Dance, food and festivals! Things you should know about the Ukrainian culture

<p>With Russia’s conflict with Ukraine deepening with every hour, the United States (US), European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK) have decided to put crippling sanctions on the financial sector in Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The measures taken to put Russia on back foot include a block on its access to the global financial system, SWIFT, and, for the first time, restrictions on its central bank. &nbsp;</p>

<p>On Saturday, the measures were announced jointly to "hold Russia to account and collectively ensure that this war is a strategic failure for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin." &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-approves-military-aid-for-ukraine-worth-350-million-456773">US President Joe Biden approves military aid for Ukraine worth $350 million</a></strong></p>

<p>This is a part of a new round of financial sanctions. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The key Russian banks are being cut out of the SWIFT financial messaging system. While the restrictions over central bank look to target over USD 600 billion in reserves that the Kremlin has at its disposal. It is meant to limit ability of Russia to support the ruble as sanctions by the West intensify. &nbsp;</p>

<p>These steps were framed to send the ruble into "free fall" and promote soaring inflation in the Russian economy, the US officials said. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-army-to-broaden-offensive-from-all-sides-against-ukraine-says-kremlin-456881">Russian army to broaden offensive ‘from all sides’ against Ukraine: Kremlin</a></strong></p>

<p>EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, while announcing the measures in Brussels, said would push the bloc also to "paralyse the assets of Russia's Central bank" so that its transactions would be frozen. Cutting several commercial banks from SWIFT "will ensure that these banks are disconnected from the international financial system and harm their ability to operate globally," she added. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Cutting banks off will stop them from conducting most of their financial transactions worldwide and effectively block Russian exports and imports. Putin embarked on a path aiming to destroy Ukraine, but what he is also doing, in fact, is destroying the future of his own country," she added. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


With Russia’s conflict with Ukraine deepening with every hour, the United States (US), European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK) have decided to put crippling sanctions on the financial sector in Russia.

With Russia’s conflict with Ukraine deepening with every hour, the United States (US), European Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK) have decided to put crippling sanctions on the financial sector in Russia. The measures taken to put Russia on back foot include a block on its access to the global financial system, SWIFT, and, for the first time, restrictions on its central bank. On Saturday, the measures were announced jointly to "hold Russia to account and collectively ensure that this war is a strategic failure for (Russian President Vladimir) Putin." Also Read: US President Joe Biden approves military aid for Ukraine worth $350 million This is a part of a new round of financial sanctions. The key Russian banks are being cut out of the SWIFT financial messaging system. While the restrictions over central bank look to target over USD 600 billion in reserves that the Kremlin has at its disposal. It is meant to limit ability of Russia to support the ruble as sanctions by the West intensify. These steps were framed to send the ruble into "free fall" and promote soaring inflation in the Russian economy, the US officials said. Also Read | Russian army to broaden offensive ‘from all sides’ against Ukraine: Kremlin EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, while announcing the measures in Brussels, said would push the bloc also to "paralyse the assets of Russia's Central bank" so that its transactions would be frozen. Cutting several commercial banks from SWIFT "will ensure that these banks are disconnected from the international financial system and harm their ability to operate globally," she added. "Cutting banks off will stop them from conducting most of their financial transactions worldwide and effectively block Russian exports and imports. Putin embarked on a path aiming to destroy Ukraine, but what he is also doing, in fact, is destroying the future of his own country," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Over Ukraine conflict, US, UK, EU to put crippling sanctions on Russian central bank, block SWIFT

<p>The official website of the Kremlin, the office of Russian President Vladimir Putin, kremlin.ru, was down on Saturday. This comes after there were reports of denial of service (DDoS) attacks on various other Russian government and state media websites.</p>

<p>The websites were down after Ukraine's vice prime minister said that it had launched an 'IT army' to combat Russia in cyberspace.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A newly discovered piece of destructive software was found circulating in Ukraine on Wednesday. According to researchers at the cybersecurity firm ESET, this impacted hundreds of computers.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, 'Anonymous,' a cyber hacker group, declared a "cyberwar" against Putin's administration as it launched a full-scale invasion of Kyiv amid the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The hacking collective's goal, according to international media, is to deactivate several Russian government websites.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-hackers-group-anonymous-declares-cyber-war-on-moscow-456598"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Hackers' group 'Anonymous' declares 'cyber war' on Moscow</strong></a></p>

<p>A social media account purporting to represent the group wrote on Thursday that "The Anonymous collective is officially in cyberwar against the Russian government."</p>

<p>The "Anonymous collective has taken down the website of the Russian propaganda channel RT News," it added, confirming the RT.com hack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Russian government's websites, the Kremlin, the Duma, and the Ministry of Defense were all hit by the hacker collective's 'cyberattack.'</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The official website of the Kremlin, the office of Russian President Vladimir Putin, kremlin.ru, was down on Saturday. This comes after there were reports of denial of service (DDoS) attacks on various other Russian government and state media websites.

The official website of the Kremlin, the office of Russian President Vladimir Putin, kremlin.ru, was down on Saturday. This comes after there were reports of denial of service (DDoS) attacks on various other Russian government and state media websites. The websites were down after Ukraine's vice prime minister said that it had launched an 'IT army' to combat Russia in cyberspace. A newly discovered piece of destructive software was found circulating in Ukraine on Wednesday. According to researchers at the cybersecurity firm ESET, this impacted hundreds of computers. Meanwhile, 'Anonymous,' a cyber hacker group, declared a "cyberwar" against Putin's administration as it launched a full-scale invasion of Kyiv amid the continuing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The hacking collective's goal, according to international media, is to deactivate several Russian government websites. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Hackers' group 'Anonymous' declares 'cyber war' on Moscow A social media account purporting to represent the group wrote on Thursday that "The Anonymous collective is officially in cyberwar against the Russian government." The "Anonymous collective has taken down the website of the Russian propaganda channel RT News," it added, confirming the RT.com hack. Meanwhile, the Russian government's websites, the Kremlin, the Duma, and the Ministry of Defense were all hit by the hacker collective's 'cyberattack.' (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine war: Kremlin's official website down after 'cyber war' on Moscow declared

Russian missiles have hit the Ukrainian town of Vasylkiv southwest of the capital, Kyiv, setting an oil terminal ablaze, the town’s mayor said in a video posted online.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russian missiles set ablaze oil terminal in Ukrainian town of Vasylkiv

India evacuated 219 people as part of its mission to bring Indians from war-hit Ukraine. The flight took off from neighbouring Romania, as the Ukrainian airspace has been closed for civil aircraft operations, and landed in Mumbai.

Flight with 219 Indians evacuated from Ukraine lands in Mumbai

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday decided to put his nuclear forces on alert. This decision was panned by the Western countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg decried Putin's decision as being an "irresponsible" one</p>

<p>"This is dangerous rhetoric. This is a behavior which is irresponsible," the alliance's secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg told CNN amid heightened tensions over the Russian invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>"And, of course, if you combine this rhetoric with what they're doing on the ground in Ukraine, waging war against the independent sovereign nation, conducting a full-fledged invasion of Ukraine, this adds to the seriousness of the situation,” he added.</p>

<p>The US indicated its displeasure too. It said this escalation was "totally unacceptable".</p>

<p>"This is a pattern that we've seen from President Putin through the course of this conflict, which is manufacturing threats that don't exist in order to justify further aggression," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on ABC when asked about the announcement from Moscow.</p>

<p>The American ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said she condemned Putin's step in the strongest terms.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It means that President Putin is continuing to escalate this war in a manner that is totally unacceptable," Thomas-Greenfield said in an interview on CBS.</p>

<p>Moscow has the world's second-largest arsenal of nuclear weapons and a huge cache of ballistic missiles which form the backbone of the country's deterrence forces.</p>

<p>Putin said he was putting Russia's nuclear forces on high alert because, he said, Western countries are taking "unfriendly" steps against his country.</p>

<p>The US and its allies have unleashed sweeping and punishing economic sanctions against Russia because of its invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday decided to put his nuclear forces on alert. This decision was panned by the Western countries. North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg decried Putin's decision as being an "irresponsible" one "This is dangerous rhetoric.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday decided to put his nuclear forces on alert. This decision was panned by the Western countries. North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg decried Putin's decision as being an "irresponsible" one "This is dangerous rhetoric. This is a behavior which is irresponsible," the alliance's secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg told CNN amid heightened tensions over the Russian invasion of Ukraine. "And, of course, if you combine this rhetoric with what they're doing on the ground in Ukraine, waging war against the independent sovereign nation, conducting a full-fledged invasion of Ukraine, this adds to the seriousness of the situation,” he added. The US indicated its displeasure too. It said this escalation was "totally unacceptable". "This is a pattern that we've seen from President Putin through the course of this conflict, which is manufacturing threats that don't exist in order to justify further aggression," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said on ABC when asked about the announcement from Moscow. The American ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said she condemned Putin's step in the strongest terms. "It means that President Putin is continuing to escalate this war in a manner that is totally unacceptable," Thomas-Greenfield said in an interview on CBS. Moscow has the world's second-largest arsenal of nuclear weapons and a huge cache of ballistic missiles which form the backbone of the country's deterrence forces. Putin said he was putting Russia's nuclear forces on high alert because, he said, Western countries are taking "unfriendly" steps against his country. The US and its allies have unleashed sweeping and punishing economic sanctions against Russia because of its invasion of Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia receives flak for putting nuclear forces on alert

Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has said that Ukraine will create an "IT army" to fight against Russia's digital intrusions. According to reports, the government of Ukraine is asking for volunteers from the country’s hacker underground to fight a cyber war.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Ukrainian govt launches cyber spying mission against Russian troops

India brought back the first batch of 219 Indians from war-hit Ukraine as part of 'Operation Ganga'. Now, India's External Affairs Ministry holds Briefing on the ongoing operation.

India working with neighbours to evacuate its nationals from Ukraine amid Russian invasion

It is day 4 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, Russia's Nuclear deterrence forces were put on high alert.

Russia's Nuclear deterrence forces on high alert amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine

India's External Affairs Ministry holds Briefing on operation Ganga to evacuate Indians from Ukraine

It is day 4 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.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine enters 4th day: Clashes escalate in Donetsk

According to media reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready for talks with the Ukrainian government in Belarus as the fighting between the nations continue to escalate.

Russian President Putin's aide confirms Kyiv ready for talks amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Belarus' exiled opposition leader slammed the Belarusian President for supporting Russia in their invasive operations.

Belarus' exiled opposition leader slams Belarusian President backs Ukraine amid Russian invasion

<p>A beauty queen and former Miss Ukraine Anastasiia Lenna has&nbsp;ditched her high heels for the combat shoes.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
After the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-russia-claims-to-have-besieged-two-big-cities-in-ukraine-455211">Russian invasion</a>, Anastassia has stepped outside to protect her motherland and have reportedly joined the Ukrainian military to safeguard her nation.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/i-stand-by-my-motherland-celebrities-from-ukraine-respond-to-russian-invasion-456843" hreflang="en">I stand by my motherland: Celebrities from Ukraine respond to the Russian invasion</a><br />
<br />
Following the footsteps of their president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the people of the country have stepped outside in the war situation to save their homeland against Russia, many people have also voluntarily taken up arms to assist their country’s military.<br />
<br />
Ever since the Russian invasion, Lenna has been sharing various Instagram stories addressing the crisis. Lenna, who represented Ukraine in the 2015 Miss Grand International beauty contest, shared a series of photos of herself where she can be seen carrying a gun and is in military uniform.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>In one of the posts she shared on Saturday, she wrote: “Everyone who crosses the Ukrainian border with the intent to invade will be killed!.” She has also shared a photo showing soldiers walking with Ukrainian President Zelensky, and called him a “true and strong leader.”</p>

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<p>She has also continuously urged for support and for donations to the Ukrainian armed forces.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-prince-william-and-kate-middleton-react-to-russian-invasion-we-stand-with-ukraine-457004" hreflang="en">Prince William and Kate Middleton react to Russian invasion: We stand with Ukraine</a><br />
<br />
Lenna is a marketing and management graduate from Slavistik University in Kyiv, Ukraine. She has worked in Turkey - Bodrum, Ankara and Istanbul as pr manager. She knows five languages and has worked as a translator also.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As tensions escalated, many celebrities from around the world have reacted to the situation. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-russia-conflict-meghan-markle-priyanka-chopra-other-celebrities-react-456543">Read more here</a></p>


A beauty queen and former Miss Ukraine Anastasiia Lenna has ditched her high heels for the combat shoes. After the Russian invasion, Anastassia has stepped outside to protect her motherland and have reportedly joined the Ukrainian military to safeguard her nation.

A beauty queen and former Miss Ukraine Anastasiia Lenna has ditched her high heels for the combat shoes. After the Russian invasion, Anastassia has stepped outside to protect her motherland and have reportedly joined the Ukrainian military to safeguard her nation. I stand by my motherland: Celebrities from Ukraine respond to the Russian invasion Following the footsteps of their president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the people of the country have stepped outside in the war situation to save their homeland against Russia, many people have also voluntarily taken up arms to assist their country’s military. Ever since the Russian invasion, Lenna has been sharing various Instagram stories addressing the crisis. Lenna, who represented Ukraine in the 2015 Miss Grand International beauty contest, shared a series of photos of herself where she can be seen carrying a gun and is in military uniform. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Ukraine🇺🇦Anastasiia Lenna (@anastasiia.lenna) × In one of the posts she shared on Saturday, she wrote: “Everyone who crosses the Ukrainian border with the intent to invade will be killed!.” She has also shared a photo showing soldiers walking with Ukrainian President Zelensky, and called him a “true and strong leader.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miss Ukraine🇺🇦Anastasiia Lenna (@anastasiia.lenna) × She has also continuously urged for support and for donations to the Ukrainian armed forces. Prince William and Kate Middleton react to Russian invasion: We stand with Ukraine Lenna is a marketing and management graduate from Slavistik University in Kyiv, Ukraine. She has worked in Turkey - Bodrum, Ankara and Istanbul as pr manager. She knows five languages and has worked as a translator also. As tensions escalated, many celebrities from around the world have reacted to the situation. Read more here

Who is Anastasiia Lenna? Former Miss Ukraine joins army against Russian troops

Day 4 of the Russian invasion: Ukrainian Presidency agrees to hold talks with Russia

As Russian troops invade Ukraine, protesters have been gathering around the world to demonstrate against Putin's aggression. The world raised concerns on consequences.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Protesters take to the streets around the world in support of Ukraine

The capital of Ukraine Kyiv, is living under a blanket curfew. The residents have been asked to stay at home and off the streets as some Russian forces have managed to enter into the city.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Blanket curfew in Kyiv as Russian troops reach city

European Union Commission president Ursula von der Leyen commits to cutting Russian banks from Swift financial system to harm their ability to operate globally.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: EU proposes cutting some Russian banks from SWIFT

<p>Ukraine said on Sunday that it was ready to hold talks with Russia at Ukraine-Belarus border near Chernobyl exclusion zone. The development took place between Ukraine President Voldymyr Zelensky and Belarus' Alexander Lukashenko</p>

<p>"The politicians agreed that the Ukrainian delegation would meet the Russian one without preconditions at the Ukraine-Belarus border, near the Pripyat River," Zelensky's office said in a statement.</p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that a Russian delegation was currently in the Belarusian city of Gomel. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky has said he will not hold talks with Russia on the territory of Belarus, where some Russian troops were stationed before invading on Ukraine's northern border.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But Kyiv said Lukashenko assured Zelensky that "all planes, helicopters and missiles stationed on Belarus territory will remain on the ground during the travel, negotiations and return of the Ukrainian delegation".</p>

<p>Moscow has wanted to hold the talks in Kremlin-aligned Belarus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Zelensky, refusing to travel to Minsk, said Kyiv had proposed "Warsaw, Bratislava, Budapest, Istanbul, Baku" as options to Russia.</p>

<p>Ukraine fought off an incursion by Russian troops into its second city Kharkiv on Sunday, the fourth day of the invasion, but Putin raised international alarm by putting nuclear forces on alert.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ukraine said on Sunday that it was ready to hold talks with Russia at Ukraine-Belarus border near Chernobyl exclusion zone. The development took place between Ukraine President Voldymyr Zelensky and Belarus' Alexander Lukashenko "The politicians agreed that the Ukrainian delegation would meet the Russian one without preconditions at the Ukraine-Belarus border, near the Pripyat River," Zelensky's office said in a statement.

Ukraine said on Sunday that it was ready to hold talks with Russia at Ukraine-Belarus border near Chernobyl exclusion zone. The development took place between Ukraine President Voldymyr Zelensky and Belarus' Alexander Lukashenko "The politicians agreed that the Ukrainian delegation would meet the Russian one without preconditions at the Ukraine-Belarus border, near the Pripyat River," Zelensky's office said in a statement. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that a Russian delegation was currently in the Belarusian city of Gomel. Zelensky has said he will not hold talks with Russia on the territory of Belarus, where some Russian troops were stationed before invading on Ukraine's northern border. But Kyiv said Lukashenko assured Zelensky that "all planes, helicopters and missiles stationed on Belarus territory will remain on the ground during the travel, negotiations and return of the Ukrainian delegation". Moscow has wanted to hold the talks in Kremlin-aligned Belarus. Zelensky, refusing to travel to Minsk, said Kyiv had proposed "Warsaw, Bratislava, Budapest, Istanbul, Baku" as options to Russia. Ukraine fought off an incursion by Russian troops into its second city Kharkiv on Sunday, the fourth day of the invasion, but Putin raised international alarm by putting nuclear forces on alert. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine agrees to talk with Russia at Belarus border

Ukrainian citizens have been asked to help fight the enemy at the gates. Men in the age group of 18 to 60 have been asked to stay back. Families packed up whatever they could carry on their backs to seek shelter across the border mainly in places like Romania, Poland and Moldova.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Ukraine residents flee to Romania, Poland, Moldova amid Russian invasion

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin has been suspended as honorary president and ambassador of the International Judo Federation on Sunday.</p>

<p>The sports governing body removed Putin in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.</p>

<p>"In light of the ongoing war conflict in Ukraine, the International Judo Federation announces the suspension of Vladimir Putin's status as Honorary President and Ambassador of the International Judo Federation," the International Judo Federation in a statement said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/emotional-iga-swiatek-voices-support-for-ukraine-after-clinching-qatar-open-title-457063">Emotional Iga Swiatek voices support for Ukraine after clinching Qatar Open title</a></p>

<p>The Russian President ordered special military operations on February 24 "to protect" the people in the Donbas region.</p>

<p>Earlier, Putin had recognized Ukraine's breakaway regions - Donetsk and Luhansk - as independent entities.</p>

<p>Russia has been facing immense criticism, especially from the western countries over the recent actions. A number of countries including the US, UK and Germany have applied fresh rounds of sanctions on Russia.</p>


Russian President Vladimir Putin has been suspended as honorary president and ambassador of the International Judo Federation on Sunday. The sports governing body removed Putin in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been suspended as honorary president and ambassador of the International Judo Federation on Sunday. The sports governing body removed Putin in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. "In light of the ongoing war conflict in Ukraine, the International Judo Federation announces the suspension of Vladimir Putin's status as Honorary President and Ambassador of the International Judo Federation," the International Judo Federation in a statement said. ALSO READ: Emotional Iga Swiatek voices support for Ukraine after clinching Qatar Open title The Russian President ordered special military operations on February 24 "to protect" the people in the Donbas region. Earlier, Putin had recognized Ukraine's breakaway regions - Donetsk and Luhansk - as independent entities. Russia has been facing immense criticism, especially from the western countries over the recent actions. A number of countries including the US, UK and Germany have applied fresh rounds of sanctions on Russia.

International Judo Federation suspends Vladimir Putin as its honorary president amid Russia-Ukraine war

Several countries have closed their airspace to Russian flights, as Moscow faces rising pressure over the invasion of Ukraine. Commercial airlines are also avoiding airspace around Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus following Russia's invasion.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Countries close airspace to Russian carriers

Western nations are going to hunt down Russian oligarchs’ “yachts, jets, fancy cars and luxury homes,” says a US official, after White House, EU and other allies announce new sanctions against Russia.

US official: West to hunt down Russian oligarchs' jets, cars

How Premier League clubs united to express solidarity with Ukraine amid war with Russia

According to media reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready for talks with the Ukrainian government in Belarus as the fighting between the nations continue to escalate. However Ukraine President said that he can hold talks but in other locations.

Russia pitches talk amid offensive: Ukraine President rejects Belarus talks offer

<p>British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss warned on Sunday that Russia-Ukraine conflict could last a "number of years". She added that the world needed to be prepared for Moscow "to seek to use even worse weapons".</p>

<p>"I fear this will be a long haul, this could be a number of years," Truss told Sky News.</p>

<p>"Russia have strong forces and we know the Ukrainians are brave, they are determined to stand up for their sovereignty and territorial integrity and they are determined to fight," she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Truss said, citing intelligence that Ukraine was "continuing to resist Russian advances" and that there had not been "significant changes" overnight.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-russia-claims-to-have-besieged-two-big-cities-in-ukraine-455211"><strong>Click here for latest on Russia-Ukraine conflict</strong></a></p>

<p>But she warned Russian President Vladimir Putin could deploy more deadly weapons.</p>

<p>"This could well be the beginning the end for Putin and I fear that he is determined to use the most unsavoury means in this war.</p>

<p>"I fear this conflict could be very, very bloody. We do need to be prepared for Russia to seek to use even worse weapons," she added.</p>

<p>However, Putin "should be aware the International Criminal Court is already looking at what is happening in Ukraine and there will be serious consequences for him personally," she told Sky News.</p>

<p>Western allies on Saturday agreed on a new volley of financial sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, including the exclusion of a number of Russian banks from the SWIFT interbank system.</p>

<p>The allies also agreed to impose restrictive measures to prevent the Russian central bank from "using international financial transactions to prop up the ruble", a senior US official said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss warned on Sunday that Russia-Ukraine conflict could last a "number of years". She added that the world needed to be prepared for Moscow "to seek to use even worse weapons".

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss warned on Sunday that Russia-Ukraine conflict could last a "number of years". She added that the world needed to be prepared for Moscow "to seek to use even worse weapons". "I fear this will be a long haul, this could be a number of years," Truss told Sky News. "Russia have strong forces and we know the Ukrainians are brave, they are determined to stand up for their sovereignty and territorial integrity and they are determined to fight," she said. Truss said, citing intelligence that Ukraine was "continuing to resist Russian advances" and that there had not been "significant changes" overnight. Click here for latest on Russia-Ukraine conflict But she warned Russian President Vladimir Putin could deploy more deadly weapons. "This could well be the beginning the end for Putin and I fear that he is determined to use the most unsavoury means in this war. "I fear this conflict could be very, very bloody. We do need to be prepared for Russia to seek to use even worse weapons," she added. However, Putin "should be aware the International Criminal Court is already looking at what is happening in Ukraine and there will be serious consequences for him personally," she told Sky News. Western allies on Saturday agreed on a new volley of financial sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, including the exclusion of a number of Russian banks from the SWIFT interbank system. The allies also agreed to impose restrictive measures to prevent the Russian central bank from "using international financial transactions to prop up the ruble", a senior US official said. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine conflict may last 'number of years', says UK

India brought back the first batch of 219 Indians from war-hit Ukraine as part of 'Operation Ganga'. WION's Siddhant Sibbal brings you more insights.

India's operation Ganga to evacuate nationals from Ukraine: 2 more flights to depart from Bucharest

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Western countries unite to bolster Ukraine's defence against Russia. Australia to provide 'lethal aid' to Ukraine.

Bolstering Ukraine's defence amid Russian attack: Australia to provide 'lethal aid' to Ukraine

Day 4 of the Russian invasion: Ukraine leaves door open for negotiations but rejects talk in Belarus

US President Joe Biden has approved $350 million in immediate support to Ukraine’s defence after Kyiv’s defence minister urged the West to send anti-aircraft and anti-tank missiles to help it repel Russia’s military assault on his country.

Western allies agree on new sanctions while US President Biden approves military aid for Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Air raid sirens blare in Kyiv as Russian forces push towards the city

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