Russia-Ukraine News Highlights | Ukraine said Tuesday that its joint diplomatic efforts with Western allies have managed to avert a feared Russian invasion. "We and our allies have managed to prevent Russia from any further escalation. It is already the middle of February, and you see that diplomacy is continuing to work," Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told reporters.
The United States has urged its citizens to immediately leave Belarus, citing a buildup of Russian troops along the border with neighboring Ukraine. The travel advisory, issued Monday, came the same day that Washington announced it was closing its Kyiv embassy and relocating staff to the Ukrainian city of Lviv 335 miles (540 kilometers) away due to a "dramatic acceleration" in the buildup of Russian forces.
Last week, Washington warned that Russia could attack "any day now." "Due to an increase in unusual and concerning Russian military activity near the border with Ukraine, U.S. citizens located in or considering travel to Belarus should be aware that the situation is unpredictable and there is heightened tension in the region," the advisory said.
It also noted that last month, the State Department ordered all family members of the Minsk embassy to leave. American citizens have already been urged to leave Ukraine, with the West accusing Russia of sending more than 100,000 soldiers to encircle the former Soviet state. In addition to fears of a possible military conflict on the border, Washington's "do not travel" advisory for Belarus flagged the risk of detention, arbitrary enforcement of laws and Covid-19 entry restrictions as reasons for Americans to get out. "The U.S. government's ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Belarus is already severely limited due to Belarusian government limitations on U.S. Embassy staffing," it said.
Britain on Tuesday said "there is still time" for Russian President Vladimir Putin to step back and recall troops massed on Ukraine's border. "We could be on the brink of a war in Europe, which would have severe consequences not just for the people of Russia and Ukraine, but also for the broader security of Europe," Foreign Minister Liz Truss told Sky News. "There is still time for Vladimir Putin to step away from the brink. But there is only a limited amount of time for him to do that," she added, warning an invasion could be "imminent".
Truss held frosty talks last week with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow. He called it "a conversation between a mute person and a deaf person." Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday urged Putin to step back from "the edge of a precipice", warning that an invasion of Ukraine could come within 48 hours. "You've got about 130,000 troops massing on the Ukrainian border. This is a very, very dangerous, difficult situation," Johnson told reporters on a visit to Scotland.
"We are on the edge of a precipice but there is still time for President Putin to step back," he added. Johnson will on Tuesday chair a meeting of the Civil Contingencies Committee that is convened to handle matters of national emergency or major disruption to discuss the UK's response to the crisis. The government on Friday urged all Britons to leave Ukraine country by commercial flights, but says it is maintaining a "core" diplomatic presence in Kyiv.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Stocks rebound, oil slips as Russia-Ukraine tensions ease
Stocks in Europe and on Wall Street rebounded on Tuesday while oil prices fell after Russia indicated it was withdrawing some troops from exercises near Ukraine and President Vladimir Putin said he saw room for further discussion with the West.
Gold and bond prices also slid as safe-haven assets lost some of their appeal with tensions easing a bit over Ukraine, but NATO said it had yet to see any evidence of de-escalation.
The dollar index pared some losses as Putin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke, a sign tensions over Ukraine haven't been resolved. But the index later moved lower, down 0.335%, as its safe-haven appeal also lost some lustre. The euro up 0.52% to $1.1364.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Dollar slips, euro gains as Russia says some troops returning to base
The U.S. dollar eased and the euro strengthened on Tuesday as Russia said some of its troops were returning to base after exercises near Ukraine, reducing some investor anxiety over the crisis in the region.
Concern over the Russia-Ukraine standoff had driven gains in the safe-haven dollar recently.
The U.S. dollar index was down 0.2%, while the euro was up 0.3% against the dollar at $1.1343 and the U.S. dollar was up 0.2% against the yen at 115.74.
The Russian rouble strengthened 1.41% versus the greenback at 75.71 per dollar.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Gold slips off 8-month high, palladium drops as Russia-Ukraine worries ease
Gold prices retreated from a multi-month peak on Tuesday while palladium slipped more than 5% as news about some Russian troops near Ukraine returning to their bases drove a rebound in riskier assets.
Spot gold was down 1.3% to $1,846.46 per ounce by 1318 GMT, after hitting its highest level since June 11 at $1,879.48. U.S. gold futures fell nearly 1% to $1,851.00.
"What we saw late on Friday in the U.S. session and going into Monday was all driven by the fear of Russian invasion. So any sign that it's less likely, is weighing on gold pulling it back from those highs," said Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at OANDA.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Ukraine says it and NATO should determine membership
Only Ukraine and NATO should determine Kyiv's bid to join the alliance, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said after meeting his Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio in Kyiv on Tuesday.
"No one but Ukraine and NATO members should have a say in the discussions about Ukraine's future NATO membership," Kuleba said.
The meeting with Di Maio came hours after Russia said it was withdrawing some of its troops deployed near Ukraine and as Russia's parliament asked President Vladimir Putin to recognise two territories held by pro-Russian rebels in Ukraine's east.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Russia ready to continue talks with West on missiles, says Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday said that the nation is prepared to continue dialogue on missiles and other security issues with the West, speaking in Moscow with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Tensions in Europe have run high in recent weeks on Western fears Russia may invade neighbouring Ukraine, which Moscow denied is its intention. Russia said on Tuesday some of its troops were returning to base after exercises near Ukraine.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | We need actions not words from Russia, German foreign minister says
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Tuesday that Russia must take concrete steps, such as troop withdrawals, to de-escalate tensions over Ukraine.
"Every real step towards de-escalation would be cause for hope," Baerbock said at a news conference with her Spanish counterpart after Russia said some troops were returning to base following exercises near Ukraine.
Moscow has not said how many of the roughly 130,000 troops massed along the Ukrainian border it plans to withdraw and NATO said it had not seen any evidence of a drawdown, prompting a mixture of cautious optimism and scepticism from the West.
"It is now up to Russia to embark on the path of de-escalation and underpin it with very concrete steps such as troop withdrawal," Baerbock said.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | UK threatens to block Russian companies raising money in London
Britain threatened on Tuesday to block Russian companies from raising capital in London and to expose property and company ownership if Russia invades Ukraine, saying the West must remain united on the cost to Moscow of any conflict.
Russia has massed troops and military equipment on the Ukrainian border, drawing warnings from Britain, the United States, the European Union, and other allies of drastic economic sanctions the moment any invasion occurs.
Last week Britain put in place new legislation enabling it to impose broader sanctions than it previously could on Russian individuals and entities determined to be involved in destabilising Ukraine or supporting the Russian government.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates |
Russian President Vladimir Putin says Russia is ready to discuss confidence-building measures with US, NATO
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Polish foreign minister proposes further Ukraine talks within OSCE
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) wants to create a platform for talks to prevent crises like the one in Ukraine, the Polish foreign minister said on Tuesday, as he called for further dialogue on the standoff.
"We would like to create an informal platform for open political discussion between OSCE nations, which would allow for the discussion of mechanisms for stopping crises like the present one," said Zbigniew Rau, who is serving as chairman of the OSCE, during a visit to Moscow.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Russia says some troops pull back from near Ukraine, West says no proof yet
Russia said on Tuesday some of its military units were returning to their bases after exercises near Ukraine and mocked repeated Western warnings about a looming invasion, but NATO said it had yet to see any sign of de-escalation on the ground.
Russia did not say how many units were being withdrawn, and how far, after a build-up of some 130,000 Russian troops to the north, east and south of Ukraine that has triggered one of the worst crises in relations with the West since the Cold War.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Japan offers Ukraine $100 million in loans in show of support
Japan is ready to extend at least $100 million in emergency loans to Ukraine, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Tuesday, the Japanese government said in a summary of their phone call.
The offer comes as Russia has amassed more than 100,000 troops near the Ukraine border, raising fears of war and casting a shadow over the Ukrainian economy. Moscow denies planning to invade Ukraine, accusing the West of hysteria.
Zelenskiy expressed his gratitude for the offer, according to the written summary of the two leaders' exchange.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | US accuses financial website of spreading Russian propaganda
United States intelligence officials on Tuesday accused a conservative financial news website with a significant American readership of amplifying Kremlin propaganda and alleged five media outlets targeting Ukrainians have taken direction from Russian spies.
The officials said Zero Hedge, which has 1.2 million Twitter followers, published articles created by Moscow-controlled media that were then shared by outlets and people unaware of their nexus to Russian intelligence. The officials did not say whether they thought Zero Hedge knew of any links to spy agencies and did not allege direct links between the website and Russia.
Zero Hedge denied the claims and said it tries to publish a wide spectrum of views that cover both sides of a given story.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Russian retreat from Ukranian border would be positive sign, says France
France has not yet verified whether Russia is pulling back some troops from Ukraine's border but if the information is correct, this would be a "positive sign", French government spokesman Gabriel Attal told journalists.
"If it is confirmed, this is a good thing," Attal said, adding: "This shows (...) we can continue the dialogue, that the path of diplomacy is a path on which we can move further."
Russia's defence ministry said earlier that some troops in the country's military districts adjacent to Ukraine were returning to their bases after completing drills, boosting the rouble on foreign exchange markets.
NATO's chief also welcomed signals that Russia may be looking for a diplomatic solution amid a military build-up on Ukraine's border but urged Moscow to demonstrate its will to act.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Russia-Ukraine conflict explained in 5 points
In November last year, satellite images revealed a build-up of 1,00,000 Russian troops and heavy military equipment along the borders of pro-West Ukraine. In December, Joe Biden warned Russia of economic sanctions if it invades Ukraine. More on this here
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Indian shares close sharply higher on Russia-West de-escalation hopes
Indian shares closed sharply higher on Tuesday, recouping losses from the previous session with broad-based buying, following a report that some Russian troops were returning to their bases in areas near Ukraine.
The NSE Nifty 50 index ended up 3.03% at 17,352.45, while the S&P BSE Sensex jumped 3.1% to 58,142.05. Both the indexes had fallen 3% on Monday.
A report on Tuesday quoted Russia's defence ministry as saying some troops adjacent to Ukraine were returning to their bases, a move that could de-escalate frictions between Moscow and the West.
U.S. stock futures jumped and safe-haven currencies, including the Japanese yen and the Swiss franc, fell after the news.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | OSCE talks will not replace dialogue with US, NATO: Russia
Discussing Russia's security demands within the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) would be interesting but are not a substitute for talks with the United States and NATO, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday.
Without any progress in the latter, OSCE discussions would be pointless, Lavrov said after a meeting with Polish Foreign Minister and OSCE chairman-in-office Zbigniew Rau in Moscow.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Timeline: Russia's worrying stand-off with Ukraine
Russia's massing of troops along the border with Ukraine has put Washington and Moscow into an increasingly tense Cold War-style stand-off.
Here is a timeline of the situation.
Troop movements
- On November 10, NATO warns Moscow about taking "aggressive action" after Washington reports unusual troop movements near the Ukrainian border.
- On November 28, Ukraine says Russia is massing nearly 92,000 troops for an offensive at the end of January or early February. Read full article
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Russia starts navy drills in Barents Sea
More than 20 ships from Russia's Northern fleet have started drills in the Barents Sea, the Interfax news agency cited the fleet as saying on Tuesday.
The exercises in the Arctic waters between Russia and Norway are part of broader drills which have prompted fears that Moscow may invade Ukraine. Russia denies such plans.
Russian markets rose strongly on Tuesday on reports that some Russian units were pulling back from areas adjacent to the Ukrainian borders.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Gold near 8-month high as Russia-Ukraine tensions boost appeal
Gold prices were steady near an eight-month high on Tuesday, as heightened tensions between Russia and the West over Ukraine prompted investors to shun riskier assets and opt for safe-haven bullion.
Spot gold was steady at $1,869.46 per ounce by 0812 GMT, after hitting its highest level since June 11 at $1,879.48 earlier. U.S. gold futures rose 0.5% to $1,878.00.
Due to the Ukraine crisis, gold is supported through the inflation channel because of higher crude oil prices and through the risk aversion channel because of lower stocks, said Stephen Innes, managing partner at SPI Asset Management.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates |
In an advisory, the Indian embassy in Kyiv asked Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to and within Ukraine. Although the number of Indians residing in Ukraine at present is not immediately known, according to an official document in 2020, Ukraine had a small but vibrant Indian community and there were about 18,000 Indian students studying in that country. The data is likely to vary in view of the pandemic.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Euro extends gains after Russia ends some army drills near Ukraine
The euro rebounded on Tuesday, nearly erasing all of Monday's losses, after reports that some Russian troops in areas near Ukraine have started returning to their bases.
Against the greenback, the single currency climbed 0.4% to $1.1346, and within striking distance of Monday's high of $1.1369 as European stock futures rebounded on the news.
Some troops in Russia's military districts adjacent to Ukraine are returning to bases after completing drills, Russia's defence ministry was quoted as saying, a move that could de-escalate frictions between Moscow and the West.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | European stocks pick up, dollar slips, investors focus on Russia-Ukraine
European stocks opened slightly higher on Tuesday, the dollar eased and gold was just below an 8-month high as investors remained focused on the risk of Russia invading Ukraine.
The United States said on Sunday that Russia could invade Ukraine any time, a prospect that has prompted investors to sell riskier assets so far this week. Investor risk appetite improved slightly on Monday when Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov suggested that Moscow should continue along the diplomatic path to resolve the tensions.
After stocks fell in the U.S. and Asian sessions, there were signs of sentiment improving in early European trading. The MSCI world equity index, which tracks shares in 50 countries, was up 0.2% on the day at 0839 GMT, its first gain after three consecutive days of drops of more than 0.9%. The STOXX 600 was up around 1.1% on the day.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Ukraine and West have stopped Russian escalation: Kyiv
Ukraine said Tuesday that its joint diplomatic efforts with Western allies have managed to avert a feared Russian invasion. "We and our allies have managed to prevent Russia from any further escalation. It is already the middle of February, and you see that diplomacy is continuing to work," Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told reporters.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | In Pics: A look at Russia-Ukraine military capabilities
Russia has mobilized a massive combat force – equipped with tanks, artillery, rockets etc., – near its border with Ukraine. How do the two countries stack up on military capabilities? In the wake of Russia’s troop build-up along the Ukraine border, here’s a comparison of Ukraine and Russia’s military strengths in 2022.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Timeline: Russia’s growing threat to invade Ukraine
Russia's massing of troops along the border with Ukraine has put Washington and Moscow into an increasingly tense Cold War-style stand-off. Here is a timeline of the spiraling situation.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Ukraine and West have managed to 'prevent' Russian escalation: Kyiv
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | In Pics: See the massive military buildup by Russia near Ukraine
With Russia carrying out a massive military buildup near Ukraine and the West roundly rejecting Moscow’s security demands, a window for diplomacy in the crisis appears to be closing.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | US urges its citizens to immediately leave Belarus
The United States has urged its citizens to immediately leave Belarus, citing a buildup of Russian troops along the border with neighboring Ukraine. The travel advisory, issued Monday, came the same day that Washington announced it was closing its Kyiv embassy and relocating staff to the Ukrainian city of Lviv 335 miles (540 kilometers) away due to a "dramatic acceleration" in the buildup of Russian forces.
Last week, Washington warned that Russia could attack "any day now." "Due to an increase in unusual and concerning Russian military activity near the border with Ukraine, U.S. citizens located in or considering travel to Belarus should be aware that the situation is unpredictable and there is heightened tension in the region," the advisory said.
It also noted that last month, the State Department ordered all family members of the Minsk embassy to leave. American citizens have already been urged to leave Ukraine, with the West accusing Russia of sending more than 100,000 soldiers to encircle the former Soviet state. In addition to fears of a possible military conflict on the border, Washington's "do not travel" advisory for Belarus flagged the risk of detention, arbitrary enforcement of laws and Covid-19 entry restrictions as reasons for Americans to get out. "The U.S. government's ability to provide routine or emergency services to U.S. citizens in Belarus is already severely limited due to Belarusian government limitations on U.S. Embassy staffing," it said.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | UK says still time for Putin to step back from conflict
Britain on Tuesday said "there is still time" for Russian President Vladimir Putin to step back and recall troops massed on Ukraine's border. "We could be on the brink of a war in Europe, which would have severe consequences not just for the people of Russia and Ukraine, but also for the broader security of Europe," Foreign Minister Liz Truss told Sky News. "There is still time for Vladimir Putin to step away from the brink. But there is only a limited amount of time for him to do that," she added, warning an invasion could be "imminent".
Truss held frosty talks last week with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Moscow. He called it "a conversation between a mute person and a deaf person." Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday urged Putin to step back from "the edge of a precipice", warning that an invasion of Ukraine could come within 48 hours. "You've got about 130,000 troops massing on the Ukrainian border. This is a very, very dangerous, difficult situation," Johnson told reporters on a visit to Scotland.
"We are on the edge of a precipice but there is still time for President Putin to step back," he added. Johnson will on Tuesday chair a meeting of the Civil Contingencies Committee that is convened to handle matters of national emergency or major disruption to discuss the UK's response to the crisis. The government on Friday urged all Britons to leave Ukraine country by commercial flights, but says it is maintaining a "core" diplomatic presence in Kyiv.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Russians scoff at Western fears of Ukraine invasion
While the U.S. warns that Russia could invade Ukraine any day, the drumbeat of war is all but unheard in Moscow, where pundits and ordinary people alike don’t expect President Vladimir Putin to launch an attack on its ex-Soviet neighbor. The Kremlin has cast the U.S. warnings of an imminent attack as “hysteria” and “absurdity,” and many Russians believe that Washington is deliberately stoking panic and fomenting tensions to trigger a conflict for domestic reasons.
Putin’s angry rhetoric about NATO’s plans to expand to Russia’s “doorstep” and its refusal to hear Moscow’s concerns has struck a chord with the public, tapping into a sense of betrayal by the West after the end of the Cold War and widespread suspicion about Western designs. Speaking to reporters after President Joe Biden’s call with Putin on Saturday, Kremlin foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov bemoaned what he described as U.S. “hysteria” about an allegedly imminent invasion, saying that the situation has “reached the point of absurdity.”
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Some Russian forces near Ukraine returning to bases: Ministry
Russia said Tuesday that some forces deployed near Ukraine were beginning to return to their bases, after a build up of Moscow's army around Ukrainian borders spurred fears of an invasion. "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," a defence ministry spokesman said in comments carried by Russian news agencies.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | European stocks steady on easing Ukraine fears
European stock markets steadied at the open Tuesday on hopes that Ukraine and Russia will avoid a full-blown conflict. London's benchmark FTSE 100 index edged up 0.1 percent to 7,539.83 points. In the eurozone, Frankfurt's DAX index was flat at 15,110.75 points, as was the Paris CAC 40 at 6,853.69. Europe's main markets had closed down about 2.0 percent Monday on fears that Russia would shortly invade neighbouring Ukraine. "There is a certain relief in the Ukraine-Russia crisis as the two sides seem willing to continue their diplomatic efforts to avoid a military action," noted Swissquote senior analyst Ipek Ozkardeskaya.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | 'Our responsibility': Ukraine teens dig trenches facing Russia threat
Ukrainian teenager Mykhailo Anopa had been suffering sleepless nights worrying about a full-on attack from Russia. Then he decided to do something about it. The 15-year-old joined other boys from disadvantaged families digging trenches for soldiers serving on his country's eastern front and facing off with Russian-backed separatists. "When our father, the pastor, said there might be shelling, that Putin might attack, I started having nightmares, because that's what I would think about before bed," he said.
"We dug trenches to help Ukrainian soldiers. Now, we are reinforcing them. This has become our responsibility," he said with pride. Ukraine has been trapped in a festering conflict across parts of its mostly Russian-speaking industrial east ever since a pro-EU revolt deposed a Moscow-backed president in 2014. The war has claimed more than 14,000 lives and forced 1.5 million people from their homes.
It has also drained Ukraine's economy and remained a constant drag on the former Soviet republic's aspirations to enter the Western fold. Now Ukrainians fear Putin's confrontation with the West over NATO's expansion could lead to an all-out invasion by the more than 100,000 Russian troops poised just across the border. Anopa belongs to a centre for children from broken homes overseen by Pentecostal pastor Gennadiy Mokhnenko.
The 53-year-old has just returned to the Ukrainian front after a trip to the United States and is busy instructing his group of 40 or so boys about discipline and proper trench-digging techniques. "Today, we are going to reinforce basements," the pastor says, after leading a group prayer. "We will buy some more gas canisters, develop an evacuation plan. Each one of us has to prepare a small bag with clothes and documents," he tells the group. "In the evening, I will check how ready you are."
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Senators eye resolution backing Ukraine amid Russia tension
Stopping short of legislation to impose sanctions on Russia, the U.S. Senate is considering a resolution in support of Ukraine as senators are eager to respond to Russian President Vladimir Vladimir Putin’s aggression but deferential to the White House’s strategy to avert a crisis in Europe. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan briefed Senate leadership Monday afternoon amid fast-moving developments. President Joe Biden and Western leaders are working swiftly to persuade Putin not to invade Ukraine, an attack the administration warns could unfold in a matter of days. Biden’s administration is able to impose devastating sanctions on Russia that would cut across the country’s economy, with or without congressional action, senators said.
Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee working to assemble the legislation, said, “Either we’re going to have a sanctions package ...” or “We should express the Senate’s position vis-à-vis the support of Ukraine, at a minimum.” The top Republican on the panel, Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho, said even a Senate resolution backing Ukraine would carry weight: “It sends a message.”
Senators are racing time as Putin’s military has amassed at the Ukraine border and in neighboring Belarus as Washington works with Western allies to prevent what experts warn could become a wider war in Europe. The Senate is poised to recess at the end of the week, and lawmakers want a unified response before then.
There is broad support in the Senate for imposing sanctions on Russia as a powerful foreign policy tool, but Republicans and Democrats differ on the details and timing. There have also been differences over the Nord Stream 2 energy pipeline between Russia and Germany, although those may have become resolved after Biden said last week the energy line would not continue if Russia invades Ukraine.
Senators considering the options Monday also said the White House has its own strategy, signaling they may hold off as the administration pursues its approach. They said the administration can impose sanctions on its own, regardless of congressional action.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Images show new Russian military activity near Ukraine
New commercial satellite images show a flurry of Russian military activity at several locations near Ukraine, the private U.S. company that released the pictures said, amid fears that Moscow may launch an attack on its ex-Soviet neighbour. Russia, which has repeatedly denied plans to invade, is holding large military exercises in ex-Soviet Belarus, part of a dramatic buildup of forces to the north, east and south of Ukraine.
U.S.-based Maxar Technologies, which has been tracking the buildup of Russian forces for weeks, said on Tuesday that images taken on Sunday and Monday captured significant new activity in Belarus, annexed Crimea and western Russia. The images could not be independently verified by Reuters. Maxar pointed to the arrival of several large deployments of troops and attack helicopters as well new deployments of ground attack aircraft and fighter-bomber jets to forward locations. The images also captured the departure of multiple ground forces units from existing garrisons along with other combat units seen in convoy formation, Maxar said.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Ukraine fears weigh on markets but 'chance' of deal provides hope
Asian markets mostly fell again Tuesday, extending a global sell-off fuelled by fears that Russia is about to invade Ukraine, though the losses were more muted than the previous day and oil dipped after Moscow said a diplomatic agreement was still possible. The crisis in Eastern Europe added to long-running unease about the Federal Reserve's plans to hike interest rates as it battles to rein in 40-year-high inflation, with one top official saying the bank needed to act quickly to maintain its credibility. Equities were sent spinning after US national security advisor Jake Sullivan warned last week that Russia could storm into Ukraine "any day now", having amassed more than 100,000 troops on its border in recent weeks.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | India advises citizens, particularly students to leave temporarily amid tensions
The Embassy of India in Kyiv on February 15 has asked its citizens, particularly students whose stay is not essential to leave Ukraine temporarily in view of uncertainties of the current situation. In an advisory the Embassy wrote, “In view of the uncertainties of the current situation in Ukraine, Indian nationals in Ukraine, particularly students whose stay is not essential, may consider leaving temporarily. Indian nationals are also advised to avoid all non-essential travel to and within Ukraine.”
Indian nationals are requested to keep the Embassy informed about the status of their presence in Ukraine to enable the Embassy to reach them where required. The Embassy continues to function normally to provide all services to Indian nationals in Ukraine, it wrote. Earlier on January 25, the Indian Embassy in Kyiv had asked its citizens residing in Ukraine to register themselves in a bid to desseminate information in a swift manner.
On January 26, the Indian embassy in Kyiv had asked its citizens residing in Ukraine to register themselves in a bid to disseminate information in a swift manner. “With an intent to coordinate with Indian citizens effectively, and disseminate information in a swift manner, Embassy of India, Kyiv requests all Indian citizens, including students presently located in the territory of Ukraine, to fill up the below form. Those students presently pursuing online education from India are directed NOT to fill-up the form,” the Indian embassy said in a release.
The Kremlin on Monday had signaled it is ready to keep talking with the West about security grievances that led to the current Ukraine crisis, offering hope that Russia might not invade its beleaguered neighbor within days as the US and European allies increasingly fear. Questions remain about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions, however, and countries are evacuating diplomats and on alert for possible imminent war amid the worst East-West tensions since the Cold War.
On a last-ditch diplomatic trip, Germany’s chancellor said there are “no sensible reasons” for the buildup of more than 130,000 Russian troops on Ukraine’s borders to the north, south and east, and he urged more dialogue. Britain’s prime minister said Europe is “on the edge of a precipice” — but added, “there is still time for President Putin to step back.” France’s foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, told French television that “all elements” were in place for a strong Russian offensive, but “nothing shows today” that Putin has decided to launch one.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | German chancellor Olaf Scholz to meet Putin as Ukraine's fate in the balance
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was due in Moscow Tuesday in search of a diplomatic solution to avoid a war in Ukraine as the West and Russia signalled tentative hopes of an easing in the tense standoff. His talks with Vladimir Putin are the latest in an intense diplomatic scramble to dissuade the Russian leader from attacking his ex-Soviet neighbour Ukraine.
Western leaders consider the Russian troop build-up on its border with Ukraine to be the worst threat to the continent's security since the Cold War, and have prepared a crippling package of economic sanctions in response to any attack on its neighbour. While Western intelligence officials warned Wednesday could mark the start of an invasion, comments from Putin and his foreign and defence ministers seemed to offer hope of a de-escalation.
During a carefully choreographed meeting Monday with Putin, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said "there is always a chance" of reaching an agreement with the West over Ukraine. He told Putin that exchanges with leaders in European capitals and Washington showed enough of an opening for progress on Russia's goals to be worth pursuing.
Ahead of Tuesday's talks, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned that "the situation is particularly dangerous and can escalate at any moment". "The responsibility for de-escalation is clearly with Russia, and it is for Moscow to withdraw its troops," she said in a statement, adding that "we must use all opportunities for dialogue in order to reach a peaceful solution".
The Russian leader and his top aides have consistently argued that the current crisis is the result of the United States and western Europe ignoring Moscow's legitimate security concerns. Russia, which denies any plan to invade Ukraine, already controls the Crimea territory seized in 2014 and supports separatist forces controlling the Donbas region in the east. The Kremlin insists NATO must give assurances Ukraine will never be admitted as a member and withdraw from eastern European countries already in the alliance, effectively carving Europe into spheres of influence. The United States and its European allies reject the demands.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Germany calls on Russia to 'withdraw its troops' around Ukraine
Germany on Tuesday called on Russia to withdraw its troops around Ukraine, as Chancellor Olaf Scholz readied to meet President Vladimir Putin over the crisis. "The situation is particularly dangerous and can escalate at any moment," Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said in a statement, ahead of the talks in Moscow between the two leaders. "The responsibility for de-escalation is clearly with Russia, and it is for Moscow to withdraw its troops."
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Tokyo stocks close lower on fears over Ukraine, US rate hikes
Tokyo stocks closed lower on Tuesday as investors grappled with fears Russia will invade Ukraine and fretted about US monetary tightening. The benchmark Nikkei 225 index ended down 0.79 percent or 214.40 points at 26,865.19, while the broader Topix index lost 0.83 percent or 15.95 points to close at 1,914.70.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Australia urges China to denounce Russia over Ukraine
Australia’s prime minister on Tuesday urged China to denounce Russian threats against Ukraine, as the crisis between the U.S.-led allies and Moscow raises the specter of a broader conflict. Scott Morrison noted that Beijing and Moscow had announced they were pursuing closer relations since more than 100,000 Russian troops were sent to the Ukrainian border.
“We would expect all nations, all governments around the world, to be denouncing what is taking place with the threats of violence against Ukraine,” Morrison told Parliament. “I do note that the Chinese government, together with the Russian government, have been banding together on this issue and that the Chinese government has not denounced what is occurring in Ukraine,” he said.
He called on all federal lawmakers to join the Australian government in “urging the Chinese government to denounce those actions and to allow an appropriate response through the United Nations rather than resisting that being done” through its membership of the U.N. Security Council. Morrison’s criticisms of China will further strain a tattered bilateral relationship between Australia and its most important trading partner. Australia has suffered trade retaliation in recent years after angering Beijing with actions that include outlawing covert foreign interference in domestic politics, banning Chinese tech giant Huawei from major infrastructure projects and demanding an independent investigation into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | India advises its citizens, particularly students, to return back
Amid the looming threat over a possible Russian invasion of Ukraine, India has advised its citizens in Ukraine to consider leaving the country temporarily. The Indian mission in Kyiv has asked Indians, particularly students whose stay is not essential, to leave Ukraine temporarily in view of uncertainties of the current situation. Advisory for Indian Nationals in Ukraine
In view of the uncertainties of the current situation in Ukraine, Indian nationals in Ukraine, particularly students whose stay is not essential, may consider leaving temporarily. Indian nationals are also advised to avoid all non-essential travel to and within Ukraine, the embassy said in an advisory for Indian nationals in Ukraine. “Indian nationals are requested to keep the Embassy informed about the status of their presence in Ukraine to enable the Embassy to reach them where required. The Embassy continues to function normally to provide all services to Indian nationals in Ukraine," the advisory said.
The Kremlin signalled Monday that it is ready to keep talking with the West about security grievances that led to the current crisis, offering hope that Russia might not invade Ukraine within days as Western officials increasingly fear.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Ukraine fears weigh on markets but 'chance' of deal provides hope
Asian markets mostly fell again Tuesday, extending a global sell-off fuelled by fears that Russia is about to invade Ukraine, though the losses were more muted than the previous day and oil dipped after Moscow said a diplomatic agreement was still possible. The crisis in Eastern Europe added to long-running unease about the Federal Reserve's plans to hike interest rates as it battles to rein in 40-year-high inflation with one top official saying the bank needed to act quickly to maintain its credibility.
Equities were sent spinning after US national security advisor Jake Sullivan warned last week that Russia could storm into Ukraine "any day now", having amassed more than 100,000 troops on its border in recent weeks. Western powers have drawn up a series of tough sanctions against Moscow in the event of an invasion but there is a big worry that such a move would have economic consequences owing to the fact that the two countries are key sources of vital commodities including oil, gas and wheat.
The price of each of them has soared in recent weeks. However, while Washington continues to fret, there was a glimmer of hope that recent diplomatic efforts could pay off, with Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov saying there was "always a chance" for agreement with the West. In a televised meeting, he told President Vladimir Putin that talks with US and European leaders showed enough of an opening for progress on his goals, adding: "I would suggest continuing."
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Ukraine tensions, Fed hike talk drag on euro
Tensions in eastern Europe weighed on the euro on Tuesday and pushed demand for the dollar and the safe-haven yen, while the greenback was also helped by debate about more aggressive U.S. interest rate hikes. The euro was at $1.1308 in early Asia having touched $1.1278 the day before, its lowest in a week-and-a-half. The yen was at 115.33 per dollar, after briefly hitting 114.99 on Monday, its strongest in a week.
Moves were slightly more cautious elsewhere and the overall result was that the dollar index, which tracks the greenback against six peers was at 96.244, just off Monday's two-week high. Investors were spooked somewhat overnight by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy calling on citizens to fly the country's flags from buildings and sing the national anthem in unison on Feb. 16, a date that some Western media have cited as a possible start of a Russian invasion.
Ukrainian officials stressed, however, that Zelenskiy was not predicting an attack on that date, but responding with scepticism to foreign media reports. Away from geopolitics, U.S. Federal Reserve officials continuing to spar over how aggressively to begin upcoming interest rate increases at their March meeting. Hawkish Fed official James Bullard, who last week broke ranks to call for a large 50 basis point increase, reiterated calls for a faster pace of interest rate hikes on Monday, though other officials were more cautious in their public remarks.
Tensions in Ukraine and the more aggressive outlooks for the Fed funds rate are both supportive for the dollar in the near term, said Kim Mundy, senior currency strategist at Commonwealth Bank of Australia. "Your best bet for seeing which is having a greater impact is to look at USD/JPY and we have seen that trading a little bit weaker in the last day or two, which suggests markets are very conscious of what's happening on the Ukraine border," Mundy said.
"We just have to keep watching the headlines and see what happens." The safe-haven yen typically benefits when investors are nervous, while the contrast between U.S. interest rate hikes and a dovish Bank of Japan ought to push the yen lower. The BOJ, last week, said it would buy an unlimited amount of 10-year government bonds at 0.25%, underscoring its resolve to prevent rising global yields from pushing up domestic borrowing costs too much. Investors did not test this 0.25% line on Monday. Russia's rouble remained volatile but strengthened overall on Monday, and gained 1.1%, though it was slightly weaker again in early Asia.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Oil falls on profit-taking, all eyes on Russia, Ukraine
Oil prices fell on Tuesday as investors took profits from the previous day's rally to seven-year highs and as global stock markets slumped, although losses were capped by fears that Russia might invade Ukraine and disrupt supplies. Brent crude futures was at $96.19 a barrel by 0205 GMT, down 29 cents, or 0.3%, after rising $2.04 on Monday. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude dropped 36 cents, or 0.4%, to $95.10 a barrel, after gaining $2.36 the previous day.
Both benchmarks hit their highest since September 2014 on Monday, with Brent touching $96.78 and WTI reaching $95.82. Russia is one of the world's largest oil and gas producers, and fears it could invade Ukraine have driven a rally in oil towards $100 per barrel, a level not seen since 2014. "Investors scooped up profits from Monday's rally though they were hesitant to take fresh short positions due to rising tensions in Eastern Europe," said Hiroyuki Kikukawa, general manager of research at Nissan Securities. "Oil markets may see a real correction if the Iran-U.S. nuclear deal is agreed or global equities tumble further amid worries over inflation and tighter monetary policy by central banks," he said.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Russia says it’s ready to keep talking about Ukraine crisis
The Kremlin and the West held out the possibility of a diplomatic path out of the Ukraine crisis, even as Russia appeared to continue preparations for a potential invasion, including moving troops military hardware closer to its neighbor. At a made-for-television meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov signaled Monday that Russia was ready to keep talking about the security grievances that have led to the crisis.
The comments seemed designed to send a message to the world about Putin’s own position and offered some hope that war could be averted, even as Washington, London and other allies kept up their warnings that troops could move on Ukraine as soon as Wednesday. The fears stem from the fact that Russia has massed more than 130,000 Russian troops on Ukraine’s borders to the north, south and east. It has also launched massive military drills in Belarus, an ally that also borders Ukraine.
Russia denies it has any plans to invade Ukraine, and Lavrov argued that Moscow should hold more talks, despite the West’s refusal to consider Russia’s main demands. The talks “can’t go on indefinitely, but I would suggest to continue and expand them at this stage,” Lavrov said, noting that Washington has offered to discuss limits for missile deployments in Europe, restrictions on military drills and other confidence-building measures.
Moscow wants guarantees that NATO will not allow Ukraine and other former Soviet countries to join as members. It also wants the alliance to halt weapons deployments to Ukraine and roll back its forces from Eastern Europe. Lavrov said possibilities for talks “are far from being exhausted.” Putin noted that the West could try to draw Russia into “endless talks” and questioned whether there is still a chance to reach agreement. Lavrov replied that his ministry would not allow the U.S. and its allies to stonewall Russia’s main requests.
The U.S. reacted coolly.
“The path for diplomacy remains available if Russia chooses to engage constructively,” White House principal deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. “However, we are clear-eyed about the prospects of that, given the steps Russia is taking on the ground in plain sight.” U.S. officials said the Russian military continued apparent attack preparations along Ukraine’s borders. A U.S. defense official said small numbers of Russian ground units have been moving out of larger assembly areas for several days, taking up positions closer to the Ukrainian border at what would be departure points if Putin launched an invasion.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss information not publicly released. CBS News was first to report on the movement of the units. Maxar Technologies, a commercial satellite imagery company that has been monitoring the Russian buildup, reported increased Russian military activity in Belarus, Crimea and western Russia, including the arrival of helicopters, ground-attack aircraft and fighter-bomber jets at forward locations. The photos taken over a 48-hour period also show ground forces leaving their garrisons and combat units moving into convoy formation.
Still, Ukrainian security and defense council chief Oleksiy Danilov downplayed the threat of invasion but warned of the risk of “internal destabilization” by unspecified forces. “Today we do not see that a large-scale offensive by the Russian Federation can take place either on (Feb.) 16th or the 17th,” he told reporters. “We are aware of the risks that exist in the territory of our country. But the situation is absolutely under control.”
As if to show defiance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday would be a “day of national unity,” calling on the country to display the blue-and-yellow flag and sing the national anthem in the face of “hybrid threats.” “It is not the first threat the strong Ukrainian people have faced,” Zelenskyy said Monday evening in a video address to the nation. “We’re calm. We’re strong. We’re together.”
The country is preparing nonetheless. Kyiv residents received letters from the mayor urging them “to defend your city,” and signs appeared in apartment buildings indicating the nearest bomb shelter. The capital has about 4,500 such sites, including underground parking garages, subway stations and basements, the mayor said. Dr. Tamara Ugrich said she stocked up on grains and canned food and prepared an emergency suitcase. “I don’t believe in war, but on TV the tension is growing every day, and it’s getting harder and harder to keep calm,” she said. “The more we are told not to panic, the more nervous people become.”
In a last-ditch diplomatic effort German Chancellor Olaf Scholz planned to travel to Moscow on Tuesday for talks with Putin. One possible off-ramp emerged this week. Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.K., Vadym Prystaiko, pointed at a possibility of Ukraine shelving its NATO bid — an objective that is written into its constitution — if it would avert war with Russia. Prystaiko later appeared to back away from the idea, but the fact that it was raised at all suggests it is being discussed behind closed doors.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Kremlin sees a diplomatic path on Ukraine
The Kremlin signaled it is ready to keep talking with the West about security grievances that led to the current Ukraine crisis, offering hope that Russia might not invade its beleaguered neighbor within days as the U.S. and European allies increasingly fear. Questions remain about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions, however. And countries are evacuating diplomats and on alert for possible imminent war amid the worst East-West tensions since the Cold War.
On a last-ditch diplomatic trip, Germany’s chancellor said there are “no sensible reasons” for the buildup of more than 130,000 Russian troops on Ukraine’s borders to the north, south and east, and he urged more dialogue. Britain’s prime minister said Europe is “on the edge of a precipice” — but added, “there is still time for President Putin to step back.” France’s foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, told French television that “all elements” were in place for a strong Russian offensive, but “nothing shows today” that Putin has decided to launch one.
Despite warnings from Washington, London and elsewhere that Russian troops could move on Ukraine as soon as Wednesday, Monday’s meeting between Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested otherwise. At the session with Putin, Lavrov argued that Moscow should hold more talks with the U.S. and its allies despite their refusal to consider Russia’s main security demands.
Moscow, which denies it has any plans to invade Ukraine, wants Western guarantees that NATO won’t allow Ukraine and other former Soviet countries to join as members. It also wants the alliance to halt weapons deployments to Ukraine and roll back its forces from Eastern Europe — demands flatly rejected by the West.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Kremlin sees a diplomatic path on Ukraine
The Kremlin signaled it is ready to keep talking with the West about security grievances that led to the current Ukraine crisis, offering hope that Russia might not invade its beleaguered neighbor within days as the U.S. and European allies increasingly fear. Questions remain about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions, however. And countries are evacuating diplomats and on alert for possible imminent war amid the worst East-West tensions since the Cold War.
On a last-ditch diplomatic trip, Germany’s chancellor said there are “no sensible reasons” for the buildup of more than 130,000 Russian troops on Ukraine’s borders to the north, south and east, and he urged more dialogue. Britain’s prime minister said Europe is “on the edge of a precipice” — but added, “there is still time for President Putin to step back.” France’s foreign minister, Jean-Yves Le Drian, told French television that “all elements” were in place for a strong Russian offensive, but “nothing shows today” that Putin has decided to launch one.
Despite warnings from Washington, London and elsewhere that Russian troops could move on Ukraine as soon as Wednesday, Monday’s meeting between Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested otherwise. At the session with Putin, Lavrov argued that Moscow should hold more talks with the U.S. and its allies despite their refusal to consider Russia’s main security demands.
Moscow, which denies it has any plans to invade Ukraine, wants Western guarantees that NATO won’t allow Ukraine and other former Soviet countries to join as members. It also wants the alliance to halt weapons deployments to Ukraine and roll back its forces from Eastern Europe — demands flatly rejected by the West.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Japan PM Fumio Kishida to call Ukraine leader over invasion fears
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later Tuesday, a government source said, as Tokyo expressed "grave concern" about the risk of a Russian invasion. Tokyo was preparing for the call on Tuesday evening local time, as diplomatic efforts for a peaceful resolution step up after an apparent opening from Russia, and with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz due in Moscow later in the day.
Kishida said Tuesday that Japan was "watching the situation with grave concern". "We'll continue to monitor the situation with high vigilance, while coordinating closely with G7 countries to deal with any developments appropriately," he said at a meeting between government ministers and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The allies stood ready to "collectively impose economic and financial sanctions which will have massive and immediate consequences on the Russian economy", the statement said.
Japan's Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi on Tuesday stressed Tokyo's support for "the integrity of Ukraine's sovereignty and territory", but declined to give details on what form any sanctions might take. "If a Russian invasion occurs, Japan will deal with it appropriately, including through imposing sanctions, in response to what has actually happened and in cooperation with the international community including the G7," he told reporters. Japan's defence minister meanwhile warned of an increased Russian naval presence in the Sea of Japan and the southern part of the Sea of Okhotsk.
Russia-Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | US, Russia can back off without losing any face
Looking at the statements from US officials as well as headlines in the western media, it would appear as if Russia is going to attack Ukraine any time now. Many nations have already urged their citizens to leave the country. The Russian authorities, however, have been saying, for weeks now that they have no intention of attacking Ukraine.
In these circumstances, it is not easy to guess what might happen in the coming days, weeks, or months. There is a massive geopolitical posturing both by Russia and the West. Moscow is posturing by deploying more than 100,000 troops at the Ukrainian border along with military exercises with Belarus, and drills near Crimea. The US and many European leaders have repeatedly warned that in case of military intervention in Ukraine, Moscow would face massive economic consequences. This could include stopping the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to Europe, and disconnecting Russia from the SWIFT.
As a result of these tensions, oil prices are hovering around $95 a barrel, and may touch $100 soon. The negative sentiment has started affecting major stock markets, with India’s Fifty falling ~532 points on February 14. Despite geopolitical posturing, no major power is keen to go for a war over Ukraine. Diplomatic frenzy is underway to avoid another war in Ukraine. Many bilateral and multilateral meetings are taking place under various formats involving Russia, Ukraine, the US, France, Germany, and other European nations as well as the OSCE and NATO. This week, German Chancellor Olof Scholz is visiting Ukraine and Moscow. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will also visit Kiev and Berlin. Later, he will meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Geneva.
