Ukraine Invasion: Putin Nuclear Alert Dangerous, Irresponsible, Says NATO Chief
Catch all the live updates on Russia's invasion of Ukraine here.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin's nuclear alert is 'dangerous' and 'irresponsible', the NATO chief said on Sunday, 27 February, according to AFP.
Earlier, it was reported that Ukraine has agreed to hold talks with Russia at the Belarus border, near the Chernobyl exclusion zone. The decision was made after a phone call between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, reported AFP.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday ordered his defence chiefs to put the country's "deterrence forces" on high alert amid tensions with the West over Ukraine. He also accused Western countries of taking "unfriendly" steps against his country.
The Ukrainian Army managed to retake control of the city of Kharkiv following street fighting with Russian troops, the region's governor said on Sunday.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the country has submitted its application against Russia to the International Court of Justice. He also said that he expects the trials to start next week.
He also said that he was ready for peace talks with Russia, but not in Belarus as that was the staging ground for the attack on Ukraine. He said that Ukraine had proposed other locations such as Warsaw, Bratislava, Budapest, Istanbul and Baku.
His comments came shortly after reports emerged that a Russian delegation had reached Belarus to hold negotiations with Ukraine.
Earlier, Russian troops had entered the city of Kharkiv, the advisor to Ukraine’s interior minister informed. Meanwhile, Russia has also claimed to have besieged two big cities in south and southeast of Ukraine, reports news agency AFP.
Germany and its Western allies have agreed to cut Russia out of the SWIFT global payment system, a spokesperson for the German government said on Saturday, in a third sanctions package aimed at halting Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the fourth flight to Delhi with 198 Indian nationals from Bucharest has taken off, EAM Dr S Jaishankar said on Sunday.
On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking political support against Russia at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the Department of Defense will provide an additional $350 million in immediate military assistance to Ukraine
Rounds of artillery and intense gunfire have been reported from parts of Kyiv
Russia vetoed a UNSC resolution condemning its attack on Ukraine
Ukraine President has warned that Russia will try to storm Kyiv
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US, Allies Agree to Cut Russia Out Of Global Payment System SWIFT
Germany and its Western allies agreed to cut Russia out of the SWIFT global payment system, a spokesperson for the German government said on Saturday, in a third sanctions package aimed at halting Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The sanctions, agreed on with the United States, France, Canada, Italy, Great Britain and the European Commission also include limiting the ability of Russia's central bank to support the rouble, reported Reuters.
Air India Flight From Bucharest Reaches Delhi
India on Saturday began the evacuation of its stranded citizens amid the Russian military offensive in Ukraine.
The second evacuation flight, AI1942, carrying 250 Indian citizens landed at the Delhi airport around 2.45 am on Sunday, the officials said. The first had brought back 219 people from Bucharest to Mumbai on Saturday evening.
Air India's third evacuation flight, AI1940, which will depart from Hungarian capital Budapest, is also scheduled to return with evacuees to Delhi on Sunday, they said.
Russian Forces Blew Up Gas Pipeline in Kharkiv, Says Ukraine
Ukraine on Sunday said that Russian forces have blown up a gas pipeline in Kharkiv, the country's second-largest city, reports AP.
Russia Closes Airspace to Planes From 4 Nations
Russia on Sunday said that it is closing its airspace to planes from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Slovenia in retaliation for the four nations closing their airspace to Russian planes, reported AP.
Meanwhile, German officials have said that the country is preparing to close its airspace to Russian planes.
Third Evacuation Flight En Route to Delhi
The third flight to Delhi with 240 Indian nationals has taken off from Hungary's Budapest under Operation Ganga, informed External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday morning.
"The third flight of #OperationGanga with 240 Indian nationals has taken off from Budapest for Delhi," Jaishankar tweeted.
Chinese Banks Limit Financing for Russian Purchases: Report
Several Chinese public banks are limiting financing to purchase raw materials from Russia for fear of Western sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine, Bloomberg news agency reported on Saturday.
With the Russian invasion of Ukraine, at least two of China's largest state-owned banks, ICBC and Bank of China, are restricting funding for the purchase of Russian commodities, Bloomberg said.
Russian Forces to Resume Advance Into Ukraine 'In All Directions'
Russian forces have been instructed to resume their advance into Ukraine "in all directions" after Kiev refused to hold negotiations, the Russian Defence Ministry has said.
All units were ordered to mount an offensive in accordance with the operation plan, Defence Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said during a briefing on Saturday.
PM Modi Urges Private Sector to Build Health Infra in Tier 2, 3 Cities
PM Modi on Saturday urged the private sector to develop healthcare facilities in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities so that those eligible under the Ayushman Bharat scheme can avail the services, reported Business Line.
Speaking at a webinar on the Union Budget announcements on the health sector, he requested state governments to frame schemes around the allotment of land to the private sector for setting up of medical institutions for Indian students as they often go abroad to pursue medical studies.
The statement comes at a time when many Indian students of medicine are stranded in Ukraine after Russia began its attack.
Must Wait Until It is Safe Before Leaving: China's Ukraine Envoy to Chinese Nationals
China's envoy to Ukraine said on Sunday that current conditions were too unsafe to evacuate citizens. This comes days after the embassy said it would prepare plans to help people leave after the Russian invasion.
In a lengthy video message on the embassy's official WeChat account, Chinese ambassador Fan Xianrong sought to reassure Chinese nationals left stranded in the war-torn country.
"We must wait until it is safe before leaving," said Fan from his office, according to AFP.
"As long as safety conditions are met and everyone's safety is guaranteed, we will make appropriate arrangements," he added.
Russia Claims to Have Besieged 2 Cities in Ukraine
Russia claims to have besieged two big cities in south and southeast of Ukraine, reports news agency AFP. Russian troops have reportedly blocked the cities of Kherson and Berdyansk.
Russian Troops Have Entered Kharkiv: Head of Regional Admin
Russian troops have entered Ukraine's second largest city Kharkiv and fighting is underway, the head of the regional administration said.
"The Russian enemy's light vehicles broke into the city of Kharkiv... The Ukrainian armed forces are eliminating the enemy," he said, according to AFP.
Earlier, reports said that a gas pipeline in Kharkiv had been targeted after the city came under heavy fire. Residents have been advised to keep their windows shut against hazardous chemical fumes, reports The Guardian.
Establishing a Foreign International Legion for Volunteers From Abroad: Zelenskyy
Ukraine is establishing a foreign "international" legion for volunteers from abroad, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Sunday, according to Reuters.
"This will be the key evidence of your support for our country," Zelenskyy said in a statement.
Russian Embassy in India Praises Country's Stand on UNSC Vote
Russia's Embassy in India has praised India's "independent and balanced" position after New Delhi abstained from a UN Security Council vote that condemned Moscow's "aggression" against Ukraine. India, along with China and the UAE, did not vote on the resolution Friday.
"Highly appreciate India's independent and balanced position at the voting in the UNSC," it said on Twitter.
"In the spirit of the special and privileged strategic partnership, Russia is committed to maintain close dialogue with India on the situation around Ukraine," it added.
Russian Delegation Arrives in Belarus for Negotatiations with Ukraine
A Russian delegation has reportedly arrived in Belarus to hold talks with the Ukrainians, presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, according to news agency AFP.
Donald Trump Blasts US President Joe Biden & NATO, Calls Putin Smart
Donald Trump blasts US President Joe Biden and NATO over the Ukraine crisis, says this disaster would not have happened if the US presidential election was not rigged.
"As everyone understands, this horrific disaster would never have happened if our election was not rigged," he said at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in Orlando.
"The problem is not that Putin is smart, which of course he's smart," he added. "But the real problem is that our leaders are so dumb."
Ukrainian Prez Says Ready for Peace Talks, But Not in Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he is ready for peace talks with Russia, but not in Belarus as that was the invasion staging ground.
He says he is open to holding talks in other locations that are not showing aggression towards Ukraine, Reuters reported. He also says talks in Minsk could have been possible if Russia had not attacked Ukraine from the Belarusian territory.
"Warsaw, Bratislava, Budapest, Istanbul, Baku. We proposed all of them," he says in an online address.
Finland to Close its Airspace to Russian Planes
Finland will be closing its airspace to Russian planes, the government has announced.
The country's Transport Minister Timo Harakka took to social media to say that the country "is prepared to close its airspace to Russian air traffic".
Finland shares a 1,300-kilometre (800-mile) border with Russia.
Russia Striking Residential Areas: Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Saturday night was brutal and Russia is striking residential areas.
"There is not a single thing in the country that the occupiers do not consider an acceptable target,"he says. "They fight against all living things - against kindergartens, residential buildings and even against ambulances."
Indian Embassy in Ukraine Asks Indian Citizens to Move Away from Conflict Zones to Western Regions
"Ukraine Railways is additionally organising emergency trains at no cost, first come basis from Kyiv. Schedule can be found at train stations. Indian diaspora is advised to move away from conflict zones to the Western region subject to security situation and the extant regulations," informs Indian Embassy in Ukraine on Twitter.
Russia's Criminal Actions Against Ukraine Bear Signs of Genocide: Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia's criminal actions against Ukraine bear signs of genocide, according to Reuters.
"This is terror. They are going to bomb our Ukrainian cities even more, they are going to kill our children even more subtly. This is the evil that has come to our land and must be destroyed," he says in a short video message.
Hold Talks with Russia: Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko to Kyiv
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko asks Kyiv to "sit down and hold talks with Russia so that Ukraine does not lose its statehood", according to Russia's RIA news agency.
Zelenskyy Hails International Allies for Assistance
Zelenskyy hails the assistance Ukraine has received from its international allies.
"We are receiving weapons, medicine, food, diesel, and money," he says. "A powerful coalition in support of Ukraine has been formed -- an anti-war coalition."
Manipur Sets Up Cell to Assist Stranded Students
The Manipur government has opened a cell under the state’s home department to liaise with the ministry of external affairs (MEA) to help the family members of the Manipur citizens who are stranded in Ukraine, officials said, according to a report in HT.
There are around 50 Manipuri students studying in Ukraine.
“I’m closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine and the condition of our children stranded there. It’s such a relief to know that they are safe.They are on the way to Romania now.”
Jharkhand CM Writes to HM Amit Shah
Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren writes to HM Amit Shah, gives him the list of people from the state, along with their details, who are currently stuck in Ukraine. The CM also requests him to instruct concerned officials of the government to take action for their safe return.
Increase the Number of Evacuation Planes: Chhattisgarh CM to Govt
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel asks the government to increase the number of evacuation planes.
"The students stranded in Kharkiv and Kyiv are facing a lot of difficulties. I request the Government of India to bring these students near the border so that they are evacuated safely. Also, the number of evacuation planes should be increased," he says, according to ANI.
"Air India has increased the fare of tickets from Rs 24,000- Rs 25,000 to Rs 60,000- Rs 80,000, had it been the same, many more students would have possibly come back on time."
International Judo Federation Suspends Putin As Its Honorary President
International Judo Federation (IJF) suspends Russian president Vladimir Putin as its honorary president due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Google 'Pauses' Russian State Media Monetization Across Platforms
Google on Saturday paused the monetization of Russian state-funded media on its platforms in response to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
YouTube and Facebook had done so earlier.
"In response to the war in Ukraine, we are pausing Google monetization of Russian state-funded media across our platforms," a Google spokesperson said in a statement.
"We're actively monitoring new developments and will take further steps if necessary."
Ukraine Crisis Could Last 'Number of Years': British Foreign Secretary Truss
British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss says the Russia-Ukraine conflict could last a "number of years" and the world needs to be prepared for Moscow "to seek to use even worse weapons".
Poland Allowing Indian Students in Ukraine to Enter the Country Without any Visa
Poland is allowing Indian students who escape from Russian aggression in Ukraine to enter Poland without any visa, the Ambassador of Poland to India Adam Burakowski has said.
Russia Should Be Stripped of Its Seat at UNSC: Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia should be stripped of its seat and voting power at the United Nations Security Council over the invasion, according to AP.
Making Arrangements to Bring Students of Bihar Back to the State: CM Nitish Kumar
Central Government is bringing back students who are stranded in Ukraine. We are making arrangements to bring students of Bihar back to the state from different airports. We will ensure no one faces any problem," Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was quoted as saying by ANI.
All Indians Stranded in Ukraine Will be Brought back to the Country at Govt's Expense: Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says that all the Indians stranded in Ukraine will be brought back to the country at the government's expense.
"We have decided to increase the number of flights to neighbouring countries of Ukraine with their permission for this purpose."
Special UNSC Session on Ukraine on Monday
Special UNSC session on Ukraine to be held at 1:30 am IST on Monday, 28 February.
Russia Have Lost About 4,300 Men in Invasion: Ukraine Minister
Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar says that Russian forces have lost about 4,300 servicemen during their invasion of Ukraine. However, she adds that the number is being clarified.
She also says on her Facebook page that Russian troops have lost about 146 tanks, 27 aircraft and 26 helicopters, Reuters reports.
Czech Republic Refuse to Play Russia in 2022 World Cup Play-Offs: FA
The Czech Football Association says the national team will not play against Russia in a potential 2022 World Cup play-off in March following the invasion of Ukraine, reports AFP.
World 'In a New Era' After Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Germany's Olaf Scholz
Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz says the world is 'in a new era' after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Kerala CM Writes to PM Modi
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan writes to PM Modi seeking his immediate intervention to bring all Indians, most of them students, back from war-hit cities of Ukraine.
Belgium Closing its Airspace to Russian Flights
Belgium PM says the country is closing its airspace to Russian flights.
A number of EU countries have done the same.
Indian Citizens Being Evacuated From Ukraine Through Romania & Hungary: Embassy of India in Kyiv
"Indian citizens are being evacuated from Ukraine through Romania & Hungary. We are continuously exploring and working to open up more borders with the neighboring countries for our citizens," says the Embassy of India in Kyiv, Ukraine, in an advisory to Indian nationals.
"Those who judge that the situation is not conducive for travel, or are unable to leave due to any reason, may wait until further developments."
Ukraine Has Submitted its Application Against Russia to ICJ: Zelenskyy
"Ukraine has submitted its application against Russia to the ICJ. Russia must be held accountable for manipulating notion of genocide to justify aggression. We request urgent decision ordering Russia to cease military activity now & expect trials to start next week," says Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Russian Orthodox Patriarch Calls Moscow's Foes in Ukraine 'Evil Forces'
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church has called Moscow's opponents in Ukraine "evil forces".
Ukrainian Refugee Tally Tops 368,000 and Rising: UN
The UN refugee agency says more than 368,000 people have fled Ukraine since Russia invaded on Thursday.
MEA S Jaishankar Thanks the Foreign Ministers of Moldova and Hungary
Minsiter of External Affairs S Jaishankar dialled Moldova Foreign Minister Nicu Popescu seeking support for facilitating entry of Indian nationals on Ukraine-Moldova border.
"Appreciate his ready response & strong support. MEA representatives will accordingly reach there tomorrow," tweets S Jaishankar.
He also called Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto.
"Thankful for the evacuation support provided so far. Requested further cooperation on the Hungary-Ukraine border" tweets MEA Dr S Jaishankar.
Ukraine Army Retakes Kharkiv, Expelling Russian Troops: Governor
Ukraine army has retaken Kharkiv, following street fighting with Russian troops in the country's second-biggest city, the local governor said.
Pope Calls for Guns to 'Fall Silent' in Ukraine
Pope Francis calls for an end to fighting in Ukraine on the fourth day of a Russian invasion of the country.
He also asked for the "urgent" opening of humanitarian corridors for civilians to flee Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Germany Offers Free Train Rides to Bring in Ukrainian Refugees from Poland
Germany's rail operator says it will offer free train rides from Sunday to Ukrainian refugees travelling into the country from Poland.
Putin Accuses Ukraine of Wasting 'Opportunity' for Talks
Russian Presiden Vladimir Putin accuses Ukraine of wasting 'opportunity' for holding talks, reports AFP.
Zelenskyy Urges Foreigners to Sign Up for an "International Brigade" of Volunteers to Help Fight Russia
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urges foreigners to head to Ukrainian embassies worldwide to sign up for an "international brigade" of volunteers to help fight invading Russian forces, reports AFP.
Govt Has Launched 'Multi-Pronged' Operation Ganga to Evacuate Our Citizens: Harsh V Shirngla
Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shirngla says the Government of India has launched 'multi-pronged' Operation Ganga to evacuate Indian citizens stranded in Ukraine. "This evacuation process will be at government cost," Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shirngla was quoted as saying by ANI.
"Our Embassy in Kyiv and our Ministry had issued a number of advisories prior to the situation developing. 4000 of our nationals had left before the conflict, pursuant to these advisories. We estimated that about 15,000 citizens were left in Ukraine."
"Since the airspace in Ukraine was closed, we identified land evacuation options from Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and Romania. Specific border crossing points were identified and the MEA had deployed teams to assist in the evacuation process."
He says thousands of Indian citizens have been flown out of Romania and Hungary and another thousand have been evacuated from Ukraine through land routes under operation Ganga. "Flights have been organised for them."
"Border crossing to Hungary & Romania is functioning, however, the exit point to Poland is clogged due to lakhs of foreign nationals trying to escape from that point. Those who are near the borders of Hungary & Romania are guided towards their border points in phases."
He says he has spoken to the ambassadors of Russia and Ukraine separately and has conveyed his concerns on safety of Indian citizens. "I've shared the locations where Indian citizens are concentrated. Both ambassadors took note of our concerns & assured us of the safety of Indian citizens."
Zelenskiyy Says He Has Spoken With Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiyy says that he has spoken with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, after Kyiv rejected holding talks with Russia in Belarus, accusing it of allowing Russian troops through its territory. Zelenskiyy informed the same on his Telegram channel.
France Call for Russia to be Thrown Out of 2022 Fifa World Cup
World champions France have called for Russia to be thrown out of the 2022 World Cup, French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet has told Le Parisien newspaper, reports AFP.
Putin Congratulates Members of Special Forces
Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulates members of special forces, saying they are fighting "heroically" in Ukraine.
Putin Orders Deterrent Forces to be on High Alert
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered his defence chiefs to put the country's "deterrence forces" on high alert amid tensions with the West over Ukraine, reports AP.
He has also accused Western countries of taking "unfriendly" steps against his country.
"As you can see, not only do Western countries take unfriendly measures against our country in the economic dimension - I mean the illegal sanctions that everyone knows about very well - but also the top officials of leading NATO countries allow themselves to make aggressive statements with regards to our country," Putin said on state television.
Meanwhile, the United States said that this was an “unacceptable” escalation.
“It means that President Putin is continuing to escalate this war in a manner that is totally unacceptable and we have to continue to stem his actions in the strongest possible way,” US ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield said in interview with CBS’ ‘Face the Nation’.
Special Flight Carrying Indian Students from Ukraine Arrives in Delhi
A special flight carrying Indian students stranded in Ukraine arrives at Delhi airport, reports ANI.
"Every student is being brought back, PM Modi is himself monitoring the situation and we have sent teams to neighbouring nations of Ukraine. MEA has also made a control room regarding the ongoing situation," Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri was quoted as saying by ANI.
PM Modi to Hold High-Level Meeting on Ukraine Issue
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold a high-level meeting on the Ukraine issue this evening.
Ukraine Agrees to Hold Talks with Russia at Belarus Border
Ukraine agrees to hold talks with Russia at the Belarus border, near the Chernobyl exclusion zone, informs the Ukrainian presidency, according to AFP. The decision was made after a phone call between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.
"We agreed that the Ukrainian delegation would meet with the Russian delegation without preconditions on the Ukrainian-Belarusian border, near the Pripyat River," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a statement, according to Reuters.
Protests Erupt in Moscow and Other Russian Cities
Protests against Russia's invasion of Ukraine erupt in Moscow and other Russian cities amid ominous Kremlin threats, reports AP.
Russian Head of Delegation at UN Climate Conference Apologises For His Country's Invasion of Ukraine
The Russian head of a delegation at a major UN climate conference has apologised for his country's invasion of Ukraine. He said the move lacked justification, according to several sources who heard him speak at the virtual meeting, reports AFP.
Massive Protest in Berlin Over Ukraine Invasion
Over 100,000 people have turned out in Berlin to protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine and express solidarity with the Ukrainian people, multiple reports are suggesting. According to AFP, many protesters are dressed in the blue and yellow colours of the Ukraine flag.
UN Nuclear Watchdog's 35-Nation Board of Governors To Hold Emergency Meeting on Wednesday
United Nation's nuclear watchdog's 35-nation Board of Governors will hold an emergency meeting on Wednesday about Ukraine, reports Reuters.
Canada Shuts its Airspace to Russian Aircarft Operators
Canada has closed its airspace to Russian aircraft operators effective immediately due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, says Canada's minister of transportation, according to Reuters.
Putin Nuclear Alert 'Dangerous' and 'Irresponsible': NATO Chief
Russian President Vladimir Putin's nuclear alert is 'dangerous' and 'irresponsible', the NATO chief said, according to AFP.
Putin 'Manufacturing Threats' with Nuclear Force Alert: White House
President Vladimir Putin's order to put Russian nuclear forces on high alert is part of a pattern of Moscow manufacturing threats to justify aggression, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, according to Reuters.