As part of its tactics to disarm Ukraine, the Russian defence ministry has announced that it will target Ukraine enterprises in the defence industry. Russia says that it will use high precision weapons to destroy defence factories in Ukraine.

Russia steps up assault on urban areas | Russia announces plans to strike defence factories

Russia announces plans to strike defence factories

Beyond conventional wisdom, more than the loss of finance, strategy, and economy, there lies a much deeper, often immeasurable - the human cost of war.

Ukraine-Russia Conflict: The Human Cost Of War

European Union, United States, Britain and others have hit Russia with a wide-range of sanctions after its invasion of Ukraine. Asset freezes, travel bans and restrictions on Russian individuals including billionaires, president and the foreign minister.

Repercussion of Russian invasion of Ukraine: Frozen assets, travel bans and imports-exports curbs

I stand by my motherland: Celebrities from Ukraine respond to Russian invasion

On Thursday, Russia launched an all-out land, air, and sea invasion of Ukraine, the worst attack by one country against another in Europe since World War II, fulfilling the West's greatest fears.&nbsp;

According to Mirror, distressing photo of a man crying over the body of what appears to be a relative has highlighted the brutal reality of the looming conflict.

As the sun rose this morning in Ukraine, the early toll of Russian missile strikes on densely populated cities began to emerge. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-bow-down-ukraine-president-vows-to-fight-back-against-aggressor-russia-456029">‘Won’t bow down’: Ukraine president vows to fight back against Russia</a>

An attack on a military unit in Podilsk, near Odessa, killed six people and injured seven, according to officials.

The photos are thought to have been taken in Donbas, which is located in the separatist Donetsk area of the country's east.

One of the strikes seemed to have killed him. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50-russian-occupiers-killed-we-have-losses-says-ukraine-as-casualties-rise-455989">'50 Russian occupiers killed': We have losses, says Ukraine as casualties rise</a>

The man is shown on his knees in the rubble, crying and holding his hands to his face in a heartbreaking photo.&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on all citizens who are ready to defend the country from Russian forces to come forward, saying Kyiv will issue weapons to everyone who wants them.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Thursday, Russia launched an all-out land, air, and sea invasion of Ukraine, the worst attack by one country against another in Europe since World War II, fulfilling the West's greatest fears.

On Thursday, Russia launched an all-out land, air, and sea invasion of Ukraine, the worst attack by one country against another in Europe since World War II, fulfilling the West's greatest fears. According to Mirror, distressing photo of a man crying over the body of what appears to be a relative has highlighted the brutal reality of the looming conflict. As the sun rose this morning in Ukraine, the early toll of Russian missile strikes on densely populated cities began to emerge. Also read | ‘Won’t bow down’: Ukraine president vows to fight back against Russia An attack on a military unit in Podilsk, near Odessa, killed six people and injured seven, according to officials. The photos are thought to have been taken in Donbas, which is located in the separatist Donetsk area of the country's east. One of the strikes seemed to have killed him. Also read | '50 Russian occupiers killed': We have losses, says Ukraine as casualties rise The man is shown on his knees in the rubble, crying and holding his hands to his face in a heartbreaking photo. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on all citizens who are ready to defend the country from Russian forces to come forward, saying Kyiv will issue weapons to everyone who wants them. (With inputs from agencies)

Picture shows a Ukrainian crying near body of man killed in Russian strike

Hours after launching a full-scale military action against Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday clarified said that Kremlin had no other choice but to “invade” its neighbour’s borders, according to AFP.

“What was happening left us with no choice,” the Russian leader said during a televised meeting with business representatives, adding that “we had no other way of proceeding”.

The remarks are in stark contrast to what was said earlier by the Russian leader that Moscow had no plans of launching a full-scale invasion.

Putin also said his country wanted to remain part of the world economy and had no plans to harm it.

“Russia remains part of the world economy,” he said.

“We are not going to damage the world economic system which we are part of," he said, adding he also did not want Russia to be excluded from the international economic community.

"It seems to me that our partners should understand this and not set themselves the task of pushing us out of this system," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-bow-down-ukraine-president-vows-to-fight-back-against-aggressor-russia-456029">‘Won’t bow down’: Ukraine president vows to fight back against Russia</a>

The attack triggered Western warnings of unprecedented sanctions against Russia as NATO, EU and G7 leaders condemned the attack and vowed to hold Moscow accountable.

Russian airstrikes hit military installations across the country as ground forces moved in from the north, south and east, forcing many Ukrainians to flee their homes to the sounds of the bombing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/50-russian-occupiers-killed-we-have-losses-says-ukraine-as-casualties-rise-455989">'50 Russian occupiers killed': We have losses, says Ukraine as casualties rise</a>

Across Ukraine, at least 68 people were killed, including both soldiers and civilians, according to an AFP reported citing Ukrainian official sources.

Britain said it is freezing the UK assets of Russian elites in banking and arms manufacturing, sanctioning five more oligarchs and banning Aeroflot from its airspace, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday.

The US government also imposed sanctions&nbsp;on two Russian banks, Moscow's sovereign debt, several oligarchs and other measures.

Germany had earlier announced it would block the pipeline from opening for deliveries.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine under attack from land and sea, 'full scale' military operation underway

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-under-attack-from-land-and-sea-full-scale-military-operation-underway-456199/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Hours after launching a full-scale military action against Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday clarified said that Kremlin had no other choice but to “invade” its neighbour’s borders, according to AFP.

Hours after launching a full-scale military action against Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday clarified said that Kremlin had no other choice but to “invade” its neighbour’s borders, according to AFP. “What was happening left us with no choice,” the Russian leader said during a televised meeting with business representatives, adding that “we had no other way of proceeding”. The remarks are in stark contrast to what was said earlier by the Russian leader that Moscow had no plans of launching a full-scale invasion. Putin also said his country wanted to remain part of the world economy and had no plans to harm it. “Russia remains part of the world economy,” he said. “We are not going to damage the world economic system which we are part of," he said, adding he also did not want Russia to be excluded from the international economic community. "It seems to me that our partners should understand this and not set themselves the task of pushing us out of this system," he added. Also read | ‘Won’t bow down’: Ukraine president vows to fight back against Russia The attack triggered Western warnings of unprecedented sanctions against Russia as NATO, EU and G7 leaders condemned the attack and vowed to hold Moscow accountable. Russian airstrikes hit military installations across the country as ground forces moved in from the north, south and east, forcing many Ukrainians to flee their homes to the sounds of the bombing. Also read | '50 Russian occupiers killed': We have losses, says Ukraine as casualties rise Across Ukraine, at least 68 people were killed, including both soldiers and civilians, according to an AFP reported citing Ukrainian official sources. Britain said it is freezing the UK assets of Russian elites in banking and arms manufacturing, sanctioning five more oligarchs and banning Aeroflot from its airspace, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday. The US government also imposed sanctions on two Russian banks, Moscow's sovereign debt, several oligarchs and other measures. Germany had earlier announced it would block the pipeline from opening for deliveries. Watch | Ukraine under attack from land and sea, 'full scale' military operation underway (With inputs from agencies)

‘No choice but to invade Ukraine to defend Russia’, says Vladimir Putin

Former US president Donald Trump hailed "genius" Russian leader Vladimir Putin for recognising two breakaway regions of Ukraine and sending in troops as "peacekeepers" to the areas.

While Putin was scorned by US President Joe Biden and other western leaders, Trump was full of praise for his "best friend."

During an interview on a right-wing radio programme, The Clay Travis &amp; Buck Sexton Show, Trump said it was "wonderful," "so smart," and even "genius" for Putin to "declare a large portion of Ukraine as independent."

"I went in yesterday and there was a television screen, and I said: ‘This is genius’," Trump said.

"Putin declares independence for a large portion of Ukraine. Oh, that’s wonderful. "

Also see |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-russian-president-vladimir-putins-tense-exchange-with-his-spy-chief-over-eastern-ukraine-455611">&nbsp;Vladimir Putin's tense exchange with his spy chief over eastern Ukraine</a>

The ex-president was quick to add that the crisis wouldn’t have escalated under his administration as it is happening now.

So, Putin is now saying, 'It's independent,' to a large section of Ukraine. I said, 'How smart is that?' And he's going to go in and be a peacekeeper. That's the strongest peace force, "Trump said.

"We could use that on our southern border. That's the strongest peace force I've ever seen... Here's a guy who's very savvy... I know him very well. very, very well. "

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beginning-an-invasion-us-imposes-fresh-sanctions-against-russia-455521">'Beginning an invasion': US imposes fresh sanctions against Russia</a>

Meanwhile, Biden announced a new set of sanctions on Russia for "beginning" an invasion of Ukraine but said there was still time to avoid war.

Biden on Monday signed an Executive Order that will prohibit all new investment, trade, and financing by U.S. persons to, from, or in the "so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics".

(With contributions from agencies)

Former US president Donald Trump hailed "genius" Russian leader Vladimir Putin for recognising two breakaway regions of Ukraine and sending in troops as "peacekeepers" to the areas.

Former US president Donald Trump hailed "genius" Russian leader Vladimir Putin for recognising two breakaway regions of Ukraine and sending in troops as "peacekeepers" to the areas. While Putin was scorned by US President Joe Biden and other western leaders, Trump was full of praise for his "best friend." During an interview on a right-wing radio programme, The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show, Trump said it was "wonderful," "so smart," and even "genius" for Putin to "declare a large portion of Ukraine as independent." "I went in yesterday and there was a television screen, and I said: ‘This is genius’," Trump said. "Putin declares independence for a large portion of Ukraine. Oh, that’s wonderful. " Also see | Vladimir Putin's tense exchange with his spy chief over eastern Ukraine The ex-president was quick to add that the crisis wouldn’t have escalated under his administration as it is happening now. So, Putin is now saying, 'It's independent,' to a large section of Ukraine. I said, 'How smart is that?' And he's going to go in and be a peacekeeper. That's the strongest peace force, "Trump said. "We could use that on our southern border. That's the strongest peace force I've ever seen... Here's a guy who's very savvy... I know him very well. very, very well. " Also read | 'Beginning an invasion': US imposes fresh sanctions against Russia Meanwhile, Biden announced a new set of sanctions on Russia for "beginning" an invasion of Ukraine but said there was still time to avoid war. Biden on Monday signed an Executive Order that will prohibit all new investment, trade, and financing by U.S. persons to, from, or in the "so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics". (With contributions from agencies)

Donald Trump praises Putin’s strategy in Ukraine, calls him a ‘genius’   

The United States has credible information from intelligence sources that Russia is creating a hit list of “identified Ukrainians to be killed or sent to camps” in the event of an invasion, a top official told the United Nations.

In a letter to UN human rights chief, Michelle Bachelet, US ambassador to the UN, Bathsheba Crocker, has claimed that among the likely targets include Russian and Belarusian dissidents in exile in Ukraine, journalists, anti-corruption activists, and religious and ethnic minorities, reported AFP.

It warns that a Russian invasion of Ukraine would create a “human rights catastrophe” and that further abuses are being planned, which have previously included “targeted killings, kidnappings/forced disappearances, unjust detentions, and the use of torture”.

"We are deeply concerned about Russia's continuing human rights abuses in the parts of Ukraine it already occupies and have every reason to believe those concerns will multiply following a new military offensive," wrote Ambassador Crocker.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-family-guy-predict-vladimir-putins-ukraine-strategy-455350">Did Family Guy predict Vladimir Putin's Ukraine strategy?</a>

Citing the information, the US envoy said that Russian forces “will likely use lethal measures to disperse peaceful protests or otherwise counter peaceful exercises of perceived resistance from civilian populations.”

According to reports, the UN Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights has acknowledged receiving the letter on Monday and is said to be reviewing it.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/donetsk-and-lugansk-ukraines-breakaway-republics-455307" hreflang="en">Donetsk and Lugansk: Ukraine's breakaway republics</a>

Meanwhile, hours after recognising Russian-controlled areas of southeast Ukraine— Donetsk and Luhansk —Russian leader Vladimir Putin deployed “peacekeepers” to eastern Ukraine.

Putin recognised the rebels despite the West repeatedly warning him not to and threatening Moscow with a massive sanctions response.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States has credible information from intelligence sources that Russia is creating a hit list of “identified Ukrainians to be killed or sent to camps” in the event of an invasion, a top official told the United Nations.

The United States has credible information from intelligence sources that Russia is creating a hit list of “identified Ukrainians to be killed or sent to camps” in the event of an invasion, a top official told the United Nations. In a letter to UN human rights chief, Michelle Bachelet, US ambassador to the UN, Bathsheba Crocker, has claimed that among the likely targets include Russian and Belarusian dissidents in exile in Ukraine, journalists, anti-corruption activists, and religious and ethnic minorities, reported AFP. It warns that a Russian invasion of Ukraine would create a “human rights catastrophe” and that further abuses are being planned, which have previously included “targeted killings, kidnappings/forced disappearances, unjust detentions, and the use of torture”. "We are deeply concerned about Russia's continuing human rights abuses in the parts of Ukraine it already occupies and have every reason to believe those concerns will multiply following a new military offensive," wrote Ambassador Crocker. Also read | Did Family Guy predict Vladimir Putin's Ukraine strategy? Citing the information, the US envoy said that Russian forces “will likely use lethal measures to disperse peaceful protests or otherwise counter peaceful exercises of perceived resistance from civilian populations.” According to reports, the UN Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights has acknowledged receiving the letter on Monday and is said to be reviewing it. Also see | Donetsk and Lugansk: Ukraine's breakaway republics Meanwhile, hours after recognising Russian-controlled areas of southeast Ukraine— Donetsk and Luhansk —Russian leader Vladimir Putin deployed “peacekeepers” to eastern Ukraine. Putin recognised the rebels despite the West repeatedly warning him not to and threatening Moscow with a massive sanctions response. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia has ‘hit list’ of Ukrainians to be killed after invasion, claims US

The United States has warned the United Nations it has information that Russia has lists of Ukrainians to be killed or sent to camps in the event of an invasion.

US warns: Russia readying list of Ukrainian targets

Has Russian begun preparing for an invasion of Ukraine? East Ukraine has witnessed its most intense shelling since 2015. Pro-Russian separatists have announced a sudden evacuation in Donbas. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Ukraine Crisis: Is Moscow manufacturing a pretext for an invasion?

Germany has accused Russia of endangering Europe's security with demands that recall the cold war. These comments come as fears continue to grow that Russians are poised to invade their neighbouring nation Ukraine.

Germany accuses Russia of cold war demands before Munich security conference

Tensions have risen in eastern Ukraine as Russian-controlled separatists there shelled a nursery school in Donbass and warned of escalation. Also, the United States has warned that Russia is now preparing to launch an invasion in the coming days.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Shelling by Russia-backed separatists in Donbass hits nursery school

A series of cyberattacks knocked the websites of the Ukrainian army, defense ministry and major banks offline, as tensions persisted over the threat of a possible Russian invasion.

Cyberattacks knock out websites of Ukrainian army, defense ministry, major banks

Despite Moscow's assertion that it is withdrawing soldiers from the border, US President Joe Biden stated that the possibility of a Russian invasion of Ukraine is "extremely high" and might occur in "next several days".

Russia could attack on Ukraine in 'next several days', says US President Joe Biden

US intelligence reports wrongly predicted February 16 as the date of Russia's invasion. On the same day, Moscow announced that several soldiers and tanks are returning after military drills. Why did the west drum up fears of war? Has Putin abandoned his invasion plan? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: US intel fails, Russia says troops returning

Ukraine on Tuesday said that websites of the country’s defence ministry, armed forces and two banks came under a cyber attack.

The Ukrainian Centre for Strategic Communications and Information Security, which is part of the culture ministry, issued a statement suggesting that the perpetrator may have Russian origins.

“It is not ruled out that the aggressor used tactics of little dirty tricks because its aggressive plans are not working out on a large scale,” it said.

A message on the home page of the Ukrainian defence ministry website said it was under maintenance. The ministry tweeted that its website was apparently under a cyber attack and it was working on restoring access to it.

Kyiv has blamed Moscow for similar attacks in the past, since Russia began massing more than 100,000 troops near the frontier.

The latest attack came hours after Russia indicated de-escalation of the Ukrainian crisis, with President Vladimir Putin asserting that his country does not seek war.

The Kremlin confirmed the pullback of some forces from Ukraine's borders, but said the move was planned and stressed Russia would continue to move troops across the country as it saw fit.

However, in a strange coincidence, US intelligence had predicted that cyber attacks would precede Russia’s Ukraine invasion on February 16.

According to POLITICO, President Joe Biden is reported to have informed allies over the phone that Russia will start a physical assault on Ukraine as soon as February 16.

He reportedly claimed that the invasion would be preceded by a barrage of missile strikes and cyber attacks

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine on Tuesday said that websites of the country’s defence ministry, armed forces and two banks came under a cyber attack. The Ukrainian Centre for Strategic Communications and Information Security, which is part of the culture ministry, issued a statement suggesting that the perpetrator may have Russian origins.

Ukraine on Tuesday said that websites of the country’s defence ministry, armed forces and two banks came under a cyber attack. The Ukrainian Centre for Strategic Communications and Information Security, which is part of the culture ministry, issued a statement suggesting that the perpetrator may have Russian origins. “It is not ruled out that the aggressor used tactics of little dirty tricks because its aggressive plans are not working out on a large scale,” it said. A message on the home page of the Ukrainian defence ministry website said it was under maintenance. The ministry tweeted that its website was apparently under a cyber attack and it was working on restoring access to it. Kyiv has blamed Moscow for similar attacks in the past, since Russia began massing more than 100,000 troops near the frontier. The latest attack came hours after Russia indicated de-escalation of the Ukrainian crisis, with President Vladimir Putin asserting that his country does not seek war. The Kremlin confirmed the pullback of some forces from Ukraine's borders, but said the move was planned and stressed Russia would continue to move troops across the country as it saw fit. However, in a strange coincidence, US intelligence had predicted that cyber attacks would precede Russia’s Ukraine invasion on February 16. According to POLITICO, President Joe Biden is reported to have informed allies over the phone that Russia will start a physical assault on Ukraine as soon as February 16. He reportedly claimed that the invasion would be preceded by a barrage of missile strikes and cyber attacks (With inputs from agencies)

As predicted by US, Ukraine hit by cyber attacks amid Russian invasion fears

Will Russia invade Ukraine tomorrow? Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked his country's citizens to fly flags and sing the national anthem on Wednesday - as many reports claim Russia could launch an invasion tomorrow. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Ukraine-Russia conflict: Wednesday the day of attack?

Vladimir Putin is counting on China to help Russia circumvent possible western sanctions. Will Beijing openly back a Russian invasion of Ukraine? What's in it for Xi Jinping? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: What will China do if Russia invades Ukraine?

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is seeking to evacuate as many Israelis as possible from Ukraine amid growing fears of a Russian invasion.

Israeli officials rushing to evacuate citizens from Ukraine as Russia tensions escalate

US President Joe Biden reportedly told the Western allies during a phone call that his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, could launch an attack on Ukraine on February 16.

According to Politico, the leaders of the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Canada, Poland, Romania and France, as well as the NATO secretary general and the president of the European Commission took part in the talks.

It is being reported that Biden informed them that the "invasion"&nbsp;could be preceded by missile strikes and cyberattacks.

The media outlet, citing sources, said the call of the leaders indicated that cyberattacks were “imminent”, while another said intelligence reports were “specific and alarming”.

But the UK said it had a “different interpretation” of the alleged February 16 attack.

Politico reported that two European Union diplomats shared even more sceptical views, with one saying they “still refuse to buy it. It would be such a mistake by Putin. War is costly, Ukraine will fight them with everything.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-recalls-some-diplomatic-staff-from-ukraine-as-tensions-with-west-intensifies-452664" hreflang="en">Russia recalls some diplomatic staff from Ukraine as tensions intensify</a>

On Friday, US National security adviser Jake Sullivan mentioned that any attack on Ukraine could begin with “aerial bombing and missile attacks.”, saying that invasion could begin at any time, including “during the [Beijing] Olympics, despite a lot of speculation that it would only happen after the Olympics."

But Politico pointed out that Feb. 16 intelligence is “raw and not the overall assessment of the United States”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-recalls-some-diplomatic-staff-from-ukraine-as-tensions-with-west-intensifies-452664">Russia recalls some diplomatic staff from Ukraine as tensions with West intensifies</a>

Meanwhile, Reuters has reported that Biden is sending 3,000 troops to Poland to join 1,700 who already are assembling there in a demonstration of American commitment to NATO allies worried at the prospect of Russia invading Ukraine,&nbsp;

Their mission will be to train and provide deterrence but not to engage in combat in Ukraine, Reuters said citing a US defence official.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden reportedly told the Western allies during a phone call that his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, could launch an attack on Ukraine on February 16.

US President Joe Biden reportedly told the Western allies during a phone call that his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, could launch an attack on Ukraine on February 16. According to Politico, the leaders of the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Canada, Poland, Romania and France, as well as the NATO secretary general and the president of the European Commission took part in the talks. It is being reported that Biden informed them that the "invasion" could be preceded by missile strikes and cyberattacks. The media outlet, citing sources, said the call of the leaders indicated that cyberattacks were “imminent”, while another said intelligence reports were “specific and alarming”. But the UK said it had a “different interpretation” of the alleged February 16 attack. Politico reported that two European Union diplomats shared even more sceptical views, with one saying they “still refuse to buy it. It would be such a mistake by Putin. War is costly, Ukraine will fight them with everything.” Also read | Russia recalls some diplomatic staff from Ukraine as tensions intensify On Friday, US National security adviser Jake Sullivan mentioned that any attack on Ukraine could begin with “aerial bombing and missile attacks.”, saying that invasion could begin at any time, including “during the [Beijing] Olympics, despite a lot of speculation that it would only happen after the Olympics." But Politico pointed out that Feb. 16 intelligence is “raw and not the overall assessment of the United States”. Also read | Russia recalls some diplomatic staff from Ukraine as tensions with West intensifies Meanwhile, Reuters has reported that Biden is sending 3,000 troops to Poland to join 1,700 who already are assembling there in a demonstration of American commitment to NATO allies worried at the prospect of Russia invading Ukraine, Their mission will be to train and provide deterrence but not to engage in combat in Ukraine, Reuters said citing a US defence official. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden tells allies Russia may attack Ukraine on February 16: Reports

After intelligence inputs over Russian invasion, the United States is set to evacuate its embassy in Ukraine. &nbsp;

The Western intelligence officials have warned that a Russian invasion of Ukraine has become increasingly imminent.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leave-ukraine-within-48-hours-as-russian-attack-can-come-any-time-us-tells-americans-452534" hreflang="en">Leave Ukraine within 48 hours as attack can come any time, US tells Americans</a>

The State Department is planning to announce early on Saturday that all American staff at the Kyiv embassy will be asked to leave the country before the feared Russian invasion, said the US officials. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier, the department had told the families of US Embassy staffers in Kyiv to leave the country. But it had also left it to the discretion of non-essential personnel if they wanted to depart or not. &nbsp;&nbsp;

A limited number of diplomats of the US may be relocated to Ukraine's far west, along the border with NATO ally Poland, so that the US could retain a diplomatic presence in the country, the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-refused-russian-covid-test-in-putin-trip-due-to-dna-theft-fears-report-452420">Macron refused Russian Covid test in Putin trip due to DNA theft fears: Report</a>

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden will speak over phone on Saturday, the White House and Russian media said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On the same day, Putin will also talk to&nbsp;French President Emmanuel Macron, Russia's TASS news agency said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After intelligence inputs over Russian invasion, the United States is set to evacuate its embassy in Ukraine. The Western intelligence officials have warned that a Russian invasion of Ukraine has become increasingly imminent.

After intelligence inputs over Russian invasion, the United States is set to evacuate its embassy in Ukraine. The Western intelligence officials have warned that a Russian invasion of Ukraine has become increasingly imminent. Also Read: Leave Ukraine within 48 hours as attack can come any time, US tells Americans The State Department is planning to announce early on Saturday that all American staff at the Kyiv embassy will be asked to leave the country before the feared Russian invasion, said the US officials. Earlier, the department had told the families of US Embassy staffers in Kyiv to leave the country. But it had also left it to the discretion of non-essential personnel if they wanted to depart or not. A limited number of diplomats of the US may be relocated to Ukraine's far west, along the border with NATO ally Poland, so that the US could retain a diplomatic presence in the country, the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said. Also Read: Macron refused Russian Covid test in Putin trip due to DNA theft fears: Report Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Joe Biden will speak over phone on Saturday, the White House and Russian media said. On the same day, Putin will also talk to French President Emmanuel Macron, Russia's TASS news agency said. (With inputs from agencies)

US to evacuate embassy in Ukraine after intelligence inputs over imminent Russian invasion

President Joe Biden called on US citizens to leave Ukraine immediately due to the heightened risk of a Russian invasion. Biden reiterated that under no circumstances would he send US troops to Ukraine, even to rescue Americans in case of a Russian invasion.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: US urges its citizens to leave Ukraine immediately

The threat of war looms large over Ukraine. With more than 100,000 Russian troops deployed near its neighbour’s borders, the Ukrainians are preparing for the worst-case scenario.

As tensions between Russia and Ukraine reach a boiling point, world leaders and diplomats shuffle among Washington, Moscow and Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, to avert a war, which many fear would be catastrophic.

The same has been running around the minds of Indian students who are living in Ukraine.

There are around 20,000 Indian students studying medical and engineering in the east European country.

Indians form the biggest student group in Ukraine. Most of them come here to study medicine.

There are two reasons for that. One, it is affordable. Medical education here is cheaper than in India.

And two, the degrees that they get are recognised both in Europe and in India, so students come here in large numbers.

WION&nbsp;visited the country’s prestigious varsity, Taras Shevchenko National University, in Kyiv to talk to students and understand their life under the spectre of conflict.

As war brews on the border, a sense of worry is palpable in the dormitory. On the face of it, life looks normal on the campus, but the threat of war has been weighing on the mind of these students.

“There are things that are happening overnight. All we are doing is waiting for the updates,” said Shashank, a student at Taras Shevchenko National University.

Expressing similar views, another student says, “I have been here for three years and there has always been a talk of war. But this time it is more serious than before. Let’s see, the US, India are doing things. I don’t think there should be a war. But it is slightly unpredictable.”

These students are not only concerned for their safety, but they also worry about their Ukrainian friends.

“If war happens, we can always go back and create our life in India. We have the option to make our future brighter. Many of us come from a middle-class background, and if anything (war) happens, it will massively impact us. But we still can go back. Whereas, I worry for my Ukrainian friends. I feel that they might lose their independence,” said Madhu Mohan, a fourth-year MBBS student at Taras Shevchenko National University.

Students are banking on the Indian embassy in Kyiv,&nbsp;as they&nbsp;have been evacuated once before. At the beginning of the pandemic, hundreds of students were flown to India through the Vande Bharat mission.

Around two weeks back, the Indian embassy in Kyiv drew up a list, asking the students to fill up forms to collate their information in case they need&nbsp;to be evacuated if a war breaks out.

They say that if any conflict arises, New Delhi will ensure their safety.

&nbsp;“We think we are in safe hands because we are in constant touch with the (Indian) embassy. If there is any kind of evacuation, the embassy is going to take measures accordingly,” said Shashank.

Most of the classes have been going online because of the pandemic. Some students have gone back home while some stayed.

The threat of war looms large over Ukraine. With more than 100,000 Russian troops deployed near its neighbour’s borders, the Ukrainians are preparing for the worst-case scenario.

The threat of war looms large over Ukraine. With more than 100,000 Russian troops deployed near its neighbour’s borders, the Ukrainians are preparing for the worst-case scenario. As tensions between Russia and Ukraine reach a boiling point, world leaders and diplomats shuffle among Washington, Moscow and Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, to avert a war, which many fear would be catastrophic. The same has been running around the minds of Indian students who are living in Ukraine. There are around 20,000 Indian students studying medical and engineering in the east European country. Indians form the biggest student group in Ukraine. Most of them come here to study medicine. There are two reasons for that. One, it is affordable. Medical education here is cheaper than in India. And two, the degrees that they get are recognised both in Europe and in India, so students come here in large numbers. WION visited the country’s prestigious varsity, Taras Shevchenko National University, in Kyiv to talk to students and understand their life under the spectre of conflict. As war brews on the border, a sense of worry is palpable in the dormitory. On the face of it, life looks normal on the campus, but the threat of war has been weighing on the mind of these students. “There are things that are happening overnight. All we are doing is waiting for the updates,” said Shashank, a student at Taras Shevchenko National University. Expressing similar views, another student says, “I have been here for three years and there has always been a talk of war. But this time it is more serious than before. Let’s see, the US, India are doing things. I don’t think there should be a war. But it is slightly unpredictable.” These students are not only concerned for their safety, but they also worry about their Ukrainian friends. “If war happens, we can always go back and create our life in India. We have the option to make our future brighter. Many of us come from a middle-class background, and if anything (war) happens, it will massively impact us. But we still can go back. Whereas, I worry for my Ukrainian friends. I feel that they might lose their independence,” said Madhu Mohan, a fourth-year MBBS student at Taras Shevchenko National University. Students are banking on the Indian embassy in Kyiv, as they have been evacuated once before. At the beginning of the pandemic, hundreds of students were flown to India through the Vande Bharat mission. Around two weeks back, the Indian embassy in Kyiv drew up a list, asking the students to fill up forms to collate their information in case they need to be evacuated if a war breaks out. They say that if any conflict arises, New Delhi will ensure their safety. “We think we are in safe hands because we are in constant touch with the (Indian) embassy. If there is any kind of evacuation, the embassy is going to take measures accordingly,” said Shashank. Most of the classes have been going online because of the pandemic. Some students have gone back home while some stayed.

Life under the spectre of war: WION speaks to Indian students in Ukraine's Kyiv

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