Russia’s assault on Ukraine continued for the 5th day, with Ukrainian forces having managed to keep them out of the capital city Kyiv for another night. Talks between Ukraine and Russia to end the conflict are set to begin today near the Belarusian border. However, Kyiv has said there will be no pre-conditions to the talks and that they will not give up even an inch of territory.
Ukraine-Russia war entered 5th day. Photo: National Guard of Ukraine/Twitter
On the other hand, reports suggested that Belarus is preparing to send troops to join the Russian forces in the invasion of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin put the nuclear forces on ‘high alert’ citing mounting Western threats. Western countries have continued to squeeze the Russian economy, with the Ruble tumbling massively. Several major Russian banks have been excluded from the SWIFT payments system.
The Russian invasion “began with a short and incomplete air campaign” on February 24, according to the Institute for the Study of War. On day four, logistical issues seem to have cropped up temporarily, halting further advances.#DIU #Video #Russia #Ukraine #RussiaUkraineWar pic.twitter.com/6BuGlXgMIq
— IndiaToday (@IndiaToday) February 28, 2022
At the UNSC on Friday, India along with China and the UAE abstained from voting on a resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The United Nations Security Council has once again called for a rare emergency meeting today.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other high-ranking ministers have taken to the streets in the fight, while several hundreds and thousands of Ukrainians fled west towards borders. Ukraine forces also managed to take control of Kharkiv – the second largest city in the country – from the Russian forces.
CASUALTIES:
Civilian deaths: 352 including 33 children
Civilian injuries: 1,684 including 116 children
Here are the latest updates on the story:
RUSSIA, UKRAINE BEGIN TALKS
Russia and Ukraine began the first dialogue to end war, Belarusian state media reported.
PUTIN FOCUSED ON THE RUSSIAN ECONOMY
#BREAKING Putin focused on economy after Western sanctions: Kremlin pic.twitter.com/rdSYA3XGc8
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) February 28, 2022
AFP reported that Russia's President Vladimir Putin was focused on the Russian economy following Western sanctions. Meanwhile, Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues unabated.
ZELENSKYY DEMANDS IMMEDIATE EU MEMBERSHIP
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demanded immediate European Union membership for his country saying that their goal is to be together with all Europeans and on equal footing.
KREMLIN CLAIMS EU ARMS HELP IS DESTABILISING
#UkraineRussiaCrisis Kremlin on arms supplies to Ukraine says- EU is acting in hostile fashion towards us, adds, "Weapons' supplies to Ukraine are dangerous and destabilizing": Reuters
— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2022
Russia claimed that the arms supply by the EU and other nations to Ukraine is destabilising and is a hostile act towards Moscow.
20TH CENTURY ART DESTROYED IN WAR
As a result of ?? invasion, about 25 works by outstanding ?? artist Mariia Pryimachenko were burned. The paintings were stored in Ivankiv Museum, Kyiv region. She created world-famous masterpieces. Her special gift and talent captivated Pablo Picasso.?️“Two-headed chicken, 1977” pic.twitter.com/dfAyfkn1k9
— MFA of Ukraine ?? (@MFA_Ukraine) February 28, 2022
Ukraine says around 25 works by 20th-century Ukrainian painter Mariia Pryimachenko were burned during the conflict. Pryimachenko was known for her village and folk art and had once captured the attention of Pablo Picasso. The destroyed paintings were being stored Ivankiv Museum, Kyiv region.
MAP SHOWS RUSSIAN HELD TERRITORIES IN UKRAINE
Maps of Ukraine comparing areas under Russian control as of February 24 to February 27 at 2000 GMT pic.twitter.com/VlFHByrT9U
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) February 28, 2022
The map shows the extent to which Russian forces have been able to capture Ukraine. The battle is underway for Ukraine's capital city, Kyiv.
UKRAINE ESTIMATES 5,300 CASUALTIES ON THE RUSSIAN SIDE SO FAR
Ukraine put out a list of losses incurred by the Russian forces after 5 days of fighting. So far, Ukraine estimates around 5,300 Russian soldiers to have perished in the battle.
UKRAINE FEARS MILLIONS WILL BE DISPLACED
The number of Ukrainian refugees has exceeded 4 lakh. If the war is not stopped, the number can reach up to 7 million. there are very long queues on the border. Lakhs of Ukrainians are standing in queues, trying to cross the border: Dr Igor Polikha, Ambassador of Ukraine to India pic.twitter.com/wscGJqnMWn
— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2022
Ukraine's envoy to India Dr Igor Polikha said that so far around 4 lakh Ukrainians have become refugees due to the war. Several of them are standing in queues near various border waiting to cross. He said that if the war is not stopped immediately, Ukraine could see around 7 million people becoming refugees.
UKRAINIAN PRISONERS WILLING TO FIGHT TO BE RELEASED
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine will release prisoners with military experience if willing to join fight against Russia: Reuters #RussiaUkraineConflict pic.twitter.com/Ezhb1lviVs
— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2022
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a televised address announced that the government is ready to release prisoners who would be willing to fight in the war against Russia.
NATIONAL GUARD OF UKRAINE TWEETS ABOUT POWs
‼️ Russian soldiers are being taken prisoner en masse in Ukraine and crying. Big slicing.Російські солдати масово здаються у полон в Україні та плачуть.https://t.co/vjPAUFkOgtРосійські військові, ми забезпечимо вам безпеку і ви повернитесь до дружин та матерів. Складіть зброю pic.twitter.com/Svqopy6DFo
— НГУ (@ng_ukraine) February 28, 2022
The official Twitter account of the National Guard of Ukraine tweeted a picture of some captured Russian soldiers, saying that if the invading forces lay down their weapons, then they will be allowed to return safely to their homes.
'HOW TO ATTACK A TANK WITH PETROL BOMBS'
Вразливі місця ворожої техніки. Бий окупанта! Разом переможемо!https://t.co/L4e2u1BMGx pic.twitter.com/g64CdCvgZI
— Генеральний штаб ЗСУ (@GeneralStaffUA) February 28, 2022
The Ukrainian Armed Forces tweeted a guide to how to attack an enemy tank using petrol bombs or Molotov cocktails by pointing out vulnerabilities in the vehicle. Several Ukrainian citizens are preparing hundreds of Molotov cocktails to prevent the Russian forces from advancing further.
'RUSSIAN FORCES' ADVANCE SLOWED'
Latest Defence Intelligence update on Ukraine pic.twitter.com/6WoxBkatNt
— Ministry of Defence ?? (@DefenceHQ) February 28, 2022
The UK Defence Ministry in its updates on the Ukraine situation stated that Putin's forces remained 30 km away from capital city Kyiv and that their advance has been slowed down by the Ukrainian forces.
UKRAINIAN DELEGATION ARRIVES FOR TALKS
The Ukrainian delegation arrived at the Belarus border for talks with Russia. The delegation includes Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov and presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak among others. The key demands for Kyiv is for immediate ceasefire and withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.
'VENUE FOR TALKS READY'
Good morning. Belarus state media Belta reporting that a room has been prepared for Russia-Ukraine talks pic.twitter.com/hSKLoihr3M
— Polina Ivanova (@polinaivanovva) February 28, 2022
The venue for talks between Russian and Ukrainian representatives is ready, a Belarusian state-run news agency Belta reported. Anatoly Glaz, a spokesperson from the Belarus Foreign Ministry was quoted saying that the talks will begin as soon as delegations from both sides arrive.
BOXER KLITSCHKO BROTHERS TO FIGHT RUSSIAN FORCES
#StayWithUkraine #Ukraine #StayTogether #StandTogether #Demo4Democracy #United #StopRussia #StopTheWar pic.twitter.com/lF7ylif1Nz
— Klitschko (@Klitschko) February 26, 2022
Hall of Fame Ukrainian boxer Vitali Klitschko and his brother former heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko are returning to their homeland to join the fight against Russian forces.
UKRAINIAN MP TAKES TO KALASHNIKOV
I learn to use #Kalashnikov and prepare to bear arms. It sounds surreal as just a few days ago it would never come to my mind. Our #women will protect our soil the same way as our #men. Go #Ukraine! ?? pic.twitter.com/UbF4JRGlcy
— Kira Rudik (@kiraincongress) February 25, 2022
While ordinary Ukrainians are joining the fight to defend their land against Russian forces, Ukrainian Member of Parliament Kira Rudik also said she's picking up arms in defence. She took to Twitter to announced that she's learning to use the Kalashnikov, to protect Ukrainian soil the same way as the men.
EX-MISS UKRAINE PICKS UP ARMS
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Miss Ukraine??Anastasiia Lenna (@anastasiia.lenna)
The former Miss Ukraine Anastasiia Lenna announced that she is picking up arms to fight the invading Russian forces.
GOOGLE MAPS TEMPORARILY DISABLED
Google temporarily disabled live traffic data on its Maps in Ukraine on Sunday citing the safety of local communities. Meanwhile, a Reddit user asked why Google Maps doesn’t label all territories held by Russia as Russian. Comments on the post clarified that Google Maps doesn’t label each small territory in various places and even gave an example of how not all Indonesian islands are marked ‘Indonesia’.
CANADA SENDING MILITARY AID TO UKRAINE
To transport these supplies to Ukraine, and to address other NATO needs, @CanadianForces will provide airlift support. As we continue to respond to President Putin’s brazen disregard for international law and human rights, we’ll be there for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 27, 2022
Canada announced that it will be shipping non-lethal military aid to Ukraine to help the forces defend against the Russian invasion. Canada will be sending equipment such as helmets, bulletproof vests, gas masks and night vision equipment among other things to its ally. However, Ottawa ruled out sending Canadian troops to Ukraine to fight alongside the Ukrainian forces.
INDIAN UNION MINISTERS TO AID EVACUATIONS
Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Kiren Rijiju and Gen (Retd) VK Singh will be going to neighboring countries of Ukraine as Special Envoys of India.#RussiaUkraineCrisis
— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2022
While some Indian nationals were evacuated from Ukraine through neighbouring countries, several more remain stranded in the war-torn country. Reports have also emerged of Indian nationals being harassed by Ukrainian forces reportedly due to India’s stance on the issue at the UNSC. Now, the Indian government is sending Union Ministers Hardeep Singh Puri, Jyotiraditya Scindia, Kiren Rijiju and Gen (Retd) VK Singh to Ukraine’s neighbouring countries as Special Envoys of India to facilitate the evacuation.
UKRAINIANS FIGHT BACK
VIDEO: Ukrainians block path of Russian tanks.On the outskirts of Koryukivka people are blocking the movement of Russian soldiers. Reports suggest Russian soldiers stopped to ask for directions and were surrounded by locals to prevent them from moving towards Kyiv pic.twitter.com/sWViXmARMi
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) February 28, 2022
Several viral videos showed civilian Ukrainians taking to the streets to fight the Russian forces. A group of people was also seen blocking the movement of Russian tanks on the outskirts of Koryukivka, a town in Ukraine. Ukrainians have also blown up roads, bridges and removed street signs to prevent Russian forces from proceeding towards capital Kyiv.
WORLD’S LARGEST AIRCRAFT DESTROYED
This was the world’s largest aircraft, AN-225 ‘Mriya’ (‘Dream’ in Ukrainian). Russia may have destroyed our ‘Mriya’. But they will never be able to destroy our dream of a strong, free and democratic European state. We shall prevail! pic.twitter.com/TdnBFlj3N8
— Dmytro Kuleba (@DmytroKuleba) February 27, 2022
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba revealed that the world’s largest aircraft AN-225 ‘Mriya’ (meaning ‘Dream’ in Ukrainian), was destroyed by the Russian forces during the fighting.
STRIKING PHOTOS AND VIDEOS FROM THE WAR
Here is a compilation of the latest striking photos and videos from the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
1. Anti-war protests in Russia
VIDEO Police detain protesters at a rally against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in St Petersburg pic.twitter.com/3oMMOUu7TU
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) February 27, 2022
2. Russian military equipment set on fire
Коктейлі від сусіднього столика???Українські бармени працюють? pic.twitter.com/d61LnxbYTv
— НГУ (@ng_ukraine) February 26, 2022
3. Historic building in Ukraine bombed
? In Chernihiv, 16 people were injured by enemy rockets in the city center. Damaged houses, pediatric dentistry. Youth Center large Shchorsa cinema are destroyed. #StopRussia #StopRussianAggression #RussiaInvadedUkraine pic.twitter.com/B5ONjkGw48
— Stratcom Centre UA (@StratcomCentre) February 27, 2022
4. Wounded Governor records ordeal
Deputy Mayor of Nova Kakhovka Volodymyr Arnauta was wounded in close combat. He recorded a farewell video, because he thought he would die. Doctors successfully performed the operation and saved the soldier.Glory to the brave fighter!#StopRussia #StopRussianAggression pic.twitter.com/BnoH3bZmSM
— Stratcom Centre UA (@StratcomCentre) February 27, 2022
5. Rocket attack reportedly launched from Belarus
Ukrainian State Service of Special Communication confirms that a rocket attack at the airport in Zhytomyr was launched from the territory of Belarus in the evening of February 27. The rocket was likely launched by Iskander ballistic missile system.#StopRussianAggression pic.twitter.com/uDurlkPRTH
— Emine Dzheppar (@EmineDzheppar) February 27, 2022
6. Russian forces have hit several civilian properties
??claims that does not fire on civilian objects. See how a "peacekeeping"missile hits an apartment building in Kyiv. The cynical lies of the puppet media are trying to disguise the crimes of Russia's top leadership against??. ??troops attack??civilian?for the 4th consecutive day pic.twitter.com/xxO55FCtkd
— Emine Dzheppar (@EmineDzheppar) February 27, 2022
7. Current situation in Ukraine - a compilation
#RussiaInvadedUkraine #StopRussianAggressionThis is how Ukraine looks like now pic.twitter.com/mt7HyjLGcg
— MFA of Ukraine ?? (@MFA_Ukraine) February 27, 2022
8. Ukrainian wears Guy Fawkes anonymous mask while patrolling the streets of Kyiv
#Ukraine A member of Ukrainian forces, wearing Guy Fawkes mask (Anonymous mask), patrols downtown Kyiv.? @ArisMessinis #AFP pic.twitter.com/hVt49wKYPJ
— AFP Photo (@AFPphoto) February 27, 2022
9. Ukrainian farmer steals Russian tank
Викрали коня вороного!)Техніка РФ… ?♂️ pic.twitter.com/ciWXOiJ6Cm
— НГУ (@ng_ukraine) February 27, 2022
10. A Slovakian soldier helped a Ukrainian refugee carry her bags
#Slovakia A Slovak soldier helps a Ukrainian woman to carry her luggage after after she crossed the border in Vysne Nemecke, eastern Slovakia.? Peter Lazar #AFP pic.twitter.com/XySZt74fFv
— AFP Photo (@AFPphoto) February 27, 2022
11. Bar owners in the US pour Russian Vodka down the drain
DRINK TO THAT: The business also created a unique fundraiser to help out Ukrainians. https://t.co/A2QpLMeNYD pic.twitter.com/ZC8iWTqyHh
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 28, 2022
12. Ukrainians are preparing Molotov cocktails to defend themselves from Russian forces
Ukrainians in Odessa have prepared enough molotov cocktails to take out the entire Russian army...#Ukraine #RussianArmy #russia #UkraineWarpic.twitter.com/UQ772kpZmu
— TGK (@Ghost_of_Kiev) February 28, 2022
13. Destroyed building in Ukraine
#UPDATE Ukraine says Russian troops have slowed down "the pace of the offensive" as Moscow's assault enters fifth day."The Russian occupiers have reduced the pace of the offensive, but are still trying to develop success in some areas"? A destroyed building in Okhtyrka pic.twitter.com/ZE7EnJ0KnT
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) February 28, 2022
14. Man tried to stop a tank by lying down underneath it
In the video, a man wants to stop a Russian tank and rushes under it. The tank stopped and the man was taken away by locals.This is a real People’s War. pic.twitter.com/5qxLaYZzoU
— MFA of Ukraine ?? (@MFA_Ukraine) February 28, 2022
15. Ukraine Defence Ministry shows the ugly side of the war
Ви знаєте, що робити!??????❗️Максимальний репост ❗️ pic.twitter.com/Qp48m4L73F
— Defence of Ukraine (@DefenceU) February 28, 2022
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.