Ukraine Crisis: UNGA Holds Emergency Special Session; Modi Chairs Another Meet
Catch all the live updates on the Russia-Ukraine war here.
For the first time in 40 years, the UN General Assembly held an Emergency Special Session (ESS) on the Ukraine crisis on Monday, 28 February.
(Photo: Twitter/@AshishSPradhan)
The UN General Assembly held the eleventh Emergency Special Session (ESS) on the Ukraine crisis on Monday, 28 February. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile chaired a second high-level meeting.
Dozens of people were killed on Monday, after Russian forces carried out rocket strikes on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on Monday.
A Ukrainian delegation also held border talks with Russian representatives at the Belarusian border, five days after the Russian onslaught.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had demanded 'immediate' EU membership for Ukraine earlier in the day, AFP reported. Ukraine President's Office stated that the country's main goal is immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, as per Reuters.
News agency PTI reported that some ministers will be sent to countries bordering Ukraine to help with the evacuations. The ministers who will be flying out for the task are: Jyotiraditya Scindia to Romania and Moldova; Kiren Rijiju to Slovakia; Hardeep Singh Puri to Hungary; and Gen (Retd) VK Singh to Poland.
On Monday morning, the Russian rouble plunged as low as 119 per dollar, amid the Western-led campaign to punish and isolate Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, 27 February, ordered his defence chiefs to put the country's "deterrence forces" on high alert – a move that has elicited condemnation from the US and the NATO
As many as 352 Ukrainian civilians have been killed in the Russian onslaught, as per Ukraine. Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands, even as fighting for the capital city continues
Satellite images are showing a 3.25 mile-long convoy of Russian troops heading towards the city
Nine civilians in the capital city have been killed so far, as per Kyiv's mayor
The Ukrainian Army managed to retake control of the city of Kharkiv following street fighting with Russian troops
PM Modi Speaks to Slovak Republic PM Over Evacuation Assistance: PMO
The Prime Minister's Office, in a statement said, "PM Modi today spoke on phone with Eduard Heger, PM of Slovak Republic and thanked him for the assistance provided by Slovak Republic in the evacuation of Indian citizens from Ukraine. PM requested for Slovak Republic’s continued assistance in the next few days as well," news agency ANI reported.
"PM Modi also expressed his anguish at the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and reiterated the need for a return to dialogue. He also stressed upon the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations," it added.
Putin Discusses Russia's Economic Situation With Govt & Central Bank
President Putin discussed the economic situation with the financial and economic bloc of the Government and the Central Bank, the Twitter handle of President of Russia wrote in a post.
PM Modi Speaks to Romania PM Over Evacuation Assistance for Indians in Ukraine
PM Modi and the Romania PM Nicolae-Ionel Ciucă interacted on a phone call over the assistance provided by Romania in evacuation of Indian citizens from Ukraine.
PM appreciated Romania’s gesture in allowing Indian citizens to enter Romania without visas and permitting special evacuation flights from India, the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.
"PM Modi also expressed his anguish at the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, and reiterated the need for a return to dialogue. He also stressed upon the importance of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations," ANI quoted the office as saying.
Ukraine President Signs Request to Join EU
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday, signed an official request to join the European Union under a special procedure amidst the Russian onslaught.
PM Reviews Evacuation Ops, Humanitarian Aid During High-Level Meet on Ukraine
MEA Spokesperson said that PM Modi reviewed the ongoing efforts under Operation Ganga – the evacuation processes to bring back Indians stranded in embattled Ukraine – and said that the entire government machinery is working round the clock to ensure their safety and security.
"Prime Minister pointed that the visit of four senior ministers as his Special Envoys to various nations will energise the evacuation efforts. It is reflective of the priority the government attaches to this matter," he added.
Bagchi also indicated that the first consignment of relief supplies to Ukraine would be despatched tomorrow.
"Guided by India’s motto of the world being one family, PM Modi stated that India will help people from neighbouring countries and developing countries who are stranded in Ukraine and may seek assistance," he added.
Russia Bans Residents From International Money Transfers
Russia has banned all residents from transferring money abroad, AFP quoted Kremlin as saying.
352 People, Including 16 Children Killed in Ukraine As of Today
"As of today, 352 people including 16 children killed on the Ukraine side. These numbers growing nonstop, shelling continues," The Ukrainian representative, Sergiy Kyslytsya indicated during the emergency special session of the UNGA.
UN General Assembly Holds 11th Emergency Special Session
The UN General Assembly held an Emergency Special Session (ESS) on the Ukraine crisis on Monday, urging all parties for an immediate ceasefire.
"We call for an immediate ceasefire by all parties. Exercise maximum restraint and initiate dialogue. Diplomacy and dialogue must prevail," UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, as the meeting began.
The Ukrainian representative, Sergiy Kyslytsya, fought back tears on Monday and said,
"If Ukraine does not survive, United Nations does not survive. Have no illusions. Now we can save Ukraine, we can save UN, save democracy and defend the values we believe in," he added.
Meanwhile, the Russian Ambassador Vasily Nebenzya addressed the UNGA special emergency session and claimed that the 'action' was self-defensive and that Ukrain has sought to obtain nuclear weapons, membership to NATO and has territorial designs on Russia.
Nebenzya added that the US is "egging" Ukraine on. "Our Western colleagues have inundated the country with weapons" and "incited Ukrainians," he said.
Int'l Olympics Committee Seeks to Exclude Russian, Belarusian Athletes
International Olympic Committee called on sports organisers to exclude Russian and Belarusian athletes, as well as officials from international sporting events, AFP reported.
As per a statement, the IOC also withdrew the Olympic Order from Vladimir Putin.
Russian Shelling Kills 11 Civilians in Kharkiv: Official
Russian shelling has killed at least 11 civilians in Kharkiv, news agency AFP quoted the Ukraine's regional governor as saying.
Russian Nuclear Missile Forces on Enhanced Combat Duty: Report
The defence ministry of Russia on Monday, 28 February said that its nuclear missile forces, and Northern and Pacific fleets have been placed on enhanced combat duty, the Interfax news agency reported.
As per the report, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu apprised Russian President Vladimir Putin that "shifts on duty at the command posts of the Strategic Missile Forces, the Northern and Pacific Fleets, and the Long-Range Aviation Command" have started practicing combat duty with reinforced personnel.
PM Modi to Chair Another High-Level Meet Over Ukraine
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will shortly chair another high-level meeting on the Ukraine crisis, ANI quoted government sources as saying.
Russia Posts Media Advisory for India, Requests Media To Be 'Accurate'
The Russian Embassy in India posted a media advisory on Twitter on Monday, requesting Indian media "to be accurate so that Indian public receives objective information" on Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
"Russia repeatedly initiated and indicated its readiness for dialogue and negotiations. Nuclear sites in Ukraine are safe and secured as confirmed by the IAEA. Any information to the contrary is biased and misleading," the post added.
Switzerland Imposes Sanctions Against Russia
Switzerland, a historically neutral state, adopts same sanctions against Russia as the EU, news agency AFP quoted Swiss President Ignazio Cassis as saying.
Russian Foreign Min Cancels UN Trip to Geneva
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov cancels the trip to the UN in Geneva due to an EU airspace ban, AFP quoted the Russian mission as saying.
Russia Bans Flights by Airlines From 36 Countries
The aviation authority of Russia announced that flights of airlines from 36 countries, including Britain and Germany, have been banned in the country, AFP reported.
Russia Carries Out Rocket Strikes, Dozens Dead in Kharkiv
Dozens of people were killed after Russian forces carried out rocker strikes on the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on Monday, Ukrainian interior ministry adviser Anton Herashchenko said.
"Kharkiv has just been massively fired upon by grads (rockets). Dozens of dead and hundreds of wounded," he wrote in a Facebook post.
US to Cut Off Russia's Central Bank from US Dollar Transactions
The US is taking immediate action on Monday to prohibit American dollar transactions with the Russian central bank and fully block the Russian direct investment fund, senior administration officials said.
US Suspends Embassy Operations in Belarus
The US Department of State suspended operations at the US Embassy in Minsk, Belarus and authorised “voluntary” departure of non-emergency staff and their family from the Moscow Embassy in Russia.
6th Evacuation Flight from Hungary Lands in Delhi
The sixth evacuation flight from Hungary’s capital Budapest carrying 240 Indian nationals who were stranded in Ukraine landed at the Delhi airport on Monday, news agency ANI reported.
Union Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi welcomed the Indian nationals at the airport.
'Request Indians to Go to West Ukraine, Not Panic': MEA
MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on Monday said that evacuation processes to help Indian students from Ukraine were underway.
"Situation on ground continues to be complex and fluid, some of them quite concerning, but we've been able to accelerate our evacuation process. About 8000 Indian nationals have left Ukraine since we issued advisory, not since conflict began," the MEA stated.
Bagchi added, "We requests Indians to go to West Ukraine but don't reach the border directly as there's rush there, it'll take time. Go to nearby cities, seek shelter there. We're making arrangements there, our teams will help you. Don't panic, we have enough flights."
As per the government, six flights, including four flights from Bucharest (Romania) and two flights from Budapest (Hungary), have arrived carrying around 1400 Indian citizens.
Over Half a Million People Have Fled Ukraine Since Russian Onslaught: UN
As per the United Nations, over 500,000 refugees have fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion, AFP reported.
"More than half a million people have fled Ukraine since Russia launched its invasion five days ago, with more than half fleeing into Poland," the UN added.
Ukrainian Negotiators Begin Talks With Russia at Belarus Border
A Ukrainian delegation commenced border talks with Russian representatives at the Belarusian border on Monday, 28 February.
"Dear friends, the President of Belarus has asked me to welcome you and facilitate your work as much as possible. As it was agreed with the Presidents Zelenskyy and Putin, you can feel completely secure. It is our sacred duty," the Belarus FM said on Monday.
Ahead of the talks, a Russian negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky indicated that Moscow is interested in coming to an agreement that is in the interests of both sides, Reuters reported.
Kremlin Accuses EU of Acting in 'Hostile Fashion' Against Russia
The Kremlin on Monday, accused the EU of acting in a "hostile fashion" towards Russia. "Weapons' supplies to Ukraine are dangerous and destabilising," the Kremlin added, saying that the decision to demilitarise its neighbour was correct, Reuters reported.
Russia Will Ride out Western Sanctions: Kremlin
The Kremlin declared on Monday that Russia will ride out Western sanctions, AFP reported.
Poland Announces Special Flights to Evacuate Indian Students
"There will be special flights for Indian students. Poland is cooperating and will also help India's High-level delegation in evacuation process. Indian nationals can cross into Poland border without any visa," Ambassador of Poland to India, Adam Burakowski told news agency ANI.
He added, "We support Ukraine and are helping it in providing ammunition and all types of support. The whole European Union airspace is closed for Russian aircraft including private jets. Japan, US and other countries have also imposed sanctions on Russia."
Indian Students Stuck in Ukraine Hostels Take to Internet for Help
Indian students stuck in hostel rooms and bunkers in Ukraine have been posting videos online, and reaching out to the Indian Embassy to help them travel to borders safely, so they can travel to India, The News Minute reported.
Devika Rajeesh, a first year medical student in sheltering in south coast of Ukraine spoke to the news agency and cried, “We can hear explosions often and it is said we will be moved to bunkers now. We want to somehow get out and reach the borders soon. We are running out of food and water. We hope the Indian embassy will somehow help us get out of here safely."
"The Indian government has asked students to reach the borders of Poland, Romania, Hungary etc., so they could take us home, but these are all 1,000 to 1,500 km away from our city. We don’t know how we can reach there..," she reportedly added.
As per the report, over 250 students from Kerala are presently staying in two hostels underground.
Students in the opposite side of the country reiterated Rajeesh's grievances. There are 150 students from Kerala in this hostel in a small bunker," a fourth year medical student from Kharkiv University said on Instagram.
As per students studying in the Sumy Medical Institute, situated in the eastern side of Ukraine, there has been no news regarding evacuations, and all the attention is on the western side of the country, TNM reported.
'Save Your Lives & Leave': Zelenskyy to Russian Soldiers
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday told the Russian soldiers to save their lives and leave, Reuters reported.
"Abandon your equipment. Get out of here. Don't believe your commanders. Just save your lives," he said, according to AFP.
102 Civilians, Including 7 Children, Killed in Ukraine War: UN
The United Nations on Monday said that 102 Civilians, including 7 children, have been killed in the Ukraine war.
'Will Release Prisoners With Military Experience if Willing to Fight Against Russia': Zelenskyy
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday said that Ukraine will release prisoners with military experience if they are willing to join the fight against Russia, Reuters reported.
Health Ministry Revises Intl Travel Advisory, Provides Exemptions for Indians Being Evacuated from Ukraine
Health Ministry revises international travel advisory and provides various exemptions for Indians being evacuated from Ukraine.
"Mandatory pre-boarding negative RT-PCR test & vaccination certificate exempted for Indians; uploading documents before departure on Air-Suvidha Portal exempted."
"As on 28th Feb 2022 (till 12:00 Hrs), 5 flights (one in Mumbai and four in Delhi) carrying Indians from Ukraine have arrived in India carrying a total of 1156 passengers with none of the passengers kept under isolation so far," the Health Ministry said.
Zelenskyy Demands 'Immediate' EU Membership for Ukraine
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has demanded 'immediate' EU membership for Ukraine, reports AFP.
Mamata Banerjee Writes to PM Modi, Asks Him to Hold an All-Party Meeting
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee writes to PM Narendra Modi to "accept her unconditional support during the ongoing international crisis and to consider to hold an all-party meeting."
Approx 5,300 Russian Soldiers Have Lost Their Lives: Ukraine's Ambassador to India
Dr Igor Polikha, Ambassador of Ukraine to India, said on Monday that approximately 5,300 Russian soldiers have lost their lives in the invasion of Ukraine.
"Air space of Europe was closed for the Russian airplanes yesterday. The Russian economy is crippling every day. Russia is having absolutely unprecedented casualties. Approximately 5,300 Russian soldiers have lost their life," he said.
"We're suffering a lot of civilian casualties. According to official information of our Ministry, already 16 children were killed from bombings, shellings & so on as result of Russian peace-fighting operation," he added.
Pro-Russia Groups Orchestrating Misinformation Campaigns on Social Media: Meta
Meta on Monday said that pro-Russia groups are "orchestrating misinformation campaigns on social media, using fake profiles or hacked accounts to paint Ukraine as a feeble pawn of Western duplicity," reports AFP.
Ukraine Delegation Arrives for Talks with Russia
A Ukrainian delegation has arrived at the Belarusian border for talks with Russian representatives, says Ukraine President's Office, according to Reuters.
The office further says its main goal of talks is immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, reports Reuters.
Earlier in the day, Russian negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said that Russia was interested in reaching an agreement that was in the interests of both sides.
Indigo Operating 2 Evacuation Flights to Bring Back Indians
"IndiGo is operating 2 evacuation flights using A321 aircraft to bring back Indians safely. These flights are being operated from Delhi to Bucharest, Romania & Budapest, Hungary via Istanbul, today as part of Govt of India’s Operation Ganga mission," the company said in a statement.
"We are closely liaising with the government to offer our support for more such evacuations flights," it added.
Further Isolated Russia from International Financial System This Morning: Boris Johnson
British Prime Minister on Monday said they have further "isolated Russia from the international financial system this morning."
"Working with our partners, and G7, we are determined to impose the most severe economic measures possible against President Putin for his abhorrent campaign against Ukraine. Putin must fail," he said.
Scindia to Look After Romania & Moldova, Rijiju to Slovakia
Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia will look after Romania and Moldova, Kiren Rijiju will go to Slovakia, Hardeep Singh Puri will go to Hungary and Gen (Retd) VK Singh will go to Poland to help with the evacuation of Indians stuck in Ukraine, reports ANI.
Latvia Authorises its Nationals to Fight in Ukraine if Willing
The Latvian Parliament unanimously authorised the country's nationals to fight in Ukraine if they are willing, the Latvian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson said, according to Reuters.
Waiting for Delegations to Arrive: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus on Monday said that everything was ready to host the Russia-Ukraine negotiations and that they are waiting for the delegations to arrive.
Greece Closes its Airspace for All Russian Aircraft
Greece's civil aviation authority on Monday said that the country has closed its airspace for all Russian aircraft in line with the European Union decision, Reuters reported.
Russia's Central Bank Hikes Key Interest Rate to 20%
Russia's Central Bank raised the key interest rate to an unprecedented 20% from 9.5% in a desperate bid to shore up ruble amid crippling sanctions, reports AP.
"External conditions for the Russian economy have drastically changed," the central bank said in a statement, according to Reuters.
"The increase of the key rate will ensure a rise in deposit rates to levels needed to compensate for the increased depreciation and inflation risks. This is needed to support financial and price stability and protect citizens' savings from depreciation."
Ukraine Civilians Can 'Freely' Leave Kyiv: Russian Army
Russian army said on Monday that Ukrainian civilians can 'freely' leave Kyiv, AFP quoted news agencies as saying.
"All civilians in the city can freely leave ... along the Kyiv-Vasylkiv highway. This direction is open and safe"
The army also claimed it has air superiority over Ukraine.
SpiceJet to Operate Special Evacuation Flight to Budapest
SpiceJet will operate a special evacuation flight to Budapest, Hungary, to evacuate Indian nationals stranded in Ukraine and bring them home.
Russian Airline Aeroflot Violated Canadian Airspace: Transport Canada
Russian airline Aeroflot on Sunday violated a ban on aircraft from the country using Canadian airspace, regulator Transport Canada said, reported Reuters. Canada had imposed restrictions on Russia in response to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.
"We are aware that Aeroflot Flight 111 violated the prohibition put in place earlier today on Russian flights using Canadian airspace," Transport Canada said in a tweet late on Sunday.
"We will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action and other measures to prevent future violations", the Canadian regulator said.
Russia Has Slowed Down Pace of the Offensive: Ukraine
The Ukrainian military on Monday said that Russian troops have slowed down "the pace of the offensive", reports AFP.
"The Russian occupiers have reduced the pace of the offensive, but are still trying to develop success in some areas."
'Students are Advised to Make Their Way to the Railway Station': Indian Embassy in Ukraine
"Weekend curfew lifted in Kyiv. All students are advised to make their way to the railway station for onward journey to the western parts. Ukraine Railways is putting special trains for evacuations," tweets the official handle of the Indian embassy in Ukraine.
Sixth Operation Ganga Flight Takes Off from Budapest
The sixth Operation Ganga flight takes off from Budapest (Hungary) with 240 Indian nationals onboard. They are being brought back to Delhi, tweets EAM S Jaishankar.
Worried About What Will Happen to Our Exporters: FM Nirmala Sitharaman
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said she is worried about the Indian exporters amid the Russia Ukraine crisis.
"As regards the bearing that (Ukraine crisis) will have on our immediate imports and exports to Ukraine, we're rightly worried about what comes from there. But I'm more worried about what will happen to our exporters, particularly farmer sector to Russia and Ukraine," she said in Chennai.
"So, on both these issues, I would have a comprehensive...we're already looking at the emergent situation. But I will have to have a complete assessment through the various concerned ministries and only then be in a position to comment on it," she added.
However, she assured, "We are fairly seized of the matter in its granular form because it's going to have an impact on the essentials which come."
Non-Violence is the Only Way: Dalai Lama
The 14th Dalai Lama on Monday issued a statement calling for peace in Ukraine.
"I have been deeply saddened by the conflict in Ukraine," the statement read. "Our world has become so interdependent that violent conflict between two countries inevitably impacts the rest of the world. War is outdated – non-violence is the only way. We need to develop a sense of the oneness of humanity by considering other human beings as brothers and sisters. This is how we will build a more peaceful world," the statement further read.
"Problems and disagreements are best resolved through dialogue. Genuine peace comes about through mutual understanding and respect for each other’s wellbeing. We must not lose hope. The 20th century was a century of war and bloodshed. The 21st century must be a century of dialogue," it said.
NCP's Sharad Pawar Discusses Evacation of Indian Students with EAM S Jaishankar
NCP chief Sharad Pawar spoke with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar over phone on Monday and discussed the evacuation of Indian students stuck in Kharkiv, Ukraine, reported ANI.
Discussions were also held on evacuations via Belgorod (Russia) route. The matter of helping students stuck at Romania-Poland border also discussed.
PM Chairs Meeting on Ukraine, Ministers May Be Sent To Coordinate Evacuations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday chaired a top level meeting on the Ukraine crisis and the Indian students who are stranded in the country.
Meanwhile, news agency PTI reported that some ministers will be sent to neighbouring countries of Ukraine to help with the evacuations. The ministers who will be flying out for the task are Hardeep Puri, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Kiren Rijiju and VK Singh.
Google Temporarily Disables Google Maps Live Traffic Data In Ukraine
Alphabet Inc's Google said on Sunday that it has temporarily disabled in Ukraine some Google Maps tools which provide live information about traffic conditions and how busy different places are, reported Reuters.
Sensex Tanks Over 1,000 Points Amid Ukraine Crisis
The BSE Sensex fell 1,004 points to 54,854, while the broader NSE Nifty moved 268 points lower to 16,390 amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Belarus Votes to Give Up Non-Nuclear Status
A referendum held in Belarus on Sunday approved a new constitution ditching the country's non-nuclear status, Reuters reported. The amendment allows nuclear weapons to return to Belarusian soil.
According to agencies, 65.16 percent of referendum participants voted in favour of a package of Constitutional reforms, which also extend the rule of leader Alexander Lukashenko, and 10.07 per cent voted against it.
Govt Sets Up Dedicate Twitter Handle to Assist in Evacuation of Indians
The Indian government has set up a dedicated Twitter handle to assist in the evacuation of Indians from Ukraine under Operation Ganga.
UN General Assembly to Hold Emergency Session at 8:30 PM
The United Nations General Assembly will hold an emergency special session at 8:30 pm on Monday. Abdulla Shahid, president of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, will preside over the Session.
Fifth Flight Carrying Indians Lands at Delhi Airport
The fifth flight, carrying 249 Indian nationals from Ukraine, landed at the Delhi airport on Monday morning. The flight had originated from Bucharest in Romania.
Rouble Plunges to Record Low
The Russian rouble plunged as low as 119 per dollar on Monday amid the Western-led campaign to punish and isolate Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
The United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Japan, Canada and Australia have all announced a list of sanctions to punish Russia.
Some banks have been blocked from using the SWIFT international payments system, Russia’s central bank is being prevented from using its foreign reserves, Russian state media's broadcasts have been banned, and Russian flights from European airspace have also been restricted.
Gujarat CM Receives Close to 100 Students at Gandhinagar
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel received close to a 100 students at Gandhinagar on Monday morning. These students had landed from Ukraine in Mumbai and Delhi and were brought to Gujarat by Volvo buses.
World's Largest Plane, Made In Ukraine, Destroyed By Russians: Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba
Russian troops, on Sunday, destroyed the largest aircraft in the world on an airfield near Kyiv, Ukraine's Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba informed.
"The biggest plane in the world "Mriya" (The Dream) was destroyed by Russian occupants on an airfield near Kyiv. We will rebuild the plane. We will fulfill our dream of a strong, free, and democratic Ukraine," tweeted Ukraine from their official Twitter handle.
"This was the world's largest aircraft, AN-225 'Mriya' ('Dream' in Ukrainian). Russia may have destroyed our 'Mriya'. But they will never be able to destroy our dream of a strong, free and democratic European state. We shall prevail!" tweeted the Foreign Minister.
EU Countries to Send Fighter Jets to Ukraine
EU countries will send fighter jets to Ukraine to help them counter the Russian air and land assault.
"We're going to provide even fighting jets. We're not talking about just ammunition. We are providing more important arms to go to a war," the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Sunday.
'Russian Army Does Not Threaten Civilians': Russia at UNSC
"The Russian Army does not threaten civilians in Ukraine, they're not shelling civilian infrastructure. A threat to civilians is now posed by Ukrainian nationalists who have effectively seized hostages to use as human shields," a representative of the Russian Federation said at the UNSC session on Sunday.
"We did not see even a hint at an attempt to reach a constructive solution at the council and yet two days ago, we blocked a draft specifically for the reason that it was both, one-sided and unbalanced. We have not seen a new initiative since then," the envoy added.
India Abstains From Voting on UNSC Resolution Calling Emergency UNGA Meet
India abstained from voting on a resolution to call for a special emergency session of the UN General Assembly, which was passed with 11 votes in the UNSC on Sunday.
"We welcome today's announcement by both sides to hold talks at the Belarus border. We continue to be deeply concerned about the safety and security of the Indian nationals including a large number of Indian students who are still stranded in Ukraine," Indian Ambassador TS Tirumurti said at UNSC.
"We reiterate our call for an immediate cessation of violence and an end to all hostilities. Our PM has advocated this strongly in his recent conversations with the leadership of the Russian Federation and Ukraine," he was quoted as saying.
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