A Russian warship fired warning shots and boarded a cargo ship it claims was headed to Ukraine in the Black Sea on Sunday, according to Russia’s Defense Ministry.

Russian warship fires warning shots at cargo ship in Black Sea

<p>At least seven people, including a baby, were killed after Russian forces shelled two villages in the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson, on Sunday (August 13), according to officials in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia claims to have shot down at least four&nbsp;Ukrainian drones over western regions.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>At least seven including baby killed in Kherson</strong></h2>

<p>A couple, their 23-day-old daughter, and another man were killed in the village of Shyroka Balka, said Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. The couple’s previously critically wounded 12-year-old son later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two people were killed and one person was wounded in the neighbouring village of Stanislav, said Klymenko, adding that the area was struck 12 times with artillery. “The terrorists will never willingly stop killing civilians,” said the Ukrainian minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “Terrorists must be stopped. They must be stopped by force. They don’t understand anything else.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after Ukraine had managed to reclaim the western part of the Kherson region from Russian occupation last November, however, Moscow’s forces have continued regularly shelling the region from across the Dnipro River.</p>

<h2><strong>Russian defence&nbsp;downs four&nbsp;Ukrainian drones over Russia</strong></h2>

<p>Amid a spike in reported Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia, the country’s defence ministry said that they shot at least three more drones over two regions, on Sunday (August 13). According to the Russian defence ministry, three&nbsp;drones were shot down over the Belgorod region and another over the Kursk region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This also comes a day after Russia claimed to have shot <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-killed-six-injured-in-donetsk-after-ukrainian-shelling-use-of-cluster-munitions-russian-official-624944">20 unmanned Ukrainian drones</a> near the Crimean peninsula. Air defence systems were used to down 14 drones and six more using electronic warfare, said the defence ministry, on Saturday (August 12).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine is trying to pierce Russian lines in south: Russian-installed official</strong></h2>

<p>Vladimir Rogov, a Russian-installed official in parts of Zaporizhzhia controlled by Moscow, on Sunday (August 13) said that the Ukrainian forces are trying to pierce Russian lines in the western parts of the Donetsk region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian official also reported intense fighting south of Velyka Novosilka where Ukrainian troops are supposedly trying to pierce Russian lines to push down to the coast on the Sea of Azov.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The enemy managed to enter and gain a foothold in the northern part of Urozhaine after two weeks of the heaviest and bloodiest battles for this settlement,” said Rogov.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, he also said that the Russian forces still controlled the southern part of Urozhaine, adding that Ukrainian forces were clearly aiming to take control of a town further south, Staromlynivka, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukraine launched its counteroffensive last month to retake territory captured by Russia in the south and east of the country. On Saturday, Ukrainian forces also said they had “partial success” near Robotyne on the front line in the southern Zaporizhzhia region.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russian warship fires warning shots at cargo ship in Black Sea</strong></h2>

<p>The Russian defence ministry, on Sunday (August 13), said that it fired warning shots with automatic weapons on a Palau-flagged cargo ship in the Black Sea as it made its way to Ukraine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Russian officials, its Vasily Bykov patrol ship had fired automatic weapons on the Sukru Okan vessel after it failed to respond to a halt for an inspection. The ship was said to be heading to the Ukrainian port of Izmail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“To forcibly stop the vessel, warning fire was opened from automatic weapons,” said the Russian officials, adding that the military boarded the vessel with the help of a Ka-29 helicopter.</p>

<p>“After the inspection group completed its work on board, the Sukru Okan continued on its way to the port of Izmail,” said the Russian defence ministry. A report by Reuters citing Refinitiv shipping data said that the ship seemed to be headed north towards the coast of Bulgaria.</p>

<p>The incident also comes a month after Russia formally backed out of the United Nations-brokered grain deal and stopped Ukraine from exporting its grain via the Black Sea amid the ongoing war.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
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At least seven people, including a baby, were killed after Russian forces shelled two villages in the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson, on Sunday (August 13), according to officials in Ukraine.

At least seven people, including a baby, were killed after Russian forces shelled two villages in the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson, on Sunday (August 13), according to officials in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russia claims to have shot down at least four Ukrainian drones over western regions. At least seven including baby killed in Kherson A couple, their 23-day-old daughter, and another man were killed in the village of Shyroka Balka, said Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko. The couple’s previously critically wounded 12-year-old son later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital, he added. Two people were killed and one person was wounded in the neighbouring village of Stanislav, said Klymenko, adding that the area was struck 12 times with artillery. “The terrorists will never willingly stop killing civilians,” said the Ukrainian minister. He added, “Terrorists must be stopped. They must be stopped by force. They don’t understand anything else.” This comes after Ukraine had managed to reclaim the western part of the Kherson region from Russian occupation last November, however, Moscow’s forces have continued regularly shelling the region from across the Dnipro River. Russian defence downs four Ukrainian drones over Russia Amid a spike in reported Ukrainian drone attacks on Russia, the country’s defence ministry said that they shot at least three more drones over two regions, on Sunday (August 13). According to the Russian defence ministry, three drones were shot down over the Belgorod region and another over the Kursk region. This also comes a day after Russia claimed to have shot 20 unmanned Ukrainian drones near the Crimean peninsula. Air defence systems were used to down 14 drones and six more using electronic warfare, said the defence ministry, on Saturday (August 12). Ukraine is trying to pierce Russian lines in south: Russian-installed official Vladimir Rogov, a Russian-installed official in parts of Zaporizhzhia controlled by Moscow, on Sunday (August 13) said that the Ukrainian forces are trying to pierce Russian lines in the western parts of the Donetsk region. The Russian official also reported intense fighting south of Velyka Novosilka where Ukrainian troops are supposedly trying to pierce Russian lines to push down to the coast on the Sea of Azov. “The enemy managed to enter and gain a foothold in the northern part of Urozhaine after two weeks of the heaviest and bloodiest battles for this settlement,” said Rogov. However, he also said that the Russian forces still controlled the southern part of Urozhaine, adding that Ukrainian forces were clearly aiming to take control of a town further south, Staromlynivka, reported Reuters. Ukraine launched its counteroffensive last month to retake territory captured by Russia in the south and east of the country. On Saturday, Ukrainian forces also said they had “partial success” near Robotyne on the front line in the southern Zaporizhzhia region. Russian warship fires warning shots at cargo ship in Black Sea The Russian defence ministry, on Sunday (August 13), said that it fired warning shots with automatic weapons on a Palau-flagged cargo ship in the Black Sea as it made its way to Ukraine. According to Russian officials, its Vasily Bykov patrol ship had fired automatic weapons on the Sukru Okan vessel after it failed to respond to a halt for an inspection. The ship was said to be heading to the Ukrainian port of Izmail. “To forcibly stop the vessel, warning fire was opened from automatic weapons,” said the Russian officials, adding that the military boarded the vessel with the help of a Ka-29 helicopter. “After the inspection group completed its work on board, the Sukru Okan continued on its way to the port of Izmail,” said the Russian defence ministry. A report by Reuters citing Refinitiv shipping data said that the ship seemed to be headed north towards the coast of Bulgaria. The incident also comes a month after Russia formally backed out of the United Nations-brokered grain deal and stopped Ukraine from exporting its grain via the Black Sea amid the ongoing war. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 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.

At least 7, including baby killed in Ukraine after Russian shelling; Moscow downed 4 drones

<p>Russia claims to have intercepted a United States drone over the Black Sea, on Saturday (August 5). Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a Russian missile hit a facility of the Ukraine-based aeronautics group.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia's claims on US drone</strong></h2>

<p>The Russian defence ministry, in a statement, said that it scrambled a Su-30 fighter jet to “prevent a violation of the Russian state border” after a US Reaper MQ-9 military drone was detected over the Black Sea.</p>

<p>“As the Russian fighter approached, the foreign reconnaissance drone performed a U-turn away from the border,” said the Russian officials. The ministry also claimed that the drone belonged to the US Air Force.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, “The Russian aircraft returned safely to its airbase, there was no violation of the border.” This comes as reports about incidents involving Russian and Western aircraft have multiplied over the Black Sea and Baltic Sea in recent months.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine drone strike</strong></h2>

<p>Both Russia and Ukraine reported that a Ukrainian sea drone laden with explosives struck a Russian fuel tanker overnight, on Saturday, near the Crimean bridge, in the second such attack in 24 hours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bridge, in question, links Russia to Crimea, which Moscow seized from Ukraine in 2014. A Ukrainian intelligence source told Reuters that the drone with 450kg of explosives hit the SIG vessel as it transported fuel for the Russian military in Ukrainian territorial waters.</p>

<p>“The tanker was well loaded with fuel, so the ‘fireworks’ were seen from afar,” said the report by Reuters citing an intelligence source.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kyiv is in the midst of its long-awaited counteroffensive against Moscow to recapture its territory and has been destroying Russia’s military infrastructure inside Russia or on Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine, as per reports.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russian missile strike hits Ukraine aeronautics firm</strong></h2>

<p>Zelensky, on Saturday (August 5), said that a Russian missile hit a facility of the Ukrainian aeronautics group Motor Sich, one of the companies requisitioned by the government since the beginning of Moscow’s invasion back in February 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Today, there was another Russian missile attack against our country. Kinzhals, Calibers. They hit Motor Sich,” said Zelensky, during his evening address. The facility is located near Khmelnytskyi in western Ukraine around 300 kilometres southwest of Kyiv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Ukrainian president, the strike included Russia’s hypersonic Kinzhal weapons, adding that “some of the missiles were shot down.” The Khmelnytskyi region which is hundreds of kilometres from the front lines is also home to a major Ukrainian airbase and is regularly targeted by Russian strikes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Motor Sich makes plane and helicopter engines and other components and was taken over by the government in Kyiv as a part of its “strategic” firms taken over by Ukraine’s defence ministry last November.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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Russia claims to have intercepted a United States drone over the Black Sea, on Saturday (August 5). Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a Russian missile hit a facility of the Ukraine-based aeronautics group.

Russia claims to have intercepted a United States drone over the Black Sea, on Saturday (August 5). Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a Russian missile hit a facility of the Ukraine-based aeronautics group. Russia's claims on US drone The Russian defence ministry, in a statement, said that it scrambled a Su-30 fighter jet to “prevent a violation of the Russian state border” after a US Reaper MQ-9 military drone was detected over the Black Sea. “As the Russian fighter approached, the foreign reconnaissance drone performed a U-turn away from the border,” said the Russian officials. The ministry also claimed that the drone belonged to the US Air Force. It added, “The Russian aircraft returned safely to its airbase, there was no violation of the border.” This comes as reports about incidents involving Russian and Western aircraft have multiplied over the Black Sea and Baltic Sea in recent months. Ukraine drone strike Both Russia and Ukraine reported that a Ukrainian sea drone laden with explosives struck a Russian fuel tanker overnight, on Saturday, near the Crimean bridge, in the second such attack in 24 hours. The bridge, in question, links Russia to Crimea, which Moscow seized from Ukraine in 2014. A Ukrainian intelligence source told Reuters that the drone with 450kg of explosives hit the SIG vessel as it transported fuel for the Russian military in Ukrainian territorial waters. “The tanker was well loaded with fuel, so the ‘fireworks’ were seen from afar,” said the report by Reuters citing an intelligence source. Kyiv is in the midst of its long-awaited counteroffensive against Moscow to recapture its territory and has been destroying Russia’s military infrastructure inside Russia or on Russian-controlled territory in Ukraine, as per reports. Russian missile strike hits Ukraine aeronautics firm Zelensky, on Saturday (August 5), said that a Russian missile hit a facility of the Ukrainian aeronautics group Motor Sich, one of the companies requisitioned by the government since the beginning of Moscow’s invasion back in February 2022. “Today, there was another Russian missile attack against our country. Kinzhals, Calibers. They hit Motor Sich,” said Zelensky, during his evening address. The facility is located near Khmelnytskyi in western Ukraine around 300 kilometres southwest of Kyiv. According to the Ukrainian president, the strike included Russia’s hypersonic Kinzhal weapons, adding that “some of the missiles were shot down.” The Khmelnytskyi region which is hundreds of kilometres from the front lines is also home to a major Ukrainian airbase and is regularly targeted by Russian strikes. Notably, Motor Sich makes plane and helicopter engines and other components and was taken over by the government in Kyiv as a part of its “strategic” firms taken over by Ukraine’s defence ministry last November. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos 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.

Russia claims to have intercepted US drone over Black Sea

<p class="MsoNormal">The Russian defence ministry early on Friday (August 4) said that overnight Ukrainian attacks on the naval base in the Crimean peninsula and the Black Sea were thwarted by their forces.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"Tonight, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with the use of two unmanned sea boats, attempted an attack on the Novorossiysk naval base of the Russian Armed Forces," said the ministry, on Telegram.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">It stated that the naval drones were destroyed by the Russian ships. The terminus of a pipeline, which has been carrying out a maximum of Kazakh oil exports through Russia, has been hosted by the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The operator of the fuel artery Caspian Pipeline Consortium said that it has continued the process of shipping oil to moored tankers at the terminal, reported the Russian state media on Friday.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">But "a temporary ban has been established on the movement of ships in the port", stated the company, as Interfax news agency quoted it.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-us-are-discussing-security-guarantees-official-622197">Ukraine, US begin discussions on security guarantees: Official</a></p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Russia's Black Sea Fleet targetted multiple times</strong></h2>

<h2 class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal">The Black Sea Fleet of Russia has been targetted from the time the military campaign of Russia began in Ukraine more than a year ago, however, there has been a significant increase in the attacks in recent weeks.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">The defence ministry of Russia on Tuesday said that a Ukrainian drone attack, which was targeting patrol boats in the Black Sea, has been foiled. Black Sea is the region where tensions have been increasing after a deal to protect Ukrainian grain exports was exited by Moscow.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">A similar attack was repelled earlier this week also. On Friday, the ministry had claimed to have downed 13 drones over the Crimean peninsula. No casualties or damage were reported in either of the attacks, said the ministry.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine war: Russia attacks main route for Ukranian exports since grain deal</strong></p>

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<h2 class="MsoNormal"><strong>Fight over Crimea</strong></h2>

<p class="MsoNormal">In 2014, Russia had annexed Crimea. Since then, it has been a target of Kyiv throughout the Ukraine offensive on Moscow but has come under more increased and intense attacks in recent weeks. In July, Ukrainian drone attacks blew up an ammunition depot and damaged a strategic and symbolic bridge in Crimea, which linked the peninsula to Russia’s mainland.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Repeatedly, Kyiv has stated that it plans on taking back Crimea, which has become a regular target for its forces. Russian-installed authorities in Crimea on Sunday (July 30) said that 25 Ukrainian drones were downed over the peninsula.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Kyiv claims Moscow, meanwhile, has attacked Ukraine's Odesa region, which is on the shores of the Black Sea, repeatedly.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>


The Russian defence ministry early on Friday (August 4) said that overnight Ukrainian attacks on the naval base in the Crimean peninsula and the Black Sea were thwarted by their forces.

The Russian defence ministry early on Friday (August 4) said that overnight Ukrainian attacks on the naval base in the Crimean peninsula and the Black Sea were thwarted by their forces. "Tonight, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, with the use of two unmanned sea boats, attempted an attack on the Novorossiysk naval base of the Russian Armed Forces," said the ministry, on Telegram. It stated that the naval drones were destroyed by the Russian ships. The terminus of a pipeline, which has been carrying out a maximum of Kazakh oil exports through Russia, has been hosted by the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. The operator of the fuel artery Caspian Pipeline Consortium said that it has continued the process of shipping oil to moored tankers at the terminal, reported the Russian state media on Friday. But "a temporary ban has been established on the movement of ships in the port", stated the company, as Interfax news agency quoted it. ALSO READ | Ukraine, US begin discussions on security guarantees: Official Russia's Black Sea Fleet targetted multiple times The Black Sea Fleet of Russia has been targetted from the time the military campaign of Russia began in Ukraine more than a year ago, however, there has been a significant increase in the attacks in recent weeks. The defence ministry of Russia on Tuesday said that a Ukrainian drone attack, which was targeting patrol boats in the Black Sea, has been foiled. Black Sea is the region where tensions have been increasing after a deal to protect Ukrainian grain exports was exited by Moscow. A similar attack was repelled earlier this week also. On Friday, the ministry had claimed to have downed 13 drones over the Crimean peninsula. No casualties or damage were reported in either of the attacks, said the ministry. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine war: Russia attacks main route for Ukranian exports since grain deal Fight over Crimea In 2014, Russia had annexed Crimea. Since then, it has been a target of Kyiv throughout the Ukraine offensive on Moscow but has come under more increased and intense attacks in recent weeks. In July, Ukrainian drone attacks blew up an ammunition depot and damaged a strategic and symbolic bridge in Crimea, which linked the peninsula to Russia’s mainland. Repeatedly, Kyiv has stated that it plans on taking back Crimea, which has become a regular target for its forces. Russian-installed authorities in Crimea on Sunday (July 30) said that 25 Ukrainian drones were downed over the peninsula. Kyiv claims Moscow, meanwhile, has attacked Ukraine's Odesa region, which is on the shores of the Black Sea, repeatedly. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia claims it thwarted Ukrainian attacks on naval base in Black Sea, Crimean peninsula

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Russia pounds Ukrainian ports along the Danube River & Black Sea

<p>NATO said on Wednesday (July 26) said that it was stepping up surveillance of the Black Sea region. The alliance condemned Russia's exit from the grain deal that previously ensured safe passage of Ukrainian grain-carrying ships through the Black Sea.</p>

<p>The announcement from NATO came after a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council. It is a body established earlier this month to coordinate cooperation between the Western military alliance and Kyiv.</p>

<p>"Allies and Ukraine strongly condemned Russia’s decision to withdraw from the Black Sea grain deal and its deliberate attempts to stop Ukraine’s agricultural exports on which hundreds of millions of people worldwide depend," NATO said in a statement.</p>

<p>"NATO and Allies are stepping up surveillance and reconnaissance in the Black Sea region, including with maritime patrol aircraft and drones," the statement said.</p>

<p>The grain deal expired on July 17 after Russia quit participation. The United Nations has said that Russia's move would "strike a blow to people in need everywhere."</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Leaked documents highlight Germany's criticism of Ukraine</strong></p>

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<p>Russia has since hinted that it may consident revival of the deal if its demands to improve and better facilitate exports of Russian grain and fertilizer were met.</p>

<h2><strong>NATO criticises Russian warning</strong></h2>

<p>The NATO statement criticised a Russian warning that parts of the Black Sea's international waters were temporarily unsafe for navigation.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-romanian-ship-damaged-during-russian-attacks-on-reni-port-say-reports-619464">Ukraine war: Romanian ship damaged during Russian attacks on Reni port, say reports</a></strong></p>

<p>As part of that warning, Russia also said that any ships travelling to Ukraine's Black Sea ports would be seen as possibly carrying military cargo.</p>

<p>"Allies noted that Russia’s new warning area in the Black Sea, within Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone, has created new risks for miscalculation and escalation, as well as serious impediments to freedom of navigation," the NATO statement said.</p>

<p>Bulgaria is a member of NATO.</p>

<p>NATO also condemned recent Russian attacks on Odesa, Mykolaiv and other port cities and also a drone strike on Ukraine's grain storage facility in the port city of Reni. The city is near the border with NATO-member Romania.</p>

<p>"We remain ready to defend every inch of Allied territory from any aggression,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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NATO said on Wednesday (July 26) said that it was stepping up surveillance of the Black Sea region. The alliance condemned Russia's exit from the grain deal that previously ensured safe passage of Ukrainian grain-carrying ships through the Black Sea.

NATO said on Wednesday (July 26) said that it was stepping up surveillance of the Black Sea region. The alliance condemned Russia's exit from the grain deal that previously ensured safe passage of Ukrainian grain-carrying ships through the Black Sea. The announcement from NATO came after a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Council. It is a body established earlier this month to coordinate cooperation between the Western military alliance and Kyiv. "Allies and Ukraine strongly condemned Russia’s decision to withdraw from the Black Sea grain deal and its deliberate attempts to stop Ukraine’s agricultural exports on which hundreds of millions of people worldwide depend," NATO said in a statement. "NATO and Allies are stepping up surveillance and reconnaissance in the Black Sea region, including with maritime patrol aircraft and drones," the statement said. The grain deal expired on July 17 after Russia quit participation. The United Nations has said that Russia's move would "strike a blow to people in need everywhere." Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Leaked documents highlight Germany's criticism of Ukraine × Russia has since hinted that it may consident revival of the deal if its demands to improve and better facilitate exports of Russian grain and fertilizer were met. NATO criticises Russian warning The NATO statement criticised a Russian warning that parts of the Black Sea's international waters were temporarily unsafe for navigation. Also Read | Ukraine war: Romanian ship damaged during Russian attacks on Reni port, say reports As part of that warning, Russia also said that any ships travelling to Ukraine's Black Sea ports would be seen as possibly carrying military cargo. "Allies noted that Russia’s new warning area in the Black Sea, within Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone, has created new risks for miscalculation and escalation, as well as serious impediments to freedom of navigation," the NATO statement said. Bulgaria is a member of NATO. NATO also condemned recent Russian attacks on Odesa, Mykolaiv and other port cities and also a drone strike on Ukraine's grain storage facility in the port city of Reni. The city is near the border with NATO-member Romania. "We remain ready to defend every inch of Allied territory from any aggression,” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

NATO is boosting Black Sea surveillance after Russia's grain deal exit

<p>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan released a statement saying that his planned talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin could lead to the restoration of the Black Sea grain deal. He then further urged Western countries to consider Russia's demands, Turkish broadcasters reported on Friday.</p>

<p>"The termination of the Black Sea grain deal will have a series of consequences, ranging from the increase in global food prices to scarcity in certain regions and, potentially, leading to new waves of migration," Erdogan told reporters on a flight returning from a trip to Gulf countries and northern Cyprus.</p>

<p>"I believe that by thoroughly discussing the matter with President Putin, we can ensure the continuation of this humanitarian effort," Erdogan added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This week, Russia quit a deal that was orchestrated by the United Nations and Turkey, which allowed the safe Black Sea export of Ukraine grain for the past year and repealed guarantees of secure navigation. Since then, no ships have cruised from Ukrainian ports.</p>

<p>Moscow released a statement saying that it will return to the deal only if its demands are met for easier access to its own food and fertiliser exports to world markets. As per the Western countries, Russia has had no trouble selling food, which is exempt from financial sanctions.</p>

<p>"We are aware that President Putin also has certain expectations from Western countries, and it is crucial for these countries to take action in this regard," Erdogan said.</p>

<p>Further, the Turkish president repeated his remarks saying that he hoped Putin would visit Turkey in August.</p>

<p>"I believe that, without prolonging the process, we will ensure the continuation of the Black Sea grain initiative."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-reformist-party-to-support-rival-candidate-after-prime-minister-vote-defeat-618210">Thailand reformist party to support coalition partner candidate after Prime Minister vote defeat</a></p>

<h2><strong>Kremlin says Ukraine's actions pose danger to civilian shipping in the Black Sea</strong></h2>

<p>On Friday, the Kremlin released a statement saying that Ukraine's "unpredictable" actions pose a danger to civilian shipping in the Black Sea.</p>

<p>It further condemned Kyiv for carrying out "terrorist attacks" in the area.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, Russia said that this week all the ships that were heading to Ukraine's Black Sea ports could be considered military targets and that their flag countries parties to the conflict on the Ukrainian side, after it annulled their security guarantees by pulling back from the Black Sea grain deal.</p>

<p>"Unpredictable actions and, moreover, the involvement of the Kyiv regime in terrorist acts certainly potentially create a threat in this area," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.</p>

<p>On being asked if ships carrying Russian oil and other goods from Russia's Black Sea ports were at risk, Peskov told reporters that government departments would take a decision.</p>

<p>"The situation is being analysed, and our responsible agencies will develop appropriate recommendations to minimise the danger," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan released a statement saying that his planned talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin could lead to the restoration of the Black Sea grain deal.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan released a statement saying that his planned talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin could lead to the restoration of the Black Sea grain deal. He then further urged Western countries to consider Russia's demands, Turkish broadcasters reported on Friday. "The termination of the Black Sea grain deal will have a series of consequences, ranging from the increase in global food prices to scarcity in certain regions and, potentially, leading to new waves of migration," Erdogan told reporters on a flight returning from a trip to Gulf countries and northern Cyprus. "I believe that by thoroughly discussing the matter with President Putin, we can ensure the continuation of this humanitarian effort," Erdogan added. This week, Russia quit a deal that was orchestrated by the United Nations and Turkey, which allowed the safe Black Sea export of Ukraine grain for the past year and repealed guarantees of secure navigation. Since then, no ships have cruised from Ukrainian ports. Moscow released a statement saying that it will return to the deal only if its demands are met for easier access to its own food and fertiliser exports to world markets. As per the Western countries, Russia has had no trouble selling food, which is exempt from financial sanctions. "We are aware that President Putin also has certain expectations from Western countries, and it is crucial for these countries to take action in this regard," Erdogan said. Further, the Turkish president repeated his remarks saying that he hoped Putin would visit Turkey in August. "I believe that, without prolonging the process, we will ensure the continuation of the Black Sea grain initiative." Also read: Thailand reformist party to support coalition partner candidate after Prime Minister vote defeat Kremlin says Ukraine's actions pose danger to civilian shipping in the Black Sea On Friday, the Kremlin released a statement saying that Ukraine's "unpredictable" actions pose a danger to civilian shipping in the Black Sea. It further condemned Kyiv for carrying out "terrorist attacks" in the area. Earlier this week, Russia said that this week all the ships that were heading to Ukraine's Black Sea ports could be considered military targets and that their flag countries parties to the conflict on the Ukrainian side, after it annulled their security guarantees by pulling back from the Black Sea grain deal. "Unpredictable actions and, moreover, the involvement of the Kyiv regime in terrorist acts certainly potentially create a threat in this area," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. On being asked if ships carrying Russian oil and other goods from Russia's Black Sea ports were at risk, Peskov told reporters that government departments would take a decision. "The situation is being analysed, and our responsible agencies will develop appropriate recommendations to minimise the danger," he said. (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.

Erdogan says talks with Putin could lead to restoration of Black Sea grain initiative

For the second time in less than a year, explosives have damaged the bridge that links Russia & Crimea. Moscow has blamed Ukraine for the incident, which left two people dead. Did Ukraine attack Crimea bridge to push the world into World War 3 before grain deal's expiration?

Did Ukraine attack Crimea bridge to push the world into World War 3 before grain deal's expiration?

<p>Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to extend the Black Sea grain deal. The deal is going to expire next week.</p>

<p>Erdogan told reporters that he had spoken with Putin about the crucial deal.</p>

<p>Russian invasion of Ukraine had stopped Ukraine's grain exports. This had raised the spectre of a global food crisis. The Black Sea grain deal was signed after five months into the Ukraine war and has been extended several times but is again&nbsp;set to expire on Monday. Putin has repeatedly threatened that Russia would not renew it.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | US President Joe Biden: Putin has lost the war in Ukraine | Russia-Ukraine War</strong></p>

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<p>"We are preparing to welcome Putin in August and we agree on the extension of the Black Sea grain corridor," Erdogan told reporters.</p>

<p>United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres sent a letter to Putin this week about extension of the deal. The secretary general has supported removing hurdles to Russia exporting its fertilisers. Moscow has complained that obstacles to Russia's own exports have not been removed.</p>

<p>Erdogan said he hopes "that with this letter we will ensure the extension of the grain corridor with our joint efforts and those of Russia."</p>

<h2><strong>Not one&nbsp;condition met: Putin</strong></h2>

<p>President Putin complained on Thursday that "not one" of Moscow's conditions for the deal to function had been met.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I want to emphasise that nothing was done, nothing at all. It's all one-sided," Putin said in a televised interview, adding: "We will think about what to do, we have a few more days."</p>

<p>The deal between Russia and Ukraine was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey. The deal has till now, allowed Ukraine to ship more than 32 million tonnes of grain past Russian warships stationed in the Black Sea.</p>

<p>A large part of the grain has gone to feed people in developing countries in the African continent, West Asia and elsewhere. If the deal is not extended and the exports are blocked again, food prices can soar.</p>

<h2><strong>Advanced 2 km along front, says Ukraine</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Ukraine said on Friday that its troops advanced nearly two kilometres along the southern front over the past week.</p>

<p>Mykola Urshalovych, a senior representative of the National Guard, told reporters that the force's 15th Karadag brigade and regular troops had moved towards the occupied southern city of Melitopol during the ongoing offensive.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-receives-delivery-of-cluster-munitions-pledges-its-constrained-use-615323">Ukraine receives delivery of cluster munitions, pledges its limited use</a></strong></p>

<p>He said that the soldiers, "supported by tanks have advanced 1700 metres to theh south and southwest"</p>

<p>He added that Ukrainian troops are moving ahead in spite of "dense" minefields and shelling.</p>

<p><strong>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on issues surrounding&nbsp;Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. </strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to extend the Black Sea grain deal. The deal is going to expire next week.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to extend the Black Sea grain deal. The deal is going to expire next week. Erdogan told reporters that he had spoken with Putin about the crucial deal. Russian invasion of Ukraine had stopped Ukraine's grain exports. This had raised the spectre of a global food crisis. The Black Sea grain deal was signed after five months into the Ukraine war and has been extended several times but is again set to expire on Monday. Putin has repeatedly threatened that Russia would not renew it. Watch | US President Joe Biden: Putin has lost the war in Ukraine | Russia-Ukraine War × "We are preparing to welcome Putin in August and we agree on the extension of the Black Sea grain corridor," Erdogan told reporters. United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres sent a letter to Putin this week about extension of the deal. The secretary general has supported removing hurdles to Russia exporting its fertilisers. Moscow has complained that obstacles to Russia's own exports have not been removed. Erdogan said he hopes "that with this letter we will ensure the extension of the grain corridor with our joint efforts and those of Russia." Not one condition met: Putin President Putin complained on Thursday that "not one" of Moscow's conditions for the deal to function had been met. "I want to emphasise that nothing was done, nothing at all. It's all one-sided," Putin said in a televised interview, adding: "We will think about what to do, we have a few more days." The deal between Russia and Ukraine was brokered by the United Nations and Turkey. The deal has till now, allowed Ukraine to ship more than 32 million tonnes of grain past Russian warships stationed in the Black Sea. A large part of the grain has gone to feed people in developing countries in the African continent, West Asia and elsewhere. If the deal is not extended and the exports are blocked again, food prices can soar. Advanced 2 km along front, says Ukraine Meanwhile, Ukraine said on Friday that its troops advanced nearly two kilometres along the southern front over the past week. Mykola Urshalovych, a senior representative of the National Guard, told reporters that the force's 15th Karadag brigade and regular troops had moved towards the occupied southern city of Melitopol during the ongoing offensive. Also Read | Ukraine receives delivery of cluster munitions, pledges its limited use He said that the soldiers, "supported by tanks have advanced 1700 metres to theh south and southwest" He added that Ukrainian troops are moving ahead in spite of "dense" minefields and shelling. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on issues surrounding Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Putin has agreed to extend Black Sea grain deal, says Erdogan

<p>Russia, on Monday (July 17), formally notified Ukraine that it will <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-suspends-participation-in-black-sea-grain-deal-says-kremlin-616566">suspend</a> its participation in the Black Sea grain deal, hours before its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-grain-deal-extended-for-two-more-months-turkey-593357">previous extension</a> expired. The safe passage through which Kyiv was able to ship grain via the Black Sea despite being in the midst of a war with Moscow to the parts of the world struggling with hunger will now be suspended which may affect global food security.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What was the deal about?</strong></h2>

<p>Turkey and the United Nations&nbsp;managed to broker a landmark deal between Russia and Ukraine&nbsp;in July last year, months after Moscow invaded Kyiv&nbsp;on February 24.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The aim of the pact was to alleviate a global food crisis, exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine war, and allow a safe passage for Ukrainian ships carrying grain to be exported through the Black Sea corridor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Ukraine is one of the world’s biggest exporters of food grains, such as wheat and corn, and played a significant role in the UN’s food aid programmes. Therefore, when Russia invaded and blocked Ukrainian ports, prices of food grains soared across parts of the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UN-brokered deal allowed cargo ships&nbsp;from three Ukrainian ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk and Pivdennyi (Yuzhny) to pass through the 310 nautical miles long and three nautical miles wide Black Sea safe passage after being inspected for weapons.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nearly 33 million metric tonnes of corn, wheat and other grains have been exported by Ukraine under the agreement, reported Reuters, which has been extended <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-sea-grain-export-deal-extended-for-120-days-says-ukraine-minister-534980">twice</a> since it was first signed. Kyiv has also contributed 725,200 (2.2 per cent) tonnes to the UN World Food Programme (WFP).</p>

<p>While the Black Sea deal assured that no ships would be attacked entering and leaving the Ukrainian port, a separate agreement also facilitated the movement of Russian food and fertiliser.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why did Russia back out of the deal?</strong></h2>

<p>The formal <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-suspends-participation-in-black-sea-grain-deal-616518">suspension</a> comes days after Russian President Vladimir Putin during an interview said “not one” of Moscow’s conditions for the deal to function had been met.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I want to emphasise that nothing was done, nothing at all. It’s all one-sided,” said Putin. Reportedly, while Moscow’s exports of food grains and fertilisers are not subjected to Western sanctions, Russia has claimed that other restrictions on payments, logistics and insurance have had an indirect effect on its shipments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The obligations recorded in the relevant Russia-UN memorandum to remove obstacles to the export of Russian food and fertilisers still remain unfulfilled,” Putin <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-putin-discusses-ukraine-grain-deal-brics-summit-with-south-africas-ramaphosa-616065">told</a> his South African counterpart&nbsp;on Saturday, according to a statement by the Kremlin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia has also claimed that not enough grain is being sent to the poor countries, while the UN has argued that the deal had helped those states by lowering food prices by over 20 per cent across the world. Moscow also wanted ammonia exports through a pipeline leading from Russia to the Ukrainian port of Odesa&nbsp;to resume.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, one of Russia’s key demands has reportedly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kremlin-main-goal-of-black-sea-grain-deal-has-not-been-met-616298">not been met</a>. Moscow wanted its Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank) to be reconnected to the SWIFT international payments system after it was cut off due to sanctions by the European Union in June 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by Reuters&nbsp;said that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, last week, asked Putin to extend the Black Sea grain deal in exchange for the EU connecting a subsidiary of Rosselkhozbank to SWIFT for grain and fertiliser transactions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The same media report, citing three sources said, officials in the EU were also in the midst of considering reconnecting SWIFT to a subsidiary of the Rosselkhozbank. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric had also confirmed a proposal by the UN chief saying that this was a “major concern expressed by the Russian Federation…”</p>

<h2><strong>Any immediate effects of the suspension?</strong></h2>

<p>According to reports, prices of grains and oilseeds have already risen in response to Russia’s decision and are expected to lead to higher prices for staple foods like bread, pasta, etc, in the upcoming weeks or months.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the rise is not as significant.&nbsp;“I think there is a market belief that Russia and the EU have large supplies of wheat which can meet world demand in the coming months, with harvests arriving,” a German grains trader told Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The high costs may also exacerbate economic challenges for several countries and push millions more into poverty or food insecurity. The WFP used to purchase millions of tonnes of grain from Kyiv before the Ukraine war, mostly for African and West Asian countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ukraine exported 16.9 million tonnes of corn and 8.9 million tonnes of wheat, due to the grain deal with Russia. Amid this uncertainty, it was also not immediately clear whether Ukraine will be able to continue exporting grain after the Russian withdrawal from the pact.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another option could include increasing Ukrainian grain exports through eastern EU countries which have already risen exponentially since the conflict began.</p>

<p>However, there have been logistical challenges, in addition to unrest among farmers who said it has undercut local supplies.&nbsp;Since then the EU has allowed five countries&nbsp;to ban domestic sales of some Ukrainian grains and seeds&nbsp;but allow transit.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine ready to export grains despite Russian exit: Zelensky</strong></h2>

<p>Ukrainian President&nbsp;Volodymyr Zelensky, in response to&nbsp;Russia’s decision, said that Kyiv is&nbsp;prepared to continue grain exports despite Moscow's backing out of the deal.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
“Even without the Russian Federation, everything must be done so that we can use this Black Sea corridor. We are not afraid. We have been approached by companies that own ships. They said that they are ready”&nbsp;to continue shipments, Zelensky said&nbsp;as per his&nbsp;spokesperson,&nbsp;Sergiy Nykyforov.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Is it because of Crimea bridge attack?</strong></h2>

<p>The Kremlin&nbsp;suspension came hours after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-updates-russia-ukraine-war-crimea-bridge-attack-616454">Crimea Bridge</a>, a very crucial and only direct link between the Russian mainland and the Moscow-annexed Crimean peninsula, was attacked.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bridge is also important for the supply of fuel, food and now weapons to Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. The attack has killed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-traffic-stopped-on-crimean-bridge-reports-of-blasts-616344">at least two people</a>, a couple and injured their daughter, according to Russian officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the decision to not renew the Black Sea grain deal was unrelated to the overnight attack, which he called a “terrorist act” and blamed on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-official-seemingly-claims-responsibility-for-crimea-bridge-blast-613657">Ukraine</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Unfortunately, the part of these Black Sea agreements concerning Russia has not been implemented so far, so its effect is terminated,” said Peskov. He added, “As soon as the Russian part of the agreements is fulfilled, the Russian side will return to the implementation of this deal, immediately.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Putin wants to continue the deal: Erdogan</strong></h2>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-has-agreed-to-extend-black-sea-grain-deal-says-erdogan-615669">Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan</a> said that he believed the Russian president wanted to continue the deal, despite the statement today and hopes talks will progress on the issue after Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov hold talks on Monday.</p>

<h2><strong>Countries react to Russia’s decision</strong></h2>

<p>German government spokesperson Christiane Hoffmann said they will continue to “call on Russia to allow further extension of the grain deal,” adding that the “conflict should not be carried out on the backs of the poorest on this planet.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesperson called Russia’s decision “disappointing” and accused Russia of risking global “suffering".&nbsp;Moscow “will be robbing millions of people of access to vital grain,” said the UK.&nbsp;</p>

<p>EU chief Ursula von der Leyen “strongly condemned” Russia’s move and dubbed it “cynical”. She added, “EU is working to ensure food security for the world’s vulnerable.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em><br />
<br />
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Russia, on Monday (July 17), formally notified Ukraine that it will suspend its participation in the Black Sea grain deal, hours before its previous extension expired.

Russia, on Monday (July 17), formally notified Ukraine that it will suspend its participation in the Black Sea grain deal, hours before its previous extension expired. The safe passage through which Kyiv was able to ship grain via the Black Sea despite being in the midst of a war with Moscow to the parts of the world struggling with hunger will now be suspended which may affect global food security. What was the deal about? Turkey and the United Nations managed to broker a landmark deal between Russia and Ukraine in July last year, months after Moscow invaded Kyiv on February 24. The aim of the pact was to alleviate a global food crisis, exacerbated by the Russia-Ukraine war, and allow a safe passage for Ukrainian ships carrying grain to be exported through the Black Sea corridor. Notably, Ukraine is one of the world’s biggest exporters of food grains, such as wheat and corn, and played a significant role in the UN’s food aid programmes. Therefore, when Russia invaded and blocked Ukrainian ports, prices of food grains soared across parts of the world. The UN-brokered deal allowed cargo ships from three Ukrainian ports of Odesa, Chornomorsk and Pivdennyi (Yuzhny) to pass through the 310 nautical miles long and three nautical miles wide Black Sea safe passage after being inspected for weapons. Nearly 33 million metric tonnes of corn, wheat and other grains have been exported by Ukraine under the agreement, reported Reuters, which has been extended twice since it was first signed. Kyiv has also contributed 725,200 (2.2 per cent) tonnes to the UN World Food Programme (WFP). While the Black Sea deal assured that no ships would be attacked entering and leaving the Ukrainian port, a separate agreement also facilitated the movement of Russian food and fertiliser. Why did Russia back out of the deal? The formal suspension comes days after Russian President Vladimir Putin during an interview said “not one” of Moscow’s conditions for the deal to function had been met. “I want to emphasise that nothing was done, nothing at all. It’s all one-sided,” said Putin. Reportedly, while Moscow’s exports of food grains and fertilisers are not subjected to Western sanctions, Russia has claimed that other restrictions on payments, logistics and insurance have had an indirect effect on its shipments. "The obligations recorded in the relevant Russia-UN memorandum to remove obstacles to the export of Russian food and fertilisers still remain unfulfilled,” Putin told his South African counterpart on Saturday, according to a statement by the Kremlin. Russia has also claimed that not enough grain is being sent to the poor countries, while the UN has argued that the deal had helped those states by lowering food prices by over 20 per cent across the world. Moscow also wanted ammonia exports through a pipeline leading from Russia to the Ukrainian port of Odesa to resume. Additionally, one of Russia’s key demands has reportedly not been met. Moscow wanted its Russian Agricultural Bank (Rosselkhozbank) to be reconnected to the SWIFT international payments system after it was cut off due to sanctions by the European Union in June 2022. A report by Reuters said that UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, last week, asked Putin to extend the Black Sea grain deal in exchange for the EU connecting a subsidiary of Rosselkhozbank to SWIFT for grain and fertiliser transactions. The same media report, citing three sources said, officials in the EU were also in the midst of considering reconnecting SWIFT to a subsidiary of the Rosselkhozbank. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric had also confirmed a proposal by the UN chief saying that this was a “major concern expressed by the Russian Federation…” Any immediate effects of the suspension? According to reports, prices of grains and oilseeds have already risen in response to Russia’s decision and are expected to lead to higher prices for staple foods like bread, pasta, etc, in the upcoming weeks or months. But the rise is not as significant. “I think there is a market belief that Russia and the EU have large supplies of wheat which can meet world demand in the coming months, with harvests arriving,” a German grains trader told Reuters. The high costs may also exacerbate economic challenges for several countries and push millions more into poverty or food insecurity. The WFP used to purchase millions of tonnes of grain from Kyiv before the Ukraine war, mostly for African and West Asian countries. Ukraine exported 16.9 million tonnes of corn and 8.9 million tonnes of wheat, due to the grain deal with Russia. Amid this uncertainty, it was also not immediately clear whether Ukraine will be able to continue exporting grain after the Russian withdrawal from the pact. Another option could include increasing Ukrainian grain exports through eastern EU countries which have already risen exponentially since the conflict began. However, there have been logistical challenges, in addition to unrest among farmers who said it has undercut local supplies. Since then the EU has allowed five countries to ban domestic sales of some Ukrainian grains and seeds but allow transit. Ukraine ready to export grains despite Russian exit: Zelensky Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in response to Russia’s decision, said that Kyiv is prepared to continue grain exports despite Moscow's backing out of the deal. “Even without the Russian Federation, everything must be done so that we can use this Black Sea corridor. We are not afraid. We have been approached by companies that own ships. They said that they are ready” to continue shipments, Zelensky said as per his spokesperson, Sergiy Nykyforov. Is it because of Crimea bridge attack? The Kremlin suspension came hours after the Crimea Bridge, a very crucial and only direct link between the Russian mainland and the Moscow-annexed Crimean peninsula, was attacked. The bridge is also important for the supply of fuel, food and now weapons to Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014. The attack has killed at least two people, a couple and injured their daughter, according to Russian officials. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that the decision to not renew the Black Sea grain deal was unrelated to the overnight attack, which he called a “terrorist act” and blamed on Ukraine. “Unfortunately, the part of these Black Sea agreements concerning Russia has not been implemented so far, so its effect is terminated,” said Peskov. He added, “As soon as the Russian part of the agreements is fulfilled, the Russian side will return to the implementation of this deal, immediately.” Putin wants to continue the deal: Erdogan Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said that he believed the Russian president wanted to continue the deal, despite the statement today and hopes talks will progress on the issue after Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov hold talks on Monday. Countries react to Russia’s decision German government spokesperson Christiane Hoffmann said they will continue to “call on Russia to allow further extension of the grain deal,” adding that the “conflict should not be carried out on the backs of the poorest on this planet.” UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesperson called Russia’s decision “disappointing” and accused Russia of risking global “suffering". Moscow “will be robbing millions of people of access to vital grain,” said the UK. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen “strongly condemned” Russia’s move and dubbed it “cynical”. She added, “EU is working to ensure food security for the world’s vulnerable.” (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.

Explained | Russia formally backs out of Black Sea grain deal. What happens now?

<p>U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has proposed to Russian President Vladimir Putin that he extend a deal allowing the safe Black Sea export of grain from Ukraine in return for connecting a subsidiary of Russia's agricultural bank to the SWIFT international payment system, sources told Reuters.</p>

<p>Russia has threatened to ditch the grain deal, which expires on Monday, because several demands to dispatch its own grain and fertilizer abroad have not been met. The last two ships traveling under the Black Sea agreement are currently loading cargoes at the Ukrainian port of Odesa ahead of the deadline.</p>

<p>A key demand by Moscow is the reconnection of the Russian agricultural bank Rosselkhozbank to the SWIFT international payment network. It was cut off by the European Union in June 2022 over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. An EU spokesperson said in May the EU was not considering reinstating Russian banks.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alarming-warning-from-who-bird-flu-poses-increased-risk-of-adapting-to-humans-614852">Alarming warning from WHO: Bird flu poses increased risk of adapting to humans</a></p>

<p>However, the EU is considering connecting to SWIFT a subsidiary of Rosselkhozbank to allow specifically for grain and fertilizer transactions, three sources familiar with discussions told Reuters on Wednesday. The European Commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>

<p>Guterres has proposed to Putin that Russia allow the Black Sea grain deal to continue for several months, giving the EU time to connect a Rosselkhozbank subsidiary to SWIFT, two of those sources familiar with discussions told Reuters.</p>

<p>Guterres sent a letter to Putin on Tuesday proposing a way forward to further facilitate Russian food and fertilizer exports and ensure the continued Black Sea shipments of Ukrainian grain, a U.N. spokesman said on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-backs-pakistans-resolution-at-un-condemning-quran-burning-protests-614841">India backs Pakistan’s resolution at UN condemning Quran burning protests</a></p>

<p>"The objective is to remove hurdles affecting financial transactions through the Russian Agricultural Bank, a major concern expressed by the Russian Federation, and simultaneously allow for the continued flow of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters.</p>

<p>He gave no further details on the proposal, but added that Guterres was engaged with all relevant parties on the issue and was willing to further discuss his proposal with Russia.</p>

<p>A spokesperson for the Kremlin did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Kenya on the boil as protests erupt against tax hikes</strong></p>

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<p>The United Nations and Turkey brokered the Black Sea Grain Initiative with Russia and Ukraine in July 2022 to help alleviate a global food crisis worsened by Moscow's invasion and blockade of Ukrainian ports.</p>

<p>To convince Russia to agree to the Black Sea deal, a three-year memorandum of understanding was struck at the same time under which U.N. officials agreed to help Russia get its food and fertilizer exports to foreign markets.</p>

<p>While Russian exports of food and fertilizer are not subject to Western sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine, Moscow says restrictions on payments, logistics and insurance have amounted to a barrier to shipments.</p>

<p>As a workaround to the lack of access to SWIFT, U.N. officials have gotten U.S. bank JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co JPM.N to start processing some Russian grain export payments with reassurances from the U.S. government.</p>

<p>The United Nations is also working with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to create a platform to help process transactions for Russian exports of grain and fertilizer to Africa, the top U.N. trade official told Reuters last month.</p>

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U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has proposed to Russian President Vladimir Putin that he extend a deal allowing the safe Black Sea export of grain from Ukraine in return for connecting a subsidiary of Russia's agricultural bank to the SWIFT international payment system, sources told Reuters.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has proposed to Russian President Vladimir Putin that he extend a deal allowing the safe Black Sea export of grain from Ukraine in return for connecting a subsidiary of Russia's agricultural bank to the SWIFT international payment system, sources told Reuters. Russia has threatened to ditch the grain deal, which expires on Monday, because several demands to dispatch its own grain and fertilizer abroad have not been met. The last two ships traveling under the Black Sea agreement are currently loading cargoes at the Ukrainian port of Odesa ahead of the deadline. A key demand by Moscow is the reconnection of the Russian agricultural bank Rosselkhozbank to the SWIFT international payment network. It was cut off by the European Union in June 2022 over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. An EU spokesperson said in May the EU was not considering reinstating Russian banks. Also Read | Alarming warning from WHO: Bird flu poses increased risk of adapting to humans However, the EU is considering connecting to SWIFT a subsidiary of Rosselkhozbank to allow specifically for grain and fertilizer transactions, three sources familiar with discussions told Reuters on Wednesday. The European Commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Guterres has proposed to Putin that Russia allow the Black Sea grain deal to continue for several months, giving the EU time to connect a Rosselkhozbank subsidiary to SWIFT, two of those sources familiar with discussions told Reuters. Guterres sent a letter to Putin on Tuesday proposing a way forward to further facilitate Russian food and fertilizer exports and ensure the continued Black Sea shipments of Ukrainian grain, a U.N. spokesman said on Wednesday. Also Read | India backs Pakistan’s resolution at UN condemning Quran burning protests "The objective is to remove hurdles affecting financial transactions through the Russian Agricultural Bank, a major concern expressed by the Russian Federation, and simultaneously allow for the continued flow of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters. He gave no further details on the proposal, but added that Guterres was engaged with all relevant parties on the issue and was willing to further discuss his proposal with Russia. A spokesperson for the Kremlin did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Watch | Kenya on the boil as protests erupt against tax hikes × The United Nations and Turkey brokered the Black Sea Grain Initiative with Russia and Ukraine in July 2022 to help alleviate a global food crisis worsened by Moscow's invasion and blockade of Ukrainian ports. To convince Russia to agree to the Black Sea deal, a three-year memorandum of understanding was struck at the same time under which U.N. officials agreed to help Russia get its food and fertilizer exports to foreign markets. While Russian exports of food and fertilizer are not subject to Western sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine, Moscow says restrictions on payments, logistics and insurance have amounted to a barrier to shipments. As a workaround to the lack of access to SWIFT, U.N. officials have gotten U.S. bank JPMorgan Chase & Co JPM.N to start processing some Russian grain export payments with reassurances from the U.S. government. The United Nations is also working with the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to create a platform to help process transactions for Russian exports of grain and fertilizer to Africa, the top U.N. trade official told Reuters last month. 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. ×

UN asks Putin to extend Black Sea grain deal in return for SWIFT access

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky paid a visit to a Black Sea island whose defenders are famous for defying a Russian warship when the invasion started as the ongoing war reached its 500th day.<br />
<br />
"Today we are on Snake Island, which will never be conquered by the occupiers, like the whole of Ukraine, because we are the country of the brave," Zelensky said in a video clip, which was posted on social media on Saturday (July 8).<br />
<br />
"I want to thank from here, from this place of victory, each of our soldiers for these 500 days," said Zelensky, in the undated clip in which he was seen reaching the island by boat and placing flowers at a memorial.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-supports-ukraines-nato-membership-as-zelensky-seeks-backing-ahead-of-lithuania-summit-613283">Erdogan supports Ukraine's NATO membership as Zelensky seeks backing ahead of Lithuania summit</a></p>

<p>Shortly after invading Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Moscow had captured Snake Island. A radio exchange had gone viral in which the crew of Russia's attacking warship were heard demanding Ukrainian soldiers to surrender, who in return had said to them "go f**k yourself".<br />
<br />
The Russian army had taken Ukrainian soldiers as prisoners who were later exchanged for Russian captives. This verbal exchange had been recorded and went viral around the world, becoming a theme for the Ukrainian resistance, and even saw its appearance on placards during support rallies and on stamps.<br />
<br />
In April, the Russian ship involved in the incident Moskva sank in the Black Sea following what Moscow said sounded like an explosion on board. Ukraine had claimed to hit the warship with missiles.</p>

<h2><strong>UN criticises civilian toll in the war</strong></h2>

<p>The civilian cost inflicted by the Russia-Ukraine war was condemned by the United Nations. The UN's Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), in a statement, said that more than 9,000 civilians, which included 500 children, were killed since Russia's February 24, 2022 invasion.<br />
<br />
"Today we mark another grim milestone in the war that continues to exact a horrific toll on Ukraine's civilians," said Noel Calhoun, the deputy head of HRMMU, in the statement marking 500 days of the war.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Zelensky meets Turkey's Erdogan to push Ukraine NATO goals</strong></p>

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<p>This year, although the casualty numbers are slightly lower on average than in 2022, the figure began to increase again in May and June, noted the monitors. On June 27, 13 civilians, which included four children, lost their lives in a missile strike on Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine.<br />
<br />
In the western city of Lviv, far from the front line, rescuers found a 10th body amid the rubble of buildings on Friday. On Thursday, around 37 people were wounded in an early strike that was called as the biggest attack on civilian infrastructure by Mayor Andriy Sadovyi in his city since the start of Russia's invasion of the country.</p>

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky paid a visit to a Black Sea island whose defenders are famous for defying a Russian warship when the invasion started as the ongoing war reached its 500th day.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky paid a visit to a Black Sea island whose defenders are famous for defying a Russian warship when the invasion started as the ongoing war reached its 500th day. "Today we are on Snake Island, which will never be conquered by the occupiers, like the whole of Ukraine, because we are the country of the brave," Zelensky said in a video clip, which was posted on social media on Saturday (July 8). "I want to thank from here, from this place of victory, each of our soldiers for these 500 days," said Zelensky, in the undated clip in which he was seen reaching the island by boat and placing flowers at a memorial. ALSO READ | Erdogan supports Ukraine's NATO membership as Zelensky seeks backing ahead of Lithuania summit Shortly after invading Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Moscow had captured Snake Island. A radio exchange had gone viral in which the crew of Russia's attacking warship were heard demanding Ukrainian soldiers to surrender, who in return had said to them "go f**k yourself". The Russian army had taken Ukrainian soldiers as prisoners who were later exchanged for Russian captives. This verbal exchange had been recorded and went viral around the world, becoming a theme for the Ukrainian resistance, and even saw its appearance on placards during support rallies and on stamps. In April, the Russian ship involved in the incident Moskva sank in the Black Sea following what Moscow said sounded like an explosion on board. Ukraine had claimed to hit the warship with missiles. UN criticises civilian toll in the war The civilian cost inflicted by the Russia-Ukraine war was condemned by the United Nations. The UN's Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU), in a statement, said that more than 9,000 civilians, which included 500 children, were killed since Russia's February 24, 2022 invasion. "Today we mark another grim milestone in the war that continues to exact a horrific toll on Ukraine's civilians," said Noel Calhoun, the deputy head of HRMMU, in the statement marking 500 days of the war. WATCH | Zelensky meets Turkey's Erdogan to push Ukraine NATO goals This year, although the casualty numbers are slightly lower on average than in 2022, the figure began to increase again in May and June, noted the monitors. On June 27, 13 civilians, which included four children, lost their lives in a missile strike on Kramatorsk in eastern Ukraine. In the western city of Lviv, far from the front line, rescuers found a 10th body amid the rubble of buildings on Friday. On Thursday, around 37 people were wounded in an early strike that was called as the biggest attack on civilian infrastructure by Mayor Andriy Sadovyi in his city since the start of Russia's invasion of the country. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Zelensky visits island symbol of defiance as Russia-Ukraine war marks 500 days

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: Saudi Arabia extends oil cuts | Russia-Ukraine Black Sea grain deal

<p>Russia's defence ministry released a statement on Monday saying that it had dashed fighter jets after it intercepted two British warplanes approaching its border above the Black Sea.</p>

<p>"As the Russian fighter jets approached, the foreign warplanes turned around and distanced themselves from the Russian border," the ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p>The ministry added that the planes it chased away&nbsp;were two British Typhoon jets accompanied by an RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft.</p>

<p>"The Russian planes safely returned to their airfield. There was no violation of the Russian border," said the ministry.</p>

<p>As Moscow continues its offensive in Ukraine, the incidents involving Russian and Western aircraft have increased over the Black Sea and Baltic Sea.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia scrambles Su-27 to intercept two US military jets over Baltic Sea</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, in the month of May, Russia claimed to have scrambled a Su-27 fighter jet to "prevent violations of the state border" by two US Air Force strategic bombers flying over the Baltic Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian defence ministry said, "After removing the foreign military aircraft from the Russian state border, the Russian fighter went back to its air base."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-claims-to-repel-attack-by-ukraine-on-black-sea-warship-603188">Russia claims it repelled attack by Ukraine on Black Sea warship</a></p>

<p>The defence ministry claimed that the two aircraft were B-1 strategic bombers belonging to the US Air Force. According to the statement, the army prevented the violation of the border.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ministry added, "The flight of the Russian fighter was carried out in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russian jet collides with US drone</strong></h2>

<p>In the month of March, a major incident took place after an American drone crashed after colliding with a Russian jet over the Black Sea.</p>

<p>The US military said that a Russian Su-27 fighter jet downed an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, and called it a "reckless" incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A video was released by the Pentagon, which showed the Russian military jet coming very close to a US military drone and dumping fuel near it. The US said that the Russian aircraft damaged the propeller during the intercept.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pentagon said that the de-classified video, which is about 40 seconds long, has been edited by the US military for length but shows events in sequential order.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Russia denied the accusations levelled by the US that its jets acted recklessly. Moscow said that the drone crashed after making "sharp manoeuvres," having "provocatively" flown close to Russian air space near Crimea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A ministry statement had said that Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his US counterpart that the American drone flights near Crimea's coast "were provocative in nature" and could lead to "an escalation in the Black Sea zone."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Russia's defence ministry released a statement on Monday saying that it had dashed fighter jets after it intercepted two British warplanes approaching its border above the Black Sea.

Russia's defence ministry released a statement on Monday saying that it had dashed fighter jets after it intercepted two British warplanes approaching its border above the Black Sea. "As the Russian fighter jets approached, the foreign warplanes turned around and distanced themselves from the Russian border," the ministry said in a statement. The ministry added that the planes it chased away were two British Typhoon jets accompanied by an RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft. "The Russian planes safely returned to their airfield. There was no violation of the Russian border," said the ministry. As Moscow continues its offensive in Ukraine, the incidents involving Russian and Western aircraft have increased over the Black Sea and Baltic Sea. Russia scrambles Su-27 to intercept two US military jets over Baltic Sea Earlier, in the month of May, Russia claimed to have scrambled a Su-27 fighter jet to "prevent violations of the state border" by two US Air Force strategic bombers flying over the Baltic Sea. The Russian defence ministry said, "After removing the foreign military aircraft from the Russian state border, the Russian fighter went back to its air base." Also read: Russia claims it repelled attack by Ukraine on Black Sea warship The defence ministry claimed that the two aircraft were B-1 strategic bombers belonging to the US Air Force. According to the statement, the army prevented the violation of the border. The ministry added, "The flight of the Russian fighter was carried out in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace." Russian jet collides with US drone In the month of March, a major incident took place after an American drone crashed after colliding with a Russian jet over the Black Sea. The US military said that a Russian Su-27 fighter jet downed an American MQ-9 Reaper drone, and called it a "reckless" incident. A video was released by the Pentagon, which showed the Russian military jet coming very close to a US military drone and dumping fuel near it. The US said that the Russian aircraft damaged the propeller during the intercept. The Pentagon said that the de-classified video, which is about 40 seconds long, has been edited by the US military for length but shows events in sequential order. Meanwhile, Russia denied the accusations levelled by the US that its jets acted recklessly. Moscow said that the drone crashed after making "sharp manoeuvres," having "provocatively" flown close to Russian air space near Crimea. A ministry statement had said that Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told his US counterpart that the American drone flights near Crimea's coast "were provocative in nature" and could lead to "an escalation in the Black Sea zone." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia claims it scrambled fighter jets after intercepting two British warplanes near border

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- Bit to salvage a deal allowing safe Black Sea grain exports as the United Nations has proposed that Kyiv, Moscow and Ankara start preparation for the transit of Russian ammonia through Ukraine.

UN proposes a deal for safe Black Sea grain exports

<p>The U.N. has proposed that Kyiv, Moscow and Ankara start preparatory work for the transit of Russian ammonia through Ukraine as it tries to salvage a deal allowing safe Black Sea grain exports, a source close to the talks said on Wednesday.</p>

<p>As the preparatory work starts, the U.N. wants parallel talks to be held on widening the Black Sea deal that was agreed last July to include more Ukrainian ports and other cargoes, said the source, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.</p>

<p>Russia agreed this month to a two-month extension of the deal but has said the initiative will cease unless an agreement aimed at overcoming obstacles to Russian grain and fertiliser exports is fulfilled.</p>

<p>Ukraine and Turkey have agreed to the new proposal, intended to improve operations in the Black Sea grain export corridor, but Russia has not yet responded, the source said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-new-300-million-package-for-ukraine-but-opposes-strike-inside-russia-598956">US announces new $300 million package for Ukraine, but opposes strikes inside Russia</a></strong></p>

<p>U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, asked about the Reuters report at a daily press briefing, said conversations were continuing.</p>

<p>"As you recall, the Secretary General had put forward some ideas to the parties to improve the facilitation of the work of the Joint Coordination Centre, to also work on the issue of ammonia export, which is part of the deal that was signed. Those conversations and contacts are continuing. But that's as much as I'll say right now," Dujarric said.</p>

<p>The U.N. and Turkey brokered the Black Sea Grain Initiative between Moscow and Kyiv last July to help tackle a global food crisis aggravated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a leading global grain exporter.</p>

<h2><strong>Appeal to&nbsp;improve grain corridor</strong></h2>

<p>The U.N. has handed "an official appeal to the leaders of Ukraine, Turkey and Russia with a proposal for a specific mutually beneficial algorithm to radically improve" the work of the grain corridor, the source told Reuters.</p>

<p>"Ukraine and Turkey have confirmed their readiness to work on the algorithm proposed by the Secretary General. At the same time, as of May 30, Russia has not given its consent, despite the presence of favourable positions in the algorithm."</p>

<p>Ukrainian officials have said that since mid-April, Russia has "unreasonably restricted" the work of the Black Sea grain deal.</p>

<p>Russia has denied this and urged all parties to unblock the transit of ammonia via the Ukrainian port of Pivdennyi, near the Black Sea port of Odesa, which was halted after Russia's invasion in February last year.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Battleground Bakhmut: Russia vs Ukraine | WION Wideangle</strong></p>

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<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his nightly video address, accused Russia of blocking all activity at Pivdennyi, with 1.5 million tonnes of agricultural products unable to move. Other countries, he said, should take note.</p>

<p>"All maritime countries can now see what can threaten their ports, their coastlines if Russia gets away with blocking navigation in the Black Sea," Zelenskiy said.</p>

<p>"In other words, the blockade of one port in Ukraine poses extremely serious risks for different nations, particularly those with relations that Russia tries to use for speculative purposes."</p>

<p>Ukrainian authorities have said workers would need about 30 days to prepare the pipeline to pump ammonia again.</p>

<p>Ukraine's deputy renovation minister said on Tuesday that Kyiv was seeking guarantees from Moscow and the U.N. that the grain deal will work normally if Ukraine allows Russia to export ammonia via the pipeline.</p>

<p>A senior government source told Reuters this month that Kyiv would consider allowing Russian ammonia to transit its territory for export on condition that the Black Sea grain deal is expanded to include more Ukrainian ports and a wider range of commodities.</p>

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The U.N. has proposed that Kyiv, Moscow and Ankara start preparatory work for the transit of Russian ammonia through Ukraine as it tries to salvage a deal allowing safe Black Sea grain exports, a source close to the talks said on Wednesday.

The U.N. has proposed that Kyiv, Moscow and Ankara start preparatory work for the transit of Russian ammonia through Ukraine as it tries to salvage a deal allowing safe Black Sea grain exports, a source close to the talks said on Wednesday. As the preparatory work starts, the U.N. wants parallel talks to be held on widening the Black Sea deal that was agreed last July to include more Ukrainian ports and other cargoes, said the source, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity. Russia agreed this month to a two-month extension of the deal but has said the initiative will cease unless an agreement aimed at overcoming obstacles to Russian grain and fertiliser exports is fulfilled. Ukraine and Turkey have agreed to the new proposal, intended to improve operations in the Black Sea grain export corridor, but Russia has not yet responded, the source said. ALSO READ | US announces new $300 million package for Ukraine, but opposes strikes inside Russia U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, asked about the Reuters report at a daily press briefing, said conversations were continuing. "As you recall, the Secretary General had put forward some ideas to the parties to improve the facilitation of the work of the Joint Coordination Centre, to also work on the issue of ammonia export, which is part of the deal that was signed. Those conversations and contacts are continuing. But that's as much as I'll say right now," Dujarric said. The U.N. and Turkey brokered the Black Sea Grain Initiative between Moscow and Kyiv last July to help tackle a global food crisis aggravated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a leading global grain exporter. Appeal to improve grain corridor The U.N. has handed "an official appeal to the leaders of Ukraine, Turkey and Russia with a proposal for a specific mutually beneficial algorithm to radically improve" the work of the grain corridor, the source told Reuters. "Ukraine and Turkey have confirmed their readiness to work on the algorithm proposed by the Secretary General. At the same time, as of May 30, Russia has not given its consent, despite the presence of favourable positions in the algorithm." Ukrainian officials have said that since mid-April, Russia has "unreasonably restricted" the work of the Black Sea grain deal. Russia has denied this and urged all parties to unblock the transit of ammonia via the Ukrainian port of Pivdennyi, near the Black Sea port of Odesa, which was halted after Russia's invasion in February last year. WATCH | Battleground Bakhmut: Russia vs Ukraine | WION Wideangle × Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his nightly video address, accused Russia of blocking all activity at Pivdennyi, with 1.5 million tonnes of agricultural products unable to move. Other countries, he said, should take note. "All maritime countries can now see what can threaten their ports, their coastlines if Russia gets away with blocking navigation in the Black Sea," Zelenskiy said. "In other words, the blockade of one port in Ukraine poses extremely serious risks for different nations, particularly those with relations that Russia tries to use for speculative purposes." Ukrainian authorities have said workers would need about 30 days to prepare the pipeline to pump ammonia again. Ukraine's deputy renovation minister said on Tuesday that Kyiv was seeking guarantees from Moscow and the U.N. that the grain deal will work normally if Ukraine allows Russia to export ammonia via the pipeline. A senior government source told Reuters this month that Kyiv would consider allowing Russian ammonia to transit its territory for export on condition that the Black Sea grain deal is expanded to include more Ukrainian ports and a wider range of commodities. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

UN proposes 'mutually beneficial' deal for Black Sea grain exports

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin owns a hidden mansion by the Black Sea with a network of tunnels to assist him in escape, according to leaked papers obtained by Business Insider. Putin's 'secret palace' is a luxurious property by the Black Sea coast and ownership of this property has been the subject of controversy and speculation.&nbsp;According to The Telegraph, Putin allegedly ordered the building of the tunnels, which are located 50 meters below sea level, in order to protect himself in the case of a revolution or war.</p>

<p>The 190,000 square foot and $1.3 billion complex offers every luxury its owner could want.&nbsp;According to the publication, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny initially acknowledged the palace's existence in 2021 and said it has a cathedral, wine cellar, casino, and ice rink. A separate no-fly zone and 17,000 acres of forest isolate the palace from the rest of Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the Kremlin has repeatedly denied the allegations, stating that the palace does not belong to President Putin or any state institution. They have described the claims as unfounded and dismissed them as part of an orchestrated campaign to tarnish Putin's reputation.<br />
<br />
The building's drawings, which reveal intricate tunnels beneath it, were made public by the now-defunct Russian contractor Metro Style. These maps were published by the company in 2010 and were still accessible in 2016. The diagrams are still accessible through the Wayback Machine, a website archive.</p>

<p>A group of Russian people known as "diggers" who visit and record banned areas dug them out. A member of the digging crew, who identified himself as being from the organisation "Sect Z," told Business Insider that they were publishing the pictures "because we are tired of Putin's stupid face and want to show his paranoid underground transport."</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-71-earthquake-rocks-east-of-new-caledonia-in-pacific-ocean-594298">Another 7.1 earthquake rocks east of New Caledonia in Pacific Ocean, tsunami warning issued</a></p>

<p>At the time of Mr. Navalny's publication of the exposé on Mr. Putin's Black Sea complex in 2021, thousands of Russians had taken to the streets. The palace's ownership by the Russian president has been contested.</p>

<p>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/macron-depicted-as-hitler-on-posters-in-france-avignon-police-initiate-probe-594370">Macron depicted as Hitler on posters in France's Avignon, police initiate probe</a></p>

<p>The bunkers have their own ventilation system and fresh water supply, as seen in the diagrams released on Metro Style's website. The plans also reveal that the complex is connected to the two tunnels by a lift shaft, with the lower tunnel heading to the beach.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Who was behind the 2022 clashes in Leicester?</strong></p>

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<p>A millionaire and childhood friend of Vladimir Putin, Arkady Rotenberg, came out shortly after Navalny's allegations to assert that the property was his and that the President had nothing to do with it. However, concerns were voiced about the complex's 24-hour security and no-fly zone.&nbsp;The property is also said to include opulent features such as a private theater, an underground hockey rink, a casino, and extensive grounds.</p>

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Russian President Vladimir Putin owns a hidden mansion by the Black Sea with a network of tunnels to assist him in escape, according to leaked papers obtained by Business Insider.

Russian President Vladimir Putin owns a hidden mansion by the Black Sea with a network of tunnels to assist him in escape, according to leaked papers obtained by Business Insider. Putin's 'secret palace' is a luxurious property by the Black Sea coast and ownership of this property has been the subject of controversy and speculation. According to The Telegraph, Putin allegedly ordered the building of the tunnels, which are located 50 meters below sea level, in order to protect himself in the case of a revolution or war. The 190,000 square foot and $1.3 billion complex offers every luxury its owner could want. According to the publication, Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny initially acknowledged the palace's existence in 2021 and said it has a cathedral, wine cellar, casino, and ice rink. A separate no-fly zone and 17,000 acres of forest isolate the palace from the rest of Russia. However, the Kremlin has repeatedly denied the allegations, stating that the palace does not belong to President Putin or any state institution. They have described the claims as unfounded and dismissed them as part of an orchestrated campaign to tarnish Putin's reputation. The building's drawings, which reveal intricate tunnels beneath it, were made public by the now-defunct Russian contractor Metro Style. These maps were published by the company in 2010 and were still accessible in 2016. The diagrams are still accessible through the Wayback Machine, a website archive. A group of Russian people known as "diggers" who visit and record banned areas dug them out. A member of the digging crew, who identified himself as being from the organisation "Sect Z," told Business Insider that they were publishing the pictures "because we are tired of Putin's stupid face and want to show his paranoid underground transport." Also Read | Another 7.1 earthquake rocks east of New Caledonia in Pacific Ocean, tsunami warning issued At the time of Mr. Navalny's publication of the exposé on Mr. Putin's Black Sea complex in 2021, thousands of Russians had taken to the streets. The palace's ownership by the Russian president has been contested. Also Read | Macron depicted as Hitler on posters in France's Avignon, police initiate probe The bunkers have their own ventilation system and fresh water supply, as seen in the diagrams released on Metro Style's website. The plans also reveal that the complex is connected to the two tunnels by a lift shaft, with the lower tunnel heading to the beach. Watch | Who was behind the 2022 clashes in Leicester? × A millionaire and childhood friend of Vladimir Putin, Arkady Rotenberg, came out shortly after Navalny's allegations to assert that the property was his and that the President had nothing to do with it. However, concerns were voiced about the complex's 24-hour security and no-fly zone. The property is also said to include opulent features such as a private theater, an underground hockey rink, a casino, and extensive grounds. 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. ×

Is Putin paranoid? Leaked maps show secret bunker underneath $1.3 bn 'secret palace'

An agreement allowing Ukrainian grain exports to ship through the Black Sea to help ease global hunger has been extended for two months just a day before its expiration.

Ukraine Black Sea grain deal extended till July 18

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe - Moscow destroys Kyiv's 22 drones over Black Sea. MIG 21 crashes in India's Rajasthan.

Moscow destroys Kyiv's 22 drones over Black Sea | MIG 21 crashes in Rajasthan

A Russian jet almost shot down a British spy aircraft flying over the Black Sea in September 2022. This was confirmed by a New York Times report and by two US Officials. They said it was a much more serious incident than originally portrayed. And that it could have been synonymous to an act of war. The close-call incident was also mentioned in the classified US Documents recently leaked on the internet.

Pentagon secrets singes allies | US document: Serbia has committed to sending lethal aid to Kyiv

Russia has launched an attack on Ukraine's port town of Odesa. The tension has now moved to the south. Analysts say Russia is eyeing total control of the Black Sea. What does this mean for Ukraine? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas | Ukraine War: The next big battle | Russia attacks Odesa, eyes total control of the Black Sea

<p>On Tuesday (March 14), a Russian Su-27 fighter jet forced down a United States MQ-9 (Reaper) drone over the Black Sea. Following the collision, US officials called the crash "reckless." The US State Department summoned the Russian Ambassador Anatoly Antonov over the incident. Responding to Washington's claims, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that the relations between the two countries are at their lowest. But lowest since when? The Black Sea collision is not the first confrontation between the two, and there have been multiple, and much worse, incidents. Below are some of the worst US-Russia confrontations in the recent past:</p>

<p>During the times of erstwhile Soviet Union, there have been several nuclear close calls during the Cold War, the Cuban missile crisis and many more. The downing of the U-2 spy plane piloted by Francis Gary Powers in 1960 is the most famous incident&nbsp;that&nbsp;created major embarrassment for the US.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Why was the US drone flying over the Black Sea?</strong></p>

<p>The United States reconnaissance missions have been a regular practice over the Black Sea and the area has been heavily militarised since Russia annexed Crimea in the year 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Why the fury over the downing of Reaper? The ongoing war in Ukraine is one reason, where the Russians for instance have capitalised on Kyiv and has caused damage worth billions of dollars.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>US-Russia conflicts:</strong></p>

<p>In February 2018, a US contingent in eastern Syria clashed with a force advancing their military base including members of Russia's private military group "Wagner."&nbsp;However, Moscow back then denied the existence of its mercenary group but also highlighted the presence of a long stand "deconfliction line" between the US and Russia.</p>

<p>The United States also called for air strikes and artillery on the other group, killing dozens of Wagner mercenaries and the Syrian allies. As per CNN, the battle between the two was the deadliest&nbsp;encounter between US forces and Russian fighters since the end of the Cold War in the 1990s.</p>

<p>Another instance was the Korean war when the US fighter pilots engaged in several aerial combats against Soviet MiGs. Washington even carried out several surveillance flights.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One of the declassified instances was the one that occurred in Soviet Armenia, where the downing of Flight 60528, a US C-130 on a spy mission killed 17 people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US also acknowledged that over 40 reconnaissance aircraft were shot down between 1945 and 1977 on such spy missions.&nbsp;</p>


On Tuesday (March 14), a Russian Su-27 fighter jet forced down a United States MQ-9 (Reaper) drone over the Black Sea. Following the collision, US officials called the crash "reckless.

On Tuesday (March 14), a Russian Su-27 fighter jet forced down a United States MQ-9 (Reaper) drone over the Black Sea. Following the collision, US officials called the crash "reckless." The US State Department summoned the Russian Ambassador Anatoly Antonov over the incident. Responding to Washington's claims, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov warned that the relations between the two countries are at their lowest. But lowest since when? The Black Sea collision is not the first confrontation between the two, and there have been multiple, and much worse, incidents. Below are some of the worst US-Russia confrontations in the recent past: During the times of erstwhile Soviet Union, there have been several nuclear close calls during the Cold War, the Cuban missile crisis and many more. The downing of the U-2 spy plane piloted by Francis Gary Powers in 1960 is the most famous incident that created major embarrassment for the US. Why was the US drone flying over the Black Sea? The United States reconnaissance missions have been a regular practice over the Black Sea and the area has been heavily militarised since Russia annexed Crimea in the year 2014. Why the fury over the downing of Reaper? The ongoing war in Ukraine is one reason, where the Russians for instance have capitalised on Kyiv and has caused damage worth billions of dollars. US-Russia conflicts: In February 2018, a US contingent in eastern Syria clashed with a force advancing their military base including members of Russia's private military group "Wagner." However, Moscow back then denied the existence of its mercenary group but also highlighted the presence of a long stand "deconfliction line" between the US and Russia. The United States also called for air strikes and artillery on the other group, killing dozens of Wagner mercenaries and the Syrian allies. As per CNN, the battle between the two was the deadliest encounter between US forces and Russian fighters since the end of the Cold War in the 1990s. Another instance was the Korean war when the US fighter pilots engaged in several aerial combats against Soviet MiGs. Washington even carried out several surveillance flights. One of the declassified instances was the one that occurred in Soviet Armenia, where the downing of Flight 60528, a US C-130 on a spy mission killed 17 people. The US also acknowledged that over 40 reconnaissance aircraft were shot down between 1945 and 1977 on such spy missions.

Drone downing is latest in US-Russia confrontations. Here's a list of past faceoffs

<p>Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, on Friday (March 17) awarded the two pilots who were involved in intercepting a United States MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea amid Moscow’s ongoing “special military operation” in Ukraine. This comes after the US has previously accused Russia of an “unsafe” and “unprofessional” intercept of its MQ-9 Reaper surveillance drone which eventually crashed in the Black Sea on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Russian military has said that they scrambled the air defence unit jets after detecting the US drone but has denied causing the crash and said that the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) had lost control, a claim the US disputed. While repeating its version of the events, the Russian ministry announced the awards on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“As a result of sharp manoeuvring around 9:30 am (Moscow time), the MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle went into uncontrolled flight with a loss of altitude and collided with the water surface,” said the Russian military in a statement, as per Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The defence minister Shoigu presented the awards to the two Su-27 pilots for “preventing” the US drone from “violating” international airspace restrictions placed by Moscow amid what it describes as its “special military operation” in Ukraine, reported The Moscow Times.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement added, “The drone flew with its transponders off, violating the boundaries of the area of the temporary airspace usage regime established for the special military operation (and) communicated to all users of international airspace.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US military, which also released a 42-second video on Thursday of the incident said that the drone was on a routine mission when it was intercepted over the Black Sea in international airspace. It also alleged that the fighter jets dumped fuel on the drone during the encounter that lasted 30-40 minutes before one of MQ-9 Reaper drone’s&nbsp;propellers got damaged and it crashed into the sea.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, on Friday (March 17) awarded the two pilots who were involved in intercepting a United States MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea amid Moscow’s ongoing “special military operation” in Ukraine.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, on Friday (March 17) awarded the two pilots who were involved in intercepting a United States MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea amid Moscow’s ongoing “special military operation” in Ukraine. This comes after the US has previously accused Russia of an “unsafe” and “unprofessional” intercept of its MQ-9 Reaper surveillance drone which eventually crashed in the Black Sea on Tuesday. The Russian military has said that they scrambled the air defence unit jets after detecting the US drone but has denied causing the crash and said that the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) had lost control, a claim the US disputed. While repeating its version of the events, the Russian ministry announced the awards on Friday. “As a result of sharp manoeuvring around 9:30 am (Moscow time), the MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle went into uncontrolled flight with a loss of altitude and collided with the water surface,” said the Russian military in a statement, as per Reuters. The defence minister Shoigu presented the awards to the two Su-27 pilots for “preventing” the US drone from “violating” international airspace restrictions placed by Moscow amid what it describes as its “special military operation” in Ukraine, reported The Moscow Times. The statement added, “The drone flew with its transponders off, violating the boundaries of the area of the temporary airspace usage regime established for the special military operation (and) communicated to all users of international airspace.” The US military, which also released a 42-second video on Thursday of the incident said that the drone was on a routine mission when it was intercepted over the Black Sea in international airspace. It also alleged that the fighter jets dumped fuel on the drone during the encounter that lasted 30-40 minutes before one of MQ-9 Reaper drone’s propellers got damaged and it crashed into the sea. (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.

Russian defence minister honours pilots involved in downing of US drone over Black Sea

An American MQ-9 reaper drone has gone down in the Black Sea. U.S. says Russian Su-27 downed the drone. But what was an American MQ-9 doing so close to the theatre of conflict? This is the same drone that killed Qassem Soleimani.

Gravitas:  Russian Su-27 downs US MQ-9 Reaper drone in the Black Sea

<p>The Russian defence ministry on Tuesday said it scrambled fighter jets after detecting a US drone flying over the Black Sea. It, however, refuted Washington's allegations of crashing it into the sea.</p>

<p>"As a result of a sharp manoeuvre... the MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle entered an uncontrolled flight with the loss of altitude and collided with the surface of the water," stated the ministry. It further said its fighter jets "did not use their on-board weapons, made no contact with the UAV."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-says-russian-fighter-jet-collides-with-us-drone-over-black-sea-572052">Russian fighter jet hits US drone over Black Sea; US calls it 'reckless'</a></p>

<p><strong>US summons Russian envoy</strong></p>

<p>The Russian ambassador was summoned by the United States to protest the crash of the American drone on Tuesday over the Black Sea after it collided with a Russian warplane, the State Department said.</p>

<p>"We are engaging directly with the Russians, again at senior levels, to convey our strong objections to this unsafe, unprofessional intercept, which caused the downing of the unmanned US aircraft," spokesman Ned Price told reporters.</p>

<p>The officials summoned the Russian ambassador at the State Department on Tuesday afternoon and a "strong objection" has been registered by the American ambassador in Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH | Has Russia's spring offensive already begun?</strong></p>

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<p>The incident was a clear violation of international law, Price said. The crash of an American drone took place at a time when tensions are high between the two countries due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.</p>

<p>The US military stated that fuel was dumped by a Russian&nbsp;Su-27 fighter jet on an American drone over the Black Sea and then collided with it, which led to the crashing of the drone.</p>

<p>The White House said that the crash was because of Russia's "reckless" behaviour.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>US forced to crash drone: Pentagon</strong></p>

<p>The Pentagon confirmed that the US military was forced to crash its MQ-9 Reaper surveillance drone as it was brutally damaged after being struck by a Russian jet.</p>

<p>"Because of the damage, we were in a position to have to essentially crash into the Black Sea," said Brigadier General Pat Ryder, adding the drone, after the damage, was basically unflyable.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ryder said that the crashed drone has not been recovered by Russia. The Pentagon said that the drone's propeller was struck by one of the Russian Su-27 jets, making it inoperable.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Russian defence ministry on Tuesday said it scrambled fighter jets after detecting a US drone flying over the Black Sea. It, however, refuted Washington's allegations of crashing it into the sea.

The Russian defence ministry on Tuesday said it scrambled fighter jets after detecting a US drone flying over the Black Sea. It, however, refuted Washington's allegations of crashing it into the sea. "As a result of a sharp manoeuvre... the MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle entered an uncontrolled flight with the loss of altitude and collided with the surface of the water," stated the ministry. It further said its fighter jets "did not use their on-board weapons, made no contact with the UAV." ALSO READ | Russian fighter jet hits US drone over Black Sea; US calls it 'reckless' US summons Russian envoy The Russian ambassador was summoned by the United States to protest the crash of the American drone on Tuesday over the Black Sea after it collided with a Russian warplane, the State Department said. "We are engaging directly with the Russians, again at senior levels, to convey our strong objections to this unsafe, unprofessional intercept, which caused the downing of the unmanned US aircraft," spokesman Ned Price told reporters. The officials summoned the Russian ambassador at the State Department on Tuesday afternoon and a "strong objection" has been registered by the American ambassador in Moscow. WATCH | Has Russia's spring offensive already begun? The incident was a clear violation of international law, Price said. The crash of an American drone took place at a time when tensions are high between the two countries due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The US military stated that fuel was dumped by a Russian Su-27 fighter jet on an American drone over the Black Sea and then collided with it, which led to the crashing of the drone. The White House said that the crash was because of Russia's "reckless" behaviour. US forced to crash drone: Pentagon The Pentagon confirmed that the US military was forced to crash its MQ-9 Reaper surveillance drone as it was brutally damaged after being struck by a Russian jet. "Because of the damage, we were in a position to have to essentially crash into the Black Sea," said Brigadier General Pat Ryder, adding the drone, after the damage, was basically unflyable. Ryder said that the crashed drone has not been recovered by Russia. The Pentagon said that the drone's propeller was struck by one of the Russian Su-27 jets, making it inoperable. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia refutes allegations of crashing US drone over Black Sea

The U.S. military said a Russian fighter aircraft clipped the propeller of one of its spy drones and made it crash into the black sea. the incident marked the first such direct encounter between the two world powers since Russia invaded Ukraine over a year ago. The United States' European command said two Russian SU-27 fighters intercepted the unmanned MQ-9 Reaper drone.

U.S. says Russian jet caused spy drone crash over Black Sea, Moscow denies collision

A Russian fighter jet on Tuesday dumped fuel on an American drone over the Black Sea and then collided with it, causing the drone to crash, the US military said, slamming the manoeuvre as "reckless".

Russian Jet Dumps Fuel On U.S. Drone, then Collides with it over Black Sea

The U.S. military said a Russian fighter aircraft clipped the propeller of one of its spy drones and made it crash into the black sea. The incident marked the first such direct encounter between the two world powers since Russia invaded Ukraine over a year ago.

U.S. says Russian jet caused spy drone crash over Black Sea

An MQ-9 Reaper drone belonging to the United States Air Force crashed into the Black Sea when it was intercepted by two Russian Su-27 fighter jets near the Crimean peninsula, leading to tensions between the two countries.

What is a Reaper Drone?

The U.S. military said a Russian fighter aircraft clipped the propeller of one of its spy drones and made it crash into the black sea. The incident marked the first such direct encounter between the two world powers since Russia invaded Ukraine over a year ago. The United States' European command said two Russian SU-27 fighters intercepted the unmanned MQ-9 Reaper drone.

Spy drone crash: U.S. state department summons Russia's envoy

<p>The United States military claimed on Tuesday (March 14) that a Russian jet collided with an American drone over the Black Sea. Divulging details, the US military's European Command said that a Russian Su-27 jet fighter collided with an American MQ-9 Reaper drone.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US Air Force General James Hecker, the commander of US Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa, said: "Our MQ-9 aircraft was conducting routine operations in international airspace when it was intercepted and hit by a Russian aircraft, resulting in a crash and complete loss of the MQ-9".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hecker further said that "this incident demonstrates a lack of competence in addition to being unsafe and unprofessional".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The statement mentioned that the incident happened at approximately 7:03am (CET). It also noted that several times before the collision, the Su-27s dumped fuel on the drone and flew in front of it. The US Air Force called the incident "reckless" and "environmentally unsound".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-defends-ukraine-war-says-its-about-survival-of-russian-statehood-572027">Putin defends Ukraine war, claims it’s about ‘survival’ of Russian statehood</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>CNN quoted a US official familiar with the incident as saying that the Russian fighter jet damaged the propeller of the American drone. The official, whose identity was not revealed in the report, said that the Reaper drone and two SU-27 Flanker jets were operating over international waters over the Black Sea when the incident occurred. One of the Russian jets "intentionally" flew in front of and dumped fuel in front of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).&nbsp;</p>

<p>While responding to the incident, the National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told journalists that the Russian intercepts in the area are common, but this one "is noteworthy because of how unsafe and unprofessional it was, indeed reckless that it was".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US&nbsp;summons&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;envoy&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In the immediate aftermath, The US summoned Russia's ambassador to protest the crash, the State Department said. Spokesman Ned Price told reporters: "We are engaging directly with the Russians, again at senior levels, to convey our strong objections to this unsafe, unprofessional intercept, which caused the downing of the unmanned US aircraft."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ukraine becomes testing ground for new-age Russian weapons</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Russia denies causing crash</strong></h2>

<p>Russia's defence ministry denied causing the crash as it said that it scrambled fighter jets following the detection of a US drone over the Black Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As a result of a sharp manoeuvre... the MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle entered an uncontrolled flight with loss of altitude and collided with the surface of the water," the ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ministry added that its fighter jets "did not use their on-board weapons, made no contact with the UAV".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

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The United States military claimed on Tuesday (March 14) that a Russian jet collided with an American drone over the Black Sea. Divulging details, the US military's European Command said that a Russian Su-27 jet fighter collided with an American MQ-9 Reaper drone.

The United States military claimed on Tuesday (March 14) that a Russian jet collided with an American drone over the Black Sea. Divulging details, the US military's European Command said that a Russian Su-27 jet fighter collided with an American MQ-9 Reaper drone. US Air Force General James Hecker, the commander of US Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa, said: "Our MQ-9 aircraft was conducting routine operations in international airspace when it was intercepted and hit by a Russian aircraft, resulting in a crash and complete loss of the MQ-9". Hecker further said that "this incident demonstrates a lack of competence in addition to being unsafe and unprofessional". The statement mentioned that the incident happened at approximately 7:03am (CET). It also noted that several times before the collision, the Su-27s dumped fuel on the drone and flew in front of it. The US Air Force called the incident "reckless" and "environmentally unsound". ALSO READ | Putin defends Ukraine war, claims it’s about ‘survival’ of Russian statehood CNN quoted a US official familiar with the incident as saying that the Russian fighter jet damaged the propeller of the American drone. The official, whose identity was not revealed in the report, said that the Reaper drone and two SU-27 Flanker jets were operating over international waters over the Black Sea when the incident occurred. One of the Russian jets "intentionally" flew in front of and dumped fuel in front of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). While responding to the incident, the National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told journalists that the Russian intercepts in the area are common, but this one "is noteworthy because of how unsafe and unprofessional it was, indeed reckless that it was". US summons Russian envoy In the immediate aftermath, The US summoned Russia's ambassador to protest the crash, the State Department said. Spokesman Ned Price told reporters: "We are engaging directly with the Russians, again at senior levels, to convey our strong objections to this unsafe, unprofessional intercept, which caused the downing of the unmanned US aircraft." WATCH | Gravitas: Ukraine becomes testing ground for new-age Russian weapons × Russia denies causing crash Russia's defence ministry denied causing the crash as it said that it scrambled fighter jets following the detection of a US drone over the Black Sea. "As a result of a sharp manoeuvre... the MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle entered an uncontrolled flight with loss of altitude and collided with the surface of the water," the ministry said in a statement. The ministry added that its fighter jets "did not use their on-board weapons, made no contact with the UAV". (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.

Russian fighter jet hits US drone over Black Sea; US calls it 'reckless'

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