The US is going to send an additional military aid of $100 million to help Ukraine fight off Russian invasion, media reports said. The announcement of this move of the President Joe Biden’s administration was made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday. Since the beginning of the war, the US has been helping Ukraine by providing different kinds of weapons. &nbsp;

In sending this military aid to Ukraine, Biden is using his Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) for the tenth time. The aid would account for the $100 million, which is remaining in the PDA funding. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-to-provide-extra-500-millions-euros-worth-of-military-support-to-ukraine-478592" hreflang="en">European Union to provide extra 500 million euros worth of military support to Ukraine</a>

The PDA authorises Biden to transfer excess weapons from US stocks without the approval of Congress in case of an emergency. &nbsp;

In a statement, Blinken said, "Ukraine's courageous defense forces remain firmly in the fight. The United States, as well as more than 40 Allies and partner countries, are working round the clock to expedite shipments of arms and equipment essential to Ukraine's defense." &nbsp;

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Around 18 more tactical vehicles, 18 additional 155 mm howitzers and three additional counter-artillery radars are being sent in the new defense package, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby in a media briefing. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In total, US military assistance to Ukraine since the conflict began has reached about $3.9 billion in arms and equipment, said Blinken. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The US is going to send an additional military aid of $100 million to help Ukraine fight off Russian invasion, media reports said. The announcement of this move of the President Joe Biden’s administration was made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday.

The US is going to send an additional military aid of $100 million to help Ukraine fight off Russian invasion, media reports said. The announcement of this move of the President Joe Biden’s administration was made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday. Since the beginning of the war, the US has been helping Ukraine by providing different kinds of weapons. In sending this military aid to Ukraine, Biden is using his Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) for the tenth time. The aid would account for the $100 million, which is remaining in the PDA funding. Also Read: European Union to provide extra 500 million euros worth of military support to Ukraine The PDA authorises Biden to transfer excess weapons from US stocks without the approval of Congress in case of an emergency. In a statement, Blinken said, "Ukraine's courageous defense forces remain firmly in the fight. The United States, as well as more than 40 Allies and partner countries, are working round the clock to expedite shipments of arms and equipment essential to Ukraine's defense." WATCH WION LIVE HERE Around 18 more tactical vehicles, 18 additional 155 mm howitzers and three additional counter-artillery radars are being sent in the new defense package, said Pentagon spokesman John Kirby in a media briefing. In total, US military assistance to Ukraine since the conflict began has reached about $3.9 billion in arms and equipment, said Blinken. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

US to send additional military aid of $100 million to help Ukraine in ongoing conflict

Despite the government's efforts to pacify the Kashmiri Pandit community living in the Kashmir Valley, the protest by the community members still continues across various districts.

While the government assured the Kashmiri Pandit community that all job and security related issues will be resolved in a week's time, the community demands&nbsp;transfer from the Kashmir region as early as possible, saying that they can't risk their life for jobs.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india/one-dead-three-injured-in-grenade-attack-on-wine-shop-in-baramulla-479940">One dead, three injured in grenade attack on wine shop in Baramulla</a>

Jyoti, a Kashmiri Pandit school teacher has been sitting on protests every day since the killing of Rahul Bhat. She urged the government to save their lives and transfer all Kashmiri Pandits working in the Valley.

Jyoti also said that her Muslim colleagues have been helpful and always stood by her despite that she is scared for her life. While talking to Wion, Jyoti cried saying “our lives need to be saved.”&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;South Asia Diary: Kashmir logs record tourist season

&nbsp;

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&nbsp;'My heart is broken, and we have returned to the valley only after assurance by the Government. We did not come here to die. I along with my family are afraid and clueless about what to do ahead. Our parents have struggled to send us to educational institutions and make us independent, but they didn't send us here to die. They want the children to be happy and not get their dead bodies. '' said Jyoti, a school teacher.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/police-assure-protesting-kashmiri-pandits-of-enhanced-security-479962">Police assure protesting Kashmiri Pandits of enhanced security</a>

The government on the other hand has assured the Pandit community that steps would be taken to resolve their problems within a week.&nbsp;

"All the service-related issues of the Kashmiri Pandit community, like posting in remote areas, or couples posted at two different areas, providing them accommodation or promotions will be solved as soon as possible. We have already started working on it,'' said divisional commissioner Kashmir P K Pole.&nbsp;

&nbsp;The Kashmiri Pandit community on the other hand have told the government that if they are not shifted outside the Kashmir region, they will resign from their jobs.&nbsp;

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Despite the government's efforts to pacify the Kashmiri Pandit community living in the Kashmir Valley, the protest by the community members still continues across various districts.

Despite the government's efforts to pacify the Kashmiri Pandit community living in the Kashmir Valley, the protest by the community members still continues across various districts. While the government assured the Kashmiri Pandit community that all job and security related issues will be resolved in a week's time, the community demands transfer from the Kashmir region as early as possible, saying that they can't risk their life for jobs. Also read | One dead, three injured in grenade attack on wine shop in Baramulla Jyoti, a Kashmiri Pandit school teacher has been sitting on protests every day since the killing of Rahul Bhat. She urged the government to save their lives and transfer all Kashmiri Pandits working in the Valley. Jyoti also said that her Muslim colleagues have been helpful and always stood by her despite that she is scared for her life. While talking to Wion, Jyoti cried saying “our lives need to be saved.” Also watch | South Asia Diary: Kashmir logs record tourist season 'My heart is broken, and we have returned to the valley only after assurance by the Government. We did not come here to die. I along with my family are afraid and clueless about what to do ahead. Our parents have struggled to send us to educational institutions and make us independent, but they didn't send us here to die. They want the children to be happy and not get their dead bodies. '' said Jyoti, a school teacher. Also read | Police assure protesting Kashmiri Pandits of enhanced security The government on the other hand has assured the Pandit community that steps would be taken to resolve their problems within a week. "All the service-related issues of the Kashmiri Pandit community, like posting in remote areas, or couples posted at two different areas, providing them accommodation or promotions will be solved as soon as possible. We have already started working on it,'' said divisional commissioner Kashmir P K Pole. The Kashmiri Pandit community on the other hand have told the government that if they are not shifted outside the Kashmir region, they will resign from their jobs. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Despite government assurances, Kashmiri Pandits continue protests

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor&nbsp;Orban&nbsp;on Monday raised the spectre of an "era of recession" in Europe as the continent grapples with surging energy costs and rising inflation due to the war in Ukraine.

Orban, taking his oath of office after being elected in April for a fourth consecutive term, took a typically bullish line towards Brussels, telling parliament it was "abusing its power day by day" by pushing back member states' sovereignty.

Nonetheless, he said&nbsp;Hungary's place was in the European Union for the next decade.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hungary-says-european-union-russia-oil-ban-proposal-crosses-red-line-476798">Hungary says European Union Russia oil ban proposal crosses 'red line'</a>

He also said&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;would not block European Union sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine as long as they posed no risk to&nbsp;Hungary's energy security.

Hungary, with a few other member states, has so far rejected the EU's proposed current sanctions on Russian oil. Budapest says it wants hundreds of millions of euros from the bloc to mitigate the cost of ditching Russian crude. The EU needs all 27 states to agree to the embargo for it to go ahead.

He said the most important task of his new government would be to steer&nbsp;Hungary's economy through a European economic crisis, defending the tax breaks and benefits granted to families and defending households' capped energy bills.

Also watch |&nbsp;

"The war and the European policy of sanctions given in response, has created an energy crisis,"&nbsp;Orban&nbsp;said.

"The energy crisis, and the interest rate hikes in the United States have jointly brought about the era of high inflation. All this will bring about the era of recession, when a decline in economic output, stagnation and years of slight increases in output will follow each other in Europe."

Orban&nbsp;has repeatedly clashed with the EU over policies, most lately over LGBTQ rights and rule of law issues, but said the importance of&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;being a member of NATO had never been as obvious as now.

He projected the war in neighbouring Ukraine would "last for a long time ... and will pose a permanent security threat to&nbsp;Hungary".

He said the National Bank of&nbsp;Hungary&nbsp;and the government would have to coordinate steps to curb inflation.

"We will sync these steps ... we will take cautious but firm measures to regulate prices,"&nbsp;Orban&nbsp;said in a speech. His government has already capped fuel prices, basic foodstuffs and mortgage rates, as well as households' energy bills.

Earlier in the day, the European Commission published its fresh economic forecasts, in which it said&nbsp;Hungary's GDP growth would slow to 3.6% this year from 7.1% in 2021, while average inflation would come in at 9% this year.

"In 2022, the deficit is forecast to remain elevated at 6.0% of GDP, reflecting the introduction of several expansionary measures and additional spending related to high energy prices," it added.

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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Monday raised the spectre of an "era of recession" in Europe as the continent grapples with surging energy costs and rising inflation due to the war in Ukraine.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Monday raised the spectre of an "era of recession" in Europe as the continent grapples with surging energy costs and rising inflation due to the war in Ukraine. Orban, taking his oath of office after being elected in April for a fourth consecutive term, took a typically bullish line towards Brussels, telling parliament it was "abusing its power day by day" by pushing back member states' sovereignty. Nonetheless, he said Hungary's place was in the European Union for the next decade. Also read | Hungary says European Union Russia oil ban proposal crosses 'red line' He also said Hungary would not block European Union sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine as long as they posed no risk to Hungary's energy security. Hungary, with a few other member states, has so far rejected the EU's proposed current sanctions on Russian oil. Budapest says it wants hundreds of millions of euros from the bloc to mitigate the cost of ditching Russian crude. The EU needs all 27 states to agree to the embargo for it to go ahead. He said the most important task of his new government would be to steer Hungary's economy through a European economic crisis, defending the tax breaks and benefits granted to families and defending households' capped energy bills. Also watch | "The war and the European policy of sanctions given in response, has created an energy crisis," Orban said. "The energy crisis, and the interest rate hikes in the United States have jointly brought about the era of high inflation. All this will bring about the era of recession, when a decline in economic output, stagnation and years of slight increases in output will follow each other in Europe." Orban has repeatedly clashed with the EU over policies, most lately over LGBTQ rights and rule of law issues, but said the importance of Hungary being a member of NATO had never been as obvious as now. He projected the war in neighbouring Ukraine would "last for a long time ... and will pose a permanent security threat to Hungary". He said the National Bank of Hungary and the government would have to coordinate steps to curb inflation. "We will sync these steps ... we will take cautious but firm measures to regulate prices," Orban said in a speech. His government has already capped fuel prices, basic foodstuffs and mortgage rates, as well as households' energy bills. Earlier in the day, the European Commission published its fresh economic forecasts, in which it said Hungary's GDP growth would slow to 3.6% this year from 7.1% in 2021, while average inflation would come in at 9% this year. "In 2022, the deficit is forecast to remain elevated at 6.0% of GDP, reflecting the introduction of several expansionary measures and additional spending related to high energy prices," it added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Hungary PM Orban warns of "era of recession" in Europe

The Catholic archbishop in Jerusalem on Monday strongly criticised Israel's "police invasion" last week of a Christian hospital ahead of the funeral of slain Al Jazeera reporter Shireen Abu Akleh.

The veteran journalist was shot dead during an Israeli army raid in the West Bank. Palestinians and the TV network said Israeli troops killed her, while Israel said Palestinian gunfire may be to blame.&nbsp;

Anger over her death was compounded Friday when baton-wielding Israeli police in annexed east Jerusalem beat pallbearers carrying Abu Akleh's coffin which was covered by a Palestinian flag.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/outcry-after-israel-police-beat-mourners-at-journalist-funeral-478885">Outcry after Israel police beat mourners at journalist funeral</a>

The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, on Monday condemned "Israel's police invasion and disproportionate use of force" at St Joseph's hospital, where her body was being held.

At a press conference at the hospital, he accused Israeli police of "attacking mourners, striking them with batons, using smoke grenades (and) shooting rubber bullets".&nbsp;

"The police stormed into a Christian health institute, disrespecting the church, disrespecting the health institute, disrespecting the memory of the deceased, and forcing the pallbearers to almost drop the coffin," said Pizzaballa, speaking on behalf of the bishops of the Holy Land.

Also watch |&nbsp;World at War: Who killed Shireen Abu Akleh?&nbsp;

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The hospital is owned by the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition, a French-founded congregation that has been present in former Palestine and Israel for nearly 200 years. &nbsp;

Israeli police have vowed to investigate the chaotic incident, which was broadcast live worldwide and sparked widespread condemnation including from the United States, European Union and United Nations.

Those calls echoed global demands for an impartial probe into the death of Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American, who Al Jazeera said was killed by Israel "deliberately" and "in cold blood".

Israel's army has said it was not yet clear if she was killed by stray Palestinian gunfire or by Israeli sniper fire aimed at nearby militants in Jenin.&nbsp;

Israeli police have meanwhile offered a series of explanations for the unrest on the day of her funeral.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-man-attacked-by-a-mob-with-pepper-spray-in-palestine-amid-tensions-over-journalists-death-479539">Israeli man attacked by a mob with pepper spray in Palestine amid tensions over journalist's death</a>

In a police video, an officer is seen telling the crowd that the procession would not commence until the crowd stopped "nationalistic", or Palestinian, chants.

Israeli forces frequently crack down on individuals publicly expressing their Palestinian identity, including by waving the flag.&nbsp;

They have also said they were compelled to act to uphold the plans for the funeral agreed with the family, which were disrupted by a "mob" made up of some "300 rioters".&nbsp;

The Abu Akleh family has rejected the police version of events.

St Joseph's hospital director Jamil Kousa told AFP Monday that he had spoken to police outside the hospital on Friday and pleaded that the procession be allowed "to go peacefully".

Kousa said police had warned that if mourners shouted Palestinian national "chants" or waved flags, the procession would be blocked.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

The Catholic archbishop in Jerusalem on Monday strongly criticised Israel's "police invasion" last week of a Christian hospital ahead of the funeral of slain Al Jazeera reporter Shireen Abu Akleh.

The Catholic archbishop in Jerusalem on Monday strongly criticised Israel's "police invasion" last week of a Christian hospital ahead of the funeral of slain Al Jazeera reporter Shireen Abu Akleh. The veteran journalist was shot dead during an Israeli army raid in the West Bank. Palestinians and the TV network said Israeli troops killed her, while Israel said Palestinian gunfire may be to blame. Anger over her death was compounded Friday when baton-wielding Israeli police in annexed east Jerusalem beat pallbearers carrying Abu Akleh's coffin which was covered by a Palestinian flag. Also read | Outcry after Israel police beat mourners at journalist funeral The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Pierbattista Pizzaballa, on Monday condemned "Israel's police invasion and disproportionate use of force" at St Joseph's hospital, where her body was being held. At a press conference at the hospital, he accused Israeli police of "attacking mourners, striking them with batons, using smoke grenades (and) shooting rubber bullets". "The police stormed into a Christian health institute, disrespecting the church, disrespecting the health institute, disrespecting the memory of the deceased, and forcing the pallbearers to almost drop the coffin," said Pizzaballa, speaking on behalf of the bishops of the Holy Land. Also watch | World at War: Who killed Shireen Abu Akleh? The hospital is owned by the Sisters of St Joseph of the Apparition, a French-founded congregation that has been present in former Palestine and Israel for nearly 200 years. Israeli police have vowed to investigate the chaotic incident, which was broadcast live worldwide and sparked widespread condemnation including from the United States, European Union and United Nations. Those calls echoed global demands for an impartial probe into the death of Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American, who Al Jazeera said was killed by Israel "deliberately" and "in cold blood". Israel's army has said it was not yet clear if she was killed by stray Palestinian gunfire or by Israeli sniper fire aimed at nearby militants in Jenin. Israeli police have meanwhile offered a series of explanations for the unrest on the day of her funeral. Also read | Israeli man attacked by a mob with pepper spray in Palestine amid tensions over journalist's death In a police video, an officer is seen telling the crowd that the procession would not commence until the crowd stopped "nationalistic", or Palestinian, chants. Israeli forces frequently crack down on individuals publicly expressing their Palestinian identity, including by waving the flag. They have also said they were compelled to act to uphold the plans for the funeral agreed with the family, which were disrupted by a "mob" made up of some "300 rioters". The Abu Akleh family has rejected the police version of events. St Joseph's hospital director Jamil Kousa told AFP Monday that he had spoken to police outside the hospital on Friday and pleaded that the procession be allowed "to go peacefully". Kousa said police had warned that if mourners shouted Palestinian national "chants" or waved flags, the procession would be blocked. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Jerusalem bishop condemns 'police invasion' at journalist's funeral

Lawmakers in Finland and Sweden on Monday debated their respective NATO bids, as the two neighbours prepare to submit applications this week as a deterrent against Russian aggression.

Finland officially announced its intention to join NATO on Sunday as Sweden's ruling party said it backed membership, paving the way for a joint application.

The move is a dramatic turnaround from the two countries' military non-alignment policies, dating back more than 75 years for Finland and two centuries for Sweden.

In Helsinki, parliament began a marathon session with over 150 of 200 MPs asking to speak, following a membership proposal presented on Sunday by President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-prepares-for-russian-military-push-in-donbas-region-amid-ongoing-crisis-479397">Ukraine prepares for Russian military push in Donbas region amid ongoing crisis</a>

"Our security environment has fundamentally changed," Marin told parliament. 
"The only country that threatens European security, and is now openly waging a war of aggression, is Russia", she said.

Russia has repeatedly warned Finland and Sweden of consequences if they apply to join NATO.

"This is another grave mistake with far-reaching consequences," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies on Monday.

Finland, which shares a 1,300-kilometre (800-mile) border with Russia, has a long shared history with Russia.

It spent more than a century as part of the Russian empire until it gained independence in 1917. It was then invaded by the Soviet Union in 1939.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Europe's security landscape reshaped; Sweden, Finland confirm NATO plans

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Finns put up a fierce fight during the bloody Winter War, but were ultimately forced to cede a huge stretch of their eastern Karelia province in a peace treaty with Moscow.

An overwhelming majority of Finland's 200 MPs&nbsp;at least 85 per cent back the decision to join NATO after Marin's Social Democratic Party on Saturday said it was in favour of joining.

Finnish public opinion is also strongly in favour of membership.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedens-ruling-party-backs-nato-membership-479243">Sweden's ruling party backs NATO membership</a>

According to recent polls, more than three-quarters of Finns want to join the alliance, almost triple the level seen before the war in Ukraine began on February 24.

Meanwhile, a group of US senators, including Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, visited Helsinki on Monday for talks with President Niinisto.

"The goal in the United States will be to approve (Finland's) admission as rapidly as possible", McConnell said after the meeting.

Sweden 'vulnerable' outside NATO&nbsp;

Meanwhile in Sweden, Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson was consulting parliament on Monday before announcing her government's official intention to apply, though lawmakers are not expected to vote on the issue.

Her Social Democratic Party came out in favour of joining the alliance on Sunday, securing a firm majority in parliament for membership. Only two of eight parties are opposed to membership.&nbsp;

The turnaround by her party is dramatic, having opposed NATO membership since the birth of the alliance, with Andersson herself expressing opposition as recently as March.

Swedish public support for NATO membership has also risen dramatically, albeit lower than in Finland at around 50 percent -- with about 20 percent against.

Andersson acknowledged that Sweden's decision to join NATO was closely tied to Finland's.

As the only country in the Baltic Sea region outside of NATO, Sweden would find itself "in a very vulnerable position", she told parliament, citing the risk of "Russia increasing the pressure on Sweden".

She also stressed Sweden's "extensive military cooperation" with Finland.

If Sweden doesn't join, and "Finland as a NATO member focuses more on its cooperation with NATO countries, Sweden's defence capability decreases at a time when it instead needs to be strengthened."

But if Sweden were to join, cooperation and defence capabilities around the Baltic Sea "would increase drastically". 
"The best thing for our country's security is therefore for Sweden to apply for membership in NATO and to do it together with Finland," she said.

The Left Party, which is opposed to membership, meanwhile lamented that Sweden did not put the question to the public in either an election or referendum, calling it "deeply problematic."

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&nbsp;

Lawmakers in Finland and Sweden on Monday debated their respective NATO bids, as the two neighbours prepare to submit applications this week as a deterrent against Russian aggression.

Lawmakers in Finland and Sweden on Monday debated their respective NATO bids, as the two neighbours prepare to submit applications this week as a deterrent against Russian aggression. Finland officially announced its intention to join NATO on Sunday as Sweden's ruling party said it backed membership, paving the way for a joint application. The move is a dramatic turnaround from the two countries' military non-alignment policies, dating back more than 75 years for Finland and two centuries for Sweden. In Helsinki, parliament began a marathon session with over 150 of 200 MPs asking to speak, following a membership proposal presented on Sunday by President Sauli Niinisto and Prime Minister Sanna Marin. Also read | Ukraine prepares for Russian military push in Donbas region amid ongoing crisis "Our security environment has fundamentally changed," Marin told parliament. "The only country that threatens European security, and is now openly waging a war of aggression, is Russia", she said. Russia has repeatedly warned Finland and Sweden of consequences if they apply to join NATO. "This is another grave mistake with far-reaching consequences," Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies on Monday. Finland, which shares a 1,300-kilometre (800-mile) border with Russia, has a long shared history with Russia. It spent more than a century as part of the Russian empire until it gained independence in 1917. It was then invaded by the Soviet Union in 1939. Watch | Europe's security landscape reshaped; Sweden, Finland confirm NATO plans Finns put up a fierce fight during the bloody Winter War, but were ultimately forced to cede a huge stretch of their eastern Karelia province in a peace treaty with Moscow. An overwhelming majority of Finland's 200 MPs at least 85 per cent back the decision to join NATO after Marin's Social Democratic Party on Saturday said it was in favour of joining. Finnish public opinion is also strongly in favour of membership. Also read | Sweden's ruling party backs NATO membership According to recent polls, more than three-quarters of Finns want to join the alliance, almost triple the level seen before the war in Ukraine began on February 24. Meanwhile, a group of US senators, including Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, visited Helsinki on Monday for talks with President Niinisto. "The goal in the United States will be to approve (Finland's) admission as rapidly as possible", McConnell said after the meeting. Sweden 'vulnerable' outside NATO Meanwhile in Sweden, Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson was consulting parliament on Monday before announcing her government's official intention to apply, though lawmakers are not expected to vote on the issue. Her Social Democratic Party came out in favour of joining the alliance on Sunday, securing a firm majority in parliament for membership. Only two of eight parties are opposed to membership. The turnaround by her party is dramatic, having opposed NATO membership since the birth of the alliance, with Andersson herself expressing opposition as recently as March. Swedish public support for NATO membership has also risen dramatically, albeit lower than in Finland at around 50 percent -- with about 20 percent against. Andersson acknowledged that Sweden's decision to join NATO was closely tied to Finland's. As the only country in the Baltic Sea region outside of NATO, Sweden would find itself "in a very vulnerable position", she told parliament, citing the risk of "Russia increasing the pressure on Sweden". She also stressed Sweden's "extensive military cooperation" with Finland. If Sweden doesn't join, and "Finland as a NATO member focuses more on its cooperation with NATO countries, Sweden's defence capability decreases at a time when it instead needs to be strengthened." But if Sweden were to join, cooperation and defence capabilities around the Baltic Sea "would increase drastically". "The best thing for our country's security is therefore for Sweden to apply for membership in NATO and to do it together with Finland," she said. The Left Party, which is opposed to membership, meanwhile lamented that Sweden did not put the question to the public in either an election or referendum, calling it "deeply problematic." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Swedish, Finnish MPs debate NATO membership

American fast-food giant&nbsp;McDonald's&nbsp;will exit the Russian market and sell its business in the increasingly isolated country, the company said Monday.

Many Western businesses have pulled out of Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in February.

And earlier on Monday, French automaker Renault announced it had handed over its Russian assets to the government in Moscow, marking the first major nationalisation of the economic disentanglement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-prepares-for-russian-military-push-in-donbas-region-amid-ongoing-crisis-479397">Ukraine prepares for Russian military push in Donbas region amid ongoing crisis</a>

McDonald's&nbsp;in March closed all of its 850 restaurants in the country, where it says it employs 62,000 people.

But on Monday it went a step further, saying in a statement: "After more than 30 years of operations in the country,&nbsp;McDonald's&nbsp;Corporation announced it will&nbsp;exit the Russian market and has initiated a process to sell its Russian business.

"The humanitarian crisis caused by the war in&nbsp;Ukraine, and the precipitating unpredictable operating environment, have led&nbsp;McDonald's&nbsp;to conclude&nbsp;that continued ownership of the business in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;is no longer tenable, nor is it consistent with&nbsp;McDonald's&nbsp;values."

It said it was looking to sell "its&nbsp;entire portfolio of&nbsp;McDonald's&nbsp;restaurants in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;to a local buyer".

Also watch |&nbsp;WION Global Summit 2022: Is there any foreseeable end to Russia-Ukraine war?&nbsp;

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The company added that after the sale, the restaurants would no longer be able to use the&nbsp;McDonald's&nbsp;name, logo, branding or menu.

Russia, where&nbsp;McDonald's&nbsp;directly manages more than 80 percent of the restaurants bearing its name, accounts for 9 percent of the company's revenue and 3 percent of its operating profit.

Chief executive Chris Kempczinski said in a statement: "We're exceptionally proud of the 62,000 employees who work in our restaurants, along with the hundreds of Russian suppliers who support our business, and our local franchisees. Their dedication and loyalty to&nbsp;McDonald's&nbsp;make today's announcement extremely difficult.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/belarusian-pm-roman-golovchenko-says-western-sanctions-are-blocking-exports-worth-more-than-16-billion-479262">Belarusian PM Roman Golovchenko says Western sanctions are blocking exports worth more than $16 billion</a>

"However, we have a commitment to our global community and must remain steadfast in our values. And our commitment to our values means that we can no longer keep the Arches shining there."

On February 24, Russia's President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into pro-Western Ukraine, triggering unprecedented Western sanctions against Russia and sparking an exodus of foreign corporations including H&amp;M, Starbucks and Ikea.

The authorities said they were ready to nationalise foreign assets -- as happened with Renault -- and some officials assured Russians that their favourite brands would have domestic alternatives.

Officials in Moscow have sought to downplay the gravity of the Western sanctions, promising that Russia will adapt and take steps to stop the flight of foreign currency and capital.

American fast-food giant McDonald's will exit the Russian market and sell its business in the increasingly isolated country, the company said Monday. Many Western businesses have pulled out of Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in February.

American fast-food giant McDonald's will exit the Russian market and sell its business in the increasingly isolated country, the company said Monday. Many Western businesses have pulled out of Russia since its invasion of Ukraine in February. And earlier on Monday, French automaker Renault announced it had handed over its Russian assets to the government in Moscow, marking the first major nationalisation of the economic disentanglement. Also read | Ukraine prepares for Russian military push in Donbas region amid ongoing crisis McDonald's in March closed all of its 850 restaurants in the country, where it says it employs 62,000 people. But on Monday it went a step further, saying in a statement: "After more than 30 years of operations in the country, McDonald's Corporation announced it will exit the Russian market and has initiated a process to sell its Russian business. "The humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine, and the precipitating unpredictable operating environment, have led McDonald's to conclude that continued ownership of the business in Russia is no longer tenable, nor is it consistent with McDonald's values." It said it was looking to sell "its entire portfolio of McDonald's restaurants in Russia to a local buyer". Also watch | WION Global Summit 2022: Is there any foreseeable end to Russia-Ukraine war? The company added that after the sale, the restaurants would no longer be able to use the McDonald's name, logo, branding or menu. Russia, where McDonald's directly manages more than 80 percent of the restaurants bearing its name, accounts for 9 percent of the company's revenue and 3 percent of its operating profit. Chief executive Chris Kempczinski said in a statement: "We're exceptionally proud of the 62,000 employees who work in our restaurants, along with the hundreds of Russian suppliers who support our business, and our local franchisees. Their dedication and loyalty to McDonald's make today's announcement extremely difficult. Also read | Belarusian PM Roman Golovchenko says Western sanctions are blocking exports worth more than $16 billion "However, we have a commitment to our global community and must remain steadfast in our values. And our commitment to our values means that we can no longer keep the Arches shining there." On February 24, Russia's President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into pro-Western Ukraine, triggering unprecedented Western sanctions against Russia and sparking an exodus of foreign corporations including H&M, Starbucks and Ikea. The authorities said they were ready to nationalise foreign assets -- as happened with Renault -- and some officials assured Russians that their favourite brands would have domestic alternatives. Officials in Moscow have sought to downplay the gravity of the Western sanctions, promising that Russia will adapt and take steps to stop the flight of foreign currency and capital.

McDonald's to exit Russia, sell business in country

In a recent update on the Ukraine war, the head of Ukraine's military intelligence has said that majority of fighting will be over by year end. For more perspective on this, we're joined by Ruslan Bortnik, Director of the Ukrainian Institute of politics and Umit Nazmi Hazir, Political Scientist from Moscow.

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Will Russian invasion end this year?

United States intelligence report on the ongoing war in Ukraine is painting a grim picture on how the conflict will unfold in the coming few months. Director of National Intelligence Avril D. Haines briefing the senate armed services committee on Tuesday warned that president Putin appears to be preparing for a long conflict.

Russia-Ukraine crisis: Putin preparing for a prolonged conflict, says US Intel chief

Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä, who is on a visit to India, has said that the European country can possibly become a NATO member by this summer.

The statement is significant since Russia last week warned of consequences if Finland and its neighbour Sweden tried to join the US-led military alliance.

The Russian military’s offensive in Ukraine has alarmed these Nordic countries who are now looking to shed their non-alignment policy.

Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, minister Lintilä said, "Finland strongly condemns the Russian attack...And, I have to say, the EU is stronger than ever in this case."

The economic minister is accompanied by a big business delegation and he is expected to meet many Indian ministers.

India’s trade with Finland crossed US$ 1 billion (Euros 870 million) mark, and is heavily in Finland’s favour.

Trade in services is growing and has crossed US$ 1.5 billion (Euros 1.3 billion) mark with many Indian IT companies positioned in Finland.

According to Indian government estimates, Finnish companies invested US$ 497 million between April 2000 and December 2019. Within the EU, Finland ranks 12th among countries investing in India.

More than 100 Finnish companies have operations in India, including through investments. Nokia, Kone, Wartsila, UPM, Fortum, Metso, Huhtamaki, Salcomp, Ahlstrom, etc. have set up their manufacturing facilities in India.

&nbsp;

WION: What is the focus of your visit to India?

Mika Lintilä: India is a very important and interesting partner. Finland is total export country, more than 40 per cent of our GDP is contributed by exports. In this situation, we need more and more companies to do export, bring investment in Finland and so on, and India is very important and has a lot of potential. We already have good relations between our countries. I want to have open doors for Indian companies. I have 13 companies in my delegation who are very interested in cooperating with Indian companies.

&nbsp;

WION: You are going to meet the policymakers, what are you going to tell them&nbsp;and what Finland can offer?

Mika Lintilä: For example, we can cooperate in the research sector, or can focus on our biggest challenge—climate change. Finland is one of the front runners in new technologies in the energy sector, like circular economy. We can offer (assistance) in the energy sector. This could be a sector in which we can have more cooperation.

&nbsp;

WION: Basically, you are mentioning clean energy

Mika Lintilä: Over 50 per cent of our energy needs come from renewable energy sources. We have different ways, like wind power, a little bit of solar power, not so much as India, biomass and so on. The one area where Finland has been a major player is the waste to energy. I am 100 per cent sure, we can offer you solutions where you can use waste to energy better.

&nbsp;

WION: What is Finland’s stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine?

Mika Lintilä: Finland strongly condemns the Russian attack. It is totally violent and against international law. Of course, war in Europe is very complicated, people are nervous. I have to say that the EU is stronger than ever in this case.

&nbsp;

WION: Europe is heavily reliant on Russian energy, what is your government doing to address that?

Mika Lintilä: Actually, our situation is quite good, because, for example, we import oil from other countries as well. Only 5 per cent of our energy needs are met with the Russian gas. But it could be a big challenge for Germany which uses a lot of Russian gas.

&nbsp;

WION: What can you do to help the European continent to reduce its dependency on Russian energy?

Mika Lintilä: We already have independent production in the energy sector, but as I said, there are a lot of European countries who are reliant on Russian gas. They have to find a new way to reduce their dependence and develop other sources of energy.

&nbsp;

WION: Will Finland join NATO? Because this is something that has been in news, and we saw the reaction from Moscow, which has sounded a warning

Mika Lintilä: The security situation is totally different as it was a few months ago. It could be possible that both countries or I can say that the Finish side could possibly join NATO this summer.

&nbsp;

WION: Indian PM will be visiting Denmark for the India-Nordic summit. We are going to have the Nordic leaders' summit as well, what will be the key focus?

Mika Lintilä: I don't know what will be discussed, but I can imagine that they are watching the big picture in the security situation globally and especially in Europe. Of course, they discussed how to continue relations with Russia. But they were talking before the invasion scenario. Now, it is difficult as these sanctions are tight.

&nbsp;

WION: Are European sanctions working on Russian leadership?

Mika Lintilä: I think sanctions working are better, but the main question is the energy sector, especially gas and oil. I am sure, the next sanctions will be on oil. In the financial sector, sanctions are tight and they work very well.

Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä, who is on a visit to India, has said that the European country can possibly become a NATO member by this summer.

Finland’s Minister of Economic Affairs Mika Lintilä, who is on a visit to India, has said that the European country can possibly become a NATO member by this summer. The statement is significant since Russia last week warned of consequences if Finland and its neighbour Sweden tried to join the US-led military alliance. The Russian military’s offensive in Ukraine has alarmed these Nordic countries who are now looking to shed their non-alignment policy. Speaking to WION’s Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, minister Lintilä said, "Finland strongly condemns the Russian attack...And, I have to say, the EU is stronger than ever in this case." The economic minister is accompanied by a big business delegation and he is expected to meet many Indian ministers. India’s trade with Finland crossed US$ 1 billion (Euros 870 million) mark, and is heavily in Finland’s favour. Trade in services is growing and has crossed US$ 1.5 billion (Euros 1.3 billion) mark with many Indian IT companies positioned in Finland. According to Indian government estimates, Finnish companies invested US$ 497 million between April 2000 and December 2019. Within the EU, Finland ranks 12th among countries investing in India. More than 100 Finnish companies have operations in India, including through investments. Nokia, Kone, Wartsila, UPM, Fortum, Metso, Huhtamaki, Salcomp, Ahlstrom, etc. have set up their manufacturing facilities in India. WION: What is the focus of your visit to India? Mika Lintilä: India is a very important and interesting partner. Finland is total export country, more than 40 per cent of our GDP is contributed by exports. In this situation, we need more and more companies to do export, bring investment in Finland and so on, and India is very important and has a lot of potential. We already have good relations between our countries. I want to have open doors for Indian companies. I have 13 companies in my delegation who are very interested in cooperating with Indian companies. WION: You are going to meet the policymakers, what are you going to tell them and what Finland can offer? Mika Lintilä: For example, we can cooperate in the research sector, or can focus on our biggest challenge—climate change. Finland is one of the front runners in new technologies in the energy sector, like circular economy. We can offer (assistance) in the energy sector. This could be a sector in which we can have more cooperation. WION: Basically, you are mentioning clean energy Mika Lintilä: Over 50 per cent of our energy needs come from renewable energy sources. We have different ways, like wind power, a little bit of solar power, not so much as India, biomass and so on. The one area where Finland has been a major player is the waste to energy. I am 100 per cent sure, we can offer you solutions where you can use waste to energy better. WION: What is Finland’s stance on the Russian invasion of Ukraine? Mika Lintilä: Finland strongly condemns the Russian attack. It is totally violent and against international law. Of course, war in Europe is very complicated, people are nervous. I have to say that the EU is stronger than ever in this case. WION: Europe is heavily reliant on Russian energy, what is your government doing to address that? Mika Lintilä: Actually, our situation is quite good, because, for example, we import oil from other countries as well. Only 5 per cent of our energy needs are met with the Russian gas. But it could be a big challenge for Germany which uses a lot of Russian gas. WION: What can you do to help the European continent to reduce its dependency on Russian energy? Mika Lintilä: We already have independent production in the energy sector, but as I said, there are a lot of European countries who are reliant on Russian gas. They have to find a new way to reduce their dependence and develop other sources of energy. WION: Will Finland join NATO? Because this is something that has been in news, and we saw the reaction from Moscow, which has sounded a warning Mika Lintilä: The security situation is totally different as it was a few months ago. It could be possible that both countries or I can say that the Finish side could possibly join NATO this summer. WION: Indian PM will be visiting Denmark for the India-Nordic summit. We are going to have the Nordic leaders' summit as well, what will be the key focus? Mika Lintilä: I don't know what will be discussed, but I can imagine that they are watching the big picture in the security situation globally and especially in Europe. Of course, they discussed how to continue relations with Russia. But they were talking before the invasion scenario. Now, it is difficult as these sanctions are tight. WION: Are European sanctions working on Russian leadership? Mika Lintilä: I think sanctions working are better, but the main question is the energy sector, especially gas and oil. I am sure, the next sanctions will be on oil. In the financial sector, sanctions are tight and they work very well.

Finland can possibly join NATO this summer: Minister Lintilä to WION

Reports say Joe Biden's Press Secretary Jen Psaki is leaving the White House for a job at MSNBC. Does this count as a conflict of interest? Why do American journalists consistently dabble in politics? Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you.

Gravitas: Jen Psaki to leave White House for MSNBC gig

Israeli security forces on Thursday raided a&nbsp;West&nbsp;Bank&nbsp;town after&nbsp;three&nbsp;deadly attacks rocked the Jewish state in a week, with two Palestinians shot&nbsp;dead&nbsp;and a third killed after he launched a knife attack on a bus.

The&nbsp;violence&nbsp;comes after a Palestinian armed with an M-16 assault rifle killed five Israeli civilians in the streets of Bnei Brak, an Orthodox Jewish city near Tel Aviv, on Tuesday night.

That shooting took to 11 the number of people killed in the week of&nbsp;violence&nbsp;carried out by Israeli Arabs and Palestinians, days before the holy Muslim month of Ramadan begins.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-police-on-high-alert-after-5-killed-in-tel-aviv-shooting-466855">Israel Police on high alert after 5 killed in Tel Aviv shooting</a>

The latest bloodshed erupted on Thursday morning when the Israeli army said its soldiers returned fire after being shot at during an operation to arrest suspects in the&nbsp;West&nbsp;Bank&nbsp;city of Jenin.

"During the activity, Palestinian gunmen opened fire at the troops. IDF troops responded with fire," the army said in a statement, adding that one soldier was hospitalised.

The Palestinian health ministry said "the Israeli occupation forces" killed two Palestinians, both males aged 17 and 23, in Jenin and another 15 were wounded.

Later on Thursday morning, a Palestinian stabbed an Israeli civilian on a bus south of the&nbsp;West&nbsp;Bank&nbsp;city of Bethlehem, the army said, before "a civilian on the bus shot the terrorist&nbsp;dead."

Shaare Zedek hospital in Jerusalem said they treated a man aged about 30 for stab wounds to his torso.

The Palestinian health ministry identified the alleged assailant as Nidal Jumaa Jafara, 30.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-prime-minister-naftali-bennett-delays-india-trip-after-covid-infection-466580">Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett delays India trip after Covid infection</a>

Islamic Jihad warning&nbsp;

The Gaza Strip-based secretary general of the Islamic Jihad, Ziad Al-Nakhala, announced in a statement that the group's armed wing would step up activities "in light of the storming of Jenin camp by the Zionist enemy army".

The&nbsp;violence&nbsp;has cast a pall ahead of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which begins this weekend.

Last year, clashes in the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem escalated into 11 days of bloody conflict between Israel and the Hamas Islamic group that controls the Gaza Strip.

Early Thursday, far-right Israeli lawmaker Itamar Ben Gvir taunted Hamas as he walked the Al-Aqsa compound, which Jews revere as the site of two ancient temples.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-thinks-of-buying-israeli-anti-missile-system-466033"> Germany thinks of buying Israeli anti-missile system Iron Dome</a>

"All night Hamas threatened me and said that I was in the line of fire and told me not to come here, I say to the Hamas spokesman shut up," he said.

Israel captured the&nbsp;West&nbsp;Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem in the Six-Day War of 1967. Palestinians seek to end Israel's rule of those territories and build an independent state on the land.

Peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians have been frozen for years.

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is opposed to a Palestinian state, and instead has pursued a policy of economic easements for Palestinians.

Bennett is also a former settler leader and construction of Israeli settlements in the&nbsp;West&nbsp;Bank&nbsp;has continued unabated, despite his diverse coalition that ranges from nationalists to Israeli doves to an Arab Muslim party.

Nearly half a million Israelis live settlements across the&nbsp;West&nbsp;Bank&nbsp;that are considered illegal under international law.

Watch |&nbsp;The rise in gun attacks in Israel: PM Bennett to convene security cabinet today

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-rise-in-gun-attacks-in-israel-pm-bennett-to-convene-security-cabinet-today-466847/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Israeli security forces on Thursday raided a West Bank town after three deadly attacks rocked the Jewish state in a week, with two Palestinians shot dead and a third killed after he launched a knife attack on a bus.

Israeli security forces on Thursday raided a West Bank town after three deadly attacks rocked the Jewish state in a week, with two Palestinians shot dead and a third killed after he launched a knife attack on a bus. The violence comes after a Palestinian armed with an M-16 assault rifle killed five Israeli civilians in the streets of Bnei Brak, an Orthodox Jewish city near Tel Aviv, on Tuesday night. That shooting took to 11 the number of people killed in the week of violence carried out by Israeli Arabs and Palestinians, days before the holy Muslim month of Ramadan begins. Also read | Israel Police on high alert after 5 killed in Tel Aviv shooting The latest bloodshed erupted on Thursday morning when the Israeli army said its soldiers returned fire after being shot at during an operation to arrest suspects in the West Bank city of Jenin. "During the activity, Palestinian gunmen opened fire at the troops. IDF troops responded with fire," the army said in a statement, adding that one soldier was hospitalised. The Palestinian health ministry said "the Israeli occupation forces" killed two Palestinians, both males aged 17 and 23, in Jenin and another 15 were wounded. Later on Thursday morning, a Palestinian stabbed an Israeli civilian on a bus south of the West Bank city of Bethlehem, the army said, before "a civilian on the bus shot the terrorist dead." Shaare Zedek hospital in Jerusalem said they treated a man aged about 30 for stab wounds to his torso. The Palestinian health ministry identified the alleged assailant as Nidal Jumaa Jafara, 30. Also read | Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett delays India trip after Covid infection Islamic Jihad warning The Gaza Strip-based secretary general of the Islamic Jihad, Ziad Al-Nakhala, announced in a statement that the group's armed wing would step up activities "in light of the storming of Jenin camp by the Zionist enemy army". The violence has cast a pall ahead of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which begins this weekend. Last year, clashes in the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem escalated into 11 days of bloody conflict between Israel and the Hamas Islamic group that controls the Gaza Strip. Early Thursday, far-right Israeli lawmaker Itamar Ben Gvir taunted Hamas as he walked the Al-Aqsa compound, which Jews revere as the site of two ancient temples. Also read | Germany thinks of buying Israeli anti-missile system Iron Dome "All night Hamas threatened me and said that I was in the line of fire and told me not to come here, I say to the Hamas spokesman shut up," he said. Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem in the Six-Day War of 1967. Palestinians seek to end Israel's rule of those territories and build an independent state on the land. Peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians have been frozen for years. Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is opposed to a Palestinian state, and instead has pursued a policy of economic easements for Palestinians. Bennett is also a former settler leader and construction of Israeli settlements in the West Bank has continued unabated, despite his diverse coalition that ranges from nationalists to Israeli doves to an Arab Muslim party. Nearly half a million Israelis live settlements across the West Bank that are considered illegal under international law. Watch | The rise in gun attacks in Israel: PM Bennett to convene security cabinet today

Three dead as West Bank violence escalates

As Russia-Ukraine conflict intensifies, mourners seem to be defying missile threats for attending military funerals in Lviv, a Reuters report said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

For last few days, Lviv's skyline has been witnessing clouds of black smoke every now and then due to the relentless missile strikes carried out by the Russian forces. &nbsp;

On Sunday, mourners began gathering to bury Ukrainian soldiers killed in the ongoing war with Russia in Lviv. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-trying-to-split-ukraine-in-two-like-koreas-says-intelligence-chief-466187">Russia trying to split Ukraine in two, like Koreas, says intelligence chief&nbsp;</a>

The firefighters in the city have put out fire at an oil depot, which was struck by rockets the day before. &nbsp;

A crowd gathered at Saints Peter and Paul Garrison Church in Ukraine’s western capital, which is just 60 km from the border with Poland. &nbsp;

“I knew that the churches would be very crowded today. I was so worried about today,” said 70-year-old retiree Liubov Odnorih told Reuters. &nbsp;

Watch | Ukraine-Russia conflict: Why Zurich insurance drops 'Z' from its logo?

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She was one of many people, who crammed into the Ukrainian Greek Catholic church to attend the funeral of two soldiers, who were killed in other parts of the country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Russia is looking to divide Ukraine into two separate nations, like North and South Korea, Ukraine's military intelligence chief said on Sunday. &nbsp; &nbsp;

In the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic in Ukraine, a local leader on Sunday said the region may soon organise a vote on joining Russia. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a statement released by the Defense Ministry, Kyrylo Budanov, head, Ukrainian military intelligence, said the vote is "an attempt to create North and South Korea in Ukraine". &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

As Russia-Ukraine conflict intensifies, mourners seem to be defying missile threats for attending military funerals in Lviv, a Reuters report said. For last few days, Lviv's skyline has been witnessing clouds of black smoke every now and then due to the relentless missile strikes carried out by the Russian forces.

As Russia-Ukraine conflict intensifies, mourners seem to be defying missile threats for attending military funerals in Lviv, a Reuters report said. For last few days, Lviv's skyline has been witnessing clouds of black smoke every now and then due to the relentless missile strikes carried out by the Russian forces. On Sunday, mourners began gathering to bury Ukrainian soldiers killed in the ongoing war with Russia in Lviv. Also Read: Russia trying to split Ukraine in two, like Koreas, says intelligence chief The firefighters in the city have put out fire at an oil depot, which was struck by rockets the day before. A crowd gathered at Saints Peter and Paul Garrison Church in Ukraine’s western capital, which is just 60 km from the border with Poland. “I knew that the churches would be very crowded today. I was so worried about today,” said 70-year-old retiree Liubov Odnorih told Reuters. Watch | Ukraine-Russia conflict: Why Zurich insurance drops 'Z' from its logo? × She was one of many people, who crammed into the Ukrainian Greek Catholic church to attend the funeral of two soldiers, who were killed in other parts of the country. Meanwhile, Russia is looking to divide Ukraine into two separate nations, like North and South Korea, Ukraine's military intelligence chief said on Sunday. In the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic in Ukraine, a local leader on Sunday said the region may soon organise a vote on joining Russia. In a statement released by the Defense Ministry, Kyrylo Budanov, head, Ukrainian military intelligence, said the vote is "an attempt to create North and South Korea in Ukraine". (With inputs from agencies)

As conflict with Russia intensifies, mourners defy missile threats to attend Ukrainian military funerals

The Saudi-led&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;launched&nbsp;air&nbsp;strikes&nbsp;Sunday on&nbsp;Yemen&nbsp;hours after Huthi rebels announced a three-day&nbsp;truce, with the UN chief condemning a surge in violence as the war enters its eighth year.

The raids targeted Sanaa, the&nbsp;rebel-held capital, according to Saudi Arabia's Al Ekhbariya TV, which tweeted "the start of&nbsp;air&nbsp;strikes&nbsp;on Huthi camps and strongholds in Sanaa" around midnight.

The attacks began shortly after the Iran-backed Huthis announced a three-day&nbsp;truce&nbsp;and offered peace talks on condition that the Saudis stop their&nbsp;air&nbsp;strikes&nbsp;and blockade of&nbsp;Yemen&nbsp;and remove "foreign forces".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthi-rebels-claim-oil-plant-attack-as-huge-fire-erupts-in-jeddah-465548">Yemen's Houthi rebels claim responsibility for oil plant attack as huge fire erupts in Jeddah</a>

Just a day earlier, the rebels had fired drones and missiles at 16 targets in Saudi Arabia, turning an oil plant near Jeddah's Formula One track into a raging inferno as aghast drivers looked on.

The flurry of attacks and diplomacy came as&nbsp;Yemen, the Arab world's poorest country, on Saturday marked seven years since the Saudi-led intervention against the Huthis, who seized Sanaa in 2014.

The conflict has killed hundreds of thousands of people directly or indirectly and displaced millions, creating what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday condemned the sudden rise in hostilities.

He said that eight civilians, including five children and two women, were reportedly killed in retaliatory&nbsp;strikes&nbsp;on Sanaa following Friday's&nbsp;rebel&nbsp;attacks.

The UN staff compound in the city was also damaged, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-iran-aligned-houthi-group-claim-responsibility-for-drone-attack-on-saudi-arabia-464007">Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group claims responsibility for drone attack on Saudi Arabia</a>

"The Secretary-General strongly condemns the recent escalation of the conflict in&nbsp;Yemen," the statement said, adding that Guterres is "deeply concerned" about reports of&nbsp;coalition&nbsp;attacks on the lifeline port of Hodeida.

He urged the warring parties to "immediately de-escalate" and reach a "negotiated settlement" with the help of Hans Grundberg, the UN's special envoy to&nbsp;Yemen.

Thousands of people demonstrated in Sanaa on Saturday, holding placards and chanting, to denounce the Saudi-led intervention which included nine countries when it was launched on March 26, 2015.

Today, it is largely just Saudi Arabia and, to a lesser extent, the United Arab Emirates, which says it has withdrawn troops from&nbsp;Yemen&nbsp;but remains an active player, training militias on the ground.

The&nbsp;coalition's intervention has stopped the Huthis' advances in the south and east of the country but has been unable to push them out of the north, including Sanaa.

"Militarily, the war is now at stalemate," Elisabeth Kendall, a researcher at Oxford University, told AFP this week.

Saudi Arabia "may at this point be keen to extract itself" from&nbsp;Yemen, she said.

Watch |&nbsp;Yemen's Houthis claims attack Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia's Jeddah

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The Saudi-led coalition launched air strikes Sunday on Yemen hours after Huthi rebels announced a three-day truce, with the UN chief condemning a surge in violence as the war enters its eighth year.

The Saudi-led coalition launched air strikes Sunday on Yemen hours after Huthi rebels announced a three-day truce, with the UN chief condemning a surge in violence as the war enters its eighth year. The raids targeted Sanaa, the rebel-held capital, according to Saudi Arabia's Al Ekhbariya TV, which tweeted "the start of air strikes on Huthi camps and strongholds in Sanaa" around midnight. The attacks began shortly after the Iran-backed Huthis announced a three-day truce and offered peace talks on condition that the Saudis stop their air strikes and blockade of Yemen and remove "foreign forces". Also read | Yemen's Houthi rebels claim responsibility for oil plant attack as huge fire erupts in Jeddah Just a day earlier, the rebels had fired drones and missiles at 16 targets in Saudi Arabia, turning an oil plant near Jeddah's Formula One track into a raging inferno as aghast drivers looked on. The flurry of attacks and diplomacy came as Yemen, the Arab world's poorest country, on Saturday marked seven years since the Saudi-led intervention against the Huthis, who seized Sanaa in 2014. The conflict has killed hundreds of thousands of people directly or indirectly and displaced millions, creating what the United Nations calls the world's worst humanitarian crisis. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday condemned the sudden rise in hostilities. He said that eight civilians, including five children and two women, were reportedly killed in retaliatory strikes on Sanaa following Friday's rebel attacks. The UN staff compound in the city was also damaged, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement. Also read | Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group claims responsibility for drone attack on Saudi Arabia "The Secretary-General strongly condemns the recent escalation of the conflict in Yemen," the statement said, adding that Guterres is "deeply concerned" about reports of coalition attacks on the lifeline port of Hodeida. He urged the warring parties to "immediately de-escalate" and reach a "negotiated settlement" with the help of Hans Grundberg, the UN's special envoy to Yemen. Thousands of people demonstrated in Sanaa on Saturday, holding placards and chanting, to denounce the Saudi-led intervention which included nine countries when it was launched on March 26, 2015. Today, it is largely just Saudi Arabia and, to a lesser extent, the United Arab Emirates, which says it has withdrawn troops from Yemen but remains an active player, training militias on the ground. The coalition's intervention has stopped the Huthis' advances in the south and east of the country but has been unable to push them out of the north, including Sanaa. "Militarily, the war is now at stalemate," Elisabeth Kendall, a researcher at Oxford University, told AFP this week. Saudi Arabia "may at this point be keen to extract itself" from Yemen, she said. Watch | Yemen's Houthis claims attack Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia's Jeddah

Coalition air strikes pummel Yemen despite rebel truce

Tigrayan&nbsp;rebels&nbsp;agreed to a "cessation&nbsp;of&nbsp;hostilities" on Friday, a new turning point in the nearly 17-month war in northern&nbsp;Ethiopia&nbsp;following the government's announcement of an indefinite humanitarian truce a day earlier.

The&nbsp;rebels&nbsp;said in a&nbsp;statement&nbsp;sent to AFP early Friday that they were "committed to implementing a&nbsp;cessation&nbsp;of&nbsp;hostilities&nbsp;effective immediately," and urged Ethiopian authorities to hasten delivery of emergency aid into&nbsp;Tigray, where hundreds of thousands face starvation.

Since war broke out in November 2020, thousands have died, and many more have been forced to flee their homes as the conflict has expanded from&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;to the neighbouring regions of Amhara and Afar.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-vows-probe-into-gruesome-video-of-man-on-fire-461681">Ethiopia vows probe into gruesome video of man on fire</a>

On Thursday, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government declared a surprise truce, saying it hoped the move would ease humanitarian access to&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;and "pave the way for the resolution of the conflict" in northern&nbsp;Ethiopia.

It called on the&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;People's Liberation Front (TPLF) to "desist from all acts of further aggression and withdraw from areas they have occupied in neighbouring regions."

The&nbsp;rebels&nbsp;in turn urged "the Ethiopian authorities to go beyond empty promises and take concrete steps to facilitate unfettered humanitarian access to&nbsp;Tigray."

The conflict erupted when Abiy sent troops into&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;to topple the TPLF, the region's former ruling party, saying the move came in response to rebel attacks on army camps.&nbsp;

Fighting has dragged on for over a year, triggering a humanitarian crisis, as accounts have emerged of mass rapes and massacres, with both sides accused of human rights violations.

More than 400,000 people have been displaced in&nbsp;Tigray, according to the UN.

The region has also been subject to what the UN says is a de facto blockade.&nbsp;

The United States has accused Abiy's government of preventing aid from reaching those in need, while the authorities in turn have blamed the&nbsp;rebels&nbsp;for the obstruction.

Nearly 40 percent of the people in&nbsp;Tigray, a region of six million people, face "an extreme lack of food", the UN said in January, with fuel shortages forcing aid workers to deliver medicines and other crucial supplies by foot.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-turns-on-the-turbines-at-giant-nile-hydropower-plant-454780">Ethiopia turns on the turbines at giant Nile hydropower plant</a>

Ceasefire efforts

Western nations have been urging both sides to&nbsp;agree&nbsp;to a ceasefire, with the US, the European Union, the UK and Canada hailing the truce declaration.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States "urges all parties to build on this announcement to advance a negotiated and sustainable ceasefire, including necessary security arrangements."

"The #EU welcomes the declaration of a humanitarian truce by the Gov of #Ethiopia&nbsp;and the&nbsp;statement&nbsp;on&nbsp;cessation&nbsp;of&nbsp;hostilities&nbsp;by the Tigrayan Authorities", the EU delegation to&nbsp;Ethiopia&nbsp;said on Twitter.

Washington angered&nbsp;Ethiopia's government by removing trading privileges for the country over rights concerns during the war, but has stopped short of imposing sanctions in hopes of encouraging a ceasefire.

The new US special envoy for the Horn of Africa, David Satterfield, visited&nbsp;Ethiopia&nbsp;this week to meet the African Union's envoy to the region Olusegun Obasanjo, government and UN officials, as well as representatives of humanitarian groups.&nbsp;

Diplomats led by Obasanjo have been trying for months to broker peace talks, with little evident progress so far.

Analysts said the truce was an important step but urged the government to follow up the announcement with action and ease humanitarian access to&nbsp;Tigray, where hundreds of thousands are living in famine-like conditions, according to the UN.

"The unconditional and unrestricted delivery of aid could also help create enough trust to pave the way for ceasefire talks and, eventually, dialogue," said William Davison, the International Crisis Group's senior analyst for&nbsp;Ethiopia.

Aid shortages

More than nine million people need food aid across Afar, Amhara and&nbsp;Tigray, according to the UN's World Food Programme.

But humanitarian organisations have been forced to increasingly curtail activities because of fuel and supply shortages.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopian-airlines-to-fly-737-max-with-passengers-for-first-time-since-deadly-crash-449675">Ethiopian Airlines to fly 737 MAX with passengers for first time since deadly crash</a>

"WFP operations in the&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;region have ground to a halt, with only emergency fuel stocks and less than one percent of the required food stocks remaining," the agency said this week.&nbsp;

The government previously declared a "unilateral ceasefire" in&nbsp;Tigray&nbsp;in June last year, after the TPLF mounted a shock comeback and retook the region from federal forces before expanding into Amhara and Afar.&nbsp;

But fighting intensified in the second half of 2021, with the&nbsp;rebels&nbsp;at one point claiming to be within 200 kilometres (125 miles) of the capital Addis Ababa, before reaching a stalemate.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Ethiopia's government declares 'Humanitarian truce' in Tigray with rebels

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Tigrayan rebels agreed to a "cessation of hostilities" on Friday, a new turning point in the nearly 17-month war in northern Ethiopia following the government's announcement of an indefinite humanitarian truce a day earlier.

Tigrayan rebels agreed to a "cessation of hostilities" on Friday, a new turning point in the nearly 17-month war in northern Ethiopia following the government's announcement of an indefinite humanitarian truce a day earlier. The rebels said in a statement sent to AFP early Friday that they were "committed to implementing a cessation of hostilities effective immediately," and urged Ethiopian authorities to hasten delivery of emergency aid into Tigray, where hundreds of thousands face starvation. Since war broke out in November 2020, thousands have died, and many more have been forced to flee their homes as the conflict has expanded from Tigray to the neighbouring regions of Amhara and Afar. Also read | Ethiopia vows probe into gruesome video of man on fire On Thursday, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government declared a surprise truce, saying it hoped the move would ease humanitarian access to Tigray and "pave the way for the resolution of the conflict" in northern Ethiopia. It called on the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) to "desist from all acts of further aggression and withdraw from areas they have occupied in neighbouring regions." The rebels in turn urged "the Ethiopian authorities to go beyond empty promises and take concrete steps to facilitate unfettered humanitarian access to Tigray." The conflict erupted when Abiy sent troops into Tigray to topple the TPLF, the region's former ruling party, saying the move came in response to rebel attacks on army camps. Fighting has dragged on for over a year, triggering a humanitarian crisis, as accounts have emerged of mass rapes and massacres, with both sides accused of human rights violations. More than 400,000 people have been displaced in Tigray, according to the UN. The region has also been subject to what the UN says is a de facto blockade. The United States has accused Abiy's government of preventing aid from reaching those in need, while the authorities in turn have blamed the rebels for the obstruction. Nearly 40 percent of the people in Tigray, a region of six million people, face "an extreme lack of food", the UN said in January, with fuel shortages forcing aid workers to deliver medicines and other crucial supplies by foot. Also read | Ethiopia turns on the turbines at giant Nile hydropower plant Ceasefire efforts Western nations have been urging both sides to agree to a ceasefire, with the US, the European Union, the UK and Canada hailing the truce declaration. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States "urges all parties to build on this announcement to advance a negotiated and sustainable ceasefire, including necessary security arrangements." "The #EU welcomes the declaration of a humanitarian truce by the Gov of #Ethiopia and the statement on cessation of hostilities by the Tigrayan Authorities", the EU delegation to Ethiopia said on Twitter. Washington angered Ethiopia's government by removing trading privileges for the country over rights concerns during the war, but has stopped short of imposing sanctions in hopes of encouraging a ceasefire. The new US special envoy for the Horn of Africa, David Satterfield, visited Ethiopia this week to meet the African Union's envoy to the region Olusegun Obasanjo, government and UN officials, as well as representatives of humanitarian groups. Diplomats led by Obasanjo have been trying for months to broker peace talks, with little evident progress so far. Analysts said the truce was an important step but urged the government to follow up the announcement with action and ease humanitarian access to Tigray, where hundreds of thousands are living in famine-like conditions, according to the UN. "The unconditional and unrestricted delivery of aid could also help create enough trust to pave the way for ceasefire talks and, eventually, dialogue," said William Davison, the International Crisis Group's senior analyst for Ethiopia. Aid shortages More than nine million people need food aid across Afar, Amhara and Tigray, according to the UN's World Food Programme. But humanitarian organisations have been forced to increasingly curtail activities because of fuel and supply shortages. Also read | Ethiopian Airlines to fly 737 MAX with passengers for first time since deadly crash "WFP operations in the Tigray region have ground to a halt, with only emergency fuel stocks and less than one percent of the required food stocks remaining," the agency said this week. The government previously declared a "unilateral ceasefire" in Tigray in June last year, after the TPLF mounted a shock comeback and retook the region from federal forces before expanding into Amhara and Afar. But fighting intensified in the second half of 2021, with the rebels at one point claiming to be within 200 kilometres (125 miles) of the capital Addis Ababa, before reaching a stalemate. Watch | Ethiopia's government declares 'Humanitarian truce' in Tigray with rebels

Tigray rebels agree to 'cessation of hostilities'

As the Russian-Ukraine war&nbsp;rages on, several donation pages have emerged in the dark web asking for funds in cryptocurrencies for the Ukrainian cause.

Check Point Research, the threat intelligence arm of the cybersecurity solutions provider, has reported that while some are running genuine donation&nbsp;services, many fake ads have flooded the dark web.

The darknet is a part of the internet that is invisible to search engines and can only be accessed through anonymous browsers.

Several prominent organisations like BBC and Twitter have been using the dark web to bring regular updates to Russia as their services have been restricted in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

However, in the midst of all these, several scammers have been running fake donation camps to collect money with&nbsp;‘Help Ukraine’ advertisements.

“CPR has always taken a close look at the Darknet. Last year, we found advertisements for fake coronavirus services. Now, we’re seeing donation scams appear on the Darknet, as the Russia-Ukraine conflict intensifies," says Oded Vanunu, head of product vulnerabilities research at Check Point Software.

One such ad featured a mother and her children, who were in bad shape and needed money to escape the war-torn country. However, the image was unrelated and was taken out of context from a German newspaper, Vanunu said.

It said that sites such as Defend Ukraine, and an accompanying Twitter account has been found to be reliable.

The website contains a list of organisations and NGOs in Ukraine in need of assistance and solicits donations in both bitcoin and ethereum. It has received over $9m in funding since being registered in February 2022.

As the Russian-Ukraine war rages on, several donation pages have emerged in the dark web asking for funds in cryptocurrencies for the Ukrainian cause. Check Point Research, the threat intelligence arm of the cybersecurity solutions provider, has reported that while some are running genuine donation services, many fake ads have flooded the dark web.

As the Russian-Ukraine war rages on, several donation pages have emerged in the dark web asking for funds in cryptocurrencies for the Ukrainian cause. Check Point Research, the threat intelligence arm of the cybersecurity solutions provider, has reported that while some are running genuine donation services, many fake ads have flooded the dark web. The darknet is a part of the internet that is invisible to search engines and can only be accessed through anonymous browsers. Several prominent organisations like BBC and Twitter have been using the dark web to bring regular updates to Russia as their services have been restricted in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, in the midst of all these, several scammers have been running fake donation camps to collect money with ‘Help Ukraine’ advertisements. “CPR has always taken a close look at the Darknet. Last year, we found advertisements for fake coronavirus services. Now, we’re seeing donation scams appear on the Darknet, as the Russia-Ukraine conflict intensifies," says Oded Vanunu, head of product vulnerabilities research at Check Point Software. One such ad featured a mother and her children, who were in bad shape and needed money to escape the war-torn country. However, the image was unrelated and was taken out of context from a German newspaper, Vanunu said. It said that sites such as Defend Ukraine, and an accompanying Twitter account has been found to be reliable. The website contains a list of organisations and NGOs in Ukraine in need of assistance and solicits donations in both bitcoin and ethereum. It has received over $9m in funding since being registered in February 2022.

Cashing in on Ukrainian war: Scammers running crypto scam on dark web, says report

Will the G20 soon become the G19? Will Russia be excluded from the major economies as a punishment for the ongoing crisis in Ukraine?

Ukraine conflict: After G8, G20 exclusion for Russia?

As the conflict intensifies, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for comprehensive peace talks with Russia on Saturday. &nbsp; &nbsp;

He said Russia would otherwise need generations to recover from losses suffered during the invasion. &nbsp;

Ukraine had always offered solutions for peace and wanted meaningful and honest negotiations on peace and security, without any delay, Zelensky said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-firm-sells-zelensky-motolov-cocktails-legos-raises-160000-for-ukraine-463447" hreflang="en">US firm sells Zelensky, Motolov cocktails’ Legos, raises $160,000 for Ukraine</a>

In a video address, which was released in the early hours of Saturday, he said, "I want everyone to hear me now, especially in Moscow. The time has come for a meeting, it is time to talk. The time has come to restore territorial integrity and justice for Ukraine. Otherwise, Russia's losses will be such that it will take you several generations to recover." &nbsp;

Although the two sides have been conducting talks for weeks, there have been no signs of breakthrough. &nbsp;

Russian forces have been deliberately blocking the humanitarian supplies to cities under attack, Zelensky said. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-ukraine-conflict-intensifies-russian-president-vladimir-putin-issues-warning-to-traitors-463306" hreflang="en">As Ukraine conflict intensifies, Russian President Vladimir Putin issues warning to 'traitors'</a>

"This is a deliberate tactic ... This is a war crime and they will answer for it, 100%," the president said. &nbsp;

There was no information about how many people have been killed after a theatre in Mariupol was struck on Wednesday, Zelensky said. Hundreds of people had taken shelter at the theatre. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As the conflict intensifies, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for comprehensive peace talks with Russia on Saturday. He said Russia would otherwise need generations to recover from losses suffered during the invasion.

As the conflict intensifies, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for comprehensive peace talks with Russia on Saturday. He said Russia would otherwise need generations to recover from losses suffered during the invasion. Ukraine had always offered solutions for peace and wanted meaningful and honest negotiations on peace and security, without any delay, Zelensky said. Also Read: US firm sells Zelensky, Motolov cocktails’ Legos, raises $160,000 for Ukraine In a video address, which was released in the early hours of Saturday, he said, "I want everyone to hear me now, especially in Moscow. The time has come for a meeting, it is time to talk. The time has come to restore territorial integrity and justice for Ukraine. Otherwise, Russia's losses will be such that it will take you several generations to recover." Although the two sides have been conducting talks for weeks, there have been no signs of breakthrough. Russian forces have been deliberately blocking the humanitarian supplies to cities under attack, Zelensky said. Also Read: As Ukraine conflict intensifies, Russian President Vladimir Putin issues warning to 'traitors' "This is a deliberate tactic ... This is a war crime and they will answer for it, 100%," the president said. There was no information about how many people have been killed after a theatre in Mariupol was struck on Wednesday, Zelensky said. Hundreds of people had taken shelter at the theatre. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Time for meaningful talks, says President Volodymyr Zelensky

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.

Russia is gathering reinforcements from across the country as it is facing “personnel losses” in the Ukrainian war, UK defence ministry’s latest public intelligence assessment report said.

The report, released on Tuesday, stated that Vladimir Putin is “increasingly seeking to generate additional troops to bolster and replace its personnel losses in Ukraine.”

&nbsp;The UK ministry said Russia was redeploying forces from as far away as "its Eastern Military District, Pacific Fleet and Armenia" and was increasingly tapping other sources of fighters such as "private military companies, Syrians, and other mercenaries."

“Russia is increasingly seeking to generate additional troops to bolster and replace its personnel losses. It is likely that Russia is struggling to conduct offensive operations in the face of sustained Ukrainian resistance,” the assessment said.

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Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 15 March 2022 
 
Find out more about the UK government's response: <a href="https://t.co/sdQNbNojkk">https://t.co/sdQNbNojkk</a> 
 
🇺🇦 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/StandWithUkraine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StandWithUkraine</a> 🇺🇦 <a href="https://t.co/dt3peYkO7y">pic.twitter.com/dt3peYkO7y</a>
— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/DefenceHQ/status/1503851779175370760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/courage-of-true-friends-of-ukraine-european-leaders-defiant-visit-to-kyiv-amid-growing-tension-with-russia-462717">European leaders' defiant visit to Kyiv amid growing tension with Russia</a>

“Russia will likely attempt to use these forces to hold captured territory and free up its combat power to renew stalled offensive operations,” it added.&nbsp;

Earlier, the prime ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovenia travelled to the embattled Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky, despite Russian bombardment of the city.

The three leaders made a long, hazardous journey by rail from Poland to Kyiv in a show of support despite worries within the European Union about the security risks of travelling within a war zone.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/ukraine-refugee-crisis-raises-other-concerns-feeling-women-minors-may-be-targetted-for-trafficking-462747" hreflang="en">Ukraine refugee crisis raises other concerns; fleeing women &amp; minors may be targetted for trafficking</a>

“It is here, in war-torn Kyiv, that history is being made. It is here, that freedom fights against the world of tyranny. It is here that the future of us all hangs in the balance,” tweeted Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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. Russia is gathering reinforcements from across the country as it is facing “personnel losses” in the Ukrainian war, UK defence ministry’s latest public intelligence assessment report said. The report, released on Tuesday, stated that Vladimir Putin is “increasingly seeking to generate additional troops to bolster and replace its personnel losses in Ukraine.” The UK ministry said Russia was redeploying forces from as far away as "its Eastern Military District, Pacific Fleet and Armenia" and was increasingly tapping other sources of fighters such as "private military companies, Syrians, and other mercenaries." “Russia is increasingly seeking to generate additional troops to bolster and replace its personnel losses. It is likely that Russia is struggling to conduct offensive operations in the face of sustained Ukrainian resistance,” the assessment said. Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 15 March 2022 Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/sdQNbNojkk 🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/dt3peYkO7y — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) March 15, 2022 × Also read | European leaders' defiant visit to Kyiv amid growing tension with Russia “Russia will likely attempt to use these forces to hold captured territory and free up its combat power to renew stalled offensive operations,” it added. Earlier, the prime ministers of Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovenia travelled to the embattled Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky, despite Russian bombardment of the city. The three leaders made a long, hazardous journey by rail from Poland to Kyiv in a show of support despite worries within the European Union about the security risks of travelling within a war zone. Also read | Ukraine refugee crisis raises other concerns; fleeing women & minors may be targetted for trafficking “It is here, in war-torn Kyiv, that history is being made. It is here, that freedom fights against the world of tyranny. It is here that the future of us all hangs in the balance,” tweeted Poland’s Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Struggling’ Russia deploying more reinforcements from across country into Ukraine: UK intel

In Russian invasion of Ukraine, fighting is raging on the outskirts of Kyiv. Artillery barrages forced residents to look for shelter in multiple areas around the capital city. &nbsp;

On Saturday, Zelenskyy said that Russia would need to carpet-bomb Kyiv and kill its residents to take the city. “They will come here only if they kill us all. If that is their goal, let them come,” he said.&nbsp;

The bombardment is still ongoing in other cities throughout the country like port city of Mariupol. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The invading forces are pounding the downtown of Mariupol with heavy shelling. Residents are hiding in an iconic mosque and elsewhere. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-send-weapons-worth-200-million-to-help-ukraine-fight-off-russia-461767" hreflang="en">US to send weapons worth $200 million to help Ukraine fight off Russia</a>

Mariupol is witnessing several issues in bringing food, water and medicine and evacuation of trapped civilians. During the siege, more than 1,500 people have died in Mariupol, as per the mayor's office. The continuous shelling has been even interrupting efforts to bury the dead in mass graves. &nbsp;

During a video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said, “They are bombing it (Mariupol) 24 hours a day, launching missiles. It is hatred. They kill children." &nbsp;&nbsp;

On Saturday, the talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire have failed again. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-russia-claims-to-have-besieged-two-big-cities-in-ukraine-455211">LIVE: Ukraine says Russians shot 7 evacuees, including 1 child, near Kyiv</a>

Zelenskyy has also accused Russia of employing 'a new stage of terror' with the alleged detention of a mayor of a different city. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In Irpin, bodies lay out in the open on streets and in a park on Saturday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"We do not have the right to let up our defense, no matter how difficult it may be," Zelenskyy said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In Russian invasion of Ukraine, fighting is raging on the outskirts of Kyiv. Artillery barrages forced residents to look for shelter in multiple areas around the capital city.

In Russian invasion of Ukraine, fighting is raging on the outskirts of Kyiv. Artillery barrages forced residents to look for shelter in multiple areas around the capital city. On Saturday, Zelenskyy said that Russia would need to carpet-bomb Kyiv and kill its residents to take the city. “They will come here only if they kill us all. If that is their goal, let them come,” he said. The bombardment is still ongoing in other cities throughout the country like port city of Mariupol. The invading forces are pounding the downtown of Mariupol with heavy shelling. Residents are hiding in an iconic mosque and elsewhere. Also Read: US to send weapons worth $200 million to help Ukraine fight off Russia Mariupol is witnessing several issues in bringing food, water and medicine and evacuation of trapped civilians. During the siege, more than 1,500 people have died in Mariupol, as per the mayor's office. The continuous shelling has been even interrupting efforts to bury the dead in mass graves. During a video address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said, “They are bombing it (Mariupol) 24 hours a day, launching missiles. It is hatred. They kill children." On Saturday, the talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire have failed again. Also Read | LIVE: Ukraine says Russians shot 7 evacuees, including 1 child, near Kyiv Zelenskyy has also accused Russia of employing 'a new stage of terror' with the alleged detention of a mayor of a different city. In Irpin, bodies lay out in the open on streets and in a park on Saturday. "We do not have the right to let up our defense, no matter how difficult it may be," Zelenskyy said. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Fighting rages on near Kyiv as Mariupol gets pounded heavily

Ethiopia&nbsp;on&nbsp;Saturday vowed to investigate and take action against uniformed soldiers and others seen in a&nbsp;gruesome&nbsp;video&nbsp;burning a&nbsp;man&nbsp;alive in the country's northwest.

The widely shared&nbsp;video, which and sparked outrage&nbsp;on&nbsp;social media late Friday, shows an unarmed&nbsp;man&nbsp;being set&nbsp;on&nbsp;fire&nbsp;as a group of people, including some wearing Ethiopian army uniforms, taunt him in Amharic.

Ethiopia's government communications service said&nbsp;on&nbsp;Saturday that the incident appeared to have occurred in the northwestern region of Benishangul Gumuz, which borders Sudan and South Sudan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ethiopia-turns-on-the-turbines-at-giant-nile-hydropower-plant-454780">Ethiopia turns on the turbines at giant Nile hydropower plant</a>

"The&nbsp;video&nbsp;of the extremely savage act being circulated&nbsp;on&nbsp;social media outlets shows innocents being burned alive," it said in a statement, vowing to "investigate and take legal measures&nbsp;on&nbsp;those...who committed this inhumane, and savage act."

The&nbsp;video&nbsp;could not be independently verified by AFP and it was not immediately clear if the atrocity was connected to the ongoing 16-month war in northern&nbsp;Ethiopia.

The conflict in Africa's second most populous country between government forces and Tigrayan rebels has killed thousands of people, with widespread reports of atrocities including mass killings and sexual violence.

According to the UN, the fighting has also displaced more than two million people, driven hundreds of thousands to the brink of starvation and left more than nine million in need of assistance.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-40-of-tigrayans-face-extreme-lack-of-food-world-food-programme-448980">&nbsp;Nearly 40% of Tigrayans face 'extreme lack of food': World Food Programme</a>

At least 750 civilians were killed or executed in the northern regions of Amhara and Afar after they became caught up in the war last year, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said Friday.

The state-affiliated independent rights body also catalogued a litany of abuses, including torture and gang rape and enforced disappearances, saying some may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.&nbsp;

The report said that Tigrayan rebels sexually assaulted girls and elderly women. It also accused federal and local security forces in Amhara and Afar of widespread arbitrary detentions.

Watch |&nbsp;Ethiopia: UN report on horrific accounts of rape and torture in Tigray region

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ethiopia-un-report-on-horrific-accounts-of-rape-and-torture-in-tigray-region-452638/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A joint investigation by the UN and the EHRC published last November detailed a vast array of rights abuses, mostly blamed&nbsp;on&nbsp;Ethiopian forces and Eritrean troops, who provided military support to Addis Ababa.

Last week, the UN Human Rights Council announced that Fatou Bensouda, a former chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC), would head a UN investigation&nbsp;into&nbsp;a wide range of alleged violations committed by all sides in the war.

Ethiopia on Saturday vowed to investigate and take action against uniformed soldiers and others seen in a gruesome video burning a man alive in the country's northwest.

Ethiopia on Saturday vowed to investigate and take action against uniformed soldiers and others seen in a gruesome video burning a man alive in the country's northwest. The widely shared video, which and sparked outrage on social media late Friday, shows an unarmed man being set on fire as a group of people, including some wearing Ethiopian army uniforms, taunt him in Amharic. Ethiopia's government communications service said on Saturday that the incident appeared to have occurred in the northwestern region of Benishangul Gumuz, which borders Sudan and South Sudan. Also read | Ethiopia turns on the turbines at giant Nile hydropower plant "The video of the extremely savage act being circulated on social media outlets shows innocents being burned alive," it said in a statement, vowing to "investigate and take legal measures on those...who committed this inhumane, and savage act." The video could not be independently verified by AFP and it was not immediately clear if the atrocity was connected to the ongoing 16-month war in northern Ethiopia. The conflict in Africa's second most populous country between government forces and Tigrayan rebels has killed thousands of people, with widespread reports of atrocities including mass killings and sexual violence. According to the UN, the fighting has also displaced more than two million people, driven hundreds of thousands to the brink of starvation and left more than nine million in need of assistance. Also read | Nearly 40% of Tigrayans face 'extreme lack of food': World Food Programme At least 750 civilians were killed or executed in the northern regions of Amhara and Afar after they became caught up in the war last year, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said Friday. The state-affiliated independent rights body also catalogued a litany of abuses, including torture and gang rape and enforced disappearances, saying some may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. The report said that Tigrayan rebels sexually assaulted girls and elderly women. It also accused federal and local security forces in Amhara and Afar of widespread arbitrary detentions. Watch | Ethiopia: UN report on horrific accounts of rape and torture in Tigray region A joint investigation by the UN and the EHRC published last November detailed a vast array of rights abuses, mostly blamed on Ethiopian forces and Eritrean troops, who provided military support to Addis Ababa. Last week, the UN Human Rights Council announced that Fatou Bensouda, a former chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC), would head a UN investigation into a wide range of alleged violations committed by all sides in the war.

Ethiopia vows probe into gruesome video of man on fire

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.&nbsp;

A third top Russian general seems to have been killed by Ukrainian defenders, the Armed Forces of Ukraine claimed on Friday. &nbsp;

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has been intensifying with every hour. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a tweet, Ukraine's military said that they killed Russian Maj Gen Andrey Kolesnikov, who is believed to be the commander of the 29th Combined Arms Army. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-kamala-harris-faces-flak-for-laughing-on-question-over-ukrainian-refugees-fate-461512">Harris faces flak for laughing on question over Ukrainian refugees’ fate</a>

While announcing the general's purported death, Ukraine's armed forces on Twitter, said, "The Russian invaders continue to lose their officers in the war against Ukraine." &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Російські окупанти продовжують втрачати у війні проти України своїх офіцерів. ЗСУ вдалося ліквідувати генерал-майора Андрія Колеснікова, командувача Східного військового округу. <a href="https://t.co/CEBDneqslz">pic.twitter.com/CEBDneqslz</a>
— 🇺🇦Armed Forces (@ArmedForcesUkr) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArmedForcesUkr/status/1502294425992585225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2022</a></blockquote>
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On Friday, several journalists also reported that anonymous Western officials have confirmed that a third Russian major general has been killed during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. &nbsp;

Earlier, a Ukrainian sniper had reportedly killed one of the Russia's top generals, said media reports. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-conflict-russia-violates-nuclear-safety-principles-in-ukraine-says-us-461477" hreflang="en">In conflict, Russia violates nuclear safety principles in Ukraine, says US</a>

In an intense battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces, Maj Gen Andrey Sukhovetsky, deputy commander, 41st Combined Arms Army of Russia's Central Military District, was reportedly killed, as per a Daily Mail report. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Sukhovetsky was killed "by a sniper," the report said citing a military source. &nbsp;

One more Russian general was allegedly killed earlier by Ukrainian forces. The invasion began on February 24.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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. A third top Russian general seems to have been killed by Ukrainian defenders, the Armed Forces of Ukraine claimed on Friday. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has been intensifying with every hour. In a tweet, Ukraine's military said that they killed Russian Maj Gen Andrey Kolesnikov, who is believed to be the commander of the 29th Combined Arms Army. Also Read: Harris faces flak for laughing on question over Ukrainian refugees’ fate While announcing the general's purported death, Ukraine's armed forces on Twitter, said, "The Russian invaders continue to lose their officers in the war against Ukraine." Російські окупанти продовжують втрачати у війні проти України своїх офіцерів. ЗСУ вдалося ліквідувати генерал-майора Андрія Колеснікова, командувача Східного військового округу. pic.twitter.com/CEBDneqslz — 🇺🇦Armed Forces (@ArmedForcesUkr) March 11, 2022 × On Friday, several journalists also reported that anonymous Western officials have confirmed that a third Russian major general has been killed during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Earlier, a Ukrainian sniper had reportedly killed one of the Russia's top generals, said media reports. Also Read: In conflict, Russia violates nuclear safety principles in Ukraine, says US In an intense battle between Russian and Ukrainian forces, Maj Gen Andrey Sukhovetsky, deputy commander, 41st Combined Arms Army of Russia's Central Military District, was reportedly killed, as per a Daily Mail report. Sukhovetsky was killed "by a sniper," the report said citing a military source. One more Russian general was allegedly killed earlier by Ukrainian forces. The invasion began on February 24. (With inputs from agencies)

As conflict intensifies, Ukrainian defenders claim to kill Russia’s third general

Russian forces have destroyed at least $100 billion worth infrastructure, buildings and other assets in the conflict till now, said Ukraine's top government economic adviser Oleg Ustenko on Thursday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

At an online event, which was hosted by the Peterson Institute for International Economics, Ustenko, chief economic adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said the invasion has caused 50% Ukrainian businesses to shut down completely. The rest are operating at below capacity. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-security-council-to-discuss-russian-claim-of-us-backed-biowarfare-labs-in-ukraine-461110">UNSC to discuss Russian claim of US-backed biowarfare labs in Ukraine</a>

The damage estimate is "very approximate" and just includes bridges, hospitals, roads, equipment and other assets, he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

For financing the reconstruction effort in the country, Ustenko said some part of it can come from Russian assets frozen around the world. It can include Russian central bank assets held outside the country and immobilised by Western sanctions. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The assets of wealthy Russian oligarchs, which have been seized, could also be transferred to a reconstruction fund, he added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-ukraine-needs-surface-to-air-missiles-not-fighter-jets-to-fight-formidable-russian-air-force-461103">Ukraine needs surface-to-air missiles, not fighter jets: US</a>

Ukraine's fiscal reserves are currently at about $27.5 billion, which is down from about $30 billion before the invasion, Ustenko said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

When asked about the resilience of Ukraine's financial system and bank payment operations, Ustenko said, "Look, we are doing, I would say, OK under the current circumstances. Even in those cities surrounded by now by the Russian army...(residents) are able use their cards.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Russian forces have destroyed at least $100 billion worth infrastructure, buildings and other assets in the conflict till now, said Ukraine's top government economic adviser Oleg Ustenko on Thursday.

Russian forces have destroyed at least $100 billion worth infrastructure, buildings and other assets in the conflict till now, said Ukraine's top government economic adviser Oleg Ustenko on Thursday. At an online event, which was hosted by the Peterson Institute for International Economics, Ustenko, chief economic adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said the invasion has caused 50% Ukrainian businesses to shut down completely. The rest are operating at below capacity. Also Read: UNSC to discuss Russian claim of US-backed biowarfare labs in Ukraine The damage estimate is "very approximate" and just includes bridges, hospitals, roads, equipment and other assets, he said. For financing the reconstruction effort in the country, Ustenko said some part of it can come from Russian assets frozen around the world. It can include Russian central bank assets held outside the country and immobilised by Western sanctions. The assets of wealthy Russian oligarchs, which have been seized, could also be transferred to a reconstruction fund, he added. Also Read | Ukraine needs surface-to-air missiles, not fighter jets: US Ukraine's fiscal reserves are currently at about $27.5 billion, which is down from about $30 billion before the invasion, Ustenko said. When asked about the resilience of Ukraine's financial system and bank payment operations, Ustenko said, "Look, we are doing, I would say, OK under the current circumstances. Even in those cities surrounded by now by the Russian army...(residents) are able use their cards.” (With inputs from agencies)

In conflict, Russian forces destroyed $100 billion worth infrastructure till now, says Ukraine's official

Since the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, several civilian and military establishments in the eastern European nation have been hit badly. &nbsp;

But the phone lines and internet are still working. Is it intentional or has Russia failed to tear it down? &nbsp;

Cybersecurity experts feel that Moscow has three good reasons to not disable phone and data networks. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-allow-civilians-to-leave-russia-proposes-humanitarian-corridors-in-five-ukrainian-cities-say-reports-460072">Russia proposes humanitarian corridors in five Ukrainian cities, say reports</a>

The first is that the Russian intelligence services can eavesdrop on phone calls and emails. It can also gather geolocation and other metadata, which can prove useful in the invasion. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The Russian army is also using Ukrainian commercial networks to communicate can be the second reason. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The invading army doesn’t want to destroy infrastructure that they will need if they conquer Ukraine is surely the third one. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-belarusian-hackers-target-ukraine-european-allies-through-phishing-campaigns-says-google-460083">Russian, Belarusian hackers target Ukraine, European allies, says Google</a>

The continuance of phone lines and internet seems to have not worked in Russia’s favour till now as the details of the invasion have fuelled the world with anger and led to protests and sanctions. &nbsp;

“If [Russian forces] can do localised shutdowns of telecommunications, they’ll do it. But in general, they’ll want to keep the phones working in Kyiv because they can listen in,” said James Lewis, senior vice president and director of the strategic technologies programme at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“If you want to own the house, you’re not going to burn it down,” Lewis added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Since the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, several civilian and military establishments in the eastern European nation have been hit badly. But the phone lines and internet are still working.

Since the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began, several civilian and military establishments in the eastern European nation have been hit badly. But the phone lines and internet are still working. Is it intentional or has Russia failed to tear it down? Cybersecurity experts feel that Moscow has three good reasons to not disable phone and data networks. Also Read: Russia proposes humanitarian corridors in five Ukrainian cities, say reports The first is that the Russian intelligence services can eavesdrop on phone calls and emails. It can also gather geolocation and other metadata, which can prove useful in the invasion. The Russian army is also using Ukrainian commercial networks to communicate can be the second reason. The invading army doesn’t want to destroy infrastructure that they will need if they conquer Ukraine is surely the third one. Also Read: Russian, Belarusian hackers target Ukraine, European allies, says Google The continuance of phone lines and internet seems to have not worked in Russia’s favour till now as the details of the invasion have fuelled the world with anger and led to protests and sanctions. “If [Russian forces] can do localised shutdowns of telecommunications, they’ll do it. But in general, they’ll want to keep the phones working in Kyiv because they can listen in,” said James Lewis, senior vice president and director of the strategic technologies programme at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. “If you want to own the house, you’re not going to burn it down,” Lewis added. (With inputs from agencies)

In Russia-Ukraine conflict, phone lines, internet remain untouched. But why?

Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the anger towards President Vladimir Putin has been growing at a fast pace. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The rage against Putin for attacking Ukraine has led to an unlikely casualty. It’s a French-Canadian delicacy, which is called Poutine. It is made up of potato fries, cheese curds and gravy. &nbsp;

Poutine is a famous dish and shares its name in French with the Russian president. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-ukrainian-girl-sings-let-it-go-moves-hearts-from-kyivs-bomb-shelter-459765" hreflang="en">Watch: Ukrainian girl sings 'Let It Go', moves hearts from Kyiv’s bomb shelter</a>

The restaurants, which serve&nbsp;the dish, have also become the target of protest.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With restaurants in both Paris and Toulouse, Maison de la Poutine said that it has received insults and threats after the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began. &nbsp;

On Twitter, the company said, “Our dish was born in Quebec in the 1950s. And the stories to tell its origin are numerous. But one thing is certain: poutine was created by passionate cooks, who wanted to bring joy and comfort to their customers.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-allies-plan-ways-to-help-establish-support-a-ukrainian-government-in-exile-459791" hreflang="en">US, allies plan ways to help establish, support a Ukrainian government-in-exile</a>

“The House of Poutine has worked since its first day to perpetuate these values and today brings its most sincere support to the Ukrainian people, who are courageously fighting for their freedom against the tyrannical Russian regime,” it added. &nbsp;

The controversy has also forced a Quebec-based diner to pull the name from the menu. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Le Roy Jucep said it was distancing itself from the name. It is now describing the dish as “the inventor of the fries-cheese-gravy”. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the anger towards President Vladimir Putin has been growing at a fast pace. The rage against Putin for attacking Ukraine has led to an unlikely casualty.

Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the anger towards President Vladimir Putin has been growing at a fast pace. The rage against Putin for attacking Ukraine has led to an unlikely casualty. It’s a French-Canadian delicacy, which is called Poutine. It is made up of potato fries, cheese curds and gravy. Poutine is a famous dish and shares its name in French with the Russian president. Also Read | Watch: Ukrainian girl sings 'Let It Go', moves hearts from Kyiv’s bomb shelter The restaurants, which serve the dish, have also become the target of protest. With restaurants in both Paris and Toulouse, Maison de la Poutine said that it has received insults and threats after the Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began. On Twitter, the company said, “Our dish was born in Quebec in the 1950s. And the stories to tell its origin are numerous. But one thing is certain: poutine was created by passionate cooks, who wanted to bring joy and comfort to their customers.” Also Read: US, allies plan ways to help establish, support a Ukrainian government-in-exile “The House of Poutine has worked since its first day to perpetuate these values and today brings its most sincere support to the Ukrainian people, who are courageously fighting for their freedom against the tyrannical Russian regime,” it added. The controversy has also forced a Quebec-based diner to pull the name from the menu. Le Roy Jucep said it was distancing itself from the name. It is now describing the dish as “the inventor of the fries-cheese-gravy”. (With inputs from agencies)

It’s Poutine, not Putin: Classic delicacy falls victim to Russia-Ukraine conflict, goes off menu

US has sent additional troops to Europe. UK is planning to seize the property of Russian Oligarchs. NATO Foreign Ministers are holding an emergency meeting in Brussels. Palki Sharma decodes Thursday's biggest developments with WION's correspondents.

Gravitas: Ukraine Conflict: Decoding Thursday's biggest developments

Is Russia trying to drag India into the Ukraine conflict? Moscow claimed that Indian students were taken "hostage" and used as "human shields". India has refuted Russia's claims. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: Indians students used as human shields?

One million people have fled Ukraine in less than a week since Russia's invasion, the UN refugee agency said on Thursday. &nbsp;

It is one of the biggest refugee crises in 100 years, said UN.

The UN High Commissioner’s tally for refugees is more than 2% of Ukraine's population, which was 44 million at the end of 2020 as per World Bank. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In an email, UNHCR spokeswoman Joung-ah Ghedini-Williams wrote, "Our data indicates we passed the 1M mark" as of midnight in central Europe. It is based on counts collected by the national authorities. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-unravel-truth-iccs-prosecutor-starts-investigation-into-possible-war-crimes-in-ukraine-458350" hreflang="en">ICC's prosecutor starts investigation into possible war crimes in Ukraine</a>

On Twitter, UN High Commissioner Filippo Grandi wrote, "In just seven days, we have witnessed the exodus of one million refugees from Ukraine to neighbouring countries." &nbsp;

Grandi also appealed for the "guns to fall silent" in Ukraine so humanitarian aid could reach millions of people still inside Ukraine. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The UN officials and others have also praised the response of Ukraine's neighbours, who have opened gymnasiums, homes and other facilities to take in the refugees. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-billionaires-600-million-luxury-yacht-seized-by-german-authorities-says-report-458362" hreflang="en">Russian billionaire’s $600 million luxury yacht seized by German authorities, says report</a>

UNHCR spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo said on Wednesday that "at this rate, the outflows from Ukraine could make it the source of the biggest refugee crisis in this century." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Over 505,000 refugees from Ukraine have gone to Poland and more than 116,000 travelled to Hungary. Moldova has taken in over 79,000 and 71,200 had entered Slovakia, as per the latest figures on UNHCR's online data portal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

One million people have fled Ukraine in less than a week since Russia's invasion, the UN refugee agency said on Thursday. It is one of the biggest refugee crises in 100 years, said UN.

One million people have fled Ukraine in less than a week since Russia's invasion, the UN refugee agency said on Thursday. It is one of the biggest refugee crises in 100 years, said UN. The UN High Commissioner’s tally for refugees is more than 2% of Ukraine's population, which was 44 million at the end of 2020 as per World Bank. In an email, UNHCR spokeswoman Joung-ah Ghedini-Williams wrote, "Our data indicates we passed the 1M mark" as of midnight in central Europe. It is based on counts collected by the national authorities. Also Read: ICC's prosecutor starts investigation into possible war crimes in Ukraine On Twitter, UN High Commissioner Filippo Grandi wrote, "In just seven days, we have witnessed the exodus of one million refugees from Ukraine to neighbouring countries." Grandi also appealed for the "guns to fall silent" in Ukraine so humanitarian aid could reach millions of people still inside Ukraine. The UN officials and others have also praised the response of Ukraine's neighbours, who have opened gymnasiums, homes and other facilities to take in the refugees. Also Read: Russian billionaire’s $600 million luxury yacht seized by German authorities, says report UNHCR spokeswoman Shabia Mantoo said on Wednesday that "at this rate, the outflows from Ukraine could make it the source of the biggest refugee crisis in this century." Over 505,000 refugees from Ukraine have gone to Poland and more than 116,000 travelled to Hungary. Moldova has taken in over 79,000 and 71,200 had entered Slovakia, as per the latest figures on UNHCR's online data portal. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia-Ukraine conflict: In a week, one million flee fighting in biggest refugee crisis in 100 years, says UN

For the eighth day now, Ukraine has witnessed a full-scale Russian invasion. With the Russian military assault came the Russian president's rhetoric which has left experts questioning his rationale and endgame!

Russia re-strategizes its Kyiv plan, what is Putin's endgame?

Is Russia pushing for a swift end to the Ukraine invasion? Fighting has intensified in 4 cities. Moscow is claiming control of Kherson. A report claims Russia wants to reinstate Former Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Ukraine invasion: Russia wants a swift end to the conflict

Ratings agencies&nbsp;Fitch&nbsp;and Moody's slashed Russia's sovereign debt on Thursday to "junk" status, or the category of countries at risk of not being able to repay their debt, a week after Moscow began its assault on Ukraine.

Moody's downgraded the rating on Russian long-term debt from Baa3 to B3 subject to a further review over the West's sanctions against Russia, while&nbsp;Fitch&nbsp;lowered its rating from BBB to B, also with a negative outlook.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-civilians-block-russian-troops-attempt-to-take-over-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-458475">Ukrainian civilians block Russian troops’ attempt to take over Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant</a>

"The multi-notch downgrade of Russia's ratings and maintaining the review for further downgrade were triggered by the severe sanctions that Western countries have imposed on Russia", including on its central bank and some large financial institutions, Moody's said in a statement.

The agency also noted a "heightened risk of disruption" to sovereign debt repayment in the face of "severe and coordinated sanctions".

It said there were "significant concerns" over Russia's willingness to service its debt.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-last-independent-news-networks-scribes-flee-russia-to-get-to-safety-458433">Ukraine crisis: Last independent news network’s scribes flee Russia to get to safety</a>

On Wednesday, the European Union cut seven Russian banks from the global SWIFT interbank messaging network, which allows for quick and secure transactions.

The World Bank also announced it was halting all of its ongoing projects in Russia and Belarus in response to the invasion of Ukraine.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: The human cost of Ukraine conflict

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-human-cost-of-ukraine-conflict-457956/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Fitch, for its part, said in a statement that it expected a "further ratcheting up of sanctions on Russian banks".

It added that, in the event of a protracted conflict and weaker economic growth, it saw the potential for "greater domestic political uncertainty and instability".

Ratings agencies Fitch and Moody's slashed Russia's sovereign debt on Thursday to "junk" status, or the category of countries at risk of not being able to repay their debt, a week after Moscow began its assault on Ukraine.

Ratings agencies Fitch and Moody's slashed Russia's sovereign debt on Thursday to "junk" status, or the category of countries at risk of not being able to repay their debt, a week after Moscow began its assault on Ukraine. Moody's downgraded the rating on Russian long-term debt from Baa3 to B3 subject to a further review over the West's sanctions against Russia, while Fitch lowered its rating from BBB to B, also with a negative outlook. Also read | Ukrainian civilians block Russian troops’ attempt to take over Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant "The multi-notch downgrade of Russia's ratings and maintaining the review for further downgrade were triggered by the severe sanctions that Western countries have imposed on Russia", including on its central bank and some large financial institutions, Moody's said in a statement. The agency also noted a "heightened risk of disruption" to sovereign debt repayment in the face of "severe and coordinated sanctions". It said there were "significant concerns" over Russia's willingness to service its debt. Also read | Ukraine crisis: Last independent news network’s scribes flee Russia to get to safety On Wednesday, the European Union cut seven Russian banks from the global SWIFT interbank messaging network, which allows for quick and secure transactions. The World Bank also announced it was halting all of its ongoing projects in Russia and Belarus in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Watch | Gravitas: The human cost of Ukraine conflict Fitch, for its part, said in a statement that it expected a "further ratcheting up of sanctions on Russian banks". It added that, in the event of a protracted conflict and weaker economic growth, it saw the potential for "greater domestic political uncertainty and instability".

Fitch, Moody's slash Russia's sovereign debt to junk

70% of Ukrainians believe the Russian invasion will fail. Many of them are willing to fight for that outcome. Palki Sharma tells you how people of Ukraine are fighting back.

Gravitas: Russia's Ukraine invasion: How Ukrainians are fighting back

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