Russia assaults Ukraine: PM Modi speaks to Putin, appeals for rapid cessation of violence–Key developments

Amid ongoing battle in Ukraine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to Russian President Vladimir Putin and appealed for a direct cessation of violence. The PM additionally known as for concerted efforts from all sides to return to the trail of dialogue, stated a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office.

PM Modi additionally sensitised the Russian President about India’s considerations concerning the security of the Indian residents in Ukraine, particularly college students, and conveyed that India attaches the best precedence to their protected exit and return to India.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday introduced a ‘military operation’ in Ukraine, stating any international interference would result in “consequences they have never seen.” Reacting to the event, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister known as it a “full-scale invasion” and a “war of aggression” and stated that the nation will “defend itself and win”.

Martial regulation has been declared in Ukraine, information company AP reported, as Russia launched army strikes within the area. The Russian defence ministry stated that Ukraine’s air bases and army infrastructure has been neutralised, based on reviews. Whereas Russian-backed separatists claimed management of two cities within the Luhansk area of Ukraine, stated Reuters.

Here’s all that has occurred up to now:

🔴 In a televised handle early Thursday, Putin introduced a ‘military operation’ in Ukraine, to “protect civilians” within the area. He added that Russia doesn’t have a objective to occupy Ukraine, however goals to make sure “demilitarisation” of the area. All Ukrainian servicemen who lay down arms will have the ability to safely go away the zone of fight, he stated. Warning different international locations of penalties for interfering, Putin additionally accused the US and its allies of ignoring Russia’s demand to stop Ukraine from becoming a member of NATO and supply Moscow safety ensures. He held Ukraine chargeable for the “bloodshed”.

🔴 Explosions have been heard in Kyiv, Kharkiv and different areas of Ukraine as Putin spoke. News company AFP reported that Russian troopers have additionally reached Odessa, whereas the Kyiv Airport is being evacuated.

Police examine the results of Russian shelling in Kyiv. (AP)

🔴 The Ukraine army has claimed that 5 Russian planes and one Russian helicopter have been shot down within the Luhansk area, Reuters reported.

🔴 Martial regulation has been declared in Ukraine, information company AP reported, as Russia launched army strikes within the area.

🔴 Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba tweeted Thursday, “Putin has just launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Peaceful Ukrainian cities are under strikes. This is a war of aggression. Ukraine will defend itself and will win. The world can and must stop Putin. The time to act is now.” He additionally known as for sanctions on Russia and monetary and humanitarian help for Ukraine.

Ukrainian army observe burns at an air defence base within the aftermath of an obvious Russian strike in Mariupol, Ukraine. (AP)

🔴 US President Joe Biden has known as the transfer an “unprovoked and unjustified attack” on Ukraine. “President Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering. Russia alone is responsible for the death and destruction this attack will bring, and the United States and its Allies and partners will respond in a united and decisive way. The world will hold Russia accountable,” Biden stated.

🔴 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an handle early Thursday stated, “The people of Ukraine and the government of Ukraine want peace.” In an emotional speech, the President added, “But if we come under attack, if we face an attempt to take away our country, our freedom, our lives and lives of our children, we will defend ourselves. When you attack us, you will see our faces, not our backs.” He additionally said that his makes an attempt for a name with Putin late Wednesday went unanswered.

🔴 In view of the “highly uncertain” state of affairs within the nation, the Indian embassy in Ukraine has issued a brand new advisory for residents, asking all those that are travelling to Kyiv to return to their cities, “especially safer places along the western bordering countries”. It additional requested Indian nationals to “maintain calm and remain safe wherever you are”.

🔴 In a UNSC emergency assembly, convened shortly earlier than Putin’s bulletins,  UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated, “I have only one thing to say from the bottom of my heart: President Putin stop your troops from attacking Ukraine. Give peace a chance, too many people have already died.”

🔴 India, in the meantime, warned that the state of affairs is in peril of spiralling into a serious disaster, calling for a direct de-escalation and refraining from any additional motion which can contribute to the worsening of the state of affairs. T S Tirumurti, the Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations expressed “deep concern” over the developments which “if not handled carefully, may undermine the peace and security of the region.”

🔴 As many as 40 Ukranian troopers and round 10 civilians have been killed by Russian shelling, a Reuters report, quoting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy advisor, has stated.

🔴 The AFP, in the meantime reported that Ukraine stated it killed ‘around 50 Russian occupiers’ with out offering particulars.

🔴 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Thursday stated that the nation has severed diplomatic relations with Russia and urged all residents who have been able to defend the nation from Russian forces to return ahead, saying Kyiv would situation weapons to everybody who desires them. Zelenskiy additionally urged Russians to return out and protest in opposition to the battle.

🔴 Ambassador of India to Ukraine Partha Satpathy on Thursday urged the Indian nationals residing within the nation to “stay calm and face the situation with fortitude.” He additional requested these stranded in Kyiv to get in contact with buddies and relations there.

🔴 NATO stated on Thursday it could take new deterrence and defence steps after Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine, which would come with placing over 100 warplanes on excessive alert and additional enhance the presence of troops on its japanese flank.

🔴 The Indian embassy in Kyiv, in a recent advisory, stated that motion of individuals is now troublesome in Ukraine as it’s below martial regulation and people listening to air sirens and bomb warnings ought to discover close by bomb shelters. It stated for these college students who’re stranded with no place of keep in Kyiv, the embassy is in contact with institutions to place them up.

🔴 The mayor of Ukraine’s capital of Kyiv ordered a curfew on Thursday in feedback proven on tv after Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine

— with inputs from businesses