India Abstains in UNGA on Resolution by Ukraine & Allies on Humanitarian Crisis
Catch all the updates on the Russian war on Ukraine here.
A Ukrainian firefighter sprays water inside a house destroyed by shelling in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, 23 March.
(Photo: AP/PTI)
UN General Assembly on Thursday, 24 March, approved the resolution blaming Russia for the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and called for an immediate ceasefire.
However, India once again abstained from voting. "The draft resolution didn't fully reflect our expected focus on these challenges," Ambassador TS Tirumurti, Permanent Representative of India to UN, said.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that there was a "real" threat that Moscow would use chemical weapons in Ukraine and accused Russia of using phosphorus bombs on Thursday, 24 March, reported AFP.
He also asked North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to provide Kyiv with unrestricted military support.
Meanwhile, United States would be taking in up to 100,000 Ukrainian war refugees, the White House said on Thursday. NATO leaders met in Brussels, Belgium, on Thursday.
US President Joe Biden said that NATO would continue to support Ukraine with security assistance to fight Russian aggression
NATO leaders want China to oppose Russia's invasion of Ukraine
NATO leaders extended the mandate of Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg for a year amid the Russia-Ukraine war
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the country would be providing additional 6000 missiles to Ukraine.
Russia said it was expelling US diplomats in retaliation for Washington's move to remove 12 of Moscow's representatives to the UN
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‘Make Yourselves Visible’: Zelenskyy Urges Global Protests Against Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on late Wednesday, urged global protests against Russia.
He said in a video address, "From 24 March, come with Ukrainian symbols to support Ukraine, to support freedom and life, come to your squares, to your streets, make yourselves visible and heard."
NATO Set To Provide ‘Additional Support’ to Ukraine: Secretary-General
NATO allies are set to agree on providing 'additional support' to Ukraine against nuclear and chemical threats, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg was quoted by news agency AFP.
US President Biden Arrives in Brussels
United States President Joe Biden arrived in Brussels for summits with European, G7, and NATO allies.
India Abstains From Voting on a Russia-drafted Resolution in the UNSC
India abstained from voting on a Russia-drafted resolution in the UN Security Council over a Ukraine humanitarian situation, which has been widely criticised for not referring to Russia’s invasion of the country.
The resolution failed with only China and Russia voting for it.
India’s Foreign Secretary Meets UN Secretary-General in New York
India's Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla met UN Secretary-General António Guterres at the UN Headquarters in New York.
Arindam Bagchi from the Ministry of External Affairs said in a tweet, "Discussed issues on UN Security Council’s agenda, including Ukraine, Afghanistan and Myanmar."
‘A Step Too Far’, Says Australia PM on Putin Attending the G20 Summit
Australia's prime minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday, allowing Russian President Vladimir Putin to sit with other world leaders at this year's G20 summit would be "a step too far".
Putin has already been invited to the G20 heads of state summit in November by this year's host Jakarta, and he intends to be there, Russia's ambassador to Indonesia said this week, AFP reported.
Russia Expels US Diplomats in 'Tit-for-Tat' Move
Russia on Wednesday said it was expelling US diplomats in retaliation for Washington's move to remove 12 of Moscow's representatives to the United Nations, AFP reported.
"On 23 March, a note with the list of the American diplomats declared 'persona non grata' was handed to the head of the American diplomatic mission who was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs," the ministry said in a statement.
UNGA to Take Up Resolution Condemning Russia's Actions
The UN General Assembly will vote on a resolution on Thursday that blames Russia for the escalating humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, and demands an immediate halt to hostilities, especially attacks on civilians, homes, schools and hospitals.
The resolution is backed by over 90 countries.
Russian Journalist Killed in Kyiv Amid Moscow's Offensive
A Russian journalist named Oksana Baulina was killed when Russian troops shelled a residential neighbourhood in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.
Oksana Baulina, who previously also worked for Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny's anti-corruption group, "died under fire in Kyiv" while "filming the destruction" caused by Russian shelling, The Insider said on Wednesday.
10 Percent of Turkcell's Mobile Infrastructure Disabled in Ukraine
Turkcell, which operates under the name “lifecell” in Ukraine, said in a stock exchange statement on Wednesday that around 10 percent of its 9,000 base stations in Ukraine had been disabled, adding that there had been no casualties among its workers.
The company said it had provided the necessary equipment to maintain operations and established backup data centres in Lviv and some neighbouring countries.
Russia to Partially Reopen Stock Market
Russia will reopen its stock market for limited trading, around one month after shares plunged and the exchange was shut after its invasion of Ukraine, AP reported.
There will, however, be heavy restrictions on trading on Thursday as the exchange opens to prevent a massive sell-off, like the one that took place on 24 February in anticipation of crushing financial and economic sanctions from western countries.
NATO to Reset Eastern Defences
NATO is looking to "reset" eastern defences amid the war in Ukraine, alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg said, adding that Russian President Vladimir Putin made a "big mistake" by launching military operations.
"Vladimir Putin has already crossed the red line into barbarism," said British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said.
"The harder our sanctions, the tougher our economic vice around the Putin regime, the more we can do to help the Ukrainians, I think the faster that this thing can be over," he added.
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas called on NATO to double its efforts to check Russia.
"Putin cannot win this war," she said. "We have to stop the war criminal."
High-Profile Putin Adviser Quits Amid War
Anatoly Chubais, Russia's climate envoy and advisor to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has resigned from his post and left the country, citing disagreements over Moscow's actions against Ukraine.
Chubais is the highest-ranking official to leave the Kremlin since the beginning of the war in February this year.
15,800 Russian Soldiers Killed in War: Ukraine
Russia has lost around 15,800 soldiers since its invasion began in February, Ukraine’s general staff of armed forces said in a post on Facebook.
It also added that Moscow had lost 530 tanks, 1,597 armoured vehicles, 108 planes, 124 helicopters and 50 drones.
UK Govt Announces 65 New Sanctions Against Russian Entities
The UK government has announced 65 new sanctions against a range of Russia's key strategic industries and individuals.
Thursday's sanctions target key industries supporting Russia’s illegal invasion, including Russian Railways and defence company Kronshtadt, the main producer of Russian drones. The Wagner Group – the organisation Russian mercenaries reportedly tasked with assassinating President Zelenskyy - has also been sanctioned, UK government said in a press statement.
"These oligarchs, businesses and hired thugs are complicit in the murder of innocent civilians and it is right that they pay the price," British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said.
Over Half of Ukraine's Children Displaced After Month of War: UN
The United Nations said on Thursday that "more than half of all children in Ukraine have been displaced from their homes" since Russia invaded the country on 24 February.
Germany Mulling Keeping Coal Plants Open Longer as 'Security' Backup
Germany on Thursday said it is looking at keeping its coal plants open longer to ensure energy security. This comes as Russia's invasion of Ukraine has sparked fears over power deliveries.
The country also said it would be temprarily slashing the prices of public transport to encourage commuters to ditch their cars as a response to the increasing petrol costs and reduce their dependency on Russian energy imports.
Zelenskyy Accuses Russia of Using Phosphorus Bombs in Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of using phosphorus bombs in the country, reports AFP.
"This morning, by the way, phosphorus bombs were used. Russian phosphorus bombs. Adults were killed again and children were killed again," Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy Calls for Unlimited Military Support from NATO
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asked NATO to provide Kyiv with unrestricted military support.
"To save people and our cities, Ukraine needs military assistance without restriction," he said.
UK to Provide Additional 6,000 Missiles to Ukraine
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Thursday that the country would be providing additional 6000 missiles to Ukraine.
"UK will provide additional 6,000 missiles to Ukraine, in addition to 4,000 NLAW's & Javelin missiles already supplied. Lethal defensive military aid, including Starstreak high-velocity anti-air missiles, will help Ukrainians continue to defend themselves," he said.
He said UK is providing £25 million in financial backing for the Ukrainian military, which was on top of the £400 million the country had committed in humanitarian and economic aid.
"The UK will also provide an additional £4.1 million for the BBC World Service to tackle disinformation in Russia and Ukraine, as well as new financial and policing support for the International Criminal Court’s investigation into war crimes," he added.
NATO Leaders Want China to Oppose Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
NATO leaders, who are currently in Brussels, want China to oppose Russia's invasion of Ukraine and work for a peaceful end to the conflict, a senior United States official said on Thursday, reported AFP.
US, Allies Discuss Anti-Ship Missiles for Ukraine
A United States (US) official informed that the US and its NATO allies are holding discussions on sending anti-ship missiles to Ukraine. The development comes after Russian vessels attacked Black Sea ports in Kyiv.
ICRC Chief, Russia Discuss Need to Protect Ukraine Civilians
The International Committee of the Red Cross president said on Thursday that he and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had discussed the need to protect civilians during Moscow's operations in Ukraine.
NATO Will Continue to Support Ukraine to Fight Russian Aggression: Biden
United States President said on Thursday that NATO would continue to support Ukraine with security assistance to fight Russian aggression.
"NATO leaders met today in Brussels—one month since the start of Russia’s unprovoked & unjustified invasion of Ukraine. We'll continue to support Ukraine with security assistance to fight Russian aggression & uphold their right of self-defence," he said.
NATO Extends Mandate of Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg
NATO leaders extended the mandate of Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg for a year amid the Russia-Ukraine war, reported AFP.
US to Take In Up To 100,000 Ukraine Refugees
US will be taking in up to 100,000 Ukrainian war refugees, the White House said on Thursday.
"Today, the United States is announcing plans to welcome up to 1,00,000 Ukrainians and others fleeing Russia’s aggression through the full range of legal pathways, including the US refugee admissions program," the White House said in a statement.
"Today, the US is announcing that we're prepared to provide more than $1 billion in new funding towards humanitarian assistance for those affected by Russia’s war in Ukraine, including a marked rise in food insecurity, over the coming months," the White House further said.
"This funding will provide food, shelter, clean water, medical supplies, and other forms of assistance. We are also announcing an additional $320 million in democracy and human rights funding to Ukraine and its neighbors."
G7 Calls for Intl Organisations to Review Ties with Russia
G7 countries called for international organisations to review ties with Russia, a US official said, reported AFP. G7 also wants to halt Russian gold transactions.
G7 also said its ready to apply 'additional sanctions as required' against Russia and will 'spare no efforts' to hold Putin, 'supporters' accountable.
'Have Activated our Chemical, Biological, & Nuclear Defence Elements': NATO Chief
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Thursday, 24 March, said Russia "might use the pretext of NATO preparing for a biological attack to carry out the same in Ukraine".
"We are concerned. If it happens, it'll change the nature of the conflict. It won't just affect Ukraine but also NATO countries," he said.
"NATO allies have agreed to supply weapons to Ukraine to tackle such attacks. We have activated our chemical, biological, and nuclear defence elements," he added.
He said that China should join the rest of world in condemning Russia's actions.
"Our message to China is that they should join the rest of the world and condemn the brutal war against Ukraine and should neither support Russia economically nor militarily."
3.7 Mn People Have Fled Ukraine in the Last Month: UN's Refugee Agency
Almost 3.7 million people have fled Ukraine since the war began on 24 February, according to the UN's refugee agency, reports AFP.
UNGA Approves Resolution Blaming Russia For Humanitarian Crisis in Ukraine, India Abstains
UN General Assembly has approved the resolution which blames Russia for the humanitarian crisis in the country and has called for an immediate ceasefire.
India once again abstained from voting on the resolution.
"India abstained on the resolution since what we require now is to focus on cessation of hostilities & urgent humanitarian assistance. The draft resolution didn't fully reflect our expected focus on these challenges," Ambassador TS Tirumurti, Permanent Representative of India to UN, said.
Real Threat Russia Will Use Chemical Weapons in Ukraine: Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Thursday that there is a "real" threat that Moscow will use chemical weapons in Ukraine. He also accused Russia of having already used phosphorus bombs against civilians in the country.