Ukraine
As US, Russia clash at UNSC, India calls for diplomacy that upholds 'legitimate security'
"India's interest is in finding a solution that can provide for immediate de-escalation of tensions taking into account the legitimate security interests of all countries and aimed towards securing long term peace and stability in the region and beyond," India's Permanent Representative T.S. Tirumurti said. "It is our considered view that the issue can only be resolved through diplomatic dialogue," he said, adding: "Quiet and constructive diplomacy is the need of the hour."
No plans to send combat troops to Ukraine if Russia invades: NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg
“We have no plans to deploy NATO combat troops to Ukraine…we are focusing on providing support…there is a big difference between being a NATO member and being a strong and highly valued partner as Ukraine. There’s no doubt about that,” Stoltenberg said in a BBC interview when asked about NATO’s response if Russia invades Ukraine.
Ukraine's NATO membership would hurt bloc's ties with Russia: Lavrov
"Everyone understands that Ukraine is not ready (to join NATO) and will not make any contribution to strengthening NATO's security," Lavrov told a Russian TV programme.
Commenting on statements that NATO is defensive, the top diplomat recalled how the US-led military bloc "bombed Yugoslavia for almost three months, invaded Libya in violation of a UN Security Council resolution, and behaved in Afghanistan", Xinhua news reported.
Canada withdraws more staff from embassy in Ukraine
Canada has made the decision to temporarily withdraw non-essential Canadian employees and remaining dependants from the Canadian embassy in Ukraine, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the statement. The highest priority remains the safety and security of Canadians, the statement added. "Together, they will increase our diplomatic capacity and allow us to continue to assess and respond to the evolving situation in support of Ukraine."
International military assistance for Ukraine optimistic: Defence Minister
Ukraine has already received three batches of military assistance from the US aid package worth $200 million and anti-tank weapons from Britain, Reznikov said, adding that Kiev is also waiting for support from Baltic countries, Canada and Denmark, reports Xinhua news agency.
Russia bans more EU officials from entry
These "representatives of law enforcement agencies, legislative and executive authorities" are personally responsible for promoting anti-Russian policies and measures that infringe on the legitimate rights of Russian-speaking residents and the media, the Ministry said in a statement.
Putin, Macron discuss security guarantees over phone
Putin told Macron that Russia will carefully study the written responses from the US and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to Moscow's draft agreements on security guarantees, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement by Kremlin. Putin stressed that the US and NATO responses did not take into account such fundamental concerns of Russia as stopping NATO's expansion and refraining from deploying offensive weapons near Russian borders, among others.
President Biden, Zelensky discuss Ukraine tensions over phone
In a statement following the call on Thursday, the White House said that Biden also "underscored the commitment of the US to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity". "President Biden noted the US has provided Ukraine with over half a billion dollars in development and humanitarian assistance in the last year, and is exploring additional macro-economic support to help Ukraine's economy amidst pressure resulting from Russia's military build-up," it said.
Russia vs Ukraine: Let's compare military might of the two neighbours
Ukraine’s Pro-NATO President Zelensky said last year that his country is ready to push back any attempts of invasion ordered by President Putin. It is hence important to know the details of military capabilities of each side to predict how the war would unravel and which side would have an upper hand (at least on paper) should an invasion take place. Here’s the comparison of their respective military prowess.
Ukrainian Prez positively evaluates talks of Normandy format advisors
"Zelensky positively assesses the fact of the meeting, its constructive nature, as well as the intention to continue meaningful talks in two weeks in Berlin," said the statement on the Ukrainian presidential website. According to the statement, Zelensky emphasized that the sustainable and unconditional ceasefire in Donbas could be a basis for the next steps in the peace process, Xinhua news agency reported.
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