Russian President Vladimir Putin and Arkady Rotenberg have been removed from all positions held in the International Judo Federation, the IJF announced on Sunday.

The sports governing body removed Putin and Rotenberg in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

"The International Judo Federation announces that Mr. Vladimir Putin and Mr. Arkady Rotenberg have been removed from all positions held in the International Judo Federation," IJF in a statement said.

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On February 27, Putin was suspended as honorary president and ambassador of the International Judo Federation.

The Russian President ordered special military operations on February 24 "to protect" the people in the Donbas region.

Earlier, Putin had recognized Ukraine's breakaway regions - Donetsk and Luhansk - as independent entities.

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Russia has been facing immense criticism, especially from the western countries over the recent actions. A number of countries including the US, UK and Germany have applied fresh rounds of sanctions on Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Arkady Rotenberg have been removed from all positions held in the International Judo Federation, the IJF announced on Sunday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Arkady Rotenberg have been removed from all positions held in the International Judo Federation, the IJF announced on Sunday. The sports governing body removed Putin and Rotenberg in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. "The International Judo Federation announces that Mr. Vladimir Putin and Mr. Arkady Rotenberg have been removed from all positions held in the International Judo Federation," IJF in a statement said. ALSO READ: India captain Sunil Chhetri ruled out of friendlies against Bahrain, Belarus On February 27, Putin was suspended as honorary president and ambassador of the International Judo Federation. The Russian President ordered special military operations on February 24 "to protect" the people in the Donbas region. Earlier, Putin had recognized Ukraine's breakaway regions - Donetsk and Luhansk - as independent entities. ALSO READ: Can't afford to drop any more points, says Man Utd's Ralf Rangnick as race for top 4 intensifies Russia has been facing immense criticism, especially from the western countries over the recent actions. A number of countries including the US, UK and Germany have applied fresh rounds of sanctions on Russia.

International Judo Federation removes Vladimir Putin, Arkady Rotenberg from all positions amid Ukraine war

More than 1.5 million Ukrainians have fled to Poland since the start of the Russian invasion on 24 February. The UN estimates that more than 1.5 million refugees have crossed into neighbouring countries since the outbreak of war in Ukraine.

Over 1.5 million people have fled Ukraine since Russian invasion

Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi has called on Russian President&nbsp;Vladimir Putin to hold direct talks with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky&nbsp;in a phone conversation on Monday.

The proposal for direct talks is in "addition to the ongoing negotiations between their teams", according to Indian government sources.

During the talks that lasted for 50 minutes, Russian President Putin briefed Prime Minister Modi on the status of negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian teams. This is the third telephonic call between the two&nbsp;leaders in the last two&nbsp;weeks. Both had held the first telephonic chat on 24th February, the day Russia began its invasion of Ukraine.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/second-call-between-indian-pm-modi-ukraine-president-zelensky-to-discuss-evacuations-459797/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The proposal by Indian PM comes even as Ukraine has been requesting Indian support to diffuse the crisis. Over the weekend, Ukraine's Foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba had urged PM Modi to reach out to Russian President Putin to stop the ongoing invasion of his country.

According to Indian govt sources, PM welcomed the Russian announcement of a ceasefire and the establishment of humanitarian corridors in parts of Ukraine, including Sumy. Russia had announced a ceasefire for a humanitarian purpose that comes into effect at &nbsp;12.30 PM IST.

The announcement came after President Putin's talks with French President Macron and has been announced for four&nbsp;places: Kyiv, Mariupol, Sumy, and Kharkiv.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/evacuation-of-indian-students-from-sumy-raised-by-pm-modi-with-ukraine-president-459780" hreflang="en">Evacuation of Indian students from Sumy raised by PM Modi with Ukraine Prez</a>

The key focus during the talks was on the safe evacuation of Indian nationals as PM stressed "the importance of safe evacuation of Indian citizens from Sumy at the earliest".

Around 500 Indian students are stranded in Sumy. President Putin had assured Prime Minister Modi of all possible cooperation in their safe evacuation.

India has launched 'Operation Ganga' to evacuate its nationals from the war-torn country that have crossed over to neighboring countries like Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova.

Under 'Operation Ganga', so far 76 Flights have brought over 15920 Indians back to India. Out of these 76 flights, 13 flights landed in the last 24 hours. In all, over 21000 Indians came out of Ukraine since the issuance of the advisory in January 2022. Out of these, 19920 Indians have already reached India.

&nbsp;

Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold direct talks with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky in a phone conversation on Monday.

Indian Prime minister Narendra Modi has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold direct talks with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky in a phone conversation on Monday. The proposal for direct talks is in "addition to the ongoing negotiations between their teams", according to Indian government sources. During the talks that lasted for 50 minutes, Russian President Putin briefed Prime Minister Modi on the status of negotiations between the Ukrainian and Russian teams. This is the third telephonic call between the two leaders in the last two weeks. Both had held the first telephonic chat on 24th February, the day Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. The proposal by Indian PM comes even as Ukraine has been requesting Indian support to diffuse the crisis. Over the weekend, Ukraine's Foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba had urged PM Modi to reach out to Russian President Putin to stop the ongoing invasion of his country. According to Indian govt sources, PM welcomed the Russian announcement of a ceasefire and the establishment of humanitarian corridors in parts of Ukraine, including Sumy. Russia had announced a ceasefire for a humanitarian purpose that comes into effect at 12.30 PM IST. The announcement came after President Putin's talks with French President Macron and has been announced for four places: Kyiv, Mariupol, Sumy, and Kharkiv. Also read | Evacuation of Indian students from Sumy raised by PM Modi with Ukraine Prez The key focus during the talks was on the safe evacuation of Indian nationals as PM stressed "the importance of safe evacuation of Indian citizens from Sumy at the earliest". Around 500 Indian students are stranded in Sumy. President Putin had assured Prime Minister Modi of all possible cooperation in their safe evacuation. India has launched 'Operation Ganga' to evacuate its nationals from the war-torn country that have crossed over to neighboring countries like Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova. Under 'Operation Ganga', so far 76 Flights have brought over 15920 Indians back to India. Out of these 76 flights, 13 flights landed in the last 24 hours. In all, over 21000 Indians came out of Ukraine since the issuance of the advisory in January 2022. Out of these, 19920 Indians have already reached India.

PM Modi asks Putin to hold direct talks with Ukraine President Zelensky

Russian President Vladimir Putin has allegedly likened the sanctions announced by the West on Russia over attack on Ukraine equivalent to a “declaration of war”.

While speaking to a group of women flight attendants at an Aeroflot training centre near Moscow, the Russian president reportedly said that Ukraine’s leaders would risk the future of their nation’s statehood if they continued to resist Russia’s invasion.

“We could have taken a different course of action," he was quoted as saying.

&nbsp;"We could have helped the republics of Donbas at the contact line and reinforced them with the Russian army, but in this case, and I mean with the unwavering support from the west, we would have radicals on the other side coming endlessly… with support from the west."

“Our General Staff, the Ministry of Defence, went the other way; the first thing they did was to destroy the entire military infrastructure [of Ukraine], well, not all of it, but partially, mostly. Warehouses with weapons, ammunition, aviation, air defence systems,” he added.

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Putin sought to justify the war in Ukraine by repeating his assertion that he was seeking to defend Russian speaking communities there through the “demilitarisation and de-Nazification” of the country.

Several western countries and multinational companies announced economic sanctions ever since Russia launched an all-out war against Ukraine 10 days ago.

&nbsp;On Saturday,&nbsp;Microsoft, Paypal, Samsung, Visa and Mastercard became the latest global brands to suspend trading there.

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Apart from that, the western countries, including the US, UK and Germany, have frozen assets of Putin, foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and several other Russian oligarchs in response to the war in Ukraine.

They have also placed sanctions on the Russian central bank&nbsp;and removed some of the country’s lenders from the Swift global payments system, in addition to other economic sanctions.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has allegedly likened the sanctions announced by the West on Russia over attack on Ukraine equivalent to a “declaration of war”.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has allegedly likened the sanctions announced by the West on Russia over attack on Ukraine equivalent to a “declaration of war”. While speaking to a group of women flight attendants at an Aeroflot training centre near Moscow, the Russian president reportedly said that Ukraine’s leaders would risk the future of their nation’s statehood if they continued to resist Russia’s invasion. “We could have taken a different course of action," he was quoted as saying. "We could have helped the republics of Donbas at the contact line and reinforced them with the Russian army, but in this case, and I mean with the unwavering support from the west, we would have radicals on the other side coming endlessly… with support from the west." “Our General Staff, the Ministry of Defence, went the other way; the first thing they did was to destroy the entire military infrastructure [of Ukraine], well, not all of it, but partially, mostly. Warehouses with weapons, ammunition, aviation, air defence systems,” he added. Also read | 'He was deceived by his own propaganda': Putin's ex-speechwriter to WION Putin sought to justify the war in Ukraine by repeating his assertion that he was seeking to defend Russian speaking communities there through the “demilitarisation and de-Nazification” of the country. Several western countries and multinational companies announced economic sanctions ever since Russia launched an all-out war against Ukraine 10 days ago. On Saturday, Microsoft, Paypal, Samsung, Visa and Mastercard became the latest global brands to suspend trading there. Also read | Elon Musk says will not block Russian news on Starlink 'unless at gunpoint' Apart from that, the western countries, including the US, UK and Germany, have frozen assets of Putin, foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and several other Russian oligarchs in response to the war in Ukraine. They have also placed sanctions on the Russian central bank and removed some of the country’s lenders from the Swift global payments system, in addition to other economic sanctions. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine conflict: Putin likens sanctions on Russia to declaration of war

Ukraine's Foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba has urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reach out to Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the ongoing invasion of his country. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Pointing to the "special relations" between India and Russia, Ukraine foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba in response to a WION query, said, "All countries, who enjoy special relations with Russia, like India, can appeal to Putin. We call on PM Modi to continue reaching out to Russian President to explain him that this invasion is against the interests of all." &nbsp;

Modi and Putin have spoken twice since Russia has invaded Ukraine in February 24. During his first conversation on February 24, PM appealed for cessation of violence and return to the path of diplomatic negotiations. &nbsp;&nbsp;

While safety of Indian nationals has been on the top of the agenda of the talks, Modi has, during the talks, emphasized on "honest and sincere dialogue", according to the readout by the Indian side. &nbsp;

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The Ukraine Foreign minister also pointed that invasion has impacted global agriculture market, including exports to India. &nbsp;&nbsp;

He explained, "We have to take into account that India is one of the largest consumers of Ukrainian agriculture products and if this war continues, it will be difficult for us to seed new harvest and then to collect it. In terms of global food security and for Indian too, it is best interest to stop this invasion." &nbsp;

India imports huge quantity of sunflower oil from the eastern European country, which is expected to take a beating amid the ongoing escalations. &nbsp;

He asked, "Ordinary Indians can put pressure on the Russian embassy in India to ask them to stop the invasion. Ukraine does not need this war....Putin does not recognise out right to exist but every country in the world can help us by demanding Putin to stop the attack." &nbsp;

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For India, the biggest worry remains the around more than 500 Indian students stranded in Sumy. Asked about it, during the virtual presser, he said, "To facilitate the withdrawal of the foreign students from Kharkiv and Sumy, Ukraine arranged some trains, we also set up a hotline that foreign students can address. We work closely with relevant embassies and coordinate our efforts with them." &nbsp;

India has launched Operation Ganga to evacuate its nationals from the war-torn country, who have crossed over to neighbouring countries like Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova. Under the evacuation operation, so far 63 flights have brought over 13,300 Indians back to India. &nbsp;

He called on the, "Governments of India, China and Nigeria, whose students are in Sumy and Kharkiv" to "the stop fire" by reaching out to Moscow. New Delhi has been in touch with Russia and Ukraine and told them to work on local ceasefire for early evacuation of its nationals. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Dismissing Russian claims of students being held hostage, he said, "They are trying to win the sympathy of the countries I mentioned by accusing Ukraine of keeping foreign students as hostages and violating their rights and decimating them. But I would like to say one thing that for 30 years, Ukraine was home for your students and it continues to be, even under fire from Russia". &nbsp;&nbsp;

Putin had first claimed that Indian students were held hostage by Ukraine, something that has been dismissed by India.

Ukraine's Foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba has urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reach out to Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the ongoing invasion of his country.

Ukraine's Foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba has urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reach out to Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop the ongoing invasion of his country. Pointing to the "special relations" between India and Russia, Ukraine foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba in response to a WION query, said, "All countries, who enjoy special relations with Russia, like India, can appeal to Putin. We call on PM Modi to continue reaching out to Russian President to explain him that this invasion is against the interests of all." Modi and Putin have spoken twice since Russia has invaded Ukraine in February 24. During his first conversation on February 24, PM appealed for cessation of violence and return to the path of diplomatic negotiations. While safety of Indian nationals has been on the top of the agenda of the talks, Modi has, during the talks, emphasized on "honest and sincere dialogue", according to the readout by the Indian side. Also Read | Sigh of relief: 183 Indian citizens reach Delhi in special flight The Ukraine Foreign minister also pointed that invasion has impacted global agriculture market, including exports to India. He explained, "We have to take into account that India is one of the largest consumers of Ukrainian agriculture products and if this war continues, it will be difficult for us to seed new harvest and then to collect it. In terms of global food security and for Indian too, it is best interest to stop this invasion." India imports huge quantity of sunflower oil from the eastern European country, which is expected to take a beating amid the ongoing escalations. He asked, "Ordinary Indians can put pressure on the Russian embassy in India to ask them to stop the invasion. Ukraine does not need this war....Putin does not recognise out right to exist but every country in the world can help us by demanding Putin to stop the attack." Also Read | Weekend Special: Who is a Russian oligarch? Here's what you need to know For India, the biggest worry remains the around more than 500 Indian students stranded in Sumy. Asked about it, during the virtual presser, he said, "To facilitate the withdrawal of the foreign students from Kharkiv and Sumy, Ukraine arranged some trains, we also set up a hotline that foreign students can address. We work closely with relevant embassies and coordinate our efforts with them." India has launched Operation Ganga to evacuate its nationals from the war-torn country, who have crossed over to neighbouring countries like Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova. Under the evacuation operation, so far 63 flights have brought over 13,300 Indians back to India. He called on the, "Governments of India, China and Nigeria, whose students are in Sumy and Kharkiv" to "the stop fire" by reaching out to Moscow. New Delhi has been in touch with Russia and Ukraine and told them to work on local ceasefire for early evacuation of its nationals. Dismissing Russian claims of students being held hostage, he said, "They are trying to win the sympathy of the countries I mentioned by accusing Ukraine of keeping foreign students as hostages and violating their rights and decimating them. But I would like to say one thing that for 30 years, Ukraine was home for your students and it continues to be, even under fire from Russia". Putin had first claimed that Indian students were held hostage by Ukraine, something that has been dismissed by India.

Ukraine FM urges Indian PM Narendra Modi to reach out to Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop invasion

A barrage of Russian missiles destroyed a civilian airport in Vinnytsia in central Ukraine on Sunday. Several cities and airbases in Ukraine have been bombed, shelled or hit with ballistic missiles since Russia launched its 11-day-old invasion.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russia attacks civilian airport in Vinnytsia

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday his campaign in Ukraine was going according to plan and would not end until Kyiv stopped fighting, as efforts to evacuate the heavily bombarded city of Mariupol failed for the second day in a row.

He made the comments in a phone call with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who appealed for a ceasefire in the conflict that the United Nations says has created the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War Two.

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Putin "drew attention to the fact that Kyiv still does not fulfil agreements reached on this acute humanitarian issue," according to a statement from the Kremlin, after two agreements to evacuate Mariupol fell though following allegations of ceasefire breaches.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">He told Erdogan he was ready for dialogue with Ukraine and foreign partners but any attempt to draw out negotiation would fail, a Kremlin statement said.&nbsp;</div>

Putin earlier listed “demilitarisation” and “denazification” of Ukraine, recognition of Crimea as part of Russia, and recognition of the separatist regions in eastern Ukraine as independent states as the Kremlin’s main demands.

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Ukraine's Interior Ministry adviser Anton Gerashchenko said the planned evacuations were halted because of an ongoing assault by Russian troops.

“There can be no ‘green corridors’ because only the sick brain of the Russians decides when to start shooting and at whom,“ Gerashchenko said on Telegram.

The news dashed hopes of progress in easing, much less ending, the war in Ukraine, which is now in its 11 day and has caused 1.5 million people to flee the country.&nbsp;

Russian troops have already taken control of the Zaporizhzhia plant in Ukraine, as well as Chernobyl, the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putins-strategy-in-ukraine-invasion-has-stumped-us-defence-experts-459291">Also read |&nbsp;Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy in Ukraine invasion has stumped US defence experts</a>

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated a request for foreign protectors to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine, which NATO so far has ruled out because of concerns such an action would draw the West into the war.

“The world is strong enough to close our skies,” Zelensky said in a video address on Sunday.

The strength of Ukrainian resistance continues to surprise Russian forces, and they have responded by targeting populated areas, including the cities of Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Mariupol, the UK Ministry of Defense said in its daily intelligence briefing.

British military officials on Sunday compared Russia’s tactics in Ukraine to those used in Chechnya and Syria, where surrounded cities were pummeled with airstrikes and artillery after Russian forces faced unexpected resistance.

“This is likely to represent an effort to break Ukrainian morale,” the ministry said. “Russia has used similar tactics in Chechnya in 1999 and Syria in 2016, employing both air and ground-based munitions.”

The death toll of the conflict is difficult to measure. The UN&nbsp;human rights office said at least 351 civilians have been confirmed killed, but the true number is probably much higher. Russian and Ukrainian defense officials have not provided information on their military causalities.

Ukraine’s military is vastly outmatched by Russia’s, but its professional and volunteer forces have fought back with fierce tenacity.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday his campaign in Ukraine was going according to plan and would not end until Kyiv stopped fighting, as efforts to evacuate the heavily bombarded city of Mariupol failed for the second day in a row.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Sunday his campaign in Ukraine was going according to plan and would not end until Kyiv stopped fighting, as efforts to evacuate the heavily bombarded city of Mariupol failed for the second day in a row. He made the comments in a phone call with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, who appealed for a ceasefire in the conflict that the United Nations says has created the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War Two. Putin "drew attention to the fact that Kyiv still does not fulfil agreements reached on this acute humanitarian issue," according to a statement from the Kremlin, after two agreements to evacuate Mariupol fell though following allegations of ceasefire breaches. He told Erdogan he was ready for dialogue with Ukraine and foreign partners but any attempt to draw out negotiation would fail, a Kremlin statement said. Putin earlier listed “demilitarisation” and “denazification” of Ukraine, recognition of Crimea as part of Russia, and recognition of the separatist regions in eastern Ukraine as independent states as the Kremlin’s main demands. Also see | What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine? Ukraine's Interior Ministry adviser Anton Gerashchenko said the planned evacuations were halted because of an ongoing assault by Russian troops. “There can be no ‘green corridors’ because only the sick brain of the Russians decides when to start shooting and at whom,“ Gerashchenko said on Telegram. The news dashed hopes of progress in easing, much less ending, the war in Ukraine, which is now in its 11 day and has caused 1.5 million people to flee the country. Russian troops have already taken control of the Zaporizhzhia plant in Ukraine, as well as Chernobyl, the site of the world’s worst nuclear disaster. Also read | Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy in Ukraine invasion has stumped US defence experts Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated a request for foreign protectors to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine, which NATO so far has ruled out because of concerns such an action would draw the West into the war. “The world is strong enough to close our skies,” Zelensky said in a video address on Sunday. The strength of Ukrainian resistance continues to surprise Russian forces, and they have responded by targeting populated areas, including the cities of Kharkiv, Chernihiv, and Mariupol, the UK Ministry of Defense said in its daily intelligence briefing. British military officials on Sunday compared Russia’s tactics in Ukraine to those used in Chechnya and Syria, where surrounded cities were pummeled with airstrikes and artillery after Russian forces faced unexpected resistance. “This is likely to represent an effort to break Ukrainian morale,” the ministry said. “Russia has used similar tactics in Chechnya in 1999 and Syria in 2016, employing both air and ground-based munitions.” The death toll of the conflict is difficult to measure. The UN human rights office said at least 351 civilians have been confirmed killed, but the true number is probably much higher. Russian and Ukrainian defense officials have not provided information on their military causalities. Ukraine’s military is vastly outmatched by Russia’s, but its professional and volunteer forces have fought back with fierce tenacity. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin says his campaign in Ukraine will not end until Kyiv stops fighting

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is about to launch an international "plan of action" in his upcoming diplomatic meetings with Canadian, Dutch, and Central European leaders next week, to ensure Russia's invasion of Ukraine fails.

UK PM to launch international 'plan of action' against Russia's Vladimir Putin

UK PM Boris Johnson to launch international 'plan of action' against Russia's Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has once again set conditions for endling Moscow's invasion in Ukraine. Kremlin has announced that Russia will only halt its military operation if Ukraine stops fighting and Moscow's demands are met.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sets conditions to end Moscow's invasion in Ukraine

The Russia-Ukraine war is making headlines globally but, one name is going to be remembered longer than others, Volodymyr Zelensky. WION tells you how Ukraine won the narrative war due to its President.

Zelensky: Wartime leader on social media

Visa and Mastercard are suspending their operations in Russia in the latest blow to the country’s financial system after its invasion of Ukraine.

Visa, Mastercard halt operations in Russia over Ukraine invasion

The City Council of Mariupol has announced a temporary ceasefire to help evacuate civilians as well as the wounded and dead. The news comes after a Ukrainian-Russian agreement for humanitarian corridors out of the city broke down following reports of Russian shelling.

Fresh attempts of evacuation in Mariupol, second temporary ceasefire announced

The United Nation has estimated that approximately 1.5 million Ukrainian citizens have been displaced during the country’s conflict with Russia. WION tells you more.

UN: Almost 1.5 million people displaced from Ukraine during Russian invasion

Italian police have seized luxurious properties like villas and yachts from high-profile Russians who were placed on an EU sanctions list after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Italian authorities seizes yachts and villas from Russian oligarchs

The next round of talks between Ukraine and Russia will be held on Monday, as the two sides try to negotiate a ceasefire as well as a safe passage corridor for civilians.

Russia, Ukraine to hold third round of talks on Monday

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the U.S.-funded media outlet founded in the Cold War to deliver news into communist-controlled countries, announced that it would cease its operations in Russia as the country cracks down on information following its invasion of Ukraine.

Jamie Fly, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty president and CEO, said in a statement Sunday that the move was a result of “the Putin regime’s assault on the truth.”

Since its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has moved swiftly to limit free speech and dissent, forcing Western companies to reassess. Bloomberg News, the BBC, CNN International and ABC News have also suspended their news reporting operations inside Russia. The Kremlin has blocked access to Facebook inside the country.

The suspension strikes at the heart of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

Radio Free Europe was founded by U.S. officials in 1950 and had broadcast into Eastern bloc countries including Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Poland. Three years later, Radio Liberty, which was also founded by U.S. officials and was a separate organization, began broadcasting into the Soviet Union.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, the now united Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty created new bureaus in countries just beginning to build their democracies. They trained journalists and tried to help develop local media.

Back then, President Vaclav Havel of the Czech Republic thanked the organization for its role during the Cold War. He even offered the former parliament building as a headquarters for Radio Free Europe.

“We need your professionalism and your ability to see events from a broad perspective,” Havel said.

In recent weeks, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty said it had faced increasing pressure in Russia.

Friday, local tax officials initiated bankruptcy proceedings against one of its Russian entities, the group said. That is the same day that President Vladimir Putin of Russia signed a new law to punish anyone spreading “false information” about its Ukraine invasion with up to 15 years in prison.

The organization also said that it refused requests by the Russian government to delete information about the Ukraine invasion. After the refusal, Russian authorities blocked access within the country to its websites, the organization said.

In the statement, Fly said the Russian government is “now branding honest journalists as traitors to the Russian state,” adding that its journalists will “continue to tell the truth about Russia’s catastrophic invasion of its neighbour” from outside of the country.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the U.S.-funded media outlet founded in the Cold War to deliver news into communist-controlled countries, announced that it would cease its operations in Russia as the country cracks down on information following its invasion of Ukraine.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the U.S.-funded media outlet founded in the Cold War to deliver news into communist-controlled countries, announced that it would cease its operations in Russia as the country cracks down on information following its invasion of Ukraine. Jamie Fly, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty president and CEO, said in a statement Sunday that the move was a result of “the Putin regime’s assault on the truth.” Since its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has moved swiftly to limit free speech and dissent, forcing Western companies to reassess. Bloomberg News, the BBC, CNN International and ABC News have also suspended their news reporting operations inside Russia. The Kremlin has blocked access to Facebook inside the country. The suspension strikes at the heart of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Radio Free Europe was founded by U.S. officials in 1950 and had broadcast into Eastern bloc countries including Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and Poland. Three years later, Radio Liberty, which was also founded by U.S. officials and was a separate organization, began broadcasting into the Soviet Union. After the fall of the Soviet Union, the now united Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty created new bureaus in countries just beginning to build their democracies. They trained journalists and tried to help develop local media. Back then, President Vaclav Havel of the Czech Republic thanked the organization for its role during the Cold War. He even offered the former parliament building as a headquarters for Radio Free Europe. “We need your professionalism and your ability to see events from a broad perspective,” Havel said. In recent weeks, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty said it had faced increasing pressure in Russia. Friday, local tax officials initiated bankruptcy proceedings against one of its Russian entities, the group said. That is the same day that President Vladimir Putin of Russia signed a new law to punish anyone spreading “false information” about its Ukraine invasion with up to 15 years in prison. The organization also said that it refused requests by the Russian government to delete information about the Ukraine invasion. After the refusal, Russian authorities blocked access within the country to its websites, the organization said. In the statement, Fly said the Russian government is “now branding honest journalists as traitors to the Russian state,” adding that its journalists will “continue to tell the truth about Russia’s catastrophic invasion of its neighbour” from outside of the country.

Radio Free Europe, with roots in the Cold War, suspends operations in Russia

In a sharp rebuke to his former boss, former US Vice President Mike Pence said that Donald Trump was wrong for praising Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He said that “there is no room in this party for apologists for Putin” as he further cemented his break from Trump.

“Where would Russian tanks be today if NATO had not expanded the borders of freedom? There is no room in this party for apologists for Putin,” Pence said.

“There is only room for champions of freedom,” he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-praises-putins-strategy-in-ukraine-calls-him-a-genius-455635">Also read |&nbsp;Donald Trump praises Putin’s strategy in Ukraine, calls him a ‘genius’ &nbsp;</a>

During an interview on a right-wing radio programme, The Clay Travis &amp; Buck Sexton Show, Trump had called Putin a "genius" to "declare a large portion of Ukraine as independent."

Pence said Trump was incorrect to think Pence could have taken action to reverse the outcome of the 2020 presidential election that Trump has falsely claimed was stolen from him.

"President Trump is wrong," Pence said in a speech in Florida to the conservative Federalist Society. "I had no right to overturn the election."

"The presidency belongs to the American people, and the American people alone. And frankly there is no idea more un-American than the notion that any one person could choose the American president," Pence added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jan-6-committee-lays-out-potential-criminal-charges-against-trump-458450">Also read |&nbsp;Jan 6 committee lays out potential criminal charges against Trump</a>

After losing his re-election bid Democrat Joe Biden in November 2020, the Republican Trump pressured Pence to block congressional certification of the results in an attempt to stay in power. Pence, a loyal lieutenant during the four years of Trump's tumultuous presidency, opted not to block certification.

In the chilling events of January 6, after a fiery speech near the White House in which Trump repeated his false claim of election fraud and urged the assembled crowd to "fight like hell," the mob marched to the Capitol and overran it in stunning scenes of violence and mayhem.

Trump was impeached for a historic second time after the Capitol riot, he was charged with inciting an insurrection, but was acquitted by the Senate.

The former president still dominates the Republican Party and regularly makes comments flirting with the idea of seeking a second term.

A mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, in a failed bid to prevent Congress from formally certifying the election results. Pence was presiding over the proceedings and, along with US lawmakers at the Capitol, fled from the rioters.

"All Vice President Pence has to do is send it back to the states to recertify and we become president and you are the happiest people," Trump told his supporters during the Jan. 6 speech.

Later some of the rioters at the Capitol chanted "Hang Mike Pence" during the rampage and some set up makeshift gallows.

Trump at a rally in Texas on Saturday said that if he were to run for president and win in 2024, he would pardon people charged with criminal offenses in connection with the January 6 riot.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a sharp rebuke to his former boss, former US Vice President Mike Pence said that Donald Trump was wrong for praising Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said that “there is no room in this party for apologists for Putin” as he further cemented his break from Trump.

In a sharp rebuke to his former boss, former US Vice President Mike Pence said that Donald Trump was wrong for praising Russian President Vladimir Putin. He said that “there is no room in this party for apologists for Putin” as he further cemented his break from Trump. “Where would Russian tanks be today if NATO had not expanded the borders of freedom? There is no room in this party for apologists for Putin,” Pence said. “There is only room for champions of freedom,” he added. Also read | Donald Trump praises Putin’s strategy in Ukraine, calls him a ‘genius’ During an interview on a right-wing radio programme, The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show, Trump had called Putin a "genius" to "declare a large portion of Ukraine as independent." Pence said Trump was incorrect to think Pence could have taken action to reverse the outcome of the 2020 presidential election that Trump has falsely claimed was stolen from him. "President Trump is wrong," Pence said in a speech in Florida to the conservative Federalist Society. "I had no right to overturn the election." "The presidency belongs to the American people, and the American people alone. And frankly there is no idea more un-American than the notion that any one person could choose the American president," Pence added. Also read | Jan 6 committee lays out potential criminal charges against Trump After losing his re-election bid Democrat Joe Biden in November 2020, the Republican Trump pressured Pence to block congressional certification of the results in an attempt to stay in power. Pence, a loyal lieutenant during the four years of Trump's tumultuous presidency, opted not to block certification. In the chilling events of January 6, after a fiery speech near the White House in which Trump repeated his false claim of election fraud and urged the assembled crowd to "fight like hell," the mob marched to the Capitol and overran it in stunning scenes of violence and mayhem. Trump was impeached for a historic second time after the Capitol riot, he was charged with inciting an insurrection, but was acquitted by the Senate. The former president still dominates the Republican Party and regularly makes comments flirting with the idea of seeking a second term. A mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021, in a failed bid to prevent Congress from formally certifying the election results. Pence was presiding over the proceedings and, along with US lawmakers at the Capitol, fled from the rioters. "All Vice President Pence has to do is send it back to the states to recertify and we become president and you are the happiest people," Trump told his supporters during the Jan. 6 speech. Later some of the rioters at the Capitol chanted "Hang Mike Pence" during the rampage and some set up makeshift gallows. Trump at a rally in Texas on Saturday said that if he were to run for president and win in 2024, he would pardon people charged with criminal offenses in connection with the January 6 riot. (With inputs from agencies)

Former US Vice President Mike Pence slams Donald Trump for praising Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has cleared a law that intends to punish journalists with a harsh jail term of up to 15 years for publishing “fake news” about the army.

The bill, which was adopted by lawmakers earlier on Friday, sets out jail terms of varying lengths and fines against people who publish "knowingly false information" about the military.

Journalists will also be penalised if they publish news contradicting officials' statements on Kremlin's war in Ukraine.

On Friday, Russia's media watchdog said it had restricted access to the BBC and other independent media websites and blocked social media giant Facebook.

The passage of law triggered pushback from western news outlets, with BBC, Canadian Broadcasting Corp (CBC), CNN and Bloomberg suspending their operations in the country.

BBC&nbsp;Director-General Tim Davie said the legislation "appears to criminalise the process of independent journalism".

&nbsp;"It leaves us no other option than to temporarily suspend the work of all BBC News journalists and their support staff within the Russian Federation while we assess the full implications of this unwelcome development," he said in a statement.

Bloomberg News said it was also temporarily suspending the work of its journalists inside Russia.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cyber-armageddon-in-europe-thousands-go-offline-following-russia-ukraine-war-says-report-459113">‘Cyber Armageddon’ in Europe: Thousands go offline following Russia-Ukraine war, says report</a>

"The change to the criminal code, which seems designed to turn any independent reporter into a criminal purely by association, makes it impossible to continue any semblance of normal journalism inside the country," Bloomberg Editor-in-Chief John Micklethwait said in a statement.

The CBC said it had temporarily suspended reporting from the ground in Russia so it could seek clarity on the new law.

In a statement, it said that it was ‘very concerned’ about the law, which ‘appears to criminalise independent reporting on the current situation in Ukraine and Russia’.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-foreign-minister-dmytro-kuleba-accuses-lavrov-of-spreading-misinformation-459024">Ukrainian invasion: Dmytro Kuleba accuses Lavrov of spreading misinformation</a>

"CNN will stop broadcasting in Russia while we continue to evaluate the situation and our next steps moving forward," a spokesperson said.

The adoption of penal law follows sanctions announced by the European Union which has banned&nbsp;Russia Today (RT) and Sputnik in the wake of Russian invasion of Ukraine.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin has cleared a law that intends to punish journalists with a harsh jail term of up to 15 years for publishing “fake news” about the army.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has cleared a law that intends to punish journalists with a harsh jail term of up to 15 years for publishing “fake news” about the army. The bill, which was adopted by lawmakers earlier on Friday, sets out jail terms of varying lengths and fines against people who publish "knowingly false information" about the military. Journalists will also be penalised if they publish news contradicting officials' statements on Kremlin's war in Ukraine. On Friday, Russia's media watchdog said it had restricted access to the BBC and other independent media websites and blocked social media giant Facebook. The passage of law triggered pushback from western news outlets, with BBC, Canadian Broadcasting Corp (CBC), CNN and Bloomberg suspending their operations in the country. BBC Director-General Tim Davie said the legislation "appears to criminalise the process of independent journalism". "It leaves us no other option than to temporarily suspend the work of all BBC News journalists and their support staff within the Russian Federation while we assess the full implications of this unwelcome development," he said in a statement. Bloomberg News said it was also temporarily suspending the work of its journalists inside Russia. Also read | ‘Cyber Armageddon’ in Europe: Thousands go offline following Russia-Ukraine war, says report "The change to the criminal code, which seems designed to turn any independent reporter into a criminal purely by association, makes it impossible to continue any semblance of normal journalism inside the country," Bloomberg Editor-in-Chief John Micklethwait said in a statement. The CBC said it had temporarily suspended reporting from the ground in Russia so it could seek clarity on the new law. In a statement, it said that it was ‘very concerned’ about the law, which ‘appears to criminalise independent reporting on the current situation in Ukraine and Russia’. Also read | Ukrainian invasion: Dmytro Kuleba accuses Lavrov of spreading misinformation "CNN will stop broadcasting in Russia while we continue to evaluate the situation and our next steps moving forward," a spokesperson said. The adoption of penal law follows sanctions announced by the European Union which has banned Russia Today (RT) and Sputnik in the wake of Russian invasion of Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin clears law against ‘fake news’ on army; BBC, CNN, others suspend operations

Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy during Ukraine's invasion has stumped US defence experts.

In war, winning quick control of airspace is crucial. Russia’s failure to do so in Ukraine, despite its vast military strength, has been a surprise and may help explain how Ukraine has so far prevented a rout.

The standoff in the sky is among the Russian battle shortcomings, including logistical breakdowns, that have thrown Moscow off stride in its invasion.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-releases-video-claiming-an-attack-on-military-site-459273/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Typically, an invading force would seek at the outset to destroy or at least paralyse the target country’s air and missile defences because dominance of the skies allows ground forces to operate more effectively and with fewer losses.&nbsp;

US military officials had assumed that Russia would use its electronic warfare and cyber capabilities to blind and paralyse Ukraine’s air defences and military communications.

That would have been "the logical and widely anticipated next step, as seen in almost every military conflict since 1938," wrote the RUSI think-tank in London, in an article called "The Mysterious Case of the Missing Russian Air Force."

But the first two weeks have confounded those expectations and instead seen Moscow act far more delicately with its air power, so much so that US officials can't exactly explain what's driving Russia's apparent risk-averse behavior.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-are-czech-hedgehogs-homemade-obstacles-that-can-destroy-russian-tanks-459254" hreflang="en">What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks</a>

Vastly outmatched by Russia's military, in terms of raw numbers and firepower, Ukraine's own air force is still flying and its air defenses are still deemed to be viable,&nbsp;a fact that is baffling military experts.

"They're not necessarily willing to take high risks with their own aircraft and their own pilots," a senior US defence official said

A possible explanation for Russia’s failure to do so is that President Vladimir Putin built his war strategy on an assumption that Ukrainian defenses would easily fold, allowing Russian forces to quickly capture Kyiv, the capital, and crush Ukrainian forces in the east and south without having to achieve air superiority.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russia-attacks-ukraine-kalibr-cruise-missiles-tested-in-syrian-battlefield-459267" hreflang="en">Russia attacks Ukraine: Kalibr cruise missiles 'tested' in Syrian battlefield</a>

“We think that they’re a few days behind where they expected to be” at this stage, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said.

“It’s clear, yes, the Russians have had their own challenges and they have met resistance we don’t believe they fully expected.”

Ukrainian air force fighter jets are still carrying out low-level, defensive counter-air and ground-attack sorties. Russia is still flying through contested airspace.

Ukrainian troops with surface-to-air rockets are able to threaten Russian aircraft and create risk to Russian pilots trying to support ground forces.

"There's a lot of stuff they're doing that's perplexing," said Rob Lee, a Russian military specialist at the Foreign Policy Research Institute.

He thought the beginning of the war would be "maximum use of force."

"Because every day it goes on there's a cost and the risk goes up. And they're not doing that and it just is really hard to explain for any realistic reason."

“There are two basic ways you can describe the slowness of the Russian advance in Ukraine,” said Loren Thompson, a defence analyst at the Lexington Institute, a Washington think tank.

“One explanation is deliberate restraint. The other explanation is poor execution. We don’t know enough to identify which is the more plausible explanation, but it’s important to recognise the Russians have all sorts of options they have not yet brought to bear,” including heavier use of cyberattacks against the Ukrainian command and control system and air defences.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-the-chain-of-command-for-potential-russian-nuclear-strikes-458854">What is the chain of command for potential Russian nuclear strikes?</a>

In its latest assessment, the Institute for the Study of War said Moscow has likely recognised that its initial approach failed and is moving additional combat power toward Ukraine.

“The tide of the war could change rapidly in Russia’s favour if the Russian military has correctly identified its failings and addresses them promptly, given the overwhelming advantage in net combat power that Moscow enjoys,” it said.

The confusion over how Russia has used its air force comes as President Joe Biden's administration rejects calls by Kyiv for a no-fly zone that could draw the United States directly into a conflict with Russia, whose plans for its air force are unclear.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-invasion-parents-of-indian-student-reveal-that-missiles-are-falling-near-hostels-459279" hreflang="en">Ukraine invasion: Parents of Indian student reveal that missiles are falling near hostels</a>

Military experts have seen evidence of a lack of Russian air force coordination with ground troop formations, with multiple Russian columns of troops sent forward beyond the reach of their own air defense cover.

That leaves Russian soldiers vulnerable to attack from Ukrainian forces, including those newly equipped with Turkish drones and US&nbsp;and British anti-tank missiles. David Deptula, a retired US&nbsp;Air Force three-star general who once commanded the no-fly zone over northern Iraq, said he was surprised that Russia didn't work harder to establish air dominance from the start.

"The Russians are discovering that coordinating multi-domain operations is not easy," Deptula said. "And that they are not as good as they presumed they were."

While the Russians have been under-performing, Ukraine's military has been exceeding expectations so far.

Ukraine's experience from the last eight years of fighting with Russian-backed separatist forces in the east was dominated by static World War One-style trench warfare.

By contrast Russia's forces got combat experience in Syria, where they intervened on the side of President Bashar al-Assad, and demonstrated some ability to synchronize ground maneuvers with air and drone attacks.

Ukraine's ability to keep flying air force jets is a visible demonstration of the country's resilience in the face of attack and has been a morale booster, both to its own military and Ukraine's people, experts say.

It has also led to mythologising of the Ukrainian air force, including a tale about a Ukrainian jet fighter that purportedly single-handedly downed six Russian aircrafts, dubbed online as "The Ghost of Kyiv."

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy during Ukraine's invasion has stumped US defence experts. In war, winning quick control of airspace is crucial. Russia’s failure to do so in Ukraine, despite its vast military strength, has been a surprise and may help explain how Ukraine has so far prevented a rout.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy during Ukraine's invasion has stumped US defence experts. In war, winning quick control of airspace is crucial. Russia’s failure to do so in Ukraine, despite its vast military strength, has been a surprise and may help explain how Ukraine has so far prevented a rout. The standoff in the sky is among the Russian battle shortcomings, including logistical breakdowns, that have thrown Moscow off stride in its invasion. Typically, an invading force would seek at the outset to destroy or at least paralyse the target country’s air and missile defences because dominance of the skies allows ground forces to operate more effectively and with fewer losses. US military officials had assumed that Russia would use its electronic warfare and cyber capabilities to blind and paralyse Ukraine’s air defences and military communications. That would have been "the logical and widely anticipated next step, as seen in almost every military conflict since 1938," wrote the RUSI think-tank in London, in an article called "The Mysterious Case of the Missing Russian Air Force." But the first two weeks have confounded those expectations and instead seen Moscow act far more delicately with its air power, so much so that US officials can't exactly explain what's driving Russia's apparent risk-averse behavior. Also see | What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks Vastly outmatched by Russia's military, in terms of raw numbers and firepower, Ukraine's own air force is still flying and its air defenses are still deemed to be viable, a fact that is baffling military experts. "They're not necessarily willing to take high risks with their own aircraft and their own pilots," a senior US defence official said A possible explanation for Russia’s failure to do so is that President Vladimir Putin built his war strategy on an assumption that Ukrainian defenses would easily fold, allowing Russian forces to quickly capture Kyiv, the capital, and crush Ukrainian forces in the east and south without having to achieve air superiority. Also see | Russia attacks Ukraine: Kalibr cruise missiles 'tested' in Syrian battlefield “We think that they’re a few days behind where they expected to be” at this stage, Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said. “It’s clear, yes, the Russians have had their own challenges and they have met resistance we don’t believe they fully expected.” Ukrainian air force fighter jets are still carrying out low-level, defensive counter-air and ground-attack sorties. Russia is still flying through contested airspace. Ukrainian troops with surface-to-air rockets are able to threaten Russian aircraft and create risk to Russian pilots trying to support ground forces. "There's a lot of stuff they're doing that's perplexing," said Rob Lee, a Russian military specialist at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. He thought the beginning of the war would be "maximum use of force." "Because every day it goes on there's a cost and the risk goes up. And they're not doing that and it just is really hard to explain for any realistic reason." “There are two basic ways you can describe the slowness of the Russian advance in Ukraine,” said Loren Thompson, a defence analyst at the Lexington Institute, a Washington think tank. “One explanation is deliberate restraint. The other explanation is poor execution. We don’t know enough to identify which is the more plausible explanation, but it’s important to recognise the Russians have all sorts of options they have not yet brought to bear,” including heavier use of cyberattacks against the Ukrainian command and control system and air defences. Also see | What is the chain of command for potential Russian nuclear strikes? In its latest assessment, the Institute for the Study of War said Moscow has likely recognised that its initial approach failed and is moving additional combat power toward Ukraine. “The tide of the war could change rapidly in Russia’s favour if the Russian military has correctly identified its failings and addresses them promptly, given the overwhelming advantage in net combat power that Moscow enjoys,” it said. The confusion over how Russia has used its air force comes as President Joe Biden's administration rejects calls by Kyiv for a no-fly zone that could draw the United States directly into a conflict with Russia, whose plans for its air force are unclear. Also read | Ukraine invasion: Parents of Indian student reveal that missiles are falling near hostels Military experts have seen evidence of a lack of Russian air force coordination with ground troop formations, with multiple Russian columns of troops sent forward beyond the reach of their own air defense cover. That leaves Russian soldiers vulnerable to attack from Ukrainian forces, including those newly equipped with Turkish drones and US and British anti-tank missiles. David Deptula, a retired US Air Force three-star general who once commanded the no-fly zone over northern Iraq, said he was surprised that Russia didn't work harder to establish air dominance from the start. "The Russians are discovering that coordinating multi-domain operations is not easy," Deptula said. "And that they are not as good as they presumed they were." While the Russians have been under-performing, Ukraine's military has been exceeding expectations so far. Ukraine's experience from the last eight years of fighting with Russian-backed separatist forces in the east was dominated by static World War One-style trench warfare. By contrast Russia's forces got combat experience in Syria, where they intervened on the side of President Bashar al-Assad, and demonstrated some ability to synchronize ground maneuvers with air and drone attacks. Ukraine's ability to keep flying air force jets is a visible demonstration of the country's resilience in the face of attack and has been a morale booster, both to its own military and Ukraine's people, experts say. It has also led to mythologising of the Ukrainian air force, including a tale about a Ukrainian jet fighter that purportedly single-handedly downed six Russian aircrafts, dubbed online as "The Ghost of Kyiv." (With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin's strategy in Ukraine invasion has stumped US defence experts

Many are trying to understand the motive of Russian President Vladimir Putin as more troops enter Ukrainian cities. What are Putin’s next moves and what is his end goal?

What will be Vladimir Putin’s next move?

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.

In the midst of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, a surge in 'Deepfake' videos are being used to spread misinformation against Ukraine.&nbsp;

The sudden surge in such videos has put US authorities on alert.

Apparently, a Russian propaganda campaign called 'Ukraine Today' is using fake accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to promote fake news about the war, according to a report in The Guardian.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/please-use-with-caution-elon-musk-warns-that-starlink-can-be-targeted-by-russia-advises-caution-458726" hreflang="en">'Please use with caution': Elon Musk warns that starlink can be 'targeted' by Russia, advises caution</a>

Officials from US intelligence agencies are monitoring video and audio for manipulation that might result in misinformation.

Reports from Fox News state that the FBI is continuing its fight against illegal deepfakes as the technology improves.

"Audio, video, text and images that are created to show something that didn't necessarily happen, or never occurred," FBI Cyber Division Unit Chief Pranav Shah was quoted as stating in the report.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-shelling-sets-largest-nuclear-power-plant-in-europe-on-fire-says-ukraines-minister-458728" hreflang="en">Russian shelling sets largest nuclear power plant in Europe on fire, says Ukraine's minister</a>

Several fake profiles, posing as pro-Russian Ukrainians have been removed from Facebook and Twitter, according to the report.

Deepfakes are being used by influence operations with ties to Russia and Belarus to spread disinformation against Ukraine.

Video forgeries known as deep fakes make people seem to say things they never said, such as the viral forged video of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and the forged video of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Over the weekend, Facebook and Twitter removed two anti-Ukraine "covert influence operations." One of them had ties with Russia and the other with Belarus.

Watch |&nbsp;Nuclear war: Putin's threat or rhetoric? Who has how many nuclear warheads?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nuclear-war-putins-threat-or-rhetoric-who-has-how-many-nuclear-warheads-458729/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In recent years, deepfakes have become so convincing that it is difficult to differentiate between them and the real thing.

In a study cited last week by AI News, researchers concluded that humans can no longer distinguish between real and AI-generated "deepfake" faces.

(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. In the midst of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, a surge in 'Deepfake' videos are being used to spread misinformation against Ukraine. The sudden surge in such videos has put US authorities on alert. Apparently, a Russian propaganda campaign called 'Ukraine Today' is using fake accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to promote fake news about the war, according to a report in The Guardian. Also read | 'Please use with caution': Elon Musk warns that starlink can be 'targeted' by Russia, advises caution Officials from US intelligence agencies are monitoring video and audio for manipulation that might result in misinformation. Reports from Fox News state that the FBI is continuing its fight against illegal deepfakes as the technology improves. "Audio, video, text and images that are created to show something that didn't necessarily happen, or never occurred," FBI Cyber Division Unit Chief Pranav Shah was quoted as stating in the report. Also read | Russian shelling sets largest nuclear power plant in Europe on fire, says Ukraine's minister Several fake profiles, posing as pro-Russian Ukrainians have been removed from Facebook and Twitter, according to the report. Deepfakes are being used by influence operations with ties to Russia and Belarus to spread disinformation against Ukraine. Video forgeries known as deep fakes make people seem to say things they never said, such as the viral forged video of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and the forged video of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Over the weekend, Facebook and Twitter removed two anti-Ukraine "covert influence operations." One of them had ties with Russia and the other with Belarus. Watch | Nuclear war: Putin's threat or rhetoric? Who has how many nuclear warheads? In recent years, deepfakes have become so convincing that it is difficult to differentiate between them and the real thing. In a study cited last week by AI News, researchers concluded that humans can no longer distinguish between real and AI-generated "deepfake" faces. (With inputs from agencies)

Digital weaponry: Russia using deepfakes to spread misinformation against Ukraine, claims report

Even as Russia lies in financial meltdown due to crippling Western sanctions imposed after Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, wealthy Russians are 'panic buying' luxury jewellery and watches that will likely have a high resale value.

As the rouble value continues to fall, many of Russia's wealthy have sought to invest in luxury jewellery and watches; goods that are likely to have a high resale value.

Similar to gold, the prices of designer jewels and watches can hold and even increase in some cases following economic turmoil caused by war and conflict.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-day-9-zelensky-accuses-russia-of-nuclear-terror-trying-to-repeat-the-chernobyl-disaster-458768" hreflang="en">Ukraine crisis day 9: Zelensky accuses Russia of "nuclear terror", trying to "repeat" the Chernobyl disaster</a>

Following the imposition of western sanctions, many&nbsp;of the world's largest companies such as Apple, Nike, Shell, and BP pulled out of Russia. However, luxury European brands remained and have reported an increase in sales.

During the last few days, Bulgari's jewellery sales increased at its Russian stores following the issuance of international sanctions against Putin to restrict the movement of cash.

Selected Russian banks were disconnected from SWIFT financial messaging services after Putin invaded Ukraine, restricting the movement of cash even more.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/please-use-with-caution-elon-musk-warns-that-starlink-can-be-targeted-by-russia-advises-caution-458726" hreflang="en">'Please use with caution': Elon Musk warns that starlink can be 'targeted' by Russia, advises caution</a>

In an interview with Bloomberg, Jean-Christophe Babin, Bulgari's chief executive, said the move probably boosted business and characterized Bulgari's jewellery as a 'safe investment.

Along with Bulgari, other luxury brands such as Cartier, Rolex and Swatch's Omega watches are available in the country.

During early trading, the currency plunged 30 per cent before easing back to 20 per cent down. Its collapse could wipe out the savings of ordinary Russians, many of whom have been seen flocking to ATMs throughout the country to empty their accounts.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia trade restrictions: Nike, Ikea close stores in Russia

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-trade-restrictions-nike-ikea-close-stores-in-russia-458783/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US cut off the Russian central bank this week in a fresh round of sanctions that effectively bans Americans from doing business with it and significantly limits Russia's ability to defend its currency. &nbsp;

Additionally, the US imposed sanctions on the state investment fund, with an official claiming Joe Biden's intent was to ensure that the Russian economy &nbsp;'goes backward as long as Putin goes forward with his invasion of Ukraine'.

(With inputs from agencies)

Even as Russia lies in financial meltdown due to crippling Western sanctions imposed after Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, wealthy Russians are 'panic buying' luxury jewellery and watches that will likely have a high resale value.

Even as Russia lies in financial meltdown due to crippling Western sanctions imposed after Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, wealthy Russians are 'panic buying' luxury jewellery and watches that will likely have a high resale value. As the rouble value continues to fall, many of Russia's wealthy have sought to invest in luxury jewellery and watches; goods that are likely to have a high resale value. Similar to gold, the prices of designer jewels and watches can hold and even increase in some cases following economic turmoil caused by war and conflict. Also read | Ukraine crisis day 9: Zelensky accuses Russia of "nuclear terror", trying to "repeat" the Chernobyl disaster Following the imposition of western sanctions, many of the world's largest companies such as Apple, Nike, Shell, and BP pulled out of Russia. However, luxury European brands remained and have reported an increase in sales. During the last few days, Bulgari's jewellery sales increased at its Russian stores following the issuance of international sanctions against Putin to restrict the movement of cash. Selected Russian banks were disconnected from SWIFT financial messaging services after Putin invaded Ukraine, restricting the movement of cash even more. Also read | 'Please use with caution': Elon Musk warns that starlink can be 'targeted' by Russia, advises caution In an interview with Bloomberg, Jean-Christophe Babin, Bulgari's chief executive, said the move probably boosted business and characterized Bulgari's jewellery as a 'safe investment. Along with Bulgari, other luxury brands such as Cartier, Rolex and Swatch's Omega watches are available in the country. During early trading, the currency plunged 30 per cent before easing back to 20 per cent down. Its collapse could wipe out the savings of ordinary Russians, many of whom have been seen flocking to ATMs throughout the country to empty their accounts. Watch | Russia trade restrictions: Nike, Ikea close stores in Russia The US cut off the Russian central bank this week in a fresh round of sanctions that effectively bans Americans from doing business with it and significantly limits Russia's ability to defend its currency. Additionally, the US imposed sanctions on the state investment fund, with an official claiming Joe Biden's intent was to ensure that the Russian economy 'goes backward as long as Putin goes forward with his invasion of Ukraine'. (With inputs from agencies)

Even as Ukraine suffers, luxury brands in Russia see sales rise as country’s rich panic-buy jewellery, watches

From a huge Russian military convoy snaking its way to Kyiv to missile strikes and refugee&nbsp;crossings,&nbsp;commercial&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;imagery of the&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;conflict&nbsp;is helping lift the fog of war, illuminating for the public what was previously the domain of spy agencies.

Technologies that can pierce cloud cover and work at night are also coming to the fore, as a growing army of open-source intelligence analysts offer near real-time assessments of battleground developments.

"Governments are no longer the only place to go for high precision&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;data," Craig Nazareth, a former US intelligence officer turned scholar at the University of Arizona, told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-sniper-killed-russias-top-general-say-reports-458776">Ukrainian sniper killed Russia's top general, say reports</a>

Thanks to the explosive growth of the private&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;industry, the volume of imagery is greater and turnaround time faster compared to prior conflicts, such as Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea.

While most Western governments have their own sophisticated&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;assets, their classified nature means the images can't be shared.

And with public trust in the US and British governments shaken after the 2003 Iraq war, third-party imagery has helped plug credibility gaps.

"They're saying 'Look, it's not us, this is actually happening, we're not making this up," Nazareth said.

Beyond helping shape narratives, the images are directly aiding Ukrainian forces in their war efforts.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-day-9-zelensky-accuses-russia-of-nuclear-terror-trying-to-repeat-the-chernobyl-disaster-458768">Ukraine crisis day 9: Zelensky accuses Russia of "nuclear terror", trying to "repeat" the Chernobyl disaster</a>

"Capella Space is working directly with the US and Ukrainian governments as well as other&nbsp;commercial&nbsp;entities to provide timely data and assistance around the ongoing&nbsp;conflict," Payam Banazadeh, the company's CEO confirmed in a statement to AFP.

Radar imagery

It was images taken by the San Francisco startup that led a group of independent researchers to realize the invasion was underway, before Vladimir Putin announced his "special military operations" in the early morning of February 24.

Hours before that speech, Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute in California tweeted that Google Maps showed a "traffic jam" on the road from Belgorod, Russia to the Ukrainian border.

It was the precise spot Capella Space previously saw a convoy of military vehicles, and the congestion likely reflected Russian civilians getting stuck at roadblocks while military vehicles passed.

"Someone's on the move," he correctly hypothesised.

While most&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;imaging requires daylight and clear skies to capture images, Capella Space works with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) -- in which sensors shoot down energy, then record the amount that reflects back to them.

SAR "penetrates clouds and smoke, even in very large storm events or fires, so we can reliably capture clear and precise images of the Earth under almost any conditions," said Dan Getman, the company's vice president of product.

Another company whose pictures have been used heavily by news media is BlackSky, which released what it believes was among the first engagements of the war -- an attack on the Luhansk Thermal Power Station a little after 4:00 pm local time on February 23.

"We have a constellation of small&nbsp;satellites&nbsp;that can see dawn to dusk, not just at certain times of the day" the company's CEO Brian O'Toole told AFP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/digital-weaponry-russia-using-deepfakes-to-spread-misinformation-against-ukraine-claims-report-458746">Digital weaponry: Russia using deepfakes to spread misinformation against Ukraine, claims report</a>

In traditional polar orbits, which fly north-south, a&nbsp;satellite&nbsp;could take only two snaps of a particular spot per day -- but BlackSky flies its hardware counter-clockwise to the planet's rotation, allowing them to revisit areas more often.

Clients receive the images within 90 minutes and are helped in interpreting them by AI-enabled software.

Future ethical concerns?

Perhaps the most grabbing image of the&nbsp;conflict&nbsp;so far has been a picture of the 40 miles (64 km) long Russian convoy, captured by Maxar, "the granddaddy of the industry," according to Chris Quilty, of Quilty Analytics.

He explained that, unlike traditional&nbsp;satellites&nbsp;that only point downwards, Maxar's&nbsp;satellites&nbsp;have gyroscopes that allow them to swivel and target with more precision.

The US government, through the National Reconnaissance Office, is one of Maxar's main clients, dictating "shutter time," which helps explain why the company and others are spending so much time over&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;right now.

But the selective release of what the&nbsp;satellites&nbsp;are seeing could eventually lead to ethical concerns.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine Conflict: Decoding Thursday's biggest developments

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-conflict-decoding-thursdays-biggest-developments-458717/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Maxar and others "are inevitably capturing imagery of Ukrainian troop movements and defensive positions and that information is not being released to the public," said Quilty.

Looking ahead to future conflicts, "There is absolutely an ability to color the narrative depending upon what imagery is made available," he said.

From a huge Russian military convoy snaking its way to Kyiv to missile strikes and refugee crossings, commercial satellite imagery of the Ukraine conflict is helping lift the fog of war, illuminating for the public what was previously the domain of spy agencies.

From a huge Russian military convoy snaking its way to Kyiv to missile strikes and refugee crossings, commercial satellite imagery of the Ukraine conflict is helping lift the fog of war, illuminating for the public what was previously the domain of spy agencies. Technologies that can pierce cloud cover and work at night are also coming to the fore, as a growing army of open-source intelligence analysts offer near real-time assessments of battleground developments. "Governments are no longer the only place to go for high precision satellite data," Craig Nazareth, a former US intelligence officer turned scholar at the University of Arizona, told AFP. Also read | Ukrainian sniper killed Russia's top general, say reports Thanks to the explosive growth of the private satellite industry, the volume of imagery is greater and turnaround time faster compared to prior conflicts, such as Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea. While most Western governments have their own sophisticated satellite assets, their classified nature means the images can't be shared. And with public trust in the US and British governments shaken after the 2003 Iraq war, third-party imagery has helped plug credibility gaps. "They're saying 'Look, it's not us, this is actually happening, we're not making this up," Nazareth said. Beyond helping shape narratives, the images are directly aiding Ukrainian forces in their war efforts. Also read | Ukraine crisis day 9: Zelensky accuses Russia of "nuclear terror", trying to "repeat" the Chernobyl disaster "Capella Space is working directly with the US and Ukrainian governments as well as other commercial entities to provide timely data and assistance around the ongoing conflict," Payam Banazadeh, the company's CEO confirmed in a statement to AFP. Radar imagery It was images taken by the San Francisco startup that led a group of independent researchers to realize the invasion was underway, before Vladimir Putin announced his "special military operations" in the early morning of February 24. Hours before that speech, Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute in California tweeted that Google Maps showed a "traffic jam" on the road from Belgorod, Russia to the Ukrainian border. It was the precise spot Capella Space previously saw a convoy of military vehicles, and the congestion likely reflected Russian civilians getting stuck at roadblocks while military vehicles passed. "Someone's on the move," he correctly hypothesised. While most satellite imaging requires daylight and clear skies to capture images, Capella Space works with synthetic aperture radar (SAR) -- in which sensors shoot down energy, then record the amount that reflects back to them. SAR "penetrates clouds and smoke, even in very large storm events or fires, so we can reliably capture clear and precise images of the Earth under almost any conditions," said Dan Getman, the company's vice president of product. Another company whose pictures have been used heavily by news media is BlackSky, which released what it believes was among the first engagements of the war -- an attack on the Luhansk Thermal Power Station a little after 4:00 pm local time on February 23. "We have a constellation of small satellites that can see dawn to dusk, not just at certain times of the day" the company's CEO Brian O'Toole told AFP. Also read | Digital weaponry: Russia using deepfakes to spread misinformation against Ukraine, claims report In traditional polar orbits, which fly north-south, a satellite could take only two snaps of a particular spot per day -- but BlackSky flies its hardware counter-clockwise to the planet's rotation, allowing them to revisit areas more often. Clients receive the images within 90 minutes and are helped in interpreting them by AI-enabled software. Future ethical concerns? Perhaps the most grabbing image of the conflict so far has been a picture of the 40 miles (64 km) long Russian convoy, captured by Maxar, "the granddaddy of the industry," according to Chris Quilty, of Quilty Analytics. He explained that, unlike traditional satellites that only point downwards, Maxar's satellites have gyroscopes that allow them to swivel and target with more precision. The US government, through the National Reconnaissance Office, is one of Maxar's main clients, dictating "shutter time," which helps explain why the company and others are spending so much time over Ukraine right now. But the selective release of what the satellites are seeing could eventually lead to ethical concerns. Watch | Gravitas: Ukraine Conflict: Decoding Thursday's biggest developments Maxar and others "are inevitably capturing imagery of Ukrainian troop movements and defensive positions and that information is not being released to the public," said Quilty. Looking ahead to future conflicts, "There is absolutely an ability to color the narrative depending upon what imagery is made available," he said.

This is how commercial satellites are shaping the Ukraine conflict

Estonia allocates over $1.4 million for Ukrainian refugees arriving from the war-torn country, amid the Estonian prime minister calling on NATO to bolster defences of the Baltic members.

Estonia allocates over $1.4 million for Ukrainian refugees

Ukraine has said that Russian troops had seized the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant where a fire had broken out after it had been targeted by shelling.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russia captures Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant

Ahead of the Foreign Ministers' meet, NATO chief, Jens Stoltenberg stated that the defence alliance condemns Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians. Stoltenberg also called on Russia President Vladimir Putin to stop the war.

NATO Chief Stoltenberg calls on Putin to stop the war

Displaced people line up for food outside Lviv stations as thousands of refugee descend on the western Ukrainian city for rescue. WION's Anas Mallick brings you this ground report from Ukraine.

Ground Report: WION reports from the western Ukrainian city of Lviv

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged Russian President Vladimir Putin in a telephone call on Friday to stop all hostilities in Ukraine and allow access for humanitarian aid, his office said.

In a one-hour phone call, Scholz "called on the Russian leadership to immediately cease all hostilities and to allow humanitarian access to the embattled areas", a statement read.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iaea-director-general-statement-on-russia-ukraine-situation-458922/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Putin said reports about "the alleged ongoing air strikes of Kyiv and other large cities are gross propaganda fakes," the Kremlin said in a statement.&nbsp;

He added that dialogue on Ukraine would be possible only if Russian demands are met.&nbsp;

Putin "confirmed that Russia is open to dialogue with the Ukrainian side, as well as with everyone who wants peace in Ukraine. But under the condition that all Russian demands are met," the Kremlin said.

Scholz said he was briefed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on the fire at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant during the night, and that immediate fears of severe consequences had not materialised.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-is-the-chain-of-command-for-potential-russian-nuclear-strikes-458854" hreflang="en">What is the chain of command for potential Russian nuclear strikes?</a>

"I was in touch with President Zelenskiy overnight who called me," Scholz told reporters on Friday at a visit to the German forces' joint operations command in Schwielowsee near Berlin.

"For the moment, we know that all these dangers (that there had been concern about) haven't materialised but that the fire was contained to an administration building."

A Russian attack at Europe’s biggest nuclear power plant in Ukraine did not result in any radiation being released and firefighters extinguished a blaze at the facility, UN&nbsp;and Ukrainian officials said, as Russian forces pressed their campaign Friday to cripple the country despite global condemnation.

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s director-general, Rafael Mariano Grossi, said Friday the building hit by a Russian “projectile” at the Zaporizhzhia plant was “not part of the reactor” but instead a training centre.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/this-is-ukraines-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant-the-largest-nuke-power-plant-in-europe-targetted-by-russia-458806" hreflang="en">Significance of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia NPP, the largest nuke power plant in Europe targetted by Russia</a>

Nuclear officials from Sweden to China said no radiation spikes had been reported, as did Grossi. Ukrainian officials have said Russian troops took control of the overall site, but the plant’s staff were continuing to ensure its operations. Grossi said the Ukrainians were in control of the reactor.

Still, the attack caused worldwide concern and evoked memories of the world’s worst nuclear disaster at Ukraine’s Chernobyl.

The plant fire came as the Russian military advanced on a strategic city on the Dnieper River near where the facility is located, and gained ground in their bid to cut the country off from the sea. That would deal a severe blow to Ukraine’s economy and could worsen an already dire humanitarian situation.

With the invasion in its second week, another round of talks between Russia and Ukraine yielded a tentative agreement to set up safe corridors to evacuate citizens and deliver humanitarian aid. The war has sent more than 1 million fleeing over the border and countless others sheltering underground.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged Russian President Vladimir Putin in a telephone call on Friday to stop all hostilities in Ukraine and allow access for humanitarian aid, his office said.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged Russian President Vladimir Putin in a telephone call on Friday to stop all hostilities in Ukraine and allow access for humanitarian aid, his office said. In a one-hour phone call, Scholz "called on the Russian leadership to immediately cease all hostilities and to allow humanitarian access to the embattled areas", a statement read. Putin said reports about "the alleged ongoing air strikes of Kyiv and other large cities are gross propaganda fakes," the Kremlin said in a statement. He added that dialogue on Ukraine would be possible only if Russian demands are met. Putin "confirmed that Russia is open to dialogue with the Ukrainian side, as well as with everyone who wants peace in Ukraine. But under the condition that all Russian demands are met," the Kremlin said. Scholz said he was briefed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on the fire at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant during the night, and that immediate fears of severe consequences had not materialised. Also see | What is the chain of command for potential Russian nuclear strikes? "I was in touch with President Zelenskiy overnight who called me," Scholz told reporters on Friday at a visit to the German forces' joint operations command in Schwielowsee near Berlin. "For the moment, we know that all these dangers (that there had been concern about) haven't materialised but that the fire was contained to an administration building." A Russian attack at Europe’s biggest nuclear power plant in Ukraine did not result in any radiation being released and firefighters extinguished a blaze at the facility, UN and Ukrainian officials said, as Russian forces pressed their campaign Friday to cripple the country despite global condemnation. The International Atomic Energy Agency’s director-general, Rafael Mariano Grossi, said Friday the building hit by a Russian “projectile” at the Zaporizhzhia plant was “not part of the reactor” but instead a training centre. Also see | Significance of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia NPP, the largest nuke power plant in Europe targetted by Russia Nuclear officials from Sweden to China said no radiation spikes had been reported, as did Grossi. Ukrainian officials have said Russian troops took control of the overall site, but the plant’s staff were continuing to ensure its operations. Grossi said the Ukrainians were in control of the reactor. Still, the attack caused worldwide concern and evoked memories of the world’s worst nuclear disaster at Ukraine’s Chernobyl. The plant fire came as the Russian military advanced on a strategic city on the Dnieper River near where the facility is located, and gained ground in their bid to cut the country off from the sea. That would deal a severe blow to Ukraine’s economy and could worsen an already dire humanitarian situation. With the invasion in its second week, another round of talks between Russia and Ukraine yielded a tentative agreement to set up safe corridors to evacuate citizens and deliver humanitarian aid. The war has sent more than 1 million fleeing over the border and countless others sheltering underground. (With inputs from agencies)

German Chancellor Scholz urges Putin to end hostilities in Ukraine

Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday accused Russian forces of resorting to "nuclear terror" and attempting to "repeat" the Chernobyl disaster after invading Russian forces attacked a nuclear power plant.

As Europe's largest nuclear plant caught fire after it was shelled, he urged world leaders to wake up and act before Europe dies "from a nuclear disaster".

"No country other than Russia has ever fired on nuclear power units," he said in a video message released by his office. "This is the first time in our history. In the history of mankind. The terrorist state now resorted to nuclear terror."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-shelling-sets-largest-nuclear-power-plant-in-europe-on-fire-says-ukraines-minister-458728">Russian shelling sets largest nuclear power plant in Europe on fire, says Ukraine's minister</a>

The nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia supplies 40 per cent of Ukraine's nuclear energy and houses six of the country's 15 reactors.

Kyiv says the fire started after Russian troops fired on the facility.&nbsp;

"These are tanks equipped with thermal imagers, so they know where they are shooting," said Zelensky.&nbsp;

However, the station's "essential" equipment was not affected and radiation levels were normal, local officials told the UN's atomic watchdog.

Earlier Ukrainian emergency services in a Facebook post had said that "the invaders are not authorising Ukrainian public rescue units to begin extinguishing the fire."

They were eventually able to gain access.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/please-use-with-caution-elon-musk-warns-that-starlink-can-be-targeted-by-russia-advises-caution-458726">'Please use with caution': Elon Musk warns that starlink can be 'targeted' by Russia, advises caution</a>

"As of 05:20 at the Zaporizhzhia NPP in Energodar, State Emergency Service units went to put out the fire in the training building," the state emergency services wrote on Facebook, noting that 40 people and 10 vehicles were involved in the operation.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine last week and began bombarding cities with shells and missiles, Ukraine's nuclear facilities have become a major concern.

"If there is an explosion, it is the end of everything. The end of Europe," Zelensky said. "Only immediate European action can stop Russian troops."

Watch |&nbsp;What is the road ahead for Ukraine? The Russian invasion of Ukraine enters day 9

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-is-the-road-ahead-for-ukraine-the-russian-invasion-of-ukraine-enters-day-9-458748/embed" width="560"></iframe>

Following the attack on a Ukrainian nuclear power plant by invading Russian forces, Boris Johnson also accused Vladimir Putin of putting all of Europe at risk.&nbsp;

"The Prime Minister said the reckless actions of President Putin could now directly threaten the safety of all of Europe," according to a Downing Street statement, adding that Johnson will seek an emergency UN Security Council meeting in the coming hours.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday accused Russian forces of resorting to "nuclear terror" and attempting to "repeat" the Chernobyl disaster after invading Russian forces attacked a nuclear power plant.

Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday accused Russian forces of resorting to "nuclear terror" and attempting to "repeat" the Chernobyl disaster after invading Russian forces attacked a nuclear power plant. As Europe's largest nuclear plant caught fire after it was shelled, he urged world leaders to wake up and act before Europe dies "from a nuclear disaster". "No country other than Russia has ever fired on nuclear power units," he said in a video message released by his office. "This is the first time in our history. In the history of mankind. The terrorist state now resorted to nuclear terror." Also read | Russian shelling sets largest nuclear power plant in Europe on fire, says Ukraine's minister The nuclear power plant in Zaporizhzhia supplies 40 per cent of Ukraine's nuclear energy and houses six of the country's 15 reactors. Kyiv says the fire started after Russian troops fired on the facility. "These are tanks equipped with thermal imagers, so they know where they are shooting," said Zelensky. However, the station's "essential" equipment was not affected and radiation levels were normal, local officials told the UN's atomic watchdog. Earlier Ukrainian emergency services in a Facebook post had said that "the invaders are not authorising Ukrainian public rescue units to begin extinguishing the fire." They were eventually able to gain access. Also read | 'Please use with caution': Elon Musk warns that starlink can be 'targeted' by Russia, advises caution "As of 05:20 at the Zaporizhzhia NPP in Energodar, State Emergency Service units went to put out the fire in the training building," the state emergency services wrote on Facebook, noting that 40 people and 10 vehicles were involved in the operation. Since Russia invaded Ukraine last week and began bombarding cities with shells and missiles, Ukraine's nuclear facilities have become a major concern. "If there is an explosion, it is the end of everything. The end of Europe," Zelensky said. "Only immediate European action can stop Russian troops." Watch | What is the road ahead for Ukraine? The Russian invasion of Ukraine enters day 9 Following the attack on a Ukrainian nuclear power plant by invading Russian forces, Boris Johnson also accused Vladimir Putin of putting all of Europe at risk. "The Prime Minister said the reckless actions of President Putin could now directly threaten the safety of all of Europe," according to a Downing Street statement, adding that Johnson will seek an emergency UN Security Council meeting in the coming hours. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine crisis day 9: Zelensky accuses Russia of "nuclear terror", trying to "repeat" the Chernobyl disaster

Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, warned that his company's Starlink satellite broadband service could be the next "target" of Russian aggression in Ukraine.

The warning follows one by an internet security researcher who warned that&nbsp;satellite communication devices could serve as "beacons" that Russia could target for airstrikes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-invasion-elon-musk-activates-starlink-internet-service-after-request-from-an-official-457100">Ukraine invasion: Elon Musk activates Starlink internet service after request from an official</a>

"Important warning: Starlink is the only non-Russian communications system still working in some parts of Ukraine, so probability of being targeted is high. Please use with caution," Musk tweeted.

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Important warning: Starlink is the only non-Russian communications system still working in some parts of Ukraine, so probability of being targeted is high. Please use with caution.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1499472139333746691?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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He asked users to "turn on Starlink only when needed and place antenna away as far away from people as possible" and "place light camouflage over antenna to avoid visual detection."

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Turn on Starlink only when needed and place antenna away as far away from people as possible
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1499473384367079429?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Musk said Saturday that Starlink was now active in Ukraine and that SpaceX was sending more stations after a Ukrainian government official tweeted asking Musk to provide the embattled country with Starlink stations.

It was reported Monday that Ukraine had received donated satellite internet, terminals from Starlink, but an internet security researcher warned these could be targeted by the Russians.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/russia-ukraine-crisis-where-the-refugees-are-escaping-to-458490" hreflang="en">Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Where the refugees are escaping to?</a>

"...if #Putin controls the air above #Ukraine, users' uplink transmissions become beacons ... for airstrikes," John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at the University of Toronto's Citizen Lab project, tweeted.

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Re: <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a>'s starlink donation. 
 
Good to see. 
 
But remember: if <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Putin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Putin</a> controls the air above <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ukraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ukraine</a>, users' uplink transmissions become beacons... for airstrikes. 
 
Some background 1/ <a href="https://t.co/0p6J87TtUF">pic.twitter.com/0p6J87TtUF</a>
— John Scott-Railton (@jsrailton) <a href="https://twitter.com/jsrailton/status/1497745011932286979?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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"#Russia has decades of experience hitting people by targeting their satellite communications," he added in a series of 15 tweets detailing the risks.

Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov thanks Starlink for&nbsp;"keeping our cities connected and emergency services saving lives!". However, he added, that due to Russian attacks on infrastructure, the country needs generators to maintain Starlink's service.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Risk of a nuclear disaster in Ukraine

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-risk-of-a-nuclear-disaster-in-ukraine-458711/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In response, Musk said SpaceX would update its software to reduce peak power consumption so that Starlink could be charged from a car's cigarette lighter.

"Mobile roaming enabled, so phased array antenna can maintain signal while on moving vehicle," he said.

In their first sign of progress since the invasion, which Moscow calls a "special operation," Russia and Ukraine have agreed that humanitarian corridors and possibly a ceasefire around them are needed for fleeing civilians.

(With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, warned that his company's Starlink satellite broadband service could be the next "target" of Russian aggression in Ukraine. The warning follows one by an internet security researcher who warned that satellite communication devices could serve as "beacons" that Russia could target for airstrikes.

Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, warned that his company's Starlink satellite broadband service could be the next "target" of Russian aggression in Ukraine. The warning follows one by an internet security researcher who warned that satellite communication devices could serve as "beacons" that Russia could target for airstrikes. Also read | Ukraine invasion: Elon Musk activates Starlink internet service after request from an official "Important warning: Starlink is the only non-Russian communications system still working in some parts of Ukraine, so probability of being targeted is high. Please use with caution," Musk tweeted. Important warning: Starlink is the only non-Russian communications system still working in some parts of Ukraine, so probability of being targeted is high. Please use with caution. — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 3, 2022 × He asked users to "turn on Starlink only when needed and place antenna away as far away from people as possible" and "place light camouflage over antenna to avoid visual detection." Turn on Starlink only when needed and place antenna away as far away from people as possible — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 3, 2022 × Musk said Saturday that Starlink was now active in Ukraine and that SpaceX was sending more stations after a Ukrainian government official tweeted asking Musk to provide the embattled country with Starlink stations. It was reported Monday that Ukraine had received donated satellite internet, terminals from Starlink, but an internet security researcher warned these could be targeted by the Russians. Also read | Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Where the refugees are escaping to? "...if #Putin controls the air above #Ukraine, users' uplink transmissions become beacons ... for airstrikes," John Scott-Railton, a senior researcher at the University of Toronto's Citizen Lab project, tweeted. Re: @elonmusk's starlink donation. Good to see. But remember: if #Putin controls the air above #Ukraine, users' uplink transmissions become beacons... for airstrikes. Some background 1/ pic.twitter.com/0p6J87TtUF — John Scott-Railton (@jsrailton) February 27, 2022 × "#Russia has decades of experience hitting people by targeting their satellite communications," he added in a series of 15 tweets detailing the risks. Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov thanks Starlink for "keeping our cities connected and emergency services saving lives!". However, he added, that due to Russian attacks on infrastructure, the country needs generators to maintain Starlink's service. Watch | Gravitas: Risk of a nuclear disaster in Ukraine In response, Musk said SpaceX would update its software to reduce peak power consumption so that Starlink could be charged from a car's cigarette lighter. "Mobile roaming enabled, so phased array antenna can maintain signal while on moving vehicle," he said. In their first sign of progress since the invasion, which Moscow calls a "special operation," Russia and Ukraine have agreed that humanitarian corridors and possibly a ceasefire around them are needed for fleeing civilians. (With inputs from agencies)

'Please use with caution': Elon Musk warns that starlink can be 'targeted' by Russia, advises caution

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