Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Ukrainian authorities said one person was killed and one injured in the Kyiv region as explosions could be heard in the capital as&nbsp;President Putin on Thursday ordered military action against Ukraine.

Russia's defence ministry said it had attacked military bases in Ukraine adding, "military infrastructure at Ukrainian army airbases has been rendered out of action."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/target-ukraine-russias-icbm-strategy-revealed-455357">Also Read in Pics|&nbsp;Target Ukraine: Russia's ICBM strategy revealed</a>

Amid strikes by Russian forces, Ukraine's defence ministry claimed it had shot down five Russian planes including a helicopter in the eastern region.

Watch:&nbsp;Military infrastructure being disabled in Ukraine, says Russia

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"According to the Joint Forces Command, today, February 24, in the area of the Joint Forces operation, five planes and a helicopter of the aggressors were shot down," the Ukraine military said.

Reports claimed Ukraine had come under attack from Belarus as President Alexander Lukashenko called a meeting with his army chiefs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-next-wonder-weapon-kedr-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-454013">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile</a>

Reports said Belarusian troops had joined Russian forces to attack Ukraine. As air raid sires rang out in Kyiv as&nbsp;reports said all Russian diplomats were evacuated from Kyiv.

Meanwhile, Russian-backed separatists said they had shot down two Ukrainian drones. Ukrainian border guards reported that the Russian military had crossed Ukraine's border into Chernihiv, Kharviv and Luhansk region.

Newswire Reuters reported that armoured tanks were&nbsp;heading towards Mariupol. Earlier explosions were heard in Mariupol after Putin had ordered military action against Ukraine.

(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. Ukrainian authorities said one person was killed and one injured in the Kyiv region as explosions could be heard in the capital as President Putin on Thursday ordered military action against Ukraine. Russia's defence ministry said it had attacked military bases in Ukraine adding, "military infrastructure at Ukrainian army airbases has been rendered out of action." Also Read in Pics| Target Ukraine: Russia's ICBM strategy revealed Amid strikes by Russian forces, Ukraine's defence ministry claimed it had shot down five Russian planes including a helicopter in the eastern region. Watch: Military infrastructure being disabled in Ukraine, says Russia "According to the Joint Forces Command, today, February 24, in the area of the Joint Forces operation, five planes and a helicopter of the aggressors were shot down," the Ukraine military said. Reports claimed Ukraine had come under attack from Belarus as President Alexander Lukashenko called a meeting with his army chiefs. Also Read in Pics | Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile Reports said Belarusian troops had joined Russian forces to attack Ukraine. As air raid sires rang out in Kyiv as reports said all Russian diplomats were evacuated from Kyiv. Meanwhile, Russian-backed separatists said they had shot down two Ukrainian drones. Ukrainian border guards reported that the Russian military had crossed Ukraine's border into Chernihiv, Kharviv and Luhansk region. Newswire Reuters reported that armoured tanks were heading towards Mariupol. Earlier explosions were heard in Mariupol after Putin had ordered military action against Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies)

Ukraine's army airbases rendered out of action, says Russia

Latest satellite pictures show Russian troop deployment near Ukraine

US President Joe Biden imposed fresh sanctions on Russia while declaring that invasion of Ukraine had begun as Russian lawmakers gave Putin approval to deploy "peacekeepers" in two Ukrainian regions.

"There's no question that Russia is the aggressor, so we're clear eyed about the challenges we're facing," Biden said while adding that, "there is still time to avert the worst-case scenario that will bring untold suffering to millions of people."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/target-ukraine-russias-icbm-strategy-revealed-455357">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Target Ukraine: Russia's ICBM strategy revealed</a>

Putin on Monday had declared that Russia will recognise Donetsk and Lugansk situated in eastern Ukraine as separate republics while&nbsp;declaring&nbsp;that the Minsk peace agreements on Ukraine's conflict no longer existed.

Watch:&nbsp;Inside Vladimir Putin's mind

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"The best solution would be if the current Kyiv authorities themselves refused to join NATO and maintained neutrality," Putin said as NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Russia "continues to plan for a full-scale attack on Ukraine."

Germany on Tuesday announced halting of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project with Russia as the UK and the European Union announced more sanctions against Russia.

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US Secretary of state Antony Blinken cancelled his meeting with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov adding that "it does not make&nbsp;sense to go forward with that meeting" since "invasion is beginning and Russia has made clear its wholesale rejection of diplomacy".

Biden added that the US would continue to provide defensive weapons to Ukraine and reinforce NATO troops amid Russian threat of invasion on Ukraine.

Amid escalating tensions, reports said one Ukrainian soldier died in clashes on Tuesday in the separatist region of eastern Ukraine.

(With inputs from Agencies)

US President Joe Biden imposed fresh sanctions on Russia while declaring that invasion of Ukraine had begun as Russian lawmakers gave Putin approval to deploy "peacekeepers" in two Ukrainian regions.

US President Joe Biden imposed fresh sanctions on Russia while declaring that invasion of Ukraine had begun as Russian lawmakers gave Putin approval to deploy "peacekeepers" in two Ukrainian regions. "There's no question that Russia is the aggressor, so we're clear eyed about the challenges we're facing," Biden said while adding that, "there is still time to avert the worst-case scenario that will bring untold suffering to millions of people." Also Read in Pics: Target Ukraine: Russia's ICBM strategy revealed Putin on Monday had declared that Russia will recognise Donetsk and Lugansk situated in eastern Ukraine as separate republics while declaring that the Minsk peace agreements on Ukraine's conflict no longer existed. Watch: Inside Vladimir Putin's mind "The best solution would be if the current Kyiv authorities themselves refused to join NATO and maintained neutrality," Putin said as NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Russia "continues to plan for a full-scale attack on Ukraine." Germany on Tuesday announced halting of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project with Russia as the UK and the European Union announced more sanctions against Russia. Also Read in Pics: How Putin built Russia's Army as a potent force US Secretary of state Antony Blinken cancelled his meeting with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov adding that "it does not make sense to go forward with that meeting" since "invasion is beginning and Russia has made clear its wholesale rejection of diplomacy". Biden added that the US would continue to provide defensive weapons to Ukraine and reinforce NATO troops amid Russian threat of invasion on Ukraine. Amid escalating tensions, reports said one Ukrainian soldier died in clashes on Tuesday in the separatist region of eastern Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Beginning an invasion': US imposes fresh sanctions against Russia

After Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian troops to be deployed inside separatist areas of Ukraine, US officials said they would continue to follow diplomacy "until the tanks roll".

Putin announced that Russian troops would act as "peacekeepers" in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions as the treaty "comes into force from the day it was signed".

Putin did not specify the date of troop deployment. Russian forces have been amassed at the border for months amid US warning that Putin forces are ready to invade Ukraine.

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"We will never abandon our sovereignty and national values," Putin said. Putin signed the decree recognising the self-proclaimed republics while also urging Russian parliamentarians to sign the treaties with Ukraine's rebel regions even as European nations asked Russian officials not to go ahead.

Watch:&nbsp;2,000 ceasefire violations in eastern Ukraine

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Under the treaty, Russian forces will have the right to build military bases in the two breakaway regions - Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic with both sides. The Russian president has sent the two "friendship treaties" to parliament for ratification.

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Meanwhile, the UK said it would be announcing "package of sanctions to be introduced immediately".

After making the announcement, Putin said, "We are again being blackmailed by threats to face new sanctions. Which I think they will impose anyway, as our sovereignty and our military forces will grow."&nbsp;

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the US will impose "prohibit new investment, trade, and financing by US persons to, from, or in the so-called DNR and LNR regions of Ukraine" as President Biden signed an executive order.

It will "provide authority to impose sanctions on any person determined to operate in those areas of Ukraine," Psaki said, adding that the sanctions would be widened "should Russia further invade Ukraine."

(With inputs from Agencies)

After Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian troops to be deployed inside separatist areas of Ukraine, US officials said they would continue to follow diplomacy "until the tanks roll".

After Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian troops to be deployed inside separatist areas of Ukraine, US officials said they would continue to follow diplomacy "until the tanks roll". Putin announced that Russian troops would act as "peacekeepers" in the Donetsk and Lugansk regions as the treaty "comes into force from the day it was signed". Putin did not specify the date of troop deployment. Russian forces have been amassed at the border for months amid US warning that Putin forces are ready to invade Ukraine. Also Read in Pics: Russia's Tornado-S rocket system can strike multiple targets "We will never abandon our sovereignty and national values," Putin said. Putin signed the decree recognising the self-proclaimed republics while also urging Russian parliamentarians to sign the treaties with Ukraine's rebel regions even as European nations asked Russian officials not to go ahead. Watch: 2,000 ceasefire violations in eastern Ukraine Under the treaty, Russian forces will have the right to build military bases in the two breakaway regions - Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic with both sides. The Russian president has sent the two "friendship treaties" to parliament for ratification. Also Read in Pics: Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile Meanwhile, the UK said it would be announcing "package of sanctions to be introduced immediately". After making the announcement, Putin said, "We are again being blackmailed by threats to face new sanctions. Which I think they will impose anyway, as our sovereignty and our military forces will grow." White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said the US will impose "prohibit new investment, trade, and financing by US persons to, from, or in the so-called DNR and LNR regions of Ukraine" as President Biden signed an executive order. It will "provide authority to impose sanctions on any person determined to operate in those areas of Ukraine," Psaki said, adding that the sanctions would be widened "should Russia further invade Ukraine." (With inputs from Agencies)

US imposes sanctions on two Russian-backed areas in eastern Ukraine

Amid continued tensions with Ukraine at the border, Russia announced it will conduct an exercise of the "strategic deterrence force under the direction of supreme Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Putin".

Russia's defence ministry said it will launch "ballistic and cruise missiles" during the drills while adding that the "strategic deterrence force drills" were planned in advance.

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The latest Russian drills are aimed at proving "reliability of the strategic nuclear and conventional forces’ weapons" with combat teams, ships and strategic missile carriers in operation, the defence ministry said.

The drills will involve the aerospace force, the southern military district, the strategic missile force and the Northern and Black Sea fleets with all "three components" of the strategic nuclear forces involved in the exercise.

Watch:&nbsp;Biden convinced that Russia has decided to invade Ukraine

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Russia's TASS news agency said during the drills, as a practice Russian forces will fire an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) towards the Kura proving ground in Kamchatka in Russia’s Far East.

Russia had said this week that it would be pulling some troops from Ukraine's border which were involved in military exercise with Belarus, also the Russian defence ministry said mid-week that forces involved in military exercise in Crimea were being sent back to the barracks, although it said the warplanes were being redeployed to other regions for drills.

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"Putin will likely be in Russia's 'situation centre' to oversee nuclear drills. Such drills and even training launches are impossible without the&nbsp;head of the state," the Kremlin said, adding, "training launches of ballistic missiles is a regular training process."

The Kremlin added that its actions were "absolutely transparent and clear for professionals from other countries" and that it "shouldn't be a concern to anybody" while adding that no one should feel "alarmed" about it.

Amid escalating tensions, President Biden said on Saturday that he is "convinced" President Putin has decided to invade Ukraine while adding that Russia could engineer a false pretext to go to war.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid continued tensions with Ukraine at the border, Russia announced it will conduct an exercise of the "strategic deterrence force under the direction of supreme Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Putin".

Amid continued tensions with Ukraine at the border, Russia announced it will conduct an exercise of the "strategic deterrence force under the direction of supreme Commander-in-Chief Vladimir Putin". Russia's defence ministry said it will launch "ballistic and cruise missiles" during the drills while adding that the "strategic deterrence force drills" were planned in advance. Also Read in Pics | Strike force: Russia's Tornado-S rocket system can strike multiple targets The latest Russian drills are aimed at proving "reliability of the strategic nuclear and conventional forces’ weapons" with combat teams, ships and strategic missile carriers in operation, the defence ministry said. The drills will involve the aerospace force, the southern military district, the strategic missile force and the Northern and Black Sea fleets with all "three components" of the strategic nuclear forces involved in the exercise. Watch: Biden convinced that Russia has decided to invade Ukraine Russia's TASS news agency said during the drills, as a practice Russian forces will fire an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) towards the Kura proving ground in Kamchatka in Russia’s Far East. Russia had said this week that it would be pulling some troops from Ukraine's border which were involved in military exercise with Belarus, also the Russian defence ministry said mid-week that forces involved in military exercise in Crimea were being sent back to the barracks, although it said the warplanes were being redeployed to other regions for drills. Also Read in Pics: Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile "Putin will likely be in Russia's 'situation centre' to oversee nuclear drills. Such drills and even training launches are impossible without the head of the state," the Kremlin said, adding, "training launches of ballistic missiles is a regular training process." The Kremlin added that its actions were "absolutely transparent and clear for professionals from other countries" and that it "shouldn't be a concern to anybody" while adding that no one should feel "alarmed" about it. Amid escalating tensions, President Biden said on Saturday that he is "convinced" President Putin has decided to invade Ukraine while adding that Russia could engineer a false pretext to go to war. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Regular training': Amid Ukraine tensions, Putin to oversee Russia's nuclear drills

The staccato thud of exploding shells can be heard along the tense lines in Ukraine's Lugansk area between government forces and rebel-held territory.

On Kyiv's side of the front, civilian residences and buildings appear to have been caught in the crossfire of Thursday's bombardment, with debris scattered across the once-peaceful floors.

"They've been shooting every now and then for the last two days," a resident of the border town of Stanytsia Luhanska tells AFP as he stands in the ruins of his home.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin claims that the situation in Eastern Ukraine is worsening.

Since 2014, Russia has backed separatist insurgents in territories controlled by the separatists.

Moscow maintains that it has no plans to invade Ukraine and accuses the West of inciting "hysteria."&nbsp;

According to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict into a war would be "catastrophic," as he said at the opening ceremony of the Munich Security Conference on Friday, which Moscow will not attend this year.&nbsp;

"With a concentration of Russian troops around Ukraine, I am deeply concerned about heightened tensions and increased speculation about a military conflict in Europe," Guterres said. If that happened, "it would be catastrophic," he warned. "There is no alternative to diplomacy."

(With inputs from agencies)

The staccato thud of exploding shells can be heard along the tense lines in Ukraine's Lugansk area between government forces and rebel-held territory. On Kyiv's side of the front, civilian residences and buildings appear to have been caught in the crossfire of Thursday's bombardment, with debris scattered across the once-peaceful floors.

The staccato thud of exploding shells can be heard along the tense lines in Ukraine's Lugansk area between government forces and rebel-held territory. On Kyiv's side of the front, civilian residences and buildings appear to have been caught in the crossfire of Thursday's bombardment, with debris scattered across the once-peaceful floors. "They've been shooting every now and then for the last two days," a resident of the border town of Stanytsia Luhanska tells AFP as he stands in the ruins of his home. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin claims that the situation in Eastern Ukraine is worsening. Since 2014, Russia has backed separatist insurgents in territories controlled by the separatists. Moscow maintains that it has no plans to invade Ukraine and accuses the West of inciting "hysteria." According to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict into a war would be "catastrophic," as he said at the opening ceremony of the Munich Security Conference on Friday, which Moscow will not attend this year. "With a concentration of Russian troops around Ukraine, I am deeply concerned about heightened tensions and increased speculation about a military conflict in Europe," Guterres said. If that happened, "it would be catastrophic," he warned. "There is no alternative to diplomacy." (With inputs from agencies)

Explosions heard after shelling destroys houses in East Ukraine

Russia continues to deny planning an invasion of Ukraine, but Western leaders say it could happen in the coming days.

According to US authorities, Russia currently has up to 190,000 troops stationed in and around Ukraine.

They claim it is Europe's "largest military mobilisation" since World War II.

US President Joe Biden will host a call with the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, Britain, the EU and NATO.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/number-of-russian-troops-around-ukraine-reaches-149000-kyiv-454326">Also read | Number of Russian troops around Ukraine reaches 149,000: Kyiv</a>

In light of this warlike situation, world leaders are meeting in Munich today for the first time since 1999 for a security conference, but Russia will be absent.

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Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin claims that the situation in Eastern Ukraine is worsening.

Since 2014, Russia has backed separatist insurgents in territories controlled by the separatists.

Moscow maintains that it has no plans to invade Ukraine and accuses the West of inciting "hysteria."&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-tanks-returning-to-permanent-bases-after-drills-says-russia-454247">Also read | More tanks returning to permanent bases after drills, says Russia</a>

According to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict into a war would be "catastrophic," as he said at the opening ceremony of the Munich Security Conference on Friday, which Moscow will not attend this year.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Gravitas: Ukraine Crisis: Is Moscow manufacturing a pretext for an invasion?

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&nbsp;

"With a concentration of Russian troops around Ukraine, I am deeply concerned about heightened tensions and increased speculation about a military conflict in Europe," Guterres said. If that happened, "it would be catastrophic," he warned. "There is no alternative to diplomacy."

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia continues to deny planning an invasion of Ukraine, but Western leaders say it could happen in the coming days. According to US authorities, Russia currently has up to 190,000 troops stationed in and around Ukraine.

Russia continues to deny planning an invasion of Ukraine, but Western leaders say it could happen in the coming days. According to US authorities, Russia currently has up to 190,000 troops stationed in and around Ukraine. They claim it is Europe's "largest military mobilisation" since World War II. US President Joe Biden will host a call with the leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, Britain, the EU and NATO. Also read | Number of Russian troops around Ukraine reaches 149,000: Kyiv In light of this warlike situation, world leaders are meeting in Munich today for the first time since 1999 for a security conference, but Russia will be absent. Officials from the United States and Ukraine have warned that the information war might worsen ahead of any Russian military engagement. That war appears to have escalated in the last 24 hours. × Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin claims that the situation in Eastern Ukraine is worsening. Since 2014, Russia has backed separatist insurgents in territories controlled by the separatists. Moscow maintains that it has no plans to invade Ukraine and accuses the West of inciting "hysteria." Also read | More tanks returning to permanent bases after drills, says Russia According to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict into a war would be "catastrophic," as he said at the opening ceremony of the Munich Security Conference on Friday, which Moscow will not attend this year. Watch | Gravitas: Ukraine Crisis: Is Moscow manufacturing a pretext for an invasion? Also Read in Pics: How Putin built Russia's Army as a potent force "With a concentration of Russian troops around Ukraine, I am deeply concerned about heightened tensions and increased speculation about a military conflict in Europe," Guterres said. If that happened, "it would be catastrophic," he warned. "There is no alternative to diplomacy." (With inputs from agencies)

Russian troop buildup is the largest since World War II: US

There were reports of shelling by Russian separatists in the eastern Ukrainian village of Stanytsia-Luganska amid soaring tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

The shell blast hit the wall of a kindergarten used by 20 children and 18 staff. No casualties were reported even as the kids were inside. Reports claimed the kids narrowly escaped with no injuries reported.

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The shell reportedly hit the gym room with staff and children present inside the building. All those inside the building rushed to the other side and hid against the wall on the ground floor as the shell hit the two-storey building.

"A kindergarten was shelled in what we... know was a false flag operation designed to discredit the Ukrainians, designed to create a pretext, a spurious provocation for Russian action," British PM Johnson told British media.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said: "The shelling of a kindergarten... by pro-Russian forces is a big provocation."

Watch |&nbsp;CIA vs&nbsp;KGB: How it is playing out in the Ukraine crisis

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Ukraine's forces have been in conflict with Russia-backed rebels in Donetsk and Lugansk regions. Putin's forces had annexed Crimea in 2014 leading to continued tensions between Ukraine and Russia for the past eight years.

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On Thursday, Ukrainian forces accused the rebels of 34 ceasefire breaches while using heavy weapons with at least two soldiers and five civilians injured during artillery fire.

The incident comes as President Biden said Russia could carry out a "false flag" operation in order to launch an invasion on Ukraine. Amid soaring tensions, Russia expelled two US diplomats.&nbsp;

Joe Biden said the threat of invasion is "very high because they have not moved any of their troops out. They've moved more troops in".&nbsp;

The United States has been saying for months that Russia has amassed over 100,000 troops at the border even though Russian officials including President Putin have denied reports of an imminent Russian invasion.

(With inputs from Agencies)

There were reports of shelling by Russian separatists in the eastern Ukrainian village of Stanytsia-Luganska amid soaring tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The shell blast hit the wall of a kindergarten used by 20 children and 18 staff.

There were reports of shelling by Russian separatists in the eastern Ukrainian village of Stanytsia-Luganska amid soaring tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The shell blast hit the wall of a kindergarten used by 20 children and 18 staff. No casualties were reported even as the kids were inside. Reports claimed the kids narrowly escaped with no injuries reported. Also Read in Pics: Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile The shell reportedly hit the gym room with staff and children present inside the building. All those inside the building rushed to the other side and hid against the wall on the ground floor as the shell hit the two-storey building. "A kindergarten was shelled in what we... know was a false flag operation designed to discredit the Ukrainians, designed to create a pretext, a spurious provocation for Russian action," British PM Johnson told British media. President Volodymyr Zelensky said: "The shelling of a kindergarten... by pro-Russian forces is a big provocation." Watch | CIA vs KGB: How it is playing out in the Ukraine crisis Ukraine's forces have been in conflict with Russia-backed rebels in Donetsk and Lugansk regions. Putin's forces had annexed Crimea in 2014 leading to continued tensions between Ukraine and Russia for the past eight years. Also Read in Pics: How Putin built Russia's Army as a potent force On Thursday, Ukrainian forces accused the rebels of 34 ceasefire breaches while using heavy weapons with at least two soldiers and five civilians injured during artillery fire. The incident comes as President Biden said Russia could carry out a "false flag" operation in order to launch an invasion on Ukraine. Amid soaring tensions, Russia expelled two US diplomats. Joe Biden said the threat of invasion is "very high because they have not moved any of their troops out. They've moved more troops in". The United States has been saying for months that Russia has amassed over 100,000 troops at the border even though Russian officials including President Putin have denied reports of an imminent Russian invasion. (With inputs from Agencies)

Ukraine kindergarten attack was 'false flag' : PM Johnson

US secretary of state Anthony Blinken told the United Nations on Friday that Russia is seeking to unleash a major invasion in the "coming days".

The US diplomat citing intelligence inputs asked Russia to "announce today with no qualification, equivocation or deflection that Russia will not invade Ukraine. State it clearly. State it plainly to the world."

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President Biden said Russia was planning a "false flag operation" in order to invade Ukraine as a pretext to launch an attack.&nbsp;

"They have not moved any of their troops out. They've moved more troops in," the US president said, adding, "Every indication we have is that they're prepared to go into Ukraine." Biden reiterated that path to diplomacy "is a way through this".

Blinken said Russia should demonstrate its intentions "by sending your troops, your tanks, your planes, back to their barrack" and allow its diplomats to negotiate.

Watch:&nbsp;Is Russia conducting a proxy war in Ukraine?

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Russia has repeatedly scoffed at reports that its forces are ready to invade Ukraine even as the US has said heavy artillery, tanks and thousands of troops&nbsp;are stationed at the border with Ukraine.

Meanwhile, shelling was reported as exchanges of fire took place between Ukraine's forces and pro-Russian separatists

Russia had submitted a security document to the United States and NATO stating that ex-Soviet states&nbsp;should not be inducted into the European military alliance referring to Ukraine, however, both NATO and the US have rejected Russia's direction.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-next-wonder-weapon-kedr-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-454013">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile</a>

"In the absence of will on the American side to negotiate firm and legally binding guarantees on our security from the United States and its allies, Russia will be forced to respond, including with military-technical measures," the Russian foreign ministry said.

Russia had announced earlier this week that its forces were returning to their permanent bases after drills in Belarus including those who had taken part in the Crimea military exercise. However, the US said it needs proof of Russian withdrawal.

US officials say there are at least 150,000 Russian troops massed along the southern, eastern and northern borders of Ukraine.

(With inputs from Agencies)

 
&nbsp;

US secretary of state Anthony Blinken told the United Nations on Friday that Russia is seeking to unleash a major invasion in the "coming days". The US diplomat citing intelligence inputs asked Russia to "announce today with no qualification, equivocation or deflection that Russia will not invade Ukraine.

US secretary of state Anthony Blinken told the United Nations on Friday that Russia is seeking to unleash a major invasion in the "coming days". The US diplomat citing intelligence inputs asked Russia to "announce today with no qualification, equivocation or deflection that Russia will not invade Ukraine. State it clearly. State it plainly to the world." Also Read in Pics: Ukraine crisis: How Putin built Russia's Army as a potent force President Biden said Russia was planning a "false flag operation" in order to invade Ukraine as a pretext to launch an attack. "They have not moved any of their troops out. They've moved more troops in," the US president said, adding, "Every indication we have is that they're prepared to go into Ukraine." Biden reiterated that path to diplomacy "is a way through this". Blinken said Russia should demonstrate its intentions "by sending your troops, your tanks, your planes, back to their barrack" and allow its diplomats to negotiate. Watch: Is Russia conducting a proxy war in Ukraine? Russia has repeatedly scoffed at reports that its forces are ready to invade Ukraine even as the US has said heavy artillery, tanks and thousands of troops are stationed at the border with Ukraine. Meanwhile, shelling was reported as exchanges of fire took place between Ukraine's forces and pro-Russian separatists Russia had submitted a security document to the United States and NATO stating that ex-Soviet states should not be inducted into the European military alliance referring to Ukraine, however, both NATO and the US have rejected Russia's direction. Also Read in Pics: Russia's next wonder weapon: Kedr intercontinental ballistic missile "In the absence of will on the American side to negotiate firm and legally binding guarantees on our security from the United States and its allies, Russia will be forced to respond, including with military-technical measures," the Russian foreign ministry said. Russia had announced earlier this week that its forces were returning to their permanent bases after drills in Belarus including those who had taken part in the Crimea military exercise. However, the US said it needs proof of Russian withdrawal. US officials say there are at least 150,000 Russian troops massed along the southern, eastern and northern borders of Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies)

State plainly Russia will not invade Ukraine, US challenges Putin

Ukraine crisis: How Putin built Russia's Army as a potent force

Amid reports of Russian troops pulling back, a&nbsp;White House official said today that Russia had added "as many as 7,000 troops" along Ukraine's border.

The White House official said Russia could begin an attack under a "false" pretext at "any moment". Ukraine President Zelensky echoed similar thoughts declaring: "We are seeing small rotations. I would not call these rotations the withdrawal of forces by Russia."

Zelensky inspected drills by Ukrainian forces as tension continues at the border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/war-zone-ukraines-us-made-javelin-anti-tank-missile-vs-russian-t-72-beasts-451693">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Ukraine's US-made Javelin anti-tank missile vs Russian T-72 beasts</a>

Russia had announced on Wednesday that its forces which had taken part in the Crimea drills were returning to their barracks. Earlier, Putin's regime had announced some troops were pulling back after drills in Belarus.

Watch:&nbsp;US intel fails, Russia says troops returning

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-intel-fails-russia-says-troops-returning-453861/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Britain's defence intelligence chief said more armoured vehicles and helicopters were spotted along Ukraine's border.

US secretary of state Antony Blinken while speaking to a US television channel said there was no pullback from Russian troops. "We continue to see critical units moving toward the border, not away from the border," Blinken added.

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Estonian foreign intelligence service director Mikk Marran said at least ten Russian battle groups troops were moving towards the Ukrainian border.&nbsp;

The Biden administration has warned for months that Russia is intent on invading Ukraine. The White House had said last month that Russia may launch an attack between mid-January to mid-February.&nbsp;

Marran warned that Russia could target "key terrain" and could start with missile bombardment. The Estonian intelligence chief said that "if Russia is successful in Ukraine" then "it would encourage it to increase pressure on the Baltics".

President Biden had said on Wednesday that war with Ukraine was still a possibility just hours after Russian announced it was pulling back some troops. The US president demanded proof of Russian pullback even as over 100,000 troops are still stationed at the border with Ukraine.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid reports of Russian troops pulling back, a White House official said today that Russia had added "as many as 7,000 troops" along Ukraine's border. The White House official said Russia could begin an attack under a "false" pretext at "any moment".

Amid reports of Russian troops pulling back, a White House official said today that Russia had added "as many as 7,000 troops" along Ukraine's border. The White House official said Russia could begin an attack under a "false" pretext at "any moment". Ukraine President Zelensky echoed similar thoughts declaring: "We are seeing small rotations. I would not call these rotations the withdrawal of forces by Russia." Zelensky inspected drills by Ukrainian forces as tension continues at the border. Also Read in Pics: Ukraine's US-made Javelin anti-tank missile vs Russian T-72 beasts Russia had announced on Wednesday that its forces which had taken part in the Crimea drills were returning to their barracks. Earlier, Putin's regime had announced some troops were pulling back after drills in Belarus. Watch: US intel fails, Russia says troops returning Britain's defence intelligence chief said more armoured vehicles and helicopters were spotted along Ukraine's border. US secretary of state Antony Blinken while speaking to a US television channel said there was no pullback from Russian troops. "We continue to see critical units moving toward the border, not away from the border," Blinken added. Also Read in Pics: US THAAD vs Russian S-400 missile defence system Estonian foreign intelligence service director Mikk Marran said at least ten Russian battle groups troops were moving towards the Ukrainian border. The Biden administration has warned for months that Russia is intent on invading Ukraine. The White House had said last month that Russia may launch an attack between mid-January to mid-February. Marran warned that Russia could target "key terrain" and could start with missile bombardment. The Estonian intelligence chief said that "if Russia is successful in Ukraine" then "it would encourage it to increase pressure on the Baltics". President Biden had said on Wednesday that war with Ukraine was still a possibility just hours after Russian announced it was pulling back some troops. The US president demanded proof of Russian pullback even as over 100,000 troops are still stationed at the border with Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Seeing small rotations': Russia has added more troops along Ukraine's border, says US

America’s chaotic exit from Afghanistan last year was a made-for-TV tragedy — complete with camera-ready scenes of frantic civilians, harried US&nbsp;Marines and helicopters hovering over an embassy roof.

Ukraine is a foreign policy conundrum of an entirely different sort. President Joe Biden’s task is to stop a war from beginning, not to end one with dignity. But even if he wards off a Russian invasion, he shouldn’t expect any ticker tape on Fifth Avenue.

“The politics of foreign policy are rarely fair, and this is the epitome of that kind of situation,” said John Gans, a former Pentagon speechwriter in the Obama administration. “You rarely get credit for the dogs that don’t bark.”

Our New York Times colleagues have been all over the national security aspects of the showdown with Moscow, including the latest news developments, with reporting by Julian E. Barnes and Helene Cooper on how the White House is trying to outfox Russia, and Michael Crowley’s look at Biden’s calculations.

But this is a political newsletter, so we must ask a crass question: Can Ukraine help Biden win back some of the public trust he lost after the Afghanistan pullout?

In conversations in recent days with current and former officials, members of Congress and Capitol Hill aides, we found broad support overall for Biden’s approach to Ukraine, although some Republicans complained about specific aspects of the strategy. But the president’s options for resolving the crisis, many said, could give critics an opening. And, as Biden warned in his remarks Tuesday, confronting Vladimir Putin is not likely to be “painless” for Americans, even if Russia relents.

Quieting the Doubters

For the moment, Biden has faced some criticism on the right, but there’s been no sustained chorus of rebukes from either party.

Republicans aren’t speaking with one voice. They are split between those, like Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, who are agitating for a harder line against Moscow, and skeptics like Tucker Carlson of Fox News who say that Ukraine is not America’s problem. The party in 2018 lost its most prominent hawk, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, while its current leader, Donald Trump, makes for a less than ideal messenger when it comes to Russia.

The White House has also kept leading progressives on board. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has praised the administration for “doing its best walking a very difficult tightrope,” while Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Jeff Merkley of Oregon told HuffPost that they support Biden’s strategy.

Unlike with Afghanistan, criticism from the foreign policy establishment has been muted.

“I think they started with a bit of an analytical mistake — that they could have a stable and predictable relationship with Russia so they could focus on China,” said Michael McFaul, a former ambassador to Russia in the Obama administration. “But, generally, I’m impressed.”

Since November, the administration has held more than 300 “diplomatic engagements” with partners and allies. Biden has sent troops to bolster jittery NATO allies in Eastern Europe. And the White House has used information as a weapon of deterrence, declassifying and disclosing intelligence to disrupt possible Russian operations in real-time.

Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a former deputy national intelligence officer for Russia, described this as an effort to “build a common threat picture.”

That much has worked so far. European countries that might otherwise have gone wobbly, notably Germany, have agreed to impose severe sanctions should Putin decide to invade.

“Trump couldn’t have done this,” said Daniel Fried, a longtime Russia expert who retired in 2017 as the State Department’s coordinator for sanctions policy. “Trump wouldn’t have been interested.”

Next Comes the Tricky Part

Putin might still attack, of course, which would raise questions about the White House’s strategy. And he has options short of war, too: Annexing parts of Ukraine. Squeezing Kyiv economically. Wielding Russia’s energy resources to divide European countries. Launching cyberattacks. Forcing up the price of oil.

Giving Putin an off-ramp could require a painful, protracted negotiating process, potentially leading to accusations that the United States is feeding Ukraine to the Russian wolf.

Building a cross-aisle coalition in Washington won’t be easy, either.

On Tuesday, as discussions on a bipartisan bill to penalize Russia broke down, the best Congress could cobble together was a statement expressing solidarity with Ukraine. Two of the holdouts were Cotton and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, both of whom harbor presidential ambitions. Senate Republicans introduced their own punitive legislation — the Never Yielding Europe’s Territory, or NYET Act, a rhetorical flourish in the form of a bill that would halt Nord Stream 2, a Baltic Sea gas pipeline meant to bypass Ukraine.

The proposal was a reminder that Republicans have a megaphone but no real responsibility. And in an election year, national security can get political in a hurry.

Don’t Expect a Ukraine Bump

Historically, any effect that foreign crises have on public opinion tends to be ephemeral.

After John F. Kennedy led the United States out of the Cuban missile crisis, his approval rating soared to 76%. By the time of his assassination a year later, it had fallen to the upper 50s. George H.W. Bush’s approval rating reached 89% after the first Gulf War, but it sank to 29% as the economy slumped, and he lost reelection to Bill Clinton. Killing Osama bin Laden bought Barack Obama about a month of buoyant poll numbers, at most.

But when things go wrong abroad, the damage to a president’s credibility can be devastating. Lyndon B. Johnson declined to run for reelection after the Tet Offensive in Vietnam helped drive his approval ratings into the mid-30s. The seizure of U.S. hostages in Iran paralyzed Jimmy Carter, contributing to his defeat in 1980. And although George W. Bush was reelected in 2004, Iraq haunted the remainder of his presidency.

David Axelrod, a former senior adviser to Obama, said that Biden has been “very smart, strong and deliberate” on Ukraine. “Even as most Americans are focused closer to home,” he added, “‘smart, strong and deliberate’ are welcome adjectives for this president after a challenging six months.”

Should Putin gain the upper hand, though, history’s judgment could be harsh. And even if things go well, some question the wisdom of devoting so much attention to a region that represents the geopolitical past, not its future.

“We have to focus on China,” said Elbridge Colby, a former Pentagon official in the Trump administration. “The military situation in Asia is increasingly acute, and we’re way behind. Russia’s a secondary issue.”

America’s chaotic exit from Afghanistan last year was a made-for-TV tragedy — complete with camera-ready scenes of frantic civilians, harried US Marines and helicopters hovering over an embassy roof.

America’s chaotic exit from Afghanistan last year was a made-for-TV tragedy — complete with camera-ready scenes of frantic civilians, harried US Marines and helicopters hovering over an embassy roof. Ukraine is a foreign policy conundrum of an entirely different sort. President Joe Biden’s task is to stop a war from beginning, not to end one with dignity. But even if he wards off a Russian invasion, he shouldn’t expect any ticker tape on Fifth Avenue. “The politics of foreign policy are rarely fair, and this is the epitome of that kind of situation,” said John Gans, a former Pentagon speechwriter in the Obama administration. “You rarely get credit for the dogs that don’t bark.” Our New York Times colleagues have been all over the national security aspects of the showdown with Moscow, including the latest news developments, with reporting by Julian E. Barnes and Helene Cooper on how the White House is trying to outfox Russia, and Michael Crowley’s look at Biden’s calculations. But this is a political newsletter, so we must ask a crass question: Can Ukraine help Biden win back some of the public trust he lost after the Afghanistan pullout? In conversations in recent days with current and former officials, members of Congress and Capitol Hill aides, we found broad support overall for Biden’s approach to Ukraine, although some Republicans complained about specific aspects of the strategy. But the president’s options for resolving the crisis, many said, could give critics an opening. And, as Biden warned in his remarks Tuesday, confronting Vladimir Putin is not likely to be “painless” for Americans, even if Russia relents. Quieting the Doubters For the moment, Biden has faced some criticism on the right, but there’s been no sustained chorus of rebukes from either party. Republicans aren’t speaking with one voice. They are split between those, like Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, who are agitating for a harder line against Moscow, and skeptics like Tucker Carlson of Fox News who say that Ukraine is not America’s problem. The party in 2018 lost its most prominent hawk, Sen. John McCain of Arizona, while its current leader, Donald Trump, makes for a less than ideal messenger when it comes to Russia. The White House has also kept leading progressives on board. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., has praised the administration for “doing its best walking a very difficult tightrope,” while Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Jeff Merkley of Oregon told HuffPost that they support Biden’s strategy. Unlike with Afghanistan, criticism from the foreign policy establishment has been muted. “I think they started with a bit of an analytical mistake — that they could have a stable and predictable relationship with Russia so they could focus on China,” said Michael McFaul, a former ambassador to Russia in the Obama administration. “But, generally, I’m impressed.” Since November, the administration has held more than 300 “diplomatic engagements” with partners and allies. Biden has sent troops to bolster jittery NATO allies in Eastern Europe. And the White House has used information as a weapon of deterrence, declassifying and disclosing intelligence to disrupt possible Russian operations in real-time. Andrea Kendall-Taylor, a former deputy national intelligence officer for Russia, described this as an effort to “build a common threat picture.” That much has worked so far. European countries that might otherwise have gone wobbly, notably Germany, have agreed to impose severe sanctions should Putin decide to invade. “Trump couldn’t have done this,” said Daniel Fried, a longtime Russia expert who retired in 2017 as the State Department’s coordinator for sanctions policy. “Trump wouldn’t have been interested.” Next Comes the Tricky Part Putin might still attack, of course, which would raise questions about the White House’s strategy. And he has options short of war, too: Annexing parts of Ukraine. Squeezing Kyiv economically. Wielding Russia’s energy resources to divide European countries. Launching cyberattacks. Forcing up the price of oil. Giving Putin an off-ramp could require a painful, protracted negotiating process, potentially leading to accusations that the United States is feeding Ukraine to the Russian wolf. Building a cross-aisle coalition in Washington won’t be easy, either. On Tuesday, as discussions on a bipartisan bill to penalize Russia broke down, the best Congress could cobble together was a statement expressing solidarity with Ukraine. Two of the holdouts were Cotton and Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, both of whom harbor presidential ambitions. Senate Republicans introduced their own punitive legislation — the Never Yielding Europe’s Territory, or NYET Act, a rhetorical flourish in the form of a bill that would halt Nord Stream 2, a Baltic Sea gas pipeline meant to bypass Ukraine. The proposal was a reminder that Republicans have a megaphone but no real responsibility. And in an election year, national security can get political in a hurry. Don’t Expect a Ukraine Bump Historically, any effect that foreign crises have on public opinion tends to be ephemeral. After John F. Kennedy led the United States out of the Cuban missile crisis, his approval rating soared to 76%. By the time of his assassination a year later, it had fallen to the upper 50s. George H.W. Bush’s approval rating reached 89% after the first Gulf War, but it sank to 29% as the economy slumped, and he lost reelection to Bill Clinton. Killing Osama bin Laden bought Barack Obama about a month of buoyant poll numbers, at most. But when things go wrong abroad, the damage to a president’s credibility can be devastating. Lyndon B. Johnson declined to run for reelection after the Tet Offensive in Vietnam helped drive his approval ratings into the mid-30s. The seizure of U.S. hostages in Iran paralyzed Jimmy Carter, contributing to his defeat in 1980. And although George W. Bush was reelected in 2004, Iraq haunted the remainder of his presidency. David Axelrod, a former senior adviser to Obama, said that Biden has been “very smart, strong and deliberate” on Ukraine. “Even as most Americans are focused closer to home,” he added, “‘smart, strong and deliberate’ are welcome adjectives for this president after a challenging six months.” Should Putin gain the upper hand, though, history’s judgment could be harsh. And even if things go well, some question the wisdom of devoting so much attention to a region that represents the geopolitical past, not its future. “We have to focus on China,” said Elbridge Colby, a former Pentagon official in the Trump administration. “The military situation in Asia is increasingly acute, and we’re way behind. Russia’s a secondary issue.”

On Ukraine crisis, Biden seeks to show his mettle

Britain's Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, of the United Kingdom, has advised Western countries not to be deceived by Russia's assertions that it is withdrawing its military from Ukraine.

He said that "the West should not be fooled by Russia's claims that it is pulling forces away from Ukraine."

The West, Ukraine, and Britain's European allies have all raised the alarm over Russia's "imminent" invasion danger.

According to Truss' office, the Russian Army is "growing more dangerous rather than less dangerous."

Truss is set to warn Putin, Russia's authoritarian leader, that his country must "respect the sovereignty of others and honour their promises."&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seeing-small-rotations-russia-has-added-more-troops-along-ukraines-border-says-us-453883">Also read | 'Seeing small rotations': Russia has added more troops along Ukraine's border, says US</a>

James Heappey, the UK's armed forces minister, has expressed concern that Russian footage purporting to show troops retreating is false.

On the other hand, Moscow rejects preparations to invade Ukraine, claiming that some of the 100,000 troops stationed along the border are departing following military drills.

This report has been termed "false" by a senior US official, who claims that 7,000 additional Russian troops have arrived on Ukraine's borders in recent days.

The insider further stated that Russia may invade Ukraine "at any time" under a "false" pretext.

Watch:&nbsp;US intel fails, Russia says troops returning

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-intel-fails-russia-says-troops-returning-453861/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine stated that he had yet to see any Russian forces leave the country.

According to Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, there is no evidence that Russian forces are de-escalating.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ukraine and Russia-backed rebels have accused one another of violating a cease-fire deal in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region by starting fire.

According to the rebels, the Ukrainian military shelled multiple places under their control in the last 24 hours in an attempt by Kyiv to "intensify the situation."

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain's Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, of the United Kingdom, has advised Western countries not to be deceived by Russia's assertions that it is withdrawing its military from Ukraine.

Britain's Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, of the United Kingdom, has advised Western countries not to be deceived by Russia's assertions that it is withdrawing its military from Ukraine. He said that "the West should not be fooled by Russia's claims that it is pulling forces away from Ukraine." The West, Ukraine, and Britain's European allies have all raised the alarm over Russia's "imminent" invasion danger. According to Truss' office, the Russian Army is "growing more dangerous rather than less dangerous." Truss is set to warn Putin, Russia's authoritarian leader, that his country must "respect the sovereignty of others and honour their promises." Also read | 'Seeing small rotations': Russia has added more troops along Ukraine's border, says US James Heappey, the UK's armed forces minister, has expressed concern that Russian footage purporting to show troops retreating is false. On the other hand, Moscow rejects preparations to invade Ukraine, claiming that some of the 100,000 troops stationed along the border are departing following military drills. This report has been termed "false" by a senior US official, who claims that 7,000 additional Russian troops have arrived on Ukraine's borders in recent days. The insider further stated that Russia may invade Ukraine "at any time" under a "false" pretext. Watch: US intel fails, Russia says troops returning President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine stated that he had yet to see any Russian forces leave the country. According to Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, there is no evidence that Russian forces are de-escalating. Meanwhile, Ukraine and Russia-backed rebels have accused one another of violating a cease-fire deal in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region by starting fire. According to the rebels, the Ukrainian military shelled multiple places under their control in the last 24 hours in an attempt by Kyiv to "intensify the situation." (With inputs from agencies)

The West must not be fooled by Russia's claims: UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss

As Russia said it was&nbsp;pulling back some troops, US President Joe Biden cautioned that an attack on Ukraine is "very much" possible.

The US president added that the pullback of Russian troops from Ukraine's border has "not yet verified" while adding that&nbsp;"analysts indicate that they remain very much in a threatening position."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/skyfall-avangard-sarmat-russias-new-killer-superpower-weapons-revealed-448724">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Skyfall, Avangard, Sarmat: Russia's new killer 'superpower' weapons revealed</a>

Biden said the United States is "ready to go" with large scale sanctions although he added that "we should give the diplomacy every chance to succeed."

Meanwhile, US secretary of state Anthony Blinken in a phone call to Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said there needs to be "verifiable, credible, meaningful de-escalation".

Watch:&nbsp;What will China do if Russia invades Ukraine?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-will-china-do-if-russia-invades-ukraine-453595/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"While further Russian aggression against Ukraine would result in a swift, severe, and united Transatlantic response, we remain committed to the diplomatic path," Blinken told Lavrov as Russia announced on Tuesday that it was pulling back some troops after they finished the military drills.

The French president's office echoed the US thoughts as it added that de-escalation should be &nbsp;"verified and consolidated" while adding that &nbsp;"Russian military deployment remains very impressive".&nbsp;

<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;&nbsp;Target Ukraine: US F-35 vs Russian Air Force SU-57 jets, who wins?</a>

Meanwhile, reports said websites linked to Ukraine's defence ministry and armed forces came under cyber attack amid fears of a Russian invasion.

Ukraine's state bank sites were also hit by cyberattacks. The defence ministry site reportedly showed an error message showing "undergoing technical maintenance".

Ukraine's communications watchdog while pointing to Russia said: "It cannot be excluded that the aggressor is resorting to dirty tricks."

Ukraine was earlier hit by a cyberattack a month ago when some government sites had come under cyber attack. NATO had at the time announced a cyber warfare cooperation deal with Ukraine in response.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As Russia said it was pulling back some troops, US President Joe Biden cautioned that an attack on Ukraine is "very much" possible. The US president added that the pullback of Russian troops from Ukraine's border has "not yet verified" while adding that "analysts indicate that they remain very much in a threatening position.

As Russia said it was pulling back some troops, US President Joe Biden cautioned that an attack on Ukraine is "very much" possible. The US president added that the pullback of Russian troops from Ukraine's border has "not yet verified" while adding that "analysts indicate that they remain very much in a threatening position." Also Read in Pics: Skyfall, Avangard, Sarmat: Russia's new killer 'superpower' weapons revealed Biden said the United States is "ready to go" with large scale sanctions although he added that "we should give the diplomacy every chance to succeed." Meanwhile, US secretary of state Anthony Blinken in a phone call to Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said there needs to be "verifiable, credible, meaningful de-escalation". Watch: What will China do if Russia invades Ukraine? "While further Russian aggression against Ukraine would result in a swift, severe, and united Transatlantic response, we remain committed to the diplomatic path," Blinken told Lavrov as Russia announced on Tuesday that it was pulling back some troops after they finished the military drills. The French president's office echoed the US thoughts as it added that de-escalation should be "verified and consolidated" while adding that "Russian military deployment remains very impressive". Also Read in Pics: Target Ukraine: US F-35 vs Russian Air Force SU-57 jets, who wins? Meanwhile, reports said websites linked to Ukraine's defence ministry and armed forces came under cyber attack amid fears of a Russian invasion. Ukraine's state bank sites were also hit by cyberattacks. The defence ministry site reportedly showed an error message showing "undergoing technical maintenance". Ukraine's communications watchdog while pointing to Russia said: "It cannot be excluded that the aggressor is resorting to dirty tricks." Ukraine was earlier hit by a cyberattack a month ago when some government sites had come under cyber attack. NATO had at the time announced a cyber warfare cooperation deal with Ukraine in response. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russian attack on Ukraine still possible, warns Biden

Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated today that his country has not seen proof that Russia is withdrawing more troops.

"We don't see any retreat of Russian forces from Ukraine's borders yet," President Voldymyr Zelensky told reporters.

It comes after Russia stated it was drawing out additional troops—this time from the Crimean peninsula.

Earlier today, after declaring that some troops had pulled back, Russia said&nbsp;that military drills in Crimea had ended and troops were returning to their barracks. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/troops-returning-to-permanent-base-after-crimea-drills-russia-453668">Also read | Troops returning to permanent base after Crimea drills: Russia</a>

Moscow's defence ministry said: "Units of the southern military district, having completed their participation in tactical exercises, are moving to their permanent deployment points." 
 
<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>

According to Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, there has been no de-escalation on the ground, and Russia "continues the military build-up."

Later today, NATO defence ministers will gather in Brussels to examine the prospect of a Russian invasion.

Watch:&nbsp;Donbass is committing genocide,&nbsp;says Putin

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-crisis-donbass-is-committing-genocide-says-russian-president-vladimir-putin-453636/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The websites of Ukraine's defence ministry and two banks were taken down by a series of cyber strikes on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Ukraine is commemorating a day of unity after reports from the United States hinted that Russia might attack today.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tsirkon-serial-production-russias-race-for-hypersonic-missiles-revealed-452075">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;Tsirkon 'serial production': Russia's race for hypersonic missiles revealed</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated today that his country has not seen proof that Russia is withdrawing more troops. "We don't see any retreat of Russian forces from Ukraine's borders yet," President Voldymyr Zelensky told reporters.

Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated today that his country has not seen proof that Russia is withdrawing more troops. "We don't see any retreat of Russian forces from Ukraine's borders yet," President Voldymyr Zelensky told reporters. It comes after Russia stated it was drawing out additional troops—this time from the Crimean peninsula. Earlier today, after declaring that some troops had pulled back, Russia said that military drills in Crimea had ended and troops were returning to their barracks. Also read | Troops returning to permanent base after Crimea drills: Russia Moscow's defence ministry said: "Units of the southern military district, having completed their participation in tactical exercises, are moving to their permanent deployment points." Also Read in Pics | Target Ukraine: US F-35 vs Russian Air Force SU-57 jets, who wins? According to Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, there has been no de-escalation on the ground, and Russia "continues the military build-up." Later today, NATO defence ministers will gather in Brussels to examine the prospect of a Russian invasion. Watch: Donbass is committing genocide, says Putin The websites of Ukraine's defence ministry and two banks were taken down by a series of cyber strikes on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Ukraine is commemorating a day of unity after reports from the United States hinted that Russia might attack today. Also Read in Pics | Tsirkon 'serial production': Russia's race for hypersonic missiles revealed (With inputs from agencies)

'No sign of Russian troops' withdrawal yet': Ukraine President Voldymyr Zelensky

After declaring that some troops had pulled back, Russia said today that military drills in&nbsp;Crimea had ended and troops were returning to their barracks.

"Units of the southern military district, having completed their participation in tactical exercises, are moving to their permanent deployment points," Moscow's defence ministry said.

<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>

Russia had announced on Tuesday that some troops had pulled back from Ukraine's border even as President Biden warned that the possibility of a Russian attack on Ukraine remained. The US president had said over 150,000 troops were still deployed along&nbsp;Russia's border.

The Russian defence ministry said tanks and military vehicles were leaving Crimea. Meanwhile, reports said Russia has sent fighter jets with hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and Tupolev strategic bombers for naval drills in Syria.

Watch:&nbsp;Donbass is committing genocide,&nbsp;says Putin

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The Russian exercises will take place in the eastern Mediterranean. Last month Russia had announced large scale military drills involving thousands of troops, warships and planes.

As Russian troops made moves to pull back, Ukraine's defence minister Oleksii Reznikov said the latest situation was not "anything unexpected" as its forces continued their military drills.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, as Russia had announced it was pulling out some troops, Ukraine reported a cyberattack on its banks and military website adding that the "aggressor used tactics of dirty little tricks" pointing at Russia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tsirkon-serial-production-russias-race-for-hypersonic-missiles-revealed-452075">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;Tsirkon 'serial production': Russia's race for hypersonic missiles revealed</a>

US President Biden while siding with Ukraine said the US was ready to respond if Russia attacked "through asymmetric means like disruptive cyberattack".

Tensions between Russia and the West has escalated&nbsp;for the past month as the US has repeatedly warned that Putin's regime is ready to launch an invasion against Ukraine.

President Putin has however dismissed reports although he has said Russian troops have the right to move around anywhere inside their territory.

(With inputs from Agencies)

After declaring that some troops had pulled back, Russia said today that military drills in Crimea had ended and troops were returning to their barracks. "Units of the southern military district, having completed their participation in tactical exercises, are moving to their permanent deployment points," Moscow's defence ministry said.

After declaring that some troops had pulled back, Russia said today that military drills in Crimea had ended and troops were returning to their barracks. "Units of the southern military district, having completed their participation in tactical exercises, are moving to their permanent deployment points," Moscow's defence ministry said. Also Read in Pics | Target Ukraine: US F-35 vs Russian Air Force SU-57 jets, who wins? Russia had announced on Tuesday that some troops had pulled back from Ukraine's border even as President Biden warned that the possibility of a Russian attack on Ukraine remained. The US president had said over 150,000 troops were still deployed along Russia's border. The Russian defence ministry said tanks and military vehicles were leaving Crimea. Meanwhile, reports said Russia has sent fighter jets with hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and Tupolev strategic bombers for naval drills in Syria. Watch: Donbass is committing genocide, says Putin The Russian exercises will take place in the eastern Mediterranean. Last month Russia had announced large scale military drills involving thousands of troops, warships and planes. As Russian troops made moves to pull back, Ukraine's defence minister Oleksii Reznikov said the latest situation was not "anything unexpected" as its forces continued their military drills. On Tuesday, as Russia had announced it was pulling out some troops, Ukraine reported a cyberattack on its banks and military website adding that the "aggressor used tactics of dirty little tricks" pointing at Russia. Also Read in Pics | Tsirkon 'serial production': Russia's race for hypersonic missiles revealed US President Biden while siding with Ukraine said the US was ready to respond if Russia attacked "through asymmetric means like disruptive cyberattack". Tensions between Russia and the West has escalated for the past month as the US has repeatedly warned that Putin's regime is ready to launch an invasion against Ukraine. President Putin has however dismissed reports although he has said Russian troops have the right to move around anywhere inside their territory. (With inputs from Agencies)

Troops returning to permanent base after Crimea drills: Russia

Latest satellite pictures show Russian SU-34 fighters parked near Ukraine border

Amid moves to broker peace with Russia over the Ukraine crisis, the US State Department said that Russian forces continue to arrive at the Ukrainian border.

"It is a distinct possibility, perhaps more real than ever before, that Russia may decide to proceed with military action," US State Department spokesman Ned Price said, adding, "an invasion, as we have said, could begin at any time."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-dagger-on-ukraine-kinzhal-hypersonic-missiles-can-degrade-high-value-targets-447431">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;How Russia's&nbsp;Kinzhal hypersonic missiles can degrade high value targets</a>

Meanwhile, the Pentagon said US defence secretary Lloyd Austin will leave for Europe for crisis talks and will visit the NATO headquarters and visit Poland with US troops deployed in the region. &nbsp;

Austin will also meet Lithuanian leaders and host defence ministers of Baltic states namely Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia who increasingly feel threatened by Russia's moves in Ukraine.

Watch:&nbsp;Ukraine bets on drones to 'outsmart' Russia

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Pentagon spokesman Lloyd Austin added that "we still don't believe that some final decision has been made."

However, Austin added that "military action could happen any day," while asserting that, "it is entirely possible that he could move with little to no warning."

"We believe that diplomacy continues to be viable," State Department spokesperson Price said. Several nations have recalled embassy officials from Kyiv and ordered citizens to evacuate from the region amid escalation of the crisis. Dutch airways KLM had earlier suspended flights to Ukraine until further notice.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraines-challenge-how-russia-uses-spetsnaz-as-tip-of-the-spear-450702">Also Read in Pics|&nbsp;Ukraine's challenge: How Russia uses Spetsnaz as 'tip of the spear'</a>

Amid the escalating crisis, the UK government said there is still a &nbsp;"crucial window for diplomacy" while urging Russia to "step back" from invasion threats towards Ukraine.

Several European nations including France have warned Putin's regime against invading Ukraine with the threat of crippling sanctions on Russia.

Putin has repeatedly dismissed reports of an invasion even as over 100,000 troops have massed at the Ukraine border with&nbsp;heavy artillery, tanks and missile launchers.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid moves to broker peace with Russia over the Ukraine crisis, the US State Department said that Russian forces continue to arrive at the Ukrainian border. "It is a distinct possibility, perhaps more real than ever before, that Russia may decide to proceed with military action," US State Department spokesman Ned Price said, adding, "an invasion, as we have said, could begin at any time.

Amid moves to broker peace with Russia over the Ukraine crisis, the US State Department said that Russian forces continue to arrive at the Ukrainian border. "It is a distinct possibility, perhaps more real than ever before, that Russia may decide to proceed with military action," US State Department spokesman Ned Price said, adding, "an invasion, as we have said, could begin at any time." Also Read in Pics | How Russia's Kinzhal hypersonic missiles can degrade high value targets Meanwhile, the Pentagon said US defence secretary Lloyd Austin will leave for Europe for crisis talks and will visit the NATO headquarters and visit Poland with US troops deployed in the region. Austin will also meet Lithuanian leaders and host defence ministers of Baltic states namely Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia who increasingly feel threatened by Russia's moves in Ukraine. Watch: Ukraine bets on drones to 'outsmart' Russia Pentagon spokesman Lloyd Austin added that "we still don't believe that some final decision has been made." However, Austin added that "military action could happen any day," while asserting that, "it is entirely possible that he could move with little to no warning." "We believe that diplomacy continues to be viable," State Department spokesperson Price said. Several nations have recalled embassy officials from Kyiv and ordered citizens to evacuate from the region amid escalation of the crisis. Dutch airways KLM had earlier suspended flights to Ukraine until further notice. Also Read in Pics| Ukraine's challenge: How Russia uses Spetsnaz as 'tip of the spear' Amid the escalating crisis, the UK government said there is still a "crucial window for diplomacy" while urging Russia to "step back" from invasion threats towards Ukraine. Several European nations including France have warned Putin's regime against invading Ukraine with the threat of crippling sanctions on Russia. Putin has repeatedly dismissed reports of an invasion even as over 100,000 troops have massed at the Ukraine border with heavy artillery, tanks and missile launchers. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russian forces continue to arrive at the Ukrainian border, warns US

Russia-Belarus drill: Fighters, tanks, Tornado rocket launchers in operation

Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelensky urged US President Joe Biden to visit Kyiv to "stabilise" the situation with Ukraine and send a "powerful signal" amid tensions with Russia at the border.

Germany said the responsibility of risk of war lay with Putin's regime as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said there was a "serious threat to peace in Europe". The German Chancellor will be travelling to Kyiv to meet President Zelensky and then he will be in Moscow to meet President Putin.

<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>

Germany expressed mounting concerns over Russia's plan to invade Ukraine, although Putin has repeatedly said he has no plans to invade the country. The US has said there are over 100,000 troops amassed at the Ukraine border including tanks, artillery and missiles.

Amid hectic diplomatic efforts, the UK government said it will be making a fresh bid to defuse Russia's row with Ukraine in the coming weeks as Downing Street pointed out that the crisis had reached a "critical juncture".

Watch:&nbsp;Russia vs Ukraine: How do the armies compare?

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"All the information we have suggests Russia could be planning an invasion of Ukraine at any moment," the Downing Street spokesman said while adding that it could lead to "disastrous consequences" for both Ukraine and Russia.

Several countries including Britain, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia and UAE have asked their citizens to leave Ukraine even as Russia has recalled some of its diplomatic staff over what it called fears of "provocations".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/tsirkon-serial-production-russias-race-for-hypersonic-missiles-revealed-452075">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;Tsirkon 'serial production': Russia's race for hypersonic missiles revealed</a>

Dutch airlines KLM said it would be suspending flights to Ukraine till further notice as Canada said it was closing its embassy temporarily in Kyiv and Romania withdrew non-essential personnel from its embassy in Kyiv.

US national security advisor Jake Sullivan said&nbsp;"a major military action could begin by Russia in&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;any day now" while adding that it could&nbsp;start with "a significant barrage of missiles and bomb attacks and&nbsp;innocent civilians could be killed" even as both Germany and the United States threatened sanctions.

The US State Department over the weekend also asked its non-emergency embassy staff to leave Ukraine.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelensky urged US President Joe Biden to visit Kyiv to "stabilise" the situation with Ukraine and send a "powerful signal" amid tensions with Russia at the border.

Ukraine leader Volodymyr Zelensky urged US President Joe Biden to visit Kyiv to "stabilise" the situation with Ukraine and send a "powerful signal" amid tensions with Russia at the border. Germany said the responsibility of risk of war lay with Putin's regime as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said there was a "serious threat to peace in Europe". The German Chancellor will be travelling to Kyiv to meet President Zelensky and then he will be in Moscow to meet President Putin. Also Read in Pics: Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger Germany expressed mounting concerns over Russia's plan to invade Ukraine, although Putin has repeatedly said he has no plans to invade the country. The US has said there are over 100,000 troops amassed at the Ukraine border including tanks, artillery and missiles. Amid hectic diplomatic efforts, the UK government said it will be making a fresh bid to defuse Russia's row with Ukraine in the coming weeks as Downing Street pointed out that the crisis had reached a "critical juncture". Watch: Russia vs Ukraine: How do the armies compare? "All the information we have suggests Russia could be planning an invasion of Ukraine at any moment," the Downing Street spokesman said while adding that it could lead to "disastrous consequences" for both Ukraine and Russia. Several countries including Britain, Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia and UAE have asked their citizens to leave Ukraine even as Russia has recalled some of its diplomatic staff over what it called fears of "provocations". Also Read in Pics | Tsirkon 'serial production': Russia's race for hypersonic missiles revealed Dutch airlines KLM said it would be suspending flights to Ukraine till further notice as Canada said it was closing its embassy temporarily in Kyiv and Romania withdrew non-essential personnel from its embassy in Kyiv. US national security advisor Jake Sullivan said "a major military action could begin by Russia in Ukraine any day now" while adding that it could start with "a significant barrage of missiles and bomb attacks and innocent civilians could be killed" even as both Germany and the United States threatened sanctions. The US State Department over the weekend also asked its non-emergency embassy staff to leave Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia could begin military action in Ukraine any day now: US national security advisor Jake Sullivan

A silver lining amidst ongoing tensions in eastern Ukraine is the revival of the Normandy Format. Comprising of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany, it is the only platform which brings the two key adversaries in the current faceoff i.e. Moscow and Kiev, to the negotiating table.

The involvement of Paris and Berlin, vital pillars of European security architecture, has added to the guarded optimism of a de-escalation.

Notably, in the absence of viable alternatives to dialogue, whether to prevent or resolve a conflict, the scope and importance of the Normandy Format has grown manifold. The pertinent question, therefore, is whether the Normandy Format can genuinely lower the temperature in Eastern Europe.

History

The origin of the Normandy Format can be traced to the attempts by France and Germany in 2014 to resolve the vexed issue of alleged Russia-backed separatism in eastern Ukraine.

Coming on the heels of the Kremlin’s annexation of Crimea, there existed a real danger of further escalation in conflict that could engulf large sections of Europe. Therefore, the meeting of the four heads of states in Normandy, held against the backdrop of the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Allied forces landing in Normandy during the Second World War, was aimed at resolving festering issues.

The Normandy Format showed great promise when it facilitated the signing of the Minsk agreements in 2014 and 2015. These accords provided a blueprint to diffuse tensions.

However, the devil, as always, lay in the details. For instance, the proposed decentralisation of power in the separatist-held regions would have resulted in a loose confederation, enabling Russia to continue to decisively influence outcomes in eastern Ukraine which is why, while a weakened Ukraine agreed to such terms, it subsequently refused to abide by them as they were too onerous. With the Normandy Format unable to resolve the impasse, the grouping became largely defunct in 2019.

Revival

Nevertheless, the unprecedented flurry of meetings in the Normandy Format since the beginning of the year highlight a rethink among its stakeholders. And each side appears to have its own tactical as well as strategic motives in staying engaged - a positive sign amidst the sharpening of rhetoric.

Notably, the roll of the dice appears to favour Russia in the Normandy Format. With France and Germany emphasising on the Minsk agreements being the Holy Grail to resolve the Ukrainian standoff, the grouping allows Moscow to mount diplomatic pressure on Kiev.

The Minsk agreements would inevitably enable Russia to expand its influence in Ukraine. Russia could also deploy its proxies in a federalised set-up to veto Kiev’s NATO membership.

NATO expansion remains one of Russia’s core redlines. The alternative to dialogue for Russia - an armed intervention - is fraught with the risk of serious geopolitical isolation. Moreover, engaging Paris and Berlin fits in the Russian calculus of “Europeans determining Europe’s security”, a Russian euphemism for excluding the US from the regional security architecture.

Meanwhile, Ukraine may have its back to the wall vis-à-vis the Minsk agreements, yet diplomacy keeps at bay a Russian military onslaught where the odds are stacked heavily against it.

It also buys time for Ukraine to augment its fledging defences as well as shore up international support. Further, side-stepping negotiations with Russia would likely run foul of Kiev’s European sympathisers who do not seem to have the appetite for an armed confrontation with Moscow.

France and Germany, meanwhile, appear to have adopted a pragmatic approach of striving for strategic stability with Russia – a large European power they cannot wish away. Given Russia’s escalation dominance advantage in its immediate neighbourhood, picking up the battle for a non-NATO state has not found many takers.

This is particularly relevant in the context of European apprehensions about the United States security commitment. The fears of Europe having to deal with a military fallout on its own has led the two European powerhouses to make a clarion call for strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy. Needless to say, the collateral damage of an armed conflict would be France and Germany’s vibrant economic linkages with Moscow.

Prospects

Nevertheless, it would be premature to envision a cessation of hostilities in Eastern Europe. The elephant in the room continues to be the US which is not a party to the Normandy Format.

Russia’s broader demand for legally binding security guarantees can largely be addressed by Washington, amidst Europe having outsourced its security to the US. But Russia and the US appear some way off in finding the proverbial sweet spot there. It can only be hoped that

keeping channels of communication open is an indication that perhaps there could be an alternative to military conflict.

Closer home, any thaw in tensions will suit India. A Russia-West confrontation puts India in a difficult spot as there is no gainsaying that India’s ties with both Moscow and the West remain mutually beneficial.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

A silver lining amidst ongoing tensions in eastern Ukraine is the revival of the Normandy Format. Comprising of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany, it is the only platform which brings the two key adversaries in the current faceoff i.

A silver lining amidst ongoing tensions in eastern Ukraine is the revival of the Normandy Format. Comprising of Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany, it is the only platform which brings the two key adversaries in the current faceoff i.e. Moscow and Kiev, to the negotiating table. The involvement of Paris and Berlin, vital pillars of European security architecture, has added to the guarded optimism of a de-escalation. Notably, in the absence of viable alternatives to dialogue, whether to prevent or resolve a conflict, the scope and importance of the Normandy Format has grown manifold. The pertinent question, therefore, is whether the Normandy Format can genuinely lower the temperature in Eastern Europe. History The origin of the Normandy Format can be traced to the attempts by France and Germany in 2014 to resolve the vexed issue of alleged Russia-backed separatism in eastern Ukraine. Coming on the heels of the Kremlin’s annexation of Crimea, there existed a real danger of further escalation in conflict that could engulf large sections of Europe. Therefore, the meeting of the four heads of states in Normandy, held against the backdrop of the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Allied forces landing in Normandy during the Second World War, was aimed at resolving festering issues. The Normandy Format showed great promise when it facilitated the signing of the Minsk agreements in 2014 and 2015. These accords provided a blueprint to diffuse tensions. However, the devil, as always, lay in the details. For instance, the proposed decentralisation of power in the separatist-held regions would have resulted in a loose confederation, enabling Russia to continue to decisively influence outcomes in eastern Ukraine which is why, while a weakened Ukraine agreed to such terms, it subsequently refused to abide by them as they were too onerous. With the Normandy Format unable to resolve the impasse, the grouping became largely defunct in 2019. Revival Nevertheless, the unprecedented flurry of meetings in the Normandy Format since the beginning of the year highlight a rethink among its stakeholders. And each side appears to have its own tactical as well as strategic motives in staying engaged - a positive sign amidst the sharpening of rhetoric. Notably, the roll of the dice appears to favour Russia in the Normandy Format. With France and Germany emphasising on the Minsk agreements being the Holy Grail to resolve the Ukrainian standoff, the grouping allows Moscow to mount diplomatic pressure on Kiev. The Minsk agreements would inevitably enable Russia to expand its influence in Ukraine. Russia could also deploy its proxies in a federalised set-up to veto Kiev’s NATO membership. NATO expansion remains one of Russia’s core redlines. The alternative to dialogue for Russia - an armed intervention - is fraught with the risk of serious geopolitical isolation. Moreover, engaging Paris and Berlin fits in the Russian calculus of “Europeans determining Europe’s security”, a Russian euphemism for excluding the US from the regional security architecture. Meanwhile, Ukraine may have its back to the wall vis-à-vis the Minsk agreements, yet diplomacy keeps at bay a Russian military onslaught where the odds are stacked heavily against it. It also buys time for Ukraine to augment its fledging defences as well as shore up international support. Further, side-stepping negotiations with Russia would likely run foul of Kiev’s European sympathisers who do not seem to have the appetite for an armed confrontation with Moscow. France and Germany, meanwhile, appear to have adopted a pragmatic approach of striving for strategic stability with Russia – a large European power they cannot wish away. Given Russia’s escalation dominance advantage in its immediate neighbourhood, picking up the battle for a non-NATO state has not found many takers. This is particularly relevant in the context of European apprehensions about the United States security commitment. The fears of Europe having to deal with a military fallout on its own has led the two European powerhouses to make a clarion call for strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy. Needless to say, the collateral damage of an armed conflict would be France and Germany’s vibrant economic linkages with Moscow. Prospects Nevertheless, it would be premature to envision a cessation of hostilities in Eastern Europe. The elephant in the room continues to be the US which is not a party to the Normandy Format. Russia’s broader demand for legally binding security guarantees can largely be addressed by Washington, amidst Europe having outsourced its security to the US. But Russia and the US appear some way off in finding the proverbial sweet spot there. It can only be hoped that keeping channels of communication open is an indication that perhaps there could be an alternative to military conflict. Closer home, any thaw in tensions will suit India. A Russia-West confrontation puts India in a difficult spot as there is no gainsaying that India’s ties with both Moscow and the West remain mutually beneficial. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

Normandy Format: Key to de-escalation of tensions in eastern Europe?

The Ukraine-Russia talks have failed to produce a breakthrough, Ukraine's chief of staff said in Berlin, even as US President Joe Biden urged American citizens to leave Ukraine immediately.

"We're dealing with one of the largest armies in the world. This is a very different situation and things could go crazy quickly," President Biden told a television channel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/skyfall-avangard-sarmat-russias-new-killer-superpower-weapons-revealed-448724">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Skyfall, Avangard, Sarmat: Russia's new killer 'superpower' weapons revealed</a>

The US president said he won't be sending US troops to Ukraine, adding, "That's a world war. When Americans and Russians start shooting one another, we're in a very different world."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, as Russia began its naval exercise, Ukraine said Putin's regime was engaging in a "hybrid war" since it made navigation in the Black Sea and Azov Sea virtually impossible.

Watch:&nbsp;How has Putin surrounded Ukraine?

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"Such aggressive actions by the Russian Federation as part of its hybrid war against Ukraine are unacceptable," Ukraine's foreign ministry said.

The ministry added that it is an "unjustified complication of international shipping, especially trade which can cause complex economic and social consequences, especially for the ports of Ukraine."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-checkmate-why-the-orion-combat-drone-is-a-gamechanger-446455">Also Read in Pics | Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger</a>

Russia is holding drills in the Black Sea this month with six warships even as it conducts&nbsp;military drills north of Ukraine in Belarus.

US Joint chiefs of staff General Mark Milley spoke with the Belarus general staff of the armed forces Major General Gulevich in a bid to keep the communication channels going and to avoid any "miscalculation" amid the joint drills.

The United States says Russia is planning to invade Ukraine with over 100,000 troops amassed at the border, however, Putin has dismissed the report but the&nbsp;Russian president has insisted his troops can move around freely anywhere inside their territory.

(With inputs from Agencies)

The Ukraine-Russia talks have failed to produce a breakthrough, Ukraine's chief of staff said in Berlin, even as US President Joe Biden urged American citizens to leave Ukraine immediately.

The Ukraine-Russia talks have failed to produce a breakthrough, Ukraine's chief of staff said in Berlin, even as US President Joe Biden urged American citizens to leave Ukraine immediately. "We're dealing with one of the largest armies in the world. This is a very different situation and things could go crazy quickly," President Biden told a television channel. Also Read in Pics: Skyfall, Avangard, Sarmat: Russia's new killer 'superpower' weapons revealed The US president said he won't be sending US troops to Ukraine, adding, "That's a world war. When Americans and Russians start shooting one another, we're in a very different world." Meanwhile, as Russia began its naval exercise, Ukraine said Putin's regime was engaging in a "hybrid war" since it made navigation in the Black Sea and Azov Sea virtually impossible. Watch: How has Putin surrounded Ukraine? "Such aggressive actions by the Russian Federation as part of its hybrid war against Ukraine are unacceptable," Ukraine's foreign ministry said. The ministry added that it is an "unjustified complication of international shipping, especially trade which can cause complex economic and social consequences, especially for the ports of Ukraine." Also Read in Pics | Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger Russia is holding drills in the Black Sea this month with six warships even as it conducts military drills north of Ukraine in Belarus. US Joint chiefs of staff General Mark Milley spoke with the Belarus general staff of the armed forces Major General Gulevich in a bid to keep the communication channels going and to avoid any "miscalculation" amid the joint drills. The United States says Russia is planning to invade Ukraine with over 100,000 troops amassed at the border, however, Putin has dismissed the report but the Russian president has insisted his troops can move around freely anywhere inside their territory. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Things could go crazy': Ukraine accuses Russia of 'hybrid war' amid naval drill

Amid diplomatic efforts to bring the Ukraine crisis to an end, the United States said today that Russia has been building its forces along the border.

"We have continued to see even over the last 24 hours additional capabilities flow from elsewhere in Russia to that border with Ukraine and Belarus," the Pentagon said.

The Pentagon said the "numbers continue to grow" referring to the Russian troop deployment.

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&nbsp;"We also see indications that additional battalion tactical groups are on their way," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said, adding,"Every day he adds to his options. Every day he adds to his capabilities," Kirby added pointing at President Putin.

Meanwhile, Russia is set to launch its military exercise in Belarus. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg had said there would be at least 30,000 troops including Spetsnaz special operations forces, fighter jets and deployment of S-400 air defence system.

The White House called the military exercise was&nbsp;"escalatory and not a de-escalatory action" amid tensions with Ukraine.

Watch:&nbsp;Inside Ukraine's training camp for foreign fighters

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"I wouldn't make a prediction as to what it means in terms of an invasion," White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said.&nbsp;

Earlier, President Macron had met Ukraine President &nbsp;Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin in a bid to find a solution to the ongoing crisis. Macron informed President Biden about the meeting.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-dagger-on-ukraine-kinzhal-hypersonic-missiles-can-degrade-high-value-targets-447431">Also Read in Pics|&nbsp;Russia's 'Dagger' on Ukraine: Kinzhal hypersonic missiles can degrade high value targets</a>

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to visit Ukraine and Russia as diplomatic efforts continue to diffuse the Ukraine crisis after Russia deployed over 100,000 troops at the border with Ukraine.

Russia insists NATO should not extend its influence to the east.

Last month Kremlin had submitted a security document to the US and NATO directing it not to induct ex-Soviet states into its military alliance referring to Ukraine, however, the move was rejected both by the White House and NATO.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid diplomatic efforts to bring the Ukraine crisis to an end, the United States said today that Russia has been building its forces along the border. "We have continued to see even over the last 24 hours additional capabilities flow from elsewhere in Russia to that border with Ukraine and Belarus," the Pentagon said.

Amid diplomatic efforts to bring the Ukraine crisis to an end, the United States said today that Russia has been building its forces along the border. "We have continued to see even over the last 24 hours additional capabilities flow from elsewhere in Russia to that border with Ukraine and Belarus," the Pentagon said. The Pentagon said the "numbers continue to grow" referring to the Russian troop deployment. Also Read in Pics: Skyfall, Avangard, Sarmat: Russia's new killer 'superpower' weapons revealed "We also see indications that additional battalion tactical groups are on their way," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said, adding,"Every day he adds to his options. Every day he adds to his capabilities," Kirby added pointing at President Putin. Meanwhile, Russia is set to launch its military exercise in Belarus. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg had said there would be at least 30,000 troops including Spetsnaz special operations forces, fighter jets and deployment of S-400 air defence system. The White House called the military exercise was "escalatory and not a de-escalatory action" amid tensions with Ukraine. Watch: Inside Ukraine's training camp for foreign fighters "I wouldn't make a prediction as to what it means in terms of an invasion," White House spokesperson Jen Psaki said. Earlier, President Macron had met Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and Putin in a bid to find a solution to the ongoing crisis. Macron informed President Biden about the meeting. Also Read in Pics| Russia's 'Dagger' on Ukraine: Kinzhal hypersonic missiles can degrade high value targets German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to visit Ukraine and Russia as diplomatic efforts continue to diffuse the Ukraine crisis after Russia deployed over 100,000 troops at the border with Ukraine. Russia insists NATO should not extend its influence to the east. Last month Kremlin had submitted a security document to the US and NATO directing it not to induct ex-Soviet states into its military alliance referring to Ukraine, however, the move was rejected both by the White House and NATO. (With inputs from Agencies)

Ukraine crisis: Russia continues to deploy more forces, adding tactical groups, says US

Tsirkon 'serial production': Russia's race for hypersonic missiles revealed

Amid tensions with Russia, French President Macron called for "firm" dialogue with Putin's even as Russian warships made their way to the Black Sea for naval drills.

"We must find ways and means together to engage in a firm dialogue with Russia," Macron said, adding that it is the "only path to peace in Ukraine". The French president shuttled between Russia and Ukraine in an attempt to broker peace.

Meanwhile, Russian warships made their way towards the Black Sea on Tuesday, passing through Turkey's Bosphorus strait in a pre-planned military drill announced earlier.

<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>

President Tayyip Erdogan has also offered to mediate between Russia and Ukraine with Turkey being a NATO member. Russian warships &nbsp;Korolev, the Minsk and the Kaliningrad passed through the Bosphorus on Tuesday with another three warships - Olenegorsky Gornyak, Georgy Pobedonosets and Pyotr Morgunov set to pass on Wednesday.

The United States has warned for the past few months that Russia is ready to invade Ukraine as it has massed over 100,000 troops along Ukraine's border, President Putin in recent days however has categorically dismissed the report but has insisted that NATO should not extend its border to the eastern front.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia vs Ukraine: Can diplomacy deliver?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-direct-russia-vs-ukraine-can-diplomacy-deliver-451571/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In a security document submitted to NATO and the United States last month, the Kremlin had insisted that NATO should not induct former Soviet countries into its fold referring to Ukraine. The European alliance however dismissed the suggestion.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-crisis-us-thaad-vs-russian-s-400-missile-defence-system-451457">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;&nbsp;US THAAD vs Russian S-400 missile defence system</a>

Last week, at least 2,000 US troops had arrived in Europe as part of President Biden's push to deploy troops in Romania and Poland to bolster Ukraine and to keep Russia at bay amid hectic diplomatic activity.

After President Macron's visit to the crisis centres, EU's diplomatic chief Josep Borrell pointed out that there is &nbsp;an "element of detente" while adding that "as far as people are willing to sit at the table and talk I think that there is a hope for not going into military confrontation." &nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions with Russia, French President Macron called for "firm" dialogue with Putin's even as Russian warships made their way to the Black Sea for naval drills.

Amid tensions with Russia, French President Macron called for "firm" dialogue with Putin's even as Russian warships made their way to the Black Sea for naval drills. "We must find ways and means together to engage in a firm dialogue with Russia," Macron said, adding that it is the "only path to peace in Ukraine". The French president shuttled between Russia and Ukraine in an attempt to broker peace. Meanwhile, Russian warships made their way towards the Black Sea on Tuesday, passing through Turkey's Bosphorus strait in a pre-planned military drill announced earlier. Also Read in Pics | Target Ukraine: US F-35 vs Russian Air Force SU-57 jets, who wins? President Tayyip Erdogan has also offered to mediate between Russia and Ukraine with Turkey being a NATO member. Russian warships Korolev, the Minsk and the Kaliningrad passed through the Bosphorus on Tuesday with another three warships - Olenegorsky Gornyak, Georgy Pobedonosets and Pyotr Morgunov set to pass on Wednesday. The United States has warned for the past few months that Russia is ready to invade Ukraine as it has massed over 100,000 troops along Ukraine's border, President Putin in recent days however has categorically dismissed the report but has insisted that NATO should not extend its border to the eastern front. Watch | Russia vs Ukraine: Can diplomacy deliver? In a security document submitted to NATO and the United States last month, the Kremlin had insisted that NATO should not induct former Soviet countries into its fold referring to Ukraine. The European alliance however dismissed the suggestion. Also Read in Pics: US THAAD vs Russian S-400 missile defence system Last week, at least 2,000 US troops had arrived in Europe as part of President Biden's push to deploy troops in Romania and Poland to bolster Ukraine and to keep Russia at bay amid hectic diplomatic activity. After President Macron's visit to the crisis centres, EU's diplomatic chief Josep Borrell pointed out that there is an "element of detente" while adding that "as far as people are willing to sit at the table and talk I think that there is a hope for not going into military confrontation." (With inputs from Agencies)

Ukraine crisis: Macron pushes for peace as Russian warships head to the Black Sea for drills

India’s diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing this week was another balancing act of a piece with its position on Ukraine in the UN Security Council meeting last week. In both cases, the Government of India made a virtue of not taking a stand by appearing to take a stand. &nbsp;

New Delhi’s boycott of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing games is calculated to impress that it wants to be counted on the side of the US-led West, though for reasons ostensibly different from what actuated the so-called international community’s boycott of the Winter Olympics. This is borne out by the fact that the Indian ‘contingent’ to the games comprising a single athlete took part in the event. &nbsp;

Similarly, at the January 31 meeting of the UN Security Council, India abstained from the vote-seeking a discussion on Ukraine to underscore its tilt towards the Russian position.&nbsp;&nbsp;While ten UNSC members including the US, the UK and France voted in favour of discussions, Russia and China made a bid to block discussions. As an abstainer, India found itself in the company of Kenya and Gabon, which is not very flattering for a country perceived as a “leading power”.&nbsp;

Although the stated reason for India’s diplomatic boycott is China according a prominent role in the Olympic ceremonies to a People’s Liberation Army soldier who saw action in Galwan, it is no secret that this was only to justify India being on the same side as the West; but without appearing as a camp follower of the West-led “international community”. &nbsp;

Today, India is aligned with the US as it has never been before. In recent years, India-US ties have deepened across many tracks with the military-strategic facet of the relationship reinforced by the logistics agreement.

At the same time, India’s relations with China have worsened, especially after the military face-off in eastern Ladakh. India-Russia ties are strong and of strategic importance with defence cooperation as crucial as the one India has with the US. India buys huge quantities of military hardware from both the US and Russia.&nbsp;

Therefore, at the UNSC, on the issue of Ukraine, India did not want to be seen as taking sides in the raging conflict between the US and Russia. New Delhi adopted a nuanced position calculated to safeguard its interests with both the US and Russia.

India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, T S Tirumurti said, “India’s interest is in finding a solution that can provide for immediate de-escalation of tensions taking into account the legitimate security interests of all countries and aimed towards securing long term peace and stability in the region and beyond”. Such an articulation implied neither criticism of Russia’s actions nor an endorsement of the US-led moves against Russia. &nbsp;

While Russia might be relieved and the US disappointed by India’s failure to choose sides, the tightrope walk shows that India is determined not to be drawn into a big power conflict. To that extent, India’s leverage with all of the P-5 countries may be diminished because pressure from rival power centres would make it difficult to walk the middle ground at all times. &nbsp;

It is in the nature of big power games involving international alliances such as Russia-China and the Western bloc that countries which do not take sides may find themselves stuck with the compulsions and consequences of their balancing acts. There might be tricky challenges to negotiate in forums such as, one, BRICS and RIC, where GoI has to make common cause and get on with China and Russia without raising US hackles; and, two, the US-led Quad in the Indo-Pacific where India, along with Australia and Japan, may find itself pitted against China on another front.&nbsp;

The Quad foreign ministers meeting in Australia this week may provide some pointers to how India would play its hand in bloc politics driven by big power rivalry.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

What is clear though is that India will have to settle for a lower profile among the movers and shakers on the world stage at a time when, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, the global order is changing. In this situation of flux, in external affairs, India would have to constantly guard against differences becoming disputes and bear in mind that "domestic reforms truly have a global significance".&nbsp;

As External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored, “If India is to have a place at the high table, it must transform itself”.&nbsp;&nbsp;And, the world, particularly the neighbourhood, would be watching how India transforms itself.&nbsp;

The author is Editorial Consultant,&nbsp;WION TV.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) 
&nbsp;

India’s diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing this week was another balancing act of a piece with its position on Ukraine in the UN Security Council meeting last week.

India’s diplomatic boycott of the Winter Olympics in Beijing this week was another balancing act of a piece with its position on Ukraine in the UN Security Council meeting last week. In both cases, the Government of India made a virtue of not taking a stand by appearing to take a stand. New Delhi’s boycott of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing games is calculated to impress that it wants to be counted on the side of the US-led West, though for reasons ostensibly different from what actuated the so-called international community’s boycott of the Winter Olympics. This is borne out by the fact that the Indian ‘contingent’ to the games comprising a single athlete took part in the event. Similarly, at the January 31 meeting of the UN Security Council, India abstained from the vote-seeking a discussion on Ukraine to underscore its tilt towards the Russian position. While ten UNSC members including the US, the UK and France voted in favour of discussions, Russia and China made a bid to block discussions. As an abstainer, India found itself in the company of Kenya and Gabon, which is not very flattering for a country perceived as a “leading power”. Although the stated reason for India’s diplomatic boycott is China according a prominent role in the Olympic ceremonies to a People’s Liberation Army soldier who saw action in Galwan, it is no secret that this was only to justify India being on the same side as the West; but without appearing as a camp follower of the West-led “international community”. Today, India is aligned with the US as it has never been before. In recent years, India-US ties have deepened across many tracks with the military-strategic facet of the relationship reinforced by the logistics agreement. At the same time, India’s relations with China have worsened, especially after the military face-off in eastern Ladakh. India-Russia ties are strong and of strategic importance with defence cooperation as crucial as the one India has with the US. India buys huge quantities of military hardware from both the US and Russia. Therefore, at the UNSC, on the issue of Ukraine, India did not want to be seen as taking sides in the raging conflict between the US and Russia. New Delhi adopted a nuanced position calculated to safeguard its interests with both the US and Russia. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, T S Tirumurti said, “India’s interest is in finding a solution that can provide for immediate de-escalation of tensions taking into account the legitimate security interests of all countries and aimed towards securing long term peace and stability in the region and beyond”. Such an articulation implied neither criticism of Russia’s actions nor an endorsement of the US-led moves against Russia. While Russia might be relieved and the US disappointed by India’s failure to choose sides, the tightrope walk shows that India is determined not to be drawn into a big power conflict. To that extent, India’s leverage with all of the P-5 countries may be diminished because pressure from rival power centres would make it difficult to walk the middle ground at all times. It is in the nature of big power games involving international alliances such as Russia-China and the Western bloc that countries which do not take sides may find themselves stuck with the compulsions and consequences of their balancing acts. There might be tricky challenges to negotiate in forums such as, one, BRICS and RIC, where GoI has to make common cause and get on with China and Russia without raising US hackles; and, two, the US-led Quad in the Indo-Pacific where India, along with Australia and Japan, may find itself pitted against China on another front. The Quad foreign ministers meeting in Australia this week may provide some pointers to how India would play its hand in bloc politics driven by big power rivalry. What is clear though is that India will have to settle for a lower profile among the movers and shakers on the world stage at a time when, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, the global order is changing. In this situation of flux, in external affairs, India would have to constantly guard against differences becoming disputes and bear in mind that "domestic reforms truly have a global significance". As External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored, “If India is to have a place at the high table, it must transform itself”. And, the world, particularly the neighbourhood, would be watching how India transforms itself. The author is Editorial Consultant, WION TV. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

On The Margin | Big power games trap India on a tightrope

Amid tensions with Russia, US President Joe Biden said that "if Russia invades then there will be no longer a Nord Stream 2."

The US president was speaking during a joint news conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who backed the idea of blocking the pipeline.

"We are acting together. We are absolutely united and we will not be taking different steps," the German Chancellor said.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was ready for a compromise after his talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraines-challenge-how-russia-uses-spetsnaz-as-tip-of-the-spear-450702">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Ukraine's challenge: How Russia uses Spetsnaz as 'tip of the spear'&nbsp;</a>

"A number of his ideas, proposals are possible as a basis for further steps," the Russian president said, adding, "We will do everything to find compromises that suit everyone."

President Macron is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Tuesday amid hectic diplomatic activity to prevent an invasion which the US has warned would have disastrous consequences for Russia.

Watch:&nbsp;WION's ringside at Ukraine military drill

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wion-ringside-at-ukraine-military-drill-451350/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

President Biden said Russia has to adhere to "long-standing principles of rules-based international order" as he asserted that Germany and the US have been working closely to find "diplomatic resolutions" to tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

The US has warned Russia is ready to invade Ukraine with over 100,000 troops massed at the border, however, Russian President Putin has repeatedly said his regime has no invasion plans while pointing out that Russian troops have the right to move around anywhere inside the country's territory.

<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>

President Biden emphasised that talks with Russia will continue in "good faith" as Germany pushes for de-escalation of tension and ensure dialogue under the Normandy format as both the German Chancellor and the US president hoped for a diplomatic solution to the crisis.

"But if Russia makes a choice to further invade Ukraine, we are jointly ready and all of NATO is ready," President Biden warned.

(With inputs from Agencies)

 
&nbsp;

Amid tensions with Russia, US President Joe Biden said that "if Russia invades then there will be no longer a Nord Stream 2." The US president was speaking during a joint news conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who backed the idea of blocking the pipeline.

Amid tensions with Russia, US President Joe Biden said that "if Russia invades then there will be no longer a Nord Stream 2." The US president was speaking during a joint news conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who backed the idea of blocking the pipeline. "We are acting together. We are absolutely united and we will not be taking different steps," the German Chancellor said. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was ready for a compromise after his talks with French President Emmanuel Macron. Also Read in Pics: Ukraine's challenge: How Russia uses Spetsnaz as 'tip of the spear' "A number of his ideas, proposals are possible as a basis for further steps," the Russian president said, adding, "We will do everything to find compromises that suit everyone." President Macron is set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on Tuesday amid hectic diplomatic activity to prevent an invasion which the US has warned would have disastrous consequences for Russia. Watch: WION's ringside at Ukraine military drill President Biden said Russia has to adhere to "long-standing principles of rules-based international order" as he asserted that Germany and the US have been working closely to find "diplomatic resolutions" to tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The US has warned Russia is ready to invade Ukraine with over 100,000 troops massed at the border, however, Russian President Putin has repeatedly said his regime has no invasion plans while pointing out that Russian troops have the right to move around anywhere inside the country's territory. Also Read in Pics| Target Ukraine: US F-35 vs Russian Air Force SU-57 jets, who wins? President Biden emphasised that talks with Russia will continue in "good faith" as Germany pushes for de-escalation of tension and ensure dialogue under the Normandy format as both the German Chancellor and the US president hoped for a diplomatic solution to the crisis. "But if Russia makes a choice to further invade Ukraine, we are jointly ready and all of NATO is ready," President Biden warned. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Will find compromises': No Nord Stream 2 if Russia invades Ukraine, says Biden

US troops arrived in Germany as reinforcement for NATO troops amid tensions with Russia over its troop buildup along Ukraine's border.

2,000 US soldiers touched down on European soil from the 18th Airborne Corps as part of the paratrooper division to be deployed in Poland.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden had committed nearly 3,000 extra troops to Poland and Romania in a bid to keep a check on Russian forces massed along Ukraine's border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-dagger-on-ukraine-kinzhal-hypersonic-missiles-can-degrade-high-value-targets-447431">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;Russia's 'Dagger' on Ukraine:&nbsp;Kinzhal hypersonic missiles&nbsp;</a>

The US has said there are over 100,000 Russian troops massed along Ukraine's ready to invade the country, however, President Putin has dismissed reports that his forces are set to enter Ukrainian territory while maintaining that Russian troops have the right to move about anywhere inside their territory.

Watch:&nbsp;Ukraine vs Russia: Comparing the Military capabilities

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-vs-russia-comparing-the-military-capabilities-450586/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, after Russia and China issued a joint statement over their opposition to any NATO expansion, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said: "Destabilising conflict in Europe would impact China's interests all over the world and certainly China should know that."

Ahead of the Winter Olympics, Putin and President Xi in a joint statement had reiterated their "friendship" while asserting that there was "no limit" or "forbidden" areas of cooperation.

Psaki however hit out at Russia saying: "Our objective is to deny Russia the opportunity to use these lies to justify an invasion of Ukraine and to convey clearly these are actions we're seeing that are straight out of their playbook."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-checkmate-why-the-orion-combat-drone-is-a-gamechanger-446455">Also Read |&nbsp;Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger</a>

"We've seen them run false flag operations in the past and use confusion to launch military action many times in history," the White House press secretary added.&nbsp;

China and Russia also voiced their opposition to the newly formed AUKUS alliance comprising of the US, Britain and Australia as Putin's regime said Taiwan is an inalienable part of China.

China's bid to highlight&nbsp;the Winter Olympics worldwide has been hit by diplomatic boycott by the US and other Western countries&nbsp;even as President Putin is currently under scrutiny over tensions in Ukraine.

(With inputs from Agencies)

US troops arrived in Germany as reinforcement for NATO troops amid tensions with Russia over its troop buildup along Ukraine's border. 2,000 US soldiers touched down on European soil from the 18th Airborne Corps as part of the paratrooper division to be deployed in Poland.

US troops arrived in Germany as reinforcement for NATO troops amid tensions with Russia over its troop buildup along Ukraine's border. 2,000 US soldiers touched down on European soil from the 18th Airborne Corps as part of the paratrooper division to be deployed in Poland. President Joe Biden had committed nearly 3,000 extra troops to Poland and Romania in a bid to keep a check on Russian forces massed along Ukraine's border. Also Read in Pics | Russia's 'Dagger' on Ukraine: Kinzhal hypersonic missiles The US has said there are over 100,000 Russian troops massed along Ukraine's ready to invade the country, however, President Putin has dismissed reports that his forces are set to enter Ukrainian territory while maintaining that Russian troops have the right to move about anywhere inside their territory. Watch: Ukraine vs Russia: Comparing the Military capabilities Meanwhile, after Russia and China issued a joint statement over their opposition to any NATO expansion, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said: "Destabilising conflict in Europe would impact China's interests all over the world and certainly China should know that." Ahead of the Winter Olympics, Putin and President Xi in a joint statement had reiterated their "friendship" while asserting that there was "no limit" or "forbidden" areas of cooperation. Psaki however hit out at Russia saying: "Our objective is to deny Russia the opportunity to use these lies to justify an invasion of Ukraine and to convey clearly these are actions we're seeing that are straight out of their playbook." Also Read | Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger "We've seen them run false flag operations in the past and use confusion to launch military action many times in history," the White House press secretary added. China and Russia also voiced their opposition to the newly formed AUKUS alliance comprising of the US, Britain and Australia as Putin's regime said Taiwan is an inalienable part of China. China's bid to highlight the Winter Olympics worldwide has been hit by diplomatic boycott by the US and other Western countries even as President Putin is currently under scrutiny over tensions in Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies)

Destabilising conflict in Europe will impact China: US on Ukraine row

The Pentagon said today that Russia may "fabricate a pretext for an invasion" against Ukraine.

"As part of this fake attack, we believe that Russia would produce a very graphic propaganda video, which would include corpses and actors that would be depicting mourners and images of destroyed locations," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

However, US officials said the latest development was reported by intelligence sources while adding that there&nbsp;were no videos available at the moment.

The spokesman said, "I'm not going to spell out what is in our possession" even as Russia condemned American troop deployments in the region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/skyfall-avangard-sarmat-russias-new-killer-superpower-weapons-revealed-448724">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Skyfall, Avangard, Sarmat: Russia's new killer 'superpower' weapons revealed</a>

The United States has been warning for months that Russia is planning an invasion against Ukraine while massing thousands of troops at the border. President Putin has repeatedly denied any invasion plans while insisting that Russian troops have the right the move around anywhere inside their own territory.

Watch: Gravitas |&nbsp;US deploys 3,000 soldiers to Europe

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-us-deploys-3000-soldiers-to-europe-450286/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We've seen these kinds of activity by the Russians in the past and we believe it's important when we see it like this that we can call it out," Kirby said, adding,"I would just say that our experience is that very little of this nature is not approved at the highest levels of the Russian government."

Pentagon said Russia is planning to "initiate and potentially justify military aggression against Ukraine" by developing a "fake pretext". Russia however dismissed reports of trying to manufacture a conflict.

<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>

"It's obvious that these are not steps aimed at de-escalating tensions, but on the contrary, they are actions that lead to increasing tensions," Kremlin spokesman said referring to the Biden administration's decision to send 3,000 troops to Poland and Romania.&nbsp;

The Kremlin spokesman added that Russian officials have been trying to "call on American counterparts to stop aggravating tensions", but "unfortunately, the Americans continue to do so".

Amid escalating tensions, NATO chief Stoltenberg said more Russian troops had arrived in Belarus with both countries conducting joint drills, asserting that it was the &nbsp;"biggest Russian deployment there since the Cold War".

(With inputs from Agencies)

The Pentagon said today that Russia may "fabricate a pretext for an invasion" against Ukraine. "As part of this fake attack, we believe that Russia would produce a very graphic propaganda video, which would include corpses and actors that would be depicting mourners and images of destroyed locations," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said.

The Pentagon said today that Russia may "fabricate a pretext for an invasion" against Ukraine. "As part of this fake attack, we believe that Russia would produce a very graphic propaganda video, which would include corpses and actors that would be depicting mourners and images of destroyed locations," Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said. However, US officials said the latest development was reported by intelligence sources while adding that there were no videos available at the moment. The spokesman said, "I'm not going to spell out what is in our possession" even as Russia condemned American troop deployments in the region. Also Read in Pics: Skyfall, Avangard, Sarmat: Russia's new killer 'superpower' weapons revealed The United States has been warning for months that Russia is planning an invasion against Ukraine while massing thousands of troops at the border. President Putin has repeatedly denied any invasion plans while insisting that Russian troops have the right the move around anywhere inside their own territory. Watch: Gravitas | US deploys 3,000 soldiers to Europe "We've seen these kinds of activity by the Russians in the past and we believe it's important when we see it like this that we can call it out," Kirby said, adding,"I would just say that our experience is that very little of this nature is not approved at the highest levels of the Russian government." Pentagon said Russia is planning to "initiate and potentially justify military aggression against Ukraine" by developing a "fake pretext". Russia however dismissed reports of trying to manufacture a conflict. Also Read in Pics | Russia's 'checkmate': Why the Orion combat drone is a gamechanger "It's obvious that these are not steps aimed at de-escalating tensions, but on the contrary, they are actions that lead to increasing tensions," Kremlin spokesman said referring to the Biden administration's decision to send 3,000 troops to Poland and Romania. The Kremlin spokesman added that Russian officials have been trying to "call on American counterparts to stop aggravating tensions", but "unfortunately, the Americans continue to do so". Amid escalating tensions, NATO chief Stoltenberg said more Russian troops had arrived in Belarus with both countries conducting joint drills, asserting that it was the "biggest Russian deployment there since the Cold War". (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia will produce graphic propaganda video as pretext for an invasion against Ukraine: US

Russia's 'Dagger' on Ukraine: Kinzhal hypersonic missiles can degrade high value targets

Amid tensions with Ukraine, President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin on Friday announced the country's defence forces had test-launched the Tsirkon hypersonic missile system.

"This morning, the Tsirkon hypersonic system was salvo-launched. This is our latest missile that can strike both naval and ground targets," President Putin said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-tensions-with-ukraine-russia-plans-urgent-burial-of-corpses-report-439597">Also Read |&nbsp;Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia plans 'urgent burial of corpses': Report</a>

The Russian president said the launch was aimed at "enhancing Russia’s security and defence capability". &nbsp;"Tests were successful and impeccable," the Russian president added.

The move comes as tensions continue on the Ukraine border amid repeated warning from the US that Russia has amassed over 100,000 troops on the Ukrainian border.

Meanwhile, Russia's news agency TASS quoting a local newspaper reported that Russian troops are set to receive Very Short-Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) Gibka-S systems next year. The Gibka-S system was tested by Russian forces two years ago.

Watch:&nbsp;Ready to engage in diplomacy with Russia, says US

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Reports say the Gibka-S missiles can intercept drones, cruise missiles and high-precision weapons at low and&nbsp;limited visibility.

In a bid to de-escalate tensions, Russia's foreign ministry said its officials are ready for "direct dialogue" with NATO on security guarantees.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-tensions-with-ukraine-russia-plans-urgent-burial-of-corpses-report-439597">Also Read:&nbsp;Ukraine conducts military drill with US-made anti-tank missiles</a>

NATO chief &nbsp;Jens Stoltenberg had offered to start talks with Russian officials year next year without setting a date to discuss the situation in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Russia had earlier submitted a document on security guarantees to NATO and the US underling its concerns while emphasising that the Western military alliance should not extend its influence in the east and desist from giving NATO membership to former Soviet block countries referring to Ukraine.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Amid tensions with Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin on Friday announced the country's defence forces had test-launched the Tsirkon hypersonic missile system. "This morning, the Tsirkon hypersonic system was salvo-launched.

Amid tensions with Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin on Friday announced the country's defence forces had test-launched the Tsirkon hypersonic missile system. "This morning, the Tsirkon hypersonic system was salvo-launched. This is our latest missile that can strike both naval and ground targets," President Putin said. Also Read | Amid tensions with Ukraine, Russia plans 'urgent burial of corpses': Report The Russian president said the launch was aimed at "enhancing Russia’s security and defence capability". "Tests were successful and impeccable," the Russian president added. The move comes as tensions continue on the Ukraine border amid repeated warning from the US that Russia has amassed over 100,000 troops on the Ukrainian border. Meanwhile, Russia's news agency TASS quoting a local newspaper reported that Russian troops are set to receive Very Short-Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) Gibka-S systems next year. The Gibka-S system was tested by Russian forces two years ago. Watch: Ready to engage in diplomacy with Russia, says US Reports say the Gibka-S missiles can intercept drones, cruise missiles and high-precision weapons at low and limited visibility. In a bid to de-escalate tensions, Russia's foreign ministry said its officials are ready for "direct dialogue" with NATO on security guarantees. Also Read: Ukraine conducts military drill with US-made anti-tank missiles NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg had offered to start talks with Russian officials year next year without setting a date to discuss the situation in Ukraine. Russia had earlier submitted a document on security guarantees to NATO and the US underling its concerns while emphasising that the Western military alliance should not extend its influence in the east and desist from giving NATO membership to former Soviet block countries referring to Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies)

Amid row with Ukraine, Russia tests Tsirkon hypersonic missile system