Dozens of civilians killed in Ukraine city – report
THE biggest crisis in Europe since World War II seemingly took a turn for the worse on Monday.
According to a Reuters report, ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine failed to reach a breakthrough.
At the time of going to print, negotiators had not said when a new round of talks would take place.
On Tuesday, Reuters reported: “Russia faced increasing isolation over its invasion of Ukraine, with fierce resistance on the ground denying President Vladimir Putin decisive early gains despite heavy shelling and a huge military convoy outside the capital, Kyiv.
“Ukrainian officials reported a Russian bombardment of Kharkiv, the country's second-largest city, had killed dozens of civilians. It was not possible to independently verify the casualty figures.”
The bbc.com reported that away from the battlefields, economic and diplomatic moves have continued.
“President Vladimir Putin has banned Russians from moving money abroad as he tries to halt a plunge in the value of the rouble (currency) following the imposition of sanctions.
“And a rare emergency session of the United Nations General Assembly has heard a demand from the secretary-general for an immediate halt to hostilities.”
Prayers, aid
Globally, religious leaders and communities have rallied and called for peace and prayers.
According to Reuters, the Vatican said it was ready to facilitate dialogue between Russia and Ukraine to end the war, and called for an immediate stop to the military attack.
“Pope Francis on Sunday made an impassioned call for humanitarian corridors to help refugees leave Ukraine and said those who make war should not be deluded into thinking that God is on their side,” said the report.
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) leadership has been releasing regular updates on their website and social media platforms from their devotees in Ukraine.
At the time of publication, Niranjana Swami said in a statement: “… So far there have been no reports of harm which has come upon any of the devotees.
“In Kyiv, devotees have areas below ground level in the temple.
“The temple devotees along with some devotee families living nearby are chanting together, having kirtan together, and discussing Krsna katha, while missiles are flying overhead, and explosions and gunfire can be heard from a distance. But they seem to be happy.
“The Ukraine Regional Secretary, Acyuta Priya dasa, has been in regular communication with all temple leaders throughout Ukraine … His reports have confirmed that so far, devotees are in good spirits, although, understandably so, many of those living outside the temples are quite scared."
In a report on its website, ISKCON dismissed as misinformation reports on social media and in other media outlets, that 50-plus ISKCON temples and centres in Ukraine were providing food relief and shelter for the public.
In India, mosques in Lucknow held special prayer sessions on Friday for peace.
According to a report on Hindustantimes.com, Eidgah Imam, Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahali, said: “Ukraine is under attack. We strongly oppose the attack and pray for peace in that country and for the stranded people."
In Aligarh in the state of Uttar Pradesh, prayers were offered at an Agra mosque for stranded Indian students in Ukraine, according to a report on Indiatoday.in
Getting out
Reuters reported that the African Union said on Monday that it was disturbed by reports that African citizens in Ukraine are being refused the right to cross borders to safety as they try to flee the conflict.
In South Africa, the Department of International Relations and Co-operation has been posting regular updates on its Twitter feed.
On Tuesday it said: “The South African Embassies in neighbouring countries have been working around the clock to assist South African students stranded in Ukraine."
Clayson Monyela, the department spokesperson, also posted a video from two South African students who are now safely with their team in Warsaw (Poland).
They said on the video: “We’d like to thank everybody who has helped us. For anybody who is trying to get through, we know it hasn’t been easy … We thank you for your support … the ministers and the ambassadors who had a hand in helping us …”
In notices on social media, the South African embassy in Ukraine says it is working round-the-clock to get South Africans out.
“If you are a South African citizen currently in Ukraine and require consular support, please contact the SA Embassy in Kyiv, Ukraine or the 24-hour Operations Centre at the Department of International Relations and Co-operation."
According to a report on ANI, the Indian embassy in Ukraine on Tuesday advised its nationals to urgently leave the capital city, amid the deteriorating security situation.
The Indian government has launched Operation Ganga to take back stranded students and Indian citizens from Ukraine.
According to AFP, the UN said that more than half a million refugees from Ukraine had so far crossed into neighbouring countries.