An 11-year-old Ukrainian boy has been hailed as a hero after fleeing his war-torn country by himself with only a plastic bag, a passport and a telephone number written on his hand. WION tells you more in this report.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: 11-year-old Hassan crossed Ukraine alone to reach Slovakia

Ukraine's youngest war victim Dima Kasyanov is in a pediatric neurosurgery center after a shell exploded in his family's home in Ukraine and left shrapnel in his skull. The eight-year-old is one of several children brought into the hospital in Kharkiv to be treated for shrapnel.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict : Meet the Ukraine's youngest war victim Dima Kasyanov

The officials from the United States intelligence agency has warned that Russia may intensify the assault on Ukraine. They also added that President Vladimir Putin is frustrated about how his Ukraine invasion has not gone to plan, and lobbing provocative nuclear threats at the West.

Russia may intensify assault in Ukraine despite setback, warns US intel

Chinese president Xi Jinping has called for 'maximum restraint' in Ukraine and said China is "pained to see the flames of war reignited in Europe," in his strongest statement to date on the conflict. China, which has refused to condemn Russia's actions in Ukraine or to call them an invasion, has repeatedly expressed its opposition to what it describes as illegal sanctions on Russia.

Xi Jinping delivers his strongest statement on Russia-Ukraine conflict

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he does not want to be the leader of a country which is begging for something on its knees. Zelensky also said that he is no longer pressing for membership of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), membership for his country.

"Don't want to beg for NATO membership", says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates leaders have declined to take calls from US President Joe Biden. Biden has been trying to gather international support for Ukraine in a bid to arrest the rising oil prices. Saudi officials have been quite critical of the US and its policy in the Gulf amid the deteriorating relationship under the Biden administration.

Saudi Arabia, UAE decline calls with US amid fears of oil prices spike

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he can discuss the future of Crimea and Donbas with Russia as he made crucial comments on the membership of NATO.&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered "military operations" in Ukrainian cities on February 24, before that, Putin signed a decree to recognise the separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in the Donbas as independent states.&nbsp;

In an exclusive chat with ABC News that aired Monday night, Zelensky said, "The people who elected me are not ready to surrender. We are not ready for ultimatums. But we can discuss with Russia the future of Crimea and Donbas."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/icon-of-post-soviet-russia-mcdonalds-closure-in-russia-is-of-huge-significance-heres-why-460479">Icon of post-Soviet Russia: Significance of McDonald's closure in Russia is huge, here's why</a>

One of the demands by Putin stated that Ukraine would not join NATO. In that context, Zelensky said, "Regarding NATO, I have cooled down regarding this question long ago after we understood that NATO is not prepared to accept Ukraine."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, pointing out the death and destruction, Zelensky said on Wednesday (March 9) the international community would be responsible for a mass "humanitarian catastrophe" if it did not agree to a no-fly zone.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-tank-man-to-snake-island-defenders-brave-stories-of-resistance-by-ukrainians-against-vladimir-putin-460353">What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks</a>

He said, "Russia is using missiles, aviation, helicopters against us. Against civilians. Against our cities. Against our infrastructure. It is the humanitarian responsibility of the world - to respond. But... there is no decision."&nbsp;

Ukraine has pleaded with Western nations to provide it with fighter jets to counter a Russian invasion that has forced more than two million refugees to flee the country.&nbsp;

The US lawmakers have responded by pushing President Joe Biden's administration to facilitate the transfer of aircraft.&nbsp;

WATCH | US rejects Poland's offer on MIG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine

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(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he can discuss the future of Crimea and Donbas with Russia as he made crucial comments on the membership of NATO.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he can discuss the future of Crimea and Donbas with Russia as he made crucial comments on the membership of NATO. Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered "military operations" in Ukrainian cities on February 24, before that, Putin signed a decree to recognise the separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in the Donbas as independent states. In an exclusive chat with ABC News that aired Monday night, Zelensky said, "The people who elected me are not ready to surrender. We are not ready for ultimatums. But we can discuss with Russia the future of Crimea and Donbas." ALSO READ | Icon of post-Soviet Russia: Significance of McDonald's closure in Russia is huge, here's why One of the demands by Putin stated that Ukraine would not join NATO. In that context, Zelensky said, "Regarding NATO, I have cooled down regarding this question long ago after we understood that NATO is not prepared to accept Ukraine." Meanwhile, pointing out the death and destruction, Zelensky said on Wednesday (March 9) the international community would be responsible for a mass "humanitarian catastrophe" if it did not agree to a no-fly zone. IN PICS | What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks He said, "Russia is using missiles, aviation, helicopters against us. Against civilians. Against our cities. Against our infrastructure. It is the humanitarian responsibility of the world - to respond. But... there is no decision." Ukraine has pleaded with Western nations to provide it with fighter jets to counter a Russian invasion that has forced more than two million refugees to flee the country. The US lawmakers have responded by pushing President Joe Biden's administration to facilitate the transfer of aircraft. WATCH | US rejects Poland's offer on MIG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine × (With inputs from agencies)

Volodymyr Zelensky says 'can discuss the future of Crimea and Donbas with Russia'

Russia on Wednesday demanded an explanation from USA for supporting what it called was a military biological programme in Ukraine. The allegation of the military biological programme has been denied by Kyiv and Pentagon spokesperson has described the allegation as absurd.&nbsp;

"We confirm facts, unearthed as part of the special military operations, which testify to an emergency attempt to erase evidence of military biological programmes," Zakharova told reporters.

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&nbsp;

"We are not talking here about peaceful uses or scientific goals," Zakharova said. "What were you up to there?"

"These (programmes) were financed by the U.S. Department of Defence."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-china-accuses-nato-of-pushing-russia-to-breaking-point-460521">Ukraine crisis: China accuses NATO of pushing Russia to 'breaking point'</a>

In response to earlier Russian allegations about the purported military biological programme in Ukraine, a Pentagon spokesman said on Tuesday: "This absurd Russian misinformation is patently false".

A Ukrainian presidential spokesperson said: "Ukraine strictly denies any such allegation".

At her briefing, Zakharova said: "The US&nbsp;Defence Department and the presidential administration of the United States are obliged to officially explain to the global community, officially, not through talking heads, about the programmes in Ukraine.

"We demand details," she said. "We demand and the world awaits."

(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.

&nbsp;

Russia on Wednesday demanded an explanation from USA for supporting what it called was a military biological programme in Ukraine. The allegation of the military biological programme has been denied by Kyiv and Pentagon spokesperson has described the allegation as absurd.

Russia on Wednesday demanded an explanation from USA for supporting what it called was a military biological programme in Ukraine. The allegation of the military biological programme has been denied by Kyiv and Pentagon spokesperson has described the allegation as absurd. "We confirm facts, unearthed as part of the special military operations, which testify to an emergency attempt to erase evidence of military biological programmes," Zakharova told reporters. × "We are not talking here about peaceful uses or scientific goals," Zakharova said. "What were you up to there?" "These (programmes) were financed by the U.S. Department of Defence." Also Read | Ukraine crisis: China accuses NATO of pushing Russia to 'breaking point' In response to earlier Russian allegations about the purported military biological programme in Ukraine, a Pentagon spokesman said on Tuesday: "This absurd Russian misinformation is patently false". A Ukrainian presidential spokesperson said: "Ukraine strictly denies any such allegation". At her briefing, Zakharova said: "The US Defence Department and the presidential administration of the United States are obliged to officially explain to the global community, officially, not through talking heads, about the programmes in Ukraine. "We demand details," she said. "We demand and the world awaits." (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.

Russia demands explanation from US for 'biological programme' in Ukraine

Ukraine crisis: Chilling images of devastation in Sumy, from where Indian nationals were evacuated

Russia and Ukraine on Wednesday agreed a day-long ceasefire around a series of evacuation corridors to allow civilians to escape the fighting. WION's Anas Mallick brings you more insights.

Russia-Ukraine agree to day long evacuation corridors

Calm amidst chaos as this Ukrainian band is performing in Odessa in front of sandbag barriers as the Russan forces invade Ukraine. Watch this musical morale boost in Odessa as more people leave the city.

This Ukrainian band is performing in Odessa amidst war | Russia-Ukraine conflict

Now, despite fears of imminent Russian attacks, soldiers in Ukraine's Odessa took time to buy flowers for friends and family on the occasion of International Women's day.

Ukrainian soldiers buy flowers on Women's day

Amid multiple economic sanctions and closures of famous brands in&nbsp;Russia, President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (March 8) has been branded an 'angry and isolated' leader by the United States intelligence officials, who also warned that Putin may intensify the assault on Ukraine.&nbsp;

The officials from the intelligence agency stated that Putin is craving global clout, frustrated about how his Ukraine invasion has not gone to plan, and lobbing provocative nuclear threats at the West.&nbsp;

CIA Director William Burns told US lawmakers that the long-standing president in Moscow has been "stewing in a combustible combination of grievance and ambition for many years".&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-tank-man-to-snake-island-defenders-brave-stories-of-resistance-by-ukrainians-against-vladimir-putin-460353">What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks</a>

He called the invasion of Ukraine a matter of "deep personal conviction" for Putin, his latest defiant clash with Europe and the United States.&nbsp;

Burns said at a congressional hearing on global threats, "I think Putin is angry and frustrated right now. He's likely to double down and try to grind down the Ukrainian military with no regard for civilian casualties."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in a fair warning, there are possibilities that Putin may intensify the assault on Ukraine despite military setbacks and economic hardships.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-tank-man-to-snake-island-defenders-brave-stories-of-resistance-by-ukrainians-against-vladimir-putin-460353">From 'tank man' to snake island defenders: Brave stories of resistance by Ukrainians against Vladimir Putin</a>

Although there's no official statement over the total casualties, but the officials estimated that 2,000 to 4,000 Russian troops had died and said Russia was feeling the effects of sanctions.&nbsp;

The situation could become much worse for Ukrainians, with food and water supplies in Kyiv possibly running out within two weeks.&nbsp;

Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told the annual House of Representatives Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats that "our analysts assess that Putin is unlikely to be deterred by such setbacks and instead may escalate" in the coming days, where she testified with other intelligence agency directors.

WATCH |&nbsp;Amid Russian offensive, Ukraine backs away from NATO bid?

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(With inputs from agencies)

Amid multiple economic sanctions and closures of famous brands in Russia, President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (March 8) has been branded an 'angry and isolated' leader by the United States intelligence officials, who also warned that Putin may intensify the assault on Ukraine.

Amid multiple economic sanctions and closures of famous brands in Russia, President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (March 8) has been branded an 'angry and isolated' leader by the United States intelligence officials, who also warned that Putin may intensify the assault on Ukraine. The officials from the intelligence agency stated that Putin is craving global clout, frustrated about how his Ukraine invasion has not gone to plan, and lobbing provocative nuclear threats at the West. CIA Director William Burns told US lawmakers that the long-standing president in Moscow has been "stewing in a combustible combination of grievance and ambition for many years". IN PICS | What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks He called the invasion of Ukraine a matter of "deep personal conviction" for Putin, his latest defiant clash with Europe and the United States. Burns said at a congressional hearing on global threats, "I think Putin is angry and frustrated right now. He's likely to double down and try to grind down the Ukrainian military with no regard for civilian casualties." Meanwhile, in a fair warning, there are possibilities that Putin may intensify the assault on Ukraine despite military setbacks and economic hardships. IN PICS | From 'tank man' to snake island defenders: Brave stories of resistance by Ukrainians against Vladimir Putin Although there's no official statement over the total casualties, but the officials estimated that 2,000 to 4,000 Russian troops had died and said Russia was feeling the effects of sanctions. The situation could become much worse for Ukrainians, with food and water supplies in Kyiv possibly running out within two weeks. Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines told the annual House of Representatives Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats that "our analysts assess that Putin is unlikely to be deterred by such setbacks and instead may escalate" in the coming days, where she testified with other intelligence agency directors. WATCH | Amid Russian offensive, Ukraine backs away from NATO bid? × (With inputs from agencies)

US intel says Russia may escalate invasion despite Ukraine setbacks, brands Vladimir Putin 'angry, frustrated'

In his strongest statement yet on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for “maximum restraint” and offered to play a mediating role, saying that Beijing is willing to “work actively” with the international community for a peaceful solution.

During a virtual call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron, Xi said the situation in Ukraine was "worrisome" and China was "deeply grieved by the outbreak of war again on the European continent," according to a statement from China's Foreign Ministry.

"China will stay in communication and coordination with France, Germany and the EU and, in light of the needs of the parties involved, work actively together with the international community," the statement said, adding that all efforts "conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis must be supported."

According to Reuters, Macron reminded Xi of the role that China must play as a member of the UN security council.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-gives-up-on-joining-nato-says-he-does-not-want-to-lead-a-nation-begging-something-on-its-knees-460394">Zelensky gives up on joining NATO, says alliance scared of confronting Russia</a>

So far, China has refused to condemn Russia's actions outright and last month abstained from a Security Council vote seeking to condemn Russia's aggression against Ukraine and demand it withdraw its forces.

China has been criticised for siding with Russia, despite claiming that it holds a neutral position on the Ukraine crisis.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-intel-says-russia-may-escalate-invasion-despite-ukraine-setbacks-brands-vladimir-putin-angry-frustrated-460401">US intel says Russia may escalate despite Ukraine setbacks, brands Putin angry</a>

China also referred to Western sanctions against Russia as illegal – and in the meeting Xi expressed concern over the impact sanctions may have on the stability of global finance, energy supplies, transportation and supply chains.

Watch |&nbsp;'China pained to see flames of war reignite in Europe'

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(With inputs from agencies)

In his strongest statement yet on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for “maximum restraint” and offered to play a mediating role, saying that Beijing is willing to “work actively” with the international community for a peaceful solution.

In his strongest statement yet on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Chinese President Xi Jinping called for “maximum restraint” and offered to play a mediating role, saying that Beijing is willing to “work actively” with the international community for a peaceful solution. During a virtual call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron, Xi said the situation in Ukraine was "worrisome" and China was "deeply grieved by the outbreak of war again on the European continent," according to a statement from China's Foreign Ministry. "China will stay in communication and coordination with France, Germany and the EU and, in light of the needs of the parties involved, work actively together with the international community," the statement said, adding that all efforts "conducive to the peaceful settlement of the crisis must be supported." According to Reuters, Macron reminded Xi of the role that China must play as a member of the UN security council. Also read | Zelensky gives up on joining NATO, says alliance scared of confronting Russia So far, China has refused to condemn Russia's actions outright and last month abstained from a Security Council vote seeking to condemn Russia's aggression against Ukraine and demand it withdraw its forces. China has been criticised for siding with Russia, despite claiming that it holds a neutral position on the Ukraine crisis. Also read | US intel says Russia may escalate despite Ukraine setbacks, brands Putin angry China also referred to Western sanctions against Russia as illegal – and in the meeting Xi expressed concern over the impact sanctions may have on the stability of global finance, energy supplies, transportation and supply chains. Watch | 'China pained to see flames of war reignite in Europe' (With inputs from agencies)

China’s Xi calls for ‘maximum restraint’, offers to mediate between Ukraine and Russia

To take a stance against the Russian "military operation" in Ukraine, global fast-food giant McDonald's Corp on Tuesday (March 8) announced that it would temporarily close all 847 of its restaurants in Russia.&nbsp;

In the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, western countries have been imposing sanctions on Russia to cripple the economy. To increase the pressure, other global brands have also pursued the same as they have paused operations in the country.&nbsp;

While announcing the decision, McDonald's said it would continue to pay salaries to its 62,000 employees in Russia. The company's CEO Chris Kempczinski stated that "our values mean we cannot ignore the needless human suffering unfolding in Ukraine."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-under-attack-heres-why-us-rejected-polands-plan-to-offer-mig-29-fighter-jets-to-ukraine-460416">Ukraine under attack: Here's why US rejected Poland's plan to offer MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine</a>

McDonald's closure is in particular of huge significance because of its large size and global reach. Whenever it takes a stance on an issue or makes a major operational change, it is often copied by other companies around the world.&nbsp;

The announcement is also will also carry symbolic importance in Russia, where the first location to open, in central Moscow in 1990, became an iconic symbol of flourishing American capitalism as the Soviet Union fell.&nbsp;

McDonald's had, in a way, opened Russia to the Western culture after the Cold War as the&nbsp;company opened its first location in Moscow&nbsp;three months after the fall of the Berlin Wall.&nbsp;

Paul Musgrave, assistant professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst said, "When McDonald's moved into the Soviet Union, it was part of a message of opening up and building trust and cooperation between Russia and the West."&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-tank-man-to-snake-island-defenders-brave-stories-of-resistance-by-ukrainians-against-vladimir-putin-460353">What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks</a>

"And now those avenues have all been closed off. And so Russia's having McDonald's exit that market really brings a bookend or close to that era. And we're kind of standing in, symbolically at least, a new era of division between Russia and much of the rest of the world," Musgrave added.&nbsp;

"I think there is going to be a little bit of a noticeable hit to McDonald's bottom line. In their 2020 annual report, they had $500 million of assets denominated in rubles that they had to look out for. International business accounts for more than half of McDonald's corporate revenue. Russia is a smaller part of that, but it is a real part of it. So there is a real hit," Musgrave said.&nbsp;

Apart from McDonald's, Coca-Cola and coffee chain Starbucks become the latest firms to suspend operations in Russia. Previously, brands like Visa, MasterCard, Nike, Netflix, Alphabet, Apple suspended sales or operations in Russia.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

To take a stance against the Russian "military operation" in Ukraine, global fast-food giant McDonald's Corp on Tuesday (March 8) announced that it would temporarily close all 847 of its restaurants in Russia.

To take a stance against the Russian "military operation" in Ukraine, global fast-food giant McDonald's Corp on Tuesday (March 8) announced that it would temporarily close all 847 of its restaurants in Russia. In the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, western countries have been imposing sanctions on Russia to cripple the economy. To increase the pressure, other global brands have also pursued the same as they have paused operations in the country. While announcing the decision, McDonald's said it would continue to pay salaries to its 62,000 employees in Russia. The company's CEO Chris Kempczinski stated that "our values mean we cannot ignore the needless human suffering unfolding in Ukraine." ALSO READ | Ukraine under attack: Here's why US rejected Poland's plan to offer MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine McDonald's closure is in particular of huge significance because of its large size and global reach. Whenever it takes a stance on an issue or makes a major operational change, it is often copied by other companies around the world. The announcement is also will also carry symbolic importance in Russia, where the first location to open, in central Moscow in 1990, became an iconic symbol of flourishing American capitalism as the Soviet Union fell. McDonald's had, in a way, opened Russia to the Western culture after the Cold War as the company opened its first location in Moscow three months after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Paul Musgrave, assistant professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst said, "When McDonald's moved into the Soviet Union, it was part of a message of opening up and building trust and cooperation between Russia and the West." IN PICS | What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks "And now those avenues have all been closed off. And so Russia's having McDonald's exit that market really brings a bookend or close to that era. And we're kind of standing in, symbolically at least, a new era of division between Russia and much of the rest of the world," Musgrave added. "I think there is going to be a little bit of a noticeable hit to McDonald's bottom line. In their 2020 annual report, they had $500 million of assets denominated in rubles that they had to look out for. International business accounts for more than half of McDonald's corporate revenue. Russia is a smaller part of that, but it is a real part of it. So there is a real hit," Musgrave said. Apart from McDonald's, Coca-Cola and coffee chain Starbucks become the latest firms to suspend operations in Russia. Previously, brands like Visa, MasterCard, Nike, Netflix, Alphabet, Apple suspended sales or operations in Russia. × (With inputs from agencies)

Icon of post-Soviet Russia: Significance of McDonald's closure in Russia is huge, here's why

In an apparent attempt at appeasing Moscow, Ukraine's president Zelenskyy said that he is no longer seeking a NATO membership, an issue that was one of Russia's stated reasons for the invasion. To shed more light on this, we are joined by WION's correspondent Olly Barratt and political analyst Andreas Umland.

Ukraine backs away from NATO bid?

In an apparent nod aimed at placating Moscow, Ukraine's president Zelenskyy said that he is no longer seeking NATO membership, an issue that was one of Russia's stated reasons for the invasion.

Amid Russian offensive, Ukraine backs away from NATO bid?

The United States on Tuesday (March 8) rejected Poland's offer to send MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine via a US airbase, saying it was "not tenable" as the proposal raised "serious concerns" for the entire NATO alliance.&nbsp;

"Poland... is ready to deliver its Mig-29 planes to Ramstein airbase (in Germany) and make them available to the US for free and without delay," Warsaw said earlier.&nbsp;

Zbigniew Rau, Poland's foreign minister, had said that his government was "ready to deploy – immediately and free of charge – all their MiG-29 jets to the Ramstein airbase and place them at the disposal of the government of the United States of America".&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-intel-says-russia-may-escalate-invasion-despite-ukraine-setbacks-brands-vladimir-putin-angry-frustrated-460401">US intel says Russia may escalate invasion despite Ukraine setbacks, brands Vladimir Putin 'angry, frustrated'</a>

However, under a reported deal, Poland would receive F-16 fighters as replacements for the Soviet-era planes that Ukrainian pilots are trained on.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the prospect of the jets flying from a US-NATO base "into airspace that is contested with Russia over Ukraine raises serious concerns for the entire NATO alliance."&nbsp;

"We will continue to consult with Poland and our other NATO allies about this issue and the difficult logistical challenges it presents, but we do not believe Poland's proposal is a tenable one," Kirby said in a statement.&nbsp;

"It is simply not clear to us that there is a substantive rationale for it," he added. &nbsp;

Kirby stressed that Washington's stance was that "the decision about whether to transfer Polish-owned planes to Ukraine is ultimately one for the Polish government."&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-tank-man-to-snake-island-defenders-brave-stories-of-resistance-by-ukrainians-against-vladimir-putin-460353">What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks</a>

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It is simply not clear to us that there is a substantive rationale for it. We will continue to consult with Poland and our other NATO allies about this issue and the difficult logistical challenges it presents, but we do not believe Poland’s proposal is a tenable one. (4/4)
— John Kirby (@PentagonPresSec) <a href="https://twitter.com/PentagonPresSec/status/1501336451195277314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Previously, US officials, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, had downplayed the possibility of any NATO country supplying besieged Ukraine.&nbsp;

While speaking in Moldova on Sunday, Blinken confirmed it was under active discussion&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Can't speak to a timeline, but I can just say we're looking at it very, very actively," he told reporters.&nbsp;

"We are looking actively now at the question of aeroplanes that Poland may provide to Ukraine and looking at how we might be able to backfill should Poland decide to supply those planes," he said.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine crisis: Will West's arms supply to Ukraine make any difference?

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(With inputs from agencies)

The United States on Tuesday (March 8) rejected Poland's offer to send MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine via a US airbase, saying it was "not tenable" as the proposal raised "serious concerns" for the entire NATO alliance.

The United States on Tuesday (March 8) rejected Poland's offer to send MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine via a US airbase, saying it was "not tenable" as the proposal raised "serious concerns" for the entire NATO alliance. "Poland... is ready to deliver its Mig-29 planes to Ramstein airbase (in Germany) and make them available to the US for free and without delay," Warsaw said earlier. Zbigniew Rau, Poland's foreign minister, had said that his government was "ready to deploy – immediately and free of charge – all their MiG-29 jets to the Ramstein airbase and place them at the disposal of the government of the United States of America". ALSO READ | US intel says Russia may escalate invasion despite Ukraine setbacks, brands Vladimir Putin 'angry, frustrated' However, under a reported deal, Poland would receive F-16 fighters as replacements for the Soviet-era planes that Ukrainian pilots are trained on. Meanwhile, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the prospect of the jets flying from a US-NATO base "into airspace that is contested with Russia over Ukraine raises serious concerns for the entire NATO alliance." "We will continue to consult with Poland and our other NATO allies about this issue and the difficult logistical challenges it presents, but we do not believe Poland's proposal is a tenable one," Kirby said in a statement. "It is simply not clear to us that there is a substantive rationale for it," he added. Kirby stressed that Washington's stance was that "the decision about whether to transfer Polish-owned planes to Ukraine is ultimately one for the Polish government." IN PICS | What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks It is simply not clear to us that there is a substantive rationale for it. We will continue to consult with Poland and our other NATO allies about this issue and the difficult logistical challenges it presents, but we do not believe Poland’s proposal is a tenable one. (4/4) — John Kirby (@PentagonPresSec) March 8, 2022 × Previously, US officials, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, had downplayed the possibility of any NATO country supplying besieged Ukraine. While speaking in Moldova on Sunday, Blinken confirmed it was under active discussion "Can't speak to a timeline, but I can just say we're looking at it very, very actively," he told reporters. "We are looking actively now at the question of aeroplanes that Poland may provide to Ukraine and looking at how we might be able to backfill should Poland decide to supply those planes," he said. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine crisis: Will West's arms supply to Ukraine make any difference? × (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine under attack: Here's why US rejected Poland's plan to offer MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine

IAEA says that a nuclear facility in Kharkiv has been damaged by Russian shelling. This comes after Russia already took control of Chernobyl and Zaporizhzhya nuclear plants in Ukraine.

IAEA: Nuclear facility in Kharkiv damaged

For months, Ukraine worried and agonized about a potential invasion. But in just over one week of hellish war, Ukrainians revealed themselves to be some of the bravest people in the world. Against Russia’s full-scale assault, civilians across the country have been courageously, even terrifyingly, defiant.

There’s the man who stood in front of a Russian tank, pushing against it to stop it from advancing. And the man who picked up an unexploded mine from the road with his bare hands and carried it deep into a forest, with a cigarette in his mouth.

There’s the woman who walked up to a Russian soldier and told him to put sunflower seeds in his pockets. That way when he dies on Ukrainian land, she explained, flowers will grow. And then there’s the already legendary story of the 13 Snake Island defenders who, when asked to capitulate, refused in gloriously colorful terms. (The phrase they used has become something of a rallying cry for proud Ukrainians, including government officials.)

Yet these heroic displays barely scratch the surface of Ukrainian resistance. From sharing food to taking up arms, Ukrainians across the country are united in repelling the invaders — and protecting our homeland. President Vladimir Putin was apparently confident that Russia would defeat Ukraine in two or three days. But he picked the wrong nation to mess with.

The Ukrainian Army, destroying enemy tanks and intercepting missiles, has been remarkable. And behind it stand legions of Ukrainians who have made camouflage netting, dispatched humanitarian aid and raised funds. The sums, for a country under attack, are astounding: In one day, Ukraine’s most-trusted military aid nonprofit, Come Back Alive, raised over $680,000 — a donation larger than the amount raised in all of 2021. The National Bank of Ukraine, which opened a special account to raise funds for Ukraine’s military, received nearly $10 million in just the first day of the war.

Some stories, like that of 8-year-old Alisa Zhuk from Kyiv, are especially touching. The little girl is selling her drawings for $20 and up, donating all proceeds to the army — to make sure that Ukrainian soldiers have enough food and clothes, she said. “Our children,” her mother told me, “will grow up proud of Ukraine.”

Many citizens have gone a step further in their support and joined territorial defense units. As of Feb. 26, two days into Russia’s invasion, 37,000 Ukrainians were signed up. Now journalists, artists, musicians, TV hosts, comedians and thousands of others are patrolling the streets. Using conventional arms and Molotov cocktails — which have become something of a revered national weapon — they have apprehended saboteurs, shot down drones and stopped enemy tanks. In the defense of our country, they have been indispensable.

Ivan and Danylo Stolyarevskyi, brothers from Kyiv, wanted to join them. But because resources could not keep pace with the overwhelming number of volunteers, they were turned down. So the brothers joined Ukraine’s resistance online instead.

Ivan, 27, now spends his time writing Google reviews for Russian cafes and restaurants. But they are no ordinary reviews. “Russian troops have been bombing Kyiv and its peaceful residents for 4 days,” one reads. “Go out in the streets — stop the deaths of children.” By flooding places where Russians are congregating online, Ivan and the hundreds of others writing similar messages hope to spread the truth of the Kremlin’s atrocities.

Danylo, 30, plays a different role. He’s part of the “I.T. Army of Ukraine,” a group chat with over 285,000 participants on the messaging app Telegram. There, web developers from all over the country coordinate cyberattacks on Russian and Belarusian websites. The method is quite simple. Regular websites in Russia and Belarus aren’t equipped to handle large numbers of visitors, so to destabilize them, a group of people reload the web page many times. Dozens of strategically important websites have been struck down, including that of the National Bank of Belarus. “It is a drop in the ocean, but you feel your small contribution to the common cause,” Danylo told me.

That’s something every Ukrainian is doing, in ways big and small. Even under bombardment, people have lined up to donate blood, providing vital assistance to the country’s hospitals. Volunteers take food and supplies to underground shelters where hundreds and sometimes thousands of people are gathered. People look out for one another and acts of kindness are the norm. In Kharkiv, which has been under heavy bombardment for days, an English-speaking Ukrainian girl walked dozens of international students through Metro tunnels, helping them get on a train to evacuate.

That support extends to those who leave as well as those who stay. For the roughly two million people who have either fled the country or are traveling within it, volunteers help to arrange accommodation and, where possible, transport. Ukrainians abroad, mainly in countries along the border, have been collecting truckfuls of humanitarian aid to support arriving refugees. No matter where they are, Ukrainians have the support of their compatriots.

That doesn’t lessen the tragedy of the situation. After over a week of war, the Kremlin’s aim appears to be to encircle and capture major cities, heedless of the death and destruction Russian forces leave in their wake. Already, the toll is heavy: In the first week of conflict, according to the United Nations, 227 civilians were killed and 525 were wounded. The Russian Army, loaded up with artillery, is going to continue its brutal bombardment of the country. For Ukrainians, in flight, fight or shelter, there will be no respite.

But we are defiant. With every act of bravery and courage, Ukrainians show that we are ready to pay the highest price for democracy — ours and the world over. In this battle, we will not surrender and we will not capitulate. Because our freedom is immutable.

For months, Ukraine worried and agonized about a potential invasion. But in just over one week of hellish war, Ukrainians revealed themselves to be some of the bravest people in the world.

For months, Ukraine worried and agonized about a potential invasion. But in just over one week of hellish war, Ukrainians revealed themselves to be some of the bravest people in the world. Against Russia’s full-scale assault, civilians across the country have been courageously, even terrifyingly, defiant. There’s the man who stood in front of a Russian tank, pushing against it to stop it from advancing. And the man who picked up an unexploded mine from the road with his bare hands and carried it deep into a forest, with a cigarette in his mouth. There’s the woman who walked up to a Russian soldier and told him to put sunflower seeds in his pockets. That way when he dies on Ukrainian land, she explained, flowers will grow. And then there’s the already legendary story of the 13 Snake Island defenders who, when asked to capitulate, refused in gloriously colorful terms. (The phrase they used has become something of a rallying cry for proud Ukrainians, including government officials.) Yet these heroic displays barely scratch the surface of Ukrainian resistance. From sharing food to taking up arms, Ukrainians across the country are united in repelling the invaders — and protecting our homeland. President Vladimir Putin was apparently confident that Russia would defeat Ukraine in two or three days. But he picked the wrong nation to mess with. The Ukrainian Army, destroying enemy tanks and intercepting missiles, has been remarkable. And behind it stand legions of Ukrainians who have made camouflage netting, dispatched humanitarian aid and raised funds. The sums, for a country under attack, are astounding: In one day, Ukraine’s most-trusted military aid nonprofit, Come Back Alive, raised over $680,000 — a donation larger than the amount raised in all of 2021. The National Bank of Ukraine, which opened a special account to raise funds for Ukraine’s military, received nearly $10 million in just the first day of the war. Some stories, like that of 8-year-old Alisa Zhuk from Kyiv, are especially touching. The little girl is selling her drawings for $20 and up, donating all proceeds to the army — to make sure that Ukrainian soldiers have enough food and clothes, she said. “Our children,” her mother told me, “will grow up proud of Ukraine.” Many citizens have gone a step further in their support and joined territorial defense units. As of Feb. 26, two days into Russia’s invasion, 37,000 Ukrainians were signed up. Now journalists, artists, musicians, TV hosts, comedians and thousands of others are patrolling the streets. Using conventional arms and Molotov cocktails — which have become something of a revered national weapon — they have apprehended saboteurs, shot down drones and stopped enemy tanks. In the defense of our country, they have been indispensable. Ivan and Danylo Stolyarevskyi, brothers from Kyiv, wanted to join them. But because resources could not keep pace with the overwhelming number of volunteers, they were turned down. So the brothers joined Ukraine’s resistance online instead. Ivan, 27, now spends his time writing Google reviews for Russian cafes and restaurants. But they are no ordinary reviews. “Russian troops have been bombing Kyiv and its peaceful residents for 4 days,” one reads. “Go out in the streets — stop the deaths of children.” By flooding places where Russians are congregating online, Ivan and the hundreds of others writing similar messages hope to spread the truth of the Kremlin’s atrocities. Danylo, 30, plays a different role. He’s part of the “I.T. Army of Ukraine,” a group chat with over 285,000 participants on the messaging app Telegram. There, web developers from all over the country coordinate cyberattacks on Russian and Belarusian websites. The method is quite simple. Regular websites in Russia and Belarus aren’t equipped to handle large numbers of visitors, so to destabilize them, a group of people reload the web page many times. Dozens of strategically important websites have been struck down, including that of the National Bank of Belarus. “It is a drop in the ocean, but you feel your small contribution to the common cause,” Danylo told me. That’s something every Ukrainian is doing, in ways big and small. Even under bombardment, people have lined up to donate blood, providing vital assistance to the country’s hospitals. Volunteers take food and supplies to underground shelters where hundreds and sometimes thousands of people are gathered. People look out for one another and acts of kindness are the norm. In Kharkiv, which has been under heavy bombardment for days, an English-speaking Ukrainian girl walked dozens of international students through Metro tunnels, helping them get on a train to evacuate. That support extends to those who leave as well as those who stay. For the roughly two million people who have either fled the country or are traveling within it, volunteers help to arrange accommodation and, where possible, transport. Ukrainians abroad, mainly in countries along the border, have been collecting truckfuls of humanitarian aid to support arriving refugees. No matter where they are, Ukrainians have the support of their compatriots. That doesn’t lessen the tragedy of the situation. After over a week of war, the Kremlin’s aim appears to be to encircle and capture major cities, heedless of the death and destruction Russian forces leave in their wake. Already, the toll is heavy: In the first week of conflict, according to the United Nations, 227 civilians were killed and 525 were wounded. The Russian Army, loaded up with artillery, is going to continue its brutal bombardment of the country. For Ukrainians, in flight, fight or shelter, there will be no respite. But we are defiant. With every act of bravery and courage, Ukrainians show that we are ready to pay the highest price for democracy — ours and the world over. In this battle, we will not surrender and we will not capitulate. Because our freedom is immutable.

Putin picked the wrong country to mess with

Russia boycotted hearings at the top UN court during which Ukraine is seeking an emergency order to halt hostilities, arguing that Moscow has falsely applied genocide law in justifying its invasion.

Ukraine's envoy criticises Russia for not showing up at top UN court hearing

Russia is mulling imposing a ban on oil imports from Russia. This comes at a time when Russia is the world's top producer of natural gas right now and Europe's energy needs are fulfilled by Russia.

US mulls Russian oil import ban amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting on the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine.

UNSC urges safe aid delivery to Ukraine during an emergency meeting on humanitarian crisis

Ukraine has begun evacuating civilians from the town of Irpin near the capital Kyiv after days of heavy aerial bombardment by Russian forces. WION's Anas Mallick brings you this report from the ground zero.

Ground Report: Irpin faces heat as Russian troops advance towards Kyiv

Ukrainian military has a tough job at hand to close all channels entering Kyiv to keep the Russian troops out but at the same time to keep the humanitarian routes open to help its civilians evacuate. WION's Anas Mallick brings you this report from a bridge Bucha region and Irpin.

Ukraine destroys bridge of Bucha to keep Russians out of Kyiv

Moscow threatens to close a major gas pipeline to Germany after the US pushed its European allies to consider banning Russian oil imports over its invasion of Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine war puts oil market in turmoil

Has US & Russia sent mercenaries to fight? The US says Russia is using Syrian fighters whereas, Russia says the US is hiring terrorists as Ukraine reports foreign fighters in Kyiv.

US & Russia send mercenaries to fight? Ukraine reports foreign fighters in Kyiv

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced ban on import of Russian oil into US. The decision has been taken in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Biden personally announced the decision in front of the media. Oil prices were already surging as reports of such a ban were doing rounds in the run-up to the announcement. What will the world economy have to bear as result of USA's decision. Here is a brief look.

Record rise in oil prices

JP Morgan has predicted that oil could hit a record $185 a barrel by the end of 2022 if disruption to Russian exports lasts that long, although along with most analysts polled by Reuters the bank expects a yearly average price below $100.

Other Western governments have not imposed direct sanctions on Russia's energy sector but some buyers are already shunning Russian oil in order to avoid legal troubles later.

"A prolonged war which causes widespread disruption to commodity supplies could see Brent moving above the $150 a barrel mark," Giovanni Staunovo, commodity analyst at UBS, said. He was quoted by Reuters.

Inflation

With natural gas prices hitting all-time highs, soaring energy costs are expected to push inflation above 7% on both sides of the Atlantic in the coming months and eat deep into households’ purchasing power.

As a rule of thumb, every 10% rise in the oil price in euro terms increases euro zone inflation by 0.1 to 0.2 percentage point. Since Jan 1, Brent crude is up around 80% in euros. In the U.S., every $10 per barrel rise in oil prices increases inflation by 0.2 percentage point.

In addition to being a major supplier of oil and gas, Russia is also the world's largest grains and fertilisers exporter and a top producer of palladium, nickel, coal and steel. The bid to exclude its economy from the trading system will hit a wide range of industries and add to global food security fears.

Recovery to be hit?

As the global economy is still in nascent stages of recovery after the pandemic, a ban on Russian oil is likely to slow it further.

Preliminary calculations by the European Central Bank (ECB) suggest that war could cut euro zone growth by 0.3 to 0.4 percentage points this year in a baseline scenario and 1 percentage point in case of a severe shock.

In the coming months, there is a high risk of stagflation, or little to minimal growth coupled with high inflation. However, further, euro zone growth is likely to remain robust, even if commodity prices prove a drag.

In the US, the Fed estimates that every $10 per barrel rise in oil prices cuts growth by 0.1 percentage point, though private forecasters see a more muted impact.

In Russia, the damage is likely to be large and immediate. JPMorgan estimates that its economy will contract by 12.5% from peak to trough.

Impact on central banks

For the US Federal Reserve, the inflationary impact has already proved too great and its Chair Jerome Powell has said that interest rates need to rise this month, piling pressure on borrowers. read more

For the ECB, the urgency of policy action is less acute as the labour market still enjoys spare capacity and there is little home-grown inflation.

"No one can seriously expect the ECB to start normalising monetary policy at such a moment of high uncertainty," ING economist Carsten Brzeski said.

What are the substitutes?

With fossil fuel demand rebounding from the pandemic but supply around the world still tight, policymakers will be under pressure to ramp up supply despite pledges to back green energy.

"There will be a dial back on green initiatives in the short term in an attempt to reverse the contraction we've seen in fossil fuel supplies," Susannah Streeter, senior investment and markets analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said.

Talks to unleash Iran from international sanctions are in advanced stages and high oil prices are set to galvanize investment in U.S. shale, but supply may not be set to come online soon enough to replace Russian output.

"The potential supply impacts are so large that there isn’t a quick way to substitute in the medium term, meaning the only mitigant will be price inflation of these inputs and the products that depend on them," said Alex Collins, senior corporate analyst at BlueBay Asset Management.

The long view

The Russian-Western impasse could invigorate Moscow's relationship with Beijing but the energy infrastructure between the two countries is scant.

"Although Russia's Pivot to the East has accelerated gas cooperation with China via gas infrastructure ... all these developments are still in their infancy compared to the mature markets in Europe," said Kaho Yu, principal Asia analyst at risk consultancy Verisk Maplecroft.

Renewables could get a boost in the medium- to long-run as countries seek to wean themselves off Russian energy.

"We should take the subsidies we now devote to natural gas, coal, and petroleum and put them into renewable energy generation, electric mobility and EV charging infrastructure, heat pumps, building efficiency upgrades," said Wolfgang Ketter, professor at the Rotterdam School of Management at Erasmus University in the Netherlands.

"Anything that will lead to long term energy security by reducing fossil fuel dependency."

(With inputs from agencies).

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced ban on import of Russian oil into US. The decision has been taken in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Biden personally announced the decision in front of the media.

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday announced ban on import of Russian oil into US. The decision has been taken in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Biden personally announced the decision in front of the media. Oil prices were already surging as reports of such a ban were doing rounds in the run-up to the announcement. What will the world economy have to bear as result of USA's decision. Here is a brief look. Record rise in oil prices JP Morgan has predicted that oil could hit a record $185 a barrel by the end of 2022 if disruption to Russian exports lasts that long, although along with most analysts polled by Reuters the bank expects a yearly average price below $100. Other Western governments have not imposed direct sanctions on Russia's energy sector but some buyers are already shunning Russian oil in order to avoid legal troubles later. "A prolonged war which causes widespread disruption to commodity supplies could see Brent moving above the $150 a barrel mark," Giovanni Staunovo, commodity analyst at UBS, said. He was quoted by Reuters. Inflation With natural gas prices hitting all-time highs, soaring energy costs are expected to push inflation above 7% on both sides of the Atlantic in the coming months and eat deep into households’ purchasing power. As a rule of thumb, every 10% rise in the oil price in euro terms increases euro zone inflation by 0.1 to 0.2 percentage point. Since Jan 1, Brent crude is up around 80% in euros. In the U.S., every $10 per barrel rise in oil prices increases inflation by 0.2 percentage point. In addition to being a major supplier of oil and gas, Russia is also the world's largest grains and fertilisers exporter and a top producer of palladium, nickel, coal and steel. The bid to exclude its economy from the trading system will hit a wide range of industries and add to global food security fears. Recovery to be hit? As the global economy is still in nascent stages of recovery after the pandemic, a ban on Russian oil is likely to slow it further. Preliminary calculations by the European Central Bank (ECB) suggest that war could cut euro zone growth by 0.3 to 0.4 percentage points this year in a baseline scenario and 1 percentage point in case of a severe shock. In the coming months, there is a high risk of stagflation, or little to minimal growth coupled with high inflation. However, further, euro zone growth is likely to remain robust, even if commodity prices prove a drag. In the US, the Fed estimates that every $10 per barrel rise in oil prices cuts growth by 0.1 percentage point, though private forecasters see a more muted impact. In Russia, the damage is likely to be large and immediate. JPMorgan estimates that its economy will contract by 12.5% from peak to trough. Impact on central banks For the US Federal Reserve, the inflationary impact has already proved too great and its Chair Jerome Powell has said that interest rates need to rise this month, piling pressure on borrowers. read more For the ECB, the urgency of policy action is less acute as the labour market still enjoys spare capacity and there is little home-grown inflation. "No one can seriously expect the ECB to start normalising monetary policy at such a moment of high uncertainty," ING economist Carsten Brzeski said. What are the substitutes? With fossil fuel demand rebounding from the pandemic but supply around the world still tight, policymakers will be under pressure to ramp up supply despite pledges to back green energy. "There will be a dial back on green initiatives in the short term in an attempt to reverse the contraction we've seen in fossil fuel supplies," Susannah Streeter, senior investment and markets analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said. Talks to unleash Iran from international sanctions are in advanced stages and high oil prices are set to galvanize investment in U.S. shale, but supply may not be set to come online soon enough to replace Russian output. "The potential supply impacts are so large that there isn’t a quick way to substitute in the medium term, meaning the only mitigant will be price inflation of these inputs and the products that depend on them," said Alex Collins, senior corporate analyst at BlueBay Asset Management. The long view The Russian-Western impasse could invigorate Moscow's relationship with Beijing but the energy infrastructure between the two countries is scant. "Although Russia's Pivot to the East has accelerated gas cooperation with China via gas infrastructure ... all these developments are still in their infancy compared to the mature markets in Europe," said Kaho Yu, principal Asia analyst at risk consultancy Verisk Maplecroft. Renewables could get a boost in the medium- to long-run as countries seek to wean themselves off Russian energy. "We should take the subsidies we now devote to natural gas, coal, and petroleum and put them into renewable energy generation, electric mobility and EV charging infrastructure, heat pumps, building efficiency upgrades," said Wolfgang Ketter, professor at the Rotterdam School of Management at Erasmus University in the Netherlands. "Anything that will lead to long term energy security by reducing fossil fuel dependency." (With inputs from agencies).

Joe Biden bans US import of Russian oil, global economy to face heat?

When Russia invaded Ukraine last week, some of the social media's youngest users experienced the conflict from the front lines on TikTok.

Videos of people huddling and crying in windowless bomb shelters, explosions blasting through urban settings and missiles streaking across Ukrainian cities took over the app from its usual offerings of fashion, fitness and dance videos.

Ukrainian social media influencers uploaded bleak scenes of themselves wrapped in blankets in underground bunkers and army tanks rolling down residential streets, juxtaposed against photos of blooming flowers and laughing friends at restaurants that honoured more peaceful memories of their hometowns.

They urged their followers to pray for Ukraine, donate to support the Ukrainian military and demanded Russian users in particular to join anti-war efforts.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which it has called a "special operation," is the latest example of the central role TikTok has played in bringing news and current events to the app's large Gen Z audience. Its famed algorithm is known for serving trending content even if users do not follow certain people, allowing topics to quickly go viral among its 1 billion monthly users.

The app has become so influential in this conflict that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to "TikTokers" as a group that could help end the war, in a speech directed at Russian citizens. Some TikTokers picked up where the politician left off.

A Ukrainian travel blogger named Alina Volik, who has over 36,000 followers on TikTok, took a break from posting highlights of her trips to Egypt, Spain and Turkey, to upload videos of life in the invasion, of emergency backpacks filled with first aid supplies and of sealed windows to protect against glass shards in a blast. In TikTok videos posted on Monday, Volik also urged her international followers to watch her Instagram Stories to "see the truth" about Ukraine.

In an email to Reuters, Volik said she wanted to combat misinformation in the Russian news that the country's actions were a "military operation" rather than a war that is hurting Ukrainians.

Montages of residential buildings destroyed by missiles, empty grocery store shelves and long lines of cars piled up outside gas stations could be seen on the TikTok pages of top Ukrainian influencers.

"@zaluznik" who has 2 million followers, posted one such montage on Sunday with the caption "Russians open your eyes!"

Russian influencers have also taken to the app to share their reaction. Niki Proshin, who has over 763,000 TikTok followers, said in a video on Thursday that "normal people" in Russia do not support the war.

"None of my friends and none of the people I personally talk to supported today's events," he said, referring to the invasion of Ukraine.

On Monday, Russia's communications regulator Roskomnadzor demanded the app stop including military-related content in recommended posts to minors, saying much of the content was anti-Russian in character. TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Online misinformation researchers warned that false information about the conflict were now mixed in with authentic ones and has spread widely on TikTok and other tech platforms including Meta Platforms's Facebook, Twitter and Alphabet Inc's YouTube.

Footage of military simulator video game Arma 3, images of explosions from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Gaza Strip, old footage of heavy firing and animations of flying aircraft have been shared on social media sites as if they depict the Russian invasion of Ukraine last week.

"We continue to closely monitor the situation, with increased resources to respond to emerging trends and remove violative content, including harmful misinformation and promotion of violence," a TikTok spokesperson said, adding that it works with fact-checking organizations.

Some Ukrainian TikTok users have made it a mission to share information and spread awareness with Western audiences.

"I want people to understand this is not a joke, this is a serious situation that Ukrainians face," Marta Vasyuta, 20, said in an interview on Monday.

One of Vasyuta's TikTok videos showed what appeared to be a missile in the sky with the caption "Kyiv 4:23 am." It had over 131,000 comments by Monday as users flooded the video to offer their prayers and express disbelief.

"Never thought I would get WAR updates on TIKTOK," commented one user.

WATCH:&nbsp;Here's a look at the military arsenal of Ukraine and&nbsp;Russia being used during the ongoing war

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When Russia invaded Ukraine last week, some of the social media's youngest users experienced the conflict from the front lines on TikTok. Videos of people huddling and crying in windowless bomb shelters, explosions blasting through urban settings and missiles streaking across Ukrainian cities took over the app from its usual offerings of fashion, fitness and dance videos.

When Russia invaded Ukraine last week, some of the social media's youngest users experienced the conflict from the front lines on TikTok. Videos of people huddling and crying in windowless bomb shelters, explosions blasting through urban settings and missiles streaking across Ukrainian cities took over the app from its usual offerings of fashion, fitness and dance videos. Ukrainian social media influencers uploaded bleak scenes of themselves wrapped in blankets in underground bunkers and army tanks rolling down residential streets, juxtaposed against photos of blooming flowers and laughing friends at restaurants that honoured more peaceful memories of their hometowns. They urged their followers to pray for Ukraine, donate to support the Ukrainian military and demanded Russian users in particular to join anti-war efforts. Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which it has called a "special operation," is the latest example of the central role TikTok has played in bringing news and current events to the app's large Gen Z audience. Its famed algorithm is known for serving trending content even if users do not follow certain people, allowing topics to quickly go viral among its 1 billion monthly users. The app has become so influential in this conflict that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to "TikTokers" as a group that could help end the war, in a speech directed at Russian citizens. Some TikTokers picked up where the politician left off. A Ukrainian travel blogger named Alina Volik, who has over 36,000 followers on TikTok, took a break from posting highlights of her trips to Egypt, Spain and Turkey, to upload videos of life in the invasion, of emergency backpacks filled with first aid supplies and of sealed windows to protect against glass shards in a blast. In TikTok videos posted on Monday, Volik also urged her international followers to watch her Instagram Stories to "see the truth" about Ukraine. In an email to Reuters, Volik said she wanted to combat misinformation in the Russian news that the country's actions were a "military operation" rather than a war that is hurting Ukrainians. Montages of residential buildings destroyed by missiles, empty grocery store shelves and long lines of cars piled up outside gas stations could be seen on the TikTok pages of top Ukrainian influencers. "@zaluznik" who has 2 million followers, posted one such montage on Sunday with the caption "Russians open your eyes!" Russian influencers have also taken to the app to share their reaction. Niki Proshin, who has over 763,000 TikTok followers, said in a video on Thursday that "normal people" in Russia do not support the war. "None of my friends and none of the people I personally talk to supported today's events," he said, referring to the invasion of Ukraine. On Monday, Russia's communications regulator Roskomnadzor demanded the app stop including military-related content in recommended posts to minors, saying much of the content was anti-Russian in character. TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Online misinformation researchers warned that false information about the conflict were now mixed in with authentic ones and has spread widely on TikTok and other tech platforms including Meta Platforms's Facebook, Twitter and Alphabet Inc's YouTube. Footage of military simulator video game Arma 3, images of explosions from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the Gaza Strip, old footage of heavy firing and animations of flying aircraft have been shared on social media sites as if they depict the Russian invasion of Ukraine last week. "We continue to closely monitor the situation, with increased resources to respond to emerging trends and remove violative content, including harmful misinformation and promotion of violence," a TikTok spokesperson said, adding that it works with fact-checking organizations. Some Ukrainian TikTok users have made it a mission to share information and spread awareness with Western audiences. "I want people to understand this is not a joke, this is a serious situation that Ukrainians face," Marta Vasyuta, 20, said in an interview on Monday. One of Vasyuta's TikTok videos showed what appeared to be a missile in the sky with the caption "Kyiv 4:23 am." It had over 131,000 comments by Monday as users flooded the video to offer their prayers and express disbelief. "Never thought I would get WAR updates on TIKTOK," commented one user. WATCH: Here's a look at the military arsenal of Ukraine and Russia being used during the ongoing war ×

TikTok war: How Russia's invasion of Ukraine played to social media's youngest audience

Watch this report to know more about the weapons being used during the war in Ukraine by Moscow and Kyiv. Soviet-era rockets and American javelins are a few known ones.

Here's a look at the military arsenal of Ukraine & Russia being used during the ongoing war

IAEA raised concerns over nuclear plants in Ukraine. This comes after Russian shelling resulted in a fire incident near Ukraine's Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant. It also backed a trilateral meeting in Chernobyl. Russia however, agrees but not about the venue.

IAEA demands urgent talks in Chernobyl

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