It is day 7 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.

Battle for Kharkiv: 21 killed, 112 injured in last 24 hours

The Russian invasion of Ukraine continues. Emotions are at an all-time high. Ukrainian President Zelensky recently spoke at the European Parliament. One person who could not help but choke up after the fiery speech was Zelensky's EU interpreter.

Emotions run high amid conflict: Zelensky's interpreter chokes up

Day 7 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Russia steps up military offensive

The 4 axes of Russian invasion: Tracking the advancements of Russian forces in Ukraine

<p><em><strong>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.</strong></em></p>

<p>Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Tuesday (March 1) may have accidentally shared Russia's plans to invade Ukraine during a live televised meet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the Security Council meeting in Minsk, the Belarusian leader demonstrated a map that looked like a scheme of military actions in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ukraine-crisis-footballs-first-reported-losses-as-two-ukrainian-players-killed-during-russian-invasion-458012">Football's first reported losses as two Ukrainian players killed during Russian invasion</a></strong></p>

<p>While talking, he repeated that the Russian Armed Forces conducted missile launches from Belarus into Ukraine on February 23 to prevent what he has claimed was Ukraine's intention to attack Belarus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a video shared by news agency Reuters, Lukashenko said, "Thankfully those guys, warned us. We had found it literally six hours before a launch, and the Russians - Iskanders were deployed here, right, in the Mazyr area - they attacked those missiles, those positions."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mom-i-am-scared-we-are-hitting-everyone-russian-soldiers-last-words-to-mother-are-heart-wrenching-457862">'Mom, I am scared. We are hitting everyone': Russian soldier's last words to mother are heart-wrenching</a></strong></p>

<p>"And after that, we haven't seen them anymore. During the Russians' advancement, entering Ukraine, we did not see those positions anymore. That is why I am saying, yes, there were launches from Belarusian territory. And I told you openly what point we targeted," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The video was also shared by Belarusian journalist Tadeusz Giczan on Twitter, in which Lukashenko appeared to point to a map of Ukraine. The map showed Ukraine segmented into four parts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the journo, the demonstration "looks like an actual invasion map." Important to note that the Belarusian leader is a longtime ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video here:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">At today's security council meeting, Lukashenko showed what looks like an actual invasion map. It shows Ukraine military facilities destroyed by missiles from Belarus, attacks directions (everything agrees except Odessa-Transnistria). Also, Ukraine is divided into 4 sectors. <a href="https://t.co/ueqBIFUbyM">pic.twitter.com/ueqBIFUbyM</a></p>
— Tadeusz Giczan 🇺🇦 (@TadeuszGiczan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TadeuszGiczan/status/1498673348183744518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>On Tuesday, Lukashenko said that Belarus has no plans to join Russia's military operation in Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Monday that Lukashenko has allowed Putin to "make a mockery" of Belarus' sovereignty by allowing Moscow's forces to launch their attack on Ukraine from its territory.</p>


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. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Tuesday (March 1) may have accidentally shared Russia's plans to invade Ukraine during a live televised meet. During the Security Council meeting in Minsk, the Belarusian leader demonstrated a map that looked like a scheme of military actions in Ukraine. ALSO READ | Football's first reported losses as two Ukrainian players killed during Russian invasion While talking, he repeated that the Russian Armed Forces conducted missile launches from Belarus into Ukraine on February 23 to prevent what he has claimed was Ukraine's intention to attack Belarus. In a video shared by news agency Reuters, Lukashenko said, "Thankfully those guys, warned us. We had found it literally six hours before a launch, and the Russians - Iskanders were deployed here, right, in the Mazyr area - they attacked those missiles, those positions." ALSO READ | 'Mom, I am scared. We are hitting everyone': Russian soldier's last words to mother are heart-wrenching "And after that, we haven't seen them anymore. During the Russians' advancement, entering Ukraine, we did not see those positions anymore. That is why I am saying, yes, there were launches from Belarusian territory. And I told you openly what point we targeted," he added. The video was also shared by Belarusian journalist Tadeusz Giczan on Twitter, in which Lukashenko appeared to point to a map of Ukraine. The map showed Ukraine segmented into four parts. As per the journo, the demonstration "looks like an actual invasion map." Important to note that the Belarusian leader is a longtime ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Watch the video here: At today's security council meeting, Lukashenko showed what looks like an actual invasion map. It shows Ukraine military facilities destroyed by missiles from Belarus, attacks directions (everything agrees except Odessa-Transnistria). Also, Ukraine is divided into 4 sectors. pic.twitter.com/ueqBIFUbyM — Tadeusz Giczan 🇺🇦 (@TadeuszGiczan) March 1, 2022 × On Tuesday, Lukashenko said that Belarus has no plans to join Russia's military operation in Ukraine. The US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Monday that Lukashenko has allowed Putin to "make a mockery" of Belarus' sovereignty by allowing Moscow's forces to launch their attack on Ukraine from its territory.

Watch: Did Belarusian President accidentally share Russia's plans to invade Ukraine?

The Russian driver Nikita Mazepin will be allowed to race in Formula 1 this season after motorsports governing body the FIA confirmed the Russian and Belarusian drivers will be able to compete under a neutral flag.

Russian F1 racer Nikita Mazepin to compete in F1 this season, FIA clarifies

It is day 7 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. Ukraine President Zelensky said that Russia must Stop bombing cities before ceasefire talks.

Zelensky's message to Russia: Stop bombing cities before ceasefire talks

Battle for Kharkiv: Russian paratroopers land in Kharkiv amid Russian invasion of Ukraine

Kherson Mayor: Russian forces control port & Railway station

Ukrainians line up outside gun shops in Lviv. People were seen buying rifles and shotguns. This comes amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Watch: Ukrainians line up outside gun shops to defend against Russian invasion

Facts about Ukraine that have long been disputed by great empires

As the fighting continues on the ground and tensions continue to escalate western allies have been stepping up their diplomatic campaign to try and isolate Moscow. The United Nations General Assembly session witnessed the first such session in 40 years.

Russia-Ukraine crisis: First UNGA session in 40 years

Russian invasion has claimed dozens of civilian lives, forced hundreds and thousands of Ukrainians to flee west and could, according to the EU, eventually displace up to seven million people. This is what the leaders had to say... #ukraine #russia #ukraineconflict

Russian-Ukraine Crisis: Who said what on the situation

<p>Ukraine has accused Russia of using vacuum bombs in the ongoing conflict. The Ukraine's ambassador to the United States has made the claim on Monday. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>After meeting with members of the US Congress, Oksana Markarova, Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, told reporters that Russia used a thermobaric weapon, which is known as a vacuum bomb, in the conflict. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They used the vacuum bomb today...The devastation that Russia is trying to inflict on Ukraine is large," Markarova said. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nuclear-war-outbreaks-fear-grows-what-are-nuke-capabilities-of-russia-457686">Nuclear war outbreak’s fear grows. What are nuke capabilities of Russia? &nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>But what is a vacuum bomb?&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is a weapon, which sucks in oxygen from the surrounding air to generate a high-temperature explosion. It produces a blast wave of a longer duration than that of a conventional explosive and can vaporise human bodies. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fuel-air explosives (FAE) were first developed and used in Vietnam by the US, as per a Human Rights Watch report from 2000. The Soviet scientists also developed FAE weapons soon and used them against China in 1969. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/64-km-long-russian-military-convoy-heads-for-kyiv-show-satellite-images-457667">64-km-long Russian military convoy heads for Kyiv, show satellite images</a></strong></p>

<p>Since then, a lot of research and development have been done on it. Russians seems to be holding a wide range of third-generation FAE warheads.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There is still no official confirmation about the use of these weapons in the conflict in Ukraine. Numerous international organisations have already condemned these weapons. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Ukraine has accused Russia of using vacuum bombs in the ongoing conflict. The Ukraine's ambassador to the United States has made the claim on Monday. After meeting with members of the US Congress, Oksana Markarova, Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, told reporters that Russia used a thermobaric weapon, which is known as a vacuum bomb, in the conflict.

Ukraine has accused Russia of using vacuum bombs in the ongoing conflict. The Ukraine's ambassador to the United States has made the claim on Monday. After meeting with members of the US Congress, Oksana Markarova, Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, told reporters that Russia used a thermobaric weapon, which is known as a vacuum bomb, in the conflict. "They used the vacuum bomb today...The devastation that Russia is trying to inflict on Ukraine is large," Markarova said. Also Read: Nuclear war outbreak’s fear grows. What are nuke capabilities of Russia? But what is a vacuum bomb? It is a weapon, which sucks in oxygen from the surrounding air to generate a high-temperature explosion. It produces a blast wave of a longer duration than that of a conventional explosive and can vaporise human bodies. The fuel-air explosives (FAE) were first developed and used in Vietnam by the US, as per a Human Rights Watch report from 2000. The Soviet scientists also developed FAE weapons soon and used them against China in 1969. Also Read: 64-km-long Russian military convoy heads for Kyiv, show satellite images Since then, a lot of research and development have been done on it. Russians seems to be holding a wide range of third-generation FAE warheads. There is still no official confirmation about the use of these weapons in the conflict in Ukraine. Numerous international organisations have already condemned these weapons. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia accused of using a vacuum bomb in Ukraine. What is it?

As per the latest reports Russian army has asked the residents living near Kyiv's intelligence infrastructure to evacuate and has announced that it intends to strike. WION in an exclusive conversation with Igor Novikovm, former advisor to President Zelenskyy.

Igor Novikov, Former advisor to Prez Zelenskyy exclusive on Russian warning of strikes

"Russian forces brutally fired on Kharkiv from jet artillery. It was clearly a war crime”, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his address to the nation on Monday.

Ukrainian President Zelensky accuses Russia of war crimes in bombardment of Kharkiv

<p>With the conflict intensifying, Russia has been accused of attacking Ukrainians with cluster explosives and vacuum bombs by human rights groups and Ukraine's ambassador to the United States on Monday. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russian forces seem to have been using widely banned cluster munitions, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said. &nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>After meeting with members of the US Congress, Oksana Markarova, Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, told reporters that Russia used a thermobaric weapon, which is known as a vacuum bomb, in the conflict. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-in-viral-video-little-girl-appeals-for-peace-end-to-russia-ukraine-conflict-is-anybody-listening-457393" hreflang="en">Watch: In viral video, little girl appeals for peace, end to Russia-Ukraine conflict. Is anybody listening?</a></strong></p>

<p>"They used the vacuum bomb today...The devastation that Russia is trying to inflict on Ukraine is large," Markarova said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>A vacuum bomb is a thermobaric weapon, which sucks in oxygen from the surrounding air to generate a high-temperature explosion. &nbsp;</p>

<p>It produces a blast wave of a longer duration than that of a conventional explosive and can vaporise human bodies. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unga-emergency-session-russia-defends-ukraine-invasion-countries-appeal-for-peace-457627" hreflang="en">UNGA emergency session: Russia defends Ukraine invasion, countries appeal for peace</a></strong></p>

<p>There has been no official confirmation about the use of thermobaric weapons in the conflict in Ukraine. &nbsp;</p>

<p>White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that she had seen reports but did not have confirmation about the use. "If that were true, it would potentially be a war crime," she told a briefing. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Numerous international organisations have condemned these weapons. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


With the conflict intensifying, Russia has been accused of attacking Ukrainians with cluster explosives and vacuum bombs by human rights groups and Ukraine's ambassador to the United States on Monday.

With the conflict intensifying, Russia has been accused of attacking Ukrainians with cluster explosives and vacuum bombs by human rights groups and Ukraine's ambassador to the United States on Monday. Russian forces seem to have been using widely banned cluster munitions, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said. After meeting with members of the US Congress, Oksana Markarova, Ukraine's ambassador to the United States, told reporters that Russia used a thermobaric weapon, which is known as a vacuum bomb, in the conflict. Also Read | Watch: In viral video, little girl appeals for peace, end to Russia-Ukraine conflict. Is anybody listening? "They used the vacuum bomb today...The devastation that Russia is trying to inflict on Ukraine is large," Markarova said. A vacuum bomb is a thermobaric weapon, which sucks in oxygen from the surrounding air to generate a high-temperature explosion. It produces a blast wave of a longer duration than that of a conventional explosive and can vaporise human bodies. Also Read | UNGA emergency session: Russia defends Ukraine invasion, countries appeal for peace There has been no official confirmation about the use of thermobaric weapons in the conflict in Ukraine. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that she had seen reports but did not have confirmation about the use. "If that were true, it would potentially be a war crime," she told a briefing. Numerous international organisations have condemned these weapons. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia using ‘brutal’ cluster explosives, vacuum bombs in Ukraine, say rights groups, Ukraine's envoy to US

The United Nations General Assembly on Monday convened the 11th emergency special session on the ongoing Ukraine crisis against Russia.

'Civilian deaths totally unacceptable,' says UN chief Antonio Guterres on Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Banks around the world were winding down relationships with a host of Russian banks as they put Western sanctions against Russia into practice, while funds and exchanges also pulled back and Citigroup disclosed billions of dollars of exposure.

International banks, funds and exchanges put Russia's financial sanctions into action

Global oil and gas giant Shell announced that it will exit all its Russian operations, becoming the latest major Western energy company to quit the oil-rich country following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. The decision comes a day after rival British Petroleum (BP) abandoned its stake in Russian oil giant Rosneft in a move that could cost the British company over $25 billion. Norway's Equinor also plans to exit Russia.

Shell joins Equinor and BP to exit Russia over Ukraine invasion

As the conflict in Ukraine intensifies, Russian President Vladimir Putin has placed nuclear forces on high alert. It supposedly holds the world's biggest nuclear arsenal. With Putin's announcement, fear of an outbreak of a nuclear war has grown. But what are Russia's nuclear capabilities?

Fear of nuclear war grows. How big is Russia's arsenal?

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="3">Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky signed an application to join the European Union on Monday.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="5">Prior to the Russian invasion, Zelensky had pushed the EU to allow Ukraine to join the bloc under a special route.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="6">"Our goal is to be with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be equal...I am sure we deserve it," he said.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="7">Zelensky uploaded images of himself signing the EU application, a mostly symbolic move that might take years to materialise and is unlikely to please Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has long accused the West of attempting to entice Ukraine into its circle.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">President <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a> has signed application for the membership of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> in the European Union.<br />
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This is a historic moment! <a href="https://t.co/rmzdgIwArc">pic.twitter.com/rmzdgIwArc</a></p>
— Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (@ua_parliament) <a href="https://twitter.com/ua_parliament/status/1498326340591919110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Under the shadow of Putin's nuclear threats, and with Moscow's invasion of Ukraine encountering unexpectedly stiff resistance, Russian and Ukrainian officials met on Day Five of the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="9">Early Monday night, a top adviser to Ukraine’s president said that the first round of talks with Russia had ended and that both delegations had returned home for consultations in their capitals.</p>

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<h5>Ukraine is still a long way from meeting the requirements for EU membership, and the EU's 27-nation union is overcrowded and unlikely to take on new members anytime soon.</h5>
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<p>Mykhailo Podolyak gave few details except to say that the talks, held near the Ukraine-Belarus border, were focused on a possible cease-fire and that a second round could take place "in the near future."<br />
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<strong>Watch | Gravitas: 5 videos that tell the story Russia's Ukraine invasion</strong></p>

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<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="11">Ukraine is still a long way from meeting the requirements for EU membership, and the EU's 27-nation union is overcrowded and unlikely to take on new members anytime soon.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="12">Furthermore, any addition to the EU must be unanimously authorised, and several member states have lengthy approval processes.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="13">Overall, there is a consensus that Ukraine's deep-seated corruption will make it difficult for it to gain EU recognition.</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="14">"We want them in the European Union," EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said in an interview with Euronews on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p data-changed="false" data-paragraphid="15"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky signed an application to join the European Union on Monday. Prior to the Russian invasion, Zelensky had pushed the EU to allow Ukraine to join the bloc under a special route.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky signed an application to join the European Union on Monday. Prior to the Russian invasion, Zelensky had pushed the EU to allow Ukraine to join the bloc under a special route. "Our goal is to be with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be equal...I am sure we deserve it," he said. Zelensky uploaded images of himself signing the EU application, a mostly symbolic move that might take years to materialise and is unlikely to please Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has long accused the West of attempting to entice Ukraine into its circle. President @ZelenskyyUa has signed application for the membership of #Ukraine in the European Union. This is a historic moment! pic.twitter.com/rmzdgIwArc — Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (@ua_parliament) February 28, 2022 × Under the shadow of Putin's nuclear threats, and with Moscow's invasion of Ukraine encountering unexpectedly stiff resistance, Russian and Ukrainian officials met on Day Five of the war. Early Monday night, a top adviser to Ukraine’s president said that the first round of talks with Russia had ended and that both delegations had returned home for consultations in their capitals. Ukraine is still a long way from meeting the requirements for EU membership, and the EU's 27-nation union is overcrowded and unlikely to take on new members anytime soon. × Mykhailo Podolyak gave few details except to say that the talks, held near the Ukraine-Belarus border, were focused on a possible cease-fire and that a second round could take place "in the near future." Watch | Gravitas: 5 videos that tell the story Russia's Ukraine invasion Ukraine is still a long way from meeting the requirements for EU membership, and the EU's 27-nation union is overcrowded and unlikely to take on new members anytime soon. Furthermore, any addition to the EU must be unanimously authorised, and several member states have lengthy approval processes. Overall, there is a consensus that Ukraine's deep-seated corruption will make it difficult for it to gain EU recognition. "We want them in the European Union," EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen said in an interview with Euronews on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine's President Zelensky signs application to join European Union

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday (February 27) had ordered his military command to put Russia's deterrence forces - a reference to units that include nuclear arms - on high alert.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Putin cited aggressive statements by NATO leaders and multiple economic sanctions against Moscow and the order created a panic amid escalating crisis and loss of lives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The recent announcements and decisions by Putin have forced the intelligence agencies to debate urgently the possibility that the Russian leader has lost touch with reality, The New York Times reported on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mom-i-am-scared-we-are-hitting-everyone-russian-soldiers-last-words-to-mother-are-heart-wrenching-457862">'Mom, I am scared. We are hitting everyone': Russian soldier's last words to mother are heart-wrenching</a></strong></p>

<p>Apart from the mention of Russian deterrence forces, Putin's behaviour was noticed when he berated his foreign intelligence chief, Sergey Naryshkin in a televised meet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There are several other incidents as media reports in this context also mentioned the giant table, that eventually became meme material, when French President Emmanuel Macron visited Russia to meet Putin. But what's behind this?&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per the media report, some experts have said that his isolation during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic might have affected his sense of reality. During the isolation, he was said to be kept under strict measures with limited interactions with the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-ukraines-foreign-ministry-posts-dramatic-video-of-administration-building-being-blown-up-in-kharkiv-457724">Ukraine's foreign ministry posts dramatic video of administration building being blown up in Kharkiv</a></strong></p>

<p>In a Sunday appearance on NBC's "Meet The Press", former US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul said: "He's out at his compound, doesn't come into town very much, and, under COVID, he's been more isolated."&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a CNN interview, James Clapper, who is the former director of national intelligence, said: "I personally think he's unhinged. I worry about his acuity and balance."&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per The Times report, US intelligence officials might think that Putin's behaviour is an elaborate bluff, which means he is acting the part of the "madman" in order to confuse and disconcert the West.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such media reports remind&nbsp;'madman theory' that is a political theory commonly associated with US President Richard Nixon's foreign policy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nixon and his administration tried to make the leaders of hostile Communist Bloc nations think he was irrational and volatile.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Michael Horowitz, who is an analyst at the security consultancy Le Beck International, tweeted: "There is a 'Madman theory' in international relations, which is basically to intentionally appear irrational. If this is what Putin is doing then he is frighteningly good at it."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Several reports cited Western analysts who assumed that Putin had been bluffing. But the previous speculations proved to be wrong when he announced a "military operation" in Ukraine on February 24.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BTW there is a "Madman theory" in international relations, which is basically to intentionally appear irrational - not to say, cray cray - so as to force your adversary to be cautious.<br />
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If this is what Putin is doing, then he is frighteningly good at it.</p>
— Michael A. Horowitz (@michaelh992) <a href="https://twitter.com/michaelh992/status/1495838494966665221?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov told reporters on Tuesday that Russia will strike at the information warfare and psychological operations centre of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and technological facilities of the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) in Kyiv. He called on citizens living nearby to leave their homes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Konashenkov said, "In order to suppress information attacks against Russia, the technological facilities of the SBU and the 72nd main PSYOPS center in Kiev will be hit with high-precision weapons. We call on Ukrainian citizens attracted by Ukrainian nationalists to carry out provocations against Russia, as well as residents of Kiev living near relay centers, to leave their homes."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He noted that with the start of the special military operation, the number of cyberattacks on various state institutions of Russia had increased many-fold.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US and Europe sanctions Putin but where are his assets?</strong></p>

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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. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday (February 27) had ordered his military command to put Russia's deterrence forces - a reference to units that include nuclear arms - on high alert. Putin cited aggressive statements by NATO leaders and multiple economic sanctions against Moscow and the order created a panic amid escalating crisis and loss of lives. The recent announcements and decisions by Putin have forced the intelligence agencies to debate urgently the possibility that the Russian leader has lost touch with reality, The New York Times reported on Sunday. ALSO READ | 'Mom, I am scared. We are hitting everyone': Russian soldier's last words to mother are heart-wrenching Apart from the mention of Russian deterrence forces, Putin's behaviour was noticed when he berated his foreign intelligence chief, Sergey Naryshkin in a televised meet. There are several other incidents as media reports in this context also mentioned the giant table, that eventually became meme material, when French President Emmanuel Macron visited Russia to meet Putin. But what's behind this? As per the media report, some experts have said that his isolation during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic might have affected his sense of reality. During the isolation, he was said to be kept under strict measures with limited interactions with the world. WATCH | Ukraine's foreign ministry posts dramatic video of administration building being blown up in Kharkiv In a Sunday appearance on NBC's "Meet The Press", former US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul said: "He's out at his compound, doesn't come into town very much, and, under COVID, he's been more isolated." In a CNN interview, James Clapper, who is the former director of national intelligence, said: "I personally think he's unhinged. I worry about his acuity and balance." As per The Times report, US intelligence officials might think that Putin's behaviour is an elaborate bluff, which means he is acting the part of the "madman" in order to confuse and disconcert the West. Such media reports remind 'madman theory' that is a political theory commonly associated with US President Richard Nixon's foreign policy. Nixon and his administration tried to make the leaders of hostile Communist Bloc nations think he was irrational and volatile. Michael Horowitz, who is an analyst at the security consultancy Le Beck International, tweeted: "There is a 'Madman theory' in international relations, which is basically to intentionally appear irrational. If this is what Putin is doing then he is frighteningly good at it." Several reports cited Western analysts who assumed that Putin had been bluffing. But the previous speculations proved to be wrong when he announced a "military operation" in Ukraine on February 24. BTW there is a "Madman theory" in international relations, which is basically to intentionally appear irrational - not to say, cray cray - so as to force your adversary to be cautious. If this is what Putin is doing, then he is frighteningly good at it. — Michael A. Horowitz (@michaelh992) February 21, 2022 × Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov told reporters on Tuesday that Russia will strike at the information warfare and psychological operations centre of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and technological facilities of the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) in Kyiv. He called on citizens living nearby to leave their homes. Konashenkov said, "In order to suppress information attacks against Russia, the technological facilities of the SBU and the 72nd main PSYOPS center in Kiev will be hit with high-precision weapons. We call on Ukrainian citizens attracted by Ukrainian nationalists to carry out provocations against Russia, as well as residents of Kiev living near relay centers, to leave their homes." He noted that with the start of the special military operation, the number of cyberattacks on various state institutions of Russia had increased many-fold. WATCH | US and Europe sanctions Putin but where are his assets? ×

Is Vladimir Putin using 'madman theory'? US intel agencies 'debating' over Russian leader's mental faculties

<p><em>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 news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></p>

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<p>The Ukrainian navy said on Monday that the soldiers guarding Snake Island -- who were earlier reported to have died after recording an expletive-laced message to the invading Russian troops -- are "alive and well."</p>

<p>The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/navy.mil.gov.ua/posts/324444389723150">navy said on Facebook</a> that the soldiers defending Snake Island in the Black Sea, also known as Zmiinyi Island, are alive and in Russian custody.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Snake Island is a small island that is strategically vital for Ukraine's territorial seas defence and is one of the country's southernmost communities.</p>

<p>According to the Facebook post, Russia destroyed the island's infrastructure, including lighthouses, towers, and antennae, and seized a civilian ship.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are very happy to learn that our brothers are alive and well," the post said.</p>

<p>As a result, communication with the island was cut off.</p>

<p>"Repeated attempts to contact the staff and find out their fate have been in vain. And the constant shelling by warships and aircraft of the Russian Federation has prevented us from delivering aid to the marines."</p>

<p>"Go f***&nbsp;yourself," a Ukrainian soldier guarding the island had urged a Russian vessel that came to strike them last week in a show of defiance.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A group of Ukrainian border guards were stationed on Snake Island, in the Black Sea south of Odessa, when a Russian warship ordered them to surrender under threat of attack.<br />
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Their response: "Russian warship, go fuck yourself."<br />
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They held their ground. All 13 were killed. <a href="https://t.co/GMRsXQRSX0">pic.twitter.com/GMRsXQRSX0</a></p>
— Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/aletweetsnews/status/1497008826201124870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<p>Last Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that all of the island's defenders had been killed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


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 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 news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. The Ukrainian navy said on Monday that the soldiers guarding Snake Island -- who were earlier reported to have died after recording an expletive-laced message to the invading Russian troops -- are "alive and well." The navy said on Facebook that the soldiers defending Snake Island in the Black Sea, also known as Zmiinyi Island, are alive and in Russian custody. Snake Island is a small island that is strategically vital for Ukraine's territorial seas defence and is one of the country's southernmost communities. According to the Facebook post, Russia destroyed the island's infrastructure, including lighthouses, towers, and antennae, and seized a civilian ship. "We are very happy to learn that our brothers are alive and well," the post said. As a result, communication with the island was cut off. "Repeated attempts to contact the staff and find out their fate have been in vain. And the constant shelling by warships and aircraft of the Russian Federation has prevented us from delivering aid to the marines." "Go f*** yourself," a Ukrainian soldier guarding the island had urged a Russian vessel that came to strike them last week in a show of defiance. A group of Ukrainian border guards were stationed on Snake Island, in the Black Sea south of Odessa, when a Russian warship ordered them to surrender under threat of attack. Their response: "Russian warship, go fuck yourself." They held their ground. All 13 were killed. pic.twitter.com/GMRsXQRSX0 — Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) February 25, 2022 × Last Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that all of the island's defenders had been killed. (With inputs from agencies)

The ‘go f*** yourself’ Ukrainian soldiers on Snake Island are alive, navy says

Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv on Monday suffered a major onslaught by Russian missile strikes. At least 11 people were killed. The city located in Ukraine's Northeast has become the major battleground in the past few days.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Kharkiv in Ukraine’s northeast has become a major battleground

A massive column of Russian military has reached the doorstep of Kyiv and as per the latest reports Russian army has asked the residents living near Kyiv's intelligence infrastructure to evacuate and has announced that it intends to strike.

Massive column of Russian military reaches doorstep of Kyiv

FIFA has booted Russia out of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in response to last week's Russian invasion of Ukraine. FIFA and UEFA said in a joint statement that Russia would have no involvement in any upcoming World Cup playoffs and all Russian clubs were suspended from European football until further notice.

FIFA suspends Russia from 2022 Qatar World Cup until further notice over Ukraine invasion

Russia bans airlines from 36 countries including all 27 members of the European Union after EU ministers agreed to refuse entry to Russian airplanes.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russia bans flight from 36 airlines

Sixth day of Russian invasion: NATO secretary general and the Estonian PM are holding joint news conference over the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

NATO secretary general and Estonian PM are holding joint news conference over Russia-Ukraine crisis

The second round of talks between Russia and Ukraine will be held tomorrow details of the venue have not been revealed as of now. The first round of talks took place on Monday they went on for about five hours but there was no breakthrough.

Reports: Russia-Ukraine to hold round 2 of talks on March 2

The United Nations General Assembly held a rare emergency meeting as the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues. In his opening speech, General Assembly President Abdulla Shahid of Maldives renewed his call for immediate ceasefire.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: UN General Assembly calls for ceasefire at rare emergency session

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