Russia-Ukraine crisis: Here's what you need to know today
The war between Russia and Ukraine entered the 11th day on Sunday. Both sides have suffered heavy economic and humanitarian losses. All eyes are on the third round of talks between the two countries, which will be held on Monday. On Saturday, Russia announced a ceasefire in two cities of Ukraine but within a few hours, this ceasefire was broken.
President Zelensky seeks more help
On Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the US senators and made a "desperate plea" for additional help in fighting off Russia's invasion. During the video call, the President asked the lawmakers to provide Russian-made aircraft to Ukraine to fend off the attack. The call was joined by over 300 people, including senators, some House lawmakers, and aides.
Future of Ukrainian statehood at stake: Putin
On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened that the existence of Ukrainian statehood is in jeopardy. "The current (Ukrainian) authorities must understand that if they continue to do what they are doing, they are putting in question the future of Ukrainian statehood," Putin said. "And if this happens, they will be fully responsible," he added.
Russia asks EU, NATO to stop supplying arms to Ukraine
Russia's foreign ministry on Saturday called on the European Union (EU) and NATO countries to stop providing arms to Ukraine, Russia's RIA news agency has reported. It said Moscow is particularly concerned that the portable anti-aerial Stinger missiles could fall into the hands of terrorists, due to which there may be a threat to the airlines.
351 civilians dead, 707 injured in Ukraine: UN
A total of 351 civilians in Ukraine have been confirmed dead since Russia invaded the country, the UN human rights office has said. At least 707 civilians were injured till midnight Friday, it added.
Mastercard, Visa suspend operations in Russia
Payment firms Mastercard and Visa on Saturday said they were suspending operations in Russia over the invasion of Ukraine. The move will prevent their cards issued by Russian banks from working in other countries and block people with cards issued elsewhere from purchasing goods and services from companies in Russia. However, other transactions may still go through, The New York Times reported.
US defends NATO's rejection of no-fly zone
Defending NATO's decision to reject Ukraine's plea of a no-fly zone over the country, the US said that such a measure may cause the conflict to spread to more nations. "We have a responsibility to ensure the war does not spill over beyond Ukraine ... A no-fly zone could lead to a full-fledged war in Europe," US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters.
All Indians evacuated from Kharkiv, Pisochyn
The Ministry of External Affairs has informed that no Indian remains stuck in Ukraine's war-torn Kharkiv city as all nationals who wanted to return to India have been evacuated by the government. Additionally, all Indians have been evacuated from Pisochyn as well, the Indian Embassy in Kyiv said. "Mission will continue to remain in touch with them through their journey," the embassy tweeted.
