Russia has launched a special military operation in Ukraine's eastern Donbas region. Russian forces entered Ukrainian territory from Crimea. Ballistic missile attacks were also launched on a number of Ukrainian cities this morning.<br />'' <br />''In a televised address, Russian President Vladimir Putin has urged Ukrainian soldiers who are facing off Russian-backed rebels to lay down weapons and return to their homes.  However, Mr Putin said, Russia did not plan to occupy Ukraine, but warned that Moscow's response would be instant if anyone tries to take on Russia.<br />''<br />''Ukraine also said that Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said, Ukraine will defend itself and will win.<br />'' <br />''US President Joe Biden said, Washington and its allies would respond in a united and decisive way to an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces on Ukraine.<br />'' <br />''External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar today discussed the Ukraine situation with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell Fontelles. They also discussed how India could contribute to de-escalation efforts.<br />''Dr Jaishankar also held a telephonic discussion with UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss today. They exchanged perspectives on the Ukrainian situation.<br />''<br />''The External Affairs Ministry has set up a control room in New Delhi in view of the prevailing situation in Ukraine. The control room will provide information and assistance. The contact details of the control room are 1800118797 (Toll free) and these three numbers to get any assistance<br />''91 11 23012113, 91 11 23014104, 91 11 23017905.<br />'' <br />''People can also email at (<a href="mailto:situationroom@mea.gov.in" target="_blank">situationroom@mea.gov.in</a>). In addition, Embassy of India in Ukraine has set up a 24-hour Emergency helpline, which can be accessed by dialling 380 997300428, 380 997300483.<br />''<br />''The Tamilnadu Government has also created a separate help desk for those from the State living in Ukraine. The Commissionerate of Rehabilitation and welfare of non resident Tamils has appealed to contact through <a href="http://www.nrtamils.tn.gov.in/" target="_blank" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.nrtamils.tn.gov.in&source=gmail&ust=1645799539697000&usg=AOvVaw2iaIcIiI16lnALInkEfN1Q">www.nrtamils.tn.gov.in</a> for any help. Queries will be addressed at the phone numbers  044- 28515288 /9600023645/9940256444.<br />''<br />''Air India flight – AI 1947 which was flying to Ukraine to bring Indian people home has returned to Delhi due to the closure of Ukranian airspace.<br />''<br />''India has called for an immediate de-escalation of tensions between Russia and Ukraine. India's Permanent Representative to UN,TS Tirumurti cautioned that the situation is in danger of spiraling into a major crisis.<br />''<span style="color: #222222;"> <br />''Meanwhile, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres made a direct appeal to President Putin to stop Russian troops from attacking Ukraine.</span><br />