3 years ago
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Saturday tweeted he had spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking "political support", shortly after Russia praised India's decision to abstain from a vote at the United Nations to condemn its invasion.
Spoke with 🇮🇳 Prime Minister @narendramodi. Informed of the course of 🇺🇦 repulsing 🇷🇺 aggression. More than 100,000 invaders are on our land. They insidiously fire on residential buildings. Urged 🇮🇳 to give us political support in🇺🇳 Security Council. Stop the aggressor together!
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 26, 2022
Meanwhile, Russia, as expected, vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on Friday that deplored "in the strongest terms" the country's "aggression" against Ukraine and demanded the immediate withdrawal of its troops. Eleven of the council's 15 members voted for the motion, which was co-written by the United States and Albania. China, India and the United Arab Emirates abstained.
The resolution was always doomed to fail because of Moscow's veto power as a permanent member of the council.
However the debate offered member nations an opportunity to voice condemnation of President Vladimir Putin's decision to launch a full-scale offensive against Russia's neighbor.
"Let me make one thing clear," US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said after the vote. "Russia, you can veto this resolution, but you cannot veto our voices, you cannot veto the truth, you cannot veto our principles, you cannot veto the Ukrainian people."
Here are the Live Updates on the Russia-Ukraine crisis:
Western Allies Agree Cutting Russia Out Of Global Payment System SWIFT
Western allies on Saturday agreed on a new volley of financial sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, including taking the key action of banishing a number of Russian banks from the SWIFT interbank system.
Banks hit by the new measures are "all those already sanctioned by the international community, as well as other institutions, if necessary", said the German government's spokesman in a statement.
"This is intended to cut off these institutions from international financial flows, which will massively restrict their global operations," he added.
Western allies on Saturday agreed on a new volley of financial sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, including taking the key action of banishing a number of Russian banks from the SWIFT interbank system.
Banks hit by the new measures are "all those already sanctioned by the international community, as well as other institutions, if necessary", said the German government's spokesman in a statement.
"This is intended to cut off these institutions from international financial flows, which will massively restrict their global operations," he added.
France to deliver more military equipment to Ukraine: Presidency
France will send more military equipment, as well as fuel, to Ukraine to help fight off the Russian invasion and slap more economic sanctions on Moscow, the presidency said Saturday.
The new sanctions would encompass "national measures to freeze the financial assets of Russian figures", as well as "new measures" to be taken "with European partners concerning the SWIFT" interbank system, the Elysee said in a statement.
France will send more military equipment, as well as fuel, to Ukraine to help fight off the Russian invasion and slap more economic sanctions on Moscow, the presidency said Saturday.
The new sanctions would encompass "national measures to freeze the financial assets of Russian figures", as well as "new measures" to be taken "with European partners concerning the SWIFT" interbank system, the Elysee said in a statement.
EU foreign ministers to meet Sunday over invasion of Ukraine
EU foreign ministers will meet on Sunday, diplomats said, as the European Union faces mounting calls from Kiev to beef up its military support and toughen sanctions on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.
The meeting will take place by video conference at 1700 GMT, several EU diplomats told AFP, on the fourth day of Russia's devastating invasion of Ukraine that has already seen Russian President Vladimir Putin personally targeted by sanctions.
EU foreign ministers will meet on Sunday, diplomats said, as the European Union faces mounting calls from Kiev to beef up its military support and toughen sanctions on Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.
The meeting will take place by video conference at 1700 GMT, several EU diplomats told AFP, on the fourth day of Russia's devastating invasion of Ukraine that has already seen Russian President Vladimir Putin personally targeted by sanctions.
Ukraine official says about 3,500 Russian troops killed or injured
An adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday Russia's attack on Kyiv was not advancing and that around 3,500 Russian soldiers had been killed or injured so far in Moscow's assault on Ukraine.
"We are striking the enemy around Kyiv. The enemy is not moving for now," said Oleksiy Arestovych.
An adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday Russia's attack on Kyiv was not advancing and that around 3,500 Russian soldiers had been killed or injured so far in Moscow's assault on Ukraine.
"We are striking the enemy around Kyiv. The enemy is not moving for now," said Oleksiy Arestovych.
Around 200 Stranded In Ukraine, Bengal Government Sends List To Centre
The West Bengal government on Saturday sent a list of 199 people from the state who are stuck in war-hit Ukraine, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said.
Few students will be landing shortly in Mumbai and New Delhi and the state government is in touch with their families and arranging for their safe return to their home towns, Banerjee said.
"So far, request for 199 persons from West Bengal, stranded at Ukraine sent to Ministry of External Affairs, GOI requesting their early safe return. Resident Commissioner Office, West Bengal at New Delhi is coordinating," the Chief Minister posted on her official Twitter handle.
The state government will provide the travel expenses of the students who are returning from the strife-torn nation.
"Few students will be landing shortly in Mumbai and Delhi. My Govt is in touch with their families and also arranging their return to their home towns safely by providing them free air tickets and then from Airport to individual houses.
"Our government has set up a dedicated Control Room at Nabanna for helping the students & people from Bengal stranded at Ukraine," the Chief Minister tweeted.
Indian Students Rush To Reach Ukraine-Poland Border, Only To Find Long Queues
Amid chaos and confusion, 21-year-old medical student Mehul Rathore and his elder sister Meghna travelled in a bus for 200 kilometres from the Ukrainian city of Ternopil and walked for around 20 kilometres at night in freezing cold to reach the Ukraine-Poland border to seek safe shelter in Poland, but they have no option other than waiting in a long queue, that too in uncertainty.
This is the situation of a few hundred others who are somehow reaching the Shehyni-Medyka border, only to face chaos and get stranded as they are not being allowed to cross the border, which is witnessing huge gatherings of people wanting safe shelter.
At a distance of 630 kilometres from this border, Ayushi Vishnoi, her friends and many others are stuck in a hostel building in Kyiv, witnessing bombing, hearing frequent sirens and switching between the rooms and the underground bunkers, silently praying to god to keep them safe.
While the Poland border is comparatively safe from bombing, the situation in Kyiv is horrific with rocket strikes and bombing.
Like Mehul, Meghna and Ayushi, there are thousands of Indian students, including hundreds from Rajasthan, who are panic-stricken, worried and facing difficulties in evacuation.
"We are in the age group of 18-21 years. We came here just two months ago.... We are not prepared to face this...not at all. We are worried, our parents are worried, we want to go back home, anyhow," Ayushi, who is from Jodhpur, told PTI over the phone.
S Jaishankar Holds Talks With German Counterpart, Shares Perspective On Ukraine Situation
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Saturday held a telephonic conversation with the Foreign Minister of Germany Annalena Baerbock and discussed the situation in Ukraine.
Taking to Twitter, Jaishankar said, "Appreciate the telephonic discussion today with FM @ABaerbock of Germany on the Ukraine situation. Shared our perspectives and agreed to stay in touch."
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Friday called EAM and urged New Delhi to use "all influence in its relations with Moscow" for ending military operations against Ukraine.
The Foreign Minister also urged India as a non-permanent UNSC member to support the resolution on "restoring peace in Ukraine".
"Call with my Indian counterpart @DrSJaishankar. Asked India to use all influence in its relations with Russia to force it to cease military aggression against Ukraine. Urged India as a non-permanent UNSC member to support today's draft resolution on restoring peace in Ukraine," Dmytro Kuleba said in a Tweet.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken To Russian People: You Don't Deserve "Pointless War"
To the people of Russia: You deserve to live in peace and with dignity, just like Ukrainians. Just like people everywhere. pic.twitter.com/OnUm3Ghb8Z
- Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) February 26, 2022
Government Standing Behind Indians Stranded In Ukraine, Arrangements Being Made: Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi
Government is standing firmly behind the Indians stranded in Ukraine amid the crisis in that country, and as part of evacuation efforts, wherever possible, they have been advised to reach borders of four neighbouring countries via land routes, Union minister Meenakshi Lekhi said on Saturday.
The Minister of State for External Affairs said, "our MEA officials" are there at the border points to facilitate Indian citizens in crossing over to the other side.
"As the Ukranian air space is closed, alternative land routes have been advised, so that whenever it is possible, Indian stranded in Ukraine, can get out of that country. These four routes are through borders of Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. Once they cross over, MEA will make arrangements for their food and lodging as well," Ms Lekhi said.
She also said that in parts of Ukraine, where it is not safe to venture out, "we have asked our citizens to stay put wherever they are, as going out is fraught with danger".
Several Indians, largely students of medicine, from Kyiv to Kharkiv, have been left stranded in Ukraine, after a Russian offensive on February 24 that followed weeks of escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia. On Monday, Russia had recognised the independence of two separatist regions in the eastern Ukraine -- Donetsk and Luhansk.
Parents and family members of stranded students, and many Indian students in Ukraine themselves too, have been uploading videos with emotional appeal made to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ministry of External Affairs and other authorities to evacuate them.
"Our government stands firmly behind the Indian citizens stranded in Ukraine amid the crisis there, as we have stood by our people in the past too. And, as part of evacuation efforts, our MEA officials are helping those who have reached borders to cross over, with visa and other requirements, after due identification," Ms Lekhi said.
Kerala To Arrange Air Tickets For Students Returning From Other Cities After Landing In India From Ukraine
The State government will provide air tickets to students returning to Kerala who is reaching cities like Delhi, Mumbai on evacuation flights from Ukraine, being arranged by the Centre.
The government has taken measures to collect information beforehand regarding Malayalees arriving in India from Ukraine.
The arrangement is being made by Resident Commissioner and Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) officials.
The District Collectors have been directed to make necessary arrangements for those reaching airports in Kerala.
Piyush Goyal Greets Welcome back to the motherland!
Welcome back to the motherland!
- Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) February 26, 2022
Glad to see the smiles on the faces of Indians safely evacuated from Ukraine at the Mumbai airport.
Govt. led by PM @NarendraModi ji is working relentlessly to ensure safety of every Indian. pic.twitter.com/fjuzjtNl9r
"Welcome Back," Tweets S Jaishankar After Flight Carrying 219 Indians Evacuated From Ukraine Lands In Mumbai
Welcome back.
- Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 26, 2022
First step of #OperationGanga. https://t.co/4DgLIc7GYM
Centre Making All-Out Efforts To Bring Back Indians Stranded In Ukraine, Haryana Govt Assures People
The Haryana government has assured the state's residents who are stuck in Ukraine due to a Russian military offensive that the Centre is making all-out efforts to evacuate stranded Indians.
Officials of the Haryana government's Foreign Cooperation Department interacted with some members of the Haryanvi community stuck in Ukraine and their relatives back home virtually on Friday.
"During the meeting, the officials heard all the issues and reassured that the Haryana government is in constant touch with the Ministry of External Affairs for providing support to the Haryanvi community in Ukraine," according to a Haryana government statement issued here on Saturday.
The officials also assured the state's residents stranded in Ukraine that the MEA is taking all possible steps and working round-the-clock to handle the situation and support the Indian community in Ukraine.
"During the meeting, the officials shared relevant information including the latest advisory issued to Indian nationals, students in Ukraine by MEA, contact details of the Indian team at the borders of Hungary, Poland and Romania and the helpline details of the government of Haryana," the statement said.
Gujarat Sends Two Buses To Bring Back Students Arriving In Mumbai From Ukraine
The Gujarat government has sent two buses to bring back 56 students who would be landing in Mumbai on Saturday night upon evacuation from Ukraine, an official said.
The students, along with other stranded Indian nationals, are expected to arrive at the Mumbai airport from Romania's capital Bucharest around 9 pm, the official added.
The first evacuation flight from Bucharest took off on Saturday afternoon for Mumbai with 219 Indian nationals on board, the External Affairs Ministry announced earlier.
These passengers include 56 students from Gujarat who had gone to Ukraine for higher studies and got stuck due to the ongoing Russian invasion.
"We are informed that Indians, including Gujarati students will be brought by two flights. One will land in Mumbai today at 9 pm. To bring 56 students back to Gujarat, we have already sent two Volvo buses, each having capacity to accommodate 45 persons. These buses have already reached Mumbai," said MA Gandhi, managing director of the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC).
"Another flight with Gujarati students on board may land in Delhi afterwards. But since the distance by road is greater, we have not sent any buses there. Instead, we have tied up with the Uttar Pradesh transport department which has agreed to deploy its buses and ferry our students here," he added.
PM also conveyed India's deep concern for the safety and security of Indian citizens, including students, present in Ukraine. He sought facilitation by Ukrainian authorities to expeditiously and safely evacuate Indian citizens: PMO
- ANI (@ANI) February 26, 2022
Russia-Ukraine War Will Affect Poor Sections, Remote Areas Severely: Farooq Abdullah
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah said the Russia-Ukraine war will affect the entire world including India, causing spike in inflation that will severely hit the poor sections and remote areas of the country.
"The situation in Ukraine is not going to affect only India but it will affect the entire world. As soon as the elections will be over, you will see prices of oil will increase because the prices of crude is going to increase rapidly. And that will affect prices of all commodities.
"Those who live in far flung areas will be affected far more, inflation will increase and it will be difficult for the poor man to sustain it in honour and in dignity. In Jammu and Kashmir, it is going to adversely affect us.. Even survival will be difficult," Mr Abdullah told reporters here.
He said India wants peace to return to the region at the earliest. "Therefore we would want peace to emerge as soon as possible and we want peace to be restored in the region," he added.
Mr Abdullah, however, said the Russia has its own justification for its actions in Ukraine.
"Russia has also it's own claim because it does not want NATO around them as they think it affects their sovereignty. It is therefore for the world to realise, as Russia has said, how would the US feel if missiles are put as before in Cuba," he added.
Mr Abdullah said New Delhi had it's own outlook about the situation and how to survive it. "Foreign minister of India is trying his best for something to emerge but India does not have the capacity to pull these people apart," he said.
First Air India Evacuation Flight Departs From Bucharest With 219 Indians; 2 More Flights On Course
Air India's first evacuation flight departed from Romanian capital Bucharest on Saturday afternoon for Mumbai with 219 Indian nationals who were stranded in Ukraine due to the ongoing Russian military offensive, officials said.
The airline's two more evacuation flights -- one for Bucharest and one for Hungarian capital Budapest -- departed from Delhi on Saturday.
Indian nationals who reached the Ukraine-Romania border and Ukraine-Hungary border by road have been taken to Bucharest and Budapest, respectively, by Indian government officials so that they can be evacuated in these Air India flights, they said.
The first evacuation flight AI1944 departed from Bucharest at 1.55 PM (Indian Standard Time) with 219 Indians and is expected to land at the Mumbai airport at around 9 PM on Saturday, they said.
The second evacuation flight AI1942 and third evacuation flight AI1940 are expected to return from Bucharest and Budapest, respectively, to the Delhi airport on Sunday morning, they mentioned.
The United States is providing Ukraine with $350 million in additional military assistance to fight off the Russian invasion, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Saturday.
"This package will include further lethal defensive assistance to help Ukraine address the armored, airborne, and other threats it is now facing," Blinken said in a statement.
Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Kyiv Toughens Curfew, Says Violators To Be Considered "Enemy" Air India Flight Carrying Indian Evacuees From Ukraine To Arrive Mumbai In Evening
The campaign to repatriate Indian nationals from Ukraine has commenced as the first Air India flight, AIC-1944, from Bucharest in Romania carrying 219 Indian evacuees from Ukraine, is expected to arrive in the city late evening, an official statement said on Saturday.
The Air India flight had departed from Mumbai at 3.38 am on Saturday and landed in Bucharest at around 10.45 am (Indian standard time). From Bucharest it departed for the city's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at around 1.55 pm (IST).
According to a statement from CSMIA earlier in the day, the first flight with Indian evacuees from Ukraine is expected to arrive from Bucharest at 8 pm.
"Campaign to repatriate Indian nationals begins. The first AIC-1944 carrying 219 Indian departed from Henri Coanda International Airport in Bucharest. The plane is expected to arrive in Mumbai late evening," PIBMumbai said in a tweet on Saturday.
"In the light of the current crisis in Ukraine, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) is extending full support to the evacuation of the stranded Indian students, who are arriving in Mumbai today (Saturday) by AI-1944 at 8 pm (expected time of arrival)," CSMIA said in the statement earlier in the day.
Finding It Difficult To Evacuate Students Stuck At Ukraine-Polish Border, Says Indian Official
India is finding it difficult to safely evacuate many students stuck at the Ukraine-Polish border, said a government official in Poland on Saturday.
The Ukrainian guards are not helping Indian students to cross over as the situation at the border continues to worsen due to ongoing military operations.
A five-kilometre long queue has formed near the border as many Ukrainians and foreigners are moving towards Poland to seek safe shelter. A majority of students, who are stuck at the Shehyni-Medyka border, are from colleges in Lviv city.
"The Indian students at the border have been at the border for 10 hours. From the Ukraine side, the guards are not letting anyone in. They were letting women and kids. But now the situation is getting a bit violent. The people are getting frustrated, especially the Ukrainians are pushing whoever is in the line to get in front," an Indian official in Poland said.
The official added that there is nothing more they can do at this moment but wait.
Amid the ongoing Ukraine-Russia crisis, the Indian Embassy in Kiev has advised Indian citizens against moving to any of the border checkpoints without prior coordination with government officials at border posts.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Speaks Wirth S Jaishankar About Safety Of Indian Students In Ukraine
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar about the safety of Indian students in Ukraine.
The Chief Minister said that Mr Jaishankar informed him that the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is working closely with the Indian Embassy for expeditious evacuation of students and residents including those from Assam.
"Spoke to EAM S Jaishankar about the safety of our students in Ukraine. He informed me that MEA is working closely with the Indian Embassy for expeditious evacuation of students and residents including those from Assam. I wish to reassure all parents to have faith in the Government of India," said Sarma in a tweet.
Earlier today, the first flight to Mumbai with 219 Indian nationals has taken off from Romania.
"Regarding evacuation of Indian nationals from Ukraine, we are making progress. Our teams are working on the ground round the clock. I am personally monitoring. The first flight to Mumbai with 219 Indian nationals has taken off from Romania," Jaishankar tweeted.
Amid the ongoing Ukraine-Russia crisis, the Indian Embassy in Kiev has advised Indian citizens against moving to any of the border checkpoints without prior coordination with government officials at border posts.
In an advisory to Indian nationals on Saturday, the embassy stressed that the situation at various border checkpoints is sensitive and it is working continuously with the Indian Embassies in the neighbouring countries for coordinated evacuation of our citizens.
This comes as the Russian military continues to advance in the capital city of Ukraine, according to media reports. Explosions in parts of Kiev were heard on Friday as Russian forces approached the city, media reports said on Saturday.
Videos from eyewitnesses show explosions taking place in the Ukrainian capital city as some media reports said Ukraine and Russia are discussing a place and time for talks.
Poland Refuses To Play 2022 World Cup Play-Off Against Russia
Poland will not play their 2022 World Cup play-off with Russia in Moscow on March 24 due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the president of the Polish football federation said on Saturday.
"The time for talking is over. It is time to act. Due to the escalation of the Russian Federation's aggression in Ukraine, the Polish team does not envisage playing the play-off against Russia," wrote Cezary Kulesza, adding it was the "only correct decision".
He said he would work with the Swedish and Czech federations -- the winners of their match would have to play in Russia (on March 29) if the latter beat Poland -- to present a unified position to Fifa.
The three federations issued a joint statement on Thursday demanding Fifa move the respective play-offs from Russia -- who only four years ago hosted the World Cup finals.
Polish captain Robert Lewandowski -- who had tweeted on Friday he would consult his team-mates about the match -- welcomed his federation's move.
Russia No Longer Needs Diplomatic Ties With West-Ex-President Medvedev
Russia doesn't really need diplomatic ties with the West after it imposed sanctions on Moscow over what he called Russia's military operation in Ukraine, former president and top security official Dmitry Medvedev said on Saturday.
Medvedev, writing on social media, said it was time to "padlock the embassies."
He said Moscow would continue its operation in Ukraine until it achieved goals defined by President Vladimir Putin. Medvedev made the comments on his verified page on Russian social network VK.
Russia Watchdog Bans "Invasion" And "Assault" In Media
Russia's communications regulator on Saturday ordered media to remove reports describing Moscow's attack on Ukraine as an "assault, invasion, or declaration of war" or face being blocked and fined.
In a statement, Roskomnadzor accused a number of independent media outlets including television channel Dozhd and the country's top independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta of spreading "unreliable socially significant untrue information" about the shelling of Ukrainian cities by the Russian army and civilian deaths.
On Thursday, Russian leader Vladimir Putin unleashed a full-scale invasion of Ukraine that has killed dozens of people, forced more than 50,000 to flee Ukraine in just 48 hours and sparked fears of a greater conflict in Europe.
Citing a request from the General Prosecutor's Office, the communications regulator said the media outlets that also include Echo of Moscow radio will be blocked unless they remove the "unreliable information".
"Roskomnadzor also launched an administrative investigation into the dissemination of unreliable publicly significant information by the above-mentioned media," the watchdog said.
The offence is punishable by a fine of up to five million rubles ($60,000), it said.
Prague to give arms worth millions of dollars to Kyiv
The Czech Republic will donate machine guns, automatic and sniper rifles, pistols and ammunition valued at 7.6 million euros ($8.6 million) to Ukraine, the defence minister said Saturday.
"The government on Saturday approved further help to Ukraine, which is facing a Russian attack," Minister Jana Cernochova said in a tweet.
"The defence ministry will also take care of transport to a place set by the Ukrainian side. Our help is not over," she added.
In January, Prague had donated 4,000 artillery shells worth 1.5 million euros to Ukraine.
Ukraine says 198 civilians killed in Russian invasion
Ukraine's health minister said Saturday that 198 civilians, including three children, have been killed so far by Russian forces attacking the pro-Western country.
"Unfortunately, according to operative data, at the hands of the invaders we have 198 dead, including 3 children, 1,115 wounded, including 33 children," Health Minister Viktor Lyashko wrote on Facebook.
Just In| 198 Ukrainian civilians killed in Russian invasion: health minister
Just In| Poland refuses to play 2022 World Cup play-off against Russia: Polish federation
Russia watchdog tells media not to use words 'invasion' and 'assault'
Russia's communications regulator on Saturday urged media to remove reports describing Moscow's attack on Ukraine as an "assault, invasion, or declaration of war".
In a statement, Roskomnadzor accused a number of independent media outlets including television channel Dozhd and Echo of Moscow radio of spreading "unreliable socially significant untrue information" about the shelling of Ukrainian cities by the Russian army and civilian deaths.
At least 198 Ukrainians killed in Russian invasion: Report
At least 198 Ukrainians, including three children, have been killed as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the head of the Ukrainian Health Ministry was quoted by the Interfax news agency as saying on Saturday.
He said 1,115 people were wounded, including 33 children.
It was unclear whether he was referring only to civilian casualties.
French President Emmanuel Macron On Ukraine: "This War Will Last"
The world must brace for a long war between Russia and Ukraine after Moscow launched an invasion of its pro-Western neighbour, French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Saturday.
"If can tell you one thing this morning it is that this war will last," Macron's told France's annual agriculture fair.
"This crisis will last, this war will last and all the crises that come with it will have lasting consequences," Macron added, warning: "We must be prepared".
Macron cut short his visit to the agriculture fair, usually one of the main fixtures on the French political calendar, in order to return to dealing with the crisis triggered by the Russian invasion.
Paris' Eiffel Tower Lights Up In National Colours Of Ukraine
The Eiffel Tower lit up on Friday in the national blue-and-yellow colours of Ukraine, at the request of Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo which Hidalgo said was to express solidarity with the people of Ukraine in the wake of Russia's attack.
Facebook Bans Russia State Media From Running Ads, Monetizing
Facebook on Friday restricted Russian state media's ability to earn money on the social media platform as Moscow's invasion of neighboring Ukraine reached the streets of Kyiv.
"We are now prohibiting Russian state media from running ads or monetizing on our platform anywhere in the world," Nathaniel Gleicher, the social media giant's security policy head, said on Twitter.
He added that Facebook would "continue to apply labels to additional Russian state media."
Facebook's parent company Meta said earlier Friday that Russia would hit its services with restrictions after it refused authorities' order to stop using fact-checkers and content warning labels on its platforms.
Social media networks have become one of the fronts in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, home to sometimes misleading information but also real-time monitoring of a quickly developing conflict that marks Europe's biggest geopolitical crisis in decades.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Western "partners" sending weapons to Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday that "partners" were sending weapons to help Kyiv fight Russian troops, adding he had spoken by phone with French leader Emmanuel Macron.
"A new day on the diplomatic frontline began with a conversation with Emmanuel Macron," Zelensky tweeted. "Weapons and equipment from our partners are on the way to Ukraine
Just In| Volodymyr Zelenskiy says Western 'partners' sending weapons to Ukraine
Just In| After night assault, Volodymyr Zelenskiy vows to defend Kyiv: news agency AFP
Plane Bringing Indians From Ukraine To Land In Mumbai, Minister To Receive
An Air India flight from Romania, bringing Indians evacuated from Ukraine due to the Russian invasion, will land in Mumbai at 4 pm. Union Minister Piyush Goyal will receive the evacuees at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Indian nationals who have reached the Ukraine-Romania border by road are being taken to Bucharest by Indian government officials so that they can be evacuated in the Air India flight.
The Ukrainian airspace has been closed for civil aircraft operations since the morning of February 24 and therefore, the evacuation flights are operating out of Bucharest and Budapest.
Ukraine reports fresh air, cruise missile strikes
Ukraine's military command said areas near the cities of Sumy, Poltava and Mariupol were hit by air strikes on Friday, with Russian Kalibr cruise missiles launched at the country from the Black Sea.
Just In| Air India flight from Romania, bringing Indians evacuated from Ukraine, to land in Mumbai at 4 pm
Ukrainian and Russian forces fight over capital Kyiv
Ukrainian soldiers repulsed a Russian attack in the capital, the military said early Saturday, only hours after President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Moscow would attempt to take Kyiv before dawn.
Russian leader Vladimir Putin unleashed a full-scale invasion on Thursday that has killed dozens of people, forced more than 50,000 to flee Ukraine in just 48 hours and sparked fears of a new Cold War in Europe.
Western nations announced personal sanctions targeting Putin as his soldiers were advancing into Ukraine Friday, with Zelensky urging the nation to defend itself.
"This night will be more difficult than the day. Many cities of our state are under attack," Zelensky had said.
"Don't Go To Border Posts Without...": Advisory From Indian Embassy In Ukraine
The Indian embassy in Ukraine has advised its citizens not to move to any of the border posts without coordination with its officials. As Russia is mounting an all-out invasion on the former Soviet republic, thousands of Indians have been stranded and desperately seeking a way out.
"The situation at various border checkpoints is sensitive and the Embassy is working continuously with our Embassies in our neighbouring countries for coordinated evacuation of our citizens," the Indian embassy in Ukraine tweeted this morning.
The embassy said that it's finding it "increasingly difficult" to help Indian nationals who reach border checkpoints without prior intimation.
Just In| Embassy in Ukraine asks Indian citizens not to move to border posts without coordinating with mission officials
Just In| Ukraine 'repulsed' Russian attack on main Kyiv avenue: army
"This Way I'm Less Afraid": Ukraine Citizens Pick Up Gun To Defend Nation
Ukrainian historian Yuriy Korchemniy has never fired an assault rifle in his life.
But he joined scores of others and picked up a Kalashnikov when boxes of them were dumped from trucks and handed out to Ukraine's new volunteer defence units on day two of Russia's invasion. Read more
Russia Vetoes UN Security Action On Ukraine, India Abstains
Russia, as expected, vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on Friday that "deplores in the strongest terms" the country's "aggression" against Ukraine and demanded the immediate withdrawal of its troops.
Eleven of the council's 15 members voted for the motion, which was co-written by the United States and Albania. China, India and the UAE abstained.
The resolution was always doomed to fail because of Moscow's veto power as a permanent member of the council.
Still, the debate offered the chamber an important opportunity to voice its condemnation of President Vladimir Putin's decision to launch a full-scale offensive against Russia's neighbor.
"Let me make one thing clear," US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said after the vote. "Russia, you can veto this resolution, but you cannot veto our voices, you cannot veto the truth, you cannot veto our principles, you cannot veto the Ukrainian people."
Ukraine, Russia Signal Interest In Talks As Kyiv Reports Attack: 10 Facts
The Russian and Ukrainian governments on Friday signalled an openness to negotiations even as a UN security action was blocked by Moscow as expected and authorities in Kyiv urged citizens to help defend the capital from advancing Russian forces.
