Russia’s economy contracted by 2.1 percent last year, the federal statistics service said on Monday, shrinking less than expected despite its invasion of Ukraine last February and sanctions imposed by European nations and the United States.

Are Western sanctions really working?

Ukrainian Minister Dmytro Kuleba while answering WION correpondent Susan Tehrani's question said "when you are sending weapons to them (Russia), you are helping to destroy the UN charter and everything that United Nations stands for." Watch this video to know more.

Dmytro Kuleba: I have a clear vision of Ukraine's victory | One Year of Russia-Ukraine War

Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted Joe Biden a $12,000 distinctive Russian desk set during their first presidential summit in Geneva in 2021.&nbsp;The writing set was the most expensive gift Joe Biden received from a foreign leader that year. It was described in an annual report from the State Department’s Office of the Chief of Protocol as a ‘Kholuy lacquer miniature workshop desk writing set and pen’.

The gift sits as a high-water mark in US-Russian relations that then deteriorated with Putin’s invasion of Ukraine a year ago.

The White House said at the time that Biden had given Putin a pair of his aviator sunglasses and a glass sculpture of an American bison, but the White House nor the Kremlin did not disclose it.

Meanwhile, when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;visited the White House two months ago, he offered an American flag, which according to reports was estimated to be worth $700.

ALSO READ : <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-anniversary-biden-to-announce-sanctions-against-russia-at-virtual-g7-meet-friday-565334">Biden to announce sanctions against Russia at virtual G7 meet Friday</a>

Among the gifts disclosed in Biden’s first report is a Dupont fountain pen from Macron, a solar wristwatch from former Swiss President Guy Parmelin, and a pen drawing of Biden’s childhood home from then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

The late Queen Elizabeth II gave Biden a picture of herself.

Even during Donald Trump’s administration, foreign leaders wooed the president&nbsp;with gifts including a Louis Vuitton golf bag from French President Emmanuel Macron and a gold-framed portrait of Trump himself from then-Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave Biden two dog bowls, two wool blankets, a ceramic cup and mug set, a fountain pen with a bottle of Oxford blue ink and a photograph of a Frederick Douglass mural in Edinburgh.

Because the gifts belong to the US government and not the recipient, most gifts are transferred to the National Archives and Records Administration for safekeeping.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted Joe Biden a $12,000 distinctive Russian desk set during their first presidential summit in Geneva in 2021. The writing set was the most expensive gift Joe Biden received from a foreign leader that year.

Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted Joe Biden a $12,000 distinctive Russian desk set during their first presidential summit in Geneva in 2021. The writing set was the most expensive gift Joe Biden received from a foreign leader that year. It was described in an annual report from the State Department’s Office of the Chief of Protocol as a ‘Kholuy lacquer miniature workshop desk writing set and pen’. The gift sits as a high-water mark in US-Russian relations that then deteriorated with Putin’s invasion of Ukraine a year ago. The White House said at the time that Biden had given Putin a pair of his aviator sunglasses and a glass sculpture of an American bison, but the White House nor the Kremlin did not disclose it. Meanwhile, when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the White House two months ago, he offered an American flag, which according to reports was estimated to be worth $700. ALSO READ : Biden to announce sanctions against Russia at virtual G7 meet Friday Among the gifts disclosed in Biden’s first report is a Dupont fountain pen from Macron, a solar wristwatch from former Swiss President Guy Parmelin, and a pen drawing of Biden’s childhood home from then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The late Queen Elizabeth II gave Biden a picture of herself. Even during Donald Trump’s administration, foreign leaders wooed the president with gifts including a Louis Vuitton golf bag from French President Emmanuel Macron and a gold-framed portrait of Trump himself from then-Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson gave Biden two dog bowls, two wool blankets, a ceramic cup and mug set, a fountain pen with a bottle of Oxford blue ink and a photograph of a Frederick Douglass mural in Edinburgh. Because the gifts belong to the US government and not the recipient, most gifts are transferred to the National Archives and Records Administration for safekeeping. (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

Putin gifted Joe Biden a $12,000 pen set, months before invading Ukraine

UN Security Council marks one year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Several minsters expected to attend. No action has been proposed or is expected by the 15-member council as Russia could wield its veto power.

How Ukraine took on a mightier foe

Exclusive: 'International law is foundation of peace & stability across the world, India is committed to those principles…we count on India this year [as G20 Pres.] to continue the work... done last year, by Indonesia' French FM @francediplo_EN tells @WIONews's @susanmtehrani

Can India help resolve the Ukraine conflict?

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday sent out a hard-hitting message to the West and talked about suspending a nuclear arms control pact that it holds with the US, the New START treaty.&nbsp;

"... if the United States conducts tests, then we will. No one should have dangerous illusions that global strategic parity can be destroyed," Putin said.&nbsp;

This once again heightened concerns over a possible nuclear threat as the world's two main nuclear powers come face-to-face.&nbsp;

But how real are Putin's threats?&nbsp;

India's former ambassador to Turkey and Uzbekistan and Author of “Uncle Sam's Nuclear Cabin”, M.K. Bhadrakumar, spoke with WION and shared his razor-sharp observations on what significance Putin's nuclear threats have. He also spoke about the US thinking and how India's steadfast position on the Ukraine war reflects the nation’s well-founded foreign policy.&nbsp;

The envoy cut to the chase and said, "The nuclear threat is more of a hoax."&nbsp;

"It is political. One must understand that Russians have a clear nuclear doctrine, which is registered with the UN and is the country’s legislation as well. Putin or anyone cannot change it arbitrarily."

The world first believed that Russia would capture Ukraine in a matter of days but now discussions are around whether Putin's nuclear threat is real and can actually lead to a global disaster.

Bhadrakumar detailed what Russia's doctrine actually entails. "It spells out very clearly that nuclear power will be used in certain situations. Like, if the Russian state comes under threat or its existence is in danger, and the Ukraine conflict does not really come to that."&nbsp;

When can a shift really happen in the nuke status quo?

The former diplomat said the doctrine can "only change if there is a direct NATO intervention in Ukraine."&nbsp; 
 
"(US President Joe) Biden is quite mindful of it and that is why he keeps saying that there is no question of putting boots on the ground or NATO interfering in the war."&nbsp;

In any case, Bhadrakumar pointed out, even if the US wants, the other NATO powers are not going to go along with it.&nbsp;

"They know a confrontation of that kind between NATO and Russia will develop into a nuclear confrontation and Europe will be in the crossfire."&nbsp;

Nuclear threat: A propaganda tool

Nuclear threat, the former envoy said, is propaganda to create certain narratives.&nbsp;

By talking about the suspension of the New START treaty, Putin has put the ball in the American court, he said. "Now Biden cannot go on and escalate&nbsp;because if he escalates now, Russians will walk out of the New START treaty completely."&nbsp;

The Russian foreign ministry issued a statement&nbsp;after Putin’s treaty suspension speech, clarifying that they will nonetheless observe the terms of the treaty till 2026.&nbsp;

“That (talk of New START treaty suspension) is clearly to compel the US to exercise self-restraint because if US goes ahead and escalates like this and Russians walk out, then Europe is in a mess. Europe has two nuclear powers and Germany and Italy will also now want nuclear deterrence of their own, then what happens with NATO? NATO becomes redundant."&nbsp;

He stressed that Americans know all this. "It is a different ball game that is being played there. What Russians have done is to compel the US to strategically engage with Russia and that means all issues connected to security will be on the table."&nbsp;

"This is nothing about nuclear war, this is more about nuclear diplomacy."&nbsp;

By nuclear diplomacy, he said, Russians hope to bring matters to the negotiating table.&nbsp;

"Security is not divisible, like you cannot just handle nuclear security, there has to be mutual trust, mutual confidence, various underpinnings have to be built into it and so on but the Americans will have no choice but to engage with Russians.”

“Russians will then say you can not give long-range weapons to Ukraine and you cannot induct Ukraine as a NATO member and so on."&nbsp;

Searching for a thaw? The Nuland interview

Speaking about US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland's interview with TASS news agency, the envoy said, if one looks closely they will note that there are many backdoor talks which go on.&nbsp;

Notably, in an interview with the agency, Nuland said that the United States is ready to start talks with Russia on the New START nuclear arms control treaty "tomorrow" without preconditions and accusations if Moscow is prepared for this.&nbsp;

"She would not have said it without instructions from Biden himself."

He said that Americans are now ready to talk as otherwise, it can lead to the demolition of NATO and the transatlantic system and all nuclear threshold states in Europe like Turkey, Poland, Germany, and Italy will all become nuclear states. "And if there is no nuclear architecture everyone will go for deterrent capability on its own."&nbsp;

And then what happens?&nbsp;

He said, "It will be free for all."&nbsp;

"And what is the requirement of an alliance if all develop their own deterrent capabilities?" the envoy questioned.&nbsp;

"South Arabia will go for it, Iran, South Korea... so many threshold states are there... Egypt."&nbsp;

"Americans know that after that, there conventional superiority... military superiority becomes irrelevant."&nbsp;

"And if the other side has nuclear capabilities they checkmate American power. So this is the brilliant game that the Russians have played by bringing these things to the fore. So there are no winners after this."&nbsp;

He underscored that the conventional military superiority of the US cannot be translated in geopolitical terms.&nbsp;

"Saddam Hussein did not have weapons (of mass destruction)....suppose Saddam Hussain had weapons or Muammar Gaddafi had weapons. They would not have met with that miserable fate. So a number of countries are going to think along those lines."

After all, in the case of Russia, the former envoy underlined, the country cannot lose this war. "Russia cannot be defeated only because it is someone with nuclear capability."&nbsp;

"Because if they are down, they will take the Americans along with them. Biden knows in any case the game is up.. it will be all order or complete anarchy."&nbsp;

Ukraine can make a ‘dirty bomb?’

In the latest IAEA report, the UN nuclear watchdog elaborated on nuclear safety in Ukraine. It noted that the nuclear plant Zaporizhzhia NPP, which Russian troops entered on March 4, 2022, remains under Russian control.

On a discussion over the report, the Ambassador said Zaporizhzhia&nbsp;NPP is an entirely different category and has nothing to do with nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

"It is in terms of energy security. It caters to the bulk of Ukraine's power grid. If these provinces are going to be part of Russia, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donbas province and so on, their economic viability will depend on power supplies and it will help Russia quite a lot."&nbsp;

Going back to the main issue of nuclear threat, the envoy said, "Second aspect is that unless they are not in control…there is always a possibility that Ukraine is a nuclear threshold state. So in these kinds of anarchical conditions, they can always go nuclear and they can always make the dirty bomb."

"Russian raised this in the UNSC and I was asked to come and look into it whether Ukraine is already doing it or not. So, NPP is entirely different, it has nothing to do with nuclear war."&nbsp;

India's steadfast stand on the Russia-Ukraine war

India's position on the Russia-Ukraine war has remained constant. Even under western pressure, India did not waver.&nbsp;

"India has the professionalism to understand what is happening. The confusion arises only in the mind of uninformed people but as far as decision-makers are concerned keep them separate."

He said Indian PM Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar have all the facts at their disposal.&nbsp;

"They will not get agitated and India's policy towards the war is well-founded on the basis of other larger considerations. Everyone knows it and Jaishankar's remarks at MSC make it abundantly clear that India has understood that this is about the world order."

"The transatlantic alliance cannot dictate any further terms.. that is about western hegemony."

"The war is an unprecedented confrontation between big powers. So, it is an entirely different ball game and world order that is going to prevail in the 21st century and in the coming decades. It is very clear that India's strategic autonomy is well-founded."

&nbsp;

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday sent out a hard-hitting message to the West and talked about suspending a nuclear arms control pact that it holds with the US, the New START treaty.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday sent out a hard-hitting message to the West and talked about suspending a nuclear arms control pact that it holds with the US, the New START treaty. "... if the United States conducts tests, then we will. No one should have dangerous illusions that global strategic parity can be destroyed," Putin said. This once again heightened concerns over a possible nuclear threat as the world's two main nuclear powers come face-to-face. But how real are Putin's threats? India's former ambassador to Turkey and Uzbekistan and Author of “Uncle Sam's Nuclear Cabin”, M.K. Bhadrakumar, spoke with WION and shared his razor-sharp observations on what significance Putin's nuclear threats have. He also spoke about the US thinking and how India's steadfast position on the Ukraine war reflects the nation’s well-founded foreign policy. The envoy cut to the chase and said, "The nuclear threat is more of a hoax." "It is political. One must understand that Russians have a clear nuclear doctrine, which is registered with the UN and is the country’s legislation as well. Putin or anyone cannot change it arbitrarily." The world first believed that Russia would capture Ukraine in a matter of days but now discussions are around whether Putin's nuclear threat is real and can actually lead to a global disaster. Bhadrakumar detailed what Russia's doctrine actually entails. "It spells out very clearly that nuclear power will be used in certain situations. Like, if the Russian state comes under threat or its existence is in danger, and the Ukraine conflict does not really come to that." When can a shift really happen in the nuke status quo? The former diplomat said the doctrine can "only change if there is a direct NATO intervention in Ukraine." "(US President Joe) Biden is quite mindful of it and that is why he keeps saying that there is no question of putting boots on the ground or NATO interfering in the war." In any case, Bhadrakumar pointed out, even if the US wants, the other NATO powers are not going to go along with it. "They know a confrontation of that kind between NATO and Russia will develop into a nuclear confrontation and Europe will be in the crossfire." Nuclear threat: A propaganda tool Nuclear threat, the former envoy said, is propaganda to create certain narratives. By talking about the suspension of the New START treaty, Putin has put the ball in the American court, he said. "Now Biden cannot go on and escalate because if he escalates now, Russians will walk out of the New START treaty completely." The Russian foreign ministry issued a statement after Putin’s treaty suspension speech, clarifying that they will nonetheless observe the terms of the treaty till 2026. “That (talk of New START treaty suspension) is clearly to compel the US to exercise self-restraint because if US goes ahead and escalates like this and Russians walk out, then Europe is in a mess. Europe has two nuclear powers and Germany and Italy will also now want nuclear deterrence of their own, then what happens with NATO? NATO becomes redundant." He stressed that Americans know all this. "It is a different ball game that is being played there. What Russians have done is to compel the US to strategically engage with Russia and that means all issues connected to security will be on the table." "This is nothing about nuclear war, this is more about nuclear diplomacy." By nuclear diplomacy, he said, Russians hope to bring matters to the negotiating table. "Security is not divisible, like you cannot just handle nuclear security, there has to be mutual trust, mutual confidence, various underpinnings have to be built into it and so on but the Americans will have no choice but to engage with Russians.” “Russians will then say you can not give long-range weapons to Ukraine and you cannot induct Ukraine as a NATO member and so on." Searching for a thaw? The Nuland interview Speaking about US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Victoria Nuland's interview with TASS news agency, the envoy said, if one looks closely they will note that there are many backdoor talks which go on. Notably, in an interview with the agency, Nuland said that the United States is ready to start talks with Russia on the New START nuclear arms control treaty "tomorrow" without preconditions and accusations if Moscow is prepared for this. "She would not have said it without instructions from Biden himself." He said that Americans are now ready to talk as otherwise, it can lead to the demolition of NATO and the transatlantic system and all nuclear threshold states in Europe like Turkey, Poland, Germany, and Italy will all become nuclear states. "And if there is no nuclear architecture everyone will go for deterrent capability on its own." And then what happens? He said, "It will be free for all." "And what is the requirement of an alliance if all develop their own deterrent capabilities?" the envoy questioned. "South Arabia will go for it, Iran, South Korea... so many threshold states are there... Egypt." "Americans know that after that, there conventional superiority... military superiority becomes irrelevant." "And if the other side has nuclear capabilities they checkmate American power. So this is the brilliant game that the Russians have played by bringing these things to the fore. So there are no winners after this." He underscored that the conventional military superiority of the US cannot be translated in geopolitical terms. "Saddam Hussein did not have weapons (of mass destruction)....suppose Saddam Hussain had weapons or Muammar Gaddafi had weapons. They would not have met with that miserable fate. So a number of countries are going to think along those lines." After all, in the case of Russia, the former envoy underlined, the country cannot lose this war. "Russia cannot be defeated only because it is someone with nuclear capability." "Because if they are down, they will take the Americans along with them. Biden knows in any case the game is up.. it will be all order or complete anarchy." Ukraine can make a ‘dirty bomb?’ In the latest IAEA report, the UN nuclear watchdog elaborated on nuclear safety in Ukraine. It noted that the nuclear plant Zaporizhzhia NPP, which Russian troops entered on March 4, 2022, remains under Russian control. On a discussion over the report, the Ambassador said Zaporizhzhia NPP is an entirely different category and has nothing to do with nuclear weapons. "It is in terms of energy security. It caters to the bulk of Ukraine's power grid. If these provinces are going to be part of Russia, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donbas province and so on, their economic viability will depend on power supplies and it will help Russia quite a lot." Going back to the main issue of nuclear threat, the envoy said, "Second aspect is that unless they are not in control…there is always a possibility that Ukraine is a nuclear threshold state. So in these kinds of anarchical conditions, they can always go nuclear and they can always make the dirty bomb." "Russian raised this in the UNSC and I was asked to come and look into it whether Ukraine is already doing it or not. So, NPP is entirely different, it has nothing to do with nuclear war." India's steadfast stand on the Russia-Ukraine war India's position on the Russia-Ukraine war has remained constant. Even under western pressure, India did not waver. "India has the professionalism to understand what is happening. The confusion arises only in the mind of uninformed people but as far as decision-makers are concerned keep them separate." He said Indian PM Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar have all the facts at their disposal. "They will not get agitated and India's policy towards the war is well-founded on the basis of other larger considerations. Everyone knows it and Jaishankar's remarks at MSC make it abundantly clear that India has understood that this is about the world order." "The transatlantic alliance cannot dictate any further terms.. that is about western hegemony." "The war is an unprecedented confrontation between big powers. So, it is an entirely different ball game and world order that is going to prevail in the 21st century and in the coming decades. It is very clear that India's strategic autonomy is well-founded." 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.

Russia-Ukraine war anniversary: Why this former diplomat thinks Putin's nuclear threat ‘is more of a hoax’

WION decodes 5 ways the Russia-Ukraine war changed the world. This war is the first major conflict since the World War 2.

Russia seeks other friends as world order eyes a change

China on Friday appealed for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine while pressing on "no use" of nuclear weapons to resolve the conflict. The comments were made by China in a 12-point proposal issued on the "political settlement" of the crisis in the wake of the completion of one year of the Russia-Ukraine war. &nbsp;

"All parties should support Russia and Ukraine in working in the same direction and resuming direct dialogue as quickly as possible," the paper stated, released on the website of the foreign ministry.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/141-in-favour-32-abstained-five-against-unga-votes-to-demand-russia-withdraw-from-ukraine-immediately-565280">India abstains as historic UNGA vote demands Russia to leave Ukraine 'immediately'</a>

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had threatened that the conflict may take the shape of nuclear war. Clearing its stance on the issue, China stated that it strictly opposes not only the use of nuclear weapons but also the issuance of threats to deploy such weapons.&nbsp;

"Nuclear weapons must not be used and nuclear wars must not be fought. The threat or use of nuclear weapons should be opposed," the statement read. China further emphasised the need to protect civilians. "Parties to the conflict should strictly abide by international humanitarian law, and avoid attacking civilians or civilian facilities," it added.&nbsp;

"Conflict and war benefit no one. All parties must stay rational and exercise restraint, avoid fanning the flames and aggravating tensions and prevent the crisis from deteriorating further or even spiralling out of control. We oppose the development, and use of biological and chemical weapons by any country under any circumstances. There are no winners in conflict wars,” the proposal said.

Before the release of the proposal, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it a crucial step. “I think that, in general, the fact that China started talking about peace in Ukraine, I think that it is not bad. It is important for us that all states are on our side, on the side of justice,” Zelensky said on Friday.&nbsp;

On Thursday, China abstained when a nonbinding resolution was approved by the UN General Assembly that appealed to Russia to withdraw its forces and end hostilities in Ukraine. It is among the 16 countries that either voted in opposition or abstained on around five previous resolutions on the Ukraine war.&nbsp;

WATCH | Will China help Russia? Beijing's top Diplomat Wang Yi in Moscow

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The resolution, which Ukraine had drafted in consultation with its allies, passed 141-7 with 32 abstentions, giving a strong message to Russia on the war's first anniversary.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, China on Thursday told the United Nations that "brutal facts offer ample proof that sending weapons will not bring peace" in the Russia-Ukraine war.

"Adding fuel to the fire will only exacerbate tensions. Prolonging and expanding the conflict will only make ordinary people pay an even heftier price," said China's deputy UN Ambassador Dai Bing, while speaking at the UN General Assembly.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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&nbsp;

China on Friday appealed for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine while pressing on "no use" of nuclear weapons to resolve the conflict. The comments were made by China in a 12-point proposal issued on the "political settlement" of the crisis in the wake of the completion of one year of the Russia-Ukraine war.

China on Friday appealed for peace talks between Russia and Ukraine while pressing on "no use" of nuclear weapons to resolve the conflict. The comments were made by China in a 12-point proposal issued on the "political settlement" of the crisis in the wake of the completion of one year of the Russia-Ukraine war. "All parties should support Russia and Ukraine in working in the same direction and resuming direct dialogue as quickly as possible," the paper stated, released on the website of the foreign ministry. ALSO READ | India abstains as historic UNGA vote demands Russia to leave Ukraine 'immediately' Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin had threatened that the conflict may take the shape of nuclear war. Clearing its stance on the issue, China stated that it strictly opposes not only the use of nuclear weapons but also the issuance of threats to deploy such weapons. "Nuclear weapons must not be used and nuclear wars must not be fought. The threat or use of nuclear weapons should be opposed," the statement read. China further emphasised the need to protect civilians. "Parties to the conflict should strictly abide by international humanitarian law, and avoid attacking civilians or civilian facilities," it added. "Conflict and war benefit no one. All parties must stay rational and exercise restraint, avoid fanning the flames and aggravating tensions and prevent the crisis from deteriorating further or even spiralling out of control. We oppose the development, and use of biological and chemical weapons by any country under any circumstances. There are no winners in conflict wars,” the proposal said. Before the release of the proposal, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called it a crucial step. “I think that, in general, the fact that China started talking about peace in Ukraine, I think that it is not bad. It is important for us that all states are on our side, on the side of justice,” Zelensky said on Friday. On Thursday, China abstained when a nonbinding resolution was approved by the UN General Assembly that appealed to Russia to withdraw its forces and end hostilities in Ukraine. It is among the 16 countries that either voted in opposition or abstained on around five previous resolutions on the Ukraine war. WATCH | Will China help Russia? Beijing's top Diplomat Wang Yi in Moscow The resolution, which Ukraine had drafted in consultation with its allies, passed 141-7 with 32 abstentions, giving a strong message to Russia on the war's first anniversary. Meanwhile, China on Thursday told the United Nations that "brutal facts offer ample proof that sending weapons will not bring peace" in the Russia-Ukraine war. "Adding fuel to the fire will only exacerbate tensions. Prolonging and expanding the conflict will only make ordinary people pay an even heftier price," said China's deputy UN Ambassador Dai Bing, while speaking at the UN General Assembly. (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

China calls for 'no use' of nuclear weapons in Russia-Ukraine war

In a 12 point policy paper released on Friday, China said that nuclear weapons must not be used in the Ukraine conflict. This comes as the world marks one year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

China releases 12-point policy paper on Russia-Ukraine war

Marking one year since Moscow's invasion of Kyiv, the United Nations voted overwhelmingly to demand Russia immediately and unconditionally to withdraw its troops from Ukraine.

One Year of Russia-Ukraine War: United Nations calls for Russia to withdraw from Ukraine

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Leopard 2, T-90M, HIMARS, Patriot Missiles, Kamikaze drones - what are the deadliest weapons that both countries have used in the last 12 months? Watch WION Wideangle 12 months, 12 deadly weapons

WION Wideangle | Russia-Ukraine War: 12 months, 12 deadly weapons

The United Nations has overwhelmingly voted to call for Russia to immediately and unconditionally withdraw from Ukraine, marking one year since Moscow's invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the UN vote.

One year of Russia-Ukraine war: United Nations calls for Russia to withdraw from Ukraine

Marking one year since Moscow's invasion of Kyiv, WION correspondent Anas reports from Mykolaiv, Ukraine and brings us more information and visuals of destruction caused by the Russian missiles.

One Year of Russia-Ukraine War: WION reports from one of the cities hit by Russian missiles

Will Ukraine take a nuclear turn? Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly mentioned the dreaded 'N' word in the lead-up-to the war's first anniversary. But is Putin alone to be blamed for provoking a nuclear war? or is Biden at fault too? Listen in to Priyanka Sharma.

Gravitas: Will nuclear weapons be used in Ukraine?

India has once again abstained from voting in a UN General Assembly resolution that condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which started a year ago. The motion was backed by 141 nations with 32 abstaining and seven, including Russia, voting against it.

Ukraine war: India abstains from UN vote on Russian invasion

Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba while answering WION correspondent Susan Tehrani's question said that the way of neutrality is not a road to peace. He also added that it's an opportunity for India to demonstrate leadership and end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Opportunity for India to demonstrate leadership and end the war, says Kuleba

As Ukraine marks one year of a fierce fight against Russia's invasion, King Charles III sent a message for the war-torn nation on Friday (February 24). Ukrainians, he said, have suffered unimaginably from an unprovoked full-scale attack on their nation yet they "have shown truly remarkable courage and resilience in the face of such human tragedy". He recalled his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Buckingham Palace earlier this year when he could express his "personal support".&nbsp; The United Kingdom, he stressed, is doing "everything possible" to help Kyiv, along with its allies at this difficult time.

"I can only hope the outpouring of solidarity from across the globe may bring not only practical aid, but also strength from the knowledge that, together, we stand united," an official statement read.

More than 8,000 people have died in the conflict-struck nation and over 13,000 have been injured, according to figures revealed by the United Nations ahead of the first year anniversary of the war. Millions of people have been displaced due to the violence.

Also watch | One Year of Russia-Ukraine War: 12 months of war in 12 minutes

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With the conflict entering the second year, an emotional Zelensky on Friday held back his tears as he acknowledged efforts by the war heroes. "I want to say to all of you who are fighting for Ukraine...I am proud of you. We all, each and every one, are proud of you!" he was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters.&nbsp; "...We are strong. We are ready for anything. We will defeat everyone. This is how it began on February 24, 2022. The longest day of our lives. The most difficult day in our recent history. We woke up early and haven't slept since," Zelensky further said.

Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: <a href="wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-a-turning-point-not-a-roadblock-for-indian-medical-students-565459">A turning point, not a roadblock for Indian medical students</a>

World leaders have condemned the violence on the first year anniversary. US President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to the country earlier this week in a strong message to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In retaliation, Putin suspended the only major remaining nuclear treaty with the US.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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As Ukraine marks one year of a fierce fight against Russia's invasion, King Charles III sent a message for the war-torn nation on Friday (February 24). Ukrainians, he said, have suffered unimaginably from an unprovoked full-scale attack on their nation yet they "have shown truly remarkable courage and resilience in the face of such human tragedy".

As Ukraine marks one year of a fierce fight against Russia's invasion, King Charles III sent a message for the war-torn nation on Friday (February 24). Ukrainians, he said, have suffered unimaginably from an unprovoked full-scale attack on their nation yet they "have shown truly remarkable courage and resilience in the face of such human tragedy". He recalled his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the Buckingham Palace earlier this year when he could express his "personal support". The United Kingdom, he stressed, is doing "everything possible" to help Kyiv, along with its allies at this difficult time. "I can only hope the outpouring of solidarity from across the globe may bring not only practical aid, but also strength from the knowledge that, together, we stand united," an official statement read. More than 8,000 people have died in the conflict-struck nation and over 13,000 have been injured, according to figures revealed by the United Nations ahead of the first year anniversary of the war. Millions of people have been displaced due to the violence. Also watch | One Year of Russia-Ukraine War: 12 months of war in 12 minutes Video Embed Code: × With the conflict entering the second year, an emotional Zelensky on Friday held back his tears as he acknowledged efforts by the war heroes. "I want to say to all of you who are fighting for Ukraine...I am proud of you. We all, each and every one, are proud of you!" he was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters. "...We are strong. We are ready for anything. We will defeat everyone. This is how it began on February 24, 2022. The longest day of our lives. The most difficult day in our recent history. We woke up early and haven't slept since," Zelensky further said. Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: A turning point, not a roadblock for Indian medical students World leaders have condemned the violence on the first year anniversary. US President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to the country earlier this week in a strong message to Russian President Vladimir Putin. In retaliation, Putin suspended the only major remaining nuclear treaty with the US. (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.

Message by King Charles III on 1 year of Ukraine war: 'Remarkable courage...'

On the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion of neighbour Ukraine, Poland has made delivery of the first German-made Leopard 2 battle tanks to Kyiv.

Reports: Poland delivers first German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news and top headlines from all across the globe.

WION Speed News: UN General Assembly votes on Ukraine peace resolution

Russia-Ukraine war: Marking one year since Moscow's invasion of Kyiv, WION correspondent Anas reports from Mykolaiv, Ukraine and brings us more information and visuals of destruction caused by the Russian missiles and talks to the residents and sheds light on their fear of the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war.

One Year of Russia-Ukraine War: Mykolaiv regional building targeted by Russian missile in 2022

One Year of Russia-Ukraine War: India abstains from UN vote on Ukraine

Shakhtar Donetsk will continue their European journey after beating Rennes in a penalty shootout to seal a place in the Europa League last 16. And it comes in the same week as the one-year anniversary of the start of the Ukraine war.

One year of Russia-Ukraine war: Shakhtar Donetsk book spot in Europa League last 16

India abstained in the UN General Assembly on a resolution that underscored the need to reach as soon as possible a “comprehensive, just and lasting peace” in Ukraine.

India abstains from UN General Assembly resolution on Ukraine

Marking one year since Moscow's invasion of Kyiv, WION brings to you a compilation of all the events which happened in the last one year that influenced the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Watch the video to know more.

One Year of Russia-Ukraine War: 12 months of war in 12 minutes

In the year since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine, tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians have been killed; countless others have been wounded. Another 14 million Ukrainians have fled their homes, and Ukraine’s economy has shrunk by more than 30 percent. WION decodes 5 ways the war has affected you.

How has the Russia- Ukraine war changed the world? | Latest English News | WION

As Russia's war in Ukraine completes its one-year anniversary, the world asks where is the war headed to and what is the new normal? How long the conflict is going to continue? Watch the video to know more.

WION decodes the future of Ukraine-Russia war

Abstentions in a diplomatic vote are like silences in a conversation: Some denote slyness, some helplessness, some a stoic acceptance, and some a sort of confusion. It is in interpreting silences and abstentions, and the word that sits in the middle, 'reticence' that we need to understand India and China in the context of the painful first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

India and China have abstained, along with 30 other nations of the 193-member UN General Assembly, in the 141-7 vote in favour of the resolution that called for invoking principles of the United Nations charter underlying a "comprehensive, just and lasting peace" in Ukraine.

In plain-speak, Russia has certainly invaded Ukraine in violation of the UN charter that is against foreign intervention in a sovereign territory. Unlike the former Soviet Union in Afghanistan or the Reagan Administration in Granada in the 1970s and 80s, there is not even the figleaf of a pro-Moscow puppet government in Kyiv, where President Volodymyr Zelensky's popularity is not in doubt.

But you don't argue with military might, and that is what Vladimir Putin is showing in his relentless bombing of Ukraine.

But there are yet more buts in this game.&nbsp;

Watch | Evaluating the Ukraine war, one year later

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&nbsp;

Ukraine has been pro-West for a while now, and its nationalism, bordering on white supremacy and getting closer to the European Union and NATO, was in strategic terms for Moscow an act of a threatening intervention in what used to be its territory a mere three decades ago. &nbsp;Add to this the recognised presence of neo-Nazis in the grey Ukraine areas now under Russian control, and you had a recipe for belligerence from Moscow.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/russia-ukraine-war-anniversary-indias-mature-geopolitical-navigation-amid-pressure-is-in-spotlight-565376">Russia-Ukraine war anniversary: India's 'mature' geopolitical navigation amid pressure is in spotlight</a>

The Ukraine tangle is quite different from an open-and-shut game as the US would have us believe. Grey areas of diplomacy and the fact that the US is only in effect promoting an arms race in a previously peaceful corner of Europe should make us even more worried.

Here is where we need to separate India's stoic silence from China's tactical one. With its own muscle-flexing in Taiwan, towards whom its guns point more often than not, Beijing has far less moral authority in playing peace broker. Given China's history in dealing with Tibet, Taiwan and Hong Kong, its abstention in the UNGA vote may well be an implicit bargaining chip in a mutual pact with Russia.

Look at the context. China's top diplomat Wang Yi met Putin in Moscow just a day ahead of the UNGA vote. One would be tempted to call the abstention of China in the vote as purely a tactical one even as it attempts to be a peace broker while lacking in credibility.

India's abstention oozes reticence. Given decades of having to deal with Pakistan on their Kashmir dispute, a superficial look might suggest a skeleton in New Delhi's cupboard, but when you consider that two-thirds of Kashmir is under Pakistani control, and India's Constitution is secular enough for it to have a legitimate hold over the Muslim majority region, there is more to the dispute than meets the superficial Western eye. India being a fairly transparent democracy despite having a strongman administration is also an undeniable fact.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-have-not-broken-down-we-will-prevail-says-ukrainian-president-zelensky-ahead-of-war-anniversary-565286">Ukraine war anniversary: 'We have not broken down, we will prevail,' says Ukrainian President Zelensky</a>

India's abstention is one of helplessness in the face of Washington and Moscow trying to re-enact their Cold War conflict all over again in a new war zone. As a G-20 presidency holder, India now has to go beyond a balancing act in a clash between two lapsed superpowers. Here is where India's permanent representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, sounded credible on Friday at the UNGA when she said, "no solution can ever arrive at the cost of human lives".

Where is diplomatic justice in this messy puzzle? The answer should lie in Europe, not America or China. The European Union has the most skin in the game, and it is time for India and the EU to bilaterally arrive at a framework for peace that is humane, just and acceptable to all parties. My view is that the US and its allies are overdoing the warmongering, thus preventing any honourable peace formula from emerging on the horizon.

Where is Track Two diplomacy in all this? There is barely any evidence of confabulations of any kind that would nudge Putin to the negotiating table. Perhaps India could team up with the EU to do something on those lines, maybe bring in Nobel peace prize winners or credible human rights groups into the conversation. What is clear is that a silence that smells of credibility is better than one that looks like an act of collusion.

(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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Abstentions in a diplomatic vote are like silences in a conversation: Some denote slyness, some helplessness, some a stoic acceptance, and some a sort of confusion.

Abstentions in a diplomatic vote are like silences in a conversation: Some denote slyness, some helplessness, some a stoic acceptance, and some a sort of confusion. It is in interpreting silences and abstentions, and the word that sits in the middle, 'reticence' that we need to understand India and China in the context of the painful first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. India and China have abstained, along with 30 other nations of the 193-member UN General Assembly, in the 141-7 vote in favour of the resolution that called for invoking principles of the United Nations charter underlying a "comprehensive, just and lasting peace" in Ukraine. In plain-speak, Russia has certainly invaded Ukraine in violation of the UN charter that is against foreign intervention in a sovereign territory. Unlike the former Soviet Union in Afghanistan or the Reagan Administration in Granada in the 1970s and 80s, there is not even the figleaf of a pro-Moscow puppet government in Kyiv, where President Volodymyr Zelensky's popularity is not in doubt. But you don't argue with military might, and that is what Vladimir Putin is showing in his relentless bombing of Ukraine. But there are yet more buts in this game. Watch | Evaluating the Ukraine war, one year later × Ukraine has been pro-West for a while now, and its nationalism, bordering on white supremacy and getting closer to the European Union and NATO, was in strategic terms for Moscow an act of a threatening intervention in what used to be its territory a mere three decades ago. Add to this the recognised presence of neo-Nazis in the grey Ukraine areas now under Russian control, and you had a recipe for belligerence from Moscow. Also Read | Russia-Ukraine war anniversary: India's 'mature' geopolitical navigation amid pressure is in spotlight The Ukraine tangle is quite different from an open-and-shut game as the US would have us believe. Grey areas of diplomacy and the fact that the US is only in effect promoting an arms race in a previously peaceful corner of Europe should make us even more worried. Here is where we need to separate India's stoic silence from China's tactical one. With its own muscle-flexing in Taiwan, towards whom its guns point more often than not, Beijing has far less moral authority in playing peace broker. Given China's history in dealing with Tibet, Taiwan and Hong Kong, its abstention in the UNGA vote may well be an implicit bargaining chip in a mutual pact with Russia. Look at the context. China's top diplomat Wang Yi met Putin in Moscow just a day ahead of the UNGA vote. One would be tempted to call the abstention of China in the vote as purely a tactical one even as it attempts to be a peace broker while lacking in credibility. India's abstention oozes reticence. Given decades of having to deal with Pakistan on their Kashmir dispute, a superficial look might suggest a skeleton in New Delhi's cupboard, but when you consider that two-thirds of Kashmir is under Pakistani control, and India's Constitution is secular enough for it to have a legitimate hold over the Muslim majority region, there is more to the dispute than meets the superficial Western eye. India being a fairly transparent democracy despite having a strongman administration is also an undeniable fact. Also Read | Ukraine war anniversary: 'We have not broken down, we will prevail,' says Ukrainian President Zelensky India's abstention is one of helplessness in the face of Washington and Moscow trying to re-enact their Cold War conflict all over again in a new war zone. As a G-20 presidency holder, India now has to go beyond a balancing act in a clash between two lapsed superpowers. Here is where India's permanent representative to the UN, Ruchira Kamboj, sounded credible on Friday at the UNGA when she said, "no solution can ever arrive at the cost of human lives". Where is diplomatic justice in this messy puzzle? The answer should lie in Europe, not America or China. The European Union has the most skin in the game, and it is time for India and the EU to bilaterally arrive at a framework for peace that is humane, just and acceptable to all parties. My view is that the US and its allies are overdoing the warmongering, thus preventing any honourable peace formula from emerging on the horizon. Where is Track Two diplomacy in all this? There is barely any evidence of confabulations of any kind that would nudge Putin to the negotiating table. Perhaps India could team up with the EU to do something on those lines, maybe bring in Nobel peace prize winners or credible human rights groups into the conversation. What is clear is that a silence that smells of credibility is better than one that looks like an act of collusion. (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 ×

A tale of two silences: Why India's Ukraine vote abstention in the UN is different from that of China

One Year of Russia-Ukraine War: 141 countries vote in support of UN resolution to withdraw troops

Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, gave the order to invade Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Not only was this catastrophic for Ukraine but changed the course of history for Russia and the rest of the world.&nbsp;The war has claimed lives on both sides, destroyed cultural landmarks in Ukraine, wrecked its national economy, and has had ramifications for the entire world.&nbsp;

WION explains the cost of this war in the following charts.&nbsp;

<h2>HUMAN COST OF THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: CIVILIAN CASUALTIES&nbsp;</h2>

The most recent estimates of civilian casualties since Russia invaded Ukraine over a year ago are a bare clue of the vile human cost of this war.

Throughout the previous 12 months of violence in Ukraine, at least 8,006 civilians have died and 13,287 have been injured, according to the office of the <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/02/turk-deplores-human-cost-russias-war-against-ukraine-verified-civilian#:~:text=GENEVA%20(21%20February%202023)%20%E2%80%93,the%20conflict%20in%20eastern%20Ukraine.">UN&nbsp;High Commissioner for Human Rights.</a>

“These numbers, which we are publishing today, lay bare the loss and suffering inflicted on people since Russia’s armed attack began on 24 February last year,” said Volker Türk, UN&nbsp;human rights chief, speaking&nbsp;in Geneva.

The monitoring mission's head, Matilda Bogner, warned that the statistics her team collected were far lower than the real numbers, “as we have not been able to fully verify many cases, due to limited information and lack of access to key areas of Ukraine that saw some of the most intense fightings.”

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Data source: <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/ohchr_homepage">OHCHR</a>&nbsp;

*Hover over the visualisation to get the figures*

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<h2 dir="ltr">GLOBAL FOOD AND ENERGY CRISIS</h2>

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has disrupted supplies for both developing and developed countries since the two nations are the two main producers of commodities including petroleum, food, and fertiliser.

The world is currently experiencing its first-ever global energy crisis, a situation that has never before occurred and is being caused by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, according to the <a href="https://www.iea.org/">International Energy Agency</a>'s most recent study,<a href="https://www.iea.org/reports/world-energy-outlook-2022"> Global Energy Outlook 2022.&nbsp;</a>

The research also highlighted the rising cost of energy due to restrictions on oil and gas exports, which has resulted in unaffordable energy bills.

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&nbsp;

Data source:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bdew.de/media/documents/220727_BDEW-Strompreisanalyse_Juli_2022.pdf">BDEW</a>

*Hover over the visualisation to get the figures*

Food prices had already reached their highest point in a decade prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a result of disrupted supply chains and severe weather conditions, such as the worst drought in over a century in central and southern Brazil.&nbsp;

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Ukraine typically exports the most sunflower oil and around 45 million metric tonnes of grain to the world market each year. It contributed nearly a fifth of all wheat shipments worldwide in 2019 together with Russia. The already stressed food system received yet another shock as Russian forces blockaded the nation's ports, making it even more difficult to bear.

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<a href="https://www.fao.org/worldfoodsituation/foodpricesindex/en/">The Food Price Index</a>, created by the UN's Food and Agricultural Organization, increased by more than 14 per cent from 2021 to reach its highest yearly level on records dating back to 2005. The number of people with severe food insecurity, or those whose access to food was so limited that it endangered their lives and livelihoods, increased from 135 million in 2019 to 345 million in 2022.

<h2 dir="ltr">FUELLING A REFUGEE CRISIS?</h2>

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Around thirteen million people, or roughly a third of Ukraine's pre-war population, have reportedly been displaced since the invasion, according to the UN refugee agency. Almost five million of them are internally displaced, while over eight million of them are refugees who are residing in nearby nations. During the 2015 wave of migration from Africa and the Middle East, the continent received about one million migrants; during the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s, it received up to four million.

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Data source: <a href="https://www.unhcr.org/">UNHCR</a>

<h2>THE NEW IRON CURTAIN: SHIFTING GLOBAL ALLIANCES&nbsp;</h2>

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Russia is now an outcast in the West due to the war.&nbsp;International big brands like McDonald's and Ikea have completely withdrawn from&nbsp;the nation. To counter this international boycott, Putin has strengthened his military ties with North Korea and Iran, two international pariahs that provide Russia with the weaponised drones it uses to attack Ukrainian infrastructure.&nbsp;

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Data source: <a href="https://som.yale.edu/story/2022/over-1000-companies-have-curtailed-operations-russia-some-remain">Yale University</a>

*Hover over the visualisation to get the figures*

<h2>THE NEW REALM OF UNCERTAINTY</h2>

<meta charset="utf-8" />

The Russia-Ukraine war is a stark reminder to mankind that people have little control over the course of history. The 8 million Ukrainians who have been uprooted and forced to start their lives anew across Europe and beyond are a testament to it.&nbsp;

Even for people who haven’t been displaced, the sudden blowout of Europe’s peace and stability has brought about great uncertainty and anxiety.

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Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, gave the order to invade Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Not only was this catastrophic for Ukraine but changed the course of history for Russia and the rest of the world.

Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, gave the order to invade Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Not only was this catastrophic for Ukraine but changed the course of history for Russia and the rest of the world. The war has claimed lives on both sides, destroyed cultural landmarks in Ukraine, wrecked its national economy, and has had ramifications for the entire world. WION explains the cost of this war in the following charts. HUMAN COST OF THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR: CIVILIAN CASUALTIES The most recent estimates of civilian casualties since Russia invaded Ukraine over a year ago are a bare clue of the vile human cost of this war. Throughout the previous 12 months of violence in Ukraine, at least 8,006 civilians have died and 13,287 have been injured, according to the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. “These numbers, which we are publishing today, lay bare the loss and suffering inflicted on people since Russia’s armed attack began on 24 February last year,” said Volker Türk, UN human rights chief, speaking in Geneva. The monitoring mission's head, Matilda Bogner, warned that the statistics her team collected were far lower than the real numbers, “as we have not been able to fully verify many cases, due to limited information and lack of access to key areas of Ukraine that saw some of the most intense fightings.” × Data source: OHCHR *Hover over the visualisation to get the figures* GLOBAL FOOD AND ENERGY CRISIS The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has disrupted supplies for both developing and developed countries since the two nations are the two main producers of commodities including petroleum, food, and fertiliser. The world is currently experiencing its first-ever global energy crisis, a situation that has never before occurred and is being caused by the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, according to the International Energy Agency's most recent study, Global Energy Outlook 2022. The research also highlighted the rising cost of energy due to restrictions on oil and gas exports, which has resulted in unaffordable energy bills. × Data source: BDEW *Hover over the visualisation to get the figures* Food prices had already reached their highest point in a decade prior to Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a result of disrupted supply chains and severe weather conditions, such as the worst drought in over a century in central and southern Brazil. Ukraine typically exports the most sunflower oil and around 45 million metric tonnes of grain to the world market each year. It contributed nearly a fifth of all wheat shipments worldwide in 2019 together with Russia. The already stressed food system received yet another shock as Russian forces blockaded the nation's ports, making it even more difficult to bear. × The Food Price Index, created by the UN's Food and Agricultural Organization, increased by more than 14 per cent from 2021 to reach its highest yearly level on records dating back to 2005. The number of people with severe food insecurity, or those whose access to food was so limited that it endangered their lives and livelihoods, increased from 135 million in 2019 to 345 million in 2022. FUELLING A REFUGEE CRISIS? Around thirteen million people, or roughly a third of Ukraine's pre-war population, have reportedly been displaced since the invasion, according to the UN refugee agency. Almost five million of them are internally displaced, while over eight million of them are refugees who are residing in nearby nations. During the 2015 wave of migration from Africa and the Middle East, the continent received about one million migrants; during the Yugoslav Wars of the 1990s, it received up to four million. × Data source: UNHCR THE NEW IRON CURTAIN: SHIFTING GLOBAL ALLIANCES Russia is now an outcast in the West due to the war. International big brands like McDonald's and Ikea have completely withdrawn from the nation. To counter this international boycott, Putin has strengthened his military ties with North Korea and Iran, two international pariahs that provide Russia with the weaponised drones it uses to attack Ukrainian infrastructure. × Data source: Yale University *Hover over the visualisation to get the figures* THE NEW REALM OF UNCERTAINTY The Russia-Ukraine war is a stark reminder to mankind that people have little control over the course of history. The 8 million Ukrainians who have been uprooted and forced to start their lives anew across Europe and beyond are a testament to it. Even for people who haven’t been displaced, the sudden blowout of Europe’s peace and stability has brought about great uncertainty and anxiety. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Data Lab: Whose war is this? Measuring the cost of the Russia-Ukraine war, one year on

One Year of Russia-Ukraine War: United Nations calls for comprehensive, just and lasting peace

One Year of Russia-Ukraine War: On February 24 2022, Putin announced a special military operation. The goal Putin said was to demilitarize and denazify Ukraine, a former Soviet country. Ukrainians flagged Putin's aim to erase their 1000-year national identity in a stiff resistance.

One Year of Russia-Ukraine War: New offensive expected to unfold in Spring

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