Nations and world leaders are condemning Russian President Vladimir Putin's unprovoked attack on Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the Russian attack in Ukraine will be the turning point in European history.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Macron strongly condemns Russia's unprovoked attack on Ukraine

'Coordinated actions announced by the European Union, NATO allies and partners sends a strong message of unity and it demonstrates how alone and isolated Russia is. I will convene a virtual NATO summit tomorrow to address the consequences of Russia's actions,' says Jens Stoltenberg Secretary General of NATO.

Coordinated actions by the EU, NATO sends a strong message of how alone and isolated Russia is: NATO

As Russian missiles continue to slam into Ukraine, Kyiv has closed down its airspace for commercial flights. The Indian government is making alternate arrangements to airlift stranded nationals out of the conflict zone, this after a special Air India flight returned mid air as the Ukrainian airspace was shut.

India making alternative arrangements for students amid Russia-Ukraine conflict

Two Indian students who are currently in Kyiv in Ukraine are joined on WION. What's happening around, are the students safe? Have students been in touch with the embassy? Listen in!

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Indian students exclusive on WION

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is trying to negotiate for 30 years now as he slams the NATO alliance and announces military operations in Ukraine.

Russia announces military operations in Ukraine as tensions mount to their climax

In the midst of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin today, despite last-minute calls and warnings from the West. 
 
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan are discussing the cooperation between the countries and regional issues at a meeting in Moscow, the Kremlin said.

"The leaders of the two countries are discussing the main issues of bilateral cooperation. An exchange of views is taking place on topical regional topics, including the situation in South Asia," the Kremlin said in a statement.

Earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said, "What a time I have come, so much excitement," while interacting with members of the delegation that welcomed him.

Imran Khan can also be heard saying, "I am so excited to come to Moscow."

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“What a time I have come, so much excitement", PM Imran Khan says after landing in Moscow, Russia <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UkraineRussiaCrisis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UkraineRussiaCrisis</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kiev?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kiev</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Putin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Putin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RussiaUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RussiaUkraine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> <a href="https://t.co/RzKHEoTlij">pic.twitter.com/RzKHEoTlij</a>
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Imran Khan was welcomed at the airport by Russian deputy foreign minister Igor Morgulov, who was escorted by the Russian military.&nbsp;

Khan arrived in Russia on a two-day visit yesterday, the first by a Pakistani prime minister in more than two decades.

In response to the visit, the United States stated that it is the obligation of every "responsible country" to express opposition to Russia's activities in Ukraine.&nbsp; 
 
Watch:

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"We've communicated to Pakistan our position regarding Russia's further renewed invasion of Ukraine and we have briefed them on our efforts to pursue diplomacy over war," US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said.

The time of the trip was not acceptable, according to a Pakistani geopolitical analyst quoted in the country's The News daily earlier this week.

Analyst and Balochistan politician Jan Achakzai told news agency ANI that Russia did not invite Mr. Khan, but that an invitation was sought.&nbsp;

"Is it Pakistan's irrelevance or a clear reading of the US that we will come back from Russia empty-handed and will beg for financial concessions from Washington in forums like the IMF, FATF, etc, from a position of further weakness?" he questioned. 
 
Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-the-name-of-humanity-un-chiefs-plea-bidens-warning-and-more-leaders-react-to-russian-aggressions-455883">'In the name of humanity': UN Chief's plea, Biden's warning and more; leaders react to Russian aggressions</a>

Mr. Achakzai said that Russia is not going to give Pakistan anything because Moscow losing India for the sake of Islamabad's support is not an option.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the midst of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin today, despite last-minute calls and warnings from the West.

In the midst of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan met with Russian President Vladimir Putin today, despite last-minute calls and warnings from the West. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan are discussing the cooperation between the countries and regional issues at a meeting in Moscow, the Kremlin said. "The leaders of the two countries are discussing the main issues of bilateral cooperation. An exchange of views is taking place on topical regional topics, including the situation in South Asia," the Kremlin said in a statement. Earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said, "What a time I have come, so much excitement," while interacting with members of the delegation that welcomed him. Imran Khan can also be heard saying, "I am so excited to come to Moscow." “What a time I have come, so much excitement", PM Imran Khan says after landing in Moscow, Russia #UkraineRussiaCrisis #Kiev #Putin #RussiaUkraine #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/RzKHEoTlij — Murtaza Ali Shah (@MurtazaViews) February 24, 2022 × Imran Khan was welcomed at the airport by Russian deputy foreign minister Igor Morgulov, who was escorted by the Russian military. Khan arrived in Russia on a two-day visit yesterday, the first by a Pakistani prime minister in more than two decades. In response to the visit, the United States stated that it is the obligation of every "responsible country" to express opposition to Russia's activities in Ukraine. Watch: "We've communicated to Pakistan our position regarding Russia's further renewed invasion of Ukraine and we have briefed them on our efforts to pursue diplomacy over war," US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said. The time of the trip was not acceptable, according to a Pakistani geopolitical analyst quoted in the country's The News daily earlier this week. Analyst and Balochistan politician Jan Achakzai told news agency ANI that Russia did not invite Mr. Khan, but that an invitation was sought. "Is it Pakistan's irrelevance or a clear reading of the US that we will come back from Russia empty-handed and will beg for financial concessions from Washington in forums like the IMF, FATF, etc, from a position of further weakness?" he questioned. Also read | 'In the name of humanity': UN Chief's plea, Biden's warning and more; leaders react to Russian aggressions Mr. Achakzai said that Russia is not going to give Pakistan anything because Moscow losing India for the sake of Islamabad's support is not an option. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin and an 'excited' Imran Khan discuss cooperation and exchange views on regional issues

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine as we've been telling you for days confirming the worst fears of the West, this is the biggest attack in Europe since the cold war, currently several Ukrainian cities are under attack.

Russia-Ukraine conflict | Kyiv: Heavy fighting in east Ukraine

despite all calls on Russia to change course and tireless efforts to seek a diplomatic solution peace on our continent has been shattered we now have war in Europe on a scale and of a type we thought belonged to history, says NATO chief. Here we recap all the developments for you.

Ukraine claims Russian troops near Capital Kyiv, downed 3 Russian helicopters

The UN General Assembly is currently holding a meeting on Ukraine, UN Secretary-General called for 'restraint, reason & de-escalation' at the UNGA meeting on the Ukraine crisis.

UN Secretary-General calls for 'restraint, reason & de-escalation' at UNGA meet on Ukraine crisis

As tensions continue to mount over Ukraine, Russia is strengthening its troop deployment along Ukraine's borders. Ukraine President Zelensky warns of major war in Europe.

Ukraine President Zelensky warns of major war in Europe: '200,000 Russian troops at the border'

Twitter&nbsp;acknowledged Wednesday it suspended in error some&nbsp;accounts&nbsp;relaying information about&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;military movements as the threat builds for an attack on Ukraine.

The social network has begun restoring access to the users, which were taken down due to "our work to proactively address manipulated media," tweeted the platform's head of site integrity Yoel Roth.

A company spokesperson said earlier claims that the&nbsp;accounts&nbsp;were taken offline by a coordinated campaign or mass complaints were untrue.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-under-attack-along-russia-belarus-borders-report-455876">Ukraine under attack along Russia, Belarus borders: Report</a>

"We took enforcement action on a number of&nbsp;accounts&nbsp;in error," the spokesperson added. "We're expeditiously reviewing these actions and have already proactively reinstated access to a number of affected&nbsp;accounts."&nbsp;

Like Facebook and YouTube, the platform is regularly accused of not doing enough to fight misinformation.&nbsp;

But&nbsp;Twitter&nbsp;has fewer human and financial resources t5han its Silicon Valley neighbors to curb the harmful phenomenon.&nbsp;

Tens of thousands of&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;troops&nbsp;are massed near Ukraine's borders, with the West saying they could attack at any moment.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Kyiv severs ties with Moscow, Putin warms West against aggression

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Rebel leaders in eastern Ukraine have asked Moscow for military help against Kyiv, the Kremlin said, in a move that opens the door for&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;troops&nbsp;to move in.

Washington and Britain say Russia's force is poised to strike Ukraine and trigger the most serious war in Europe for decades, but&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;President Vladimir Putin says he is open to negotiation -- within limits.

Twitter acknowledged Wednesday it suspended in error some accounts relaying information about Russian military movements as the threat builds for an attack on Ukraine.

Twitter acknowledged Wednesday it suspended in error some accounts relaying information about Russian military movements as the threat builds for an attack on Ukraine. The social network has begun restoring access to the users, which were taken down due to "our work to proactively address manipulated media," tweeted the platform's head of site integrity Yoel Roth. A company spokesperson said earlier claims that the accounts were taken offline by a coordinated campaign or mass complaints were untrue. Also read | Ukraine under attack along Russia, Belarus borders: Report "We took enforcement action on a number of accounts in error," the spokesperson added. "We're expeditiously reviewing these actions and have already proactively reinstated access to a number of affected accounts." Like Facebook and YouTube, the platform is regularly accused of not doing enough to fight misinformation. But Twitter has fewer human and financial resources t5han its Silicon Valley neighbors to curb the harmful phenomenon. Tens of thousands of Russian troops are massed near Ukraine's borders, with the West saying they could attack at any moment. Watch | Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Kyiv severs ties with Moscow, Putin warms West against aggression Rebel leaders in eastern Ukraine have asked Moscow for military help against Kyiv, the Kremlin said, in a move that opens the door for Russian troops to move in. Washington and Britain say Russia's force is poised to strike Ukraine and trigger the most serious war in Europe for decades, but Russian President Vladimir Putin says he is open to negotiation -- within limits.

Twitter mistakenly pulled accounts monitoring Russian troops

Ukraine Envoy to UN calls global body to do its duty, nations express solidarity with Ukraine. Russia launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine by land air and sea. Since the cold war, Russian President Vladimir Putin says his aim is to demilitarize Ukraine. Missiles rained down on Ukrainian cities and explosions were heard near the capital Kyiv.

Ukraine Envoy to UN calls global body to do its duty amid conflict with Russia

Sadly, what we have warned against for months has come to pas, despite all calls on Russia to change course and tireless efforts to seek a diplomatic solution peace on our continent has been shattered we now have war in Europe on a scale and of a type we thought belonged to history, says NATO chief.

Our worst fears have come true, says NATO Chief, calls emergency summit | Russia-Ukraine conflict

Russia launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine by land air and sea. Since the cold war, Russian President Vladimir Putin says his aim is to demilitarize Ukraine. Missiles rained down on Ukrainian cities and explosions were heard near the capital Kyiv.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Zelenskyy calls for global defence assistance

Pakistan PM Imran Khan in Moscow, set to meet President Putin amidst Ukraine conflict. Russia launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine by land air and sea. Since the cold war, Russian President Vladimir Putin says his aim is to demilitarize Ukraine. Missiles rained down on Ukrainian cities and explosions were heard near the capital Kyiv.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan in Moscow, to meet President Putin amidst Ukraine conflict

Russia's parliament has approved foreign troop deployments in Ukraine's rebel-held regions. Vladimir Putin has laid out three conditions to avert a full-blown war. How is the West responding to Putin's threat? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Russian military fans out in eastern Ukraine

China has been closely watching the Ukraine crisis. The West's response to the situation so far, has boosted China's Taiwan dreams. Taipei has now put its military on standby. Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: China's lessons from the Ukraine crisis

Imran Khan began his two-day visit to Russia amid raging tensions in eastern Europe. Are the two Cold War rivals beginning a new relationship? Does a busy Putin have time to spare for Imran Khan? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Imran Khan visits Russia amid Ukraine crisis

Joe Biden's approval ratings tanked amid his failed response to the Ukraine crisis. Did Biden's confused messaging give Putin the edge in Europe? What could Biden have done differently? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Biden's ratings tank amid Russia tensions

The west has slapped numerous sanctions on Russia. US, UK, Australia, EU, and Japan have hit Russian banks, individuals and projects. Palki Sharma tells you why sanctions don't work.

Gravitas: Ukraine crisis: Making sense of the sanction strategy

Pics: Scared residents struggle to flee Kyiv as they line up at ATMs, gas stations

Amid the volatile situation caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has written to the External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, seeking special evacuation flights for Tamil people stuck in the country.

Amid the volatile situation caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has written to the External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar, seeking special evacuation flights for Tamil people stuck in the country. Stating that nearly 5,000 students and other emigrants from Tamil Nadu were stuck in the war-torn nation, MK Stalin said that the state government had been receiving distress calls from parents and family members, requesting evacuation. Also read | ‘Won’t bow down’: Ukraine president vows to fight back against ‘aggressor’ Russia Amid worrying situation in Ukraine @CMOTamilnadu request to @DrSJaishankar : Nearly 5000 students from #TamilNadu , pursuing prof courses in #Ukraine Arrange special evacuation flights similar to vande Bharat Appoint a nodal officer for coordinating with TN govt#India pic.twitter.com/IwhTP6Pc7S — Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) February 24, 2022 × In the letter, he added that the state government had opened an around-the-clock help desk and a State Nodal officer to coordinate with the government of India, the families of the students and the respective district administration in Tamil Nadu. It was also requested that a nodal officer be nominated to coordinate with the Tamil Nadu government, given the high number of students from the state.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister requests govt of India to operate evacuation flights from Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a military operation against Ukraine on February 24. The forces invaded Ukraine from several directions and this is being seen as the beginning of war in Europe over Russia's demands for an end to NATO's eastward expansion.

Putin denied for months that he was planning an invasion. However, today, in a televised speech, he declared that he had ordered "a special military operation" to protect Russian citizens who had been subjected to "genocide" in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Historical backdrop&nbsp; 
The tensions between Russia and Ukraine go years back. However, tensions escalated in 2021 when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged US President Joe Biden to let Ukraine join NATO.&nbsp;

Ukraine is a democratic country of 44 million people, with over 1,000 years of history. It also happens to be the biggest country in Europe by area after Russia.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, it voted for independence from Moscow.&nbsp;Putin deems Ukraine as an artificial creation carved from Russia by enemies. He has also described Ukraine as a puppet of the West.&nbsp;

Zelensky's request to be a part of NATO angered Russia and it started placing troops near the Ukraine border.&nbsp;

On November 10, 2021, the US reported unusual Russian troop movements near the Ukrainian border. On November 28, Ukraine said Russia is massing nearly 92,000 troops for an offensive at the end of January or early February.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wont-bow-down-ukraine-president-vows-to-fight-back-against-aggressor-russia-456029">Also read |&nbsp;‘Won’t bow down’: Ukraine president vows to fight back against ‘aggressor’ Russia</a>

However, Moscow denied it and accused Kyiv of a military build-up of its own.&nbsp;

In December, President Biden warned of severe sanctions if Russia invaded Ukraine.&nbsp;Putin has constantly demanded guarantees from the West and Ukraine that it will not join NATO.&nbsp;

2014 invasion 
This is not the first time that tensions have mounted between Russia and Ukraine. Russia had invaded Ukraine in 2014 and annexed its Crimean peninsula. Rebels backed by President Putin seized large swathes of eastern Ukraine and fought the army. The attack came in when its pro-Russian president was deposed. The war has claimed over 14,000 lives since then.&nbsp;

What does Ukraine want?&nbsp; 
A 2001 poll suggests that nearly half of Ukrainians supported the country’s exit from the Soviet Union. Now, over 80 per cent of people support Ukraine’s independence.&nbsp;

Current situation 
As Russia continued to launch missiles, Ukraine's military claimed at least "50 Russian occupiers" were killed. "Shchastya is under control. 50 Russian occupiers were killed. Another Russian plane was destroyed in the Kramatorsk district. This is the sixth," Ukraine's military said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-under-attack-heres-a-timeline-of-months-of-tensions-around-russia-ukraine-conflict-456061">Also read |&nbsp;Ukraine under attack: Here's a timeline of months of tensions around Russia-Ukraine conflict</a>

The border guards further claimed that Russian forces were launching attacks with rockets and helicopters from several directions.

Ukraine's Major General Valeriy Zaluzhny said President Zelensky had ordered its forces to "inflict maximum losses against the aggressor".

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a military operation against Ukraine on February 24. The forces invaded Ukraine from several directions and this is being seen as the beginning of war in Europe over Russia's demands for an end to NATO's eastward expansion.

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a military operation against Ukraine on February 24. The forces invaded Ukraine from several directions and this is being seen as the beginning of war in Europe over Russia's demands for an end to NATO's eastward expansion. Putin denied for months that he was planning an invasion. However, today, in a televised speech, he declared that he had ordered "a special military operation" to protect Russian citizens who had been subjected to "genocide" in Ukraine. Historical backdrop The tensions between Russia and Ukraine go years back. However, tensions escalated in 2021 when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged US President Joe Biden to let Ukraine join NATO. Ukraine is a democratic country of 44 million people, with over 1,000 years of history. It also happens to be the biggest country in Europe by area after Russia. After the fall of the Soviet Union, it voted for independence from Moscow. Putin deems Ukraine as an artificial creation carved from Russia by enemies. He has also described Ukraine as a puppet of the West. Zelensky's request to be a part of NATO angered Russia and it started placing troops near the Ukraine border. On November 10, 2021, the US reported unusual Russian troop movements near the Ukrainian border. On November 28, Ukraine said Russia is massing nearly 92,000 troops for an offensive at the end of January or early February. Also read | ‘Won’t bow down’: Ukraine president vows to fight back against ‘aggressor’ Russia However, Moscow denied it and accused Kyiv of a military build-up of its own. In December, President Biden warned of severe sanctions if Russia invaded Ukraine. Putin has constantly demanded guarantees from the West and Ukraine that it will not join NATO. 2014 invasion This is not the first time that tensions have mounted between Russia and Ukraine. Russia had invaded Ukraine in 2014 and annexed its Crimean peninsula. Rebels backed by President Putin seized large swathes of eastern Ukraine and fought the army. The attack came in when its pro-Russian president was deposed. The war has claimed over 14,000 lives since then. What does Ukraine want? A 2001 poll suggests that nearly half of Ukrainians supported the country’s exit from the Soviet Union. Now, over 80 per cent of people support Ukraine’s independence. Current situation As Russia continued to launch missiles, Ukraine's military claimed at least "50 Russian occupiers" were killed. "Shchastya is under control. 50 Russian occupiers were killed. Another Russian plane was destroyed in the Kramatorsk district. This is the sixth," Ukraine's military said. Also read | Ukraine under attack: Here's a timeline of months of tensions around Russia-Ukraine conflict The border guards further claimed that Russian forces were launching attacks with rockets and helicopters from several directions. Ukraine's Major General Valeriy Zaluzhny said President Zelensky had ordered its forces to "inflict maximum losses against the aggressor".

What's the reason for Ukraine-Russia conflict? Here's what you should know

Russia has carried out an incursion into Ukraine as was expected and there have been explosions that have been reported in several cities across Ukraine. According to media reports that have come in all of these are because of missile strikes in a lot of instances.

Ukraine: Being hit by second wave of strikes | Russia-Ukraine conflict

To give us more insights in terms of what Russia is trying to achieve with this attack on Ukraine and what are the Russian objectives in this war we're joined in by Professor John Blaxland from the Australian national university.

What are Russian objectives behind Ukraine invasion plan? | John Blaxland Exclusive

The Ukrainian authorities meanwhile have shut their airspace to civilian flights citing a high risk to safety. The Ukraine state air traffic services enterprise has suspended all air traffic services hours after conflict zone monitor warned airlines about the risk of an unintended shoot down or cyber attack.

Russia launches attack on Ukraine, Putin orders 'special military operation'

Russia launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine by land air and sea. Since the cold war, Russian President Vladimir Putin says his aim is to demilitarize Ukraine. Missiles rained down on Ukrainian cities and explosions were heard near the capital Kyiv. For more perspective on this we are joined by Spencer Critchley to shed more light on this.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Kyiv severs ties with Moscow, Putin warms West against aggression

Russia launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine by land air and sea. Since the cold war, Russian President Vladimir Putin says his aim is to demilitarize Ukraine. Missiles rained down on Ukrainian cities and explosions were heard near the capital Kyiv. 40 Ukrainian soldiers and 10 civilians have been killed so far. For more on this WION is joined by Gireesh Ganeshan, medical student.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: 40 Ukraine soldiers, 10 civilians killed

Before launching a 'military operation' on Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin made an early morning call to his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko.&nbsp;

Lukashenko's office, in a statement, said, "Around 5 am (0200 GMT) today there was a telephone conversation between the presidents of Belarus and Russia. During the call, Vladimir Putin informed his Belarusian colleague about the situation on the border with Ukraine and in Donbas."

The Kremlin, so far, has released no statement on the call.

A little later after the call, Putin appeared on state television and declared he had authorised "special operation" to "protect Donbas" while urging Ukrainian forces to "lay down arms".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-declares-military-operation-to-demilitarise-ukraine-455828">Also read |&nbsp;Putin declares military operation 'to demilitarise Ukraine'</a>

"Entire course of events, information analysis shows clashes between Russia, nationalistic forces in Ukraine are inevitable and a matter of time," Putin said.

"Russia does not have a single opportunity other than to defend itself, it will use it."

Putin further added that Russia will seek to demilitarise Ukraine and will "immediately respond to any external threat".

The Russian President vowed to retaliate against "interference" with Russia's Ukraine operation. "Politics is a dirty business but NATO's actions are contrary to morality."

He further mentioned, "Russia's policy is based on freedom, this right should be enjoyed by everyone, including residents of Ukraine. I have made the decision of a military operation," Putin said in a surprise statement on television.

(With inputs from agencies)

Before launching a 'military operation' on Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin made an early morning call to his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko.

Before launching a 'military operation' on Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin made an early morning call to his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko. Lukashenko's office, in a statement, said, "Around 5 am (0200 GMT) today there was a telephone conversation between the presidents of Belarus and Russia. During the call, Vladimir Putin informed his Belarusian colleague about the situation on the border with Ukraine and in Donbas." The Kremlin, so far, has released no statement on the call. A little later after the call, Putin appeared on state television and declared he had authorised "special operation" to "protect Donbas" while urging Ukrainian forces to "lay down arms". Also read | Putin declares military operation 'to demilitarise Ukraine' "Entire course of events, information analysis shows clashes between Russia, nationalistic forces in Ukraine are inevitable and a matter of time," Putin said. "Russia does not have a single opportunity other than to defend itself, it will use it." Putin further added that Russia will seek to demilitarise Ukraine and will "immediately respond to any external threat". The Russian President vowed to retaliate against "interference" with Russia's Ukraine operation. "Politics is a dirty business but NATO's actions are contrary to morality." He further mentioned, "Russia's policy is based on freedom, this right should be enjoyed by everyone, including residents of Ukraine. I have made the decision of a military operation," Putin said in a surprise statement on television. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin made a call to this leader before launching military operation on Ukraine

After months of speculation, calculations, assessments and back-to-back diplomatic talks, Russia has begun invading Ukraine from land and sea. Let's take you through the events as they happened.

Zelensky likens attacks to Nazi Germany, orders maximum losses to aggressor

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia is trying to negotiate for 30 years now as he slams the NATO alliance and announces military operations in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelensky addressed the nation and stated that Russia is attacking peaceful Ukrainian cities and have downed 5 Russian planes as of now.

Ukraine claims to have downed 5 Russian planes, calls on army veterans to join

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