13 million barrels of Russian oil have been imported by India since February. Recently, the US has issued a warning against rising oil imports and is ready to enforce more sanctions against Russia.

US warns against rising oil imports, New Delhi continues to buy Russian oil

Russia has turned to India for support amid global isolation. However, US warned India against expecting help from Russia.

Russian FM Sergei Lavrov to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

The Kremlin has declined to comment regarding Russia's crackdown on the press last month passing a law that bans the dissemination of deliberately false information making dissent in Russia even more dangerous and offenders may face up to 15 years in jail.

Misinformation on war: Offenders in Russia to face up to 15 years in jail

UK foreign secretary Liz Truss is in India to rally support against Russia. The foreign secretary is holding a meeting with India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Russia-Ukraine crisis: UK & Russian foreign ministers in India seek support

Amid an ongoing geopolitical flux in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov met his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar today in New Delhi. Lavrov is also expected to meet Indian PM Narendra Modi in the evening along with Indian national security advisor Ajit Doval.

Lavrov lauds India for 'balanced' stance, 'West is linking all international crisis to Ukraine'

New Delhi was slammed for taking the diplomatic route, US called India 'shaky' for not picking sides. This largely because the latter believes that picking side will only aggravate the situation.

Is India a mutual table for peace takes amid ongoing Russia Ukraine crisis?

A study revealed that Facebook failed to label 80 per cent of the posts spreading disinformation about biological weapons theory. A conspiracy theory taking root online and being discussed even in America says that the US is funding use of bioweapons in Ukraine. US government has denied the speculations.

However, a study carried out by a nonprofit disinformation research group revealed that Facebook failed to declare 80 per cent of posts with labels like “missing context”, containing “partly false information” or “false information”.

The study carried out by the group Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) sampled Facebook posts made between February 24 and March 14. These posts reportedly led to external articles that contained disinformation about bioweapons.

Imran Ahmed, Chief Executive of CCDH was quoted in media reports as saying that if researchers from the group were able to easily spot the posts, it was within Meta's capabilities to spot and label them.

The US government has strongly refuted the allegations raised because of the conspiracy theory. The US has said that the conspiracy theory may be part of Russian efforts to spread disinformation so that a potential use of chemical weapons against Ukraine can be justified in the future.&nbsp;

“Russia’s propaganda campaigns have benefited for years from Meta turning a blind eye to disinformation,” Ahmed said as quoted by The Guardian “Despite taking action against state channels under enormous pressure, Meta is failing badly to contain major disinformation narratives that benefit Putin’s regime.”

A study revealed that Facebook failed to label 80 per cent of the posts spreading disinformation about biological weapons theory. A conspiracy theory taking root online and being discussed even in America says that the US is funding use of bioweapons in Ukraine.

A study revealed that Facebook failed to label 80 per cent of the posts spreading disinformation about biological weapons theory. A conspiracy theory taking root online and being discussed even in America says that the US is funding use of bioweapons in Ukraine. US government has denied the speculations. However, a study carried out by a nonprofit disinformation research group revealed that Facebook failed to declare 80 per cent of posts with labels like “missing context”, containing “partly false information” or “false information”. The study carried out by the group Center for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) sampled Facebook posts made between February 24 and March 14. These posts reportedly led to external articles that contained disinformation about bioweapons. Imran Ahmed, Chief Executive of CCDH was quoted in media reports as saying that if researchers from the group were able to easily spot the posts, it was within Meta's capabilities to spot and label them. The US government has strongly refuted the allegations raised because of the conspiracy theory. The US has said that the conspiracy theory may be part of Russian efforts to spread disinformation so that a potential use of chemical weapons against Ukraine can be justified in the future. “Russia’s propaganda campaigns have benefited for years from Meta turning a blind eye to disinformation,” Ahmed said as quoted by The Guardian “Despite taking action against state channels under enormous pressure, Meta is failing badly to contain major disinformation narratives that benefit Putin’s regime.”

Facebook failed to label most posts spreading Ukraine bioweapons disinformation, says study

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. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday (March 30) claimed that the Ukrainian forces are preparing for new Russian attacks in the east of the country. Dismissing Russia's vows to de-escalate fighting, Zelensky said in a video address to the nation that the Russian troops were regrouping to strike the eastern Donbass region. Zelensky said, "We don't believe anyone, not a single beautiful phrase. We will not give anything away. We will fight for every meter of our territory." After another round of peace talks in Istanbul on Tuesday (March 29), a Russian negotiator said Moscow would "radically" scale back its attacks around the capital Kyiv and the northern city of Chernigiv. However, reports mentioned that shelling continued during the night. A day after, US military officials said Russian forces did begin to pull out of the defunct Chernobyl nuclear power site north of Kyiv. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian leader said in his video address that any retreat by Russian forces was "the result of the work of our defenders." "Freedom must be armed as well as tyranny," Zelensky said, claiming that as the centre of the global fight for freedom, Ukraine has the right to demand weapons from the international community, including tanks, planes, artillery systems. Important to note that the Donbass region encompasses two self-proclaimed "people's republics" that Russia says it is helping to free from Ukrainian control. The leader of the Donetsk People's Republic, Denis Pushilin, said on Wednesday that offensive operations were intensifying. Donetsk includes the besieged port city of Mariupol, which has seen some of the war's heaviest fighting and bombardment and where about 170,000 people are trapped with scarce food and water. WATCH | Gravitas: Donbas rebel republics to join Russia? × (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky says Ukraine preparing for new Russian offensive in the east, dismisses Russian claims of scaleback

Ukrainian forces are preparing for new Russian attacks in the east of the country as Moscow builds up its troops there after suffering setbacks near the capital Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday. 
 
FIGHTING 
 
* The mayor of Chernihiv said Russian bombardment had intensified over the past 24 hours, with more than 100,000 people trapped with supplies to last about a week. 
 
* Russian forces have taken half of the strategic port of Mariupol, said an adviser to Zelenskiy. 
 
* Russia`s defence ministry said it was prepared to observe a ceasefire in Mariupol on Thursday, Russian news agencies reported. 
 
* Nearly 5,000 people have been killed, the Mariupol mayor`s office estimates, and about 170,000 people remain trapped amid ruins without food, heat, power or running water. Many more have fled. Reuters has been unable to verify the figures. 
 
DIPLOMACY 
 
* Russia and Ukraine to resume peace talks online on April 1, said a senior Ukrainian official, after the latest round of face-to-face negotiations ended in Turkey. 
 
* Russian President Putin was misled by advisers who were too scared to tell him how poorly the war in Ukraine is going and how damaging Western sanctions have been, a U.S. official said, citing declassified intelligence.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russias-tactical-nuclear-weapons-arsenal-will-putin-use-it-466893">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Russia's tactical nuclear weapons arsenal: Will Putin use it?</a> 
 
ECONOMY 
 
* Russia demanded oil and gas payments be made in roubles by Friday, raising fears of energy shortages and boosting recessionary risks in Europe. Germany has warned of a possible emergency if Russia cuts supplies. 
 
* The United States is considering a plan to release roughly a million barrels of oil a day from U.S. reserves for several months, to combat rising fuel prices caused by the Ukraine war, Bloomberg News reported. 
 
HUMANITARIAN CONCERNS 
 
* Russia may have committed war crimes by killing civilians and destroying hospitals in its pounding of Ukrainian cities, the top United Nations human rights official said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-war-what-panzerfaust-3-weapons-can-do-against-russian-tanks-466330">Also Read:&nbsp;Ukraine war: What Panzerfaust 3 weapons can do against Russian tanks</a> 
 
QUOTES 
 
* "We cook what we find among neighbours. A bit of cabbage, a bit more of potatoes, we`ve found tomato paste, some beetroot," said former steel worker Viktor from Mariupol.

Ukrainian forces are preparing for new Russian attacks in the east of the country as Moscow builds up its troops there after suffering setbacks near the capital Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday.

Ukrainian forces are preparing for new Russian attacks in the east of the country as Moscow builds up its troops there after suffering setbacks near the capital Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday. FIGHTING * The mayor of Chernihiv said Russian bombardment had intensified over the past 24 hours, with more than 100,000 people trapped with supplies to last about a week. * Russian forces have taken half of the strategic port of Mariupol, said an adviser to Zelenskiy. * Russia`s defence ministry said it was prepared to observe a ceasefire in Mariupol on Thursday, Russian news agencies reported. * Nearly 5,000 people have been killed, the Mariupol mayor`s office estimates, and about 170,000 people remain trapped amid ruins without food, heat, power or running water. Many more have fled. Reuters has been unable to verify the figures. DIPLOMACY * Russia and Ukraine to resume peace talks online on April 1, said a senior Ukrainian official, after the latest round of face-to-face negotiations ended in Turkey. * Russian President Putin was misled by advisers who were too scared to tell him how poorly the war in Ukraine is going and how damaging Western sanctions have been, a U.S. official said, citing declassified intelligence. Also Read in Pics: Russia's tactical nuclear weapons arsenal: Will Putin use it? ECONOMY * Russia demanded oil and gas payments be made in roubles by Friday, raising fears of energy shortages and boosting recessionary risks in Europe. Germany has warned of a possible emergency if Russia cuts supplies. * The United States is considering a plan to release roughly a million barrels of oil a day from U.S. reserves for several months, to combat rising fuel prices caused by the Ukraine war, Bloomberg News reported. HUMANITARIAN CONCERNS * Russia may have committed war crimes by killing civilians and destroying hospitals in its pounding of Ukrainian cities, the top United Nations human rights official said. Also Read: Ukraine war: What Panzerfaust 3 weapons can do against Russian tanks QUOTES * "We cook what we find among neighbours. A bit of cabbage, a bit more of potatoes, we`ve found tomato paste, some beetroot," said former steel worker Viktor from Mariupol.

Ukraine and Russia: What are the latest updates?

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russian troops are regrouping in preparation for a renewed assault this time in the East as he dismissed Moscow's promises to scale back attacks on Kyiv.

Ukraine says Russia renewing focus on Donbas region

Russia was accused before the UN Security Council on Tuesday (March 29) of triggering a "global food crisis" and putting people at risk of "famine" after it started a war in Ukraine on February 24.&nbsp;

But how does the crisis impact India's wheat exports strategy? As per reports, economists have stated that India is planning to step up the country's wheat exports.&nbsp;

Both the countries, Russia and Ukraine, account for more than a fourth of the global wheat trade and Ukraine serves as a breadbasket for Europe.&nbsp;

Indian government sources as quoted by Reuters on Wednesday (March 30) said that a delegation from Egypt will visit India in the first week of April to facilitate wheat imports.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-spy-chief-claims-russian-soldiers-refusing-to-carry-out-orders-accidentally-shooting-down-own-aircraft-467076">UK spy chief claims Russian soldiers refusing to carry out orders, shot down own aircraft</a>

The report added that the visit is a part of efforts to secure supplies and tide over shortages at one of the world's biggest importers of the staple.&nbsp;

Egypt, often the world's biggest wheat importer, is reeling from a surge in bread and flour prices after Russia's invasion of Ukraine closed off access to lower-priced Black Sea wheat.&nbsp;

The report has mentioned that Egypt has been a traditional buyer of Russian and Ukrainian wheat, however, the sources have said that India is willing to help Cairo by supplying the grain. Egypt could buy up to 12 million tonnes of Indian wheat, the sources further said, without revealing their identity.&nbsp;

"India is in a position to supply top quality wheat to Egypt and meet Egypt's quality and other requirements," said one of the sources as quoted by the news agency.&nbsp;

Piyush Goyal, who is India's Minister for Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs and Food and Public Distribution said on Tuesday (March 29) that he met Hala Elsaid, Egypt's Minister for Planning and Economic Development in Dubai. Goyal discussed New Delhi's "readiness to supply high-quality wheat" to Cairo.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-says-ukraine-preparing-for-new-russian-offensive-in-the-east-dismisses-russian-claims-of-scaleback-467037">Zelensky says Ukraine preparing for new Russian offensive in the east, dismisses Russian claims of scaleback</a>

Meanwhile, India's Union Minister of State for Commerce Anupriya Singh Patel said in Lok Sabha on Wednesday (March 30) that India's export of agricultural products has touched $40.87 billion in the first 10 months of the current fiscal and it is 25.14 per cent more than the last financial year.&nbsp;

Patel said exports of some other major agricultural products like wheat, sugar and cotton have registered a substantial increase during the current year.&nbsp;

"During the period between April 2021 to January 2022 of the current financial year, exports of agricultural products have amounted to $40.87 billion compared to USD 32.66 billion over the corresponding period of previous year, registering an increase of 25.14," she said during Question Hour.&nbsp;

<hr />
Russia accused of triggering a "global food crisis" 

Russian President Vladimir Putin "started this war. Vladimir Putin created this global food crisis. And he is the one who can stop it," US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said during a Security Council meeting devoted to the humanitarian situation in Ukraine.&nbsp;

"The responsibility for waging war on Ukraine - and for the war's effects on global food security -- falls solely on Russia and on President Putin," she said.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Donbas rebel republics to join Russia?

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia was accused before the UN Security Council on Tuesday (March 29) of triggering a "global food crisis" and putting people at risk of "famine" after it started a war in Ukraine on February 24.

Russia was accused before the UN Security Council on Tuesday (March 29) of triggering a "global food crisis" and putting people at risk of "famine" after it started a war in Ukraine on February 24. But how does the crisis impact India's wheat exports strategy? As per reports, economists have stated that India is planning to step up the country's wheat exports. Both the countries, Russia and Ukraine, account for more than a fourth of the global wheat trade and Ukraine serves as a breadbasket for Europe. Indian government sources as quoted by Reuters on Wednesday (March 30) said that a delegation from Egypt will visit India in the first week of April to facilitate wheat imports. ALSO READ | UK spy chief claims Russian soldiers refusing to carry out orders, shot down own aircraft The report added that the visit is a part of efforts to secure supplies and tide over shortages at one of the world's biggest importers of the staple. Egypt, often the world's biggest wheat importer, is reeling from a surge in bread and flour prices after Russia's invasion of Ukraine closed off access to lower-priced Black Sea wheat. The report has mentioned that Egypt has been a traditional buyer of Russian and Ukrainian wheat, however, the sources have said that India is willing to help Cairo by supplying the grain. Egypt could buy up to 12 million tonnes of Indian wheat, the sources further said, without revealing their identity. "India is in a position to supply top quality wheat to Egypt and meet Egypt's quality and other requirements," said one of the sources as quoted by the news agency. Piyush Goyal, who is India's Minister for Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs and Food and Public Distribution said on Tuesday (March 29) that he met Hala Elsaid, Egypt's Minister for Planning and Economic Development in Dubai. Goyal discussed New Delhi's "readiness to supply high-quality wheat" to Cairo. ALSO READ | Zelensky says Ukraine preparing for new Russian offensive in the east, dismisses Russian claims of scaleback Meanwhile, India's Union Minister of State for Commerce Anupriya Singh Patel said in Lok Sabha on Wednesday (March 30) that India's export of agricultural products has touched $40.87 billion in the first 10 months of the current fiscal and it is 25.14 per cent more than the last financial year. Patel said exports of some other major agricultural products like wheat, sugar and cotton have registered a substantial increase during the current year. "During the period between April 2021 to January 2022 of the current financial year, exports of agricultural products have amounted to $40.87 billion compared to USD 32.66 billion over the corresponding period of previous year, registering an increase of 25.14," she said during Question Hour. Russia accused of triggering a "global food crisis" Russian President Vladimir Putin "started this war. Vladimir Putin created this global food crisis. And he is the one who can stop it," US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said during a Security Council meeting devoted to the humanitarian situation in Ukraine. "The responsibility for waging war on Ukraine - and for the war's effects on global food security -- falls solely on Russia and on President Putin," she said. WATCH | Gravitas: Donbas rebel republics to join Russia? × (With inputs from agencies)

How does the Russia-Ukraine war impact India's wheat export strategy?

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. The chief of Britain's Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) on Wednesday (March 30) claimed that some demoralised Russian soldiers in Ukraine have been disobeying orders and accidentally shot down one of their own aircraft. The spy agency GCHQ chief Jeremy Fleming said that Russian President Vladimir Putin had "massively misjudged" the capabilities of Russia's once-mighty armed forces. Fleming cited new intelligence and stated that there was evidence that Russian soldiers had low morale and were poorly equipped. ALSO READ | Zelensky says Ukraine preparing for new Russian offensive in the east, dismisses Russian claims of scaleback "We've seen Russian soldiers – short of weapons and morale – refusing to carry out orders, sabotaging their own equipment and even accidentally shooting down their own aircraft," Fleming said in a speech in Canberra at the Australian National University, according to a transcript of his remarks. Fleming also claimed that Putin might have underestimated some major aspects before announcing his decision to invade Ukraine. He said, "Putin has massively misjudged the situation. We believe Putin’s advisers are afraid to tell him the truth." The Russian leader might have misjudged the resistance of the Ukrainian people and the resolve of the West, which has punished Moscow with multiple economic sanctions. ALSO READ | Ukraine conflict: UN appoints human rights experts to investigate alleged war crimes On February 24, Russia ordered the so-called "military operation" in Ukraine. Since then, the invasion has killed thousands of people, displaced millions. On one hand, such reports have claimed that the Russian forces are facing setbacks against Ukrainian resistance, but Russia's defence ministry says its armed forces are professional and carrying out their duty in Ukraine with considerable success. The Russian military also says that the West has spread lies about the operation in an attempt to bring down Russia. The United States assesses that Russia is suffering failure rates as high as 60 per cent for some of its precision-guided missiles, three US officials with knowledge of the intelligence told Reuters. There are no comments yet by Kremlin on Jeremy Fleming's remarks. WATCH | United States: Putin misled on how war progressed × (With inputs from agencies)

UK spy chief claims Russian soldiers refusing to carry out orders, shot down own aircraft

There is cautious optimism from Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine amid war. Russia pledged to reduce attacks in Kyiv, Chernihiv.

Ukraine, allies remain cautious as Russia pledges to reduce attacks amid the Russian invasion

Since the beginning of the invasion, Former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has been on the frontline. Poroshenko spoke to WION today in the middle of an artillery operation. Palki Sharma brings you an excerpt from that conversation.

Gravitas: Petro Poroshenko exclusive: Artillery fire during WION interview

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, UAE is not taking anyone's side. Emirates will continue to fly its flights to Russia as usual.

Emirates will continue flying to Russia as UAE is not taking sides in the Russia-Ukraine war

EU Special Envoy for the Indo-Pacific Gabriele Visentin who is in Delhi has said that war in Ukraine "does not reduce the resolve of the EU to act in the Indo pacific". During India visit, the envoy met Secretary West Sanjay Verma, Joint Secretary Indo Pacific Geetika Srivastava, Joint Secretary Sumit Seth and envoys of all EU countries on the grouping's role in the region and implication of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Speaking to our Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Visentin said, "price tag has been shown" for breaking of international order with the Russian invasion of Ukraine and what is seen is "big Neighbour attacking a smaller Neighbour in an unprovoked way, not respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state." In February, France and EU co-hosted a foreign ministers meet on the Indo Pacific.

War in Ukraine enhances EU's resolve to act in Indo Pacific, says top diplomat Gabriele

Russia says it will reduce attacks in Kyiv, Chernihiv during peace talks with Ukraine

War in Ukraine enhances EU's resolve to act in Indo Pacific, says top diplomat

The International space station that so many of us often forget was launched way back in 1998 and has long been a symbol of US-Russian collaboration, now it's interesting to see how will Russia's invasion of Ukraine change things up in space?

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Can USA & Russia cooperate in space?

Ukraine has voiced its disapproval after Nepal issued climbing permit for Mt. Everest to nine Russians.

The embattled country wants the Himalayan country to ban the Russian mountaineers in the wake of invasion of Ukraine.

Nepal's Department of Tourism announced that it has started issuing climbing permits to climb the tallest mountain in the world in spring. It has so far issued permits for 18 expedition teams to climb mountains above 6,000m this spring season.

According to BBC, the Ukrainian embassy in Delhi sent a diplomatic note to Nepal's government saying that numerous international sports federations have barred Russian athletes.

"Taking into consideration the above, the esteemed Nepalese side is kindly requested to ban Russian mountaineering teams until the end of [the] Russian invasion into Ukraine," the letter said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-shelling-in-ukraine-continues-despite-peace-talks-466932" hreflang="en">Russian shelling in Ukraine continues despite peace talks</a>

However, officials in Nepal say they will continue to issue permits to anyone abiding by the government's rules and regulations

"There has been no change in our policy so far," the director general of Nepal's tourism department, Taranath Adhikari, told the BBC.

"We believe our mountains are global assets and any countries' citizens willing to visit them for attainment of peace should be allowed to do so - as long as they do it within our legal provisions."

The Ukrainian embassy in Delhi reportedly said that it made the request to the Nepalese embassy in the Indian capital on 21 March, but Nepalese embassy officials told the BBC they had received no communication on the issue.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-the-russia-ukraine-war-us-and-russian-astronauts-return-to-earth-together-466881">Amid Russia-Ukraine war, US and Russian astronauts return to Earth together</a>

During spring last year, a record 408 climbing permits were issued from the Nepali side, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, in which 49 Russians and 19 Ukrainians were registered on Nepalese mountains higher than 8,000m, according to the Himalayan Database, which records data related to mountaineering in the Nepalese Himalayas.

Out of them, 14 Russian and six Ukrainian climbers were on Everest.

According to local media reports, Nepal is expecting over 300 climbers to receive permits this year.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia turns to China amid isolation, Lavrov on first China visit since invasion

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-turns-to-china-amid-isolation-lavrov-on-first-china-visit-since-invasion-466940/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine has voiced its disapproval after Nepal issued climbing permit for Mt. Everest to nine Russians. The embattled country wants the Himalayan country to ban the Russian mountaineers in the wake of invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine has voiced its disapproval after Nepal issued climbing permit for Mt. Everest to nine Russians. The embattled country wants the Himalayan country to ban the Russian mountaineers in the wake of invasion of Ukraine. Nepal's Department of Tourism announced that it has started issuing climbing permits to climb the tallest mountain in the world in spring. It has so far issued permits for 18 expedition teams to climb mountains above 6,000m this spring season. According to BBC, the Ukrainian embassy in Delhi sent a diplomatic note to Nepal's government saying that numerous international sports federations have barred Russian athletes. "Taking into consideration the above, the esteemed Nepalese side is kindly requested to ban Russian mountaineering teams until the end of [the] Russian invasion into Ukraine," the letter said. Also read | Russian shelling in Ukraine continues despite peace talks However, officials in Nepal say they will continue to issue permits to anyone abiding by the government's rules and regulations "There has been no change in our policy so far," the director general of Nepal's tourism department, Taranath Adhikari, told the BBC. "We believe our mountains are global assets and any countries' citizens willing to visit them for attainment of peace should be allowed to do so - as long as they do it within our legal provisions." The Ukrainian embassy in Delhi reportedly said that it made the request to the Nepalese embassy in the Indian capital on 21 March, but Nepalese embassy officials told the BBC they had received no communication on the issue. Also read | Amid Russia-Ukraine war, US and Russian astronauts return to Earth together During spring last year, a record 408 climbing permits were issued from the Nepali side, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, in which 49 Russians and 19 Ukrainians were registered on Nepalese mountains higher than 8,000m, according to the Himalayan Database, which records data related to mountaineering in the Nepalese Himalayas. Out of them, 14 Russian and six Ukrainian climbers were on Everest. According to local media reports, Nepal is expecting over 300 climbers to receive permits this year. Watch | Russia turns to China amid isolation, Lavrov on first China visit since invasion (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv objects to Nepal issuing climbing permits to Russians, wants them to be banned

United Nations on Wednesday named three human rights experts who will probe possible war crimes in Ukraine. Russia faces accusations of indiscriminate bombardment of civillians in Ukraine.

The independent panel will be led by Erik Mose of Norway and it will investigate alleged human rights abuses and also violations of international humanitarian law "in the context of the aggression against Ukraine by the Russian Federation," a statement said.

Ukraine and the West have been alleging that Russian armed forces killed civillians by shelling and besieging cities, most notably Mariupol, the southern port. These allegations have been denied by Russia.

On the other side, video has been circulating on social media purporting to show Ukrainian forces mistreating captured Russian soldiers. Kyiv has said the images look fake but that it will punish perpetrators if found to be true.

The UN Human Rights Council has created the commission of inquiry for one year at the request of Ukraine and allies including the European Union, Britain and the United States.

Russia, which continues to call the invasion a 'special operation' to 'denazify' Ukraine, has opposed the probe

The United Nations also has fact-finding inquiries for war crimes in Syria, Myanmar and other conflicts. Their reports have been used to build cases for potential prosecutions.

Under the resolution on Ukraine adopted by the 47-member Geneva forum, the panel will interview witnesses and collect forensic material for any future legal proceedings.

It is to report initial findings in September.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

United Nations on Wednesday named three human rights experts who will probe possible war crimes in Ukraine. Russia faces accusations of indiscriminate bombardment of civillians in Ukraine.

United Nations on Wednesday named three human rights experts who will probe possible war crimes in Ukraine. Russia faces accusations of indiscriminate bombardment of civillians in Ukraine. The independent panel will be led by Erik Mose of Norway and it will investigate alleged human rights abuses and also violations of international humanitarian law "in the context of the aggression against Ukraine by the Russian Federation," a statement said. Ukraine and the West have been alleging that Russian armed forces killed civillians by shelling and besieging cities, most notably Mariupol, the southern port. These allegations have been denied by Russia. On the other side, video has been circulating on social media purporting to show Ukrainian forces mistreating captured Russian soldiers. Kyiv has said the images look fake but that it will punish perpetrators if found to be true. The UN Human Rights Council has created the commission of inquiry for one year at the request of Ukraine and allies including the European Union, Britain and the United States. Russia, which continues to call the invasion a 'special operation' to 'denazify' Ukraine, has opposed the probe The United Nations also has fact-finding inquiries for war crimes in Syria, Myanmar and other conflicts. Their reports have been used to build cases for potential prosecutions. Under the resolution on Ukraine adopted by the 47-member Geneva forum, the panel will interview witnesses and collect forensic material for any future legal proceedings. It is to report initial findings in September. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine conflict: UN appoints human rights experts to investigate alleged war crimes

Russia is deepening its relationship with China as it becomes more isolated from global financial systems as well as supply chains. Recently, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

Russia turns to China amid isolation, Lavrov on first China visit since invasion

It is day 34 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine.

Tracking the Russian invasion: Ukrainian forces hold their ground on day 34 of the invasion

In a bid to disallow golden visas for sanctioned Russians, European Commission seeks to end golden visa rules. Meanwhile, Moscow is planning retaliatory measures.

European Commission seeks to end golden visa rules

In the latest clampdown by the Ukrainian President, Zelensky said that he is ready for the Donbas compromise to resolve the conflict with Russia.

The latest clampdown by Ukraine President: Zelensky says he is ready for the Donbas compromise

US President Joe Biden reiterated his conviction that Vladimir Putin should not be President of Russia, telling reporters that he made "no apologies" for his off-the-cuff remarks.&nbsp;

He stood by his words "expressing moral outrage" but also clarified that he wasn't "articulating a policy change."

"I’m not walking anything back.I was expressing moral outrage, and I make no apologies," he added.

Speaking in Poland at the end of his four-day trip to Europe on Sunday, Biden said of Putin, "For God’s sake, this man cannot remain in power."

The line was improvised at the end of a 27-minute speech by a president known for doing so.

Biden's prepared remarks in the State Dining Room, his first public appearance since his Warsaw speech on Saturday, were about the budget proposal he is sending to lawmakers for the fiscal year that begins in October, but the majority of the questions from the two dozen reporters gathered in front of him were about his impromptu remark.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/history-of-urban-warfare-why-russia-will-find-it-difficult-to-conquer-kyiv-465932">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;&nbsp;History of urban warfare &amp; why Russia will find it difficult to conquer Kyiv</a>

Almost soon afterward, White House officials clarified that the remark did not reflect a shift in US policy, and that Biden was not seeking "regime change" in Russia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-could-russian-president-vladimir-putin-be-prosecuted-for-war-crimes-in-ukraine-465719">Also Read in Pics: How could Russian President Vladimir Putin be prosecuted for war crimes in Ukraine?</a>

"The president's point was that Putin could not wield authority over his neighbours or the region."

He wasn't talking about Putin's power or regime change in Russia." 
 
Watch | Gravitas: Zelensky opens the door for neutrality in peace talks

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-zelensky-opens-the-door-for-neutrality-in-peace-talks-466500/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, Biden stressed on Monday that these and other reasons were not a "walk back," and that he was reacting as anyone would after meeting with victims of Putin's assault on civilians in Ukraine, especially children.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden reiterated his conviction that Vladimir Putin should not be President of Russia, telling reporters that he made "no apologies" for his off-the-cuff remarks.

US President Joe Biden reiterated his conviction that Vladimir Putin should not be President of Russia, telling reporters that he made "no apologies" for his off-the-cuff remarks. He stood by his words "expressing moral outrage" but also clarified that he wasn't "articulating a policy change." "I’m not walking anything back.I was expressing moral outrage, and I make no apologies," he added. Speaking in Poland at the end of his four-day trip to Europe on Sunday, Biden said of Putin, "For God’s sake, this man cannot remain in power." The line was improvised at the end of a 27-minute speech by a president known for doing so. Biden's prepared remarks in the State Dining Room, his first public appearance since his Warsaw speech on Saturday, were about the budget proposal he is sending to lawmakers for the fiscal year that begins in October, but the majority of the questions from the two dozen reporters gathered in front of him were about his impromptu remark. Also Read in Pics: History of urban warfare & why Russia will find it difficult to conquer Kyiv Almost soon afterward, White House officials clarified that the remark did not reflect a shift in US policy, and that Biden was not seeking "regime change" in Russia. Also Read in Pics: How could Russian President Vladimir Putin be prosecuted for war crimes in Ukraine? "The president's point was that Putin could not wield authority over his neighbours or the region." He wasn't talking about Putin's power or regime change in Russia." Watch | Gravitas: Zelensky opens the door for neutrality in peace talks However, Biden stressed on Monday that these and other reasons were not a "walk back," and that he was reacting as anyone would after meeting with victims of Putin's assault on civilians in Ukraine, especially children. (With inputs from agencies)

'No apologies' for saying Putin 'cannot remain in power': US President Biden

In the latest update on Ukraine-Russia conflict, Zelensky has signed a new law to restrict military details and violators will face years of imprisonment.

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Zelensky signs a law to restrict details, violators to face imprisonment

On the second day of Poland's trip, Joe Biden has delivered a remark and said Putin is a 'butcher'. In a recent update, Biden said, I don't care what Putin thinks, I make no apologies for the remark.

Russia-Ukraine War: U.S. President Joe Biden stands by remarks on Putin

It is day 34 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Humanitarian aid for Ukraine is dwindling as locals struggle without food, water & utilities.

Humanitarian aid for Ukraine dwindling as locals struggle without food, water & utilities

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina has withdrawn from next month's Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers, saying she has aggravated a back injury in her determination to represent her country on the court following Russia's invasion.

Svitolina, who has been outspoken in support of Ukraine amid the invasion, has competed at the Monterrey Open, Indian Wells and the Miami Open in recent weeks.

She lost in the opening round at Indian Wells and Miami, but reached the Monterrey Open quarter-finals and pledged to donate her prize money from the tournament to the Ukrainian army.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-rohan-bopanna-denis-shapovalov-pair-stuns-croatias-nikola-mektic-mate-pavic-to-enter-quarters-466464">Miami Open: Rohan Bopanna-Denis Shapovalov pair stuns Croatia's Nikola Mektic-Mate Pavic to enter quarters</a>

Russia calls its actions a "special military operation".

"It's been an extremely difficult couple of months for me, not only mentally but also physically," Svitolina wrote on Twitter. "For a quite long time I've been struggling with my back. 
 
"The pain didn't let me prepare for the tournaments at my best. Observing with unbearable pain in my heart what is happening in my homeland Ukraine ... gave me a huge push to continue and fight on court.

"Now, my body can't handle it anymore and I need to rest."

Svitolina added that she would also miss some of her "favourite" tournaments in Europe, but did not provide any other details.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/miami-open-daniil-medvedev-outclasses-pedro-martinez-to-reach-last-16-naomi-osaka-storms-into-quarter-finals-466590">Miami Open: Daniil Medvedev outclasses Pedro Martinez to reach last 16, Naomi Osaka storms into quarter-finals</a>

Ukraine will take on the United States in a best-of-five qualifier in the Billie Jean King tournament formerly known as the Fed Cup on April 15-16.

The tie will be played at an indoor hard court venue in Asheville, North Carolina.

The winners will qualify for the 2022 Finals, scheduled to be held in November.

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina has withdrawn from next month's Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers, saying she has aggravated a back injury in her determination to represent her country on the court following Russia's invasion.

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina has withdrawn from next month's Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers, saying she has aggravated a back injury in her determination to represent her country on the court following Russia's invasion. Svitolina, who has been outspoken in support of Ukraine amid the invasion, has competed at the Monterrey Open, Indian Wells and the Miami Open in recent weeks. She lost in the opening round at Indian Wells and Miami, but reached the Monterrey Open quarter-finals and pledged to donate her prize money from the tournament to the Ukrainian army. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Rohan Bopanna-Denis Shapovalov pair stuns Croatia's Nikola Mektic-Mate Pavic to enter quarters Russia calls its actions a "special military operation". "It's been an extremely difficult couple of months for me, not only mentally but also physically," Svitolina wrote on Twitter. "For a quite long time I've been struggling with my back. "The pain didn't let me prepare for the tournaments at my best. Observing with unbearable pain in my heart what is happening in my homeland Ukraine ... gave me a huge push to continue and fight on court. "Now, my body can't handle it anymore and I need to rest." Svitolina added that she would also miss some of her "favourite" tournaments in Europe, but did not provide any other details. ALSO READ: Miami Open: Daniil Medvedev outclasses Pedro Martinez to reach last 16, Naomi Osaka storms into quarter-finals Ukraine will take on the United States in a best-of-five qualifier in the Billie Jean King tournament formerly known as the Fed Cup on April 15-16. The tie will be played at an indoor hard court venue in Asheville, North Carolina. The winners will qualify for the 2022 Finals, scheduled to be held in November.

Elina Svitolina aggravates back injury after battling to represent Ukraine amid Russia's invasion

Russia's deputy defence minister Alexander Fomin said its forces are ready to reduce military activity in the areas around Kyiv and Chernigiv as chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said there had been a "meaningful discussion" with Ukrainian officials in Istanbul.

"After today's meaningful discussion we have agreed on and proposed a solution, according to which the meeting of the heads of state is possible simultaneously with the foreign ministers initialling the treaty," Medinsky said.

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Medinsky added that the "possibility to make peace will become much closer". The chief Russian negotiator said the Ukrainian side had presented written proposals that said the country was ready to become a "permanently neutral state under international security guarantees".

The Russian negotiator said Ukraine officials want the final agreement to be inked between President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Watch:&nbsp;Ukrainian forces hold their ground on day 34 of the invasion

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/tracking-the-russian-invasion-ukrainian-forces-hold-their-ground-on-day-34-of-the-invasion-466552/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, Ukrainian negotiator David Arakhamia said: "The results of today's meeting are sufficient for a meeting at the leaders' level." However, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov had earlier called a possible meeting between Putin and Zelensky&nbsp;as "counterproductive".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-war-what-panzerfaust-3-weapons-can-do-against-russian-tanks-466330">Also Read in Pics |&nbsp;Ukraine war: What Panzerfaust 3 weapons can do against Russian tanks</a>

After the talks concluded, the Russian ruble surged over 10 per cent against the dollar. Turkey's foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the talks had shown "most significant progress" as Ukrainian and Russian officials reportedly spoke for three hours.

However, US secretary of state Anthony Blinken said he had "not seen signs of real seriousness" from Russia, while the UK government declared it will judge Russia by "actions, not words" amid the fighting in Ukraine.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Russia's deputy defence minister Alexander Fomin said its forces are ready to reduce military activity in the areas around Kyiv and Chernigiv as chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said there had been a "meaningful discussion" with Ukrainian officials in Istanbul.

Russia's deputy defence minister Alexander Fomin said its forces are ready to reduce military activity in the areas around Kyiv and Chernigiv as chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said there had been a "meaningful discussion" with Ukrainian officials in Istanbul. "After today's meaningful discussion we have agreed on and proposed a solution, according to which the meeting of the heads of state is possible simultaneously with the foreign ministers initialling the treaty," Medinsky said. Also Read in Pics: Russia using phosphorus bombs in Ukraine? incendiary weapons & its use Medinsky added that the "possibility to make peace will become much closer". The chief Russian negotiator said the Ukrainian side had presented written proposals that said the country was ready to become a "permanently neutral state under international security guarantees". The Russian negotiator said Ukraine officials want the final agreement to be inked between President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelensky. Watch: Ukrainian forces hold their ground on day 34 of the invasion Meanwhile, Ukrainian negotiator David Arakhamia said: "The results of today's meeting are sufficient for a meeting at the leaders' level." However, Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov had earlier called a possible meeting between Putin and Zelensky as "counterproductive". Also Read in Pics | Ukraine war: What Panzerfaust 3 weapons can do against Russian tanks After the talks concluded, the Russian ruble surged over 10 per cent against the dollar. Turkey's foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the talks had shown "most significant progress" as Ukrainian and Russian officials reportedly spoke for three hours. However, US secretary of state Anthony Blinken said he had "not seen signs of real seriousness" from Russia, while the UK government declared it will judge Russia by "actions, not words" amid the fighting in Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies)

Sufficient conditions for talks between Zelensky, Putin: Ukraine

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