Jens Stoltenberg held a press conference in Brussels following a two-day meeting between NATO Defence Ministers. The meeting took place amid tensions on the border between Ukraine and Russia.

Russia's demands go against Ukraine's sovereignty, says NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg

US intelligence reports wrongly predicted February 16 as the date of Russia's invasion. On the same day, Moscow announced that several soldiers and tanks are returning after military drills. Why did the west drum up fears of war? Has Putin abandoned his invasion plan? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: US intel fails, Russia says troops returning

Many had claimed that Russia will invade Ukraine today. It didn't happen. Is this a sign of de-escalation? Should Indian students return? Palki Sharma put these questions to Ukraine's Ambassador to India Dr Igor Polikha in an exclusive conversation.

Gravitas: Exclusive: Should Indian students leave Ukraine?

Ukrainian cross-country skier Valentyna Kaminska has tested positive for a steroid and two stimulants, becoming the second athlete at the Beijing Winter Olympics to fail drug tests.

Beijing Winter Olympics: Ukrainian skier tests positive for banned drugs

Foreigners in Ukraine are now contemplating leaving Kyiv altogether in case of a Russian invasion. Also, many countries are urging their citizens there to leave and are cutting back their diplomatic staff.

Fears of a Russian attack prompts people to leave Kyiv

Ukraine on Wednesday initiated a discussion at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) about a recent statement made by Russian President Vladimir Putin on Donbass region. The 15-member council is all set to meet today to discuss the Ukraine crisis.

Ukraine calls for UNSC to discuss Donbass

<article>
Europe relies on Russia’s natural gas to help heat millions of homes, generate electricity and power factories. With Russian troops massed along Ukraine’s border, the Continent’s heavy dependence on Russia is limiting its diplomatic options and threatening to throw its energy supplies into turmoil.

If the flow of gas is interrupted, either as collateral damage from warfare or as a negotiating tactic by President Vladimir Putin of Russia, experts worry that already high prices in a constantly shifting global market could skyrocket. Businesses may be forced to temporarily close, and if cutoffs persist, households already facing higher utility bills this winter could feel even more pain.

Analysts and industry executives are skeptical that Putin would cut off gas, in part because of how important gas exports are to his country’s economy. But the tensions come at a pivotal time for many European nations that have turned to natural gas to help them bridge their transitions from fossil fuels to wind, solar and other cleaner sources.

Diplomatic proposals to counter Russia’s buildup center on sanctions that could limit energy trade. That could throw billions in investments and oil and gas contracts into jeopardy, especially for countries, including Germany and Italy, that rely on Russian gas more than others.

Germany, which is at the center of the diplomatic standoff, is Moscow’s most important customer. The bulk of the gas to Germany flows directly from Russia through a large pipeline in the Baltic Sea known as Nord Stream. A second pipeline, Nord Stream 2, was recently completed at a cost of $11 billion.

Fuel has yet to flow through Nord Stream 2. U.S. lawmakers in recent months have called for blocking its opening, as critics warn that the new pipeline could allow Moscow to wield greater influence over the Continent and starve Ukraine of transit fees through its existing pipeline network that are crucial to Kyiv’s economy.

President Joe Biden has said Nord Stream 2 will not go forward if Russia invades Ukraine. But in an indication of how the politics and business of energy are intertwined, the pipeline’s operating company is chaired by a former German chancellor, Gerhard Schröder.

Several large pipelines bring Russian gas into Europe, where it flows through a vast interconnected network. The amount of gas crossing Ukraine has declined sharply over the past decade, though it remains an important route. Other conduits are the Yamal pipeline through Poland and TurkStream, which feeds Turkey but also brings gas into Southern Europe.

In 2021, 38% of the natural gas used by the European Union came from Russia, according to Bruegel, a research organization. Some countries, like Poland and Lithuania, have been gradually reducing their reliance on Russian gas. For others, the dependency has been steadily growing.

If gas does stop flowing, importing countries would need to find other sources. Some of the difference would most likely be made up by bringing in more liquefied natural gas from sources around the globe.

Liquefied natural gas is made by chilling gas to around minus 260 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 162 degrees Celsius) so that it can be converted into liquid form and loaded more easily onto ships. The great advantage is that it can be transported stably from great distances, including from Australia and the United States — offering viable alternatives for local or regional sources.

In recent months, Europe has been witnessing a kind of dress rehearsal for a cutback in Russian gas as Moscow curtails shipments to Europe in what some analysts and politicians say is an effort to keep prices high. According to the International Energy Agency, Russia cut its gas exports by pipeline to Europe by 23% in the last quarter of 2021 compared with the same period a year earlier. At the same time, imports of liquefied gas have been on the rise.

In reality, gas markets are far from static, with volumes and direction of flows largely dictated by price. And while the crisis has not yet led to any military action, the threat of conflict has been weighing on markets. Prices in Europe were already high to end the year as limited storage levels raised concerns that there would be enough fuel to last the winter.

While they have since eased from the records hit in December, they are still roughly four times what they were a year ago.
</article>

Europe relies on Russia’s natural gas to help heat millions of homes, generate electricity and power factories. With Russian troops massed along Ukraine’s border, the Continent’s heavy dependence on Russia is limiting its diplomatic options and threatening to throw its energy supplies into turmoil.

Europe relies on Russia’s natural gas to help heat millions of homes, generate electricity and power factories. With Russian troops massed along Ukraine’s border, the Continent’s heavy dependence on Russia is limiting its diplomatic options and threatening to throw its energy supplies into turmoil. If the flow of gas is interrupted, either as collateral damage from warfare or as a negotiating tactic by President Vladimir Putin of Russia, experts worry that already high prices in a constantly shifting global market could skyrocket. Businesses may be forced to temporarily close, and if cutoffs persist, households already facing higher utility bills this winter could feel even more pain. Analysts and industry executives are skeptical that Putin would cut off gas, in part because of how important gas exports are to his country’s economy. But the tensions come at a pivotal time for many European nations that have turned to natural gas to help them bridge their transitions from fossil fuels to wind, solar and other cleaner sources. Diplomatic proposals to counter Russia’s buildup center on sanctions that could limit energy trade. That could throw billions in investments and oil and gas contracts into jeopardy, especially for countries, including Germany and Italy, that rely on Russian gas more than others. Germany, which is at the center of the diplomatic standoff, is Moscow’s most important customer. The bulk of the gas to Germany flows directly from Russia through a large pipeline in the Baltic Sea known as Nord Stream. A second pipeline, Nord Stream 2, was recently completed at a cost of $11 billion. Fuel has yet to flow through Nord Stream 2. U.S. lawmakers in recent months have called for blocking its opening, as critics warn that the new pipeline could allow Moscow to wield greater influence over the Continent and starve Ukraine of transit fees through its existing pipeline network that are crucial to Kyiv’s economy. President Joe Biden has said Nord Stream 2 will not go forward if Russia invades Ukraine. But in an indication of how the politics and business of energy are intertwined, the pipeline’s operating company is chaired by a former German chancellor, Gerhard Schröder. Several large pipelines bring Russian gas into Europe, where it flows through a vast interconnected network. The amount of gas crossing Ukraine has declined sharply over the past decade, though it remains an important route. Other conduits are the Yamal pipeline through Poland and TurkStream, which feeds Turkey but also brings gas into Southern Europe. In 2021, 38% of the natural gas used by the European Union came from Russia, according to Bruegel, a research organization. Some countries, like Poland and Lithuania, have been gradually reducing their reliance on Russian gas. For others, the dependency has been steadily growing. If gas does stop flowing, importing countries would need to find other sources. Some of the difference would most likely be made up by bringing in more liquefied natural gas from sources around the globe. Liquefied natural gas is made by chilling gas to around minus 260 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 162 degrees Celsius) so that it can be converted into liquid form and loaded more easily onto ships. The great advantage is that it can be transported stably from great distances, including from Australia and the United States — offering viable alternatives for local or regional sources. In recent months, Europe has been witnessing a kind of dress rehearsal for a cutback in Russian gas as Moscow curtails shipments to Europe in what some analysts and politicians say is an effort to keep prices high. According to the International Energy Agency, Russia cut its gas exports by pipeline to Europe by 23% in the last quarter of 2021 compared with the same period a year earlier. At the same time, imports of liquefied gas have been on the rise. In reality, gas markets are far from static, with volumes and direction of flows largely dictated by price. And while the crisis has not yet led to any military action, the threat of conflict has been weighing on markets. Prices in Europe were already high to end the year as limited storage levels raised concerns that there would be enough fuel to last the winter. While they have since eased from the records hit in December, they are still roughly four times what they were a year ago.

How a Ukraine conflict could reshape Europe’s reliance on Russia

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance is looking to step up efforts to strengthen its eastern flank, warning that the threat from Russia has become the "new normal in Europe."

NATO to strengthen its eastern flank over alleged Russian threat

Russia&nbsp;announced a new drawdown of military forces from the Moscow-annexed Crimean peninsula Thursday, continuing a troop withdrawal that was met with scepticism from Ukraine's Western allies.

"Units of the southern military district that ended tactical exercises at training grounds on the Crimean peninsula are returning by rail to their permanent bases," the defence ministry said in a statement carried by Russian news agencies.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-hit-by-cyberattack-after-some-russian-troops-pullback-453614">Ukraine hit by cyberattack after some Russian troops pull back</a>

The United States on Wednesday dismissed reports that Russia was withdrawing troops from Ukraine's border, instead accusing Moscow of sending more soldiers as fears of an invasion grow.

State-run television showed columns of military hardware crossing a recently-constructed bridge connecting the peninsula to the Russian mainland.

Thursday's announcement is the latest reported drawdown of a Russian military force estimated by the West to be more than 100,000 troops, which Washington had said could be preparing to invade.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine-Russia conflict: Wednesday the day of attack?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-russia-conflict-wednesday-the-day-of-attack-453590/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">
NATO, the United States and European leaders have denied, however, that there is any meaningful pullback of Russian troops and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said Moscow's military personnel were actually rotating.

Russia took control of the Crimean peninsula in 2014 and threw its weight behind pro-Moscow separatists in fighting that broke out that year and has claimed more than 14,000 lives.
</div>

&nbsp;

Russia announced a new drawdown of military forces from the Moscow-annexed Crimean peninsula Thursday, continuing a troop withdrawal that was met with scepticism from Ukraine's Western allies.

Russia announced a new drawdown of military forces from the Moscow-annexed Crimean peninsula Thursday, continuing a troop withdrawal that was met with scepticism from Ukraine's Western allies. "Units of the southern military district that ended tactical exercises at training grounds on the Crimean peninsula are returning by rail to their permanent bases," the defence ministry said in a statement carried by Russian news agencies. Also read | Ukraine hit by cyberattack after some Russian troops pull back The United States on Wednesday dismissed reports that Russia was withdrawing troops from Ukraine's border, instead accusing Moscow of sending more soldiers as fears of an invasion grow. State-run television showed columns of military hardware crossing a recently-constructed bridge connecting the peninsula to the Russian mainland. Thursday's announcement is the latest reported drawdown of a Russian military force estimated by the West to be more than 100,000 troops, which Washington had said could be preparing to invade. Watch | Gravitas: Ukraine-Russia conflict: Wednesday the day of attack? NATO, the United States and European leaders have denied, however, that there is any meaningful pullback of Russian troops and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky said Moscow's military personnel were actually rotating. Russia took control of the Crimean peninsula in 2014 and threw its weight behind pro-Moscow separatists in fighting that broke out that year and has claimed more than 14,000 lives.

Russia announces new military withdrawal from Crimea

While the purported Russian invasion plan of Ukraine on February 16 didn't materialize, the West remains alert, wary of Russian military build-up at the border.

The US denies Russia's claims of withdrawing troops as false amid the ongoing Ukraine crisis

The 15-member United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to meet today to discuss the Ukraine crisis. Ukraine has called for the UNSC to discuss Donbass.

United Nations Security Council to meet today to discuss Ukraine crisis

US General warned of China's actions in the South China Sea amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Ukraine crisis an opportunity for China? Watch this report.

US General warns of China's actions in the South China Sea amid the Ukraine conflict

Russia on Tuesday failed to attend a meeting of members of the OSCE, the world's largest security body, to explain its military buildup near the Ukraine border.

Kyiv had requested the meeting with Russia and other members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe to "discuss the reinforcement and movement of Russian forces along our border" under the so-called Vienna Document.

The agreement requires the Vienna-based body's 57 members to share information about their military forces and notify each other about major activities.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ready-to-work-together-with-the-west-says-putin-in-joint-press-conference-with-olaf-scholz-453543">'Ready to work together' with the West, says Putin in joint press conference with Olaf Scholz</a>

"The United States welcomes the decision by Ukraine to call for this meeting," Michael Carpenter, the US ambassador to the OSCE, told the closed-door session.

"Unfortunately and regrettably, though perhaps not surprisingly, the Russian Federation has absented itself today," he added, according to his statement.

A source with knowledge of the meeting confirmed to AFP that Russia had failed to attend.

The Russian representative to the OSCE did not immediately return a request for comment.

The French mission to the OSCE in a statement on behalf of the EU urged Russia "to immediately de-escalate, to engage constructively on the diplomatic track and to fulfil its commitments in good faith".

Less than a dozen such meetings under the Vienna Document have been held since it was adopted in 1990, the source said.

On Monday, a similar meeting took place -- this one requested by the Baltic states to seek explanations from Belarus over its massive military drills with Russia.

Western leaders said Tuesday they were seeing positive signs that Russia was looking to ease tensions over Ukraine, after Moscow announced it was pulling back some of the troops deployed on its neighbour's borders.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia on Tuesday failed to attend a meeting of members of the OSCE, the world's largest security body, to explain its military buildup near the Ukraine border. Kyiv had requested the meeting with Russia and other members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe to "discuss the reinforcement and movement of Russian forces along our border" under the so-called Vienna Document.

Russia on Tuesday failed to attend a meeting of members of the OSCE, the world's largest security body, to explain its military buildup near the Ukraine border. Kyiv had requested the meeting with Russia and other members of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe to "discuss the reinforcement and movement of Russian forces along our border" under the so-called Vienna Document. The agreement requires the Vienna-based body's 57 members to share information about their military forces and notify each other about major activities. Also Read | 'Ready to work together' with the West, says Putin in joint press conference with Olaf Scholz "The United States welcomes the decision by Ukraine to call for this meeting," Michael Carpenter, the US ambassador to the OSCE, told the closed-door session. "Unfortunately and regrettably, though perhaps not surprisingly, the Russian Federation has absented itself today," he added, according to his statement. A source with knowledge of the meeting confirmed to AFP that Russia had failed to attend. The Russian representative to the OSCE did not immediately return a request for comment. The French mission to the OSCE in a statement on behalf of the EU urged Russia "to immediately de-escalate, to engage constructively on the diplomatic track and to fulfil its commitments in good faith". Less than a dozen such meetings under the Vienna Document have been held since it was adopted in 1990, the source said. On Monday, a similar meeting took place -- this one requested by the Baltic states to seek explanations from Belarus over its massive military drills with Russia. Western leaders said Tuesday they were seeing positive signs that Russia was looking to ease tensions over Ukraine, after Moscow announced it was pulling back some of the troops deployed on its neighbour's borders. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia skips OSCE meeting on Ukraine crisis

While tensions persist over the threat of a possible Russian invasion, websites of the Ukrainian army, defence ministry and major banks were knocked offline in a series of cyber attacks. Ukraine's information security center pointed the finger at neighboring Russia.

Russia behind cyberattack on Ukrainian websites?

US President Joe Biden has made an appeal to Russian president Vladimir Putin to step back from war with Ukraine. He pointed out that Moscow could cause needless death and destruction and Putin could face international outrage.

Ukraine crisis: Russian invasion still a possibility, warns Biden, demands proof of troops pullback

Russian parliament has asked President Vladimir Putin to recognise the Donbas as republics. If Putin agrees, he would be threatening war. Palki Sharma tells you why Donbas determines what happens next in the Ukraine-Russia crisis.

Gravitas: Ukraine, Russia crisis: What's happening in Donbas?

Will Russia invade Ukraine tomorrow? Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asked his country's citizens to fly flags and sing the national anthem on Wednesday - as many reports claim Russia could launch an invasion tomorrow. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Ukraine-Russia conflict: Wednesday the day of attack?

Vladimir Putin is counting on China to help Russia circumvent possible western sanctions. Will Beijing openly back a Russian invasion of Ukraine? What's in it for Xi Jinping? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: What will China do if Russia invades Ukraine?

Ukrainians are unfolding a 200-meter-long national flag to celebrate unity day, the new public holiday was announced by President Zelensky, all in a bit to keep the patriotic spirit alive among citizens especially during a fear of war.

Ukraine marks national 'unity day,' Zelensky dismisses warnings of invasion | World English News

Russia ends its military drills in Crimea and Moscow has now said that its soldiers were returning to their garrison. The announcement comes a day after Russia had earlier announced a first troop pullback from Ukraine's borders.

Russia begins pulling back troops, ends drill in Crimea | Russia-Ukraine crisis

Ukraine is betting on drones to defend itself in case of a Russian invasion. The Turkish-made Bayraktar TB-2 is chief among them. Kyiv says this drone could offset the enormous military advantage that Moscow enjoys. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Ukraine bets on drones to 'outsmart' Russia

Russian lawmakers have called on Vladimir Putin to recognize rebel-held areas in eastern Ukraine as independent states. Putin has called for the conflict in Donbass to be resolved through the Minsk peace process while also describing the situation in the region as a genocide.

Ukraine crisis: 'Donbass is committing genocide,' says Russian President Vladimir Putin

US president Joe Biden has made an appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin to step back from war with Ukraine. He pointed out that Moscow could use needless death and destruction and Putin could face international outrage.

As Russia pullback its troops, US President Joe Biden warns attack on Ukraine still a possibility

Amid worrying over an impending conflict, Russia seemingly opened the door on Monday to a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine standoff. The change in tone was displayed in a carefully choreographed meeting between President Putin and his foreign minister Sergey Lavrov.

Russia indicates willingness to talk to Ukraine, opens door to diplomacy

Leaders of the European Union may hold an emergency summit on Ukraine crisis on the sidelines of a meeting with their African counterparts, reported AFP citing a senior EU official.&nbsp;

Russia continues to maintain a heavy military presence near its border with Ukraine and Western countries have warned of an imminent invasion.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was the latest EU leader to embark on diplomatic efforts as he held talks Tuesday in Kyiv before heading to Moscow for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The official said Brussels was waiting for the results of Scholz's visit to the Kremlin and an emergency summit was "possible" if needed when EU leaders gather in Brussels Thursday for the Africa meeting.&nbsp;

The EU -- alongside other Western allies -- has vowed to impose massive sanctions on Moscow if it stages a further incursion into Ukraine.&nbsp; 
Officials in Brussels have come up with a raft of options for the sanctions but the leaders of the 27 member states would need to sign off on them.&nbsp;

The EU official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the West could not say if Putin has yet taken a decision to invade -- but warned that an attack could take place at any moment.

Moscow -- which denies it is planning an incursion -- on Monday signalled a possible easing of the crisis by keeping the door open for dialogue with the West and saying it was ending some military drills.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Leaders of the European Union may hold an emergency summit on Ukraine crisis on the sidelines of a meeting with their African counterparts, reported AFP citing a senior EU official.

Leaders of the European Union may hold an emergency summit on Ukraine crisis on the sidelines of a meeting with their African counterparts, reported AFP citing a senior EU official. Russia continues to maintain a heavy military presence near its border with Ukraine and Western countries have warned of an imminent invasion. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was the latest EU leader to embark on diplomatic efforts as he held talks Tuesday in Kyiv before heading to Moscow for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The official said Brussels was waiting for the results of Scholz's visit to the Kremlin and an emergency summit was "possible" if needed when EU leaders gather in Brussels Thursday for the Africa meeting. The EU -- alongside other Western allies -- has vowed to impose massive sanctions on Moscow if it stages a further incursion into Ukraine. Officials in Brussels have come up with a raft of options for the sanctions but the leaders of the 27 member states would need to sign off on them. The EU official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the West could not say if Putin has yet taken a decision to invade -- but warned that an attack could take place at any moment. Moscow -- which denies it is planning an incursion -- on Monday signalled a possible easing of the crisis by keeping the door open for dialogue with the West and saying it was ending some military drills. (With inputs from agencies)

EU plans emergency summit over Ukraine crisis

Russia has said that some military units had begun returning to their bases after carrying out combat training measures near the Ukrainian border.

Russia says some military units are returning back to their bases from Ukraine border

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is seeking to evacuate as many Israelis as possible from Ukraine amid growing fears of a Russian invasion.

Israeli officials rushing to evacuate citizens from Ukraine as Russia tensions escalate

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Scholz’s meeting comes a day after he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow amid Ukraine tensions

In the midst of the uncertainty in Ukraine about a possible Russian invasion, the Indian Embassy in Kyiv urged Indians, particularly students whose presence is not vital, to leave the country temporarily.

India issues travel advisory for citizens, students in Ukraine as tensions rise

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that the alliance is willing to sit down with Russia for talks on how to find a diplomatic way forward as tensions mount over a feared invasion of Ukraine.

Ready to engage in good faith with Russia, says NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg

US believes that a small crucial window of diplomacy remains for Russia to de-escalate tensions at the Ukraine border as Western leaders engages in a flurry of talks to defuse the crisis. 'We are not saying that president Putin has made a final decision we have not communicated otherwise to our partners we believe that diplomacy continues to be viable we believe that there still remains a window to resolve crisis through dialogue and diplomacy.'

United States: Crucial window of diplomacy left | Russia-Ukraine border tensions

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