Russia Ukraine Crisis February 24 Highlights: PM Modi speaks to Russian President Putin, appeals for immediate cessation of violence

Russia-Ukraine Crisis News Highlights: At 5 am today, Ukraine’s capital city Kyiv woke up to loud sounds of air raid sirens. On February 24, 2022, the day that was supposed to be the ‘in-principle’ summit between Joe Biden and Vladimir Putin to diffuse tension in Europe, Russia launched what it called the ‘special military operations’ across Ukraine border. Coordinated attacks were launched and major Ukrainian cities such as Kharkov, Odessa and Kyiv were targeted. Plumes of smoke were seen in various video clips doing the rounds on the social media. While Moscow claims that it has destroyed the Ukraine’s airbases, the Kyiv authorities claim that it has downed 5 fighter jets belonging to Russia.

PHOTO GALLERY: Living in fear of Russia-Ukraine War

In a televised address, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the special operation to be conducted in East Ukraine. As per an AP report, Putin said the move comes in response to threats coming from Ukraine and that the responsibility for bloodshed lies with the Ukrainian regime. He warned any foreign attempt to interfere with Russian action would lead to “consequences they have never seen.” Putin accused the US and its allies of ignoring Russia’s demand to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO and offer Moscow security guarantees, as per AP.

On the other hand, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged Putin to “give peace a chance.” Guterres said that there were indications of imminent action against Ukraine, reported AP. The 15-nation UN Security Council held the emergency meeting on Ukraine late Wednesday night, the second meeting this week and the fourth since January 31 as tension between Russia and Ukraine escalated. India, along with countries, called for an immediate de-escalation of conflict between Russia and Ukraine and cautioned that the situation is in danger of spiraling into a major crisis.

A statement released by Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti said, ” We call for immediate de-escalation and refraining from any further action that could contribute to a worsening of the situation. We call on all parties to exert greater efforts to bridge divergent interests. I would like to underline that the legitimate security interests of all parties should be fully taken into account.” The statement further added, ” I underline once again that more than twenty thousand Indian nationals, including students, are located in different parts of Ukraine, including in its border areas. We are facilitating the return of all Indian nationals, including Indian students, as required.” The most dramatic visual was while the US was addressing UNGA, the news of Putin’s attack was conveyed to the member states. There was a silence for the moment.

“We are closely monitoring the rapidly changing situation. Focus is on safety and security of Indian, particularly students. MEA control room is being expanded and made operational on 24X7 basis,” sources said.

The sources further said that the MEA is chairing high-level meetings and contingency plans are being put into operation. Given the airspace closure, alternate evacuation routes are also being activated. “Additional Russian speaking officials have been sent to our Embassy in Ukraine and are being deployed in countries neighbouring Ukraine. Our Embassy in Ukraine is functional and its advisories should be followed carefully,” the sources added.

EXPERT VIEW

According to Defence Analyst Col Rajinder Singh (retd), “Russian action in Ukraine and US / West inaction there reminds me of the second world war —- when Neville Chamberlain tried to appease Hitler . President Vladimr Putin and UK Prime Minister Borris Johnson/ US President Joe Biden are re- enacting the same script.

Russian action in Ukraine was expected for some time . Putin had amassed 1.5 lakh troops on the Ukraine border for three months . The USA and West did nothing to counter it , other than merely mouthing empty threats .

As far as Russia is concerned , they are meaningless . Russia is a P-5 member of UNSC and it is fully supported by other P-5 members . China . Therefore UN Resolutions would not have any impact . I am of the view that by the time UNGA passes any effective resolution, Russia would have captured sufficient territory of UKRAINE for tough negotiations with Ukraine . In other words , Donbass and Luhansk regions would become Russian surrogates. This is what will happen .

My fears are that Russian action would not only prove the impotence of the West / USA and UNO but also set the precedent for China to go for Taiwan in near future .”

Also Read: India calls for immediate de-escalation, refraining from further action that worsens Russia-Ukraine crisis

Meanwhile, the President of the United States, Joe Biden, on Wednesday imposed sanctions on the company in charge of building Russia’s Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. “I’ve directed my admin to impose sanctions on Nord Stream 2 AG and its corporate officers,” Biden said in a statement, reported ANI. “These steps are another piece of our initial tranche of sanctions in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. As I have made clear, we will not hesitate to take further steps if Russia continues to escalate.,” US President Joe Biden further added in the statement.

As the threat of Russian invasion grew, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered an emotional address to the nation late on Wednesday. “The people of Ukraine and the government of Ukraine want peace,” Zelensky said, reported AP. “But if we come under attack, if we face an attempt to take away our country, our freedom, our lives and lives of our children, we will defend ourselves. When you attack us, you will see our faces, not our backs,” he further added. Zelenskyy said he tried to call Vladimir Putin on Wednesday, but the Kremlin did not respond.

Here are latest updates on Russia-Ukraine conflict: