There were reports of the Ukrainian army repulsing the attack by the Russian army on main Kyiv avenue. Armies of both countries have been involved in the intense fights as Russian troops entered Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Kalibr cruise missile launched by Russia

As the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters day 3, President Volodymyr Zelensky has refused United States of America’s offer to evacuate him from the country.

Day 3 of Russian invasion: Zelensky refused US’ offer to evacuate him from Ukraine

The sanction imposed by the West has not stopped Russia from halting the invasion of Ukraine. Reportedly, no sanctions have been imposed on Russia’s energy sector.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: West imposes personal sanctions on Putin & Lavrov

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.

To keep you up to speed, here are the top developments in the Ukraine-Russia war on Saturday, 26 February.

Zelenskyy says Ukrainian army not surrendering

Ukrainian President Volodymyr&nbsp;Zelensky recorded a video address in Kyiv on Saturday urging residents not to believe fake information about the surrender of the Ukrainian army. He said there was misinformation spreading on the internet about the Ukrainian army putting down arms and about the ongoing evacuation.

Zelensky&nbsp;claimed that he was in Kyiv and that the country's army wouldn't lay down arms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-updates-ukraine-war-air-raid-sirens-ring-out-in-kyiv-after-amid-clashes-455211">Also Read |&nbsp;Live Updates:&nbsp;Air raid sirens ring out in Kyiv after amid clashes</a>

"Our arms are our truth," he said. "Our truth is that it's our land, our country, our children and we will defend all of this," he added.

His message comes as Russian troops stormed towards Kyiv and street fighting broke out in the Ukrainian capital.

Zelensky also said Western 'partners' are sending weapons to Ukraine

“A new day on the diplomatic frontline began with a conversation with @EmmanuelMacron,” he tweeted, referring to French President Emmanuel Macron.

“Weapons and equipment from our partners are on the way to Ukraine. The anti-war coalition is working!”

European Council membership for Ukraine?

In another tweet, the Ukraine president reported progress in Ukraine’s membership of the European Council. “The crucial moment has come to close the long-standing discussion once and for all and decide on Ukraine's membership in #ЄС.” He discussed with Charles Michel, the president of the European Council,&nbsp; “further effective assistance and heroic struggle of Ukrainians for their free future.”

Situation on the ground

There was heavy gunfire in Kyiv as Russian invasion of its former Soviet Union neighbour entered the third day on Saturday.

Street fighting was witnessed in Kyiv as people were urged to seek shelter.

Ukraine military command said areas near Sumy, Poltava and Mariupol hit by Russian air strikes.

Facebook moves against Russia

Meanwhile, Facebook said it is banning Russian state media from running ads and monetising its platforms.

Nathaniel Gleicher, the head of the Facebook security policy, said on Saturday that the social network would ban Russian state media from running ads and monetising the platform over the Russian military operation in Ukraine.

Sanctions hit space cooperation

Russia said it is suspending space launches from French Guiana and withdrawing its technical personnel in response to EU sanctions over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

"In response to EU sanctions against our enterprises, Roskosmos is suspending cooperation with European partners over organizing space launches from the Kourou cosmodrome and withdrawing its technical personnel... from French Guiana," Dmitry Rogozin, chief of the Russian space agency, said on messaging app Telegram. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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. To keep you up to speed, here are the top developments in the Ukraine-Russia war on Saturday, 26 February. Zelenskyy says Ukrainian army not surrendering Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recorded a video address in Kyiv on Saturday urging residents not to believe fake information about the surrender of the Ukrainian army. He said there was misinformation spreading on the internet about the Ukrainian army putting down arms and about the ongoing evacuation. Zelensky claimed that he was in Kyiv and that the country's army wouldn't lay down arms. Also Read | Live Updates: Air raid sirens ring out in Kyiv after amid clashes "Our arms are our truth," he said. "Our truth is that it's our land, our country, our children and we will defend all of this," he added. His message comes as Russian troops stormed towards Kyiv and street fighting broke out in the Ukrainian capital. Zelensky also said Western 'partners' are sending weapons to Ukraine “A new day on the diplomatic frontline began with a conversation with @EmmanuelMacron,” he tweeted, referring to French President Emmanuel Macron. “Weapons and equipment from our partners are on the way to Ukraine. The anti-war coalition is working!” European Council membership for Ukraine? In another tweet, the Ukraine president reported progress in Ukraine’s membership of the European Council. “The crucial moment has come to close the long-standing discussion once and for all and decide on Ukraine's membership in #ЄС.” He discussed with Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, “further effective assistance and heroic struggle of Ukrainians for their free future.” Situation on the ground There was heavy gunfire in Kyiv as Russian invasion of its former Soviet Union neighbour entered the third day on Saturday. Street fighting was witnessed in Kyiv as people were urged to seek shelter. Ukraine military command said areas near Sumy, Poltava and Mariupol hit by Russian air strikes. Facebook moves against Russia Meanwhile, Facebook said it is banning Russian state media from running ads and monetising its platforms. Nathaniel Gleicher, the head of the Facebook security policy, said on Saturday that the social network would ban Russian state media from running ads and monetising the platform over the Russian military operation in Ukraine. Sanctions hit space cooperation Russia said it is suspending space launches from French Guiana and withdrawing its technical personnel in response to EU sanctions over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. "In response to EU sanctions against our enterprises, Roskosmos is suspending cooperation with European partners over organizing space launches from the Kourou cosmodrome and withdrawing its technical personnel... from French Guiana," Dmitry Rogozin, chief of the Russian space agency, said on messaging app Telegram. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine not surrendering, says president: Top developments in Russia-Ukraine war right now

Shelling has been reported in the Ukrainian city of Chernihiv. Citizens in Ukraine fill bomb shelters and subway stations as the crisis intensifies.

Watch: Shelling in Ukraine’s Chernihiv; citizens fill bomb shelters, subway stations

West sanction has not stopped Russia from halting invasion

The sanction imposed by West has not stopped Russia from halting the invasion in Ukraine. Reportedly, no sanctions have been imposed on Russia’s energy sector.

Highways, trains & bus stations flooded in Ukraine as people try to flee amid Russian invasion

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, protests against Russia and Putin raged across the globe. The world raised concerns on consequences.

Ukrainians outside Kyiv hold protests against the Russian invasion

India has asked its citizens in Ukraine to remain calm. Indian foreign ministry asked its national not to move to any borders without prior intimation. This comes after India’s external affairs minister S Jaishankar spoke to his Ukrainian counterpart.

India asks its nationals in Ukraine to ‘not move without prior intimation’

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his Ukrainian counterpart and discussed the situation of Indian nationals stuck in Ukraine. Jaishankar also said that diplomacy is the way forward.

Indian minister Jaishankar speaks to Ukraine minister, discussed situation of Indians in Ukraine

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and discussed the Russian invasion of Ukraine. This comes after White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that US will discuss the Russian invasion with India and others.

Ukraine: Antony Blinken speaks to Indian minister Jaishankar amid Russian invasion

India’s external affairs ministry has released an advisory for its nationals stuck in Ukraine. India urged its nationals in Ukraine to not move near borders without prior intimation. India said the situation is extremely sensitive.

‘Situation extremely sensitive’: India releases advisory for nationals in Ukraine

Russia has vetoed the United Nations Security Council resolution over the Ukraine crisis. In the UNSC meeting, 11 members have voted in favor of the resolution.

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Why Russia vetoed UNSC resolution?

NATO has ordered military commanders to intensify preparations to defend allied territory putting hundreds of warplanes and ships on alert and at the same time agreeing to increase troop numbers on its eastern flank.

EU Chief: Stability of Europe is at stake

Indian Prime Minister has spoken to the Russian President Vladimir Putin wherein the latter briefed the Indian prime minister about the recent developments regarding Ukraine. The prime minister meanwhile reiterated his long-standing conviction that the differences between Russia and NATO can only be resolved through honest and sincere dialogue.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Indian PM Modi speaks to President Putin, calls for an immediate ceasefire

The US, EU and the united West have imposed direct sanctions against Russia for the invasion of Ukraine. The sanctions are meant to hit Russia's economy.

West mulls direct sanctions designed to have a long-term effect on Russia amid invasion of Ukraine

Reports of a massive missile strike in Ukraine's capital is being surfaced. Ukraine says that it has shot down a Russian plane over Kyiv.

Reports: Ukrainian forces downed Russian plane over Kyiv, multi-storey residential building hit

Ukrainians living across Europe watched in horror and disbelief from afar Thursday as Russia’s invasion of their home country began with shelling and rocket attacks in several cities.

Many shared feelings of helplessness as they received frantic calls from loved ones back home describing attacks nearby, instructing them what to do if they were killed in the conflict, or sending requests to empty bank accounts.

At protests in London on Thursday, some wept. Some fingered prayer beads. And many said they were determined to raise their voices and demand greater action by the world to end Russian aggression.

Yulia Tomashckuk, 29, wore sunglasses to shield her tears as she clutched a small Ukrainian flag. A village that neighbours her hometown in western Ukraine had been attacked, she said, news that her mother relayed to her by phone before dawn Thursday.

“I just felt I was useless sitting at home watching the news — here at least I can show there are people who support Ukraine, who are against war and who want Putin to be shown his place,” she said. “He needs to be stopped now.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin was the focus of much of the outrage.

Chants of “Putin, hands off Ukraine” and “U.K. support Ukraine” echoed from the crowd of hundreds that gathered outside Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office at 10 Downing St. on Thursday.

Even before Russian strikes on Ukraine began, Britain and the European Union earlier this week announced targeted sanctions against Moscow. On Thursday, Johnson announced new actions from Britain and its allies that included asset freezes on major banks and individuals, a ban on Russian airline Aeroflot, and a ban on many technology exports to Russia.

Those who gathered near his office waved Ukrainian flags and demanded more stringent sanctions and broader actions from the West in response to Russian military action.

“I’m shocked, probably like everyone, because my family is still in Ukraine,” said Mariya Tymchyshyn, 30, who took time off work to join the protests. “We were panicked as well: We don’t know what to do. No one can be ready for this.”

Tymchyshyn’s family lives in the western part of Ukraine, away from the most fierce attacks, but she was worried for her grandparents, who as survivors of World War II have already lived through intense fighting in Ukraine.

“It’s probably the hardest part for us,” she said. “I was trying to calm down my grandmother, but she remembers being a child at that time and a bomb killed her mother. I want peace for all of us.”

Inna Tereshchuk, 26, who has lived in Britain for eight years, said her family members “are all scared for their lives.”

She is trying to remain strong for them.

“We don’t know how long they will be alive, what Putin has on his mind,” she said. “The whole world knows about it, and no one is doing anything.”

She was joined at the protest by her friend Alina Clarke, 25, whose family lives near Kyiv. Clarke spoke with her father, who vowed to stand his ground, telling her that he was not going anywhere and planned “to stay until the end.”

“I hope that in every city and town all over the world Ukrainians are going to come out and show that we are not afraid of Putin, and we want him to take his hands off our country,” Clarke said. “Ukraine has every right to exist.”

A small group also gathered at the Russian Embassy in northwest London, where a number of protests have been held in recent days, but by Thursday morning they had taken on a more somber tone. Among the handful who stood outside the embassy were a number of Russians denouncing their government’s actions.

Tatiana Rudayak, 46, a Russian-British woman who held a blue sign with the words “Stop the War” painted on it in bright yellow paint, was keen to have her voice heard.

“I am here because my country has started a war, and I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t protest that,” she said. “I was fluctuating between despair and fury and this is the only thing I can do.”

Denis Zihiltsov, 34, who said he had not slept the night before, came to the embassy holding a sign in Russian that read, “I’m Russian and I demand you stop killing our brothers. Glory to Ukraine.”

“It's heartbreaking,” he said. “It’s killing people for nothing.”

The Belarus Free Theatre, one of Europe’s most acclaimed theater troupes, was rehearsing a play in an east London studio Thursday, but all of its members were continually checking their phones for updates on the conflict.

Several of its members are Ukrainian and everyone knew someone trapped in the country.

Marichka Marczyk, at the rehearsals in London, said in a telephone interview that she’d just had a text exchange with her brother in Kyiv about what to do if he was killed in the conflict. “My will is simple,” he replied. “Burn my body/scatter the ashes,” adding: “All my riches to my kid.” Those riches include his honey bees.

Similar scenes played out in cities across Europe, where Ukrainian expatriates were grappling with the troubling news from their homeland. In Berlin’s Pariser Platz, hundreds of somber protesters wrapped in Ukrainian flags gathered Thursday.

Lyudmyla Mlosch, 70, who runs an association for Ukrainians in Berlin, had been up since 5:30 a.m., trying to organize temporary shelter for friends, family and others who manage to leave the country. Her son and his family live in northwestern Ukraine and her grandson is studying at the university in Kyiv.

“My heart is broken in two,” she said.

“It’s such awful news; I’m so sad — I just feel helpless,” she said. “When Putin says Ukraine belongs to Russia, I don’t understand how he could do such a thing to his brother and his sister,” she said.

In Madrid, a small group of protesters, some in tears, gathered outside the Russian Embassy to demand an end to the invasion. They waved Ukrainian flags and shouted “terrorists.”

Nadiya Pshenychniak, a cleaner who has lived in Madrid for 20 years, said that she was extremely worried for her family in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, including one of her daughters who recently had a kidney transplant. But, she added, “This is sadly not such a big surprise, because Russia has always wanted Ukraine and has a long history of doing horrible things to our people.”

Pshenychniak, 69, had plans to visit her family in the summer, but she now fears that it may be some time before she will see them again.

Near the Russian embassy in Rome, which was blocked off by the police, hundreds rallied.

“Only together can we win — we have to remain united,” said Oles Horodetskyy, the president of the Christian Association of Ukrainians in Italy, who helped organize the protest.

Horodetskyy said Ukrainian associations in Italy were organizing to “give as much help as possible,” and they hoped to create a humanitarian corridor to send clothing and food to Ukraine. The details were to be announced, he said, sighing. “It’s only the first day. It’s complicated.”

Hundreds of Ukrainian expatriates living in France also protested in front of the massive, soviet-style Russian Embassy in Paris on Thursday, waving Ukrainian flags and singing patriotic songs.

“There’s so much emotion,” said Valeria Skubrii, a 25-year-old Ukrainian sommelier in Paris, as the crowd behind her burst into the Ukrainian national anthem.

Skubrii said her parents called at 4 a.m. from Odessa, where they live, and where Russian troops landed earlier in the day. “My father this morning went to get some medicine — a blast near him was so strong that it threw him to the ground,” she said.

Oleksandra Chevtchenko, a member of a Ukrainian feminist protest group who fled Ukraine in 2013, said in a telephone interview from Paris that the invasion was “unbelievable.”

“My mind is kind of frozen, I don’t know what to do, what to feel,” she said.

Ukrainians living across Europe watched in horror and disbelief from afar Thursday as Russia’s invasion of their home country began with shelling and rocket attacks in several cities.

Ukrainians living across Europe watched in horror and disbelief from afar Thursday as Russia’s invasion of their home country began with shelling and rocket attacks in several cities. Many shared feelings of helplessness as they received frantic calls from loved ones back home describing attacks nearby, instructing them what to do if they were killed in the conflict, or sending requests to empty bank accounts. At protests in London on Thursday, some wept. Some fingered prayer beads. And many said they were determined to raise their voices and demand greater action by the world to end Russian aggression. Yulia Tomashckuk, 29, wore sunglasses to shield her tears as she clutched a small Ukrainian flag. A village that neighbours her hometown in western Ukraine had been attacked, she said, news that her mother relayed to her by phone before dawn Thursday. “I just felt I was useless sitting at home watching the news — here at least I can show there are people who support Ukraine, who are against war and who want Putin to be shown his place,” she said. “He needs to be stopped now.” Russian President Vladimir Putin was the focus of much of the outrage. Chants of “Putin, hands off Ukraine” and “U.K. support Ukraine” echoed from the crowd of hundreds that gathered outside Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s office at 10 Downing St. on Thursday. Even before Russian strikes on Ukraine began, Britain and the European Union earlier this week announced targeted sanctions against Moscow. On Thursday, Johnson announced new actions from Britain and its allies that included asset freezes on major banks and individuals, a ban on Russian airline Aeroflot, and a ban on many technology exports to Russia. Those who gathered near his office waved Ukrainian flags and demanded more stringent sanctions and broader actions from the West in response to Russian military action. “I’m shocked, probably like everyone, because my family is still in Ukraine,” said Mariya Tymchyshyn, 30, who took time off work to join the protests. “We were panicked as well: We don’t know what to do. No one can be ready for this.” Tymchyshyn’s family lives in the western part of Ukraine, away from the most fierce attacks, but she was worried for her grandparents, who as survivors of World War II have already lived through intense fighting in Ukraine. “It’s probably the hardest part for us,” she said. “I was trying to calm down my grandmother, but she remembers being a child at that time and a bomb killed her mother. I want peace for all of us.” Inna Tereshchuk, 26, who has lived in Britain for eight years, said her family members “are all scared for their lives.” She is trying to remain strong for them. “We don’t know how long they will be alive, what Putin has on his mind,” she said. “The whole world knows about it, and no one is doing anything.” She was joined at the protest by her friend Alina Clarke, 25, whose family lives near Kyiv. Clarke spoke with her father, who vowed to stand his ground, telling her that he was not going anywhere and planned “to stay until the end.” “I hope that in every city and town all over the world Ukrainians are going to come out and show that we are not afraid of Putin, and we want him to take his hands off our country,” Clarke said. “Ukraine has every right to exist.” A small group also gathered at the Russian Embassy in northwest London, where a number of protests have been held in recent days, but by Thursday morning they had taken on a more somber tone. Among the handful who stood outside the embassy were a number of Russians denouncing their government’s actions. Tatiana Rudayak, 46, a Russian-British woman who held a blue sign with the words “Stop the War” painted on it in bright yellow paint, was keen to have her voice heard. “I am here because my country has started a war, and I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t protest that,” she said. “I was fluctuating between despair and fury and this is the only thing I can do.” Denis Zihiltsov, 34, who said he had not slept the night before, came to the embassy holding a sign in Russian that read, “I’m Russian and I demand you stop killing our brothers. Glory to Ukraine.” “It's heartbreaking,” he said. “It’s killing people for nothing.” The Belarus Free Theatre, one of Europe’s most acclaimed theater troupes, was rehearsing a play in an east London studio Thursday, but all of its members were continually checking their phones for updates on the conflict. Several of its members are Ukrainian and everyone knew someone trapped in the country. Marichka Marczyk, at the rehearsals in London, said in a telephone interview that she’d just had a text exchange with her brother in Kyiv about what to do if he was killed in the conflict. “My will is simple,” he replied. “Burn my body/scatter the ashes,” adding: “All my riches to my kid.” Those riches include his honey bees. Similar scenes played out in cities across Europe, where Ukrainian expatriates were grappling with the troubling news from their homeland. In Berlin’s Pariser Platz, hundreds of somber protesters wrapped in Ukrainian flags gathered Thursday. Lyudmyla Mlosch, 70, who runs an association for Ukrainians in Berlin, had been up since 5:30 a.m., trying to organize temporary shelter for friends, family and others who manage to leave the country. Her son and his family live in northwestern Ukraine and her grandson is studying at the university in Kyiv. “My heart is broken in two,” she said. “It’s such awful news; I’m so sad — I just feel helpless,” she said. “When Putin says Ukraine belongs to Russia, I don’t understand how he could do such a thing to his brother and his sister,” she said. In Madrid, a small group of protesters, some in tears, gathered outside the Russian Embassy to demand an end to the invasion. They waved Ukrainian flags and shouted “terrorists.” Nadiya Pshenychniak, a cleaner who has lived in Madrid for 20 years, said that she was extremely worried for her family in the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, including one of her daughters who recently had a kidney transplant. But, she added, “This is sadly not such a big surprise, because Russia has always wanted Ukraine and has a long history of doing horrible things to our people.” Pshenychniak, 69, had plans to visit her family in the summer, but she now fears that it may be some time before she will see them again. Near the Russian embassy in Rome, which was blocked off by the police, hundreds rallied. “Only together can we win — we have to remain united,” said Oles Horodetskyy, the president of the Christian Association of Ukrainians in Italy, who helped organize the protest. Horodetskyy said Ukrainian associations in Italy were organizing to “give as much help as possible,” and they hoped to create a humanitarian corridor to send clothing and food to Ukraine. The details were to be announced, he said, sighing. “It’s only the first day. It’s complicated.” Hundreds of Ukrainian expatriates living in France also protested in front of the massive, soviet-style Russian Embassy in Paris on Thursday, waving Ukrainian flags and singing patriotic songs. “There’s so much emotion,” said Valeria Skubrii, a 25-year-old Ukrainian sommelier in Paris, as the crowd behind her burst into the Ukrainian national anthem. Skubrii said her parents called at 4 a.m. from Odessa, where they live, and where Russian troops landed earlier in the day. “My father this morning went to get some medicine — a blast near him was so strong that it threw him to the ground,” she said. Oleksandra Chevtchenko, a member of a Ukrainian feminist protest group who fled Ukraine in 2013, said in a telephone interview from Paris that the invasion was “unbelievable.” “My mind is kind of frozen, I don’t know what to do, what to feel,” she said.

Ukrainians abroad talk of shock and disbelief as homeland is invaded

After months of speculations, calculations, assessments and back-to-back diplomatic talks, Ukraine is under attack from land and sea, this is the biggest attack in Europe since the cold war. Russian forces have now started bombing Kyiv as civilians report heaving bombing.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: 3 civilian areas of Kyiv report massive missile strikes

Amid the Ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, US President Joe Biden said he has no plans to talk with Putin and has sent more forces to bolster NATO allies in Eastern Europe.

The US sends more forces to bolster NATO after Biden says 'no plans to talk with Putin'

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EU, the West, and the US are imposing a series of sanctions on Ukraine. EU has frozen Russian assets in the bloc.

G7 countries impose penalties on Moscow

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: The West imposes sanctions on a bigger scale than swift

The US has condemned the hostage situation at the Chernobyl Nuclear power plant amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russian troops capture Chernobyl Nuclear power plant & took hostages

Russian forces have captured the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, an adviser to the Ukrainian presidential office, Mykhailo Podolyak, said on Thursday. &nbsp;

"It is impossible to say the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is safe after a totally pointless attack by the Russians. This is one of the most serious threats in Europe today," Podolyak said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-premeditated-ukraine-conflict-us-uk-hit-russia-with-new-sanctions-456254">For 'premeditated' Ukraine conflict, US, UK hit Russia with new sanctions</a>

Before crossing into Ukraine early on Thursday, some Russian military troops massed in the Chernobyl "exclusion zone", a Russian security source said. &nbsp;

Russia wants to bring the Chernobyl nuclear reactor into control to signal NATO not to interfere militarily, the source added. &nbsp;

In 1986, the Chernobyl disaster in then-Soviet Ukraine had sent clouds of nuclear material across Europe. This had happened due to a botched safety test in the fourth reactor of the atomic plant. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-warns-russian-sabotage-groups-in-kyiv-plane-shot-down-claims-ukraine-456272">Zelensky warns Russian 'sabotage groups' in Kyiv; plane downed, claims Ukraine</a>

Now, it has become a tourist attraction. The Chernobyl zone was shut for tourists a week before the Russian conflict with Ukraine broke out. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a tweet, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, "Our defenders are giving their lives so that the tragedy of 1986 will not be repeated. This is a declaration of war against the whole of Europe." &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

Russian forces have captured the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, an adviser to the Ukrainian presidential office, Mykhailo Podolyak, said on Thursday. "It is impossible to say the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is safe after a totally pointless attack by the Russians.

Russian forces have captured the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, an adviser to the Ukrainian presidential office, Mykhailo Podolyak, said on Thursday. "It is impossible to say the Chernobyl nuclear power plant is safe after a totally pointless attack by the Russians. This is one of the most serious threats in Europe today," Podolyak said. Also Read: For 'premeditated' Ukraine conflict, US, UK hit Russia with new sanctions Before crossing into Ukraine early on Thursday, some Russian military troops massed in the Chernobyl "exclusion zone", a Russian security source said. Russia wants to bring the Chernobyl nuclear reactor into control to signal NATO not to interfere militarily, the source added. In 1986, the Chernobyl disaster in then-Soviet Ukraine had sent clouds of nuclear material across Europe. This had happened due to a botched safety test in the fourth reactor of the atomic plant. Also Read: Zelensky warns Russian 'sabotage groups' in Kyiv; plane downed, claims Ukraine Now, it has become a tourist attraction. The Chernobyl zone was shut for tourists a week before the Russian conflict with Ukraine broke out. In a tweet, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said, "Our defenders are giving their lives so that the tragedy of 1986 will not be repeated. This is a declaration of war against the whole of Europe." (With inputs from agencies)

Russian forces capture Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine, says official

After months of speculations, calculations, assessments and back-to-back diplomatic talks, Ukraine is under attack from land and sea, this is the biggest attack in Europe since the cold war. Russian forces now inch closer to Kyiv as President Zelensky says 'left to fight alone'.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Attack across multiple Ukraine cities as Russian troops inch closer to Kyiv

UK PM Boris Johnson has unveiled the most 'severe' sanctions on Russia for invasion of Ukraine. It has also imposed sanctions on Belarus.

UK PM Boris Johnson unveils most 'severe' sanctions on Russia & Belarus for invasion of Ukraine

The West mulls direct sanctions against Putin for the Russian invasion of Ukraine

According to reports, Loud explosions were heard in capital Kyiv during early hours on day 2 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Report: Loud explosions heard in Kyiv during early hours on day 2 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: The US condemns hostage situation at Chernobyl Nuclear power plant

The Weeknd faced a severe backlash over his tweet that probably had very bad timing.&nbsp; 
 
The whole world was shocked after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-updates-eu-agrees-to-freeze-assets-of-putin-lavrov-over-war-on-ukraine-455211">military operation</a> on Ukraine&nbsp;and at the same time coincidentally, the 'Blinding Lights' singer tweeted “LET’S GOOOOOOOO” on Wednesday night when the news about Russian invade broke.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-why-is-chernobyl-nuclear-power-plant-important-456329">Explainer: Why is Chernobyl nuclear power plant important? &nbsp;&nbsp;</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
LET’S GOOOOOOOO
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) <a href="https://twitter.com/theweeknd/status/1496690244753641472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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“Horrible timing, king, horrible timing,” one follower commented. “At a time like this??” another user tweeted. “I mean, not the best timing,” one fan responded.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
At a time like this??
— Schlatt (@jschlatt) <a href="https://twitter.com/jschlatt/status/1496696738148540420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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You should probably delete this before it gets taken out of context even more 😬
— ShadowOpsFN (@GhostOpsFN) <a href="https://twitter.com/GhostOpsFN/status/1496702128269766656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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I mean, not the best timing. <a href="https://t.co/42ZgKZIkmu">pic.twitter.com/42ZgKZIkmu</a>
— Rick Savage (@ricksavage) <a href="https://twitter.com/ricksavage/status/1496693311779729408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Looking at his several other tweets, it seems that the 32-year-old Canadian musician was leaving some hints about the mysterious project.&nbsp; 
 
After he received some backlash for poor timing on social media, he gave a clarification and wrote, “unfortunately i’m just now seeing what’s happening with the onflict and will pause on tomorrow’s announcement. i pray for everyone’s safety.”

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unfortunately i’m just now seeing what’s happening with the conflict and will pause on tomorrow’s announcement. i pray for everyone’s safety. 🙏🏾
— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) <a href="https://twitter.com/theweeknd/status/1496723322481963009?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Many celebrities from around the world have also reacted to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, including Stephen King, Priyanka Chopra and Cardi B.

The Weeknd faced a severe backlash over his tweet that probably had very bad timing. The whole world was shocked after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a military operation on Ukraine and at the same time coincidentally, the 'Blinding Lights' singer tweeted “LET’S GOOOOOOOO” on Wednesday night when the news about Russian invade broke.

The Weeknd faced a severe backlash over his tweet that probably had very bad timing. The whole world was shocked after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a military operation on Ukraine and at the same time coincidentally, the 'Blinding Lights' singer tweeted “LET’S GOOOOOOOO” on Wednesday night when the news about Russian invade broke. Explainer: Why is Chernobyl nuclear power plant important? LET’S GOOOOOOOO — The Weeknd (@theweeknd) February 24, 2022 × “Horrible timing, king, horrible timing,” one follower commented. “At a time like this??” another user tweeted. “I mean, not the best timing,” one fan responded. At a time like this?? — Schlatt (@jschlatt) February 24, 2022 × You should probably delete this before it gets taken out of context even more 😬 — ShadowOpsFN (@GhostOpsFN) February 24, 2022 × I mean, not the best timing. pic.twitter.com/42ZgKZIkmu — Rick Savage (@ricksavage) February 24, 2022 × Looking at his several other tweets, it seems that the 32-year-old Canadian musician was leaving some hints about the mysterious project. After he received some backlash for poor timing on social media, he gave a clarification and wrote, “unfortunately i’m just now seeing what’s happening with the onflict and will pause on tomorrow’s announcement. i pray for everyone’s safety.” unfortunately i’m just now seeing what’s happening with the conflict and will pause on tomorrow’s announcement. i pray for everyone’s safety. 🙏🏾 — The Weeknd (@theweeknd) February 24, 2022 × Many celebrities from around the world have also reacted to the Ukraine-Russia conflict, including Stephen King, Priyanka Chopra and Cardi B.

The Weeknd gives clarification on his poorly timed tweets amid the Ukraine crisis

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russian forces inch closer to Kyiv

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