Nearly a year after war started, there is no end in sight to conflict. Drone footage shows how the Mariupol was severely damaged.

Drone footage of Mariupol city before and after the Ukraine conflic

Ahead of Ukraine war completing its one year, US President Joe Biden delivered an impassioned speech from Polish capital, Warsaw. Biden's speech came hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual state of the nation address. Meanwhile, Death & Destruction have hardened people's hearts in Mariupol.

Mariupol: Death & Destruction have hardened people's hearts

India has reiterated its stance on the ongoing war in Ukraine at the G20 finance meeting. India said that the present era is 'Not an era of war'. Watch here.

'Not an era of war' says India at G20 finance meet

Ahead of Ukraine war completing its one year, US President Joe Biden delivered an impassioned speech from Polish capital, Warsaw. Biden's speech came hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual state of the nation address.

Russian President Vladimir Putin left with burned out tanks: US President Joe Biden

Ahead of Ukraine war completing its one year, US President Joe Biden delivered an impassioned speech from Polish capital, Warsaw. Biden's speech came hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual state of the nation address. Meanwhile, Kyiv says Russian rocket attack took place in Kherson as Putin delivered speech.

Kyiv: Russian rocket attack in Kherson as Putin delivers speech

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, all does not seem well between the Wagner group and Russia. Wagner group head accuses Russian command of treason. Watch the video for more details.

Wagner group head accuses Russian command of treason

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp; 
 
Ahead of the one-year anniversary of what Moscow refers to as its “special military operation” in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual address to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/putin-to-address-russian-duma-world-news-wion-564164">joint houses of parliament</a> and called it a “watershed moment” for the country. During the speech on Tuesday (February 21), he also said that Moscow is suspending participation in the New START treaty, a bilateral agreement on nuclear arms control with the United States. However, the foreign ministry later said that it will comply with certain portions of the treaty.

A “difficult, watershed moment”&nbsp;

The nearly two-hour speech began with the Russian president saying, “I am making this address at a time which we all know is a difficult, watershed moment for our country, a time of cardinal, irreversible changes around the world, the most important historic events that shape the future of our country and our people, when each of us bears a colossal responsibility,” as per Reuters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-speech-live-updates-all-eyes-on-russian-president-564206">As it happened | Vladimir Putin speech: Russia suspending participation in New START nuclear treaty</a>

Referring to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and the eastern Donbas region, Putin said that since 2014 the people of Donbas “had been fighting, defending their right to live on their own land, to speak their native language”. Reports suggest that Moscow has intensified attacks on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-capture-of-village-near-eastern-ukrainian-region-kharkiv-563430">eastern front</a> in Ukraine and controls parts of the aforementioned region.&nbsp;

Speaking about the eastern Ukrainian region, the Russian president also said how the residents of Donbas have not given up “in the conditions of blockade and constant shelling, undisguised hatred on the part of the Kyiv regime. They believed and expected that Russia would come to their rescue.” Meanwhile, it has also been reported that despite Russian troops witnessing at least three significant battlefield reversals, Moscow continues to control approximately one-fifth of Ukraine.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russias-putin-blames-west-and-ukraine-for-provoking-conflict-564437">Russia's Putin blames West and Ukraine for provoking conflict</a>

Putin’s statement also comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in an address on Sunday claimed that Kyiv’s troops are inflicting “extraordinarily significant” losses on the Russian forces in several towns in Donbas, where the fight is said to be focused on, in&nbsp;the past couple of months. “The more losses Russia suffers there, in Donbas - in Bakhmut, Vuhledar, Marinka, Kreminna - the faster we will be able to end this war with Ukraine's victory”, said Zelensky.&nbsp;

“They started the war”: Putin accuses the West for the conflict with Ukraine

The ongoing conflict has also been called the biggest confrontation between Russia and the West in decades. “I have already said many times that the people of Ukraine have become the hostage of the Kyiv regime and its Western overlords, who have effectively occupied this country in the political, military and economic sense”, said Putin, in his state-of-the-nation address on Tuesday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-west-completely-responsible-for-escalation-of-ukraine-conflict-564278">West 'completely' responsible for fueling the Ukraine conflict, says Putin</a>

He added that the West has “not achieved its goals anywhere and it will not”. The Russian president also accused the West and the “current regime in Kyiv” of not only escalating the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-major-battles-of-the-russia-ukraine-war-564401">ongoing conflict</a> but also starting it as well as “increasing (the) number of victims”. According to the United Nations Office for Human Rights (OHCHR), over 8,000 civilians have been killed since the beginning of the conflict while over 13,000 have been wounded.&nbsp;

Additionally, nearly 18 million are in “dire” need of humanitarian assistance and 14 million are said to have been displaced in Ukraine, as per the UN report. However, the data has been called “only the tip of the iceberg” by the UN human rights chief, Volker Turk. He added, “The toll on civilians is unbearable. Amid electricity and water shortages during the cold winter months”.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-putin-not-a-war-with-people-of-ukraine-564438">Russia-Ukraine war | Putin: Not a war with people of Ukraine</a>

Addressing Russia’s lawmakers and military elite, Putin went on to allege that the West was threatening Moscow’s very existence with the Ukraine conflict. “The Western elites do not conceal their goals…It is a direct quote – to bring Russia a strategic defeat. What does it mean? What is it for us? It means to end us, once and for all. It means they plan to turn a local conflict into a global confrontation. We understand it exactly like that. And we will react to it accordingly,” said Putin, as per Reuters.

Russian economy

The Russian president also spoke about how the West has not succeeded in defeating the country’s economy since “those who initiated the sanctions (against Russia) have punished themselves, caused price increases, job losses, business closures and an energy crisis in their countries.”

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-announces-suspension-of-nuke-arms-control-treaty-with-us-564382">Russian President Vladimir Putin announces suspension of nuke arms control treaty with US</a>

&nbsp;He added, “And they tell their own citizens, and we hear that: that the Russians are to blame for everything. Which means did they use against us in this aggression of sanctions?” As per a report by Statista published on Tuesday, territories and organisations across the world have imposed 10,608 restrictions on Russian individuals, 3,431 list-based sanctions, and 492 sanctions against institutions. The data was calculated starting from February 22, 2022, which is two days prior to the beginning of the invasion to February 10, 2023.&nbsp;

During his address, the Russian president also went on to say that the “anti-Russian sanctions are only a tool, but the goal - as they themselves declare…is to make our citizens suffer.” In 2022, the Russian economy contracted by 2.1 per cent, reported the government-run statistics agency Rosstat, on Monday (February 20). While many have questioned the authenticity of the figures which were published a day before Putin was due to deliver the state-of-the-nation address, Moscow's economy was also called resilient in the face of Western sanctions and prior estimates which projected bigger contractions.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-pm-giorgia-meloni-arrives-in-kyiv-by-train-from-poland-564369">Italian PM Giorgia Meloni arrives in Kyiv by train from Poland</a>

Putin announced suspension of New START treaty

During his speech, on Tuesday, the Russian president announced the suspension of the New START treaty with the US which limits the number of strategic nuclear warheads that Washington and Moscow can deploy. The treaty in question also caps the delivery of the deployment of land and submarine-based missiles and bombers by the two countries.&nbsp;

“In the beginning of February this year there was a statement from the North Atlantic alliance demanding that Russia ‘returns to the Strategic Arms Treaty’ as they call it, including allowing inspections of our nuclear defence facilities. I don’t even know what to call it (the request for inspections). It’s a theatre of the absurd,” said Putin, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

However, hours later, Moscow on Tuesday clarified that it will continue observing restrictions on nuclear warheads under the New START treaty. "Russia intends to adhere to a responsible approach and will continue to strictly comply with the quantitative restrictions on strategic offensive arms stipulated by it (New START) within the life cycle of the treaty," Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-top-diplomat-to-visit-russia-amid-beijings-call-to-end-ukraine-war-564123">China's top diplomat to visit Russia amid Beijing's call to end Ukraine war</a>

Putin said, their repeated requests to inspect some US objects have been declined on “formal grounds. We can't properly inspect anything on that side,” he added. Furthermore, the Russian president also acknowledged that Russia-US relations have “deteriorated” and that Washington is fully responsible for this.&nbsp;

He also accused the West of wanting to “inflict a strategic defeat on us and sneak into our nuclear facilities.” “In this regard, I am forced to announce today that Russia is suspending its participation in the strategic offensive arms treaty,” said Putin towards the end of his speech to the lawmakers present at the joint session of the parliament.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-president-putin-blames-the-west-for-escalation-in-ukraine-564424">Russian president Putin blames the West for escalation in Ukraine</a>

Furthermore, he said that in the current situation, Russia’s ministry of defence and&nbsp;State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom (ROSATOM) should make sure that Moscow is “ready to test its nuclear weapons”. However, he said that they will not do it first but if the US conducts its test then Moscow will too, adding that “no one should be under dangerous illusions that global strategic parity can be destroyed.”

On the other hand, the US has previously accused Russia of violating the treaty by not allowing inspections on its territory. This has sparked fears of a nuclear conflict as Moscow has supposedly made veiled threats since the beginning of the conflict. Notably, the two nuclear-armed nations account for about 90 per cent of the world’s nuclear heads, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

What is the New START treaty?

As mentioned earlier, the treaty limits Russia and the US’ nuclear arsenal while&nbsp;the countries have also committed to deploying no more than 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads and a maximum of 700 long-range missiles and bombers. Additionally, every year, each side is allowed to conduct up to 18 inspections of strategic nuclear weapons sites, in order to ensure that the other side has not breached the terms of the treaty.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-to-halt-participation-in-new-start-nuclear-arms-treaty-564435">Russia to halt participation in New Start nuclear arms treaty</a>

The treaty was signed in 2010 by former US President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev and came into effect a year later. In 2021, it was extended for five more years when incumbent President Joe Biden took office. Notably, the aforementioned inspections had been halted in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and while the talks of resuming them were to take place in Egypt last year Moscow postponed them. Since then neither side has decided on a new date.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Ahead of the one-year anniversary of what Moscow refers to as its “special military operation” in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual address to the joint houses of parliament and called it a “watershed moment” for the country. During the speech on Tuesday (February 21), he also said that Moscow is suspending participation in the New START treaty, a bilateral agreement on nuclear arms control with the United States. However, the foreign ministry later said that it will comply with certain portions of the treaty. A “difficult, watershed moment” The nearly two-hour speech began with the Russian president saying, “I am making this address at a time which we all know is a difficult, watershed moment for our country, a time of cardinal, irreversible changes around the world, the most important historic events that shape the future of our country and our people, when each of us bears a colossal responsibility,” as per Reuters. ALSO READ | As it happened | Vladimir Putin speech: Russia suspending participation in New START nuclear treaty Referring to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and the eastern Donbas region, Putin said that since 2014 the people of Donbas “had been fighting, defending their right to live on their own land, to speak their native language”. Reports suggest that Moscow has intensified attacks on the eastern front in Ukraine and controls parts of the aforementioned region. Speaking about the eastern Ukrainian region, the Russian president also said how the residents of Donbas have not given up “in the conditions of blockade and constant shelling, undisguised hatred on the part of the Kyiv regime. They believed and expected that Russia would come to their rescue.” Meanwhile, it has also been reported that despite Russian troops witnessing at least three significant battlefield reversals, Moscow continues to control approximately one-fifth of Ukraine. ALSO WATCH | Russia's Putin blames West and Ukraine for provoking conflict Putin’s statement also comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in an address on Sunday claimed that Kyiv’s troops are inflicting “extraordinarily significant” losses on the Russian forces in several towns in Donbas, where the fight is said to be focused on, in the past couple of months. “The more losses Russia suffers there, in Donbas - in Bakhmut, Vuhledar, Marinka, Kreminna - the faster we will be able to end this war with Ukraine's victory”, said Zelensky. “They started the war”: Putin accuses the West for the conflict with Ukraine The ongoing conflict has also been called the biggest confrontation between Russia and the West in decades. “I have already said many times that the people of Ukraine have become the hostage of the Kyiv regime and its Western overlords, who have effectively occupied this country in the political, military and economic sense”, said Putin, in his state-of-the-nation address on Tuesday. ALSO READ | West 'completely' responsible for fueling the Ukraine conflict, says Putin He added that the West has “not achieved its goals anywhere and it will not”. The Russian president also accused the West and the “current regime in Kyiv” of not only escalating the ongoing conflict but also starting it as well as “increasing (the) number of victims”. According to the United Nations Office for Human Rights (OHCHR), over 8,000 civilians have been killed since the beginning of the conflict while over 13,000 have been wounded. Additionally, nearly 18 million are in “dire” need of humanitarian assistance and 14 million are said to have been displaced in Ukraine, as per the UN report. However, the data has been called “only the tip of the iceberg” by the UN human rights chief, Volker Turk. He added, “The toll on civilians is unbearable. Amid electricity and water shortages during the cold winter months”. ALSO WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war | Putin: Not a war with people of Ukraine Addressing Russia’s lawmakers and military elite, Putin went on to allege that the West was threatening Moscow’s very existence with the Ukraine conflict. “The Western elites do not conceal their goals…It is a direct quote – to bring Russia a strategic defeat. What does it mean? What is it for us? It means to end us, once and for all. It means they plan to turn a local conflict into a global confrontation. We understand it exactly like that. And we will react to it accordingly,” said Putin, as per Reuters. Russian economy The Russian president also spoke about how the West has not succeeded in defeating the country’s economy since “those who initiated the sanctions (against Russia) have punished themselves, caused price increases, job losses, business closures and an energy crisis in their countries.” ALSO READ | Russian President Vladimir Putin announces suspension of nuke arms control treaty with US He added, “And they tell their own citizens, and we hear that: that the Russians are to blame for everything. Which means did they use against us in this aggression of sanctions?” As per a report by Statista published on Tuesday, territories and organisations across the world have imposed 10,608 restrictions on Russian individuals, 3,431 list-based sanctions, and 492 sanctions against institutions. The data was calculated starting from February 22, 2022, which is two days prior to the beginning of the invasion to February 10, 2023. During his address, the Russian president also went on to say that the “anti-Russian sanctions are only a tool, but the goal - as they themselves declare…is to make our citizens suffer.” In 2022, the Russian economy contracted by 2.1 per cent, reported the government-run statistics agency Rosstat, on Monday (February 20). While many have questioned the authenticity of the figures which were published a day before Putin was due to deliver the state-of-the-nation address, Moscow's economy was also called resilient in the face of Western sanctions and prior estimates which projected bigger contractions. ALSO READ | Italian PM Giorgia Meloni arrives in Kyiv by train from Poland Putin announced suspension of New START treaty During his speech, on Tuesday, the Russian president announced the suspension of the New START treaty with the US which limits the number of strategic nuclear warheads that Washington and Moscow can deploy. The treaty in question also caps the delivery of the deployment of land and submarine-based missiles and bombers by the two countries. “In the beginning of February this year there was a statement from the North Atlantic alliance demanding that Russia ‘returns to the Strategic Arms Treaty’ as they call it, including allowing inspections of our nuclear defence facilities. I don’t even know what to call it (the request for inspections). It’s a theatre of the absurd,” said Putin, as per Reuters. However, hours later, Moscow on Tuesday clarified that it will continue observing restrictions on nuclear warheads under the New START treaty. "Russia intends to adhere to a responsible approach and will continue to strictly comply with the quantitative restrictions on strategic offensive arms stipulated by it (New START) within the life cycle of the treaty," Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement. ALSO READ | China's top diplomat to visit Russia amid Beijing's call to end Ukraine war Putin said, their repeated requests to inspect some US objects have been declined on “formal grounds. We can't properly inspect anything on that side,” he added. Furthermore, the Russian president also acknowledged that Russia-US relations have “deteriorated” and that Washington is fully responsible for this. He also accused the West of wanting to “inflict a strategic defeat on us and sneak into our nuclear facilities.” “In this regard, I am forced to announce today that Russia is suspending its participation in the strategic offensive arms treaty,” said Putin towards the end of his speech to the lawmakers present at the joint session of the parliament. ALSO WATCH | Russian president Putin blames the West for escalation in Ukraine Furthermore, he said that in the current situation, Russia’s ministry of defence and State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom (ROSATOM) should make sure that Moscow is “ready to test its nuclear weapons”. However, he said that they will not do it first but if the US conducts its test then Moscow will too, adding that “no one should be under dangerous illusions that global strategic parity can be destroyed.” On the other hand, the US has previously accused Russia of violating the treaty by not allowing inspections on its territory. This has sparked fears of a nuclear conflict as Moscow has supposedly made veiled threats since the beginning of the conflict. Notably, the two nuclear-armed nations account for about 90 per cent of the world’s nuclear heads, as per Reuters. What is the New START treaty? As mentioned earlier, the treaty limits Russia and the US’ nuclear arsenal while the countries have also committed to deploying no more than 1,550 strategic nuclear warheads and a maximum of 700 long-range missiles and bombers. Additionally, every year, each side is allowed to conduct up to 18 inspections of strategic nuclear weapons sites, in order to ensure that the other side has not breached the terms of the treaty. ALSO WATCH | Russia to halt participation in New Start nuclear arms treaty The treaty was signed in 2010 by former US President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev and came into effect a year later. In 2021, it was extended for five more years when incumbent President Joe Biden took office. Notably, the aforementioned inspections had been halted in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and while the talks of resuming them were to take place in Egypt last year Moscow postponed them. Since then neither side has decided on a new date. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Putin accuses West of stoking Ukraine war

WION examines global issues with in-depth analysis and brings you a quick round-up of all the top headlines and breakings from all across the world.

WION Speed News | Putin accuses west of stoking a global war

#Gravitas | Analysts have speculated that Russia's invasion of Ukraine could embolden China to launch an offensive on Taiwan. But China has urged the world to stop drawing parallels between Ukraine and Taiwan. @mollygambhir reports

Gravitas: Is Taiwan the next Ukraine?

The whole world was surprised and shocked to see U.S. President Joe Biden standing on Ukrainian soil. The White House alerted Russia about Biden's visit just hours before. It was supposed to be a show of solidarity between U.S. and Ukraine but Biden’s unannounced Ukraine trip can backfire badly than anyone imagined...especially on Ukraine. Watch Game Plan with Shivan Chanana

Biden’s five hours in Kyiv could spell disaster for Ukraine | WION Game Plan

In pics | Who provided the most aid to Ukraine?

The European Union has sought India's support on a resolution that will be taken up at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday. The demarche was presented by European Union envoys to the Ministry of External Affairs on 15 February seeking New Delhi's support on the resolution. The debate on the resolution starts on Wednesday and will be carried out on Thursday as well.

The western backed resolution reiterates demand Russia "immediately, completely and unconditionally" withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, and calls for a "cessation of hostilities".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/miracle-baby-aya-born-under-turkey-quake-rubble-adopted-by-her-aunt-uncle-564352">Miracle baby 'Aya', born under Turkey quake rubble, adopted by her aunt, uncle</a>

The Resolution co-sponsored by more than 50 countries, a substantial number from Europe "deplores" the "dire human rights and humanitarian consequences of the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine".

India so far at the United Nations has abstained on all resolutions when it comes to Russia -Ukraine conflict. A meeting was held under the Indian Presidency of United Nations security council in December of last year in which Indian Ambassador to UN Ruchira Kamboj called "immediate cessation of hostilities" emphasizing on "dialogue and diplomacy".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-poet-javed-akhtar-at-lahore-event-says-2611-terrorists-roaming-free-in-pakistan-564306">Indian Poet Javed Akhtar, at Lahore event, says 26/11 terrorists roaming free in Pakistan</a>

The European Union's ambassador in an interview to WION said engagement on these issues continue with New Delhi.

Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/air-india-begins-massive-hiring-pilots-salary-crosses-rs-2-crore-564293">Air India begins massive hiring, pilots' salary crosses Rs 2 crore</a>

Meanwhile, French Diplomatic sources seeking Indian support for the resolution said, "at this stage we still don't know what will be the position of the (Indian) government", but also pointed "we have a very candid discussion with them (India)." "The UNGA draft resolution has been discussed will all our partners in order to accommodate their concerns," they added.&nbsp;

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The European Union has sought India's support on a resolution that will be taken up at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday. The demarche was presented by European Union envoys to the Ministry of External Affairs on 15 February seeking New Delhi's support on the resolution.

The European Union has sought India's support on a resolution that will be taken up at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Wednesday. The demarche was presented by European Union envoys to the Ministry of External Affairs on 15 February seeking New Delhi's support on the resolution. The debate on the resolution starts on Wednesday and will be carried out on Thursday as well. The western backed resolution reiterates demand Russia "immediately, completely and unconditionally" withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, and calls for a "cessation of hostilities". Also Read | Miracle baby 'Aya', born under Turkey quake rubble, adopted by her aunt, uncle The Resolution co-sponsored by more than 50 countries, a substantial number from Europe "deplores" the "dire human rights and humanitarian consequences of the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine". India so far at the United Nations has abstained on all resolutions when it comes to Russia -Ukraine conflict. A meeting was held under the Indian Presidency of United Nations security council in December of last year in which Indian Ambassador to UN Ruchira Kamboj called "immediate cessation of hostilities" emphasizing on "dialogue and diplomacy". Also Read | Indian Poet Javed Akhtar, at Lahore event, says 26/11 terrorists roaming free in Pakistan The European Union's ambassador in an interview to WION said engagement on these issues continue with New Delhi. Watch | Air India begins massive hiring, pilots' salary crosses Rs 2 crore Meanwhile, French Diplomatic sources seeking Indian support for the resolution said, "at this stage we still don't know what will be the position of the (Indian) government", but also pointed "we have a very candid discussion with them (India)." "The UNGA draft resolution has been discussed will all our partners in order to accommodate their concerns," they added. 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 Union seeks India's support on UNGA resolution against Russia

If photo opportunities could stop wars and resolve complex diplomatic tangles, they would have done so long ago. This is the thought that comes to me after US President Joe Biden made a surprise visit&nbsp;to Kyiv and promised more military aid for Ukraine and more economic sanctions against Russia to end their war that is reaching its first anniversary this week.

This is not exactly a happy marriage for us to be celebrating anniversaries but there is much in Biden's body language that invites dark humour. There's a lot that it did not reveal, including the complicated nature of the situation that has put all of Europe in economic and political turmoil, apart from the United States' own poor track record as a global supercop.

Watch | Biden declares ‘Kyiv stands’ in surprise visit to Ukraine

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The imagery of refugees literally falling off a flying aircraft while trying to escape the return of the Taliban after the departure of US troops from Afghanistan will remain as rich as that of the naked girl running after a Vietnam War bombing incident. Both are photographs that tell us of flaming American failure. Diplomatic hell paved with Uncle Sam's good intentions can make many a historian or military expert's career. But peace? No, sir.

Biden walking the streets of Kyiv and patting President Volodymyr Zelensky on the back like a patronising baseball coach would have looked good had this been an American university playoff. Sadly, this is a different arena far removed from the Transatlantic insurance that an ocean in the middle offers for the wonks at the State Department. &nbsp;Joe Biden is not GI Joe. There is no American blood falling on Ukraine's fertile soil.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/biden-in-ukraine-a-perfect-photo-op-but-why-now-is-it-too-little-too-late-563977">Biden in Ukraine: A perfect photo-op, but why now? Is it too little, too late?</a>

The big question is: Who will bell the cat a.k.a. Vladimir Putin? As things stand, the Russia-Ukraine war is in a situation that would in typical diplospeak be described as a stalemate, logjam or gridlock. There is no end in sight, and there is no clue on what is going on inside Putin's mind, as Biden himself elegantly admitted. &nbsp;Somalia, Afghanistan, Vietnam and Iran stand testimony to the limits of a lapsed superpower. But I would not waste words like 'stalemate' on a situation where blood is flowing every day. Moscow and Europe have economic guns pointing to each other's head thanks to the fuel linkages and geographic proximity between the two. Putin's hold over his country shows no sign of weakening significantly. Moscow cannot capture Kyiv or the hearts of Ukrainians. Putin's stated military objective of "de-Nazification" of Ukraine is either non-existent or was achieved months ago. In the practical world of wise diplomacy, Putin would be offered an honourable exit with some assurances so that sovereign Ukraine can resume its poise without everyday bloodshed or constant fear. That might also lead to loud sighs of relief from Scandinavia. For all that, what we need is enlightened diplomacy, not bumbling bravado.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/ukraine-and-pakistan-friends-enemies-or-frenemies-564017">Ukraine and Pakistan: Friends, enemies or frenemies?</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi came closest to a somewhat credible response when he muttered something about this not being an era of wars to Putin. Was that a flash in the diplomatic pan? The smartest thing would now be for beleaguered European Union or its prime economic engine, Germany, to reach out to India and do something meaningful to truly figure out what Putin wants and give him an honourable exit and/or assurance package. &nbsp;India's G-20 presidency offers a pinhole for light to enter the dark tunnel behind Biden's photogenic overtures. India's rivalry or coldness towards China, and Beijing's own reticence in being too involved in things away from its borders may well earn some brownie points for it to bridge a horrible trust deficit between the West and Moscow. Involving Japan in the equation might give peace a further nudge.

There is a limit to which a neutral country can get involved in this, but the EU, Scandinavia, Russia and Ukraine itself have the most skin in the game and therefore the imperative for action. &nbsp;India can perhaps walk its talk as the voice of the Global South in the G-20 grouping by actually talking to the real Global South -- the vast comity of nations in the UN General Assembly below the glass ceiling above which sits the fractured Security Council whose influential members are inept powers lacking credibility or a spirit of consensus.

Giving peace a chance may be a better idea than war games behind glossy photo ops.

(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.)&nbsp;

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If photo opportunities could stop wars and resolve complex diplomatic tangles, they would have done so long ago. This is the thought that comes to me after US President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Kyiv and promised more military aid for Ukraine and more economic sanctions against Russia to end their war that is reaching its first anniversary this week.

If photo opportunities could stop wars and resolve complex diplomatic tangles, they would have done so long ago. This is the thought that comes to me after US President Joe Biden made a surprise visit to Kyiv and promised more military aid for Ukraine and more economic sanctions against Russia to end their war that is reaching its first anniversary this week. This is not exactly a happy marriage for us to be celebrating anniversaries but there is much in Biden's body language that invites dark humour. There's a lot that it did not reveal, including the complicated nature of the situation that has put all of Europe in economic and political turmoil, apart from the United States' own poor track record as a global supercop. Watch | Biden declares ‘Kyiv stands’ in surprise visit to Ukraine × The imagery of refugees literally falling off a flying aircraft while trying to escape the return of the Taliban after the departure of US troops from Afghanistan will remain as rich as that of the naked girl running after a Vietnam War bombing incident. Both are photographs that tell us of flaming American failure. Diplomatic hell paved with Uncle Sam's good intentions can make many a historian or military expert's career. But peace? No, sir. Biden walking the streets of Kyiv and patting President Volodymyr Zelensky on the back like a patronising baseball coach would have looked good had this been an American university playoff. Sadly, this is a different arena far removed from the Transatlantic insurance that an ocean in the middle offers for the wonks at the State Department. Joe Biden is not GI Joe. There is no American blood falling on Ukraine's fertile soil. Also Read | Biden in Ukraine: A perfect photo-op, but why now? Is it too little, too late? The big question is: Who will bell the cat a.k.a. Vladimir Putin? As things stand, the Russia-Ukraine war is in a situation that would in typical diplospeak be described as a stalemate, logjam or gridlock. There is no end in sight, and there is no clue on what is going on inside Putin's mind, as Biden himself elegantly admitted. Somalia, Afghanistan, Vietnam and Iran stand testimony to the limits of a lapsed superpower. But I would not waste words like 'stalemate' on a situation where blood is flowing every day. Moscow and Europe have economic guns pointing to each other's head thanks to the fuel linkages and geographic proximity between the two. Putin's hold over his country shows no sign of weakening significantly. Moscow cannot capture Kyiv or the hearts of Ukrainians. Putin's stated military objective of "de-Nazification" of Ukraine is either non-existent or was achieved months ago. In the practical world of wise diplomacy, Putin would be offered an honourable exit with some assurances so that sovereign Ukraine can resume its poise without everyday bloodshed or constant fear. That might also lead to loud sighs of relief from Scandinavia. For all that, what we need is enlightened diplomacy, not bumbling bravado. Also Read | Ukraine and Pakistan: Friends, enemies or frenemies? Prime Minister Narendra Modi came closest to a somewhat credible response when he muttered something about this not being an era of wars to Putin. Was that a flash in the diplomatic pan? The smartest thing would now be for beleaguered European Union or its prime economic engine, Germany, to reach out to India and do something meaningful to truly figure out what Putin wants and give him an honourable exit and/or assurance package. India's G-20 presidency offers a pinhole for light to enter the dark tunnel behind Biden's photogenic overtures. India's rivalry or coldness towards China, and Beijing's own reticence in being too involved in things away from its borders may well earn some brownie points for it to bridge a horrible trust deficit between the West and Moscow. Involving Japan in the equation might give peace a further nudge. There is a limit to which a neutral country can get involved in this, but the EU, Scandinavia, Russia and Ukraine itself have the most skin in the game and therefore the imperative for action. India can perhaps walk its talk as the voice of the Global South in the G-20 grouping by actually talking to the real Global South -- the vast comity of nations in the UN General Assembly below the glass ceiling above which sits the fractured Security Council whose influential members are inept powers lacking credibility or a spirit of consensus. Giving peace a chance may be a better idea than war games behind glossy photo ops. (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 ×

Biden gives war a chance in Kyiv, but it is time to talk peace in Ukraine

Recent proposals from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) suggest a pathway is being explored to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to return to competition as neutrals, including at next year’s Olympics.

2024 Paris Olympics: Chorus over potential boycott grows | Latest English News

As US President Joe Biden visited Ukraine to meet with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, China's top diplomat Wang Yi is due to visit Russia. According to reports, the Chinese diplomat is likely to visit Moscow on Tuesday.

Top Chinese Diplomat Wang Yi to visit Russia to discuss Ukraine War | World News | WION

Ministers of the European Union nations are meeting in Brussels to discuss the latest round of sanctions against Moscow and support for Ukraine. Top diplomats have warned that the European Union must find ways to quickly provide thousands of artillery shells to Ukraine.

European Union ministers meet in Brussels; EU pledges unwavering support to Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his long-delayed state-of-the-nation address, saying that the West cynically cheated its people. Putin alleged that Kyiv held talks with the West for supply of weapons before Russia's military operation in 2022.

Russia-Ukraine war | Putin: Not a war with people of Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday in a strong-worded speech against West announced that Moscow was suspending the major remaining nuclear arms control treaty, called the New START treaty, with the US. Meanwhile, Wang Yi China's top diplomat is visting Moscow, a visit that coincides one year of Russia's war on Ukraine. Amoung other news, another earthquake of 6.3 magnitude hit Turkey on Monday, killing at least 6 people.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-announces-suspension-of-nuke-arms-control-treaty-with-us-564382">Russian President Vladimir Putin announces suspension of nuke arms control treaty with US</a>

 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/21/333956-putin-2.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday announced that Moscow was suspending the major remaining nuclear arms control treaty, called the New START treaty, with the US amidst tensions with Washington over the invasion of Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-top-diplomat-to-visit-russia-amid-beijings-call-to-end-ukraine-war-564123">China's top diplomat to visit Russia amid Beijing's call to end Ukraine war</a>

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Wang Yi, the top Beijing diplomat appointed Chinese leader Xi Jinping's top foreign policy adviser last month, is scheduled to visit Moscow this week. The visit coincides one year of Russia's initiation of 'special military operations' in Ukraine, which quickly amplified into a full-fledged war between the two sides. 
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/several-reported-trapped-under-rubble-after-another-earthquake-hits-turkey-3-dead-564129">Several reported trapped under rubble after another earthquake hits Turkey; 6 dead</a>

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Another earthquake in Turkey on Monday left people scrambling to seek shelter in safer places. The &nbsp;6.4-magnitude quake comes two weeks after a massive quake that killed over 47,000 people in Turkey and Syria. Another earthquake of magnitude 5.6 hit the region soon after. The new earthquake was centred near the southern Turkish city of Antakya and was also felt in Syria, Egypt and Lebanon. It struck at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles), the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/italian-pm-giorgia-meloni-arrives-in-kyiv-by-train-from-poland-564369">Italian PM Giorgia Meloni arrives in Kyiv by train from Poland</a> 
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With just days to go in Russia-Ukraine one-year war anniversary, world leaders are visiting Kyiv in a show of their solidarity towards the war-torn country. A day after US President Joe Biden visited Kyiv on a surprise visit, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also touched down the Ukrainian capital on Tuesday, her spokesman told AFP news agency.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/air-india-on-a-hiring-spree-with-one-role-paying-as-much-as-rs-2-crore-564281">Air India on a hiring spree with one role paying as much as Rs 2 crore</a> 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/17/333060-a5l4gzqyqbphlo2hdjfz3qrg2m.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Air India is preparing for the mega order that it has placed with Boeing and Airbus by hiring staff across ranks and roles. The airline placed an order for 470 aircraft few days back. Its current staff strength allows it to support just around 140 planes. According to Business Today, some of the positions come with a pay package of Rs two crore, the biggest of which is that of &nbsp;B777 Captains.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-supreme-court-to-hear-crucial-case-on-law-linked-to-future-of-internet-564345">US Supreme Court to hear case that could decide future of internet</a>

 
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A law that has protected big tech companies in the United States since 1996 from lawsuits over content posted on their platforms will be considered by the Supreme Court on Tuesday (February 21). The top court is set to hear a bid to weaken the legislation, which is linked to a case over November 2015 Paris attacks. The ruling - expected by June 30 - could have serious consequences vis a vis the future of the internet.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rushdie-now-no-more-than-living-dead-iran-to-reward-attacker-with-1000-square-metres-land-564269">'Salman Rushdie now no more than living dead': Iran to reward attacker with 1,000 square metres land</a> 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/21/333887-untitled-design-86.png?imwidth=1920" />

An Iranian foundation has lauded the man who attacked writer Salman Rushdie last year, seriously injuring him, and announced that it will reward him with 1,000 square metres of agricultural land, according to state TV on Tuesday through its Telegram channel. After being attacked by a Shi'ite Muslim American from New Jersey, 24, on the stage of a literary event in western New York in August near Lake Erie, Rushdie, 75, lost an eye and the use of one hand, as reported by AFP.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/disappointing-to-see-venkatesh-prasad-blasts-aakash-chopra-for-calling-him-agenda-peddle-vs-kl-rahul-564407">'Disappointing to see...': Venkatesh Prasad blasts Aakash Chopra for calling him 'agenda peddle' vs KL Rahul</a> 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/21/333964-prasad-blasts-aakash-chopra-for-calling-him-agenda-peddle-against-kl-rahul.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

KL Rahul's place in the Indian team has become a big talking point. While Rohit Sharma-led India are on a roll versus Australia and gained an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy following the Delhi Test, Rahul finds himself in a spot of bother owing to his poor run of form in whites. In the last 12 innings, he has only managed 198 runs. In addition, he has a total of 38 runs in the three outings in the ongoing series.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/shawn-mendes-opens-up-on-cancelling-his-tour-last-year-amid-mental-health-issues-564404">Shawn Mendes opens up on cancelling his tour last year amid mental health issues</a> 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/21/333969-horizons-41.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Shawn Mendes had to cancel his tour last year to focus on his mental health. The hit singer is now reflecting on what he went through and why cancelling that tour was so important. “The process was very difficult. A lot of therapy, a lot of trying to understand how I was feeling and what was making me feel that way and then doing the work to help myself and heal. And also leaning on people in my life to help a little bit,” said Shawn.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/jk-rowling-gets-second-apology-from-bbc-over-transphobic-views-564410">JK Rowling gets second apology from BBC over transphobic views</a> 
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<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2018/09/11/6075-GettyImages-152849173-20160704070731.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

JK Rowling got an apology from BBC for the second time in a row in less than a month. This, after they accused the popular author of having transphobic views on a live current affairs show.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday in a strong-worded speech against West announced that Moscow was suspending the major remaining nuclear arms control treaty, called the New START treaty, with the US.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday in a strong-worded speech against West announced that Moscow was suspending the major remaining nuclear arms control treaty, called the New START treaty, with the US. Meanwhile, Wang Yi China's top diplomat is visting Moscow, a visit that coincides one year of Russia's war on Ukraine. Amoung other news, another earthquake of 6.3 magnitude hit Turkey on Monday, killing at least 6 people. Click on the headlines to read more. Russian President Vladimir Putin announces suspension of nuke arms control treaty with US Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday announced that Moscow was suspending the major remaining nuclear arms control treaty, called the New START treaty, with the US amidst tensions with Washington over the invasion of Ukraine. China's top diplomat to visit Russia amid Beijing's call to end Ukraine war Wang Yi, the top Beijing diplomat appointed Chinese leader Xi Jinping's top foreign policy adviser last month, is scheduled to visit Moscow this week. The visit coincides one year of Russia's initiation of 'special military operations' in Ukraine, which quickly amplified into a full-fledged war between the two sides. Several reported trapped under rubble after another earthquake hits Turkey; 6 dead Another earthquake in Turkey on Monday left people scrambling to seek shelter in safer places. The 6.4-magnitude quake comes two weeks after a massive quake that killed over 47,000 people in Turkey and Syria. Another earthquake of magnitude 5.6 hit the region soon after. The new earthquake was centred near the southern Turkish city of Antakya and was also felt in Syria, Egypt and Lebanon. It struck at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles), the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said. Italian PM Giorgia Meloni arrives in Kyiv by train from Poland With just days to go in Russia-Ukraine one-year war anniversary, world leaders are visiting Kyiv in a show of their solidarity towards the war-torn country. A day after US President Joe Biden visited Kyiv on a surprise visit, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also touched down the Ukrainian capital on Tuesday, her spokesman told AFP news agency. Air India on a hiring spree with one role paying as much as Rs 2 crore Air India is preparing for the mega order that it has placed with Boeing and Airbus by hiring staff across ranks and roles. The airline placed an order for 470 aircraft few days back. Its current staff strength allows it to support just around 140 planes. According to Business Today, some of the positions come with a pay package of Rs two crore, the biggest of which is that of B777 Captains. US Supreme Court to hear case that could decide future of internet A law that has protected big tech companies in the United States since 1996 from lawsuits over content posted on their platforms will be considered by the Supreme Court on Tuesday (February 21). The top court is set to hear a bid to weaken the legislation, which is linked to a case over November 2015 Paris attacks. The ruling - expected by June 30 - could have serious consequences vis a vis the future of the internet. 'Salman Rushdie now no more than living dead': Iran to reward attacker with 1,000 square metres land An Iranian foundation has lauded the man who attacked writer Salman Rushdie last year, seriously injuring him, and announced that it will reward him with 1,000 square metres of agricultural land, according to state TV on Tuesday through its Telegram channel. After being attacked by a Shi'ite Muslim American from New Jersey, 24, on the stage of a literary event in western New York in August near Lake Erie, Rushdie, 75, lost an eye and the use of one hand, as reported by AFP. 'Disappointing to see...': Venkatesh Prasad blasts Aakash Chopra for calling him 'agenda peddle' vs KL Rahul KL Rahul's place in the Indian team has become a big talking point. While Rohit Sharma-led India are on a roll versus Australia and gained an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy following the Delhi Test, Rahul finds himself in a spot of bother owing to his poor run of form in whites. In the last 12 innings, he has only managed 198 runs. In addition, he has a total of 38 runs in the three outings in the ongoing series. Shawn Mendes opens up on cancelling his tour last year amid mental health issues Shawn Mendes had to cancel his tour last year to focus on his mental health. The hit singer is now reflecting on what he went through and why cancelling that tour was so important. “The process was very difficult. A lot of therapy, a lot of trying to understand how I was feeling and what was making me feel that way and then doing the work to help myself and heal. And also leaning on people in my life to help a little bit,” said Shawn. JK Rowling gets second apology from BBC over transphobic views JK Rowling got an apology from BBC for the second time in a row in less than a month. This, after they accused the popular author of having transphobic views on a live current affairs show.

Top 10 world news: Putin suspends nuke arms control treaty with US, Wang Yi to visit Russia, and more

Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang on Tuesday urged the international community not to draw parallels between Ukraine and Taiwan, a self-ruled nation which Beijing claims as its own.

He said that China was deeply concerned over the situation unfolding in Ukraine, and brushed aside speculations that were highlighted frequently that Beijing was closely watching Kyiv in a bid to carry out a similar invasion against Taiwan.

“It has been almost a year since the full escalation of the Ukraine crisis. The international community is watching the developments closely. China is deeply worried about the escalation of the conflict and a possible spiral out of control,” Qin said during the unveiling of President Xi Jinping’s new “Global Security Initiative” (GSI).

“In the meantime, we urge certain countries to immediately stop fuelling the fire, stop shifting blame to China, and stop touting ‘Ukraine today, Taiwan tomorrow’,” Qin said, according to an official readout of his speech released by the Chinese foreign ministry.

In his remarks, Qin attempted to portray China as a neutral and responsible world power, working for peace amid global turmoil.

“Since the outbreak of the (Ukraine) crisis, China has taken an objective and impartial stance based on the merits of the issue,” Qin said.

He retreated Beijing’s push for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries saying that the legitimate security concerns of all countries must be taken seriously.

“China - which has provided strong political backing to Russia on Ukraine and has never described Moscow’s action as an invasion,” Qin said, adding that it will continue to promote peace talks, contribute its ideas for a political settlement of the crisis, and join the international community to promote dialogue and consultation, address the concerns of all parties and seek common security.

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Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang on Tuesday urged the international community not to draw parallels between Ukraine and Taiwan, a self-ruled nation which Beijing claims as its own.

Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang on Tuesday urged the international community not to draw parallels between Ukraine and Taiwan, a self-ruled nation which Beijing claims as its own. He said that China was deeply concerned over the situation unfolding in Ukraine, and brushed aside speculations that were highlighted frequently that Beijing was closely watching Kyiv in a bid to carry out a similar invasion against Taiwan. “It has been almost a year since the full escalation of the Ukraine crisis. The international community is watching the developments closely. China is deeply worried about the escalation of the conflict and a possible spiral out of control,” Qin said during the unveiling of President Xi Jinping’s new “Global Security Initiative” (GSI). “In the meantime, we urge certain countries to immediately stop fuelling the fire, stop shifting blame to China, and stop touting ‘Ukraine today, Taiwan tomorrow’,” Qin said, according to an official readout of his speech released by the Chinese foreign ministry. In his remarks, Qin attempted to portray China as a neutral and responsible world power, working for peace amid global turmoil. “Since the outbreak of the (Ukraine) crisis, China has taken an objective and impartial stance based on the merits of the issue,” Qin said. He retreated Beijing’s push for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries saying that the legitimate security concerns of all countries must be taken seriously. “China - which has provided strong political backing to Russia on Ukraine and has never described Moscow’s action as an invasion,” Qin said, adding that it will continue to promote peace talks, contribute its ideas for a political settlement of the crisis, and join the international community to promote dialogue and consultation, address the concerns of all parties and seek common security. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Don’t draw parallels between Ukraine and Taiwan, says Chinese foreign minister

The Ukraine conflict has displaced 14 million people, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said on Tuesday (February 21) as he lamented the human cost of the war, which is set to complete a year on February 24. In the last 12 months, according to the UN, at least 8,000 people have died and over 13,000 people have been injured. Around 18 million people are in dire need of humanitarian assistance, he said, as the country faces electricity and water shortages during the cold winter months. “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; suffering I saw for myself first hand when I visited Ukraine in December. And our data are only the tip of the iceberg," Türk was quoted as saying in a official statement as he described the toll on civilians as "unbearable".

Around 90.3 per cent of civilian casualties have been caused by explosive weapons with wide area effects, including artillery shells, cruise and ballistic missiles, and air strikes. A majority of these strikes took place in populated areas. The casualties are likely much higher.

“The very young to the very old have all been affected. Students have seen their education halted or disrupted by attacks on educational facilities, while older people and people with disabilities have faced immense challenges, in some cases unable to reach bomb shelters or having to spend prolonged periods in basements in conditions affecting their health," the UN Human Rights Chief said. Many civilians were killed when they were performing daily tasks, such as collecting water and buying food."

“This senseless war has reverberated across the world. Higher costs of food and fuel as a result have deepened misery on a global scale, especially among those who were already the most vulnerable.&nbsp;

Watch: Here’s how much the Ukraine war is expected to cost Germany by the end of 2023

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Putin blames western nations yet again 
Days before the Ukraine war enters the second year, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday lashed out at the United States and other nations, supporting Ukraine, over sanctions against Moscow. "As I said, the West has turned against Russia not only a military and information force, but also an economic one. But it has not achieved its goals anywhere and it will not. Moreover, those who initiated the sanctions have punished themselves, caused price increases, job losses, business closures and an energy crisis in their countries. And they tell their own citizens, and we hear that: that the Russians are to blame for everything," he said, stepping up the attacks against western nations.

 
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/ukraine-and-pakistan-friends-enemies-or-frenemies-564017">Opinion| Ukraine and Pakistan: Friends, enemies or frenemies?</a>

His comments come a day after US President Joe Biden's surprise visit to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv as he met Volodymyr Zelensky in a show of support.

(With inputs from agencies)

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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>.

The Ukraine conflict has displaced 14 million people, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said on Tuesday (February 21) as he lamented the human cost of the war, which is set to complete a year on February 24.

The Ukraine conflict has displaced 14 million people, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said on Tuesday (February 21) as he lamented the human cost of the war, which is set to complete a year on February 24. In the last 12 months, according to the UN, at least 8,000 people have died and over 13,000 people have been injured. Around 18 million people are in dire need of humanitarian assistance, he said, as the country faces electricity and water shortages during the cold winter months. “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; suffering I saw for myself first hand when I visited Ukraine in December. And our data are only the tip of the iceberg," Türk was quoted as saying in a official statement as he described the toll on civilians as "unbearable". Around 90.3 per cent of civilian casualties have been caused by explosive weapons with wide area effects, including artillery shells, cruise and ballistic missiles, and air strikes. A majority of these strikes took place in populated areas. The casualties are likely much higher. “The very young to the very old have all been affected. Students have seen their education halted or disrupted by attacks on educational facilities, while older people and people with disabilities have faced immense challenges, in some cases unable to reach bomb shelters or having to spend prolonged periods in basements in conditions affecting their health," the UN Human Rights Chief said. Many civilians were killed when they were performing daily tasks, such as collecting water and buying food." “This senseless war has reverberated across the world. Higher costs of food and fuel as a result have deepened misery on a global scale, especially among those who were already the most vulnerable. Watch: Here’s how much the Ukraine war is expected to cost Germany by the end of 2023 × Putin blames western nations yet again Days before the Ukraine war enters the second year, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday lashed out at the United States and other nations, supporting Ukraine, over sanctions against Moscow. "As I said, the West has turned against Russia not only a military and information force, but also an economic one. But it has not achieved its goals anywhere and it will not. Moreover, those who initiated the sanctions have punished themselves, caused price increases, job losses, business closures and an energy crisis in their countries. And they tell their own citizens, and we hear that: that the Russians are to blame for everything," he said, stepping up the attacks against western nations. Also read: Opinion| Ukraine and Pakistan: Friends, enemies or frenemies? His comments come a day after US President Joe Biden's surprise visit to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv as he met Volodymyr Zelensky in a show of support. (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.

'Tip of iceberg': UN reveals data linked to human cost of Ukraine war

The first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine is here. With no end in sight to the war, the West is renewing military aid to Ukraine. Among the Ukraine allies, Germany is one of the frontrunners in sending weapons to Ukraine. Watch this video to find out how the Ukraine war is expected to cost Germany by the end of 2023.

Here’s how much the Ukraine war is expected to cost Germany by the end of 2023

Here’s how much the Ukraine war is expected to cost Germany by the end

Here’s how much the Ukraine war is expected to cost Germany by the

With just days to go in Russia-Ukraine one-year war anniversary, world leaders are visiting Kyiv in a show of their solidarity towards the war-torn country. A day after US President Joe Biden visited Kyiv on a surprise visit, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also touched down the Ukrainian capital on Tuesday, her spokesman told AFP news agency.&nbsp;

Meloni is expected to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during her visit.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/miracle-baby-aya-born-under-turkey-quake-rubble-adopted-by-her-aunt-uncle-564352">Miracle baby 'Aya', born under Turkey quake rubble, adopted by her aunt, uncle</a>

According to Italy's La Repubblica newspaper, Meloni arrived in Kyiv around noon by train, which departed from Przemysl railway station in Poland on February 21. Ahead of her arrival in Kyiv, Meloni also visited Poland and held talks with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and President Andrzej Duda.&nbsp;

"I thank the President of the Republic of Poland&nbsp;@AndrzejDuda&nbsp;for his friendship and for the cordial and fruitful meeting we had today in Warsaw. The bond between Italy and Poland is strong and solid in the bilateral, European and international arena," she tweeted after meeting the Poland president.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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As per an earlier Reuters report, which quoted an anonymous source, Meloni was speculated to travel to Kyiv on Monday, 20 February.&nbsp;Meloni, who took office in October, last year has been a firm supporter of Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict despite disputes over the issue within her right-wing ruling coalition and divided public opinion.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Italy and France said that they have finalised technical talks for the joint delivery of a SAMP/T-MAMBA air defence system to Kyiv in the spring of this year. The European-made defence system is said to be the only one that can intercept ballistic missiles. Additionally, it can also track dozens of targets and intercept 10 at the same time.&nbsp;

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Meanwhile, the Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and one of the founders of Berlusconi’s party, on Saturday, met with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference and reaffirmed Italy’s support amid the ongoing conflict.&nbsp;

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With just days to go in Russia-Ukraine one-year war anniversary, world leaders are visiting Kyiv in a show of their solidarity towards the war-torn country. A day after US President Joe Biden visited Kyiv on a surprise visit, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also touched down the Ukrainian capital on Tuesday, her spokesman told AFP news agency.

With just days to go in Russia-Ukraine one-year war anniversary, world leaders are visiting Kyiv in a show of their solidarity towards the war-torn country. A day after US President Joe Biden visited Kyiv on a surprise visit, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also touched down the Ukrainian capital on Tuesday, her spokesman told AFP news agency. Meloni is expected to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during her visit. Also Read | Miracle baby 'Aya', born under Turkey quake rubble, adopted by her aunt, uncle According to Italy's La Repubblica newspaper, Meloni arrived in Kyiv around noon by train, which departed from Przemysl railway station in Poland on February 21. Ahead of her arrival in Kyiv, Meloni also visited Poland and held talks with Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and President Andrzej Duda. "I thank the President of the Republic of Poland @AndrzejDuda for his friendship and for the cordial and fruitful meeting we had today in Warsaw. The bond between Italy and Poland is strong and solid in the bilateral, European and international arena," she tweeted after meeting the Poland president. Also Read | Indian Poet Javed Akhtar, at Lahore event, says 26/11 terrorists roaming free in Pakistan As per an earlier Reuters report, which quoted an anonymous source, Meloni was speculated to travel to Kyiv on Monday, 20 February. Meloni, who took office in October, last year has been a firm supporter of Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict despite disputes over the issue within her right-wing ruling coalition and divided public opinion. Earlier this month, Italy and France said that they have finalised technical talks for the joint delivery of a SAMP/T-MAMBA air defence system to Kyiv in the spring of this year. The European-made defence system is said to be the only one that can intercept ballistic missiles. Additionally, it can also track dozens of targets and intercept 10 at the same time. Watch | Air India begins massive hiring, pilots' salary crosses Rs 2 crore Meanwhile, the Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and one of the founders of Berlusconi’s party, on Saturday, met with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference and reaffirmed Italy’s support amid the ongoing conflict. 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.

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni arrives in Kyiv by train from Poland

Days after Moldova accused Russia of plotting to topple the country's pro-EU government, the Kremlin on Monday lashed back saying the Chisinau is "slipping into anti-Russian hysteria."&nbsp;Russia's war has instilled deep-seated fears in Moldovia, which shares about&nbsp;1,222km (759 miles) border with Ukraine, that the war may spill over.&nbsp;

Russia has already denied any indulgence to overthrow the government in Moldova however the verbal spat continues between the countries' leadership.&nbsp;Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday told reporters that Russia's relations with Moldova are "already very tense,"

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"The leadership always focuses on everything anti-Russian, they are slipping into anti-Russian hysteria," he added.&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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Another pressure point in the relationship between both countries is Moldova's push to become a part of the European Union. Ever since the country was granted EU candidate status in June of last year, the country has been facing intense pushback from Moscow.&nbsp;

President Maia Sandu said EU membership is the only way to protect the country's democracy.&nbsp;

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“The task of the new government is to provide security to the citizens and put the Republic of Moldova on a path of reconstruction and development, despite the crises,” she said.&nbsp;“We need decisive steps to strengthen the security of the country. The war in Ukraine continues, and this war carries risks for us.”

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Days after Moldova accused Russia of plotting to topple the country's pro-EU government, the Kremlin on Monday lashed back saying the Chisinau is "slipping into anti-Russian hysteria.

Days after Moldova accused Russia of plotting to topple the country's pro-EU government, the Kremlin on Monday lashed back saying the Chisinau is "slipping into anti-Russian hysteria." Russia's war has instilled deep-seated fears in Moldovia, which shares about 1,222km (759 miles) border with Ukraine, that the war may spill over. Russia has already denied any indulgence to overthrow the government in Moldova however the verbal spat continues between the countries' leadership. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Monday told reporters that Russia's relations with Moldova are "already very tense," Also Read | US President Joe Biden lands in Kyiv on surprise visit, announces more arms supplies for Ukraine "The leadership always focuses on everything anti-Russian, they are slipping into anti-Russian hysteria," he added. 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. Also Read | Undercover investigation reveals women's sexual abuse on British-owned Kenyan tea farms Another pressure point in the relationship between both countries is Moldova's push to become a part of the European Union. Ever since the country was granted EU candidate status in June of last year, the country has been facing intense pushback from Moscow. President Maia Sandu said EU membership is the only way to protect the country's democracy. Watch | Ukraine: Biden arrives in Kyiv on surprise visit “The task of the new government is to provide security to the citizens and put the Republic of Moldova on a path of reconstruction and development, despite the crises,” she said. “We need decisive steps to strengthen the security of the country. The war in Ukraine continues, and this war carries risks for us.” 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.

After coup plot allegations, Kremlin accuses Moldova of anti-Russian 'hysteria'

The war in Ukraine is going to complete a year on the 24th of February. But over this period, the war also impacted the nature. @eriknjoka tells you what Ukraine is doing to keep a tab on this devastation.

Ukraine counts war's cost for nature

Since the war in Ukraine, traveling within cities have been hampered because of the continuous Russian attack but things are slowly returning to normal. Watch the video to know more.

Ukraine: Life in Kyiv returning back to normal, more families traveling again

Russia-Ukraine war : Putin hits out at U.S.' global military presence

Watch the video to know what is happening around the world.

WION Speed News: China 'deeply worried' over Ukraine war; Taiwan bolstering military ties with US

China says it is 'deeply worried' over Ukraine conflict

Ahead of the one-year anniversary of Russia's war in Ukraine, US President Joe Biden has landed in Kyiv on a surprise visit. This is his first visit to Ukraine since Russia invaded the European country on 24 February last year.

U.S President Biden's surprise Kyiv visit

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