The White House said on Tuesday (May 23) that it is not considering any constitutional solution to the current debt impasse as currently, President Joe Biden is not planning to invoke the 14th Amendment to prevent a US debt default.

The White House said on Tuesday (May 23) that it is not considering any constitutional solution to the current debt impasse as currently, President Joe Biden is not planning to invoke the 14th Amendment to prevent a US debt default. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that invoking the 14th Amendment to the constitution "is not going to fix the current problem we have right now". However, some legal scholars and experts argue that the 14th Amendment would let the US Treasury ignore the debt limit. The buzz around the 14th Amendment accelerated when Biden previously said that he was considering invoking it, but also noted that he was concerned about the economic consequences of any court challenges. Jean-Pierre's remarks indicate that Biden has abandoned whatever plans he may have had to employ a constitutional instrument to fix the debt situation. The US stands on the verge of default if the government does not agree to raise the borrowing limit from its current 31.4 trillion dollars in order to maintain paying the nation's debts. Republicans say Biden must sign up for spending cuts in exchange for their support to raise the debt ceiling, ignoring repeated Democratic calls for a "clean" increase of the borrowing limit with no strings attached. Both sides have so far failed to reach a common ground as Biden and Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy have undertaken three rounds of face-to-face talks in an attempt to strike an agreement to raise the current borrowing ceiling so that the US can meet its existing expenditure commitments. The deal, if at all it gets finalised, must pass both chambers of Congress and therefore hinges on bipartisan support. Republicans control the House 222-213, while Democrats hold the Senate 51-49. Meanwhile, Jean-Pierre also appeared to rule out a temporary debt ceiling extension to give Biden and Mccarthy's teams more time to talk, telling reporters that such a solution is "not on the table". Notably, a failure to lift the debt ceiling would trigger a default that would shake financial markets. McCarthy shows optimism McCarthy on Tuesday expressed optimism for a deal despite another round of talks ended with no signs of progress as he told reporters "we're not there yet", but vowed, "We're going to work until we get it all done". He said, "I mean it's difficult because you've got to be able to write the bill, then you've got 72 hours here, then you've got the Senate to act. I mean, this is why all the way back in February we wanted to have an agreement well in advance." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

White House: Biden not planning to invoke 14th Amendment to prevent debt default

Some stores of Target, an American retail corporation, pulled LGBTQ Pride goods away from the front of their stores due to customer "outrage". US-based reports have mentioned that the retailer corporation wanted to avoid a "Bud Light situation".&nbsp;

A report by Fox News said that several Target locations throughout the country host enormous June Pride Month displays every year,&nbsp;

They kept merchandise this year ranging from "tuck friendly" bathing suits for transgender persons to mugs that proclaim "gender fluid".&nbsp;

However, some have criticised the retail giant for the displays, with children's products particularly angering many shoppers. &nbsp;

A Target insider told the media outlet that many locations, mainly in rural areas of the South, have relocated their Pride sections.&nbsp;

They want to escape the backlash that Bud Light has received in recent weeks after utilising a transgender influencer in an advertising effort.&nbsp;

The insider further noted that there were "emergency" calls on Friday, and several managers and district senior directors were urged to immediately close the Pride areas.&nbsp;

As quoted, a Target insider said, "We were given 36 hours, told to take all of our Pride stuff, the entire section, and move it into a section that’s a third the size. From the front of the store to the back of the store, you can’t have anything on mannequins and no large signage."&nbsp;

"We call our customers ‘guests,’ there is an outrage on their part. This year, it is just exponentially more than any other year," the insider further said.&nbsp;

"I think given the current situation with Bud Light, the company is terrified of a Bud Light situation," the insider added.&nbsp;

The insider also mentioned that Friday's call started with highlighting "how to deal with team member safety".&nbsp;

The insider said, "The call was super quick, it was 15 minutes. The first 10 minutes was about how to keep your team safe and not having to advocate for Target. The last five was, ‘Move this to the back, take down the mannequins and remove the signage.'"&nbsp; 
 
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Some stores of Target, an American retail corporation, pulled LGBTQ Pride goods away from the front of their stores due to customer "outrage". US-based reports have mentioned that the retailer corporation wanted to avoid a "Bud Light situation".

Some stores of Target, an American retail corporation, pulled LGBTQ Pride goods away from the front of their stores due to customer "outrage". US-based reports have mentioned that the retailer corporation wanted to avoid a "Bud Light situation". A report by Fox News said that several Target locations throughout the country host enormous June Pride Month displays every year, They kept merchandise this year ranging from "tuck friendly" bathing suits for transgender persons to mugs that proclaim "gender fluid". However, some have criticised the retail giant for the displays, with children's products particularly angering many shoppers. A Target insider told the media outlet that many locations, mainly in rural areas of the South, have relocated their Pride sections. They want to escape the backlash that Bud Light has received in recent weeks after utilising a transgender influencer in an advertising effort. The insider further noted that there were "emergency" calls on Friday, and several managers and district senior directors were urged to immediately close the Pride areas. As quoted, a Target insider said, "We were given 36 hours, told to take all of our Pride stuff, the entire section, and move it into a section that’s a third the size. From the front of the store to the back of the store, you can’t have anything on mannequins and no large signage." "We call our customers ‘guests,’ there is an outrage on their part. This year, it is just exponentially more than any other year," the insider further said. "I think given the current situation with Bud Light, the company is terrified of a Bud Light situation," the insider added. The insider also mentioned that Friday's call started with highlighting "how to deal with team member safety". The insider said, "The call was super quick, it was 15 minutes. The first 10 minutes was about how to keep your team safe and not having to advocate for Target. The last five was, ‘Move this to the back, take down the mannequins and remove the signage.'" WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Target holds ‘emergency’ meeting, relocates LGBTQ merchandise from June Pride month displays: Report

The members of the Catholic clergy in Illinois are accused of sexual abuse of children, an investigative report published on Tuesday revealed. &nbsp;

The report mentioned that they have ministered in the church for almost seven decades. At least 1,997 children across the state were sexually abused by more than 450 Catholic clerics across the state.&nbsp;

Kwame Raoul, the attorney general of the office of Illinois, released the 696-page report detailing decades of child sex abuse.&nbsp;

The Illinois Catholic dioceses include the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Dioceses of Belleville, Joliet, Peoria, Rockford, and Springfield.&nbsp;

The report revealed that the probe began in the latter half of 2018 on the heels of a Pennsylvania grand jury report finding that more than 300 Catholic clerics had abused more than 1,000 children in the Commonwealth over the prior 70 years.&nbsp;

Raoul mentioned that the probe aimed at achieving two goals — one is to obtain a full accounting of substantiated child sex abuse and to provide a complete public report of the abusers.&nbsp;

And the second one is to give voice to survivors in an attempt to contribute to their healing journey.&nbsp;

The report mentioned that attorneys and investigators examined thousands of diocesan files. They reviewed more than 100,000 pages of documents held by the dioceses.&nbsp;

The Illinois attorney general also mentioned that they spent countless hours engaged in interviews and conversations with diocesan leadership and representatives.&nbsp;

"I was raised and confirmed in the Catholic church and sent my children to Catholic schools. I believe the church does important work to support vulnerable populations; however, as with any presumably reputable institution, the Catholic church must be held accountable when it betrays the public’s trust," Raoul said.&nbsp;

In response to the findings, the Archdiocese of Chicago and the dioceses of Belleville, Joliet, Peoria, Rockford, and Springfield issued a joint statement.&nbsp;

Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, the archbishop of Chicago and Metropolitan of the Chicago Province, said, "The Catholic Church in Illinois has been at the forefront of dealing with sexual abuse of minors for many years."&nbsp;

He further said, "At this time, working with the Office of the Attorney General of Illinois, the leaders of all six Illinois dioceses endeavored to make clear and update our approach, mindful of our lived experience and best practices in this field."&nbsp;

"Our common goals in doing so are to ensure we offer pastoral support to those affected by this tragedy and to work diligently to prevent it from occurring again," he added.&nbsp; 
 
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The members of the Catholic clergy in Illinois are accused of sexual abuse of children, an investigative report published on Tuesday revealed. The report mentioned that they have ministered in the church for almost seven decades.

The members of the Catholic clergy in Illinois are accused of sexual abuse of children, an investigative report published on Tuesday revealed. The report mentioned that they have ministered in the church for almost seven decades. At least 1,997 children across the state were sexually abused by more than 450 Catholic clerics across the state. Kwame Raoul, the attorney general of the office of Illinois, released the 696-page report detailing decades of child sex abuse. The Illinois Catholic dioceses include the Archdiocese of Chicago and the Dioceses of Belleville, Joliet, Peoria, Rockford, and Springfield. The report revealed that the probe began in the latter half of 2018 on the heels of a Pennsylvania grand jury report finding that more than 300 Catholic clerics had abused more than 1,000 children in the Commonwealth over the prior 70 years. Raoul mentioned that the probe aimed at achieving two goals — one is to obtain a full accounting of substantiated child sex abuse and to provide a complete public report of the abusers. And the second one is to give voice to survivors in an attempt to contribute to their healing journey. The report mentioned that attorneys and investigators examined thousands of diocesan files. They reviewed more than 100,000 pages of documents held by the dioceses. The Illinois attorney general also mentioned that they spent countless hours engaged in interviews and conversations with diocesan leadership and representatives. "I was raised and confirmed in the Catholic church and sent my children to Catholic schools. I believe the church does important work to support vulnerable populations; however, as with any presumably reputable institution, the Catholic church must be held accountable when it betrays the public’s trust," Raoul said. In response to the findings, the Archdiocese of Chicago and the dioceses of Belleville, Joliet, Peoria, Rockford, and Springfield issued a joint statement. Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, the archbishop of Chicago and Metropolitan of the Chicago Province, said, "The Catholic Church in Illinois has been at the forefront of dealing with sexual abuse of minors for many years." He further said, "At this time, working with the Office of the Attorney General of Illinois, the leaders of all six Illinois dioceses endeavored to make clear and update our approach, mindful of our lived experience and best practices in this field." "Our common goals in doing so are to ensure we offer pastoral support to those affected by this tragedy and to work diligently to prevent it from occurring again," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Illinois: Nearly 2,000 children sexually abused by 450 Catholic clerics over seven decades, says report

A SpaceX capsule on Monday (May 22) carrying the first Saudi Arabian female astronaut, alongside three others, docked with the International Space Station (ISS) as part of an Axiom Space-chartered private mission.

A SpaceX capsule on Monday (May 22) carrying the first Saudi Arabian female astronaut, alongside three others, docked with the International Space Station (ISS) as part of an Axiom Space-chartered private mission. The Dragon capsule, atop a Falcon rocket, took off from the Kennedy Space Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida on Sunday. It delivered the crew members of Axiom Mission 2 (AX-2) for a weeklong stay at the ISS. Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson pilots the AX-2 mission, which also includes paying customers pilot John Shoffner and mission specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi from Saudi Arabia. Rayyanah Barnawi: Saudi Arabia's first female astronaut arrives at ISS Barnawi, who is a cancer stem-cell researcher, is Saudi Arabia's first female astronaut, heading to the ISS to advance breast cancer research. Later, the crew will open the hatch to the orbiting space station, where they will conduct research and scientific experiments. Barnawi said, "Greetings from outer space, I'm here not only representing myself but representing the hopes and dreams of everyone back home, everyone in the region." "It was a great launch, a great ride, we had a lot of fun on the way up and we're really excited to get a lot of work done up here," he added. Peggy Whitson, who is a former NASA astronaut who made the voyage three times in the past added said: "We really are excited to be here." "It was a great launch, a great ride, we had a lot of fun on the way up and we're really excited to get a lot of work done up here." On Sunday, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said, "Congratulations to Axiom, SpaceX, and the Axiom Mission 2 crew on a successful launch! During their time aboard the International Space Station, the Ax-2 astronauts will carry out more than 20 scientific experiments, helping us better understand space radiation, weather in low-gravity conditions, and more." Nelson added, "This mission is more proof of NASA’s commitment to help our industry partners develop the next generation of space technology and support a growing commercial space economy." Welcome aboard the station #Ax2! The four @Axiom_Space private astronauts entered the orbital outpost after opening the @SpaceX Dragon crew ship hatch at 11am ET today. https://t.co/RlZjpuzKHI — International Space Station (@Space_Station) May 22, 2023 × #Ax2 has arrived! The @SpaceX Dragon crew ship with four private astronauts from @Axiom_Space docked to the station at 9:12am ET today. They will enter the orbital outpost soon live on @NASA TV. https://t.co/sakzLf25b7 — International Space Station (@Space_Station) May 22, 2023 × Last April, SpaceX sent the first all-private astronaut team to the ISS, a journey heralded by industry executives and NASA as a watershed moment in the commercialisation of low-earth orbit. This is the second wholly private mission to visit the space station, following the first in April 2022. Ax-2 members will stay for roughly 10 days and conduct approximately 20 experiments. NASA is trying to seed a commercial space economy in the region of space known as "Low Earth Orbit," allowing it to focus its own energies on missions deeper into the solar system and beyond. The SpaceX rocket took off from Florida on Sunday, and the journey to the International Space Station, which orbits roughly 250 miles (400 kilometres) above the earth, took about 16 hours. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

First Saudi Arabian female astronaut reaches International Space Station

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his girlfriend Lauren Sánchez are getting married, several news outlets reported, without divulging any other details about the proposal or the wedding plans.&nbsp;

Bezos and Sánchez have kept details of their lives together mainly private, but they have been photographed at various events quite often.

The reports have also mentioned that they were spotted on a yacht in Mallorca, Spain, and at a Carbone-sponsored beach party ahead of the Miami Grand Prix before heading to the south of France.&nbsp;

The couple has been dating since 2018 and are currently attending the Cannes Film Festival in the south of France.&nbsp;

Bezos and Mackenzie Scott divorced in 2019. In the same year, Sanchez and her ex, Patrick Whitesell, divorced.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sánchez has two children with Whitesell, who has since remarried. Bezos has four with Scott, who also remarried.&nbsp;

For months, rumours have circulated that the couple is planning to marry, majorly because of the speculations over a large heart-shaped ring Sanchez started wearing in 2019.&nbsp;

The 59-year-old Bezos is the third-richest man in the world, and Sánchez, 53, is a former broadcast journalist and now she is a philanthropist.&nbsp;

Earlier this year in January, Sánchez told The Wall Street Journal, "On a typical Saturday, we hang out, we have dinner with the kids, which is always fun because you never know where the conversation is going to go with this many kids."

Sánchez added, "We are the Brady Bunch!" Sánchez has two children with Whitesell, who has since remarried. Bezos has four with Scott.&nbsp;

Sánchez and Bezos spoke to CNN in 2022 at their Washington DC home. It was their first joint sit-down interview where they talked about a range of topics.&nbsp;

Sánchez had told CNN that they make “really great teammates” when it comes to charitable work. Bezos went on to describe his partner as "the most generous, most big-hearted person that you would ever meet" and said that she is "an inspiration".&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Lauren Sanchez to lead all-women space crew in 2024 on Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin spaceship&nbsp;

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<h2>Blue Origin won NASA contract&nbsp;</h2>

Recently, the Jeff Bezos founded Blue Origin won a $3.4 billion contract from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to develop a spacecraft to transport astronauts to and from the moon's surface.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, the US space agency's announcement came as a breakthrough for the company two years after Elon Musk's SpaceX was awarded the same contract to ferry astronauts.&nbsp;

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said, "Today we are excited to announce Blue Origin will build a human landing system as NASA’s second provider to deliver Artemis astronauts to the lunar surface."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his girlfriend Lauren Sánchez are getting married, several news outlets reported, without divulging any other details about the proposal or the wedding plans.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his girlfriend Lauren Sánchez are getting married, several news outlets reported, without divulging any other details about the proposal or the wedding plans. Bezos and Sánchez have kept details of their lives together mainly private, but they have been photographed at various events quite often. The reports have also mentioned that they were spotted on a yacht in Mallorca, Spain, and at a Carbone-sponsored beach party ahead of the Miami Grand Prix before heading to the south of France. The couple has been dating since 2018 and are currently attending the Cannes Film Festival in the south of France. Bezos and Mackenzie Scott divorced in 2019. In the same year, Sanchez and her ex, Patrick Whitesell, divorced. Sánchez has two children with Whitesell, who has since remarried. Bezos has four with Scott, who also remarried. For months, rumours have circulated that the couple is planning to marry, majorly because of the speculations over a large heart-shaped ring Sanchez started wearing in 2019. The 59-year-old Bezos is the third-richest man in the world, and Sánchez, 53, is a former broadcast journalist and now she is a philanthropist. Earlier this year in January, Sánchez told The Wall Street Journal, "On a typical Saturday, we hang out, we have dinner with the kids, which is always fun because you never know where the conversation is going to go with this many kids." Sánchez added, "We are the Brady Bunch!" Sánchez has two children with Whitesell, who has since remarried. Bezos has four with Scott. Sánchez and Bezos spoke to CNN in 2022 at their Washington DC home. It was their first joint sit-down interview where they talked about a range of topics. Sánchez had told CNN that they make “really great teammates” when it comes to charitable work. Bezos went on to describe his partner as "the most generous, most big-hearted person that you would ever meet" and said that she is "an inspiration". WATCH | Lauren Sanchez to lead all-women space crew in 2024 on Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin spaceship × Blue Origin won NASA contract Recently, the Jeff Bezos founded Blue Origin won a $3.4 billion contract from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to develop a spacecraft to transport astronauts to and from the moon's surface. Earlier this month, the US space agency's announcement came as a breakthrough for the company two years after Elon Musk's SpaceX was awarded the same contract to ferry astronauts. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said, "Today we are excited to announce Blue Origin will build a human landing system as NASA’s second provider to deliver Artemis astronauts to the lunar surface." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Jeff Bezos reportedly engaged to girlfriend Lauren Sánchez

Roman Protasevich, the Belarusian opposition blogger arrested in 2021, was pardoned on Monday, state news agency BelTA reported. Protasevich was interrogated after a forced diversion of a Ryanair flight in order to arrest a dissident on board.&nbsp;

BelTA quoted Protasevich as telling reporters: "I have literally just signed all the relevant documents stating that I have been pardoned."&nbsp;

He added, "This is, of course, great news."&nbsp;

Protasevich is a former editor of the opposition media group Nexta and was accused of helping to coordinate mass protests against President Alexander Lukashenko's re-election in 2020.&nbsp;

He was detained in May 2021 after his flight from Greece to Lithuania was stopped and forced to land in Minsk by a Belarusian fighter plane.&nbsp;

A Belarusian court sentenced the 28-year-old to eight years in prison earlier this month. Following the trial, he was placed under house arrest.&nbsp;

However, the Belarusian state news agency Belta reported on Monday that Protasevich had been pardoned.&nbsp;

After the report, opposition figures Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said: "He's been the regime's hostage since the Ryanair hijacking."&nbsp;

"The Belarus regime again shows its disregard for justice by sentencing three journalists in a fake trial on PressFreedomDay," she said on Twitter.&nbsp;

The circumstances surrounding Protasevich's arrest in May 2021 sparked international anger and forced the European Union to penalise Lukashenko.&nbsp;

After his arrest, it appeared that he was forced by authorities into issuing apologetic statements on state television as he was seen crying and confessing to his involvement in anti-government protests. He had also agreed to conspire to depose Lukashenko.&nbsp;

Several Western nations condemned the act. Germany had criticised the recent court's decision to jail Protasevich. The German foreign ministry said on Twitter that his sentence was "another example of the ruthless moves by those in power in Belarus against democratic forces and independent media".&nbsp;

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Roman Protasevich, the Belarusian opposition blogger arrested in 2021, was pardoned on Monday, state news agency BelTA reported. Protasevich was interrogated after a forced diversion of a Ryanair flight in order to arrest a dissident on board.

Roman Protasevich, the Belarusian opposition blogger arrested in 2021, was pardoned on Monday, state news agency BelTA reported. Protasevich was interrogated after a forced diversion of a Ryanair flight in order to arrest a dissident on board. BelTA quoted Protasevich as telling reporters: "I have literally just signed all the relevant documents stating that I have been pardoned." He added, "This is, of course, great news." Protasevich is a former editor of the opposition media group Nexta and was accused of helping to coordinate mass protests against President Alexander Lukashenko's re-election in 2020. He was detained in May 2021 after his flight from Greece to Lithuania was stopped and forced to land in Minsk by a Belarusian fighter plane. A Belarusian court sentenced the 28-year-old to eight years in prison earlier this month. Following the trial, he was placed under house arrest. However, the Belarusian state news agency Belta reported on Monday that Protasevich had been pardoned. After the report, opposition figures Svetlana Tikhanovskaya said: "He's been the regime's hostage since the Ryanair hijacking." "The Belarus regime again shows its disregard for justice by sentencing three journalists in a fake trial on PressFreedomDay," she said on Twitter. The circumstances surrounding Protasevich's arrest in May 2021 sparked international anger and forced the European Union to penalise Lukashenko. After his arrest, it appeared that he was forced by authorities into issuing apologetic statements on state television as he was seen crying and confessing to his involvement in anti-government protests. He had also agreed to conspire to depose Lukashenko. Several Western nations condemned the act. Germany had criticised the recent court's decision to jail Protasevich. The German foreign ministry said on Twitter that his sentence was "another example of the ruthless moves by those in power in Belarus against democratic forces and independent media". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Belarusian blogger Roman Protasevich, arrested in 2021 after Ryanair flight diversion, pardoned

Ten-time NBA All-Star&nbsp;Carmelo&nbsp;Anthony&nbsp;confirmed his retirement from basketball on Monday, formally bringing the curtain down on his two-decade professional career.

Anthony, 38, whose last game in the NBA was for the Los Angeles Lakers in April 2022, announced his decision in a video montage of his career posted to his Instagram account.

"I remember the days when I had nothing, just a ball on the court and a dream with something more,"&nbsp;Anthony&nbsp;said in the video.

"But basketball was my outlet. My purpose was strong. My communities, the cities I represented with pride and the fans that supported me along the way.

"I am forever grateful for those people and places because they made me,&nbsp;Carmelo&nbsp;Anthony.

"But now the time has come for me to say goodbye: to the court where I made my name, to the game that gave me purpose and pride."

Anthony, chosen with the third overall pick in the 2003 draft, departs the sport as one of the most prolific scorers in basketball history.

Over the course of 20 seasons in the NBA, he amassed 28,289 points at an average of 22.5 points per game, with 7,808 rebounds and 3,422 assists.

He launched his career with the Denver Nuggets before moving to the New York Knicks in 2010, where he spent seven years before stints with the Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers and Lakers.

At international level he won three straight gold medals as a member of the US Olympic team in 2008, 2012 and 2016 and also a bronze at the 2004 Athens Games.

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Ten-time NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony confirmed his retirement from basketball on Monday, formally bringing the curtain down on his two-decade professional career.

Ten-time NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony confirmed his retirement from basketball on Monday, formally bringing the curtain down on his two-decade professional career. Anthony, 38, whose last game in the NBA was for the Los Angeles Lakers in April 2022, announced his decision in a video montage of his career posted to his Instagram account. "I remember the days when I had nothing, just a ball on the court and a dream with something more," Anthony said in the video. "But basketball was my outlet. My purpose was strong. My communities, the cities I represented with pride and the fans that supported me along the way. "I am forever grateful for those people and places because they made me, Carmelo Anthony. "But now the time has come for me to say goodbye: to the court where I made my name, to the game that gave me purpose and pride." Anthony, chosen with the third overall pick in the 2003 draft, departs the sport as one of the most prolific scorers in basketball history. Over the course of 20 seasons in the NBA, he amassed 28,289 points at an average of 22.5 points per game, with 7,808 rebounds and 3,422 assists. He launched his career with the Denver Nuggets before moving to the New York Knicks in 2010, where he spent seven years before stints with the Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers and Lakers. At international level he won three straight gold medals as a member of the US Olympic team in 2008, 2012 and 2016 and also a bronze at the 2004 Athens Games. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

NBA great Carmelo Anthony confirms retirement

TikTok on Monday (May 22) filed a suit in the US federal court after the state of Montana decided to implement an overall ban on the video-sharing app.&nbsp;

TikTok argued in the suit that the unprecedented ban, which is set to start in 2024, violates the constitutionally protected right to free speech.&nbsp;

TikTok said in the court filing: "We are challenging Montana’s unconstitutional TikTok ban to protect our business and the hundreds of thousands of TikTok users in Montana."&nbsp;

As quoted by news agency AFP, a TikTok spokesperson said: "We believe our legal challenge will prevail based on an exceedingly strong set of precedents and facts."&nbsp;

Greg Gianforte, who is the governor of Montana, signed the unprecedented prohibition into law on May 17. Gianforte said on Twitter that he endorsed the ban in order to "protect Montanans' personal and private data from the Chinese Communist Party."&nbsp;

"The state has enacted these extraordinary and unprecedented measures based on nothing more than unfounded speculation," TikTok contended in its lawsuit.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;TikTok users file lawsuit to block Montana ban&nbsp;

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<h2>Users also file suit&nbsp;</h2>

Five TikTok users filed their own lawsuit last week, requesting that a federal court overturn Montana's prohibition on the app, claiming that it violates&nbsp;their free speech rights.&nbsp;

Both lawsuits filed against Montana contend that the state is attempting to exercise national security powers that only the federal government possesses while also infringing free speech rights.

TikTok has asked the federal court to declare Montana's prohibition on its app illegal and to prevent the state from enforcing it. The ban &nbsp;would take effect on January 1 and the company claims that the ban violates the First Amendment rights of the company and users.&nbsp;

The lawsuit filed by TikTok users contends: "Montana can no more ban its residents from viewing or posting to TikTok than it could ban the Wall Street Journal because of who owns it or the ideas it publishes."&nbsp;

For the unversed, TikTok&nbsp;is owned by the Chinese firm ByteDance, and it has been accused by a wide range of US politicians of being controlled by the Chinese government and used for spying by Beijing, something the company denies.&nbsp;

The video-sharing app is used by more than 150 million Americans and the company said that it has hundreds of thousands of active users in Montana, which has a total of about 1.1 million residents.&nbsp;

News agencies have reported that Montana could impose fines of $10,000 for each violation by TikTok and additional fines of $10,000 per day if it violates the ban. The law does not impose penalties on individual TikTok users. It is not clear how Montana would enforce a TikTok ban.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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TikTok on Monday (May 22) filed a suit in the US federal court after the state of Montana decided to implement an overall ban on the video-sharing app. TikTok argued in the suit that the unprecedented ban, which is set to start in 2024, violates the constitutionally protected right to free speech.

TikTok on Monday (May 22) filed a suit in the US federal court after the state of Montana decided to implement an overall ban on the video-sharing app. TikTok argued in the suit that the unprecedented ban, which is set to start in 2024, violates the constitutionally protected right to free speech. TikTok said in the court filing: "We are challenging Montana’s unconstitutional TikTok ban to protect our business and the hundreds of thousands of TikTok users in Montana." As quoted by news agency AFP, a TikTok spokesperson said: "We believe our legal challenge will prevail based on an exceedingly strong set of precedents and facts." Greg Gianforte, who is the governor of Montana, signed the unprecedented prohibition into law on May 17. Gianforte said on Twitter that he endorsed the ban in order to "protect Montanans' personal and private data from the Chinese Communist Party." "The state has enacted these extraordinary and unprecedented measures based on nothing more than unfounded speculation," TikTok contended in its lawsuit. WATCH | TikTok users file lawsuit to block Montana ban × Users also file suit Five TikTok users filed their own lawsuit last week, requesting that a federal court overturn Montana's prohibition on the app, claiming that it violates their free speech rights. Both lawsuits filed against Montana contend that the state is attempting to exercise national security powers that only the federal government possesses while also infringing free speech rights. TikTok has asked the federal court to declare Montana's prohibition on its app illegal and to prevent the state from enforcing it. The ban would take effect on January 1 and the company claims that the ban violates the First Amendment rights of the company and users. The lawsuit filed by TikTok users contends: "Montana can no more ban its residents from viewing or posting to TikTok than it could ban the Wall Street Journal because of who owns it or the ideas it publishes." For the unversed, TikTok is owned by the Chinese firm ByteDance, and it has been accused by a wide range of US politicians of being controlled by the Chinese government and used for spying by Beijing, something the company denies. The video-sharing app is used by more than 150 million Americans and the company said that it has hundreds of thousands of active users in Montana, which has a total of about 1.1 million residents. News agencies have reported that Montana could impose fines of $10,000 for each violation by TikTok and additional fines of $10,000 per day if it violates the ban. The law does not impose penalties on individual TikTok users. It is not clear how Montana would enforce a TikTok ban. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

TikTok sues Montana after state passes 'unconstitutional' law banning app

Juventus&nbsp;on Monday were given a 10-point deduction in Serie A after a revision of their initial 15-point penalty inflicted on the club over illicit transfer activity.

The new sanction, announced by the Italian Football Federation's (FIGC) appeals court, dents&nbsp;Juventus' hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League, pushing them out of the top four with three matches remaining this season.

In April, Italy's highest sporting court, the Sports Guarantee Board, revoked Juve's 15-point penalty inflicted by the FIGC's appeals court and sent the case for a new judgement.

It asked the appeals court to revise punishments handed down to the club and some key figures, including former vice-chairman Pavel Nedved.

Juventus&nbsp;said they "reserve the right" to appeal the latest decision to the Sports Guarantee Board.

"While not ignoring the need for urgency, which&nbsp;Juventus&nbsp;has never shied away from during the proceedings, it is emphasised that these are facts that still have to be evaluated by a judge," the Turin giants said on Twitter.

Long bans given to former chairman Andrea Agnelli, ex-CEO Maurizio Arrivabene and sporting directors Federico Cherubini and Fabio Paratici were upheld in April.

But&nbsp;Juventus' hopes that the points deduction would be completely cancelled were quashed on Monday.

Massimiliano Allegri's men, who were second in the top flight, drop to seventh in the table.

Juve are now five points behind fourth-placed AC Milan ahead of their game in hand later Monday at Empoli.

The 'Old Lady' host Champions League losing semi-finalists Milan in their penultimate match of the campaign this weekend.

Juve then visit Udinese in their final match of the season on June 4.

The decision by the FIGC also means that Lazio, who have replaced Juve in second place, will qualify for the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2020 and only the second time since 2007 if&nbsp;Juventus&nbsp;fail to beat Empoli.

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Official: Juventus incurred a deduction of 10 Serie A points following the verdict by Federal Court of Appeal pertaining to the capital gains scandal. ⚪️⚫️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SerieA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SerieA</a> <a href="https://t.co/foZZqZqH5H">pic.twitter.com/foZZqZqH5H</a>
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1660714426176004096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Inter Milan, who moved into third, Atlanta and Roma have all also jumped one place in the Serie A standings.

Juventus&nbsp;are also embroiled in criminal proceedings over their accounting practices with 12 current and former key club figures including Agnelli potentially facing trial.

According to Italian news agencies a high court hearing on October 26 will decide whether any eventual trial will be held in Turin, where the investigation has taken place, or in either Milan or Rome.

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Juventus on Monday were given a 10-point deduction in Serie A after a revision of their initial 15-point penalty inflicted on the club over illicit transfer activity.

Juventus on Monday were given a 10-point deduction in Serie A after a revision of their initial 15-point penalty inflicted on the club over illicit transfer activity. The new sanction, announced by the Italian Football Federation's (FIGC) appeals court, dents Juventus' hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League, pushing them out of the top four with three matches remaining this season. In April, Italy's highest sporting court, the Sports Guarantee Board, revoked Juve's 15-point penalty inflicted by the FIGC's appeals court and sent the case for a new judgement. It asked the appeals court to revise punishments handed down to the club and some key figures, including former vice-chairman Pavel Nedved. Juventus said they "reserve the right" to appeal the latest decision to the Sports Guarantee Board. "While not ignoring the need for urgency, which Juventus has never shied away from during the proceedings, it is emphasised that these are facts that still have to be evaluated by a judge," the Turin giants said on Twitter. Long bans given to former chairman Andrea Agnelli, ex-CEO Maurizio Arrivabene and sporting directors Federico Cherubini and Fabio Paratici were upheld in April. But Juventus' hopes that the points deduction would be completely cancelled were quashed on Monday. Massimiliano Allegri's men, who were second in the top flight, drop to seventh in the table. Juve are now five points behind fourth-placed AC Milan ahead of their game in hand later Monday at Empoli. The 'Old Lady' host Champions League losing semi-finalists Milan in their penultimate match of the campaign this weekend. Juve then visit Udinese in their final match of the season on June 4. The decision by the FIGC also means that Lazio, who have replaced Juve in second place, will qualify for the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2020 and only the second time since 2007 if Juventus fail to beat Empoli. Official: Juventus incurred a deduction of 10 Serie A points following the verdict by Federal Court of Appeal pertaining to the capital gains scandal. ⚪️⚫️ #SerieA pic.twitter.com/foZZqZqH5H — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 22, 2023 × Inter Milan, who moved into third, Atlanta and Roma have all also jumped one place in the Serie A standings. Juventus are also embroiled in criminal proceedings over their accounting practices with 12 current and former key club figures including Agnelli potentially facing trial. According to Italian news agencies a high court hearing on October 26 will decide whether any eventual trial will be held in Turin, where the investigation has taken place, or in either Milan or Rome. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Juventus deducted 10 points after initial penalty revised

The discussions between United States President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy ended on Monday (May 22), with no agreement on how to raise the government's $31.4 trillion debt ceiling.&nbsp;

As a massive crisis looms, McCarthy said that the talks with Biden to counter the debt default threat had been "productive". Both parties will continue the efforts as there are just 10 days left before a possible default that could sink the US economy.&nbsp;

The top lawmaker told reporters as he emerged from the White House after an hour of talks with Biden in the Oval Office: "I felt we had a productive discussion. We don't have an agreement yet, but I did feel the discussion was productive in areas (where) we have differences of opinion."&nbsp;

McCarthy said that their staff would continue the talks and he also believes that they "can still get there".&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Biden after the meeting said, "Default is off the table, and the only way to move forward is in good faith toward a bipartisan agreement."

WATCH |&nbsp;Will Biden, McCarthy reach an agreement over US debt crisis?&nbsp;

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Before the meeting, Biden said that he was “optimistic” about progress. He told reporters in the Oval Office that default was not an option. Biden said, "The American people would have a real kick in their economic wellbeing. As a matter of fact, the rest of the world would too."&nbsp;

The US is facing a massive crisis as the nation stands on the verge of default if the government does not agree to raise the borrowing limit from its current 31.4 trillion dollars in order to maintain paying the nation's debts.&nbsp;

<h2>Yellen warns again&nbsp;</h2>

Janet Yellen, who is the treasury secretary, has again warned that if the debt ceiling issue isn't resolved then it is "highly likely" the US will run out of money to pay its bills as early as June 1.&nbsp;

But both sides failed to reach a common ground of understanding as the Republicans say Biden must sign up to spending cuts in exchange for their support to raise the debt ceiling, ignoring repeated Democratic calls for a "clean" increase of the borrowing limit with no strings attached.&nbsp;

And even if they agree to a deal, it must pass both chambers of Congress and therefore hinges on bipartisan support. Republicans control the House 222-213, while Democrats hold the Senate 51-49.&nbsp;

A failure to lift the debt ceiling would trigger a default that would shake financial markets and drive interest rates higher on everything from car payments to credit cards.&nbsp;

A White House official on Monday said that Republican negotiators had last week proposed additional cuts to programs providing food aid to low-income Americans, and emphasised no deal could pass Congress without support from both parties.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The discussions between United States President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy ended on Monday (May 22), with no agreement on how to raise the government's $31.

The discussions between United States President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy ended on Monday (May 22), with no agreement on how to raise the government's $31.4 trillion debt ceiling. As a massive crisis looms, McCarthy said that the talks with Biden to counter the debt default threat had been "productive". Both parties will continue the efforts as there are just 10 days left before a possible default that could sink the US economy. The top lawmaker told reporters as he emerged from the White House after an hour of talks with Biden in the Oval Office: "I felt we had a productive discussion. We don't have an agreement yet, but I did feel the discussion was productive in areas (where) we have differences of opinion." McCarthy said that their staff would continue the talks and he also believes that they "can still get there". Meanwhile, Biden after the meeting said, "Default is off the table, and the only way to move forward is in good faith toward a bipartisan agreement." WATCH | Will Biden, McCarthy reach an agreement over US debt crisis? × Before the meeting, Biden said that he was “optimistic” about progress. He told reporters in the Oval Office that default was not an option. Biden said, "The American people would have a real kick in their economic wellbeing. As a matter of fact, the rest of the world would too." The US is facing a massive crisis as the nation stands on the verge of default if the government does not agree to raise the borrowing limit from its current 31.4 trillion dollars in order to maintain paying the nation's debts. Yellen warns again Janet Yellen, who is the treasury secretary, has again warned that if the debt ceiling issue isn't resolved then it is "highly likely" the US will run out of money to pay its bills as early as June 1. But both sides failed to reach a common ground of understanding as the Republicans say Biden must sign up to spending cuts in exchange for their support to raise the debt ceiling, ignoring repeated Democratic calls for a "clean" increase of the borrowing limit with no strings attached. And even if they agree to a deal, it must pass both chambers of Congress and therefore hinges on bipartisan support. Republicans control the House 222-213, while Democrats hold the Senate 51-49. A failure to lift the debt ceiling would trigger a default that would shake financial markets and drive interest rates higher on everything from car payments to credit cards. A White House official on Monday said that Republican negotiators had last week proposed additional cuts to programs providing food aid to low-income Americans, and emphasised no deal could pass Congress without support from both parties. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US debt crisis: McCarthy says debt talks 'productive' but no agreement

Clashes erupted and also there were reports of air strikes in Khartoum, Sudan just minutes after a ceasefire between the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces officially went into force on Monday, news agency AFP reported citing witnesses.&nbsp;

The one-week ceasefire started at 9:45pm (1945 GMT), but it turned out to be similar to the other truces that have been announced and breached during the course of fighting.&nbsp;

However, the United States and Saudi Arabia, which brokered the deal, claimed that this one was "signed by the parties" and will be supported by a "ceasefire monitoring mechanism".&nbsp;

The deadly clashes between the army and the main paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have escalated. The army units loyal to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of Sudan's transitional governing Sovereign Council clashed with RSF, which is led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, who is deputy head of the council.&nbsp;

But for the first time, the ceasefire agreement included a monitoring structure comprising the army and the RSF, also representatives from Saudi Arabia and the US.&nbsp;

The RSF produced an audio statement from its leader shortly before the ceasefire was about to go into effect, in which he praised Saudi Arabia and the US but urged his forces to victory. He said, "We will not retreat until we end this coup."&nbsp;

Both sides accused each other of attempting to seize control ever since the fighting started on April 15.&nbsp;

The ceasefire agreement has raised hopes of a pause in a war that has displaced about 1.1 million people, including over 250,000 who have fled into neighbouring countries, threatening to destabilise a fragile area.&nbsp;

Volker Perthes, who is the UN special representative to Sudan said that it should allow civilians to move and give access to humanitarian aid.&nbsp;

He told the U.N. Security Council in New York: "This is a welcome development, though the fighting and troop movements have continued even today, despite a commitment of both sides not to pursue military advantage before the ceasefire takes effect."&nbsp;

<h2>'The situation is horrible'&nbsp;</h2>

Residents in Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri, the three cities that comprise the greater capital and are divided by the confluence of the Blue Nile and White Nile,&nbsp;reported air attacks on Monday.&nbsp;

As quoted by Reuters, Salma Abdallah, who is a resident of the Al Riyadh neighbourhood in Khartoum, said: "The situation is horrible. The planes are bombing us on every side and from the strength of the vibration of the house doors, we feel like we'll die today." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Clashes erupted and also there were reports of air strikes in Khartoum, Sudan just minutes after a ceasefire between the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces officially went into force on Monday, news agency AFP reported citing witnesses.

Clashes erupted and also there were reports of air strikes in Khartoum, Sudan just minutes after a ceasefire between the army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces officially went into force on Monday, news agency AFP reported citing witnesses. The one-week ceasefire started at 9:45pm (1945 GMT), but it turned out to be similar to the other truces that have been announced and breached during the course of fighting. However, the United States and Saudi Arabia, which brokered the deal, claimed that this one was "signed by the parties" and will be supported by a "ceasefire monitoring mechanism". The deadly clashes between the army and the main paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have escalated. The army units loyal to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of Sudan's transitional governing Sovereign Council clashed with RSF, which is led by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as Hemedti, who is deputy head of the council. But for the first time, the ceasefire agreement included a monitoring structure comprising the army and the RSF, also representatives from Saudi Arabia and the US. The RSF produced an audio statement from its leader shortly before the ceasefire was about to go into effect, in which he praised Saudi Arabia and the US but urged his forces to victory. He said, "We will not retreat until we end this coup." Both sides accused each other of attempting to seize control ever since the fighting started on April 15. The ceasefire agreement has raised hopes of a pause in a war that has displaced about 1.1 million people, including over 250,000 who have fled into neighbouring countries, threatening to destabilise a fragile area. Volker Perthes, who is the UN special representative to Sudan said that it should allow civilians to move and give access to humanitarian aid. He told the U.N. Security Council in New York: "This is a welcome development, though the fighting and troop movements have continued even today, despite a commitment of both sides not to pursue military advantage before the ceasefire takes effect." 'The situation is horrible' Residents in Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri, the three cities that comprise the greater capital and are divided by the confluence of the Blue Nile and White Nile, reported air attacks on Monday. As quoted by Reuters, Salma Abdallah, who is a resident of the Al Riyadh neighbourhood in Khartoum, said: "The situation is horrible. The planes are bombing us on every side and from the strength of the vibration of the house doors, we feel like we'll die today." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sudan unrest: Clashes, air strikes minutes after ceasefire started

At least five were injured after Ukrainian forces shelled the Belgorod region on Russia's border with Ukraine on Monday (May 22), the region's governor said, further adding that several houses were damaged and power lines were disrupted. So far, there are no reports of any fatalities.&nbsp;

The official said that the Russian troops and intelligence agents were seeking to "eliminate" a Ukrainian "sabotage" group that crossed the Russian border.&nbsp;

Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov wrote on Telegram: "A VSU [armed forces of Ukraine] sabotage group entered the territory of Grayvoron district." He referred to a district that lies on Ukraine's border.&nbsp;

Gladkov added, "The Russian Armed Forces together with border officials, the National Guard and the FSB are taking all the necessary measures to neutralize the enemy.”&nbsp;

The governor said that two people were rushed to hospital and three more people were treated in hospital for shrapnel wounds in the town of Graivoron. He added that a local woman also received an arm injury.&nbsp;

In the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war, which started after Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops to Ukraine in February 2022, the border region of Belgorod in the country's south has been repeatedly shelled, killing dozens of people.&nbsp;

Authorities have also reported a series of incidents involving members of "sabotage" groups crossing over from Ukraine. Last month, the city of Belgorod was bombed by a Russian fighter jet which dropped ammunition over the city by accident.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia claims it has taken control over Bakhmut&nbsp;

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<h2>Putin has been informed</h2>

The Kremlin said that Putin has been informed of a cross-border incursion. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies that the "defence ministry, the FSB (security service) and the border service reported to the Russian president about an attempt of a Ukrainian sabotage group to break into the Belgorod region".&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Peskov said the incursion was designed to "divert attention" from Bakhmut and "minimise" Ukraine's loss of the eastern city, which Moscow claimed to capture.&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine denies claims</h2>

Ukraine denied being involved in the incursion as the presidential advisor Mikhaylo Podolyak said that they are watching the events in the Belgorod region of Russia with interest and is studying the situation, but has nothing to do with it".&nbsp;

Not just this, Ukraine has previously denied responsibility for several reported sabotage attacks on Russian territory. Podolyak suggested that Russian "guerrilla groups" could be responsible.&nbsp;

He said, "The only driving political force in a totalitarian country of tightened screws is always an armed guerrilla movement. As you know, tanks are sold at any Russian military store, and underground guerrilla groups are composed of Russian citizens."&nbsp;

Russia has said the incursion was designed by Ukraine to "divert attention from Bakhmut", after Moscow claimed to have captured the city over the weekend, but Kyiv denied this.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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At least five were injured after Ukrainian forces shelled the Belgorod region on Russia's border with Ukraine on Monday (May 22), the region's governor said, further adding that several houses were damaged and power lines were disrupted.

At least five were injured after Ukrainian forces shelled the Belgorod region on Russia's border with Ukraine on Monday (May 22), the region's governor said, further adding that several houses were damaged and power lines were disrupted. So far, there are no reports of any fatalities. The official said that the Russian troops and intelligence agents were seeking to "eliminate" a Ukrainian "sabotage" group that crossed the Russian border. Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov wrote on Telegram: "A VSU [armed forces of Ukraine] sabotage group entered the territory of Grayvoron district." He referred to a district that lies on Ukraine's border. Gladkov added, "The Russian Armed Forces together with border officials, the National Guard and the FSB are taking all the necessary measures to neutralize the enemy.” The governor said that two people were rushed to hospital and three more people were treated in hospital for shrapnel wounds in the town of Graivoron. He added that a local woman also received an arm injury. In the aftermath of the Russia-Ukraine war, which started after Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops to Ukraine in February 2022, the border region of Belgorod in the country's south has been repeatedly shelled, killing dozens of people. Authorities have also reported a series of incidents involving members of "sabotage" groups crossing over from Ukraine. Last month, the city of Belgorod was bombed by a Russian fighter jet which dropped ammunition over the city by accident. WATCH | Russia claims it has taken control over Bakhmut × Putin has been informed The Kremlin said that Putin has been informed of a cross-border incursion. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agencies that the "defence ministry, the FSB (security service) and the border service reported to the Russian president about an attempt of a Ukrainian sabotage group to break into the Belgorod region". Peskov said the incursion was designed to "divert attention" from Bakhmut and "minimise" Ukraine's loss of the eastern city, which Moscow claimed to capture. Ukraine denies claims Ukraine denied being involved in the incursion as the presidential advisor Mikhaylo Podolyak said that they are watching the events in the Belgorod region of Russia with interest and is studying the situation, but has nothing to do with it". Not just this, Ukraine has previously denied responsibility for several reported sabotage attacks on Russian territory. Podolyak suggested that Russian "guerrilla groups" could be responsible. He said, "The only driving political force in a totalitarian country of tightened screws is always an armed guerrilla movement. As you know, tanks are sold at any Russian military store, and underground guerrilla groups are composed of Russian citizens." Russia has said the incursion was designed by Ukraine to "divert attention from Bakhmut", after Moscow claimed to have captured the city over the weekend, but Kyiv denied this. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Belgorod governor claims Ukraine shelled Russia's border region

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