Russia-Ukraine crisis highlights: 137 dead after first day of fighting, reports AFP citing Ukrainian president

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy says 137 dead after first day of fighting, reports AFP.

Russian police have detained more than 1,700 people at anti-war protests across dozens of cities as thousands took to the streets after President Vladimir Putin sent troops to invade Ukraine, reports AFP quoting an independent monitor.

French President Emmanuel Macron says he has demanded, in a phone call, that President Putin immediately cease Russian operations in Ukraine. Read more

Ukraine's Health Minister Viktor Lyashko said 57 Ukrainians have been killed as a result of the Russian invasion, and 169 more wounded, reports AP.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss the ongoing developments in Ukraine and its implications.

"Appreciate the call from US Secretary of State. Discussed the ongoing developments in Ukraine and its implications," the EAM said.

Prime Minister of India thanked Vladimir Putin for the clarification and asked for assistance in ensuring the security of Indian citizens who currently stay in Ukraine. President of Russia said that the necessary instructions would be given: Russian embassy

The United States has expelled Russia's number two diplomat in Washington in a tit for tat move after Moscow's expulsion of a senior US envoy, reports AFP, citing a State Department official.

A Russian Antonov An-26 transport plane carrying military equipment crashed in Russia's southern Voronezh region near Ukraine, killing all crew members on board, the defence ministry said Thursday, reports AFP.

"During a planned flight to transport military equipment, an An-26 aircraft of the Russian aerospace forces crashed," the defence ministry said in a statement carried by Russian news agencies. "The crew died," the statement said, without providing any details. A defence ministry spokesman, speaking to AFP, confirmed the crash but declined to say how many crew members had been killed.

“We are in consultation with India today, we haven't resolved that completely,” said US President Joe Biden when asked if India is with the United States on the Ukraine crisis. 

President Joe Biden on Thursday announced a new round of sanctions targeting Russia after its invasion of Ukraine, charging that Russian leader Vladimir Putin “chose this war" and that his country will bear the consequences of his action.

US President Joe Biden vowed Thursday to defend "every inch" of NATO territory after Russia sent forces into Ukraine -- but reaffirmed that no American troops would be deployed to Washington's ally.

European Union to hit Russia with new sanctions over 'barbaric attack' on Ukraine, reports Reuters.

Canada has put sanctions against 58 Russian individuals and entities, announces Justin Trudeau.

Amid Russia's ongoing military operations in Ukraine, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his counterpart in Slovakia, Ivan Korcok.

"Discussed situation in Ukraine. Appreciate his willingness to facilitate evacuation of Indian nationals through Slovakia," the EAM said.

Chernobyl nuclear power plant captured by Russian forces, reports Reuters citing Ukrainian official.

In conversation with Vladimir Putin, PM Modi calls for ‘sincere dialogue’ between Russia and NATO, reports ANI citing PMO.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says 'no other way' to defend country other than by invading Ukraine, reports AFP.

Ukraine President Zelensky says Russia has captured airfield near Kyiv, reports AFP.

Have convinced Ukrainian varsities to hold online classes so that Indian students can return home, says foreign secretary Shringla.

Topmost priority of government is safety of Indians in Ukraine, says foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla at special MEA briefing.

Ukraine capital Kyiv has declared curfew after Russia began its invasion in the eastern European nation on Thursday, AFP reported quoting mayor Vitali Klitschko.

US President Joe Biden to address nation on Ukraine tonight, reports AFP quoting White House.

Czech Republic stops issuing visas to Russian citizens, reports AFP quoting PM Petr Fiala.

Russia trying to seize Chernobyl, the site of 1986 nuclear disaster, tweets Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. “This is a declaration of war against the whole of Europe,” his tweet adds.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin tonight after Ukrainian envoy’s appeal earlier in the day, reports ANI.