Russia, Ukraine Agree on Safe Corridors for Evacuation; 22 Dead in Chernihiv
Catch all the live updates on the Russia-Ukraine war here.
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As Russia continues to wage war against Ukraine for the eighth day, Ukrainian officials on Thursday, 3 March, a member of Ukraine’s delegation in talks with Russia said that both parties have reached a tentative agreement to organise safe corridors for civilians to evacuate and for humanitarian supplies to be delivered.
Earlier in the day, Ukraine confirmed that Russia had captured the southern city of Kherson.
At least 22 people have died after Russian forces struck the northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv, news agency AP reported.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with United States (US) President Joe Biden and prime ministers of Australia and Japan interacted over the situation in Ukraine in a virtual meeting of the Quad.
On Thursday morning, four loud explosions were heard in the capital city of Kyiv, with an air raid alert urging citizens to take shelter. This comes a day after the city of Kharkiv suffered heavy bombardment on Wednesday, in which at least 21 people were killed.
The Russian defence ministry alleged that Ukrainian forces were keeping a large group of Indian students as 'hostages' in Kharkiv. The MEA, however, said that it had not received information on any hostage situation
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that almost 6,000 Russians were killed over the past six days of the war
Joe Biden announced that the US would be closing its airspace to Russian planes
The UN said on Wednesday that it had recorded nearly 230 civilian deaths in Ukraine, including 15 children, warning that the actual count was likely to be far higher
A column of Russian logistic and combat vehicles, estimated to be 64 km long, continues to make its way to the capital city of Kyiv
The UN General Assembly has approved a resolution demanding Russia to withdraw from Ukrainian territory; India abstained from voting against Russia
Russian Military Has Offered Safe Corridors to Civilians: Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that the Russian military has offered safe corridors to civilians to allow them to leave areas of fighting in Ukraine, reported AP.
Putin, speaking in a video call with members of his Security Council, alleged that Ukrainian nationalist groups are preventing civilians from leaving.
The Russian leader claimed the groups were also using civilians as shields, taking up firing positions to provoke the Russian retaliatory fire.
Ukraine, Russia Agree to Create Safe Corridors
A member of Ukraine’s delegation in talks with Russia on Thursday said that the parties have reached a tentative agreement to organise safe corridors for civilians to evacuate and for humanitarian supplies to be delivered, reported AP.
Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy who took part in Thursday’s talks in Belarus near the Polish border, said that Russia and Ukraine reached a preliminary understanding that cease-fires will be observed in areas where the safe corridors are established.
PM Modi Promotes Path of Diplomacy, Urges Adherence to UN Charter at Quad Summit
A statement by the Prime Minister's on the Quad summit stated that the meeting "reviewed the progress on Quad initiatives since the September 2021 Quad Summit", the leaders "agreed on accelerating cooperation, with an objective to achieve concrete outcomes by the summit in Japan later this year."
On the Ukraine crisis, the statement indicated that PM Modi "emphasised need to return to a path of dialogue and diplomacy", and "reiterated importance of adhering to the UN Charter, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity."
Quad leaders also discussed other issues, including developments in ASEAN, Indian Ocean region and Pacific Islands.
Further, as per the PMO statement, Modi underlined that Quad must remain focused on its objective of promoting peace and prosperity in Indo-Pacific region, and called for concrete forms of cooperation within Quad.
Ukraine Demands Immediate Ceasefire, Humanitarian Corridors for Evacuations
Ukrainian negotiators, during talks with their Russian counterparts, demanded an immediate ceasefire, armistice and humanitarian corridors to evacuate stranded civilians from conflict-ridden villages and cities, Reuters reported Ukrainian presidential adviser Mikhailo Podolyak as saying.
18 More Special Flights to Land in India Today: EAM
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar indicated that 18 more flights were scheduled to come in from Ukraine on Thursday as part of the repatriation operations.
Zelenskyy Seeks Direct Interaction With Putin
President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Thursday asked Russian leader Vladimir Putin to 'sit down with him' over the crisis between the two countries, saying it was “the only way to stop this war”.
Speaking at a press conference, Zelenskyy added, "We are not attacking Russia and we do not plan to attack it. What do you want from us? Leave our land."
'Concerned Over Worsening Humanitarian Situation in Ukraine': India at UNHRC Session
India addressed the 49th Human Rights Council Session in Geneva, seeking an immediate cessation of violence and end to hostilities in Ukraine, news agency PTI reported.
“We are greatly concerned over the steadily worsening humanitarian situation in Ukraine,” the country said, adding that “no solution can ever be arrived at the cost of human lives. Dialogue and diplomacy are the only solution for settling differences and disputes."
Further, India called for respect and protection of human rights of people in Ukraine and safe humanitarian access to conflict zones, PTI reported.
Indian Embassy in Ukraine Posts Form to Expedite Evacuation
The Indian Embassy urgently appealed to Indian nationals in Ukraine's Kharkiv to fill up a form to expedite evacuation.
A tweet by the embassy read, "All Indian Nationals who are in KHARKIV excluding PISOCHYN, please fill up details contained in the form on an urgent basis".
Indian Defence Ministry Issues Guidelines for Nationals in Conflict-Ridden Areas in Ukraine
The Indian Defence Ministry has issued an advisory, elucidating a list of do's and don'ts for Indian nationals stranded in war-torn Kharkiv, Ukraine.
The advisory, stating that "potentially dangerous and difficult situations are to be expected", lists survival skills including:
Keep ready a small kit of essential items on persons or at hand round the clock
Conserve and share food and water - avoid full meals, eat smaller portions to extend the rations. If you find yourself in an open area/field, melt snow to make water
If available, keep one large garbage bag per person to use as ground matting/cover against exposure to rain/ cold/storm/during forced march/evacuation
If injured or ill – intimate condition and seek advice from Control Room/Helpline/WhatsApp
Delete all unnecessary apps in mobile, limit conversations to low volume/audio mode to conserve battery
Stay indoors, preferably in designated safe zones, basements, bunkers
If you find yourself in the streets, then walk on the sides of the roads, close to cover of buildings, crouch low to avoid being targeted, do not cross streets, avoid city centres, downtown areas. Turn around street corners in urban areas with great caution
In each designated group/squad, keep a white flag/white cloth for waving
Learn two or three sentences in Russian (e.g., we are students, we are not combatants, please do not harm us, we are from India)
At least 22 Dead After Russia Strikes Chernihiv
As per the city governor, at least 22 people have died after Russian forces struck the northern Ukrainian city of Chernihiv, AP reported.
Talks Between Russia & Ukraine Underway in Belarus
Direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian representatives are underway on Belarusian territory.
"We hope that they bring about an end to this situation, restore peace in Donbas and enable all people in Ukraine to return to peaceful life," the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, ANI reported.
Ex-Soviet State Georgia Applies for EU Membership
The former Soviet republic of Georgia formally applied for the EU membership on Thursday.
Ukraine Approves Law Allowing Seizure of Russian-Owned Assets
The Ukraine Parliament gave its consent to a law allowing seizure of assets owned by Russia or Russian citizens in Ukraine, news agency Reuters reported.
Ukrainian Delegation Leaves for Peace Talks With Russia
A Ukrainian delegation is on their way to meet their Russian counterparts for the second round of peace talks, a Ukrainian presidential adviser tweeted on Thursday.
As per an official, the peace talks will commence in a couple of hours.
PM Modi Interacts With Student Returnee From Ukraine
In Varanasi, PM Modi interacted with students who returned from Ukraine. As per news agency ANI, the students shared their experiences with him. They hailed from Varanasi as well as other parts of Uttar Pradesh.
'Any Delays in Negotiations Will Add to Russia's Demands': Putin on Call With French Prez
French President Emmanuel Macron had a 90-minute phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday, 3 March.
As per a report by Reuters, Putin told his French counterpart Russia's aim in Ukraine – its demilitarisation and neutral status – will be achieved in any case.
He added that any attempts by Kyiv to delay negotiations, will result in additional demands by Moscow.
200 Students From Karnataka Stranded in Kharkiv: CMO
As per Karnataka Chief Minister's Office, nearly 200 students from the state are stranded in Ukraine's Kharkiv.
Russian Forces Have Overtaken the Regional Administration Building, Kharkiv: Regional Governor
Governor of Ukraine's Kherson Region Hennadiy Laguta said on Thursday that Russian forces had taken control of the Regional Administration Building in Kharkiv, Reuters reported.
Ikea Suspends Operations in Russia, Belarus
Ikea suspended operations in Russia and Belarus, affecting 15,000 employees.
Mariupol Under Russian Shelling; 'Genocide of Ukrainians,' Says City Council
The Mariupol city council on Thursday said that Russia was shelling critical civilian infrastructure in the southern Ukrainian port, cutting it off from water, heating, and power, and preventing delivery of supplies and evacuations, The Guardian reported.
As per the statement, as quoted by Reuters, the council said, "Deliberately, for seven days, they have been destroying the city’s critical life-support infrastructure. We have no light, water or heat again...We are being destroyed as a nation. This is genocide of Ukrainian people."
Russia Accuses Western Powers of Considering Nuclear War
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday accused Western politicians of considering 'nuclear war', which is 'not in the heads of Russians', news agency AFP reported.
He further said that while Moscow was ready for talks to end fighting, it wouldn't stop targeting Ukraine's military infrastructure, AP reported.
More Than 3,000 Chinese Citizens Have Safely Left Ukraine
China's foreign ministry spokesman, Wang Wenbin, told in a daily briefing that more than 3,000 Chinese citizens had been safely relocated from Ukraine to neighbouring countries amid Russia’s attack, Al Jazeera reported.
Unlike many countries, China had not told its roughly 6,000 citizens in Ukraine to leave the country before Moscow's attack.
However, as soon as the invasion began, Beijing announced its evacuation plans.
MEA Consultative Committee Meeting on Developments in Ukraine
After completing a MEA consultative committee meeting on developments in Ukraine, External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar said, "A good discussion on the strategic and humanitarian aspects of the issue. Strong and unanimous message of support for efforts to bring back all Indians from Ukraine."
The 21-member committee is headed by EAM Jaishankar, who made the presentation along with Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla. Congress's Rahul Gandhi is a member of the committee, along with party colleagues Anand Sharma and Shashi Tharoor.
Meanwhile, Tharoor termed the meeting 'excellent' and thanked Jaishankar and his colleagues for "a comprehensive briefing and candid responses to our questions and concerns. This is the spirit in which foreign policy should be run."
He further tweeted,
Meanwhile, as per sources quoted by ANI, Rahul Gandhi raised the issue of China and Pakistan getting closer to Russia but reiterated that the priority is to evacuate students from Ukraine right now.
Though the Government's stand of abstaining from voting in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was supported, Congress leaders criticised the government saying that we were late in reaction and advisories were confusing.
Russian Convoy ‘Delayed by Staunch Resistance’: UK
The Russian military convoy north of Kyiv is more than 30 km away from the capital as a result of it having been delayed by “staunch Ukrainian resistance” and logistical issues, the United Kingdom’s defence ministry has said.
The ministry said, “The column has made little discernible progress in over three days.”
Further, it added that despite intense Russian shelling, the cities of Kharkiv, Chernihiv and Mariupol are still under Ukrainian control.
Britain Imposes New Sanctions on Russian Companies in the Aviation Industry
Britain has announced new sanctions preventing Russian companies in the aviation and space industry from accessing British insurance and reinsurance services, the treasury office said in a statement, AFP reported.
Russia’s Radio Station Echo of Moscow Shut Down
Russia's liberal radio station, Echo of Moscow, one of a few independent news outlets in the country, was dissolved by its board, as per the station's editor.
The move came shortly after the prosecutor general’s office demanded that access to the station and the TV Rain online news channel be restricted because of their coverage of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Al Jazeera reported.
Fitch, Moody’s Slash Russia’s Sovereign Debt Ratings
Fitch and Moody's slashed Russia's sovereign debt to so-called "junk" status, or the category of countries at risk of not being able to repay their debt.
Moody's downgraded the rating on Russian long-term debt from Baa3 to B3 while Fitch lowered its rating from BBB to B, AFP reported.
Germany To Deliver 2,700 Anti-aircraft Missiles to Ukraine
Germany will deliver 2,700 STRELA-type anti-aircraft missiles to Ukraine, a government source was reported by AFP.
Russian and Belarus Athletes Banned From Winter Paralympics
Russian and Belarus athletes banned from Winter Paralympics, International Paralympic Committee (IPC) was quoted as saying by AFP.
'Can We Ask Putin To Stop the War?': SC on Plea Filed on Evacuation of Indians
A lawyer approached the Supreme Court seeking directions to the Government of India (GoI) for the evacuation of Indian students stranded in Ukraine.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana said that the Government of India is doing its work to evacuate Indians.
The apex court further asked Attorney General KK Venugopal to help Indian medical students who approached the top court for evacuation from Ukraine after the lawyer said that the students are stuck at border with Romania and are being stopped from crossing over.
Venugopal told the court that the Centre has sent ministers to ensure the safe evacuation of Indians who have crossed the Ukrainian border and as far as Ukraine is considered, everyone is being allowed to cross into neighbouring countries.
Restrictions on Russian Cats Due To Putin's Invasion Of Ukraine
Federation Internationale Feline (FIFe), an international cat fancier society, has imposed restrictions on cats bred in Russia in response to Moscow's military operation in Ukraine.
FIFe Executive Board, in a statement, said that it is "shocked and horrified" that the army of the "Russian Federation invaded the Republic of Ukraine and started a war."
Stating that it cannot just witness these atrocities and do nothing, FIFe has decided that as of 1 March, "no cat bred in Russia may be imported and registered in any FIFe pedigree book outside Russia, regardless of, which organization issued its pedigree," ANI reported.
Russian Soldiers Wounded in Kyiv Transferred to Belarus Hospital
Russian soldiers wounded in fighting around Kyiv are being ferried to a Belarus hospital near the border with Ukraine, AP reported.
The news agency added that a string of seven bus-size Russian military ambulances – their windows blocked with grey shades – pulled up to the back entrance of the hospital in Belarus’ Gomel region on Tuesday, 1 March.
Wax Statue of Vladimir Putin Removed From Paris Museum
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has prompted the director of the Grevin Museum in Paris, Yves Delhommeau, to remove Russian President Vladimir Putin's statue.
Delhommeau said, "We have never represented dictators like Hitler in the Grevin Museum, we don't want to represent Putin today", AFP reported.
Spotify Closes Its Office in Russia Indefinitely
Spotify said on Wednesday that it has closed its office in Russia indefinitely in response to what the audio streaming platform described as Moscow's "unprovoked attack on Ukraine", Reuters reported.
PM Modi Will Participate in a Quad Leaders’ Meeting With Joe Biden, Others
Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi will participate along with United States President Joe Biden, Australian PM Scott Morrison, and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida in a Quad Leaders' virtual meeting on Thursday.
The Ministry of External Affairs said, "They will exchange views and assessments about important developments in the Indo-Pacific. The Quad Leaders will also review ongoing efforts to implement the Leaders’ initiatives announced as part of the Quad's contemporary and positive agenda," ANI reported.
Consultative Committee of Parliament on External Affairs
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi arrived at the Ministry of External Affairs to attend the Consultative Committee of Parliament on External Affairs.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar will brief the committee of Parliament meeting amid Ukraine-Russia crisis.
Japan to Freeze Assets of Four More Russian Banks
Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki announced on Thursday that they will freeze the assets of four additional Russian banks, namely VTB Bank, Sovcombank, Novikombank, and Otkritie, Reuters reported.
The decision to freeze the assets of the four banks was approved by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's cabinet, the Ministry of Finance said in a document.
The freezing of the assets will take effect on 2 April, a ministry official said.
In Photos: The Russia-Ukraine War
A rocket fragment lies on the ground next to a building of Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) after a rocket attack in Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, Ukraine, Wednesday, 2 March.
(Photo: PTI)
Flames and smoke rise from a damaged gym following shelling in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, 2 March.
(Photo: PTI)
Actors comfort each other inside the dressing room of a theatre used as a temporary shelter for displaced people during an air raid siren in Lviv, western Ukraine, Wednesday, 2 March.
(Photo: PTI)
Lviv: Displaced Ukrainians take shelter in an auditorium in Lviv, western Ukraine, Wednesday, 2 March.
(Photo: PTI)
Passengers rush to board a train leaving to Slovakia from the Lviv railway station, in Lviv, west Ukraine, Wednesday, 2 March.
(Photo: PTI)
‘3,726 Indians To Be Brought Back Today’: Civil Aviation Minister Scindia
Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Thursday, "Under Operation Ganga, 3,726 Indians will be brought back home today on 8 flights from Bucharest, 2 flights from Suceava, one flight from Kosice, 5 flights from Budapest and 3 flights from Rzeszow."
All Programs in Russia and Belarus Stopped With Immediate Effect: World Bank
The World Bank said on Wednesday that it had stopped all programs in Russia and Belarus with immediate effect, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and "hostilities against the people of Ukraine", Reuters reported.
IAF To Operate 3 More Flights to Ukraine for Evacuation
Indian Air Force (IAF) is operating three more flights on Thursday to various locations in the neighborhood of Ukraine to evacuate Indian citizens, IAF spokesperson told ANI.
Roman Abramovich To Sell Chelsea Football Club To Help Ukrainians
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich has announced that he will sell Chelsea Football Club and also promised to donate money from the sale to help victims of the war in Ukraine, Reuters reported.
‘Russian Occupiers in All Parts of the City, Very Dangerous’: Kherson Taken Over
Russian forces have taken the port city of Kherson, local officials confirmed.
Gennady Lakhuta, head of the regional administration, wrote on Telegram late Wednesday, "The (Russian) occupiers are in all parts of the city and are very dangerous," news agency AFP reported.
Furhter, the city's mayor, Igor Kolykhaiev, announced discussions with "armed guests" and wrote in a Facebook post, "We had no weapons and were not aggressive. We showed that we are working to secure the city and are trying to deal with the consequences of the invasion."
Kolykhaiev added, "We are having huge difficulties with the collection and burial of the dead, the delivery of food and medicine, the collection of garbage, the management of accidents, etc."
Meanwhile, a night curfew in the city and a restriction on car traffic has been announced.
Wells Fargo & Co and Bank of America Pledge $1 MN To Red Cross for Ukraine’s Aid
Wells Fargo & Co and Bank of America, each pledged on Wednesday to donate $1 million to the American Red Cross and other non-profit groups that are helping Ukraine and refugees fleeing invasion by Russia, Reuters reported.
Amazon CEO Pledges Support for Ukraine
Amazon Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Andy Jassy said in a tweet that "Amazon stands with the people of Ukraine, and will continue to help."
Amazon had earlier pledged to donate up to $10 million for humanitarian efforts, Al Jazeera reported.
3 Flights To Bring Back Students Arriving at Delhi From Ukraine Arranged: Kerala
Kerala Chief Ministers Office (CMO) said on Thursday, "The state government has arranged three flights to bring back students arriving at Delhi from Ukraine today (Thursday). Bus services will be arranged from Kochi Airport to Thiruvananthapuram and Kasargod. NORKA teams deployed in all four airports in the state to help Ukraine returnees."
Biden Admin Looking to Apply Sanctions Over India’s S-400 Missile System Deal
US diplomat Donald Lu said on Wednesday, that the United States administration is looking whether to apply or waive sanctions on India for its purchase of the S-400 Triumf missile defence system from Russia, under Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
This comes after India drew criticism from US lawmakers for abstaining from a United Nations vote to rebuke Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Over 7,000 People Detained in Russia Over Protests
Russian police detained anti-war protesters in St Petersburg on the seventh day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Independent monitoring group OVD-Info said that over 7,000 people in total in Russia have been detained at protests over the invasion of Ukraine, AFP reported.
IAF's 3 Evacuation Flights with 628 Indians Land in India
IAF's 3 evacuation flights with 628 Indians from Romanian capital Bucharest, Hungary's Budapest and Polish city Rzeszow landed at the Hindon airbase in early hours of Thursday, PTI reported.
Over 7,000 Russian Troops Killed Since Start of Invasion: Ukrainian Official
Over 7,000 Russian servicemen have been killed since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Oleksiy Arestovich, a military adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiyy, said on Wednesday. Arestovich added that hundreds have also been taken prisoner, including senior officers.
'Have Not Received Any Reports of Any Hostage Situation': MEA
"Our Embassy in Ukraine is in continuous touch with Indian nationals in Ukraine. We note that with the cooperation of the Ukrainian authorities, many students have left Kharkiv yesterday. We have not received any reports of any hostage situation regarding any student," the Ministry of External Affairs said.
ICC Prosecutor Opens Ukraine Investigation
The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor on Wednesday said he would immediately open an investigation into possible war crimes committed in Ukraine.
"Last Friday, I expressed my increasing concern, echoing those of world leaders and citizens of the world alike, over the events unfolding in Ukraine. Today, I wish to announce that I have decided to proceed with opening an investigation into the Situation in Ukraine, as rapidly as possible," said ICC Prosecutor, Karim AA Khan QC.
One Million Refugees Have Fled Ukraine in the Week Since Russia's Invasion: UNHCR
One million refugees have fled Ukraine in the week since Russia's invasion, UN refugee agency said.
"In just seven days we have witnessed the exodus of one million refugees from Ukraine to neighbouring countries," UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi tweeted.
Morale of Enemy Deteriorating: Ukraine Prez Zelenskyy
In a Facebook message on Wednesday night, 2 February, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said: "More and more occupiers are fleeing back to Russia, from us, from you, from all those who drive out the enemy with javelins, guns, tanks, helicopters, with everything that shoots. I wish you health, native Ukrainians, strong and kind, but not to the enemy!"
"Our military, our border guards, our territorial defense, even ordinary farmers capture the Russian military every day. And all the captives say only one thing: they do not know why they are here. Despite the fact that there are dozens of times more of them, the morale of the enemy is constantly deteriorating," he added.
4 Explosions in Kyiv Amid Air Strike Alert
At least four explosions were reported in Ukraine’s capital city around 3 am on Thursday, as per The Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine’s state special communications service issued an air raid alert before the air strikes, stating “Air alarm, Kyiv!”
Russia Has Taken Kherson, Ukrainian Officials Confirm
Ukrainian officials have confirmed that Russia has captured the southern city of Kherson, news agency AFP reported.
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