<p>Chinese banks have limited financing to purchase raw materials from Russia in order to avoid Western sanctions as its troops continue to press on Kyiv.</p>

<p>Bloomberg news agency reported that at least two of China's largest state-owned banks, ICBC and Bank of China, are restricting funding for the purchase of Russian commodities.</p>

<p>ICBC is the world's largest bank by assets, while Bank of China is the country's largest commercial bank for currency trading.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/amid-the-ongoing-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-residents-share-videos-from-bomb-shelters-456778/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>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.</p>

<p>Even if Beijing wanted to, its ability to support President Vladimir Putin by importing more Russian gas and other goods is limited.</p>

<p>Relations with Moscow have warmed since Xi took power in 2012, motivated by shared resentment of Washington, but their interests can conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While their militaries hold joint exercises, Putin is uneasy about the growing Chinese economic presence in Central Asia and Russia’s Far East.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-recognises-taiwan-as-part-of-china-opposes-islands-independence-450437">Also read |&nbsp;Russia recognises Taiwan as part of China, opposes island's independence</a></strong></p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine on Thursday sparked a wave of international sanctions against Moscow, mainly from Western countries.</p>

<p>Washington has, among other things, imposed sanctions on energy giant Gazprom and other large Russian companies, which will no longer be able to raise money on Western financial markets.</p>

<p title="title"><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-russia-iran-china-hold-joint-naval-drills-in-northern-indian-ocean-447132">In pics: Russia, Iran, China hold joint naval drills in northern Indian Ocean</a></strong></p>

<p>Xi’s government might support Putin within those limits, and Chinese companies might use the situation to pursue better deals,&nbsp;but will balk at openly violating sanctions and being targeted for penalties, experts said.</p>

<p>“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.</p>

<p>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.</p>

<p>“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.”</p>

<p>Xi’s government has tried to distance itself from the attack by urging respect for national sovereignty, which Foreign Minister Wang Yi said last weekend includes Ukraine.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Chinese banks have limited financing to purchase raw materials from Russia in order to avoid Western sanctions as its troops continue to press on Kyiv. Bloomberg news agency reported that at least two of China's largest state-owned banks, ICBC and Bank of China, are restricting funding for the purchase of Russian commodities.

Chinese banks have limited financing to purchase raw materials from Russia in order to avoid Western sanctions as its troops continue to press on Kyiv. Bloomberg news agency reported that at least two of China's largest state-owned banks, ICBC and Bank of China, are restricting funding for the purchase of Russian commodities. ICBC is the world's largest bank by assets, while Bank of China is the country's largest commercial bank for currency trading. 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 read | Russia recognises Taiwan as part of China, opposes island's independence “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. Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine on Thursday sparked a wave of international sanctions against Moscow, mainly from Western countries. Washington has, among other things, imposed sanctions on energy giant Gazprom and other large Russian companies, which will no longer be able to raise money on Western financial markets. In pics: Russia, Iran, China hold joint naval drills in northern Indian Ocean Xi’s government might support Putin within those limits, and Chinese companies might use the situation to pursue better deals, 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.” Xi’s government has tried to distance itself from the attack by urging respect for national sovereignty, which Foreign Minister Wang Yi said last weekend includes Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine war: Chinese banks limit financing for Russian purchases to avoid Western sanctions

<p>Polish Deputy Interior Minister Pawel Szefernaker on Saturday said 100,000 people have crossed the border into Poland from Ukraine since Russia's invasion this week.</p>

<p>"From the onset of warfare in Ukraine through today, along the entire border with Ukraine, 100,000 people have crossed the border from Ukraine into Poland," Szefernaker told reporters in the border village of Medyka, southeastern Poland.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Those arriving were mostly women, children, and the elderly after Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday banned men of military age from leaving the country.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-russia-launches-coordinated-cruise-missiles-on-many-cities-456710/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>More than 50,000 Ukrainian refugees have fled their country in less than 48 hours, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, said Friday, as many more continued to move towards the borders. He said a majority went to Poland and Moldova.</p>

<p>Cars were backed up for several kilometers (miles) at some border crossings as authorities in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova mobilised to receive them, providing shelter, food and legal help. These countries also eased their usual border procedures, among them COVID-19 testing requirements.</p>

<p><strong>Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-new-refugee-crisis-as-russia-attacks-ukraine-thousands-flee-the-chaos-456411" hreflang="en">A new 'refugee crisis': As Russia attacks Ukraine, thousands flee the chaos</a></strong></p>

<p>At border crossings in Poland, Ukrainians arrived on foot and by car and train — some with their pets — and were greeted by Polish authorities and volunteers offering them food and hot drinks.</p>

<p>Some sought to join relatives who have already settled in Poland and other EU nations, whose strong economies have for many years attracted Ukrainian workers.</p>

<p>For many the first stop was the train station in Przemysl, a city in southeastern Poland that is a transit point for many. Ukrainians slept on cots and in chairs as they awaited their next moves, relieved to escape the shelling of Kyiv and other places.</p>

<p>European Union member Poland, which has the region's largest Ukrainian community of about 1 million people, has seen a throng of refugees at its borders since the Russian invasion began.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Polish Deputy Interior Minister Pawel Szefernaker on Saturday said 100,000 people have crossed the border into Poland from Ukraine since Russia's invasion this week.

Polish Deputy Interior Minister Pawel Szefernaker on Saturday said 100,000 people have crossed the border into Poland from Ukraine since Russia's invasion this week. "From the onset of warfare in Ukraine through today, along the entire border with Ukraine, 100,000 people have crossed the border from Ukraine into Poland," Szefernaker told reporters in the border village of Medyka, southeastern Poland. Those arriving were mostly women, children, and the elderly after Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday banned men of military age from leaving the country. More than 50,000 Ukrainian refugees have fled their country in less than 48 hours, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, said Friday, as many more continued to move towards the borders. He said a majority went to Poland and Moldova. Cars were backed up for several kilometers (miles) at some border crossings as authorities in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova mobilised to receive them, providing shelter, food and legal help. These countries also eased their usual border procedures, among them COVID-19 testing requirements. Also see | A new 'refugee crisis': As Russia attacks Ukraine, thousands flee the chaos At border crossings in Poland, Ukrainians arrived on foot and by car and train — some with their pets — and were greeted by Polish authorities and volunteers offering them food and hot drinks. Some sought to join relatives who have already settled in Poland and other EU nations, whose strong economies have for many years attracted Ukrainian workers. For many the first stop was the train station in Przemysl, a city in southeastern Poland that is a transit point for many. Ukrainians slept on cots and in chairs as they awaited their next moves, relieved to escape the shelling of Kyiv and other places. European Union member Poland, which has the region's largest Ukrainian community of about 1 million people, has seen a throng of refugees at its borders since the Russian invasion began. (With inputs from agencies)

100,000 Ukrainians cross border into Poland, says Interior Minister Pawel Szefernaker

<p>It may be only a matter of time before Russian troops control the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and topple President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.</p>

<p>However, that may not be the end of the story. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s troops could find themselves in Ukraine for the long haul depending on whether Ukrainians have the stomach to launch an insurgency.</p>

<p>If so, Mr. Putin knows the drill. Soviet troops withdrew from Afghanistan in 1989 after a costly decade-long war in which they battled a US-Pakistani-Saudi-backed Islamic insurgency. Their defeat resembled the humiliation suffered by the United States at the hands of the Vietcong in the 1970s and the Afghan Taliban with last year’s US withdrawal from the Central Asian state.</p>

<p>As Ukrainians weigh their options for a post-Zelenskyy era, Chechnya, rather than Afghanistan, will likely be on their minds. Russian troops brutally quelled an Islamic insurgency in Chechnya in two wars. They besieged and devastated the Chechen capital of Grozny.</p>

<p>Ukrainians may be right to focus on Chechnya. Their country is not Afghanistan. It does not border on a country like Pakistan that would be willing to invite the wrath of Russia.</p>

<p>NATO members Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia, are unlikely to volunteer as Ukraine's Pakistan. NATO expects its buildup along Russia's European frontiers to deter Mr. Putin from expanding his war beyond Ukraine and is unlikely to want to give the Russian leader a blatant excuse. However, that would not stop NATO members from supporting a Ukrainian insurgency covertly.</p>

<p>Ukrainians may also look at Iraq as they consider their options. That could be more problematic for Mr. Putin. Elements of the Iraqi army, granted with the support of Iran and Syria, posed part of the backbone of the costly fight against the US presence in the country following the 2003 US-led invasion.</p>

<p>Mr. Putin may have had that in mind when he this week called on the Ukrainian military to seize power in their country in a bid to avoid an even bloodier battle than the fighting so far, particularly in Kyiv.</p>

<p>If Mr. Putin is betting on the fact that the Ukrainian military trained and armed itself to fight a conventional war like the Russian invasion, he may want to think twice. Iraq would suggest otherwise.</p>

<p>That is undoubtedly what proponents of a long-drawn-out insurgency believe.</p>

<p>“By combining serving military units with combat veterans, reservists, territorial defense units, and large numbers of volunteers, Ukraine can create tens of thousands of small and highly mobile groups capable of attacking Russian forces. This will make it virtually impossible for the Kremlin to establish any kind of administration over occupied areas or secure its lines of supply,” said former Ukraine defense minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk.</p>

<p>A poll conducted in December by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology suggested that one in three Ukrainians would be willing to join an armed resistance against Russian forces.</p>

<p>Politics scholar Olexiy Haran, said after earlier in the day delivering food to defenders of Kyiv near his home, that volunteers led by military and former officers had already established irregular fighting units armed primarily with automatic weapons across the city.</p>

<p>“People are armed. Yesterday, 18,000 Kyivites took up arms. There are volunteer groups all around the city. They pursue any Russian soldier, paratrooper or subversive group that is trying to organize a provocation,” Mr. Haran said.</p>

<p>Russia scholars Michael Kofman and Jeffrey Edmonds may unwittingly have articulated Mr. Putin’s counter-argument and assumption when they argued in a Foreign Affairs article this week that a shift by the Ukrainian military from conventional to partisan warfare “is easier in theory than in practice.”</p>

<p>Messrs. Kofman and Edmonds reasoned further that partisan tactics would be less effective than past wars, presumably including former Yugoslavia and Iraq.</p>

<p>“These tactics would be less effective than in previous wars, thanks to the rise of new technologies, such as drones using thermal cameras and cheap, high-resolution satellite imaging. Today, small groups of fighters may struggle to hide and to win on the battlefield,” the two scholars wrote.</p>

<p>The same would be true for insurgents, as evident with Yemen's Houthis.</p>

<p>Ukrainians would further benefit from the fact that Kyiv is not Grozny, and Ukraine is not Chechnya, where the world looked the other way in part because Russia was fighting an Islamist and jihadist insurgency. Mr. Putin’s assertion that he is fighting neo-Nazis and drug dealers in Kyiv have little international currency.</p>

<p>Abkhazia, one of two Russian-supported territories that broke away from Georgia in 2008, may be Mr. Putin's best-case scenario. Abkhazia is wracked by political instability rather than insurgency and violence.</p>

<p>Anti-government protesters have demanded a halt to sales of real estate and energy assets to Russian nationals and a notion of a “shared sovereignty” between Abkhazia and Ukraine. They also denounced a proposed Russian-style law that would allow the government to label non-governmental organizations (NGOs), public figures, and media as foreign agents.</p>

<p>Abkhazia may be Ukraine’s least likely model, at least for the near future.</p>

<p>Nevertheless, whatever Ukrainians decide, a Russian occupation of Kyiv and replacement of Mr. Zelenskyy with a more Moscow-friendly figure is likely to be the beginning rather than the end of the story.</p>

<p><strong><em>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) &nbsp;&nbsp;</em></strong></p>


It may be only a matter of time before Russian troops control the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and topple President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, that may not be the end of the story.

It may be only a matter of time before Russian troops control the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and topple President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, that may not be the end of the story. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s troops could find themselves in Ukraine for the long haul depending on whether Ukrainians have the stomach to launch an insurgency. If so, Mr. Putin knows the drill. Soviet troops withdrew from Afghanistan in 1989 after a costly decade-long war in which they battled a US-Pakistani-Saudi-backed Islamic insurgency. Their defeat resembled the humiliation suffered by the United States at the hands of the Vietcong in the 1970s and the Afghan Taliban with last year’s US withdrawal from the Central Asian state. As Ukrainians weigh their options for a post-Zelenskyy era, Chechnya, rather than Afghanistan, will likely be on their minds. Russian troops brutally quelled an Islamic insurgency in Chechnya in two wars. They besieged and devastated the Chechen capital of Grozny. Ukrainians may be right to focus on Chechnya. Their country is not Afghanistan. It does not border on a country like Pakistan that would be willing to invite the wrath of Russia. NATO members Poland, Romania, Hungary, and Slovakia, are unlikely to volunteer as Ukraine's Pakistan. NATO expects its buildup along Russia's European frontiers to deter Mr. Putin from expanding his war beyond Ukraine and is unlikely to want to give the Russian leader a blatant excuse. However, that would not stop NATO members from supporting a Ukrainian insurgency covertly. Ukrainians may also look at Iraq as they consider their options. That could be more problematic for Mr. Putin. Elements of the Iraqi army, granted with the support of Iran and Syria, posed part of the backbone of the costly fight against the US presence in the country following the 2003 US-led invasion. Mr. Putin may have had that in mind when he this week called on the Ukrainian military to seize power in their country in a bid to avoid an even bloodier battle than the fighting so far, particularly in Kyiv. If Mr. Putin is betting on the fact that the Ukrainian military trained and armed itself to fight a conventional war like the Russian invasion, he may want to think twice. Iraq would suggest otherwise. That is undoubtedly what proponents of a long-drawn-out insurgency believe. “By combining serving military units with combat veterans, reservists, territorial defense units, and large numbers of volunteers, Ukraine can create tens of thousands of small and highly mobile groups capable of attacking Russian forces. This will make it virtually impossible for the Kremlin to establish any kind of administration over occupied areas or secure its lines of supply,” said former Ukraine defense minister Andriy Zagorodnyuk. A poll conducted in December by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology suggested that one in three Ukrainians would be willing to join an armed resistance against Russian forces. Politics scholar Olexiy Haran, said after earlier in the day delivering food to defenders of Kyiv near his home, that volunteers led by military and former officers had already established irregular fighting units armed primarily with automatic weapons across the city. “People are armed. Yesterday, 18,000 Kyivites took up arms. There are volunteer groups all around the city. They pursue any Russian soldier, paratrooper or subversive group that is trying to organize a provocation,” Mr. Haran said. Russia scholars Michael Kofman and Jeffrey Edmonds may unwittingly have articulated Mr. Putin’s counter-argument and assumption when they argued in a Foreign Affairs article this week that a shift by the Ukrainian military from conventional to partisan warfare “is easier in theory than in practice.” Messrs. Kofman and Edmonds reasoned further that partisan tactics would be less effective than past wars, presumably including former Yugoslavia and Iraq. “These tactics would be less effective than in previous wars, thanks to the rise of new technologies, such as drones using thermal cameras and cheap, high-resolution satellite imaging. Today, small groups of fighters may struggle to hide and to win on the battlefield,” the two scholars wrote. The same would be true for insurgents, as evident with Yemen's Houthis. Ukrainians would further benefit from the fact that Kyiv is not Grozny, and Ukraine is not Chechnya, where the world looked the other way in part because Russia was fighting an Islamist and jihadist insurgency. Mr. Putin’s assertion that he is fighting neo-Nazis and drug dealers in Kyiv have little international currency. Abkhazia, one of two Russian-supported territories that broke away from Georgia in 2008, may be Mr. Putin's best-case scenario. Abkhazia is wracked by political instability rather than insurgency and violence. Anti-government protesters have demanded a halt to sales of real estate and energy assets to Russian nationals and a notion of a “shared sovereignty” between Abkhazia and Ukraine. They also denounced a proposed Russian-style law that would allow the government to label non-governmental organizations (NGOs), public figures, and media as foreign agents. Abkhazia may be Ukraine’s least likely model, at least for the near future. Nevertheless, whatever Ukrainians decide, a Russian occupation of Kyiv and replacement of Mr. Zelenskyy with a more Moscow-friendly figure is likely to be the beginning rather than the end of the story. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Imaging the day after a Russian conquest of Kyiv: Not a pretty picture

<p>Fears are growing of the sovereignty of Belarus as Russia presses ahead with its invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>Satellite imagery taken showed several large deployments of ground forces and about 150 transport helicopters in southern Belarus, about 20 miles from the border with Ukraine.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-russia-is-targeting-civilians-claims-kyiv-based-journalist-456589/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The images showed one large helicopter deployment near the Belarusian town of Chojniki, which had over 90 helicopters parked on a road with the deployment extending for more than five miles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Images also showed a large deployment of ground forces with several hundred vehicles in convoy position in several fields.</p>

<p>Autocratic leader Alexander Lukashenko, in power for almost three decades, allowed Russian troops to use Belarusian territory to invade Ukraine from the north.</p>

<p><strong>Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-new-refugee-crisis-as-russia-attacks-ukraine-thousands-flee-the-chaos-456411" hreflang="en">A new 'refugee crisis': As Russia attacks Ukraine, thousands flee the chaos</a></strong></p>

<p>Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the main challenger to Lukashenko in an August 2020 vote that was rejected as a sham by the opposition and the West, denounced the deployment as Lukashenko’s payback for Moscow’s support for his crackdown on post-election protests.</p>

<p>On Sunday, Belarus will&nbsp;hold a referendum seen as a bid for Lukashenko to further extend his stay in power and arrange an eventual transition.</p>

<p>The amendments proposed by the regime include a change to the post-Soviet status of neutrality of Belarus which would allow the country to host Russian nuclear weapons and Russian forces on a permanent basis.</p>

<p><strong>Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pics-underground-metro-stations-in-kyiv-serve-as-bomb-shelters-amid-russian-invasion-456185">Pics: Underground metro stations in Kyiv serve as bomb shelters amid Russian invasion</a></strong></p>

<p>The Belarusian leader has increasingly relied on the Kremlin’s political and financial support amid bruising Western sanctions triggered by his crackdown on domestic protests, has called for closer defense ties with Moscow.</p>

<p>In recent weeks, Russia has moved troops from Siberia and the Far East to Belarus for sweeping joint drills.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Kremlin-backed strongman Lukashenko after the elections, leaving him "dependent" on Putin to stay in power, said Olga Dryndova, editor of Belarus-Analysen at the Research Centre for East European Studies at the University of Bremen.</p>

<p>"Moscow does not need to make Belarus officially part of Russia, which would cause public discontent and resistance," she said.</p>

<p>"With Russian tanks in Belarus, Lukashenko could remain the face of the regime with the real power lying elsewhere."</p>

<p>French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Friday that Belarus and its people deserve better than to become the "accomplices and vassals" of Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to wage war.</p>

<p>"The complicity of Alexander Lukashenko's regime in the invasion of Ukraine by Russia -- in the most total disregard of international law and signed agreements -- marks a new and very serious stage in the process of the submission of Mr Lukashenko to Russia," he added.</p>

<p>Le Drian said NATO would have to "draw the consequences" of the referendum in the Alliance's defence stance. Belarus shares a border with NATO members Latvia, Lithuania and Poland as well as Ukraine and Russia.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Fears are growing of the sovereignty of Belarus as Russia presses ahead with its invasion of Ukraine. Satellite imagery taken showed several large deployments of ground forces and about 150 transport helicopters in southern Belarus, about 20 miles from the border with Ukraine.

Fears are growing of the sovereignty of Belarus as Russia presses ahead with its invasion of Ukraine. Satellite imagery taken showed several large deployments of ground forces and about 150 transport helicopters in southern Belarus, about 20 miles from the border with Ukraine. The images showed one large helicopter deployment near the Belarusian town of Chojniki, which had over 90 helicopters parked on a road with the deployment extending for more than five miles. Images also showed a large deployment of ground forces with several hundred vehicles in convoy position in several fields. Autocratic leader Alexander Lukashenko, in power for almost three decades, allowed Russian troops to use Belarusian territory to invade Ukraine from the north. Also see | A new 'refugee crisis': As Russia attacks Ukraine, thousands flee the chaos Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, the main challenger to Lukashenko in an August 2020 vote that was rejected as a sham by the opposition and the West, denounced the deployment as Lukashenko’s payback for Moscow’s support for his crackdown on post-election protests. On Sunday, Belarus will hold a referendum seen as a bid for Lukashenko to further extend his stay in power and arrange an eventual transition. The amendments proposed by the regime include a change to the post-Soviet status of neutrality of Belarus which would allow the country to host Russian nuclear weapons and Russian forces on a permanent basis. Also see | Pics: Underground metro stations in Kyiv serve as bomb shelters amid Russian invasion The Belarusian leader has increasingly relied on the Kremlin’s political and financial support amid bruising Western sanctions triggered by his crackdown on domestic protests, has called for closer defense ties with Moscow. In recent weeks, Russia has moved troops from Siberia and the Far East to Belarus for sweeping joint drills. The Kremlin-backed strongman Lukashenko after the elections, leaving him "dependent" on Putin to stay in power, said Olga Dryndova, editor of Belarus-Analysen at the Research Centre for East European Studies at the University of Bremen. "Moscow does not need to make Belarus officially part of Russia, which would cause public discontent and resistance," she said. "With Russian tanks in Belarus, Lukashenko could remain the face of the regime with the real power lying elsewhere." French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said Friday that Belarus and its people deserve better than to become the "accomplices and vassals" of Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to wage war. "The complicity of Alexander Lukashenko's regime in the invasion of Ukraine by Russia -- in the most total disregard of international law and signed agreements -- marks a new and very serious stage in the process of the submission of Mr Lukashenko to Russia," he added. Le Drian said NATO would have to "draw the consequences" of the referendum in the Alliance's defence stance. Belarus shares a border with NATO members Latvia, Lithuania and Poland as well as Ukraine and Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Fears grow regarding sovereignty of Belarus as Russia presses ahead with its invasion of Ukraine

<p>Ruling Nepali Congress spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat on Saturday called on Russia to hold peaceful and diplomatic means and stop further bloodshed and loss of lives in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We urge Russia to use peaceful and diplomatic means to address its concern if there is any. We strongly ask Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine. Stop further bloodshed and&nbsp;loss of innocent lives. Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty must be respected,” Mahat said in a tweet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nepal has so far taken the strongest position against Russia among all the South Asian nations.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-nepal-agree-on-joint-development-of-cross-border-transmission-lines-456561" hreflang="en">India, Nepal agree on joint development of cross border transmission lines</a></strong></p>

<p>Nepal Foreign Ministry also called on all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint not to escalate tension.</p>

<p>“Recognition of Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions as independent entities goes contrary to the provisions of the UN Charter,” Nepal’s foreign office said in a statement. “Nepal opposes any use of force against a sovereign country in any circumstance and believes in a peaceful resolution of disputes through diplomacy and dialogue.”</p>

<p>As a member of the United Nations, Nepal views that the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity as enshrined in the UN Charter are sacrosanct and must be fully respected by all member states.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepals-parliament-postponed-for-the-second-time-anti-mcc-protest-continues-456417" hreflang="en">Nepal’s parliament postponed for the second time, anti-MCC protest continues</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, the Embassy of Nepal in Germany had issued a travel advisory for all Nepali nationals residing in Ukraine after civilian flights were temporarily restricted over Ukraine’s airspace following the escalating situation between Ukraine and Russia.</p>

<p>In the wake of growing tension and possible war between the world power Russia and its neighbouring country Ukraine, the Nepal government has urged all its citizens currently residing in Ukraine or on a visit there to return home as soon as possible.</p>

<p>As per the latest update from the Foreign Ministry currently, 38 Nepali citizens living in Ukraine have come into contact with the Nepali Embassy in Berlin, Germany.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ministry has also asked Nepalis in Ukraine to contact the Nepali Embassy in Berlin for any assistance.</p>


Ruling Nepali Congress spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat on Saturday called on Russia to hold peaceful and diplomatic means and stop further bloodshed and loss of lives in Ukraine.

Ruling Nepali Congress spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat on Saturday called on Russia to hold peaceful and diplomatic means and stop further bloodshed and loss of lives in Ukraine. “We urge Russia to use peaceful and diplomatic means to address its concern if there is any. We strongly ask Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine. Stop further bloodshed and loss of innocent lives. Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty must be respected,” Mahat said in a tweet. Nepal has so far taken the strongest position against Russia among all the South Asian nations. Also read | India, Nepal agree on joint development of cross border transmission lines Nepal Foreign Ministry also called on all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint not to escalate tension. “Recognition of Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions as independent entities goes contrary to the provisions of the UN Charter,” Nepal’s foreign office said in a statement. “Nepal opposes any use of force against a sovereign country in any circumstance and believes in a peaceful resolution of disputes through diplomacy and dialogue.” As a member of the United Nations, Nepal views that the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity as enshrined in the UN Charter are sacrosanct and must be fully respected by all member states. Also read | Nepal’s parliament postponed for the second time, anti-MCC protest continues Earlier, the Embassy of Nepal in Germany had issued a travel advisory for all Nepali nationals residing in Ukraine after civilian flights were temporarily restricted over Ukraine’s airspace following the escalating situation between Ukraine and Russia. In the wake of growing tension and possible war between the world power Russia and its neighbouring country Ukraine, the Nepal government has urged all its citizens currently residing in Ukraine or on a visit there to return home as soon as possible. As per the latest update from the Foreign Ministry currently, 38 Nepali citizens living in Ukraine have come into contact with the Nepali Embassy in Berlin, Germany. The Ministry has also asked Nepalis in Ukraine to contact the Nepali Embassy in Berlin for any assistance.

Nepal urges Russia to ‘stop further bloodshed’ in Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine conflict: First pictures of attack on Kyiv on Day 2

<p>To get your day started, here are some stories.</p>

<p>US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson have hit Russia with a series of sanctions in response to&nbsp;Moscow's&nbsp;attack on Ukraine. The measures, sanctions against banks and state-owned companies, aim to impede Russia's ability to do business in major currencies.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headline to read more:</strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-premeditated-ukraine-conflict-us-uk-hit-russia-with-new-sanctions-456254">For 'premeditated' Ukraine conflict, US, UK hit Russia with new sanctions</a></strong></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/02/25/243224-us-uk.jpg" /></p>

<p>US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson have hit Russia with new sanctions. Both the leaders have unveiled a wave of sanctions on Thursday to reprimand Moscow for attacking Ukraine in a 'premeditated' conflict. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-makes-markets-fall-oil-prices-soar-456267">Russia-Ukraine conflict makes markets fall, oil prices soar</a></strong></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/02/25/243239-mark-oil.jpg" /></p>

<p>As a result of Russia's conflict with Ukraine, markets are shaken. The current situation threatens to push inflation higher, squeezing the global economy even further. The stock market fell initially on Thursday, prices for wheat, oil, and other commodities have also spiked.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/muddywater-irans-ministry-of-intelligence-and-security-running-malicious-cyber-campaigns-warns-us-456283">'MuddyWater': Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security running malicious cyber campaigns, warns US</a></strong></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/02/25/243254-stories-2.jpg" /></p>

<p>US&nbsp;security and law enforcement agencies have warned in a joint Cybersecurity Advisory&nbsp;that Iran-linked cyber operations are targeting a variety of government and private-sector organisations in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russia-ukraine-conflict-day-2-of-the-russian-attack-456268">In Pics:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine conflict: Day 2 of the Russian attack</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><img alt="Day 2 Ukraine attack" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c8e0b6b7-3514-44f5-b76f-c577998d19e3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%283%29.jpg" /></strong></p>

<p>WION brings you images from the scene of conflict a day after Russian troops launched an invasion of its Western-backed neighbour.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Chernobyl nuclear site turns into a war zone</strong></p>

<p><strong><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-chernobyl-nuclear-site-turns-into-a-warzone-456240/embed" width="560"></iframe></strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


To get your day started, here are some stories. US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson have hit Russia with a series of sanctions in response to Moscow's attack on Ukraine.

To get your day started, here are some stories. US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson have hit Russia with a series of sanctions in response to Moscow's attack on Ukraine. The measures, sanctions against banks and state-owned companies, aim to impede Russia's ability to do business in major currencies. Click on the headline to read more: For 'premeditated' Ukraine conflict, US, UK hit Russia with new sanctions US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson have hit Russia with new sanctions. Both the leaders have unveiled a wave of sanctions on Thursday to reprimand Moscow for attacking Ukraine in a 'premeditated' conflict. Russia-Ukraine conflict makes markets fall, oil prices soar As a result of Russia's conflict with Ukraine, markets are shaken. The current situation threatens to push inflation higher, squeezing the global economy even further. The stock market fell initially on Thursday, prices for wheat, oil, and other commodities have also spiked. 'MuddyWater': Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security running malicious cyber campaigns, warns US US security and law enforcement agencies have warned in a joint Cybersecurity Advisory that Iran-linked cyber operations are targeting a variety of government and private-sector organisations in Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. In Pics: Russia-Ukraine conflict: Day 2 of the Russian attack WION brings you images from the scene of conflict a day after Russian troops launched an invasion of its Western-backed neighbour. Watch: Chernobyl nuclear site turns into a war zone

Morning brief: Russia hit with more sanctions, US accuses Iran of orchestrating cyberattacks and more

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that his country had been left on its own to fight Russia following the Kremlin's large-scale invasion which killed 130 Ukrainians on the first day.</p>

<p>"We have been left alone to defend our state," Zelenisky declared in a video address to the nation made at the end of the first day of the Russian attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Who is ready to fight alongside us? I don't see anyone. Who is ready to give Ukraine a guarantee of NATO membership? Everyone is afraid," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-choice-but-to-invade-ukraine-to-defend-russia-says-vladimir-putin-456201" hreflang="en">‘No choice but to invade Ukraine to defend Russia’, says Vladimir Putin</a></strong></p>

<p>According to Zelensky, 137 Ukrainians, both military and civilian, have been killed and another 316 have been wounded since the attack began early Thursday morning.</p>

<p>“Sadly, today we lost 137 heroes, our citizens. Ten of them were officers. 316 people have been wounded. Defending the Zmiinyi Island, all our border guards died a heroic death. But they have not surrendered. They will all be awarded posthumously the title of the Hero of Ukraine. Let those who gave their lives for Ukraine be remembered forever.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-russia-conflict-first-pictures-455872" hreflang="en">Ukraine-Russia conflict: First pictures from ground zero</a></strong></p>

<p>Zelensky also said that Russian "sabotage groups" had entered Kyiv, and urged residents to remain vigilant and observe curfews.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The president added that he remained in Ukraine with his family despite Russia identifying him as "target number one".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine conflict: Russian troops take over a key airbase located 38 KMs away from Kyiv</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-russian-troops-take-over-a-key-airbase-located-38-kms-away-from-kyiv-456235/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“I remain in the capital, my family is also in Ukraine, my children are in Ukraine. My family are not traitors, they are citizens of Ukraine. Where exactly they are I have no right to say. According to the information we have the enemy has marked me as target No 1, my family as target No 2."</p>

<p>"They want to destroy Ukraine politically by taking down the head of state," Zelensky said.</p>

<p>Earlier the Ukrainian President had said that&nbsp;there was now a "new&nbsp;iron&nbsp;curtain" between Russia and the rest of the world, like in the Cold War.</p>

<p>"What do we hear today? It's not just rocket explosions, combat and the roar of aircraft. This is the sound of a new&nbsp;iron&nbsp;curtain&nbsp;lowering and closing Russia off from the civilised world," he said in a video address.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday, Russia launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine by land, air, and sea. This is the largest military attack in Europe since World War II and confirms the worst fears of the West.</p>


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

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. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that his country had been left on its own to fight Russia following the Kremlin's large-scale invasion which killed 130 Ukrainians on the first day. "We have been left alone to defend our state," Zelenisky declared in a video address to the nation made at the end of the first day of the Russian attack. "Who is ready to fight alongside us? I don't see anyone. Who is ready to give Ukraine a guarantee of NATO membership? Everyone is afraid," he added. Also read | ‘No choice but to invade Ukraine to defend Russia’, says Vladimir Putin According to Zelensky, 137 Ukrainians, both military and civilian, have been killed and another 316 have been wounded since the attack began early Thursday morning. “Sadly, today we lost 137 heroes, our citizens. Ten of them were officers. 316 people have been wounded. Defending the Zmiinyi Island, all our border guards died a heroic death. But they have not surrendered. They will all be awarded posthumously the title of the Hero of Ukraine. Let those who gave their lives for Ukraine be remembered forever.” Also read | Ukraine-Russia conflict: First pictures from ground zero Zelensky also said that Russian "sabotage groups" had entered Kyiv, and urged residents to remain vigilant and observe curfews. The president added that he remained in Ukraine with his family despite Russia identifying him as "target number one". Watch | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Russian troops take over a key airbase located 38 KMs away from Kyiv “I remain in the capital, my family is also in Ukraine, my children are in Ukraine. My family are not traitors, they are citizens of Ukraine. Where exactly they are I have no right to say. According to the information we have the enemy has marked me as target No 1, my family as target No 2." "They want to destroy Ukraine politically by taking down the head of state," Zelensky said. Earlier the Ukrainian President had said that there was now a "new iron curtain" between Russia and the rest of the world, like in the Cold War. "What do we hear today? It's not just rocket explosions, combat and the roar of aircraft. This is the sound of a new iron curtain lowering and closing Russia off from the civilised world," he said in a video address. On Thursday, Russia launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine by land, air, and sea. This is the largest military attack in Europe since World War II and confirms the worst fears of the West.

Ukrainian President says his country 'left alone' to fight Russia; claims enemy marked him as 'target no. 1'

<p>As Russia closes in on capital Kyiv, the Indian embassy in Ukraine has issued a new advisory to Indian nationals, especially students, stuck there, saying that arrangements are being made to evacuate&nbsp;them.</p>

<p>Asking them to remain “strong, safe and alert”, the embassy has urged students living closest to border checkpoints -- CHOP-ZAHONY, Hungarian border near Uzhhorod, PORUBNE-SIRET Romanian border near Chernivtsi -- to depart first in an organised manner.</p>

<p>“Once above routes are operational, Indian nationals travelling by their own arrangements for transport would be advised to proceed to above border checkpoints, and remain in touch with the Helpline Numbers set up at respective check­points for facilitation through the border. Numbers would&nbsp;be shared once the control rooms are established,” the advisory stated.</p>

<p>Students have been advised to remain in touch with student contractors, for orderly movement.</p>

<p><img alt="Indian embassy advisory" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b29b9eb8-185b-467d-9819-0b21b01aef1b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/addv.jpeg" /></p>

<p>The advisory has asked its citizens to carry essential items along with them, including passport, cash, and COVID-19 double vaccination certificate</p>

<p>"Carry passport, cash preferably in USD for any emergency expenses, and other essentials. COVID-19 double vaccination certificate, if available," the advisory states.</p>

<p>"Print out Indian flag and paste prominently on vehicles and buses while travelling," it added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-to-evacuate-stranded-citizens-in-ukraine-from-neighbouring-countries-sources-456437" hreflang="en">India to evacuate stranded citizens in Ukraine from neighbouring countries</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, government sources have said that evacuation flights are being organised for Indians stranded in Ukraine.</p>

<p>According to sources, they will be flown back from neighbouring countries and the cost will be borne by the Government of India</p>

<p>Air India has been roped in for the evacuation process. It will operate two flights to the Romanian capital, Bucharest, on Friday, while a third flight is planned for tomorrow (Saturday) from Budapest.</p>


As Russia closes in on capital Kyiv, the Indian embassy in Ukraine has issued a new advisory to Indian nationals, especially students, stuck there, saying that arrangements are being made to evacuate them.

As Russia closes in on capital Kyiv, the Indian embassy in Ukraine has issued a new advisory to Indian nationals, especially students, stuck there, saying that arrangements are being made to evacuate them. Asking them to remain “strong, safe and alert”, the embassy has urged students living closest to border checkpoints -- CHOP-ZAHONY, Hungarian border near Uzhhorod, PORUBNE-SIRET Romanian border near Chernivtsi -- to depart first in an organised manner. “Once above routes are operational, Indian nationals travelling by their own arrangements for transport would be advised to proceed to above border checkpoints, and remain in touch with the Helpline Numbers set up at respective checkpoints for facilitation through the border. Numbers would be shared once the control rooms are established,” the advisory stated. Students have been advised to remain in touch with student contractors, for orderly movement. The advisory has asked its citizens to carry essential items along with them, including passport, cash, and COVID-19 double vaccination certificate "Carry passport, cash preferably in USD for any emergency expenses, and other essentials. COVID-19 double vaccination certificate, if available," the advisory states. "Print out Indian flag and paste prominently on vehicles and buses while travelling," it added. Also read | India to evacuate stranded citizens in Ukraine from neighbouring countries Meanwhile, government sources have said that evacuation flights are being organised for Indians stranded in Ukraine. According to sources, they will be flown back from neighbouring countries and the cost will be borne by the Government of India Air India has been roped in for the evacuation process. It will operate two flights to the Romanian capital, Bucharest, on Friday, while a third flight is planned for tomorrow (Saturday) from Budapest.

Indian embassy in Ukraine issues advisory, asks citizens to follow these steps

A new 'refugee crisis': As Russia attacks Ukraine, thousands flee the chaos

As Russia attacks Ukraine, thousands flee the chaos

In Pics: From New York to Japan, anti-war demonstrations take over the streets

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>

<p>Nearly 1,400 people were detained by Russian police during anti-war protests across the country after President Vladimir Putin sent troops to invade Ukraine, an independent monitor reported Thursday.</p>

<p>"More than 1,391 people have already been detained in 51 cities," said OVD-Info, which tracks arrests at opposition rallies. According to the monitor, more than 700 people have been detained in Moscow and over 340 in Saint Petersburg, the second-largest city.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-says-his-country-had-been-left-alone-to-fight-russia-456242" hreflang="en">Ukrainian President says his country had been 'left alone' to fight Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>In the early hours of Thursday, a number of Russian activists called on social media for people to take to the streets after Putin launched an offensive on Ukraine.</p>

<p>Approximately 2,000 protesters gathered near Pushkin Square in central Moscow, and up to 1,000 protesters gathered in Saint Petersburg, the former imperial capital.</p>

<p>Around Pushkin Square in Moscow, protesters chanted "No to war!"</p>

<p>"I am in shock. My relatives and loved ones live in Ukraine," Anastasia Nestulya, 23, said in Moscow.</p>

<p>"What can I tell them over the phone? You hang in there?" She said many were afraid to protest.</p>

<p>In Saint Petersburg, many struck a similar note.</p>

<p>"I have a feeling that the authorities have gone mad," said Svetlana Volkova, 27. The Russian protestor said that most people were unwilling to protest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"People have been fooled by propaganda."</p>

<p>As he was dragged away by three police officers, a young man shouted: "Who are you fighting with? Arrest Putin."</p>

<p>In recent years, protest laws in Russia have been toughened, and demonstrations often result in mass arrests.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ukraine-russia-conflict-stephen-king-piers-morgan-other-celebs-react-455996" hreflang="en">Ukraine-Russia conflict: Stephen King, Piers Morgan &amp; other celebs react</a></strong></p>

<p>Alexei Navalny, the jailed opposition leader who used to organise Russia's largest anti-Putin protests said he was against the invasion of Ukraine on Thursday.</p>

<p>The independent television channel Dozhd published a video in which Navalny was heard saying, "I am against this war.".</p>

<p>"This war between Russia and Ukraine was unleashed to cover up the theft from Russian citizens and divert their attention from problems that exist inside the country," the 45-year-old said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russian authorities had warned anti-war sympathisers against protesting.</p>

<p>Investigative Committee, the government body that investigates major crimes, warned Russians, that they could face legal repercussions for joining unsanctioned protests related to "the tense foreign political situation".</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Ukrainians around the world hold rallies &amp; call to 'stop Putin now'</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-ukrainians-around-the-world-hold-rallies-call-to-stop-putin-now-456231/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"One should be aware of the negative legal consequences of these actions in the form of prosecution up to criminal liability," the committee said.</p>

<p>On social media, these arrests have earned Russia and Putin some major scorn with some going so far as to label the Russian premier a "tyrant".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">1400 arrested across 51 locations at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/antiwar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#antiwar</a> protests in Russia. I stand with them. This is NOT Russia attacking, but a tyrant who needs to go <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NoMoreWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NoMoreWar</a></p>
— Darryll 🌈 (@darryllm) <a href="https://twitter.com/darryllm/status/1496941376113901569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">800 people arrested at Moscow antiwar protest. Russia is a fascist state and will hopefully someday be dissolved. <a href="https://t.co/1sAlRYkWJP">https://t.co/1sAlRYkWJP</a></p>
— Exiled Arizona (@exiledarizona) <a href="https://twitter.com/exiledarizona/status/1496902579497803777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🙏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> also for those in Russia being arrested for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AntiWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AntiWar</a> protests as they stand up to Putin! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UkraineInvasion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UkraineInvasion</a> <a href="https://t.co/uRGBCcTQsD">https://t.co/uRGBCcTQsD</a></p>
— Miss H Pinner🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🌈🧡#EqualityForAll (@hazelmpinner) <a href="https://twitter.com/hazelmpinner/status/1496975549805506562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Modern realities of Putin's power.<br />
6 cops detain one man who took to the streets of his country to protest against the war.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Moscow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Moscow</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/protest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#protest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AntiWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AntiWar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AntiWarProtest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AntiWarProtest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kiev?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kiev</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kyiv?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kyiv</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/subwaystation?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#subwaystation</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RussiaInvadedUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RussiaInvadedUkraine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/russianinvasion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#russianinvasion</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UkraineRussiaConflict?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UkraineRussiaConflict</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Putin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Putin</a> <a href="https://t.co/UnEWkWyEwJ">pic.twitter.com/UnEWkWyEwJ</a></p>
— Chaudhary Parvez (@ChaudharyParvez) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChaudharyParvez/status/1497032414366863360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Many have come out in support of the protestors</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">To protest in Russia against the Russian government is the benchmark for all of us. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/moscow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#moscow</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StPetersburg?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StPetersburg</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/protest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#protest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/antiwar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#antiwar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a></p>
— Sophie Walker (@SophieRunning) <a href="https://twitter.com/SophieRunning/status/1496977130999234562?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/antiwar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#antiwar</a> protest in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a><br />
The police arrests the protestors. One of them: "Arrest Putin, not me" :) <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UkraineRussiaConflict?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UkraineRussiaConflict</a> <a href="https://t.co/kW3Le29Twa">pic.twitter.com/kW3Le29Twa</a></p>
— Tatevik Hovhannisyan (@tatevik_arm) <a href="https://twitter.com/tatevik_arm/status/1496962877743325187?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This.<br />
This is a freedom convoy. This is what it looks like to stand up to a dictator.<br />
<br />
Not the privileged adult temper tantrum/ street party/ bender drenched in fragility that terrorized Ottawa for 3+ weeks.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AntiWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AntiWar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Protest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Protest</a> <a href="https://t.co/dk00b3Ky1q">https://t.co/dk00b3Ky1q</a></p>
— Minka Singh (@minkasingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/minkasingh/status/1497029009464516612?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Nearly 1,400 people were detained by Russian police during anti-war protests across the country after President Vladimir Putin sent troops to invade Ukraine, an independent monitor reported Thursday. "More than 1,391 people have already been detained in 51 cities," said OVD-Info, which tracks arrests at opposition rallies. According to the monitor, more than 700 people have been detained in Moscow and over 340 in Saint Petersburg, the second-largest city. Also read | Ukrainian President says his country had been 'left alone' to fight Russia In the early hours of Thursday, a number of Russian activists called on social media for people to take to the streets after Putin launched an offensive on Ukraine. Approximately 2,000 protesters gathered near Pushkin Square in central Moscow, and up to 1,000 protesters gathered in Saint Petersburg, the former imperial capital. Around Pushkin Square in Moscow, protesters chanted "No to war!" "I am in shock. My relatives and loved ones live in Ukraine," Anastasia Nestulya, 23, said in Moscow. "What can I tell them over the phone? You hang in there?" She said many were afraid to protest. In Saint Petersburg, many struck a similar note. "I have a feeling that the authorities have gone mad," said Svetlana Volkova, 27. The Russian protestor said that most people were unwilling to protest. "People have been fooled by propaganda." As he was dragged away by three police officers, a young man shouted: "Who are you fighting with? Arrest Putin." In recent years, protest laws in Russia have been toughened, and demonstrations often result in mass arrests. Also read | Ukraine-Russia conflict: Stephen King, Piers Morgan & other celebs react Alexei Navalny, the jailed opposition leader who used to organise Russia's largest anti-Putin protests said he was against the invasion of Ukraine on Thursday. The independent television channel Dozhd published a video in which Navalny was heard saying, "I am against this war.". "This war between Russia and Ukraine was unleashed to cover up the theft from Russian citizens and divert their attention from problems that exist inside the country," the 45-year-old said. Russian authorities had warned anti-war sympathisers against protesting. Investigative Committee, the government body that investigates major crimes, warned Russians, that they could face legal repercussions for joining unsanctioned protests related to "the tense foreign political situation". Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Ukrainians around the world hold rallies & call to 'stop Putin now' "One should be aware of the negative legal consequences of these actions in the form of prosecution up to criminal liability," the committee said. On social media, these arrests have earned Russia and Putin some major scorn with some going so far as to label the Russian premier a "tyrant". 1400 arrested across 51 locations at #antiwar protests in Russia. I stand with them. This is NOT Russia attacking, but a tyrant who needs to go #NoMoreWar — Darryll 🌈 (@darryllm) February 24, 2022 × 800 people arrested at Moscow antiwar protest. Russia is a fascist state and will hopefully someday be dissolved. https://t.co/1sAlRYkWJP — Exiled Arizona (@exiledarizona) February 24, 2022 × 🙏 #Ukraine also for those in Russia being arrested for #AntiWar protests as they stand up to Putin! #UkraineInvasion https://t.co/uRGBCcTQsD — Miss H Pinner🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🌈🧡#EqualityForAll (@hazelmpinner) February 24, 2022 × Modern realities of Putin's power. 6 cops detain one man who took to the streets of his country to protest against the war.#Russia #Ukraine #Moscow #protest #AntiWar #AntiWarProtest #Kiev #Kyiv #subwaystation #RussiaInvadedUkraine #russianinvasion #UkraineRussiaConflict #Putin pic.twitter.com/UnEWkWyEwJ — Chaudhary Parvez (@ChaudharyParvez) February 25, 2022 × Many have come out in support of the protestors To protest in Russia against the Russian government is the benchmark for all of us. #moscow #StPetersburg #protest #antiwar #Ukraine — Sophie Walker (@SophieRunning) February 24, 2022 × #antiwar protest in #Russia The police arrests the protestors. One of them: "Arrest Putin, not me" :) #UkraineRussiaConflict pic.twitter.com/kW3Le29Twa — Tatevik Hovhannisyan (@tatevik_arm) February 24, 2022 × This. This is a freedom convoy. This is what it looks like to stand up to a dictator. Not the privileged adult temper tantrum/ street party/ bender drenched in fragility that terrorized Ottawa for 3+ weeks.#Ukraine #AntiWar #Protest https://t.co/dk00b3Ky1q — Minka Singh (@minkasingh) February 25, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies)

In Russia, police arrest thousands participating in 'anti-war' protests, threaten with 'legal repercussions'

<p>"The world will hold Russia accountable" for its attack against Ukraine, US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday. He warned the attack will cause "catastrophic loss of life."</p>

<p>Following the announcement of the start of military operations in Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Biden said he would address the US public on Thursday to speak on the 'consequences' for Russia. He described the attack as "unprovoked and unjustified".</p>

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-updates-russia-ukraine-crisis-air-raid-siren-rings-out-in-kyiv-after-explosions-455211">Live updates: Russia-Ukraine crisis: Air raid siren rings out in Kyiv after explosions</a></h2>

<p>"Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable," he said.</p>

<p>Biden said his prayers were with the people of Ukraine "as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces", adding that Putin had chosen a premeditated war that would bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering.</p>

<p>In a last-minute plea to Putin, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to stop the war "in the name of humanity", after the Russian leader announced the military operation.</p>

<p>"President Putin, in the name of humanity bring your troops back to Russia," he said after an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council over the crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In the name of humanity do not allow to start in Europe what could be the worst war since the beginning of the century," he said, adding the conflict "must stop now."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-russia-conflict-first-pictures-455872">Ukraine-Russia conflict: First pictures</a></strong></p>

<p>Condemning the "reckless and unprovoked attack" on Ukraine, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said NATO allies would meet to tackle the consequences of Moscow's "aggressive actions".</p>

<p>German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the Russian military operation in Ukraine as "a glaring violation" of international law on a "dark day" for Europe.</p>

<p>"Germany condemns in the strongest possible terms this unscrupulous act by President Putin. Our solidarity goes out to Ukraine and its people," he added in a statement.</p>

<p>Scholz, whose country currently holds the presidency of the G7 forum, said it was "a terrible day for Ukraine".</p>

<p>He urged Moscow to stop its military operation "immediately".</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Emergency UNSC meeting on Ukraine: Security Council to vote on a resolution condemning Russia</strong></p>

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<p>Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister, also condemned the "horrific events in Ukraine", saying Russian President Vladimir Putin "has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack".</p>

<p>"The UK and our allies will respond decisively," he tweeted, adding he had spoken to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky.</p>

<p>Even as world leaders condemn this alleged "attack," Russia's ambassador to the UN said in an emergency meeting of the Security Council late Wednesday that Moscow's military operation against Ukraine is only targeted at&nbsp;"the junta" in power in Kyiv.</p>

<p>"I wanted to say in conclusion that we aren't being aggressive against the Ukrainian people but against the junta that is in power in Kiyv," said Vassily Nebenzia.</p>

<p>"These are among the darkest hours of Europe since the Second World War, said European Commission foreign policy chief Josep Borrell</p>

<p>"The EU will respond in the strongest possible terms and agree on the harshest package of sanctions we have ever implemented," he added.</p>

<p>"We have a land war in Europe that we thought was only to find in history books. It is a flagrant breach of international law. For Russia, this attack will have severe political and economic consequences," said Germany's Economy Minister Robert Habeck.</p>

<p>China said it was closely monitoring the situation.</p>

<p>"China is closely monitoring the latest situation. We call on all sides to exercise restraint to prevent the situation from getting out of control," said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


"The world will hold Russia accountable" for its attack against Ukraine, US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday. He warned the attack will cause "catastrophic loss of life.

"The world will hold Russia accountable" for its attack against Ukraine, US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday. He warned the attack will cause "catastrophic loss of life." Following the announcement of the start of military operations in Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Biden said he would address the US public on Thursday to speak on the 'consequences' for Russia. He described the attack as "unprovoked and unjustified". Live updates: Russia-Ukraine crisis: Air raid siren rings out in Kyiv after explosions "Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable," he said. Biden said his prayers were with the people of Ukraine "as they suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces", adding that Putin had chosen a premeditated war that would bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. In a last-minute plea to Putin, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to stop the war "in the name of humanity", after the Russian leader announced the military operation. "President Putin, in the name of humanity bring your troops back to Russia," he said after an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council over the crisis. "In the name of humanity do not allow to start in Europe what could be the worst war since the beginning of the century," he said, adding the conflict "must stop now." Also read | Ukraine-Russia conflict: First pictures Condemning the "reckless and unprovoked attack" on Ukraine, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said NATO allies would meet to tackle the consequences of Moscow's "aggressive actions". German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the Russian military operation in Ukraine as "a glaring violation" of international law on a "dark day" for Europe. "Germany condemns in the strongest possible terms this unscrupulous act by President Putin. Our solidarity goes out to Ukraine and its people," he added in a statement. Scholz, whose country currently holds the presidency of the G7 forum, said it was "a terrible day for Ukraine". He urged Moscow to stop its military operation "immediately". Watch | Emergency UNSC meeting on Ukraine: Security Council to vote on a resolution condemning Russia Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister, also condemned the "horrific events in Ukraine", saying Russian President Vladimir Putin "has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack". "The UK and our allies will respond decisively," he tweeted, adding he had spoken to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. Even as world leaders condemn this alleged "attack," Russia's ambassador to the UN said in an emergency meeting of the Security Council late Wednesday that Moscow's military operation against Ukraine is only targeted at "the junta" in power in Kyiv. "I wanted to say in conclusion that we aren't being aggressive against the Ukrainian people but against the junta that is in power in Kiyv," said Vassily Nebenzia. "These are among the darkest hours of Europe since the Second World War, said European Commission foreign policy chief Josep Borrell "The EU will respond in the strongest possible terms and agree on the harshest package of sanctions we have ever implemented," he added. "We have a land war in Europe that we thought was only to find in history books. It is a flagrant breach of international law. For Russia, this attack will have severe political and economic consequences," said Germany's Economy Minister Robert Habeck. China said it was closely monitoring the situation. "China is closely monitoring the latest situation. We call on all sides to exercise restraint to prevent the situation from getting out of control," said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying. (With inputs from agencies)

'In the name of humanity': UN Chief's plea, Biden's warning as leaders react to Russia's Ukraine move

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived in Russia on Wednesday (February 23) for a two-day official visit amid the heightened Russia-Ukraine crisis, as the United States watches the visit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When he landed in Moscow, Khan said, "What a time I have come, so much excitement. So excited on coming to Moscow. Saw President Ali meeting President Putin on television. Look forward to my meeting tomorrow."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The crucial visit is the first by a Pakistani premier in over two decades during which he will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to reset the bilateral ties and expand cooperation in the energy sector.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-removes-ex-president-ghani-from-heads-of-state-list-455599">UN removes ex-President Ghani from heads of state list</a></strong></p>

<p>The visit has become significant from a global perspective as it has come when the Russia-Ukraine crisis is escalating with the passing of each day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The&nbsp;meeting will take place hours after US President Joe Biden and other Western governments imposed tough economic sanctions on Russia for sending its military into parts of eastern Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While commenting on Imran Khan's visit, US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price told during a media briefing that "we are certainly aware of the trip".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Price said, "We are certainly aware of the trip and we believe it's the responsibility of every responsible country around the world to voice concern, to voice objection to what Putin appears to have in mind for Ukraine."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Imran Khan's Russia&nbsp;visit</strong></p>

<p>During the visit, Khan is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar, Commerce Adviser Abdul Razak Dawood and National Security Adviser Dr Moeed Yusuf.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Pakistan's Foreign Office, the bilateral summit between Prime Minister Khan and President Putin will be the highlight of the visit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-imposes-restriction-on-importing-afghan-cultural-items-455721">US imposes restriction on importing Afghan cultural items</a></strong></p>

<p>The FO said, "During the Summit meeting, the two leaders will review the entire array of bilateral relations including energy cooperation."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They will also have a wide-ranging exchange of views on major regional and international issues, including Islamophobia and the situation in Afghanistan," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It said the visit of the Prime Minister will contribute to the further deepening of the multifaceted Pakistan-Russia bilateral relationship and enhancement of mutual cooperation in diverse fields.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a tweet, the Russian Foreign Office said that President Putin and Prime Minister Khan will hold talks in Moscow on Thursday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Imran Khan visits Russia amid Ukraine crisis</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived in Russia on Wednesday (February 23) for a two-day official visit amid the heightened Russia-Ukraine crisis, as the United States watches the visit.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived in Russia on Wednesday (February 23) for a two-day official visit amid the heightened Russia-Ukraine crisis, as the United States watches the visit. When he landed in Moscow, Khan said, "What a time I have come, so much excitement. So excited on coming to Moscow. Saw President Ali meeting President Putin on television. Look forward to my meeting tomorrow." The crucial visit is the first by a Pakistani premier in over two decades during which he will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to reset the bilateral ties and expand cooperation in the energy sector. ALSO READ | UN removes ex-President Ghani from heads of state list The visit has become significant from a global perspective as it has come when the Russia-Ukraine crisis is escalating with the passing of each day. The meeting will take place hours after US President Joe Biden and other Western governments imposed tough economic sanctions on Russia for sending its military into parts of eastern Ukraine. While commenting on Imran Khan's visit, US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price told during a media briefing that "we are certainly aware of the trip". Price said, "We are certainly aware of the trip and we believe it's the responsibility of every responsible country around the world to voice concern, to voice objection to what Putin appears to have in mind for Ukraine." Imran Khan's Russia visit During the visit, Khan is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, Planning and Development Minister Asad Umar, Commerce Adviser Abdul Razak Dawood and National Security Adviser Dr Moeed Yusuf. According to Pakistan's Foreign Office, the bilateral summit between Prime Minister Khan and President Putin will be the highlight of the visit. ALSO READ | US imposes restriction on importing Afghan cultural items The FO said, "During the Summit meeting, the two leaders will review the entire array of bilateral relations including energy cooperation." "They will also have a wide-ranging exchange of views on major regional and international issues, including Islamophobia and the situation in Afghanistan," it added. It said the visit of the Prime Minister will contribute to the further deepening of the multifaceted Pakistan-Russia bilateral relationship and enhancement of mutual cooperation in diverse fields. In a tweet, the Russian Foreign Office said that President Putin and Prime Minister Khan will hold talks in Moscow on Thursday. WATCH | Gravitas: Imran Khan visits Russia amid Ukraine crisis × (With inputs from agencies)

As United States watches, Pakistan PM Imran Khan 'excited' to meet Vladimir Putin in Moscow

<p>India responded to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis as the situation deteriorated in the past two days. Amid heightened tensions, India called for "immediate de-escalation".&nbsp;</p>

<p>India's permanent representative to the United Nations, TS Tirumurti at the UNSC meeting on Ukraine said, "We call for an immediate de-escalation."</p>

<p>He added that the situation is in danger of "spiralling into a major crisis" and if not handled carefully, it may undermine security, adding the security of all parties should be taken into account.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Over 20,000 Indian students are in Ukraine, we are facilitating the return of all Indian nationals including students as we may be required," Tirumurti said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Amid a war-like situation, mass evacuations of foreign nationals are taking place. Some of the country's Indian students said they were considering leaving as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian students studying at Kharkiv University spoke to news agency AP on Wednesday citing a certain level of panic stemming from uncertainty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shania Mariyamath, a medical student said that Indian parents were "very much panicked" for their children abroad because of the way Indian news reported on the story.</p>

<p>"We have planned to stay here" she said, "unless our agent or contractor asks us to leave".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another student, Jahanvi Yaduvanshi, said her parents were panicking in India and that she had already booked flights to go back.</p>

<p>Kharkiv is a potentially risky area as it's located 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the Russian border.</p>

<p>India's embassy in Kyiv issued a string of recommendations for all Indian nationals this week to leave the country over security fears.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared military operation 'to demilitarise Ukraine', Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba said in a tweet, "Putin has launched a full-scale war against Ukraine."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Strikes continue on peaceful Ukrainian cities. This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend and win. The world can and must stop Putin. It's time to act - just now," he added. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia announces military operations in Ukraine as tensions mount to their climax</strong></p>

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India responded to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis as the situation deteriorated in the past two days. Amid heightened tensions, India called for "immediate de-escalation".

India responded to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis as the situation deteriorated in the past two days. Amid heightened tensions, India called for "immediate de-escalation". India's permanent representative to the United Nations, TS Tirumurti at the UNSC meeting on Ukraine said, "We call for an immediate de-escalation." He added that the situation is in danger of "spiralling into a major crisis" and if not handled carefully, it may undermine security, adding the security of all parties should be taken into account. "Over 20,000 Indian students are in Ukraine, we are facilitating the return of all Indian nationals including students as we may be required," Tirumurti said. Amid a war-like situation, mass evacuations of foreign nationals are taking place. Some of the country's Indian students said they were considering leaving as well. Indian students studying at Kharkiv University spoke to news agency AP on Wednesday citing a certain level of panic stemming from uncertainty. Shania Mariyamath, a medical student said that Indian parents were "very much panicked" for their children abroad because of the way Indian news reported on the story. "We have planned to stay here" she said, "unless our agent or contractor asks us to leave". Another student, Jahanvi Yaduvanshi, said her parents were panicking in India and that she had already booked flights to go back. Kharkiv is a potentially risky area as it's located 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the Russian border. India's embassy in Kyiv issued a string of recommendations for all Indian nationals this week to leave the country over security fears. Meanwhile, after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared military operation 'to demilitarise Ukraine', Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba said in a tweet, "Putin has launched a full-scale war against Ukraine." "Strikes continue on peaceful Ukrainian cities. This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend and win. The world can and must stop Putin. It's time to act - just now," he added. WATCH | Russia announces military operations in Ukraine as tensions mount to their climax ×

'If not handled carefully...': Amid Russia-Ukraine tensions, India calls for immediate de-escalation

<p>Oil prices soared past $100 for the first time in over seven years on Thursday after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a"military operation" in Ukraine, apparently realising fears he would invade.</p>

<p>In response to the announcement, Brent reached $100.04 a barrel, as concerns grew over a full-scale conflict in eastern Europe, and WTI hit $95.54.</p>

<p>This came shortly after Putin made a surprise television announcement declaring his intentions.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-declares-military-operation-to-demilitarise-ukraine-455828">Putin declares military operation 'to demilitarise Ukraine'</a></strong></p>

<p>"I have made the decision of a military operation," Putin said shortly before 6:00 am (0300 GMT) in Moscow, vowing retaliation against anyone who interfered.</p>

<p>In addition, he urged the Ukrainian military to lay down its weapons.</p>

<p>Earlier, the Kremlin reported that rebel leaders in eastern Ukraine had asked Moscow for military assistance against Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following Russia's recognition this week of two breakaway regions in Ukraine and its promise to provide "peacekeepers", US officials warned of a potential Russian incursion.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/even-as-tensions-over-ukraine-rise-us-russian-space-cooperation-continues-455825">Even as tensions over Ukraine rise, US-Russian space cooperation continues</a></strong></p>

<p>After separatists called for help repelling Ukrainian forces, fears of a move grew.</p>

<p>The threat of a conflagration has stoked concerns regarding the supply of key commodities such as wheat and metals at a time when demand is rallying after the reopening of economies following pandemic lockdowns.</p>

<p>Crude oil prices have soared in recent weeks, and on Thursday, Brent crude oil finally crossed the $100 mark for the first time since September 2014.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: China's lessons from the Ukraine crisis</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-chinas-lessons-from-the-ukraine-crisis-455785/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>"Russia/Ukraine tensions bring both a possible demand shock (for Europe), and more importantly a much larger supply shock for the rest of the world given the importance of Russia and Ukraine to energy, hard commodities and soft commodities," said National Australia Bank's Tapas Strickland.</p>

<p>Governments are struggling to contain runaway inflation fuelled by demand, with many fearing the fragile global economic recovery will be hindered as life returns to normal after recent lockdowns.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Oil prices soared past $100 for the first time in over seven years on Thursday after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a"military operation" in Ukraine, apparently realising fears he would invade.

Oil prices soared past $100 for the first time in over seven years on Thursday after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a"military operation" in Ukraine, apparently realising fears he would invade. In response to the announcement, Brent reached $100.04 a barrel, as concerns grew over a full-scale conflict in eastern Europe, and WTI hit $95.54. This came shortly after Putin made a surprise television announcement declaring his intentions. Also read | Putin declares military operation 'to demilitarise Ukraine' "I have made the decision of a military operation," Putin said shortly before 6:00 am (0300 GMT) in Moscow, vowing retaliation against anyone who interfered. In addition, he urged the Ukrainian military to lay down its weapons. Earlier, the Kremlin reported that rebel leaders in eastern Ukraine had asked Moscow for military assistance against Kyiv. Following Russia's recognition this week of two breakaway regions in Ukraine and its promise to provide "peacekeepers", US officials warned of a potential Russian incursion. Also read | Even as tensions over Ukraine rise, US-Russian space cooperation continues After separatists called for help repelling Ukrainian forces, fears of a move grew. The threat of a conflagration has stoked concerns regarding the supply of key commodities such as wheat and metals at a time when demand is rallying after the reopening of economies following pandemic lockdowns. Crude oil prices have soared in recent weeks, and on Thursday, Brent crude oil finally crossed the $100 mark for the first time since September 2014. Watch | Gravitas: China's lessons from the Ukraine crisis "Russia/Ukraine tensions bring both a possible demand shock (for Europe), and more importantly a much larger supply shock for the rest of the world given the importance of Russia and Ukraine to energy, hard commodities and soft commodities," said National Australia Bank's Tapas Strickland. Governments are struggling to contain runaway inflation fuelled by demand, with many fearing the fragile global economic recovery will be hindered as life returns to normal after recent lockdowns. (With inputs from agencies)

In the wake of Putin's 'military operation' threat, oil prices soar past $100 for the first time since 2014

<p>During a United Nations meeting on Ukraine&nbsp;speakers warned on Wednesday that a Russian invasion of the country would likely create a new "refugee crisis" around the world.</p>

<p>As many as five million people could be displaced by war, the US warned, while Ukraine's foreign minister said such a conflict would mark "the end of the world order as we know it."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-the-wake-of-putins-military-operation-threat-oil-prices-soar-past-100-for-the-first-time-since-2014-455849" hreflang="en">In the wake of Putin's 'military operation' threat, oil prices soar past $100 for the first time since 2014</a></strong></p>

<p>The dire warnings were made during a UN General Assembly session on "temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories," which is held at UN headquarters in New York each year since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014.</p>

<p>In his remarks, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that "our world is facing a moment of peril" over the crisis.</p>

<p>"If the conflict in Ukraine expands, the world could see a scale and severity of need unseen for many years," he said.</p>

<p>"It is time for restraint, reason and de-escalation," Guterres added, stressing there was no room for actions or statements that would "take this dangerous situation over the abyss."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/even-as-tensions-over-ukraine-rise-us-russian-space-cooperation-continues-455825">Even as tensions over Ukraine rise, US-Russian space cooperation continues</a></strong></p>

<p>Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US ambassador to the UN, said an invasion could result in the displacement of another five million people, in addition to the three million already displaced by Russian military action in eastern Ukraine.</p>

<p>"If Russia continues down this path, it could -- according to our estimates -- create a new refugee crisis, one of the largest facing the world today," she said.</p>

<p>Considering that Ukraine is one of the largest providers of wheat to developing nations, Thomas-Greenfield said Russian military operations "could cause a spike in food prices and lead to even more desperate hunger in places like Libya, Yemen, and Lebanon."</p>

<p>"The tidal waves of suffering this war will cause are unthinkable," she said.</p>

<p>Dmytro Kuleba, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, pleaded with the United Nations to hold Moscow accountable for attacking "the core principles of international law."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia announces military operations in Ukraine as tensions mount to their climax</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-announces-military-operations-in-ukraine-as-tensions-mount-to-their-climax-455839/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"If Russia does not get a severe, swift and decisive response now, this will mean a total bankruptcy of the international security system and international institutions, which are tasked with maintaining the global security order.</p>

<p>"This is a grim scenario, which will throw us back to the darkest times of the 20th century," he said.</p>

<p>The minister called Russian claims that it is acting to prevent Kyiv from launching military operations in the Donbas area "absurd" and urged Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


During a United Nations meeting on Ukraine speakers warned on Wednesday that a Russian invasion of the country would likely create a new "refugee crisis" around the world.

During a United Nations meeting on Ukraine speakers warned on Wednesday that a Russian invasion of the country would likely create a new "refugee crisis" around the world. As many as five million people could be displaced by war, the US warned, while Ukraine's foreign minister said such a conflict would mark "the end of the world order as we know it." Also read | In the wake of Putin's 'military operation' threat, oil prices soar past $100 for the first time since 2014 The dire warnings were made during a UN General Assembly session on "temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories," which is held at UN headquarters in New York each year since Russia annexed Crimea in 2014. In his remarks, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that "our world is facing a moment of peril" over the crisis. "If the conflict in Ukraine expands, the world could see a scale and severity of need unseen for many years," he said. "It is time for restraint, reason and de-escalation," Guterres added, stressing there was no room for actions or statements that would "take this dangerous situation over the abyss." Also read | Even as tensions over Ukraine rise, US-Russian space cooperation continues Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US ambassador to the UN, said an invasion could result in the displacement of another five million people, in addition to the three million already displaced by Russian military action in eastern Ukraine. "If Russia continues down this path, it could -- according to our estimates -- create a new refugee crisis, one of the largest facing the world today," she said. Considering that Ukraine is one of the largest providers of wheat to developing nations, Thomas-Greenfield said Russian military operations "could cause a spike in food prices and lead to even more desperate hunger in places like Libya, Yemen, and Lebanon." "The tidal waves of suffering this war will cause are unthinkable," she said. Dmytro Kuleba, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, pleaded with the United Nations to hold Moscow accountable for attacking "the core principles of international law." Watch | Russia announces military operations in Ukraine as tensions mount to their climax "If Russia does not get a severe, swift and decisive response now, this will mean a total bankruptcy of the international security system and international institutions, which are tasked with maintaining the global security order. "This is a grim scenario, which will throw us back to the darkest times of the 20th century," he said. The minister called Russian claims that it is acting to prevent Kyiv from launching military operations in the Donbas area "absurd" and urged Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

'Tidal waves of suffering': At least 5 million would be displaced by a Russian invasion of Ukraine, warns US

Ukraine-Russia conflict: First pictures from ground zero

<p>While Ukraine bears Russian missile strikes, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin as scheduled.</p>

<p>Amid the ongoing crisis at the Ukraine-Russia border, Khan arrived in Moscow late on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-the-name-of-humanity-un-chiefs-plea-bidens-warning-and-more-leaders-react-to-russian-aggressions-455883">'In the name of humanity': UN Chief's plea, Biden's warning and more; leaders react to Russian aggressions</a></strong></p>

<p>During his ill-timed visit to Russia, the first such trip by a Pakistani PM in 23 years Imran Khan aims to push for the construction of a long-delayed, multibillion-dollar gas pipeline in collaboration with Russian companies.</p>

<p>Vladimir Putin, the Russian&nbsp;premier, will meet with Khan during this visit. The two men are expected to discuss issues regarding economic cooperation.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime Minister Imran Khan’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his entire visit are GOING Ahead as Planned and CONTRARY to what AP has reported, the Meeting is On, per sources. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMIKinRussia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMIKinRussia</a></p>
— Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnasMallick/status/1496750027548602369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Pakistani&nbsp;Federal Minister for Information &amp; Broadcasting also tweeted that "Speculations about PM&nbsp;<br />
@ImranKhanPTI&nbsp;&nbsp;visit are misplaced. The Visit is proceeding and PM will return to Pakistan tonight as per schedule"</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Speculations about PM <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> visit are misplaced. The Visit is proceeding and PM will return to Pakistan tonight as per schedule</p>
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) <a href="https://twitter.com/fawadchaudhry/status/1496766900834951169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Pakistani media reported earlier that Moscow and Islamabad were in talks regarding the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin this year.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-united-states-watches-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-excited-to-meet-vladimir-putin-in-moscow-455824">As United States watches, Pakistan PM Imran Khan 'excited' to meet Vladimir Putin in Moscow</a></strong></p>

<p>According to a Pakistani newspaper, Putin's visit has been discussed for the past two years, but couldn't materialize due to a variety of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>Following Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement&nbsp;of the launch of a military operation against Ukraine on Thursday, several reports emerged that the Russian forces have fired missiles at several cities in Ukraine.<strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan PM Imran Khan arrives in Moscow to hold talks amid Ukraine crisis</strong></p>

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<p>News agencies also stated that Russia has landed troops on its coast on Thursday, officials and media said, after President Putin authorised what he called a special military operation in the east.&nbsp;</p>

<p>World leaders have condemned the attack, warning&nbsp;that&nbsp;"the world will hold Russia accountable" for its attack against Ukraine, and the&nbsp;"catastrophic loss of life" this attack will cause.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


While Ukraine bears Russian missile strikes, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin as scheduled. Amid the ongoing crisis at the Ukraine-Russia border, Khan arrived in Moscow late on Wednesday.

While Ukraine bears Russian missile strikes, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin as scheduled. Amid the ongoing crisis at the Ukraine-Russia border, Khan arrived in Moscow late on Wednesday. Also read | 'In the name of humanity': UN Chief's plea, Biden's warning and more; leaders react to Russian aggressions During his ill-timed visit to Russia, the first such trip by a Pakistani PM in 23 years Imran Khan aims to push for the construction of a long-delayed, multibillion-dollar gas pipeline in collaboration with Russian companies. Vladimir Putin, the Russian premier, will meet with Khan during this visit. The two men are expected to discuss issues regarding economic cooperation. Prime Minister Imran Khan’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his entire visit are GOING Ahead as Planned and CONTRARY to what AP has reported, the Meeting is On, per sources. #Pakistan #Russia #PMIKinRussia — Anas Mallick (@AnasMallick) February 24, 2022 × The Pakistani Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting also tweeted that "Speculations about PM @ImranKhanPTI visit are misplaced. The Visit is proceeding and PM will return to Pakistan tonight as per schedule" Speculations about PM @ImranKhanPTI visit are misplaced. The Visit is proceeding and PM will return to Pakistan tonight as per schedule — Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) February 24, 2022 × Pakistani media reported earlier that Moscow and Islamabad were in talks regarding the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin this year. Also read | As United States watches, Pakistan PM Imran Khan 'excited' to meet Vladimir Putin in Moscow According to a Pakistani newspaper, Putin's visit has been discussed for the past two years, but couldn't materialize due to a variety of factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Following Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of the launch of a military operation against Ukraine on Thursday, several reports emerged that the Russian forces have fired missiles at several cities in Ukraine. Watch | Pakistan PM Imran Khan arrives in Moscow to hold talks amid Ukraine crisis News agencies also stated that Russia has landed troops on its coast on Thursday, officials and media said, after President Putin authorised what he called a special military operation in the east. World leaders have condemned the attack, warning that "the world will hold Russia accountable" for its attack against Ukraine, and the "catastrophic loss of life" this attack will cause. (With inputs from agencies)

Even amid Russian 'military operation' on Ukraine, Imran Khan-Vladimir Putin meet to go ahead as planned

<p>After Russia fired missiles at several Ukrainian cities and landed troops on the south coast, the ruble plunged to a record low on Thursday, while the euro plunged to a multi-year low against the Swiss franc.</p>

<p>In addition, riskier commodity-linked currencies like the Australian dollar also tanked as Ukraine said Russia had launched a full-scale invasion.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-the-name-of-humanity-un-chiefs-plea-bidens-warning-and-more-leaders-react-to-russian-aggressions-455883">'In the name of humanity': UN Chief's plea, Biden's warning and more; leaders react to Russian aggressions</a></strong></p>

<p>The dollar rose nine per cent against the ruble, which has been battered lately in the wake of worries about the effects of the sanctions on the Russian economy, while the Moscow Stock Exchange plunged almost 14 per cent after trading was suspended earlier in the day. The country's central bank said it was intervening to "stabilise the situation".</p>

<p>"To stabilise the situation on the financial market, the Bank of Russia has decided to start interventions in the foreign exchange market," the central bank said in a statement, adding that it and other financial institutions: "have clear action plans for any scenario."</p>

<p>While explosions were reported in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and gunfire was heard near Kyiv's main airport, safe havens such as the yen and dollar were in demand.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-russia-conflict-first-pictures-455872">Ukraine-Russia conflict: First pictures</a></strong></p>

<p>With a fall of 0.84 per cent to $1.1209, the euro reached its lowest level since January 31.</p>

<p>Euro depreciated as much as 1.28 per cent versus other traditional haven currencies, hitting a nearly one-month low of 128.37 yen and as much as 0.84 per cent versus the Swiss franc, which reached 1.0292, the weakest since May 2015.</p>

<p>There was a 0.90 per cent drop in the Australian dollar to $0.7167, while the New Zealand dollar declined by 1.00 per cent to $0.6706.</p>

<p>"The situation certainly looks like it's going to get worse before it gets better, and that means the commodity currencies can weaken," said Joseph Capurso, a strategist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia: Military infrastructure being disabled in Ukraine, no threat to Ukrainian civilians</strong></p>

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<p>"If things get real bad," Aussie could test $0.70, and if the euro is poised to fall "quite a bit more," he said.</p>

<p>Sterling was a bit more resilient, declining 0.41 per cent to $1.3490, the lowest since February 15.</p>

<p>For the first time since January 31, the US dollar index, which measures the greenback against six major peers, rose as much as 0.60 per cent to 96.762.</p>

<p>Besides its status as a safe haven, the dollar has also been boosted by expectations that the Federal Reserve will begin raising rates next month, although the rising risk related to Ukraine forced traders to lower their expectations from 25 per cent earlier in the day to 16 per cent.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After Russia fired missiles at several Ukrainian cities and landed troops on the south coast, the ruble plunged to a record low on Thursday, while the euro plunged to a multi-year low against the Swiss franc.

After Russia fired missiles at several Ukrainian cities and landed troops on the south coast, the ruble plunged to a record low on Thursday, while the euro plunged to a multi-year low against the Swiss franc. In addition, riskier commodity-linked currencies like the Australian dollar also tanked as Ukraine said Russia had launched a full-scale invasion. Also read | 'In the name of humanity': UN Chief's plea, Biden's warning and more; leaders react to Russian aggressions The dollar rose nine per cent against the ruble, which has been battered lately in the wake of worries about the effects of the sanctions on the Russian economy, while the Moscow Stock Exchange plunged almost 14 per cent after trading was suspended earlier in the day. The country's central bank said it was intervening to "stabilise the situation". "To stabilise the situation on the financial market, the Bank of Russia has decided to start interventions in the foreign exchange market," the central bank said in a statement, adding that it and other financial institutions: "have clear action plans for any scenario." While explosions were reported in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and gunfire was heard near Kyiv's main airport, safe havens such as the yen and dollar were in demand. Also read | Ukraine-Russia conflict: First pictures With a fall of 0.84 per cent to $1.1209, the euro reached its lowest level since January 31. Euro depreciated as much as 1.28 per cent versus other traditional haven currencies, hitting a nearly one-month low of 128.37 yen and as much as 0.84 per cent versus the Swiss franc, which reached 1.0292, the weakest since May 2015. There was a 0.90 per cent drop in the Australian dollar to $0.7167, while the New Zealand dollar declined by 1.00 per cent to $0.6706. "The situation certainly looks like it's going to get worse before it gets better, and that means the commodity currencies can weaken," said Joseph Capurso, a strategist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Watch | Russia: Military infrastructure being disabled in Ukraine, no threat to Ukrainian civilians "If things get real bad," Aussie could test $0.70, and if the euro is poised to fall "quite a bit more," he said. Sterling was a bit more resilient, declining 0.41 per cent to $1.3490, the lowest since February 15. For the first time since January 31, the US dollar index, which measures the greenback against six major peers, rose as much as 0.60 per cent to 96.762. Besides its status as a safe haven, the dollar has also been boosted by expectations that the Federal Reserve will begin raising rates next month, although the rising risk related to Ukraine forced traders to lower their expectations from 25 per cent earlier in the day to 16 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

As Russia fires missiles at Ukraine, its currency ruble falls 9% against dollar

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="14">A day after the United States and many partners imposed a broad range of sanctions against Moscow, Ukraine declared a state of emergency, began mobilising reservists, and urged its residents to leave Russia immediately.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="16">Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow is open to talks, but he lauded the military's readiness, which he said has been upgraded and improved by drills.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="17">Concerted Western actions fell short of the sanctions package threatened by the Biden administration if Russia invaded Ukraine on a large scale.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="18">Here are some of the most important developments in the crisis:&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="19">Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready for "diplomatic solutions" over Ukraine but warned that "the interests of Russia and the security of our citizens are non-negotiable for us."</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="20">Ukraine is set to impose a state of emergency and has asked its citizens to leave Russia amid fears of military conflict.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="21">The Ukrainian military says one soldier has been killed and six wounded in shelling by pro-Russian separatists in east Ukraine in the past 24 hours. It has called in the services of military reservists.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="22">Australia, Canada, and Japan imposed sanctions on Russia in response to the Ukraine crisis, following closely behind US measures targeting Ukraine's separatist regions. Sanctions have been slapped by the UK, while the EU is also on a similar path.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="23">Germany has taken steps to halt the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project from Russia.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="24"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A day after the United States and many partners imposed a broad range of sanctions against Moscow, Ukraine declared a state of emergency, began mobilising reservists, and urged its residents to leave Russia immediately.

A day after the United States and many partners imposed a broad range of sanctions against Moscow, Ukraine declared a state of emergency, began mobilising reservists, and urged its residents to leave Russia immediately. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow is open to talks, but he lauded the military's readiness, which he said has been upgraded and improved by drills. Concerted Western actions fell short of the sanctions package threatened by the Biden administration if Russia invaded Ukraine on a large scale. Here are some of the most important developments in the crisis: Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready for "diplomatic solutions" over Ukraine but warned that "the interests of Russia and the security of our citizens are non-negotiable for us." Ukraine is set to impose a state of emergency and has asked its citizens to leave Russia amid fears of military conflict. The Ukrainian military says one soldier has been killed and six wounded in shelling by pro-Russian separatists in east Ukraine in the past 24 hours. It has called in the services of military reservists. Australia, Canada, and Japan imposed sanctions on Russia in response to the Ukraine crisis, following closely behind US measures targeting Ukraine's separatist regions. Sanctions have been slapped by the UK, while the EU is also on a similar path. Germany has taken steps to halt the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project from Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Here are top developments that you should know

<p>British health minister Sajid Javid on Tuesday (February 22) claimed that the "invasion of Ukraine has begun" as he said, Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent actions towards Ukraine show he has chosen confrontation with the West over diplomatic dialogue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While speaking to Sky News, Javid said, "We have seen that he has recognised these breakaway eastern regions in Ukraine and from the reports we can already tell that he has sent in tanks and troops. From that, you can conclude that the invasion of Ukraine has begun."&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a televised address on Monday (February 21), Putin ordered the deployment of troops to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine - - the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic. The Russian leader recognised the two regions as independent.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/these-commodities-could-become-super-expensive-amid-escalating-russia-ukraine-crisis-455247">These commodities could become super expensive amid escalating Russia-Ukraine crisis</a></strong></p>

<p>Western countries are planning to impose strict sanctions on Russia but during his televised address, Putin said, "We are being blackmailed, they are threatening us with sanctions. But I think they will impose those sanctions."&nbsp;</p>

<p>UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday said that Britain will immediately impose hard economic sanctions on Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-orders-troops-into-eastern-ukraine-key-points-from-his-crucial-address-455210">Vladimir Putin orders troops into eastern Ukraine: Key points from his crucial address</a></strong></p>

<p>Johnson said that the sanctions would be "targeted not just at entities in Donbass and Luhansk and Donetsk, but in Russia itself - targeting Russian economic interests as hard as we can."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Javid told BBC TV, "We've always preferred dialogue and still continue to do so but it's clear from President Putin's actions that he has chosen confrontation over dialogue."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia recognises independence of Ukraine separatist regions, US condemns move&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


British health minister Sajid Javid on Tuesday (February 22) claimed that the "invasion of Ukraine has begun" as he said, Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent actions towards Ukraine show he has chosen confrontation with the West over diplomatic dialogue.

British health minister Sajid Javid on Tuesday (February 22) claimed that the "invasion of Ukraine has begun" as he said, Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent actions towards Ukraine show he has chosen confrontation with the West over diplomatic dialogue. While speaking to Sky News, Javid said, "We have seen that he has recognised these breakaway eastern regions in Ukraine and from the reports we can already tell that he has sent in tanks and troops. From that, you can conclude that the invasion of Ukraine has begun." In a televised address on Monday (February 21), Putin ordered the deployment of troops to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine - - the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic. The Russian leader recognised the two regions as independent. ALSO READ | These commodities could become super expensive amid escalating Russia-Ukraine crisis Western countries are planning to impose strict sanctions on Russia but during his televised address, Putin said, "We are being blackmailed, they are threatening us with sanctions. But I think they will impose those sanctions." UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday said that Britain will immediately impose hard economic sanctions on Russia. ALSO READ | Vladimir Putin orders troops into eastern Ukraine: Key points from his crucial address Johnson said that the sanctions would be "targeted not just at entities in Donbass and Luhansk and Donetsk, but in Russia itself - targeting Russian economic interests as hard as we can." Meanwhile, Javid told BBC TV, "We've always preferred dialogue and still continue to do so but it's clear from President Putin's actions that he has chosen confrontation over dialogue." WATCH | Russia recognises independence of Ukraine separatist regions, US condemns move × (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine crisis: UK minister claims that 'invasion' of Ukraine has begun

<p>Taiwan military has been ordered by President Tsai Ing-wen to stay ready in case of disruption by ‘outside force’ amid the Ukraine crisis.</p>

<p>Taiwan is nervous that Beijing may take advantage of a distracted West to ramp up pressure on the island.</p>

<p>The government, always on alert to what they view as Chinese provocations, last month set up a Ukraine working group under the National Security Council.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We should continue to strengthen the combat readiness of our forces in the Taiwan Strait to ensure our safety,” Tsai said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-threat-to-taiwan-if-west-does-not-support-ukraine-454634">Also read |&nbsp;Boris Johnson says threat to Taiwan if West does not support Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>Self-ruled democratic Taiwan has watched the Ukraine situation closely, as China claims sovereignty over the island and has vowed to seize it one day,&nbsp;by force if necessary.</p>

<p>Beijing has ramped up military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan since President Tsai Ing-wen came to power in 2016, as she rejects the stance that the island is Chinese territory.</p>

<p>She described Taiwan and Ukraine as "fundamentally different in terms of geostrategy, geographical environment, and the importance of international supply chains," referring to the island's status as a major plank in the global economy, especially semiconductors.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sanctions-us-companies-for-supplying-arms-to-taiwan-455023">Also read |&nbsp;China sanctions US companies for supplying arms to Taiwan</a></strong></p>

<p>Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu warned in two foreign media interviews this month that they were watching very closely to see whether China would take advantage of the Ukraine crisis to attack.</p>

<p>"China may think about using military action against Taiwan at any moment, and we need to be prepared for that," he told Britain's ITV News.</p>

<p>Speaking in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying dismissed any link between the issues of Ukraine and Taiwan.</p>

<p>"Taiwan is not Ukraine," she said. "Taiwan has always been an inalienable part of China. This is an indisputable legal and historical fact."</p>

<p>British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday that if Western nations failed to fulfil their promises to support Ukraine's independence, it would have damaging consequences worldwide, including for Taiwan.</p>

<p>Taiwan, which rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, has lived under the threat of Chinese invasion since the defeated Republic of China government fled to the island in 1949 after losing a civil war to the Communists.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Taiwan military has been ordered by President Tsai Ing-wen to stay ready in case of disruption by ‘outside force’ amid the Ukraine crisis. Taiwan is nervous that Beijing may take advantage of a distracted West to ramp up pressure on the island.

Taiwan military has been ordered by President Tsai Ing-wen to stay ready in case of disruption by ‘outside force’ amid the Ukraine crisis. Taiwan is nervous that Beijing may take advantage of a distracted West to ramp up pressure on the island. The government, always on alert to what they view as Chinese provocations, last month set up a Ukraine working group under the National Security Council. “We should continue to strengthen the combat readiness of our forces in the Taiwan Strait to ensure our safety,” Tsai said. Also read | Boris Johnson says threat to Taiwan if West does not support Ukraine Self-ruled democratic Taiwan has watched the Ukraine situation closely, as China claims sovereignty over the island and has vowed to seize it one day, by force if necessary. Beijing has ramped up military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan since President Tsai Ing-wen came to power in 2016, as she rejects the stance that the island is Chinese territory. She described Taiwan and Ukraine as "fundamentally different in terms of geostrategy, geographical environment, and the importance of international supply chains," referring to the island's status as a major plank in the global economy, especially semiconductors. Also read | China sanctions US companies for supplying arms to Taiwan Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu warned in two foreign media interviews this month that they were watching very closely to see whether China would take advantage of the Ukraine crisis to attack. "China may think about using military action against Taiwan at any moment, and we need to be prepared for that," he told Britain's ITV News. Speaking in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying dismissed any link between the issues of Ukraine and Taiwan. "Taiwan is not Ukraine," she said. "Taiwan has always been an inalienable part of China. This is an indisputable legal and historical fact." British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Saturday that if Western nations failed to fulfil their promises to support Ukraine's independence, it would have damaging consequences worldwide, including for Taiwan. Taiwan, which rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, has lived under the threat of Chinese invasion since the defeated Republic of China government fled to the island in 1949 after losing a civil war to the Communists. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine crisis: Taiwan military ordered to be combat-ready from outside disruptions

<p>Ukrainian civilians will be given the right to carry firearms and defend themselves after the country's parliament voted in favour of the measure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukraine has been stepping up its preparations today for a potential invasion by Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, it started conscripting army reservists and urged all Ukrainians in Russia to leave immediately.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 10,000 Russian troops have entered the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, which includes the breakaway provinces of Luhansk and Donetsk.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-russia-ukraine-crisis-ukraine-to-conscript-army-reservists-aged-18-60-455211"><strong>LIVE updates: Russia-Ukraine crisis</strong></a></p>

<p>Russian officials have questioned Ukraine's right to sovereignty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ukrainian government made a number of announcements on Wednesday, including the drafting of army reservists aged 18-60.<br />
<br />
<strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beginning-an-invasion-us-imposes-fresh-sanctions-against-russia-455521">'Beginning an invasion': US imposes fresh sanctions against Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>Leaders in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, including President Joe Biden, have referred to Russia's actions as a "invasion," signalling a significant shift in terminology used to describe the crisis.</p>

<p>In reaction, Vice President Joe Biden has promised strong measures, and Germany has indicated that it will stop certification of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ukrainian civilians will be given the right to carry firearms and defend themselves after the country's parliament voted in favour of the measure. Ukraine has been stepping up its preparations today for a potential invasion by Russia.

Ukrainian civilians will be given the right to carry firearms and defend themselves after the country's parliament voted in favour of the measure. Ukraine has been stepping up its preparations today for a potential invasion by Russia. Earlier, it started conscripting army reservists and urged all Ukrainians in Russia to leave immediately. Around 10,000 Russian troops have entered the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, which includes the breakaway provinces of Luhansk and Donetsk. LIVE updates: Russia-Ukraine crisis Russian officials have questioned Ukraine's right to sovereignty. The Ukrainian government made a number of announcements on Wednesday, including the drafting of army reservists aged 18-60. ALSO READ | 'Beginning an invasion': US imposes fresh sanctions against Russia Leaders in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, including President Joe Biden, have referred to Russia's actions as a "invasion," signalling a significant shift in terminology used to describe the crisis. In reaction, Vice President Joe Biden has promised strong measures, and Germany has indicated that it will stop certification of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Civilians given permission to carry firearms in Ukraine

<p>Former United States President Donald Trump weighed in on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis and noted how it could have been handled if he was in power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Talking about his close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump on Tuesday (February 22) argued that the Ukraine crisis would not have happened under his administration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, Trump said, "If properly handled, there was absolutely no reason that the situation currently happening in Ukraine should have happened at all."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "I know Vladimir Putin very well, and he would have never done during the Trump administration what he is doing now, no way!"&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Now it has begun, oil prices are going higher and higher, and Putin is not only getting what he always wanted, but getting, because of the oil and gas surge, richer and richer," Trump added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia has been slapped with multiple sanctions and facing massive backlash after Putin recognised two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent and ordered the deployment there.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-calls-up-military-reservists-urges-citizens-to-leave-russia-immediately-455628">Ukraine calls up military reservists, urges citizens to leave Russia 'immediately'</a></strong></p>

<p>The US imposed sanctions on Russia, and Biden stressed that the penalties were only a "first tranche" and more sanctions would come if Putin extended his country's military grip beyond the two territories in the eastern Donbas region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Biden said Washington would continue to supply "defensive" weapons to Ukraine against a Russian "invasion", and deploy US troops to reinforce NATO allies in Eastern Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a televised speech at the White House, Biden said: "Let me be clear, these are totally defensive moves on our part." &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-russian-president-vladimir-putins-tense-exchange-with-his-spy-chief-over-eastern-ukraine-455611">Russian President Vladimir Putin's tense exchange with his spy chief over eastern Ukraine</a></strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former United States President Donald Trump weighed in on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis and noted how it could have been handled if he was in power. Talking about his close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump on Tuesday (February 22) argued that the Ukraine crisis would not have happened under his administration.

Former United States President Donald Trump weighed in on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis and noted how it could have been handled if he was in power. Talking about his close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump on Tuesday (February 22) argued that the Ukraine crisis would not have happened under his administration. In a statement, Trump said, "If properly handled, there was absolutely no reason that the situation currently happening in Ukraine should have happened at all." He added, "I know Vladimir Putin very well, and he would have never done during the Trump administration what he is doing now, no way!" "Now it has begun, oil prices are going higher and higher, and Putin is not only getting what he always wanted, but getting, because of the oil and gas surge, richer and richer," Trump added. Russia has been slapped with multiple sanctions and facing massive backlash after Putin recognised two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine as independent and ordered the deployment there. ALSO READ | Ukraine calls up military reservists, urges citizens to leave Russia 'immediately' The US imposed sanctions on Russia, and Biden stressed that the penalties were only a "first tranche" and more sanctions would come if Putin extended his country's military grip beyond the two territories in the eastern Donbas region. On Tuesday, Biden said Washington would continue to supply "defensive" weapons to Ukraine against a Russian "invasion", and deploy US troops to reinforce NATO allies in Eastern Europe. In a televised speech at the White House, Biden said: "Let me be clear, these are totally defensive moves on our part." WATCH | Russian President Vladimir Putin's tense exchange with his spy chief over eastern Ukraine × (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump tells how Russia-Ukraine crisis could have been handled differently if he was in power

<p>Ukrainian armed forces on Wednesday (February 23) said that the country has started conscripting reservists aged 18-60 following a decree by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The maximum service period is one year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a Facebook message, Ukrainian Ground Forces said: "Reservists aged 18 to 60 will be called up... The call will start today. The maximum service life is one year."&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Zelenskiy said he was introducing the conscription of reservists. He, however, ruled out a general mobilisation after Russia announced it was moving troops into eastern Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-russian-president-vladimir-putins-tense-exchange-with-his-spy-chief-over-eastern-ukraine-455611">Russian President Vladimir Putin's tense exchange with his spy chief over eastern Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>Amid escalating situation, Ukraine on Wednesday urged its citizens to leave Russia immediately. "Because of the escalating Russian aggression against Ukraine, which can lead to a substantial reduction in possible consular assistance in Russia, the foreign ministry urges the citizens of Ukraine to refrain from travel to Russia, and for those in that country to leave its territory immediately," the ministry said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Wednesday that the word "invasion" used by the United States President Joe Biden is not appropriate for what is happening now in Ukraine.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Biden said on Tuesday that the recognition of the Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics as independent is the beginning of a Russian "invasion" of Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/latest-satellite-pictures-show-russian-troop-deployment-near-ukraine-455540">Latest satellite pictures show Russian troop deployment near Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>"You need to weigh your words. An invasion is an invasion. And I think that this is not the right word for this situation [in Ukraine]. We will see what steps [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin will take next in the next hours, days or weeks," Le Maire told the BFM TV broadcaster.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But what is happening now is an attempt to encroach on the territorial integrity of Ukraine and cast doubt on international agreements," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin: Best if Ukraine adopts neutrality and drops NATO bid</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ukrainian armed forces on Wednesday (February 23) said that the country has started conscripting reservists aged 18-60 following a decree by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Ukrainian armed forces on Wednesday (February 23) said that the country has started conscripting reservists aged 18-60 following a decree by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The maximum service period is one year. In a Facebook message, Ukrainian Ground Forces said: "Reservists aged 18 to 60 will be called up... The call will start today. The maximum service life is one year." On Tuesday, Zelenskiy said he was introducing the conscription of reservists. He, however, ruled out a general mobilisation after Russia announced it was moving troops into eastern Ukraine. WATCH | Russian President Vladimir Putin's tense exchange with his spy chief over eastern Ukraine Amid escalating situation, Ukraine on Wednesday urged its citizens to leave Russia immediately. "Because of the escalating Russian aggression against Ukraine, which can lead to a substantial reduction in possible consular assistance in Russia, the foreign ministry urges the citizens of Ukraine to refrain from travel to Russia, and for those in that country to leave its territory immediately," the ministry said. Meanwhile, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Wednesday that the word "invasion" used by the United States President Joe Biden is not appropriate for what is happening now in Ukraine. Biden said on Tuesday that the recognition of the Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics as independent is the beginning of a Russian "invasion" of Ukraine. IN PICS | Latest satellite pictures show Russian troop deployment near Ukraine "You need to weigh your words. An invasion is an invasion. And I think that this is not the right word for this situation [in Ukraine]. We will see what steps [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin will take next in the next hours, days or weeks," Le Maire told the BFM TV broadcaster. "But what is happening now is an attempt to encroach on the territorial integrity of Ukraine and cast doubt on international agreements," he added. WATCH | Russian President Vladimir Putin: Best if Ukraine adopts neutrality and drops NATO bid × (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine calls up military reservists, urges citizens to leave Russia 'immediately'

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin had a tense exchange with his spy chief Sergei Naryshkin during a crucial meeting of the Russian Security Council on Monday (February 21). The meeting was about the Russia-backed territories in east Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The meeting happened before Putin ordered the deployment of troops to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine - the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic. The Russian leader recognised the two regions as independent.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beginning-an-invasion-us-imposes-fresh-sanctions-against-russia-455521">'Beginning an invasion': US imposes fresh sanctions against Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>A clip from the Russian Security Council meeting has gone viral where the chief of the foreign intelligence service is interrupted repeatedly by Putin, who even asked Naryshkin to&nbsp;'speak plainly!'&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the video, Naryshkin hesitated&nbsp;as he was interrupted by Putin while he was speaking about the recognition of Luhansk and Donetsk as independent regions and incorporating them into Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In case you wonder whether the Russian intelligence community is afraid of speaking their mind in front of Putin.<br />
<br />
Sergei Naryshkin, chief of the Foreign Intelligence Service, tried to say there could be ways to avoid war at the security council meeting. <a href="https://t.co/2k96uJyHU7">pic.twitter.com/2k96uJyHU7</a></p>
— Visegrád 24 🇨🇿🇭🇺🇵🇱🇸🇰 (@visegrad24) <a href="https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1496254648776335361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/latest-satellite-pictures-show-russian-troop-deployment-near-ukraine-455540">Latest satellite pictures show Russian troop deployment near Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>After imposing sanctions on Russia, the United States President Joe Biden earlier stressed that the penalties were only a "first tranche" and more sanctions would come if Putin extended his country's military grip beyond the two territories in the eastern Donbas region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Biden said Washington would continue to supply "defensive" weapons to Ukraine against a Russian invasion, and deploy US troops to reinforce NATO allies in Eastern Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Let me be clear, these are totally defensive moves on our part," Biden said in a televised speech at the White House.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin: Best if Ukraine adopts neutrality and drops NATO bid</strong></p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin had a tense exchange with his spy chief Sergei Naryshkin during a crucial meeting of the Russian Security Council on Monday (February 21).

Russian President Vladimir Putin had a tense exchange with his spy chief Sergei Naryshkin during a crucial meeting of the Russian Security Council on Monday (February 21). The meeting was about the Russia-backed territories in east Ukraine. The meeting happened before Putin ordered the deployment of troops to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine - the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic. The Russian leader recognised the two regions as independent. ALSO READ | 'Beginning an invasion': US imposes fresh sanctions against Russia A clip from the Russian Security Council meeting has gone viral where the chief of the foreign intelligence service is interrupted repeatedly by Putin, who even asked Naryshkin to 'speak plainly!' In the video, Naryshkin hesitated as he was interrupted by Putin while he was speaking about the recognition of Luhansk and Donetsk as independent regions and incorporating them into Russia. Watch the video here: In case you wonder whether the Russian intelligence community is afraid of speaking their mind in front of Putin. Sergei Naryshkin, chief of the Foreign Intelligence Service, tried to say there could be ways to avoid war at the security council meeting. pic.twitter.com/2k96uJyHU7 — Visegrád 24 🇨🇿🇭🇺🇵🇱🇸🇰 (@visegrad24) February 22, 2022 × IN PICS | Latest satellite pictures show Russian troop deployment near Ukraine After imposing sanctions on Russia, the United States President Joe Biden earlier stressed that the penalties were only a "first tranche" and more sanctions would come if Putin extended his country's military grip beyond the two territories in the eastern Donbas region. On Tuesday, Biden said Washington would continue to supply "defensive" weapons to Ukraine against a Russian invasion, and deploy US troops to reinforce NATO allies in Eastern Europe. "Let me be clear, these are totally defensive moves on our part," Biden said in a televised speech at the White House. WATCH | Russian President Vladimir Putin: Best if Ukraine adopts neutrality and drops NATO bid ×

Watch: Russian President Vladimir Putin's tense exchange with his spy chief over eastern Ukraine

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<p>The Russia-Ukraine crisis escalated further after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the deployment of troops to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine. He recognised the two regions as independent on Monday (February 21) during a crucial televised address.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his seminal speech, Putin ordered his defence ministry to despatch Russian peacekeepers to Ukraine's two breakaway regions - the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin earlier signed decrees to recognise the two regions as independent statelets. The move by Russia can be countered by sanctions from Western allies as the step could hamper the recent diplomatic attempts to defuse the crisis situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-what-will-russian-recognition-of-breakaway-ukraine-regions-mean-455193">Explainer: What will Russian recognition of breakaway Ukraine regions mean?</a></strong></p>

<p>Here are some of the crucial points from Putin's address:&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>1)</strong>&nbsp;Putin described Ukraine as an integral part of Russia's history and said eastern Ukraine was ancient Russian land.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, "I would like to emphasise again that Ukraine is not just a neighbouring country for us. It is an inalienable part of our own history, culture and spiritual space."</p>

<p>"These are our comrades, those dearest to us – not only colleagues, friends and people who once served together, but also relatives, people bound by blood, by family ties," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-two-russian-backed-areas-in-eastern-ukraine-455190">US imposes sanctions on two Russian-backed areas in eastern Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>2)</strong>&nbsp;Putin had announced his decision in phone calls to the leaders of Germany and France.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>3)</strong>&nbsp;On recognition of pro-Russian separatists, Putin said that he deems it "necessary to make a decision that should have been made a long time ago".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The decision to "immediately recognise the independence and sovereignty of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>4)&nbsp;</strong>While talking about the responsibility for the bloodshed, the Russian leader said that "those who seized power and keep power in Kyiv, we demand they stop the hostilities immediately".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He warned, "Otherwise, all the responsibility for the possible continuation of the bloodbath will be on the conscience of the regime that is ruling in Kiev."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>5)&nbsp;</strong>Putin also mentioned the talks around Ukraine's membership of NATO. He said, "If Ukraine was to join NATO it would serve as a direct threat to the security of Russia."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>6)&nbsp;</strong>Putin also talked about the origins of modern Ukraine. He said, "Modern Ukraine was entirely created by Russia, more precisely, Bolshevik, communist Russia. This process began immediately after the revolution of 1917."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>7)&nbsp;</strong>While speaking about the sanctions, Putin said, "We are being blackmailed, they are threatening us with sanctions. But I think they will impose those sanctions."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>8)&nbsp;</strong>Calling out the Western stance, Putin said that the "so-called civilized world, the representatives of the self-proclaimed western colleagues, they act as if they do not notice anything". He added, "As if nothing is happening, as if this nightmare did not exist."&nbsp;</p>

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The Russia-Ukraine crisis escalated further after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the deployment of troops to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine. He recognised the two regions as independent on Monday (February 21) during a crucial televised address.

The Russia-Ukraine crisis escalated further after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the deployment of troops to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine. He recognised the two regions as independent on Monday (February 21) during a crucial televised address. In his seminal speech, Putin ordered his defence ministry to despatch Russian peacekeepers to Ukraine's two breakaway regions - the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic. Putin earlier signed decrees to recognise the two regions as independent statelets. The move by Russia can be countered by sanctions from Western allies as the step could hamper the recent diplomatic attempts to defuse the crisis situation. ALSO READ | Explainer: What will Russian recognition of breakaway Ukraine regions mean? Here are some of the crucial points from Putin's address: 1) Putin described Ukraine as an integral part of Russia's history and said eastern Ukraine was ancient Russian land. He said, "I would like to emphasise again that Ukraine is not just a neighbouring country for us. It is an inalienable part of our own history, culture and spiritual space." "These are our comrades, those dearest to us – not only colleagues, friends and people who once served together, but also relatives, people bound by blood, by family ties," he added. ALSO READ | US imposes sanctions on two Russian-backed areas in eastern Ukraine 2) Putin had announced his decision in phone calls to the leaders of Germany and France. 3) On recognition of pro-Russian separatists, Putin said that he deems it "necessary to make a decision that should have been made a long time ago". The decision to "immediately recognise the independence and sovereignty of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic". 4) While talking about the responsibility for the bloodshed, the Russian leader said that "those who seized power and keep power in Kyiv, we demand they stop the hostilities immediately". He warned, "Otherwise, all the responsibility for the possible continuation of the bloodbath will be on the conscience of the regime that is ruling in Kiev." 5) Putin also mentioned the talks around Ukraine's membership of NATO. He said, "If Ukraine was to join NATO it would serve as a direct threat to the security of Russia." 6) Putin also talked about the origins of modern Ukraine. He said, "Modern Ukraine was entirely created by Russia, more precisely, Bolshevik, communist Russia. This process began immediately after the revolution of 1917." 7) While speaking about the sanctions, Putin said, "We are being blackmailed, they are threatening us with sanctions. But I think they will impose those sanctions." 8) Calling out the Western stance, Putin said that the "so-called civilized world, the representatives of the self-proclaimed western colleagues, they act as if they do not notice anything". He added, "As if nothing is happening, as if this nightmare did not exist." ×

Vladimir Putin orders troops into eastern Ukraine: Key points from his crucial address

<p>Slumped in a chair, red tie askew, his staccato delivery emphasizing every grievance, President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech Monday that sounded like a call to war.</p>

<p>It was also the culmination of a propaganda barrage orchestrated by Russian state media in recent days — a stark demonstration of how the Kremlin can use its dominance of the airwaves to lay the groundwork for a political decision that could cause widespread pain.</p>

<p>By Tuesday afternoon, Russia’s stock market had fallen again, leaving it some 20% down in less than a week as businesses braced for damaging new Western sanctions. And the potential, far more tragic, costs if Putin were to go ahead with an invasion of Ukraine still appeared incalculable.</p>

<p>But to the millions of Russians watching television, the narrative of the last days has been completely different: Booms and flashes of artillery fire. Blurred-out footage of human remains. Women and children, crying and fleeing. A separatist appeal to the president. An emergency meeting of Putin’s Security Council. A dramatic address to the nation.</p>

<p>And what happens next is a mystery.</p>

<p>For months, as Washington warned of a looming Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s powerful propaganda machine dismissed and parodied talk of war.</p>

<p>Then, last weekend, everything changed. From the occupied territory of Ukraine to the halls of the Kremlin, the rationale for a possible invasion was put into place, piece by piece, and presented to the Russian public in an unrelenting push on state television.</p>

<p>By Tuesday morning, the breakfast news on state-run Channel 1 was announcing a “historic moment.”</p>

<p>“Eight years of fear have ended,” the announcer declared, a reference to the residents of separatist-occupied eastern Ukraine who, in the Kremlin’s unfounded claims, are being subjected to “genocide” by Ukrainian forces.</p>

<p>It was too soon to tell how Russians would react to Putin’s moves, but there was none of the widespread jubilation that accompanied his annexation of Crimea in 2014. On Tuesday, as Russian state media claimed that Ukraine was firing at the Russian-backed separatist regions whose independence Putin recognized Monday, it remained unclear how far the Kremlin would go in escalating the conflict.</p>

<p>“Hundreds and soon, tens of thousands of Ukrainians and Russian citizens may die because of Putin,” Alexei Navalny, the imprisoned opposition leader, posted on social media. “Sure, he won’t let Ukraine develop and will drag it into a swamp, but Russia will pay the same price.”</p>

<p>On Tuesday, lawmakers in the lower house of Parliament, the State Duma, hinted that the Kremlin’s campaign against the pro-Western government of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine would not end with Putin’s recognition of the separatist territories in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region.</p>

<p>One nationalist deputy, Andrei Lugovoi, said he hoped that the recognition marked “the beginning of the return of all Ukraine to its historical bosom.” Another, Sergei Mironov, ripped into Zelenskyy as a “coward, liar and scoundrel.”</p>

<p>The angry, righteous tone was a continuation of the flurry of weekend news reports that aimed to paint a U.S.-backed Ukraine as the aggressor — even though it insists it has no plans to mount an offensive against the separatist-held territories. State media seized upon Western warnings of a possible Russian invasion to paint the United States and its allies as warmongers.</p>

<p>On the marquee weekly news show on Russian state television, the host, Dmitri Kiselyov, on Sunday reeled off the international leaders he insisted could profit from war: Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, President Emmanuel Macron of France and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey.</p>

<p>“Everything is very serious,” Kiselyov warned. “Ukraine is literally being dragged into war with Russia.”</p>

<p>Later Sunday night, on a weekly show called “Moscow. Kremlin. Putin,” the president’s spokesperson, Dmitri Peskov, reinforced the notion that while war may be coming, it would not be Russia’s choice.</p>

<p>“Let me remind you that Russia throughout all its history never attacked anyone,” Peskov said.</p>

<p>On Monday, Russian media broadcast separatist claims of an escalating assault by Ukrainian forces and broadcast an array of unsubstantiated claims — that Ukraine was shelling communications, bridges, a water filtration station and other infrastructure targets. Russian state television reported from the separatist-held city of Donetsk that Ukraine had sent saboteurs behind separatist lines.</p>

<p>On a YouTube channel run by another state television host, Vladimir Solovyov, a reporter on the ground in the separatist territory described the death of a local resident from Ukrainian shelling.</p>

<p>“He was torn to pieces,” he said. “There’s a genocide going on. People are being killed.”</p>

<p>Ukrainian officials insisted their military was not preparing an assault against Donetsk and said the separatists were shelling their own territory.</p>

<p>Oleksiy Danilov, a senior Ukrainian security official, warned Monday that Russia was waging a furious disinformation war.</p>

<p>“A great, powerful information provocation is being waged against our state,” Danilov said. “But it is necessary to trust only official information.”</p>

<p>But any Ukrainian protestations were ignored in Russia. The Russian military said it had destroyed two infantry fighting vehicles of the Ukrainian Armed Forces that had crossed into Russian territory in order to try to evacuate Ukrainian saboteurs. As a result, the Russian military said, five people were killed on the Ukrainian side — the first time during the crisis that the Russian military has claimed involvement in a deadly, direct clash with Ukrainian forces. Ukraine denied such an incursion had ever happened.</p>

<p>Footage of women and children fleeing the separatist territories tugged at heartstrings. On state television Monday, a reporter described government psychologists mobilizing to support the traumatized refugees who had left husbands and fathers behind.</p>

<p>“I would like to say hello to my dad,” a young boy was shown saying.</p>

<p>Soon, state television showed video of the Russian-backed leaders of the separatist territories making appeals directly to Putin to recognize their independence, neatly leading into a special meeting of the Kremlin’s Security Council later that day.</p>

<p>The extraordinary televised spectacle appeared designed to legitimize Putin’s fateful decision, casting his decision-making as deliberative and determined — a seeming rebuttal to critics who saw the president as more isolated than ever during the pandemic.</p>

<p>On Monday afternoon, Putin gathered his senior-most officials in the Kremlin’s cavernous Yekaterininsky Hall, presiding over the unscheduled televised meeting of his Security Council. Because of COVID, he was seated at his own white table with gold trim, while the officials sat in chairs arrayed in front of him.</p>

<p>“I would like to underline that I did not discuss anything in advance with any of you,” Putin said in the middle of the meeting, building the suspense as in a reality show. “What’s happening now is happening on a blank page because I wanted to learn your view without any advance preparation.”</p>

<p>Some officials appeared visibly nervous, while others made thinly veiled calls for a large-scale military offensive against Ukraine.</p>

<p>Putin repeatedly interrupted his foreign intelligence chief, Sergei Naryshkin, as he seemed to equivocate on whether or not to recognize the independence of the Russian-backed separatist republics in Ukraine’s east, prompting Naryshkin to stutter and then say he was in favor of annexing the territories.</p>

<p>“That’s not what we’re talking about,” Putin shot back.</p>

<p>Until recently, it appeared that many Russians had tuned out talk of an impending war. Pollsters say that while the possibility of war is one of Russians’ greatest fears, no anti-war movement has emerged in recent weeks because many simply cannot imagine it or see how they can influence any decisions.</p>

<p>Russians “feel they can’t influence the process at all,” said Alexandra Arkhipova, a Moscow social anthropologist, who found that there had been relatively little discussion of a possible war with Ukraine online before the propaganda barrage of recent days. “So they try to avoid it.”</p>

<p>On Sunday, a handful of activists unfurled anti-war posters in central Moscow’s Pushkin Square and were promptly arrested. One of the protesters, Lev Ponomarev, a Soviet-era human rights activist, insisted that while for the moment many still could not imagine a war, most Russians would oppose it if it actually happened.</p>

<p>“There will be no support for this war,” Ponomarev said in an interview Monday. “It will be the collapse of this regime.”</p>


Slumped in a chair, red tie askew, his staccato delivery emphasizing every grievance, President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech Monday that sounded like a call to war.

Slumped in a chair, red tie askew, his staccato delivery emphasizing every grievance, President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech Monday that sounded like a call to war. It was also the culmination of a propaganda barrage orchestrated by Russian state media in recent days — a stark demonstration of how the Kremlin can use its dominance of the airwaves to lay the groundwork for a political decision that could cause widespread pain. By Tuesday afternoon, Russia’s stock market had fallen again, leaving it some 20% down in less than a week as businesses braced for damaging new Western sanctions. And the potential, far more tragic, costs if Putin were to go ahead with an invasion of Ukraine still appeared incalculable. But to the millions of Russians watching television, the narrative of the last days has been completely different: Booms and flashes of artillery fire. Blurred-out footage of human remains. Women and children, crying and fleeing. A separatist appeal to the president. An emergency meeting of Putin’s Security Council. A dramatic address to the nation. And what happens next is a mystery. For months, as Washington warned of a looming Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s powerful propaganda machine dismissed and parodied talk of war. Then, last weekend, everything changed. From the occupied territory of Ukraine to the halls of the Kremlin, the rationale for a possible invasion was put into place, piece by piece, and presented to the Russian public in an unrelenting push on state television. By Tuesday morning, the breakfast news on state-run Channel 1 was announcing a “historic moment.” “Eight years of fear have ended,” the announcer declared, a reference to the residents of separatist-occupied eastern Ukraine who, in the Kremlin’s unfounded claims, are being subjected to “genocide” by Ukrainian forces. It was too soon to tell how Russians would react to Putin’s moves, but there was none of the widespread jubilation that accompanied his annexation of Crimea in 2014. On Tuesday, as Russian state media claimed that Ukraine was firing at the Russian-backed separatist regions whose independence Putin recognized Monday, it remained unclear how far the Kremlin would go in escalating the conflict. “Hundreds and soon, tens of thousands of Ukrainians and Russian citizens may die because of Putin,” Alexei Navalny, the imprisoned opposition leader, posted on social media. “Sure, he won’t let Ukraine develop and will drag it into a swamp, but Russia will pay the same price.” On Tuesday, lawmakers in the lower house of Parliament, the State Duma, hinted that the Kremlin’s campaign against the pro-Western government of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine would not end with Putin’s recognition of the separatist territories in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region. One nationalist deputy, Andrei Lugovoi, said he hoped that the recognition marked “the beginning of the return of all Ukraine to its historical bosom.” Another, Sergei Mironov, ripped into Zelenskyy as a “coward, liar and scoundrel.” The angry, righteous tone was a continuation of the flurry of weekend news reports that aimed to paint a U.S.-backed Ukraine as the aggressor — even though it insists it has no plans to mount an offensive against the separatist-held territories. State media seized upon Western warnings of a possible Russian invasion to paint the United States and its allies as warmongers. On the marquee weekly news show on Russian state television, the host, Dmitri Kiselyov, on Sunday reeled off the international leaders he insisted could profit from war: Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain, President Emmanuel Macron of France and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey. “Everything is very serious,” Kiselyov warned. “Ukraine is literally being dragged into war with Russia.” Later Sunday night, on a weekly show called “Moscow. Kremlin. Putin,” the president’s spokesperson, Dmitri Peskov, reinforced the notion that while war may be coming, it would not be Russia’s choice. “Let me remind you that Russia throughout all its history never attacked anyone,” Peskov said. On Monday, Russian media broadcast separatist claims of an escalating assault by Ukrainian forces and broadcast an array of unsubstantiated claims — that Ukraine was shelling communications, bridges, a water filtration station and other infrastructure targets. Russian state television reported from the separatist-held city of Donetsk that Ukraine had sent saboteurs behind separatist lines. On a YouTube channel run by another state television host, Vladimir Solovyov, a reporter on the ground in the separatist territory described the death of a local resident from Ukrainian shelling. “He was torn to pieces,” he said. “There’s a genocide going on. People are being killed.” Ukrainian officials insisted their military was not preparing an assault against Donetsk and said the separatists were shelling their own territory. Oleksiy Danilov, a senior Ukrainian security official, warned Monday that Russia was waging a furious disinformation war. “A great, powerful information provocation is being waged against our state,” Danilov said. “But it is necessary to trust only official information.” But any Ukrainian protestations were ignored in Russia. The Russian military said it had destroyed two infantry fighting vehicles of the Ukrainian Armed Forces that had crossed into Russian territory in order to try to evacuate Ukrainian saboteurs. As a result, the Russian military said, five people were killed on the Ukrainian side — the first time during the crisis that the Russian military has claimed involvement in a deadly, direct clash with Ukrainian forces. Ukraine denied such an incursion had ever happened. Footage of women and children fleeing the separatist territories tugged at heartstrings. On state television Monday, a reporter described government psychologists mobilizing to support the traumatized refugees who had left husbands and fathers behind. “I would like to say hello to my dad,” a young boy was shown saying. Soon, state television showed video of the Russian-backed leaders of the separatist territories making appeals directly to Putin to recognize their independence, neatly leading into a special meeting of the Kremlin’s Security Council later that day. The extraordinary televised spectacle appeared designed to legitimize Putin’s fateful decision, casting his decision-making as deliberative and determined — a seeming rebuttal to critics who saw the president as more isolated than ever during the pandemic. On Monday afternoon, Putin gathered his senior-most officials in the Kremlin’s cavernous Yekaterininsky Hall, presiding over the unscheduled televised meeting of his Security Council. Because of COVID, he was seated at his own white table with gold trim, while the officials sat in chairs arrayed in front of him. “I would like to underline that I did not discuss anything in advance with any of you,” Putin said in the middle of the meeting, building the suspense as in a reality show. “What’s happening now is happening on a blank page because I wanted to learn your view without any advance preparation.” Some officials appeared visibly nervous, while others made thinly veiled calls for a large-scale military offensive against Ukraine. Putin repeatedly interrupted his foreign intelligence chief, Sergei Naryshkin, as he seemed to equivocate on whether or not to recognize the independence of the Russian-backed separatist republics in Ukraine’s east, prompting Naryshkin to stutter and then say he was in favor of annexing the territories. “That’s not what we’re talking about,” Putin shot back. Until recently, it appeared that many Russians had tuned out talk of an impending war. Pollsters say that while the possibility of war is one of Russians’ greatest fears, no anti-war movement has emerged in recent weeks because many simply cannot imagine it or see how they can influence any decisions. Russians “feel they can’t influence the process at all,” said Alexandra Arkhipova, a Moscow social anthropologist, who found that there had been relatively little discussion of a possible war with Ukraine online before the propaganda barrage of recent days. “So they try to avoid it.” On Sunday, a handful of activists unfurled anti-war posters in central Moscow’s Pushkin Square and were promptly arrested. One of the protesters, Lev Ponomarev, a Soviet-era human rights activist, insisted that while for the moment many still could not imagine a war, most Russians would oppose it if it actually happened. “There will be no support for this war,” Ponomarev said in an interview Monday. “It will be the collapse of this regime.”

Piece by piece, Russia's rationale for a Ukraine invasion is put in place

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="3">Russian President Vladimir Putin formally recognised Luhansk and Donetsk in eastern Ukraine as distinct entities in a weirdly worded proclamation published on Monday, and ordered soldiers to the rebel regions to fulfil peacekeeping duties.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="4">The directive was widely condemned, with legislators describing it as a "blatant" and "unacceptable" violation of international law.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5">Following Russia's decision to send soldiers to eastern Ukraine, Western countries have imposed sanctions on the country.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6">However, as the scenario becomes more severe and intricate, peaceful internet users have astonished everyone with their inventiveness by turning the unfavourable situation into a humorous meme-fest on the internet.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="7">Memes have already inundated timelines with must-see content.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="8">Here are some of the more amusing ones:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If Russia's invasion of Ukraine was a meme: <a href="https://t.co/cKAcvqkUAg">pic.twitter.com/cKAcvqkUAg</a></p>
— 🚫 (@KimiIsGod) <a href="https://twitter.com/KimiIsGod/status/1495185399790149640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">toxic ex here 👇 <a href="https://t.co/zU7EEYoreg">https://t.co/zU7EEYoreg</a></p>
— Ukraine / Україна (@Ukraine) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ukraine/status/1275391304181125121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">when Russian officials deny they plan to attack Ukraine <a href="https://t.co/oIt5xP3ATy">pic.twitter.com/oIt5xP3ATy</a></p>
— Ukraine / Україна (@Ukraine) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ukraine/status/1463237652048756742?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/aMGxnGGjIk">pic.twitter.com/aMGxnGGjIk</a></p>
— Ukraine / Україна (@Ukraine) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ukraine/status/1481536598760173569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://t.co/bBtsdr7wmX">pic.twitter.com/bBtsdr7wmX</a></p>
— Ukraine / Україна (@Ukraine) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ukraine/status/1468206078940823554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pray for Ukraine <a href="https://t.co/ilmdqVcTCQ">pic.twitter.com/ilmdqVcTCQ</a></p>
— Dank Memes (@theMemesBot) <a href="https://twitter.com/theMemesBot/status/1495998204172595200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When you laugh at World War III memes and start to wonder why the sun rises at 9pm<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Putin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Putin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Donetsk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Donetsk</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NATO?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NATO</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USSR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USSR</a> <a href="https://t.co/NV8GYGNgkN">pic.twitter.com/NV8GYGNgkN</a></p>
— Chrs (@CCCCCrris) <a href="https://twitter.com/CCCCCrris/status/1495889396163354632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I mean…if we could not do the World War 3 thing that would be kinda cool..😐 <a href="https://t.co/9OFrzYDfai">pic.twitter.com/9OFrzYDfai</a></p>
— Gavlaaa (@TheRealGSR_7) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealGSR_7/status/1492227691822600194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Nah can everyone like calm down pls!? <a href="https://t.co/NVro4NagNS">pic.twitter.com/NVro4NagNS</a></p>
— Ash (@ashindestad) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashindestad/status/1491728720117350401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ukraine and world war 3 trending.. here we go 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UkraineCrisis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UkraineCrisis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ukraine</a> <a href="https://t.co/fMSEzfBvPA">pic.twitter.com/fMSEzfBvPA</a></p>
— Kimberley Turner 🌹 #ANTI-TORY #JOHNSONOUT #FBPE (@Kimbles848) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kimbles848/status/1492288516532879361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UkraineRussiaCrisis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UkraineRussiaCrisis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Putin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Putin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PutinsWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PutinsWar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UkraineConflict?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UkraineConflict</a> <a href="https://t.co/1zdHbS6raO">pic.twitter.com/1zdHbS6raO</a></p>
— Nikhil Pandey Sankrityayan (@Nikhil_Pandey04) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nikhil_Pandey04/status/1496101152907304965?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Putin threatened that their will be no winners if war breakout between Russia and Nato <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UkraineCrisis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UkraineCrisis</a><br />
<br />
Gonna Miss you all 🥲🥲 <a href="https://t.co/2yJzpBXZ9F">pic.twitter.com/2yJzpBXZ9F</a></p>
— Arathorn (@looser227) <a href="https://twitter.com/looser227/status/1492342946091261954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Me after joining the military to serve in World War 3 because I lost all my money buying crypto &amp; nfts <a href="https://t.co/gXvtzImADc">pic.twitter.com/gXvtzImADc</a></p>
— Watcher.Guru (@WatcherGuru) <a href="https://twitter.com/WatcherGuru/status/1492234465850048518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin formally recognised Luhansk and Donetsk in eastern Ukraine as distinct entities in a weirdly worded proclamation published on Monday, and ordered soldiers to the rebel regions to fulfil peacekeeping duties.

Russian President Vladimir Putin formally recognised Luhansk and Donetsk in eastern Ukraine as distinct entities in a weirdly worded proclamation published on Monday, and ordered soldiers to the rebel regions to fulfil peacekeeping duties. The directive was widely condemned, with legislators describing it as a "blatant" and "unacceptable" violation of international law. Following Russia's decision to send soldiers to eastern Ukraine, Western countries have imposed sanctions on the country. However, as the scenario becomes more severe and intricate, peaceful internet users have astonished everyone with their inventiveness by turning the unfavourable situation into a humorous meme-fest on the internet. Memes have already inundated timelines with must-see content. Here are some of the more amusing ones: If Russia's invasion of Ukraine was a meme: pic.twitter.com/cKAcvqkUAg — 🚫 (@KimiIsGod) February 19, 2022 × toxic ex here 👇 https://t.co/zU7EEYoreg — Ukraine / Україна (@Ukraine) June 23, 2020 × when Russian officials deny they plan to attack Ukraine pic.twitter.com/oIt5xP3ATy — Ukraine / Україна (@Ukraine) November 23, 2021 × pic.twitter.com/aMGxnGGjIk — Ukraine / Україна (@Ukraine) January 13, 2022 × pic.twitter.com/bBtsdr7wmX — Ukraine / Україна (@Ukraine) December 7, 2021 × Pray for Ukraine pic.twitter.com/ilmdqVcTCQ — Dank Memes (@theMemesBot) February 22, 2022 × When you laugh at World War III memes and start to wonder why the sun rises at 9pm#Putin #Ukraine #Donetsk #NATO #Russia #USSR pic.twitter.com/NV8GYGNgkN — Chrs (@CCCCCrris) February 21, 2022 × I mean…if we could not do the World War 3 thing that would be kinda cool..😐 pic.twitter.com/9OFrzYDfai — Gavlaaa (@TheRealGSR_7) February 11, 2022 × Nah can everyone like calm down pls!? pic.twitter.com/NVro4NagNS — Ash (@ashindestad) February 10, 2022 × Ukraine and world war 3 trending.. here we go 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ #UkraineCrisis #ukraine pic.twitter.com/fMSEzfBvPA — Kimberley Turner 🌹 #ANTI-TORY #JOHNSONOUT #FBPE (@Kimbles848) February 12, 2022 × #UkraineRussiaCrisis #Ukraine #Putin #PutinsWar #Russia #UkraineConflict pic.twitter.com/1zdHbS6raO — Nikhil Pandey Sankrityayan (@Nikhil_Pandey04) February 22, 2022 × Putin threatened that their will be no winners if war breakout between Russia and Nato #UkraineCrisis Gonna Miss you all 🥲🥲 pic.twitter.com/2yJzpBXZ9F — Arathorn (@looser227) February 12, 2022 × Me after joining the military to serve in World War 3 because I lost all my money buying crypto & nfts pic.twitter.com/gXvtzImADc — Watcher.Guru (@WatcherGuru) February 11, 2022 ×

It’s raining memes: Twitteratis find peace amid a tense Russia-Ukraine situation

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