News Analysis India

Tag: Ukraine

  • Cher offers home to Ukrainian refugees

    By IANS

    LOS ANGELES: Singer Cher has called on people in her “position” to “step up to the plate” and give those fleeing their homes in Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion a safe place to stay.She tweeted: “I Would Like to Sponsor Ukrainian Families in My Home. They Would Be Safe Cared For. Many people in my position need to step up to the plate. If I was alone or with my children, we were traumatized, I would hope someone like me to take care of us.” The 75-year-old music legend has been left overwhelmed by the conflict, reports femalefirst.co.uk.Seemingly referring to the war in Ukraine, the ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’ star wrote recently: “I’ve been alive since the year dot, and these years are the worst I’ve ever seen a add family to that and it’s a recipe for disaster cake.” She has been using her platform to rally support for the people of Ukraine.Cher urged: “We must find more tangible ways to help Ukrainian people! What does the word ‘support’ actually mean to the world?”

    I Would Like to SponsorUkrainian Families in My Home.They Would Be Safe & Cared For.MANY PEOPLE IN MY POSITION NEED TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE.IF I WAS ALONE OR WITH MY CHILDREN,& WE WERE TRAUMATIZED,I WOULDHOPE SOMEONE LIKE METO TAKE CARE OF US.
    — Cher (@cher) March 18, 2022
    The singer left fans concerned last week when she revealed the reason she had been quiet on social media for almost a week was that she’d been having “personal problems”. She tweeted: “Sorry I’ve Been MIA. Been having personal problems.”Responding to a follower who asked if she is OK, Cher replied: “We all (cry emoji), but sometimes, we (cry emoji) a different kind of tears. Tears that hurt. We become overwhelmed, reach a limit.Then are forced to push that limit.” A little later, the ‘If I Could Turn Back Time’ hitmaker reassured fans that she was feeling “better” and that she needed to “regroup and reboot”.She added: “I’m better today. Sometimes I reach what I think is my limit, then realise, I’ve got ‘miles’ more limit in me. Sometimes I get on what I ‘think’ is my last nerve, then find lots more ‘last nerves’ to get on. Sometimes I need to regroup, reboot, give ‘me’ a time out, then say f*** this. I won’t stop.” 

  • Singer Cher offers home to Ukrainian refugees

    By IANS

    LOS ANGELES: Singer Cher has called on people in her “position” to “step up to the plate” and give those fleeing their homes in Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion a safe place to stay.She tweeted: “I Would Like to Sponsor Ukrainian Families in My Home. They Would Be Safe Cared For. Many people in my position need to step up to the plate. If I was alone or with my children, we were traumatized, I would hope someone like me to take care of us.” The 75-year-old music legend has been left overwhelmed by the conflict, reports femalefirst.co.uk.Seemingly referring to the war in Ukraine, the ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’ star wrote recently: “I’ve been alive since the year dot, and these years are the worst I’ve ever seen a add family to that and it’s a recipe for disaster cake.” She has been using her platform to rally support for the people of Ukraine.Cher urged: “We must find more tangible ways to help Ukrainian people! What does the word ‘support’ actually mean to the world?”

    I Would Like to SponsorUkrainian Families in My Home.They Would Be Safe & Cared For.MANY PEOPLE IN MY POSITION NEED TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE.IF I WAS ALONE OR WITH MY CHILDREN,& WE WERE TRAUMATIZED,I WOULDHOPE SOMEONE LIKE METO TAKE CARE OF US.
    — Cher (@cher) March 18, 2022
    The singer left fans concerned last week when she revealed the reason she had been quiet on social media for almost a week was that she’d been having “personal problems”. She tweeted: “Sorry I’ve Been MIA. Been having personal problems.”Responding to a follower who asked if she is OK, Cher replied: “We all (cry emoji), but sometimes, we (cry emoji) a different kind of tears. Tears that hurt. We become overwhelmed, reach a limit.Then are forced to push that limit.” A little later, the ‘If I Could Turn Back Time’ hitmaker reassured fans that she was feeling “better” and that she needed to “regroup and reboot”.She added: “I’m better today. Sometimes I reach what I think is my limit, then realise, I’ve got ‘miles’ more limit in me. Sometimes I get on what I ‘think’ is my last nerve, then find lots more ‘last nerves’ to get on. Sometimes I need to regroup, reboot, give ‘me’ a time out, then say f*** this. I won’t stop.” 

  • Russian attack on Ukraine has shaken roots of international order, says Kishida with PM Modi

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday described the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a “very serious” matter, saying it has “shaken” the roots of international order.

    The visiting leader made the comments in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a joint media briefing after the 14th India-Japan summit here.

    A joint statement said that Modi and Kishida, in their talks, called for an immediate cessation of violence in Ukraine, pitched for resolution of the conflict through dialogue besides underscoring the importance of safety and security of nuclear facilities in that country.

    It said the two leaders expressed serious concern over the conflict and assessed its broader implications, particularly to the Indo-Pacific region, as well as the unfolding humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

    “We discussed the situation in Ukraine. The Russian attack on Ukraine is a very serious matter that has shaken the roots of the international system. We need to approach the matter with a strong resolve,” Kishida said at the media briefing.

    “I told Modi that one-sided efforts to change status quo by force can’t be allowed in any sector. We both agreed on the need for a peaceful solution to all conflicts on the basis of international law,” he added.

    The joint statement said Modi and Kishida reiterated their call for an “immediate cessation of violence and noted that there was no other choice but the path of dialogue and diplomacy for resolution of the conflict.

    ” While Japan has been severely critical of Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, India has been pitching for resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.

    “The prime ministers expressed their serious concern about the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and assessed its broader implications, particularly to the Indo-Pacific region,” the joint statement issued after the talks said.

    “They emphasised that the contemporary global order has been built on the UN Charter, international law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of states,” it said.

    It said the leaders underscored the importance of the safety and security of nuclear facilities in Ukraine and acknowledged active efforts of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) towards it.

    “The leaders affirmed that they would undertake appropriate steps to address the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine,” it added.

    Modi and Kishida highlighted their commitment to working in tandem towards a peaceful, stable and prosperous world, based on a rules-based order that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.

    They also emphasised the need for all countries to seek peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law without resorting to threat or use of force or any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo.

    “In this regard, they reaffirmed their common vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific, free from coercion,” the joint statement said.

    “They shared the view that the economies of both countries in such a world would be powered by robust bilateral investment and trade flows through diversified, resilient, transparent, open, secure and predictable global supply chains that provide for economic security and prosperity of their peoples,” it said.

    Reaffirming that the two countries would continue to work together to realise the shared objectives, they resolved to further advance the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership.

    The leaders emphasised that India and Japan, as two leading powers in the Indo-Pacific region, had a shared interest in the safety and security of the maritime domain, freedom of navigation and overflight, unimpeded lawful commerce and peaceful resolution of disputes with full respect.

    “They reaffirmed their determination to continue prioritising the role of international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and facilitate collaboration, including in maritime security, to meet challenges against the rules-based maritime order in the East and South China Seas,” the statement said.

    They emphasised the importance of non-militarisation and self-restraint.

    “They further called for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and the early conclusion of a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the South China Sea in accordance with international law, especially UNCLOS, without prejudice to the rights and interests of all nations including those not party to these negotiations,” it said.

  • Meghan Markle, Prince Harry donate to charities in Ukraine

    By ANI

    WASHINGTON: Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are continuing to do their bit for the people of Ukraine. The couple has made donations to charities to support Ukrainians as they paid tribute to Invictus Games athlete Serhii Karaivan, who died while fighting against Russian forces.

    As per Fox News, the couple’s Archewell Foundation announced on Friday that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have donated to several organisations working on the ground to support the Ukrainian people.

    These organisations include HIAS (Helping Ukrainian Families Settle), World Central Kitchen, the World Health Organization, and The HALO Trust. Notably, The HALO Trust is an organisation Harry’s late mother Princess Diana supported.

    Meghan and Harry’s foundation also paid tribute to Invictus Games athlete Serhii Karaivan, who died on March 13 while fighting against Russian forces. Harry, who served in the army for more than 10 years, started the Invictus Games in 2014.

    “Finally, our hearts are heavy as we acknowledge the recent loss of a member of our veteran community in Ukraine, who was defending his country from attack,” the foundation said in its statement.

    ALSO READ | Top Russian ballerina Olga Smirnova quits Bolshoi ballet over Ukraine war

    Meghan and Harry first condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine on February 25 through a statement posted on the Archewell website that read, “WE STAND WITH THE PEOPLE OF UKRAINE.”

    “Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and all of us at Archewell stand with the people of Ukraine against this breach of international and humanitarian law and encourage the global community and its leaders to do the same,” the statement said.

    On February 24, Russia began a military operation in Ukraine, responding to calls for help from the breakaway republics of Donetsk and Luhansk in countering the aggression of Ukrainian troops. The Russian Defense Ministry said the special operation is targeting Ukrainian military infrastructure only.

    According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, almost 600 civilians have been killed and more than 1,000 injured in Ukraine since the start of the conflict. 

  • We continue to function: India’s Ukraine mission 

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Indian embassy in Ukraine, which is temporarily operating from Warsaw, on Friday advised Indians still stuck in the war-torn country to contact it for any assistance.

    India relocated its embassy in Ukraine to Poland a few days back in view of the rapidly deteriorating security situation in Ukraine.

    At present, the embassy is operating from Warsaw, the capital of Poland. In a fresh advisory, the embassy said it continues to function and can be contacted through email [email protected], and 24X7 helpline for any assistance.

    “The Embassy of India continues to function and can be contacted through email [email protected] and the following 24X7 helpline numbers on WhatsApp for assistance: +380933559958, +919205290802, +917428022564,” the embassy said.

    External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at a media briefing on Thursday that there are 15 to 20 Indians who want to leave Ukraine now and that Indian authorities are extending help to them.

    “Our assessment is that there are 15 to 20 people who want to leave now, there are other people who do not want to leave now and we are extending help to them as much as possible,” he said.

    “There is a war going on now, but we will continue to do as much as we can to find a way to evacuate them,” he added.

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar this week told Parliament that the government has ensured the safe return of 22,500 Indians from Ukraine.

  • Always exploring all possibilities in global energy markets: India

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: India on Thursday did not rule out buying discounted crude oil from Russia, saying it looks at all options at all points of time as a major importer of oil.

    At a media briefing here, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi did not give a direct reply to a question on whether India was considering taking up the Russian offer of cheap crude oil.

    “India does import most of its oil requirements, it’s met by imports. So we are always exploring all possibilities in global energy markets because of this situation that we face of importing our oil requirements,” he said.

    Bagchi said Russia has not been a major supplier of crude oil for India.

    “Let me just highlight that a number of countries are doing so, especially in Europe, and for the moment, I will leave it at that. We are a major oil importer and we are looking at all options at all points, we need the energy,” he said.

    Asked whether the purchase can be made under the Rupee-Rouble arrangement, Bagchi said he was not aware of the exact details on the offers.

    He said doing business in currencies Rupee and Rouble were in existence in past and that he was not aware of the current status of the arrangement.

    To another question on the impact of western sanctions against Moscow on the India-Russia trade, Bagchi said New Delhi will wait for it.

    “We will await details of any unilateral sanctions to examine their impact on our economic exchanges with Russia,” he said.

    Asked about India’s position on the Russian aggression against Ukraine, Bagchi said India has been in touch with all sides, including at the highest level.

    “We have been talking about the need for dialogue and diplomacy, not hostilities, clearly,” he added.

    When his comments were sought on reports that negotiations on resolving the crisis were focussed on Ukraine’s “neutrality”, the MEA spokesperson evaded a direct reply.

    “Our basic message has been the need for diplomacy and dialogue, that is the way forward. The exact contours of what kind of an understanding that can be reached, I would leave it to the protagonists involved, rather than comment on our views of what could be and what is on the table, which we are not even aware of,” he said.

  • 15-20 Indians want to leave Ukraine, being provided all help: MEA

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: There are 15-20 Indians in war-hit Ukraine who want to leave and are being provided all help, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday, asserting that “Operation Ganga” is still on.

    At a media briefing here, MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said it is a war situation but “we will keep doing what we can to evacuate those who want to come”.

    “Till about three days ago, there were about 50 Indians who were there. Our assessment is that there are 15-20 people who want to leave that country, the others who are there do not want to leave right now. We are providing as much help as possible to them,” Bagchi said.

    Noting that over 22,500 Indians have been brought back from the east European country, he said there are people in isolated pockets and “this is an evolving situation”. “We are in contact with all the Indians who are there,” he added. The Indian embassy is providing as much help as possible to them, Bagchi said.

    Asked about the three Indians stranded in Ukraine’s southern region of Kherson, he said the focus is to evacuate them and any route could be taken. “Many people have said ‘Operation Ganga’ has come to an end. It is not so. Those who want to be evacuated, we are helping them through our embassy operating from Warsaw (in Poland),” the MEA spokesperson said.

  • Indian Oil Corporation buys Russian crude at deep discount

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the nation’s top oil firm, has bought as much as 3 million barrels of crude oil that Russia had offered at steep discount to prevailing international rates, sources said.

    The purchase, made through a trader, is the first since Russia’s February 24 invasion of Ukraine that brought international pressure for isolating Putin administration.

    Sources aware of the matter said IOC bought Urals crude for May delivery at a discount of USD 20-25 a barrel to dated Brent.

    As the US and other western nations slapped sanctions on Moscow, Russia has begun offering oil and other commodities at discounted prices to India and other large importers.

    IOC made the purchase on modified terms that require the seller to deliver it to the Indian coast so as to avoid any complications that sanctions may lead to in arranging shipping and insurance.

    Unlike the sanctions the US imposed on Iran over its controversial nuclear programme, oil and energy trade with Russia has not been banned. This means international payment systems are available to settle any purchase made from Russia, they said.

    This wasn’t the case with Iran, which was cut off from the international money and security transfer system, SWIFT. Also, companies or entities investing or buying oil from Iran were sanctioned.

    India, which imports 85 per cent of its oil needs, is looking to cut spiralling energy bill through purchases from anywhere it can get at cheaper rates.

    Oil Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on Monday told the Rajya Sabha that the country will evaluate the Russian offer to sell crude oil at discounted prices after considering aspects such as insurance and freight required to move the fuel from the non-traditional supplier.

    “Let me again reiterate that in a situation like the one characterised by the pandemic in the last two years and in the last few weeks by a war or a military action taking place between Russia and Ukraine, the government will explore all options which are available,” he had said.

    The minister said he has had discussions with the Russian government officials. “Discussions are currently underway. There are several issues which are required to be gone into like how much oil is available either in Russia or in new markets or with new suppliers which may be coming in the market. Also, there are issues relating to insurance, freight and a host of other issues including the payment arrangements,” he had stated.

    New Delhi has historic diplomatic and defence ties with Moscow and has called for an end to the violence in Ukraine but stopped short of condemning the invasion.

    Many countries, including European nations, remain heavily dependent on fuel from Russia, the world’s second-largest crude oil exporter behind Saudi Arabia.

    India buys just 1.3 per cent of all its oil needs from Russia. Its decision to take up discounted Russian oil will not violate any of the US sanctions on Moscow, the White House has said.

    US President Joe Biden last week announced a ban on Russian oil and gas imports over the country’s invasion of Ukraine, targeting the main artery of Russia’s economy.

    “Our message to any country continues to be that abide by the sanctions that we have put in place and recommended,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference on Tuesday.

    Asked about a media report on the possibility that India could take up the Russian offer of discounted crude oil, Psaki said, “I don’t believe this would be violating that (sanctions).”

    GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, said given India’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Moscow’s offer of oil and other commodities at discounted prices will provide relief on the fiscal front.

    “India’s attempt to diversify its import sources will tend to reduce the financial burden on the government thereby reducing the risk of high import bill. Moreover, cheaper crude may bring down the current cost of production and help cool off inflationary pressures,” said Gargi Rao, Economic Research Analyst at GlobalData.

  • India to take Russia route to get back some students stuck in Ukraine: Jaishankar

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: Government has brought back 22,500 Indians and 147 foreign nationals from Ukraine and will use the Russia route for the evacuation of students who are still stuck in South Ukraine, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

    In a statement on the situation in the war-hit country, the minister said the students had delayed their return from Ukraine as some universities discouraged them and “confusing political signals” were given there before the fighting started.

    Jaishankar defended the government’s stand on the Ukraine-Russia conflict, noting that India has called for an immediate cessation of violence and reiterated at the highest levels to all parties that there is no other choice but the path of diplomacy and dialogue.

    The minister said 22,500 Indian citizens and 147 foreign nationals of 18 countries, including Nepal and Bangladesh, have been evacuated from Ukraine.

    “There are some odd people, not in thousands, they are in double digits. We are tracking them. We have issued repeated advisories saying anybody who is left behind, please tell us wherever you are. At this moment we have an operation to get out some students who are stuck in the South (Ukraine) through the Russia route,” Jaishankar said.

    India prepared in advance of the actual conflict situation and started issuing advisories asking people to leave Ukraine, Jaishankar said, rebutting the Opposition’s charge of delayed action by the government.

    According to the minister, 20,000 Indian nationals registered with the Indian embassy in Ukraine after it started a registration drive. The minister said that 4,000 students left Ukraine through direct and indirect flights.

    In view of the continued build-up of tension, the Indian Embassy issued an advisory on February 15, 2022 advising Indian nationals in Ukraine whose stay is not essential to leave the country temporarily. It also advised Indian nationals not to travel to Ukraine or to undertake non-essential within Ukraine, the minister said.

    Further advisories were also given on February 20 and 22 pressing students to leave Ukraine. “Despite our efforts, however, a large majority of students elected to continue staying in Ukraine. We must understand the predicament in this regard. There was a natural reluctance to leave the educational institutions and affect the studies. Some universities actively discouraged and showed reluctance to offer online courses. Many of them received conflicting advice regarding safety,” Jaishankar said.

    He said that in the period leading to February 24, the political signals were confusing as well. “Public urgings not to be taken by alarmism and reports of force withdrawal created a confusing picture. The net result was that about 18,000 Indian nationals were caught in the midst of conflict when it started,” Jaishankar said.

    The minister said that students did what they thought is right under the circumstance. “The Sumy evacuation, which was the last one on a significant scale, was also extremely complex as our students faced the prospect of being caught in the crossfire. Their evacuation from the city needed a credible ceasefire, a daunting challenge in the current situation. This finally materialised due to the personal intervention of the Prime Minister himself with the Presidents of Ukraine and Russia,” the minister said.

    He said final year medical student of Kharkiv Medical University Naveen Shekarappa Gyanagaudar lost his life in the conflict zone and the government will bring back his mortal remains.

    The minister said that the conflict between Ukraine and Russia has major economic implications and these can be seen in the rising prices of energy and commodities.

    “The Ukraine conflict has major economic implications. Its impact on energy and commodity prices is already visible. The disruption of the global supply chain is expected to be significant. India has substantial dealings with both Russia and Ukraine,” Jaishankar said.

    He said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Presidents of Russia and Ukraine on multiple occasions and took up the issue of safe evacuation of Indian nationals, especially from Kharkiv and Sumy.

    “The prime minister also spoke to the prime ministers of Romania, Slovak Republic and Hungary and the president of Poland to seek their support for facilitation of entry of Indian nationals to their countries. I most sincerely thank these partner nations for opening their doors and helping our citizens in our hour of need,” Jaishankar said.

    The minister said India has expressed deep concern about the worsening situation and called for an immediate cessation of violence and an end to all hostilities.

    “Our statements at the Security Council and the General Assembly have urged an urgent ceasefire and ensuring safe passage for stranded civilians. We have reiterated at the highest levels of our leadership to all parties concerned that there is no other choice but the path of diplomacy and dialogue. We have emphasised to all member States of the UN that the global order is anchored on international law, UN Charter and respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of states,” the minister said.

  • Benedict Cumberbatch voices his support for Ukraine

    By IANS

    LOS ANGELES: Hollywood star Benedict Cumberbatch says it’s impossible to ignore the war in Ukraine.

    Speaking before the BAFTA event at the Royal Albert Hall in London, he shared: “We have brothers and sisters who are suffering. It is a really shocking time to be a European, two-and-a-half hours’ flight away from Ukraine. It’s something that hangs over us.”

    Cumberbatch is keen to do everything he can to support the people of Ukraine, following the Russian invasion of the country, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

    The actor said he would even like to be part of a programme to take in Ukrainian refugees.

    He told Sky News: “Everyone needs to do as much as they can. I think already today the news has broken that there’s been a record number of people volunteering to take people into their homes, and I hope to be part of that myself.”

    Stephen Graham has also voiced his support for the people of Ukraine.

    The 48-year-old actor insisted the war in eastern Europe cannot be ignored.

    Speaking on the red carpet, he said: “It’s lovely to be here with my family but at the same time it’s important for me to acknowledge in public what is happening over there.”

    Meanwhile, Sir Kenneth Branagh has spoken out about the war, saying he hopes it ends “very soon”.

    The acclaimed filmmaker can see tragic parallels with the conflict in Ukraine and his BAFTA-nominated movie ‘Belfast’, which is set amid The Troubles in Northern Ireland.

    He reflected: “The situations are utterly different but the human costs are the same. It is painful and tragic to see – I hope it ends very soon.”