Ukraine Russia war news Live Updates

PM Modi speaks to his Romanian, Slovakian counterparts, thanks them for their assistance in evacuating stranded Indians from Ukraine

Ukraine Russia war news Live Updates

Watch | Explosions in Ukrainian city of Kharkiv

Ukraine Russia war news Live Updates

Nothing can justify the use of nuclear weapons, says António Guterres

Ukraine Russia war news Live Updates

‘We agreed to keep the negotiations going’, says Russian delegation head

Negotiators from Ukraine and Russia will return to their capital cities for consultations and have plans for fresh talks, both sides announced Monday after meeting for their first talks since the outbreak of war last week.

"The delegations are returning to their capitals for consultations and have discussed the possibility of meeting for a second round of negotiations soon," Ukrainian negotiator Mikhailo Podolyak said. 

"We agreed to keep the negotiations going," the Russian delegation head, Vladimir Medinsky said.

- AFP

Ukraine Russia war news Live Updates

Russia bans residents from transferring money abroad: Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday banned residents from transferring money abroad as part of measures to prop up the ruble which has plummeted in value as a result of Western sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 

A decree signed by Putin also said that exporters would be required to hold at least 80 per cent of revenue in rubles in a move to prop up the Russian economy.

- AFP

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Moscow, Kyiv plan 'second round' of conflict talks, reports AFP

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Signed an application for Ukraine's membership in the European Union, says Volodymyr Zelenskyy

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PM Modi chairs high level meet, says govt working round the clock to bring back stranded Indians: MEA

Ukraine Russia war news Live Updates

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks to Vladimir Putin on phone

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. Demilitarisation of Ukraine, Western recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea and ensuring neutral status of Ukraine are keys to ending fighting, said Putin to Macron.

Ukraine Russia war news Live Updates

Volodymyr Zelenskyy signs application for membership of Ukraine in European Union

Ukraine Russia war news Live Updates

Volodymyr Zelensky posts video urging people to stay strong

Ukraine Russia war 

11 killed in blast in Ukraine's Kharkiv

At least 11 people were killed and a dozen others were injured in Russian shelling on Ukraine's Kharkiv city on Monday, the regional governor said.
 

"The Russian enemy is bombing residential areas," Oleg Sinegubov, wrote on the Telegram messaging app, saying, "As a result of the bombardments that are ongoing, we cannot call on the emergency services. Currently there are 11 dead and dozens wounded", he said. On Sunday morning, two large explosions were heard in Ukraine's capital Kyiv

-ANI

Ukraine Russia war 

PM missing in action, says Rahul Gandhi on Indians stranded in Ukraine

 Levelling allegation against Indian government of not taking effective steps to bring Indians stranded in Ukraine amid ongoing Russian military operations in the country, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being "missing in action."
 

Sharing a video of a student stranded in Ukraine, the Wayanad MP tweeted, "Conditions of Indians stranded in Ukraine are worsening. Yet, GOI is not taking effective steps to bring them home. As usual, PM is MIA (missing in action)." In the video, the student can be seen sharing the name of an official who allegedly works at the Indian embassy. The students alleged that the official kept "rejecting call" even after they shared videos of girls being allegedly beaten at the Romanian border.

-ANI

Ukraine Russia war 

Russia uses cluster munitions in Ukraine's school

Rights groups have called on Russia to stop using cluster munitions in Ukraine, saying fatal strikes using the indiscriminate weapons on a hospital and a school could constitute war crimes.

Amnesty International said cluster bombs hit a preschool in northeastern Ukraine on Friday that was being used to shelter civilians, killing three people, including a child.

-AFP

Ukraine Russia war 

PM Modi chairs another high-level meeting on Ukraine crisis

-PTI

Ukraine Russia war 

With sanctions, Russian Sberbank faces 'failure' in Europe

Faced with a rush of people withdrawing money, Sberbank and the Russian bank's subsidiaries in southeastern and central Europe are facing closures or takeovers following international sanctions imposed on Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.

The European Central Bank said Monday that Vienna-based Sberbank Europe AG and its branches in Slovenia and Croatia are failing or likely to fail after they "experienced significant deposit outflows" because of the impact to their reputation from the conflict.

-AFP

Ukraine Russia war 

Olympic body calls for Russia to be excluded from sports

In a sweeping move to isolate and condemn Russia after invading Ukraine, the International Olympic Committee urged sports bodies on Monday to exclude the country's athletes and officials from international events.

The IOC said it was needed to "protect the integrity of global sports competitions and for the safety of all the participants."

The decision opened the way for FIFA, the governing body of soccer, to exclude Russia from a World Cup qualifying playoff match on March 24. Poland has refused to play the scheduled game against Russia.

-AP

Ukraine Russia war 

Russian mogul uses UK paper for anti-war plea

Russia-born media mogul Evgeny Lebedev has used the pages of a British newspaper he owns to implore Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the invasion of Ukraine.

London’s Evening Standard on Monday features a front-page statement by Lebedev headlined “President Putin, please stop this war,” alongside an Associated Press photo of medics battling to save a 6-year-old girl killed by shelling in the Ukrainian city of Mariupol. Lebedev wrote: “As a Russian citizen I plead with you to stop Russians killing their Ukrainian brothers and sisters. As a British citizen I ask you to save Europe from war.”

-AP

Ukraine Russia war 

Russian tycoon Deripaska says time to end 'state capitalism' in Russia 

Russian tycoon Oleg Deripaska on Monday said it was time to put an end to "all this state capitalism" and change policies as the country's economy reeled from the effects of Western sanctions over Moscow's assault on Ukraine.

"It is necessary to change the economic policy, it is necessary to end all this state capitalism," Deripaska said on messaging app Telegram, demanding "explanations" from officials on what was going to happen to the economy in the next three months.

-AFP

Ukraine Russia war 

Russia's Lavrov cancels trip to UN in Geneva: official

Russia's foreign minister has cancelled a trip to the United Nations in Geneva due to the "anti-Russian sanctions" imposed by EU countries, Russia's mission in Geneva said Monday.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had been scheduled to address the UN Human Rights Council and the Conference on Disarmament in person Tuesday, and had also been due to give a press conference. 

-AFP

Ukraine Russia war 

Russia reels from sanctions as Putin calls West 'empire of lies'

The ruble collapsed Monday, Russians sought to withdraw their savings and a prominent tycoon urged an end to "state capitalism" in Russia as the country reeled from the effects of Western sanctions over the Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine.

President Vladimir Putin raged against the West as he convened a meeting with officials including central bank chief Elvira Nabiullina and the CEO of Russia's largest lender Sberbank, German Gref, to address what the Kremlin called a new "economic reality".

-AFP

Ukraine Russia war 

Switzerland adopts same sanctions as EU against Russia: president

Traditionally neutral Switzerland will adopt all the sanctions that the European Union has already imposed on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, Swiss President Ignazio Cassis said Monday.

"This is a big step for Switzerland," Cassis told a press conference, after the neutral Alpine nation had for days hesitated over whether to join the international move to sanction Moscow over the attack on its neighbour.

-AFP

Ukraine Russia war 

Ukraine, Russia envoys talk under shadow of nuclear threat

Ukraine Russia war 

Ukraine appeals for immediate EU Membership

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday urged the European Union to grant his country "immediate" membership, as Russia's assault against the pro-Western country went into its fifth day.

"We appeal to the European Union for the immediate accession of Ukraine via a new special procedure," the 44-year-old leader said in a new video address. 

"Our goal is to be together with all Europeans and, most importantly, to be on an equal footing. I'm sure it's fair. I'm sure it's possible."

-AFP

Ukraine Russia war 

France preparing to seize Russian assets

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire says France is getting ready to seize all assets of Russian officials and business leaders who are being targeted by EU sanctions.

Le Maire said France is in the process of listing property including financial assets, real estate, yachts and luxury cars.

French authorities are also seeking to identify other Russian individuals who could be added into the EU list of people targeted by sanctions due to “their proximity with the Russian leadership,” he added.

-AP

Ukraine Russia war 

Russia closes its airspace to 36 nations

Russia has closed its airspace to carriers from 36 nations, including European countries and Canada, responding in kind to their move to close their respective airspaces to all Russian aircraft.

The move, announced Monday by the state aviation agency, follows a decision by the EU and Canada over the weekend to close their skies to the Russian planes in response to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

It added that planes from those countries could only enter Russia’s airspace with special permission.

-AP

Ukraine Russia war 

Some Ukrainian embassy websites down in several western countries

The websites of Ukrainian embassies appeared to be down in several western countries including Denmark, Britain, Germany, Spain and Portugal.

The Ukrainian embassy in Oslo, Norway, told Danish broadcaster DR Monday that they suspect a cyber attack may have caused the problem. DR said the Ukrainian foreign ministry’s site also was down.

-AP

Ukraine Russia war 

Families of Punjab students stranded in Ukraine urge govt to speed up evacuation

Ukraine Russia war 

US closes embassy in Belarus, lets staff leave Moscow

The State Department has closed the U.S. Embassy in Belarus and is allowing non-essential staff at the U.S. Embassy in Russia to leave the country due to the war in Ukraine.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the suspension of operations at the Minsk embassy and the authorized departure from Moscow in a statement on Monday.

-AP

Ukraine Russia war 

Ukraine slows Russian advance under shadow of nuclear threat

Ukraine Russia war 

Nuclear deterrent forces on high alert

The Russian military says its nuclear deterrent forces have been put on high alert in line with President Vladimir Putin’s order.

Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has reported to Putin that command posts of all of Russia’s nuclear forces have been boosted with additional personnel. The Defense Ministry said that the high alert status applies to all components of Russian nuclear forces — the Strategic Missile Forces that oversee land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, the Northern and Pacific Fleets that have submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles, and the long-range aviation that has a fleet of nuclear-capable strategic bombers.

-AFP

Ukraine Russia war 

Ruble plummets as sanctions bite, sending Russians to banks

Ukraine Russia war 

Indian Embassy in Ukraine issues second advisory 

The Indian Embassy in Ukraine issued a second advisory to all Indian nationals/students in Ukraine today as on 28 February 2022.

It informed those concerned that weekend curfew has been lifted in Kyiv and advised all students to make their way to the railway station for onward journey to the western parts. It said that Ukraine Railways is putting special trains for evacuations and that for students stranded on the left side of Dnipro, there are metros and buses functioning which can be used to move to the train station for onward movement.

Ukraine Russia war 

Russia-Ukraine talks kick off in Belarus

Ukraine Russia war 

Moscow stock exchange to stay shut on Monday

The Russian Central Bank said that Moscow's stock exchange will not open Monday after the ruble free fall due to Western sanctions.

“Due to the current situation, the Bank of Russia has decided not to open a stock market section, a derivatives market section, or a derivatives market section on the Moscow Exchange today,” the statement from the bank read. 

The Russian Central Bank further said it would announce the opening times for Tuesday on the day, at 9:00 a.m. local time.

Ukraine Russia war 

Urgently admit Ukraine to EU: Volodymyr Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the European Union to "urgently admit Ukraine" to the bloc on Monday.  

"We appeal to the European Union to urgently admit Ukraine using a new procedure. We are grateful to partners for standing with us. But our goal is to be with all Europeans and, to be equal to them. I am sure we deserve it. I am sure it is possible," Zelensky said in his latest video message.

Ukraine Russia war 

Russia and Ukraine discuss peace at Belarus Border

Ukraine Russia war 

Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Belarus have started

Ukraine Russia war 

Ukrainians say Kyiv attempting to use them for sabotage in Russia

According to a Sputnik News report citing information from the Federal Security Service (FSB) of the Russian Federation, Ukrainians are increasingly reporting attempts by Kyiv to use their compatriots living and working in Russia for sabotage operations inside the country.

The FSB is calling upon all those who have come into contact with individuals that could potentially be used by the Ukrainian special services to conduct subversive activities against Russia’s security to step forward and share this information.

Ukraine Russia war 

"Immediate ceasefire", withdrawal of Russian forces among Ukraine's demands

Ukraine demanded an “immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian troops” on Monday as the country’s delegation arrived for talks with Russia at the Ukrainian-Belarusian border, a statement from the Ukrainian presidency said. The delegation includes several high-ranking officials.

Ukraine Russia war 

Russia to evacuate citizens from Europe, reports Russia Today

The Russian government has announced that it is developing a plan to evacuate its citizens from Europe, after a number of European countries closed their airspace to all Russian airlines as a result of Moscow’s military conflict with Kiev, reported Russian media outlet Russia Today.

Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency and Federal Tourism Agency announced on Sunday that they are collaborating with the Russian Foreign Ministry to evacuate Russians from European countries that are continuing to impose sanctions on Russia by blocking Russian aircraft from their airspaces.

Ukraine Russia war 

Over 100 civilians killed in Ukraine war, toll may climb: UN

The UN human rights chief said Monday that at least 102 civilians, including seven children, had been killed in Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion five days ago, warning the true numbers were likely far higher.

“Most of these civilians were killed by explosive weapons with a wide impact area, including shelling from heavy artillery and multi-launch rocket systems, and airstrikes,” Michelle Bachelet told the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, warning that “the real figures are, I fear, considerably higher.”

Ukraine Russia war 

Further isolated Russia from international financial system: Boris Johnson

Ukraine Russia war 

Ukrainian delegation arrives at Belarusian border for talks with Russia

The Ukrainian presidency on Monday said that the Ukrainian delegation including Minister of Defence Oleksiy Reznikov, adviser to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Mykhailo Podoliak and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mykola Tochytskyi among others arrived at the designated area at the Ukrainian-Belarusian border for talks with Russia. 

Ukraine Russia war

Russia announces "safe" corridor for Kyiv residents to leave

"We appeal to the people of Kyiv. All civilians in the city can freely leave the capital of Ukraine along the Kyiv-Vasilkov (Vasylkiv) highway. This route is open and safe," Maj Gen Igor Konashenkov, the spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Defense, said in a statement. "Once again, I want to emphasize that the armed forces of the Russian Federation strike only military targets. The civilian population is not in danger."

Ukraine Russia war 

Russian military has gained air supremacy in Ukraine, says Moscow

The Russian military claimed on Monday that it has gained control over Ukrainian airspace. 

"Russian aviation has gained air supremacy over the entire territory of Ukraine," Maj Gen Igor Konashenkov, the Russian Ministry of Defense spokesman, said in a statement as per CNN.

Ukraine Russia war 

Singapore to impose "appropriate sanctions and restrictions" on Russia

Singpore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan said in the country's Parliament​ on Monday that his country will impose “appropriate sanctions and restrictions” on Russia and called the Russian invasion of Ukraine “unprovoked” and a “clear and gross violation of the international norms". Balakrishnan said that Singapore intended to “act in concert” with other countries to take a strong stance.

Ukraine Russia war 

Russia hikes key interest rate to 20% 

The AFP reported citing Russian agencies that Russia's central bank has hiked key interest rate to 20 per cent 

Ukraine Russia war 

Leave Russia: US tells its citizens

The United States Embassy in Russia encouraged Americans to leave the country as soon as possible, calling on them to prepare a “contingency plan that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.”

In an advisory on Sunday, the US Embassy noted that “an increasing number of airlines are canceling flights into and out of Russia, and numerous countries have closed their airspace to Russian airlines” in response to Russia’s offensive in Ukraine.

The embassy advised that, with this in mind, US citizens “should consider departing Russia immediately via commercial options still available.” It also reiterated that the US State Department’s current travel advisory for Russia was ‘Level 4: Do Not Travel’.

Ukraine Russia war 

BP to exit Russia oil giant Rosneft at cost of $25 billion

British oil giant BP said on Sunday that it is exiting its share in Rosneft, a state-owned Russian oil and gas company. BP has held a 19.75 per cent stake in Rosneft since 2013. The British company also said its CEO, Bernard Looney, and former BP executive Bob Dudley will immediately resign from Rosneft's board.

Ukraine Russia war 

Dalai Lama says war is "outdated"

The Dalai Lama on Monday said he was "deeply saddened" by the conflict in Ukraine, as the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader called for peace and "mutual understanding", according to CNN. "War is outdated — non-violence is the only way," the highest Tibetan spritual leader said in a statement.

Ukraine Russia war 

Brazil refuses to choose sides

According to Russia Today, Brazil has refused to pick sides in the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine, pledging to remain neutral as the US, EU, UK, and allies continue to impose sweeping sanctions on Russia, accusing it of “unprovoked” aggression.

Ukraine Russia war 

Sharad Pawar dials S Jaishankar

According to ANI, NCP chief Sharad Pawar spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar over phone and discussed evacuation of Indian students stuck in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Discussions also held on evacuations via Belgorod (Russia) route. Matter of aiding students stuck at Romania-Poland border was also discussed.

Ukraine Russia war 

Hardeep Puri, Jyotiraditya Scindia among ministers to travel to Kyiv's neighbours

Union Ministers Hardeep Puri, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Kiren Rijiju and Gen VK Singh to travel to neighbouring countries of Ukraine to coordinate the evacuation mission and help students, government sources tell News18.

Ukraine Russia war 

PM Modi calls high level meet

According to News18, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a high level meeting now on the Ukraine crisis. There is a possibility that some ministers from the Government of India may go to neighbouring countries of Ukraine to coordinate the evacuations.

Ukraine Russia war 

Ruble plunges

Russia's ruble plunged nearly 30 per cent against the dollar on Monday after world powers imposed fresh, harsher sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

The ruble was indicated to be down 27 per cent at 114.33 per dollar in offshore trading, according to Bloomberg News

Ukraine Russia war 

Google restricts Map service in Ukraine

Google on Monday disabled some live traffic data for Ukraine in its Google Maps service, saying the decision was made in consultation with people on the ground for the safety of the local community, The New York Times reported.

Ukraine Russia war 

Fifth Operation Ganga flight lands in Delhi

The fifth Operation Ganga flight carrying 249 Indian nationals stranded in Ukraine reaches Delhi airport, reported ANI.

Ukraine Russia war 

MEA activates OpGanga Helpline on Twitter

The Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday activated a dedicated Twitter handle, "OpGanga Helpline" (@opganga), to assist in the evacuation of Indian nationals from war-torn Ukraine. The mission to evacuate the stranded Indians from Ukraine has been named as "Operation Ganga". India has already set up round-the-clock "control centres" in Poland, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia to assist in the evacuation of Indian nationals from Ukraine through border-crossing points with these countries.

The helpline numbers of the control room in Poland are: +48225400000,+48795850877 and +48792712511. Those requiring help can also write an email to controlroominwarsaw@gmail.com, according to the MEA. The helpline numbers of the control room in Romania are: +40732124309, +40771632567, +40745161631 and +40741528123. The email address for contacting the control room in Romania is controlroombucharest@gmail.com.

The MEA said Indians can contact the control room in Hungary on phone numbers +36 308517373, +36 13257742 and +36 13257743. It also has a WhatsApp number: +36 308517373 for assistance. The helpline numbers of the control room in Slovakia are +421 252631377, +421 252962916 and +421 951697560. The email address is hoc.bratislava@mea.gov.in.

Ukraine Russia war 

War claims 'Mriya'

According to Ukrainian officials, the world's largest aircraft, the Antonov AN-225, has been destroyed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The enormous aircraft, named "Mriya," or "dream" in Ukrainian, was parked at an airfield near Kyiv when it was attacked.

"Russia may have destroyed our 'Mriya'. But they will never be able to destroy our dream of a strong, free and democratic European state. We shall prevail!" wrote Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Twitter.

Ukraine Russia war 

India abstains from UNSC procedural vote to call for General Assembly session on Ukraine