Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov described Russia's relationship with India as a privileged strategic partnership and lauded the latter’s responsible stand on key global agendas. Lavrov accused the West of trying to divide geopolitical picture. His remarks came in the backdrop of the West increasing sanctions against Russia as the war in Ukraine entered its second year in February.

West not dropping neo- colonial habits : Sergei Lavrov

As the West and Russia divide continues to cast a shadow on India's G20 presidency, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said Thursday that in view of "differences" that "could not be reconciled" there will be no joint statement of the meeting.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"There were issues and very frankly they were concerned with the Ukraine conflict. There were divergences. There were differences, which we could not be reconciled," Jaishankar said.&nbsp;

However, the minister said that "in terms of the outcome document you will see that there was almost 90 per cent agreement. Just on two paras we were not able to get everybody on the same page - or para."&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-clears-bill-to-declassify-all-information-on-covid-19-origin-567633">US Senate clears bill to declassify all information on Covid-19 origin</a>

"There were a large number of issues on which there was agreement, like strengthening multilateralism, promoting food and energy security, climate change, gender issues, counter terror...On the bulk of issues which concern the global south, there was a considerable meeting of minds that has been captured by outcome document," the Foreign Minister added.&nbsp;

The G20 foreign ministers' meeting comes days after India hosted the G20 finance ministers' meeting in Bengaluru in the Indian state of Karnataka which also resulted in a failure to reach an agreement over a joint statement.&nbsp;

"If we had a perfect meeting of minds on all issues, it would have been a collective statement."&nbsp;

India's G20 presidency comes at a crucial time when the war in Ukraine continues to wage on.&nbsp;Most G20 member nations condemned the ongoing conflict in Ukraine but China and Russia declined to sign the joint statement earlier at the finance ministers' meet.&nbsp;

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The conflict in Eastern Europe emerged as one of the major points of discussion during the finance ministers' meeting. As there was no consensus, the meeting had to be concluded without a joint communique and only a “chair’s summary and outcome document” which is said to simply summarise the talks and noted disagreements was released.

The western countries have imposed thousands of sanctions against Russia and some of its citizens since it began what it has described as its “special military operation” in Ukraine, in a bid to starve the country of its revenues.&nbsp;

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Since the beginning of the conflict, New Delhi has not condemned Moscow and was seen as reluctant to raise the issue at the meeting but the western countries asserted that they could not support any outcome that did not include a condemnation.&nbsp;

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As the West and Russia divide continues to cast a shadow on India's G20 presidency, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said Thursday that in view of "differences" that "could not be reconciled" there will be no joint statement of the meeting.

As the West and Russia divide continues to cast a shadow on India's G20 presidency, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said Thursday that in view of "differences" that "could not be reconciled" there will be no joint statement of the meeting. "There were issues and very frankly they were concerned with the Ukraine conflict. There were divergences. There were differences, which we could not be reconciled," Jaishankar said. However, the minister said that "in terms of the outcome document you will see that there was almost 90 per cent agreement. Just on two paras we were not able to get everybody on the same page - or para." Also Read | US Senate clears bill to declassify all information on Covid-19 origin "There were a large number of issues on which there was agreement, like strengthening multilateralism, promoting food and energy security, climate change, gender issues, counter terror...On the bulk of issues which concern the global south, there was a considerable meeting of minds that has been captured by outcome document," the Foreign Minister added. The G20 foreign ministers' meeting comes days after India hosted the G20 finance ministers' meeting in Bengaluru in the Indian state of Karnataka which also resulted in a failure to reach an agreement over a joint statement. "If we had a perfect meeting of minds on all issues, it would have been a collective statement." India's G20 presidency comes at a crucial time when the war in Ukraine continues to wage on. Most G20 member nations condemned the ongoing conflict in Ukraine but China and Russia declined to sign the joint statement earlier at the finance ministers' meet. Also Read | An affordable Tesla? No details revealed by Elon Musk on investors' day The conflict in Eastern Europe emerged as one of the major points of discussion during the finance ministers' meeting. As there was no consensus, the meeting had to be concluded without a joint communique and only a “chair’s summary and outcome document” which is said to simply summarise the talks and noted disagreements was released. The western countries have imposed thousands of sanctions against Russia and some of its citizens since it began what it has described as its “special military operation” in Ukraine, in a bid to starve the country of its revenues. Watch | Israeli Protesters Confront Benjamin Netanyahu's Wife Outside Tel Aviv Hair Salon Since the beginning of the conflict, New Delhi has not condemned Moscow and was seen as reluctant to raise the issue at the meeting but the western countries asserted that they could not support any outcome that did not include a condemnation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Differences' over Ukraine conflict, no joint statement for G20 foreign ministers' meet: Jaishankar 

That the Economist newspaper of London is ‘rooting for war’ - as a ramrod issue of the West’s resolve in the war in and over Ukraine- reflects broad and deep shifts in international relations and world politics. It must be pointed out here that the very same newspaper was a zealous proponent of ‘liberal peace’- one major element of which was ‘complex interdependence’ induced by trade and capital flows. Now the Economist is not merely suggesting but actually asking the West to militarize and in the inversion of Clausewitz’s dictum suggesting ‘war is the extension of diplomacy’. This is, lets say for the uninitiated, extremely significant and portentous. Among other things, the Economist seems to be suggesting that,’ it is in the crucible of war that the West can not only ‘stem its perceived decline’ and reinvigorate itself but signal its resolve to its adversaries. What, the question, is, does this tell about international relations and world politics?

The answer is prosaic: Force and power are, were and remain the sine qua non of both. The rest- soft power (as important as it is but only as a complement to hard power), trade and capital (crisscrossing of these across the world), international organisations like the United Nations and so on- are mere sideshows to the real game of power politics. And that force is its ultima ratio. These ‘realities’ of world were occluded and obscured by the ‘roaring nineties’ and its after-effects that lingered for a little while in the 21st century. The ‘ roaring nineties’ also- at least in academic and to some degree practical terms- gave short shrift to the north-south divide. But in, for now, a loose sense, this divide is back. Given the rejig of and in international relations and world politics, what options does the Global South have? How can it comport itself?

First, the south must jettison both its past baggage and legacies plus some of the fads (promoted and promulgated by Thomas Friedman of the New York Times). The post-colonial interlude defined fashionable theories- dependency theory, autarky and import substitution- must not make a comeback if the Global South is to morph into a bloc of reckoning. Second, faddish theories propounded by Thomas Friedman, while not always wrong and not always right need to be viewed with some degree of skepticism. (Galilee was and is right: the world is round and contrary to Friedman’s formulation of the ‘flat world’ that is aimed to provoke his readers into thinking otherwise and accepting his worldview). Does the Global South then need to tread the middle road between the past, present and future?

No.

The world is changing and will change radically. Past markers or even paradigms will not work. Neither will faddish themes- no matter how well articulated and expressed. What are the options for the Global South?

To remain in the loop of ‘cutting edge developments and themes’ but yet maintain a distinct identity is the answer. How can this be achieved against the backdrop of the evolving war in and over Ukraine and the putative Cold War 2.0 where the Global South becomes ever more important?

The Global South must, at least for now, take a few leafs from the Non-Aligned Movement. That is, remain vigorously and decidedly non-aligned in the battle for world order, international relations and world political economy. In other words, instead of hitching its ‘proverbial wagon to either major protagonist in either hot or cold wars, the Global South must adopt a wait-and-watch strategy. This is not to suggest that the South latches onto a side that ‘wins’ or is more powerful. The broad idea for the constituents of the Global South is to develop and define their national interest(s) and integrate principles and values with the emerging raison d’etat. This would mean an expansive outward orientation but not an inward-looking approach. The ‘wait and watch’ strategy would also entail developing a capabilities approach in developing hard power and an economic development paradigm that redounds to the benefit of the South’s peoples. And importantly, the final denouement of the mini-conflicts and the overarching Cold War confrontation will allow for the Global South to see clearly what values are at stake, which are universally salient and which resonate and mesh with global peace and values.

World politics and international relations are in the midst of fundamental churn. How these denoue and pan out will determine world order and leave a far reaching ingress on it. This presents an opportunity for the Global South. It must ‘read the tea leaves’ with great prudence and care and veer to idea(s) that lead, in the long-duration&nbsp;scheme of things, to universal peace and its concomitant development.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

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That the Economist newspaper of London is ‘rooting for war’ - as a ramrod issue of the West’s resolve in the war in and over Ukraine- reflects broad and deep shifts in international relations and world politics.

That the Economist newspaper of London is ‘rooting for war’ - as a ramrod issue of the West’s resolve in the war in and over Ukraine- reflects broad and deep shifts in international relations and world politics. It must be pointed out here that the very same newspaper was a zealous proponent of ‘liberal peace’- one major element of which was ‘complex interdependence’ induced by trade and capital flows. Now the Economist is not merely suggesting but actually asking the West to militarize and in the inversion of Clausewitz’s dictum suggesting ‘war is the extension of diplomacy’. This is, lets say for the uninitiated, extremely significant and portentous. Among other things, the Economist seems to be suggesting that,’ it is in the crucible of war that the West can not only ‘stem its perceived decline’ and reinvigorate itself but signal its resolve to its adversaries. What, the question, is, does this tell about international relations and world politics? The answer is prosaic: Force and power are, were and remain the sine qua non of both. The rest- soft power (as important as it is but only as a complement to hard power), trade and capital (crisscrossing of these across the world), international organisations like the United Nations and so on- are mere sideshows to the real game of power politics. And that force is its ultima ratio. These ‘realities’ of world were occluded and obscured by the ‘roaring nineties’ and its after-effects that lingered for a little while in the 21st century. The ‘ roaring nineties’ also- at least in academic and to some degree practical terms- gave short shrift to the north-south divide. But in, for now, a loose sense, this divide is back. Given the rejig of and in international relations and world politics, what options does the Global South have? How can it comport itself? First, the south must jettison both its past baggage and legacies plus some of the fads (promoted and promulgated by Thomas Friedman of the New York Times). The post-colonial interlude defined fashionable theories- dependency theory, autarky and import substitution- must not make a comeback if the Global South is to morph into a bloc of reckoning. Second, faddish theories propounded by Thomas Friedman, while not always wrong and not always right need to be viewed with some degree of skepticism. (Galilee was and is right: the world is round and contrary to Friedman’s formulation of the ‘flat world’ that is aimed to provoke his readers into thinking otherwise and accepting his worldview). Does the Global South then need to tread the middle road between the past, present and future? No. The world is changing and will change radically. Past markers or even paradigms will not work. Neither will faddish themes- no matter how well articulated and expressed. What are the options for the Global South? To remain in the loop of ‘cutting edge developments and themes’ but yet maintain a distinct identity is the answer. How can this be achieved against the backdrop of the evolving war in and over Ukraine and the putative Cold War 2.0 where the Global South becomes ever more important? The Global South must, at least for now, take a few leafs from the Non-Aligned Movement. That is, remain vigorously and decidedly non-aligned in the battle for world order, international relations and world political economy. In other words, instead of hitching its ‘proverbial wagon to either major protagonist in either hot or cold wars, the Global South must adopt a wait-and-watch strategy. This is not to suggest that the South latches onto a side that ‘wins’ or is more powerful. The broad idea for the constituents of the Global South is to develop and define their national interest(s) and integrate principles and values with the emerging raison d’etat. This would mean an expansive outward orientation but not an inward-looking approach. The ‘wait and watch’ strategy would also entail developing a capabilities approach in developing hard power and an economic development paradigm that redounds to the benefit of the South’s peoples. And importantly, the final denouement of the mini-conflicts and the overarching Cold War confrontation will allow for the Global South to see clearly what values are at stake, which are universally salient and which resonate and mesh with global peace and values. World politics and international relations are in the midst of fundamental churn. How these denoue and pan out will determine world order and leave a far reaching ingress on it. This presents an opportunity for the Global South. It must ‘read the tea leaves’ with great prudence and care and veer to idea(s) that lead, in the long-duration scheme of things, to universal peace and its concomitant development. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Options for the ‘Global South,' post the war in and over Ukraine

India is hosting a 2-day meeting of G20 foreign ministers. What is on the agenda? Will India push for a joint communique on the Ukraine war? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas | G20 challenge: Reaching a consensus on Ukraine

As the war in Ukraine spills into its second year, focus is now on the city of Bakhmut. From the past six months Russian forces has been trying to encircle and capture Bakhmut. Ukrainian forces have now mounted a fierce resistance, preventing the fall of city.

Russian Forces try to encircle and storm Bakhmut

The United States is seeking the backing of its allies for imposing fresh sanctions on China if Beijing offers military support to Moscow amid the Ukraine war. The discussions - said to be in the initial stage - are being held with members of the wealthy G7 grouping apart from other countries, news agency Reuters reported, citing officials familiar with the matter. In the past, Beijing has rebuffed Washington's claims of providing support to the Kremlin in the form of weapons for the war.&nbsp;

Kyiv marked one year of Russia's invasion, which was launched on February 22, 2022, last week as world leaders praised Ukraine for its resistance. Millions have been displaced because of the violence in the war-ravaged country. The conflict's knock-out effects have also hit global food and fuel supply chains. There is no end in sight for the war, which has also raised concerns about the use of nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden renewed his attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin last month when he paid a surprise visit to Kyiv ahead of the Ukraine war anniversary. In retaliation, Moscow has also been accusing the West of disrupting economies with multiple sanctions. China, however, has been silent amid global condemnation of the Kremlin.&nbsp;

Also watch|&nbsp; Russia- Ukraine war: Ukrainian soldiers say 'situation calmer'

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The report on drumming up support for sanctions comes at a time Washington and Beijing are already engaged in a diplomatic standoff&nbsp;over accusations of China sending "spy balloons" to the US.&nbsp;

 
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/g20-nations-should-try-and-stop-the-russia-ukraine-war-bangladesh-fm-tells-wion-567397">G20 nations should try and stop the Russia-Ukraine war, Bangladesh FM tells WION</a>

&nbsp;

The Biden administration's initial steps to counter Chinese support for Russia have included informal outreach at the staff and diplomatic levels, including the Treasury Department, Reuters reported, citing sources. An official from a country approached by Washington said that they had only seen scant intelligence backing up the claims about China considering possible military help to Russia.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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The United States is seeking the backing of its allies for imposing fresh sanctions on China if Beijing offers military support to Moscow amid the Ukraine war. The discussions - said to be in the initial stage - are being held with members of the wealthy G7 grouping apart from other countries, news agency Reuters reported, citing officials familiar with the matter.

The United States is seeking the backing of its allies for imposing fresh sanctions on China if Beijing offers military support to Moscow amid the Ukraine war. The discussions - said to be in the initial stage - are being held with members of the wealthy G7 grouping apart from other countries, news agency Reuters reported, citing officials familiar with the matter. In the past, Beijing has rebuffed Washington's claims of providing support to the Kremlin in the form of weapons for the war. Kyiv marked one year of Russia's invasion, which was launched on February 22, 2022, last week as world leaders praised Ukraine for its resistance. Millions have been displaced because of the violence in the war-ravaged country. The conflict's knock-out effects have also hit global food and fuel supply chains. There is no end in sight for the war, which has also raised concerns about the use of nuclear weapons. US President Joe Biden renewed his attack on Russian President Vladimir Putin last month when he paid a surprise visit to Kyiv ahead of the Ukraine war anniversary. In retaliation, Moscow has also been accusing the West of disrupting economies with multiple sanctions. China, however, has been silent amid global condemnation of the Kremlin. Also watch| Russia- Ukraine war: Ukrainian soldiers say 'situation calmer' × The report on drumming up support for sanctions comes at a time Washington and Beijing are already engaged in a diplomatic standoff over accusations of China sending "spy balloons" to the US. Also read: G20 nations should try and stop the Russia-Ukraine war, Bangladesh FM tells WION The Biden administration's initial steps to counter Chinese support for Russia have included informal outreach at the staff and diplomatic levels, including the Treasury Department, Reuters reported, citing sources. An official from a country approached by Washington said that they had only seen scant intelligence backing up the claims about China considering possible military help to Russia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Amid Ukraine war, US discussing possible sanctions against China: Report

China has made a twelve-point proposal to bring peace between Russia-Ukraine. While Russia and Ukraine both seemed to give it attention while U.S. President called it irrational.

CHINA’S PEACE PLAN: Ukraine, Russia interested; U.S. says ‘irrational’

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: Russian media releases video of warplanes launching missiles in Bakhmut

A year on, thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed in the conflict, while millions of Ukrainians have become refugees. Oleg Nikolenko, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine speaks to WION more on the Russia-Ukraine war.

Oleg Nikolenko, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine speaks to WION

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered stepped-up protection at the border after Moscow on Tuesday (February 28) accused Kyiv of launching drones deep into the national territory. While a spate of targeted launches raised questions about Russian defences, officials said no damage or injuries were reported. One of the drones crashed in the Moscow region in what seemed to be an attempt to target civilian infrastructure, the city's governor said. The developments come a week after Ukraine marked one year of war against Russia. &nbsp;

While Putin did not refer to any specific strikes, his order is being viewed as a response to the drone launches, according to news agency AP. The strikes were reported on Monday night and Tuesday. The airspace over St Petersburg was temporarily closed amid concerns over an "unidentified" flying object.&nbsp;

About 100 km from Moscow, near the village of Gubastov, a drone crashed near the gas facility operated by Russian energy giant Gazprom on Tuesday, according to BBC. "There are no casualties or damage on the ground. The FSB [Russian security service] and other competent authorities are investigating," Moscow Governor Andrey Vorobyov posted on Telegram.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Also watch|&nbsp;Russia- Ukraine : A year of war and misery

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Even as there has been no confirmation from Kyiv on the strikes, Anton Gerashchenko, advisor to Ukraine's internal affairs minister, tweeted a photo showing the drone - presumed to be UJ-22 Airborne, a product of Ukrainian manufacturer Ukrjet - at the crash site. 
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-accuses-us-of-planning-toxic-chemicals-provocation-in-ukraine-566906">Russia accuses US of planning 'toxic chemicals' provocation in Ukraine</a> 
&nbsp;

"Russian media report that an unknown drone was shot down near a Gazprom object in Moscow region. It is more than 500 km away from Russian border with Ukraine. Soon Putin might get very afraid to show himself in public as drones can reach far distances (sic)," he tweeted. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Russian officials on Tuesday also alleged hacking attempts after some local TV channels aired a missile attack warning.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

 
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered stepped-up protection at the border after Moscow on Tuesday (February 28) accused Kyiv of launching drones deep into the national territory.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered stepped-up protection at the border after Moscow on Tuesday (February 28) accused Kyiv of launching drones deep into the national territory. While a spate of targeted launches raised questions about Russian defences, officials said no damage or injuries were reported. One of the drones crashed in the Moscow region in what seemed to be an attempt to target civilian infrastructure, the city's governor said. The developments come a week after Ukraine marked one year of war against Russia. While Putin did not refer to any specific strikes, his order is being viewed as a response to the drone launches, according to news agency AP. The strikes were reported on Monday night and Tuesday. The airspace over St Petersburg was temporarily closed amid concerns over an "unidentified" flying object. About 100 km from Moscow, near the village of Gubastov, a drone crashed near the gas facility operated by Russian energy giant Gazprom on Tuesday, according to BBC. "There are no casualties or damage on the ground. The FSB [Russian security service] and other competent authorities are investigating," Moscow Governor Andrey Vorobyov posted on Telegram. Also watch| Russia- Ukraine : A year of war and misery × Even as there has been no confirmation from Kyiv on the strikes, Anton Gerashchenko, advisor to Ukraine's internal affairs minister, tweeted a photo showing the drone - presumed to be UJ-22 Airborne, a product of Ukrainian manufacturer Ukrjet - at the crash site. Also read: Russia accuses US of planning 'toxic chemicals' provocation in Ukraine "Russian media report that an unknown drone was shot down near a Gazprom object in Moscow region. It is more than 500 km away from Russian border with Ukraine. Soon Putin might get very afraid to show himself in public as drones can reach far distances (sic)," he tweeted. Russian officials on Tuesday also alleged hacking attempts after some local TV channels aired a missile attack warning. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Putin steps up border protection as Russia alleges drone attacks by Ukraine

Finland has begun constructing a 200km (124 mile) fence on its border with Russia to boost security. The Border Guard said it will be 3m (10ft) tall with barbed wire on top. Finland shares the longest European Union border with Russia, at 1,340km (832 miles). At present, Finland's borders are secured primarily by light wooden fences.

Finland building war fence on Border with Russia

The Kremlin on Tuesday repeated its position that Russia was open to negotiations to end the Ukraine conflict, but that new "territorial realities" could not be ignored.

Russia: Don't ignore new territorial realities

European airline Wizz Air is set to suspend flights to Moldova from 14 March citing "risk in the country's airspace" amid Russia-Moldova tensions.

The Hungarian airline in a statement said on Monday, “As a result of recent developments in Moldova and the high, but not imminent, risk in the country’s airspace, Wizz Air has taken the difficult but responsible decision to suspend all flights to Chisinau starting on March 14."&nbsp;

However, it did not detail what it meant by "recent developments."&nbsp;According to Wizz Air’s website, after 14 March, flights meant for Chisinau International Airport will land at Iasi in Romania.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-us-overreacting-by-banning-tiktok-on-federal-devices-566857">China says US 'overreacting' by banning TikTok on federal devices</a>

Tensions are simmering after Moldova accused Russia of plotting a coup in the country and vying to topple the ruling government. Chisinau also claimed that Russian missiles have breached the country's airspace on several ocasions as the Ukraine war entered its second year.&nbsp;

The breakaway Moldovan region of Transnistria is the latest inflection point in the Ukraine war. Moscow has not only denied all claims of plotting a coup in Moldova, it pushed back against the West's accusations of fanning tensions in the region.&nbsp;

Kremlin added that any actions that threatened Russian peacekeepers in Transdniestria will be taken as an attack on Russia itself.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/who-is-amritpal-singh-the-sikh-man-from-indian-state-of-punjab-dubbed-as-bhindranwale-20-566842">Who is Amritpal Singh, the radical Sikh leader from Indian state of Punjab dubbed as 'Bhindranwale 2.0'?</a>

When Moldova became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia sent its military troops to Transnistria to lend support to pro-Moscow separatists in the region. Following this, a war with Moldovan forces broke out. It ended in deadlock in 1992 and Transnistria was not recognised internationally, even by Russia. Moldovan forces left it a de facto breakaway state.&nbsp;

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepals-coalition-government-changes-course-566850">Nepal's coalition government changes course</a>

Now, about 500,000 inhabitants of the breakaway region are in a state of limbo, as reportedly Chisinau does not hold control over it even to this day.

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European airline Wizz Air is set to suspend flights to Moldova from 14 March citing "risk in the country's airspace" amid Russia-Moldova tensions. The Hungarian airline in a statement said on Monday, “As a result of recent developments in Moldova and the high, but not imminent, risk in the country’s airspace, Wizz Air has taken the difficult but responsible decision to suspend all flights to Chisinau starting on March 14.

European airline Wizz Air is set to suspend flights to Moldova from 14 March citing "risk in the country's airspace" amid Russia-Moldova tensions. The Hungarian airline in a statement said on Monday, “As a result of recent developments in Moldova and the high, but not imminent, risk in the country’s airspace, Wizz Air has taken the difficult but responsible decision to suspend all flights to Chisinau starting on March 14." However, it did not detail what it meant by "recent developments." According to Wizz Air’s website, after 14 March, flights meant for Chisinau International Airport will land at Iasi in Romania. Also Read | China says US 'overreacting' by banning TikTok on federal devices Tensions are simmering after Moldova accused Russia of plotting a coup in the country and vying to topple the ruling government. Chisinau also claimed that Russian missiles have breached the country's airspace on several ocasions as the Ukraine war entered its second year. The breakaway Moldovan region of Transnistria is the latest inflection point in the Ukraine war. Moscow has not only denied all claims of plotting a coup in Moldova, it pushed back against the West's accusations of fanning tensions in the region. Kremlin added that any actions that threatened Russian peacekeepers in Transdniestria will be taken as an attack on Russia itself. Also Read | Who is Amritpal Singh, the radical Sikh leader from Indian state of Punjab dubbed as 'Bhindranwale 2.0'? When Moldova became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia sent its military troops to Transnistria to lend support to pro-Moscow separatists in the region. Following this, a war with Moldovan forces broke out. It ended in deadlock in 1992 and Transnistria was not recognised internationally, even by Russia. Moldovan forces left it a de facto breakaway state. Watch | Nepal's coalition government changes course Now, about 500,000 inhabitants of the breakaway region are in a state of limbo, as reportedly Chisinau does not hold control over it even to this day. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

European carrier Wizz Air to suspend flights to Moldova citing airspace ‘risk’

Ukraine said its forces are under pressure in Bakhmut, a nearly-destroyed city in the eastern Donetsk region that Russia has been trying to seize for months. Ukraine's ground forces described the situation as "extremely tense".

Russian troops intensify attack on Bakhmut

Debates are now intensifying on whether Moldova will be the next target for Russian President Vladimir Putin as the Ukraine war entered its second year on 24 February. Kremlin expressed concerns about Moldova's breakaway Transdniestria region on Monday and said that external forces, including Ukraine and other European countries, are at play to increase tension&nbsp;in the region, which lies to Ukraine’s southwestern border.&nbsp;

Moldova, which is sandwiched between war-torn Ukraine and NATO member Romania, has a pro-West government in place. However, the country is not a NATO member, which would have provided the nation with a shield from possible Russian aggression. The country was granted EU candidate status in June 2022 but is not an EU member country yet.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-stargazers-awestruck-as-captivating-northern-lights-gleam-across-scotland-ireland-and-england-566411">Stargazers awestruck as captivating Northern Lights gleam across Scotland, Ireland and England</a>

Russia's rhetoric over the Moldovan breakaway region comes a week after Moscow led a scathing attack on the West saying that it would take any move threatening Russian peacekeepers in Transdniestria as an attack on itself.&nbsp;

Moldova has been accusing Moscow of plotting a coup, an allegation that Russia has refuted. Following the allegations, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia's relations with Moldova are "already very tense."&nbsp;

The small nation of Moldova is already reeling under high inflation and a political crisis just added insult to injury. The high bill made people resort to holding protests in the capital Chisinau a week ago where hundreds gathered and voiced their demands against inflation. According to multiple reports, Moldova’s pro-Russia Shor Party backed the protests.&nbsp;

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Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov while speaking with media personnel said, "Naturally, the situation in Transdniestria is the subject of our closest attention and a reason for our concern."&nbsp;

"The situation is unsettled, it is being provoked, provoked from outside," he added.&nbsp;"But we know that our opponents in the Ukrainian regime, the Kyiv regime, as well as those in European countries, are capable of various types of provocation."

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When Moldova became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia sent&nbsp;its military troops to Transnistria to lend support to pro-Moscow separatists in the region. Following this, a war with Moldovan forces broke out.&nbsp;It ended in deadlock in 1992 and Transnistria was not recognized internationally, even by Russia. Moldovan forces left it a de facto breakaway state.&nbsp;

Now, about 500,000 inhabitants of the breakaway region are in a state of limbo as reportedly Chisinau does not hold control over it even to this day.&nbsp;

Moldova's former PM Natalia Gavrilita resigned from the top post on 10 February while sharing how her government was caught off guard by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In her outgoing speech, Gavrilita said that no one expected Moscow's aggression when her government came into power in 2021.&nbsp;

On 16 February, pro-West Dorin Recean was sworn in after winning the support of the Moldovian Parliament. Once again a pro-EU PM at the helm of the Moldovian government is causing a further rift between Russia and the European nation.&nbsp;

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Debates are now intensifying on whether Moldova will be the next target for Russian President Vladimir Putin as the Ukraine war entered its second year on 24 February.

Debates are now intensifying on whether Moldova will be the next target for Russian President Vladimir Putin as the Ukraine war entered its second year on 24 February. Kremlin expressed concerns about Moldova's breakaway Transdniestria region on Monday and said that external forces, including Ukraine and other European countries, are at play to increase tension in the region, which lies to Ukraine’s southwestern border. Moldova, which is sandwiched between war-torn Ukraine and NATO member Romania, has a pro-West government in place. However, the country is not a NATO member, which would have provided the nation with a shield from possible Russian aggression. The country was granted EU candidate status in June 2022 but is not an EU member country yet. Also Read | Stargazers awestruck as captivating Northern Lights gleam across Scotland, Ireland and England Russia's rhetoric over the Moldovan breakaway region comes a week after Moscow led a scathing attack on the West saying that it would take any move threatening Russian peacekeepers in Transdniestria as an attack on itself. Moldova has been accusing Moscow of plotting a coup, an allegation that Russia has refuted. Following the allegations, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia's relations with Moldova are "already very tense." The small nation of Moldova is already reeling under high inflation and a political crisis just added insult to injury. The high bill made people resort to holding protests in the capital Chisinau a week ago where hundreds gathered and voiced their demands against inflation. According to multiple reports, Moldova’s pro-Russia Shor Party backed the protests. Also Read | Thai drug lord gets plastic surgery to look like 'handsome' Korean man, police bust narcotics racket Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov while speaking with media personnel said, "Naturally, the situation in Transdniestria is the subject of our closest attention and a reason for our concern." "The situation is unsettled, it is being provoked, provoked from outside," he added. "But we know that our opponents in the Ukrainian regime, the Kyiv regime, as well as those in European countries, are capable of various types of provocation." Watch | Trending on WION: Couple gives birth to 'momo' twins When Moldova became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia sent its military troops to Transnistria to lend support to pro-Moscow separatists in the region. Following this, a war with Moldovan forces broke out. It ended in deadlock in 1992 and Transnistria was not recognized internationally, even by Russia. Moldovan forces left it a de facto breakaway state. Now, about 500,000 inhabitants of the breakaway region are in a state of limbo as reportedly Chisinau does not hold control over it even to this day. Moldova's former PM Natalia Gavrilita resigned from the top post on 10 February while sharing how her government was caught off guard by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In her outgoing speech, Gavrilita said that no one expected Moscow's aggression when her government came into power in 2021. On 16 February, pro-West Dorin Recean was sworn in after winning the support of the Moldovian Parliament. Once again a pro-EU PM at the helm of the Moldovian government is causing a further rift between Russia and the European nation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Kremlin accuses Ukraine, European nations of fanning tensions in breakaway Moldovan region

Regional officials in southern and western Russia reported a string of drone attacks near the border with Ukraine and deep inside the country that resulted in no casualties, as the war with Kyiv trudged on Tuesday. At the same time, the hacking of Russian TV channels and radio stations as well as the temporary closure of St. Petersburg’s airport fed suspicion that Kyiv could be behind the disruption.

Flurry of drone strikes hits Russia as TV, radio are hacked

A year on, thousands of soldiers and civilians have been killed in the conflict, while millions of Ukrainians have become refugees. Watch WION's exclusive report from Ukraine.

Russia- Ukraine : A year of war and misery

U.S Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen made an unannounced visit to Ukraine and met with President Vladimir Zelensky. Now, the government officials reaffirmed United States support for Ukraine saying America will stand with Ukraine as long as it takes.

Janet Yellen: America will stand with Ukraine as long as it takes

Ukraine has received billions of dollars in aid over the last year. Is this aid landing in corrupt pockets? Russian and Swedish media say it could be smuggled to Swedish gangs. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: How much money has the world given to Ukraine?

Russian forces on Tuesday pressed forward their weeks-long drive to encircle and capture the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut where the commander of Ukraine's ground forces described the situation as "extremely tense".

Russians tighten noose on Ukraine's Bakhmut

The United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen made a surprise visit to Ukraine, on Monday (February 26) to reaffirm Washington’s support to Kyiv amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, reported Reuters. The US finance chief also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and key government officials in Kyiv.&nbsp;

The visit comes a week after US President Joe Biden’s surprise visit to the war-torn country, days before the conflict reached its one-year mark. “America will stand with Ukraine as long as it takes,” said Yellen, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

The US official also held a private meeting with the Ukrainian president where she reportedly praised him for his “leadership and resolve” amid Russia’s “illegal and unprovoked war.” She lauded his efforts for taking measures which ensure transparency on how the assistance is spent.

After Yellen's&nbsp;visit, Zelensky took to Telegram and said the US has been "powerfully supporting us since the first days of this war not only with weapons, but also on the financial front". He added, "It is necessary to further strengthen sanctions to deprive Russia of the ability to finance the war."

Yellen’s staff kept her visit a secret until she left Kyiv as the US official’s schedule for Monday only read “meet with advisors and staff,” without any other details. Prior to her arrival, air raid sirens went off in the Ukrainian capital which later turned out to be a false alarm, as per Reuters. Yellen also laid a wreath at the&nbsp;Wall of Remembrance dedicated to&nbsp;Ukraine’s troops who have been killed during the conflict.&nbsp;

Subsequently, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal&nbsp;said that he and the US finance minister also spoke about additional sanctions on Moscow which included confiscating some $300 billion in Russian frozen central bank assets for Ukraine’s recovery. However, Yellen told reporters that there are major legal obstacles to making this move.&nbsp;

While in Kyiv, the US finance minister&nbsp;also announced the transfer of the first $1.25 billion from the recent&nbsp;$9.9 billion package in&nbsp;economic and budget assistance to Ukraine from the US. Since the conflict began a year ago Washington has given more than $13 billion in economic aid&nbsp;and provided&nbsp;$50 billion overall&nbsp;including&nbsp;security and humanitarian assistance&nbsp;to Kyiv.&nbsp;

Additionally, the US has also&nbsp;announced&nbsp;another billion-dollar package to boost the war-torn country’s economy. The finance minister said, “Our economic support is keeping essential public services running. These services maintain economic and social stability in Ukraine”. She added, “A sustained military effort cannot succeed without an effective government at home.” Yellen also visited a school in Kyiv where salaries of the staff are reimbursed from US budget support funds.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen made a surprise visit to Ukraine, on Monday (February 26) to reaffirm Washington’s support to Kyiv amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, reported Reuters.

The United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen made a surprise visit to Ukraine, on Monday (February 26) to reaffirm Washington’s support to Kyiv amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, reported Reuters. The US finance chief also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and key government officials in Kyiv. The visit comes a week after US President Joe Biden’s surprise visit to the war-torn country, days before the conflict reached its one-year mark. “America will stand with Ukraine as long as it takes,” said Yellen, as per Reuters. The US official also held a private meeting with the Ukrainian president where she reportedly praised him for his “leadership and resolve” amid Russia’s “illegal and unprovoked war.” She lauded his efforts for taking measures which ensure transparency on how the assistance is spent. After Yellen's visit, Zelensky took to Telegram and said the US has been "powerfully supporting us since the first days of this war not only with weapons, but also on the financial front". He added, "It is necessary to further strengthen sanctions to deprive Russia of the ability to finance the war." Yellen’s staff kept her visit a secret until she left Kyiv as the US official’s schedule for Monday only read “meet with advisors and staff,” without any other details. Prior to her arrival, air raid sirens went off in the Ukrainian capital which later turned out to be a false alarm, as per Reuters. Yellen also laid a wreath at the Wall of Remembrance dedicated to Ukraine’s troops who have been killed during the conflict. Subsequently, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that he and the US finance minister also spoke about additional sanctions on Moscow which included confiscating some $300 billion in Russian frozen central bank assets for Ukraine’s recovery. However, Yellen told reporters that there are major legal obstacles to making this move. While in Kyiv, the US finance minister also announced the transfer of the first $1.25 billion from the recent $9.9 billion package in economic and budget assistance to Ukraine from the US. Since the conflict began a year ago Washington has given more than $13 billion in economic aid and provided $50 billion overall including security and humanitarian assistance to Kyiv. Additionally, the US has also announced another billion-dollar package to boost the war-torn country’s economy. The finance minister said, “Our economic support is keeping essential public services running. These services maintain economic and social stability in Ukraine”. She added, “A sustained military effort cannot succeed without an effective government at home.” Yellen also visited a school in Kyiv where salaries of the staff are reimbursed from US budget support funds. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US treasury secretary Yellen makes surprise visit to Kyiv, reaffirms Washington's economic support to Ukraine

The United States Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen makes a surprise visit to Ukraine to reaffirm Washington's support and extend its economic support to Kyiv amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. Yellen also met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and key government officials in Kyiv.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen makes surprise Kyiv visit, meets Zelensky

Russian troops grow stronger around Bakhmut, situation 'extremely tense'

France's top audit body said on Tuesday (February 28) that the country spent more than 630 million euros last year as it hosted almost 115,000 refugees who were fleeing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The state auditor, the Cour des Comptes, said in a report that Ukrainians seeking shelter had enjoyed "satisfactory" conditions under a never-before-seen "temporary protection" scheme in 2022.

This scheme has allowed refugees to have right that are denied to other asylum seekers. These include ability to work, health services, schooling for children and even emergency accommodation.

Costs for the comparatively generous programme reached 634 million euros ($673 million), with most spent on housing (250 million euros) and cash payouts (220 million euros).

Per person, Paris spent around twice as much on Ukrainian refugees as on "classic asylum seekers", the auditor found.

For instance, housing for Ukrainians cost around 38 euros daily per person, compared with less than 18 in pre-existing asylum facilities.

The auditors encouraged the government to make sure support is kept up for ordinary people hosting refugees in their homes.

At present, Paris is spending almost 800,000 euros per month supporting 900 households who volunteered as hosts, the housing ministry told AFP last week.

(With inputs from agencies)

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France's top audit body said on Tuesday (February 28) that the country spent more than 630 million euros last year as it hosted almost 115,000 refugees who were fleeing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

France's top audit body said on Tuesday (February 28) that the country spent more than 630 million euros last year as it hosted almost 115,000 refugees who were fleeing Russian invasion of Ukraine. The state auditor, the Cour des Comptes, said in a report that Ukrainians seeking shelter had enjoyed "satisfactory" conditions under a never-before-seen "temporary protection" scheme in 2022. This scheme has allowed refugees to have right that are denied to other asylum seekers. These include ability to work, health services, schooling for children and even emergency accommodation. Costs for the comparatively generous programme reached 634 million euros ($673 million), with most spent on housing (250 million euros) and cash payouts (220 million euros). Per person, Paris spent around twice as much on Ukrainian refugees as on "classic asylum seekers", the auditor found. For instance, housing for Ukrainians cost around 38 euros daily per person, compared with less than 18 in pre-existing asylum facilities. The auditors encouraged the government to make sure support is kept up for ordinary people hosting refugees in their homes. At present, Paris is spending almost 800,000 euros per month supporting 900 households who volunteered as hosts, the housing ministry told AFP last week. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

France spent millions of euros hosting refugees from Ukraine in 2022

Interpol expressed serious concern about the delivery of small and heavy weapons to Ukraine that can end up in the hands of criminals in Europe. Few intelligence agencies have also suggested that some weapons sent to Ukraine might have fallen into criminal hands in Finland and Sweden.

Russia-Ukraine War: Concerns over arms sent to Ukraine slipping through on the black market

The Russia-Ukraine conflict is likely to cast a shadow over the meeting of the G20 foreign ministers in New Delhi this week, just as it did over the recent conclave of the finance ministers and the governors of the central banks of the bloc’s member nations in Bengaluru.

Russia-Ukraine conflict may overshadow G20 Foreign Ministers' meeting

Criminal gangs in Sweden may have access to far more powerful weapons, possibly shipped from Ukraine, according to a report by Sputnik News. The arms smugglers in the second-largest city of Gothenburg have been receiving requests to procure weapons from the conflict-hit regions of Ukraine.

Criminal gangs in Sweden may have access to far more powerful weapons, possibly shipped from Ukraine, according to a report by Sputnik News. The arms smugglers in the second-largest city of Gothenburg have been receiving requests to procure weapons from the conflict-hit regions of Ukraine. The report comes in the backdrop of Europol - the EU's law enforcement agency, issuing a warning in July last year. The agency stated that ”the proliferation of firearms and explosives in Ukraine could lead to an increase in weapons and munitions trafficked into the EU via established smuggling routes or online platforms." Sweden may not be the only Nordic country in the region to have gained access to Ukrainian weapons. Last year in October, the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) stated that weapons sent to Ukraine may have found their way back to Finland. Incidentally, both countries are currently vying for a spot in NATO, ever since Russia invaded Ukraine. Read more: Finland inches closer to becoming NATO member while Sweden’s bid delayed by an ‘irate’ Turkey Similarly, Ukraine-bound weapons have surfaced in the Sahel region of Africa and nations around the Chad basin. Why has Sweden become the destination for Ukrainian weapons? Lately, gun-related violence has increased manifold in Sweden. According to the Swedish national council for crime prevention, it is the only European country where fatal gun shooting incidents have increased since 2000. The jump from being the country with the lowest rates of gun violence to the highest within a couple of decades has surprised experts. Former prime minister Magdalena Andersson attributed the rise in gun violence to the influx of immigrants who were not properly assimilated into the mainstream. WATCH | WION decodes the future of Ukraine-Russia war × "Sweden has failed to integrate the vast numbers of immigrants it has taken in over the past two decades, leading to parallel societies and gang violence," said Andersson, before adding, "Society has been too weak, resources for the police and social services have been too weak." Last year's Quran burnings and subsequent riots resulted in some of the most ugly pictures to have come out of Sweden in recent years. Experts are of the view that the illicit trade of contraband arms and ammunition from Ukraine could further the divide in the country. Read more: LIVE Russia-Ukraine war | Moscow accuses US of preparing a 'toxic chemicals' provocation in Ukraine (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Are Swedish gangs receiving weapons destined for Ukraine?

China accused the U.S. of "illegal" sanctions on Chinese companies as part of actions against Russia's Wagner Group and related companies and individuals.

China: U.S. sanctions on Chinese firms over Russia exports are illegal

China is considering sending Russia drones and other Lethal weapons to aid Moscow's war efforts in Ukraine, according to reports. The U.S. has previously warned China about sending lethal aid to Russia.

Report: China might send drones, other Lethal weapons to Russia

War-vlog from ground zero. WION correspondent Anas Mallick describes how he reports from Ukraine amidst shelling and sirens. Moving in cities destroyed by the Russian attack, he explains the minimal gear and equipment he carries to bring you ground reports from Ukraine’s most dangerous regions under constant threat of bombardment.

Russia-Ukraine: WION's Anas Mallick reports live from ground zero, amid shelling. Check our war-vlog

The Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Monday that a Chinese peace plan on Ukraine that urges both sides to agree to a gradual de-escalation and warns against the use of nuclear weapons should be analysed in detail.

Kremlin: China's Ukraine peace plan should be analysed in detail

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