LIVE: Russia vs Ukraine War: What you need to know about the crisis right now
LIVE: Russia vs Ukraine War: What you need to know about the crisis right now
Russia-Ukraine War Latest News, LIVE Updates: Russian troops launched their anticipated attack on Ukraine on Thursday, as President Vladimir Putin cast aside international condemnation and sanctions and warned other countries that any attempt to interfere would lead to consequences you have never seen.
Big explosions were heard before dawn in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa as world leaders decried the start of an invasion that could cause massive casualties and topple Ukraine's democratically elected government.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared martial law, saying Russia has targeted Ukraine's military infrastructure. He urged Ukrainians to stay home and not to panic.
Here are all the LIVE UPDATES:-
Latest Updates
- India also positioned teams of officials at Zahony border post in Hungary, Krakowiec as well as Shehyni-Medyka land border points in Poland, Vysne Nemecke in the Slovak Republic and Suceava transit point in Romania to coordinate the exit of Indian nationals from Ukraine.
- India is using the land routes to evacuate its citizens as Ukraine has closed its airspace for civilian aircraft following the Russian attack.
- "The Ministry of External Affairs, under the direct supervision of the External Affairs Minister, and the overall guidance of the prime minister is doing everything possible to make sure that the safety, security and the interests of our citizens in Ukraine are given the highest priority," Shringla said.
-India on Friday managed to set up camp offices in Lviv and Chernivtsi towns in western Ukraine to facilitate the transit of Indians to Hungary, Romania and Poland.
Russia ready to hold talks 'any moment' once Ukrainian Army lays down arms: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday said that Moscow is ready for talks at "any moment" with Ukraine once the Ukrainian military respond positively to President Vladimir Putin's call, end their resistance and lay down their arms.
Lavrov made the remarks following talks with Deputy Foreign Minister of the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) Sergey Peresada and Foreign Minister of the Lugansk People's Republic (LPR) Vladislav Deinego, the state-run TASS news agency reported.
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed treaties with leaders of DPR and LPR on February 21, recognising the two regions of Ukraine as independent.
"We are ready to hold talks at any moment, once the Ukrainian Armed Forces respond to our president's call, end their resistance and lay down their arms. No one plans to attack and oppress them, let them return to their families, and let us give the Ukrainian people a chance to decide their future," Lavrov was quoted as saying by the state-run TASS news agency.
President Putin on Thursday launched a multi-pronged all-out attack on Ukraine, casting aside international condemnation and sanctions and warned other countries that any attempt to interfere would lead to "consequences they had never seen".
Russia ready to hold talks once Ukrainian Army lays down arms: FM Sergey Lavrov
- Vice President Naidu speaks to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to enquire about well-being of Indian students stuck in war-hit Ukraine, suggests proactive measures be taken to bring them safely back to India
- Vice President Naidu speaks to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to enquire about well-being of Indian students stuck in war-hit Ukraine, suggests proactive measures be taken to bring them safely back to India
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar receives phone call from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba ahead of crucial vote at UN Security Council on Russian attack on Ukraine
- He shared his assessment of current situation; I emphasised that India supports diplomacy and dialogue as way out: EAM Jaishankar on talks with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba
Luxembourg foreign minister: EU 'very close to agreement' for asset freeze of Putin and Russian foreign minister Lavrov, reports AP - PTI
'Disturbances' to severely hamper eco recovery in India, world; recovery needs to be sustainable, sans disruptions, for humanity's welfare: FM
Russian military says it has seized strategic airport outside Ukrainian capital; claims it cut Kyiv off from the west, reports AP
Global peace has never been threatened this way since WW2; Russia-Ukraine developments challenge India's development aspirations: FM
Andhra Pradesh government says it is making every effort to safely bring back students belonging to the state stuck in war-hit Ukraine
Russia says it expects support from India at UN Security Council when the global body takes up crucial resolution on Russian military operation in Ukraine
Air India planning to operate two flights to Romanian capital Bucharest to evacuate Indians stranded in Ukraine due to a Russian military offensive: Officials
West Bengal government sets up control room to help students, people from state stranded in war-hit Ukraine
Nearly 2,500 students from Gujarat stranded in Ukraine amid Russia's military operation: State Education Minister Jitu Vaghani
Gunfire heard near government quarter of Ukrainian capital, reports AP
Ukrainian military says Russian 'spies,' 'saboteurs' seen 3 miles from Kyiv as invasion presses toward Ukrainian capital, reports AP
Russian military says it has seized strategic airport outside Ukrainian capital; claims it cut Kyiv off from the west, reports AP - PTI
Russia says it captures aerodrome northwest of Kyiv - Reuters
Russia`s defence ministry said on Friday its forces had captured the strategic Hostomel aerodrome outside the Ukrainian capital Kyiv and landed paratroopers in the area.
It said the Russian military had blocked access to Kyiv from the west, and separatist forces in eastern Ukraine had attacked Ukrainian army positions with Russian army support.
Ukraine said its capital and other parts of the country were hit by Russian missiles in the early hours of Friday.
Russia says will only talk to Ukraine once Ukraine''s military lays down arms - Reuters
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday that Moscow would be ready to hold talks with Kyiv, but only once Ukraine`s military had laid down its arms.
He also said that Moscow did not want "neo-Nazis" to govern Ukraine.
Russia launched its invasion by land, air and sea on Thursday following a declaration of war by President Vladimir Putin, in the biggest attack on a European state since World War Two.
Gunfire heard near government quarter of Ukrainian capital, reports AP - PTI
- Russia's civil aviation authority has banned UK flights to and over Russia in retaliation for British ban on Aeroflot, reports AP - PTI
Here`s what you need to know about the Ukraine crisis right now:
HEADLINES
* Missiles pounded the Ukrainian capital as Russian forces pressed their advance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy pleaded with the international community to do more, saying sanctions announced so far were not enough.
* Russian forces would enter areas just outside Kyiv later on Friday even though Ukrainian units were defending positions on four fronts despite being outnumbered, a top Ukrainian defence official said.
* Russia intends to take the whole of Ukraine but its army failed to deliver on the first day of its invasion, Britain`s defence secretary said.
* Ukrainian forces downed an aircraft over Kyiv, which then crashed into a residential building, said Anton Herashchenko, an adviser to the interior minister.
* Russian President Vladimir Putin said his aim was to demilitarize and "denazify" Ukraine. He said any hindrance would be met by "such consequences that you have never encountered in your history".
* U.S. President Joe Biden said Putin`s action was about naked aggression. He unveiled new sanctions on its banks and wealthy elite and export restrictions.
* Britain, Canada, the EU, Australia, Japan, Taiwan and others unveiled sanctions against Russia, targeting banks, military exports and members of Putin`s inner circle.
* Russia has spent seven years building up financial defences but in the long run, its economy is unlikely to withstand the onslaught of coordinated sanctions.
* Thousands of Ukrainians are trying to escape to neighbouring countries.
* Daniil Medvedev said he wanted to promote peace after a "roller-coaster day" when he was confirmed the world`s top tennis player and his country invaded Ukraine.
* Former heavyweight boxing champion Vitali Klitschko said he would take up arms alongside his brother and fellow Hall of Famer Wladimir Klitschko for Ukraine.
* Stock markets tumbled and Russia`s rouble hit an all-time low. U.S. stocks turned positive as the West detailed its sanctions against Russia. [MKTS/GLOB]
QUOTES
- "Last time our capital experienced anything like this was in 1941 when it was attacked by Nazi Germany," Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Twitter.
COMING EVENTS
* The U.N. Security Council is expected to vote at 2000 GMT on a draft resolution condemning Russia and requiring it to unconditionally withdraw.
(REUTERS)
"Russia had lost more than 450 personnel so far" - Reuters
"It`s definitely our view that the Russians intend to invade the whole of Ukraine," Wallace told Sky.
Putin says Russia is carrying out "a special military operation" to stop the Ukrainian government from committing genocide against its own people - an accusation the West calls baseless. He also says Ukraine is an illegitimate state whose lands historically belong to Russia.Wallace cast Putin, Russia`s paramount leader since 1999, as illogical.
"I certainly think he has gone full tonto," Wallace said. "No-one else in their right mind would do what we are seeing on our telly screens today."
Russia says Western leaders are gripped by Russophobia and that the United States and its allies have been plotting to undermine Russia for decades.
Wallace said the Russian army had failed to deliver any of its key objectives, directly contradicting the Russian defence ministry which said it had achieved all of its main aims on the first day of the military operation.
"Contrary to great Russian claims, and indeed President Putin`s sort of vision that somehow the Ukrainians would be liberated and would be flocking to his cause, he`s got that completely wrong, and the Russian army has failed to deliver, on day one, its main objective," Wallace said.
Russia, Wallace said, had lost more than 450 personnel so far.
Missiles pounded the Ukrainian capital on Friday as Russian forces pressed their advance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy pleaded with the international community to do more, saying sanctions announced so far were not enough.
Russia wants whole of Ukraine but army failing, UK says - Reuters
Russia intends to take the whole of Ukraine but the Russian army failed to deliver on the first day of its invasion, British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said on Friday.
Russia launched its invasion by land, air and sea on Thursday following a declaration of war by President Vladimir Putin, in the biggest attack on a European state since World War Two.
PM Narendra Modi conveyed at CCS meet that topmost priority of govt is safety & security of Indians, their evacuation from Ukraine: Foreign Secretary
India on Russia-Ukrain War and safety of Indian citizens in Ukraine
-We will take all possible steps to bring back safe and sound all Indian citizens in Ukraine, including students: FS Shringla
-Situation on the ground is difficult and rapidly evolving: Foreign Secretary on Ukraine crisis
-Around 4,000 Indian nationals out of 20,000 have already left Ukraine in past few days: Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla
-Indian embassy in Ukraine extending all possible assistance to Indians notwithstanding complicated situation: Foreign Secretary
Indian PM Narendra Modi on Russia-Ukraine War
-PM called for concerted efforts from all sides to return to path of diplomatic negotiations, dialogue: PMO on Modi-Putin conversation
-PM reiterated his long-standing conviction that differences between Russia, NATO can be resolved through dialogue: PMO on Modi-Putin call
-Russian President Vladimir Putin briefs Prime Minister Modi about recent developments regarding Ukraine: PMO
-PM Modi speaks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, appeals for immediate cessation of violence: PMO
Russia gave its first confirmation that its ground forces have moved into Ukraine, saying troops entered from Crimea, reports AP - PTI
UK to ban Aeroflot airline in ‘largest package’ of Russian sanctions
Ukraine on Russia's invasion
- Explosions heard in Kyiv as Russia presses Ukraine assault.(AP) - PTI
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ordered a full military mobilisation to counter the Russian invasion, reports AP - PTI
US on Russia-Ukraine War
-Any nation that countenances Russian aggression against Ukraine will be stained by association: US President Biden - PTI
-US sanctions will isolate Russia from global financial system, says key White House official - PTI
-US to have consultations with India on Ukrainian crisis: US Prez Biden - PTI
-US sanctions Belarusian banks, defence industry, security officials over support for Russian invasion of Ukraine, reports AP - PTI
-Biden says new sanctions don't cut off Russian access to SWIFT global financial system, cites European concerns, reports AP - PTI
- US expels Russia's second-ranking diplomat in Washington in retaliation for expulsion of No. 2 US diplomat in Moscow, reports AP - PTI
- Biden says US deploying additional forces to Germany to bolster NATO in face of Russian invasion of Ukraine, reports AP
-Biden says US, allies are blocking assets of four large Russian banks, imposing export controls, sanctioning oligarchs, reports AP
-Biden: 'Putin chose this war' in Ukraine, and he and Russia 'will bear the consequences' of new sanctions, reports AP
- UN gives $20 million to scale up Ukraine humanitarian aid.(AP) - PTI
PM Modi chairs meeting of Cabinet Committee on Security amid Russia's attack on Ukraine. - PTI
India looking at ways to evacuate its citizens from Ukraine - PTI
India on Thursday was finalising contingency plans to evacuate its citizens from Ukraine after Russia launched a large-scale military attack on its neighbouring country even as the European Union reached out to New Delhi for its contribution to defuse the "grave situation".
With around 20,000 Indians stuck in Ukraine, the top brass of the government handling strategic affairs held a series of high-level meetings to put into operation certain contingency plans to assist the Indians.
After Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a "military operation" in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, Russia launched multiple attacks on several areas in central and eastern Ukraine that attracted severe condemnation from the US and its allies.
As the Ukrainian government declared a state emergency and closed the country's airspace for civilian flights, the Indian embassy in Kyiv issued three separate advisories in the course of the day appealing to the Indians to maintain calm and remain safe wherever they are.
The embassy said in view of the closure of the Ukrainian airspace, alternative arrangements are being made for the evacuation of Indian nationals. However, it did not provide any clarity on evacuation arrangements.
Separately, the Indian ambassador to Ukraine, Partha Satpathy, called on Indians to face the current situation with "calm and fortitude" as the situation is "highly tense and very uncertain".
The envoy said the Ministry of External Affairs and the embassy are working on a "mission mode" to find a "solution to this difficult situation".
In the midst of the Russian offensive, European Union's High Representative for foreign affairs Josep Borrell spoke to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and discussed the "grave situation" and how India could contribute to de-escalating the situation.
"Received a call from EU HRVP @JosepBorrellF. Discussed the grave situation in Ukraine and how India could contribute to de-escalation efforts," Jaishankar tweeted.
The 27-nation European Union has been playing a key role to defuse the crisis.
In its latest advisory, the Indian embassy said the movement of people is now difficult in Ukraine as it is under martial law and those hearing air sirens and bomb warnings should find nearby bomb shelters.
"We are aware that certain places are hearing air sirens/bomb warnings. In case you are faced with such a situation, Google maps have a list of nearby bomb shelters, many of which are located in underground metros," it said.
"While the mission is identifying a possible solution to the situation, please be aware of your surroundings, be safe, do not leave your homes unless necessary and carry your documents with you at all times," it said.
The ambassador said the Indian embassy in Kyiv continues to remain open and operate.
"I am reaching out to you from Kyiv. Today early morning, we all woke up with the news that Ukraine is under attack. The situation is highly tense and very uncertain and this of course is causing a lot of anxiety," he said.
"The air space is closed, railway schedules are in flux and roads are crammed. I would request everyone to stay calm and face the situation with fortitude," Satpathy said.
He said the embassy has already reached out to the Indian diaspora in Ukraine and requested them to assist the Indians to the "best of their abilities".
"I urge you to please stay wherever you are, in your familiar locations. Those who are in transit, please return to your familiar places of habitation," he said.
"Those who are stranded here in Kyiv, please get in touch with your friends and colleagues in Kyiv, universities and other community members, so that you can temporarily lodge there," Satpathy said.
Government sources said "contingency plans are being put into operation and that the immediate priority is to assist the Indians".In one of its advisories, the Indian embassy said: "All those who are travelling to Kyiv, including those travelling from western parts of Kyiv, are advised to return to their respective cities temporarily, especially towards safer places along with the western bordering countries."
It is learnt that the government is exploring the possibility of facilitating the movement of the stranded Indians to Polland from where they can be evacuated. However, there is no clarity on it.
In a related development, Ukraine's Ambassador to India Igor Polikha said India has a "special" relationship with Russia and it can play a more proactive role in de-escalation of the situation.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is among very few leaders who President Vladimir Putin listens to and New Delhi can use its proximity with Moscow to control the situation.At the same time, he said Ukraine was "deeply dissatisfied" with India's position on the crisis.
India has been pressing for de-escalation of tensions taking into account the legitimate security interests of all countries.The situation in Ukraine deteriorated after Putin announced the military operation in Ukraine.
Following Putin's announcement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said an "invasion" could be the beginning of a "big war" in Europe.-Team from Indian mission in Hungary sent to border post of Zohanyi to provide assistance to facilitate exit of Indians from Ukraine: Embassy
-We are working with govt of Hungary to provide all possible assistance: Indian embassy in Hungary on evacuation of Indians from Ukraine
-Plans being worked out for evacuation of Indians from Ukraine: Indian embassy in Hungary
Impossible to lock countries like Russia behind iron curtain: Kremlin - PTI
Panic, scared and excited' as Ukrainians watch war arrive. (AP) - PTI
NATO vows to defend its entire territory after Russia attack. (AP) - PTI
Russia invades Ukraine: Political, military leaders' reactions - Reuters
Following is a rundown of reactions from political leaders and other senior figures shaping events after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN
"I have decided to conduct a special military operation... to protect people who have been subjected to bullying and genocide... for the last eight years.
"And for this we will strive for the demilitarisation and denazification of Ukraine. And to bring to court those who committed numerous bloody crimes against civilians, including against citizens of the Russian Federation."
UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELINSKIY
"Russia treacherously attacked our state in the morning, as Nazi Germany did in the WW2 years.
"As of today, our countries are on different sides of world history. Russia has embarked on a path of evil, but Ukraine is defending itself & won`t give up its freedom no matter what Moscow thinks."NATO SECRETARY-GENERAL JENS STOLTENBERG
"This is a deliberate, cold-blooded and long-planned invasion...
"Peace on our continent has been shattered Russia is using force to try to rewrite history, and deny Ukraine its free and independent path...
"We have no plans to send NATO troops in Ukraine. What we do is defensive."
U.S PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN
"President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering...
"I will be meeting with the leaders of the G7, and the United States and our allies and partners will be imposing severe sanctions on Russia."
EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT URSULA VON DER LEYEN
"President Putin is responsible for bringing war back to Europe...
"We will target strategic sectors of the Russian economy by blocking their access to key technologies and markets. We will weaken Russia`s economic base and its capacity to modernise."
"In addition, we will freeze Russian assets in the EU and stop the access of Russian banks to the European financial market."
EUROPEAN COMMISSION FOREIGN POLICY CHIEF JOSEP BORRELL
"These are among the darkest hours of Europe since the Second World War.
"The EU will respond in the strongest possible terms and agree on the harshest package of sanctions we have ever implemented."
GERMAN CHANCELLOR OLAF SCHOLZ
"Putin is bringing suffering and destruction to his direct neighbours, he is violating the sovereignty and borders of Ukraine.
"He is endangering the lives of countless innocent people (and)... the peace order on our continent. For all that there is no justification. This is Putin`s war."
GERMAN ECONOMY MINISTER ROBERT HABECK
"We have a land war in Europe that we thought was only to find in history books... For Russia, this attack will have severe political and economic consequences."
FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON
"The events of last night mark a turning point in the history of Europe.
"We will respond to this act of war without weakness, with cold blood, determination and unity."
BRITISH PRIME MINISTER BORIS JOHNSON
"President Putin has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching this unprovoked attack on Ukraine...
"This is a catastrophe for our continent."
ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER MARIO DRAGHI
"We have our allies at our side... Together we will do whatever it takes to preserve Ukraine`s sovereignty, Europe`s security, and the integrity of the international order based on the rules and values we all share."
CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON HUA CHUNYING
"You are using a typical Western media question method of using the word invasion.
"China is closely monitoring the latest situation. We call on all sides to exercise restraint to prevent the situation from getting out of control."
GERMAN ARMY CHIEF LIEUTENANT GENERAL ALFONS MAIS
"In my 41th year of peace-time service, I would not have thought that I would have to experience a war.
"And the Bundeswehr, the army which I have the honour to command, is standing there more or less empty-handed. The options we can offer the government in support of the (NATO)alliance are extremely limited...
"We have all seen it coming but were not able to get through with our arguments to draw the consequences after (Russia`s) annexation of Crimea. This does not feel good. I am fed up with it."
TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTRY
"This attack is a grave violation of international law and poses a serious threat to the security of our region and the world.
"We call on the Russian Federation to immediately end this unjust and unlawful act."
HUNGARIAN PRIME MINISTER VIKTOR ORBAN
"With our EU and NATO allies, we condemn Russia`s military attack."
PORTUGUESE PRIME MINISTER ANTONIO COSTA
"The answer to this crisis should be a diplomatic solution... NATO will not intervene or act in Ukraine.
"Ukrainian citizens who have family, friends and acquaintances here are welcome in Portugal."
ISRAELI FOREIGN MINISTER YAIR LAPID
"Russia`s attack on Ukraine is a grave breach of international order. Israel condemns the attack."
RUSSIAN EX-OIL TYCOON AND ARCH KREMLIN CRITIC MIKHAIL KHODORKOVSKY
"It is Putin and his entourage who started the war in order to hold on to their power - not the Russian people.
"Unleashing a war of aggression and using the armed forces for personal gain signifies that a junta led by Putin has seized power in Russia."
EUROPEAN CENTRAL BANK POLICYMAKER YANNIS STOURNARAS
"In my view it is going to have a short-term inflationary effect – that is prices will increase due to higher energy costs.
"But in the medium to long term I think that the consequences will be deflationary through adverse trade effects."
Ukrainian military plane shot down, five killed - authorities - Reuters
A Ukrainian military plane was shot down on Thursday and five people were killed, Ukrainian police and the state emergency service said, as its armed forces sought to defend against a massive Russian military operation.
Russian forces invaded Ukraine by land, air and sea on Thursday in the biggest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War Two.
NATO secretary-general says Russia has launched war on Ukraine and shattered peace on the European continent, reports AP - PTI
Kremlin says operation must demilitarise Ukraine, purge it of ''Nazis'' - Reuters
The Kremlin said on Thursday that the length of Russia`s military operation in Ukraine depended on how it progressed and on its aims, and that the assault should ideally cleanse the country of "Nazis" and "neutralise" Kyiv`s military potential.
In a conference call with reporters, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that nobody was talking about occupying Ukraine and that it was "unacceptable" to use the word to describe in the context of Russia`s operation.
Adviser to Ukraine's president says about 40 people have been killed so far in Russian attack on the country, reports AP - PTI
Ukraine's president says the country has cut diplomatic ties with Russia after its attack, reports AP - PTI
Ukraine vs Russia: What you need to know right now
Here`s what you need to know about the Ukraine crisis right now:
HEADLINES
* Russia launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine by land, air and sea on Thursday, the biggest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War Two and confirmation of the West`s worst fears.
* Russian President Vladimir Putin says his aim is to demilitarise and `denazify` Ukraine.
* Russian troops attacked Ukraine from Belarus as well as Russia and from annexed Crimea, Ukraine`s border guard service said. Missiles rained down on Ukrainian cities and explosions were heard near the capital Kyiv.
* Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed to world leaders to impose all possible sanctions, saying Putin wanted to destroy the Ukrainian state.
* The European Union will impose new sanctions, freezing Russian assets, halting access of its banks to the European financial market and targeting "Kremlin interests" over its "barbaric attack", senior officials said.
* U.S. President Joe Biden said Washington and its allies would impose "severe sanctions".
* Central European countries started preparations to receive potentially hundreds of thousands of people fleeing Ukraine.
* Moldova declared a state of emergency as dozens of cars queued on its border with Ukraine, according to Moldovan media websites.
* Russia suspended movement of commercial vessels in the Azov sea, but kept its Black Sea ports open for navigation, its officials and five grain industry sources said.
* Ukraine asked Turkey to close the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits to Russian ships, Ukraine`s ambassador to Ankara said.
QUOTES
- "I have decided to conduct a special military operation... to protect people who have been subjected to bullying and genocide," Putin said. "And for this we will strive for the demilitarisation and denazification of Ukraine.
"And to bring to court those who committed numerous bloody crimes against civilians, including against citizens of the Russian Federation."
- "Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Twitter.
COMING EVENTS
* Biden will meet with his G7 counterparts Thursday to map out more severe measures against Russia after Putin launched what Biden called "a premeditated war" against Ukraine.
* European Union leaders will discuss further sanctions at an emergency meeting on Thursday, the EU said.
* NATO ambassadors will hold an emergency meeting on Thursday.
* The U.N. Security Council will discuss a resolution condemning the invasion.
'Barbarian act': World leaders condemn Russia on Ukraine.(AP) - PTI
Russian military says it has knocked out Ukraine's air defence assets and airbases, reports AP
Those travelling to Kyiv are advised to return to their respective cities temporarily: Indian embassy in Ukraine to Indians - PTI
Present situation highly uncertain, please maintain calm and remain safe wherever you are: Indian embassy in Ukraine to Indians - PTI
'Saddest moment in my tenure' as UN chief, says Antonio Guterres as Russian President Vladimir Putin announces military operation in Ukraine - PTI
India's External Affairs ministry holds high-level meetings on Ukraine crisis; contingency plans being put into operation: Sources - PTI
World will hold Russia accountable for unprovoked attack on Ukraine.
(photo:Twitter/@MSweetwood/@Global_Mil_Info)
WATCH: Russian MLRS splashes on the outskirts of Kharkiv.
WATCH: Russian cruise-missile flying to a target in Ukraine.
-Putin announced the military operation after the Kremlin said rebels in eastern Ukraine asked Russia for military assistance to help fend off Ukrainian aggression, an announcement that the White House said was a false flag operation by Moscow to offer up a pretext for an invasion.
-Putin's announcement came just hours after the Ukrainian president rejected Moscow's claims that his country poses a threat to Russia and made a passionate, last-minute plea for peace.
-Anticipating international condemnation and countermeasures, Putin issued a stark warning to other countries not to meddle, saying, whoever tries to impede us, let alone create threats for our country and its people, must know that the Russian response will be immediate and lead to the consequences you have never seen in history.
-Putin urged Ukrainian servicemen to immediately put down arms and go home.
-In a stark reminder of Russia's nuclear power, Putin warned that no one should have any doubts that a direct attack on our country will lead to the destruction and horrible consequences for any potential aggressor.
-He emphasised that Russia is one of the most potent nuclear powers and also has a certain edge in a range of state-of-the-art weapons.
-Though the US on Tuesday announced the repositioning of forces around the Baltics, Biden has said he will not send in troops to fight Russia.
Impact on financial markets
-Beyond casualties that could overwhelm Ukraine's government, the consequences of the conflict and resulting sanctions levied on Russia could reverberate throughout the world, affecting energy supplies in Europe, jolting global financial markets and threatening the post-Cold War balance on the continent.
- Asian stock markets plunged and oil prices surged as the attack began.
- Earlier, Wall Street's benchmark S&P 500 index fell 1.8% to an eight-month low after the Kremlin said rebels in eastern Ukraine asked for military assistance.
-Anton Gerashchenko, an adviser to Ukraine's interior minister, said on Facebook that the Russian military had launched missile strikes on Ukrainian military command facilities, air bases and military depots in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Dnipro.
-After the initial explosions in Kyiv, people could be heard shouting in the streets.
-Then a sense of normality returned, with cars circulating and people walking in the streets as a pre-dawn commute appeared to start in relative calm.
The Russian military said it struck Ukrainian air bases and other military assets and had not targeted populated areas.
The Russian Defence Ministry statement said the military was using precision weapons and claimed that there is no threat to civilian population.
-Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba described the assault as a full-scale invasion and said Ukraine will "defend itself and will win. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now.
-In the capital, Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko advised residents to stay home unless they are involved in critical work and to prepare go-bags with necessities and documents if they need to evacuate.
-An Associated Press photographer in Mariupol reported hearing explosions and seeing dozens of people with suitcases heading for their cars to leave the city.
Biden in a written statement condemned the ?unprovoked and unjustified attack,? and he promised that the US and its allies would hold Russia accountable.
Biden said he planned to speak to Americans on Thursday after a meeting of the Group of Seven leaders.
More sanctions against Russia were expected to be announced Thursday.
Russia's reason for attack on Ukraine?
Putin justified it all in a televised address, asserting that the attack was needed to protect civilians in eastern Ukraine a false claim the US had predicted he would make as a pretext for an invasion.
He accused the US and its allies of ignoring Russia's demands to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and for security guarantees.
He also credulously claimed that Russia does not intend to occupy Ukraine but will move to demilitarise it and bring those who committed crimes to justice.
US President Joe Biden pledged new sanctions to punish Russia for the aggression that the international community had expected for weeks but could not prevent through diplomacy.
NEWSALERT: Russian military says it has knocked out Ukraine's air defence assets and airbases, reports AP.
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