Russia-Ukraine crisis: 4,800 Indian students to be evacuated from Romania in 24 flights by tomorrow

Amid heavy fighting around Kharkiv, India asked all its citizens stranded in the city to leave immediately for three safe zones that are in the range of up to 16 km from there. Russian troops are inching closer towards capital Ukraine, with more soldiers being called in. The EU decided to ban seven banks from the SWIFT network and its ban on Russia Today came in to effect today.

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Ukrainian officials confirm Russia's capture of southern city Kherson

Third batch of Indian students lands in Mumbai

The third batch of Indian students who escaped from war-torn Ukraine landed in Mumbai in the wee hours of Thursday.

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Third IAF C-17 aircraft carrying 208 Indian citizens from Ukraine, lands at Hindan airbase near Delhi from Rzeszow in Poland

Indian Railways have deployed a help desk; any student who wants a train reservation to their respective native place can do so at the airport itself: MoS Railways Raosaheb Patil Danve in Mumbai

US House 'staunchly, proudly' passes resolution for Ukraine

The US House has overwhelmingly approved a resolution “steadfastly, staunchly, proudly and fervently” in support of Ukraine.

Lawmakers said Wednesday that history was watching the way the world responds as Ukrainians fight to save their Western-style democracy from invasion by Russia.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday that his country had thwarted Russia's "sneaky" plans, saying he was proud of the "heroic" resistance to Moscow's invasion.

Germany seizes Russian billionaire Usmanov's yacht

German authorities have seized a nearly $600 million luxury yacht owned by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov who has faced European Union sanctions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Forbes reported, citing sources in the yacht industry.

The 512-foot yacht, Dilbar, was taken in the northern port of Hamburg.

A member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's special Ukraine monitoring mission was killed on Tuesday during the shelling of Kharkiv, the OSCE said on Wednesday.

In a statement, the OSCE named the victim as Maryna Fenina, and said she had died "while getting supplies for her family in a city that has become a war zone".

People, some of them Ukrainians living in Panama, hold up signs during an anti-war protest in support of Ukraine amid Russia's invasion, at the Urraca park in Panama City, Panama March 2, 2022.

Russia claims it has taken Ukrainian port city

A Russian official says troops have taken the Ukrainian port city of Kherson — a claim that the Ukrainian military denies.

The city is under Russian soldiers' “complete control,” Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said Wednesday.

He said that the city's civilian infrastructure, essential facilities and transport are operating as usual and that there are no shortages of food or essential goods.

World Bank halts all programs in Russia, Belarus with immediate effect

The World Bank on Wednesday said 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."

In a statement, the multilateral development bank said it had not approved any new loans to or investments in Russia since 2014, the year Russia annexed the Crimea region of Ukraine.

A third and fourth explosion has now been heard near Kyiv's Druzhby Narodiv metro station, reports The Kyiv Independent

Biden has the right idea, but the wrong words

President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address on Tuesday night sounded like two speeches grafted together.

First came a stirring paean to the bravery of the Ukrainian resistance and a vow to ravage Russia’s economy in a bid to turn back Vladimir Putin’s tanks. Biden forswore sending troops to fight alongside Ukrainians, but he promised to wage financial war on their behalf, cutting off Russia from its foreign reserves, its oligarchs from their yachts and villas, and its economy from the financial flows and technological trades needed for continued growth.

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3,500 Indian students walk 10-15 kms to escape Kharkiv

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr K Sudhakar tweeted on Wednesday that more than 3,500 Indian students, including many from Karnataka, walked 10 to 15 km to escape Kharkhiv horror within four hours after the Indian embassy in Kyiv sounded an emergency alert.

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According to Kherson Mayor Igor Kolykhaev, the situation in the southern regional capital is tense with Russian troops entering the city and taking administrative buildings: The Kyiv Independent

International Criminal Court prosecutor opens investigation into possible war crimes, crimes against humanity in Ukraine

China asked Russia to delay Ukraine invasion until after Olympics: Report

Senior Chinese officials told senior Russian officials in early February not to invade Ukraine before the end of the Winter Olympics in Beijing, The New York Times reported, quoting Biden administration officials and a European official who cited a Western intelligence report.

The Times said the intelligence report indicated senior Chinese officials had some level of knowledge about Russia's plans or intentions to invade Ukraine before Moscow launched the operation last week.

PayPal stops accepting new users in Russia

Online payments company PayPal Holdings Inc stopped accepting new users in Russia on Wednesday given current circumstances, a company spokesperson told Reuters.

PayPal, which only allows cross-border transactions by users in Russia, had already blocked some users and some of the country's biggest banks following sanctions by the United States and other countries in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russia has called the move a "special operation."

Russia fires rockets, debris hits near train station. The Russian rocket, allegedly targeting the Ministry of Defense, was shot down by an air defense system, and its wreckage fell near Kyiv’s main train station: The Kyiv Independent

Spain to send 'military hardware' to Ukraine: PM

Spain will supply weapons directly to Ukraine following Russia's invasion, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Wednesday, two days after declaring Madrid would only contribute via an EU funding mechanism.

The move came after pressure on Sanchez's left-wing coalition government to take a more proactive approach to the war raging on Europe's eastern flank.

IAF's first evacuation flight with 200 Indians lands in Delhi

The Indian Air Force's first evacuation flight with 200 Indians from Romanian capital Bucharest landed at the Hindon air base here in the early hours of Thursday, sources said.

The first flight -- which was conducted using C-17 military transport aircraft -- landed in Delhi at 1.30 am.

Three more C-17 aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) with approximately 300 evacuees from Ukraine will land at the Hindon airbase by 8 am on Thursday, sources said.

Western sanctions will not impact supply of S-400 missile systems to India: Russia

Russia on Wednesday said there will be no impact of the Western sanctions against it on the supply of S-400 missile systems to India.

At a media briefing, Russian Ambassador-designate Denis Alipov also referred to a bilateral mechanism to do business in national currencies.

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UN says 227 civilian deaths in Ukraine since invasion

The UN said Wednesday that it had recorded nearly 230 civilian deaths in Ukraine, including 15 children, since Russia's full-scale invasion began, warning that the true toll was likely far higher.

The UN rights office, OHCHR, said it had registered 752 civilian casualties in Ukraine, including 227 people killed and 525 people wounded, between February 24, when Russia invaded, and midnight Tuesday.

Spotify closes its office in Russia in response to attack on Ukraine

Ukraine to seek action against Russia from about 50 gaming, cloud and other tech firms

Ukraine plans to urge about 50 additional tech companies, including in gaming, esports and internet infrastructure, to take action against Russia following a slew of earlier requests, a top Ukrainian government tech official told Reuters on Wednesday.

Software giant Oracle Corp responded within three hours on Wednesday to a tweet from Ukraine's Ministry of Digital Transformation calling on it to stop doing business in Russia amid the country's invasion of Ukraine.

'Russian armed forces ready to ensure safe evacuation of Indians'

The mayor of Ukraine's key southeastern coastal city Mariupol said Wednesday Russian forces had pummelled the port for hours and were attempting to block civilians from leaving.

Mariupol, which lies on the Azov Sea that separates southern Ukraine from Russia, has been a strategic target for Moscow's invading army.

City officials said Russian forces hit residential areas, including a maternity ward and a school, injuring 42 people.

Key Ukrainian port sees increased Russian attacks

The mayor of Ukraine's key southeastern coastal city Mariupol said Wednesday Russian forces had pummelled the port for hours and were attempting to block civilians from leaving.

Mariupol, which lies on the Azov Sea that separates southern Ukraine from Russia, has been a strategic target for Moscow's invading army.

City officials said Russian forces hit residential areas, including a maternity ward and a school, injuring 42 people.

Citigroup Inc is looking to reduce its nearly $10 billion exposure to Russian assets using hedging and other strategies, Chief Financial Officer Mark Mason said at the bank's investor day on Wednesday.

Blinken calls Putin's nuclear rhetoric the 'height of irresponsibility'

Russian billionaire Fridman leaves investment fund

Russian billionaire Mikhaïl Fridman and banker Petr Aven, both the target of EU sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine, are withdrawing from the LetterOne investment fund they co-founded, the Luxembourg and London-based company said Wednesday.

Fridman, one of Russia's richest men, had withdrawn on Tuesday from the European groups in which he is a shareholder, though both men deny having any "financial or political relationship" with Russian

Blinken says human toll of war in Ukraine already 'staggering'

Blinken to visit Poland, Baltics, Moldova in support of Ukraine

Europe in 'new era' after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, says Macron

Cities in eastern Ukraine remain areas of concern: MEA on stranded Indians

As India steps up efforts to evacuate its citizens from war-hit Ukraine, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday that efforts are on to reach cities in the eastern part of that country, though it is not easy.

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The Chancellery of the Prime Minister of Poland tweets the number of people who left the territory of Ukraine as part of the evacuation; Indian nationals - 1,299

If Russia pulls back & pursues diplomacy, we stand ready to do the same thing. We'll support any diplomatic efforts by the Ukrainian govt to reach a ceasefire & withdrawal of Russian forces: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Department of State

Polish border guards beat up around 100 Indian students and turned them back into Ukraine: Belarus envoy to UN

Belarus claimed on Wednesday that Polish border guards beat up around 100 Indian students and turned them back into Ukraine following which they were placed in a refugee camp in Romania.

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9 flights taken off today from Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and Poland. Includes IAF aircrafts. 6 flights more expected to depart shortly. Altogether, will bring back more than 3,000 Indian nationals.

Macron says will keep speaking with Putin 'as long as necessary'

Dozens detained at anti-war rallies in Russia

Dozens of anti-war demonstrators were detained in Moscow and Saint Petersburg Wednesday after jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny called on Russians to protest President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine.

Police in Putin's hometown of Saint Petersburg violently dispersed protesters and detained around 100 people, an AFP journalist at the scene said.

In Moscow, law enforcement closed off Red Square near the Kremlin and detained at least seven people who gathered while loudspeakers warned people from convening.

Powerful explosion heard near central Kyiv rail station, says interior ministry adviser

4,800 Indian students to be evacuated from Romania in 24 flights by Friday

Around 4,800 Indian students will be evacuated from Bucharest and Suceawa in Romania through 24 flights between Wednesday and Friday amid Russia-Ukraine war, Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said.

The minister, who is in Bucharest to facilitate the evacuation of Indian students, said he will be going to Siret, the border check point with Ukraine, on Thursday and remain there for around 48 hours.

"I will be there till the last student leaves from Siret," he stated.

Four Russian fighter jets violate Swedish airspace over Baltic Sea: military

Net proceeds from Chelsea sale to go to Ukraine victims

Roman Abramovich said Wednesday that "net proceeds" from his sale of Premier League club Chelsea would go to the victims of the war in Ukraine.

"I have instructed my team to set up a charitable foundation where all net proceeds from the sale will be donated," the Russian-Israeli billionaire said in his statement on the club's website.

Ukraine Foreign Affairs Ministry "urgently calls on govt of India, Pakistan, China & other counties whose students have become hostages of Russian armed aggression in Kharkiv & Sumy, to demand from Moscow that it allows opening of a humanitarian corridor to other Ukrainian cities."

UN General Assembly adopts resolution that strongly deplores Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

Moscow alleges Ukrainian Army took some Indians hostage, stopped them from leaving Kharkiv via Russia

Moscow on Wednesday accused the Ukrainian Army of forcibly stopping some of the citizens of India stranded in Kharkiv from leaving the war-torn city in the East European nation even after New Delhi issued an urgent advisory asking them to move immediately to three nearby towns, apparently in preparation of evacuation through the territory of Russia.

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Sweden's H&M is temporarily pausing all its sales in Russia, it said on Wednesday.

US announces new sanctions on Belarus, Russian defense sector

Asking students to leave Ukraine cities 'on foot' bizarre: CPM

The CPI(M) on Wednesday criticised the government over its advisories asking Indian nationals to leave cities of Ukraine "on foot" if transportation was not available and said such instructions are "bizarre" and impossible to follow in a war-torn region.

"Advisories asking Indians to immediately leave war-torn Kharkiv, impossible to follow in these circumstances. Bizarre direction to walk if no transport available, amidst heavy crossfire. Trains running, heavily crowded. Is Embassy exploring alternatives?" CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said.

The Centre should stop 'blaming' students and focus on evacuating them from Ukraine and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should 'reign in' union ministers from making 'unwarranted' statements, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin said.

G7 seeks measures to stop cryptoassets use to dodge Russia sanctions: Germany

Russia mooted the possibility of ceasefire talks with Ukraine after Russian forces shelled several Ukrainian cities and troops battled in the streets of Kharkiv.

Netflix Inc has temporarily stopped all future projects and acquisitions in Russia amid its invasion of Ukraine: Report

Ukraine says 21 killed in attack on Kharkiv

A Ukrainian official says the advance of Russian troops in Kharkiv has been stopped, but that Russians have responded by shelling the city with heavy rocket launchers and air attacks.

“Kharkiv today is the Stalingrad of the 21st century,” said Oleksiy Arestovich, an adviser to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Ukraine invasion hastens Putin's downfall: Khodorkovsky

Russian President Vladimir Putin has hastened his own downfall with a war in Ukraine that he cannot win, exiled opponent the former tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky charged on Tuesday.

Khodorkovsky told France 24 television in an interview from London that Putin's decision to order an invasion of Ukraine was an "emotional" move by a leader who is increasingly "paranoid".

France says Russia sanctions will also include measures on crypto currencies

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire welcomed on Wednesday the European Union's latest sanctions against Russia, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and added that these sanctions would also include measures on crypto currencies.

The European Union said earlier it was excluding seven Russian banks from the SWIFT messaging system, but stopped short of including those handling energy payments, in the latest sanctions imposed on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has not made a commitment to lift sanctions on Russia in case of a ceasefire or peace deal after its invasion of Ukraine, IOC president Thomas Bach said on Wednesday.

EU foreign ministers to hold Friday meeting with Ukraine, US, UK and Canada counterparts: Borrell

Russia expects to discuss ceasefire with Ukraine at talks on Thursday

Moscow says 498 Russian troops killed in Ukraine, in first death toll since invasion

Ukraine delegation on its way for talks with Russia on Poland-Belarus border

Delhi govt asks officials to reach out to students evacuated from or still stuck in Ukraine

The Delhi government has asked district authorities to reach out to the families of students evacuated from war-hit Ukraine or those who are still stuck there to extend any help they need and assure them that all necessary steps are being taken for their welfare, officials said on Wednesday.

They also said district authorities have engaged teachers and other staff in their respective jurisdiction to effectively execute these orders.

According to the orders issued by district authorities, the teams concerned will meet the families of stranded students and assure them that adequate steps are being taken to ensure the welfare of their wards.

EU adds new economic sanctions against Belarus after Ukraine invasion

India supports international community's call for immediate ceasefire, says Ambassador Tirumurti

We thank all neighbouring countries os Ukraine for opening their border and extending all facilities to our Embassies at this time: India's Permanent Rep to UN, TS Tirumurti, at UNSC

Some evacuees brought their four-legged best friends

Putin discusses Ukraine with Israel President Bennett

UN General Assembly 'demands' Russia withdraw from Ukraine; India, China abstain from voting

The UN General Assembly on Wednesday overwhelmingly adopted a resolution that "demands" Russia "immediately" withdraw fromUkraine, in a powerful rebuke of Moscow's invasion by the global body charged with peace and security.

After more than two days of extraordinary debate, 141 out of 193 member states voted for the non-binding resolution. China and India wereamong the 35 countries which abstained, while just five voted against it.

Russia says 498 of its soldiers killed, 1,597 wounded in Ukraine

Russia's defence ministry said on Wednesday that 498 Russian soldiers had died inUkraineand another 1,597 had been wounded since the beginning of Moscow's military operation there, Russia's RIA news agency reported.

It was the first time that Moscow had put a figure on its casualties.

3,500 Indian students to return from Bucharest; Scindia to travel to Siret border in Romania

Modi speaks to Putin, discusses safe evacuation of Indians

Ukraine ombudswoman says 21 children killed, 55 injured since Russian invasion

Expect to receive positive news on Ukraine's EU membership: Zelenskyy

Toyota to suspend Russian factory, exports to Russia from Europe

PM to chair meeting on Ukraine at 8:30 pm

US airspace ban on Russian airlines to begin tomorrow

Three more IAF flights to land tomorrow by 8 am

Kishan Reddy welcomes Indians evacuated from Ukraine

Ukraine asks Russian mothers to fetch captured troops

Ukraine on Wednesday invited the worried mothers of Russian troops captured on the battlefield to come and collect their sons, in an apparent attempt to embarrass Moscow.

"A decision has been taken to hand over captured Russian troops to their mothers if they come to collect them in Ukraine, in Kyiv," the defence ministry said in a statement.

IAF's C-17 aorcraft arrival delayed from 11 pm to 1:30 am

The air force is flying home 200 Indians from Bucharest.

Kharkiv has largest concentration of Indians in Ukraine: MEA

MEA confirms death of Indian in Ukraine due to natural causes

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi mentioned that Chandan Jindal's family was also in Ukraine.

15 evacuation flights scheduled over the next 24 hours: MEA

Nearly 17,000 Indians have left Ukraine since mid-Feb: MEA

No water in Mariupol as Russian forces attack city: Mayor

Russian forces preventing evacuation of civilians in Mariupol, alleges Mayor

Over 2,000 civilians killed during Russian invasion: Ukraine Emergency Services

Proceed to railway stations by foot if you do not have a car, but leave Kharkiv immediately for your own safety: Embassy tells all Indians

UK's PM Boris Johnson says Russia already guilty of 'a war crime' in Ukraine

UK PM urges UN members to demand Russia withdraw from Ukraine

Prime MinisterBorisJohnson on Wednesday said that Britain was pushing UN members meeting in New York to urge Russian President Vladimir Putin to withdraw troops from Ukraine.

Indian Air Force's C-17 aircraft to return to India from Romania at 11 pm tonight with 200 evacuees

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 & Hungary by early morning tomorrow: IAF officials(ANI)

US preparing to expand number of Russian oligarchs subject to US sanctions: Report

EU excludes 7 Russian banks from SWIFT network under sanctions: Official

EU ban on Russian state media RT, Sputnik enters into force: Official

Embassy asks all Indians in Kharkiv to leave city immediately, reach railway stations by 9:30 pm IST (6 pm Kharkiv local time)

Belarus will face same sanctions as Russia if its forces enter Ukraine: Minister

India lagging behind in Ukraine evacuation efforts, students should have been brought home earlier: Mamata Banerjee

Alexei Navalny urges Russians to hold daily protests against Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Nearly 836,000 refugees have fled Ukraine conflict: UN

Kharkiv Mayor says will not surrender to Russian forces

Four killed, nine injured in Kharkiv as Russian shelling coninues

Russia Foreign Minister Lavrov says a third World War would be nuclear and destructive

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday that if a third World War were to take place, it would involvenuclearweapons and be destructive, the RIA news agency reported.

Lavrov has said that Russia, which launched what it calls a special military operation against Ukraine last week, would face a "real danger" if Kyiv acquirednuclearweapons.

Russia will not let Ukraine obtain nuclear weapons, Lavrov says

Russia will not allowUkraineto obtain nuclear weapons, TASS news agency quoted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as saying on Wednesday.

Russia launched an invasion ofUkrainelast week in what it called a special operation to demilitarise and "denazify" the country, a justification dismissed by Kyiv and the West as propaganda.

Russia massing troops closer to capital Kyiv, says mayor

Russia is gathering troops closer and closer to Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital's mayor Vitali Klitschko wrote in an online post on Wednesday.

"We are preparing and will defend Kyiv!," he added.

Russia says 'ready' to continue talks with Ukraine Wednesday night

Russian military claims control over Ukraine's Kherson

The Russian army claimed on Wednesday it had taken control of the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson as Moscow's invasion of the pro-Western country entered its seventh day. "The Russian divisions of the armed forces have taken the regional centre of Kherson under full control," defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in televised remarks.

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Civilians try to stop Russian tanks in Starobilsk, Luhansk region

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny calls for daily anti-war protests in Russia, ally says - Reuters

Mariupol in Ukrainian hands, Russia shelling civilians - local authorities

Mariupol city council said on Wednesday their southern city was under Ukrainian control but locked in battles with Russian troops.

The council said on social media that Russian attackers were shelling civilian sites, including residential blocks, hospitals and dormitories for people displaced by fighting. - Reuters.

Biden warns Putin 'has no idea what's coming'

US President Joe Biden warned Vladimir Putin that the Russian leader "has no idea what's coming", as Western nations tightened an economic noose around Russia, whose invading forces bombarded Ukrainian cities and appeared poised for an advance on Kyiv.

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Japan protests suspected air incursion by Russia

Tokyo lodged a diplomatic protest with Moscow after scrambling fighter jets on Wednesday as a suspected Russian helicopter entered Japan's northern airspace at a time of heightened tensions over Ukraine.

Japan, which has volatile ties and border disputes with key neighbours China, Russia and South Korea, routinely sends jets to defend its territorial airspace. - AFP.

Russian deputy PM Borisov says was hard to foresee scale and impact of recent Western sanctions beforehand- IFAX

Spain will supply "military hardware" to Ukraine following Russia's invasion of its pro-Western neighbour, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez tells parliament

A refugee woman from Ukraine waits for transportation at the Moldova-Ukrainian border's checkpoint near the town of Palanca

Credit: AFP Photo

An elderly woman from Pakistan is seen sitting at the border crossing in Medyka, eastern Poland as refugees continue to arrive from Ukraine.

Credit: AFP Photo

Nazism is born in silence: Zelenskyy urges countries to shun neutrality

"Don't you see what is happening? That's why it is very important now that you, millions of Jews around the world, do not stay silent. Because Nazism is born in silence. Scream about murdering of civilians, scream about murdering of Ukrainians," Zelenskyy says in video

It is because of India's rising power that we are able to evacuate citizens from Ukraine: PM Narendra Modi at UP's Sonbhadra rally

We do coordinate our positions at UN & inform India about our approach: Russian Ambassador-designate on Ukraine crisis

We do everything possible to keep India up-to-date on what is happening: Russian Ambassador-designate on Ukraine crisis

India's "unbiased" position based on assessment of Ukraine situation, not because it is dependent on Russian arms: Russian envoy

We are in touch with India on safety of Indians in Kharkiv, Sumy & other conflict zones in Ukraine: Russian Ambassador-designate Denis Alipov

We are working intensely on creating corridor & safe passage for Indians stuck in conflict zones in Ukraine: Russian Ambassador-designate .

It will happen as soon as possible, he said, on when corridor for evacuation of Indians will be operational in Ukraine.

For many people in Russia our Kyiv is completely foreign: Zelenskyy

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday accused Russia, which has launched an invasion of his country, of seeking to "erase" Ukrainians, their country and their history. In a video address, the Ukrainian leader said a missile strike on a target at the site of a Holocaust massacre shows that "for many people in Russia our Kyiv is completely foreign".

No time to stay neutral, Zelenskyy uges countries for support

Russia aims to erase our history, says Zelenskyy after Babyn Yar hit

Zelenskyy says almost 6,000 Russians killed in 6 days of war

Mayor of Ukraine's Mariupol says intense shelling since Tuesday evening, unable to evacuate injured

Dutch Ambassador to India Marten Berg condoles death of India student in Kharkiv

Around 20,000 Indians were stuck in Ukraine. Of these, 6,000 have returned so far

We are trying to bring back the remaining Indians via Romania, Poland Hungary, Slovakia & Moldova: MoS MEA V Muraleedharan

At least 21 killed, 112 wounded in shelling in Kharkiv: Mayor

Son's death is painful, there are many Indian students in a war torn country who are literally struggling to return their mother land: Father of Indian student who died in Ukraine

"My son's death in Ukraine is painful. There are many Indian students in a war torn country who are literally struggling to return their mother land. The government must leave no stone unturned to bring them back home safely" said Shekharppa Gynagoudar, father of Naveen Shekhana Gyanagoudar who was killed in Ukraine.

Visuals of Indian Air Force's C-17 transport aircraft carrying humanitarian assistance. The aircraft left for Romania at 4 am this morning

Three more Indian Air Force aircraft are scheduled to visit Poland, Hungary and Romania today to bring back Indians from Ukraine. One C-17 Globemaster took off at 4 am earlier today for Romania under Operation Ganga: IAF officials

Union Minister Smriti Irani welcomes Indians back home by speaking in regional languages on their return from Ukraine

Two Indian Air Force aircraft take off for Romania and Hungary from the Hindon airbase to bring back Indians stranded in Ukraine

Chicago wheat jumped almost 3% on Wednesday as the market continued its bull run, climbing to the highest since 2008 on concerns over prolonged supply disruptions following Russia's invasion of its rival grain exporter Ukraine.

Corn eased after rising to its highest since May and soybeans fell for the first time in three sessions.

"There are no buyers or sellers in the Asian market as no one is sure for how long this war will last," said one Singapore-based grains trader. "International prices are shooting through the roof."

The most-active wheat contract on the Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) rose 2.5% to $10.08-1/2 by 0324 GMT, having earlier hit its highest since March 2008 at $10.23 a bushel.

Indian indices fell on Wednesday after data showed the country's economic growth missed estimates, with the escalating Ukraine crisis and surging crude oil prices further weighing on investor sentiment

The blue-chip NSE Nifty 50 index declined 1.02% to 16,621.80 and the S&P BSE Sensex dropped 1.17% to 55,586.67 as markets resumed trading after a holiday.

Russian airborne troops land in Ukraine's second city Kharkiv: army

Russian airborne troops landed in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on Wednesday, the Ukrainian army said, adding that there were immediate clashes.

"Russian airborne troops landed in Kharkiv... and attacked a local hospital," the army said in a statement on messaging app Telegram. "There is an ongoing fight between the invaders and the Ukrainians."

Kharkiv, a largely Russian-speaking city near the Russian border, has a population of around 1.4 million.

It has been a target for Russian forces since President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine last Thursday.

Brent crude jumps to $110/bbl, highest since 2014, on choked Russian supply

Brent crude broke above $110 a barrel on Wednesday and WTI was up more than five percent as Russia's invasion of Ukraine continued to fan fears over supplies of the crucial commodity from the resource-rich region. Brent climbed 4.88 percent to $110.09, while WTI was up 5.06 percent at 108.64. Both are at more than seven-year highs.

Putin may circle Kyiv with tanks but he'll never gain the hearts & souls of the Ukrainian people, and he will never weaken the resolve of the free world: US President Joe Biden's the State of the Union address

Asian stocks came under renewed pressure on Wednesday and oil prices jumped after rising worries about the impact of aggressive sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine sank shares in Europe and on Wall Street.

As global sanctions against Moscow tighten, the United States is poised to ban Russian flights using American airspace, following similar moves by the European Union and Canada.

The US Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration said orders blocking Russian aircraft and airlines from entering and using all US airspace will be fully in effect by the end of Wednesday.

The orders suspend operations of all aircraft owned, certified, operated, registered, chartered, leased, or controlled by, for, or for the benefit of, any Russia citizen. This includes passenger and cargo flights, and scheduled as well as charter flights that will "effectively closing US air space to all Russian commercial air carriers and other Russian civil aircraft," the department said.

Biden repeats US forces 'will not engage in the conflict with Russian forces in Ukraine'

We are inflicting pain on Russia and supporting the people of Ukraine. Putin is now isolated from the world more than ever. He has no idea what's coming: Biden

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday vowed that Russia's Vladimir Putin will pay over the long run even if he makes gains on the battlefield in Ukraine.

"While he may make gains on the battlefield – he will pay a continuing high price over the long run," Biden said in his State of the Union address.

Exxon Mobil will exit Russia operations, including oil production fields, it said on Tuesday, becoming the latest major Western energy company to quit the oil-rich country following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

The decision includes operations at a large oil and gas production project on Sakhalin Island in Russia's Far East. British BP PLC, Shell and Norway's Equinor ASA have previously disclosed plans to abandon Russia operations.

"Given the current situation, Exxon Mobil will not invest in new developments in Russia," the company said in a statement.

Moscow threatens to block Russian-language Wikipedia over invasion article

Russian authorities have threatened to block Wikipedia's Russian-language site over an article that mentions deaths among Ukrainian civilians as well as the Russian forces that have entered Ukraine, Russian Wikipedia said on Tuesday.

In a tweet, it posted a picture of a notification from the Russian communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, informing it of a threat from state prosecutors to block the site over a Russian-language article titled "Russian invasion of Ukraine (2022)".

Russia bombards Ukraine urban areas as armed convoy stalls

Russia bombed a TV tower in Ukraine's capital on Tuesday and rained rockets on the city of Kharkiv as Moscow intensified its bombardment of Ukrainian urban areas in a shift of tactics after its six-day invasion stalled.

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US to ban Russian flights from American airspace, officials say

The US government is set to announce a ban on Russian flights from American airspace following similar moves by the European Union and Canada, government and industry officials told Reuters.

The precise timing is unclear but is expected within the next 24 hours, the sources said.

Late on Tuesday, United Airlines said it has temporarily suspended flying over Russian airspace, joining other major US carriers who have taken the step after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

ExxonMobil announces phased withdrawal from key Russian oil field

Special flight carrying 218 Indian nationals from Bucharest lands in New Delhi

'Putin was wrong. We were ready,' Biden will say in State of the Union address

US President Joe Biden will say on Tuesday that the West was ready for Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine and his administration is prepared with a plan to fight inflation, according to excerpts of his State of the Union address.

"Throughout our history we've learned this lesson - when dictators do not pay a price for their aggression, they cause more chaos. They keep moving. And, the costs and threats to America and the world keep rising," Biden will say, according to excerpts of his address released by the White House.

Biden will say that Putin eschewed efforts to prevent war.

"Putin's war was premeditated and unprovoked. He rejected efforts at diplomacy. He thought the West and NATO wouldn't respond. And, he thought he could divide us here at home," Biden will say. "Putin was wrong. We were ready."

Putin misjudged Western response to Ukraine invasion, says Biden

US President Joe Biden said Tuesday Russian President Vladimir Putin had underestimated the powerful response his invasion of Ukraine would illicit from Western nations as sanctions upended Russia's economy.

"Putin's war was premeditated and unprovoked," Biden said in prepared remarks released ahead of his annual State of the Union address.

Belarus moving more troops to Ukraine border: Lukashenko

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said Tuesday he had ordered more troops to the south of the country, by the border with Ukraine, the Belta news agency reported.

But forces of Belarus, a close ally of Russia, would not be taking part in the attack on Ukraine, he added.

On the sixth day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Lukashenko told a meeting of his security council that he would be sending five tactical battle groups to protect the south.

United Airlines confirmed on Tuesday it has temporarily suspended flying over Russian airspace, joining other major US carriers.

US's Yellen says G7 ready to impose further financial pressure on Russia

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said on Tuesday the Group of Seven nations would convene a task force to focus on freezing and seizing assets of Russian elites.

"We stand ready to impose further financial pressure, as necessary," Yellen said in a statement after a G7 meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors on the situation in Ukraine.

World Bank preparing $3 bn emergency aid package for Ukraine

Four dead in Russian strike on Ukrainian city of Zhytomyr

Four people were killed when homes in the Ukrainian city of Zhytomyr were hit on Tuesday by a Russian cruise missile apparently aimed at a nearby air base, Anton Gerashchenko, adviser to the Ukrainian interior minister, said on his Telegram channel.

He said the residential buildings near the base of the 95th Airborne Brigade in Zhytomyr, 120 km (75 miles) west of the capital Kyiv, had been set on fire,

"So far, four people have died. Including a child," he said.

All Indians have left Ukraine capital Kyiv: FS Shringla

India on Tuesday "strongly and emphatically" asked Ukraine and Russia to create "urgent safe passages" for the Indian nationals stuck in various conflict zones in Ukraine, after a medical student from Karnataka was killed in intense shelling in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv.

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View of candles and signs placed by members of the Ukrainian community, during a protest outside of the Russian embassy in Buenos Aires on March 1, 2022.