UNGA Votes to End Russian Aggression in Ukraine; Modi, Putin Hold Call on Crisis
Catch all the live updates on the Russia-Ukraine war here.
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The UN General Assembly on Wednesday, 2 March approved a resolution demanding Russia to withdraw from Ukrainian territory. Meanwhile, PM Narendra Modi spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on call and reviewed the situation in the eastern European country.
As per Arindam Bagchi, the spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, 15 repatriation flights have landed in India till now and the total number of Indians who have returned on these flights are 3,352.
The Russian military said that it had taken control of the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, as its invasion of the country entered the seventh day.
The Governor of Kherson confirmed that the city was completely surrounded by Russians, however said that it was still in the hands of Ukrainian forces.
EAM S Jaishankar took to social media to inform on Wednesday that India had evacuated 1,377 citizens from Ukraine in the past 24 hours
President of the United States Joe Biden announced that the US will closing its airspace to Russian planes
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
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that almost 6,000 Russians were killed over the past six days of the war
An Indian student was among those killed during shelling in Kharkiv city on Tuesday
Russian forces, on Tuesday, attacked a television tower in Ukraine's capital Kyiv, potentially disrupting its signal
As per a Russian official, both the countries are likely to engage in ceasefire talks on the Poland-Belarus border on Thursday
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President Joe Biden Delivers State of Union Address
US President Joe Biden begins his State of the Union address, where he is expected to announce that the US is closing its airspace to Russian planes due to the Ukraine invasion, as per news agency AP.
President Putin Thought He Could Roll into Ukraine: Biden
"President Putin thought he could roll into Ukraine — and the world would roll over. Instead, he met a wall of strength he never imagined. He met the Ukrainian people," US President Joe Biden said.
"A Russian dictator, invading a foreign country, has costs around the world... in the battle between democracy and autocracy, democracies are rising to the moment"
'US DoJ Task Force to Go After Crimes of Russian Oligarchs': Biden
"The US Department of Justice is assembling a dedicated task force to go after the crimes of Russian oligarchs. We are joining with our European allies to find and seize their yachts, their luxury apartments, their private jets. We are coming for their ill-begotten gains," President Biden said.
Biden Bans Russian Aircraft from US Airspace
President Joe Biden says that US is closing its airspace to Russian planes over Ukraine invasion.
"We countered Russians lies with the truth. We're making Putin's 630 billion dollar war fund worthless. We are closing off the American air space to all Russian flights."
'Will Continue to Aid Ukrainian People': Biden
"Together with our allies, we are providing support to the Ukrainians in their fight for freedom. Military assistance. Economic assistance. Humanitarian assistance. And we will continue to aid the Ukrainian people as they defend their country and to help ease their suffering," President Biden said.
'Will Defend Every Inch of NATO Territory': Biden
"The US and our allies will defend every inch of NATO territory with full force of our collective power. Ukrainians are fighting back with pure courage. Putin may gain makes gains on the battlefield but he'll have to continue to pay a high price over the long run," US President Joe Biden said.
"When the history of this era is written, Putin’s war on Ukraine will have left Russia weaker and the rest of the world stronger," he added.
1,377 Indian Nationals From Ukraine on Their Way Back in 6 Flights: EAM Jaishankar
"Six flights have now departed for India in the last 24 hours. Includes the first flights from Poland. Carried back 1,377 more Indian nationals from Ukraine," External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said in a tweet on Tuesday morning.
220 Students Arrive From Istanbul: Union Min Jitendra Singh
"About 220 students arrived via Istanbul. I asked a girl where she is from, like state-wise, but she replied, "I'm from India." They still can't believe that they are back in India due to stress. We ensured they spoke with their parents, Union Minister Jitendra Singh was quoted as saying by ANI.
Russian Airborne Troops Land in Kharkiv: Ukrainian Army
Russian airborne troops have landed in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, the Ukrainian army says, according to AFP.
"Russian airborne troops landed in Kharkiv... and attacked a local hospital. There is an ongoing fight"
Russian, Belarusian Tennis players To Be Allowed to Participate in ATP, WTA tournaments, Grand Slam Events
Russian and Belarusian tennis players will be allowed to participate in ATP and WTA tournaments and Grand Slam events, the sport's governing bodies said, reported AFP.
3 More IAF Aircraft Scheduled to Visit Poland, Hungary and Romania Today
Indian Air Force officials on Wednesday said that three more IAF aircraft are scheduled to visit "Poland, Hungary and Romania today" to bring back Indians from Ukraine, reported ANI.
"One C-17 Globemaster took off at 4 am earlier today for Romania under Operation Ganga."
UN General Assembly to Reprimand Russia Today
United Nations General Assembly is set to reprimand Russia on Wednesday and demand that Moscow stop fighting and withdraw its military forces from Ukraine, Reuters reported.
Diplomats said that by Tuesday evening, nearly half the 193-member General Assembly had signed on as co-sponsors of a draft resolution ahead of a vote on Wednesday.
The text "deplores Russia's aggression against Ukraine."
FIA Allows Russian Drivers to Compete in Neutral Capacity
Formula One's governing body, the FIA, allows Russian drivers to continue competing in its motor racing events, but only in neutral capacity and under its flag, reports PTI.
Russia's Largest Lender Sberbank Leaving Europe: Reports
Russia's largest lender Sberbank is leaving Europe, according to news agencies, AFP reported.
Boeing Suspends Parts, Maintenance for Russian Airlines
US airplane manufacturer Boeing said on Tuesday, that it was suspending parts, maintenance and technical support for Russian airlines amid sanctions in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Reuters reported.
Two IAF Aircraft Take Off for Romania and Hungary for Evacuation of Indians
Two Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft took off on Wednesday morning for Romania and Hungary from the Hindon airbase to bring back Indians stranded in Ukraine.
Explosions Reported From Kharkiv
Sounds of powerful explosions in Kharkiv, the Kyiv Independent reported.
‘6,000 Out of 20,000 Indians Have Returned’: MEA
MoS Ministry of External Affairs V Muraleedharan said on Wednesday, "Around 20,000 Indians were stuck in Ukraine. Of these, 4,000 people returned by 24th February. Till yesterday, over 2,000 more people have returned. We are trying to bring back the remaining Indians via Romania, Poland Hungary, Slovakia and Moldova."
‘Evacuation Operation Will Run Round the Clock’: Vice Chief of Air Staff
Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sandeep Singh told ANI on Wednesday, "Three IAF aircraft have been sent since morning to evacuate Indians. The evacuation operation will run round the clock. Relief materials are also being sent. The operation is underway in coordination with MEA."
Singh added that evacuation operations will run round the clock till all Indians are brought back. He further informed that India can operate four evacuation flights per day.
Meanwhile, speaking on the US sanctions on Russia, Singh said that they won't affect IAF significantly as India's relations with both the countries is strong.
"Our relations with Russia will continue; we know geopolitical situation is currently difficult," Singh said.
21 Killed, 112 Injured in Shelling of Kharkiv
At least 21 people were killed and 112 were wounded in shelling of Kharkiv in the last 24 hours, regional governor Oleg Synegubov said on Wednesday, Reuters reported.
Russian missile attacks have hit the centre of Ukraine's second-largest city, including residential areas and the regional administration building, as per officials.
‘Have Taken the Regional Centre of Kherson Under Control’: Russia
The Russian military on Wednesday, claimed to have taken control of the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson, as its invasion of Ukraine entered the seventh day.
Defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said, "The Russian divisions of the armed forces have taken the regional centre of Kherson under full control."
Governor of Ukraine's Kherson confirmed and said that the city is completely surrounded by Russians, Reuters reported.
‘6,000 Russians Killed in 6 Days’: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that almost 6,000 Russians have been killed in the past six days of war, Reuters reported.
‘Indians To Be Evacuated Through Russian Territory'
Russian Ambassador-designate to India, Denis Alipov, said on Wednesday, "We are in touch with the Indian authorities for Indians stranded in Kharkiv, and other areas of eastern Ukraine. We have received India's requests for emergency evacuation of all those stuck there via Russain territory."
He added, "We are strategic allies with India. We are grateful to India for its balanced position displayed at the UN. India understands the depth of this crisis," ANI reported.
‘Nazism Is Born in Silence’: Ukrainian President Zelenskyy
Ukraine's President Zelenskyy urged Jews of the world to speak out after a Russian missile hit Babi Yar, the site of a Holocaust massacre.
A ravine in Kyiv, Babi Yar, is where nearly 34,000 Jews were killed within 48 hours in 1941 when the city was under Nazi occupation.
Zelenskyy said, "I am now addressing all the Jews of the world. Don't you see what is happening?... Nazism is born in silence. So shout about killings of civilians"
In Photos: The Russia-Ukraine War
Russian troops fired on the TV tower, near the Memorial complex in Kyiv.
(Photo: PTI)
A man looks at the gutted remains of Russian military vehicles on a road in the town of Bucha, close to the capital Kyiv, Ukraine.
(Photo: PTI)
People walk next to nearly empty shelves at a shop in Nikolaev, Ukraine, Tuesday.
(Photo: PTI)
Medical workers move a patient in a basement of a maternity hospital converted into a medical ward and used as a bomb shelter in Mariupol, Ukraine, Tuesday, 1 March.
(Photo: PTI)
‘Making All Efforts To Evacuate Indians’: PM Modi in UP
While addressing an election rally in Uttar Pradesh's Robertsganj, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "We're making all efforts to evacuate people stuck in Ukraine under Operation Ganga. 1000s of citizens brought back to India. To accelerate this mission, India has sent its four ministers there, will leave no stone unturned for the safe passage of Indians. (sic)."
Further, at UP's Sonbhadra rally, Modi claimed that "it is because of India's rising power that we are able to evacuate citizens from Ukraine."
Spain Will Send ‘Military Hardware’ to ‘Ukraine Resistance’: PM Sanchez
Spain will send 'military hardware' to 'Ukraine resistance', Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said on Wednesday, AFP reported.
‘Today, Ukrainians Are the Symbol of Invincibility’: Ukrainian Prez
While addressing Ukrainians, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, "I admire each of you. The whole world admires you - from Hollywood stars to politicians."
"Today you, Ukrainians, are the symbol of invincibility. The symbol that people in any country can become the best people on earth at any moment," he added.
He further said, "Think of this number: almost 6,000 Russians died. To get what? Get Ukraine? It is impossible. This is not to be changed by missiles, bombs, tanks, any strikes. We are in our native land. And for the war against us there will be an International Tribunal for them," the Independent Kyiv reported.
9 Flights With Evacuated Students From Ukraine To Reach India On 4 March
Nine flights will take off on 4 March from neighboring countries of Ukraine with stranded Indians under ‘Operation Ganga’, government sources told ANI.
Some Russian Soldiers 'Surrendering', 'Self-Sabotaging': Report
As per a report by The New York Times, an anonymous Pentagon official has indicated that some Russian troops have "surrendered en masse or sabotaged their own vehicles to avoid fighting."
"A significant number of the Russian troops are young conscripts who are poorly trained and ill-prepared for the all-out assault. And in some cases, Russian troops have deliberately punched holes in their vehicles’ gas tanks, presumably to avoid combat," the report states.
While there is no clarification on how these assessments were made, NYT notes that this may be the reason why the 40-mile convoy of tanks and armoured vehicles, presumably heading to Kyiv, has come to a near crawl in the last few days.
Around 2,500 People Evacuated Till Today Morning: Rajnath Singh
"PM is reviewing the situation in Ukraine twice a day. Evacuation continues. Now we've also deployed IAF plane for the same. About 2,500 people evacuated till this morning. They are being sent to neighbouring nations and being brought back from there," news agency ANI quoted Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as saying.
Russia Ready to Resume Peace Talks Today: Kremlin
The Kremlin has said that the Russian delegation is ready to resume peace talks with Ukraine as Moscow's invasion of Ukraine country enters its seventh day, AFP reported.
Eurozone Inflation Touches Record High at 5.8%
European gas prices surged to a record high on Wednesday, amid supply concerns from Russia as it entered its seventh day of its invasion of Ukraine.
Energy price hikes pushed eurozone inflation to record 5.8%, AFP reported the official statistics agency Eurostat as indicating.
4 More Killed, 9 Wounded in Kharkiv: Ukraine Emergency Services
Four more people have been killed and nine wounded during shelling in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, AFP quoted the emergencies services as saying on Wednesday.
Russian troops had taken to the ground and missile attacks were launched in the centre of Ukraine's second-largest city, including residential areas and its regional administration building earlier int the day, as per officials.
'Nuclear & Disastrous': Russian FM on 3rd World War
"Third World War would involve nuclear weapons and be disastrous," Russian news agency RIA quoted the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov as saying, ANI reported.
He reportedly added that he will not allow Ukraine to obtain nuclear weapons.
Alexei Navalny Urges Russians to Protest Against Ukraine Invasion Daily
Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny asked Russians to stage daily protests against Moscow's onslaught on Ukraine, stating the country should not be a "nation of frightened cowards."
“Alexei Navalny has called for people to go out and protest against the war every day at 19:00 and on weekends at 14:00. The main squares of your towns, wherever you are,” The Guardian reported his spokesperson Kira Yarmysh as saying.
UN Estimates 8,36,000 Ukrainian Refugees Till Now
As per the United Nations' figures, nearly 8,36,000 refugees have now fled the conflict in Ukraine for safety in neighbouring countries.
China Holds Back Sanctions Against Russia
China will not join the United States and European governments in imposing financial sanctions on Russia, AP reported.
DHL Ceases Operations in Russia, Belarus
German logistics giant DHL announced it would stop deliveries to Russia and Belarus, joining the growing list of Western businesses that are ceasing operations in the countries amidst the war with Ukraine.
'Leave Kharkiv Immediately', 'Under All Circumstances': Indian Embassy
As Russian troops took the ground, and missile attacks were launched in the centre of Ukraine's second-largest city, Kharkiv, the Indian embassy issued an urgent advisory for all Indian nationals, asking them to "leave Kharkiv immediately."
The embassy asked the students to reach Pesochin, Babaye and Bezlyudovka settlements by 6 pm Ukraine time on Wednesday.
30 Special Flights to Bring Back 6,300 Stranded Indians in Ukraine: Report
As many as 30 repatriation flights, from 2 March to 8 March, will be operating between neighbouring countries of Ukraine and India, bringing back 6,300 Indians stranded in the eastern European nation, news agency PTI reported official sources as saying.
The flights will be operated by Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, SpiceJet and the Indian Air Force. As per the report, 21 evacuation flights will be operated from Bucharest in Romania, and 4 will be from Budapest in Hungary.
Further, 4 flights will be operated to bring back people from Rzeszow, Poland and 1 flight from Kocise, Slovakia.
'Kharkiv Situation Extraordinary, Won't End in 1-2 Days': Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain
"The current situation in Ukraine is that Indians have almost been evacuated from Kyiv. There are Indians in Kharkiv where air action and shelling is on. It's an extraordinary situation that won't end in 1-2 days. Need to be ready that it'll last long," news agency ANI quoted Lt General (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain as saying.
The ex army official added, "Important thing is that someone needs to take leadership. This'll help in decision-making. Resources need to be conserved. There's a pattern of bombings and shellings, people need to understand that, use time between them to gather resources and supplies."
He added that military and government buildings are generally under attack during these situations. Don't stay in such buildings. Store food and water as much as possible.
First Special IAF Flight to Return From Romania at 11 PM Today
"First IAF’s C-17 aircraft to return from Romania tonight with around 200 Indian citizens returning from Ukraine at 11 pm tonight. Two more planes will return from Poland and Hungary by early morning tomorrow," ANI quoted IAF officials as saying.
Indian Air Force has till now launched four flights to bring back Indian nationals from Ukraine, the officials indicated.
EU Excludes 7 Russian Banks From SWIFT
The European Union on Wednesday, announced the exclusion of seven Russian banks from the SWIFT financial system, Reuters reported the EU official journal as saying.
3,352 Indians Returned on Special Flights Till Now: MEA
"There has been a sharp increase in the number of Indians who have left Ukraine. We now estimate that nearly 17,000 Indian nationals have left Ukraine borders since our advisories were issued," news agency ANI quoted Arindam Bagchi, MEA spokesperson, as saying.
He added that in the last 24 hours, 6 flights had landed in India, taking the total number of flights that have landed in India to 15 and the total number of Indians who have returned on these flights to 3,352.
"A mechanism for issuing emergency certificates to those who lost their Indian passports has been instituted. I think this will also help many Indian students," Bagchi indicated further in his statement.
'Leave Kharkiv Immediately': Indian Embassy Issues 2nd Urgent Advisory
In a second advisory, the Indian Embassy in Ukraine directed Indian citizens to "leave Kharkiv immediately in view of the deteriorating situation."
In view of the advisory, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi added, "The advisory that has just been issued by our Embassy is on the basis of information received from Russia. We would urge all our nationals to leave Kharkiv immediately to safe zones or further westwards using any means available, including on foot, and keeping safety in mind."
Ukraine Invites Mothers of Captured Russian Troops to 'Collect' Them
Ukraine invites mothers to 'collect' captured Russian troops in Kyiv, newsy agency AFP reported the country's defence ministry as saying.
PM Modi to Chair High-level Meet on Ukraine
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair a high-level meeting on the Ukraine issue at 8:30 pm tonight, news agency ANI reported.
Heart-Rending Visuals From Ukrainian Cities
Kyiv: Ukrainian soldiers cross a destroyed bridge, on the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday, 2 March.
(Photo: Emilio Morenatti)
Lviv: Ukrainian volunteers sort donated clothes for later distribution to the local population in Lviv, western Ukraine, Wednesday, 2 March.
(Photo: Bernat Armangue)
Kyiv: Pregnant women and new born babies in the basement of a maternity hospital converted into a medical ward and used as a bomb shelter during air raid alert in Kyiv, Ukraine
(Photo: Efrem Lukatsky)
Ukraine Reports 2,000 Civilian Casualties
A week after the Russian invasion, the emergency services in Ukraine claimed that at least 2,000 of its civilians had been killed amidst conflict, AP reported.
The country’s emergency service also reportedly claimed that hundreds of structures including transport facilities, hospitals, kindergartens and homes had been destroyed, The Independent reported.
We Regret Indian Casualty in Kharkiv: Ukraine UN Ambassador
"Ukraine deeply regrets that a student from India has become a victim of this shelling by the Russian Armed Forces in Kharkiv. We offer our deepest sympathies to India & the relatives of the victim," Ukraine Ambassador to UN Sergiy Kyslytsya said while addressing the UN General Assembly on Wednesday.
3500 Indian Students to be Evacuated From Bucharest in Next 2 Days: Union Aviation Min
"A total of 3500 students will leave for India from Bucharest and around 1300 from Suceava in the next 2 days. Tomorrow I will be leaving for Siret border and stay there for 2 days until each and every Indian is not evacuated from Siret," Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Wednesday, ANI reported.
The government is reportedly setting up two call centres -- one in Bucharest and another in the Siret (Romania) to coordinate the Indian students, the minister said.
UNGA Votes to End Russian Aggression in Ukraine, India Abstains
The UN General Assembly on Wednesday, 2 March approved a resolution demanding Russia to withdraw from Ukrainian territory, 'strongly deploring' Moscow's onslaught of the country.
India abstained from voting against Russia on the UN General Assembly resolution, which condemned the offensive.
498 Russian Troops Killed, 1597 Wounded Till Now
Russia's Defense Ministry has said that 498 military personnel have been killed in Ukraine and 1,597 wounded in their first estimate on military casualties, news agency AP reported.