Ukraine pushes for no-fly zone after Russian airstrike kills 35
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has renewed his demand for NATO to impose a no-fly zone over the country after an attack on a military base killed 35 people and injured over 130. On Sunday, Russian missiles hit a Lviv military base in western Ukraine, close to its border with Poland. Russia has intensified its offensive across Ukraine, with heavy shelling reported in several cities.
Russian missiles will fall on NATO soil: Zelenskyy
In a recent video address, the Ukrainian President said, "Now I repeat again: If you do not close our sky, it is only a matter of time before Russian missiles fall on your territory, on NATO territory, on the homes of NATO citizens."
Conflict now at doorstep of NATO
At least 35 people were killed on Sunday after Russian missiles pounded the Yavoriv International Centre for Peacekeeping and Security, a training base located just 25 kilometers from the Polish border. The attack has brought the Russia-Ukraine conflict to the doorstep of NATO. In the past, foreign military instructors have been deployed at the base. The facility has also hosted NATO drills.
Russia seeks military equipment from China
Meanwhile, Russia has asked China for military equipment to use in its invasion of Ukraine, US officials have reportedly claimed. While it is unclear whether China agreed to the request, the development has heightened tensions about the conflict. Notably, China has avoided condemning Russia's attack on Ukraine and does not call it an invasion. However, it has called for a negotiated solution.
Talks scheduled for Monday
Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict are being undertaken with Ukrainian and Russian negotiators set to hold talks on Monday. This will be the fourth round of talks between the two sides. The previous rounds failed to make any significant progress. The talks had focused mainly on humanitarian issues and led to the opening of some corridors for civilians to leave the war zones.
Australia sanctions 33 Russian businessmen
Meanwhile, Australia has imposed sanctions on 33 Russian businessmen, including Roman Abramovich, the manager of Chelsea Football Club. Among the other businessmen is Alexey Miller, the Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors and the Chairman of the Management Committee of Russian energy company, Gazprom.
PM Modi chairs security meet
Separately, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting to review India's security preparedness and the prevailing global scenario in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As per a statement from the PM's Office, Modi was briefed on the latest developments in Ukraine, including the details of Operation Ganga to evacuate Indian nationals from the war-hit country.
