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Russian forces capture Chernobyl nuclear power plant, says Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted a business summit to discuss sanctions in Moscow.
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Russian banks would be excluded from London's financial system as part of further sanctions: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in a statement on Ukraine in Parliament (ANI)
Canada sanctions 58 Russian individuals and entities, reports AFP quoting Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau. (ANI)
The Chernobyl nuclear power plant has been captured by Russian forces, reports Reuters quoting an adviser to the Ukrainian presidential office, Mykhailo Podolyak (ANI)
Amid Russia's ongoing military operations in Ukraine, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to Foreign Minister of Slovakia, Ivan Korcok "Discussed situation in Ukraine. Appreciate his willingness to facilitate evacuation of Indian nationals through Slovakia," EAM Jaishankar said. (ANI)
Russia gave its first confirmation that its ground forces have moved into Ukraine, saying troops entered from Crimea, reports AP.
South Ukraine region says 13 civilians, 9 troops killed: AFP
Key points from PM Modi and Russian President Putin's conversation on Ukraine crisis:
PM Narendra Modi speaks to Russian President Vladimir Putin Pres Putin briefed PM about the recent developments regarding Ukraine. PM reiterated his long-standing conviction that the differences between Russia & NATO can only be resolved through honest and sincere dialogue: Prime Minister's Office
PM Modi appealed for an immediate cessation of violence, and called for concerted efforts from all sides to return to the path of diplomatic negotiations and dialogue: PMO
Prime Minister Modi also sensitised the Russian President Putin about India's concerns regarding the safety of the Indian citizens in Ukraine, especially students, and conveyed that India attaches the highest priority to their safe exit and return to India: PMO
PM Modi and President Putin agreed that their officials and diplomatic teams would continue to maintain regular contacts on issues of topical interest: PMO
G7 nations 'ready to act' on potential disruption to energy supplies- statement, reports AFP (ANI)
Indian students request the govt to bring them back to India. "We came to Ukraine for studies. We are requesting the Government and our Embassies to take us back to India as soon as possible," said two Indian students
Russian President Vladimir Putin hosts business summit to discuss sanctions in Moscow
What we've heard today are not just missile blasts, fighting & the rumble of aircraft. This is the sound of a new iron curtain, which has come down & is closing Russia off from civilized world: President of Ukraine
Our national task is to make sure this curtain does not fall across our land: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (ANI)
The Russian Defence Attaché was summoned to the Ministry of Defence in response to the totally unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russia’s Armed Forces: UK Ministry of Defence
We will handle the evacuation with utmost precaution. Roadways have been mapped out to evacuate Indian nationals from Kyiv and reach safer places: Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla
It would be difficult to guess in advance the nature of the conversation between Prime Minister Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The conversations will be around the situation in Ukraine today: Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla
We are in touch with the Ministry of Defence to keep provision for airlift (of Indians) capacity, in regard to the situation in Ukraine: Shringla (ANI)
Some sanctions have been imposed on Russia by the UK, US, Australia, Japan among others. We have to see what impacts these sanctions will have on our interests. Any sanctions will have an impact on our relationship, I think it would be correct to acknowledge that: Foreign Secy (ANI)
Our Embassy in Ukraine continues to be functional. A number of advisories have been issued by embassies on the situation as it evolves. We're consulting universities, student contractors in the process of providing welfare and safety of our students: Foreign Secy Harsh V Shringla
One important step we have taken is to pursue all universities in Ukraine to conduct online classes. PM Modi has specifically stated that the MEA should do everything possible for our citizens in Ukraine: Shringla
The situation on the ground is difficult and is rapidly evolving: Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla on Ukraine crisis
4000 Indian nationals have already left Ukraine in the past few days. The MEA control room in Delhi has got 980 calls and 850 emails: Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla (ANI)
External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar will speak to Foreign ministers of Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary: Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla (ANI)
A number of steps have been taken to deal with the emerging situation in Ukraine. We started the registration of Indian nationals in Ukraine about a month ago. Based on online registration, we found that 20,000 Indian nationals were there: Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla (ANI)
At the CCS meeting, PM Modi has stated that the topmost priority of the government is the safety and security of Indian nationals including students in Ukraine: Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla (ANI)
The Prime Minister is scheduled to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin shortly: Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla (ANI)
Ministry of External Affairs briefs the media on Ukraine crisis: Watch
Embassy of India, Kyiv writes to the Government of Ukraine for the safety & security of Indian students in the country.
Earlier this morning, President Biden convened a meeting of the National Security Council in the White House Situation Room to discuss the unprovoked and unjustified attack on Ukraine: The White House
Ukraine capital Kyiv declares curfew-mayor, reports new agency AFP (ANI)
To assist in the evacuation of Indian nationals from Ukraine, MEA teams are being sent to the land borders with Ukraine in Hungary, Poland, Slovak Republic and Romania, says the Ministry
Russian occupation forces are trying to seize Chornobyl. Our defenders are giving their lives so that the tragedy of 1986 will not be repeated. Reported this to Swedish PM. This is a declaration of war against the whole of Europe: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Embassy of India in Ukraine accommodates more than 200 Indian students at school near the Embassy in Kyiv.
President Biden met with his national security team in the Situation Room this morning to discuss the latest developments in Ukraine. He discussed how we will hold Russia accountable for its unprovoked and unjustified attack on Ukraine: The White House (ANI)
PM Narendra Modi- Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold talks later today. Sources says, "call for talks been requested from Russian side".
The embassy of India in Kyiv continues to operate round the clock looking out for the safety of all the Indians...If someone is stranded in Kyiv then reach out to friends, families, Indian community members, and the Indian Embassy: Partha Satpathy, Ambassador of India to Ukraine (ANI)
A large no. of Indian students in Ukraine turned up outside Indian Embassy in Kyiv today morning. Not all could be accommodated in Embassy premises. The Embassy organised safe premises nearby, students moved there. No Indian is currently stranded outside the Embassy: Sources to ANI
This process took some time given the ground situation in Kyiv. As fresh students arrive, they are being moved to the safe premises. The Embassy is continuing to assist Indian nationals, including students, in Ukraine: ANI Sources
Creating anti-Putin coalition. Spoke with Ursula von der Leyen(European Commission Pres), E Macron (French Pres), Karl Nehammer(Austrian Chancellor) & RT Erdoğan(Turkish Pres) about concrete sanctions & concrete assistance for our military.Waiting for decisive action: Ukrainian President (ANI)
Team from Embassy of India in Hungary dispatched to the border post Zohanyi to coordinate and provide assistance to facilitate exit of Indians from Ukraine. Mission is working with Govt of Hungary to provide all possible assistance: Indian Embassy in Hungary.
Embassy of India in Kyiv, Ukraine and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is closely monitoring the situation and evacuation plans are being worked out: Indian Embassy in Hungary (ANI)
Ukraine military plane with 14 aboard crashes near Kyiv: AFP News Agency
NATO ordered its military commanders to intensify preparations to defend allied territory after Russia invaded Ukraine, putting hundreds of warplanes and ships on alert and agreeing to increase troop numbers on its eastern flank: Reuters
A telephonic discussion with UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss. Exchanged perspectives on the Ukrainian situation: EAM Dr S Jaishankar
Embassy of India in Ukraine in its third advisory asks Indian nationals to head to bomb shelters if they are at places where air sirens/bomb warnings can be heard.
In a show of solidarity, G7 countries envoy and Ukraine envoy meet in Delhi.
Government of India, Ministry of Civil Aviation has allowed passengers traveling from Ukraine to travel by transit under India-Qatar bilateral air bubble arrangement: Embassy of India in Doha, Qatar (ANI)
Ukraine's military says Russia attacked Ukraine with more than 30 strikes on civilian and military infrastructure, including with Kalibr cruise missiles: Reuters
Today, with our allies, we will agree on a massive package of economic sanctions designed in time to hobble the Russian economy. We must also collectively seize our dependence on Russian oil & gas that for too long has given Putin his grip on western politics: UK PM Boris Johnson (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, "Our government is taking all measures to bring back our citizens including students. India wants peace to prevail and no situation promoting a war should arise."
Turkey will continue to support Ukraine's territorial integrity and sees Russia's attack on it as unacceptable, the presidency said today in a statement after President Tayyip Erdogan chaired a security summit over Moscow's offensive: Reuters
Eighteen killed in attack near Ukraine's Odessa-official, reports AFP.
Deconfliction is extremely important for us. There have been contacts between our military commanders and Russia. We will continue to reach out to them to make sure that we do everything we can to ensure deconfliction: NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg
NATO stands in solidarity with Ukraine. NATO allies are imposing severe costs on Russia for their reckless invasion of Ukraine. NATO allies in close coordination with EU & other partners all over the world are now imposing severe economic sanctions on Russia: NATO Secy-Gen
Today, we activated NATO's defence plans that give our military commanders more authority to deploy forces when needed. No NATO troops inside Ukraine. We are increasing the presence of NATO troops in the eastern part of all the alliance on NATO territory: NATO Secretary-General
NATO condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine in the strongest terms. We call on Russia to immediately seize its military action & withdraw from Ukraine: NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg (ANI)
Smoke rises from the territory of the Ukrainian Defence Ministry's unit in Kyiv. (Reuters)
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz calls emergency parliamentary sitting on Sunday over Ukraine invasion. Putin 'jeopardising peace in Europe', he says: AFP
MEA is taking steps to bring back about 18,000 Indians including students from Ukraine. As the air space in Ukraine is closed, alternative arrangements are being made for the evacuation of Indian nationals. Central govt will ensure the safety of all Indians: V Muraleedharan, MoS MEA
I spoke to Malayali students in Ukraine on phone. Indian students in the southern areas of Ukraine have told us that they're getting food, water & power. Students & parents should not panic. Our govt has brought back Indians even from places like Iraq: MoS MEA V. Muraleedharan (ANI)
Portugal's Prime Minister António Costa called on Thursday for a diplomatic solution to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and said potential refugees from Ukraine were welcome in the Iberian country, home to a large Ukrainian community: Reuters
Smoke rises from the territory of the Ukrainian Defence Ministry's unit, after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a military operation in eastern Ukraine, in Kyiv, Reuters reported.
Received a call from EU HRVP Josep Borrell Fontelles. Discussed the grave situation in Ukraine and how India could contribute to de-escalation efforts: EAM Dr S Jaishankar (ANI)
The Embassy continues to remain open and operate in Kyiv; We are working on mission mode to find a solution to this difficult situation, says Indian Ambassador to Ukraine Partha Satpathy.
Frightened Ukrainians took to metro stations in the capital Kyiv today as air raid sirens rang out across the country's main cities following Russia's launch of its feared military attack, reports AFP. (ANI)
Nepal urges all sides to exercise restraint not to escalate tension. "As a member of UN, Nepal views that the principles of sovereignty & territorial integrity as enshrined in UN Charter are sacrosanct & must be fully respected by all member states," MoFA.
Lithuania declares state of emergency after Russian forces invade Ukraine, Reuters quotes Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda (ANI)
Adviser to Ukraine President Office says more than 40 Ukrainian soldiers dead and several dozen wounded: Reuters
Ukraine breaks diplomatic ties with Russia, AFP News Agency quotes Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy (AFP)
Indian Embassy in Kyviv: In view of closure of Ukrainian air space, schedule of special flights stands cancelled. Alternative arrangements are being made for evacuation of Indian nationals.
"Some attacks happened on outskirts of capital. Some attacks happened deep inside the territory of Ukraine. We're getting the first information about casualties among our soldiers & among civilian population," said Dr Igor Polikha, Ambassador of Ukraine to India.
"Russia's target is not just Donbass, the target is not just Ukraine, the target is stability in Europe and the whole international rules-based order. For that, we will hold Russia accountable," said Ursula von der Leyen, President of European Commission.
Ukraine Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov says anyone who is ready and able to hold a weapon can join the ranks of the Territorial Defence Forces: Reuters
President Putin is responsible for bringing war back to Europe. In these dark hours, EU stands together with Ukraine & its people. What we're facing is an unprecedented act of aggression by Russian leadership against a sovereign, independent country: European Commission President
MEA control room in Delhi being expanded and made operational on a 24x7 basis to assist the students and other Indian nationals in Ukraine.
Black smoke rises from a military airport in Chuguyev near Kharkiv, Ukraine. Ukraine border guards report the first death and say Russia's ground forces have crossed into Ukraine from several directions.
"Ukraine Pres Volodymyr Zelenskyy reached out to me tonight & we just finished speaking. I condemned this unprovoked & unjustified attack by Russian military forces. I briefed him on steps we're taking to rally int'l condemnation, incl tonight at the UNSC," said US President Joe Biden.
High-level meetings are ongoing at MEA. Contingency plans are being put into operation. Given airspace closure, alternate evacuation routes are being activated: Sources
Russian ground forces cross into Ukraine: border guards
Police officers inspect the remains of a missile that fell in the street, after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a military operation in eastern Ukraine, in Kyiv.
Citing safety concerns, Denmark's foreign ministry shuts down its embassy in Ukraine capital Kyiv, in a notice on its web page: Reuters
Ukraine interior ministry says 1 killed, 1 wounded in Brovary, Kyiv. Shelling across Ukraine: Reuters
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has issued a message for the Ukrainian communities around the world- " Putin has attacked, but no one is running away. The army, diplomats, everyone is working. Ukraine is fighting. Ukraine will defend itself. Ukraine will win. Spread the truth about Putin's invasion of their countries and call on governments to take immediate action."
Russian-backed separatists say they now control two towns in the Luhansk region of Ukraine.
We are closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation. Focus is on safety and security of Indians, particularly students. MEA control room is being expanded and made operational on 24x7 basis: Sources
India issues new advisory:
"Russia says destroyed Ukraine airbases, air defences," AFP quotes news agencies.
The UK and its allies will respond decisively to Russia`s "unprovoked" attack on Ukraine, said Prime Minister Boris Johnson. "President Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine. The UK and our allies will respond decisively," he stated.
ALSO READ | Is world inching closer to World War III as Russia declares war on Ukraine?
Condemning Russia`s military operation in eastern Ukraine, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday called on Moscow to withdraw all military from the country. "Canada condemns - in the strongest possible terms - Russia`s egregious attack on Ukraine. These unprovoked actions are a clear further violation of Ukraine`s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and of Russia`s obligations under international law and the Charter of the UN," Trudeau tweeted.
In view of the latest situation, Russia has closed its airspace to civilian aircraft starting from Thursday on its western borders with Ukraine and Belarus, the Russian aviation authorities announced. The announcement came shortly after President Vladimir Putin authorised a "special military operation" in the conflict-hit Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, reports Xinhua news agency.
Ukraine urges UN 'to do everything possible to stop the war' at the second emergency Security Council session.
Russian troops in Ukraine:
The emergency U.N. Security Council meeting was meant as an eleventh hour effort to dissuade Russia from sending troops into Ukraine. But the message became moot even as it was being delivered. While diplomats at U.N. Headquarters were making pleas for Russia to back off and "Give peace a chance," Secretary-General Antonio Guterres implored- Russian President Vladimir Putin went on television in his homeland to announce a military operation that he said was intended to protect civilians in Ukraine.
The world must act immediately. Devastating & swift sanctions on Russia NOW. Fully isolate Russia by all means, in all formats. Weapons, equipment for Ukraine. Financial and Humanitarian assistance. . Future of Europe & the world is at stake: Ukraine Foreign Minister
Sirens just went off for first time in Kyiv indicating the city is under attack.
Ukraine's president declares martial law, urges citizens to not panic as Russia launches military strikes.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) warned airlines on Thursday to avoid flying over Ukraine and exercise "extreme caution" in airspace within 100 nautical miles (185 km) of the Belarus-Ukraine and Russia-Ukraine borders.
Explosions heard in Kharkiv, a major Ukrainian city just south of the Russian border, after Russia's President Vladimir Putin launched a military operation. Ukrainian forces in the city have been battling Moscow-backed insurgents since 2014: AFP
Air India flight AI1947 is coming back to Delhi due to NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) at, Kyiv, Ukraine.
ALSO READ | Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy makes emotional plea for peace as Russia launches war
Oil prices break $100 on Russian 'military operation' in Ukraine
Earlier, Ukraine's president Zelenskyy, in an emotional overnight address, while speaking in Russian in a direct appeal to Russian citizens, said "But if we come under attack, if we face an attempt to take away our country, our freedom, our lives and lives of our children, we will defend ourselves. When you attack us, you will see our faces, not our backs." Zelenskyy said he asked to arrange a call with Putin late Wednesday, but the Kremlin did not respond.
ALSO READ | India calls for ‘immediate de-escalation’, refraining from any action that worsens Russia-Ukraine crisis
A special flight from Ukraine comprising Indian nationals including students lands in Delhi.
Ukraine's parliament and other government and banking websites were hit with another punishing wave of distributed-denial-of-service attacks, and cybersecurity researchers said unidentified attackers had also infected hundreds of computers with destructive malware.
Explosions heard in Ukraine's capital Kyiv and the eastern port city of Mariupol, shortly after Russia announced an operation to "demilitarise" the country, said news agency AFP.
ALSO READ | US, allies will respond to 'unjustified' attack by Russia on Ukraine, warns President Joe Biden
Airspace over all of Ukraine has been shut down to civilian air traffic, according to a notice posted to aircrews early Thursday. A commercial flight-tracking website shows that an Israeli El Al Boeing 787 from Tel Aviv to Toronto turned abruptly out of Ukrainian airspace before detouring over Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Poland.
Putin said the Russian military operation aims to ensure a “demilitarization” of Ukraine. Putin urged Ukrainian servicemen to “immediately put down arms and go home.” Putin announced the military operation after the Kremlin said rebels in eastern Ukraine asked Russia for military assistance to help fend off Ukrainian “aggression."
As Putin made the announcement, big explosions were heard in Kyiv, Kharkiv and other areas of Ukraine. A full-blown Russian invasion could cause massive casualties and topple Ukraine's democratically elected government. And the consequences of the conflict and resulting sanctions levied on Russia could reverberate throughout the world, affecting energy supplies in Europe, jolting global financial markets and threatening the post-Cold War balance on the continent.
Biden warns of 'catastrophic loss of life after Putin's Ukraine announcement
"Special operation declared by President Putin is to protect the people of Ukraine who have been suffering for years. We aim to de-genocide Ukraine... Decision made in line with Article 51 of UN charter... We will analyze the situation (in Ukraine)," said Russia Representative in UNSC.
"Russian President on record declared war...It's the responsibility of this body to stop this war. I call on everyone to stop the war. Should I play the video of your president calling the war," Ukraine Representative to Russian Representative at UN emergency meeting.
"Ukraine will defend itself and will win. Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes. This is a war of aggression. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now," said Ukraine Foreign Minister.
India called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine and cautioned that the situation is in danger of spiraling into a major crisis, just as Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his decision to launch a 'military operation' in eastern Ukraine.
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has made a direct and strong appeal to Russian President Vladimir Putin to stop his troops from attacking Ukraine and "give peace a chance".
Statement by Biden on Russia's unprovoked and unjustified attack on Ukraine. US President Joe Biden is condemning Russia for an "unprovoked and unjustified attack" on Ukraine. He promises that the US and its allies "will hold Russia accountable?. Biden says he plans to speak to the American people Thursday after a meeting of the Group of Seven leaders. More sanctions against Russia are expected to be announced Thursday.
In a written statement, Biden adds: "President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable."
New Delhi: Ukraine's president declared martial law on Thursday (February 24, 2022) and urged the citizens to not panic as Russia launches military strikes. The Ukraine military said five Russian planes and a Russian helicopter were shot down in Luhansk region.
Amid the conflict, sources in MEA said that the ministry is closely monitoring the situation. “We are closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation. Focus is on safety and security of Indians, particularly students. MEA control room is being expanded and made operational on 24x7 basis,” said sources.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine. In a televised address, Putin said the action comes in response to threats coming from Ukraine. The Russian President added that Russia doesn't have a goal to occupy Ukraine. Putin also warned other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to "consequences they have never seen".
The move comes hours after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken made a statement that Russia will invade Ukraine within hours. US President Joe Biden said the "world will hold Russia accountable" over its attack on Ukraine that he warned will cause "catastrophic loss of life."