Pakistan PM Imran Khan is on his way to Russia for a two-day visit. This is the first bilateral meeting between the two nations in over two decades even as a standoff between Russia and the West over Ukraine has escalated sharply.

Pak PM Imran khan on his way to Russia for two-day visit amid Ukraine tensions

As tensions mount over the Ukraine crisis and Russia's latest provocations, new Russian troop activity was reported on the border. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the Minsk agreement does not exist.

Russian President Vladimir Putin: The Minsk agreement does not exist

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday spoke with Russian President Vladmir Putin on phone and told him that Turkey wouldn't recognise move against Ukraine's sovereignty. He warned Putin against military conflict

Erdogan told Putin that Turkey would "not recognise any step against Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," his office said, adding that this was Ankara's "principled approach".

President Vladimir Putin has defied an avalanche of international sanctions and put his forces on stand-by to occupy and defend two rebel-held areas of eastern Ukraine.&nbsp;

Russia recognised the regions as independent this week, a serious escalation of tensions in the ongoing crisis.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-crisis-civilians-given-permission-to-carry-firearms-in-ukraine-455690">Russia-Ukraine crisis: Civilians given permission to carry firearms in Ukraine</a>

NATO member Turkey, which has friendly ties to Russia and Ukraine, has sought to position itself as a mediator.&nbsp;

During the phone call, Erdogan told Putin, "a military conflict would not bring benefit to anyone". Erdogan also said that Turkey prioritised diplomacy and dialogue.

"Turkey is ready to do its part to reduce tensions and maintain peace," he told Putin.&nbsp;

The Kremlin said Putin told Erdogan about the "necessity" of his decision to recognise east Ukraine's rebel Donetsk and Lugansk republics -- a move that opens the door to the presence of the Russian army there.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/latest-satellite-pictures-show-russian-troop-deployment-near-ukraine-455540">Latest satellite pictures show Russian troop deployment near Ukraine</a>

Putin said the decision was taken "in the conditions of the aggression of Ukrainian authorities in Donbas and their categorical refusal" to abide to a peace agreement, the Kremlin said.&nbsp;

Erdogan cut short a trip to Africa amid the flurry of diplomacy over the crisis and returned Turkey late on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Speaking to reporters on the plane home, Erdogan said Turkey did not want to choose between Russia and Ukraine, in comments published in Turkish media on Wednesday.&nbsp;

"It is not possible for us to give up on both," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday spoke with Russian President Vladmir Putin on phone and told him that Turkey wouldn't recognise move against Ukraine's sovereignty.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday spoke with Russian President Vladmir Putin on phone and told him that Turkey wouldn't recognise move against Ukraine's sovereignty. He warned Putin against military conflict Erdogan told Putin that Turkey would "not recognise any step against Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," his office said, adding that this was Ankara's "principled approach". President Vladimir Putin has defied an avalanche of international sanctions and put his forces on stand-by to occupy and defend two rebel-held areas of eastern Ukraine. Russia recognised the regions as independent this week, a serious escalation of tensions in the ongoing crisis. Also Read | Russia-Ukraine crisis: Civilians given permission to carry firearms in Ukraine NATO member Turkey, which has friendly ties to Russia and Ukraine, has sought to position itself as a mediator. During the phone call, Erdogan told Putin, "a military conflict would not bring benefit to anyone". Erdogan also said that Turkey prioritised diplomacy and dialogue. "Turkey is ready to do its part to reduce tensions and maintain peace," he told Putin. The Kremlin said Putin told Erdogan about the "necessity" of his decision to recognise east Ukraine's rebel Donetsk and Lugansk republics -- a move that opens the door to the presence of the Russian army there. Also Read | Latest satellite pictures show Russian troop deployment near Ukraine Putin said the decision was taken "in the conditions of the aggression of Ukrainian authorities in Donbas and their categorical refusal" to abide to a peace agreement, the Kremlin said. Erdogan cut short a trip to Africa amid the flurry of diplomacy over the crisis and returned Turkey late on Tuesday. Speaking to reporters on the plane home, Erdogan said Turkey did not want to choose between Russia and Ukraine, in comments published in Turkish media on Wednesday. "It is not possible for us to give up on both," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Moves against Ukraine's sovereignty unacceptable, Erdogan tells Putin

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a joint press conference with his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda and Lithuanian counterpart Gitanas Nauseda. The leaders expressed their strongest condemnation of the decision by the Russian Federation to recognise the so-called “DPR” and “LPR”.

Ukrainian President Zelensky holds joint presser with Polish and Lithuanian counterparts

The western nations have started imposing sanctions. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cancelled his meeting with Russia's Lavrov. In the latest, US President Joe Biden imposed new sanctions on Russia.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: US President Joe Biden imposes new sanctions on Russia

India called for 'restraint and talks' at the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine. How long can India ignore Russia's unilateral moves in Europe? Should New Delhi rethink its ties with Russia? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: India urges 'restraint and talks' in eastern Ukraine

How much do we know about Donbas- the region Russia sent troops into? At least 800,000 Donbas residents have Russian passports. Many celebrated Putin's move by bursting firecrackers. What about the rest? Listen in to Palki Sharma.

Gravitas: Understanding Donbas: The region Russian just sent troops into

Russia has ordered troops into Ukraine. If a war reaks out, Europe could find itself dealing with another refugee crisis. For the rest of the world, this conflict could lead to supply chain disruptions, market volatility & price hikes. Palki Sharma explains why.

Gravitas: The implications of war between Russia & Ukraine

The West depicts Vladimir Putin as a mercurial leader prone to delusions. How true is this assessment? What is the secret behind Putin's foreign policy successes? Palki Sharma tells you what makes Putin tick.

Gravitas: Inside Vladimir Putin's mind

Russia's actions in Ukraine have divided the world into 3 clear parts. One side supports Ukraine & slams Russia. The second supports Moscow & slams the west. The third side does not want to pick a side. Palki Sharma decodes the global response.

Gravitas: How the world reacted to Putin's move in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin recognised two breakaway republics in eastern Ukraine and deployed Russian soldiers there. What is Putin's endgame in Donbas? How does recognising the rebels help him? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Putin recognises Donbas rebel republics

The UK government imposed tough sanctions against five Russian banks and three billionaires from the country over President Vladimir Putin’s aggressive action on the Ukraine border.

UK PM Boris Johnson warns of more punitive actions as he sanctions Russian banks

If Russia further invades Ukraine, the Biden administration could deprive it of a vast swath of low- and high-tech US&nbsp;and foreign-made goods, from commercial electronics and computers to semiconductors and aircraft parts, people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

President Joe Biden would achieve that by expanding the list of goods that require US&nbsp;licenses before suppliers can ship them to Russia, and his administration would then deny those licenses, the people said.

The measures, whose details have not previously been reported, are part of a suite of export control penalties that the United States has prepared to damage Russia's economy, targeting everything from lasers to telecoms equipment and maritime items.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-australia-eu-impose-sanctions-on-russia-over-its-actions-in-ukraine-455699/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

They were not announced on Tuesday as part of a round of sanctions unveiled by Biden to punish Russian President Vladimir Putin for recognizing two breakaway regions of Ukraine as independent and deploying troops into the regions to "keep the peace."

But a senior administration official said, “if Putin escalates further, we will escalate further, using both financial sanctions and export controls, which we’ve yet to unveil.”

The official added: "Export controls are really potent because we’re talking about critical technology inputs that Russia needs to diversify its economy.”

The official added that the United States is "fully prepared with a very large number of countries across the world to implement those export control measures if the invasion proceeds."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/latest-satellite-pictures-show-russian-troop-deployment-near-ukraine-455540">Latest satellite pictures show Russian troop deployment near Ukraine</a>

The White House, and the Commerce Department, which oversees U.S. export controls, did not respond to requests for comment on details of the potential restrictions.

The package, which was still being fine-tuned over the weekend and could change, could come even as some White House officials have pledged to spare the Russian consumer from the brunt of the penalties.

The goal of the export control measures "is really to degrade Russia's ability to have industrial production in a couple of key sectors," Peter Harrell, who sits on the White House's National Security Council, said in a speech last month. He said the administration was focused on industrial production and high-tech sectors "rather than how do we sort of target the Russian people writ-large."

The administration has been vowing to hit Moscow with a potent cocktail of banking sanctions and export controls for weeks, in response to a massing of hundreds of thousands of Russian troops along Ukraine's borders.

Reuters reported on Saturday that the Biden administration had also prepared a package of sanctions against Russia that includes barring US&nbsp;financial institutions from processing transactions for major Russian banks.

By far the most sweeping measure contained in the export controls package would take a page from restrictions placed on Chinese telecom giant Huawei Technologies Co Ltd under former President Donald Trump. It would dramatically expand the scope of the so-called Foreign Direct Product Rule (FDPR), requiring firms that use US&nbsp;tools to make technology overseas to obtain a US&nbsp;license before shipping them to Russia.

"It's extraordinarily novel and has the potential for being far more significant than controls just on exports of these items from the United States," said Washington lawyer Kevin Wolf, a former Commerce Department official.

US&nbsp;suppliers would also have to obtain licenses for certain Russia-bound items that do not currently require them, such as civil aircraft parts. Whether Europe would follow suit with similar measures remains to be seen.

Japan said on Tuesday it stood ready to join the United States and other G7 industrialised nations in slapping sanctions on Russia.

On Tuesday, Biden said the United States would impose sanctions against two large Russian financial institutions and Russian sovereign debt and against some Russian elites and their family members.

On Monday, as an initial response to Putin's moves into eastern Ukraine, Biden vowed to end investment in and trade with the regions while British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced initial sanctions targeting Russian banks and billionaires.

Under changes proposed in the US&nbsp;export control package, the license applications, in turn, would face a strict "policy of denial" standard of review, meaning only in rare cases would the administration approve them.

In addition, Russian companies listed as so-called military end users for their alleged ties to the Russian military, including a handful of aircraft producers, would be added to a trade blacklist known as the entity list. That would broaden the scope of items the companies would need licenses to obtain.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-crisis-civilians-given-permission-to-carry-firearms-in-ukraine-455690">Russia-Ukraine crisis: Civilians given permission to carry firearms in Ukraine</a>

Finally, Washington would expand the scope of products that would need approval from the United States when sent to Russian military end users through an even broader application of the FDPR rule, subjecting to US&nbsp;licenses requirements all items made abroad with U.S. tools and destined for companies that support the military.

US&nbsp;exports to Russia were under $5 billion in 2020, according to the Commerce Department, and already face many curbs. But the use of the FDPR rule dramatically expands the impact of the restrictions included in the package.

If Russia further invades Ukraine, the Biden administration could deprive it of a vast swath of low- and high-tech US and foreign-made goods, from commercial electronics and computers to semiconductors and aircraft parts, people familiar with the matter told Reuters.

If Russia further invades Ukraine, the Biden administration could deprive it of a vast swath of low- and high-tech US and foreign-made goods, from commercial electronics and computers to semiconductors and aircraft parts, people familiar with the matter told Reuters. President Joe Biden would achieve that by expanding the list of goods that require US licenses before suppliers can ship them to Russia, and his administration would then deny those licenses, the people said. The measures, whose details have not previously been reported, are part of a suite of export control penalties that the United States has prepared to damage Russia's economy, targeting everything from lasers to telecoms equipment and maritime items. × They were not announced on Tuesday as part of a round of sanctions unveiled by Biden to punish Russian President Vladimir Putin for recognizing two breakaway regions of Ukraine as independent and deploying troops into the regions to "keep the peace." But a senior administration official said, “if Putin escalates further, we will escalate further, using both financial sanctions and export controls, which we’ve yet to unveil.” The official added: "Export controls are really potent because we’re talking about critical technology inputs that Russia needs to diversify its economy.” The official added that the United States is "fully prepared with a very large number of countries across the world to implement those export control measures if the invasion proceeds." Also Read | Latest satellite pictures show Russian troop deployment near Ukraine The White House, and the Commerce Department, which oversees U.S. export controls, did not respond to requests for comment on details of the potential restrictions. The package, which was still being fine-tuned over the weekend and could change, could come even as some White House officials have pledged to spare the Russian consumer from the brunt of the penalties. The goal of the export control measures "is really to degrade Russia's ability to have industrial production in a couple of key sectors," Peter Harrell, who sits on the White House's National Security Council, said in a speech last month. He said the administration was focused on industrial production and high-tech sectors "rather than how do we sort of target the Russian people writ-large." The administration has been vowing to hit Moscow with a potent cocktail of banking sanctions and export controls for weeks, in response to a massing of hundreds of thousands of Russian troops along Ukraine's borders. Reuters reported on Saturday that the Biden administration had also prepared a package of sanctions against Russia that includes barring US financial institutions from processing transactions for major Russian banks. By far the most sweeping measure contained in the export controls package would take a page from restrictions placed on Chinese telecom giant Huawei Technologies Co Ltd under former President Donald Trump. It would dramatically expand the scope of the so-called Foreign Direct Product Rule (FDPR), requiring firms that use US tools to make technology overseas to obtain a US license before shipping them to Russia. "It's extraordinarily novel and has the potential for being far more significant than controls just on exports of these items from the United States," said Washington lawyer Kevin Wolf, a former Commerce Department official. US suppliers would also have to obtain licenses for certain Russia-bound items that do not currently require them, such as civil aircraft parts. Whether Europe would follow suit with similar measures remains to be seen. Japan said on Tuesday it stood ready to join the United States and other G7 industrialised nations in slapping sanctions on Russia. On Tuesday, Biden said the United States would impose sanctions against two large Russian financial institutions and Russian sovereign debt and against some Russian elites and their family members. On Monday, as an initial response to Putin's moves into eastern Ukraine, Biden vowed to end investment in and trade with the regions while British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced initial sanctions targeting Russian banks and billionaires. Under changes proposed in the US export control package, the license applications, in turn, would face a strict "policy of denial" standard of review, meaning only in rare cases would the administration approve them. In addition, Russian companies listed as so-called military end users for their alleged ties to the Russian military, including a handful of aircraft producers, would be added to a trade blacklist known as the entity list. That would broaden the scope of items the companies would need licenses to obtain. Also Read | Russia-Ukraine crisis: Civilians given permission to carry firearms in Ukraine Finally, Washington would expand the scope of products that would need approval from the United States when sent to Russian military end users through an even broader application of the FDPR rule, subjecting to US licenses requirements all items made abroad with U.S. tools and destined for companies that support the military. US exports to Russia were under $5 billion in 2020, according to the Commerce Department, and already face many curbs. But the use of the FDPR rule dramatically expands the impact of the restrictions included in the package.

Punishing Putin: How Biden could cut Russia off from world tech

US President Joe Biden imposed fresh sanctions on Russia while declaring that invasion of Ukraine had begun as Russian lawmakers gave Putin approval to deploy "peacekeepers" in two Ukrainian regions.

"There's no question that Russia is the aggressor, so we're clear eyed about the challenges we're facing," Biden said while adding that, "there is still time to avert the worst-case scenario that will bring untold suffering to millions of people."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/target-ukraine-russias-icbm-strategy-revealed-455357">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;Target Ukraine: Russia's ICBM strategy revealed</a>

Putin on Monday had declared that Russia will recognise Donetsk and Lugansk situated in eastern Ukraine as separate republics while&nbsp;declaring&nbsp;that the Minsk peace agreements on Ukraine's conflict no longer existed.

Watch:&nbsp;Inside Vladimir Putin's mind

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-inside-vladimir-putins-mind-455515/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"The best solution would be if the current Kyiv authorities themselves refused to join NATO and maintained neutrality," Putin said as NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Russia "continues to plan for a full-scale attack on Ukraine."

Germany on Tuesday announced halting of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project with Russia as the UK and the European Union announced more sanctions against Russia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-crisis-how-putin-built-russias-army-as-a-potent-force-453715">Also Read in Pics:&nbsp;How Putin built Russia's Army as a potent force</a>

US Secretary of state Antony Blinken cancelled his meeting with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov adding that "it does not make&nbsp;sense to go forward with that meeting" since "invasion is beginning and Russia has made clear its wholesale rejection of diplomacy".

Biden added that the US would continue to provide defensive weapons to Ukraine and reinforce NATO troops amid Russian threat of invasion on Ukraine.

Amid escalating tensions, reports said one Ukrainian soldier died in clashes on Tuesday in the separatist region of eastern Ukraine.

(With inputs from Agencies)

US President Joe Biden imposed fresh sanctions on Russia while declaring that invasion of Ukraine had begun as Russian lawmakers gave Putin approval to deploy "peacekeepers" in two Ukrainian regions.

US President Joe Biden imposed fresh sanctions on Russia while declaring that invasion of Ukraine had begun as Russian lawmakers gave Putin approval to deploy "peacekeepers" in two Ukrainian regions. "There's no question that Russia is the aggressor, so we're clear eyed about the challenges we're facing," Biden said while adding that, "there is still time to avert the worst-case scenario that will bring untold suffering to millions of people." Also Read in Pics: Target Ukraine: Russia's ICBM strategy revealed Putin on Monday had declared that Russia will recognise Donetsk and Lugansk situated in eastern Ukraine as separate republics while declaring that the Minsk peace agreements on Ukraine's conflict no longer existed. Watch: Inside Vladimir Putin's mind "The best solution would be if the current Kyiv authorities themselves refused to join NATO and maintained neutrality," Putin said as NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Russia "continues to plan for a full-scale attack on Ukraine." Germany on Tuesday announced halting of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project with Russia as the UK and the European Union announced more sanctions against Russia. Also Read in Pics: How Putin built Russia's Army as a potent force US Secretary of state Antony Blinken cancelled his meeting with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov adding that "it does not make sense to go forward with that meeting" since "invasion is beginning and Russia has made clear its wholesale rejection of diplomacy". Biden added that the US would continue to provide defensive weapons to Ukraine and reinforce NATO troops amid Russian threat of invasion on Ukraine. Amid escalating tensions, reports said one Ukrainian soldier died in clashes on Tuesday in the separatist region of eastern Ukraine. (With inputs from Agencies)

'Beginning an invasion': US imposes fresh sanctions against Russia

The UK says it is ready to impose further sanctions on Russia. On Tuesday, it announced five Russian banks and three oligarch billionaires would be sanctioned over Moscow's actions in eastern Ukraine.

UK: Critics question Johnson govt's sanctions over Russia

Several other countries have imposed sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine. Beyond the alliance of western countries, Japan has called Moscow's moves an unacceptable violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and international law.

Japan, Australia, EU impose sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine

British health minister Sajid Javid on Tuesday (February 22) claimed that the "invasion of Ukraine has begun" as he said, Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent actions towards Ukraine show he has chosen confrontation with the West over diplomatic dialogue.&nbsp;

While speaking to Sky News, Javid said, "We have seen that he has recognised these breakaway eastern regions in Ukraine and from the reports we can already tell that he has sent in tanks and troops. From that, you can conclude that the invasion of Ukraine has begun."&nbsp;

In a televised address on Monday (February 21), Putin ordered the deployment of troops to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine - - the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic. The Russian leader recognised the two regions as independent.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/these-commodities-could-become-super-expensive-amid-escalating-russia-ukraine-crisis-455247">These commodities could become super expensive amid escalating Russia-Ukraine crisis</a>

Western countries are planning to impose strict sanctions on Russia but during his televised address, Putin said, "We are being blackmailed, they are threatening us with sanctions. But I think they will impose those sanctions."&nbsp;

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday said that Britain will immediately impose hard economic sanctions on Russia.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-orders-troops-into-eastern-ukraine-key-points-from-his-crucial-address-455210">Vladimir Putin orders troops into eastern Ukraine: Key points from his crucial address</a>

Johnson said that the sanctions would be "targeted not just at entities in Donbass and Luhansk and Donetsk, but in Russia itself - targeting Russian economic interests as hard as we can."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Javid told BBC TV, "We've always preferred dialogue and still continue to do so but it's clear from President Putin's actions that he has chosen confrontation over dialogue."&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia recognises independence of Ukraine separatist regions, US condemns move&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-recognizes-independence-of-ukraine-separatist-regions-us-condemns-move-455285/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

British health minister Sajid Javid on Tuesday (February 22) claimed that the "invasion of Ukraine has begun" as he said, Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent actions towards Ukraine show he has chosen confrontation with the West over diplomatic dialogue.

British health minister Sajid Javid on Tuesday (February 22) claimed that the "invasion of Ukraine has begun" as he said, Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent actions towards Ukraine show he has chosen confrontation with the West over diplomatic dialogue. While speaking to Sky News, Javid said, "We have seen that he has recognised these breakaway eastern regions in Ukraine and from the reports we can already tell that he has sent in tanks and troops. From that, you can conclude that the invasion of Ukraine has begun." In a televised address on Monday (February 21), Putin ordered the deployment of troops to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine - - the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic. The Russian leader recognised the two regions as independent. ALSO READ | These commodities could become super expensive amid escalating Russia-Ukraine crisis Western countries are planning to impose strict sanctions on Russia but during his televised address, Putin said, "We are being blackmailed, they are threatening us with sanctions. But I think they will impose those sanctions." UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday said that Britain will immediately impose hard economic sanctions on Russia. ALSO READ | Vladimir Putin orders troops into eastern Ukraine: Key points from his crucial address Johnson said that the sanctions would be "targeted not just at entities in Donbass and Luhansk and Donetsk, but in Russia itself - targeting Russian economic interests as hard as we can." Meanwhile, Javid told BBC TV, "We've always preferred dialogue and still continue to do so but it's clear from President Putin's actions that he has chosen confrontation over dialogue." WATCH | Russia recognises independence of Ukraine separatist regions, US condemns move × (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine crisis: UK minister claims that 'invasion' of Ukraine has begun

Ukrainian civilians will be given the right to carry firearms and defend themselves after the country's parliament voted in favour of the measure.&nbsp;

Ukraine has been stepping up its preparations today for a potential invasion by Russia.&nbsp;

Earlier, it started conscripting army reservists and urged all Ukrainians in Russia to leave immediately.&nbsp;

Around 10,000 Russian troops have entered the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, which includes the breakaway provinces of Luhansk and Donetsk.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-russia-ukraine-crisis-ukraine-to-conscript-army-reservists-aged-18-60-455211">LIVE updates: Russia-Ukraine crisis</a>

Russian officials have questioned Ukraine's right to sovereignty.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian government made a number of announcements on Wednesday, including the drafting of army reservists aged 18-60. 
 
ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beginning-an-invasion-us-imposes-fresh-sanctions-against-russia-455521">'Beginning an invasion': US imposes fresh sanctions against Russia</a>

Leaders in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, including President Joe Biden, have referred to Russia's actions as a "invasion," signalling a significant shift in terminology used to describe the crisis.

In reaction, Vice President Joe Biden has promised strong measures, and Germany has indicated that it will stop certification of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian civilians will be given the right to carry firearms and defend themselves after the country's parliament voted in favour of the measure. Ukraine has been stepping up its preparations today for a potential invasion by Russia.

Ukrainian civilians will be given the right to carry firearms and defend themselves after the country's parliament voted in favour of the measure. Ukraine has been stepping up its preparations today for a potential invasion by Russia. Earlier, it started conscripting army reservists and urged all Ukrainians in Russia to leave immediately. Around 10,000 Russian troops have entered the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, which includes the breakaway provinces of Luhansk and Donetsk. LIVE updates: Russia-Ukraine crisis Russian officials have questioned Ukraine's right to sovereignty. The Ukrainian government made a number of announcements on Wednesday, including the drafting of army reservists aged 18-60. ALSO READ | 'Beginning an invasion': US imposes fresh sanctions against Russia Leaders in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, including President Joe Biden, have referred to Russia's actions as a "invasion," signalling a significant shift in terminology used to describe the crisis. In reaction, Vice President Joe Biden has promised strong measures, and Germany has indicated that it will stop certification of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Civilians given permission to carry firearms in Ukraine

As fears mount of a full scale invasion, Ukraine has urged its citizens to leave Russia immediately citing the threat of Russian invasion that could complicate access to its consulate.

Ukraine urges citizens to leave Russia immediately

The decisions that Russian president takes in the next few days will impact not just Ukraine but also its allies. What will it mean to them? Will they be caught in another cold war or could they be in the line for a next takeover? More details coming up!

Will conflict spiral out of Ukraine? Decoding implications of Russian invasion on Ukraine and allies

Russia has recognized rebel-held areas of eastern Ukraine as independent republics. How will this move affect European security? Can NATO and Russia reach some sort of middle ground? Watch WION's interview with Estonia's former President Toomas Hendrik Ilves.

Estonia's Ex-President speaks to WION | How will Putin's moves in Ukraine affect European security?

Developments in Ukraine has made Taiwan located halfway across the world nervous that China might take advantage of a distracted West and increase pressure on the island. Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen has ordered the island's armed and security forces to step up their surveillance and remain alert for any Chinese military activity in the region.

Taiwan cautious of Chinese aggression amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine tensions

A day after Germany halted the crucial Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, its economic minister said that it's possible that the pipeline can be completely shut down. These comments came after Russian president Vladimir Putin ordered troops into eastern Ukraine.

Germany halts key Nord Stream 2 project amid Russia-Ukraine crisis

Ukrainian armed forces on Wednesday (February 23) said that the country has started conscripting reservists aged 18-60 following a decree by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The maximum service period is one year.&nbsp;

In a Facebook message, Ukrainian Ground Forces said: "Reservists aged 18 to 60 will be called up... The call will start today. The maximum service life is one year."&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Zelenskiy said he was introducing the conscription of reservists. He, however, ruled out a general mobilisation after Russia announced it was moving troops into eastern Ukraine.&nbsp;

WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-russian-president-vladimir-putins-tense-exchange-with-his-spy-chief-over-eastern-ukraine-455611">Russian President Vladimir Putin's tense exchange with his spy chief over eastern Ukraine</a>

Amid escalating situation, Ukraine on Wednesday urged its citizens to leave Russia immediately. "Because of the escalating Russian aggression against Ukraine, which can lead to a substantial reduction in possible consular assistance in Russia, the foreign ministry urges the citizens of Ukraine to refrain from travel to Russia, and for those in that country to leave its territory immediately," the ministry said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Wednesday that the word "invasion" used by the United States President Joe Biden is not appropriate for what is happening now in Ukraine.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Biden said on Tuesday that the recognition of the Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics as independent is the beginning of a Russian "invasion" of Ukraine.&nbsp;

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/latest-satellite-pictures-show-russian-troop-deployment-near-ukraine-455540">Latest satellite pictures show Russian troop deployment near Ukraine</a>

"You need to weigh your words. An invasion is an invasion. And I think that this is not the right word for this situation [in Ukraine]. We will see what steps [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin will take next in the next hours, days or weeks," Le Maire told the BFM TV broadcaster.&nbsp;

"But what is happening now is an attempt to encroach on the territorial integrity of Ukraine and cast doubt on international agreements," he added.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin: Best if Ukraine adopts neutrality and drops NATO bid

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-president-vladimir-putin-best-if-ukraine-adopts-neutrality-and-drops-nato-bid-455577/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian armed forces on Wednesday (February 23) said that the country has started conscripting reservists aged 18-60 following a decree by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Ukrainian armed forces on Wednesday (February 23) said that the country has started conscripting reservists aged 18-60 following a decree by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The maximum service period is one year. In a Facebook message, Ukrainian Ground Forces said: "Reservists aged 18 to 60 will be called up... The call will start today. The maximum service life is one year." On Tuesday, Zelenskiy said he was introducing the conscription of reservists. He, however, ruled out a general mobilisation after Russia announced it was moving troops into eastern Ukraine. WATCH | Russian President Vladimir Putin's tense exchange with his spy chief over eastern Ukraine Amid escalating situation, Ukraine on Wednesday urged its citizens to leave Russia immediately. "Because of the escalating Russian aggression against Ukraine, which can lead to a substantial reduction in possible consular assistance in Russia, the foreign ministry urges the citizens of Ukraine to refrain from travel to Russia, and for those in that country to leave its territory immediately," the ministry said. Meanwhile, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said on Wednesday that the word "invasion" used by the United States President Joe Biden is not appropriate for what is happening now in Ukraine. Biden said on Tuesday that the recognition of the Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics as independent is the beginning of a Russian "invasion" of Ukraine. IN PICS | Latest satellite pictures show Russian troop deployment near Ukraine "You need to weigh your words. An invasion is an invasion. And I think that this is not the right word for this situation [in Ukraine]. We will see what steps [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin will take next in the next hours, days or weeks," Le Maire told the BFM TV broadcaster. "But what is happening now is an attempt to encroach on the territorial integrity of Ukraine and cast doubt on international agreements," he added. WATCH | Russian President Vladimir Putin: Best if Ukraine adopts neutrality and drops NATO bid × (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine calls up military reservists, urges citizens to leave Russia 'immediately'

Russian President Vladimir Putin asks Ukraine to renounce NATO bid amid heightened tensions

Russian President Vladimir Putin had a tense exchange with his spy chief Sergei Naryshkin during a crucial meeting of the Russian Security Council on Monday (February 21). The meeting was about the Russia-backed territories in east Ukraine.&nbsp;

The meeting happened before Putin ordered the deployment of troops to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine - the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic. The Russian leader recognised the two regions as independent.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beginning-an-invasion-us-imposes-fresh-sanctions-against-russia-455521">'Beginning an invasion': US imposes fresh sanctions against Russia</a>

A clip from the Russian Security Council meeting has gone viral where the chief of the foreign intelligence service is interrupted repeatedly by Putin, who even asked Naryshkin to&nbsp;'speak plainly!'&nbsp;

In the video, Naryshkin hesitated&nbsp;as he was interrupted by Putin while he was speaking about the recognition of Luhansk and Donetsk as independent regions and incorporating them into Russia.&nbsp;

Watch the video here:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In case you wonder whether the Russian intelligence community is afraid of speaking their mind in front of Putin. 
 
Sergei Naryshkin, chief of the Foreign Intelligence Service, tried to say there could be ways to avoid war at the security council meeting. <a href="https://t.co/2k96uJyHU7">pic.twitter.com/2k96uJyHU7</a>
— Visegrád 24 🇨🇿🇭🇺🇵🇱🇸🇰 (@visegrad24) <a href="https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1496254648776335361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/latest-satellite-pictures-show-russian-troop-deployment-near-ukraine-455540">Latest satellite pictures show Russian troop deployment near Ukraine</a>

After imposing sanctions on Russia, the United States President Joe Biden earlier stressed that the penalties were only a "first tranche" and more sanctions would come if Putin extended his country's military grip beyond the two territories in the eastern Donbas region.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Biden said Washington would continue to supply "defensive" weapons to Ukraine against a Russian invasion, and deploy US troops to reinforce NATO allies in Eastern Europe.&nbsp;

"Let me be clear, these are totally defensive moves on our part," Biden said in a televised speech at the White House.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin: Best if Ukraine adopts neutrality and drops NATO bid

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-president-vladimir-putin-best-if-ukraine-adopts-neutrality-and-drops-nato-bid-455577/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Russian President Vladimir Putin had a tense exchange with his spy chief Sergei Naryshkin during a crucial meeting of the Russian Security Council on Monday (February 21).

Russian President Vladimir Putin had a tense exchange with his spy chief Sergei Naryshkin during a crucial meeting of the Russian Security Council on Monday (February 21). The meeting was about the Russia-backed territories in east Ukraine. The meeting happened before Putin ordered the deployment of troops to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine - the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic. The Russian leader recognised the two regions as independent. ALSO READ | 'Beginning an invasion': US imposes fresh sanctions against Russia A clip from the Russian Security Council meeting has gone viral where the chief of the foreign intelligence service is interrupted repeatedly by Putin, who even asked Naryshkin to 'speak plainly!' In the video, Naryshkin hesitated as he was interrupted by Putin while he was speaking about the recognition of Luhansk and Donetsk as independent regions and incorporating them into Russia. Watch the video here: In case you wonder whether the Russian intelligence community is afraid of speaking their mind in front of Putin. Sergei Naryshkin, chief of the Foreign Intelligence Service, tried to say there could be ways to avoid war at the security council meeting. pic.twitter.com/2k96uJyHU7 — Visegrád 24 🇨🇿🇭🇺🇵🇱🇸🇰 (@visegrad24) February 22, 2022 × IN PICS | Latest satellite pictures show Russian troop deployment near Ukraine After imposing sanctions on Russia, the United States President Joe Biden earlier stressed that the penalties were only a "first tranche" and more sanctions would come if Putin extended his country's military grip beyond the two territories in the eastern Donbas region. On Tuesday, Biden said Washington would continue to supply "defensive" weapons to Ukraine against a Russian invasion, and deploy US troops to reinforce NATO allies in Eastern Europe. "Let me be clear, these are totally defensive moves on our part," Biden said in a televised speech at the White House. WATCH | Russian President Vladimir Putin: Best if Ukraine adopts neutrality and drops NATO bid ×

Watch: Russian President Vladimir Putin's tense exchange with his spy chief over eastern Ukraine

Amid the ongoing Ukraine crisis, Taiwan is cautious of Chinese aggression and has ordered its Army to be combat-ready. Taiwan is keeping an eye on the Ukraine crisis.

Amid the ongoing Ukraine crisis, Taiwan remains wary of the Chinese attack

The Russia-Ukraine crisis escalated further after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the deployment of troops to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine. He recognised the two regions as independent on Monday (February 21) during a crucial televised address.

The Russia-Ukraine crisis escalated further after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the deployment of troops to two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine. He recognised the two regions as independent on Monday (February 21) during a crucial televised address. In his seminal speech, Putin ordered his defence ministry to despatch Russian peacekeepers to Ukraine's two breakaway regions - the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic. Putin earlier signed decrees to recognise the two regions as independent statelets. The move by Russia can be countered by sanctions from Western allies as the step could hamper the recent diplomatic attempts to defuse the crisis situation. ALSO READ | Explainer: What will Russian recognition of breakaway Ukraine regions mean? Here are some of the crucial points from Putin's address: 1) Putin described Ukraine as an integral part of Russia's history and said eastern Ukraine was ancient Russian land. He said, "I would like to emphasise again that Ukraine is not just a neighbouring country for us. It is an inalienable part of our own history, culture and spiritual space." "These are our comrades, those dearest to us – not only colleagues, friends and people who once served together, but also relatives, people bound by blood, by family ties," he added. ALSO READ | US imposes sanctions on two Russian-backed areas in eastern Ukraine 2) Putin had announced his decision in phone calls to the leaders of Germany and France. 3) On recognition of pro-Russian separatists, Putin said that he deems it "necessary to make a decision that should have been made a long time ago". The decision to "immediately recognise the independence and sovereignty of the Donetsk People's Republic and the Lugansk People's Republic". 4) While talking about the responsibility for the bloodshed, the Russian leader said that "those who seized power and keep power in Kyiv, we demand they stop the hostilities immediately". He warned, "Otherwise, all the responsibility for the possible continuation of the bloodbath will be on the conscience of the regime that is ruling in Kiev." 5) Putin also mentioned the talks around Ukraine's membership of NATO. He said, "If Ukraine was to join NATO it would serve as a direct threat to the security of Russia." 6) Putin also talked about the origins of modern Ukraine. He said, "Modern Ukraine was entirely created by Russia, more precisely, Bolshevik, communist Russia. This process began immediately after the revolution of 1917." 7) While speaking about the sanctions, Putin said, "We are being blackmailed, they are threatening us with sanctions. But I think they will impose those sanctions." 8) Calling out the Western stance, Putin said that the "so-called civilized world, the representatives of the self-proclaimed western colleagues, they act as if they do not notice anything". He added, "As if nothing is happening, as if this nightmare did not exist." ×

Vladimir Putin orders troops into eastern Ukraine: Key points from his crucial address

Monitors from the&nbsp;OSCE&nbsp;European security body on Monday reported more than 3,000 new ceasefire violations in eastern&nbsp;Ukraine, a high for the year.

The&nbsp;report&nbsp;reflects a sharp spike in violence that preceded President Vladimir Putin's decision to order Russian troops into two Moscow-backed rebel regions he recognised as independent earlier in the day.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-crisis-japan-ready-to-join-us-led-sanctions-on-moscow-455236">&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine crisis: Japan ready to join US-led sanctions on Moscow</a>

"It is of crucial importance that today's decision will not lead to new military action and bloodshed," Mikko Kinnunen, the&nbsp;OSCE's chairman-in-office in&nbsp;Ukraine, said in a statement.

In a daily&nbsp;report&nbsp;based on information received by Sunday evening, the pan-European security body reported 2,158 new&nbsp;violations&nbsp;in the Donetsk region and another 1,073 in neighbouring Lugansk.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-two-russian-backed-areas-in-eastern-ukraine-455190">US imposes sanctions on two Russian-backed areas in eastern Ukraine</a>

The monitors reported heavy clashes spreading across the frontline separating rebel forces from government troops in the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions.

The eight-year conflict across the largely Russian-speaking industrial region has claimed&nbsp;more&nbsp;than&nbsp;14,000&nbsp;lives, breaking out after two regions rebelled over a 2014 pro-EU revolution in Kyiv.

Monitors from the OSCE European security body on Monday reported more than 3,000 new ceasefire violations in eastern Ukraine, a high for the year. The report reflects a sharp spike in violence that preceded President Vladimir Putin's decision to order Russian troops into two Moscow-backed rebel regions he recognised as independent earlier in the day.

Monitors from the OSCE European security body on Monday reported more than 3,000 new ceasefire violations in eastern Ukraine, a high for the year. The report reflects a sharp spike in violence that preceded President Vladimir Putin's decision to order Russian troops into two Moscow-backed rebel regions he recognised as independent earlier in the day. Also read | Russia-Ukraine crisis: Japan ready to join US-led sanctions on Moscow "It is of crucial importance that today's decision will not lead to new military action and bloodshed," Mikko Kinnunen, the OSCE's chairman-in-office in Ukraine, said in a statement. In a daily report based on information received by Sunday evening, the pan-European security body reported 2,158 new violations in the Donetsk region and another 1,073 in neighbouring Lugansk. Also read | US imposes sanctions on two Russian-backed areas in eastern Ukraine The monitors reported heavy clashes spreading across the frontline separating rebel forces from government troops in the eastern Donetsk and Lugansk regions. The eight-year conflict across the largely Russian-speaking industrial region has claimed more than 14,000 lives, breaking out after two regions rebelled over a 2014 pro-EU revolution in Kyiv.

Amid rising tensions, OSCE reports more than 3,000 new ceasefires violations in eastern Ukraine

The President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has disclosed details of the possible sanctions that Moscow could face if it were to resort to invading into Ukraine. She has pointed out that Russia could potentially be cut off from the international financial markets altogether and could also be denied access into major export goods, listen in.

'No access to financial markets of Russia plans to invade Ukraine,' warns EU

Russian president Vladimir Putin recognized Ukraine's breakaway regions of Donetsk and Lugansk as independent. He said that he was confident that Russian citizens would support the decision through this move.

Putin: Ukriane's two breakaway regions Donetsk and Lugansk are independent

ukraine

Ukraine, News on Ukraine, stories on Ukraine, articles on Ukraine, Ukraine stories at Wion, Ukraine news, Ukraine latest news