Russia has launched a special military operation in Ukraine's eastern
Donbas region. Russian forces entered Ukrainian territory from Krimea.
Ballistic missile attacks were also launched in a number of Ukrainian
cities this morning. Big explosions were heard in Kyiv, Kharkiv and
other areas of Ukraine. Reports of explosions are now coming in several
Ukrainian cities, and gunfire near main Boryspil airport in the capital
Kyiv.
In a televised address, Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged
Ukrainian soldiers who are facing off Russian-backed rebels to lay down
weapons and return to their homes. However, Mr. Putin said Russia did
not plan to occupy Ukraine but warned that Moscow's response would be
instant if anyone tries to take on Russia.
Ukraine also said that Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said peaceful Ukrainian cities
are under strikes and this is a war of aggression. Mr. Kuleba said,
Ukraine will defend itself and will win. Ukrainian President Volodymyr
Zelensky said Russia had almost 200,000 troops and thousands of combat
vehicles on Ukraine's borders.
US President Joe Biden said Washington and its allies would respond in a
united and decisive way to an unprovoked and unjustified attack by
Russian military forces on Ukraine. Mr. Biden vowed that the world will
hold Russia and President Vladimir Putin accountable as he has chosen a
premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human
suffering.
Russia is launching its military operation just days after recognizing
the self-proclaimed people's republics of Donetsk and Luhansk in eastern
Ukraine. The breakaway regions, which control large areas of the Donbas
region, later asked Moscow for military support.
Russia has long resisted Ukraine's move towards European institutions,
both Nato and the EU. Now, Mr. Putin has claimed Ukraine is a puppet of
the West and was never a proper state anyway. Mr. Putin has repeatedly
accused US and its allies of ignoring Russia's demands to prevent
Ukraine from joining Nato military alliance and offer Moscow security
guarantees.
As a former Soviet republic, Ukraine has deep social and cultural ties
with Russia, and Russian is widely spoken there, but ever since Russia
invaded in 2014 those relations have frayed.
External Affairs Ministry has set up a control room in New Delhi in view
of the prevailing situation in Ukraine. The control room will provide
information and assistance. The contact details of the control room are
1800118797 (Toll-free) and these three numbers to get any assistance
91 11 23012113, 91 11 23014104, 91 11 23017905.
People can also email at(situationroom@mea.gov.in).
In addition, Embassy of India in Ukraine has set up a 24-hour emergency
helpline, which can be accessed by dialing 380 997300428, 380
997300483.
Tamil Nadu Government has also created a separate help desk for those
from the State living in Ukraine. The Commissionerate of Rehabilitation
and welfare of non-resident Tamils has appealed to contact through www.nrtamils.tn.gov.in for any help. Queries will be addressed at the phone numbers 044- 28515288 /9600023645/9940256444.
Air India flight - AI 1947 which was flying to Ukraine to bring Indian
people home has returned to Delhi due to the closer of Ukrainian
airspace.
Meanwhile, Indian Embassy in Kyiv has advised all Indian nationals in
Ukraine to maintain calm and remain safe wherever they are, be it homes,
hostels, accommodations, or in transit.
In an advisory, the Embassy said the present situation in Ukraine is
highly uncertain. It asked Indians traveling to Kyiv, including those
from western parts of Kyiv, to return to their respective cities,
especially towards safer places along with the western bordering
countries.
India has called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions between
Russia and Ukraine. India's Permanent Representative UN, TS Tirumurti
cautioned that the situation is in danger of spiraling into a major
crisis. He was addressing an emergency meeting of UN Security Council
held in Ukraine this morning. This was the second meeting of UNSC this
week and the fourth since January 31 as tensions escalated between
Russia and Ukraine. Mr. Tirumurti emphasized sustained and focused
diplomacy to address all issues concerning the situation.
Sources also said that high-level meetings in External Affairs Ministry
are ongoing on the issue. Contingency plans are being put into
operation. Given airspace closure, alternate evacuation routes are being
activated. Additional Russian-speaking officials have been sent to
Indian Embassy in Ukraine and are being deployed in countries
neighbouring Ukraine. Indian Embassy in Ukraine is functional.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio
Guterres made a direct appeal to President Putin to stop Russian troops
from attacking Ukraine.
Social media is bold.
Social media is young.
Social media raises questions.
Social media is not satisfied with an answer.
Social media looks at the big picture.
Social media is interested in every detail.
social media is curious.
Social media is free.
Social media is irreplaceable.
But never irrelevant.
Social media is you.
(With input from news agency language)
If you like this story, share it with a friend!
We are a non-profit organization. Help us financially to keep our journalism free from government and corporate pressure
0 Comments