UNSC Holds Meet on Ukraine; BBC Halts Reporting in Russia Amid New Media Law
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 ninth day, a fire broke out at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant on Friday, 4 March, after the invading military directed its strikes at what is the largest nuclear facility in Europe.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting over the crisis in New York.
The BBC on Friday, announced that it is halting the work of all its journalists in Russia after Moscow passed a legislation criminalising the spread of "fake” information about its military.
As per the Ukrainian state nuclear company, at least 3 Ukrainian troops were killed and 2 were wounded amidst the assault on Friday, AP reported.
This comes after a second round of negotiations on Thursday, where the parties reached a tentative agreement to organise safe corridors for civilians to be evacuated and for humanitarian supplies to be delivered.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called for direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying it was "the only way to stop this war"
Putin told his French counterpart that war will continue till Ukraine's demilitarisation and neutral status is achieved
Ukraine on Thursday confirmed that Russia had captured the southern city of Kherson
At least 33 civilians were killed in a Russian airstrike in Chernihiv on Thursday, Ukrainian authorities said
BBC Temporarily Suspends Ops in Russia
The BBC announced that it is halting its operations in Russia after Moscow passed a legislation criminalising the spread of "fake” information.
On Friday, the Russian parliament passed a law imposing a jail term of up to 15 years for circulating intentionally “fake” news involving the military.
UNSC Meeting on Ukraine Crisis Underway
The United Nations Security Council is holding an emergency meeting over the crisis in New York.
The meeting comes in in response to the attack on the Zaporizhzhia by Russian troops and will include speeches from an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) official and a UN official.
Over 1.2 Mn Ukrainian People Have Fled War: UN
As per the UN, over 1.2m people have fled Ukraine, seeking refuge in neighbouring countries since Russia invaded the nation.
Further, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has projected that more than four million Ukrainian refugees may eventually need protection and assistance, The Guardian reported.
Ukraine Plans to Hold 3rd Round of Talks With Russia
Ukraine is looking to hold third round of talks with Russian officials this weekend, news agency AFP reported an advisory to the President as saying.
Roughly 2000-3000 Indians Still in Ukraine: MEA
The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said that around 300 Indians were still in in Kharkiv, and 700 in Sumy, as Russia invasion of Ukraine entered its ninth day.
"We will continue Operation Ganga till the last person gets evacuated. Roughly 2000-3000 (more Indians) likely to be there, the number can vary," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated.
He added that India has evacuated one Bangladeshi national and received request from a Nepalese national for evacuation.
16 Special Repatriation Flights Scheduled for Next 24 Hrs: EAM
As per a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs, over 20,000 Indians have left Ukraine since the initial advisories were issues and 16 flights, including IAF's C-17 aircraft, are scheduled for the next 24 hours.
On Saturday, 11 civilian flights and four operated by Indian Air Force will bring back stranded Indians, the Aviation ministry said.
5,245 Indians Airlifted From Romania Till 3 March: Govt
As per the Government of India, a total of 5,245 Indians have been airlifted from Romania to India till 3 March.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Romania released a hotline number for Indians who had been evacuated from Ukraine, and were in Romanian territory.
UNHRC Votes to Initiate Inquiry into Russia's Aggression Against Ukraine
The United Nations Human Rights council overwhelmingly voted to initiate a high-level investigation into the Russian violations amidst the conflict with Ukraine.
India, once again, abstained from voting to establish an independent commission of inquiry looking into the situation.
Meanwhile, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the majority vote on the matter and said that "Russian war criminals will held accountable."
'We Don't Seek Conflict With Russia, But Ready For It': US
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed the foreign ministers of the all countries of the NATO alliance in Brussels and said, "Ours is a defensive alliance. We seek no conflict. But if conflict comes to us we are ready for it and we will defend every inch of NATO territory."
Timing or Location of Any Talks With Russia Will Not Be Shared: Ukraine
Ukrainian presidential advisor Oleksiy Arestovych said that Kyiv will not share details on the timing or location of any talks with Russia in advance.
This came after negotiators from both sides stated that a third round of discussions could take place early next week following a second meeting on Thursday.
Russian Police Search Offices of Rights Group Memorial
Russian police are searching the office of the country's most prominent rights group, Memorial, which was ordered to close late last year, AFP reproted.
"Searches at Memorial are continuing at two locations," the group wrote on Telegram.
India’s Ambassador to Slovakia On Students Who Have Left From Slovakia
India’s Ambassador to Slovakia, Vanlalhuma in Košice told ANI on Friday, "This morning one SpiceJet flight is leaving with 188 students. We are expecting the Indian Air Force plane to leave in the afternoon with about 210 more students."
He added that about 400 students have already gone on two flights and said that the evacuation will be complete in the next two to three days.
"Then we have two more flights to go today and one more flight tomorrow," he said.
Biden, Others Condemn Russia's Attack on Nuclear Power Plant
Several western leaders condemned Russia's attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, with US President Joe Biden urging "Russia to cease its military activities in the area," Al Jazeera reported.
Further, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also demanded Moscow to immediately stop its "unacceptable attacks."
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson also slammed Russia's attack as "reckless," warning that it could “directly threaten the safety of all of Europe."
Russian Legislators Adopt Bill Proposing Jail Term for 'Fake News' About Army
Russia’s lower house of parliament has passed a law allowing authorities to imprison people for up to 15 years if they are convicted of spreading intentionally “fake” information about the country’s armed forces.
Known as the Duma in Russian, the lower house of parliament, said in a statement, “If the fakes lead to serious consequences then imprisonment of up to 15 years threatens.”
Over 1.67 Lakh Ukrainians Have Fled to Romania
More than 1,67,600 Ukrainians have fled to Romania since Russia began its attack on Ukraine, border police data showed on Friday.
They have entered Romania through its four land border checkpoints with Ukraine, but also through its checkpoints with Moldova, data showed.
Of them, 1,09,687 have already driven or flown out of Romania.
Russian Military Seizes Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Russian military forces have seized the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine's southeast, a local authority said on Friday, Reuters reported.
"Operational personnel are monitoring the condition of power units," it said on social media, adding that the efforts sought to ensure the operations were in line with safety requirements.
Further, Ukrainian nuclear regulator has said that no leaks of radiation have been detected at the nuclear power plant, AFP reported.
Russia Limits Sites of BBC, Deutsche Welle, Meduza, and Svoboda
Russia has said that it is 'limiting' sites of BBC, Deutsche Welle, Meduza, and Svoboda.
Six Lions and Six Tigers Evacuated From Kyiv, Arrive in Poland
Six lions and six tigers evacuated from Kyiv have arrived at a zoo in Poland following a two-day journey, AFP reported.
'Haven’t Learned From Past Mistakes & Still Resort to War': SC on Ukraine Crisis
While hearing a petition by a student earlier stranded at the Ukraine border, the Supreme Court said that it's unfortunate that we have not learned from past mistakes and still resort to war. The top court added, "We don't have much say but there is anxiety about students."
Attorney General KK Venugopal told the Supreme Court that Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia had contacted the petitioner student who was stranded at Ukraine border and now has crossed over to Romania and will be brought back by special flight to India on tonight (Friday) along with other persons.
Supreme Court further asked the attorney general to get instructions from the Centre about all the steps being taken to evacuate Indians stranded in Ukraine, the possibility of a helpline for parents etc.
130 Russian Buses Ready To Evacuate Indian Students to Belgorod: Report
130 Russian buses are ready to evacuate Indian students and other foreigners from Ukraine's Kharkiv and Sumy to Russia's Belgorod Region, Russian National Defence Control Center head Colonel General Mikhail Mizintsev announced on Thursday, Russian News Agency TASS reported.
Airbnb Inc Suspends All Operations in Russia & Belarus
Airbnb Inc Chief Executive Officer Brian Chesky has announced the suspension of all operations in Russia and Belarus.
Fire at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station Put Out
Ukraine's State Emergency Service has said that fire at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Station has been put out, Reuters reported.
Will Suspend Business Related to Russia: Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) said that it will suspend business related to Russia and Belarus.
A brainchild of Chinese President Xi, the AIIB, was launched in 2016 to counter the West's dominance of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF), AFP reported.
IAF Aircraft Takes Off for Romania With 6 Tons of Humanitarian Aid
An Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft took off for Romania at 4.05 am from Hindon Airbase, with approximately 6 tons of humanitarian assistance for Ukraine, ANI reported.
Zelenskyy Accuses Russia of 'Nuclear Terror' After Strikes at Power Plant
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Moscow of resorting to "nuclear terror" and wanting to "repeat" the Chernobyl disaster after he said Russian forces shot at a nuclear power plant.
He said in a video message, "No country other than Russia has ever fired at nuclear power units. This is the first time in our history. In the history of mankind. The terrorist state now resorted to nuclear terror."
"These are tanks equipped with thermal imagers, so they know where they are shooting...If there is an explosion, it is the end of everything. The end of Europe," Zelensky added.
As Russia Curbs Dissent, Facebook and Media Websites Become Inaccessible
As Russia curbs dissent over the Ukraine war, Facebook and multiple media websites were partially inaccessible in the country on Friday, AFP reporters and a monitor group said.
Further, Google and Tripadvisor blocked war news in reviews of maps, restaurants, hotels in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine.
Both services were being used for the circulation of news of the war to Russians who only have access to information from the government.
'Nuclear Reactors Being Safely Shut Down': US Energy Secretary
US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm has said the reactors at Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station "are protected by robust containment structures and reactors are being safely shut down."
She added on Twitter, "Russian military operations near the plant are reckless and must cease."
Granholm further stated, “We have seen no elevated radiation readings near the facility."
IAF Carries 630 Indian Nationals Back to India
Indian Air Force (IAF) said on Friday, "As part of ongoing Operation Ganga, three more IAF C-17 aircraft returned to Hindon airbase late last night and early morning today carrying Ukraine conflict-affected 630 Indian nationals, using airfields in Romania and Hungary," ANI reported.
'Indian Student Shot at In Kyiv': Union Minister VK Singh
An Indian student has reportedly been shot at in Ukraine capital Kyiv, Union Minister VK Singh was quoted as saying by ANI on Friday.
"We heard reports that a student leaving Kyiv was shot. He was taken back into Kyiv. This is happening in the fighting," General VK Singh said.
Putin Could 'Threaten the Safety of all of Europe': UK PM
Reckless actions of Russian President Vladimir Putin could 'threaten the safety of all of Europe', UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, reported AFP.
The UK government informed that Johnson has spoken to Ukrainian President Zelenskyy during the early hours of Friday. He also said that UK would do everything it could to ensure situation doesn't deteriorate further.
The government further informed that Johnson would be seeking an emergency UN Security Council meeting in the coming hours and that the UK would raise this issue immediately with Russia and close partners.
Russian Troops Preventing Firefighters from Accessing Blaze: Ukraine
Russian troops are preventing firefighters from accessing the blaze at the nuclear plant, according to Ukrainian rescuers, reports AFP.
US Prez Biden Urges Russia to Allow Emergency Responders to Reach Disturbed Nuclear Plant
US President Biden has urged Russia to cease firing on the power plant and allow emergency responders, AFP reported.
"Our latest information shows no indications of elevated levels of radiation, and we're monitoring closely," a top senior US official said.
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Now Secure: Ukraine
Ukrainian authorities have said that the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is now secured.
"The director of the plant said that the nuclear safety is now guaranteed," Governor of Zaporizhzhia Oleksandr Starukh was quoted as saying by AFP.
The International Atomic Energy Agency said, "Ukraine tells IAEA that fire at site of Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant has not affected 'essential' equipment, plant personnel taking mitigatory actions." "Ukraine regulator tells IAEA there has been no change reported in radiation levels at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant site," it added.
Previously, news agency AP had quoted a government official as saying, "Elevated levels of radiation were detected near the site of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which provides about 25 percent of Ukraine’s power generation."
'Will Be 10 Times Bigger Than Chernobyl if This Blows Up': Ukraine Minister Warns
Ukraine Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in a tweet, "Russian army is firing from all sides upon Zaporizhzhia NPP, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe. Fire has already broken out. If it blows up, it will be 10 times larger than Chernobyl!"
Fire Breaks Out at Europe's Biggest Nuclear Plant in Zaporizhzhya
A fire has broken out in Europe’s largest nuclear power plant located in Zaporizhzhya, Ukrainian officials said.
"As a result of continuous enemy shelling of buildings and units of the largest nuclear power plant in Europe, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant is on fire," Enerhodar Mayor Dmytro Orlov was quoted as stating by The Guardian.
Adviser to the Head of the Office of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy tweeted a video of the nuclear power plant.
US President Joe Biden spoke with President Zelenskyy regarding the situation at the Ukraine nuclear station, news agency AFP reported, quoting a senior US official.
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