Russia-Ukraine tension LIVE:Putin declares Donsk-Lugansk an independent country, sends army; India expressed concern, US said - now is not the time to stand on the sidelines

 Russia has declared Ukraine's two provinces Luhansk-Donestk as independent countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced this on Monday. With this announcement, Putin has started deploying the army in Luhansk-Donetsk and separatist-held areas. It is only after this step of Putin that the United Nations Security Council has called an emergency meeting which is still going on.

In the emergency meeting, India expressed concern over Russia's move. TS Tirumurti, India's representative in UNSC said – This step can lead to breach of peace and security. This issue can only be resolved through diplomatic negotiations. On the other hand, America said that this move of Russia is an excuse to infiltrate into Ukraine. We and our allies agree that Russia should respond quickly and appropriately if there is more intrusion. This is the time when no one can stand on the edge.

Air India special flight leaves for Ukraine to pick up Indian citizens

India has stepped up its efforts to evacuate its citizens amid rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine in Eastern Europe. Air India's special flight has left for Ukraine this morning to bring back Indian citizens. This flight will return to Delhi with Indian citizens by tonight.

We will not bow down to provocation - Ukraine

Ukraine slams Russia in UNSC meeting. Ukraine's Diplomat Sergei Kislitsya said – We are committed to a political and diplomatic solution to this issue, but we will not succumb to provocations. We call on Russia to return to the table for talks and condemn the decision to deploy Russian troops into Ukrainian territory.

Russia said - cannot allow the killing of people

In the UNSC meeting on Ukraine tension, Russia says that the avenues are open for a diplomatic solution to this issue from our side. Although we have no intention of a bloody conflict in the Donbass region, the negative role of Western countries in the leadership of America in this matter has compelled us.

Safety of Indians in Ukraine is our priority

India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations TS Tirumurti said – The increasing tension on Ukraine's border with Russia is a matter of deep concern. We request all parties to exercise restraint. We are confident that this issue can be resolved diplomatically. More than 20,000 Indian students and citizens live and study in different parts of Ukraine and border areas. The safety of Indians is our priority.

Two provinces of Ukraine, Luhansk-Donestk, were declared independent by Russian separatists in 2014. Since April 2014, more than 10,000 people have lost their lives in clashes between Russian rebels and the Ukrainian army.

Updates
Ruining Russia Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of ruining peace talks. Addressing the country on Tuesday morning, he made it clear that he will not make any kind of compromise regarding his regional areas. Zelensky had earlier bluntly told Russia, "We are not afraid." Ukraine still expects the support of Western countries.

America and Britain will take action against Russia

America has also reacted strongly to this decision of Russia. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said President Joe Biden would soon issue an order barring US citizens from investing in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions. Apart from America, the EU and Britain are also talking about imposing restrictions. Apart from this, Biden spoke to Ukrainian President Zelensky on the phone. The United States has expressed its commitment to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.