Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey&nbsp;Vershinin&nbsp;has said that Russia was ready to extend Black Sea grain deal. However, he said the extension will only be of 60 days.

"The Russian side... does not object to another extension of the 'Black Sea Initiative' after its second term expiration on March 18, but only for 60 days," he said in a statement issued by the Russian mission in Geneva following the negotiations at the UN's Palais des Nations.

"Our further stance will be determined upon the tangible progress on normalisation of our agricultural exports, not (in) words, but in deeds."

"It includes bank payments, transport logistics, insurance, 'unfreezing' of financial activities and ammonia supplies via the Tolyatti-Odessa pipeline."

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 last year. This had disrupted the grain export from Ukraine which is also referred to as 'bread basket of the world'. This had raised the spectre of a global food crisis due to grain shortage.

The United Nations and Turkey had brokered a deal which, for some time let shipments of Ukrainian grain pass unimpeded through the Black Sea.

The initial 120-day agreement was extended once in November, and was due to expire on March 18, and the Kremlin had cast doubt on whether it would agree to a fresh extension, claiming that the twin deal on Russian exports was not being respected.

The latest signals from the Russian side may indicate softening of Russian stance. But it is premature to say at this point that the deal is fully restored.

More than 24.1 million tonnes have been exported under the UN and Turkey-brokered Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI), according to the United Nations.

(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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin has said that Russia was ready to extend Black Sea grain deal. However, he said the extension will only be of 60 days.

Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin has said that Russia was ready to extend Black Sea grain deal. However, he said the extension will only be of 60 days. "The Russian side... does not object to another extension of the 'Black Sea Initiative' after its second term expiration on March 18, but only for 60 days," he said in a statement issued by the Russian mission in Geneva following the negotiations at the UN's Palais des Nations. "Our further stance will be determined upon the tangible progress on normalisation of our agricultural exports, not (in) words, but in deeds." "It includes bank payments, transport logistics, insurance, 'unfreezing' of financial activities and ammonia supplies via the Tolyatti-Odessa pipeline." Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 last year. This had disrupted the grain export from Ukraine which is also referred to as 'bread basket of the world'. This had raised the spectre of a global food crisis due to grain shortage. The United Nations and Turkey had brokered a deal which, for some time let shipments of Ukrainian grain pass unimpeded through the Black Sea. The initial 120-day agreement was extended once in November, and was due to expire on March 18, and the Kremlin had cast doubt on whether it would agree to a fresh extension, claiming that the twin deal on Russian exports was not being respected. The latest signals from the Russian side may indicate softening of Russian stance. But it is premature to say at this point that the deal is fully restored. More than 24.1 million tonnes have been exported under the UN and Turkey-brokered Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI), according to the United Nations. (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 ready to extend Black Sea grain deal, but for 60 days: Deputy FM

According to Ukraine, a United Nations-brokered deal allowing exports of Ukrainian grain from the Black Sea is set to be extended for 120 days, easing pressure on global food prices.

Ukraine says grain deal will be extended for 120 days

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (November 8) told visiting US Ambassador to the United Nations that the Black Sea grain export deal must be extended. The deal had unblocked three major Ukrainian ports. &nbsp;

The initiative expires on November&nbsp;19 and appeared under threat last month when Moscow briefly suspended its participation in the deal before rejoining.

"We maintain the line that the initiative must continue regardless of whether the Russian Federation is willing," Zelenskiy told Linda Thomas-Greenfield during talks in Kyiv.

Russia invaded Ukraine in February 24 this year. This had stopped grain exports from Ukraine, raising the spectre of a global food crisis.

To sort out this matter, a grain deal was brokered between Ukraine and Russia by the UN and Turkiye. This ensured safe movement of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-refuses-to-negotiate-with-russia-before-complete-evacuation-of-forces-532302">Ukraine refuses to negotiate with Russia before complete evacuation of forces</a>

Zelensky added on the Telegram messaging app: "Ukraine is ready to remain the guarantor of world food security."

Ukraine's deputy infrastructure minister told Reuters on Tuesday that Kyiv wants the grain export deal expanded to include more ports and goods, and hopes a decision to extend the agreement for at least a year will be taken next week.

(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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (November 8) told visiting US Ambassador to the United Nations that the Black Sea grain export deal must be extended.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (November 8) told visiting US Ambassador to the United Nations that the Black Sea grain export deal must be extended. The deal had unblocked three major Ukrainian ports. The initiative expires on November 19 and appeared under threat last month when Moscow briefly suspended its participation in the deal before rejoining. "We maintain the line that the initiative must continue regardless of whether the Russian Federation is willing," Zelenskiy told Linda Thomas-Greenfield during talks in Kyiv. Russia invaded Ukraine in February 24 this year. This had stopped grain exports from Ukraine, raising the spectre of a global food crisis. To sort out this matter, a grain deal was brokered between Ukraine and Russia by the UN and Turkiye. This ensured safe movement of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea. Also Read | Ukraine refuses to negotiate with Russia before complete evacuation of forces Zelensky added on the Telegram messaging app: "Ukraine is ready to remain the guarantor of world food security." Ukraine's deputy infrastructure minister told Reuters on Tuesday that Kyiv wants the grain export deal expanded to include more ports and goods, and hopes a decision to extend the agreement for at least a year will be taken next week. (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 ×

Black Sea grain deal must be extended, Zelensky tells US envoy to UN

On Tuesday, ships loaded with grains departed from Ukraine as Russia suspended its participation in the Black Sea grain initiative that ensures safe passage for critical food supply to the rest of the world.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Ships sail from Kyiv after Moscow exits grain deal

After suspending its involvement in a deal mediated by Turkey and the UN that had permitted Ukraine to resume grain exports, Russia declared on Monday that shipping through a Black Sea security corridor was "unacceptable."

"The movement of ships along the security corridor is unacceptable since the Ukrainian leadership and the command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine use it to conduct military operations against the Russian Federation," the Russian defence ministry said in a statement.

"Under the current conditions, there can be no question of guaranteeing the security of any object in the indicated direction until the Ukrainian side accepts additional obligations not to use this route for military purposes."

However, it emphasised that Russia was just suspending its adherence to the agreement. Moscow made this announcement on Saturday following what it claimed was an attack by a Ukrainian drone on its Black Sea fleet.&nbsp;

What Russia would do if ships continued to travel the route was not stated by the ministry. Despite Moscow's weekend announcement, a record amount of 354,500 tonnes of agricultural products left Ukrainian ports as part of the grain deal on Monday, according to a representative for Odesa's military administration.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opec-raised-long-term-world-oil-demand-forecast-despite-energy-transition-530046">OPEC raised long-term world oil demand forecast despite energy transition</a>

The grain transaction was "hardly feasible, and it takes on a different character - much more risky, dangerous and unguaranteed," the Kremlin stated earlier on Monday.&nbsp;

Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, has charged that by backing out of the accord, Moscow is "blackmailing the world with hunger."

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

After suspending its involvement in a deal mediated by Turkey and the UN that had permitted Ukraine to resume grain exports, Russia declared on Monday that shipping through a Black Sea security corridor was "unacceptable.

After suspending its involvement in a deal mediated by Turkey and the UN that had permitted Ukraine to resume grain exports, Russia declared on Monday that shipping through a Black Sea security corridor was "unacceptable." "The movement of ships along the security corridor is unacceptable since the Ukrainian leadership and the command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine use it to conduct military operations against the Russian Federation," the Russian defence ministry said in a statement. "Under the current conditions, there can be no question of guaranteeing the security of any object in the indicated direction until the Ukrainian side accepts additional obligations not to use this route for military purposes." However, it emphasised that Russia was just suspending its adherence to the agreement. Moscow made this announcement on Saturday following what it claimed was an attack by a Ukrainian drone on its Black Sea fleet. What Russia would do if ships continued to travel the route was not stated by the ministry. Despite Moscow's weekend announcement, a record amount of 354,500 tonnes of agricultural products left Ukrainian ports as part of the grain deal on Monday, according to a representative for Odesa's military administration. Also Read: OPEC raised long-term world oil demand forecast despite energy transition The grain transaction was "hardly feasible, and it takes on a different character - much more risky, dangerous and unguaranteed," the Kremlin stated earlier on Monday. Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, has charged that by backing out of the accord, Moscow is "blackmailing the world with hunger." (with inputs from agencies)

Movement of ships in Black Sea corridor is 'unacceptable', says Russia

12 ships with over 350,000 tons of agricultural products left Ukrainian ports on October 31 as part of the Black Sea grain deal despite Russia's withdrawal from the UN-brokered agreement that allowed Ukraine to export grain after accusing Kyiv of staging a drone attack against its Black Sea Fleet.

12 ships with over 350,000 tons of grain leave Ukrainian ports despite Russian pull-out

Martin Griffiths, the UN aid chief said on Monday that no ship involved in the Black Sea grain deal was transiting the maritime humanitarian corridor when Russia said its vessels were attacked. Rusia had said on the night of October 29 that its vessels in the Bay of Sevastopol in Crimea were attacked.

"No vessel reported an incident over the weekend," he added.

"The corridor is just lines on a chart: When Initiative vessels are not in the area, the corridor has no special status. It provides neither cover nor protection for offensive or defensive military action," Griffiths continued.

Ukraine is also called the world's 'bread-basket' because of its significant grain exports. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, dwindling grain exports from Ukraine had raised the spectre of a global food crisis, which could worsen the precarious situation of the global economy.

Watch | Russia pulls out of UN-brokered grain deal. How will it impact global food prices?

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-pulls-out-of-un-brokered-grain-deal-how-will-it-impact-global-food-prices-530024/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The United Nations had therefore brokered a deal that briefly saw safe passage of grain shipments.

However, claiming&nbsp;attacks on its vessels involved in transit of grain, Russia has declared that it will no longer be part of the grain deal. United Nations has urged Russia to not leave the agreement.

Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 this year. After steady success in initial months of the war, Russian forces have had to retreat in the face of counteroffensive by Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian soldiers have been able to re-capture thousands of square kilometres of territory.

(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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Martin Griffiths, the UN aid chief said on Monday that no ship involved in the Black Sea grain deal was transiting the maritime humanitarian corridor when Russia said its vessels were attacked.

Martin Griffiths, the UN aid chief said on Monday that no ship involved in the Black Sea grain deal was transiting the maritime humanitarian corridor when Russia said its vessels were attacked. Rusia had said on the night of October 29 that its vessels in the Bay of Sevastopol in Crimea were attacked. "No vessel reported an incident over the weekend," he added. "The corridor is just lines on a chart: When Initiative vessels are not in the area, the corridor has no special status. It provides neither cover nor protection for offensive or defensive military action," Griffiths continued. Ukraine is also called the world's 'bread-basket' because of its significant grain exports. After Russia's invasion of Ukraine, dwindling grain exports from Ukraine had raised the spectre of a global food crisis, which could worsen the precarious situation of the global economy. Watch | Russia pulls out of UN-brokered grain deal. How will it impact global food prices? × The United Nations had therefore brokered a deal that briefly saw safe passage of grain shipments. However, claiming attacks on its vessels involved in transit of grain, Russia has declared that it will no longer be part of the grain deal. United Nations has urged Russia to not leave the agreement. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24 this year. After steady success in initial months of the war, Russian forces have had to retreat in the face of counteroffensive by Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian soldiers have been able to re-capture thousands of square kilometres of territory. (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 ×

UN says there were no ships in grain corridor when Russia alleged attack

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the 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.

The conflict in Ukraine saw a surprising escalation on Thursday as a Russian fighter jet was reported to have earlier attacked a plane from the British Royal Air Force near the Black Sea. According to the Sun, the Russian fighter jets fired a missile towards an unarmed RAF plane while it was on a “routine patrol mission” in international airspace.

The attack was confirmed by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace during his speech at the House of Commons. He said that the incident happened on September 29, and it involved two Su-27 fighter jets.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-yen-hits-150-mark-against-us-dollar-worst-since-august-1990-527077" hreflang="en">Japanese yen hits 150-mark against US dollar - worst since August 1990</a>

“I’ve communicated my concerns directly to my Russian counterpart, Defence Minister Shoigu and the Chief of Defence Staff in Moscow,” he said.

The Guardian reported him adding, “In my letter, I made clear that the aircraft was unarmed and&nbsp;in international airspace, following a pre-notified flight path and that it was a potentially dangerous engagement.”

In response, Russia said that it was not a planned attack and described it as a “technical malfunction”. In the letter sent in October, the Russian defence ministry said that the firing was the result of a misunderstanding and said that the jets experienced technical difficulties.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-never-get-used-to-war-says-zelensky-526949">Zelensky appeals for moderate use as electricity restrictions kick-in</a>

"We are dealing with a president and indeed Russian forces who, as we've seen from the Rivet Joint incident, not beyond making the wrong calculation... that the rules don't apply to them."

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was imposing martial law in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia – the regions which were annexed through the referendums which were called a “sham” by the United States and other western countries.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the 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.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the 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. The conflict in Ukraine saw a surprising escalation on Thursday as a Russian fighter jet was reported to have earlier attacked a plane from the British Royal Air Force near the Black Sea. According to the Sun, the Russian fighter jets fired a missile towards an unarmed RAF plane while it was on a “routine patrol mission” in international airspace. The attack was confirmed by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace during his speech at the House of Commons. He said that the incident happened on September 29, and it involved two Su-27 fighter jets. Also read | Japanese yen hits 150-mark against US dollar - worst since August 1990 “I’ve communicated my concerns directly to my Russian counterpart, Defence Minister Shoigu and the Chief of Defence Staff in Moscow,” he said. The Guardian reported him adding, “In my letter, I made clear that the aircraft was unarmed and in international airspace, following a pre-notified flight path and that it was a potentially dangerous engagement.” In response, Russia said that it was not a planned attack and described it as a “technical malfunction”. In the letter sent in October, the Russian defence ministry said that the firing was the result of a misunderstanding and said that the jets experienced technical difficulties. Also read | Zelensky appeals for moderate use as electricity restrictions kick-in "We are dealing with a president and indeed Russian forces who, as we've seen from the Rivet Joint incident, not beyond making the wrong calculation... that the rules don't apply to them." Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he was imposing martial law in Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia – the regions which were annexed through the referendums which were called a “sham” by the United States and other western countries.

Russian fighter jet 'released missile' near British Royal Air Force aircraft over Black Sea

The Bulgarian coastguard rescued 38 migrants trying to reach Romania from the Black Sea Thursday, the interior ministry announced, the first such incident in the region since 2014.

The group, which included eight women and eight children, were found in Bulgarian territorial waters where they had got into difficulty in stormy weather, said Anton Mirkov, the head of the region's border police.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-resume-full-immigrant-visa-processing-in-havana-in-early-2023-518652">migrants</a>, who included people from Afghanistan and Syria, had started out from Turkey.&nbsp;

Bulgaria is seeing increasing numbers of migrants arriving in its waters from the Turkish coastline to the south.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/concerned-russians-trying-to-escape-putins-ukraine-war-call-up-to-avoid-conscription-518766">Fly out, run to border, search self-harm: How Russians are trying to evade Putin's conscription call</a>

It has stepped up patrols since the death of two police officers in August at Bourgas, on the shores of the Black Sea. They were run down as they tried to stop a bus carrying migrants.

The authorities have sent around 300 soldiers to reinforce surveillance of the barbed wire barriers set up between 2014 and 2017.

In August, the country's refugee agency reported a surge in the numbers of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/koffee-with-karan-7-gauri-khan-opens-up-on-aryan-khans-arrest-nothing-can-be-worse-than-518599">illegal</a> immigrants arrested compared to last year, when 12,000 were detained.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

The Bulgarian coastguard rescued 38 migrants trying to reach Romania from the Black Sea Thursday, the interior ministry announced, the first such incident in the region since 2014.

The Bulgarian coastguard rescued 38 migrants trying to reach Romania from the Black Sea Thursday, the interior ministry announced, the first such incident in the region since 2014. The group, which included eight women and eight children, were found in Bulgarian territorial waters where they had got into difficulty in stormy weather, said Anton Mirkov, the head of the region's border police. The migrants, who included people from Afghanistan and Syria, had started out from Turkey. Bulgaria is seeing increasing numbers of migrants arriving in its waters from the Turkish coastline to the south. Also read | Fly out, run to border, search self-harm: How Russians are trying to evade Putin's conscription call It has stepped up patrols since the death of two police officers in August at Bourgas, on the shores of the Black Sea. They were run down as they tried to stop a bus carrying migrants. The authorities have sent around 300 soldiers to reinforce surveillance of the barbed wire barriers set up between 2014 and 2017. In August, the country's refugee agency reported a surge in the numbers of illegal immigrants arrested compared to last year, when 12,000 were detained. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Bulgarian coastguard rescues 38 migrants from Black Sea

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday signed a new naval doctrine which cast the United States as Russia's main rival and set out Russia's global maritime ambitions for crucial areas such as the Arctic and in the Black Sea.

On Navy Day, Russia outlines maritime ambitions for Arctic, Black Sea

The Navy celebrations in the Russian-annexed Crimea region were dealt a heavy blow as a Ukrainian drone strike wounded five people at the Black Sea headquarters in Sevastopol, according to authorities. Mikhail Razvozhayev, who is leading the local Russian administration in Sevastopol, posted the details of the attack on social media and blamed Ukraine for the damages. &nbsp;

“Early this morning, [Ukraine] decided to spoil our Navy Day. An unidentified object flew into the yard of the fleet headquarters, according to preliminary data, it was a drone. Five people were injured, these are employees of the fleet headquarters, there were no fatalities,” he posted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-orders-civilians-to-evacuate-from-donetsk-region-amid-russian-attacks-502125" hreflang="en">Zelensky orders civilians to evacuate from Donetsk region amid Russian attacks</a>

“All celebratory events have been cancelled due to safety concerns. I ask you to stay calm and stay at home, if possible,” he added along with pictures of blood stains and broken glass.

A spokesperson for the Russian forces in the Black Sea headquarters also said that it was a “homemade” drone which carried a number of small explosives.

Although the exact nature of the attack or the details of the injured personnel were not released, the pictures posted on social media showed rubble at the entrance of what looked like a cafeteria.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/days-after-recovery-us-president-joe-biden-contracts-covid-disease-again-502133">Days after recovery, US President Joe Biden contracts Covid disease again</a>

However, Ukraine has not confirmed its involvement in the attack though a spokesperson for the country’s southern command said that they have been conducting attacks to liberate Russian-occupied areas and that Crimea is a part of Ukraine.

“Ukraine’s armed forces are carrying out activities to liberate our occupied territories, using the weapons models that are available for this purpose. Our targets are exclusively the military facilities of the Russian Federation. We do not strike on the territory of the Russian Federation. Crimea is Ukraine,” Natalia Gumenyuk, spokesperson for the southern command, told The Guardian.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

The Navy celebrations in the Russian-annexed Crimea region were dealt a heavy blow as a Ukrainian drone strike wounded five people at the Black Sea headquarters in Sevastopol, according to authorities.

The Navy celebrations in the Russian-annexed Crimea region were dealt a heavy blow as a Ukrainian drone strike wounded five people at the Black Sea headquarters in Sevastopol, according to authorities. Mikhail Razvozhayev, who is leading the local Russian administration in Sevastopol, posted the details of the attack on social media and blamed Ukraine for the damages. “Early this morning, [Ukraine] decided to spoil our Navy Day. An unidentified object flew into the yard of the fleet headquarters, according to preliminary data, it was a drone. Five people were injured, these are employees of the fleet headquarters, there were no fatalities,” he posted. Also read | Zelensky orders civilians to evacuate from Donetsk region amid Russian attacks “All celebratory events have been cancelled due to safety concerns. I ask you to stay calm and stay at home, if possible,” he added along with pictures of blood stains and broken glass. A spokesperson for the Russian forces in the Black Sea headquarters also said that it was a “homemade” drone which carried a number of small explosives. Although the exact nature of the attack or the details of the injured personnel were not released, the pictures posted on social media showed rubble at the entrance of what looked like a cafeteria. Also read | Days after recovery, US President Joe Biden contracts Covid disease again However, Ukraine has not confirmed its involvement in the attack though a spokesperson for the country’s southern command said that they have been conducting attacks to liberate Russian-occupied areas and that Crimea is a part of Ukraine. “Ukraine’s armed forces are carrying out activities to liberate our occupied territories, using the weapons models that are available for this purpose. Our targets are exclusively the military facilities of the Russian Federation. We do not strike on the territory of the Russian Federation. Crimea is Ukraine,” Natalia Gumenyuk, spokesperson for the southern command, told The Guardian. WATCH WION LIVE HERE -

Russia’s Black Sea fleet headquarters hit on Navy Day by Ukrainian drone, five injured

The Black Sea blockade has stranded more than 25 million tonnes of food grain at Ukrainian storage sites. The supply strangle is pushing millions of people in southern and western Africa into food insecurity. Palki Sharma tells you why Ukraine & Russia must immediately resume grain exports.

Gravitas: Ukraine war could trigger global hunger crisis

Russia, Ukraine and Turkiye are all set to sign a deal today (July 22) proposed by the United Nations to free up grain exports from Ukraine’s besieged Black Sea ports.

Grain export deal between Russia, Ukraine to be signed in Turkiye today

Turkiye said that it has managed to broker a deal with Ukraine, Russia and the UN to resume exports of Ukrainian grains after it was blocked by Russia in the wake of invasion. The move is expected to bring major relief to world economies whose grain imports were largely dependent on Kyiv.

On Wednesday, Turkiye’s defence minister Hulusi Akar said that all the parties would meet again next week to work out the modalities like joint controls for checking grains in ports and Ankara ensuring the safety of Black Sea export routes for Ukrainian grain, The Guardian reported.

He added that Turkey would also set up a coordination centre with Ukraine, Russia and the UN for grain exports.

Much of Ukrainian grains are exported through the country’s Black Sea ports. But they have been blockaded by Russia, including the crucial hub of Odesa, following the invasion.

Confirming the development, Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, on Twitter said, “Its task will be to carry out general monitoring and coordination of safe navigation in the Black Sea.”

In his daily address, Ukraine’s president Zelensky was quoted as saying, “We are indeed making significant efforts to restore the supply of food to the world market. And I am grateful to the United Nations and Turkey for their respective efforts.”

Lauding the three countries for their coordination for their efforts toward restoring grain supplies, UN Secretary-General&nbsp;António Guterres said that a “critical step forward” had been taken to allow the “safe and secure export” of millions of tonnes of grain via the Black Sea.

He, however, emphasised that no formal agreement has yet been signed between Russia and Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-casualty-of-russia-ukraine-war-esa-roscosmoss-mars-life-finding-mission-497185" hreflang="en">Another casualty of Russia-Ukraine war: ESA-ROSCOSMOS's Mars life-hunting mission</a>

“In a world darkened by global crises, today, at last, we have a ray of hope,” said Guterres, briefing correspondents at UN Headquarters in New York.

“A ray of hope to ease human suffering and alleviate hunger around the world. A ray of hope to support developing countries and the most vulnerable people.&nbsp;A ray of hope to bring a measure of much-needed stability to the global food system.”

For several weeks, the Türkiye government has been working with the UN to arrive at a deal for weeks, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, which triggered the price rise of several major commodities like grains, cooking oils, fuel and fertilizer.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

&nbsp;

Turkiye said that it has managed to broker a deal with Ukraine, Russia and the UN to resume exports of Ukrainian grains after it was blocked by Russia in the wake of invasion.

Turkiye said that it has managed to broker a deal with Ukraine, Russia and the UN to resume exports of Ukrainian grains after it was blocked by Russia in the wake of invasion. The move is expected to bring major relief to world economies whose grain imports were largely dependent on Kyiv. On Wednesday, Turkiye’s defence minister Hulusi Akar said that all the parties would meet again next week to work out the modalities like joint controls for checking grains in ports and Ankara ensuring the safety of Black Sea export routes for Ukrainian grain, The Guardian reported. He added that Turkey would also set up a coordination centre with Ukraine, Russia and the UN for grain exports. Much of Ukrainian grains are exported through the country’s Black Sea ports. But they have been blockaded by Russia, including the crucial hub of Odesa, following the invasion. Confirming the development, Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, on Twitter said, “Its task will be to carry out general monitoring and coordination of safe navigation in the Black Sea.” In his daily address, Ukraine’s president Zelensky was quoted as saying, “We are indeed making significant efforts to restore the supply of food to the world market. And I am grateful to the United Nations and Turkey for their respective efforts.” Lauding the three countries for their coordination for their efforts toward restoring grain supplies, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that a “critical step forward” had been taken to allow the “safe and secure export” of millions of tonnes of grain via the Black Sea. He, however, emphasised that no formal agreement has yet been signed between Russia and Ukraine. Also read | Another casualty of Russia-Ukraine war: ESA-ROSCOSMOS's Mars life-hunting mission “In a world darkened by global crises, today, at last, we have a ray of hope,” said Guterres, briefing correspondents at UN Headquarters in New York. “A ray of hope to ease human suffering and alleviate hunger around the world. A ray of hope to support developing countries and the most vulnerable people. A ray of hope to bring a measure of much-needed stability to the global food system.” For several weeks, the Türkiye government has been working with the UN to arrive at a deal for weeks, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, which triggered the price rise of several major commodities like grains, cooking oils, fuel and fertilizer. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Turkiye brokers deal with Ukraine, Russia and UN to resume grain exports

Turkiye is all set to host four-way Russian and Ukrainian delegations together with UN diplomats on Wednesday to discuss the resumption of stalled grain deliveries across the Black Sea.

Turkiye to host four-way Russia, Ukraine and UN grain talks amid growing global food crisis

Ukrainian forces claim to have scored a victory against Russian forces after launching a new attempt to re-take Snake Island in the Black Sea.

Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Ukraine forces push back Russian troops from Snake Island

US President Joe Biden said the United States will increase its military force in Europe.&nbsp;The US president informed that over $700 billion has been provided to Ukraine since he took office even as 50 countries have pledged new commitments to the country battling Russian forces.The important Black Sea outpost of Snake Island has been evacuated, according to the Russian military. For both sides in the conflict, the small patch of land in the Black Sea next to the Ukrainian port city of Odesa has acquired symbolic significance.

Click on the links below to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-should-sell-f-16-fighter-planes-to-turkey-congress-can-approve-says-biden-493313">US should sell F-16 fighter planes to Turkey, Congress can approve, says Biden</a>
<img alt="1" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="774ae87d-de30-4723-99a5-d2a6fec32ae3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/182852-untitled-design-9.jpg" />
US President Joe Biden said the United States will increase its military force in Europe.&nbsp;The US president informed that over $700 billion has been provided to Ukraine since he took office even as 50 countries have pledged new commitments to the country battling Russian forces.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-it-has-withdrawn-its-military-from-snake-island-in-the-black-sea-493215">Russia says it has withdrawn its military from Snake Island in the Black Sea</a>
<img alt="2" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="274b107d-60df-49ad-96df-43338a261f9c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/275366-snake-island.jpg" />
The important Black Sea outpost of Snake Island has been evacuated, according to the Russian military. For both sides in the conflict, the small patch of land in the Black Sea next to the Ukrainian port city of Odesa has acquired symbolic significance.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-is-not-an-enemy-but-remains-serious-challenge-nato-493266">China is not an enemy, but remains serious challenge: NATO</a>
<img alt="3" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0d20a423-1ed8-4f48-916f-fabe55d8821e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/249660-nato.jpg" />
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday (June 29) said that China was not an enemy of the alliance but it did represent a serious challenge.

"We now face an era of strategic competition. We see a deepening strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing and China's growing assertiveness and its coercive policies have consequences for the security of (NATO) allies and partners," Stoltenberg said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-disburses-13-bn-of-total-75-bn-promised-aid-to-ukraine-493231">United States disburses $1.3 bn of total $7.5 bn promised aid to Ukraine</a>
<img alt="4" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b5f1f876-1706-403d-92d7-0dc2a44a6ff0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/275379-2022-06-27t025147z2lynxmpei5q035rtroptp4global-forex.JPG" />
The transfer of $1.3 billion in economic aid to Ukraine as part of the initial $7.5 billion promised to Kyiv by the Biden administration in May has been done, the US Treasury Department announced on Wednesday, as reported by AFP. 
&nbsp; 
"With this delivery of economic assistance, we reaffirm our resolute commitment to the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Putin's war of aggression and work to sustain their economy," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/monkeypox-in-us-cdc-activates-emergency-operations-unit-493204">Monkeypox in US: CDC activates emergency operations unit</a>
<img alt="5" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7fa19236-964a-4e7f-ab59-1cd2786e2634" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/213356-cdc-health.png.jpeg" />
The increase in monkeypox cases across the United States prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to announce Tuesday that it has activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC).The CDC's establishment of the EOC enables the organisation to further boost operational support for the response in order to handle the outbreak's changing circumstances.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prince-charles-not-to-accept-large-cash-donations-to-his-charities-report-493197">Suitcase row: Prince Charles to no longer accept large cash donations to his charities</a>
<img alt="6" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d0f7896a-b221-4a5f-a8a0-3e79203a4484" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/93732-untitled-design-66.jpg" />
UK's Prince Charles will no longer accept large donations to his charities in cash anymore, reported The Guardian citing sources. The Prince of Wales has drawn flak over claims that he received 3 million euros in cash from a billionaire Qatari Sheikh. There are claimed that the cash was stuffed in a small bag and a Fotnum &amp; Mason carrier.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shirtless-western-leaders-would-be-disgusting-sight-putin-493162">Shirtless western leaders would be a 'disgusting sight': Putin</a>
<img alt="7" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="805f4c9a-c840-48f8-96fb-4d2cfc4b7a66" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/249246-vladimir-putin-6.jpg" />
Russian President Vladimir Putin, perhaps in a devastating reply, has shot back at western leaders saying that these leaders, if shirtless, would make for a 'disgusting sight'. Putin's comments came after European and other western leaders appeared to poke fun at shirtless Putin who, in past, has been clicked riding horse and other 'macho' activities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/expert-blame-north-korea-for-usd-100-million-cryptocurrency-theft-493207">Experts blame North Korea for USD 100 million cryptocurrency theft</a>
<img alt="8" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6e189ead-eac5-432f-93e7-9a4fb9d03bdd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/240210-stories-3.jpg" />
North Korean hackers are suspected to be behind a cyberattack that resulted in theft of as much as USD 100 million in cryptocurrency from a US company last week. Three digital investigative firms have made the conclusion.

The cryptoassets were stolen on June 23 from Horizon Bridge, a service operated by the Harmony blockchain that allows assets to be transferred to other blockchains.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-ind-fit-again-james-anderson-returns-as-ben-stokes-co-announce-playing-xi-for-series-decider-493280">Eng vs Ind: Fit-again James Anderson returns as Ben Stokes &amp; Co. announce playing XI for series decider</a>
<img alt="9" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="112b8ad5-442f-4d79-b88f-9bed1a7a64f6" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/275423-eng-vs-ind-james-anderson-returns-as-stokes-co-announce-playing-xi.jpg" />
After whitewashing the World Test champions New Zealand, Ben Stokes-led England are all set to lock horns with Team India in the rescheduled fifth and final match of the incomplete five-match series, which took place last year, on Friday (July 01) in Edgbaston, Birmingham.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-will-chris-evans-return-as-captain-america-actor-says-i’d-be-very-cautious-492890">Will Chris Evans return as Captain America? Actor says 'I’d be very cautious'</a>
<img alt="10" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="90b182d4-4c03-4dd4-a190-c12d0743b2d0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/275116-chris-evans-captain-america-1200.jpg" />
Ever since 'Avengers: Endgame' released and it became known that Chris Evans is hanging up the shield and the character of Steve Rogers, or the former Captain America, his fans have been clamouring for his return. Never mind that there is a new Cap in the form of Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie).

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden said the United States will increase its military force in Europe. The US president informed that over $700 billion has been provided to Ukraine since he took office even as 50 countries have pledged new commitments to the country battling Russian forces.

US President Joe Biden said the United States will increase its military force in Europe. The US president informed that over $700 billion has been provided to Ukraine since he took office even as 50 countries have pledged new commitments to the country battling Russian forces.The important Black Sea outpost of Snake Island has been evacuated, according to the Russian military. For both sides in the conflict, the small patch of land in the Black Sea next to the Ukrainian port city of Odesa has acquired symbolic significance. Click on the links below to read more: US should sell F-16 fighter planes to Turkey, Congress can approve, says Biden US President Joe Biden said the United States will increase its military force in Europe. The US president informed that over $700 billion has been provided to Ukraine since he took office even as 50 countries have pledged new commitments to the country battling Russian forces. Russia says it has withdrawn its military from Snake Island in the Black Sea The important Black Sea outpost of Snake Island has been evacuated, according to the Russian military. For both sides in the conflict, the small patch of land in the Black Sea next to the Ukrainian port city of Odesa has acquired symbolic significance. China is not an enemy, but remains serious challenge: NATO NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg on Wednesday (June 29) said that China was not an enemy of the alliance but it did represent a serious challenge. "We now face an era of strategic competition. We see a deepening strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing and China's growing assertiveness and its coercive policies have consequences for the security of (NATO) allies and partners," Stoltenberg said. United States disburses $1.3 bn of total $7.5 bn promised aid to Ukraine The transfer of $1.3 billion in economic aid to Ukraine as part of the initial $7.5 billion promised to Kyiv by the Biden administration in May has been done, the US Treasury Department announced on Wednesday, as reported by AFP. "With this delivery of economic assistance, we reaffirm our resolute commitment to the people of Ukraine as they defend themselves against Putin's war of aggression and work to sustain their economy," Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement. Monkeypox in US: CDC activates emergency operations unit The increase in monkeypox cases across the United States prompted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to announce Tuesday that it has activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC).The CDC's establishment of the EOC enables the organisation to further boost operational support for the response in order to handle the outbreak's changing circumstances. Suitcase row: Prince Charles to no longer accept large cash donations to his charities UK's Prince Charles will no longer accept large donations to his charities in cash anymore, reported The Guardian citing sources. The Prince of Wales has drawn flak over claims that he received 3 million euros in cash from a billionaire Qatari Sheikh. There are claimed that the cash was stuffed in a small bag and a Fotnum & Mason carrier. Shirtless western leaders would be a 'disgusting sight': Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin, perhaps in a devastating reply, has shot back at western leaders saying that these leaders, if shirtless, would make for a 'disgusting sight'. Putin's comments came after European and other western leaders appeared to poke fun at shirtless Putin who, in past, has been clicked riding horse and other 'macho' activities. Experts blame North Korea for USD 100 million cryptocurrency theft North Korean hackers are suspected to be behind a cyberattack that resulted in theft of as much as USD 100 million in cryptocurrency from a US company last week. Three digital investigative firms have made the conclusion. The cryptoassets were stolen on June 23 from Horizon Bridge, a service operated by the Harmony blockchain that allows assets to be transferred to other blockchains. Eng vs Ind: Fit-again James Anderson returns as Ben Stokes & Co. announce playing XI for series decider After whitewashing the World Test champions New Zealand, Ben Stokes-led England are all set to lock horns with Team India in the rescheduled fifth and final match of the incomplete five-match series, which took place last year, on Friday (July 01) in Edgbaston, Birmingham. Will Chris Evans return as Captain America? Actor says 'I’d be very cautious' Ever since 'Avengers: Endgame' released and it became known that Chris Evans is hanging up the shield and the character of Steve Rogers, or the former Captain America, his fans have been clamouring for his return. Never mind that there is a new Cap in the form of Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie).

Top 10 world news: Biden on selling F-16, Russia withdraws military from snake island, and more

Ukrainian forces have reportedly attacked a Russian logistics support vessel in the black sea. Ukraine has claimed to have damaged the Russian ship near Snake island, it is a small but strategic outpost in the Black Sea.

Report: Russian logistics support vessel on fire

The Black Sea is bearing the brunt of the Russia-Ukraine war. Biodiversity, marine life, food and environmental security in the Black Sea are at stake. The sea of Azov is also facing a similar threats

Azov & Black sea pay the cost of raging war between Russian & Ukraine

How Ukraine's Harpoon, Neptune missiles and Bayraktar drones hit Moskva

Moskva warship saga: Russia's view and Ukraine's missile theory

Russia's lead warship 'Moskva' sank in the Black Sea after a fire and explosion claimed by Ukraine. Russian news agency said that the ship sank as it was being towed to port in stormy weather

Russia-Ukraine war: Russian Flagship 'Moskva' sinks in Black Sea while being towed to port

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the 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. Ukraine on Thursday (April 14) claimed that it has hit Russian Navy's Black Sea flagship with Neptune missiles and caused damage to the vessel. Maxim Marchenko, who is the Odesa state regional administrator, stated in a social media post that the Russian ship was hit by two missiles. Although, he did not give further evidence. In a post on Telegram, he said. "Neptune missiles guarding the Black Sea caused very serious damage." ALSO READ | Don’t send weapons to Ukraine, look for rapprochement between NATO, Russia after war, says France's Le Pen On the other hand, Russia claimed otherwise. Contrary to Ukrainian claims, Russian state media said that the Russian warship in the Black Sea was "seriously damaged" by an ammunition explosion. The country's Interfax news agency quoted the Russian defence ministry as saying to state that the incident on the Moskva missile cruiser occurred after ammunition on board blew up. In a statement, it said: "As the result of a fire on the Moskva missile cruiser, ammunition detonated." The authorities also informed that the crew had been evacuated and the cause of the fire was being determined. ALSO READ | Viktor Medvedchuk: Ukraine captures Vladimir Putin ally; Zelensky offers to swap him for captured Ukrainians Ukrainian military hit Russia cruiser Moskva, which is the same warship that has been told by Snake Island defenders to go fuck itself. It was hit with Neptune anti-ship cruise missile that was developed by Kyiv based Luch Design Bureau in 2014-2020 pic.twitter.com/cWrIOZjhbi — Hromadske Int. (@Hromadske) April 13, 2022 × The mentioned warship, Moskva, was originally built in the Soviet era in Ukraine's Mykolaiv. Media reports had stated that it had entered service in the early 1980s. It was previously deployed in the Syria conflict with a crew of 510. In Syria, it served as naval protection for the Russian forces' Hmeimim airbase. The missile cruiser carries 16 P-1000 Vulkan anti-ship missiles as well as an array of anti-submarine and mine-torpedo weapons, the reports said. WATCH | Tectonic shift in Geo-Politics: Russia's invasion pushes Finland, Sweden toward NATO ×

Ukraine says it hit Russian warship with Neptune missiles, Russia claims it was ammunition explosion

Turkey&nbsp;on Monday said a second mine which could have come from Ukraine was discovered off its coast near Bulgaria, adding that experts had been sent to defuse it.

Russia had warned more than a week ago that some aged mines that Ukrainians had deployed in the Black Sea against its invading troops had become dislodged from their cables by storms and could drift as far as the Straits of Bosphorus and the Mediterranean Sea.

On Monday, the Turkish defence ministry tweeted that "A mine was detected off Igneada near the Bulgarian border" on the Black Sea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-oligarchs-welcome-in-turkey-says-foreign-minister-mevlut-cavusoglu-465935">Russian oligarchs welcome in Turkey, says Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu</a>

"The mine has been secured... and an intervention launched to neutralise it," it said.

A first mine was found on Saturday and defused by the Turkish navy, after a fisherman had reported seeing it about two kilometres (1.2 miles) off Rumelifeneri, on the entrance of the Bosphorus north of Istanbul.

Ankara has spoken to Ukrainian and Russian authorities to follow up "coordination on this subject,"&nbsp;Turkey's defence minister said on Saturday.

In its warning on March 19, Russia's FSB security service said that "dilapidated" mines that Ukrainians had deployed against its forces had broken from their cables and were floating in the Black Sea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-world-cannot-burn-bridges-with-moscow-465999">Turkey says world cannot 'burn bridges' with Moscow</a>

Several days ago, Turkish authorities warned on the NAVTEX maritime alert system that there was a risk of mines floating from Ukrainian waters after being dislodged from their anchors by a storm.

Underwater mines normally have to be equipped with systems that render them harmless if they break free from their anchors.

But older mines could lack &nbsp;this safety measure, Turkish media reported.

Watch | Gravitas: Turkey taking advantage of war in Ukraine?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-turkey-taking-advantage-of-war-in-ukraine-461453/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Turkey on Monday said a second mine which could have come from Ukraine was discovered off its coast near Bulgaria, adding that experts had been sent to defuse it.

Turkey on Monday said a second mine which could have come from Ukraine was discovered off its coast near Bulgaria, adding that experts had been sent to defuse it. Russia had warned more than a week ago that some aged mines that Ukrainians had deployed in the Black Sea against its invading troops had become dislodged from their cables by storms and could drift as far as the Straits of Bosphorus and the Mediterranean Sea. On Monday, the Turkish defence ministry tweeted that "A mine was detected off Igneada near the Bulgarian border" on the Black Sea. Also read | Russian oligarchs welcome in Turkey, says Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu "The mine has been secured... and an intervention launched to neutralise it," it said. A first mine was found on Saturday and defused by the Turkish navy, after a fisherman had reported seeing it about two kilometres (1.2 miles) off Rumelifeneri, on the entrance of the Bosphorus north of Istanbul. Ankara has spoken to Ukrainian and Russian authorities to follow up "coordination on this subject," Turkey's defence minister said on Saturday. In its warning on March 19, Russia's FSB security service said that "dilapidated" mines that Ukrainians had deployed against its forces had broken from their cables and were floating in the Black Sea. Also read | Turkey says world cannot 'burn bridges' with Moscow Several days ago, Turkish authorities warned on the NAVTEX maritime alert system that there was a risk of mines floating from Ukrainian waters after being dislodged from their anchors by a storm. Underwater mines normally have to be equipped with systems that render them harmless if they break free from their anchors. But older mines could lack this safety measure, Turkish media reported. Watch | Gravitas: Turkey taking advantage of war in Ukraine?

Turkey says second mine found floating off its coast

Authorities in Turkey have warned sea vessels to stay away as a "mine-like object" was found floating north of Istanbul near the Black Sea. The object was found by divers days after Russia warned that mines had drifted away from Ukrainian ports.

Turkey's defence ministry said on Twitter that the team had secured the object and had begun deactivating it.

Fishermen first spotted the object near a docking area in the upper Bosphorus strait - through which the Black Sea drains - and reported it to the Coast Guard, the Directorate General of Coastal Safety told Reuters.

A directorate spokesperson confirmed a report in the Milliyet newspaper that authorities issued a radio notice to boats that the object was reportedly "shaped like a ball with horn-like protrusions", and was "likely to be a mine".

Turkey shares Black Sea borders with Russia and Ukraine, which Moscow invaded last month.

Russia's main intelligence agency said on Monday that several mines had drifted out to sea after breaking off from cables near Ukrainian ports, a claim dismissed by Kyiv as disinformation and an attempt to close off parts of the sea.

The Black Sea is a major shipping artery for grain, oil and oil products.

(With inputs from agencies)

Authorities in Turkey have warned sea vessels to stay away as a "mine-like object" was found floating north of Istanbul near the Black Sea. The object was found by divers days after Russia warned that mines had drifted away from Ukrainian ports.

Authorities in Turkey have warned sea vessels to stay away as a "mine-like object" was found floating north of Istanbul near the Black Sea. The object was found by divers days after Russia warned that mines had drifted away from Ukrainian ports. Turkey's defence ministry said on Twitter that the team had secured the object and had begun deactivating it. Fishermen first spotted the object near a docking area in the upper Bosphorus strait - through which the Black Sea drains - and reported it to the Coast Guard, the Directorate General of Coastal Safety told Reuters. A directorate spokesperson confirmed a report in the Milliyet newspaper that authorities issued a radio notice to boats that the object was reportedly "shaped like a ball with horn-like protrusions", and was "likely to be a mine". Turkey shares Black Sea borders with Russia and Ukraine, which Moscow invaded last month. Russia's main intelligence agency said on Monday that several mines had drifted out to sea after breaking off from cables near Ukrainian ports, a claim dismissed by Kyiv as disinformation and an attempt to close off parts of the sea. The Black Sea is a major shipping artery for grain, oil and oil products. (With inputs from agencies)

'Mine-like object' found floating off Black Sea

&nbsp;Turkish authorites have warned vessels to stay away as a dive team inspects a "mine-like object" found floating north of Istanbul near the Black Sea, days after Russia warned that several mines had drifted away from Ukrainian ports.

The team secured the object and began deactivating it, Turkey's defence ministry said on Twitter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-turkeys-position-on-russian-s-400-missile-acquisition-remains-the-same-465488">Erdogan: Turkey's position on Russian S-400 missile acquisition remains the same</a>

Fishermen first spotted the object near a docking area in the upper Bosphorus strait - through which the Black Sea drains - and reported it to the Coast Guard, the Directorate General of Coastal Safety told Reuters.

A directorate spokesperson confirmed a report in the Milliyet newspaper that authorities issued a radio notice to boats that the object was reportedly "shaped like a ball with horn-like protrusions", and was "likely to be a mine".

Turkey shares Black Sea borders with Russia and Ukraine, which Moscow invaded last month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/1915-canakkale-bridge-turkey-opens-worlds-longest-suspension-bridge-between-europe-and-asia-463836">1915 Canakkale Bridge: Turkey opens world's longest suspension bridge between Europe and Asia</a>

Russia's main intelligence agency said on Monday that several mines had drifted out to sea after breaking off from cables near Ukrainian ports, a claim dismissed by Kyiv as disinformation and an attempt to close off parts of the sea.

The Black Sea is a major shipping artery for grain, oil and oil products.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Turkey taking advantage of war in Ukraine?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-turkey-taking-advantage-of-war-in-ukraine-461453/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Turkish authorites have warned vessels to stay away as a dive team inspects a "mine-like object" found floating north of Istanbul near the Black Sea, days after Russia warned that several mines had drifted away from Ukrainian ports.

Turkish authorites have warned vessels to stay away as a dive team inspects a "mine-like object" found floating north of Istanbul near the Black Sea, days after Russia warned that several mines had drifted away from Ukrainian ports. The team secured the object and began deactivating it, Turkey's defence ministry said on Twitter. Also read | Erdogan: Turkey's position on Russian S-400 missile acquisition remains the same Fishermen first spotted the object near a docking area in the upper Bosphorus strait - through which the Black Sea drains - and reported it to the Coast Guard, the Directorate General of Coastal Safety told Reuters. A directorate spokesperson confirmed a report in the Milliyet newspaper that authorities issued a radio notice to boats that the object was reportedly "shaped like a ball with horn-like protrusions", and was "likely to be a mine". Turkey shares Black Sea borders with Russia and Ukraine, which Moscow invaded last month. Also read | 1915 Canakkale Bridge: Turkey opens world's longest suspension bridge between Europe and Asia Russia's main intelligence agency said on Monday that several mines had drifted out to sea after breaking off from cables near Ukrainian ports, a claim dismissed by Kyiv as disinformation and an attempt to close off parts of the sea. The Black Sea is a major shipping artery for grain, oil and oil products. Watch | Gravitas: Turkey taking advantage of war in Ukraine?

Turkey finds 'mine-like object' floating off Black Sea

Three&nbsp;Panamanian-flagged&nbsp;ships&nbsp;have been&nbsp;hit&nbsp;by&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;in the Black Sea since Russia's invasion of&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;last month,&nbsp;Panama's Maritime Authority said on Wednesday.

One ship sank, the maritime authority said in a statement, but there were no casualties reported. The two others remain afloat with damages.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tv-comedy-that-launched-zelensky-to-presidency-back-on-netflix-463038">TV comedy that launched Volodymyr&nbsp;Zelensky&nbsp;to presidency back on Netflix</a>

"We know that we had&nbsp;three&nbsp;ships&nbsp;that were attacked by&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;but the crew is all safe, we had material damage," said Noriel Arauz, the administrator of the&nbsp;Panama&nbsp;Maritime Authority (AMP).

The&nbsp;three&nbsp;affected&nbsp;ships&nbsp;were Namura Queen, Lord Nelson and Helt. The AMP did not give the dates of when the&nbsp;ships&nbsp;were&nbsp;hit.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-us-theatres-to-play-ukrainian-film-the-guide-to-aid-relief-efforts-for-war-stricken-country-463040">US theatres to play Ukrainian film 'The Guide' to aid relief efforts for war-stricken country</a>

At least 10 other flag-bearing&nbsp;ships&nbsp;are still in the&nbsp;Black&nbsp;Sea, Arauz said, adding the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;navy is restricting&nbsp;ships&nbsp;from leaving the area.

Panama&nbsp;has the largest registry of flagged&nbsp;ships&nbsp;in the world, exceeding 8,000 vessels, according to the AMP.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: How rich is Vladimir Putin?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-rich-is-vladimir-putin-462986/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

Three Panamanian-flagged ships have been hit by Russian missiles in the Black Sea since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last month, Panama's Maritime Authority said on Wednesday.

Three Panamanian-flagged ships have been hit by Russian missiles in the Black Sea since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last month, Panama's Maritime Authority said on Wednesday. One ship sank, the maritime authority said in a statement, but there were no casualties reported. The two others remain afloat with damages. Also read | TV comedy that launched Volodymyr Zelensky to presidency back on Netflix "We know that we had three ships that were attacked by Russian missiles but the crew is all safe, we had material damage," said Noriel Arauz, the administrator of the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP). The three affected ships were Namura Queen, Lord Nelson and Helt. The AMP did not give the dates of when the ships were hit. Also read | US theatres to play Ukrainian film 'The Guide' to aid relief efforts for war-stricken country At least 10 other flag-bearing ships are still in the Black Sea, Arauz said, adding the Russian navy is restricting ships from leaving the area. Panama has the largest registry of flagged ships in the world, exceeding 8,000 vessels, according to the AMP. Watch | Gravitas: How rich is Vladimir Putin?

Panama says three ships hit by Russian missiles in Black Sea since start of Ukraine invasion

As the besieged country continues to strive to maintain morale high and win the PR battle against invading Russian forces, Ukraine has picked the image for a new postage stamp titled "Russian warship, go fuck yourself!"

Emine Dzheppar, the country's first deputy foreign minister, announced the stamp commemorating the Snake Island incident, in which 13 border guards stationed on a roughly 16-hectare (40-acre) rocky island about 186 miles (300 kilometres) west of Crimea reportedly replied, "Russian warship, go f**k yourself," when asked to surrender.

They were then attacked and believed to have been killed.&nbsp;

According to Dzheppar, the artist Boris Groh's illustration earned the most votes in a competition organised by the Ukrainian postal service.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-says-armed-attack-on-one-attack-on-all-if-russian-forces-strike-in-poland-462007">Also read | Pentagon says 'armed attack on one, attack on all' if Russian forces strike in Poland</a> 
 
According to an interpreter for NPR, the winning design's artist, Borys Groh, told Ukrposhta that the soldiers' refusal to surrender inspired him to submit a drawing to boost morale.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The postage stamp named "Russian warship, go f**k yourself!" will appear in🇺🇦. The sketch by artist Boris Groh received the most votes and will soon be published by Ukraine's state postal company. 
🇺🇦✌️<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithUkraine</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StopRussianAgression?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StopRussianAgression</a> <a href="https://t.co/ByYAzw2tYq">pic.twitter.com/ByYAzw2tYq</a>
— Emine Dzheppar (@EmineDzheppar) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmineDzheppar/status/1502545496614789126?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He said the design took him three days to complete and that if he hadn't been distracted by the news, he could have finished it in five hours.

Groh used to dwell in a city on Snake Island on the Crimean peninsula.

He is currently in Lviv, Ukraine's westernmost city.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As the besieged country continues to strive to maintain morale high and win the PR battle against invading Russian forces, Ukraine has picked the image for a new postage stamp titled "Russian warship, go fuck yourself!

As the besieged country continues to strive to maintain morale high and win the PR battle against invading Russian forces, Ukraine has picked the image for a new postage stamp titled "Russian warship, go fuck yourself!" Emine Dzheppar, the country's first deputy foreign minister, announced the stamp commemorating the Snake Island incident, in which 13 border guards stationed on a roughly 16-hectare (40-acre) rocky island about 186 miles (300 kilometres) west of Crimea reportedly replied, "Russian warship, go f**k yourself," when asked to surrender. They were then attacked and believed to have been killed. According to Dzheppar, the artist Boris Groh's illustration earned the most votes in a competition organised by the Ukrainian postal service. Also read | Pentagon says 'armed attack on one, attack on all' if Russian forces strike in Poland According to an interpreter for NPR, the winning design's artist, Borys Groh, told Ukrposhta that the soldiers' refusal to surrender inspired him to submit a drawing to boost morale. The postage stamp named "Russian warship, go f**k yourself!" will appear in🇺🇦. The sketch by artist Boris Groh received the most votes and will soon be published by Ukraine's state postal company. 🇺🇦✌️#StandWithUkraine#StopRussianAgression pic.twitter.com/ByYAzw2tYq — Emine Dzheppar (@EmineDzheppar) March 12, 2022 × He said the design took him three days to complete and that if he hadn't been distracted by the news, he could have finished it in five hours. Groh used to dwell in a city on Snake Island on the Crimean peninsula. He is currently in Lviv, Ukraine's westernmost city. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian warship 'go f*ck yourself': Ukraine reveals postage stamp

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Sunday (March 6) said Russian forces were preparing to bombard the city of Odessa on Ukraine's Black Sea coast.

"Rockets against Odessa? This will be a war crime," he said in a televised address.

Russian forces have made progress in southern Ukraine since their February 24 invasion, overrunning the city of Kherson and besieging the port of Mariupol, but Odessa has so far been largely spared.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-to-hold-third-round-of-talks-on-monday-459569/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

More than 1.5 million refugees have crossed from Ukraine into neighboring countries since Russia invaded, the head of the United Nations’ refugee agency reported Sunday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed Ukraine for the failure and warned that the country’s ongoing resistance since Russia invaded its ex-Soviet neighbor on Feb. 24 is putting the country’s future as a nation in jeopardy.

“If they continue to do what they are doing, they are calling into question the future of Ukrainian statehood,” the Russian leader said Saturday. “And if this happens, it will be entirely on their conscience.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-is-ukraine-crisis-threatening-to-upset-delicate-black-sea-equilibrium-459568" hreflang="en">Why is Ukraine crisis threatening to upset delicate Black Sea equilibrium?</a>

Putin also hit out at Western sanctions that have crippled Russia’s economy and sent the value of its currency tumbling. likening to “declaring war.”

With the Kremlin’s rhetoric growing fiercer and a reprieve from fighting dissolving, Russian troops continued to shell encircled cities.

During the first 11 days of the conflict, Russian forces from Belarus have also advanced on the capital Kyiv from the northwest and northeast, while another group bombarded the northern city of Kharkiv.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-does-aftermath-of-russian-invasion-look-like-for-ukraine-459414" hreflang="en">What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine?</a>

Previous meetings held in Belarus had led to a cease-fire agreement to create humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of children, women and older people from Ukrainian cities, where pharmacies have run bare, hundreds of thousands face food and water shortages, and the injured have been succumbing to their wounds.

The West has broadly backed Ukraine, offering aid and weapons and slapping Russia with vast sanctions. But the fight itself has been left to Ukrainians, who have expressed a mixture of courageous resolve and despondency.

“Ukraine is bleeding,” Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in a video released Saturday, “but Ukraine has not fallen.”

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Sunday (March 6) said Russian forces were preparing to bombard the city of Odessa on Ukraine's Black Sea coast. "Rockets against Odessa?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Sunday (March 6) said Russian forces were preparing to bombard the city of Odessa on Ukraine's Black Sea coast. "Rockets against Odessa? This will be a war crime," he said in a televised address. Russian forces have made progress in southern Ukraine since their February 24 invasion, overrunning the city of Kherson and besieging the port of Mariupol, but Odessa has so far been largely spared. More than 1.5 million refugees have crossed from Ukraine into neighboring countries since Russia invaded, the head of the United Nations’ refugee agency reported Sunday. Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed Ukraine for the failure and warned that the country’s ongoing resistance since Russia invaded its ex-Soviet neighbor on Feb. 24 is putting the country’s future as a nation in jeopardy. “If they continue to do what they are doing, they are calling into question the future of Ukrainian statehood,” the Russian leader said Saturday. “And if this happens, it will be entirely on their conscience.” Also read | Why is Ukraine crisis threatening to upset delicate Black Sea equilibrium? Putin also hit out at Western sanctions that have crippled Russia’s economy and sent the value of its currency tumbling. likening to “declaring war.” With the Kremlin’s rhetoric growing fiercer and a reprieve from fighting dissolving, Russian troops continued to shell encircled cities. During the first 11 days of the conflict, Russian forces from Belarus have also advanced on the capital Kyiv from the northwest and northeast, while another group bombarded the northern city of Kharkiv. Also see | What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine? Previous meetings held in Belarus had led to a cease-fire agreement to create humanitarian corridors for the evacuation of children, women and older people from Ukrainian cities, where pharmacies have run bare, hundreds of thousands face food and water shortages, and the injured have been succumbing to their wounds. The West has broadly backed Ukraine, offering aid and weapons and slapping Russia with vast sanctions. But the fight itself has been left to Ukrainians, who have expressed a mixture of courageous resolve and despondency. “Ukraine is bleeding,” Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said in a video released Saturday, “but Ukraine has not fallen.” (With inputs from agencies)

'This will be a war crime': Ukraine warns Russia preparing to shell port city Odessa

Ukrainian presidential advisor has said the country had halted an advance on the Black Sea port city of Mykolayiv after local authorities said Russian troops had entered.

“All enemy’s attempts to move directly towards Mykolayiv were repulsed,“ Oleksiy Arestovych, adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said.

If captured, the city of 500,000 people in southern Ukraine, where Russian forces have made the most progress so far, would be the biggest yet to fall.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukrainians-barricade-the-city-of-kyiv-as-ukraine-continues-to-resist-russian-aggression-459492/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ukraine's military says it is fighting "fierce battles" with Russian forces on the edge of the southern city of Mykolaiv -- which controls the road to the key Black Sea city of Odessa in the west.

Dozens of civilians are being killed in the battle for Chernihiv in the north, with those who remain living in craters or among the ruins.

The port of Mariupol has endured heavy bombardment, a sign of its strategic value to Moscow due to its position between Russian-backed separatist-held eastern Ukraine and the Black Sea Crimean peninsula, which Moscow seized from Kyiv in 2014.

Russia held nuclear drills Saturday as well as the conventional exercises in Belarus, and has ongoing naval drills off the coast in the Black Sea.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-does-aftermath-of-russian-invasion-look-like-for-ukraine-459414" hreflang="en">What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine?</a>

In response to Russia's invasion, Turkey last month closed its Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits linking the Mediterranean and Black Seas to warships under a 1936 pact, limiting passage of some Russian vessels. The convention stipulates however, that warships belonging to Black Sea coastal countries can return to their bases.

The Italian government had also approved deployment of 235 military forces aboard two or three naval vessels, as well as an aircraft as part of surveillance and intelligence-gathering in the eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea.

The stakes are high: if Russia manages to conquer the entire Ukrainian coastline up to the Danube Delta,&nbsp;one of Europe's principal shipping lanes,&nbsp;that would create a direct point of contact between Moscow and NATO member Romania.

If Russian forces take the southern Ukrainian city of Odessa, they could "completely take the Ukrainian coast... and consolidate their hold on the Black Sea", said Igor Delanoe, a specialist on the Russian navy at the Franco-Russian Observatory.

"Russia would thus complete what began in 2014" when they annexed the Crimean peninsula, extending their influence over the Black Sea, according to Jean-Sylvestre Mongrenier of the Thomas More think-tank, which is based in Paris and Brussels. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Ukrainian presidential advisor has said the country had halted an advance on the Black Sea port city of Mykolayiv after local authorities said Russian troops had entered.

Ukrainian presidential advisor has said the country had halted an advance on the Black Sea port city of Mykolayiv after local authorities said Russian troops had entered. “All enemy’s attempts to move directly towards Mykolayiv were repulsed,“ Oleksiy Arestovych, adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said. If captured, the city of 500,000 people in southern Ukraine, where Russian forces have made the most progress so far, would be the biggest yet to fall. Ukraine's military says it is fighting "fierce battles" with Russian forces on the edge of the southern city of Mykolaiv -- which controls the road to the key Black Sea city of Odessa in the west. Dozens of civilians are being killed in the battle for Chernihiv in the north, with those who remain living in craters or among the ruins. The port of Mariupol has endured heavy bombardment, a sign of its strategic value to Moscow due to its position between Russian-backed separatist-held eastern Ukraine and the Black Sea Crimean peninsula, which Moscow seized from Kyiv in 2014. Russia held nuclear drills Saturday as well as the conventional exercises in Belarus, and has ongoing naval drills off the coast in the Black Sea. Also see | What does aftermath of Russian invasion look like for Ukraine? In response to Russia's invasion, Turkey last month closed its Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits linking the Mediterranean and Black Seas to warships under a 1936 pact, limiting passage of some Russian vessels. The convention stipulates however, that warships belonging to Black Sea coastal countries can return to their bases. The Italian government had also approved deployment of 235 military forces aboard two or three naval vessels, as well as an aircraft as part of surveillance and intelligence-gathering in the eastern Mediterranean and the Black Sea. The stakes are high: if Russia manages to conquer the entire Ukrainian coastline up to the Danube Delta, one of Europe's principal shipping lanes, that would create a direct point of contact between Moscow and NATO member Romania. If Russian forces take the southern Ukrainian city of Odessa, they could "completely take the Ukrainian coast... and consolidate their hold on the Black Sea", said Igor Delanoe, a specialist on the Russian navy at the Franco-Russian Observatory. "Russia would thus complete what began in 2014" when they annexed the Crimean peninsula, extending their influence over the Black Sea, according to Jean-Sylvestre Mongrenier of the Thomas More think-tank, which is based in Paris and Brussels. (With inputs from agencies)

Why is Ukraine crisis threatening to upset delicate Black Sea equilibrium?

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the 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.

According to an audio recording of the incident, the thirteen Ukrainian border guards murdered Thursday while defending a crucial Black Sea island sent a defiant farewell message to the invading Russian forces.

A Russian cruiser notified the 13 soldiers stationed on the remote Zmiinyi, or Snake Island, about 40 kilometres from Romania's border, that they should surrender or "be attacked with a bomb strike."&nbsp;

"Russian warship, go f**k yourself," a Ukrainian border guard replied.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A group of Ukrainian border guards were stationed on Snake Island, in the Black Sea south of Odessa, when a Russian warship ordered them to surrender under threat of attack. 
 
Their response: "Russian warship, go fuck yourself." 
 
They held their ground. All 13 were killed. <a href="https://t.co/GMRsXQRSX0">pic.twitter.com/GMRsXQRSX0</a>
— Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) <a href="https://twitter.com/aletweetsnews/status/1497008826201124870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to CNN and the Independent, the audio tape was first received by the Ukrainian news site Ukrayinska Pravda and has subsequently been confirmed as legitimate by Ukraine's interior ministry.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the guards as heroes.&nbsp;

In the days since the Russian invasion began on Thursday, 137 "heroes" have been slain and 316 people have been injured, Zelensky stated in a televised message.

The 13 border guards who refused to surrender as the island was taken over by Russians were among the deceased, according to the Ukraine Foreign Ministry.

Zelensky stated that they would be granted Hero of Ukraine awards posthumously.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Russia blatantly captured Ukrainian island <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zmiinyi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zmiinyi</a>, destroying the infrastructure. All 13 🇺🇦 border guards were killed, refusing to surrender. They will be awarded the title «Hero of Ukraine» postmortem, says <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ZelenskyyUa</a> 
 
Glory to Ukrainian heroes! 🇺🇦<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StopRussianAggression?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StopRussianAggression</a> <a href="https://t.co/PWEIvqzxyJ">pic.twitter.com/PWEIvqzxyJ</a>
— MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@MFA_Ukraine) <a href="https://twitter.com/MFA_Ukraine/status/1497108738955788316?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Two Russian vessels approached the island on Thursday after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the start of an invasion at dawn.

The ship called via loudspeakers, "Propose to put down arms immediately to avoid bloodshed and unjustified deaths."

In the worst case, you will be hit by a bomb strike. I am repeating... "they said," according to a translation by CNN.

Two Ukrainian guards are heard engaging in a brief exchange — "should I tell them to go f*ck themselves?" — before responding: "Russian warship, go f*ck yourself."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Wow. It seems the Ukrainian soldiers on Snake Island really did tell Russian warships to "go to hell" before they were killed. <a href="https://twitter.com/unian?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@unian</a> <a href="https://t.co/lRrXQDk3xQ">pic.twitter.com/lRrXQDk3xQ</a>
— Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASLuhn/status/1497129344887521280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the 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. According to an audio recording of the incident, the thirteen Ukrainian border guards murdered Thursday while defending a crucial Black Sea island sent a defiant farewell message to the invading Russian forces. A Russian cruiser notified the 13 soldiers stationed on the remote Zmiinyi, or Snake Island, about 40 kilometres from Romania's border, that they should surrender or "be attacked with a bomb strike." "Russian warship, go f**k yourself," a Ukrainian border guard replied. A group of Ukrainian border guards were stationed on Snake Island, in the Black Sea south of Odessa, when a Russian warship ordered them to surrender under threat of attack. Their response: "Russian warship, go fuck yourself." They held their ground. All 13 were killed. pic.twitter.com/GMRsXQRSX0 — Alejandro Alvarez (@aletweetsnews) February 25, 2022 × According to CNN and the Independent, the audio tape was first received by the Ukrainian news site Ukrayinska Pravda and has subsequently been confirmed as legitimate by Ukraine's interior ministry. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the guards as heroes. In the days since the Russian invasion began on Thursday, 137 "heroes" have been slain and 316 people have been injured, Zelensky stated in a televised message. The 13 border guards who refused to surrender as the island was taken over by Russians were among the deceased, according to the Ukraine Foreign Ministry. Zelensky stated that they would be granted Hero of Ukraine awards posthumously. Russia blatantly captured Ukrainian island #Zmiinyi, destroying the infrastructure. All 13 🇺🇦 border guards were killed, refusing to surrender. They will be awarded the title «Hero of Ukraine» postmortem, says @ZelenskyyUa Glory to Ukrainian heroes! 🇺🇦#StopRussianAggression pic.twitter.com/PWEIvqzxyJ — MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 (@MFA_Ukraine) February 25, 2022 × Two Russian vessels approached the island on Thursday after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared the start of an invasion at dawn. The ship called via loudspeakers, "Propose to put down arms immediately to avoid bloodshed and unjustified deaths." In the worst case, you will be hit by a bomb strike. I am repeating... "they said," according to a translation by CNN. Two Ukrainian guards are heard engaging in a brief exchange — "should I tell them to go f*ck themselves?" — before responding: "Russian warship, go f*ck yourself." Wow. It seems the Ukrainian soldiers on Snake Island really did tell Russian warships to "go to hell" before they were killed. @unian pic.twitter.com/lRrXQDk3xQ — Alec Luhn (@ASLuhn) February 25, 2022 × (With inputs from agencies)

‘Russian warship, go f**k yourself’: Ukraine troops killed guarding strategic island

black-sea

Black Sea, News on Black Sea, stories on Black Sea, articles on Black Sea, Black Sea stories at Wion, Black Sea news, Black Sea latest news