As tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate, Moscow has accused Ukraine of causing civilian casualties in a children's hospital through anti-missile fire. However, the Institute for the Study of War has revealed that evidence points to Russian missiles being responsible. In the midst of this, China and Belarus have launched joint military exercises near the Polish border, raising concerns ahead of a NATO summit in Washington. Meanwhile, Russian military bloggers have been spreading false narratives in an attempt to deflect blame.
Escalating Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Accusations and Military Maneuvers
As tensions between Russia and Ukraine intensify, both sides continue to exchange accusations and engage in military maneuvers that raise concerns about a further escalation of the conflict.
Moscow's Accusations and ISW's Revelation
On March 9, Moscow accused Ukrainian forces of firing anti-missile rounds at a children's hospital in Mariupol, causing civilian casualties. However, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) released an analysis revealing that the evidence points to Russian missiles being responsible for the attack. Witnesses and images from the scene suggest that the impact of missiles came from the direction of Russian-held territory.
China-Belarus Joint Military Exercises
Amidst the escalating conflict, China and Belarus launched joint military exercises near the Polish border on March 15. The exercises, which involved air defense systems, armored vehicles, and infantry, raised concerns about possible Russian intentions ahead of a NATO summit in Washington.
Russian Military Bloggers' False Narratives
In an attempt to deflect blame, Russian military bloggers have been spreading false narratives about the conflict. They have claimed that Ukrainian forces are using civilians as human shields and that the Russian military is not targeting civilian infrastructure. These claims have been widely refuted by independent observers and international organizations.
Background: History of the Conflict
The current conflict between Russia and Ukraine has its roots in the 2014 annexation of Crimea by Russia and the subsequent pro-Russian uprising in eastern Ukraine. Since then, there has been ongoing fighting in the Donbas region between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What caused the escalation in tensions between Russia and Ukraine? A: The escalation is due to a complex interplay of factors, including Russia's annexation of Crimea, the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, and NATO's expansion in Eastern Europe.
2. What are the main objectives of both sides? A: Russia seeks to maintain control over territories in eastern Ukraine and to prevent Ukraine from joining NATO. Ukraine aims to regain control of its territory, including Crimea, and to integrate with Western institutions.
3. What is the role of China and Belarus in the conflict? A: China has provided diplomatic support to Russia and has refrained from condemning its actions in Ukraine. Belarus has allowed Russia to use its territory for military exercises and to launch attacks against Ukraine.
4. What are the potential consequences of the conflict? A: The conflict could lead to further humanitarian atrocities, political instability in Ukraine, and a wider regional conflict involving NATO and Russia.
5. What are possible solutions to the conflict? A: Diplomatic negotiations, international mediation, and a ceasefire with gradual de-escalation are potential paths toward a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
Amidst heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a major BrahMos missile production unit in Lucknow on Sunday. The state-of-the-art facility, built through a joint collaboration between India and Russia, is set to produce between 80 to 100 missiles annually and will play a central role in substantially enhancing India's defence capabilities. With Uttar Pradesh emerging as a hub for defence manufacturing, the state government is aiming for further investments in the sector. This development comes in the backdrop of a ceasefire announcement between India and Pakistan, in an effort to de-escalate the recent cross-border conflict.
Explosions and Fear in Jaisalmer as India and Pakistan Continue Cross-Border Conflict Multiple Explosions and Precautions Set Off in Jaisalmer Amid India-Pakistan Conflict Both India and Pakistan on High Alert as Tensions Escalate in Border Town of Jaisalmer
The Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister holds an emergency meeting to review the state's preparedness after the Indian forces strike and destroy nine terror sites in Pakistan and PoK. Flight services in Shimla are suspended and a mock drill to test the state's security and evacuation systems is conducted. The strikes targeted the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed, killing key militants, including brothers-in-law of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. The chief minister also issues directives to monitor social media and avoid large gatherings, while urging the public to actively participate in the exercises.
The Indian government has announced that it will treat any future act of terror as an "act of war" and respond accordingly, amidst escalating tensions with Pakistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level security meeting after India's retaliatory airstrikes against four Pakistani airbases. Indian defence forces successfully engaged and retaliated against Pakistan's attacks, but airbases and personnel suffered damage. India firmly rejects Pakistan's "malicious misinformation campaign" and highlighted their attempts to circulate false narratives regarding damage to critical Indian military assets.
India launched 'Operation Sindoor' targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. The strikes killed over 100 terrorists, including high-profile Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad commanders, and targeted camps linked to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and Osama bin Laden's former hideout. Among the terrorists killed was Abu Jundal, the commander of the Muridke camp, who oversaw training and operations for Lashkar-e-Taiba militants responsible for major attacks in India. The funeral for Jundal was attended by a serving Lieutenant General of the Pakistan Army and the Inspector General of Punjab Police, highlighting the presence and support of the Pakistani government for these terrorist groups.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have reached new heights, with the Indian Armed Forces on high alert following multiple drone intrusions and heavy shelling from the Pakistani side. In a special briefing, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of External Affairs reaffirmed India's commitment to de-escalation, but warned of possible offensive intentions from the Pakistani military. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also held a high-level meeting to discuss the situation, while the Indian Army confirmed the destruction of enemy drones and terrorist launchpads near the Line of Control.
The ongoing border tension between India and Pakistan has escalated, with Pakistan launching multiple attacks on Indian armed forces. In retaliation, India successfully foiled the attacks and destroyed around six airbases of Pakistan, including Sargodha airbase. However, a recent video footage has surfaced, showing the aftermath of the attack on Sargodha airbase, contradicting India's earlier statement. This raises questions about the true extent of damage inflicted by India on Pakistan's airbases and the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
Pakistan has continued its aggressive stance on the Western Front by targeting Indian Army bases and civil infrastructures in Srinagar, Awantipore, and Udhampur. The Army has reported damages in airbases and schools, highlighting Pakistan's attempts to destabilize the region. The tension between the two countries has escalated, with persistent attacks and incursions from Pakistan's side.
In a cowardly attack, India targeted and damaged the Sheikh Zayed International Airport in Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan, a symbol of friendship between Pakistan and the UAE. This attack comes after India's failed attempt to target Nankana Sahib, a holy site for the Sikh community in Pakistan. Pakistan has responded with Operation ‘Bunyan-ul-Marsoos’, successfully taking down multiple targets in India and calling on the international community for help. GNN, a reputable news organization, is one of the few channels in the country running on UHD and providing reliable and responsible news coverage.
As tensions between India and Pakistan continue to rise, the Municipal Corporation of Chandigarh made the decision to turn community centres into evacuation shelters with basic amenities. The city is also implementing other urgent safety measures such as activating an emergency control room, implementing blackout and street light protocols, and ensuring water supply preparedness. Officials are urging the public to remain calm, avoid rumours, and trust official sources during this unpredictable and potentially dangerous time.