Putin orders nuclear forces to be on high alert

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View online February 28, 2022   1 / Putin raises stakes and puts nuclear forces 'on alert' as west steps up response to Russia A day of heavy airstrikes, fierce fighting on the ground and fluctuating military fortunes ended with the Ukraine conflict on Sunday reaching new and dangerous levels of risk with Vladimir Putin ordering Russia's nuclear force to be put on high alert.   The move by the Russian president, which he said was in response to "aggressive statements" by Nato, was immediately condemned by the US, which accused him of "continuing to escalate the war in a manner which is unacceptable".   The prime minister suggested his actions were more to do with the fact that his forces were meeting with "more resistance than the Kremlin had bargained for" while Nato condemned the "dangerous rhetoric" and accused Mr Putin of acting "irresponsibly".   2 / British volunteers who travel to fight Russia could violate terror laws but prosecutions unlikely Foreign secretary Liz Truss says she would 'absolutely' support people responding to call for international fighters   3 / Belarus president blames western sanctions 'for pushing Russia into Third World War' Alexander Lukashenko has remained a strong supporter of Vladimir Putin   4 / BP abandons stake in Russian oil giant Rosneft at cost of up to $25bn Chief executive Bernard Looney is resigning from Rosneft's board with 'immediate effect'     5 / Who is the 'Ghost of Kyiv'? Heroic pilot has supposedly downed six Russian fighter planes – but is he just an urban legend? The Big Question     How can we support the people of Ukraine? The people of Ukraine have been plunged into war as Russia invaded the country in the early hours of Thursday morning, with tanks already rolling into the capital Kyiv and other major cities.   The military assault has triggered an international outcry and many world leaders have condemned Russian president Vladimir Putin for launching an "unprovoked and unjustifiable" attack.   These are the charities you can donate to in support of the victims. Read the full story >   Watch /ICU newborns moved into makeshift bomb shelter inside Ukraine children's hospital as missiles rain down NUMBER OF THE DAY £3,000 Energy bills could soar as high as £3,000 a year following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, analysts have warned. QUOTE OF THE DAY "Putin may be convinced that he has chosen wisely, even if it costs him his job and his reputation as a successful Russian leader. Seen like this, it is not the judgement of the next few days or weeks that will determine whether invading Ukraine was a mistake, but the judgement of posterity." – This is Putin's biggest mistake – and how he will be remembered, Mary Dejevsky writes for Independent Voices. Other stories you might like Desperation grows at Ukraine border as thousands try to flee war Ambulance staff experiencing 'horrific' abuse and attacks, NHS warns Nearly third more Covid deaths among England's poorest since turn of the year Articles available exclusively to subscribers John Rentoul, The Independent: Rishi Sunak's pitch to be prime minister: competent centrism If you can spare a minute we'd love your feedback on our newsletters.     Join the conversation or follow us Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter. Add us to your safe list of senders.   If you do not want to receive The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter, please unsubscribe.   If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our privacy notice and cookie policy.