Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and the President of Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelenskyy, urging the two sides of ceasefire and to ensure the safe evacuation of all the Indians from the region.

PM Modi speaks with Putin, Zelensky, conveys concern for safety of Indians

According to US officials, Russia is recruiting Syrian fighters experienced in urban combat as it ramps up its assault on Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has claimed around 20,000 foreign volunteers have traveled to the country to join Kyiv's forces.

US says Russia is recruiting Syrian fighters to fight in Ukraine

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and Ukrainian FM Dmytro Kuleba plan to meet on the sidelines of a diplomatic forum in Turkey.

Russian and Ukrainian foreign ministers to meet in Turkey on March 12

A ceasefire attempt in Ukrainian cities has collapsed, with Russia pushing forward with its military offensive. The Russian Defence Ministry has published a video showing tanks driving along roads in the Kyiv, Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russian Defence Ministry releases new video of army

Ukrainian orphanages have been forced to flee after Russian troops attacked the nuclear powerplant on the weekend. They are among the youngest fleeing Ukrainians in search of security. Even Human Rights Commission has confirmed that around 5 million refugees have fled to the surrounding countries and even this makes Ukraine the worst humanitarian crisis in Europe since World War 2.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Kids in Ukraine forced to flee

As the Russia-Ukraine conflict enters day 12 heavy shelling has been reported from the city of Irpin which is located just 26 km away from the capital Kyiv. Irpin is one of the regions where Russian troops continue to shell the town.

Day 12 of Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Irpin suffers heavy shelling

More than 1.5 million Ukrainians have fled to Poland since the start of the Russian invasion on 24 February. The UN estimates that more than 1.5 million refugees have crossed into neighbouring countries since the outbreak of war in Ukraine.

Over 1.5 million people have fled Ukraine since Russian invasion

A barrage of Russian missiles destroyed a civilian airport in Vinnytsia in central Ukraine on Sunday. Several cities and airbases in Ukraine have been bombed, shelled or hit with ballistic missiles since Russia launched its 11-day-old invasion.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russia attacks civilian airport in Vinnytsia

Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again set conditions for endling Moscow's invasion in Ukraine. Kremlin has announced that Russia will only halt its military operation if Ukraine stops fighting and Moscow's demands are met.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sets conditions to end Moscow's invasion in Ukraine

The Russia-Ukraine war is making headlines globally but, one name is going to be remembered longer than others, Volodymyr Zelensky. WION tells you how Ukraine won the narrative war due to its President.

Zelensky: Wartime leader on social media

Visa and Mastercard are suspending their operations in Russia in the latest blow to the country’s financial system after its invasion of Ukraine.

Visa, Mastercard halt operations in Russia over Ukraine invasion

The City Council of Mariupol has announced a temporary ceasefire to help evacuate civilians as well as the wounded and dead. The news comes after a Ukrainian-Russian agreement for humanitarian corridors out of the city broke down following reports of Russian shelling.

Fresh attempts of evacuation in Mariupol, second temporary ceasefire announced

The United Nation has estimated that approximately 1.5 million Ukrainian citizens have been displaced during the country’s conflict with Russia. WION tells you more.

UN: Almost 1.5 million people displaced from Ukraine during Russian invasion

Italian police have seized luxurious properties like villas and yachts from high-profile Russians who were placed on an EU sanctions list after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Italian authorities seizes yachts and villas from Russian oligarchs

The next round of talks between Ukraine and Russia will be held on Monday, as the two sides try to negotiate a ceasefire as well as a safe passage corridor for civilians.

Russia, Ukraine to hold third round of talks on Monday

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. The Indian government has been evacuating Indians from war-torn Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia has accused "Ukrainian nationalists" of forcibly holding over 3,700 Indian citizens in various cities as the conflict continues to escalate. There's no response from Indian officials yet. After the attack on the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine on Friday (March 4), Russia's Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia told an emergency UN Security Council meeting that radicals and extremists in Ukraine "were and are" under the "close guardianship and protection" of Western nations. "We urge you to calm down your mentees who in the worst traditions of ISIL terrorists and their Idlib associates are hiding behind civilians, placing heavy weaponry and multiple rocket launchers in residential areas," Nebenzia said as quoted by India-based news agency PTI. ALSO READ | 'Green light for bombing': Zelensky lashes out at NATO for ruling out Ukraine no-fly zone "The number of foreign nationals who are being forcibly held by Ukrainian nationalists is shocking. In Kharkiv, this includes 3,189 citizens of India, up to 2,700 citizens of Vietnam, 202 citizens of China. In Sumy, this includes 576 Indian citizens, 101 Ghanaian citizens and 121 Chinese citizens," he added. He said "these terrorists" are preventing civilians wishing to leave the cities from doing so and this practice is affecting not only Ukrainians but also foreign citizens. The Russian military is doing everything to ensure the peaceful evacuation of foreign nationals, he said adding that at various checkpoints "130 comfortable buses" are standing ready in order to leave for Kharkiv and Sumy to rescue Indian students and other foreign citizens. ALSO READ | At least three plots to assassinate Ukrainian President Zelensky foiled, say reports Amid the ongoing evacuation of Indian medical students from Ukraine, National Medical Commission (NMC) allows Foreign Medical Graduates with incomplete internships due to compelling situations like the coronavirus and war to apply to complete internships in India if they clear FMGE. WATCH | Watch how refugees in Ukraine’s Lviv are seeking shelter in theatre × (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine under attack: Russia accuses 'Ukrainian nationalists' of 'forcibly' holding over 3,700 Indians

Singapore&nbsp;announced&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;against&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;on Saturday that include four banks and an export ban on electronics, computers and military items, in a rare move by the Asian financial hub in response to what it said was Moscow's "dangerous precedent" in&nbsp;Ukraine.

The tiny city-state, an international shipping hub, rarely imposes&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;of its own but said it would not allow export of items that could inflict harm on or subjugate Ukrainians, or help&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;launch cyber attacks.

"We cannot accept the&nbsp;Russian government's violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of another sovereign state," its foreign ministry said in a statement, which gave no timeframe for when the&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;would take effect.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-all-set-to-bombard-ukrainian-cities-into-submission-will-deploy-1000-more-mercenaries-report-459244">Russia all set to 'bombard' Ukrainian cities ‘into submission,' will deploy 1,000 more mercenaries: Report</a>

"For a small state like&nbsp;Singapore, this is not a theoretical principle, but a dangerous precedent. This is why&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;has strongly condemned&nbsp;Russia's unprovoked attack."

The restrictions bar&nbsp;Singapore's financial institutions including its central bank, from dealing with&nbsp;Russia's central bank as well as VTB Bank Public Joint Stock Company, The Corporation Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs Vnesheconombank, Promsvyazbank Public Joint Stock Company and Bank Rossiya. The measures also cover&nbsp;cryptocurrencies.

Singapore's stand against&nbsp;Russia's invasion is the strongest so far by a Southeast Asia country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/months-before-russian-invasion-us-started-sending-missiles-ammunition-to-ukraine-report-459238">Months before Russian invasion, US started sending missiles, ammunition to Ukraine: Report</a>

A statement on Thursday by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which&nbsp;Singapore&nbsp;is a member, called for a ceasefire in the&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;crisis, but made no mention of&nbsp;Russia's involvement.

Asked by Reuters about its exposure to&nbsp;Russia,&nbsp;Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC reiterated the new measures, which it said would also apply to the government's funds managed by GIC.

"GIC continues to assess the&nbsp;Russian-Ukrainian situation and will ensure compliance," it said in an emailed response.

Singapore announced sanctions against Russia on Saturday that include four banks and an export ban on electronics, computers and military items, in a rare move by the Asian financial hub in response to what it said was Moscow's "dangerous precedent" in Ukraine.

Singapore announced sanctions against Russia on Saturday that include four banks and an export ban on electronics, computers and military items, in a rare move by the Asian financial hub in response to what it said was Moscow's "dangerous precedent" in Ukraine. The tiny city-state, an international shipping hub, rarely imposes sanctions of its own but said it would not allow export of items that could inflict harm on or subjugate Ukrainians, or help Russia launch cyber attacks. "We cannot accept the Russian government's violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of another sovereign state," its foreign ministry said in a statement, which gave no timeframe for when the sanctions would take effect. Also read | Russia all set to 'bombard' Ukrainian cities ‘into submission,' will deploy 1,000 more mercenaries: Report "For a small state like Singapore, this is not a theoretical principle, but a dangerous precedent. This is why Singapore has strongly condemned Russia's unprovoked attack." The restrictions bar Singapore's financial institutions including its central bank, from dealing with Russia's central bank as well as VTB Bank Public Joint Stock Company, The Corporation Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs Vnesheconombank, Promsvyazbank Public Joint Stock Company and Bank Rossiya. The measures also cover cryptocurrencies. Singapore's stand against Russia's invasion is the strongest so far by a Southeast Asia country. Also read | Months before Russian invasion, US started sending missiles, ammunition to Ukraine: Report A statement on Thursday by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), of which Singapore is a member, called for a ceasefire in the Ukraine crisis, but made no mention of Russia's involvement. Asked by Reuters about its exposure to Russia, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund GIC reiterated the new measures, which it said would also apply to the government's funds managed by GIC. "GIC continues to assess the Russian-Ukrainian situation and will ensure compliance," it said in an emailed response.

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Singapore sanctions Russia over 'unprovoked attack' on Ukraine

Estonia allocates over $1.4 million for Ukrainian refugees arriving from the war-torn country, amid the Estonian prime minister calling on NATO to bolster defences of the Baltic members.

Estonia allocates over $1.4 million for Ukrainian refugees

Ukraine has said that Russian troops had seized the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant where a fire had broken out after it had been targeted by shelling.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russia captures Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

Displaced people line up for food outside Lviv stations as thousands of refugee descend on the western Ukrainian city for rescue. WION's Anas Mallick brings you this ground report from Ukraine.

Ground Report: WION reports from the western Ukrainian city of Lviv

Anatomy of attack: How Ukraine soldiers are battling Russians

Belarusian clubs and the national team will have to play all their home matches in UEFA competitions at neutral venues with no spectators allowed, European soccer's governing body announced on Thursday.

Belarus has been used as a key staging post for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, drawing widespread condemnation.

"The UEFA Executive Committee met today and decided that all Belarusian clubs and national teams competing in UEFA competitions will be required to play their home matches at neutral venues with immediate effect," a statement read.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/biennial-world-cup-is-a-no-go-for-everyone-in-football-says-uefa-president-aleksander-ceferin-458610">Biennial World Cup is a 'no go' for everyone in football, says UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin</a>

"Furthermore, no spectators shall attend matches in which the teams from Belarus feature as host."

UEFA said its Executive Committee would convene further extraordinary meetings, on a regular ongoing basis, to reassess the legal and factual situation as it evolves and adopt further decisions as necessary.

World governing body FIFA and UEFA have already suspended Russia's national teams and clubs from international football until further notice as a result of the invasion.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-captains-to-wear-special-armbands-in-ukrainian-colours-to-show-support-458536">Premier League: Captains to wear special armbands in Ukrainian colours to show support</a>

Earlier on Thursday Russian and Belarusian athletes were barred from the Winter Paralympics in Beijing on the eve of the Games following threats of boycotts by other teams.

Belarusian clubs and the national team will have to play all their home matches in UEFA competitions at neutral venues with no spectators allowed, European soccer's governing body announced on Thursday.

Belarusian clubs and the national team will have to play all their home matches in UEFA competitions at neutral venues with no spectators allowed, European soccer's governing body announced on Thursday. Belarus has been used as a key staging post for Russia's invasion of Ukraine, drawing widespread condemnation. "The UEFA Executive Committee met today and decided that all Belarusian clubs and national teams competing in UEFA competitions will be required to play their home matches at neutral venues with immediate effect," a statement read. ALSO READ: Biennial World Cup is a 'no go' for everyone in football, says UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin "Furthermore, no spectators shall attend matches in which the teams from Belarus feature as host." UEFA said its Executive Committee would convene further extraordinary meetings, on a regular ongoing basis, to reassess the legal and factual situation as it evolves and adopt further decisions as necessary. World governing body FIFA and UEFA have already suspended Russia's national teams and clubs from international football until further notice as a result of the invasion. ALSO READ: Premier League: Captains to wear special armbands in Ukrainian colours to show support Earlier on Thursday Russian and Belarusian athletes were barred from the Winter Paralympics in Beijing on the eve of the Games following threats of boycotts by other teams.

Belarus clubs and national team banned from playing at home in UEFA competitions amid Ukraine crisis

NATO foreign ministers are set to hold an emergency meeting in Brussels over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The allies have been bolstering their Eastern flank since Russia began deploying its troops near Ukraine weeks before the invasion.

NATO FMs to meet in Brussels on March 4

Formula One will no longer race in Russia after the sport terminated its contract with the promoter of the Russian Grand Prix, it said on Thursday, in response to the country's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.

The event, which was set to move to a new track outside St Petersburg next year from its current Sochi Olympic park venue, had a contract until 2025.

The sport announced the cancellation of the 2022 race, originally scheduled for Sept 25, last week.

"Formula One can confirm it has terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix promoter meaning Russia will not have a race in the future," a statement from the sport's commercial rights holder, which decides the calendar, said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/f1-world-champion-max-verstappen-to-stay-at-red-bull-until-2028-458577">F1 world champion Max Verstappen to stay at Red Bull until 2028</a>

Formula One's move to effectively pull out of Russia comes after the sport's governing body, the FIA, on Tuesday condemned the country's invasion of Ukraine but said Russian and Belarusian drivers could still take part in its competitions in a neutral capacity.

British federation Motorsport UK on Wednesday banned Russian and Belarusian license holders from racing in the country regardless of the flag they compete under.

Nikita Mazepin is the only Russian on the Formula One grid.

The 22-year-old already faces an uncertain future after his U.S.-owned Haas team removed all branding related to Russian potash producer and title sponsor Uralkali from its car on the final day of last week's Barcelona test.

Uralkali is owned by Mazepin's father, oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, and the fate of the partnership and the Russian's continued presence at the team is set to be decided this week.

The Russian Grand Prix joined the calendar in 2014.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/you-can-do-better-serena-williams-lashes-out-at-top-newspaper-for-confusing-her-with-sister-venus-458517">You can do better: Serena Williams lashes out at top newspaper for confusing her with sister Venus</a>

It has been attended by President Vladimir Putin in the past, with the Russian leader even handing out trophies on the podium.

Russia launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine last week, with Belarus used as a key staging area.

The country calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation."

Formula One will no longer race in Russia after the sport terminated its contract with the promoter of the Russian Grand Prix, it said on Thursday, in response to the country's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.

Formula One will no longer race in Russia after the sport terminated its contract with the promoter of the Russian Grand Prix, it said on Thursday, in response to the country's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine. The event, which was set to move to a new track outside St Petersburg next year from its current Sochi Olympic park venue, had a contract until 2025. The sport announced the cancellation of the 2022 race, originally scheduled for Sept 25, last week. "Formula One can confirm it has terminated its contract with the Russian Grand Prix promoter meaning Russia will not have a race in the future," a statement from the sport's commercial rights holder, which decides the calendar, said. ALSO READ: F1 world champion Max Verstappen to stay at Red Bull until 2028 Formula One's move to effectively pull out of Russia comes after the sport's governing body, the FIA, on Tuesday condemned the country's invasion of Ukraine but said Russian and Belarusian drivers could still take part in its competitions in a neutral capacity. British federation Motorsport UK on Wednesday banned Russian and Belarusian license holders from racing in the country regardless of the flag they compete under. Nikita Mazepin is the only Russian on the Formula One grid. The 22-year-old already faces an uncertain future after his U.S.-owned Haas team removed all branding related to Russian potash producer and title sponsor Uralkali from its car on the final day of last week's Barcelona test. Uralkali is owned by Mazepin's father, oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, and the fate of the partnership and the Russian's continued presence at the team is set to be decided this week. The Russian Grand Prix joined the calendar in 2014. ALSO READ: You can do better: Serena Williams lashes out at top newspaper for confusing her with sister Venus It has been attended by President Vladimir Putin in the past, with the Russian leader even handing out trophies on the podium. Russia launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine last week, with Belarus used as a key staging area. The country calls its actions in Ukraine a "special operation."

No Russian Grand Prix in future as Formula One terminates contract in wake of Ukraine crisis

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

Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete as neutrals at the Winter Paralympics in Beijing, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said on Wednesday, despite calls to ban them following Russia's invasion of Ukraine for which Belarus has been a key staging area.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) this week recommended that sports federations suspend teams and athletes from the two countries but added that they could compete as neutrals if time or legal constraints prevented their removal.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/drivers-from-russia-belarus-to-participate-only-in-their-neutral-capacity-says-fia-president-md-ben-sulayem-458137">Drivers from Russia, Belarus to participate only in their neutral capacity, says FIA President Md. Ben Sulayem</a>

"They will compete under the Paralympic flag and not be included in the medal table," the IPC said in a statement.

"In deciding what action to take, the Board was guided by the IPC's core principles, which include a commitment to political neutrality and impartiality, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of sport."

"These are key components of the new IPC Constitution that was approved at the 2021 IPC General Assembly held just over three months ago."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-from-russia-belarus-allowed-to-compete-in-atp-wta-events-458105">Players from Russia, Belarus allowed to compete in ATP, WTA events</a>

A number of sports federations, including world soccer governing body FIFA, have banned teams and athletes from Russia and Belarus.

The Games run from March 4-13.

Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete as neutrals at the Winter Paralympics in Beijing, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said on Wednesday, despite calls to ban them following Russia's invasion of Ukraine for which Belarus has been a key staging area.

Russian and Belarusian athletes can compete as neutrals at the Winter Paralympics in Beijing, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) said on Wednesday, despite calls to ban them following Russia's invasion of Ukraine for which Belarus has been a key staging area. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) this week recommended that sports federations suspend teams and athletes from the two countries but added that they could compete as neutrals if time or legal constraints prevented their removal. ALSO READ: Drivers from Russia, Belarus to participate only in their neutral capacity, says FIA President Md. Ben Sulayem "They will compete under the Paralympic flag and not be included in the medal table," the IPC said in a statement. "In deciding what action to take, the Board was guided by the IPC's core principles, which include a commitment to political neutrality and impartiality, and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of sport." "These are key components of the new IPC Constitution that was approved at the 2021 IPC General Assembly held just over three months ago." ALSO READ: Players from Russia, Belarus allowed to compete in ATP, WTA events A number of sports federations, including world soccer governing body FIFA, have banned teams and athletes from Russia and Belarus. The Games run from March 4-13.

Beijing Winter Paralympics: Athletes from Russia, Belarus can compete as neutrals

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:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/players-from-russia-belarus-allowed-to-compete-in-atp-wta-events-458105">Players from Russia, Belarus allowed to compete in ATP, WTA events</a>

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

"Russian forces brutally fired on Kharkiv from jet artillery. It was clearly a war crime”, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his address to the nation on Monday.

Ukrainian President Zelensky accuses Russia of war crimes in bombardment of Kharkiv

Banks around the world were winding down relationships with a host of Russian banks as they put Western sanctions against Russia into practice, while funds and exchanges also pulled back and Citigroup disclosed billions of dollars of exposure.

International banks, funds and exchanges put Russia's financial sanctions into action

Global oil and gas giant Shell announced that it will exit all its Russian operations, becoming the latest major Western energy company to quit the oil-rich country following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. The decision comes a day after rival British Petroleum (BP) abandoned its stake in Russian oil giant Rosneft in a move that could cost the British company over $25 billion. Norway's Equinor also plans to exit Russia.

Shell joins Equinor and BP to exit Russia over Ukraine invasion

Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv on Monday suffered a major onslaught by Russian missile strikes. At least 11 people were killed. The city located in Ukraine's Northeast has become the major battleground in the past few days.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Kharkiv in Ukraine’s northeast has become a major battleground

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