War In Ukraine LIVE Updates: The World Can & Must Stop Putin, Urges Ukraine as Russian Missiles Strike 2 Major Cities; Cyber Attack on Govt Sites

 

War In Ukraine LIVE Updates: For the second time this week, the United Nations Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting for Wednesday night at the request of Ukraine, which said it feared an immediate threat of a Russian invasion.

ITALY DEMANDS RUSSIA ‘WITHDRAW UNCONDITIONALLY’ FROM UKRAINE

Prime Minister Mario Draghi demanded Thursday Russia “withdraw unconditionally” from Ukraine, saying the invasion of the pro-Western nation “concerns all of us, our lives as free people, our democracy”. Italy and its allies urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to “put an immediate end to the bloodshed and to unconditionally withdraw his military forces,” Draghi said, adding that Rome was “strengthening” its “contribution to military deployment in all the most directly exposed Allied countries”.

WAR IN UKRAINE: JAISHANKAR SPEAKS TO UK FOREIGN SECRETARY

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar today spoke to UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and exchanged perspectives on the Ukrainian situation.

HAVE TO TAKE BOLD, IMMEDIATE ACTION: RUSSIAN PREZ PUTIN

Russian President Vladimir Putin said, “We have to take bold and immediate action. The People’s Republics of Donbass have asked Russia for help.”

WAR IN UKRAINE: UKRAINIANS CROWD IN FRONT OF ATMS, GROCERY STORES AS RUSSIAN TANKS ROLL

Chaos ensued in streets of Ukraine as residents in Kyiv and Kharkiv woke up to sounds of explosions caused by Russian military as Russian president Vladimir Putin chose to invade Ukraine. ATMs were running out of cash and people were seen queued outside them to withdraw money for buying essentials. People were seen queuing outside ATMs in cities of Kramatorsk and Odessa in east Ukraine. The development came soon after the so-called republic of Donetsk’s central bank put a limit to withdraw a maximum 10,000 roubles ($129) per day from ATMs amid the clashes.

UK’S PM SAYS RUSSIA FACES ‘MASSIVE’ NEW SANCTIONS FROM WEST

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Thursday Western allies were readying a “massive” package of sanctions against Russia, and told the people of Ukraine: “We cannot and will not just look away.” In a televised address to the nation, Johnson also referred to Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “dictator” who would never “subdue the national feeling of the Ukrainians”.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE CRISIS UPDATES

Government of India, Ministry of Civil Aviation has allowed passengers traveling from Ukraine to travel by transit under India-Qatar bilateral air bubble arrangement, said Embassy of India in Doha, Qatar.

HEAVY FIGHTING GOING ON, SAYS ADVISER TO UKRAINE PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE

Adviser to Ukraine presidential office said that heavy fighting going on in eastern Ukraine, and around Sumy, Kharkiv and Odessa regions.

WAR IN UKRAINE: GOOGLE BOMB SHELTERS, INDIA’S ADVICE TO CITIZENS

In its third advisory to Indian citizens stranded in Ukraine, India said they must google bomb shelters if faced with a dire situation. The Indian embassy in Ukraine on Thursday issued the advisory and also addressed those stranded without a place to stay. Earlier in the day, the embassy had said it was making alternative arrangements to evacuate Indians after Ukrainian airspace was closed and special flights to Kyiv from India had to be cancelled.

RUSSIAN FORCES BREAK INTO KYIV REGION: UKRAINE BORDER GUARDS

Russian forces broke through on Thursday into the north of the Kyiv region, Ukraine’s border guards said, staging an attack with Grad missiles on government positions. An AFP reporter in the northern part of Ukraine’s capital also saw several low-flying helicopters flying toward the city, amid reports that an airfield was under attack.

CHINA TELLS RUSSIAN FM IT UNDERSTANDS MOSCOW’S ‘REASONABLE CONCERNS’ ON SECURITY OVER UKRAINE

Beijing on Thursday told Russia’s foreign minister it understands Moscow’s “reasonable concerns on security issues” over Ukraine, according to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry, after President Vladimir Putin ordered an attack on the country. According to news agency AFP, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with his Russian counterpart on the phone, telling him that although Beijing “has always respected the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries… we have also seen that the Ukrainian issue has its own complicated and unique history”.

NO ‘PLANS’ TO SEND NATO TROOPS TO UKRAINE: STOLTENBERG

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday that the alliance had no intention to send forces into Ukraine after Russia invaded its pro-Western neighbour, reports news agency AFP. “We don’t have NATO troops in Ukraine, and we don’t have any plans to send NATO troops into Ukraine,” Stoltenberg told a media conference after an emergency meeting of the alliance’s ambassadors.

UEFA TO HOLD EMERGENCY MEETING OVER RUSSIAN INVASION OF UKRAINE

UEFA are to hold an emergency meeting on Friday to “evaluate the situation” concerning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with the former set to host the Champions League final in Saint Petersburg in May, reports news agency AFP. UEFA said in a statement their executive committee would “take all necessary decisions”. The final of European club football’s premier competition is scheduled for May 28

INDIA REASSESSING EXCISE DUTY ON PETROL, DIESEL AMID RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR; PM TO MEET FM TODAY

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to meet finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday evening to discuss the economic impact of ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Following the blistering announcement of Russian President Vladimir Putin to start military operations in Ukraine border on Thursday morning, the Brent crude oil price hit $100-mark after almost eight years. 

INDIA ASKS STRANDED NATIONALS TO GOOGLE FOR BOMB SHELTERS FOR ANY DIRE SITUATION

Indian Embassy in Ukraine has issued third advisory to all Indian nationals/students in Ukraine. It has asked the citizens to Google for bomb shelters for any dire situation.

WAR IN UKRAINE: JAISHANKAR SPEAKS TO EU HIGH REPRESENTATIVE

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday spoke to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell and discussed the situation in Ukraine after Russia’s military operation. Jaishankar also talked about how India could contribute to de-escalation efforts.

TURKEY CALLS ON RUSSIA TO ‘STOP UNJUST AND UNLAWFUL’ WAR

Turkey on Thursday said Russia’s military operation in Ukraine was unacceptable and urged Moscow to stop its “unjust and unlawful” invasion immediately., reports news agency AFP. “We consider the military operation … unacceptable and reject it,” the foreign ministry said in a statement. “We call on the Russian Federation to stop this unjust and unlawful action as soon as possible.”

NATO TO HOLD VIDEO SUMMIT ON RUSSIAN INVASION OF UKRAINE: DIPLOMATS

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to hold video summit on Friday on Russian invasion of Ukraine, news agency AFP quoted diplomats as saying.

UKRAINE ATTACK ‘AN ACT OF GREAT EVIL’: ANGLICAN LEADER

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, the world’s highest-ranking Anglican cleric, on Thursday called Russia’s attack on Ukraine “an act of great evil”. According to news agency AFP, Welby said the attack was “horrific and unprovoked” in a statement also signed by his number two, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell. Both backed a call by Pope Francis for a global day of prayer and fasting for peace next Wednesday.

UK SUMMONS RUSSIAN ENVOY, SAYS ‘SEVERE SANCTIONS’ COMING

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss on Thursday summoned Russian ambassador Andrei Kelin to “explain Russia’s illegal, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine”, reports news agency AFP. “We will be imposing severe sanctions and rallying countries in support of Ukraine,” she added on Twitter.

WAR IN UKRAINE: CHINA BACKS RUSSIA, CIVILIAN FLIGHTS CANCELLED: 12 KEY FACTS WE NEED TO KNOW

After weeks of denying plans to attack its neighbour, Russia on Thursday launched an all-out invasion of Ukraine by land, air and sea, the biggest attack by one state against another in Europe since World War Two and conrmation of the worst fears of the West. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on all citizens who were ready to defend the country from Russian forces to come forward, saying Kyiv would issue weapons to everyone who wants them.

MOLDOVA CLOSING AIRSPACE OVER RUSSIA’S UKRAINE INVASION

Moldova said Thursday it was closing its airspace in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, while Belarus said it was shutting “part” of its airspace, reports news agency AFP. “Given the situation in the region, the Supreme Security Council has recommended that Moldova’s airspace be closed,” Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Spinu wrote on Telegram. He added that airspace would be closed from 12:00 pm (1000 GMT) and “all flights will be redirected to other airports”. Belarus’s defence ministry said it was shutting “part of its airspace for civilian aircrafts”.

INDIA WORKING ON MISSION MODE TO FIND SOLUTION: INDIAN ENVOY’S MESSAGE TO STRANDED NATIONALS

Partha Satpathy, the Indian ambassador in Ukraine, on Thursday asked the stranded Indian nationals to maintain calm and remain safe wherever they are. He said the Indian government is working on a mission mode to find a solution to this difficult situation.

UKRAINE-RUSSIA CRISIS: PM, JAISHANKAR AMONG OTHER TOP GOVT OFFICIALS TO MEET TODAY, SAY SOURCES

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Cabinet Secretary among other top government officials will meet today to discuss Russia-Ukraine crisis, said sources. Several Indian nationals, including students, are stranded in crisis-hit Ukraine as the country has now restricted the airspace.

MORE THAN 40 UKRAINE SOLDIERS, NEARLY 10 CIVILIANS KILLED: PRESIDENCY

More than 40 Ukrainian soldiers and around 10 civilians died in the first hours of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, an aide to President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters on Thursday. “I know that more than 40 have been killed and several dozen wounded. I am aware of nearly 10 civilian losses,” presidential administration aide Oleksiy Arestovych told reporters.

MAINTAIN CALM; REMAIN SAFE WHEREVER YOU ARE: INDIAN EMBASSY IN UKRAINE TO INDIANS

The Indian embassy in Ukraine on Thursday asked Indian nationals to maintain calm and remain safe wherever they are as Russia carried out a military operation in Ukraine triggering a major confrontation between the two sides. It said in view of closure of Ukranian airspace for civilian aircraft, alternative arrangements are being made for evacuation of Indian nationals.

UKRAINE BREAKS DIPLOMATIC TIES WITH RUSSIA

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday broke off Kyiv’s diplomatic relations with Moscow in response to Russia’s invasion of its Western-backed neighbour, reports news agency AFP. “We broke off diplomatic relations with Russia,” Zelensky said in a video message. It marked the first rupture in ties since Russia and Ukraine became independent countries after the Soviet Union’s collapse in 1991.

RUSSIAN MILITARY CONVOY IN ANNEXED CRIMEA SEEN MOVING NORTH

A Russian military convoy in annexed Crimea with the letter “Z” painted on the sides of vehicles was seen driving north towards mainland Ukraine on Thursday, a witness told Reuters. A second convoy of military vehicles with the same markings was parked at Krasniperekopsk about 40 km (25 miles) from the boundary between Crimea and mainland Ukraine. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.

Ukraine Pleads with India

Ukraine pleads with India to use its good offices with Russia to stop a conflict that can engulf the world in war.

UKRAINE WILL PREVAIL, SAYS EUROPEAN COMMISSION CHIEF

“Ukraine will prevail. A ‘package of massive sanctions’ will be presented to European leaders for approval today, which will take a “heavy toll” on Russia,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

US PRESIDENT BIDEN TO MEET G7 LEADERS TOMORROW

US President Joe Biden: Tomorrow, I will be meeting with the Leaders of the G7, and the United States and our Allies and partners will be imposing severe sanctions on Russia. We will continue to provide support and assistance to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people

People wait at Kyiv Airport after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a military operation in eastern Ukraine

FLAME SEEN NEAR THE DNIEPER RIVER IN KYIV, UKRAINE

A flame is seen from an area near the Dnieper river in Kyiv, Ukraine. Russian troops have launched their anticipated attack on Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin has cast aside international condemnation and sanctions, warning other countries that any attempt to interfere would lead to “consequences you have never seen.” (Mary Ostrovska via AP)

A flame is seen from an area near the Dnieper river in Kyiv, Ukraine. Russian troops have launched their anticipated attack on Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin has cast aside international condemnation and sanctions, warning other countries that any attempt to interfere would lead to “consequences you have never seen.”

CHINA URGES ALL PARTIES INVOLVED IN UKRAINE ISSUE TO EXERCISE RESTRAINT

China, a close ally of Russia, has called on all parties involved in the Ukrainian issue to exercise restraint and avoid taking any action that may aggravate tensions. However, it is not clear whether Zhang Jun, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, made the statement after Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday announced a military operation in Ukraine, claiming it’s intended to protect civilians.

“In the current context, all parties concerned should exercise restraint, and avoid taking any action that may aggravate tensions,” Zhang told the plenary meeting of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Ukraine, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported on Thursday. In a televised address, Putin said Russia’s move to launch a military operation in Ukraine came in response to threats emanating from that country. He also warned other countries that if they attempted to interfere with the Russian military operation they would see consequences they have never seen.

ON CAMERA, ROARING FIGHTER JET INTERRUPTS UKRAINE REPORTER’S LIVE TELECAST AS RUSSIA MOUNTS OFFENSIVE

In a surprise statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “military operation” in Ukraine on Thursday and called on soldiers there to lay down their arms, defying Western outrage and global appeals not to launch a war. “I have made the decision of a military operation,” he said shortly before 6:00am (0300 GMT) in Moscow, as he vowed retaliation against anyone who interfered. His statement came after the Kremlin said rebel leaders in eastern Ukraine had asked Moscow for military help against Kyiv.

UKRAINE CLAIMS DOWNED FIVE RUSSIAN PLANES, HELICOPTER

The Ukrainian military claimed on Thursday to have downed five Russian planes and a helicopter in the east of the country near a rebel-held enclave. “According to the Joint Forces Command, today, February 24, in the area of the Joint Forces operation, five planes and a helicopter of the aggressors were shot down,” the army general staff said.

WAR IN UKRAINE: WHAT IS WIPER MALWARE THAT RUSSIA MAY BE USING FOR CYBER ATTACKS ON UKRAINE

Russia has started its special military operations in Ukraine on Thursday, and all eyes are glued to the cyberwar scenario. Reports have already confirmed Russian attacks on the Ukrainian Government websites, as well as other banking institutions that can cripple the nation. But a bigger concern is the use of a malware called wiper which has the ability to destroy all the data stored in a system as well as make it impossible to recover it.

EU SAYS IT WILL HOLD THE KREMLIN ACCOUNTABLE FOR ATTACK ON UKRAINE

The European Union will hold Moscow accountable for the “unjustified” attack on Ukraine, the chief of the bloc’s Executive Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said on Thursday. “In these dark hours, our thoughts are with Ukraine and the innocent women, men and children as they face this unprovoked attack and fear for their lives,” she said on Twitter. “We will hold the Kremlin accountable,” von der Leyen added. EU leaders are set to hold an emergency summit in Brussels later on Thursday, after a first round of EU sanctions on Russia took effect on Wednesday.

VISUALS FROM KYIV, UKRAINE

Cars drive towards the exit of the city after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a military operation in eastern Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Cars drive towards the exit of the city after Russian President Vladimir Putin authorized a military operation in eastern Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine.

EXPLAINED | WAR IN UKRAINE: WHAT TO KNOW AS RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN TAKES MILITARY ACTION

Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced a military operation in Ukraine, and he is warning other countries that any attempt to interfere with the Russian action would lead to “consequences they have never seen.” U.S. President Joe Biden says the world will “hold Russia accountable.” The Ukrainian president earlier rejected Moscow’s claims that his country poses a threat to Russia and made a passionate plea for peace. 

WAR IN UKRAINE: AIR INDIA EVACUATION RETURNING TO DELHI

Air India flight AI1947 is coming back to Delhi due to NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) at, Kyiv, Ukraine.

INDIA SAYS SAFETY OF INDIAN NATIONALS TOP PRIORITY

Amid escalating tension in Ukraine, after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced invasion, the Indian government said that New Delhi’s biggest priority is the safety of Indian nationals, including students. “Commercial flights can longer land or take off from Ukraine. With the air space closed, India is considering ways to evacuate Indian citizens,” India said.

Canadian PM Trudeau Condemns Russia’s ‘Egregious Attack on Ukraine’, Says ‘These Reckless and Dangerous Acts Will Not Go Unpunished’

WAR IN UKRAINE: AS RUSSIA GOES AHEAD WITH MILITARY ACTION, THE ‘CYBER SPACE’ BATTLE HAS ALREADY BEGUN

Ukraine’s parliament, as well as other government and banking websites, were targeted by another wave of distributed-denial-of-service attacks on Wednesday, according to cybersecurity researchers, who also said unidentified attackers infected hundreds of computers with destructive malware, the Associated Press reported. According to the researchers, some of the infected computers were in neighbouring Latvia and Lithuania.

WAR IN UKRAINE: US TROOPS SEEN AT AN AIRBASE IN POLAND

US Army soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division, deployed to Poland to reassure NATO allies are seen at an airbase, near Arlamow Poland. (Reuters)

US Army soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division, deployed to Poland to reassure NATO allies are seen at an airbase, near Arlamow Poland. (Reuters)

WAR IN UKRAINE: PUTIN CHOOSES WAR, ASKS UKRAINE TO LAY DOWN ARMS | TOP QUOTES

The warnings given earlier by the US and the western leaders turned out to be true when Russian president Vladimir Putin early Thursday announced a military operation in Ukraine. Putin also warned the western world against interference and said that upon interference they will face ‘consequences’ they have never experienced before. “I have made the decision of a military operation,” Putin said in a televised speech on Russian television. He also told the members of the Ukrainian army to lay down their arms if they want to leave the combat zone unharmed.

THE WORLD CAN & MUST STOP PUTIN, URGES UKRAINE

In his first statement after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced war, Ukrainian Foreign Minister said, “Putin has launched a full-scale war against Ukraine. Strikes continue on peaceful Ukrainian cities. This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend and win. The world can and must stop Putin. It’s time to act – just now.”

SENSEX SLIPS 1,428.34 POINTS AS IMMEDIATE FALLOUT OF UKRAINE WAR

Sensex slips 1,428.34 points, currently at 55,803.72. This is an immediate opening, post the announcement of a ‘military operation’ in Ukraine by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

WAR IN UKRAINE: AIR INDIA EVACUATION FLIGHT TO KYIV MID-AIR AFTER COUNTRY SHUTS AIRSPACE FOR CIVILIAN FLIGHTS

After Ukraine closed off its civilian airspace citing potential threats, an Air India flight, AI 1947, which had left for Kyiv from New Delhi to evacuate Indians from the country is now suspended mid-air. Numbered “1947”, the Air India Dreamliner had earlier taken off for Kyiv’s Kyiv Boryspil International Airport. The airline had scheduled three special flights to operate this week to evacuate Indians out of Ukraine. 

BLASTS CONTINUE

Russian Missile Strikes Continue on Sites in Kyiv and Kharkiv

US PRESIDENT BIDEN WARNS OF ‘CATASTROPHY’

Condemning the “unprovoked and unjustified attack” by Russia against Ukraine, US President Joe Biden says Russian attack on Ukraine to cause “catastrophic loss of life and human suffering”.

RUSSIAN PRESIDENT VLADIMIR PUTIN ORDERS INVASION OF EASTERN UKRAINE

President Vladimir Putin announced a “military operation” in Ukraine on Thursday and called on soldiers there to lay down their arms, defying Western outrage and global appeals not to launch a war. Putin made a surprise statement on television to declare his intentions. “I have made the decision of a military operation,” he said shortly before 6:00am (0300 GMT) in Moscow, as he vowed retaliation against anyone who interfered. He also called on the Ukraine military to lay down its arms.

Ukrainian servicemen eat dinner after their duty at the frontline near Svitlodarsk, eastern Ukraine.

UKRAINE-RUSSIA WAR: AT UNSC, INDIA CALLS FOR ‘IMMEDIATE DE-ESCALATION’, SAYS SITUATION IN DANGER OF SPIRALING INTO MAJOR CRISIS

India on Thursday urged restraint as the Russia-Ukraine crisis snowballed with Russian President Vladimir Putin announcing “military operation” in Ukraine, essentially signalling the beginning of a war.

Speaking at the UNSC, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations TS Tirumurti said: “The Security Council had met two days ago and discussed the situation. We had called for urgent de-escalation of tensions and emphasised on sustained and focused diplomacy to address all issues concerning the situation. However, we note with regret, that the calls of the international community to give time to the recent initiatives undertaken by parties to diffuse tensions were not heeded to. The situation is in danger of spiraling into a major crisis.”

UN CHIEF TELLS PUTIN: ‘STOP YOUR TROOPS FROM ATTACKING UKRAINE’

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres Wednesday made a personal appeal to Vladimir Putin to not attack Ukraine, minutes before the Russian president announced a military operation against its ex-Soviet neighbor. “President Putin, stop your troops from attacking Ukraine, give peace a chance, too many people have already died,” Guterres said during the second emergency Security Council meeting in three days over the Russia-Ukraine crisis.

UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT PLEADS FOR PEACE AMID RUSSIAN THREAT

With the Russian threat growing, the Ukrainian president is pleading for peace and says Russian President Vladimir Putin would not accept his call. In an emotional address to the nation late Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected Moscow’s claims that his country poses a threat to Russia and lamented that a Russian invasion would cost tens of thousands of lives..

The people of Ukraine and the government of Ukraine want peace, he said in Russian, hours after declaring a nationwide state of emergency. But if the nation comes under an attack, “we will fight back. Zelenskyy said he tried to call Putin, but the Kremlin remained silent.

WITH WAR DRAWING CLOSER, REBELS ASK RUSSIA FOR MILITARY HELP

The Kremlin said rebel leaders in eastern Ukraine asked Russia for military assistance Wednesday to help fend off Ukrainian aggression, an announcement that immediately fuelled fears that Moscow was offering up a pretext for war, just as the West had warned about..

PAK PM IMRAN KHAN ARRIVES IN RUSSIA ON MAIDEN VISIT; AIMS TO RESET BILATERAL TIES

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday arrived in Russia on a twoday visit the first by a Pakistani premier in over two decades during which he will hold talks with President Vladimir Putin to reset the bilateral ties and expand cooperation in the energy sector. Khan’s visit to Moscow will take place hours after US President Joe Biden and other Western governments imposed tough economic sanctions on Russia for sending its military into parts of eastern Ukraine.

AT LEAST FIVE BLASTS HEARD IN SEPARATIST-HELD UKRAINE CITY OF DONETSK – REUTERS WITNESS

At least five explosions were heard in the separatist-held eastern Ukraine city of Donetsk early on Thursday, a Reuters witness said. Following the blasts, four military trucks could be seen heading for the scene. Hours earlier, the Kremlin said two separatist breakaway regions in Ukraine had asked for Russian help to repel “aggression” by the Ukrainian army.

AUSTRALIA TO GIVE VISA PRIORITY TO UKRAINIANS

Australia’s prime minister says Ukrainians in Australia whose Australian visas will expire by the end of June will be allowed to stay an additional six months. Prime Minister Scott Morrison also said Thursday that Ukrainians applying for Australian visas will be given priority over other nationalities, Morrison said. Morrison made the announcement a day after Australia imposed sanctions on eight members of Russia’s Security Council in response to Russia’s actions against Ukraine. Sanctions have also been placed on a series of banks and financial institution.

BLINKEN BELIEVES RUSSIA WILL INVADE UKRAINE BEFORE NIGHT IS OUT -NBC

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told NBC News on Wednesday that he expected Russia to invade Ukraine before the night was over but still sees a chance to “avert a major aggression”. “Everything seems to be in place for Russia to engage in a major aggression against Ukraine,” Blinken told NBC in an interview, adding he could not be precise about time or place.

UKRAINE SHUTS AIRPORTS, WARNS OF AIRSPACE DANGER

The Ukrainian government is closing airports in eastern Ukraine from midnight through 7 a.m. because of the confrontation with Russia. Ukrainian aviation authorities also have declared some airspace in the east to be danger areas because of attempts by Russian aviation authorities to seize control of the airspace. Ukraine acted after Russia issued a ban on civilian air traffic in airspace over eastern Ukraine. The announcement Wednesday night establishes buffer zones for traffic controlled by Ukrainian authorities to avoid coming into potentially hazardous conflict with air traffic controlled by Russian authorities.

Feb 24, 2022 07:33 IST

US SAYS RUSSIA ON BRINK OF UKRAINE ATTACK AFTER SEPARATIST PLEA FOR HELP

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he believes Russia will invade Ukraine within hours after separatists on Wednesday asked for Russian help to repel “aggression” and as explosions rocked the breakaway eastern city of Donetsk. Blinken told NBC News he expected Russian forces would attack Ukraine overnight although he still held out hope for diplomacy to pull Europe back from the brink of war. “Everything seems to be in place for Russia to engage in a major aggression against Ukraine,” Blinken said in an interview, adding he could not be precise about time or place.

UN SECURITY COUNCIL SCHEDULES EMERGENCY MEETING ON UKRAINE

The United Nations Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting for Wednesday night at the request of Ukraine, which said it feared an immediate threat of a Russian invasion. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba asked for the meeting in a letter to Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, who holds the council presidency in February. The meeting is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. EST. The meeting comes two days after the 15-member council held an emergency open meeting, also at Ukraine’s request, which saw no support for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s declaration of independence for two separatist areas in Ukraine’s east and his announcement that Russian troops would head there to keep the peace. Council diplomats are finalising a draft resolution that they said would make clear that Russia is violating the UN Charter, international law, and a 2015 council resolution endorsing the Minsk agreements aimed at restoring peace in eastern Ukraine.

WAR IN UKRAINE: US TROOPS SEEN AT AN AIRBASE IN POLAND

US Army soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division, deployed to Poland to reassure NATO allies are seen at an airbase, near Arlamow Poland. (Reuters)

US Army soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division, deployed to Poland to reassure NATO allies are seen at an airbase, near Arlamow Poland. (Reuters)

THE WORLD CAN & MUST STOP PUTIN, URGES UKRAINE

In his first statement after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced war, Ukrainian Foreign Minister said, “Putin has launched a full-scale war against Ukraine. Strikes continue on peaceful Ukrainian cities. This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend and win. The world can and must stop Putin. It’s time to act – just now.”