Ukraine breaks diplomatic relations with RussiaFebruary 24, 2022 - 14:42 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday, February 24 broke off Kyiv's diplomatic relations with Moscow in response to Russia's invasion of its Western-backed neighbor, AFP reports (via NDTV). "We broke off diplomatic relations with Russia," Zelensky said in a video message. Analysts said Kyiv was keen to keep diplomatic channels with Moscow open because it needed to provide consular and other assistance to nearly three million Ukrainians living in Russia. Zelensky's decision came hours after Putin launched an all-out offensive that included an air assault and ground invasions along Ukraine's northern and southern frontiers. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, meanwhile, has pledged that the UK and its allies will respond “decisively” to Russia’s attack on Ukraine as he prepared to address the nation amid pressure to announce further sanctions, The Guardian reports. The prime minister also condemned Russia’s president Vladimir Putin, saying he had “chosen a path of bloodshed and destruction” that was a “catastrophe for our continent”. It came as Ukraine’s president declared martial law, while Russia’s military said it had targeted Ukrainian airbases and other military assets and had not targeted populated areas. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life, Strong Mind IDBank and Idram summarize the results of the May program of “The Power of One Dram”. Yerevan State University, Ucom sign Memorandum of Cooperation Rector of Yerevan State University Hovhannes Hovhannisyan and General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian signed the memorandum. EU to provide budgetary support to Armenia The agreement is aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the educational system of Armenia. Aliyev: No peace treaty unless Armenia changes constitution Azerbaijan will not sign a peace treaty with Armenia unless the latter changes its constitution, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said. |