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. However Ukraine President said that he can hold talks but in other locations.

Russia pitches talk amid offensive: Ukraine President rejects Belarus talks offer

It is day 4 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine.

Day 4 of the Russian invasion: Ukraine leaves door open for negotiations but rejects talk in Belarus

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Air raid sirens blare in Kyiv as Russian forces push towards the city

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that the attack on Ukraine has consequences for Europe.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Russian invasion: Attack on Ukraine has consequences for Europe

Ukraine President Zelinsky: Minsk agreement itself is complicit

Zelensky on Kremlin's offer for talks with Ukraine in Belarus: 'Can hold talks in other locations'

European Union’s envoy to India Ugo Astuto has warned that Russia will “pay a price” for invading Ukraine.

Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ugo assured that the sanctions announced by the bloc will “have a very severe impact and will take a toll on the Russian economy."

Talking about the EU's Indo-Pacific strategy, the envoy explained, “Our vision for the Indo-Pacific is free and open space” which “we see now in jeopardy in Europe”.

Earlier this week a mega Indo-Pacific meet took place in Paris which saw the attendance of 30 foreign ministers.

WION: How major has this development (invasion) been for Europe? How would you characterise it in terms of its fallout?&nbsp;

Ugo Astuto: The situation is very serious. It's not serious for only Europe but for the whole international community. Because, what we are seeing is aggression—unprovoked and unjustified—which is a clear violation of the UN Charter, international laws, and of the very tenants that made us possible to live in peace and prosperity for decades.

These are matters of concern for the whole of the international community and it needs to be addressed. This aggression&nbsp;cannot go without consequences.

&nbsp;

WION: Sanctions have been announced. Do you think it will have any impact on Moscow? This time what is different when it comes to the voice coming&nbsp;from the European Union?

Ugo Astuto: I definitely believe that the sanctions will have a very severe impact. It will take a toll on the Russian economy. Just yesterday, the European Council came together and elaborated a new package of sanctions. These are broader than previous ones and it includes economic, financial aspects.

For instance, we will forbid access to relevant technology which is required for the modernisation of the Russian economy. We are going to block access to European financial&nbsp;markets, Russian banks will no longer be able to enter and operate into European financial markets. There will be new listings added to the previous one to go and touch directly with those responsible for aggression. There is going to be a significant package.

Let me underscore that this is something we have prepared together with our friends and allies—US, UK, Canada—and also with partners from other regions, for instance, Japan, Australia. It is important we all work together in this direction, and make those responsible for the aggression accountable.

&nbsp;

WION: So, the EU will speak in one voice. But we have seen some divergence

Ugo Astuto: No divergence. Full unity as reflected in the package that is being discussed and is reflected in the declaration that was published on Thursday night. This is a declaration by 27 member states, so no divergence.

&nbsp;

WION: But will it deter Putin? It looks like there is no stopping the Russian president

Ugo Astuto: This is a very severe military aggression—totally unprovoked and totally unjustified. So, what we are trying to do is to make Russia accountable, to make Russia pay the consequences in economic terms, political isolation and we also hope that the United Nations, the international community will do the same.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: You talked about isolating the Russian president, what kind of isolation do you foresee?

Ugo Astuto: Let me simply refer to what the United Nations Secretary-General said, “This aggression is a clear breach of the United Nations charter”.

It is severe and Russia has been violating the UN Charter and international laws and the Minsk pact— the very agreement signed by Russia. These agreements are underpinning European security for decades. So, it is very serious and I think, Russia will pay a price for it

&nbsp;

WION: Do you see any kind of talks taking place in future by the EU leadership with Russian leaders?

Ugo Astuto: We are always ready to talk. You have seen the visits of the French president and German chancellor. The aggression has to stop immediately and unconditionally, and the Russians have to withdraw.

We are ready to talk, once Russia stops its aggression and withdraws its troops but conditions must be such that we can talk with a purpose&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: When it comes to the Indo-Pacific, what will be the vision for the EU?

Ugo Astuto: Our vision for the Indo pacific is free and open space, which is based on rules and where respect for international laws is paramount. These were the messages conveyed in Paris where we had a very large gathering and very good attendance, including India’s foreign minister Jaishankar.

I think the basic feature that brings us together is our faith in open societies, democracies, and respect for international laws. Based on this principle we can work together on a number of issues in the Indo-Pacific, economic development, connectivity, green and digital transition. All this is possible, but it is also rooted in respect for international laws, which is what we see now in jeopardy in Europe.

&nbsp;

WION: Any high-level engagement by the EU on Indo-Pacific this year?

Ugo Astuto: Yes, engagement is for sure growing. If you look at the meeting itself there were a number of deliverables, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the centrality of ASEAN we all agree on. There will be further additional deliverables.

European Union’s envoy to India Ugo Astuto has warned that Russia will “pay a price” for invading Ukraine. Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ugo assured that the sanctions announced by the bloc will “have a very severe impact and will take a toll on the Russian economy.

European Union’s envoy to India Ugo Astuto has warned that Russia will “pay a price” for invading Ukraine. Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ugo assured that the sanctions announced by the bloc will “have a very severe impact and will take a toll on the Russian economy." Talking about the EU's Indo-Pacific strategy, the envoy explained, “Our vision for the Indo-Pacific is free and open space” which “we see now in jeopardy in Europe”. Earlier this week a mega Indo-Pacific meet took place in Paris which saw the attendance of 30 foreign ministers. WION: How major has this development (invasion) been for Europe? How would you characterise it in terms of its fallout? Ugo Astuto: The situation is very serious. It's not serious for only Europe but for the whole international community. Because, what we are seeing is aggression—unprovoked and unjustified—which is a clear violation of the UN Charter, international laws, and of the very tenants that made us possible to live in peace and prosperity for decades. These are matters of concern for the whole of the international community and it needs to be addressed. This aggression cannot go without consequences. WION: Sanctions have been announced. Do you think it will have any impact on Moscow? This time what is different when it comes to the voice coming from the European Union? Ugo Astuto: I definitely believe that the sanctions will have a very severe impact. It will take a toll on the Russian economy. Just yesterday, the European Council came together and elaborated a new package of sanctions. These are broader than previous ones and it includes economic, financial aspects. For instance, we will forbid access to relevant technology which is required for the modernisation of the Russian economy. We are going to block access to European financial markets, Russian banks will no longer be able to enter and operate into European financial markets. There will be new listings added to the previous one to go and touch directly with those responsible for aggression. There is going to be a significant package. Let me underscore that this is something we have prepared together with our friends and allies—US, UK, Canada—and also with partners from other regions, for instance, Japan, Australia. It is important we all work together in this direction, and make those responsible for the aggression accountable. WION: So, the EU will speak in one voice. But we have seen some divergence Ugo Astuto: No divergence. Full unity as reflected in the package that is being discussed and is reflected in the declaration that was published on Thursday night. This is a declaration by 27 member states, so no divergence. WION: But will it deter Putin? It looks like there is no stopping the Russian president Ugo Astuto: This is a very severe military aggression—totally unprovoked and totally unjustified. So, what we are trying to do is to make Russia accountable, to make Russia pay the consequences in economic terms, political isolation and we also hope that the United Nations, the international community will do the same. WION: You talked about isolating the Russian president, what kind of isolation do you foresee? Ugo Astuto: Let me simply refer to what the United Nations Secretary-General said, “This aggression is a clear breach of the United Nations charter”. It is severe and Russia has been violating the UN Charter and international laws and the Minsk pact— the very agreement signed by Russia. These agreements are underpinning European security for decades. So, it is very serious and I think, Russia will pay a price for it WION: Do you see any kind of talks taking place in future by the EU leadership with Russian leaders? Ugo Astuto: We are always ready to talk. You have seen the visits of the French president and German chancellor. The aggression has to stop immediately and unconditionally, and the Russians have to withdraw. We are ready to talk, once Russia stops its aggression and withdraws its troops but conditions must be such that we can talk with a purpose WION: When it comes to the Indo-Pacific, what will be the vision for the EU? Ugo Astuto: Our vision for the Indo pacific is free and open space, which is based on rules and where respect for international laws is paramount. These were the messages conveyed in Paris where we had a very large gathering and very good attendance, including India’s foreign minister Jaishankar. I think the basic feature that brings us together is our faith in open societies, democracies, and respect for international laws. Based on this principle we can work together on a number of issues in the Indo-Pacific, economic development, connectivity, green and digital transition. All this is possible, but it is also rooted in respect for international laws, which is what we see now in jeopardy in Europe. WION: Any high-level engagement by the EU on Indo-Pacific this year? Ugo Astuto: Yes, engagement is for sure growing. If you look at the meeting itself there were a number of deliverables, South Asia, Southeast Asia and the centrality of ASEAN we all agree on. There will be further additional deliverables.

Ukraine crisis: Russia will pay a heavy price, says EU's envoy to India Ugo Astuto

Ukraine's envoy to India has said that he is "deeply dissatisfied" with India's reaction. Why did India refuse to condemn Russia's invasion? What are the consequences of supporting the West and Ukraine? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Ukraine "deeply dissatisfied" with India's reaction

16,000 Indian students remain stranded in Ukraine. They're running low on supplies & longing to return home. But the Ukrainian airspace is shut, trains are suspended & borders are clogged. How will they return back to India? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: The plight of Indian Students stuck in Ukraine

The visuals coming from Ukraine are heartbreaking. Fathers are bidding goodbye to their children, Old men and women are crying, Newborn babies are spending their first day in bomb shelter. Women are praying for a miracle. Palki Sharma brings you the stories of survival.

Gravitas: How the war has ripped apart the lives of Ukrainians

Anti-Russia protests have broken out around the world. People in Russia too are protesting against the war, they are demanding world leaders do more to help Ukraine. But Western leaders who had promised to help Ukraine, only have sanctions to offer now. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Global reaction to Russian invasion of Ukraine

Russian troops entered the outskirts of Kyiv on the second day of their offensive in Ukraine. Russian tanks are less than 20 kilometres from the Ukrainian President's office. Palki Sharma tells you more about Kyiv's last stand.

Gravitas: Russia enters Kyiv on second day of invasion

Are Western leaders doing enough to defend Ukraine? What kind of measures are they taking to limit the Russian advance? Palki Sharma decodes their actions with correspondents from Washington, D.C., Berlin, London & Moscow.

Gravitas: Have Western Leaders failed Ukraine?

The Russian blitzkrieg has breached the gates of Ukraine's capital Kyiv. What will Vladimir Putin's next move be? Will he install a puppet regime or will he force Zelensky to accept a humiliating peace? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Regime change or humiliating peace? Putin's endgame

Kyiv has been under a curfew for the last 48 hours. Russian tanks continue to advance & Ukrainian troops are struggling to put up a resistance. Is there still hope for a pushback? Here's what Olga Tokariuk told Palki Sharma in an exclusive conversation.

Gravitas: 'Russia is targeting civilians' claims Kyiv based journalist

The sanction imposed by the West has not stopped Russia from halting the invasion of Ukraine. Reportedly, no sanctions have been imposed on Russia’s energy sector.

Who stands where on the Russia-Ukraine conflict? Why sanctions created no deterrent?

It is day 3 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Kyiv residents rush to their bunkers as fighting rages on

Heavy fighting continues in Kyiv as Russian invasion of Ukraine enters day 3

What do the world leaders have to say about the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine?

Fighting continues in Kyiv as day 3 of the Russian invasion claims many civilian lives in Ukraine

As the Russia-Ukraine crisis intensifies, NATO has deployed Rapid Response Force. France has France warned world on war.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: France warns world on war as NATO deploys rapid response force

February 23 was just another day in Ukraine, what changed lives forever was the following morning. People were woken up to air raid sirens and fire raining from the skies. The bombardment continues on day 3 of Russia's inavsion of Ukraine. And now, what remains is a country of soldiers.

Ukraine is now a nation of soldiers

As the Ukraine-Russia crisis intensifies, more countries close airspace to Russia. After the UK, now Czech Republic, Poland and Bulgaria have closed airspace to Russia.

Countries shut their airspace amid Russian invasion of Ukraine

Day 3 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Russian forces surround the Ukrainian capital Kyiv

Day 3 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Reports of a large number of civilian casualties emerge

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russian forces close in on Kyiv as shelling & airstrikes spike

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Why sanctions on Russia created no deterrence?

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Reports of a large number of casualties amid Russian invasion

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, protests against Russia and Putin raged across the globe. The world raised concerns on consequences.

Ukrainians protest across the world against the Russian invasion

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Russia mounts offensive on Ukrainian cities as the fighting continues

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Moscow claims fall of the first Ukrainian city

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