German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht said on Tuesday that the country will authorise delivery of tanks to Ukraine. This is being seen as a clear switch in Germany's cautious policy in Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Lambrecht told an international meeting of defence ministers at US Ramstein airbase, said AFP.

Forty countries are holding emergency talks at the airbase in southwestern Germany on bolstering the defence capabilities of Ukraine.

The meeting, held at the invitation of the United States, is "focused on doing things to generate additional capability and capacity for the Ukrainian forces", according to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

France is providing Caesar cannons with 40 kilometre range. Britain has provided Starstreak anti-air missiles and tanks.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-kingdoms-defence-ministry-investigating-russian-hack-targeting-its-army-recruits-473963">United Kingdom's defence ministry investigating Russian hack targeting its army recruits</a>

The Gepard tanks will not come from the German army but from stocks held by the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) arms group, government sources told AFP.

They were taken out of service 10 years ago and need to be technically upgraded, the sources said.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has come under fire for refusing to directly send heavy weapons to Ukraine, despite announcing a "turning point" in German defence policy in response to the war.

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Critics have accused Scholz of weak leadership and say his Social Democrats (SPD) are too reluctant to break from their historic policy of detente towards Moscow.

Scholz has even faced criticism from within his own coalition government, a partnership between the SPD, the Greens and the liberal FDP.

(With inputs from agencies)

German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht said on Tuesday that the country will authorise delivery of tanks to Ukraine. This is being seen as a clear switch in Germany's cautious policy in Russia-Ukraine conflict.

German Defence Minister Christine Lambrecht said on Tuesday that the country will authorise delivery of tanks to Ukraine. This is being seen as a clear switch in Germany's cautious policy in Russia-Ukraine conflict. The Lambrecht told an international meeting of defence ministers at US Ramstein airbase, said AFP. Forty countries are holding emergency talks at the airbase in southwestern Germany on bolstering the defence capabilities of Ukraine. The meeting, held at the invitation of the United States, is "focused on doing things to generate additional capability and capacity for the Ukrainian forces", according to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. France is providing Caesar cannons with 40 kilometre range. Britain has provided Starstreak anti-air missiles and tanks. Also Read | United Kingdom's defence ministry investigating Russian hack targeting its army recruits The Gepard tanks will not come from the German army but from stocks held by the Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) arms group, government sources told AFP. They were taken out of service 10 years ago and need to be technically upgraded, the sources said. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has come under fire for refusing to directly send heavy weapons to Ukraine, despite announcing a "turning point" in German defence policy in response to the war. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × Critics have accused Scholz of weak leadership and say his Social Democrats (SPD) are too reluctant to break from their historic policy of detente towards Moscow. Scholz has even faced criticism from within his own coalition government, a partnership between the SPD, the Greens and the liberal FDP. (With inputs from agencies)

Germany to provide tanks to Ukraine, says minister

Uber is being sued by Australia's competition watchdog for USD 18.69 million fine. The action has come after Uber admitted to have misled consumers about ride fare estimates and cancellation fees.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on Tuesday said Uber admitted that between December 2017 and September 2021 it warned consumers they would be charged fees for cancelling rides even though the cancellation was sought during its "free cancellation period."

"Uber admits it misled Australian users for a number of years, and may have caused some of them to decide not to cancel their ride after receiving the cancellation warning, even though they were entitled to cancel free of charge under Uber's own policy," ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said.

The competition watchdog also said that Uber admitted to having falsely represented estimates of fare for its taxi option.

"The misleading information on Uber's app deprived consumers of a chance to make an informed decision about whether or not to choose the Uber Taxi option," Cass-Gottlieb said.

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Uber said that ever since the ACCC has raised the issue, it has "worked to streamline our in-app messages to make it clear exactly when cancellation charges will or will not apply, per occasion, so that riders always have certainty."

The ACCC and Uber are jointly seeking court orders, including declarations that the ride-hailing platform breached the country's consumer law, and to impose upon it penalties, the regulator said further.

Uber is being sued by Australia's competition watchdog for USD 18.69 million fine. The action has come after Uber admitted to have misled consumers about ride fare estimates and cancellation fees.

Uber is being sued by Australia's competition watchdog for USD 18.69 million fine. The action has come after Uber admitted to have misled consumers about ride fare estimates and cancellation fees. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) on Tuesday said Uber admitted that between December 2017 and September 2021 it warned consumers they would be charged fees for cancelling rides even though the cancellation was sought during its "free cancellation period." "Uber admits it misled Australian users for a number of years, and may have caused some of them to decide not to cancel their ride after receiving the cancellation warning, even though they were entitled to cancel free of charge under Uber's own policy," ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said. The competition watchdog also said that Uber admitted to having falsely represented estimates of fare for its taxi option. "The misleading information on Uber's app deprived consumers of a chance to make an informed decision about whether or not to choose the Uber Taxi option," Cass-Gottlieb said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × Uber said that ever since the ACCC has raised the issue, it has "worked to streamline our in-app messages to make it clear exactly when cancellation charges will or will not apply, per occasion, so that riders always have certainty." The ACCC and Uber are jointly seeking court orders, including declarations that the ride-hailing platform breached the country's consumer law, and to impose upon it penalties, the regulator said further.

Australia: Competition watchdog sues Uber for USD 19 million fine

There are days when you just want someone to hand you something nice to eat. But mostly in such cases, you are tired after a day's work. Such an urge for some good food is unlikely to tingle your tastebuds when you are, say, renovating your bathroom.

But a man from Illinois got such a surprise treat (?) when he found McDonald's meal inside his bathroom wall. We can probably understand if he wasn't up for a quick bite because the meal was six decades old.

Rob, the homeowner who found the meal, described this strange incident on Reddit.&nbsp;

“While removing a fixture in the bathroom I noticed a piece of cloth stuck behind plaster and pulled it out to show my wife,” he explained.

Their home was built in the year 1959. This means that the meal sitting inside the bathroom wall for more than 60 years.

Both Rob and his wife were relieved because the plastic wrappers contained food items and not anything sinister. Yikes!

The revelation of Mcdonald's meal has sparked a conversation on Reddit.

“I need to check inside my walls now,” said a user. “McDonald's fries never go bad. It's just an urban legend,” a third user commented.

A McDonald's restaurant was just down the road from Rob's house. The restaurant had opened in 1955.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroid-the-size-of-golden-gate-bridge-is-approaching-earth-473949">Asteroid the size of Golden Gate Bridge is approaching Earth</a>

"Our house was built in 1959," Rob told Newsweek Rob. "It is very close to a McDonald's location that opened around then so I assume it found its way into our wall from the original builders."

People on Reddit were curious as to in what state the fries were. Was there a smell? someone asked.

“There was no smell and surprisingly no trace of mice.” Rob said.

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&nbsp;

There are days when you just want someone to hand you something nice to eat. But mostly in such cases, you are tired after a day's work. Such an urge for some good food is unlikely to tingle your tastebuds when you are, say, renovating your bathroom.

There are days when you just want someone to hand you something nice to eat. But mostly in such cases, you are tired after a day's work. Such an urge for some good food is unlikely to tingle your tastebuds when you are, say, renovating your bathroom. But a man from Illinois got such a surprise treat (?) when he found McDonald's meal inside his bathroom wall. We can probably understand if he wasn't up for a quick bite because the meal was six decades old. Rob, the homeowner who found the meal, described this strange incident on Reddit. “While removing a fixture in the bathroom I noticed a piece of cloth stuck behind plaster and pulled it out to show my wife,” he explained. Their home was built in the year 1959. This means that the meal sitting inside the bathroom wall for more than 60 years. Both Rob and his wife were relieved because the plastic wrappers contained food items and not anything sinister. Yikes! The revelation of Mcdonald's meal has sparked a conversation on Reddit. “I need to check inside my walls now,” said a user. “McDonald's fries never go bad. It's just an urban legend,” a third user commented. A McDonald's restaurant was just down the road from Rob's house. The restaurant had opened in 1955. Also Read | Asteroid the size of Golden Gate Bridge is approaching Earth "Our house was built in 1959," Rob told Newsweek Rob. "It is very close to a McDonald's location that opened around then so I assume it found its way into our wall from the original builders." People on Reddit were curious as to in what state the fries were. Was there a smell? someone asked. “There was no smell and surprisingly no trace of mice.” Rob said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Man finds six-decades-old McDonald's meal inside wall of his house

Elon Musk buys Twitter, here are other biggest-ever tech acquisitions so far

Planet Earth may have harboured and nurtured life for millions of years but there have been catastrophic events in the past. Some of them were (literally) out of this world. An asteroid that struck Earth millions of years ago wiped off the majority of the life on the planet in one stroke. It spelt doom for dominance of dinosaurs and paved way for mammals to dominate the world.

Just because another asteroid of this power hasn't struck Earth since does not give a reason to relax. Such celestial rocks often zoom past Earth and space agencies around the world keep a close eye.

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has said that a huge asteroid is coming into Earth's neigbourhood. This asteroid has been named 418135 (2008 AG33).

This asteroid has been labelled potentially hazardous asteroid. It is 450 metres wide. This makes it comparable to Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. It has been classified as Apollo-class asteroid.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/presence-of-alien-tech-on-earth-scientist-wants-to-probe-interstellar-object-lying-in-the-pacific-ocean-473699">Presence of alien tech on Earth? Scientist wants to probe interstellar object 'lying in the Pacific Ocean'</a>

The asteroid is set to make its closest approach on Thursday (April 28).&nbsp;

Luckily for all life on Earth, the asteroid is going to zoom past the Earth. It packs enough punch to cause widespread destruction on Earth if it was to hit Earth head-on.

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It will fly past the Earth at a distance of 3,240,000 kilometres. This may sound a lot but in astronomical terms, it is too small a distance.

Planet Earth may have harboured and nurtured life for millions of years but there have been catastrophic events in the past. Some of them were (literally) out of this world.

Planet Earth may have harboured and nurtured life for millions of years but there have been catastrophic events in the past. Some of them were (literally) out of this world. An asteroid that struck Earth millions of years ago wiped off the majority of the life on the planet in one stroke. It spelt doom for dominance of dinosaurs and paved way for mammals to dominate the world. Just because another asteroid of this power hasn't struck Earth since does not give a reason to relax. Such celestial rocks often zoom past Earth and space agencies around the world keep a close eye. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has said that a huge asteroid is coming into Earth's neigbourhood. This asteroid has been named 418135 (2008 AG33). This asteroid has been labelled potentially hazardous asteroid. It is 450 metres wide. This makes it comparable to Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. It has been classified as Apollo-class asteroid. Also Read | Presence of alien tech on Earth? Scientist wants to probe interstellar object 'lying in the Pacific Ocean' The asteroid is set to make its closest approach on Thursday (April 28). Luckily for all life on Earth, the asteroid is going to zoom past the Earth. It packs enough punch to cause widespread destruction on Earth if it was to hit Earth head-on. WATCH WION LIVE HERE × It will fly past the Earth at a distance of 3,240,000 kilometres. This may sound a lot but in astronomical terms, it is too small a distance.

Asteroid the size of Golden Gate Bridge is approaching Earth

Taiwan's defence ministry said on Tuesday that the island nation will incorporate lessons learnt from Russian invasion of Ukraine into upcoming military exercises. The military exercises are aimed at practising repelling a Chinese attack.

China claims Taiwan as its own territory. Ever since Russian invasion, Taiwan has raised its alert level to fend off a possible Chinese attack.

The defence ministry said this year's Han Kuang exercises, Taiwan's largest annual war games, would be split into two parts, in May and July.

The May part would partly be a tabletop exercise based on "various possible actions of the Chinese Communist Party in recent years to invade Taiwan, taking into account the lessons of the Russian-Ukrainian war", it said in a statement.

The ministry added that there will be five days of drills with Taiwanese soldiers taking part. There will be live-fire exercises.

The focus of the military exercise will be to attack &nbsp;enemy at sea, preserving combat forces and "integrating the total force of the whole people to support military operations", a reference to civil defence and reservist reforms that aim to improve Taiwan's ability to fight a war with China.

While Taiwanese officials have seen many parallels in the Ukraine war and their own situation, including having their own giant neighbour with territorial ambitions, they have also pointed to major differences.

There is a "natural barrier of the Taiwan Strait. This may put China in a relatively difficult position putting troops on the ground.

Watch Live TV

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China has dismissed any comparisons between Ukraine and Taiwan, saying that Taiwan is a part of China and not an independent country.

(With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan's defence ministry said on Tuesday that the island nation will incorporate lessons learnt from Russian invasion of Ukraine into upcoming military exercises.

Taiwan's defence ministry said on Tuesday that the island nation will incorporate lessons learnt from Russian invasion of Ukraine into upcoming military exercises. The military exercises are aimed at practising repelling a Chinese attack. China claims Taiwan as its own territory. Ever since Russian invasion, Taiwan has raised its alert level to fend off a possible Chinese attack. The defence ministry said this year's Han Kuang exercises, Taiwan's largest annual war games, would be split into two parts, in May and July. The May part would partly be a tabletop exercise based on "various possible actions of the Chinese Communist Party in recent years to invade Taiwan, taking into account the lessons of the Russian-Ukrainian war", it said in a statement. The ministry added that there will be five days of drills with Taiwanese soldiers taking part. There will be live-fire exercises. The focus of the military exercise will be to attack enemy at sea, preserving combat forces and "integrating the total force of the whole people to support military operations", a reference to civil defence and reservist reforms that aim to improve Taiwan's ability to fight a war with China. While Taiwanese officials have seen many parallels in the Ukraine war and their own situation, including having their own giant neighbour with territorial ambitions, they have also pointed to major differences. There is a "natural barrier of the Taiwan Strait. This may put China in a relatively difficult position putting troops on the ground. Watch Live TV × China has dismissed any comparisons between Ukraine and Taiwan, saying that Taiwan is a part of China and not an independent country. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan to hold military exercises with lessons from Russian invasion in mind

Russia on Saturday backed Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. Maria Zakharova, Spokeswoman for Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Assange faced 'ostentatiously absurd charges'. She said that he has 'already suffered years of isolation for his belief, and apparently took a dig at 'developed democracies'.

"In US J.#Assange faces up to 175 years in prison, which tells a lot about “developed democracies”. He is being punished on ostentatiously absurd charges, while he has already suffered many years of isolation for his beliefs, faced overt mental pressure &amp; torture," Zakharova was quoted as saying by Russian Embassy in South Arica on Twitter.

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💬<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zakharova?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zakharova</a>: In US J.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Assange?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Assange</a> faces up to 175 years in prison, which tells a lot about “developed democracies”. He is being punished on ostentatiously absurd charges, while he has already suffered many years of isolation for his beliefs, faced overt mental pressure &amp; torture <a href="https://t.co/YTrP3kVyeA">pic.twitter.com/YTrP3kVyeA</a>
— Russia in RSA 🇷🇺 (@EmbassyofRussia) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmbassyofRussia/status/1517821793670766592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2022</a></blockquote>
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A court in UK on April 20, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assange-uk-court-issues-extradition-order-to-us-for-wikileaks-founder-472359">passed a formal order</a> for extradition of Assange to th US, something that he has fiercely resisted for years. He faces charges in the US that could send him to jail for 175 years.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-julian-assange-and-why-is-he-being-extradited-to-the-us-472371">Who is Julian Assange and why is he being extradited to the US?</a>

The charges were slapped against Assange, founder of Wikileaks, after the website leaked thousands of US diplomatic papers and cables. This included those related to USAs war in Iraq and Afghanistan. This had caused major embarrassment for the US globally.

To evade his extradition to the US, Assange spent years inside the Ecuadorean embassy in London.

According to Assange's legal team, releasing sensitive information exposed US malfeasance and was in the public interest.

Russia on Saturday backed Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. Maria Zakharova, Spokeswoman for Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Assange faced 'ostentatiously absurd charges'.

Russia on Saturday backed Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. Maria Zakharova, Spokeswoman for Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Assange faced 'ostentatiously absurd charges'. She said that he has 'already suffered years of isolation for his belief, and apparently took a dig at 'developed democracies'. "In US J.#Assange faces up to 175 years in prison, which tells a lot about “developed democracies”. He is being punished on ostentatiously absurd charges, while he has already suffered many years of isolation for his beliefs, faced overt mental pressure & torture," Zakharova was quoted as saying by Russian Embassy in South Arica on Twitter. 💬#Zakharova: In US J.#Assange faces up to 175 years in prison, which tells a lot about “developed democracies”. He is being punished on ostentatiously absurd charges, while he has already suffered many years of isolation for his beliefs, faced overt mental pressure & torture pic.twitter.com/YTrP3kVyeA — Russia in RSA 🇷🇺 (@EmbassyofRussia) April 23, 2022 × A court in UK on April 20, passed a formal order for extradition of Assange to th US, something that he has fiercely resisted for years. He faces charges in the US that could send him to jail for 175 years. Also Read | Who is Julian Assange and why is he being extradited to the US? The charges were slapped against Assange, founder of Wikileaks, after the website leaked thousands of US diplomatic papers and cables. This included those related to USAs war in Iraq and Afghanistan. This had caused major embarrassment for the US globally. To evade his extradition to the US, Assange spent years inside the Ecuadorean embassy in London. According to Assange's legal team, releasing sensitive information exposed US malfeasance and was in the public interest.

Russia backs Julian Assange, says charges 'ostentatiously absurd'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday renewed his call for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to "put an end to the war". He was addressing a press conference held at a metro station in the heart of the Ukrainian capital.

"I think that whoever started this war will be able to end it," he said.

"From the beginning, I have insisted on talks with the Russian president," he said. "It's not that I want (to meet him), it's that I have to meet him so as to settle this conflict by diplomatic means.

"We have confidence in our partners, but we have no confidence in Russia," he added.

Russia-Ukraine War: Europe sent Weapons to Russia despite an embargo on arms shipment

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During the news conference, Zelensky repeated his warning that Ukraine would break off talks if Russia killed remaining Ukrainian soldiers in Mariupol.

Russia has already declared that Ukraine's port city of Mariupol was under its control. However, a last pocket of Ukrainian soldiers holed up inside a steel factory is resisting Russian attacks. There are civilians along with the soldiers inside the steel factory.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-restarts-attacking-mariupol-ukraine-soldiers-holed-up-in-steel-plant-473225">Russia resumes attack on Mariupol, Ukraine soldiers holed up in steel plant</a>

On Saturday, Russia resumed attacks in Mariupol. The city is important to Russia as it links Donbas region with Russia-controlled Crimea.

"If our men are killed in Mariupol and if these pseudo-referendums are organised in the (southern) region of Kherson, then Ukraine will withdraw from any negotiation process," said Zelensky on Saturday.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missile-strike-kills-five-people-in-ukraines-odesa-says-official-473281">Russian missile strike kills five people in Ukraine's Odesa, says official</a>

He was ready to exchange Ukraine's soldiers defending the city "in whatever format" to save "these people who find themselves in a horrible situation, surrounded".

He said the "last contact" with the Mariupol soldiers had been an hour ago, he said, adding "today is one of the hardest days" since the start of the Russian siege of the city at the beginning of March.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday renewed his call for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to "put an end to the war". He was addressing a press conference held at a metro station in the heart of the Ukrainian capital.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday renewed his call for a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to "put an end to the war". He was addressing a press conference held at a metro station in the heart of the Ukrainian capital. "I think that whoever started this war will be able to end it," he said. "From the beginning, I have insisted on talks with the Russian president," he said. "It's not that I want (to meet him), it's that I have to meet him so as to settle this conflict by diplomatic means. "We have confidence in our partners, but we have no confidence in Russia," he added. Russia-Ukraine War: Europe sent Weapons to Russia despite an embargo on arms shipment × During the news conference, Zelensky repeated his warning that Ukraine would break off talks if Russia killed remaining Ukrainian soldiers in Mariupol. Russia has already declared that Ukraine's port city of Mariupol was under its control. However, a last pocket of Ukrainian soldiers holed up inside a steel factory is resisting Russian attacks. There are civilians along with the soldiers inside the steel factory. Also Read | Russia resumes attack on Mariupol, Ukraine soldiers holed up in steel plant On Saturday, Russia resumed attacks in Mariupol. The city is important to Russia as it links Donbas region with Russia-controlled Crimea. "If our men are killed in Mariupol and if these pseudo-referendums are organised in the (southern) region of Kherson, then Ukraine will withdraw from any negotiation process," said Zelensky on Saturday. Also Read | Russian missile strike kills five people in Ukraine's Odesa, says official He was ready to exchange Ukraine's soldiers defending the city "in whatever format" to save "these people who find themselves in a horrible situation, surrounded". He said the "last contact" with the Mariupol soldiers had been an hour ago, he said, adding "today is one of the hardest days" since the start of the Russian siege of the city at the beginning of March. (With inputs from agencies)

Zelensky suggests a meeting with Putin 'to end the war'

A total of 5,133,747 Ukrainians have fled the country since Russia invaded on February 24, the UN refugee agency said Friday.

The figure marks an increase of 48,387 from Thursday's data, UNHCR said.

Some 1,098,000 Ukrainians have left the country during April so far, compared with 3.4 million for the whole of March. &nbsp;

Women and children account for 90 percent of those who fled abroad, with men aged 18 to 60 eligible for military call-up unable to leave.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-gas-embargo-will-cost-germany-almost-190-billion-says-bundesbank-472991">Russian gas embargo will cost Germany almost $190 billion, says Bundesbank</a>

The UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) said an additional 218,000 citizens of third-countries -- largely students and migrant workers -- have also escaped to neighbouring countries.&nbsp;

Beyond the refugees, the IOM estimates 7.7 million people are displaced within in Ukraine.

Before the invasion, Ukraine had a population of 37 million in the regions under government control, excluding Russia-annexed Crimea and the pro-Russian separatist-controlled regions in the east.

Meanwhile, 1.1 million Ukrainians have returned to their country since the war began.

Here is a breakdown of how many Ukrainian refugees have fled to neighbouring countries, according to UNHCR:

Nearly six out of 10 Ukrainian refugees -- 2,867,241 so far -- have crossed into Poland.

Many of them have travelled on to other states in Europe's Schengen open-borders zone.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: This Russian missile can destroy any target on earth

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Meanwhile, more than 800,000 people have crossed from Poland into Ukraine, Polish border guards said.

Before the war, Poland was home to around 1.5 million Ukrainians, chiefly migrant workers.

Romania&nbsp;

A total of 769,616 Ukrainians entered the EU member state, including a large number who crossed over from Moldova, wedged between Romania and Ukraine.&nbsp;

The vast majority are thought to have gone on to other countries.&nbsp;

Russia

Another 578,255 refugees have sought shelter in Russia.

In addition, 105,000 people crossed into Russia from the separatist-held pro-Russian regions of Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine between February 18 and 23.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-retaliation-mode-russia-imposes-travel-bans-on-us-vice-president-facebook-head-472874">In retaliation mode? Russia imposes travel bans on US Vice President, Facebook head</a>

Hungary&nbsp;

A total of 480,974 Ukrainians have entered Hungary.

Moldova&nbsp;

The Moldovan border is the closest to the major port city of Odessa.&nbsp;A total of 430,170 Ukrainians had by Wednesday crossed into the non-EU state, one of the poorest in Europe. Most have moved on. &nbsp;

Slovakia

A total of 349,286 people crossed Ukraine's shortest border into Slovakia.

Belarus&nbsp;

Another 23,900 refugees have made it north to Russia's close ally Belarus.

A total of 5,133,747 Ukrainians have fled the country since Russia invaded on February 24, the UN refugee agency said Friday. The figure marks an increase of 48,387 from Thursday's data, UNHCR said.

A total of 5,133,747 Ukrainians have fled the country since Russia invaded on February 24, the UN refugee agency said Friday. The figure marks an increase of 48,387 from Thursday's data, UNHCR said. Some 1,098,000 Ukrainians have left the country during April so far, compared with 3.4 million for the whole of March. Women and children account for 90 percent of those who fled abroad, with men aged 18 to 60 eligible for military call-up unable to leave. Also read | Russian gas embargo will cost Germany almost $190 billion, says Bundesbank The UN's International Organization for Migration (IOM) said an additional 218,000 citizens of third-countries -- largely students and migrant workers -- have also escaped to neighbouring countries. Beyond the refugees, the IOM estimates 7.7 million people are displaced within in Ukraine. Before the invasion, Ukraine had a population of 37 million in the regions under government control, excluding Russia-annexed Crimea and the pro-Russian separatist-controlled regions in the east. Meanwhile, 1.1 million Ukrainians have returned to their country since the war began. Here is a breakdown of how many Ukrainian refugees have fled to neighbouring countries, according to UNHCR: Nearly six out of 10 Ukrainian refugees -- 2,867,241 so far -- have crossed into Poland. Many of them have travelled on to other states in Europe's Schengen open-borders zone. Watch | Gravitas: This Russian missile can destroy any target on earth Meanwhile, more than 800,000 people have crossed from Poland into Ukraine, Polish border guards said. Before the war, Poland was home to around 1.5 million Ukrainians, chiefly migrant workers. Romania A total of 769,616 Ukrainians entered the EU member state, including a large number who crossed over from Moldova, wedged between Romania and Ukraine. The vast majority are thought to have gone on to other countries. Russia Another 578,255 refugees have sought shelter in Russia. In addition, 105,000 people crossed into Russia from the separatist-held pro-Russian regions of Donetsk and Lugansk in eastern Ukraine between February 18 and 23. Also read | In retaliation mode? Russia imposes travel bans on US Vice President, Facebook head Hungary A total of 480,974 Ukrainians have entered Hungary. Moldova The Moldovan border is the closest to the major port city of Odessa. A total of 430,170 Ukrainians had by Wednesday crossed into the non-EU state, one of the poorest in Europe. Most have moved on. Slovakia A total of 349,286 people crossed Ukraine's shortest border into Slovakia. Belarus Another 23,900 refugees have made it north to Russia's close ally Belarus.

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Tens of thousands of Ukrainians still fleeing war, says UN

Russian missile strike on Ukraine's port city of Odesa killed at least five people and injured 18 on Saturday (April 23), said Andriy Yermak, Ukraine president's chief of staff. He made an online post.

Two missiles struck a military facility and two residential buildings in Odesa, said Ukraine's southern air command.

Smoke billowed from one of the residential buildings struck as emergency services could be seen rushing to the scene. One woman who appeared to have some facial injuries was speaking to local media.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-restarts-attacking-mariupol-ukraine-soldiers-holed-up-in-steel-plant-473225">Russia resumes attack on Mariupol, Ukraine soldiers holed up in steel plant</a>

Reuters said that the death toll has not been independently verified.

The last big strike on or near Odesa was in early April.

"The only aim of Russian missile strikes on Odesa is terror," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba wrote on Twitter.

Meanwhile, the Russian defence ministry said on Saturday that the missile strike was carried out on a depot containing weapons delivered by the US and European countries.

"Russian armed forces today disabled with high-precision and long-range missiles a logistics terminal at the military airfield near Odessa where a large batch of foreign weapons delivered by the United States and European countries were stored," it said in a statement.

On Saturday, Russia also resumed attack on Mariupol, another of Russia's port city in the South. Last resistance pocket of Ukrainian soldiers is in the Azovstal steel plant in the city. About 1000 Ukrainian citizens are also holed-up inside the factory. Russia has already declared that Mariupol is under its control.

On Friday, Russian defence ministry said that remaining Ukrainian fighters had been&nbsp;"securely blockaded" at the steel plant

Control of Mariupol is important to Russia to link Donbas region to Russia-controlled Crimea.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russian missile strike on Ukraine's port city of Odesa killed at least five people and injured 18 on Saturday (April 23), said Andriy Yermak, Ukraine president's chief of staff.

Russian missile strike on Ukraine's port city of Odesa killed at least five people and injured 18 on Saturday (April 23), said Andriy Yermak, Ukraine president's chief of staff. He made an online post. Two missiles struck a military facility and two residential buildings in Odesa, said Ukraine's southern air command. Smoke billowed from one of the residential buildings struck as emergency services could be seen rushing to the scene. One woman who appeared to have some facial injuries was speaking to local media. Also Read | Russia resumes attack on Mariupol, Ukraine soldiers holed up in steel plant Reuters said that the death toll has not been independently verified. The last big strike on or near Odesa was in early April. "The only aim of Russian missile strikes on Odesa is terror," Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba wrote on Twitter. Meanwhile, the Russian defence ministry said on Saturday that the missile strike was carried out on a depot containing weapons delivered by the US and European countries. "Russian armed forces today disabled with high-precision and long-range missiles a logistics terminal at the military airfield near Odessa where a large batch of foreign weapons delivered by the United States and European countries were stored," it said in a statement. On Saturday, Russia also resumed attack on Mariupol, another of Russia's port city in the South. Last resistance pocket of Ukrainian soldiers is in the Azovstal steel plant in the city. About 1000 Ukrainian citizens are also holed-up inside the factory. Russia has already declared that Mariupol is under its control. On Friday, Russian defence ministry said that remaining Ukrainian fighters had been "securely blockaded" at the steel plant Control of Mariupol is important to Russia to link Donbas region to Russia-controlled Crimea. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian missile strike kills five people in Ukraine's Odesa, says official

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan addressed his first press conference on Saturday after losing trust vote earlier this month. He accused former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif of conspiring to dislodge his government. Nawaz Sharif's brother Shehbaz is the current prime minister of Pakistan.

"Supreme Court should hold an open hearing on threat letter... we will not accept any in-camera hearing," said Imran Khan in the press conference. In the run up to the trust vote in the parliament, the them PM Imran Khan had claimed that he had documentary evidence of a foreign conspiracy to remove him from power. He has named USA.

In his press conference, he accused Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Asif Ali Zardari of colluding with "foreign conspirators"&nbsp;

"No prime minister would be able to hold out against foreign conspiracies in future if no investigation was carried out (into alleged threat letter)," he said while urging the state institutions to take a stand against alleged foreign plot to protect the country`s sovereignty.

Imran Khan also accused the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) of being partial in foreign funding case, demanding its chief to step down immediately.

Imran said he has directed the party leaders and workers to begin preparations for a long march on Islamabad to achieve "real freedom".

"A sea of people will converge on Islamabad... people have woken to reality as to how corrupt rulers were imposed on them," Imran said during the press conference.

(With inputs from agencies)

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan addressed his first press conference on Saturday after losing trust vote earlier this month. He accused former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif of conspiring to dislodge his government.

Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan addressed his first press conference on Saturday after losing trust vote earlier this month. He accused former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif of conspiring to dislodge his government. Nawaz Sharif's brother Shehbaz is the current prime minister of Pakistan. "Supreme Court should hold an open hearing on threat letter... we will not accept any in-camera hearing," said Imran Khan in the press conference. In the run up to the trust vote in the parliament, the them PM Imran Khan had claimed that he had documentary evidence of a foreign conspiracy to remove him from power. He has named USA. In his press conference, he accused Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Asif Ali Zardari of colluding with "foreign conspirators" "No prime minister would be able to hold out against foreign conspiracies in future if no investigation was carried out (into alleged threat letter)," he said while urging the state institutions to take a stand against alleged foreign plot to protect the country`s sovereignty. Imran Khan also accused the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) of being partial in foreign funding case, demanding its chief to step down immediately. Imran said he has directed the party leaders and workers to begin preparations for a long march on Islamabad to achieve "real freedom". "A sea of people will converge on Islamabad... people have woken to reality as to how corrupt rulers were imposed on them," Imran said during the press conference. (With inputs from agencies)

Imran Khan accuses Nawaz Sharif of conspiring to dislodge his government

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday urged Iran to release an American who he said was being held as 'political pawn'. The American has been held in Iran for years. Statement from Blinken came as the US and Iran inched closer to restoring 2015 nuclear deal.

Emad Sharghi was sentenced to 10 years in prison on spying charges, Iranian media reported in January 2021, saying he was detained trying to flee the country.

Blinken said the Iranian-American venture capitalist has been held for four years, and that the "family has waited anxiously for the Iranian government to release Emad.

"Like too many other families, their loved one has been treated as a political pawn," the top US diplomat said in a post on Twitter. "We call on Iran to stop this inhumane practice and release Emad."

US envoy for Iran Robert Malley said on Saturday that Sharghi was arrested exactly four years ago.

"He was cleared of all charges, but then convicted in absentia, rearrested, and has now spent over 500 days in Evin Prison," Malley said.&nbsp;

"Emad, the Namazis, and Morad Tahbaz must all be allowed to come home now."

Iran has in custody, more than a dozen citizens of Western countries. They continue to remain in custody even after Iran allowed two British citizens to return home last month after years of detention and another to leave prison.

Those who remain behind bars, under house arrest or unable to leave Iran face an agonizing wait to see if a possible deal on the Iranian nuclear program will help their prospects.

Nuclear deal with Iran was struck in 2015 by US and other world powers. But US withdrew itself from the deal when former president Donald Trump was in office.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday urged Iran to release an American who he said was being held as 'political pawn'. The American has been held in Iran for years.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday urged Iran to release an American who he said was being held as 'political pawn'. The American has been held in Iran for years. Statement from Blinken came as the US and Iran inched closer to restoring 2015 nuclear deal. Emad Sharghi was sentenced to 10 years in prison on spying charges, Iranian media reported in January 2021, saying he was detained trying to flee the country. Blinken said the Iranian-American venture capitalist has been held for four years, and that the "family has waited anxiously for the Iranian government to release Emad. "Like too many other families, their loved one has been treated as a political pawn," the top US diplomat said in a post on Twitter. "We call on Iran to stop this inhumane practice and release Emad." US envoy for Iran Robert Malley said on Saturday that Sharghi was arrested exactly four years ago. "He was cleared of all charges, but then convicted in absentia, rearrested, and has now spent over 500 days in Evin Prison," Malley said. "Emad, the Namazis, and Morad Tahbaz must all be allowed to come home now." Iran has in custody, more than a dozen citizens of Western countries. They continue to remain in custody even after Iran allowed two British citizens to return home last month after years of detention and another to leave prison. Those who remain behind bars, under house arrest or unable to leave Iran face an agonizing wait to see if a possible deal on the Iranian nuclear program will help their prospects. Nuclear deal with Iran was struck in 2015 by US and other world powers. But US withdrew itself from the deal when former president Donald Trump was in office. (With inputs from agencies)

Release detained American, Blinken appeals Iran

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