Russia-Ukraine crisis: IAF evacuates 210 Indians from Ukraine under Operation Ganga

The number of Ukrainian refugees was expected to reach 1.5 million on Sunday as Russia continued its attack 11 days after invading Ukraine and Kyiv pressed for further Western action, including more sanctions and weapons. Moscow and Kyiv, on Saturday, traded blame over a failed ceasefire plan that would have let civilians flee Mariupol and Volnovakha, two southern cities besieged by Russian forces. Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force evacuated more than 210 Indians from the war-hit country under Operation Ganga and more flights are on the way. Stay tuned to DH for the latest updates.

Russia-Ukraine: Their war, our worries

Prime Minister Narendra Modi joined President Joe Biden of the United States and his Japanese and Australian counterparts, Fumio Kishida and Scott Morrison, for a virtual summit of the Quad on March 3.

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IAF evacuates 210 Indians from Ukraine under Operation Ganga

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky talked to US President Joe Biden about "the issues of security, financial support for Ukraine and the continuation of sanctions against Russia," as per his tweet.

Putin’s war has brought Xi factional trouble

The members of China’s powerful Politburo Standing Committee generally tend to take a consensual approach on foreign policy issues. But when issues concern Russia (or the Soviet Union earlier), they tend to cause acute differences among them.

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Visa, Mastercard suspend operations in Russia

On the morning of 24 February, over 200 students in a hostel in Kyiv were jolted out of sleep with a strong explosion. ‘Russians (have) attacked!’, the words were sufficient to create commotion in the students’ community. Nishat Haidar, in her second year, is one of the Indians of her batch, who made it home on Saturday but with haunting memories.

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Visa, Mastercard suspend operations in Russia

Another Air India flight brings back 182 Indians from Ukraine

The Air India flight IX 1202 that landed at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai at 12:50 am, has brought back 182 passengers. Minister of State, Panchayat Raj, Kapil Patil welcomes Indians who have returned from Bucharest, Romania.

Russia calls on EU, NATO to stop arms supplies to Ukraine

Russia's foreign ministry called on European Union and NATO countries on Saturday to "stop pumping weapons" to Ukraine, the Russian RIA news agency said.

It said Moscow was particularly worried that portable anti-aerial Stinger missiles could end up in the hands of terrorists, posing a threat to airlines. (Reuters)

Israeli prime minister meets with Putin

Israel's prime minister was meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's office confirmed the meeting at the Kremlin, which came just days after Bennett spoke over the phone with both Russia and Ukrainian leaders.

Bennett's office said he departed early Saturday morning for Moscow, accompanied by Russian-speaking Cabinet minister Zeev Elkin. Both men are observant Jews and wouldn't normally travel on the Sabbath.

People fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine arrive at Siret border crossing

(Credit: Reuters Photo)

People flee from the city of Irpin in Kyiv region

(Credit: Jedrzej Nowicki/Agencja Wyborcza.pl via Reuters)

Israeli PM Bennett meets Putin in Moscow to discuss Ukraine crisis

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Saturday to discuss the Ukraine crisis, his spokesperson said. Israel has offered to mediate in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, though officials have previously played down expectations of a breakthrough.

Blinken visits Ukraine border, pledges more refugee aid

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday visited a crossing on Poland's border withUkrainewhere hundreds of thousands of people have been fleeing from advancing Russian forces.

Blinken also visited a cavernous Polish holding centre with around 3,000 refugees and said Washington was preparing to set aside another $2.75 billion (2.5 billion euros) for the humanitarian crisis

Italian, German public broadcasters suspend reporting in Russia over new media law

Ukraine's Zelenskyy asks for aircraft during call with US senators

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a "desperate plea" for eastern Europe to provide Russian-made aircraft to Ukraine during a call with USsenators on Saturday, said the chamber's majority leader, Chuck Schumer.
"These planes are very much needed. And I will do all I can to help the administration to facilitate their transfer," Schumer said in a statement

Ukrainian forces take control of Mykolaiv, seize Russian occupiers' equipment.

Another plane was shot down in Ochakov. The pilot was captured.

Ukrainian forces take control of Mykolaiv, seize Russian occupiers' equipment.

Successful evacuation of Indians from Ukraine will have positive impact on assembly polls: Shah

Underlining that the government has been keeping an eye on the situation inUkrainesince January, senior BJP leader and Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday said the successful evacuation of Indians from the war-hit country will have a positive impact on the ongoing assembly polls.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters here, Shah said the government had issued an advisory as early as February 15 for Indians inUkraine.

PM Modi calls another meeting on Ukraine situation, India's evacuation efforts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called another high-level meeting on Saturday evening to discuss the situation in war-hitUkraineand India's evacuation efforts to bring back its citizens, sources said.

Since Sunday, Modi has chaired a number of such meetings.

US approves Moscow-chartered flight to remove expelled Russian diplomats -State Dept

The United States has approved a flight chartered by the Russian government to fly out Russian diplomats at the United Nations who were expelled for abuse of their privileges of residence, a State Department spokesperson said on Saturday.

"This special exception was done in accordance with federal regulations to ensure Russian mission personnel and their families departed by the date we had instructed," the spokesperson said. - Reuters.

Putin wants neutral status for Ukraine, urges for demilitarisation and denazification of Ukraine

Putin says Russia faced a real threat from Ukraine becoming a nuclear power

I urge you for some more patience and forbearance so that we can ensure your safety: Indian envoy in Ukraine to stranded Indian students

Our students have been through a lot and have shown unparalleled strength, determination during these times: Indian envoy to Ukraine

We will leave no stone unturned to ensure safe evacuation of Indian students from Sumy: Indian envoy to Ukraine

Pisochyn has been evacuated of all Indian citizens: Indian Embassy in Ukraine

PM Modi to chair high-level meet on Ukraine shortly

Aviation Ministry says 11 evacuation flights with 2,200 Indians will arrive on Sunday

Main challenges in evacuation of Indians from Sumy are ongoing shelling and violence and lack of transportation: MEA

Starlink 'will not' block Russian news sources: Musk

SpaceX chief Elon Musk said Saturday the company's Starlink satellite broadband service will not block Russian media outlets "unless at gunpoint."

"Starlink has been told by some governments (notUkraine) to block Russian news sources. We will not do so unless at gunpoint," the tech titan tweeted.

"Sorry to be a free speech absolutist."

Russian-controlled media outlets have come under fire as the West and its allies seek to crack down on misinformation about Moscow's onslaught onUkraine.

Russia says Ukraine thwarting progress by seeking to involve NATO

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Saturday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's attempt to secure direct NATO help in the conflict between their countries was not helping talks between the two sides.

"Constant angry statements from Mr Zelenskyy do not increase optimism," Lavrov told reporters on Saturday.

Any countries imposing no-fly zone over Ukraine would be parties to conflict, says Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Saturday that any country that sought to impose a no-fly zone overUkrainewould be considered by Moscow to have entered the conflict.

"Any movement in this direction will be considered by us as participation in an armed conflict by that country," the Russian leader said during a meeting with Aeroflot employees.

Main focus now on evacuating Indian students from Sumy; exploring multiple options for their evacuation: MEA

We should be able to evacuate everyone from Pisochyn and Kharkiv in Ukraine in next few hours: MEA

Thirteen flights to be operated in next 24 hours to bring back Indians amid Ukraine crisis: MEA

Over 13,300 people brought back in 63 flights: MEA on Ukraine evacuation mission

Everything is going to plan in Ukraine, says Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday that everything was going to plan inUkraineand the Russian army would fulfil its aims as part of the special military operation.

Further course of talks with Russia to be decided after evacuation, says Ukrainian leader

A child evacuates the city of Irpin, northwest of Kyiv, during heavy shelling and bombing

(Credit: AFP Photo)

Russia says West's sanctions create a 'problem' for Iran nuclear deal

Russiasaid on Saturday that Western sanctions imposed over the conflict inUkrainehad become a stumbling block for the Iran nuclear deal, warning that West that Russian national interests would have to be taken into account.

Iran said on Saturday it had agreed a roadmap with the U.N. nuclear watchdog to resolve all outstanding questions about the country's nuclear program by late June, a move seen as a latest push to revive Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with global powers.

Hundreds of thousands of households left without gas due to Russian invasion

Hundreds of thousands of households left without gas due to Russian invasion. Due to damages, the Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine had to shut down 16 gas distribution stations in Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Zaporizhia, Kyiv, Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.

3 buses organised byGoI have reached Pisochyn and will shortly be making their way westwards.

Zara owner Inditex says suspending activities in Russia

Spanish clothing giant and Zara fast-fashion chain owner Inditex announced Saturday it was "temporarily suspending its activity in 502 stores" inRussiaas well as on the group's online shopping store.

"Given the current circumstances, Inditex cannot guarantee the continuity of operations and business conditions in the Russian Federation," the company said in a statement.

German broadcasters ARD, ZDF stop reporting from Russia

Germanpublic broadcasters ARD and ZDF on Saturday said they were stopping their reporting fromRussiaafter Moscow backed the imposition of jail terms on media publishing "false information" about the military.

In response to the new legislation the broadcasters would "suspend their reporting from their Moscow bureau for the time being", they said in a statement, following similar decisions by other news media including BBC News and Bloomberg News.

Zelenskyy thanks Scott Morrison for defence and humanitarian support

Zelenskyy addresses the nation

Zelenskyy addresses the nation: "Today is Saturday but it means nothing. Our country doesn’t have weekends anymore. It doesn't matter what’s on the clock or in the calendar.

And it will be this way until we win."

Russian plane destroyed near Chernihiv

Italy seizes oligarchs' villas and yachts in initial sweep

Italian police have seized villas and yachts worth at least 140 million euros ($153 million) from four high-profile Russians who were placed on an EU sanctions list following Moscow's attack onUkraine, sources said on Saturday.

A police source said a villa owned by billionaire businessman Alisher Usmanov on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia, and a villa on Lake Como owned by state TV host Vladimir Soloviev, had both been seized.

Ukraine says Mariupol evacuation delayed over Russian ceasefire violations

Britain urges its nationals to consider leaving Russia

Britain urged its nationals on Saturday to consider leaving Russia after Moscow's decision to invade Ukraine.

"If your presence in Russia is not essential, we strongly advise that you consider leaving by remaining commercial routes," the British government said in a statement.

On Monday, Britain advised its citizens against all travel to Russia due to a lack of available flight options and increased economic volatility

Rafale jet fighters of the French Air Force patrol the airspace over Poland as part of Nato's surveillance system conducted in collaboration with the military aviation of other countries of the Alliance

(Credit: AFP Photo)

Blinken arrives in Poland near border with Ukraine

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Poland on Saturday for talks with officials as hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees pour into the country to escape the conflict.

The most senior US official to visit Poland since the war began, Blinken will hold talks with Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau in Rzeszow, near the border withUkraine.

Athens evacuates more Greeks from Ukraine

Athens launched a new operation on Saturday to evacuate Greek expatriates and citizens from Odessa asRussia's defence ministry announced a ceasefire to allow civilians in Mariupol and Volnovakha to leave.

According to Athens News Agency quoting diplomatic sources, the evacuation coordinated by the Greek General Consul in Odessa involves 25 people. Among them, nine are members of the crew of a Greek-owned ship stranded at the port of Odessa since the beginning of the war.

US TV channels stop broadcasting in Russia

Russia ready to evacuate Indian students, other foreign nationals from Ukraine: Envoy tells UNSC

Russia has informed the UN Security Council that Russian buses are ready at crossing points to go to the eastern Ukrainian cities of Kharkiv and Sumy to evacuate Indian students and other foreign nationals who are stranded there, amidst the raging conflict in the East European country.

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Watch | Operation Ganga: IAF flight with 210 Indian nationals reaches Hindon airbase from Romania

Ceasefire will help Indians reach out to borders, says Indian student who escaped from Kharkiv

Students are still stuck in Sumy. They have nothing to eat & also face a shortage of water. The ceasefire will help to reach out to borders, says a student who escaped from Kharkiv and reached Rzeszow in Poland

F1 team Haas drops Russian driver Nikita Mazepin.

Russia ready to evacuate Indian students, other foreign nationals from Ukraine: Envoy tells UNSC

Russia has informed the UN Security Council that Russian buses are ready at crossing points to go to the eastern Ukrainian cities of Kharkiv and Sumy to evacuate Indian students and other foreign nationals who are stranded there, amidst the raging conflict in the East European country.

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Several students are still stuck in Kharkiv, says Indian student

Several students are still stuck in Kharkiv. We left Ukraine on March 1st amid bombing & shelling. After crossing the Poland border Indian govt provided us help, says Pratyush Chaurasia who escaped from Kharkiv and reached Rzeszow in Poland

Europe's far right in quagmire over Ukraine war and Putin links

Russia's invasion of Ukraine has plunged far-right movements across Europe into an identity crisis, as they struggle to square their loyalty to Vladimir Putin with the public's overwhelming solidarity with Kyiv.

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AirAsia India flight carrying 170 Indian evacuees from Ukraine lands at Delhi

An AirAsia India evacuation flight from Suceava in Romania carrying 170 Indian evacuees from Ukraine landed at Delhi early morning on Saturday, an airline official said.

This was the first such flight operated by the Bengaluru-based budget carrier under 'Operation Ganga,' a central government initiative to bring back Indian citizens from war-torn Ukraine.

An AirAsia India flight from Sauceva in Romania via Dubai landed at Delhi Airport at 4 am Saturday morning with 170 Indian evacuees from Ukraine, the official said.

Partial ceasefire begins in Mariupol and Volnovaha to set up humanitarian corridors

Temporary ceasefire begins in Mariupol and Volnovakha to set up humanitarian corridors. The corridors will serve to evacuate civilians & deliver food & medicine to the cities that have been cut off from the world...: Ukraine's The Kyiv Independent

Exploring all possible ways to evacuate Indians from Sumy: Embassy

The Indian embassy in Ukraine on Saturday said it is exploring all possible ways to safely evacuate the Indian nationals from eastern Ukranian city of Sumy.

The mission said it is in touch with all interlocutors concerned, including the Red Cross, to identify the exit routes to take out the Indians.

Sumy is one of the conflict zones witnessing intense fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces.

Ukraine port city Mariupol to begin civilian evacuation at 0900 GMT: Mayor

To fight its war, Russia closing digital doors

Russia's blocking of Facebook is a symptom of its broader effort to cut itself off from sources of information that could imperil its internationally condemned invasion of Ukraine, experts say.

Russia wishes to continue dialogue with Ukraine: Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that his country wishes to continue a dialogue with Ukraine and wants peace, provided that all of Moscow's security demands are met amid the war on Kyiv.

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Russia declares ceasefire in Ukraine to open humanitarian corridors for civilians

Russia declares ceasefire in Ukraine from 06:00 GMT (Greenwich Mean Time Zone) to open humanitarian corridors for civilians, reports Russia's media outlet Sputnik

If Ukraine falls, Europe falls, says Zelenskyy

In a virtual address to thousands of protesters across major European cities, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that if his country fell to Russia in the ongoing war, then the whole continent of Europe will fall.

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Air raid alert in Kyiv. Residents should go to the nearest shelter: Ukraine's The Kyiv Independent

Singapore announced sanctions against Russia on Saturday that include four banks and an export ban on electronics, computers and military items, in a rare move by the Asian financial hub in response to what it said was Moscow's "dangerous precedent" in Uk

Despite unprecedented sanctions and strong support for Ukraine, Western states have failed to stop the Russian onslaught and are even expecting things to get worse. But their options for intensifying pressure on President Vladimir Putin are likely to be limited.

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Singapore sanctions Russia over 'unprovoked attack' on Ukraine

Singapore announced sanctions against Russia on Saturday that include four banks and an export ban on electronics, computers and military items, in a rare move by the Asian financial hub in response to what it said was Moscow's "dangerous precedent" inUkraine.

The tiny city-state, an international shipping hub, rarely imposes sanctions of its own but said it would not allow export of items that could inflict harm on or subjugate Ukrainians, or help Russia launch cyber attacks.

Amid the ongoing evacuation of Indian medical students from Ukraine, National Medical Commission (NMC) allows Foreign Medical Graduates with incomplete internships due to compelling situations like the Covid-19 & war...to apply to complete internships in India if they clear FMGE

Indian students stuck in Ukraine return home on special flights and reunite with their families

'Russia has fired more than 500 missiles in the week since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine began'

Russia has fired more than 500 missiles in the week since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Russia is launching all different types of missiles at a rate of about two dozen per day, a Pentagon official said: Ukraine's The Kyiv Independent

Till date, the IAF has flown 10 flights to bring back 2056 passengers, while taking 26 tonnes of relief load to these countries, as part of Operation Ganga

Strategic Ukrainian port Mariupol 'blockaded' by Russian forces: mayor

Ukraine's strategic port city of Mariupol is under a "blockade" by the Russian army after days of "ruthless" attacks, its mayor said on Saturday, calling for the establishment of a humanitarian corridor.

'Heckled, walked miles with Indian flag to cross Ukraine border': Odia students narrate ordeal

Odia students returning home from war-torn Ukraine on Friday narrated their ordeal of having to walk miles in sub-zero temperatures waiving the Indian Tricolour and being heckled by Ukrainian soldiers before crossing the border to safety.

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