Russia Ukraine War Highlights | The U.N. Security Council has voted for the 193-member General Assembly to hold an emergency session on Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Monday.
The vote on Sunday to authorise an emergency meeting was 11 in favour, Russia opposed, and China, India and the United Arab Emirates abstaining.
That was the exact same vote on a resolution Friday demanding that Moscow immediately stop its attack on Ukraine and withdraw all troops.
But in that case, Russia used its veto and the resolution was defeated. The vote on Sunday to authorise an emergency meeting was 11 in favour, Russia opposed, and China, India and the United Arab Emirates abstaining.
Ukrainian U.N. Ambassador Sergiy Kyslytsya asked for the General Assembly meeting to be held under the so-called "Uniting for Peace" resolution, initiated by the United States and adopted in November 1950 to circumvent vetoes by the Soviet Union during the Korean War.
That resolution gives the General Assembly the power to call emergency meetings when the Security Council is unable to act because of the lack of unanimity among its five veto-wielding permanent members -- the United States, Russia, China, Britain and France.
This live blog session has ended. Stay tuned to MoneyControl for more updates.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates |
Finland takes 'historic' decision to supply arms to Ukraine: AFP
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates |
Italy agrees military aid for Ukraine: AFP
Italy's government on Monday agreed to provide military equipment and materials to Ukraine following Russia's invasion, although it did not immediately say how much.
Cabinet ministers approved a decree providing for "the transfer of military means, material and equipment to the governmental authorities of Ukraine", a spokesman for Prime Minister Mario Draghi's office said.
The United States, Canada and more than a dozen European countries have so far responded to Ukrainian appeals for military equipment.
The announcement is separate from Sunday's news that Italy would immediately transfer 110 million euros ($120 million) for the Ukrainian government.
But it was not immediately clear if the military support was part of a wider package unveiled by Brussels Sunday, in which the European Union agreed to unblock 450 million euros for member states to buy arms for Ukraine.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates |
UK bans Russian vessels from its ports: AFP
British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps on Monday ordered all UK seaports to turn away Russian vessels, in response to the country's invasion of Ukraine.
The banning order applied to "any ship which they have reason to believe is owned, controlled or operated by any person connected with Russia" or on a sanctions list, "flying the Russian flag; registered in Russia", he tweeted.
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Russia bans residents from transferring money abroad: AFP
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 percent of revenue in rubles in a move to prop up the Russian economy.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | US Dept of State imposes additional measures against Russian financial system
US Dept of State imposes additional measures against Russian financial system; prohibits any US person from conducting any transaction involving the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, National Wealth Fund of the Russian Federation, or Finance Ministry of Russian Federation
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | UEFA on verge of suspending Russia: Report
UEFA is set to suspend Russian teams from all competitions in response to the invasion of Ukraine, according to a report Monday by German sports agency SID, an AFP subsidiary.The first Russian team affected would be Spartak Moscow, who face RB Leipzig away in a Europa League last 16, first-leg tie on March 10.The Russian women's national team would also be excluded from the European Championship due to be hosted by England this July.According to SID, the decision to suspend Russia is supported by several national federations, including the powerful German and English associations."I can't imagine that there will be matches against Russia. There cannot - and must not - be," Peter Peters, a candidate for the German FA presidency, told SID."It is about war. You have to take a clear stance on that."
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Russia's Sergei 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.But he has been forced to cancel his trip "due to an unprecedented ban on his flight in the airspace of a number of EU countries that have imposed anti-Russian sanctions," the mission tweeted.The announcement came as Moscow was lambasted on the opening day of the rights council's main annual session, with presidents, ministers and other dignitaries from around the world voicing alarm at its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.Countries rallied around a call from Kyiv for the council to host an urgent debate later this week about the conflict and evaluate whether to launch a high-level investigation into all alleged violations committed.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | PM Modi to chair another high-level meeting on Ukraine crisis
Prime Minister Narendra Modito shortly chair another high-level meeting on Ukraine crisis, news agency ANI has reported citing govt sources.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Russia bans airlines from 36 countries
Russia announced Monday it was banning flights by airlines from 36 countries including Britain and Germany after many have barred Russian planes over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Russia's civil aviation authority said it was bringing in the restrictions "as a retaliatory measure for the ban by European states on flights by civil aviation operated by Russian airlines or registered in Russia."
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Ukrainian presidential adviser demands Russian forces leave
A Ukrainian presidential adviser on Monday called for the retreat of all Russian forces from Ukrainian territory, including from the Crimea and Donbass regions, Ukraine news media reported. The report came as Russia and Ukraine began ceasefire talks on the Belarusian border. Ukrainian media later clarified that the reported comments were the personal opinion of the adviser, Oleksiy Arestovych, who is not a member of the Ukrainian delegation.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | PM Modi to Soon Chair High-level Meeting on Ukraine Situation
PM Modi will soon chair a high level meeting on the Ukraine situation, sources has told News18.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates |
US shutters its embassy in Belarus, authorizes American diplomats in Russia to leave, reports AP
The U.S. 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.
“We took these steps due to security and safety issues stemming from the unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces in Ukraine,” he said.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | US authorizes voluntary departure of non-emergency staff from Moscow embassy
The United States said Monday it is suspending operations at its embassy in Belarus and allowing the departure of non-emergency staff from the American embassy in Moscow.
"We took these steps due to security and safety issues stemming from the unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces in Ukraine," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.
Belarus is a Russia ally that allowed its territory to be used as a staging ground for the attack on Ukraine.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Ukraine seeks UN investigation into alleged Russia war crimes
Ukraine and its allies on Monday called for a United Nations inquiry into possible war crimes committed by Russia during its actions in Ukraine. A Ukrainian draft resolution will be considered at an urgent U.N. debate on Thursday. A commission of three independent experts would investigate all alleged violations of international law in Crimea and the Donetsk and Luhansk regions since 2014 and in other areas of Ukraine since Russia's invasion last week. Ukraine's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Yevheniia Filipenko, told the Human Rights Council: "Russian forces' attempt to sow panic among the population by specifically targeting kindergartens and orphanages, hospitals and mobile medical aid brigades thus committing acts that may amount to war crimes." Sheba Crocker, U.S. ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, said in a statement to Reuters that Monday's vote showed Russia was totally isolated at the Council.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | EU says 400,000 refugees from Ukraine so far, millions expected
At least 400,000 Ukrainian refugees have entered EU territory so far, and the bloc needs to prepare for millions of arrivals, EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said on Monday. On Sunday, the figure stood at around 300,000. Johansson was speaking during a visit to a border crossing in Romania. More than 74,000 have entered the country from Ukraine since Feb. 24.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Iran says awaits West's 'political decisions' in nuclear talks
Western parties have yet to make "political decisions" to conclude talks aimed at restoring the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran said Monday after its chief negotiator returned to Vienna.All sides to the negotiations have signalled progress in the talks being held in the Austrian capital, but add that they are at a critical stage.Iran has repeatedly emphasised the need for the West to make certain "decisions"."Unfortunately, Western sides and the US haven't still made their political decisions on several remaining issues," Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said at his weekly press conference.These issues are "in the fields of removal of sanctions, guarantees and some political claims about Iran's peaceful nuclear programme", he said.Parties to the 2015 deal saw it as the best way to stop the Islamic republic from building a nuclear bomb -– a goal Tehran has always denied.Iran has also restricted some inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the UN's nuclear watchdog. The IAEA wants Iran to resolve questions surrounding the previous presence of nuclear material at undeclared sites but Iran is asking for this issue to be "closed."
Khatibzadeh said that, unless this dispute is settled, "we can't think of the possibility of an agreement about the return of the US to JCPOA."
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Request Indians to go to West Ukraine but don't reach the border directly as there's rush there, says MEA
We request Indians to go to West Ukraine but don't reach the border directly as there's rush there, it'll take time. Go to nearby cities, seek shleter there. We're making arrangements there, our teams will help you. Don't panic, we have enough flights, said MEA.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Crypto exchange Binance blocks Russian users targeted by sanctions
Crypto exchange Binance is blocking the accounts of any Russian clients targeted by sanctions, it told Reuters on Monday, but will not freeze the accounts of others after Ukraine called for a block on Russian users at major digital currency platforms. "We're blocking accounts of those on the sanctions list (if they have Binance accounts) and ensuring that all sanctions are met in full," a spokesperson for the company said on Monday, declining to give further details. The United States, Britain, Europe and Canada announced new sanctions on Russia on Saturday, including blocking certain lenders' access to the SWIFT international payment system, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said on Sunday.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Decision to deploy special envoys to the 4 countries bordering Ukraine, says MEA
Decision to deploy special envoys to the 4 countries borderingUkraine. Union Ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia will be going to Romania, Kiren Rijiju to Slovak Republic, Hardeep Puri to Hungary, VK Singh to Poland... to coordinate and oversee the evacautaion process..., MEA said.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | 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 "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.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Vatican 'ready to help' negotiations with Russia
The Vatican is "ready to help" negotiations to stop the war in Ukraine after Moscow's invasion, Pope Francis's number two said in interviews published Monday."The Holy See, which in recent years has followed the events in Ukraine constantly, discreetly and with great attention, offering its availability to facilitate dialogue with Russia, is always ready to help the parties to resume that path," Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin said. An escalation of the conflict to involve other countries "would be a catastrophe of gigantic proportions", he said in an interview with several Italian dailies, including the Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica.The possible return of a Cold War was "also a disturbing scenario," he said."I am convinced that there is always room for negotiation. It is never too late! Because the only reasonable and constructive way to settle differences is through dialogue," he said."We must avoid any escalation, stop the clashes and negotiate," Parolin added.Pope Francis, head of the Roman Catholic Church, called Sunday for an end to fighting, saying: "Let the weapons fall silent... God is with those who seek peace, not those resorting to violence."
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Singapore to sanction Russia over Ukraine invasion
Singapore will impose sanctions on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, including blocking financial transactions and the export of items that can be used as weapons against Ukrainians, the government said on Monday.The Asian city-state joins others including the US, EU, Britain, Canada, Japan, Australia, and Taiwan in imposing economic sanctions against Russia as global leaders seek to ramp up pressure on the Kremlin.Singapore rarely imposes sanctions on other countries without a decision from the United Nations Security Council, Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan told parliament.But given "the unprecedented gravity" of Russia's attack, "Singapore intends to act in concert with many other like-minded countries to impose appropriate sanctions and restrictions against Russia," he said.Balakrishnan also cited Russia's blocking of a draft Security Council resolution deploring its "aggression" in Ukraine as a reason for the move.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Union Minister & former Army Chief Gen VK Singh:
No Indian will be left behind if he/she gets into trouble. In a war zone, there'll be restrictions, confusion&agitated border guards on both sides. If you don't have patience&don't follow the instructions things can go wrong.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Embassy of India in Ukraine issues a new advisory to Indian nationals
Embassy of India in Ukraine issues a new advisory to Indian nationals "Weekend curfew lifted in Kyiv. All students are advised to make their way to the railway station for onward journey to western parts. Ukraine Railways is putting special trains for evacuations." it reads.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | ''We have to stand up:'' US govs impose sanctions on Russia
U.S. governors are taking matters into their own hands and imposing their own economic sanctions on Russia for invading Ukraine. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf on Sunday asked the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to remove Russian-sourced products from stores in the commonwealth. He said the board has already identified Russian-sourced products currently being sold at Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores and urged for sales to cease as quickly as possible, WPXI-TV reported. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf on Sunday asked the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board to remove Russian-sourced products from stores in the commonwealth.
The board later responded that all Russian-made products will be removed from the stores' shelves as a show of solidarity and support for the people of Ukraine. According to KDVR-TV, Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado on Thursday directed his state's Office of Information Technology and the Department of Personnel and Administration to look through current state contracts to see if there are any Russian state-owned companies currently doing business with Colorado. Any found will be terminated.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | UN rights council vote to hold urgent debate on Ukraine war
The UN Human Rights Council voted Monday to hold an urgent debate about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, further isolating Moscow which had resisted Kiev's attempt to shine a light on abuses committed in the war.Russia's attack on Ukraine dominated the start of the UN body's main annual session in the Swiss city of Geneva, with countries rallying around Kyiv's demand to put Russia's actions in the spotlight.Ukraine's ambassador in Geneva Yevheniia Filipenko warned that Russia's invasion, which has killed dozens of civilians and forced hundreds of thousands to flee, "was an attack not only on Ukraine.""It was an attack on every UN member state, on the United Nations and on the principles that this organisation was created to defend" she told the council.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | TMC, Shiv Sena leaders criticise govt after India abstains from vote in UNSC on Ukraine
Some political leaders on Monday criticised India for abstaining from vote in the UN Security Council to call for a rare special emergency session of the UN General Assembly on Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Though the Congress did not comment on the issue, Trinamool Congress and Shiv Sena leaders hit out at India for refusing to call the Russian aggression a war against Ukraine.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | More than 500,000 refugees flee Ukraine conflict: UN
More than half a million people have fled Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion five days ago, with more than half fleeing into Poland, the United Nations said Monday."More than 500,000 refugees have now fled from Ukraine into neighbouring countries," UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi said in a tweet.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Govt doing daily impact analysis of Russia-Ukraine issue
Govt is doing daily impact analysis of Russia Ukraine issue, sources has told CNBC-TV18. It also said that govt is ensuring commodities supply do not get disturbed due to on-going geopolitical tensions between Russia-Ukraine. Govt is also in talk with Malaysia to enhance Palm oil supply to ensure domestic prices of edible oil do not inclrease.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Kremlin will not 'declare position' ahead of Ukraine talks: Spokesman
The Kremlin said it would not declare its official position ahead of talks with a Ukrainian delegation on Monday as Moscow's assault against Ukraine went into a fifth day."I suggest we wait for the talks," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. "I would not declare any negotiating positions."On Monday, Russian and Ukrainian delegations arrived at the Belarusian-Ukrainian border for the first talks since Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops to invade the Ukraine last Thursday. Ahead of the talks, the Ukrainian presidency demanded an immediate Russian ceasefire and troop withdrawal.President Vladimir Putin's aide, Vladimir Medinsky, who travelled to Belarus for the talks, said Russian officials "definitely have an interest in reaching some agreements as soon as possible."Putin had vowed to "demilitarize" and "denazify" Ukraine when he launched his offensive, accusing Kiev of orchestrating an alleged "genocide" of Russian speakers in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is sceptical about the possibility of a breakthrough.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Four Union Ministers to fly to neighbouring countries of Ukraine to coordinate evacuation of Indians: Sources
Four Union ministers are likely to fly to countries bordering war-tornUkraineto coordinate government’s evacuation efforts amid reports of thousands of Indian students stranded at the borders in freezing temperature.The decision was taken at the high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 28 morning. This was a second meeting in last 24 hours chaired by PM Modi on the Ukraine crisis.Sources said the ministers who will travel to countries surrounding Ukraine as 'Special Envoys of India' include Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju and MoS Civil Aviation General (retd) VK Singh.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | We are helping Indians though situation very difficult: Ukrainian envoy
The Ukrainian authorities are trying to assist in the evacuation of stranded Indian nationals, notwithstanding "very difficult and complex" ground situation, the country's envoy said on Monday. Ambassador Igor Polikha said he himself reached out to Ukrainian security forces requesting them to assist the stranded Indians. "The situation is very difficult and complex. My resources are limited. We are victim of an aggression. Still we are trying to help people including those from other countries," he said at a media briefing. Polikha said the situation in the Ukraine-Poland border crossing is challenging as lakhs of people, including diplomats, foreigners and Ukrainian citizens, are queuing up to exit Ukraine.
"In case of Indian nationals, we are even trying to use our personal contacts to help them. But, you have to understand the ground realities. We are in a war," he said. Asked whether he can assure safety of Indian students, Polikha said only Russian President Vladimir Putin can give that assurance. "I don't know what will happen there after three hours. We are trying to be helpful to everyone," he said. According to Indian officials last week, there were around 16,000 Indian nationals in Ukraine.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Russia being 'unplugged' from world economy: France
Russia is being "unplugged" from the world economy as sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine start to bite, France said on Monday."Russia is being progressively unplugged from the rest of the world, notably in economic terms, and that will have a very serious impact," European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune told the Europe 1 broadcaster.Sanctions are often described as ineffective, he said, but the ruble's freefall and the "panic-stricken intervention of the Russian central bank" suggested otherwise, Beaune added."We've entered a different universe," he said.Russia's central bank raised its key interest rate to 20 percent on Monday from 9.5 percent after the ruble collapsed against the dollar and the euro on the Moscow Stock Exchange."Let's be aware of our power," Beaune said. "Russia needs us badly, it needs the rest of the world."
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Govt relaxes COVID curbs on international travel; changes aimed at helping students from Ukraine
The Union health ministry, on February 28, revised the international travel advisory, imposed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, to provide various exemptions to travellers from abroad to aid the evacuation of Indian students from the war-hit Ukraine.Under the revised guidelines, mandatory pre-boarding negative RTPCR test and COVID-19 vaccination certificate are not required to be uploaded on the Air-Suvidha portal by Indian nationals heading home now.The government said that individuals who have completed their COVID-19 vaccination, irrespective of the country of departure or vaccination, are being allowed to leave the arrival airport in India with the advice to self-monitor their health for the next 14 days.However, such travellers will need to submit their samples for COVID-19 testing on arrival.The latest advisory comes following a request by the Ministry of External Affairs on February 25.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates |
Russia-Ukraine talks begin in Belarus, between high-level delegations from the two countries; aimed at ending hostilities between the two countries," reports Russia's RT.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Kremlin says EU weapons supplies to Ukraine are dangerous
The Kremlin on Monday accused the European Union of hostile behaviour towards Russia, saying weapons supplies to Ukraine were dangerous and destabilising and proved that Russia was right in its efforts to demilitarise its neighbour. The West has stepped up arms supplies to Ukraine in order to help it defend against a Russian invasion that Moscow calls a "special military operation" aimed at protecting civilians. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the number of casualties Russian forces have suffered, or to elaborate on President Vladimir Putin's instructions at the weekend for Russia's nuclear deterrence forces to be placed on a "special regime".
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Indian nationals can cross into Poland border without any visa, says Ambassador of Poland to India, Adam Burakowski
There will be special flights for Indian students. Poland is cooperating & will also help India's High-level delegation in evacuation process. Indian nationals can cross into Poland border without any visa, Ambassador of Poland to India, Adam Burakowskisaid.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | More than 2 lakh people crossed the border into Poland including Indian students, says Ambassador of Poland to India, Adam Burakowski
Ambassador of Poland to India, Adam Burakowski said thatalready more than 2 lakh people have crossed the border into Poland including Indian students. The border points are overcrowded but we are receiving everyone with a warm heart.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Number of Ukrainian refugees has exceeded 4 lakh, says Dr Igor Polikha, Ambassador of Ukraine to India
The number of Ukrainian refugees has exceeded 4 lakh. If the war is not stopped, the number can reach up to 7 million. there are very long queues on the border. Lakhs of Ukrainians are standing in queues, trying to cross the border, said Dr Igor Polikha, Ambassador of Ukraine to India.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates |
We waited at Ukrainian border for 2 days. Now we've entered Romanian border & it's very good here. We were provided food, shelter & blankets. We're happy & thankful to Romanian Dept & Embassy who helped us through difficulties:Praneta, an Indian student told news agency ANI.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Volodymyr Zelensky demands 'immediate' EU membership for Ukraine
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."
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Nigeria condemns reports of racism at Ukraine border
Nigeria on Monday urged border officials in Ukraine and neighbouring countries to treat its citizens equally amid mounting reports of racial discrimination against Africans fleeing the Russian invasion.Nigerians, Ghananians and other Africans, many of them students, have joined hundreds of thousands of people trying to escape Ukraine across borders into Poland and other nations."There have been unfortunate reports of Ukrainian police and security personnel refusing to allow Nigerians to board buses and trains heading towards the Ukraine-Poland border," said presidential advisor Garba Shehu in a statement.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | We are fighting for our dignity and peaceful future: India-based Ukrainian filmmaker Dar Gai
She wakes up every morning with the hope that Russia's invasion of her country is a nightmare but the grim reality of her parents, friends and extended family being trapped in a war imperiling their lives sinks in moments later, says Ukrainian filmmaker Dar Gai.Oscillating between despair, disbelief and sometimes helpless tears, the India-based director said her loved ones back are home are going trying to save themselves by hiding in subway stations converted into bomb shelters. Thankfully, her parents have managed to leave Kyiv.
"Till the last moment we couldn't believe that in the 21st century world, a European country can be bombed, can be invaded. Every morning I wake up and think that it was just a nightmare, Gai, who made the move to India 10 years ago," told PTI. As global attention remains focused on Ukraine after Russian troops stormed towns and villages in the east European nation, leading to hundreds of casualties and many thousands forced to flee their homes, Gai is frantic with worry and also angry.
"I saw a video of a Russian tank passing by the school where I used to study. It's scary. It's absurd," she said, stressing that the attack is a "war" and not a "conflict or an operation" on Ukraine. Gai, an intimacy director in Shakun Batra's Gehraiyaan, is best known for directing festival favourites Teen Aur Aadha and Namdev Bhau: In Search of Silence. "I can't believe it's happening with me, with my family, with my country. It's been difficult, I can't reply to any messages that ask me whether I'm okay, because I immediately break down," Gai said.
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Over 100 civilians killed in Ukraine war, including seven children: 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."
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | UN rights council votes to hold urgent debate on Ukraine
The UN Human Rights Council voted Monday to hold an urgent debate about Russia's deadly invasion of Ukraine at Kyiv's request, amid widespread international condemnation of Moscow's attack.Ukraine's request to hold an urgent debate at the council in Geneva was supported by 29 of the council's 47 members, with five voting against, including Russia and China, and 13 abstentions.Before the vote, Ukraine's ambassador in Geneva, Yevheniia Filipenko, described Russia's actions as an attack on the wider international community. "It was an attack not only on Ukraine, it was an attack on every UN member state, on the United Nations and on the principles that this organisation was created to defend," she said.She said that over 350 people had been killed in the five days since the invasion began, including 16 children.Russia's ambassador in Geneva Gennady Gatilov meanwhile slammed the call for a debate, insisting it was Kyiv, not Moscow who was the aggressor.Kyiv, he said, was only trying to "distract the attention of the international community" away from its attacks on separatist regions in eastern Ukraine over the past eight years, he claimed."The decision to conduct a special operation to stop the tragedy in Ukraine was taken. We had no other choice," he said, insisting that "this operation is targeted in nature, and there is no fire on civilian sites."
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says he asks European Union for immediate accession under new special procedure
Russia Ukraine conflict LIVE Updates | Ukraine demands 'immediate ceasefire', Russian withdrawal
Ukraine demanded an immediate Russian ceasefire and troop withdrawal on Monday as a Kyiv delegation arrived for talks with Russian negotiators on the fifth day of the Kremlin's offensive against the country. "The Ukrainian delegation arrived at the Ukrainian-Belarusian border to take part in talks with representatives of the Russian Federation," the Ukrainian presidency said in a statement. "The key issue of the talks is an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of troops from Ukraine."
