26 Flights Over Next 3 Days to Bring Back Indians From Ukraine: Foreign Secy
Catch all the live updates on the Russia-Ukraine war here.
Catch all the live updates on the Russia-Ukraine war here.
(Photo: The Quint)
As Russia's war on Ukraine continued for the sixth day on Tuesday, 1 March, the second round of talks between the two countries have reportedly been planned for 2 March.
Eight people died from a Russian air strike on a residential block in Kharkiv city later on Tuesday. This came amidst reports of air strikes and bombings from across the country, and a Russian shelling incident in Kharkiv's Freedom Square earlier in the day.
Calling it “frank, undisguised terror", Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the action as a war crime on Tuesday. “Nobody will forgive. Nobody will forget. ... This is state terrorism of the Russian Federation," he added.
Amid the fighting, Zelenskyy on Monday, had signed an official request to join the European Union under a special procedure.
A total of 406 civilian deaths were recorded in Ukraine until 27 February night, the United Nations said on Monday
Talks held at the Belarus border between officials from Russia and Ukraine reportedly ended with the agreement to continue negotiations
The UN General Assembly held an Emergency Special Session on the Ukraine crisis on Monday, urging all parties for an immediate ceasefire
A White House official asserted the US's reluctance towards implementing a no-fly zone over Ukraine, which they said would result in a US-Russia confrontation
More than 70 Ukrainian soldiers were killed after Russian artillery hit a military base in Okhtyrka, a city between Kharkiv and Kyiv
Satellite images indicate that a 40 miles-long (64 km) Russian military convoy is approaching capital city Kyiv from the north
26 Flights Scheduled Over Next 3 Days to Bring Back Indians: Foreign Secy
26 flights have been scheduled over the next three days to bring out Indian citizens from Ukraine. Apart from Bucharest and Budapest, airports in Poland and Slovak Republic will also be used to operate evacuation flights, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said.
All Indian Nationals Have Left Kyiv, Says Foreign Secretary
Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Tuesday said that all Indian nationals have left Kyiv.
"The information with us is that we have no more nationals left in Kyiv, nobody has contacted us from Kyiv since. All our inquiries reveal that each and every one of our nationals has come out of Kyiv," he said.
Shringla said that there were an estimated 20,000 Indian students in Ukraine at the time of the first advisory.
"From that number approximately 12,000 have since left Ukraine, which is 60 percent of the total number of our citizens in Ukraine," he said.
"Of the remaining 40 percent, roughly half remain in the conflict zone in Kharkiv, Sumy area and the other half have either reached the western borders of Ukraine or are heading towards the western part of Ukraine," he added.
Russian Forces Attack Television Tower in Kyiv
Russian forces have attacked a television tower in Ukraine's capital Kyiv, potentially disrupting its signal, Ukrainian Interior Ministry adviser Anton Herashchenko said, reported Reuters.
8 Dead in Russia Strike on Residential Block in Kharkiv
Eight people have died from a Russian air strike on a residential block in Kharkiv city, news agency AFP quoted Ukraine's emergency services as saying.
US Suggests Revoking Russia's UN Rights Council Membership
Addressing the UN human rights council, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken suggested that Russia should be stripped of UN Human Rights Council membership.
He added that Putin's success in ousting Ukraine government would see rights crises and humanitarian crises 'only get worse'.
SBI Refuses to Process Transactions Involving Russian Entities
India's top lender, State Bank of India (SBI) refused to process any transactions involving Russian entities, in view of the international sanctions imposed on the nation amidst its Ukrainian offensive.
"No transactions involving entities, banks, ports or vessels appearing on a US, European Union or United Nations sanctions list shall be processed irrespective of the currency of the transaction", Reuters quoted a letter sent by SBI to some clients.
As per an SBI official, the bank has "a significant international presence and we need to comply with US and EU regulations as we are present in those jurisdictions and we cannot be seen as not adhering to these rules."
Russia, Ukraine to Hold 2nd Round of Talks on 2 March
The second round of Russia-Ukraine talks are planned for 2 March, Russia's TASS news agency reported on Tuesday, quoting a source.
'It is Going to be Difficult': EU Official on Ukraine's Appeal for Membership
The chairman of European Union Charles Michel on Tuesday indicated that the bloc will have to seriously look at Ukraine’s request for EU membership and respond to Kyiv’s “legitimate” request.
Michel said in the European parliament, "It is going to be difficult, we know there are different views in Europe.The council (of EU governments) will have to seriously look at the symbolic, political and legitimate request that has been made and make the appropriate choice in a determined and clear-headed manner," the Guardian reported.
PM Modi Chairs High-Level Meet on Ukraine Crisis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the fourth high-level meeting on the Ukraine Crisis on Tuesday.
Evicting Russia From UNSC Among 'All Options': UK
The United Kingdom has said that evicting Russia from one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council is among 'all options' on table, AFP reported.
Zelenskyy's Address Receives Standing Ovation at European Parliament
As Russian entered its sixth day of offensive against Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received a standing ovation for his address at European Parliament.
"We're fighting for our land and our freedom despite the fact that all our cities are now blocked. Nobody is going to break us, we're strong, we're Ukrainians," he said on Tuesday.
"It's a tragedy for Ukraine and very high price. We are giving away our best people, the strongest ones. We fight for survival. But also to be equal with you. Do prove that you are with us. Prove that you indeed are Europeans," the President added.
'State Terrorism of Russian Federation': Zelenskyy on Kharkiv Bombardment
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described Russia's shelling of Kharkiv as in war crime and as 'frank, undisguised terror'.
“Nobody will forgive. Nobody will forget. ... This is state terrorism of the Russian Federation," he added.
Belarus Joins Russian Invasion of Ukraine: Ukrainian Official
Belarus joined the invasion of Ukraine, with President Lukashenko's troops entering the country from the Chernihiv region in northern Ukraine, a Ukrainian Parliament official said on Tuesday.
West to Keep Up Sanctions Against Russia 'Indefinitely': UK PM
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Tuesday said that the West would keep up with sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin's regime 'indefinitely' after its invasion of Ukraine.
Russian, Belarus Ice Skaters Barred From Int'l Competitions
Russian and Belarus ice skaters have been barred from all competitions over Russia's onslaught of Ukraine, the International Skating Union announced on Tuesday.
Ukraine PM Zelenskyy to Address European Parliament Today
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will address the European Parliament virtually on Tuesday, AFP quoted the the legislature's speaker as saying.
Russia to Pursue Ukraine Offensive Until 'All Goals' Are Achieved: Defence Min Sergei Shoigu
Russia will pursue the Ukraine offensive until 'all goals' achieved, news agency AFP quoted the country's defence minister Sergei Shoigu as saying.
Further, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Ukraine still has Soviet nuclear technology, adding that Moscow cannot "fail to respond to this danger," Reuters reported.
Indian Student Killed Amid Shelling in Kharkiv: MEA
According to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, an Indian student was killed during shelling in Kharkiv city on Tuesday morning. "The Ministry is in touch with his family," the statement added.
Russian Outlets RT Media & Sputnik Blocked in Europe
YouTube has blocked channels linked to Russian state-owned media outlets RT and Sputnik across Europe.
"Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, we’re blocking YouTube channels connected to RT and Sputnik across Europe, effective immediately. It’ll take time for our systems to fully ramp up. Our teams continue to monitor the situation around the clock to take swift action," YouTube owner Google said in a statement.
UK Imposes Sanctions on Russian Top Leder Sberbank
Britain's Treasury has said that it is adding top lender Sberbank to its list of Russian entities sanctioned over the invasion of Ukraine, AFP reported.
Ukrainian City Mariupol Loses Electricity After Russian Attacks
The east Ukrainian city of Mariupol has lost electricity after Russian attacks, AFP reported.
Flight From Romania Carrying Indian Nationals Reaches Delhi
A flight carrying Indian nationals who were stranded in Ukraine has arrived in Delhi from Romania. The returnees were received by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
"I welcome all the countrymen who have been brought back from Ukraine. I am happy that everyone has a smile on their face," he said in a tweet.
Russian Bomb Targets Kharkiv's Central Square, Administration Building
Russian forces have struck Independence Square in central Kharkiv with a powerful explosion. A purported video of the event shows the blast detonating in front of the headquarters of the Kharkiv Oblast government.
At least six people were injured, including a child, CNN reported, citing Ukraine's State Emergency Service.
"Barbaric Russian missile strikes on the central Freedom Square and residential districts of Kharkiv. Putin is unable to break Ukraine down. He commits more war crimes out of fury, murders innocent civilians. The world can and must do more. INCREASE PRESSURE, ISOLATE RUSSIA FULLY!" Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in a tweet.
At least 11 civilians had died after heavy shelling in Kharkiv on Monday.
3.5 Lakh People Have Fled To Poland From Ukraine: Polish Minister
Around 3,50,000 people have entered Poland from Ukraine since the Russian invasion began, Poland’s deputy interior minister said, as per The Guardian.
PM Modi Asks IAF to Join Evacuation Efforts: Reports
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the Indian Air Force (IAF) to join the efforts being undertaken to evacuate Indian nationals stranded in war-ridden Ukraine, ANI reported, citing sources.
The IAF is likely to deploy several C-17 aircraft from Tuesday onwards to evacuate Indians, and will also help in delivery of humanitarian aid, sources told PTI.
5,710 Russian Casualties So Far, Ukraine Claims
A total of 5,710 Russian casualties have been recorded so far, the Ukrainian military claimed on Tuesday. Further, it said that 29 Russian planes and 198 tanks have been destroyed.
Minister Hardeep Puri En Route to Budapest for Evacuation Efforts
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is en route to Budapest to oversee the evacuation efforts to bring back Indian nationals, especially students, who are stranded in Ukraine.
"All set to bring back our young students back home safely. Enroute to Budapest with a refuelling stop in Istanbul with the ever efficient 6E boys & girls," he said in a tweet, sharing a photo from the special IndiGo flight.
'Great Risk of Civilian Casualties Due to Russian Use of Artillery in Urban Areas': UK Defence Report
The UK Ministry of Defence, in an intelligence update on the situation in war-ridden Ukraine, has said that the Russian military has made "little progress" in its approach towards Kyiv, and that its use of artillery in urban areas poses high risk of civilian casualties.
"The Russian advance on Kyiv has made little progress over the past 24 hours probably as a result of continuing logistical difficulties. The Russian forces have increased their use of artillery north of Kyiv and in the vicinities of Kharkiv and Chernihiv. The use of heavy artillery in densely populated urban areas greatly increases the risk of civilian casualties."
"Russia has failed to gain control of the airspace over Ukraine prompting a shift to night operations in an attempt to reduce their losses," the intelligence report added.
'Leave Kyiv Urgently Today, by Any Means Available': Indian Embassy in Ukraine
"Advisory to Indians in Kyiv: All Indian nationals including students are advised to leave Kyiv urgently today. Preferably by available trains or through any other means available," the Indian embassy in Ukraine said on Tuesday.
The warning comes as Russian military forces close in on the capital city.
SpiceJet To Send Special Flight to Slovakia for Evacuation, Minister Kiren Rijiju To Go
SpiceJet will operate a special evacuation flight to Kosice, Slovakia on Tuesday to bring back Indian nationals stranded in Ukraine, ANI reported.
Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju is travelling to Kosice as a special envoy of the Indian government to oversee the evacuation.
Russian Army Reaches Outskirts of Southern Ukrainian City: Mayor
The Russian army has reached the outskirts of the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, as per the city's mayor.
Mayor Igor Kolykhayev said in a Facebook post: “The Russian army is setting up checkpoints at the entrances of Kherson. Kherson has been and will stay Ukrainian.”
Over 70 Ukrainian Soldiers Dead in Military Base Between Kyiv & Kharkiv: Official
More than 70 Ukrainian soldiers were killed after Russian artillery hit a military base in Okhtyrka, a city between Kharkiv and Kyiv, the head of the region Dmytro Zhyvytskyy has said, the AP reported.
US Expels 12 Russian Diplomats From UN for Espionage
The United States announced Monday said that it is expelling 12 members of the Russian Mission at the United Nations, accusing them of being "intelligence operatives" engaged in espionage.
The US Mission to the United Nations said in a statement that the Russian diplomats "have abused their privileges of residency in the United States by engaging in espionage activities that are adverse to our national security."
Disney Pauses Release of Theatrical Films in Russia
The Walt Disney Co said on Monday that it is pausing the release of theatrical films in Russia, including the upcoming Pixar Animation Studios release, "Turning Red," citing the "unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the tragic humanitarian crisis," Reuters reported.
NASA Exploring Ways To Keep International Space Station Without Russian Help
NASA is exploring ways to keep the International Space Station in orbit without Russian help, but doesn't see any immediate signs Moscow is withdrawing from the collaboration following the invasion of Ukraine, a senior official was quoted as saying by news agency AFP on Monday.
Last week, Russia's space chief Dmitry Rogozin raised the prospect of pulling out of the partnership in response to US sanctions. While the US side of the ISS supplies power and life support, Russia is responsible for propulsion and keeping the station afloat.
'Have a Close Relationship With India': US Official on India's Abstention From Voting at UNSC Meet
On being asked about India's abstention from voting in favour of Ukraine at the UNSC meeting, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said, "We have a very close relationship with India and have regular engagements with our Indian partners... So at every level in multiple fora, we have had discussions about this," news agency ANI reported.
Ukraine Opens Doors to Foreigners Willing to Join its Defence
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has temporarily lifted the requirement for entry visas for any foreigner willing to join Ukraine’s International Defense Legion and fight on Ukraine’s side against invading Russian troops, the AP reports.
The decree will remain in effect as long as martial law is in place.
Russia Has Fallen Behind Its Timeline, Battle for Kyiv Will Be Long & Bloody: Points From US Classified Briefing
UN Senator Chris Murphy said in a tweet that the Russians have fallen behind their timeline in their military invasion of Ukraine.
"Just leaving classified briefing on Ukraine crisis. A few takeaways that I can share: Confirmation that the Russians have fallen behind their timeline. Ukrainian resistance has been fierce and there have been multiple Russian equipment and logistics failures," he said, posting a series of tweets.
"The ability to keep supply lines running to Ukraine remains alive, but Russia will try to encircle and cut off Kiev in the next several weeks. The fight for Kiev will be long and bloody and Ukrainians are rapidly preparing for street to street combat," he stated.
"There's been a lot of loose talk from smart people about "close air support" and "no fly zones" for Ukraine. Let's just be clear what that is - the US and Russia at war. It's a bad idea and Congress would never authorize it," he clarified.
India's 1st Consignment of Relief Supplies to Ukraine To Be Despatched Today
India's first consignment of relief supplies to Ukraine "to deal with the humanitarian situation on Ukraine’s borders" will be despatched on Tuesday, as per the prime minister's office.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday has chaired a high level meeting to review the evacuation efforts to bring back Indians stranded in Ukraine. Four Union Ministers, including Hardeep Singh Puri and Jyotiraditya Scindia, are being sent to Ukraine's neighbouring countries as India's envoys to oversee the evacuation process.
Evacuations Flights Leave Budapest & Bucharest With Over 400 Indian Nationals
The eighth and ninth flights of the Operation Ganga, under which Indian nationals are being evacuated from war-ridden Ukraine, have departed from Budapest and Bucharest to Delhi.
'If Ukraine Doesn't Survive, UN Doesn't Survive': Ukrainian Ambassador at UNGA
The Ukrainian representative, Sergiy Kyslytsya said at the UN General Assembly session on Monday: "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."
Remarking that for the first time since the UN was established, a full-fledged war was unfolding in the centre of Europe, he said, "Now it is time to act, time to help Ukraine, that is paying the ultimate price for freedom and security for itself and of the world."
'Call for Immediate End to Violence': India at UNGA Session
At the Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) held on Monday, 28 February, India called for an immediate cessation of violence and an end to hostilities in Ukraine.
"India is deeply concerned that the situation in Ukraine continues to deteriorate. We reiterate our call for immediate cessation of violence and end to hostilities," India's Ambassador to the UN TS Tirumurti said.
Tirumurti further said that the evacuation of Indian nationals, especially students, stuck in Ukraine, remains the nation's top priority.
EU Imposes More Sanctions on Russia, Kremlin Spokesperson on the List
The EU on Monday announced further sanctions on Russia for waging war against Ukraine, imposing a ban on transactions with the Russian Central Bank and harsh economic measures for certain individuals, including Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
The listings include oligarchs and businessmen active in the oil trade, banking and finance sectors, government members, high-level military people, and "propagandists who contributed to spread anti-Ukrainian propaganda," the EU said in a statement.
Zelenskyy Calls for a No-Fly Zone for Russia, US Demurs
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on Monday said that it is time for the West to consider imposing a no-fly zone for Russian missiles, planes, and helicopters, in response to Russian shelling of Kharkiv.
He has also sought a ban on Russia from all global airports and ports
However, White House press secretary Jen Psaki asserted the US's reluctance towards the move, telling reporters that implementing a no-fly zone over Ukraine would be a step toward sending US troops to fight Russia, international media reported.
Russia Used Banned Vacuum Bomb Against Ukraine: Kyiv's Ambassador
Kyiv’s ambassador to the US Oksana Markarova has said that Russia had used a vacuum bomb in Ukraine on Monday.
“They used the vacuum bomb today, which is actually prohibited by the Geneva convention,” Markarova said after a meeting with US legislators, as per Al Jazeera. “The devastation that Russia is trying to inflict on Ukraine is large,” she added.
US Has Promised More Arms & Sanctions: Ukraine Foreign Minister
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has said that the US has promised more arms for Ukraine and more sanctions for Russia.
"In our call, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirmed that the US support for Ukraine remains unfaltering. I underscored that Ukraine craves for peace, but as long as we are under Russia’s assault we need more sanctions and weapons. Secretary assured me of both. We coordinated further steps," he said in a tweet.
Putin Willing To Stop Attacking Civilians: France
Russian President Vladimir Putin told his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Monday that he is “willing” to commit to a ceasefire, reported The Guardian.
Macron, who spoke to Putin upon the request of the Ukrainian government, also reiterated the demand to halt the Russian offensive, the French presidential office Élysée Palace said.
Russian Military Column Outside Kyiv Stretches to 40 Miles
Satellite images taken on Monday show a Russian military convoy north of Kyiv that stretches for about 40 miles in an area north-west of Kyiv.
It is substantially longer than the 17 miles reported earlier in the day, according to the US company Maxar, Reuters reports.
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