Scotland's FIFA World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine, scheduled for March 24, has been postponed.

FIFA, world football's governing body, had a call with the chief executives of the Scotland, Ukraine, Wales and Austria Football Associations on Monday where they were verbally told that the game will be moved to June.

Earlier, Ukriane had asked FIFA to postpone their March 24 World Cup play-off match against Scotland.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-to-suspend-contracts-of-foreign-players-currently-tied-to-ukrainian-russian-clubs-460172">FIFA to suspend contracts of foreign players currently tied to Ukrainian, Russian clubs</a>

The play-off semi-final was due to be played at Hampden Park on March 24, with the winner going on to face Austria or Wales in Cardiff for a place in this year's World Cup in Qatar.

But now the clash has been postponed owing to the ongoing military operation of Ukraine by Russia.

Russia was thrown out of the tournament by FIFA as a sanction for their military operation.

They had been due to face Poland in their semi-final.World football's governing body had earlier released a joint statement with UEFA on Monday announcing Russia's national teams and its clubs were banned from all competitions.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-harry-kanes-brace-helps-tottenham-hotspur-crush-everton-5-0-460196">Premier League: Harry Kane's brace helps Tottenham Hotspur crush Everton 5-0</a>

Earlier, the Russian football federation on Thursday said that it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the decisions by FIFA and UEFA to bar Russian national teams from international competitions over the country's military operation of Ukraine.

The Russian football federation said in a statement it would file one lawsuit against the two governing bodies to demand that Russian men's and women's national teams be allowed to compete, including in qualifying for this year`s World Cup in Qatar.

Scotland's FIFA World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine, scheduled for March 24, has been postponed. FIFA, world football's governing body, had a call with the chief executives of the Scotland, Ukraine, Wales and Austria Football Associations on Monday where they were verbally told that the game will be moved to June.

Scotland's FIFA World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine, scheduled for March 24, has been postponed. FIFA, world football's governing body, had a call with the chief executives of the Scotland, Ukraine, Wales and Austria Football Associations on Monday where they were verbally told that the game will be moved to June. Earlier, Ukriane had asked FIFA to postpone their March 24 World Cup play-off match against Scotland. ALSO READ: FIFA to suspend contracts of foreign players currently tied to Ukrainian, Russian clubs The play-off semi-final was due to be played at Hampden Park on March 24, with the winner going on to face Austria or Wales in Cardiff for a place in this year's World Cup in Qatar. But now the clash has been postponed owing to the ongoing military operation of Ukraine by Russia. Russia was thrown out of the tournament by FIFA as a sanction for their military operation. They had been due to face Poland in their semi-final.World football's governing body had earlier released a joint statement with UEFA on Monday announcing Russia's national teams and its clubs were banned from all competitions. ALSO READ: Premier League: Harry Kane's brace helps Tottenham Hotspur crush Everton 5-0 Earlier, the Russian football federation on Thursday said that it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against the decisions by FIFA and UEFA to bar Russian national teams from international competitions over the country's military operation of Ukraine. The Russian football federation said in a statement it would file one lawsuit against the two governing bodies to demand that Russian men's and women's national teams be allowed to compete, including in qualifying for this year`s World Cup in Qatar.

FIFA postpone Scotland's World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine amid war crisis

After Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the foreigners to show support for his country and fight side by side with the Ukrainians against the Russian war, a total of 16,000 foreigners have volunteered to fight untethered against the Russian assault.

Ukraine Under Attack: 16,000 foreigners volunteer to fight for Ukraine against Russia

People in Ukraine are unable to flee with their pets amid the Russian invasion, they're finding it difficult to leave their pets behind. Ukrainians are being forced to leave their pets due to conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

The dilemma of pet owners amid Russia invasion

Russia has opened safe corridors for civilians from 5 Ukrainian cities. However, assault on cities including Kyiv, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Mariupol continues. WION's Anas Mallick brings you more insights.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russia opens humanitarian corridor for 5 Ukrainian cities

Russia threatened to cut natural gas supplies to Europe via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline as part of its response to sanctions imposed over the invasion of Ukraine.

Russia threatens to cut gas supplies to Europe via Nord stream 1

As the Orthodox chants in Russian and the Ukrainian bishop’s voice echoed in the ancient crypt, the faithful lowered their scarf-wrapped heads to the marble floor, held candles over their Cyrillic prayer books or wept under low stone arches.

All had come to pray at the tomb of St. Nicholas, revered by Orthodox Christians throughout the former Soviet bloc, in the basilica named for him in the port city of Bari, on Italy’s southern coast. Though more than 1,000 miles from the conflict in Ukraine, and united in their veneration for the saint, the congregation of mostly women in long winter coats made for a strangely out-of-place diorama of all that binds and that is tearing apart their ancestral homelands.

A woman wearing the yellow and blue colors of Ukraine’s flag said she asked the saint for a miracle: to stop Russia’s invasion of her home country. A Belarusian woman nearby defended Russian President Vladimir Putin. So did the Serbian monk assisting the bishop in the prayers. The Russian faithful by the choir refused to assign blame for the war.

“It’s a sin what Putin is doing,” said Lali Bubashvili, 50, a woman from Georgia, a former Soviet republic, who sat on a back pew, recalling Russia’s invasion there. “Years ago, we suffered the war. We know it’s a barbarous thing.”

The relics believed to be of St. Nicholas were brought from present-day Turkey by sailors 1,000 years ago, and his bones have been entombed in Bari ever since. Although the basilica that houses them is Roman Catholic, once a week it invites the Orthodox faithful to hold their own service using the crypt.

The presence of the relics has long made Bari an unusual linchpin in relations between Italy and Russia and between the Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches.

In 2007, Putin himself came to Bari and knelt in front of St. Nicholas’ tomb, just as the faithful did during the prayer for peace. In 2009, Italy returned ownership to Russia of an Orthodox church named after St. Nicholas to fortify ties with Moscow.

Years earlier, Putin donated a statue of the saint that stands in the square in front of the basilica, along with a signed plaque honoring “friendship and cooperation” that is dedicated to “the citizens of Bari.”

But Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has now made the ancient crypt, and the city around it, an unexpected satellite for the pain and bitterness of the conflict. On the streets of Bari, the war has caused tensions between Ukrainian and Russian residents and headaches for local politicians.

Local people recently petitioned for the removal of the plaque bearing Putin’s dedication. Although Bari’s mayor, Antonio Decaro, brought yellow and blue flowers last month to the foot of the statue of St. Nicholas in sympathy with Ukraine, he has opposed removing the dedication, saying that to do so would cancel a piece of history.

“They won’t take the Putin sign down,” said Inna Honcharenko, 38, who is from Vinnytsia, near Kyiv, as she directed volunteers collecting donations for Ukraine in another part of town. “There’s too much the hand of Russia here.”

She said the war had exposed ugly tensions among Eastern European neighbors in the city. Russians had walked by the collection center and said the Ukrainian flag hanging out front was good only for cleaning their shoes. She said that vandals had smashed its window and that some Russian friends in Bari had stopped talking to her.

But the outpouring of help from Italians bringing pasta, rice, diapers, baby food, canned beans and much else encouraged her. “From Italy, we are helping our boys who are fighting for our people,” she said by a poster of Putin that read “Killer” with a bloody handprint on his face.

At the Russian Orthodox church with an emerald onion dome, a woman behind the closed gates explained that the church, despite its usual operating hours, was now closed to visitors. “This is Russian Federation territory,” she said.

The church’s priest, Viacheslav Bachin, declined to respond when asked about the war. He has referred to the position of Patriarch Kirill, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, who has often been aligned with Putin and who has shifted from avoiding casting blame for the war in Ukraine to blaming the West.

In 2017, as a gesture in improving relations between the Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches, Pope Francis lent Patriarch Kirill some of the relics of St. Nicholas, which left the church for the first time in about 1,000 years. On the day the lent relic — believed to be the left rib closest to the heart of St. Nicholas — arrived in Moscow, Putin kissed the glass case containing it.

Last week in the basilica’s crypt, Bachin swung incense around the tomb, hung with lanterns and icons, and Bishop Gedeon, a prominent Orthodox bishop from Kyiv whose given name is Yuriy Kharon, led the prayer. It seemed to send a message of reconciliation. But the bishop is a member of the Russian Patriarchate’s Orthodox church in Ukraine.

In 2019, amid increased tensions with Russia, Ukraine established its own, autonomous Orthodox Church, altering a centuries-old religious tradition under which the Kyiv church answered to Moscow. That year, Ukraine’s government deported Gedeon and revoked his citizenship for actively supporting Russia’s armed aggression in the country.

Part of Putin’s rationale for the war has been to accuse the Ukrainians, without evidence, of planning the “destruction” of the Moscow Patriarchate’s church in Kyiv. The breakaway Ukrainian Orthodox Church has vehemently denounced the Russian invasion as fratricide.

“We say peace to all, do not judge one another,” Gedeon, whose Ukrainian citizenship was subsequently restored by a court, said in an appeal at the end of the service. As the faithful trickled out, he said it was critical “not to look for fault” and to pray and push for dialogue.

But some worshippers in the crypt had a clear sense of who was to blame.

Larisa Dimetruk, 62, who is from Lutsk, in northwestern Ukraine, said she came to beseech St. Nicholas to make the Russians “stop their president.”

“Only the people can stop him,” she said. “We didn’t come here to pray together. We came here for a miracle.”

But some supported Putin. Larysa Makarava, 50, a Belarusian who lives in Bari, said that before the service, she had taken her daughter, who stood by her side, to the eye doctor, who said he thought Putin was crazy. “I told him absolutely no. I opened his eyes,” she said, adding that Putin “is forced to do this. He is not against the people.”

Others simply felt torn and had no interest in talking politics.

“We’ve all run out of tears,” said Olga Sebekina, from St. Petersburg, Russia, who said her grandmother was Ukrainian and that she still had family there. “Which side of my heart should break more?”

Heartbreak was in abundance throughout Bari over the war.

As volunteers in the collection center furiously cut masking tape and sealed care packages, a wail erupted from the back of the room, freezing everyone in place. Tatiana Shyrokykh, 58, sobbed as she looked at her phone and a video sent by a relative showing an attack on Chernihiv in Ukraine’s north.

“My mother’s building,” she said, showing a gaping hole in an apartment building, fire smoldering on streets and ambulances navigating through rubble. The women put their arms around her and consoled her, with tears dampening their own eyes. A Ukrainian teenager in an Italia sweatshirt sat silent at a table, distractedly picking tape off scissors.

After Shyrokykh made some calls home and caught her breath, she said her grown children still lived in Chernihiv, although she had urged them to flee, and that they had taken refuge underground.

Her daughter had instructed her disabled mother to climb into the bathtub and keep her head low, which she said was how she survived when the attack came and blew out the apartment’s glass.

“All of Europe is scared of Putin and don’t want to do anything,” Shyrokykh said, starting to cry again. “He goes against the whole world, like a god.”

As the Orthodox chants in Russian and the Ukrainian bishop’s voice echoed in the ancient crypt, the faithful lowered their scarf-wrapped heads to the marble floor, held candles over their Cyrillic prayer books or wept under low stone arches.

As the Orthodox chants in Russian and the Ukrainian bishop’s voice echoed in the ancient crypt, the faithful lowered their scarf-wrapped heads to the marble floor, held candles over their Cyrillic prayer books or wept under low stone arches. All had come to pray at the tomb of St. Nicholas, revered by Orthodox Christians throughout the former Soviet bloc, in the basilica named for him in the port city of Bari, on Italy’s southern coast. Though more than 1,000 miles from the conflict in Ukraine, and united in their veneration for the saint, the congregation of mostly women in long winter coats made for a strangely out-of-place diorama of all that binds and that is tearing apart their ancestral homelands. A woman wearing the yellow and blue colors of Ukraine’s flag said she asked the saint for a miracle: to stop Russia’s invasion of her home country. A Belarusian woman nearby defended Russian President Vladimir Putin. So did the Serbian monk assisting the bishop in the prayers. The Russian faithful by the choir refused to assign blame for the war. “It’s a sin what Putin is doing,” said Lali Bubashvili, 50, a woman from Georgia, a former Soviet republic, who sat on a back pew, recalling Russia’s invasion there. “Years ago, we suffered the war. We know it’s a barbarous thing.” The relics believed to be of St. Nicholas were brought from present-day Turkey by sailors 1,000 years ago, and his bones have been entombed in Bari ever since. Although the basilica that houses them is Roman Catholic, once a week it invites the Orthodox faithful to hold their own service using the crypt. The presence of the relics has long made Bari an unusual linchpin in relations between Italy and Russia and between the Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches. In 2007, Putin himself came to Bari and knelt in front of St. Nicholas’ tomb, just as the faithful did during the prayer for peace. In 2009, Italy returned ownership to Russia of an Orthodox church named after St. Nicholas to fortify ties with Moscow. Years earlier, Putin donated a statue of the saint that stands in the square in front of the basilica, along with a signed plaque honoring “friendship and cooperation” that is dedicated to “the citizens of Bari.” But Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has now made the ancient crypt, and the city around it, an unexpected satellite for the pain and bitterness of the conflict. On the streets of Bari, the war has caused tensions between Ukrainian and Russian residents and headaches for local politicians. Local people recently petitioned for the removal of the plaque bearing Putin’s dedication. Although Bari’s mayor, Antonio Decaro, brought yellow and blue flowers last month to the foot of the statue of St. Nicholas in sympathy with Ukraine, he has opposed removing the dedication, saying that to do so would cancel a piece of history. “They won’t take the Putin sign down,” said Inna Honcharenko, 38, who is from Vinnytsia, near Kyiv, as she directed volunteers collecting donations for Ukraine in another part of town. “There’s too much the hand of Russia here.” She said the war had exposed ugly tensions among Eastern European neighbors in the city. Russians had walked by the collection center and said the Ukrainian flag hanging out front was good only for cleaning their shoes. She said that vandals had smashed its window and that some Russian friends in Bari had stopped talking to her. But the outpouring of help from Italians bringing pasta, rice, diapers, baby food, canned beans and much else encouraged her. “From Italy, we are helping our boys who are fighting for our people,” she said by a poster of Putin that read “Killer” with a bloody handprint on his face. At the Russian Orthodox church with an emerald onion dome, a woman behind the closed gates explained that the church, despite its usual operating hours, was now closed to visitors. “This is Russian Federation territory,” she said. The church’s priest, Viacheslav Bachin, declined to respond when asked about the war. He has referred to the position of Patriarch Kirill, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, who has often been aligned with Putin and who has shifted from avoiding casting blame for the war in Ukraine to blaming the West. In 2017, as a gesture in improving relations between the Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches, Pope Francis lent Patriarch Kirill some of the relics of St. Nicholas, which left the church for the first time in about 1,000 years. On the day the lent relic — believed to be the left rib closest to the heart of St. Nicholas — arrived in Moscow, Putin kissed the glass case containing it. Last week in the basilica’s crypt, Bachin swung incense around the tomb, hung with lanterns and icons, and Bishop Gedeon, a prominent Orthodox bishop from Kyiv whose given name is Yuriy Kharon, led the prayer. It seemed to send a message of reconciliation. But the bishop is a member of the Russian Patriarchate’s Orthodox church in Ukraine. In 2019, amid increased tensions with Russia, Ukraine established its own, autonomous Orthodox Church, altering a centuries-old religious tradition under which the Kyiv church answered to Moscow. That year, Ukraine’s government deported Gedeon and revoked his citizenship for actively supporting Russia’s armed aggression in the country. Part of Putin’s rationale for the war has been to accuse the Ukrainians, without evidence, of planning the “destruction” of the Moscow Patriarchate’s church in Kyiv. The breakaway Ukrainian Orthodox Church has vehemently denounced the Russian invasion as fratricide. “We say peace to all, do not judge one another,” Gedeon, whose Ukrainian citizenship was subsequently restored by a court, said in an appeal at the end of the service. As the faithful trickled out, he said it was critical “not to look for fault” and to pray and push for dialogue. But some worshippers in the crypt had a clear sense of who was to blame. Larisa Dimetruk, 62, who is from Lutsk, in northwestern Ukraine, said she came to beseech St. Nicholas to make the Russians “stop their president.” “Only the people can stop him,” she said. “We didn’t come here to pray together. We came here for a miracle.” But some supported Putin. Larysa Makarava, 50, a Belarusian who lives in Bari, said that before the service, she had taken her daughter, who stood by her side, to the eye doctor, who said he thought Putin was crazy. “I told him absolutely no. I opened his eyes,” she said, adding that Putin “is forced to do this. He is not against the people.” Others simply felt torn and had no interest in talking politics. “We’ve all run out of tears,” said Olga Sebekina, from St. Petersburg, Russia, who said her grandmother was Ukrainian and that she still had family there. “Which side of my heart should break more?” Heartbreak was in abundance throughout Bari over the war. As volunteers in the collection center furiously cut masking tape and sealed care packages, a wail erupted from the back of the room, freezing everyone in place. Tatiana Shyrokykh, 58, sobbed as she looked at her phone and a video sent by a relative showing an attack on Chernihiv in Ukraine’s north. “My mother’s building,” she said, showing a gaping hole in an apartment building, fire smoldering on streets and ambulances navigating through rubble. The women put their arms around her and consoled her, with tears dampening their own eyes. A Ukrainian teenager in an Italia sweatshirt sat silent at a table, distractedly picking tape off scissors. After Shyrokykh made some calls home and caught her breath, she said her grown children still lived in Chernihiv, although she had urged them to flee, and that they had taken refuge underground. Her daughter had instructed her disabled mother to climb into the bathtub and keep her head low, which she said was how she survived when the attack came and blew out the apartment’s glass. “All of Europe is scared of Putin and don’t want to do anything,” Shyrokykh said, starting to cry again. “He goes against the whole world, like a god.”

Italian city tied to Russia by a revered saint feels the sting of war in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday (March 7) said he will not send conscripts or reservists to fight in Ukraine and that "professional" soldiers fulfilling "fixed objectives" were leading the war.&nbsp;

In a televised address marking International Women's Day on March 8, Putin said, "Conscripted soldiers are not participating and will not participate in the fighting. There will not be additional conscription of reservists either."&nbsp;

Putin added, "The fixed objectives are only carried out by professional servicemen. I am sure they are guaranteeing security and peace for the Russian people in an effective manner."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-zelensky-slams-russias-cynicism-and-propaganda-posts-video-from-his-office-watch-460068">Ukrainian President Zelensky slams Russia's 'cynicism and propaganda', posts video from his office - Watch</a>

In the latest development, Ukrainians boarded buses to flee the besieged eastern city of Sumy on Tuesday (March 8), the first evacuation from a Ukrainian city through a humanitarian corridor agreed with Russia.&nbsp;

Ukraine said a separate convoy of 30 buses was also headed to Mariupol to evacuate residents from that southern port, which has been encircled without food, water, power or heat and subjected to relentless bombardment for a week.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-are-czech-hedgehogs-homemade-obstacles-that-can-destroy-russian-tanks-459254">What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks</a>

The United Nations said the number of refugees who have fled Ukraine had surged past two million, describing the flight as one of the fastest exoduses in modern times.&nbsp;

Ukraine's foreign ministry said in a tweet, "We have already started the evacuation of civilians from Sumy to Poltava, including foreign students. We call on Russia to uphold its ceasefire commitment, to refrain from activities that endanger the lives of people and to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russian invasion fuels refugee crisis: 1.7 million people have fled Ukraine

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Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday (March 7) said he will not send conscripts or reservists to fight in Ukraine and that "professional" soldiers fulfilling "fixed objectives" were leading the war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday (March 7) said he will not send conscripts or reservists to fight in Ukraine and that "professional" soldiers fulfilling "fixed objectives" were leading the war. In a televised address marking International Women's Day on March 8, Putin said, "Conscripted soldiers are not participating and will not participate in the fighting. There will not be additional conscription of reservists either." Putin added, "The fixed objectives are only carried out by professional servicemen. I am sure they are guaranteeing security and peace for the Russian people in an effective manner." ALSO READ | Ukrainian President Zelensky slams Russia's 'cynicism and propaganda', posts video from his office - Watch In the latest development, Ukrainians boarded buses to flee the besieged eastern city of Sumy on Tuesday (March 8), the first evacuation from a Ukrainian city through a humanitarian corridor agreed with Russia. Ukraine said a separate convoy of 30 buses was also headed to Mariupol to evacuate residents from that southern port, which has been encircled without food, water, power or heat and subjected to relentless bombardment for a week. IN PICS | What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks The United Nations said the number of refugees who have fled Ukraine had surged past two million, describing the flight as one of the fastest exoduses in modern times. Ukraine's foreign ministry said in a tweet, "We have already started the evacuation of civilians from Sumy to Poltava, including foreign students. We call on Russia to uphold its ceasefire commitment, to refrain from activities that endanger the lives of people and to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid." WATCH | Russian invasion fuels refugee crisis: 1.7 million people have fled Ukraine ×

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Vladimir Putin says will not use conscript soldiers in Ukraine

Russia has claimed that US is running around 30 biolabs in Ukraine, possibly creating biological weapons. Russian ministry also accused that the United States has spent around $200 million on these biolabs.

Ukraine under attack: Russian military claims US running 30 biolabs in Ukraine

The letter ‘Z’ is the new symbol of war for Russia. It is being sported by athletes and military vehicles, who are carrying out the offensive in Ukraine. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It also keeps popping up on social media and has also appeared on cars, clothing and signs. It seems to have become a propaganda symbol in Russia to support the invasion of Ukraine. Some people have also compared it to the Nazi 'swastika', which was used in the Second World War.&nbsp;

<img alt="Brief 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1c9d66df-0e0b-42d9-9087-901d456b491f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Z2.jpg" />

On its social media channels, the Kremlin-funded state network RT had also announced just three days after the invasion that it was selling Z merchandise to show support for Russian troops. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-russia-ukraine-conflict-phone-lines-internet-remain-untouched-but-why-460122" hreflang="en">In Russia-Ukraine conflict, phone lines, internet remain untouched. But why?</a>

The mysterious Z-shaped letter was first spotted on Russian tanks and military trucks at the Ukrainian border by experts on February 19. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Just another day in the life of Maria Butina: 
 
Drawing a white "Z" marking on your lapel to show solidarity with the invasion of Ukraine <a href="https://t.co/raYG3kRznT">pic.twitter.com/raYG3kRznT</a>
— Francis Scarr (@francska1) <a href="https://twitter.com/francska1/status/1499289678868058112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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When Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, more military hardware could be seen emblazoned with Zs and other letters like O, X, A and V. &nbsp;

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This comes as letter Z does not exist in the Cyrillic Russian alphabet. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-poutine-not-putin-classic-delicacy-falls-victim-to-russia-ukraine-conflict-goes-off-menu-459877" hreflang="en">It’s Poutine, not Putin: Classic delicacy falls victim to Russia-Ukraine conflict, goes off menu</a>

So, why the letter ‘Z’? Several military experts have come up with many theories to find a valid answer to this question. &nbsp;

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It found a lot of supporters. Many Russians are putting "Z" on their cars - that's totally voluntary and to my best knowledge nobody's forcing them <a href="https://t.co/sanIdE1rwE">pic.twitter.com/sanIdE1rwE</a>
— Kamil Galeev (@kamilkazani) <a href="https://twitter.com/kamilkazani/status/1500496406209089538?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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One of them is that it could have been done in a bid to avoid 'friendly fire' as Russian and Ukraine army tanks look same. &nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> Russian missiles and equipment ready for a new attack were spotted in occupied Crimea. Almost all license plates are hidden, with their distinctive signs in the form of the letter "Z" on board <a href="https://t.co/YcQSmoQMMj">pic.twitter.com/YcQSmoQMMj</a>
— Hanna Liubakova (@HannaLiubakova) <a href="https://twitter.com/HannaLiubakova/status/1500840850875686912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2022</a></blockquote>
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On Instagram channel, the Russian defense ministry said that Z meant Za pobedu (“for victory”) and V stood for “power of truth”. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The letter ‘Z’ is the new symbol of war for Russia. It is being sported by athletes and military vehicles, who are carrying out the offensive in Ukraine. It also keeps popping up on social media and has also appeared on cars, clothing and signs.

The letter ‘Z’ is the new symbol of war for Russia. It is being sported by athletes and military vehicles, who are carrying out the offensive in Ukraine. It also keeps popping up on social media and has also appeared on cars, clothing and signs. It seems to have become a propaganda symbol in Russia to support the invasion of Ukraine. Some people have also compared it to the Nazi 'swastika', which was used in the Second World War. On its social media channels, the Kremlin-funded state network RT had also announced just three days after the invasion that it was selling Z merchandise to show support for Russian troops. Also Read: In Russia-Ukraine conflict, phone lines, internet remain untouched. But why? The mysterious Z-shaped letter was first spotted on Russian tanks and military trucks at the Ukrainian border by experts on February 19. Just another day in the life of Maria Butina: Drawing a white "Z" marking on your lapel to show solidarity with the invasion of Ukraine pic.twitter.com/raYG3kRznT — Francis Scarr (@francska1) March 3, 2022 × When Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, more military hardware could be seen emblazoned with Zs and other letters like O, X, A and V. This comes as letter Z does not exist in the Cyrillic Russian alphabet. Also Read: It’s Poutine, not Putin: Classic delicacy falls victim to Russia-Ukraine conflict, goes off menu So, why the letter ‘Z’? Several military experts have come up with many theories to find a valid answer to this question. It found a lot of supporters. Many Russians are putting "Z" on their cars - that's totally voluntary and to my best knowledge nobody's forcing them pic.twitter.com/sanIdE1rwE — Kamil Galeev (@kamilkazani) March 6, 2022 × One of them is that it could have been done in a bid to avoid 'friendly fire' as Russian and Ukraine army tanks look same. #Ukraine Russian missiles and equipment ready for a new attack were spotted in occupied Crimea. Almost all license plates are hidden, with their distinctive signs in the form of the letter "Z" on board pic.twitter.com/YcQSmoQMMj — Hanna Liubakova (@HannaLiubakova) March 7, 2022 × On Instagram channel, the Russian defense ministry said that Z meant Za pobedu (“for victory”) and V stood for “power of truth”. (With inputs from agencies)

Explainer: Letter 'Z' turns symbol to show support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. What does it mean?

From chef to IT expert, Ukrainian men began to take crash courses in fighting, fearing that Russia might launch an assault on their beloved country anytime. WION tells you more.

Ukrainian men take crash courses in fighting

The assault on Kyiv, Kharkiv, Sumy and Mariupol continues as the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters day 13. The proposed humanitarian corridor failed on Monday.

Humanitarian corridors failed on Monday: 13 people killed in shelling in the town of Marakiv

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Moscow of cynicism ascertaining how Russian troops destroyed buses meant to evacuate civilians from combat zones. Despite announcing a local ceasefire in multiple Ukrainian cities. However, the Ukrainian leader said that Ukraine will still continue to negotiate a Peace Deal with Russia.

Ukrainian President has accused Moscow of Cynicism

Ukraine and Russia made tentative progress in talks but failed to reach a deal on creating "humanitarian corridors" from pummelled cities. Moscow proposes a new ceasefire, which Kyiv has yet to accept.

Humanitarian Corridors Fail: Shelling continues despite offers of safe passage

Oil prices continue to surge as Western allies of Ukraine battled with Russia over oil import. In the latest Russia has threatened to close its main gas pipeline to Germany.

Ukraine war puts oil market in turmoil: Russia threatens Europe's gas supplies

In the latest Russia has threatened to close its main gas pipeline to Europe via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline as part of its response to sanctions imposed over the invasion of Ukraine, a move that could heighten the turmoil in energy markets and drive consumer prices even higher.

Russia threatens Europe's gas supplies, oil prices hit 14-year high

The Russian invasion of Ukraine pushed thousands of people out of their homes. Millions have been forced to flee Ukraine and seek shelter in neighboring countries. These refugees are now calling for international support to help end the war.

Russian invasion fuels refugee crisis: 1.7 MN people have fled Ukraine

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 Russian military claims to have uncovered 30 biological laboratories in Ukraine.

Igor Kirillov, the chief of the Russian Armed Forces' radiation, chemical, and biological defence, told reporters that the laboratories were reportedly involved in biological weapons production.&nbsp;

"The Russian Defense Ministry has repeatedly drawn attention to the military biological programs that are being implemented by the Pentagon in post-Soviet countries, including on the territory of Ukraine, where a network of more than 30 biological laboratories has been formed, which can be divided into research and sanitary-epidemiological ones," Kirillov said.

The Pentagon's Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is the project's customer, and a corporation linked with the military department, notably Black and Veatch, is involved in project implementation, he stated. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/theyre-easy-as-theyre-poor-brazil-politicians-remarks-on-ukrainian-women-go-viral-460164">Also read | 'They're easy as they're poor': Brazil politician's remarks on Ukrainian women go viral</a> 
 
Kirillov noted that the work is being done in three primary areas.

The first is, according to the Pentagon, the monitoring of the biological situation in the proposed areas for the deployment of military contingents from NATO member states.

The second is the collecting of harmful microbe strains and their transfer to the United States.

According to him, the third direction is research into prospective biological weapons agents that are peculiar to a given place, have natural foci, and may be transmitted to humans.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-the-f-are-you-doing-video-of-ukrainian-woman-confronting-russian-soldiers-goes-viral-456590">Also read | ‘What the f*** are you doing’: Video of Ukrainian woman confronting Russian soldiers goes viral</a>

Kirillov gave the following example: since 2021, the Pentagon has been implementing the project "Diagnostics, Surveillance and Prevention of Zoonotic Diseases in the Armed Forces of Ukraine" with a total funding of $11.8 million; in 2020-2021, the German Defense Ministry conducted a study of pathogens of the Congo-Crimean hemorrhagic disease in Ukraine. fever, leptospirosis, meningitis, hantaviruses as part of the Ukrainian-German initiative to ensure biological security at the external borders of the European Union.

Under the pretext of testing means for the treatment and prevention of the coronavirus infection, several thousand samples of serum from patients, primarily those belonging to the Slavic ethnic group, were taken from Ukraine to the Walter Reed Research Institute of the US Army, he added.

(With inputs from Sputnik News)

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 Russian military claims to have uncovered 30 biological laboratories in Ukraine. Igor Kirillov, the chief of the Russian Armed Forces' radiation, chemical, and biological defence, told reporters that the laboratories were reportedly involved in biological weapons production. "The Russian Defense Ministry has repeatedly drawn attention to the military biological programs that are being implemented by the Pentagon in post-Soviet countries, including on the territory of Ukraine, where a network of more than 30 biological laboratories has been formed, which can be divided into research and sanitary-epidemiological ones," Kirillov said. The Pentagon's Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) is the project's customer, and a corporation linked with the military department, notably Black and Veatch, is involved in project implementation, he stated. Also read | 'They're easy as they're poor': Brazil politician's remarks on Ukrainian women go viral Kirillov noted that the work is being done in three primary areas. The first is, according to the Pentagon, the monitoring of the biological situation in the proposed areas for the deployment of military contingents from NATO member states. The second is the collecting of harmful microbe strains and their transfer to the United States. According to him, the third direction is research into prospective biological weapons agents that are peculiar to a given place, have natural foci, and may be transmitted to humans. Also read | ‘What the f*** are you doing’: Video of Ukrainian woman confronting Russian soldiers goes viral Kirillov gave the following example: since 2021, the Pentagon has been implementing the project "Diagnostics, Surveillance and Prevention of Zoonotic Diseases in the Armed Forces of Ukraine" with a total funding of $11.8 million; in 2020-2021, the German Defense Ministry conducted a study of pathogens of the Congo-Crimean hemorrhagic disease in Ukraine. fever, leptospirosis, meningitis, hantaviruses as part of the Ukrainian-German initiative to ensure biological security at the external borders of the European Union. Under the pretext of testing means for the treatment and prevention of the coronavirus infection, several thousand samples of serum from patients, primarily those belonging to the Slavic ethnic group, were taken from Ukraine to the Walter Reed Research Institute of the US Army, he added. (With inputs from Sputnik News)

Found 30 biological labs in Ukraine, possibly for bioweapons, claim Russian forces

FIFA on Monday announced that it will suspend the contracts of foreign players currently tied to Ukrainian and Russian clubs for the rest of the 2021-22 season.

Concerning the situation in Ukraine, in order to provide players and coaches with the opportunity to work and receive a salary, and to protect Ukrainian clubs, unless the parties to the relevant contract explicitly agree otherwise, all employment contracts of foreign players and coaches with clubs affiliated to the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) will be deemed automatically suspended until the end of the season in Ukraine (30 June 2022), without the need for any action from the parties to this effect.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-liverpools-juergen-klopp-warns-against-complacency-ahead-of-inter-second-leg-459958">Champions League: Liverpool's Juergen Klopp warns against complacency ahead of Inter second leg</a>

In order to facilitate the departure of foreign players and coaches from Russia, in the event that clubs affiliated to the Football Union of Russia (FUR) do not reach a mutual agreement with their respective foreign players and coaches before or on March 10, 2022 and unless otherwise agreed in writing, the foreign players and coaches will have the right to unilaterally suspend their employment contracts with the FUR-affiliated clubs in question until the end of the season in Russia (30 June 2022).

The suspension of a contract as per the paragraphs above will mean that players and coaches will be considered "out of contract" until June 30, 2022 and will therefore be at liberty to sign a contract with another club without facing consequences of any kind.

"Following the escalation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has led to an ongoing and distressing humanitarian crisis, the Bureau of the FIFA Council has decided - in coordination with UEFA and after consultation with various stakeholders - to temporarily amend the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) in order to provide legal certainty and clarity on a number of matters," FIFA in a statement said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/chelseas-spanish-defenders-cesar-azpilicueta-marcos-alonso-resume-training-after-injury-illness-460155">Chelsea's Spanish defenders Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Alonso resume training after injury, illness</a>

Furthermore, in order to provide flexibility to players whose registration was with the UAF or the FUR and who have left or may be intending to leave the territory of Ukraine or Russia as a consequence of the war in Ukraine, foreign players whose previous registration was with the UAF or the FUR will be allowed to be registered even if the registration period is closed at the association of the club with which they conclude a new contract.

In order for this exception to be applicable and to protect the integrity of competitions, the registration with the new club needs to occur before or on April 7, 2022.

To further protect the integrity of competitions, clubs are entitled to register a maximum of two players who have benefited from the exception.

FIFA on Monday announced that it will suspend the contracts of foreign players currently tied to Ukrainian and Russian clubs for the rest of the 2021-22 season. Concerning the situation in Ukraine, in order to provide players and coaches with the opportunity to work and receive a salary, and to protect Ukrainian clubs, unless the parties to the relevant contract explicitly agree otherwise, all employment contracts of foreign players and coaches with clubs affiliated to the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) will be deemed automatically suspended until the end of the season in Ukraine (30 June 2022), without the need for any action from the parties to this effect.

FIFA on Monday announced that it will suspend the contracts of foreign players currently tied to Ukrainian and Russian clubs for the rest of the 2021-22 season. Concerning the situation in Ukraine, in order to provide players and coaches with the opportunity to work and receive a salary, and to protect Ukrainian clubs, unless the parties to the relevant contract explicitly agree otherwise, all employment contracts of foreign players and coaches with clubs affiliated to the Ukrainian Association of Football (UAF) will be deemed automatically suspended until the end of the season in Ukraine (30 June 2022), without the need for any action from the parties to this effect. ALSO READ: Champions League: Liverpool's Juergen Klopp warns against complacency ahead of Inter second leg In order to facilitate the departure of foreign players and coaches from Russia, in the event that clubs affiliated to the Football Union of Russia (FUR) do not reach a mutual agreement with their respective foreign players and coaches before or on March 10, 2022 and unless otherwise agreed in writing, the foreign players and coaches will have the right to unilaterally suspend their employment contracts with the FUR-affiliated clubs in question until the end of the season in Russia (30 June 2022). The suspension of a contract as per the paragraphs above will mean that players and coaches will be considered "out of contract" until June 30, 2022 and will therefore be at liberty to sign a contract with another club without facing consequences of any kind. "Following the escalation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has led to an ongoing and distressing humanitarian crisis, the Bureau of the FIFA Council has decided - in coordination with UEFA and after consultation with various stakeholders - to temporarily amend the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (RSTP) in order to provide legal certainty and clarity on a number of matters," FIFA in a statement said. ALSO READ: Chelsea's Spanish defenders Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Alonso resume training after injury, illness Furthermore, in order to provide flexibility to players whose registration was with the UAF or the FUR and who have left or may be intending to leave the territory of Ukraine or Russia as a consequence of the war in Ukraine, foreign players whose previous registration was with the UAF or the FUR will be allowed to be registered even if the registration period is closed at the association of the club with which they conclude a new contract. In order for this exception to be applicable and to protect the integrity of competitions, the registration with the new club needs to occur before or on April 7, 2022. To further protect the integrity of competitions, clubs are entitled to register a maximum of two players who have benefited from the exception.

FIFA to suspend contracts of foreign players currently tied to Ukrainian, Russian clubs

The family of Sainikhesh Ravichandran, an Indian student who has joined a pro-Ukrainian militia—Georgian National Legion—are extremely worried and anguished.

Hailing from Coimbatore in southern Tamil Nadu state, Sainikhesh—a student at the National Aerospace University in Ukraine's Kharkiv—is said to have volunteered to join the forces that are fighting against Russia.

When contacted his mother, Jhansi Lakshmi told WION that she last spoke to him around five days ago. However, she added that their family was extremely anguished and not in a position to divulge any further.

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This is the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coimbatore?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coimbatore</a> residence of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indianstudentsinukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indianstudentsinukraine</a> Sainikhesh Ravichandran, who joined the militia to fight <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Russia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Russia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UkraineRussianWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UkraineRussianWar</a> 
 
Anguished, the boy's mother told me that she last spoke to him 5 days ago... 
 
Family is deeply pained, troubled..<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> <a href="https://t.co/kgeLG0RfGh">pic.twitter.com/kgeLG0RfGh</a>
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1501105670573420547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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According to reports, Indian intelligence officials had recently visited the family’s residence near Thudiyalur in western Coimbatore district and apprised them of the boy having&nbsp;joined the Ukraine forces.

It is being claimed that the 21-year-old had been keen to join the Indian armed forces when he was in his home country. Even his social media profile shows pictures of personnel dressed in military combat gear, brandishing an assault rifle.

There are also other pictures doing the rounds on social media purportedly showing the Indian student posing with the Ukrainian forces, all dressed in military combat gear.

However, WION could not independently verify the authenticity of the&nbsp;pictures of the boy in military fatigues.

This development comes at a time when India continues to evacuate thousands of its students from war-torn Ukraine and its contiguous nations via special flights operated by both private carriers and the Indian Air Force.

The family of Sainikhesh Ravichandran, an Indian student who has joined a pro-Ukrainian militia—Georgian National Legion—are extremely worried and anguished. Hailing from Coimbatore in southern Tamil Nadu state, Sainikhesh—a student at the National Aerospace University in Ukraine's Kharkiv—is said to have volunteered to join the forces that are fighting against Russia.

The family of Sainikhesh Ravichandran, an Indian student who has joined a pro-Ukrainian militia—Georgian National Legion—are extremely worried and anguished. Hailing from Coimbatore in southern Tamil Nadu state, Sainikhesh—a student at the National Aerospace University in Ukraine's Kharkiv—is said to have volunteered to join the forces that are fighting against Russia. When contacted his mother, Jhansi Lakshmi told WION that she last spoke to him around five days ago. However, she added that their family was extremely anguished and not in a position to divulge any further. This is the #Coimbatore residence of the #indianstudentsinukraine Sainikhesh Ravichandran, who joined the militia to fight #Russia #UkraineRussianWar Anguished, the boy's mother told me that she last spoke to him 5 days ago... Family is deeply pained, troubled..#Ukraine pic.twitter.com/kgeLG0RfGh — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) March 8, 2022 × According to reports, Indian intelligence officials had recently visited the family’s residence near Thudiyalur in western Coimbatore district and apprised them of the boy having joined the Ukraine forces. It is being claimed that the 21-year-old had been keen to join the Indian armed forces when he was in his home country. Even his social media profile shows pictures of personnel dressed in military combat gear, brandishing an assault rifle. There are also other pictures doing the rounds on social media purportedly showing the Indian student posing with the Ukrainian forces, all dressed in military combat gear. However, WION could not independently verify the authenticity of the pictures of the boy in military fatigues. This development comes at a time when India continues to evacuate thousands of its students from war-torn Ukraine and its contiguous nations via special flights operated by both private carriers and the Indian Air Force.

‘Spoke to him 5 days ago’, mother of Indian student who joined Ukraine militia tells WION

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has intensified its attack. In the latest, Russian airstrikes hit apartment buildings in Sumy, claiming at least 9 lives, including that of 2 children.

Russian airstrikes hit apartment buildings in Sumy, at least 9 including 2 children killed

It is day 13 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 ground report from Kyiv: Carnage continues on day 13 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Ukraine President Zelensky will address the UK's house of commons virtually today. He is likely to urge for more war weapons amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine President Zelensky to address UK lawmakers today & likely to urge for more war weapons

Since the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, several civilian and military establishments in the eastern European nation have been hit badly. &nbsp;

But the phone lines and internet are still working. Is it intentional or has Russia failed to tear it down? &nbsp;

Cybersecurity experts feel that Moscow has three good reasons to not disable phone and data networks. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-allow-civilians-to-leave-russia-proposes-humanitarian-corridors-in-five-ukrainian-cities-say-reports-460072">Russia proposes humanitarian corridors in five Ukrainian cities, say reports</a>

The first is that the Russian intelligence services can eavesdrop on phone calls and emails. It can also gather geolocation and other metadata, which can prove useful in the invasion. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The Russian army is also using Ukrainian commercial networks to communicate can be the second reason. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The invading army doesn’t want to destroy infrastructure that they will need if they conquer Ukraine is surely the third one. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-belarusian-hackers-target-ukraine-european-allies-through-phishing-campaigns-says-google-460083">Russian, Belarusian hackers target Ukraine, European allies, says Google</a>

The continuance of phone lines and internet seems to have not worked in Russia’s favour till now as the details of the invasion have fuelled the world with anger and led to protests and sanctions. &nbsp;

“If [Russian forces] can do localised shutdowns of telecommunications, they’ll do it. But in general, they’ll want to keep the phones working in Kyiv because they can listen in,” said James Lewis, senior vice president and director of the strategic technologies programme at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“If you want to own the house, you’re not going to burn it down,” Lewis added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Since the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, several civilian and military establishments in the eastern European nation have been hit badly. But the phone lines and internet are still working.

Since the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, several civilian and military establishments in the eastern European nation have been hit badly. But the phone lines and internet are still working. Is it intentional or has Russia failed to tear it down? Cybersecurity experts feel that Moscow has three good reasons to not disable phone and data networks. Also Read: Russia proposes humanitarian corridors in five Ukrainian cities, say reports The first is that the Russian intelligence services can eavesdrop on phone calls and emails. It can also gather geolocation and other metadata, which can prove useful in the invasion. The Russian army is also using Ukrainian commercial networks to communicate can be the second reason. The invading army doesn’t want to destroy infrastructure that they will need if they conquer Ukraine is surely the third one. Also Read: Russian, Belarusian hackers target Ukraine, European allies, says Google The continuance of phone lines and internet seems to have not worked in Russia’s favour till now as the details of the invasion have fuelled the world with anger and led to protests and sanctions. “If [Russian forces] can do localised shutdowns of telecommunications, they’ll do it. But in general, they’ll want to keep the phones working in Kyiv because they can listen in,” said James Lewis, senior vice president and director of the strategic technologies programme at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “If you want to own the house, you’re not going to burn it down,” Lewis added. (With inputs from agencies)

In Russia-Ukraine conflict, phone lines, internet remain untouched. But why?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone today. PM Modi will hold talks with Ukraine President in the morning, while with Russian President Putin in the afternoon.&nbsp;

Today's talks come amid the ongoing Russian offensive of Ukraine and multiple requests by the Ukrainian side, including by Ukraine’s foreign minister for New Delhi to play a more active role.&nbsp;

Over the weekend, Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba had urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reach out to Russian President Putin to stop the ongoing invasion of his country.

ALSO READ&nbsp; |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-will-not-forgive-we-will-not-forget-ukraines-zelensky-says-russian-shelling-plans-deliberate-murder-459697">'We will not forgive. We will not forget': Ukraine's Zelensky says Russian shelling plans 'deliberate murder'</a>

Pointing to the "special relations" between India and Russia, Ukraine foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba in response to WION question said, "All countries who enjoy special relations with India they can appeal to President Putin, PM Modi we call him to continue reaching out to President Putin and explaining to him that this war is against interest of all".&nbsp;

So far Indian PM Modi has spoken to the Russian President two times, and Ukraine President once. During his first conversation with President Putin on February 24, PM appealed for cessation of violence and return to the path of diplomatic negotiations.&nbsp;

It was on February 24, Russia began the invasion of Ukraine. While the safety of Indian nationals has been the top focus of the talks, PM Modi has during the talks has emphasized "honest and sincere dialogue" according to the readout by the Indian side. The second conversation happened last week.&nbsp;

But for India, the biggest worry remains the around 500+ Indian students stranded in Sumy. India has launched 'Operation Ganga' to evacuate its nationals from the war-torn country who have crossed over to neighbouring countries like Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-are-czech-hedgehogs-homemade-obstacles-that-can-destroy-russian-tanks-459254">What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks</a>

Under 'Operation Ganga', so far 76 Flights have brought over 15920 Indians back to India. Out of these 76 flights, 13 flights landed in the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

In all, over 21000 Indians came out of Ukraine since the issuance of the advisory in January 2022. Out of these, 19920 Indians have already reached India.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Zelensky urges people to continue resistance as Russia builds military columns near Kyiv

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone today. PM Modi will hold talks with Ukraine President in the morning, while with Russian President Putin in the afternoon.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks with Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone today. PM Modi will hold talks with Ukraine President in the morning, while with Russian President Putin in the afternoon. Today's talks come amid the ongoing Russian offensive of Ukraine and multiple requests by the Ukrainian side, including by Ukraine’s foreign minister for New Delhi to play a more active role. Over the weekend, Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba had urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reach out to Russian President Putin to stop the ongoing invasion of his country. ALSO READ | 'We will not forgive. We will not forget': Ukraine's Zelensky says Russian shelling plans 'deliberate murder' Pointing to the "special relations" between India and Russia, Ukraine foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba in response to WION question said, "All countries who enjoy special relations with India they can appeal to President Putin, PM Modi we call him to continue reaching out to President Putin and explaining to him that this war is against interest of all". So far Indian PM Modi has spoken to the Russian President two times, and Ukraine President once. During his first conversation with President Putin on February 24, PM appealed for cessation of violence and return to the path of diplomatic negotiations. It was on February 24, Russia began the invasion of Ukraine. While the safety of Indian nationals has been the top focus of the talks, PM Modi has during the talks has emphasized "honest and sincere dialogue" according to the readout by the Indian side. The second conversation happened last week. But for India, the biggest worry remains the around 500+ Indian students stranded in Sumy. India has launched 'Operation Ganga' to evacuate its nationals from the war-torn country who have crossed over to neighbouring countries like Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova. IN PICS | What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks Under 'Operation Ganga', so far 76 Flights have brought over 15920 Indians back to India. Out of these 76 flights, 13 flights landed in the last 24 hours. In all, over 21000 Indians came out of Ukraine since the issuance of the advisory in January 2022. Out of these, 19920 Indians have already reached India. WATCH | Zelensky urges people to continue resistance as Russia builds military columns near Kyiv ×

Indian PM Modi to hold talks with Ukraine President, Russian President today

It is day 12 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, Putin has set conditions for a ceasefire.

Putin sets conditions for a ceasefire as Russia builds military column near Kyiv

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, President Zelensky held a conversation with Indian PM Narendra Modi. The outreach came after requests from Kyiv.

Indian PM Modi speaks to Ukraine President Zelensky

It is day 12 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 says that 8 Russian rockets destroyed airport in Vinnytsia.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russian airstrike destroys airport in Vinnytsia

Harjot Singh, an Indian student who was hospitalised after he was shot in the capital city of Ukraine, has safely crossed the border and entered Poland amid the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict.&nbsp;

The India-based news agency ANI reported that Singh is among the stranded Indian nationals&nbsp;being brought back. His flight is expected to land in India by Monday evening as part of the government's evacuation programme 'Operation Ganga'.&nbsp;

Puneet Singh Chandhok, the President of the Indian World Forum said, "Harjot Singh has crossed the border and entered Poland. Indian diplomats were present with him. He has been shifted into an ambulance provided by Polish RedCross on the border."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-to-hold-talks-with-ukraine-president-russian-president-today-459732">Indian PM Modi to hold talks with Ukraine President, Russian President today</a>

Previously, the student had released the video claiming that he didn't receive support from the Indian embassy. Responding to his video, India's ministry of external affairs noted that the government of India "will be bearing expenses for Harjot Singh's medical treatment" (in Kyiv, Ukraine).&nbsp;

In a video that was released later, Harjot can be seen speaking about his journey and informed that he is en route to the Poland border.&nbsp;

"Now we are going to the Poland border... everything is okay... the journey till now had been very hard, but I was motivated that I have to return to India somehow," he said in an ambulance.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-are-czech-hedgehogs-homemade-obstacles-that-can-destroy-russian-tanks-459254">What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks</a>

Harjot also thanked the Indian officials for the assistance and support, saying, "It is due to all your support that I am here today, thank you very much to everyone".&nbsp;

The student also talked about how he had sustained the injuries. He told the news agency that he was injured when bullets were fired at the car in which he was travelling.&nbsp;

He said, "This is February 27 incident. We were three people in a cab on our way to the third checkpoint where we were told to return due to security reasons. While coming back, multiple bullets were fired at our car due to which I sustained multiple bullet injuries."&nbsp;

The Indian student said he regained consciousness at 10 pm on the night of March 2. The Indian student pursuing studies in Information Technology said that he has got a new life.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks with Ukraine President Zelensky and Russian President Putin amid the government's ramped up efforts to evacuate its citizens from war-torn Ukraine.&nbsp;

Since February 22, the Indian government&nbsp;has so far evacuated nearly 16,000 nationals from Ukraine, the government said on Sunday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;Asian stocks tumble in morning trade as the risk of stagflationary shock for world markets continue

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(With inputs from agencies)

Harjot Singh, an Indian student who was hospitalised after he was shot in the capital city of Ukraine, has safely crossed the border and entered Poland amid the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Harjot Singh, an Indian student who was hospitalised after he was shot in the capital city of Ukraine, has safely crossed the border and entered Poland amid the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict. The India-based news agency ANI reported that Singh is among the stranded Indian nationals being brought back. His flight is expected to land in India by Monday evening as part of the government's evacuation programme 'Operation Ganga'. Puneet Singh Chandhok, the President of the Indian World Forum said, "Harjot Singh has crossed the border and entered Poland. Indian diplomats were present with him. He has been shifted into an ambulance provided by Polish RedCross on the border." ALSO READ | Indian PM Modi to hold talks with Ukraine President, Russian President today Previously, the student had released the video claiming that he didn't receive support from the Indian embassy. Responding to his video, India's ministry of external affairs noted that the government of India "will be bearing expenses for Harjot Singh's medical treatment" (in Kyiv, Ukraine). In a video that was released later, Harjot can be seen speaking about his journey and informed that he is en route to the Poland border. "Now we are going to the Poland border... everything is okay... the journey till now had been very hard, but I was motivated that I have to return to India somehow," he said in an ambulance. IN PICS | What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks Harjot also thanked the Indian officials for the assistance and support, saying, "It is due to all your support that I am here today, thank you very much to everyone". The student also talked about how he had sustained the injuries. He told the news agency that he was injured when bullets were fired at the car in which he was travelling. He said, "This is February 27 incident. We were three people in a cab on our way to the third checkpoint where we were told to return due to security reasons. While coming back, multiple bullets were fired at our car due to which I sustained multiple bullet injuries." The Indian student said he regained consciousness at 10 pm on the night of March 2. The Indian student pursuing studies in Information Technology said that he has got a new life. Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks with Ukraine President Zelensky and Russian President Putin amid the government's ramped up efforts to evacuate its citizens from war-torn Ukraine. Since February 22, the Indian government has so far evacuated nearly 16,000 nationals from Ukraine, the government said on Sunday. ALSO READ | Asian stocks tumble in morning trade as the risk of stagflationary shock for world markets continue × (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine under attack: Indian student shot at in Kyiv crosses into Poland, thanks officials

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid met on Monday in order to discuss Russian invasion of Ukraine and possibility of a new nuclear deal with Iran.

Lapid flew to Riga, Latvia to connect with Washington's top diplomat two days after Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett travelled to Moscow for a three-hour meeting with President Vladimir Putin, hoping to find a way to end the bloodshed in Ukraine.

"The way to stop the war is to negotiate," Lapid said at the start of the meeting in a Riga hotel.

"Israel is speaking with both sides, both with Russia and Ukraine, and we're working in full coordination with our greatest ally the United States and with our European partners," he said.

Blinken thanked Israel for its effort to help find an end to the war.

On Sunday Bennett said Israel would press on with diplomatic efforts "as needed," despite Russia continuing its attack 12 days after its forces invaded Ukraine without provocation.

"Even if the chance is not great -- as soon as there is even a small opening, and we have access to all sides and the capability -- I see this as our moral obligation to make every effort," he said.

Lapid also said he would talk with Blinken about Israel's interests in the possible revival of the 2015 nuclear agreement aimed at preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.

"We're united and committed to the proposition that Iran must never attain a nuclear weapon," Blinken assured his Israeli counterpart.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid met on Monday in order to discuss Russian invasion of Ukraine and possibility of a new nuclear deal with Iran.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid met on Monday in order to discuss Russian invasion of Ukraine and possibility of a new nuclear deal with Iran. Lapid flew to Riga, Latvia to connect with Washington's top diplomat two days after Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett travelled to Moscow for a three-hour meeting with President Vladimir Putin, hoping to find a way to end the bloodshed in Ukraine. "The way to stop the war is to negotiate," Lapid said at the start of the meeting in a Riga hotel. "Israel is speaking with both sides, both with Russia and Ukraine, and we're working in full coordination with our greatest ally the United States and with our European partners," he said. Blinken thanked Israel for its effort to help find an end to the war. On Sunday Bennett said Israel would press on with diplomatic efforts "as needed," despite Russia continuing its attack 12 days after its forces invaded Ukraine without provocation. "Even if the chance is not great -- as soon as there is even a small opening, and we have access to all sides and the capability -- I see this as our moral obligation to make every effort," he said. Lapid also said he would talk with Blinken about Israel's interests in the possible revival of the 2015 nuclear agreement aimed at preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. "We're united and committed to the proposition that Iran must never attain a nuclear weapon," Blinken assured his Israeli counterpart. (With inputs from agencies)

US, Israel go in high-level diplomatic huddle on Ukraine, Iran

Over the past week, in response to the gut-wrenching scenes in Ukraine, Western unity has been impressive and heartening. I know from my near-daily conversations with President Volodymyr Zelensky that this has provided Ukrainians with some comfort in their hour of need.

Never in my life have I seen an international crisis where the dividing line between right and wrong has been so stark, as the Russian war machine unleashes its fury on a proud democracy. Russia’s reckless attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant reminds us just how grave the stakes are for everyone. More than one million people have fled the violence, toward an uncertain future.

President Biden has displayed great leadership, consulting and convening allies, exposing the lie that America’s commitment to Europe is somehow diminished. The European Union has undertaken a remarkable effort to align behind severe sanctions on Russia. Dozens of European countries are sending defensive equipment to Ukraine’s armed forces. But have we done enough for Ukraine? The honest answer is no.

Vladimir Putin’s act of aggression must fail and be seen to fail. We must not allow anyone in the Kremlin to get away with misrepresenting our intentions in order to find ex post facto justification for this war of choice. This is not a NATO conflict, and it will not become one. No ally has sent combat troops to Ukraine. We have no hostility toward the Russian people, and we have no desire to impugn a great nation and a world power. We despair of the decision to send young, innocent Russians into a futile war.

The truth is that Ukraine had no serious prospect of NATO membership in the near future — and we were ready to respond to Russia’s stated security concerns through negotiation. I and many other Western leaders have spoken to Mr. Putin to understand his perspective. The United Kingdom even sent emissaries to Moscow before Russia’s invasion to deal directly with Defense Minister Gen. Sergei Shoigu and the chief of the general staff, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, who are spearheading this awful campaign.

It is now clear diplomacy never had a chance. But it is precisely because of our respect for Russia that we find the actions of the Putin regime so unconscionable. Mr. Putin is attempting the destruction of the very foundation of international relations and the United Nations Charter: the right of nations to decide their own future, free from aggression and fear of invasion. His assault on Ukraine began with a confected pretext and a flagrant violation of international law. It is sinking further into a sordid campaign of war crimes and unthinkable violence against civilians.

Though there can be no comparison with the assault on Ukraine, we in the United Kingdom know something of Mr. Putin’s ruthlessness. Four years ago, we endured the outcome of Russian operatives’ use of chemical weapons against people in Salisbury, England — and our allies rallied to our side. In our defense and foreign policy review, published a year ago, we warned that Russia remained the most acute security threat, and we announced the biggest increase in our defense spending since the end of the Cold War.

We also warned that the world was entering into a period of competition in which authoritarian states would test the mettle of the West in every domain. Last year’s agreement among the United Kingdom, America and Australia to help deploy nuclear submarines for the Australian Navy demonstrated our shared resolve to meet the challenges we face in the Indo-Pacific.

We have failed to learn the lessons of Russian aggression. For too long, we have turned the other cheek. No one can say we were not warned: We saw what Russia did in Georgia in 2008, in Ukraine in 2014 and even on the streets of Salisbury. And I know from speaking to my counterparts on recent visits to Poland and Estonia just how acutely they feel the threat.

It is no longer enough to express warm platitudes about the rules-based international order. We are going to have to actively defend it against a sustained attempt to rewrite the rules by force and other tools, such as economic coercion. We must restore effective deterrence in Europe, where, for too long, the very success of NATO and of America’s security guarantee has bred complacency. What happens in Europe will have profound implications worldwide.

We are pleased to see more nations beginning to grasp this hard reality. In January, the United Kingdom was among a handful of European countries sending defensive aid to Ukraine. Now more than 20 countries are part of that effort. Defense spending is going up, though it will take time for that to translate into capability.

That’s a welcome development, but it is not going to be enough on its own to save Ukraine or keep the flame of freedom alive. Russia has overwhelming force and apparently no regard for the laws of war. We need to prepare now for even darker days ahead.

So we must begin a six-point plan for Ukraine, starting today.

First, we must mobilize an international humanitarian coalition. On Monday, I will meet the leaders of Canada and the Netherlands in London to talk about creating the widest possible coalition to expose the outrages that are taking place in Ukraine. On Tuesday, I will host the leaders of Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic, now on the front line of a refugee crisis. The United Kingdom has 1,000 troops on standby for humanitarian operations, on top of 220 million pounds ($291 million) of aid. We must all work together to establish an immediate cease-fire and allow civilians safe passage, food and medical supplies.

Second, we must do more to help Ukraine to defend itself. More and more nations are willing to provide defensive equipment. We must act quickly to coordinate our efforts to support the government of Ukraine.

Third, we must maximize the economic pressure on Mr. Putin’s regime. We must go further on economic sanctions, expelling every Russian bank from SWIFT and giving our law enforcement agencies unprecedented powers to peel back the facade of dirty Russian money in London. We must go after the oligarchs. So far, the United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on more than 300 elites and entities, including Mr. Putin himself. But these measures will be insufficient unless Europe begins to wean itself off the Russian oil and gas that bankroll Mr. Putin’s war machine.

Fourth, no matter how long it takes, we must prevent any creeping normalization of what Russia does in Ukraine. The lesson from Russia’s invasion of Georgia in 2008 and seizure of Crimea in 2014 is that accepting the results of Russian aggression merely encourages more aggression. We cannot allow the Kremlin to bite off chunks of an independent country and inflict immense human suffering and then creep back into the fold.

Fifth, we should always be open to diplomacy and de-escalation, provided that the government of Ukraine has full agency in any potential settlement. There can be no new Yalta, decided over the heads of the people of Ukraine, by external powers.

Sixth, we must act now to strengthen Euro-Atlantic security. This includes not only bolstering NATO’s eastern flank but also supporting non-NATO European countries that are potentially at risk of Russian aggression, such as Moldova, Georgia and the nations of the western Balkans. And those that participate or enable Russian aggression, such as Belarus, will be subject to maximum sanctions.

Ukrainians have bravely defended their country. It is their valor that has united the international community. We can’t let them down.

Over the past week, in response to the gut-wrenching scenes in Ukraine, Western unity has been impressive and heartening. I know from my near-daily conversations with President Volodymyr Zelensky that this has provided Ukrainians with some comfort in their hour of need.

Over the past week, in response to the gut-wrenching scenes in Ukraine, Western unity has been impressive and heartening. I know from my near-daily conversations with President Volodymyr Zelensky that this has provided Ukrainians with some comfort in their hour of need. Never in my life have I seen an international crisis where the dividing line between right and wrong has been so stark, as the Russian war machine unleashes its fury on a proud democracy. Russia’s reckless attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant reminds us just how grave the stakes are for everyone. More than one million people have fled the violence, toward an uncertain future. President Biden has displayed great leadership, consulting and convening allies, exposing the lie that America’s commitment to Europe is somehow diminished. The European Union has undertaken a remarkable effort to align behind severe sanctions on Russia. Dozens of European countries are sending defensive equipment to Ukraine’s armed forces. But have we done enough for Ukraine? The honest answer is no. Vladimir Putin’s act of aggression must fail and be seen to fail. We must not allow anyone in the Kremlin to get away with misrepresenting our intentions in order to find ex post facto justification for this war of choice. This is not a NATO conflict, and it will not become one. No ally has sent combat troops to Ukraine. We have no hostility toward the Russian people, and we have no desire to impugn a great nation and a world power. We despair of the decision to send young, innocent Russians into a futile war. The truth is that Ukraine had no serious prospect of NATO membership in the near future — and we were ready to respond to Russia’s stated security concerns through negotiation. I and many other Western leaders have spoken to Mr. Putin to understand his perspective. The United Kingdom even sent emissaries to Moscow before Russia’s invasion to deal directly with Defense Minister Gen. Sergei Shoigu and the chief of the general staff, Gen. Valery Gerasimov, who are spearheading this awful campaign. It is now clear diplomacy never had a chance. But it is precisely because of our respect for Russia that we find the actions of the Putin regime so unconscionable. Mr. Putin is attempting the destruction of the very foundation of international relations and the United Nations Charter: the right of nations to decide their own future, free from aggression and fear of invasion. His assault on Ukraine began with a confected pretext and a flagrant violation of international law. It is sinking further into a sordid campaign of war crimes and unthinkable violence against civilians. Though there can be no comparison with the assault on Ukraine, we in the United Kingdom know something of Mr. Putin’s ruthlessness. Four years ago, we endured the outcome of Russian operatives’ use of chemical weapons against people in Salisbury, England — and our allies rallied to our side. In our defense and foreign policy review, published a year ago, we warned that Russia remained the most acute security threat, and we announced the biggest increase in our defense spending since the end of the Cold War. We also warned that the world was entering into a period of competition in which authoritarian states would test the mettle of the West in every domain. Last year’s agreement among the United Kingdom, America and Australia to help deploy nuclear submarines for the Australian Navy demonstrated our shared resolve to meet the challenges we face in the Indo-Pacific. We have failed to learn the lessons of Russian aggression. For too long, we have turned the other cheek. No one can say we were not warned: We saw what Russia did in Georgia in 2008, in Ukraine in 2014 and even on the streets of Salisbury. And I know from speaking to my counterparts on recent visits to Poland and Estonia just how acutely they feel the threat. It is no longer enough to express warm platitudes about the rules-based international order. We are going to have to actively defend it against a sustained attempt to rewrite the rules by force and other tools, such as economic coercion. We must restore effective deterrence in Europe, where, for too long, the very success of NATO and of America’s security guarantee has bred complacency. What happens in Europe will have profound implications worldwide. We are pleased to see more nations beginning to grasp this hard reality. In January, the United Kingdom was among a handful of European countries sending defensive aid to Ukraine. Now more than 20 countries are part of that effort. Defense spending is going up, though it will take time for that to translate into capability. That’s a welcome development, but it is not going to be enough on its own to save Ukraine or keep the flame of freedom alive. Russia has overwhelming force and apparently no regard for the laws of war. We need to prepare now for even darker days ahead. So we must begin a six-point plan for Ukraine, starting today. First, we must mobilize an international humanitarian coalition. On Monday, I will meet the leaders of Canada and the Netherlands in London to talk about creating the widest possible coalition to expose the outrages that are taking place in Ukraine. On Tuesday, I will host the leaders of Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and the Czech Republic, now on the front line of a refugee crisis. The United Kingdom has 1,000 troops on standby for humanitarian operations, on top of 220 million pounds ($291 million) of aid. We must all work together to establish an immediate cease-fire and allow civilians safe passage, food and medical supplies. Second, we must do more to help Ukraine to defend itself. More and more nations are willing to provide defensive equipment. We must act quickly to coordinate our efforts to support the government of Ukraine. Third, we must maximize the economic pressure on Mr. Putin’s regime. We must go further on economic sanctions, expelling every Russian bank from SWIFT and giving our law enforcement agencies unprecedented powers to peel back the facade of dirty Russian money in London. We must go after the oligarchs. So far, the United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on more than 300 elites and entities, including Mr. Putin himself. But these measures will be insufficient unless Europe begins to wean itself off the Russian oil and gas that bankroll Mr. Putin’s war machine. Fourth, no matter how long it takes, we must prevent any creeping normalization of what Russia does in Ukraine. The lesson from Russia’s invasion of Georgia in 2008 and seizure of Crimea in 2014 is that accepting the results of Russian aggression merely encourages more aggression. We cannot allow the Kremlin to bite off chunks of an independent country and inflict immense human suffering and then creep back into the fold. Fifth, we should always be open to diplomacy and de-escalation, provided that the government of Ukraine has full agency in any potential settlement. There can be no new Yalta, decided over the heads of the people of Ukraine, by external powers. Sixth, we must act now to strengthen Euro-Atlantic security. This includes not only bolstering NATO’s eastern flank but also supporting non-NATO European countries that are potentially at risk of Russian aggression, such as Moldova, Georgia and the nations of the western Balkans. And those that participate or enable Russian aggression, such as Belarus, will be subject to maximum sanctions. Ukrainians have bravely defended their country. It is their valor that has united the international community. We can’t let them down.

Boris Johnson: 6 steps the West must take to help Ukraine right now

In Lviv, Statues were wrapped in protective sheets as the city prepares for Russian assault amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Statues wrapped in protective sheets in Lviv amid Russian invasion of Ukraine

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