'Take Power Into Your Own Hands': Putin to Ukrainian Military
Catch all the live updates on the Russia-Ukraine conflict here.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a "military operation" in Ukraine on Thursday, 24 February, calling upon Ukraine military to lay down its arms. Live updates.
(Photo: The Quint/Deeksha Malhotra)
A day after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a military invasion into Ukraine, the mayor of Kyiv on Friday, 25 February, said that Russian forces have entered the capital city, where airstrikes and gunfire incidents have been reported.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has asked the Ukrainian military to "Take power into your own hands," effectively asking them to throw off the government. Putin is ready to send a delegation of high-ranking officials to Minsk to hold talks with Kyiv, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said.
While Ukraine has claimed that over a 2,800 Russian servicemen have been killed so far, Russian forces said that 200 Ukrainian personnel were killed during the capture of an airport outside Kyiv.
Soon after the Russian operations were launched on Thursday, explosions, missile attacks, and air strikes were reported from across the nation. The Russian troops had also seized control of the Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine.
Tracking Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Tracking Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Russian forces have reportedly broken into the country from the north of Kyiv region, AFP quoted Ukraine border guards as saying. They have also launched an invasion into Ukraine through Crimea in the south
Martial Law was declared in Ukraine on Thursday morning
The Indian Ambassador in Kyiv has issued a statement, saying that the embassy is working to evacuate Indian nationals from Ukraine
The US, UK and the European Union have imposed heavy 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, which has motivated Russia to declare military action
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1,700 Anti-War Protestors Arrested Across Russia
Russian police have detained more than 1,700 people at anti-war protests across dozens of cities as thousands took to the streets after President Vladimir Putin sent troops to invade Ukraine, AFP reported quoting an independent monitor.
Bolsonaro Stops VP From Opposing Russian Invasion
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro disauthorised his Vice President Hamilton Mourao for saying that Brazil opposed the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Reuters reported.
US President Joe Biden Imposes Sanctions on 4 More Banks
United States President Joe Biden has said that President of Russia Vladimir Putin is the aggressor and that the former has no plans to talk to the latter.
"Putin chose this war, and now he and his country will bear the consequences. Sanctions on four more Russian banks, including VTB," Biden was quoted by new agency ANI.
Further, he added, "Export controls will cut off more than half of Russia's high-tech imports. We are prepared to respond to Russia's cyberattack."
On being asked if India is with the United States, Biden stated, "We are in consultation with India today, we haven't resolved that completely."
India’s Foreign Minister Speaks to Counterpart in Slovakia
Amid Russia's ongoing military operations in Ukraine, India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his counterpart in Slovakia, Ivan Korcok.
Later, Jaishankar said, "Discussed situation in Ukraine. Appreciate his willingness to facilitate evacuation of Indian nationals through Slovakia."
Canada Imposes Sanctions on 58 Russian Individuals
Canada is imposing new sanctions on 58 Russian individuals and entities, Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, was quoted by AFP.
The new sanctions will target 58 Russian individuals and entities, including banks and the ministers of defense, finance, and justice. Canada will also cease issuing any export permits for Russia and will cancel all existing ones.
Russia Has ‘Complete Air Superiority’ Over Ukraine
Russia has 'complete air superiority' over Ukraine, AFP reported quoting Western intelligence official.
PM Modi Asks Putin for the Security of Indian Citizens in Ukraine
The Russian embassy informed that Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
While discussing the situation around Ukraine, Putin outlined fundamental assessments of Kiev's aggressive actions against the civilian population of Donbass, as well as its long-lasting destructive policy aimed at scrapping Minsk agreements.
Putin clarified that he had decided to launch the military operation as military developments on territory of Ukraine by the US and its NATO allies it had become unacceptable for Russia, the embassy said.
Some issues of bilateral cooperation were also touched upon in the context of the Russian-Indian summit held in December 2021 in New Delhi. It was agreed to further maintain contacts at various levels, the embassy added.
United States To Deploy 7,000 Troops to Germany
President Joe Biden on Thursday, approved the deployment of 7,000 additional US troops to Germany, increasing the total of US-based forces sent to Europe to 12,000 this month.
The 7,000 troops will be deployed in Germany and will include an armored brigade combat team with “associated capabilities and enablers,” as per a Defense Department statement.
White House Implores China To Decide What Side of History To Stand On
Hours after China called for restraint on all sides in the Russia-Ukraine crisis, while saying the military operation should not be described as an "invasion", White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said, "This is really a moment for China, or for any country, to think about what side of history they want to stand on."
She added, "US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken spoke with his (China) counterpart just a couple of days ago. President Biden is certainly open to speaking with his counterpart, but I don't have any prediction of that at this point."
Blinken Speaks to EAM Jaishankar on ‘Collective Response To Condemn Russia'
US State Department spokesperson Ned Price informed that US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, spoke with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Friday, to discuss "Russia’s premeditated, unprovoked, and unjustified attack on Ukraine."
Price said, "Blinken stressed the importance of a strong collective response to condemn Russia’s invasion and call for an immediate withdrawal and ceasefire."
This came after Biden told reporters during a White House news conference, "We are going to have consultations with India (on the Ukrainian crisis). We haven't resolved that fully."
The US has reached out to India at various levels, ranging from the White House, the State Department, and its National Security Council, seeking full support from it on the Ukrainian crisis.
Ukrainian President Orders Full Military Mobilisation
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ordered a full military mobilisation to counter the Russian invasion, news agency AP reported.
Multiple Explosions Heard in Kyiv
Loud explosions were reported in Kyiv on Thursday night as Russian ground troops moved closer to the Ukrainian capital.
At least 137 Ukrainians were killed in the first day of fighting, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
UNSC Vote on Resolution on Russia’s Invasion
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will vote on Friday, 25 February, on a draft resolution against Russia for invading Ukraine.
The resolution would require Moscow to draw back its aggression, but the measure is set to fail as Moscow can cast a veto as a permanent member of the UNSC.
UN Gives $20 MN to Scale Up Ukraine Humanitarian Aid
United Nations has given $20 million to scale up humanitarian aid in Ukraine, AP reported
‘Any Nation That Stands for Russian Aggression Will Be Stained by Association’: Joe Biden
United States President Joe Biden stated on Friday, "Any nation that countenances Russian aggression against Ukraine will be stained by association."
‘Left Alone To Defend Our State’: Ukraine President Zelenskyy
In a video address on Friday, Ukraine President Zelenskyy said, "We have been left alone to defend our state... Who is ready to fight alongside us? I don't see anyone," news agency AFP reported.
He further informed that he had contacted 27 leaders of European countries, and none of them had directly responded to Ukraine's request to join North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
"Who is ready to give Ukraine a guarantee of NATO membership? Everyone is afraid," he added.
Ukrainian Ambassador to Japan Asks China To Help Stop the Russian 'Massacre'
The Ukrainian ambassador to Japan Sergiy Korsunsky has appealed to China to join international efforts to stop the Russian “massacre” in his country amid Beijing’s lack of criticism for the attack.
“We would very much welcome that China exercises its connection with Russia and talks to Putin and explains to him that it is inappropriate in the 21st century to do this massacre in Europe,” Ukrainian diplomat Sergiy Korsunsky said, AP reported.
‘Will Take Care of Travel Expenses of Indian Students in Ukraine’: Tamil Nadu CM
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced on Friday, that the state government will take care of the travel expenses of the Indian students stuck in Ukraine to return home.
He had written to External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar to take steps to bring back over 5,000 Tamils who are stranded in Ukraine immediately.
Till 10 am on Friday, 916 persons from Ukraine have approached the Tamil Nadu government.
Tamils in Ukraine who need help can contact Jacintha Lazarus IAS, State Nodal Officer facilitating evacuation of stranded Tamils in Ukraine (Contact Nunmbers: 9445869848, 9600023645, 9940256444 and 044-28515288).
Helpline Issued for People From Jalandhar Stuck in Ukraine
Punjab's Jalandhar Administration has issued Helpline (0181-2224417) for people of Jalandhar stuck in Ukraine as a measure to compile information of stranded people.
People have been given the option to visit the DC office during office hours, to provide info on their family members.
EU Unlikely to Cut Russia Off SWIFT For Now
Though European Union leaders had pledged on Thursday to impose tough economic and financial sanctions on Russia, the West has till now held over cutting Russia off the SWIFT financial payment system, a Belgium-based cooperative used by more than 11,000 institutions globally.
Since removing Russia from it would likely have an impact on European economies, there is a lack of consensus among the EU leaders.
While the head of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, has proposed the move, wanting to save the measure as a last resort, Dutch Prime minister Mark Rutte, stated that such a decision would also hurt European economies, AP reported.
May Investigate Possible War Crimes in Ukraine: International Criminal Court
Expressing concern over the Russian invasion of Ukraine, International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan on Friday said that his court may investigate possible war crimes in the country.
Khan said in a statement on Twitter, "I remind all sides conducting hostilities on the territory of Ukraine that my office may exercise its jurisdiction and investigate any act of genocide, crime against humanity or war crime committed within Ukraine."
In Photos: Public Basements & Subways Used as Bomb Shelters in Kyiv
Ukrainian citizens using public basements and subways as bomb shelters in capital city Kyiv.
Vladimir, 70, and his wife Tamara, 80, sit in the Kyiv subway, using it as a bomb shelter in Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, 24 Feb.
Svyatoslav, 6, plays with his tablet in a public basement used as a bomb shelter in Kyiv, Ukraine, Thursday, 24 February.
'Russian Forces Are Targeting Civilian Areas': Ukraine President Zelenskyy
Ukraine President Zelenskyy has said that Russian forces are targeting civilian areas and urged Russians to protest against the Ukraine war.
Reminding citizens that Ukraine forces are 'doing everything possible', he hailed Ukrainians for their 'heroism' in the face of Russian military advance, AP reported.
Russian Aircraft Shot Down Over Kyiv, Residential Building Catches Fire
Ukrainian forces downed a Russian aircraft over Kyiv in the early hours on Friday, which then crashed into a residential building and set it on fire, Reuters reported.
Odisha CM Asks Amit Shah for the Safe Evacuation of Stranded Odia Students
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday and requested him for the safe evacuation of stranded Odia students and labourers from Ukraine.
Shah assured Patnaik that the Government is in touch with the Ukraine government and is working to bring back students/labourers at the earliest, ANI reported.
'Russian Forces Could Enter Areas Outside Kyiv': Ukrainian Official
Senior Ukrainian defence official warned that Russian forces would enter areas just outside the capital Kyiv after officials said that the city had been struck by Russian missiles in the early hours of the morning.
Anton Herashchenko, an adviser to Ukraine’s interior minister, stated that a Russian tank attack on Kyiv was expected, adding that defenders of the capital city were ready with anti-tank missiles supplied by foreign allies, Al Jazeera reported.
Meanwhile, Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar confirmed that the Ukrainian army units, despite being outnumbered, were defending positions on four fronts.
Telangana ‘Ready To Bear Expenses’ To Bring Students Back
Telangana minister KT Rama Rao made an appeal to External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on the plight of students from Telangana stranded in Ukraine.
He asked the Government of India to arrange for special aircrafts and stated that the Telangana government is "ready to bear the full travel expenses for these students so we can bring them home safe and soonest".
West Bengal Govt Opens State Control Room for Helping People Stranded in Ukraine
The West Bengal government has opened a state control room opened under a senior IAS officer and manned by West Bengal Civil Service officers for assisting and helping students/people from West Bengal stranded in Ukraine.
The control room will function from 9 am to 9 pm in two shifts.
Fighting Russian Forces Outside Capital Kyiv: Ukraine Army
Ukraine Army has said that they are fighting Russian forces outside capital Kyiv, AFP reported.
Clashes were also reported in the northern district of Kyiv city.
Working To Establish Evacuation Routes From Romania and Hungary: Indian Embassy
The Indian Embassy in Hungary said on Friday, "Government of India and Embassy of India working to establish evacuation routes from Romania and Hungary. At present, teams are getting in place at the Chop-Zahony Hungarian border near Uzhhorod, and the Porubne-Siret Romanian Border near Chernivtsi," ANI reported.
The embassy added, "Indian nationals, especially students living closest to the above border checkpoints are being advised to depart first in an organised manner in coordination with teams from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to actualise this option."
Student From Gorakhpur Stranded in Ukraine
A student stranded in Ukraine from Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur said, "Due to blasts near the airport, all flights from Ukraine have been cancelled. Food supplies are available but our stock is getting over. We're allowed to go outside but prefer not to," ANI reported.
Russia To Deploy Troops To Guard Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant
Russia will deploy paratroopers to help guard the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, which was captured on Thursday, a spokesman for the country’s defence ministry has said.
33 Civilian Sites Bombed Since the Beginning of Russian Attack: Report
Russian forces have bombed more than 30 civilian sites since the beginning of their attack on Ukraine, the country’s interior ministry has said, according to a report by the Interfax news agency.
Vadym Denysenko, a ministry official, was quoted as saying, “The Russians say they are not striking civilian objects. But 33 civilian sites have been hit over the last 24 hours."
Finland To Give $50 Million to Ukraine for Anti-war Coalition
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a tweet that Finland President Sauli Niinistö will give $50 million to Ukraine as aid.
He said in the tweet, "Discussed with @niinisto countering the aggressor. Informed about our defense, insidious shelling of Kyiv. Grateful to 🇫🇮 for allocating $50 million aid. It’s an effective contribution to the anti-war coalition. We keep working. We need to increase sanctions & 🇺🇦 defense support. (sic)."
Russia Bans UK-linked Planes From Its Airspace
Russia has banned UK-linked planes from its airspace, its aviation authority was reported as saying.
Increased Radiation Levels From Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant: Ukraine
Ukraine's nuclear agency said on Friday that it was recording increased radiation levels from the site of the defunct Chernobyl nuclear power plant, Reuters reported.
Two Cruise Missiles and One Plane Shot Over Kyiv: Ukraine
Adviser to Ukraine's President has said that the country's forces shot down two cruise missiles and one plane over Kyiv, Reuters reported.
Gunfire Heard Near Government Quarter in Kyiv
Gunfire was heard near the government quarter of Ukrainian capital Kyiv, AP reported.
Russian Forces Approaching Kyiv
Russian forces are approaching Kyiv from the northeast and east, news agency AFP has quoted the Ukrainian army as saying.
Indian Embassy in Kyiv Shares Evacuation Checkpoints, Says 'Paste Indian Flags on Vehicles While Travelling'
The government of India and the Indian embassy are working to establish evacuation routes from Romania and Hungary, a fresh advisory released by the Indian embassy in Kyiv said on Friday.
Sharing checkpoints near the Hungarian and Romanian border for evacuation purposes, the embassy has advised students living closest to the border areas to depart first.
"Carry passport, cash preferably in USD for any emergency expenses, and other essentials," the advisory states, adding, "Print out Indian flag and paste prominently on vehicles and buses while travelling."
Indians stranded in Ukraine will be flown back to India from Ukraine's neighbouring countries by the Indian government, NDTV said, citing sources.
'No One Is Planning To Occupy Ukraine': Russian Foreign Minister
Russian independent news agency Interfax reports Russia’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov as saying “no one is planning to occupy Ukraine.”
Urgently Preparing More Sanctions Against Russia: EU
The EU is 'urgently' preparing more sanctions against Russia, Council President Charles Michel said.
Kremlin Spokesperson Says Moscow Will Analyse Ukraine's 'Neutrality Pledge' Offer
The Kremlin has declined to comment on the possibility of talks between Russia’s President Vladmir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but acknowledged the latter’s willingness to discuss a possible neutrality pledge by Ukraine, Reuters reported.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow would analyse the offer.
Ukraine Prez Zelenskyy Asks International Community To Do More, Says Sanctions Not Enough
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has pleaded with the international community to do more, saying sanctions announced so far were not enough.
'Ready For Talks Once Ukraine Stops Fighting': Russia
We are ready for talks once Ukraine's Army stops fighting, Reuters quoted Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as saying.
Russia wants to "free Ukraine from oppression," he added.
Will Retaliate Against Sanctions by the West: Kremlin
Kremlin had said that it will retaliate against the sanctions imposed on Russia by the West, adding that the restrictions are yet to be analysed, AFP reported.
'Please Make All Efforts To Get Them Out': IMA Writes To PM Modi on Medical Students Stranded in Ukraine
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has written to PM Modi over the security of medical students stranded in Ukraine, requesting their safe evacuation.
"We request further to the government to help them financially and make all possible efforts to get them out," the letter states.
Expected India's Support in UNSC Meet: Russia
Russia has said that it expects support from India at UN Security Council meet on Friday, when the global body takes up the crucial resolution on the Russian military operation in Ukraine, PTI reported.
Destroyed 118 Military Facilities in Ukraine: Russia
In the course of a special military operation, the Russian Armed Forces destroyed 118 military facilities of the military infrastructure of Ukraine, a Russian defence official said.
"Among them: 11 military airfields, 13 command posts and communication centres of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 14 S-300 and Osa anti-aircraft missile systems, 36 radar stations. Shot down: 5 combat aircraft, 1 helicopter, 5 unmanned aerial vehicles. 18 tanks and other armored combat vehicles, 7 multiple rocket launchers, 41 units of special military vehicles and 5 combat boats were destroyed," as per the statement.
Radioactive Background Around Chernobyl Plant Normal: Russia
"The radioactive background in the area of the nuclear power plant is normal. NPP personnel continue to maintain NPP facilities in the normal mode and monitor the radioactive situation," a Russian defence official said during a briefing on Friday, a day after the country's troops seized the Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine.
"The joint actions of Russian paratroopers and Ukrainian servicemen of the NPP security battalion to defend the plant is a guarantee that nationalist formations or other terrorist organizations will not be able to take advantage of the current situation in the country to organize a nuclear provocation," he said.
2 Air India Flights To Evacuate Indians Stranded in Ukraine: Report
Air India is planning to operate two flights to Romanian capital Bucharest on Friday to evacuate Indians stranded in Ukraine, PTI reported, citing government officials.
Indian nationals who have reached the Ukraine-Romania border by road will be taken to Bucharest by officials of the Indian government so that they can be evacuated in the two Air India flights, they added.
'Go F Yourself': Ukrainian Guards to Russian Warship Moments Before Strike
"A group of Ukrainian border guards were stationed on Snake Island, in the Black Sea south of Odessa, when a Russian warship ordered them to surrender under threat of attack. Their response: "Russian warship, go f*** yourself." They held their ground. All 13 were killed," reported a global journalist, sharing a video of the interaction.
Citizens Cannot Organize Protests Without Permission: Russian Govt
The Russian government has said that people who are against the country’s invasion of Ukraine “do not have the right to organize protest actions” without seeking permission first.
“Under the law, without following the appropriate procedures, these citizens do not have the right to organize protest actions in order to express their point of view,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by CNN.
Russia Won't Recognise a State That Uses Genocide Against its Own People: Foreign Min
"Russia sees no chance of recognizing a state that uses genocide against their own people as democratic," Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said. He added that Moscow is interested in seeing Ukrainian people independent.
Ready for Dialogue on Neutral Status: Ukraine
Kyiv wants peace and is ready to discuss Ukraine’s neutral status with Russia if such an option exists, Advisor to the Ukrainian Presidential Office Mikhail Podolyak told Reuters on Friday.
"If talks are possible, they should be held. If in Moscow they say they want to hold talks, including on neutral status, we are not afraid of this," he pointed out, adding: "We can talk about that as well."
"Our readiness for dialogue is part of our persistent pursuit of peace," Podolyak emphasized.
'SWIFT Exclusion of Russia Must Not Fall Because of Germany': German Lawmaker
German lawmakers criticized Chancellor Olaf Scholz for not cutting Russia off from the vital high-security payment network, SWIFT, in the European Union’s latest round of sanctions on Moscow.
German Parliament member Norbert Röttgen, from the Christian Democrats party, said on Twitter: "SWIFT is our sharpest sword and was announced to hit in case of an attack. The SWIFT exclusion of Russia must not fail because of Germany!"
'Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity of All Nations Should Be Respected': Chinese President Xi to Putin
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday spoke to President Vladimir Putin, calling for a 'negotiation' with Ukraine, as per China's state media.
"China supports Russia and Ukraine to resolve the issue through negotiation. China's basic position on respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries and abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter is consistent, Xi told Putin," as per state-run Global Times.
'Concerned About Possible Civilian Casualties in Ukraine': Taliban
The Taliban foreign ministry said in a statement that it will remain neutral on the Russia-Ukraine crisis in line with its foreign policy, and expressed concern over the possibility of civilian casualties in Ukraine.
"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan calls for restraint by both parties. All sides need to desist from taking positions that could intensify violence. We are closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine and express concerns about the real possibility of civilian casualties," the Taliban said in a statement.
Fight for Ukraine: Prez Zelenskyy to Europeans With Combat Experience
Ukrainian President Zelensky on Friday called upon Europeans with combat experience to fight for Ukraine against Russia, AFP reported.
WATCH: Ukrainian Military Shares Clips of Air Strikes, Fighting
'Let's Sit Down for Talks, Stop Deaths': Zelenskyy to Putin
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to negotiations to put an end to the fighting.
"I would like to address the president of Russia once again: Fighting is happening all over Ukraine. Let’s sit down for talks to stop deaths," he said during a televised address.
The Ukrainian leader urged Europe to act more quickly and forcefully in imposing sanctions on Moscow, adding that everything from cutting Moscow off from SWIFT to an oil embargo should be on the table.
Putin Told Xi That He Is Ready for Negotiations With Ukraine: Chinese Media
As per Chinese state television CCTV, in a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Putin told his counterpart that Russia is willing to conduct high-level negotiations with Ukraine.
'Grateful To Sweden for Support': Zelenskyy
"Sweden provides military, technical and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Grateful to the Swedish PM for her effective support. Building an anti-Putin coalition together!" Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said in a tweet.
Ukrainian Forces Fight Russian Invaders in Kyiv
Ukrainian forces fought off Russian invaders in the streets of the capital city of Kyiv on Friday, reported AFP.
As per The Financial Times, Russian armoured vehicles had entered into the northern Kyiv district of Obolon.
Kyiv Residents Prepare Molotov Cocktails To Fight Russian Invaders
Kyiv residents prepare Molotov cocktails to fight invading Russian forces, as per the advisory issued by the country's defence ministry.
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, earlier on Friday, had urged people in the capital to stay indoors and “prepare Molotov cocktails.”
"Make Molotov cocktails, neutralize the occupier! Peaceful residents - be careful! Do not leave the house," the Defence Ministry of Ukraine had said.
Kyiv Enters Defensive Phase as Russian Invaders Advance
The mayor of Ukrainian capital city Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, has said that the city has entered a defensive phase as Russian forces advance, Reuters reported.
"The city has gone into a defensive phase. Shots and explosions are ringing out in some neighbourhoods saboteurs have already entered Kyiv. The enemy wants to put the capital on its knees and destroy us," the mayor was quoted as saying.
Have Blocked Ukrainian City of Chernihiv Completely: Russia
The Russian defence ministry has said that Russian forces have blocked the city of Chernihiv in Ukraine.
"At the moment, the units of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have completed blocking the city of Chernihiv. Russian soldiers are taking all measures to prevent civilian casualties," the ministry said in a statement.
Have Blocked Kyiv From West: Russian Forces
"Currently, the main forces of the Air Force have joined forces with the units of the Russian paratroopers at the Gostomel Airport, ensuring the blocking of the city of Kiev from the west," the Russian Defence Ministry said in a statement.
Putin Ready To Send Delegation To Minsk for Talks: Kremlin
Russian President Putin is ready to send delegation to Minsk in response to Zelenskyy’s proposal, Russian state media quoted Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov as saying.
"Zelensky announced his readiness to discuss the neutral status of Ukraine. Initially, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the purpose of the operation was to help the LNR and the DNR, including through the demilitarization and denazification of Ukraine. And this, in fact, is an integral component of the neutral status," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said
Over 1,000 Russian Soldiers Killed So Far: Ukraine
Ukraine's Defence Ministry has said that more than 1,000 Russian soldiers were killed so far in Ukraine conflict, reported Reuters
Gostomel Airport Outside Kyiv Captured, 200 Ukrainians Killed: Russia
"On February 24, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation conducted a successful operation to land a paratroopers near the Gostomel airport in the suburbs of Kiev. More than 200 nationalists from special units of Ukraine were destroyed during the capture of the aerodrome," Russia's Defence Ministry said in a statement.
'India Supports Dialogue as Way Out': Jaishankar to Ukrainian Minister
"Received a call from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. He shared his assessment of the current situation. I emphasized that India supports diplomacy and dialogue as the way out. Discussed predicament of Indian nationals, including students. Appreciate his support for their safe return," Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar said in a tweet.
EU Agrees To Freeze European Assets of Putin
The EU has agreed to freeze the European assets linked to Russian President Putin, Foreign Minister Lavrov, as a retaliation to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, AFP reported.
Radiation Levels Exceed Control Levels at Russia-Captured Chernobyl
The Ukrainian government warned on Friday that radiation levels near the Chernobyl nuclear power plant site have “exceeded” control levels, as the Russian military confirmed it has captured the area but insisted that radiation levels remained “normal.”
"Experts of the Ecocenter connect this with disturbance of the top layer of soil from movement of a large number of radio heavy military machinery through the Exclusion zone and increase of air pollution," the authorities said in a statement.
470 Students Will Exit Ukraine & Enter Romania Today: Indian Embassy in Kyiv
"Today afternoon more than 470 students will exit the Ukraine and enter Romania through the Porubne-Siret Border. We are moving Indians located at the border to neighbouring countries for onward evacuation. Efforts are underway to relocate Indians coming from the hinterland," the Indian embassy in Ukraine has said.
Urged India To Support UNSC Draft for Restoring Peace: Ukraine Foreign Minister
"Call with my Indian counterpart S Jaishankar today. Asked India to use all influence in its relations with Russia to force it to cease military aggression against Ukraine. Urged India as a non-permanent UNSC member to support today’s draft resolution on restoring peace in Ukraine," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in a tweet.
'Take Power Into Your Own Hands': Putin to Ukrainian Military
Russian President Vladimir Putin has told the Ukrainian military to "Take power into your own hands," effectively asking them to throw off the government, Reuters reported.
"I once again appeal to the military personnel of the armed forces of Ukraine: do not allow neo-Nazis and (Ukrainian radical nationalists) to use your children, wives and elders as human shields," Putin said at a televised meeting with Russia's security council.
"Take power into your own hands, it will be easier for us to reach agreement," he added.
Russian President Putin further described the country's leadership as "terrorists" and "a gang of drug addicts and neo-Nazis."
International Olympic Committee Urges All Sports Federations to Cancel Events in Russia & Belarus
The International Olympic Committee has urged all sports federations to cancel events planned in Russia or Belarus.
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) Council has decided that the 44th Chess Olympiad, including the competition for players with disabilities and the FIDE Congress, will not take place in Russia.
Bulk of Russian Forces Advancing to Kyiv 50 km Away From Centre of Capital: UK Defence Report
"Russian armoured forces have opened a new route of advance towards Kyiv having failed to capture Chernihiv. The bulk of Russian forces advancing on Kyiv remain more than 50 km from the centre of the city," an intelligence report by the UK Ministry of Defence says.
"Russia has made limited progress so far today and Ukraine holds control of key cities. Ukrainian MOD reports that Russian forces have arrived in the suburbs of Kyiv," a previous report had stated.
Russia Suspended From Council of Europe
"In line with the Statute of the Council of Europe, the Committee of Ministers has today decided to suspend the Russian Federation from its rights of representation in the Committee of Ministers and in the Parliamentary Assembly with immediate effect as a result of the Russian Federation’s armed attack on Ukraine," the Council of Europe said in a statement.
1st Batch of Indian Evacuees Reaches Romania From Ukraine
The first batch of Indian evacuees from Ukraine have reached Romania via Suceava border crossing.
"Our team at Suceava will now facilitate travel to Bucharest for their onward journey to India," the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs said, sharing visuals.
Over 50,000 Ukrainians Fled Country in Last 2 Days: UN
More than 50,000 Ukrainians fled the country in 48 hours, as per the United Nations.
Russia Will 'Partly Limit' Access to Facebook
Russia will “partly limit” access to Facebook, Russia’s censorship agency has announced, citing "violations of freedom of speech," as per The Guardian.
'We Are All Here in Kyiv': Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy in video message has said "We are all here" in Kyiv, AFP reported.
Deployed Defensive Forces in Eastern Part of Alliance: NATO
"We've deployed defensive land and air forces in eastern part of the Alliance and maritime assets across NATO area. We've activated NATO’s defence plans to prepare ourselves to respond to a range of contingencies and secure Alliance territory including by drawing on our response forces," NATO said in a statement.