Head of Russia's state-owned Channel One network accused editor Marina Ovsyannikova, who staged on-air protest against Russian invasion of Ukraine, of colluding with the UK to betray Russia&nbsp;

Kirill Kleimyonov, head of Channel One's news division made the accusation in on-air remarks on Monday. Kleimyonov claimed that Ovsyannikova was in touch with UK embassy before she staged anti-war protest on air.

While working for Channel One television in Moscow, Marina Ovsyannikova barged onto the set of an evening newscast Monday, holding a poster reading "No War."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/western-sanctions-might-impact-69-year-old-vladimir-putins-youthful-looks-heres-how-464508">Western sanctions might impact 69-year-old Vladimir Putin's youthful looks. Here's how</a>

"Marina Ovsyannikova spoke with the British embassy. Who of you has ever negotiated with a foreign embassy? Not with the visa center, but with the embassy, with its employee — even if he, as they say, is in civilian clothes. I, for one, never did," Kleimyonov said as quoted by Business Insider.

"I mean to call a spade a spade, that's all. An emotional outburst is one thing, but betrayal is quite another."

"And when a person betrays her country and at the same time all of us — people with whom she worked side by side for almost 20 years — betrays in a cold, calculated way, for a firmly agreed bonus," he said.

After her on air protest, Ovsyannikova was detained, fined 30,000 rubles ($280), and then freed pending possible further prosecution, but has turned down a French offer of asylum.&nbsp;

On Sunday she described to US media her decision to protest as "spontaneous," but said a sense of deep dissatisfaction with her government had been building for years -- a feeling she said many of her colleagues shared.

"The propaganda on our state channels was becoming more and more distorted, and the pressure that has been applied in Russian politics could not leave us indifferent," she told ABC News program "This Week."

"When I spoke to my friends and colleagues, everyone until the last moment could not believe that such a thing could happen -- that this gruesome war could take place," she said from Moscow, speaking through an interpreter.

(With inputs from agencies)

Head of Russia's state-owned Channel One network accused editor Marina Ovsyannikova, who staged on-air protest against Russian invasion of Ukraine, of colluding with the UK to betray Russia Kirill Kleimyonov, head of Channel One's news division made the accusation in on-air remarks on Monday.

Head of Russia's state-owned Channel One network accused editor Marina Ovsyannikova, who staged on-air protest against Russian invasion of Ukraine, of colluding with the UK to betray Russia Kirill Kleimyonov, head of Channel One's news division made the accusation in on-air remarks on Monday. Kleimyonov claimed that Ovsyannikova was in touch with UK embassy before she staged anti-war protest on air. While working for Channel One television in Moscow, Marina Ovsyannikova barged onto the set of an evening newscast Monday, holding a poster reading "No War." Also Read | Western sanctions might impact 69-year-old Vladimir Putin's youthful looks. Here's how "Marina Ovsyannikova spoke with the British embassy. Who of you has ever negotiated with a foreign embassy? Not with the visa center, but with the embassy, with its employee — even if he, as they say, is in civilian clothes. I, for one, never did," Kleimyonov said as quoted by Business Insider. "I mean to call a spade a spade, that's all. An emotional outburst is one thing, but betrayal is quite another." "And when a person betrays her country and at the same time all of us — people with whom she worked side by side for almost 20 years — betrays in a cold, calculated way, for a firmly agreed bonus," he said. After her on air protest, Ovsyannikova was detained, fined 30,000 rubles ($280), and then freed pending possible further prosecution, but has turned down a French offer of asylum. On Sunday she described to US media her decision to protest as "spontaneous," but said a sense of deep dissatisfaction with her government had been building for years -- a feeling she said many of her colleagues shared. "The propaganda on our state channels was becoming more and more distorted, and the pressure that has been applied in Russian politics could not leave us indifferent," she told ABC News program "This Week." "When I spoke to my friends and colleagues, everyone until the last moment could not believe that such a thing could happen -- that this gruesome war could take place," she said from Moscow, speaking through an interpreter. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian TV on-air war protester accused of colluding with UK by her network

The South Korean envoy to India, Chang Jae-bok has said that his country "understands India's position" amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

In the wake of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, while the West has been announcing sanctions and criticising Moscow, Asian countries have taken their own stance and have chosen to balance ties with both Russia and the West.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ambassador Chang explained his country's position saying, "South Korea is together with the sanction against Russian invasion. We are in the camp of the peace and prosperity of the world, including Ukrainian people."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/quad-accepts-indias-position-says-australian-envoy-on-ukraine-crisis-464090">Quad accepts India's position, says Australian envoy on Ukraine crisis</a>

He was speaking on the sidelines of the in-person opening of Korean Cultural Centre India in Delhi as the covid crisis abates. The centre promotes Korean culture, with classes on Samulnori, K-Pop, Korean language, and Taekwondo. Asked about the popularity of K pop becoming a cultural phenomenon globally, he said, "I hope that it will go further."

WION: Korean Cultural Centre India has been reopened; how does it help propagate Korean Culture in India?&nbsp;And does it mean that the worries about Covid are over?

Chang Jae-bok: Our culture centre in India has been trying to have activities online, now it is getting back to normal work. We cannot get back to exactly the same situation as before the covid pandemic, however, we are getting back to normal little by little.&nbsp;

This is a great effort by Korean Cultural Centre India. Our embassy together with the cultural centre hopes that the Korean culture and language will go along with the Indian people, especially Indian young people who appreciate Korean pop culture.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-modi-and-japans-kishida-discuss-china-and-ukraine-conflict-463860">India’s Modi and Japan’s Kishida discussed China and Ukraine conflict: Shringla</a>

This is a great opportunity for Indian people to appreciate and enjoy not only popular culture but also traditional and modern art. I hope that the many people in India will appreciate the exhibition and also the cultural activities.&nbsp;

WION: South Korea has emerged as a major superpower when it comes to its culture. K-pop is very popular. How has South Korea emerged as this major superpower on this front?

Chang Jae-bok: I think it's part of the creativity of Korean artists and people. The Korean government supports these activities for K-pop, but it does not interfere with private or commercial businesses engaged in cultural entertainment. I think that is the key to the success of Korean pop culture in the world.&nbsp;

WION: How popular is K-pop in India? You must have noticed its popularity.

Chang Jae-bok: I felt its popularity among young people. I don't think it started a long time ago. Especially during the pandemic, Indian people started to get into the OTT, online platforms. I hope that it will go further.

Watch |&nbsp;US President Biden praises QUAD, NATO but singles out India for 'Shaky' response to Russian invasion

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-president-biden-praises-quad-nato-but-singles-out-india-for-shaky-response-to-russian-invasion-464481/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

WION: What is South Korean policy on the Russian invasion of Ukraine?

Chang Jae-bok: South Korea is together with the sanctions against Russian invasion. We are in the camp of peace and prosperity in the world, including the Ukrainian people.&nbsp;

WION: Have you spoken about it with the Indian side?

Chang Jae-bok: We understand India's position, we understand very well that it is a very complicated issue. Each nation, each country has its own position. However, India is also a peace-loving country. I think India is also standing with the world community against the atrocities and war in Ukraine.&nbsp;

The South Korean envoy to India, Chang Jae-bok has said that his country "understands India's position" amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. In the wake of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, while the West has been announcing sanctions and criticising Moscow, Asian countries have taken their own stance and have chosen to balance ties with both Russia and the West.

The South Korean envoy to India, Chang Jae-bok has said that his country "understands India's position" amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. In the wake of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, while the West has been announcing sanctions and criticising Moscow, Asian countries have taken their own stance and have chosen to balance ties with both Russia and the West. Speaking to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ambassador Chang explained his country's position saying, "South Korea is together with the sanction against Russian invasion. We are in the camp of the peace and prosperity of the world, including Ukrainian people." Also read | Quad accepts India's position, says Australian envoy on Ukraine crisis He was speaking on the sidelines of the in-person opening of Korean Cultural Centre India in Delhi as the covid crisis abates. The centre promotes Korean culture, with classes on Samulnori, K-Pop, Korean language, and Taekwondo. Asked about the popularity of K pop becoming a cultural phenomenon globally, he said, "I hope that it will go further." WION: Korean Cultural Centre India has been reopened; how does it help propagate Korean Culture in India? And does it mean that the worries about Covid are over? Chang Jae-bok: Our culture centre in India has been trying to have activities online, now it is getting back to normal work. We cannot get back to exactly the same situation as before the covid pandemic, however, we are getting back to normal little by little. This is a great effort by Korean Cultural Centre India. Our embassy together with the cultural centre hopes that the Korean culture and language will go along with the Indian people, especially Indian young people who appreciate Korean pop culture. Also read | India’s Modi and Japan’s Kishida discussed China and Ukraine conflict: Shringla This is a great opportunity for Indian people to appreciate and enjoy not only popular culture but also traditional and modern art. I hope that the many people in India will appreciate the exhibition and also the cultural activities. WION: South Korea has emerged as a major superpower when it comes to its culture. K-pop is very popular. How has South Korea emerged as this major superpower on this front? Chang Jae-bok: I think it's part of the creativity of Korean artists and people. The Korean government supports these activities for K-pop, but it does not interfere with private or commercial businesses engaged in cultural entertainment. I think that is the key to the success of Korean pop culture in the world. WION: How popular is K-pop in India? You must have noticed its popularity. Chang Jae-bok: I felt its popularity among young people. I don't think it started a long time ago. Especially during the pandemic, Indian people started to get into the OTT, online platforms. I hope that it will go further. Watch | US President Biden praises QUAD, NATO but singles out India for 'Shaky' response to Russian invasion WION: What is South Korean policy on the Russian invasion of Ukraine? Chang Jae-bok: South Korea is together with the sanctions against Russian invasion. We are in the camp of peace and prosperity in the world, including the Ukrainian people. WION: Have you spoken about it with the Indian side? Chang Jae-bok: We understand India's position, we understand very well that it is a very complicated issue. Each nation, each country has its own position. However, India is also a peace-loving country. I think India is also standing with the world community against the atrocities and war in Ukraine.

Exclusive | 'Understand India's position', South Korean envoy Chang on Ukraine crisis

When the first McDonald’s restaurant appeared in the Soviet Union in 1990, my parents bundled my 9-month-old sister up and waited in line for hours in the brisk Russian winter so that they could get their first taste of a Big Mac and those famed French fries. The line snaked all around Moscow’s iconic Pushkin Square: Reports say that 30,000 people showed up on opening day alone.

It was a very exciting moment, my parents tell me: the first taste of liberty, a glimpse of what eating out could be like beyond the Iron Curtain, a symbol of bigger change to come.

Less than two years later, the USSR&nbsp;ceased to exist, opening the door to all kinds of democratic freedoms. The Russia I grew up in came with dubbed Disney cartoons and Argentine soap operas. Everyone suddenly had a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio. My mom’s new eye-shadow palette encompassed every shade of neon. I went to concerts, bought posters and cassette tapes and, unlike my parents, did not have to wear a five-pointed-star badge with a portrait of Vladimir Lenin on my chest every day at school.

Of course, there was an insidious side. With new freedoms came new challenges: a deep economic crisis and a sharp rise in inequality, an explosion of organized crime. After decades in which the state dictated nearly every decision for its subjects, from housing to place of work to taste in movies and music, the new era also brought with it uncertainty and chaos.

Still, I felt lucky to grow up in a vibrant, thriving society; I certainly didn’t want to go back to Soviet times. The stories my family told me were bleak.

They spoke about prohibited literature (anything perceived to go against Soviet values or written by émigré writers who had fled Soviet Russia), the difficulties of travel (impossible without the party committee’s blessings), the incessant shortages of food and consumer goods. I’m too young to remember, but my parents would line up for hours for the rare furniture supply that appeared at shops every few months. In 1990, when consumer items were still only sporadically available, my mom bought us a pair of tights sized for every age up to 16 because she assumed they would no longer be in supply as we grew older. Films were censored, foreign radio stations jammed.

I was fascinated by these stories but also relieved I never had to experience them. I was eager to unearth the trivial elements of Soviet people’s day-to-day existence, the ones that did not make it into the history books: a long-forgotten home music video, an awkward wedding photo, a leaflet, a questionable fashion choice. I started collecting remnants of the Soviet era, rummaging through old VHS tapes, friends’ photo albums, magazine cutouts and obscure flea markets to gather visual artifacts from a country that was no more.

In 2016, while living in Singapore, I created a Twitter account, @sovietvisuals, to share my makeshift Soviet archive with the world. Others started contributing their own photographs, videos and personal stories, and the project became a repository for our shared past. It also provided an opportunity to reflect critically on the social and cultural norms of the time while acknowledging the brutalities of the U.S.S.R.’s ideological constructs and oppressive practices. I never imagined how prescient it would be.

Vladimir Putin’s cynically named “special military operation” on Ukraine has thrust my country into pariah status — rightly, given the atrocities, human rights violations and brazen disregard for sovereignty that he has unleashed on Ukraine. Impossibly, in the past few weeks it’s felt as if we’d been yanked back to the Soviet era, except this time it’s even more horrifying, more repressive than we could have imagined. Russia is not just losing the comforts that Western capitalism offered, owing to severe sanctions, but Mr. Putin is also doubling down on closing off any expression of dissent.

For Ukrainians, the war has meant hell on earth. Countless lives shattered. I watch in horror as my friends there hide out in bomb shelters. Schools, hospitals, residential buildings destroyed by bombs, innocent people reportedly shot dead in the street as they attempt to escape to safety. It is immeasurably cruel, unfair and devastating.

For Russians, there is the fear and disgust at watching Mr. Putin’s ruthless campaign, which will inevitably raise the civilian death toll. There’s also the feeling of helplessness of not having been able to stop it and the shame of being from the country of the aggressor.

And unsurprisingly, Russia has been catapulted into a dark hole. Many foreign companies — clothing and credit card brands, car manufacturers and tech corporations, fast food and retail chains — have suspended operations, affecting every corner of the economy. The West’s sanctions have mostly cut Russian civilians off from the global economy.

Meanwhile, Mr. Putin has ensured that Russians who express opposition to the invasion face persecution: A new law punishes anyone spreading anything it deems “false information” about the war with up to 15 years in prison. This crackdown on freedom is not new to Russians, but it has reached a peak of absurdity: Standing in the street with a flower or a blank sign now gets you loaded into a police van.

Between arrests for speaking out, censorship, rumors of martial law and relentless propaganda, it’s as though we had landed straight in the Stalin era.

The Russia I knew has been erased. What’s coming next is dark. The U.S.S.R. gives us some clues of what it might be like — but even then, there were some flickers of hope.

As my parents’ stories and my archive show, many Soviet citizens found ways to thrive in what was essentially a giant social experiment. Yes, they had to deal with bread lines, news (and propaganda) supplied by the state-controlled, Orwellian-named Pravda (Truth) newspaper and a persistent fear of nuclear war. But they continued to create art, make scientific discoveries and build families and architectural masterpieces. There was a great deal of humor, beauty and creativity behind the Iron Curtain.

When l learned that McDonald’s had joined the long list of international companies suspending operations in Russia, I couldn’t help but think about my family’s first visit to the burger joint. Could any of the people lining up for their first cheeseburger in 1990 have imagined that modern Russia would find itself sliding all the way back to where it started?

We will remake Russia, of course, slowly and patiently, just like the generation before us. But not before this one crumbles first.

When the first McDonald’s restaurant appeared in the Soviet Union in 1990, my parents bundled my 9-month-old sister up and waited in line for hours in the brisk Russian winter so that they could get their first taste of a Big Mac and those famed French fries.

When the first McDonald’s restaurant appeared in the Soviet Union in 1990, my parents bundled my 9-month-old sister up and waited in line for hours in the brisk Russian winter so that they could get their first taste of a Big Mac and those famed French fries. The line snaked all around Moscow’s iconic Pushkin Square: Reports say that 30,000 people showed up on opening day alone. It was a very exciting moment, my parents tell me: the first taste of liberty, a glimpse of what eating out could be like beyond the Iron Curtain, a symbol of bigger change to come. Less than two years later, the USSR ceased to exist, opening the door to all kinds of democratic freedoms. The Russia I grew up in came with dubbed Disney cartoons and Argentine soap operas. Everyone suddenly had a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio. My mom’s new eye-shadow palette encompassed every shade of neon. I went to concerts, bought posters and cassette tapes and, unlike my parents, did not have to wear a five-pointed-star badge with a portrait of Vladimir Lenin on my chest every day at school. Of course, there was an insidious side. With new freedoms came new challenges: a deep economic crisis and a sharp rise in inequality, an explosion of organized crime. After decades in which the state dictated nearly every decision for its subjects, from housing to place of work to taste in movies and music, the new era also brought with it uncertainty and chaos. Still, I felt lucky to grow up in a vibrant, thriving society; I certainly didn’t want to go back to Soviet times. The stories my family told me were bleak. They spoke about prohibited literature (anything perceived to go against Soviet values or written by émigré writers who had fled Soviet Russia), the difficulties of travel (impossible without the party committee’s blessings), the incessant shortages of food and consumer goods. I’m too young to remember, but my parents would line up for hours for the rare furniture supply that appeared at shops every few months. In 1990, when consumer items were still only sporadically available, my mom bought us a pair of tights sized for every age up to 16 because she assumed they would no longer be in supply as we grew older. Films were censored, foreign radio stations jammed. I was fascinated by these stories but also relieved I never had to experience them. I was eager to unearth the trivial elements of Soviet people’s day-to-day existence, the ones that did not make it into the history books: a long-forgotten home music video, an awkward wedding photo, a leaflet, a questionable fashion choice. I started collecting remnants of the Soviet era, rummaging through old VHS tapes, friends’ photo albums, magazine cutouts and obscure flea markets to gather visual artifacts from a country that was no more. In 2016, while living in Singapore, I created a Twitter account, @sovietvisuals, to share my makeshift Soviet archive with the world. Others started contributing their own photographs, videos and personal stories, and the project became a repository for our shared past. It also provided an opportunity to reflect critically on the social and cultural norms of the time while acknowledging the brutalities of the U.S.S.R.’s ideological constructs and oppressive practices. I never imagined how prescient it would be. Vladimir Putin’s cynically named “special military operation” on Ukraine has thrust my country into pariah status — rightly, given the atrocities, human rights violations and brazen disregard for sovereignty that he has unleashed on Ukraine. Impossibly, in the past few weeks it’s felt as if we’d been yanked back to the Soviet era, except this time it’s even more horrifying, more repressive than we could have imagined. Russia is not just losing the comforts that Western capitalism offered, owing to severe sanctions, but Mr. Putin is also doubling down on closing off any expression of dissent. For Ukrainians, the war has meant hell on earth. Countless lives shattered. I watch in horror as my friends there hide out in bomb shelters. Schools, hospitals, residential buildings destroyed by bombs, innocent people reportedly shot dead in the street as they attempt to escape to safety. It is immeasurably cruel, unfair and devastating. For Russians, there is the fear and disgust at watching Mr. Putin’s ruthless campaign, which will inevitably raise the civilian death toll. There’s also the feeling of helplessness of not having been able to stop it and the shame of being from the country of the aggressor. And unsurprisingly, Russia has been catapulted into a dark hole. Many foreign companies — clothing and credit card brands, car manufacturers and tech corporations, fast food and retail chains — have suspended operations, affecting every corner of the economy. The West’s sanctions have mostly cut Russian civilians off from the global economy. Meanwhile, Mr. Putin has ensured that Russians who express opposition to the invasion face persecution: A new law punishes anyone spreading anything it deems “false information” about the war with up to 15 years in prison. This crackdown on freedom is not new to Russians, but it has reached a peak of absurdity: Standing in the street with a flower or a blank sign now gets you loaded into a police van. Between arrests for speaking out, censorship, rumors of martial law and relentless propaganda, it’s as though we had landed straight in the Stalin era. The Russia I knew has been erased. What’s coming next is dark. The U.S.S.R. gives us some clues of what it might be like — but even then, there were some flickers of hope. As my parents’ stories and my archive show, many Soviet citizens found ways to thrive in what was essentially a giant social experiment. Yes, they had to deal with bread lines, news (and propaganda) supplied by the state-controlled, Orwellian-named Pravda (Truth) newspaper and a persistent fear of nuclear war. But they continued to create art, make scientific discoveries and build families and architectural masterpieces. There was a great deal of humor, beauty and creativity behind the Iron Curtain. When l learned that McDonald’s had joined the long list of international companies suspending operations in Russia, I couldn’t help but think about my family’s first visit to the burger joint. Could any of the people lining up for their first cheeseburger in 1990 have imagined that modern Russia would find itself sliding all the way back to where it started? We will remake Russia, of course, slowly and patiently, just like the generation before us. But not before this one crumbles first.

The Russia I know is being erased. What’s coming next is darker

A unique incident was captured on camera as Ukrainian citizens confronted Russian military vehicles in the city of Kherson on Sunday.

"Go Home!" shouted the Ukrainians as they forced two Russian military vehicles to ultimately reverse and take an about-turn.

In a video obtained and released by Reuters, nearly a hundred Ukrainian citizens blocked path of&nbsp;Russian military vehicles. The military vehicles were seen painted&nbsp;in a “Z” symbol, heavily associated with the Russian military.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/high-risk-of-attack-from-belarus-on-western-volyn-region-of-ukraine-says-presidential-office-464023">High risk of attack from Belarus on western Volyn region of Ukraine, says presidential office</a>

Buildings and shops along the avenue matched those seen on Google satellite imagery, as well as file images of the area.

Following the confrontation by the protesters, some wearing Ukrainian flags, the vehicles turned around and left the immediate area.

Ukrainian authorities said on Saturday (March 19) that they had not seen any significant shifts over the past 24 hours in frontline areas, with fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces continuing in the Black Sea port-city Kherson.

Russia has said it now controls the Kherson region.

Meanwhile, China has called for ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, as said by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. However, Wang Yi has not criticised Russia.&nbsp;

CCTV cited Wang saying "NATO's unrestricted eastward expansion deserves reflection", shifting blame for the war to Western countries.

(With inputs from agencies)

A unique incident was captured on camera as Ukrainian citizens confronted Russian military vehicles in the city of Kherson on Sunday. "Go Home!" shouted the Ukrainians as they forced two Russian military vehicles to ultimately reverse and take an about-turn.

A unique incident was captured on camera as Ukrainian citizens confronted Russian military vehicles in the city of Kherson on Sunday. "Go Home!" shouted the Ukrainians as they forced two Russian military vehicles to ultimately reverse and take an about-turn. In a video obtained and released by Reuters, nearly a hundred Ukrainian citizens blocked path of Russian military vehicles. The military vehicles were seen painted in a “Z” symbol, heavily associated with the Russian military. Also Read | High risk of attack from Belarus on western Volyn region of Ukraine, says presidential office Buildings and shops along the avenue matched those seen on Google satellite imagery, as well as file images of the area. Following the confrontation by the protesters, some wearing Ukrainian flags, the vehicles turned around and left the immediate area. Ukrainian authorities said on Saturday (March 19) that they had not seen any significant shifts over the past 24 hours in frontline areas, with fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces continuing in the Black Sea port-city Kherson. Russia has said it now controls the Kherson region. Meanwhile, China has called for ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, as said by Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. However, Wang Yi has not criticised Russia. CCTV cited Wang saying "NATO's unrestricted eastward expansion deserves reflection", shifting blame for the war to Western countries. (With inputs from agencies)

'Go Home': Ukrainian protesters confront Russian military vehicles in Kherson

As India faces criticism from some countries in the West over New Delhi's position amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Australian high commissioner Barry O'Farrell has said "Quad countries have accepted India's position, each country has a bilateral relationship".

Australia, along with India, Japan and the United States are members of the Quad group, a group which Beijing is very suspicious of. &nbsp;

The group had held a virtual meet earlier this month in the aftermath of the Russian invasion and discussed its implication on the Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-indias-ukraine-dilemma-463842/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The high commissioner highlighted that "it's clear from the comments of MEA, PM that he has used his contacts to call for the end of the conflict and no country will be unhappy with that".&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin three times since the invasion that began on February 24.&nbsp;

India has been calling for direct dialogue between the two countries and early cessation of violence. At the United Nations, India has abstained during various votes on Ukraine crisis and is currently in talks to get discounted Russian crude oil.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-focus-on-critical-minerals-australia-to-announce-rs-1500-crore-investment-in-india-464046" hreflang="en">With focus on critical minerals, Australia to announce Rs 1500 crore investment in India</a>

The Australian stance comes even as Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday minced no words to condemn Russian invasion during his visit to Delhi.&nbsp;

Standing alongside PM Modi at Hyderabad house, Kishida said that the invasion "shakes the very foundations of the international order and must be dealt with firmly".&nbsp;

Japan, Australia and US have not only condemned Russian actions, but also announced a slew of sanctions against the country.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States Victoria Nuland, Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and Deputy Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Amanda Dory will be in Delhi from Monday.&nbsp;

This is the first US govt official delegation to be in Delhi since Russian invasion and will hold talks on the with Indian side on number of issues including the Indo-Pacific.

As India faces criticism from some countries in the West over New Delhi's position amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Australian high commissioner Barry O'Farrell has said "Quad countries have accepted India's position, each country has a bilateral relationship".

As India faces criticism from some countries in the West over New Delhi's position amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Australian high commissioner Barry O'Farrell has said "Quad countries have accepted India's position, each country has a bilateral relationship". Australia, along with India, Japan and the United States are members of the Quad group, a group which Beijing is very suspicious of. The group had held a virtual meet earlier this month in the aftermath of the Russian invasion and discussed its implication on the Indo-Pacific. The high commissioner highlighted that "it's clear from the comments of MEA, PM that he has used his contacts to call for the end of the conflict and no country will be unhappy with that". Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin three times since the invasion that began on February 24. India has been calling for direct dialogue between the two countries and early cessation of violence. At the United Nations, India has abstained during various votes on Ukraine crisis and is currently in talks to get discounted Russian crude oil. Also read | With focus on critical minerals, Australia to announce Rs 1500 crore investment in India The Australian stance comes even as Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday minced no words to condemn Russian invasion during his visit to Delhi. Standing alongside PM Modi at Hyderabad house, Kishida said that the invasion "shakes the very foundations of the international order and must be dealt with firmly". Japan, Australia and US have not only condemned Russian actions, but also announced a slew of sanctions against the country. Meanwhile, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs of the United States Victoria Nuland, Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu and Deputy Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Amanda Dory will be in Delhi from Monday. This is the first US govt official delegation to be in Delhi since Russian invasion and will hold talks on the with Indian side on number of issues including the Indo-Pacific.

Quad accepts India's position, says Australian envoy on Ukraine crisis

United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris Johnson has triggered outrage by comparing Ukrainians fighting Russia's invasion with Brexit.

"I can give you a couple of famous recent examples. When the British people voted for Brexit, in such large, large numbers, I don't believe it was because they were remotely hostile to foreigners. It's because they wanted to be free to do things differently and for this country to be able to run itself," Johnson said.

“There are some around the world, even in some western governments, who invoke what they call realpolitik. And you say that we’re better off making accommodations with tyranny,” he added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-foreign-minister-lavrov-the-us-is-preventing-kyiv-from-accepting-moscows-demands-463986/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Britons voted in June 2016 by a 52 per cent to 48 per cent margin to leave the European Union, while&nbsp;Ukraine made a formal request to join on February&nbsp;28, four days after Russia sent its troops into the country.

The British leader was accused by opponents of making a crass comparison by likening Ukraine’s fight against invasion to the UK’s exit from the European Union.

Conservative peer Lord Barwell said voting in a referendum was not "in any way comparable with risking your life" in a war, while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said it was an "insult" to Ukrainians.

"This is an utterly depraved argument," opposition Labour lawmaker Chris Bryant said of Johnson's speech. "Ukraine wants to join the EU. The people of (EU member states) France and Spain are also free."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-uses-ukraine-talks-as-smokescreen-to-increase-violence-says-uk-463793" hreflang="en">Putin uses Ukraine talks as 'smokescreen' to increase violence, says UK</a>

Johnson said that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a “turning point for the world,” arguing that a victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces would herald “a new age of intimidation.”

Speaking to a Conservative Party conference in Blackpool, northwest England, Johnson claimed Putin was “terrified” that the example of a free Ukraine would spark a pro-democracy revolution in Russia.

“That is why he is trying so brutally to snuff out the flame of freedom in Ukraine and that’s why it is so vital that he fails,” Johnson said.

“A victorious Putin will not stop in Ukraine. And the end of freedom in Ukraine will mean the extinction of any hope of freedom in Georgia and then Moldova, it will mean the beginning of a new age of intimidation across Eastern Europe from the Baltic to the Black Sea,” Johnson said.

Moscow refers to its actions in Ukraine as a "special operation" to weaken its southern neighbour's military capabilities and root out people it calls dangerous nationalists.

Ukrainian forces have mounted stiff resistance and Western countries have imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia in an effort to force it to withdraw its forces.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris Johnson has triggered outrage by comparing Ukrainians fighting Russia's invasion with Brexit. "I can give you a couple of famous recent examples.

United Kingdom's Prime Minister Boris Johnson has triggered outrage by comparing Ukrainians fighting Russia's invasion with Brexit. "I can give you a couple of famous recent examples. When the British people voted for Brexit, in such large, large numbers, I don't believe it was because they were remotely hostile to foreigners. It's because they wanted to be free to do things differently and for this country to be able to run itself," Johnson said. “There are some around the world, even in some western governments, who invoke what they call realpolitik. And you say that we’re better off making accommodations with tyranny,” he added. Britons voted in June 2016 by a 52 per cent to 48 per cent margin to leave the European Union, while Ukraine made a formal request to join on February 28, four days after Russia sent its troops into the country. The British leader was accused by opponents of making a crass comparison by likening Ukraine’s fight against invasion to the UK’s exit from the European Union. Conservative peer Lord Barwell said voting in a referendum was not "in any way comparable with risking your life" in a war, while Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said it was an "insult" to Ukrainians. "This is an utterly depraved argument," opposition Labour lawmaker Chris Bryant said of Johnson's speech. "Ukraine wants to join the EU. The people of (EU member states) France and Spain are also free." Also read | Putin uses Ukraine talks as 'smokescreen' to increase violence, says UK Johnson said that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a “turning point for the world,” arguing that a victory for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces would herald “a new age of intimidation.” Speaking to a Conservative Party conference in Blackpool, northwest England, Johnson claimed Putin was “terrified” that the example of a free Ukraine would spark a pro-democracy revolution in Russia. “That is why he is trying so brutally to snuff out the flame of freedom in Ukraine and that’s why it is so vital that he fails,” Johnson said. “A victorious Putin will not stop in Ukraine. And the end of freedom in Ukraine will mean the extinction of any hope of freedom in Georgia and then Moldova, it will mean the beginning of a new age of intimidation across Eastern Europe from the Baltic to the Black Sea,” Johnson said. Moscow refers to its actions in Ukraine as a "special operation" to weaken its southern neighbour's military capabilities and root out people it calls dangerous nationalists. Ukrainian forces have mounted stiff resistance and Western countries have imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia in an effort to force it to withdraw its forces. (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Boris Johnson triggers outrage by comparing Ukraine crisis with Brexit

The Swiss tennis great Roger Federer has said he is 'horrified'&nbsp;and 'heartbroken'&nbsp;by the war in Ukraine, offering financial help for Ukrainian children.

Federer wrote on social media on Friday that his foundation will donate $500,000 "to establish access to continued schooling for Ukrainian children." 
 
"My family and I are horrified seeing pictures from Ukraine and heartbroken for the innocent people who have been so terribly affected," Federer wrote on Twitter. 
 
"We stand for peace. We will provide assistance to children from Ukraine who need care, about six million Ukrainian children are currently out of school. We know it's a very critical time to provide access to education and would like to support them to deal with this extremely traumatic experience."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-wells-andrey-rublev-eases-past-bulgarias-grigor-dimitrov-to-enter-semi-finals-463666">Indian Wells: Andrey Rublev eases past Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov to enter semi-finals</a> 
 
"Through the Roger Federer Foundation, we will be supporting 'War Child Holland'&nbsp;with a donation of $500,000 to establish access to continued schooling for Ukrainian children," he said. 
 
Countries across Europe have provided shelter to people from Ukraine, and Federer -- the winner of 20 Grand Slam titles -- is keen to ensure children are not left behind.

The Swiss tennis great set up a foundation in 2003 to help provide opportunities for children to have a good education.

The Swiss tennis great Roger Federer has said he is 'horrified' and 'heartbroken' by the war in Ukraine, offering financial help for Ukrainian children. Federer wrote on social media on Friday that his foundation will donate $500,000 "to establish access to continued schooling for Ukrainian children.

The Swiss tennis great Roger Federer has said he is 'horrified' and 'heartbroken' by the war in Ukraine, offering financial help for Ukrainian children. Federer wrote on social media on Friday that his foundation will donate $500,000 "to establish access to continued schooling for Ukrainian children." "My family and I are horrified seeing pictures from Ukraine and heartbroken for the innocent people who have been so terribly affected," Federer wrote on Twitter. "We stand for peace. We will provide assistance to children from Ukraine who need care, about six million Ukrainian children are currently out of school. We know it's a very critical time to provide access to education and would like to support them to deal with this extremely traumatic experience." ALSO READ: Indian Wells: Andrey Rublev eases past Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov to enter semi-finals "Through the Roger Federer Foundation, we will be supporting 'War Child Holland' with a donation of $500,000 to establish access to continued schooling for Ukrainian children," he said. Countries across Europe have provided shelter to people from Ukraine, and Federer -- the winner of 20 Grand Slam titles -- is keen to ensure children are not left behind. The Swiss tennis great set up a foundation in 2003 to help provide opportunities for children to have a good education.

Roger Federer announce financial help of USD 500,000 towards education of Ukrainian children

BMW cut its car division's 2022 profit margin forecast and said that it expected the chip crisis to drag on throughout the year, the latest automaker to warn of supply chain disruptions exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

BMW to prioritise EVs amid Ukraine crisis, cuts 2022 profit margin forecast

The fear of radioactive fallout from accidental or intentional attacks on Ukraine's nuclear plants, or from the use of a nuclear bomb, has triggered surging demand for potassium iodide pills. WION tells you more in this report.

Why the threat of nuclear war has created a high demand for Potassium Iodide pills

President Volodomyr Zelensky&nbsp;of Ukraine made an urgent and emotional appeal to Congress on Wednesday to come to his country’s aid as it fights off a brutal Russian invasion, asking help protecting its air space, military assistance and stronger sanctions as part of what he cast as a war for the cause of democracy itself.

In a remarkably direct appeal by a wartime leader to policymakers in Washington, Zelensky&nbsp;addressed lawmakers on a large screen in a movie theater-style auditorium under the Capitol, invoking the memories of Pearl Harbor and the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks — when the United States came under attack — as he pleaded for support saying, “We need you right now.”

In remarks translated from Ukrainian, he said starkly: “I call on you to do more.”

Wearing a green T-shirt and seated next to a Ukrainian flag, Zelensky tailored his remarks to Americans and those who represent them, borrowing a phrase from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — “I have a dream” — as he asked for a no-fly zone over his country. “I have a need” to protect the sky, he said.

That request had little chance of being approved, given that it would thrust American pilots into direct confrontation with the Russians, and Zelensky&nbsp;quickly pivoted to something to which Republicans and Democrats have been far more receptive: asking for more weapons to enable his people to keep up the fight themselves.

He also asked lawmakers to get companies in their states and districts to send aid directly to Ukraine if they could.

Zelensky, whose background is in the entertainment industry, wrapped up his 18-minute speech with a graphic and wrenching video showing images of his war-torn country, including bombs exploding in cities around Ukraine, and civilians bloodied and killed by Russian attacks.

He concluded by speaking in English, calling upon the United States to take up what he portrayed as an obligation, given its place on the world stage to intervene in the conflict.

“To be the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace,” he said, as members of Congress grew visibly emotional.

As he addressed them directly, lawmakers sat rapt in their seats. Some scribbled notes, taking down quotations from his address, and many sniffled back tears.

“There was a collective holding of the breath,” said Sen. Angus King, I-Maine.

President Volodomyr Zelensky of Ukraine made an urgent and emotional appeal to Congress on Wednesday to come to his country’s aid as it fights off a brutal Russian invasion, asking help protecting its air space, military assistance and stronger sanctions as part of what he cast as a war for the cause of democracy itself.

President Volodomyr Zelensky of Ukraine made an urgent and emotional appeal to Congress on Wednesday to come to his country’s aid as it fights off a brutal Russian invasion, asking help protecting its air space, military assistance and stronger sanctions as part of what he cast as a war for the cause of democracy itself. In a remarkably direct appeal by a wartime leader to policymakers in Washington, Zelensky addressed lawmakers on a large screen in a movie theater-style auditorium under the Capitol, invoking the memories of Pearl Harbor and the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks — when the United States came under attack — as he pleaded for support saying, “We need you right now.” In remarks translated from Ukrainian, he said starkly: “I call on you to do more.” Wearing a green T-shirt and seated next to a Ukrainian flag, Zelensky tailored his remarks to Americans and those who represent them, borrowing a phrase from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — “I have a dream” — as he asked for a no-fly zone over his country. “I have a need” to protect the sky, he said. That request had little chance of being approved, given that it would thrust American pilots into direct confrontation with the Russians, and Zelensky quickly pivoted to something to which Republicans and Democrats have been far more receptive: asking for more weapons to enable his people to keep up the fight themselves. He also asked lawmakers to get companies in their states and districts to send aid directly to Ukraine if they could. Zelensky, whose background is in the entertainment industry, wrapped up his 18-minute speech with a graphic and wrenching video showing images of his war-torn country, including bombs exploding in cities around Ukraine, and civilians bloodied and killed by Russian attacks. He concluded by speaking in English, calling upon the United States to take up what he portrayed as an obligation, given its place on the world stage to intervene in the conflict. “To be the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace,” he said, as members of Congress grew visibly emotional. As he addressed them directly, lawmakers sat rapt in their seats. Some scribbled notes, taking down quotations from his address, and many sniffled back tears. “There was a collective holding of the breath,” said Sen. Angus King, I-Maine.

Zelensky delivers plea to Congress: 'I call on you to do more'

Spanish club Real Madrid will donate one million euros ($1.10 million) to help those displaced in Ukraine following Russia`s invasion, the LaLiga leaders said on Wednesday.

Real said the funds would be donated to the Red Cross, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other organisations working on the ground in Ukraine.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atletico-madrid-win-at-old-trafford-to-knock-out-cristiano-ronaldo-starrer-manchester-united-462773">Atletico Madrid win at Old Trafford to knock out Cristiano Ronaldo-starrer Manchester United</a>

The UNHCR said approximately 2.97 million refugees have so far fled Ukraine, roughly 7% of the country's population, since Russia's invasion began on Feb. 24.

Spanish club Real Madrid will donate one million euros ($1.10 million) to help those displaced in Ukraine following Russia`s invasion, the LaLiga leaders said on Wednesday.

Spanish club Real Madrid will donate one million euros ($1.10 million) to help those displaced in Ukraine following Russia`s invasion, the LaLiga leaders said on Wednesday. Real said the funds would be donated to the Red Cross, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other organisations working on the ground in Ukraine. ALSO READ: Atletico Madrid win at Old Trafford to knock out Cristiano Ronaldo-starrer Manchester United The UNHCR said approximately 2.97 million refugees have so far fled Ukraine, roughly 7% of the country's population, since Russia's invasion began on Feb. 24.

Real Madrid to donate one million euros to help displaced in Ukraine amid Russia's invasion

In a call from his car Sunday, a photographer from Moscow explained why he was driving to Tbilisi, Georgia, having left his apartment and essentially his whole life behind.

For one, he has no work. No one he knows is shooting fashion look books or organizing the parties he usually photographs. The Western publications he worked for have all withdrawn from Russia, wary of a new law that makes the spread of “false information” about the war in Ukraine punishable by up to 15 years in jail.

It was this law and the harsh crackdowns on anti-war protesters in recent weeks that made him realize he had to leave, he said.

“There was always a line that we all could feel — what you definitely cannot do and what you can do,” said Alexander, 39, who did not want to give his last name because of safety concerns. “That line is gone. Anything can happen.”

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, shocking much of the world, Russians working in creative spheres have found themselves squeezed from within and without. The Kremlin’s intensifying crackdown on free speech has prompted some to flee the country to avoid being silenced or arrested. And the decision of Western companies to stop doing business in Russia — including website hosting services, software makers and financial services firms — has deprived many of the modern tools of their trades.

With Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Wise and other financial services companies withdrawing from the Russian market, Russians have been unable to pay for any subscriptions outside of Russia — for example, for website hosting, Spotify, Netflix, newspapers and magazines — or to receive money through sites like Patreon or from employers in Europe or the United States.

Adobe, which makes software that creative workers around the world rely on, has stopped sales in Russia, as have Canon, Nikon and Microsoft, among others. And Sony, Warner Music and Universal, the three biggest music conglomerates, announced last week that they were suspending operations in Russia.

Workers in the creative sphere felt the impact of the withdrawals within days. On Monday morning, Moish Soloway, 44, who owns a record label for Russian artists that works with a Sony-owned distributor, attempted to upload one of his artists’ new albums to a platform that would allow the songs to be played on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music and beyond.

The system’s response: “NOT cleared for sale.”

AloeVera, a band that recently joined Soloway’s label, has been quietly banned from playing in many venues, festivals and concerts in Russia for more than a year. Vera Musaelian, 34, the lead singer, said that after she and another bandmate protested and she married an opposition politician, AloeVera joined a list of forbidden music acts that Russian security services have circulated to concert and event organizers.

To maintain a small income and a connection with fans, the band has relied on Patreon, a platform where members can subscribe to receive content from musicians, podcasters and others. Last week, Patreon sent an email to its creators in Russia saying that they needed to withdraw any funds stored with the platform immediately, because the suspension of PayPal, Visa and Mastercard services in Russia would prevent them from accessing their money in the future.

Patreon “was a way for our listeners to say they’re still with us,” Musaelian said. “Now they can’t pay for their subscriptions.” Visa and Mastercard cards issued in Russia no longer work for payments outside of the country.

Ellen Satterwhite, Patreon’s head of U.S. policy, said in a statement that the company was “doing everything we can to support creators in Ukraine and Russia within the law and international financial limitations.”

Soloway compared the developments in recent days to the artistic isolation of the Soviet Union. “The Soviet government was terrified of rock ’n’ roll,” Soloway said.

Rock and jazz and other music genres from the West were banned during the Soviet era, though an underground scene flourished. Today, it is U.S. companies that are preventing new music from being played in Russia, including songs that could take a stand against the war in Ukraine, Soloway said.

Of course, with laws that forbid even calling the war a war, and blocks on social media platforms like Facebook and on independent media outlets, the government is stifling creative expression at its root.

For visual artists, Russia’s shutdown of Instagram on Sunday meant the loss of a global platform where they shared their portfolios, sold prints and met people who would commission their work.

“My Instagram is my business card, it’s where I build my brand, where I communicate with my audience,” said Anastasia Venkova, 30, a conceptual and performance artist who fled Moscow recently out of safety concerns. “I have a website but no one goes there. Gallerists don’t want your website anyway, they want your Instagram.”

Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, said on Twitter that the government’s “decision will cut 80 million in Russia off from one another, and from the rest of the world,” and that 80% of Instagram users in Russia follow an account from another country. “This is wrong,” he said.

Venkova said many of her followers will hopefully stick around by using a VPN, but she is worried that if the Russian government labels Meta, which owns Instagram, as an “extremist organization” — a process that has already been put in motion — even so much as having an Instagram account could put her in danger.

Anya, 39, a Moscow photographer who said she did not want to give her last name out of concern for safety, said she used to work with international brands like Estée Lauder, but she does not have any clients now, since they all pulled their business out of the country.

Canon, where she purchases her supplies, has stopped product deliveries into Russia. Photoshop, which she relies on for editing, is owned by Adobe, which also suspended sales and services in Russia. The company that hosts Anya’s website sent her an email saying it would no longer provide services to users registered in Russia because of the actions of “your authoritarian government.”

Anya said that sanctions like these would not affect the elite, who have bank accounts and lots of money abroad or hidden away. “This is hitting exactly the people who go out to protest,” she said. “The people who live in big cities, who travel, who have friends around the world, who have international jobs and don’t support the government. They’re now forced to leave the country, or to stop working.”

She added that her problems were very small compared to the violence in Ukraine. “I would give up anything for this war to stop,” she said. But, she said, “the problem with some of these sanctions is that the country will close even more. It’ll play into Putin’s propaganda. ‘Look at how the West treats us, they hit us with these sanctions.’ This strengthens him.”

In a call from his car Sunday, a photographer from Moscow explained why he was driving to Tbilisi, Georgia, having left his apartment and essentially his whole life behind.

In a call from his car Sunday, a photographer from Moscow explained why he was driving to Tbilisi, Georgia, having left his apartment and essentially his whole life behind. For one, he has no work. No one he knows is shooting fashion look books or organizing the parties he usually photographs. The Western publications he worked for have all withdrawn from Russia, wary of a new law that makes the spread of “false information” about the war in Ukraine punishable by up to 15 years in jail. It was this law and the harsh crackdowns on anti-war protesters in recent weeks that made him realize he had to leave, he said. “There was always a line that we all could feel — what you definitely cannot do and what you can do,” said Alexander, 39, who did not want to give his last name because of safety concerns. “That line is gone. Anything can happen.” Since Russia invaded Ukraine, shocking much of the world, Russians working in creative spheres have found themselves squeezed from within and without. The Kremlin’s intensifying crackdown on free speech has prompted some to flee the country to avoid being silenced or arrested. And the decision of Western companies to stop doing business in Russia — including website hosting services, software makers and financial services firms — has deprived many of the modern tools of their trades. With Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Wise and other financial services companies withdrawing from the Russian market, Russians have been unable to pay for any subscriptions outside of Russia — for example, for website hosting, Spotify, Netflix, newspapers and magazines — or to receive money through sites like Patreon or from employers in Europe or the United States. Adobe, which makes software that creative workers around the world rely on, has stopped sales in Russia, as have Canon, Nikon and Microsoft, among others. And Sony, Warner Music and Universal, the three biggest music conglomerates, announced last week that they were suspending operations in Russia. Workers in the creative sphere felt the impact of the withdrawals within days. On Monday morning, Moish Soloway, 44, who owns a record label for Russian artists that works with a Sony-owned distributor, attempted to upload one of his artists’ new albums to a platform that would allow the songs to be played on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music and beyond. The system’s response: “NOT cleared for sale.” AloeVera, a band that recently joined Soloway’s label, has been quietly banned from playing in many venues, festivals and concerts in Russia for more than a year. Vera Musaelian, 34, the lead singer, said that after she and another bandmate protested and she married an opposition politician, AloeVera joined a list of forbidden music acts that Russian security services have circulated to concert and event organizers. To maintain a small income and a connection with fans, the band has relied on Patreon, a platform where members can subscribe to receive content from musicians, podcasters and others. Last week, Patreon sent an email to its creators in Russia saying that they needed to withdraw any funds stored with the platform immediately, because the suspension of PayPal, Visa and Mastercard services in Russia would prevent them from accessing their money in the future. Patreon “was a way for our listeners to say they’re still with us,” Musaelian said. “Now they can’t pay for their subscriptions.” Visa and Mastercard cards issued in Russia no longer work for payments outside of the country. Ellen Satterwhite, Patreon’s head of U.S. policy, said in a statement that the company was “doing everything we can to support creators in Ukraine and Russia within the law and international financial limitations.” Soloway compared the developments in recent days to the artistic isolation of the Soviet Union. “The Soviet government was terrified of rock ’n’ roll,” Soloway said. Rock and jazz and other music genres from the West were banned during the Soviet era, though an underground scene flourished. Today, it is U.S. companies that are preventing new music from being played in Russia, including songs that could take a stand against the war in Ukraine, Soloway said. Of course, with laws that forbid even calling the war a war, and blocks on social media platforms like Facebook and on independent media outlets, the government is stifling creative expression at its root. For visual artists, Russia’s shutdown of Instagram on Sunday meant the loss of a global platform where they shared their portfolios, sold prints and met people who would commission their work. “My Instagram is my business card, it’s where I build my brand, where I communicate with my audience,” said Anastasia Venkova, 30, a conceptual and performance artist who fled Moscow recently out of safety concerns. “I have a website but no one goes there. Gallerists don’t want your website anyway, they want your Instagram.” Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, said on Twitter that the government’s “decision will cut 80 million in Russia off from one another, and from the rest of the world,” and that 80% of Instagram users in Russia follow an account from another country. “This is wrong,” he said. Venkova said many of her followers will hopefully stick around by using a VPN, but she is worried that if the Russian government labels Meta, which owns Instagram, as an “extremist organization” — a process that has already been put in motion — even so much as having an Instagram account could put her in danger. Anya, 39, a Moscow photographer who said she did not want to give her last name out of concern for safety, said she used to work with international brands like Estée Lauder, but she does not have any clients now, since they all pulled their business out of the country. Canon, where she purchases her supplies, has stopped product deliveries into Russia. Photoshop, which she relies on for editing, is owned by Adobe, which also suspended sales and services in Russia. The company that hosts Anya’s website sent her an email saying it would no longer provide services to users registered in Russia because of the actions of “your authoritarian government.” Anya said that sanctions like these would not affect the elite, who have bank accounts and lots of money abroad or hidden away. “This is hitting exactly the people who go out to protest,” she said. “The people who live in big cities, who travel, who have friends around the world, who have international jobs and don’t support the government. They’re now forced to leave the country, or to stop working.” She added that her problems were very small compared to the violence in Ukraine. “I would give up anything for this war to stop,” she said. But, she said, “the problem with some of these sanctions is that the country will close even more. It’ll play into Putin’s propaganda. ‘Look at how the West treats us, they hit us with these sanctions.’ This strengthens him.”

Russian artists lose the tools of their trades as companies pull out

Women's Tennis Association (WTA) head Steve Simon has said that individual athletes should not be penalised for "decisions of an authoritarian leadership" amid concerns that players from Russia and Belarus could be blocked from competing in tournaments.

Russian and Belarusian players are allowed to play on the elite ATP and WTA Tours but not under the name or flag of their countries following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, for which Belarus was a key staging area.

Russia was also banned from defending its Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup team titles as a result of what the country calls a "special military operation."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-wells-defending-champion-paula-badosa-beat-leylah-fernandez-iga-swiatek-simona-halep-enter-quarters-462850">Indian Wells: Defending champion Paula Badosa beats Leylah Fernandez; Iga Swiatek, Simona Halep enter quarters</a>

Several sports have banned individual athletes from Russia and Belarus and Simon said he was unsure what else was in store for tennis players.

"You never know what the future may bring," Simon told the BBC.

"But I can tell you that we have never banned athletes from participating on our tour as the result of political positions their leadership may take."

"So it would take something very significant for that to change, but again we don't know where this is going."

British Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said on Tuesday that U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev may have to provide assurances that he does not support Russian President Vladimir Putin if he is to compete at this year's Wimbledon.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/it-is-an-honour-to-play-alongside-jhulan-goswami-mithali-raj-praises-veteran-pacer-on-taking-250-odi-wickets-462835">It is an honour to play alongside Jhulan Goswami: Mithali Raj praises veteran pacer on taking 250 ODI wickets</a>

Simon said the WTA would be forced to change its position if governments do not allow Russian and Belarusian players to enter countries as the organisation has to follow rules.

"I feel very strongly that these individual athletes should not be the ones that are being penalised by the decisions of an authoritarian leadership that is obviously doing terrible, reprehensible things," Simon said.

"But if that happens... it won't be something we support."

Women's Tennis Association (WTA) head Steve Simon has said that individual athletes should not be penalised for "decisions of an authoritarian leadership" amid concerns that players from Russia and Belarus could be blocked from competing in tournaments.

Women's Tennis Association (WTA) head Steve Simon has said that individual athletes should not be penalised for "decisions of an authoritarian leadership" amid concerns that players from Russia and Belarus could be blocked from competing in tournaments. Russian and Belarusian players are allowed to play on the elite ATP and WTA Tours but not under the name or flag of their countries following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, for which Belarus was a key staging area. Russia was also banned from defending its Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup team titles as a result of what the country calls a "special military operation." ALSO READ: Indian Wells: Defending champion Paula Badosa beats Leylah Fernandez; Iga Swiatek, Simona Halep enter quarters Several sports have banned individual athletes from Russia and Belarus and Simon said he was unsure what else was in store for tennis players. "You never know what the future may bring," Simon told the BBC. "But I can tell you that we have never banned athletes from participating on our tour as the result of political positions their leadership may take." "So it would take something very significant for that to change, but again we don't know where this is going." British Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said on Tuesday that U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev may have to provide assurances that he does not support Russian President Vladimir Putin if he is to compete at this year's Wimbledon. ALSO READ: It is an honour to play alongside Jhulan Goswami: Mithali Raj praises veteran pacer on taking 250 ODI wickets Simon said the WTA would be forced to change its position if governments do not allow Russian and Belarusian players to enter countries as the organisation has to follow rules. "I feel very strongly that these individual athletes should not be the ones that are being penalised by the decisions of an authoritarian leadership that is obviously doing terrible, reprehensible things," Simon said. "But if that happens... it won't be something we support."

Players should not be banned over Ukraine crisis, says WTA head Steve Simon

A US journalist was shot dead and another was wounded in Ukraine's Irpin, reported AFP news agency quoting medics and witnesses.

Danylo Shapovalov, a surgeon volunteering for the Ukrainian territorial defence, said one of the Americans died instantly and he had treated the other.

AFP said its reporters in Irpin saw the body of the victim.

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&nbsp;

A third victim, a Ukrainian who had been in the same car as the Americans, was also wounded.

Ukrainian officials were quick to blame Russian forces for the shooting but the exact circumstances were unclear. AFP reporters heard small arms and artillery fire in the area.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-can-plan-chemical-weapons-operations-behind-lies-about-biological-weapons-laboratories-nato-461865">Russia can plan chemical weapons operations behind lies about biological weapons laboratories: NATO</a>

"The car was shot at. There were two journalists and one of ours (a Ukrainian)," Shapovalov told AFP.

"Our guy and the journalist are wounded, I provided them first aid, the other one received a wound in the neck, he died immediately."

Papers found on the American reporter's body identified him as 50-year-old video documentary shooter Brent Renaud, of New York.

A New York Times identity card was among the papers, leading to reports he worked for the paper, but the US daily said he was not working for it at the time of his death.

"Brent was a talented photographer and filmmaker who had contributed to The New York Times over the years," said a statement tweeted by deputy managing editor Cliff Levy.

"Though he had contributed to The Times in the past (most recently in 2015), he was not on assignment for any desk at The Times in Ukraine."

(With inputs from agencies)

A US journalist was shot dead and another was wounded in Ukraine's Irpin, reported AFP news agency quoting medics and witnesses. Danylo Shapovalov, a surgeon volunteering for the Ukrainian territorial defence, said one of the Americans died instantly and he had treated the other.

A US journalist was shot dead and another was wounded in Ukraine's Irpin, reported AFP news agency quoting medics and witnesses. Danylo Shapovalov, a surgeon volunteering for the Ukrainian territorial defence, said one of the Americans died instantly and he had treated the other. AFP said its reporters in Irpin saw the body of the victim. × A third victim, a Ukrainian who had been in the same car as the Americans, was also wounded. Ukrainian officials were quick to blame Russian forces for the shooting but the exact circumstances were unclear. AFP reporters heard small arms and artillery fire in the area. Also Read | Russia can plan chemical weapons operations behind lies about biological weapons laboratories: NATO "The car was shot at. There were two journalists and one of ours (a Ukrainian)," Shapovalov told AFP. "Our guy and the journalist are wounded, I provided them first aid, the other one received a wound in the neck, he died immediately." Papers found on the American reporter's body identified him as 50-year-old video documentary shooter Brent Renaud, of New York. A New York Times identity card was among the papers, leading to reports he worked for the paper, but the US daily said he was not working for it at the time of his death. "Brent was a talented photographer and filmmaker who had contributed to The New York Times over the years," said a statement tweeted by deputy managing editor Cliff Levy. "Though he had contributed to The Times in the past (most recently in 2015), he was not on assignment for any desk at The Times in Ukraine." (With inputs from agencies)

US journalist shot dead in Ukraine, another wounded: Report

Russian engineers have arrived at Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine's city in which Europe's biggest atomic power plant is located. Seizure of this nuclear plant has sparkd international outcry.

Its reactors appeared undamaged after the assault despite a fire that broke out there after tanks bombarded it.

Officials from Russia's nuclear firm Rosatom arrived at the site on Friday, the Ukrainian nuclear agency Energoatom said in a message on Telegram.

The Russians told Ukrainian personnel they were there "to evaluate the radiation level" and "help to repair the plant" which was hit by shells, Energoatom said.

At the time of the attack, Moscow's UN ambassador denied that Russia had shelled the plant.

The Ukrainian agency said that the Russians had come directly to the site because Ukrainian personnel had refused to collaborate with them.

It said one of the Russians who arrived at the plant had introduced himself as the new civil and military administrator of the area and declared the plant part of Russian territory, to be run by Rosatom.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian engineers have arrived at Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine's city in which Europe's biggest atomic power plant is located. Seizure of this nuclear plant has sparkd international outcry.

Russian engineers have arrived at Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine's city in which Europe's biggest atomic power plant is located. Seizure of this nuclear plant has sparkd international outcry. Its reactors appeared undamaged after the assault despite a fire that broke out there after tanks bombarded it. Officials from Russia's nuclear firm Rosatom arrived at the site on Friday, the Ukrainian nuclear agency Energoatom said in a message on Telegram. The Russians told Ukrainian personnel they were there "to evaluate the radiation level" and "help to repair the plant" which was hit by shells, Energoatom said. At the time of the attack, Moscow's UN ambassador denied that Russia had shelled the plant. The Ukrainian agency said that the Russians had come directly to the site because Ukrainian personnel had refused to collaborate with them. It said one of the Russians who arrived at the plant had introduced himself as the new civil and military administrator of the area and declared the plant part of Russian territory, to be run by Rosatom. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia engineers inspect seized nuclear plant, Europe's biggest

Russia on Sunday (March 13) launched an attack on Ukrainian military training ground which is closer to Poland. The training ground is located in Ukraine's western city of Lviv.&nbsp;

Russia "launched an air strike on the International Centre for Peacekeeping and Security," the head of the Lviv regional administration, Maxim Kozitsky, said on his verified Facebook page.&nbsp;

"Unfortunately, we have 9 dead. 57 people were injured," Lviv's mayor, Andriy Sadoviy, wrote on Telegram. 
Some of the injured have been taken to Lviv hospitals, he said.

The military base in Yavoriv, located some 40 kilometres (25 miles) northwest of the city, was a training centre for Ukrainian forces with foreign instructors, including from the United States and Canada.

It was also a hub for joint exercises of Ukrainians soldier with NATO allies.

Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said "foreign instructors work here," although it was unclear whether any were present during the attacks.

Foreign troops left Ukraine shortly before Russian launched an invasion of its pro-Western neighbour on February 24.

The United States said on February 12 that it withdrew 150 of its instructors from Ukraine.&nbsp;

Reznikov condemned the bombardment as a "new terrorist attack on peace &amp; security near the EU-NATO border", calling for the imposition of a no-fly zone.

"Action must be taken to stop this. Close the sky!" he wrote.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Sunday (March 13) launched an attack on Ukrainian military training ground which is closer to Poland. The training ground is located in Ukraine's western city of Lviv.

Russia on Sunday (March 13) launched an attack on Ukrainian military training ground which is closer to Poland. The training ground is located in Ukraine's western city of Lviv. Russia "launched an air strike on the International Centre for Peacekeeping and Security," the head of the Lviv regional administration, Maxim Kozitsky, said on his verified Facebook page. "Unfortunately, we have 9 dead. 57 people were injured," Lviv's mayor, Andriy Sadoviy, wrote on Telegram. Some of the injured have been taken to Lviv hospitals, he said. The military base in Yavoriv, located some 40 kilometres (25 miles) northwest of the city, was a training centre for Ukrainian forces with foreign instructors, including from the United States and Canada. It was also a hub for joint exercises of Ukrainians soldier with NATO allies. Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said "foreign instructors work here," although it was unclear whether any were present during the attacks. Foreign troops left Ukraine shortly before Russian launched an invasion of its pro-Western neighbour on February 24. The United States said on February 12 that it withdrew 150 of its instructors from Ukraine. Reznikov condemned the bombardment as a "new terrorist attack on peace & security near the EU-NATO border", calling for the imposition of a no-fly zone. "Action must be taken to stop this. Close the sky!" he wrote. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia conducts airstrike on Ukrainian military target near Poland, 9 dead

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

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

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

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

Ukraine claims to capture Russia's Pantsir-S1 missile system; is it a rich catch?

"Students, this is perhaps one of the happiest moments of in my life. Because I finally see all of you safe and sound."

These emotional words from Indian Envoy to Ukraine Partha Satpathy while addressing Indian students well encapsulated the trials and tribulations of evacuation from Sumy.

Indian authorities on Tuesday were able to evacuate over 500 Indian students from the besieged city of Sumy in Ukraine which was the most challenging of all evacuations under Operation Ganga. Under operation Ganga, India has been able to bring back over 18000 of its citizens from the war-torn country in special flights.

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Speaking to Indian students at Lviv railway station, the Indian envoy said, "what I wanted to share with you, it has been difficult for all of you, 7-8 days in the bunker, but it has been equally difficult for all of us, who have been trying to get you out."&nbsp;

The Indian students will now travel to Poland from where they will be brought back to India. Sharing a personal anecdote, envoy Satpathy said, "The only message I have, when I would feel really difficult, how to get my boys out, my daughter will call me and say, Papa, think that I am there with them. This believe me is the attitude all of us have worked in the embassy, we all believed our children are out there"

The Indian students in Sumy have been in dire conditions for days as the shelling of the city continued. Earlier this week, the Russians and the Ukrainians agreed on a humanitarian corridor that led to evacuation of Indian students. The Indian envoy had earlier met Governor of Lviv Maksym Kozytskyi and the Mayor of Lviv City Andriy Sadovyi.

During his address at the railway station, envoy lauded the role played by Ukrainian authorities and said, "I have just one request for all of you, this has been a very difficult time for people of Ukraine too. They have helped you, railways has helped you, the border point will help you. Please be patient, and appreciate what they have done".&nbsp;

India was in touch with both Kyiv and Moscow for safe evacuation of Indian nationals. The envoy also had a message for parents, in which he said, "We promised to bring every Indian back, this was the PM's direct objective. Get every Indian back. This is what we have done, and I am so happy you will be all with your parents."

"Students, this is perhaps one of the happiest moments of in my life. Because I finally see all of you safe and sound." These emotional words from Indian Envoy to Ukraine Partha Satpathy while addressing Indian students well encapsulated the trials and tribulations of evacuation from Sumy.

"Students, this is perhaps one of the happiest moments of in my life. Because I finally see all of you safe and sound." These emotional words from Indian Envoy to Ukraine Partha Satpathy while addressing Indian students well encapsulated the trials and tribulations of evacuation from Sumy. Indian authorities on Tuesday were able to evacuate over 500 Indian students from the besieged city of Sumy in Ukraine which was the most challenging of all evacuations under Operation Ganga. Under operation Ganga, India has been able to bring back over 18000 of its citizens from the war-torn country in special flights. × Speaking to Indian students at Lviv railway station, the Indian envoy said, "what I wanted to share with you, it has been difficult for all of you, 7-8 days in the bunker, but it has been equally difficult for all of us, who have been trying to get you out." The Indian students will now travel to Poland from where they will be brought back to India. Sharing a personal anecdote, envoy Satpathy said, "The only message I have, when I would feel really difficult, how to get my boys out, my daughter will call me and say, Papa, think that I am there with them. This believe me is the attitude all of us have worked in the embassy, we all believed our children are out there" The Indian students in Sumy have been in dire conditions for days as the shelling of the city continued. Earlier this week, the Russians and the Ukrainians agreed on a humanitarian corridor that led to evacuation of Indian students. The Indian envoy had earlier met Governor of Lviv Maksym Kozytskyi and the Mayor of Lviv City Andriy Sadovyi. During his address at the railway station, envoy lauded the role played by Ukrainian authorities and said, "I have just one request for all of you, this has been a very difficult time for people of Ukraine too. They have helped you, railways has helped you, the border point will help you. Please be patient, and appreciate what they have done". India was in touch with both Kyiv and Moscow for safe evacuation of Indian nationals. The envoy also had a message for parents, in which he said, "We promised to bring every Indian back, this was the PM's direct objective. Get every Indian back. This is what we have done, and I am so happy you will be all with your parents."

'Happiest day of my life': Indian envoy in Ukraine Satpathy to evacuated students from Sumy

A few years ago, after I gave a talk in a small Polish town, an old man sidled up to the table where I sat. “In what language do you dream?” he asked. “In all the languages I speak,” I answered honestly (I’m basically trilingual). “You are a person,” he replied with a slight note of condemnation, “without identity.”

I smiled. His comment was not unusual: I’d heard a version of it many times in the years since I settled in Poland. There was, apparently, only one proper way of being Polish and only one way of pronouncing Polish words. But there was something he, like other Poles reared with a narrow sense of national identity, didn’t understand. I am from Ukraine — and Ukrainian identity is porous, inclusive, multilayered and, crucially, a work in progress.

If Poles didn’t know that then, they’ll get a chance to find out now. More than a million Ukrainians, under brutal attack from Russia, have crossed the border into Poland. Waiting with their children and old relatives in long, slow lines, they said tearful farewells to their husbands and sons and stepped into a new life. It is a tragic upheaval.

My own experience when I left Ukraine almost 20 years ago, by contrast, was not painful at all. There was no war and I was not a refugee. I realize how lucky I am. But I know what it’s like to leave your home and country behind, and to start anew. And I can say that the departure, however final it seems, is never forever. You carry both within you, always. They are a constant presence, sometimes near, sometimes far, lighting up the path to the future.

I was born in Lviv in 1978. Then in the Soviet Union, the city had belonged to Poland for about 400 years and been a place where Poles, Ukrainians, Jews and Armenians lived side by side. In my youth, I was suffused with this borderland identity and thought of myself as existing at the intersection of cultures, never fully beholden to one. So when the Soviet Union fell, I wasn’t very interested in the new Ukrainian state. Instead, I longed to see Paris, Rome and Madrid, with their churches and museums, even if it meant half-starving, sleeping in parks and hitchhiking.

After my travels, I wanted to settle somewhere — and chose Poland, fulfilling my grandmother’s dream of living in the country. I didn’t even call it emigration: My hometown, after all, was only about 185 miles away. But after Poland joined the European Union in 2004, the border between the two countries, previously so easily passed, was garlanded with barbed wire. To get into the country, Ukrainians had to wait in a special line, much longer than E.U. citizens.

I began to dream about the abolition of the border. If Ukraine joined the European Union, say, I would be able to cherish once more my borderland identity — and things could look a bit like the Second Polish Republic, the interwar state where Poles, Ukrainians and other nationalities lived side by side. It was not, of course, an idyll: The Polish state dealt harshly with minorities, and Ukrainians who wanted to study in their own language or practice their religion faced oppression. Between Ukraine and Poland, there are still many “no-go areas.”

At the time, I didn’t really think of myself as Ukrainian. I was from Lviv, spoke Russian, Polish and Ukrainian, and lived in Poland: That seemed like enough. But as I was dreaming about the border falling between us, the Orange Revolution — a series of protests that expressed not only Ukrainians’ opposition to corruption but also, more profoundly perhaps, their European longings — broke out in Ukraine in 2004. At a solidarity demonstration in Krakow, I found myself, for the first time in my life, holding the blue-and-yellow flag. It was, my friend said, the conception of my Ukrainian identity.

For the next decade or so, it went no further. I have relatives and friends on both sides of the border, and I was regularly here and there. I followed events in Ukraine at a distance, as if wary of what could come from full immersion. I knew some educated, talented young Ukrainians who tried to build the new country. After a couple of years they were broken, burned out and bitterly disappointed by corruption that seemed to be unconquerable. In Poland, meanwhile, I continued to build a life for myself. I married, had children and worked away at my first novel, inspired in part by the colorful Ukrainian revolution.

Then another revolution spilled out onto Kyiv’s streets. Based at the Maidan, the city’s central square, protesters bravely demanded the government reverse its decision to abandon an association agreement with Europe and commit to a pro-Western path. Across five fateful days in February 2014 things turned violent, and peaceful demonstrators — about 100 of them — were killed. This, which became known as the Revolution of Dignity, gave birth to my Ukrainian identity. During those days I started to call myself Ukrainian for the first time.

I was joined by hundreds of thousands of my compatriots, who moved to Poland in the aftermath of the protests and Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Taxi drivers, hairdressers, doctors and teachers started to make the harsh rustling sound of the Polish language lingering and melodious. The historical taboos were still there, but so were love affairs, business deals and newborn Ukrainian Polish children. The strict E.U. border was still there, but the spirit of a renewed Second Polish Republic was hovering in the air, too.

Now the mingling and melding of the two countries has reached new levels. From the first day of Russia’s invasion, my mobile phone has been ringing almost without interruption. There was hardly one Polish friend or acquaintance who didn’t express solidarity or wasn’t ready to invite refugees to their home, not one who didn’t want to drive, to feed, to heal, to give, to support. It has been an astounding outpouring of fellow feeling. It was like the fever of a new love: Ukrainians flags were suddenly everywhere.

The border has changed, too. These days Ukrainians can cross it without documents, without Covid tests. They can bring their pets with them. They can make free calls and have free train tickets. When they cross the border, all the doors in Poland are open for them. Poles have even started to translate their cartoons into Ukrainian — to help refugee kids to laugh and relax after nights spent listening to air-raid sirens.

The very meaning of the word “Ukrainian” is changing in Poland. It used to contain such nuances as, for example, “the Easterner” or “the village man” or even “wild man.” Now it sounds different. When the word is uttered, I hear “the brave warrior” and “our brother.” For those leaving their lives behind, under the pressure of bombardment and attack, the fraternal salute seems exactly right. 
&nbsp;

A few years ago, after I gave a talk in a small Polish town, an old man sidled up to the table where I sat. “In what language do you dream?” he asked. “In all the languages I speak,” I answered honestly (I’m basically trilingual).

A few years ago, after I gave a talk in a small Polish town, an old man sidled up to the table where I sat. “In what language do you dream?” he asked. “In all the languages I speak,” I answered honestly (I’m basically trilingual). “You are a person,” he replied with a slight note of condemnation, “without identity.” I smiled. His comment was not unusual: I’d heard a version of it many times in the years since I settled in Poland. There was, apparently, only one proper way of being Polish and only one way of pronouncing Polish words. But there was something he, like other Poles reared with a narrow sense of national identity, didn’t understand. I am from Ukraine — and Ukrainian identity is porous, inclusive, multilayered and, crucially, a work in progress. If Poles didn’t know that then, they’ll get a chance to find out now. More than a million Ukrainians, under brutal attack from Russia, have crossed the border into Poland. Waiting with their children and old relatives in long, slow lines, they said tearful farewells to their husbands and sons and stepped into a new life. It is a tragic upheaval. My own experience when I left Ukraine almost 20 years ago, by contrast, was not painful at all. There was no war and I was not a refugee. I realize how lucky I am. But I know what it’s like to leave your home and country behind, and to start anew. And I can say that the departure, however final it seems, is never forever. You carry both within you, always. They are a constant presence, sometimes near, sometimes far, lighting up the path to the future. I was born in Lviv in 1978. Then in the Soviet Union, the city had belonged to Poland for about 400 years and been a place where Poles, Ukrainians, Jews and Armenians lived side by side. In my youth, I was suffused with this borderland identity and thought of myself as existing at the intersection of cultures, never fully beholden to one. So when the Soviet Union fell, I wasn’t very interested in the new Ukrainian state. Instead, I longed to see Paris, Rome and Madrid, with their churches and museums, even if it meant half-starving, sleeping in parks and hitchhiking. After my travels, I wanted to settle somewhere — and chose Poland, fulfilling my grandmother’s dream of living in the country. I didn’t even call it emigration: My hometown, after all, was only about 185 miles away. But after Poland joined the European Union in 2004, the border between the two countries, previously so easily passed, was garlanded with barbed wire. To get into the country, Ukrainians had to wait in a special line, much longer than E.U. citizens. I began to dream about the abolition of the border. If Ukraine joined the European Union, say, I would be able to cherish once more my borderland identity — and things could look a bit like the Second Polish Republic, the interwar state where Poles, Ukrainians and other nationalities lived side by side. It was not, of course, an idyll: The Polish state dealt harshly with minorities, and Ukrainians who wanted to study in their own language or practice their religion faced oppression. Between Ukraine and Poland, there are still many “no-go areas.” At the time, I didn’t really think of myself as Ukrainian. I was from Lviv, spoke Russian, Polish and Ukrainian, and lived in Poland: That seemed like enough. But as I was dreaming about the border falling between us, the Orange Revolution — a series of protests that expressed not only Ukrainians’ opposition to corruption but also, more profoundly perhaps, their European longings — broke out in Ukraine in 2004. At a solidarity demonstration in Krakow, I found myself, for the first time in my life, holding the blue-and-yellow flag. It was, my friend said, the conception of my Ukrainian identity. For the next decade or so, it went no further. I have relatives and friends on both sides of the border, and I was regularly here and there. I followed events in Ukraine at a distance, as if wary of what could come from full immersion. I knew some educated, talented young Ukrainians who tried to build the new country. After a couple of years they were broken, burned out and bitterly disappointed by corruption that seemed to be unconquerable. In Poland, meanwhile, I continued to build a life for myself. I married, had children and worked away at my first novel, inspired in part by the colorful Ukrainian revolution. Then another revolution spilled out onto Kyiv’s streets. Based at the Maidan, the city’s central square, protesters bravely demanded the government reverse its decision to abandon an association agreement with Europe and commit to a pro-Western path. Across five fateful days in February 2014 things turned violent, and peaceful demonstrators — about 100 of them — were killed. This, which became known as the Revolution of Dignity, gave birth to my Ukrainian identity. During those days I started to call myself Ukrainian for the first time. I was joined by hundreds of thousands of my compatriots, who moved to Poland in the aftermath of the protests and Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Taxi drivers, hairdressers, doctors and teachers started to make the harsh rustling sound of the Polish language lingering and melodious. The historical taboos were still there, but so were love affairs, business deals and newborn Ukrainian Polish children. The strict E.U. border was still there, but the spirit of a renewed Second Polish Republic was hovering in the air, too. Now the mingling and melding of the two countries has reached new levels. From the first day of Russia’s invasion, my mobile phone has been ringing almost without interruption. There was hardly one Polish friend or acquaintance who didn’t express solidarity or wasn’t ready to invite refugees to their home, not one who didn’t want to drive, to feed, to heal, to give, to support. It has been an astounding outpouring of fellow feeling. It was like the fever of a new love: Ukrainians flags were suddenly everywhere. The border has changed, too. These days Ukrainians can cross it without documents, without Covid tests. They can bring their pets with them. They can make free calls and have free train tickets. When they cross the border, all the doors in Poland are open for them. Poles have even started to translate their cartoons into Ukrainian — to help refugee kids to laugh and relax after nights spent listening to air-raid sirens. The very meaning of the word “Ukrainian” is changing in Poland. It used to contain such nuances as, for example, “the Easterner” or “the village man” or even “wild man.” Now it sounds different. When the word is uttered, I hear “the brave warrior” and “our brother.” For those leaving their lives behind, under the pressure of bombardment and attack, the fraternal salute seems exactly right.

I left Ukraine 20 years ago. But it never left me

Former World number one tennis player Andy Murray on Wednesday said that he has decided to donate his earnings from prize money for the rest of the year 2022 to help provide urgent medical supplies and early childhood development kits for children in Ukraine.

The whole child population of Ukraine, 7.5 million children, is now at risk as the conflict against Russia continues to escalate.

With explosions in major cities across the country and thousands of families being forced to flee their homes, UNICEF has called for an immediate ceasefire.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/is-it-happening-cristiano-ronaldo-to-leave-man-united-and-join-lionel-messi-at-psg-reports-460575">Is it happening? Cristiano Ronaldo to leave Manchester United and join Lionel Messi at PSG - Reports</a>

"Over 7.5m children are at risk with the escalating conflict in Ukraine, so I'm working with UNICEF UK to help provide urgent medical supplies and early childhood development kits," Andy Murray wrote on Twitter.

"It's vital education continues, so UNICEF is working to enable access to learning for displaced children, as well as supporting the rehabilitation of damaged schools, together with replacement equipment and furniture."

"I'm going to be donating my earnings from my prize money for the rest of the year, but anyone in the UK can support UNICEF's humanitarian response by donating to our appeal by following this link - https://unicef.uk/am_ukraine Children in Ukraine need peace - now," Murray added.

Andy Murray has also been awarded a wild card for the Miami event.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-legend-shane-warnes-state-memorial-service-to-be-held-at-melbourne-cricket-ground-on-march-30-460555">Australian legend Shane Warne's state memorial service to be held at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 30</a>

The Brit, who was confirmed as a wild card in Indian Wells earlier this week, is a familiar face in Miami having trained frequently in the city throughout his career.

He is a two-time champion at the tournament, having triumphed in 2009 (d. Djokovic) and 2013 (d. Ferrer).

Murray reached the final of the Sydney Tennis Classic in January but has exited his past four tournaments in the second round and will seek to go deep in both tournaments as he hunts a return to the Top 50 of the ATP Rankings.

Former World number one tennis player Andy Murray on Wednesday said that he has decided to donate his earnings from prize money for the rest of the year 2022 to help provide urgent medical supplies and early childhood development kits for children in Ukraine.

Former World number one tennis player Andy Murray on Wednesday said that he has decided to donate his earnings from prize money for the rest of the year 2022 to help provide urgent medical supplies and early childhood development kits for children in Ukraine. The whole child population of Ukraine, 7.5 million children, is now at risk as the conflict against Russia continues to escalate. With explosions in major cities across the country and thousands of families being forced to flee their homes, UNICEF has called for an immediate ceasefire. ALSO READ: Is it happening? Cristiano Ronaldo to leave Manchester United and join Lionel Messi at PSG - Reports "Over 7.5m children are at risk with the escalating conflict in Ukraine, so I'm working with UNICEF UK to help provide urgent medical supplies and early childhood development kits," Andy Murray wrote on Twitter. "It's vital education continues, so UNICEF is working to enable access to learning for displaced children, as well as supporting the rehabilitation of damaged schools, together with replacement equipment and furniture." "I'm going to be donating my earnings from my prize money for the rest of the year, but anyone in the UK can support UNICEF's humanitarian response by donating to our appeal by following this link - https://unicef.uk/am_ukraine Children in Ukraine need peace - now," Murray added. Andy Murray has also been awarded a wild card for the Miami event. ALSO READ: Australian legend Shane Warne's state memorial service to be held at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 30 The Brit, who was confirmed as a wild card in Indian Wells earlier this week, is a familiar face in Miami having trained frequently in the city throughout his career. He is a two-time champion at the tournament, having triumphed in 2009 (d. Djokovic) and 2013 (d. Ferrer). Murray reached the final of the Sydney Tennis Classic in January but has exited his past four tournaments in the second round and will seek to go deep in both tournaments as he hunts a return to the Top 50 of the ATP Rankings.

Andy Murray pledges to donate earnings from prize money of 2022 to help children in war-torn Ukraine

Oil prices fell to around $125 a barrel on Wednesday as a result of a view taken by some investors that US ban on Russian oil import may not greatly affect supply.&nbsp;

USA on Wednesday banned import of Russian oil. US President Joe Biden himself made the announcement. Talk that Ukraine was no longer seeking NATO membership after some news reports this week on the issue also weighed on prices, traders said.

"Maybe this is playing its part," said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM of the Ukraine NATO membership issue.

"The realization that the U.S. import ban might not materially make the current supply shock worse than it has been might have also triggered this bout of profit-taking," he added.

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Brent crude was down $3.56, or 2.8%, to $124.42 a barrel at 1250 GMT, after earlier rising above $131. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell $3.99, or 3.2%, to $119.71.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-adds-160-russian-oligarchs-senators-to-sanctions-blacklist-460584">European Union adds 160 Russian oligarchs, senators to sanctions blacklist</a>

The United States imported more than 20.4 million barrels of crude and refined products a month on average from Russia in 2021, about 8% of U.S. liquid fuel imports, according to the Energy Information Administration.

"Theoretically, the U.S. could even offset the outages from Russia with its own production," Carsten Fritsch of Commerzbank wrote in a report.

Oil also fell as the head of the IEA described the agency's decision last week to release 60 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves as "an initial response" and said that more could be released if needed.

Crude has surged since Russia, the world's second-largest crude exporter, launched what it called a "special operation" in Ukraine. Brent hit $139 on Monday, its highest since 2008.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-china-accuses-nato-of-pushing-russia-to-breaking-point-460521">Ukraine crisis: China accuses NATO of pushing Russia to 'breaking point'</a>

On Wednesday, Russia announced a new ceasefire in Ukraine to let civilians flee besieged cities, after days of mostly failed promises that have left hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians trapped without access to medicine or fresh water.

In addition to the U.S. Russian oil ban, Britain said on Tuesday it would phase Russian imports out and Shell said it would stop buying Russian crude. JP Morgan estimated around 70% of Russian seaborne oil was struggling to find buyers.

One potential source of extra oil supply is Iran, which has been in talks with Western powers for months on resuming its nuclear deal. Iran's chief negotiator in the Vienna talks returned to the Austrian capital on Wednesday.

Amid concern over supply shortages, there are some signs the market is not short of crude yet.

U.S. crude inventories rose by 2.8 million barrels, according to market sources, citing figures from the American Petroleum Institute, an industry group, on Tuesday. Official U.S. inventory figures are due at 1530 GMT.

(With inputs from agencies)

Oil prices fell to around $125 a barrel on Wednesday as a result of a view taken by some investors that US ban on Russian oil import may not greatly affect supply.

Oil prices fell to around $125 a barrel on Wednesday as a result of a view taken by some investors that US ban on Russian oil import may not greatly affect supply. USA on Wednesday banned import of Russian oil. US President Joe Biden himself made the announcement. Talk that Ukraine was no longer seeking NATO membership after some news reports this week on the issue also weighed on prices, traders said. "Maybe this is playing its part," said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM of the Ukraine NATO membership issue. "The realization that the U.S. import ban might not materially make the current supply shock worse than it has been might have also triggered this bout of profit-taking," he added. × Brent crude was down $3.56, or 2.8%, to $124.42 a barrel at 1250 GMT, after earlier rising above $131. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) fell $3.99, or 3.2%, to $119.71. Also Read | European Union adds 160 Russian oligarchs, senators to sanctions blacklist The United States imported more than 20.4 million barrels of crude and refined products a month on average from Russia in 2021, about 8% of U.S. liquid fuel imports, according to the Energy Information Administration. "Theoretically, the U.S. could even offset the outages from Russia with its own production," Carsten Fritsch of Commerzbank wrote in a report. Oil also fell as the head of the IEA described the agency's decision last week to release 60 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves as "an initial response" and said that more could be released if needed. Crude has surged since Russia, the world's second-largest crude exporter, launched what it called a "special operation" in Ukraine. Brent hit $139 on Monday, its highest since 2008. Also Read | Ukraine crisis: China accuses NATO of pushing Russia to 'breaking point' On Wednesday, Russia announced a new ceasefire in Ukraine to let civilians flee besieged cities, after days of mostly failed promises that have left hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians trapped without access to medicine or fresh water. In addition to the U.S. Russian oil ban, Britain said on Tuesday it would phase Russian imports out and Shell said it would stop buying Russian crude. JP Morgan estimated around 70% of Russian seaborne oil was struggling to find buyers. One potential source of extra oil supply is Iran, which has been in talks with Western powers for months on resuming its nuclear deal. Iran's chief negotiator in the Vienna talks returned to the Austrian capital on Wednesday. Amid concern over supply shortages, there are some signs the market is not short of crude yet. U.S. crude inventories rose by 2.8 million barrels, according to market sources, citing figures from the American Petroleum Institute, an industry group, on Tuesday. Official U.S. inventory figures are due at 1530 GMT. (With inputs from agencies)

Oil prices ease over speculation US ban on Russia oil won't cause problem

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian has accused US-led NATO of pushing Russia to a ''breaking point'' in the Ukraine crisis.

At a daily news briefing, he urged the United States to take China's concerns seriously and avoid undermining its rights or interests in handling the Ukraine issue and ties with Russia.

The Chinese Red Cross will also provide a batch of humanitarian assistance worth 5 million yuan ($791,540) to Ukraine, consisting of daily necessities, Zhao added.

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Beijing has refused to condemn Russia's attack on Ukraine or call it an invasion while asking Western countries to respect Russia's "legitimate security concerns."

It comes after the CIA's director said Tuesday he believes China leader Xi Jinping has been "unsettled" by Russia's difficulties in invading Ukraine, and by how the war has brought the United States and Europe closer.

"I think President Xi and the Chinese leadership are a little bit unsettled by what they're seeing in Ukraine," Central Intelligence Agency boss William Burns told US lawmakers during a hearing on global threat assessments.

"They did not anticipate the significant difficulties the Russians were going to run into."

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-ukraine-has-been-able-to-stall-russian-advance-460209">Why has Ukraine been able to stall Russian advance?</a>

Nearly two weeks into the invasion, Russian forces are bogged down in Ukraine, suffering as many as 4,000 fatalities, according to the Pentagon's estimate, and encountering unexpectedly strong resistance from Ukrainian forces.

Even if Beijing wanted to, its ability to support President Vladimir Putin by importing more Russian gas and other goods is limited.

Relations with Moscow have warmed since Xi took power in 2012, motivated by shared resentment of Washington, but their interests can conflict. While their militaries hold joint exercises, Putin is uneasy about the growing Chinese economic presence in Central Asia and Russia’s Far East.

“China-Russia relations are at the highest level in history, but the two countries are not an alliance,” said Li Xin, an international relations expert at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-xi-calls-for-maximum-restraint-offers-to-mediate-between-ukraine-and-russia-460498" hreflang="en">China’s Xi calls for ‘maximum restraint’, offers to mediate between Ukraine and Russia</a>

“China doesn’t want to get so involved that it ends up suffering as a result of its support for Russia,” said Mark Williams, chief Asia economist for Capital Economics.

Chinese trade with Russia rose to $146.9 billion last year, but that is less than one-tenth of China’s total $1.6 trillion in trade with the United States and EU.

“It all hinges on whether they’re willing to risk their access to Western markets to help Russia, and I don’t think they are,” said Williams. “It’s just not that big a market.”

China, the world’s second-largest economy, is the only major government not to have condemned the invasion.

China’s multibillion-dollar purchases of Russian gas for its energy-hungry economy have been a lifeline for Putin following trade and financial sanctions imposed in 2014 over his seizure of Crimea from Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian has accused US-led NATO of pushing Russia to a ''breaking point'' in the Ukraine crisis. At a daily news briefing, he urged the United States to take China's concerns seriously and avoid undermining its rights or interests in handling the Ukraine issue and ties with Russia.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian has accused US-led NATO of pushing Russia to a ''breaking point'' in the Ukraine crisis. At a daily news briefing, he urged the United States to take China's concerns seriously and avoid undermining its rights or interests in handling the Ukraine issue and ties with Russia. The Chinese Red Cross will also provide a batch of humanitarian assistance worth 5 million yuan ($791,540) to Ukraine, consisting of daily necessities, Zhao added. Beijing has refused to condemn Russia's attack on Ukraine or call it an invasion while asking Western countries to respect Russia's "legitimate security concerns." It comes after the CIA's director said Tuesday he believes China leader Xi Jinping has been "unsettled" by Russia's difficulties in invading Ukraine, and by how the war has brought the United States and Europe closer. "I think President Xi and the Chinese leadership are a little bit unsettled by what they're seeing in Ukraine," Central Intelligence Agency boss William Burns told US lawmakers during a hearing on global threat assessments. "They did not anticipate the significant difficulties the Russians were going to run into." Also see | Why has Ukraine been able to stall Russian advance? Nearly two weeks into the invasion, Russian forces are bogged down in Ukraine, suffering as many as 4,000 fatalities, according to the Pentagon's estimate, and encountering unexpectedly strong resistance from Ukrainian forces. Even if Beijing wanted to, its ability to support President Vladimir Putin by importing more Russian gas and other goods is limited. Relations with Moscow have warmed since Xi took power in 2012, motivated by shared resentment of Washington, but their interests can conflict. While their militaries hold joint exercises, Putin is uneasy about the growing Chinese economic presence in Central Asia and Russia’s Far East. “China-Russia relations are at the highest level in history, but the two countries are not an alliance,” said Li Xin, an international relations expert at the Shanghai University of Political Science and Law. Also read | China’s Xi calls for ‘maximum restraint’, offers to mediate between Ukraine and Russia “China doesn’t want to get so involved that it ends up suffering as a result of its support for Russia,” said Mark Williams, chief Asia economist for Capital Economics. Chinese trade with Russia rose to $146.9 billion last year, but that is less than one-tenth of China’s total $1.6 trillion in trade with the United States and EU. “It all hinges on whether they’re willing to risk their access to Western markets to help Russia, and I don’t think they are,” said Williams. “It’s just not that big a market.” China, the world’s second-largest economy, is the only major government not to have condemned the invasion. China’s multibillion-dollar purchases of Russian gas for its energy-hungry economy have been a lifeline for Putin following trade and financial sanctions imposed in 2014 over his seizure of Crimea from Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine crisis: China accuses NATO of pushing Russia to 'breaking point'

Vassily Nebenzia, Russia's UN Ambassador, has promised a fresh ceasefire for Tuesday, claiming that Ukrainians will be able to select "where they wish to be evacuated to."

The event will start at 10 a.m. Moscow time (12.30 PM Indian Standard Time).

Following Ukraine's rejection of the earlier offer, it was discovered that departure routes would send migrants to Russia or Belarus.

According to Ukraine, the Russian attacks are preventing its population from safely escaping their encircled towns.

Several people in Mariupol city were running out of food and water.

On Tuesday, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, entered its 13th day.&nbsp;

Ukraine's UN Ambassador, Sergiy Kyslytsya, believes the Russian invasion has brought the country "to the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe of possibly global scope."&nbsp;

Watch | What's the impact of war on Children? How to help kids cope with war? Expert answers

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Watch | Gravitas | Ukraine Vs Russia: The meme war

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(With inputs from agencies)

Vassily Nebenzia, Russia's UN Ambassador, has promised a fresh ceasefire for Tuesday, claiming that Ukrainians will be able to select "where they wish to be evacuated to.

Vassily Nebenzia, Russia's UN Ambassador, has promised a fresh ceasefire for Tuesday, claiming that Ukrainians will be able to select "where they wish to be evacuated to." The event will start at 10 a.m. Moscow time (12.30 PM Indian Standard Time). Following Ukraine's rejection of the earlier offer, it was discovered that departure routes would send migrants to Russia or Belarus. According to Ukraine, the Russian attacks are preventing its population from safely escaping their encircled towns. Several people in Mariupol city were running out of food and water. On Tuesday, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, entered its 13th day. Ukraine's UN Ambassador, Sergiy Kyslytsya, believes the Russian invasion has brought the country "to the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe of possibly global scope." Watch | What's the impact of war on Children? How to help kids cope with war? Expert answers Watch | Gravitas | Ukraine Vs Russia: The meme war (With inputs from agencies)

Russia announces a new ceasefire to let people evacuate in ‘direction of their choice’

The ongoing Russian invasion has not elicited any military reaction from the West but US and other allies have moved to impose economic sanctions aimed at crippling Russian economy. As a further step in this direction, the US is planning to ban oil imports from Russia.

Russia is among prominent oil and gas producers in the world.

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers last week introduced the Ban Russian Energy Imports Act, which would declare a national emergency as a result of Russian aggression and prohibit all US imports of Russian energy.

US President Joe Biden had initially resisted plans to ban Russian oil in light of inflation but strong anti-Moscow sentiment among Americans has forced the administration to hold discussions in that direction.&nbsp;

Will ban on Russian oil impact US oil market adversely?

Russian oil forms amounts to 10 per cent of total oil imports of US. Experts are saying that since percentage is low, the US would be able to offset the effect caused by potential oil shortage.

"I wouldn't minimize what it takes to replace Russian oil, but it's achievable," said Antoine Halff, a research scholar at Columbia University's Center of Global Energy Policy. He was quoted by AFP.

Will oil prices shoot up?

Even without a ban, oil prices have risen about 30 percent in response to the Russian invasion.

US gasoline prices averaged $4.07 a gallon on Monday, an increase of $0.62 from a month earlier and 47 percent higher than the year-ago level, according to the American Automobile Association.

How enthusiastic is Europe to join Russian oil ban?

Europe, as compared with the US, is more reliant on Russia when it comes to energy products. Europe imports about 40 per cent of its natural gas from Russia. Supply of energy products also gives Russia some political leverage over Europe.&nbsp;

US initiative to ban Russian oil would be more effective if Europe joined the effort. But there are strong indications of low enthusiasm among European countries over a total ban.

How can the US make up for oil shortfall?

The situation has arisen an a peculiar juncture as Iran, a major oil producing nation is negotiating with the West to revive 2015 nuclear deal. Aim of the Islamic Republic remains to be free of crippling US sanctions which are choking its economy. Iran has given indications that if US lifts sanctions, it was ready to increase oil output.

&nbsp;Will US petroleum producers make up the difference?

Large domestic companies such as ExxonMobil and Chevron have been cautious about ramping up investment in response to higher oil prices, in part due to Wall Street's skepticism towards aggressive drilling plans. The firms have shifted some of their extra cash from higher profits on dividends and share buybacks.

Oil prices remaining above $100 a barrel likely would incentivize some more activity, but producers also are watching the global picture to see how the situation evolves.

"The biggest risk here, of course, is if you go ahead and you start drilling, and then the United States makes a deal with Iran, and also this Iranian oil hits the market," said Stephen Schork an oil analyst who writes a newsletter on energy markets.

How will the Russia crisis affect US climate policy?

The cornerstone of Biden's climate agenda, the Build Back Better Act, was already struggling on Capitol Hill, even before the invasion of Ukraine seized national attention.

Biden's critics in the Republican party have said the crisis highlights the need to reconsider White House policies such as the canceling of the Keystone pipeline and the removal of drilling acreage in Alaska and other environmentally sensitive habitats.

But environmentalists say the lesson of the crisis isn't the need for more domestic oil production, but more investments in electric vehicles and renewable energy.

(With inputs from agencies)

The ongoing Russian invasion has not elicited any military reaction from the West but US and other allies have moved to impose economic sanctions aimed at crippling Russian economy.

The ongoing Russian invasion has not elicited any military reaction from the West but US and other allies have moved to impose economic sanctions aimed at crippling Russian economy. As a further step in this direction, the US is planning to ban oil imports from Russia. Russia is among prominent oil and gas producers in the world. A bipartisan group of US lawmakers last week introduced the Ban Russian Energy Imports Act, which would declare a national emergency as a result of Russian aggression and prohibit all US imports of Russian energy. US President Joe Biden had initially resisted plans to ban Russian oil in light of inflation but strong anti-Moscow sentiment among Americans has forced the administration to hold discussions in that direction. Will ban on Russian oil impact US oil market adversely? Russian oil forms amounts to 10 per cent of total oil imports of US. Experts are saying that since percentage is low, the US would be able to offset the effect caused by potential oil shortage. "I wouldn't minimize what it takes to replace Russian oil, but it's achievable," said Antoine Halff, a research scholar at Columbia University's Center of Global Energy Policy. He was quoted by AFP. Will oil prices shoot up? Even without a ban, oil prices have risen about 30 percent in response to the Russian invasion. US gasoline prices averaged $4.07 a gallon on Monday, an increase of $0.62 from a month earlier and 47 percent higher than the year-ago level, according to the American Automobile Association. How enthusiastic is Europe to join Russian oil ban? Europe, as compared with the US, is more reliant on Russia when it comes to energy products. Europe imports about 40 per cent of its natural gas from Russia. Supply of energy products also gives Russia some political leverage over Europe. US initiative to ban Russian oil would be more effective if Europe joined the effort. But there are strong indications of low enthusiasm among European countries over a total ban. How can the US make up for oil shortfall? The situation has arisen an a peculiar juncture as Iran, a major oil producing nation is negotiating with the West to revive 2015 nuclear deal. Aim of the Islamic Republic remains to be free of crippling US sanctions which are choking its economy. Iran has given indications that if US lifts sanctions, it was ready to increase oil output. Will US petroleum producers make up the difference? Large domestic companies such as ExxonMobil and Chevron have been cautious about ramping up investment in response to higher oil prices, in part due to Wall Street's skepticism towards aggressive drilling plans. The firms have shifted some of their extra cash from higher profits on dividends and share buybacks. Oil prices remaining above $100 a barrel likely would incentivize some more activity, but producers also are watching the global picture to see how the situation evolves. "The biggest risk here, of course, is if you go ahead and you start drilling, and then the United States makes a deal with Iran, and also this Iranian oil hits the market," said Stephen Schork an oil analyst who writes a newsletter on energy markets. How will the Russia crisis affect US climate policy? The cornerstone of Biden's climate agenda, the Build Back Better Act, was already struggling on Capitol Hill, even before the invasion of Ukraine seized national attention. Biden's critics in the Republican party have said the crisis highlights the need to reconsider White House policies such as the canceling of the Keystone pipeline and the removal of drilling acreage in Alaska and other environmentally sensitive habitats. But environmentalists say the lesson of the crisis isn't the need for more domestic oil production, but more investments in electric vehicles and renewable energy. (With inputs from agencies)

Explainer: US mulls banning Russian oil imports, will it spell trouble?

Dayana Yastremska's unexpected run to the Lyon Open final ended in defeat on Sunday but the Ukrainian said she would donate her prize money towards aid efforts following Russia's invasion of her country 10 days ago.

Yastremska, who has won three WTA titles, fled Ukraine with her younger sister with help from their parents just days after the invasion began on Feb. 24.

She said she spent two nights in an underground parking lot before they fled.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/international-judo-federation-removes-vladimir-putin-arkady-rotenberg-from-all-positions-amid-ukraine-war-459891">International Judo Federation removes Vladimir Putin, Arkady Rotenberg from all positions amid Ukraine war</a>

The 21-year-old took the first set against Zhang Shuai before losing 3-6 6-3 6-4 to the eighth seed, who came back from 4-2 down in the decider to clinch the title.

"The prize money I earn here I'm going to give to the Ukrainian Foundation to support Ukraine," Yastremska, who draped her country's flag around her shoulders, said at the trophy presentation.

"If Ukrainian people are watching me, I want to say 'you guys are so strong, you have an amazing spirit, and I tried to fight for Ukraine'.

"I want to say thanks to every single person for standing by Ukraine."

Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation".

There was, however, some good news for Yastremska with the organisers of the March 9-20 WTA 1000 tournament in Indian Wells announcing that she was handed a wildcard into the main draw.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/russian-gymnast-sports-z-symbol-on-shirt-while-sharing-podium-with-ukrainian-winner-sparks-outrage-459807">Russian gymnast sports 'Z' symbol on shirt while sharing podium with Ukrainian winner, sparks outrage</a>

Italian Camila Giorgi's withdrawal paved the way for four-time major winner Naomi Osaka to move into the main draw at Indian Wells as a direct entry and freeing up a wildcard which was handed to Yastremska.

"My beloved Ukraine, I really wanted to win this one for you," Yastremska, a former world number 21 who is currently ranked 103rd, said on Twitter following her defeat in Lyon.

"I gave my absolute best throughout this week because that's what Ukrainians do!"

Dayana Yastremska's unexpected run to the Lyon Open final ended in defeat on Sunday but the Ukrainian said she would donate her prize money towards aid efforts following Russia's invasion of her country 10 days ago.

Dayana Yastremska's unexpected run to the Lyon Open final ended in defeat on Sunday but the Ukrainian said she would donate her prize money towards aid efforts following Russia's invasion of her country 10 days ago. Yastremska, who has won three WTA titles, fled Ukraine with her younger sister with help from their parents just days after the invasion began on Feb. 24. She said she spent two nights in an underground parking lot before they fled. ALSO READ: International Judo Federation removes Vladimir Putin, Arkady Rotenberg from all positions amid Ukraine war The 21-year-old took the first set against Zhang Shuai before losing 3-6 6-3 6-4 to the eighth seed, who came back from 4-2 down in the decider to clinch the title. "The prize money I earn here I'm going to give to the Ukrainian Foundation to support Ukraine," Yastremska, who draped her country's flag around her shoulders, said at the trophy presentation. "If Ukrainian people are watching me, I want to say 'you guys are so strong, you have an amazing spirit, and I tried to fight for Ukraine'. "I want to say thanks to every single person for standing by Ukraine." Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation". There was, however, some good news for Yastremska with the organisers of the March 9-20 WTA 1000 tournament in Indian Wells announcing that she was handed a wildcard into the main draw. ALSO READ: Russian gymnast sports 'Z' symbol on shirt while sharing podium with Ukrainian winner, sparks outrage Italian Camila Giorgi's withdrawal paved the way for four-time major winner Naomi Osaka to move into the main draw at Indian Wells as a direct entry and freeing up a wildcard which was handed to Yastremska. "My beloved Ukraine, I really wanted to win this one for you," Yastremska, a former world number 21 who is currently ranked 103rd, said on Twitter following her defeat in Lyon. "I gave my absolute best throughout this week because that's what Ukrainians do!"

Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska to donate Lyon Open prize money to help her war-torn homeland

An Indian doctor called Girikumar Patil, who has been holed up in a basement of war-torn Ukraine has refused to leave without his pets, which include&nbsp;a jaguar, and a black panther.

Famously known as Jaguar Kumar, the doctor said, "My big cats have been spending nights in the basement with me. There has been a lot of bombing happening around us. The cats are scared. They are eating less. I can't leave them."

"This is the second war I am living through. But this is scarier."&nbsp;

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He has lived for over six years in Severodonetsk, a small town located in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine. He hails from Tanuku in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district.

Patil arrived in Ukraine in 2007 to study medicine. Since 2014, he has been a practising orthopaedic and now works in a government hospital

“Initially, I wanted a Bengal tiger or an Asiatic lion as a pet. In 2020, while visiting a local zoo here, I saw the jaguar, orphaned and ill. With the permission of the authorities concerned, I took him to a veterinary hospital, provided treatment and adopted him,” he said.&nbsp;

“I used to take him on walks in the forest before the war. Those were the most joyful days in my life.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraine-under-attack-indian-student-shot-at-in-kyiv-crosses-into-poland-thanks-officials-459758" hreflang="en">Harjot Singh, the Indian shot at in Kyiv crosses into Poland, thanks officials</a>

“I along with all my pets went into the bunker after the war started. They have been cooperative and silent. But it has now become difficult for me to provide them with sufficient meat, as I can’t go out frequently,” he expressed his difficulty.

“I will never abandon my pets to save my life. Of course, my family is urging me to return. My pets are my children. I’ll stay with them and protect them until my last breath,” he vowed.&nbsp;

Giri, who is single, has been stepping out of his cramped basement only to buy food for his cats - the male jaguar is 20 months old and the female panther is a six-month-old cub - after the curfew ends early in the morning.

"I am the only Indian out here, and at night I am alone in the neighbourhood. Most of my neighbours have moved to nearby villages. I am going to hold out," he said. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

An Indian doctor called Girikumar Patil, who has been holed up in a basement of war-torn Ukraine has refused to leave without his pets, which include a jaguar, and a black panther.

An Indian doctor called Girikumar Patil, who has been holed up in a basement of war-torn Ukraine has refused to leave without his pets, which include a jaguar, and a black panther. Famously known as Jaguar Kumar, the doctor said, "My big cats have been spending nights in the basement with me. There has been a lot of bombing happening around us. The cats are scared. They are eating less. I can't leave them." "This is the second war I am living through. But this is scarier." He has lived for over six years in Severodonetsk, a small town located in the Donbas region of eastern Ukraine. He hails from Tanuku in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district. Patil arrived in Ukraine in 2007 to study medicine. Since 2014, he has been a practising orthopaedic and now works in a government hospital “Initially, I wanted a Bengal tiger or an Asiatic lion as a pet. In 2020, while visiting a local zoo here, I saw the jaguar, orphaned and ill. With the permission of the authorities concerned, I took him to a veterinary hospital, provided treatment and adopted him,” he said. “I used to take him on walks in the forest before the war. Those were the most joyful days in my life.” Also read | Harjot Singh, the Indian shot at in Kyiv crosses into Poland, thanks officials “I along with all my pets went into the bunker after the war started. They have been cooperative and silent. But it has now become difficult for me to provide them with sufficient meat, as I can’t go out frequently,” he expressed his difficulty. “I will never abandon my pets to save my life. Of course, my family is urging me to return. My pets are my children. I’ll stay with them and protect them until my last breath,” he vowed. Giri, who is single, has been stepping out of his cramped basement only to buy food for his cats - the male jaguar is 20 months old and the female panther is a six-month-old cub - after the curfew ends early in the morning. "I am the only Indian out here, and at night I am alone in the neighbourhood. Most of my neighbours have moved to nearby villages. I am going to hold out," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine crisis: Indian doctor holed up in a basement for over a week refuses to leave his jaguar and panther

SpaceX founder Elon Musk has said that the company is focusing on cyber defence and&nbsp;overcoming signal jamming&nbsp;amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

"Some Starlink terminals near conflict areas were being jammed for several hours at a time," Musk said.

It comes after the company's broadband service was told by some governments to block Russian news sources.

"Starlink has been told by some governments (not Ukraine) to block Russian news sources. We will not do so unless at gunpoint," the tech titan tweeted.

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Starlink was activated in Ukraine last week after Kyiv digital minister Mykhailo Fedorov urged Musk to provide the embattled country with stations days after it was invaded by neighboring Russia.

The service operates a constellation of more than 2,000 satellites that aim to provide internet access across the planet.

Web monitoring group NetBlocks has reported a series of significant disruptions to internet service in Ukraine since the Russian invasion began.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-does-aftermath-of-russian-invasion-look-like-for-ukraine-459414" hreflang="en">What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine?</a>

Musk asked users to "turn on Starlink only when needed and place antenna away as far away from people as possible" and "place light camouflage over the antenna to avoid visual detection."

He said that Starlink was the only non-Russian communications system still working in some parts of Ukraine in the wake of Russia's invasion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said&nbsp;he had spoken to SpaceX Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk and announced the country would receive more of its Starlink satellite internet terminals next week.

"Talked to Elon Musk. I'm grateful to him for supporting Ukraine with words and deeds," Zelenskiy tweeted.&nbsp;

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Talked to <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a>. I’m grateful to him for supporting Ukraine with words and deeds. Next week we will receive another batch of Starlink systems for destroyed cities. Discussed possible space projects 🚀. But I’ll talk about this after the war.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1500246977086373891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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This week the European Union banned Russian state-funded RT and Sputnik from the 27-nation bloc, while US-based social media giants including Twitter and Facebook parent Meta have taken steps to block the spread of Russian state-linked news media.

Since its military invaded on February 24, Russia has pummeled Ukrainian cities, with officials reporting hundreds of civilians killed. &nbsp;

Russian authorities have repeatedly and falsely decried reports of Russian military setbacks or civilian deaths in Ukraine as “fake” news, as well as reports calling the offensive a war or an invasion. They have imposed a news blackout, with multiple media websites partially inaccessible, Twitter restricted and Facebook blocked.

State media outlets and government officials refer to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a “special military operation” and insist the Russian forces only target military facilities.

(With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX founder Elon Musk has said that the company is focusing on cyber defence and overcoming signal jamming amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. "Some Starlink terminals near conflict areas were being jammed for several hours at a time," Musk said.

SpaceX founder Elon Musk has said that the company is focusing on cyber defence and overcoming signal jamming amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. "Some Starlink terminals near conflict areas were being jammed for several hours at a time," Musk said. It comes after the company's broadband service was told by some governments to block Russian news sources. "Starlink has been told by some governments (not Ukraine) to block Russian news sources. We will not do so unless at gunpoint," the tech titan tweeted. Starlink was activated in Ukraine last week after Kyiv digital minister Mykhailo Fedorov urged Musk to provide the embattled country with stations days after it was invaded by neighboring Russia. The service operates a constellation of more than 2,000 satellites that aim to provide internet access across the planet. Web monitoring group NetBlocks has reported a series of significant disruptions to internet service in Ukraine since the Russian invasion began. Also see | What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine? Musk asked users to "turn on Starlink only when needed and place antenna away as far away from people as possible" and "place light camouflage over the antenna to avoid visual detection." He said that Starlink was the only non-Russian communications system still working in some parts of Ukraine in the wake of Russia's invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he had spoken to SpaceX Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk and announced the country would receive more of its Starlink satellite internet terminals next week. "Talked to Elon Musk. I'm grateful to him for supporting Ukraine with words and deeds," Zelenskiy tweeted. Talked to @elonmusk. I’m grateful to him for supporting Ukraine with words and deeds. Next week we will receive another batch of Starlink systems for destroyed cities. Discussed possible space projects 🚀. But I’ll talk about this after the war. — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 5, 2022 × This week the European Union banned Russian state-funded RT and Sputnik from the 27-nation bloc, while US-based social media giants including Twitter and Facebook parent Meta have taken steps to block the spread of Russian state-linked news media. Since its military invaded on February 24, Russia has pummeled Ukrainian cities, with officials reporting hundreds of civilians killed. Russian authorities have repeatedly and falsely decried reports of Russian military setbacks or civilian deaths in Ukraine as “fake” news, as well as reports calling the offensive a war or an invasion. They have imposed a news blackout, with multiple media websites partially inaccessible, Twitter restricted and Facebook blocked. State media outlets and government officials refer to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a “special military operation” and insist the Russian forces only target military facilities. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine crisis: SpaceX focusing on cyber defence after Starlink signals jammed

The Ukraine conflict has been 'westsplained' enough. On Gravitas Plus, Palki Sharma tells you how Western arrogance & NATO's expansionism are also to blame, how their actions precipitated the crisis in Ukraine.

Gravitas Plus: Did NATO push Ukraine into war?

Ukrainian presidential advisor has said the country had halted an advance on the Black Sea port city of Mykolayiv after local authorities said Russian troops had entered.

“All enemy’s attempts to move directly towards Mykolayiv were repulsed,“ Oleksiy Arestovych, adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said.

If captured, the city of 500,000 people in southern Ukraine, where Russian forces have made the most progress so far, would be the biggest yet to fall.

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Ukraine's military says it is fighting "fierce battles" with Russian forces on the edge of the southern city of Mykolaiv -- which controls the road to the key Black Sea city of Odessa in the west.

Dozens of civilians are being killed in the battle for Chernihiv in the north, with those who remain living in craters or among the ruins.

The port of Mariupol has endured heavy bombardment, a sign of its strategic value to Moscow due to its position between Russian-backed separatist-held eastern Ukraine and the Black Sea Crimean peninsula, which Moscow seized from Kyiv in 2014.

Russia held nuclear drills Saturday as well as the conventional exercises in Belarus, and has ongoing naval drills off the coast in the Black Sea.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-does-aftermath-of-russian-invasion-look-like-for-ukraine-459414" hreflang="en">What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine?</a>

In response to Russia's invasion, Turkey last month closed its Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits linking the Mediterranean and Black Seas to warships under a 1936 pact, limiting passage of some Russian vessels. The convention stipulates however, that warships belonging to Black Sea coastal countries can return to their bases.

The Italian government had also approved deployment of 235 military forces aboard two or three naval vessels, as well as an aircraft as part of surveillance and intelligence-gathering in the eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

The stakes are high: if Russia manages to conquer the entire Ukrainian coastline up to the Danube Delta,&nbsp;one of Europe's principal shipping lanes,&nbsp;that would create a direct point of contact between Moscow and NATO member Romania.

If Russian forces take the southern Ukrainian city of Odessa, they could "completely take the Ukrainian coast... and consolidate their hold on the Black Sea", said Igor Delanoe, a specialist on the Russian navy at the Franco-Russian Observatory.

"Russia would thus complete what began in 2014" when they annexed the Crimean peninsula, extending their influence over the Black Sea, according to Jean-Sylvestre Mongrenier of the Thomas More think-tank, which is based in Paris and Brussels. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Ukrainian presidential advisor has said the country had halted an advance on the Black Sea port city of Mykolayiv after local authorities said Russian troops had entered.

Ukrainian presidential advisor has said the country had halted an advance on the Black Sea port city of Mykolayiv after local authorities said Russian troops had entered. “All enemy’s attempts to move directly towards Mykolayiv were repulsed,“ Oleksiy Arestovych, adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said. If captured, the city of 500,000 people in southern Ukraine, where Russian forces have made the most progress so far, would be the biggest yet to fall. Ukraine's military says it is fighting "fierce battles" with Russian forces on the edge of the southern city of Mykolaiv -- which controls the road to the key Black Sea city of Odessa in the west. Dozens of civilians are being killed in the battle for Chernihiv in the north, with those who remain living in craters or among the ruins. The port of Mariupol has endured heavy bombardment, a sign of its strategic value to Moscow due to its position between Russian-backed separatist-held eastern Ukraine and the Black Sea Crimean peninsula, which Moscow seized from Kyiv in 2014. Russia held nuclear drills Saturday as well as the conventional exercises in Belarus, and has ongoing naval drills off the coast in the Black Sea. Also see | What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine? In response to Russia's invasion, Turkey last month closed its Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits linking the Mediterranean and Black Seas to warships under a 1936 pact, limiting passage of some Russian vessels. The convention stipulates however, that warships belonging to Black Sea coastal countries can return to their bases. The Italian government had also approved deployment of 235 military forces aboard two or three naval vessels, as well as an aircraft as part of surveillance and intelligence-gathering in the eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea. The stakes are high: if Russia manages to conquer the entire Ukrainian coastline up to the Danube Delta, one of Europe's principal shipping lanes, that would create a direct point of contact between Moscow and NATO member Romania. If Russian forces take the southern Ukrainian city of Odessa, they could "completely take the Ukrainian coast... and consolidate their hold on the Black Sea", said Igor Delanoe, a specialist on the Russian navy at the Franco-Russian Observatory. "Russia would thus complete what began in 2014" when they annexed the Crimean peninsula, extending their influence over the Black Sea, according to Jean-Sylvestre Mongrenier of the Thomas More think-tank, which is based in Paris and Brussels. (With inputs from agencies)

Why is Ukraine crisis threatening to upset delicate Black Sea equilibrium?

"Why, why, why?" wailed a distressed young Ukrainian mother as she slumped in her boyfriend's arms.

After medics failed to save her toddler, who had been injured in the head by shrapnel.

Kirill Yatsko, an 18-month-old boy, was killed when his home in Mariupol was shelled during the Russian invasion.

His mother, Marina, and boyfriend, Fedor, are shown in video footage hurrying into a hospital with the unconscious toddler.

As Kirill's heart appears to have stopped and a defibrillator is used, doctors place an oxygen mask over his face and massage his chest. 
 
Watch | Gravitas Plus | Ukraine War: Are we heading towards World War III?

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But he can't be rescued, and a doctor sits on his haunches at the far end of the room, staring down at the floor, trying to make sense of what he's just seen.

The Russian military is sieging Mariupol, Ukraine's most important city, in order to tighten their hold on the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-says-will-not-block-russian-news-on-starlink-unless-at-gunpoint-459385" hreflang="en">Elon Musk says will not block Russian news on Starlink 'unless at gunpoint'</a>

Despite Russia's own agreement to stop fire, Ukrainian officials accused Russia of shelling the city and civilian passages out of it on Saturday.

According to Western diplomats, Russian tactics have shifted to include increased attacks on people and residential areas.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

"Why, why, why?" wailed a distressed young Ukrainian mother as she slumped in her boyfriend's arms. After medics failed to save her toddler, who had been injured in the head by shrapnel.

"Why, why, why?" wailed a distressed young Ukrainian mother as she slumped in her boyfriend's arms. After medics failed to save her toddler, who had been injured in the head by shrapnel. Kirill Yatsko, an 18-month-old boy, was killed when his home in Mariupol was shelled during the Russian invasion. His mother, Marina, and boyfriend, Fedor, are shown in video footage hurrying into a hospital with the unconscious toddler. As Kirill's heart appears to have stopped and a defibrillator is used, doctors place an oxygen mask over his face and massage his chest. Watch | Gravitas Plus | Ukraine War: Are we heading towards World War III? But he can't be rescued, and a doctor sits on his haunches at the far end of the room, staring down at the floor, trying to make sense of what he's just seen. The Russian military is sieging Mariupol, Ukraine's most important city, in order to tighten their hold on the country. Also read | Elon Musk says will not block Russian news on Starlink 'unless at gunpoint' Despite Russia's own agreement to stop fire, Ukrainian officials accused Russia of shelling the city and civilian passages out of it on Saturday. According to Western diplomats, Russian tactics have shifted to include increased attacks on people and residential areas. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine crisis: Young mother faints after 18-month-old toddler killed in Russian attack

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