Is Russia conducting a proxy war in Ukraine? Tensions in eastern Ukraine have risen dramatically after Russia backed separatists engaged in multiple shelling incidents in Donbas.

Shelling in Donbas: NATO fears false flag operation by Russian-backed separatists

After Russia threatened military actions if its security demands were not met, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine's NATO bid process is stalled.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Our NATO bid process is stalled

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

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

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

United Nations Security Council to meet today to discuss Ukraine crisis

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

Gravitas: Ukraine bets on drones to 'outsmart' Russia

Trigger warning: This story contains graphic descriptions of violence, including that of sexual nature. Discretion is advised.

As part of the 15-month war, dozens of women and girls were gang-raped by the tigrayan fighters in two towns in Ethiopia's Amhara region last year, Amnesty International said on Wednesday, a fresh example of the horrific toll endured by the region.

Thirty (30) rape survivors, some as young as 14, and other victims of violence were interviewed by the rights watchdog to get a better picture of the atrocities in Chenna and Kobo in August and September after rebels from the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) seized control of the towns.

In nearly half of the cases of sexual violence, victims were gang-raped; doctors told Amnesty that some survivors had suffered lacerations after rifle bayonets were inserted into their genitals.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-lies-ahead-for-ethiopia-as-war-enters-second-year-428831">What lies ahead for Ethiopia as war enters second year</a>

According to a 14-year-old schoolgirl and her mother, both were raped by TPLF fighters who claimed the attacks were revenge for the atrocities their own families had suffered.

"One of them raped me in the courtyard and the other raped my mother inside the house," she said.

"My mother is very sick now, she is very depressed and desperate. We don't speak about what happened; it is impossible."

The investigation follows the publication of an Amnesty report in November exposing tigrayan rebels' sexual assaults in the Amhara town of Nifas Mewcha.

"Evidence is mounting of a pattern of Tigrayan forces committing war crimes and possible crimes against humanity in areas under their control in the Amhara region from July 2021 onwards.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-raps-who-chief-for-supporting-rebellion-tigray-forces-444866">Ethiopia raps WHO chief for ‘supporting’ rebellion Tigray forces</a>

"This includes repeated incidents of widespread rape, summary killings and looting, including from hospitals," Amnesty's deputy director for East Africa, Sarah Jackson, said.

Revenge killings&nbsp;

Kobo residents reported that TPLF fighters shot dead unarmed civilians in a revenge killing spree after facing resistance from Amhara militias.

"The first dead bodies we saw were by the school fence. There were 20 bodies lying in their underwear and facing the fence and three more bodies in the school compound. Most were shot at the back of their heads and some in the back.

"Those who were shot at the back of their heads could not be recognised because their faces were partially blown off," one male resident said.

Satellite imagery analysis by the watchdog revealed the existence of new graveyards that the villagers also mentioned.

Amnesty International reports that the TPLF did not respond to the latest accusations. However, the rebel group has previously criticized the watchdog over its report on alleged atrocities in Nifas Mewcha, saying it would conduct its own investigation and prosecute the perpetrators.

Watch |&nbsp;Ethiopia: UN report on horrific accounts of rape and torture in Tigray region

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ethiopia-un-report-on-horrific-accounts-of-rape-and-torture-in-tigray-region-452638/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Many thousands of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands are on the edge of starvation in northern Ethiopia as a result of the war.

Amnesty International previously documented hundreds of women and girls raped in Tigray by Ethiopian and Eritrean soldiers.

In a joint report by UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet's office and the government-affiliated Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, last November it was concluded that there had been "serious abuses" on all sides and that some of them may amount to crimes against humanity.

(With inputs from agencies)

Trigger warning: This story contains graphic descriptions of violence, including that of sexual nature. Discretion is advised. As part of the 15-month war, dozens of women and girls were gang-raped by the tigrayan fighters in two towns in Ethiopia's Amhara region last year, Amnesty International said on Wednesday, a fresh example of the horrific toll endured by the region.

Trigger warning: This story contains graphic descriptions of violence, including that of sexual nature. Discretion is advised. As part of the 15-month war, dozens of women and girls were gang-raped by the tigrayan fighters in two towns in Ethiopia's Amhara region last year, Amnesty International said on Wednesday, a fresh example of the horrific toll endured by the region. Thirty (30) rape survivors, some as young as 14, and other victims of violence were interviewed by the rights watchdog to get a better picture of the atrocities in Chenna and Kobo in August and September after rebels from the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) seized control of the towns. In nearly half of the cases of sexual violence, victims were gang-raped; doctors told Amnesty that some survivors had suffered lacerations after rifle bayonets were inserted into their genitals. Also read | What lies ahead for Ethiopia as war enters second year According to a 14-year-old schoolgirl and her mother, both were raped by TPLF fighters who claimed the attacks were revenge for the atrocities their own families had suffered. "One of them raped me in the courtyard and the other raped my mother inside the house," she said. "My mother is very sick now, she is very depressed and desperate. We don't speak about what happened; it is impossible." The investigation follows the publication of an Amnesty report in November exposing tigrayan rebels' sexual assaults in the Amhara town of Nifas Mewcha. "Evidence is mounting of a pattern of Tigrayan forces committing war crimes and possible crimes against humanity in areas under their control in the Amhara region from July 2021 onwards. Also read | Ethiopia raps WHO chief for ‘supporting’ rebellion Tigray forces "This includes repeated incidents of widespread rape, summary killings and looting, including from hospitals," Amnesty's deputy director for East Africa, Sarah Jackson, said. Revenge killings Kobo residents reported that TPLF fighters shot dead unarmed civilians in a revenge killing spree after facing resistance from Amhara militias. "The first dead bodies we saw were by the school fence. There were 20 bodies lying in their underwear and facing the fence and three more bodies in the school compound. Most were shot at the back of their heads and some in the back. "Those who were shot at the back of their heads could not be recognised because their faces were partially blown off," one male resident said. Satellite imagery analysis by the watchdog revealed the existence of new graveyards that the villagers also mentioned. Amnesty International reports that the TPLF did not respond to the latest accusations. However, the rebel group has previously criticized the watchdog over its report on alleged atrocities in Nifas Mewcha, saying it would conduct its own investigation and prosecute the perpetrators. Watch | Ethiopia: UN report on horrific accounts of rape and torture in Tigray region Many thousands of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands are on the edge of starvation in northern Ethiopia as a result of the war. Amnesty International previously documented hundreds of women and girls raped in Tigray by Ethiopian and Eritrean soldiers. In a joint report by UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet's office and the government-affiliated Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, last November it was concluded that there had been "serious abuses" on all sides and that some of them may amount to crimes against humanity. (With inputs from agencies)

Revenge killing, gang-rapes; Amnesty international reports the horrific toll endured by Tigray

Ukraine is demanding evidence from Washington after US officials claimed that Russia will invade "any day". Western governments are also asking their nationals to leave Ukraine immediately. Palki Sharma tells you why Washington is drumming up panic.

Gravitas: US says Russian invasion "any day"

Russia has announced to pull back some of the troops near the Ukrainian border to their bases after completing drills, an indication of a possible de-escalation during the crisis with the Western nations.

Russia and the West have been at loggerheads ever since reports came out that over 100,000 Russian troops were deployed near their neighbour’s borders.

The US and its NATO allies alleged that the troop movement was part of a Russian invasion plan—which Vladimir Putin denied.

In fact, US President Joe Biden believed and reportedly informed his allies that Russia would launch an attack on February 16.

On Tuesday, the Russian defence ministry's spokesman said that some forces deployed near Ukraine had completed their exercises and were packing up to leave.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-nationals-including-students-should-leave-ukraine-says-government-advisory-453383" hreflang="en">Indians including students may consider leaving Ukraine, says govt advisory</a>

“Units of the Southern and Western military districts, having completed their tasks, have already begun loading onto rail and road transport and today they will begin moving to their military garrisons,” the ministry's chief spokesman, Igor Konashenkov, told Russian news agencies.

Another diplomat mocked the&nbsp;Western intelligence for naming the date of a Russian invasion, saying, "February 15, 2022, will go down in history as the day when Western war propaganda failed."

"They were humiliated and defeated without a single shot,"&nbsp;Maria Zakharova, a spokesman for the Russian foreign ministry said on social media.

It is unclear how many units have been withdrawn, but it was the first announcement of a Russian drawdown in weeks.

Meanwhile, while crediting its diplomatic efforts to avert a Russian invasion, Ukraine called on Russia to pull back all of its remaining forces from the countries' shared frontier.

“We have a rule: don't believe what you hear, believe what you see. When we see a withdrawal, we will believe in a de-escalation,” foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba told reporters following reports some Russian troops were returning to base.

Watch |&nbsp;Reports: Some Russian forces returning after drills in Ukraine

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(With inputs from agencies)

Russia has announced to pull back some of the troops near the Ukrainian border to their bases after completing drills, an indication of a possible de-escalation during the crisis with the Western nations.

Russia has announced to pull back some of the troops near the Ukrainian border to their bases after completing drills, an indication of a possible de-escalation during the crisis with the Western nations. Russia and the West have been at loggerheads ever since reports came out that over 100,000 Russian troops were deployed near their neighbour’s borders. The US and its NATO allies alleged that the troop movement was part of a Russian invasion plan—which Vladimir Putin denied. In fact, US President Joe Biden believed and reportedly informed his allies that Russia would launch an attack on February 16. On Tuesday, the Russian defence ministry's spokesman said that some forces deployed near Ukraine had completed their exercises and were packing up to leave. Also read | Indians including students may consider leaving Ukraine, says govt advisory “Units of the Southern and Western military districts, having completed their tasks, have already begun loading onto rail and road transport and today they will begin moving to their military garrisons,” the ministry's chief spokesman, Igor Konashenkov, told Russian news agencies. Another diplomat mocked the Western intelligence for naming the date of a Russian invasion, saying, "February 15, 2022, will go down in history as the day when Western war propaganda failed." "They were humiliated and defeated without a single shot," Maria Zakharova, a spokesman for the Russian foreign ministry said on social media. It is unclear how many units have been withdrawn, but it was the first announcement of a Russian drawdown in weeks. Meanwhile, while crediting its diplomatic efforts to avert a Russian invasion, Ukraine called on Russia to pull back all of its remaining forces from the countries' shared frontier. “We have a rule: don't believe what you hear, believe what you see. When we see a withdrawal, we will believe in a de-escalation,” foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba told reporters following reports some Russian troops were returning to base. Watch | Reports: Some Russian forces returning after drills in Ukraine (With inputs from agencies)

Russia pulls back some troops from Ukraine border, Kyiv says ‘we will see, then believe’

The fears of a Russian invasion in Ukraine have been growing lately. This has led to a stand-off between Russia and the West. &nbsp;

The situation has been turning critical with Russia amassing troops at Ukraine border and also sending troops to Belarus to exert pressure on Ukraine. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-will-respond-decisively-if-ukraine-invasion-occurs-biden-tells-putin-452818" hreflang="en">West will respond decisively if Ukraine invasion occurs, Biden tells Putin</a>

This has led to a war of words between the both sides. Let’s witness the timeline of events in this issue. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Beginning &nbsp;

On November 10, NATO warns Moscow over taking "aggressive action" after US reports unusual troop movements near the Ukrainian border. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Strong measures if an attack happens &nbsp;

On December 7, US President Joe Biden threatens Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin with "strong economic and other measures" if he invades Ukraine. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Russian troops in Belarus &nbsp;&nbsp;

On January 17, Russian troops begin arriving in ex-Soviet Belarus for military drills, which Moscow says are aimed at "thwarting external aggression". &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-us-submarine-enter-russian-territorial-waters-in-pacific-accusations-claims-continue-452824">Did US submarine enter Russian territorial waters in Pacific?</a>

&nbsp;&nbsp;

US says any incursion is 'invasion' &nbsp;&nbsp;

On January 20, Biden says any incursion of Russian troops is "an invasion" after appearing to suggest a "minor" attack on Ukraine might invite a lesser response. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Baltic states to help Ukraine &nbsp;

On January 21, ex-Soviet NATO members Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania say they will send anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles to help Ukraine defend itself. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

‘Moscow to install a pro-Russian leader in Ukraine’ &nbsp;

On January 22, Britain claims Moscow is "looking to install a pro-Russian leader in Kyiv" and occupy Ukraine, which Russia dismisses as "disinformation". &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

‘US whipping up hysteria’ &nbsp;

On January 31, Moscow accuses the US of whipping up "hysteria" as Washington says 30,000 Russian troops will be deployed in Belarus near the Ukrainian border by early February. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

US sends 3,000 troops &nbsp;&nbsp;

On February 2, the US sends 3,000 troops to fortify NATO forces in Eastern Europe. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Leave Ukraine &nbsp;

On February 11, the White House tell Americans that leave Ukraine within 48 hours as a Russian attack could come at any time. &nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

Attack by February 16 &nbsp;

On February 12, US President Joe Biden reportedly told the Western allies during a phone call that his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, could launch an attack on Ukraine on February 16. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The fears of a Russian invasion in Ukraine have been growing lately. This has led to a stand-off between Russia and the West. The situation has been turning critical with Russia amassing troops at Ukraine border and also sending troops to Belarus to exert pressure on Ukraine.

The fears of a Russian invasion in Ukraine have been growing lately. This has led to a stand-off between Russia and the West. The situation has been turning critical with Russia amassing troops at Ukraine border and also sending troops to Belarus to exert pressure on Ukraine. Also Read: West will respond decisively if Ukraine invasion occurs, Biden tells Putin This has led to a war of words between the both sides. Let’s witness the timeline of events in this issue. The Beginning On November 10, NATO warns Moscow over taking "aggressive action" after US reports unusual troop movements near the Ukrainian border. Strong measures if an attack happens On December 7, US President Joe Biden threatens Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin with "strong economic and other measures" if he invades Ukraine. Russian troops in Belarus On January 17, Russian troops begin arriving in ex-Soviet Belarus for military drills, which Moscow says are aimed at "thwarting external aggression". Also Read: Did US submarine enter Russian territorial waters in Pacific? US says any incursion is 'invasion' On January 20, Biden says any incursion of Russian troops is "an invasion" after appearing to suggest a "minor" attack on Ukraine might invite a lesser response. Baltic states to help Ukraine On January 21, ex-Soviet NATO members Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania say they will send anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles to help Ukraine defend itself. ‘Moscow to install a pro-Russian leader in Ukraine’ On January 22, Britain claims Moscow is "looking to install a pro-Russian leader in Kyiv" and occupy Ukraine, which Russia dismisses as "disinformation". ‘US whipping up hysteria’ On January 31, Moscow accuses the US of whipping up "hysteria" as Washington says 30,000 Russian troops will be deployed in Belarus near the Ukrainian border by early February. US sends 3,000 troops On February 2, the US sends 3,000 troops to fortify NATO forces in Eastern Europe. Leave Ukraine On February 11, the White House tell Americans that leave Ukraine within 48 hours as a Russian attack could come at any time. Attack by February 16 On February 12, US President Joe Biden reportedly told the Western allies during a phone call that his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, could launch an attack on Ukraine on February 16. (With inputs from agencies)

Will there be a war over Ukraine from Feb 16? Story so far of Russia-West stand-off  

United States has once again reiterated its warning that Russia could invade Ukraine at any moment. In the latest, Ukraine has called for a meeting with Russia other signatories to the Vienna Document signatories within 48 hours to address and discuss the current situation. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Kyiv warns of immediate sanctions if Russia attacks.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Kyiv warns of immediate sanctions if Russia attacks

Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba: Comments taken out of context

At least 10 countries have asked their citizens to leave Ukraine before tensions escalate further. These panicked warnings came after US issued a warning saying that Russia could attack Ukraine any day now. WION brings you more insights.

Ukraine vows to keep its airspace open as airlines weigh flight services to Kyiv

United States has once again reiterated its warning that Russia could invade Ukraine at any moment. In the latest, Ukraine has called for a meeting with Russia other signatories to the Vienna Document signatories within 48 hours to address and discuss the current situation.

The US reaffirms dire warning on the possible Russian invasion

Ukraine calls for a meeting with Russia within 48 hours as tensions mount

A hundred thousand Russian troops camped out at Ukraine's border. Kyiv has been seeking to shore up its military equipment if it ever needs to face a Russian invasion. Turkish drone to play a big role in Ukraine's offence

Turkish drone to play a big role in Ukraine's offence amid tensions with Russia

As Russian invasion fears loom, countries urge their citizens to leave Ukraine

Ukrainian PM urges people not to panic as nations ask their citizens to leave Ukraine

Watch ground report on the Georgia National Legion Head Quarters, where 17,000 foreign fighters from 27 nations are training in Ukraine against possible Russian invasion.

Ground report on the Georgia National Legion: 17,000 foreign fighters from 27 nations are in Ukraine

Thousands of people hold a rally in support of the Ukrainian government in Kyiv as tensions mount over Russian invasion fears.

Thousands march in Kyiv in a show of support to the Ukrainian government amid Russian invasion fears

US, British and Norweigan nationals have been asked to leave Ukraine as war tensions with Russia mount over the Ukraine crisis. Meanwhile, the UK has urged Russia to step back from conflict.

Efforts at shuttle diplomacy by the the West continues amid Russian invasion fears

WION brings a report from Ukraine's first line of defence. The border where Ukraine, Belarus and Russia meet. Border guards warn of land mines below the snow.

WION reports from the Russia-Ukraine border: Border guards warn of land mines below the snow

The US has said that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is possible even before the end of the Beijing Winter Olympics. The US has repeated its warning of severe sanctions on Russia. Meanwhile, Military drills have intensified across Eastern Europe

Report from Ukraine: Military drills intensify in Eastern Europe amid Russian invasion fears

British and Norweigan nationals have been asked to leave Ukraine as war tensions with Russia mount over the Ukraine crisis. Meanwhile, the UK has urged Russia to step back from conflict.

British nationals urged to leave Ukraine amid the second round of UK-Russia diplomacy bid

Ukraine’s military warned Friday that Russian-backed separatists in the country’s east are conducting military exercises, completing a near encirclement of Ukraine by hostile forces, even as diplomatic initiatives have failed to gain traction.

The drills tested the force’s preparation for live fire operations, practising “driving artillery, tank and armoured vehicles” in field exercises, the Ukrainian statement said. Some units of the force were put on their highest level of alert, it said, and senior Russian military officers were observing the activity.

The warning was the latest evidence of a shift by Kyiv to more alarming commentary about the military risk facing Ukraine. That follows weeks of efforts to minimize the threat of an invasion, seeking to calm the public and limit the economic fallout.

Ukraine this week began its own nationwide military exercises to coincide with joint Russian and Belarusian exercises to the north of Ukraine, in Belarus.

To the south, the Russian navy announced Thursday the closure of large swaths of the Black Sea for live-fire exercises by its fleet that will effectively blockade Ukrainian ports including the port of Odessa. The naval exercises were scheduled to begin Sunday and last six days.

Russia has massed armoured vehicles and soldiers near its borders to the northeast of Ukraine and in the south on the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow annexed in 2014. It also has sent a large military contingent to Belarus for what it says are military exercises with the Belarusian military. The Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, is only 140 miles from the border with Belarus.

To the east, the army of Russian-backed separatists in two enclaves in eastern Ukraine, the Donetsk and Luhansk peoples’ republics, was put on partial alert and ordered to conduct field exercises, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency said Friday in a statement.

Ukraine and Western governments view the separatist army, believed to consist of about 30,000 troops, as controlled and armed by the Russian government, while Russian officials including President Vladimir Putin have consistently denied any Russian role in the conflict.

On Friday, President Joe Biden was expected to hold a phone call with 10 other trans-Atlantic leaders “to discuss our shared concerns about Russia’s continued buildup of military forces around Ukraine and continued coordination on both diplomacy and deterrence,” the White House said in a statement.

Among those joining Biden were President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission, European Council President Charles Michel, President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain.

A wide range of diplomatic efforts to defuse the crisis have borne little fruit to date.

In news conferences that extended after midnight in Berlin, both Russian and Ukrainian negotiators said a channel of talks supported by President Emmanuel Macron of France had brought no breakthroughs so far.

The negotiations focused on a settlement agreement for the eastern Ukraine war but were seen as a possible path to ease the wider tensions from the Russian buildup. They were the second this year by foreign policy advisers to the French, German, Russian and Ukrainian governments.

“It would be good if during the second meeting we could agree on something,” Andriy Yermak, Ukraine’s chief negotiator, said. After nine hours of talks the negotiators could not agree on a joint statement. “It went the way it did today,” Yermak said.

Russia’s negotiator, Dmitri Kozak, offered an even more dour assessment. He said the Ukrainian government had not altered its long-standing positions in the settlement talks for the eastern Ukraine conflict, which have been going on for seven years.

Separate talks in Moscow between British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also went nowhere, with Lavrov comparing them to “the conversation of a mute person with a deaf person.”

Truss had said one purpose of the visit was to convey to Russian officials warnings about the seriousness of Western economic sanctions and other repercussions if they use military force in Ukraine. Lavrov countered by reiterating Russia’s position that it has no plans to invade Ukraine and that its military is merely conducting exercises.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has offered to mediate, a proposal accepted by Ukraine but declined by Russia. Next week, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is scheduled to visit Kyiv and Moscow. And Russian officials have said they will respond in writing to proposals for security talks offered by the United States and NATO.

Russia has made a series of demands of the West, including scaling back the NATO military presence in Eastern Europe to 1990s levels and guaranteeing that Ukraine could never join NATO. The United States has called those demands “nonstarters” and instead offered a series of proposals aimed at arms control.

Ukraine’s military warned Friday that Russian-backed separatists in the country’s east are conducting military exercises, completing a near encirclement of Ukraine by hostile forces, even as diplomatic initiatives have failed to gain traction.

Ukraine’s military warned Friday that Russian-backed separatists in the country’s east are conducting military exercises, completing a near encirclement of Ukraine by hostile forces, even as diplomatic initiatives have failed to gain traction. The drills tested the force’s preparation for live fire operations, practising “driving artillery, tank and armoured vehicles” in field exercises, the Ukrainian statement said. Some units of the force were put on their highest level of alert, it said, and senior Russian military officers were observing the activity. The warning was the latest evidence of a shift by Kyiv to more alarming commentary about the military risk facing Ukraine. That follows weeks of efforts to minimize the threat of an invasion, seeking to calm the public and limit the economic fallout. Ukraine this week began its own nationwide military exercises to coincide with joint Russian and Belarusian exercises to the north of Ukraine, in Belarus. To the south, the Russian navy announced Thursday the closure of large swaths of the Black Sea for live-fire exercises by its fleet that will effectively blockade Ukrainian ports including the port of Odessa. The naval exercises were scheduled to begin Sunday and last six days. Russia has massed armoured vehicles and soldiers near its borders to the northeast of Ukraine and in the south on the Crimean Peninsula, which Moscow annexed in 2014. It also has sent a large military contingent to Belarus for what it says are military exercises with the Belarusian military. The Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, is only 140 miles from the border with Belarus. To the east, the army of Russian-backed separatists in two enclaves in eastern Ukraine, the Donetsk and Luhansk peoples’ republics, was put on partial alert and ordered to conduct field exercises, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency said Friday in a statement. Ukraine and Western governments view the separatist army, believed to consist of about 30,000 troops, as controlled and armed by the Russian government, while Russian officials including President Vladimir Putin have consistently denied any Russian role in the conflict. On Friday, President Joe Biden was expected to hold a phone call with 10 other trans-Atlantic leaders “to discuss our shared concerns about Russia’s continued buildup of military forces around Ukraine and continued coordination on both diplomacy and deterrence,” the White House said in a statement. Among those joining Biden were President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission, European Council President Charles Michel, President Emmanuel Macron of France, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and Prime Minister Boris Johnson of Britain. A wide range of diplomatic efforts to defuse the crisis have borne little fruit to date. In news conferences that extended after midnight in Berlin, both Russian and Ukrainian negotiators said a channel of talks supported by President Emmanuel Macron of France had brought no breakthroughs so far. The negotiations focused on a settlement agreement for the eastern Ukraine war but were seen as a possible path to ease the wider tensions from the Russian buildup. They were the second this year by foreign policy advisers to the French, German, Russian and Ukrainian governments. “It would be good if during the second meeting we could agree on something,” Andriy Yermak, Ukraine’s chief negotiator, said. After nine hours of talks the negotiators could not agree on a joint statement. “It went the way it did today,” Yermak said. Russia’s negotiator, Dmitri Kozak, offered an even more dour assessment. He said the Ukrainian government had not altered its long-standing positions in the settlement talks for the eastern Ukraine conflict, which have been going on for seven years. Separate talks in Moscow between British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also went nowhere, with Lavrov comparing them to “the conversation of a mute person with a deaf person.” Truss had said one purpose of the visit was to convey to Russian officials warnings about the seriousness of Western economic sanctions and other repercussions if they use military force in Ukraine. Lavrov countered by reiterating Russia’s position that it has no plans to invade Ukraine and that its military is merely conducting exercises. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has offered to mediate, a proposal accepted by Ukraine but declined by Russia. Next week, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is scheduled to visit Kyiv and Moscow. And Russian officials have said they will respond in writing to proposals for security talks offered by the United States and NATO. Russia has made a series of demands of the West, including scaling back the NATO military presence in Eastern Europe to 1990s levels and guaranteeing that Ukraine could never join NATO. The United States has called those demands “nonstarters” and instead offered a series of proposals aimed at arms control.

Ukraine, in a shift of tone, warns of Russia-backed military exercises

As tensions continue to mount over the Ukraine crisis, a new report has claimed that Kyiv is crowdfunding donations in Bitcoin to fund a possible war against Moscow.

According to a report by blockchain analytics company Elliptic, donations worth thousands of dollars have seeped into non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and volunteer groups— increasing by over 900 per cent in 2021.

The report states that NGOs and volunteer groups, who are peeved with government corruption, have taken upon themselves to fund weapons and medical supplies to Ukrainian soldiers, as well for the development of a facial recognition app that identifies if someone is a Russian mercenary or spy.

Elliptic says that donors are using Bitcoin to funnel money to such NGOs, bypassing any banks and financial institutions that might block payments.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
New Elliptic research shows how war in the Ukraine is being crowdfunded with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/crypto?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#crypto</a>. Crypto funds are used to equip the Ukrainian army and fund cyberattacks against Russia. Crypto donations to these groups increased by over 900% in 2021. <a href="https://t.co/7clIA9hZYz">https://t.co/7clIA9hZYz</a> <a href="https://t.co/1PXcyqfDKG">pic.twitter.com/1PXcyqfDKG</a>
— elliptic (@elliptic) <a href="https://twitter.com/elliptic/status/1491034134160056321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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“Elliptic has identified several cryptocurrency wallets used by these volunteer groups and NGOs, which have collectively received funds totalling just over $570,000 – much of it over the past year,” states the report.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ultimatums-threats-from-west-on-ukraine-wont-work-against-russia-says-foreign-minister-452104">Ultimatums, threats from West on Ukraine won’t work against Russia, says foreign minister</a>

According to the report, groups receiving Bitcoin donations include Come Back Alive, which provides training, military, and medical equipment, and the Myrotvorets Center, which has ties to the Ukrainian government.

As Russia and US continue to exchange threats over the Ukraine crisis, several European leaders are trying to broker peace in order to stave off a war in the eastern European region.

France’s Emmanuel Macron, top ministers from Britain have arrived in Moscow to defuse the tense situation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-russia-continues-to-deploy-more-forces-adding-tactical-groups-says-us-451895">Ukraine crisis: Russia continues to deploy more forces, adding tactical groups, says US</a>

According to reports and claims made by the West, Russia has amassed over 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border, stoking fears of invasion.

On Thursday Russia began the 10-day joint military drills in Belarus, Ukraine's northern neighbour and a close ally of Russia. Some 30,000 Russian troops are expected to take part.

A Kremlin spokesman said the joint drills were serious, but he pointed out the nature of threats was higher than before.

(With inputs from agencies)

As tensions continue to mount over the Ukraine crisis, a new report has claimed that Kyiv is crowdfunding donations in Bitcoin to fund a possible war against Moscow.

As tensions continue to mount over the Ukraine crisis, a new report has claimed that Kyiv is crowdfunding donations in Bitcoin to fund a possible war against Moscow. According to a report by blockchain analytics company Elliptic, donations worth thousands of dollars have seeped into non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and volunteer groups— increasing by over 900 per cent in 2021. The report states that NGOs and volunteer groups, who are peeved with government corruption, have taken upon themselves to fund weapons and medical supplies to Ukrainian soldiers, as well for the development of a facial recognition app that identifies if someone is a Russian mercenary or spy. Elliptic says that donors are using Bitcoin to funnel money to such NGOs, bypassing any banks and financial institutions that might block payments. New Elliptic research shows how war in the Ukraine is being crowdfunded with #crypto. Crypto funds are used to equip the Ukrainian army and fund cyberattacks against Russia. Crypto donations to these groups increased by over 900% in 2021. https://t.co/7clIA9hZYz pic.twitter.com/1PXcyqfDKG — elliptic (@elliptic) February 8, 2022 × “Elliptic has identified several cryptocurrency wallets used by these volunteer groups and NGOs, which have collectively received funds totalling just over $570,000 – much of it over the past year,” states the report. Also read | Ultimatums, threats from West on Ukraine won’t work against Russia, says foreign minister According to the report, groups receiving Bitcoin donations include Come Back Alive, which provides training, military, and medical equipment, and the Myrotvorets Center, which has ties to the Ukrainian government. As Russia and US continue to exchange threats over the Ukraine crisis, several European leaders are trying to broker peace in order to stave off a war in the eastern European region. France’s Emmanuel Macron, top ministers from Britain have arrived in Moscow to defuse the tense situation. Also read | Ukraine crisis: Russia continues to deploy more forces, adding tactical groups, says US According to reports and claims made by the West, Russia has amassed over 100,000 troops near the Ukrainian border, stoking fears of invasion. On Thursday Russia began the 10-day joint military drills in Belarus, Ukraine's northern neighbour and a close ally of Russia. Some 30,000 Russian troops are expected to take part. A Kremlin spokesman said the joint drills were serious, but he pointed out the nature of threats was higher than before. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine using Bitcoin to crowdfund possible war against Russia: Report

The British Foreign Secretary's latest foray into international diplomacy has not gone as planned especially after she received a geography lesson from her Russian counterpart at their meeting in Moscow.

UK Foreign secretary mistakes Russian territory as Ukrainian, gets mocked for the gaffe

Amid rising tensions between the West and Russia over the Ukraine conflict. Watch a report from Krymske where people are living in a conflict zone.

Krymske: Life in a conflict zone

The threat of war looms large over Ukraine. With more than 100,000 Russian troops deployed near its neighbour’s borders, the Ukrainians are preparing for the worst-case scenario.

As tensions between Russia and Ukraine reach a boiling point, world leaders and diplomats shuffle among Washington, Moscow and Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, to avert a war, which many fear would be catastrophic.

The same has been running around the minds of Indian students who are living in Ukraine.

There are around 20,000 Indian students studying medical and engineering in the east European country.

Indians form the biggest student group in Ukraine. Most of them come here to study medicine.

There are two reasons for that. One, it is affordable. Medical education here is cheaper than in India.

And two, the degrees that they get are recognised both in Europe and in India, so students come here in large numbers.

WION&nbsp;visited the country’s prestigious varsity, Taras Shevchenko National University, in Kyiv to talk to students and understand their life under the spectre of conflict.

As war brews on the border, a sense of worry is palpable in the dormitory. On the face of it, life looks normal on the campus, but the threat of war has been weighing on the mind of these students.

“There are things that are happening overnight. All we are doing is waiting for the updates,” said Shashank, a student at Taras Shevchenko National University.

Expressing similar views, another student says, “I have been here for three years and there has always been a talk of war. But this time it is more serious than before. Let’s see, the US, India are doing things. I don’t think there should be a war. But it is slightly unpredictable.”

These students are not only concerned for their safety, but they also worry about their Ukrainian friends.

“If war happens, we can always go back and create our life in India. We have the option to make our future brighter. Many of us come from a middle-class background, and if anything (war) happens, it will massively impact us. But we still can go back. Whereas, I worry for my Ukrainian friends. I feel that they might lose their independence,” said Madhu Mohan, a fourth-year MBBS student at Taras Shevchenko National University.

Students are banking on the Indian embassy in Kyiv,&nbsp;as they&nbsp;have been evacuated once before. At the beginning of the pandemic, hundreds of students were flown to India through the Vande Bharat mission.

Around two weeks back, the Indian embassy in Kyiv drew up a list, asking the students to fill up forms to collate their information in case they need&nbsp;to be evacuated if a war breaks out.

They say that if any conflict arises, New Delhi will ensure their safety.

&nbsp;“We think we are in safe hands because we are in constant touch with the (Indian) embassy. If there is any kind of evacuation, the embassy is going to take measures accordingly,” said Shashank.

Most of the classes have been going online because of the pandemic. Some students have gone back home while some stayed.

The threat of war looms large over Ukraine. With more than 100,000 Russian troops deployed near its neighbour’s borders, the Ukrainians are preparing for the worst-case scenario.

The threat of war looms large over Ukraine. With more than 100,000 Russian troops deployed near its neighbour’s borders, the Ukrainians are preparing for the worst-case scenario. As tensions between Russia and Ukraine reach a boiling point, world leaders and diplomats shuffle among Washington, Moscow and Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, to avert a war, which many fear would be catastrophic. The same has been running around the minds of Indian students who are living in Ukraine. There are around 20,000 Indian students studying medical and engineering in the east European country. Indians form the biggest student group in Ukraine. Most of them come here to study medicine. There are two reasons for that. One, it is affordable. Medical education here is cheaper than in India. And two, the degrees that they get are recognised both in Europe and in India, so students come here in large numbers. WION visited the country’s prestigious varsity, Taras Shevchenko National University, in Kyiv to talk to students and understand their life under the spectre of conflict. As war brews on the border, a sense of worry is palpable in the dormitory. On the face of it, life looks normal on the campus, but the threat of war has been weighing on the mind of these students. “There are things that are happening overnight. All we are doing is waiting for the updates,” said Shashank, a student at Taras Shevchenko National University. Expressing similar views, another student says, “I have been here for three years and there has always been a talk of war. But this time it is more serious than before. Let’s see, the US, India are doing things. I don’t think there should be a war. But it is slightly unpredictable.” These students are not only concerned for their safety, but they also worry about their Ukrainian friends. “If war happens, we can always go back and create our life in India. We have the option to make our future brighter. Many of us come from a middle-class background, and if anything (war) happens, it will massively impact us. But we still can go back. Whereas, I worry for my Ukrainian friends. I feel that they might lose their independence,” said Madhu Mohan, a fourth-year MBBS student at Taras Shevchenko National University. Students are banking on the Indian embassy in Kyiv, as they have been evacuated once before. At the beginning of the pandemic, hundreds of students were flown to India through the Vande Bharat mission. Around two weeks back, the Indian embassy in Kyiv drew up a list, asking the students to fill up forms to collate their information in case they need to be evacuated if a war breaks out. They say that if any conflict arises, New Delhi will ensure their safety. “We think we are in safe hands because we are in constant touch with the (Indian) embassy. If there is any kind of evacuation, the embassy is going to take measures accordingly,” said Shashank. Most of the classes have been going online because of the pandemic. Some students have gone back home while some stayed.

Life under the spectre of war: WION speaks to Indian students in Ukraine's Kyiv

Ukrainian and Russian officials met in the German capital for talks on ending the conflict in eastern Ukraine but nearly nine hours of talks failed to produce a breakthrough on signing a joint document. However, both sides have agreed to keep talks with French and German officials aimed at ending an eight-year separators conflict in eastern Ukraine but the lack of progress marked a setback for efforts to defuse the crisis. For more insights on this, we are joined by WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma live from Ukraine.

British PM Boris Johnson warns of 'Bloodshed' as diplomacy deadlock on Ukraine conflict continues

Will Russia use military drills as pretext for war? Do Ukrainian forces stand a chance against the Russian Juggernaut. Palki Sharma decodes Ukraine's options with Volodymyr Solohub & Katharine Quinn-Judge.

Gravitas Ukraine Direct: Will Ukraine survive war? WION interviews Volodymyr Solohub & Katharine Quinn-Judge

Ukrainian and Russian officials met in the German capital for talks on ending the conflict in eastern Ukraine but nearly nine hours of talks failed to produce a breakthrough on signing a joint document. However, both sides have agreed to keep talks with French and German officials aimed at ending an eight-year separators conflict in eastern Ukraine but the lack of progress marked a setback for efforts to defuse the crisis.

Berlin talks fail to yield any breakthrough in defusing Ukraine conflict with Russia

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