Ukraine Has Never Threatened or Attacked Anyone: Foreign Min Kuleba at UNGA Meet
Catch all the live updates on the Russia-Ukraine tensions here.
Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden.
(Photo: Chetan Bhakuni/The Quint)
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba on Wednesday, 23 February, said that 40 million Ukrainians only want to live in peace and solidarity, Russia's accusations of Ukraine were absurd and that Ukraine had never threatened or attacked anyone.
Kuleba was addressing the United Nations General Assembly, which met to discuss the "situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine".
Earlier, United States President Joe Biden said that the US and its allies had no intention of fighting Russia but would defend every inch of NATO territory.
His statement came shortly after Russia began evacuating its diplomatic staff from Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Russia’s defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, and the commanders-in-chief of the Russian Air Force and Black Sea Fleet are expected to be targeted in EU sanctions to be announced later on Wednesday.
Earlier in the day, Ukraine's top security official said that the country would be introducing a state of emergency in all Ukrainian territory apart from Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The state of emergency would last 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days, the official further said, as per Reuters.
On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden had announced that the US was imposing sanctions on two major Russian state-owned financial institutions – VEB and Russia’s military bank – in response to Russia's upper house voting to allow President Vladimir Putin to use the Russian Army abroad to support the Ukrainian separatists.
While announcing the sanctions, Biden commented on the recognition of the independence of two rebel-held areas of the Donetsk and Lugansk in Ukraine and said, "This is the beginning of a Russian invasion of Ukraine. Who in the Lord’s name does Putin think gives him the right to declare new so-called 'countries' on territory that belonged to his neighbours?"
Japan and Canada have also announced sanctions on Russia a day after Moscow recognised the Ukraine separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent. Meanwhile, China's foreign ministry said on Wednesday that it opposes any sanctions on Russia.
Putin has blamed NATO for "pumping modern weapons and ammunition" into Ukraine and warned against Ukraine joining NATO, a move it feels brings Western Europe closer to the Russian borders
Both NATO and Ukraine have rejected this demand
Air India plane brought 240 Indians from Ukraine to Delhi airport.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday said that as a long-feared Russian invasion of Ukraine appeared imminent, he would stop the approval process of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia, in view of the crisis
The UK had announced a series of sanctions against Russia on Tuesday, including on five banks that have had their assets frozen, along with three Russian billionaires - who will also be hit with UK travel bans
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Air India Plane Brings 240 Indians From Ukraine
Air India special flight carrying around 242 passengers from Ukraine reached Delhi on the early hours of Wednesday.
On arrival, one of the students pursuing MBBS in Ukraine told ANI, "I was staying far from the border area so the situation was normal there, returned after the advisory issued by Indian Embassy."
Japan Imposes Sanctions on Russia
Japane Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said on Wednesday that Japan has imposed sanctions on Russia over its actions in Ukraine, including prohibiting the issuance of Russian bonds in Japan and freezing the assets of certain Russian individuals, Reuters reported.
He added that Russia's actions had violated Ukraine's sovereignty and called on Russia to return to diplomatic discussions.
‘Will Prevent Any Financial Dealings With Russia’: Canadian PM Trudeau
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday announced economic sanctions on Russia, saying Moscow's actions against Ukraine were "a further invasion of a sovereign state, and it is completely unacceptable," AFP reported.
Trudeau was quoted as saying, "We will ban Canadians from engaging in purchases of Russian sovereign debt. And we will apply additional sanctions on to state-backed Russian banks and prevent any financial dealings with them."
‘To Fight Until We Win’: Ukrainian Foreign Minister
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Tuesday, "There's no such thing as a minor, middle or major invasion. Invasion is an invasion. Plan A is to utilise every tool of diplomacy. Plan B is to fight for every inch of our land and every city and every village. To fight until we win, of course."
‘Absolutely No Reason for Current Situation’: Donald Trump
Arguing that the Ukraine crisis would not have happened under his administration, former US president Donald Trump said on Tuesday, "If properly handled, there was absolutely no reason that the situation currently happening in Ukraine should have happened at all."
He added, "Now it has begun, oil prices are going higher and higher, and Putin is not only getting what he always wanted, but getting, because of the oil and gas surge, richer and richer."
However, former White House Russia advisor Fiona Hill, had told CNN on Sunday that Trump's foreign policy had emboldened Putin.
Hill, one of Trump's most senior aides, said, "There's no Team America for Trump. Not once did I see him do anything to put America first. Not once. Not for a single second."
‘Does Not Make Sense’: Antony Blinken Will Not Meet Russia’s Foreign Minister
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said that he will not meet with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov this week.
Blinken said, "Now that we see the invasion of Ukraine is beginning and Russia has made clear its wholesale rejection of diplomacy, it does not make sense."
Taiwan Says Must Raise Surveillance Over Ukraine Crisis
During a meeting to discuss the Ukraine crisis, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said on Wednesday that security and armed forces must increase their surveillance and alertness on military activities in the region.
Ing-wen's office added that Taiwan and Ukraine are fundamentally different in terms of geostrategic, geographical environment and importance of international supply chains, but government units must tackle possible "cognitive warfare" and misinformation by foreign forces, Reuters reported.
In Photos: Air India Plane Brings 240 Indians From Ukraine
Air India special flight carrying around 242 passengers from Ukraine reached Delhi on the early hours of Wednesday.
On arrival, one of the students pursuing MBBS in Ukraine told ANI, "I was staying far from the border area so the situation was normal there, returned after the advisory issued by Indian Embassy."
Indian nationals come out from the IGI Airport on their arrival by an Air India flight from Ukraine amid rising Russia-Ukraine tension, in New Delhi, Wednesday, 23 February.
Indian nationals take selfie upon their arrival at the IGI Airport by an Air India flight from Ukraine amid rising Russia-Ukraine tension, in New Delhi, Wednesday, 23 February.
'Will Not Take Advice From Anyone Who Praises Putin': White House On Trump
White House press secretary Jen Psaki hit back at former President Donald Trump for calling Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion plan of Ukraine "genius" and said it was up to Republicans to ensure the issue does't become more politicized.
"As a matter of policy, we try not to take advice from anyone who praises President Putin and his military strategy, which I believe is what happened there,' Psaki replied to the Trump's comments.
'From Beginning, US Started Its Influence in Domestic Affairs': Russian Embassy
Roman Babushkin, Russian Embassy's Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi, said on Wednesday, "Today Donetsk and Luhansk applied officially to Russia for recognition of their independence. But from the very beginning, United States started its internal influence in domestic affairs in countries on all post-Soviet space, including Ukraine," ANI reported.
Speaking on the sanctions against Russia and its impact on cooperation with India, he added, "We hope our partnership will continue further at the same level which we are enjoying today, especially have a look at outcomes of recent Russian-Indian bilateral summit in December 2021."
"On the sidelines, we have signed the program of 10 years cooperation in the defence area. We have a lot of big projects in the pipeline and we have full confidence that all our plans will be successfully implemented," Babushkin added.
EAM Jaishankar Meets French Counterpart, Discusses Ukraine Crisis
In an interactive session at a think-tank in Paris, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday, "The situation in Ukraine is the result of a complex chain of circumstances over the last 30 years. Most countries, such as India and France, which are very active, are seeking a diplomatic solution."
On being asked why India has not condemned the concentration of Russian troops on the Ukrainian borders, he replied, "The real question is: are you mobilised to find a good solution or are you content with posturing? India can talk with Russia, with other countries, within the UN security council and support initiatives like those of France," news agency PTI reported.
Satellite Images Show New Russian Deployment Near Ukraine
As per satellite images, collected by Maxar over the past 24 hours, there is new deployment of the Russian military in areas near the Ukrainian border, amid fears that Russia is about to invade Ukraine.
This comes a day after the Russian parliament voted to allow President Vladimir Putin to use the army outside the country to support separatists in Ukraine.
The pictures show deployment and movement of additional logistics and supplies in southern Belarus and at multiple sites in western Russia, approximately 40 kms from the Ukrainian border, NDTV reported.
‘Greatest Threat to Security in Europe Since WWII’: Blinken
In a joint press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba in Washington, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that an invasion of Ukraine had been Russian President Vladimir Putin's "plan all along", calling the situation a "manufactured crisis", The Guardian reported.
He added said: "His plan all along has been to invade Ukraine; to control Ukraine and its people; to destroy Ukraine's democracy, which offers a stark contrast to the autocracy that he leads; to reclaim Ukraine as a part of Russia...That's why this is the greatest threat to security in Europe since World War II."
‘Ready for Diplomatic Solutions, but Russian Interests Are Non-negotiable’: Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Wednesday, that while Moscow was ready to look for "diplomatic solutions", the country's interests were non-negotiable.
The Russian President said in a video address, "Our country is always open for direct and honest dialogue, for the search for diplomatic solutions to the most complex problems…the interests of Russia, the security of our citizens, are non-negotiable for us."
Adding to fears of an all-out invasion of Ukraine, Putin praised the battle-readiness of the Russian army and said, "We will continue to develop advanced weapon systems, including hypersonic and those based on new physical principles, and expand the use of advanced digital technologies and elements of artificial intelligence…Such complexes are truly the weapons of the future, which significantly increase the combat potential of our armed forces."
Sanctions To Be Escalated if Full-scale Invasion Takes Place: UK Foreign Secy
UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said on Wednesday that Britain will stop Russia from selling sovereign debt in London and added that a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine is expected.
She stated that if Putin went further and ordered a full-scale invasion of Ukraine then sanctions would be escalated.
1 Soldier Dies, 6 Injured in Shelling by Pro-Russian Separatists: Report
The Ukrainian military said on Wednesday, one soldier has been killed and six have been wounded in shelling by pro-Russian separatists in east Ukraine in the past 24 hours as ceasefire violations remain at a high level, Reuters reported.
As per the military's Facebook page, 96 incidents of shelling by separatists have been recorded over the past 24 hours compared with 84 a day earlier. It added that separatist forces were using heavy artillery, mortars and Grad rocket systems.
Ukraine has blamed Russia for provoking violence, emphasising that Russia has used it as a pretext to formally recognise the rebel regions as independent and move its troops into the region.
China Opposes Sanctions On Russia
China's foreign ministry said on Wednesday that it opposes any sanctions on Russia.
"We never think that sanctions is the best way to solve problems," the ministry said.
Canada Deploys Additional 460 Troops With NATO
Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced in a tweet on Wednesday, "We’re also deploying up to an additional 460 members of the Canadian Forces to strengthen NATO. This involves more troops to Latvia, as well as the deployment of an additional frigate and maritime patrol aircraft."
Ukraine Urges Citizens To Leave Russia ‘Immediately’
Ukraine has urged its citizens to leave Russia "immediately", news agency AFP reported.
Escalating Russian aggression against Ukraine could complicate consular assistance in Russia, the foreign ministry has said, urging citizens to refrain from travel to Russia.
Ukraine President Calls Up Reservists
Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called up reservists aged 18 to 60 years for a maximum military service of one year, Reuters reported.
Australia To Impose Sanctions on Members of Russia’s Security Council
Australia's Foreign Minister Marise Payne announced on Wednesday, "We'll impose travel bans and targeted financial sanctions on 8 members of Russia’s Security Council."
She added, "It will mean Australian individuals/entities can't do business with Rossiya Bank, Promsvyazbank, IS Bank, Genbank and Black Sea Bank for Developmentand Reconstruction."
This is in addition to restrictions on Australians investing in the state development bank VEB.
Payne further announced,
Australia will also amend the regulations to significantly broaden the scope of people and entities that Australia can list for sanctions to include those of “strategic and economic significance to Russia”, Payne added.
Moreover, Payne announced that "all Ukrainian nationals in Australia with a visa due to expire up to 30 June, will be given automatic extension for six months. Outstanding visa applications from Ukrainians will be prioritised and fast tracked for a decision by immigration officials, as soon as possible," ANI reported.
UNGA to Hold Annual Discussion on Situation in Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine Today
United Nations General Assembly will hold an annual discussion on "the situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine" on Wednesday, reports Reuters.
Ukraine to Introduce State of Emergency in All Ukrainian Territory Apart From Donetsk and Luhansk Regions
Ukraine's top security official says Ukraine to introduce a state of emergency in all Ukrainian territory apart from Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The state of emergency would last 30 days and can be extended for another 30 days, the official further said, as per Reuters.
The plans to declare a national emergency were approved by the country's security council, reported AFP.
EU to Unveil Tough Sanctions on Russia
Russia’s defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, and the commanders-in-chief of the Russian Air Force and Black Sea Fleet are expected to be targeted in EU sanctions to be announced later on Wednesday.
Trying to Reach Out to Our Students and Others in Ukraine: Meenakshi Lekhi
"We are trying to reach out to our students and other people abroad, especially in Ukraine. They should stay in touch with our embassy. Embassy will help them out," MoS MEA Meenakashi Lekhi was quoted as saying by ANI.
"India is in favour of rules-based order, peace should be maintained. All stakeholders should resort to talks to resolve differences," she added.
New US Sanctions Will Meet 'Strong Response': Russia
Russia's foreign ministry on Wednesday said that the new US sanctions will be met with a 'strong response' and be 'sensitive for the American side', AFP reported.
Russia Begins Evacuating Diplomatic Staff from Ukraine
Russia began evacuating its diplomatic staff from Ukraine on Wednesday, its embassy in Kyiv told AFP.
'Russia Should Provide Clear Security Guarantees': Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
"I believe that Russia should be among those countries that provide clear security guarantees. I have many times suggested that the President of Russia sit down at the negotiating table and speak," Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, according to Reuters.
Earlier, he had said that the 'future of European security' was being decided in Ukraine, reported AFP.
US and Its Allies Will Defend Every Inch of NATO Territory: Joe Biden
"We've no intention of fighting Russia. We want to send an unmistakable message though, that US, together with our allies will defend every inch of NATO territory. We believe Russia is poised to go much further in launching a massive military attack against Ukraine," US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday.
Turkey Won't Recognise Any Step Against Ukraine's Territorial Integrity: Presidency
Turkey President Tayyip Erdogan told Russia President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday that Turkey does not recognise steps against Ukraine's territorial integrity, the Turkish presidency said, according to Reuters.
UN General Assembly Meet Currently Underway
United Nations General Assembly is currently meeting to discuss the "situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine".
'40 Mn Ukranians Want to Live in Peace & Solidarity': Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba
"The world should not repeat mistakes of the past. I believe in the power of free world and our joint ability to avert a new devastating catastrophe in Europe. 40 million Ukrainians only want to live in peace and solidarity," said Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, as reported by ANI.
'Russia's Accusations of Ukraine are Absurd': Dmytro Kuleba
"We are currently in middle of the largest security crisis in Europe since World War 2. This crisis was created & is being escalated by one side unilaterally by Russian Federation. Russia's accusations of Ukraine are absurd," said Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
'Ukraine has Never Threatened or Attacked Anyone': Dmytro Kuleba
"Ukraine has never threatened or attacked anyone. Ukraine has never planned and does not plan any military offensive in the Donbas. Neither any provocations nor acts of sabotage," Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, said.
"It is ultimately absurd to suggest that Ukraine could have prepared for anything like this and waited for months until Russia amassed an enormous military force along our borders to proceed with such plans," he added.
'President Putin Will Not Stop by Himself': Dmytro Kuleba
"We need to use this last chance to stop Russia, where it is. It is clear that President Putin will not stop by himself. The beginning of a large scale war in Ukraine will be the end of the world order as we know," Dmytro Kuleba, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, said on Wednesday.
EU to Extend Restrictive Measures to Cover all 351 Members of Russian State Duma
"EU will extend restrictive measures to cover all 351 members of the Russian State Duma, who voted on 15 February in favour of the appeal to President Putin to recognise the independence of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk republics,” the European Council of the European Union said on Wednesday, reported ANI.
Targeted Restrictive Measures to be Imposed on Additional 27 High-Profile Individuals and Entities
"Moreover targeted restrictive measures will be imposed on additional 27 high-profile individuals and entities, who have played a role in undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine," the European Council of the European Union further said, as per ANI.
'Ban on Goods from Non-Govt Controlled Areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts'
"There will be an import ban on goods from non-govt controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, restrictions on trade and investments related to certain economic sectors, a prohibition to supply tourism services, and an export ban for certain goods and technologies," the EU further said, according to ANI.
World Facing a Moment of Peril: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday said that the world was facing a "moment of peril" over the Russia-Ukraine tensions.
Guterres was addressing the UN's General Assembly and said that it is the time for "restraint, reason and de-escalation" to avoid "a scale and severity of need unseen for many years", reported the BBC.
"It is time to establish a ceasefire and return to the path of dialogue and negotiation," he added.
Guterres further said that he was "fully committed to resolve this crisis without further bloodshed".
Russian Invasion Could Displace 5 Million People, Warns US
The United States told the UN General Assembly on Wednesday that as many as five million people could be displaced if Russia invaded Ukraine.
"If Russia continues down this path, it could - according to our estimates - create a new refugee crisis, one of the largest facing the world today," Linda Thomas-Greenfield, America's ambassador to the UN, said.