Fears are mounting over Baltic states' security as nations fear that Russia will not stop with just Russian invasion of Ukraine and may encircle Latvia next.

NATO assures Latvia of support as Baltic states face threat from Russia amid invasion of Ukraine

Eight people have lost their lives in the city of Kyiv after Russian forces shelled a shopping center on Sunday. A huge blast shook the city at the time of the attack, several fires could be seen blazing in the wreckage of a mall. Now, Kyiv announced new 35-hour curfew.

At least 8 people killed by Russian shelling in Kyiv amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, India has maintained a neutral stance over the conflict. Now, US President Joe Biden says India's reponse is 'Shaky'.

US President Biden praises QUAD, NATO but singles out India for 'Shaky' response to Russian invasion

War oftentimes does not remain limited to warring parties. It creates a domino effect that causes a variety of problems across the world, even in countries far removed from the actual fighting. Ukraine conflict has created a state of alert in Europe but its effects in terms of rising oil prices are being felt across the world.

Another effect Ukraine conflict has had is the 'noodle crisis' in Indonesia, a country half a world away from the actual battle zone.

Ukraine conflict has caused a shortage of the iconic and heavily popular 'Indomie' noodles in Indonesia. Ukraine is the biggest exporter of wheat to Indonesia and activity at Ukrainian ports has considerably slowed down since the Russian invasion. Production of Indomie noodles, which are made from wheat flour has thus taken a hit.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/western-sanctions-might-impact-69-year-old-vladimir-putins-youthful-looks-heres-how-464508">Western sanctions might impact 69-year-old Vladimir Putin's youthful looks. Here's how</a>

The brand Indomie calls itself the first brand to introduce and popularise the concept of instant noodles in Indonesia. It is popular in all segments of Indonesian society. From students on a budget to someone wanting to have a quick snack, these noodles are the solution.

Media reports suggest that stores in the country are rapidly running out of fresh packs and prices of remaining stocks have risen.

According to Indonesia’s National Statistics Bureau, Ukraine exported 3 million tonnes of wheat to Indonesia in the year 2020 alone. A researcher quoted by Al Jazeera said that there were indications that wheat supply to Indonesia was under strain.

“When Russia invaded Ukraine, activities at Ukrainian ports stopped,” said Lestary J Barany, a research assistant at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).&nbsp;

“Many granaries were located in the east, close to areas occupied by Russian troops. Thus, the threat from the supply side for these materials is becoming more real.”

Barany was quoted by Al Jazeera.

War oftentimes does not remain limited to warring parties. It creates a domino effect that causes a variety of problems across the world, even in countries far removed from the actual fighting.

War oftentimes does not remain limited to warring parties. It creates a domino effect that causes a variety of problems across the world, even in countries far removed from the actual fighting. Ukraine conflict has created a state of alert in Europe but its effects in terms of rising oil prices are being felt across the world. Another effect Ukraine conflict has had is the 'noodle crisis' in Indonesia, a country half a world away from the actual battle zone. Ukraine conflict has caused a shortage of the iconic and heavily popular 'Indomie' noodles in Indonesia. Ukraine is the biggest exporter of wheat to Indonesia and activity at Ukrainian ports has considerably slowed down since the Russian invasion. Production of Indomie noodles, which are made from wheat flour has thus taken a hit. Also Read | Western sanctions might impact 69-year-old Vladimir Putin's youthful looks. Here's how The brand Indomie calls itself the first brand to introduce and popularise the concept of instant noodles in Indonesia. It is popular in all segments of Indonesian society. From students on a budget to someone wanting to have a quick snack, these noodles are the solution. Media reports suggest that stores in the country are rapidly running out of fresh packs and prices of remaining stocks have risen. According to Indonesia’s National Statistics Bureau, Ukraine exported 3 million tonnes of wheat to Indonesia in the year 2020 alone. A researcher quoted by Al Jazeera said that there were indications that wheat supply to Indonesia was under strain. “When Russia invaded Ukraine, activities at Ukrainian ports stopped,” said Lestary J Barany, a research assistant at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). “Many granaries were located in the east, close to areas occupied by Russian troops. Thus, the threat from the supply side for these materials is becoming more real.” Barany was quoted by Al Jazeera.

Ukraine conflict creates 'noodle crisis' in Indonesia

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 Pentagon claimed on Monday that Russia was boosting air and sea military operations in Ukraine as it struggles to turn the tide of war in Ukraine, where the "dexterity" of the defence mounted by Kyiv is stalling the invasion.

A senior US official claimed that the Kremllin was "desperate" to increase its momentum in a war in which its troops have grown "frustrated and flummoxed" by a resistance that has shown durability despite being outmanned and outgunned, AFP reported.

President Vladimir Putin's forces have ramped up their sorties over and near Ukraine, flying more than 300 missions in the past 24 hours, with Kyiv likewise increasing their own air operations in a bid to deny Russia superiority in the skies, the official told reporters.

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&nbsp;

Few of the operations are dogfights, as Russia's military tends to fire air-to-ground missiles at Ukrainian targets from Russian or Belarusian skies.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-breakthrough-yet-at-russian-ukraine-peace-talks-says-kremlin-464321">No breakthrough yet at Russia-Ukraine peace talks, says Kremlin</a>

"They're not venturing very far or for very long into Ukrainian airspace, because the Ukrainians have been defending their airspace with great dexterity," the official was quoted by AFP as saying, on condition of anonymity.

The official said that Russia is exhibiting 'increasing naval activity' in northern Black Sea. Russia is using multiple warships that are contributing shelling around port city of Odessa.

"What we're seeing is a near desperate attempt by the Russians to gain some momentum and try to turn the course of this in their favour," the defence official said, noting that on day 26 of the offensive, Russian forces remain pinned down 15 kilometres (nine miles) northwest and 30 km east of Kyiv.

At the weekend Moscow claimed it had fired hypersonic missiles at targets in Ukraine, but the Pentagon on Monday would not confirm or refute that the next-generation weaponry had been used.

The senior defence official did offer that from a military point of view using a hypersonic missile to hit a stationary target made little sense.

"It could be that they're trying to send a message to the West but also to Ukraine, and trying to gain leverage at the negotiating table," he added.

Russia also has been experiencing "a not insignificant number of failures" of its precision-guided munitions, the official said.&nbsp;

But the military's available combat power remains at roughly 90 percent, he added.

Ukraine's combat power is at a similar level in part because of contributions from Washington and other western powers.

(With inputs from agencies)

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

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. The Pentagon claimed on Monday that Russia was boosting air and sea military operations in Ukraine as it struggles to turn the tide of war in Ukraine, where the "dexterity" of the defence mounted by Kyiv is stalling the invasion. A senior US official claimed that the Kremllin was "desperate" to increase its momentum in a war in which its troops have grown "frustrated and flummoxed" by a resistance that has shown durability despite being outmanned and outgunned, AFP reported. President Vladimir Putin's forces have ramped up their sorties over and near Ukraine, flying more than 300 missions in the past 24 hours, with Kyiv likewise increasing their own air operations in a bid to deny Russia superiority in the skies, the official told reporters. × Few of the operations are dogfights, as Russia's military tends to fire air-to-ground missiles at Ukrainian targets from Russian or Belarusian skies. Also Read | No breakthrough yet at Russia-Ukraine peace talks, says Kremlin "They're not venturing very far or for very long into Ukrainian airspace, because the Ukrainians have been defending their airspace with great dexterity," the official was quoted by AFP as saying, on condition of anonymity. The official said that Russia is exhibiting 'increasing naval activity' in northern Black Sea. Russia is using multiple warships that are contributing shelling around port city of Odessa. "What we're seeing is a near desperate attempt by the Russians to gain some momentum and try to turn the course of this in their favour," the defence official said, noting that on day 26 of the offensive, Russian forces remain pinned down 15 kilometres (nine miles) northwest and 30 km east of Kyiv. At the weekend Moscow claimed it had fired hypersonic missiles at targets in Ukraine, but the Pentagon on Monday would not confirm or refute that the next-generation weaponry had been used. The senior defence official did offer that from a military point of view using a hypersonic missile to hit a stationary target made little sense. "It could be that they're trying to send a message to the West but also to Ukraine, and trying to gain leverage at the negotiating table," he added. Russia also has been experiencing "a not insignificant number of failures" of its precision-guided munitions, the official said. But the military's available combat power remains at roughly 90 percent, he added. Ukraine's combat power is at a similar level in part because of contributions from Washington and other western powers. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine conflict: Russia ramping up naval and air activity, says Pentagon 

Will the G20 soon become the G19? Will Russia be excluded from the major economies as a punishment for the ongoing crisis in Ukraine?

Ukraine conflict: After G8, G20 exclusion for Russia?

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;

Without citing any evidence, US President Joe Biden claimed on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is looking to use biological and chemical weapons in Ukraine invasion. &nbsp;

The accusations of Russia about Kyiv possessing these are false, said the US leader. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-invasion-triggers-patriotism-wave-in-ukraine-turns-inspiring-tattoos-billboards-popular-464172" hreflang="en">Russian invasion triggers patriotism wave in Ukraine, turns inspiring tattoos, billboards popular</a>

At a Business Roundtable event, Biden said, Putin's "back is against the wall and now he's talking about new false flags he's setting up including, asserting that we in America have biological as well as chemical weapons in Europe, simply not true." &nbsp;

"They are also suggesting that Ukraine has biological and chemical weapons in Ukraine. That's a clear sign he’s considering using both of those," added Biden, according to a Reuters report.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-heavy-bombardment-follows-mariupol-forced-to-bury-dead-on-roadside-in-makeshift-graves-464161" hreflang="en">Russia-Ukraine War: As heavy bombardment follows, Mariupol forced to bury dead on roadside in makeshift graves</a>

Earlier, several officials in Washington and allied countries have also accused Russia of spreading an unproven claim about Ukraine having a biological weapons programme as an excuse to potentially launch its own such attacks. &nbsp;

The defence ministry of Russia has accused Ukraine of looking to hold a chemical attack against its own people to accuse Moscow of using chemical weapons in the invasion. It has not supported its accusation with any evidence. &nbsp;&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. Without citing any evidence, US President Joe Biden claimed on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is looking to use biological and chemical weapons in Ukraine invasion. The accusations of Russia about Kyiv possessing these are false, said the US leader. Also Read: Russian invasion triggers patriotism wave in Ukraine, turns inspiring tattoos, billboards popular At a Business Roundtable event, Biden said, Putin's "back is against the wall and now he's talking about new false flags he's setting up including, asserting that we in America have biological as well as chemical weapons in Europe, simply not true." "They are also suggesting that Ukraine has biological and chemical weapons in Ukraine. That's a clear sign he’s considering using both of those," added Biden, according to a Reuters report. Also Read: Russia-Ukraine War: As heavy bombardment follows, Mariupol forced to bury dead on roadside in makeshift graves Earlier, several officials in Washington and allied countries have also accused Russia of spreading an unproven claim about Ukraine having a biological weapons programme as an excuse to potentially launch its own such attacks. The defence ministry of Russia has accused Ukraine of looking to hold a chemical attack against its own people to accuse Moscow of using chemical weapons in the invasion. It has not supported its accusation with any evidence. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin looking to use biological, chemical weapons in Ukraine, Biden claims without proof

A Ukrainian politician’s wife has been caught in Hungary by authorities with $28 million and €1.3 million in cash stashed in suitcases, according to Ukrainian media outlets.

Wife of former Ukrainian MP tries to flee country with 28 million dollars and 1.3 million euros

The Buchenwald Memorial foundation on Monday said that a 96-year-old man named Boris Romantschenko, who survived four Nazi concentration camps during World War II, was killed Friday by a Russian strike on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv.

Russia-Ukraine conflict updates: Holocaust survivor dies in Russian bombing in Kharkiv

Russia has now intensified assault on Kyiv in attempt to seize the capital. This comes as the Russian invasion of Ukraine has now entered the 27th day. The Ukrainian capital ahs now announced 35-hour curfew.

Russia intensifies attack on Kyiv, capital announces new 35-hour curfew

The Ukrainian president is rejecting Russian deadlines to surrender key cities to halt the military invasion. In an interview Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke about Moscow asking Ukraine to hand over Kharkiv, Mariupol and Kyiv as a possible resolution to the conflict.

Ukraine faces intense Russian assault, defies Russian demand to lay down arms

Football star David Beckham has handed over his Instagram account to a Kharkiv doctor to show their life-saving work and challenges they face.

David Beckham hands over the Instagram account to Kharkiv doctor to show war challenges

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russia is boosting air, sea military operations. Now, US President Joe Biden said that Russian President Vladimir Putin is weighing the use of chemical weapons.

Biden on chemical weapons claims: 'Putin weighing the use of chemical weapons'

Russian troops continue to unleash their assaults on southern Ukrainian cities. Odessa has reported airstrikes on flats as residents try to flee the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Odessa reports airstrikes on flats as residents flee the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Eight people have lost their lives in the city of Kyiv after Russian forces shelled a shopping center. A huge blast shook the city at the time of the attack, several fires could be seen blazing in the wreckage of a mall. Now, Kyiv announced new 35-hour curfew.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Kyiv announces new 35-hour curfew as Russia intensifies attack

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday (March 21) reiterated that he wants direct talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin as he said that a meeting with the Russian leader "in any format" is needed to end the war.&nbsp;

In an interview with the Ukraine regional media outlet Suspilne, Zelensky said, "I believe that without this meeting it is impossible to fully understand what they are ready for in order to stop the war."&nbsp;

Zelensky also said that Ukraine could not fulfil "Russian ultimatums," claiming Moscow was seeking to "destroy" his country. As quoted by a local media, he said: "Ukraine cannot fulfil Russian ultimatums. We should be destroyed first, then their ultimatum would be fulfilled."&nbsp;

Since the start of the Russian military action in Ukraine on February 24, several sessions of Ukraine-Russia talks have taken place via videoconferencing.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-holocaust-survivor-dies-in-russian-bombing-in-kharkiv-464440">Russia-Ukraine conflict: Holocaust survivor dies in Russian bombing in Kharkiv</a>

He said Moscow wanted Ukraine to "hand over" Kharkiv, Mariupol and Kyiv, adding that neither the people of those cities "or me, as president, can do this."&nbsp;

As quoted by news agency AFP, Zelensky on Monday said his country would be "destroyed" before it surrenders its cities to invading Russian forces.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian president has told the countrymen that he would not "hand over" the capital, the eastern city of Kharkiv, or the heavily bombarded and besieged Mariupol despite civilians' deaths and mass destruction.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/david-beckham-hands-over-his-instagram-account-with-715million-followers-to-ukrainian-doctor-watch-his-plea-464196">David Beckham hands over his Instagram account with 71.5 million followers to Ukrainian doctor, watch his plea</a>

He said, "Ukraine cannot fulfil Russian ultimatums. We should be destroyed first."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, almost a month after Russia launched its full-scale invasion on February 24, Moscow has ramped up its air and sea operations.&nbsp;

A senior US defence official said that Russia flew 300 sorties in the past 24 hours, in a "desperate" bid to turn the tide against the Ukrainian resistance.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Mercenaries sent to assassinate Zelensky

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(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday (March 21) reiterated that he wants direct talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin as he said that a meeting with the Russian leader "in any format" is needed to end the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday (March 21) reiterated that he wants direct talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin as he said that a meeting with the Russian leader "in any format" is needed to end the war. In an interview with the Ukraine regional media outlet Suspilne, Zelensky said, "I believe that without this meeting it is impossible to fully understand what they are ready for in order to stop the war." Zelensky also said that Ukraine could not fulfil "Russian ultimatums," claiming Moscow was seeking to "destroy" his country. As quoted by a local media, he said: "Ukraine cannot fulfil Russian ultimatums. We should be destroyed first, then their ultimatum would be fulfilled." Since the start of the Russian military action in Ukraine on February 24, several sessions of Ukraine-Russia talks have taken place via videoconferencing. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Holocaust survivor dies in Russian bombing in Kharkiv He said Moscow wanted Ukraine to "hand over" Kharkiv, Mariupol and Kyiv, adding that neither the people of those cities "or me, as president, can do this." As quoted by news agency AFP, Zelensky on Monday said his country would be "destroyed" before it surrenders its cities to invading Russian forces. The Ukrainian president has told the countrymen that he would not "hand over" the capital, the eastern city of Kharkiv, or the heavily bombarded and besieged Mariupol despite civilians' deaths and mass destruction. ALSO READ | David Beckham hands over his Instagram account with 71.5 million followers to Ukrainian doctor, watch his plea He said, "Ukraine cannot fulfil Russian ultimatums. We should be destroyed first." Meanwhile, almost a month after Russia launched its full-scale invasion on February 24, Moscow has ramped up its air and sea operations. A senior US defence official said that Russia flew 300 sorties in the past 24 hours, in a "desperate" bid to turn the tide against the Ukrainian resistance. WATCH | Gravitas: Mercenaries sent to assassinate Zelensky × (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Zelensky insists on need for a 'meeting' with Vladimir Putin, rules out surrender

Is Russia turning Ukraine into Europe's Syria? Reports claim the Russian forces are using tactics from the "Aleppo Playbook" in Ukraine. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Russia using "Aleppo Playbook" In Ukraine?

It is day 27 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. Now, Ukraine refuses to surrender Mariupol.

Day 27 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Mariupol under siege and bombardment

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 Buchenwald Memorial foundation on Monday (March 21) said that a 96-year-old man named Boris Romantschenko, who survived four Nazi concentration camps during World War II, was killed Friday (March 18) by a Russian strike on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv. The Buchenwald and Mittelbau-Dora Memorials foundation said in a statement: "It is with dismay that we have to report the violent death of Boris Romantschenko in the war in Ukraine." ALSO READ | David Beckham hands over his Instagram account with 71.5 million followers to Ukrainian doctor, watch his plea The statement cited information from his son and granddaughter. It revealed that Romantschenko died at home after his building was bombed in the heavily shelled eastern city. Yulia Romanchenko, who is Boris' granddaughter, told CNN that she "learned about the shelling of Saltivka residential district on March 18 from social networks". "I asked locals if they knew anything about my grandfather's house. They sent me a video of a burning house. I found out about this after the curfew and therefore I could not go there immediately," Yulia added. The foundation described Romantschenko as "a close friend" and further stated that he was committed to educating others about the horrors of the Nazi era. ALSO READ | Ukraine conflict: Russia ramping up naval and air activity, says Pentagon Romantschenko had been vice president of the Buchenwald-Dora International Committee. Romantschenko was born into a family of farmers in Bondari, near the Ukrainian city of Sumy, on January 20, 1926. Although he was not Jewish, he was taken by German soldiers when he was 16 years old and deported to the German city of Dortmund in 1942 to work as a forced labourer, as part of Nazi intimidation tactics against the Ukrainian population at the time. A failed escape attempt landed him in the notorious Buchenwald concentration camp in 1943. He also spent time in the camps of Peenemuende, where he was forced to help build V2 rockets, and in Mittelbau-Dora and Bergen-Belsen. "This is what they call the 'operation of denazification'. The whole world sees Russia's cruelty," said the head of Ukraine's presidential office, Andriy Yermak, referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin's widely disbelieved claim that ridding Ukraine of Nazis was one reason for Moscow's invasion. The Buchenwald Memorial said Romantschenko's death "shows how dangerous the war in Ukraine is, also for concentration camp survivors". WATCH | Gravitas: Russia using "Aleppo Playbook" In Ukraine? ×

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Holocaust survivor dies in Russian bombing in Kharkiv

He told U.S. lawmakers that he had a dream, invoking the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to describe Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion. He said to the British Parliament that his country would fight until the end, in forests and fields, a vow resonant of Winston Churchill’s exhortations against Nazism. To members of the German Parliament he spoke of a new wall dividing Europe, echoing the Berlin Wall of the Cold War.

The passionate speeches, delivered remotely by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his now-ubiquitous military-issue shirt, are part of a vigorous rhetorical effort to rally international support — for arms, or aid to his country, or sanctions against Russia.

Zelenskyy, a former comedian who ran a populist campaign to become president in 2019, is no stranger to performing, and his social-media missives and speeches have transformed him into a global symbol of his country’s resistance to Russian aggression.

The allusions, metaphors and allegories made by Zelenskyy point to a tailored strategy to emotionally appeal to nations and institutions and their histories.

“The goal is, of course, to get his audience on board,” said Henriette van der Blom, an associate professor of ancient history at the University of Birmingham in England who has directed a project examining the writing of political speeches in Britain. “This is a very ancient rhetorical trick.”

Speeches can change the course of history, she added.

United States, ‘leader of peace’

Zelenskyy’s soaring appeal to Congress, which prompted a standing ovation, framed Ukraine’s fight against Russia as a battle to preserve democracy, freedom and the rule of law, calling on the United States’ image of itself as a leader of the free world to defend those values.

Russia’s attack, Zelenskyy said, was a brutal offensive “against our freedom, against our right to live freely in our own country, choosing our own future, against our desire for happiness, against our national dreams — just like the same dreams you have, you Americans.”

He implored lawmakers to remember two moments of American trauma that involved assaults from the sky to empathize with Ukrainians fleeing missiles: Pearl Harbor and the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

He evoked King to request antimissile defense systems, aircraft and a “no-fly” zone above Ukraine, a step that NATO allies have rebuffed, fearing it would escalate the war with Russia.

“I can say I have a need. I need to protect our sky. I need your decision, your help, which means exactly the same, the same you feel when you hear the words, ‘I have a dream.’” Zelenskyy said.

“He’s trying to address the conscience of his audience,” said van der Blom. “That’s part of this idea of pulling on easily identifiable themes for that particular audience.”

Zelenskyy capped the speech with a direct appeal to President Joe Biden, tailoring his words to appeal to the United States’ role on the global stage.

“Being the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace,” he said.

To Britain: ‘We will fight till the end’

British lawmakers earlier this month invited the Ukrainian leader for the first ever speech in the House of Commons by a foreign leader. He took advantage of the address to quote Shakespeare and align himself and his cause with Churchill, Britain’s leader during World World II.

Ukrainians needed to defend their country against the Russians, just as Britons did against Nazism, Zelenskyy said. He vowed his country would never surrender to Russian tanks.

“We will fight till the end, at sea, in the air,” Zelenskyy said in front of the Ukrainian flag, echoing the phrasing of Churchill in a famous wartime speech: “We will fight in the forests, in the fields, on the shores, in the streets.”

His words immediately brought to mind an image of Churchill speaking in the House of Commons, said van der Blom. “This is what he’s trying to make us think.”

And his choice to at one point address Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain by his first name did not go unnoticed, she said. “Is it to give a signal that they are very close and making Johnson feel like he needs to work harder?”

Germany: ‘Tear down the wall!’

In his address to the Bundestag last week, Zelenskyy urged Germany to take stronger action against Russia, casting the decision as a metaphorical division between building or demolishing a wall — harkening back to the Cold War, an emotional period for Germans.

“You are like behind the wall again. Not the Berlin Wall but in the middle of Europe, between freedom and slavery,” he said. “And this wall grows stronger with each bomb that falls on our land, on Ukraine,” he said.

He called for an embargo on trade with Russia, saying that its ability to keep trading, and keeping Ukraine from joining the European Union, was helping Moscow fortify this metaphorical wall.

He addressed Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany with an emotional appeal, casting it as a judgment on the leader’s legacy. “Tear down this wall. Give Germany the leadership you deserve, and what your descendants will be proud of.”

Canada: ‘Imagine that you hear it, your children hear it’

With Canada, Zelenskyy mixed a personal, first-name appeal to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, with apocalyptic images of a Canada at war.

In his address to Canadian lawmakers, Zelenskyy referred to the country’s leader simply as “Justin.” And to help them understand Ukraine’s experience, he said, he painted a vivid image of Canadian cities and landmarks under attack.

“Imagine that at four in the morning each of you hears explosions, terrible explosions,” he said. “Justin, imagine that you hear it, and your children hear it, hear missile strikes at Ottawa airport.” He added: “Imagine you are looking for words to explain this to children. Explain to them that a large-scale war has begun.”

He asked lawmakers to envision Canadian flags replaced by Russian ones, Toronto’s CN tower being destroyed by Russian missiles and schools being burned down.

“This is our reality,” he said.

He thanked Canada for its support, but said that what he really wanted was for the country to help bring about a no-fly zone in the skies above Ukraine and to force more companies to leave the Russian market.

“We’ve been friends with you, Justin,” he said. “But also I would like you to understand — and I would like you to feel this — what we feel every day. We want to live, and we want to be victorious.”

Israel: ‘The threat is the same’

Zelenskyy, who is Jewish, began an address to the Knesset on Sunday by sharing a quote from a former Israeli prime minister, Golda Meir, who was born in Kyiv: “We intend to remain alive. Our neighbors want to see us dead. This is not a question that leaves much room for compromise.”

In a virtual address to lawmakers, Zelenskyy sought to highlight the ties between Ukraine and Israel and said that the suffering of Ukrainians paralleled that of Jewish people during the Holocaust.

Although decades apart, the date of Ukraine’s invasion and the founding of the Nazi party in Germany was the same, he said: Feb. 24. And he likened Moscow’s discussion of “the Ukrainian issue” to the “final solution,” a euphemism used by the Nazi bureaucracy in detailing their plans for the genocide of Jews in Europe.

“Our people are now scattered around the world. They are looking for security. They are looking for a way to stay in peace,” he added. “As you once searched.”

But he also criticized Israel for not providing Ukraine with weapons, imposing strong enough sanctions against Russia or putting sufficient pressure on Russian businesses.

“Premeditation is often erroneous. And mediation can be between states, not between good and evil,” he said.

Some Israeli lawmakers criticized the comparison of the war in Ukraine to the Holocaust, calling it insensitive and unnecessary to juxtapose the tragedies.

May Golan, a member of the opposition Likud party, said she was left with “a very bitter taste” after Zelenskyy’s speech. Though she was not indifferent to the situation, she said there was a line: “There is no justification to compare this with the Holocaust and use the expression ‘the final solution.’”

He told U.S. lawmakers that he had a dream, invoking the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to describe Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion. He said to the British Parliament that his country would fight until the end, in forests and fields, a vow resonant of Winston Churchill’s exhortations against Nazism.

He told U.S. lawmakers that he had a dream, invoking the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. to describe Ukraine’s fight against the Russian invasion. He said to the British Parliament that his country would fight until the end, in forests and fields, a vow resonant of Winston Churchill’s exhortations against Nazism. To members of the German Parliament he spoke of a new wall dividing Europe, echoing the Berlin Wall of the Cold War. The passionate speeches, delivered remotely by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his now-ubiquitous military-issue shirt, are part of a vigorous rhetorical effort to rally international support — for arms, or aid to his country, or sanctions against Russia. Zelenskyy, a former comedian who ran a populist campaign to become president in 2019, is no stranger to performing, and his social-media missives and speeches have transformed him into a global symbol of his country’s resistance to Russian aggression. The allusions, metaphors and allegories made by Zelenskyy point to a tailored strategy to emotionally appeal to nations and institutions and their histories. “The goal is, of course, to get his audience on board,” said Henriette van der Blom, an associate professor of ancient history at the University of Birmingham in England who has directed a project examining the writing of political speeches in Britain. “This is a very ancient rhetorical trick.” Speeches can change the course of history, she added. United States, ‘leader of peace’ Zelenskyy’s soaring appeal to Congress, which prompted a standing ovation, framed Ukraine’s fight against Russia as a battle to preserve democracy, freedom and the rule of law, calling on the United States’ image of itself as a leader of the free world to defend those values. Russia’s attack, Zelenskyy said, was a brutal offensive “against our freedom, against our right to live freely in our own country, choosing our own future, against our desire for happiness, against our national dreams — just like the same dreams you have, you Americans.” He implored lawmakers to remember two moments of American trauma that involved assaults from the sky to empathize with Ukrainians fleeing missiles: Pearl Harbor and the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. He evoked King to request antimissile defense systems, aircraft and a “no-fly” zone above Ukraine, a step that NATO allies have rebuffed, fearing it would escalate the war with Russia. “I can say I have a need. I need to protect our sky. I need your decision, your help, which means exactly the same, the same you feel when you hear the words, ‘I have a dream.’” Zelenskyy said. “He’s trying to address the conscience of his audience,” said van der Blom. “That’s part of this idea of pulling on easily identifiable themes for that particular audience.” Zelenskyy capped the speech with a direct appeal to President Joe Biden, tailoring his words to appeal to the United States’ role on the global stage. “Being the leader of the world means to be the leader of peace,” he said. To Britain: ‘We will fight till the end’ British lawmakers earlier this month invited the Ukrainian leader for the first ever speech in the House of Commons by a foreign leader. He took advantage of the address to quote Shakespeare and align himself and his cause with Churchill, Britain’s leader during World World II. Ukrainians needed to defend their country against the Russians, just as Britons did against Nazism, Zelenskyy said. He vowed his country would never surrender to Russian tanks. “We will fight till the end, at sea, in the air,” Zelenskyy said in front of the Ukrainian flag, echoing the phrasing of Churchill in a famous wartime speech: “We will fight in the forests, in the fields, on the shores, in the streets.” His words immediately brought to mind an image of Churchill speaking in the House of Commons, said van der Blom. “This is what he’s trying to make us think.” And his choice to at one point address Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain by his first name did not go unnoticed, she said. “Is it to give a signal that they are very close and making Johnson feel like he needs to work harder?” Germany: ‘Tear down the wall!’ In his address to the Bundestag last week, Zelenskyy urged Germany to take stronger action against Russia, casting the decision as a metaphorical division between building or demolishing a wall — harkening back to the Cold War, an emotional period for Germans. “You are like behind the wall again. Not the Berlin Wall but in the middle of Europe, between freedom and slavery,” he said. “And this wall grows stronger with each bomb that falls on our land, on Ukraine,” he said. He called for an embargo on trade with Russia, saying that its ability to keep trading, and keeping Ukraine from joining the European Union, was helping Moscow fortify this metaphorical wall. He addressed Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany with an emotional appeal, casting it as a judgment on the leader’s legacy. “Tear down this wall. Give Germany the leadership you deserve, and what your descendants will be proud of.” Canada: ‘Imagine that you hear it, your children hear it’ With Canada, Zelenskyy mixed a personal, first-name appeal to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, with apocalyptic images of a Canada at war. In his address to Canadian lawmakers, Zelenskyy referred to the country’s leader simply as “Justin.” And to help them understand Ukraine’s experience, he said, he painted a vivid image of Canadian cities and landmarks under attack. “Imagine that at four in the morning each of you hears explosions, terrible explosions,” he said. “Justin, imagine that you hear it, and your children hear it, hear missile strikes at Ottawa airport.” He added: “Imagine you are looking for words to explain this to children. Explain to them that a large-scale war has begun.” He asked lawmakers to envision Canadian flags replaced by Russian ones, Toronto’s CN tower being destroyed by Russian missiles and schools being burned down. “This is our reality,” he said. He thanked Canada for its support, but said that what he really wanted was for the country to help bring about a no-fly zone in the skies above Ukraine and to force more companies to leave the Russian market. “We’ve been friends with you, Justin,” he said. “But also I would like you to understand — and I would like you to feel this — what we feel every day. We want to live, and we want to be victorious.” Israel: ‘The threat is the same’ Zelenskyy, who is Jewish, began an address to the Knesset on Sunday by sharing a quote from a former Israeli prime minister, Golda Meir, who was born in Kyiv: “We intend to remain alive. Our neighbors want to see us dead. This is not a question that leaves much room for compromise.” In a virtual address to lawmakers, Zelenskyy sought to highlight the ties between Ukraine and Israel and said that the suffering of Ukrainians paralleled that of Jewish people during the Holocaust. Although decades apart, the date of Ukraine’s invasion and the founding of the Nazi party in Germany was the same, he said: Feb. 24. And he likened Moscow’s discussion of “the Ukrainian issue” to the “final solution,” a euphemism used by the Nazi bureaucracy in detailing their plans for the genocide of Jews in Europe. “Our people are now scattered around the world. They are looking for security. They are looking for a way to stay in peace,” he added. “As you once searched.” But he also criticized Israel for not providing Ukraine with weapons, imposing strong enough sanctions against Russia or putting sufficient pressure on Russian businesses. “Premeditation is often erroneous. And mediation can be between states, not between good and evil,” he said. Some Israeli lawmakers criticized the comparison of the war in Ukraine to the Holocaust, calling it insensitive and unnecessary to juxtapose the tragedies. May Golan, a member of the opposition Likud party, said she was left with “a very bitter taste” after Zelenskyy’s speech. Though she was not indifferent to the situation, she said there was a line: “There is no justification to compare this with the Holocaust and use the expression ‘the final solution.’”

Walls, dreams and genocide: Zelenskyy invokes history to rally support

Russia is intensifying its attacks on Kyiv. More and more are fleeing the region to seek shelter in Western Ukraine cities like Lviv. Oure correspondent Anas Mallick brings us this exclusive ground report from Kyiv to Lviv.

Russian-Ukraine crisis: Lviv becomes a transit point for fleeing refugees

US President Joe Biden has warned the US businesses of potential cyber-attacks by Russia amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Cyber threat looms over US businesses: Germany warns against Russian anti-virus

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, people are protesting across the world. Now, Russian Journalist Marina Ovsyannikova who protested against the invasion on live news has been called 'A Spy' by Russia.

Marina Ovsyannikova called 'A Spy' by Russia after she staged a protest on live news

It is day 27 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.

WION on ground zero: Russian troops continue to advance towards Kyiv

US President Joe Biden: 'Putin weighing the use of chemical weapons'

In a big boost to Slovakia's defence, the Patriot air defence system has arrived in Slovakia amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Slovakia has also offered to send its older S-300 system to Ukraine.

Seeking replacements for its S-300, the Patriot air defence system arrives in Slovakia

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, US President Joe Biden has warned Chinese President Xi Jinping of a global backlash if it aids Russia. However, China says that it is not arming Russia.

Biden warns Xi of a global backlash if it aids Russia amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

It is day 26 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. Now, Russia has shelled a shopping district in Kyiv.

Day 26 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Russia targets residential areas of Kyiv

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. Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, a US-based Space Foundation's fundraising event removed the name of Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. The event was held in honour of Gagarin, who is the first man to journey to outer space. The report was first published by Futurism citing a now-deleted announcement. The Space Foundation apparently announced: "In light of current world events, the 2022 Space Foundation Yuri's Night is renamed 'A Celebration of Space: Discover What's Next.'" While the event has been renamed, the aim remains the same as it said in the statement, "The focus of this fundraising event remains the same – to celebrate human achievements in space while inspiring the next generation to reach for the stars." There hasn't been any official statement from the nonprofit foundation. ALSO READ | David Beckham hands over his Instagram account with 71.5 million followers to Ukrainian doctor, watch his plea 🇺🇦❤ 'Tribute to Yuri Gagarin' by Ukrainian Andrey Palval in Kyiv, Ukraine (2013) #yurigagarin #andreypalval #kyivstreetart #stopthewar #streetart #lamolinastreetart 📷 via GlobalStreetArt https://t.co/bSWY67B6iL pic.twitter.com/n0IumCQk9X — 𝕃𝕒 𝕄𝕠𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕒 𝕊𝕥𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕥 (@MolinaStreetArt) March 7, 2022 × “In light of current world events, the 2022 Space Foundation Yuri’s Night is renamed ‘A Celebration of Space: Discover What’s Next.’” 🤔 https://t.co/xBS7ynmA41 — Jeff Foust (@jeff_foust) March 15, 2022 × Gagarin completed one orbit of Earth on April 12, 1961, and while travelling in the Vostok 1 capsule and achieving the major milestone, he became a global sensation. Gagarin, who was born on March 9 in 1934, was awarded many medals and titles, including Hero of the Soviet Union, his nation's highest honour. Meanwhile, three Russian cosmonauts safely arrived at the International Space Station (ISS) on Friday (March 18). The Roscosmāos cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev, Denis Matveev and Sergey Korsakov docked their Soyuz capsule with the outpost for a mission that continues a 20-year shared Russian-US presence in orbit. ALSO READ | As heavy bombardment follows, Mariupol forced to bury dead on roadside in makeshift graves WATCH | How art is combating war in Ukraine? ×

Did a space conference remove Yuri Gagarin's name over Russia's invasion of Ukraine?

As invading Russian forces continue to bombard different cities of Ukraine, a wave of patriotism seems to have filled the entire eastern European country. &nbsp;

In the war-torn nation, patriotic messages have become popular in the form of tattoos and billboards. &nbsp;

The Ukrainian flag and other patriotic symbols have become common among people, an&nbsp;AP report said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-heavy-bombardment-follows-mariupol-forced-to-bury-dead-on-roadside-in-makeshift-graves-464161">As heavy bombardment follows, Mariupol forced to bury dead on roadside</a>

Olena Barlevych, who is 18-year-old, has recently got a tattoo of the Ukrainian coat of arms with a military aircraft. It symbolises the fight to defend her country. &nbsp;

"This tattoo means a lot to us. It is a very important phase for our country, which must go down in history, which must be passed on to future generations," Barlevych told AP. &nbsp;

Several people have been getting tattoos made at parlours in Lviv. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-senior-russian-naval-officer-killed-in-mariupol-officials-confirm-death-464156">Senior Russian naval officer killed in Mariupol, officials confirm death</a>

Artist Natalia Tanchynets has created several patriotic tattoos for clients from many parts of Ukraine. "I'm so sad about this situation in my country,” Tanchynets said. &nbsp;

The war, however, seems to have brought more customers to her shop. &nbsp;

A print shop manager Yuri Kobryn in Lviv has found innovative ways to support Ukrainian troops. &nbsp;

In advertising billboards, Kobryn’s company now prints motivational messages for his country instead of advertisements. &nbsp;

"The guys from the army were pleasantly surprised and asked me if I could make smaller versions that they could give them to others. So that we can help them in our victory," Kobryn said. &nbsp; &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As invading Russian forces continue to bombard different cities of Ukraine, a wave of patriotism seems to have filled the entire eastern European country. In the war-torn nation, patriotic messages have become popular in the form of tattoos and billboards.

As invading Russian forces continue to bombard different cities of Ukraine, a wave of patriotism seems to have filled the entire eastern European country. In the war-torn nation, patriotic messages have become popular in the form of tattoos and billboards. The Ukrainian flag and other patriotic symbols have become common among people, an AP report said. Also Read: As heavy bombardment follows, Mariupol forced to bury dead on roadside Olena Barlevych, who is 18-year-old, has recently got a tattoo of the Ukrainian coat of arms with a military aircraft. It symbolises the fight to defend her country. "This tattoo means a lot to us. It is a very important phase for our country, which must go down in history, which must be passed on to future generations," Barlevych told AP. Several people have been getting tattoos made at parlours in Lviv. Also Read: Senior Russian naval officer killed in Mariupol, officials confirm death Artist Natalia Tanchynets has created several patriotic tattoos for clients from many parts of Ukraine. "I'm so sad about this situation in my country,” Tanchynets said. The war, however, seems to have brought more customers to her shop. A print shop manager Yuri Kobryn in Lviv has found innovative ways to support Ukrainian troops. In advertising billboards, Kobryn’s company now prints motivational messages for his country instead of advertisements. "The guys from the army were pleasantly surprised and asked me if I could make smaller versions that they could give them to others. So that we can help them in our victory," Kobryn said. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian invasion triggers patriotism wave in Ukraine, turns inspiring tattoos, billboards popular

When the first McDonald’s restaurant appeared in the Soviet Union in 1990, my parents bundled my 9-month-old sister up and waited in line for hours in the brisk Russian winter so that they could get their first taste of a Big Mac and those famed French fries. The line snaked all around Moscow’s iconic Pushkin Square: Reports say that 30,000 people showed up on opening day alone.

It was a very exciting moment, my parents tell me: the first taste of liberty, a glimpse of what eating out could be like beyond the Iron Curtain, a symbol of bigger change to come.

Less than two years later, the USSR&nbsp;ceased to exist, opening the door to all kinds of democratic freedoms. The Russia I grew up in came with dubbed Disney cartoons and Argentine soap operas. Everyone suddenly had a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio. My mom’s new eye-shadow palette encompassed every shade of neon. I went to concerts, bought posters and cassette tapes and, unlike my parents, did not have to wear a five-pointed-star badge with a portrait of Vladimir Lenin on my chest every day at school.

Of course, there was an insidious side. With new freedoms came new challenges: a deep economic crisis and a sharp rise in inequality, an explosion of organized crime. After decades in which the state dictated nearly every decision for its subjects, from housing to place of work to taste in movies and music, the new era also brought with it uncertainty and chaos.

Still, I felt lucky to grow up in a vibrant, thriving society; I certainly didn’t want to go back to Soviet times. The stories my family told me were bleak.

They spoke about prohibited literature (anything perceived to go against Soviet values or written by émigré writers who had fled Soviet Russia), the difficulties of travel (impossible without the party committee’s blessings), the incessant shortages of food and consumer goods. I’m too young to remember, but my parents would line up for hours for the rare furniture supply that appeared at shops every few months. In 1990, when consumer items were still only sporadically available, my mom bought us a pair of tights sized for every age up to 16 because she assumed they would no longer be in supply as we grew older. Films were censored, foreign radio stations jammed.

I was fascinated by these stories but also relieved I never had to experience them. I was eager to unearth the trivial elements of Soviet people’s day-to-day existence, the ones that did not make it into the history books: a long-forgotten home music video, an awkward wedding photo, a leaflet, a questionable fashion choice. I started collecting remnants of the Soviet era, rummaging through old VHS tapes, friends’ photo albums, magazine cutouts and obscure flea markets to gather visual artifacts from a country that was no more.

In 2016, while living in Singapore, I created a Twitter account, @sovietvisuals, to share my makeshift Soviet archive with the world. Others started contributing their own photographs, videos and personal stories, and the project became a repository for our shared past. It also provided an opportunity to reflect critically on the social and cultural norms of the time while acknowledging the brutalities of the U.S.S.R.’s ideological constructs and oppressive practices. I never imagined how prescient it would be.

Vladimir Putin’s cynically named “special military operation” on Ukraine has thrust my country into pariah status — rightly, given the atrocities, human rights violations and brazen disregard for sovereignty that he has unleashed on Ukraine. Impossibly, in the past few weeks it’s felt as if we’d been yanked back to the Soviet era, except this time it’s even more horrifying, more repressive than we could have imagined. Russia is not just losing the comforts that Western capitalism offered, owing to severe sanctions, but Mr. Putin is also doubling down on closing off any expression of dissent.

For Ukrainians, the war has meant hell on earth. Countless lives shattered. I watch in horror as my friends there hide out in bomb shelters. Schools, hospitals, residential buildings destroyed by bombs, innocent people reportedly shot dead in the street as they attempt to escape to safety. It is immeasurably cruel, unfair and devastating.

For Russians, there is the fear and disgust at watching Mr. Putin’s ruthless campaign, which will inevitably raise the civilian death toll. There’s also the feeling of helplessness of not having been able to stop it and the shame of being from the country of the aggressor.

And unsurprisingly, Russia has been catapulted into a dark hole. Many foreign companies — clothing and credit card brands, car manufacturers and tech corporations, fast food and retail chains — have suspended operations, affecting every corner of the economy. The West’s sanctions have mostly cut Russian civilians off from the global economy.

Meanwhile, Mr. Putin has ensured that Russians who express opposition to the invasion face persecution: A new law punishes anyone spreading anything it deems “false information” about the war with up to 15 years in prison. This crackdown on freedom is not new to Russians, but it has reached a peak of absurdity: Standing in the street with a flower or a blank sign now gets you loaded into a police van.

Between arrests for speaking out, censorship, rumors of martial law and relentless propaganda, it’s as though we had landed straight in the Stalin era.

The Russia I knew has been erased. What’s coming next is dark. The U.S.S.R. gives us some clues of what it might be like — but even then, there were some flickers of hope.

As my parents’ stories and my archive show, many Soviet citizens found ways to thrive in what was essentially a giant social experiment. Yes, they had to deal with bread lines, news (and propaganda) supplied by the state-controlled, Orwellian-named Pravda (Truth) newspaper and a persistent fear of nuclear war. But they continued to create art, make scientific discoveries and build families and architectural masterpieces. There was a great deal of humor, beauty and creativity behind the Iron Curtain.

When l learned that McDonald’s had joined the long list of international companies suspending operations in Russia, I couldn’t help but think about my family’s first visit to the burger joint. Could any of the people lining up for their first cheeseburger in 1990 have imagined that modern Russia would find itself sliding all the way back to where it started?

We will remake Russia, of course, slowly and patiently, just like the generation before us. But not before this one crumbles first.

When the first McDonald’s restaurant appeared in the Soviet Union in 1990, my parents bundled my 9-month-old sister up and waited in line for hours in the brisk Russian winter so that they could get their first taste of a Big Mac and those famed French fries.

When the first McDonald’s restaurant appeared in the Soviet Union in 1990, my parents bundled my 9-month-old sister up and waited in line for hours in the brisk Russian winter so that they could get their first taste of a Big Mac and those famed French fries. The line snaked all around Moscow’s iconic Pushkin Square: Reports say that 30,000 people showed up on opening day alone. It was a very exciting moment, my parents tell me: the first taste of liberty, a glimpse of what eating out could be like beyond the Iron Curtain, a symbol of bigger change to come. Less than two years later, the USSR ceased to exist, opening the door to all kinds of democratic freedoms. The Russia I grew up in came with dubbed Disney cartoons and Argentine soap operas. Everyone suddenly had a crush on Leonardo DiCaprio. My mom’s new eye-shadow palette encompassed every shade of neon. I went to concerts, bought posters and cassette tapes and, unlike my parents, did not have to wear a five-pointed-star badge with a portrait of Vladimir Lenin on my chest every day at school. Of course, there was an insidious side. With new freedoms came new challenges: a deep economic crisis and a sharp rise in inequality, an explosion of organized crime. After decades in which the state dictated nearly every decision for its subjects, from housing to place of work to taste in movies and music, the new era also brought with it uncertainty and chaos. Still, I felt lucky to grow up in a vibrant, thriving society; I certainly didn’t want to go back to Soviet times. The stories my family told me were bleak. They spoke about prohibited literature (anything perceived to go against Soviet values or written by émigré writers who had fled Soviet Russia), the difficulties of travel (impossible without the party committee’s blessings), the incessant shortages of food and consumer goods. I’m too young to remember, but my parents would line up for hours for the rare furniture supply that appeared at shops every few months. In 1990, when consumer items were still only sporadically available, my mom bought us a pair of tights sized for every age up to 16 because she assumed they would no longer be in supply as we grew older. Films were censored, foreign radio stations jammed. I was fascinated by these stories but also relieved I never had to experience them. I was eager to unearth the trivial elements of Soviet people’s day-to-day existence, the ones that did not make it into the history books: a long-forgotten home music video, an awkward wedding photo, a leaflet, a questionable fashion choice. I started collecting remnants of the Soviet era, rummaging through old VHS tapes, friends’ photo albums, magazine cutouts and obscure flea markets to gather visual artifacts from a country that was no more. In 2016, while living in Singapore, I created a Twitter account, @sovietvisuals, to share my makeshift Soviet archive with the world. Others started contributing their own photographs, videos and personal stories, and the project became a repository for our shared past. It also provided an opportunity to reflect critically on the social and cultural norms of the time while acknowledging the brutalities of the U.S.S.R.’s ideological constructs and oppressive practices. I never imagined how prescient it would be. Vladimir Putin’s cynically named “special military operation” on Ukraine has thrust my country into pariah status — rightly, given the atrocities, human rights violations and brazen disregard for sovereignty that he has unleashed on Ukraine. Impossibly, in the past few weeks it’s felt as if we’d been yanked back to the Soviet era, except this time it’s even more horrifying, more repressive than we could have imagined. Russia is not just losing the comforts that Western capitalism offered, owing to severe sanctions, but Mr. Putin is also doubling down on closing off any expression of dissent. For Ukrainians, the war has meant hell on earth. Countless lives shattered. I watch in horror as my friends there hide out in bomb shelters. Schools, hospitals, residential buildings destroyed by bombs, innocent people reportedly shot dead in the street as they attempt to escape to safety. It is immeasurably cruel, unfair and devastating. For Russians, there is the fear and disgust at watching Mr. Putin’s ruthless campaign, which will inevitably raise the civilian death toll. There’s also the feeling of helplessness of not having been able to stop it and the shame of being from the country of the aggressor. And unsurprisingly, Russia has been catapulted into a dark hole. Many foreign companies — clothing and credit card brands, car manufacturers and tech corporations, fast food and retail chains — have suspended operations, affecting every corner of the economy. The West’s sanctions have mostly cut Russian civilians off from the global economy. Meanwhile, Mr. Putin has ensured that Russians who express opposition to the invasion face persecution: A new law punishes anyone spreading anything it deems “false information” about the war with up to 15 years in prison. This crackdown on freedom is not new to Russians, but it has reached a peak of absurdity: Standing in the street with a flower or a blank sign now gets you loaded into a police van. Between arrests for speaking out, censorship, rumors of martial law and relentless propaganda, it’s as though we had landed straight in the Stalin era. The Russia I knew has been erased. What’s coming next is dark. The U.S.S.R. gives us some clues of what it might be like — but even then, there were some flickers of hope. As my parents’ stories and my archive show, many Soviet citizens found ways to thrive in what was essentially a giant social experiment. Yes, they had to deal with bread lines, news (and propaganda) supplied by the state-controlled, Orwellian-named Pravda (Truth) newspaper and a persistent fear of nuclear war. But they continued to create art, make scientific discoveries and build families and architectural masterpieces. There was a great deal of humor, beauty and creativity behind the Iron Curtain. When l learned that McDonald’s had joined the long list of international companies suspending operations in Russia, I couldn’t help but think about my family’s first visit to the burger joint. Could any of the people lining up for their first cheeseburger in 1990 have imagined that modern Russia would find itself sliding all the way back to where it started? We will remake Russia, of course, slowly and patiently, just like the generation before us. But not before this one crumbles first.

The Russia I know is being erased. What’s coming next is darker

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