Netanyahu's right-wing government has always made great play of its security credentials and taken an uncompromising stance towards the Palestinian militant factions. However, when the time came Israel's security apparatus appeared to break down. Here's a detailed analysis of the Hamas attack and Israel's response.

Israel Hamas conflict: Hamas attacks lays bare intelligence gaps in Israel

The war in Israel has left a huge impact on the music industry as well. After Hamas's deadly attack on the counter, sold-out shows in Tel Aviv now stand cancelled. Bruno Mas who was set to perform a second show in Tel Aviv cancelled at the last minute that is after Israel declared itself at war with Hamas.

Israel Hamas war: Bruno Mars cancels Tel Aviv concert after Hamas' deadly attacks

Israel Hamas conflict: Detailed analysis of Hamas attack and Israel's response

Dozens of gunmen from the Islamist militant group Hamas infiltrate southern Israel amid a barrage of rockets from Gaza.

Israel-Palestine Conflict: Israel retaliation kills 230 Palestinians after Hamas operation

Russia has called for an immediate halt to the fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh, where Azerbaijan has launched a military operation against separatist forces after months of rising tensions.

Decoding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict

Blinded by a Russian mortar shell, Ukrainian veteran Ivan Soroka couldn't see his bride when she walked into his family home in a shoulderless white dress, a bouquet of white flowers in her right hand.

Blinded by a Russian shell, a Ukrainian soldier couldn’t see his wedding

"Well, we're watching this very, very closely. We'll see what the two sides say as a result of this. As I've said before, we continue to urge North Korea to meet its public commitments not to support Russia's war on Ukraine.

Kim and Putin meeting: White House says "We're watching this very, very closely "

The job was simple: drive his truck from war-torn Khartoum to Al-Jazira state south of Sudan's capital. Othman Hassan was grateful for the work, until he came to a paramilitary checkpoint.

"They confiscated my truck and took me to a house in Kafouri" in Khartoum North, the 54-year-old told AFP.

In the courtyard, he found "several other prisoners and paramilitary soldiers from the Rapid Support Forces, who forced us to the ground and whipped us, accusing us of spying for the army" which has been battling the RSF since April 15.

They were whipped until one man, whom Hassan judged to be the commander, ordered them to stop. And then the "interrogation" began.

For three days in that house, and then for two weeks at the local power station, Hassan and six others were left on the ground, routinely beaten and deprived of food and water.

They are not alone in suffering such treatment.

In the chaos of a war that has killed thousands and displaced millions, egregious abuses have taken place in detention centres run by both sides.

<h2>Dozens of detention centres</h2>

Of the dozens scattered across the war-ravaged capital, 44 belong to the RSF and eight to the army, according to a report by a committee of pro-democracy lawyers that has sought to document violations in the war.

Over two months, they collected 64 testimonies, and found that both camps had committed "war crimes" and "crimes against humanity", including "murder, kidnapping, unlawful detention, forced disappearance, torture, and rape".

Hassan can attest to that. After two weeks, he was dumped by the side of the road, but never found out why he had been released.

Mohamed Salaheldin, by contrast, knows what it took to secure his freedom: his family paid a $1,700 ransom to the RSF.

He had ventured onto Khartoum's dangerous streets to get medicine for his elderly mother, when RSF fighters asked him for ID that he did not have.

"They threatened to kill me," said the 35-year-old, who was accused of being "an army spy" and "an Islamist" from the regime of former dictator Omar al-Bashir.

The RSF has repeatedly accused the army of starting the war to usher Bashir's regime back to power, although it has never been possible to verify who opened fire first.

"I sat on the ground all day, until I was moved to the sports city" in southern Khartoum, Salaheldin told AFP. He remained there for a month.

The lawyers report that indignities suffered by detainees include severe overcrowding, no access to toilets and the withholding of water in the stifling heat.

Also watch |&nbsp;Sudan Conflict: Deadly airstrikes, heavy artillery firing rocks Khartoum

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<h2>&nbsp;'Hit by stray bullet'&nbsp;</h2>

Former detainees from centres run by both sides reported "threats of rape", "repeated rape", and "one inmate being killed for resisting".

In the darkness of overcrowded rooms, the noise of war is constant, as fighter jets target RSF bases from above and street battles rage outside.

"I was hit by a stray bullet in the leg," Salaheldin told AFP from Al-Jazira, where he found refuge with his family and now awaits surgery.

In the early months of the war, 25-year-old Majdi Hussein said goodbye to his family in Khartoum.

He sent them to safety in northern Sudan, and stayed behind to guard the family home.

"On July 15 there was a knock on the door. I opened it and found six paramilitary soldiers" perched on a pick-up truck mounted with a turret, he told AFP.

Hussein was beaten, blindfolded, loaded onto their pick-up and taken to a dark, crowded cellar.

"The days went by, and I got to know the other detainees," he recounted.

<h2>Forced to dig graves</h2>

The army and the RSF have denied any ill-treatment of those they have captured, stating repeatedly that their troops act in accordance with humanitarian standards.

On Monday, the army said it had "contacted the International Committee of the Red Cross" to "hand over thirty under-aged members" of the RSF captured at "the start of the war".

The ICRC has regularly facilitated the release of detainees from both sides.

But also on both sides, the lawyers' committee found that civilians and combatants, men and women, adults and minors had all suffered through "interrogation by means of horrific torture including being suspended by the feet, electrocution and cigarette burns".

Some detainees were also forced to "do hard labour and dig mass graves", the report found.

On September 2, three doctors were kidnapped by the RSF while on their way to volunteer in eastern Khartoum, according to a local resistance committee -- one of many that used to organise pro-democracy protests and now provides aid to those in the line of fire.

"They have neither eaten nor drunk anything, nor have they been questioned," the committee said, calling on the RSF to free them.

But months after passers-by, activists and medics began disappearing and just as suddenly reappearing, civilians have come to know there is little rhyme or reason over who gets released and when.

For Majdi Hussein it took 10 days, after which "they took me to Avenue 60 (in Khartoum) and told me to get out"&nbsp;without putting him on trial, providing an explanation or saying another word.

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The job was simple: drive his truck from war-torn Khartoum to Al-Jazira state south of Sudan's capital. Othman Hassan was grateful for the work, until he came to a paramilitary checkpoint.

The job was simple: drive his truck from war-torn Khartoum to Al-Jazira state south of Sudan's capital. Othman Hassan was grateful for the work, until he came to a paramilitary checkpoint. "They confiscated my truck and took me to a house in Kafouri" in Khartoum North, the 54-year-old told AFP. In the courtyard, he found "several other prisoners and paramilitary soldiers from the Rapid Support Forces, who forced us to the ground and whipped us, accusing us of spying for the army" which has been battling the RSF since April 15. They were whipped until one man, whom Hassan judged to be the commander, ordered them to stop. And then the "interrogation" began. For three days in that house, and then for two weeks at the local power station, Hassan and six others were left on the ground, routinely beaten and deprived of food and water. They are not alone in suffering such treatment. In the chaos of a war that has killed thousands and displaced millions, egregious abuses have taken place in detention centres run by both sides. Dozens of detention centres Of the dozens scattered across the war-ravaged capital, 44 belong to the RSF and eight to the army, according to a report by a committee of pro-democracy lawyers that has sought to document violations in the war. Over two months, they collected 64 testimonies, and found that both camps had committed "war crimes" and "crimes against humanity", including "murder, kidnapping, unlawful detention, forced disappearance, torture, and rape". Hassan can attest to that. After two weeks, he was dumped by the side of the road, but never found out why he had been released. Mohamed Salaheldin, by contrast, knows what it took to secure his freedom: his family paid a $1,700 ransom to the RSF. He had ventured onto Khartoum's dangerous streets to get medicine for his elderly mother, when RSF fighters asked him for ID that he did not have. "They threatened to kill me," said the 35-year-old, who was accused of being "an army spy" and "an Islamist" from the regime of former dictator Omar al-Bashir. The RSF has repeatedly accused the army of starting the war to usher Bashir's regime back to power, although it has never been possible to verify who opened fire first. "I sat on the ground all day, until I was moved to the sports city" in southern Khartoum, Salaheldin told AFP. He remained there for a month. The lawyers report that indignities suffered by detainees include severe overcrowding, no access to toilets and the withholding of water in the stifling heat. Also watch | Sudan Conflict: Deadly airstrikes, heavy artillery firing rocks Khartoum 'Hit by stray bullet' Former detainees from centres run by both sides reported "threats of rape", "repeated rape", and "one inmate being killed for resisting". In the darkness of overcrowded rooms, the noise of war is constant, as fighter jets target RSF bases from above and street battles rage outside. "I was hit by a stray bullet in the leg," Salaheldin told AFP from Al-Jazira, where he found refuge with his family and now awaits surgery. In the early months of the war, 25-year-old Majdi Hussein said goodbye to his family in Khartoum. He sent them to safety in northern Sudan, and stayed behind to guard the family home. "On July 15 there was a knock on the door. I opened it and found six paramilitary soldiers" perched on a pick-up truck mounted with a turret, he told AFP. Hussein was beaten, blindfolded, loaded onto their pick-up and taken to a dark, crowded cellar. "The days went by, and I got to know the other detainees," he recounted. Forced to dig graves The army and the RSF have denied any ill-treatment of those they have captured, stating repeatedly that their troops act in accordance with humanitarian standards. On Monday, the army said it had "contacted the International Committee of the Red Cross" to "hand over thirty under-aged members" of the RSF captured at "the start of the war". The ICRC has regularly facilitated the release of detainees from both sides. But also on both sides, the lawyers' committee found that civilians and combatants, men and women, adults and minors had all suffered through "interrogation by means of horrific torture including being suspended by the feet, electrocution and cigarette burns". Some detainees were also forced to "do hard labour and dig mass graves", the report found. On September 2, three doctors were kidnapped by the RSF while on their way to volunteer in eastern Khartoum, according to a local resistance committee -- one of many that used to organise pro-democracy protests and now provides aid to those in the line of fire. "They have neither eaten nor drunk anything, nor have they been questioned," the committee said, calling on the RSF to free them. But months after passers-by, activists and medics began disappearing and just as suddenly reappearing, civilians have come to know there is little rhyme or reason over who gets released and when. For Majdi Hussein it took 10 days, after which "they took me to Avenue 60 (in Khartoum) and told me to get out" without putting him on trial, providing an explanation or saying another word. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Both of Sudan's warring sides accused of torture

Armenian PM termed his country's policy of solely depending on Russia for security a 'strategic mistake'. PM Nikol Pashinyan stated that Moscow failed to deliver its promise.

Was Armenia depending solely on Russia for security a 'strategic mistake'? Here's what PM has to say

At least 20 people, including two children, were killed in an army air raid on the capital of Sudan, according to campaigners. They said that several of the attack victims in the south-west Khartoum neighborhood of Kalakla al-Qubba have been buried in the rubble. On Sunday, there have been reports of artillery and rocket fire in many locations.

Sudan Conflict: Deadly airstrikes, heavy artillery firing rocks Khartoum

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova revealed that Russia received around 30 peace initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine, reported TASS news agency. These initiatives came through both official and unofficial channels, Zakharova said.&nbsp;

"We are grateful to everyone. There were many such initiatives. It seems to me that a month ago there were already about 30 [initiatives] that were made by public figures through state channels or even in some private way," the official noted on the sidelines of the second Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg.&nbsp;

She said that Russia remained open to negotiations and consistently engaged in dialogue with partners. "Even when we understood that they [negotiations] were unlikely to bring any added value, but we always gave such a chance to partners or the situation in general," the Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman said.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/melting-swiss-glacier-coughs-up-body-remains-of-hiker-who-went-missing-in-1986-620545">Melting Swiss glacier coughs up body remains of hiker who went missing in 1986</a>

The spokeswoman said that in April 2022 Kyiv withdrew from the negotiations it had previously requested, leading to a halt in communication between the parties.

"Several rounds took place, and then they stopped responding to the documents and materials that we sent at their request... And in September, they themselves were legally banned from negotiating with our country," she added.

<h2>African peace initiative on Ukraine</h2>

The Russian foreign ministry expressed appreciation for African countries' attempts to help stabilise the situation in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asian-masalanomics-for-spice-trade-spiced-up-in-vietnam-2000-years-ago-reveals-study-620534">Asian masalanomics for spice trade spiced up in Vietnam 2000 years ago, reveals study</a>

"We are extremely grateful to our African friends for the fact that they really - not in words, but in deeds - value peace and want to do everything in their power, even without being in any way participants in all this long-term drama, but, indeed, having open hearts and understanding what this can globally lead to and is already leading to. [We are grateful] for their attempt to do everything in their power or to somehow provide intermediary services, efforts to stabilize the situation. Once again, we never get tired of repeating the words gratitude," the diplomat concluded.

<h2>Putin 'carefully' examining proposals</h2>

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Moscow is "carefully" examining African proposals on Ukraine conflict resolution.&nbsp;"We respect your initiatives and we are examining them carefully," Putin said on the second day of a Russia-Africa summit.

Watch | Rains soak Northern China as Doksuri makes its way to Beijing

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"Previous mediation initiatives were monopolised by so-called advanced democracies. Now Africa too is ready to help resolve problems that appear to be outside of its area of priorities," he added.&nbsp;

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Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova revealed that Russia received around 30 peace initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine, reported TASS news agency.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova revealed that Russia received around 30 peace initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine, reported TASS news agency. These initiatives came through both official and unofficial channels, Zakharova said. "We are grateful to everyone. There were many such initiatives. It seems to me that a month ago there were already about 30 [initiatives] that were made by public figures through state channels or even in some private way," the official noted on the sidelines of the second Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg. She said that Russia remained open to negotiations and consistently engaged in dialogue with partners. "Even when we understood that they [negotiations] were unlikely to bring any added value, but we always gave such a chance to partners or the situation in general," the Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman said. Also Read | Melting Swiss glacier coughs up body remains of hiker who went missing in 1986 The spokeswoman said that in April 2022 Kyiv withdrew from the negotiations it had previously requested, leading to a halt in communication between the parties. "Several rounds took place, and then they stopped responding to the documents and materials that we sent at their request... And in September, they themselves were legally banned from negotiating with our country," she added. African peace initiative on Ukraine The Russian foreign ministry expressed appreciation for African countries' attempts to help stabilise the situation in Ukraine. Also Read | Asian masalanomics for spice trade spiced up in Vietnam 2000 years ago, reveals study "We are extremely grateful to our African friends for the fact that they really - not in words, but in deeds - value peace and want to do everything in their power, even without being in any way participants in all this long-term drama, but, indeed, having open hearts and understanding what this can globally lead to and is already leading to. [We are grateful] for their attempt to do everything in their power or to somehow provide intermediary services, efforts to stabilize the situation. Once again, we never get tired of repeating the words gratitude," the diplomat concluded. Putin 'carefully' examining proposals Russian President Vladimir Putin said Friday that Moscow is "carefully" examining African proposals on Ukraine conflict resolution. "We respect your initiatives and we are examining them carefully," Putin said on the second day of a Russia-Africa summit. Watch | Rains soak Northern China as Doksuri makes its way to Beijing × "Previous mediation initiatives were monopolised by so-called advanced democracies. Now Africa too is ready to help resolve problems that appear to be outside of its area of priorities," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Russia received 30 peace initiatives for Ukraine war truce from diverse channels

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israeli forces are targeting "the nest of terrorists in Jenin" and were destroying command centres, and seizing significant weaponry, media reports said. This comes as Israeli forces carried out a large-scale operation in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin, resulting in the killing of nine Palestinians, AFP reported.&nbsp;The raid, labeled as an "extensive counterterrorism effort" by the Israeli army, involved airstrikes and the deployment of hundreds of troops.&nbsp;

The operation, the largest in the West Bank in years, targeted the northern city of Jenin and led to clashes, destruction of buildings, and a significant number of casualties.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-offer-hk1-million-bounties-for-hunt-of-exiled-democracy-activists-uk-hits-back-611558">Hong Kong police offer HK$1 million bounties for hunt of exiled democracy activists, UK hits back</a>

Under Netanyahu's hard-right government, the Israeli forces launched a major operation in Jenin, employing armoured vehicles, army bulldozers, and drones.&nbsp;

Thousands of residents evacuated the Jenin refugee camp, seeking shelter in schools and other facilities in the city.&nbsp;

The area witnessed firefights, explosions, and Palestinian resistance as individuals threw rocks at soldiers, resulting in smoke-filled skies.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-witnesses-its-hottest-june-since-records-began-nearly-140-years-ago-met-office-611507">UK witnesses hottest June since records began nearly 140 years ago: Met Office</a>

"There is bombing from the air and an invasion on the ground," said director of the Palestinian Red Crescent in Jenin Mahmoud al-Saadi. "Several houses and sites have been bombed... smoke is rising from everywhere," he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Casualties and damage</h2>

The Palestinian health ministry reported nine fatalities and 100 injuries, with 20 individuals in serious condition.&nbsp;

The toll surpassed the casualties from a previous Israeli raid in Jenin two weeks prior, which involved the rare use of helicopter missile fire.&nbsp;

Several houses and sites were targeted and bombed, causing extensive damage and generating plumes of smoke throughout the area.

Watch | Japan set to release contaminated Fukushima water into Pacific, angering China

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The Israeli army spokesperson emphasised that the intention was not to occupy the camp permanently but to prepare for potential prolonged fighting.

<h2>International reactions</h2>

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern about the violence and called for adherence to international humanitarian law.&nbsp;

The United States acknowledged Israel's right to defend itself against "terrorist groups" but also called for the protection of civilians.&nbsp;

The Arab League announced an emergency meeting to discuss a response to the Israeli attack on Jenin while neighboring Jordan condemned the raid as a violation of international humanitarian law.

The violence between Israelis and Palestinians has intensified, particularly under the coalition government led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, which includes extreme-right allies.&nbsp;

The escalating violence adds to the existing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, exacerbating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The situation underscores the need for renewed efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the protracted conflict.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israeli forces are targeting "the nest of terrorists in Jenin" and were destroying command centres, and seizing significant weaponry, media reports said.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israeli forces are targeting "the nest of terrorists in Jenin" and were destroying command centres, and seizing significant weaponry, media reports said. This comes as Israeli forces carried out a large-scale operation in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin, resulting in the killing of nine Palestinians, AFP reported. The raid, labeled as an "extensive counterterrorism effort" by the Israeli army, involved airstrikes and the deployment of hundreds of troops. The operation, the largest in the West Bank in years, targeted the northern city of Jenin and led to clashes, destruction of buildings, and a significant number of casualties. Also Read | Hong Kong police offer HK$1 million bounties for hunt of exiled democracy activists, UK hits back Under Netanyahu's hard-right government, the Israeli forces launched a major operation in Jenin, employing armoured vehicles, army bulldozers, and drones. Thousands of residents evacuated the Jenin refugee camp, seeking shelter in schools and other facilities in the city. The area witnessed firefights, explosions, and Palestinian resistance as individuals threw rocks at soldiers, resulting in smoke-filled skies. Also Read | UK witnesses hottest June since records began nearly 140 years ago: Met Office "There is bombing from the air and an invasion on the ground," said director of the Palestinian Red Crescent in Jenin Mahmoud al-Saadi. "Several houses and sites have been bombed... smoke is rising from everywhere," he added. Casualties and damage The Palestinian health ministry reported nine fatalities and 100 injuries, with 20 individuals in serious condition. The toll surpassed the casualties from a previous Israeli raid in Jenin two weeks prior, which involved the rare use of helicopter missile fire. Several houses and sites were targeted and bombed, causing extensive damage and generating plumes of smoke throughout the area. Watch | Japan set to release contaminated Fukushima water into Pacific, angering China × The Israeli army spokesperson emphasised that the intention was not to occupy the camp permanently but to prepare for potential prolonged fighting. International reactions UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern about the violence and called for adherence to international humanitarian law. The United States acknowledged Israel's right to defend itself against "terrorist groups" but also called for the protection of civilians. The Arab League announced an emergency meeting to discuss a response to the Israeli attack on Jenin while neighboring Jordan condemned the raid as a violation of international humanitarian law. The violence between Israelis and Palestinians has intensified, particularly under the coalition government led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, which includes extreme-right allies. The escalating violence adds to the existing tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, exacerbating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The situation underscores the need for renewed efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the protracted conflict. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Israeli forces intensify 'largest' operation in West Bank in years, 9 Palestinians killed so far

Israeli forces, in one of the most intense incursions in the last 20 years, hit the city of Jenin with drone strikes on Monday, claiming the lives of at least eight people.

Jenin Brigades, a unit made up of militant groups based in the city's crowded refugee camp, said that it was engaging Israeli forces and had also shot down one of the unmanned aircraft, as per news agency Reuters reports.

<h2>Multiple drone strikes leave Palestinians dead and injured</h2>

According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least three Palestinians have been killed, and over 20 others have sustained injuries during the ongoing raid.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) stated that its objective is to target "terrorist infrastructure in the Jenin area." It emphasised its determination to combat terrorists who exploit the Jenin Camp as a hiding place, labelling it a "terrorist stronghold."

According to Lt Col&nbsp;Richard Hecht, an army spokesperson who spoke to the Associated Press,&nbsp;the military operation commenced shortly after 1 am&nbsp;with an airstrike targeting a building that militants were utilising for planning attacks. The primary objective of the operation, as stated by Hecht, was to eliminate and seize weapons.

"We're not planning to hold ground.&nbsp;We're acting against specific targets," he said.

The Jenin Battalion, a military coalition comprising armed members from Palestinian groups Fatah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad, declared its resolute opposition to the occupation forces. It pledged to unite across factions and military formations, vowing to confront the Israeli army until its last breath and bullet.

Also watch |&nbsp;Why is Israel buying F-35 fighter jets?&nbsp;

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Within the camp's alleys, numerous armed and masked Palestinians have been deployed. Local resident Ahmed Zaki reported that "columns of Israeli army vehicles penetrated the outskirts of the camp from several streets." Ambulance driver Khaled Alahmad described the situation as a "real war," with frequent airstrikes targeting the camp. He shared that ambulances are continuously shuttling injured individuals, returning full each time.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-parliament-disallowed-woman-member-holding-baby-from-speaking-609749">Israel parliament prevents woman member holding baby from speaking</a>

Last month, the Israeli military conducted a raid on the Jenin camp, resulting in the deaths of at least six Palestinians. It marked a rare occurrence of attack helicopters being deployed in the West Bank. During that operation, seven Israeli soldiers and border police officers sustained injuries.

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Israeli forces, in one of the most intense incursions in the last 20 years, hit the city of Jenin with drone strikes on Monday, claiming the lives of at least eight people.

Israeli forces, in one of the most intense incursions in the last 20 years, hit the city of Jenin with drone strikes on Monday, claiming the lives of at least eight people. Jenin Brigades, a unit made up of militant groups based in the city's crowded refugee camp, said that it was engaging Israeli forces and had also shot down one of the unmanned aircraft, as per news agency Reuters reports. Multiple drone strikes leave Palestinians dead and injured According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least three Palestinians have been killed, and over 20 others have sustained injuries during the ongoing raid. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) stated that its objective is to target "terrorist infrastructure in the Jenin area." It emphasised its determination to combat terrorists who exploit the Jenin Camp as a hiding place, labelling it a "terrorist stronghold." According to Lt Col Richard Hecht, an army spokesperson who spoke to the Associated Press, the military operation commenced shortly after 1 am with an airstrike targeting a building that militants were utilising for planning attacks. The primary objective of the operation, as stated by Hecht, was to eliminate and seize weapons. "We're not planning to hold ground. We're acting against specific targets," he said. The Jenin Battalion, a military coalition comprising armed members from Palestinian groups Fatah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad, declared its resolute opposition to the occupation forces. It pledged to unite across factions and military formations, vowing to confront the Israeli army until its last breath and bullet. Also watch | Why is Israel buying F-35 fighter jets? Within the camp's alleys, numerous armed and masked Palestinians have been deployed. Local resident Ahmed Zaki reported that "columns of Israeli army vehicles penetrated the outskirts of the camp from several streets." Ambulance driver Khaled Alahmad described the situation as a "real war," with frequent airstrikes targeting the camp. He shared that ambulances are continuously shuttling injured individuals, returning full each time. Also read | Israel parliament prevents woman member holding baby from speaking Last month, the Israeli military conducted a raid on the Jenin camp, resulting in the deaths of at least six Palestinians. It marked a rare occurrence of attack helicopters being deployed in the West Bank. During that operation, seven Israeli soldiers and border police officers sustained injuries. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Israeli forces hit Jenin with drone strikes in large-scale military operation

Nearly half (54 per cent) of Pakistanis, according to a <a href="https://gallup.com.pk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/12th-June-English-Vesion.pdf">Gallup &amp; Gilani Pakistan study</a>, think the Kashmir conflict may be resolved during their lifetime.

The question "Do you think the Kashmir problem can be solved during your lifetime?" was posed to an adult, nationally representative sample of both men and women from all around the nation. 54 per cent&nbsp;of respondents replied "yes," while 46 per cent&nbsp;disagreed.

The Gilani Research Foundation, a Pakistani subsidiary of Gallup International, commissioned Gallup &amp; Gilani Pakistan to conduct the survey in Pakistan and publish the results. A sample of 1,535 men and women from urban and rural regions of all four provinces of the nation participated in the current poll, which was conducted from March 29 to April 7, 2023. At a&nbsp;confidence level of 95 per cent, the error margin is expected to be between two and three per cent. Telephonic surveys (CATI) were the method of data collection.

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<h2 id="main-heading" tabindex="-1">Why India and Pakistan fight over Kashmir?</h2>

Kashmir is a Himalayan region that is around 86,000 square miles (222,738 square kilometres) in size and is well-known for the beauty of its lakes, meadows,&nbsp;snow-capped mountains,&nbsp;and&nbsp;a variety of ethnic groups.

Before India and Pakistan achieved their independence from Britain in August 1947, the region was a contentious one.

Kashmir was allowed to join either India or Pakistan under the terms of the partition plan outlined in the Indian Independence Act, as reported by the BBC.

Hari Singh, the maharaja (local king), initially wanted Kashmir's independence; nevertheless, in October 1947, he decided to join India in exchange for the&nbsp;country's assistance in repelling a Pakistani tribesman invasion.

Also watch |&nbsp;Former Pak PM Imran Khan tells JIT he has no evidence against Major General Naseer

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India approached the UN and requested its intervention when a conflict broke out. To decide whether the state will ally with India or Pakistan, the UN suggested conducting a vote. But before the referendum could be held, the two nations were unable to come to an agreement to demilitarise the area.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-admits-he-has-no-evidence-against-major-general-naseer-reports-603767">Imran Khan admits he has no evidence against Major General Naseer: Reports</a>

The UN had advised India and Pakistan to draw a ceasefire line, and they did so in July 1949, dividing the territory.

In 1965, a second conflict broke out. Then, in 1999, India engaged in a brief but bloody fight with forces supported by Pakistan.

At that point, both Pakistan and India had proclaimed themselves nuclear powers.

Today, Kashmir is claimed by both Delhi and Islamabad in its entirety although only a portion of it is really under their authority. These areas are known internationally as "Indian-administered Kashmir" and "Pakistan-administered Kashmir."

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Nearly half (54 per cent) of Pakistanis, according to a Gallup & Gilani Pakistan study, think the Kashmir conflict may be resolved during their lifetime. The question "Do you think the Kashmir problem can be solved during your lifetime?

Nearly half (54 per cent) of Pakistanis, according to a Gallup & Gilani Pakistan study, think the Kashmir conflict may be resolved during their lifetime. The question "Do you think the Kashmir problem can be solved during your lifetime?" was posed to an adult, nationally representative sample of both men and women from all around the nation. 54 per cent of respondents replied "yes," while 46 per cent disagreed. The Gilani Research Foundation, a Pakistani subsidiary of Gallup International, commissioned Gallup & Gilani Pakistan to conduct the survey in Pakistan and publish the results. A sample of 1,535 men and women from urban and rural regions of all four provinces of the nation participated in the current poll, which was conducted from March 29 to April 7, 2023. At a confidence level of 95 per cent, the error margin is expected to be between two and three per cent. Telephonic surveys (CATI) were the method of data collection. Why India and Pakistan fight over Kashmir? Kashmir is a Himalayan region that is around 86,000 square miles (222,738 square kilometres) in size and is well-known for the beauty of its lakes, meadows, snow-capped mountains, and a variety of ethnic groups. Before India and Pakistan achieved their independence from Britain in August 1947, the region was a contentious one. Kashmir was allowed to join either India or Pakistan under the terms of the partition plan outlined in the Indian Independence Act, as reported by the BBC. Hari Singh, the maharaja (local king), initially wanted Kashmir's independence; nevertheless, in October 1947, he decided to join India in exchange for the country's assistance in repelling a Pakistani tribesman invasion. Also watch | Former Pak PM Imran Khan tells JIT he has no evidence against Major General Naseer India approached the UN and requested its intervention when a conflict broke out. To decide whether the state will ally with India or Pakistan, the UN suggested conducting a vote. But before the referendum could be held, the two nations were unable to come to an agreement to demilitarise the area. Also read | Imran Khan admits he has no evidence against Major General Naseer: Reports The UN had advised India and Pakistan to draw a ceasefire line, and they did so in July 1949, dividing the territory. In 1965, a second conflict broke out. Then, in 1999, India engaged in a brief but bloody fight with forces supported by Pakistan. At that point, both Pakistan and India had proclaimed themselves nuclear powers. Today, Kashmir is claimed by both Delhi and Islamabad in its entirety although only a portion of it is really under their authority. These areas are known internationally as "Indian-administered Kashmir" and "Pakistan-administered Kashmir." WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Most Pakistanis think Kashmir issue can be resolved within their lifetime: Survey

More than 6,000 civilians were killed in Myanmar in the first 20 months after the February 2021 military coup, a report published Tuesday by the Peace Research Institute of Oslo said.

"Our data shows that the human toll of the conflict is higher than previously reported, and while the junta is clearly the main killer, anti-junta forces also have large amounts of blood on their hands," Stein Tonnesson, one of the two co-authors of the report, said in a statement.

The report said 6,337 civilians were killed "for political reasons" between 1 February&nbsp;2021 and 30 September 2022, and 2,614 were injured.

That toll is much higher than others that have circulated, including those from international organisations.

According to the report, almost half of the deaths, 3,003, were attributed to the regime – the army, police and militias – while 2,152 were attributed to armed opposition groups.

Twelve were attributed to other civilians not affiliated with either the regime or opponents and 1,170 to undetermined actors.

"This is a larger number than is normally cited in the media, and yet it is only an estimate, based on reported killings gathered from reliable media reports," the report said.

"The actual total is surely higher since many killings have likely gone unreported".

Alleging massive fraud, the Myanmar military annulled the legislative elections won by Aung San Suu Kyi's party and overthrew her government.

Since then, the junta has carried out large-scale repression of any opposition, arresting more than 23,000 people, according to a local watchdog.

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More than 6,000 civilians were killed in Myanmar in the first 20 months after the February 2021 military coup, a report published Tuesday by the Peace Research Institute of Oslo said.

More than 6,000 civilians were killed in Myanmar in the first 20 months after the February 2021 military coup, a report published Tuesday by the Peace Research Institute of Oslo said. "Our data shows that the human toll of the conflict is higher than previously reported, and while the junta is clearly the main killer, anti-junta forces also have large amounts of blood on their hands," Stein Tonnesson, one of the two co-authors of the report, said in a statement. The report said 6,337 civilians were killed "for political reasons" between 1 February 2021 and 30 September 2022, and 2,614 were injured. That toll is much higher than others that have circulated, including those from international organisations. According to the report, almost half of the deaths, 3,003, were attributed to the regime – the army, police and militias – while 2,152 were attributed to armed opposition groups. Twelve were attributed to other civilians not affiliated with either the regime or opponents and 1,170 to undetermined actors. "This is a larger number than is normally cited in the media, and yet it is only an estimate, based on reported killings gathered from reliable media reports," the report said. "The actual total is surely higher since many killings have likely gone unreported". Alleging massive fraud, the Myanmar military annulled the legislative elections won by Aung San Suu Kyi's party and overthrew her government. Since then, the junta has carried out large-scale repression of any opposition, arresting more than 23,000 people, according to a local watchdog. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

6,000 Myanmar civilians killed in 20 months post coup: Report

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was "shocked" by a letter he received on Friday from Sudan's military ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan demanding the removal of his ambassador to Sudan, according to his spokesperson.

"The Secretary-General is proud of the work done by (UN Special Representative to Sudan) Volker Perthes and reaffirms his full confidence in his Special Representative," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric in a written statement on Friday.

Burhan had written to Guterres, requesting that Perthes be removed from his position, according to Reuters, citing officials in Sudan's presidency.

Weeks of intense combat in Sudan between Burhan's Sudanese Armed Forces and the country's Rapid Support Forces commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo have shattered expectations for a peaceful transition to civilian government, reported CNN.

Perthes, who was nominated to his position in 2021, has expressed deep worry about the dispute. He criticised both leaders of Sudan's warring groups in a presentation to the UN Security Council earlier this week, warning of "a growing ethnicisation of the conflict."

Despite a seven-day truce that is set to expire this weekend, combat between both sides has persisted. According to the US embassy in Khartoum, media have lately witnessed the use of artillery and military aircraft and drones, airstrikes, prolonged combat in the heart of the Khartoum Industrial Area, and battles in Zalingei, Darfur.

Perthes told the Security Council that blame for the violence "rests with those who are waging it daily: the leadership of the two sides who share accountability for choosing to settle their unresolved conflict on the battlefield rather than at the table."

According to UNICEF, the Sudanese violence has taken a devastating toll on civilians, with over 700 people killed, including 190 children, and 6,000 others&nbsp;injured.

Over a million people have been displaced, seeking refuge in rural regions, neighbouring Sudanese states, or crossing Sudanese borders.

<h2>Over one million displaced</h2>

According to the United Nations refugee agency, five weeks of violence in Sudan has&nbsp;displaced more than one million people, including a quarter-million refugees.

Sudan has been at war since April 15, when differences between army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the head of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo, erupted into an armed confrontation. Hundreds of people have been slain in the conflict&nbsp;that has&nbsp;transformed Khartoum's streets and other parts of the country into battlegrounds.

Speaking to reporters in Geneva on Friday, Matthew Saltmarsh, a spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said 843,000 people have been internally displaced as a result of the violence, reported Al Jazeera.

Around 250,000 people have left Sudan's borders, largely into Egypt, Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, according to Saltmarsh, who said that Egypt has accepted the greatest number of Sudanese refugees so far, at around 110,000. 
&nbsp;

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UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was "shocked" by a letter he received on Friday from Sudan's military ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan demanding the removal of his ambassador to Sudan, according to his spokesperson.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres was "shocked" by a letter he received on Friday from Sudan's military ruler General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan demanding the removal of his ambassador to Sudan, according to his spokesperson. "The Secretary-General is proud of the work done by (UN Special Representative to Sudan) Volker Perthes and reaffirms his full confidence in his Special Representative," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric in a written statement on Friday. Burhan had written to Guterres, requesting that Perthes be removed from his position, according to Reuters, citing officials in Sudan's presidency. Weeks of intense combat in Sudan between Burhan's Sudanese Armed Forces and the country's Rapid Support Forces commanded by General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo have shattered expectations for a peaceful transition to civilian government, reported CNN. Perthes, who was nominated to his position in 2021, has expressed deep worry about the dispute. He criticised both leaders of Sudan's warring groups in a presentation to the UN Security Council earlier this week, warning of "a growing ethnicisation of the conflict." Despite a seven-day truce that is set to expire this weekend, combat between both sides has persisted. According to the US embassy in Khartoum, media have lately witnessed the use of artillery and military aircraft and drones, airstrikes, prolonged combat in the heart of the Khartoum Industrial Area, and battles in Zalingei, Darfur. Perthes told the Security Council that blame for the violence "rests with those who are waging it daily: the leadership of the two sides who share accountability for choosing to settle their unresolved conflict on the battlefield rather than at the table." According to UNICEF, the Sudanese violence has taken a devastating toll on civilians, with over 700 people killed, including 190 children, and 6,000 others injured. Over a million people have been displaced, seeking refuge in rural regions, neighbouring Sudanese states, or crossing Sudanese borders. Over one million displaced According to the United Nations refugee agency, five weeks of violence in Sudan has displaced more than one million people, including a quarter-million refugees. Sudan has been at war since April 15, when differences between army leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and the head of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Mohamed Hamdan "Hemedti" Dagalo, erupted into an armed confrontation. Hundreds of people have been slain in the conflict that has transformed Khartoum's streets and other parts of the country into battlegrounds. Speaking to reporters in Geneva on Friday, Matthew Saltmarsh, a spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), said 843,000 people have been internally displaced as a result of the violence, reported Al Jazeera. Around 250,000 people have left Sudan's borders, largely into Egypt, Chad, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, according to Saltmarsh, who said that Egypt has accepted the greatest number of Sudanese refugees so far, at around 110,000. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UN chief ‘shocked’ by letter from Sudan’s military ruler urging removal of special envoy

Since the feared outbreak of war in Sudan between the army and quick support forces, fierce confrontations in Khartoum and other towns have continued despite Saudi Arabia and the United States mediating discussions between the two sides.

Sudan Conflict: Army carries out fresh strikes in Khartoum

Since April 15th, fierce battle has been going on throughout Sudan between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). The wounded are being cared for by members of Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) at the South Hospital in El Fasher, North Darfur, which is supported by MSF.

Sudan Crisis: Hospital and essential activities come to a halt due to conflict

Azerbaijan on Sunday (April 22) set up a checkpoint on the only land route between Armenia and the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. The move has since sparked outrage from its arch-rival Yerevan which has called it a "gross violation" of the 2020 ceasefire agreement. Azerbaijan set up the checkpoint after claims of border shootings by both Azeri and Armenian forces.&nbsp;

The checkpoint might cause an escalation in tensions between the two former Soviet Union countries which have fought two wars in 2020 and in the 1990s over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The region in question is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan, however, is home to predominantly ethnic Armenians.&nbsp;

The conflict in 2020 ended after a Russia-brokered ceasefire where Azerbaijan is required to guarantee safe passage on the Lachin corridor which is also patrolled by Moscow’s peacekeepers. However, Baku has argued that it had to establish the checkpoint on the road leading to Karabakh for what is seemingly suggested was Armenia’s use of the road to transport weapons.&nbsp;

<h2>War of words over the checkpoint</h2>

Azerbaijan said it built the checkpoint following “threats and provocations” from Armenia, which has since denied these claims.&nbsp;

Baku said that the checkpoint was established at 12:00 pm (local time) “to prevent the illegal transportation of manpower, weapons, mines,” adding that it will “be implemented in interaction with the Russian peacekeeping force.”

The foreign ministry, in a statement, also said, “Providing border security, as well as ensuring safe traffic on the road, is the prerogative of the government of Azerbaijan, and an essential prerequisite for national security, state sovereignty and the rule of law.”&nbsp;

Baku authorities alleged that they recorded military convoys entering Azerbaijan’s territory for&nbsp;“construction of military infrastructure...at the point closest to the territory of Azerbaijan”.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Armenian foreign ministry, in response to these allegations, said that the claim was “far-fetched” and called the checkpoint at the Hakari bridge in the Lachin corridor a "gross violation" of the 2020 ceasefire agreement.&nbsp;

“We call on the Russian Federation to ultimately implement the trilateral statement,” said Armenia’s foreign ministry. This comes as Russia is in the midst of a conflict with Ukraine as well as a confrontation with the West.

<h2>Russia urges both countries to comply with&nbsp;ceasefire agreement</h2>

Addressing the situation with arose on Sunday over the&nbsp;2020 ceasefire agreement, Russia expressed "serious concerns" over the&nbsp;escalating tensions between the two countries.&nbsp;Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters,&nbsp;there was "no alternative" to the agreement and said it was working with both&nbsp;Baku and Yerevan over the "really difficult" situation.&nbsp;

<h2>Armenia, Azerbaijan blame each other </h2>

In recent months, several servicemen have been killed from both sides amid clashes. Armenia’s defence ministry said a soldier named Artyom Poghosyan was killed at around 0750 GMT when Azeri forces opened fire on an Armenian position in&nbsp;

On the other hand, Azerbaijan denied the attack and later said it was responding to enemy fire by Armenian soldiers fired on Azeri units at around 1110 GMT in the Lachin district. The claim has since been denied by Armenia.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Azerbaijan on Sunday (April 22) set up a checkpoint on the only land route between Armenia and the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. The move has since sparked outrage from its arch-rival Yerevan which has called it a "gross violation" of the 2020 ceasefire agreement.

Azerbaijan on Sunday (April 22) set up a checkpoint on the only land route between Armenia and the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. The move has since sparked outrage from its arch-rival Yerevan which has called it a "gross violation" of the 2020 ceasefire agreement. Azerbaijan set up the checkpoint after claims of border shootings by both Azeri and Armenian forces. The checkpoint might cause an escalation in tensions between the two former Soviet Union countries which have fought two wars in 2020 and in the 1990s over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. The region in question is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan, however, is home to predominantly ethnic Armenians. The conflict in 2020 ended after a Russia-brokered ceasefire where Azerbaijan is required to guarantee safe passage on the Lachin corridor which is also patrolled by Moscow’s peacekeepers. However, Baku has argued that it had to establish the checkpoint on the road leading to Karabakh for what is seemingly suggested was Armenia’s use of the road to transport weapons. War of words over the checkpoint Azerbaijan said it built the checkpoint following “threats and provocations” from Armenia, which has since denied these claims. Baku said that the checkpoint was established at 12:00 pm (local time) “to prevent the illegal transportation of manpower, weapons, mines,” adding that it will “be implemented in interaction with the Russian peacekeeping force.” The foreign ministry, in a statement, also said, “Providing border security, as well as ensuring safe traffic on the road, is the prerogative of the government of Azerbaijan, and an essential prerequisite for national security, state sovereignty and the rule of law.” Baku authorities alleged that they recorded military convoys entering Azerbaijan’s territory for “construction of military infrastructure...at the point closest to the territory of Azerbaijan”. Meanwhile, the Armenian foreign ministry, in response to these allegations, said that the claim was “far-fetched” and called the checkpoint at the Hakari bridge in the Lachin corridor a "gross violation" of the 2020 ceasefire agreement. “We call on the Russian Federation to ultimately implement the trilateral statement,” said Armenia’s foreign ministry. This comes as Russia is in the midst of a conflict with Ukraine as well as a confrontation with the West. Russia urges both countries to comply with ceasefire agreement Addressing the situation with arose on Sunday over the 2020 ceasefire agreement, Russia expressed "serious concerns" over the escalating tensions between the two countries. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, there was "no alternative" to the agreement and said it was working with both Baku and Yerevan over the "really difficult" situation. Armenia, Azerbaijan blame each other In recent months, several servicemen have been killed from both sides amid clashes. Armenia’s defence ministry said a soldier named Artyom Poghosyan was killed at around 0750 GMT when Azeri forces opened fire on an Armenian position in On the other hand, Azerbaijan denied the attack and later said it was responding to enemy fire by Armenian soldiers fired on Azeri units at around 1110 GMT in the Lachin district. The claim has since been denied by Armenia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Azerbaijan sets up checkpoint on the only land route between Armenia and disputed Nagorno-Karabakh

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. 
 
Both Russia and Ukraine claimed heavy casualties of enemy troops running into hundreds in a day during the battle for the Bakhmut city in the eastern part of the country.

Ukrainian military spokesperson Serhiy Cherevatyi claimed that 221 pro-Moscow troops were neutralised and more than 300 wounded in Bakhmut.

On the other hand, Russia's defence ministry alleged that about 210 Ukrainian soldiers were killed in the broader Donetsk part of the frontline, reports Reuters news agency.

"Over the course of the fighting, 221 enemies were killed and 314 sustained injuries of various degrees," Cherevatyi told the national parliament's television channel.

Both sides admitted to suffering and inflicting significant losses in Bakhmut, while the exact number of casualties is difficult to verify independently.

Over the past few months, Russia has been deploying a heavy amount of troops to Bakhmut in the hope&nbsp;of capturing the city as it desperately seeks a win after a series of setbacks. The Russian troops are being assisted by the mercenary Wagner Group, which has claimed to have taken control of the majority parts of the city.

<h2>Gravitas Plus: Explained: The Battle for Bakhmut</h2>

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Ukraine asserted that it was stalling Russian advances in Bakhmut and was giving a "decent rebuff", with the commander in charge of defending Bakhmut saying its protection was key for a Ukrainian counter-strike.

"It is necessary to gain time to accumulate reserves and start a counter-offensive, which is not far off," the military cited Colonel general Oleksandr Syrskyi as saying on Saturday, according to Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-president-vladimir-putin-likely-to-attend-g20-summit-in-india-report-570868">Russian President Vladimir Putin likely to attend G20 summit in India: Report</a>

Russia believes that capturing Bakhmut would deal a heavy blow to the Ukrainian defences and be a step towards seizing all of the Donbas industrial region, a major target. Kyiv says the battle is&nbsp;grinding&nbsp;down Russia's best units.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russian-strike-in-kherson-kills-three-battle-for-bakhmut-rages-on-570951">Ukraine war: Russian strike in Kherson kills three; battle for Bakhmut rages on</a>

British intelligence said that "this area has become a killing zone, likely making it highly challenging for Wagner forces attempting to continue their frontal assault westward."

But the situation remained dangerous for Ukrainian forces.

"The Ukrainian force and their supply lines to the west remain vulnerable to the continued Russian attempts to outflank the defenders from the north and south," it said.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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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. Both Russia and Ukraine claimed heavy casualties of enemy troops running into hundreds in a day during the battle for the Bakhmut city in the eastern part of the country. Ukrainian military spokesperson Serhiy Cherevatyi claimed that 221 pro-Moscow troops were neutralised and more than 300 wounded in Bakhmut. On the other hand, Russia's defence ministry alleged that about 210 Ukrainian soldiers were killed in the broader Donetsk part of the frontline, reports Reuters news agency. "Over the course of the fighting, 221 enemies were killed and 314 sustained injuries of various degrees," Cherevatyi told the national parliament's television channel. Both sides admitted to suffering and inflicting significant losses in Bakhmut, while the exact number of casualties is difficult to verify independently. Over the past few months, Russia has been deploying a heavy amount of troops to Bakhmut in the hope of capturing the city as it desperately seeks a win after a series of setbacks. The Russian troops are being assisted by the mercenary Wagner Group, which has claimed to have taken control of the majority parts of the city. Gravitas Plus: Explained: The Battle for Bakhmut Ukraine asserted that it was stalling Russian advances in Bakhmut and was giving a "decent rebuff", with the commander in charge of defending Bakhmut saying its protection was key for a Ukrainian counter-strike. "It is necessary to gain time to accumulate reserves and start a counter-offensive, which is not far off," the military cited Colonel general Oleksandr Syrskyi as saying on Saturday, according to Reuters. Also read | Russian President Vladimir Putin likely to attend G20 summit in India: Report Russia believes that capturing Bakhmut would deal a heavy blow to the Ukrainian defences and be a step towards seizing all of the Donbas industrial region, a major target. Kyiv says the battle is grinding down Russia's best units. Also read | Ukraine war: Russian strike in Kherson kills three; battle for Bakhmut rages on British intelligence said that "this area has become a killing zone, likely making it highly challenging for Wagner forces attempting to continue their frontal assault westward." But the situation remained dangerous for Ukrainian forces. "The Ukrainian force and their supply lines to the west remain vulnerable to the continued Russian attempts to outflank the defenders from the north and south," it said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ukraine, Russia claim hundreds of rival casualties in battle of Bakhmut

Dozens of Russian and Ukrainian prisoners of war have returned home after a swap between the two countries who have been at war for almost a year now. The officials on both sides confirmed the prisoners-of-war swap on Saturday. A total of 116 Ukrainians were released, according to Andriy Yermak, an aide to the Ukrainian President.

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POWs or prisoners of war are people who are held captive by the other side in the conflict against the backdrop of wartime animosity. Yermak said the released POWs include troops who were held out in Mariupol,&nbsp;a port city, which was besieged just days after Russia invaded Ukraine and was on the target of constant shelling from the beginning of the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022.

The POWs, he said, also included snipers caught during on-going violent clashes for Bakhmut, a city in eastern Ukraine and fighters from the Kherson region.

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On the other side, Russian defence officials, announced that 63 Russian troops had returned from Ukraine following the swap. The officials acknowledged that this included a few "special category" prisoners whose release was obtained thanks to United Arab Emirates mediation.

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According to officials from both sides, a prisoner swap resulted in the repatriation of 179 Russian and Ukrainian prisoners of war.&nbsp;

This comes in the backdrop of President Volodymyr Zelensky's statement on Friday that Ukraine would fight to hold onto the eastern "fortress" city of Bakhmut for as long as it could. He appealed to the West to provide long-range weapons to aid Kyiv in driving Russian forces out of the Donbas region.

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Dozens of Russian and Ukrainian prisoners of war have returned home after a swap between the two countries who have been at war for almost a year now. The officials on both sides confirmed the prisoners-of-war swap on Saturday.

Dozens of Russian and Ukrainian prisoners of war have returned home after a swap between the two countries who have been at war for almost a year now. The officials on both sides confirmed the prisoners-of-war swap on Saturday. A total of 116 Ukrainians were released, according to Andriy Yermak, an aide to the Ukrainian President. Also Read | China bans Jack Dorsey-backed Twitter alternative Damus, here's why POWs or prisoners of war are people who are held captive by the other side in the conflict against the backdrop of wartime animosity. Yermak said the released POWs include troops who were held out in Mariupol, a port city, which was besieged just days after Russia invaded Ukraine and was on the target of constant shelling from the beginning of the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022. The POWs, he said, also included snipers caught during on-going violent clashes for Bakhmut, a city in eastern Ukraine and fighters from the Kherson region. Also Read | Iraqi father strangles YouTuber daughter to death for deciding to leave country On the other side, Russian defence officials, announced that 63 Russian troops had returned from Ukraine following the swap. The officials acknowledged that this included a few "special category" prisoners whose release was obtained thanks to United Arab Emirates mediation. Watch | US-EU spat over America's Inflation Reduction Act According to officials from both sides, a prisoner swap resulted in the repatriation of 179 Russian and Ukrainian prisoners of war. This comes in the backdrop of President Volodymyr Zelensky's statement on Friday that Ukraine would fight to hold onto the eastern "fortress" city of Bakhmut for as long as it could. He appealed to the West to provide long-range weapons to aid Kyiv in driving Russian forces out of the Donbas region. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia, Ukraine swap dozens of prisoners of war, Moscow thanks UAE for mediation

With the Israeli-Palestine conflict at a new high, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday met French President Emmanuel Macron and other France's Jewish community in Paris. Republicans removed Democrat Ilhan Omar from the US House Foreign Affairs Committee over her anti-Semitic comments.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, ahead of Blinken's visit to Beijing, the US was tracking a suspected Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon that has been flying over the continental United States for a couple of days.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-chinese-spy-balloon-travelling-over-the-us-pentagon-says-558399">Suspected Chinese spy balloon flying over the US, Pentagon says&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</a>

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The US was tracking a suspected Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon that has been flying over the continental United States for a couple of days, a senior defence official said Thursday. Senior officials have advised President Joe Biden against shooting it down since the debris might pose a safety threat.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-meets-macron-amid-fresh-flareup-in-middle-east-conflict-558409">Netanyahu meets Macron amid fresh flareup in Middle-East conflict&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</a>

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Amid a new flareup in Middle East conflict in years, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with French president Emmanuel Macron and other members of France's Jewish community in Paris on Thursday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrat-ilhan-omar-ousted-from-house-foreign-affairs-committee-for-her-anti-semitic-comments-558401">Democrat Ilhan Omar ousted from House Foreign Affairs Committee for her anti-Semitic comments&nbsp; &nbsp;</a>

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Republicans, who now hold the majority in the House after the midterm elections in November, removed Democrat Ilhan Omar from the US House Foreign Affairs Committee over her anti-Semitic comments.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-vows-victory-in-ukraine-says-russia-can-answer-countries-threatening-it-558396">Putin vows victory in Ukraine, says Russia can 'answer' countries threatening it&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</a>

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In a raging speech on Thursday (February 2), Russian President Vladimir Putin promised victory over Ukraine. Putin was speaking at an event marking the 80th anniversary of the Red Army's victory over Nazi Germany in Stalingrad, now known as Volgograd (Stalingrad until 1961).&nbsp;

Qatargate Scandal: Four MEPs under Belgian official's radar

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With the Israeli-Palestine conflict at a new high, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday met French President Emmanuel Macron and other France's Jewish community in Paris.

With the Israeli-Palestine conflict at a new high, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday met French President Emmanuel Macron and other France's Jewish community in Paris. Republicans removed Democrat Ilhan Omar from the US House Foreign Affairs Committee over her anti-Semitic comments. Meanwhile, ahead of Blinken's visit to Beijing, the US was tracking a suspected Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon that has been flying over the continental United States for a couple of days. Click on the headlines to read more: Suspected Chinese spy balloon flying over the US, Pentagon says The US was tracking a suspected Chinese high-altitude surveillance balloon that has been flying over the continental United States for a couple of days, a senior defence official said Thursday. Senior officials have advised President Joe Biden against shooting it down since the debris might pose a safety threat. Netanyahu meets Macron amid fresh flareup in Middle-East conflict Amid a new flareup in Middle East conflict in years, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with French president Emmanuel Macron and other members of France's Jewish community in Paris on Thursday. Democrat Ilhan Omar ousted from House Foreign Affairs Committee for her anti-Semitic comments Republicans, who now hold the majority in the House after the midterm elections in November, removed Democrat Ilhan Omar from the US House Foreign Affairs Committee over her anti-Semitic comments. Putin vows victory in Ukraine, says Russia can 'answer' countries threatening it In a raging speech on Thursday (February 2), Russian President Vladimir Putin promised victory over Ukraine. Putin was speaking at an event marking the 80th anniversary of the Red Army's victory over Nazi Germany in Stalingrad, now known as Volgograd (Stalingrad until 1961). Qatargate Scandal: Four MEPs under Belgian official's radar ×

Morning news brief: Suspected Chinese spy balloon flying over US, Netanyahu meets Macron in Paris and more

Amid a new flareup in Middle East conflict in years,&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with French President Emmanuel Macron and other members of France's Jewish community in Paris on Thursday.&nbsp;

The talking points between the leaders included Macron's assurance to Israel that Paris stands in solidarity with Israel in the face of terrorism. Macron also called for peace between Israel and Palestine as the conflict saw a major blowout in years. &nbsp;

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On the other hand, Netanyahu, before leaving for Paris said that the "main topic" of talks will include Iran's nuclear weapons. Israel has been pushing the United States as well to take stringent action on Iran to prevent the nation from acquiring nuclear weapons.&nbsp;Netanyahu's visit comes days after a drone attack on a defence ministry facility in the Iranian city of Isfahan. Tehran blamed Israel for the attack.

Israeli-Palestine tensions reached a new high as the Israeli military raided West Bank last week which killed 10 Palestinians. A day after the brutal incident, a Palestinian shooting outside an east Jerusalem synagogue killed seven people, including a 14-year-old.

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Netanyahu earlier also made a visit to Jordan where he met the Jordanian King Abdullah.

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The visit was shadowed by tensions over the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.&nbsp;Israel’s newly sworn-in National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's earlier visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on 3 January which drew condemnation from various Arab states including Jordan, UAE and Egypt.&nbsp;

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Amid a new flareup in Middle East conflict in years, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with French President Emmanuel Macron and other members of France's Jewish community in Paris on Thursday.

Amid a new flareup in Middle East conflict in years, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with French President Emmanuel Macron and other members of France's Jewish community in Paris on Thursday. The talking points between the leaders included Macron's assurance to Israel that Paris stands in solidarity with Israel in the face of terrorism. Macron also called for peace between Israel and Palestine as the conflict saw a major blowout in years. Also Read | Democrat Ilhan Omar ousted from House Foreign Affairs Committee for her anti-Semitic comments On the other hand, Netanyahu, before leaving for Paris said that the "main topic" of talks will include Iran's nuclear weapons. Israel has been pushing the United States as well to take stringent action on Iran to prevent the nation from acquiring nuclear weapons. Netanyahu's visit comes days after a drone attack on a defence ministry facility in the Iranian city of Isfahan. Tehran blamed Israel for the attack. Israeli-Palestine tensions reached a new high as the Israeli military raided West Bank last week which killed 10 Palestinians. A day after the brutal incident, a Palestinian shooting outside an east Jerusalem synagogue killed seven people, including a 14-year-old. Also Read | EU Parliament waives immunity from prosecution of two lawmakers in bribery scam probe Netanyahu earlier also made a visit to Jordan where he met the Jordanian King Abdullah. Watch | Will 'Operation Miracle' save the ocean's rarest marine mammal? | WION Climate Tracker The visit was shadowed by tensions over the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Israel’s newly sworn-in National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's earlier visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on 3 January which drew condemnation from various Arab states including Jordan, UAE and Egypt. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Netanyahu meets Macron amid fresh flareup in Middle-East conflict

A top Republican in the US Congress said the odds of conflict with China over Taiwan "are very high," after a US general caused consternation with a memo that warned the United States would fight China in the next two years.

U.S. Republican agrees with General's assessment about conflict with China

A four-star United States Air Force general Mike Minihan,&nbsp;in an internal memo to the officers he commands, said , on Friday (January 27)&nbsp;that Washington might possibly go to war with China in the next two years, most likely over Taiwan and asked them to be prepared. The document in question first emerged on social media and was later confirmed by the Pentagon as “factual”. In the memorandum, the head of the Air Mobility Command, Minihan said, “I hope I am wrong. My gut tells me we will fight in 2025.”&nbsp;

He also spoke about the main goal should be to “deter and if required, defeat China”. The reasoning behind this speculation, as Miniham said in the document, is that since both Taiwan and US have their presidential election in 2024, the latter will be “distracted” which would give Chinese President Xi Jinping an opportunity to move on Taiwan.&nbsp;

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The US Air Force general also spoke about how the Chinese president has secured his third term and set his “war council” in October 2022. He added, “Xi’s team, reason, and opportunity are all aligned for 2025”. The US Air Mobility Command has some 50,000 service members and nearly 500 planes which are responsible for transport and refuelling, as per NBC.

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In the memorandum, while asking his officers to prepare, Miniham also called for the Mobile Command personnel with weapons qualifications to “fire a clip” at the target and “aim for the head”. The document which was first seen on social media was later confirmed as genuine by the Pentagon after a spokesperson responded to an AFP query and said, “Yes, it's factual that he sent that out.”&nbsp;

This comes as several senior US officials in recent months have said that China has seemingly sped up its timeframe to seize control of Taiwan, the democratically ruled island of 24 million people that Beijing has long claimed as a part of its sovereign territory.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
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A four-star United States Air Force general Mike Minihan, in an internal memo to the officers he commands, said , on Friday (January 27) that Washington might possibly go to war with China in the next two years, most likely over Taiwan and asked them to be prepared.

A four-star United States Air Force general Mike Minihan, in an internal memo to the officers he commands, said , on Friday (January 27) that Washington might possibly go to war with China in the next two years, most likely over Taiwan and asked them to be prepared. The document in question first emerged on social media and was later confirmed by the Pentagon as “factual”. In the memorandum, the head of the Air Mobility Command, Minihan said, “I hope I am wrong. My gut tells me we will fight in 2025.” He also spoke about the main goal should be to “deter and if required, defeat China”. The reasoning behind this speculation, as Miniham said in the document, is that since both Taiwan and US have their presidential election in 2024, the latter will be “distracted” which would give Chinese President Xi Jinping an opportunity to move on Taiwan. ALSO READ | EXPLAINED: What if China invades Taiwan in 2026? The 5 things war game simulations by US think tank revealed The US Air Force general also spoke about how the Chinese president has secured his third term and set his “war council” in October 2022. He added, “Xi’s team, reason, and opportunity are all aligned for 2025”. The US Air Mobility Command has some 50,000 service members and nearly 500 planes which are responsible for transport and refuelling, as per NBC. ALSO WATCH | WION Fineprint: Pelosi's Taiwan visit will inflame US-China crisis? In the memorandum, while asking his officers to prepare, Miniham also called for the Mobile Command personnel with weapons qualifications to “fire a clip” at the target and “aim for the head”. The document which was first seen on social media was later confirmed as genuine by the Pentagon after a spokesperson responded to an AFP query and said, “Yes, it's factual that he sent that out.” This comes as several senior US officials in recent months have said that China has seemingly sped up its timeframe to seize control of Taiwan, the democratically ruled island of 24 million people that Beijing has long claimed as a part of its sovereign territory. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US Air Force general warns of high probability of war with China as early as 2025

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kyiv’s western allies might have finally answered the country’s long standing call to supply modern battle tanks. On late Saturday (January 14), the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office said that Britain would be sending 14 Challenger 2 tanks along with some other artillery to support Ukraine. This comes after the UK PM and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a telephonic conversation during which Sunak confirmed that he would send tanks and additional weapons to Kyiv. Meanwhile, Germany for weeks has been considering sending tanks amid growing pressure from France and Poland.&nbsp;

UK to send 14 tanks and weapons to Ukraine

The announcement was made by UK PM Sunak’s office after the two leaders spoke, late Saturday, “As the people of Ukraine approach their second year living under relentless Russian bombardment, the Prime Minister is dedicated to ensuring Ukraine wins this war,” said the British prime minister’s office, in a statement.&nbsp;

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In the upcoming weeks, the UK is planning to send a squadron of 14 Challenger 2 tanks along with 30 self-propelled AS90 guns which would be operated by five gunners. Furthermore, Britain will also train Ukrainian army personnel on how to use the tanks as well as the guns.&nbsp;

This comes after the British PM highlighted the country’s “ambition to intensify our support to Ukraine”, as per a readout of a phone call with Zelensky. According to Sunak’s office, he believes a “long and static war only serves Russia’s interests”. It added, “UK defence and security officials believe a window has opened up where Russia is on the backfoot due to resupply issues and plummeting morale.”

Additionally, the UK PM believes that the British Army’s main battle tank would help Ukrainian forces “push Russian troops back”. Notably, this move now makes Britain the first western country to supply Kyiv with heavy tanks which it has sought for some time now including US main battle tank M1 Abrams and German Leopard 2 tanks.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sunak-indicates-uk-to-send-battle-tanks-artillery-to-ukraine-552655/amp">PM Rishi Sunak promises UK will supply battle tanks, artillery to Ukraine</a>

After the conversation and announcement, Zelensky took to Twitter and thanked the UK PM for his decision to send the tanks and said, “that will not only strengthen us on the battlefield but also send the right signal to other partners.” He also spoke about how UK’s support was “always strong" and was “now impenetrable”.&nbsp;

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Always strong support of the UK is now impenetrable and ready for challenges. In a conversation with the Prime Minister, <a href="https://twitter.com/RishiSunak?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RishiSunak</a>, I thanked for the decisions that will not only strengthen us on the battlefield, but also send the right signal to other partners.
— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1614219544335114242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Earlier this week, Sunak’s office also spoke about coordinating efforts with allies Germany, France and the United States as they are among the countries who have also indicated that they would be willing to send armoured vehicles to Ukraine.&nbsp;

How has Russia responded to the UK's announcement?&nbsp;

The announcement received a swift response from the Russian Embassy in London which said that sending tanks to Ukraine would be evidence of the “increasingly obvious involvement of London in the conflict” as well as “intensify” the conflict and lead to more casualties including civilians.&nbsp;

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According to the Russian news agency TASS, the embassy said, “As for the Challenger 2 tanks, they are unlikely to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine turn the tide on the battlefield, but they will become a legitimate large target for the Russian artillery.” Similarly, in response to the UK's decision to send Challenger tanks, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reiterated her response that “weapons supplies are legitimate targets for Russian strikes.”&nbsp;

What are Challenger 2 tanks?

According to the British Army, Challenger 2 is a battle tank designed to attack other tanks and has been in service since 1994. It was deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Iraq, reported Reuters. While they are over two decades old they will be the most modern tank at Ukraine's disposal amid the ongoing conflict.&nbsp;

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The Challenger 2 is a 64-tonne main battle tank, built by British Aerospace Systems in the 1990s and has a maximum speed ranging from 40 km/hour to 59 km/hour which can cover a distance of 250 km to 450 km. It can also carry a four-member crew with a commander, gunner, loader and driver and is armed with a 120mm rifled tank gun, Boeing 7.62mm chain gun, a 7.62 mm General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), and L37A2 anti-air machine gun, reported Al Jazeera.

Germany under pressure

Earlier this month, Berlin agreed to supply Ukraine with Marder infantry fighting vehicles as well as the Patriot air system. However, there has been mounting pressure on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to authorise the re-export of modern battle tanks to Kyiv. However, Scholz previously said that such a move would have to be coordinated with the entire Western alliance, including the US.&nbsp;

Furthermore, reports suggest that the German Chancellor has been reluctant to send battle tanks as he does not want to act alone while some western leaders are being cautious about the aid and weapons they send to Ukraine as their response can be viewed as an escalation or provocation by Russia. So far, Kyiv’s allies like Poland and the Czech Republic have only been willing to send the country Soviet-era T-72 tanks.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-pushes-for-russia-ukraine-peace-talks-549802">Turkey pushes for Russia- Ukraine peace talks</a>

According to estimates by the European Council on Foreign Relations, there are nearly 2,000 Leopard tanks in Europe. “The Ukrainians really want the Leopards because there are lots in stock across Europe,” said a French official familiar with the discussions to Politico.&nbsp;

Germany’s support is seen as crucial being one of the biggest economies in the EU and also because while 13 European countries are reportedly in possession of Leopard 2 tanks including Poland, France, and Finland they need Berlin’s authorisation to re-export the procured tanks. Since the Leopards are being produced by Munich-based defence company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann their delivery to Ukraine would require the authorisation of the country of origin which in this case is Germany.&nbsp;

However, on Thursday, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, said that Berlin should not block any countries from re-exporting Leopard tanks. “Germany should not stand in the way of other countries taking decisions to support Ukraine, independent of which decisions Germany takes,” said Habeck, on the sidelines of the Greens party meeting in Berlin. &nbsp;

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Additionally, German deputy government spokeswoman, Christiane Hoffmann, addressing a press conference, said that Berlin has not received a formal request from either Poland or Finland but also said that sending the tanks without their approval would be “illegal”.&nbsp;

Germany is still in the midst of considering the right thing to do and how to best support Ukraine, Hoffmann added. Last week, the Berlin government spokesperson also stressed that one of the key goals for the country is to not become an active part of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.&nbsp;

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A report by Bloomberg citing two officials familiar with the German government’s thinking said that they believe that Berlin will likely decide to supply the Leopards to Ukraine. The report, citing a German official familiar with the matter, also claims that the country will make a decision before an upcoming meeting between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his German counterpart Christine Lambrecht at the American airbase in Ramstein scheduled for later this month.&nbsp;

What about other European nations?

The President of Poland, Andrzej Duda had earlier indicated that while they are ready to send Leopard tanks to Kyiv it would only be possible under a larger international coalition of tank aid to Ukraine. According to the German institute Kiel’s Ukraine Support Tracker, Poland has already sent at least 200 Soviet-style tanks, while countries like UK, France and Poland have also given a total of $12 billion as&nbsp;military, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-did-nato-push-ukraine-into-war-459651">Gravitas Plus: Did NATO push Ukraine into war?</a>

Earlier this month, France said that it would send its AMX-10 RC armoured combat vehicles which are deemed “light tanks” in Paris to Ukraine. Subsequently, the US agreed to send its Bradley fighting vehicles while Germany announced it would send its Marder armoured personnel carriers for the first time since the conflict began almost a year ago.&nbsp;

What is happening at NATO?

A report by CNN, citing western officials, says that the decision of sending more tanks by some countries but not by others was part of a broader assessment of the on-ground situation in Ukraine while NATO allies in recent weeks have been deciding the best course of action in providing specific types of assistance be it military or money.&nbsp;

There are also growing concerns about Western stocks of such weapons as Ukrainians have understandably been burning through ammunition at an astonishing rate, said NPR’s Frank Langfitt, reporting from Brussels, on Thursday.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-chief-we-shouldnt-underestimate-russia-551140">NATO Chief: 'We shouldn't underestimate Russia'</a>

He also spoke about how every ambassador that he interacted with was worried about this as there was no demand or market for these kinds of heavy weapons and “nobody here saw a major land war coming. So now, NATO allies, they’re meeting with arms makers.”&nbsp;

Therefore, even NATO countries are trying to ramp up manufacturing and weapons supplies amid the unprecedented rise in demand. So far, several reports have suggested that as the conflict is nearing the one-year mark it is entering a new phase and Ukraine could witness major attacks from Russia.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-happening-in-the-ukrainian-city-of-soledar-551528">Explained: What is happening in the Ukrainian city of Soledar?</a> 
 
Meanwhile, Germany remains concerned about causing further provocations against Moscow, European officials have argued that they have shared enough weapons and intelligence which has significantly benefited Kyiv. Therefore, sending tanks cannot be that big an escalation, regardless of what Russia might say about the move, reported CNN.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kyiv’s western allies might have finally answered the country’s long standing call to supply modern battle tanks. On late Saturday (January 14), the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office said that Britain would be sending 14 Challenger 2 tanks along with some other artillery to support Ukraine.

Amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kyiv’s western allies might have finally answered the country’s long standing call to supply modern battle tanks. On late Saturday (January 14), the United Kingdom Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s office said that Britain would be sending 14 Challenger 2 tanks along with some other artillery to support Ukraine. This comes after the UK PM and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a telephonic conversation during which Sunak confirmed that he would send tanks and additional weapons to Kyiv. Meanwhile, Germany for weeks has been considering sending tanks amid growing pressure from France and Poland. UK to send 14 tanks and weapons to Ukraine The announcement was made by UK PM Sunak’s office after the two leaders spoke, late Saturday, “As the people of Ukraine approach their second year living under relentless Russian bombardment, the Prime Minister is dedicated to ensuring Ukraine wins this war,” said the British prime minister’s office, in a statement. ALSO READ | Putin says special military operation in Ukraine showing positive trend In the upcoming weeks, the UK is planning to send a squadron of 14 Challenger 2 tanks along with 30 self-propelled AS90 guns which would be operated by five gunners. Furthermore, Britain will also train Ukrainian army personnel on how to use the tanks as well as the guns. This comes after the British PM highlighted the country’s “ambition to intensify our support to Ukraine”, as per a readout of a phone call with Zelensky. According to Sunak’s office, he believes a “long and static war only serves Russia’s interests”. It added, “UK defence and security officials believe a window has opened up where Russia is on the backfoot due to resupply issues and plummeting morale.” Additionally, the UK PM believes that the British Army’s main battle tank would help Ukrainian forces “push Russian troops back”. Notably, this move now makes Britain the first western country to supply Kyiv with heavy tanks which it has sought for some time now including US main battle tank M1 Abrams and German Leopard 2 tanks. ALSO READ | PM Rishi Sunak promises UK will supply battle tanks, artillery to Ukraine After the conversation and announcement, Zelensky took to Twitter and thanked the UK PM for his decision to send the tanks and said, “that will not only strengthen us on the battlefield but also send the right signal to other partners.” He also spoke about how UK’s support was “always strong" and was “now impenetrable”. Always strong support of the UK is now impenetrable and ready for challenges. In a conversation with the Prime Minister, @RishiSunak, I thanked for the decisions that will not only strengthen us on the battlefield, but also send the right signal to other partners. — Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 14, 2023 × Earlier this week, Sunak’s office also spoke about coordinating efforts with allies Germany, France and the United States as they are among the countries who have also indicated that they would be willing to send armoured vehicles to Ukraine. How has Russia responded to the UK's announcement? The announcement received a swift response from the Russian Embassy in London which said that sending tanks to Ukraine would be evidence of the “increasingly obvious involvement of London in the conflict” as well as “intensify” the conflict and lead to more casualties including civilians. ALSO READ | Russia praises Wagner forces, Ukraine denies Moscow's claim of Soledar 'liberation' According to the Russian news agency TASS, the embassy said, “As for the Challenger 2 tanks, they are unlikely to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine turn the tide on the battlefield, but they will become a legitimate large target for the Russian artillery.” Similarly, in response to the UK's decision to send Challenger tanks, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova reiterated her response that “weapons supplies are legitimate targets for Russian strikes.” What are Challenger 2 tanks? According to the British Army, Challenger 2 is a battle tank designed to attack other tanks and has been in service since 1994. It was deployed in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Iraq, reported Reuters. While they are over two decades old they will be the most modern tank at Ukraine's disposal amid the ongoing conflict. ALSO READ | Ukraine alleges Russia cancelled scheduled prisoner exchange at the last minute The Challenger 2 is a 64-tonne main battle tank, built by British Aerospace Systems in the 1990s and has a maximum speed ranging from 40 km/hour to 59 km/hour which can cover a distance of 250 km to 450 km. It can also carry a four-member crew with a commander, gunner, loader and driver and is armed with a 120mm rifled tank gun, Boeing 7.62mm chain gun, a 7.62 mm General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), and L37A2 anti-air machine gun, reported Al Jazeera. Germany under pressure Earlier this month, Berlin agreed to supply Ukraine with Marder infantry fighting vehicles as well as the Patriot air system. However, there has been mounting pressure on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to authorise the re-export of modern battle tanks to Kyiv. However, Scholz previously said that such a move would have to be coordinated with the entire Western alliance, including the US. Furthermore, reports suggest that the German Chancellor has been reluctant to send battle tanks as he does not want to act alone while some western leaders are being cautious about the aid and weapons they send to Ukraine as their response can be viewed as an escalation or provocation by Russia. So far, Kyiv’s allies like Poland and the Czech Republic have only been willing to send the country Soviet-era T-72 tanks. ALSO WATCH | Turkey pushes for Russia- Ukraine peace talks According to estimates by the European Council on Foreign Relations, there are nearly 2,000 Leopard tanks in Europe. “The Ukrainians really want the Leopards because there are lots in stock across Europe,” said a French official familiar with the discussions to Politico. Germany’s support is seen as crucial being one of the biggest economies in the EU and also because while 13 European countries are reportedly in possession of Leopard 2 tanks including Poland, France, and Finland they need Berlin’s authorisation to re-export the procured tanks. Since the Leopards are being produced by Munich-based defence company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann their delivery to Ukraine would require the authorisation of the country of origin which in this case is Germany. However, on Thursday, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck, said that Berlin should not block any countries from re-exporting Leopard tanks. “Germany should not stand in the way of other countries taking decisions to support Ukraine, independent of which decisions Germany takes,” said Habeck, on the sidelines of the Greens party meeting in Berlin. ALSO READ | Explained: What we know about Ukraine’s deadliest attack on Russia since the conflict began Additionally, German deputy government spokeswoman, Christiane Hoffmann, addressing a press conference, said that Berlin has not received a formal request from either Poland or Finland but also said that sending the tanks without their approval would be “illegal”. Germany is still in the midst of considering the right thing to do and how to best support Ukraine, Hoffmann added. Last week, the Berlin government spokesperson also stressed that one of the key goals for the country is to not become an active part of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. ALSO READ | Russian missiles strike several Ukrainian cities, 25 killed, 43 missing A report by Bloomberg citing two officials familiar with the German government’s thinking said that they believe that Berlin will likely decide to supply the Leopards to Ukraine. The report, citing a German official familiar with the matter, also claims that the country will make a decision before an upcoming meeting between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his German counterpart Christine Lambrecht at the American airbase in Ramstein scheduled for later this month. What about other European nations? The President of Poland, Andrzej Duda had earlier indicated that while they are ready to send Leopard tanks to Kyiv it would only be possible under a larger international coalition of tank aid to Ukraine. According to the German institute Kiel’s Ukraine Support Tracker, Poland has already sent at least 200 Soviet-style tanks, while countries like UK, France and Poland have also given a total of $12 billion as military, financial and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas Plus: Did NATO push Ukraine into war? Earlier this month, France said that it would send its AMX-10 RC armoured combat vehicles which are deemed “light tanks” in Paris to Ukraine. Subsequently, the US agreed to send its Bradley fighting vehicles while Germany announced it would send its Marder armoured personnel carriers for the first time since the conflict began almost a year ago. What is happening at NATO? A report by CNN, citing western officials, says that the decision of sending more tanks by some countries but not by others was part of a broader assessment of the on-ground situation in Ukraine while NATO allies in recent weeks have been deciding the best course of action in providing specific types of assistance be it military or money. There are also growing concerns about Western stocks of such weapons as Ukrainians have understandably been burning through ammunition at an astonishing rate, said NPR’s Frank Langfitt, reporting from Brussels, on Thursday. ALSO WATCH | NATO Chief: 'We shouldn't underestimate Russia' He also spoke about how every ambassador that he interacted with was worried about this as there was no demand or market for these kinds of heavy weapons and “nobody here saw a major land war coming. So now, NATO allies, they’re meeting with arms makers.” Therefore, even NATO countries are trying to ramp up manufacturing and weapons supplies amid the unprecedented rise in demand. So far, several reports have suggested that as the conflict is nearing the one-year mark it is entering a new phase and Ukraine could witness major attacks from Russia. ALSO READ | Explained: What is happening in the Ukrainian city of Soledar? Meanwhile, Germany remains concerned about causing further provocations against Moscow, European officials have argued that they have shared enough weapons and intelligence which has significantly benefited Kyiv. Therefore, sending tanks cannot be that big an escalation, regardless of what Russia might say about the move, reported CNN. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Are European allies planning to send tanks to Ukraine?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the region of Donetsk on Tuesday in the aftermath of a fresh barrage of Russian missile strikes. Zelensky called the fighting in Donetsk as “difficult” as the Russian military continued to attack the nearby city of Bakhmut. Parts of Donetsk was regained by the Ukrainian forces after it was annexed by Russia following a number of referendums.

The Donbas region has been the focus of the conflict as the Ukrainian and Russian forces are currently fighting over the regions near Donetsk. Russia suffered a pushback in the Kherson region as the Kremlin asked the military to retreat from the region following Ukrainian resistance.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-to-implement-emergency-power-shutdowns-after-latest-russian-missile-strikes-540542">Ukraine to implement emergency power shutdowns after Russian missile strikes</a>

According to the videos released by the Ukrainian government, Zelensky was seen standing next to a sign with the name of the city Sloviansk and even maintained a moment of silence.

"The east of Ukraine today is the most difficult front. And I am honoured to be here now with our defending troops in Donbas. I believe that next time we will meet in our Ukrainian Donetsk and Lugansk and in Crimea as well," Zelensky said according to Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/five-people-sentenced-to-death-in-iran-over-killing-of-basij-paramilitary-member-540589">Five people sentenced to death in Iran over killing of paramilitary member</a>

Donetsk and Luhansk are currently governed by Russia-backed administrators since 2014 when Crimea decided to join Russia through referendums. "From the bottom of my heart, I congratulate you on this great holiday, the Day of the Armed Forces," Zelensky said during a ceremony.

Sloviansk is 45 kilometres away from Bakhmut and it was previously controlled by Russian forces.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the region of Donetsk on Tuesday in the aftermath of a fresh barrage of Russian missile strikes. Zelensky called the fighting in Donetsk as “difficult” as the Russian military continued to attack the nearby city of Bakhmut.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the region of Donetsk on Tuesday in the aftermath of a fresh barrage of Russian missile strikes. Zelensky called the fighting in Donetsk as “difficult” as the Russian military continued to attack the nearby city of Bakhmut. Parts of Donetsk was regained by the Ukrainian forces after it was annexed by Russia following a number of referendums. The Donbas region has been the focus of the conflict as the Ukrainian and Russian forces are currently fighting over the regions near Donetsk. Russia suffered a pushback in the Kherson region as the Kremlin asked the military to retreat from the region following Ukrainian resistance. Also read | Ukraine to implement emergency power shutdowns after Russian missile strikes According to the videos released by the Ukrainian government, Zelensky was seen standing next to a sign with the name of the city Sloviansk and even maintained a moment of silence. "The east of Ukraine today is the most difficult front. And I am honoured to be here now with our defending troops in Donbas. I believe that next time we will meet in our Ukrainian Donetsk and Lugansk and in Crimea as well," Zelensky said according to Reuters. Also read | Five people sentenced to death in Iran over killing of paramilitary member Donetsk and Luhansk are currently governed by Russia-backed administrators since 2014 when Crimea decided to join Russia through referendums. "From the bottom of my heart, I congratulate you on this great holiday, the Day of the Armed Forces," Zelensky said during a ceremony. Sloviansk is 45 kilometres away from Bakhmut and it was previously controlled by Russian forces. (With inputs from agencies)

Volodymyr Zelensky arrives in Donetsk region’s city of Sloviansk amid ongoing conflict

China is one nation which has had territorial disputes with almost all its neighbours. China’s conflicts with world powers and high-ambitions in the Indo-Pacific have been a cause of concern for most leaders across the world. But, as China strives for world-domination...the irony is that all its conflicts, efforts and investments are going in India’s favour. A report by Shivan Chanana.

How China’s threats, conflicts and ambitions are accelerating India’s growth instead

Ukraine announced that it will be providing shelters with heat and water to people suffering from the lack of electricity ahead of a winter that World Health Organisation (WHO) believes can be “life threatening” for a lot of citizens. During his video address on Tuesday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that "invincibility centers" will be set up all around the country with special infrastructures being created for boosting internet, mobile phone connections and accessibility to important medicines. They will all be provided free of cost and special focus will be given to war-torn areas of Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/virginia-multiple-fatalities-reported-after-mass-shooting-at-chesapeake-walmart-536650">Virginia: Seven killed in mass shooting at Chesapeake Walmart, shooter among dead, say cops</a>

"If massive Russian strikes happen again and it's clear power will not be restored for hours, the 'invincibility centers' will go into action with all key services," Zelenskiy said according to AFP.

Ukraine’s infrastructure and power grids have been severely affected by the missile strikes from the Russian military and according to estimates, it can leave 10 million Ukrainians without electricity.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-supreme-court-blocks-scotland-from-holding-second-independence-referendum-536746">UK Supreme Court blocks Scotland from holding second independence referendum</a>

Kyiv Post quoted Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal as saying that the government are all set to import 8500 power generator sets daily in order to combat the lack of power in the winter months.

The government has also started evacuations in the Kherson region which was ravaged by war in the past few months. The Ukrainian resistance forces were successful in liberating the region, which was annexed by Russia following the referendums, but it came at a huge cost. Following the fighting and missile strikes, most power grids were damaged, and it resulted in forced evacuation of the citizens.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Ukraine announced that it will be providing shelters with heat and water to people suffering from the lack of electricity ahead of a winter that World Health Organisation (WHO) believes can be “life threatening” for a lot of citizens.

Ukraine announced that it will be providing shelters with heat and water to people suffering from the lack of electricity ahead of a winter that World Health Organisation (WHO) believes can be “life threatening” for a lot of citizens. During his video address on Tuesday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that "invincibility centers" will be set up all around the country with special infrastructures being created for boosting internet, mobile phone connections and accessibility to important medicines. They will all be provided free of cost and special focus will be given to war-torn areas of Ukraine. Also read | Virginia: Seven killed in mass shooting at Chesapeake Walmart, shooter among dead, say cops "If massive Russian strikes happen again and it's clear power will not be restored for hours, the 'invincibility centers' will go into action with all key services," Zelenskiy said according to AFP. Ukraine’s infrastructure and power grids have been severely affected by the missile strikes from the Russian military and according to estimates, it can leave 10 million Ukrainians without electricity. Also read | UK Supreme Court blocks Scotland from holding second independence referendum Kyiv Post quoted Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal as saying that the government are all set to import 8500 power generator sets daily in order to combat the lack of power in the winter months. The government has also started evacuations in the Kherson region which was ravaged by war in the past few months. The Ukrainian resistance forces were successful in liberating the region, which was annexed by Russia following the referendums, but it came at a huge cost. Following the fighting and missile strikes, most power grids were damaged, and it resulted in forced evacuation of the citizens. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukrainian government promises shelters for citizens ahead of 'life threatening winter'

For the former soviet states Armenia and Azerbaijan, the mountainous Nagorno-Karabakh province has been at the centre of the conflict for decades. Even though the province is internationally recognised as a part of Azerbaijan, the region has been the point of contention between the 2 countries ever since Armenia occupied the region decades ago. The province has been a contention from the time of Armenian genocide by the ottoman empire. The dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan goes back generations deeply rooted in geography, ethnicity, religion and geopolitics. For Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh is a part of their heritage with historic ethnic Armenians occupying the region dotted with Armenian churches and infrastructure. The citadel of Shusha, which is important to both Armenians and Azeris, sits in the middle of Nagorno-Karabakh making things more complicated. When the Soviets captured the territories of Armenia and Azerbaijan in 1920s, Nagorno-Karabakh was made a semi-autonomous region within the republic of Azerbaijan which went against the majority ethnic Armenian population but there was no sign of major confrontations until the 1980s when the Glasnost was announced. 

With a majority of the ethnic Armenian population, the Nagorno-Karabakh province voted a referendum to join Armenia in 1988, an unintended result of soviet era Glasnost policy and declaring independence in 1992 after the collapse of the Soviet Union intensifying the fight between the countries escalating the fighting into a war. The 1994 ceasefire agreement mediated by Russia gave de-facto control of occupied territories in Azerbaijan including Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. Following the 1994 ceasefire, both Armenia and Azerbaijan have violated the ceasefire agreement multiple times causing mass casualties of soldiers and civilians in the province. Efforts by the US, France and Russia (Minsk group) to establish peace in the regions were futile. 

However, in 2020, the conflict grew into a full-scale war that lasted for 45 days ending with the surrender of Armenia and reclaiming of most of its lost territory by Azerbaijan. Following the victory from the conflict in 2020, Azerbaijan increased its military expenditure to $2.6 billion in 2022 compared to $754 million by Armenia. The Nagorno-Karabakh region is a geopolitical melting point with the involvement of Russia, Turkey, the US and Iran. Russia, as an ally of Armenia and having a good relationship with Azerbaijan, tries to establish peace in the region as a way of maintaining its waning influence in the region and even placing Russian peacekeeping troops.

For Turkiye, the Azeri link is ethnic and cultural since they are Turkic speaking population. President Erdogan openly has supported the Azerbaijan government in the conflict against Armenia as a liberation of occupied land and protecting their homeland. Turkey even supplies weapons including advanced military drones tipping the war on Azerbaijan’s side. The Turkic support to Azerbaijan may not be purely cultural since oil and Natural gas is the largest export of Azerbaijan and is the biggest supplier of gas to Turkiye. The revenue from oil and gas has been Azerbaijan increase its military expenditure. The support from Turkey has unilaterally favoured the Azeri victory over Armenia in 2020. 

Armenia and Azerbaijan are seen as gateways to Europe. Any instability will further destabilise the region. Recently, the conflict flared up again with both sides blaming each other as the instigator. The conflict most probably flared up because of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Russia is a major ally of Armenia allowing Azerbaijan to take advantage of the window of opportunity. Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has brokered yet another peace deal between the two countries. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken hosted the foreign ministers of the 2 countries on the sidelines of the UNGA to establish peace and prevent further flare-ups. The region has become so volatile that even the slightest of provocation can break out into a full-blown conflict. With Europe trying to reduce energy imports from Russia by importing from Azerbaijan, any instability in the region will be bad for business. 

All diplomatic efforts by the international community including the UN have failed to reach a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The UNSC passed a number of resolutions to establish peace and stop the fighting but has been fruitless. The Minsk group headed by Russia, including the US and France, tried to negotiate a peace plan and came close to establishing peace in the region in 2007 but the plan fell apart as both countries tried to make the plan more favourable for themselves. There is also the matter of self-determination of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. It is understandable for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh who are majority Armenian to want to unite with Armenia. While it is also practically impossible to take out a chunk of territory from the middle of Azerbaijan. Thus, a stalemate between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region. It is important that both countries compromise for crucial peace in the south Caucasus. 

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;

For the former soviet states Armenia and Azerbaijan, the mountainous Nagorno-Karabakh province has been at the centre of the conflict for decades. Even though the province is internationally recognised as a part of Azerbaijan, the region has been the point of contention between the 2 countries ever since Armenia occupied the region decades ago.

For the former soviet states Armenia and Azerbaijan, the mountainous Nagorno-Karabakh province has been at the centre of the conflict for decades. Even though the province is internationally recognised as a part of Azerbaijan, the region has been the point of contention between the 2 countries ever since Armenia occupied the region decades ago. The province has been a contention from the time of Armenian genocide by the ottoman empire. The dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan goes back generations deeply rooted in geography, ethnicity, religion and geopolitics. For Armenia, Nagorno-Karabakh is a part of their heritage with historic ethnic Armenians occupying the region dotted with Armenian churches and infrastructure. The citadel of Shusha, which is important to both Armenians and Azeris, sits in the middle of Nagorno-Karabakh making things more complicated. When the Soviets captured the territories of Armenia and Azerbaijan in 1920s, Nagorno-Karabakh was made a semi-autonomous region within the republic of Azerbaijan which went against the majority ethnic Armenian population but there was no sign of major confrontations until the 1980s when the Glasnost was announced. With a majority of the ethnic Armenian population, the Nagorno-Karabakh province voted a referendum to join Armenia in 1988, an unintended result of soviet era Glasnost policy and declaring independence in 1992 after the collapse of the Soviet Union intensifying the fight between the countries escalating the fighting into a war. The 1994 ceasefire agreement mediated by Russia gave de-facto control of occupied territories in Azerbaijan including Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia. Following the 1994 ceasefire, both Armenia and Azerbaijan have violated the ceasefire agreement multiple times causing mass casualties of soldiers and civilians in the province. Efforts by the US, France and Russia (Minsk group) to establish peace in the regions were futile. However, in 2020, the conflict grew into a full-scale war that lasted for 45 days ending with the surrender of Armenia and reclaiming of most of its lost territory by Azerbaijan. Following the victory from the conflict in 2020, Azerbaijan increased its military expenditure to $2.6 billion in 2022 compared to $754 million by Armenia. The Nagorno-Karabakh region is a geopolitical melting point with the involvement of Russia, Turkey, the US and Iran. Russia, as an ally of Armenia and having a good relationship with Azerbaijan, tries to establish peace in the region as a way of maintaining its waning influence in the region and even placing Russian peacekeeping troops. For Turkiye, the Azeri link is ethnic and cultural since they are Turkic speaking population. President Erdogan openly has supported the Azerbaijan government in the conflict against Armenia as a liberation of occupied land and protecting their homeland. Turkey even supplies weapons including advanced military drones tipping the war on Azerbaijan’s side. The Turkic support to Azerbaijan may not be purely cultural since oil and Natural gas is the largest export of Azerbaijan and is the biggest supplier of gas to Turkiye. The revenue from oil and gas has been Azerbaijan increase its military expenditure. The support from Turkey has unilaterally favoured the Azeri victory over Armenia in 2020. Armenia and Azerbaijan are seen as gateways to Europe. Any instability will further destabilise the region. Recently, the conflict flared up again with both sides blaming each other as the instigator. The conflict most probably flared up because of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Russia is a major ally of Armenia allowing Azerbaijan to take advantage of the window of opportunity. Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov has brokered yet another peace deal between the two countries. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken hosted the foreign ministers of the 2 countries on the sidelines of the UNGA to establish peace and prevent further flare-ups. The region has become so volatile that even the slightest of provocation can break out into a full-blown conflict. With Europe trying to reduce energy imports from Russia by importing from Azerbaijan, any instability in the region will be bad for business. All diplomatic efforts by the international community including the UN have failed to reach a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The UNSC passed a number of resolutions to establish peace and stop the fighting but has been fruitless. The Minsk group headed by Russia, including the US and France, tried to negotiate a peace plan and came close to establishing peace in the region in 2007 but the plan fell apart as both countries tried to make the plan more favourable for themselves. There is also the matter of self-determination of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. It is understandable for the people of Nagorno-Karabakh who are majority Armenian to want to unite with Armenia. While it is also practically impossible to take out a chunk of territory from the middle of Azerbaijan. Thus, a stalemate between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region. It is important that both countries compromise for crucial peace in the south Caucasus. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict- History and a way forward

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