Russia could use bio-chemical weapons on Ukraine: NATO

As, Russian forces wreaked destruction on cities throughout Ukraine over the past four weeks, Zelenskyy called on people around the world to come ‘to your squares, your streets’ to stand with Ukraine.

A Ukrainian firefighter sprays water inside a house destroyed by shelling in Kyiv, Ukraine, Wednesday. (AP)

Russia-Ukraine war LIVE updates: One month into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, shelling rocked the capital city again on Wednesday with rockets slamming into a shopping mall and high-rise buildings as the outnumbered Ukrainian military waged intense battles to defend the capital and other key cities from falling under Russian control. ...Read More

 

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• Mar 24, 2022 10:59 pm IST

  Ukraine lost 1,300 troops, 977 civilians killed: Report

  According to the Kyiv Independent, Ukraine lost 1,300 troops, 977 civilians including 128 children since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24.

• Mar 24, 2022 10:45 pm IST

  Ukraine war: US slaps fresh sanctions on Russia after Biden meets allies

  The US on Thursday announced fresh sanctions against Russia in which Joe Biden-led administration targeted Russian defence firms, members of its parliament and the chief executive of the country's largest bank. In the latest sanctions, the US will impose complete blocking on over 400 individuals and entities, including Russia's lower house of parliament - Duma and its 328 members, 48 Russian defence firms, and over a dozen of the country's elites. Full report

Mar 24, 2022 10:32 pm IST
G7 warns against use of chemical weapons in Ukraine
The Group of Seven most industrialised countries warned on Thursday against any use of weapons of mass destruction against Ukraine, noting that Russia was bound by international treaties, AFP reported. "We warn against any threat of the use of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons or related materials," the G7 said after a crisis summit in Brussels
Mar 24, 2022 10:20 pm IST
Ukrainians not only fought the Russians, they won: Ukraine foreign minister
Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba releases video statement, says Ukrainians not only stood up to Russian invasion, but also won
Mar 24, 2022 10:06 pm IST
India abstains on UNGA resolution on humanitarian consequences of Ukraine war
The United Nations General Assembly on Thursday adopted a resolution tabled by war-torn Ukraine on the humanitarian consequences of the aggression by Russia. India abstained on the resolution that was adopted in the 193-member Assembly with 140 votes in favour, five against it and 38 abstentions. Full story
Mar 24, 2022 09:23 pm IST
UN General Assembly calls for 'immediate' end to war in Ukraine
The UN General Assembly on Thursday adopted a new non-binding resolution that demanded an "immediate" stop to Russia's war in Ukraine, AFP reported.
Mar 24, 2022 09:05 pm IST
US sets up expert panel to plan Washington's response to 'usage of bio-weapons' by Russia
The White House has set up a team of experts to plan how the United States could respond should Russia use weapons of mass destruction - chemical, biological or nuclear - during its invasion of Ukraine, senior administration officials said on Thursday according to Reuters
Mar 24, 2022 08:21 pm IST
Poland expels 45 Russian diplomats for alleged espionage, Moscow cries 'Russophobia'
Russia has accused NATO member Poland of carrying out 'dangerous escalation' after it expelled 45 Russian diplomats for alleged espionage, AFP reported.
Mar 24, 2022 08:06 pm IST
Russia might use pretext of NATO preparing for a biological attack to carry out the same in Ukraine: NATO chief
The NATO has expressed concerns over Russia's attacks on Ukraine, alleging that Moscow could use the pretext of the alliance preparing for a biological attack to carry out the same in Ukraine. “NATO allies have agreed to supply weapons to Ukraine to tackle such attacks. We have activated our chemical, biological, and nuclear defence elements,” the alliance chief said
Mar 24, 2022 07:54 pm IST
Watch: Hundreds of Ukrainian refugees arrive in Medyka village on Ukraine-Poland border
With the Russian invasion of Ukraine escalating with each passing day, hundreds of Ukrainian refugees are arriving in the village of Medyka on the border between Ukraine and Poland
Mar 24, 2022 07:51 pm IST
US to welcome up to one lakh people fleeing Russian violence in Ukraine
The United States will welcome up to 100,000 people fleeing Russian violence in Ukraine, using a variety of legal pathways to allow them to enter the country, a senior Biden administration official said according to Bloomberg
Mar 24, 2022 07:17 pm IST
6 killed, dozens injured in Russian strikes on Kharkiv
Russian strikes on the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv killed at least six civilians and wounded more than a dozen, the regional governor said Thursday, one month into Russia's invasion, AFP reports
Mar 24, 2022 06:31 pm IST
US, NATO prepare for possible Russian attack using weapons of mass destruction
The U.S. is working with NATO to prepare for Russia potentially using biological or nuclear weapons in Ukraine as the world’s leading developed nations plan to warn President Vladimir Putin against taking that path, Bloomberg reported
Mar 24, 2022 06:21 pm IST
Ukrainians surviving Russian bombings being deported, says foreign ministry
Ukrainians who survived Russian bombings are being forcibly deported to Russia, says Kyiv's foreign ministry
Mar 24, 2022 06:07 pm IST
Hollywood star urges Americans to help Ukraine
Hollywood actor and director Sean Penn called on the American people to help Ukraine
Mar 24, 2022 05:40 pm IST
128 children killed since Russian invasion, says Ukraine
Russian war kills 128 children in Ukraine since Feb. 24, The Kyiv Independent quotes Ukrainian officials
Mar 24, 2022 05:21 pm IST
4,000 animals in Mykolaiv Zoo trapped by bombardments
The Mykolaiv Zoo bills itself as the best in Ukraine, but now the 4,000 animals it holds are trapped by bombardments, reports AFP
Mar 24, 2022 05:14 pm IST
Zelensyy to NATO: Don't say our army doesn't meet alliance's standards
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a virtual address to NATO, says" Don't say Ukraine's army doesn't meet Alliance's standards. After such a war against Russia… Please, never, never again tell us that our army does not meet NATO standards.”
Mar 24, 2022 04:58 pm IST
6,000 Ukrainians now in Russian camps, alleges Ukrainian govt official
The Ukrainian government has alleged that Russia is deporting citizens from Mariupol to its territory, with more than 6,000 Ukrainian citizens kept in Russian camps
Mar 24, 2022 04:26 pm IST
West to bolster Ukraine aid as Russian assault enters second month
Western leaders meeting in Brussels on Thursday will agree to strengthen their forces in Eastern Europe and increase military aid to Ukraine as the Russian assault on its neighbour entered its second month, Reuters reported
Mar 24, 2022 04:10 pm IST
Chess fanatics watch game in warzone Lviv. Watch video
A gaggle of chess fanatics watch a game unfold on a park bench in the city of Lviv.
Here, in Ukraine's chess capital, players make a point of keeping up the local tradition of street games, despite the March chill and the war raging to the east. Watch video
Mar 24, 2022 03:55 pm IST
Ukraine war's youngest victims fight for their lives. See pics
Ukraine war's youngest victims fight for their lives. The United Nations said over half of the war-hit country's children have been displaced
Mar 24, 2022 03:47 pm IST
Russian ambassador says Poland blocked his embassy's bank accounts
Russia's ambassador to Warsaw said on Thursday that Poland had blocked the Russian embassy's bank accounts on the basis that they might be used to finance terrorist activity or launder money, Reuters reported
Mar 24, 2022 03:30 pm IST
NATO chief to extend his term by another year over Ukraine war
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is set to extend his term as head of the alliance by another year due to the war in Ukraine due to the war in Ukraine, reports Reuters
Mar 24, 2022 03:21 pm IST
UK sanctions Russia's Gazprombank, Alfa Bank and shipping firm Sovcomflot
Britain froze the assets of Russia's Gazprombank and Alfa Bank, and the state-run shipping firm Sovcomflot in its latest round of sanctions, reports Reuters
Mar 24, 2022 03:11 pm IST
Russian forces almost suffered thousands of casualties: UK ministry of defence
Russian forces have almost suffered thousands of casualties during their invasion of Ukraine, says UK ministry of Defence. Russia is likely now looking to mobilise its reservist and conscript manpower, as well as private military companies and foreign mercenaries, to replace these considerable losses. It is unclear how these groups will integrate into the Russian ground forces in Ukraine and the impact this will have on combat effectiveness.
Mar 24, 2022 03:00 pm IST
Emergency NATO summit in Brussels over Ukraine war
President Biden and world leaders convene first of trio of emergency summits in Brussels focusing on Russia’s month-long war in Ukraine, AP reports
Mar 24, 2022 02:41 pm IST
China calls NATO claims of backing Russia 'disinformation'
China on Thursday accused the NATO chief of "spreading disinformation" with claims that China has backed Russia's war against Ukraine, amid growing international pressure to distance itself from Moscow, reports Reuters
Mar 24, 2022 02:31 pm IST
Over half of Ukraine's children displaced after month of war: UN
Over half of Ukraine's children displaced after month of war, reports AFP citing United Nations
Mar 24, 2022 02:24 pm IST
Bow to all of you saving Ukraine and the world, says Ukraine's First Lady
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs tweets statement of Olena Zelenska,"I want to bow to all of you - whether you are currently carrying a weapon or a child. Because you are the ones saving Ukraine and the whole World: this war is on the edge of Europe."
Mar 24, 2022 02:14 pm IST
Russians used phosphorus bombs to attack civilians, claims Luhansk governor
Four people have been killed by Russian shelling in Luhansk, Kyiv Independent reported. According to the local governor Serhiy Haidai, Russian forces attacked towns in Luhansk Oblast with missiles and phosphorus bombs that are banned to use against civilians by the Geneva Conventions.
Mar 24, 2022 01:55 pm IST
Paying for oil, gas in rubles is like helping Russians kill Ukrainians: Minister
“If any EU country bows to Putin’s humiliating demands to pay for oil and gas in rubles, it will be like helping Ukraine with one hand and helping Russians kill Ukrainians with the other. I urge relevant countries to make a wise and responsible choice,” Ukraine's Foreign Minister wrote on Twitter.
Mar 24, 2022 01:13 pm IST
10 houses, 12 schools, 87 residential buildings damaged in Kyiv: Ukrainian media
87 residential buildings damaged in Kyiv since Feb 24. As per Kyiv City State Admin, Russian attacks have also damaged 10 private houses, 12 schools, & 6 kindergartens in the Ukrainian capital since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, The Kyiv Independent reported.
Mar 24, 2022 12:37 pm IST
Ukraine says Russia’s large landing ship destroyed near Berdyansk port city
Ukraine’s navy on Thursday reported destroying Russia’s large landing ship, Orsk, near the port city of Berdyansk, AP reported.
A short Facebook statement about the ship was accompanied with photos and videos of fire and thick plumes of smoke in the port.
The Russian military has not commented on what happened to the ship.
Berdyansk has been under Russian control since Feb 27.
Mar 24, 2022 11:47 am IST
Russia’s Central Bank governor tried to resign over Ukraine war, Putin rejected
Russia’s highly regarded central bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina sought to resign after Vladimir Putin ordered an invasion of Ukraine, only to be told by the president to stay, Bloomberg reported citing four people with knowledge of the discussions. Read more
Mar 24, 2022 11:22 am IST
Google drops RT, other Russian state media from its news features
Alphabet Inc's Google confirmed on Tuesday that it had removed Russian state-funded publishers such as RT from its news-related features, including the Google News search tool, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine and various sanctions against Russia.
Mar 24, 2022 11:15 am IST
Russia accuses Google of providing access to fake news, blocks site
Russia’s media watchdog Roskomnadzor restricted Google News on Wednesday for providing reader access to stories that contain “false publicly important information” about the war in Ukraine.
Since the beginning of the war last month, Russia has shut down TV Rain independent channel and Ekho Moskvy radio and restricted access to other news websites, as well as banning access to Facebook and Instagram, in a sweeping curb on the remaining sources of independent information.
Mar 24, 2022 11:13 am IST
30 fires in 2 weeks in Chornobyl Exclusion Zone: Ukraine Minister
Ukrainian Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources Ruslan Strelets said that that more than 30 fires have been recorded in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone over the past two weeks, The Kyiv Independent reported.
“Most fires in Chornobyl Exclusion Zone contained,” he added.
Mar 24, 2022 10:18 am IST
Japan considers doubling humanitarian aid, loans to Ukraine
The Japanese government is considering extending additional humanitarian aid of $100 million to Ukraine and neighbouring countries, on top of the $100 million in assistance Japan has already announced, public broadcaster NHK said on Thursday.
Mar 24, 2022 09:16 am IST
Watch: Zelenskyy urges global protests against Russia as war completes one month
Mar 24, 2022 08:31 am IST
Russia expels US diplomats, declares them ‘persona non grata’
Russia's foreign ministry says it is expelling US diplomats in retaliation for Washington's step to remove 12 of Moscow's representatives at the United Nations in New York.
"The US side has been given firm notice that any hostile action by the United States against Russia will be met with a resolute and appropriate response," the ministry says in a statement. Read more
Mar 24, 2022 07:33 am IST
Oil Jumps as Biden, allies prepare to step up pressure on Moscow
Oil extended gains as investors weighed threats to supplies from the war in Ukraine, with President Joe Biden set to address the crisis on a trip to Brussels that may see more sanctions on Russia, Bloomberg reported.
Global benchmark Brent advanced above $123 a barrel, after rallying more than 5% on Wednesday as U.S. stockpiles dropped and a Black Sea export terminal halted loadings following bad weather. The White House and European Union are close to a deal aimed at slashing the region’s dependence on Russian energy, although that drive may focus primarily on flows of natural gas.
Mar 24, 2022 07:22 am IST
10 latest developments as Ukarine war completes one month
On February 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a ‘special military operation’ against Ukraine in a televised address. Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine with the aim of ‘demilitarisation and denazification’ in the early hours of February 24, sparking the biggest war on a European state since World War II. Here are the top 10 latest developments as war completes one month
Mar 24, 2022 06:32 am IST
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urges global protests against Russia
"From March 24, come with Ukrainian symbols to support Ukraine, to support freedom & life, come to your squares, to your streets, make yourselves visible & heard," Zelenskyy said in a video address.
Mar 24, 2022 06:14 am IST
UK to send 6,000 missiles to Ukraine to fight against Russian invasion
Britain will provide Ukraine with about 6,000 new defensive missiles and almost 30 million pounds ($40 million) to support the fight against Russian aggression. "The United Kingdom will work with our allies to step up military and economic support to Ukraine, strengthening their defences as they turn the tide in this fight," Johnson said. Read more
Mar 24, 2022 05:43 am IST
Biden arrives in Europe for war summits, NATO bolsters troop presence near Ukraine
US President Joe Biden arrived in Brussels for a series of summit meetings on the war while NATO's chief said the alliance was bolstering battle groups in Eastern Europe.