Due to Russian invasion of Ukraine, 1000 companies left Russia as per reports. However, some companies continue to remain despite sanctions.

Russia-Ukraine conflict: Report: 1000 companies have quit Russia

Russia, supported by Belarus, Central African Republic, Kyrgyzstan and Mali, has torpedoed a Western-backed proposal to discuss whether its diamonds are funding war ahead of an international conflict diamond meeting in Botswana, letters seen by Reuters show.

The rift in the Kimberley Process (KP), which certifies rough diamond exports, risks paralyzing the body which makes decisions by consensus.

The letters, which have not been previously reported, show a dispute over a proposal by Ukraine, the European Union, Australia, Britain, Canada, and the United States to discuss&nbsp;Russia's invasion of Ukraine and whether to broaden the KP's definition of conflict diamonds to include state actors at its June 20 - 24 meeting in Botswana.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-howitzers-among-other-nato-weapons-destroyed-in-western-ukraine-488535">Russia: Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny moved to 'strict-regime' penal colony</a>

The United States and Britain have already placed sanctions on&nbsp;Russia's Alrosa, the world's largest producer of rough diamonds, which accounted for around 30% of global output last year, and is partly state-owned.

A draft agenda dated May 20 included an hour-long slot to discuss the issue, but the item was removed after objections from&nbsp;Russia, Belarus, Central African Republic (CAR), Kyrgyzstan, and Mali. "We find ourselves at an impasse," Botswana's KP chair Jacob Thamage told participants, who include 85 nations, industry representatives, and civil society organisations in a June 9 letter urging them to find common ground.

The KP defines conflict diamonds as gems used to fund rebel movements seeking to undermine legitimate governments.

Officially labelling&nbsp;Russian diamonds "conflict diamonds" would require widening the definition. The KP Civil Society Coalition has been calling&nbsp;for such a change for years, along with some KP member countries.

The certification scheme, designed to eliminate the trade in so-called "blood diamonds", was set up in 2003 in the wake of devastating civil wars in Angola, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, which were largely financed by the illicit diamond trade.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine-Russia conflict: EU leaders take night train to Kyiv

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Russia's KP delegate said in a May 20 letter that the situation in Ukraine has "no implications" for the Kimberley Process and is "absolutely beyond the scope" of its certification scheme. Belarus, CAR, Kyrgyzstan and Mali all similarly argued that the proposal was "political" or outside the scope of the KP, and that its inclusion on the agenda was inappropriate.

All four countries have backed&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;in recent United Nations General Assembly votes. War-torn CAR is the only country in the world currently under a partial KP embargo for rough diamond exports.&nbsp;Russia, with which it has close trade and security ties, has worked to lift those restrictions.

Mali also has close ties with&nbsp;Russia. Hundreds of&nbsp;Russian military contractors have deployed there since the beginning of this year to help the government fight insurgents.

"If the Kimberley Process is to be a credible guarantor that diamonds exported with a KP certificate are actually conflict-free, it cannot refuse to consider the valid questions that have been raised about whether rough diamonds exported by&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;are financing its invasion of Ukraine," Canada's Ioanna Sahas Martin wrote to the KP chair earlier this month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-howitzers-among-other-nato-weapons-destroyed-in-western-ukraine-488535">Russia says howitzers among other NATO weapons destroyed in western Ukraine</a>

In a letter to the chair on Monday, Ukraine KP representative Andrii Tkalenko proposed two amendments to the certification scheme: To widen the definition to include government actors, and to allow KP countries, by a majority vote, to expel a country that infringes on another KP member's sovereignty.

Britain, the European Union and the United States also said&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;should step down from the KP committees it currently chairs.

&nbsp;"Inaction would undermine the credibility and integrity of the Kimberley Process not only as a conflict prevention mechanism but also as a trade regulation mechanism," the European Commission's Marika Lautso-Mousnier said in a letter

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Russia, supported by Belarus, Central African Republic, Kyrgyzstan and Mali, has torpedoed a Western-backed proposal to discuss whether its diamonds are funding war ahead of an international conflict diamond meeting in Botswana, letters seen by Reuters show.

Russia, supported by Belarus, Central African Republic, Kyrgyzstan and Mali, has torpedoed a Western-backed proposal to discuss whether its diamonds are funding war ahead of an international conflict diamond meeting in Botswana, letters seen by Reuters show. The rift in the Kimberley Process (KP), which certifies rough diamond exports, risks paralyzing the body which makes decisions by consensus. The letters, which have not been previously reported, show a dispute over a proposal by Ukraine, the European Union, Australia, Britain, Canada, and the United States to discuss Russia's invasion of Ukraine and whether to broaden the KP's definition of conflict diamonds to include state actors at its June 20 - 24 meeting in Botswana. Also read | Russia: Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny moved to 'strict-regime' penal colony The United States and Britain have already placed sanctions on Russia's Alrosa, the world's largest producer of rough diamonds, which accounted for around 30% of global output last year, and is partly state-owned. A draft agenda dated May 20 included an hour-long slot to discuss the issue, but the item was removed after objections from Russia, Belarus, Central African Republic (CAR), Kyrgyzstan, and Mali. "We find ourselves at an impasse," Botswana's KP chair Jacob Thamage told participants, who include 85 nations, industry representatives, and civil society organisations in a June 9 letter urging them to find common ground. The KP defines conflict diamonds as gems used to fund rebel movements seeking to undermine legitimate governments. Officially labelling Russian diamonds "conflict diamonds" would require widening the definition. The KP Civil Society Coalition has been calling for such a change for years, along with some KP member countries. The certification scheme, designed to eliminate the trade in so-called "blood diamonds", was set up in 2003 in the wake of devastating civil wars in Angola, Sierra Leone, and Liberia, which were largely financed by the illicit diamond trade. Watch | Ukraine-Russia conflict: EU leaders take night train to Kyiv Russia's KP delegate said in a May 20 letter that the situation in Ukraine has "no implications" for the Kimberley Process and is "absolutely beyond the scope" of its certification scheme. Belarus, CAR, Kyrgyzstan and Mali all similarly argued that the proposal was "political" or outside the scope of the KP, and that its inclusion on the agenda was inappropriate. All four countries have backed Russia in recent United Nations General Assembly votes. War-torn CAR is the only country in the world currently under a partial KP embargo for rough diamond exports. Russia, with which it has close trade and security ties, has worked to lift those restrictions. Mali also has close ties with Russia. Hundreds of Russian military contractors have deployed there since the beginning of this year to help the government fight insurgents. "If the Kimberley Process is to be a credible guarantor that diamonds exported with a KP certificate are actually conflict-free, it cannot refuse to consider the valid questions that have been raised about whether rough diamonds exported by Russia are financing its invasion of Ukraine," Canada's Ioanna Sahas Martin wrote to the KP chair earlier this month. Also read | Russia says howitzers among other NATO weapons destroyed in western Ukraine In a letter to the chair on Monday, Ukraine KP representative Andrii Tkalenko proposed two amendments to the certification scheme: To widen the definition to include government actors, and to allow KP countries, by a majority vote, to expel a country that infringes on another KP member's sovereignty. Britain, the European Union and the United States also said Russia should step down from the KP committees it currently chairs. "Inaction would undermine the credibility and integrity of the Kimberley Process not only as a conflict prevention mechanism but also as a trade regulation mechanism," the European Commission's Marika Lautso-Mousnier said in a letter WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Top producer Russia thwarts move to redefine 'conflict diamonds'

Ukrainian troops are locked in fierce street battles with Russian forces in the key city of Severodonetsk, the region's governor says Ukrainian troops might have to pull back to stronger positions.

Battle for Severodonetsk: Russia intensifies fight for Eastern Ukraine

Egyptian ambassador to India Wael Hamed has dismissed reports of Indian wheat being infected with pests even as the country receives its first consignments.

Speaking to WION, ambassador Hamed said, "These are miscommunicated reports... Egypt, as a big wheat importer, stands by its deals, provided they observe the requirements and have undergone the inspection procedures agreed with India as the exporting country."

In April, Egypt gave a go-ahead to import wheat from India. That month, officials from Egypt’s Agriculture Quarantine and Pest Risk Analysis department visited various processing units, port facilities and farms in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab.

It is pertinent to mention that the north African country is one of the largest importers of wheat in the world and has a major say in global wheat prices with its import capacity.

The envoy explained that the "consignments not intended for Egypt are simply that... not intended for Egypt. On the other hand, consignments intended for Egypt cannot possibly have pests since the inspections take place before loading the cargo ships.”

Egypt has been traditionally importing wheat from Russia and Ukraine. But this has been impacted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, chocking the supplies.

New markets, especially India, are being looked into internationally. India is one of the largest producers of wheat globally and has got requests from over 20 countries as the prices of the food commodity increase.

Last financial year, India exported 7 million tonnes of wheat. Amid the heatwave and inflation, New Delhi put a ban on the export of wheat. But it has allowed government-to-government transactions.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, "We are not going to give speculators an open access to the Indian market so that Indian customers and the least developed nations of the world are at the short end.”

He highlighted that India’s aim is to prevent a "diversion to high-income countries because what we saw happening to vaccines, we don't want to see happen with wheat—wherein which rich people were vaccinated, and the poor left out."

India has exported wheat to 23 countries this year.

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Egyptian ambassador to India Wael Hamed has dismissed reports of Indian wheat being infected with pests even as the country receives its first consignments. Speaking to WION, ambassador Hamed said, "These are miscommunicated reports.

Egyptian ambassador to India Wael Hamed has dismissed reports of Indian wheat being infected with pests even as the country receives its first consignments. Speaking to WION, ambassador Hamed said, "These are miscommunicated reports... Egypt, as a big wheat importer, stands by its deals, provided they observe the requirements and have undergone the inspection procedures agreed with India as the exporting country." In April, Egypt gave a go-ahead to import wheat from India. That month, officials from Egypt’s Agriculture Quarantine and Pest Risk Analysis department visited various processing units, port facilities and farms in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Punjab. It is pertinent to mention that the north African country is one of the largest importers of wheat in the world and has a major say in global wheat prices with its import capacity. The envoy explained that the "consignments not intended for Egypt are simply that... not intended for Egypt. On the other hand, consignments intended for Egypt cannot possibly have pests since the inspections take place before loading the cargo ships.” Egypt has been traditionally importing wheat from Russia and Ukraine. But this has been impacted by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, chocking the supplies. New markets, especially India, are being looked into internationally. India is one of the largest producers of wheat globally and has got requests from over 20 countries as the prices of the food commodity increase. Last financial year, India exported 7 million tonnes of wheat. Amid the heatwave and inflation, New Delhi put a ban on the export of wheat. But it has allowed government-to-government transactions. External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, "We are not going to give speculators an open access to the Indian market so that Indian customers and the least developed nations of the world are at the short end.” He highlighted that India’s aim is to prevent a "diversion to high-income countries because what we saw happening to vaccines, we don't want to see happen with wheat—wherein which rich people were vaccinated, and the poor left out." India has exported wheat to 23 countries this year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Egypt envoy Hamed dismisses reports of Indian wheat being infected with pests

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday blamed recent protests in Iran on foreign “enemies” seeking to overthrow the government in the Islamic Republic.

Also, he said, enemies were waging a “psychological war” against Iran by accusing it of piracy for seizing two Greek ships after the United States confiscated Iranian oil from a tanker.

"Today, the enemies’ most important hope for striking a blow at the country is based on popular protests,” Khamenei said, referring to week-long protests over the collapse of a building in southwestern Iran last month that killed 37 people.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iran-foreign-minister-hossein-amir-abdollahian-to-visit-india-next-week-484825">Iran Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian to visit India next week</a>

"But the enemies’ calculation is as wrong as many earlier ones," he said in a televised speech on the 33rd anniversary of the death of the leader of Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini.

Authorities have blamed the collapse of the 10-storey residential and commercial building in Abadan on local corruption and lax safety and say 13 people, including mayors and other officials, have so far been arrested for construction violations.

Watch |&nbsp;Iran unveils underground drone base after recent strike

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Protesters, however, say the disaster stemmed from government negligence and entrenched graft and have chanted slogans against officials, including Khamenei.

Iran residents have reported disrupted internet services, an apparent attempt to stop the use of social media to organise rallies and disseminate videos. Authorities have warned people to follow just official media and eschew "rumours" from social media.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-back-iaea-resolution-in-spite-of-iranian-resistance-484566">US to back IAEA resolution in spite of Iranian resistance</a>

The United States, which has imposed tough sanctions on Iran, confiscated the Iranian oil cargo on the Iranian-flagged Pegas that Greece impounded off its coast in April. Tehran retaliated by seizing two Greek ships on May 27.

But, Khamenei said, world media accuse Iran of piracy. “Who is the pirate here? You stole our oil. We took it back from you. Taking back a stolen good is no theft."

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Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday blamed recent protests in Iran on foreign “enemies” seeking to overthrow the government in the Islamic Republic.

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday blamed recent protests in Iran on foreign “enemies” seeking to overthrow the government in the Islamic Republic. Also, he said, enemies were waging a “psychological war” against Iran by accusing it of piracy for seizing two Greek ships after the United States confiscated Iranian oil from a tanker. "Today, the enemies’ most important hope for striking a blow at the country is based on popular protests,” Khamenei said, referring to week-long protests over the collapse of a building in southwestern Iran last month that killed 37 people. Also read | Iran Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian to visit India next week "But the enemies’ calculation is as wrong as many earlier ones," he said in a televised speech on the 33rd anniversary of the death of the leader of Iran's 1979 Islamic revolution, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Authorities have blamed the collapse of the 10-storey residential and commercial building in Abadan on local corruption and lax safety and say 13 people, including mayors and other officials, have so far been arrested for construction violations. Watch | Iran unveils underground drone base after recent strike Protesters, however, say the disaster stemmed from government negligence and entrenched graft and have chanted slogans against officials, including Khamenei. Iran residents have reported disrupted internet services, an apparent attempt to stop the use of social media to organise rallies and disseminate videos. Authorities have warned people to follow just official media and eschew "rumours" from social media. Also read | US to back IAEA resolution in spite of Iranian resistance The United States, which has imposed tough sanctions on Iran, confiscated the Iranian oil cargo on the Iranian-flagged Pegas that Greece impounded off its coast in April. Tehran retaliated by seizing two Greek ships on May 27. But, Khamenei said, world media accuse Iran of piracy. “Who is the pirate here? You stole our oil. We took it back from you. Taking back a stolen good is no theft." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Enemies' triggering unrest in Iran to overthrow Islamic Republic: Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The Russia-Ukraine war entered 100 days on June 3, 2022. Russian troops entered Ukrainian territory on February 24 this year. Troops from both sides have been engaged in fighting since. People have died, buildings destroyed and the war has had an economic impact. How has the war affected Russia and Ukraine?

100 days of Ukraine-Russia war: Cost of conflict, what is affected?

Yemen's&nbsp;warring&nbsp;parties&nbsp;have agreed to&nbsp;renew&nbsp;a&nbsp;two-month&nbsp;truce, the United Nations said Thursday, in an 11th-hour move on the day it was set to expire.&nbsp;"I would like to announce that the&nbsp;parties&nbsp;to the conflict have agreed to the United Nations' proposal to&nbsp;renew&nbsp;the current truce in Yemen&nbsp;for two additional months," the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;special envoy on&nbsp;Yemen, Hans Grundberg, said in a statement.&nbsp;"The extension of the&nbsp;truce&nbsp;comes into effect when the current&nbsp;truce&nbsp;period expires, today 2 June 2022 at 19:00&nbsp;Yemen&nbsp;time (1600 GMT)."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-president-steps-aside-amid-efforts-to-end-war-469131">Yemen's president steps aside amid efforts to end war</a>

Yemen&nbsp;has been gripped by conflict since the Iran-backed Huthi rebels took control of the capital Sanaa in 2014, triggering a Saudi-led military intervention in support of the beleaguered government the following year.

Grundberg added the&nbsp;truce&nbsp;was extended under the same terms as the previous one.

Aid groups in&nbsp;Yemen&nbsp;have touted the benefits of the&nbsp;truce, which went into effect in April.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;The West Asia Post: Is the Yemen war coming to an end?

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Beyond opening Sanaa airport to some commercial flights –- a lifeline to Yemenis needing medical care abroad –- the&nbsp;truce&nbsp;has allowed oil tankers to dock in the rebel-held port of Hodeida, potentially easing fuel shortages in Sanaa and elsewhere.&nbsp;

But a provision for the rebels to ease their siege of&nbsp;Yemen's third-largest city Taez has yet to be implemented, to the anger of the government which is demanding roads to the city be opened.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the rebels have called on the government to pay the salaries of public sector employees working in areas under their control.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-warring-parties-agree-two-month-truce-in-major-breakthrough-467528">Yemen's warring parties agree two-month truce in major breakthrough</a>

"In order for the&nbsp;truce&nbsp;to fully deliver on its potential, additional steps will need to be taken, particularly on the matters of road openings and commercial flight operations," Grundberg said.

"I will continue engaging with the&nbsp;parties&nbsp;to implement and consolidate all elements of the&nbsp;truce&nbsp;in full, and move towards a sustainable political settlement to the conflict that meets the legitimate aspirations and demands of Yemeni women and men."

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Yemen's warring parties have agreed to renew a two-month truce, the United Nations said Thursday, in an 11th-hour move on the day it was set to expire. "I would like to announce that the parties to the conflict have agreed to the United Nations' proposal to renew the current truce in Yemen for two additional months," the UN special envoy on Yemen, Hans Grundberg, said in a statement.

Yemen's warring parties have agreed to renew a two-month truce, the United Nations said Thursday, in an 11th-hour move on the day it was set to expire. "I would like to announce that the parties to the conflict have agreed to the United Nations' proposal to renew the current truce in Yemen for two additional months," the UN special envoy on Yemen, Hans Grundberg, said in a statement. "The extension of the truce comes into effect when the current truce period expires, today 2 June 2022 at 19:00 Yemen time (1600 GMT)." Also read | Yemen's president steps aside amid efforts to end war Yemen has been gripped by conflict since the Iran-backed Huthi rebels took control of the capital Sanaa in 2014, triggering a Saudi-led military intervention in support of the beleaguered government the following year. Grundberg added the truce was extended under the same terms as the previous one. Aid groups in Yemen have touted the benefits of the truce, which went into effect in April. Watch | The West Asia Post: Is the Yemen war coming to an end? Beyond opening Sanaa airport to some commercial flights –- a lifeline to Yemenis needing medical care abroad –- the truce has allowed oil tankers to dock in the rebel-held port of Hodeida, potentially easing fuel shortages in Sanaa and elsewhere. But a provision for the rebels to ease their siege of Yemen's third-largest city Taez has yet to be implemented, to the anger of the government which is demanding roads to the city be opened. Meanwhile, the rebels have called on the government to pay the salaries of public sector employees working in areas under their control. Also read | Yemen's warring parties agree two-month truce in major breakthrough "In order for the truce to fully deliver on its potential, additional steps will need to be taken, particularly on the matters of road openings and commercial flight operations," Grundberg said. "I will continue engaging with the parties to implement and consolidate all elements of the truce in full, and move towards a sustainable political settlement to the conflict that meets the legitimate aspirations and demands of Yemeni women and men." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Yemen's warring parties renew two-month truce: UN

Slamming the US for its decision to send rocket systems and other sophisticated weapons to Ukraine, Russia has warned that it could widen the conflict and increase the risk of direct confrontation with Washington.

On Wednesday, the US unveiled a new $700 million package of arms and ammunition for Ukraine in a bid to prevent Russia from seizing the final swaths of land in the Donbas region. Among the arms that have been promised to send to Kyiv is High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), a multiple rocket launcher system.

The US officials had said that the systems being sent to Ukraine will allow them to launch rockets about 49 miles—far less than the systems’ maximum range but greater than anything Kyiv has been sent to date, reports CNN.

According to Reuters, Reacting sharply to the move, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, “We believe that the United States is purposefully and diligently adding fuel to the fire.”

Asked later if the US move increased the chances of a third country becoming involved in the conflict, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said, "Such risks certainly exist."

He told a news conference in Saudi Arabia, "It is a direct provocation (by Ukraine), aimed at involving the West in military action."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antony-blinken-expects-many-months-of-russia-ukraine-conflict-484243" hreflang="en">Antony Blinken expects 'many months' of Russia-Ukraine war</a>

However, US claimed that they were given assurances by Ukraine that the weapons systems provided by Washington won’t be used “against targets on Russian territory.”

Appearing at a joint press conference with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, “There is a strong trust bond between Ukraine and the United States, as well as with our allies and partners."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-advances-on-severodonetsk-forces-fight-on-streets-484280" hreflang="en">Russia advances on Severodonetsk, troops fight in streets</a>

But Russian Deputy Prime Minister Peskov said Moscow did not trust such assurances. He said it was assessing the risk of rockets being fired into Russian territory and was taking appropriate measures, but that it viewed Washington's step "extremely negatively."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Slamming the US for its decision to send rocket systems and other sophisticated weapons to Ukraine, Russia has warned that it could widen the conflict and increase the risk of direct confrontation with Washington.

Slamming the US for its decision to send rocket systems and other sophisticated weapons to Ukraine, Russia has warned that it could widen the conflict and increase the risk of direct confrontation with Washington. On Wednesday, the US unveiled a new $700 million package of arms and ammunition for Ukraine in a bid to prevent Russia from seizing the final swaths of land in the Donbas region. Among the arms that have been promised to send to Kyiv is High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), a multiple rocket launcher system. The US officials had said that the systems being sent to Ukraine will allow them to launch rockets about 49 miles—far less than the systems’ maximum range but greater than anything Kyiv has been sent to date, reports CNN. According to Reuters, Reacting sharply to the move, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, “We believe that the United States is purposefully and diligently adding fuel to the fire.” Asked later if the US move increased the chances of a third country becoming involved in the conflict, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said, "Such risks certainly exist." He told a news conference in Saudi Arabia, "It is a direct provocation (by Ukraine), aimed at involving the West in military action." Also read | Antony Blinken expects 'many months' of Russia-Ukraine war However, US claimed that they were given assurances by Ukraine that the weapons systems provided by Washington won’t be used “against targets on Russian territory.” Appearing at a joint press conference with NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, “There is a strong trust bond between Ukraine and the United States, as well as with our allies and partners." Also read | Russia advances on Severodonetsk, troops fight in streets But Russian Deputy Prime Minister Peskov said Moscow did not trust such assurances. He said it was assessing the risk of rockets being fired into Russian territory and was taking appropriate measures, but that it viewed Washington's step "extremely negatively." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia says US sending rocket systems to Ukraine will increase risk of direct confrontation

THE U.S. WILL HELP UKRAINE BE IN THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE POSITION AT THE NEGOTIATING TABLE. WE DO NOT WANT TO PROLONG THE WAR JUST TO INFLICT PAIN ON RUSSIA.

The invasion Vladimir Putin thought would last days is now in its fourth month. The Ukrainian people surprised Russia and inspired the world with their sacrifice, grit and battlefield success. The free world and many other nations, led by the United States, rallied to Ukraine’s side with unprecedented military, humanitarian and financial support.

As the war goes on, I want to be clear about the aims of the United States in these efforts.

America’s goal is straightforward: We want to see a democratic, independent, sovereign and prosperous Ukraine with the means to deter and defend itself against further aggression.

As President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has said, ultimately this war “will only definitively end through diplomacy.” Every negotiation reflects the facts on the ground. We have moved quickly to send Ukraine a significant amount of weaponry and ammunition so it can fight on the battlefield and be in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table.

That’s why I’ve decided that we will provide the Ukrainians with more advanced rocket systems and munitions that will enable them to more precisely strike key targets on the battlefield in Ukraine.

We will continue cooperating with our allies and partners on Russian sanctions, the toughest ever imposed on a major economy. We will continue providing Ukraine with advanced weaponry, including Javelin anti-tank missiles, Stinger antiaircraft missiles, powerful artillery and precision rocket systems, radars, unmanned aerial vehicles, Mi-17 helicopters and ammunition. We will also send&nbsp;billions more in financial assistance, as authorized by Congress. We will work with our allies and partners to address the global food crisis that Russia’s aggression is worsening. And we will help our European allies and others reduce their dependence on Russian fossil fuels, and speed our transition to a clean energy future.

We will also continue reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank with forces and capabilities from the United States and other allies. And just recently, I welcomed Finland’s and Sweden’s applications to join NATO, a move that will strengthen overall U.S. and trans-Atlantic security by adding two democratic and highly capable military partners.

We do not seek a war between NATO and Russia. As much as I disagree with Mr. Putin, and find his actions an outrage, the United States will not try to bring about his ouster in Moscow. So long as the United States or our allies are not attacked, we will not be directly engaged in this conflict, either by sending American troops to fight in Ukraine or by attacking Russian forces. We are not encouraging or enabling Ukraine to strike beyond its borders. We do not want to prolong the war just to inflict pain on Russia.

My principle throughout this crisis has been “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” I will not pressure the Ukrainian government — in private or public — to make any territorial concessions. It would be wrong and contrary to well-settled principles to do so.

Ukraine’s talks with Russia are not stalled because Ukraine has turned its back on diplomacy. They are stalled because Russia continues to wage a war to take control of as much of Ukraine as it can. The United States will continue to work to strengthen Ukraine and support its efforts to achieve a negotiated end to the conflict.

Unprovoked aggression, the bombing of maternity hospitals and centers of culture, and the forced displacement of millions of people makes the war in Ukraine a profound moral issue. I met with Ukrainian refugees in Poland — women and children who were unsure what their lives would be, and whether the loved ones who stayed behind in Ukraine would be OK. No person of conscience could be unmoved by the devastation of these horrors.

Standing by Ukraine in its hour of need is not just the right thing to do. It is in our vital national interests to ensure a peaceful and stable Europe and to make it clear that might does not make right. If Russia does not pay a heavy price for its actions, it will send a message to other would-be aggressors that they too can seize territory and subjugate other countries. It will put the survival of other peaceful democracies at risk. And it could mark the end of the rules-based international order and open the door to aggression elsewhere, with catastrophic consequences the world over.

I know many people around the world are concerned about the use of nuclear weapons. We currently see no indication that Russia has intent to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, though Russia’s occasional rhetoric to rattle the nuclear saber is itself dangerous and extremely irresponsible. Let me be clear: Any use of nuclear weapons in this conflict on any scale would be completely unacceptable to us as well as the rest of the world and would entail severe consequences.

Americans will stay the course with the Ukrainian people because we understand that freedom is not free. That’s what we have always done whenever the enemies of freedom seek to bully and oppress innocent people, and it is what we are doing now. Vladimir Putin did not expect this degree of unity or the strength of our response. He was mistaken. If he expects that we will waver or fracture in the months to come, he is equally mistaken.

THE U.S. WILL HELP UKRAINE BE IN THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE POSITION AT THE NEGOTIATING TABLE. WE DO NOT WANT TO PROLONG THE WAR JUST TO INFLICT PAIN ON RUSSIA. The invasion Vladimir Putin thought would last days is now in its fourth month.

THE U.S. WILL HELP UKRAINE BE IN THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE POSITION AT THE NEGOTIATING TABLE. WE DO NOT WANT TO PROLONG THE WAR JUST TO INFLICT PAIN ON RUSSIA. The invasion Vladimir Putin thought would last days is now in its fourth month. The Ukrainian people surprised Russia and inspired the world with their sacrifice, grit and battlefield success. The free world and many other nations, led by the United States, rallied to Ukraine’s side with unprecedented military, humanitarian and financial support. As the war goes on, I want to be clear about the aims of the United States in these efforts. America’s goal is straightforward: We want to see a democratic, independent, sovereign and prosperous Ukraine with the means to deter and defend itself against further aggression. As President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has said, ultimately this war “will only definitively end through diplomacy.” Every negotiation reflects the facts on the ground. We have moved quickly to send Ukraine a significant amount of weaponry and ammunition so it can fight on the battlefield and be in the strongest possible position at the negotiating table. That’s why I’ve decided that we will provide the Ukrainians with more advanced rocket systems and munitions that will enable them to more precisely strike key targets on the battlefield in Ukraine. We will continue cooperating with our allies and partners on Russian sanctions, the toughest ever imposed on a major economy. We will continue providing Ukraine with advanced weaponry, including Javelin anti-tank missiles, Stinger antiaircraft missiles, powerful artillery and precision rocket systems, radars, unmanned aerial vehicles, Mi-17 helicopters and ammunition. We will also send billions more in financial assistance, as authorized by Congress. We will work with our allies and partners to address the global food crisis that Russia’s aggression is worsening. And we will help our European allies and others reduce their dependence on Russian fossil fuels, and speed our transition to a clean energy future. We will also continue reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank with forces and capabilities from the United States and other allies. And just recently, I welcomed Finland’s and Sweden’s applications to join NATO, a move that will strengthen overall U.S. and trans-Atlantic security by adding two democratic and highly capable military partners. We do not seek a war between NATO and Russia. As much as I disagree with Mr. Putin, and find his actions an outrage, the United States will not try to bring about his ouster in Moscow. So long as the United States or our allies are not attacked, we will not be directly engaged in this conflict, either by sending American troops to fight in Ukraine or by attacking Russian forces. We are not encouraging or enabling Ukraine to strike beyond its borders. We do not want to prolong the war just to inflict pain on Russia. My principle throughout this crisis has been “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” I will not pressure the Ukrainian government — in private or public — to make any territorial concessions. It would be wrong and contrary to well-settled principles to do so. Ukraine’s talks with Russia are not stalled because Ukraine has turned its back on diplomacy. They are stalled because Russia continues to wage a war to take control of as much of Ukraine as it can. The United States will continue to work to strengthen Ukraine and support its efforts to achieve a negotiated end to the conflict. Unprovoked aggression, the bombing of maternity hospitals and centers of culture, and the forced displacement of millions of people makes the war in Ukraine a profound moral issue. I met with Ukrainian refugees in Poland — women and children who were unsure what their lives would be, and whether the loved ones who stayed behind in Ukraine would be OK. No person of conscience could be unmoved by the devastation of these horrors. Standing by Ukraine in its hour of need is not just the right thing to do. It is in our vital national interests to ensure a peaceful and stable Europe and to make it clear that might does not make right. If Russia does not pay a heavy price for its actions, it will send a message to other would-be aggressors that they too can seize territory and subjugate other countries. It will put the survival of other peaceful democracies at risk. And it could mark the end of the rules-based international order and open the door to aggression elsewhere, with catastrophic consequences the world over. I know many people around the world are concerned about the use of nuclear weapons. We currently see no indication that Russia has intent to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine, though Russia’s occasional rhetoric to rattle the nuclear saber is itself dangerous and extremely irresponsible. Let me be clear: Any use of nuclear weapons in this conflict on any scale would be completely unacceptable to us as well as the rest of the world and would entail severe consequences. Americans will stay the course with the Ukrainian people because we understand that freedom is not free. That’s what we have always done whenever the enemies of freedom seek to bully and oppress innocent people, and it is what we are doing now. Vladimir Putin did not expect this degree of unity or the strength of our response. He was mistaken. If he expects that we will waver or fracture in the months to come, he is equally mistaken.

President Biden: What America will and will not do in Ukraine

Quebec adopted Bill 96, a new law on Tuesday, which promotes the usage of the French language in the province. This has led to turmoil between the government and the indigenous people.&nbsp;

Francois Legault, the Quebec premier, has&nbsp;said that they have taken this to protect the French language in the country. As more than half of the population of North America is speaking English, he wants the province to be encouraged to practice French, reports Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/storms-kill-at-least-8-in-canada-leave-half-a-million-without-power-481427">Storms kill at least 8 in Canada, leave half a million without power</a>

But, this has become a problem for the indigenous people, as they are trying to protect their culture. It has become difficult for students who already have to study English and Kanien'kéha and then learn French to join colleges in Quebec. It will likely create problems for the immigrants, as the new law states that they need to start learning French within 6 months and report to a government official.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Canada man seen with rifle shot dead by cops, days after Texas shooting incident

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"We'll take whatever means are necessary to be sure our voice is heard,"&nbsp;Mike Delisle told Reuters. He also added that no specific decision has been taken yet.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-canada-top-court-ends-life-sentences-without-parole-for-mass-murderers-482781">In Canada,&nbsp;top court ends&nbsp;life sentences without&nbsp;parole&nbsp;for mass murderers</a>

Back in the 1970s, a separatist party was formed in the province for protecting the French language in the province. Quebec has seen raging debates about the kind of languages to be practised.&nbsp;

A supporter of the indigenous people's&nbsp;rights, Kenneth Dheer, has dubbed the measure as "re-colonisation" as he himself was forced to learn English.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Quebec adopted Bill 96, a new law on Tuesday, which promotes the usage of the French language in the province. This has led to turmoil between the government and the indigenous people.

Quebec adopted Bill 96, a new law on Tuesday, which promotes the usage of the French language in the province. This has led to turmoil between the government and the indigenous people. Francois Legault, the Quebec premier, has said that they have taken this to protect the French language in the country. As more than half of the population of North America is speaking English, he wants the province to be encouraged to practice French, reports Reuters. Also read | Storms kill at least 8 in Canada, leave half a million without power But, this has become a problem for the indigenous people, as they are trying to protect their culture. It has become difficult for students who already have to study English and Kanien'kéha and then learn French to join colleges in Quebec. It will likely create problems for the immigrants, as the new law states that they need to start learning French within 6 months and report to a government official. Watch | Canada man seen with rifle shot dead by cops, days after Texas shooting incident "We'll take whatever means are necessary to be sure our voice is heard," Mike Delisle told Reuters. He also added that no specific decision has been taken yet. Also read | In Canada, top court ends life sentences without parole for mass murderers Back in the 1970s, a separatist party was formed in the province for protecting the French language in the province. Quebec has seen raging debates about the kind of languages to be practised. A supporter of the indigenous people's rights, Kenneth Dheer, has dubbed the measure as "re-colonisation" as he himself was forced to learn English. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Quebec adopts Bill 96 for promotion of French in province, faces backlash from indigenous people

Flag-waving Jewish nationalists are set to&nbsp;march&nbsp;through the heart of the Muslim quarter of&nbsp;Jerusalem's Old City on Sunday in a parade that could re-ignite violence between&nbsp;Israelis and Palestinians.

The annual&nbsp;Jerusalem&nbsp;procession celebrates Israel's capture of the Old City in the 1967 Middle East war and draws thousands of cheering, chanting participants to its narrow, stone streets.

But for Palestinians, the&nbsp;march&nbsp;is a blatant provocation and a violation of one of the few places in the city, increasingly hemmed in by Jewish development and settlement, which retains a strong Arab flavour.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-calls-for-status-quo-at-west-banks-masafer-yatta-482951">India calls for status quo at West Bank's Masafer Yatta</a>

Hamas, the Islamist group that rules the Gaza Strip, fired rockets into Israel at the start of last year's procession, triggering an 11-day war that left hundreds dead.

On Saturday, the group issued a statement calling for Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank and&nbsp;Jerusalem, along with Israel's Arab minority - who are Palestinian by heritage and&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;by citizenship - "to rise up on Sunday to defend&nbsp;Jerusalem&nbsp;and the Al-Aqsa mosque".

Watch |&nbsp;The Jerusalem Day Flag March: Israel to follow usual march route despite tensions

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Signs of turmoil were seen early in the day, as&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;police deployed near the mosque and Muslim worshippers finished morning prayers.

A police spokesperson said a small group of people had barricaded themselves inside the mosque and were throwing large rocks towards the police officers stationed outside. There were no reports of injuries.

But despite calls for a rethink of the&nbsp;march&nbsp;from some of his own coalition allies, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has refused to countenance any changes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jerusalem-bishop-condemns-police-invasion-at-journalists-funeral-479578">Jerusalem bishop condemns 'police invasion' at journalist's funeral</a>

"The&nbsp;flag&nbsp;parade will be held as usual according to the planned route, as it has been for decades," his office said on Friday, adding that it would review the situation regularly through the coming hours.

Jerusalem&nbsp;and its holy sites, revered by Muslims, Jews and Christians alike, lie at the heart of decades of&nbsp;Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel sees all of&nbsp;Jerusalem&nbsp;as its eternal and indivisible capital, while Palestinians want the eastern section as capital of their future state. Hamas, deemed a terrorist organisation by Western governments, sees all of modern-day Israel as occupied.

Tensions have been rising in the city for weeks.

Repeated clashes took place between Palestinians and&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;police in the Al-Aqsa compound in April, during the holy month of Ramadan, with Muslims angered by rising numbers of Jewish visitors to the mosque esplanade.

Al-Aqsa is the third holiest site in Islam. It is also revered by Jews as the Temple Mount - a vestige of their faith's two ancient temples.

Sunday's&nbsp;march&nbsp;is due to culminate at the Western Wall, a Jewish prayer site that sits below the Al-Aqsa mosques

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Flag-waving Jewish nationalists are set to march through the heart of the Muslim quarter of Jerusalem's Old City on Sunday in a parade that could re-ignite violence between Israelis and Palestinians.

Flag-waving Jewish nationalists are set to march through the heart of the Muslim quarter of Jerusalem's Old City on Sunday in a parade that could re-ignite violence between Israelis and Palestinians. The annual Jerusalem procession celebrates Israel's capture of the Old City in the 1967 Middle East war and draws thousands of cheering, chanting participants to its narrow, stone streets. But for Palestinians, the march is a blatant provocation and a violation of one of the few places in the city, increasingly hemmed in by Jewish development and settlement, which retains a strong Arab flavour. Also read | India calls for status quo at West Bank's Masafer Yatta Hamas, the Islamist group that rules the Gaza Strip, fired rockets into Israel at the start of last year's procession, triggering an 11-day war that left hundreds dead. On Saturday, the group issued a statement calling for Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank and Jerusalem, along with Israel's Arab minority - who are Palestinian by heritage and Israeli by citizenship - "to rise up on Sunday to defend Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa mosque". Watch | The Jerusalem Day Flag March: Israel to follow usual march route despite tensions Signs of turmoil were seen early in the day, as Israeli police deployed near the mosque and Muslim worshippers finished morning prayers. A police spokesperson said a small group of people had barricaded themselves inside the mosque and were throwing large rocks towards the police officers stationed outside. There were no reports of injuries. But despite calls for a rethink of the march from some of his own coalition allies, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett has refused to countenance any changes. Also read | Jerusalem bishop condemns 'police invasion' at journalist's funeral "The flag parade will be held as usual according to the planned route, as it has been for decades," his office said on Friday, adding that it would review the situation regularly through the coming hours. Jerusalem and its holy sites, revered by Muslims, Jews and Christians alike, lie at the heart of decades of Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel sees all of Jerusalem as its eternal and indivisible capital, while Palestinians want the eastern section as capital of their future state. Hamas, deemed a terrorist organisation by Western governments, sees all of modern-day Israel as occupied. Tensions have been rising in the city for weeks. Repeated clashes took place between Palestinians and Israeli police in the Al-Aqsa compound in April, during the holy month of Ramadan, with Muslims angered by rising numbers of Jewish visitors to the mosque esplanade. Al-Aqsa is the third holiest site in Islam. It is also revered by Jews as the Temple Mount - a vestige of their faith's two ancient temples. Sunday's march is due to culminate at the Western Wall, a Jewish prayer site that sits below the Al-Aqsa mosques WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Jerusalem on edge before contentious Israeli flag march

Ukraine&nbsp;has started receiving Harpoon anti-ship&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;from Denmark and self-propelled&nbsp;howitzers&nbsp;from the United States,&nbsp;arms&nbsp;that will bolster forces fighting Russia's invasion, Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said on Saturday.

"The coastal defence of our country will not only be strengthened by Harpoon&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;– they will be used by trained Ukrainian teams," Reznikov wrote on his Facebook page.

He said Harpoon shore-to-ship&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;would be operated alongside Ukrainian Neptune&nbsp;missiles&nbsp;to defend the coast, including the southern port of Odesa.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-troops-may-retreat-from-luhansk-says-regions-governor-482802">Ukrainian troops may retreat from Luhansk, says region's governor</a>

Serhiy Bratchuk, a spokesman for the Odesa regional military administration in southern&nbsp;Ukraine, said in an online post that "so many Harpoons have been handed over to us that we can sink the entire Russian Black Sea Fleet. Why not?"

Last month the Moskva, the flagship of Russia's Black Sea fleet, sank after what&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;said was an anti-ship missile attack. Moscow says a fire sparked an ammunition blast.

Watch |&nbsp;Russian invasion of Ukraine: Macron, Scholz hold talks with Putin, calls for peace talks

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After launching its invasion of&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;on Feb. 24, Russia imposed a naval blockade on Ukrainian ports, hampering vital grain exports. It has also used its Black Sea fleet to launch missile attacks.

Reznikov said&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;had also received a range of heavy artillery pieces, including modified U.\S-made M109 self-propelled&nbsp;howitzers&nbsp;that will allow the Ukrainian military to strike targets from longer distances.

Ukraine&nbsp;says it wants to secure deliveries of US-made long-range M270 multiple-rocket launchers.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-crisis-zelensky-says-situation-indescribably-difficult-in-donbas-and-kharkiv-483058">Ukraine crisis: Zelensky says situation 'indescribably difficult' in Donbas and Kharkiv</a>

President Volodymyr&nbsp;Zelensky&nbsp;said&nbsp;Ukraine, working to boost weapons supplies, was approaching the point where it would outnumber the Russians technologically and in terms of its ability to strike.

"Of course, a lot depends on our partners and their readiness to provide&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;with everything necessary to protect freedom. And I expect&nbsp;good&nbsp;news&nbsp;on this next week," he said in a late-night video, without giving details.

Zelenskiy&nbsp;adviser Oleksiy Arestovych said late on Saturday that "the weapons we so desperately need will most likely be delivered soon."

Key will be a NATO defence ministers meeting in Brussels in mid-June, attended by Reznikov, Arestovych said on social media television. "If the allies in the West do not delay ... then around June 20 the situation on the front will change greatly in our favour."

Russia says its forces are on a "special operation" to demilitarise&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;and rid it of radical anti-Russian nationalists.&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;and its allies call that a false pretext to for a war of aggression.

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Ukraine has started receiving Harpoon anti-ship missiles from Denmark and self-propelled howitzers from the United States, arms that will bolster forces fighting Russia's invasion, Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said on Saturday.

Ukraine has started receiving Harpoon anti-ship missiles from Denmark and self-propelled howitzers from the United States, arms that will bolster forces fighting Russia's invasion, Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said on Saturday. "The coastal defence of our country will not only be strengthened by Harpoon missiles – they will be used by trained Ukrainian teams," Reznikov wrote on his Facebook page. He said Harpoon shore-to-ship missiles would be operated alongside Ukrainian Neptune missiles to defend the coast, including the southern port of Odesa. Also read | Ukrainian troops may retreat from Luhansk, says region's governor Serhiy Bratchuk, a spokesman for the Odesa regional military administration in southern Ukraine, said in an online post that "so many Harpoons have been handed over to us that we can sink the entire Russian Black Sea Fleet. Why not?" Last month the Moskva, the flagship of Russia's Black Sea fleet, sank after what Ukraine said was an anti-ship missile attack. Moscow says a fire sparked an ammunition blast. Watch | Russian invasion of Ukraine: Macron, Scholz hold talks with Putin, calls for peace talks After launching its invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, Russia imposed a naval blockade on Ukrainian ports, hampering vital grain exports. It has also used its Black Sea fleet to launch missile attacks. Reznikov said Ukraine had also received a range of heavy artillery pieces, including modified U.\S-made M109 self-propelled howitzers that will allow the Ukrainian military to strike targets from longer distances. Ukraine says it wants to secure deliveries of US-made long-range M270 multiple-rocket launchers. Also read | Ukraine crisis: Zelensky says situation 'indescribably difficult' in Donbas and Kharkiv President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine, working to boost weapons supplies, was approaching the point where it would outnumber the Russians technologically and in terms of its ability to strike. "Of course, a lot depends on our partners and their readiness to provide Ukraine with everything necessary to protect freedom. And I expect good news on this next week," he said in a late-night video, without giving details. Zelenskiy adviser Oleksiy Arestovych said late on Saturday that "the weapons we so desperately need will most likely be delivered soon." Key will be a NATO defence ministers meeting in Brussels in mid-June, attended by Reznikov, Arestovych said on social media television. "If the allies in the West do not delay ... then around June 20 the situation on the front will change greatly in our favour." Russia says its forces are on a "special operation" to demilitarise Ukraine and rid it of radical anti-Russian nationalists. Ukraine and its allies call that a false pretext to for a war of aggression. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine get missiles, howitzers as Zelensky expects good news on arms

It has been several weeks since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, Russia said that Lyman is under complete control.

Ukraine under attack: Russia claims control over Lyman town

Hundreds of&nbsp;Lithuanians&nbsp;are&nbsp;clubbing&nbsp;together&nbsp;to&nbsp;buy&nbsp;an advanced military&nbsp;drone&nbsp;for&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;in its war against Russia, in a show of solidarity with a fellow country formerly under Moscow's rule.

Some 3 million euros ($3.2 million) have been raised in just three days - out of the 5 million euros needed - largely in small amounts, according to Laisves TV, a Lithuanian internet broadcaster that launched the drive.

"Before this war started, none of us thought that we would be&nbsp;buying guns. But it's a normal thing now. Something must be done for the world to get better," said Agne Belickaite, 32, who sent 100 euros as soon as the fundraising launched on Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-troops-may-retreat-from-luhansk-says-regions-governor-482802">Ukrainian troops may retreat from Luhansk, says region's governor</a>

"I've been donating to&nbsp;buy&nbsp;guns for&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;for a while now. And will do so until the victory," she told Reuters, adding she was motivated in part by fears Russia could attack Lithuania.

The&nbsp;drone&nbsp;has proven effective in recent years against Russian forces and their allies in conflicts in Syria and Libya, and its purchase is being orchestrated by Lithuania's Ministry of Defence, which told Reuters it planned to sign a letter of intent to&nbsp;buy&nbsp;the craft from Turkey next week.

Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine Crisis: 9 killed, dozens injured in fresh shelling in Kharkiv

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Ukraine&nbsp;has bought more than 20 Bayraktar TB2 armed&nbsp;drones from Turkish company Baykar in recent years and ordered a further 16 on Jan. 27. That batch was delivered in early March.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-pro-russian-forces-claim-to-have-captured-strategic-town-lyman-482653">Ukrainian officials say Russia-backed forces captured strategic town Lyman</a>

"This is the first case in history when ordinary people raise money to&nbsp;buy&nbsp;something like a Bayraktar. It is unprecedented, it is unbelievable," Beshta Petro,&nbsp;Ukraine's ambassador to Lithuania, told Laisves TV.

Most of the heavy weapons that NATO countries have sent to&nbsp;Ukraine&nbsp;so far are Soviet-built arms still in the inventories of eastern European NATO member states, but some have recently started to supply Western howitzers.

"While governments of the&nbsp;world's largest countries are endlessly deliberating ... Lithuanian society simply comes&nbsp;together&nbsp;and, you know, is about to fundraise 5 million euros and&nbsp;buy&nbsp;the&nbsp;drone&nbsp;- which is an impressive message to the world," said Belickaite.

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Hundreds of Lithuanians are clubbing together to buy an advanced military drone for Ukraine in its war against Russia, in a show of solidarity with a fellow country formerly under Moscow's rule.

Hundreds of Lithuanians are clubbing together to buy an advanced military drone for Ukraine in its war against Russia, in a show of solidarity with a fellow country formerly under Moscow's rule. Some 3 million euros ($3.2 million) have been raised in just three days - out of the 5 million euros needed - largely in small amounts, according to Laisves TV, a Lithuanian internet broadcaster that launched the drive. "Before this war started, none of us thought that we would be buying guns. But it's a normal thing now. Something must be done for the world to get better," said Agne Belickaite, 32, who sent 100 euros as soon as the fundraising launched on Wednesday. Also read | Ukrainian troops may retreat from Luhansk, says region's governor "I've been donating to buy guns for Ukraine for a while now. And will do so until the victory," she told Reuters, adding she was motivated in part by fears Russia could attack Lithuania. The drone has proven effective in recent years against Russian forces and their allies in conflicts in Syria and Libya, and its purchase is being orchestrated by Lithuania's Ministry of Defence, which told Reuters it planned to sign a letter of intent to buy the craft from Turkey next week. Watch | Russia-Ukraine Crisis: 9 killed, dozens injured in fresh shelling in Kharkiv Ukraine has bought more than 20 Bayraktar TB2 armed drones from Turkish company Baykar in recent years and ordered a further 16 on Jan. 27. That batch was delivered in early March. Also read | Ukrainian officials say Russia-backed forces captured strategic town Lyman "This is the first case in history when ordinary people raise money to buy something like a Bayraktar. It is unprecedented, it is unbelievable," Beshta Petro, Ukraine's ambassador to Lithuania, told Laisves TV. Most of the heavy weapons that NATO countries have sent to Ukraine so far are Soviet-built arms still in the inventories of eastern European NATO member states, but some have recently started to supply Western howitzers. "While governments of the world's largest countries are endlessly deliberating ... Lithuanian society simply comes together and, you know, is about to fundraise 5 million euros and buy the drone - which is an impressive message to the world," said Belickaite. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Message to the world' - Lithuanians club together to buy drone for Ukraine

US President Joe Biden has declared that America will intervene militarily to defend Taiwan if China invades it. Beijing says Washington is playing with fire. Experts fear Biden is precipitating the Taiwan conflict. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Is Biden precipitating the Taiwan conflict?

Russia on Saturday stopped providing natural gas to neighbouring Finland, which has angered Moscow by applying for NATO membership, after the Nordic country refused to pay supplier Gazprom in rubles.

Following Russia's February 24 invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has asked clients from "unfriendly countries" -- including EU member states -- to pay for gas in rubles, a way to sidestep Western financial sanctions against its central bank.

Gazprom said in a statement Saturday that it had "completely stopped gas deliveries" as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum "by the end of the working day on May 20".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sincerely-sorry-russian-soldier-in-war-crimes-trial-says-he-did-not-want-to-kill-will-accept-punishment-480865">'Truly sorry': Russian soldier in war crimes trial in Ukraine says didn't want to kill, will accept punishment</a>

Gazprom said it had supplied 1.49 billion cubic metres of natural gas to Finland in 2021, equal to about two thirds of the country's gas consumption.&nbsp;

However, natural gas accounts for around eight percent of Finland's energy.

Gasum said it would make up for the shortfall from other sources through the Balticconnector pipeline, which links Finland to Estonia, and assured that filling stations would run normally.

"Natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasum's supply contract have been cut off," the company said in a statement.

In April, Gazprom Export demanded that future payments in the supply contract be made in rubles instead of euros.

Gasum rejected the demand and announced on Tuesday it was taking the issue to arbitration.

Gazprom Export said it would defend its interests in court by any "means available".

Gasum said it would be able to secure gas from other sources and that gas filling stations in the network area would continue "normal operation".

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Turkey blocks NATO's expansion

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Rift over NATO bid

n efforts to mitigate the risks of relying on Russian energy exports, the Finnish government on Friday also announced it had signed a 10-year lease agreement for an LNG (liquefied natural gas) terminal ship with US-based Excelerate Energy.

On Sunday, Russia suspended electricity supplies to Finland overnight after its energy firm RAO Nordic claimed payment arrears, although the shortfall was quickly replaced.&nbsp;

Finland, along with neighbouring Sweden, this week broke its historical military non-alignment and applied for NATO membership, after public and political support for the western alliance soared following the invasion of Ukraine.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-proposes-formal-deal-with-allies-to-secure-russian-compensation-for-ukraines-invasion-480862">Zelensky proposes formal deal with allies to secure Russian compensation for Ukraine's invasion</a>

Moscow has warned Finland that any NATO membership application would be "a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences".

Both Finland and Sweden are seemingly on the fast track to joining the military alliance, with US President Joe Biden offering "full, total, complete backing" to their bids.

But all 30 existing NATO members must agree on any new entrants, and Turkey has condemned the Nordic neighbours' alleged toleration of Kurdish militants and has so far voiced opposition to letting them in.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has said the Kremlin would respond to any NATO expansion by creating more military bases in western Russia.

Saturday's halt to gas shipments follows Moscow cutting off Poland and Bulgaria last month in a move the European Union described as "blackmail".

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Russia on Saturday stopped providing natural gas to neighbouring Finland, which has angered Moscow by applying for NATO membership, after the Nordic country refused to pay supplier Gazprom in rubles.

Russia on Saturday stopped providing natural gas to neighbouring Finland, which has angered Moscow by applying for NATO membership, after the Nordic country refused to pay supplier Gazprom in rubles. Following Russia's February 24 invasion of Ukraine, Moscow has asked clients from "unfriendly countries" -- including EU member states -- to pay for gas in rubles, a way to sidestep Western financial sanctions against its central bank. Gazprom said in a statement Saturday that it had "completely stopped gas deliveries" as it had not received ruble payments from Finland's state-owned energy company Gasum "by the end of the working day on May 20". Also read | 'Truly sorry': Russian soldier in war crimes trial in Ukraine says didn't want to kill, will accept punishment Gazprom said it had supplied 1.49 billion cubic metres of natural gas to Finland in 2021, equal to about two thirds of the country's gas consumption. However, natural gas accounts for around eight percent of Finland's energy. Gasum said it would make up for the shortfall from other sources through the Balticconnector pipeline, which links Finland to Estonia, and assured that filling stations would run normally. "Natural gas supplies to Finland under Gasum's supply contract have been cut off," the company said in a statement. In April, Gazprom Export demanded that future payments in the supply contract be made in rubles instead of euros. Gasum rejected the demand and announced on Tuesday it was taking the issue to arbitration. Gazprom Export said it would defend its interests in court by any "means available". Gasum said it would be able to secure gas from other sources and that gas filling stations in the network area would continue "normal operation". Watch | Gravitas: Turkey blocks NATO's expansion Rift over NATO bid n efforts to mitigate the risks of relying on Russian energy exports, the Finnish government on Friday also announced it had signed a 10-year lease agreement for an LNG (liquefied natural gas) terminal ship with US-based Excelerate Energy. On Sunday, Russia suspended electricity supplies to Finland overnight after its energy firm RAO Nordic claimed payment arrears, although the shortfall was quickly replaced. Finland, along with neighbouring Sweden, this week broke its historical military non-alignment and applied for NATO membership, after public and political support for the western alliance soared following the invasion of Ukraine. Also read | Zelensky proposes formal deal with allies to secure Russian compensation for Ukraine's invasion Moscow has warned Finland that any NATO membership application would be "a grave mistake with far-reaching consequences". Both Finland and Sweden are seemingly on the fast track to joining the military alliance, with US President Joe Biden offering "full, total, complete backing" to their bids. But all 30 existing NATO members must agree on any new entrants, and Turkey has condemned the Nordic neighbours' alleged toleration of Kurdish militants and has so far voiced opposition to letting them in. Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has said the Kremlin would respond to any NATO expansion by creating more military bases in western Russia. Saturday's halt to gas shipments follows Moscow cutting off Poland and Bulgaria last month in a move the European Union described as "blackmail". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia halts gas supplies to Finland

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

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/europes-security-landscape-reshaped-sweden-finland-confirm-nato-plans-479291/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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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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.

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"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

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