President Joe Biden said that the US has offered Ukraine $1bn in security aid, adding America will continue to give Ukraine weapons to fight and defend themselves.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: US President Joe Biden announces $1bn arms aid to Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued an urgent plea to the United States as he addressed a special joint session of Congress via video. He called for the US to "do more" to help his country's fight against Russia.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: President Zelensky calls on US to 'do more' to in his speech to Congress

'Over 2,500 civilians have been killed in Russian army attacks on the besieged city of Mariupol, Ukraine', said Oleksiy Arestovych, an adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Over 2,500 civilians killed in Russian attacks on Mariupol

Reports claim Vladimir Putin is the richest man on earth with a net worth of $200 billion. How accurate is this estimate? What do western sanctions mean for Putin's hidden wealth? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: How rich is Vladimir Putin?

As the Russian-Ukrainian conflict enters its 4th week, the Russian president Putin delivered a stark warning to West and called for natural unnecessary cleansing of the Russian society. The Kremlin leader said the West was enforced using the fifth column to try and divide the Russian society. He accused the Western alliance of funding misinformation to cause civil friction so as to achieve the ultimate goal of Russian destruction.

Kremlin President Vladimir Putin delivers stark warning to West

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Russia to immediately suspend its military action in Ukraine, saying it is profoundly concerned by Moscow’s use of force.

World court orders Russia to immediately halt invasion of Ukraine

President Joe Biden on Wednesday deemed Russian President Vladimir Putin a "war criminal". Biden's comment marks the first time the American president has used the harsh term to describe the Russian autocrat.

US President Joe Biden calls Russia's Vladimir Putin a 'war criminal' over Ukraine invasion

At least one person was killed and three wounded after remains of a downed missile hit a residential building in the Ukranian capital Kyiv. WION's Anas Mallick brings you more insights.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Remains of downed missile hit residential building

US Embassy in Ukraine on Wednesday said that Russian troops shot and killed 10 people standing in line for bread in the Ukranian city of Chernihiv.

Ukraine: 10 civilians killed while queuing to collect bread in Chernihiv

SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has changed his name to 'Elona Musk' on Twitter, leaving the users in frenzy. However, the reason behind the change is linked to the ongoing Russia and Ukraine conflict.&nbsp;

After Musk's challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin for single combat for Ukraine, the head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov gave him a word of advice.&nbsp;

While defending Putin, Kadyrov took to his official Telegram and issued a warning to the SpaceX chief. In a long post, he wrote, "Elon Musk, a word of advice: Don’t measure your strength against that of Putin’s. You’re in two completely different leagues."&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fox-news-veteran-war-zone-photographer-ukrainian-journalist-killed-in-ukraine-462764">Fox News veteran war-zone photographer, Ukrainian journalist killed in Ukraine</a>

With an English version, the post was shared by Musk on his official Twitter handle to millions of users, who were stunned by Musk's reply as Tesla boss signed off his tweet as 'Elona'.&nbsp;

Kadyrov called him "effeminate" and also said he needed to "pump up those muscles in order to change from the gentle (effeminate) Elona into the brutal Elon."&nbsp;

Kadyrov said that the Russian president will "beat the hell out of you [Elon Musk], a much weaker opponent" and offered that the Tesla and SpaceX founder train at the Russian Special Forces University, Akhmat Fight Club.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-conflict-joe-biden-to-announce-800-million-in-new-security-aid-to-ukraine-462729">Russia-Ukraine conflict: Joe Biden to announce $800 million in new security aid to Ukraine</a>

He suggested that the Chechen State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company prepare for the fight with Putin. "You will return from the Chechen Republic a completely different person Elon, that is, Elona," wrote Ramzan Kadyrov. &nbsp;

In response, Musk wrote, "Thank you for the offer, but such excellent training would give me too much of an advantage. If he is afraid to fight, I will agree to use only my left hand and I am not even left-handed." He signed off as "Elona".&nbsp;

Here's the tweet:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank you for the offer, but such excellent training would give me too much of an advantage. 
 
If he is afraid to fight, I will agree to use only my left hand and I am not even left-handed. 
 
Elona
— Elona Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1503831484523819011?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 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>

On Monday (March 14), using the Russian alphabets to write Putin's name, Musk on his official Twitter handle wrote: "I hereby challenge Vladimir Putin to single combat. "Stakes are Ukraine," he added.&nbsp;

In the same trail, Musk then wrote in Russian: "Do you agree to this fight?" and tagged the official Twitter account of the Kremlin.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war enters day 21: Zelensky steps up criticism of NATO

<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-ukraine-war-enters-day-21-zelensky-steps-up-criticism-of-nato-462782/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has changed his name to 'Elona Musk' on Twitter, leaving the users in frenzy. However, the reason behind the change is linked to the ongoing Russia and Ukraine conflict.

SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk has changed his name to 'Elona Musk' on Twitter, leaving the users in frenzy. However, the reason behind the change is linked to the ongoing Russia and Ukraine conflict. After Musk's challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin for single combat for Ukraine, the head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov gave him a word of advice. While defending Putin, Kadyrov took to his official Telegram and issued a warning to the SpaceX chief. In a long post, he wrote, "Elon Musk, a word of advice: Don’t measure your strength against that of Putin’s. You’re in two completely different leagues." ALSO READ | Fox News veteran war-zone photographer, Ukrainian journalist killed in Ukraine With an English version, the post was shared by Musk on his official Twitter handle to millions of users, who were stunned by Musk's reply as Tesla boss signed off his tweet as 'Elona'. Kadyrov called him "effeminate" and also said he needed to "pump up those muscles in order to change from the gentle (effeminate) Elona into the brutal Elon." Kadyrov said that the Russian president will "beat the hell out of you [Elon Musk], a much weaker opponent" and offered that the Tesla and SpaceX founder train at the Russian Special Forces University, Akhmat Fight Club. ALSO READ | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Joe Biden to announce $800 million in new security aid to Ukraine He suggested that the Chechen State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company prepare for the fight with Putin. "You will return from the Chechen Republic a completely different person Elon, that is, Elona," wrote Ramzan Kadyrov. In response, Musk wrote, "Thank you for the offer, but such excellent training would give me too much of an advantage. If he is afraid to fight, I will agree to use only my left hand and I am not even left-handed." He signed off as "Elona". Here's the tweet: Thank you for the offer, but such excellent training would give me too much of an advantage. If he is afraid to fight, I will agree to use only my left hand and I am not even left-handed. Elona — Elona Musk (@elonmusk) March 15, 2022 × On Monday (March 14), using the Russian alphabets to write Putin's name, Musk on his official Twitter handle wrote: "I hereby challenge Vladimir Putin to single combat. "Stakes are Ukraine," he added. In the same trail, Musk then wrote in Russian: "Do you agree to this fight?" and tagged the official Twitter account of the Kremlin. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war enters day 21: Zelensky steps up criticism of NATO ×

Elon Musk or 'Elona Musk'? Here's why Tesla CEO changed his name on Twitter

Ukraine refugee crisis raises other concerns; fleeing women & minors may be targetted for trafficking

The Russian government announced Tuesday it would leave the Council of Europe amid mounting calls for Moscow to be expelled over its invasion of Ukraine.

Having essentially jumped before being expelled from the Strasbourg-based body, the Russian foreign ministry informed Secretary-General Marija Pejcinovic Buric of its departure.

As a result of the decision, Russia ends its quarter-century membership in the Council of Europe (COE) and opens the door to the reimposition of the death penalty if the authorities so choose.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/courage-of-true-friends-of-ukraine-european-leaders-defiant-visit-to-kyiv-amid-growing-tension-with-russia-462717">'Courage of true friends of Ukraine': European leaders' defiant visit to Kyiv amid growing tension with Russia</a>

By leaving the Council of Europe, Russia will no longer be a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and its citizens will lose access to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Responsibility for destruction of the common humanitarian space on the continent &amp; the consequences for Council of Europe – which, without Russia, will lose its pan-European character – will be borne solely by those who are forcing us to take this step. 
 
🔗<a href="https://t.co/79kDQi3E0N">https://t.co/79kDQi3E0N</a> <a href="https://t.co/j0maChWWUT">pic.twitter.com/j0maChWWUT</a>
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) <a href="https://twitter.com/mfa_russia/status/1503834772719738883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 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>

Russia's exit will represent a major change to the ECHR, which serves as the court of last resort when all domestic options have been exhausted.

In the history of the Council of Europe, this is only the second time a member state has announced it is leaving the organisation, the first being Greece which temporarily left in the late 1960s.

A day after tens of thousands of troops entered Ukraine on February 24, Russia was stripped of all representation rights.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imitation-the-sincerest-form-of-flattery-french-president-discards-suits-dons-sweatshirt-copying-zelensky-462399" hreflang="en">Imitation, the sincerest form of flattery: French President discards suits, dons sweatshirt. Copying Zelensky?</a>

"As leaders of the Council of Europe we expressed on several occasions our firm condemnation of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine," the Italian Foreign Minister, Luigi Di Maio, the president of the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly, Tiny Kox, and the secretary-general of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejcinovic Buric, said in a joint statement.

"The Committee of Ministers will hold an extraordinary meeting tomorrow morning also in the light of today’s notification by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation of the Russian leadership’s decision to withdraw from the Council of Europe," they said.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal of Ukraine demanded Monday that Russia be expelled from the organisation, saying it had no right to continue being a member after sending troops into the pro-Western nation.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine | Refugees of war: What do the numbers say

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-refugees-of-war-what-do-the-numbers-say-462711/embed" width="560"></iframe>

A statement was posted by the Russian foreign ministry on its Telegram account regarding "launching the procedure to exit the Council of Europe," adding that it had "no regrets" about leaving.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials said the exit would not affect the rights and freedoms of Russian citizens and that existing European Court resolutions will continue to be implemented if they do not contradict Russian law.

They alleged that EU and NATO member states had turned the Council of Europe into an "instrument for anti-Russian policies".

(With inputs from agencies)

The Russian government announced Tuesday it would leave the Council of Europe amid mounting calls for Moscow to be expelled over its invasion of Ukraine. Having essentially jumped before being expelled from the Strasbourg-based body, the Russian foreign ministry informed Secretary-General Marija Pejcinovic Buric of its departure.

The Russian government announced Tuesday it would leave the Council of Europe amid mounting calls for Moscow to be expelled over its invasion of Ukraine. Having essentially jumped before being expelled from the Strasbourg-based body, the Russian foreign ministry informed Secretary-General Marija Pejcinovic Buric of its departure. As a result of the decision, Russia ends its quarter-century membership in the Council of Europe (COE) and opens the door to the reimposition of the death penalty if the authorities so choose. Also read | 'Courage of true friends of Ukraine': European leaders' defiant visit to Kyiv amid growing tension with Russia By leaving the Council of Europe, Russia will no longer be a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and its citizens will lose access to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Responsibility for destruction of the common humanitarian space on the continent & the consequences for Council of Europe – which, without Russia, will lose its pan-European character – will be borne solely by those who are forcing us to take this step. 🔗https://t.co/79kDQi3E0N pic.twitter.com/j0maChWWUT — MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) March 15, 2022 × Russia's exit will represent a major change to the ECHR, which serves as the court of last resort when all domestic options have been exhausted. In the history of the Council of Europe, this is only the second time a member state has announced it is leaving the organisation, the first being Greece which temporarily left in the late 1960s. A day after tens of thousands of troops entered Ukraine on February 24, Russia was stripped of all representation rights. Also read | Imitation, the sincerest form of flattery: French President discards suits, dons sweatshirt. Copying Zelensky? "As leaders of the Council of Europe we expressed on several occasions our firm condemnation of the Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine," the Italian Foreign Minister, Luigi Di Maio, the president of the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly, Tiny Kox, and the secretary-general of the Council of Europe, Marija Pejcinovic Buric, said in a joint statement. "The Committee of Ministers will hold an extraordinary meeting tomorrow morning also in the light of today’s notification by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation of the Russian leadership’s decision to withdraw from the Council of Europe," they said. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal of Ukraine demanded Monday that Russia be expelled from the organisation, saying it had no right to continue being a member after sending troops into the pro-Western nation. Watch | Ukraine | Refugees of war: What do the numbers say A statement was posted by the Russian foreign ministry on its Telegram account regarding "launching the procedure to exit the Council of Europe," adding that it had "no regrets" about leaving. Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials said the exit would not affect the rights and freedoms of Russian citizens and that existing European Court resolutions will continue to be implemented if they do not contradict Russian law. They alleged that EU and NATO member states had turned the Council of Europe into an "instrument for anti-Russian policies". (With inputs from agencies)

Jumping the gun: As calls for its expulsion grow, Russia announces 'Ruxit' from Council of Europe

The Russia and Ukraine conflict is raging. Russia is facing global isolation and an economic crisis with Western allies putting multiple sanctions on the country and big brands refusing to do business due to Russia's action during the Ukraine invasion.&nbsp;

The ongoing conflict has led to a massive loss of lives including children, with the death toll rising every day. The crisis also caused the destruction of property as Russia continues shelling and bombing Ukrainian cities.&nbsp;

The US and other NATO allies are calling for a ceasefire and diplomatic dialogues. They are also putting sanctions on Russia and Russians, expecting that Russian President Vladimir Putin will end the conflict.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, a report published by Sputnik stated that the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) will cooperate with the country's intelligence services to identify assets that are allegedly kept by Putin and his associates in London.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-iodine-tablets-for-nuclear-risk-why-is-europe-rushing-to-buy-this-tablet-462841">Iodine tablets for nuclear risk. Why is Europe rushing to buy this tablet?</a>

A report by Telegraph on Wednesday (March 16) noted citing NCA sources that personal assets of Putin worth millions of dollars are stashed in London and the agency will work with MI5, MI6 and GCHQ agencies to&nbsp;attempt to track it down.&nbsp;

A source told the newspaper, "There are people working there now. This is what the 'kleptocracy' team will devote its time to. The unit will track down Putin's money and that of his cronies."&nbsp;

As per the paper, the probe into assets will not be simple and will also include Belarusian money in the UK. "We will use all legislative options and tactics available to the agency to prosecute corrupt elites who launder their assets in the UK," an NCA spokesperson said as quoted by the paper.&nbsp;

IN PICS&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-refugee-crisis-raises-other-concerns-feeling-women-minors-may-be-targetted-for-trafficking-462747" hreflang="en">Ukraine refugee crisis raises other concerns; fleeing women &amp; minors may be targetted for trafficking</a>&nbsp;

History books have noted that the growth of London as a centre for financial and professional services coincided with the collapse of the USSR and the rise of post-Soviet 'kleptocracies' in the 1990s.&nbsp;

These states and their elites have since become a major source of clients for UK-based services firms and investors in UK assets.

After Putin ordered "military operations" in Ukraine on February 24, Britain imposed sanctions to freeze the assets of the Russian President and country's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.&nbsp;

According to the UK sanctions list, Lavrov was a key decision-maker in Russia's government.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Maria Zakharova, who is Russia's Foreign Minister's spokeswoman said that neither Putin nor Lavrov had assets in the UK or anywhere else abroad.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Does Putin really want to stop this war or not?

<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-ukraine-crisis-does-putin-really-want-to-stop-this-war-or-not-462790/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

The Russia and Ukraine conflict is raging. Russia is facing global isolation and an economic crisis with Western allies putting multiple sanctions on the country and big brands refusing to do business due to Russia's action during the Ukraine invasion.

The Russia and Ukraine conflict is raging. Russia is facing global isolation and an economic crisis with Western allies putting multiple sanctions on the country and big brands refusing to do business due to Russia's action during the Ukraine invasion. The ongoing conflict has led to a massive loss of lives including children, with the death toll rising every day. The crisis also caused the destruction of property as Russia continues shelling and bombing Ukrainian cities. The US and other NATO allies are calling for a ceasefire and diplomatic dialogues. They are also putting sanctions on Russia and Russians, expecting that Russian President Vladimir Putin will end the conflict. Meanwhile, a report published by Sputnik stated that the UK National Crime Agency (NCA) will cooperate with the country's intelligence services to identify assets that are allegedly kept by Putin and his associates in London. ALSO READ | Iodine tablets for nuclear risk. Why is Europe rushing to buy this tablet? A report by Telegraph on Wednesday (March 16) noted citing NCA sources that personal assets of Putin worth millions of dollars are stashed in London and the agency will work with MI5, MI6 and GCHQ agencies to attempt to track it down. A source told the newspaper, "There are people working there now. This is what the 'kleptocracy' team will devote its time to. The unit will track down Putin's money and that of his cronies." As per the paper, the probe into assets will not be simple and will also include Belarusian money in the UK. "We will use all legislative options and tactics available to the agency to prosecute corrupt elites who launder their assets in the UK," an NCA spokesperson said as quoted by the paper. IN PICS | Ukraine refugee crisis raises other concerns; fleeing women & minors may be targetted for trafficking History books have noted that the growth of London as a centre for financial and professional services coincided with the collapse of the USSR and the rise of post-Soviet 'kleptocracies' in the 1990s. These states and their elites have since become a major source of clients for UK-based services firms and investors in UK assets. After Putin ordered "military operations" in Ukraine on February 24, Britain imposed sanctions to freeze the assets of the Russian President and country's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. According to the UK sanctions list, Lavrov was a key decision-maker in Russia's government. Meanwhile, Maria Zakharova, who is Russia's Foreign Minister's spokeswoman said that neither Putin nor Lavrov had assets in the UK or anywhere else abroad. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Does Putin really want to stop this war or not? ×

Kleptocracy hunt: UK to go after Putin's London assets worth millions of pounds

In the first foreign leaders' visit to Ukraine's besieged capital since Russia's invasion, the prime ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday.

Upon arrival by train, the prime ministers sat around a table with their Ukrainian counterpart Denis Shmyhal and the Ukrainian president, who provided an overview of the situation.

"They are shelling everywhere. Not only Kyiv but also the western areas," Zelensky told them in comments translated into English, a video posted on his Telegram account showed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imitation-the-sincerest-form-of-flattery-french-president-discards-suits-dons-sweatshirt-copying-zelensky-462399" hreflang="en">Imitation, the sincerest form of flattery: French President discards suits, dons sweatshirt. Copying Zelensky?</a>

"We have to halt this tragedy unfolding in the East as quickly as possible," Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said in a post on Facebook announcing their arrival.

Ukraine had the "unequivocal support" of the European Union, he added.

Shmyhal announced their arrival earlier that day on Twitter, saluting "the courage of true friends of Ukraine."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Prime Ministers of 🇵🇱 <a href="https://twitter.com/MorawieckiM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MorawieckiM</a>, 🇸🇮 <a href="https://twitter.com/JJansaSDS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JJansaSDS</a> and 🇨🇿 <a href="https://twitter.com/P_Fiala?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@P_Fiala</a> arrived on the behalf of <a href="https://twitter.com/EUCouncil?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EUCouncil</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kyiv?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kyiv</a> today. The courage of true friends of 🇺🇦! Discussing support of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> and strengthening sanctions against the Russian aggression.
— Denys Shmyhal (@Denys_Shmyhal) <a href="https://twitter.com/Denys_Shmyhal/status/1503793161562427393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 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>

He said their talks would focus on support for Ukraine and "strengthening sanctions against the Russian aggression".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/we-dont-know-how-to-kill-residents-of-odessa-who-cannot-fight-help-with-war-efforts-in-other-ways-462454" hreflang="en">'We don't know how to kill': Residents of Odessa who cannot fight help with war efforts in other ways</a>

Prime Minister Morawiecki, Czech Premier Petr Fiala and Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa are on a visit to the besieged country as "representatives" of the European Union, according to an early statement from the Polish government.

The visit comes as Russian forces attack targets across Ukraine, including Kyiv, which has nearly been encircled by Moscow's forces, and as negotiations to end the nearly three-week war are scheduled to resume.

"In such crucial times for the world, it is our duty to be in the place where history is being made," Morawiecki said in a Facebook post earlier Tuesday.

"Because this is not about us, it is about the future of our children who deserve to live in a world free from tyranny," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine | Refugees of war: What do the numbers say

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-refugees-of-war-what-do-the-numbers-say-462711/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

According to the government statement, the visit was organised "in agreement" with European Council chief Charles Michel and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen.

"The purpose of the visit is to confirm the unequivocal support of the entire European Union for the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine and to present a broad package of support for the Ukrainian state and society," the statement said.

Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the leader of Poland's right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party, accompanied&nbsp;the trio.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the first foreign leaders' visit to Ukraine's besieged capital since Russia's invasion, the prime ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday.

In the first foreign leaders' visit to Ukraine's besieged capital since Russia's invasion, the prime ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday. Upon arrival by train, the prime ministers sat around a table with their Ukrainian counterpart Denis Shmyhal and the Ukrainian president, who provided an overview of the situation. "They are shelling everywhere. Not only Kyiv but also the western areas," Zelensky told them in comments translated into English, a video posted on his Telegram account showed. Also read | Imitation, the sincerest form of flattery: French President discards suits, dons sweatshirt. Copying Zelensky? "We have to halt this tragedy unfolding in the East as quickly as possible," Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said in a post on Facebook announcing their arrival. Ukraine had the "unequivocal support" of the European Union, he added. Shmyhal announced their arrival earlier that day on Twitter, saluting "the courage of true friends of Ukraine." The Prime Ministers of 🇵🇱 @MorawieckiM, 🇸🇮 @JJansaSDS and 🇨🇿 @P_Fiala arrived on the behalf of @EUCouncil to #Kyiv today. The courage of true friends of 🇺🇦! Discussing support of #Ukraine and strengthening sanctions against the Russian aggression. — Denys Shmyhal (@Denys_Shmyhal) March 15, 2022 × He said their talks would focus on support for Ukraine and "strengthening sanctions against the Russian aggression". Also read | 'We don't know how to kill': Residents of Odessa who cannot fight help with war efforts in other ways Prime Minister Morawiecki, Czech Premier Petr Fiala and Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa are on a visit to the besieged country as "representatives" of the European Union, according to an early statement from the Polish government. The visit comes as Russian forces attack targets across Ukraine, including Kyiv, which has nearly been encircled by Moscow's forces, and as negotiations to end the nearly three-week war are scheduled to resume. "In such crucial times for the world, it is our duty to be in the place where history is being made," Morawiecki said in a Facebook post earlier Tuesday. "Because this is not about us, it is about the future of our children who deserve to live in a world free from tyranny," he said. Watch | Ukraine | Refugees of war: What do the numbers say According to the government statement, the visit was organised "in agreement" with European Council chief Charles Michel and European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen. "The purpose of the visit is to confirm the unequivocal support of the entire European Union for the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine and to present a broad package of support for the Ukrainian state and society," the statement said. Jaroslaw Kaczynski, the leader of Poland's right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party, accompanied the trio. (With inputs from agencies)

'Courage of true friends of Ukraine': European leaders' defiant visit to Kyiv amid growing tension with Russia

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Russia is gathering reinforcements from across the country as it is facing “personnel losses” in the Ukrainian war, UK defence ministry’s latest public intelligence assessment report said.

The report, released on Tuesday, stated that Vladimir Putin is “increasingly seeking to generate additional troops to bolster and replace its personnel losses in Ukraine.”

&nbsp;The UK ministry said Russia was redeploying forces from as far away as "its Eastern Military District, Pacific Fleet and Armenia" and was increasingly tapping other sources of fighters such as "private military companies, Syrians, and other mercenaries."

“Russia is increasingly seeking to generate additional troops to bolster and replace its personnel losses. It is likely that Russia is struggling to conduct offensive operations in the face of sustained Ukrainian resistance,” the assessment said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 15 March 2022 
 
Find out more about the UK government's response: <a href="https://t.co/sdQNbNojkk">https://t.co/sdQNbNojkk</a> 
 
🇺🇦 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithUkraine</a> 🇺🇦 <a href="https://t.co/dt3peYkO7y">pic.twitter.com/dt3peYkO7y</a>
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ/status/1503851779175370760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 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>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/courage-of-true-friends-of-ukraine-european-leaders-defiant-visit-to-kyiv-amid-growing-tension-with-russia-462717">European leaders' defiant visit to Kyiv amid growing tension with Russia</a>

“Russia will likely attempt to use these forces to hold captured territory and free up its combat power to renew stalled offensive operations,” it added.&nbsp;

Earlier, the prime ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovenia travelled to the embattled Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky, despite Russian bombardment of the city.

The three leaders made a long, hazardous journey by rail from Poland to Kyiv in a show of support despite worries within the European Union about the security risks of travelling within a war zone.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-refugee-crisis-raises-other-concerns-feeling-women-minors-may-be-targetted-for-trafficking-462747" hreflang="en">Ukraine refugee crisis raises other concerns; fleeing women &amp; minors may be targetted for trafficking</a>

“It is here, in war-torn Kyiv, that history is being made. It is here, that freedom fights against the world of tyranny. It is here that the future of us all hangs in the balance,” tweeted Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russia is gathering reinforcements from across the country as it is facing “personnel losses” in the Ukrainian war, UK defence ministry’s latest public intelligence assessment report said. The report, released on Tuesday, stated that Vladimir Putin is “increasingly seeking to generate additional troops to bolster and replace its personnel losses in Ukraine.” The UK ministry said Russia was redeploying forces from as far away as "its Eastern Military District, Pacific Fleet and Armenia" and was increasingly tapping other sources of fighters such as "private military companies, Syrians, and other mercenaries." “Russia is increasingly seeking to generate additional troops to bolster and replace its personnel losses. It is likely that Russia is struggling to conduct offensive operations in the face of sustained Ukrainian resistance,” the assessment said. Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 15 March 2022 Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/sdQNbNojkk 🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/dt3peYkO7y — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) March 15, 2022 × Also read | European leaders' defiant visit to Kyiv amid growing tension with Russia “Russia will likely attempt to use these forces to hold captured territory and free up its combat power to renew stalled offensive operations,” it added. Earlier, the prime ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovenia travelled to the embattled Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky, despite Russian bombardment of the city. The three leaders made a long, hazardous journey by rail from Poland to Kyiv in a show of support despite worries within the European Union about the security risks of travelling within a war zone. Also read | Ukraine refugee crisis raises other concerns; fleeing women & minors may be targetted for trafficking “It is here, in war-torn Kyiv, that history is being made. It is here, that freedom fights against the world of tyranny. It is here that the future of us all hangs in the balance,” tweeted Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Struggling’ Russia deploying more reinforcements from across country into Ukraine: UK intel

Two Chinese nationals have been arrested for trying to smuggle undocumented children out of Ukraine and into Romania.

Ukraine's State Border Guard Service reported on Monday that border guards held off foreigners from taking babies out of the country at the Porubne Border Crossing Point in Chernivtsi Oblast.&nbsp;

The people who have been identified as Chinese nationals were carrying two infants as they attempted to cross the border and into Romania when they attracted suspicion from the border guards who suspected that something was off.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-refugee-crisis-raises-other-concerns-feeling-women-minors-may-be-targetted-for-trafficking-462747">Ukraine refugee crisis raises other concerns; fleeing women &amp; minors may be targetted for trafficking</a>

Upon inspection, border officials discovered that the foreigners did not have any identification documents for the infants.&nbsp;

In an investigation conducted by the State Border Guard Service, it was found that both Chinese had arrived in the country without children a few weeks before this incident.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🚫Прикордонники припинили спробу вивезення з України громадянами Китаю немовлят без документів 
▪️У пункті пропуску «Порубне», що у Чернівецькій області, прикордонники припинили спробу іноземців вивезти немовлят. 
▪️Двоє громадян Китаю намагалися пішки перейти з України в Румунію <a href="https://t.co/44Kmp2TsAl">pic.twitter.com/44Kmp2TsAl</a>
— Держприкордонслужба (@DPSU_ua) <a href="https://twitter.com/DPSU_ua/status/1503432061213986821?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 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>

When border guards questioned the two men, they were unable to explain where the children came from.&nbsp;

Now the Ukrainian National Police is looking into the matter.&nbsp;The Ukrainian government's website features pictures of the babies being looked after by its border force.

<img alt="Ukraine border force cares for rescued babies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a575c714-83fa-4726-ab95-67c5ec689d9b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%2820%29_0.jpg" />

<img alt="Ukraine border force cares for rescued babies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9702a948-5ce2-4b6c-b973-0540ab554497" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/stories%20%2819%29_2.jpg" />

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jumping-the-gun-as-calls-for-its-expulsion-grow-russia-announces-ruxit-from-council-of-europe-462722" hreflang="en">Jumping the gun: As calls for its expulsion grow, Russia announces 'Ruxit'&nbsp;from Council of Europe</a>

However, it remains unclear what will become of the babies as the identities of their parents remain a mystery.

According to a US Department of State report, many of the trafficked children in China are forced into labour.

The report said: “China is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children who are subjected to trafficking in persons, specifically forced labour and forced prostitution.

“Well-organised international criminal syndicates and local gangs play key roles in both internal and cross-border trafficking."

Watch |&nbsp;Surrogacy industry in Ukraine hit by war, citizenship of newborn babies unclear

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/surrogacy-industry-in-ukraine-hit-by-war-citizenship-of-newborn-babies-unclear-462804/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Women and girls from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and several countries in Africa experience forced labour in domestic service, forced concubinism leading to forced childbearing, and sex trafficking via forced and fraudulent marriage to Chinese men."&nbsp;

"Traffickers target adults and children with developmental disabilities and children whose parents have left them with relatives to migrate to the cities—estimated at 6.4 million—and subject them to forced labour and forced begging."

(With inputs from agencies)

Two Chinese nationals have been arrested for trying to smuggle undocumented children out of Ukraine and into Romania. Ukraine's State Border Guard Service reported on Monday that border guards held off foreigners from taking babies out of the country at the Porubne Border Crossing Point in Chernivtsi Oblast.

Two Chinese nationals have been arrested for trying to smuggle undocumented children out of Ukraine and into Romania. Ukraine's State Border Guard Service reported on Monday that border guards held off foreigners from taking babies out of the country at the Porubne Border Crossing Point in Chernivtsi Oblast. The people who have been identified as Chinese nationals were carrying two infants as they attempted to cross the border and into Romania when they attracted suspicion from the border guards who suspected that something was off. Also read | Ukraine refugee crisis raises other concerns; fleeing women & minors may be targetted for trafficking Upon inspection, border officials discovered that the foreigners did not have any identification documents for the infants. In an investigation conducted by the State Border Guard Service, it was found that both Chinese had arrived in the country without children a few weeks before this incident. 🚫Прикордонники припинили спробу вивезення з України громадянами Китаю немовлят без документів ▪️У пункті пропуску «Порубне», що у Чернівецькій області, прикордонники припинили спробу іноземців вивезти немовлят. ▪️Двоє громадян Китаю намагалися пішки перейти з України в Румунію pic.twitter.com/44Kmp2TsAl — Держприкордонслужба (@DPSU_ua) March 14, 2022 × When border guards questioned the two men, they were unable to explain where the children came from. Now the Ukrainian National Police is looking into the matter. The Ukrainian government's website features pictures of the babies being looked after by its border force. Also read | Jumping the gun: As calls for its expulsion grow, Russia announces 'Ruxit' from Council of Europe However, it remains unclear what will become of the babies as the identities of their parents remain a mystery. According to a US Department of State report, many of the trafficked children in China are forced into labour. The report said: “China is a source, transit, and destination country for men, women, and children who are subjected to trafficking in persons, specifically forced labour and forced prostitution. “Well-organised international criminal syndicates and local gangs play key roles in both internal and cross-border trafficking." Watch | Surrogacy industry in Ukraine hit by war, citizenship of newborn babies unclear "Women and girls from South Asia, Southeast Asia, and several countries in Africa experience forced labour in domestic service, forced concubinism leading to forced childbearing, and sex trafficking via forced and fraudulent marriage to Chinese men." "Traffickers target adults and children with developmental disabilities and children whose parents have left them with relatives to migrate to the cities—estimated at 6.4 million—and subject them to forced labour and forced begging." (With inputs from agencies)

Two Chinese nationals arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle infants from Ukraine

A CCTV video that is going viral on social media shows a missile blast in front of a Ukrainian civilian as he walks through a park.&nbsp;

In Ukraine's capital, now surrounded by two sides and emptied of more than half its three million residents, the latest Russian attacks have killed at least two people.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-warns-russia-might-be-planning-a-chemical-attack-on-ukraine-us-nato-un-echo-the-concern-462340" hreflang="en">UK warns Russia might be planning a chemical attack on Ukraine; US, NATO echo the concern</a>

The video posted online shows the moment a missile exploded in a street in Kyiv, right in front of a civilian walking through a park on Kyrylivska Street. In the video, the civilian can be seen recoiling from the shock of the blast and running away from the explosion.

Here's the shocking&nbsp;video:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A residential building was severely damaged in a blast that rocked Kyiv today, with a local resident saying at least two had died in the incident. 
 
CCTV footage showed the moment the building exploded, shocking a passer-by.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kyiv?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kyiv</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/russianinvasion?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#russianinvasion</a> <a href="https://t.co/oBrQKIj7dK">pic.twitter.com/oBrQKIj7dK</a>
— talkRADIO (@talkRADIO) <a href="https://twitter.com/talkRADIO/status/1503392187781943297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 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>

The Russian offensive targeting Kyiv -- launched on February 24 and initially repelled by an enthusiastic army, including many volunteers -- has gained strength once again.

As part of the violent clashes along Kyiv's northwestern edge, long-range missiles caused at least two deaths and 12 injuries on Monday alone.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-kyiv-mayor-records-himself-as-he-shows-the-scale-of-destruction-caused-by-russian-forces-462297" hreflang="en">Watch: Kyiv mayor records himself as he shows the scale of destruction caused by Russian forces</a>

Tensions are also rising in Kyiv's more remote northeast industrial districts where a second front seems to be opening up.

As a result of the growing sense of peril, armed volunteers at Kyiv's sandbagged checkpoints have started asking passing cars to use code words that change constantly.

In order to more easily ascertain who is on the Ukrainian side and who is a Russian saboteur, the ribbon colours are being alternated onto soldiers' elbows and calves.

Watch |&nbsp;Russian troops inch closer to Ukrainian capital, Kyiv braces for more Russian strikes

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-troops-inch-closer-to-ukrainian-capital-kyiv-braces-for-more-russian-strikes-462262/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The almost tangible paranoia on the city's deserted streets, however, is accompanied by strident defiance on the part of many of the distraught victims of Russian President Vladimir Putin's forces.

Moscow-backed separatists claim a fragment of a shot-down Ukrainian Tochka-U missile sliced through Donetsk's centre, killing 23 people. In response, Moscow called it a "war crime," and rebels published images of bloody corpses in the street.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A CCTV video that is going viral on social media shows a missile blast in front of a Ukrainian civilian as he walks through a park. In Ukraine's capital, now surrounded by two sides and emptied of more than half its three million residents, the latest Russian attacks have killed at least two people.

A CCTV video that is going viral on social media shows a missile blast in front of a Ukrainian civilian as he walks through a park. In Ukraine's capital, now surrounded by two sides and emptied of more than half its three million residents, the latest Russian attacks have killed at least two people. Also read | UK warns Russia might be planning a chemical attack on Ukraine; US, NATO echo the concern The video posted online shows the moment a missile exploded in a street in Kyiv, right in front of a civilian walking through a park on Kyrylivska Street. In the video, the civilian can be seen recoiling from the shock of the blast and running away from the explosion. Here's the shocking video: A residential building was severely damaged in a blast that rocked Kyiv today, with a local resident saying at least two had died in the incident. CCTV footage showed the moment the building exploded, shocking a passer-by.#Ukraine | #Kyiv | #russianinvasion pic.twitter.com/oBrQKIj7dK — talkRADIO (@talkRADIO) March 14, 2022 × The Russian offensive targeting Kyiv -- launched on February 24 and initially repelled by an enthusiastic army, including many volunteers -- has gained strength once again. As part of the violent clashes along Kyiv's northwestern edge, long-range missiles caused at least two deaths and 12 injuries on Monday alone. Also read | Watch: Kyiv mayor records himself as he shows the scale of destruction caused by Russian forces Tensions are also rising in Kyiv's more remote northeast industrial districts where a second front seems to be opening up. As a result of the growing sense of peril, armed volunteers at Kyiv's sandbagged checkpoints have started asking passing cars to use code words that change constantly. In order to more easily ascertain who is on the Ukrainian side and who is a Russian saboteur, the ribbon colours are being alternated onto soldiers' elbows and calves. Watch | Russian troops inch closer to Ukrainian capital, Kyiv braces for more Russian strikes The almost tangible paranoia on the city's deserted streets, however, is accompanied by strident defiance on the part of many of the distraught victims of Russian President Vladimir Putin's forces. Moscow-backed separatists claim a fragment of a shot-down Ukrainian Tochka-U missile sliced through Donetsk's centre, killing 23 people. In response, Moscow called it a "war crime," and rebels published images of bloody corpses in the street. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian man shocked as a missile explodes mere steps away from him: Watch

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said letting Russian President Vladimir Putin "get away" with annexing Crimea was a "terrible mistake" that the West made.

"It is vital, if we're going to stand up to Putin's bullying, we're going to avoid being blackmailed by Putin in the way that so many Western countries sadly have been, we've got to get ourselves off Russian hydrocarbons," he told broadcasters as he hosted a summit of Nordic and Baltic leaders to discuss European defence and security.

"The spike in oil and gas, which is being felt by British consumers, by everybody who has a central heating system, everybody in this country is seeing the effects of that spike in prices. We have to deal with that in any way that we can," said Johnson.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-britain-turns-away-ukrainian-refugees-461454/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Johnson is expected to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman this week, hoping he can persuade him to boost the Gulf state's oil production to offset the impact of economic sanctions against the Kremlin on global energy prices.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said on Tuesday that oil demand in 2022 faced challenges from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and rising inflation as crude prices soar.

Europe must protect its own security by helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told a meeting of Joint Expeditionary Force leaders in London via video link on Tuesday, urging them to send more weapons.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-ukrainian-colours-paint-britains-streets-street-art-shows-support-for-kyiv-462483" hreflang="en">In Pics: Ukrainian colours paint Britain's streets, street art shows support for Kyiv</a>

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is hosting a summit of Nordic and Baltic leaders to discuss European defence and security.

"We all are the targets of Russia and everything will go against Europe if Ukraine won't stand so I would like to ask you to help yourself by helping us," Zelenskiy told the leaders.

Over 100,000 Britons have expressed interest in hosting Ukrainian refugees, as part of a government programme for households to take in those fleeing Russia's invasion.

The scheme enables individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to volunteer accommodation for refugees for a minimum of six months.

It is open to Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members and will allow them to live and work in the UK for up to three years and access healthcare, benefits and education.

Hosts, who will be given £350 ($457, 418 euros) a month, must submit the names of those they wish to sponsor, with NGOs and charities working to identify those most in need.

The UK has faced criticism over its policy towards those fleeing the violence in Ukraine, with places limited to those who already have family in the country.

But Johnson has defended the scheme, insisting last week the country was "absolutely determined to be as generous as we possibly can be".

(With inputs from agencies)

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said letting Russian President Vladimir Putin "get away" with annexing Crimea was a "terrible mistake" that the West made.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said letting Russian President Vladimir Putin "get away" with annexing Crimea was a "terrible mistake" that the West made. "It is vital, if we're going to stand up to Putin's bullying, we're going to avoid being blackmailed by Putin in the way that so many Western countries sadly have been, we've got to get ourselves off Russian hydrocarbons," he told broadcasters as he hosted a summit of Nordic and Baltic leaders to discuss European defence and security. "The spike in oil and gas, which is being felt by British consumers, by everybody who has a central heating system, everybody in this country is seeing the effects of that spike in prices. We have to deal with that in any way that we can," said Johnson. Johnson is expected to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman this week, hoping he can persuade him to boost the Gulf state's oil production to offset the impact of economic sanctions against the Kremlin on global energy prices. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said on Tuesday that oil demand in 2022 faced challenges from Russia's invasion of Ukraine and rising inflation as crude prices soar. Europe must protect its own security by helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told a meeting of Joint Expeditionary Force leaders in London via video link on Tuesday, urging them to send more weapons. Also see | In Pics: Ukrainian colours paint Britain's streets, street art shows support for Kyiv British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is hosting a summit of Nordic and Baltic leaders to discuss European defence and security. "We all are the targets of Russia and everything will go against Europe if Ukraine won't stand so I would like to ask you to help yourself by helping us," Zelenskiy told the leaders. Over 100,000 Britons have expressed interest in hosting Ukrainian refugees, as part of a government programme for households to take in those fleeing Russia's invasion. The scheme enables individuals, charities, community groups and businesses to volunteer accommodation for refugees for a minimum of six months. It is open to Ukrainian nationals and their immediate family members and will allow them to live and work in the UK for up to three years and access healthcare, benefits and education. Hosts, who will be given £350 ($457, 418 euros) a month, must submit the names of those they wish to sponsor, with NGOs and charities working to identify those most in need. The UK has faced criticism over its policy towards those fleeing the violence in Ukraine, with places limited to those who already have family in the country. But Johnson has defended the scheme, insisting last week the country was "absolutely determined to be as generous as we possibly can be". (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Johnson says West made 'terrible mistake' by letting Putin get away with annexing Crimea

In Pics: Ukrainian colours paint Britain's streets, street art shows support for Kyiv

'We don't know how to kill': Residents of Odessa who cannot fight help with war efforts in other ways

What did Russian President Vladimir Putin think when he ordered his troops into Ukraine? Ray Charles' 'Georgia on mind’ must have been humming in his head.

A slightly altered version, ‘Palestine on my mind,’ was undoubtedly on Egyptian athlete Ali Farag's mind when he condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Sunday as he won Britain’s Optacia squash championship.

"We’ve never been allowed to speak about politics in sports, but all of a sudden, it’s allowed. I hope people look at oppression everywhere around the world. Palestinians have been going through that for the past 74 years,” Mr. Farag, the world’s number two player, said in his acceptance remarks.

It was Yemen that New York Times sports reporter Tariq Panja thought of when he tweeted as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson prepared to visit Saudi Arabia. Mr. Johnson hopes to persuade the kingdom to increase its oil production to compensate for a loss of access to Russian energy due to the Ukraine crisis.

“We are now in a situation where the British PM is heading over to Saudi to plead for oil from an autocrat that is dropping bombs on his neighbour because a different autocrat is dropping bombs on his neighbour,” Mr. Panja said.

Invariably, comparisons hink. To be sure, unlike Russia, Saudi Arabia was invited by the internationally recognised government of Yemen even if that was more of a formality and changes little on the ground while Israel’s conquest of the West Bank was not, like Ukraine, an unprovoked attack.

Nevertheless, Messrs. Farag and Panja make a valid point.&nbsp;

Like the 1990 Kuwaiti invasion of Iraq, Ukraine has provoked widespread international condemnation.

Yet, the international community’s response to Saudi Arabia's seven-year-old invasion of Yemen, sparking one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, and Israel’s 55-year long occupation of the West Bank’s, the world’s longest of neighboring lands, as well as its blockade of Gaza, has been far more muted, if not supportive.

Messrs. Farag and Panja’s point takes of added relevance given the fact that Mr. Putin has given a new lease on life to those that identify with the construct of the values of the West.

Yet, Saudi Arabia and Israel, just like Poland, Hungary, and Turkey, troubled democracies with tarnished rights records that nonetheless support Ukraine, show that the application of those principles and values will inevitably be spotty and contradictory and involve uncomfortable and glaring compromises.

None of that legitimises the actions of those who opportunistically are left off the hook.

Mr. Panja correctly highlights the irony that autocratic Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who ordered the invasion of Yemen shortly after coming to office in 2015, is being asked to help clean up a mess created by an invasion launched by another autocrat Mr. Putin.

To drive home the point of messy and questionable compromises, Saudi Arabia executed days before Mr. Johnson’s expected arrival 81 people convicted of a variety of crimes, including murder and membership of a militant group. Those executed also included a fair number of Shiite activists. It was the largest mass execution in the kingdom’s modern history.

Similarly, Mr. Farag raised a valid point even if his statement was problematic. Rather than referring to continuous violations of international law associated with Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and blockade of Gaza, Mr. Farag equated the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 with the Russian invasion. In doing so, he questioned Israel’s right to exist rather than its continued control of lands designated as occupied and Palestinian in the international community's mind.

Mr. Farag’s statement and the refusal by international sports associations, national leagues, clubs, and event organizers to allow Russian and Belarus athletes and teams to compete under their national flags laid bare hypocrisy and deliberately maintained fictions in the sports world.

Few will take issue with the rejection, yet it blasts a crater into the sports world’s fictional insistence that sport and politics are separate and never should the two intertwine. If anything, Ukraine put that fiction to bed.

Mr. Farag noted as much when he said that his statement was possible because the ban on athletes expressing themselves politically during sporting events was effectively lifted when it comes to Ukraine.

That leaves the question of why Ukraine but not Yemen or Palestine or, for that matter, the brutal repression of Turkic Muslims in China.

It comes as little surprise then that Mr. Putin may hum ‘Georgia, on my mind’ while others hum ‘Yemen and Palestine on my mind.’

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

What did Russian President Vladimir Putin think when he ordered his troops into Ukraine? Ray Charles' 'Georgia on mind’ must have been humming in his head. A slightly altered version, ‘Palestine on my mind,’ was undoubtedly on Egyptian athlete Ali Farag's mind when he condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Sunday as he won Britain’s Optacia squash championship.

What did Russian President Vladimir Putin think when he ordered his troops into Ukraine? Ray Charles' 'Georgia on mind’ must have been humming in his head. A slightly altered version, ‘Palestine on my mind,’ was undoubtedly on Egyptian athlete Ali Farag's mind when he condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine on Sunday as he won Britain’s Optacia squash championship. "We’ve never been allowed to speak about politics in sports, but all of a sudden, it’s allowed. I hope people look at oppression everywhere around the world. Palestinians have been going through that for the past 74 years,” Mr. Farag, the world’s number two player, said in his acceptance remarks. It was Yemen that New York Times sports reporter Tariq Panja thought of when he tweeted as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson prepared to visit Saudi Arabia. Mr. Johnson hopes to persuade the kingdom to increase its oil production to compensate for a loss of access to Russian energy due to the Ukraine crisis. “We are now in a situation where the British PM is heading over to Saudi to plead for oil from an autocrat that is dropping bombs on his neighbour because a different autocrat is dropping bombs on his neighbour,” Mr. Panja said. Invariably, comparisons hink. To be sure, unlike Russia, Saudi Arabia was invited by the internationally recognised government of Yemen even if that was more of a formality and changes little on the ground while Israel’s conquest of the West Bank was not, like Ukraine, an unprovoked attack. Nevertheless, Messrs. Farag and Panja make a valid point. Like the 1990 Kuwaiti invasion of Iraq, Ukraine has provoked widespread international condemnation. Yet, the international community’s response to Saudi Arabia's seven-year-old invasion of Yemen, sparking one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, and Israel’s 55-year long occupation of the West Bank’s, the world’s longest of neighboring lands, as well as its blockade of Gaza, has been far more muted, if not supportive. Messrs. Farag and Panja’s point takes of added relevance given the fact that Mr. Putin has given a new lease on life to those that identify with the construct of the values of the West. Yet, Saudi Arabia and Israel, just like Poland, Hungary, and Turkey, troubled democracies with tarnished rights records that nonetheless support Ukraine, show that the application of those principles and values will inevitably be spotty and contradictory and involve uncomfortable and glaring compromises. None of that legitimises the actions of those who opportunistically are left off the hook. Mr. Panja correctly highlights the irony that autocratic Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who ordered the invasion of Yemen shortly after coming to office in 2015, is being asked to help clean up a mess created by an invasion launched by another autocrat Mr. Putin. To drive home the point of messy and questionable compromises, Saudi Arabia executed days before Mr. Johnson’s expected arrival 81 people convicted of a variety of crimes, including murder and membership of a militant group. Those executed also included a fair number of Shiite activists. It was the largest mass execution in the kingdom’s modern history. Similarly, Mr. Farag raised a valid point even if his statement was problematic. Rather than referring to continuous violations of international law associated with Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and blockade of Gaza, Mr. Farag equated the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 with the Russian invasion. In doing so, he questioned Israel’s right to exist rather than its continued control of lands designated as occupied and Palestinian in the international community's mind. Mr. Farag’s statement and the refusal by international sports associations, national leagues, clubs, and event organizers to allow Russian and Belarus athletes and teams to compete under their national flags laid bare hypocrisy and deliberately maintained fictions in the sports world. Few will take issue with the rejection, yet it blasts a crater into the sports world’s fictional insistence that sport and politics are separate and never should the two intertwine. If anything, Ukraine put that fiction to bed. Mr. Farag noted as much when he said that his statement was possible because the ban on athletes expressing themselves politically during sporting events was effectively lifted when it comes to Ukraine. That leaves the question of why Ukraine but not Yemen or Palestine or, for that matter, the brutal repression of Turkic Muslims in China. It comes as little surprise then that Mr. Putin may hum ‘Georgia, on my mind’ while others hum ‘Yemen and Palestine on my mind.’ (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Putin hums ‘Georgia on my mind’

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On Monday, the British Defence Ministry tweeted that Russia might use chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine in response to a staged attack on Russian troops.

In what it called an intelligence update, it cited no evidence in support of the assertion. United States officials and NATO chief have earlier also made similar assertions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sees-at-least-one-winner-emerging-from-ukraine-war-china-462310" hreflang="en">China sees at least one winner emerging from Ukraine war: China</a>

The Twitter post said: "Such an operation could take the form of a faked attack, a staged 'discovery' of agents or munitions or fabricated evidence of alleged Ukrainian planning to use such weapons."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 14 March 2022 
 
Find out more about the UK government's response: <a href="https://t.co/wg3FhtrkiY">https://t.co/wg3FhtrkiY</a> 
 
🇺🇦 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithUkraine</a> 🇺🇦 <a href="https://t.co/cJikRzwVpQ">pic.twitter.com/cJikRzwVpQ</a>
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ/status/1503489559509798912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 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 its statement, the Defence Ministry said it had not seen any evidence supporting Russia's accusations that Ukraine planned to use chemical and biological weapons.

Earlier, US President Joe Biden had also said that if Russia used chemical weapons against Ukraine, they would pay a "severe price."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-kyiv-mayor-records-himself-as-he-shows-the-scale-of-destruction-caused-by-russian-forces-462297" hreflang="en">Watch: Kyiv mayor records himself as he shows the scale of destruction caused by Russian forces</a>

In a statement published on Friday, the United Nations claimed it had no evidence that Ukraine possessed biological weapons. At the same time, Washington and its allies accused Russia of spreading the unproven claim in advance of launching its own chemical or biological attack.

An interview in the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag quotes NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg as warning that Russia may use chemical weapons following its invasion of Ukraine and that such an act would constitute a war crime.

Watch | Gravitas: Ukraine, Russia optimistic about round 4 of talks

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-russia-optimistic-about-round-4-of-talks-462334/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"In recent days, we have heard absurd claims about chemical and biological weapons laboratories," Stoltenberg said, adding that the Kremlin was inventing false excuses to justify events that could not be justified.

"Now that these false claims have been made, we must remain vigilant because it is possible that Russia itself could plan chemical weapons operations under this fabrication of lies. That would be a war crime."&nbsp;

He added that although the Ukrainian people were courageously resisting the Russian invasion, the coming days are likely to bring even greater hardship.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On Monday, the British Defence Ministry tweeted that Russia might use chemical or biological weapons in Ukraine in response to a staged attack on Russian troops. In what it called an intelligence update, it cited no evidence in support of the assertion. United States officials and NATO chief have earlier also made similar assertions. Also read | China sees at least one winner emerging from Ukraine war: China The Twitter post said: "Such an operation could take the form of a faked attack, a staged 'discovery' of agents or munitions or fabricated evidence of alleged Ukrainian planning to use such weapons." Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 14 March 2022 Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/wg3FhtrkiY 🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/cJikRzwVpQ — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) March 14, 2022 × In its statement, the Defence Ministry said it had not seen any evidence supporting Russia's accusations that Ukraine planned to use chemical and biological weapons. Earlier, US President Joe Biden had also said that if Russia used chemical weapons against Ukraine, they would pay a "severe price." Also read | Watch: Kyiv mayor records himself as he shows the scale of destruction caused by Russian forces In a statement published on Friday, the United Nations claimed it had no evidence that Ukraine possessed biological weapons. At the same time, Washington and its allies accused Russia of spreading the unproven claim in advance of launching its own chemical or biological attack. An interview in the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag quotes NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg as warning that Russia may use chemical weapons following its invasion of Ukraine and that such an act would constitute a war crime. Watch | Gravitas: Ukraine, Russia optimistic about round 4 of talks "In recent days, we have heard absurd claims about chemical and biological weapons laboratories," Stoltenberg said, adding that the Kremlin was inventing false excuses to justify events that could not be justified. "Now that these false claims have been made, we must remain vigilant because it is possible that Russia itself could plan chemical weapons operations under this fabrication of lies. That would be a war crime." He added that although the Ukrainian people were courageously resisting the Russian invasion, the coming days are likely to bring even greater hardship. (With inputs from agencies)

UK warns Russia might be planning a chemical attack on Ukraine; US, NATO echo the concern

Amid escalating Russia and Ukraine conflict, SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Monday (March 14) has apparently challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin for single combat for Ukraine.&nbsp;

Using the Russian alphabets to write Putin's name, Musk on his official Twitter handle wrote: "I hereby challenge Vladimir Putin to single combat. "Stakes are Ukraine," he added.&nbsp;

In the same trail, Musk then wrote in Russian: "Do you agree to this fight?" and tagged the official Twitter account of the Kremlin.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-under-attack-kremlin-doesnt-rule-out-taking-full-control-of-major-ukraine-cities-462229">Ukraine under attack: Kremlin doesn't rule out taking 'full control' of major Ukraine cities</a>

The tweet has gone viral in no time with people reacting and retweeting it. In the comment section, one of the Twitter users highlighted the point that the Russian president would easily win any fight.&nbsp;

Musk responded, "If Putin could so easily humiliate the west, then he would accept the challenge. But he will not."&nbsp;

When another user asked whether Musk thought it through before challenging Putin for single combat, Musk replied, "I am absolutely serious."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-85-children-killed-100-wounded-so-far-in-ukraine-says-attorney-general-462201">At least 85 children killed, 100 wounded so far in Ukraine, says attorney general</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Вы согласны на этот бой? <a href="https://twitter.com/KremlinRussia_E?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KremlinRussia_E</a>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1503338552016482308?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 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>

The Russia and Ukraine conflict has impacted the world and so as Musk, who said that the US electric carmaker and his rocket company SpaceX are facing significant inflationary pressure in raw materials and logistics.&nbsp;

Musk in a tweet on Sunday also asked about the inflation rate outlook and said his companies "are not alone", retweeting an article saying the Ukraine-Russia conflict sent commodity prices to their highest levels since 2008.&nbsp;

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has led to a surge in prices of metals used in cars - from aluminium in the bodywork to palladium in catalytic converters to the high-grade nickel in electric vehicle batteries - and customers are likely to foot the bill.

WATCH |&nbsp;'China to face consequences if it helps Russia,' US issues stern warning

<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/china-to-face-consequences-if-it-helps-russia-us-issues-stern-warning-462235/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Amid escalating Russia and Ukraine conflict, SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Monday (March 14) has apparently challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin for single combat for Ukraine.

Amid escalating Russia and Ukraine conflict, SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk on Monday (March 14) has apparently challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin for single combat for Ukraine. Using the Russian alphabets to write Putin's name, Musk on his official Twitter handle wrote: "I hereby challenge Vladimir Putin to single combat. "Stakes are Ukraine," he added. In the same trail, Musk then wrote in Russian: "Do you agree to this fight?" and tagged the official Twitter account of the Kremlin. ALSO READ | Ukraine under attack: Kremlin doesn't rule out taking 'full control' of major Ukraine cities The tweet has gone viral in no time with people reacting and retweeting it. In the comment section, one of the Twitter users highlighted the point that the Russian president would easily win any fight. Musk responded, "If Putin could so easily humiliate the west, then he would accept the challenge. But he will not." When another user asked whether Musk thought it through before challenging Putin for single combat, Musk replied, "I am absolutely serious." ALSO READ | At least 85 children killed, 100 wounded so far in Ukraine, says attorney general Вы согласны на этот бой? @KremlinRussia_E — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 14, 2022 × The Russia and Ukraine conflict has impacted the world and so as Musk, who said that the US electric carmaker and his rocket company SpaceX are facing significant inflationary pressure in raw materials and logistics. Musk in a tweet on Sunday also asked about the inflation rate outlook and said his companies "are not alone", retweeting an article saying the Ukraine-Russia conflict sent commodity prices to their highest levels since 2008. Russia's invasion of Ukraine has led to a surge in prices of metals used in cars - from aluminium in the bodywork to palladium in catalytic converters to the high-grade nickel in electric vehicle batteries - and customers are likely to foot the bill. WATCH | 'China to face consequences if it helps Russia,' US issues stern warning ×

Elon Musk challenges Vladimir Putin to a fight for Ukraine and he is 'absolutely serious'

Amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Belgium's Ambassador to India François Delhaye has said that his country has been asking to India to “clearly condemn war by Russia".

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is currently in its third week, creating Europe's worst refugee crisis since the end of World War 2.

Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal exclusively, envoy Delhaye said, “We think, given the weight of India, also given its moral weight… any clear condemnation by India will make it clear to President of Russia that he has embarked on an operation which will lead him nowhere.”

India has a close relationship with both Europe and Russia. Earlier this week, Indian PM Modi spoke to both Ukraine and Russian presidents, urging them for direct talks, saying that dialogue is the only way forward.

Asked if a situation in Europe can divert attention from Indo Pacific, the envoy said, "As long as this war will last, and no one knows how long it will last, it will be impossible for Europe to focus what is happening in Asia."

WION: How do you see the situation right now in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine?

François Delhaye: What we see is huge human suffering, we have the largest flow of refugees since the Second World War with 2 million refugees. We have seen the destruction of Ukraine, which is huge, and the suffering of people there. This is the first thing we see. The second thing which we see is the direct threat at the border of the EU. We see it as a situation which is unprecedented in nearly 80 years, which is extremely worrying.

&nbsp;

WION: How do you see India's role in terms of evolving situation? We have seen what has happened at the UN, considering that India has a close relationship with Europe and Russia.

François Delhaye: We understand India's position. What we have been asking is for India to clearly condemn what is war, and war by Russia. We think given the weight of India, and the moral weight it carries, as India is a non-permanent member of the security council, any clear condemnation of what is happening now will have an enormous impact. It will probably in some way make clear to the President of Russia that he has embarked on an operation which will lead him to nowhere.

&nbsp;

WION: Do you think Europe will now be less invested in Indo Pacific, given that war is&nbsp;creating a distraction?

François Delhaye: Yes, no doubt about it. As long as this war will last, and no one knows how long it will last, it will be impossible for Europe to focus on what is happening in Asia. It does not mean that situation in Asia is not a matter of great interest. It is. Challenges which we now see in Asia are important for the future but at the moment, all of Europe's resources are completed focused on what is happening at our doorstep.

&nbsp;

WION: Do you see a de-escalation happening soon in Europe?

François Delhaye: It is really hard to tell. I think the situation did not develop as President Putin expected it, probably. What will be his choice, will it be more escalation or will it be de-escalation. It is something that cannot be foreseen, and we should be ready for all options.

Amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Belgium's Ambassador to India François Delhaye has said that his country has been asking to India to “clearly condemn war by Russia".

Amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Belgium's Ambassador to India François Delhaye has said that his country has been asking to India to “clearly condemn war by Russia". The Russian invasion of Ukraine is currently in its third week, creating Europe's worst refugee crisis since the end of World War 2. Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal exclusively, envoy Delhaye said, “We think, given the weight of India, also given its moral weight… any clear condemnation by India will make it clear to President of Russia that he has embarked on an operation which will lead him nowhere.” India has a close relationship with both Europe and Russia. Earlier this week, Indian PM Modi spoke to both Ukraine and Russian presidents, urging them for direct talks, saying that dialogue is the only way forward. Asked if a situation in Europe can divert attention from Indo Pacific, the envoy said, "As long as this war will last, and no one knows how long it will last, it will be impossible for Europe to focus what is happening in Asia." WION: How do you see the situation right now in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine? François Delhaye: What we see is huge human suffering, we have the largest flow of refugees since the Second World War with 2 million refugees. We have seen the destruction of Ukraine, which is huge, and the suffering of people there. This is the first thing we see. The second thing which we see is the direct threat at the border of the EU. We see it as a situation which is unprecedented in nearly 80 years, which is extremely worrying. WION: How do you see India's role in terms of evolving situation? We have seen what has happened at the UN, considering that India has a close relationship with Europe and Russia. François Delhaye: We understand India's position. What we have been asking is for India to clearly condemn what is war, and war by Russia. We think given the weight of India, and the moral weight it carries, as India is a non-permanent member of the security council, any clear condemnation of what is happening now will have an enormous impact. It will probably in some way make clear to the President of Russia that he has embarked on an operation which will lead him to nowhere. WION: Do you think Europe will now be less invested in Indo Pacific, given that war is creating a distraction? François Delhaye: Yes, no doubt about it. As long as this war will last, and no one knows how long it will last, it will be impossible for Europe to focus on what is happening in Asia. It does not mean that situation in Asia is not a matter of great interest. It is. Challenges which we now see in Asia are important for the future but at the moment, all of Europe's resources are completed focused on what is happening at our doorstep. WION: Do you see a de-escalation happening soon in Europe? François Delhaye: It is really hard to tell. I think the situation did not develop as President Putin expected it, probably. What will be his choice, will it be more escalation or will it be de-escalation. It is something that cannot be foreseen, and we should be ready for all options.

Want India to clearly condemn ‘war by Russia’, says Belgium's envoy to India

In a statement on Thursday, the US State Department rejected proposals to send MiG fighter jets to Ukraine via an American base, saying that ground-based weapons would be more effective against Russian invasion.

The Ukrainian president has repeatedly called on NATO and the United States to send aircraft or create a "no-fly zone" over the war-torn Western ally in order to protect his country from Russian airstrikes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-russias-barbaric-attack-on-ukraine-childrens-hospital-460804">In Pics- Russia's 'barbaric' attack on Ukraine children's hospital</a>

Nevertheless, State Department spokesperson Ned Price has told reporters in Washington that Ukraine had found ground-based defence systems are more effective in fending off Russia's "formidable" air force.

"We will continue to provide our Ukrainian partners with the surface-to-air systems that they need to take on the threat that they face from Russian missiles, from Russian rockets, from artillery," he said.

Moreover, Price noted that Ukraine already has "several squadrons" of its own "fully mission-capable" aircraft and that the United States sending more to Ukraine could aggravate the conflict.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/4-falsehoods-russians-are-told-about-the-war-461088" hreflang="en">4 falsehoods Russians are told about the war</a>

"The intelligence community produced an assessment that the provision of planes in this manner... could be viewed by Moscow as escalatory," he told the news conference.

"It is incumbent upon us to do everything we can to bring this conflict to a close to save as many lives as we can, and to do everything we can to see to it that this conflict does not expand."

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Will Russia launch a chemical attack on Ukraine?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-russia-launch-a-chemical-attack-on-ukraine-461097/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Polish government had expressed support for sending its Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets to Kyiv via Ramstein, Germany, with the suggestion that the United States provide F-16s to supplement the Polish air force.

However, on Wednesday, Lloyd Austin told Poland's defence minister Mariusz Blaszczak that Washington had no intention of getting involved in the plan.

While the US&nbsp;has strongly supported Ukraine, pushing for tough international sanctions and sending weapons and other aid, it has already denied enforcing a no-fly zone out of fear of being drawn into the conflict directly.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a statement on Thursday, the US State Department rejected proposals to send MiG fighter jets to Ukraine via an American base, saying that ground-based weapons would be more effective against Russian invasion.

In a statement on Thursday, the US State Department rejected proposals to send MiG fighter jets to Ukraine via an American base, saying that ground-based weapons would be more effective against Russian invasion. The Ukrainian president has repeatedly called on NATO and the United States to send aircraft or create a "no-fly zone" over the war-torn Western ally in order to protect his country from Russian airstrikes. Also read | In Pics- Russia's 'barbaric' attack on Ukraine children's hospital Nevertheless, State Department spokesperson Ned Price has told reporters in Washington that Ukraine had found ground-based defence systems are more effective in fending off Russia's "formidable" air force. "We will continue to provide our Ukrainian partners with the surface-to-air systems that they need to take on the threat that they face from Russian missiles, from Russian rockets, from artillery," he said. Moreover, Price noted that Ukraine already has "several squadrons" of its own "fully mission-capable" aircraft and that the United States sending more to Ukraine could aggravate the conflict. Also read | 4 falsehoods Russians are told about the war "The intelligence community produced an assessment that the provision of planes in this manner... could be viewed by Moscow as escalatory," he told the news conference. "It is incumbent upon us to do everything we can to bring this conflict to a close to save as many lives as we can, and to do everything we can to see to it that this conflict does not expand." Watch | Gravitas: Will Russia launch a chemical attack on Ukraine? The Polish government had expressed support for sending its Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets to Kyiv via Ramstein, Germany, with the suggestion that the United States provide F-16s to supplement the Polish air force. However, on Wednesday, Lloyd Austin told Poland's defence minister Mariusz Blaszczak that Washington had no intention of getting involved in the plan. While the US has strongly supported Ukraine, pushing for tough international sanctions and sending weapons and other aid, it has already denied enforcing a no-fly zone out of fear of being drawn into the conflict directly. (With inputs from agencies)

US says Ukraine needs surface-to-air missiles, not fighter jets, to fight 'formidable' Russian air force

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. The Russia-Ukraine conflict continues to escalate. From the day Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a "military operation" in Ukrainian cities till today - the face of the conflict has changed entirely with reports of deaths, massive loss of property and refugee crisis. The latest reports have mentioned that Kyiv will soon be encircled, with Russian tanks in places just a few kilometres from the city limits to the east. The Russian troops, on the outskirts of Kyiv, are maybe waiting for directions from the top officials to proceed further. However, if reports are to be believed, they are currently stranded and are in dire conditions. IN PICS | Russia's Tsar bomba: World's most powerful nuclear weapon of mass destruction Daily Mail reported that Russian troops could freeze to death in tanks and armoured military vehicles this week as temperatures are set to plunge. As per the report, a pronounced cold snap in eastern Europe means the temperatures could drop to -10C overnight in the middle of the week around Kyiv and Kharkiv. It can go down to even -20C in case of the wind chill. News agencies have reported that over the last five days, the Russians have advanced more than 80 kilometres on the north-eastern front and closing in on the Ukrainian capital. IN PICS | What are war crimes? What are the rules of war? Meanwhile, a solid Ukrainian resistance has been quite impactful so far, but apart from the resistance, it has been understood that the Russian troops faced mechanical problems and fuel supply issues. Now the icy conditions are expected to make the situation even worse for the Russian soldiers. The media outlet quoted former British Army Major Kevin Price, who said the tanks will become nothing more than "40-tonne freezers" as the temperature is dropping, weighing in on whether Russian soldiers are capable of Arctic-style warfare. Price said such low temperatures in March is set to become "unbelievably tough". The report also quoted Glen Grant, who is a senior defence expert at the Baltic Security Foundation. Grant said that a tank "is just a fridge at night if you are not running the engine". In the current state, the Russian convoy outside Kyiv cannot afford run engines unnecessarily because there's fuel scarcity. Grant told Newsweek, "You just can't sit around and wait because if you are in the vehicle you are waiting to be killed. They are not stupid." WATCH | US deploys missile system in Poland to secure against potential threats in the area ×

Russian tanks or '40-tonne iron freezers'? Freezing temperatures might help Ukraine to resist Putin's army

Ukrainians try to protect their 'past' from the 'present'; rush to save cultural heritage from Russian attacks

In Pics- Russia's 'barbaric' attack on Ukraine children's hospital

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday Western sanctions on Moscow for its actions in Ukraine could send global food prices soaring, as Russia was one of the world's main producers of fertiliser, which is essential to global supply chains.&nbsp;

"Russia and Belarus are some of the biggest suppliers of mineral fertilisers. If they continue to create problems for the financing and logistics of the delivery of our goods, then prices will rise and this will affect the final product, food products," Putin said at a televised government meeting.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, western countries continue to put pressure on Russia. The European Union on Thursday (March 10) said that Russia's bombing of a maternity hospital in Mariupol was a 'war crime'.

"Mariupol is under siege. Russia's shelling of (a) maternity hospital is a heinous war crime," the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell wrote in a tweet.&nbsp;

"Strikes of residential areas from the air and blocks of access of aid convoys by the Russian forces must immediately stop. Safe passage is needed, now," he added. &nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maternity-hospital-occupied-by-azov-battalion-claims-russian-foreign-minister-lavrov-after-strike-460951">Maternity hospital occupied by Azov battalion, claims Russian foreign minister Lavrov after strike</a>

European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen called the attack "inhumane, cruel and tragic".

"I am convinced that this can be a war crime. We need a full investigation," she tweeted.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-may-attack-ukraine-with-chemical-weapons-claims-white-house-460940">Russia may attack Ukraine with chemical weapons, claims White House</a>

The children's and maternity hospital in Mariupol was attacked on Wednesday in what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described as a Russian "war crime", and which sparked global outrage.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday Western sanctions on Moscow for its actions in Ukraine could send global food prices soaring, as Russia was one of the world's main producers of fertiliser, which is essential to global supply chains.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday Western sanctions on Moscow for its actions in Ukraine could send global food prices soaring, as Russia was one of the world's main producers of fertiliser, which is essential to global supply chains. "Russia and Belarus are some of the biggest suppliers of mineral fertilisers. If they continue to create problems for the financing and logistics of the delivery of our goods, then prices will rise and this will affect the final product, food products," Putin said at a televised government meeting. Meanwhile, western countries continue to put pressure on Russia. The European Union on Thursday (March 10) said that Russia's bombing of a maternity hospital in Mariupol was a 'war crime'. "Mariupol is under siege. Russia's shelling of (a) maternity hospital is a heinous war crime," the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell wrote in a tweet. "Strikes of residential areas from the air and blocks of access of aid convoys by the Russian forces must immediately stop. Safe passage is needed, now," he added. Also Read | Maternity hospital occupied by Azov battalion, claims Russian foreign minister Lavrov after strike European Commission head Ursula von der Leyen called the attack "inhumane, cruel and tragic". "I am convinced that this can be a war crime. We need a full investigation," she tweeted. Also Read | Russia may attack Ukraine with chemical weapons, claims White House The children's and maternity hospital in Mariupol was attacked on Wednesday in what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described as a Russian "war crime", and which sparked global outrage. (With inputs from agencies)

Sanctions on Russia may increase global food prices, claims Putin

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Thursday that Australia will increase its defence forces by 30 per cent by 2040, calling that the largest build-up in peacetime.

The force will grow from 70,000 to 80,000 over 18 years, at a cost of about Aus$38 billion (US$27 billion), the prime minister announced at an army barracks in Brisbane.

At a news conference, Morrison, who is expected to call a general election in May, said it was the "biggest increase in size of our defence forces in peacetime in Australian history".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-ukraines-besieged-cities-35000-escaped-via-humanitarian-corridors-zelensky-460729" hreflang="en">From Ukraine's besieged cities, 35,000 escaped via humanitarian corridors: Zelensky</a>

According to him, the military build-up was in response to the "threats and the environment" that his government faced as an Indo-Pacific liberal democracy.

Some of the new troops will support a future nuclear-powered submarine fleet under the new Australia-Britain-US alliance, AUKUS.

Although Australia plans to arm the submarines with conventional weapons, it has not yet decided what the specifics of the program will be, including whether to opt for a fleet based on US or British nuclear-powered attack submarines.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-flood-toll-rises-to-20-as-thousands-evacuate-sydney-460112">Australia flood toll rises to 20 as thousands evacuate Sydney</a>

In the face of China's growing influence in the Pacific region, the AUKUS alliance would make Australia the only non-nuclear weapons power with nuclear-powered submarines capable of travelling long distances without surfacing.

A build-up of uniformed forces, according to Defence Minister Peter Dutton, would provide a credible deterrent to any expansionist military threat.

Beyond submarines, Dutton said the new forces would be deployed in areas such as space, cyber operations, naval assets, as well as land and sea-based autonomous vehicles.

"It is absolutely necessary," he said, invoking Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent invasion of Ukraine.

"People who believe that President Putin's only ambition is for the Ukraine don't understand the history that our military leaders understand."

Watch |&nbsp;Watch how owl interrupted news interpreter in Australia mid-conference

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/watch-how-owl-interrupted-news-interpreter-in-australia-mid-conference-460586/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As China flexes its muscles in the Asia-Pacific region, the defence minister reiterated warnings about the strategic threat Australia faces.

"If people think that the ambitions within the Indo-Pacific are restricted just to Taiwan and there won't be knock-on impacts if we don't provide a deterrent effect and work closely with our colleagues and with our allies, then they don't understand the lessons of history," Dutton said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Thursday that Australia will increase its defence forces by 30 per cent by 2040, calling that the largest build-up in peacetime.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Thursday that Australia will increase its defence forces by 30 per cent by 2040, calling that the largest build-up in peacetime. The force will grow from 70,000 to 80,000 over 18 years, at a cost of about Aus$38 billion (US$27 billion), the prime minister announced at an army barracks in Brisbane. At a news conference, Morrison, who is expected to call a general election in May, said it was the "biggest increase in size of our defence forces in peacetime in Australian history". Also read | From Ukraine's besieged cities, 35,000 escaped via humanitarian corridors: Zelensky According to him, the military build-up was in response to the "threats and the environment" that his government faced as an Indo-Pacific liberal democracy. Some of the new troops will support a future nuclear-powered submarine fleet under the new Australia-Britain-US alliance, AUKUS. Although Australia plans to arm the submarines with conventional weapons, it has not yet decided what the specifics of the program will be, including whether to opt for a fleet based on US or British nuclear-powered attack submarines. Also read | Australia flood toll rises to 20 as thousands evacuate Sydney In the face of China's growing influence in the Pacific region, the AUKUS alliance would make Australia the only non-nuclear weapons power with nuclear-powered submarines capable of travelling long distances without surfacing. A build-up of uniformed forces, according to Defence Minister Peter Dutton, would provide a credible deterrent to any expansionist military threat. Beyond submarines, Dutton said the new forces would be deployed in areas such as space, cyber operations, naval assets, as well as land and sea-based autonomous vehicles. "It is absolutely necessary," he said, invoking Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent invasion of Ukraine. "People who believe that President Putin's only ambition is for the Ukraine don't understand the history that our military leaders understand." Watch | Watch how owl interrupted news interpreter in Australia mid-conference As China flexes its muscles in the Asia-Pacific region, the defence minister reiterated warnings about the strategic threat Australia faces. "If people think that the ambitions within the Indo-Pacific are restricted just to Taiwan and there won't be knock-on impacts if we don't provide a deterrent effect and work closely with our colleagues and with our allies, then they don't understand the lessons of history," Dutton said.

Gleaning lessons from Putin's attack on Ukraine, Australia decides to increase its troops to 80,000

vladimir-putin

Vladimir Putin, News on Vladimir Putin, stories on Vladimir Putin, articles on Vladimir Putin, Vladimir Putin stories at Wion, Vladimir Putin news, Vladimir Putin latest news

vladimir putin

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: US President Joe Biden announces $1bn arms aid to Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: President Zelensky calls on US to 'do more' to in his speech to Congress

Over 2,500 civilians killed in Russian attacks on Mariupol

Gravitas: How rich is Vladimir Putin?

Kremlin President Vladimir Putin delivers stark warning to West

World court orders Russia to immediately halt invasion of Ukraine

World court orders Russia to immediately halt invasion of Ukraine

US President Joe Biden calls Russia's Vladimir Putin a 'war criminal' over Ukraine invasion

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Remains of downed missile hit residential building

Ukraine: 10 civilians killed while queuing to collect bread in Chernihiv

Elon Musk or 'Elona Musk'? Here's why Tesla CEO changed his name on Twitter

Ukraine refugee crisis raises other concerns; fleeing women & minors may be targetted for trafficking

Jumping the gun: As calls for its expulsion grow, Russia announces 'Ruxit' from Council of Europe

Kleptocracy hunt: UK to go after Putin's London assets worth millions of pounds

'Courage of true friends of Ukraine': European leaders' defiant visit to Kyiv amid growing tension with Russia

‘Struggling’ Russia deploying more reinforcements from across country into Ukraine: UK intel

Two Chinese nationals arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle infants from Ukraine

Ukrainian man shocked as a missile explodes mere steps away from him: Watch

UK PM Johnson says West made 'terrible mistake' by letting Putin get away with annexing Crimea

In Pics: Ukrainian colours paint Britain's streets, street art shows support for Kyiv

'We don't know how to kill': Residents of Odessa who cannot fight help with war efforts in other ways

Putin hums ‘Georgia on my mind’

UK warns Russia might be planning a chemical attack on Ukraine; US, NATO echo the concern

Elon Musk challenges Vladimir Putin to a fight for Ukraine and he is 'absolutely serious'

Want India to clearly condemn ‘war by Russia’, says Belgium's envoy to India

US says Ukraine needs surface-to-air missiles, not fighter jets, to fight 'formidable' Russian air force