In the Russia-Ukraine War, US says, India not violating sanctions, but the Russian oil deal could place New Delhi on ‘wrong side of history.
India is on the wrong side of history when countries across the world are united in support of the Ukrainian people
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its 20th day of a violent gory war taking away hundreds of civilian lives. The US comments on India taking up Russia’s offer of discounted crude oil stating that while it is not a violation of American sanctions, it could place India on the wrong side of history.
The White House has said. “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 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).” “But also think about where you want to stand when history books are written at this moment in time. Support for the Russian leadership is support for an invasion that obviously is having a devastating impact,” Psaki added.
Indian-American Congressman Dr Ami Bera expressed disappointment over reports that India is contemplating buying Russian oil at a steeply discounted rate. “If reports are accurate and India makes this decision to buy Russian oil at a discounted price, New Delhi would be choosing to side with Vladimir Putin at a pivotal moment in history when countries across the world are united in support of the Ukrainian people and against Russia’s deadly invasion,” he said. “As the world’s largest democracy and as a leader of the Quad, India has a responsibility to ensure its actions do not directly or indirectly support Putin and his invasion,” Bera said in a statement.
Decisions China makes regarding Russia will be watched closely: US
The decisions China makes regarding Russia are going to be watched by the world, the White House has said, amid reports that Beijing is attempting to help Moscow either militarily or economically in its war against Ukraine. “We are watching closely. The world is watching closely, and our national security adviser was clear. There will be consequences should they violate our sanctions,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Tuesday in response to a question. “The decisions that China makes are going to be watched by the world. But in terms of any potential impacts or consequences, we’ll leave those to private diplomatic channels at this point,” Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference.
Ukraine says Russia has softened its standpoint
A senior aide to Ukraine’s president reported that Russia has softened its stance in the talks over a possible settlement. Ihor Zhovkva, deputy chief of staff to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said Tuesday that the talks between Russian and Ukrainian representatives have become more constructive and Russia has changed tone and stopped airing demands for Ukraine to surrender – something Russia had insisted upon during earlier stages of talks. Three rounds of talks in Belarus earlier this month have been followed by video calls between Russian and Ukrainian negotiators, including the one on Tuesday. Zhovkva said that Ukrainian representatives feel moderately optimistic after the talks, adding that it would be necessary for Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet to make major progress.
Ukraine’s southern Kherson region was now under Russian control
Russia’s defence ministry spokesperson claimed that Ukraine’s southern Kherson region was now under Russian control, as per Russian news agencies. An adviser to the Ukrainian president said that the war was at a crossroads that it could either lead to an agreement or a new Russian offensive. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said in a video address released early on Wednesday that the positions of Ukraine and Russia at peace talks were sounding more realistic but more time was needed. Track all the live updates on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis here:
MEA: 3 Indians stranded in Ukraine’s Kherson evacuated
Three Indians stranded in Ukraine’s southern region of Kherson have been evacuated through Simferopol and Moscow, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the Indian embassy in Russia facilitated the transit of the Indians and that they have already boarded their flights from Moscow. “Three Indians stranded in Kherson have been evacuated via Simferopol and Moscow. They boarded their flight from Moscow a short while ago. @IndEmbMoscow facilitated their transit and accommodation en route,” Bagchi said in a tweet. Simferopol is a major city on the Crimean Peninsula.
About 22,500 Indians have returned home safely from war-torn Ukraine
The government has guaranteed the safe return of 22,500 citizens from Ukraine despite challenges said Jaishankar in Parliament
About 22,500 Indians have returned home safely from war-torn Ukraine with the government undertaking one of the most challenging evacuation exercises during a conflict situation after a majority of students decided to stay back despite initial advisories, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed Parliament on Tuesday. He highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Presidents of Russia and Ukraine on multiple occasions. “He specifically took up the issue of safe evacuation of Indian nationals, especially from Kharkiv and Sumy,” he said.
Ukraine war may lead to a restructuring of US defence of Europe
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine and his push to upend the broader security order in Europe may lead to a historic shift in American thinking about the defence of the continent. Watching on how far Putin goes, this could mean a buildup of U.S. military power in Europe not seen since the Cold War. The possibility of a bigger U.S. military in Europe is a tremendous turnaround from just two years ago.
In 2020, President Donald Trump ordered thousands of American troops out of Germany as part of his argument that Europeans were undeserving allies. Just days after taking office, President Joe Biden stopped the withdrawal before it could start, and his administration has stressed NATO’s importance even as Biden identifies China as the main long-term threat to U.S. security. Then came Russia’s sudden war on Ukraine.