To ensure the safe evacuation of its citizens from war-torn Ukraine, India has launched a massive evacuation plan it's called operation Ganga under which about 46 flights will fly out Indian nationals out of Europe's evacuation centres. Now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday.

Indian PM Modi speaks to President Putin, Russians volunteer to evacuate Indians from Ukraine

An International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor has announced that he will open an investigation into possible war crimes perpetrated by Russia in Ukraine.

Russia rejects International Criminal Court's jurisdiction over probe into war crimes in Ukraine

Having braved bombs and gunfire, Ukraine's athletes have made it safely to Beijing ahead of the Winter Paralympics that begin on Friday, in what Ukrainian paralympic committee president Valeriy Sushkevych described as a miracle.

Ukraine has been under siege following an invasion by Russia, which prompted the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) on Thursday to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from the Games after earlier allowing them to compete as neutrals.

Belarus has been a key staging area for the invasion.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/belarus-clubs-and-national-team-banned-from-playing-at-home-in-uefa-competitions-amid-ukraine-crisis-458664">Belarus clubs and national team banned from playing at home in UEFA competitions amid Ukraine crisis</a>

"Not coming here would have been taking the easy option... Our presence at the Paralympics is not merely a presence, this is a sign that Ukraine is and will remain a country," Sushkevych told reporters on Thursday.

The enormous challenge to get to Beijing meant that Sushkevych, a member of Ukraine's parliament, had to sleep on the floor of a bus for two days, while other members of the delegation escaped missiles to get out of the country.

"More than four days and four nights we (took to) come here," he added.

"It's a miracle that we're here... A part of our team was already abroad. A part of our team was in Ukraine. All the necessary equipment was in Ukraine... We had to unite all those parts," he said.

"It is 25 years I am president of the national paralympic committee of the Ukraine. And never was it so difficult, so heavy to come to the Paralympic Games."

Ukraine have been a formidable presence at the Winter Games in the past, bagging 22 medals including seven golds in Pyeongchang four years ago.

The country's 20-strong contingent, accompanied by nine guides, will feature in the biathlon and cross-country skiing, with some athletes already hitting the slopes in Zhangjiakou ahead of the two events.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-russian-grand-prix-in-future-as-formula-one-terminates-contract-in-wake-of-ukraine-crisis-458595">No Russian Grand Prix in future as Formula One terminates contract in wake of Ukraine crisis</a>

Asked whether the team would be able to go home at the end of the Games given the situation in Ukraine, Sushkevych said he wasn't sure.

"I don't know... going back home is not simple. I hope the international community takes a real step during the Paralympics to stop this war."

Having braved bombs and gunfire, Ukraine's athletes have made it safely to Beijing ahead of the Winter Paralympics that begin on Friday, in what Ukrainian paralympic committee president Valeriy Sushkevych described as a miracle.

Having braved bombs and gunfire, Ukraine's athletes have made it safely to Beijing ahead of the Winter Paralympics that begin on Friday, in what Ukrainian paralympic committee president Valeriy Sushkevych described as a miracle. Ukraine has been under siege following an invasion by Russia, which prompted the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) on Thursday to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes from the Games after earlier allowing them to compete as neutrals. Belarus has been a key staging area for the invasion. ALSO READ: Belarus clubs and national team banned from playing at home in UEFA competitions amid Ukraine crisis "Not coming here would have been taking the easy option... Our presence at the Paralympics is not merely a presence, this is a sign that Ukraine is and will remain a country," Sushkevych told reporters on Thursday. The enormous challenge to get to Beijing meant that Sushkevych, a member of Ukraine's parliament, had to sleep on the floor of a bus for two days, while other members of the delegation escaped missiles to get out of the country. "More than four days and four nights we (took to) come here," he added. "It's a miracle that we're here... A part of our team was already abroad. A part of our team was in Ukraine. All the necessary equipment was in Ukraine... We had to unite all those parts," he said. "It is 25 years I am president of the national paralympic committee of the Ukraine. And never was it so difficult, so heavy to come to the Paralympic Games." Ukraine have been a formidable presence at the Winter Games in the past, bagging 22 medals including seven golds in Pyeongchang four years ago. The country's 20-strong contingent, accompanied by nine guides, will feature in the biathlon and cross-country skiing, with some athletes already hitting the slopes in Zhangjiakou ahead of the two events. ALSO READ: No Russian Grand Prix in future as Formula One terminates contract in wake of Ukraine crisis Asked whether the team would be able to go home at the end of the Games given the situation in Ukraine, Sushkevych said he wasn't sure. "I don't know... going back home is not simple. I hope the international community takes a real step during the Paralympics to stop this war."

'It's a miracle that we're here': Ukraine team arrives safely in Beijing ahead of Winter Paralympics

Georgian prime minister said on Thursday that the country has officially applied for membership of the European Union. This has come after European Parliament expressed backing for a similar move by Ukraine currently being invaded by Russia.

"We are applying today for EU membership," Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said after signing the application letter.&nbsp;

"Georgia is a European state and continues to make a valuable contribution to its protection and development," he added. 
"History has deemed the European choice of the Georgian people as its strategic aim."

Georgia's ruling party faced strong pressure from the opposition to follow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's move to apply for EU membership -- a bid which won backing from MEPs in a non-binding resolution.

Zelensky's decision to seek fast-track EU membership came shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin last week ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The MEP vote on Ukraine was largely seen in Georgia as a window of opportunity to advance its own EU aspirations -- a goal enshrined in the Black Sea nation's constitution.

Last year, Georgia announced its intention to apply for EU membership in 2024.

The government has faced mounting international criticism over perceived backsliding on democracy, seriously damaging Tbilisi's relations with Brussels.

Kremlin's possible target

The war in Ukraine also strengthened the West's focus on Georgia and Moldova, another ex-Soviet republic seeking EU membership.&nbsp; 
The West has expressed concerns that these countries risked becoming possible targets for the Kremlin after Ukraine.

"We stand with Moldova and Georgia to defend their sovereignty and security," French President Emmanuel Macron said last week, while his Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, said France was "worried" about a possible Russian military offensive against Georgia and Moldova.

Last week, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili was in Paris and Brussels to argue for Europe's commitments to Ukraine being extended to Georgia.

Even if granted candidate status however, Georgia and Ukraine will face a protracted and complex accession process.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Georgian prime minister said on Thursday that the country has officially applied for membership of the European Union. This has come after European Parliament expressed backing for a similar move by Ukraine currently being invaded by Russia.

Georgian prime minister said on Thursday that the country has officially applied for membership of the European Union. This has come after European Parliament expressed backing for a similar move by Ukraine currently being invaded by Russia. "We are applying today for EU membership," Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said after signing the application letter. "Georgia is a European state and continues to make a valuable contribution to its protection and development," he added. "History has deemed the European choice of the Georgian people as its strategic aim." Georgia's ruling party faced strong pressure from the opposition to follow Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's move to apply for EU membership -- a bid which won backing from MEPs in a non-binding resolution. Zelensky's decision to seek fast-track EU membership came shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin last week ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The MEP vote on Ukraine was largely seen in Georgia as a window of opportunity to advance its own EU aspirations -- a goal enshrined in the Black Sea nation's constitution. Last year, Georgia announced its intention to apply for EU membership in 2024. The government has faced mounting international criticism over perceived backsliding on democracy, seriously damaging Tbilisi's relations with Brussels. Kremlin's possible target The war in Ukraine also strengthened the West's focus on Georgia and Moldova, another ex-Soviet republic seeking EU membership. The West has expressed concerns that these countries risked becoming possible targets for the Kremlin after Ukraine. "We stand with Moldova and Georgia to defend their sovereignty and security," French President Emmanuel Macron said last week, while his Foreign Minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, said France was "worried" about a possible Russian military offensive against Georgia and Moldova. Last week, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili was in Paris and Brussels to argue for Europe's commitments to Ukraine being extended to Georgia. Even if granted candidate status however, Georgia and Ukraine will face a protracted and complex accession process. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid Ukraine crisis, Georgia formally applies for EU membership

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the UNGA voted on a resolution and demanded Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine.

UNGA adopts resolution on Ukraine in a historic vote

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, around 875,000+ Ukrainians have fled to neighbouring nations. Hungary & Poland will deal with the refugee crisis.

Hungary & Poland to deal with refugee crisis amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

Ever since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, global communities have rallied in support for the ex-soviet country with thousands protesting against the Russian attack and many nations sending relief to the capital Kyiv.

Anti-Russia protests gain momentum, global aid pours in for Ukraine

The United States and its allies are weighing an oil reserve release amid soaring prices and concern about supplies after Russia invaded Ukraine. Oil prices have hit the seven years high following the invasion and after Western allies have imposed sanctions on Russia.

US to release oil from reserves as global oil prices surge to a record high amid Russian invasion

International Criminal Court prosecutor opens probe into Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has had serious implications in the sporting world, including Tennis. The International Tennis Federation has banned Russia and Belarus from team events, but players from both countries can continue competing as 'neutrals' in tour level events. Indian Tennis star Rohan Bopanna spoke to Wion Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo on the Tennis World's reaction to the ongoing situation in Ukraine.

Rohan Bopanna on tennis' reaction to Russia's invasion of Ukraine

UNGA vote on a resolution on Russia's invasion: 141 UN members vote in favour of the resolution

In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, several claims and counterclaims over war crimes have been made by both sides. &nbsp;&nbsp;

To unravel the truth behind the allegations, the International Criminal Court's prosecutor has started an investigation on Wednesday into possible war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide in Ukraine. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putins-pick-for-next-ukraine-president-who-is-viktor-yanukovych-458205">Putin's pick for next Ukraine president: Who is Viktor Yanukovych?</a>

The prosecutor will take into account all the crimes committed from 2013 to the ongoing conflict. &nbsp;

The probe has been launched after 39 of the court's member states requested an investigation, said Prosecutor Karim Khan. &nbsp;

The process is also known as a referral. &nbsp;

In a statement, Khan said, "These referrals enable my Office to proceed with opening an investigation into the situation in Ukraine from November 21, 2013 onwards, thereby encompassing within its scope any past and present allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide committed on any part of the territory of Ukraine by any person." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/498-troops-killed-in-ukraine-says-russia-458322">498 troops killed in Ukraine, says Russia</a>

"Our work in the collection of evidence has now commenced," Khan added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

As per the United Nations, intentionally targeting civilians or civilian buildings is considered a war crime under international humanitarian law. Also, attacks on military targets that cause excessive civilian casualties fall under the same category. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, several claims and counterclaims over war crimes have been made by both sides. To unravel the truth behind the allegations, the International Criminal Court's prosecutor has started an investigation on Wednesday into possible war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide in Ukraine.

In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, several claims and counterclaims over war crimes have been made by both sides. To unravel the truth behind the allegations, the International Criminal Court's prosecutor has started an investigation on Wednesday into possible war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide in Ukraine. Also Read: Putin's pick for next Ukraine president: Who is Viktor Yanukovych? The prosecutor will take into account all the crimes committed from 2013 to the ongoing conflict. The probe has been launched after 39 of the court's member states requested an investigation, said Prosecutor Karim Khan. The process is also known as a referral. In a statement, Khan said, "These referrals enable my Office to proceed with opening an investigation into the situation in Ukraine from November 21, 2013 onwards, thereby encompassing within its scope any past and present allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity or genocide committed on any part of the territory of Ukraine by any person." Also Read: 498 troops killed in Ukraine, says Russia "Our work in the collection of evidence has now commenced," Khan added. As per the United Nations, intentionally targeting civilians or civilian buildings is considered a war crime under international humanitarian law. Also, attacks on military targets that cause excessive civilian casualties fall under the same category. (With inputs from agencies)

To unravel truth, ICC's prosecutor starts investigation into possible war crimes in Ukraine

UNGA vote on the Russian invasion of Ukraine: 35 members abstain, 5 vote against the resolution

It is day 8 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.

Life in Kyiv moves underground as a 40-mile-long armed Russian convoy encircles Kyiv

In southern Ukraine, Russia today claimed to have taken over the southern city of Kherson this would make it the largest in Ukraine to be captured by Russian forces so far. The city mayor had earlier reported that Russian forces were seen on the city streets, Russian troops had taken over its train station and its port.

Russia captures Kherson city amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine

UNGA votes on resolution on Russia's invasion of Ukraine & demands Russia to withdraw troops

'Pace of operation Ganga continues to accelerate . During the last 24 hours, at least 15 flights have landed in India bringing back more than 3000 Indians,' says MEA during a press briefing.

Operation Ganga | 18 flights scheduled in next 24 hours: MEA

NATO foreign ministers are set to hold an emergency meeting in Brussels over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The allies have been bolstering their Eastern flank since Russia began deploying its troops near Ukraine weeks before the invasion.

NATO FMs to meet in Brussels on March 4

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday that 18 more flights were scheduled in next 24 hours which will bring back Indians stranded in Ukraine.

"We are scheduling more flights and a large number of Indians will be back home in the next 2-3 days. I would like to appreciate the Ukrainian government and the neighboring countries for hosting our people and providing support in evacuating them," said Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson of MEA.

He said that a total of 18,000 Indian national had left Ukraine since first advisory issued by India.

India has launched 'Operation Ganga' to bring back citizens from Ukraine which is currently under Russian attack. Bagchi said that 30 flights have brought 6400 Indians back to homeland.

"This increased number of flights reflects the large number of Indians who have crossed over from Ukraine and are now in the neighboring countries. We will further step up efforts to bring all these Indian nationals back to India at the earliest," said Bagchi.

Meanwhile, India's Minister of Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju visited Solvakia on Thursday. He observed facilities made available to Indians who had crossed the border into Slovakia from Ukraine.

"Today morning, I visited Bidovce in Slovakia to check basic facilities for our citizens coming from Ukraine. Initially they had faced difficulties which will be taken care of now," he tweeted.

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Today morning, I visited Bidovce in Slovakia to check basic facilities for our citizens coming from Ukraine. Initially they had faced difficulties which will be taken care of now.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationGanga?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationGanga</a> 🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UkraineRussiaWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UkraineRussiaWar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UkraineWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UkraineWar</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZyUsj2Q4gS">pic.twitter.com/ZyUsj2Q4gS</a>
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju/status/1499346045368774665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"These group of students have left for India from Košice in Slovakia. Our new generation of young Indians are very confident. I've conveyed to them the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji and wished them safe journey back home," he said in another tweet

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These group of students have left for India from Košice in Slovakia. 
Our new generation of young Indians are very confident. I've conveyed to them the message of Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> Ji and wished them safe journey back home.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationGanga?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationGanga</a> 🇮🇳 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UkraineWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UkraineWar</a> <a href="https://t.co/t7NQ5vBjjk">pic.twitter.com/t7NQ5vBjjk</a>
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) <a href="https://twitter.com/KirenRijiju/status/1499262915769155586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday that 18 more flights were scheduled in next 24 hours which will bring back Indians stranded in Ukraine.

India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday that 18 more flights were scheduled in next 24 hours which will bring back Indians stranded in Ukraine. "We are scheduling more flights and a large number of Indians will be back home in the next 2-3 days. I would like to appreciate the Ukrainian government and the neighboring countries for hosting our people and providing support in evacuating them," said Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson of MEA. He said that a total of 18,000 Indian national had left Ukraine since first advisory issued by India. India has launched 'Operation Ganga' to bring back citizens from Ukraine which is currently under Russian attack. Bagchi said that 30 flights have brought 6400 Indians back to homeland. "This increased number of flights reflects the large number of Indians who have crossed over from Ukraine and are now in the neighboring countries. We will further step up efforts to bring all these Indian nationals back to India at the earliest," said Bagchi. Meanwhile, India's Minister of Law and Justice Kiren Rijiju visited Solvakia on Thursday. He observed facilities made available to Indians who had crossed the border into Slovakia from Ukraine. "Today morning, I visited Bidovce in Slovakia to check basic facilities for our citizens coming from Ukraine. Initially they had faced difficulties which will be taken care of now," he tweeted. Today morning, I visited Bidovce in Slovakia to check basic facilities for our citizens coming from Ukraine. Initially they had faced difficulties which will be taken care of now.#OperationGanga 🇮🇳 #Ukraine #UkraineRussiaWar #UkraineWar pic.twitter.com/ZyUsj2Q4gS — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) March 3, 2022 × "These group of students have left for India from Košice in Slovakia. Our new generation of young Indians are very confident. I've conveyed to them the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji and wished them safe journey back home," he said in another tweet These group of students have left for India from Košice in Slovakia. Our new generation of young Indians are very confident. I've conveyed to them the message of Prime Minister @narendramodi Ji and wished them safe journey back home.#OperationGanga 🇮🇳 #UkraineWar pic.twitter.com/t7NQ5vBjjk — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) March 3, 2022 ×

Ukraine conflict: 18 more flights scheduled in next 24 hours to bring Indians back, says MEA

Is Russia pushing for a swift end to the Ukraine invasion? Fighting has intensified in 4 cities. Moscow is claiming control of Kherson. A report claims Russia wants to reinstate Former Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: Russia wants a swift end to the conflict

An epic blunder by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko has revealed Putin's military strategy in eastern Europe. Lukashenko's map appeared to show a planned Russian offensive on Moldova. Could this ex-Soviet state be Putin's next target? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Belarus leader's blunder reveals Putin's masterplan

US officials say 'the worst is yet to come' for Kyiv. They've warned Ukraine of a second wave of attacks. The warnings come amid Russia's claims that it has captured the city of Kherson. Palki Sharma decodes the developments with Nick Harper & Julia Chapman.

Gravitas: Tracking the Ukraine Conflict

Anti-war protests are on the rise in Russia. A petition to stop the war has garnered 1 million signatures. Russian elites are issuing statements against the invasion. At least 3 parliamentarians have also called for peace. Palki Sharma decodes the public sentiment.

Gravitas: Anti-war sentiments are growing in Russia

A Ukrainian activist ripped into British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for not doing enough to deter Russia. She accused NATO of being scared of World War III. Did the West really hold back in sanctioning Putin? Palki Sharma calls out Western half-measures.

Gravitas: Ukrainian activist rips into NATO leadership

Russia's invasion has pushed more than 800,000 out of Ukraine. Where are these refugees heading? What is the European Union doing to help them, especially the African and Asian refugees? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Putin's war drives 800,000+ people out of Ukraine

Russia claims control of Kherson, Russian paratroopers land in Kharkiv, A TV tower is attacked in Kyiv, Russian army has encircled Mariupol. Palki Sharma takes you to the 4 hotspots of Ukraine.

Gravitas: Ukraine under attack: The 4 hotspots

In a bid to raise funds for people in war-torn Ukraine, an NFT of the Ukrainian flag was sold for $6.75 million. The sale was organised by UkraineDAO.&nbsp;

The winning bid was placed on behalf of a pool of 3,271 donors through a service called PartyBid.

Launched a few days ago, UkraineDAO is a crowdfunding effort. It is led by the Russian art collective Pussy riot and NFT studio trippy labs.&nbsp;

The organisation aims to support war-hit Ukraine, which is currently battling Russia.&nbsp;

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🇺🇦 2250 ETH / $6.75M USD CONTRIBUTED TO THE UKRAINIAN FLAG NFT 🇺🇦 
 
Thank you to all who supported our project 🙏 
 
Next steps: POAP for all those who donated to partybid, work with Come Back Alive on safely transferring funds 
 
You may still donate ETH directly to ukrainedao.eth <a href="https://t.co/GsQBLzHIVK">pic.twitter.com/GsQBLzHIVK</a>
— UkraineDAO (@Ukraine_DAO) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ukraine_DAO/status/1498997683683348481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2022</a></blockquote>
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“This project has been organised by Pussy Riot, Trippy Labs, PleasrDAO, CXIP, and many Ukrainian humanitarian activists working tirelessly on the ground and generously consulting with us to assure we have a safe place to direct our donations that will help those who need it the most,” says the website of UkraineDAO.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, despite unexpectedly ferocious resistance, the first major Ukrainian city fell to Russian forces as they take the Black Sea port of Kherson in southern Ukraine.

Igor Kolykhayev, who is the mayor of the Ukrainian city of Kherson, on Wednesday, said Russian troops were in the streets and had forced their way into the city council building.&nbsp;

Kolykhayev urged Russian soldiers not to shoot at civilians and publicly called on civilians to walk through the streets only in daylight and in ones and twos. "We do not have the Armed Forces in the city, only civilians and people who want to LIVE here!" he said in a statement.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to raise funds for people in war-torn Ukraine, an NFT of the Ukrainian flag was sold for $6.75 million. The sale was organised by UkraineDAO. The winning bid was placed on behalf of a pool of 3,271 donors through a service called PartyBid.

In a bid to raise funds for people in war-torn Ukraine, an NFT of the Ukrainian flag was sold for $6.75 million. The sale was organised by UkraineDAO. The winning bid was placed on behalf of a pool of 3,271 donors through a service called PartyBid. Launched a few days ago, UkraineDAO is a crowdfunding effort. It is led by the Russian art collective Pussy riot and NFT studio trippy labs. The organisation aims to support war-hit Ukraine, which is currently battling Russia. 🇺🇦 2250 ETH / $6.75M USD CONTRIBUTED TO THE UKRAINIAN FLAG NFT 🇺🇦 Thank you to all who supported our project 🙏 Next steps: POAP for all those who donated to partybid, work with Come Back Alive on safely transferring funds You may still donate ETH directly to ukrainedao.eth pic.twitter.com/GsQBLzHIVK — UkraineDAO (@Ukraine_DAO) March 2, 2022 × “This project has been organised by Pussy Riot, Trippy Labs, PleasrDAO, CXIP, and many Ukrainian humanitarian activists working tirelessly on the ground and generously consulting with us to assure we have a safe place to direct our donations that will help those who need it the most,” says the website of UkraineDAO. Meanwhile, despite unexpectedly ferocious resistance, the first major Ukrainian city fell to Russian forces as they take the Black Sea port of Kherson in southern Ukraine. Igor Kolykhayev, who is the mayor of the Ukrainian city of Kherson, on Wednesday, said Russian troops were in the streets and had forced their way into the city council building. Kolykhayev urged Russian soldiers not to shoot at civilians and publicly called on civilians to walk through the streets only in daylight and in ones and twos. "We do not have the Armed Forces in the city, only civilians and people who want to LIVE here!" he said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

NFT of the Ukrainian flag sold for $6.75 million in an effort to raise funds

Russia-Ukraine crisis: WION's correspondent Anas Mallick is currently at at Ukraine-Poland border to bring us all the exclusive ground zero report, listen in.

Long lines of Ukrainian refugees at Poland Border

As shelling intensifies in Kyiv, its residents have setup underground camping in bunkers ad subway stations. Hospitals have shifted patients in the basement including pregnant women.

Born in war: Maternity ward under seige | Russia-Ukraine crisis

Despite unexpectedly ferocious resistance, the first major Ukrainian city fell to Russian forces as they take the Black Sea port of Kherson in southern Ukraine. It was confirmed on Thursday (March 3).&nbsp;

Igor Kolykhayev, who is the mayor of the Ukrainian city of Kherson, on Wednesday (March 2), said Russian troops were in the streets and had forced their way into the city council building.&nbsp;

Kolykhayev urged Russian soldiers not to shoot at civilians and publicly called on civilians to walk through the streets only in daylight and in ones and twos. "We do not have the Armed Forces in the city, only civilians and people who want to LIVE here!" he said in a statement.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-under-attack-satellite-images-show-whats-happening-on-the-ground-zero-458503">Ukraine under attack: Satellite&nbsp;images show what's happening on the ground zero</a>

But what's next?&nbsp;

On February 25, Reuters reported citing military analysts and former officials that Russia's invasion of Ukraine looks designed to take Kyiv and create a land corridor south to the Black Sea, splitting the country into two.&nbsp;

In the latest analysis by The Telegraph, Russian President Vladimir Putin's move suggested that he is set to 'cut Ukraine in two' as Russian troops gain vital bridgehead to attack Kyiv.&nbsp;

The advancement means that Russian armed forces can cross the River Dnieper, which cuts Ukraine in two and head westwards and northwards to attack Kyiv from a second direction.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-russias-sarmat-intercontinental-ballistic-missile-can-change-battlefield-dynamic-458549">How Russia's Sarmat Intercontinental ballistic missile can change battlefield dynamic</a>

The southern port city of Mariupol, which is an industrial port on the Sea of Azov, becomes vital now because Russia will need to control if it is to open a land route from the city of Odesa with the occupied territory of the Crimean peninsula.&nbsp;

Mariupol is in the way of the Russian leader controlling the coastline from Crimea to the Donbas. City's mayor, Vadym Boichenko, said: "Their [Russia] mission is to destroy us. We cannot even take the wounded from the streets, from houses and apartments today, since the shelling does not stop."&nbsp;

The reports have&nbsp;mentioned that the Russian forces pound and encircle the strategic port city of Mariupol, which is without water or electricity.&nbsp;

The Russian forces relentlessly launched rocket artillery fire on Mariupol. The authorities said as quoted by the media outlet that they were trying to make the city unlivable by targeting civilian infrastructure and homes. Officials said it amounted to "real genocide".&nbsp;

The media outlet has also uncovered evidence of what appeared to be fresh war crimes committed by Russia.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Ukraine conflict: New sanctions on Belarus, Russian defence sector

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Despite unexpectedly ferocious resistance, the first major Ukrainian city fell to Russian forces as they take the Black Sea port of Kherson in southern Ukraine. It was confirmed on Thursday (March 3).

Despite unexpectedly ferocious resistance, the first major Ukrainian city fell to Russian forces as they take the Black Sea port of Kherson in southern Ukraine. It was confirmed on Thursday (March 3). Igor Kolykhayev, who is the mayor of the Ukrainian city of Kherson, on Wednesday (March 2), said Russian troops were in the streets and had forced their way into the city council building. Kolykhayev urged Russian soldiers not to shoot at civilians and publicly called on civilians to walk through the streets only in daylight and in ones and twos. "We do not have the Armed Forces in the city, only civilians and people who want to LIVE here!" he said in a statement. IN PICS | Ukraine under attack: Satellite images show what's happening on the ground zero But what's next? On February 25, Reuters reported citing military analysts and former officials that Russia's invasion of Ukraine looks designed to take Kyiv and create a land corridor south to the Black Sea, splitting the country into two. In the latest analysis by The Telegraph, Russian President Vladimir Putin's move suggested that he is set to 'cut Ukraine in two' as Russian troops gain vital bridgehead to attack Kyiv. The advancement means that Russian armed forces can cross the River Dnieper, which cuts Ukraine in two and head westwards and northwards to attack Kyiv from a second direction. IN PICS | How Russia's Sarmat Intercontinental ballistic missile can change battlefield dynamic The southern port city of Mariupol, which is an industrial port on the Sea of Azov, becomes vital now because Russia will need to control if it is to open a land route from the city of Odesa with the occupied territory of the Crimean peninsula. Mariupol is in the way of the Russian leader controlling the coastline from Crimea to the Donbas. City's mayor, Vadym Boichenko, said: "Their [Russia] mission is to destroy us. We cannot even take the wounded from the streets, from houses and apartments today, since the shelling does not stop." The reports have mentioned that the Russian forces pound and encircle the strategic port city of Mariupol, which is without water or electricity. The Russian forces relentlessly launched rocket artillery fire on Mariupol. The authorities said as quoted by the media outlet that they were trying to make the city unlivable by targeting civilian infrastructure and homes. Officials said it amounted to "real genocide". The media outlet has also uncovered evidence of what appeared to be fresh war crimes committed by Russia. WATCH | Ukraine conflict: New sanctions on Belarus, Russian defence sector ×

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Is this Vladimir Putin's next massive plan?

Stepping up pressure on Moscow over invasion of Ukraine, the United States has announced more sanctions this time the targets are Russia's defense industry and ally Belarus.

Ukraine conflict: New sanctions on Belarus, Russian defense sector

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