Russia Ukraine War Updates: Russian oil deal could place India on ‘wrong side of history’, says US

On the 21st day of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the situation remains tense between both countries. Russian forces are pounding Ukrainian cities and edging closer to the capital, Kyiv, in a relentless bombardment that keeps deepening the humanitarian crisis in this war, now in its third week. Still, a narrow diplomatic channel remains open, with a Ukrainian official saying Tuesday’s talks with the Russians were difficult, but that there was room for compromise. Russia is also circulating a proposed U.N. Security Council resolution proposing a cease-fire to evacuate civilians and to create safe passage for humanitarian aid. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is asking for more international help, those close to Russian President Vladimir Putin are facing more sanctions, two more journalists were killed while covering the war, an estimated 20,000 people fled the port city of Mariupol while some people are traveling into Ukraine to help its citizens. The leaders of Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovenia traveled to Kyiv Tuesday by train in a show of support for Ukraine, despite the potential risks of traveling in a war zone. Janez Jansa of Slovenia described the visit as a way to send a message that Ukraine is a European country that deserves to be accepted into the EU one day.

Ukrainian military strikes number of Russian military helicopters

Ukrainian military strikes number of Russian military helicopters at Kherson International Airport. According to new satellite images from Planet Labs, the strike set on fire, or destroyed, at least three helicopters and military vehicles stationed at the airport.

US Senate unanimously approves probing Putin as ‘war criminal’ over Ukraine invasion

The U.S. Senate unanimously approved a resolution late Tuesday seeking investigations of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his regime for war crimes over the invasion of Ukraine. The bipartisan measure from Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., says the Senate strongly condemns the “violence, war crimes. crimes against humanity” being carried out Russian military forces under Putin’s direction. It encourages international criminal courts to investigate Putin, his security council and military leaders for possible war crimes.

China in a fix over sanctions vs cheap Russian imports

China is willing to help out Russia in facing western sanctions brought on by the invasion of Ukraine but only to that extent where it itself does not face sanctions and its internal food security is not compromised. Faced with the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict, President Xi Jinping sounded a rare alert, calling on his country to produce more food to reduce dependence on foreign markets. “The rice bowls of the Chinese people must be filled with Chinese grain.”

Russian oil deal could place India on ‘wrong side of history’, says US

The United States on Tuesday (local time) said India would not be violating US sanctions by purchasing discounted Russian oil but added that such a move would put the world’s largest democracy on the “wrong side of history”. Asked about the reports of India considering a Russian offer to buy crude oil and other commodities at discount prices a week after the US banned all Russian energy imports, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the Joe Biden administration’s message would be for countries to abide by US sanctions.

Ukraine claims killing Major General Oleg Mityaev in Mariupol

Ukraine has claimed killing Major General Oleg Mityaev in Mariupol, making him the fourth Russian general slain in ongoing fighting; Kiev says Mityaev commanded 150th motorised rifle division and had fought in Syria

Moscow-Kyiv negotiations to continue today amidst ‘fundamental contradictions’

The fourth round of talks between Russia and Ukraine that started on Monday will continue through Wednesday, even as a Ukrainian negotiator spoke of “fundamental differences” between the two sides. “We will continue tomorrow… There are fundamental contradictions. But, of course, there is room for compromise,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s top aide Mykhailo Podolyak wrote on his Telegram channel as reported by Sputnik News Agency.

Oil prices end below USD 100 per barrel on Russia-Ukraine diplomacy efforts

Oil prices tumbled more than 6 per cent, adding to Monday’s drop of more than 5 per cent, as both the New York- and London-traded benchmarks settled below the key USD 100 per barrel mark for the first time since the start of Russia’s “special military operation” in Ukraine. Crude prices were also pressured by a ramp-up in new coronavirus cases in major consumer China and over concerns about near-term demand expressed by oil exporter group OPEC.

Raid alerts in several major cities and oblasts, sirens activated in Lviv, Kyiv

Air raid alerts have been sounded in several major cities and oblasts. Sirens have been activated in Cherkasy, Dnipro, Lviv, Kyiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Odesa, Vinnytsia, Kirovohrad, and Khmelnytskyi Oblasts.

NATO drawing up plans for new ways to deter Russia

NATO drawing up plans for new ways to deter Russia, including more troops and missile defenses in eastern Europe, reported Reuters.

24 year old Ukrainian reporter dies in attack near Kyiv

Fox News has confirmed that Oleksandra Kuvshynova, a Ukrainian reporter who worked as a consultant for the network, also died in yesterday’s attack near Kyiv. She was 24

Biden to announce $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine

Biden to announce $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine Wednesday: White House official

Russia bans Canada PM Justin Trudeau, 300 other Canadians from entering country.

Russia has banned Canada PM Justin Trudeau along with over 300 Canadians from entering the country including Foreign Minister Melanie Jolie, Defense Minister Anita Anand, and almost all MPs, following Canada’s support of Ukraine, said Ukraine’s The Kyiv Independent reports.

Jaishankar says 147 foreign nationals from 18 countries evacuated from Ukraine, brought to India

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday said 147 foreign nationals hailing from 18 countries were evacuated from the conflict situation in Ukraine as part of Operation Ganga and brought to India. “In line with India’s principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, foreign nationals were also evacuated from conflict zones and brought to India. They included 147 citizens of 18 countries. Many Ukrainian nationals that are family members of Indian nationals have also been evacuated,” Jaishankar said in a statement in the two Houses of Parliament on ‘Situation in Ukraine’.

Putin gets on call with President of European Council Charles Michel

Russia President Vladimir Putin in a call with President of European Council Charles Michel discussed ongoing talks with Ukraine on an agreement that would take into account Russia’s earlier demands.Putin stressed that Kyiv not showing a serious commitment to consensual solutions.

Zelensky plans to address the US Congress today

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is planning to address the US Congress today, reported NEXTA.

NATO suspects Moscow could stage false flag operation including chemical weapons

We are concerned that Moscow could stage a false flag operation possibly including chemical weapons, in Ukraine. Any support to Russia, be it military or any other support will help it conduct brutal war against Ukraine, said NATO Secy-Gen Jens Stoltenberg.