Britain condemned on Wednesday the International Paralympic Committee's decision to let Russian and Belarusian athletes compete as neutral participants in the Winter Paralympics in Beijing.

"I am extremely disappointed in the IPC - this is the wrong decision and I call on them to urgently reconsider," Nadine Dorries, Britain's secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport, said in a statement.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-winter-paralympics-athletes-from-russia-belarus-can-compete-as-neutrals-458193">Beijing Winter Paralympics: Athletes from Russia, Belarus can compete as neutrals</a>

"They must join the rest of the world in condemning this barbaric invasion by banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing," she added.

Dorries said she would consult with British sports bodies on how best to protest this decision.

Britain condemned on Wednesday the International Paralympic Committee's decision to let Russian and Belarusian athletes compete as neutral participants in the Winter Paralympics in Beijing.

Britain condemned on Wednesday the International Paralympic Committee's decision to let Russian and Belarusian athletes compete as neutral participants in the Winter Paralympics in Beijing. "I am extremely disappointed in the IPC - this is the wrong decision and I call on them to urgently reconsider," Nadine Dorries, Britain's secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport, said in a statement. ALSO READ: Beijing Winter Paralympics: Athletes from Russia, Belarus can compete as neutrals "They must join the rest of the world in condemning this barbaric invasion by banning Russian and Belarusian athletes from competing," she added. Dorries said she would consult with British sports bodies on how best to protest this decision.

Beijing Winter Paralympics: Britain condemns participation of Russian, Belarusian athletes

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday called Russian President Vladimir Putin a war criminal after civilians were bombed in Ukraine.

"What we have seen already from Vladimir Putin's regime, in the use of the munitions that they have already been dropping on innocent civilians, in my view already fully qualifies as a war crime," he told parliament.

The office of the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court on Monday said it would seek court approval to open an investigation into alleged war crimes in Ukraine.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/british-govt-releases-sanctions-list-boris-johnson-to-face-uk-parliament-458206/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Seven days into the war, roughly 874,000 people have fled Ukraine and the UN&nbsp;refugee agency warned the number could cross the 1 million mark soon.

Johnson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy have agreed on a call that sanctions need to go further to exert maximum pressure on Russia's Vladimir Putin in coming days, a Downing Street spokesperson said on Wednesday.

"The Prime Minister told President Zelenskyy (on call) that the UK was rallying UN General Assembly members today, to ensure the strongest possible condemnation of Russia at this afternoon's UN meeting in New York," the spokesperson added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/which-assets-of-russian-president-vladimir-putin-can-be-seized-due-to-ukraine-invasion-458127">In pics-Ukraine invasion:These assets of Russian President Putin can be seized</a>

Johnson said law firms working to stop Russian oligarchs from being hit by government sanctions could face penalties themselves.

"The legal profession, everybody involved in assisting in those who wish to hide money in London and assisting corrupt oligarchs have been set on notice that their actions are under scrutiny," Johnson told parliament.

"If they break the law, if they undermine the interests of this country and advance the interests of Putin's war machine, they will pay a price."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-pick-for-next-ukraine-president-who-is-viktor-yanukovych-458205">Putin's pick for next Ukraine president: Who is Viktor Yanukovych?</a>

Russia renewed its assault Wednesday on Ukraine’s second-largest city in a pounding that lit up the skyline with balls of fire over populated areas, even as both sides said they were ready to resume talks aimed at stopping the new devastating war in Europe.

The escalation of attacks on crowded cities followed an initial round of talks between outgunned Ukraine and nuclear power Russia on Monday that resulted in only a promise to meet again.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s goals are not clear, but the West has warned he may be seeking to topple the government and install a Kremlin-friendly regime.

Zelensky has decried Russia’s attacks on civilian targets as a blatant terror campaign, while US&nbsp;President Joe Biden warned on Tuesday that if the Russian leader didn’t “pay a price” for the invasion, the aggression wouldn’t stop with one country.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday called Russian President Vladimir Putin a war criminal after civilians were bombed in Ukraine. "What we have seen already from Vladimir Putin's regime, in the use of the munitions that they have already been dropping on innocent civilians, in my view already fully qualifies as a war crime," he told parliament.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Wednesday called Russian President Vladimir Putin a war criminal after civilians were bombed in Ukraine. "What we have seen already from Vladimir Putin's regime, in the use of the munitions that they have already been dropping on innocent civilians, in my view already fully qualifies as a war crime," he told parliament. The office of the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court on Monday said it would seek court approval to open an investigation into alleged war crimes in Ukraine. Seven days into the war, roughly 874,000 people have fled Ukraine and the UN refugee agency warned the number could cross the 1 million mark soon. Johnson and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy have agreed on a call that sanctions need to go further to exert maximum pressure on Russia's Vladimir Putin in coming days, a Downing Street spokesperson said on Wednesday. "The Prime Minister told President Zelenskyy (on call) that the UK was rallying UN General Assembly members today, to ensure the strongest possible condemnation of Russia at this afternoon's UN meeting in New York," the spokesperson added. In pics-Ukraine invasion:These assets of Russian President Putin can be seized Johnson said law firms working to stop Russian oligarchs from being hit by government sanctions could face penalties themselves. "The legal profession, everybody involved in assisting in those who wish to hide money in London and assisting corrupt oligarchs have been set on notice that their actions are under scrutiny," Johnson told parliament. "If they break the law, if they undermine the interests of this country and advance the interests of Putin's war machine, they will pay a price." Also read | Putin's pick for next Ukraine president: Who is Viktor Yanukovych? Russia renewed its assault Wednesday on Ukraine’s second-largest city in a pounding that lit up the skyline with balls of fire over populated areas, even as both sides said they were ready to resume talks aimed at stopping the new devastating war in Europe. The escalation of attacks on crowded cities followed an initial round of talks between outgunned Ukraine and nuclear power Russia on Monday that resulted in only a promise to meet again. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s goals are not clear, but the West has warned he may be seeking to topple the government and install a Kremlin-friendly regime. Zelensky has decried Russia’s attacks on civilian targets as a blatant terror campaign, while US President Joe Biden warned on Tuesday that if the Russian leader didn’t “pay a price” for the invasion, the aggression wouldn’t stop with one country. (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Boris Johnson says Russia already guilty of 'war crime' in Ukraine

Leading Russian bank Sberbank announced Wednesday it is pulling out of European markets amid tightening Western sanctions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

"In the current environment, Sberbank has decided to withdraw from the European market," the lender said in a statement carried by Russian news agencies.&nbsp;

The bank said its subsidiaries in Europe were facing an “abnormal outflow of funds and a threat to the safety of employees and branches,” according to Russian news agencies. They did not provide details of the threats.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-southern-city-of-kherson-falls-into-russian-hands-458155/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Authorities in Austria and Czech Republic had taken actions in recent days against Sberbank’s activities in Europe. They were targeted last week by tough US sanctions aimed at limiting their businesses internationally and over the weekend barred from the international SWIFT payment system.

The move was the latest consequence of Russia’s invasion last week, which has led to warfare across Ukraine and unprecedented Western sanctions aimed at isolating Russia’s economy.

With Moscow having failed in its aim to swiftly overthrow Ukraine's government after nearly a week, Western countries are worried that it is switching to new, far more violent tactics to blast its way into cities it had expected to easily take.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/which-assets-of-russian-president-vladimir-putin-can-be-seized-due-to-ukraine-invasion-458127">In pics-Ukraine invasion:These assets of Russian President Putin can be seized</a>

More than 836,000 people have fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion, the UN's refugee agency says, with the number rising rapidly.

European banking regulators said Tuesday that the European subsidiary of Russia's Sberbank would be wound up.

Sberbank's Austria-based European arm, Sberbank Europe AG, would be allowed to enter "normal insolvency proceedings", while branches in Croatia and Slovenia were sold to local banks, the European banking supervisory authority said.

On Monday, the European Central Bank had said that the European affiliate was "failing or likely to fail" after it "experienced significant deposit outflows as a result of the reputational impact of geopolitical tensions".

Sberbank Europe AG also has subsidiaries in Bosnia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Serbia, which do not come under the jurisdiction of the European Central Bank.

(With inputs from agencies)

Leading Russian bank Sberbank announced Wednesday it is pulling out of European markets amid tightening Western sanctions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. "In the current environment, Sberbank has decided to withdraw from the European market," the lender said in a statement carried by Russian news agencies.

Leading Russian bank Sberbank announced Wednesday it is pulling out of European markets amid tightening Western sanctions over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. "In the current environment, Sberbank has decided to withdraw from the European market," the lender said in a statement carried by Russian news agencies. The bank said its subsidiaries in Europe were facing an “abnormal outflow of funds and a threat to the safety of employees and branches,” according to Russian news agencies. They did not provide details of the threats. Authorities in Austria and Czech Republic had taken actions in recent days against Sberbank’s activities in Europe. They were targeted last week by tough US sanctions aimed at limiting their businesses internationally and over the weekend barred from the international SWIFT payment system. The move was the latest consequence of Russia’s invasion last week, which has led to warfare across Ukraine and unprecedented Western sanctions aimed at isolating Russia’s economy. With Moscow having failed in its aim to swiftly overthrow Ukraine's government after nearly a week, Western countries are worried that it is switching to new, far more violent tactics to blast its way into cities it had expected to easily take. In pics-Ukraine invasion:These assets of Russian President Putin can be seized More than 836,000 people have fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion, the UN's refugee agency says, with the number rising rapidly. European banking regulators said Tuesday that the European subsidiary of Russia's Sberbank would be wound up. Sberbank's Austria-based European arm, Sberbank Europe AG, would be allowed to enter "normal insolvency proceedings", while branches in Croatia and Slovenia were sold to local banks, the European banking supervisory authority said. On Monday, the European Central Bank had said that the European affiliate was "failing or likely to fail" after it "experienced significant deposit outflows as a result of the reputational impact of geopolitical tensions". Sberbank Europe AG also has subsidiaries in Bosnia, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Serbia, which do not come under the jurisdiction of the European Central Bank. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine invasion: Russia's largest lender Sberbank leaving Europe

Which assets of Russian President Vladimir Putin can be seized due to Ukraine invasion?

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem chaired an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) to address matters relating to the ongoing situation in Ukraine.

In his opening remarks to the meeting, the FIA President said: "As you know, the FIA is watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and I hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation. We condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and our thoughts are with all those suffering as a result of the events in Ukraine."

"I would like to stress that the HA, together with our promoters, proactively acted on this matter last week and communicated accordingly on the Formula 1, Formula 2, WTCR and the International Drifting Cup," he added.

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Motorsport's governing body FIA on Tuesday condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine but said Russian and Belarusian drivers could still take part in its competitions in a neutral capacity.

An updated version of the different FIA International Calendars will be presented to the WMSC meeting in Bahrain for approval," he added.

In accordance with the International Olympic Committee recommendations, Council members approved the following decisions to be implemented with immediate effect: No international/zone competition to take place in Russia and Belarus, until further notice.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/issf-bans-athletes-from-russia-belarus-after-ukraine-invasion-458082">ISSF bans athletes from Russia, Belarus after Ukraine invasion</a>

No flag/symbol or anthem of Russia/Belarus to be used in international/zone competitions until further notice No Russian/Belarusian national teams to participate in international/zone competitions (e.g. FIA Motorsport Games), until further notice.

Russian/Belarusian drivers, individual competitors and officials to participate in international/zone competitions only in their neutral capacity and under the "FIA flag", subject to specific commitment and adherence to the FIA's principles of peace and political neutrality, until further notice.

No Russian/Belarusian national symbols, colours, flags (uniform, equipment and car)- should be displayed or anthems should be played at international/zone competitions, until further notice.

The FIA President added: "I want to thank the Council members for their prompt action in deciding these measures in the interests of sport and peace. We stand in solidarity with Leonid Kostyuchenko, the President of the Federation Automobile d'Ukraine (FAU) and the wider FIA family in the country."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ukraine-crisis-bwf-suspend-russian-and-belarusan-athletes-officials-457893">Ukraine crisis: BWF suspend Russian and Belarusan athletes, officials</a>

"The measures taken today recognise the authority of the FAU in Ukraine and are also aligned with the recommendations recently made by the International Olympic Committee. We are in active discussions with our members as we continue to extend our compassion and support in their time of need. We sincerely hope for a peaceful resolution to their intolerable hardship," he added.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem chaired an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) to address matters relating to the ongoing situation in Ukraine.

FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem chaired an extraordinary meeting of the World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) to address matters relating to the ongoing situation in Ukraine. In his opening remarks to the meeting, the FIA President said: "As you know, the FIA is watching the developments in Ukraine with sadness and shock and I hope for a swift and peaceful resolution to the present situation. We condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine and our thoughts are with all those suffering as a result of the events in Ukraine." "I would like to stress that the HA, together with our promoters, proactively acted on this matter last week and communicated accordingly on the Formula 1, Formula 2, WTCR and the International Drifting Cup," he added. ALSO READ: Players from Russia, Belarus allowed to compete in ATP, WTA events Motorsport's governing body FIA on Tuesday condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine but said Russian and Belarusian drivers could still take part in its competitions in a neutral capacity. An updated version of the different FIA International Calendars will be presented to the WMSC meeting in Bahrain for approval," he added. In accordance with the International Olympic Committee recommendations, Council members approved the following decisions to be implemented with immediate effect: No international/zone competition to take place in Russia and Belarus, until further notice. ALSO READ: ISSF bans athletes from Russia, Belarus after Ukraine invasion No flag/symbol or anthem of Russia/Belarus to be used in international/zone competitions until further notice No Russian/Belarusian national teams to participate in international/zone competitions (e.g. FIA Motorsport Games), until further notice. Russian/Belarusian drivers, individual competitors and officials to participate in international/zone competitions only in their neutral capacity and under the "FIA flag", subject to specific commitment and adherence to the FIA's principles of peace and political neutrality, until further notice. No Russian/Belarusian national symbols, colours, flags (uniform, equipment and car)- should be displayed or anthems should be played at international/zone competitions, until further notice. The FIA President added: "I want to thank the Council members for their prompt action in deciding these measures in the interests of sport and peace. We stand in solidarity with Leonid Kostyuchenko, the President of the Federation Automobile d'Ukraine (FAU) and the wider FIA family in the country." ALSO READ: Ukraine crisis: BWF suspend Russian and Belarusan athletes, officials "The measures taken today recognise the authority of the FAU in Ukraine and are also aligned with the recommendations recently made by the International Olympic Committee. We are in active discussions with our members as we continue to extend our compassion and support in their time of need. We sincerely hope for a peaceful resolution to their intolerable hardship," he added.

Drivers from Russia, Belarus to participate only in their neutral capacity, says FIA President Md. Ben Sulayem

As Italian skiers kicked the snow off their boots and warmed up in the lobby of his lodge in the Apennine Mountains, the hotel owner worried what European sanctions on Russia would do to his already astronomically high heating bills.

“There will be major downsides for Italy,” said the owner, Roberto Minafra, as his guests checked the latest news about Ukraine on their phones. But in the face of an existential threat from President Vladimir Putin of Russia, Minafra decided that Italy, which receives more than 40% of its natural gas from Russia, needed to act with Europe. The economic hit was worth the sacrifice.

“Putin needs to be isolated,” he said. “We don’t have an alternative.”

After an initial wariness about the boomerang effect that sanctions would have on Italy’s energy imports, luxury goods businesses and banking sector, the country with some of the closest ties to Russia in Europe has stepped up with its Western allies in enacting muscular sanctions to weaken Putin, even at a potentially outsize cost for Italians.

Once seen by Russia — and nervous NATO allies — as the potential soft underbelly allowing Putin to break Europe’s liberal consensus and strengthen his regional influence, Italy has armored itself in the unity of the bloc and accepted the risk that the Kremlin could cut off much of Italy’s fuel in retaliation.

“In case of interruptions of gas supplies from Russia, Italy has more to lose compared to other European countries that rely on different sources,” Mario Draghi, the Italian prime minister but also a leading figure in the European Union, told the Italian Parliament on Tuesday. “This does not diminish our determination to support sanctions that we deem justified and necessary.”

In his speech, Draghi set out a vision of Europe, calling the Russian invasion a “decisive turning point in European history” that broke the “illusion” of permanent peace through economic and political integration, and posed a “new reality,” recalling the Nazi annexation of Austria or the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. He said it required choices that were until now unthinkable to protect against an attack on Western values and “the international order that we built together.”

“Italy does not intend to look away,” he said, adding that Italy and Europe had “adopted an increasingly tough and punitive response toward Moscow.”

He also said Italy had “responded to the appeal” of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine for military arms, equipment and vehicles because when a democracy under attack asks for help, “it’s not possible to respond only with encouragement.”

He said the crisis would accelerate the European Union’s integration process on immigration policy as it welcomed Ukrainian refugees, but also with regard to investments toward “a common defense” to protect the international order created after World War II.

For much of the postwar period, Italy has maintained a close connection to Russia. In the decades after the fall of Benito Mussolini’s fascist regime, Italy’s Communist Party was the largest outside the Soviet bloc. The Italian car company Fiat built the Soviet Union’s biggest car factory in a city named after Italian Communist leader Palmiro Togliatti, and also invested in helping the Soviets modernize their automobile industry and infrastructure.

That strong link to the Soviets spooked the West, and prompted the United States, which helped fund Italy’s rehabilitation through the Marshall Plan, and the Vatican to prop up Christian Democrats who ran Italy for nearly a half century. But during the Cold War, the Soviets exercised arguably more sway over Italy’s cultural intelligentsia, leaving the country divided.

Italy became a political and ideological borderland in the heart of Western Europe. The country’s leaders — those on the left and the right — maintained a strong alliance with the United States but also cozied up to the Soviets, and then the Russians, for their energy supply. With the rise of the oligarchs, Russia emerged as a market for Italian agriculture, banking and luxury goods.

But the collapse of Communism and the rise of Putin as a strongman shifted Russia’s support base in Italy to the right. Putin developed a close relationship with former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who shared his gaudy tastes. Ascending Italian populists saw in Putin a model for their opposition to migration and the decay of traditional values.

As those Euroskeptic forces rose, and America’s commitment to NATO eroded under President Donald Trump, Putin, always eager to destabilize Europe’s western front, sought to further boost Russia’s political, cultural and economic ties in Italy. His government welcomed sympathetic politicians to Moscow, supported cultural associations around Italy and wooed foreign investment with talk of Russia’s potential as an export market.

In the run-up to the war, Putin personally laid his soft power on thick, spending hours in a video call with Italian business leaders, including the chairman of the banking group Intesa Sanpaolo’s Russian unit, who “categorically” excluded an attack by Russia.

But the transactional era of extreme Italian flexibility between Russia and the West seemed to fade with Draghi, who, since taking office in 2021, has strengthened Italy’s ties with the European Union.

Now the politicians who courted Russia’s favor, and attended the Russia Day celebrations in Rome at the Russian ambassador’s residence, newly protected with barbed wire, have found themselves squirming.

Matteo Salvini, the leader of the Northern League party, which once signed a pact with Putin’s Russia United party, and who had a penchant for shirts with Putin’s face on them, has tried to condemn the violence without condemning Putin outright, and has voiced concern about sanctions cutting gas supplies.

“Sanctions should hit those who started and are conducting the war,” he said on Italian television Sunday, including politicians and billionaires. “Not poor people in Russia and even in Italy.”

But Draghi has shown little interest in cutting Russia a break since the start of the war. A former president of the European Central Bank, he said he had personally proposed that Europe take further measures against Russian oligarchs with assets surpassing 10 million euros ($11 million), intensify pressure on the Russian Central Bank and ask the Bank for International Settlements, headquartered in Switzerland, to join the sanctions.

Draghi has taken past Italian leaders to task for leaning so heavily on Russia. “The events of these days show the imprudence of not having further diversified our energy sources and our suppliers in the last decades,” he said last week.

On Tuesday he said the country had enough supply of oil and natural gas to mitigate shortages in the waning days of winter, but would jump-start its diversification projects, building up renewable energy and new gas supplies, “because we cannot be so dependent on the decisions of a single country.”

Italy’s Five Star Movement, which came to prominence as an anti-establishment force that often echoed Russian talking points and cross-pollinated with Russian propaganda websites, fought against alternative sources of energy.

One of the party’s members of Parliament infamously suggested that Ukrainians were cannibals, based on a photo that turned out to be from a horror movie. But perhaps its most prominent Russophile was Manlio Di Stefano, the party’s foreign policy point man.

In 2015, Di Stefano said the United States, NATO and the agricultural giant Monsanto had conspired to stir conflict in Ukraine to transform it “into a NATO base to launch the final attack on Russia,” but also to sell genetically modified foods. In 2016, he called Ukraine an American “puppet state” and attended a convention of Putin’s Russia United party.

He echoed Kremlin talking points to the Russian propaganda site Sputnik — which often promoted his party’s attacks on establishment rivals and is now banned in Europe — and urged Italy to “block sanctions against Russia” in part to help suffering Italian businesses.

Now, as Italy’s undersecretary for foreign affairs, he has become a supporter of the sanctions and a critic of Putin and Russia.

“I am also for further sanctions if war operations should continue, including forbidding Russian oil imports into the EU,” Di Stefano wrote in an email Tuesday. “My position has not changed.”

On Tuesday, Draghi urged the country not to litigate the past and to use the new momentum to push Europe further.

“The struggle that we support today,’’ Draghi said, “the sacrifices that we endure tomorrow, are in the defense of our principles and our future.”

As Italian skiers kicked the snow off their boots and warmed up in the lobby of his lodge in the Apennine Mountains, the hotel owner worried what European sanctions on Russia would do to his already astronomically high heating bills.

As Italian skiers kicked the snow off their boots and warmed up in the lobby of his lodge in the Apennine Mountains, the hotel owner worried what European sanctions on Russia would do to his already astronomically high heating bills. “There will be major downsides for Italy,” said the owner, Roberto Minafra, as his guests checked the latest news about Ukraine on their phones. But in the face of an existential threat from President Vladimir Putin of Russia, Minafra decided that Italy, which receives more than 40% of its natural gas from Russia, needed to act with Europe. The economic hit was worth the sacrifice. “Putin needs to be isolated,” he said. “We don’t have an alternative.” After an initial wariness about the boomerang effect that sanctions would have on Italy’s energy imports, luxury goods businesses and banking sector, the country with some of the closest ties to Russia in Europe has stepped up with its Western allies in enacting muscular sanctions to weaken Putin, even at a potentially outsize cost for Italians. Once seen by Russia — and nervous NATO allies — as the potential soft underbelly allowing Putin to break Europe’s liberal consensus and strengthen his regional influence, Italy has armored itself in the unity of the bloc and accepted the risk that the Kremlin could cut off much of Italy’s fuel in retaliation. “In case of interruptions of gas supplies from Russia, Italy has more to lose compared to other European countries that rely on different sources,” Mario Draghi, the Italian prime minister but also a leading figure in the European Union, told the Italian Parliament on Tuesday. “This does not diminish our determination to support sanctions that we deem justified and necessary.” In his speech, Draghi set out a vision of Europe, calling the Russian invasion a “decisive turning point in European history” that broke the “illusion” of permanent peace through economic and political integration, and posed a “new reality,” recalling the Nazi annexation of Austria or the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. He said it required choices that were until now unthinkable to protect against an attack on Western values and “the international order that we built together.” “Italy does not intend to look away,” he said, adding that Italy and Europe had “adopted an increasingly tough and punitive response toward Moscow.” He also said Italy had “responded to the appeal” of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine for military arms, equipment and vehicles because when a democracy under attack asks for help, “it’s not possible to respond only with encouragement.” He said the crisis would accelerate the European Union’s integration process on immigration policy as it welcomed Ukrainian refugees, but also with regard to investments toward “a common defense” to protect the international order created after World War II. For much of the postwar period, Italy has maintained a close connection to Russia. In the decades after the fall of Benito Mussolini’s fascist regime, Italy’s Communist Party was the largest outside the Soviet bloc. The Italian car company Fiat built the Soviet Union’s biggest car factory in a city named after Italian Communist leader Palmiro Togliatti, and also invested in helping the Soviets modernize their automobile industry and infrastructure. That strong link to the Soviets spooked the West, and prompted the United States, which helped fund Italy’s rehabilitation through the Marshall Plan, and the Vatican to prop up Christian Democrats who ran Italy for nearly a half century. But during the Cold War, the Soviets exercised arguably more sway over Italy’s cultural intelligentsia, leaving the country divided. Italy became a political and ideological borderland in the heart of Western Europe. The country’s leaders — those on the left and the right — maintained a strong alliance with the United States but also cozied up to the Soviets, and then the Russians, for their energy supply. With the rise of the oligarchs, Russia emerged as a market for Italian agriculture, banking and luxury goods. But the collapse of Communism and the rise of Putin as a strongman shifted Russia’s support base in Italy to the right. Putin developed a close relationship with former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who shared his gaudy tastes. Ascending Italian populists saw in Putin a model for their opposition to migration and the decay of traditional values. As those Euroskeptic forces rose, and America’s commitment to NATO eroded under President Donald Trump, Putin, always eager to destabilize Europe’s western front, sought to further boost Russia’s political, cultural and economic ties in Italy. His government welcomed sympathetic politicians to Moscow, supported cultural associations around Italy and wooed foreign investment with talk of Russia’s potential as an export market. In the run-up to the war, Putin personally laid his soft power on thick, spending hours in a video call with Italian business leaders, including the chairman of the banking group Intesa Sanpaolo’s Russian unit, who “categorically” excluded an attack by Russia. But the transactional era of extreme Italian flexibility between Russia and the West seemed to fade with Draghi, who, since taking office in 2021, has strengthened Italy’s ties with the European Union. Now the politicians who courted Russia’s favor, and attended the Russia Day celebrations in Rome at the Russian ambassador’s residence, newly protected with barbed wire, have found themselves squirming. Matteo Salvini, the leader of the Northern League party, which once signed a pact with Putin’s Russia United party, and who had a penchant for shirts with Putin’s face on them, has tried to condemn the violence without condemning Putin outright, and has voiced concern about sanctions cutting gas supplies. “Sanctions should hit those who started and are conducting the war,” he said on Italian television Sunday, including politicians and billionaires. “Not poor people in Russia and even in Italy.” But Draghi has shown little interest in cutting Russia a break since the start of the war. A former president of the European Central Bank, he said he had personally proposed that Europe take further measures against Russian oligarchs with assets surpassing 10 million euros ($11 million), intensify pressure on the Russian Central Bank and ask the Bank for International Settlements, headquartered in Switzerland, to join the sanctions. Draghi has taken past Italian leaders to task for leaning so heavily on Russia. “The events of these days show the imprudence of not having further diversified our energy sources and our suppliers in the last decades,” he said last week. On Tuesday he said the country had enough supply of oil and natural gas to mitigate shortages in the waning days of winter, but would jump-start its diversification projects, building up renewable energy and new gas supplies, “because we cannot be so dependent on the decisions of a single country.” Italy’s Five Star Movement, which came to prominence as an anti-establishment force that often echoed Russian talking points and cross-pollinated with Russian propaganda websites, fought against alternative sources of energy. One of the party’s members of Parliament infamously suggested that Ukrainians were cannibals, based on a photo that turned out to be from a horror movie. But perhaps its most prominent Russophile was Manlio Di Stefano, the party’s foreign policy point man. In 2015, Di Stefano said the United States, NATO and the agricultural giant Monsanto had conspired to stir conflict in Ukraine to transform it “into a NATO base to launch the final attack on Russia,” but also to sell genetically modified foods. In 2016, he called Ukraine an American “puppet state” and attended a convention of Putin’s Russia United party. He echoed Kremlin talking points to the Russian propaganda site Sputnik — which often promoted his party’s attacks on establishment rivals and is now banned in Europe — and urged Italy to “block sanctions against Russia” in part to help suffering Italian businesses. Now, as Italy’s undersecretary for foreign affairs, he has become a supporter of the sanctions and a critic of Putin and Russia. “I am also for further sanctions if war operations should continue, including forbidding Russian oil imports into the EU,” Di Stefano wrote in an email Tuesday. “My position has not changed.” On Tuesday, Draghi urged the country not to litigate the past and to use the new momentum to push Europe further. “The struggle that we support today,’’ Draghi said, “the sacrifices that we endure tomorrow, are in the defense of our principles and our future.”

Joining sanctions on Russia, Italy risks more than most

The top diplomats of 22 countries, including European Union member states, on Tuesday jointly called on the government of Pakistan to support a resolution in the United Nations General Assembly condemning Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was in Moscow to meet President Vladimir Putin last week on the day Russian forces entered Ukraine.

Pakistan has expressed concern about the fallout from the invasion but stopped short of condemning it.

"As heads of mission to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, we urge Pakistan to join us in condemning Russia's actions," said a joint statement signed by envoys from 22 countries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-afghan-border-reopens-days-after-deadly-clash-457149" hreflang="en">Pakistan-Afghan border reopens days after deadly clash</a>

Signatories included EU member states Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden and The Netherlands, as well as Australia, Canada, Japan, Norway, Switzerland and Britain.

The 193-member UNGA will this week vote on a resolution condemning Moscow's actions, similar to one vetoed by Russia in the Security Council on Friday. The resolution needs two-thirds support to be adopted.

Before his Russia visit, Khan said the Ukraine crisis had nothing to do with Pakistan, which did not want to join any bloc.

While Pakistan has begun expanding ties with Russia on energy projects, the EU is its top export market along with the United States.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-to-address-pakistan-on-the-countrys-current-economic-crisis-457023" hreflang="en">Imran Khan to address Pakistan on the country's current economic crisis</a>

The EU has gives Pakistan special trade status, the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP+), which lowers entry tariffs.

There was no comment from Pakistan's Foreign Office, but the country's Human Rights Minister, Shireen Mazari, responded on Twitter calling the joint statement "ironic".

She said Pakistan did not support military force, but the EU could not adhere to the U.N. Charter "selectively" as has been done "for decades". She called for the EU to condemn alleged violations by India and Israel.

The top diplomats of 22 countries, including European Union member states, on Tuesday jointly called on the government of Pakistan to support a resolution in the United Nations General Assembly condemning Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

The top diplomats of 22 countries, including European Union member states, on Tuesday jointly called on the government of Pakistan to support a resolution in the United Nations General Assembly condemning Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was in Moscow to meet President Vladimir Putin last week on the day Russian forces entered Ukraine. Pakistan has expressed concern about the fallout from the invasion but stopped short of condemning it. "As heads of mission to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, we urge Pakistan to join us in condemning Russia's actions," said a joint statement signed by envoys from 22 countries. Also read | Pakistan-Afghan border reopens days after deadly clash Signatories included EU member states Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden and The Netherlands, as well as Australia, Canada, Japan, Norway, Switzerland and Britain. The 193-member UNGA will this week vote on a resolution condemning Moscow's actions, similar to one vetoed by Russia in the Security Council on Friday. The resolution needs two-thirds support to be adopted. Before his Russia visit, Khan said the Ukraine crisis had nothing to do with Pakistan, which did not want to join any bloc. While Pakistan has begun expanding ties with Russia on energy projects, the EU is its top export market along with the United States. Also read | Imran Khan to address Pakistan on the country's current economic crisis The EU has gives Pakistan special trade status, the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP+), which lowers entry tariffs. There was no comment from Pakistan's Foreign Office, but the country's Human Rights Minister, Shireen Mazari, responded on Twitter calling the joint statement "ironic". She said Pakistan did not support military force, but the EU could not adhere to the U.N. Charter "selectively" as has been done "for decades". She called for the EU to condemn alleged violations by India and Israel.

Islamabad-based diplomats call on Pakistan to condemn Russia

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Russian police has claimed that it spotted advertisements with orders for terrorist attacks against Moscow on the darknet, as per a statement by the country's interior ministry.

The secret darknet includes websites that can be accessed only with specific software or authorisations, ensuring anonymity for users.

"In the course of monitoring the Internet, employees of the Russian Interior Ministry revealed a number of ads calling for terrorist activities in the shadow segment of the network, on the Hydra site, as well as in social networks and instant messengers," the ministry said.

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"According to available information, announcements of calls for illegal acts are distributed by call centers located in Ukraine. The police suggest that previously these centers could engage in phone fraud against Russian citizens and other criminal acts," the interior ministry added.

The attackers offered to carry out terrorist attacks for money, including against the state authorities of Russia in the material posted online.

The Russian interior ministry has requested "citizens not to respond to provocative proposals distributed on the Internet."

The local police said that ''Participation in terrorist activities, hooliganism and other illegal acts entail criminal liability.''

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-war-russias-hunt-for-drone-killer-uav-concept-revealed-457886" hreflang="en">Ukraine war: Russia's hunt for 'drone-killer UAV concept' revealed</a>

With disinformation rife and social media amplifying military claims and counterclaims, determining exactly what is happening is difficult.

As Russian and Ukrainian websites fall victim to cyber attacks and Moscow restricts access to some foreign social media, internet users across both countries have turned to online tools to help circumvent the blocks.

Demand for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) that encrypt data and obscure where a user is located has soared, data from monitoring firm Top10VPN showed, peaking 354 per cent&nbsp;higher in Russia on Sunday when compared to the daily average from February&nbsp;16-23.

Russia, which calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation", invaded its neighbour on February 24, attacking from land, sea and air. At home, it is battling to control the narrative, threatening restrictions on foreign and local media that stray from its official version of events.

Photos and videos were slow to load on Facebook, owned by Meta Platforms Inc, and Twitter, both of which have been targeted by state communications regulator Roskomnadzor.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/microsoft-to-remove-rt-apps-ban-russian-state-owned-media-ads-457704" hreflang="en">Microsoft to remove RT apps, ban Russian state-owned media ads</a>

"VPN demand surged in Russia as authorities restricted Facebook and Twitter over the weekend in a bid to control the flow of information from its invasion of Ukraine," Top10VPN said.

Russia banned several VPNs last year, but has failed to block them entirely, as part of a wider campaign critics say stifles internet freedom.

In Ukraine, Russian hackers were blamed for a spate of cyberattacks that briefly knocked Ukrainian banking and government websites offline, days before the invasion. Russia denied involvement.

VPN demand in Ukraine began noticeably increasing on February 15 in light of cyberattacks, Top10VPN said, and skyrocketed after the invasion, with demand peaking 424 per cent&nbsp;higher than the daily average in the first half of February.

On Monday, the websites of several Russian media outlets were hacked, with their regular sites replaced by an anti-war message and calls to stop President Vladimir Putin's invasion.

(With inputs from agencies)

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

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russian police has claimed that it spotted advertisements with orders for terrorist attacks against Moscow on the darknet, as per a statement by the country's interior ministry. The secret darknet includes websites that can be accessed only with specific software or authorisations, ensuring anonymity for users. "In the course of monitoring the Internet, employees of the Russian Interior Ministry revealed a number of ads calling for terrorist activities in the shadow segment of the network, on the Hydra site, as well as in social networks and instant messengers," the ministry said. "According to available information, announcements of calls for illegal acts are distributed by call centers located in Ukraine. The police suggest that previously these centers could engage in phone fraud against Russian citizens and other criminal acts," the interior ministry added. The attackers offered to carry out terrorist attacks for money, including against the state authorities of Russia in the material posted online. The Russian interior ministry has requested "citizens not to respond to provocative proposals distributed on the Internet." The local police said that ''Participation in terrorist activities, hooliganism and other illegal acts entail criminal liability.'' Also see | Ukraine war: Russia's hunt for 'drone-killer UAV concept' revealed With disinformation rife and social media amplifying military claims and counterclaims, determining exactly what is happening is difficult. As Russian and Ukrainian websites fall victim to cyber attacks and Moscow restricts access to some foreign social media, internet users across both countries have turned to online tools to help circumvent the blocks. Demand for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) that encrypt data and obscure where a user is located has soared, data from monitoring firm Top10VPN showed, peaking 354 per cent higher in Russia on Sunday when compared to the daily average from February 16-23. Russia, which calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation", invaded its neighbour on February 24, attacking from land, sea and air. At home, it is battling to control the narrative, threatening restrictions on foreign and local media that stray from its official version of events. Photos and videos were slow to load on Facebook, owned by Meta Platforms Inc, and Twitter, both of which have been targeted by state communications regulator Roskomnadzor. Also read | Microsoft to remove RT apps, ban Russian state-owned media ads "VPN demand surged in Russia as authorities restricted Facebook and Twitter over the weekend in a bid to control the flow of information from its invasion of Ukraine," Top10VPN said. Russia banned several VPNs last year, but has failed to block them entirely, as part of a wider campaign critics say stifles internet freedom. In Ukraine, Russian hackers were blamed for a spate of cyberattacks that briefly knocked Ukrainian banking and government websites offline, days before the invasion. Russia denied involvement. VPN demand in Ukraine began noticeably increasing on February 15 in light of cyberattacks, Top10VPN said, and skyrocketed after the invasion, with demand peaking 424 per cent higher than the daily average in the first half of February. On Monday, the websites of several Russian media outlets were hacked, with their regular sites replaced by an anti-war message and calls to stop President Vladimir Putin's invasion. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian police spots 'orders' for terrorist attacks against Moscow on darknet

While Google barred Russia’s state-owned media outlet RT, YouTube was 'pausing' some Russian channels on its platform. A lot is happening in the tech world after the invasion of Ukraine. #ukraine #russia #putin

Here's how tech giants are combating Russia's invasion of Ukraine

The Western media's coverage of the Ukraine’s refugee crisis has exposed its double standards.

About 470,000 foreign nationals, including students and migrant workers, are stranded in Ukraine and neighbouring countries should grant them refugee if they try to flee, the UN&nbsp;migration agency said on Tuesday.

"We appeal to neighbouring countries to ensure that protection and shelter and access to territory is provided to all," Safa Msehli, a spokesperson for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), told a briefing.

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The IOM has received requests from states in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa asking for help for their nationals trying to leave Ukraine and the agency is working on a coordinated response, Msehli said. So far, 6,000 foreign nationals have managed to flee to Slovakia and Moldova, she added.

Several have shared videos and testimonies on social media, denouncing discrimination at train stations and border posts.

More than 660,000 people have fled Ukraine to neighbouring countries since Russia launched its invasion last week, the UN refugee agency said on Tuesday. That includes hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians, mostly women and children, as well as third country nationals.

Netizens have pointed out the double standard, noting that while the toll of war may be similar in the respective conflicts, the media treatment is not.

Many also drew a comparison between Europe's welcoming of Ukrainian refugees and the influx of Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans, which was declared a "migrant crisis".

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/a-new-refugee-crisis-as-russia-attacks-ukraine-thousands-flee-the-chaos-456411">A new 'refugee crisis': As Russia attacks Ukraine, thousands flee the chaos</a>

"This isn't a place, with all due respect, you know, like Iraq or Afghanistan that has seen conflict raging for decades," said Charlie D'Agata of US network CBS News.

"This is a relatively civilised, relatively European, I have to choose those words carefully too -- city where you wouldn't expect that or hope it is going to happen."

A day later, after much online furore, D'Agata apologised for his "poor choice of words".

Meanwhile, journalist Philippe Corbe said,&nbsp;"We are not talking about Syrians fleeing the bombardment of the Syrian regime, supported by Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;We are talking about Europeans who are leaving in their cars, that look like our cars... and who are just trying to save their lives."

These are just&nbsp;of many remarks on reputable media outlets drawing a line between the conflict unfolding in Ukraine and those in other parts of the world.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-lifts-visa-requirements-for-foreigners-who-want-to-fight-against-russia-457756">Ukraine lifts visa requirements for foreigners willing to fight against Russia</a>

'Racist coverage'

The Arab and Middle Eastern Journalists' Association condemned "examples of racist news coverage that ascribes more importance to some victims of war than others".

"This type of commentary reflects the pervasive mentality in Western journalism of normalising tragedy in parts of the world such as the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Latin America."

Political scientist Ziad Majed said that, while there was "magnificent solidarity" from the world over the Ukraine conflict, it also revealed a "shocking distinction".

The discrepancies in media treatment revealed the "dehumanisation of refugees from the Middle East", said Majed, a professor at the American University of Paris.

"When we hear some commentators speaking about 'people like us', this suggests that those coming from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan or Africa are not (like them)".

For Syrians, the disparity in media treatment is particularly striking as Russia launched a bloody intervention to prop up Bashar al-Assad's regime more than six years ago.

Before the war in Ukraine, Majed said, Syrian territory served as a "laboratory" for the Russian army, on which it "tested its arsenal and tactics".

The African Union (AU) said on Monday that it was disturbed by reports that African citizens in Ukraine are being refused the right to cross borders to safety as they try to flee the conflict in Ukraine.

Cities under siege across Ukraine are home to tens of thousands of African students studying medicine, engineering and military affairs. Morocco, Nigeria and Egypt are among the top 10 countries with foreign students in Ukraine, together supplying over 16,000 students, according to the education ministry.&nbsp;

What was meant to be a cheaper alternative to studying in Western Europe or the United States has turned overnight into a war zone as Russian tanks, planes and ships launch the biggest European invasion of another nation since World War Two.

With flights grounded, African governments thousands of miles away are struggling to support their students.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Western media's coverage of the Ukraine’s refugee crisis has exposed its double standards. About 470,000 foreign nationals, including students and migrant workers, are stranded in Ukraine and neighbouring countries should grant them refugee if they try to flee, the UN migration agency said on Tuesday.

The Western media's coverage of the Ukraine’s refugee crisis has exposed its double standards. About 470,000 foreign nationals, including students and migrant workers, are stranded in Ukraine and neighbouring countries should grant them refugee if they try to flee, the UN migration agency said on Tuesday. "We appeal to neighbouring countries to ensure that protection and shelter and access to territory is provided to all," Safa Msehli, a spokesperson for the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), told a briefing. The IOM has received requests from states in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa asking for help for their nationals trying to leave Ukraine and the agency is working on a coordinated response, Msehli said. So far, 6,000 foreign nationals have managed to flee to Slovakia and Moldova, she added. Several have shared videos and testimonies on social media, denouncing discrimination at train stations and border posts. More than 660,000 people have fled Ukraine to neighbouring countries since Russia launched its invasion last week, the UN refugee agency said on Tuesday. That includes hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians, mostly women and children, as well as third country nationals. Netizens have pointed out the double standard, noting that while the toll of war may be similar in the respective conflicts, the media treatment is not. Many also drew a comparison between Europe's welcoming of Ukrainian refugees and the influx of Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans, which was declared a "migrant crisis". Also see | A new 'refugee crisis': As Russia attacks Ukraine, thousands flee the chaos "This isn't a place, with all due respect, you know, like Iraq or Afghanistan that has seen conflict raging for decades," said Charlie D'Agata of US network CBS News. "This is a relatively civilised, relatively European, I have to choose those words carefully too -- city where you wouldn't expect that or hope it is going to happen." A day later, after much online furore, D'Agata apologised for his "poor choice of words". Meanwhile, journalist Philippe Corbe said, "We are not talking about Syrians fleeing the bombardment of the Syrian regime, supported by Vladimir Putin. We are talking about Europeans who are leaving in their cars, that look like our cars... and who are just trying to save their lives." These are just of many remarks on reputable media outlets drawing a line between the conflict unfolding in Ukraine and those in other parts of the world. Also read | Ukraine lifts visa requirements for foreigners willing to fight against Russia 'Racist coverage' The Arab and Middle Eastern Journalists' Association condemned "examples of racist news coverage that ascribes more importance to some victims of war than others". "This type of commentary reflects the pervasive mentality in Western journalism of normalising tragedy in parts of the world such as the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Latin America." Political scientist Ziad Majed said that, while there was "magnificent solidarity" from the world over the Ukraine conflict, it also revealed a "shocking distinction". The discrepancies in media treatment revealed the "dehumanisation of refugees from the Middle East", said Majed, a professor at the American University of Paris. "When we hear some commentators speaking about 'people like us', this suggests that those coming from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan or Africa are not (like them)". For Syrians, the disparity in media treatment is particularly striking as Russia launched a bloody intervention to prop up Bashar al-Assad's regime more than six years ago. Before the war in Ukraine, Majed said, Syrian territory served as a "laboratory" for the Russian army, on which it "tested its arsenal and tactics". The African Union (AU) said on Monday that it was disturbed by reports that African citizens in Ukraine are being refused the right to cross borders to safety as they try to flee the conflict in Ukraine. Cities under siege across Ukraine are home to tens of thousands of African students studying medicine, engineering and military affairs. Morocco, Nigeria and Egypt are among the top 10 countries with foreign students in Ukraine, together supplying over 16,000 students, according to the education ministry. What was meant to be a cheaper alternative to studying in Western Europe or the United States has turned overnight into a war zone as Russian tanks, planes and ships launch the biggest European invasion of another nation since World War Two. With flights grounded, African governments thousands of miles away are struggling to support their students. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine’s refugee crisis exposes Western media's hypocrisy

Russia's bombardment of civilian targets in Ukraine's second city of Kharkiv broke international rules of conflict, the EU's foreign policy chief said Tuesday.&nbsp;

"The shelling against civilian infrastructure yesterday in Kharkiv violates the laws of war. The EU stands unwavering at the side of Ukraine in these dramatic moments," Josep Borrell said after a call with Ukraine's foreign minister.

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Russian troops fired artillery at Kyiv, Kharkiv and the southern port city of Mariupol overnight while the Ukrainian side shot down Russian military planes around the capital.

In strategic Kharkiv, an eastern city with a population of about 1.5 million, videos posted online showed explosions hitting the region’s Soviet-era administrative building and residential areas.

At least 10 people were killed and 35 wounded&nbsp;in rockets strikes by Russian forces on the centre of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, Interior Ministry adviser Anton Herashchenko said in a post on social media.

"The rubble is being cleared and there will be even more victims and wounded," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-lifts-visa-requirements-for-foreigners-who-want-to-fight-against-russia-457756">Ukraine lifts visa requirements for foreigners willing to fight against Russia</a>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said&nbsp;that Russian artillery attacks on Ukraine's second-largest city of Kharkiv amounted to state terrorism and called on the international community to recognise it as such.

"The terror aims to break us, to break our resistance," he said in a video address shared on social media describing Kyiv and Kharkiv as Russia's main targets.

Amid ever-growing international condemnation, Russia found itself increasingly isolated five days into its invasion, while also facing unexpectedly fierce resistance on the ground in Ukraine and economic havoc at home.

For the second day in a row, the Kremlin raised the specter of nuclear war, announcing that its nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarines and long-range bombers had all been put on high alert, following President Vladimir Putin’s orders over the weekend.

An embattled Ukraine moved to solidify its ties to the West by applying to join the European Union,&nbsp;a largely symbolic move for now, but one that is unlikely to sit well with Putin, who has long accused the US of trying to pull Ukraine out of Moscow’s orbit.

On Sunday, the EU announced it would tighten sanctions on Russia, ban Russian state-owned television network Russia Today and news agency Sputnik and fund weapons for Ukraine to help it defend itself against Russia's invasion.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia's bombardment of civilian targets in Ukraine's second city of Kharkiv broke international rules of conflict, the EU's foreign policy chief said Tuesday. "The shelling against civilian infrastructure yesterday in Kharkiv violates the laws of war.

Russia's bombardment of civilian targets in Ukraine's second city of Kharkiv broke international rules of conflict, the EU's foreign policy chief said Tuesday. "The shelling against civilian infrastructure yesterday in Kharkiv violates the laws of war. The EU stands unwavering at the side of Ukraine in these dramatic moments," Josep Borrell said after a call with Ukraine's foreign minister. Russian troops fired artillery at Kyiv, Kharkiv and the southern port city of Mariupol overnight while the Ukrainian side shot down Russian military planes around the capital. In strategic Kharkiv, an eastern city with a population of about 1.5 million, videos posted online showed explosions hitting the region’s Soviet-era administrative building and residential areas. At least 10 people were killed and 35 wounded in rockets strikes by Russian forces on the centre of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, Interior Ministry adviser Anton Herashchenko said in a post on social media. "The rubble is being cleared and there will be even more victims and wounded," he said. Also read | Ukraine lifts visa requirements for foreigners willing to fight against Russia Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said that Russian artillery attacks on Ukraine's second-largest city of Kharkiv amounted to state terrorism and called on the international community to recognise it as such. "The terror aims to break us, to break our resistance," he said in a video address shared on social media describing Kyiv and Kharkiv as Russia's main targets. Amid ever-growing international condemnation, Russia found itself increasingly isolated five days into its invasion, while also facing unexpectedly fierce resistance on the ground in Ukraine and economic havoc at home. For the second day in a row, the Kremlin raised the specter of nuclear war, announcing that its nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarines and long-range bombers had all been put on high alert, following President Vladimir Putin’s orders over the weekend. An embattled Ukraine moved to solidify its ties to the West by applying to join the European Union, a largely symbolic move for now, but one that is unlikely to sit well with Putin, who has long accused the US of trying to pull Ukraine out of Moscow’s orbit. On Sunday, the EU announced it would tighten sanctions on Russia, ban Russian state-owned television network Russia Today and news agency Sputnik and fund weapons for Ukraine to help it defend itself against Russia's invasion. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian shelling in Ukraine's Kharkiv 'violates laws of war': European Union

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is going to Israel for a snap visit on Tuesday as war rages in Europe.

It comes after Israel's Foreign Minster Yair Lapid spoke with his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, about Israel's offer of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.&nbsp;

The visit is significant because of Germany's anti-semitic past. Israel will always be marked by the Shoah, Nazi Germany's mass murder of 6 million Jews. And yet the relationship has developed impressively since 1965, the year full diplomatic relations were established between the two countries.

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Often described as predictable and "robotic", Chancellor Olaf Scholz has become emboldened since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, smashing policy taboos to steer Germany into "a new era" that could reshape its role on the world stage.

Just a few weeks ago, German media were openly asking "where is Scholz?", slamming the Social Democrat's perceived lack of leadership on pressing issues like the coronavirus pandemic and worsening Ukraine crisis.

But Moscow's attack on Ukraine last week has jolted the chancellor into action, culminating in what commentators have called a "historic" speech on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/germany-to-intensify-cooperation-in-indo-pacific-envoy-lindner-446801">Also read |&nbsp;Germany to intensify cooperation in Indo-Pacific: Envoy Lindner</a>

Scholz, who has only been in office three months, spoke with uncharacteristic clarity when he unveiled a slew of defence and foreign policy shifts that promise to upend Germany's decades-long reluctance to raising its military profile.

Addressing an emergency parliamentary session, Scholz told the nation that "we are now in a new era".

In a country haunted by post-war guilt, Scholz assured Germans that they were "on the right side of history" as Ukraine's allies.

Among the headline-grabbing announcements was a pledge to earmark 100 billion euros ($113 billion) this year alone to modernise the chronically underfunded the army, called the Bundeswehr.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ready-to-work-together-with-the-west-says-putin-in-joint-press-conference-with-olaf-scholz-453543">Also read |&nbsp;'Ready to work together' with the West, says Putin in joint press conference with Olaf Scholz</a>

Scholz also said that Europe's biggest economy would commit to spending more than two percent of Germany's gross domestic product on defence annually, surpassing even NATO's target.

After facing criticism for refusing to send weapons to Kyiv, unlike other Western allies, Scholz said Berlin will supply Ukraine with 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger surface-to-air missiles from Bundeswehr stocks.

Berlin also approved the delivery of 400 RPGs from the Netherlands and a request by Estonia to pass on old GDR howitzers to Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is going to Israel for a snap visit on Tuesday as war rages in Europe. It comes after Israel's Foreign Minster Yair Lapid spoke with his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, about Israel's offer of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is going to Israel for a snap visit on Tuesday as war rages in Europe. It comes after Israel's Foreign Minster Yair Lapid spoke with his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, about Israel's offer of humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. The visit is significant because of Germany's anti-semitic past. Israel will always be marked by the Shoah, Nazi Germany's mass murder of 6 million Jews. And yet the relationship has developed impressively since 1965, the year full diplomatic relations were established between the two countries. Often described as predictable and "robotic", Chancellor Olaf Scholz has become emboldened since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, smashing policy taboos to steer Germany into "a new era" that could reshape its role on the world stage. Just a few weeks ago, German media were openly asking "where is Scholz?", slamming the Social Democrat's perceived lack of leadership on pressing issues like the coronavirus pandemic and worsening Ukraine crisis. But Moscow's attack on Ukraine last week has jolted the chancellor into action, culminating in what commentators have called a "historic" speech on Sunday. Also read | Germany to intensify cooperation in Indo-Pacific: Envoy Lindner Scholz, who has only been in office three months, spoke with uncharacteristic clarity when he unveiled a slew of defence and foreign policy shifts that promise to upend Germany's decades-long reluctance to raising its military profile. Addressing an emergency parliamentary session, Scholz told the nation that "we are now in a new era". In a country haunted by post-war guilt, Scholz assured Germans that they were "on the right side of history" as Ukraine's allies. Among the headline-grabbing announcements was a pledge to earmark 100 billion euros ($113 billion) this year alone to modernise the chronically underfunded the army, called the Bundeswehr. Also read | 'Ready to work together' with the West, says Putin in joint press conference with Olaf Scholz Scholz also said that Europe's biggest economy would commit to spending more than two percent of Germany's gross domestic product on defence annually, surpassing even NATO's target. After facing criticism for refusing to send weapons to Kyiv, unlike other Western allies, Scholz said Berlin will supply Ukraine with 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger surface-to-air missiles from Bundeswehr stocks. Berlin also approved the delivery of 400 RPGs from the Netherlands and a request by Estonia to pass on old GDR howitzers to Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to visit Israel

The United States Treasury Department said on Monday that the country has banned all US transactions with Russia's central bank effective immediately.

"This action effectively immobilises any assets of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation held in the United States or by US persons, wherever located," the Treasury said of the measure taken in coordination with Western allies.

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The Biden administration estimates that the move could impact “hundreds of billions of dollars” of Russian funding. Its officials said Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Japan, European Union and others will join the US in targeting the Russian central bank.

Experts believe that the move will severely limit Russia's ability to defend the ruble and prop up its economy.

The Russian currency plunged about 30 per cent against the US dollar Monday after Western nations announced moves to block some Russian banks from the SWIFT international payment system and to restrict Russia’s use of its massive foreign currency reserves.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/central-bank-of-russia-hikes-key-rate-to-20-from-95-amid-sanctions-457421" hreflang="en">Central Bank of Russia hikes key rate to 20% from 9.5% amid sanctions</a>

While the SWIFT move will hinder Russian banks from communicating with international peers, analysts say limiting the use of more than $630 billion in international reserves could prove even costlier for Russia.

In addition to sanctions, the US and Germany announced they will send Stinger missiles to Ukraine among other military supplies.&nbsp;

The European Union, founded to ensure peace on the continent after World War II, is supplying lethal aid for the first time, including anti-tank weapons and ammunition.

In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "The shipments of weapons and munitions to the Ukrainian territory in our opinion could and will be a very dangerous and destabilising factor which will not in either case contribute to peace and the restoring of order in Ukraine."

Peskov called the imposition of sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin "absurd", and said that the Russian president was "quite indifferent about it."

"Everyone knows that the President doesn't have any assets apart from the ones he declares every year - a trailer, a flat, some bank deposits maybe," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States Treasury Department said on Monday that the country has banned all US transactions with Russia's central bank effective immediately. "This action effectively immobilises any assets of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation held in the United States or by US persons, wherever located," the Treasury said of the measure taken in coordination with Western allies.

The United States Treasury Department said on Monday that the country has banned all US transactions with Russia's central bank effective immediately. "This action effectively immobilises any assets of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation held in the United States or by US persons, wherever located," the Treasury said of the measure taken in coordination with Western allies. The Biden administration estimates that the move could impact “hundreds of billions of dollars” of Russian funding. Its officials said Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Japan, European Union and others will join the US in targeting the Russian central bank. Experts believe that the move will severely limit Russia's ability to defend the ruble and prop up its economy. The Russian currency plunged about 30 per cent against the US dollar Monday after Western nations announced moves to block some Russian banks from the SWIFT international payment system and to restrict Russia’s use of its massive foreign currency reserves. Also read | Central Bank of Russia hikes key rate to 20% from 9.5% amid sanctions While the SWIFT move will hinder Russian banks from communicating with international peers, analysts say limiting the use of more than $630 billion in international reserves could prove even costlier for Russia. In addition to sanctions, the US and Germany announced they will send Stinger missiles to Ukraine among other military supplies. The European Union, founded to ensure peace on the continent after World War II, is supplying lethal aid for the first time, including anti-tank weapons and ammunition. In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "The shipments of weapons and munitions to the Ukrainian territory in our opinion could and will be a very dangerous and destabilising factor which will not in either case contribute to peace and the restoring of order in Ukraine." Peskov called the imposition of sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin "absurd", and said that the Russian president was "quite indifferent about it." "Everyone knows that the President doesn't have any assets apart from the ones he declares every year - a trailer, a flat, some bank deposits maybe," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine invasion: United States Treasury bans transactions with Russia’s Central Bank

Russia's central bank announced Monday it was raising its key interest rate to 20 per cent from 9.5 per cent.

"The Bank of Russia's board of directors has decided to raise the key rate to 20 percent," the central bank said in a statement.

It said it was taking the emergency measure because the Russian economy's situation had "drastically changed".

The bank said that this would allow it to "support financial and price stability and protect citizens' savings from depreciation".

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/thousands-flee-the-country-as-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-continues-457388/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Western nations ramped up the pressure with a freeze on Russia’s hard currency reserves, threatening to bring Russia’s economy to its knees.&nbsp;

While they hope to curb President Vladimir Putin’s aggression after he unleashed Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II, the measures also risked pushing an increasingly cornered Putin closer to the edge.

Russians waited in long queues outside ATMs on Sunday, worried that new Western sanctions over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine will trigger cash shortages and disrupt payments.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-attack-wars-in-europe-since-fall-of-berlin-wall-457392" hreflang="en">Ukraine attack: Wars in Europe since fall of Berlin Wall</a>

Moves to block some Russian banks from the SWIFT global payments system and freeze the Bank of Russia's reserves are expected to deal a severe economic blow, although Russian authorities and lenders sought to assuage fears.

While the SWIFT move will hinder Russian banks from communicating with international peers, analysts say limiting the use of more than $630 billion in international reserves could prove even costlier for Russia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-ruble-falls-to-117-per-us-dollar-a-decline-of-41-457280" hreflang="en">Russia's ruble falls to 117 per US dollar, a decline of 41%</a>

Sergey Aleksashenko, a former deputy chairman of the Russian central bank who now lives in the United States, said that Russia's national wealth fund would effectively disappear.

"(President Vladimir) Putin and (former Finance Minister Alexei) Kudrin built it up for years, thinking about a major war," he said. "War has come, and there is no money."

Meanwhile, rates offered for foreign exchange shot up. The rouble closed on Friday at 83 to the dollar, but some lenders were offering rates of above 100 on Sunday.

The central bank also announced a compulsory measure for companies based in Russia that earn foreign currency through exports to sell currency amounting to 80 per cent of their earnings.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Russia's central bank announced Monday it was raising its key interest rate to 20 per cent from 9.5 per cent. "The Bank of Russia's board of directors has decided to raise the key rate to 20 percent," the central bank said in a statement.

Russia's central bank announced Monday it was raising its key interest rate to 20 per cent from 9.5 per cent. "The Bank of Russia's board of directors has decided to raise the key rate to 20 percent," the central bank said in a statement. It said it was taking the emergency measure because the Russian economy's situation had "drastically changed". The bank said that this would allow it to "support financial and price stability and protect citizens' savings from depreciation". Western nations ramped up the pressure with a freeze on Russia’s hard currency reserves, threatening to bring Russia’s economy to its knees. While they hope to curb President Vladimir Putin’s aggression after he unleashed Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II, the measures also risked pushing an increasingly cornered Putin closer to the edge. Russians waited in long queues outside ATMs on Sunday, worried that new Western sanctions over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine will trigger cash shortages and disrupt payments. Also see | Ukraine attack: Wars in Europe since fall of Berlin Wall Moves to block some Russian banks from the SWIFT global payments system and freeze the Bank of Russia's reserves are expected to deal a severe economic blow, although Russian authorities and lenders sought to assuage fears. While the SWIFT move will hinder Russian banks from communicating with international peers, analysts say limiting the use of more than $630 billion in international reserves could prove even costlier for Russia. Also read | Russia's ruble falls to 117 per US dollar, a decline of 41% Sergey Aleksashenko, a former deputy chairman of the Russian central bank who now lives in the United States, said that Russia's national wealth fund would effectively disappear. "(President Vladimir) Putin and (former Finance Minister Alexei) Kudrin built it up for years, thinking about a major war," he said. "War has come, and there is no money." Meanwhile, rates offered for foreign exchange shot up. The rouble closed on Friday at 83 to the dollar, but some lenders were offering rates of above 100 on Sunday. The central bank also announced a compulsory measure for companies based in Russia that earn foreign currency through exports to sell currency amounting to 80 per cent of their earnings. (With inputs from agencies)

Central Bank of Russia hikes key rate to 20% from 9.5% amid sanctions

Ukraine attack: Wars in Europe since fall of Berlin Wall

President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian nuclear deterrent forces put on high alert Sunday amid tensions with the West over his invasion of Ukraine.

"I order the defence minister and the chief of the general staff of the Russian armed forces to put the deterrence forces of the Russian army into a special mode of combat service," Putin said in a televised address.

"As you can see, not only do Western countries take unfriendly measures against our country in the economic dimension - I mean the illegal sanctions that everyone knows about very well - but also the top officials of leading NATO countries allow themselves to make aggressive statements with regards to our country," he added.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-pitches-talk-amid-offensive-ukraine-president-rejects-belarus-talks-offer-457144/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In response,&nbsp;White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "We've seen him do this time and time again. At no point has Russia been under threat from NATO, has Russia been under threat from Ukraine."

"This is all a pattern from President Putin and we're going to stand up to it. We have the ability to defend ourselves, but we also need to call out what we're seeing here from President Putin," Psaki added.

&nbsp;It comes after President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko announced that the country will turn to Russia with a request to return nuclear weapons to it if the United States deploys them in Poland or Lithuania.

According to Lukashenko, he mentioned this possibility during the conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron. "If the United States, or France … transfer nuclear weapons to Poland, to Lithuania, to our borders, … I will appeal to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin to return the weapons that I once gave without any preconditions," Lukashenko said.

Ukrainian forces battled Russian troops pushing into the city of Kharkiv on Sunday on the fourth day of an invasion that has shaken Europe's long-standing security architecture and pushed Germany to spend more on defence.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-curiosity-to-cataclysm-russian-president-vladimir-putins-relationship-with-the-west-456896">From curiosity to cataclysm: Russian President Vladimir Putin's relationship with the West</a>

The invasion of Ukraine from three sides ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin is the biggest assault on a European state since World War Two.

The attack, which Russia calls a special operation, has so far failed to topple the government in Kyiv or take major cities, but has driven hundreds of thousands of refugees, mainly women and children, into neighbouring countries.

“We are fighting, fighting for our country, fighting for our freedom because we have the right to do that,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&nbsp;

“The past night was tough,&nbsp;more shelling, more bombing of residential areas and civilian infrastructure. There is not a single facility in the country that the occupiers wouldn’t consider as admissible targets.”

Ukraine’s health minister reported Saturday that 198 people, including three children, had been killed and more than 1,000 others wounded.&nbsp;

The US, European Union, and the United Kingdom agreed to block “selected” Russian banks from the SWIFT global financial messaging system, which moves money around more than 11,000 banks and other financial institutions worldwide, part of a new round of sanctions aiming to impose a severe cost on Moscow for the invasion.

(With inputs from agencies)

President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian nuclear deterrent forces put on high alert Sunday amid tensions with the West over his invasion of Ukraine. "I order the defence minister and the chief of the general staff of the Russian armed forces to put the deterrence forces of the Russian army into a special mode of combat service," Putin said in a televised address.

President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian nuclear deterrent forces put on high alert Sunday amid tensions with the West over his invasion of Ukraine. "I order the defence minister and the chief of the general staff of the Russian armed forces to put the deterrence forces of the Russian army into a special mode of combat service," Putin said in a televised address. "As you can see, not only do Western countries take unfriendly measures against our country in the economic dimension - I mean the illegal sanctions that everyone knows about very well - but also the top officials of leading NATO countries allow themselves to make aggressive statements with regards to our country," he added. In response, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "We've seen him do this time and time again. At no point has Russia been under threat from NATO, has Russia been under threat from Ukraine." "This is all a pattern from President Putin and we're going to stand up to it. We have the ability to defend ourselves, but we also need to call out what we're seeing here from President Putin," Psaki added. It comes after President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko announced that the country will turn to Russia with a request to return nuclear weapons to it if the United States deploys them in Poland or Lithuania. According to Lukashenko, he mentioned this possibility during the conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron. "If the United States, or France … transfer nuclear weapons to Poland, to Lithuania, to our borders, … I will appeal to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin to return the weapons that I once gave without any preconditions," Lukashenko said. Ukrainian forces battled Russian troops pushing into the city of Kharkiv on Sunday on the fourth day of an invasion that has shaken Europe's long-standing security architecture and pushed Germany to spend more on defence. Also see | From curiosity to cataclysm: Russian President Vladimir Putin's relationship with the West The invasion of Ukraine from three sides ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin is the biggest assault on a European state since World War Two. The attack, which Russia calls a special operation, has so far failed to topple the government in Kyiv or take major cities, but has driven hundreds of thousands of refugees, mainly women and children, into neighbouring countries. “We are fighting, fighting for our country, fighting for our freedom because we have the right to do that,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. “The past night was tough, more shelling, more bombing of residential areas and civilian infrastructure. There is not a single facility in the country that the occupiers wouldn’t consider as admissible targets.” Ukraine’s health minister reported Saturday that 198 people, including three children, had been killed and more than 1,000 others wounded. The US, European Union, and the United Kingdom agreed to block “selected” Russian banks from the SWIFT global financial messaging system, which moves money around more than 11,000 banks and other financial institutions worldwide, part of a new round of sanctions aiming to impose a severe cost on Moscow for the invasion. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin orders 'deterrence forces' on high alert

In its first comments since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, North Korea's foreign ministry posted a statement by a researcher calling the United States the "root cause" of the European crisis for pursuing unilateral sanctions and pressure while disregarding Russia's legitimate demands for its security.

Washington has pursued "military supremacy in disregard of the legitimate demand of Russia for its security" according to the commentary, attributed to Ri Ji Song, a researcher at the North's Society for International Politics Study.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-eu-aims-new-sanctions-to-cripple-putin-amid-ukraine-invasion-457037/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The root cause of the Ukrainian crisis also lies in the high-handedness and arbitrariness of the US," said the post uploaded on the North's foreign ministry website.

Ri slammed the US for holding a "double standard," saying it meddled in the internal affairs of other countries in the name of "peace and stability" but "but it denounces for no good reason self-defensive measures taken by other countries to ensure their own national security."

"Gone are the days when the U.S. used to reign supreme," the post said.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-curiosity-to-cataclysm-russian-president-vladimir-putins-relationship-with-the-west-456896" hreflang="en">From curiosity to cataclysm: Russian President Vladimir Putin's relationship with the West</a>

The response is a "low-key" official reaction as it was published under an individual name, said Park Won-gon, a professor of North Korean Studies at Ewha Woman's University.

"Putin’s War shapes almost all geopolitics right now, and should factor somewhere in Kim’s calculus — but even 'taking advantage of distraction' seems to presume too much, since (North Korea) was already testing aggressively before the war," John Delury, a professor at South Korea's Yonsei University, said on Twitter.

To aid Ukraine’s ability to hold out, the US pledged an additional $350 million in military assistance to Ukraine, including anti-tank weapons, body armor, and small arms. Germany said it would send missiles and anti-tank weapons to the besieged country and that it would close its airspace to Russian planes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-ukraine-conflict-us-uk-eu-to-put-crippling-sanctions-on-russian-central-bank-block-swift-456943">US, UK, EU to put crippling sanctions on Russian central bank, block SWIFT</a>

The US, European Union, and the United Kingdom agreed to block “selected” Russian banks from the SWIFT global financial messaging system, which moves money around more than 11,000 banks and other financial institutions worldwide, part of a new round of sanctions aiming to impose a severe cost on Moscow for the invasion. They also agreed to impose ”restrictive measures” on Russia’s central bank.

As Russia pushes ahead with its offensive, the West is working to equip the outnumbered Ukrainian forces with weapons and ammunition while punishing Russia with far-reaching sanctions intended to further isolate Moscow.

President Vladimir Putin hasn’t disclosed his ultimate plans, but Western officials believe he is determined to overthrow Ukraine’s government and replace it with a regime of his own, redrawing the map of Europe and reviving Moscow’s Cold War-era influence.

Ukraine’s health minister reported Saturday that 198 people, including three children, had been killed and more than 1,000 others wounded during Europe’s largest land war since World War II.

(With inputs from agencies)

In its first comments since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, North Korea's foreign ministry posted a statement by a researcher calling the United States the "root cause" of the European crisis for pursuing unilateral sanctions and pressure while disregarding Russia's legitimate demands for its security.

In its first comments since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, North Korea's foreign ministry posted a statement by a researcher calling the United States the "root cause" of the European crisis for pursuing unilateral sanctions and pressure while disregarding Russia's legitimate demands for its security. Washington has pursued "military supremacy in disregard of the legitimate demand of Russia for its security" according to the commentary, attributed to Ri Ji Song, a researcher at the North's Society for International Politics Study. "The root cause of the Ukrainian crisis also lies in the high-handedness and arbitrariness of the US," said the post uploaded on the North's foreign ministry website. Ri slammed the US for holding a "double standard," saying it meddled in the internal affairs of other countries in the name of "peace and stability" but "but it denounces for no good reason self-defensive measures taken by other countries to ensure their own national security." "Gone are the days when the U.S. used to reign supreme," the post said. Also see | From curiosity to cataclysm: Russian President Vladimir Putin's relationship with the West The response is a "low-key" official reaction as it was published under an individual name, said Park Won-gon, a professor of North Korean Studies at Ewha Woman's University. "Putin’s War shapes almost all geopolitics right now, and should factor somewhere in Kim’s calculus — but even 'taking advantage of distraction' seems to presume too much, since (North Korea) was already testing aggressively before the war," John Delury, a professor at South Korea's Yonsei University, said on Twitter. To aid Ukraine’s ability to hold out, the US pledged an additional $350 million in military assistance to Ukraine, including anti-tank weapons, body armor, and small arms. Germany said it would send missiles and anti-tank weapons to the besieged country and that it would close its airspace to Russian planes. Also read | US, UK, EU to put crippling sanctions on Russian central bank, block SWIFT The US, European Union, and the United Kingdom agreed to block “selected” Russian banks from the SWIFT global financial messaging system, which moves money around more than 11,000 banks and other financial institutions worldwide, part of a new round of sanctions aiming to impose a severe cost on Moscow for the invasion. They also agreed to impose ”restrictive measures” on Russia’s central bank. As Russia pushes ahead with its offensive, the West is working to equip the outnumbered Ukrainian forces with weapons and ammunition while punishing Russia with far-reaching sanctions intended to further isolate Moscow. President Vladimir Putin hasn’t disclosed his ultimate plans, but Western officials believe he is determined to overthrow Ukraine’s government and replace it with a regime of his own, redrawing the map of Europe and reviving Moscow’s Cold War-era influence. Ukraine’s health minister reported Saturday that 198 people, including three children, had been killed and more than 1,000 others wounded during Europe’s largest land war since World War II. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea says United States is ‘root cause’ of Ukraine invasion

More than 600 Russian experts have signed an open letter condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

It comes as other European universities and national academies have expressed their solidarity with their Ukrainian counterparts.

In a letter published <a href="https://trv-science.ru/2022/02/we-are-against-war/">on the trv-science.ru website</a>, Russian researchers describe the battle with Ukraine as "unfair" and "senseless."

Many of the signatories have relatives, friends, and scientific colleagues in Ukraine, and they claim that the attack is a "cynical betrayal" of prior generations of Russians and Ukrainians who fought alongside each other during WWII.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-russian-missile-strikes-a-ukrainian-civilian-oil-depot-in-kyiv-official-456977">Watch | Russian missile strikes a Ukrainian civilian oil depot in Kyiv: Official</a>

On February 24, Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered a land, sea, and air attack on Ukraine. The invasion followed months of tension as Russia amassed around 200,000 troops on its border with the former Soviet territory, which gained independence in 1991. 
 
Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-army-to-broaden-offensive-from-all-sides-against-ukraine-says-kremlin-456881">Russian army to broaden offensive ‘from all sides’ against Ukraine: Kremlin</a>

According to the letter, the invasion will isolate Russia and turn it into an international pariah, making scientific work in the country difficult to continue as usual. 
 
Watch | UN Refugee Agency: At least 150,000 people flee Ukraine to neighboring countries

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-refugee-agency-at-least-150000-people-flee-ukraine-to-neighboring-countries-457003/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The signatories state, "After all, conducting scientific research is unthinkable without complete cooperation with colleagues from other countries." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-is-ukraine-such-a-popular-choice-for-indian-medical-students-456990">Also read | Why is Ukraine such a popular choice for Indian medical students?</a>

'Russia's isolation from the rest of the world means that our country will continue to deteriorate culturally and technologically in the lack of any positive prospects.'

(With inputs from agencies)

More than 600 Russian experts have signed an open letter condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It comes as other European universities and national academies have expressed their solidarity with their Ukrainian counterparts.

More than 600 Russian experts have signed an open letter condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It comes as other European universities and national academies have expressed their solidarity with their Ukrainian counterparts. In a letter published on the trv-science.ru website, Russian researchers describe the battle with Ukraine as "unfair" and "senseless." Many of the signatories have relatives, friends, and scientific colleagues in Ukraine, and they claim that the attack is a "cynical betrayal" of prior generations of Russians and Ukrainians who fought alongside each other during WWII. Watch | Russian missile strikes a Ukrainian civilian oil depot in Kyiv: Official On February 24, Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered a land, sea, and air attack on Ukraine. The invasion followed months of tension as Russia amassed around 200,000 troops on its border with the former Soviet territory, which gained independence in 1991. Also Read | Russian army to broaden offensive ‘from all sides’ against Ukraine: Kremlin According to the letter, the invasion will isolate Russia and turn it into an international pariah, making scientific work in the country difficult to continue as usual. Watch | UN Refugee Agency: At least 150,000 people flee Ukraine to neighboring countries The signatories state, "After all, conducting scientific research is unthinkable without complete cooperation with colleagues from other countries." Also read | Why is Ukraine such a popular choice for Indian medical students? 'Russia's isolation from the rest of the world means that our country will continue to deteriorate culturally and technologically in the lack of any positive prospects.' (With inputs from agencies)

Over 600 Russian scientists sign open letter against Ukraine invasion

Volodymyr Zelensky is in the tumultuous phase of his presidency. He is helming the affairs of Ukraine when Russia has launched an all-out assault on his territory.

He is one of those people who became president solely based on his popularity as an actor and a comedian. The 44-year-old doesn’t have any prior experience in the field of brinkmanship, unlike his predecessors.

Now, he is facing the prospect of a war with Russia, which has one of the largest armies in the world.

An inborn comedian

Born in the central city of Kryvyi Rih to Jewish parents, Volodymyr Zelensky graduated from Kyiv National Economic University with a law degree. However, it was comedy that turned out to be his calling.

<img alt="Comedian" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="13561cf0-59c5-4999-9706-0c587cae0e23" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Zewlensky%201.jpeg" />

As a young man, he regularly participated in a competitive team comedy show on Russian TV. In 2003, he co-founded a successful TV production company named after his comedy team, Kvartal 95.

The company produced shows for Ukraine's 1+1 network, whose controversial billionaire owner, Ihor Kolomoisky, would later back Zelensky's presidential bid.

Until the mid-2010s, his career in TV and films, such as Love in the Big City (2009) and Rzhevsky Versus Napoleon (2012), was his main focus.

Servant of the People

The year 2014 marked a turning point, not only for Zelensky’s career, but also for Ukraine.

In that year, Ukraine’s pro-Russian President, Viktor Yanukovych, was ousted after months of protests. Russia later seized Crimea and backed separatists in the east in a war against Ukraine that continues to this day.

<img alt="Zelensky-starrer Servant of the People show" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="93e601f4-a467-4d4b-a0a0-94dffc48ed7b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/zelen%203.jpg" />

A year after that, the Zelensky-starrer Servant of the People premiered in Ukraine and made him an instant celebrity.

The 44-year-old portrayed a character called Vasiliy Goloborodko, a foul-mouthed school teacher who becomes the president after one of his students&nbsp;films his rant against corruption and posts it online.

The comedy show became a huge hit just as it resonated with the people when the country was going through a series of crises, marked by corruption and the aftereffects of Crimea annexation.

Path to the presidency

After having spent a considerable amount of time serving as the president in reel life, Zelensky decided to take the political plunge in 2019.

Zelensky decided to take on then president and businessman Petro Poroshenko in the presidential election.

According to the BBC, Zelensky avoided discussing serious issues during his election campaign and relied on posting light-hearted comic videos on social media as part of his canvassing plan.

<img alt="After having spent a considerable of time serving as the president in reel life, Zelensky decided to take the political plunge in 2019." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="37146d6c-1edd-4846-8aae-1cdee527c6e5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/zekeb%205.jpg" />

Despite all that, he managed to win over the Ukrainians with his charm and defeated Petro Poroshenko in a runoff by winning more than 70 per cent of the vote.

Now, he is facing off against Vladimir Putin, a seasoned politician and former KGB spy.

In a televised address to the nation, Zelensky vowed to fight against Russia and assured his citizens that they were prepared to fend off any kind of aggression.

(With contributions from agencies)

Volodymyr Zelensky is in the tumultuous phase of his presidency. He is helming the affairs of Ukraine when Russia has launched an all-out assault on his territory.

Volodymyr Zelensky is in the tumultuous phase of his presidency. He is helming the affairs of Ukraine when Russia has launched an all-out assault on his territory. He is one of those people who became president solely based on his popularity as an actor and a comedian. The 44-year-old doesn’t have any prior experience in the field of brinkmanship, unlike his predecessors. Now, he is facing the prospect of a war with Russia, which has one of the largest armies in the world. An inborn comedian Born in the central city of Kryvyi Rih to Jewish parents, Volodymyr Zelensky graduated from Kyiv National Economic University with a law degree. However, it was comedy that turned out to be his calling. As a young man, he regularly participated in a competitive team comedy show on Russian TV. In 2003, he co-founded a successful TV production company named after his comedy team, Kvartal 95. The company produced shows for Ukraine's 1+1 network, whose controversial billionaire owner, Ihor Kolomoisky, would later back Zelensky's presidential bid. Until the mid-2010s, his career in TV and films, such as Love in the Big City (2009) and Rzhevsky Versus Napoleon (2012), was his main focus. Servant of the People The year 2014 marked a turning point, not only for Zelensky’s career, but also for Ukraine. In that year, Ukraine’s pro-Russian President, Viktor Yanukovych, was ousted after months of protests. Russia later seized Crimea and backed separatists in the east in a war against Ukraine that continues to this day. A year after that, the Zelensky-starrer Servant of the People premiered in Ukraine and made him an instant celebrity. The 44-year-old portrayed a character called Vasiliy Goloborodko, a foul-mouthed school teacher who becomes the president after one of his students films his rant against corruption and posts it online. The comedy show became a huge hit just as it resonated with the people when the country was going through a series of crises, marked by corruption and the aftereffects of Crimea annexation. Path to the presidency After having spent a considerable amount of time serving as the president in reel life, Zelensky decided to take the political plunge in 2019. Zelensky decided to take on then president and businessman Petro Poroshenko in the presidential election. According to the BBC, Zelensky avoided discussing serious issues during his election campaign and relied on posting light-hearted comic videos on social media as part of his canvassing plan. Despite all that, he managed to win over the Ukrainians with his charm and defeated Petro Poroshenko in a runoff by winning more than 70 per cent of the vote. Now, he is facing off against Vladimir Putin, a seasoned politician and former KGB spy. In a televised address to the nation, Zelensky vowed to fight against Russia and assured his citizens that they were prepared to fend off any kind of aggression. (With contributions from agencies)

Volodymyr Zelensky: From ex-comedian to ‘war president’

Here is a quick summary of the responses of world leaders so far on Russia's move in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sends troops in eastern Ukraine, this is how the world reacted

Amidst the American warnings of an 'imminent invasion' into Ukraine, interestingly, Ukraine has pushed back against the apocalyptic assessment and played down the fears of Russian invasion. Palki Sharma gets you the ground report.

Ukraine plays down apocalyptic warnings amidst US' warnings of an 'imminent invasion'

The United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday (January 25) said that he will think about imposing personal sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin if he invades Ukraine.&nbsp;

Amid heightened tensions at the Russia-Ukraine border, the Western countries fear that Putin is plotting to invade the&nbsp;country it invaded in 2014.

The crisis got escalated drastically after Russia amassed tens of thousands of troops on its borders with Ukraine. However, Russia denies it is planning an attack.&nbsp;

Russia has said it could take unspecified military action if a list of demands is not met, including a promise from NATO never to admit Ukraine as a member.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-the-west-can-use-economic-sanctions-to-target-russia-over-ukraine-conflict-447444">How the West can use economic sanctions to target Russia over Ukraine conflict</a>

In the aftermath, the West tried to de-escalate the situation and now has stepped up military preparations and made plans to shield Europe from a potential energy supply shock.&nbsp;

Now, Biden has come up with the rare sanctions threat as NATO places forces on standby and reinforces eastern Europe with more ships and fighter jets in response to Russia's troop build-up near its border with Ukraine.&nbsp;

While addressing a presser, Biden was asked if he would see himself imposing sanctions on Putin directly. "Yes," he responded. "I would see that."

Direct US sanctions on foreign leaders are rare but not unprecedented. Others who have faced sanctions include Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, Syria's Bashar al-Assad and Libya's Muammar Gaddafi.

Russian state TV plays down

On one side, NATO forces have&nbsp;gathered against a potential invasion - creating a war-like situation.&nbsp;On the other hand, Russian state TV has played down the entire crisis.&nbsp;

Russian state TV - vital for the Kremlin's public messaging over 11 time zones - has often focused in recent days on other issues such as Russian athletes' hopes for the Beijing Winter Olympics or rising Omicron cases.

"At the moment, there's no sense the enemy is at the door and that we're starting a war soon... That's not happening at all," said one Russian media analyst, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

As mentioned by Reuters, Russian state media say Western "panic" is fuelling the tensions, along with the US troop reinforcements to the region and arms supplies to Kyiv while reporting the crisis.&nbsp;

They do not mention the presence of around 100,000 Russian troops near Ukraine's border. "They've invented it (the Russian threat)... The Americans have been scaring themselves about a Russian invasion for months," a reporter for the Vesti news programme told viewers.

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The United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday (January 25) said that he will think about imposing personal sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin if he invades Ukraine.

The United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday (January 25) said that he will think about imposing personal sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin if he invades Ukraine. Amid heightened tensions at the Russia-Ukraine border, the Western countries fear that Putin is plotting to invade the country it invaded in 2014. The crisis got escalated drastically after Russia amassed tens of thousands of troops on its borders with Ukraine. However, Russia denies it is planning an attack. Russia has said it could take unspecified military action if a list of demands is not met, including a promise from NATO never to admit Ukraine as a member. IN PICS | How the West can use economic sanctions to target Russia over Ukraine conflict In the aftermath, the West tried to de-escalate the situation and now has stepped up military preparations and made plans to shield Europe from a potential energy supply shock. Now, Biden has come up with the rare sanctions threat as NATO places forces on standby and reinforces eastern Europe with more ships and fighter jets in response to Russia's troop build-up near its border with Ukraine. While addressing a presser, Biden was asked if he would see himself imposing sanctions on Putin directly. "Yes," he responded. "I would see that." Direct US sanctions on foreign leaders are rare but not unprecedented. Others who have faced sanctions include Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, Syria's Bashar al-Assad and Libya's Muammar Gaddafi. Russian state TV plays down On one side, NATO forces have gathered against a potential invasion - creating a war-like situation. On the other hand, Russian state TV has played down the entire crisis. Russian state TV - vital for the Kremlin's public messaging over 11 time zones - has often focused in recent days on other issues such as Russian athletes' hopes for the Beijing Winter Olympics or rising Omicron cases. "At the moment, there's no sense the enemy is at the door and that we're starting a war soon... That's not happening at all," said one Russian media analyst, who spoke on condition of anonymity. As mentioned by Reuters, Russian state media say Western "panic" is fuelling the tensions, along with the US troop reinforcements to the region and arms supplies to Kyiv while reporting the crisis. They do not mention the presence of around 100,000 Russian troops near Ukraine's border. "They've invented it (the Russian threat)... The Americans have been scaring themselves about a Russian invasion for months," a reporter for the Vesti news programme told viewers. ×

Ukraine crisis: Joe Biden's rare sanction threat to Vladimir Putin; Russian media's narrative is different

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