Russia-Ukraine Crisis: No indications of imminent Russian chemical weapons attack in Ukraine, says US defense official

Russia gave the besieged city of Mariupol until 5:00 am on March 21 to surrender, warning that Ukrainian soldiers and volunteer fighters who refuse to do so face being court martialled or worse for their "horrible crimes". Ukraine rejected the ultimatum. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on European leaders to cease all trade with Russia. "No euros for the occupiers. Close all of your ports to them. Don't export them your goods. Deny energy resources. Push for Russia to leave Ukraine," he said in a video address. Stay tuned for live updates.

In telephonic talk with Boris Johnson on Ukraine, PM Modi reiterates appeal for cessation of hostilities & to return to dialogue,diplomacy:PMO.

The United States has not yet seen any concrete indications of an imminent Russian chemical or biological weapons attack in Ukraine but is closely monitoring intelligence, a senior U.S. defense official said on Tuesday. (Reuters)

UK PM says he agreed with Modi that Ukraine's integrity and territorial sovereignty must be respected

UN chief calls Russia-Ukraine war 'unwinnable'

UN chief Antonio Guterres said Tuesday that it was time for Russia to end their "absurd war" in Ukraine, declaring the conflict "unwinnable."

The Secretary General told reporters at the world body's headquarters in New York that the war "is going nowhere, fast."

"For more than two weeks, Mariupol has been encircled by the Russian army and relentlessly bombed, shelled and attacked. For what?" he said. (AFP)

Poland pushes call for Russia to be excluded from G20

Poland said on Tuesday it had suggested to US officials that Russia be excluded from the G20 group of major economies and that the suggestion had received a "positive response".

Polish Economic Development and Technology Minister Piotr Nowak said in a statement that the matter had been discussed at meetings held in Washington last week.

"During the meetings with, among others, (USCommerce Secretary) Gina Raimondo, we made a proposal to exclude Russia from the G20, which was met with a positive response and approval, and the matter is to be handed over to President (Joe) Biden," Nowak told reporters in Warsaw. (Reuters)

UN chief says time to end Russia's 'absurd war' in Ukraine

UNSecretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday urged an end to the "absurd war" started by Russia's invasion ofUkraineone month ago, warning that the conflict is "going nowhere, fast" and that the Ukrainian people are "enduring a living hell." (Reuters)

Ukraine says 3 lakh people in occupied Kherson running out of food, medical supplies

People rest at the hall of Hrubieszowski Sports and Recreation Centre which has been transformed into an accommodation facility for refugees fleeing Russia's invasionUkraine, in Hrubieszow, Poland. (Reuters Photo)

Russia adopts bill on jail terms for 'fake' news about its actions abroad

Russia's attack onUkrainerisks causing famine in countries around the world, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy told the Italian parliament on Tuesday, urging greater help to defeat the invaders. (Reuters)

Former Russia state TV journalist Agalakova said she has quit her job over Ukraine war

500,000 refugees from Ukraine have mental health issues, says WHO

About half a million refugees from Ukraine who have fled to Poland need support for mental health disorders, and 30,000 have severe mental health problems, the representative for the World Health Organisation in Poland said on Tuesday. (Reuters)

Zelenskyy says he spoke to Pope, would welcome his mediating role

Pakistan PM suggests Islamic states consider mediating in Russia-Ukraine conflict

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday suggested Islamic countries should discuss how to mediate and bring about a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraineconflict. (Reuters)

Ukraine refugee exodus surpasses 3.5 million

The UN refugee agency says more than 3.5 million people have fledUkrainesince Russia's invasion, passing another milestone in an exodus that has led to Europe's worst refugee crisis since World War II.

UNHCR reported Tuesday that 3.53 million people have leftUkraine, with Poland taking in the lion's share - more than 2.1 million - followed by Romania with more than 540,000 and Moldova with more than 367,000.

Shevchenko steps up relief efforts for Ukrainian war victims

FormerUkrainestriker Andriy Shevchenko said he will use his platform to tell the world the truth about Russia's invasion of his country and step up efforts to raise humanitarian aid for victims of the crisis.

One ofUkraine's greatest players and a former coach of the national team, Shevchenko said he was in shock for the first two days of the invasion, which Moscow describes as a "special military operation."

Ukraine announces no new agreements with Russia on corridors to evacuate civilians

Ukrainesaid on Tuesday its efforts to evacuate civilians from besieged towns and cities were focused on the city of Mariupol but did not announce any new agreement with Russia to allow safe passage for trapped residents.

"We are focusing on evacuations from Mariupol," Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk said.

OYO to offer free accommodation to Ukraine refugees

Homegrown hospitality technology platform OYO on Tuesday said it will offer free accommodation to refugees fleeingUkraine.

Starting with Poland, the company has initiated concerted efforts to appeal to its 600-plus Belvilla homeowners on its platform in Poland to open their holiday homes to refugees.

Zelenskyy to address Japanese parliament

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to virtually deliver his address to the Japanese parliament on Wednesday to rally international support for his country's fight against Russian invasion.

Japan, unlike in the past, has been acting tough against Russia, in line with other Group of Seven countries, though Tokyo's steps have triggered Moscow's retaliation. A compromise could set a bad precedence in East Asia, where China is increasingly making assertive military actions.

Divide at UN over naming Russia aid resolution for Ukraine

France and Mexico are pressing UN members to mention Russia's invasion in a resolution on the worsening humanitarian situation inUkraine. But South Africa is arguing against that approach, saying that inserting political issues may block consensus on helping civilians.

A French-Mexican draft resolution expected to be considered this week by the 193-nation UN General Assembly reiterates the world body's March 2 demand for Russia to stop its military offensive inUkraineand withdraw all its troops. It also demands the protection of all civilians and infrastructure indispensable to their survival.

Smoke rises around an industrial compound after multiple explosions, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in Mariupol

Credit: Azov/Handout via Reuters

Biden says Putin considering using chemical, biological weapons in Ukraine

US President Joe Biden said Monday that it's "clear" Russia is considering the use of chemical and biological weapons in Ukraine and warned of a "severe" Western response if it chose to do so.

"His back is against the wall," said Biden of Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting that Russia has recently accused the United States of holding chemical and biological weapons in Europe.

Biden calls India 'shaky' in Russia confrontation

US President Joe Biden said Monday that India was an exception among Washington's allies with its "shaky" response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Read more

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky insists on meeting with Russia President Vladimir Putin.