India evacuated 219 people as part of its mission to bring Indians from war-hit Ukraine. The flight took off from neighbouring Romania, as the Ukrainian airspace has been closed for civil aircraft operations, and landed in Mumbai.

Flight with 219 Indians evacuated from Ukraine lands in Mumbai

Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has said that Ukraine will create an "IT army" to fight against Russia's digital intrusions. According to reports, the government of Ukraine is asking for volunteers from the country’s hacker underground to fight a cyber war.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Ukrainian govt launches cyber spying mission against Russian troops

President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian nuclear deterrent forces put on high alert Sunday amid tensions with the West over his invasion of Ukraine.

"I order the defence minister and the chief of the general staff of the Russian armed forces to put the deterrence forces of the Russian army into a special mode of combat service," Putin said in a televised address.

"As you can see, not only do Western countries take unfriendly measures against our country in the economic dimension - I mean the illegal sanctions that everyone knows about very well - but also the top officials of leading NATO countries allow themselves to make aggressive statements with regards to our country," he added.

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In response,&nbsp;White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "We've seen him do this time and time again. At no point has Russia been under threat from NATO, has Russia been under threat from Ukraine."

"This is all a pattern from President Putin and we're going to stand up to it. We have the ability to defend ourselves, but we also need to call out what we're seeing here from President Putin," Psaki added.

&nbsp;It comes after President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko announced that the country will turn to Russia with a request to return nuclear weapons to it if the United States deploys them in Poland or Lithuania.

According to Lukashenko, he mentioned this possibility during the conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron. "If the United States, or France … transfer nuclear weapons to Poland, to Lithuania, to our borders, … I will appeal to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin to return the weapons that I once gave without any preconditions," Lukashenko said.

Ukrainian forces battled Russian troops pushing into the city of Kharkiv on Sunday on the fourth day of an invasion that has shaken Europe's long-standing security architecture and pushed Germany to spend more on defence.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-curiosity-to-cataclysm-russian-president-vladimir-putins-relationship-with-the-west-456896">From curiosity to cataclysm: Russian President Vladimir Putin's relationship with the West</a>

The invasion of Ukraine from three sides ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin is the biggest assault on a European state since World War Two.

The attack, which Russia calls a special operation, has so far failed to topple the government in Kyiv or take major cities, but has driven hundreds of thousands of refugees, mainly women and children, into neighbouring countries.

“We are fighting, fighting for our country, fighting for our freedom because we have the right to do that,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.&nbsp;

“The past night was tough,&nbsp;more shelling, more bombing of residential areas and civilian infrastructure. There is not a single facility in the country that the occupiers wouldn’t consider as admissible targets.”

Ukraine’s health minister reported Saturday that 198 people, including three children, had been killed and more than 1,000 others wounded.&nbsp;

The US, European Union, and the United Kingdom agreed to block “selected” Russian banks from the SWIFT global financial messaging system, which moves money around more than 11,000 banks and other financial institutions worldwide, part of a new round of sanctions aiming to impose a severe cost on Moscow for the invasion.

(With inputs from agencies)

President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian nuclear deterrent forces put on high alert Sunday amid tensions with the West over his invasion of Ukraine. "I order the defence minister and the chief of the general staff of the Russian armed forces to put the deterrence forces of the Russian army into a special mode of combat service," Putin said in a televised address.

President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian nuclear deterrent forces put on high alert Sunday amid tensions with the West over his invasion of Ukraine. "I order the defence minister and the chief of the general staff of the Russian armed forces to put the deterrence forces of the Russian army into a special mode of combat service," Putin said in a televised address. "As you can see, not only do Western countries take unfriendly measures against our country in the economic dimension - I mean the illegal sanctions that everyone knows about very well - but also the top officials of leading NATO countries allow themselves to make aggressive statements with regards to our country," he added. In response, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "We've seen him do this time and time again. At no point has Russia been under threat from NATO, has Russia been under threat from Ukraine." "This is all a pattern from President Putin and we're going to stand up to it. We have the ability to defend ourselves, but we also need to call out what we're seeing here from President Putin," Psaki added. It comes after President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko announced that the country will turn to Russia with a request to return nuclear weapons to it if the United States deploys them in Poland or Lithuania. According to Lukashenko, he mentioned this possibility during the conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron. "If the United States, or France … transfer nuclear weapons to Poland, to Lithuania, to our borders, … I will appeal to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin to return the weapons that I once gave without any preconditions," Lukashenko said. Ukrainian forces battled Russian troops pushing into the city of Kharkiv on Sunday on the fourth day of an invasion that has shaken Europe's long-standing security architecture and pushed Germany to spend more on defence. Also see | From curiosity to cataclysm: Russian President Vladimir Putin's relationship with the West The invasion of Ukraine from three sides ordered by Russian President Vladimir Putin is the biggest assault on a European state since World War Two. The attack, which Russia calls a special operation, has so far failed to topple the government in Kyiv or take major cities, but has driven hundreds of thousands of refugees, mainly women and children, into neighbouring countries. “We are fighting, fighting for our country, fighting for our freedom because we have the right to do that,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. “The past night was tough, more shelling, more bombing of residential areas and civilian infrastructure. There is not a single facility in the country that the occupiers wouldn’t consider as admissible targets.” Ukraine’s health minister reported Saturday that 198 people, including three children, had been killed and more than 1,000 others wounded. The US, European Union, and the United Kingdom agreed to block “selected” Russian banks from the SWIFT global financial messaging system, which moves money around more than 11,000 banks and other financial institutions worldwide, part of a new round of sanctions aiming to impose a severe cost on Moscow for the invasion. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian President Vladimir Putin orders 'deterrence forces' on high alert

As Russian troops invade Ukraine, protesters have been gathering around the world to demonstrate against Putin's aggression. The world raised concerns on consequences.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Protesters take to the streets around the world in support of Ukraine

The capital of Ukraine Kyiv, is living under a blanket curfew. The residents have been asked to stay at home and off the streets as some Russian forces have managed to enter into the city.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Blanket curfew in Kyiv as Russian troops reach city

European Union Commission president Ursula von der Leyen commits to cutting Russian banks from Swift financial system to harm their ability to operate globally.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: EU proposes cutting some Russian banks from SWIFT

Ukrainian citizens have been asked to help fight the enemy at the gates. Men in the age group of 18 to 60 have been asked to stay back. Families packed up whatever they could carry on their backs to seek shelter across the border mainly in places like Romania, Poland and Moldova.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Ukraine residents flee to Romania, Poland, Moldova amid Russian invasion

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been suspended as honorary president and ambassador of the International Judo Federation on Sunday.

The sports governing body removed Putin in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

"In light of the ongoing war conflict in Ukraine, the International Judo Federation announces the suspension of Vladimir Putin's status as Honorary President and Ambassador of the International Judo Federation," the International Judo Federation in a statement said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/emotional-iga-swiatek-voices-support-for-ukraine-after-clinching-qatar-open-title-457063">Emotional Iga Swiatek voices support for Ukraine after clinching Qatar Open title</a>

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.

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 has been suspended as honorary president and ambassador of the International Judo Federation on Sunday. The sports governing body removed Putin in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been suspended as honorary president and ambassador of the International Judo Federation on Sunday. The sports governing body removed Putin in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. "In light of the ongoing war conflict in Ukraine, the International Judo Federation announces the suspension of Vladimir Putin's status as Honorary President and Ambassador of the International Judo Federation," the International Judo Federation in a statement said. ALSO READ: Emotional Iga Swiatek voices support for Ukraine after clinching Qatar Open title 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. 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 suspends Vladimir Putin as its honorary president amid Russia-Ukraine war

Several countries have closed their airspace to Russian flights, as Moscow faces rising pressure over the invasion of Ukraine. Commercial airlines are also avoiding airspace around Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus following Russia's invasion.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Countries close airspace to Russian carriers

Western nations are going to hunt down Russian oligarchs’ “yachts, jets, fancy cars and luxury homes,” says a US official, after White House, EU and other allies announce new sanctions against Russia.

US official: West to hunt down Russian oligarchs' jets, cars

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Ukraine is ready for peace talks, but not in Moscow’s preferred venue of Belarus. WION speaks to Ukrainian MP Inna Sovsun for insights.

'If Russia seizes Ukraine, they will advance further', says Ukrainian MP Inna Sovsun

Russian troops have entered Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, where street fighting is now taking place. WION speaks to Ukrainian MP Inna Sovsun for live updates.

'Russia is targeting residential infrastructures', says Ukrainian MP Inna Sovsun

According to media reports, Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready for talks with the Ukrainian government in Belarus as the fighting between the nations continue to escalate.

Russian media: Kremlin ready for talks with Ukraine in Belarus

It is day 4 of Russia's invasion into Ukraine. Reportedly, in Kharkiv, the second-largest city in Ukraine, Russian soldiers have managed to gain entry. WION speaks to Ukrainian MP Inna Sovsun for more perspective.

'I was forced to move to a house with basement', says Ukrainian MP Inna Sovsun

India brought back the first batch of 219 Indians from war-hit Ukraine as part of 'Operation Ganga'. WION's Siddhant Sibbal brings you more insights.

India launches operation Ganga to evacuate nationals stranded in Ukraine

European Union Commission chief announces proposed new actions "to cripple Putin's ability to finance his war machine." The allies agreed to additional restrictions on Russian oligarchs amid invasion of Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: EU aims new sanctions to cripple Putin amid Ukraine invasion

Governor of Kharkiv reports that heavy fighting is taking place inside the city as Russian troops have entered that region. All citizens who aren't willing to fight or unarmed are requested to stay in shelters.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russian troops enter Ukraine’s Kharkiv city

Kyiv authorities have imposed a day-and-night curfew until Monday morning, after some invading Russian forces entered the Ukrainian capital. Also, Ukraine warned Russian saboteurs were active in Kyiv as explosions rocked the capital, forcing residents to flee to safety underground.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Kyiv's mayor imposes blanket curfew until Monday

Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;emerged from political exile Saturday to blast President Joe Biden and NATO over the Ukraine crisis and reprise his false claims of a stolen 2020&nbsp;election&nbsp;in a speech to grassroots Republicans.

Speaking at the annual&nbsp;Conservative&nbsp;Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida, the former president spent 86 minutes reprising&nbsp;many of his favorite applause lines, assailing the "radical left" and its "witch hunt" against him.

As massive explosions lit up the sky over Ukraine's capital Kyiv,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;blamed Russia's invasion of its neighbor on Biden's "weakness" and lavished praise on President Vladimir&nbsp;Putin's intellect.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/did-nostradamus-foresee-the-russia-ukraine-war-reaching-france-456969">Did Nostradamus foresee the Russia-Ukraine war reaching France?&nbsp;</a>

"As everyone understands, this horrific disaster would never have happened if our&nbsp;election&nbsp;was not rigged," he said, to rapt applause.

NATO, he said, was "looking the opposite of smart" for hitting Russia with sanctions rather than resolving to "blow (Russia) to pieces -- at least psychologically."

"The problem is not that&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;is smart, which of course he's smart," he went on. "But the real problem is that our leaders are so dumb."

After a year largely out of the public eye,&nbsp;Trump's ecstatic reception left little doubt that the Republican Party remains in thrall to the twice-impeached, single-term president. &nbsp;

There were chants of "four more years" from the sea of supporters in red "Make America Great Again" hats, who clapped on cue as&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;railed against "woke tyranny" and "cancel culture."

The crowd reserved their largest cheers for the 75-year-old headliner's dismissal of Democrats' claims to be the party of democracy as "bullshit" -- and for his claim that Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg "used to come to the White House and kiss my ass."

There were nods to a possible 2024 run -- "we did it twice and we'll do it again," he claimed, falsely recasting his 2020 defeat to Biden as a victory -- although he left the crowd guessing about whether he will personally challenge Biden to a rematch.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-tells-how-russia-ukraine-crisis-could-have-been-handled-differently-if-he-was-in-power-455657">Donald Trump tells how Russia-Ukraine crisis could have been handled differently if he was in power</a>

Fight like hell

CPAC, the country's largest&nbsp;conservative&nbsp;gathering, usually offers a valuable insight into the direction the Republicans plan to take over the coming months.

Trump&nbsp;had been expected to lay out a forward-looking "vision for America," according to organizers,&nbsp;as the Republicans look to take back control of Congress in November's midterm&nbsp;elections.

Instead he dwelt at length on his 2020&nbsp;election&nbsp;loss and his false claims that he was robbed by widespread voter fraud, urging the crowd to "fight like hell" or face their country being destroyed.

It was similar to the rhetoric that inspired a mob of his supporters to storm the US Capitol on January 6 2021, for which he was punished with his second impeachment.

His remarks came as Russian rockets began pounding the outskirts of Kyiv in an escalating crisis that ended up emerging as a major topic of discussion at CPAC.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Have Western Leaders failed Ukraine?

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Trump&nbsp;called besieged President Volodymyr Zelensky "a brave man," falsely claiming that the Ukrainian leader had exonerated him over the scandal that led to his first impeachment.

While he was president,&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;withheld vital military aid from the US ally as he tried unsuccessfully to pressure Zelensky into digging up political dirt on the Biden family ahead of the 2020&nbsp;election.

"After spending four years selling out Ukraine, the defeated former president took the stage at CPAC to double down on his shameless praise for&nbsp;Putin&nbsp;as innocent Ukrainians shelter from bombs and missiles at the hands of Russia," Democratic National Committee spokeswoman Adonna Biel said after the speech.

Donald Trump emerged from political exile Saturday to blast President Joe Biden and NATO over the Ukraine crisis and reprise his false claims of a stolen 2020 election in a speech to grassroots Republicans.

Donald Trump emerged from political exile Saturday to blast President Joe Biden and NATO over the Ukraine crisis and reprise his false claims of a stolen 2020 election in a speech to grassroots Republicans. Speaking at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando, Florida, the former president spent 86 minutes reprising many of his favorite applause lines, assailing the "radical left" and its "witch hunt" against him. As massive explosions lit up the sky over Ukraine's capital Kyiv, Trump blamed Russia's invasion of its neighbor on Biden's "weakness" and lavished praise on President Vladimir Putin's intellect. Also read | Did Nostradamus foresee the Russia-Ukraine war reaching France? "As everyone understands, this horrific disaster would never have happened if our election was not rigged," he said, to rapt applause. NATO, he said, was "looking the opposite of smart" for hitting Russia with sanctions rather than resolving to "blow (Russia) to pieces -- at least psychologically." "The problem is not that Putin is smart, which of course he's smart," he went on. "But the real problem is that our leaders are so dumb." After a year largely out of the public eye, Trump's ecstatic reception left little doubt that the Republican Party remains in thrall to the twice-impeached, single-term president. There were chants of "four more years" from the sea of supporters in red "Make America Great Again" hats, who clapped on cue as Trump railed against "woke tyranny" and "cancel culture." The crowd reserved their largest cheers for the 75-year-old headliner's dismissal of Democrats' claims to be the party of democracy as "bullshit" -- and for his claim that Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg "used to come to the White House and kiss my ass." There were nods to a possible 2024 run -- "we did it twice and we'll do it again," he claimed, falsely recasting his 2020 defeat to Biden as a victory -- although he left the crowd guessing about whether he will personally challenge Biden to a rematch. Also read | Donald Trump tells how Russia-Ukraine crisis could have been handled differently if he was in power Fight like hell CPAC, the country's largest conservative gathering, usually offers a valuable insight into the direction the Republicans plan to take over the coming months. Trump had been expected to lay out a forward-looking "vision for America," according to organizers, as the Republicans look to take back control of Congress in November's midterm elections. Instead he dwelt at length on his 2020 election loss and his false claims that he was robbed by widespread voter fraud, urging the crowd to "fight like hell" or face their country being destroyed. It was similar to the rhetoric that inspired a mob of his supporters to storm the US Capitol on January 6 2021, for which he was punished with his second impeachment. His remarks came as Russian rockets began pounding the outskirts of Kyiv in an escalating crisis that ended up emerging as a major topic of discussion at CPAC. Watch | Gravitas: Have Western Leaders failed Ukraine? Trump called besieged President Volodymyr Zelensky "a brave man," falsely claiming that the Ukrainian leader had exonerated him over the scandal that led to his first impeachment. While he was president, Trump withheld vital military aid from the US ally as he tried unsuccessfully to pressure Zelensky into digging up political dirt on the Biden family ahead of the 2020 election. "After spending four years selling out Ukraine, the defeated former president took the stage at CPAC to double down on his shameless praise for Putin as innocent Ukrainians shelter from bombs and missiles at the hands of Russia," Democratic National Committee spokeswoman Adonna Biel said after the speech.

Trump praises Putin, revives election lies at conservative forum

Russia's recognition on 21st February of Ukraine’s self-declared independent regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in Donbas region of the Eastern Ukraine, deployment of forces under the guise of Peacekeeping Forces for the “protection” of the civilians, followed by full-scale military invasion in Ukraine on 24th February has drawn curtains on Act 1 of the drama.

The lead actors include President Putin of the Russian Federation on the one hand and President Biden of the USA and his NATO allies on the other, while the script revolves around&nbsp;President Zelensky of Ukraine.

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The USA and allies have imposed stringed sanctions on Russia, deployed forces on the territories of NATO Member countries in the neighbourhood, assured continued political, diplomatic, economic and military assistance to Ukraine but have made it clear that there is no plan to send NATO forces to Ukraine to fight Russia together with /on behalf of Ukraine.&nbsp;

It remains under suspense as to how the drama will unfold in subsequent acts.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-the-ghost-of-kyiv-the-ace-pilot-giving-hope-to-ukrainians-456795">Who is the ‘Ghost of Kyiv’? The ace pilot giving hope to Ukrainians</a>

The drama can be said to have begun in December last year when Russia sought a set of legally binding assurances including a halt on NATO's further eastwards expansion nearer to Russia's borders. Russia demanded in particular that two of Russia's next-door neighbours namely Ukraine and Georgia be declined NATO membership.

The rather impossible demands came in the backdrop of a massive military build-up by Russia along its borders with Ukraine and prolonged military exercise in Belarus, and also the ongoing clashes in eastern Ukraine between the separatist forces (supported by Russia) &nbsp;and the Ukrainian military. 
&nbsp; 
The origins of the current phase of the standoff between the West and Russia can be traced to the period immediately after the disintegration of the USSR in 1991 when the West adopted a policy of ideological conquest of the former Soviet Union and its satellite countries in East Europe through financial and technical assistance.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-announces-historic-deployment-of-forces-to-bolster-eastern-europe-after-ukraine-invasion-456810">NATO announces 'historic' deployment of forces to bolster Eastern Europe after Ukraine invasion</a>

Gradually, NATO began to increase its footprints in the post-Soviet space. Beginning from 1999 the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland (1999), Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia (2004), Albania and Croatia (2009), Montenegro (2017) and North Macedonia (2020) have been taken into the fold of NATO.

Russia calls this expansion a breach of promises and assurances by NATO given to Russia in the wake of the disintegration of the USSR. However, being relatively weak, Russia could do nothing to halt this process. The situation changed with the advent of President Putin as Russia’s leader from 2000 onwards.&nbsp;

So when NATO announced in April 2008 that Georgia and Ukraine will be members of NATO (though no specific dates were indicated) Russia acted swiftly; it recognised the self-declared independence of two breakaway regions of Georgia namely Abkhazia and South Ossetia, intervened militarily and has since consolidated its positions in those regions. &nbsp;

In 2014, when the pro-Russia government in Ukraine was replaced by a pro-Western regime in Ukraine, Russia reacted again and this time successfully manipulated Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula’s incorporation into Russian Federation, often described as Crimea’s annexation..

Reverting to the current phase of crisis, it appears in hindsight that Russia from the very beginning had made up its mind at least to trifurcate Ukraine and take Eastern Ukraine under its influence and control.

Russia now appears to be going much further with the objective of subjugating entire Ukraine and even installing a puppet or at least a more pliable/ neutral regime in Ukraine.

President Putin is reported to have encouraged the Ukraine Armed Forces to take full control of the country suggesting that it would be easier to deal with them rather than the civilian leadership.

At this point of time, there is a fairly good clarity about the intentions of Russia and also the positions taken by the USA and its allies so far. At the same time there are many imponderables: Will Ukraine be able to resist Russia and compel it to withdraw? &nbsp;Looks difficult. Are we then heading for a scenario of the fall of Kiev or urban insurgency? What else the USA and NATO allies can or will do besides current efforts to isolate Russia diplomatically and weaken it economically by imposing sanctions.

Will there be an attempt to invoke Chapter VII of the UN Charter to send international armed forces (read NATO) into Ukraine?&nbsp;

The economic sanctions have so far not deterred Russia. And in the given case the sanctions can also act as a double-edged sword causing an adverse impact on the energy security of Europe. Biden has already cautioned the American public in this regard though he has also assured to minimise the impact on the US population.&nbsp;

The Ukrainian crisis is a test for India’s diplomacy. It must be noted that India is not in alliance with USA or Russia, and to that extent India is not obliged to take sides with either of them.

At the same time, India has strong partnerships with both the USA and Russia, besides good relations with Europe and also Ukraine. Prima-facie, India has so far taken a balanced position. Some observers have described it as a neutral stance reminiscent of the period of non-alignment.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Note must be taken of the key element in India’s statements in which India has called for the resolution of the issue in a manner that would address the “legitimate security interests” of all concerned.

It requires a careful reading between the lines to determine whose “legitimate security interests” are under real threat. Is the tilt not slightly in favour of Russia whose security concerns arising out of NATO’s eastwards expansion appear genuine?.

Whether it entitles Russia to use force to address its concerns is a matter of entirely different and difficult debate as it involves issues such as sovereignty, territorial integrity on the one hand and the concept of indivisible security on the other.

The evacuation of estimated 20,000 Indian nationals mostly students stranded in Ukraine is India’s top priority at the moment. India’s track record in the evacuation of Indian national from conflict regions is commendable. In the given case, the situation is complicated by the fact that the Indian nationals are spread in various parts of Ukraine some of which are in conflict zones, and it is not possible to send flights to Ukraine as its airspace is closed.

Alternate arrangements for evacuation through land routes to neighbouring countries such as Romania, Hungary etc. en-route to India through Chartered flights sponsored by the Indian Government are underway albeit with partial success so far. One hopes that all &nbsp;Indian nationals are able to return home safely. It is pointless to debate now as to whether or not it would have been desirable to begin the process a few weeks earlier.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the experts do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views.)

Russia's recognition on 21st February of Ukraine’s self-declared independent regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in Donbas region of the Eastern Ukraine, deployment of forces under the guise of Peacekeeping Forces for the “protection” of the civilians, followed by full-scale military invasion in Ukraine on 24th February has drawn curtains on Act 1 of the drama.

Russia's recognition on 21st February of Ukraine’s self-declared independent regions of Donetsk and Luhansk in Donbas region of the Eastern Ukraine, deployment of forces under the guise of Peacekeeping Forces for the “protection” of the civilians, followed by full-scale military invasion in Ukraine on 24th February has drawn curtains on Act 1 of the drama. The lead actors include President Putin of the Russian Federation on the one hand and President Biden of the USA and his NATO allies on the other, while the script revolves around President Zelensky of Ukraine. × The USA and allies have imposed stringed sanctions on Russia, deployed forces on the territories of NATO Member countries in the neighbourhood, assured continued political, diplomatic, economic and military assistance to Ukraine but have made it clear that there is no plan to send NATO forces to Ukraine to fight Russia together with /on behalf of Ukraine. It remains under suspense as to how the drama will unfold in subsequent acts. Also Read | Who is the ‘Ghost of Kyiv’? The ace pilot giving hope to Ukrainians The drama can be said to have begun in December last year when Russia sought a set of legally binding assurances including a halt on NATO's further eastwards expansion nearer to Russia's borders. Russia demanded in particular that two of Russia's next-door neighbours namely Ukraine and Georgia be declined NATO membership. The rather impossible demands came in the backdrop of a massive military build-up by Russia along its borders with Ukraine and prolonged military exercise in Belarus, and also the ongoing clashes in eastern Ukraine between the separatist forces (supported by Russia) and the Ukrainian military. The origins of the current phase of the standoff between the West and Russia can be traced to the period immediately after the disintegration of the USSR in 1991 when the West adopted a policy of ideological conquest of the former Soviet Union and its satellite countries in East Europe through financial and technical assistance. Also Read | NATO announces 'historic' deployment of forces to bolster Eastern Europe after Ukraine invasion Gradually, NATO began to increase its footprints in the post-Soviet space. Beginning from 1999 the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland (1999), Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia (2004), Albania and Croatia (2009), Montenegro (2017) and North Macedonia (2020) have been taken into the fold of NATO. Russia calls this expansion a breach of promises and assurances by NATO given to Russia in the wake of the disintegration of the USSR. However, being relatively weak, Russia could do nothing to halt this process. The situation changed with the advent of President Putin as Russia’s leader from 2000 onwards. So when NATO announced in April 2008 that Georgia and Ukraine will be members of NATO (though no specific dates were indicated) Russia acted swiftly; it recognised the self-declared independence of two breakaway regions of Georgia namely Abkhazia and South Ossetia, intervened militarily and has since consolidated its positions in those regions. In 2014, when the pro-Russia government in Ukraine was replaced by a pro-Western regime in Ukraine, Russia reacted again and this time successfully manipulated Ukraine’s Crimean peninsula’s incorporation into Russian Federation, often described as Crimea’s annexation.. Reverting to the current phase of crisis, it appears in hindsight that Russia from the very beginning had made up its mind at least to trifurcate Ukraine and take Eastern Ukraine under its influence and control. Russia now appears to be going much further with the objective of subjugating entire Ukraine and even installing a puppet or at least a more pliable/ neutral regime in Ukraine. President Putin is reported to have encouraged the Ukraine Armed Forces to take full control of the country suggesting that it would be easier to deal with them rather than the civilian leadership. At this point of time, there is a fairly good clarity about the intentions of Russia and also the positions taken by the USA and its allies so far. At the same time there are many imponderables: Will Ukraine be able to resist Russia and compel it to withdraw? Looks difficult. Are we then heading for a scenario of the fall of Kiev or urban insurgency? What else the USA and NATO allies can or will do besides current efforts to isolate Russia diplomatically and weaken it economically by imposing sanctions. Will there be an attempt to invoke Chapter VII of the UN Charter to send international armed forces (read NATO) into Ukraine? The economic sanctions have so far not deterred Russia. And in the given case the sanctions can also act as a double-edged sword causing an adverse impact on the energy security of Europe. Biden has already cautioned the American public in this regard though he has also assured to minimise the impact on the US population. The Ukrainian crisis is a test for India’s diplomacy. It must be noted that India is not in alliance with USA or Russia, and to that extent India is not obliged to take sides with either of them. At the same time, India has strong partnerships with both the USA and Russia, besides good relations with Europe and also Ukraine. Prima-facie, India has so far taken a balanced position. Some observers have described it as a neutral stance reminiscent of the period of non-alignment. Note must be taken of the key element in India’s statements in which India has called for the resolution of the issue in a manner that would address the “legitimate security interests” of all concerned. It requires a careful reading between the lines to determine whose “legitimate security interests” are under real threat. Is the tilt not slightly in favour of Russia whose security concerns arising out of NATO’s eastwards expansion appear genuine?. Whether it entitles Russia to use force to address its concerns is a matter of entirely different and difficult debate as it involves issues such as sovereignty, territorial integrity on the one hand and the concept of indivisible security on the other. The evacuation of estimated 20,000 Indian nationals mostly students stranded in Ukraine is India’s top priority at the moment. India’s track record in the evacuation of Indian national from conflict regions is commendable. In the given case, the situation is complicated by the fact that the Indian nationals are spread in various parts of Ukraine some of which are in conflict zones, and it is not possible to send flights to Ukraine as its airspace is closed. Alternate arrangements for evacuation through land routes to neighbouring countries such as Romania, Hungary etc. en-route to India through Chartered flights sponsored by the Indian Government are underway albeit with partial success so far. One hopes that all Indian nationals are able to return home safely. It is pointless to debate now as to whether or not it would have been desirable to begin the process a few weeks earlier. (Disclaimer: The views of the experts do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views.)

How far will the Ukraine crisis go?

Russia-Ukraine conflict: First pictures of attack on Kyiv on Day 2

Ukraine's nuclear agency said that radiation levels around the site of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster are on rise following Russia's invasion. Russian troops seized the remnants of the Chernobyl nuclear plant on Thursday.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Ukraine says radiation around Chernobyl spikes after Russian invasion

President Vladimir Putin held a virtual meeting with Russian security council members amid sweeping sanctions. The EU has agreed to freeze European assets which are linked to the Russian President Vladimir Putin along with foreign minister Sergei Lavrov.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Putin holds a virtual meet with Russian security council

The Kremlin has said that President Vladimir Putin is ready to send high-ranking delegation to Minsk for talks with Ukraine, as Russian forces reach Kyiv on the second day of invasion.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Putin ready to send high-ranking delegation to Minsk for Ukraine talks

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.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that his country had been left on its own to fight Russia following the Kremlin's large-scale invasion which killed 130 Ukrainians on the first day.

"We have been left alone to defend our state," Zelenisky declared in a video address to the nation made at the end of the first day of the Russian attack.&nbsp;

"Who is ready to fight alongside us? I don't see anyone. Who is ready to give Ukraine a guarantee of NATO membership? Everyone is afraid," he added.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-choice-but-to-invade-ukraine-to-defend-russia-says-vladimir-putin-456201" hreflang="en">‘No choice but to invade Ukraine to defend Russia’, says Vladimir Putin</a>

According to Zelensky, 137 Ukrainians, both military and civilian, have been killed and another 316 have been wounded since the attack began early Thursday morning.

“Sadly, today we lost 137 heroes, our citizens. Ten of them were officers. 316 people have been wounded. Defending the Zmiinyi Island, all our border guards died a heroic death. But they have not surrendered. They will all be awarded posthumously the title of the Hero of Ukraine. Let those who gave their lives for Ukraine be remembered forever.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-russia-conflict-first-pictures-455872" hreflang="en">Ukraine-Russia conflict: First pictures from ground zero</a>

Zelensky also said that Russian "sabotage groups" had entered Kyiv, and urged residents to remain vigilant and observe curfews.&nbsp;

The president added that he remained in Ukraine with his family despite Russia identifying him as "target number one".&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine conflict: Russian troops take over a key airbase located 38 KMs away from Kyiv

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-conflict-russian-troops-take-over-a-key-airbase-located-38-kms-away-from-kyiv-456235/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“I remain in the capital, my family is also in Ukraine, my children are in Ukraine. My family are not traitors, they are citizens of Ukraine. Where exactly they are I have no right to say. According to the information we have the enemy has marked me as target No 1, my family as target No 2."

"They want to destroy Ukraine politically by taking down the head of state," Zelensky said.

Earlier the Ukrainian President had said that&nbsp;there was now a "new&nbsp;iron&nbsp;curtain" between Russia and the rest of the world, like in the Cold War.

"What do we hear today? It's not just rocket explosions, combat and the roar of aircraft. This is the sound of a new&nbsp;iron&nbsp;curtain&nbsp;lowering and closing Russia off from the civilised world," he said in a video address.&nbsp;

On Thursday, Russia launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine by land, air, and sea. This is the largest military attack in Europe since World War II and confirms the worst fears of the West.

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. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Friday that his country had been left on its own to fight Russia following the Kremlin's large-scale invasion which killed 130 Ukrainians on the first day. "We have been left alone to defend our state," Zelenisky declared in a video address to the nation made at the end of the first day of the Russian attack. "Who is ready to fight alongside us? I don't see anyone. Who is ready to give Ukraine a guarantee of NATO membership? Everyone is afraid," he added. Also read | ‘No choice but to invade Ukraine to defend Russia’, says Vladimir Putin According to Zelensky, 137 Ukrainians, both military and civilian, have been killed and another 316 have been wounded since the attack began early Thursday morning. “Sadly, today we lost 137 heroes, our citizens. Ten of them were officers. 316 people have been wounded. Defending the Zmiinyi Island, all our border guards died a heroic death. But they have not surrendered. They will all be awarded posthumously the title of the Hero of Ukraine. Let those who gave their lives for Ukraine be remembered forever.” Also read | Ukraine-Russia conflict: First pictures from ground zero Zelensky also said that Russian "sabotage groups" had entered Kyiv, and urged residents to remain vigilant and observe curfews. The president added that he remained in Ukraine with his family despite Russia identifying him as "target number one". Watch | Russia-Ukraine conflict: Russian troops take over a key airbase located 38 KMs away from Kyiv “I remain in the capital, my family is also in Ukraine, my children are in Ukraine. My family are not traitors, they are citizens of Ukraine. Where exactly they are I have no right to say. According to the information we have the enemy has marked me as target No 1, my family as target No 2." "They want to destroy Ukraine politically by taking down the head of state," Zelensky said. Earlier the Ukrainian President had said that there was now a "new iron curtain" between Russia and the rest of the world, like in the Cold War. "What do we hear today? It's not just rocket explosions, combat and the roar of aircraft. This is the sound of a new iron curtain lowering and closing Russia off from the civilised world," he said in a video address. On Thursday, Russia launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine by land, air, and sea. This is the largest military attack in Europe since World War II and confirms the worst fears of the West.

Ukrainian President says his country 'left alone' to fight Russia; claims enemy marked him as 'target no. 1'

President Volodymyr Zelensky said that he is not afraid to discuss with Russia the issue of Ukraine’s neutral status. He also admitted that NATO is not ready to provide security guarantees to Ukraine and to grant membership.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Ready to discuss Ukraine's neutral status with Russia, says Zelensky

Russian President Vladimir Putin had a call with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the ongoing war against Ukraine. Jinping had urged the Russian President to negotiate with Ukraine to defuse tensions.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Xi urges Putin to negotiate with Ukraine to defuse tensions

Invading Russian troops bore down on Kyiv despite a desperate defense in which Ukraine said hundreds of its troops were killed and injured. Overnight, the city was hit by blasts with several civilians injured.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Kyiv braces for a Russian attack, Zelensky orders general mobilisation

A senior Ukrainian official said Russian forces would enter areas just outside the capital, Kyiv, later on Friday and that Ukrainian troops were defending positions on four fronts despite being outnumbered.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russian troops advance on Kyiv as Ukrainian leader pleads for help

Explosions sounded before dawn on Friday in Kyiv and gunfire was later heard near the government quarter, as invading Russian forces closed in. Russian affairs expert, Fred Weir speaks to WION for more perspective.

Reports: Gunfire heard near Kyiv's government quarter

President Joe Biden has reiterated that US forces “are not, and will not” be engaged in the conflict with Russia in Ukraine. Thousands of US ground and other forces have been deployed to NATO countries in eastern Europe that feel threatened by Russia.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: US will not engage in war with Russia

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