Russia was accused before the UN Security Council on Tuesday (March 29) of triggering a "global food crisis" and putting people at risk of "famine" after it started a war in Ukraine on February 24.&nbsp;

But how does the crisis impact India's wheat exports strategy? As per reports, economists have stated that India is planning to step up the country's wheat exports.&nbsp;

Both the countries, Russia and Ukraine, account for more than a fourth of the global wheat trade and Ukraine serves as a breadbasket for Europe.&nbsp;

Indian government sources as quoted by Reuters on Wednesday (March 30) said that a delegation from Egypt will visit India in the first week of April to facilitate wheat imports.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-spy-chief-claims-russian-soldiers-refusing-to-carry-out-orders-accidentally-shooting-down-own-aircraft-467076">UK spy chief claims Russian soldiers refusing to carry out orders, shot down own aircraft</a>

The report added that the visit is a part of efforts to secure supplies and tide over shortages at one of the world's biggest importers of the staple.&nbsp;

Egypt, often the world's biggest wheat importer, is reeling from a surge in bread and flour prices after Russia's invasion of Ukraine closed off access to lower-priced Black Sea wheat.&nbsp;

The report has mentioned that Egypt has been a traditional buyer of Russian and Ukrainian wheat, however, the sources have said that India is willing to help Cairo by supplying the grain. Egypt could buy up to 12 million tonnes of Indian wheat, the sources further said, without revealing their identity.&nbsp;

"India is in a position to supply top quality wheat to Egypt and meet Egypt's quality and other requirements," said one of the sources as quoted by the news agency.&nbsp;

Piyush Goyal, who is India's Minister for Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs and Food and Public Distribution said on Tuesday (March 29) that he met Hala Elsaid, Egypt's Minister for Planning and Economic Development in Dubai. Goyal discussed New Delhi's "readiness to supply high-quality wheat" to Cairo.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-ukraine-preparing-for-new-russian-offensive-in-the-east-dismisses-russian-claims-of-scaleback-467037">Zelensky says Ukraine preparing for new Russian offensive in the east, dismisses Russian claims of scaleback</a>

Meanwhile, India's Union Minister of State for Commerce Anupriya Singh Patel said in Lok Sabha on Wednesday (March 30) that India's export of agricultural products has touched $40.87 billion in the first 10 months of the current fiscal and it is 25.14 per cent more than the last financial year.&nbsp;

Patel said exports of some other major agricultural products like wheat, sugar and cotton have registered a substantial increase during the current year.&nbsp;

"During the period between April 2021 to January 2022 of the current financial year, exports of agricultural products have amounted to $40.87 billion compared to USD 32.66 billion over the corresponding period of previous year, registering an increase of 25.14," she said during Question Hour.&nbsp;

<hr />
Russia accused of triggering a "global food crisis" 

Russian President Vladimir Putin "started this war. Vladimir Putin created this global food crisis. And he is the one who can stop it," US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said during a Security Council meeting devoted to the humanitarian situation in Ukraine.&nbsp;

"The responsibility for waging war on Ukraine - and for the war's effects on global food security -- falls solely on Russia and on President Putin," she said.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Donbas rebel republics to join Russia?

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia was accused before the UN Security Council on Tuesday (March 29) of triggering a "global food crisis" and putting people at risk of "famine" after it started a war in Ukraine on February 24.

Russia was accused before the UN Security Council on Tuesday (March 29) of triggering a "global food crisis" and putting people at risk of "famine" after it started a war in Ukraine on February 24. But how does the crisis impact India's wheat exports strategy? As per reports, economists have stated that India is planning to step up the country's wheat exports. Both the countries, Russia and Ukraine, account for more than a fourth of the global wheat trade and Ukraine serves as a breadbasket for Europe. Indian government sources as quoted by Reuters on Wednesday (March 30) said that a delegation from Egypt will visit India in the first week of April to facilitate wheat imports. ALSO READ | UK spy chief claims Russian soldiers refusing to carry out orders, shot down own aircraft The report added that the visit is a part of efforts to secure supplies and tide over shortages at one of the world's biggest importers of the staple. Egypt, often the world's biggest wheat importer, is reeling from a surge in bread and flour prices after Russia's invasion of Ukraine closed off access to lower-priced Black Sea wheat. The report has mentioned that Egypt has been a traditional buyer of Russian and Ukrainian wheat, however, the sources have said that India is willing to help Cairo by supplying the grain. Egypt could buy up to 12 million tonnes of Indian wheat, the sources further said, without revealing their identity. "India is in a position to supply top quality wheat to Egypt and meet Egypt's quality and other requirements," said one of the sources as quoted by the news agency. Piyush Goyal, who is India's Minister for Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs and Food and Public Distribution said on Tuesday (March 29) that he met Hala Elsaid, Egypt's Minister for Planning and Economic Development in Dubai. Goyal discussed New Delhi's "readiness to supply high-quality wheat" to Cairo. ALSO READ | Zelensky says Ukraine preparing for new Russian offensive in the east, dismisses Russian claims of scaleback Meanwhile, India's Union Minister of State for Commerce Anupriya Singh Patel said in Lok Sabha on Wednesday (March 30) that India's export of agricultural products has touched $40.87 billion in the first 10 months of the current fiscal and it is 25.14 per cent more than the last financial year. Patel said exports of some other major agricultural products like wheat, sugar and cotton have registered a substantial increase during the current year. "During the period between April 2021 to January 2022 of the current financial year, exports of agricultural products have amounted to $40.87 billion compared to USD 32.66 billion over the corresponding period of previous year, registering an increase of 25.14," she said during Question Hour. Russia accused of triggering a "global food crisis" Russian President Vladimir Putin "started this war. Vladimir Putin created this global food crisis. And he is the one who can stop it," US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said during a Security Council meeting devoted to the humanitarian situation in Ukraine. "The responsibility for waging war on Ukraine - and for the war's effects on global food security -- falls solely on Russia and on President Putin," she said. WATCH | Gravitas: Donbas rebel republics to join Russia? × (With inputs from agencies)

How does the Russia-Ukraine war impact India's wheat export strategy?

US President Joe Biden reiterated his conviction that Vladimir Putin should not be President of Russia, telling reporters that he made "no apologies" for his off-the-cuff remarks.&nbsp;

He stood by his words "expressing moral outrage" but also clarified that he wasn't "articulating a policy change."

"I’m not walking anything back.I was expressing moral outrage, and I make no apologies," he added.

Speaking in Poland at the end of his four-day trip to Europe on Sunday, Biden said of Putin, "For God’s sake, this man cannot remain in power."

The line was improvised at the end of a 27-minute speech by a president known for doing so.

Biden's prepared remarks in the State Dining Room, his first public appearance since his Warsaw speech on Saturday, were about the budget proposal he is sending to lawmakers for the fiscal year that begins in October, but the majority of the questions from the two dozen reporters gathered in front of him were about his impromptu remark.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/history-of-urban-warfare-why-russia-will-find-it-difficult-to-conquer-kyiv-465932">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;&nbsp;History of urban warfare &amp; why Russia will find it difficult to conquer Kyiv</a>

Almost soon afterward, White House officials clarified that the remark did not reflect a shift in US policy, and that Biden was not seeking "regime change" in Russia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-could-russian-president-vladimir-putin-be-prosecuted-for-war-crimes-in-ukraine-465719">Also Read in Pics: How could Russian President Vladimir Putin be prosecuted for war crimes in Ukraine?</a>

"The president's point was that Putin could not wield authority over his neighbours or the region."

He wasn't talking about Putin's power or regime change in Russia." 
 
Watch | Gravitas: Zelensky opens the door for neutrality in peace talks

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However, Biden stressed on Monday that these and other reasons were not a "walk back," and that he was reacting as anyone would after meeting with victims of Putin's assault on civilians in Ukraine, especially children.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden reiterated his conviction that Vladimir Putin should not be President of Russia, telling reporters that he made "no apologies" for his off-the-cuff remarks.

US President Joe Biden reiterated his conviction that Vladimir Putin should not be President of Russia, telling reporters that he made "no apologies" for his off-the-cuff remarks. He stood by his words "expressing moral outrage" but also clarified that he wasn't "articulating a policy change." "I’m not walking anything back.I was expressing moral outrage, and I make no apologies," he added. Speaking in Poland at the end of his four-day trip to Europe on Sunday, Biden said of Putin, "For God’s sake, this man cannot remain in power." The line was improvised at the end of a 27-minute speech by a president known for doing so. Biden's prepared remarks in the State Dining Room, his first public appearance since his Warsaw speech on Saturday, were about the budget proposal he is sending to lawmakers for the fiscal year that begins in October, but the majority of the questions from the two dozen reporters gathered in front of him were about his impromptu remark. Also Read in Pics: History of urban warfare & why Russia will find it difficult to conquer Kyiv Almost soon afterward, White House officials clarified that the remark did not reflect a shift in US policy, and that Biden was not seeking "regime change" in Russia. Also Read in Pics: How could Russian President Vladimir Putin be prosecuted for war crimes in Ukraine? "The president's point was that Putin could not wield authority over his neighbours or the region." He wasn't talking about Putin's power or regime change in Russia." Watch | Gravitas: Zelensky opens the door for neutrality in peace talks However, Biden stressed on Monday that these and other reasons were not a "walk back," and that he was reacting as anyone would after meeting with victims of Putin's assault on civilians in Ukraine, especially children. (With inputs from agencies)

'No apologies' for saying Putin 'cannot remain in power': US President Biden

As the delegations prepare for a fresh round of talks in Istanbul, the Kremlin stated Monday that talks between Moscow and Kyiv negotiators have so far yielded no major achievements on the Ukrainian issue.&nbsp;

“So far we cannot state any significant achievements or breakthroughs,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding that it was “important” that it had been decided to continue the talks in person.

Ukraine’s priorities at the Ukrainian-Russian talks in Turkey this week will be “sovereignty and territorial integrity,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told his nation Sunday in his nightly address.

“We are looking for peace, really, without delay,” he said. “There is an opportunity and a need for a face-to-face meeting in Turkey.

As the delegations prepare for a fresh round of talks in Istanbul, the Kremlin stated Monday that talks between Moscow and Kyiv negotiators have so far yielded no major achievements on the Ukrainian issue.

As the delegations prepare for a fresh round of talks in Istanbul, the Kremlin stated Monday that talks between Moscow and Kyiv negotiators have so far yielded no major achievements on the Ukrainian issue. “So far we cannot state any significant achievements or breakthroughs,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding that it was “important” that it had been decided to continue the talks in person. Ukraine’s priorities at the Ukrainian-Russian talks in Turkey this week will be “sovereignty and territorial integrity,” President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told his nation Sunday in his nightly address. “We are looking for peace, really, without delay,” he said. “There is an opportunity and a need for a face-to-face meeting in Turkey.

No ‘significant achievements’ so far in Russia-Ukraine talks: Kremlin

Russia's media regulator has imposed restrictions on Google News, accusing the company of disseminating "false" material on Russia's offensive in Ukraine.

According to a statement from Russia's media regulator Roskomnadzor reported by the agencies, the decision was made at the request of the Russian General Prosecutor's Office.

“Google provided access to numerous publications and materials that contain false information… about the course of the special military operation on Ukrainian territory,” the statement by Russia's media regulator says. 
 
"We’ve confirmed that some people are having difficulty accessing the Google News app and website in Russia and that this is not due to any technical issues on our end," Google said in statement. 
 
"We’ve worked hard to keep information services like News accessible to people in Russia for as long as possible."

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Will Putin launch a nuclear strike?

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"The American online news resource in question provided access to numerous publications and materials containing inauthentic and publicly important information about the course of the special military operation on the territory of Ukraine," Interfax quoted the regulator as saying. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-spies-in-poland-country-expels-45-russian-diplomats-for-espionage-464868">Russian spies in Poland?: Country expels 45 Russian diplomats for espionage</a> 
 
A new Russian law makes it illegal to report any event that could discredit the Russian military. 
 
Since the beginning of Russia's engagement in Ukraine on February 24, the Russian government has strengthened its grip on information on the internet, one of the country's last bastions of free expression.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Russia's media regulator has imposed restrictions on Google News, accusing the company of disseminating "false" material on Russia's offensive in Ukraine. According to a statement from Russia's media regulator Roskomnadzor reported by the agencies, the decision was made at the request of the Russian General Prosecutor's Office.

Russia's media regulator has imposed restrictions on Google News, accusing the company of disseminating "false" material on Russia's offensive in Ukraine. According to a statement from Russia's media regulator Roskomnadzor reported by the agencies, the decision was made at the request of the Russian General Prosecutor's Office. “Google provided access to numerous publications and materials that contain false information… about the course of the special military operation on Ukrainian territory,” the statement by Russia's media regulator says. "We’ve confirmed that some people are having difficulty accessing the Google News app and website in Russia and that this is not due to any technical issues on our end," Google said in statement. "We’ve worked hard to keep information services like News accessible to people in Russia for as long as possible." WATCH | Gravitas: Will Putin launch a nuclear strike? × "The American online news resource in question provided access to numerous publications and materials containing inauthentic and publicly important information about the course of the special military operation on the territory of Ukraine," Interfax quoted the regulator as saying. Also read | Russian spies in Poland?: Country expels 45 Russian diplomats for espionage A new Russian law makes it illegal to report any event that could discredit the Russian military. Since the beginning of Russia's engagement in Ukraine on February 24, the Russian government has strengthened its grip on information on the internet, one of the country's last bastions of free expression. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia blocks Google over 'inauthentic' information on Ukraine war

Ukraine is using facial recognition software to identify the bodies of Russian soldiers killed in combat and to trace their families to inform them of their deaths, Ukraine`s vice prime minister told Reuters. 
 
Reuters exclusively reported that Ukraine`s Ministry of Defense this month began using technology from Clearview AI, a New York-based facial recognition provider that finds images on the web that match faces from uploaded photos. It was not clear at that time how the technology would be used. 
 
Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine`s vice prime minister who also runs the ministry of digital transformation, told Reuters in an interview that Ukraine had been using Clearview AI software to find the social media accounts of dead Russian soldiers. 
 
From there, authorities are messaging relatives to make arrangements to collect the body, he said. 
 
"As a courtesy to the mothers of those soldiers, we are disseminating this information over social media to at least let families know that they they`ve lost their sons and to then enable them to come to collect their bodies," Fedorov said, speaking via a translator. 
 
Fedorov declined to specify the number of bodies identified through facial recognition but he said the percentage of recognized individuals claimed by families has been "high." Reuters was unable to independently confirm this. 
 
Opponents of facial recognition, including civil rights groups, have decried Ukraine`s adoption of Clearview, citing the possibility of misidentification. 
 
Clearview is battling a lawsuit in U.S. federal court in Chicago filed by consumers under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act. The ongoing case concerns whether the company`s gathering of images from the internet violated privacy law. 
 
Clearview says its actions have been legal. It says its face matches should only be a starting point in investigations. 
 
Fedorov said that Ukraine was not using the technology to identify its own troops killed in battle. He did not specify why. 
 
Ukraine`s Ministry of Internal Affairs did not respond to requests for comment. It has been overseeing the country`s Look For Your Own project, a Telegram channel where it posts images of unidentified captured or killed Russian soldiers and invites claims from relatives. 
 
The Ukrainian government has an online form where Russian relatives can submit a claim to collect a body. Fedorov did not provide details of how the bodies are being returned to families and Reuters could not independently determine that. 
 
Ukraine`s military has said some 15,000 Russian soldiers have been killed since Russia invaded on Feb 24. Russia has said its casualties are much lower during what it describes as a "special military operation" to demilitarize Ukraine. 
 
The Kremlin did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment on Ukraine`s use of Clearview. 
 
Clearview, which offered its service free of charge to Ukraine after the Russian invasion, has said its search engine includes over 2 billion images from VKontakte, a popular Russian social media service. 
 
VKontakte did not respond to a request for comment. 
 
Facial recognition is just one of many tools, including cloud services from Amazon.com Inc, that Ukraine has been able to adopt for free as Western businesses come to its aid, Fedorov said. 
 
Amazon did not respond to requests for comment. 
 
Richard Bassed, head of the forensic medicine department at Monash University in Australia, said fingerprints, dental records and DNA remain the most common ways of confirming someone`s identity. 
 
Obtaining pre-death samples of such data from enemy fighters is challenging, though, opening the door to innovative techniques such as facial recognition. 
 
But clouded eyes and injured and expressionless faces potentially make facial recognition unreliable on the dead, said Bassed, who has been researching the technology. 
 
In the United States, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System said it has not adopted automated facial recognition because the technology is not currently generally accepted in the forensic community.

Ukraine is using facial recognition software to identify the bodies of Russian soldiers killed in combat and to trace their families to inform them of their deaths, Ukraine`s vice prime minister told Reuters.

Ukraine is using facial recognition software to identify the bodies of Russian soldiers killed in combat and to trace their families to inform them of their deaths, Ukraine`s vice prime minister told Reuters. Reuters exclusively reported that Ukraine`s Ministry of Defense this month began using technology from Clearview AI, a New York-based facial recognition provider that finds images on the web that match faces from uploaded photos. It was not clear at that time how the technology would be used. Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine`s vice prime minister who also runs the ministry of digital transformation, told Reuters in an interview that Ukraine had been using Clearview AI software to find the social media accounts of dead Russian soldiers. From there, authorities are messaging relatives to make arrangements to collect the body, he said. "As a courtesy to the mothers of those soldiers, we are disseminating this information over social media to at least let families know that they they`ve lost their sons and to then enable them to come to collect their bodies," Fedorov said, speaking via a translator. Fedorov declined to specify the number of bodies identified through facial recognition but he said the percentage of recognized individuals claimed by families has been "high." Reuters was unable to independently confirm this. Opponents of facial recognition, including civil rights groups, have decried Ukraine`s adoption of Clearview, citing the possibility of misidentification. Clearview is battling a lawsuit in U.S. federal court in Chicago filed by consumers under the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act. The ongoing case concerns whether the company`s gathering of images from the internet violated privacy law. Clearview says its actions have been legal. It says its face matches should only be a starting point in investigations. Fedorov said that Ukraine was not using the technology to identify its own troops killed in battle. He did not specify why. Ukraine`s Ministry of Internal Affairs did not respond to requests for comment. It has been overseeing the country`s Look For Your Own project, a Telegram channel where it posts images of unidentified captured or killed Russian soldiers and invites claims from relatives. The Ukrainian government has an online form where Russian relatives can submit a claim to collect a body. Fedorov did not provide details of how the bodies are being returned to families and Reuters could not independently determine that. Ukraine`s military has said some 15,000 Russian soldiers have been killed since Russia invaded on Feb 24. Russia has said its casualties are much lower during what it describes as a "special military operation" to demilitarize Ukraine. The Kremlin did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment on Ukraine`s use of Clearview. Clearview, which offered its service free of charge to Ukraine after the Russian invasion, has said its search engine includes over 2 billion images from VKontakte, a popular Russian social media service. VKontakte did not respond to a request for comment. Facial recognition is just one of many tools, including cloud services from Amazon.com Inc, that Ukraine has been able to adopt for free as Western businesses come to its aid, Fedorov said. Amazon did not respond to requests for comment. Richard Bassed, head of the forensic medicine department at Monash University in Australia, said fingerprints, dental records and DNA remain the most common ways of confirming someone`s identity. Obtaining pre-death samples of such data from enemy fighters is challenging, though, opening the door to innovative techniques such as facial recognition. But clouded eyes and injured and expressionless faces potentially make facial recognition unreliable on the dead, said Bassed, who has been researching the technology. In the United States, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System said it has not adopted automated facial recognition because the technology is not currently generally accepted in the forensic community.

Ukraine uses facial recognition to identify dead Russian soldiers and tell families

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine would cost India's military capabilities, but the government is unsure how much.

It will all depend on how long the war lasts and what the conflict's outcome will be.

The war will usher in a new era of arms procurement and bilateral military partnerships around the world.

And the consequences will be felt in New Delhi as well.&nbsp;

India had adopted a neutral stance as a result of its long-standing strategic relationship with Russia.

This Cold War-era cooperation encompasses numerous fronts—diplomacy, defence, nuclear energy, and technology—making Russia a critical part of India's nation-building process, particularly during its early years.&nbsp;

Russia supplies India with more than half of its weapons, ammunition, and military equipment.

India's military capability will be severely harmed while Russia is at war.

Whether it's the delivery of platforms such as nuclear submarines, Grigorovich class frigates, fighter jets, Triumf S-400, AK 203 assault rifle, and others, or the maintenance of tanks, aircraft, and other platforms acquired from Russia.

There are three key areas where India would experience difficulties as a result of the war.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine would cost India's military capabilities, but the government is unsure how much. It will all depend on how long the war lasts and what the conflict's outcome will be.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine would cost India's military capabilities, but the government is unsure how much. It will all depend on how long the war lasts and what the conflict's outcome will be. The war will usher in a new era of arms procurement and bilateral military partnerships around the world. And the consequences will be felt in New Delhi as well. India had adopted a neutral stance as a result of its long-standing strategic relationship with Russia. This Cold War-era cooperation encompasses numerous fronts—diplomacy, defence, nuclear energy, and technology—making Russia a critical part of India's nation-building process, particularly during its early years. Russia supplies India with more than half of its weapons, ammunition, and military equipment. India's military capability will be severely harmed while Russia is at war. Whether it's the delivery of platforms such as nuclear submarines, Grigorovich class frigates, fighter jets, Triumf S-400, AK 203 assault rifle, and others, or the maintenance of tanks, aircraft, and other platforms acquired from Russia. There are three key areas where India would experience difficulties as a result of the war. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war to affect India's military sustenance, expansion

Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron hit out against alleged "violation of the norms of international humanitarian law by Ukrainian security forces".

"Putin informed them about the real state of affairs," the Russian president's office said, adding, "In particular, numerous facts of the flagrant violation of the norms of international humanitarian law by Ukrainian security forces were cited."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/napoleons-waterloo-hitlers-barbarossa-5-lessons-putin-can-learn-from-failed-war-campaigns-461556">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Napoleon's Waterloo &amp; Hitler's Barbarossa: 5 lessons for Putin</a>

The Russian president reportedly asked Macron and Scholz to speak to Ukrainian authorities about the issue. Putin's latest remarks come amid reports of Russian troops making steady progress towards Kyiv on the seventeenth day of the war as reports claimed an airport was destroyed in Vasylkiv town.

Watch:&nbsp;Battle for Kyiv continues as residents pour out of city

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Ukrainian authorities said on Saturday that a mosque with at least 80 civilians was shelled in Mariupol. However, there are no reports of casualties so far. Reports claim Mariupol has been heavily bombed by Russian forces with food and water running low for the past several days.

Meanwhile, Ukraine alleged that Russian soldiers had abducted the mayor of Melitopol in the south as President Volodymyr Zelensky urged France and Germany to help secure his release.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-ukraine-then-and-now-images-from-1970s-and-after-russian-invasion-461073">In Pics:&nbsp;Ukraine then and now, images from 1970s and after Russian invasion</a>

Amid the fighting, the UN said over 2.5 million people had fled the war in Ukraine even as the Kremlin said on Friday that Syrian fighters would be allowed to fight in Ukraine on Russia's behalf fuelling anger in Kyiv as President Zelensky accused Russia of hiring "murderers".

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron hit out against alleged "violation of the norms of international humanitarian law by Ukrainian security forces".

Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron hit out against alleged "violation of the norms of international humanitarian law by Ukrainian security forces". "Putin informed them about the real state of affairs," the Russian president's office said, adding, "In particular, numerous facts of the flagrant violation of the norms of international humanitarian law by Ukrainian security forces were cited." Also Read in Pics: Napoleon's Waterloo & Hitler's Barbarossa: 5 lessons for Putin The Russian president reportedly asked Macron and Scholz to speak to Ukrainian authorities about the issue. Putin's latest remarks come amid reports of Russian troops making steady progress towards Kyiv on the seventeenth day of the war as reports claimed an airport was destroyed in Vasylkiv town. Watch: Battle for Kyiv continues as residents pour out of city Ukrainian authorities said on Saturday that a mosque with at least 80 civilians was shelled in Mariupol. However, there are no reports of casualties so far. Reports claim Mariupol has been heavily bombed by Russian forces with food and water running low for the past several days. Meanwhile, Ukraine alleged that Russian soldiers had abducted the mayor of Melitopol in the south as President Volodymyr Zelensky urged France and Germany to help secure his release. In Pics: Ukraine then and now, images from 1970s and after Russian invasion Amid the fighting, the UN said over 2.5 million people had fled the war in Ukraine even as the Kremlin said on Friday that Syrian fighters would be allowed to fight in Ukraine on Russia's behalf fuelling anger in Kyiv as President Zelensky accused Russia of hiring "murderers". (With inputs from Agencies)

Putin accuses Ukraine of 'flagrant violation' of international humanitarian law

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that some 1,300 Ukrainian forces have been killed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began.

At a press conference, Volodymyr Zelensky said that rather than trading ultimatums, negotiating teams from Kyiv and Moscow had begun discussing concrete themes.

He urged Western countries to become more active in peace talks, but praised Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's efforts to mediate between Ukraine and Russia. 
 
Ukraine has killed almost 12,000 Russian troops and destroyed 1,205 armoured vehicles, 58 aircraft, 83 helicopters, 362 tanks, 585 vehicles, and 135 artillery pieces, according to a data sheet released by Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier in the day.

On Friday, between 500 and 600 Russian soldiers surrendered to Ukrainian forces, according to Zelensky.

On Saturday, large crowd gathered in Melitopol's southern port to protest the alleged kidnapping of the city's mayor, Ivan Fedorov, by Russian troops, an act characterised by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as "a crime against democracy."&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Mariupol: Satellite images show heavy damage | Day 18 of Russian invasion

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Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday, and urged them to influence the Kiev authorities to stop "criminal acts" of Ukrainian "nationalist battalions," according to the Kremlin. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-russia-claims-to-have-besieged-two-big-cities-in-ukraine-455211">LIVE: Ukraine says Russians shot 7 evacuees, including 1 child, near Kyiv</a>

The German government stated in a statement that Macron and Scholz advocated an urgent ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to the situation in Ukraine, citing the 75-minute meeting as part of ongoing international efforts to end the violence, according to Xinhua. 
 
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-send-weapons-worth-200-million-to-help-ukraine-fight-off-russia-461767" hreflang="en">US to send weapons worth $200 million to help Ukraine fight off Russia</a>

The three leaders discussed issues pertaining to agreements being worked out concerning the implementation of earlier Russian demands, according to the Kremlin. Putin gave a "detailed account of the series of talks held via videoconference by Russian and Ukrainian representatives over the past days," and the three leaders reviewed issues pertaining to agreements being worked out concerning the implementation of earlier Russian demands, according to the Kremlin.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that some 1,300 Ukrainian forces have been killed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began. At a press conference, Volodymyr Zelensky said that rather than trading ultimatums, negotiating teams from Kyiv and Moscow had begun discussing concrete themes.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that some 1,300 Ukrainian forces have been killed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began. At a press conference, Volodymyr Zelensky said that rather than trading ultimatums, negotiating teams from Kyiv and Moscow had begun discussing concrete themes. He urged Western countries to become more active in peace talks, but praised Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's efforts to mediate between Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine has killed almost 12,000 Russian troops and destroyed 1,205 armoured vehicles, 58 aircraft, 83 helicopters, 362 tanks, 585 vehicles, and 135 artillery pieces, according to a data sheet released by Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier in the day. On Friday, between 500 and 600 Russian soldiers surrendered to Ukrainian forces, according to Zelensky. On Saturday, large crowd gathered in Melitopol's southern port to protest the alleged kidnapping of the city's mayor, Ivan Fedorov, by Russian troops, an act characterised by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as "a crime against democracy." Watch | Mariupol: Satellite images show heavy damage | Day 18 of Russian invasion Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday, and urged them to influence the Kiev authorities to stop "criminal acts" of Ukrainian "nationalist battalions," according to the Kremlin. Also Read | LIVE: Ukraine says Russians shot 7 evacuees, including 1 child, near Kyiv The German government stated in a statement that Macron and Scholz advocated an urgent ceasefire and a diplomatic solution to the situation in Ukraine, citing the 75-minute meeting as part of ongoing international efforts to end the violence, according to Xinhua. Also Read: US to send weapons worth $200 million to help Ukraine fight off Russia The three leaders discussed issues pertaining to agreements being worked out concerning the implementation of earlier Russian demands, according to the Kremlin. Putin gave a "detailed account of the series of talks held via videoconference by Russian and Ukrainian representatives over the past days," and the three leaders reviewed issues pertaining to agreements being worked out concerning the implementation of earlier Russian demands, according to the Kremlin. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky says 1,300 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed

US President Joe Biden on Friday lashed at Russia asserting that Putin's regime will pay a "severe price" if it used chemical weapons against Ukraine.

"We will not fight a war against Russia in Ukraine. Direct confrontation between NATO and Russia is World War III -- something we must strive to prevent," Biden said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-ukraines-punisher-drone-is-targeting-russian-supply-lines-460230">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;How Ukraine's 'Punisher' drone is targeting Russian supply lines</a>

Biden announced new sanctions on Russian vodka, seafood, diamonds on top of other sanctions already in place against Russia.&nbsp;

"The ban targets goods from several signature sectors of the Russian economy," Biden said. The US president further said the United States and its allies will strip Russia of its "most favoured nation" trade status.

"The United States and our allies and partners continue in lockstep to ramp up the economic pressures on Putin and to further isolate Russia on the global stage," Biden said.

Watch:&nbsp;No fast membership for Ukraine in near future, says EU

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The move comes as the UK sanctioned 386 Russian lawmakers in the Duma, the lower house of parliament. PM Johnson's government forbade Russian parliamentarians to enter the UK and barred them from holding assets in the country.

"We will not let up the pressure and will continue to tighten the screw on the Russian economy through sanctions," UK foreign secretary Liz Truss said even as a slew of sanctions have been imposed on Russia after President Putin announced "special military operation" against Ukraine on February 24.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-ukraine-then-and-now-images-from-1970s-and-after-russian-invasion-461073">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Ukraine then and now, images from 1970s and after Russian invasion</a>

UK had earlier frozen assets of Chelsea football club's Russian owner Roman Abramovich amid crackdown on Russian oligarchs. &nbsp;Abramovich including seven other Russian oligarchs were put on the sanctions list in the UK.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden on Friday lashed at Russia asserting that Putin's regime will pay a "severe price" if it used chemical weapons against Ukraine. "We will not fight a war against Russia in Ukraine.

US President Joe Biden on Friday lashed at Russia asserting that Putin's regime will pay a "severe price" if it used chemical weapons against Ukraine. "We will not fight a war against Russia in Ukraine. Direct confrontation between NATO and Russia is World War III -- something we must strive to prevent," Biden said. Also Read in Pics: How Ukraine's 'Punisher' drone is targeting Russian supply lines Biden announced new sanctions on Russian vodka, seafood, diamonds on top of other sanctions already in place against Russia. "The ban targets goods from several signature sectors of the Russian economy," Biden said. The US president further said the United States and its allies will strip Russia of its "most favoured nation" trade status. "The United States and our allies and partners continue in lockstep to ramp up the economic pressures on Putin and to further isolate Russia on the global stage," Biden said. Watch: No fast membership for Ukraine in near future, says EU The move comes as the UK sanctioned 386 Russian lawmakers in the Duma, the lower house of parliament. PM Johnson's government forbade Russian parliamentarians to enter the UK and barred them from holding assets in the country. "We will not let up the pressure and will continue to tighten the screw on the Russian economy through sanctions," UK foreign secretary Liz Truss said even as a slew of sanctions have been imposed on Russia after President Putin announced "special military operation" against Ukraine on February 24. Also Read in Pics: Ukraine then and now, images from 1970s and after Russian invasion UK had earlier frozen assets of Chelsea football club's Russian owner Roman Abramovich amid crackdown on Russian oligarchs. Abramovich including seven other Russian oligarchs were put on the sanctions list in the UK. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Is World War III': We will not fight a war against Russia in Ukraine, says Biden

Russia’s international disinformation campaign seemed to founder in the early days of the invasion as narratives about Ukrainian bravery dominated the internet. But in Russia, the country’s propaganda machine was busy churning out a deluge of misinformation aimed at its own citizens.

The narrative disseminated online through state-run and unofficial channels has helped create an alternate reality where the invasion is justified and Ukrainians are to blame for violence. To control the narrative at home, Russia also shut down access to several websites and threatened the news media with long prison sentences for criticizing the war. There is some evidence that the effort has mollified at least some Russians.

Here is what the war looks like to Russians, based on a review of state news articles, channels on the chat app Telegram, and input from several disinformation watchdogs who are monitoring Russia’s propaganda machine.

After Russian shellings killed Ukrainian civilians, Russia blamed ‘neo-Nazis.’

Some of the most disturbing images from the war have come from Mariupol, a port city in the southeastern coast. Shelling battered the region, killing several civilians who were trying to flee the area, during what was supposed to be a cease-fire.

But Russians got a different explanation online: Ukrainians had fired on Russian forces during the cease-fire, and neo-Nazis were “hiding behind civilians as a human shield,” according to Russian state news website Tass.

Neo-Nazis have been a recurring character in Russian propaganda campaigns for years, used to falsely justify military action against Ukraine in what Russian officials have called “denazification.” Those claims have only continued during the conflict. To explain away attacks on other Ukrainian apartment buildings, the same article by Tass claimed that neo-Nazis had placed “heavy weapons in apartment buildings, while some residents are forcibly kept in their homes,” providing no evidence.

Russian social media accounts have used a mix of fake and unconfirmed photos showing Ukrainian soldiers holding Nazi flags or photos of Adolf Hitler. An analysis by the Center for Information Resilience, a nonprofit focused on identifying disinformation, showed that the number of tweets connecting Ukrainians to Nazis soared after the invasion began.

“Propaganda works when it coincides with your existing assumptions,” said Pierre Vaux, a senior investigator at the Center for Information Resilience. “The stuff that chimes into the Nazi stuff is really effective.”

After a nuclear facility caught fire, Russians claimed they were protecting it.

After Russia attacked an area near the nuclear complex in Zaporizhzhia, leading to a fire, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine called it “nuclear terrorism.”

But according to a Kremlin statement reported in Tass, the military seized the facility to prevent Ukrainians and neo-Nazis from “organizing provocations fraught with catastrophic consequences.” Even though Ukrainians heavily fortified the region against an attack, Russian officials claimed they already had control of the compound before Ukrainians opened fire. They added that Ukrainians set fire to an adjacent building before fleeing, providing no evidence. Western experts said controlling the Zaporizhzhia complex would allow Russia to trigger blackouts or shut down the entire power grid.

The image of Russia as a world protector surfaced again after the country’s officials claimed they discovered evidence that Ukraine was working on a nuclear bomb. According to Russian officials, plans for the bomb were uncovered at the abandoned Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

“It doesn’t even make sense, because if you’re going to develop a nuclear weapon, you don’t do your secret development in a nuclear power plant,” Vaux said. “But that kind of thing is just being beamed out on Russian state TV.”

After Russia shelled a residential neighborhood, Russians claimed Ukrainians did it.

An attack on Kharkiv, a northeast Ukraine city bordering Russia, provided additional evidence that Russia had indiscriminately bombed residential neighborhoods and killed civilians, according to the Atlantic Council, a U.S. research group. The International Criminal Court opened an investigation into war crimes after the assault.

In one attack that included heavy shelling, 34 civilians were killed and 285 were injured, according to the Ukrainian State Emergency Service.

But Russians listening to state media or browsing channels on Telegram heard another story: The missiles, those sources claimed, came from Ukrainian territory.

On a Telegram channel for Russian news site Readovka, one post described how “Ukrainian missiles” had “arrived from the northwest” — an area controlled by the Ukrainian military.

Russia’s defense department said that it never attacked cities, instead targeting “military infrastructure” with “high-precision weapons,” according to an article in the state-owned news agency RIA Novosti.

After attacks bloodied civilians, Russians called injured Ukrainians crisis actors.

A woman who survived a blast at her apartment building became the focus of disinformation efforts after her bloodied and bandaged photograph spread widely through newspapers and Western media.

The woman was a resident of an apartment complex in Chuhuiv, near Kharkiv. Photojournalist Alex Lourie captured her portrait after the attack, and the image was soon featured on the front pages of newspapers around the world.

But Russian social media channels falsely described her as a member of Ukraine’s psychological operations unit, according to an analysis by Ukrainian fact-checking website StopFake.

A post by “War on Fakes,” a pro-Russian website and Telegram channel that appeared at the start of the invasion, suggested that the blood could be grape juice and that the woman could be “part of the territorial defense.” As evidence, the post included a shot of another woman bearing some resemblance. That image came from a New York Times photograph, which was taken in Kyiv — a seven-hour drive west of Chuhuiv.

Russia’s international disinformation campaign seemed to founder in the early days of the invasion as narratives about Ukrainian bravery dominated the internet. But in Russia, the country’s propaganda machine was busy churning out a deluge of misinformation aimed at its own citizens.

Russia’s international disinformation campaign seemed to founder in the early days of the invasion as narratives about Ukrainian bravery dominated the internet. But in Russia, the country’s propaganda machine was busy churning out a deluge of misinformation aimed at its own citizens. The narrative disseminated online through state-run and unofficial channels has helped create an alternate reality where the invasion is justified and Ukrainians are to blame for violence. To control the narrative at home, Russia also shut down access to several websites and threatened the news media with long prison sentences for criticizing the war. There is some evidence that the effort has mollified at least some Russians. Here is what the war looks like to Russians, based on a review of state news articles, channels on the chat app Telegram, and input from several disinformation watchdogs who are monitoring Russia’s propaganda machine. After Russian shellings killed Ukrainian civilians, Russia blamed ‘neo-Nazis.’ Some of the most disturbing images from the war have come from Mariupol, a port city in the southeastern coast. Shelling battered the region, killing several civilians who were trying to flee the area, during what was supposed to be a cease-fire. But Russians got a different explanation online: Ukrainians had fired on Russian forces during the cease-fire, and neo-Nazis were “hiding behind civilians as a human shield,” according to Russian state news website Tass. Neo-Nazis have been a recurring character in Russian propaganda campaigns for years, used to falsely justify military action against Ukraine in what Russian officials have called “denazification.” Those claims have only continued during the conflict. To explain away attacks on other Ukrainian apartment buildings, the same article by Tass claimed that neo-Nazis had placed “heavy weapons in apartment buildings, while some residents are forcibly kept in their homes,” providing no evidence. Russian social media accounts have used a mix of fake and unconfirmed photos showing Ukrainian soldiers holding Nazi flags or photos of Adolf Hitler. An analysis by the Center for Information Resilience, a nonprofit focused on identifying disinformation, showed that the number of tweets connecting Ukrainians to Nazis soared after the invasion began. “Propaganda works when it coincides with your existing assumptions,” said Pierre Vaux, a senior investigator at the Center for Information Resilience. “The stuff that chimes into the Nazi stuff is really effective.” After a nuclear facility caught fire, Russians claimed they were protecting it. After Russia attacked an area near the nuclear complex in Zaporizhzhia, leading to a fire, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine called it “nuclear terrorism.” But according to a Kremlin statement reported in Tass, the military seized the facility to prevent Ukrainians and neo-Nazis from “organizing provocations fraught with catastrophic consequences.” Even though Ukrainians heavily fortified the region against an attack, Russian officials claimed they already had control of the compound before Ukrainians opened fire. They added that Ukrainians set fire to an adjacent building before fleeing, providing no evidence. Western experts said controlling the Zaporizhzhia complex would allow Russia to trigger blackouts or shut down the entire power grid. The image of Russia as a world protector surfaced again after the country’s officials claimed they discovered evidence that Ukraine was working on a nuclear bomb. According to Russian officials, plans for the bomb were uncovered at the abandoned Chernobyl nuclear power plant. “It doesn’t even make sense, because if you’re going to develop a nuclear weapon, you don’t do your secret development in a nuclear power plant,” Vaux said. “But that kind of thing is just being beamed out on Russian state TV.” After Russia shelled a residential neighborhood, Russians claimed Ukrainians did it. An attack on Kharkiv, a northeast Ukraine city bordering Russia, provided additional evidence that Russia had indiscriminately bombed residential neighborhoods and killed civilians, according to the Atlantic Council, a U.S. research group. The International Criminal Court opened an investigation into war crimes after the assault. In one attack that included heavy shelling, 34 civilians were killed and 285 were injured, according to the Ukrainian State Emergency Service. But Russians listening to state media or browsing channels on Telegram heard another story: The missiles, those sources claimed, came from Ukrainian territory. On a Telegram channel for Russian news site Readovka, one post described how “Ukrainian missiles” had “arrived from the northwest” — an area controlled by the Ukrainian military. Russia’s defense department said that it never attacked cities, instead targeting “military infrastructure” with “high-precision weapons,” according to an article in the state-owned news agency RIA Novosti. After attacks bloodied civilians, Russians called injured Ukrainians crisis actors. A woman who survived a blast at her apartment building became the focus of disinformation efforts after her bloodied and bandaged photograph spread widely through newspapers and Western media. The woman was a resident of an apartment complex in Chuhuiv, near Kharkiv. Photojournalist Alex Lourie captured her portrait after the attack, and the image was soon featured on the front pages of newspapers around the world. But Russian social media channels falsely described her as a member of Ukraine’s psychological operations unit, according to an analysis by Ukrainian fact-checking website StopFake. A post by “War on Fakes,” a pro-Russian website and Telegram channel that appeared at the start of the invasion, suggested that the blood could be grape juice and that the woman could be “part of the territorial defense.” As evidence, the post included a shot of another woman bearing some resemblance. That image came from a New York Times photograph, which was taken in Kyiv — a seven-hour drive west of Chuhuiv.

4 falsehoods Russians are told about the war

As the war in Ukraine entered the third week on Thursday, the British Army said a "small number" of its soldiers have "disobeyed orders" and may have travelled to Ukraine "in a personal capacity".

"We are strongly encouraging them to return to the UK," the British Army said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-ukraine-then-and-now-images-from-1970s-and-after-russian-invasion-461073">In Pics | Ukraine then and now, images from 1970s and after Russian invasion</a>

UK's defence ministry has banned all service personnel from travelling to the UK. The ministry said those travelling to Ukraine would face disciplinary action.

UK defence secretary Ben Wallace while taking a harder line had said soldiers who had gone to Ukraine would face court martial. The minister also urged Britons not to travel to the war-hit country.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine fail to reach deal on ceasefire

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"The Ukrainians are very clear: you turn up, you are in it for the whole game. You are not in it for a selfie and six weeks, you are in it for real," the minister said in Parliament.

Kyiv's mayor said on Thursday that half of the population in the capital had left with the city turned into a fortress as reports claimed Russian forces have encircled&nbsp;at least four major cities and were heading towards the capital.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-tsar-bomba-worlds-most-powerful-nuclear-weapon-of-mass-destruction-460924">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Russia's Tsar bomba: World's most powerful nuclear weapon of mass destruction</a>

Kharkiv has come under intense bombing, reports say with the Russian offensive continuing in the separatist Donetsk and Lugansk regions. Reports say Sumy city has been encircled by Russian forces even as Kyiv has been heavily bombed.

Ukrainian forces have retained control over Chernihiv town, however, it has reported heavy civilian casualties in recent days.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As the war in Ukraine entered the third week on Thursday, the British Army said a "small number" of its soldiers have "disobeyed orders" and may have travelled to Ukraine "in a personal capacity".

As the war in Ukraine entered the third week on Thursday, the British Army said a "small number" of its soldiers have "disobeyed orders" and may have travelled to Ukraine "in a personal capacity". "We are strongly encouraging them to return to the UK," the British Army said. In Pics | Ukraine then and now, images from 1970s and after Russian invasion UK's defence ministry has banned all service personnel from travelling to the UK. The ministry said those travelling to Ukraine would face disciplinary action. UK defence secretary Ben Wallace while taking a harder line had said soldiers who had gone to Ukraine would face court martial. The minister also urged Britons not to travel to the war-hit country. Watch: Russia-Ukraine fail to reach deal on ceasefire "The Ukrainians are very clear: you turn up, you are in it for the whole game. You are not in it for a selfie and six weeks, you are in it for real," the minister said in Parliament. Kyiv's mayor said on Thursday that half of the population in the capital had left with the city turned into a fortress as reports claimed Russian forces have encircled at least four major cities and were heading towards the capital. Also Read in Pics: Russia's Tsar bomba: World's most powerful nuclear weapon of mass destruction Kharkiv has come under intense bombing, reports say with the Russian offensive continuing in the separatist Donetsk and Lugansk regions. Reports say Sumy city has been encircled by Russian forces even as Kyiv has been heavily bombed. Ukrainian forces have retained control over Chernihiv town, however, it has reported heavy civilian casualties in recent days. (With inputs from Agencies)

Small number of British soldiers disobeyed orders, may have travelled to Ukraine: UK Army

How Ukraine's 'Punisher' drone is targeting Russian supply lines

President Putin had said Russia does not plan to involve a "single conscript" during the Ukraine war, however, the Russian army admitted that conscripts had taken part in the operation.

"Only professional military take part in this operation - officers and volunteers. There is not a single conscript there, and we do not plan to and we are not going to," the Russian president had said.

Putin spoke after reports emerged of conscripts being inducted into the Russian army to fight in Ukraine.

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"This operation only involves men who voluntarily made a very responsible choice in their life: to protect the homeland. They carry out this task with honour," Putin had asserted.

Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said,"unfortunately, several instances of the presence of conscripts in the units of the Russian armed forces participating in the special military operation on the territory of Ukraine have been confirmed."

Watch:&nbsp;Commercial satellites are shaping Ukraine-Russia conflict: Here is how

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Konashenkov confirmed that the conscripts were being "withdrawn to Russian territory" however he conceded that some conscripts were taken prisoner.

The defence ministry spokesman added that the "sabotage group" allegedly attacked a unit involved in logistical operation and a "number of servicemen, including conscripts were captured".

The official added that Russian forces will be taking measures not to enlist conscripts in combat areas.

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President Putin had said reservists who had completed their military service and have been called up for duty would not be taking part in the Ukraine war.

"This is also true for those being called up. No we do not plan to involve this category of people(reservists) - they are being called up regularly, but we do not plan to engage this category," the Russian president had said.

(With inputs from Agencies)

President Putin had said Russia does not plan to involve a "single conscript" during the Ukraine war, however, the Russian army admitted that conscripts had taken part in the operation.

President Putin had said Russia does not plan to involve a "single conscript" during the Ukraine war, however, the Russian army admitted that conscripts had taken part in the operation. "Only professional military take part in this operation - officers and volunteers. There is not a single conscript there, and we do not plan to and we are not going to," the Russian president had said. Putin spoke after reports emerged of conscripts being inducted into the Russian army to fight in Ukraine. Also Read in Pics: In long air battle, can Ukraine hold out against Russian Air Force? "This operation only involves men who voluntarily made a very responsible choice in their life: to protect the homeland. They carry out this task with honour," Putin had asserted. Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said,"unfortunately, several instances of the presence of conscripts in the units of the Russian armed forces participating in the special military operation on the territory of Ukraine have been confirmed." Watch: Commercial satellites are shaping Ukraine-Russia conflict: Here is how Konashenkov confirmed that the conscripts were being "withdrawn to Russian territory" however he conceded that some conscripts were taken prisoner. The defence ministry spokesman added that the "sabotage group" allegedly attacked a unit involved in logistical operation and a "number of servicemen, including conscripts were captured". The official added that Russian forces will be taking measures not to enlist conscripts in combat areas. Also Read in Pics: Kalibr cruise missiles 'tested' in Syrian battlefield President Putin had said reservists who had completed their military service and have been called up for duty would not be taking part in the Ukraine war. "This is also true for those being called up. No we do not plan to involve this category of people(reservists) - they are being called up regularly, but we do not plan to engage this category," the Russian president had said. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russian army admits conscripts involved in Ukraine war

Russia's rocket launchers target Ukraine's cities

The world watched in surprise as Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed that his nuclear deterrent forces had been placed on "special alert."

Could he actually be threatening nuclear war, which was traditionally thought to be a relic of the Cold War past?

With 4,477 nuclear weapons, Russia leads the world.

There are 1,588 strategic warheads in all, with 812 for land-based ballistic missiles, 576 for submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and 200 for heavy bomber bases.&nbsp;

If Putin believed he would lose the battle without nuclear weapons, it is not impossible that he would use them in Ukraine. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-will-there-be-a-nuclear-war-your-questions-answered-457697">Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Will there be a nuclear war? Your questions answered</a>

A loss in Ukraine would be a major setback for Putin at home, and he may feel that it would jeopardise his ability to stay in power.

Putin also has reason to be concerned about further economic penalties from the West, which have caused the ruble to plummet by about 30% so far.

When does a threat to Russia's economy become a personal threat to Putin?&nbsp;

Putin, on the other hand, must be wary of the worldwide fallout from unleashing nuclear weapons in Ukraine.

A nuclear assault might kill tens of thousands to millions of people in a country that no longer has nuclear weapons after handing them over to Russia in 1994.

The bomb hasn't been used in war in 77 years, and its deployment now would be disastrous not only for Russia's already-poor reputation, but also for world peace and security.

Putin, on the other hand, may not be deterred from using nuclear weapons on Ukraine because he believes he can get away with it.&nbsp;

So, what if the conflict escalates into a nuclear conflict?

According to experts, even a "limited" nuclear conflict might result in a catastrophic worldwide nuclear winter, killing billions of people.

Conflicts, climate change, and diseases that would inevitably follow might kill millions more people.&nbsp;

What is nuclear winter?

Nuclear winter is a hypothetical phenomena that describes the short- and long-term climate effects of an atomic war.

According to the argument, the cascading effects of such a war would kill more people than the direct casualties in the warring countries.

And we are all fully aware of the potential immediate effects of a nuclear war!

According to a 2014 research, even a limited nuclear war would produce enough smoke to block enough sunlight to cause the Earth to endure its coldest temperatures since the last ice age thousands of years ago.

Because the smoke will persist in the stratosphere for years, climate models predict that surface temperatures will remain low for more than 25 years.&nbsp;

This is owing to the thermal inertia created by the cooling of ocean waters, as well as the increased reflection of sunlight back into space by expanded sea ice.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The world watched in surprise as Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed that his nuclear deterrent forces had been placed on "special alert." Could he actually be threatening nuclear war, which was traditionally thought to be a relic of the Cold War past?

The world watched in surprise as Russian President Vladimir Putin revealed that his nuclear deterrent forces had been placed on "special alert." Could he actually be threatening nuclear war, which was traditionally thought to be a relic of the Cold War past? With 4,477 nuclear weapons, Russia leads the world. There are 1,588 strategic warheads in all, with 812 for land-based ballistic missiles, 576 for submarine-launched ballistic missiles, and 200 for heavy bomber bases. If Putin believed he would lose the battle without nuclear weapons, it is not impossible that he would use them in Ukraine. Also read | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Will there be a nuclear war? Your questions answered A loss in Ukraine would be a major setback for Putin at home, and he may feel that it would jeopardise his ability to stay in power. Putin also has reason to be concerned about further economic penalties from the West, which have caused the ruble to plummet by about 30% so far. When does a threat to Russia's economy become a personal threat to Putin? Putin, on the other hand, must be wary of the worldwide fallout from unleashing nuclear weapons in Ukraine. A nuclear assault might kill tens of thousands to millions of people in a country that no longer has nuclear weapons after handing them over to Russia in 1994. The bomb hasn't been used in war in 77 years, and its deployment now would be disastrous not only for Russia's already-poor reputation, but also for world peace and security. Putin, on the other hand, may not be deterred from using nuclear weapons on Ukraine because he believes he can get away with it. So, what if the conflict escalates into a nuclear conflict? According to experts, even a "limited" nuclear conflict might result in a catastrophic worldwide nuclear winter, killing billions of people. Conflicts, climate change, and diseases that would inevitably follow might kill millions more people. What is nuclear winter? Nuclear winter is a hypothetical phenomena that describes the short- and long-term climate effects of an atomic war. According to the argument, the cascading effects of such a war would kill more people than the direct casualties in the warring countries. And we are all fully aware of the potential immediate effects of a nuclear war! According to a 2014 research, even a limited nuclear war would produce enough smoke to block enough sunlight to cause the Earth to endure its coldest temperatures since the last ice age thousands of years ago. Because the smoke will persist in the stratosphere for years, climate models predict that surface temperatures will remain low for more than 25 years. This is owing to the thermal inertia created by the cooling of ocean waters, as well as the increased reflection of sunlight back into space by expanded sea ice. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Is a nuclear war likely? What is a nuclear winter?

As the war in Ukraine entered its tenth day on Saturday, President Vladimir Putin said he has no plans to declare martial law in Russia.&nbsp;

Putin warned that any country which imposes a no-fly zone in Ukraine would become considered a party to the conflict. NATO had said on Friday that it won't be sending its troops and fighter planes&nbsp;to Ukraine even as President Zelensky has repeatedly requested the European military alliance to impose a no-fly zone in Ukraine.

"Any movement in this direction will be considered by us as participation in an armed conflict by that country," the Russian president declared.

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"Martial law should only be introduced in cases where there is external aggression, we are not experiencing that at the moment and I hope we won't," Putin said as Russian forces continued their bombing campaign against Ukraine.

Watch: WION reports from the frontlines in Ukraine&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-reports-from-the-frontlines-in-ukraine-459344/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, the Kremlin hit out against sanctions imposed by Western nations as spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "The world is too big for Europe and America to isolate a country, and even more so a country as big as Russia. There are many more countries in the world."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russia-attacks-ukraine-kalibr-cruise-missiles-tested-in-syrian-battlefield-459267">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Russia attacks Ukraine: Kalibr cruise missiles 'tested' in Syrian battlefield</a>

EU and the US announced a wave of sanctions against Russia amid Ukraine's invasion as Peskov asserted that "Russia has an interest in being attractive for investment," while adding, "now is hardly a time when we can talk about being attractive for investment, but times change quickly."&nbsp;

Intense fighting is underway in Kharkiv including in Sumy in northeast Ukraine even as bombing campaign continues in Kyiv.

Reports say Chernihiv city has been heavily bombed with heavy civilian casualties reported. International agencies say&nbsp;at least 1.37 million refugees have fled the country into neighbouring European states.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As the war in Ukraine entered its tenth day on Saturday, President Vladimir Putin said he has no plans to declare martial law in Russia. Putin warned that any country which imposes a no-fly zone in Ukraine would become considered a party to the conflict.

As the war in Ukraine entered its tenth day on Saturday, President Vladimir Putin said he has no plans to declare martial law in Russia. Putin warned that any country which imposes a no-fly zone in Ukraine would become considered a party to the conflict. NATO had said on Friday that it won't be sending its troops and fighter planes to Ukraine even as President Zelensky has repeatedly requested the European military alliance to impose a no-fly zone in Ukraine. "Any movement in this direction will be considered by us as participation in an armed conflict by that country," the Russian president declared. Also Read in Pics: What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks "Martial law should only be introduced in cases where there is external aggression, we are not experiencing that at the moment and I hope we won't," Putin said as Russian forces continued their bombing campaign against Ukraine. Watch: WION reports from the frontlines in Ukraine Meanwhile, the Kremlin hit out against sanctions imposed by Western nations as spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "The world is too big for Europe and America to isolate a country, and even more so a country as big as Russia. There are many more countries in the world." Also Read in Pics: Russia attacks Ukraine: Kalibr cruise missiles 'tested' in Syrian battlefield EU and the US announced a wave of sanctions against Russia amid Ukraine's invasion as Peskov asserted that "Russia has an interest in being attractive for investment," while adding, "now is hardly a time when we can talk about being attractive for investment, but times change quickly." Intense fighting is underway in Kharkiv including in Sumy in northeast Ukraine even as bombing campaign continues in Kyiv. Reports say Chernihiv city has been heavily bombed with heavy civilian casualties reported. International agencies say at least 1.37 million refugees have fled the country into neighbouring European states. (With inputs from Agencies)

Countries imposing no-fly zone over Ukraine will be party to conflict: Putin

G7 nations threatened further sanctions on Russia over Ukraine's invasion and vowed to crack down on "Russia's disinformation campaign" as Moscow continued its assault on&nbsp;Kyiv.

"Any armed attack on and threat against nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes constitutes a violation of the principles of international law," G7 members said.

Amid the fighting, Ukraine's presidential adviser said&nbsp;Russia's attempts to advance on the Black Sea port of Mykolayiv was repulsed even as attacks continued in capital Kyiv.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-the-chain-of-command-for-potential-russian-nuclear-strikes-458854">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;What is the chain of command for potential Russian nuclear strikes?</a>

NATO however declared that it would not be sending its troops to Ukrainian territory and won't be sending planes to Ukraine's airspace.&nbsp;

"If we did that, we'll end up with something that could end in a full-fledged war in Europe, involving many more countries and causing much more human suffering," NATO chief Stoltenberg said. Kyiv has repeatedly demanded NATO to shut Ukrainian airspace.

Watch:&nbsp;WION reports from the western Ukrainian city of Lviv

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ground-report-wion-reports-from-the-western-ukrainian-city-of-lviv-459034/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, the EU said it was ready to hit Russia with a new wave of sanctions as the European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said: "To be very clear, we are ready to take further severe measures if Putin does not stop and reverse the war he has unleashed."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-russias-sarmat-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-can-change-battlefield-dynamic-458549">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Russia's Sarmat Intercontinental ballistic missile</a>

US Secretary of state Anthony Blinken sought to keep pressure on Russia &nbsp;"until the war is over".

Meanwhile, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations denied Russian forces had shelled the nuclear power plant in Ukraine.&nbsp;

"These statements are simply untrue," Russia's ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the UNSC. "This is all part of an unprecedented campaign of lies and disinformation against Russia," he added.

(With inputs from Agencies)

(With inputs from Agencies)

G7 nations threatened further sanctions on Russia over Ukraine's invasion and vowed to crack down on "Russia's disinformation campaign" as Moscow continued its assault on Kyiv.

G7 nations threatened further sanctions on Russia over Ukraine's invasion and vowed to crack down on "Russia's disinformation campaign" as Moscow continued its assault on Kyiv. "Any armed attack on and threat against nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes constitutes a violation of the principles of international law," G7 members said. Amid the fighting, Ukraine's presidential adviser said Russia's attempts to advance on the Black Sea port of Mykolayiv was repulsed even as attacks continued in capital Kyiv. Also Read in Pics: What is the chain of command for potential Russian nuclear strikes? NATO however declared that it would not be sending its troops to Ukrainian territory and won't be sending planes to Ukraine's airspace. "If we did that, we'll end up with something that could end in a full-fledged war in Europe, involving many more countries and causing much more human suffering," NATO chief Stoltenberg said. Kyiv has repeatedly demanded NATO to shut Ukrainian airspace. Watch: WION reports from the western Ukrainian city of Lviv However, the EU said it was ready to hit Russia with a new wave of sanctions as the European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said: "To be very clear, we are ready to take further severe measures if Putin does not stop and reverse the war he has unleashed." Also Read in Pics: Russia's Sarmat Intercontinental ballistic missile US Secretary of state Anthony Blinken sought to keep pressure on Russia "until the war is over". Meanwhile, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations denied Russian forces had shelled the nuclear power plant in Ukraine. "These statements are simply untrue," Russia's ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the UNSC. "This is all part of an unprecedented campaign of lies and disinformation against Russia," he added. (With inputs from Agencies) (With inputs from Agencies)

EU ready to take 'further severe measures if Putin does not stop'

After a 90-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, French President &nbsp;Emmanuel Macron's aide said the Russian president could "increase demands" during talks with Ukraine officials.

Putin is aiming to seize "whole of Ukraine", Macron's aide informed, adding that the French president believes that "the worst is to come" in Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-russias-sarmat-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-can-change-battlefield-dynamic-458549">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Sarmat ICBM can change battlefield dynamic</a>

"Russia intends to continue the uncompromising fight against militants of nationalist armed groups," Putin said according to a readout of a call with Macron even as the Russian president informed that he disagreed with Macron's speech on Ukraine.

After the call, Kremlin in a statement said it wants "demilitarisation and neutral status of Ukraine so that a threat to the Russian Federation will never emanate from its territory."

Watch |&nbsp;Russian invasion: Frozen assets, travel bans and imports-exports curbs

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/repercussion-of-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-frozen-assets-travel-bans-and-imports-exports-curbs-458656/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Russia had submitted a security document to NATO and the United States weeks ahead of the war demanding that former Soviet states not be inducted into NATO. Putin repeatedly said NATO should not extend its borders on the eastern flank while deploying troops along Ukraine's border.

Kremlin said that the "special military operation will be fulfilled in any event" while adding that "attempts to gain time by dragging out negotiations will only lead to additional demands on Kyiv in our negotiating position."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-unleashes-turkeys-bayraktar-tb2-drones-on-russia-is-it-a-gamechanger-458271">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;Ukraine unleashes Turkey's Bayraktar TB2 drones on Russia</a>

The statement said the "special operation" was going "according to plan".

"There was nothing in what President Putin told us that should reassure us. He showed great determination to continue the operation," Macron's aide said.

"President Putin has a way of talking that is very neutral and very clinical. He sometimes shows signs of impatience, but fundamentally there were no open signs of tensions during the exchanges," Macron's aide&nbsp;added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

After a 90-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron's aide said the Russian president could "increase demands" during talks with Ukraine officials.

After a 90-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, French President Emmanuel Macron's aide said the Russian president could "increase demands" during talks with Ukraine officials. Putin is aiming to seize "whole of Ukraine", Macron's aide informed, adding that the French president believes that "the worst is to come" in Ukraine. Also Read in Pics: Sarmat ICBM can change battlefield dynamic "Russia intends to continue the uncompromising fight against militants of nationalist armed groups," Putin said according to a readout of a call with Macron even as the Russian president informed that he disagreed with Macron's speech on Ukraine. After the call, Kremlin in a statement said it wants "demilitarisation and neutral status of Ukraine so that a threat to the Russian Federation will never emanate from its territory." Watch | Russian invasion: Frozen assets, travel bans and imports-exports curbs Russia had submitted a security document to NATO and the United States weeks ahead of the war demanding that former Soviet states not be inducted into NATO. Putin repeatedly said NATO should not extend its borders on the eastern flank while deploying troops along Ukraine's border. Kremlin said that the "special military operation will be fulfilled in any event" while adding that "attempts to gain time by dragging out negotiations will only lead to additional demands on Kyiv in our negotiating position." Also Read in Pics | Ukraine unleashes Turkey's Bayraktar TB2 drones on Russia The statement said the "special operation" was going "according to plan". "There was nothing in what President Putin told us that should reassure us. He showed great determination to continue the operation," Macron's aide said. "President Putin has a way of talking that is very neutral and very clinical. He sometimes shows signs of impatience, but fundamentally there were no open signs of tensions during the exchanges," Macron's aide added. (With inputs from Agencies)

Macron phone call: Putin aiming to seize whole of Ukraine, says aide

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 a week after Russia began its military operation against Ukraine, Moscow said 498 Russian troops have been killed in the war.

Reports claim at least 350 Ukrainian civilians including 14 children have been killed in the war so far which began on February 24 after Putin declared military offensive against Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-unleashes-turkeys-bayraktar-tb2-drones-on-russia-is-it-a-gamechanger-458271">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Ukraine unleashes Turkey's Bayraktar TB2 drones on Russia: Is it a gamechanger?</a>

Russian news agency quoting the defence ministry said at least 1,597 soldiers were injured during the war which began last Thursday.

Russia has reportedly stepped up its attack targeting Ukraine's cities with cruise missiles amid heavy bombardment in urban centres. Kyiv has been the target of Russian forces with residents fleeing&nbsp;to neighbouring Romania and Poland.

Watch:&nbsp;&nbsp;Kyiv braces for Russian military convoy

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/day-7-of-russia-ukraine-crisis-kyiv-braces-for-russian-military-convoy-458294/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian forces wanted to "erase our country, erase us all" as he vowed to keep fighting against Russian forces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/320-missiles-in-a-day-russia-targets-short-range-ballistic-missiles-at-ukraine-what-is-the-result-458123">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Russia targets short-range ballistic missiles at Ukraine</a>

Meanwhile, Ukraine confirmed its delegation was on its way for talks with Russian officials on the Poland-Belarus border to discuss ceasefire options.

"The Ukrainian delegation has already left Kyiv. We expect them to be here tomorrow morning," Russia's chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Nearly a week after Russia began its military operation against Ukraine, Moscow said 498 Russian troops have been killed in the war. Reports claim at least 350 Ukrainian civilians including 14 children have been killed in the war so far which began on February 24 after Putin declared military offensive against Ukraine. Also Read in Pics: Ukraine unleashes Turkey's Bayraktar TB2 drones on Russia: Is it a gamechanger? Russian news agency quoting the defence ministry said at least 1,597 soldiers were injured during the war which began last Thursday. Russia has reportedly stepped up its attack targeting Ukraine's cities with cruise missiles amid heavy bombardment in urban centres. Kyiv has been the target of Russian forces with residents fleeing to neighbouring Romania and Poland. Watch: Kyiv braces for Russian military convoy Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russian forces wanted to "erase our country, erase us all" as he vowed to keep fighting against Russian forces. Also Read in Pics: Russia targets short-range ballistic missiles at Ukraine Meanwhile, Ukraine confirmed its delegation was on its way for talks with Russian officials on the Poland-Belarus border to discuss ceasefire options. "The Ukrainian delegation has already left Kyiv. We expect them to be here tomorrow morning," Russia's chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said. (With inputs from Agencies)

498 troops killed in Ukraine, says Russia

As a child in the Russian city of Volgograd, Nina Ryakhovskaya grew up with her younger cousin, sliding in their socks on their grandmother’s wooden floor, pretending to be figure skaters and confiding secrets and crushes to each other.

Now 40, and living in Kyiv with her Ukrainian husband, Ryakhovskaya recently called her cousin in Volgograd to tell her the Russians were invading Ukraine. Her cousin did not believe there was an invasion and told her that Russia was only conducting an operation against Nazis there, she said.

“It makes me feel like we are distant forever,” Ryakhovskaya said in a video call from a house in the countryside near Kyiv, where she fled with her husband and 7-year-old son as the Russian invasion unfolded. “I can’t forgive them. I can’t forgive that they are part of this.”

Because of their countries’ complex and intertwined history, many Ukrainians and Russians have relatives from both sides of the border who are now standing on opposite sides of the war. The conflict triggered by President Vladimir Putin of Russia has gone beyond the front lines and into the families of many Ukrainians and Russians, as well as the diasporas of those peoples around the world.

The war has already created family rifts and prompted fears among some that relatives will harm each other in battle.

“I have cousins on both sides,” said Dan Hubbard, a professor at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia. “I dread them killing each other.”

Hubbard, 64, was raised in the United States by his mother, who was Russian, and his Ukrainian great-grandmother. He fondly recalled how the two women used to share homemade cabbage pie while playing cards and making fun of each other’s accents.

Today, some members of his family live near Moscow and others are outside of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, which is now under siege by Russian forces. Both his Russian and Ukrainian cousins are old enough to enlist in the army. Hubbard says he has been trying to avoid the news because it causes him too much pain.

“I feel for both sides because Russian boys don’t even know why they are there,” he said. “My cousins are killing one another because of a madman’s fantasy.”

Zoya, a 25-year-old assistant at a cosmetics company in St. Petersburg, is the daughter of a Russian mother and a Ukrainian father. She grew up near Moscow, but her paternal grandmother spoke to her in Ukrainian, read her Ukrainian poems and sang her Ukrainian songs.

“This conflict is like when your mom and dad have a fight,” said Zoya, who, like several people interviewed for this article, asked to be identified only by her first name for fear of repercussions in Russia. “You can’t choose one of them because you love them both.”

In a 2011 poll, 49% of Ukrainians said they had relatives in Russia, and there were 2.6 million Ukrainian citizens living in Russia in 2015, according to one study.

With a Russian mother and a Ukrainian father, Alona Cherkassky grew up in Moscow but spent her summers in Odessa, Ukraine, where her grandparents lived. As an adult, she prided herself on her double heritage. But with the Russian invasion, it has become a source of pain.

“It feels like a very personal attack,” said Cherkassky, 45, who now lives in London.

Cherkassky’s cousin Georgy, 44, a Russian animator, lives in Moscow with his wife, who is from Odessa, the seaside city where the Russian navy came ashore during the invasion. He said that his wife did not separate her Ukrainian identity from her adoptive Russian one until recently.

“Of course since they are bombing her homeland, she is thinking of herself more as Ukrainian,” Georgy said.

The kinship bond between Russians and Ukrainians that many people of mixed origin described has also been emphasized by Putin, who has repeatedly pointed out that the countries share a common heritage. But while for many this closeness made the invasion even more devastating, for Putin it was a justification for it.

“On the one side, our president says we’re all one people,” said Georgy, “but on the other side, he’s bombing them.”

Olena, who has a Russian mother and a Ukrainian father, said her parents were sheltering underground from Russian shelling in the eastern Ukrainian region of Sumy, near the Russian border.

Olena said she grew up in both Ukraine and Russia, speaking a mix of both languages, reading literature and listening to a cross-border mix of pop music.

Now she lives in France, and she reads her children Russian and Ukrainian fairy tales and sings lullabies to them from both countries. But since Russia’s invasion, her children have started to ask which country is theirs.

“How can I say I am more Russian or more Ukrainian?” she asked. “I never needed to.”

Some people torn between the two countries expressed their distress on social media.

“My son is almost 6. His mother’s country of birth bombs his father’s,” Alexander Kolyandr, who identified himself as an analyst for an investment bank in Moscow, wrote on Twitter.

“My mom’s from Russia, my dad’s a Russian speaker from Ukraine,” Evan Gershkovich, a Moscow correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, wrote on Twitter on the war’s first day. “Today still isn’t computing even after weeks of watching this develop in real-time.”

In the house where she is staying in the Ukrainian countryside, Ryakhovskaya said she was freezing because when she left Kyiv she was in shock and took only summer clothes. She has now become scared of the dark. At night, she and her family only use headlamps so as to not attract the attention of Russian troops by turning on the house lights.

The fallout with her family in Russia has only added to her distress.

“It’s even harder because you lose your relatives,” she said. “They don’t believe a person they know from their childhood,” she added. “They believe the TV.”

As a child in the Russian city of Volgograd, Nina Ryakhovskaya grew up with her younger cousin, sliding in their socks on their grandmother’s wooden floor, pretending to be figure skaters and confiding secrets and crushes to each other.

As a child in the Russian city of Volgograd, Nina Ryakhovskaya grew up with her younger cousin, sliding in their socks on their grandmother’s wooden floor, pretending to be figure skaters and confiding secrets and crushes to each other. Now 40, and living in Kyiv with her Ukrainian husband, Ryakhovskaya recently called her cousin in Volgograd to tell her the Russians were invading Ukraine. Her cousin did not believe there was an invasion and told her that Russia was only conducting an operation against Nazis there, she said. “It makes me feel like we are distant forever,” Ryakhovskaya said in a video call from a house in the countryside near Kyiv, where she fled with her husband and 7-year-old son as the Russian invasion unfolded. “I can’t forgive them. I can’t forgive that they are part of this.” Because of their countries’ complex and intertwined history, many Ukrainians and Russians have relatives from both sides of the border who are now standing on opposite sides of the war. The conflict triggered by President Vladimir Putin of Russia has gone beyond the front lines and into the families of many Ukrainians and Russians, as well as the diasporas of those peoples around the world. The war has already created family rifts and prompted fears among some that relatives will harm each other in battle. “I have cousins on both sides,” said Dan Hubbard, a professor at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia. “I dread them killing each other.” Hubbard, 64, was raised in the United States by his mother, who was Russian, and his Ukrainian great-grandmother. He fondly recalled how the two women used to share homemade cabbage pie while playing cards and making fun of each other’s accents. Today, some members of his family live near Moscow and others are outside of Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, which is now under siege by Russian forces. Both his Russian and Ukrainian cousins are old enough to enlist in the army. Hubbard says he has been trying to avoid the news because it causes him too much pain. “I feel for both sides because Russian boys don’t even know why they are there,” he said. “My cousins are killing one another because of a madman’s fantasy.” Zoya, a 25-year-old assistant at a cosmetics company in St. Petersburg, is the daughter of a Russian mother and a Ukrainian father. She grew up near Moscow, but her paternal grandmother spoke to her in Ukrainian, read her Ukrainian poems and sang her Ukrainian songs. “This conflict is like when your mom and dad have a fight,” said Zoya, who, like several people interviewed for this article, asked to be identified only by her first name for fear of repercussions in Russia. “You can’t choose one of them because you love them both.” In a 2011 poll, 49% of Ukrainians said they had relatives in Russia, and there were 2.6 million Ukrainian citizens living in Russia in 2015, according to one study. With a Russian mother and a Ukrainian father, Alona Cherkassky grew up in Moscow but spent her summers in Odessa, Ukraine, where her grandparents lived. As an adult, she prided herself on her double heritage. But with the Russian invasion, it has become a source of pain. “It feels like a very personal attack,” said Cherkassky, 45, who now lives in London. Cherkassky’s cousin Georgy, 44, a Russian animator, lives in Moscow with his wife, who is from Odessa, the seaside city where the Russian navy came ashore during the invasion. He said that his wife did not separate her Ukrainian identity from her adoptive Russian one until recently. “Of course since they are bombing her homeland, she is thinking of herself more as Ukrainian,” Georgy said. The kinship bond between Russians and Ukrainians that many people of mixed origin described has also been emphasized by Putin, who has repeatedly pointed out that the countries share a common heritage. But while for many this closeness made the invasion even more devastating, for Putin it was a justification for it. “On the one side, our president says we’re all one people,” said Georgy, “but on the other side, he’s bombing them.” Olena, who has a Russian mother and a Ukrainian father, said her parents were sheltering underground from Russian shelling in the eastern Ukrainian region of Sumy, near the Russian border. Olena said she grew up in both Ukraine and Russia, speaking a mix of both languages, reading literature and listening to a cross-border mix of pop music. Now she lives in France, and she reads her children Russian and Ukrainian fairy tales and sings lullabies to them from both countries. But since Russia’s invasion, her children have started to ask which country is theirs. “How can I say I am more Russian or more Ukrainian?” she asked. “I never needed to.” Some people torn between the two countries expressed their distress on social media. “My son is almost 6. His mother’s country of birth bombs his father’s,” Alexander Kolyandr, who identified himself as an analyst for an investment bank in Moscow, wrote on Twitter. “My mom’s from Russia, my dad’s a Russian speaker from Ukraine,” Evan Gershkovich, a Moscow correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, wrote on Twitter on the war’s first day. “Today still isn’t computing even after weeks of watching this develop in real-time.” In the house where she is staying in the Ukrainian countryside, Ryakhovskaya said she was freezing because when she left Kyiv she was in shock and took only summer clothes. She has now become scared of the dark. At night, she and her family only use headlamps so as to not attract the attention of Russian troops by turning on the house lights. The fallout with her family in Russia has only added to her distress. “It’s even harder because you lose your relatives,” she said. “They don’t believe a person they know from their childhood,” she added. “They believe the TV.”

'My cousins are killing one another': War in Ukraine splits mixed families

Ukraine war: Russia's hunt for 'drone-killer UAV concept' revealed

As Russia continued its wide-scale invasion of Ukraine in the face of tremendous resistance, former US President Donald Trump applauded Vladimir Putin as "smart" and dubbed American leaders "dumb."

As world leaders banded together to condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin and slap sweeping sanctions on his government and oligarch cronies, Mr Trump reaffirmed his previous remarks against Mr Putin.&nbsp;

"Yesterday, I was asked by reporters if I thought President Putin was smart. I said, 'of course he's smart,'" Trump told a crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Orlando, Florida, on Saturday night. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-wipes-out-bloodthirsty-chechen-special-forces-sent-to-zelensky-457107">Also read | Ukraine wipes out 'bloodthirsty' Chechen special forces sent to assassinate Zelensky</a>

"The problem is not that Putin is smart, which of course he is smart, but the real problem is that our leaders are dumb," Trump said.

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Trump calls Putin smart, says NATO is not so smart, and calls our leaders dumb <a href="https://t.co/lEEymSPSby">pic.twitter.com/lEEymSPSby</a>
— Acyn (@Acyn) <a href="https://twitter.com/Acyn/status/1497733342086647809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Trump then went on to blame the Biden administration for Russia's invasion of its neighbour, which was justified by Mr Putin's false assertions that Ukraine was run by "drug-addicted, neo-Nazi" officials.&nbsp;

British online newspaper 'The Independent' quoted Donald Trump as saying, "Under our leadership, the world was a peaceful place because America was strong and the perception of our country was perhaps like it had never been before: powerful, cunning, and smart. We were a smart country. Now we are a stupid country,".

Trump has always admired Putin, and this week praised him for his "wonderful" and "genius" war strategy in Ukraine.

Democrats and military veterans have chastised the former president for praising Russian President Vladimir Putin during a horrific attack on a sovereign country.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As Russia continued its wide-scale invasion of Ukraine in the face of tremendous resistance, former US President Donald Trump applauded Vladimir Putin as "smart" and dubbed American leaders "dumb.

As Russia continued its wide-scale invasion of Ukraine in the face of tremendous resistance, former US President Donald Trump applauded Vladimir Putin as "smart" and dubbed American leaders "dumb." As world leaders banded together to condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin and slap sweeping sanctions on his government and oligarch cronies, Mr Trump reaffirmed his previous remarks against Mr Putin. "Yesterday, I was asked by reporters if I thought President Putin was smart. I said, 'of course he's smart,'" Trump told a crowd at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Orlando, Florida, on Saturday night. Also read | Ukraine wipes out 'bloodthirsty' Chechen special forces sent to assassinate Zelensky "The problem is not that Putin is smart, which of course he is smart, but the real problem is that our leaders are dumb," Trump said. Trump calls Putin smart, says NATO is not so smart, and calls our leaders dumb pic.twitter.com/lEEymSPSby — Acyn (@Acyn) February 27, 2022 × Trump then went on to blame the Biden administration for Russia's invasion of its neighbour, which was justified by Mr Putin's false assertions that Ukraine was run by "drug-addicted, neo-Nazi" officials. British online newspaper 'The Independent' quoted Donald Trump as saying, "Under our leadership, the world was a peaceful place because America was strong and the perception of our country was perhaps like it had never been before: powerful, cunning, and smart. We were a smart country. Now we are a stupid country,". Trump has always admired Putin, and this week praised him for his "wonderful" and "genius" war strategy in Ukraine. Democrats and military veterans have chastised the former president for praising Russian President Vladimir Putin during a horrific attack on a sovereign country. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: Trump calls the US a ‘stupid country’ and Putin 'smart'

Time will tell if the current turmoil between Russia and Ukraine escalates to a Europe war or World War III, but it is clearly having a negative impact on the world as of now.

Nostradamus, a French astrologer and seer who is supposed to have written things of the future in his book Les Propheties in 1555, which contained 942 prophesies, predicted a war in Europe in 2022.

One of his 942 predictions was a hazy idea that France would face an eastward danger.

'Blue-head shall white-head harm in such degree, As France's good to both shall e'er amount,' it says.

However, according to Nostradamus specialist Bobby Shailer, a Third World War could occur "within the next several years."&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nostradamus-predictions-for-year-2022-asteroid-strike-global-warming-and-more-440559">Nostradamus predictions for year 2022: Asteroid strike, Global warming and more</a>

'Nostradamus believes it will be a great protracted war, 25 to 29 years, followed by lesser battles,' he stated last year.

But, he added, there will be a 'age of Saturn,' which will last a thousand years and be a time of peace.

He also predicted that the globe will be hit by an asteroid, that floods and droughts would ruin entire countries, and that mass hunger would occur in 2022.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-lethal-virus-and-alien-invasion-here-is-what-baba-vanga-predicted-for-2022-440276">Also read | New lethal virus and alien invasion? Here is what Baba Vanga predicted for 2022</a>

Nostradamus is attributed with foreseeing a number of international events, including the Great Fire of London, the rise of Adolf Hitler and Napoleon, the killing of John F Kennedy, and the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Nostradamus foretold that the war will break out this year.&nbsp;

Some believe Nostradamus foresaw the catastrophe brought by global warming and asteroids, as well as the rise of AI technology.

The French astrologer and doctor, known as the 'Prophet of Doom,' was motivated by biblical scriptures and his personal plague experiences, and his forecasts concentrated on famine and grief.

Because Nostradamus' predictions are completely open to interpretation, his work has remained popular for more than 400 years.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Time will tell if the current turmoil between Russia and Ukraine escalates to a Europe war or World War III, but it is clearly having a negative impact on the world as of now.

Time will tell if the current turmoil between Russia and Ukraine escalates to a Europe war or World War III, but it is clearly having a negative impact on the world as of now. Nostradamus, a French astrologer and seer who is supposed to have written things of the future in his book Les Propheties in 1555, which contained 942 prophesies, predicted a war in Europe in 2022. One of his 942 predictions was a hazy idea that France would face an eastward danger. 'Blue-head shall white-head harm in such degree, As France's good to both shall e'er amount,' it says. However, according to Nostradamus specialist Bobby Shailer, a Third World War could occur "within the next several years." Nostradamus predictions for year 2022: Asteroid strike, Global warming and more 'Nostradamus believes it will be a great protracted war, 25 to 29 years, followed by lesser battles,' he stated last year. But, he added, there will be a 'age of Saturn,' which will last a thousand years and be a time of peace. He also predicted that the globe will be hit by an asteroid, that floods and droughts would ruin entire countries, and that mass hunger would occur in 2022. Also read | New lethal virus and alien invasion? Here is what Baba Vanga predicted for 2022 Nostradamus is attributed with foreseeing a number of international events, including the Great Fire of London, the rise of Adolf Hitler and Napoleon, the killing of John F Kennedy, and the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Nostradamus foretold that the war will break out this year. Some believe Nostradamus foresaw the catastrophe brought by global warming and asteroids, as well as the rise of AI technology. The French astrologer and doctor, known as the 'Prophet of Doom,' was motivated by biblical scriptures and his personal plague experiences, and his forecasts concentrated on famine and grief. Because Nostradamus' predictions are completely open to interpretation, his work has remained popular for more than 400 years. (With inputs from agencies)

Did Nostradamus foresee the Russia-Ukraine war reaching France? 

Ukrainians are an ethnic group of East Slavs who originated in Ukraine.

They are Europe's seventh-largest country and the East Slavs' second-largest after the Russians.

According to Ukraine's Constitution, the phrase "Ukrainians" refers to all of the country's citizens.

Ukrainians are predominantly Eastern Orthodox Christians.&nbsp;

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine has alternated between pursuing closer integration with Western Europe and being lured into the orbit of Russia, which regards a Western-leaning Ukraine as a threat to its interests. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/did-nostradamus-foresee-the-russia-ukraine-war-reaching-france-456969">Also read | Did Nostradamus foresee the Russia-Ukraine war reaching France?&nbsp;</a>

Ukraine, Europe's second-largest country, is a place of wide, fertile agricultural plains in the east, with big concentrations of heavy industry.&nbsp; 
 
Ukraine is one of the world's largest exporters of grains - wheat, corn, and barley. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-is-ukraine-such-a-popular-choice-for-indian-medical-students-456990">Also read | Why is Ukraine such a popular choice for Indian medical students?</a> 
 
Basic facts about Ukraine:

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Capital</td>
			<td>Kiev</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Population</td>
			<td>44.9 million</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Area&nbsp;</td>
			<td>603,700 sq km (233,090 sq miles)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Major languages</td>
			<td>Ukrainian (official), Russian</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Major religion</td>
			<td>Christianity</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Life expectancy</td>
			<td>64 years (men), 75 years (women)</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Ethnic groups (2001)</td>
			<td>77.8% Ukrainians, 17.3% Russians, 4.9% Others</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Currency</td>
			<td>Ukrainian hryvnia</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

Here are five facts about the country that has long been disputed by great empires.

Disputed history

Ukraine literally means "on the edge".

Modern-day Russia and Ukraine both trace their roots to the medieval state of Kievan Rus, which at its height stretched from the Black Sea to the Baltic.

Indeed Russian President Vladimir Putin has written a 5,000-word essay trying to prove that "Russians and Ukrainians are one people".

But Ukrainians speak their own language and much of what is now Ukraine was part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, with other areas controlled by the Cossacks and Crimean Tatars up to the end of the 18th century.

It then became part of the Tsarist Russian empire although some western regions belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Stalin's famine

Ukraine later became part of the Soviet Union, suffering during a devastating famine known as the Holodomor caused by Joseph Stalin's policies that killed up to five million people there.

Tensions between Kiev and Moscow flared again in the decades following the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991 when an overwhelming majority of Ukraine's people voted for independence.

After a pro-Western popular uprising led to Russian-backed president Viktor Yanukovych fleeing in 2014, Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula and supported separatists in the east of Ukraine.

The conflict has claimed around 14,000 lives.

Economic trouble

The annexation of Crimea and the loss of the industrial Donbas in 2014 threw the Ukrainian economy into freefall. GDP dropped by more than six percent, and the following year it fell nearly a tenth, with inflation hitting more than 40 percent.

The economy has since recovered somewhat but the country of 45 million people remains one of the poorest in Europe.

An average monthly salary is $615 (550 euros).

The country relies on transit fees for Russian gas towards Europe but new Moscow energy pipelines like Nord Stream bypass it.

During disputes in 2006 and 2009, Moscow cut supplies to Ukraine during the winter, sparking knock-on shortages in Europe.

The country also suffers from endemic corruption, with anti-corruption campaigners regularly suffer physical attacks.

Chernobyl

The world's worst nuclear accident took place in Ukraine on April 26, 1986, at the Chernobyl nuclear power station.

Many hundreds died though the exact figure remains disputed. Soviet authorities initially tried to cover up the disaster.

Eventually 350,000 people were evacuated from within a 30-kilometre (19-mile) radius around the plant, an exclusion zone that remains uninhabited, apart from some elderly residents who returned despite an official ban.

Humans will only be safe to live there again in 24,000 years.

In recent years the site has become a tourist attraction, with the success of HBO's mini-series "Chernobyl".

Borscht and Chicken Kiev

While some in the West think of borscht as synonymous with Russian cuisine, Ukraine claims the beetroot-based soup with cabbage as part of its national heritage dating back to the 14th century.

A number of other dishes are contested by Russia and Ukraine, including Chicken Kiev. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainians are an ethnic group of East Slavs who originated in Ukraine. They are Europe's seventh-largest country and the East Slavs' second-largest after the Russians.

Ukrainians are an ethnic group of East Slavs who originated in Ukraine. They are Europe's seventh-largest country and the East Slavs' second-largest after the Russians. According to Ukraine's Constitution, the phrase "Ukrainians" refers to all of the country's citizens. Ukrainians are predominantly Eastern Orthodox Christians. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine has alternated between pursuing closer integration with Western Europe and being lured into the orbit of Russia, which regards a Western-leaning Ukraine as a threat to its interests. Also read | Did Nostradamus foresee the Russia-Ukraine war reaching France? Ukraine, Europe's second-largest country, is a place of wide, fertile agricultural plains in the east, with big concentrations of heavy industry. Ukraine is one of the world's largest exporters of grains - wheat, corn, and barley. Also read | Why is Ukraine such a popular choice for Indian medical students? Basic facts about Ukraine: Capital Kiev Population 44.9 million Area 603,700 sq km (233,090 sq miles) Major languages Ukrainian (official), Russian Major religion Christianity Life expectancy 64 years (men), 75 years (women) Ethnic groups (2001) 77.8% Ukrainians, 17.3% Russians, 4.9% Others Currency Ukrainian hryvnia Here are five facts about the country that has long been disputed by great empires. Disputed history Ukraine literally means "on the edge". Modern-day Russia and Ukraine both trace their roots to the medieval state of Kievan Rus, which at its height stretched from the Black Sea to the Baltic. Indeed Russian President Vladimir Putin has written a 5,000-word essay trying to prove that "Russians and Ukrainians are one people". But Ukrainians speak their own language and much of what is now Ukraine was part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, with other areas controlled by the Cossacks and Crimean Tatars up to the end of the 18th century. It then became part of the Tsarist Russian empire although some western regions belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Stalin's famine Ukraine later became part of the Soviet Union, suffering during a devastating famine known as the Holodomor caused by Joseph Stalin's policies that killed up to five million people there. Tensions between Kiev and Moscow flared again in the decades following the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991 when an overwhelming majority of Ukraine's people voted for independence. After a pro-Western popular uprising led to Russian-backed president Viktor Yanukovych fleeing in 2014, Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula and supported separatists in the east of Ukraine. The conflict has claimed around 14,000 lives. Economic trouble The annexation of Crimea and the loss of the industrial Donbas in 2014 threw the Ukrainian economy into freefall. GDP dropped by more than six percent, and the following year it fell nearly a tenth, with inflation hitting more than 40 percent. The economy has since recovered somewhat but the country of 45 million people remains one of the poorest in Europe. An average monthly salary is $615 (550 euros). The country relies on transit fees for Russian gas towards Europe but new Moscow energy pipelines like Nord Stream bypass it. During disputes in 2006 and 2009, Moscow cut supplies to Ukraine during the winter, sparking knock-on shortages in Europe. The country also suffers from endemic corruption, with anti-corruption campaigners regularly suffer physical attacks. Chernobyl The world's worst nuclear accident took place in Ukraine on April 26, 1986, at the Chernobyl nuclear power station. Many hundreds died though the exact figure remains disputed. Soviet authorities initially tried to cover up the disaster. Eventually 350,000 people were evacuated from within a 30-kilometre (19-mile) radius around the plant, an exclusion zone that remains uninhabited, apart from some elderly residents who returned despite an official ban. Humans will only be safe to live there again in 24,000 years. In recent years the site has become a tourist attraction, with the success of HBO's mini-series "Chernobyl". Borscht and Chicken Kiev While some in the West think of borscht as synonymous with Russian cuisine, Ukraine claims the beetroot-based soup with cabbage as part of its national heritage dating back to the 14th century. A number of other dishes are contested by Russia and Ukraine, including Chicken Kiev. (With inputs from agencies)

Who are the Ukrainians? What you should know about the nation facing war

'Anonymous,' a cyber hacker group, has declared a "cyber war" against Russian President Vladimir Putin's administration as it launches a full-scale invasion of Kyiv in the midst of the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

The hacking collective's goal, according to international media, is to deactivate several Russian government websites.

RT.com, a Russian state-controlled international television network, was also targeted by the gang.

According to sources, RT.com and a number of other websites were targeted in a broad denial-of-service (DDoS) attack.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the hacker collective 'Anonymous,' known for accessing foreign government accounts, declared a "cyberwar" on Russia on Thursday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Anonymous collective is officially in cyber war against the Russian government. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Anonymous?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Anonymous</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a>
— Anonymous (@YourAnonOne) <a href="https://twitter.com/YourAnonOne/status/1496965766435926039?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The group announced their move on social media, claiming to have taken down a number of Russian government websites.&nbsp;

A social media account purporting to represent the group wrote on Thursday that "The Anonymous collective is officially in cyber war against the Russian government."

"The "Anonymous collective has taken down the website of the Russian propaganda channel RT News," it added, confirming the RT.com hack.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Russian government's websites, the Kremlin, the Duma, and the Ministry of Defense were all hit by the hacker collective's 'cyberattack.'

Several users reported that the websites targeted by the gang slowed down and went offline for long periods of time during the day on social media networks.

In a series of tweets, the group made it clear that it was opposed to Putin's recent actions against Ukraine.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

'Anonymous,' a cyber hacker group, has declared a "cyber war" against Russian President Vladimir Putin's administration as it launches a full-scale invasion of Kyiv in the midst of the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

'Anonymous,' a cyber hacker group, has declared a "cyber war" against Russian President Vladimir Putin's administration as it launches a full-scale invasion of Kyiv in the midst of the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The hacking collective's goal, according to international media, is to deactivate several Russian government websites. RT.com, a Russian state-controlled international television network, was also targeted by the gang. According to sources, RT.com and a number of other websites were targeted in a broad denial-of-service (DDoS) attack. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the hacker collective 'Anonymous,' known for accessing foreign government accounts, declared a "cyberwar" on Russia on Thursday. The Anonymous collective is officially in cyber war against the Russian government. #Anonymous #Ukraine — Anonymous (@YourAnonOne) February 24, 2022 × The group announced their move on social media, claiming to have taken down a number of Russian government websites. A social media account purporting to represent the group wrote on Thursday that "The Anonymous collective is officially in cyber war against the Russian government." "The "Anonymous collective has taken down the website of the Russian propaganda channel RT News," it added, confirming the RT.com hack. Meanwhile, the Russian government's websites, the Kremlin, the Duma, and the Ministry of Defense were all hit by the hacker collective's 'cyberattack.' Several users reported that the websites targeted by the gang slowed down and went offline for long periods of time during the day on social media networks. In a series of tweets, the group made it clear that it was opposed to Putin's recent actions against Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: Hackers' group 'Anonymous' declares 'cyber war' on Moscow

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.

As Russia continued its assault on Ukraine, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said, "I have to say absolutely openly. This night will be more difficult than the day. Many cities of our state are under attack."

The Ukraine President said Russian troops might try to storm capital Kyiv on Saturday night. Russian forces had conducted heavy bombing in the morning on Friday as strikes continued on Ukraine after Putin's order to conduct military operations against Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-checkmate-why-the-orion-combat-drone-is-a-gamechanger-446455">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger</a>

"Special attention on Kyiv –- we cannot lose the capital," he said in his video message.

"I am turning to our defenders, male and female, on all fronts: this night the enemy will use all the forces it has to crush our defence in a treacherous, harsh and inhumane way," the Ukraine president said, adding, "Tonight they will attempt a storming."

Watch:&nbsp;Have Western leaders failed Ukraine?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-have-western-leaders-failed-ukraine-456596/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Ukraine president said he had the support of Western leaders who had promised more aid and support. Amid the fighting, the Czech Republic, Poland and Bulgaria decided to close their airspace to Russian carriers.

Meanwhile, France said it would deploy 500 military personnel as part of NATO forces in Romania even as the Biden administration imposed sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin and foreign minister Sergei Lavrov which included a travel ban.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/target-ukraine-us-f-35-vs-russian-air-force-su-57-jets-who-wins-450431">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;Target Ukraine: US F-35 vs Russian Air Force SU-57 jets, who wins?</a>

The White House said the sanctions included sanctions targeting the Russian Direct Investment Fund which is the country's sovereign wealth fund.

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reacted, saying,"we have reached the line after which the point of no return begins."

(With inputs from Agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. As Russia continued its assault on Ukraine, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said, "I have to say absolutely openly. This night will be more difficult than the day. Many cities of our state are under attack." The Ukraine President said Russian troops might try to storm capital Kyiv on Saturday night. Russian forces had conducted heavy bombing in the morning on Friday as strikes continued on Ukraine after Putin's order to conduct military operations against Ukraine. Also Read in Pics | Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger "Special attention on Kyiv –- we cannot lose the capital," he said in his video message. "I am turning to our defenders, male and female, on all fronts: this night the enemy will use all the forces it has to crush our defence in a treacherous, harsh and inhumane way," the Ukraine president said, adding, "Tonight they will attempt a storming." Watch: Have Western leaders failed Ukraine? The Ukraine president said he had the support of Western leaders who had promised more aid and support. Amid the fighting, the Czech Republic, Poland and Bulgaria decided to close their airspace to Russian carriers. Meanwhile, France said it would deploy 500 military personnel as part of NATO forces in Romania even as the Biden administration imposed sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin and foreign minister Sergei Lavrov which included a travel ban. Also Read in Pics | Target Ukraine: US F-35 vs Russian Air Force SU-57 jets, who wins? The White House said the sanctions included sanctions targeting the Russian Direct Investment Fund which is the country's sovereign wealth fund. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reacted, saying,"we have reached the line after which the point of no return begins." (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia will try to crush our defence in a treacherous way: Zelensky

Ukraine's nuclear agency and interior ministry said on Friday they were recording increased radiation levels from the site of the defunct Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

Experts at the state nuclear agency did not provide exact radiation levels but said the change was due to the movement of heavy military equipment in the area, lifting radioactive dust into the air.

"Radiation has started to increase. It is not critical for Kyiv for the time being, but we are monitoring, "the interior ministry said.

The still-radioactive site of the 1986 nuclear disaster lies some 100 kilometres from Kyiv.

Ukraine's neighbor, Poland, said it had not recorded any increase in radiation levels on its territory.

Ukraine's nuclear agency and interior ministry said on Friday they were recording increased radiation levels from the site of the defunct Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

Ukraine's nuclear agency and interior ministry said on Friday they were recording increased radiation levels from the site of the defunct Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Experts at the state nuclear agency did not provide exact radiation levels but said the change was due to the movement of heavy military equipment in the area, lifting radioactive dust into the air. "Radiation has started to increase. It is not critical for Kyiv for the time being, but we are monitoring, "the interior ministry said. The still-radioactive site of the 1986 nuclear disaster lies some 100 kilometres from Kyiv. Ukraine's neighbor, Poland, said it had not recorded any increase in radiation levels on its territory.

Ukraine nuclear agency reports higher Chernobyl radiation levels

The government will join "democratic countries" in imposing sanctions on Russia over the invasion of Ukraine, the government said on Friday, with the world's largest contract chipmaker, TSMC, saying it would comply with all export control rules.

The crisis is being watched closely in Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory and which has faced increased military pressure from Beijing over the last two years.

"We very harshly condemn such an act of invasion and will join democratic countries to jointly impose sanctions," Premier Su Tseng-chang told reporters in Taipei without giving details.

The foreign ministry echoed that message, while Economy Minister Wang Mei-hua said the island would "harshly scrutinise" exports to Russia and "coordinate" with unspecified allies on further actions. She also did not elaborate.

Asked about the sanctions, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC), a major Apple Inc (AAPL.O) supplier and Asia's most valuable listed company, said it had a robust export control system and would follow the rules.

"TSMC complies with all applicable laws and regulations and is fully committed to complying with the new export control rules announced," it said in a statement.

Taiwan is not a major market for Russia, and trade with Ukraine and Russia each accounted for less than 1% of its total, government data showed.

The island's natural gas contract with Russia is due to expire in March, and Taiwan will diversify its supplies, the economic ministry said on Thursday.

Asked about Taiwan's sanctions, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Taipei never missed an opportunity to "grab eyeballs and try to make their presence felt."

"But this kind of trick will not prevail, "he said.

China is not imposing sanctions on Russia, saying they have never resolved any problems.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, speaking in the southern city of Tainan, reiterated that the island's situation was different from Ukraine's and that the Taiwan Strait formed a "natural barrier".

She said that Taiwan's improved military power and the great attention paid to the region by "friendly and allied countries" give strong confidence in maintaining security, she said.

She also called for greater vigilance to prevent foreign forces and local players from exploiting the Ukraine crisis to "create panic and affect the morale of Taiwanese society."

Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng told reporters a working group was watching the Ukraine crisis and would see if the war caused any "linkage" to China. The minister said commanders and their deputies had been ordered not to leave their bases at the same time.

His ministry released a video set to music featuring a montage of its fighter jets, tanks, warships, and soldiers training to demonstrate its resolve to defend Taiwan.

Chiu Tai-san, head of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, said there was "no comparison" between Ukraine and Taiwan in terms of strategic importance.

"Taiwan has long been the most important country in the first island chain. "If Taiwan is lost, the strategic planning in Asia will need to be changed significantly," he said, referring to the islands and countries that run from southern Japan down to the bottom of the South China Sea.

The government will join "democratic countries" in imposing sanctions on Russia over the invasion of Ukraine, the government said on Friday, with the world's largest contract chipmaker, TSMC, saying it would comply with all export control rules.

The government will join "democratic countries" in imposing sanctions on Russia over the invasion of Ukraine, the government said on Friday, with the world's largest contract chipmaker, TSMC, saying it would comply with all export control rules. The crisis is being watched closely in Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory and which has faced increased military pressure from Beijing over the last two years. "We very harshly condemn such an act of invasion and will join democratic countries to jointly impose sanctions," Premier Su Tseng-chang told reporters in Taipei without giving details. The foreign ministry echoed that message, while Economy Minister Wang Mei-hua said the island would "harshly scrutinise" exports to Russia and "coordinate" with unspecified allies on further actions. She also did not elaborate. Asked about the sanctions, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC), a major Apple Inc (AAPL.O) supplier and Asia's most valuable listed company, said it had a robust export control system and would follow the rules. "TSMC complies with all applicable laws and regulations and is fully committed to complying with the new export control rules announced," it said in a statement. Taiwan is not a major market for Russia, and trade with Ukraine and Russia each accounted for less than 1% of its total, government data showed. The island's natural gas contract with Russia is due to expire in March, and Taiwan will diversify its supplies, the economic ministry said on Thursday. Asked about Taiwan's sanctions, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said Taipei never missed an opportunity to "grab eyeballs and try to make their presence felt." "But this kind of trick will not prevail, "he said. China is not imposing sanctions on Russia, saying they have never resolved any problems. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, speaking in the southern city of Tainan, reiterated that the island's situation was different from Ukraine's and that the Taiwan Strait formed a "natural barrier". She said that Taiwan's improved military power and the great attention paid to the region by "friendly and allied countries" give strong confidence in maintaining security, she said. She also called for greater vigilance to prevent foreign forces and local players from exploiting the Ukraine crisis to "create panic and affect the morale of Taiwanese society." Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng told reporters a working group was watching the Ukraine crisis and would see if the war caused any "linkage" to China. The minister said commanders and their deputies had been ordered not to leave their bases at the same time. His ministry released a video set to music featuring a montage of its fighter jets, tanks, warships, and soldiers training to demonstrate its resolve to defend Taiwan. Chiu Tai-san, head of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, said there was "no comparison" between Ukraine and Taiwan in terms of strategic importance. "Taiwan has long been the most important country in the first island chain. "If Taiwan is lost, the strategic planning in Asia will need to be changed significantly," he said, referring to the islands and countries that run from southern Japan down to the bottom of the South China Sea.

Russia-Ukraine war: Taiwan to join 'democratic countries' in sanctions on Russia

India's Foreign Secretary, Harsh V Shringla, told the media on Thursday that 4,000 Indians had fled Ukraine in the last few days while speaking about the Russia-Ukraine conflict.&nbsp;

"We started the registration of Indian nationals...about a month ago...We found that 20,000 Indian nationals were there," he added.

He said the Ministry of External Affairs' control room has received 980 calls and 850 emails.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-envoy-seeks-pm-modis-intervention-in-russia-ukraine-conflict-cites-chanakya-and-kautilya-456035">Ukraine envoy seeks PM Modi's intervention in Russia-Ukraine conflict; cites Chanakya and Kautilya</a>

During a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting in the midst of the Ukraine crisis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the safety and security of Indian nationals in Ukraine is the government's top priority.

At a press conference on the crisis, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla stated this. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50-russian-occupiers-killed-we-have-losses-says-ukraine-as-casualties-rise-455989">'50 Russian occupiers killed': We have losses, says Ukraine as casualties rise</a>

He went on to say that the situation on the ground is challenging and changing swiftly.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine's envoy to India addresses the media about ongoing Russian invasion

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraines-envoy-to-india-addresses-the-media-about-ongoing-russian-invasion-456020/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Foreign Secretary, Harsh V Shringla, told the media on Thursday that 4,000 Indians had fled Ukraine in the last few days while speaking about the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

India's Foreign Secretary, Harsh V Shringla, told the media on Thursday that 4,000 Indians had fled Ukraine in the last few days while speaking about the Russia-Ukraine conflict. "We started the registration of Indian nationals...about a month ago...We found that 20,000 Indian nationals were there," he added. He said the Ministry of External Affairs' control room has received 980 calls and 850 emails. ALSO READ | Ukraine envoy seeks PM Modi's intervention in Russia-Ukraine conflict; cites Chanakya and Kautilya During a Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) meeting in the midst of the Ukraine crisis, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the safety and security of Indian nationals in Ukraine is the government's top priority. At a press conference on the crisis, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla stated this. Also read | '50 Russian occupiers killed': We have losses, says Ukraine as casualties rise He went on to say that the situation on the ground is challenging and changing swiftly. Watch | Ukraine's envoy to India addresses the media about ongoing Russian invasion (With inputs from agencies)

4,000 Indians left Ukraine recently: Govt on Russia-Ukraine war