland</a>

The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, who have both pledged and are now delivering further support to Ukraine, moving swiftly to implement this plan.

The IMF, which has an ongoing $2.2 billion financing program with the country through June, will consider the country's latest request for emergency financing "as early as next week," the statement said.

The leaders of the global crisis lenders deplored Russia's invasion of its neighbour and the damage it is causing to the economy and people.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-hospitality-at-its-best-indian-restaurateur-turns-saviour-amid-ukraine-crisis-458042" hreflang="en">Indian hospitality at its best: Indian restaurateur turns saviour amid Ukraine crisis</a>

"We are deeply shocked and saddened by the devastating human and economic toll brought by the war in Ukraine," they said, noting the "significant spillovers to other countries" including higher commodity prices that "risk further fueling inflation."

Furthermore, the economic sanctions imposed on Russia "will also have a significant economic impact."

Watch |&nbsp;Zelensky's message to Russia: Stop bombing cities before ceasefire talks

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Early Tuesday, members of the Group of Seven met with central bankers and pledged to mobilize support for Kyiv while considering additional measures to further isolate Moscow.

As the fighting intensified and hundreds of thousands of people fled Ukraine, oil prices rose to over $106 a barrel on Tuesday.

The World Bank announced Tuesday that it is preparing a $3 billion aid package to help war-torn Ukraine, including at least $350 million in immediate funds. World Bank President David Malpass said in a joint statement with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva that the first tranche will be submitted to the Board for approval this week, followed by $200 million in fast-disbursing support for health and education.

The World Bank announced Tuesday that it is preparing a $3 billion aid package to help war-torn Ukraine, including at least $350 million in immediate funds. World Bank President David Malpass said in a joint statement with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva that the first tranche will be submitted to the Board for approval this week, followed by $200 million in fast-disbursing support for health and education. Also read | Long lines, 60 hours wait, shelter and for some racism awaits them as they flee Ukraine for Poland The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, who have both pledged and are now delivering further support to Ukraine, moving swiftly to implement this plan. The IMF, which has an ongoing $2.2 billion financing program with the country through June, will consider the country's latest request for emergency financing "as early as next week," the statement said. The leaders of the global crisis lenders deplored Russia's invasion of its neighbour and the damage it is causing to the economy and people. Also read | Indian hospitality at its best: Indian restaurateur turns saviour amid Ukraine crisis "We are deeply shocked and saddened by the devastating human and economic toll brought by the war in Ukraine," they said, noting the "significant spillovers to other countries" including higher commodity prices that "risk further fueling inflation." Furthermore, the economic sanctions imposed on Russia "will also have a significant economic impact." Watch | Zelensky's message to Russia: Stop bombing cities before ceasefire talks Early Tuesday, members of the Group of Seven met with central bankers and pledged to mobilize support for Kyiv while considering additional measures to further isolate Moscow. As the fighting intensified and hundreds of thousands of people fled Ukraine, oil prices rose to over $106 a barrel on Tuesday.

World Bank prepares $3 billion emergency aid package for war-torn Ukraine

Long lines, 60 hours wait, shelter and for some racism awaits them as they flee Ukraine for Poland

An Indian student told news agency ANI that the Indian flag not only saved Indians stranded in Ukraine, but it also helped Pakistani and Turkish students fleeing the war-torn country.

The Indian students who arrived in the city of Bucharest, Romania from Ukraine said that the Indian flag helped them, as well as some Pakistani and Turkish students, safely cross the various checkpoints.

"The Indian flag was also being used by Turkish and Pakistani students, a student said, adding that the Indian flag had been of tremendous help to them as well.

A medical student from Odesa, Ukraine, stated, "In Ukraine, we were advised that if we bring an Indian flag with us, we won't have any problems."

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The Union Minister, G. Kishan Reddy, had previously recommended Indian students stranded in Ukraine's crisis-stricken country to fly the national flag on their vehicles to ensure a safe departure.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-is-ukraine-such-a-popular-choice-for-indian-medical-students-456990">Also read | Why is Ukraine such a popular choice for Indian medical students?</a>

The students also described how they purchased spray paints from the marketplaces and used them to create an Indian flag on their own. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/stop-criticising-indian-students-stuck-in-ukraine-they-need-to-be-appreciated-457069">Also read | Stop criticising Indian students stuck in Ukraine; they need to be appreciated</a>

"I dashed inside the store and purchased some colour sprays and a curtain.After that, I cut the curtain and spray-painted the Indian tricolour on it "explained one of the students.&nbsp;

They didn't have much trouble at Molodova because the Indian embassy had already made the necessary arrangements. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-wipes-out-bloodthirsty-chechen-special-forces-sent-to-zelensky-457107">Also read | Ukraine wipes out 'bloodthirsty' Chechen special forces sent to assassinate Zelensky</a>

The students also thanked the Indian embassy authorities for providing them with food and lodging as they awaited their flights back to India.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

An Indian student told news agency ANI that the Indian flag not only saved Indians stranded in Ukraine, but it also helped Pakistani and Turkish students fleeing the war-torn country.

An Indian student told news agency ANI that the Indian flag not only saved Indians stranded in Ukraine, but it also helped Pakistani and Turkish students fleeing the war-torn country. The Indian students who arrived in the city of Bucharest, Romania from Ukraine said that the Indian flag helped them, as well as some Pakistani and Turkish students, safely cross the various checkpoints. "The Indian flag was also being used by Turkish and Pakistani students, a student said, adding that the Indian flag had been of tremendous help to them as well. A medical student from Odesa, Ukraine, stated, "In Ukraine, we were advised that if we bring an Indian flag with us, we won't have any problems." #WATCH | "We were easily given clearance due to the Indian flag; made the flag using a curtain & colour spray...Both Indian flag & Indians were of great help to the Pakistani, Turkish students," said Indians students after their arrival in Bucharest, Romania#UkraineCrisis pic.twitter.com/vag59CcPVf — ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2022 × The Union Minister, G. Kishan Reddy, had previously recommended Indian students stranded in Ukraine's crisis-stricken country to fly the national flag on their vehicles to ensure a safe departure. Also read | Why is Ukraine such a popular choice for Indian medical students? The students also described how they purchased spray paints from the marketplaces and used them to create an Indian flag on their own. Also read | Stop criticising Indian students stuck in Ukraine; they need to be appreciated "I dashed inside the store and purchased some colour sprays and a curtain.After that, I cut the curtain and spray-painted the Indian tricolour on it "explained one of the students. They didn't have much trouble at Molodova because the Indian embassy had already made the necessary arrangements. Also read | Ukraine wipes out 'bloodthirsty' Chechen special forces sent to assassinate Zelensky The students also thanked the Indian embassy authorities for providing them with food and lodging as they awaited their flights back to India. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Indian flag helped Pakistani, Turkish students cross Ukraine border, says Indian student

Facts about Ukraine that have long been disputed by great empires

To get your day started, here are some stories.

US President Joe Biden denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine as "premeditated and unprovoked" in his State of the Union address. As Russia's attack on Ukraine continues for the sixth day, Biden emphasised the United States' solidarity with NATO allies, adding that Putin miscalculated the alliance's power.&nbsp;

In other news, the World Bank has announced a&nbsp;plan to use more than $1 billion from a frozen Afghanistan trust fund to finance education, agriculture, health, and family programmes in the country.&nbsp;

Click on the headline to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-goes-after-russia-says-putins-war-was-premeditated-and-unprovoked-457981">Biden goes after Russia, says Putin’s war was 'premeditated and unprovoked'</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/02/244466-untitled-design-5.jpg" />

In his State of the Union address, US President Joe Biden slammed Russian President Vladimir Putin for the "premeditated and unprovoked" invasion of Ukraine, as the US prepares to block its airspace to Russian planes.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-closes-its-airspace-to-russian-aircrafts-457961">United States closes its airspace to Russian aircrafts</a>

&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/02/244453-stories.jpg" />

&nbsp;

The United States government has closed its airspace to Russian flights. This adds the US is to the host of nations, including Canada and Europe, that have shut down their airspace to Russian aircraft and other aircraft following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-to-receive-more-than-1-billion-in-aid-from-the-world-bank-funds-to-bypass-taliban-457982">Afghanistan to receive more than $1 billion in aid from the World Bank; funds to bypass Taliban</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/02/244462-stories-1.jpg" />

A plan to use more than $1 billion from a frozen Afghanistan trust fund to finance education, agriculture, health, and family programs has been approved by the World Bank's executive board.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intelligence-operative-us-expels-russian-spy-working-for-united-nations-457984">'Intelligence operative': US expels Russian spy working for United Nations</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/03/02/244463-kharkiv-ukraine.jpg" />

Amid the Ukraine-Russia chaos, a&nbsp;spokesperson for the US Mission to United Nations&nbsp;said that the United States is expelling a Russian "intelligence operative" who works at the United Nations. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;EU members to discuss Kyiv's application for immediate membership amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-members-to-discuss-kyivs-application-for-immediate-membership-amid-russia-ukraine-conflict-457983/embed"></iframe>

To get your day started, here are some stories. US President Joe Biden denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine as "premeditated and unprovoked" in his State of the Union address.

To get your day started, here are some stories. US President Joe Biden denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine as "premeditated and unprovoked" in his State of the Union address. As Russia's attack on Ukraine continues for the sixth day, Biden emphasised the United States' solidarity with NATO allies, adding that Putin miscalculated the alliance's power. In other news, the World Bank has announced a plan to use more than $1 billion from a frozen Afghanistan trust fund to finance education, agriculture, health, and family programmes in the country. Click on the headline to read more: Biden goes after Russia, says Putin’s war was 'premeditated and unprovoked' In his State of the Union address, US President Joe Biden slammed Russian President Vladimir Putin for the "premeditated and unprovoked" invasion of Ukraine, as the US prepares to block its airspace to Russian planes. United States closes its airspace to Russian aircrafts The United States government has closed its airspace to Russian flights. This adds the US is to the host of nations, including Canada and Europe, that have shut down their airspace to Russian aircraft and other aircraft following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Afghanistan to receive more than $1 billion in aid from the World Bank; funds to bypass Taliban A plan to use more than $1 billion from a frozen Afghanistan trust fund to finance education, agriculture, health, and family programs has been approved by the World Bank's executive board. 'Intelligence operative': US expels Russian spy working for United Nations Amid the Ukraine-Russia chaos, a spokesperson for the US Mission to United Nations said that the United States is expelling a Russian "intelligence operative" who works at the United Nations. Watch | EU members to discuss Kyiv's application for immediate membership amid Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Morning brief: Biden's State of the Union address, World Bank announces $1bn aid for Afghanistan and more

The US government has closed its airspace to Russian flights. This adds the US to a number nations including Canada and several others in Europe that have shut down their airspace to Russian aircraft following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-authorise-30-million-barrels-of-oil-to-be-released-from-petroleum-reserve-white-house-457942" hreflang="en">Biden to authorise 30 million barrels of oil to be released from petroleum reserve: White House</a>

In his first State of the Union address,&nbsp;President Joe Biden said the United States would ban Russian planes from its airspace, and vowed Putin would pay a heavy price for his decision to invade Ukraine.

"He has no idea what's coming," he said at the House of Representatives.

"Let each of us...stand and send an unmistakable signal to Ukraine and to the world."

In the wake of reports that Biden would announce a ban on Russian aircraft using US airspace, American aviation giant Boeing said it will cease supporting Russian airlines and their operations in Moscow.

"We have suspended major operations in Moscow and temporarily closed our office in Kyiv," the Ukrainian capital, a Boeing spokesperson said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-should-be-stripped-of-un-rights-council-membership-says-blinken-457904" hreflang="en">Russia should be stripped of UN rights council membership, says Blinken</a>

"We are also suspending parts, maintenance and technical support services for Russian airlines. As the conflict continues, our teams are focused on ensuring the safety of our teammates in the region."

On Tuesday, United Airlines announced that it would temporarily suspend flights over Russian airspace, joining other major US carriers who have taken similar steps following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The White House declined to comment, but in recent days, it has had extensive talks with US airlines.

In recent days, United has continued to fly over Russian airspace to operate flights to and from India. United Parcel Service, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines all confirmed this week that their flights over Russia have been cancelled.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Western companies profiting from Russia's war

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-western-companies-profiting-from-russias-war-457954/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As per Reuters, FedEx did not respond to emails asking if it was ceasing flights over Russia.

The United airline is cancelling two flights to India on Tuesday and Wednesday as it evaluates alternate routes that don't use Russian airspace.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US government has closed its airspace to Russian flights. This adds the US to a number nations including Canada and several others in Europe that have shut down their airspace to Russian aircraft following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

The US government has closed its airspace to Russian flights. This adds the US to a number nations including Canada and several others in Europe that have shut down their airspace to Russian aircraft following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Also read | Biden to authorise 30 million barrels of oil to be released from petroleum reserve: White House In his first State of the Union address, President Joe Biden said the United States would ban Russian planes from its airspace, and vowed Putin would pay a heavy price for his decision to invade Ukraine. "He has no idea what's coming," he said at the House of Representatives. "Let each of us...stand and send an unmistakable signal to Ukraine and to the world." In the wake of reports that Biden would announce a ban on Russian aircraft using US airspace, American aviation giant Boeing said it will cease supporting Russian airlines and their operations in Moscow. "We have suspended major operations in Moscow and temporarily closed our office in Kyiv," the Ukrainian capital, a Boeing spokesperson said. Also read | Russia should be stripped of UN rights council membership, says Blinken "We are also suspending parts, maintenance and technical support services for Russian airlines. As the conflict continues, our teams are focused on ensuring the safety of our teammates in the region." On Tuesday, United Airlines announced that it would temporarily suspend flights over Russian airspace, joining other major US carriers who have taken similar steps following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The White House declined to comment, but in recent days, it has had extensive talks with US airlines. In recent days, United has continued to fly over Russian airspace to operate flights to and from India. United Parcel Service, Delta Air Lines and American Airlines all confirmed this week that their flights over Russia have been cancelled. Watch | Gravitas: Western companies profiting from Russia's war As per Reuters, FedEx did not respond to emails asking if it was ceasing flights over Russia. The United airline is cancelling two flights to India on Tuesday and Wednesday as it evaluates alternate routes that don't use Russian airspace. (With inputs from agencies)

United States closes its airspace to Russian aircraft

As Italian skiers kicked the snow off their boots and warmed up in the lobby of his lodge in the Apennine Mountains, the hotel owner worried what European sanctions on Russia would do to his already astronomically high heating bills.

“There will be major downsides for Italy,” said the owner, Roberto Minafra, as his guests checked the latest news about Ukraine on their phones. But in the face of an existential threat from President Vladimir Putin of Russia, Minafra decided that Italy, which receives more than 40% of its natural gas from Russia, needed to act with Europe. The economic hit was worth the sacrifice.

“Putin needs to be isolated,” he said. “We don’t have an alternative.”

After an initial wariness about the boomerang effect that sanctions would have on Italy’s energy imports, luxury goods businesses and banking sector, the country with some of the closest ties to Russia in Europe has stepped up with its Western allies in enacting muscular sanctions to weaken Putin, even at a potentially outsize cost for Italians.

Once seen by Russia — and nervous NATO allies — as the potential soft underbelly allowing Putin to break Europe’s liberal consensus and strengthen his regional influence, Italy has armored itself in the unity of the bloc and accepted the risk that the Kremlin could cut off much of Italy’s fuel in retaliation.

“In case of interruptions of gas supplies from Russia, Italy has more to lose compared to other European countries that rely on different sources,” Mario Draghi, the Italian prime minister but also a leading figure in the European Union, told the Italian Parliament on Tuesday. “This does not diminish our determination to support sanctions that we deem justified and necessary.”

In his speech, Draghi set out a vision of Europe, calling the Russian invasion a “decisive turning point in European history” that broke the “illusion” of permanent peace through economic and political integration, and posed a “new reality,” recalling the Nazi annexation of Austria or the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. He said it required choices that were until now unthinkable to protect against an attack on Western values and “the international order that we built together.”

“Italy does not intend to look away,” he said, adding that Italy and Europe had “adopted an increasingly tough and punitive response toward Moscow.”

He also said Italy had “responded to the appeal” of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine for military arms, equipment and vehicles because when a democracy under attack asks for help, “it’s not possible to respond only with encouragement.”

He said the crisis would accelerate the European Union’s integration process on immigration policy as it welcomed Ukrainian refugees, but also with regard to investments toward “a common defense” to protect the international order created after World War II.

For much of the postwar period, Italy has maintained a close connection to Russia. In the decades after the fall of Benito Mussolini’s fascist regime, Italy’s Communist Party was the largest outside the Soviet bloc. The Italian car company Fiat built the Soviet Union’s biggest car factory in a city named after Italian Communist leader Palmiro Togliatti, and also invested in helping the Soviets modernize their automobile industry and infrastructure.

That strong link to the Soviets spooked the West, and prompted the United States, which helped fund Italy’s rehabilitation through the Marshall Plan, and the Vatican to prop up Christian Democrats who ran Italy for nearly a half century. But during the Cold War, the Soviets exercised arguably more sway over Italy’s cultural intelligentsia, leaving the country divided.

Italy became a political and ideological borderland in the heart of Western Europe. The country’s leaders — those on the left and the right — maintained a strong alliance with the United States but also cozied up to the Soviets, and then the Russians, for their energy supply. With the rise of the oligarchs, Russia emerged as a market for Italian agriculture, banking and luxury goods.

But the collapse of Communism and the rise of Putin as a strongman shifted Russia’s support base in Italy to the right. Putin developed a close relationship with former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who shared his gaudy tastes. Ascending Italian populists saw in Putin a model for their opposition to migration and the decay of traditional values.

As those Euroskeptic forces rose, and America’s commitment to NATO eroded under President Donald Trump, Putin, always eager to destabilize Europe’s western front, sought to further boost Russia’s political, cultural and economic ties in Italy. His government welcomed sympathetic politicians to Moscow, supported cultural associations around Italy and wooed foreign investment with talk of Russia’s potential as an export market.

In the run-up to the war, Putin personally laid his soft power on thick, spending hours in a video call with Italian business leaders, including the chairman of the banking group Intesa Sanpaolo’s Russian unit, who “categorically” excluded an attack by Russia.

But the transactional era of extreme Italian flexibility between Russia and the West seemed to fade with Draghi, who, since taking office in 2021, has strengthened Italy’s ties with the European Union.

Now the politicians who courted Russia’s favor, and attended the Russia Day celebrations in Rome at the Russian ambassador’s residence, newly protected with barbed wire, have found themselves squirming.

Matteo Salvini, the leader of the Northern League party, which once signed a pact with Putin’s Russia United party, and who had a penchant for shirts with Putin’s face on them, has tried to condemn the violence without condemning Putin outright, and has voiced concern about sanctions cutting gas supplies.

“Sanctions should hit those who started and are conducting the war,” he said on Italian television Sunday, including politicians and billionaires. “Not poor people in Russia and even in Italy.”

But Draghi has shown little interest in cutting Russia a break since the start of the war. A former president of the European Central Bank, he said he had personally proposed that Europe take further measures against Russian oligarchs with assets surpassing 10 million euros ($11 million), intensify pressure on the Russian Central Bank and ask the Bank for International Settlements, headquartered in Switzerland, to join the sanctions.

Draghi has taken past Italian leaders to task for leaning so heavily on Russia. “The events of these days show the imprudence of not having further diversified our energy sources and our suppliers in the last decades,” he said last week.

On Tuesday he said the country had enough supply of oil and natural gas to mitigate shortages in the waning days of winter, but would jump-start its diversification projects, building up renewable energy and new gas supplies, “because we cannot be so dependent on the decisions of a single country.”

Italy’s Five Star Movement, which came to prominence as an anti-establishment force that often echoed Russian talking points and cross-pollinated with Russian propaganda websites, fought against alternative sources of energy.

One of the party’s members of Parliament infamously suggested that Ukrainians were cannibals, based on a photo that turned out to be from a horror movie. But perhaps its most prominent Russophile was Manlio Di Stefano, the party’s foreign policy point man.

In 2015, Di Stefano said the United States, NATO and the agricultural giant Monsanto had conspired to stir conflict in Ukraine to transform it “into a NATO base to launch the final attack on Russia,” but also to sell genetically modified foods. In 2016, he called Ukraine an American “puppet state” and attended a convention of Putin’s Russia United party.

He echoed Kremlin talking points to the Russian propaganda site Sputnik — which often promoted his party’s attacks on establishment rivals and is now banned in Europe — and urged Italy to “block sanctions against Russia” in part to help suffering Italian businesses.

Now, as Italy’s undersecretary for foreign affairs, he has become a supporter of the sanctions and a critic of Putin and Russia.

“I am also for further sanctions if war operations should continue, including forbidding Russian oil imports into the EU,” Di Stefano wrote in an email Tuesday. “My position has not changed.”

On Tuesday, Draghi urged the country not to litigate the past and to use the new momentum to push Europe further.

“The struggle that we support today,’’ Draghi said, “the sacrifices that we endure tomorrow, are in the defense of our principles and our future.”

As Italian skiers kicked the snow off their boots and warmed up in the lobby of his lodge in the Apennine Mountains, the hotel owner worried what European sanctions on Russia would do to his already astronomically high heating bills.

As Italian skiers kicked the snow off their boots and warmed up in the lobby of his lodge in the Apennine Mountains, the hotel owner worried what European sanctions on Russia would do to his already astronomically high heating bills. “There will be major downsides for Italy,” said the owner, Roberto Minafra, as his guests checked the latest news about Ukraine on their phones. But in the face of an existential threat from President Vladimir Putin of Russia, Minafra decided that Italy, which receives more than 40% of its natural gas from Russia, needed to act with Europe. The economic hit was worth the sacrifice. “Putin needs to be isolated,” he said. “We don’t have an alternative.” After an initial wariness about the boomerang effect that sanctions would have on Italy’s energy imports, luxury goods businesses and banking sector, the country with some of the closest ties to Russia in Europe has stepped up with its Western allies in enacting muscular sanctions to weaken Putin, even at a potentially outsize cost for Italians. Once seen by Russia — and nervous NATO allies — as the potential soft underbelly allowing Putin to break Europe’s liberal consensus and strengthen his regional influence, Italy has armored itself in the unity of the bloc and accepted the risk that the Kremlin could cut off much of Italy’s fuel in retaliation. “In case of interruptions of gas supplies from Russia, Italy has more to lose compared to other European countries that rely on different sources,” Mario Draghi, the Italian prime minister but also a leading figure in the European Union, told the Italian Parliament on Tuesday. “This does not diminish our determination to support sanctions that we deem justified and necessary.” In his speech, Draghi set out a vision of Europe, calling the Russian invasion a “decisive turning point in European history” that broke the “illusion” of permanent peace through economic and political integration, and posed a “new reality,” recalling the Nazi annexation of Austria or the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. He said it required choices that were until now unthinkable to protect against an attack on Western values and “the international order that we built together.” “Italy does not intend to look away,” he said, adding that Italy and Europe had “adopted an increasingly tough and punitive response toward Moscow.” He also said Italy had “responded to the appeal” of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine for military arms, equipment and vehicles because when a democracy under attack asks for help, “it’s not possible to respond only with encouragement.” He said the crisis would accelerate the European Union’s integration process on immigration policy as it welcomed Ukrainian refugees, but also with regard to investments toward “a common defense” to protect the international order created after World War II. For much of the postwar period, Italy has maintained a close connection to Russia. In the decades after the fall of Benito Mussolini’s fascist regime, Italy’s Communist Party was the largest outside the Soviet bloc. The Italian car company Fiat built the Soviet Union’s biggest car factory in a city named after Italian Communist leader Palmiro Togliatti, and also invested in helping the Soviets modernize their automobile industry and infrastructure. That strong link to the Soviets spooked the West, and prompted the United States, which helped fund Italy’s rehabilitation through the Marshall Plan, and the Vatican to prop up Christian Democrats who ran Italy for nearly a half century. But during the Cold War, the Soviets exercised arguably more sway over Italy’s cultural intelligentsia, leaving the country divided. Italy became a political and ideological borderland in the heart of Western Europe. The country’s leaders — those on the left and the right — maintained a strong alliance with the United States but also cozied up to the Soviets, and then the Russians, for their energy supply. With the rise of the oligarchs, Russia emerged as a market for Italian agriculture, banking and luxury goods. But the collapse of Communism and the rise of Putin as a strongman shifted Russia’s support base in Italy to the right. Putin developed a close relationship with former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who shared his gaudy tastes. Ascending Italian populists saw in Putin a model for their opposition to migration and the decay of traditional values. As those Euroskeptic forces rose, and America’s commitment to NATO eroded under President Donald Trump, Putin, always eager to destabilize Europe’s western front, sought to further boost Russia’s political, cultural and economic ties in Italy. His government welcomed sympathetic politicians to Moscow, supported cultural associations around Italy and wooed foreign investment with talk of Russia’s potential as an export market. In the run-up to the war, Putin personally laid his soft power on thick, spending hours in a video call with Italian business leaders, including the chairman of the banking group Intesa Sanpaolo’s Russian unit, who “categorically” excluded an attack by Russia. But the transactional era of extreme Italian flexibility between Russia and the West seemed to fade with Draghi, who, since taking office in 2021, has strengthened Italy’s ties with the European Union. Now the politicians who courted Russia’s favor, and attended the Russia Day celebrations in Rome at the Russian ambassador’s residence, newly protected with barbed wire, have found themselves squirming. Matteo Salvini, the leader of the Northern League party, which once signed a pact with Putin’s Russia United party, and who had a penchant for shirts with Putin’s face on them, has tried to condemn the violence without condemning Putin outright, and has voiced concern about sanctions cutting gas supplies. “Sanctions should hit those who started and are conducting the war,” he said on Italian television Sunday, including politicians and billionaires. “Not poor people in Russia and even in Italy.” But Draghi has shown little interest in cutting Russia a break since the start of the war. A former president of the European Central Bank, he said he had personally proposed that Europe take further measures against Russian oligarchs with assets surpassing 10 million euros ($11 million), intensify pressure on the Russian Central Bank and ask the Bank for International Settlements, headquartered in Switzerland, to join the sanctions. Draghi has taken past Italian leaders to task for leaning so heavily on Russia. “The events of these days show the imprudence of not having further diversified our energy sources and our suppliers in the last decades,” he said last week. On Tuesday he said the country had enough supply of oil and natural gas to mitigate shortages in the waning days of winter, but would jump-start its diversification projects, building up renewable energy and new gas supplies, “because we cannot be so dependent on the decisions of a single country.” Italy’s Five Star Movement, which came to prominence as an anti-establishment force that often echoed Russian talking points and cross-pollinated with Russian propaganda websites, fought against alternative sources of energy. One of the party’s members of Parliament infamously suggested that Ukrainians were cannibals, based on a photo that turned out to be from a horror movie. But perhaps its most prominent Russophile was Manlio Di Stefano, the party’s foreign policy point man. In 2015, Di Stefano said the United States, NATO and the agricultural giant Monsanto had conspired to stir conflict in Ukraine to transform it “into a NATO base to launch the final attack on Russia,” but also to sell genetically modified foods. In 2016, he called Ukraine an American “puppet state” and attended a convention of Putin’s Russia United party. He echoed Kremlin talking points to the Russian propaganda site Sputnik — which often promoted his party’s attacks on establishment rivals and is now banned in Europe — and urged Italy to “block sanctions against Russia” in part to help suffering Italian businesses. Now, as Italy’s undersecretary for foreign affairs, he has become a supporter of the sanctions and a critic of Putin and Russia. “I am also for further sanctions if war operations should continue, including forbidding Russian oil imports into the EU,” Di Stefano wrote in an email Tuesday. “My position has not changed.” On Tuesday, Draghi urged the country not to litigate the past and to use the new momentum to push Europe further. “The struggle that we support today,’’ Draghi said, “the sacrifices that we endure tomorrow, are in the defense of our principles and our future.”

Joining sanctions on Russia, Italy risks more than most

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.&nbsp;

Russian police has claimed that it spotted advertisements with orders for terrorist attacks against Moscow on the darknet, as per a statement by the country's interior ministry.

The secret darknet includes websites that can be accessed only with specific software or authorisations, ensuring anonymity for users.

"In the course of monitoring the Internet, employees of the Russian Interior Ministry revealed a number of ads calling for terrorist activities in the shadow segment of the network, on the Hydra site, as well as in social networks and instant messengers," the ministry said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/west-and-allies-have-shown-double-standards-says-russian-fm-sergei-lavrov-457829/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"According to available information, announcements of calls for illegal acts are distributed by call centers located in Ukraine. The police suggest that previously these centers could engage in phone fraud against Russian citizens and other criminal acts," the interior ministry added.

The attackers offered to carry out terrorist attacks for money, including against the state authorities of Russia in the material posted online.

The Russian interior ministry has requested "citizens not to respond to provocative proposals distributed on the Internet."

The local police said that ''Participation in terrorist activities, hooliganism and other illegal acts entail criminal liability.''

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-war-russias-hunt-for-drone-killer-uav-concept-revealed-457886" hreflang="en">Ukraine war: Russia's hunt for 'drone-killer UAV concept' revealed</a>

With disinformation rife and social media amplifying military claims and counterclaims, determining exactly what is happening is difficult.

As Russian and Ukrainian websites fall victim to cyber attacks and Moscow restricts access to some foreign social media, internet users across both countries have turned to online tools to help circumvent the blocks.

Demand for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) that encrypt data and obscure where a user is located has soared, data from monitoring firm Top10VPN showed, peaking 354 per cent&nbsp;higher in Russia on Sunday when compared to the daily average from February&nbsp;16-23.

Russia, which calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation", invaded its neighbour on February 24, attacking from land, sea and air. At home, it is battling to control the narrative, threatening restrictions on foreign and local media that stray from its official version of events.

Photos and videos were slow to load on Facebook, owned by Meta Platforms Inc, and Twitter, both of which have been targeted by state communications regulator Roskomnadzor.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/microsoft-to-remove-rt-apps-ban-russian-state-owned-media-ads-457704" hreflang="en">Microsoft to remove RT apps, ban Russian state-owned media ads</a>

"VPN demand surged in Russia as authorities restricted Facebook and Twitter over the weekend in a bid to control the flow of information from its invasion of Ukraine," Top10VPN said.

Russia banned several VPNs last year, but has failed to block them entirely, as part of a wider campaign critics say stifles internet freedom.

In Ukraine, Russian hackers were blamed for a spate of cyberattacks that briefly knocked Ukrainian banking and government websites offline, days before the invasion. Russia denied involvement.

VPN demand in Ukraine began noticeably increasing on February 15 in light of cyberattacks, Top10VPN said, and skyrocketed after the invasion, with demand peaking 424 per cent&nbsp;higher than the daily average in the first half of February.

On Monday, the websites of several Russian media outlets were hacked, with their regular sites replaced by an anti-war message and calls to stop President Vladimir Putin's invasion.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russian police has claimed that it spotted advertisements with orders for terrorist attacks against Moscow on the darknet, as per a statement by the country's interior ministry. The secret darknet includes websites that can be accessed only with specific software or authorisations, ensuring anonymity for users. "In the course of monitoring the Internet, employees of the Russian Interior Ministry revealed a number of ads calling for terrorist activities in the shadow segment of the network, on the Hydra site, as well as in social networks and instant messengers," the ministry said. "According to available information, announcements of calls for illegal acts are distributed by call centers located in Ukraine. The police suggest that previously these centers could engage in phone fraud against Russian citizens and other criminal acts," the interior ministry added. The attackers offered to carry out terrorist attacks for money, including against the state authorities of Russia in the material posted online. The Russian interior ministry has requested "citizens not to respond to provocative proposals distributed on the Internet." The local police said that ''Participation in terrorist activities, hooliganism and other illegal acts entail criminal liability.'' Also see | Ukraine war: Russia's hunt for 'drone-killer UAV concept' revealed With disinformation rife and social media amplifying military claims and counterclaims, determining exactly what is happening is difficult. As Russian and Ukrainian websites fall victim to cyber attacks and Moscow restricts access to some foreign social media, internet users across both countries have turned to online tools to help circumvent the blocks. Demand for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) that encrypt data and obscure where a user is located has soared, data from monitoring firm Top10VPN showed, peaking 354 per cent higher in Russia on Sunday when compared to the daily average from February 16-23. Russia, which calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation", invaded its neighbour on February 24, attacking from land, sea and air. At home, it is battling to control the narrative, threatening restrictions on foreign and local media that stray from its official version of events. Photos and videos were slow to load on Facebook, owned by Meta Platforms Inc, and Twitter, both of which have been targeted by state communications regulator Roskomnadzor. Also read | Microsoft to remove RT apps, ban Russian state-owned media ads "VPN demand surged in Russia as authorities restricted Facebook and Twitter over the weekend in a bid to control the flow of information from its invasion of Ukraine," Top10VPN said. Russia banned several VPNs last year, but has failed to block them entirely, as part of a wider campaign critics say stifles internet freedom. In Ukraine, Russian hackers were blamed for a spate of cyberattacks that briefly knocked Ukrainian banking and government websites offline, days before the invasion. Russia denied involvement. VPN demand in Ukraine began noticeably increasing on February 15 in light of cyberattacks, Top10VPN said, and skyrocketed after the invasion, with demand peaking 424 per cent higher than the daily average in the first half of February. On Monday, the websites of several Russian media outlets were hacked, with their regular sites replaced by an anti-war message and calls to stop President Vladimir Putin's invasion. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian police spots 'orders' for terrorist attacks against Moscow on darknet

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken questioned Tuesday whether Russia deserved to remain a member of the UN Human Rights Council following its invasion of Ukraine.

"One can reasonably ask whether a UN member state that tries to take over another UN member state, while committing horrific human rights abuses and causing massive humanitarian suffering, should be allowed to remain on this council," he asked in a video address to the UN's top human rights body in Geneva.

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He warned, "if President Putin succeeds in his stated goal of toppling Ukraine's democratically-elected government, the human rights and humanitarian crises will only get worse".

"We must send a resolute and unified message that President (Vladimir) Putin should unconditionally stop this," he said.

Russian shelling pounded civilian targets in Ukraine’s second-largest city again Tuesday and a 40-mile convoy of tanks and other vehicles threatened the capital — tactics Ukraine’s embattled president said were designed to force him into concessions in Europe’s largest ground war in generations.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-war-russias-hunt-for-drone-killer-uav-concept-revealed-457886" hreflang="en">Ukraine war: Russia's hunt for 'drone-killer UAV concept' revealed</a>

"As a result of an air strike... eight people were killed and six injured in Kharkiv," Ukraine's emergency service said, adding that two people had been recovered alive from debris by rescue workers.

With the Kremlin increasingly isolated by tough economic sanctions that have tanked the ruble currency, Russian troops attempted to advance on Ukraine’s two biggest cities.&nbsp;

In strategic Kharkiv, an eastern city with a population of about 1.5 million, videos posted online showed explosions hitting the region’s Soviet-era administrative building and residential areas.

With Western powers sending weapons to Ukraine and driving a global squeeze of Russia’s economy, President Vladimir Putin’s options diminished as he seeks to redraw the global map — and pull Ukraine’s western-leaning democracy back into Moscow’s orbit. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken questioned Tuesday whether Russia deserved to remain a member of the UN Human Rights Council following its invasion of Ukraine.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken questioned Tuesday whether Russia deserved to remain a member of the UN Human Rights Council following its invasion of Ukraine. "One can reasonably ask whether a UN member state that tries to take over another UN member state, while committing horrific human rights abuses and causing massive humanitarian suffering, should be allowed to remain on this council," he asked in a video address to the UN's top human rights body in Geneva. He warned, "if President Putin succeeds in his stated goal of toppling Ukraine's democratically-elected government, the human rights and humanitarian crises will only get worse". "We must send a resolute and unified message that President (Vladimir) Putin should unconditionally stop this," he said. Russian shelling pounded civilian targets in Ukraine’s second-largest city again Tuesday and a 40-mile convoy of tanks and other vehicles threatened the capital — tactics Ukraine’s embattled president said were designed to force him into concessions in Europe’s largest ground war in generations. Also see | Ukraine war: Russia's hunt for 'drone-killer UAV concept' revealed "As a result of an air strike... eight people were killed and six injured in Kharkiv," Ukraine's emergency service said, adding that two people had been recovered alive from debris by rescue workers. With the Kremlin increasingly isolated by tough economic sanctions that have tanked the ruble currency, Russian troops attempted to advance on Ukraine’s two biggest cities. In strategic Kharkiv, an eastern city with a population of about 1.5 million, videos posted online showed explosions hitting the region’s Soviet-era administrative building and residential areas. With Western powers sending weapons to Ukraine and driving a global squeeze of Russia’s economy, President Vladimir Putin’s options diminished as he seeks to redraw the global map — and pull Ukraine’s western-leaning democracy back into Moscow’s orbit. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia should be stripped of UN rights council membership, says Blinken

Russia will continue the offensive in Ukraine until its "goals are achieved", Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said Tuesday, almost a week into Moscow's invasion.&nbsp;

"Russian armed forces will continue to conduct the special military operation until set goals are achieved," Shoigu said at a press conference aired on state television.

He said Moscow aims to "demilitarise and de-Nazify" Ukraine, as well as protect Russia from a "military threat created by Western countries".

Russian shelling pounded civilian targets in Ukraine’s second-largest city again Tuesday and a 40-mile convoy of tanks and other vehicles threatened the capital,&nbsp;tactics Ukraine’s embattled president said were designed to force him into concessions in Europe’s largest ground war in generations.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-ukrainian-president-zelensky-accuses-russia-of-shelling-after-talks-457762/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

With the Kremlin increasingly isolated by tough economic sanctions that have tanked the ruble currency, Russian troops attempted to advance on Ukraine’s two biggest cities. In strategic Kharkiv, an eastern city with a population of about 1.5 million, videos posted online showed explosions hitting the region’s Soviet-era administrative building and residential areas.

With Western powers sending weapons to Ukraine and driving a global squeeze of Russia’s economy, President Vladimir Putin’s options diminished as he seeks to redraw the global map,&nbsp;and pull Ukraine’s western-leaning democracy back into Moscow’s orbit.

Meanwhile, Russia's foreign minister told a Geneva disarmament meeting on Tuesday that Kiev has been seeking to acquire nuclear weapons, calling this a real danger that it needed to prevent.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-attack-wars-in-europe-since-fall-of-berlin-wall-457392">Ukraine attack: Wars in Europe since fall of Berlin Wall</a>

"Ukraine still has Soviet technologies and the means of delivery of such weapons," Sergei Lavov told the Geneva-based Conference on Disarmament in a pre-recorded address. "We cannot fail to respond to this real danger," he said.

At the same meeting, Ukraine's foreign minister accused Russia of war crimes through its shelling of his country and called for a special meeting to address Russian aggression and weapons of mass destruction.

Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation" that it says is not designed to occupy territory but to destroy its southern neighbour's military capabilities and capture what it regards as dangerous nationalists.

The Russian military’s movements have been stalled by fierce resistance on the ground and a surprising inability to dominate Ukraine’s airspace.

In the face of that resistance, the Kremlin has twice in as many days raised the specter of nuclear war and put on high alert an arsenal that includes intercontinental ballistic missiles and long-range bombers. Stepping up his rhetoric, President Vladimir Putin denounced the United States and its allies as an “empire of lies.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia will continue the offensive in Ukraine until its "goals are achieved", Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said Tuesday, almost a week into Moscow's invasion. "Russian armed forces will continue to conduct the special military operation until set goals are achieved," Shoigu said at a press conference aired on state television.

Russia will continue the offensive in Ukraine until its "goals are achieved", Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said Tuesday, almost a week into Moscow's invasion. "Russian armed forces will continue to conduct the special military operation until set goals are achieved," Shoigu said at a press conference aired on state television. He said Moscow aims to "demilitarise and de-Nazify" Ukraine, as well as protect Russia from a "military threat created by Western countries". Russian shelling pounded civilian targets in Ukraine’s second-largest city again Tuesday and a 40-mile convoy of tanks and other vehicles threatened the capital, tactics Ukraine’s embattled president said were designed to force him into concessions in Europe’s largest ground war in generations. With the Kremlin increasingly isolated by tough economic sanctions that have tanked the ruble currency, Russian troops attempted to advance on Ukraine’s two biggest cities. In strategic Kharkiv, an eastern city with a population of about 1.5 million, videos posted online showed explosions hitting the region’s Soviet-era administrative building and residential areas. With Western powers sending weapons to Ukraine and driving a global squeeze of Russia’s economy, President Vladimir Putin’s options diminished as he seeks to redraw the global map, and pull Ukraine’s western-leaning democracy back into Moscow’s orbit. Meanwhile, Russia's foreign minister told a Geneva disarmament meeting on Tuesday that Kiev has been seeking to acquire nuclear weapons, calling this a real danger that it needed to prevent. Also see | Ukraine attack: Wars in Europe since fall of Berlin Wall "Ukraine still has Soviet technologies and the means of delivery of such weapons," Sergei Lavov told the Geneva-based Conference on Disarmament in a pre-recorded address. "We cannot fail to respond to this real danger," he said. At the same meeting, Ukraine's foreign minister accused Russia of war crimes through its shelling of his country and called for a special meeting to address Russian aggression and weapons of mass destruction. Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation" that it says is not designed to occupy territory but to destroy its southern neighbour's military capabilities and capture what it regards as dangerous nationalists. The Russian military’s movements have been stalled by fierce resistance on the ground and a surprising inability to dominate Ukraine’s airspace. In the face of that resistance, the Kremlin has twice in as many days raised the specter of nuclear war and put on high alert an arsenal that includes intercontinental ballistic missiles and long-range bombers. Stepping up his rhetoric, President Vladimir Putin denounced the United States and its allies as an “empire of lies.” (With inputs from agencies)

Russia to pursue Ukraine offensive until all 'goals achieved'

Russia's bombardment of civilian targets in Ukraine's second city of Kharkiv broke international rules of conflict, the EU's foreign policy chief said Tuesday.&nbsp;

"The shelling against civilian infrastructure yesterday in Kharkiv violates the laws of war. The EU stands unwavering at the side of Ukraine in these dramatic moments," Josep Borrell said after a call with Ukraine's foreign minister.

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Russian troops fired artillery at Kyiv, Kharkiv and the southern port city of Mariupol overnight while the Ukrainian side shot down Russian military planes around the capital.

In strategic Kharkiv, an eastern city with a population of about 1.5 million, videos posted online showed explosions hitting the region’s Soviet-era administrative building and residential areas.

At least 10 people were killed and 35 wounded&nbsp;in rockets strikes by Russian forces on the centre of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, Interior Ministry adviser Anton Herashchenko said in a post on social media.

"The rubble is being cleared and there will be even more victims and wounded," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-lifts-visa-requirements-for-foreigners-who-want-to-fight-against-russia-457756">Ukraine lifts visa requirements for foreigners willing to fight against Russia</a>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said&nbsp;that Russian artillery attacks on Ukraine's second-largest city of Kharkiv amounted to state terrorism and called on the international community to recognise it as such.

"The terror aims to break us, to break our resistance," he said in a video address shared on social media describing Kyiv and Kharkiv as Russia's main targets.

Amid ever-growing international condemnation, Russia found itself increasingly isolated five days into its invasion, while also facing unexpectedly fierce resistance on the ground in Ukraine and economic havoc at home.

For the second day in a row, the Kremlin raised the specter of nuclear war, announcing that its nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarines and long-range bombers had all been put on high alert, following President Vladimir Putin’s orders over the weekend.

An embattled Ukraine moved to solidify its ties to the West by applying to join the European Union,&nbsp;a largely symbolic move for now, but one that is unlikely to sit well with Putin, who has long accused the US of trying to pull Ukraine out of Moscow’s orbit.

On Sunday, the EU announced it would tighten sanctions on Russia, ban Russian state-owned television network Russia Today and news agency Sputnik and fund weapons for Ukraine to help it defend itself against Russia's invasion.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia's bombardment of civilian targets in Ukraine's second city of Kharkiv broke international rules of conflict, the EU's foreign policy chief said Tuesday. "The shelling against civilian infrastructure yesterday in Kharkiv violates the laws of war.

Russia's bombardment of civilian targets in Ukraine's second city of Kharkiv broke international rules of conflict, the EU's foreign policy chief said Tuesday. "The shelling against civilian infrastructure yesterday in Kharkiv violates the laws of war. The EU stands unwavering at the side of Ukraine in these dramatic moments," Josep Borrell said after a call with Ukraine's foreign minister. Russian troops fired artillery at Kyiv, Kharkiv and the southern port city of Mariupol overnight while the Ukrainian side shot down Russian military planes around the capital. In strategic Kharkiv, an eastern city with a population of about 1.5 million, videos posted online showed explosions hitting the region’s Soviet-era administrative building and residential areas. At least 10 people were killed and 35 wounded in rockets strikes by Russian forces on the centre of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, Interior Ministry adviser Anton Herashchenko said in a post on social media. "The rubble is being cleared and there will be even more victims and wounded," he said. Also read | Ukraine lifts visa requirements for foreigners willing to fight against Russia Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that Russian artillery attacks on Ukraine's second-largest city of Kharkiv amounted to state terrorism and called on the international community to recognise it as such. "The terror aims to break us, to break our resistance," he said in a video address shared on social media describing Kyiv and Kharkiv as Russia's main targets. Amid ever-growing international condemnation, Russia found itself increasingly isolated five days into its invasion, while also facing unexpectedly fierce resistance on the ground in Ukraine and economic havoc at home. For the second day in a row, the Kremlin raised the specter of nuclear war, announcing that its nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarines and long-range bombers had all been put on high alert, following President Vladimir Putin’s orders over the weekend. An embattled Ukraine moved to solidify its ties to the West by applying to join the European Union, a largely symbolic move for now, but one that is unlikely to sit well with Putin, who has long accused the US of trying to pull Ukraine out of Moscow’s orbit. On Sunday, the EU announced it would tighten sanctions on Russia, ban Russian state-owned television network Russia Today and news agency Sputnik and fund weapons for Ukraine to help it defend itself against Russia's invasion. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian shelling in Ukraine's Kharkiv 'violates laws of war': European Union

Officials from Russia and Ukraine ended peace talks on Monday and will return to their respective capitals for further consultations before a second round of negotiations, RIA news agency quoted Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak as saying.

"The delegations are returning to their capitals for consultations and have discussed the possibility of meeting for a second round of negotiations soon," Podolyak said.&nbsp;

"We agreed to keep the negotiations going," the Russian delegation head, Vladimir Medinsky said.

The talks between the two sides were aimed at securing an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian forces.

They were held on the border with strong Russian ally Belarus, where a referendum on Sunday approved a new constitution ditching the country's non-nuclear status at a time when the former Soviet republic has become a launch pad for Russian troops invading Ukraine.

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Russian-Israeli billionaire Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea FC, was in Belarus assisting in Ukraine-Russia negotiations at the request of Kyiv

The talks came as Ukraine's forces fiercely resist the Russian offensive, a day after President Vladimir Putin ordered his defence chiefs to put the country's nuclear forces on high alert.

The Ukrainian delegation included&nbsp;defence minister Oleksiy Reznikov as well as deputy foreign minister Mykola Tochytskyi.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-torn-between-west-and-russia-457408" hreflang="en">Ukraine: Torn between West and Russia</a>

Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation" that it says is not designed to occupy territory but to destroy its southern neighbour's military capabilities and capture what it regards as dangerous nationalists.

Kyiv was initially reluctant to send a delegation to&nbsp;Belarus, given the country's role as facilitator in Russia's attack on Ukraine.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-attack-wars-in-europe-since-fall-of-berlin-wall-457392" hreflang="en">Ukraine attack: Wars in Europe since fall of Berlin Wall</a>

Russia’s Central Bank scrambled to shore up the tanking ruble Monday and the US&nbsp;and European countries upped weapons shipments to Ukraine.

Western nations ramped up the pressure with a freeze on Russia’s hard currency reserves, threatening to bring Russia’s economy to its knees.

While they hope to curb Putin’s aggression after he unleashed Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II, the measures also risked pushing an increasingly cornered Putin closer to the edge.

Neighboring Belarus could send troops to help Russia as soon as Monday, according to a senior American intelligence official with direct knowledge of current US&nbsp;intelligence assessments.&nbsp;

US&nbsp;officials say they believe the invasion has been more difficult, and slower, than the Kremlin envisioned, though that could change as Moscow adapts.

The British Defence Ministry said Monday that the bulk of Putin’s forces are about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of Kyiv, their advance having been slowed by Ukrainian forces.

In addition to sanctions, the US&nbsp;and Germany announced they will send Stinger missiles to Ukraine among other military supplies.

The European Union,&nbsp;founded to ensure peace on the continent after World War II,&nbsp;is supplying lethal aid for the first time, including fighter jets.

The increasingly erratic Putin made a clear link between ever-tightening sanctions and his decision Sunday to raise Russia’s nuclear posture.

He also pointed at “aggressive statements” by NATO as a reason for his move, a reference to his long-running stance that the US-led alliance is an existential threat to Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

Officials from Russia and Ukraine ended peace talks on Monday and will return to their respective capitals for further consultations before a second round of negotiations, RIA news agency quoted Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak as saying.

Officials from Russia and Ukraine ended peace talks on Monday and will return to their respective capitals for further consultations before a second round of negotiations, RIA news agency quoted Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak as saying. "The delegations are returning to their capitals for consultations and have discussed the possibility of meeting for a second round of negotiations soon," Podolyak said. "We agreed to keep the negotiations going," the Russian delegation head, Vladimir Medinsky said. The talks between the two sides were aimed at securing an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian forces. They were held on the border with strong Russian ally Belarus, where a referendum on Sunday approved a new constitution ditching the country's non-nuclear status at a time when the former Soviet republic has become a launch pad for Russian troops invading Ukraine. Russian-Israeli billionaire Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea FC, was in Belarus assisting in Ukraine-Russia negotiations at the request of Kyiv The talks came as Ukraine's forces fiercely resist the Russian offensive, a day after President Vladimir Putin ordered his defence chiefs to put the country's nuclear forces on high alert. The Ukrainian delegation included defence minister Oleksiy Reznikov as well as deputy foreign minister Mykola Tochytskyi. Also see | Ukraine: Torn between West and Russia Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation" that it says is not designed to occupy territory but to destroy its southern neighbour's military capabilities and capture what it regards as dangerous nationalists. Kyiv was initially reluctant to send a delegation to Belarus, given the country's role as facilitator in Russia's attack on Ukraine. Also see | Ukraine attack: Wars in Europe since fall of Berlin Wall Russia’s Central Bank scrambled to shore up the tanking ruble Monday and the US and European countries upped weapons shipments to Ukraine. Western nations ramped up the pressure with a freeze on Russia’s hard currency reserves, threatening to bring Russia’s economy to its knees. While they hope to curb Putin’s aggression after he unleashed Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II, the measures also risked pushing an increasingly cornered Putin closer to the edge. Neighboring Belarus could send troops to help Russia as soon as Monday, according to a senior American intelligence official with direct knowledge of current US intelligence assessments. US officials say they believe the invasion has been more difficult, and slower, than the Kremlin envisioned, though that could change as Moscow adapts. The British Defence Ministry said Monday that the bulk of Putin’s forces are about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of Kyiv, their advance having been slowed by Ukrainian forces. In addition to sanctions, the US and Germany announced they will send Stinger missiles to Ukraine among other military supplies. The European Union, founded to ensure peace on the continent after World War II, is supplying lethal aid for the first time, including fighter jets. The increasingly erratic Putin made a clear link between ever-tightening sanctions and his decision Sunday to raise Russia’s nuclear posture. He also pointed at “aggressive statements” by NATO as a reason for his move, a reference to his long-running stance that the US-led alliance is an existential threat to Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia, Ukraine plan 'second round' of conflict talks

India abstained on a procedural resolution to call for a rare special emergency session of the UN General Assembly on Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

Two days after the Russian veto blocked a UNSC resolution on its aggression against Ukraine, the Security Council voted to convene an emergency special session of the 193-member General Assembly on the crisis.

The 15-nation Security Council met on Sunday afternoon to hold a vote on the emergency special session of the General Assembly on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Only 10 such emergency sessions of the General Assembly have been held since 1950.

India abstained, while Russia voted against the resolution and 11 council members voted in favour. The vote calling for the session was procedural so none of the five permanent members of the Security Council -- China, France, Russia, UK and the US -- could exercise their vetoes.

President of the 76th session of the General Assembly Abdulla Shahid, who was to attend the 49th regular session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, cancelled his trip "due to the ongoing situation in Ukraine and potential developments in the Security Council," for the vote.

He also met with Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya on Saturday after the veto on the draft resolution in the Security Council. Kyslytsya briefed Shahid "on the security situation in Kyiv and the potential action he would be seeking in the General Assembly."

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also cancelled his scheduled trip to Geneva for the Human Rights Council meeting "due to the aggravating situation in Ukraine."

The Security Council on Friday evening failed to adopt the US-sponsored resolution that would have deplored Russia's "aggression" against Ukraine after Moscow used its veto.

On Friday too, India, China and the UAE abstained from the resolution, while 11 members of the Council voted in favour.

The UNSC resolution was expected to be blocked since Russia, a permanent member of the Council and President of the UN organ for the month of February, was certain to use its veto. Western nations said the resolution had sought to show Moscow's isolation on the global stage for its invasion and actions against Ukraine.

US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield had said after the failed UNSC vote that "we will be taking this matter to the General Assembly, where the Russian veto does not apply and the nations of the world will continue to hold Russia accountable."

While a UNSC resolution would have been legally binding, General Assembly resolutions are not. A vote in the 193-member UN body is symbolic of world opinion.

In the explanation of vote in the Security Council on Friday, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti had said India is "deeply disturbed" by the recent turn of developments in Ukraine and urges that all efforts be made for the immediate cessation of violence and hostilities.

Tirumurti also said India is "deeply concerned" about the welfare and security of the Indian community, including a large number of Indian students, in Ukraine.

"Dialogue is the only answer to settling differences and disputes, however daunting that may appear at this moment. It is a matter of regret that the path of diplomacy was given up. We must return to it. For all these reasons, India has chosen to abstain on this resolution," Tirumurti had said.

In March 2014, after Russia's annexation of Crimea, the General Assembly had adopted a resolution that underscored the "invalidity" of the referendum held in "autonomous Crimea".

By a recorded vote of 100 in favour to 11 against, with 58 abstentions, the Assembly had adopted a resolution titled 'Territorial Integrity of Ukraine', calling on States, international organisations and specialised agencies not to recognise any change in the status of Crimea or the Black Sea port city of Sevastopol, and to refrain from actions or dealings that might be interpreted as such. India had abstained from the resolution.

Under the resolution "Uniting for Peace", adopted by the General Assembly in November 1950, an emergency special session can be convened within 24 hours of such a meeting being requested.

The UNGA "resolves that if the Security Council, because of lack of unanimity of the permanent members, fails to exercise its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security in any case where there appears to be a threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression, the General Assembly shall consider the matter immediately with a view to making appropriate recommendations to Members...," the resolution states.

"If not in session at the time, the General Assembly may meet in emergency special session within twenty-four hours of the request therefore. Such emergency special session shall be called if requested by the Security Council on the vote of any seven members, or by a majority of the Members of the United Nations," it says.

The UNGA resolution of 1950 also reaffirms the "importance of the exercise by the Security Council of its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, and the duty of the permanent members to seek unanimity and to exercise restraint in the use of the veto."

India abstained on a procedural resolution to call for a rare special emergency session of the UN General Assembly on Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Two days after the Russian veto blocked a UNSC resolution on its aggression against Ukraine, the Security Council voted to convene an emergency special session of the 193-member General Assembly on the crisis.

India abstained on a procedural resolution to call for a rare special emergency session of the UN General Assembly on Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Two days after the Russian veto blocked a UNSC resolution on its aggression against Ukraine, the Security Council voted to convene an emergency special session of the 193-member General Assembly on the crisis. The 15-nation Security Council met on Sunday afternoon to hold a vote on the emergency special session of the General Assembly on Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Only 10 such emergency sessions of the General Assembly have been held since 1950. India abstained, while Russia voted against the resolution and 11 council members voted in favour. The vote calling for the session was procedural so none of the five permanent members of the Security Council -- China, France, Russia, UK and the US -- could exercise their vetoes. President of the 76th session of the General Assembly Abdulla Shahid, who was to attend the 49th regular session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, cancelled his trip "due to the ongoing situation in Ukraine and potential developments in the Security Council," for the vote. He also met with Ukraine's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya on Saturday after the veto on the draft resolution in the Security Council. Kyslytsya briefed Shahid "on the security situation in Kyiv and the potential action he would be seeking in the General Assembly." UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also cancelled his scheduled trip to Geneva for the Human Rights Council meeting "due to the aggravating situation in Ukraine." The Security Council on Friday evening failed to adopt the US-sponsored resolution that would have deplored Russia's "aggression" against Ukraine after Moscow used its veto. On Friday too, India, China and the UAE abstained from the resolution, while 11 members of the Council voted in favour. The UNSC resolution was expected to be blocked since Russia, a permanent member of the Council and President of the UN organ for the month of February, was certain to use its veto. Western nations said the resolution had sought to show Moscow's isolation on the global stage for its invasion and actions against Ukraine. US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield had said after the failed UNSC vote that "we will be taking this matter to the General Assembly, where the Russian veto does not apply and the nations of the world will continue to hold Russia accountable." While a UNSC resolution would have been legally binding, General Assembly resolutions are not. A vote in the 193-member UN body is symbolic of world opinion. In the explanation of vote in the Security Council on Friday, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti had said India is "deeply disturbed" by the recent turn of developments in Ukraine and urges that all efforts be made for the immediate cessation of violence and hostilities. Tirumurti also said India is "deeply concerned" about the welfare and security of the Indian community, including a large number of Indian students, in Ukraine. "Dialogue is the only answer to settling differences and disputes, however daunting that may appear at this moment. It is a matter of regret that the path of diplomacy was given up. We must return to it. For all these reasons, India has chosen to abstain on this resolution," Tirumurti had said. In March 2014, after Russia's annexation of Crimea, the General Assembly had adopted a resolution that underscored the "invalidity" of the referendum held in "autonomous Crimea". By a recorded vote of 100 in favour to 11 against, with 58 abstentions, the Assembly had adopted a resolution titled 'Territorial Integrity of Ukraine', calling on States, international organisations and specialised agencies not to recognise any change in the status of Crimea or the Black Sea port city of Sevastopol, and to refrain from actions or dealings that might be interpreted as such. India had abstained from the resolution. Under the resolution "Uniting for Peace", adopted by the General Assembly in November 1950, an emergency special session can be convened within 24 hours of such a meeting being requested. The UNGA "resolves that if the Security Council, because of lack of unanimity of the permanent members, fails to exercise its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security in any case where there appears to be a threat to the peace, breach of the peace, or act of aggression, the General Assembly shall consider the matter immediately with a view to making appropriate recommendations to Members...," the resolution states. "If not in session at the time, the General Assembly may meet in emergency special session within twenty-four hours of the request therefore. Such emergency special session shall be called if requested by the Security Council on the vote of any seven members, or by a majority of the Members of the United Nations," it says. The UNGA resolution of 1950 also reaffirms the "importance of the exercise by the Security Council of its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, and the duty of the permanent members to seek unanimity and to exercise restraint in the use of the veto."

India abstains from UNSC procedural vote to call for General Assembly session on Ukraine

Kremlin on Monday said that Russia will ride out the sanctions imposed by the United States, the United Kingdom, European Union and other countries.

"The Western sanctions on Russia are hard, but our country has the necessary potential to compensate the damage," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.&nbsp;

He added that "today Putin will be working on economic questions" and meeting key ministers.&nbsp;

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"The economic reality has significantly changed, let's put it this way," he said, adding that Russia had taken steps to prepare for it.

"Russia has been systematically preparing for quite a long time for possible sanctions, including the heaviest sanctions that we are now facing," he said.&nbsp;

The Western-led response to the invasion has been sweeping, with sanctions that effectively cut off Moscow's major financial institutions from successive Western markets sending Russia's rouble currency down 30 per cent&nbsp;against the dollar on Monday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-start-first-talks-since-moscow-assault-457449">Russia, Ukraine start first talks since Moscow assault</a>

While they hope to curb Putin’s aggression after he unleashed Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II, the measures also risked pushing an increasingly cornered Putin closer to the edge.

“It’s going to ripple through their economy really fast,” said David Feldman, a professor of economics at William &amp; Mary in Virginia. “Anything that is imported is going to see the local cost in currency surge. The only way to stop it will be heavy subsidisation.”

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-attack-wars-in-europe-since-fall-of-berlin-wall-457392" hreflang="en">Ukraine attack: Wars in Europe since fall of Berlin Wall</a>

Russia’s central bank sharply raised its key interest rate Monday in a desperate attempt to shore up the currency and prevent a run on banks. The bank hiked the benchmark rate to 20 per cent&nbsp;from 9.5 per cent.&nbsp;

The Russian government will have to step in to support declining industries, banks and economic sectors, but without access to hard currencies like the US&nbsp;dollar and euro, they may have to result to printing more rubles. It’s a move that could quickly spiral into hyperinflation.

The ruble slide recalled previous crises. The currency lost much of its value in the early 1990s after the end of the Soviet Union, with inflation and loss of value leading the government to lop three zeros off ruble notes in 1997. Then came a further drop after a 1998 financial crisis in which many depositors lost savings and yet another plunge in 2014 due to falling oil prices and sanctions imposed after Russia seized Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula.

(With inputs from agencies)

Kremlin on Monday said that Russia will ride out the sanctions imposed by the United States, the United Kingdom, European Union and other countries. "The Western sanctions on Russia are hard, but our country has the necessary potential to compensate the damage," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists.

Kremlin on Monday said that Russia will ride out the sanctions imposed by the United States, the United Kingdom, European Union and other countries. "The Western sanctions on Russia are hard, but our country has the necessary potential to compensate the damage," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists. He added that "today Putin will be working on economic questions" and meeting key ministers. "The economic reality has significantly changed, let's put it this way," he said, adding that Russia had taken steps to prepare for it. "Russia has been systematically preparing for quite a long time for possible sanctions, including the heaviest sanctions that we are now facing," he said. The Western-led response to the invasion has been sweeping, with sanctions that effectively cut off Moscow's major financial institutions from successive Western markets sending Russia's rouble currency down 30 per cent against the dollar on Monday. Also read | Russia, Ukraine start first talks since Moscow assault While they hope to curb Putin’s aggression after he unleashed Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II, the measures also risked pushing an increasingly cornered Putin closer to the edge. “It’s going to ripple through their economy really fast,” said David Feldman, a professor of economics at William & Mary in Virginia. “Anything that is imported is going to see the local cost in currency surge. The only way to stop it will be heavy subsidisation.” Also see | Ukraine attack: Wars in Europe since fall of Berlin Wall Russia’s central bank sharply raised its key interest rate Monday in a desperate attempt to shore up the currency and prevent a run on banks. The bank hiked the benchmark rate to 20 per cent from 9.5 per cent. The Russian government will have to step in to support declining industries, banks and economic sectors, but without access to hard currencies like the US dollar and euro, they may have to result to printing more rubles. It’s a move that could quickly spiral into hyperinflation. The ruble slide recalled previous crises. The currency lost much of its value in the early 1990s after the end of the Soviet Union, with inflation and loss of value leading the government to lop three zeros off ruble notes in 1997. Then came a further drop after a 1998 financial crisis in which many depositors lost savings and yet another plunge in 2014 due to falling oil prices and sanctions imposed after Russia seized Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula. (With inputs from agencies)

'Russia will compensate the damage': Kremlin on Western sanctions

Ukraine: Torn between West and Russia

Ukraine attack: Wars in Europe since fall of Berlin Wall

From curiosity to cataclysm: Russian President Vladimir Putin's relationship with the West

President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian nuclear deterrent forces put on high alert Sunday amid tensions with the West over his invasion of Ukraine.

"I order the defence minister and the chief of the general staff of the Russian armed forces to put the deterrence forces of the Russian army into a special mode of combat service," Putin said in a televised address.

"As you can see, not only do Western countries take unfriendly measures against our country in the economic dimension - I mean the illegal sanctions that everyone knows about very well - but also the top officials of leading NATO countries allow themselves to make aggressive statements with regards to our country," he added.

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In response,&nbsp;White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "We've seen him do this time and time again. At no point has Russia been under threat from NATO, has Russia been under threat from Ukraine."

"This is all a pattern from President Putin and we're going to stand up to it. We have the ability to defend ourselves, but we also need to call out what we're seeing here from President Putin," Psaki added.

&nbsp;It comes after President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko announced that the country will turn to Russia with a request to return nuclear weapons to it if the United States deploys them in Poland or Lithuania.

According to Lukashenko, he mentioned this possibility during the conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron. "If the United States, or France … transfer nuclear weapons to Poland, to Lithuania, to our borders, … I will appeal to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin to return the weapons that I once gave without any preconditions," Lukashenko said.

Ukrainian forces battled Russian troops pushing into the city of Kharkiv on Sunday on the fourth day of an invasion that has shaken Europe's long-standing security architecture and pushed Germany to spend more on defence.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-curiosity-to-cataclysm-russian-president-vladimir-putins-relationship-with-the-west-456896">From curiosity to cataclysm: Russian President Vladimir Putin's relationship with the West</a>

The invasion of Ukraine from three sides ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin is the biggest assault on a European state since World War Two.

The attack, which Russia calls a special operation, has so far failed to topple the government in Kyiv or take major cities, but has driven hundreds of thousands of refugees, mainly women and children, into neighbouring countries.

“We are fighting, fighting for our country, fighting for our freedom because we have the right to do that,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&nbsp;

“The past night was tough,&nbsp;more shelling, more bombing of residential areas and civilian infrastructure. There is not a single facility in the country that the occupiers wouldn’t consider as admissible targets.”

Ukraine’s health minister reported Saturday that 198 people, including three children, had been killed and more than 1,000 others wounded.&nbsp;

The US, European Union, and the United Kingdom agreed to block “selected” Russian banks from the SWIFT global financial messaging system, which moves money around more than 11,000 banks and other financial institutions worldwide, part of a new round of sanctions aiming to impose a severe cost on Moscow for the invasion.

(With inputs from agencies)

President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian nuclear deterrent forces put on high alert Sunday amid tensions with the West over his invasion of Ukraine. "I order the defence minister and the chief of the general staff of the Russian armed forces to put the deterrence forces of the Russian army into a special mode of combat service," Putin said in a televised address.

President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian nuclear deterrent forces put on high alert Sunday amid tensions with the West over his invasion of Ukraine. "I order the defence minister and the chief of the general staff of the Russian armed forces to put the deterrence forces of the Russian army into a special mode of combat service," Putin said in a televised address. "As you can see, not only do Western countries take unfriendly measures against our country in the economic dimension - I mean the illegal sanctions that everyone knows about very well - but also the top officials of leading NATO countries allow themselves to make aggressive statements with regards to our country," he added. In response, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "We've seen him do this time and time again. At no point has Russia been under threat from NATO, has Russia been under threat from Ukraine." "This is all a pattern from President Putin and we're going to stand up to it. We have the ability to defend ourselves, but we also need to call out what we're seeing here from President Putin," Psaki added. It comes after President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko announced that the country will turn to Russia with a request to return nuclear weapons to it if the United States deploys them in Poland or Lithuania. According to Lukashenko, he mentioned this possibility during the conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron. "If the United States, or France … transfer nuclear weapons to Poland, to Lithuania, to our borders, … I will appeal to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin to return the weapons that I once gave without any preconditions," Lukashenko said. Ukrainian forces battled Russian troops pushing into the city of Kharkiv on Sunday on the fourth day of an invasion that has shaken Europe's long-standing security architecture and pushed Germany to spend more on defence. Also see | From curiosity to cataclysm: Russian President Vladimir Putin's relationship with the West The invasion of Ukraine from three sides ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin is the biggest assault on a European state since World War Two. The attack, which Russia calls a special operation, has so far failed to topple the government in Kyiv or take major cities, but has driven hundreds of thousands of refugees, mainly women and children, into neighbouring countries. “We are fighting, fighting for our country, fighting for our freedom because we have the right to do that,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. “The past night was tough, more shelling, more bombing of residential areas and civilian infrastructure. There is not a single facility in the country that the occupiers wouldn’t consider as admissible targets.” Ukraine’s health minister reported Saturday that 198 people, including three children, had been killed and more than 1,000 others wounded. The US, European Union, and the United Kingdom agreed to block “selected” Russian banks from the SWIFT global financial messaging system, which moves money around more than 11,000 banks and other financial institutions worldwide, part of a new round of sanctions aiming to impose a severe cost on Moscow for the invasion. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin orders 'deterrence forces' on high alert

Russia is using Chinese app Tiktok to shape opinion through orchestrated disinformation as it continues to push through its invasion of Ukraine.

From cat memes to puppies, the app has become Russia’s new propaganda front to stir up anti-Ukrainian sentiment.

State-controlled media outlets look to divide Western audiences. The head of Russia's state-run RT television is in no doubt. If fellow citizens oppose President Vladimir Putin's action in Ukraine then they are no longer Russians.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-is-targeting-residential-infrastructures-says-ukrainian-mp-inna-sovsun-457065/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of the English language international news network, is never one to mince her words and is used to making cutting remarks on Twitter in defence of Putin who she refers to simply as "leader".

"If you are ashamed of being Russian now, don't worry, you are not Russian," was her summation of the anti-war movement at home.

Alphabet Inc's Google has banned downloads of Russian state-owned media outlet RT's mobile app on Ukrainian territory at the request of the government in Kyiv.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-curiosity-to-cataclysm-russian-president-vladimir-putins-relationship-with-the-west-456896">From curiosity to cataclysm: Russian President Vladimir Putin's relationship with the West</a>

Googlehas barred RT and other channels from receiving money for ads on their websites, apps and YouTube videos, similar to a move by Facebook after the invasion of Ukraine.

Russia had used a similar tactic in 2014 when flooded the internet with fake accounts pushing disinformation about its takeover of Crimea.&nbsp;

Eight years later, experts say Russia is mounting a far more sophisticated effort as it invades Ukraine.

In the cat video, a husky puppy identified by a digitally inserted U.S. flag swipes at the tail of a tabby identified by a Russian flag. The cat responds with a ferocious jab that sends the hapless dog scurrying.&nbsp;

The clip, which has been viewed 775,000 times in two weeks, is the work of an account named Funrussianprezident that boasts 310,000 followers. Almost all of its videos feature pro-Russian content.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-united-states-is-root-cause-of-ukraine-invasion-457079" hreflang="en">North Korea says United States is ‘root cause’ of Ukraine invasion</a>

“It could just be a patriotic Russian fighting the good fight as they see it, or it could easily be something directly affiliated with the state,” said Nina Jankowicz, a disinformation researcher and expert on Eastern Europe at the Wilson Center in Washington. “Russia has been perfecting these tactics.”

Several thousand Russians demonstrated against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but the police reaction was the usual one when it comes to Kremlin critics: hundreds of arrests.

So the anti-war movement has moved online, where it is beginning to make itself heard and to garner support, some of it high-profile.

Ukrainian flags adorn profile pictures and teary-eyed emojis are scattered liberally among the online statements. The hashtag #NoToTheWar was trending on Twitter on Saturday.

Since early Thursday, when the invasion of Ukraine began, various Russian celebrities, journalists and bloggers have expressed their horror and helplessness, pleading for an immediate end to the war.

The popular video blogger and documentary filmmaker Yuri Dud saw one of his online posts get a million "likes".

"I write these words for a reason. When my children grow up and discover this moment in history... and ask me 'Dad, what did you do?', I want to have written proof that I did not choose this regime and did not support its imperialist rage," he wrote.

Addressing the celebrities and "thousands and thousands" of anonymous Russians denouncing the invasion, &nbsp;Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked them and asked them to stop those who "lie to the whole world".

Putin has described Zelensky and his government as "terrorists" and "a gang of drug addicts and neo-Nazis", urging the country's military to topple him.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia is using Chinese app Tiktok to shape opinion through orchestrated disinformation as it continues to push through its invasion of Ukraine. From cat memes to puppies, the app has become Russia’s new propaganda front to stir up anti-Ukrainian sentiment.

Russia is using Chinese app Tiktok to shape opinion through orchestrated disinformation as it continues to push through its invasion of Ukraine. From cat memes to puppies, the app has become Russia’s new propaganda front to stir up anti-Ukrainian sentiment. State-controlled media outlets look to divide Western audiences. The head of Russia's state-run RT television is in no doubt. If fellow citizens oppose President Vladimir Putin's action in Ukraine then they are no longer Russians. Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of the English language international news network, is never one to mince her words and is used to making cutting remarks on Twitter in defence of Putin who she refers to simply as "leader". "If you are ashamed of being Russian now, don't worry, you are not Russian," was her summation of the anti-war movement at home. Alphabet Inc's Google has banned downloads of Russian state-owned media outlet RT's mobile app on Ukrainian territory at the request of the government in Kyiv. Also see | From curiosity to cataclysm: Russian President Vladimir Putin's relationship with the West Googlehas barred RT and other channels from receiving money for ads on their websites, apps and YouTube videos, similar to a move by Facebook after the invasion of Ukraine. Russia had used a similar tactic in 2014 when flooded the internet with fake accounts pushing disinformation about its takeover of Crimea. Eight years later, experts say Russia is mounting a far more sophisticated effort as it invades Ukraine. In the cat video, a husky puppy identified by a digitally inserted U.S. flag swipes at the tail of a tabby identified by a Russian flag. The cat responds with a ferocious jab that sends the hapless dog scurrying. The clip, which has been viewed 775,000 times in two weeks, is the work of an account named Funrussianprezident that boasts 310,000 followers. Almost all of its videos feature pro-Russian content. Also read | North Korea says United States is ‘root cause’ of Ukraine invasion “It could just be a patriotic Russian fighting the good fight as they see it, or it could easily be something directly affiliated with the state,” said Nina Jankowicz, a disinformation researcher and expert on Eastern Europe at the Wilson Center in Washington. “Russia has been perfecting these tactics.” Several thousand Russians demonstrated against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but the police reaction was the usual one when it comes to Kremlin critics: hundreds of arrests. So the anti-war movement has moved online, where it is beginning to make itself heard and to garner support, some of it high-profile. Ukrainian flags adorn profile pictures and teary-eyed emojis are scattered liberally among the online statements. The hashtag #NoToTheWar was trending on Twitter on Saturday. Since early Thursday, when the invasion of Ukraine began, various Russian celebrities, journalists and bloggers have expressed their horror and helplessness, pleading for an immediate end to the war. The popular video blogger and documentary filmmaker Yuri Dud saw one of his online posts get a million "likes". "I write these words for a reason. When my children grow up and discover this moment in history... and ask me 'Dad, what did you do?', I want to have written proof that I did not choose this regime and did not support its imperialist rage," he wrote. Addressing the celebrities and "thousands and thousands" of anonymous Russians denouncing the invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked them and asked them to stop those who "lie to the whole world". Putin has described Zelensky and his government as "terrorists" and "a gang of drug addicts and neo-Nazis", urging the country's military to topple him. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine attack: Russia is using Chinese app Tiktok to shape opinion through orchestrated disinformation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected a Russian offer of talks in Belarus on Sunday, saying Minsk itself was complicit in the Russian invasion, but leaving the door open to negotiations in other locations.

"Warsaw, Bratislava, Budapest, Istanbul, Baku. We proposed all of them," Zelensky said in an address posted online.&nbsp;

"And any other city in a country from whose territory missiles do not fly would suit us," the 44-year-old president said.

"That's the only way talks can be honest. And could put an end to war."

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He urged the world on Sunday to scrap Russia's voting power at the UN Security Council and said Russian actions bear signs of "genocide."

"This is terror. They are going to bomb our Ukrainian cities even more, they are going to kill our children even more subtly. This is the evil that has come to our land and must be destroyed," Zelensky said on a short video message.

The Kremlin said on Sunday its delegation was ready to meet Ukrainian officials in the Belarusian city of Gomel. It has tried to justify its operation to "demilitarise" Ukraine as an attempt to prevent the alleged persecution of the country's Russian-speaking minority.

But the international community has roundly condemned the invasion as a flagrant breach of international law, and many Ukrainian civilians have volunteered to defend their country. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-curiosity-to-cataclysm-russian-president-vladimir-putins-relationship-with-the-west-456896">From curiosity to cataclysm: Russian President Vladimir Putin's relationship with the West</a>

The US and other global powers slapped ever-tougher sanctions on Russia as the invasion reverberated through the world's economy and energy supplies, threatening to further hit ordinary households.

Through it all, Russia remained unbowed, vetoing a UN&nbsp;Security Council resolution demanding that it stop attacking Ukraine and withdraw troops immediately.&nbsp;

The Kremlin said Kyiv initially agreed to have talks in Minsk, then said it would prefer Warsaw and later halted communications.

In a window into how the increasingly isolated Putin views Ukraine and its leadership, he urged Ukraine's military to surrender, saying: We would find it easier to agree with you than with that gang of drug addicts and neo-Nazis who have holed up in Kyiv and have taken the entire Ukrainian people hostage.

Playing on Russian nostalgia for World War II heroism, the Kremlin equates members of Ukrainian right-wing groups with neo-Nazis. Zelensky, who is Jewish, angrily dismisses those claims.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected a Russian offer of talks in Belarus on Sunday, saying Minsk itself was complicit in the Russian invasion, but leaving the door open to negotiations in other locations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected a Russian offer of talks in Belarus on Sunday, saying Minsk itself was complicit in the Russian invasion, but leaving the door open to negotiations in other locations. "Warsaw, Bratislava, Budapest, Istanbul, Baku. We proposed all of them," Zelensky said in an address posted online. "And any other city in a country from whose territory missiles do not fly would suit us," the 44-year-old president said. "That's the only way talks can be honest. And could put an end to war." He urged the world on Sunday to scrap Russia's voting power at the UN Security Council and said Russian actions bear signs of "genocide." "This is terror. They are going to bomb our Ukrainian cities even more, they are going to kill our children even more subtly. This is the evil that has come to our land and must be destroyed," Zelensky said on a short video message. The Kremlin said on Sunday its delegation was ready to meet Ukrainian officials in the Belarusian city of Gomel. It has tried to justify its operation to "demilitarise" Ukraine as an attempt to prevent the alleged persecution of the country's Russian-speaking minority. But the international community has roundly condemned the invasion as a flagrant breach of international law, and many Ukrainian civilians have volunteered to defend their country. Also see | From curiosity to cataclysm: Russian President Vladimir Putin's relationship with the West The US and other global powers slapped ever-tougher sanctions on Russia as the invasion reverberated through the world's economy and energy supplies, threatening to further hit ordinary households. Through it all, Russia remained unbowed, vetoing a UN Security Council resolution demanding that it stop attacking Ukraine and withdraw troops immediately. The Kremlin said Kyiv initially agreed to have talks in Minsk, then said it would prefer Warsaw and later halted communications. In a window into how the increasingly isolated Putin views Ukraine and its leadership, he urged Ukraine's military to surrender, saying: We would find it easier to agree with you than with that gang of drug addicts and neo-Nazis who have holed up in Kyiv and have taken the entire Ukrainian people hostage. Playing on Russian nostalgia for World War II heroism, the Kremlin equates members of Ukrainian right-wing groups with neo-Nazis. Zelensky, who is Jewish, angrily dismisses those claims. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ready to talk with Russia, but not in Belarus

Japanese billionaire Hiroshi "Mickey" Mikitani said Sunday that ''Russia's invasion a challenge to democracy,'' adding that he will donate $8.7 million to the government of Ukraine.

"My thoughts are with you and Ukraine people," Mikitani said in a letter addressed to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky.

"I believe that the trampling of a peaceful and democratic Ukraine by unjustified force is a challenge to democracy.

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"I sincerely hope that Russia and Ukraine can resolve this issue peacefully and that Ukraine people can have peace again as soon as possible," he wrote.

Mikitani is the founder of e-commerce giant Rakuten. He visited Kyiv in 2019 and met with Zelensky.&nbsp;

Street fighting broke out in Ukraine’s second-largest city and Russian troops squeezed strategic ports in the country’s south Sunday, advances that appeared to mark a new phase of Russia’s invasion following a wave of attacks on airfields and fuel facilities elsewhere in the country.

Until Sunday, Russia’s troops had remained on the outskirts of Kharkiv, a city of 1.4 million about 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) south of the border with Russia, while other forces rolled past to press the offensive deeper into Ukraine and Ukrainian fighters put up determined resistance.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-curiosity-to-cataclysm-russian-president-vladimir-putins-relationship-with-the-west-456896">From curiosity to cataclysm: Russian President Vladimir Putin's relationship with the West</a>

“We are fighting, fighting for our country, fighting for our freedom because we have the right to do that,” Zelenskyy said.&nbsp;

“The past night was tough — more shelling, more bombing of residential areas and civilian infrastructure. There is not a single facility in the country that the occupiers wouldn’t consider as admissible targets.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-are-the-ukrainians-what-you-should-know-about-the-nation-facing-war-457019" hreflang="en">Who are the Ukrainians? What you should know about the nation facing war</a>

Russian President Vladimir Putin hasn’t disclosed his ultimate plans, but Western officials believe he is determined to overthrow Ukraine’s government and replace it with a regime of his own, redrawing the map of Europe and reviving Moscow’s Cold War-era influence.

The pressure on strategic ports in the south of Ukraine appeared aimed at seizing control of Ukraine’s coastline stretching from the border with Romania in the west to the border with Russia in the east.

Cutting Ukraine’s access to its sea ports that would deal a major blow to the country’s economy. It also could allow Moscow to build a land corridor to Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014 and until now was connected to Russia by a 19-kilometer (12-mile) bridge, the longest bridge in Europe which opened in 2018.

Russia’s military also put increasing pressure on strategic ports in the south of Ukraine, blocking the cities of Kherson on the Black Sea and the port of Berdyansk on the Azov Sea.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japanese billionaire Hiroshi "Mickey" Mikitani said Sunday that ''Russia's invasion a challenge to democracy,'' adding that he will donate $8.7 million to the government of Ukraine.

Japanese billionaire Hiroshi "Mickey" Mikitani said Sunday that ''Russia's invasion a challenge to democracy,'' adding that he will donate $8.7 million to the government of Ukraine. "My thoughts are with you and Ukraine people," Mikitani said in a letter addressed to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. "I believe that the trampling of a peaceful and democratic Ukraine by unjustified force is a challenge to democracy. "I sincerely hope that Russia and Ukraine can resolve this issue peacefully and that Ukraine people can have peace again as soon as possible," he wrote. Mikitani is the founder of e-commerce giant Rakuten. He visited Kyiv in 2019 and met with Zelensky. Street fighting broke out in Ukraine’s second-largest city and Russian troops squeezed strategic ports in the country’s south Sunday, advances that appeared to mark a new phase of Russia’s invasion following a wave of attacks on airfields and fuel facilities elsewhere in the country. Until Sunday, Russia’s troops had remained on the outskirts of Kharkiv, a city of 1.4 million about 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) south of the border with Russia, while other forces rolled past to press the offensive deeper into Ukraine and Ukrainian fighters put up determined resistance. Also see | From curiosity to cataclysm: Russian President Vladimir Putin's relationship with the West “We are fighting, fighting for our country, fighting for our freedom because we have the right to do that,” Zelenskyy said. “The past night was tough — more shelling, more bombing of residential areas and civilian infrastructure. There is not a single facility in the country that the occupiers wouldn’t consider as admissible targets.” Also read | Who are the Ukrainians? What you should know about the nation facing war Russian President Vladimir Putin hasn’t disclosed his ultimate plans, but Western officials believe he is determined to overthrow Ukraine’s government and replace it with a regime of his own, redrawing the map of Europe and reviving Moscow’s Cold War-era influence. The pressure on strategic ports in the south of Ukraine appeared aimed at seizing control of Ukraine’s coastline stretching from the border with Romania in the west to the border with Russia in the east. Cutting Ukraine’s access to its sea ports that would deal a major blow to the country’s economy. It also could allow Moscow to build a land corridor to Crimea, which Moscow annexed in 2014 and until now was connected to Russia by a 19-kilometer (12-mile) bridge, the longest bridge in Europe which opened in 2018. Russia’s military also put increasing pressure on strategic ports in the south of Ukraine, blocking the cities of Kherson on the Black Sea and the port of Berdyansk on the Azov Sea. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese billionaire calls Russia's attack a challenge to democracy, donates $8.7 million to Ukraine

In a significant move, Poland has announced that no visa will be required for Indian nationals crossing into the country from war-torn Ukraine. In a tweet, Polish envoy Adam Burakowski said, "Poland is allowing to enter without any visa all Indian students who escape from Russian aggression in Ukraine.".

A number of Indian nationals have reached the Poland-Ukraine border and have been advised by the Indian mission in Warsaw to make for the Shehyni Medyka border crossing.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/poland-envoy-speaks-to-wion-poland-will-help-in-evacuating-indians-stranded-in-ukraine-456852/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Polish government is allowing people to cross that border on foot. The Krakowiec border crossing is for persons travelling in their own vehicles.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/war-in-ukraine-polands-envoy-adam-burakowski-assures-full-support-to-india-on-evacuation-plans-456882" hreflang="en">Poland's envoy Burakowski assures full support to India on evacuation plans</a>

In an exclusive conversation with Wion on Saturday, Envoy Adam said, " I can assure you that Polish authorities are fully cooperating with India", explaining, "Poland and other countries which border Ukraine, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania are providing help."

Around 15000 Indian nationals mostly medical students are in Ukraine. Indian governent has launched operation Ganga for the evacuation of Indian nationals. The Ministry of external affairs has sent teams to border areas of Romania, Poland, and Hungary for evacuation of Indian nationals crossing over from Ukraine.

&nbsp;

In a significant move, Poland has announced that no visa will be required for Indian nationals crossing into the country from war-torn Ukraine. In a tweet, Polish envoy Adam Burakowski said, "Poland is allowing to enter without any visa all Indian students who escape from Russian aggression in Ukraine.

In a significant move, Poland has announced that no visa will be required for Indian nationals crossing into the country from war-torn Ukraine. In a tweet, Polish envoy Adam Burakowski said, "Poland is allowing to enter without any visa all Indian students who escape from Russian aggression in Ukraine.". A number of Indian nationals have reached the Poland-Ukraine border and have been advised by the Indian mission in Warsaw to make for the Shehyni Medyka border crossing. The Polish government is allowing people to cross that border on foot. The Krakowiec border crossing is for persons travelling in their own vehicles. Also read | Poland's envoy Burakowski assures full support to India on evacuation plans In an exclusive conversation with Wion on Saturday, Envoy Adam said, " I can assure you that Polish authorities are fully cooperating with India", explaining, "Poland and other countries which border Ukraine, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania are providing help." Around 15000 Indian nationals mostly medical students are in Ukraine. Indian governent has launched operation Ganga for the evacuation of Indian nationals. The Ministry of external affairs has sent teams to border areas of Romania, Poland, and Hungary for evacuation of Indian nationals crossing over from Ukraine.

War in Ukraine: Poland says no visa required for Indians crossing border

In its first comments since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, North Korea's foreign ministry posted a statement by a researcher calling the United States the "root cause" of the European crisis for pursuing unilateral sanctions and pressure while disregarding Russia's legitimate demands for its security.

Washington has pursued "military supremacy in disregard of the legitimate demand of Russia for its security" according to the commentary, attributed to Ri Ji Song, a researcher at the North's Society for International Politics Study.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-eu-aims-new-sanctions-to-cripple-putin-amid-ukraine-invasion-457037/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The root cause of the Ukrainian crisis also lies in the high-handedness and arbitrariness of the US," said the post uploaded on the North's foreign ministry website.

Ri slammed the US for holding a "double standard," saying it meddled in the internal affairs of other countries in the name of "peace and stability" but "but it denounces for no good reason self-defensive measures taken by other countries to ensure their own national security."

"Gone are the days when the U.S. used to reign supreme," the post said.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-curiosity-to-cataclysm-russian-president-vladimir-putins-relationship-with-the-west-456896" hreflang="en">From curiosity to cataclysm: Russian President Vladimir Putin's relationship with the West</a>

The response is a "low-key" official reaction as it was published under an individual name, said Park Won-gon, a professor of North Korean Studies at Ewha Woman's University.

"Putin’s War shapes almost all geopolitics right now, and should factor somewhere in Kim’s calculus — but even 'taking advantage of distraction' seems to presume too much, since (North Korea) was already testing aggressively before the war," John Delury, a professor at South Korea's Yonsei University, said on Twitter.

To aid Ukraine’s ability to hold out, the US pledged an additional $350 million in military assistance to Ukraine, including anti-tank weapons, body armor, and small arms. Germany said it would send missiles and anti-tank weapons to the besieged country and that it would close its airspace to Russian planes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-ukraine-conflict-us-uk-eu-to-put-crippling-sanctions-on-russian-central-bank-block-swift-456943">US, UK, EU to put crippling sanctions on Russian central bank, block SWIFT</a>

The US, European Union, and the United Kingdom agreed to block “selected” Russian banks from the SWIFT global financial messaging system, which moves money around more than 11,000 banks and other financial institutions worldwide, part of a new round of sanctions aiming to impose a severe cost on Moscow for the invasion. They also agreed to impose ”restrictive measures” on Russia’s central bank.

As Russia pushes ahead with its offensive, the West is working to equip the outnumbered Ukrainian forces with weapons and ammunition while punishing Russia with far-reaching sanctions intended to further isolate Moscow.

President Vladimir Putin hasn’t disclosed his ultimate plans, but Western officials believe he is determined to overthrow Ukraine’s government and replace it with a regime of his own, redrawing the map of Europe and reviving Moscow’s Cold War-era influence.

Ukraine’s health minister reported Saturday that 198 people, including three children, had been killed and more than 1,000 others wounded during Europe’s largest land war since World War II.

(With inputs from agencies)

In its first comments since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, North Korea's foreign ministry posted a statement by a researcher calling the United States the "root cause" of the European crisis for pursuing unilateral sanctions and pressure while disregarding Russia's legitimate demands for its security.

In its first comments since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, North Korea's foreign ministry posted a statement by a researcher calling the United States the "root cause" of the European crisis for pursuing unilateral sanctions and pressure while disregarding Russia's legitimate demands for its security. Washington has pursued "military supremacy in disregard of the legitimate demand of Russia for its security" according to the commentary, attributed to Ri Ji Song, a researcher at the North's Society for International Politics Study. "The root cause of the Ukrainian crisis also lies in the high-handedness and arbitrariness of the US," said the post uploaded on the North's foreign ministry website. Ri slammed the US for holding a "double standard," saying it meddled in the internal affairs of other countries in the name of "peace and stability" but "but it denounces for no good reason self-defensive measures taken by other countries to ensure their own national security." "Gone are the days when the U.S. used to reign supreme," the post said. Also see | From curiosity to cataclysm: Russian President Vladimir Putin's relationship with the West The response is a "low-key" official reaction as it was published under an individual name, said Park Won-gon, a professor of North Korean Studies at Ewha Woman's University. "Putin’s War shapes almost all geopolitics right now, and should factor somewhere in Kim’s calculus — but even 'taking advantage of distraction' seems to presume too much, since (North Korea) was already testing aggressively before the war," John Delury, a professor at South Korea's Yonsei University, said on Twitter. To aid Ukraine’s ability to hold out, the US pledged an additional $350 million in military assistance to Ukraine, including anti-tank weapons, body armor, and small arms. Germany said it would send missiles and anti-tank weapons to the besieged country and that it would close its airspace to Russian planes. Also read | US, UK, EU to put crippling sanctions on Russian central bank, block SWIFT The US, European Union, and the United Kingdom agreed to block “selected” Russian banks from the SWIFT global financial messaging system, which moves money around more than 11,000 banks and other financial institutions worldwide, part of a new round of sanctions aiming to impose a severe cost on Moscow for the invasion. They also agreed to impose ”restrictive measures” on Russia’s central bank. As Russia pushes ahead with its offensive, the West is working to equip the outnumbered Ukrainian forces with weapons and ammunition while punishing Russia with far-reaching sanctions intended to further isolate Moscow. President Vladimir Putin hasn’t disclosed his ultimate plans, but Western officials believe he is determined to overthrow Ukraine’s government and replace it with a regime of his own, redrawing the map of Europe and reviving Moscow’s Cold War-era influence. Ukraine’s health minister reported Saturday that 198 people, including three children, had been killed and more than 1,000 others wounded during Europe’s largest land war since World War II. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea says United States is ‘root cause’ of Ukraine invasion

The Biden administration said Friday that Russia was never serious about finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis over Ukraine and that weeks of back-and-forth between Washington and Moscow amounted to a sham as the Kremlin prepared for war.

“Moscow engaged in the pretense of diplomacy,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters at a daily news conference. “It now appears quite clear that Russia was not, and has not been, interested in genuine diplomacy.”

Price’s words were the most definitive statement yet by the Biden administration that President Vladimir Putin of Russia had not dealt in good faith, even as Russian diplomats repeatedly met face to face with their U.S. and European counterparts. Washington and Moscow also exchanged multiple rounds of formal documents on European security.

The assessment was a departure from assertions made by U.S. officials in recent months that, despite the Russian forces amassing along Ukraine’s border, Putin remained undecided on whether to order an invasion.

Price did not specify whether the Biden administration believes Russia's diplomats knew their efforts were for show.

As the threat of invasion grew more apparent this year, Biden officials met with Russian emissaries across Europe to test Moscow’s intentions, warning all along that they were unsure whether Russia was earnestly seeking a diplomatic solution.

In mid-January, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman visited Switzerland, Belgium and Austria to meet with Russians and Europeans in varying configurations. At one session, she appealed to her Russian counterparts by recalling how her father had been a Marine in World War II, when the United States and Russia shared a common enemy in Nazi Germany.

In late January, Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Geneva. Days later, the U.S. ambassador in Moscow, John J. Sullivan, delivered a document to the Russian foreign ministry outlining broad U.S. negotiating principles in response to earlier Russian demands.

On Friday, Price declared that those interactions had amounted to a charade. The Russians, he said, used the illusion of diplomacy “to buy time to continue their preparations for what it seems clear that Vladimir Putin had intended all along.”

While conservative critics have said Blinken and others put too much effort into futile diplomacy with an untrustworthy Russian leader, Price’s assertion also served as an implicit response to some analysts who say the United States might have done more to avoid war.

In particular, some have said that explicit assurances from the United States that Ukraine would not become a member of NATO might have been enough to satisfy Putin.

In the run-up to his attack, Putin repeatedly said the prospect of Ukrainian membership in NATO was an unacceptable threat to his country, although he also issued other, far more sweeping demands about the alliance’s posture in Europe that Western officials called non-starters. The United States and Europe offered Putin little in return for his implied threat — he publicly denied any intention to invade Ukraine — proposing talks on relatively narrow subjects like arms control and military exercises in Europe.

“My sense is that Putin was negotiating in good faith and that he would not have invaded Ukraine if the Biden administration had given a written guarantee not to expand NATO into Ukraine” and pledged to stop arming and training Ukraine’s military, said John Mearsheimer, an international relations scholar at the University of Chicago and a prominent critic of NATO expansion.

Samuel Charap, a former State Department official who is a Russia analyst at the RAND Corp., was more skeptical but said it seemed at least possible that assurances about Ukraine’s future NATO membership might have been enough to defang Putin.

“Was there a deal to be had? It’s unclear to me whether we fully tested that proposition down to the core issue,” he said, adding that the blame for the invasion falls entirely on Putin.

As war seemed to grow nearer, several European and at least one Ukrainian official appeared to float the possibility that Ukraine would forswear its NATO ambitions.

President Joe Biden noted in public remarks last month that the widely accepted truth was that Ukraine was “not very likely” to join NATO anytime soon. French President Emmanuel Macron said the Cold War neutrality model known as “Finlandization” was an idea “on the table.” And Ukraine’s ambassador to Britain, Vadym Prystaiko, told the BBC that his country could be “flexible” about NATO membership (although he quickly backtracked).

But such talk was never presented to Russia as a formal diplomatic offer.

Charles Kupchan, who was Europe director of the National Security Council in the Obama White House, said Putin’s muted response to such talk suggested that more explicit proposals to keep Ukraine out of NATO would have been futile.

“Was the body language coming out of Washington, Kyiv and every European capital enough to provide some trade space if he wanted it? Yes. But he did not seem to pick it up,” Kupchan said.

“I think going back to the early 1990s, the American foreign policy establishment has too easily dismissed Russian objections to NATO enlargement,” he added. “That having been said, when I step back from the events of the last couple of months, the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO looks more like a smoke screen to me than the nub of the issue” for Putin.

Andrew S. Weiss, head of the Russia and Eurasia program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said that Russia had made impossible demands from the start, but that the illusion of diplomacy set off a political debate in the West that served Putin’s purposes. Moscow, he said, focused “rather cleverly on age-old complaints about Ukraine’s theoretical eligibility for NATO membership, knowing full well that this issue triggers a lot of people in the West.”

The United States engaged in a “stale and predictable academic debate with ourselves about whether past administrations’ policies were needlessly provocative toward the Kremlin,” Weiss said. That discussion, he added, played into the hands of “isolationists like former President Trump who maintain that U.S. alliances are a needless burden and the Americans would be better off defending the border with Mexico.”

“In Europe, where anti-Americanism and Ukraine fatigue are just below the surface, the Kremlin’s Potemkin diplomacy gambit also paid off,” Weiss said.

Kori Schake, director of foreign and defense policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, said it was hard to know whether Putin ever took diplomacy seriously. But she said he might have expected the extreme pressure of an invasion to fracture the West and win him some concessions. “Having underestimated Western unity, he may have felt trapped and couldn’t retreat with nothing to show for it,” she said.

Schake said it was also possible that Putin was rattled by the quality of the Biden administration’s intelligence, which included access to his war plans, “and in a rage pulled the trigger.”

Whatever the case, U.S. officials now see Putin’s diplomatic overtures with the most jaded of eyes.

The U.S. added Lavrov, the foreign minister, to its list of sanctioned Russians on Friday. And Price was wholly dismissive of an offer that day from the Kremlin to meet Ukrainian officials in Belarus for negotiations. He said that Moscow was “suggesting that diplomacy take place at the barrel of a gun.”

Declaring that Russia’s invasion has “fundamentally changed” its relationship with the rest of the world, Price added that the Biden administration had no plans to continue the arms control talks with Russia it began last year, and which U.S. officials had offered to invigorate in recent weeks. He said that some crucial subjects would still warrant diplomatic contacts with Moscow, citing as an example the talks to restore the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran.

As Russian forces closed in on Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, this week, the issue of Ukraine’s neutrality was raised once again — this time by the country’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a televised address. Looking depleted and wearing a simple T-shirt, Zelenskyy rallied his fellow Ukrainians against the Russian attack.

But he also had an offer for Putin, hinting that his country might at last drop its ambitions to join NATO.

“We are not afraid to talk about neutral status,” Zelenskyy said.

Putin had no reply.

The Biden administration said Friday that Russia was never serious about finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis over Ukraine and that weeks of back-and-forth between Washington and Moscow amounted to a sham as the Kremlin prepared for war.

The Biden administration said Friday that Russia was never serious about finding a diplomatic solution to the crisis over Ukraine and that weeks of back-and-forth between Washington and Moscow amounted to a sham as the Kremlin prepared for war. “Moscow engaged in the pretense of diplomacy,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters at a daily news conference. “It now appears quite clear that Russia was not, and has not been, interested in genuine diplomacy.” Price’s words were the most definitive statement yet by the Biden administration that President Vladimir Putin of Russia had not dealt in good faith, even as Russian diplomats repeatedly met face to face with their U.S. and European counterparts. Washington and Moscow also exchanged multiple rounds of formal documents on European security. The assessment was a departure from assertions made by U.S. officials in recent months that, despite the Russian forces amassing along Ukraine’s border, Putin remained undecided on whether to order an invasion. Price did not specify whether the Biden administration believes Russia's diplomats knew their efforts were for show. As the threat of invasion grew more apparent this year, Biden officials met with Russian emissaries across Europe to test Moscow’s intentions, warning all along that they were unsure whether Russia was earnestly seeking a diplomatic solution. In mid-January, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman visited Switzerland, Belgium and Austria to meet with Russians and Europeans in varying configurations. At one session, she appealed to her Russian counterparts by recalling how her father had been a Marine in World War II, when the United States and Russia shared a common enemy in Nazi Germany. In late January, Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Geneva. Days later, the U.S. ambassador in Moscow, John J. Sullivan, delivered a document to the Russian foreign ministry outlining broad U.S. negotiating principles in response to earlier Russian demands. On Friday, Price declared that those interactions had amounted to a charade. The Russians, he said, used the illusion of diplomacy “to buy time to continue their preparations for what it seems clear that Vladimir Putin had intended all along.” While conservative critics have said Blinken and others put too much effort into futile diplomacy with an untrustworthy Russian leader, Price’s assertion also served as an implicit response to some analysts who say the United States might have done more to avoid war. In particular, some have said that explicit assurances from the United States that Ukraine would not become a member of NATO might have been enough to satisfy Putin. In the run-up to his attack, Putin repeatedly said the prospect of Ukrainian membership in NATO was an unacceptable threat to his country, although he also issued other, far more sweeping demands about the alliance’s posture in Europe that Western officials called non-starters. The United States and Europe offered Putin little in return for his implied threat — he publicly denied any intention to invade Ukraine — proposing talks on relatively narrow subjects like arms control and military exercises in Europe. “My sense is that Putin was negotiating in good faith and that he would not have invaded Ukraine if the Biden administration had given a written guarantee not to expand NATO into Ukraine” and pledged to stop arming and training Ukraine’s military, said John Mearsheimer, an international relations scholar at the University of Chicago and a prominent critic of NATO expansion. Samuel Charap, a former State Department official who is a Russia analyst at the RAND Corp., was more skeptical but said it seemed at least possible that assurances about Ukraine’s future NATO membership might have been enough to defang Putin. “Was there a deal to be had? It’s unclear to me whether we fully tested that proposition down to the core issue,” he said, adding that the blame for the invasion falls entirely on Putin. As war seemed to grow nearer, several European and at least one Ukrainian official appeared to float the possibility that Ukraine would forswear its NATO ambitions. President Joe Biden noted in public remarks last month that the widely accepted truth was that Ukraine was “not very likely” to join NATO anytime soon. French President Emmanuel Macron said the Cold War neutrality model known as “Finlandization” was an idea “on the table.” And Ukraine’s ambassador to Britain, Vadym Prystaiko, told the BBC that his country could be “flexible” about NATO membership (although he quickly backtracked). But such talk was never presented to Russia as a formal diplomatic offer. Charles Kupchan, who was Europe director of the National Security Council in the Obama White House, said Putin’s muted response to such talk suggested that more explicit proposals to keep Ukraine out of NATO would have been futile. “Was the body language coming out of Washington, Kyiv and every European capital enough to provide some trade space if he wanted it? Yes. But he did not seem to pick it up,” Kupchan said. “I think going back to the early 1990s, the American foreign policy establishment has too easily dismissed Russian objections to NATO enlargement,” he added. “That having been said, when I step back from the events of the last couple of months, the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO looks more like a smoke screen to me than the nub of the issue” for Putin. Andrew S. Weiss, head of the Russia and Eurasia program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said that Russia had made impossible demands from the start, but that the illusion of diplomacy set off a political debate in the West that served Putin’s purposes. Moscow, he said, focused “rather cleverly on age-old complaints about Ukraine’s theoretical eligibility for NATO membership, knowing full well that this issue triggers a lot of people in the West.” The United States engaged in a “stale and predictable academic debate with ourselves about whether past administrations’ policies were needlessly provocative toward the Kremlin,” Weiss said. That discussion, he added, played into the hands of “isolationists like former President Trump who maintain that U.S. alliances are a needless burden and the Americans would be better off defending the border with Mexico.” “In Europe, where anti-Americanism and Ukraine fatigue are just below the surface, the Kremlin’s Potemkin diplomacy gambit also paid off,” Weiss said. Kori Schake, director of foreign and defense policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, said it was hard to know whether Putin ever took diplomacy seriously. But she said he might have expected the extreme pressure of an invasion to fracture the West and win him some concessions. “Having underestimated Western unity, he may have felt trapped and couldn’t retreat with nothing to show for it,” she said. Schake said it was also possible that Putin was rattled by the quality of the Biden administration’s intelligence, which included access to his war plans, “and in a rage pulled the trigger.” Whatever the case, U.S. officials now see Putin’s diplomatic overtures with the most jaded of eyes. The U.S. added Lavrov, the foreign minister, to its list of sanctioned Russians on Friday. And Price was wholly dismissive of an offer that day from the Kremlin to meet Ukrainian officials in Belarus for negotiations. He said that Moscow was “suggesting that diplomacy take place at the barrel of a gun.” Declaring that Russia’s invasion has “fundamentally changed” its relationship with the rest of the world, Price added that the Biden administration had no plans to continue the arms control talks with Russia it began last year, and which U.S. officials had offered to invigorate in recent weeks. He said that some crucial subjects would still warrant diplomatic contacts with Moscow, citing as an example the talks to restore the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran. As Russian forces closed in on Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, this week, the issue of Ukraine’s neutrality was raised once again — this time by the country’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a televised address. Looking depleted and wearing a simple T-shirt, Zelenskyy rallied his fellow Ukrainians against the Russian attack. But he also had an offer for Putin, hinting that his country might at last drop its ambitions to join NATO. “We are not afraid to talk about neutral status,” Zelenskyy said. Putin had no reply.

US State Department says Moscow's Ukraine diplomacy was a ‘pretense’

Poland envoy to India Adam Burakowski has assured full cooperation to India when it comes to its evacuation plans for Indian nationals in the country. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Envoy Adam said, " I can assure you that Polish authorities are fully cooperating with India", explaining, "Poland and other countries which border Ukraine, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania are providing help." A number of Indian nationals have reached the Poland-Ukraine border and have been advised to make for the Shehyni Medyka border crossing. The Polish government is allowing people to cross the border on foot. The Krakowiec border crossing is for persons travelling in their own vehicles.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/poland-envoy-speaks-to-wion-poland-will-help-in-evacuating-indians-stranded-in-ukraine-456852/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, the envoy also talked about how Poland supports "Ukraine in their fight, and Ukrainians are fighting for their independence against Russian aggression". He pointed, "EU is helping Ukraine with loans, with humanitarian assistance and we know Russia is a very aggressive state. We see the example right now." Poland itself is bracing with a huge influx of refugees from neighboring Ukraine. Meanwhile, in a show of support for war-torn Kyiv, Poland has refused to take part in the world cup 2022 playoff with Russia due to take place next month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraine-crisis-russia-will-pay-a-heavy-price-says-eus-envoy-to-india-ugo-astuto-456606" hreflang="en">Ukraine crisis: Russia will pay a heavy price, says EU's envoy Ugo&nbsp;Astuto</a>

WION: How is your country supporting the evacuation of Indian nationals? 
Adam Burakowski: As we know Russia invaded Ukraine, against international law, so by doing this Russia itself excluded itself from the international community. Poland and other countries of the European Union strongly condemn this act and we are helping Ukraine with many things, also with weapons. This situation, the Russian aggression is a very threat to people living in Ukraine. Russians are aiming at civilians. They are attacking civil targets, they are killing women, children, and they just want to kill these people. Among these, there are Indian students who are there in the peaceful country of Ukraine because they were studying, and the country gave them very good conditions. Now they are escaping from the threat of Russian aggression, Indian students escaping from Russian bombs, Russian bullets. Poland is willing to help. The Indian embassy in Warsaw is coordinating this action. They can go to Poland and from Poland, they will be taken to India by special flights. Details can be found on the website and social media of the Indian embassy in Poland. I can assure you that Polish authorities are fully cooperating with India about it but of course the biggest influx of people are not from India. They are Ukrainians because their country has been attacked by Russia and they lost many people from their families, they just want to keep their lives and not be killed by Russian bullets. Indian students are also in the same or similar threats also because they could be killed by Russian bullets and they want to escape. Poland and other countries that border Ukraine, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania are providing help.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraine-crisis-romanias-govt-to-provide-evacuated-indian-students-with-food-accommodation-says-envoy-456604" hreflang="en">Ukraine crisis: Romania's govt to provide evacuated Indian students with food, accommodation, says envoy</a>

WION: How does the situation impact your country? especially the refugee crisis? 
Adam Burakowski: First of all, we support Ukraine in their fight, and Ukrainians are fighting for their independence against Russian aggression. Concerning the refugee crisis caused by Russia, we are helping the refugees, even before the Russian aggression, there were one million or even more Ukrainians living peacefully in Poland. They have families in Ukraine, so there are many Ukrainian nationals coming to Poland. And Poland is providing support for them because we know what is being attacked by foreign powers. Warsaw, the capital of Poland has been bombed by Nazi Germany. So we know how it is in Kyiv now it's bombed by Russia.

WION: How do European capitals look at this invasion by Russia? 
Adam Burakowski: This is not the first aggressive act committed by Russia, in 2008 Russia invaded Georgia, 2014 Russia invaded Ukraine as you remember, and now another invasion of Russia but this time it's on a much bigger scale. This is a full-scale military campaign aimed at crashing Ukraine, killing civilians, killing women and children, elder people, so we are really strengthening our security. We are a member of NATO, EU and these organizations help Ukraine, not only militarily. NATO countries sent military weapons, other resources to Ukraine. Also, the EU is helping Ukraine with loans, with humanitarian assistance and we know Russia is a very aggressive state. We see the example right now. But we are strong western communities, European Union, and other countries the UK, the US, Canada, and Japan introduced very severe sanctions against the officials of the Russian regime.&nbsp;

WION: EU has announced a number of sanctions? how different are these sanctions from the previous sanctions announced by the EU? 
Adam Burakowski: These actions are very strong, not only the sanctions I have already mentioned. There are many other, Russian Banks that are now banned in Europe, also the private accounts of Vladimir Putin and Sergey Lavrov have been frozen because they had banking accounts in Western Europe. And also some, also important smaller actions, like for example Russia was banned from some football games and Poland has made important decision to ban all the Russian civil aviation from the Polish airspace. Even the Euro vision song, Russia was expelled. So every organization which is committed to peace and stability wants to get Russia out of the organization. Russia has been suspended from the council of Europe, really all this excludes Russia from the international community. But it's not like we are excluding them, they are excluding themselves because they are against international law and standards and they just created the biggest humanitarian crisis in Europe in recent decades because Russia invaded Ukraine.&nbsp;

WION: In Delhi, European union envoys and G7 envoys have met. What is the purpose of these meetings? 
Adam Burakowski: We are united and we just want to show it that we are united. Tonight, I will go to the embassy of Ukraine to commemorate the victims of the Russian attacks because the Russians attacked civilian targets and killed many children. So I want to commemorate this but show my reality, not only solidarity with Ukraine but to show that Poland rejects such Russian methods, that they are using.&nbsp;

Poland envoy to India Adam Burakowski has assured full cooperation to India when it comes to its evacuation plans for Indian nationals in the country. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Envoy Adam said, " I can assure you that Polish authorities are fully cooperating with India", explaining, "Poland and other countries which border Ukraine, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania are providing help.

Poland envoy to India Adam Burakowski has assured full cooperation to India when it comes to its evacuation plans for Indian nationals in the country. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Envoy Adam said, " I can assure you that Polish authorities are fully cooperating with India", explaining, "Poland and other countries which border Ukraine, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania are providing help." A number of Indian nationals have reached the Poland-Ukraine border and have been advised to make for the Shehyni Medyka border crossing. The Polish government is allowing people to cross the border on foot. The Krakowiec border crossing is for persons travelling in their own vehicles. Meanwhile, the envoy also talked about how Poland supports "Ukraine in their fight, and Ukrainians are fighting for their independence against Russian aggression". He pointed, "EU is helping Ukraine with loans, with humanitarian assistance and we know Russia is a very aggressive state. We see the example right now." Poland itself is bracing with a huge influx of refugees from neighboring Ukraine. Meanwhile, in a show of support for war-torn Kyiv, Poland has refused to take part in the world cup 2022 playoff with Russia due to take place next month. Also read | Ukraine crisis: Russia will pay a heavy price, says EU's envoy Ugo Astuto WION: How is your country supporting the evacuation of Indian nationals? Adam Burakowski: As we know Russia invaded Ukraine, against international law, so by doing this Russia itself excluded itself from the international community. Poland and other countries of the European Union strongly condemn this act and we are helping Ukraine with many things, also with weapons. This situation, the Russian aggression is a very threat to people living in Ukraine. Russians are aiming at civilians. They are attacking civil targets, they are killing women, children, and they just want to kill these people. Among these, there are Indian students who are there in the peaceful country of Ukraine because they were studying, and the country gave them very good conditions. Now they are escaping from the threat of Russian aggression, Indian students escaping from Russian bombs, Russian bullets. Poland is willing to help. The Indian embassy in Warsaw is coordinating this action. They can go to Poland and from Poland, they will be taken to India by special flights. Details can be found on the website and social media of the Indian embassy in Poland. I can assure you that Polish authorities are fully cooperating with India about it but of course the biggest influx of people are not from India. They are Ukrainians because their country has been attacked by Russia and they lost many people from their families, they just want to keep their lives and not be killed by Russian bullets. Indian students are also in the same or similar threats also because they could be killed by Russian bullets and they want to escape. Poland and other countries that border Ukraine, Slovakia, Hungary, and Romania are providing help. Also read | Ukraine crisis: Romania's govt to provide evacuated Indian students with food, accommodation, says envoy WION: How does the situation impact your country? especially the refugee crisis? Adam Burakowski: First of all, we support Ukraine in their fight, and Ukrainians are fighting for their independence against Russian aggression. Concerning the refugee crisis caused by Russia, we are helping the refugees, even before the Russian aggression, there were one million or even more Ukrainians living peacefully in Poland. They have families in Ukraine, so there are many Ukrainian nationals coming to Poland. And Poland is providing support for them because we know what is being attacked by foreign powers. Warsaw, the capital of Poland has been bombed by Nazi Germany. So we know how it is in Kyiv now it's bombed by Russia. WION: How do European capitals look at this invasion by Russia? Adam Burakowski: This is not the first aggressive act committed by Russia, in 2008 Russia invaded Georgia, 2014 Russia invaded Ukraine as you remember, and now another invasion of Russia but this time it's on a much bigger scale. This is a full-scale military campaign aimed at crashing Ukraine, killing civilians, killing women and children, elder people, so we are really strengthening our security. We are a member of NATO, EU and these organizations help Ukraine, not only militarily. NATO countries sent military weapons, other resources to Ukraine. Also, the EU is helping Ukraine with loans, with humanitarian assistance and we know Russia is a very aggressive state. We see the example right now. But we are strong western communities, European Union, and other countries the UK, the US, Canada, and Japan introduced very severe sanctions against the officials of the Russian regime. WION: EU has announced a number of sanctions? how different are these sanctions from the previous sanctions announced by the EU? Adam Burakowski: These actions are very strong, not only the sanctions I have already mentioned. There are many other, Russian Banks that are now banned in Europe, also the private accounts of Vladimir Putin and Sergey Lavrov have been frozen because they had banking accounts in Western Europe. And also some, also important smaller actions, like for example Russia was banned from some football games and Poland has made important decision to ban all the Russian civil aviation from the Polish airspace. Even the Euro vision song, Russia was expelled. So every organization which is committed to peace and stability wants to get Russia out of the organization. Russia has been suspended from the council of Europe, really all this excludes Russia from the international community. But it's not like we are excluding them, they are excluding themselves because they are against international law and standards and they just created the biggest humanitarian crisis in Europe in recent decades because Russia invaded Ukraine. WION: In Delhi, European union envoys and G7 envoys have met. What is the purpose of these meetings? Adam Burakowski: We are united and we just want to show it that we are united. Tonight, I will go to the embassy of Ukraine to commemorate the victims of the Russian attacks because the Russians attacked civilian targets and killed many children. So I want to commemorate this but show my reality, not only solidarity with Ukraine but to show that Poland rejects such Russian methods, that they are using.

War in Ukraine: Poland's envoy Adam Burakowski assures full support to India on evacuation plans

After Ukraine refused to hold talks in Belarus, Russia said it has given orders to its army “to broaden its offensive” against its neighbour “from all directions”.

Russia’s defence ministry in a statement on Saturday, said, “After the Ukrainian side rejected the negotiation process, today all units were given orders to develop the advance from all directions in accordance with the operation's plans.”

On Friday, the Kremlin had said that Putin was ready to send a delegation to Belarus for talks with Ukraine, but the Kyiv leadership wanted talks in Warsaw instead.

The announcement came on the same day US President Joe Biden signed a memorandum to provide up to $600 million in "immediate military assistance" to Ukraine.

Earlier, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had announced that their force thwarted the Kremlin’s advancement to capture Kyiv.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/weve-derailed-their-plan-says-ukraine-president-zelensky-in-video-message-456786">&nbsp;'We've derailed their plan,' says Ukraine President Zelensky in video message</a>

Speaking in a new video address, the 44-year-old leader said, "We've derailed their plan."

But the Russian troops continued to march on with their coordinated attacks. They launched missile and artillery attacks on Ukrainian cities, including the capital, Kyiv.

They also reportedly took over the Kyiv hydroelectric power plant north of the capital, the Interfax news agency said, citing Ukraine’s energy ministry.

According to the United Kingdom’s defence ministry, the bulk of Russian forces involved in the advance on Kyiv were now 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the city centre.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-approves-military-aid-for-ukraine-worth-350-million-456773">US President Joe Biden approves military aid for Ukraine worth $350 million</a>

As of Saturday, at least 198 civilians, including three children, had been killed since Moscow launched the attack, Ukraine said.

Russia has not said how many of its soldiers have been killed in the invasion, which it calls a "special military operation."

Moscow has said that its goal is to "de-Nazify" Ukraine.

Watch |&nbsp;Countries shut their airspace amid Russian invasion of Ukraine

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/countries-shut-their-airspace-amid-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-456850/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

After Ukraine refused to hold talks in Belarus, Russia said it has given orders to its army “to broaden its offensive” against its neighbour “from all directions”.

After Ukraine refused to hold talks in Belarus, Russia said it has given orders to its army “to broaden its offensive” against its neighbour “from all directions”. Russia’s defence ministry in a statement on Saturday, said, “After the Ukrainian side rejected the negotiation process, today all units were given orders to develop the advance from all directions in accordance with the operation's plans.” On Friday, the Kremlin had said that Putin was ready to send a delegation to Belarus for talks with Ukraine, but the Kyiv leadership wanted talks in Warsaw instead. The announcement came on the same day US President Joe Biden signed a memorandum to provide up to $600 million in "immediate military assistance" to Ukraine. Earlier, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had announced that their force thwarted the Kremlin’s advancement to capture Kyiv. Also read | 'We've derailed their plan,' says Ukraine President Zelensky in video message Speaking in a new video address, the 44-year-old leader said, "We've derailed their plan." But the Russian troops continued to march on with their coordinated attacks. They launched missile and artillery attacks on Ukrainian cities, including the capital, Kyiv. They also reportedly took over the Kyiv hydroelectric power plant north of the capital, the Interfax news agency said, citing Ukraine’s energy ministry. According to the United Kingdom’s defence ministry, the bulk of Russian forces involved in the advance on Kyiv were now 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the city centre. Also read | US President Joe Biden approves military aid for Ukraine worth $350 million As of Saturday, at least 198 civilians, including three children, had been killed since Moscow launched the attack, Ukraine said. Russia has not said how many of its soldiers have been killed in the invasion, which it calls a "special military operation." Moscow has said that its goal is to "de-Nazify" Ukraine. Watch | Countries shut their airspace amid Russian invasion of Ukraine (With inputs from agencies)

Russian army to broaden offensive ‘from all sides’ against Ukraine, says Kremlin