Russia-Ukraine crisis: Zelenskyy condemns NATO for ruling out Ukraine no-fly zone

Europe's largest nuclear power plant caught fire Friday after Russian strikes hit the Ukrainian facility, sparking concerns of a disaster. The fire was put out without any casualty or increase in radiation levels. Meanwhile, an Indian student was shot at in Kyiv while trying to get out of the capital. Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow's advance in Ukraine was "going to plan." Stay tuned to DH for the latest updates.

Bloomberg News suspends work of its journalists in Russia

Bloomberg News announced Friday it was temporarily suspending the work of its journalists in Russia after the passage of legislation that criminalizes independent reporting.

"We have with great regret decided to temporarily suspend our news gathering inside Russia," Bloomberg quoted editor-in-chief John Micklethwait as saying.

CNN announced meanwhile that the 24-hour US news network "will stop broadcasting in Russia while we continue to evaluate the situation and our next steps moving forward." (AFP)

CNN to stop broadcasting in Russia

CNN will stop broadcasting in Russia, the news channel said on Friday.

"CNN will stop broadcasting in Russia while we continue to evaluate the situation and our next steps moving forward," a spokesperson said. (Reuters)

Zelenskyy condemns NATO for ruling out Ukraine no-fly zone

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lashed NATO on Friday for ruling out a no-fly zone over his country saying the Western military alliance knew further Russian aggression was likely.

"Knowing that new strikes and casualties are inevitable, NATO deliberately decided not to close the sky over Ukraine," he said in a video published by the presidency.

"Today the leadership of the alliance gave the green light for further bombing of Ukrainian cities and villages, refusing to make a no-fly zone." (AFP)

Russia 'restricts access' to Twitter amid invasion of Ukraine: agencies

EU 'ready' to adopt more Russia sanctions if war doesn't stop

European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday the bloc was ready to hit Russia with more sanctions if President Vladimir Putin does not halt his war on Ukraine.

"To be very clear, we are ready to take further severe measures if Putin does not stop and reverse the war he has unleashed," von der Leyen told reporters, speaking alongside US top diplomat Antony Blinken. (AFP)

G7 urges Russia to stop attacks near Ukraine nuclear plants

G7 foreign ministers on Friday urged Russia "to stop its attacks in the direct vicinity of Ukraine's nuclear power plants", following the overnight fighting and fire at the Zaporizhzhia atomic power plant.

"Any armed attack on and threat against nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes constitutes a violation of the principles of international law," they said in a joint statement. (AFP)

Hundreds of Latin Americans return from Ukraine after invasion

Close to 250 Ecuadoreans, many of them university students, arrived in the country on Friday after fleeing Ukraine following Russia's invasion, joining hundreds of other Latin Americans who have evacuated.

Thousands of people are believed to have been killed and more than 1 million refugees have fled Ukraine since Feb. 24, when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the biggest attack on a European state since World War Two. (Reuters)

BBC halts its journalists' work in Russia

The BBC said Friday it was suspending the work of its journalists in Russia after Moscow backed imposing jail terms on media publishing "false information" about the military.

The corporation's director-general, Tim Davie, said the new legislation was "unwelcome" and "appears to criminalise the process of independent journalism".

"It leaves us no other option than to temporarily suspend the work of all BBC News journalists and their support staff within the Russian Federation while we assess the full implications of this unwelcome development," he added. (AFP)

Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta says deleting content over new media law

Russian independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta said on Friday it would be removing content on Ukraine after lawmakers backed legislation that sets jail time and fines for "fake news" about Russia's army.

In a statement on Telegram, the paper said it would continue working "under the conditions of military censorship" and "remove materials" on Russia's invasion of Ukraine from its website and social media. (AFP)

Lithuanian railways to halt Russian iron ore shipments

Lithuania's state railways said on Friday the company will stop transporting cargoes of iron ore from top Russian producer Metalloinvest to the Lithuanian port of Klaipeda. (Reuters)

Russia blocks Facebook inside the country amid war with Ukraine

Russian UN envoy says "untrue" Russian military shelled nuclear power plant

Zelenskyy has a conversation with the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi

Zelenskyy held talks with Turkish President

A missile fragment, presumably from a Russian missile, falls in the yard of Zelenskyy's state dacha near Kyiv

Air India Express flight IX 1202 will bring back the sixth batch of Indians to Mumbai

Air India Express flight IX 1202 will bring back the sixth batch of Indians to Mumbai on Saturday 5th March 2022, which will received by the Union Minister MSME Shri Narayan Rane at Terminal 2 of the Mumbai International Airport, Sahar.

Tentative time of arrival, as indicated now is 1.30 hours on 5th March 2022.

So far 48 Flights under Operation Ganga have landed in India out of which 18 flights landed in last 24 hours. The total number of Indians who returned onboard these 18 flights is around 4000: Govt of India

Putin denies Russia bombing Ukrainian cities

Russian President Vladimir Putin in a phone call with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz denied that Russian troops were bombing Ukrainian cities, dismissing such information as fake, the Kremlin said Friday.

Putin said reports about "the alleged ongoing air strikes of Kyiv and other large cities are gross propaganda fakes," the Kremlin said in a statement.

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Amid Ukraine crisis, IAF postpones Exercise Vayu Shakti scheduled on March 7

Putin hopes Ukraine will take 'constructive' position in talks, says Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday he hoped Ukraine would take a "reasonable and constructive" position during the next round of talks, the Kremlin said in a statement.

Putin also told Scholz by phone thatRussiawas open for dialogue with Ukraine on condition that all its demands are met.

Rijiju meets Slovakia premier over evacuation of Indians from Ukraine

Law Minister Kiren Rijiju who is overseeing the evacuation of Indians from war-hit Ukraine through Slovakia on Friday called on the prime minister of the Slovak Republic.

The Indian embassy in Slovakia tweeted about the meeting.

Rijiju is among the four Union ministers sent by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as his special envoys to Ukraine's neighbouring countries as part of the Operation Ganga to evacuate Indian nationals.

BBC says pulling its journalists from Russia

UK minister Priti Patel launches Ukraine family visa scheme

Home Secretary Priti Patel on Friday formally launched the Ukraine family scheme visas, announced earlier by the government, to allow British citizens and those settled in the UK to bring over their Ukrainian relatives impacted by the conflict withRussia.

The Indian-origin minister travelled to Medyka in eastern Poland on the border with Ukraine to witness the situation on the ground and extend the visas to those fleeing the war zone into neighbouring countries.

Gas prices soar to record highs on Ukraine crisis

Europe and UK gas prices hit record highs Friday and crude oil rallied, as Ukraine's invasion by key producerRussiacontinued to stoke supply fears.

Europe reference Dutch TTF gas price struck 213.895 euros per megawatt hour in afternoon deals and UK gas hit 508.80 pence per therm.

A woman takes cover from shelling in the city of Bucha, west of Kyiv

(Credit: AFP Photo)

Zelenskyy held one more meeting with the president of the European Council, Charles Michel

President Putin holds a telephone conversation with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud

Ukraine to confront Russia at International Court of Justice on Monday

Ukraine andRussiawill face off Monday at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in a hearing on emergency measures sought by Kyiv to order Moscow to suspend military operations, withRussia's legal team weakened by the resignation of a key lawyer.

The case lodged by Ukraine at the U.N. court centres on the interpretation of a 1948 treaty on the prevention of genocide, signed by bothRussiaand Ukraine.

Ukraine plans to hold third round of talks with Russian officials this weekend

Microsoft suspends product sales and services in Russia

Microsoft Corp saidon Friday it is suspending new sales of its products and services inRussia, following an escalation in theRussia-Ukraine conflict.

Mamata questions delays in bringing back students, urges more rescue flights

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday questioned the delay in bringing back students stranded in war-hit Ukraine and expressed her concern over their condition. She urged that an adequate number of flights be arranged for their safe return home.

US senator calls for Putin's assassination

Senior US senator Lindsey Graham called in a televised interview Thursday evening for "somebody inRussia" to assassinate President Vladimir Putin after Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

"How does this end? Somebody inRussiahas to step up to the plate... and take this guy out," the senator told conservative Fox News TV host Sean Hannity.

NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg accused Russia of using cluster bombs and other prohibited weapons

A man removes personal belongings from a burning house after being shelled in the city of Irpin, outside Kyiv

(Credit: AFP Photo)

Japan sends defence supplies to Ukraine

Japan is sending bulletproof vests, helmets and other defence supplies to Ukraine to help the country fightRussia's invasion.

It is a rare move by Japan, which has a principle of not shipping defense supplies to countries in conflict.

Swiss adopt new EU sanctions on Russia

The Swiss government on Friday widened sanctions againstRussiain step with further measures imposed by the European Union, tightening exports and financial services to the country over the biggest attack on a European state since World War Two.

In a sharp deviation from its traditional neutrality, Switzerland moved on Monday to adopt sanctions that the European Union (EU) imposed on Russian people and companies and freeze their assets to punish the invasion of Ukraine.

UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting on Ukraine later today (1630 GMT)

The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting requested by Britain Friday at 11:30 am (1630 GMT) after Russian forces attacked Europe's largest nuclear plant in Ukraine, diplomatic sources said.

The session was requested by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, diplomats told AFP, with the United States, France, Norway, Ireland and Albania joining the call for an urgent meeting.

Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko said on TV that his country isn't participating or planning to participate in Russia's invasion of Ukraine

We are urging both sides to find ways so that we can take out our citizens from conflict zones; local ceasefire would help: MEA

Around 300 Indians are in Kharkiv, 700 in Sumy: MEA on stranded Indians in conflict zones in eastern Ukraine

Operation Ganga to continue till the last Indian is evacuated. Roughly 2000-3000 more Indians likely to be there, the number can vary: MEA

We had requested Ukraine authorities for special trains but haven't heard anything yet. Meanwhile, we are arranging buses: MEA

16 flights scheduled for next 24 hours to bring back Indians: MEA on evacuation mission following Ukraine crisis

MEA says over 20,000 Indians have left the Ukraine border since we issued our advisories. There are more people, but it's reassuring to see that this many people have left Ukraine

Two AI Express flights bring 369 Indians from Ukraine to Mumbai; 951 arrive in city in a week

Two Air India Express flights on Friday brought 369 Indian nationals who were stranded in war-hit Ukraine to Mumbai from Romania's capital Bucharest and the Hungarian capital Budapest, the airline's spokesperson said. So far, a total of 951 Indians stuck in Ukraine, most of them students, have landed in Mumbai by five evacuation flights operated by Air India and its subsidiary Air India Express since February 26

NATO rejects calls for no-fly zone over Ukraine

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Friday said the alliance would not impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine after calls from Kyiv to help stopRussia's bombardments.

"Allies agree that we should not have NATO planes operating over Ukrainian airspace or NATO troops on Ukrainian territory," Stoltenberg said after an urgent meeting with NATO foreign ministers.

Hermes says it is temporarily closing Russia stores

French luxury group Hermes said on Friday it would temporarily close its stores in Russia and pause all commercial activities in the country. "Deeply concerned by the situation in Europe at this time, it is with regret that we have taken the decision to temporarily close our stores in Russia and pause all our commercial activities from the evening of March 4th," Hermes said in a post on the French company's LinkedIn page. Hermes has three stores in Russia.

Turkey says situation in Ukraine worsening, Turkish air space to remain open

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Friday the situation in Ukraine was worsening and it must not be allowed to escalate, adding Turkey would keep its air space open.

Speaking after a NATO meeting in Brussels, Cavusoglu added Turkey andRussiawere in contact at the military level to make sure Turkish vessels could safely return from ports in the Black Sea.

Lithuanian PM says calls for NATO no-fly zone in Ukraine are irresponsible

Georgia's largest bank has obliged citizens of Russia and Belarus to sign a form condemning #Russian aggression against Ukraine and Georgia before opening an account.

German Chancellor Scholz holds talks with Putin on humanitarian corridors

Russian Army captures the television tower in Melitolop, Ukraine

Kremlin calls on Russians to 'unite' around Putin

The Kremlin on Friday called on Russians to rally around President Vladimir Putin, more than one week after Moscow launched an invasion of Ukraine.

"Now is not the time to be divided," the Kremlin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, responding to a question on pleas from public figures to end the war. "Now is the time to unite, to unite around our president."

US Embassy in Kyiv calls attack on nuclear plant a 'war crime'

In Mykolaiv Region, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have captured the Russian Self-propelled anti-aircraft "Pantsir-C1"

Russian airline Aeroflot has been removed from the global electronic ticket booking system.

Zelenskyy welcomes the establishment of inquiry commission by UNHRC

Panasonic suspends transactions with Russia.

The Japanese electronic conglomerate also decided to donate $173 million to the Polish Red Cross to help Ukrainian refugees at the border and to Peace Winds Japan, an NGO providing assistance to Ukraine.

India abstains in UN Human Rights Council vote on establishing independent commission of inquiry on Russia-Ukraine crisis

Nord Steam 2 AG filed for bankruptcy

Ukraine asks Red Cross to organize humanitarian corridors for people in the cities and villages hit by the Russian attack

Putin calls on other countries to normalise relations with Russia

(Reuters)

Telegram channel of RT propagandists blocked in Europe

UN council backs probe of Ukraine war rights violations

The UN Human Rights Council on Friday overwhelmingly voted to create a top-level investigation into violations committed followingRussia's invasion of Ukraine.

Thirty-two members of the 47-seat council voted to establish the highest-level probe possible into alleged rights violations, in abid to hold perpetrators responsible.

Russia backs jail time for 'fake' army news, restricts media

Russian lawmakers approved legislation Friday to impose fines and harsh jail terms for publishing "fake news" about the army -- the latest move to silence dissent one week after Moscow launched the invasion of Ukraine.

The bill sets out jail terms of varying lengths and fines against people who publish "knowingly false information" about the military.

Residential buildings shelled in Kharkov

European stocks plunge over 3% on Ukraine crisis

European stock markets plunged more than three percent in morning trade Friday as Ukraine tensions escalate afterRussiatook control of Europe's biggest nuclear power plant.

UN nuclear watchdog head offers to travel to Chernobyl

The head of the UN nuclear watchdog offered Friday to travel to Chernobyl in order to negotiate with Ukraine andRussiato try to ensure the security of Ukraine's nuclear sites.

"I have indicated to both the Russian Federation and Ukraine my availability... to travel to Chernobyl as soon as possible," Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency told reporters. "Both sides are considering" the possibility, he added.

Zelenskyy tells people of Russia to remind their leadership about consequences of Chernobyl disaster, after attack on Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant

British authorities plan to house refugees from Ukraine in confiscated mansions of Russian oligarchs

Ukraine demands tougher Russia sanctions after nuclear plant attack

47 killed in Chernihiv bombing

In Chernihiv, 47 people were murdered as a result of the bombing by Russian aircraft during Ukraine-Russia war.

(KyivPost)

'Zaporizhzhia nuclear disaster would be six times worse than Chernobyl'

Zelenskyy said that Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant disaster would be six times worse than Chernobyl. "This night could have been the end of history for Ukraine and Europe," said Zelenskyy. "Russian tank operators knew what they were shooting at, they directly targeted the station."

(The Kyiv Independent)

Russian flight shot down

A Russian Su-25 was shot down near Volnovakha. The pilot is wanted.

(NEXTA)

Zelenskyy discusses situation with Japan

Zelenskyy's security team credited with thwarting assassination attempts

A source close to the Wagner mercenary group told The Times it was “eerie” how well briefed Zelenskyy’s security team appeared to be.

(The Kyiv Independent)

Zelenskyy survives three assassination attempts

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has survived three assassination attempts in a few days. Two different groups have beensent to kill him, yet both have been thwarted by anti-war elements within Russia’s Federal Security Service, according to the Times' sources.

(The Kyiv Independent)

We don't seek conflict with Russia but we are ready for it, says US

NATO will defend all its allies and territory against a Russian attack, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Friday, as he arrived for a meeting of the alliance's foreign ministers in Brussels.

"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," he told reporters, while condemning what he called Russian attacks on civilians in Ukraine.

NATO chief slams Russia 'recklessness' in Ukraine nuclear plant shelling

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Friday decriedRussia's "recklessness" over the shelling of a nuclear power plant in Ukraine and demanded Moscow stop the war against its neighbour.

"Overnight, we have also seen reports about the attack against the nuclear power plant," the chief said.

Mariupol under Ukrainian control but subject to intense strikes, says UK

Companies continue to exit Russia

Jewellery major Swarovski, and tech majors AMD, Intel and Cisco have stopped all sales and deliveries in Russia.

Hungary PM Orban calls sanctions 'double-edged weapon'

Hungary has supported European Union sanctions againstRussiabut its own economy will be also inevitably impacted by them, Prime Minister Viktor Orban told state radio on Friday.

Orban said the first hit to the Hungarian economy was the Sberbank's shutting its European operations earlier this week, where many clients including companies lost their money. "Sanctions have a price as it is a double-edged weapon, and we will pay this price in the short term," Orban said in an interview, adding the government had to work to mitigate the direct damage from the measures againstRussia.

Porsche stops delivery of cars to Russia

Petitioner student to be brought back to India today, Supreme Court told

Attorney General KK Venugopal told the Supreme Court that minister Jyotiraditya Scindia contacted a petitioner student who was stranded at Ukraine border and now has crossed over to Romania. Hewill be brought back by a special flight to India, tonight along with other persons by tonight.

The Supreme Court 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.

Besides, the Supreme Court said that it was unfortunate that we have not learned from past mistakes and still resort to war. We don't have much say but there is anxiety about students.

(ANI)

Site of nuclear power plant seized by Russia, says Ukrainian military

Russia deploys 130 buses to evacuate Indians, foreign students

As many as 130 Russian buses are ready to evacuate Indian students and other foreigners from Ukraine’s Kharkiv and Sumy to Russia’s Belgorod, Russian National Defense Control Center head Colonel General Mikhail Mizintsev announced.

(TASS & ANI)

PM Modi chairs meeting on Ukraine crisis

Asian shares slide after nuclear plant shelling

Shares were lower Friday in Asia after another bumpy day on Wall Street, as investors remain concerned about the broader impact ofRussia's invasion of Ukraine. Shares fell more than 2 per cent in Tokyo and Hong Kong and declined in most other Asian markets. US futures were lower. The S&P 500 fell 0.5 per cent Thursday and the Nasdaq fell 1.6 per cent as technology companies led the way lower.

Oil prices eased back from their recent highs and European markets also closed lower.

Fire at Zaporizhzhia plant doused

Emergency services in Ukraine said Friday that they had extinguished a fire at Europe's largest nuclear power plant after Kyiv blamed Russian military shelling for the blaze.

"At 06:20 (04:20 GMT) the fire in the training building of Zaporizhzhia NPP in Energodar was extinguished. There are no victims," the emergency services said in a statement on Facebook.

No change in radiation level, says International Atomic Energy Agency

The International Atomic Energy Agency reports that the Ukraine regulator has not detected a change in radiation levels at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant site, following a fire that broke out at the plant after a Russian shelling on March 4.

Shelling at nuclear power plant stops, firefighting operations under way

Mayor of Energodar Dmytro Orlov says shelling at Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant has now stopped. As many as 40 people and 10 vehicles are involved in extinguishing the fire at Zaporizhzhya the nuclear power plant, says Ministry of Emergency Situations of Ukraine.

(NEXTA)

Three floors of nuclear power plant engulfed in fire as Russia continues to block firefighting operations

One of the buildings of the training complex continues to burn as a result of shelling on the territory of the NPP.One power unit of six is still operating. The fire condition of the plant is currently normal.

Three floors of the five-storey building are engulfed by fire, as the Russian military continues to prevent firefighters from accessing the site.

(NEXTA)

Injuries reported in shelling of nuclear power plant

Mayor of Energodar Dmytro Orlov says that there are injured at Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant.

(NEXTA)

No indication of elevated radiation, monitoring situation closely, says US

A senior US official said, "Our latest information shows no indications of elevated levels of radiation, and we're monitoring closely."

Boris Johnson to call emergency meet of UNSC over nuclear plant shelling

Boris Johnson, speaking to Zelenskyy, said he would call an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council in the coming hours over the situation around the Zaporizhzhya nuclear plant, the British Prime Minister's press office said.

(NEXTA)

Biden urges Russia to cease military activities near nuclear plant, allow firefighters access site

Zelenskyy accuses Russia of 'nuclear terror' after plant attack

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Moscow on Friday of resorting to "nuclear terror" and wanting to "repeat" the Chernobyl disaster after he said invading Russian forces shot at a nuclear power plant.

"No country other thanRussiahas ever fired on nuclear power units. This is the first time in our history; in the history of mankind. The terrorist state now resorted to nuclear terror," he said in a video message.

Nuclear safety at nuclear plant broken, fighting on, says head of power plant

"Nuclear safety at the Zaporizhzhya NPP [nuclear power plant] has been broken. We are doing everything possible, but the fire is going on, firefighters are not allowed. There are great risks. Fightings are going on at the plant. The reactors are in danger," Igor Murashov, head of the NPP.

(NEXTA)

'Russia bombed entire plant, including reactor units, delegates now want to negotiate'

Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant spokesman Andrey Tuz said,"They bombed everything they could, including the reactor units and everything else...A white car with representatives of Russian military arrived at the plant.It is now being decided whether we will negotiate with them."

(NEXTA)

Situation at Ukrainian nuclear plant 'secured': Authorities

Ukrainian authorities said the safety of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has been secured after a fire broke out Friday when the station came under fire from invading Russian forces. "The director of the plant said that nuclear safety is now guaranteed. According to those responsible for the plant, a training building and a laboratory were affected by the fire," Oleksandr Starukh, head of the military administration of the Zaporizhzhia region, said on Facebook.

Ukraine's Zelenskyy accuses Russia of wanting to 'repeat' Chernobyl disaster

MoS in Poland claims student shot, taken back

"I received info today that a student coming from Kyiv got shot and was taken back midway. We're trying for maximum evacuation in minimum loss," MoS Civil Aviation Gen (Retd) VK Singh, in Poland.

(ANI)

Biden 'just spoke with Zelenskyy' about Ukraine nuclear station

International Atomic Energy Agency tweets, "IAEA is aware of reports of shelling at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), in contact with Ukrainian authorities about situation."

The Associated Press reported an unnamed Ukrainian government official as saying elevated radiation levels had been detected near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Twitter the plant was on fire and the Russian army was shelling it from all sides.

Ukraine foreign minister says Russian army firing from all sides at nuclear power plant

A fire has broken out at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine and the Russian army was shelling it from all sides, Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Twitter on Friday after a local mayor also reported a Russian attack there.

"Russian army is firing from all sides upon Zaporizhzhia NPP, the largest nuclear power plant in Europe," Kuleba's tweet said.

One generating unit at Ukrainian nuclear plant has been hit by Russian fire - RIA

We have sent back 7 flights in the last 3 days (to India), with around 200 Indian citizens on each flight. Some students who reached Warsaw & have their relatives & friends there have decided to stay; they're safe in Poland: MoS Civil Aviation Gen (Retd) VK Singh, in Poland

Europe's largest nuclear power plant on fire after Russian attack, says local mayor

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, the largest of its kind in Europe, was on fire early on Friday after an attack by Russian troops, the mayor of the nearby town of Energodar said.

There has been fierce fighting between local forces and Russian troops, Dmytro Orlov said in an online post, adding that there had been casualties without giving details.

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Ukraine Foreign Affairs Minister Dmytro Kuleba says, "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!"

Air raid alerts in Odesa, Bila Tserkva, and Volyn Oblast. Residents should go to the nearest shelter, reports The Kyiv Independent

Another batch of 185 passengers landed in Mumbai at 2 am early Friday from Bucharest

US lawmakers seek to halt Russian oil imports

US lawmakers urged President Joe Biden Thursday to ban oil imports from Russia as further punishment for its invasion of Ukraine, a step the US administration has so far opposed.

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Two men carrying firearms near US Ukrainian Embassy say trying to join war

Two men who were arrested near Ukraine's embassy in Washington Thursday for carrying firearms reportedly told police they wanted to help fight off Russia's invasion of its pro-Western neighbor.

The pair, who according to US media told officers they had driven from the Midwest state of Indiana, were charged with multiple weapons-related violations.

The Secret Service told AFP its officers "observed two individuals acting suspiciously near a vehicle," approximately three blocks from the embassy just after 9:00 am (1400 GMT).

Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine is on fire, says mayor of local town

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, the largest of its kind in Europe, was on fire early on Friday after an attack by Russian troops, the mayor of the nearby town of Energodar said in an online post.

Facebook, multiple media sites partially down in Russia

Facebook and multiple media websites were partially inaccessible in Russia on Friday, as authorities crack down on critical voices as fighting escalates in Ukraine.AFP journalists in Moscow were not able to access Facebook, as well as the sites of media outlets Meduza, Deutsche Welle, RFE-RL and the BBC's Russian-language service. The monitoring NGO GlobalCheck also said the sites were partially down.

Johnson, Bolsonaro call for Ukraine ceasefire

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro have called for a ceasefire in Ukraine, a Johnson spokesperson said following talks between the two leaders.

"The leaders agreed on the requirement for an urgent ceasefire in Ukraine and said peace had to prevail," the Downing Street spokesperson said.

EU agrees to offer protection to Ukraine refugees

The EU on Thursday agreed to approve temporary protection for refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine -- so far numbered at one million -- while also setting up a humanitarian hub in Romania.The moves by the European Union came in parallel to its sanctions on Russia imposed in successive waves over the course of the invasion, now in its eighth day.

US grants 'temporary protected status' to Ukrainians, halts deportations

Several students still stranded in Kharkiv

A day after the Indian government asked citizens to "immediately" leave the war-hit Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, several students are still stranded there, desperately waiting to get to a safe zone as the Russian onslaught on the eastern Ukrainian city continued.

As fighting intensified in Kharkiv, India had Wednesday asked its nationals to leave the second-largest Ukrainian city urgently to three nearby places "even on foot", while Russia promised to create "humanitarian corridors" for evacuation of Indians from the conflict zones.

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Get us out or else we will die for sure: Indian students send frantic SOS following explosion near campus

"The Ukrainian government is not allowing us to travel to the Russian border. Please do whatever you can or else we will die for sure," a group of Indian students stuck in Sumy State University said on Thursday late night as they rushed themselves into a bunker in the campus after hearing loud explosion sounds.

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India resists US bid to get Quad to condemn Russia for invading Ukraine

India on Thursday argued that the Quad should keep its focus on countering China in the Indo-Pacific region, even as the United States raised the issue of Russia’s military offensives against Ukraine during a virtual meeting of the leaders of the four-nation coalition.

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