Russia Ukraine News Highlights | Two loud blasts were heard in central Kyiv early Friday, an AFP journalist said, as Russian troops push closer to the Ukrainian capital in an invasion of its Western-backed neighbour. Ukraine's army said that Russia fired on civilian areas of Kyiv but that Ukraine's air defence systems repelled "two deadly gifts", according to a post on its verified Facebook page.
Kyiv mayor Vitaly Klitschko said three people were injured with one in critical condition after "missile debris" hit a residential building. He tweeted a photo showing a building with part of its wall torn down and firefighters present at the scene. Russian missiles and shelling rained down on Ukrainian cities on Thursday after President Vladimir Putin unleashed a full-scale ground invasion and air assault, forcing civilians to shelter on metro systems.
Russia's forces pressed deep into Ukraine as deadly battles reached the outskirts of Kyiv and the West responded with punishing sanctions. On Thursday, Russian paratroopers wrested control of the Gostomel airfield, on the northwestern outskirts of Kyiv, after swooping in with helicopters and jets from the direction of Belarus. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Friday that Russian "sabotage groups" have entered Kyiv and urged citizens to remain vigilant.
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Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | MEA Teams presence extended to West Ukraine as well
In addition to the Control Rooms in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi & the Embassy of India in Kyiv, the presence of MEA Teams have been expanded in western Ukraine and its neighbouring border regions to assist in the evacuation of Indian nationals from Ukraine: MEA
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates |
An evacuation plan should be made immediately. We all have demanded the Central govt to bring our citizens back from Ukraine. We believe that the government will plan something and inform us accordingly: Maharashtra Minister Aaditya Thackeray
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Today afternoon more than 470 students will exit Ukraine & enter Romania through Porubne-Siret Border: Indian Embassy in Ukraine
Today afternoon more than 470 students will exit Ukraine & enter Romania through Porubne-Siret Border. We're moving Indians located at the border to neighbouring countries for onward evacuation. Efforts underway to relocate Indians coming from hinterland: Indian Embassy in Ukraine
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates |
The Executive Board (EB) of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) urges all International Sports Federations to relocate or cancel their sports events currently planned in Russia or Belarus: International Olympic Committee
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | #JustIn:
MoS Ministry of External Affairs V Muraleedharan to receive Indian nationals arriving from Ukraine in a special flight on February 26 in Delhi.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Commodity, raw material prices may see steady rise; steel output to be hit
Amid the Russia-Ukraine crisis, the commodity and raw material prices, including coking coal, will see a steady increase and this will in turn impact the input cost of steel production, the Indian Steel Association on Friday said. On the other hand, both Russia and Ukraine are net exporters of steel, cumulatively to the tune of almost 40 million tonnes, which will affect international steel availability, the ISA said.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Indian Foreign Trade authority creates helpdesk on Russia-Ukraine
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under India’s Union Commerce Ministry announced setting up a helpdesk to support and seek suitable resolutions to issues relating to India’s International Trade in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war. The Department of Commerce and DGFT have undertaken to monitor the status and related difficulties being faced by the stakeholders on Russia/ Ukraine trade-related issues.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Here's what an Indian Student stranded in Ukraine has to say about the evacuations
An Indian student stranded in Ukraine says, "We are currently at underground metro stations in Kharkiv on the eastern side of Ukraine, and the evacuations are taking place via Poland that is on the western side. We have no information on how we'll travel to the evacuation zones"
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | EU agrees to freeze Vladimir Putin, Sergei Lavrov assets over Ukraine
European Union agrees to freeze European assets linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov over Ukraine invasion, reports AFP
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Manchester United drop Russia's Aeroflot as sponsor
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | World's biggest mobile show drops Russia pavilion
Organisers of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) said Friday there would be no Russian pavilion at the world's biggest telecoms fair next week in Barcelona due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The GSMA industry association which stages the annual event said in a statement it "energetically condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine"."In light of this emerging situation and considering the tragic loss of life, MWC seems immaterial under the circumstances," it added."The GSMA is complying with all sanctions and government policies resulting from this situation. Therefore, there will be no Russian pavilion at MWC22."About a dozen Russian firms were set to be part of the Russian pavilion at the four-day event which gets underway on Monday in Barcelona in northeastern Spain.These firms can still take part in the fair but they will not be grouped together in their own pavilion.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | South Africa urges Russia to immediately withdraw forces from Ukraine
The South African government has expressed dismay at the prevailing situation in Ukraine and urged Russia to immediately withdraw its forces while underscoring the need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in line with the United Nations Charter. Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an all-out attack on Ukraine on Thursday, while warning other countries that any attempt to interfere with its move would lead to consequences they had never seen. The Republic of South Africa is dismayed at the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. We regret that the situation has deteriorated despite calls for diplomacy to prevail, the government said in a statement on Thursday.
South Africa calls on Russia to immediately withdraw its forces from Ukraine in line with the United Nations Charter, which enjoins all member states to settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice are not endangered, it said. The Republic of South Africa is dismayed at the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. We regret that the situation has deteriorated despite calls for diplomacy to prevail, the government said in a statement on Thursday. South Africa calls on Russia to immediately withdraw its forces from Ukraine in line with the United Nations Charter, which enjoins all member states to settle their international disputes by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace and security, and justice are not endangered, it said.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Motor racing-Formula One cancels 2022 Russian Grand Prix
Formula One on Friday said it will not race in Russia this year, after the country launched an invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.The Russian Grand Prix, which joined the calendar in 2014, was scheduled for September 25 at Sochi's Olympic Park, but F1 organisers said it was "impossible" to hold the race in the "current circumstances."
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Vladimir Putin is behaving like 'Nazis' in Ukraine: EU spokesman
The EU on Friday said Russian President Vladimir Putin was looking to destroy Ukraine and that his actions were comparable to those of the Nazis in World War II."He is talking about de-nazifying Ukraine, but he behaves like Nazis. So this is all in his head," EU spokesman Peter Stano told reporters in Brussels when asked about claims by Putin that a "genocide" was taking place against Russian speakers in Ukraine.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Stop campaigning, bring home students stuck in Ukraine: Maharashtra Congress chief to PM Modi
Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole on Friday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should stop his election campaign, and instead ensure the safe return of Indian students who are stranded in Ukraine. In a tweet, Patole also posted a video conversation with a veterinary student from Mumbai who is studying in the east European country which has been invaded by Russia.
"Spoke to Chaitali, a student from Mumbai stuck in Ukraine. Due to the war in Ukraine, students are expecting assistance from the Government of India. Modi ji, stop the election campaign and bring our students back home," he tweeted.A large number of Indians, mostly students, are stuck in Ukraine amid the Russian invasion.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Just in:
Russian Grand Prix cancelled in wake of Ukraine crisis: Formula One
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | China's Xi speaks to Putin, calls for 'negotiation' with Ukraine
China's President Xi Jinping said he supported solving the Ukraine crisis through talks in a call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, state media said Friday, after Moscow launched an invasion of its neighbour.In a readout of the call on state broadcaster CCTV, Xi pointed out that the "situation in eastern Ukraine has undergone rapid changes... (and) China supports Russia and Ukraine to resolve the issue through negotiation".Russian forces have launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, unleashing air strikes and sending troops deep into the country, after weeks of diplomatic efforts failed to deter Putin from launching the military operation.Beijing has trod a cautious diplomatic line on the crisis and refused to call it an "invasion" or condemn the actions of Russia, its close ally.Xi said on the call with Putin it was important to "abandon the Cold War mentality, attach importance to and respect the reasonable security concerns of all countries, and form a balanced, effective and sustainable European security mechanism through negotiations".According to the Chinese media readout, Putin outlined the reasons for Russia launching the "special military operation", and told Xi that NATO and the United States had "long ignored Russia's reasonable security concerns".He also told Xi on the call that Russia was ready to hold "high-level" talks with Ukraine.
As the crisis has escalated, China has been forced to balance its close Russia ties with major economic interests in Europe.And Moscow's approach is in stark contrast to China's long-standing stated foreign policy position of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs.Xi said China was "willing to work with all parties in the international community to advocate a common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security concept, and firmly safeguard the international system with the United Nations at the core”, according to the CCTV readout.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Indian Embassy in Warsaw issues fresh advisory for Indians arriving at Poland border
The Indian Embassy in Warsaw said thatIndian nationals arriving at the Poland-Ukraine border by public conveyance are advised to make for the Shehyni-Medyka border crossing.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | German former chancellor Angela Merkel calls Russian invasion 'turning point' for Europe
German former chancellor Angela Merkel, whose conciliatory policies toward the Kremlin while in office have come under fire, on Friday condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine.Merkel, who left politics in December after 16 years at the helm of Europe's top economy, said she was watching the "attack on the territorial integrity and sovereignty" of Ukraine "with great concern and sympathy"."Russia's war of aggression marks a profound turning point in European history after the end of the Cold War," she said in a statement.Merkel said there was "no justification" for this "blatant violation of international law" which she "condemned in the strongest terms".She offered her "solidarity" to the people and government of Ukraine and her "full support" to her successor, Olaf Scholz, in his efforts with Western partners to "stop President (Vladimir) Putin as quickly as possible".Merkel's decision to maintain close diplomatic and economic ties with Russia despite years of provocations have been criticised as "naive" in recent days as Putin has laid bare his intentions in Ukraine.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Why Ukraine is among top draws for Indian students pursuing MBBS abroad
Every year, 20-25,000 students from India, aspiring to become doctors, but with budgets tighter than what is required to secure an MBBS seats in a private medical college at home, head out of the country.Nearly a quarter of them go to Ukraine for the cost advantage it offers as well as its location which provides easy access to Western Europe, say consultants who track these trends.A four-and-a-half-year medical course in Ukraine, and even in Russia, costs Rs 24-30 lakh. In comparison, pursuing MBBS in countries such as Mauritius and Netherlands can set students back by Rs 50-55 lakh.In India, privately run medical colleges charge a steeper Rs 70 lakh- Rs 1.2 crore for MBBS.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Almost 11,000 Ukrainians entered Romania on first day of Russian invasion: Romanian Interior Minister Lucian Bode
A total of 10,624 Ukrainians entered Romania through its six border checkpoints on Thursday as Russia invaded Ukraine by land, sea and air, Romanian Interior Minister Lucian Bode said on Friday. Bode said 3,660 of them passed through Romania on their way to Bulgaria and Hungary. Of the roughly 7,000 who are currently in Romania, only 11 have requested political asylum. The others can legally stay for up to 90 days without having to do so. A U.N. refugee agency spokesperson told a briefing in Geneva that at least 100,000 people had been uprooted in Ukraine after fleeing their homes, while several thousand have already crossed into neighboring countries including Moldova, Romania and Poland.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Russian carmaker Avtovaz may suspend some assembly lines on Monday due to components shortage
Russia's biggest carmaker Avtovaz may suspend some assembly lines at its Togliatti plant in central Russia on Monday for a day due to a persistent global shortage of electronic components, it said in a statement on Friday. Avtovaz, controlled by French carmaker Renault, plans to resume its Togliatti operations in full on Tuesday, March 1, it said. The company declined to comment on new U.S. sanctions on the Russian economy, saying it continued to monitor the situation.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | India explores setting up rupee trade accounts with Russia to soften sanctions blow: Report
India is exploring ways to set up a rupee payment mechanism for trade with Russia to soften the blow on New Delhi of Western sanctions imposed on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, government and banking sources said. Indian officials are concerned that vital supplies of fertilizer from Russia could be disrupted as sanctions intensify, threatening India's vast farm sector. India has called for an end to violence in Ukraine but refrained from outright condemnation of Russia, with which it has long-standing political and security ties.Russia invaded Ukraine by land, air and sea on Thursday in the biggest attack on a European state since World War Two, prompting tens of thousands of people to flee their homes.Russian forces pressed their advance on Friday and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy pleaded with the international community to do more, saying sanctions announced so far were not enough.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Oil prices take breather as Russia advances further on Ukraine
Oil prices slipped on Friday, after sharp rises in the session, on concern over potential global supply disruptions from sanctions on major crude exporter Russia. The April Brent crude futures contract was down 33 cents, or 0.3%, to $98.75 a barrel at 1045 GMT, after climbing to as high as $101.99. The more active May contract shed 40 cents, or 0.4%, to $98.75. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude were down 30 cents, or 0.3%, to $92.51 a barrel, after hitting a session high of $95.64. Russia's invasion of Ukraine on Thursday caused prices to surge above $100 a barrel for the first time since 2014, with Brent touching $105, before paring gains by the close of trade. The assault was the biggest attack on a European state since World War Two, prompting tens of thousands of people to flee their homes.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Five things to know about Ukraine
Disputed history:Ukraine literally means "on the edge".Modern-day Russia and Ukraine both trace their roots to the medieval state of Kievan Rus, which at its height stretched from the Black Sea to the Baltic.Indeed Russian President Vladimir Putin has written a 5,000-word essay trying to prove that "Russians andUkrainians are one people".But Ukrainians speak their own language and much of what is now Ukraine was part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, with other areas controlled by the Cossacks and Crimean Tatars up to the end of the 18th century.It then became part of the Tsarist Russian empire although some western regions belonged to theAustro-Hungarian Empire.
Stalin's famine:Ukraine later became part of the Soviet Union, suffering during a devastating famine known as the Holodomor caused by Joseph Stalin's policies that killed up to five million people there.Tensions between Kiev and Moscow flared again in the decades following the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991 when an overwhelming majority of Ukraine's people voted for independence.After a pro-Western popular uprising led to Russian-backed president Viktor Yanukovych fleeing in 2014, Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula and supported separatists in the east of Ukraine.The conflict has claimed around 14,000 lives.
Economic trouble:The annexation of Crimea and the loss of the industrial Donbas in 2014 threw the Ukrainian economy into freefall. GDP dropped by more than six percent, and the following year it fell nearly a tenth, with inflation hitting more than 40 percent.The economy has since recovered somewhat but the country of 45 million people remains one of the poorest in Europe.An average monthly salary is $615 (550 euros).The country relies on transit fees for Russian gas towards Europe but new Moscow energy pipelines like Nord Stream bypass it.During disputes in 2006 and 2009, Moscow cut supplies to Ukraine during the winter, sparking knock-on shortages in Europe.The country also suffers from endemic corruption, with anti-corruption campaigners regularly suffer physical attacks.
Chernobyl:The world's worst nuclear accident took place in Ukraine on April 26, 1986, at the Chernobyl nuclear power station.Many hundreds died though the exact figure remains disputed. Soviet authorities initially tried to cover up the disaster.Eventually 350,000 people were evacuated from within a 30-kilometre (19-mile) radius around the plant, an exclusion zone that remains uninhabited, apart from some elderly residents who returned despite an official ban.Humans will only be safe to live there again in 24,000 years.In recent years the site has become a tourist attraction, with the success of HBO's mini-series "Chernobyl".
Borscht and Chicken Kiev:While some in the West think of borscht as synonymous with Russian cuisine, Ukraine claims the beetroot-based soup with cabbage as part of its national heritage dating back to the 14th century.A number of other dishes are contested by Russia and Ukraine, including Chicken Kiev.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Russia expects India's support when UNSC takes up resolution on Ukraine: CDA Roman Babushkin
Russia on Friday said it expects support from India at the UN Security Council when the global body takes up a crucial resolution on the Russian military operation in Ukraine. Russia’s Charge d’affaires Roman Babushkin said India has a deep understanding of the reasons that led to the current situation in Ukraine and Moscow is looking for continued support from New Delhi in sync with the special and privileged strategic partnership between the two countries.The UN Security Council is scheduled to vote on Friday evening on a draft resolution on Russia’s military operation in Ukraine as well as the escalating situation in the eastern European country."We highly appreciate India’s deep understanding of the current situation as well as the reasons that led to it. We expect India to support Russia at the UN Security Council,” Babushkin told PTI.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Kremlin says 'shame' Saint Petersburg stripped of Champions League final
The Kremlin said Friday it was a pityRussia's second city Saint Petersburg was stripped of the right to hold the UEFA Champions League final after President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine."It is a shame that such a decision was made," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "Saint Petersburg could have provided the best possible conditions for holding this football event."
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Apple CEO Tim Cook express concern with the situation in Ukraine
Apple CEO Tim Cook has expressed hisconcernwith the situation in Ukraine. In a tweet he wrote, "I am deeply concerned with the situation in Ukraine. We’re doing all we can for our teams there and will be supporting local humanitarian efforts. I am thinking of the people who are right now in harm’s way and joining all those calling for peace."
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Russia wants to 'free Ukraine from oppression': foreign minister
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday Moscow wants to "free Ukraine from oppression", as Russian invading forces approached Kyiv on the second day of the Kremlin's attack.Russian President Vladimir "Putin took the decision to conduct a special military operation to demilitarise and de-Nazify Ukraine so that, freed from oppression, Ukrainians themselves could freely determine their future," Lavrov said at a press conference in Moscow.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Ukraine ready for talks with Russia on neutral status: Official
Ukraine wants peace and is ready for talks with Russia, including on neutral status regarding NATO, Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak told Reuters on Friday. "If talks are possible, they should be held. If in Moscow they say they want to hold talks, including on neutral status, we are not afraid of this," he said via a text message. "We can talk about that as well." "Our readiness for dialogue is part of our persistent pursuit of peace." Ukraine currently is not part of NATO or the European Union, though it wants to join both, anathema to its former overlord Moscow. Ukraine gave up its nuclear arms, after gaining independence on the breakup of the Soviet Union, in exchange for security guarantees from European countries. After pro-democracy protests toppled a Russia-allied Ukrainian president in 2014, Moscow annexed the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea from Kyiv and went on to back rebels fighting government troops in the east of the country. Seven years later, Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine from the air, sea and land on Thursday and his troops were advancing on the capital Kyiv on Friday.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | British Airways owner IAG rerouting planes to avoid Russian airspace: CEO
IAG, which owns British Airways and Spanish carrier Iberia, is re-routing aircraft to avoid flying over Russian airspace, its boss said Friday.Chief executive Luis Gallego told reporters in a call that IAG was re-routing flights so as not to fly over Russia, adding it has cancelled a flight to Moscow.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Russian invasion of Ukraine 'justified', says Myanmar junta
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is "justified" and demonstrates Moscow's position as a world power, Myanmar's junta said on Friday, backing its major ally and arms supplier.The dawn invasion of troops and tanks accompanied by airstrikes on Ukrainian cities has sparked outrage across the world, with theUnited States and its allies responding with a barrage of sanctions. But junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun said Moscow's military had "carried out what is justified for the sustainability of their country's sovereignty". "Russia shows its position to the world as a world power," he added in the statement, which was also released in Russian.Moscow is a major ally and arms supplier to Myanmar's generals and has repeatedly shielded the isolated country at the United Nations.Last year junta chief Min Aung Hlaing met the head of Russia's state arms exporter Rosoboronexport in Moscow to discuss "potential military technical cooperation".He later told Moscow's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu that Myanmar's army had "become one of the strongest in the region" thanks to his country's help, according to Russian news agency TASS.More than 1,500 civilians have been killed since the junta took power in a coup last year, according to a local monitoring group, as it wages a bloody crackdown on dissent.
Earlier this week a UN expert on Myanmar said Russia -- along with other major ally China -- was continuing to supply the military with weapons, including fighter jets and armoured vehicles.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | UN condemns over 1,800 arrests of anti-war protesters in Russia
The United Nations on Friday condemned the "arbitrary arrests" of reportedly more than 1,800 people in Russia for protesting the country's invasion of Ukraine, urging their immediate release."Arresting individuals for exercising their rights to freedom of expression or a peaceful assembly constitutes an arbitrary deprivation of liberty," UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told reporters, calling for "the immediate release of all those arbitrarily detained".
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Embassy of India in Ukraine issues advisory to all Indian nationals/students in Ukraine
Embassy of India in Ukraine issues advisory to all Indian nationals/students in Ukraine. Govt working to establish evacuation routes from Romania and Hungary.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Loud blasts heard in east Ukrainian city of Kharkiv
Loud blasts were heard in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on Friday, a witness told Reuters, as missile strikes and air raid alerts were reported in a number of cities in Ukraine.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Paris to host Champions League final stripped from Saint Petersburg: UEFA
Paris will host this season's Champions League final after Saint Petersburg was stripped of the match due to Russia's military invasion of Ukraine, UEFA announced on Friday.The showpiece occasion of the European club season will be played at the Stade de France on Saturday, May 28, European football's governing body said. UEFA also announced that Russian and Ukrainian clubs and national teams competing in international competitions must play home matches at neutral venues "until further notice".
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Daniil Medvedev says Ukraine invasion makes tennis unimportant
Daniil Medvedev, who has become only the third Russian to be crowned men's tennis world number one, said his sport was not important given his country's invasion of Ukraine.The 26-year-old -- who will on Monday officially replace long-time number one Novak Djokovic after the Serb lost in the quarter-finals of the Dubai tournament -- said his head was full of emotions when he woke up to the news of his country's offensive on Thursday."At this stage, one understands that tennis is sometimes not so important," said Medvedev after winning his quarter-final in the Acapulco Open."I woke up (Thursday) with a lot of emotion swirling inside me."
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Russian forces approaching Kyiv from northeast and east: Ukraine army
Invading Russian forces are approaching Kyiv from the north and northeast, Ukraine's army said Friday, with rising fears the capital could fall on the second day of the Russian attack. Russian soldiers are trying to "bypass" the northern city of Chernigiv -- where they were "rebuffed" by the Ukrainian army -- to attack Kyiv, the army said on Facebook, adding that the troops were advancing on the capital from the eastern city of Konotop, which they now control.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | China refrains from condemning Russia despite intensifying Ukraine attack
China stuck to its message on Friday of refusing to call Russia's action in Ukraine an "invasion" or criticise Moscow despite intensifying assaults from Russia's military in the Eastern European country which are leading to growing casualties. China reiterated that it believes in respecting the territorial integrity of all countries, but said it sees the Ukraine issue as having its own complex and special historical background. "We understand Russia's legitimate concerns on security issues," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters at a daily briefing in Beijing on Friday. Wang also hit back against U.S. President Joe Biden's comment that any country that backed Russia's invasion would be "stained by association", saying that it was countries that interfered in the domestic affairs of others that would see their reputations stained.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Israel seeks 'delicate balance' in Ukraine crisis
With Russian forces in neighbouring Syria, Washington its unswerving ally and about a million citizens with ties to the former Soviet Union, Israel is seeking a delicate balance in the Ukraine crisis.For residents of Bat Yam, just south of Tel Aviv and home to many Jews with roots in Russia and Ukraine, the Russian invasion launchedThursday triggered shock and concern for relatives."I didn't expect it, when I got the message from my parents(in Ukraine)," said Natalia Kogan."People are stressed," added the 57-year-old, who works at a supermarket catering for people from the former USSR, where Ukrainian and Russian beers are stocked side-by-side on shelves.Max, a 33-year-old who left Russia when he was eight, told AFP he "understood" Russian President Vladimir Putin's concerns about Ukraine pursuing NATO membership."But that doesn't justify an invasion," he said, requesting that his last name be withheld."The most frustrating (thing) is that normal people are suffering," he added, dismissing suggestions of tensions between Russians and Ukrainians within Israel.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Centre to bear evacuation cost of Indians national in Ukraine: Report
Government of India will arrange evacuation flights for Indian nationals in Ukraine, cost will be borne by the government, news agencyANIhas reported citing sources.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Russia presses invasion to outskirts of Ukrainian capital
Russia pressed itsinvasion of Ukraineto the outskirts of the capital Friday after unleashing airstrikes on cities and military bases and sending in troops and tanks from three sides in an attack that could rewrite the global post-Cold War security order.Explosions sounded before dawn inKyivas Western leaders scheduled an emergency meeting and Ukraine’s president pleaded for international help tofend off an attackthat could topple his democratically elected government, cause massive casualties and ripple out damage to the global economy.The nature of the explosions was not immediately clear, but the blasts came amid signs that the capital and largest Ukrainian city was increasingly threatened following a day of fighting that left more than 100 Ukrainians dead.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Just in:
Government of India will arrange evacuation flights for Indian nationals in Ukraine, cost will be borne by the government: Sources
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Ukraine nuclear agency reports higher Chernobyl radiation levels due to heavy military equipment
Ukraine's nuclear agency said on Friday it was recording increased radiation levels from the site of the defunct Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Experts at the agency did not provide exact radiation levels but said the change was due to the movement of heavy military equipment in the area lifting radioactive dust into the air. Presidential advisers meanwhile said President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was still in the capital Kyiv. "The base scenario of Russia's special operation is clear. The sole goal - to take Kyiv and kill Ukraine's authorities, President Zelenskiy personally," said an adviser to the Ukrainian presidential office, Mykhailo Podolyak.
Russia Ukraine Conflict LIVE Updates | Russia bans UK-linked planes from its airspace
Moscow on Friday banned all UK-linked planes, including transiting flights, from its airspace after its flagship carrier Aeroflot was prevented from flying over Britain following the Russian attack on Ukraine. "A restriction was introduced on the use of Russian airspace for flights of aircrafts owned, leased or operated by an organisation linked to or registered in the UK," the Rosaviatsia aviation authority said in a statement. The ban took effect from 11:00 am Moscow time (0800 GMT), it said, and included flights transiting through Russian airspace.
