The war in Ukraine has officially begun. Russian troops are on the march. How much will the west sacrifice for Ukraine? How far are Western leaders willing to go? Will they deploy troops? Palki Sharma decodes the options before the western world.

Gravitas: How much will the West sacrifice for Ukraine?

Around 20,000 Indian citizens are currently stuck in Ukraine. With the air space shut for civilian flights, how will the Indian nationals return home? Should the Indian embassy have prepared better? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: India says safety of nationals in Ukraine 'top priority'

In the early hours of Thursday, Vladimir Putin ordered his military to begin invading Ukraine. Russian missiles pummeled multiple cities across the country. Despite Moscow's military superiority, Ukraine is putting up a brave fight. Palki Sharma recaps Russia's invasion.

Gravitas: Russia invades Ukraine, Putin attacks by sea, land & air

Most countries have put their weight behind Kyiv. China has refused to call it an invasion. Belarus' Lukashenko says Ukraine invited the war. Pakistan's Imran Khan, who is in Russia, is silent. Palki Sharma brings you a roundup of the global reaction.

Gravitas: How the world reacted to the Russian invasion of Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has hit the global stock markets. Stocks have fallen, oil has gone up. The Russian Ruble has plunged to a record low. Palki Sharma tells you all about it.

Gravitas: Markets crash as Russia invades Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin had a call with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the ongoing war against Ukraine. Jinping had urged the Russian President to negotiate with Ukraine to defuse tensions.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Xi urges Putin to negotiate with Ukraine to defuse tensions

Invading Russian troops bore down on Kyiv despite a desperate defense in which Ukraine said hundreds of its troops were killed and injured. Overnight, the city was hit by blasts with several civilians injured.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Kyiv braces for a Russian attack, Zelensky orders general mobilisation

European football's governing body UEFA has taken a firm stand against Russia amid the country's ongoing war with Ukraine and decided to move the Champions League final from St Petersburg to Paris. The final of the marquee football fixture was all set to be played at the Gazprom Arena in Russia’s second-largest city on May 28.

In the wake of the Russian military's invasion of Ukraine, UEFA had called for an emergency meeting of its executive committee on Friday. The UEFA has decided to strip Russia off the hosting rights of the Champions League final. The final will now be played on the scheduled date at the Stade de France in Paris.

UEFA also condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine and said it stands in “solidarity with the football community in Ukraine”. UEFA has also confirmed that Russian and Ukrainian clubs along with their national teams will play their matches at neutral venues in the UEFA competitions. Russian club Spartak Moscow is currently part of the ongoing Europa League.

Spartak Moscow is scheduled to play on Friday while the Russian national team is also scheduled to take on Ukraine in the World Cup playoffs next month. UEFA has said the matches of the Russian and Ukrainian clubs will be played at neutral venues until further notice. Russia and Ukraine are also scheduled to feature in the UEFA Nations League in June this year.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/people-should-stay-together-new-world-no1-daniil-medvedev-calls-for-peace-after-russia-attacks-ukraine-456367">'People should stay together': New world no.1 Daniil Medvedev calls for peace after Russia attacks Ukraine</a>

“Uefa wishes to express its thanks and appreciation to French Republic president Emmanuel Macron for his personal support and commitment to have European club football’s most prestigious game moved to France at a time of unparalleled crisis,” it said in a statement.

“Together with the French government, Uefa will fully support multi-stakeholder efforts to ensure the provision of rescue for football players and their families in Ukraine who face dire human suffering, destruction and displacement," added the European football's governing body. 
&nbsp;

European football's governing body UEFA has taken a firm stand against Russia amid the country's ongoing war with Ukraine and decided to move the Champions League final from St Petersburg to Paris.

European football's governing body UEFA has taken a firm stand against Russia amid the country's ongoing war with Ukraine and decided to move the Champions League final from St Petersburg to Paris. The final of the marquee football fixture was all set to be played at the Gazprom Arena in Russia’s second-largest city on May 28. In the wake of the Russian military's invasion of Ukraine, UEFA had called for an emergency meeting of its executive committee on Friday. The UEFA has decided to strip Russia off the hosting rights of the Champions League final. The final will now be played on the scheduled date at the Stade de France in Paris. UEFA also condemned Russia's attack on Ukraine and said it stands in “solidarity with the football community in Ukraine”. UEFA has also confirmed that Russian and Ukrainian clubs along with their national teams will play their matches at neutral venues in the UEFA competitions. Russian club Spartak Moscow is currently part of the ongoing Europa League. Spartak Moscow is scheduled to play on Friday while the Russian national team is also scheduled to take on Ukraine in the World Cup playoffs next month. UEFA has said the matches of the Russian and Ukrainian clubs will be played at neutral venues until further notice. Russia and Ukraine are also scheduled to feature in the UEFA Nations League in June this year. Also Read: 'People should stay together': New world no.1 Daniil Medvedev calls for peace after Russia attacks Ukraine “Uefa wishes to express its thanks and appreciation to French Republic president Emmanuel Macron for his personal support and commitment to have European club football’s most prestigious game moved to France at a time of unparalleled crisis,” it said in a statement. “Together with the French government, Uefa will fully support multi-stakeholder efforts to ensure the provision of rescue for football players and their families in Ukraine who face dire human suffering, destruction and displacement," added the European football's governing body.

UEFA moves Champions League final from St Petersburg to Paris amid Russia-Ukraine conflict

Missiles are pounding the Ukrainian capital as Russian forces is pressing ahead with their plans. The Ukraine government says that the Russian forces are now approaching Kyiv, raising fears of capital falling on the second day of attack.

Ukraine government says Russian troops approaching Kyiv, pleads for help

US President Joe Biden has hit back against Russia's invasion of Ukraine pledging to stand up to Vladimir Putin. Biden has now unleashed a robust set of new sanctions, new measures on top of a raft of other sanctions already announced.

Joe Biden unleashes robust new sanctions on Russia

It is the second dawn of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Russian forces are pressing ever closer to the heart of the country making their way steadily towards Kyiv and according to the latest the fighting is in fact taking place on the outskirts of Kyiv. There have been reports and visuals of Russian helicopters hovering over the Ukrainian airspace.

'We are alone in defending our nation,' says Ukrainian president Zelenskyy amid conflict with Russia

A senior Ukrainian official said Russian forces would enter areas just outside the capital, Kyiv, later on Friday and that Ukrainian troops were defending positions on four fronts despite being outnumbered.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russian troops advance on Kyiv as Ukrainian leader pleads for help

Explosions sounded before dawn on Friday in Kyiv and gunfire was later heard near the government quarter, as invading Russian forces closed in. Russian affairs expert, Fred Weir speaks to WION for more perspective.

Reports: Gunfire heard near Kyiv's government quarter

Russian 'sabotage groups' have entered Kyiv, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky warns in a video address to the nation. Zelensky says "the enemy's sabotage groups have entered Kyiv," and urged residents to be vigilant and observe curfew rules. #ukraine #russia #ukraineconflict #invasion

‘We are not afraid’: Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenksy’s message amid Russia’s assault

President Joe Biden has reiterated that US forces “are not, and will not” be engaged in the conflict with Russia in Ukraine. Thousands of US ground and other forces have been deployed to NATO countries in eastern Europe that feel threatened by Russia.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: US will not engage in war with Russia

Along with sanctions on Moscow, the United States is also deploying additional forces in Germany to bolster the NATO military alliance. Biden has also stated that every inch of the NATO alliance will be defended by the NATO forces.

US to deploy 7000 additional forces to Germany amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict

Former heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko said he would take up arms alongside his brother and fellow Hall of Famer Wladimir Klitschko to fight in what is a "bloody war" following Russia`s invasion of their country Ukraine.

Russia launched its invasion by land, air and sea on Thursday following a declaration of war by President Vladimir Putin. An estimated 100,000 people have fled as explosions and gunfire rocked major cities. Dozens have been reported killed.

Vitali Klitschko, who has been the mayor of Ukraine`s capital Kyiv since 2014, said he was ready to fight.

"I don`t have another choice, I have to do that. I`ll be fighting," the 50-year-old, known as "Dr Ironfist" during his fighting days, told broadcaster ITV`s Good Morning Britain.

Vitali Klitschko said Kyiv was under threat and the main priority was to work with police and military forces to support critical infrastructure including the delivery of electricity, gas and water for its citizens.

He added civilians were ready to defend Kyiv as soldiers.

"I believe in Ukraine, I believe in my country and I believe in my people," Vitali Klitschko said.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/uefa-moves-champions-league-final-from-st-petersburg-to-paris-amid-russia-ukraine-conflict-456427">UEFA moves Champions League final from St Petersburg to Paris amid Russia-Ukraine conflict</a>

Former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko enlisted in Ukraine`s reserve army earlier this month, saying that the love for his country compelled him to defend it.

"The Ukrainian people are strong. And it will remain true to itself in this terrible ordeal. A people longing for sovereignty and peace. A people who consider the Russian people their brothers," he wrote in a post on LinkedIn on Thursday. 
"It knows that they basically do not want this war. The Ukrainian people have chosen democracy. 
"But: Democracy is a fragile regime. Democracy cannot defend itself; it needs the will of the citizens, the commitment of everyone. Basically, there is no democracy without democrats."

Former heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko said he would take up arms alongside his brother and fellow Hall of Famer Wladimir Klitschko to fight in what is a "bloody war" following Russia`s invasion of their country Ukraine.

Former heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko said he would take up arms alongside his brother and fellow Hall of Famer Wladimir Klitschko to fight in what is a "bloody war" following Russia`s invasion of their country Ukraine. Russia launched its invasion by land, air and sea on Thursday following a declaration of war by President Vladimir Putin. An estimated 100,000 people have fled as explosions and gunfire rocked major cities. Dozens have been reported killed. Vitali Klitschko, who has been the mayor of Ukraine`s capital Kyiv since 2014, said he was ready to fight. "I don`t have another choice, I have to do that. I`ll be fighting," the 50-year-old, known as "Dr Ironfist" during his fighting days, told broadcaster ITV`s Good Morning Britain. Vitali Klitschko said Kyiv was under threat and the main priority was to work with police and military forces to support critical infrastructure including the delivery of electricity, gas and water for its citizens. He added civilians were ready to defend Kyiv as soldiers. "I believe in Ukraine, I believe in my country and I believe in my people," Vitali Klitschko said. Also Read: UEFA moves Champions League final from St Petersburg to Paris amid Russia-Ukraine conflict Former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko enlisted in Ukraine`s reserve army earlier this month, saying that the love for his country compelled him to defend it. "The Ukrainian people are strong. And it will remain true to itself in this terrible ordeal. A people longing for sovereignty and peace. A people who consider the Russian people their brothers," he wrote in a post on LinkedIn on Thursday. "It knows that they basically do not want this war. The Ukrainian people have chosen democracy. "But: Democracy is a fragile regime. Democracy cannot defend itself; it needs the will of the citizens, the commitment of everyone. Basically, there is no democracy without democrats."

Former heavyweight boxing champions, Klitschko brothers to take up arms and fight for Ukraine

According to reports, Kremlin claimed to have destroyed 118 Ukraine's military infrastructure sites while Russia's paratroopers have taken control of Chernobyl plant & entered Kyiv.

Reports: Russian troops destroy 118 Ukrainian military sites

Top Biden administration official has said that Russian forces have entered Ukraine through Belarus and are about 20 miles from Kyiv. At least two loud explosions reverberated across the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, at dawn on Friday.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russian forces about 20 miles away from Kyiv, warns US

Oil prices soared nearly $2 per barrel on Friday as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continued to inflame global supply concerns. The attack on Ukraine caused prices to surge to more than $100 a barrel for the first time since 2014 on Thursday.

Oil prices surge 2% to $101/barrel as Russian invasion of Ukraine rings supply alarm bells

Russian airborne troops have taken control of the Antonov Airport, which is about 25 miles away from the capital city Kyiv, Ukraine.

Ukraine Under Attack: Russian forces take control of an air base near Kyiv

According to the latest reports coming in from Ukraine, it appears that the battle for Kyiv is presently underway. Sources state that the gunfire is being heard near the government buildings in Ukrainian capital.

Russia-Ukraine conflict latest news updates: Gunfire heard near government buildings in Kyiv

France's finance minister Bruno Le Maire on Friday said that the European Union (EU) wants to cut all links between Russia and the global financial system. During a meeting of European finance ministers, he said that the EU "wants to cut all the links between Russia and the global financial system."&nbsp;

"We want to isolate Russia financially... We want to dry up the financing," he further added.

While discussing sanctions, Le Maire said that Moscow was "an economic partner of secondary importance" for France.

However, he added that Paris would protect households from a surge in energy prices due to the confrontation, which happens to be a key concern because Europe buys most of its natural gas supplies from Russia.

Le Maire's German counterpart Christian Lindner noted "in one-off cases payments (to Russia) remain possible, for example to pay for gas deliveries".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-says-his-country-left-alone-to-fight-russia-claims-enemy-marked-him-as-target-no-1-456242">Also read |&nbsp;Ukrainian President says his country 'left alone' to fight Russia; claims enemy marked him as 'target no. 1'</a>

"We already have a complete blockade of Russian banks," Lindner said. "Business dealings with Russia are as good as stopped. Further steps are possible but their consequences must be weighed, the idea is to inflict consequences on the Russian economy" and not to cause harm to Europe.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that his country had been left on its own to fight Russia following the Kremlin's large-scale invasion which killed 130 Ukrainians on the first day.

"We have been left alone to defend our state," Zelenisky declared in a video address to the nation made at the end of the first day of the Russian attack.&nbsp;

"Who is ready to fight alongside us? I don't see anyone. Who is ready to give Ukraine a guarantee of NATO membership? Everyone is afraid," he added.&nbsp;

“Sadly, today we lost 137 heroes, our citizens. Ten of them were officers. 316 people have been wounded. Defending the Zmiinyi Island, all our border guards died a heroic death. But they have not surrendered. They will all be awarded posthumously the title of the Hero of Ukraine. Let those who gave their lives for Ukraine be remembered forever.”

According to Zelensky, 137 Ukrainians, both military and civilian, have been killed and another 316 have been wounded since the attack began early Thursday morning.

(With inputs from agencies)

France's finance minister Bruno Le Maire on Friday said that the European Union (EU) wants to cut all links between Russia and the global financial system. During a meeting of European finance ministers, he said that the EU "wants to cut all the links between Russia and the global financial system.

France's finance minister Bruno Le Maire on Friday said that the European Union (EU) wants to cut all links between Russia and the global financial system. During a meeting of European finance ministers, he said that the EU "wants to cut all the links between Russia and the global financial system." "We want to isolate Russia financially... We want to dry up the financing," he further added. While discussing sanctions, Le Maire said that Moscow was "an economic partner of secondary importance" for France. However, he added that Paris would protect households from a surge in energy prices due to the confrontation, which happens to be a key concern because Europe buys most of its natural gas supplies from Russia. Le Maire's German counterpart Christian Lindner noted "in one-off cases payments (to Russia) remain possible, for example to pay for gas deliveries". Also read | Ukrainian President says his country 'left alone' to fight Russia; claims enemy marked him as 'target no. 1' "We already have a complete blockade of Russian banks," Lindner said. "Business dealings with Russia are as good as stopped. Further steps are possible but their consequences must be weighed, the idea is to inflict consequences on the Russian economy" and not to cause harm to Europe. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that his country had been left on its own to fight Russia following the Kremlin's large-scale invasion which killed 130 Ukrainians on the first day. "We have been left alone to defend our state," Zelenisky declared in a video address to the nation made at the end of the first day of the Russian attack. "Who is ready to fight alongside us? I don't see anyone. Who is ready to give Ukraine a guarantee of NATO membership? Everyone is afraid," he added. “Sadly, today we lost 137 heroes, our citizens. Ten of them were officers. 316 people have been wounded. Defending the Zmiinyi Island, all our border guards died a heroic death. But they have not surrendered. They will all be awarded posthumously the title of the Hero of Ukraine. Let those who gave their lives for Ukraine be remembered forever.” According to Zelensky, 137 Ukrainians, both military and civilian, have been killed and another 316 have been wounded since the attack began early Thursday morning. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine invasion: EU wants to cut all connections between Russia and global financial system

RIA claimed that Ukraine is ready for talks amid the ongoing Russian invasion. It said that Ukraine is ready for neutral status negotiations.

RIA: Ukraine ready for talks amid Russian invasion

RIA: Ukraine ready for neutral status negotiations amid Russian invasion

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.

Kuleba condemns Russian rocket strike in Kyiv

Ukraine: Russian rockets strike in Kyiv, air raid alert sounded across the city

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Clashes reported in Northern Kyiv on day 2 of Russian invasion

A group of Brazilian footballers based in Ukraine appealed to their government to be rescued following Russia`s attack on their host country on Thursday.

"All our friends and family, the situation is serious and we are prisoners in Kyiv awaiting a solution to get out," Junior Moraes, a Shakhtar Donetsk player who is a naturalised Ukrainian, said on Instagram.

"We are in a hotel. Pray for us."

In a video recorded at a hotel where around a dozen players had gathered with wives and children, members of the group asked Brazilian authorities to come and rescue them.

"We really feel abandoned because we don`t know what to do," one of the women said. "We don`t know how to resolve this situation."

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Jogadores brasileiros do Shakhtar e do Dínamo estão reunidos com as famílias em um hotel de Kiev. Acabaram de gravar esse vídeo pedindo ajuda das autoridades brasileiras para deixar o país. <a href="https://t.co/7ah1RuKGo2">pic.twitter.com/7ah1RuKGo2</a>
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The Brazilian foreign ministry later said the embassy in Kyiv was "open and dedicated ... to protecting the close to 500 Brazilian citizens in the Ukraine."

Without referring to any individuals or groups it urged Brazilians to remain in daily contact with the embassy and said those in the east of the country should move to the capital Kyiv if it is safe to do so.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/people-should-stay-together-new-world-no1-daniil-medvedev-calls-for-peace-after-russia-attacks-ukraine-456367">&nbsp;'People should stay together': New world no.1 Daniil Medvedev calls for peace after Russia attacks Ukraine</a>

Group members said they had gathered at the hotel to meet and discuss how to get out of their predicament.

"There is a shortage of fuel in the city, the borders are closed, the air space is closed, we can`t get out," one of the men said.

Most of the players play with the Shakhtar Donetsk club, based in the east of the country.

Shakhtar has more than a dozen Brazilian players in their squad, while Dynamo Kyiv also has at last one Brazilian on their books. There was no immediate reply from Shakhtar to Reuters emailed request for comment. Dynamo Kyiv could not immediately be contacted for comment.

Russian forces invaded Ukraine on Thursday in a mass assault by land, sea and air, the biggest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War Two.

A group of Brazilian footballers based in Ukraine appealed to their government to be rescued following Russia`s attack on their host country on Thursday. "All our friends and family, the situation is serious and we are prisoners in Kyiv awaiting a solution to get out," Junior Moraes, a Shakhtar Donetsk player who is a naturalised Ukrainian, said on Instagram.

A group of Brazilian footballers based in Ukraine appealed to their government to be rescued following Russia`s attack on their host country on Thursday. "All our friends and family, the situation is serious and we are prisoners in Kyiv awaiting a solution to get out," Junior Moraes, a Shakhtar Donetsk player who is a naturalised Ukrainian, said on Instagram. "We are in a hotel. Pray for us." In a video recorded at a hotel where around a dozen players had gathered with wives and children, members of the group asked Brazilian authorities to come and rescue them. "We really feel abandoned because we don`t know what to do," one of the women said. "We don`t know how to resolve this situation." Jogadores brasileiros do Shakhtar e do Dínamo estão reunidos com as famílias em um hotel de Kiev. Acabaram de gravar esse vídeo pedindo ajuda das autoridades brasileiras para deixar o país. pic.twitter.com/7ah1RuKGo2 — Arthur Quezada (@ArthurQuezada) February 24, 2022 × The Brazilian foreign ministry later said the embassy in Kyiv was "open and dedicated ... to protecting the close to 500 Brazilian citizens in the Ukraine." Without referring to any individuals or groups it urged Brazilians to remain in daily contact with the embassy and said those in the east of the country should move to the capital Kyiv if it is safe to do so. Also Read: 'People should stay together': New world no.1 Daniil Medvedev calls for peace after Russia attacks Ukraine Group members said they had gathered at the hotel to meet and discuss how to get out of their predicament. "There is a shortage of fuel in the city, the borders are closed, the air space is closed, we can`t get out," one of the men said. Most of the players play with the Shakhtar Donetsk club, based in the east of the country. Shakhtar has more than a dozen Brazilian players in their squad, while Dynamo Kyiv also has at last one Brazilian on their books. There was no immediate reply from Shakhtar to Reuters emailed request for comment. Dynamo Kyiv could not immediately be contacted for comment. Russian forces invaded Ukraine on Thursday in a mass assault by land, sea and air, the biggest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War Two.

Brazilian footballers from Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv appeal to be rescued from Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Kyiv under siege on day 2 of the attack

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. Ukraine President Zelinsky said that Ukraine needs an anti-war coalition.

Ukraine President Zelensky: We need an anti-war coalition amid Russian invasion

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