NEW DELHI: With tensions escalating between Russia and Ukraine, India on Thursday recalled an Air India flight en route to Kyiv from Delhi, to evacuate its citizens from crisis-hit Ukraine.
The flight had left the Delhi airport at around 7:50 am this morning, but was turned back after Ukraine closed its airspace following Russian President’s ordering of more troops into eastern Ukraine.
Earlier this morning, India evacuated 182 nationals, including several students, on a special flight from Ukraine to Delhi
Here is a look at other top developments in the story so far:
Putin announces military operation in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in eastern Ukraine on Thursday. Shortly after the announcement, explosions were heard near Kyiv’s main airport, a Reuters witness said. Explosions also rocked the eastern Ukrainian city of Donetsk. Putin also said that clashes between Russian and Ukrainian forces were only a matter of time. The Russian President had ordered Russian forces to protect their people and demanded Ukrainian forces to lay down their arms.
Russian forces take control of 2 towns in Luhansk
Hours after Putin announced the launch of a major offensive, Russian ground forces crossed into Ukraine, capturing control over 2 towns in the Luhansk region.
Russian tanks and other heavy equipment crossed the frontier in several northern regions, as well as from the Kremlin-annexed peninsula of Crimea in the south, news agency AFP reported.
Ukraine has suffered heavy casualties in its eight-year conflict with Russian-backed rebels in the separatist east, but has reported no fatalities along its southern border with Crimea for some years.
Capital city Kyiv, Kharkiv hit by missile strikes
Shortly after Putin sent more Russian troops into Ukraine, there were reports of capital city Kyiv and another region Kharkiv being hit by missile strikes. Explosions were also heard in the city of Odesa. A Reuters new agency witness confirmed hearing the explosions after the military operation was authorised by the Russian President.
During the Russian shelling, 40 Ukrainian soldiers were killed, as many others were wounded.
Killed around 50 Russian occupiers: Ukraine
Government forces have killed around 50 Russian occupiers in a retaliatory attack on Russian military troops, while repulsing an attack on a town on the frontline with Moscow-backed rebels, Ukraine claimed.
Another Russian plane was also destroyed in the Kramatorsk district, an armed forces general staff said on Twitter.
Ukrainian President later announced that his country had broken all diplomatic ties with Russia.
European Union, UK, UN Canada condemn military attack
The European Union, United Kingdom and Canada stood in solidarity to condemn Russia’s ‘unprovoked’ attack on Ukraine.
“We strongly condemn Russia´s unjustified attack on Ukraine. In these dark hours, our thoughts are with Ukraine and the innocent women, men and children as they face this unprovoked attack and fear for their lives. We will hold the Kremlin accountable,” said Ursula von der Leyen, President of EU Commission.

UK PM Boris Johnson said that the UK and its allies will respond decisively, adding that the Russian President has chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction by launching the attack.

“In the name of humanity, do not allow to start in Europe what could be the worst war since the beginning of the century,” UN chief Guterres also said.
The Canadian PM further asked for withdrawal of forces from the region.
Biden announces ‘further consequences’ on Russia
US President Joe Biden said that the United States and its allies will respond in a united way to an ‘unprovoked and unjustified
‘ attack by Russian military forces, as it threatened ‘further consequences’ on Russia. ” Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering,” Biden said in a statement issued late on Wednesday.
Indian embassy in Kyiv issues advisory
The Indian embassy in capital city of Kyiv is making alternative arrangements for carrying out evacuation of Indian nationals.
Authorities have also asked the citizens to follow the Embassy website and social media, including, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram posts for updates on this regard.
The advisory further added that the present situation was highly uncertain, and asked everyone to maintain calm and be safe.
‘Closely monitoring situation in Ukraine’
According to government sources, the rapidly changing situation in Ukraine is being closely monitored by the Indian government. The focus is on safety and security of Indians, particularly students. The control room of the External affairs ministry is also being expanded to operate on a 24-7 basis.
In view of the prevailing situation in Ukraine, a Control Room has been set up at MEA India’s office to provide information & assistance. Meanwhile, high-level meetings on Ukraine were also held at the office of the foreign ministry.
Kerala CM writes to Jaishankar
As Ukraine remains on the edge, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to external affairs minister to ensure safe return of 2,320 students belonging to Kerala from Ukraine. In the letter, he demanded immediate intervention by Indian authorities and arrangement of special flights to bring the students at the earliest.
India facilitating return of citizens: Tirumurti
Earlier today, India’s Permanent Representative to UN, TS Tirumurti has said that the return of over 20,000 Indian students from Ukraine is also being facilitated. Speaking at the second meeting of the United Nations Security Council in three days, Tirumurti once again called for urgent de-escalation of tensions and emphasised on sustained and focused diplomacy to address all issues concerning the situation.
“However, we note with regret, that the calls of the international community to give time to the recent initiatives undertaken by parties to diffuse tensions were not heeded to. The situation is in danger of spiraling into a major crisis,” he added.
On Tuesday night, an Air India Dreamliner had evacuated 242 Indians out of Ukraine
Rouble plunges to record law after Russia invades Ukraine
The rouble tumbled to an all-time low against the dollar and euro on Thursday in highly volatile trading after President Vladimir Putin ordered Russian forces to invade Ukraine. The move is expected to trigger new sanctions against Moscow. The rouble was 8% weaker against the dollar at 87.55, earlier hitting a record low of 89.60. It had lost 6.3% to trade at 97.51 versus the euro, earlier hitting 99.99.
(With inputs from agencies)
Watch Explosions rock Ukraine’s capital Kyiv as Putin announces military operation