Highlights: Ukraine says Russian forces blew up gas pipeline in Kharkiv
Russia-Ukraine crisis LIVE updates: According to Ukraine government's statement, 137 people, including soldiers and civilians, have been killed so far by the Russian forces.
Russia on Friday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that deplored "in the strongest terms" the country's "aggression" against Ukraine. The resolution had also demanded the immediate withdrawal of its troops. Eleven of the council's 15 members voted in favour of the motion. China, India and the UAE abstained. Follow the latest updates of the Ukraine-Russia conflict here...Read More
The draft resolution, which was co-written by the United States and Albania, is now expected to be taken up by the 193-member UN General Assembly.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russian troops would attempt to take the capital city of Kyiv before dawn. "This night will be more difficult than the day. Many cities of our state are under attack," he said in a video address to the nation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion on Thursday on its ex-Soviet neighbour. The military offensive has killed hundreds of Ukrainian soldiers so far, while more than 50,000 are forced to flee their country.
According to the United Nations, more than 50,000 Ukrainians have already fled the country in the past two days. About 100,000 are believed to be internally displaced, and in Kyiv, many residents fled their homes and took shelter in the city's subway system, according to reports.
YouTube bars Russian state-owned media outlet RT from receiving ad money
YouTube barred Russian state-owned media outlet RT and other Russian channels from receiving money for advertisements that run with their videos, reported Reuters.
US, EU agree to remove 'selected' Russia banks from SWIFT
European Commission, France, Germany, Itlay, UK, Canada and the United States agree new financial sanctions against Russia over Ukraine invasion, agree to exclude Russian banks from SWIFT.
Germany to close its airspace to Russian flights
Germany to close its airspace to Russian flights, reports AFP quoting the ministry.
Air India flight, carrying second batch of Indian evacuees from Ukraine, arrives in Delhi via Bucharest
The second flight of Air India, carrying 250 Indian evacuees from Ukraine, has arrived in Delhi via Bucharest.
Zelensky asks UN to strip Russia of its security council vote
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Saturday that he asked UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to strip Russia of its vote at the UN Security Council as punishment for invading Ukraine, reports AFP.
France to deliver more military equipment to Ukraine
France to deliver more military equipment to Ukraine and ramp up sanctions against Russia, reports AFP quoting President Emmanuel Macron's office.
Russian advance into Ukraine has temporarily slowed: British defence ministry
Russian advance into Ukraine has temporarily slowed, probably because of logistical problems and strong resistance, reports Reuters citing Britain's defence ministry.
More than 3,000 people detained for anti-war protests in Russia so far
More than 3,000 people detained for anti-war protests in Russia since Thursday, reports news agency AFP.
Closely monitoring the developing situation: India in Ukraine
Closely monitoring the developing situation, especially in Eastern regions of Ukraine. In constant touch with the authorities on the safety of our citizens. To all Indians who remain in Ukraine, we are with you: India in Ukraine
UN chief speaks with Ukraine president
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Saturday, telling him the world body plans to "enhance humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine", a UN spokesperson said.
"He informed the President that the United Nations would launch on Tuesday an appeal to fund our humanitarian operations in Ukraine," the UN spokesperson said in a statement.
Germany announces military aid to Ukraine
After United States, Germany has said it will provide military aid to Ukraine.
The country will send 1,000 anti-tank weapons, 500 'Stinger' surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine, reports news agency AFP.
Russians push toward Ukraine's capital; residents take cover
Kyiv residents braced Saturday for another night sheltering underground, as Russian troops closed in on Ukraine's capital and skirmishes were reported on the outskirts. Read full story
Does China see an opportunity in the US-Russia rift?
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) deliberations on Friday indicate that China may be emerging as the net beneficiary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the rupture in ties between the US and Russia, is significant in three ways - in both the immediate and medium-term context. Read more
Second evacuation flight takes off from Bucharest, to land in Delhi
The Air India flight (AI1942) from Bucharest to Delhi is likely to reach around 3:00am Indian Time on Sunday.
Russian army to broaden Ukraine advance ‘from all directions’, says defence ministry
All Russian units in Ukraine were on Saturday given the order to resume their offensive from all directions after a pause on Friday, the RIA news agency quoted Russia's defence ministry as saying.
Russian President had ordered a temporary halt to the Russian military operation in Ukraine on Friday afternoon in connection with the expectation of negotiations with Kiev, but the operation was resumed Saturday afternoon after the Ukrainian leadership refused to talk. Read full story
Won't stop until all Indian evacuees from Ukraine back home: Piyush Goyal
“Since the beginning of this crisis, our main objective was to bring back each & every Indian stranded in Ukraine. 219 students have arrived here. This was the first batch, the second will reach Delhi soon. We'll not stop until all of them are back home,” said Union Minister Piyush Goyal at the Mumbai airport.
Union minister Piyush Goyal welcomes Ukraine returnees at Mumbai airport
Air India’s evacuation flight from Romania, with 219 Indian evacuees from Ukraine, lands in Mumbai
The first evacuation flight carrying 219 passengers from Ukraine, has landed in Maharashtra's Mumbai. The plane had taken off from the Romanian capital Bucharest this afternoon.
Russia ready to work towards peace, stability in Ukraine, says foreign min
Russian foreign ministry on Saturday said Russia was ready to work closely with all constructive forces for resolution of ukrainian problem in the interests of peace and stability, reported Reuters.
Ukraine denies refusal to negotiation over ceasefire with Russia, says ‘not ready to accept ultimatums’
Ukraine on Saturday denied suggestions that it was refusing to negotiate a ceasefire with Russia but said it was also not ready to accept ultimatums or unacceptable conditions.
"It was yesterday that the aggressive actions of the armed forces of the Russian Federation escalated, up to evening and night mass air and missile strikes on Ukrainian cities," he said in a message. "We consider such actions only an attempt to break Ukraine and force it to accept categorically unacceptable conditions." --Reuters
BMC to provide free meals, Covid tests to students returning from Ukraine
“Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) will provide free services to all the students returning from Ukraine today. We will provide them free Covid testing, vaccines, food and all other facilities,” said Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar. A flight from Romania carrying Indian evacuees from Ukraine will land in Mumbai at around 9pm Indian Time.
Ukraine President Zelensky, PM Modi hold talks amid Russia's invasion
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Kremlin accuses Ukraine of prolonging conflict by refusing negotiations, reports AFP
Kremlin has accused Ukraine of prolonging conflict by refusing negotiations, reported news agency AFP.
Hungary issues advisory to Indians for evacuation through its border
Zelenskiy says Ukraine still in control of Kyiv, reports Reuters
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday that the capital Kyiv was still under Ukrainian control after Russia launched an invasion two days ago, reported Reuters.
Kyiv toughens curfew to fight Russia, violators to be considered ‘enemy’, says mayor
Kyiv toughens curfew as Russia reaches its streets. Violators will be considered 'enemy', says mayor Vitali Klitschko.
Curfew hours to run in the city from 5pm to 8am.
Slovakia issues advisory to Indians for evacuation through Uzhhorod-Vysne Nemecke border
“The Embassy of India in Bratislava is in contact with Government of Slovakia for evacuation through Uzhhorod - Vysne Nemecke border. Indian nationals who are stuck in Ukraine and wish to cross border through Vysne Nemecke are requested to fill the Google Form (link given below). It is requested that people who are not in close proximity to this border crossing point should not fill the form,” reads the advisory.
States that will bear airfare for Ukraine returnees
Rajasthan and Kerala have announced that they will reimburse the airfare of students evacuating from Ukraine amid the war-like situation with Russia. Meanwhile, Jharkhand and Bihar will pay back for the airfares of all their returnees from Ukraine.
Zelensky seeks support from Germany, Hungary to cut Russia from SWIFT
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has also urged Germany, Hungary to support cutting Russia from SWIFT, reported AFP.
Ukraine's forces have stopped Russia's push to capture Kyiv: Zelensky
President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine's forces have halted the Kremlin's push to capture Kyiv and oust him and urged Russians to pressure leader Vladimir Putin to stop the invasion, reported news agency AFP.
Russian troops have advanced on Kyiv, just 30km from city centre: UK govt
100,000 Ukrainians have likely crossed border into Poland, reports AFP
As many as 100,000 Ukrainians have crossed border into Poland, an official told news agency AFP.
Internet in Ukraine disrupted as Russian troops advance
Internet connectivity in Ukraine has been badly affected by the Russian invasion, particularly in the southern and eastern parts of the country where fighting has been heaviest, internet blockage observatory NetBlocks said on Saturday. Read more
Poland cancels 2022 World Cup play-off with Russia over Ukraine invasion, reports AFP
Poland will not play their 2022 World Cup play-off with Russia in Moscow on March 24 due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine the president of the Polish football federation said on Saturday, reported news agency AFP.
‘Govt working night and day to evacuate all’: Indian ambassador in Romania
‘Helping Indians in Ukraine to cross into Poland: Indian ambassador
"The aggressive action by Russia in Ukraine has created a major problem for our citizens too. Indians who have escaped the Russian bombs in Ukraine, we are helping them cross into Poland," Ambassador of Poland to India, Adam Burakowski, in Delhi
"Poland stands with Ukraine, we condemn the Russian aggression. Ukrainians are very patriotic people who are fighting for their country," he adds.
First flight to Mumbai with evacuated Indians from Ukraine takes off from Romania
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Netherlands to send 200 air defence rockets to Ukraine
The Netherlands will supply 200 air defence rockets to Ukraine as quickly as possible, the Dutch government said in a letter to parliament on Saturday, as reported by Reuters.
The government also said it will move Dutch embassy staff from the western Ukrainian city of Lviv to Jaroslaw, across the border in Poland, due to deteriorating security.
Three Russian aircraft shot down, claims Ukraine
Ukraine claims to have shot down a Russian bomber and helicopter in the east as well as a transport plane southwest of Kyiv, news agency AFP reported.
Russian claims control of Ukraine's Melitopol
Russian forces captured the southeastern Ukrainian city of Melitopol on Saturday, reports Reuters citing local news agency, as Moscow launched coordinated cruise missile and artillery strikes on several cities, including the capital Kyiv.
‘Stop Russian war criminals': Ukraine foreign minister
Chernobyl radiation increases
Ukrainian officials say radiation levels have increased in the Chernobyl exclusion zone and warn the capture of the plant by Russian soldiers could have "terrible consequences".
Russia suspends space launches from South American spaceport over sanctions amid Ukraine war
Russia is suspending space launches from French Guiana and withdrawing its technical personnel in response to EU sanctions over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, the space agency said Saturday.
"In response to EU sanctions against our enterprises, Roskosmos is suspending cooperation with European partners over organizing space launches from the Kourou cosmodrome and withdrawing its technical personnel... from French Guiana," Dmitry Rogozin, chief of the Russian space agency, said on messaging app Telegram.
Russian troops take over Kyiv hydroelectric power plant: Report
Russian troops have taken over the Kyiv hydroelectric power plant to the north of the Ukrainian capital, reports news agency Reuters citing local news agency.
‘Do not believe fake news. I am here': Ukraine presidents to residents
"Good morning everybody. Do not believe fake news. I am here. We will not lay down our weapons. We will defend our Country. Our weapons are our strength. This is our land. Our country. Our children. We will protect all of them:” Ukraine President in a video message.
Facebook bans Russian state media from running ads, monetizing platform
Facebook has banned Russian state media from running ads and monetizing the platform over the Russian military operation in Ukraine, said Nathaniel Gleicher, the head of the social network's security policy, on Saturday.
US to release up to $600 mn in security assistance to Ukraine
US President Joe Biden on Friday authorized a sanction of $350 million to Ukraine for procurement of Defense equipment and imparting military training and education.
'Matter of regret...': India abstains from UNSC vote 'deploring' Putin's war on Ukraine I Watch
Air India evacuation flight from Romania arrives in Mumbai
Air India evacuation flight from Romania arriving in Mumbai at 4 pm. Union minister Piyush Goyal will receive the evacuees at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.
Gunfire heard close to govt quarters in central Kyiv: Report
Gunfire was heard close to the government quarters in the centre of Ukrainian capital Kyiv on Saturday morning, Reuters reported qouting a witness.
Ukraine earlier reported an attack on a military base close to the city centre, which it said had been repelled.
