Ukraine & Russia Hold 3rd Round of Talks; Airstrikes Leave 13 Dead in Makariv
Catch all the live updates on the Russia-Ukraine tensions here.
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February.
(Photo: PTI)
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine entered its 12th day, the Russian military announced a ceasefire on 7 March in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Mariupol for the evacuation of civilians, Russian media outlet Sputnik reported.
But Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said these corridors were still not open as nearly 300,000 civilians wait to be evacuated from Mariupol, which is under assault from Russian troops.
Around 700 Indian students are stranded in Sumy as well amid intense fighting.
In a phone conversation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold direct talks with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Meanwhile, Russia boycotted the International Court of Justice hearing at the Hague where Ukraine accused Russia of falsely claiming that acts of genocide have occurred in Luhansk and Donetsk to justify war.
Airstrikes leave 13 people dead in Makariv
Ukraine and Russia delegations hold a third round of talks at 4 pm local time (14:00 GMT)
The ICJ hearing on Ukraine's application accusing Russia of "defiling the Genocide Convention" ends
PM Modi speaks to President Zelenskyy, thanks him for Ukraine's help in the evacuation of Indian nationals
Russia announced a ceasefire in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Mariupol to open a humanitarian corridor
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US Asks Citizens to Leave Russia
The US state department warned US citizens on 6 March to leave Russia immediately, with the official reason being the new law introduced by the Vladimir Puting government that criminalises the spread of "false information" about the invasion.
UK Intel Says Russia Made 'Minimal Advances'
The report also acknowledged that a "high level of Russian air and artillery strikes” have continued to hit military and civilian sites in Ukrainian cities over the past 24 hours."
Modi to Speak to Zelenskyy Today: Reports
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will speak to the Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on the phone today, according to government sources.
US Congress May Enact $10bn Aid Package This Week
US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced on 6 March that Congress wants to enact a humanitarian, economic and military aid package worth $10 billion, in order to support Ukraine.
The package may be introduced "this week".
She also said that the House of Representatives was "exploring strong legislation" that would ban oil imports from Russia.
'We Will Not Forgive': Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, in an intense nightly address to the nation, warned Russian troops that he will punish those who committed atrocities in his country.
"Today is Forgiveness Sunday. But we will not forgive. Hundreds and hundreds of victims. Thousands and thousands of sufferings. And God will not forgive. Not today. Not tomorrow. Never. And instead of Forgiveness, there will be a Day of Judgment," the president said, as quoted by The Guardian.
Indian Student Shot at in Kyiv Enters Poland
Harjot Singh, an Indian national who sustained multiple bullet injuries in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv, entered Poland on Monday, 7 March.
Puneet Singh Chandhok, who is the president of the Indian World Forum, said that "Harjot Singh has crossed the border and entered Poland. Indian diplomats [were] present with him. He has been shifted into an ambulance provided by Polish Red Cross on the border."
Australia's PM Urges China to Act on Russia
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison stated on Monday, 7 March, that China must stick to its declarations regarding the promotion of world peace, and join the global effort to stop Russia from destroying Ukraine.
"China has long claimed to have a role as one of the major powers in the world and to be a contributor to global peace and stability. No country will have a bigger impact on concluding this terrible war in Ukraine than China," Morrison said, as quoted by Reuters.
Russia Warns Nations Against Hosting Ukraine's Aircraft
The Russian Defence Ministry on 6 March warned Ukraine's neighbouring nations, including Romania, against hosting a Ukranian combat aircraft, claiming that it could lead to armed conflict.
"We know for sure that Ukrainian combat aircraft have flown to Romania and other neighbouring countries. The use of the airfield network of these countries for basing Ukrainian military aviation with the subsequent use of force against Russia's army can be regarded as the involvement of these states in an armed conflict," defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said, as quoted by AFP.
New Zealand to Slap New Sanctions on Russia
The New Zealand government, led by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, said on Monday, 7 March, that it would apply sweeping new sanctions on Russian "people, services, companies, and assets related to those in Russia who are responsible for or associated with the invasion, or that are of economic or strategic relevance to Russia, including oligarchs".
Ukraine Says Rocket Attacks Coming in From Belarus
The Ukrainian military has reported that the Russian military is continuing its rocket and artillery strikes on Ukrainian settlements from Belarusian territory.
The general staff of the Ukrainian armed forces, in a report, claimed that Russia continues to "violate the rules of international humanitarian law" by shelling as well as deploying equipment and ammunition in civilian neighbourhoods.
The report also stated that the city of Irpin (on the outskirts of Kyiv) has been "deprived of light, water and heat for more than three days".
PM Modi to Speak to Putin Today: Reports
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reportedly speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the phone today, according to sources in the Government to India.
Blinken Says Ukrainians Have Plans if President Gets Killed
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken claimed on 6 March that Ukrainians have plans in place to ensure continuance of the government if President Zelenskyy gets killed.
The Ukrainian government shall continue to be in place "one way or the other", Blinken said on the CBS show Face The Nation.
Russia Announces Ceasefire to Open Humanitarian Corridor
The Russian military has announced a ceasefire in Kyiv, Kharkov, Sumy and Mariupol for the evacuation of civilians, Sputnik (a Russian media outlet) reported.
The report added that French President Emmanuel Macron had requested the ceasefire for humanitarian purposes.
"Given the catastrophic humanitarian situation and its sharp aggravation in the cities of Kyiv, Kharkov, Sumy and Mariupol, as well as at the personal request of the President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron to the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, the Russian Armed Forces announce a ceasefire and open humanitarian corridors from 10.00 [07:00 GMT] March 7, 2022," the statement said.
Spicejet Evacuation Flight Arrives From Budapest
A SpiceJet special evacuation flight from Budapest arrived at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on the morning of Monday, 7 March, with 162 Indian nationals accompanied by Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, according to a press statement released by SpiceJet.
Akhilesh Yadav Hits Out at BJP Over 'Operation Ganga'
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav questioned the "international recognition" that he claimed the BJP was boasting about with respect to the Indian government's evacuation of Indian students stranded in Ukraine.
"Don't know which international recognition they boast about. They (BJP-led Centre) failed to evacuate Indians, named evacuation op 'Operation Ganga' because polls in Varanasi too. Had they rescued our people from Ukraine directly I would've appreciated it", Yadav said, as quoted by ANI news agency.
Modi Thanks Zelenskyy for Help With Evacuation
Prime Minister Modi spoke on the phone to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for about 35 minutes.
Both leaders discussed the situation in Ukraine, with PM Modi calling for continued dialogue between Russia and Ukraine.
He also thanked President Zelensky for the help extended by the Ukrainian government in the evacuation of Indian nationals, and sought continued support for the ongoing evacuation efforts in Sumy.
Congress Calls for 'Geographically Defined Humanitarian Corridors'
Expressing grave concern for the situation in Ukraine, the Congress Party appealed for the "immediate end to all hostilities & creation of geographically defined humanitarian corridors for safe evacuation respected by both sides", as quoted by ANI news agency.
The party also urged sincere negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, and warned the Indian government against "indulging in partisan propaganda".
Ukraine Says Russia Targeting Communication Infrastructure
Russia is "probably targeting" Ukraine's communication infrastructure to reduce the Ukrainian people's access to reliable news, according to the UK's defence ministry.
"Russia is probably targeting Ukraine’s communications infrastructure in order to reduce Ukrainian citizens’ access to reliable news and information", a report from the ministry stated.
"Ukrainian internet access is also highly likely being disrupted as a result of collateral damage from Russian strikes on infrastructure," the report added.
More Than Million Refugees Have Fled to Poland
The Polish Border Guard has stated that a total of around 1.067 million Ukrainians have fled to Poland since the Russian assault on Ukraine began on 24 February, with just above 1,40,000 arriving on 6 March alone.
Anonymous Says It Has Hacked Into Russian TV Channels
The hacking collective Anonymous claimed on 7 March that it has hacked into the Russian streaming services Wink and Ivi, and also into live TV channels like Russia 24, Channel One, Moscow 24, in order to broadcast authentic footage from Ukraine.
It also said that its 'hacktivists' are broadcasting troll faces on Russian military radio.
China Says Friendship With Russia 'Rock-Solid'
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday, 7 March, that the friendship between China and Russia was "rock-solid" despite international outrage against Russia for invading Ukraine.
"The friendship between the two peoples is rock-solid, and both sides' future cooperation prospects are very vast," Wang said during a press briefing.
Beijing was "willing to work with the international community to carry out necessary mediation, when necessary", he added, as quoted by AFP.
Ukraine to Approach ICJ
Ukraine, on Monday, 7 March, will ask the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which is one of the six principle organs of the United Nations, to issue an emergency ruling that would require Russia to stop its invasion.
Kyiv is expected to argue that Moscow's justification for the attack – "to protect people who have been subjected to bullying and genocide" – is based on an opportunistic and faulty interpretation of genocide law.
'India Appreciates the Assistance': Zelenskyy on Call With Modi
After his phone call with PM Modi, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he "informed Indian PM Modi about Ukraine countering Russian aggression".
"India appreciates the assistance to its citizens during the war & Ukraine's commitment to direct peaceful dialogue at the highest level. Grateful for the support to the Ukrainian people", he added in a tweet.
Airstrike Reported at Vinnytsia Airport, 9 Dead
Nine people have been killed in an airstrike at an airport in Vinnytsia, according rescuers present at the scene, AFP reported.
UK PM Asks World Leaders for 'Focussed Engagement' Against Russia
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday, 7 March, called for a "focussed engagement" with world leaders to mobilise global outrage at the "atrocities of Russian aggression".
"In the time since Russia's illegal and brutal assault we have seen the world stand up tall in solidarity with the indomitable people of Ukraine," the prime minister added.
Rouble Drops to New Record Low
Russia's rouble has plummeted to a new record low as local markets closed for trading until at least 9 March, Reuters reported on Monday, 7 March.
It dropped to 130.9338 against the dollar after closing at 121.037 on 4 March.
On EBS (an electronic trading platform used to trade in the foreign exchange market), the rouble reduced to 140.00 against the dollar.
Russia Backs Idea of Meeting to Protect Nuclear Facilities
Russia backs UN atomic watchdog chief Rafael Grossi's idea of a trilateral meeting with Ukraine to ensure the safety of nuclear facilities there during Russia's invasion, but not in Chernobyl.
“I believe Chernobyl is not the best place for such a meeting. There are numerous capitals in the world," Russia’s ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mikhail Ulyanov, told reporters on Monday.
Russia Declines to Attend ICJ Hearing
Moscow has declined to attend the hearing at the International Court of Justice on Monday, 7 March, at which Kyiv is demanding an immediate order to halt the invasion, the head judge said, according an AFP report.
Russia No-Show at ICJ Hearing
The ICJ is hearing an application by Ukraine which contends that “the Russian Federation has falsely claimed that acts of genocide in Luhansk and Donetsk" to justify a ‘special military operation against Ukraine’.
In the hearing Ukraine asked the ICJ to order Russia to "immediately suspend military operations".
But the court hearing went ahead without a legal representation for Russia since the country boycotted the ICJ hearings.
While the court said that it regretted the country's non-attendance, Korynevych said, “The fact that Russia's seats are empty speaks loudly. They are not here in this court of law: they are on a battlefield waging an aggressive war against my country."
Read more here.
Evacuation Efforts Stalled in Ukraine's Sumy Amid Ceasefire Violation: Reports
Evacuation efforts were stalled in Ukraine's Sumy on Monday, 7 March, amid ceasefire violation, according to media reports.
Indian students who stranded at a medical college hostel in Sumy were told by the Indian Embassy to "be ready to leave on short notice", earlier on 6 March, Sunday.
But a student confirmed to The Quint that while they were getting into the bus they were suddenly told that the Russians had cancelled the ceasefire. So they had to come back to the hostel again and the buses left without them.
Ukrainian Delegation Says ICJ Has a Responsibility to Act
Citing Article IX of the Genocide Convention, the Ukrainian delegation argued that the ICJ has jurisdiction to adjudicate the matter.
"If Russia will not return to international law on its own, the Court has the power to act. With respect, the Court has responsibility to act. Russia consented to your jurisdiction under the Genocide Convention," they argued.
Read more here.
Third Round of Talks To Be Held
A third round of talks between Ukraine and Russia delegation will start at 4 pm local time (14:00 GMT), AP reported.
Ukrainian and Russian Foreign Ministers Agree To Meet in Turkey
Ukrainian and Russian foreign ministers have agreed to meet in Antalya, Turkey, a NATO member which shares a border with both the countries.
The meeting will be held on Thursday, 10 March.
Russia Making Efforts To Evacuates Indians in Sumy: Embassy
Russian military personnel is making every effort to ensure the evacuation of the Indian citizens from Sumy, the Russian Embassy in India said.
The country announced a ceasefire to open corridors from the cities of Kharkiv, Mariupol, and Sumy. But Ukraine has decried the move as "immoral" as fleeing civilians would only be allowed to leave for Belarus or Russia, as per ANI.
Flight With Indian Students Lands in Delhi
A special flight carrying Indian students, including Harjot Singh, who was shot in Kyiv, lands in Delhi, reported PTI.
Russian Shelling Preventing Evacuation: Ukraine
Ukraine says Russian shelling is preventing the evacuation of civilians from Kyiv, Mariupol, Sumy, Kharkiv, Volnovakha, and Mykolayiv.
ICJ Hearing Ends
After Ukraine presented its arguments, president of ICJ Judge Joan Donoghue said that the court would render its decision soon.
Third Round of Talks Begin
Russian and Ukrainian delegations hold third round of talks in Belarus.
Russian Forces Damaged 202 Schools and 34 Hospitals
Russian forces have damaged or destroyed 202 schools and 34 hospitals in Ukraine, according to Mykhailo Podoliak, the Ukrainian presidential adviser.
Canada To Impose Sanctions on 10 Russians 'Complicit' in Ukraine Invasion
At a press conference in London, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada will impose new sanctions on 10 individuals 'complicit' in this 'unjustified invasion' of Ukraine.
“This includes former and current senior government officials, oligarchs and supporters of the Russian leadership,” he said.
Airstrike Kills 13 Civilians in Makariv
An airstrike in the Ukrainian town of Makariv in the Kyiv region left 13 civilians dead in a bread factory, local emergency services said in an online statement.
A total around 30 people were believed to have been inside the factory before the attack too place.
UK To Give £175m More to Ukraine
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the United Kingdom will give £175m more to Ukraine as aid.
Ukraine Says It Helped Evacuate 20,000 Indians
Since Russia’s invasion, Ukrainian government has assisted with the evacuation of 1,46,000 foreign citizens, including 20,000 Indian students from the besieged cities, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said.
Russia must cease fire immediately to open humanitarian corridors for civilians in Sumy, Kharkiv, Mariupol, it said.