Tensions have been escalating in Ukraine as the country remains on the brink of war. According to the US, the war is just hours away. Pentagon has said that 'Russia could attack Ukraine today'.

Pentagon says Russia could attack on Ukraine today

Russia seems to have been making new field deployments of armored equipment and troops near the border with Ukraine, said a private US company citing satellite images on Sunday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The director of US-based Maxar Technologies has said that the new activity indicated increased military readiness. &nbsp;

The firm, which has also released the images, has been tracking the buildup of Russian forces for weeks. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-to-meet-russian-counterpart-vladimir-putin-till-he-halts-ukraine-invasion-454912" hreflang="en">Biden to meet Putin till he halts Ukraine invasion</a>

In a release, Maxar on Sunday said, "This new activity represents a change in the pattern of the previously observed deployments of battle groups (tanks, armored personnel carriers, artillery and support equipment)." &nbsp;

<img alt="Brief 2" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54d87ee8-67f8-4e23-a11d-5c2a51257e65" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Russia%202.jpg" />

According to satellite images, many large deployments of battle groups have been observed around the military garrison at Soloti, Russia, as of February 13, Maxar said. &nbsp;

On Sunday, the images showed that most combat units and support equipment at Soloti had departed. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-sovereignty-and-territorial-integrity-must-be-protected-china-454860">Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be protected: China</a>

Throughout the area, vehicle tracks and some convoys of armored equipment were witnessed, the company said. &nbsp;

On the basis of the tracks and the snow, the activity looked to be recent, Stephen Wood, senior director, Maxar News Bureau, told Reuters. &nbsp;

"To me, it indicates an increased state of readiness," Wood said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russia seems to have been making new field deployments of armored equipment and troops near the border with Ukraine, said a private US company citing satellite images on Sunday.

Russia seems to have been making new field deployments of armored equipment and troops near the border with Ukraine, said a private US company citing satellite images on Sunday. The director of US-based Maxar Technologies has said that the new activity indicated increased military readiness. The firm, which has also released the images, has been tracking the buildup of Russian forces for weeks. Also Read: Biden to meet Putin till he halts Ukraine invasion In a release, Maxar on Sunday said, "This new activity represents a change in the pattern of the previously observed deployments of battle groups (tanks, armored personnel carriers, artillery and support equipment)." According to satellite images, many large deployments of battle groups have been observed around the military garrison at Soloti, Russia, as of February 13, Maxar said. On Sunday, the images showed that most combat units and support equipment at Soloti had departed. Also Read | Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be protected: China Throughout the area, vehicle tracks and some convoys of armored equipment were witnessed, the company said. On the basis of the tracks and the snow, the activity looked to be recent, Stephen Wood, senior director, Maxar News Bureau, told Reuters. "To me, it indicates an increased state of readiness," Wood said. (With inputs from agencies)

Satellite images indicate new Russian deployments near Ukraine border, says US company

Emmanuel Macron called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to make a decision on meeting US counterpart Joe Biden in a summit proposed by France to ease soaring tensions over Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Macron proposes Biden-Putin summit to help defuse tensions

U.S President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin may finally meet amid the ongoing tensions with Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron helped in brokering potential talks. Will the potential meeting between two leaders resolve the Russia-Ukraine crisis?

Will Joe Biden & Vladimir Putin meeting resolve Russia-Ukraine issue?

The United States has warned the United Nations it has information that Russia has lists of Ukrainians to be killed or sent to camps in the event of an invasion.

US warns: Russia readying list of Ukrainian targets

President Joe Biden's administration has prepared an initial package of sanctions against Russia that includes barring&nbsp;U.S. financial institutions from processing transactions for major Russian&nbsp;banks, three people familiar with the matter said.

The measures, which would only be implemented if Russia invades&nbsp;Ukraine, aim to hurt the Russian economy by&nbsp;cutting the "correspondent" banking relationships between targeted Russian banks and US banks that enable international payments.

While&nbsp;US&nbsp;authorities&nbsp;have said banking restrictions would be part of a package of possible sanctions, the administration's plan to&nbsp;cut&nbsp;correspondent banking&nbsp;ties&nbsp;- which underpin global money flows - has not previously been reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-ready-to-meet-putin-until-the-moment-ukraine-invasion-begins-454912">Biden ready to meet Putin 'until the moment' Ukraine invasion begins</a>

The United States will also wield its most powerful sanctioning tool against certain Russian individuals and companies by placing them on the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, effectively kicking them out of the&nbsp;U.S. banking system, banning their trade with Americans and freezing their&nbsp;U.S. assets, the same&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said.

The White House and Treasury Department declined to comment.

The&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said the package could change up to the last minute and it was unclear who the targets would be. However, they believe top Russian financial institutions including VTB Bank, Sberbank, VEB, and Gazprombank are possible targets.

Experts consulted by Reuters said that while the correspondent banking tool lacks the punch of an SDN designation, which freezes a bank's assets, they could still deal a meaningful blow to the target&nbsp;banks&nbsp;by making it difficult to transact in&nbsp;US&nbsp;dollars, the global reserve currency.

Much of global trade is transacted in dollars.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-us-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-to-visit-taiwan-next-week-454945">Former US&nbsp;Secretary of State&nbsp;Mike&nbsp;Pompeo to visit Taiwan next week</a>

It is unclear whether Russian&nbsp;banks&nbsp;would be added to the SDN list, but both types of sanctions could hit Russia hard.

"Since a significant number of global trade transactions are in&nbsp;U.S. dollars this is a sanction with bite, but without the more complicated and deadly sanction of being placed on the SDN list and having all assets in the&nbsp;U.S. or in the hands of&nbsp;U.S. persons frozen," said Washington lawyer Kay Georgi, who specializes in international trade.

Sources&nbsp;noted that the administration could exempt certain transactions from the restrictions if deemed necessary.

'UPFRONT COSTS'

The Biden administration has been threatening tough banking sanctions against Russia for weeks in a bid to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin from invading&nbsp;Ukraine. Moscow has amassed upwards of 150,000 troops on&nbsp;Ukraine's borders, but Putin has denied&nbsp;plans&nbsp;to launch an attack.

Peter Harrell, who sits on the National Security Council, said last month that "heavy hitting financial sanctions" were part of a strategy to hurt Russia's economy but spare its citizens.

"The goal of the financial sanctions is really to have short term upfront costs on Russia, to trigger capital flight, to trigger inflation, to make the Russian central bank provide bailouts&nbsp;to its&nbsp;banks," he said in a speech late last month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-russia-give-orders-to-attack-ukraine-us-media-cites-intel-inputs-that-were-apparently-known-to-biden-454927">Did Russia give orders to 'attack' Ukraine? US media cites intel inputs that were apparently known to Biden</a>

The tough warnings have put some&nbsp;U.S. financial firms on edge. Members of the financial services and payment industries have been in touch in recent days with the&nbsp;U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control, which administers sanctions,&nbsp;sources&nbsp;said.

Tensions grew over the weekend as Russia extended military drills in Belarus, heightening fears among Western powers of an imminent Russian invasion of&nbsp;Ukraine.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus | Explained: The Russia-Ukraine crisis

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-explained-the-russia-ukraine-crisis-454859/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Biden and Putin on Sunday agreed in principle to a summit, France said, offering hope conflict could be avoided.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the United States and Britain would&nbsp;cut&nbsp;off Russian companies' access to&nbsp;U.S. dollars and British pounds if the Kremlin orders an invasion.

The Biden administration has been similarly aggressive in its rhetoric. In a briefing on Friday, Deputy National Security advisor Daleep Singh told reporters that the cost to Russia of an invasion would be "immense, both to its economy and its strategic position in the world."

President Joe Biden's administration has prepared an initial package of sanctions against Russia that includes barring U.S. financial institutions from processing transactions for major Russian banks, three people familiar with the matter said.

President Joe Biden's administration has prepared an initial package of sanctions against Russia that includes barring U.S. financial institutions from processing transactions for major Russian banks, three people familiar with the matter said. The measures, which would only be implemented if Russia invades Ukraine, aim to hurt the Russian economy by cutting the "correspondent" banking relationships between targeted Russian banks and US banks that enable international payments. While US authorities have said banking restrictions would be part of a package of possible sanctions, the administration's plan to cut correspondent banking ties - which underpin global money flows - has not previously been reported. Also read | Biden ready to meet Putin 'until the moment' Ukraine invasion begins The United States will also wield its most powerful sanctioning tool against certain Russian individuals and companies by placing them on the Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) list, effectively kicking them out of the U.S. banking system, banning their trade with Americans and freezing their U.S. assets, the same sources said. The White House and Treasury Department declined to comment. The sources said the package could change up to the last minute and it was unclear who the targets would be. However, they believe top Russian financial institutions including VTB Bank, Sberbank, VEB, and Gazprombank are possible targets. Experts consulted by Reuters said that while the correspondent banking tool lacks the punch of an SDN designation, which freezes a bank's assets, they could still deal a meaningful blow to the target banks by making it difficult to transact in US dollars, the global reserve currency. Much of global trade is transacted in dollars. Also read | Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to visit Taiwan next week It is unclear whether Russian banks would be added to the SDN list, but both types of sanctions could hit Russia hard. "Since a significant number of global trade transactions are in U.S. dollars this is a sanction with bite, but without the more complicated and deadly sanction of being placed on the SDN list and having all assets in the U.S. or in the hands of U.S. persons frozen," said Washington lawyer Kay Georgi, who specializes in international trade. Sources noted that the administration could exempt certain transactions from the restrictions if deemed necessary. 'UPFRONT COSTS' The Biden administration has been threatening tough banking sanctions against Russia for weeks in a bid to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin from invading Ukraine. Moscow has amassed upwards of 150,000 troops on Ukraine's borders, but Putin has denied plans to launch an attack. Peter Harrell, who sits on the National Security Council, said last month that "heavy hitting financial sanctions" were part of a strategy to hurt Russia's economy but spare its citizens. "The goal of the financial sanctions is really to have short term upfront costs on Russia, to trigger capital flight, to trigger inflation, to make the Russian central bank provide bailouts to its banks," he said in a speech late last month. Also read | Did Russia give orders to 'attack' Ukraine? US media cites intel inputs that were apparently known to Biden The tough warnings have put some U.S. financial firms on edge. Members of the financial services and payment industries have been in touch in recent days with the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control, which administers sanctions, sources said. Tensions grew over the weekend as Russia extended military drills in Belarus, heightening fears among Western powers of an imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine. Watch | Gravitas Plus | Explained: The Russia-Ukraine crisis Biden and Putin on Sunday agreed in principle to a summit, France said, offering hope conflict could be avoided. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the United States and Britain would cut off Russian companies' access to U.S. dollars and British pounds if the Kremlin orders an invasion. The Biden administration has been similarly aggressive in its rhetoric. In a briefing on Friday, Deputy National Security advisor Daleep Singh told reporters that the cost to Russia of an invasion would be "immense, both to its economy and its strategic position in the world."

US plans to cut ties with targeted Russian banks if Ukraine is invaded: Sources

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who riled China while in office with his criticism of it and attacks on its ruling Communist Party, will visit Taiwan next week and meet President Tsai Ing-wen, the Taiwan government said on Monday.&nbsp;

Pompeo&nbsp;served under then-President Donald Trump from 2018 until the end of the administration in January last year.

Taiwan's foreign ministry said&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;and his wife would&nbsp;visit&nbsp;the Chinese-claimed island from March 3-5, and also meet Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and give a speech at a think-tank.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-takes-on-biden-in-his-cpac-speech-366815">Mike Pompeo takes on Biden in his CPAC speech</a>

"Former Secretary of State&nbsp;Pompeo&nbsp;is a long-term and staunch friend of&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and made outstanding contributions to promoting&nbsp;Taiwan-U.S. relations during his time in&nbsp;office," the ministry said in a statement.

His&nbsp;visit&nbsp;shows the bipartisan "rock solid" U.S. support for&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;and the close&nbsp;Taiwan-U.S. friendship, it added.

The Trump administration gave strong backing to&nbsp;Taiwan, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, including high profile arms sales and&nbsp;visits of top U.S. officials to Taipei.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-threat-to-taiwan-if-west-does-not-support-ukraine-454634">Boris Johnson says threat to Taiwan if West does not support Ukraine</a>

Pompeo&nbsp;particularly angered Beijing with his attacks on the Communist Party.

China&nbsp;has stepped up its military and diplomatic pressure against&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;over the past two years seeking to force the island to accept its sovereignty.

Taiwan's government says it wants peace but will defend itself if attacked, and that only the island's people have the right to decide their future.

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who riled China while in office with his criticism of it and attacks on its ruling Communist Party, will visit Taiwan next week and meet President Tsai Ing-wen, the Taiwan government said on Monday.

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who riled China while in office with his criticism of it and attacks on its ruling Communist Party, will visit Taiwan next week and meet President Tsai Ing-wen, the Taiwan government said on Monday. Pompeo served under then-President Donald Trump from 2018 until the end of the administration in January last year. Taiwan's foreign ministry said Pompeo and his wife would visit the Chinese-claimed island from March 3-5, and also meet Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and give a speech at a think-tank. Also read | Mike Pompeo takes on Biden in his CPAC speech "Former Secretary of State Pompeo is a long-term and staunch friend of Taiwan and made outstanding contributions to promoting Taiwan-U.S. relations during his time in office," the ministry said in a statement. His visit shows the bipartisan "rock solid" U.S. support for Taiwan and the close Taiwan-U.S. friendship, it added. The Trump administration gave strong backing to Taiwan, despite the lack of formal diplomatic ties, including high profile arms sales and visits of top U.S. officials to Taipei. Also read | Boris Johnson says threat to Taiwan if West does not support Ukraine Pompeo particularly angered Beijing with his attacks on the Communist Party. China has stepped up its military and diplomatic pressure against Taiwan over the past two years seeking to force the island to accept its sovereignty. Taiwan's government says it wants peace but will defend itself if attacked, and that only the island's people have the right to decide their future.

Former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to visit Taiwan next week

The Government of Nepal is on the 'brink of breakdown'. An American project has split the ruling coalition. 2 parties are threatening to breakaway. Protests have begun in Kathmandu.

Nepal: MCC grant tabled in Parliament

The US Vice President Kamala Harris at the Munich security conference warns of a possible war as tensions mount over the Ukraine crisis.

US Vice President Harris at Munich conference: 'We believe Putin has decided'

Police&nbsp;in Kathmandu&nbsp;fired&nbsp;teargas&nbsp;and&nbsp;water&nbsp;cannon&nbsp;to&nbsp;disperse&nbsp;protesters opposed to a U.S.-funded&nbsp;infrastructure programme that was set to be presented in parliament for ratification on Sunday, witnesses and officials in&nbsp;Nepal's capital said.

Some&nbsp;protesters were injured in the clashes, they said.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a U.S. government aid agency, agreed in 2017 to provide $500 million in grants to fund a 300-kilometre (187 mile) electricity transmission line and a road improvement project in&nbsp;Nepal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mcc-ratification-nepals-sovereign-decision-us-454675">MCC ratification Nepal’s sovereign decision: US&nbsp;</a>

Government officials said the grant will not have to be repaid and comes with no strings, but opponents say the agreement would undermine&nbsp;Nepal's laws and sovereignty as lawmakers would have insufficient oversight of the board directing the infrastructure project.

Major political parties including members of the ruling coalition are split over whether to accept or reject the U.S. grant money.

The U.S. Embassy in&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;described the $500 million MCC grant as "a gift from the American people and a partnership between our nations that will bring jobs and infrastructure to&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;and improve the lives of&nbsp;Nepalis."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-diplomat-says-us-and-british-spies-cant-be-trusted-on-ukraine-454775">Russian diplomat says: US and British spies can't be trusted on Ukraine</a>

"This project was requested by the&nbsp;Nepali government and the&nbsp;Nepali people and designed to transparently reduce poverty and grow the economy of&nbsp;Nepal," the embassy said in a statement issued late on Saturday.

"Whether&nbsp;Nepali leaders ratify MCC is a decision for&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;to make, as a sovereign democratic nation, and&nbsp;Nepal's decision alone," it added.

Watch |&nbsp;Nepal PM Deuba fails to garner consent for MCC as coalition divided over the grant

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-pm-deuba-fails-to-garner-consent-for-mcc-as-coalition-divided-over-the-grant-454229/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Nepal&nbsp;relies heavily on foreign aid, and donors coordinate development aid policy through the&nbsp;Nepal&nbsp;Development Forum, whose members include donor countries and international financial organisations.

Police in Kathmandu fired teargas and water cannon to disperse protesters opposed to a U.S.-funded infrastructure programme that was set to be presented in parliament for ratification on Sunday, witnesses and officials in Nepal's capital said.

Police in Kathmandu fired teargas and water cannon to disperse protesters opposed to a U.S.-funded infrastructure programme that was set to be presented in parliament for ratification on Sunday, witnesses and officials in Nepal's capital said. Some protesters were injured in the clashes, they said. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a U.S. government aid agency, agreed in 2017 to provide $500 million in grants to fund a 300-kilometre (187 mile) electricity transmission line and a road improvement project in Nepal. Also read | MCC ratification Nepal’s sovereign decision: US Government officials said the grant will not have to be repaid and comes with no strings, but opponents say the agreement would undermine Nepal's laws and sovereignty as lawmakers would have insufficient oversight of the board directing the infrastructure project. Major political parties including members of the ruling coalition are split over whether to accept or reject the U.S. grant money. The U.S. Embassy in Nepal described the $500 million MCC grant as "a gift from the American people and a partnership between our nations that will bring jobs and infrastructure to Nepal and improve the lives of Nepalis." Also read | Russian diplomat says: US and British spies can't be trusted on Ukraine "This project was requested by the Nepali government and the Nepali people and designed to transparently reduce poverty and grow the economy of Nepal," the embassy said in a statement issued late on Saturday. "Whether Nepali leaders ratify MCC is a decision for Nepal to make, as a sovereign democratic nation, and Nepal's decision alone," it added. Watch | Nepal PM Deuba fails to garner consent for MCC as coalition divided over the grant Nepal relies heavily on foreign aid, and donors coordinate development aid policy through the Nepal Development Forum, whose members include donor countries and international financial organisations.

Nepal police fire tear gas, water cannon to disperse protest against US funded projects

A helicopter crashed into the ocean just off Miami Beach, not so far away from the crowd of swimmers. The Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) shared a video on their official Twitter handle, showing the helicopter crashing into the water.&nbsp;

As per MPBD, two out of the three helicopter passengers were taken to Jackson memorial hospital, where they were given treatment. Following the treatment, they were declared to be in ‘stable’ condition.&nbsp;

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This afternoon at 1:10 p.m., MBPD received a call of a helicopter crash in the ocean near 10 Street. Police and <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiBeachFire?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MiamiBeachFire</a> responded to the scene along with several partner agencies. Two occupants have been transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital in stable condition. 
 
1/2 <a href="https://t.co/heSIqnQtle">pic.twitter.com/heSIqnQtle</a>
— Miami Beach Police (@MiamiBeachPD) <a href="https://twitter.com/MiamiBeachPD/status/1495118271498145796?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The tweet says that MBPD received a call at 1:10pm local time. Miami police, Miami beach fire department, and several other partner agencies rushed to the scene to respond.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-human-rights-chief-can-visit-xinjiang-but-beijing-doesnt-welcome-any-probe-says-chinas-foreign-minister-454717">Also read |&nbsp;UN human rights chief can visit Xinjiang but Beijing doesn't welcome any probe, says China's foreign minister</a>

The Federal aviation administration (FAA) also ​responded to the scene. As per FAA, the helicopter is a Robinson R44. "The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide additional updates," the statement reads.

The crash occurred under "unknown circumstances," reports CNN.&nbsp;

As per NBC Miami, Miami beach fire rescue chief Linares described the incident as a "control crash."

The fire department also stated, “if this crash has happened 50 yards more inland, we would have had a mass casualty event on our hands.”

(With inputs from agencies)

A helicopter crashed into the ocean just off Miami Beach, not so far away from the crowd of swimmers. The Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) shared a video on their official Twitter handle, showing the helicopter crashing into the water.

A helicopter crashed into the ocean just off Miami Beach, not so far away from the crowd of swimmers. The Miami Beach Police Department (MBPD) shared a video on their official Twitter handle, showing the helicopter crashing into the water. As per MPBD, two out of the three helicopter passengers were taken to Jackson memorial hospital, where they were given treatment. Following the treatment, they were declared to be in ‘stable’ condition. This afternoon at 1:10 p.m., MBPD received a call of a helicopter crash in the ocean near 10 Street. Police and @MiamiBeachFire responded to the scene along with several partner agencies. Two occupants have been transported to Jackson Memorial Hospital in stable condition. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/heSIqnQtle — Miami Beach Police (@MiamiBeachPD) February 19, 2022 × The tweet says that MBPD received a call at 1:10pm local time. Miami police, Miami beach fire department, and several other partner agencies rushed to the scene to respond. Also read | UN human rights chief can visit Xinjiang but Beijing doesn't welcome any probe, says China's foreign minister The Federal aviation administration (FAA) also responded to the scene. As per FAA, the helicopter is a Robinson R44. "The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate. The NTSB will be in charge of the investigation and will provide additional updates," the statement reads. The crash occurred under "unknown circumstances," reports CNN. As per NBC Miami, Miami beach fire rescue chief Linares described the incident as a "control crash." The fire department also stated, “if this crash has happened 50 yards more inland, we would have had a mass casualty event on our hands.” (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Helicopter crashes near crowd at Miami beach, two people injured

Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;can be&nbsp;prosecuted&nbsp;for his&nbsp;role&nbsp;in the attack on the US&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;by his supporters, a&nbsp;judge&nbsp;decided Friday, ruling that the Republican does not enjoy presidential immunity in this case.

The former president is the target of several lawsuits by elected officials and police who accuse him of being directly responsible for the violence perpetrated by his supports when they stormed the&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;on January 6, 2021.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-legal-blow-to-donald-trump-us-judge-orders-him-to-testify-in-fraud-probe-454168">&nbsp;Latest legal blow to Donald Trump: US judge orders him to testify in fraud probe</a>

A&nbsp;judge&nbsp;in Washington, DC, ruled that these complaints were admissible on the grounds that&nbsp;Trump's actions that day were "unofficial acts" that "entirely concern his efforts to remain in office for a second term," which the&nbsp;judge&nbsp;said does not fall within the scope of presidential immunity.

"To deny a President immunity from civil damages is no small step,"&nbsp;judge&nbsp;Amit Mehta wrote in findings that ran to 112 pages. "The court well understands the gravity of its decision."

The&nbsp;judge&nbsp;also said&nbsp;Trump's speech to thousands of supporters gathered in Washington before the assault could "reasonably" be perceived as a "call for collective action."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-rejects-trumps-claim-of-privilege-for-white-house-visitor-logs-454297">Biden rejects Trump’s claim of privilege for White House visitor logs</a>&nbsp;

Shortly after&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;addressed his supporters, a crowd waving "TRUMP&nbsp;2020" flags marched down the Mall to the seat of the US Congress, with hundreds forcing their way into the&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;building.&nbsp;

At the same time,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;took to Twitter to criticize his vice president Mike Pence for not blocking certification of Joe Biden's election victory, an act the&nbsp;judge&nbsp;said constituted "tacit agreement" with those who stormed the&nbsp;Capitol.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Former US President Donald Trump, his children ordered to testify in NY fraud probe

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/former-us-president-donald-trump-his-children-ordered-to-testify-in-ny-fraud-probe-454176/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The former president is the subject of three lawsuits accusing him of responsibility in the&nbsp;Capitol&nbsp;riot.&nbsp;

His&nbsp;role&nbsp;on that day is also being examined by a House of Representatives select committee, which has in its possession hundreds of pages of documents, text messages and testimonies, some of which the head of the probe said&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;had sought to keep hidden.

The billionaire former president has slammed the investigation as a "witch hunt."

Donald Trump can be prosecuted for his role in the attack on the US Capitol by his supporters, a judge decided Friday, ruling that the Republican does not enjoy presidential immunity in this case.

Donald Trump can be prosecuted for his role in the attack on the US Capitol by his supporters, a judge decided Friday, ruling that the Republican does not enjoy presidential immunity in this case. The former president is the target of several lawsuits by elected officials and police who accuse him of being directly responsible for the violence perpetrated by his supports when they stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Also read | Latest legal blow to Donald Trump: US judge orders him to testify in fraud probe A judge in Washington, DC, ruled that these complaints were admissible on the grounds that Trump's actions that day were "unofficial acts" that "entirely concern his efforts to remain in office for a second term," which the judge said does not fall within the scope of presidential immunity. "To deny a President immunity from civil damages is no small step," judge Amit Mehta wrote in findings that ran to 112 pages. "The court well understands the gravity of its decision." The judge also said Trump's speech to thousands of supporters gathered in Washington before the assault could "reasonably" be perceived as a "call for collective action." Also read | Biden rejects Trump’s claim of privilege for White House visitor logs Shortly after Trump addressed his supporters, a crowd waving "TRUMP 2020" flags marched down the Mall to the seat of the US Congress, with hundreds forcing their way into the Capitol building. At the same time, Trump took to Twitter to criticize his vice president Mike Pence for not blocking certification of Joe Biden's election victory, an act the judge said constituted "tacit agreement" with those who stormed the Capitol. Watch | Former US President Donald Trump, his children ordered to testify in NY fraud probe The former president is the subject of three lawsuits accusing him of responsibility in the Capitol riot. His role on that day is also being examined by a House of Representatives select committee, which has in its possession hundreds of pages of documents, text messages and testimonies, some of which the head of the probe said Trump had sought to keep hidden. The billionaire former president has slammed the investigation as a "witch hunt."

Trump can be prosecuted for role in US Capitol riot, judge rules

Iran's top negotiator says that a nuclear deal is 'closer than ever'. But Tehran is holding out until the US Congress releases a political statement backing the agreement. Will Republicans sink Joe Biden's west Asian project? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Iran nuclear deal 'closer than ever'

US report called China the top source of counterfeit products in the world. US list identified 42 online markets and 35 physical markets around the world.

China top source of counterfeit products in the world, says US report

A Marine Corps reservist who was charged with entering the Capitol during the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, is now accused of conspiring with a nurse to steal, forge and distribute hundreds of fraudulent coronavirus vaccination cards, prosecutors said Thursday.

The reservist, Jia Liu, 26, of the New York City borough of Queens, and the nurse, Steven Rodriguez, 27, of Long Beach, New York, plotted to distribute the fraudulent vaccination cards to people who were not vaccinated, including Marine reservists who were trying to evade the Pentagon’s vaccine requirement for members of the military, prosecutors said.

Michael Driscoll, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York field office, said the scheme resulted in more than 300 stolen or false vaccination cards circulating through the community as well as the destruction of “multiple doses” of the coronavirus vaccine.

Liu and Rodriguez were arrested Thursday morning and charged in an indictment with one count of conspiring to defraud the US&nbsp;Department of Health and Human Services and one count of conspiring to commit forgery, prosecutors said.

Liu was also charged with one count of conspiring to defraud the Defense Department for providing fraudulent vaccination cards to Marine reservists, prosecutors said.

“By deliberately distributing fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards to the unvaccinated, the defendants put military and other communities at risk of contracting a virus that has already claimed nearly 1 million lives in this country,” Breon Peace, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in a statement.

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Both men pleaded not guilty Thursday in US District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

Liu was released on a $250,000 bond to home detention with GPS monitoring, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Rodriguez was released on a $100,000 bond, the spokesperson said. If convicted, both men face up to 10 years in prison.

Benjamin Yaster, a lawyer for Liu, declined to comment on the charges.

“The charges are disturbing, obviously,” Gary Farrell, a lawyer for Rodriguez, said in an email. “This young man has no prior record and has a good family, which is why he was released on an unsecured signature bond with the consent of the government.”

Prosecutors said the scheme lasted from at least March until this month and offered buyers blank vaccination cards, or completed vaccination cards with falsified information.

Buyers could also be entered into immunisation databases, which allowed them to receive the Excelsior Pass, which displays a user’s vaccination status in a digital app, prosecutors said.

As part of the scheme, Liu bought blank vaccination cards from Rodriguez and then forged and distributed them for a profit, prosecutors said.

Liu also directed buyers to meet Rodriguez at his clinic in Hempstead, New York, which was not identified in court records, prosecutors said.

At the clinic, Rodriguez would destroy a vial of the vaccine, and then record the dose on a vaccination card as if he had administered it to the buyer, prosecutors said. He would then enter the information into immunization databases, falsely indicating that the buyer had been vaccinated, prosecutors said.

Both men promoted the scheme on encrypted messaging apps and on social media, using code names for the vaccination cards such as “gift cards,” “Cardi Bs,” “Christmas cards” and “Pokemon cards.”

Liu was already facing charges in connection with the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol and attacked police officers as Congress was seeking to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Liu, who was seen on video footage entering the Capitol in a black jacket with an American flag hood over his head, was charged last year with four counts, including disorderly conduct in a capitol building, prosecutors said. That case is still pending.

A Marine Corps reservist who was charged with entering the Capitol during the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, is now accused of conspiring with a nurse to steal, forge and distribute hundreds of fraudulent coronavirus vaccination cards, prosecutors said Thursday.

A Marine Corps reservist who was charged with entering the Capitol during the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, is now accused of conspiring with a nurse to steal, forge and distribute hundreds of fraudulent coronavirus vaccination cards, prosecutors said Thursday. The reservist, Jia Liu, 26, of the New York City borough of Queens, and the nurse, Steven Rodriguez, 27, of Long Beach, New York, plotted to distribute the fraudulent vaccination cards to people who were not vaccinated, including Marine reservists who were trying to evade the Pentagon’s vaccine requirement for members of the military, prosecutors said. Michael Driscoll, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s New York field office, said the scheme resulted in more than 300 stolen or false vaccination cards circulating through the community as well as the destruction of “multiple doses” of the coronavirus vaccine. Liu and Rodriguez were arrested Thursday morning and charged in an indictment with one count of conspiring to defraud the US Department of Health and Human Services and one count of conspiring to commit forgery, prosecutors said. Liu was also charged with one count of conspiring to defraud the Defense Department for providing fraudulent vaccination cards to Marine reservists, prosecutors said. “By deliberately distributing fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards to the unvaccinated, the defendants put military and other communities at risk of contracting a virus that has already claimed nearly 1 million lives in this country,” Breon Peace, U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York, said in a statement. Also read | Know more about 'SmartWater': A forensic spray which is helping UK police with women safety Both men pleaded not guilty Thursday in US District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Liu was released on a $250,000 bond to home detention with GPS monitoring, a spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Rodriguez was released on a $100,000 bond, the spokesperson said. If convicted, both men face up to 10 years in prison. Benjamin Yaster, a lawyer for Liu, declined to comment on the charges. “The charges are disturbing, obviously,” Gary Farrell, a lawyer for Rodriguez, said in an email. “This young man has no prior record and has a good family, which is why he was released on an unsecured signature bond with the consent of the government.” Prosecutors said the scheme lasted from at least March until this month and offered buyers blank vaccination cards, or completed vaccination cards with falsified information. Buyers could also be entered into immunisation databases, which allowed them to receive the Excelsior Pass, which displays a user’s vaccination status in a digital app, prosecutors said. As part of the scheme, Liu bought blank vaccination cards from Rodriguez and then forged and distributed them for a profit, prosecutors said. Liu also directed buyers to meet Rodriguez at his clinic in Hempstead, New York, which was not identified in court records, prosecutors said. At the clinic, Rodriguez would destroy a vial of the vaccine, and then record the dose on a vaccination card as if he had administered it to the buyer, prosecutors said. He would then enter the information into immunization databases, falsely indicating that the buyer had been vaccinated, prosecutors said. Both men promoted the scheme on encrypted messaging apps and on social media, using code names for the vaccination cards such as “gift cards,” “Cardi Bs,” “Christmas cards” and “Pokemon cards.” Liu was already facing charges in connection with the riot on Jan. 6, 2021, when a mob of Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol and attacked police officers as Congress was seeking to certify the results of the 2020 presidential election. Liu, who was seen on video footage entering the Capitol in a black jacket with an American flag hood over his head, was charged last year with four counts, including disorderly conduct in a capitol building, prosecutors said. That case is still pending.

Man charged in Jan 6, 2021, riot sold forged vaccination cards, US says

US Vice President Kamala Harris met the NATO chief and discussed the Ukraine conflict. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated that US does not see any signs of de-escalations from Russia.

US Vice-President Kamala Harris meets NATO chief, discusses Ukraine conflict

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed the United Nations Security Council regarding Russia's threat to peace and security and informed that Moscow is planning to manufacture a pretext to attack Ukraine.

Russia plans to manufacture pretext to attack Ukraine, says US State Secy Antony Blinken

The United States on Thursday informed the members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that Russia is finding ways to attack Ukraine, adding that over 150,000 Russian troops manning borders are preparing to attack its neighbour.

Addressing the diplomatic meeting on the Ukraine crisis, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Moscow is on the precipice of launching a war.

“As we meet today, the most immediate threat to peace and security is Russia's looming aggression against Ukraine,” Blinken said.

“Russia says it's drawing down those forces. We do not see that happening on the ground. Our information indicates clearly that these forces including ground troops, aircraft, ships are preparing to launch an attack against Ukraine in the coming days,” he added.

Blinken said Russia has already “identified and mapped out in detailed plans” targets that it plans to advance on if Moscow decides to launch a military invasion of Ukraine.

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“This crisis directly affects every member of this Council and every country in the world because the basic principles that sustain peace and security, principles that were enshrined in the wake of two world wars and a Cold War, are under threat,” he said.

He urged urges Russia to “abandon path of war” against Ukraine and to choose a different path “while there's still time.”

During his speech, Blinken invited Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to meet in Europe 'next week' over Ukraine crisis.

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Russia hit back at US saying that West was responsible for the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, adding that it wants a "war” with Moscow.

"The only goal of the West is to organise a war. If this is not the case, then the puppet govt of Ukraine would have been compelled to implement the Minsk agreement a long time ago. Since this is not taking place, we can state that the West wants a war with Russia", it said at UNSC.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States on Thursday informed the members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that Russia is finding ways to attack Ukraine, adding that over 150,000 Russian troops manning borders are preparing to attack its neighbour.

The United States on Thursday informed the members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that Russia is finding ways to attack Ukraine, adding that over 150,000 Russian troops manning borders are preparing to attack its neighbour. Addressing the diplomatic meeting on the Ukraine crisis, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Moscow is on the precipice of launching a war. “As we meet today, the most immediate threat to peace and security is Russia's looming aggression against Ukraine,” Blinken said. “Russia says it's drawing down those forces. We do not see that happening on the ground. Our information indicates clearly that these forces including ground troops, aircraft, ships are preparing to launch an attack against Ukraine in the coming days,” he added. Blinken said Russia has already “identified and mapped out in detailed plans” targets that it plans to advance on if Moscow decides to launch a military invasion of Ukraine. Also read | Hope India sides with America if Russia invades Ukraine, says US “This crisis directly affects every member of this Council and every country in the world because the basic principles that sustain peace and security, principles that were enshrined in the wake of two world wars and a Cold War, are under threat,” he said. He urged urges Russia to “abandon path of war” against Ukraine and to choose a different path “while there's still time.” During his speech, Blinken invited Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to meet in Europe 'next week' over Ukraine crisis. Also read | The West must not be fooled by Russia's claims: UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss Russia hit back at US saying that West was responsible for the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, adding that it wants a "war” with Moscow. "The only goal of the West is to organise a war. If this is not the case, then the puppet govt of Ukraine would have been compelled to implement the Minsk agreement a long time ago. Since this is not taking place, we can state that the West wants a war with Russia", it said at UNSC. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine crisis: At UNSC, US and Russia accuse each other of drumming up ‘war’ hysteria

The US has included e-commerce sites operated by China's Tencent Holdings and Alibaba group holdings in the notorious markets list.

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The US has said that it is willing to ease sanctions if Iran is willing to act and a deal is possible within days. France also said that only days are left to agree on a possible Iran nuclear deal.

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Former US President Donald Trump now must answer questions under oath in New York's civil investigation into his business practices.

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Russia's claims it was pulling forces back from the Ukraine border are false, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement while speaking at Munich security conference.

Munich Security Conference 2022: Russia creating false provocations in Ukraine, says Antony Blinken

The Government of Nepal is on the 'brink of breakdown'. An American project has split the ruling coalition. 2 parties are threatening to breakaway. Protests have begun in Kathmandu. US suspects China's hand behind the crisis. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Nepal's ruling coalition on the 'brink of breakdown'

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