Russia-Ukraine crisis Live: Russia strikes Ukrainian air base with long-range weapons; Putin threatens loss of statehood

Russia Ukraine Conflict Live News, Russia Ukraine War Crisis News Today, 6 March: Russia’s military is trying to add to its gains in the south, moving closer to the vital port city of Odessa, as it tries to cut off the Ukrainian government from the sea.
Russia Ukraine Crisis Live: Russian President Vladimir Putin warned Saturday that Ukrainian statehood is in jeopardy and likened the West’s sanctions on Russia to “declaring war,” while a promised cease-fire in the besieged port city of Mariupol collapsed amid scenes of terror.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy reportedly made a “desperate plea” for eastern Europe to provide Russian-made aircraft to Ukraine during a call with US senators. He also called for a no-fly zone, lethal aid, a ban on Russian oil and a suspension of Visa and Mastercard in Russia. According to Reuters, Chuck Schumer, the Senate majority leader, said after the call on Saturday: “These planes are very much needed. And I will do all I can to help the administration to facilitate their transfer.” Russia’s military is trying to add to its gains in the south, moving closer to the vital port city of Odessa, as it tries to cut off the Ukrainian government from the sea.

Meanwhile, Indians stranded in eastern Ukraine were unable to use the exit routes that were opened up following a brief ceasefire that was announced in Mariupol and Volnovakha. In New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting to review the situation in Ukraine and the evacuation process. Arindam Bagchi, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, said not too many Indians are left in Ukraine apart from those in Sumy and Pisochyn.