Canada&nbsp;has closed its&nbsp;airspace&nbsp;to all&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;carriers&nbsp;in protest at the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;invasion of Ukraine, Ottawa announced Sunday.

But the ban was quickly tested when, according to Canadian officials, a plane operated by&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;airline Aeroflot flew over the country.

Aeroflot flight 111 had departed Miami, Florida, bound for Moscow.

Announcing the measure earlier in the day, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said: "We will hold Russia accountable for its unprovoked attacks against Ukraine."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-10-world-news-russia-shuts-airspace-to-flights-from-bulgaria-poland-and-more-456828">Top 10 world news: Russia shuts airspace to flights from Bulgaria, Poland, and more</a>

The closure, effective immediately, aligned&nbsp;Canada&nbsp;with the vast majority of European countries.

While there had been no direct flights between Canadian and&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;airports, the decision by the world's second-largest country -- Russia is the largest -- promised to seriously complicate flights by Aeroflot to or from the United States, as well as to other countries to the south.

Any flight owned, chartered by or used by&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;interests -- including private flights -- was banned from Canadian skies, transport ministry spokeswoman Valerie Glazer told AFP in an email.

However, the Aeroflot flight "violated the prohibition", according to a tweet by government agency Transport&nbsp;Canada.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/after-canadian-freedom-convoy-us-peoples-convoy-protests-pandemic-restrictions-455836">After Canadian Freedom Convoy, US 'People's Convoy' protests pandemic restrictions</a>

"We are launching a review of the conduct of Aeroflot and the independent air navigation service provider, NAVCAN, leading up to this violation," it said.

"We will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action and other measures to prevent future violations."

A growing list of European countries -- including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands and Sweden -- have closed their&nbsp;airspace&nbsp;to&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;carriers&nbsp;in response to the invasion of Ukraine.

Britain barred Aeroflot flights on Thursday.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Conflict: EU shuts airspace to Russian airlines amid invasion

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-eu-shuts-airspace-to-russian-airlines-amid-invasion-457282/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

No flights from Russia appeared Sunday to be arriving at major US airports in Washington, Baltimore, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

Delta Airlines on Friday suspended a code-sharing arrangement with Aeroflot.

But the US Transportation Department has yet to announce a decision on banning&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;flights.

Canada has closed its airspace to all Russian carriers in protest at the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ottawa announced Sunday. But the ban was quickly tested when, according to Canadian officials, a plane operated by Russian airline Aeroflot flew over the country.

Canada has closed its airspace to all Russian carriers in protest at the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Ottawa announced Sunday. But the ban was quickly tested when, according to Canadian officials, a plane operated by Russian airline Aeroflot flew over the country. Aeroflot flight 111 had departed Miami, Florida, bound for Moscow. Announcing the measure earlier in the day, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra said: "We will hold Russia accountable for its unprovoked attacks against Ukraine." Also read | Top 10 world news: Russia shuts airspace to flights from Bulgaria, Poland, and more The closure, effective immediately, aligned Canada with the vast majority of European countries. While there had been no direct flights between Canadian and Russian airports, the decision by the world's second-largest country -- Russia is the largest -- promised to seriously complicate flights by Aeroflot to or from the United States, as well as to other countries to the south. Any flight owned, chartered by or used by Russian interests -- including private flights -- was banned from Canadian skies, transport ministry spokeswoman Valerie Glazer told AFP in an email. However, the Aeroflot flight "violated the prohibition", according to a tweet by government agency Transport Canada. Also read | After Canadian Freedom Convoy, US 'People's Convoy' protests pandemic restrictions "We are launching a review of the conduct of Aeroflot and the independent air navigation service provider, NAVCAN, leading up to this violation," it said. "We will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action and other measures to prevent future violations." A growing list of European countries -- including Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, Austria, the Netherlands and Sweden -- have closed their airspace to Russian carriers in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Britain barred Aeroflot flights on Thursday. Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: EU shuts airspace to Russian airlines amid invasion No flights from Russia appeared Sunday to be arriving at major US airports in Washington, Baltimore, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. Delta Airlines on Friday suspended a code-sharing arrangement with Aeroflot. But the US Transportation Department has yet to announce a decision on banning Russian flights.

Canada closes airspace to all Russian carriers

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will address his nation on Monday over the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the ongoing economic crisis of Pakistan.

The development comes amid news of another possible increase in petrol prices, local media reported on Sunday. Experts believe petroleum products may see another hike between Rs 8 and Rs 12 after the price of crude oil hit over $100 a barrel for the first time since 2014.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/even-amid-russian-military-operation-on-ukraine-imran-khan-vladimir-putin-meet-to-go-ahead-as-planned-455957">&nbsp;Even amid Russian 'military operation' on Ukraine, Imran Khan-Vladimir Putin meet to go ahead as planned</a>

Earlier this month, the Imran Khan government had dropped a "petrol bomb" on the masses by increasing the prices of petroleum products by up to Rs 12.03 per liter.

The Russia-Ukraine crisis has also fanned concerns over supplies of key commodities including wheat and metals in an already struggling economy. On Thursday, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) released data showing that Pakistan's Current Account Deficit (CAD) rose to an all-time high of USD 2.56 billion in the month of January 2022.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-registers-1455-new-covid-19-cases-455998">Pakistan registers 1,455 new Covid-19 cases</a>

At the same time, Pakistan's debt and liabilities hit an all-time high of Rs 51.724 trillion in December 2021 with external debt rising by a staggering 20 per cent during the first half of the current fiscal (2021-22).

The Imran Khan government has been facing criticism from both the opposition and citizens over the record increase in oil prices as well as the dependency of his government on loans and bailouts.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will address his nation on Monday over the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the ongoing economic crisis of Pakistan. The development comes amid news of another possible increase in petrol prices, local media reported on Sunday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will address his nation on Monday over the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the ongoing economic crisis of Pakistan. The development comes amid news of another possible increase in petrol prices, local media reported on Sunday. Experts believe petroleum products may see another hike between Rs 8 and Rs 12 after the price of crude oil hit over $100 a barrel for the first time since 2014. Also read | Even amid Russian 'military operation' on Ukraine, Imran Khan-Vladimir Putin meet to go ahead as planned Earlier this month, the Imran Khan government had dropped a "petrol bomb" on the masses by increasing the prices of petroleum products by up to Rs 12.03 per liter. The Russia-Ukraine crisis has also fanned concerns over supplies of key commodities including wheat and metals in an already struggling economy. On Thursday, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) released data showing that Pakistan's Current Account Deficit (CAD) rose to an all-time high of USD 2.56 billion in the month of January 2022. Also read | Pakistan registers 1,455 new Covid-19 cases At the same time, Pakistan's debt and liabilities hit an all-time high of Rs 51.724 trillion in December 2021 with external debt rising by a staggering 20 per cent during the first half of the current fiscal (2021-22). The Imran Khan government has been facing criticism from both the opposition and citizens over the record increase in oil prices as well as the dependency of his government on loans and bailouts.

Imran Khan to address Pakistan on the country's current economic crisis

Thousands of young Arabs who took up studies in&nbsp;Ukraine, often fleeing violence back&nbsp;home, are appealing to be rescued from a new nightmare -- Russia's full scale invasion of the country.

More than 10,000&nbsp;Arab&nbsp;students&nbsp;attend university in&nbsp;Ukraine, drawn to the former Soviet republic by a low cost of living and, for many, the lure of relative safety compared with their own troubled homelands.

Many have criticised their governments for failing to take concrete measures to repatriate them, and sought refuge in basements or the metro system. Few dared to cross the border into neighbouring Poland or Romania in search of sanctuary.

"We left Iraq to escape war... but it's the same thing in&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;(now)," Ali Mohammed, an Iraqi&nbsp;student&nbsp;told AFP by telephone from the western city of Chernivtsi.

Mohammed said he has been calling the Iraqi embassy in Kyiv around a dozen times a day since Russia launched the invasion but no one has picked up.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nick-of-time-india-embarks-on-mammoth-task-of-evacuating-citizens-from-war-hit-ukraine-456782">Nick of time: India embarks on mammoth task of evacuating citizens from war-hit Ukraine</a>

"We are demanding to&nbsp;go&nbsp;home. We are waiting to be rescued," he said. According to an Iraqi government official, there are 5,500 Iraqis in&nbsp;Ukraine, 450 of them&nbsp;students.

Syrian Raed Al-Moudaress, 24, echoed him.

"I arrived in Odessa only six months ago, hoping to open a new page far away from war," he told AFP by telephone.

"I am lost. I don't know what to do," he said, adding he is spending most of his time hiding in a basement.

Among&nbsp;Arab&nbsp;countries, Morocco has the largest number of&nbsp;students&nbsp;in&nbsp;Ukraine, with around 8,000 enrolled in universities, followed by Egypt with more than 3,000.

"We demand solutions. The authorities must find us a solution," to get back&nbsp;home&nbsp;to Morocco, Majda tweeted when the invasion began on Thursday.

"What are you waiting for? This is World War III," she said, addressing authorities in her country, who announced measures the following day.

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">Over Ukraine conflict, US, UK, EU to put crippling sanctions on Russian central bank, block SWIFT</a>

Stay Safe

Hundreds of&nbsp;students&nbsp;from Lebanon, gripped by a financial crisis the World Bank says is one of the world's worst in modern times, are also trapped in the country.

"The (Beirut) authorities have not issued guidelines" for our evacuation, said Samir, 25.

"I left Lebanon because of the financial crisis, sold my car and took my small savings to study in&nbsp;Ukraine," he told AFP from&nbsp;Ukraine's second city of Kharkiv, near the Russian border.

Ali Chreim, a restaurant owner from Kyiv who heads the Lebanese expat community in&nbsp;Ukraine, said he has been helping a group of young Lebanese women, who have sought shelter in the capital's metro, by sending them food.

Before the invasion, 1,300 Lebanese&nbsp;students&nbsp;were studying in the country. Half managed to flee by their own means, but the rest are stuck, Chreim said.

Beirut set up a hotline but it only functions "intermittently", he added.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said the government was drawing up plans to help nationals trapped in&nbsp;Ukraine.

Planes will be sent to neighbouring Poland and Romania at a "date to be announced later", he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-remember-this-day-during-difficulty-envoys-heartwarming-words-to-indians-evacuated-from-ukraine-456840">Watch: 'Remember this day during difficulty', envoy's heartwarming words to Indians evacuated from Ukraine</a>

Help us

Other countries like Egypt have also pledged to organise repatriation flights from neighbouring countries.

But for Tunisia which does not have an embassy in&nbsp;Ukraine, getting in touch with its 1,700 citizens there is complicated.

Authorities said they had been in contact with international organisations such as the Red Cross to organise departures.

"We will begin the operation as soon as we have a full list of how many Tunisians wish to return&nbsp;home," foreign ministry official Mohammed Trabelsi told AFP.

Despairing&nbsp;students&nbsp;have posted video footage online pleading for help.

"The supermarket shelves are empty, the streets have become dangerous. The embassy must help us get out of here," said two pharmacy&nbsp;students&nbsp;from Egypt stuck in the Black Sea port of Odessa.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: The plight of Indian Students stuck in Ukraine

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-plight-of-indian-students-stuck-in-ukraine-456601/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Other Egyptian&nbsp;students&nbsp;took matters into their own hands and crossed the border into Poland, hoping to make it back&nbsp;home.

Oil-rich Algeria, which has strong military links with Russia, did not ask its 1,000 nationals in&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;to leave.

Algerian authorities have, however, urged them to stay indoors and only venture out "in case of an emergency".

&nbsp;

Thousands of young Arabs who took up studies in Ukraine, often fleeing violence back home, are appealing to be rescued from a new nightmare -- Russia's full scale invasion of the country.

Thousands of young Arabs who took up studies in Ukraine, often fleeing violence back home, are appealing to be rescued from a new nightmare -- Russia's full scale invasion of the country. More than 10,000 Arab students attend university in Ukraine, drawn to the former Soviet republic by a low cost of living and, for many, the lure of relative safety compared with their own troubled homelands. Many have criticised their governments for failing to take concrete measures to repatriate them, and sought refuge in basements or the metro system. Few dared to cross the border into neighbouring Poland or Romania in search of sanctuary. "We left Iraq to escape war... but it's the same thing in Ukraine (now)," Ali Mohammed, an Iraqi student told AFP by telephone from the western city of Chernivtsi. Mohammed said he has been calling the Iraqi embassy in Kyiv around a dozen times a day since Russia launched the invasion but no one has picked up. Also read | Nick of time: India embarks on mammoth task of evacuating citizens from war-hit Ukraine "We are demanding to go home. We are waiting to be rescued," he said. According to an Iraqi government official, there are 5,500 Iraqis in Ukraine, 450 of them students. Syrian Raed Al-Moudaress, 24, echoed him. "I arrived in Odessa only six months ago, hoping to open a new page far away from war," he told AFP by telephone. "I am lost. I don't know what to do," he said, adding he is spending most of his time hiding in a basement. Among Arab countries, Morocco has the largest number of students in Ukraine, with around 8,000 enrolled in universities, followed by Egypt with more than 3,000. "We demand solutions. The authorities must find us a solution," to get back home to Morocco, Majda tweeted when the invasion began on Thursday. "What are you waiting for? This is World War III," she said, addressing authorities in her country, who announced measures the following day. Also read | Over Ukraine conflict, US, UK, EU to put crippling sanctions on Russian central bank, block SWIFT Stay Safe Hundreds of students from Lebanon, gripped by a financial crisis the World Bank says is one of the world's worst in modern times, are also trapped in the country. "The (Beirut) authorities have not issued guidelines" for our evacuation, said Samir, 25. "I left Lebanon because of the financial crisis, sold my car and took my small savings to study in Ukraine," he told AFP from Ukraine's second city of Kharkiv, near the Russian border. Ali Chreim, a restaurant owner from Kyiv who heads the Lebanese expat community in Ukraine, said he has been helping a group of young Lebanese women, who have sought shelter in the capital's metro, by sending them food. Before the invasion, 1,300 Lebanese students were studying in the country. Half managed to flee by their own means, but the rest are stuck, Chreim said. Beirut set up a hotline but it only functions "intermittently", he added. Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib said the government was drawing up plans to help nationals trapped in Ukraine. Planes will be sent to neighbouring Poland and Romania at a "date to be announced later", he said. Also read | Watch: 'Remember this day during difficulty', envoy's heartwarming words to Indians evacuated from Ukraine Help us Other countries like Egypt have also pledged to organise repatriation flights from neighbouring countries. But for Tunisia which does not have an embassy in Ukraine, getting in touch with its 1,700 citizens there is complicated. Authorities said they had been in contact with international organisations such as the Red Cross to organise departures. "We will begin the operation as soon as we have a full list of how many Tunisians wish to return home," foreign ministry official Mohammed Trabelsi told AFP. Despairing students have posted video footage online pleading for help. "The supermarket shelves are empty, the streets have become dangerous. The embassy must help us get out of here," said two pharmacy students from Egypt stuck in the Black Sea port of Odessa. Watch | Gravitas: The plight of Indian Students stuck in Ukraine Other Egyptian students took matters into their own hands and crossed the border into Poland, hoping to make it back home. Oil-rich Algeria, which has strong military links with Russia, did not ask its 1,000 nationals in Ukraine to leave. Algerian authorities have, however, urged them to stay indoors and only venture out "in case of an emergency".

Russia Ukraine Crisis: Thousands of Arab students stranded, desperate to go home

Personally monitored by the external affairs minister, coordinated through a ‘situation room’, using transport on air and on land, India is leaving no stones unturned to help evacuate thousands of its citizens caught in the crossfire of the Ukraine-Russia war.

Spearheaded by the Ministry of External Affairs and joined by embassies across the region, the government is continuously updating citizens with travel advisories over social media and has begun airlifting the expatriates.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraine-conflict-india-abstains-on-unsc-resolution-says-dialogue-only-answer-to-settle-disputes-456638">Ukraine conflict: India abstains on UNSC resolution, says dialogue 'only answer' to settle disputes</a>

Over the years, India’s civilian leadership, military and the aviation sector have worked hand in hand to evacuate thousands of Indians stranded in conflict areas. That template has come in handy in Ukraine too, where the attack by Russia entered the third day on Saturday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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More batches of Indian students enter Hungary from Ukrainian side at Zahony crossing, travelling onward to Budapest for return to India by AI flight today <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MEAIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainUkraine?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainUkraine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianDiplomacy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianDiplomacy</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/DDNewslive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DDNewslive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/airindiain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@airindiain</a> <a href="https://t.co/XleEiGwbyH">pic.twitter.com/XleEiGwbyH</a>
— Indian Embassy in Hungary (@IndiaInHungary) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaInHungary/status/1497534668589211649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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MEA has opened a control room, and is overseeing the evacuation process along with its embassy in Kyiv, and camp offices in Ukrainian cities of Luiv and Chernivsti. Joining the efforts are its teams in Poland: in the Shehyni-Medyca and Krakowiec border crossings. Similar teams are working round the clock in border crossings of Hungary, Romania and Slovak Republic. Indians can contact helplines in all these offices.

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Updated Coordinates of MEA Teams assisting Indian nationals in Ukraine ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/yBtn5qtFux">https://t.co/yBtn5qtFux</a> <a href="https://t.co/hXn1pPO4D9">pic.twitter.com/hXn1pPO4D9</a>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1497229518431424516?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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External affairs minister S Jaishankar tweeted: “Regarding evacuation of Indian nationals from Ukraine, we are making progress. Our teams are working on the ground round the clock. I am personally monitoring. The first flight to Mumbai with 219 Indian nationals has taken off from Romania.”

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Regarding evacuation of Indian nationals from Ukraine, we are making progress. 
 
Our teams are working on the ground round the clock. I am personally monitoring. 
 
The first flight to Mumbai with 219 Indian nationals has taken off from Romania. <a href="https://t.co/8BSwefW0Q1">pic.twitter.com/8BSwefW0Q1</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1497491336597229571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Earlier on Saturday, several of them boarded a government-hired Air India flight from Romania to Mumbai. Another flight will take passengers to Delhi.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ukraine-crisis-romanias-govt-to-provide-evacuated-indian-students-with-food-accommodation-says-envoy-456604">Ukraine crisis: Romania's govt to provide evacuated Indian students with food, accommodation, says envoy</a>

<img alt="Indian citizens sitting in aircraft tp fly back to India. (Image Courtesy: Govt. of India)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1268cc13-e8b0-4d2a-aad3-b4b7810ca298" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/air%20flight.jpg" />

<h5>Indian citizens sitting in aircraft to fly back to India. (Image Courtesy: Govt. of India)</h5>

India's trade minister Piyush Goyal&nbsp;received the evacuated nationals in Mumbai.

Air India had said earlier in a release that it will be operating flights on B787 aircraft from Delhi and Mumbai to Bucharest in Romania and Budapest in Hungary on Saturday, 26 February as special government charter flights to fly back stranded Indian citizens.

Earlier, the government had said it would bear the cost of evacuations.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine "deeply dissatisfied" with India's reaction

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In a travel advisory, the government said Indian nationals coming in from Ukraine who are not vaccinated and neither processing Covid-19 negative RT PCR report will be exempted from uploading documents on Air Suvidha portal before departure. The decision was taken on humanitarian grounds, it said, adding that such passengers can enter the airport.

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All Indian Citizens in Ukraine are advised to not move to any of the border posts without prior coordination with Government of India officials at the border posts (helpline numbers established) and the Emergency numbers of Embassy of India, Kyiv. <a href="https://t.co/FVYjFUxh91">https://t.co/FVYjFUxh91</a>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1497408184058740738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Personally monitored by the external affairs minister, coordinated through a ‘situation room’, using transport on air and on land, India is leaving no stones unturned to help evacuate thousands of its citizens caught in the crossfire of the Ukraine-Russia war.

Personally monitored by the external affairs minister, coordinated through a ‘situation room’, using transport on air and on land, India is leaving no stones unturned to help evacuate thousands of its citizens caught in the crossfire of the Ukraine-Russia war. Spearheaded by the Ministry of External Affairs and joined by embassies across the region, the government is continuously updating citizens with travel advisories over social media and has begun airlifting the expatriates. Also read | Ukraine conflict: India abstains on UNSC resolution, says dialogue 'only answer' to settle disputes Over the years, India’s civilian leadership, military and the aviation sector have worked hand in hand to evacuate thousands of Indians stranded in conflict areas. That template has come in handy in Ukraine too, where the attack by Russia entered the third day on Saturday. More batches of Indian students enter Hungary from Ukrainian side at Zahony crossing, travelling onward to Budapest for return to India by AI flight today @MEAIndia @IndiainUkraine @IndianDiplomacy @DDNewslive @airindiain pic.twitter.com/XleEiGwbyH — Indian Embassy in Hungary (@IndiaInHungary) February 26, 2022 × MEA has opened a control room, and is overseeing the evacuation process along with its embassy in Kyiv, and camp offices in Ukrainian cities of Luiv and Chernivsti. Joining the efforts are its teams in Poland: in the Shehyni-Medyca and Krakowiec border crossings. Similar teams are working round the clock in border crossings of Hungary, Romania and Slovak Republic. Indians can contact helplines in all these offices. Updated Coordinates of MEA Teams assisting Indian nationals in Ukraine ⬇️https://t.co/yBtn5qtFux pic.twitter.com/hXn1pPO4D9 — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) February 25, 2022 × External affairs minister S Jaishankar tweeted: “Regarding evacuation of Indian nationals from Ukraine, we are making progress. Our teams are working on the ground round the clock. I am personally monitoring. The first flight to Mumbai with 219 Indian nationals has taken off from Romania.” Regarding evacuation of Indian nationals from Ukraine, we are making progress. Our teams are working on the ground round the clock. I am personally monitoring. The first flight to Mumbai with 219 Indian nationals has taken off from Romania. pic.twitter.com/8BSwefW0Q1 — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 26, 2022 × Earlier on Saturday, several of them boarded a government-hired Air India flight from Romania to Mumbai. Another flight will take passengers to Delhi. Also read | Ukraine crisis: Romania's govt to provide evacuated Indian students with food, accommodation, says envoy Indian citizens sitting in aircraft to fly back to India. (Image Courtesy: Govt. of India) India's trade minister Piyush Goyal received the evacuated nationals in Mumbai. Air India had said earlier in a release that it will be operating flights on B787 aircraft from Delhi and Mumbai to Bucharest in Romania and Budapest in Hungary on Saturday, 26 February as special government charter flights to fly back stranded Indian citizens. Earlier, the government had said it would bear the cost of evacuations. Watch | Gravitas: Ukraine "deeply dissatisfied" with India's reaction In a travel advisory, the government said Indian nationals coming in from Ukraine who are not vaccinated and neither processing Covid-19 negative RT PCR report will be exempted from uploading documents on Air Suvidha portal before departure. The decision was taken on humanitarian grounds, it said, adding that such passengers can enter the airport. All Indian Citizens in Ukraine are advised to not move to any of the border posts without prior coordination with Government of India officials at the border posts (helpline numbers established) and the Emergency numbers of Embassy of India, Kyiv. https://t.co/FVYjFUxh91 — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) February 26, 2022 ×

Nick of time: India embarks on mammoth task of evacuating citizens from war-hit Ukraine

As tension escalates between Russia and Ukraine, celebrities from around the world have started reacting to the escalating crisis in eastern Europe. This after Russia announced a “full-scale invasion” into Ukraine.&nbsp;

In the morning, Russian president Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” in the east of the country. Explosions were shortly reported after his speech in the outskirts of Kharkiv, Kramatorsk and Mariupol, as well as the capital Kiev.

The crisis has led to celebrities reacting on the same including Stephen King, Piers Morgan and Cardi B.

Stephen King wrote, “What most of us learned as kids on the playground: You don’t stand by while a big kid beats up a little kid. You might take a punch or two making the big kid stop, but that’s the right thing to do.”

Earlier, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/cardi-b-weighs-in-on-russia-ukraine-crisis-not-on-nato-or-russian-side-455756">Cardi B</a> said, "Wish these world leaders [would] stop tripping about power and really think about who's really getting affected (citizens) besides the whole world is in a crisis. War, sanctions, invasions should be the last thing these leaders should worry about.”

Former Good Morning Britain presenter Morgan wrote, “This is an act of war by a bully-boy thug who doesn’t think the rest of the world has the guts or will to stop him... Shameful.”

Annie Lennox wrote, “What kind of ‘price’ must ordinary people pay for the nightmarish madness and brutality of ‘invasion’ and ‘warfare’? Or is this just an elaborate hoax? A scare tactic? A threat? Apologies for this dark reflection, but I’ve had the privilege of living in a ‘peaceful’ context since I was born - a decade after the end of WW2 – 67 years in total. I don’t take this for granted in any way and therefore find the notion of ‘war’ to be unacceptable repugnant barbarism.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/the-simpsons-had-predicted-the-russia-ukraine-crisis-way-back-in-1998heres-proof-455716" hreflang="en">The Simpsons had predicted the Russia-Ukraine crisis way back in 1998.Here's proof</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-oscars-2022-major-awards-to-not-go-live-like-before-find-out-details-inside-455580" hreflang="en">Oscars 2022: Major awards to not go live like before? Find out details inside</a>

As tension escalates between Russia and Ukraine, celebrities from around the world have started reacting to the escalating crisis in eastern Europe. This after Russia announced a “full-scale invasion” into Ukraine.

As tension escalates between Russia and Ukraine, celebrities from around the world have started reacting to the escalating crisis in eastern Europe. This after Russia announced a “full-scale invasion” into Ukraine. In the morning, Russian president Vladimir Putin announced a “special military operation” in the east of the country. Explosions were shortly reported after his speech in the outskirts of Kharkiv, Kramatorsk and Mariupol, as well as the capital Kiev. The crisis has led to celebrities reacting on the same including Stephen King, Piers Morgan and Cardi B. Stephen King wrote, “What most of us learned as kids on the playground: You don’t stand by while a big kid beats up a little kid. You might take a punch or two making the big kid stop, but that’s the right thing to do.” Earlier, Cardi B said, "Wish these world leaders [would] stop tripping about power and really think about who's really getting affected (citizens) besides the whole world is in a crisis. War, sanctions, invasions should be the last thing these leaders should worry about.” Former Good Morning Britain presenter Morgan wrote, “This is an act of war by a bully-boy thug who doesn’t think the rest of the world has the guts or will to stop him... Shameful.” Annie Lennox wrote, “What kind of ‘price’ must ordinary people pay for the nightmarish madness and brutality of ‘invasion’ and ‘warfare’? Or is this just an elaborate hoax? A scare tactic? A threat? Apologies for this dark reflection, but I’ve had the privilege of living in a ‘peaceful’ context since I was born - a decade after the end of WW2 – 67 years in total. I don’t take this for granted in any way and therefore find the notion of ‘war’ to be unacceptable repugnant barbarism.” The Simpsons had predicted the Russia-Ukraine crisis way back in 1998.Here's proof Oscars 2022: Major awards to not go live like before? Find out details inside

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Stephen King, Piers Morgan & other celebs react

Monitors from the&nbsp;OSCE&nbsp;European security body on Monday reported more than 3,000 new ceasefire violations in eastern&nbsp;Ukraine, a high for the year.

The&nbsp;report&nbsp;reflects a sharp spike in violence that preceded President Vladimir Putin's decision to order Russian troops into two Moscow-backed rebel regions he recognised as independent earlier in the day.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-crisis-japan-ready-to-join-us-led-sanctions-on-moscow-455236">&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine crisis: Japan ready to join US-led sanctions on Moscow</a>

"It is of crucial importance that today's decision will not lead to new military action and bloodshed," Mikko Kinnunen, the&nbsp;OSCE's chairman-in-office in&nbsp;Ukraine, said in a statement.

In a daily&nbsp;report&nbsp;based on information received by Sunday evening, the pan-European security body reported 2,158 new&nbsp;violations&nbsp;in the Donetsk region and another 1,073 in neighbouring Lugansk.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-two-russian-backed-areas-in-eastern-ukraine-455190">US imposes sanctions on two Russian-backed areas in eastern Ukraine</a>

The monitors reported heavy clashes spreading across the frontline separating rebel forces from government troops in the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions.

The eight-year conflict across the largely Russian-speaking industrial region has claimed&nbsp;more&nbsp;than&nbsp;14,000&nbsp;lives, breaking out after two regions rebelled over a 2014 pro-EU revolution in Kyiv.

Monitors from the OSCE European security body on Monday reported more than 3,000 new ceasefire violations in eastern Ukraine, a high for the year. The report reflects a sharp spike in violence that preceded President Vladimir Putin's decision to order Russian troops into two Moscow-backed rebel regions he recognised as independent earlier in the day.

Monitors from the OSCE European security body on Monday reported more than 3,000 new ceasefire violations in eastern Ukraine, a high for the year. The report reflects a sharp spike in violence that preceded President Vladimir Putin's decision to order Russian troops into two Moscow-backed rebel regions he recognised as independent earlier in the day. Also read | Russia-Ukraine crisis: Japan ready to join US-led sanctions on Moscow "It is of crucial importance that today's decision will not lead to new military action and bloodshed," Mikko Kinnunen, the OSCE's chairman-in-office in Ukraine, said in a statement. In a daily report based on information received by Sunday evening, the pan-European security body reported 2,158 new violations in the Donetsk region and another 1,073 in neighbouring Lugansk. Also read | US imposes sanctions on two Russian-backed areas in eastern Ukraine The monitors reported heavy clashes spreading across the frontline separating rebel forces from government troops in the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions. The eight-year conflict across the largely Russian-speaking industrial region has claimed more than 14,000 lives, breaking out after two regions rebelled over a 2014 pro-EU revolution in Kyiv.

Amid rising tensions, OSCE reports more than 3,000 new ceasefires violations in eastern Ukraine

Oil&nbsp;hit its&nbsp;highest&nbsp;since&nbsp;2014&nbsp;on Tuesday as tensions between&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;and&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;escalated after Moscow ordered troops into two breakaway regions in eastern&nbsp;Ukraine, adding to supply concerns that are pushing prices to near $100 a barrel.

The United States and its European allies are poised to announce new sanctions against&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;after President Vladimir Putin formally recognised the two regions in eastern&nbsp;Ukraine, escalating a security crisis on the continent.

"The potential for a rally over $100 a barrel has received an enormous boost," said Tamas Varga of&nbsp;oil&nbsp;broker PVM. "Those who have bet on such a move anticipated the&nbsp;escalation&nbsp;of the conflict."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-rising-tensions-osce-reports-more-than-3000-new-ceasefires-violations-in-eastern-ukraine-455242">Amid rising tensions, OSCE reports more than 3,000 new ceasefires violations in eastern Ukraine</a>

Brent crude, the global benchmark, was up $3.38, or 3.5 per cent, at $98.77 at 1000 GMT, having earlier reached $99.50, the&nbsp;highest&nbsp;since&nbsp;September&nbsp;2014.

US&nbsp;West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude jumped $4.40, or 4.8 per cent, to $95.47 versus Friday's settlement, having earlier reached $96, also the&nbsp;highest&nbsp;since&nbsp;2014. The US&nbsp;market was closed on Monday for a public holiday.

"We see the&nbsp;oil&nbsp;market in a period of frothiness and nervousness, spiced up by geopolitical fears and emotions," said Julius Baer analyst Norbert Rücker.

"Given the prevailing mood,&nbsp;oil&nbsp;prices may very likely climb into the triple digits in the near term."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/donetsk-and-lugansk-ukraines-breakaway-republics-455307">Donetsk and Lugansk: Ukraine's breakaway republic</a>

The crisis over&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;has added further support to an&nbsp;oil&nbsp;market that has surged due to tight supplies as demand recovers from the coronavirus pandemic.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, known as OPEC+, have resisted calls to boost supply more rapidly.

A senior British minister said on Tuesday&nbsp;Russia's invasion of&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;has created a situation as grave as the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, when a confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union brought the world to the brink of nuclear war.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: 2,000 ceasefire violations in eastern Ukraine

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-2000-ceasefire-violations-in-eastern-ukraine-455187/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Nigeria's minister of state for petroleum on Tuesday stuck to the OPEC+ view that more supply was not needed, citing the prospect of more production from Iran if its nuclear deal with world powers is revived.

Talks are ongoing on renewing Iran's nuclear agreement with world powers, which could eventually boost Iran's&nbsp;oil&nbsp;exports by over 1 million barrels per day.

Oil hit its highest since 2014 on Tuesday as tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated after Moscow ordered troops into two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine, adding to supply concerns that are pushing prices to near $100 a barrel.

Oil hit its highest since 2014 on Tuesday as tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalated after Moscow ordered troops into two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine, adding to supply concerns that are pushing prices to near $100 a barrel. The United States and its European allies are poised to announce new sanctions against Russia after President Vladimir Putin formally recognised the two regions in eastern Ukraine, escalating a security crisis on the continent. "The potential for a rally over $100 a barrel has received an enormous boost," said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM. "Those who have bet on such a move anticipated the escalation of the conflict." Also read | Amid rising tensions, OSCE reports more than 3,000 new ceasefires violations in eastern Ukraine Brent crude, the global benchmark, was up $3.38, or 3.5 per cent, at $98.77 at 1000 GMT, having earlier reached $99.50, the highest since September 2014. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude jumped $4.40, or 4.8 per cent, to $95.47 versus Friday's settlement, having earlier reached $96, also the highest since 2014. The US market was closed on Monday for a public holiday. "We see the oil market in a period of frothiness and nervousness, spiced up by geopolitical fears and emotions," said Julius Baer analyst Norbert Rücker. "Given the prevailing mood, oil prices may very likely climb into the triple digits in the near term." Also read | Donetsk and Lugansk: Ukraine's breakaway republic The crisis over Ukraine has added further support to an oil market that has surged due to tight supplies as demand recovers from the coronavirus pandemic. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies, known as OPEC+, have resisted calls to boost supply more rapidly. A senior British minister said on Tuesday Russia's invasion of Ukraine has created a situation as grave as the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, when a confrontation between the United States and the Soviet Union brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. Watch | Gravitas: 2,000 ceasefire violations in eastern Ukraine Nigeria's minister of state for petroleum on Tuesday stuck to the OPEC+ view that more supply was not needed, citing the prospect of more production from Iran if its nuclear deal with world powers is revived. Talks are ongoing on renewing Iran's nuclear agreement with world powers, which could eventually boost Iran's oil exports by over 1 million barrels per day.

Ukraine-Russia crisis: Oil hits highest since 2014

Russian parliament has asked President Vladimir Putin to recognise the Donbas as republics. If Putin agrees, he would be threatening war. Palki Sharma tells you why Donbas determines what happens next in the Ukraine-Russia crisis.

Gravitas: Ukraine, Russia crisis: What's happening in Donbas?

What options does Ukraine have? Can it take a tougher line against Russia? Palki Sharma spoke to Independent Journalist Olga Tokariuk & Political Consultant Andrii Telizhenko to understand the sentiments on ground.

Gravitas Ukraine Direct: What are Ukraine's options? | WION interviews Olga Tokariuk & Andrii Telizhenko

Amid escalating tensions over the Ukraine conflict, top officials from Washington and Moscow will hold fresh talks today. The US secretary of state Antony Blinken will speak to his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken to speak to Sergei Lavrov

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