Ukraine War: US President Joe Biden Announces Ban on Russian Oil Imports
Catch all the live updates on the Russia-Ukraine tensions here.
A woman carried by Ukrainian soldiers crosses an improvised path while fleeing the town of Irpin, Ukraine, Sunday, 6 March.
(Photo: AP/PTI)
United States President Joe Biden announced a ban on US imports of Russian oil on Tuesday, in the administration's most far-reaching action yet to punish Moscow for invading Ukraine.
This comes amid Russia's ongoing offensive in Ukraine, despite an agreement to set up humanitarian corridors in several Ukranian cities.
Russia on Tuesday declared a ceasefire, agreeing to set up humanitarian corridors in the Ukrainian cities of Sumy, Kharkiv, Mariupol, Kyiv, and Chernihiv, in order to allow evacuation operations.
However, the invading forces reportedly violated the temporary truce by shelling in Mariupol.
"Ceasefire violated! Russian forces are now shelling the humanitarian corridor from Zaporizhzhia to Mariupol. 8 trucks + 30 buses ready to deliver humanitarian aid to Mariupol and to evac civilians to Zaporizhzhia. Pressure on Russia MUST step up to make it uphold its commitments," the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a tweet.
The United States said that Russia is escalating shelling due to lack of progress of ground troops
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed to stay in the capital until the war was won
Poland and US working on a deal to provide fighter jets to Ukraine
Russia has threatened to cut natural gas supplies to Europe via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline
More than 2,91,000 Ukrainians have fled to Romania since the Russian invasion
The third round of talks between Russia and Ukraine, which took place on 7 March, bore no fruit
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US Says Russian Troops Struggling To Advance
Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said the senior leadership of the US military believed that a lack of progress for Russian troops in northern and eastern Ukraine is provoking Russia to execute more long-range strikes, leading to infrastructure damage and a rise in civilian casualties.
Claiming that Russian forces have not made "any noteworthy progress" on 7 March, Kirby added that "they are having morale problems, they’re having supply problems, they're having fuel problems, they’re having food problems," as quoted by CBS.
'We Do Not Back Down'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his latest late-night address to the nation, said that the "heroic resistance of his country's people had made the war "like a nightmare" for Russia.
"You do not back down. We do not back down," he added.
He vowed to stay in the capital until the war was won.
US & Poland Working To Provide Fighter Jets to Ukraine
Washington and Warsaw are reportedly working together to provide Polish fighter jets to Kyiv, which must strengthen its air capabilities to repel Moscow's attacks.
As per the deal, Ukraine is expected to receive Russian-made warplanes from Poland, while the US would give F-16s to Poland.
Moscow is expected to escalate its air strikes due to poor progress of its troops on the ground.
Ukraine Says Russian General Killed Near Kharkiv
The Ukrainian military stated on 8 March that a Russian general had been killed near Kharkiv. He is now the second senior commander of the Russian forces to have died in combat during the ongoing invasion.
Major General Vitaly Gerasimov, the first deputy commander of Russia's 41st army, was killed on 7 March.
Andrei Sukhovetsky, who was also a deputy commander of the 41st army, was killed at the end of February, Reuters had reported.
The claim regarding Major General Gerasimov has not yet been verified by news agencies.
World Bank Approves $723 Million Package for Ukraine
The World Bank announced on 7 March that its executive board had approved a $723 million package of loans and grants for Ukraine.
It includes a $350 million loan supplement, adding on to a previous loan, the World Bank said in a statement.
Russia Declares Ceasefire for Humanitarian Op To Be Conducted
The Russian Embassy in India, on 8 March, declared a ceasefire, saying that it is ready to provide humanitarian corridors in order to conduct a humanitarian operation from 10:00 am (Moscow time).
This comes after a safe corridor for Indian students stranded in Sumy could not materialise as Ukraine, on Monday, rejected Russia's proposal for a humanitarian corridor, for the routes supposedly led to Russia and Belarus. With this rejection, Russia continued its attack in violation of the ceasefire.
'Indian Student’s Body Will Be Brought Back Once Shelling Stops': Karnataka CM
Informing about Naveen Shekharappa, the MBBS student who died during shelling in Ukraine, Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said, "External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar has informed us that Naveen's body has been embalmed and kept in a mortuary in Ukraine. His body will be brought to India once shelling stops there."
Russian Aircraft Bombed Cities Overnight: Ukraine
Ukrainian officials have said that Russian aircraft bombed cities in eastern and central Ukraine overnight, with shelling pounding suburbs of the capital Kyiv.
In Sumy and Okhtyrka, bombs were dropped on residential buildings and a power plant was destroyed, regional leader Dmytro Zhivitsky said, AP reported.
He added that there were dead and wounded but gave no figures. Bombs also hit oil depots in Zhytomyr and the neighbouring town of Cherniakhiv. Heavy artillery fire was reported by the mayor of Bucha, another Kyiv suburb.
13 People Killed in Russian Attack on Makariv Bakery: Ukraine
Ukraine has reportedly said that 13 people were killed in Russian attack on Makariv bakery.
Russia Threatens To Cut Gas Supplies to Europe Via Nord Stream 1
Russia has threatened to cut natural gas supplies to Europe via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline in retaliation of the sanctions imposed over its invasion of Ukraine.
Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, who is also in charge of energy affairs, said in a televised speech late Monday, that Russia has the right to take actions that "mirror" the penalties imposed on the Russian economy, Bloomberg reported.
He added that no decision to shut off Nord Stream 1 has been taken yet, and the pipeline is currently operating "at its full capacity."
In Photos: The Russia-Ukraine War
Ukrainian soldiers and militiamen carry a woman in a wheelchair as the artillery echoes nearby, while people flee Irpin on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, Monday, 7 March.
A woman holding a child cries after fleeing from Ukraine and arriving at the border crossing in Medyka, Poland, Monday, 7 March.
A soldier holds a helmet as a wedding crown during the wedding ceremony for members of the Ukrainian Territorial Defense Forces Lesia Ivashchenko and Valerii Fylymonov, at a checkpoint in Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, 6 March.
At Least 9 Dead in Ukraine’s Sumy
At least nine people, including two children, died in an air strike on the Ukrainian city of Sumy, news agency AFP reported quoting rescuers.
Sumy, near the Russian border, has been the scene of heavy fighting for days.
Russia Becomes World’s Most Sanctioned Country
After its war on Ukraine, Russia has become the most sanctioned country in the world, according to a New York-based sanctions watchlist site.
Castellum.AI said that sanctions were first imposed by the US and its allies on Russia on 22 February, a day after President Vladimir Putin declared the two Ukrainian rebel regions of Donetsk and Luhansk as "independent states."
Japan Freezes Assets of 32 More Russian & Belarusian Officials
Japan has frozen the assets of an additional 32 Russian and Belarusian officials and oligarchs following the invasion of Ukraine, the Ministry of Finance announced, Reuters reported.
Two Fires Broke Out at Oil Depots in the Zhytomyr Region of Ukraine
Two fires broke out at oil depots in the Zhytomyr region of Ukraine, with the country's State Emergency Services saying that they were caused by Russian air strikes, Reuters reported.
Ukraine President Zelenskyy To Address British Parliament
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will address British lawmakers via videolink in the House of Commons on Tuesday, making it the first time a president of another country will address the main Westminster chamber, Reuters reported.
694 Indian Students Have Left Sumy; On Their Way to Poltava: Hardeep Singh Puri
Ukraine began evacuating civilians from the north-eastern city of Sumy and from the town of Irpin near the capital Kyiv on Tuesday, Ukrainian officials said.
The evacuations from Sumy and Irpin began after Russian and Ukrainian officials agreed to establish "humanitarian corridors" to allow civilians to leave the city.
Meanwhile, India's Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri has confirmed that 694 Indian students have left Sumy and are on their way to Poltava.
150 People Evacuated: Kyiv Region Governor
"As of 09:30 (0730 GMT), more than 150 people have been evacuated and (evacuation) activities are underway," said Oleksiy Kuleba, governor of the Kyiv region, Reuters reported.
India Evacuates 75 Sailors Stranded in Mykolaiv Port
"Mission intervened to evacuate 75 and sailors stranded in Mykolaiv Port. Yesterday, buses arranged by the Mission evacuated total of 57 sailors including 2 Lebanese and 3 Syrians. Route constraints precluded evacuation of balance 23 sailors. Mission is attempting their evacuation today," the Indian Embassy in Kyiv announced.
Have Started Evacuation of Civilians & Students From Sumy: Ukraine's Foreign Ministry
"We have already started the evacuation of civilians from Sumy to Poltava, including foreign students. We call on Russia to agree on other humanitarian corridors in Ukraine," tweeted the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry.
Humanitarian Corridors Set Up for Evacuation of Civilians From Kyiv, Chernigov, Mariupol & Kharkiv
In addition to the humanitarian corridor from Sumy to Poltava, here are the evacuation routes agreed upon by Russia and Ukraine:
From Kyiv and adjacent settlements to the Russian Federation through the territory of the Republic of Belarus to Gomel city with delivery by air to the Russian Federation.
From Chernigov through Belarus to Gomel with delivery by air transport to the Russian Federation, in the southern direction.
From Kharkiv to the territory of the Russian Federation to Belgorod – then by air, rail, and road transport to selected destinations or temporary accommodation, to Lviv, Uzhgorod, and Ivano-Frankivsk.
From Mariupol by two routes to the territory of the Russian Federation to Rostov-on-Don through Novoazovsk and Taganrog cities, then to Zaporozhye.
Over 2 Million Have Fled Ukraine War as Refugees: UN
"More than 2 million people have fled Ukraine war as refugees," reports AFP, quoting United Nations.
Shell To Withdraw From Russian Oil & Gas Trade
Shell has announced its intent to withdraw from all Russian oil and gas, aligned with new government guidance. The British publicly traded multinational oil and gas company will stop all spot purchases of Russian crude oil and shut service stations, aviation fuels, and lubricants operations in Russia.
Ceasefire Violated in Mariupol as Russia Continues Shelling
"Ceasefire violated! Russian forces are now shelling the humanitarian corridor from Zaporizhzhia to Mariupol. 8 trucks + 30 buses ready to deliver humanitarian aid to Mariupol and to evac civilians to Zaporizhzhia. Pressure on Russia MUST step up to make it uphold its commitments," the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a tweet.
Russia Holding 300k Civilians Hostage in Mariupol: Ukraine
"Russia holds 300k civilians hostage in Mariupol, prevents humanitarian evacuation despite agreements with ICRC mediation. One child died of dehydration (!) yesterday! War crimes are part of Russia’s deliberate strategy. I urge all states to publicly demand: RUSSIA, LET PEOPLE GO!" tweeted Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.
China Calls for 'Maximum Restraint' in Ukraine Crisis
Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged 'maximum restraint' over the Ukraine crisis in calls with his French and German counterparts, AFP reported.
'Next Humanitarian Corridor Uncertain': India's Advisory Urges Nationals to Evacuate During Ceasefire
"The Humanitarian Corridor for evacuation of stranded people has been announced in various parts of Ukraine... Considering the security situation, establishment of next humanitarian corridor is uncertain," the Indian embassy in Kyiv said.
"All stranded Indian nationals are urged to make use of this opportunity and evacuate using trains/vehicles or any other available means of transport giving due consideration to safety," it said in its advisory.
Enemy's Advance Has Slowed: Ukraine
The advance of Russian forces has slowed significantly and Ukrainian forces are counter-attacking in some areas, Ukraine’s government has claimed.
"The tempo of the enemy’s advance has slowed considerably, and in certain directions where they were advancing it has practically stopped. The forces that continue to advance, advance in small forces," Ukrainian presidential adviser Oleksiy Arestovych was quoted as saying by The Guardian.
Ukraine Urges Global Businesses To Suspend Ops in Russia
"Ukraine requests the ethically and socially responsible global businesses to stop or suspend operations with or in Russia, therefore refusing to finance its violence, murders, and crimes against humanity. Please read and share my full appeal to global business community below," Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted, sharing the appeal document.
18,000 Indians Evacuated From Ukraine: Centre
A total of 410 Indians were airlifted from the Romanian city of Suceava on Tuesday. With this, about 18,000 Indians have been brought back through special flights which began on 22 February, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has said.
UN Says More Than Two Million People Have Fled Ukraine
More than two million people have now fled Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion on 24 February, according to the latest data from the United Nations.
US President Biden to Announce Ban on Russian Oil Imports
United States President Joe Biden has decided to ban Russian oil imports, toughening the toll on Russia’s economy in retaliation for its actions against Ukraine, AP reported.
The announcement in this regard is likely to be made by Biden on Tuesday, 8 March.
The move follows pleas by Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelenskyy to US officials to cut off the imports.
Ukraine Prez Zelenskyy Denounces West For Unkept Promises
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a video broadcast, denounced unkept "promises" by the West, saying that the responsibility for the casualties from Russia's ongoing invasion "rests also on those who were not capable to take a decision in the West for 13 days".
Brent Crude Price Soars Amid Reports of Biden's Decision to Ban Russian Oil Imports
The price of Brent crude, the international benchmark, soared by more than five percent on Tuesday as President Joe Biden was expected to announce a US ban on Russian oil imports.
KFC's Parent Company Pauses Investment in Russia
Yum Brands, parent company of fast-food restaurant chain Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), is pausing investment in Russia, a key market that helped the brand achieve record development last year, the company said
EU to Vastly Reduce Russian Gas Imports
The European Union (EU) wants to vastly reduce Russian gas imports this year, a top official said, as political pressure mounts to sever Russia's main economic lifeline over its invasion of Ukraine.
Premier League Suspends Deal with Russian Broadcaster
The Premier League announced on Tuesday that they have suspended their broadcast contracts in Russia amid the country's invasion of Ukraine.
The league and its 20 clubs voted unanimously to terminate the agreement after a weekend of matches that saw support for Ukraine before the kick-off of each game.
The league and its clubs also said that they will donate £1 million to support the citizens of Ukraine.
US President Biden Bans Russian Oil Imports
President Joe Biden announced a ban on US imports of Russian oil on Tuesday, in the administration's most far-reaching action yet to punish Moscow for invading Ukraine.
Britain to Phase Out Russian Oil Imports by Year-End
Britain said on Tuesday it would phase out Russian oil imports by the end of this year, in line with the announcement by United States (US) President Joe Biden to ban Russian oil imports following the country's invasion of Ukraine.
BBC to Resume English-Language Reporting From Russia
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) said it was resuming English-language reporting from Russia.
This comes after the company put out a statement on Friday, 4 March saying that it was suspending all its journalism operations in Russia after the country introduced a new law that would lead to imprisonment for a person found to be spreading "fake news" intentionally
Zelenskyy Channels Churchill, Shakespeare in Address to UK Parliament
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy channeled former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and English playwright William Shakespeare in his address to the British Parliament.
"We will not give up. We will continue fighting for our land whatever the costs. We will fight in the fields, in the seas, in the streets," he said.