Over the last three days, since Russian President Vladimir Putin declared war on Ukraine, cities and military bases across the country have been under attack by Russian forces. On Saturday, Russian forces were closing in on Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital city, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Ukrainians to “stand firm.”
According to the United Nations, at least 64 civilians have already died in Ukraine since Russia launched its military attack. The real figures are likely to be a lot higher.
In this context, the US and Western allies declared fresh economic sanctions on Moscow on Saturday. The US, Germany and others also announced the delivery of additional arms and equipment to Ukraine to aid the nation in its fight against Russia.
FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES ON RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR
Here are the top developments in the Ukraine-Russia crisis.
RUSSIAN FORCES CLOSE IN ON KYIV
On Saturday, Russian forces were closing in on Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv. City officials warned of street fighting and urged residents to stay inside and take cover. The occasional blasts and gunfire could be heard in the city.
Ukrainian officials reported some success in fending off Russian assaults, but fighting persisted near the capital. Skirmishes reported on the edge of the city suggested that small Russian units were trying to clear a path for the main forces.
STAY FIRM: ZELENSKYY
With growing signs that Russia aims to overthrow him and his government, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Ukrainians to “stand firm.”
He also welcomed efforts to open talks with Russia. In a video message, Zelenskyy said the presidents of Turkey and Azerbaijan had offered to help organize talks and that “we can only welcome that”.
Although Zelenskyy has been posting video messages, his exact whereabouts are not known. On Saturday, he also spoke to PM Modi about the crisis.
CIVILIAN DEATHS
Russia claims its assault on Ukraine is aimed only at military targets, but civilians have been killed and injured in the nation.
The United Nations said it has confirmed at least 240 civilian casualties, including at least 64 people killed, in the fighting in Ukraine. However, the real figures are expected to be considerably higher.
Meanwhile, ten Greek nationals have been killed and six others wounded by Russian bombing near the Ukrainian city of Mariupol, Greece said on Saturday.
Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov claimed on Saturday that since the start of Russia’s attack, its military had hit 821 Ukrainian military facilities, 87 tanks and other targets.
120,000 UKRAINIANS LEAVE COUNTRY
UN officials said nearly 120,000 Ukrainians had left the country for Poland, Moldova and other neighboring nations since Russia declared war on Thursday.
WEST SENDS ARMS
To counter the Russian offensive, the US said it is sending Ukraine up to $350 million in arms and other defensive supplies from US stockpiles with another $250 million in defensive support. The Czech Republic also approved a plan to send more arms to Ukraine.
Calling Russia’s invasion of Ukraine a threat to “our entire post-war order,” Germany’s government announced it will send 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine’s military.
Belgium is deploying 300 troops in Romania and sending machine guns to Ukraine while France also plans to deliver more military equipment to the war-hit nation.
NEW ECONOMIC SANCTIONS
The US, European Union, and United Kingdom have agreed to block “selected” Russian banks from the SWIFT global financial messaging system and to impose “restrictive measures” on its central bank in retaliation for its invasion of Ukraine.
Russia on Saturday warned it could react by opting out of its last remaining nuclear arms pact and cutting diplomatic ties.
ANTI-WAR PROTESTS ACROSS GLOBE
From Tokyo to London to Taipei, Ukrainians living abroad and hundreds of protesters around the world have turned out on the streets to show their support for Ukraine.
More than 3,000 people have been detained for anti-war protests in Russia since Thursday.
INDIANS IN UKRAINE
Meanwhile, in the middle of the night, 250 Indians returned safely from Ukraine on an Air India flight.
Happy homecoming!
Relieved & delighted to see 250 Indians safely return from Ukraine on the @airindiain flight at the Delhi Airport. Received & interacted with them along with my colleague Sh @VMBJP ji Welcome back! #OperationGanga pic.twitter.com/KQ8tcHSTeo
— Jyotiraditya M. Scindia (@JM_Scindia) February 26, 2022
Another flight from Budapest will land in Delhi on Sunday morning.
(With inputs from AP, PTI, AFP, Reuters)
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