Russian forces capture Chernobyl nuclear power plant, says Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin hosted a business summit to discuss sanctions in Moscow.

(Russian Army military vehicles drive along a street in Armyansk: Reuters)

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."

Thanks for staying with Zee News for all the latest updates on Russia-Ukraine conflict. 

24 February 2022

23:58 IST

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)

23:36 IST

Canada sanctions 58 Russian individuals and entities, reports AFP quoting Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau. (ANI)